💕

He tried his best to forget whatever the fuck he'd dreamed up, and did so partly by ignoring his phone every time it buzzed, because it was Ashton. He'd been calling luke repeatedly for the past 15 minutes, but Luke left his phone on the couch, instead focusing on his girl, who he loved and not Ashton, who he was not gay for. He leads Sierra and nudges Petunia up the stairs, a tired smile on his face.

"Come on, lets sleep."

*****

It's around 7:30 the next morning when Luke gets a text from Michael inviting him and Sierra to dinner tonight. He gladly complies, already missing his fellow band mates. Sierra was happy to come as well, deciding she hadn't talked to Crystal or the other boys in ages.

*****

It's around 5:30 when he and Sierra arrive at Michael and Crystals place. As expected, the door is answered by Crystal, who greets them with open arms. Michael, also as expected, is sprawled across a couch, eyes fixed on the TV, thumbs swiftly clicking about his controller.

He continues, before he loses, cursing and tossing his controller into the ground. Crystal rolls her eyes, just as the door rings again. Part of Luke is hoping it's Ashton, because he does have a little bit of guilt chewing on his heart because he'd ignored all those calls yesterday. He was unsure what had been the reasoning behind them, but was operating under the assumption that Ashton would tell him about it, if it was really important.

It actually ends up being Calum, who is dressed in equally causal attire as the rest of them. Sierra was in the kitchen helping Crystal set up dinner, whilst Michael was grabbing beers for Calum and Luke.

The 5 spend around a half hour talking and catching up, when Sierra questions about Ashton. Of course he'd been invited, but he should have been there an hour ago.

As if on cue, there are three knocks at the door, and as expected it's Ashton. Only, Luke wasn't prepared for Crystals's gasp when she opened the door, and wasn't prepared to hear her ask what the hell had happened.

They all crowded to the door, where Ashton was standing, eyes cast to the ground and arms tucked behind his back. Luke didn't notice anything wrong, but it was when he straightened out that Luke noticed his cut, swollen and brace clad arm.

"Ashton what the hell??"

"I-it's no big deal Mike, don't worry. Sorry I'm late, they wouldn't let me leave the hospital until a few hours ago because I w-was...yea."

No one is too satisfied with his response, so Michael again asked him what happened. He tried to ask cautiously, because he didn't want to upset Ashton.

"Ashton, why were you in the hospital?"

"I slipped, crashed and then fell...in my studio at home...and everything collapsed on me- the drums, guitars, mic, table- everything. And my arm got caught and it was too heavy for me to lift up. The pressure and angle sprained my wrist and hand and it's all cut up because I had to pull my arm out, a-and-"

"Well why didn't you call anyone??"

"Please, I tried calling Luke because his contact was the only one I could hit from the distance but he didn't care to pick up"

And yea, Luke feels a shit ton more guilty, because he could've helped Ash, but no, he chose to be an asshole. Ashton of course, wasn't that upset, because he knew Luke was probably occupied, and as usual, Ashton didn't think he was enough to be cared for. But, no one knew that, and they didn't need to either.

So he shook it off, and gave Luke a hug, and then all the others, before entering further into the house. He was dressed in all black, and perhaps looked like a gothic drama kid, but Luke thought he should do it more often, as it looked sorta nice.

He was still upset at himself, even after being reassured, but decided he'd do something nice for Ash to make it up.

*****

Ashton might be gay.

Maybe.

Because when Luke Hemmings makes your stomach feel like it's being chewed and when he makes your dick happy, you're probably not straight.

Or he could be straight and that could just be the sheer power of Luke Hemmings.

Nonetheless, Ashton didn't necessarily like how close him and Sierra were, because, yea they were dating, but Ashton also sortamaybekindalovedluke.

And right now, he felt sick to his stomach, as he watched them cuddle and kiss. Maybe he was a little jealous, which was a bad feeling, but one he couldn't help.

He was still a bit upset after yesterday, because he knew Luke and ignored him for Sierra, which he rightfully did, because she was his girlfriend and-

Yea, he's most definitely overthinking.

He was so glad they hadn't questioned why'd he'd been occupied at the hospital so long, because he wasn't ready to tell them.

He wasn't ready to tell them about his panic attack and mental breakdown when the nurse had asked about Luke, when he said he had tried to call him.

It was stupid, to him, and he decided he needed to figure out what was happening with his feelings for Luke soon.

Although he sort of could tell.

Ashton really felt sick now, feverish and achy. Sierra and Luke were most certainly not helping his nausea, and Ashton wanted nothing more than to leave.

"I have to go. Thank you Crystal and Michael"

"Hold on, why are you leaving already? You only got here"

"Sierras got a point Ash, whats wrong?"

"Nothing Luke, I just don't feel very well..."

"You look alright, is your arm what's bothering you?"

Of course Ashton looked alright, he'd lathered on foundation to cover his heavy bags and pale face. He'd been sickish since he'd left the hospital and was to kind to pass up dinner.

So no, his arm wasn't bothering him, it was the fact that he couldn't say another word, because he felt the bile rising up in his throat.

Ashton shoved everything aside, ignoring the clatter of dishes as he ran into the bathroom, skidding to a halt in front of the toilet. His arm ached at the sudden movements and his chest felt tight as he breathed shakily.

His eyes burned with tears and his throat felt raw and scratchy as he doubled over and threw up.

