Its been a few days and Ashton was feeling a lot better. Being in the between and seeing his mother gave him a push to a better life, to become stronger and not let anyone control him anymore.
He spent most of those days in bed but not because he was weak, it was because he had a lot of thinking to do. But the thinking days were over and he was now outside, enjoying the chilly weather and relaxing.
Luke was gone and Ashton had no idea where he went. They barely talked the past few days, Luke could feel the change in Ashton but he couldnt put a finger on it exactly.
Ashton started walking down the street and saying he wasnt afraid was not accurate, but he had more courage now. He thought about Liam a lot and his anger was no longer controling him when he did.
Its not like he forgave him, but he wasnt as angry as much as he was and now talking to Liam seemed like an actuall option.
He kept staying away from the house but he didnt care, the fear no longer controlled him.
"Where are you going?"
Ashton looked back to see Luke, hands in his leather pockets and an eyebrow squirend up.
"A walk."
"Planning to leave?"
"No." Ashton chuckled and when Luke joined him they started walking in sync down the street.
"I feel better."
"I can see."
"Where were you?"
"Somewhere."
"Doing what?" Ashton looked at him.
"Feeding."
Ashton looked staright again and now it was Luke's turn to stare at him.
"So where youre heading?"
"I have no idea." Ashton looked around him again.
"I- actually I'm,"
"What?" Luke stopped walking now.
Ashton seemed hesitated, he was fighting with himself about the words he wanted to let out of his mouth. He didnt know if he really wanted what he was about to ask.
"What?"
"Never mind."
"Tell me." Luke insisted and blocked his way now, not ketting him keep going.
"I changed my mind so it doesnt matter."
"You want to leave?"
"Leave what?"
"My house."
"What? No." Ashton shoke his head.
"Then what it is?" Luke pulled Ashton closer when a few figures passed by them. He brought his lips closer to Ashtons lips, breathing against them and making Ashton smile.
He contected their lips together but only for a short moment, giving him a small pack on the lips.
"You like me?" Ashton now stared at him and the smile was replaced in a smaller one.
"Why do you ask?" Luke placed his palms on his clothed waist and brought him closer again.
"Because I have something to ask." Ashton confessed.
"I dont have to like you in order to agree." Luke teased him.
"But I'll confess, I like you more then you think." Luke leaned and whispered in Ashtons ear, making chills run down his spin.
"So will you come with me?"
"Where to?" Luke pulled away to look at him.
"To the shelve."
"You mean, take you."
"No. I'll find my way there. I'm just offering you to join."
"There isnt much to see there anymore."
"I know. I was there the day it crashed."
"You sure about that?"
"Yes. Maybe there are things I can still save."
"Dont get your hopes up."
****
Luke led the way when they started being closer to the walls. The only thibg that stood standing was the high walls that seperted the hunans from the rest of the creatures, the rest was pretty much ruined. Some houses were lucky enough to only crash down a little but it didnt matter, there was no one left to live in there.
Ashton didnt want to ask how they killed all the humans because he could already imagine the horrible answer. They walked past the huge, heavy gate that Ashton never once saw open, but now it was only half concted to his frame and they easily walked in.
Now it was Ashtons turn to lead, he knew this place better then anyone and he wasted no time in leading the way to the house he used to share with Liam.
Lucky for him, their building was in a good shape and he was able to walk in and climb to his apartment. Luke hesisted and stopped him, he didn't think that broken building can actually hold their weight without having a few pieces crashing in the process.
"You can stay here," Ashton keot going but Luke didnt stay behind, if that building will fall, at least he could get them out of there fast.
Ashton started climbing the stairs, kicking the stones and broken pieces in the process. Luke was right beind him and when with step Ashton took he was more alerted because he was heavier then Ashton and the fact Ashton managed to walk past doesnt mean he can too.
Ashton stepped on a another staur but this one made a noise and he froze. Luke tolled his eyes and sighed at Ashtons stubborness to walk inside despite the risk. He wrapped his arms tight around Ashtons waist and then motioned hiim to keep climbing. Ashton kept climbing but this time in a slower pace. His back was pressed tightly to Lukes back and every step he took, Luke took the exat same one because he could feel how shaky this whole building was.
"Were almost there." Ashton announced as they made their way to the third floor and he shoved the door open.
Beside the broken part, everything looked the same. His heart started beated fasted and Luke didnt have to hold him close in order to know it. He still didnt let go of Ashton because the stairs werent the only thing that seemed like it anout to fall.
Ashton led Luke to his bedroom and found the his bed broken, a huge part of the wall fell on top of it.
"This used to be your house?"
"Yes." Luke then let go of him and he tried going through his stuff a little.
"Its.. barely."
"I was fine it." Ashton shrugged.
"It wont hold us for much longer you know,"
"I know." Ashton kept looking around and Luke watched him closely.
He kneeled and looked under the bed to see if his box maybe survived, but he could already see it smashed on the floor and none of his private things survived.
He will only have his memories from now on.
