Yours, Mine, & Ours//Lashton AU

Two

It had taken a lot longer than only 20 minutes. It was probably over 60. But Ashton had eventually managed to stop crying and placed the engagement ring back under the pillow, then finally made his way to everyone who was waiting with their sympathetic faces.

When he first pulled up, he sat in his car staring inside for a few seconds before feeling as prepared as he ever could be and stepping back out into the rain which had still not slowed down. He walked up to the door and knocked twice before it opened up revealing the same blonde women from the cemetery.

"Hey Liz. Sorry if I'm late. I got," he paused, "caught up."

She nodded and gave him the look. She was however, one of the few people who could give him the look without making him annoyed because she knew exactly how he was feeling.

"It's fine dear. Why don't you step inside. It's pouring out there."

He did as told and looked around the living room which was filled with people. He knew more were in the kitchen as well.

"Why don't you take off your jacket. That thing is soaked." Liz suggested. He nodded and slipped it off, handing it to her. "There's a lot of food in the kitchen and dining room and pretty much everywhere if you would like. I know it's been a while since you've really eaten anything."

"Alright. Thanks I'll see if I can find anything."

Ashton pushed his way through the many people gathered in the living room and tried getting to the kitchen. He made it a point to avoid the glances of people with their apologetic eyes but was eventually stopped by his own mother.

"Ashton there you are. I've been looking all over for you but Liz told me you still hadn't gotten here and I was really worried. She told me that you wanted to stop home before you came over which is fine but I just," she paused for a long moment and looked at Ashton. Her face softened even more when noticing the tears Ashton had not done a good job of getting rid of. "Oh Ashton. I am so so sorry. How are you doing?" This of course, was one thing, among others, that Ashton couldn't stand. However, coming from his own mum, so soft and sweet and caring, it made him want to start crying all over again. He bit his lip and begged himself not to cry. He shook his head as his answer with the knowledge that if he did speak, there was no way he'd be able to stop the tears that were already forming.

Aware of this, she took her son into her arms and gently rubbed his back.

"I'm sorry. I am truly very sorry."

This was not helping. All his mother had ever been was kind and sweet which was great at any other time but in this moment, it made Ashton blink back tears.

"Do you need anything?" She asked gently. "Food? Water? Maybe even a nap?"

Ashton shook his head. "No not right now. I'll be fine."

She was clearly not convinced but decided the last thing he needed was to be pressured into something he clearly did not want to answer. Besides, she knew the answer.

"Alright. Well if you change your mind, come find me. Or Liz or Andy. We're all here for you Ashton."

At the mention of her name, Ashton had spotted Liz who was now entering the kitchen.

"Yeah. But who's here for them?"

She looked from Liz to Ashton then put her hands on his arms.

"Look, I know you are in so much pain right now and that is fine. It is okay. But you need to be here for Liz and Andy too. They are struggling just as much as you and you need to be here for them. Because they are here for you. Do you understand?" Ashton bit his lip and nodded. "Good. But you and I are here for them and they are here for you. And so am I. Remember that Ashton. You are not alone. There are people here who love you. Please take advantage of that. When was the last time you slept?"