Summary: (Y/n) is excited to travel with Ashton when he goes on tour with the band. But things take a worrying turn when the band find out that (Y/n) now has a stalker.
Enjoy.
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The pendant pressed so deeply into the palm of her hand that (Y/n) was sure soon enough it would be cutting through the tough skin and drawing blood. Every time she let go of the pendant, tried to leave it alone, it seemed to sway and tap against her chest like it was reminding her that it was there.
Reminding her that it was a piece of Ashton, part of his extensive tour wardrobe that she had borrowed and not given back since the incident two days ago. The pendant had stayed faithful and stern hanging around her neck despite the fiasco and unlike her ring, which her stalker had torn from her finger. Something told (Y/n) to keep the pendant on, and she hadn't been able to take it off yet.
The window had gone warm from how long she had sat here with her temple pressed against the glass.
She wasn't sure why she was staring out the window when there was no passing scenery this time. The bus wasn't moving, they had been stationary for a while now and the only view (Y/n) had was of the vast car park and the metal railings forming a barrier around the back of the arena.
The sound of boots stomping through the room made (Y/n) lift her head from the window and her hand clenched around the pendant as she looked to see who was walking down.
"Are you ready?"
Michael paused by the bed, a grin toying on his lips and his arm stretched out in front of him as if to beckon (Y/n) to jump in front of him and join their march out of the bus. It was time to get checked into the venue and start the schedule.
(Y/n) dropped her gaze down to her lap as she shook her head. "I'll stay here, for a bit. You go have fun."
The grin on Michael's face disappeared and his expression fell like he was a puppet whose strings had been severed. His head automatically turned to look behind him and once his eyes locked with Ashton, he ticked his head in (Y/n)'s direction before he walked ahead to give the couple a bit of privacy. It wasn't Michael's place to try and convince (Y/n) to join them or ask why she suddenly felt apprehensive.
When Ashton saw the way (Y/n) as sat on the bed, legs curled, body turned towards the window and that distant apprehensive look on her face, his chest tightened like drawstrings had been yanked tight around his body.
He carefully sat down on the bed leaning his weight on his right hip as he leant in towards (Y/n) and rested his hand on her thigh.
"Babe, you can't stay here all afternoon, not on your own. Come with us, please?"
He couldn't head into the venue when he knew she was going to coop herself up here on the bus and likely not leave until the band came back later in the evening. Ashton couldn't have that, she needed to come in with them even if it was just for a little bit; he wouldn't settle if he left her in here on her own.
(Y/n)'s teeth sank down into her lower lip sharp enough to make her nerves jolt but with enough control to stop herself from giving in to the tears welling up behind her eyes. She didn't want to cry, she really didn't and she knew if she lifted her head and looked at Ashton, the dam within her would break.
"If I stay here, I won't mess things up for you." Her voice was quiet and shallow enough that Ashton could barely hear her.
The last meet and great the band did was in this same city two days ago, and that had gone horribly wrong. (Y/n) didn't want to watch this next meet and greet or be near the band when they did their soundcheck venue in case he came back. Her stalker. (Y/n) couldn't cause a scene again for the band, she wouldn't do it.
The meet and greet two days ago had ended very abruptly, the whole band left after what happened and it hadn't gone down well with any of them that (Y/n)'s stalker hadn't been found. The media had gone crazy with speculation and gossip, so much that (Y/n) hadn't been online at all in case there was anything online that was directed at her or the fans blamed her for that madness which happened.
If she stayed here on the tour bus, she would be safe. She would be cooped up here on her own, in privacy where no one would know she was here. There would be no scene to be made near the band and they could get on with the day and the show tonight with no issues or unwanted surprises.
"Look at me." Reaching out, Ashton gently cupped his fingers beneath her chin and tilted her head to the side so they were level and he could lean in close until he finally caught her eye. "That wasn't your fault, he hurt you and caused a scene, not the other way around."
No one in the band blamed (Y/n) for what happened, no one at the last venue did either and their fans were showing concern and love and hoping (Y/n) was okay. No one thought she had caused a scene or that she had done something wrong.
Someone had hurt her, someone had tried to attack her and had been inappropriate with her and that wasn't okay. Nor was (Y/n) to blame for that in any aspect.
"I want my girl there with me, okay? And if you stay here I'm just gonna mope and worry about you so you really should come with me."
He could see he had won her over, that she was relenting and giving in to his powers of persuasion. She leant her cheek against his hand for a moment before uncurling her legs and slowly clambering off the bed.
Once they were both on their feet Ashton took her hand in his and gave a comforting squeeze as they began to walk towards the front of the bus. He felt (Y/n)'s free hand curl around his upper arm and her chin perched on his shoulder, making his lips curve into a grin.
If (Y/n) didn't want to watch the sound check or be too close to the stage that was no issue. She could hang backstage, she could get a drink or go in the dressing room or wander about the venue, and Ashton had spoken to security already. Someone was going to be with (Y/n) when Ashton wasn't there, just like before when they found out about this stalker.
