*****

His first instinct was to call Chrys, who was his makeup artist. Having known her for years now, he knew she'd help him out.

He didn't have much time, only a couple days, but he promised he would make Ashton's Christmas a special one.

*****

"Chrys! Hey, call me when you can!"

*****

"CHRYSSSS"

*****

"I'm having a crisis, for fucks sake, pick up"

*****

"Chrys...Chrysie..."

*****

"WHYYYYY WOOONNNTTTT YOUUUU ANSWERRRRR MEEE"

*****

"Oh my god I hate you"

*****

"Chrys! Pick up your goddamn phone! I help pay for it and you won't even answer!"

*****

"HOW MUCH DO YOU HATE ME?? HUH?? WHAT DID I EVER DO TO YOU?"

*****

"Ok, rude!"

*****

"CHRYSSSS IM HAVING A CRISIS"

*****

"Luke?"

"Oh my god, Chrys! It's about time you picked up!"

"You've left me 43 missed calls in 20 minutes, are you ok?"

"Well, no. I don't have a present for Ashton yet and I-"

"I suck at gift giving Luke, you learnt that the hard way"

"But you know how to be cute and stuff, help me find something to give Ashton, pleaseeeee"

"Fine, fine. I'm gonna be in New York for the day tomorrow to meet some friends. I can spare an hour or two. Alright?"

"Oh my god, thank you so fukcinh much"

"Yea, yea. Meanwhile, calm your tits"

"Shut up, love you, and bye"

"Alright, see you tomorrow"

*****

When the warm sunlight seeps through the blinds, Luke groans and rolls over, met with a mess of sheets. He frowns and squints at the bathroom, seeing Ashton emerge moments later.

Luke groans and rolls out of bed himself, cursing at his dead phone. He plugs it into his charger and waits a moment, before seeing the time blink on the screen as 6:30.

It was not to late, so Luke wanted to take Ashton out for breakfast before he met Chrys. He half assed an excuse, and Ashton didn't even question it because he knew Chrys well.

Luke was still unsure about what to give him, as he didn't want to be cliche, but he didn't want to give something horrible either. Something like concert tickets wouldn't be the best, because Ashton had seen many. Yet, a romantic date was too cliche.

Luke pondered this all the way through his shower, finally pushing his thoughts aside and focusing on Ashton when he was done.

Ashton had dressed up causally, with a T-shirt tucked into his black jeans, similar to Luke. Luke sprayed his favourite hair mist into his hair, before bending to pick up Ashton.

"Oh my god Luke, you need to stop. You're going to break your back carrying me all the time"

"But you're tiny. And you're wrist is still sensitive. And you're also a bottom"

"I'm not that short, and anyways, I'm still a lot stronger then you are. Come here"

Ashton doesn't even let him respond, throwing him over his shoulder. Luke can't help his smile, as Ashton carefully makes it down the stairs, dropping Luke to his feet at the bottom. Before Luke can walk into the kitchen, Ashton grabs his collar and tugs him back, kissing him hard.

It's a messy kiss, and as soon as a quiet moan escapes Luke, Ashton pulls away and runs into the kitchen.

Everyone is now awake, and gathered at the dining table for breakfast, courtesy of all the mums and Lauren. Calum wasn't allowed to help, because then Michael felt it was only fair if he could as well, but nothing ever ended well when Michael cooked.

The dads, Ben, Jack, Mali and Harry were all wrapped up in the Christmas specials on TV, which was far more interesting than cooking, to them at least.

Ashton and Luke greeted everyone, before excusing themselves.

"Alright, we'll see you later!"

"Hold on, where are you two going? Breakfast will be ready in a minute"

"Ash and I are gonna go out, and then I gotta meet Chrys for something, so I'll be back later"

"Are you sure sweetie? It's not as bad as you think, your mother and Anne make some pretty fine pancakes"

"Oh, I know Joy, but I gotta treat the boy, make sure he stays"

"Alright Luke, I'll see you later. Bye Ashton!"

*****

Luke impatiently waits in his car, sighing in relief when he sees Chrys, walking towards him. She knocks on his window, before turning towards the mall. Luke follows behind her, the two walking in silence till they reach the food court.

Luke pulls her into a hug and thanks her, and she greets him as well, before they sit down and think about what to get for Ashton.

"I...I have no fucking clue, Luke I'm sorry"

"No it's fine, we'll think of something"

"Again, I kinda suck at gift giving-"

"Wait hold on Chrys, I have an idea"

*****

Luke had lots of time to think, as he was waiting to get part of his present.

The main thing that kept coming back was the dream he'd had weeks back. It was vivid, but so strange, and Luke was yet to discover the reasoning behind it.

He often lead himself to believe that everything that had happened would occur in real life, and that Luke needed to be careful and protect Ashton.

He was trying his best to, and now, he had a strange anxiety after not having heard from Ashton in a few hours.

"Hello Luke"

"Hey Ash"

"Not complaining, but any reason you called?"

