Paint Stain <Lashton>

XV

In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act. ~George Orwell

A/N; That's kind of how I imagined Kodi by the way. Also I only realized today that Kody was another one of my characters but he was a guy and he was awful whoops.

Luke's POV

I followed Lucas outside and he shook his head slowly. "Luke, you really don't understand a whole lot, now do you?"

"Excuse you?" I cocked an eyebrow at the boy.

"You have to understand that you don't belong here," Lucas said. "Remember? You don't like the fine arts, and you could live without them. You don't understand us, how do you intend to interact with us if you have no idea what kind of world we live in?"

I said nothing for a long time before answering. "I just want.."

"Just want what?" Lucas pressed. "What is it?"

"I just wanted to feel like I belonged somewhere." I said as I sat down on the steps. "Trust me, I used to believe in all of the things you all do. I just.. It wasn't allowed in my household. I was born to someone who ruled in the business world. It was the same world that was my fate." I took a deep breath as Lucas sat down beside me. "I wanted to be like the rest of you."

"You think you could possibly turn that around now?" Lucas asked. "This is something that we have all been involved in, for our entire lives. You think you can show up now and just take your place? We worked for this, what makes you think you deserve it?"

"I don't. But you're all so.. Spontaneous and wonderful in such a different way." I sighed. "And all I have is money in my pockets and power. I would rather have some artistic talent than this any day. I didn't even get to go to college, I went straight into the world of business without even needing a degree. I never had any friends or anything besides my expensive belongings."

"That's all you're going to have." Lucas said. "Because as sad as it is, you must understand that you will never have a place here."

"Trust me," I let out a sigh. "I understand that entirely. I don't see why I keep trying."

"It's okay to admit you're doing something foolish." Lucas patted my back. "I know it's hard to - for once - know this is just something you can't have."

"Right.." I muttered. "Why are you talking to me about this?"

"Before you get too wrapped up in a fantasy." Lucas chuckled. "I see how close you and Ashton are getting. It's a little too close for comfort, don't you think?"

"I-I don't.."

"Your place is not beside that boy, you belong in an office with golddiggers. A glass of expensive liquor in one hand, and a business report in the other. People should be under you, as it has been. You've always been above others, so why throw all that away for something that isn't even real?" Lucas asked. "Just think about it, Luke. You don't belong here, you have to understand that, as hard as it is. You must be knowledgeable enough to see that, hm?" I nodded my head slowly. "Good. So, just go in there, and tell Ashton you have to leave and do just that." Lucas turned my head to him, so I could see the bright color of his eyes. "Just remember, don't come back here. It's for the best, Luke."

I nodded my head and stood up off the steps, when I went to open the door, it swung open and Kodi was standing there. "Am I interrupting something?" She asked.

"No, I was just trying to help our dear Luke." Lucas laughed lightly. "Right Luke?" I nodded my head slowly. Lucas stood up and walked inside the house and Kodi let out a sigh and shook her head.