She wasn't going to be on her own at any point, and if that guy was stupid enough to try and get close to her again, then they would stop him. (Y/n) didn't have to hide herself away or feel unsafe or stop doing what she wanted to do because some unhinged idiot thought he could hurt and try to control her.
Ashton wanted (Y/n) by his side, that was why she was here on tour with them, and nothing could change that.
"I'm feelin' pretty good about this one." The wide grin that spread across Ashton's lips flashed a small view of his teeth and made him look the epitome of cheeky.
He struck a pose for the camera, since Calum was the one currently filming the livestream for the fans and the bassist had been pointing the camera at him since they clambered down from the stage.
He could feel the sweat dripping down his face and soaking into his hair and he resisted the urge to drag his hands or forearm up and down his face. He would be getting a shower soon anyway before they got something to eat and clambered back on the bus to leave the city behind for thei next destination.
Something caught the corner of Ashton's peripheral vision and when he realised what- or more precisely who- it was, his grin morphed into something sweeter, something docile yet charming.
He gave a thumbs up towards the camera before he began to veer to the right in (Y/n)'s direction.
He couldn't help himself. He hadn't seen her in over two hours since before the show began, and that was long enough. He wanted to be back with her now, he wanted to let this high the show gave ride out of his system and have (Y/n) by his side again.
Relief lit up Ashton's eyes when he clocked the security hovering a few feet away from (Y/n). So they had listened to him. Someone had stayed with her while the band were on stage and everyone else was distracted. With that stalker still out there, Ashton didn't want to take any chances. It wasn't just (Y/n)'s safety either but everyone who came on tour with them. If this gu was so desperate to get to (Y/n), he might hurt others to reach her.
Having security around her meant that (Y/n) was safe, she didn't have to worry or panic or wait on the tour bus, she could be here in the venue without being at risk.
When she saw Ashton aiming her way, (Y/n) couldn't contain her smile and her arms shifted, anticipating with the speed he was aiming towards her that he was about to wrap himself around her, despite the fact that he was dripping with sweat. Although she didn't expect him to bend slightly at the knees, curl his hands steadily around the back of her thighs and hoist her off her feet.
Her breath caught in her throat and she instinctively looped her arms around the back of his neck, trying to stabilise herself on his torso. Her fingers wove into his hair at the back of his neck, feeling how crimped it was like he'd had too many curlers in.
The act of breathing came back to her in spasms after Ashton's lips stole hers in a kiss that was a battle of teeth and tongues.
She could feel his chest heaving with panting breaths, clearly still not over the exertion that came with clashing against the drums for almost two hours straight. And it made (Y/n) wonder how on Earth he was going to get out of those leather jeans when they felt like a second skin with how they were clinging to him. Glued against his frame with heat and sweat.
"Hi," he panted against her mouth, barely opening his eyes long enough to see the hazy glimmer within hers before his mouth sought hers out of its own accord.
"Hey."
When Calum saw the couple, he quickly turned the camera in the opposite direction and sped up his steps until Luke was now the centre of the livestream video.
Since the incident a week ago, (Y/n) and Ashton had decided that it might be best if (Y/n) wasn't in any of the videos the band did for the fans. She only ever appeared in the background or just for a few seconds, but in those short appearances, the stalker had been screenshoting her image and commenting on what she wore before he lashed out at her last week.
(Y/n) hoped that if she wasn't in the videos, if she wasn't in the band's content and stuck in the middle of a crowd when they were out in the city, he might stop taking photos of her. He might not be able to crop pictures or see her when she was out in public and he would stop posting the photos and sending them to her.
So Calum aimed the camera away from the couple, making sure neither of them were within sight anymore.
"You good?" Ashton's temple softly rested against (Y/n)'s and their lips ghosted together while he squeezed her thighs lovingly.
"Hm. You did great; and you did my favourite song."
She knew it hadn't been Ashton's choice, the fans tonight had picked the secret song that they played out on stage, but it just happened to be one of (Y/n)'s favourites that they had played. And she swore Ashton played even better than usual because he knew this little fact.
"Oh were you watching me then?" The cocky tone to his voice made shivers course up and down (Y/n)'s spine.
He was glad she watched the show, though he hadn't spotted her the few times he had tried to look in the wings or when the band disappeared backstage for a drink in between segments. For the last two shows, Ashton knew (Y/n) had stayed far backstage, barely leaving the dressing rooms.
She didn't want any of the fans to see her or risk the stalker somehow being in the crowd and seeing her backstage. Especially with all the cameras around the stage focusing on the band and the few people who recorded some little backstage moments too.
Her watching this show meant she had been close enough to see, and that was what Ashton wanted. He didn't want her to be afraid of anything or feeling like she couldn't see the shows when that was part of the reason of her being here, to be with him and see him at work in his element.
The way she shyly nodded was endearing and (Y/n) kissed him quick before he could make another comment.
"Have you had any messages?" He almost dreaded to ask and he didn't want to change the subject, but he wanted to know.
"Not so far."
Relief must have been clear in Ashton's eyes because he saw (Y/n)'s own eyes gloss over. She hadn't had any texts. No photos of her being taken unaware and sent to her. No rude, indecent remarks that boarded on threats. No sappy messages or pleas to be with her or hear her voice. And no more flowers or any other kind of 'gifts' had been sent to her either.
