Scale

Chapter 7

**Luke**

I peel my eyes open to be met with Ashton’s chest. I furrow my brows but then everything comes back to me. My stupid breakdown and Ashton finding me. I try to push myself out of his grip but he only tightens it peeling his gorgeous hazel eyes.

“Where are you going?” He asks and I let out a shaky breath. I look to the clock and my eyes widen.

“Shit! My f-final starts in f-fifteen minutes!” I say scrambling from my bed. I fall to the floor with a loud thud and Ashton quickly helps me up tossing some clothes at me.

“I’ll go get your bag together and I’ll make you some toast.” He says running out and I find myself smiling as he runs off. I pull on the clothes and run into the bathroom my mind going a mile a minute. I can’t seem to tame my hair so I just pull on a stray beanie. I run out into the kitchen and Ashton is standing there with my bag and a piece of toast. He gives me a look and I take the toast from his hand.

“C’mon lets go.” He says grabbing my hand. We both walk at a fast pace him not letting go of my hand and I find myself smiling.

“I’ll be waiting here when you’re done. Good luck.” He says squeezing my hand. I shoot him a smile and walk into the exam hall.

***
My exam goes by quicker than expected and I manage to get through it without many problems. I start to walk towards the door with a small smile on my face glad to be finished with my Finals. I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn around to see the whole footie team. My smile drops and I turn to run but I feel them grabbing me and pulling me away from the door.

“ASH!” I scream fighting in their grip. They shove me to the ground and I cry out curling up. They start to kick me and throw insults at me. I feel tears running down my face and I give up on trying to get away.

“Hey!” I hear a familiar voice call and the kicking momentarily stops.

“Get the hell away from him.” I hear Ashton say. I continue to sob on the floor and I hear some words exchanged and the footie team leaves.

“Luke!” I hear Ashton say and I let out a sob my hands going to my wrists as the insults replay in my mind. I feel Ashton’s hands encircle my wrists and he pulls my hands away from my bandaged arms.

“Luke, look at me.” Ashton says and I peel open my eyes tears continuing to fall down my face. He pulls me to my feet and I nearly fall back down.

**Ashton**

“Luke, you’re gonna be fine.” I say supporting his weight easily. I hold him up as I leave the exam hall and pull out my phone. Luke is still sobbing and I press a kiss to his shoulder.

“Hey Mike? Can you come pick us up?” I say into the phone.

“Sure, where are you?” He says and I hear some shuffling.

“Babe come back to bed.” I hear and I smile recognizing Calum’s voice.

“We’re at the exam hall.” I say looking back to Luke.

“I’ll be there in five.” He says hanging up and I turn back to Luke. He’s still sobbing and i wrap him up in a hug.

“A-Ash, I need t-to d-do it.” He gasps trying to pull away.

“No, Luke, you don’t need to okay. Look at me, hey you don’t need to okay.” I say and he presses his face into my shoulder. Michael’s car pulls up and I help Luke into the back. We pull up at my apartment and Michael comes in with us. I fumble for my keys and Michael wraps Luke’s arm around his shoulder. I open the door and Mike leads Luke to the couch.

“Thanks Michael, I’ve got it. Go back to your boyfriend.” I say and he flushes scarlet.

“W-we’re not dat-” He starts and I shake my head.

“I’m cool with it, now go.” I say and he walks off. I turn to Luke to see he’s curled in on himself.

“Luke, look at me. You are amazing, let’s get you cleaned up okay? We’ll take a nap, maybe watch a movie okay?” I ask and he nods reaching out for me.