Strings Attached (lashton, editing)

Four.

"If I get him back this weekend and he's tired out of his mind then we're having a serious look at how much time you get with him, Mike. You can't keep him up all night, it isn't good for him," Luke was standing at the door of the man he had once loved with his whole being and the father of his child. Again, Luke hated handing his son off to his ex-boyfriend every other Sunday. He hated the way Michael would completely disregard everything Luke told him and allow the young boy to stay up all night long, playing video games, eating all the junk food in the world and getting barely a wink of sleep. Luke hated it.

"He's fine Luke, I think he gets more than enough sleep when he's with you. That makes up for my irresponsible parenting, don't ya think?" Michael was bored, he just wanted to take his son so Luke would go.

"No, Michael. And don't have your rowdy friends over while he's here either. All they do is smoke and drink, don't think he doesn't tell me about these things. That isn't good for him either," Luke felt as though he was constantly telling Michael the same things, over and over, but the older man never seemed to understand. Luke just wanted him to grow up and act like an adult. He hated nagging all the time. 

"The guys love Tim, they can come and go as they please. Tim isn't smoking or drinking so relax Luke. And if I'm not allowed friends then you can't have your little buddy around, you say I can't do the whole bringing strangers home when Tim's around so don't you think you should do the same?" Michael crossed his arms across his chest, almost challenging Luke. "You're a hypocrite, Luke."

"That was one time Michael, you know I never do that kind of thing. Unlike you," Luke knew he had to go soon, but if arguing with Michael allowed for him to hold his boy just a few minutes longer; then he'd take it. He hated parting with Tim, he has nothing to do. "I have to go, just please Michael, give him proper food and sleep."

Putting Tim back to the ground, Luke crouched down to give him a hug and kiss to the forehead, saying the usual I love you and I'll miss you. Luke stood back up, giving Michael one more firm look before turning back to his car and driving away.

Luke was lonely when Tim was at his other fathers.

-

Hating the silence of his apartment, Luke decided to go to a diner in the town so he did't feel so alone. He knew he could always call Calum, but knew that would result in going and getting drunk. Something Luke didn't like, nor want, to do.

He also hated annoying others to hang out with him. He didn't want to seem like more of a nag than he was with Michael. Over the past few years Luke had found himself talking to his friends less and less, rather spending time with himself. Even Calum struggled to get him to just talk sometimes. 

Luke had almost hoped that the boy from the other week would show up sometime, but he'd had no such luck. He thought that boy was cute.

Choosing to walk into town rather than drive, Luke pulls his coat tightly around his body as he shivers in the cold.

He's always hated the cold.

Walking into the diner, Luke takes a seat at a table in the corner not even bothering to look at the menu. Always knowing what he wants and ordering the same thing.

"What can I get for ya?" Luke looks up to see a familiar honey haired boy standing in front of him, this time adorned in an orange apron. "Luke! Hi! Where's Tim?"

"Ashton, hey. Tim is at his fathers this weekend," Luke smiled, placing his menu down. "How are you?"

"Good, I've been busy. School is busy," Ashton smiled back, "This is awkward, but I almost came by your apartment this week."

"I wouldn't have minded."

"Really? Maybe I'll come for a visit later tonight then," Ashton smiled, surprised the older man wanted his company. "I finish in an hour."

"I can wait if you want. I'm a slow eater anyway," Luke gushed, he hadn't had anyone new in his life for a while. Someone new excited him.

"Alright, I'll get ya something good and be back soon."

"Actually, no I-" Luke started. 

"Trust me, a house special. Just for you, blondie," Ashton smirked again, his confidence building up. There was something about the older man that made him want to please. He wanted to impress. "I'll be back soon."

--

Another update. It's been a long time. 

Leave a comment if you want it. 

Thoughts on Luke and Michaels interaction?

Luke and Ashton? Ashton planning on going back with Luke?

This one is short, bit of a filler. We get more Lashton in the next one!

Vote or follow me if you enjoyed this! I really appreciate it! 

- Grace