Daylight\\A.I. & C.H.

<:13:>

Ashton and Calum

"She's better," Veronica tells Calum over the phone, "but she's still not at maximum health. I don't know why, I've never seen this before."

"Don't you have Elders or some shit?" Calum asks as he flips his cheese toastie in the pan.

"Yes, but we can't go to them about this. It could be dangerous."

"Oh," Calum says.

"Claire has a reasoning, but I fear she's mad."

"What do you mean?"

"She keeps mentioning an ancient myth, a lore of the Blood Bond. It's not real."

"You're turning her idea away because it's a myth? A legend?" Calum challenges her with a haughty tone.

"Don't patronize me, Calum," she huffs, "It couldn't be real. But if it is, then we have to bring them back together."

"And that's not a good idea."

"No, its not," she sighs, her breath sounding beautiful in Calum's ear as he wishes he could feel it like he did three days ago when she panted beneath him.

"But it's been almost two weeks, that can't be good for her right? Maybe we should think about getting them together to test it."           

"No, it's not good for her. But neither is that. Something worse could happen, Calum."

"I know," he puffs remembering her telling him how easily they could overdose on Vampyre blood and be subject to death or the Kiss. "I just know he misses her too. He hates me for deleting her contact info."

"It was for their own good. She hates me, too. But she knows I'm right."

"I don't know," Calum sighs, "I think we should risk it to see if makes her better. What does she need? To feed from him?"

"Yes, but if its truly The Bond, she could be dependant on him forever."

"Then she needs him," Calum counters her. "Or are you too scared to confirm that?" Veronica stays silent, solidifying his response before he says more gently, "Roni, you need to think about it. If she needs Ashton to be better, then we need to stop keeping them apart."

"No," she says sternly, making him release an annoyed breath.

"Just think about it. I've got to go. Ashton will be here soon."

"Okay."

"I'll see you tomorrow night?"

"Yes, goodbye."

"Bye."

Calum hangs up his phone and dishes his sandwich before sitting down at the table to eat it when Ashton walks into the kitchen, his face stoic and solemn as its been since that day in studio.

"You ready?" he asks.

"Yeah, lets go," Calum gets up, bringing his toastie with him.

The drive is silent as Calum eats his dinner and watches the scenery out the window, words to hard to find when he knows he is keeping his friend in turmoil. He finishes his sandwhich and notices the sign to their exit, Ashton driving right past. Calum looks at him, assuming he has zoned out, something he's been doing a lot of lately.

"You passed our exit man," Calum informs him.

"I know," Ashton retorts.

"What?"

"We're not going to that fucking party."

"Then where are we going?"

"Where you've been sneaking off to behind my back!" Ashton snaps at Calum. "I ought to pummel you into the fucking ground for going and seeing 'Roni' when Claire needs me! You backstabbing fuck!"

"Shit," Calum slumps into the seat, caught.

"Yeah, some friend you are. Dickbag."

"I'm sorry, Mate."

"Don't you dare. Just shut the fuck up," Ashton says emotionless.

"Okay," Calum nods, knowing he fucked up and he does want Ashton to see Claire because he might be able to help her. "I won't come between you guys again. But you're putting yourself in danger." Ashton looks at him before he punches him in the arm making Calum gasp and grab at the throbbing area, "I think you just gave me a dead arm."

"You deserve more than that," Ashton snorts.

"You're right."

"And she won't hurt me, just like I won't hurt her."

"You're sure?" Calum eyes him.

"Yes," Ashton says firmly.

"Okay," Calum nods before rubbing his arm, "Fuck that hurt."

"We're even now then," Ashton smiles softly, keeping his eyes on the road as he drives to Claire, his whole body itching to reconnect with her.

-------------------------

Ashton parks outside their House, unbuckling his seatbelt as Calum does the same and he climbs out the car. Before his door is even shut Veronica runs down the steps.

"Go home!" Veronica shouts.

"You fucking told her!" Ashton roars at Calum.

"I meant what I said," Calum puts his hands up, "But she deserved a heads up. No one is stopping you."

"I am!" Veronica counters, stepping in front of Ashton as he approaches the stairs and crosses her arms over her chest

"Move," Ashton demands with a snarl

"Roni, let's just see," Calum suggests softly.

Her nostrils flare as she looks between them, Calum's calm and kind demeanor softening her heart and she deflates with a sigh, "She's in our room. But she has a Source with her."

"I'll get rid of them," Ashton growls.

"No mundane violence is allowed in our House, Ashton," she grabs his shoulder. "You are willingly walking in right now to be a Source yourself, you have to follow the rules or you can't be here. Ever."

"I won't hurt anyone, damn," Ashton rolls his eyes and takes a step up before stopping and placing his hand on hers, still resting on his shoulder. "Thank you," he whispers before he drops his hand and goes inside.