Again | Luke Hemmings

xxviii

I decided to go out for a run again the next day because I really couldn't sleep. I had so many thoughts running through my mind. Luke going on tour, uni, my job- I should start looking for a new one-, and lastly, where Luke and I stand. I really don't know what we are. We're not dating. We're not married. We kiss a lot. We're friends. Friends with benefits? No. We never had sex.

It frustrates me so much that I don't know where we are because I want confirmation. What if people ask about us? What do I say? Friends that make out half the time? Yes, but that's not the answer I want to say. Even I frustrate myself because of the way I'm not easily contented or pleased.

I wear my running clothes and put my shoes on, then go to the bathroom to freshen myself up.

After I was done, I quietly exit the house, closing the door as quietly as possible.

I start to run a slow pace to the route I used before because I was hoping that I'd bump into Ashton so we could catch up on whatever. I haven't been running with Ashton that long but he's really fun to be with.

As if on cue, I caught sight of him tying his shoe on a small, wooden bench. He was wearing a black tank top and neon green shorts. It's really easy to recognize him, especially with his neon green bandana wrapped around his head.

I ran up to him, "Hey, Ash."

"Oh. Hey Joey!" He looked up after he tied his shoe. He gave me a hug and I felt like I was wrapped up in a sausage can because he was really sweaty.

"Gross." I laughed when my hands came in contact with his damp back.

"Sorry." He laughed as well. "Wanna run together?"

"Sure." I answered. We started jogging for a minute then started running once we reached the end of the street.

"How are you? It's been a while." Ashton said.

"It's only been a week. I think." I chuckled.

"Eh. Same thing." He laughed.

"I heard you're going back on tour this Saturday."

"Yeah." He nodded. "You should come to one of our shows or all." He suggested, emphasizing the word "all".

"I don't think I'm gonna have enough break time to watch all of your shows." I let out a breath of laugh.

"Or maybe just one, then." He changed.

"I have to check my schedule." I joked. Whenever it's the summer break, I am always available because I never do anything that would make me busy.

"Or maybe you could join us for our first three shows. The guys could really use a girl so they don't act awkward around girls. And they miss you a lot. You're technically the band's favorite person in this world."

"Wow," I fake gasped. "It is such an honor to be the band's favorite." I rolled my eyes jokingly.

"I'm serious!" He defended. "I mean, neither of us talked for two years but you're always gonna be our favorite no matter what. And Bailey too."

My face was probably a tomato right now. Calum, Ashton, Michael, Luke and I were super close way before the band started. Bailey was too and one other person, but that person left us for popularity and success.

It was the five of us, then Ashton joined and it's been like that ever since. Bailey and I went to their band practices and Ashton would always be late because of the worn out bike he always used. Until the day we chipped in enough money to buy Ashton a new bike. The six of us.

"I'll see if I can." I answered, smiling up at him.

"Yay!" He cheered, stopping on his tracks and carried me, spinning us in circles. His sweaty chest rubbing against my tank top.

We laughed hysterically and I'm sure that if we laugh one more time, one of the neighbors would come out and tell us to leave. But that didn't stop us from laughing. I felt at ease, laughing made me feel better, it blocked out my running thoughts for a while.

The sun was beginning to rise so we decided to run to Alyssa's to watch it. I sat on the same place I was before. It was basically Ashton's place but he said that whenever I'm with him, it's mine. I watched in awe. The orange color mixed with the black and dark blue ones until there was light peaking, turning the dark colors into light ones. Like the heavens driving away the evil spirits from the clouds so the innocent wouldn't see what evil there is.

I could watch this forever and ever, never going to be bored because this only happens once a day and I wouldn't want to miss any of them.

I didn't notice that Ashton was talking until he waved a hand in front of my face.

"What?" I asked.

"I was asking if you and Luke are together again." He asked, forcing a smile. His tone was bitter and laced with mock. Like I said before, Ashton always had a crush on me and knowing what Luke had to do made him over protective. It wasn't intentional, he just didn't want me to get hurt again.

"Oh, no." I gave him a small smile.

"You two have been spending a lot of time together. I see it all over Twitter and when we have band practices." He rolled his eyes.

"Well, we're not together." I confirmed, chuckling.

"If you guys do get back together, I just want you to know that I'm here for you." He smiled warmly, showing off his deep dimples.

"Thanks." I said, feeling embarrassed.

He expression changed into a serious one, "Just be careful, alright?"

"Careful about what?" I had to ask.

"Careful." He shrugged.

"Huh?"

"When you run. You should bring a bottle of water with you because I know you get dehydrated easily." A look of concern covered his face.

Oh, I thought it was something worse. So I nodded, grabbing the glass of water and drinking it in front of him.

"Hydrated again." I gave him a big thumbs up.

"Good job." He slow clapped, laughing that school girl laugh everyone loved. I laugh along with him.

But I wasn't naive to know he meant something else. Ashton may be random but not so random that he'd suddenly say this. Yeah, he tends to be the parent who cares but he isn't fooling me with the slight sarcasm in his tone and frequent knitted eyebrows, showing his anxious thoughts.

"Thanks, father Ashton." I rolled my eyes jokingly.

I'll let him go for now.

"I should probably get going." Ashton said, standing up. He offered his hand to me and I took it, thanking him.

"I'll see you on tour?" Ashton asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

"I'll think about it. But I haven't gotten my paycheck yet." I pouted.

"All expenses paid." He simply said like it was a done deal.

"No, I can pay for my ticket." I insisted.

"I will never let you pay for anything." He said. "Just tell me your answer soon. If yes, text me your info and I'll book your flight. If no, then . . ." He pouted then wiped a fake tear from his eye and I found that adorable.

"I'll ask my parents later." I tell him.

A smile formed on his lips and he hugged me once again before going the other way.

I began to walk my direction,  turning to a corner until he called my name again. I turned around and saw him standing behind me. How did he. . .get here so fast.

He quickly kissed my cheek and started running the other way again and I was left smiling all the way home. I'm such a sucker for sweet gestures.