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Dedication: You. Yes you reading this. I love you!

Last chapter guys! A good portion of the chapter is smut because what better way to end off a story. Am I right or am I right? ;)

Let me know of any errors that you notice.

Last chance to comment and/or vote if you enjoyed the chapter. Every single comment, vote and read during the entirety of this story I am so damn grateful for I can't even tell you. Thank you so much! - Vanessa

***

"What's it like?" Ashton asked, staring up at his parents with wide-eyes. He watched as the two shared a look, smiling fondly at each other before turning to look down at their eight-year-old son.

"We've told you this already, sweetie," his mom laughed, his dad chuckling beside her as she leaned into his touch.

"Go on, Anne Marie," his dad laughed, his mom smiling fondly.

"There's nothing quite like that moment you look into their eyes, Ash. That's the moment you know they're yours and you're theirs," she said, shooting another glance at her husband and grinning when she caught him staring.

"They're your entire world. They're everything good and right about your life because even when things are difficult they're everything you've ever wanted. Everything you've ever needed," his dad said, ruffling his son's curly hair.

"When you meet your soulmate, Ash, and you reach that point in your relationship where everything seems to be falling into place, it seems like it's impossible to be any happier."

As Ashton listened to his parents talk, he could feel his heart fill with excitement. Because even at the age of eight, without any real knowledge about love and relationships, it seemed the soulmate bond was every bit as wondrous as his parents described.

He couldn't wait for the day he'd meet his soulmate.

***

Ashton scrunched his face up, groaning before opening his eyes.

It still surprised him. He couldn't seem to shake the sense of amazement that came with opening his eyes to anything but darkness, but it was more than that. It was opening his eyes and seeing Luke.

Ashton smiled shyly where he lay on Luke's chest, the steady thump of Luke's heartbeat beneath his head, Luke's warm and smooth skin bare beneath Ashton's hand rested in front of his face.

Their legs were tangled together, half his body on top of Luke's, Luke's hand limp around his waist, barely clutching onto Ashton's shirt. Ashton tilted his head up and smiled when he saw Luke, saw the way his plump lips were parted, his breathing barely audible with each puff of air.

His hair was stuck up in all directions against his forehead, his eyelashes fluttering against his pale cheeks, the steady rise and fall of his chest. It was everything to Ashton and he would never tire of it, never get enough.

Ashton's breath caught at the sight every time, at the touch of Luke. It was almost like he fell in love with him a little more everyday no matter how impossible it seemed. Surely he couldn't love him anymore than he already did?

Ashton giggled softly when Luke scrunched up his slightly pointy nose in his sleep. Luke grumbled, bringing his other arm around to hold Ashton to him.

Ashton shifted himself higher, crawling gently so that his face was right by Luke's. He leaned up and gently pressed his lips to Luke's, smiling into the kiss before pulling away.

Luke grumbled incoherently and Ashton giggled softly again before lifting his hand to trace the soft stubble on Luke's jaw and the lip ring he loved so much.

Ashton gasped softly when he poked Luke's cheek and realised how soft and squishy it was. He couldn't believe he'd gone all these months without knowing Luke had marshmallows for cheeks.

Without thinking about it, Ashton grabbed Luke's face and squeezed his face gently, biting his lip to keep in his laughter when Luke's lips squeezed together to look like a fish.

He was entertained for a while, squishing Luke's cheeks until he looked up to his blue eyes open, his eyebrows raised in amusement.

"Ash, what on earth are you doing?" Luke asked, Ashton barely able to understand, his voice muffled as Ashton was still squishing his face. Ashton reluctantly let go, blushing slightly when Luke laughed.

"Well, I certainly didn't expect to wake up like this this morning," Luke said, placing a kiss to Ashton's forehead and Ashton smiled.

"Morning Lukey," Ashton said, kissing Luke's cheek before laying his head on Luke's chest and closing his eyes with a sigh.

"Morning baby," Luke said, moving one hand to play with Ashton's hair while the other remained around Ashton's waist.

