Life of the Party (MATL #1)

Right Back at it Again

Ashton's POV

"Hey Ashton," Luke started as he came closer. Then, taking in everyone's defensive state, he continued. "And everyone else." I hopped off the car with a smile to give him a hug.

"Hi Lukey, I'm sorry I was so busy all weekend." I mumbled into his shoulder, having missed him.

"It's okay, I'm sure part of that had to do with Michael. I'm sorry for how he acted, I don't know what's wrong with him lately." Luke said. I felt the same way and was about to voice my opinion when someone else beat me to talking.

"So, does anyone want to explain who this is, because I thought Ashton was dating Ryan." Dallon spoke up, causing me to giggle as I pulled away from Luke, not noticing as he tensed up.

"Easy there Dal, I am, this is." I didn't have a chance to finish the introduction though as Luke cut me off.

"Which one of you is Ryan?" He asked with an attitude. Ryan didn't miss a beat as he smirked and raised his hand.

"That would be me." Ryan answered, and before I even knew what was happening I was pushed out of the way as Luke stormed over to Ryan. Luke pulled him off the car, holding him by the collar of his shirt.

"If you so much as." I cut Luke off as I got between them and shoved Luke back a few steps before anyone else could get involved.

"Luke." I yelled, making him break the glare he was sending Ryan to look at me. "Calm the hell down, please. We were having a fantastic time, please don't make me make you leave." He shot another glare at Ryan as if to tell him it wasn't over before pulling me in for another hug. I smiled at how protective he was acting.

"Damn he really does have everyone wrapped around his finger." I heard Pete tell Dallon who agreed. When we finally parted, I decided to finish the introductions that I had tried to start before.

"Now, as I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted." I started, sending a playful glare towards Luke. "This is my cousin, Luke." I said with a smile aimed towards Luke. "And Luke, this is Pete, Dallon, Patrick, Andy, Joe, Spencer, Jon, Mikey, Alex, Brendon, and Ryan." I finished with a smile, all of them raising their hands in a small wave as I introduced them.

"Ah, finally, they're here." Mikey said, confusing us all. Once he realized how confused we all looked he pointed a truck that was pulling into a nearby parking spot. "I asked Gee if they could bring the truck to pick up our bikes for us." I nodded, thanking him before turning towards the truck to wave to Gee who had just gotten out and waved back. Luke shocked me by speaking up.

"Frank?" Luke asked, sounding confused, once Frank had come into view.

"Luke?" Frank said, looking up when he heard his name. "Shit, small world, I didn't know you knew Mikey." I felt arms wrap around my waist and a chin settle on my shoulder. When I looked down I recognized the red leather sleeves as Mikey's and relaxed into his hold with a smile. "Are Michael and Calum around too or is it just you?" At the sound of Michael's name I felt Mikey's grip tighten for a second before eventually loosening again.

"Uh, no, I don't know Mikey. I mean, I just met him. And no, it's just me right now." Luke replied, and I saw the amusement on Gerard's face at this conversation.

"One of Ashton's friends then?" Frank asked, quickly realizing that I was the only one that Luke could have known without knowing Mikey.

"Um, kinda, he's my cousin." Luke said with a chuckle, making Frank laugh.

"No way. This is your baby cousin?" Frank started before I decided to interrupt.

"No offense, but how do you two know each other?" I asked and felt Mikey start laughing behind me.