Rhythm || Ashton Irwin

Chapter Thirty-Six

WARNING: THERE IS SOME SMUTTY TIMES IN HERE, READ WITH CAUTION.

(Ashton's POV)

            It had been a couple weeks since the incident at thanksgiving and things seemed to have mellowed out between Lauren and Noelle.  Some harsh words were said and some tears were shed, but, in the end, the two left with clean slates and willingly talking to each other.

            Lauren since then had been in a strange mood; stressed about her show, finals and still making sure we had time together. Now, for example, she sits next to me, holding my had lightly as she concentrates on the book in front of her and her classical music floats through the room as we sat in silence.

            "Hey, babe," pulling my hand from hers, I slid my hands through her hair, resting my hand on the back of her neck, "why don't you take a break? You're going to ruin your posture if you stay hunched over that book like that,"

            "I can't! This History of Dance final is going to be the death of me! I've just barely made it by this semester and if I don't get at least and 80 on this final I'm pretty sure I'm going to—"

            "Hey, hey, hey, stop that, you're going to do fine! Just... take a breather, yeah? We could go for a walk, clear your head?" I pushed, trying to get her out of her own head for a little bit.

            "I don't know, there's still so much I haven't gone over..." She shook her head, turning her head back to her book and stack of notes on the table, sighing in anguish.

            "Alright, that's it," standing up from my chair, pulling her up with me, I made my way over from dining room to her front door, quickly slipping my shoes on, "I'm getting you out of this house and away from those books. You need some fresh air or some coffee at least."

            Grunting from beside me, Lauren reluctantly slipped her shoes and coat on as well, shoulders dropping in defeat as we made our way from her house and to her favorite Starbucks by the park.

            "I know you're trying to help, but you're being a pain in the butt." Looking up at me, she shook her head, that cute pout of hers on her lips, making me smile and squeeze her hand lightly as we continued to walk down the street.

            "If I wasn't a pain in the butt, I wouldn't be a good boyfriend, now would I?" I smirked, looking ahead of us as we approached the door. Stepping ahead, I opened the door for her, stepping in and catching the eye of a very familiar blonde.

            "Lucas! What a pleasure running into you here!" I smiled, placing my hand on the small of Lauren's back, as Luke made his way over.

            "Hey guys, what's up," Luke took a sip of his drink standing in front of us as he fixed the strap of his backpack.

            "Ashton's kidnapped my from my own home for his own sick amusement. But I'm getting coffee out of it, so I guess it's ok." Lauren joked, pushing me slightly as she looked between the two of us.

            "She was getting stir crazy in that house of hers, she needs some fresh air! Sitting around and reading books for hours on end isn't natural," I replied, shooting her a concerned look, smiling soon after, "What about you? What are you up to?"

            Luke shrugged as he took another long sip of his drink, "Just heading to dress rehearsal, you guys are coming to the show tomorrow, right?" lifting his eyebrows, Luke gave us a pleading look.