Luke loves Ashton.
They've known each other since they were little.
But he never found the courage to tell Ashton how he felt. Everytime he tried, he got tongue tied and ended up saying the exact opposite of what he meant.
Eventually, Ashton moved on.
He found someone, Calum, and they started getting serious.
Ashton was ecstatic.
Luke was anything but.
And then of course, things get worse, and Ashton drops a bombshell; he and Calum are getting married.
Luke knows Calums been cheating on Ashton with Michael. He tries to tell Ashton, but Ashton refuses to hear anything bad about his fiance.
Luke's about to lose his everything, to a cheater.
All because Ashton's oblivious.
(also based off of If You Don't Know)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Age 3.
Luke looked up from his blocks as his door opened and his mom stood there, holding the hand of a little boy.
Luke gasped as he took in the boys appearance and his heart started pounding.
The little boy smiled at him, revealing dimples that sent Luke reeling.
"Luke, this is Ashton. He moved in the house next to us. Why dont you two play for a bit before dinner?" She set Ashton down beside Luke and left.
Ashton started stacking the blocks, oblivious to Luke staring at him.
"Pretty." Luke murmured.
"Hm?" Ashton faced him and Luke squeaked and blushed.
"Ugly! Ashton's ugly!" Luke hastily backtracked.
Ashton frowned and pouted. "No...Ashton not ugly!"
"Yeah huh!" Luke tried to stop blushing but failed.
Ashton's lower lip trembled and he burst into tears. "Mommy!" He wailed loudly and Luke's heart shattered.
The door opened and Mrs. Irwin scooped up her son. "What's the matter baby?"
"Meanie!" Ashton accused, pointing to Luke.
Luke started crying. He wasn't a meanie! He liked Ashton! He thought Ashton was beautiful!
"No no no no no." Luke babbled through his tears.
Ashton buried his face in his moms shoulder. "Mommy, he hurted me!"
"Where did he hurted you baby?" She asked gently.
Ashton sniffed and pointed to his heart. "Hurted me here. Hurted real bad."
Luke gasped.
"What's going on here?" Mrs. Hemmings appeared.
"Oh, just a little fight." Mrs. Irwin said. "You know how little boys are."
Liz frowned and nodded. "Let's try to get them along later."
Luke sniffed and watched as Ashton was carried out of the room.
Age 7.
Luke was kicking a ball around outside when he heard a screen door open and Ashton stepped out.
Luke was just as mesmorized by his beauty today as he was four years ago.
He raised his hand to wave at him, but panicked.
What if he catches on that I like him?!
He ended up flipping Ashton off instead.
Ashton stopped where he was and frowned at the hand before running back inside.
"No!" Luke cried. He angrily kicked the ball far away, and it landed somewhere where he never found it again.
Age 12
Ashton put his backpack in his locker and brushed his hair away from his eyes. He really needed a bandana or something.
He closed the door and hurried to his class.
He stopped short when he saw a familiar meanie in the back of the class.
He sat up front instead.
Luke's heart broke when he saw Ashton look at him, and then sit far away from him.
Throughout the class, he kept sneaking glances at Ashton.
The poor boy was trying to keep his curls out of his eyes every three seconds.
Luke felt the bandana he was wearing. He didn't need it....he was planning on quiffing his hair anyways.
When class got out, Luke ran up to Ashton and thrusted the bandana into the startled boys hands before running away. He didn't want to risk upsetting Ashton again.
Ashton watched him go in bewilderment before reluctantly tying the fabric around his head.
It certainly helped, and he smiled a bit.
Age 15
Camping was fun.
Camping with Luke was not fun.
Ashton crossed his arms and sulked as his dad helped him set up the tent he and Luke would be sharing.
"Why are you so grumpy?" Mr. Irwin asked. "You love camping! And this year your best friend gets to come with!"
"Luke is not my best friend." Ashton glared. "He's a meanie."
Mr. Irwin sighed. "Ashton, you're not five. And he's not a meanie. Just get along for two weeks alright?"
"Whatever." Ashton muttered. He felt eyes on him and looked up to see Luke staring at him.
Ashton glared at him and threw his hands up in a 'what are you looking at me for?' manner.
Luke blushed and quickly turned away.
Ashton huffed and crawled inside the tent.
It was late and he wanted to fall asleep before Luke came in.
But he found it impossible when he realised he forgot his sleeping bag in the car. Which his dad would have locked by now.
He groaned and hugged his pillow to his chest. It was just one night. He could survive.
There was the sound of a zipper being pulled outside the tent and then Luke crawled in.
Ashton ignored him and heard him climb into his sleeping bag.
A few minutes later, Luke sat up. "Okay I can't take this any more. You're shivering. Come take my sleeping bag."
"I don't need it!" Ashton snapped.
"Ash, you're cold as ice." Luke said gently as he placed his hand on Ashton's arm.
"Don't call me that and don't touch me!" Ashton shoved his hand off.
Luke was silent a moment and Ashton tensed, waiting fot him to speak again.
Suddenly Luke grabbed Ashton and pulled him back onto his sleeping bag.
"Hey!" Ashton snarled. "Stop it, don't touch me!"
"Oh shut up, I'm saving your stupid life." Luke rolled his eyes as he pulled the sleeping bag over them both.
Ashton wanted to snap at him but it was so warm under the sleeping bag and he grudgingly fell asleep.
Age 18
Luke waved to Ashton as the older boy passed him in the halls.
Ashton gave him a nod but kept walking and talking to the new kid, some Asian looking guy named Calcium or something like that.
Whatever, Luke didn't like him.
Luke sighed as they passed out of sight. He and Ashton were...not exactly friends, but not enemies either.
