Coming Up For Air

[ e p i l o g u e p a r t o n e]

"Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We should just kiss like real people do."
-Hozier, 'Like Real People Do'

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"Say it again."

"It."

"Very funny. The other thing you said."

"You're stupid."

"The other, other thing."

"You need a hair cut."

"The other, other, other thing."

"Your ass looks really good in those jeans--,"

"Luke," Ashton whined, pouting so adorably that Luke actually felt his heart turn to liquid. "Please?"

Ashton and Luke were in a cab on the way back to Ashton's house, sitting as close to each other as they could without sitting on each other and talking about nothing to make up for all the time they'd missed not talking about anything. After Luke had showed up and poured his heart out to Ashton in the hospital hallway, the PA had come on and announced that visiting hours were almost over. Ashton had peaked into his mother's room, but she seemed to be asleep, so he kissed her on the forehead and told her he loved her, and then left with Luke in tow.

"Fine." Luke said, grinning because he couldn't help it as he leaned over and whispered in Ashton's ear, "I love you."

Ashton shivered and grinned and glowed.

"Again?"

"I love you." Luke giggled, poking Ashton's side. "I love you, I love you, I'm totally in love with you and there's not much you can do about it."

"I love you, too." Ashton's voice blushed as he kissed Luke's cheek. "And we're almost home."

"Your grandma," Luke said seriously, "Is the most terrifying person I've ever met. And she didn't even know who I was when I met her. By the way, when I went to your house, I told her I was an old friend. So what kind of back story should we put together? I could have met you in--,"

"Actually," Ashton interrupted Luke, looking thoughtful and dreadful, "Actually, she knows about you."

Luke raised his eyebrows.

"Um, what?"

Ashton laughed awkwardly.

"Ha. Uh. Yeah. I told her--that I was gay. And that I was--uh--in love with you."

The cab was very quiet while Luke processed the information.

"So...ah, how did she...take it?" He finally asked delicately.

"Well, I meant she wasn't thrilled. And I haven't really...I mean..." Ashton trailed off.

"Oh, shit, Ashton." Luke groaned, "You've not spoken to her since? Christ. How long?"

"You know when I called you....?"

"Two and a half weeks?!" Luke felt like he was slowly being crushed as the cab pulled up in front of Ashton's house. "You haven't talked to her in two and half weeks?! Ashton, you live together!"

Ashton cleared his throat.

"We're here."

"You have to warn me about this kind of shit, love." Luke told Ashton, trying not to be too terrified as he paid the cabby. "What's our plan?"