“Why would you... do that to yourself?” “What do you mean? It’s not that bad… It’ll all come out in the wash.” Ashton Irwin had heard it all: From teachers, his parents, even some students, he kept hearing about how writing all over his arms with pens could hurt his health. He kept being told that he was ruining his skin with ink, about how it would seep into his body and ruin him in some way or another. Nobody understood that it was way better than the alternative. Luke Hemmings didn’t have anything against tattoos, really. In fact, one of his closest friends had a bit of a thing for the inky art. It was just… he couldn’t understand why this one kid in the class right next to his came in every day with clear skin and left with scribbles littered over every part not covered by clothing. He figured that anyone who wanted inked skin so much would just go out and make it permanent, and he can’t help but ask himself why the boy would do this every day without fail. When he finally runs into the boy right next door, he is a bit surprised by the answer he gets. “Come on, all of it can’t be washed off. You know that.” “I can try.”

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.

"Fat fat fat," Luke clawed at his body. "All I am, is fat." - Luke Hemmings is ugly. Luke Hemmings is fat. Luke Hemmings likes to puke. Luke Hemmings despised eating. Luke Hemmings is every negative comment made about him. Luke Hemmings is gay. Luke Hemmings is pretending. Luke Hemmings is damaged goods. Ashton Irwin is hot. Ashton Irwin is skinny. Ashton Irwin loves to eat. Ashton Irwin is smart. Ashton Irwin is amazing. Ashton Irwin is everything Luke needs. Ashton Irwin is gay. Ashton Irwin is pretending. Ashton Irwin is noticing. Ashton Irwin is falling in love.

5 Seconds of Summer & One Direction -crossover- Multiple Ships. warnings: triggering. anorexia, self-harm, depression, bullying, swearing. Disclaimer: I do not own anyone in this story. ~ "Want an oreo?" Who knew one sentence could change someone's life so much?

Luke has been in love with Ashton Irwin ever since he first laid eyes on him the day he joined the band. But to Ashton, Luke is his band member and best friend, nothing more. Nobody knows that Luke is gay, not even Calum or Michael, and he plans on keeping it that way.

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 lost his vision and hearing. The only thing that makes him smile is touching Luke.

"Who are you?" All Rights Reserved.© WriteDrunk 2014. Completed.