"Good; that's a week with no messages or harrassing pictures. Let's hope he got the message." Ashton couldn't quite believe that all week (Y/n) hadn't gotten so much as one message, whether it be a text or something through a social media site. Zero contact, and that was what they wanted.
He began walking forwards until he was close enough to the large equipment containers to ease (Y/n) down onto one of them. He sat her high on top of the container and moved so he was stood in between her thighs with her legs resting lightly over his hips and her arms still curved around the back of his neck.
(Y/n) couldn't stop herself from looking at her index finger on Ashton's shoulder, seeing the thick indent near the knuckle where her ring had sat snug and safe on her finger but a week ago.
"Maybe taking something sentimental satisfied him." She almost laughed but couldn't quite manage it.
She wondered if he was happy now, if that rude, inconsiderate, deluded guy was happy that he now had a token that belonged to (Y/n). That he now held in his possession something which had been sentimental to her. Maybe that was why he stopped messaging, he knew he could never be with her or get near her again, but he had something of hers to remember her by and reflect on. Something that linked him to her.
If that was the case then (Y/n) never wanted that ring back.
She watched Ashton bite down on the inside of his cheek as he thought over her words before he shook his head.
"Maybe. I told you, I'm getting you a new ring anyway…" his voice trailed off like he had lost his train of thought, but (Y/n) knew he hadn't.
She could see something sparkling in his hooded eyes as he slowly reached behind his neck for her left hand that had been feathering up and down his skin and in his hair. His thumb stroked the inside of her palm as he brought her hand up for him to inspect, making her very confused considering her stolen ring used to sit on her other hand.
But then he carried on as if there had never been a break in his speech. "And we're gonna put it on this finger instead."
(Y/n)'s jaw went slack when he pressed a feather-light kiss to her ring finger; her wedding ring finger.
He wasn't joking.
Part of her wanted to laugh, to tell him that it was a very funny joke to play on her, but the way he looked up at her through his lashes with that solemn yet hopefulness etched into his features told her that he was being deadly serious.
This wasn't a joke and this wasn't him just throwing ideas about or trying to make her feel better. This was a genuine declaration, a promise. A proposal in the sweetest way, no showing off or air of drama about it.
When he kissed her finger again as if sealing the promise he was making, (Y/n) tightened her legs around his torso and pulled him flush against her until he couldn't get any closer. Her arms rested up against his chest so both her warm palms could cup his face and bring him close enough to kiss those crimson lips and steal all the air left in his lungs.
***
Her headache was pulsing in time with the music that seemed to vibrate and echo through the arena like its very own heartbeat.
(Y/n) rose her hand to cradle her temple and angled her head back as if hoping to tip the ache out of her head.
The show was almost over. After the next song, (Y/n) knew the band would be shifting to the encore and then tonight's performance would be done. They would all make their way back onto the tour bus and be on the road once the set and equipment were all packed away and ready to go.
With her fingers still rubbing at her temple it seemed to rouse an idea and she looked towards the closed door.
She had some painkillers back on the tour bus. It wouldn't take her long to head out back and get them from the bus, then she could come right back and wait backstage for the band when they finished. She would be there and back beofre the encore finished. Ashton had a thing for her waiting in the wings so he could see her the moment he clambered off stage.
Would it make a difference if she told security where she was going?
Would there be any point to it?
For over two weeks now (Y/n) hadn't been bombarded with messages or flowers or anything directly related to her stalker. He hadn't tried to contact her, he wasn't messaging her on any social media platforms, and Luke said the account posting all the pictures of (Y/n) had barely had any activity since the incident. Perhaps he truly had gotten what he wanted when he grabbed her and took her ring.
She had felt rather silly wandering around the arenas with a security guard nearby, watching her for some attack that wasn't likely to take place anymore.
It would feel even more stupid to go and find a security guard just to walk her outside to the tour bus and back again or to let them know where she was going when the detour would take her less than five minutes.
(Y/n) could get out there and back without needing to bother anyone. She already felt like she was inconveniencing everyone and she wasn't about to do it again. She wouldn't become a nuisance to anyone.
Her hand drifted to her back pocket, making sure her lanyard was tucked there before she headed out of the dressing room she had been in for the past half an hour. Most of the doors in the arena were locked and needed a badge to unlock them and get anywhere backstage, (Y/n) didn't want to be caught without it and get herself locked outside.
She began to hum the lyrics under her breath even as the music became quieter and distant the further down the corridors she went. This arena felt like a maze, not like the straight and narrow corridors of the previous venues.
It didn't take long for her to head out of the venue, make her way onto the bus to the small area that was her and Ashton's room, and dig around in her case until she found the pain meds that would relieve her headache.
She found a water bottle and sank down to take the pills so she didn't have to cart them back around the venue with her. Part of (Y/n) debated waiting here but the other part of her mind wouldn't allow it. Not when she knew Ashton would be looking for her when he finished the set and she loved to see that sparkle in his eyes when he finally saw her.
