Rhythm || Ashton Irwin

Chapter Thirty

(Lauren’s POV)

           “So…” Looking up at Ashton, I had nothing but questions, still uncertain about everything that had just happened. Do we tell our friends, do we tell the world? I was so sure of him and I was sure of us, but was I sure of myself.

           “So?” he laughed, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me into his chest, warmth filling my own at the same time.

           “So, this… Us, were official?” biting my lip, I looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but adoration in them, that being enough of an answer for me than anything he could have ever said.

           “I mean, I’m prepared to change my Facebook status any second now,” laughing, I smacked his arm, freeing myself from his grasp. Turning to make my way back to the kitchen, I grab his hand lightly, guiding him back with me, my eyes focused on the ground the whole way.

           Once back in the kitchen, the two of us sat on the stools, hands clasped under the counter as Ben stared at us silently, a shit eating grin on his face as he continued to make food.

           “Would the love birds like some coffee?” Ben smirked, pouring hot water into the French press in front of him, his eyes only leaving us to make sure the water didn’t overflow, eager ‘yes’s coming from both Ashton and I, a blush quickly growing on my face.

           A calm silence fell over us as we waited for the coffee to seep. Almost immediately, that silence was interrupted by the sound of hushed laughter floated through the halls as Cassie and Calum made their way into the room. Wrapped in each other, it wasn’t until they reached the island that it registered to them that we were in the room.

           “OH! Good morning! Loz, I’m so sorry you had to see that!” Cassie apologized, whispering a silent ‘again’ so only I could hear, her eyes flickering quickly from my face to mine and Ashton’s hands, her eyebrow raising as well as a smirk, before looking at me once again.

           “Well, looks like I’m not the only one who got lucky last night…” before I could protest, Ben jumped in to save the day for me.

           “Thank you for noticing! Do I have that ‘just got laid’ glow to me?” Her jaw dropping, Cassie smacked his arm congratulating him as I mouthed a thank you to him, sending a nod my way in return.

           The rest of the day went on like this, slow banter, lots of food, laughter and naps (No one making comments as Ashton and I fell asleep tangled on the couch).

_ _ _ _

           Fall was always a busy season for us. It always started with Halloween, Cassie’s, obvious, favorite holiday. Then there was Thanksgiving (which Cassie also made a huge deal out of), but, in between the two holidays was both Ben and Cassie’s birthdays.

           Ben, very mush unlike Cassie, always like a low-key night in in celebration, which was where Cassie and I were headed now, clad in sweats, no makeup, and bags filled with junk food, weed and a new bong.

           Walking from the elevator to Ben’s loft, the stench of weed could be smelled from down the hall and, upon entering our friends home, we found him sprawled across his couch, high off of his rocker.

           “You little bitch, you started smoking without us?!” I yelled from my spot in the doorway, placing my things on the floor and making my way to the couch, Cassie close behind me. All ben could do was smile and nod, mumbling a quick ‘yea’, giggling at our faux angry expressions.

           “Loz, don’t be mean, it’s his birthday! He can get as high as he wants!” Cassie defended, sitting down beside ben on the couch, pulling him in for a hug, patting his hair down in comfort.