Somewhere in Neverland (Lashton)

Ch. 8: Don't You Ever Forget About Me

"Don't you ever forget about me

When you toss and turn in your sleep

I hope it's because you can't stop thinking about

The reasons why you close your eyes

I haunt your dreams at night

So you can't stop thinking about me

Don't stop thinking about me"

- Sleeping with Sirens

For the first time in weeks, Luke was forced to have dinner with his family. Normally, his parents would arrive home so late that he would make his own dinner or order in. It wasn't like he had a amazing relationship with his parents where he told them everything. In fact, he barely ever told them stuff about his personal life, it was all talk of school and grades. His brothers were at the table too, eating in silence. And it wasn't a comfortable silence.

"How's school been going, Luke?" his dad asked. The way he asked was as if he really didn't care about the answer.

"Good." Luke wished he could have the relationship with his dad and mom that most kids were lucky enough to have. He wanted to be able to come to them about stuff and get advice from them but they couldn't care less, always at work. He was closer to his brothers than his parents.

Meanwhile, Ashton too was having dinner with his family. He didn't see his mom much since she was always at work but his dad was always around. But their relationship wasn't like most father-son relationships. All his dad cared about was how football was going, and what colleges were offering him scholarships. He would always watch over him, making sure that he practiced and worked out everyday. He cared more about his son's football career rather than his own son. He talked to his dad about his personal life sometimes but they never went too deep on the subject. After dinner, Ashton went to the workout room where his dad joined him. He coached him along as he did pushups and situps. Ashton stopped for a water break, taking a seat on the cold floor.

"So, school been going good?"

"Yeah, really good."

"Are you and Katie still together?" he asked. His dad had met Katie and he liked her a lot. It reminded him of what he was doing to her and the undying guilt in his chest.

"Yeah." But they weren't really 'together'. They hadn't had sex since before homecoming and they rarely went on dates, whenever she would ask if he could go out he would come up with some random excuse. The only reason that he was with her was for his reputation, so people wouldn't start questioning him.

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Ashton and Luke were in the hallway talking endlessly as they placed their bags in their lockers. There was still ten minutes before school started. Luke closed his locker and smiled at Ashton.

"What about we go on a date after practice today?" Luke asked the boy. He smiled wide, showing all of his teeth.

"I would love that." A squeaky voice called out Ashton's name and Katie was placing herself in between the two friends.

"We haven't seen each other in so long, Ash. We need to go on a date soon." But they had seen each other, they just hadn't had a full on conversation in weeks.

"Yeah, sure." His voice sounded un-enthusiastic and Katie noticed it. But she pushed it to the back of her head because she loved Ashton and thought he loved her too. Katie kissed Ashton goodbye on the lips but Ashton didn't even kiss back. He didn't even try, he kept his eyes open, looking at Luke.

"I hate lying to her."

"Then maybe you should tell her." They began walking to class.

"Are you crazy, Luke? She would tell the whole school and we can't have her exposing us." Luke didn't like hiding and he wanted to say something about it but they had just made up. And he hated, absolutely hated fighting with Ashton. It felt like someone was preventing him from breathing when he and Ashton weren't on good terms. It felt like he couldn't breath nor live without being on good terms with him. So, Luke kept his mouth shut and walked to class without a word.

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Luke waited for Ashton as he finished his shower after practice. Michael and Calum grabbed their bags and made their way out of the locker room.

"See ya tomorrow, Luke." Ashton walked out of the shower fully dressed and ready to go. They walked to the football field with casual talk filling the air. They reached Luke's car and drove to wherever their destination was. The Sleeping with Sirens album was playing in the stereo lowly. Luke had one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding Ashton's hand. Ashton soon realized where they were going. It was the only pace they ever go on dates but then again, it was the only place they could go on dates. And neither of them minded that, sure they would of preferred to be able to go out for dinner or the beach but this forest was paradise to them. They got out of the car and Luke went to the trunk to grab something. He pulled out a guitar from the back.

"Are you going to serenade me because that would be really cheesy," Ashton said with a smile. Luke slung the guitar strap around his neck.

"But you love the cheese." Luke pulled his most serious face and they both broke out in laughter. They nearly skipped through the forest with happiness displayed all over their faces. They arrived at the tree house and climbed up it. Luke placed the guitar on his lap once settled. They smiled at each other, smiling so wide their faces hurt. Music had always bought them together. It was the one constant in their lives. While everything else about them changed as they grew older, their love and taste of music never changed.

"I figured we could have a jam session, just sing random songs that we love."

"Sounds perfect."

They played every song they could ever think of and knew the lyrics to. They started out really serious, singing songs they loved by bands they cherished like Mayday Parade, All Time Low, and Sleeping with Sirens. And then they just started singing whatever came to their minds. They sang the Spongebob Squarepants theme song along with Barbie Girl and Barney. Their laughter and smiles and happiness was endless. They were able to forget about all of the problems going on in their lives and just have fun. They lost track of time and were up there for hours. And Luke couldn't help but think that if he were to get stuck up here with Ashton for the rest of his life, he wouldn't mind.