The mere thought of Ashton's smile and that glimmer which sparkled in his eyes made (Y/n) look down to her left hand as she pushed up off the bed and slowly made her way off the bus.
There was currently a lime green plastic ring sitting on her ring finger on her left hand, a small symbol for the promise Ashton had made. He hadn't found the right engagement ring yet, always a perfectionist, so he had playfully slid that plastic one onto her finger for the time being until he could exchange it for the real thing.
The ring brought a grin to (Y/n)'s lips that she tried to bite back as she stepped out into the fresh air and began to cross the car pack towards the back door leading into the venue.
There had to be crew mulling about outside, maybe prepping the vans ready for the stage to be dismantled and boxed up ready for the next venue, because (Y/n) could hear rustling and heavy footsteps hitting the broken tarmac floor.
She paid it no attention until the steps sped up, and she realised it was only one set of harsh steps that she could hear.
She looked over her shoulder automatically, just in case someone was trying to catch up with her and walk inside alongside her or even just to ask her something. It wasn't that uncommon.
Why did she look?
All the blood drained down to (Y/n)'s toes and panic hit her like a freight train that shook her to her core and made her stumble forwards, despite her head still being angled over her shoulder.
It was him. The guy from the meet and greet over two weeks ago. The stalker.
He was here. Somehow he had wormed his way backstage, back here near the bus and the equipment storage units, somewhere he wasn't supposed to be. A place where no one was allowed to just wander nearby and stumble upon. This area was sectioned off, not even the VIP tickets could get anyone back here.
Her hand automatically flew to her pocket until her heart sank to her stomach. She didn't have her phone on her; it was in the dressing room. Why would she have needed her phone just to get something from the tour bus? Why didn't she bring it with her anyway? Who would she have called?
The moment her head turned back to look in front of her, she bolted. Her shoes scraped against the floor and her heart began to pulse like a boombox as she aimed for the door to get herself inside. If she was quick enough, if she could just get inside and shut the door behind her, he would be locked out. He wouldn't have a pass to get in, surely not, (Y/n) would be safe if she locked him out.
Not even a scream or a shout for help left her lips, for there was no one nearby except the one person who posed a threat to her who would hear her pleas. Her lungs wouldn't allow it anyway. Her lungs wouldn't make any kind of noise, any plea or shriek or desperate call for assistance. They were too busy tightening up and expelling the oxygen to her aching muscles that were invigorated with the threat of danger.
The door was five feet away when a pair of rough hands clasped onto her shoulders and his full force was used to yank her back against him.
This time a scream did claw from (Y/n)'s lungs when her back hit his chest and her legs flailed out in front of her, desperate to find some footing and get away from him.
With another scream (Y/n) thrust her force into her back in an attempt to knock her attacker off balance, but it didn't work. His hands on her shoulders twisted her to the right and before she realised where they were or what he was trying to do, her head slammed into the side of one of the moving vans and rebounded off again.
It seemed to shake her brain within her skull to the point her vision went black and her limbs shook and momentarily lost their control.
She tried to move her legs once the dizziness washed away. (Y/n) tried to thrust her foot into the van she had just been thrown into and put as much force into it as she could. If the van was sensitive then an alarm might go off and someone would be alerted that there was a situation happening out here.
She managed all of two feeble kicks against the van before he seemed to realise what she was trying to do, and her body was yanked towards the left to pull her into open space.
His arm bound around her neck, pinning her head back against his shoulder and cutting off her erratic breathing which made her vision blackout once again. (Y/n) raised her arms to dig her nails into his flesh as forcefully as she could manage while her heels scraped against the floor.
But it was the sound of his sickening voice sneering in her ear that made her quiver and want to be sick.
"You didn't choose me."
There was never a choice. There had never been a situation where (Y/n) had to choose. Ashton was her partner, had been long before this stalker set his sights on her and decided to bombard and harass (Y/n) like he had. She never had any inclination to think about being with someone else, and she didn't know this person.
Why would she ever choose to be with someone unhinged like him?
With his arm being so tight around her throat, (Y/n) couldn't choke out a response, not that she would have bothered even if she could.
Anything she wanted to say would only infuriate him further and she couldn't do that when he had the upper hand here. She needed to get away from him, not rile him up.
"I told you how much you mean to me. My star. I'd treat you so much better than him, and you pushed me away!"
It seemed that even he didn't know what he was trying to do. This hadn't been planned out properly and he wasn't executing any kind of plan here, this was made up as he went along and he wasn't doing very well.
"Well you're mine now! Mine!"
His left arm which had been bound around her waist, lifted before he rammed his clenched fist into her abdomen. The action sent a wave of shock rolling through (Y/n) and she doubled forwards as much as she could whilst still being confined in his rough hold. Her eyes snapped shut to stop the stars from twinkling before her eyes and she gasped for air, unable to do anything when he pushed his full weight onto her and sent them both down to their knees.
Her knees and elbows scraped against the floor but the shock stopped any kind of pain from hitting her.
If she didn't manage to get herself inside, if no one came out here soon, something bad was likely to happen.
***
"Where's (Y/n)?"
