Damn, You're Cute (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 75

**Leah's POV**

Ashton finished explaining his romantic story about Caroline with expressive eyes and excited hand gestures. His mouth moved quickly as he spoke, spewing out words with a small curve of his mouth, which showed just how happy he actually was about his renewed relationship. As the personal anecdote of last night came to a close, Ashton grinned at us while both Michael and I stared at him with astonishment.

To say I was relieved would be an understatement. Caroline and Ashton were screwed up, each of them creating their own problems, but together, they worked well. I knew they were meant for one another, but after what Caroline did, I was sure things were over. Even after Ashton explained how much he tried to resist, I was still surprised he let go of his grudge and gave in.

"So, you two are back together?" Michael asked for confirmation and Ashton chewed on his bottom lip. His shoulders were held higher than I had seen them in awhile, showing off how broad he actually was.

"Technically, I guess so, but we're still figuring stuff out," he decided and turned to me with a solemn expression. "I'm not over everything that happened, but I'm willing to try to work on things."

"Good," I smiled and wrapped him in a quick hug. "I'm happy for you guys. You two were always so perfect."

Michael glanced at me sideways with an accusatory arch of his brow. He was well aware of all the times I told him Ashton and Caroline were doomed, or when I complained about how problematic they were. Thankfully, he kept his mouth shut.

"Same, mate," Michael agreed and clasped his hand with Ashton's, pulling him into a one armed embrace. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Thanks, guys," he genuinely smiled. It was refreshing to see that expression after the past few weeks of his mumbling and stale features.

"I wish we could talk about this more, but we have art class," Michael told Ashton as a hint that we needed to leave, helpfully shutting my locker as he spoke. "We'll see you in the cafeteria, though?"

Ashton nodded enthusiastically before turning away. "Yeah, no problem."

Nothing could ruin his chipper attitude today.

After Ashton left, Michael gestured toward the door at the end of the hallway, so I followed him out into the courtyard.

It was a nice day, the sun beaming down on the two of us. The light was fascinating, shining through his colorful hair and causing those mossy green eyes to turn into something less heavy. They shimmered with golden flecks, creating a halo of bronze around his iris while his usually dark eyelashes were blonder than ever. Even his creamy skin complemented the rays of light as they charmingly manipulated his every feature.

In the back of my mind, the part of me that wasn't admiring Michael's beauty, I was imagining how the same sunlight would look reflecting off of Luke's lip ring as he grinned at me, revealing his already bright teeth. I wondered if he would ever smile at me like that again.

"I'm shocked," Michael said after a moment, pulling me away from my daydream. I mechanically nodded slowly, but then began processing what he had actually said.

I shrugged. "I guess we always knew they'd work out."

I was shocked at first, but at the same time, I wasn't. Initially I suppose it surprised me, but the fact that Ashton and Caroline were back together wasn't so astonishing after all.

"I didn't," Michael retorted before shoving his hands frantically in his pockets, distracting me from the status of my friends. He cursed under his breath. "Shit, I forgot a pencil! Argent will actually kill me this time."