They had each others phone numbers, but only because their moms insisted on it in case there was an emergency.
They've never texted.
Ashton had forgiven him for calling him ugly when they were kids, but not for anything else.
Luke knew he messed up. He knew Ashton stared after Calcium with love struck eyes. He knew Calcium liked to flirt with Ashton.
He knew he messed up, big time.
He sighed and hit his head against the locker door.
"What are you doing?"
Luke looked to the side to see Michael coming up.
"Wallowing in teenage angst." Luke said. "What do you want?"
"Have you seen Calum?" Michael asked, scanning the halls.
"Who?" Luke asked.
"Calum? The new guy?" Michael raised an eyebrow.
"Oh....he's with Ashton." Luke eyed him. "Why?"
Michael smiled and clapped Luke's shoulder. "No reason. See ya." And he walked away.
Luke sighed again and made off to get to his class but groaned and turned around and went back to his locker when he realised he had left all his books in there.
The bell rang while he was spinning the dial and he cursed.
He didn't hurry though; if you're late in high school you might as well be hella late and get breakfast or something.
So he went to get a drink at the fountain and took his time getting there.
"...anyone to hear or see us!" A panicky voice said.
Luke paused and listened.
"Shhh, no one will know." A soothing voice reassured.
The voices drifted away and Luke strained his ears to catch them again but all was silent.
He brushed it off as a movie from a nearby class and sauntered off to his first hour.
-
Ashton stared boredly out the window, drumming on his desk with his pencil.
He wasn't paying attention to the teacher, he was too busy thinking of Calum.
He smiled when he pictured the sexy new boy. He was so lucky to have been assigned to show him around the school.
He remembered when they first met...
"Excuse me, can I borrow Ashton Irwin for a moment?" The principal asked, sticking her head into the room.
"Sure. Ashton." The teacher nodded at him to leave.
Heart pounding, Ashton followed the principal out.
Was he in trouble?
"Ashton, this is Calum Hood. He just transfered here from the States. I would like you to show him around the school, show him where his classes are. Okay?"
Ashton didn't answer. He was too busy staring at Calum with wide eyes.
Calum smiled at him and Ashton blushed deeply.
"O-o-okay, yeah, sure. I can do that." Ashton said when he realized the principal was still there and had asked him a question.
"Good. Thank you." And she walked off.
Calum beamed at him. "Hi! You're cute, what's your name?"
"Whatever you want it to be." Ashton said dreamily.
Calum laughed. "That's a cute name for a cute boy." He winked and Ashton gasped. "I mean Ashton! My names- I'm Ashton."
He stuck his hand out awkwardly. "Hi."
Calum smiled and shook it. "I'm Calum. So you will be showing me around?"
"Yeah." Ashton bit his lip and they started walking. "So, um, the science rooms are over there. That's where science is taught." He explained, his cheeks so red he felt like he was on fire.
But Calum never called out Ashtons mistakes. Just smiled and laughed.
By the end of the tour, Calum had complimented Ashton seventeen times and Ashton blushed every time.
"Why are you so blushy?" Calum asked, stopping.
Ashton stopped too. He sighed and looked at the ground. "It's just, you...you compliment me so much...and I'm not used to it."
Calum frowned and moved closer. "What do you mean? What's not to compliment about you?"
"Lots." Ashton rolled his eyes. "Just ask Luke."
"Who's Luke?" Calum asked angrily.
"Just a childhood acquaintance." Ashton said dismissively.
"Does he hurt you?" Calum pressed. "Because I would never hurt you Ashton." He took a step closer.
"Well...not physically." Ashton said in defense.
Calum leaned in closer. "Mentally?"
"W-Well..." Ashron's heart pounded.
"Emotionally?" Calum whispered, brushing his lips against Ashton's.
Ashton kissed him in response and that was that.
Age 24
Present Day
Luke sighed and leaned against the wall.
He was at a small coffeeshop, working on his presentation that was due tomorrow for his work.
He was a manager at a law firm company, and he had to train the newbies that were scheduled to work tomorrow.
His phone vibrated and he accepted the call from Michael.
"Hey Mikey."
"Hi Luke. Hey, do you still have my movie?" Michael asked.
"Oh!" Luke remembered with a start. "Shit yeah, I'll bring it over tonight."
"Okay, thanks mate!" And he hung up.
Luke hung up too and made a mental note to pick up the movie later.
He got back to his work, but was interrupted again by his phone.
He stared at the screen in stunned shock before knocking over his coffee in his haste to unlock his phone.
Ashton had texted him!
Why had Ashton texted him? They've never texted before!
He quickly went to his messages and checked the text.
hey. can we meet?
Luke's heart pounded. "Don't fuck this up." He warned himself.
Shakily, he replied with: sure, where?
Ashton's response came a second later.
Oh wait, is that u in the coffee shop? Ill just meet u
Luke looked up when the door opened and Ashton came in.
Ashton headed straight to Luke's table and Luke's heart sank when he saw him leading Calum. He had hoped they had broken up by now but he guesses not.
"Hi." Ashton said, somewhat awkwardly.
"Hey." Luke eyed Calum. "What are you doing here?"
"Calum, this is Luke, my old neighbor." Ashton introduced.
Calum smiled and reached his hand out. "Nice to meet you."
Luke shook it after a moments hesitation. "You too."
"Luke, this is Calum, my fiance."
Luke froze. "Oh...I didn't know you were engaged."
"Yeah, well...anyways," Ashton clapped his hands. "The date is set for in exactly one week! Oh, I just remembered I have to order the flowers!" He excused himself and stepped outside to call the florist.
