Punks Meet Flower Crowns >> Lashton AU ✔️

72. ~ Fright

IMPORTANT: I've made a soundcloud playlist/soundtrack for this story! All the songs mentioned in this story will be on that playlist and I'd appreciate if you guys would check it out while you read the story. I'll slowly be adding more and more songs to the playlist as the story progresses.

Link: https://soundcloud.com/ladylarrylashton/sets/punks-meet-flower-crowns

This link is also on my profile page.

Comment "sweet" if you checked it out/read this.

Mood: "Let It Go" by James Bay.

>>>

"I used to recognize myself,

It's funny how reflections change"

Time: 6:40 pm.

Setting: Ashton's Room. Room 151.

Calum: You seriously didn't tell him?

Ashton: (nips his fingers on a flower's thorn) Ow! (sucks on his finger, glares at Calum) It's not that simple.

Calum: What's the issue? You tell him. You fuck. (makes exploding motion with hands) Boom. Happily ever after.

Ashton: He's my friend, Cal. I don't wanna mess it up.

Calum: (groans, bangs his head on coffee table) Holy fuck. At this rate, you'll be single forever.

Ashton: What's wrong with that?

Calum: (holds up a finger) One, I've lived through the awkward horny pubescent Ashton stage. I know how much you like to get your freak on. (holds up another finger) Two. (shouting) He wants you, too, you idiot! (sits back, arms crossed) All this chasing is honestly getting annoying. One of you needs to make a move.

Ashton: Well, it won't be me. (starts making flower crown) I'm straight.

Calum: (serious) So was Louis. (pauses, thoughtful) Maybe you should talk to him. He could help you come to terms with...(struggles) all of this. (frowns) You need to hear it from someone who's gone through the same thing.

Ashton: (stops making crown, bites lip) Cal, I'm just scared. (looks at Calum) I've only ever been with girls. Being with a man - even just kissing a man - it's a whole other world to me. (frowns) It's scary and I'm afraid I'll do something wrong. I don't know what he would expect, what he likes. I don't wanna mess this up. (sniffles) I was a shit boyfriend, a shit husband. What makes you think that I'll be any better with someone of the same gender?

Calum: (sympathetic) I'm not going to lie and say you'll do better or worse because I'm not in your shoes. (reluctant) But, Luke's a good guy. Sort of. He won't just hump you and dump you. (rolls eyes) I mean, look at his attempt at a one night stand. They're friends, for crying out loud.

Ashton: (blurts) I don't want my issues to get in the way.

Calum: (soft) Hey. They won't. This is not Gemma, where she found out right after the engagement and couldn't back out. Luke knows what he'll be getting himself into.

Ashton: (eyes clenched shut) I'm scared. I can't have this happen again. (dry sob) I can't stand someone leaving again.

Calum: He hasn't left yet, has he?

Note: Check out that playlist or I'm going to cry and probably not update for a couple of days. Jks. But seriously, check it out.