Just Sayin'

Stay out of it

Luke paced the living room of the apartment he shared with Calum and Michael.

"I just don't get how he can be with someone like that. Why has he stayed with him this long?" Luke huffed.

"Luke, you really need to stay out of it." Calum shook his head.

"You don't want to get mixed up in this. Ashton is Jack's. If he thinks for a second you're putting doubt in Ashton's head about their relationship, you'll never see Ashton again. Trust me, I saw it happen with Ashton's friend Liam. Don't go down that road especially cause you'll end up dragging me down with you."

"Doesn't it bother you?" Luke asked in exasperation.

"Of course it bothers me but Ashton's determined to make it work." Calum answered.

"Why?" Luke didn't understand.

"Ashton's dad set them up. Jack's dad is Ashton's dad's boss. Jack is a spoiled brat who gets whatever he wants. He met Ashton at a company party and he wanted him so he got him. Ashton is afraid that if he and Jack don't work out his dad will pay for it. Ashton cares about his dad more than anything. He's all he's got since his mom and two siblings passed away in a car accident five years ago." Calum explained with a sigh.

"Oh my goodness. Poor Ashton." Luke frowned. The guy had been through a lot.

"But I'm serious, Luke, stay out of it." Calum warned.

Luke let out a heavy sigh.

"Fine. I'll stay out of it."

"Thank you." Calum smiled.

-

Luke waited impatiently at a table in the back of the cafe. He watched the door, anxious for the honey haired blonde to walk through.

He checked his phone to see the time. It was ten past eight. Ashton was late. He worried Jack was causing issues.

"I'm sorry, I know I'm late. Had to wait for Jack to leave for the studio. It's easier than telling him I'm meeting a guy I barely know for coffee." Ashton laughed as he sat down.

Luke smiled trying to hide his frown.

"Would Jack not be okay with this?" Luke asked gesturing between the two of them.

"Definitely not. Anyone who isn't Calum is a threat." Ashton shrugged.

"I see." Luke continued to frown.

"Anyway, you wanted to meet up for a reason. Why?" Ashton asked.

"I just wanted to see you." Luke shrugged looking down at his menu.

"W-why?" Ashton asked thrown off guard.

"I don't like getting coffee alone and Cal and Mikey had class today." Luke shifted trying to back track a bit.

"I see. And I'm the first person you thought of to invite?" Ashton asked.

"Of course. You're a cool guy." Luke shrugged as if it was obvious.

Ashton smiled but was unable to respond due to their waiter walking up.

Once their order was taken Ashton looked at Luke.

"You didn't have to wait on me to order ya know."

"Of course I did, otherwise I was getting coffee alone." Luke laughed lightly.

"Well I must say it's nice that you thought of me." Ashton smiled.

Luke opened his mouth to say something when Calum's voice echoes in his mind.

"Stay out of it."

"What's wrong?" Ashton frowned at an obviously concerned Luke.

"Nothing, I'm just glad I met you." Luke lied putting on a smile.

"Me too. I don't have many friends." Ashton said looking down at his hands.

"Because of Jack?" Luke asked before he could stop himself.

"He's just really protective." Ashton said quickly.

"Does it bother you? That he's so...protective." Luke asked cautiously.

"Sometimes." Ashton sighed.

Luke bit his lip.

"I don't want to upset Jack but I really like hanging out with you." Luke said gauging Ashton's reaction.

"He doesn't have to know." Ashton spoke quickly.

"If you were a girl things would be different but you're a good looking guy so he feels threatened. It's not your fault." Ashton sighed.

"So you're going to lie to him?" Luke frowned.

"It's just easier than starting a fight and not being able to see you. Trust me." Ashton insisted.

"Hey, it's your relationship. Do what you want." Luke put his hands up. He secretly liked the fact that Ashton was willing to see him behind Jack's back.

*AN*

Finally another update! I'm so sorry I've been so slack. I promise to get better! Love you!