Calum sat down beside Luke. "Can we talk for a minute?"
The last thing Luke wanted to do was talk to this guy but he nodded regardless.
Calum grabbed Luke's shirt and suddenly tugged him down. He put his mouth to Luke's ear and harshly whispered, "If you ever hurt my Ashton again, we're gunna have a problem. He told me all about how you bullied him everyday and I'm sick of it. You're just lucky he even considered inviting you to the wedding. I changed his mind of course, can't have you ruining our perfect moment."
He released Luke's shirt and Luke smoothened it out and sat back in his chair. He glared at Calum but didn't say anything.
Calum stood up. "You had your chance. It's not my fault you fucked it up. Ashton deserves better than you."
"I'm sorry, do you have a permission slip to talk to me like that?" Luke seethed and stood up too. "What do you know about what Ashton deserves?"
"I know he would be stooping low to be with you." Calum hissed.
"Looks like his standards haven't improved much then." Luke said disdainfully as he looked Calum over.
"But in the end, I'm the one fucking him every night." Calum picked up his jacket and slung it over his shoulder. "Suck on that, since it's obvious that's the closest thing you'll get to Ashton." He sauntered out and Luke watched him wrap his coat around Ashton's shoulders.
He grabbed his coffee and angrily threw it away, his appetite gone.
-
Luke arrived home and slammed his door shut in frustration.
He couldn't believe Calum had uninvited him to the wedding, but he was even more shocked that Ashton had wanted him to attend.
"Probably just wanted to rub it in my face that he was getting married and I'm still single." He muttered to himself as he flipped on his TV.
He sighed and looked at his phone, debating wether or not to call Ashton.
"And say what?" He argued with himself. "That your future husband is a jerk and I don't like him, but i like you and that's why you should not go through with the wedding, thanks?" He shook his head. "Idiot."
-
Ashton was in the middle of confirming the flowers when his phone beeped, telling him he had another call. "Excuse me a moment." He said to the florist.
He checked the caller.
Idiot.
He sighed and answered it. "Hello, Luke."
"Um...hi." Ashton could hear Luke biting his nail.
"What's up?" Ashton asked.
"Nothing..."
"Alright then...well, nice talking to you, but I have to get some wedding preparations done so-"
"Wait!" The desperation in Luke's voice made Ashton shiver.
"Yeah?"
"I...never mind, goodbye."
Luke-"
But Luke already hung up.
-
Calum kissed Ashton before pulling back and grabbing his coat. "I'll be back at seven babe."
Ashton sighed and stepped back. "Do you really have to go? There's still a lot to plan."
"I'm sorry, I really wish I could help, but my business owners need my papers before Friday." Calum frowned. "I'll be as quick as I can."
"Okay." Ashton mumbled. "Have fun."
"Hey," Calum smiled and lifted Ashton's head up. "I love you."
Ashton smiled back. "I love you more."
Calum gave him a quick hug before going outside and to the car.
Ashton watched him leave through the window.
-
Michael was watching TV when his doorbell rang.
He got up quickly and answered it. "Calum! I thought you weren't gunna show up."
Calum dropped his bag and smiled. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
And he tackled Mikey in a heated kiss.
-
Luke threw his phone across the room.
"Smooth Luke, real smooth." He ran his hands through his hair and sighed.
He supposed he should bring Michael's movie back now before he forgot again.
He grabbed the disc and put it in the case before grabbing his keys and running to his car.
He texted Michael, saying he was on his way but Michael didn't reply.
He pulled into the driveway and grabbed the movie, walking up to the door.
He raised his hand to knock, but stopped when he saw the curtains behind Michael's window were pulled back a bit.
Two figures were on the couch.
Oh, he has company over. Luke thought. He peered through the window and gasped.
"Calum?!"
He was stunned for a moment but then he snapped into action.
He quickly fumbled for his phone and snapped a picture. It was blurry so he took another one after calming down a bit.
He hurried back to his car and shot back out of the driveway. "Holy shit holy shit holy shit." He rambled. "Holy fucking shit!"
He texted Michael again, saying he would return the movie tomorrow instead.
He was on his way to Ashton's house to show him the picture but halfway there he slammed on the brakes.
His car skidded to a stop and the cars behind him honked and swerved.
"I can't show him this a month before their wedding!" He cried.
"But you have to!" He said. "Ashton needs to know!"
"But they're happy together!" Luke sobbed.
"Calums a cheater!" He snapped. "Show him the picture!"
"No!" Luke yelled. "It would hurt him! I can't hurt him!"
"Like that stopped you before." He sneered.
"I'll tell him." Luke said, nodding slowly. "I'll tell him I'm suspicious of his fiance."
"No you idiot, he wont believe you without proof!" He hissed.
"Maybe he will!" Luke snapped.
He slowly started driving again, ignoring the angry drivers. "Who knows, maybe Ashton will believe me."
-
"I don't believe you." Ashton snapped into the phone.
"Ash please!" Luke begged on the other end. "I don't think he's 100% faithful to you!"
"You're only saying that because you hate me and want to break up me and Calum!" Ashton yelled, gripping the phone harshly.
"No, I swear! Please Ashton, you have to believe me!" Luke cried.
Ashton seethed. "Fuck you Luke. I can't believe I even wanted you to attend. I'm sure Calum told you you were uninvited, but now I'm confirming it. Don't you dare come to the wedding!" He hung up and violently slammed his phone down.
He couldn't believe Luke would stoop this low!
He made himself some tea to try and settle down.
He glanced uneasily at his phone. Calum had been going on a quite a few buisness trips lately...
He shook his head. "No, Calum wouldn't do that to me."