"Do you know what day it is today?" Ashton asked excitedly, nuzzling into Luke's chest and relaxing into the way Luke fingers tugged on his curls lightly.

"Of course," Luke laughed, his chest vibrating with it. "We were talking about it before we went to bed."

Ashton huffed playfully, "Well sorry for being excited."

"Fine, what day is it today?" Luke asked, deciding to play along.

"We're moving today!" Ashton said happily and Luke hummed.

"Yup, we're moving. I'm so glad we're leaving these dorms," Luke sighed and Ashton couldn't help but agree enthusiastically.

Sharing a dorm with Brad had become a nightmare since he started dating Jessica. It had always been bad but finding out your roommate is dating the person who assaulted you at a party, taking advantage of you for being blind and drugging you, well Ashton couldn't be blamed for not wanting to spend another minute there.

Luke was tired of walking in on Michael and Calum and when it happened to Ashton more than once too they decided it was best to get a place of their own together.

At first they wanted to get a dorm together but there were no available dorms so their only option was moving into an apartment close to the university. Calum was moving into Michael and Luke's dorm, taking Luke's place and they were overjoyed that there was no one to walk in on them anymore. Michael, however, admitted to being strangely disappointed saying that there was an excitement in knowing anyone could walk in at anytime.

"What time is it?" Ashton asked. Luke reached for his phone, trying not to jostle Ashton.

"It's nine. The university said we need to be out by noon," Luke said, shifting to get comfortable.

"We've got time then," Ashton mumbled, fully intending to squeeze in another hour of sleep.

Ashton screeched when Luke poked his side, Luke's arm, however, keeping Ashton pressed to him.

"No no no," Luke said playfully, "You woke me up so you're not allowed to go back to sleep."

Ashton lifted his head, glaring at Luke before pulling the pillow out from under Luke's head and laughing when it fell back onto the mattress with a soft thump.

Luke grabbed the pillow from next to him and smacked Ashton on the head with it, making him gasp.

"Lukey!" Ashton huffed before hitting Luke's face with the pillow Ashton was still holding.

"Oh it's on," Luke whispered mischievously. Ashton shrieked when Luke hit him again with the pillow, jumping out of bed. Luke followed quickly so Ashton hit him on the chest as hard as he could with the pillow, making Luke laugh loudly.

"Is that the best you've got, baby?" He asked before hitting Ashton on the side of the head.

Luke laughed loudly again, pointing at Ashton and slapping his knee as he dropped the pillow. "Your hair!" Luke laughed and Ashton glared at him before picking up Luke's pillow and slapping him repeatedly with both pillows as hard as he could. It only made Luke laugh harder, however, and Ashton just huffed, dropping both pillows and folding his arms in annoyance, shooting Luke a glare.

"I'm sorry baby," Luke laughed, trying to calm down before cupping Ashton's face, rubbing his thumb over Ashton's pouted lips before leaning down and kissing him. Ashton's immediately responded, wrapping his arms around Luke's neck.

The two pulled away, leaning their foreheads together, eyes closed as they breathed heavily.

"I love you," Ashton whispered, opening his eyes to see the deep blue of Luke's, watching the way Luke bit his lip ring into his mouth before smiling.

"I love you too," he said. "Now come on, we should get ready." Luke pulled away, poking Ashton's side and laughing at the way he yelped. Ashton rolled his eyes but couldn't help it when a smile overtook his face as he watched Luke.

***

"That's the last box," Ashton sighed, panting as he placed it on the floor before flopping down on the ground. He sighed as the hardwood floor cooled down his overheated face, his curly hair clung to his forehead with sweat.

He opened his eyes when he heard commotion beside him and smiled when he saw Luke lying on the floor beside him, smiling at Ashton.

"This place is great," Luke sighed, shifting closer to Ashton so that their noses were almost touching.

"Yeah, hence the reason we got it," Ashton said, rolling his eyes jokingly. Luke narrowed his eyes in return but Ashton just smiled fully, dimples on display and eyes bright, enough to make Luke smile back.

"Mikey and Cal should come help us unpack," Ashton sighed, already dreading the thought of sorting through everything.

