Just Sayin'

Explain

Jack opened the box to reveal a silver band.

The room was silent.

Alex looked between Jack and Luke.

Luke looked hurt but remained silent.

Ashton felt himself grow angry. Who did Jack think he was?

"Are you serious right now?" Ashton scoffed.

Jack dropped his head. He'd expected that response from Ashton.

"You can't just walk in here and propose to Alex in front of his boyfriend and your ex that you cheated on with Alex. Could you be any more of an ass?" Ashton was shouting.

"You think I wanted to do it this way? Trust me I'd much rather he and I be on some romantic get away but here we are. I can't even be alone with Alex." Jack snapped.

"Maybe because you two can't be trusted together." Ashton was beyond pissed. He saw the pain in Luke's eyes.

"He doesn't love Luke. He just needed a distraction from me because we couldn't be together, but now there is nothing stopping us."

Ashton turned to Alex.

"Is that true?"

"No. I love Luke I truly do but..." Alex trailed off before looking at Luke.

"But you love him more." Luke finished in a sad tone.

Alex nodded, ashamed.

"Get out, both of you." Ashton growled.

"Wait, let me explain." Alex spoke hurriedly.

"Explain? Explain what? There's nothing to Explain. You love Jack more." Luke snapped.

"Luke, please, you have to know, I love you so much. Jack and I just-"

"I get it. I don't want to hear anymore." Luke interrupted.

"Luke-"

"Out." Luke ordered.

Alex hung his head as he and Jack walked out.

As soon as the door closed Luke dropped to his knees allowing the tears to spill over.

Ashton knelt at Luke's side pulling him close.

"I'm so sorry, Luke." Ashton whispered as he rubbed Luke's back comfortingly.

"This is your fault!" Luke shouted pulling away from Ashton.

Ashton sat stunned.

"If you would have just broken up with Jack to begin with I never would have dated Alex." Luke cried.

"You're right. I'm sorry." Ashton agreed sadly as he stood up.

"I wish I could take it back. I wish I could have loved you then. But I was stupid, I was so desperate for Jack to love me that I hurt you and I'm so sorry." Ashton's tone was hurt.

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault. I just wanted someone to blame. That wasn't fair, I'm sorry." Luke sighed.

"No, it is my fault. I made you date Alex with the promise that I'd break up with Jack." Ashton shook his head.

"And when you finally did...I'd already given up on you." Luke bowed his head in shame.

"You wouldn't have if I'd just given up on Jack earlier." Ashton spoke his voice barely above a whisper.

"I need some air." Luke said suddenly pushing past Ashton and going for the door.

"Luke, wait." Ashton said causing Luke to turn to Ashton.

"I-" Ashton cut himself off.

"Nevermind." Ashton shook his head.

Luke turned and walked out leaving Ashton feeling sick.

-

"I'm worried about him. He was so devastated. Then we fought and then he just left. That was three hours ago." Ashton paced the living room. Calum and Michael sat on the couch watching Ashton pace.

"He probably wanted to be alone." Michael shrugged.

"Weren't you avoiding him? Why were you even here?" Calum asked raising a brow at Ashton.

"I was but Michael quit telling me Luke's whereabouts so they showed up while I was still here."

Before Calum could respond the door opened and in stumbled Luke.

"Luke, thank God you're okay. I've been worried sick and you wouldn't answer your phone. Where have you been?" Ashton rushed to Luke's side.

"Here and there." Luke slurred.

"Are you drunk?" Ashton asked shocked. Luke rarely got drunk.

"I'm not drunk, you are." Luke snickered.

"He's not just drunk he's obliterated." Michael frowned going to help Ashton with a stumbly Luke.

"How much did you have tonight?" Michael demanded.

"Not enough. I don't think there's enough alcohol in the world that can dissolve the pain in my chest." Luke laughed drunkenly.

Ashton frowned sadly. He hated hearing Luke talk like that.

"Ashton told us what happened. I'm so sorry. " Michael hugged Luke.

Luke gripped Michael tightly.

"I never want to love anyone again." Luke spoke sadly.

Michael's eyes immediately met Ashton's.

Ashton felt the effect of Luke's words sear through him. He bit his lip to hold back tears. He hated seeing Luke so broken.

*AN*
Updated! I decided to extend the book a bit longer. 😊 love you!