Punks Meet Flower Crowns >> Lashton AU ✔️

52. ~ Thoughts

Note: I just got like 12 hours of sleep and I'm hopped up on Coca Cola so I might just post more chapters in the next couple of hours or so.

It's up to you guys! Comment and vote! Mostly comment, I love y'all's comments.

Dedicated to @deludedbullshippers5 cuz your comments are life <3

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Time: 7:45 am
Setting: Luke's Bathroom.

Alex: (walks into bathroom, nudges Luke awake, whispering) I gotta head to class soon. I called Jack to come get me. (glances at Ashton) He's been through a lot, hasn't he?

Luke: (nods, starts playing with Ashton's hair) More than anyone should have to.

Alex: (guilty) I woke up when I heard him crying. (sad smile) I heard most of it. Poor baby.

Luke: I wish I had known. I was such a jerk to him when we first met.

Alex: (chuckles) It's alright. You're like a bulldog. Angry, scary and mean, but people can't help but like you.

Luke: That's what Ally said. (chuckles) Am I really such a negative person?

Alex: (plays with the tips of Luke's hair) Kind of. But not everyone can be positive. Not everyone can suck it up and hide it.

Luke: But Ashton does. (angry) He puts a smile on his face, laughs, gives people hugs and tries to brighten up people's day. (pauses) But he's the one who's really hurting inside. I've been through less but I'm still an arsehole.

Alex: Yeah, you are. (grins when Luke glares at him) But, (softly) everyone deals with pain differently.

Luke: (thoughtful) He once told me that he chooses to be happy. He said he spent a large portion of his life being sad and feeling sorry for himself. (pained scoff) I thought he was talking about his teenage years or a painful breakup. (choking, holding back tears) I could never have imagined him losing a child. (sniffles) I'm such a jerk. I was so cruel.

Alex: Hey. (leans forward, cups Luke's cheeks with his hands, softly, genuine) You're wonderful, just the way you are. You've been through a lot, both of you have. Yes, you both have pain but that doesn't mean that you're not justified to deal with it differently. (kisses Luke on the forehead) You're lovely, Luke. You just screen people differently. (smiles) There's nothing wrong with being picky. (looks at Ashton) He hides his pain and lets anyone in. (quirks lips) But maybe he doesn't really trust anyone. Maybe he thinks everyone is going to let him down like those two did.

Luke: (sad smile) I would never let him down.

Alex: I know you wouldn't. And that makes you a good person. You may be a jerk but you're not cruel. (pulls hands away, kisses Luke on the cheek)

Luke: (soft) Thanks, Alex. Sorry I had to drag you into this.

Alex: Didn't have any other Saturday night plans. (chuckles) It's aiight.

Luke: (leans up to kiss Alex's cheek) Still. Thanks.

Alex: (smiles before sighing) You gonna tell him?

Luke: (looks down at sleeping Ashton, sighs) Soon.

Alex: You kinda have to, really.