Scale

Chapter 4

**Ashton**

I help Luke off of the bench wrapping my arm around his waist as we walk back to the apartment. I fumble with my keys but manage to open the door for us. I sit Luke down on the couch and bite my lip furious with the football team.

“Stay, there I’ll be back.” I say and he nods looking a little out of it. I grab a towel and wet it bringing it out to Luke. He presses it to his nose and I grab his hand observing his already bruising fingers.

“Can you move your hand?” I ask and he wiggles his fingers grimace crossing his beautiful features. I walk into the kitchen and grab some ice placing it on his bruised hand.

“Did they do anything else?” I ask and he freezes.

“Where?” I ask and he tugs at his lip ring. He lifts his shirt and I’m shocked at the already forming bruises on his skin. His ribs jut out too much and I run my fingers over them. I walk out and grab another bag of ice making him lie down on the couch. I set it on his stomach and walk into his room grabbing a pair of his sweats. I bring them back out to him and I turn away as he changes. I take the bloody towel from the table and bring it into the kitchen.

“You okay Lukey?” I ask as I fold his skinny jeans setting them over the chair.

“N-No.” He says brokenly and my heart nearly snaps in two. I sit down on the floor next to the couch as he starts to cry and I run my hands through his hair humming softly.

“Hey, Luke it’s okay. Whatever they said, it’s not true. Okay? You’re amazing.” I say and he manages a small smile choking out a few more sobs and clutching my hand tightly. I press a kiss to his hand my heart hurting as I watch him cry.

“You’re amazing Lukey, I think you are one of the most amazing humans on the earth.” I say and he smiles wiping his eyes.

“C-Can we watch Finding Nemo?” He asks and I smile nodding. I pull my hand from his and grab the DVD. I sit down by his feet and I pull them onto my lap slipping his shoes off. He smiles through the whole movie and I watch him with a look of adoration in my eyes. I’m glad I fell for him.

***

“A-Ash.” I hear Luke say softly and I peel my eyes open looking around confused. Oh yeah, I took Luke home and we watched kid’s movies all day. I must’ve fallen asleep. Luke’s eyes are shut tight and I furrow my eyebrows. Tears start to run down Luke’s face and I gently slide his feet off of my lap.

“Luke, darling. Wake up.” I say softly and he lets out a cry of pain.

“Lucas!” I say and his eyes open.

“Hey, it was just a dream, you’re fine.” I say and he lets out a shaky breath.

“Let’s get to bed yeah?” I say and he nods. I help him stand up and I bring him to his room tucking him in.

“A-Ash, s-stay w-with m-me.” He stutters out and I want to jump with joy. I slide under his covers and I hesitantly reach over and intertwine our fingers. Luke squeezes my hand and I smile closing my eyes and drift off into a peaceful slumber the only thought in my mind being Luke.