Out of Bounds || Ashton Irwin Fanfic

Chapter 2: Special Assignment

"Alexa? Don't you have a class at ten?" Luke called through the door causing me to jump out of bed. I stared across at the clock and felt my heart drop, it was 9:45am and there wasn't a chance in hell I was going to make it to class on time. I gathered up some clothes out of my suitcase and wriggled into them much quicker than I expected.

"You want some cereal?" Luke asked, holding up a box of Frosties with a cheeky little grin on his face. My stomach was grumbling, pleading with me to say yes but I knew I couldn't be late. Ashton was already disappointed with me from yesterday and I couldn't make matters worse.

"I'm sorry Luke, I really can't be late! I'll see you after dinner okay?" I gave him a quick wave before grabbing my bag and darting out of the door.

I managed to arrive in class at 10:04 which I considered an achievement; Ashton however was not happy with me in the slightest and stared me out as I made my way to the only empty seat, which happened to be right at the front.

"Before I begin today class I'd just like to give you all a little prep talk. First up, if you want to graduate from this degree and further your law career you have so show passion and dedication. If you can't even muster up enough decency to show up on time then don't bother to turn up at all." His eyes burned into mine and I felt my cheeks flush pink as the whole class stared at me. "So before I start, Alexa?"

"Yes sir?" I replied immediately, knowing exactly what was coming next.

"If you would so kindly leave my classroom for today and report back to me at noon. I want to teach people that want to learn"

"But sir I do-"

"Get out" he interrupted, now pointing towards the door. I grabbed all of my notebooks and squashed them down into my bag before making my way out the door. I couldn't believe that jackass had kicked me out, my crush on this guy was fading fast.

-

"Changed your mind on breakfast then?" Luke smiled as I strolled back through the door. He was watching an episode of Jeremy Kyle and tucking in to a large bowl of dried Frosties.

"I didn't have much choice. Got chucked out of class" I sighed, sitting beside him and dipping my hand into his bowl. "You know, I thought I was going to like my tutor but he is a complete dick"

"He sounds like it" Luke replied, his mouth full of food. "Are you off the course or something?"

"I don't think so. He wants me to go back and see him at noon. I'm scared"

"Want me to come with you?"

Luke was so sweet to me, we'd known each other less than 24 hours and already this guy was becoming my crutch. I patted his leg and shook my head in reply to his question; I knew I had to do this myself and face the consequences.

"You can get me a bowl of Frosties though if you like?" I flashed him a cheesy grin and took hold of his bowl, urging him to get up.

"Fine. But you're cooking dinner"

"Wait, you get me a bowl of cereal and I have to actually cook dinner to pay you back? How's that one fair?"

"Life's not fair" Luke shrugged, smirking to himself as he passed me the bowl and sat back down beside me. The two of us spent most of the morning watching tv; although I had tried to read through some of my Law books but failed miserably due to Luke and his guitar.

"You're really good you know" I complimented him, watching his fingers glide across the strings with ease.

"Thanks. Taught myself a few years back and been playing ever since. Do you play any instruments?"

"I played clarinet back in high school but I wasn't very good and I do actually have a guitar at home but never got round to learning anything"

"Maybe I could teach you some time?" Luke suggested, placing his guitar down and looking across at me, he looked so hopeful. Luke was seriously hot but room mates were definitely a no-go. It was great that we got on so well but I knew that was all it could be.

"Sure"

TAP TAP. The knock at the door broke into our stare and I quickly made my way across to open it. It was a punk looking boy with bright green hair and dressed all in black. His big blue eyes focused onto mine as he smiled down at me.

"Is Luke in?" He asked, staring me up and down. I raised my eyebrows to let him know I was onto him checking me out but it didn't even phase him. I moved aside to let him passed and he strolled across to Luke, "your room mate is hot". Wow, this guy didn't even have the common courtesy to be discreet about it.

"Alexa. This is Michael" Luke introduced us. "He copied my idea of studying music at university and here we are"

"Fuck off. I wanted to do this way before you did. What do you do then, Alexa?" Michael switched his attention on to me.

"Law. I'm sorry but I have to go. It was a pleasure meeting you, Michael" I excused myself and picked up my bag, trying to push my anxiety to the back of my mind. Surely Ashton couldn't kick me off the course so soon?

"Pleasure was all mine!" Michael called out after me as I left the flat. It didn't take me long to get to class and I could see Ashton sat at his desk through the glass panelling on the door. He was dressed in a pale blue shirt and black trousers with suspenders, it was adorable and extremely sexy all blender into one. I mustered up the courage and knocked on the door, waiting to be invited inside. Ashton called me into the room and I stood up beside his desk, not quite sure where I was supposed to go or what I was supposed to do.

"Take a seat" his voice was cold and snappy, he hadn't even bothered to look up at me yet. I fell back into the chair and cleared my throat, hoping to draw his attention away from the book he was reading.

"So I'm sure you're aware as to why I called you here" Ashton stated, finally glancing up at me with those beautiful green eyes. It melted my heart for a moment, throwing me off guard and making me completely forget what he had said.

"Alexa? Are you listening?"

"Sorry, sir. Yes I know why I'm here and can I just say that I'm sorry about this morning, I promise it won't-"

"Save it. Apologies don't mean anything in my eyes Miss Mathers but I am going to set you a challenge. Have you ever heard of the Lizzie Borden trial from 1893?"

"I can't say I have, sir" I replied, baffled as to how this was relevant.

"Good. I have printed off some information on the crime she committed and I would like you to write up a case in her defence. I want to test your skills, now remember with this trial being in the 1800s you need to adapt your defence to the time it happened. I'm giving you one week to complete this and I expect at least 1500 words. If you can prove to me you aren't just a pretty face then I'll give you a second chance, okay?"

"Yes, sir" I agreed, taking the paperwork from his outstretched hand and trying my very best not to react to the fact he had mentioned I have a pretty face. His fingers lingered against my hand for longer than anticipated and I felt goosebumps travel up my spine. I got up to my feet and Ashton mirrored me, following me across to the door.

"Okay, well I shall see you on Monday"

"Wait, so you don't want me to come to classes until Monday?"

"Like I said, you have to prove yourself to me if you want a second chance. I won't waste my time trying to teach someone who couldn't give a flying fuck about the subject".

"But I do! I promise you, Asht- Sir"

"Then I'm sure that will come across in your paper. See you Monday, Alexa" Ashton winked down at me and gave me a gentle push out the door, leaving me even more besotted by him. I guess treat them mean, keep them keen really did work.