He glanced back down at it. "Well maybe one little text wouldn't hurt."
He quickly typed hey babe (: how's it going? I miss you, text me back when you can! And hit send.
His tea was done before Calum replied. He brought the cup and the phone to the living room. He sat down on the couch and opened the text.
hey, sorry i cant talk rn, im really busy, c u later!
Not even a see you tomorrow, or an I love you too.
"How busy can you possibly be?" Ashton muttered, raising his cup to his lips. He turned on the TV to the news, deciding not to reply.
The TV blared through the night, but Ashton wasn't watching. He was curled up on the couch, his face buried in a pillow and he was trying his hardest not to cry.
The seed of doubt had been planted and now Ashton was questioning everything Calum had ever done. Doing that made him feel guilty for not instantly trusting his fiance. It was a vicious cycle that made him feel sick.
Finally he sat up and rubbed his face.
He slipped on his shoes and grabbed his coat, walking out the door.
-
Luke was watching TV too, when there came a knock on the door.
He got up and looked through the peep hole. Confused and startled, he opened it. "Ashton, what are you doing here?"
"Heeyyy Lukeyyy!" Ashton giggled, stumbling over the threshold. He collapsed in Luke's arms.
"Ashton, are you drunk?" Luke asked, wrinkling his nose. His sense of smell told him yes, Ashton was drunk off his ass.
"No, no no no nononono." Ashton shook his head and pushed Luke off him. "I only had a few itsy bitsy beers, honest."
"Ashton..." Luke sighed in exasperation. "How did you get here, you didn't drive did you?!"
"I walked." Ashton then demonstrated walking. He made it three steps before tripping over nothing and falling to the floor. "Well hello there." Ashton giggled, petting the floor.
Luke put his hand on his hip and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ash, come on." He helped him stand.
Ashton leaned against Luke. "Wait a minute....." He looked around the whole house, turning 360 degrees in place. "This isn't my house."
"No, it's mine." Luke held onto Ashton and walked him to the bathroom. "Here, take some Listerine so when you puke it doesn't taste as bad."
"Puke sounds like Luke." Ashton giggled, trying to sit on the toilet seat but he fell off and slipped onto the floor.
Luke gave him a look. "Just take the stupid mouthwash." He poured some into the cap and helped Ashton get it into his mouth without spilling.
Ashton swished it in his mouth for a bit, before cringing and opening his mouth, letting the liquid dribble onto the floor. "It's spicy!"
"It's not spicy, it's mint!" Luke said, grabbing a towel and cleaning up the mess and Ashton.
Ashton slapped his hands away and stood up. He wandered around aimlessly before finding Luke's room. "I think I'm gunna take a nap now." He said before passing out on Luke's bed.
Luke rolled his eyes but tucked Ashton in and flicked the lights off. He grabbed an extra pillow and blanket and went to sleep on the couch.
-
Ashton groaned and pressed his face into the pillow. His head hurt like a bitch and the room was spinning.
He could feel himself about to lose the contents of his stomach and he bolted, ignoring the swaying room and dashed to the bathroom.
The sound woke up Luke, and he ran up the stairs to the bathroom, pausing in the doorway. "Ash, you okay?"
Ashton stood up and wiped his mouth. "I just threw up, what do you think?" He looked up. "Wait, what are you doing here?' It was then he realized he wasn't at his house. "Wait, what am I doing here?"
"You came over at like one in the morning last night." Luke said. "You passed out on my bed."
"I did?" Ashton looked at the floor as he blushed. "Sorry."
"It's fine." Luke shifted his weight and the room suddenly became awkward.
"So, about Calum," Luke said, "I'm really sor-"
"You know what? It's fine. Just forget about it." Ashton forced a smile. He walked out and Luke followed him. "Hey, where're you going?"
"Home?" Ashton looked around for his shoes.
"But, don't you think you're still a bit tipsy?" Luke asked, biting his lip.
Ashton shook his head and grimaced. "'m fine. Where are my shoes?"
"You didn't come here wearing any." Luke said.
Ashton groaned.
"I'll drive you home if you want." Luke offered. "You'll get cuts and bruises walking all the way back to your house barefoot."
"You don't have to." Ashton said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Please? It's the least I could do." Luke pleaded.
Ashton finally sighed. "Alright, fine." He looked up. "Um...thanks."
Luke just nodded and grabbed his keys. They walked out to the car and got in.
It was silent as Luke drove. Half of him wanted to show Ashton the picture. The other half wanted to stop the car and fuck him in the backseat. Luke knew both ideas were bad.
Ashton looked out the window, resting his head in his hand.
"You okay?" Luke asked.
Ashton nodded, not opening his eyes. "Jus' tired, s'all."
"I'm sorry about your shoes." Luke said.
Ashton shrugged.
Luke finally pulled into Ashton's driveway. Calum wasn't here yet.
Good, because Luke wanted to punch Calum for cheating on Ashton.
Ashton shakily climbed out and made his way inside.
Luke came with.
"What are you d-doing?" Ashton asked, trying to focus on Luke.
"Coming in?" Luke said. "You're still drunk."
"An not." Ashton stuck his tongue out.
"Are too, now stop being stubborn and let me take care of you." Luke huffed. He gently pushed Ashton out of the door way and stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.
Ashton laid down on the couch. "Fine. Just don't return the favor and sleep in my bed."
Luke went into the kitchen and made toast and chicken noodle soup. "Such hospitality."
"Fuck off I'm hungover." Ashton complained.
"Told ya." Luke said, pouring a glass of orange juice.
"How about you shut your voice tube?" Ashton snapped.