Pants left Ashton's dusky lips as he tilted his head back, chest heaving to gain back the breath he lost whilst out on stage. He rose his hand to drag his fingers through his hair, feeling how curled each strand had become and how puffed out it made his hair feel.
His free hand clamped down on his hip, something to loosen the tension and stop him from fidgeting, as if the energy he just used on stage wasn't even half of the energy he had stored within him.
But as he looked round his friends, his found family, he gained blank stares and shrugs from each of them.
Why were all of them gathered here, but it was Ashton's partner that was missing from the scene? Why wasn't she with the rest of them? Every other performance they had done this week, (Y/n) had been mixed in with family waiting backstage for the band. She was the only one not here.
"Isn't she with you?" He dropped his hand from his hair and made a motion towards Sierra, who he knew (Y/n) had been chatting to just before the concert started.
"I haven't seen her since… before the encore." She looked apologetic as she shook her head and tried to think when and where she had last seen (Y/n).
The response did nothing to dwindle down the panic building within Ashton. He couldn't help it. He knew he shouldn't worry, and maybe a month ago he would have laughed and rolled his eyes and said something along the lines of she must have forgotten the encore meant the band were finished.
But after the incident, all Ashton could do was worry about her. If she wasn't with him he hoped she would stay with their friends, their family backstage or keep security nearby. He asked security to keep an eye on her, to stay with her because the person stalking her was clearly derranged and obsessed, not a good combination at all.
With a meek nod of his head, Ashton turned away from them and began walking in the direction of the dressing rooms, because that was where he presumed (Y/n) would be.
She wasn't there.
His confusion grew when he saw that her phone was laid idle on the vanity table. She must have been here a minute ago, she wouldn't go far without her phone- and her bag, which Ashton could now see slung over the back of the chair in front of the vanity.
Either she had gone to the toilet or she had gone to the tour bus. That thought quelled some of the growing nerves within Ashton, but he still didn't feel fully settled.
A minute ticked by before Ashton left the dressing room and turned left, aiming down the corridor towards the exit that led out back to the tour bus. His mind wasn't going to calm down unless he found her and knew she was alright, because she wasn't with anyone. The security that hung backstage to be with the band's family were currently with them, they were with Michael and Luke's families. Which meant (Y/n) was alone, and Ashton didn't like that thought. Not with everything that had happened.
"Hey, you good?"
He didn't slow down or turn to look over his shoulder, but he did wave a hand behind him in Calum's direction who seemed to be hurrying after him.
"Yeah, yeah just wanna see (Y/n)…" he trailed off, unsure how to make himself sound convincing when his mind was already running away without him.
He was halfway down the corridor when the sound hit him like a bus.
A scream.
A sound so horrific that Ashton's boots became glued to the floor and his vision momentarily went white. The hairs on his arms and the back of his neck all stood on end and shivers coursed beneath his skin like jagged nails cutting down his back.
It was her. He knew it was her, instinct told him so.
Her name fell from his lips and his boots scuffed the floor, finally becoming unstuck to let him bolt dead ahead, though he wasn't sure where he was aiming. He was following the echoes that scream left down the corridor, judging how distant it sounded, and how petrified she seemed made him move even faster.
Tremors rattled through (Y/n)'s limbs and she could barely keep herself upright long enough to stumble forwards. Her knees kept caving in, her feet wouldn't hold up her weight or plant on the floor properly and her arms were trembling far too much for her coordination to keep control over them.
Tears blurred her vision until she was judging the door by the aura of light shining through the thin square window near the top.
Her throat burned like she had drank a litre of acid when really, it had been that man's arm over her trachea applying far too much pressure which caused the burning ache and resounding pain in her throat. It was hard to scrape in a proper breath to keep her lungs working and keep herself moving when all she wanted to do was collapse to the floor and curl up until she disappeared or the ground swallowed her up.
It felt like fate was playing a trick on her when she reached the door. Both tremoring palms smashed against the metal, proving to herself that it was there before she fumbled to get her keycard from her back pocket. She was both surprised and relieved to know it had remained tucked away safe in her pocket during the struggle.
A burning sob left (Y/n)'s lips when the door chimed and she flung it open, barely able to see anything but beams from the blinding lights. She just needed to get inside. If she was inside, she could scream and sob and crash to the floor and then someone would hear her. There would be dozens of people ranging from security to crew to backstage arena staff who would hear and be able to help her.
She tripped.
The collision with the floor didn't even make an impact on (Y/n), she barely felt a thing when her body hit the ground with such a bang that she her bones rattled within her, despite no actual pain following the impact.
Her hands scraped against the dirt-ridden floor, trying to pull herself inside and drag herself up, but she wasn't quick enough.
She couldn't get out of the doorway before he realised he had the perfect way to subdue her and prevent her from escaping.
He pulled the door with an abundance of force and crushed her ankle in the frame.
Tears sprung in (Y/n)'s eyes and whatever air was left in her lungs emitted in a guttural scream that made her ears ring. Her whole body tensed and coiled in on itself, shuddering against the floor as a sickening snap echoed and vibrated up her left leg.
