Unpredictable (A Lashton Fanfic)

Chapter Thirteen - Realizations.

"So," Austin was saying later that night. The concert had just ended, and currently they were sitting on their tour bus outside of the arena. "Where's our next show? Does anyone know?"

Calum pulled out his phone, squinting to see the bright screen in the darkness. "Let's see...our next show is in Daytona Beach, Florida. That ought to be fun. And, according to this text message, our hotel's literally right on the beach."

"Sure," Michael laughed. "If Josh over here can learn our songs by then."

Josh sighed and leaned his head against the window. "Did you really expect me to know how to play ten of your songs in just an hour? I'm sorry, but I'm One Direction's drummer, not yours."

Calum rolled his eyes and glanced over at Luke, who was sitting beside Ariana. "Why is she here again, Hemmings?"

"I'm here because he called and said he wanted me to come on tour with you guys for a while, so here I am," Ariana answered for him. "Plus, I'm his girlfriend." She leaned her head on Luke's shoulder and looked up at him, batting her eyelashes playfully. "Isn't that right?"

*Luke's POV*

I stared down at Ariana, trying to figure out if she was serious or not. Did she really just call herself my girlfriend? We had just started talking again yesterday. Plus, even though I had told her I had completely forgiven her for all the things she did back in Australia, I hadn't. Something like that is hard to forget, much less forgive someone for. I ran a hand through my hair and looked down at her again, examining her tan skin, red lips, and big brown eyes. She was definitely beautiful, but did I love her? No. At least not yet, anyway. I couldn't put a finger on it, but there was just something about her that bothered me. I didn't feel like I could trust her. She coughed, breaking through my thoughts. I looked out the window nervously, realizing I hadn't yet answered her question. "Uh, yeah. Of course." When she went back to reading the magazine she was holding with a contended smile on her face, I turned away and sighed. I shouldn't have lied to her, but what other choice do I have? I can't tell her the truth.

What is the truth, exactly? I don't know. All I know is that I don't have any romantic feelings toward Ariana whatsoever, and I'm not sure why. My heart should skip a beat when she kisses me and I should feel a spark when she holds my hand, but I don't. Even now, when she has her arm draped around my shoulders, I feel nothing. To be honest, I can't remember the last time my heart did skip a beat for anyone or sparks flew when someone touched me--and then it hits me. Earlier, when Ashton touched my hand as he told me he was leaving, I swear I felt my heart flutter, but that couldn't be possible. I don't like him like that. I barely like him at all anymore, if we're being honest. So, if that was the case, why did my heart feel like it was breaking in two when he told me he was going on tour with Hunter? Why have I felt so empty ever since he left?

Him leaving is all my fault, I think to myself as I lean my head back and close my eyes. I basically told him to go on tour with Hunter and I wouldn't care, but why did I say it? I didn't mean it. I know I hurt him, and that was the last thing I wanted to do. Maybe Ariana was right about what she said. Maybe I do push everyone away.

When I opened my eyes again, I was surprised to see sunlight streaming in through the windows of the bus. I must've fallen asleep. I looked down at my watch and, sure enough, it was eleven o'clock the next morning. I was about to stand up, but stopped when Ariana tapped me on the shoulder. "You're finally awake, I see. Look, we probably need to get off the bus now. We've been in here for ten hours straight, and all the others are already in their room." I looked at her in confusion. "Room?"

She replied by pointing out the window, where we were parked in front of a large hotel. When I grabbed my suitcase and followed Ariana off the bus, I was shocked to see that the beach was just a few feet away--Calum definitely wasn't exaggerating when he said we were staying right on the ocean. I walked towards the section that was facing the water and glanced at the piece of paper our manager had given us the day before. "I guess I'm staying in room 113. Ariana, do you know where you're going to be staying?"