The Runaway | Ashton Irwin AU

Part 18

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A/N: This chapter and the next two are going to be kind of short, but they're setting up for what I'm planning for the end of this book. Hope you guys enjoy!

Vote? Comment? Love.

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[Charlie's POV]

Work had been more than stressful and on top of that I hadn't heard from Ashton in days. I knew he had a lot to deal with right now but I couldn't help but worry that he was trying to pull away. I couldn't let that happen though, he was too important and was still one of the only people who treated me the way I wish everyone else would.

The tour was set and everything seemed to be moving a lot faster than I thought it would. In only two days I would be leaving LA to kick off the tour in Phoenix, Arizona. I really wanted Ashton to be there but I felt like I would be asking for too much if I called him. I didn't want to stress him out anymore than he already was.

I stood from my spot in the conference room, no one making any indication that they cared if I left or not. The whole meeting almost pointless as my manager was only reiterating what I already knew, so it was obvious the everyone around me that I was bored. The large door closed softly behind me as I dialed Ashton's number. There was no harm in trying, right? It rang five times before someone finally answered.

"Hello?" The voice sounded nothing like Ashton.

"Hey, hi. It's Charlie, is Ashton there?" I spoke with uncertainty.

"Yeah, hey! It's Mike. How are you?"

I smiled at his politeness, "I'm okay, working nonstop. How are you? How's Ash?"

"I'm fine." He breathed out a sigh and it sounded as if he was moving, "Ashton is very tense and anxious."

I leaned back against the closest wall, nodding my head even though he couldn't see, "I wish I could be there."

"So do I." He chuckled but I could tell it was forced, "And Ashton..."

I was nervous as his voice trailed off, "Well, Ashton just wants you to be happy."

My body slid down the wall as I stared up at the ugly piece of art hanging on the wall across from me, "Is that why he hasn't called?"

"Yeah." He sounded guilty, "Kind of."

"Can I talk to him?" I spoke just above a whisper.

"Hold on, I'll get him."

It was quiet and then a bit of rustling was heard. I strained my ears as I tried to listen to the muffled voices. Michael must have had his hand over the speaker.

"Just talk to her." He whispered loudly, "She obviously misses you."

There was more interference before I heard absolutely nothing. The silence on the other end was ear piercing and then there was the sound of a door being closed.

I waited another moment before I spoke, "Ashton?"

"Hi." I could barely hear him and as a few people walked by me I shielded my face in hopes of hiding the pained look in my eyes.

"I miss you." I didn't even try to hide the desperation in my voice.

"I'm sorry I haven't called." His voice was hollow.

"No, no, it's okay. I understand." Which was true in part.

"How are you doing?" He spoke after another long pause.

"Busy. The tour is starting soon." I sighed heavily.

"When?"

"Two days."

"Oh." His voice cracked along with my heart.

"That's kind of why I called actually." I spoke knowing he wouldn't, "My first show is in Phoenix and I was kind of hoping you'd come."

I felt bad just for asking. The silence said it all and I quickly regained my composure before speaking in a rushed voice, "But you have so much on your plate right now I-"

"Charlie." The way he said my name reminded me of the night he took me out into the desert to scream away our frustrations. The only difference now was that I could really understand the emotions behind his words. He cared.

"I want to come." He spoke clearly.

"Really?" I almost wanted to tell him to forget I had even mentioned the idea.

"Yeah." He paused, "I need to see you."

My heart fluttered at his words and I couldn't help but smile. I never seemed to know what to say to him in these situations.

He understood that as he quickly spoke again, "Will you text me the details?"

"Yeah, of course. I'll put both your name and Michael's on the list." I bobbed back and forth happily.

"Thank you." He let out a long sigh.

"For what?" I asked.

"For this." He sounded just the slightest bit happier, "For distracting me. For being the person you are. For everything really."

"Ash." My cheeks were on fire, "Why are you so sweet to me?"

He spoke with more confidence than I was expecting, "Because I like you."

I suppressed the squeal that tried to escape and instead inwardly jumped for joy. All I wanted to do now was run and tell anyone that would listen that Ashton Irwin like me!

But I kept my cool, letting out a dreamy sigh, "I like you too. Like a lot."

"A lot." He repeated me like he was trying to get the idea to register in his brain. I nodded my head, the smile never leaving my face.

"Will you say that to me again when I see you?" I could tell he was smiling as well.

"Yes." I answered quickly, excited that the idea of there possibly being an 'us' was now out in the open.

"Good." There were some muffled voices and then Ashton spoke again. "I need to go."

"Yeah, sure." I stood from my sitting position, "I'll see you soon?"

"Yes, you will."

With that the called ended. I bounced happily on my toes as I grinned at nothing in particular. I quickly made my way back to the meeting I had left previously, hoping that no one would notice my change in mood. Even though it was a stressful time in both our lives, Ashton still found a way to make me fall for him even more than I already was.