Luke wasn’t sure what he was thinking. He wasn’t sure of anything, at this point. He had driven home to Harvey after graduation, not knowing what to expect. No one had shown up for him at his graduation. Not his parents, not his brothers, and not Maya. Maya didn’t even graduate on the same day. Jack had mentioned to him that his parents moved all of his things to a storage locker, Ben had the key if he wanted to get his stuff out. He had checked into a motel once he got to town. “Here you go, Luke. One room key.” Brenda at the front desk smiled.
“Thanks, Brenda.” Luke smiled softly. “Hey, have you heard anything from the Flaherty’s?”
“Just that Miss Maya is looking to move to the city. She’s got a job lined up at Stanford Health as a child psychiatrist.” Brenda explained. “And, I heard she never wants to see your face again.” Luke sighed, and looked down.
“I wish she knew how sorry I am.”
“I don’t know the whole story, but it sounds like you just need to talk to each other. But, I’ve only heard the whispers from other people.” Brenda shrugged.
“If you see Maya around town, please don’t tell her I’m back.” He sighed. Brenda nodded and shooed him away.
“Yeah, yeah, go to your room.” Luke sighed and walked to the small room, unlocking the door. He had no idea how his life had turned so upside down in a matter of months. He managed to lose his family, his friends all went their separate ways, and he lost Maya. The only things he had in his life.
***
Days turned to weeks, and the constant whispers of everyone around town was starting to get to Luke. Everywhere he went, someone was talking about how ‘Luke Hemmings was disowned for having sex with Maya Flaherty,’ or ‘Did you hear? Luke Hemmings dated Maya Flaherty for a bet.’ He was about to burst. He stood in line at the SUPERVALU with his grocery items on the belt. He was still living at the motel, but Brenda said she’d let him stay for free if he worked at the motel, which he accepted. “Did you find everything you were looking for?” The young kid, not more than 16, asked.
“Yeah, I did.” Luke nodded, pulling out his wallet.
“Hey, you’re the guy that fucked Maya Flaherty.” The cashier laughed, looking at Luke.
“Watch your language, mate. You’re on the job.” Luke rolled his eyes. “Yes, I’m the guy. Can you finish ringing up my groceries please?”
“I heard she hates your guts.” The kid laughed, putting Luke’s items into a paper bag.
“Yeah, she does.” Luke handed the kid $20 and grabbed the bag. “Keep the change.” He walked out of the store and to his truck. He knew it was stupid to go grocery shopping at 10pm, but he didn’t want to face anyone else in the store. He got in his truck and started driving toward the motel. He shook his head and made a quick turn down Maya’s street. He parked in front of her house and jogged up the path to her door. “Please, be home.” Luke mumbled to himself and rang the doorbell.
“Luke? What the fuck are you doing here?” Maya asked as she opened the door.
“I needed to see you.” Luke sighed, looking down at her. He rubbed his hand over his jean pocket gently and took a deep breath. “Look, I know you don’t want to see me, but I needed to see you.”
“Lu-”
“Just listen, please.” Luke pleaded. “I’ve been in love with you since the day you came to introduce yourself.” He said, grabbing her hand, dropping onto one knee.
“Luk-” she gasped, covering her mouth before he cut her off.
“I know I’ve messed things between us”. Tears started forming in her eyes as he carefully removed a small velvet box out of his jacket. “I don’t have a family, I live in a motel, and I can’t always give you what you need.” Luke opened the velvet box, revealing a diamond ring in the shape of a dragonfly. “But, Dragonfly, I love you to the ends of the earth and beyond. You’re everything to me, and you’re all I have left. Maya Juliet Flaherty, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Dragonfly, will you marry me?”
idk i saw a post similar to this and thought it was cool and some pretty weird/somewhat interesting things have happened to me over the past couple years so i thought I’d give it a shot. lemme know what you think and maybe request something? yeah ok cool
I’m at a food truck festival with my friends and you’re the hot dude who’s working the bar and I keep looking at you and every time you catch me staring I fall or trip or drop something and I keep hiding like a loser and pretending you’re not there
I’m on a road trip along the coast with my friends and we’ve reached this tiny coastal town hours away from home and you work at this fancy as shit restaurant we entered and I’m awkward and stuttering because we don’t really want to eat there but you’ve already asked if we want a table and also you’re cute so we stay and i embarrass myself a little more
You’re the cute guy that works at the local supermarket and i have a huge thing for you but everybody knows this including my parents and when i come in by myself you tell me that my parents came through and asked him to take a selfie with them so I’m going to go and die now
We used to be best friends years ago but had a huge falling out so i blocked you on everything except one and years later you drunk message me on new years eve and we try to start all over again
OR We used to be really good friends but we had a fallout over money and years later you message me asking for closure so i agree to meet you for coffee with the intention of cussing you out but we accidentally become friends again
We met at someone’s party a year ago but have never spoken and suddenly you show up to my house party/BBQ and now everybody thinks we’re dating/should date
Im at the movies with my family/friends to see a film we’ve been counting down for but we get into an argument with other people over seating and you’re the staff member who tells us we have to move but you served me at the candy counter earlier and were really nice then so I’m super confused and start giving you attitude
I sit next to you in class and you and I both have another class to get to in 5 minutes and we’re supposed to get our draft assignments checked by the lecturer but he’s taking too long and we bond over mutual impatience
OR we sat next to each other in the first class and wouldn’t shut up about needing coffee and ever since then you ask me if i’ve had my coffee every day.
We work together at the same place but you work in stocking and i work in the foodcourt and every time we have the same shift you come to buy lunch from me and always ask for a big mac because you know it annoys me because fuck you this isn’t mcdonald’s you can shove your big mac
TBC
also i tagged some people in the tags - just tell me if you want me to untag you pls
The air seemed to stop once it reached your throat, collecting in your mouth and drying it out. Your chest was clenching around nothing but your heart. And you could swear, the world was crashing down around you.
There was not a lot you could do to stop your head from bowing down again. But warm hands cradled your face, strong and comforting, carefully lifting your head up.
“Sweetheart, you have to keep your head up to get in enough air.”
His voice was soothing and deep. Laced with concern and love.
“C’mon look at me, can you do that?”
You forced your eyes up and were instantly met with rich brown eyes. Relief flashed there, and he gave a small smile.