"How about you stop being grumpy." Luke teased, sitting beside him and handing Ashton the tray of food.
"How about you s- oh, is this for me?" Ashton sat up and accepted the tray.
Luke nodded.
Ashton smiled and happily took sip of the orange juice. "Thanks."
Luke smiled, blushing slightly. "You're welcome."
They watched some shows for a while, while Ashton ate.
Luke kept sneaking glances over at him.
Would this be how we would be like if we were friends? He wondered.
"How about you take a picture? It'll look better than quick glances." Ashton suddenly said, not taking his eyes off the TV screen.
Luke blushed hardcore. "Wh-no, I wasn't, I didn't mean- I won't take a picture." He stuttered out.
Ashton just smiled and giggled. He stood up and went to the kitchen to put the tray away.
Luke stood up too. "So, are you okay now?" He called.
Ashton nodded. "I think so, thanks for coming over today...and for last night."
Luke looked at the gorund. "Don't mention it, really, I don't think Calum would like to hear it."
Ashton nodded quickly, coming back into the living room. "Yeah, got it."
"So...um, bye." Luke hurried to the door.
"Luke?"
"Yeah?" Luke had the door halfway open but he stopped and faced Ashton.
Ashton walked up to him. He wrapped his arms around Luke and put his head on Luke's shoulder. "Bye."
"B-bye." Luke stuttered.
Ashton pulled back and smiled.
Luke stepped back and slipped. He caught his balance and backed up, blushing and grinning. "Bye, um, see ya, SHIT sorry, um, yeah, later!" He ran back to his car, stumbling once.
Ashton watched him clumsily climb into his car and haphazardly yank on his seat belt and he giggled to himself as he shut the door.
-
Calum wrapped his arms around Michael. "Morning babe, time to get up!"
Michael groaned and swatted Calum away. "Let me sleep."
"The longer you sleep, the less time you have to spend with me." Calum said and Michael sat up.
"So, breakfast?"
Calum pouted. "I was hoping for shower sex but okay."
They slid out of bed and went to the kitchen.
As Calum got out the milk, Michael leaned against the counter and watched him. "Do you really have to go?"
"Ashton will get suspicious if I'm not home today." Calum said, getting down plates and cups.
Michael crossed his arms. "Ashton can have Luke. I want you to stay here with me."
Calum sighed. "Ashton and Luke hate each other Mikey, and I can't. I'm engaged to Ashton, remember?"
Michael scowled. "Yeah. I remember. Don't remind me."
Calum smiled faintly and went up to Michael, embracing him tightly. "Just because I'm married doesn't mean I'll stop visiting you."
"Promise?" Michael whispered, looking into Calum's eyes as Calum pulled back.
"Pinky promise swear."
-
Ashton was lonely.
He glanced at the clock. Calum wasn't due to arrive home for another five hours.
Luke had just left, but Ashton would feel bad for calling him back so soon. Besides, he's probably busy.
He paced around his house, trying to find something to do besides clean or do work.
He supposed he could get some more wedding preparations done, but he was a bit sick of ordering cakes and booking hotels, so he decided to leave that all up to his wedding planner, who should be doing all of the planning in the first place.
He sat down on the couch and drummed his fingers on his legs. He looked around, waiting for something to happen.
The minutes slowly ticked by and finally Ashton couldn't wait around any longer.
He grabbed his phone and dialed Luke's number before he could back out.
Luke picked up on the second ring, his voice breathless.
"Ashton?"
"HeyIwaswonderingifyouwantedtodosomethingtoday." Ashton blurted out, squeezing his eyes shut. When he realized Luke wouldn't be able to understand that, he took a deep breath and said, in a much more calm tone, "Um, I mean, do you wanna hang out today? I need a break from the wedding stuff and Calum won't be home until dinner time."
"Oh." Luke said, surprised.
"I'm sorry, I know this is short notice, and you just left my house and I should have said something earlier." Ashton rambled. "But I was still feeling sick then and I didn't want to do anything but now I'm feeling better so, do you wanna go to the park or something?"
He held his breath, waiting for Luke to answer.
"Sure." He could hear the smile in Luke's voice.
He almost laughed in relief. "Great, I'll come pick you up."
Luke let out a nervous giggle. "You don't have to, I never left your driveway."
"What?" Ashton ran to his window. He pulled back the curtain and saw that Luke's car was still parked in his driveway. He laughed into the phone. "I'll be right out."
-
Luke hung up the phone and put it in his pocket.
He breathed out nervously and put his hands on the wheel. "Just be cool." He told himself.
Ashton came out then, and got in.
Luke looked over at him. Ashotn was wearing a familiar red bandana, and Luke reckognized it as the one he gave him when they were twelve.
He wondered if Ashton did that on purpose.
"So, the park?" Ashton asked and Luke nodded, finally driving the car out of Ashton's driveway.
-
They arrived at the park around noon.
Ashton got out and ran to the swings.
Luke hurried to catch up. "Ashton wait!" He called.
Ashton sat down on a swing and beamed happily. "No, you hurry!
Luke sat beside him. "The swings? Is this why you wanted to come to the park?"
Ashton nodded and kicked off. "Calum never comes to the park with me. He says it's just for little kids."
Luke rolled his eyes. "They are not, I love the swings too!"
Ashton smiled at him. "I was hoping you did."
Luke swung higher than Ashton. "I'm winning!"
"No fair!" Ashton pouted. "Your legs are longer!"
"Fine, how about we jump off at the same time?" Luke called. "One, t-"
"Negative zero!" Ashton cried, letting go and flying off.
He landed on all fours and Luke fell beside him, kicking up sand.
They coughed and wiped the sand from their eyes.