She had no more energy to move, no will to get away and too much pain now flooding her bloodstream and nerve endings for her to bother to crawl and ignite herself with even more agony.
When he pushed the door open, as if releasing a mangled mouse from a trap, (Y/n)'s knees shuddered against the floor in a feeble attempt to curl in on herself with her arms bound to her chest and her face smothered in the floor.
She didn't hear what he said when he crouched over her and his hands grappled for her arms, roughly trying to turn her so she was facing him or drag her up from the floor, she couldn't quite tell. Either way, he didn't seem happy that she had resorted to ignoring him and cowering like she was.
The only thing (Y/n) felt able to do was sob. When he tried to wrench her upper body from the floor, she used the last of her strength to sink her teeth down into his forearm. The feeling made her cringe, like biting into a sponge and his flesh made an awful sound when her teeth sank deep, but it was her last resort.
He howled and let go, flinging his arm back which caused (Y/n) to crash back to the floor and her head rebounded on the hard surface, sending her limbs spasming in response.
Raised voices echoed around her, but everything sounded distant in her ears that were ringing like church bells were stuck inside her skull.
Ashton switched tactics at the last minute.
He had been all set to throw his frame over (Y/n), to haul her into his arms and drag her back before the sick, twisted fuck in front of him could harm her anymore than he already had. Ashton wanted to take (Y/n) in his arms, to block any further attack on her and keep her safe.
He had been halfway down the corridor when he heard her scream and watched someone slam the door closed on her leg. He hadn't been close enough to stop it and though he pelted as fast as he could and screamed for the guy to stop, screamed for Calum to get security, to get anyone to help, Ashton felt useless.
By the time he reached (Y/n), the person attacking her was about to strike and Ashton acted before he could really consider what he was doing.
His arms bound around the guy's torso, his right shoulder rammed into his chest with all the force of a car crash, and his feet left the floor as he flung himself forwards. He was surprised he somehow managed to weave around (Y/n) without catching her at all, and the impact they made when the pair of them hit the floor sent Ashton's bones shaking, but it did nothing to quell the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
They crashed through the doorway, landing on the crumbling tarmac just over the threshold, with Ashton crushing the guy beneath him.
He recognised him straight away. That crazed look in his eyes, the dangerous, almost rabid look on his face and that unruly, unkempt hair. This was the person Ashton had seen grabbing at (Y/n) at the meet and greet two weeks ago. This was the one who stole her ring. This was the sick person who had been harassing her, sending explicit messages and flowers and telling her how much he loved her and wanted to be with her.
If any of that were true, then why had he just attacked (Y/n)? Why had he hurt her? How had he got back here at all? What exactly had he done to (Y/n)?
"What the fuck did you do?!"
Words flew past Ashton's lips but he could barely comprehend them, his ears were still thrumming with his heartbeat that was increasing like the tempo of a song. He wasn't sure how many times he rammed the stalker's shoulders into the floor or when he started to throw fists, but he only paused when he sent a rather forceful whack to the guy's face and his hand spasmed.
Something popped, possibly a knuckle, and a crack vibrated through his arm and the disjointed look of his middle finger told him he might have just broken it. Not that he cared at all.
"Why did you do that?"
Words spat past his lips as he shook his hand at his side, trying to rid the pins and needles flowing up to his elbow but he couldn't stop himself from smashing his knee down into the guy's stomach. There was far too much anger rolling through Ashton for him to stay still and do nothing.
"She's mine!"
"She's a human being and you fucking hurt her!"
(Y/n) didn't belong to anyone; she certainly didn't belong to this idiot and he had hurt her. He couldn't claim her to be his or feign any sort of feelings for her after attacking her. That wasn't how it worked.
A scream similar to a howl left Ashton's lips when hands grabbed at his arms and snagged his vest to the point of almost ripping it from his skin. He flung his elbows back, enraged by whoever was pulling him back towards the doors to try and get him inside. And get as much space between him and this derranged person as possible.
"No-"
"Ash! Ash stop, you need to stop." It was Luke's voice in his ear, it was him and a security guard dragging him back like they were the police breaking up a pub brawl.
He flung his elbows back at them again, shrugging their touch off his frame until he was stumbling through the doorway. He could distance himself, he knew if he didn't he was bound to do something he shouldn't. That person would receive no mercy from him.
"Don't- don't let him get away again. Lock him up."
Deep breaths raged past his lips and he shook his right hand out at his side again, sure it was beginning to swell, but that was the least of his problems.
The moment Ashton's eyes found the scene inside, the rage started to pour out of him and become replaced by terror and all-consuming fear.
Calum had managed to move (Y/n) away from the door so she wasn't an obstacle or at risk of being trampled down by everyone, but that was it. He couldn't sit her up, he couldn't carry her or help her to her feet and try to get her into one of the dressing rooms or just away from the scene.
She wouldn't let him get close. She wouldn't let Michael help her up, she wouldn't let Sierra reach out for her and try to assess if she was okay and give some comfort or support. Their efforts were returned in sobs and flailing limbs, fighting them all away until they relented and hovered close but without touching.
