Hidden || Lashton

three: can you keep a secret?

Humming softly under his breath, the cold prickled against his skin which was mostly covered by the all-black spandex outfit he wore. A long-sleeved shirt, and black pants which clung to him comfortably. His earbuds were playing a random violin concerto, with a much sadder undertone to it. He often preferred piano, yet he began to listen to more classical strings. 

He felt like he was flying through the air whenever he practiced his jumps, performing a triple lutz with ease due to his hours and hours of practice. Landing perfectly, and continuing to skate around the rink with amazing speed and stamina. Not noticing nor hearing the gate to the rink opening behind him, and a body moving towards him. Ashton went to turn around, his relaxed heartbeat going up dramatically when he crashed into the warm body of that damn Viper. 

"Ah sorry!" Luke apologized, sticking his hand out for Ashton grab, as the ice skater had lost his balance instead of Luke. He hadn't meant to startle the red-haired teen, who looked not too pleased to see the blond. Nonetheless, after staring at the hand in front of him for a few seconds, he finally decided to take it. Being lifted up, his balance was still terrible as his body crashed into Luke's. 

"Sorry," Ashton mumbled as he pulled his earbuds out of his ears, making sure he could hear Luke clearly. "Did you need something?" 

His hazel eyes avoided Luke's blues, yet the blond still had a smile on his face just looking at the cute figure skater before him. "Last time we saw each other you told me you don't have a phone, is that still the case?"

"Yeah, I don't have one. I never felt like I needed one so..."

"How are you listening to music right now?" Luke smirked, knowing he had caught Ashton when the teen had his eyes wide. Of course, he hadn't expected to be caught in his lie, yet Luke caught him with unexpected ease. 

Rather than answering, Ashton remained silent as he couldn't think of a lie good enough within enough time for him to not seem suspicious. "I'm not giving my number to some stranger," Ashton answered harshly after a minute had passed. 

"Well, I'm not some stranger am I Ashton? We've versed each other on the rink have we not?"

Luke's words hit Ashton intensely, it was almost as if the figure skater had run into a brick wall as he seemed dazed. Possibly considering the situation to be a nightmare rather than reality, as no Tiger wanted to be confronted by a Viper, especially when that Viper discovers a secret of theirs. Not to mention, he was team captain meaning he wasn't just any old Viper, he was one of the most important members of the team, though he denied this status being superior as there is no 'I' in team. 

Was his world falling apart, never had he thought he would be caught by a Viper. He thought he was in the safe zone last time, as Luke did not seem to recognize Ashton but he should have been more careful. Nausea consumed his being, yet he did not vomit. It was due to the intense anxiety he was facing, prepared to get washed away by it like beach toys stranded on the sand at high tide. "Have you told your team about me?" He whispered quietly. 

"No, and I won't be so don't worry about that. You aren't the only one with a secret Ashton, and I'm sure having each other wouldn't be a terrible thing even if to everyone else we should be enemies. I don't know about you, but keeping things to yourself can get lonely, you just want to show the world who you are, what you love, who you love..."

Ashton skated back to the gate, gesturing for Luke to follow him which he did with no hesitation. The red-haired skater grabbed his phone from the bench right outside the gate and unlocked it. Pausing the music player, before opening a new contact and handing the phone to Luke, so he could put his contact in. "You're right, while I hate to admit that you are, I do agree that it gets lonely."