"Ugh." A mom said, ushering her kid away from them.
Luke and Ashton looked at each other and giggled.
They started walking, following the sidewalk.
"I'm hungry." Ashton said suddenly.
"Me too." Luke stopped and looked around. "There's a cafe over there, wanna eat-"
"Last person there has to pay!" Ashton shouted tagging Luke and running.
"Hey!" Luke protested happily, chasing Ashton. "You dick!"
Ashton reached the cafe first and we waited for Luke to catch up. "I win!"
"You cheated," Luke said, opening the door for them. "You got a head start."
"Yeah but your legs are longer so I needed one." Ashton said, following him to a booth. (never actually do this guys, if there's a host/hostess let them seat you because they have to give you menu's and silverware and they get in trouble if you seat yourself and they don't see u to give u a menu and stuff)
Luke didn't really mind though, he planned on paying anyways.
A waitress came and went with their orders and they took their food outside to eat, since it was sunny out.
"So," Luke said casually, "How's the wedding coming along?"
"It's tumblin'." Ashton said. "I took care of the flowers and cake, so hopefully my wedding planner can catch up on the rest of the work."
"That's nice." Luke said, looking down at his plate.
"Yeah." Ashton looked at him. "Hey Luke, I think I was a bit harsh on you the other day. I appreciate you being brave enough to tell me about Calum, wether it's true or not. And uh...you can come to the wedding...if you want."
Luke's heart pounded excitedly. "R-really?"
Ashton nodded, pretending to fix his bandana to hide his blushing cheeks. "Yeah, I mean, if you don't have anything planned."
"Oh wait, I think I'm busy that day." Luke said coolly. "I'd have to check my schedule."
Ashton rolled his eyes and smiled. "Oh shut up."
-
Luke pulled back into Ashton's drive way at nine. Ashton was still amazed at how they managed to spend the whole day at the park. Time had flown so fast, he couldn't believe it was already dark.
He unclipped his seat belt. "Thanks Luke."
Luke's phone went off suddenly, cutting off his reply.
"Oh, sorry." Luke pulled it out but it slipped and he dropped it between their two seats.
"I can get it." Ashton said quickly, bending down. He grabbed it and rasised his head back up. "Here you g-"
Luke's eyes went wide as his lips touched Ashton's cheek.
He had been bending down too, trying to find it and the car was small enough that their faces touched when they both sat up.
Luke pulled back quickly. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean to, I swear I was just looking for my ph..." He trailed off as Ashton looked at him, his hand on his cheek where Luke had accidentally kissed him.
Ashton's eyes flicked down to Luke's lips and Luke stared at him.
Luke moved a fraction of an inch closer to Ashton.
Ashton moved a fraction of an inch closer to Luke.
Luke tilted his head to the side slightly, wondering if Ashton was actually going to do it.
Ashton leaned in more. He was so close that Luke could feel his breath against his face.
Ashton closed his eyes and Luke knew it was okay.
He leaned in, and right before their lips touched, the voice in his head screamed at him.
What are you doing? That man is engaged! You accuse his fiance of cheating on him and then you go and kiss Ashton?!
Luke pulled back suddenly.
Ashton opened his eyes and looked up at Luke in confusion.
"I think," Luke said shakily, staring straight ahead. "I think you should go inside."
"Oh...right." Ashton handed Luke his phone back and quickly climbed out, his face searing.
Luke was out of sight before Ashton even made it inside.
-
Calum arrived home an hour later.
"Hey babe." He said, dropping his coat off and hugging Ashton from behind.
"Hi." Ashton mumbled.
Calum buried his face in Ashton's neck. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing." Ashton shook Calum off him and went to the kitchen to start dinner.
Calum followed him. "Is something wrong?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." Ashton banged a pot onto the stove and the sound scared Calum.
"Ashton please, what's up?" Calum pleaded. "Are you mad that I was busy? I'm sorry babe, I was in a meeting when you texted."
Ashton just huffed and went to the fridge.
Calum sighed and went up to him, shutting the fridge. "I can make it up to you."
"Don't bother, I'm not mad." Ashton muttered, crossing his arms.
"I'll make it up to you anyways." Calum smirked.
He picked Ashton up and despite Ashton's mood, he giggled. "Calum stop! I have to cook dinner!"
"I am your dinner." Calum said, walking to the bedroom.
-
(One frisky Cashton sex scene later)
-
The next morning, Ashton rolled onto his stomach and pressed his face into the pillow. "Do you seriously have to go away again? You just got back!"
"I know, and I hate it. I wish I could help you with the wedding preparations, but this is really important." Calum said, pulling on a shirt.
"More important than your wedding?" Ashton grumbled, sitting up.
Calum sighed. "Please don't."
Ashton drew his knees to his chest and hugged them. "I just wish we could do this as a team, like how a married couple is supposed to be."
"We aren't a married couple yet." Calum snapped.
Ashton glared. "Then I'll ask Luke to help me." He only said that to spite Calum. And it worked.
Calum slammed his briefcase shut. "If you like his help so much why don't you marry him instead!"
"Ugh! Grow up!" Ashton shouted, throwing his hands up.
"Oh wow, this is coming from the guy who likes to play on little kid playgrounds and has a teenage girl giggle." Calum scoffed. "One of us already did grow up, me. I'm the one who provides for us! Do you not want us to have money? Because without money, we can't have a wedding, FYI."
Ashton rubbed his hands over his face, hiding his tears. "Just fucking go."
"Gladly." Calum grabbed his suitcase and left, slamming the door shut.
Ashton took a moment to collect himself before grabbing his phone.
