Catch 22

We're dating

Ashton took deep breaths as he and Luke neared the school.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Luke asked looking at Ashton who looked like he might be sick.

"Yes." Ashton nodded in determination tightening his grip on Luke's hand.

"Can we maybe just go kind of slow with it?" Ashton asked.

"Of course." Luke pulled his hand away from Ashton.

"What are you doing?" Ashton asked panic covering his face.

"Taking it slow. Come on." Luke chuckled a bit as he and Ashton reached the school. They had decided to walk so Ashton could have some time to get used to the idea.

"What happens when we run into Liam?" Ashton asked.

Luke looked over at the once hard ass. Now Ashton was practically trembling in his shoes.

"Zayn's gonna handle Liam." Luke reassured Ashton. Ashton only nodded.

"Luke!" Michael's voice rang from beside Luke.

"Hey Michael." Luke smiled at the red head.

"Oh, hey....Ashton." Michael said narrowing his eyes.

"Oh perfect just the people I was looking for." Calum spoke with a smile as he walked up.

"Hey, baby." Michael said giving Calum a kiss.

"So you two are talking again." Calum commented.

"Yeah, we're dating." Ashton said his tone sounding unsure.

Luke nudged Ashton.

"Slow." Luke chuckled.

"What about..." Calum trailed off while looking at Ashton.

"It's a long story." Ashton shrugged.

"Why don't you catch them up while I go talk to Zayn." Luke said putting his hand on Ashton's arm affectionately.

"Okay." Ashton nodded. He seemed unsure of whether to lean in for a kiss or a hug or to not move. Luke only winked before walking away.

"Does he know?" Calum asked in a whisper.

"Know what? I want to know." Michael pouted.

"Alright, I'll catch you up, come on." Ashton gestured for them to follow him down the hall.

Luke watched as Ashton disappeared down the hall before hurrying towards the front of the building.

"Luke, I wasn't sure you were going to make it." Zayn smiled at the blonde.

"Just had to calm Ashton down a bit. He's a wreck. It's cute." Luke grinned.

"I can't believe he's going through with it. I expected him to back out." Zayn said surprised.

"Me too." Luke agreed.

"Hey you two." Liam's voice rang out. Luke checked his phone. Right on time. Zayn knew Liam's schedule better than anyone. He always got to school ten minutes before the first bell.

"Hey." Zayn responded simply.

"Hey, beautiful." Liam winked at Luke.

"Seriously, you have the nerve to call me that?" Luke felt his blood boil.

"Luke, calm down." Zayn said in a low tone.

"What, I can't call you beautiful?" Liam asked as if he was offended.