"No way, they'd just pack it according to how they'd like it," Luke said and Ashton frowned.

"Is that really a bad thing?"

"Have you forgotten who Michael is?" Luke asked, raising an eyebrow and Ashton sighed in defeat.

"True."

"Come on," Luke grunted as he stood up, popping his back.

"No," Ashton sighed, closing his eyes again and remaining where he lay.

"Yes," Luke said, a devious hint in his voice that made Ashton open his eyes but before he could even open them fully Luke was lifting Ashton up, almost falling over when he threw him over his shoulder.

"Lukey stop!" Ashton giggled as Luke carried Ashton towards the bedroom.

Ashton assumed Luke meant to drop him on the mattress but somehow Ashton ended up on the hardwood floor, groaning in pain.

"Ow," Ashton winced, clutching the back of his head and glaring up at Luke who was staring down with wide eyes.

"Oh shit! Fuck, I'm sorry baby!" Luke panicked, bending down to help Ashton onto the mattress.

"You're going to kill me one day," Ashton grumbled, rubbing the growing lump on the back of his head.

"I guess I'll just have to kiss it all better," Luke smiled, turning Ashton over onto his stomach and leaning over him.

Ashton felt his breath hitch as Luke's body pressed against his, placing gentle kisses on the back of his head. He swallowed when he felt Luke trailing kisses down the back of his neck before latching onto a spot and biting it gently.

Ashton bit his lip, closing his eyes tightly as he clutched at the sheets, trying to supress any sounds. Ashton could feel himself getting aroused as Luke continued but it was hardly his fault. They hadn't done anything at all since being together, the two wanting to take it slow, Ashton always feeling nervous and afraid to take it any further.

"L-Lukey?" Ashton panted, licking his lips nervously. Luke hummed in response from where he was still kissing the side of Ashton's neck, Ashton blushing when he felt Luke's bulge pressing against his ass.

"We can- I'm- we can- you know," Ashton stuttered, slightly nervous. Luke pulled away, gently turning Ashton over and staring intently into his eyes, biting his lip ring.

"You want to?" Luke asked, running the pads of his fingers over Ashton's cheeks. Ashton nodded, feeling the blush coating his cheeks making him feel hot.

"You're nervous. Maybe we should wait," Luke said suddenly. Ashton shook his head, frowning.

"Of course I'm nervous, Lukey. Whether it's now or a year from now it's not going to change that, it is my first time after all," Ashton whispered, staring at Luke intently, watching as his gaze softened.

"Okay, I promise I'll be gentle," Luke whispered before leaning down and kissing Ashton softly, their lips parting in unison as their tongues rubbed together, Ashton's moaning barely audible.

"Can I do something?" Ashton asked once they'd separated and Luke nodded, looking somewhat confused. Ashton squirmed from underneath Luke, getting up and looking at Luke who was looking up at Ashton frowning.

"Lay back," Ashton said, voice slightly shaky as he tried to swallow his nerves. Ashton could feel the heat in his cheeks as he ran a hand through his hair, watching as Luke lay on his back, head propped on the pillow.

Ashton nodded, taking a deep breath before going back down on the mattress. With shaking hands Ashton began unbuttoning Luke's skinny jeans, unzipping them slowly. Ashton tugged down Luke's jeans, struggling with how tight they were. Luke helped him, pulling them off the rest of the way until Luke just had on a pair of dark blue boxers.

Ashton could see the prominent tent in his boxers, making him blush again. He gulped as he slowly reached for the waistband of Luke's boxers, shaking as he paused to take a nervous breath.

He looked up when Luke's hands grabbed his wrists, frowning as Luke looked at him earnestly.

"You don't have to do this if you don't want to," Luke said sincerely and just hearing his voice made Ashton's nerves calm slightly, especially when Luke pulled him up to give him a gentle kiss.

"I want to," Ashton insisted as he rested his forehead against Luke's. Ashton gave him another quick peck before going back down. 

"Okay," Ashton said, exhaling before pulling Luke's boxers down completely. Ashton's eyes widened, almost afraid to look at it completely. He looked up at Luke to see him smirking, putting his arms behind his head.

