Beside You *Muke*

Chapter 23

Michael looks down at my hands which were caked with muffin crumbs. "T'was good, ah?" He asks and I force myself to nod my head although the way the muffin tasted was the last thing on my mind.

"Mhm," I hum falsely and look down at my hands. I sink my nails into my healing cuts and Michael hugs me tightly.

"It's gonna be okay, love. I'm so proud of you," He says, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles.

"Why're you proud of me?" I ask. "All I do is wrong. I starve myself, I cut, why would you love someone like that?"

Tears have brimmed in my eyes and I hug myself tightly before wiping my eyes. "Luke, I'll love you no matter what shape or size you are. I love you with or without scars. I love your beautiful ocean blue eyes, your black lip ring, your deep smoky voice, your small delicate hands, your perfect quiff, the way you moan my name or even just call for me when I'm away. I love you for your singing voice. I love you for the way you whisper sweet nothings to me when you think I'm asleep. I love the way you blush so easily and the way your eyes light up when you laugh. I love you for you, Luke Hemmings and that will never change." Michael murmurs into my hair.

I kiss him passionately, running my fingers through his lavender hair. "Thank you, Mikey," I whisper and seconds later, I hear someone clear their throat.

When I lock eyes with Ashton, he smirks and says, "I don't really want to interrupt but I want to go on my break,"

I nod my head, pecking Michael's cheek with a slight blush one last time before heading inside. A few minutes into heading back into work, Cher walks inside and sends me a smile. "Hey Luke. Haven't worked with you in a while, ah?" I nod my head, small smile on my lips. "Nice hickeys," She snorts and I blush all over again.

"You're not the first to tell me that," I mumble, fumbling with the cash register.

"Michael?" She guesses and I nod, blushing a brighter red.

"He makes me really happy," I whisper and she nods.

"I can tell." She laughs. She makes her order and as I'm handing it to her, she notices my sleeves have rid up. "Luke, why?" Cher whispers and my eyes widen and I hurriedly pull them down.

"Michael and Ashton are helping me with it. It's been a few days since I last... you know," I mumble, crossing my arms over my chest in protection.

"Just know if you ever need anything, I'm here," She says and pats me on the shoulder while I smile a small smile.

"Okay," I whisper bashfully and she squeezes my hand gently before swishing her hips to find an open booth.

Ashton's Point of View

I play with my half frozen fingers nervously as I stare back at Calum. I could feel the present blush on my cheeks and find one on his as well. "Sooo," I mutter shyly, gaze flicking down at my shoes. "We can't really pretend this didn't happen,"

"I know," Calum sighs.

"Let's just... backpedal for a second. Why did you feel the need to beat up my best friend? Push him to his breaking point?"

Calum sighs again, looking at war with himself. "Because," He starts shakily. "I've been envious of Luke ever since he came out. I've been in the closet bi for years but I never had the guts to tell anyone let alone the whole city so I made fun of him to make up for my jealousy. I didn't know I caused him to cut and I told him Michael would never love him because for the longest time, I had a crush on him."

"Wait..." I start with confusion. "If you liked Michael, why would you kiss me?"

"I don't like Michael anymore. I just felt like he was tugging my best mate away and I didn't like that,"