Sex & Sentiments Part Two// Ashton Irwin

Picnics & Playgrounds

Luke is waiting for me in the car park when I finally make it out. Almost everyone else has gone home at this point.

"Hey," He says, as I get in his car, "What kept you?"

"Witty." I tell him.

"Ahh, good old Witty." He says admirably as he begins to drive off in the direction of his house.

"Says you, he loves you, you're like his crowning jewel."

Luke smirks a little, "I think he misses Ashton to be honest."

I almost stop breathing for a second. This is the very first time Luke has mentioned Ashton since the beginning of Summer.

"Why's that?" I try to say calmly.

"I mean, it's not like I suck at football or anything-- but Ashton was always, better, I guess." He tries to shrug it off, but I can tell he feels uncomfortable.

Ever since the Ashton thing, I think Luke always felt second best. He was never the captain of the football team, never quite as good, girls never threw themselves at him.. And I really hurt him when I cheated on him.. with his best friend..

"Please don't feel that way... I hate when you feel like that" I clasp his non driving hand in my own to provide some form of comfort. He kisses my hand and smiles at me.

"I love you." He says.

"I love you too."

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When we get to Luke's estate, he drives straight past his house.

"Ah, Luke, I think we missed your house--" I inform him.

"Where not going there yet," He tells me, with a sly smile.

I cock my eyebrow to him, "Oh?"

"You'll see."

In a few minutes we come to a familiar setting. The very same park Luke brought me to on our first date... Except now there's a playground too.

He pulls over, and we both get out.

"A playground Luke, really?" I tease.

"Laugh all you want, but I'm going to beat you to the swings." He says as he begins running in the direction of the swings.

I run after him, only inches behind him when we make it to the swing set, both panting.

"Damn," He says, "When did you get so fast?"

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me Hemmings." I say as I take a seat on the swing, and he takes the one next to me.

"Is that right?" He cocks his eyebrow at me, reminiscent of the way Ashton used to. But I shake those thoughts quickly.

"Yes." I say smugly.

"Okay Archer," He gets off his swing and comes up behind me, pulling the swing back slightly as he does, before pushing me, "What else don't I know about you?"

"Well," I begin, "I have a weird affinity for guitar players--"

"Nope," Luke interjects, "Already knew that."

"Okay," I smile, "I hate gold fish."

--- "You hate goldfish?" he says confusedly, "and, exactly why do you hate goldfish?"

"I don't really know, I just do." I smile.

"Lucinda Archer, you are a walking mystery.." he jokes, as he continues pushing me.

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After 10 minutes on the swings, Luke gets a blanket and picnic basket from his car. I have a sudden rush of de-ja vu.

"Ham and cheese sandwiches?" I ask, as I take a seat.

"Annnd cupcakes," Luke smiles, holding up one of his mothers home made chocolate cupcakes.

"So," Luke says, "I have a confession to make,"

"Do you remember our first date word for word?" I laugh.. "Okay, what is it?"

"I don't want to have sex at formal-- I know that's what everyone thinks, and expects or whatever... but I don't want to do what everyone else thinks.."

I take a moment. Luke and I had briefly spoken about taking the next step, I had just been avoiding it, ever since my first.. experience.

"Okay--" I say

"Next weekend Michael and Paige are road tripping to Michael's cabin.. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me?"

"Of course," I say quickly, earning a grin from Luke.

I'm not sure if I'm even fully ready for this.. But I love Luke.. and Luke loves me.. so I guess it's the right time... I think.

Luke kisses my cheek, and then moves his lips down my neck sweetly, before attaching his lips to mine.

I had become so used to the way he kisses me, making out had sort of become boring.. But I kissed him back all the same.

He ran his hands down my sides, before coming up for air.

"I love you." He reattaches his lips to mine.

This time I don't say it back.