“Okay, breath now. Slow and steady”
A small sound of frustration fell from your lips, and you lifted up your head to look at the white blank of the roof. The air felt lighter and flowed more easily down to your starved lungs.
“You are doing so good sweetheart”
Calum spoke as you lowered your head again, to eye level with him. Suddenly you felt very aware of everything. The sound of the games going on in the other room. The brick wall you were leaning against. Calums hands that were now entwined with your own and resting in your lap.
Your heart was starting to calm down, but your chest was still clenching.
“Is- is there any paper here?”
You asked softly, while lowering your head. You felt ashamed and embarrassed, not only had you just stormed out of the room, but your face was covered in tears and snot, you were sure you looked like a train wreck.
“Yeah, just give me a second.”
Calum reluctantly let go of your hands and stood up, and all but jogged to the bathroom and back with paper.
After he handed you the paper you quickly wiped your nose and eyes, while feeling the hot skin of your face underneath your cold fingertips.
“I’m sorry, this wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Nothing but embarrassment in your voice, and it wasn’t hard for Calum to sense it.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. Sometimes we just can’t help what triggers us.”
His words were so comforting, it felt so safe. Just being around him. Not doing anything in special. And to be honest it scared you. Thinking that one day he would leave. One day he would walk out the door, and not come back. But he had reassured you several times that it wouldn’t happen. And you willed yourself to believe it a bit more every day.
“Yeah, can we go home? We don’t have to. I don’t want to take you away from your friends and all..”
“Hey, of course we can go home. I see this stupid band every day anyways. I'm’ sure they can manage half a day without me.”
This is a sequel to “I Hope So” which is a continuation of “Confessions”. But you can still understand this blurb even if you haven’t read it’s predecessors.
Hope you enjoy! :)
All color drained out of your cheeks when you entered your crummy motel room to find Calum there. He was perched on the bread, apologetic, anxious look in his eyes. He weakly smiled and croaked “Hey, roomie.”
Typically, 5 Seconds of Summer, one of the most popular bands of modern time, would stay in posh hotels with multiple bedrooms and clean sheets, sleeping on the most comfiest of mattresses, before appearing on stages before masses of adoring fans. And you, being the lowly assistant to their manager, would sleep in the crappiest of motels. Truly, you had seen the underworld of overnight lodgings, enduring cockroaches and mold coated showers. And, during this one particular tour, the boys ended up getting to share such luxuries - their five star hotel having, literally, burned down due to an accident with a gas stove. In total, there was six of you - and only three vacant bedrooms. Luke and Arzaylea got their own room. That was a given. Then there was the awkward decision of who was going to share a space with the girl: you. And, as you discovered upon entering your motel room with luggage and bags, Calum had been chosen. Calum: the boy who’d almost kissed you - twice, in fact. Who had feelings for you. Who was still your friend. Still your closest confidant. And a person who provoked stressful, confusing feelings that contradicted everything you past believed.
It would be simple just to date him, right? Just be his girlfriend, kiss his forehead, hold his hand, feel his knuckles brushing against your cheek as he leaned in to kiss you - breath scraping against your lips. Ah, yes. So simple. Except, you were you - nervous, shy, always worrying about the future, and 100% positive that if you were going to date someone, they’d have to be around. Like, for a long time. And that wasn’t an option with Calum. You realized that after your second-almost-kiss. That a relationship with Calum would most likely result in late night crying, sleep-deprived snapping, and frequent arguments. You knew you wouldn’t be able to handle the fact that he’s regularly surrounded by goddess-like models and busty groupies, and that you’d be sulking in crummy motels - wondering when he was going to take you on that vacation, or buy you that puppy, or actually take you out on that date like he had promised he would.
And then there was that crush you had on Luke. Or, once had. Granted, there still was a slight attraction, the allure of his blue eyes and enticing stubble always being a temptation. And maybe the reason why you’re crush on him had lasted so long was because he was completely uninterested. Without even the slightest chance of an actual relationship, you never had to confront the fact that Luke would also be busy with work, and had some traits you didn’t agree with, and sometimes acted in ways you didn’t like, and hung with people you weren’t fond of. But with Calum, you’d challenged that issue countless times. And you could list a million reasons as to why this boy was the most impractical person to ever fall for. But you can’t just shut your emotions of or reason your feelings away. Unrealistic or not, Calum was gradually appearing in your dreams more often, becoming a mysterious, attractive figure that would make your knees dissolve to jelly and your hands tremble.
And now, the same boy who was haunting your thoughts and causing your heart to race, was to be sharing a motel room with you - which had one bed.
“Hey…” You hoarsely responded, knees already beginning to liquefy. There was a deafening silence which followed after your whimpered greetings, one that gradually drowned you both before Calum, snapping up right, stated “Welp, I’ll be hanging with Michael and Ashton.”
“Yeah, I’ll take a shower.” You said as he slipped past you. You didn’t have to turn around to know that he looked back just before the motel door closed behind him, the outside night air briefly cooling your back before dissipating.
A searing but soothing hot spray of water hit your head as you stepped into the shower, soaking your hair and sore spine. You began to lather your strands with rose scented shampoo, revelling in the sensation of hot droplets trailing down your cheeks and lips. Would Calum’s kisses be just as scorching? Peppering your cheeks and becoming feverish, open mouthed pecks as they wandered down your neck, your chest, your stomach. Absentmindedly, your hands smoothed over the areas that you imagined Calum’s plump lips touching - your fingers halting just above your pelvis, right at the sensitive dip into more private areas. Trying to focus on the task on hand, you switched your activity to soap - rigorously lathering up the bar.
Calum was good in bed though. That you knew to be true. You’d heard groupies talk about it. Old flings his friends with benefits, as well. And it was just obvious too. Somebody that athletic, that attractive, that tempting - he just had a vibe that made bedroom activities all the more exhilarating. And, to an extent, you did want exhilarating. Licked searing skin and swollen love bites. Hair being pulled and spines arching back as you rode out a high. But you also wanted gentle and soft. Somebody who made love rather than fucked. Could Calum do that? Have his voice begin to whimper and waver as he begged to touch you, to love you? His eyes flutter shut as he released a long, shaky sigh? Press his forehead into your chest, worshipping the skin he got to caress, arms tightly wrapping around your spine, trying to pull you in as close as possible?
