Soul's mark (C.A.L.M)

Part 7

Luke had known the boys for a couple months now. They spent a lot of time together and were already the closest they could ever be. Luke hadn't told his mum about his soul-mates yet because he wanted to know them properly first. All the boys did the same with their parents. At least Luke was pretty sure... He had realised that Ashton lived alone, he didn't bring it into conversation but Luke was curious about why. He was only 18 so usually someone would still be with their parents at that age.

Luke was currently in his Biology class and it was the last lesson of the day. Biology was one of the classes Luke did not have with Michael or Calum, they were doing psychology. Luke wanted to do psychology when he first moved schools but that class was full. Luke didn't like biology. A few times they had to dissect organs and stuff which made him feel queasy. He had been laughed at by some classmates when he had to go to the nurse after almost fainting when they were made to dissect a cow's heart. Guts and blood were not his things.

The bell rung ending the day. Luke had to walk home today because Ashton didn't come to school. He usually insisted on dropping all the boys off. Luke didn't actually know why Ashton wasn't at school so he decided to shoot him a text while he walked home.

Luke: Hey Ash. Noticed you weren't at school today????

Luke shut his phone off and continued to walk. If Ashton wasn't well or something he probably wouldn't answer right away. After a couple more minutes Luke arrived at his home, his mum was working late today so he had the place to himself. He quickly put his bag in his room upstairs and then went down to the lounge room, flopping down on the couch and pulling out his phone. He had a notification.

Ash: I'm at home. If you can come over I can explain why. I'm not sick or anything don't worry.

Luke: Okay I'll be there in a bit

Luke was confused by Ashton's vagueness but decided to ignore it. He slid his phone into his pocket before heading out the door and walking to Ashton's house. Ashton only life a couple streets away so it didn't take Luke too long to get there.

Luke knocked on Ashton's front door and heard footsteps before the door opened revealing a dismal looking Ashton.

"Hey Lukey." He greeted. His voice sounded exhausted and he had dark circles under his eyes. He stepped aside so Luke could walk in. Luke entered and Ashton shut the door.

"Ashy are you okay? You look tired." Luke asked, his voice laced with concern. He didn't want Ashton to be sad.

"Yeah, I'm okay Luke," Ashton said pulling Luke into a secure hug. He didn't seem okay.

"So why weren't you at school today?" Luke asked once they pulled apart from their hug.

Ashton sighed a little as they walked over and sat down on his couch. This was going to be hard for him to talk about.

"I wasn't at school because I was packing my suitcase. I'm going to see my Dad for the weekend. I leave tomorrow morning." Ashton explained.

"okay... so why are you sad?"

"I don't really get along well with him. I always favoured my mother when I was younger. She passed away five years ago."

"Ash I'm so sorry." Luke wrapped his arms around Ashton's torso and leant his head into his chest. Ashton continued.

"Every year on the anniversary of when she died I have to go see my dad. I don't really know why seeing as he practically kicked me out when she died. He kicked me out but agreed to pay my finances as long as I stayed out of trouble and away from him. I'm not complaining though, I hate him." Ashton finished.

Luke looked up at him, processing everything he said. He could see the pain that Ashton had hidden previously, it was showing in his eyes now.

"Why is did he kick you out?"

"Because I'm gay. We were a nice happy family before I came out. My mum was supportive but he was disgusted by it. When she wasn't there anymore to defend and support me. That's when he kicked me out."

"I'm so sorry Ash." Luke genuinely meant it.

He understood what Ashton was going through with his father. Luke had the same experience with his. A tear slipped past Ashton's eyes and he looked away quickly wiping it. He didn't like to be emotional in front of people. He liked to be the one caring for others and that's why talking about this was so hard for him.

"Don't worry about it. I only have to see him once a year now, I guess that's the positive of it."

Luke nodded. He wasn't the best at comforting people so he didn't really know what to say.

(Next little bit mentions abuse so don't read it if it might affect you)

"Luke if you don't mind me asking. Since we're on this topic. I noticed you only live with your mum. What happened to your dad?"

Luke wasn't prepared for the conversation to turn to him. He wasn't ready to talk about his dad, he had scarred Luke a lot. Luke probably wouldn't have fallen into a depression if it weren't for him. Luke just frowned, looking down he began playing with his bracelets.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. You don't have to answer that." Ashton spoke immediately after seeing Luke's discomfort.

"No, it's okay. I guess I had a similar thing that you had with your dad. One day I got home from school and found out my dad had found out I was gay from my ex-best friend. H-he got really m-mad and-"Luke had started to cry a little. He wiped his eyes before continuing, Ashton was holding his hand and tracing circles with his thumb in an attempt to comfort him.

"He yelled at me and h-hurt me."

Ashton's hand tensed a little as Luke said that.

"He beat me and t-then left me o-on the ground. I couldn't m-move. When my mum found me she called the police. He never came back and we never heard from him again." Luke cried and Ashton pulled him into his lap.

Luke had been hurt so bad that day that he had to be taken to the hospital, his rib had been fractured. Police officers took pictures of his bruises and questioned him. It was an overall traumatic experience.

(Trigger moment over)

"I promise that I will never let anyone hurt you ever again Luke. The thought of it makes my stomach twist. "

Luke believed him. He never felt safer than he did when he was with Ashton, Michael or Calum. He loved them.

"I love you, Ashton. And I love Mikey and Cally." Luke spoke shyly.

Ashton smiled at Luke, who had tear stains on red cheeks but still managed to look beautiful. Ashton leaned in and connected their lips. They kissed for moments but it felt like hours. Their energy flowed into each other as Luke's hands tangled in Ashton curls. They pulled apart, Ashton rested his forehead on Luke's. Wiping the old tears from Luke's cheeks he looked into his piercing blue eyes.

"I love you too Lukey."

They stayed like that for a while. Holding each other in comfortable silence. They had both become so vulnerable in those moments, it had built a bond of trust within them. With each passing day they grew closer, nothing could break the bond those four soulmates had.