He made to dial Luke, but stopped when he remembered last night.
Luke wouldn't want to talk to him today. Or tomorrow. Or ten years after that.
Ashton sighed and put his phone down, never feeling more broken before in his life.
-
Luke sat on his bed, hiding under the covers.
He squeezed his eyes shut. "How could I have been so stupid?" He muttered to himself. "He's got a fucking fiance! God Luke, you can't kiss him, not before, not now and not ever. He's off limits. So don't you dare do it again."
He sighed and threw the covers off. "But he's so god damn cute, I really really want to."
"Well too bad." He sat up. "He's with Calum, and they are very happy together."
"But Calum's cheating on him with Michael!" Luke cried, falling back on the bed.
"That's none of your buisness!" He snapped.
He stood up again. "Fuck me with a knife." He pulled on some clothes and walked downstairs.
As he was walking, the home phone rang and he answered it. "Hello?"
"I'm sorry about last night!" Ashton blurted out and hung up.
Startled, Luke stared at the phone, before quickly hitting redial.
Ashton didn't picked up, so Luke called again.
Ashton finally picked up on the last ring. "Yeah?"
"You called?" Luke said unsurely.
"Yeah..." The awkwardness was so prominent it was almost excruciating.
"I'm sorry too." Luke confessed. "I shouldn't have done that."
"It's fine, it wasn't on the lips or anything." Ashton dismissed.
"Yeah..."
It was silent until Ashton said, "Could you come over and help me with some decorations?"
Luke was surprised but agreed.
"Okay," Luke said to himself as he grabbed his keys. "Don't fuck this up."
-
Ashton sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by ballons and streamers when Luke came in.
"What's all this?" He asked, sitting down.
"I'm blowing up balloons and I still have to decide what colors I want." Ashton explained.
"Isn't the wedding tomorrow?" Luke asked, reaching for a balloon. Ashton nodded. "I'm a bit behind schedule. Calum isn't here to help so..."
"Oh? Where is he?" Luke asked, blowing air into the balloon.
"Buisness trip again." Ashton muttered, holding two rolls of streamers up to compare the colors.
"Oh." Luke's skin crawled. He knew Calum was at Michael's again. He wondered if now would be a good time to show Ashton the picture.
"Yeah." Ashton sighed and put the rolls down. He grabbed a balloon. "But it's fine, I don't wanna fight about it."
"You sure?" Luke decided to ease into the conversation. "It's kinda important."
"I'm sure." Ashton nodded firmly.
"He sure goes on a lot of buisness trips." Luke commented, tying a knot in the balloon. "What's his job anyways?"
Ashton huffed and ignored him, but Luke could see a look of worry on his face.
"Maybe you should call him." Luke suggessted.
Ashton glared up at him. "Stop it Lucas. I trust him."
"Well you shouldn't!" Luke snapped. "He's a cheater!"
Ashton gasped, standing up. "You don't even know him! You spent your whole teenage years being jealous of him only because he was with me instead of you!"
"He doesn't deserve you!" Luke shouted, standing up as well.
"Oh and you do?!" Ashton nearly screamed.
Luke was shocked into silence.
"You think you're good enough for me? You of all people?! You abused me since we were three! What do you know about how good someone has to be to be with me?" Ashton's hands curled into fists. "Calum was there for me while you were throwing insults so don't you dare come into my house and accuse him of not being good enough when you are the lowest human being on the planet!"
He pointed to the door. "Get out and don't ever come back. And don't come to the wedding either or I will get a restraining order."
Luke set the balloon down. He looked up at Ashton. "At least now I know how you feel about me."
Ashton shook his head. "You always have known."
-
Later that night, Ashton dialed Calum.
Surprisingly, he answered. "Yes?" He asked coldly.
"C-Calum," Ashton hiccuped. "I need you."
Calum's tone immedietly changed to worry and concern. "Baby, what's wrong? What happened?"
"Please come home." Ashton whispered, gripping the phone tightly.
"I will, I swear I'm getting my shoes right now! What happened Ashy?"
"I invited Luke over to help with the decorations and we got in a fight." Ashton sniffed, wiping his eyes as he sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard.
"Oh Ash, why did you invite him?" Calum asked.
"I needed help." Ashton mumbled. He glanced at the clock. "Our wedding is tomorrow and you're not even here."
Calum sighed. "I'm coming home now. And I swear I'll stay."
Ashton was up all night waiting for Calum to get back, and as soon as he did, Ashton embraced him so tightly it hurt.
"Shh baby, it's okay, he's gone now." Calum reassured Ashton, rubbing the crying boy's back as he led him to the bedroom. "And he won't ruin our wedding. You don't have to worry about him anymore."
-
Ashton paced in the church corridor the next day, trying to not throw up his breakfast.
He was so nervous for today he didn't know how he managed to even get dressed in his tux.
He had told security not to let Luke on the premises and so far there had not been any sign of the blonde bitch.
He peeked through the large double doors and caught his breath at all the people who were waiting for the ceremony to begin.
But what was concerning Ashton the most was that he was terrified, but he didn't know of what.
Not about the amount of people, or something going wrong, or even of getting married.
Was he scared Luke was going to ruin it? No...so what is it?
"Hey babe, you look beautiful." Calum said, coming up to Ashton. "I can't wait to marry you."
Ashton gave him a nervous smile. "You look pretty hot yourself."
Calum looked out the crack of the large doors as well. "Wow, lotta people."
Ashton nodded. "You ready?"
Calum smiled and took his hand. "Only if you are."
The music started on cue and they each grabbed a handle and pulled the door open.
As soon as they were open, the people all turned in their seats to look at them as they walked down the aisle.
