Stare At the Photograph - A.F.I.

7

ASHTON

We finally get the camera back and Alya thanks the woman. She goes through the pictures and one in particular that catches my eye is the one where we are looking at each other. Her hand is still on mine and well- never mind. I can't think this way. I only like her because I can't have her.

"Let's get some New York style pizza." Alya says, nudging me.

—
"This is my favorite place that I've tried and you can't beat the $3 slices." I say opening the door for her.

We got our slices. I obviously paid for her again. She tried paying, but I took her card from her and it's sitting in my wallet right now. I feel bad after everything that happened between her and Mike.

After we ate, we walked down 5th Avenue and we went into the different stores and I bought her everything she wanted. I don't know why I did that. I had her camera the whole time and took pictures for her.

We got back to the hotel around 4pm because soundcheck is at 5. I got dressed and I tried one last time to see if she would come.

"Come on! It'll be fun! You could sit front row or backstage." I say.

"But Ash," she says, sitting on the bed. That's new. "Michael will be there."

"So? Show him you don't care." I tell her. I just want her to see me perform, just once.

"I'm scared I'll get back together with him." Alya says. "I'm a sucker for musicians."

"I'll be there, don't worry." I say putting my hand on her shoulder. "Plus I'm a musician." I wink at her.

"Stop it." She says. "I'm only coming because I was looking forward to the concert in the first place."

"Perfect." I say, walking into the bathroom. "Let me get ready."

"So what does the Ashton Irwin wear to his concert?" She asks. "I'll dress up like him."

"Well I'm usually shirtless, so feel free to copy me." I say, slicking back my hair.

She rolls her eyes at me and walks out.

"Just a suggestion!" I call out. She doesn't say anything else, but starts blasting music. I wonder what kind of music she's into. In the Night by the Weeknd? I walk into the room to hear it better and I see her dancing and taking her shirt off and we make eye contact.

"Sorry!" I say, turning around.

"It's not like it's anything you haven't seen before." She says.

I can feel the blood rushing to my face, so I attempt to change the conversation. "The Weeknd huh?"

"You know him? Like in real life?" She says.

"I've met him, but we aren't really friends though." I tell her.

"Damn." She says. "I would've left Michael in a heartbeat the second I'd talk to him. Okay turn around."

I turn around and see Alya a one shouldered red top with black shorts and fishnets and combat boots.

She looks stunning in red.

"You look..." I begin to say. "Wait I have something."

I grab my leather jacket, which would be the perfect for her outfit.

"That way you don't get cold." I tell her with a smile

"Oh my god this is perfect!" She says as I hand it to her. She puts it on and it's the perfect oversized jacket for her. She gushes on about how much she likes it, but it looks amazing on her.

"I could literally take your spot on stage and no one would notice." She says, laughing.

I just remembered about her camera. I left it in the bathroom.

"Wait one second!" I say, running to the bathroom to grab it.

"Say cheese!" I say holding up the camera and taking pictures of her in multiple angles.

"Okay, now you get ready!" Alya says, pushing me away.

ALYA

As I finish putting on my makeup, Ashton walks out of the bathroom in just his towel.

"Sorry, I just need to grab my clothes." He says.

I never realized how big his arms are and his tattoos scattered across his arms are so hot. I know I shouldn't be thinking about him like this. He doesn't even think about me like that.

—
I'm actually going to the concert. How did I let Ashton convince me to go? Is it the fact that I know Michael will see me there? The fact the Michael will be there? The fact that I'll watch Ashton perform?

I don't know.

All I know is that I'm in Ashton's car and he's driving us to the concert.

This is the worst decision I've ever made and Ashton won't turn around.

"Alya, I would, but I'm going to be late." Ashton apologizes."You can get an Uber there. Besides, I think you'll have fun."

"But Michael will be there!" I panic.

"So what?" Ash says, rolling his eyes. "I've only really known you for a day, but I know you'll be fine."

I sink into my seat.

—
Ashton pulls his car into some VIP Parking Garage and pulls up right next to the tour bus. Michael, Luke, and Calum are standing outside waiting for Ashton. I take a deep breath before stepping out of Ash's car and give the group a small wave. I walk to the trunk of the car to help Ashton and I see Michael starts making his way to me, so I quickly turn around to look at Ashton.

"Don't worry about it." He mumbles so that Michael won't hear.

"Alya!" Michael says happily, wrapping his arms around my shoulders from behind.