This Old Town ✖️Muke

Chapter 43

(Ashton)

"thanks for today Luke" i say when we finally pull into his driveway,Michael and Calum asleep in their seats.

"no problem, i had a great time too you know" he smiles at me in the rear view mirror as we un buckle and open the doors.

"no i mean.. For Michael. I don't even remember a time i saw him so happy." i say, un buckling Cal and picking him up bridal style. Luke does the same with Michael and i frown a bit. i wish they would just get over whatever it is that is holding them back from each other because i've said it before and i'll say it again, they belong together.

"oh.. ya, that." he whispers. locking the car when the doors are closed.

"Plus, i think as much as he will deny it till he dies, i think he really loved today."

"he's the one that deserves to be famous, traveling the world to play to adoring fans, not me. He's the one that should be a roll model to young people all over the world. not me." it breaks my heart to hear him say it.

"can you please just tell him you love him already?" i whisper as we walk up the stairs. he is silent until we get to the room's. then, just as i'm starting to think he isn't going to reply, just put Michael in his bed and go to bed himself, he speaks.

"do you think i don't want to? because I've wanted to since i was 13. it's not that i dont want to. it's just, what if i did and he didnt say it back and then our friendship that i just got back would be ruined. and for good this time." I can hear the pain in his voice as i follow him into Michael's room and watch as he gently puts the galaxy haired boy into his bed.

I almost feel like im intruding, watching the way Luke so gently pulls the shoes off Michael's feet and then gathers the sheets that have been kicked to the foot of the bead,pulling them to his chin. I stand in the doorway, silently, as he oh so delicately brushes a few strands of the colored hair from the sleeping boys face.

"I'm quitting you know" I hear his whisper, still facing Michael. I frown and tilt my head. I dont say anything, not sure if he is talking to me or Michael. it's silent for a moment then Luke looks up at me.

"What do you mean?" I finally ask, now that i know he was talking to me. He doesn't answer immediately again, instead stands up from where he was sitting on Michael's bed, and walks back over to the doorway where i am.

"I'm quitting. or just taking a really long break? I dont know, all i know is i cant keep doing this." he sighs.

"What are you talking about?" I frown at him as we walk back out of Michael's room.

"I already told my mom and my label, they arent really happy but it's my life. After the AMA's Next month i'm taking a year off. Dont get me wrong, I love writing, recording and performing. but i missed just being with you guys all the time and being in Aus too much. I want to take a whole year off this time, get my priorities straight, and get my inspiration back." he says, staring at the wall.

"well I support that idea." I say finally. he looks up questioning.

"I know you love preforming, I saw that tonight on stage. you love it. But i have also seen that you love being back home. whether that be because of Mikey or because you just found your love of riding again, but you always have the grin on your face. I saw it today while were were out. I think its Just Mikey" i laugh softly.

"well that would make sense then." he shrugs. I just laugh and say goodnight before walking into my room.

~~~~

Two days later (Michael)

" So what is happening today?" I look around the table at everyone tucking into breakfast.