Run & Hide {Lashton}

o n e

*Chapter 1*

+Luke+

That laugh.

That fucking laugh.

It filled the air and danced through it, causing my breathing to labor and goose bumps to explode along my bare arms despite the warm breeze. It caused my heart to stutter and then race away at a rapid fire pace, in the blink of an eye. That laugh caused so many things, too many to possibly list. And I hated it. But also kinda loved it. It was a rather bittersweet thing.

"Earth to Luke." I jolted out of my thoughts, when I felt someones hand smack me gently on the cheek. "Wha?" I blinked a couple times, blue meeting hazel, as Ashton leaned back away from me, eyes locked on mine, a smirk playing at his beautiful, full lips. "You majorly spaced out mate, and Michael was asking you a question, so." He trailed off, obviously biting back his giggles, at my still shocked expression. "Doesnt mean you had to slap me." I pouted, crossing my arms like a huffy 6 year old, trying to make him feel guilty.

"Oh come on, it wasn't even a hard hit. One day you're gonna have to grow up Lukey, and stop being such a wimp." A playful tone was twisted within his words, a matching grin spread on his face. His slap obviously hadnt actually bothered me in the least but it was quite enjoyable to banter with him like this. It was one of my favorite things to do with him as a matter of fact, besides cuddling of course.

"Maybe it didnt hurt me physically, but it wounded my feelings." I placed my hand over my heart, and twisted my expression into a pitiful one.

"What can I do to make it up to you, oh great one?" Ashton giggled between his words causing my stomach to explode with butterflies in response to that adorable noise. I placed a finger on my chin, in a mock-thinking pose although I already knew what I wanted. After a few seconds of "thinking", I snapped my fingers. "I've got it!" Ashton nodded at me to continue, so I tapped my cheek. He rolled his eyes playfully, and crawled over across the park grass, placing his lips in a sweet,lingering kiss where I had pointed on my face. It was difficult to keep my blush at bay.. Leaning back, he whispered "Am I forgiven?" To which I responded, "Well, duh!" Grinning he returned back to his spot between Calum and Michael, who had been apparently watching us with bored looks painted on their faces.

"Are you idiots quite finished?" Mikey sighed, "We have to finish planning this triple date, or even quadruple if Luke says yeah." He turned to face me with a pleading and expectant look. Ugh, I was hoping he had forgotten about the topic that we had been previously discussing before I zoned out on them. "I dunno, Mike. You know Im not really looking for a girlfriend." My heart yearned to tell them the reason why I wasnt, that I was gay, gay for one of my best friends, and band members. Of course though, I kept my mouth shut, guarding my secret. "Please Luke? Maddie, Ali, and Georgia aren't gonna come unless you say yes to taking Bethany. They're not just gonna leave her the odd one out, and home alone tomorrow night. I guess it's some kind of girl code or whatever, I dont know. Just please, for us? You wont even have to talk to Beth after the date, if you dont want to. Its just one night."

Yeah, one night of seeing the guy I loved on a date with someone else who wasnt me. A girl, to top it all off. Not only that, but I had to go out with a girl I was no way interested in.

The reality of the situation hit me like a freaking hammer and I felt sick to my stomach. But, the begging looks that Cal and Mike kept throwing at me...how could I say no to them? Ashton was looking at me as well, but with an unreadable expression. Oh, the things I would do to find out what he was thinking about.

"Fine, one night. I can handle that." Michael tackled me in a hug chanting, "thank you, thank you, thank you." And Calum looked like he just might piss himself with excitement. Mike sat back down, and began to rattle off info about the date, but I blocked him out, not really giving two shits. My gaze found its way back to the curly haired drummer across from me, and settled there. He was watching Michael, with an mysterious, odd smile that didnt quite meet his eyes. He was faking being happy. Against my will, worry began to pulse through my body. Was he okay? Why wasnt he speaking up about whatever was troubling him?

... I must have lost track of time annalyzing Ashton, because next thing I knew, Calum was saying we were stopping for ice cream on the way back, and Michael was done talking.