You tore the shower curtain aside, stepping out into a now sweltering bathroom. As you pressed a towel into your face, you froze up at the sound of a TV playing. Calum was in the room. He was only a few feet away, separated off by just a wall. Could he hear your breathing? Your hammering heart? Your lewd thoughts? What would he think if he could? Would he be happy that you were actually returning feelings? Hell, would he be comforted because he had thought of the same things? Of touching, kissing, even bruising you? God, now you hands were trembling. You had to focus on something else.
You exited the bathroom followed by a cloud of steam, clad in an oversized tee and flannel pajamas - strands heavily drenched in water as small droplets fell to the carpeted floor. You nervously smiled at Calum, who had turned away from the TV to glance at you, before you quickly slipped beneath the bed covers. After settling, your back comfortably laid against a stack of pillows, you looked up to see that Calum was still peering at you from over his shoulder. You smiled again, receiving only a blank expression. Then, he stood up, scurried into the bathroom, and exited with the last dry towel before making his way over. Without even asking, he began to dry your sopping wet hair - the two of you breaking into giggles. It was a thing between you two for Calum to dry your hair. You hadn’t meant for it to become an inside joke, but it just had. Actually, it was drying your hair that had initiated your friendship.
You recalled how once, months ago, you entered the boys trailer from a vigorous rain to announce that there was an issue with the speakers or something, so they’d have to wait a little bit more before practicing on stage. You’d arrived to find only Calum, shirtless, of course, and glaring heavily at your entrance. And then, uncharacteristically, his gaze softened once he realized that you were shivering, a small puddle of frigid rainwater beginning to form beneath your feet. And, wordlessly, like he’d just done now, he pulled out a towel and dried your hair. Both of you shocked by the act, and, after, you awkwardly stammered something before fleeing from the vehicle. But that was it. That was a defining moment. Because after that incident, your interactions warmed. Your insults became less sharp. Your presences were more appreciated.
“Was that when you started to like me?” You absentmindedly blurted out beneath the towel drying your hair.
“What?” Calum said, quickly ripping the white cloth away to get a good look at your face - wanting to ensure that such a random question wasn’t prompted by delirium.
“Sorry, that was...abrupt. Just, I was thinking, when you first dried my hair that was when we started to, well, act nicer to each other. Do you remember that? In the tour bus? It was raining and I came in and you just dried my hair.”
“Yeah, I remember.” He said, voice drifting slightly as he fondly recalled the event. Silence filled the room. Not a tense silence, but nostalgic - and a little bit sad. Both of you remembering better times. Then Calum, voice much clearer, quipped “And no. That wasn’t the moment. But I think it did add to my feelings.”
“Then what was the moment?”
“It was a few weeks before that incident. When I had forgotten my phone in the studio. Even though you had to work overtime and were super exhausted and hated my guts, you still drove all the way to my house to drop it off.”
“Oh, well, hate to burst your bubble, but my boss insisted that I do that.” You said, brushing your frizzy strands as you scooted down the bed to allow Calum a spot beside you.
“Yeah. I figured. But it wasn’t you delivering my phone that, like, impacted me. It was when you stepped into my house and - even though we didn’t know each other or like each other and I was always cold to you - you were just so...energetic.” He continued, eyes dreamily fixed on a distant spot as he recollected the moment. “You were freaking out about these embarrassing photos of me as baby and saying how cute I looked. And then my dog walked in and you just - without hesitation, without even asking me - stooped down and petted him. It was like you were my longtime friend. Like you lived there. You just seemed to fit so well in my living room, petting my dog, talking about my baby photos. I dunno. It was like you were meant to be there.”
As his voice trailed out a sudden burst of red rose in both of your cheeks, you and him snapping back to reality. Calum worried that he was getting to mushy, and you realized that you were staring a little bit too intently at him - admiring how the toasty glow of the lamp made him look, adding a shimmer to his toned arms and defined cheeks, and illuminating the soft, tranquil color of his eyes.
“So that was it? That was the moment?”
“That was the moment I realized I like you. Like, the clear, distinct fact that I had feelings for you popped into my head.”
“What did you feel for me before that moment?”
“Like, this ambiguous attraction, I guess. Up until then, I was drawn to you but I didn’t want to accept that because I thought you were, I dunno, fake. But all the little things piled up and I just gradually couldn’t muster anything to detest about you. Well, I guess I still kinda hated you. But for different things. Like for being into Luke, and never noticing me. Which, ugh, that sounds so asshole-y of me.”
“-No.” You sternly intercepted before your voice returned to a timid murmur. “It’s actually endearing.”
He looked up to smile at you. A pathetic, embarrassed smile. And you exhaled a breathy laugh, hands nervously bunching up the bedding, before your gaze wandered away. A confession was on the tip of your tongue, daring to burst forth. You inhaled once to speak. Then twice. Before finally nervously blurting, “You know, I one time felt something too.”
“What do you mean?”
“You asked me, once, in that dressing room a long time ago, if I’d ever felt any hints of attraction between us. And I had. I have.”
“Like?” He asked, voice lowering slightly, his own fingers beginning to anxiously drum.
“Do you remember that awful Christmas party last year - when I got super drunk?”
“Ah yes, and you sung a wonderful rendition of ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls.” Calum mused, recalling how you hollered away atop a rickety table while holding a paper towel roll as a microphone.
“And you had promised that you wouldn’t be able to make it?”
“I didn’t promise anything!”
“You sounded pretty sure. But anyway, when I fell off the table-” You were interrupted by Calum’s laughs, which he poorly attempted to suppress. You gritted your teeth before hissing. “...And sprained my ankle…”
“Yes, yes. I remember. Sorry.” He stated between chuckles.
“Well, I felt something for you then. Or thought we had something. Something more than platonic.”
“Why?”
“Because you swooped in and picked me up - bridal style, no less! And I remember that when you were putting alcohol on the scrapes, you were just laughing and saying ‘only you, (y/n). Only you would get injured this way’. Like, you knew me. You knew me and you liked what I was. Blunders and all.”
“Is that the only time you’ve felt an attraction.”
“No, there’s been other times. Smaller times. Like I’d just look at you and you’d look...nice.”
