Our Place || Muke ✔️

27

Michael had always been the kind of friend who would drop everything to be there for someone in need. So when he thought about the hurtful accusation Ashton had thrown at Luke just now, he didn't even hesitate. Without a second thought, he rushed across campus and towards Luke's dorm room, his heart pounding with concern. There were quite a lot of people around due to classes having just ended but Michael tried to keep his cool.

As he reached Luke's door, Michael could hear muffled, painful sobs coming from inside. His heart clenched. He didn't know it was that bad and he hated the fact that he wasn't there for Luke when the boy needed him. Mr Rudd's conversation about Michael's bad grade was short and sweet but Michael still felt like he had just been pulled away at the wrong time.

He knocked on the door gently, his eyes scanning the pumpkin picture that was still on the door since halloween, but there was no answer. Worried, he knocked again, harsher this time and called out to the blonde boy he had come to adore. "Luke, it's me, Michael. Can I come in? Please?"

After a brief pause, he heard movement from inside and then the door slowly creaked open, revealing Luke's disheveled appearance. His eyes were slightly red and tears stained his cheeks but he was avoiding Michael's gaze. Michael's heart sank at the sight of Luke in such distress.

Without saying a word, Michael entered the room, shutting the door with his feet and wrapped his arms around Luke in a comforting embrace. Luke buried his face in Michael's shoulder, letting out all the emotions he had been holding back. Michael whispered soothing words, reassuring Luke that he was there for him. He placed a kiss on the side of Luke's head and rocked them back and forth as Luke continued to cry lightly. The blonde was embarrassed to be crying like this but he couldn't help it. The emotions had been pent up for far too long and they needed to come out. Just like he needed to come out.

After a while, as Luke's cries subsided, he pulled away and wiped his tears with the back of his hand quickly, still avoiding Michael's gaze in obvious embarrassment. He sniffled and walked over to his bed, keeping his head low. Michael slowly followed and soon, they were both leaning against the wall, sat on the bed close to each other. Hesitantly, Michael reached over and placed his hand on top of Luke's in a comforting manner.

Luke was the first one to speak up. "I'm sorry for flinching away from you before." He whispered.

Michael quickly shook his head. "Don't be."

Luke let out a scoff. "I can't believe Ashton said those things, Michael. It hurt so much. It's like he was... It's like he knew. I mean, it's obvious that he does know but he was so like, adamant about it and I didn't know what to do." Luke admitted, his voice shaky.

Michael's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew that now wasn't the time for confrontation. Instead, he said. "Luke, you are who you are and that's something to be proud of. Ashton is kind of ignorant. I'm not excusing his behaviour but he is kinda dumb."

"He was just so rude about it." Luke added.

"Yes but his words don't define you." Michael said, squeezing Luke's hand again. "I kind of told him off a little on your behalf too, so you don't need to worry about that."

"What did you say to him?" Luke asked quickly.

Michael shrugged. "Just that he needed to be more considerate about your feelings and that..." Michael trailed off. Luke's eyes searched his for more than that and Michael swallowed thickly. He had to be honest with Luke. "I kinda told him that coming out was a personal thing and that you'd do it in your own time. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay." Luke interrupted, his voice low. His eyes were on his lap, refusing to move. "He already knew. You just confirmed it. It's not your fault."