"I use cutting as an alternative to committing suicide. The blood reminds me I'm alive, and it's oddly comforting. It's my only escape from this hell." WARNING: triggers like self harm are a common occurrence in this particular fan fic, also there's swearing, if that bothers you haha

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.

"Please stop! You're hurting me!" "Don't fight me, Luke, it'll just make it worse." Or in which Luke is being abused by a boy named Ryan and he feels helpless to do anything about it out of fear. He's sworn to silence but can Ashton save him? // tw for abuse, rape, self-harm, attempted suicide // {Fully Edited as of 18th Nov 2017 // 28 Published Parts} (Highest rank - #177 Fanfiction, #316 Teen Fiction) (3rd place in Up and Coming - Lashton Awards) cover template © lottesgraphics pictures © cHae

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