“Wow. Nice. You’re quite the poet, (y/n).”
“Hey, cut me some slack. I’m bad at this stuff.” You said, slightly jabbing a laughing Calum with your elbow. Grinning shyly, you then uttered “If it makes you feel any better, I almost masturbated to the thought of you in the shower just now.”
“What?” He cried, choking slightly out of shock.
“Does that freak you out?”
“Freak me out!? - I - no! I’m not freaked out! I’m...I’m...I’m definitely not freaked out, dude. I am certainly experiencing some sort of...feeling, but it’s not freaked-out-ness.”
You giggled at his panic, liking just how cute Calum became when he was flustered. His own laughing stilled before he slyly asked “What were you thinking about?”
“You. Duh.”
“No, I mean what was I doing?”
“Oh. You were...well, you were doing a lot of things. You were kissing me. Touching me-”
“-Where?” He interrupted, voice now far lower, more confident, more teasing. Such a shift in tone caused your cheeks to burn brilliantly, and a nervous smile formed from the lip you chewed on. You slowly took his hand into yours, lifting it up slightly.
“My hands.” You answered, motioning to your intertwined fingers. Then you rolled slightly onto your side, torso pressing into his while you were propped up by one elbow. You didn’t look into his gaze, which so heavily followed your actions - drinking up how your cheekily grinned and blushed, revelling in your responses. “Then here.” You continued, palm smoothing down the toned, defined area of his upper arm - enjoying the dips and rises of his muscles. From the corner of your eye, you could see that Calum’s smile was beginning to grow wider and wider. Your touch trailed down to his forearm, his wrist, then his fingers, which you pulled up to your lips. “And here” You said, before kissing the digits - braving a bashful look into his eyes. Teasingly, your other hand, now free once you sat up to face him, slipped under the hem of his shirt - the waistband of his pants scraping beneath your palm as the feel of scorching skin seared your fingertips.
“And that was it.” You cruelly stated, snapping your hand away from his lower torso as Calum let out an annoyed groan.
“Come on - that was mean.”
“Good.”
“Is it my turn?” He asked, playfully, hands smoothing down the curves of your shoulders.
“For what?”
“To show you where I’d touch you?”
“You’ve thought about doing stuff to me? Like, in that way?” You squeaked.
“Oh my god, (y/n) - of course I have.”
“Have you...have you masturbated to the thought of me?” You ashamedly murmured. Calum began to shake with laughter, hands clasping to his eyes.
“You are so weird. You know that, right? You literally have just gone from all teasing and sexy to innocent and naive.”
“What? Naive?! I’m just - I just didn’t think boys jacked off to their crushes!”
“Why wouldn’t they?”
“You have a wide array of pornstars to masturbate to - all with much larger boobs and butts. Seems to be a bit of a waste.”
“I like your boobs and butt.” He pouted, sending shivers down your spine that you had to contain - cheeks blooming red again.
“Wow, I’ve got a real Shakespeare here.”
Calum’s hands intertwined with yours, his eyes shamelessly examining you - lingering on your curled up legs and the swell of your hips beneath your tee. You felt hot, flustered, like a steaming, sappy puddle, but incredibly desperate for more. To keep on playing this game. But another part of you, the one that was still sensible, knew that things were getting too hot and heavy. That you were agreeing to things without accepting the consequences, and your smile faded as this fact dawned on you.
“Calum…” You began, his own grin dissipating at your now serious tone. “I’m not...I still need…”
“It’s ok, (y/n). I get it. I know you. I know that the person you want - that you need is someone who is, well, the exact opposite of me.” You nodded apologetically, palm still smoothing up his chest.
“Undemanding job.” Calum listed.
“Privacy.” You added.
“Not as many temptations.”
“Stability.”
“Yeah. I get it. I know. It’s ok.”
Then there was just silence. I long, aching silence. And you wanted to go back to playful touches and risque questions, but also knew you couldn’t be fooling yourself anymore. You had to accept reality. You couldn’t be Calum’s fling. That just wasn’t for you. But it also just wasn’t possible for their to be an actual relationship. And that was that. Calum lifted up slightly, pushing himself off the bed - but you were quick to stop him, hand curling around his shoulder.
“Wait.” You said. “Please, stay here. I don’t want to do anything, you know - Well, I mean, I do want to. But I...just, can you sleep here? In my bed? With me?
Calum turned, soft, grateful expression on his face. “Just sleep.” He affirmed, before you both layed back down, your head resting on his chest - listening to how his heart raced and thrummed, as Calum’s fingers smoothed down your back. Everything was still and calm in the dead of night, your rhythmic breathing drifting the other of to sleep. For the moment, it all felt right. No mistakes were being made. No regrets. It was as if the both of you were just meant to be there.
inspired by this tweet and Ashton’s undying love for creating
Ashton was a firm believer in chasing songs. Everything he needed to write pretty words and the music to go with them was out there, he just had to find it. Sometimes that meant packing up his car and leaving for a few days, usually without a plan. It worried you the first time. You wracked your brain for what you could have done despite his assurance that he just needed some time to think. As more and more of these instances of jetting off with little more than his guitar and a change of clothes occurred, you figured he was telling the truth. It was nothing personal, he just had to get away. His brief trips usually took him to places he could be surrounded by nature: sprawling forests or cliffs overlooking the sea. The words came easier that way, he would tell you.
Today is the first day of one of those trips. You can tell by the way Ashton’s guitar case is waiting against the wall near the door when you come in. He’d been growing restless, you could see that in the last few days. Though he had written some, he told you he felt like he was just skimming the surface. There was more he wasn’t getting, more that was trapped in his head. You find him in your shared bedroom, haphazardly shoving clothes into a bag.
“About to head out?” you ask, hugging him from behind and pressing a kiss to his back, causing him to still for a moment.
“Yeah, that alright?” There was little that could stop Ashton from leaving when he felt he was on the urge of a breakthrough, but if he thought you needed him here, he’d stay, no questions asked.
“Course,” you mumble into his shirt before pulling away. “Need any help packing?”
“I think I’ve got just about everything.” He rummages through the duffle, takes a quick inventory of what he’s packed, and disappears into the bathroom for a few moments to gather what he forgot.