I rose to my feet, along with the other three, shaking my head in an attempt to scatter away my confused thoughts. I hoped the boys hadnt noticed that I had been zoning again, it always frustrated them, which caused me to feel bad. Ashton fell into step beside me on the walk across the park, so I kept my eyes on Mike and Cal in front of us.

"You okay? You've been awfully quiet." The drummer commented finally,causing me to turn my head toward him. "Uhm, yeah. Just tired and stuff..?" What was supposed to be a statement came out as a question, and I mentally face palmed myself. Stupid, stupid, stupid. There's no way he's gonna believe that load of crap. And what would you know? I must be psychic. "Yeah, ok." He snorted sarcastically. My face turned a more unflattering, embarrassed shade of red with every passing second.

"Are you sick or something Luke? You look pretty flushed." He pressed, eyes never leaving my face. "You know what? Now that you mention it, I am not feeling too good. I think I'll pass on icecream and just head back to the hotel and take a nap, or something."I replied. It was a coward's way out, but I didn't care. I just needed to get away from him so I could relax.

Ashtons face morphed into even more concern, which I hadnt thought could be possible.

"I'll walk back with you then, wouldnt want you passing out on the way there." My eyes widened from his proposition and I practically screamed my disagreement. Hurt flashed across his face for a split second, before he composed himself and as soon as it had been there, it was gone. Aw, hell. Now I'd hurt his feelings.

But its not like I could explain why I didnt want him to go with me. I couldnt explain that he was the reason I was acting and feeling odd. It wouldnt make sense to him, and he'd hate me for it. "I meant, uh. It's only 3 blocks. I can make it that far. You go enjoy your ice cream with the guys." He looked hesitant at my reply, to which I groaned inwardly. "Go on, off you get. Go have fun." I felt myself smiling, which I couldnt help. He was too adorable for his own good. I stepped forward and gave him a gentle push toward the small ice cream parlor where Calum and Michael waited by the entrance, impatiently. He chuckled, "Okay, okay. Just, call me if you need anything."

I ignored the butterflies going ape shit in my stomach and rolled my eyes playfully, "Aye, aye captain." I even threw in a little sarcastic salute, before turning away. I had to fight the urge to look back the whole way out of the park.

Once out on the city sidewalk, my whole body melted with relief. At least I was safe from doing anything stupid around him for the next hour or two. I weaved through the people, the harsh afternoon sun beating down on my head, actually making me start to feel a tad ill. I just needed a nice rest, that would get me back in order. Well, hopefully.

The way back to the hotel was uneventful, thank God. I smiled at the door man, and dragged my feet inside to the lift, mind clouding with fatigue. The cool air conditioning felt so very pleasant, and I was never more thankful for something in my life.

I've always hated elevator rides, I thought to myself as I got inside, they were so awkward. This one was no different, if anything it was worse. The lady across in the opposite corner, stared at me literally the whole time. A business man chatted on his phone way louder than necessary, disrupting any peace or quiet. And as the icing on the cake, a girl kept shooting me glances while giggling and blushing obnoxiously, obviously trying to flirt with me. I was flattered but slightly turned off. Not in a rude way, but were all girls this "up in your face"? What happened to being sweet and subtle while trying to catch someone's attention?

Damn.

With a "ding!" The lift doors glided open revealing level 4, our floor, and I made my way down the hall to 607, digging out my room key to unlock it. Thank fuck the previous, most uncomfortable 3 minutes of my life had passed. Note to self: Take the stairs next time. I kicked off my Van's, and closed the door behind me, grabbing an apple from the counter on the way to Calum and I's shared bedroom. I then stripped to my boxers, and crawled into bed, curling myself in the cool blankets. I honestly tried to keep my mind busy with thoughts of tonights show, and tomorrow's (dreaded) quadruple date as I finished off my snack, but of course, images of Ashton found a loophole, and consumed my mind as I drifted off to sleep.

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So yes hai and welcome to my new fic ^-^ sorry for how short this was, if I continue this story, the chapters will get longer, but yeah. Feedback is always appreciated and all that jazz. Hope you enjoyed it :)