INKED - poly!cashton

ten

- friday : week 4 -

Eve sits at the table behind the studio, eating her sandwich in silence with Ashton as Calum stands a few steps away, cigarette against his lips as he speaks into the phone.

"Friday is fine," he says and Ashton glances over his shoulder at the man and chuckles.

"He's such a pushover," Ashton says quietly and Eve grins,

"Who's he talking to?"

"Some tattoo magazine wants to do a article about a day at Jet Black," he shrugs, "but Calum told me this morning he was going to tell them to do any day than Friday because he's busy next Friday,"

Eve giggles, taking the last few bites of her food as Calum finally gets off the phone. He stomps out his cigarette and walks over to the other two, slipping into the spot next to Eve as he rubs his forehead.

"They're coming next Friday," he says and Ashton rolls his eyes,

"I figured," he responds and Calum glares at him before turning to Eve.

"So, you're about to hit five weeks here," he says. Eve smiles as he continues, "I think that in about three more weeks you could tattoo me,"

Eve freezes, fear running over her. She'd seen all of Calum's tattoos, and they were all perfect. Anxiety builds in her stomach at the thought of ruining that.

"Don't worry," Ashton smiles, kicking her foot lightly with his own, "You'll get plenty of practice before,"

She takes a small breath of relief and the back door opens, Michael sticks his head out. "Your next client is here, Cal," Michael says and Calum stands up, Eve follows him inside.

Michael takes their spot at the table and raises an eyebrow at Ashton who is still eating his lunch. Ashton looks at Michael confused and the blond scoffs.

"C'mon mate, I've know you and Calum our entire lives, what's going on between you guys and Eve?" he leans forward expectingly.

"You know we've hooked up a couple times," Ashton shrugs, trying to downplay how much time they really spend with the girl.

Michael hums, obviously not believing him. "Sure, that's why you guys spend every night together right?"

Ashton slowly chews his food to try and figure out what to say next. "Look Mike, I don't know. Eve's amazing and it's obvious Cal and I like her. I'm not sure what you want from me,"

Michael shrugs, "When are you guys going to bring her out on a date or something,"

"We've talked about having the relationship conversation with her, but we're not sure when since she broke up with Ethan not too long ago," Ashton says and Michael raises an eyebrow

"So you have taken her out?"

"Like you said, we spend most nights with her," Ashton crumbles up the trash from his food.

"You're both fucking dumbasses." Michael laughs dryly. "You're telling me that you've been fucking her but haven't had the decency to bring her out to a restaurant? Buy her some flowers?"

Ashton chews on his lip sheepishly and Michael scoffs. "You know she probably just thinks of herself as your guys' toy then, right? Someone you just call on to play with sometimes?"

Ashton frowns. "She knows she means a lot to us, we tell her all the time. It's not like we only stay the night to get off." Ashton says,

Michael laughs for real this time, "Okay sorry, your friend with benefits,"