Bend or Break

Five

Ashton's POV

"Ashton!" I startle just slightly as a tan arm wraps around my shoulders. Recognizing the initials tattooed on his hand as he leaves quite a squishy kiss on my cheek.

"You are wasted!" I chuckle, turning to face Cal, which actually just turns into him hanging off my neck giggling slightly.

"Let's do shots, Ash, gets smashed with me." He grins, his eyes already red rimmed from the alcohol in his system.

"You know I've been laying off, trying to stay sober before tour." I shake my head at him. "Maybe Mike wants to drink with you though?"

"Ya! Mikey!" He lets go of me, turning to find Michael and stumbling slightly. Instinctively I reach out and steady him. Chuckling when it reminds me of the countless times I've had to steady Izzy when she trips over her feet leaving yoga.

As soon as I think it I shake myself, looking around the crowded party for KayKay, knowing she would have hated that I thought it. Even if it was innocent, a thought I'd have about any one of my friends. I hate that she has made me feel guilty for my friendship with Izzy...

I find Kay across the yard, dancing with Crystal and some other friends, her back to me. With Calum off trying to coax someone else into a round of shots, I sneak up behind her, wrapping my arms around her middle.

"Hi, baby." I hum, kissing along her exposed shoulder.

"I thought you said you weren't drinking?" She frowns, turning in my arms to look up at me.

"I haven't. Why are you asking?" I chuckle.

"Just a super drunk way to approach me." She shrugs.

"So I can only love you if I'm drunk?" I roll my eyes, pulling away from her.

"That's not what I said, Ashton." She sighs, running a hand through her hair.

"That's what it sounded like. I'm only affectionate when I'm drunk? Fine, I'll leave you alone then. Have fun dancing with the girls." I huff, turning and wandering back across the yard. I assumed she would follow me, but she doesn't...

I sit against the fence on the far side of the yard, not in the mood to hang out with anyone anymore. Tired of fighting constantly with KayKay. Tired of feeling guilty for who I'm friends with. And tired of Kay acting as if I'm lying to her and cheating on her.

"Penny for your thoughts, Irwin." Roy smiles, dropping beside me. He's got a beer in hand but doesn't seem even buzzed.

"Just been fighting with Kay nonstop lately and I hate it. It's like she refuses to trust me, like my word isn't good enough anymore." I sigh.

"Is it because of those stupid cheating rumors that circulated last week?"

"It was going on before that too. But it's because of that girl. She's a friend, but KayKay for some reason sees her as a threat, and won't get over it."

"Has Kay met her? She isn't usually one to dislike someone so quickly unless she's met them."

"Ya. She met her, and it made it all the worse." I sigh, knocking my head back against the fence.

"She thinks you are going to leave her for this friend?"

"I guess, and I can't seem to convince her otherwise. I don't think things will really fix between Kay and I unless I stop talking to Izzy. But that isn't fair, Kay should trust me. She was the one who told me to help Izzy out, which led to us becoming friends. I don't know. I just feel like we have a disconnect and it scares me. I have put my whole heart into KayKay's and my relationship, and I think she is moments from bolting."