Walkman [Lashton AU]

Chapter 6

Since Ashton stole from Lizzie's, Luke's mum's store, Luke was punished once again because of it. He was the one who 'allowed a delinquent in' and his parents weren't pleased.

Honestly, Luke didn't care about that. All he cared about was Ashton stole and basically took advantage of Luke's kindness. They have such a weird friendship, if you can call it that, and Luke was stressed out over it. He had such a strong attraction to Ashton and felt empty without him. Luke could usually crush on someone briefly and move on after a while, but with Ashton he just couldn't stop wondering who he is and why he does the things he does.

The thing about Ashton is that he's so nice.

When Luke talks to him, he's kind of quiet but excited and he has this aura about him where he comes off as shy, but confident. However, the more he gets to know Ashton, the more he questions his morals and who he really is. Which one is an act? Because Ashton is a completely different person when he's not around Luke. Is the Ashton he knows the real Ashton or the fake one?

All Luke knew is that he's upset over his actions. To steal is one thing, but from Luke's mum's shop? It was such a slap to the face. Ashton has been so back and forth, but then again, so being Luke. Maybe their friendship is a bit odd, but some part of him knew it was an obstacle they just had to get over. However, Luke can old grudges for a long time.

That's why his petty ass ignored the empty spot next to Ashton on the bus and sat in the seat two rows in front of him. He felt bad, noticing the distressed look on Ashton's face, but Luke is petty and not ashamed to admit it. He doesn't want to, but part of him does feel guilt as the bus drove to the next stop and he discretely glanced back, only to notice the way Ashton leaned his head against the window.

When the bus stopped at the next sign, Luke felt the seat next to him dip and turned his head instantly, only to see Ashton looking at him with such wide, hazel eyes.

"There is a reason I didn't sit next to you," Luke huffed, giving him a raised eyebrow. "That reason being that I don't want to be near you right now."

"Luke, please c—can we just forget everything?" Ashton said with a heavy sigh. "I screwed up but I - I can't change who I am. This is how I grew up. This is what some people have to do to get through shit. I know you couldn't possibly understand that, but it's true. I'm not proud of it, but sometimes I -I have to steal."

"This isn't about that." then he hesitated, "Well, it is. But the issue is that it was my mum's store. We finally hang out and I take you to my mum's store, which I'm usually embarrassed about, and then you steal from us? I can't believe you would ever do that to me. I let you in and you just take away."

"It was for my sister," Ashton said with a shaky breath, eyes drawing down to his hands in his lap.

Luke glanced at him, eyebrows furrowed, "What?"

"My little sister's birthday was this weekend and...she didn't get shit for it and I just wanted to get her something nice," Ashton murmured, averting his gaze. "I know that probably sounds dumb to you, but I felt bad and she needed some new clothes. Why not kill two birds with one stone?"

"Are you really excusing stealing?" Luke looked at him in disbelief, though his words were soft.

Ashton instantly said, "No. I hate making excuses for things. I am simply explaining why I did it. I know it was wrong and there's no excuse for that, but there was a reason why. It may not be a good one, but I don't steal for my amusement. I just wanted my little sister to smile on her birthday. "

Luke stared at him rather intently, seeing the sincerity in his hazel eyes. He understood that. Even if he has never been in that situation, he can understand a brother trying to get his sister a nice birthday present. However, it still hurt Luke a lot. His feelings for Ashton are so strong and that's why it offended Luke a lot.