Romeo and Juliet: Modified , Lashton

Act 14: A School

Ashton's mum never had that talk with him. She did ask why he needed her to pick him up, his reply was that he felt like shit. She slapped him upside the head for 1. Saying a curse word and 2. Making her come all the way there for something a trivial as that.

Ashton just laughed it off but he did feel a tinge of guilt for lying to his mother. He couldn't let her know the actual reason for getting out of school. So, he laughed and went to his room. Where he remained until the next morning.

Ashton has ignored all the calls from the previous night, but it was definitely surprised with the amount of calls people had made to him.

Lucas
11 missed calls

Mikey :)
7 missed calls

Unknown
5 missed calls

Ashton ignored the first two, immediately dialling the unknown number. It rang three times before someone finally picked up.

"Hello." They answered.

"Hi, um, who is this?" Ashton asked hesitantly.

"It's Calum, Ashton."

"Oh," he said, feeling a bit stupid for not recognising his voice, "sorry I didn't know."

"It's okay." Calum said nicely.

"How'd you get my number anyway?"

"Michael," he said, "He was nice enough to finally give it to me after I kept begging him through fifth period."

Ashton chuckled, "I'm glad he did."

"Me too. Hey, do you need a ride to school?"

Ashton thought for a moment. He didn't want to burden Calum but Calum had offered. Ashton assumed that meant he wanted to take him to school. Plus, he would be safe if he arrived with Calum.

"Sure. I could use one." He said, taking up the offer.

"Great. Be there in a few."

"Wait, don't you need my address?"

***

Calum showed up about thirty minutes later with a giant smile plastered on his face. Ashton's mum cautiously let him in with an uneasy smile. She was very aware of the tattoos on his arms and the rips in his clothing but, as soon as he had begun talking, all her worries vanished. And before they left she made a point of telling Ashton what a kind boy Calum was.

Ashton blushed as he left, apologising, but Calum shrugged it off and smiled.

"She's sweet."

The ride to school was quick and fun. They sang along to All Time Low's The Reckless and the Brave in the car and laughed at each other while they belted out the lyrics.

It was nice, Ashton thought, but it still didn't feel right.

He knew the reason why it was like that but he was trying to push it out of his head. He distracted himself by screaming out songs with Calum.

They arrived at school with a good amount of time to spare.

"Thank you," Ashton said as he got out of the door.

"Sure thing. I can drive you tomorrow too, if you'd like?" Calum offered.

Ashton smiled genuinely. "I would love that."

They walked into school, being thrown into the pool of students crowding the hallway. Ashton could feel himself getting nervous, anxiety burning up inside him as he watched people scurry about in the halls. He quickly grabbed Calum's arm. His nails dug into the boy's skin, making Calum yelp in pain.

"S-sorry, I didn't-I didn't mean to. I-I," Ashton stuttered as he blushed from embarrassment.

"Hey, don't worry it's okay." Calum reassured him, smiling at him warmly.

He took Ashton's hand and laced their fingers together. Then he proceeded down the hallway, dragging Ashton behind him.

People starting staring at them. Calum was known to be a player. He was always with a new girl. But never a guy. And especially not a guy like Ashton. So, of course, something like this- although it was just handholding- was sure to draw attention.

Ashton could feel people's eyes boring into him as the pair walked down the hallway. He could hear the subtle whispering that arose as they walked past. He knew that this would cause trouble. Probably a lot more than he needed. But as long as he stayed beside Calum he would be safe because no one would dare mess with Calum Hood.

They stopped in front of Ashton's locker, Calum insisting to stand guard whilst Ashton retrieved his books.

"You know people are going to try and fuck with you now, right?" Calum asked as he leant against the lockers.

Ashton nodded, taking out his first three class periods binders.

"It's okay, though, cause you should be safe as long as I'm around. Just don't leave my sight."

Ashton smiled up at the boy, grateful for his kindness.

"Thanks. You're too nice."

Calum grinned back, "I'm sweeter than sugar, aren't I?"

"I can taste the diabetes already." Ashton laughed, rolling his eyes.

Calum chuckled then grabbed Ashton's hand again before walking him to first period.

They almost made it there the whole way without being bugged. Almost.

"What the hell?" Luke yelled from behind them.

Ashton tensed up, his body feeling like it was made of stone. Calum just sighed like he was tired.

"Luke, what are you goin' on about?" He groaned, spinning around to face Luke, still holding Ashton's hand.

"That!" Luke said, pointing at their interlocked hands.

Calum looked down at them. "So?"

"So? So what the hell are you doing? I thought you were straight?" He yelled again.

"Well maybe I'm not. Got a problem?" Calum asked, growing more defensive now.

Luke didn't have words to say. Saying yes would mean loosing his best friend. Saying no would mean he might loose his reputation.

"Calum, you can't be serious." He ran a hand through his hair, looking like he was about to go crazy.

Calum cocked an eyebrow up, "And if I am?"

Luke sighed, frustrated, "But it's Ashton!"

"You're such a dick. Just because you can't fucking see how amazing he is, doesn't mean other people can. Talk to me when you get your head back on your shoulders and outta your ass, Hemmings." Calum quipped, turning on his heel and taking Ashton with him.

Luke just stood in the middle of the hallway, shocked by the two. Ashton was equally shocked but also very impressed. He smiled so wide he felt his cheeks would split open.

"Thank you. " Ashton said, placing a kiss to Calum's cheek.

Luke watched as Ashton's lips pressed against Calum's cheek, pain flooding him. He turned around and walked out of the school, deciding to skip first period.

***
I wrote this in a tub.

Sorry my last chapter was sorta boring so I needed to spice things up bit. I mean it was basically just Ashton being mad at Luke and forming metaphors out of a childhood classic.

Story of my life.

I know plenty of you are hating the Cashton right now but I swear it's there for a big reason. You'll love that I did it later. ;)

Stay Lovely. XXX- Hayley