not yours † lashton ✓

thirty-three

this picture of lashton is everything to me. don't speak to me lol^
i feel like luke since i'm ice skating, but once again, struggling like ashton
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It was towards the end of when Ashton can leave from the hospital. For the first time in his life, he is lost and has nowhere to go. He doesn't know if he wants to go back to his home, knowing it will trigger his memory from a few nights ago, and not having his father in sight. The man is currently in jail for domestic violence/child abuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs, who knows when he'll be let out. But Ashton hopes he'll never be released from jail and never see him again.

He's actually scared of leaving the hospital because of that reason. He has no one, he has no home.

"You can live with us, Ash."Calum offers the following day, while sitting on the chair next to the hospital bed.

"R–Really?"

"Well, it is too late to decline the offer since my parents already put themselves as your guardian."he adds while scratching the back of his neck.

All of this was overwhelming for the dirty blonde as he went to hug his best friend as a couple tears fell from his eyes. He was scared of being alone and felt secure knowing he has a home. Plus, Calum's parents are like Ashton's parents he never had. All his life, his mother was always gone—only to assume that she left for good, as his father basically neglected him and had alcohol as his priority rather than taking care of his son.

Calum knew not to let go, knowing Ashton needed a hug. He is sad since he knew that the smaller teen had a rough life and never had a happy home life. He knew that Ashton is fragile and there were many times that he broke down in front of him.

Now that Ashton is going to live with him, he's promising himself that Ashton will have a better home life. Since they are now brothers (as if they weren't before, figuratively), it's in his honour to protect him at all cost—as if he didn't already.

"Thank you so much, Cal."Ashton whispers as he wipes away his own tears. Not letting go of his best friend since he wasn't ready to let go just yet.

"You don't have to thank me. I'm your best friend and it's my nature to make sure you are safe and secure. I know you didn't have a spectacular life, but all I ever wanted is for you to have a safe home to live in."

The dirty blonde let out a sigh before responding, "I know you kept telling me before that I should leave my father and I kept changing the subject. But I'm so glad that I'm leaving and living with you."

Then there was a knock on the door as they both look to see it was the doctor.

"It seems like your injuries are healing, but be careful when you are doing physical activities, you don't want to hurt your injuries. Stay away from sports until you are completely healed. But, Mr. and Mrs. Hood is here to pick you up, as they are now your legal guardians."

Calum helped carry the necessities for Ashton as they both walked out of the room and was met with Calum's parents in the waiting room.

Joy walk up to Ashton and carefully hug him. He gladly accept the hug and copied her action. For the first time in his life, he actually felt loved by a family member. He never had anyone hug him, accept for Calum, but that was rare. This is the first time he ever felt at home.

But, this homey feeling is different than what Luke provides. Luke provide a homey feeling that made Ashton at ease. It's like coming home after being away from college that you go that's in a different place and you are welcomed to your parents hugging you and your mother made your all time favourite meal. Or coming home after a long, stressful day and your other half starts cuddling you, knowing that you had a terrible day.