Some people might be upset by how little warning Ashton gave before his travels, but it didn’t bother you. He was never gone for more than a couple of days, and he always returned more bright-eyed and content than when he left. Nothing could put him at ease and fill his heart quite like getting away from it all with his guitar. Ashton lived to create, and this helped him do that.
Things were even better between the two of you after his writing getaways. He’d still be buzzing with the passion of writing breath-taking verses, and he loved you impossibly better because of it. His emotions were always close to the surface after these trips. They were times of uninhibited feeling, of love and pleasure and pain laid bare all for the sake of unearthing the right words to string together. When he got home, he would crash into you full force. It was something you never fully expected. He’d be on you in an instant, just desperate to be close to you. You’d spend forever under the sheets. Clothed or not, day or night. It didn’t matter, Ashton just needed to be with you. And you were more than okay with that. You wouldn’t trade the heartfelt conversations or impassioned lovemaking for anything.
He picks up his bag and makes his way to the door, and you trail behind him to see him off.
“Be safe please.” You have just the one request each time he leaves.
“I will, promise.”
The two of you meet each other halfway, Ashton leaning down and you on tiptoes, for one last kiss. It’s deep and comforting and will have to hold you over for a day or two, but you remind yourself it’s nothing compared to what you’re in for when he comes home.
After whispering “I love you’s” for a few moments more, he’s stepping outside. As he turns a corner and slips from your view, you pull yourself out of the doorway and back into the apartment. There’s no need for you to hope he finds what he’s looking for. He always does.
On November 8th, the hockey team threw their annual ‘Welcome to Hockey Season’ party. Maya, of course, had been invited to attend by, yours truly, Luke Hemmings. She was always up for getting drunk off her ass at a party. She stood in her bathroom with Brooke, both of them trying to decide how to do their makeup. “I’m thinking a little smokey eye with deep burgundy lipstick.” Brooke said, looking through her makeup bag.
“I’m just gonna cover my entire face in concealer, drown myself in foundation, add a little mascara, and top it off with cherry chapstick.” Maya laughed, grabbing her primer. “I hope I can cover up this big ass pimple.” Maya stuck her tongue out and examined the pimple in the mirror.
“It’s not even noticeable. I didn’t even see it until you pointed it out.” Brooke rolled her eyes and dabbed on her concealer.
“It’s gigantic.”
“Stop picking at it, or it’ll get worse.” Brooke grabbed Maya’s hands and pulled them away from her face.
“It’s just so big. I hate acne.” Maya sighed and rubbed the primer into her skin. She picked up her concealer and scribbled the stick over the pimple. “Why is acne a thing?”
“Because the world hates us and doesn’t want us to feel good about ourselves.” Brooke explained. Maya laughed a little and used a brush to blend the concealer into her skin. She applied her foundation and used a total of seven different mascaras. “Your eyelashes are going to fall out if you keep using 100 mascaras.”
“At least I have long eyelashes now, then.” Maya laughed and grabbed her chapstick.
“Maya, you need to give your lips some color. Here, use this.” Brooke handed her a slightly tinted lip gloss.
“Not lip gloss, my hair always gets stuck in it and it’s gross.” Maya shook her head and looked through Brooke’s makeup bag for a different lip color. “I’ll use this one.” She pulled out a raspberry colored lipstick from the bag.
“Oh, that’s perfect.” Brooke smiled. “Remember when we were 7 and your mom caught us with her makeup?”
“Oh, God, she was so mad at us.” Maya laughed, applying the lipstick. “She locked it up after that.”
“Little did she know, we knew where the key was.” Brooke laughed and checked herself in the mirror. “Okay, mirror selfie and then we can go.” Brooke unplugged her phone and posed next to Maya. Brooke snapped the photo and tucked her phone into her bra.
“Let’s go. I can hear the tequila calling my name.” Maya laughed, pulling Brooke out of the bathroom.
The two of them arrived at the party much later than Luke had told Maya to get there. The party was already in full swing, and many party-goers were already wasted. Maya made her way through the frat house and to the kitchen. She poured herself a cup of tequila and downed it instantly. “Damn, girl knows how to drink.” Justin smirked at her. “You’re Luke’s little pet, aren’t you?”
“Nope, I’m Maya Flaherty. My own person.” Maya poured herself more tequila and walked out of the kitchen. Justin chuckled and made his way back to his group of hockey friends.
“Luke doesn’t stand a chance with this bet, she hates him.” Justin laughed, taking swig of his beer. “She doesn’t even want to be associated with him.” Brooke, who was standing in the doorway next to the group, furrowed her eyebrows. The house was so loud with music and people talking that she couldn’t completely hear what they had been saying. She heard the words ‘Luke’ and ‘bet’ and she knew she had to find Maya. She pushed away from the door and began searching the house.
“Maya!” Brooke called as she saw Maya filling another cup of tequila. “I need to talk to you.”
“I can’t hear you. Let’s go out here.” Maya said and grabbed Brooke’s hand, pulling her out to the back porch. “What did you need to talk to me about?”
“I don’t think Luke is a good idea anymore. You should stop talking to him altogether.” Brooke said. She didn’t want to tell Maya what she heard, exactly.
“Why not? You’re the one that told me I should give him a chance.” Maya looked at Brooke with her brows furrowed.
“I just think you should think about things more before going out with him.” Brooke sighed, scared to break Maya’s heart before either of them knew the full story. Brooke was determined to find out the truth.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll do that. But, right now, I need more tequila.” Maya giggled and sauntered back into the house, heading straight for the kitchen. She picked up the bottle, getting ready to fill her cup, when a strong pair of arms snaked around her waist.
“I knew I’d find my little bookworm here.” Luke whispered in Maya’s ear, pulling her smaller body against his larger one. He pressed a soft kiss below her ear and she melted against him.
“M’not your bookworm. I’m Maya.” She giggled, turning around in his arms.
“You’re beautiful, that’s what you are.” Luke grinned dopily, his dimples making an appearance. Maya reached up and poked a dimple gently. Luke turned his head and kissed her finger gently.
“I have to pee.” Maya giggled drunkenly and let her body weight lean into Luke.
“Come on, you can use my bathroom.” Luke pulled one arm away from her, but left the other in its spot around her waist. He led her up the stairs toward his room.
“Look at all these hockey pictures on the walls.” Maya giggled. “You’re like a big family.” She commented, stopping to look at a picture of the team all together.
