"I-I wanna get a tattoo because I-I'm scared Lukey. I don't wanna cut myself and h-hurt myself a-again. Th-thats not good. Tattoos hurt, and then they're something beautiful. I want one to h-help me"

Ashton whimpered softly, as he tried to explain himself, and to his relief Luke understood. He nodded and whispered into Ashton's ear, telling him it was ok, and that he was ok.

Ashton nodded and cuddled back into Luke, who focused his attention down on Ashton, not caring for the movie in that moment.

******

Ashton let the warm water run down his back as he stared blankly at the tiled shower wall, lost in thought until there was a knock at the bathroom door. He strained to hear Luke's muffled voice, but finally made out that Luke was just checking in. Ashton quickly shut off the faucet and stepped out side, shivering slightly as he wrapped a towel around his waist.

Ashton cracked the door and peeked outside, seeing Luke with a pile of folded clothes in his arms, patiently leaning against the wall. Ashton hated the bruises on his body, and while they were surely fading, in the meantime, he preferred to be alone when he wasn't covered, which he was glad that Luke accepted.

Luke waited outside, half heartedly scrolling through his phone as he waited for Ashton to finish up. About 10 minutes later Ashton came out, wet towel in his hand, dark hair matted flatly against his head. Ashton was still shivering and he immediately pushed himself against Luke, feeling the curly blondes warm hands rub his back.

Ashton sighed as he tightly gripped Luke, arms snakes around his waist as he allowed Luke to carefully warm him. In the end, Ashton had dragged Luke to the couch where he cuddled up against him and they chose to postpone their trip to the parlour, preferring to just relax in each other's company instead.

*****

Michael leaned forward and pressed another chaste kiss to Calums mouth, throwing his head back as he continued to rut his hips against his boyfriend.

They continued on for a moment, grinding and kissing, both dawning on the fact that they really loved each other.

After all, there weren't many people who'd would make out with you early Sunday morning while you were both greasy and in need of a shower, dressed in ratty clothing that you would continue to cling onto for years because it was so comfy.

That morning ended with them tangled in each other's warmth, bodies one as they lay close, cuddling and breathing against each other.

"I love you Michael"

"I love you the most Cal"

*****

Two days after Luke and Ashton decided they were to go out, they finally managed to make it to the body shop, where they patiently waited for Ashton's turn.

Ashton seemed content that morning, and he assured Luke he knew what he wanted to get, which is why he was just excited. Luke was happy to see Ashton happy, after all, he hadn't seen that beautiful smile so big and genuine in the longest time.

Ashton had a small piece of paper folded and tucked into his pocket with his design, which he kept hidden from Luke because he wasn't sure how Luke would feel about it. Luke said he didn't care, and that Ashton was to do whatever he wanted, which reassured him, but he still didn't share it.

Ashton impatiently bobbed his knee, creasing the folds further as he played with the paper. Luke rubbed his back and pressed a lingering kiss to the tattoo on his neck, calming him down slightly as his turn came.

Luke sat back in his seat, eyes fixated on where Ashton was talking to the artist, complete with hand gestures and his warm laughter. Both of their eyes fell to Luke quite a few times, which did have him curious, but he knew he'd have to wait.

Luke glanced away and around the shop, before his eyes fell back to Ashton, who now was tracing a spot on his torso where Luke assumed he wanted the tattoo. As they went back and Luke waited he smiled contently where Ashton had been standing moments ago, glad at how far he'd come.

*****

The wait was a lot more tedious than Luke anticipated. He impatiently fiddled with his sleeves and paced around, before he left to get a coffee. He then returned and texted Ashton who said everything was fine and he'd been done soon.

Soon didn't come fast enough.

Perhaps Luke was on nervous edge, overly protective as he had been after the events that had occurred. He couldn't be blamed, because it had been traumatic for everyone, but if Ashton thought he'd be ok, then Luke needed to trust him. Leaving the house itself and coming all the way here had been such a big step, and Luke was so proud and happy for Ashton.

When Ashton was finally finished, Luke had him engulfed in a hug immediately, hands carefully running up and down his back as he let out a little breathless laugh into Ashton's hair.

"You're ok"

"Of course I am lukey"

"Can I see it"

"Let's go home first"

Luke nodded and slipped his arm around Ashton's waist, leading him to the car.

*****

When they arrived back home, Luke sat on the couch in anticipation, allowing Ashton a moment to change. When he came down the stairs, he nervously lifted his shirt up and revealed his tattoo to Luke.

Luke's mouth fell open, and he actually had to hold back from crying. A tear or two did manage to escape and Ashton frowned.

"Y-you don't like it"

"No!"

Luke screamed in protest, startling Ashton, who stared in confusion while Luke aggressively shook his head.

He didn't hate it, not at all. He loved it, so, so much, and he mentally cursed himself for making Ashton think any different. The tattoo was beautiful, and it made Luke cry, yes, but tears of happiness because of how much he loved it.

"I love it so much, I can't believe you did that"

Luke murmured softly, fingers gently tracing over Ashton's newest body art.

It was small moon just under his rib, with a delicate lrh etched right underneath it.

"Thank you Ashy"

"No, thank you. You're always there for me, and I had to get something for you, it wouldn't have been right and wouldn't have meant as much if I didn't"

Ashton smiled softly, hands curling around Luke's neck as he cuddled further into him, eyes dancing in happiness.

Genuine happiness, because he was ok.