"Have at it, baby," Luke said. Despite his carefree attitude Ashton could tell by his slight heavy breathing, his dilated pupils and through the bond how affected he really was and it made Ashton feel better.

"I wont be very good at this," Ashton mumbled, eyeing Luke's dick again, almost afraid to touch it.

"That's okay, Ash. Just take your time," Luke said earnestly back, bringing his hand down to card through Ashton's hair softly. Ashton nodded before wrapping a hand around Luke's shaft.

It was bigger than he expected, thick and hard in his hand as Ashton gave it a few tentative tugs, feeling it harden further underneath his hand. He licked his lips before leaning down and taking the tip into his mouth, scrunching his face up slightly at the hint of a salty taste.

Ashton breathed through his nose as he took Luke further into his mouth, licking the underside of his hard shaft and focusing on the tip. He could hear Luke breathing deeply, his legs shaking with the restraint of trying not to buck up.

Luke's hand remained rested in Ashton's hair gently, the touch reassuring as Ashton sucked further down, bobbing his head slowly as he tried to get used to the motion. He brought his hand up to wrap around the base, stroking the area he couldn't reach.

Ashton continued to suck, trying to take Luke further down when he heard Luke wince.

"Teeth baby," Luke winced again and Ashton quickly pulled away, looking up at Luke with wide eyes as he licked his lips.

"Sorry," Ashton said, voice hoarse before going back down. Ashton was more careful and as he bobbed his head, going further down as he relaxed his mouth and gag reflex.

Ashton could feel saliva down the side of his mouth as he took Luke completely into his mouth, his nose touching Luke's trimmed pubes. Luke moaned loudly and Ashton looked up, trying to keep his position as he saw Luke staring at him with hooded eyes, messed hair and flushed cheeks.

Ashton pulled away for air but before he could go back down Luke stopped him.

"If you continue I wont last," Luke breathed, pulling Ashton up for a kiss. Ashton kissed Luke with wet swollen lips, moaning when Luke grinded up against him, the friction against his hard-on a relief.

"Let me return the favour," Luke smirked before flipping Ashton around so that Ashton was laying on his back, Luke hovering above him. Luke pulled off his own shirt before pulling Ashton's off, Ashton sitting up to help him.

Ashton lay back down as Luke began trailing kisses down his torso before taking his nipple into his mouth, sucking on it softly and making Ashton whimper beneath him at the feeling.

Luke continued downwards, kissing his way before reaching Ashton's jeans. Ashton was breathing heavily in anticipation as Luke smiled, looking up at Ashton.

He pulled Ashton's jeans off easily and didn't hesitate to pull his boxers off in quick succession. Ashton blushed when Luke looked at his dick, resisting the urge to cover himself up.

Ashton knew his face couldn't get any redder when Luke kissed the tip before taking him easily into his mouth, no hint of hesitation. He bobbed his head quickly, his speed increasing as his hand aided him where he couldn't reach.

Ashton panted as he fisted at the sheets, trying to keep his hips still but finding it impossible when Luke took him in completely and sucked hard. Ashton moaned incredibly loud as he bucked up, feeling himself hit the back of Luke's throat. Luke didn't even gag, continuing easily and Ashton knew he wouldn't last.

"L-Lukey, stop. I'm- I'm going to-," Ashton breathed, unable to continue but groaning when Luke pulled away suddenly.

"Wouldn't want you to come too soon," Luke whispered as he leaned up to kiss Ashton heatedly. "I'll be back," Luke said before getting up and leaving the room. Ashton watched him leave, breathing deeply and blushing at the way he was sprawled out on the bed. He couldn't believe they were actually doing this but if felt so right.

Ashton tried to calm his breathing, closing his legs in slight embarrassment before Luke could come back, feeling slightly exposed and vulnerable.

Luke returned shortly with a tube in hand, quickly leaning down to kiss Ashton again.

"You ready?" Luke asked, looking at Ashton intently and smiling when Ashton nodded.