“They’re like brothers to me. Incredibly annoying.” Luke laughed and ushered Maya into his bedroom. He closed the door behind them. “Bathroom is there.” He pointed to the closed door and Maya stumbled over to it, pushing it open. She closed the door behind herself and hiked up her dress. She felt incredibly warm. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol running through her veins, or the giddiness she felt from Luke’s arms having been around her. Once Luke heard the toilet flush and the sink start, he pushed open the door.
“Hey, I could’ve still been peeing.” Maya laughed, looking up at him.
“Well, I heard the toilet flush.” He shrugged and wrapped his arms around her waist once more. His hands rested on her stomach, gently rubbing her hip bones.
“Makes me sleepy when you do that.” Maya hummed softly and tilted her head back, resting it on Luke’s shoulder. Her eyes fluttered closed and Luke pecked her neck softly, trailing his lips along her skin. He pulled her body closer to his and kissed along her collarbones. Maya reached up and threaded her fingers in Luke’s hair. Her breathing got faster and Luke slowly pulled up the hem of her dress.
“You look so fucking gorgeous in this dress.” Luke whispered in her ear and nibbled on it gently. Maya’s breath hitched in her throat, her back arching. Luke squeezed her hip gently, pulling her ass against his growing bulge. Maya bit her lip and rolled her ass back against him, causing Luke to groan. He moved his hand around and squeezed the bare skin of her ass.
“Love how your hands feel on me.” Maya breathed heavily, tugging at Luke’s hair. He bit her ear gently and ripped her thong, smirking as it fell to their feet. “Luke, you just ripped my underwear.” Maya giggled, trying to be mad and failing.
“Who cares? You won’t need it during this.” Luke smirked and trailed his fingers down her thigh, bringing them back up to her clit. His fingers rubbed slowly, her hips stuttering. She gasped out a soft moan as his fingers worked against her. She brought her hand down from his hair and to his clothed bulge.
“You’re so hard.” Maya bit her lip and rubbed her palm against him. His hips bucked against her small hand.
“That happens when I see you.” Luke breathed out, squeezing her ass. Maya smirked and turned around in his arms. She looked up at him as she dropped to her knees. Luke sucked his lip ring into his mouth as Maya pulled his pants and boxers down just enough to release his stiffened cock. She kept eye contact with him as she took his entire length in her mouth, letting his tip hit the back of her throat. Luke’s eyes widened as he let out a guttural moan. “Fuck, Maya.” He gripped her hair and held her head down on his cock. She gripped his thigh and began moving her mouth along his cock. She went slowly at first, carefully building up speed. “Oh, my God.” Luke groaned loudly and leaned one hand against the mirror while his other hand stayed tangled in Maya’s hair. He held her head back as he thrusted his hips against her mouth. Maya’s eyes fluttered closed as she moaned around his cock. The vibrations sent waves of pleasure throughout Luke’s whole body. He pulled his cock from her mouth and tapped her cheek with his dripping tip. “Stand up.” He instructed.
“I wasn’t ready to be done.” Maya pouted, saliva dripping from her swollen lips. Luke roughly pressed his lips to hers, forcing his tongue against hers. She moaned into his mouth and let her tongue caress his. Luke tugged her hair to pull her away. He used his other hand to turn her around and bend her over the bathroom sink.
“Are you still on the pill?” Luke asked, rubbing his slickened cock between her folds.
“Y-yeah.” Maya gasped, bucking her hips back.
“Good.” Luke sucked his lip ring into his mouth once more as he pushed his cock deep into her dripping cunt. Maya moaned loudly and arched her back. She bucked her hips back against Luke’s and felt around for something to hold onto on the counter. “God, your pussy was made for me.” Luke grunted and rammed his cock deeper into her throbbing pussy.
“Fuck, Luke, more.” Maya begged, shaking her ass. Luke pulled her hair and pulled her back up against his chest. Maya yelped at the sudden pain from her hair being pulled. The tinge of pain quickly turned to pleasure as Luke repeatedly pounded his cock into her.
“Look at yourself.” Luke demanded, forcing her to look at herself in the mirror. “Watch yourself get fucked.” Luke groaned and spread her legs farther, making it easier for her to see his cock pumping in and out of her soaked pussy.
“I-I can’t.” Maya moaned loudly, squeezing her eyes closed. She brought her hand back to Luke’s hair and tugged it roughly. Luke moaned and bit into her neck, sucking a dark mark into her skin. “L-Luke, I..” Maya struggled to even think of how to formulate a sentence. Luke brought his hand down to her clit and rubbed in fast circles. Maya screamed out in pleasure and arched back against him, pushing him even deeper in her pussy. Luke groaned loudly and pounded his cock into her roughly.
“Jesus Christ, your pussy takes my cock so well.” Luke moaned louder and smacked his hand down on her ass harshly. Maya let out a yelp, followed by a high pitched moan. Luke’s fingers worked her clit faster as his hips pounded harder against hers.
“Luke!” Maya screamed as she released around his cock. He smirked and stilled his hip, keeping his fingers moving against her clit. She closed her eyes and let out a loud scream as her high reached a new peak. Luke let out a guttural groan as he released in her warm cunt, his load coating her walls. He slowly pulled out and pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.
“I’ve never felt so good.” Luke admitted, turning her around. She smiled up at him and pressed her lips to his gently. He lifted her up, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist. Luke carried her out into his bedroom and dropped her down on his bed. “There’s just one more thing we need to do.” Luke smirked and unzipped Maya’s dress. He pulled the fabric from her body slowly, tossing the material to the floor. Maya leaned up and pulled Luke’s Blink-182 t-shirt over his head.
“I’m really glad I came to this party.” Maya smiled, rubbing Luke’s chest gently.
“I am too.” Luke smiled softly at her before removing her bra. He kicked his jeans and boxers down his legs and to the floor. Luke gently pushed Maya to her back. He knelt above her, letting his eyes take in every part of her.
“Don’t just stare at me, do something.” Maya giggled, running a hand through her tangled hair. Luke chuckled and kissed down her chest, to her stomach. He stopped and blew a raspberry on her stomach. Maya screamed and laughed, pushing Luke’s head away. “You fucking weirdo.” She laughed, unable to stop. Luke laughed with her, his eyes crinkling up. He kissed her stomach once more and moved between her legs.
