"Someone is knocking." Ashton shouted but no reply sounded from upstairs, where Luke was.
"Luke." Ashton called again but Luke still didn't reply. He knew who was at the door and he knew Liam wanted to talk with Ashton so he didn't reply, making Ashton sigh and walk to the door to open it by himself. He peeked into the small hole and took in a deep breath befor opening the door and facing Liam.
"What are doing here?"
"I came to talk to you, its important."
"I thought we agreed that the next time-"
"Has to come from you, I know."
"So why can't you keep your word?"
"I need to talk to you." Liam took a step closer to him.
"Liam." Ashton sighed.
"I don't know if you heard about the rumors but-"
"I did but they also said they don't know for sure."
"They have the best creatures. They will get to us in the end."
"Then you should probably stay low."
"And so are you. Being here is not staying low, Ashton."
"I can take you to my hiding place, they won't find us there." Liam spoke again
"I don't know." Ashton muttered.
Liam walked closer and frowned when he noticed the rash around Ashton's mouth.
"Is that a rash?" He pointed to Ashton's mouth.
"Uhh.."
"Its not a rash." Luke spoke. None of them noticed him stepping standing on the top of the staircase. He stood with his hands crossed on his chest but when Liam looked beyond Ashton to look at him, he rubbed his stubble. Letting Liam know excatly from where the 'rash' came from.
He looked back to Ashton and swallowed his anger. He didn't knew if Ashton wanted it or if he forced it on him. He pursed his lips and knew that now, he has to convince Ashton to go with him.
"You're not safe here. I have a shelter under ground-"
"Liam."
"Luke can't protect you."
"I can protect myself."
"You don't know how to control your powers. That's another thing I can help you with."
"I'm sorry but I'm not going with you."
"We're still brothers Ashton."
"I didn't forgive you Liam."
It was silent for a few moments and Liam knew what he was about to say was a hard thing and that it might anger Ashton but he needed to try everything he got.
"I promised your parents I'll keep you safe and alive."
Ashton felt the strong pinch in his heart and he swallowed hard, looking aside and taking a step back.
"You should leave now." Ashton mumbled and refused to meet his eyes.
"I know you despite me right now-"
"I hate you. And you keep reminding my parents all the time. You keep reminding me why I hate you." Ashton's voice was laced with anger but he didn't raise his voice. He felt his body turns warmer so he took a deep breath and looked at Liam.
"Just leave me alone."
"Ashton."
"Why do you keep fighting? You didn't fight when you left me in the woods, you didn't fight for my family so what's the rush now?" Ashton spat and the warmth vibrated from his body, both Liam and Luke could feel it.
"People make mistakes-"
"And who said mistakes deserve forgiveness?"
Luke was speechless, same as Liam. Ashton was still driven by his anger and grief and there was no way he will forgive Liam anytime soon.
Liam left and Ashton walked upstairs, passing by Luke without saying a word to him.
Luke followed upstairs and walked into the room right after Ashton.
"Leave me alone Luke."
"You're angry at me too?" Luke's eyebrows rose in shock.
"Yes!"
"What did I do?"
"You told him. I'm not stupid."
"Told him what?" Luke pretended innocent.
"When you told Liam its not a rash. Now he probably knows because it came from you."
"But its not a rash."
"I know that."
"And all I did was point it out loud."
"You know what you meant."
Luke smiled and Ashton rolled his eyes while sitting on the door seat and staring outside. He was warming up and no matter how much he much effort he give in it, he couldn't bring himself to calm down.
"Its no big deal Ashton." Luke leaned on the wall.
"I'm tired." Ashton didn't even bothered looking at him.
"Why do you have to be such a drama queen?"
"No one asked you to keep me alive." Ashton muttered back.
The room was silent and they both seem to sink into their thoughts. Ashton knew his anger isn't thriwn on the right person. He was mostly angry at Liam and he shouldn't have take it out at Luke.
"Do you still wish to die, Ashton?"
Ashton closed his eyes and after a few moments turned his head to look at Luke, shaking his head.
"Not even sometimes?"
"Sometimes yes. But not like it was at first."
"What changed?
"I guess time does his work. My dad always told me that time is the best cure."
"Smart man."
"I know." Ashton smiled and turned back to look at the window.