She had curled up on her side again, both hands smothering her face as if to stop them from seeing her, to make herself invisible and hide the sobs that were gasping from her lips as she cowered away from all of them.
Terror swarmed through (Y/n) when she felt another presence in front of her. The sound of knees hitting the floor, the feeling of someone looming over her. Hands reaching out for her wrists. Everything made her whimper and want to shuffle back, but she had too much shock coursing through her veins for her to be able to move.
All she could do was cry, and it broke all their hearts.
She tried to pull her arms back, nails scratching into her face to keep herself smothered and hidden.
But she held her breath when she felt someone leaning over her and heard a soft voice whispering in her ear. "It's me, baby it's me. It's me you're okay. I got you."
That was all she needed to hear to made her limbs turn to jelly. Her hands stayed covering her face, but her body went lax and there was no resistance or screams or fight when Ashton slid his arms beneath her and carefully eased her towards him.
When she was close enough to his lap, (Y/n) tried to help shuffle herself across to him. Her chest slumped over his thighs, her hands left her face for only a second, just long enough so that she could smother her face into his torso until his vest was glued up against her mouth and nose. It allowed her eyes to remain tightly closed and left her hands free for her to weave them around Ashton's hips and clutch at his back.
She gripped him so tight he felt like he was going to be cut in two and her cries shook him to his core. His eyes burned and were layered with red rings beneath them as tears soaked his features. He bent forward until he could weave his arms over her body, one arm over her waist and the other hand clutching her thigh to keep her as close to him as possible.
His chest curved over her, hiding her beneath him and his wet lips attached to her shoulder, each ragged breath he took fanning against her skin as he tried to calm both of them down.
so it’s luke x reader in which reader it part of the band and also ashton’s sister, luke and reader have kids (you choose name and age) and they’re on tour now for the everyone’s a star tour, and during the q&a thing they always talk about them, and you can continue it with anything you want!
i hope you like it! 🫶🏻
Mini Rockstars • Luke Hemings
✦ pairing: dad!luke hemmings x mom!reader
✦ summary: In which everyone wants to know more about you and Luke’s mini rockstars
✦ warning: none — Van and Goldie
✦ author’s note: this is just a cute request like omg !!
Ever since you and Luke had found out you were pregnant with your twins you had both ideally wanted to keep the a secret forever. Safe and protected in your arms for nobody else to see. However, ever since you guys had started touring you had to accept the fact that it would be impossible.
Maybe it would’ve been easier if only one of you was in the band but when both of you are needed on stage, it just makes it that much harder.
It wasn’t all that bad, not as you had imagined it. Fans were very sweet, kind and just wanting to peak into a glimpse into your lives, and to be honest you LOVED to talk about the twins.
“Who are the twins’ favorite uncle ?” A fan asked in a giggly tone from the crowd.
Luke had immediately just put his head in his hands as he shook it back and forth, “Here we go.”
You had busted out laughing from your spot on the panel as the boys around you immediately jumped in on defending their titles.
Ashton started first, yelling over the other two, “It’s obviously me! We share DNA which means their love for me is practically running through their veins.”
“Oh whatever, you’re old news grandpa! Everyone here knows they always run to uncle Cal.” Calum refuted.
“Bullshit! I gave them a cousin, and Van always talks about how cool my hair is.” Michael yelled back.
The fans had erupted in laughter as they continued to jump at each other’s throats.
You attempted to cut through their yelling as you spoke back to the fans, “If you can’t tell, this is a rather sensitive and heavily debated question.”
This just caused more laughter in the pit of fans.
“Where does Goldie always want to be, huh? That’s right with Uncle Cal.” Calum had said to cut off the rant Ashton had been going on.
“You are so full of shit!” Michael had yelled back.
“Alright !” Luke had spiked trying to shut them up, “The twins don’t even have a favorite, you’re yelling for nothing.”
“You’re a fucking liar, Luke!”
“Don’t listen to him guys, It’s been Uncle Ash since they came out the womb.”
“You two are so delusional.”
The boys continued to go back and forth before you cut them off for good,
“You three better shut it or you’re not getting any fruit snacks or animal crackers!” You had yelled jokingly, in your mom voice ofc.
“Yes mom!” They all said in unison, making the room collapse in laughter once again.
“Okay, for real though, both Van and Goldie don’t have a favorite. They gravitate towards a different uncle depending on the situation but there’s never been one over the other.” You spoke honestly as the crowd erupted in awe’s.
All the boys immediately let out more mumbles at your answer,
“She’s lying.”
“It’s me.”
“Don’t listen to that.”
Luke threw his hands up in the air, “You three are completely helpless!”
One particular show, Goldie had been very clingy to you. She hadn’t been feeling good earlier in the day and even the night before, which always meant she clung to you like a koala.
You had been nervous to have her stay with Crystal and your guys’ friends like the kids did every show, especially because you knew she was prone to fits in a state like this.
In fact, she had one when you had been getting ready.
Luke had tried to calm her while you had gone to change but that had just made her more upset as all she wanted was you. You had told Luke it was okay and to just get himself and Van ready as you rocked your unsettled 2 and a half year old.