"What? Oh just waiting for something and I got a little bored. What are you guys up to?"

"We're making gingerbread cookies, except Michael keeps sexualizing it"

"What'd he do?"

"Smeared icing all over my face then made a comment about how you aren't here and blowjobs and...yea, he's being a dick"

"And what'd you do?"

"Told him he was a dick then asked Karen to get me a Band aid when I knew he was getting off with Calum"

"Did you really? Michael must've been very happy about that whole encounter"

"When are you coming back? No ones cuddling me"

"I'll be a little while still. Want me to bring you Starbucks to make up for it?"

"Yes please. Love you Lukey"

"Love you more babe"

"Awe, you're so cute- Fuck off Calum- sorry, hi"

"What did he do now?"

"Well he making out with a cushion and, oop, now he's pretending it's us having sex- no Liz, your son hasn't stuck his dick in my ass yet- yea, sorry, so Calums doing that and everyone watching me talk to you and basically being a bitch"

"Wow, sounds great. Too bad I'm not there for it. Anyways, gotta go, it's my turn"

"Where are you even? And bye, see you later"

"I'll tell you later. Bye Ash, love you"

Luke hung up, flooded with relief. Ashton was ok, he was safe and happy.

Luke hoped it would stay that way forever, but when do things ever work out that well?

*****

The next few days flew by and full of anticipation for Luke, who couldn't wait to give Ashton his gift.

Luke had unwrapped a pair of custom made boots from Ashton, which had been gorgeously adorned. They were blue, with silver lining and glitter dusted like an ombré, heavy at the top and lighter at the bottom.

They were absolutely gorgeous, and Luke stared in awe at the shoes in his hands, before pulling Ashton into a hug.

And Ashton? He'd received a few things from Luke, yet he appreciated and loved every one.

Luke showed him a picture of his present, as he was unable to give it right then. Luke had gotten the walls of Ashton's home studio repainted and had written and made collages of Ashton's favourite concerts, lyrics and everything else that held meaning.

The walls were a plain, faded orange before, and Ashton always talked about getting them redone, and making the whole song writing atmosphere a lot more welcoming. He'd never gotten around to doing it himself, so Luke hoped Ashton would appreciate what he'd done.

Ashton loved writing songs, and Luke was happy to make the whole experience a bit more meaningful.

After what had happened with his wrist, Luke wanted to make Ashton's studio a little more homey. Luke had even went ahead and added decals to his drum kit and had replaced the broken pieces from when it had fallen.

Ashton adored the thought and effort Luke had put into it, perfectly content with his present.

Luke however, decided it was a very lame present, so he surprised Ashton by lifting up his short to reveal the tattoo just under his rib.

It was a small sun, with a little "afi" etched under one of the rays.

Ashton had nearly cried out of sheer excitement. It was a small little tattoo, yet it meant everything to Luke. He'd wanted something for his radiant angel, and the sun was the perfect pair for Ashton's moons.

Ashton ran the pad of his thumb over it, not believing it was real. Luke was elevated at his reaction, as he'd expected his idea to go unappreciated.

He was also glad Chrys had reasoned him into the small initials, or else Luke would've gotten

"ASHTON FLETCHER IRWIN" tattooed onto his forehead.

It went over very well, and Ashton had loved it, crawling into Luke's lap and hugging him tight. Luke squeezed him back and kissed his forehead and then his nose.

Luke was happy. So fucking happy, with everything, and he wouldn't change it for the world.

*****

New Year's Day was a little different than usual.

Everyone had booked flights for Australia, except the boys, because they had to attend Andrews little get together in LA. They planned on going to Australia after for the rest of their break, before working towards No Shame.

It was going to be wicked, and they were more excited for tour then they'd ever been.

Sitting on the plane, in the darkness, Ashton turns to Luke, caressing his cheek.

"Lu?"

"Mhm?"

"Do you ever think this all happened too fast?"

"Sometimes, but I'm glad. If Calum and Michael hadn't came out, Sierra wouldn't have broken up with me and told me to confess already. I was in so much denial, but we're together, and ok now"

"Did you mean it?"

"What?"

"When you said you loved me"

"Of course I did. I do, I love you a lot"

"But no one loves me"

"I do. And I always will. You're beautiful, and perfect, you're the sweetest person I've ever met. I love you so much, and you deserve to love yourself and believe you are loved as well. Never put yourself down, and always remember, I love you"

"T-thank you...I love you too Lukey"

"Come here baby, lets get some sleep"

Ashton tucks himself under Luke's open arm, burying his face into Luke's chest. His heart was pounding and he felt tears burn behind his eyes.

Luke loved him.

Luke really, genuinely loved him.

It was the most amazing feeling, and Ashton felt loved, and cared for. Maybe, just maybe, Ashton was worth something.

He felt like he meant something and suddenly felt like he deserved to be loved.

And he was. Luke loved him, and Ashton's heart swelled with joy now that he knew Luke meant it.