"I'm ready, Lukey," Ashton assured. Luke shifted down, prying Ashton's legs open gently, placing a kiss to the scar on his thigh before opening the tube and placing a significant amount on his fingers.

"This will hurt, baby. I'm sorry but you need to relax, okay?" Luke said. Ashton took a deep breath, nodding as he felt his face heat up. Luke leaned up on top of Ashton and placed a gentle kiss on his parted lips. Ashton accepted the kiss gratefully, tensing, however, when he felt Luke's finger.

"Relax," Luke breathed against Ashton's lips. Ashton tried to do as Luke said but his nerves were taking over. He didn't know why he was so tense but he couldn't help it. Luke, obviously sensing his nerves, gave Ashton a quick peck before leaning down and taking Ashton's length into his mouth quickly.

Ashton gasped at the feeling, gripping the sheets tightly as Luke's finger slipped in easily. It was an odd sensation, something he wasn't expecting so he instead focusing on the way Luke's mouth felt around him, slow and sensual, not enough to make him come but enough to distract him.

It wasn't long before Luke inserted a second finger, the intrusion painful and making Ashton wince at the burn of it. He tried to focus on Luke's mouth instead of the scissoring of his fingers opening him up and it wasn't long before he was biting his lip to keep in his moans.

Ashton whimpered, instinctively moving away when Luke began with the third finger but he held onto Ashton's hip with his other hand, holding him still and sucking him harder to distract him. Ashton squeezed his eyes shut, willing the pain to get better.

His hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat and he felt like his skin was burning everywhere. There were so many sensations it was almost too much. He felt like he needed to get away but at the same time he never wanted to move.         

Luke pulled his fingers out completely when Ashton had adapted to all three fingers. His mouth pulled off of Ashton's length with a pop before leaning up to kiss Ashton again. Ashton moaned into the kiss, revealing in the feeling of Luke's tongue exploring every inch of his mouth. Luke pulled away from the kiss, burying his head against the crook of Ashton's neck and kissing him there softly.

Ashton calmed himself down when he felt Luke press against his rim. He braced himself for the intrusion but still hissed in pain as Luke slowly began to move in. The further he moved in, the more he could feel himself stretch out and he bit his lip harshly to prevent himself from crying out in pain.

"Wait," Ashton cried out when he felt like it was too much. "Please wait."

Luke stopped immediately, lifting his head to look into Ashton's eyes. His hand came up to brush Ashton's hair away from his sweaty forehead.

"I'm sorry, baby. Do you want me to stop?" Luke asked, panting with swollen lips and red cheeks, hair messy and pupils blown.

"N-no I just need a minute," Ashton said, trying to calm himself. Luke nodded before kissing Ashton again, this time more fondly and gently, showing Ashton just how much he loved him. Ashton could feel it through the bond, could feel Luke's love and a hint of concern.

"I love you," Ashton said hoarsely when they pulled away to breath and Luke smiled.

"I love you, too," he assured and Ashton nodded.

Luke began to move again, this time more slowly but it wasn't long before he was completely in. Luke was panting, eyes shut as he tried to restrain himself from moving to allow Ashton time to adjust.

Ashton took steadying breaths, closing his eyes as Luke rested his forehead against his. He never imagined how it would feel to be this close to Luke, to be connected to him in every way possible and it was more than he could've imagined. He felt like the two of them were one.

"Okay," Ashton finally said when the pain had somewhat subsided. Luke nodded, opening his eyes slightly as he breathed heavily and began to move. It was painful, the burn difficult to ignore but Ashton just closed his eyes and tried to focus on everything else but the pain.

He focused on the way Luke's head felt as he rested his head on Ashton's shoulder. He focused on the way Luke's hair tickled the side of his face and his breath against the crook of his neck. He focused on the way Luke's sweaty torso moved against his own. He focused on Luke's deep and slow movements inside of him and the way the pain slowly became pleasurable.

"Fuck," Luke moaned, beginning to move faster and shaking slightly as he tried to restrain himself. Ashton panted as the feeling of Luke inside him began feeling better and better, more than he imagined it could feel.

