Better Man [Cashton AU]

xv

it's another year down the line when calum asks ashton to marry him.

they get an apartment together, sponsored by their parents, and a puppy named Duke.

they have a small ceremony, and surprisingly neither of them cry.

a few hours later, at the reception, is when both of them cry. during his speech, ashton mentions the first time calum called him and asked for help, it makes said boy burst into silent tears and smile at ashton. calum mentions the fact that ashton's love makes him a better man and it drives ashton to tears as he's reminded of the night that calum first confessed his love for him.

they sit down, closer together than they were before, and hold each other, small whispers and gentle giggles escaping them.

they go home and fir the first time, calum isn't afraid when they make love that night.

he even starts to cry again and mumbles incoherent words about how grateful he is for ashton, how much he loves him.

and at the end of the night, they collapse against each other, smiles warm and eyes full of love.

everything is okay.

they make everything okay for each other.

and they make each other better men.