Ashton is okay right now. He's always like this after a bad bout. He starts off saying that the world is his oyster and he loves everyone, but when the energy and fresh success fades, so does he. Luke knows. He knows about all of Ashton's problems. He knows about the time Ashton was bullied nearly to the brink, the family deaths and friend losses, and the ups and downs, the latter of which seem to be more common lately. It's been so easy lately for Ashton to slip after a joke gone wrong, or a jab on Twitter. Ashton always says he's sorry, repeating it again and again if only to convince himself. Luke knows he's sorry, knows that he can't help it. And he'll sit by the bathtub for hours, holding Ashton, to make sure that he knows someone loves him. None of the other boys know. Ashton couldn't bring himself to tell them and face their disapproving stares too, and he wouldn't let Luke tell them, so he's stuck in this half state of secrecy and confession to Luke. Ashton hasn't gone too far yet, not far enough that Luke can't patch him up with gauze, antibiotics, and a long hug. But someday, someday, Luke knows Ashton won't be able to take it anymore, and Ashton will die. And Luke will be all alone.

What happens when one boy shatters everything you thought you knew about yourself? "I don't like boys. But I like you. Does that make sense?" "No." "Good."

"ashton: good morning lucas" "luke: i hate you"

❝There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.❞

Luke's just a little bit in love and Michael's just a little bit oblivious.

they met at therapy; therapy for sex addicts. (cover by elle)

I feel the angry tears fall down face. "I just want Michael to come back. We all fought and he may be dead." I take a deep breath my voice trembling. "I didn't even get to say I'm sorry." "None of us did Luke." Ashton sighs. "We will find him don't worry. I have a feeling he's not dead." Ashton wipes a tear from my cheek.

Luke is a nerdy straight A student by day, but when night comes he looses the nerd act and turns into his real self. *Completed!*

"I fucking love you."