"I'm done!" Ashton shouted, throwing his pencil across the room.

"Pardon?" Luke asked, looking up from his homework.

"I'm finally done." Ashton sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I finished my research paper."

"Goodie for you. Want a celebratory kiss?" Luke asked hopefully.

"Pass." Ashton put his papers away. "And this paper could get me a scholarship to any college I want."

"I didn't ask but okay." Luke sulked.

"How's your work coming?" Ashton asked, refusing to let a pouty Luke ruin his mood.

"It's not. It's like a virgin." Luke sighed and tossed his work aside. "Break time."

"No, Luke." Ashton said. "It's already Sunday and you still have to do the math work."

"I still have all day today to finish it." Luke complained. "I at least wanna eat breakfast before I start math."

"Fine, I suppose we could." Ashton agreed reluctantly.

Luke led them down to the kitchen and got out cereal and bread.

"What? We're not having caviar and lobster for breakfast?" Ashton asked sarcastically.

"Sorry, that's for lunch." Luke said. He threw bread at Ashton. "Make toast."

"Don't tell me what to-"

"I'll study for science if you do." Luke persuaded and Ashton shoved pieces of bread into the toaster.

Yesterday had consisted of Luke trying and failing at attempting to do his work as well as to get Ashton to open up about last night.

Even though he had confessed to Luke the real reason why people called him 'that name', he refused to acknowledge it had even happened. Instead, he pushed Luke to work harder on his homework and Luke was tired of studying recursive rules and whatever else.

"Do you think you're ready for the test tomorrow?" Ashton asked.

"Meh." Luke shrugged.

"That's not very hopeful." Ashton said.

"I'm not very hopeful." Luke grabbed the toast when it popped out of the toaster.

Ashton sighed but didn't say anything as they finished cooking and brought their plates back to Luke's room.

-

"Come on, all you have left to do is the packet." Ashton tried to persuade.

Luke groaned and rolled off his bed. "But I don't wanna! Its like three whole pages of hell!"

"Luke it's past noon and you still haven't started it!" Ashton was annoyed with Luke but also with himself. He had been distracted by the giant movie screen TV and the three indoor pools and sauna and he found it hard to concentrate on making Luke do his work.

Luke noticed Ashton's looking at one of the pools. He smiled slyly and stood up. "We can do it poolside."

"What? No! Come on, I'll even help you with the packet." Ashton turned his back on the pool.

"Just a quick swim. The water is heated and I can add bubbles." Luke winked.

Ashton bit his lip and looked back at the pool. "I don't have a suit."

"We can go skinny dipping!" Luke giggled and clapped his hands. He ran off to the pool.

"Wait Luke! No!" Ashton ran after him.

"Fine, I'll turn on the bubbles." Luke flicked a switch and a machine roared to life. Instantly, small bubbles started flowing into the pool, covering the surface.

"Luke that's not what I-" Luke suddenly reached out and shoved Ashton backwards. He stumbled backwards and fell into the pool with a splash.

When he surfaced, Luke jumped in right beside him.

"What the fuck was that for?! I could have had my phone in my pocket!" Ashton splashed him.

"But did you?" Luke floated on his back.

"...no." Ashton crossed his arms.

"Then shush." Luke grinned at him.

Ashton rolled his eyes and swam to the steps of the pool.

"Heyyyyy." Luke pouted. "Where are you going?"

"To the shower. Don't follow me." Ashton said, climbing out of the pool.

Luke jumped on him and wrapped his arms around Ashton's legs. "But we just got in!" He pulled the shorter boy back into the water. "Come on, lets have some fun before we do homework!"

Ashton ducked under the water to slip out of Luke's grip.

Luke took a deep breath, puffing his cheeks, and followed him.

Ashton blew out some air so he would sink to the floor of the pool. He sat down and watched as Luke swam in front of him.

He reached out and clapped his hands against Luke's cheeks, expelling his supply of air.

Luke shouted something unintelligible and shot to the surface.

Ashton followed him. Bubbles surrounded their vision and Luke gasped. "I forgot to turn the machine off!"

The bubbles had over flowed the pool and were seeping across the tiled floor, almost reaching the door.

Luke hurried out of the pool. "Oh shit, oh fuck, oh shit." He switched off the machine and the bubbles halted their soapy advance.

Ashton giggled. "Smooth move."

"Shut up! My parents are going to kill me!" Luke wailed.

"No they won't, here, I'll help you clean it up."

They spent the rest of the afternoon draining the pool and popping bubbles. It was evening when they finally finished.

Ashton collapsed into a lawn chair. "I never want to see another bubble in my life again."

Luke sat on top of him. "Stay the night again."

"I can't, I was supposed to be home already." Ashton groaned.

"Aw." Luke pouted. "Friday night then?"

"Meh." Ashton pushed Luke off him. "Ugh, my clothes are all wet and soapy. I can't walk home in this."

"And I don't want my cars seats to be ruined." Luke got up. "Lets take a shower first then I'll walk you home."

"I don't need an escort." Ashton snapped.

"Accept some kindness once in a while, will you?" Luke led them to the bathroom. "Call me when you're done."

"What, no kinky remark? No dirty side comment?" Ashton raised an eyebrow.

Luke shook his head. "Too tired."

He showed Ashton how to work the shower and gave him a towel before leaving.

Ashton showered quickly, anxious to get home before his mom called the cops.

He shut off the spray and wrapped the towel around himself before stepping out.

He looked around for his clothes but saw they weren't where he left them.

He gritted his teeth. "Luke!"

"Yes?" Luke poked his head in.

"Where are my clothes?" Ashton exclaimed.

"I put them in the washer." Luke smiled. "You're welcome."

"Welcome?! Now what do I wear?" Ashton groaned.

"I'll lend you something." Luke ducked back out.

When he returned, he was holding a shirt and sweatpants. "They might be a bit big on you." He said.

Ashton scoffed. "I'm not that little." He pulled them on and gasped when the sleeves came past his hands. "Oh for fucks sake!"

Luke giggled. "Aw, beebee."

Ashton stormed past him. He grabbed his bag and marched to the door.

Luke hurried after him. "Want me to drive you home?"

"No."

"But it might rain again." Luke frowned.

"It is what it is." Ashton opened the door.

"See you Monday?" Luke asked hopefully.

"Only if you finish the packet." Ashton shut the door.

Despite being exhausted, Ashton was also elated.

Tomorrow he would win a scholarship.