Yours, Mine, & Ours//Lashton AU

Four

The rain had finally let up. When Ashton woke up the next morning, the sun was shining and birds were singing right outside his window. Most amazing of all though, he had slept.

Despite what everyone had told him, he did not feel any better. His body still ached, his muscles were still tired, and his heart still hurt. Badly. It felt better to be asleep than it did to be awake.

Later that morning, he sat at a table with a mug of coffee held between his hands. He stared out the window with a flat expression on his face and gently tapped one finger against the mug.

Less than 24 hours ago, he had been in this exact same house. This time however, there were only two people inside. The second, had just made an entrance in the room.

"Ashton?"

He tore his gaze away from outside and looked at his supposed to be mother in-law. In the sunlight, she looked even more worn down then she had the day before. There were bags under her eyes, Ashton assumed shed gotten the same amount if not less sleep then he had, she had lost weight, her eyes were red, her hair had clearly not been styled, and it was still obvious she'd been crying. Ashton guessed he didn't look too much different than these descriptions himself.

"I found these in his closet. I read the first one but the second one has your name on it so I figured, I'll just let you look at that one. When you're ready." She handed him two envelopes, one of which had already been open. The other was neatly sealed shut and in sloppy handwriting that Ashton immediately recognized as Luke's, his name was written across the front.

"What's in it?" He asked of the already opened one.

"It's a letter. He wrote it for himself I guess. The day after you guys got engaged. He wrote on the envelope not to open for another 5 years but I figured under the circumstances..." Her voice faded out then she spoke clearer again. "well I just think you should read it."

He looked down at them in his hand then back up. "Alright. Thank you." He forced a smile which she returned. "Do you need any help?"

"Not at the moment. I'll call you up if I need anything."

Liz had called Ashton over that morning to help her organize Luke's old room. He hadn't used it in years but he still had stuff in it. Clearly he'd been in there more than anyone thought. But Ashton had gone over as Liz would be alone and she didn't feel she could handle that. So far, Ashton hadn't done anything but drink all her coffee and try not to cry when she asked for opinions.

He watched as she walked back up the stairs slowly and then focused his attention on the two envelopes that he now clutched tightly in his hand. He looked at the already open one first, dumping the contents into the table. It contained a letter and two pictures. He read the letter first.

Yesterday, I got engaged to the love of my life. Everything is perfect. Ashton is the absolute best person that has ever been in my life. He is the sweetest, most thoughtful, loving, caring, and kindest person. I honestly could not be more in love with him. He is everything I could possibly ask for and more. He cares so much. Even if it's not in the most obvious ways to most people, he's always showing he cares and loves me and I notice every one. From the gentle touches he gives when he walks past me, how he always makes my coffee every single morning because he knows I'm horrible without it, the way only he laughs even at the stupidest jokes I make, how he always listens, the way he hugs me so tight it's like he's afraid I'll disappear if he doesn't, but mostly, I can see, hear, and feel it in the way he tells me he loves me. It's something impossible to describe but I know he means it. And I love him more than anyone could possibly imagine. I can't wait to turn it into a lifetime.

Now, this should be about 5 years into your marriage. Maybe you have a kid. Maybe you have 2. You and Ashton may have a bigger house by now. That'd be awesome. Mostly though, it doesn't really matter as long as you both still love each other with everything you have. That's what's important.

But also your family. Never forget your mum and dad and Jack and Ben. Just because you've started a new family does not mean you can ever forget where you came from. You still must love them and always make sure they're doing okay. They love you and care about you. Do not forget them.

Also, Michael. He is your husbands best friend and even though he's kind of loud sometimes, he's a great dude and you should always make sure he's doing okay too. He's your best friend too and you have to continue to treat him well.

That's it for now. This was only a reminder to never forget those you love because they are the most important people in your life.

-Luke

Ashton set the paper down on the table and took in a deep shaky breath. Luke had goals for the two of them. He had plans. He wanted them to have an amazing life together and start a family. These were things Ashton had already known but reading them made him realize how these were things that could never happen now. Ashton breathed in and out a few times to calm himself before picking up the two pictures in front of him.

The first one, was of Luke's hand. It had been marked as taken on July 23, 2018. This was the day after they got engaged. On Luke's ring finger, was his engagement ring. Ashton flipped it over to reveal writing.

I love you Ashton.

The second picture was of the two of them. They were kissing. This was also the day after their engagement. They had gotten Michael to take the picture to celebrate. The writing on the back was still short and sweet.

I will love you forever.

They were simple. Simple messages but they were enough to make Ashton cry.

Simple. Just like Luke himself.

~

I'm having a nervous breakdown because I close at work tomorrow for the first time and I've never been taught how to do that and I've going to be completely by myself and I'm super scared I'm gonna cry

-ash