---Michael---
Calum and I are in the middle of a game of FIFA when I hear Kelly and Ashton in a fit of laughter coming down the hall. I am so glad to see things improving between them. They really are the perfect couple. It's hard to believe that I was so infatuated with her when we first met. It was purely sexual desire, and while I wouldn't turn down the opportunity even still, the infatuation is long gone. Sure, during those two months apart, I had hoped for a chance to be more than a shoulder to cry on, but seeing her happy with Ashton is all that really matters to me now. He's the one she needs.
They walk in the door holding hands and still laughing, just as Calum scores the winning goal. I set down my controller and get up off the couch to grab some water.
"Hi Mikey! Did you miss me?!" she asks, giving me a big hug.
"Me? Miss you? Why would I do that?" I tease. She makes me laugh when she smacks my arm and calls me a jerk.
"So did you two lovebirds have fun?"
"Oh my gosh yes! We went to a trampoline park and it was a blast! It was hysterical watching Ash try to do a flip in the air! We had so much fun!" She looks at Ashton with so much love in her eyes and I know right here and now that everything will be fine between them.
Ashton heads off to take a shower and get dressed for tonights show and Kelly comes and sits with me on the couch.
"You look really happy today Tiger."
"I am. This is the Ashton I fell in love with. We got off track for awhile with all the traveling and court and everything else that we forgot how to have fun. I'm really enjoying this trip, so much more than the others."
"That's awesome. That's how it should be. Just don't let yourself get overwhelmed, okay? Stick to what feels right." I tell her. I really couldn't handle seeing her get heart broken again.
"I know. I promise." She climbs up in my lap and gives me a hug. She's a lot different with me than she's ever been. I know it's because I was the only one there for her but it feels strange. She's different. Stronger, more self confident, but still self conscious, if that makes any sense. As much as I hate to say it, I think these two months are exactly what she needed.
Ashton returns, fresh from the shower, and I can see the pain in his eyes when he spots us. She is more physical with me than him, and it hurts him, even though Kelly and I are strictly in a friendly manner. He'll get it back, there's not a doubt in my mind. It's just a painful reminder to him of the two months he lost.
"Shower's free Kel!" he finally says. She hops up off my lap and goes over to Ashton. She takes him by the hand and leads him to a corner out of earshot. That's my cue to look away, so I start a new game with Calum.
---Ashton---
I had a great time with her today. I think she had a lot of fun, too. These are the things we need to do more of. I think I'll try to find something fun for us to do in each city this week.
After fifteen minutes of brainstorming, she comes back out with a frown on her face.
"What's wrong babe?" I ask her, without even thinking about the pet name I just called her. Too much Ashton.
"I smell like a guy!" she pouts. The room erupts into laughter, Kelly excluded. "It's not funny! I can't go out there smelling like Old Spice body wash! I'm going to the bus to shower. Again." She stomps away and the laughter continues.
"I'm going to go take a nap. I'll be on the bus." Luke nods in acknowledgement and I make my way out to the bus. I lay down in my bunk and listen to Kelly singing What I Like About You in the shower. I don't even try to stop myself from smiling. I just enjoy hearing her happy. I let my eyes close and drift off the sleep.
YOU ARE READING
Retreat (A.I.)
FanfictionHe's trying to save his band and his friendship from falling apart. She's a troublemaker who pushed her parents too far They have to spend 2 months together on a camping "retreat"
