It was fictional, but it stuck with Luke and he had to wonder...did he love Ashton? Whether it was love or just a stupid crush, it was unrequited and the thought hurt luke. It burned behind his eyes, until he was able to cry alone in the shower, body racking with sobs.

*****

Luke felt a bit better after his shower, deciding showers were wonderful places to cry, because you could do so without judgement.

He returned to the common area, where Ashton, Calum, Michael, Ryan and Drew were all sitting, chatting over a few beers.

Eventually Drew left, and Ryan ceases the opportunity to tell them of a cool idea he had, about making different videos for promo and content about WWJ. As they voiced their opinions, Calum and Ashton continue arguing over the blanket they were sharing, before Calum stood up and informed them he was going to buy a blanket.

And that's exactly how they ended up at Walmart at 12:14 am.

Michael wandered of instantly, and Ryan, who they'd invited last minute to film, followed Calum. This left Ashton and Luke, who together headed towards the frozen foods. The pair had barley begun to browse the ice cream flavours, when Luke dragged them to the bathroom.

His phone was dead and he didn't want to be alone, because he could get kidnapped and die or get his dick caught somewhere. Ashton had agreed, leaning against the wall outside the bathroom. He fiddled with the draw strings of his hoodie, before his eyes caught the plushy gray fur lining the blanket on the shelf.

Ashton was instantly drawn to it, so he reached for the blanket, rubbing his hand through the material. He liked it, and began shuffling through the assortment of colours. He'd wound up 4 or 5 aisles away from where he started, still conflicted on his blanket choice.

It was around this time that the intercom buzzed and Ashton glanced up in confusion upon hearing his own name.

" Mr. Ashton Irwin please come to register 4 to pick up your child"

Ashton stood dumbfounded, before his curiosity got the best of him, and he travelled down the aisles to the registers.

He wasn't sure exactly what he expected.

But what he saw was a freakishly tall Luke Hemmings perched on the conveyer belt, arms crossed and lips pouted.

"You left me alone"

Luke continues whining, until Ashton gives him an apology hug, wrapping his arms tightly around the taller boy. As Ashton turns to leave, Luke grabs him and pulls him back, hugging him from behind. Ashton giggles, scrunching up his nose leaning back into the hug.

Ashton eventually pulls away, grabbing Luke's arm and tugging him. Luke staggers begins, not 100% surprised when they end up browsing thorough condoms and lube.

Ashton searches through, before finally selecting the largest size and tossing it at Luke.

"Here, for when Sierra comes"

Luke chucks the box at his head, snapping back with a snarky remark.

"What? I'm just saying, you need protection"

"What about you Mr. Irwin?"

"I don't get anything, I'm not attractive enough"

"That's bull"

"No, Luke, seriously, you're the better looking one of us two"

"You have a nicer smile"

"You're eyes are more gorgeous"

"You're dimples are cuter"

"You're cuter"

"You're a better kisser"

"How would you know Luke?"

Luke tugs Ashton forward and presses their lips together, gently moving his against Ashton's, until he felt Ashtons moving back. The kiss lingered for a moment, before Luke pulled back, cheeks rosy.

"Sorry, that was a little inappropriate"

"Yea, but I don't know if I'm the better kisser of us"

"Are you serious? You're great"

"Are you 100% sure, unless you try another time?"

Luke desperately tugs Ashton back up against his chest, smiling into the kiss when he hears Ashton giggle at his eagerness. The tips of Ashton's shoes balance on Lukes boots as Ashton gives himself some height. Luke grips his waist with one hand, letting the other caress his cheek, while Ashton has both his arms around Luke's neck, fingers tugging and twirling the blonde curls.

This kiss lasts longer, much slower and passionate than the last. Luke can taste the coffee and mint in Ashton's mouth, as he slowly parts Ashton's lips with his tongue. The air between them soon diminishes and they separate, foreheads touching.

They stare into each others eyes, and Luke can't help but suppress a snort of laughter. Of course he'd have his first kiss with Ashton in a Walmart, surrounded by condoms. He also felt something in him, a feeling that told him he had no way out.

He most definitely had feelings for Ashton.

Wrapped in each others embrace, they both smile, staring into each others eyes. Luke leans forward and gently pecks Ashton's nose, smiling at the sight of him scrunching it up. The silence isn't the awkward type, that Luke was brilliant at creating, but was in fact comforting. Luke presses another kiss to his nose, deciding that he liked giving Ashton nose kisses.

Ashton steps off of Luke's shoes, falling back to his height a few inches below Luke. They're still close enough that Luke can feel Ashton's warm breath. It's strange really, how they're able to stand like this, absolutely in love, when neither have any sort of romantic relationship. They're just staring into each other's eyes, small giggles escaping the older every so often.

Eventually Luke feels Ashton pulls away to itch at his wrists and Luke arches a brow.

"Ashton, you've been acting...off. You don't tell us much, you randomly leave... just please tell me??"

"I...not right now? It's not an ok time, we're standing in the middle of Walmart"

"Alright, but please Ashton"

"I'm fine...and about Michael and Cal, it's not what we thought. Crystal and Michael had a falling out a week or two ago, and Michael cried to Calum and they kissed, and well, the sexy was a total drunk mistake. It's out now, the news, but Calum and Mike are under wraps and tryna figure stuff out"

"Ashton, that's off topic please"

Ashton shook his head and made a move to leave, but Luke grabbed his wrist. Ashton snatched it back, letting out a yelp of pain as he clutched it to his chest.

Luke profusely apologizes, trying to embrace Ashton, but he backs away, eyes glistening with tears. Luke takes a step back, feeling his own eyes burn, before he mutters an excuse about having to leave.

Ashton whispers something back, but Luke misses it, as he's already left the aisle

"Maybe someday Luke, I'm just not ready. You have a girlfriend...and I? I've got secrets"

*****

Luke leaves the Walmart, angry and confused.

He'd just made out with Ashton, and also realized how oblivious he'd been. Ashton wasn't ok. He was hiding something, and it hurt Luke. He also knew that they were so close to becoming something. He wanted that, because Ashton was his angel, his beautiful, radiant angel.

But he had a girlfriend, who's heart he didn't want to break. Who he didn't want to confront, because it would only prove that he was whipped for Ashton. Luke was stuck in his denial phase, knowing how he felt, but wanting to believe it was a phase.

And Ashton was secretive. It hurt Luke, because he couldn't love Ashton and build a relationship without trust.

Luke's heart hurt.

He longed for the taste of Ashton's mouth against his own. Luke was wrapped up in his blankets, when he felt the bed dip, and a certain drummer crawl under his arm. Luke pretended to stay asleep, and savoured the warmth Ashton brought. Things were going to change. He promised himself, he would find out was going on with Ashton. Maybe he'd even deal with his own confrontation. Nonetheless, the Radiant boy curled up in his arms would soon be his.

But when does life give us what we want that easily?