His throat burned as he continuously heaved, unable to contain himself. He was sweating all of his makeup off, and his tired, sickly face became more evident.

He coughed a few times, when he finally felt his stomach settle, before another churning feeling hit him, and he threw up again. Ashton was feverish and tired, his arm hurting badly at the angle he had it rested in.

It was only then that he noticed 2 of his band mates crowded around the door, Sierra, Calum and Crystal elsewhere. He'd assumed they'd stood there till he was able to contain himself a bit, to avoid overwhelming him. Luke rushes to him first, crouching beside him, rubbing his back, and brushing stray strands out of his eyes.

He feels Michael gently pat his shoulder and push him back into Luke's lap, so he lay curled up. Michael pressed a damp cloth to his forehead, and used another to wipe his face clean, before wiping and flushing the toilet.

Calum is soon there as well, with a glass of water, and a plastic trash can for Ashton to rinse his mouth in. Calum operated under the assumption that Ashton wouldn't be able to walk to the sink, and rightly so, as Ashton had blurred figures dancing in front of his eyes, and felt delirious.

Sierra has a thermometer and a bottle of some type of medicine, while Crystal has a few of Michael's clothes, which she places beside Luke.

His temperature indicates his very high fever, as does his burning body. Luke could feel the heat radiating off of Ashton, and he didn't care how close he was to him. He didn't care if he got sick as well, he just wanted Ashton to be ok.

Ashton felt his eyes droop, and he shivered in Luke's comforting arms. Sierra told him something but he didn't hear it, instead feeling a cold metal spoon at his lips.

He assumed it was medicine, so he tiredly drank it, swallowing with great effort. He felt more tears burn his eyes, as the pain in his wrist elevated.

Ashton was in no position to form words, instead choosing to mumble incoherently to Luke, before gently lifting his arm. Luke figured that his arm hurt, and made sure someone went to fetch a painkiller.

Ashton was zoning in and out, feeling horribly worse in a matter of minutes. He couldn't process much of anything, and his head was in immense pain. It was after a few moments, that Ashton finally realized he was in Luke's arms, and not at home.

He shoved Luke away and staggered to his feet, but it wasn't long before his vision blurred and the world slipped away.

*****

Ashton wakes up, tired, sore, but slightly better. It's probably day, as there is a fair light through the drawn curtains, but it's dark all the same. Ashton stretches sleepily, cursing his wrist. It was sore and achy, which he didn't really like the feeling of.

Ashton's stomach grumbled, and he realized how long ago he'd eaten. Food was one of the worst things he could do to himself, but Ashton wasn't quite sure how else to regain his energy.

He fumbled for his phone and pressed Luke, praying he'd pick up this time.

"Oh god, Ashton you're awake"

"Mhm...w-where is everyone? M'hungry"

"Shit, uh, hold on. Calum will be up in a minute, and the rest of us will bring you something to eat. What would you like?"

"I don't care Lu"

"Alright. Stay in bed"

"Bye"

True to his words, Calum bounced up the stairs moments later, glass of juice in one hand, and a plate of fruit in the other. He set it on the nightstand and settled beside Ashton.

"You feeling better buddy?"

"A little bit"

"What even happened?"

"I don't know. Felt a little feverish, a-"

"And the sight of Luke and Sierra made you sick?"

"W-what?"

"Same thing with Crystal and Michael. Hated their relationship, fessed up, and if you've been alive online, you'd see that they aren't dating anymore. It's been about 5 months now. Mike and I decided to date, because we confessed our feelings for each other and Crystals only here as a friend. Yesterday was her sort of goodbye. And Michael and I coming out."

"What the fuck"

"Yea. They're telling Luke and Sierra now, but I'm saying you ought to tell Luke how you feel. He may feel the same"

"Or not"

*****

Luke arrived at Michael's, about 30 minutes after Michael himself. The house was quiet, except for Calum in the kitchen, making coffee.

"Back already?"

"Congratulations on you and mike"

"Sorry we kept it from you guys."

"No, it's fine. Listen, Sierra and I broke up too"

"What? You guys were going strong"

"Yea...we talked it out...Michael and Crystal were there also, and apparently I'm in denial for my love for Ashton."

"Oh, that you are"

"Is it really obvious?"

"Luke, you wouldn't accept it. You kept telling yourself you didn't like him, but you did. That first practice? We were considering kicking him out for not liking FIFA, and you? You kept raving on about how good looking he was."

"Well..."

"Exactly. And that dream on the plane you told me about? Luke, you're wouldn't have dreamt it, if you didn't have feelings for him. And the way you always talk about him, and look at him...it was clear, and has been for years. And, I know for a fact that Ashton likes you"

"H-he does?"

"I wasn't supposed to tell you, but yes, he does. He loves you, a lot, and I think he needs you more that he realizes. You love him too Luke, think about it."

"I guess I do."

"Exactly. It's Christmas in a few weeks. Get your shit together, and get your man"

"Thanks cal"

"No problem. Just promise me that you won't be half the ass you were in that dream of yours"

"I'll try"

And a weights been lifted off Luke's shoulders once he confesses his feelings. He feels better, and now, just had to tell Ashton. He had a couple ideas, but his first priority was taking care of Ashton, because the violent coughs from upstairs, and Michael's colourful curses indicated he wasn't feeling too well.

Just as Luke reaches the stairs, he turns back, a small smile on his lips.

"Calum, he's just so...radiant"

"No shit Luke, you stare at him like he's the freaking sun"