Walkman [Lashton AU]

Chapter 4

-October, 1991 | Drowning Above Water

"I don't get why I can't just cancel the date?" Luke complained, shuffling through his closet for a shirt to wear.

Calum said over the phone, "Why do you even want to cancel it? Aleisha is such a catch, man."

"I told you, I don't like her and she's nothing but a spoiled brat," Luke huffed, picking up a black and red flannel shirt. It wasn't too fancy nor too casual, so hopefully her fashion diva side won't kill him.

Calum's voice muffled out, "I think you're overreacting. She's nicer than you think."

"If she's so nice, why don't you date her?" Luke snapped, contemplating hanging up.

There was a pause and Luke regretted snapping at him, but it was getting annoying to have to constantly defend why he didn't like her. They're being so pushy and he's already stressed out over Ashton and his sexuality. His friends throwing this whiny, self-centered girl at him isn't helping him at all.

After a moment, Calum said, "Whatever, Luke. I just wanted to be a good friend and help you out, but fine. Just be a jerk."

"I'm not trying to be a jerk, Calum. I'm sorry," Luke apologized, sitting on his bed with a deep frown. "Don't be mad at me."

"I'm not mad, I'm just - " Calum cut himself off. "Nevermind, just get ready. Mikey and I are going skating too, just to help you out a bit if you need saving. We might be late, though, you know how he is."

Luke laughed and said, "Yeah, Mikey always needs to take his sweet time getting ready."

Before Calum could reply, Luke winced as his mum shouted, "Lucas, get off the phone! I have to make an important phone call."

"Mum, I'm trying to—"

"Luke!"

He groaned but rolled his eyes and told his friend, "I have to go, I'll see you later."

"Okay, see ya buddy."

He hung up and placed the phone down, annoyed as the cord tangled up. He ignored it and glanced in the mirror, holding up his shirt with a curious expression. He decided to wear a black shirt under the flannel along with some jeans. With that in mind, he changed and glanced at the time, checking to make sure he isn't going to be late.

Would it be lame to ask her to pick him up? He's grounded, he's sure his mum won't let him out of the house. He hasn't bothered asking if he can go because he knows she won't say yes. If anything, she will laugh in his face and ignore him. His mum may be nice, but she's still a mum and she doesn't even want him dating anyone.

Luke hesitated, looking at his window. He could sneak out but he doesn't want to get in even more trouble. Luke eventually sighed heavily and went downstairs, only to see his mum in her office on the phone. Then he saw his dad in the kitchen, making dinner. He glanced between them, then walked over to his dad with a sweet smile.

"Hey, daddio," Luke innocently grinned, glancing at the food. "Wow, that looks delicious. Have I ever told you that I secretly enjoy your cooking more than mum's?"

His dad looked at him bemused. "What do you want?"

"Okay, so um, I may or may not have told this girl I would go on a date with her..." Luke trailed off, testing the waters. His dad just stared so he continued, "And I kind of told her it would be today. But you see, I'm grounded and how can I possibly pick her up when my car has been taken away from me?"

"How can you go on a date anyways considering you're grounded?" his dad shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Luke nodded eagerly. "Exactly, you see my dilemma!"