Demons (hemmings au)

Forty-One

Ashton’s POV

That was all it took, that single shake of her head and small, sad smile as I saw her grasp on to Luke’s hand tighter. That was all it took for me to realize she had made her choice. Had I even been an option? Had there even been any chance for me and her? I was alone, not only had I lost my chance with Ellie but I had lost my best friend. There is no way we can remain friends. I think back to the past few days to where I told Ellie what I had done and how grateful she had been, to last night where I had told Emma about everything. Luckily, Emma was just mad at me having no anger towards Ellie. I didn’t want to ruin that friendship too even though I felt like it was already over. Ellie, Mikey, and I had gone through too much in the past months to ever fit into the same circle as Emma again. 

“Hey mate, how are you holding up?” I hear a quiet voice ask, and I return from my crowded thoughts. I turn slightly to see Calum beside me, his hand now on my back. I look over to see that Mikey is sitting down on one of the many benches in the lobby as we wait for Luke and Ellie to get out. 

“I’m okay,” I murmur, and I know by the way Calum is looking at me he doesn't believe it at all. “I mean I’m not, but I will be,” I rephrase, giving him a smile to let him know that I will in fact be alright in time. It sucks to know that someone you’ve been in love with so long, finally rejects you for good. I know Ellie and I were never a thing, but for her to finally make it known that we will never be together just really hurts, but as I just told Calum, in time it will get better. Ellie and Luke were always the Romeo and Juliet of this story anyways. I glance up to see Michael watching my discussion with Calum and I give him a small wave which he returns with a nod. I know Mikey is one of my best friends but it kind of annoys me how much he was rooting for Luke and Ellie. But, he was right; they're like magnetic, always needing to be with one another. The feelings and need behind the two of them is undeniable, and if I am losing Ellie to that I, maybe not now, am okay with it. 

“Yeah, I’m good. I think I’m just going to head home actually, I told my mom I would get back as soon as I could. You know, after I told the truth she’s been worried about everywhere I go,” I chuckle, brushing my hand through my hair and giving Cal another smile before walking off. 

Ellie’s POV

I know I should go talk to Ashton, I know I’m a bad person for not even going to explain myself but seeing his face fall as he saw me walk into the courthouse with Luke, and realizing I’ve made my choice speaks more than any words could. He knows my decision, and there’s no point in dragging it out even more for the both of us. As much as I want to say I regret my choice as I look to the boy beside me with his hand on my knee as his eyes crinkle and his mouth widens in laughter at something Mikey or Calum said from the other side of the table I know that I regret nothing. I love Luke, and it wouldn’t be fair to myself or Ashton to try to be anything when I am so indescribably in love with Luke. 

I’ve stayed silent pretty much all through lunch, just watching the change in Luke’s attitude since leaving the court house and just being amazed. Never have I seen him so full of joy and care free, it’s as if retelling his story and knowing that the people that did that horrendous crime are going to jail has lifted him from his nightmare. I know all of the demons floating around in his head are not completely gone, but I feel as if he has taken a giant leap and it’s only going to get better. I place my hand on top of his and give it a light squeeze just wanting to feel his skin against my own. I see him look at me out of the corner of his eye, his lips forming a small smirk as he plays with his lip ring before going back to his conversation with Michael and Calum. 

————————-

“Let’s leave this place,” I hear Luke whisper in a deep, sleepy voice as we lay in his bed later that night. After leaving the Chinese restaurant we went back to sit with my parents for a while, and I came with Luke back to his house after they left for another conference.