Give Me Love (Cashton AU)

four

CALUM'S POV

The day at the club is usually slow, but today was slower than other days. On most days we have a few middle-aged men who come in at 3pm to get drunk after their wife kicked them out. Sometimes we get old women who come in groups to grab a martini and chat for a few hours.

But today was completely dead. I nearly fell asleep on the bar a few times. My boss had to slap me upside the head to keep me awake.

Luckily, it's almost time for the most lively time for us; night time. Part of me was excited to just be doing something and making some drinks. But the other part of me was most excited to watch Ashton and his band to perform. Maybe I can actually meet the other members this time.

It got to around 8pm when my boss instructed me to make sure everything behind the bar was stocked full and ready to be served because he had a feeling that tonight was going to be a full house.

And he was right.

At around 9pm, people started flooding in.
Groups of friends just going out for the night, people celebrating their 21st birthdays, brides and their bridesmaids celebrating their bachelorette parties with a few drinks and a dance or two, and of course, man of the hour Ashton Irwin with his band trailing behind him. Luke may be the lead singer, but I can tell that Ash calls the shots.

My eyes followed him as they made their way backstage to get ready for their performance. I shook my head and stayed focused on making a special drink for the newly 21 year old girl sitting at the bar in front of me.

"You're so cute," she said as I poured the bright blue liquid into a glass.

"Thank you," I replied, barely to be heard over the club music playing. I honestly can't wait till Ashton plays, so that we can get some real music up in here.

"Like, really cute," she said placing her hand on my tattooed arm. I pulled back slightly and smiled at her. I may be bisexual, but I tend to lean more towards guys. Not that I don't think girls are attractive, because they are, but I just like a manly body to keep me warm at night. This girl was beautiful, no doubt about that, but I just wasn't interested.

The loud club music finally cut off, signaling that it was time for the band. I watched as a few people walked up towards the stage to get a better view. I secretly wished I could do that instead of being stuck behind this bar. I leaned forward, placing my arms against the counter in an attempt to get closer.

Luke walked out first, taking his place at the center microphone. A guy with pale skin and red hair carrying a bass took the spot to the right of Luke. Another guy with light purple hair and a black electric guitar stood to the left. Ashton came out last, waving at a few girls who screamed for him and sat down behind his drum set. He clicked his sticks together and they started playing a familiar song by Blink-182.
I nodded along to the beat as I swung my towel over my shoulder.

"I miss you, I miss you," I sang along, tapping on the counter with my fingers.

The song ended and Ashton pulled a small microphone to his mouth and spoke.
"Earlier today I got a request to do this song. It's by a band called Green Day," he was interrupted by a few people cheering at the mention. He chuckled and continued speaking, "Anyway, this one goes out the bartender."
My cheeks reddened as people turned to look at me. I gave a timid wave before they turned back to the band.

Luke placed his mouth against the microphone and began singing my favorite song by one of my favorite bands. As the song progressed, my eyes drifted to Ashton as he hit those drums with all of his might. His sweat made the tight black shirt he was wearing look even tighter as it clung to his body. His biceps flexed with each movement. I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered.

He looked really hot.

I sang along to the song, tapping my feet, and lightly hitting the counter.

The set ended, receiving a much better applause than last time. The guys looked very satisfied with themselves and their performance tonight. They walked off the stage and I went back to doing my job.

After a couple of minutes of handing out beers and making mixed drinks, I saw a familiar head of gold curls approaching with others following. I gave a woman her martini and turned my attention to a freshly showered Ashton, beaming at me from across the counter.

"Awesome show, guys! Thanks for playing my request," I said, handing them each a beer.

"Thanks, dude. I'm Michael by the way. I don't think we ever met," the guy with purple hair said, extending his hand for me to shake. I shook his hand and gave a small smile.
"I'm Calum. Nice to meet you." I glanced over to Ashton, noticing a glint of jealously mixed with anger in his eyes. I decided to brush it off for now and maybe ask him later.

I spent the rest of my night talking with the boys. The other two band members were actually very nice. Especially Michael. Ashton was relatively quiet tonight. Whenever I would talk to Michael, I could feel Ashton's stare burning a hole in my head. Was he jealous? Jealous that I didn't talk to him very tonight? Did he just want attention?

"Hey, Ash," I said getting his attention. He turned his head to face me, his hazel eyes boring into my brown ones.

"Yeah?" He said.

"I get off in a few minutes. Do you need a ride? You've had a few drinks." He smiled and nodded.

"Thanks. Michael drove us here and I think he's already left with Luke and Brian."
"Okay. Meet me out the back. I'll be done in five." He nodded downing the last of his beer, standing up, and heading out.

After about five minutes passed and I went out to meet Ash outside. I pulled my flannel over my shoulders since it was a bit chilly out.

I walked out the door to find Ashton sitting on the concrete steps, the usual cigarette between his lips, his phone in his hands as he played Candy Crush. I brushed my leg against his arm and he craned his neck to look up at me. He smiled and stood up, pocketing his phone.

We walked side by side down the sidewalk. I looked down at my feet as Ashton crossed his arms over his chest.
"Are you cold?" I asked.

"A little, but it's fine," he said slightly shivering.

"Okay. We're almost to my car anyway."

We arrived to my vehicle. Ashton quickly slid into the passenger side as I got in the driver side. I turned the heat on as soon as I started the car. Even though I was already pretty warm, I knew Ashton was cold so I turned it on for him. He put his hands against the vent to warm them up, sighing in relief as they warm up.

I pulled at the collar of my shirt when I started to get hot from the blasting heat.

"Are you hot? I'm so sorry, I'm warm now. You can turn it off," Ashton said noticing my discomfort.

"Thanks", I said turning it off.

"So, did you like the set tonight?"

"Loved it. You guys are really good. Your other band mates are really nice. I really like that Michael guy." I noticed Ashton tense up in his seat next to me.

"Michael has his moments," he said in a monotone voice."

"Is he that bad? He seemed pretty nice when I talked to him."

"He seemed pretty nice when he joined the band too. He treats Luke like shit and since Luke is my best friend, I in return get treated like shit."

I didn't know what to say to that. Michael seemed so nice and seemed like a really cool guy. But I guess you never know what goes one behind closed doors.

I pulled into the parking lot of Ashton's apartment complex and turned off the car.
"Do you want  me to walk you in?" I asked, remembering he was still tipsy.

"No thanks. I think I can make it. Have a nice night. I'll text you or something." And with that, he got out of the car and I watched him make his way up the stairs to his apartment.

Just when I was starting to think he was mad at me, my phone dinged signaling that I had a text.

From Ashton:
Thanks for the ride, cupcake. I'll see you tomorrow ;)