Spaces Between Us | A.I.

7.

- POV Lili -

Day 3 of the party week. But our thing is: we have no clue where to go tonight. But hey: it's LA.

"If there isn't any party we can throw our own party," Michael says.
"Totally. 5 seconds of party," I say.
I feel Ashton's hand around my waist and I look at him with a small smile.
"I am looking for a party somewhere right now... Oh got one!" Luke says.
Everyone looks at him now.
"A pool party in the place all those creators are. You know, the YouTubers."
"Oh near the walk of fame?" I ask.
"Yup."

Everyone agrees to go there so we get up and walk towards the door. "Walk there or drive there?" Calum asks.
"Cal, we're in LA, of course we need to drive there," Luke says.
"Okay I won't drink," Michael says.
"Or I won't, I don't mind," I say.
Michael and I look at each other for a second.
"Who's the safest driver," Ashton says, acting thinking deeply, "Michael Clifford."
"I am trying okay," I look at him sadly.
"We know," Michael says, "but I don't want to die tonight. So I'll drive."
"Okay. Fine."

We all get in the car and Michael starts to drive. I look outside of the window. "We should go to Geochella next year," Ashton says.
"No thanks. I am not paying and supporting an event who is anti-LGBTQ+," I say.
"True," Michael says.
"Wait... They do?" Ashton asks.
I nod, "yup."
"Oh..."

There is a moment of silence.
"I mean... It still looks like a great festival," I say. "But... They just support... Bad things. In that way they're kind of against me..."
Ashton takes my hand but I don't react at all.
"We don't go," Ashton says. "I didn't know that."
"It's fine," I say and look at our hands.
I see him nod.
I rest my head against the window and look outside.

When we're at the party we get in super easily. They know me from my channel, what still is weird. We see a lot of people partying and some people I recognize. I've seen them before on YouTube.

"I love my YouTube girlfriend," Ashton randomly says.
I laugh, "you're drunk already. What did you and Cal drink?"
"Just some beers..."
"Okay. You're not drinking much more tonight, okay? You're tipsy. You don't want a hangover tomorrow."
"Okay, okay. But 1st this," he looks at me with a grin.
"What?" I laugh.
"A kiss."
"Oh my god you're such a dork," I say and I laugh while laying my hands around his neck.

Ashton wraps his arms around my waist and then he kisses me.
"1st time I've ever see you guys kiss," Luke says.
"Oh my God, Luke," Calum says and laughs.
I laugh too and rest my head in Ashton's chest.
"You guys are adorable," Luke says.
"Luke," I say and I look at him. "Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?"
He nods, "sure."

We talk away together. We get to a more quiet place.
"Luke..," I say. "I don't know how to say this but... Since you broke up... You've kind of been focused on Ash and I's relationship. So what's up? Don't tell me you're fine, Luke."
He sighs and then opens up about me about his feelings.