“Time for a snack.” Luke winked at Maya and immediately took her clit in his mouth, sucking harshly. Maya gasped and moaned loudly, clearly still sensitive from her previous orgasm. Luke smirked against her and kitten licked between her folds, tasting her. “So fucking good.” He moaned softly and dipped his tongue into her sweet pussy.
“Oh, my.. Fuck, Lu.” A high pitched moan escaped her lips as Luke fucked his tongue into her, lapping at her juices in the process. Maya tangled her fingers in Luke’s hair and struggled to stay in her position on the bed. She squirmed on the bed, tugging at Luke’s hair. “Feels so fucking good.” She moaned loudly, bucking her hips up against his face. Luke brought his fingers to her clit and rubbed slowly, bringing her over the edge. She moaned loudly, pushing his face closer to her dripping cunt. Her juices leaked out around Luke’s tongue. He hummed softly and lapped up her release, licking his lips.
“I just found my new favorite snack.” He smirked, standing up from the bed. He plugged his phone into the dock on his dressed as he walked into the bathroom. Music began to pour into his room as Maya tried to control her breathing. Luke quickly swished his mouth with mouthwash and wiped the leftover wetness off his mouth. He grabbed a small cloth and got it wet in the sink before returning to Maya. “You doin’ alright?” Luke chuckled and used the cloth to clean her off. He wiped her thighs gently and smirked when her hips jerked.
“I don’t even know.” Maya giggled breathlessly. Luke chuckled and threw the cloth to his dirty clothes basket. Luke laid on the bed next to her and pulled the blankets over the both of them. Maya huddled against Luke’s chest, the only sound being the music playing from Luke’s phone. “I heard it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.” Maya commented, breaking their silence.
“That’s North Dakota for you.” Luke smiled, tucking a strand of Maya’s hair behind her ear. She looked up at Luke with a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Do you want to borrow some clothes so you’re not too cold tonight?” Luke asked softly. Maya nodded slowly and watched as Luke got up from his bed. Maya pulled the blankets up higher and tucked them around herself to keep her warm. Luke slipped on his boxers and a pair of sweatpants before tossing Maya her bra.
“I need underwear, but you ripped mine.” Maya huffed and put her bra on.
“If you want, you can wear a pair of Kristi Jo’s.” Luke choked slightly when he said her name, still not over the thought of one of his friends sleeping with his girlfriend.
“I’d probably get an STD from those.” Maya shook her head. “Speaking of STD’s, you should be tested.”
“Trust me, I get tested twice a month.” Luke looked at Maya. “I have the records to prove I’m clean.”
“I believe you.” Maya held up her hands defensively.
“Uh, I think these are Bryana’s. You can wear these.” Luke suggested and Maya nodded, standing up. Luke handed her the thong and Maya examined it.
“I don’t think these have ever been worn.” She determined.
“Ash probably bought them for her, but they weren’t the right size.” Luke shrugged. Maya slipped them on and looked at Luke. “Do you want shorts or sweatpants or joggers?” Luke asked before shaking his head. “You know what? Just come look at what I have and you can choose what you want.” Maya walked over to Luke’s dresser and looked through his clothes.
“You sure own a lot of black.” Maya laughed and pulled out a pair of sweatpants. She slipped them on and watched as they fell back down. “You’re huge.”
“No, you’re tiny.” Luke laughed and pulled the up, adjusting the string on the inside so they wouldn’t fall down again.
“I’m not tiny, I’m average.” She pulled out a t-shirt similar to one she owned. “I have almost this same shirt. Mine’s white.”
“You listen to All Time Low?” Luke asked, clearly shocked. Maya nodded and pulled the shirt over her head.
“I listened to them all through high school and I still do.” She shrugged and walked back over to Luke’s bed.
“Wait a second. Maya, come here quick.” Luke furrowed his eyebrows. Maya looked at him confused before walking back over to him. Luke lifted the shirt slightly and pushed the hem of the sweatpants down. “You have a tattoo?”
“Yes, I do.” Maya pulled the shirt down and pushed Luke’s hand away.
“I want to get a good look at it.” Luke lifted the shirt again. “It’s a dragonfly.”
“They’re my favorite insect.” Maya admitted, looking down at her feet. “I have this dragonfly toe ring, too. I’ve had the toe ring since high school, but my toe basically grew around it, so I can’t take it off. I can’t take any of them off.” Luke looked down at her toes and at the 3 rings adorning her toes.
‘Damn, she’s adorable.’ Luke thought to himself, a grin finding his lips. “That’s cool, I guess.” Luke cleared his throat. Maya shook her head and walked over to the bed.
“I guess, yeah.” She laid back down under the covers. Luke pulled on a shirt and walked over to the bed, sliding in next to Maya. She snuggled up to him once more. He slung an arm over her waist and rubbing his fingers along her spine.
“So, you really like All Time Low?” He asked, looking at her.
“I listened to them all through high school and I still do now.” She shrugged and moved so her face was laying eye level with his. She opened her mouth to speak as the song changed in the background. She froze and tears filled her eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Luke asked, sitting up. Maya sat up, facing forward. Luke reached for her hand, but she pulled it away.
“Saltwater Room..” She whispered, looking down at her hands. A single tear fell from her eyes.
“That’s the name of the song, yeah.” Luke looked at her confused. He brought his hand to her cheek, wiping her tear.
“This song played when we had sex for the first time..” Maya could feel her throat closing. It had been years since they had done it, and that was the last time she heard the song. Maya looked at Luke as realization washed over him.
“4th of July..” Luke whispered, looking at Maya. “You’re right, this song played.” Luke nodded.
“Did you tell anyone about that night?” Luke shook his head and held Maya’s hand.
“We agreed not to. You and I are the only ones who know what we did. Well, you and me and God.”
“Okay, Preacher’s Son, this isn’t Bible study.” Maya laughed a little and sniffled.
“I haven’t been to a Bible study since this school year started. I only go when we’re home, because you know how my dad is.”
“I don’t even go to Bible study when we’re home.” Maya laughed and laid back down. “Can you imagine what your dad would do if he knew what we did tonight?”