Your pediatrician had told you it was possibly her making herself sick with anxiety, which was something both you and Luke had struggled with your whole lives and it just broke your heart for your little girl.
Luke had walked back in with your son, who was dressed in black pants and the smallest Everyone’s A Star sweatshirt you’d ever seen.
“Hi mommy,” Van had whispered as he saw you rocking his sister.
You smiled gently and you reached over to kiss his little head, “Hi, Bear”
“Hi, Baby” Luke spoke as he kissed your head and then your cheek before running a hand down Goldie’s back,
You smiled at him as you reached up on your toes to kiss his lips, “She’s finally asleep”
“Good, she didn’t sleep at all last night,” Luke spoke in a worried tone, “Here, finished getting ready, Love”
You very carefully transferred your daughter into your husband’s arms, praying she wouldn’t wake up from the difference like she did all last night.
You kiss her head gently before looking back to Luke,
“Doctor Isha said it’s just the anxiety again but I just feel so bad. I’m scared of how she’ll do tonight.” You spoke, chewing your lip.
“I know, she can’t help it.” Luke spoke while rubbing Goldie’s back gently, “But hopefully she’ll sleep good, and if she wakes up and they can take her down like before so she can at least see us.”
You shook your head in worried agreement, “I’ll watch her too, Mama!”
You looked into the eyes of the little boy that so strongly resembled your husband as you scooped him into your arms, “Thank you, Baby. You’re such a good brother.”
Eventually, you guys had very quietly and carefully transferred her over as you guys had to get on the panel for the q&a. Luckily for you she didn’t make a peep.
You were about halfway through the q&a, things were going well. You were still nervous but it had subsided as you continued to answer questions with the boys.
Well, it did until you heard a cry coming from the right side. Your head snapped in that direction, along with all the boys as you saw your friend coming out into the floor, presumably trying to calm your daughter by showing her you guys were right there.
This, however, didn’t work this time. As soon as Goldie saw you she wailed for you, yelling “Mama” as she tried to reach from you from all the way down there.
Your heart broke as you saw her, “I’m so sorry guys, we’re having a bad day. Keep asking questions!” You apologized as you jogged down the steps to console the sobbing little girl.
She immediately clung to you like her life depended on it, pushing herself as close to your skin as anatomically possible. Fans around you had let out coos as they watched.
You silently whispered her favorite lullaby, you are my sunshine, as she her cries turned into hiccups now that she could touch you.
The boys had answered about two more questions before Goldie was back to sleep again. You had a feeling that the minute you passed her on she would wake up and start another screaming match, so instead you walked back on stage with her sleeping frame clinging to you as if you were about to slip away.
You kept her head tucked in your neck, still keeping her safety in mind as well as comfortability. Luke had wrapped his arm around your chair, feeling more protective than before.
“Sorry guys, this is just how this is going to have to work today.” You smiled to the crowd.
The next few questions flew by, you answering when needed but most of the time Luke answered for you as you held your guys’ daughter.
The final question rang, “What’s the hardest part about touring with kids.”
There was an exchange of glances between You, Luke and Michael before you sat up toward the mic, keeping a hand on he back of your daughters head as you and Luke spoke,
“I would say it’s the worrying. Obviously we’re up here and we can’t have an eye on them 24/7 which always is a little off putting, but luckily they’re with people we trust.” Luke spoke
Michael nodded, “Yeah and I think being in a new place all the time, which i think is a positive but there’s always the worry of them getting sick.”
Everyone was very attentive and nodding along to everything that was said, you were going to hold back until someone said your name for you to speak.
“ I agree with them, I think it’s also just hard because their growing and don’t always understand and when you have anxious and clingy kids,” You stated motioning to the little girl clinging to you cause everyone to laugh,
“, it always makes it a little harder and makes me feel a little guilty.”
You guys had just gotten to your next show stadium and were just chilling before everyone had to set up and get changed.
Goldie sat on Calum’s lap as he held the bag of gold fish out for her.
“You have to have some too, Uncle Cal” your daughter spoke on her quiet lisp as she shoved some goldfish in his mouth.
Everyone in the room giggled as Calum was taken back by the hand full of gold fish that was just forced upon him.
Ashton picked up Van to throw him on top of his shoulders as she struggled against your son’s need to climb all over him,
“Look at you, ladybug! So good at sharing!” he spoke excitedly obviously trying to get to Calum.
Calum only smirked with a nod before speaking up,
“Van, show Uncle Ash how you play drums on someone’s head!”
Ashton looked confused before the 2 and a half year old started slapping his uncles head to “play the drums”
You and Luke just shook your heads as you watched the pair use the children as friendly fire. You rested your tired head on Luke as he wrapped his arm around you, still laughing.
“Do you think we’re supposed to tell them to stop using our children as ploys to get at each other ?” Luke quietly asked as he placed a kiss on your head.
You just nuzzled closer and you closed your eyes, “Maybe but i’m too tired to care.”
That’s all!!! I tried something new and tried to put in some blurbs of them on tour —- if it’s bad lmk 😔😔
This was really fun to write tho so feel free to send in more requests !!!
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