The flower girl had already come down first, so their path was littered with rose petals.
Their families smiled as they walked past them.
Ashton clutched Calum's hand so tightly the older boy winced in pain.
They reached the center stage and the priest greeted them. He said some opening words but Ashton wasn't listening. His heart hammered so loudly he was surprised the priest didn't stop and ask if he could tone it down.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this other man, in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and is therefore to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
This was it. This was the moment Ashton was terrified for.
But no one raised their hand or jumped up shouting, and he breathed out in relief.
Suddenly, the sound of eighty three phones all going off at once pierced the air and everyone grabbed their pockets, trying to silence them.
"What is going on?" Calum asked, bewildered, dropping Ashton's hands.
"I could have sworn I set mine on vibrate!" A woman cried.
"Me too! Me too!" Others yelled out, embarrassed at having disrupted the wedding.
"What is this?" The priest rapped on his altar and gradually everyone hushed. "What just happened?"
"I got an email!" Someone in the back shouted.
"So did I!"
"Me too!"
"I did too!"
"Yeah same, but I don't know this email address."
"Me neither, Hemmo1996@gmail.com?"
"Who is that?"
"I don't know, but he sent a long ass email."
"Should we read it out loud?" Calum's mom asked.
"I don't know, the first line says it's for Ashton." Ashton's grandma said.
"You can read it outloud." Ashton mumbled, just wanting it to be over since he didn't have his own phone on him.
Eighty three people collectively took a deep breath and began.
"Dear anyone who is at the wedding of Ashton Irwin and Calum Hood, please please please stop it! Calum isn't who he claims to be, he's been cheating on Ashton since high school with a guy named Michael Clifford. I have proof. I know I am not allowed at the wedding to stop this from happening, but I can't let Ashton marry a douche that easy. I know most of you will probably ignore this or I'm most likely too late, but I had to at least try. I know I don't deserve someone like Ashton Irwin, but I know I deserve him more than someone like Calum so please, stop the wedding! Don't let him do it! I'm begging you, do anything you can; stall it, stop it, completely destroy it, just as long as they don't say I do. Please help me, I love Ashton and I can't let him be with a cheater. He deserves better."
"Hey, there's a picture attatched!"
"Oh my God- that's Calum!"
"With another guy!"
"He's a cheater!"
"He's been having an affair!"
The cries accused, and fingers pointed to Calum, who began to sweat nervously.
Ashton walked off the stage and grabbed the nearest persons phone, examining the picture for himself.
"Babe, please wait, I can explain." Calum pleaded, anxious.
"Luke was right. All this time, he was right." Ashton mused. "You're a no good lying piece of horny shit."
Calum grew angry. He marched down the steps and grabbed Ashton's arm tightly. "Listen here you stupid fuck, I chose you over him so you better feel fucking grateful. Now get the fuck back up on that altar and say I do!"
"Don't touch me!" Ashton yelled, kneeing Calum between his legs.
Calum groaned and collapsed to the floor.
There was a commotion outside the large double doors and everybody turned to look as Luke barged through, struggling against two security guards.
"Stop it, let me go! I have to stop Ashton!" Luke shouted, kicking a guard that grabbed him.
"Sir, you are not allowed-"
"Luke!" Ashton yelled, running down the aisle to him.
"Ashton!" Luke broke free of the guards and took off. They met halfway and nearly crashed into each other as they stopped suddenly.
They stood an inch apart, breathing heavily and staring into each others eyes.
"I'm sorry." Luke whispered. "I know I shouldn't have come. I ruined your wedding."
"No silly," Ashton smiled and cupped Luke's face with his hand. "You saved it."
Luke broke out in a huge smile. "You mean you're not marrying him?"
"No way in Hell." Ashton shook his head. He placed his other hand against Luke's cheek and pulled the taller boy down so he could slam their lips together. Ashton stood on his tiptoes as Luke wrapped his arms around him, holding him close.
Slowly, someone started to clap. And then another joined in, and another, and another, and three more and suddenly the room was roaring with applause.
Ashton pulled back, his eyes shimmering. "But you've got it all wrong Luke, it's me who doesn't deserve you."
Luke smiled grabbed Ashton's hand, putting his other hand around the smaller boy's waist. He spun him around and dipped him. "Ashton, shut up." And he kissed him again.
When they pulled back, they remembered they weren't alone.
"So, um, guys, this is Luke." Ashton introduced awkwardly. "Luke, this is the families of mine and Calum's.
"Hello." Luke waved.
It was silent until a woman stood up. "Hello dear. Will you be joining us for cake?"
"Anne, they didn't get married. We can't have cake." Someone said.
"You shut your voice tube Thomas." Anne growled. "I am not lettting any cake go to waste. Anyone who's not Calum can go to the reception hall for free food!"
The crowd cheered and stood up, running out the doors to get to the hall.
Ashton giggled. "You can join us, if you want. I hereby officially reinvite you to the wedding...or, I would anyways, if there was a wedding."
"There can still be one." Luke whispered urgently, taking Ashton's hands. "You're already dressed up, the priest is eating cake but we can call him back."
"But you're in skinny jeans and a band tee." Ashton laughed. "Not exactly formal."
"He can wear my suit." A voice said.
Ashton and Luke looked over to see Calum standing up.
"You'd give me your suit?" Luke asked.
Calum nodded. "It's not like I need it anymore."
"Actually, I don't care. He can marry me naked, just as long as he marries me." Ashton said, throwing his arms around Luke's neck.
Luke smiled. "Then let's go find the priest."
They joined hands and walked out.
Calum went out a back exit, calling Michael to tell him he was all his now.