repercussions ✓

XXXVIII. THE PARTY SCENE

IT'S MESMERIZING TO WATCH.

Matt imagines that watching the band sing is on the same level as many drugs are - intoxicating but amazing. He's in awe as Michael smiles to himself after every line and Ashton looks at Luke as he sings.

There's not really anything he can do except watch in sheer shock, as Michael plays the song out to a close and smiles to himself as he does.

"What do you think?" Luke shouts, seeing Matt's expression of absolute amazement. "Was it bad? It was bad, right? I can't write, sorry--"

"Shut up, Luke! That was amazing. I have literal chills." Matt grins, and the blush spreads across Luke's face. He isn't used to being complimented so much - even when Ashton punches him lightly and tells him that he is the literal best thing ever to happen, Luke doesn't take it seriously or to heart.

Calum pipes up then, smiling to himself. "Uh, Matt, we were thinking about having some sort of party for the night before we surprise drop this album, do you want to come?" Michael is nodding along to this, a little too violently.

Ashton is trying to simultaneously glare at Calum and still not allow Matt to realise his anger. Even if he didn't see the oldest man, he still knows that Ashton wouldn't want to be anywhere near Matt if he had the choice.

He swallows a little, trying to figure out what to do. On the one hand, he knows how hurt Michael is - he was genuinely in love, in some shape or form, with Matt, and then he just brushed Michael off like nothing. If he doesn't go, Michael could take it too seriously and think Matt hates him. He doesn't hate Mikey. He couldn't ever do that.

On the other hand, Matt still doesn't know how Ashton feels about him. After all, there's enough evidence that he would have loved to have stayed together if he could, but it just got too much. He still wants to be with Ashton. Hopefully, Ashton still wants to be with him.

Matt looks up again, to the four of them looking expectantly at him, waiting for an answer. Ashton looks angry, Calum and Michael are excited, and Luke seems to just be a little confused.

He inhales again, before wiping his hands on his skinny jeans (2014 aesthetic much) and nodding. "Yeah, I'll be there!"