Loving Ash [a.i.] {Original Version}

Chapter Two: Are you blushing?

**WARNING: ONLY SEMI-EDITED**

Two: Are you blushing?

[ashley]

The tension in the room made my head hurt as Luke stood up and walked to the door. I kept my eyes focused on the patch of carpet in front of me, avoiding meeting anyone's gaze. I could feel someone's eyes on me , but I wasn't sure whose they were. I swallowed, pushing my hair behind my ear.

This was so awkward. I didn't want to deal with this. I couldn't deal with this. After all, Lance had broken up with me barely three days ago. It wasn't fair to myself or Luke. Luke. He liked me. My cheeks flooded with color again as I lifted my head. Michael and Luke were just turning the corner of the door, heading down the staircase.

Ashton stood next to the door, his eyes on the carpet. I bit my lip as I studied him. His shoulders were slouched, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. I felt guilty, but I didn't really have a reason to. Ashton and I hated each other. Why should I feel guilty about that moment with Luke?

Because you like Ashton, my conscience replied.

No, no, no. I got over my crush years ago. All I felt for Ashton was a strong disliking. I lifted my eyes to his face, studying every detail. His jaw was clenched, his nostrils flaring slightly and his eyes glaring down at my poor carpet. He was angry.

"Ash," his eyes snapped to mine when I said his name. They softened slightly, but he looked away quickly.

"You should wake Calum," he muttered, his eyes landing on the boy sleeping on my bed. "He won't sleep tonight if you don't."

I nodded slowly, still staring up at him. He looked down at me, his green eyes full of anger and sadness. I felt so confused. Why was he so angry? He sighed, rubbing a hand across his face and into his hair.

"I'll see you downstairs, Ashley," he murmured, turning his back to me. I watched him walk out of the room and out of sight. Hearing the stairs creak as he went down, I fell back to the floor. Staring up at the ceiling, I tried to think straight.

My heart hurt from Lance's recent dumping and the surprise visit from my brother and his best friends. I hadn't seen the boys in a while. Months had passed since their last visit, and then I had only seen Calum. I sighed, closing my eyes.

"Cal," I called out, still laying on the ground. When no answer came, I sat up. Peeking over the edge of my bed, my face came level with his. I let out a slow breath, purposely fanning it over his sleeping face. He didn't even flinch. I crawled closer to the bed and placed my hands on the blanket. He looks so peaceful when he sleeps. It's adorable! "Calum."

His head twitched a little bit, but other than that he didn't move. I poked his cheek a couple times, causing him to swat at my hand. I decided to kick it up a notch and ruffled his hair and shook at his shoulders. I giggled at the fact that he was still asleep. Man this kid could sleep through anything.

"Calum Hood," I called louder than was probably necessary, but he still didn't move an inch. "Calum, there's pizza..."

Still nothing.

"Calum, Will Smith is downstairs."

Nadda.

"Cal," I whisper, bending close to his ear. I leaned close to his cheek, brushing my tongue along his skin. He shot up quickly, a girlish squeal coming from his parted lips as he wiped at his face.

"Ew! Ashley!" The look of absolute disgust put a smile back on my face, almost making me forget about what had just happened. "That's so gross! You are so disgusting. Please tell me you don't lick people often."