“He’d ask God for permission to murder us both.” Luke laughed and laid back. Maya yawned through her smile and laid her head on Luke’s chest. Luke brought his fingers to her back once again. He slipped his hand under the shirt and rubbed her skin gently. Maya closed her eyes and tangled her legs with Luke’s. “Goodnight, my dragonfly.” Luke whispered and pressed a soft kiss to Maya’s head.
Luke had missed a total of 4 practices. He missed the practice on the day of Maya’s game and 3 practices once they had returned from Thanksgiving break. “Luke, you’ll need to stay after today to make up for the numerous practices you’ve missed.” Coach Feldmann crossed his arms. “This is getting out of hand. You can’t miss any more practices.”
“I’m sorry, Coach. It won’t happen again.” Luke sighed as he sat on the bench. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Maya.
Hey do you want to come to my practice so we can hang out after?
He slid his phone back in his bag before she could send a reply. He got back on the ice and picked up his stick, getting back to the rest of the team. Maya showed up 10 minutes before practice was set to end. She sat in the highest seat of the bleachers and leaned back against the wall. She pulled out her phone and checked her Twitter notifications. Luke’s ex girlfriend, Kristi Jo had been subtweeting her since Luke went to her game. She rolled her eyes and leaned her head back. “Jealous cunt.” Maya whispered, looking down at the ice.
“Hi.” Luke mouthed, biting his lip to contain his smile.
“Gross, Luke. You invited her to practice?” Liam made a disgusted face.
“We’re going to hang out after.” Luke shrugged, trying to hide his grin.
“All you do is hang out with this girl. It disgusts me.” Liam laughed and followed the others to the locker room.
“Hemmings, you owe me 3 hours of extra practice. Starting now.” Coach Feldmann stated, walking to the locker room with the other team members. Maya walked down the bleachers to Luke.
“Listen, I love spending time with you, but I don’t want to spend 3 hours watching you do this.” Maya giggled, sitting on the bench.
“Okay, get out here. Come on.” Luke held his hand out to Maya.
“What? Luke, no. I don’t have skates and you’re supposed to be practicing.” Maya shook her head, and looked up at Luke.
“Maya, get over here.” Luke demanded, keeping his hand extended to her.
“You’re annoying.” Maya scoffed and carefully walked onto the ice. She grabbed Luke’s hand to keep herself steady. “I’m gonna fall.” Maya whined and held onto Luke. Luke laughed and handed her his stick.
“Do you know how to shoot?”
“I don’t need to. I play volleyball.” Maya huffed and took the stick.
“Just try and hit the puck into the net.” Luke rolled his eyes playfully. He skated over to the net and watched as Maya struggled to keep her footing.
“I hope this puck knocks all your teeth out.” She huffed and swung the stick at the puck. She screamed when she lost her balance and fell on the ice. Luke let out a loud laugh before covering his mouth.
“Shit, baby, are you okay?” Luke skated over to her and grabbed her hands.
“I don’t like you.” Maya groaned and pulled Luke down on the ice. Luke groaned from the sudden collision with the ice.
“That was rude, Dragonfly.” Luke pulled his helmet off and looked at her.
“Whatever. Just get up and help me up.” Maya tried to get up, but slipped back onto the ice. Luke stood up and held Maya’s waist as he held her up.
“I’m going to teach you to shoot now.” Luke picked up his stick and placed it in her hands. He dropped a puck in front of them and held his hands over Maya’s to hold the stick in the correct position. He moved her arms and hit the puck into the net.
“Great, I did it. Now you do your practice so we can do something fun,’ Maya crossed her arms.
“You don’t think this is fun?” Luke scoffed, faking offense.
“This is boring.” Maya huffed. “With a capital B.”
“Oh, now you’re just being mean.” Luke laughed, pulling Maya closer to him. She squealed when he began tickling her sides. She managed to get herself out of his arms and did her best to slide away, her Converse making it a little difficult. Luke skated over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, spinning her around. Maya giggled loudly.
“Luke! Put me down!” She laughed, holding onto him.
“Hey, this is a closed practice.” Michael said from the sidelines.
“Mike, it’s not a big deal.” Luke set Maya down and looked at Michael.
“Practice isn’t over until the last player leaves the ice, and besides, you owe us 3 hours of practice.” Michael crossed his arms.
“I’ll see you later, Bug. I have to go anyways. Kristi Jo wants me to fill in for Becca at the coffee shop tonight.” Maya sighed. She made her way off the ice and out of the arena.
“Thanks a lot, mate.” Luke sighed, watching Maya leave.
“You can’t risk the team for this girl. She’s not more important than winning the championship, is she? No, she’s not. Now practice.” Michael rolled his eyes.
***
Maya walked into the coffee shop and put on her name tag and apron. “Oh, Maya, you’ll be on dish tonight, so you won’t need the name tag and apron.” Kristi Jo smirked at Maya.
“Uh, I don’t do dish anymore. I’m only supposed to be called in if a barista doesn’t show.” Maya crossed her arms.
“Well, I’m the assistant manager, and I’m telling you that you’re on dish tonight. Now get to it.” She smirked and turned back to what she had been working on.
“Are you punishing me because I’m dating Luke?” Maya rolled her eyes.
“He’ll leave you soon, so I don’t have to worry about it. He could never actually like you.” Kristi Jo laughed. “And, Maya, please tuck your shirt in. We wouldn’t want you to get written up for violating the dress code.”
“You should tuck your shirt in, then. Or tell the other 7 people without their shirts tucked in to respect the dress code.” Maya rolled her eyes and walked to the back where the dishwasher was.
***
Luke walked into the frat house after he had finished his extra practice. He walked up to his room, which he shared with Ashton, and set his bag on his bed. “Heard you were fraternizing with Maya on the ice today.” Ashton said, not looking up from his textbook.
“I was just teaching her how to shoot.” Luke shrugged.
“You seem to be taking this bet much more seriously than we thought you would.”
“I honestly forgot it was a bet..” Luke sighed and sat on the edge of his bed. “She’s just so important to me and I want to be with her for real, not for a bet. I want out of the bet.”
“You really love her, don’t you?” Ashton closed his philosophy book and looked at Luke. “I can tell you do.”
“I love her more than anything.” Luke looked down at his lap. “She’s the most important thing in my life.” He sighed.