"Holy s-shit!" Ashton cried out suddenly, arching his head back as he shut his eyes tightly, Luke reaching a spot within him that made him feel like he was on fire, every nerve ending in his body burning in the best possible way.

"There it is," Luke said, letting out a breathy laugh as he propped himself up on his arms to look at Ashton.

"You can- faster," Ashton panted, ignoring the way Luke smirked slightly as he obliged and Ashton didn't know what to do with himself. It felt like too much as Luke hit that spot over and over again but he couldn't get enough.

He wrapped his legs around Luke's waist, pulling him in deeper and moaning loudly as he did. He brought his arms up to wrap around Luke, digging is nails into his back as he tried to ground himself, tried to pull himself as close as possible to Luke.

Luke hissed slightly, but moaned collectively as he moved even faster, his movements becoming somewhat sloppy as the two got closer to their release. Ashton moved his hips in time with Luke's thrusts, desperate for relief as he moaned pornographically.

"O-oh my-," Ashton cried out as he came suddenly, stilling his movement completely as he was overcome with pure ecstasy. His eyes rolled back, eyes shutting tight as his mouth parted in a silent gasp.

"Fuck," Luke moaned when Ashton barely opened his eyes, looking up at Luke who was staring at him like he was the most amazing thing in the world. Luke continued to move until he came and when he did Ashton gasped as the feeling of Luke's climax was felt directly through the bond, feeling exactly what Luke was feeling.

Luke stilled above him, tensing with a moan as the feeling washed over him, his release filling Ashton up. He released a shaky breath before flopping down on top of Ashton, the two of them lying together in a sticky mess.

"Wow," Ashton breathed as he stared Luke in the eyes. Luke shared a similar look of wonder as he smiled, leaning in to peck Ashton's lips in a chaste kiss.

"Now I know why Calum and Michael are always at it," Luke said seriously and Ashton couldn't help but burst out laughing, Luke joining in moments later.

"Shower and a nap?" Luke asked and Ashton nodded, feeling incredibly tired.

"Shower and a nap," he confirmed with a nod.

***

Ashton awoke groggily, groaning as he stretched out but stilling as he winced at the pain that shot through his lower back.

"Ouch," Ashton muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up. He frowned when he saw the spot next to him empty, the sheets a mess around him.

Ashton hauled himself up but froze at the sharp pain. He wasn't expecting to be in so much pain afterwards but if he was being honest it was definitely worth it.

Ashton picked up his boxers off the floor from earlier and pulled them on, wincing as he did. His legs felt shaky as he walked towards the door, opening it to hear voices coming from the kitchen.

"When are you going to show him?" He heard Calum ask as he walked down the corridor.

"Keep your voice down," Luke hissed and Ashton raised an eyebrow as he reached the end of the corridor.

Michael was by the stove cooking something that didn't smell completely edible. Calum and Luke were sitting on the floor surrounded by what appeared to be pieces of a drum kit they were assembling.

Luke was just in his boxers and both Michael and Calum were in sweatpants and a shirt, both seeming like they'd made themselves at home. The thought made Ashton smile.

"Why the hell are you setting up the drums now? What if Ashton wakes up?" Michael asked as he leaned against the counter, crossing his arms expectantly. Ashton almost burst out laughing, realising that because the lights in the corridor were switched off that no one could see him where he stood.

"We'll hear him and quickly hide it," Luke said confidently and Ashton rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

"How the hell are we going to move it in time?" Calum asked, looking at Luke like he was stupid.

"Dammit, I don't know I didn't think that far ahead," Luke sighed, scratching his head.

"So you decided to buy him a drum kit to surprise him but you didn't think about the actual surprising part? That's the main part!" Michael yelled and if Ashton wasn't awake he'd certainly be after that shout.

"Shut your mouth! Ashton's sleeping!" Luke retaliated just as loudly.

"You're both stupid," Calum sighed, shaking his head.

"So, you guys finally did the do," Michael said randomly and completely out of nowhere as he poked the food in the pan.

