He's Bad News [Lashton AU]

Chapter 9

I continued to deliver annonymous notes to Ashton over the next few weeks. Sneaking them under his desk, on his chair or in his locker.

His smile never dimmed when he read them and he looked just as happy as he had the first time he read my first note.

I observed him a lot, looking out for him at a distance.

Ashton hadn't been bothered by his bullies ever since he got back. His face had been a picture and I couldn't help but smirk when he had seen the state I had put them in. I knew what I did was wrong. Two wrongs don't make a right and it made me a bully for threatening them to stay away from Ashton, but he was having no more problems and that's what was important.

I hadn't spoken to Ashton yet, but I felt from watching him I had learnt a lot. Michael had music practise most lunch times so Ashton mainly wandered around alone before disappearing into the science building. I wasn't sure where exactly he went, but I could never find him when I casually peeked in the windows.

Calum had stopped calling Ashton a freak and had warmed to the idea of him. He teased me a lot about being smitten over Ashton telling me this was the first time he had ever seen me like this with anyone.

'Oh so the tin man does have a heart after all' he had joked.

He seemed genuinely interested whenever he asked me how Ashton was doing and how things were coming along. I knew soon I had to talk to him.

It was english class, period 4. Last lesson before lunch.

I had slipped my usual daily note onto Ashton's chair and didn't glance over to him until he pulled out his seat. His face automatically brightened and a grin spread across his full lips. He sat down before unfolding the note.

I had written out a simple one today, but Ashton clutched the paper to his chest and seemed genuinely thrilled none the less. My day was always made when I watched Ashton reading my notes. I always made them positive and focused on making sure he knew what an amazing person he was. 

Knowing that I could make him smile gave me such a warm feeling inside and a sense of achievement.

Michael soon strided into the classroom and plonked himself down at his desk before turning and urging Ashton to show him his daily mail. Ashton handed him the paper and Michael read it through.

Todays read: please remember to smile today because your smile is beautiful. I care for you to the moon and back.

A nervousness suddenly jolted in my stomach as I watched Michael's pale complexion grow even paler and his knuckles clenched white around the paper. I shifted uncomfortably and froze when he glared up at me, his jaw tight.

He knew.

I quickly composed myself and raised an eyebrow before throwing a smirk his way before turning back to Calum.

"Talk about tension" Calum joked shifting uncomfortably in his seat after watching the exchanged glances. I chuckled.

"You guys are gonna have to settle this sooner or later" he told me and I whined.

You see, Michael used to hang out with Calum and I. Michael was the only other person besdies Calum who knew that I was gay. He was the first person I ever told. I screwed him over a lot when we were friends because I begun getting more heavily involved in drugs. I can't put the full blame on the drugs because I was an asshole when I was sober too. Michael had tried to make me stop many times. He left when I started to steal money from him to buy more stuff. It really hit hard when I realised he wasn't coming back and I managed to get off the heavier stuff, still smoking a joint every now and then. Mostly at parties.

He hated me now. At first I acted like I didn't care, then after a while of acting I guess the 'I don't give a shit' facade became permanent. Michael was the only person who had meant everything to me, who I would give up my life for. I tried not to let that happen with Calum, but he's just impossible to be blunt with or he just comes back with something extremely witty which would make me laugh.

Obviously now, I was starting to feel similar towards Ashton. I knew I shouldn't be letting it happen, everyone I seemed to let in, I destroyed, but he needed protecting, I wanted to keep him safe. I sighed. Once you let one person in, you don't stop.

I jumped as the bell finally rang signalling lunch and quickly lurched up from my seat. I grabbed my bag and slipped on my black denim jacket before walking out of the building.

I suddenly felt a force drag me around the side of the music building and spin me around pinning my back to the wall. I  stared wide eyed before I realised it was Michael glowering at me.

"What the fuck is your problem?" I growled shoving him back and quickly holding up my fists in self defense.

Michael smirked.

"I'm not here to fight you, Lucas"

I let my hands fall to my sides before I scratched the back of my neck.

"Then what do you want?" I spat.

"I know it's you who is sending those notes to Ashton" he told me and I acted confused.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I shrugged before trying to get past him. Michael shoved me back.

"I'm not fucking stupid, Luke. Does the line 'I care about you to the moon and back' ring a bell? The line you always used to tell me when I was fighting to keep going?"

I winced back at Michael's words and he scoffed.

"I even have the damn tattoo!" he exclaimed pulling his shirt sleeve up to reveal his tattooed bicep with my words.

"Michael" my words were barely audible.

"What game are you playing at, Hemmings?" Michael questioned angrily.

"I'm not playing a fucking game, Michael! I see him exactly as you do! A great person"

Michael stared at me wide eyed taking a step back.

"Oh my god. You've caught feelings for him haven't you?"

I quickly shook my head. "N-No"

"Don't lie to me, Lukey" his voice was softer now but he still glared.

"I would never hurt him, Michael. Why else do you think I stopped his bullies?"

Michael blinked at me.

"That was you?"

I quickly looked away already feeling like I had told him too much. Michael remained thoughtful for a few moments.

"I swear Luke, if this is just another heart you're going to play then I'm not having it. Ashton is a damn good guy and you don't deserve him. The second you fuck this up, you'll have me to deal with"

Michael turned away and disappeared back round the corner onto main grounds. I slumped against the wall my thoughts racing at a million miles an hour. I had to talk to Ashton.