Rejects // Luke Hemmings [au]

18

songs for chapter: Holiday - Green Day

December 25th, 1956

6:45 am

Violets POV

I open my eyes at the familiar sound of Ashton's heavy boots, my heart skipping with the fact that today is Christmas. Christmas is easily my favourite day of the year not only because you can tell everyone's in a better mood, but the fact that West Hill has a party every year. Mikey loves Christmas because they bring in his favourite frosted sugar cookies, where he tries to eat as many as he possibly can before he's sick. I do the same thing, seeing as this is the only time of year they actually have good food.

"Morning, Ashton"I smile, taking him by surprise, as he's usually the one to wake me up. I walk towards the door and give him a tight hug, my smile never fading.

"Someone's in a good mood today" Ashton chuckles, putting his arm around my shoulder as we walk down the hallway. I would've asked if Luke could come with us, but there is no doubt Ashton wants as much to do with him, as he does Ashton.

I spot Mikey sitting in his normal spot, so I grab my food and medication before walking over and sitting right across from him as always.

"It's Christmas!" He chants, showing off his beautiful smile, that is a rare thing to see.

"I think I saw your favourite cookies in the kitchen" I laugh, "You're gonna have to smuggle a box back into your cell!"

We both laugh at my words and begin to eat our breakfast when Luke comes and sits down with us, carrying the same plate of food. Pancakes, cheap bacon, and a strawberry. This is an extravagant breakfast, in all honesty.

"Morning guys" Luke says, placing his hand on my thigh, causing electricity to run through my veins. Over time, Luke has done small things that have a huge effect on me, and although he doesn't acknowledge it, I know he knows what he's doing. My feelings for Luke have only been getting stronger, and ever since that night last week, it's been hard to stay away from him. Although Calum doesn't seem bothered by it, I can tell Ashton doesn't like me even being near Luke, and I can't tell if it's because we're patients or because he's jealous.

Ashton has also been treating me different lately, but in a good way. We've been very close for a long time, but I have this feeling that friendship isn't the only thing happening between us. I would be lying if I said I didn't have any feelings for him.

"Violet" Luke nudges me, waking me up from my day dream.

"What?" I say, looking at both of them.

"We're talking about what our best Christmas ever was, but you zoned out" he says, taking a bite of the shitty bacon. He spits it out immediately, and Michael and I can't help but chuckle. "Ew, this is gross!" He exclaims, laughing at himself. "Anyway, continue, Violet"

"Oh- I...I don't really know, I can't remember any" I tell them both honestly, receiving non-judgmental nods. The good thing about this place is that people know what it's like to not remember anything, or simply be crazy, so you don't get judged.

"What happens here on Christmas?" Luke asks, taking a sip of water.

"Ms. Woods isn't here today, so there are no appointments with her. Usually we just go back to our normal rotation, but theres a party later on" I tell him, only noticing how boring it sounds when it comes out of my mouth. When you're in a place like this, days like these become a big deal.

"Dinner is always good today" Mikey adds,which I agree with.

"Seems like a lot of fun" Luke blandly tells us.

"Cheer up!" I nudge his arm, "Christmas is fun, and your bad mood won't ruin it"

"Merry Christmas guys" Calum walks up to our table and smiles at us all, "Hate to say it, but Luke and Violet, you have cell's for the next three hours, starting in five minutes, so I'll escort you there"

We nod and stand up to follow Calum, leaving Mikey to go with Rodney, who happens to be his block's guard. I feel a slight sense of pride when I notice the scar on his face, from my attack. We walk with Calum through the halls and back into our cells, where I spot a small box sitting on my bed, with a card laying down next to it. For some reason, I feel suspicious and open it carefully, but quickly realizing it's from Ashton, a smile appears on my lips.

Violet,

I would have gotten you something much nicer, but anything bigger than this would be considered contraband. Hope your Christmas is as amazing as you!

Love,

Ashton

Smiling at his card, I put it down on my bed and my eyes widen when I open the box to reveal a gold necklace, with a small heart covered in diamonds, sparkling even in the dull light. I've never been given something this beautiful before. Picking it up carefully, I move my hair to the side and clasp the necklace together around my neck, letting the sparkling pendant rest right below the center of my collar bones. I stare at the jewelry in awe, not exactly knowing what to do next.

"What's that?" I hear Luke ask. I turn to see him sitting on the floor, legs pushed through like usual.

"A-Ashton got me a Christmas present" I stutter, not exactly sure how Luke will feel about it.

"Nice, it looks good on you" he smiles, but I can tell he's annoyed. "I would've gotten you something, but it probably would've been a homemade card or something" he laughs. "Oh, wait..."

He puts his arm behind his back and pulls out a little dinky card. It's made of construction paper and is covered in sparkles. I laugh out loud.

"Oh my god" I chuckle, as he pushes the card toward me with his foot. I pick it up and open it.

Dear Violet,

I'm terrible at writing letters, but I'll try just for you. You deserve everything you want in the whole world, and I'm sorry that this is all you get. Every since I arrived here, you've been nothing but kind and protective over me, and I'll never be able to repay you... But I will spend the rest of my life trying. Merry Christmas:)

Love,
Luke

My heart flutters reading the card. He really is happy we met, and he really does appreciate the things I do for him.

I wrote him a card as well, but I don't want him to open it just yet. I'm waiting for the party.

"Luke this is amazing, thank you" I smile pushing my foot up against his.

"It's no diamond necklace, but I worked with what I had"

"This is worth a thousand diamond necklaces to me" I tell him, meaning every word. Ashton's gift was astounding, don't get me wrong, but Luke's gift is sentimental and... Perfect.

"So..." He begins, probably wanting to change the subject. He's not really one to talk about mushy stuff all the time. Although, ever since he started taking his pills, he seems far too emotional for me to handle. I guess I'll just have to take him as he comes. "Do we wear our ugly asylum clothes to this party?"

"No, our guards actually take us to the patient's closet to pick outfits. That's where I got the dress from last week" I can't help imagining Luke in khakis and a polo shirt. The thought itself makes me laugh.

"Am I going to end up in some weird fucking khakis and a polo?" He asks, as if he read my mind.

"That's exactly what I just imagined you wearing" I laugh, running a hand through my hair to comb out the knots. "Thank god we get to shower today"

"Yeah, I smell" he comments. "But you smell worse than I do"

"Hey!" I gasp playfully. "I've been here over 5 years longer, I have a right to smell worse"

"Yeah, but I'm a guy" he teases, sticking his tongue out.

"You're such a fucking weirdo" I chuckle, standing up and sitting on my bed. I lay my stomach down on it and prop my head up with my hands. I watch as Luke does the same and we simply stare at each other. "My weirdo" I whisper to myself.