"You already asked that," Luke muttered as he laid down on the floor and gave up on assembling the drum kit. Calum gave Luke a sharp poke in the stomach, making him shoot back up and slap Calum on the back of the head.

"Yeah, well I'm asking again because you never told me how it was," Michael said and Luke just shrugged.

"That's because it's none of your damn business."

Ashton decided he was tired of eavesdropping and walked forward slowly towards where Calum and Luke were on the floor. They all looked up and Luke's eyes widened as he looked between the drums and Ashton. Calum snickered, trying to hold in a laugh at Luke's expression.

"Is that for me? Thank you, Lukey!" Ashton said giddily, not believing that Luke had actually gotten him a drum kit.

"Pssht, no. It's for Michael," Luke scoffed, rolling his eyes but Ashton just giggled.

"No it's not, stop fucking lying," Michael said as he turned off the stove and stared at the contents of the frying pan forlornly.

"I was standing right there for about ten minutes, Lukey," Ashton said, pointing towards the corridor. Luke pouted as he stared at the floor before shrugging.

"Surprise!" He shouted making Ashton jump. "Now you can help us set it up."

"Um, okay then," Ashton said.

"No, he can't help set up his own gift!" Calum interjected, shooting Luke a glare.

Ashton sighed before going towards where Michael was still staring at the frying pan sadly. He looked over Michael's shoulder and grimaced at the blackened chicken in the pan, not understanding how he'd even allowed it to reach that point if he was standing by the pan the entire time.

"Should we order pizza?" Ashton asked and Michael looked at him, nodding sadly.

"I'll do it," Calum said, standing up and going through his phone.

"Cal and I are thinking about getting the apartment right next door," Michael said as he threw away the chicken and Ashton smiled widely in excitement.

"Really? We'll be neighbours?" Ashton asked happily and Michael grinned back, nodding.

"What pizza do you want?" Calum called out and Luke went over to help with the order, already knowing what pizza Ashton always had.

"Are you happy?" Michael asked suddenly, looking at Ashton intently and Ashton's eyebrows raised in surprise at the question as he looked up at Michael.

"Of course. I can't imagine being happier," Ashton said truthfully and smiled widely.

"I figured as much. I just wanted to be sure," he said with a shrug and Ashton pulled Michael into a hug.

"Thanks Mikey," Ashton said as Michael returned the hug.

"Stop stealing my man," Luke joked as he walked into the kitchen, pulling Ashton away. Ashton squirmed at the ticklish feeling of Luke's arm wrapped around his bare torso but leaned into his touch anyways.

Luke spun Ashton around and wrapped his arms around his waist, lifting him up to set him down on top of the counter. Ashton hissed at the pain that shot through his lower back and Luke froze, looking at Ashton in concern.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" He asked worriedly and Ashton blushed at the way Michael and Calum exchanged looks, smirking obviously.

"Um..." Ashton trailed off, his face hot as he tried to avoid everyone's gaze.

"You fucked him good and hard is what it is," Michael said, slapping Luke on the back and Ashton's face exploded with heat, feeling like he wanted to crawl into a hole and never leave.

"Shut up," Ashton shot back, making Luke and Calum laugh while Michael pouted.

"I'll head to the store later for painkillers," Luke said, standing between Ashton's legs as he cupped his face. "You okay?" He whispered as Michael and Calum bickered in the background.

"Yeah," Ashton said truthfully, smiling as he nodded and Luke smiled back before his gentle grin turned mischievous.

"Do you want me to kiss it better?" He asked huskily with a wink and Ashton swatted Luke's arm as his face turned into a tomato.

Just before he could respond, however, Luke kissed Ashton on his parted lips, his tongue slipping in easily. The two moved in unison, the kiss remaining soft and gentle as Ashton wrapped his arms around Luke's waist.

"So," Luke panted as he pulled away, "when do you think you'll be better?"

"Um, I don't know. Why?" Ashton asked in confusion.

"I could really go for round two," he smirked and Ashton rolled his eyes as Michael and Calum began laughing again, Ashton joining in despite the blush on his cheeks.

Yeah, he wouldn't mind round two.

The End

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