Church was not at all what Ashton expected. It was not quite as informal as the movies portrayed it; however, there was plenty to look at. From painted tiles to ceremonial sculptures, everything held significance.

Despite this, Ashton felt his eyes wander, lingering on his teacher. Luke stood in the doorway, inhaling deeply and fluttering his eyes as he glanced around. Ashton could feel the faith and energy buzzing through Luke. The teacher undoubtedly visited the church every single goddamn Sunday, but the appreciation was still there. It always would be there. This feeling Ashton was describing spread its way into him, coating his bones like warm blankets of emotion. Simply seeing such peace put the student at great ease. It was a moment he would not soon forget: the connection within the room, Luke's open posture, and the soft music.

Ashton's heart thudded louder, ringing in his ears as the pulse quickened tenfold.

Though the service was lasting longer than anticipated, Ashton remained focused on his teacher. Though the event was quite fascinating, Ashton devoted his attention to all members of the audience. Every once in a while, he locked eyes with those around him; he smiled warmly, nodding his head as a form of greeting.

"What are you doing?" Luke whispered, breaking from the sermon for a short minute.

"Nothing."

It was a lie, and was a bullshit, screamingly loud lie at best. Luke only smiled, watching fondly as Ashton grew comfortable. It was an interesting sight to watch.

Ashton began absorbing everything, studying the stimuli that was the stage. It was a new concept, for visiting any church was still not a typical event for Ashton. Overwhelmed, he allowed himself to close his eyes. Whether it was the hope he heard, he knew quite well each individual had a strong, passionate belief for what they sang for.

While on the topic of singing, the frequent music was a treat. Let it be said that Luke did take part. It was only a soft, shy hum. First, Luke had remained quiet as the religious songs prepared the audience for a heavy speech. However, this changed; it was as if Luke couldn't help it. Such compulsion was astonishing.

Instead of teasing, Ashton took a step toward maturity. He kept his eyes on Luke for only a moment, turning to absorb the lyrics on the front wall. Ashton sang softly, containing more confidence the second time around. He followed along, doing his best to encourage any noise he heard from Luke. At that moment, Luke's faithful confidence was all he wished for.

The delicate sigh he received was a formidable response. Luke's volume grew intensely, gaining power and voice. It was clear, perfect, and wholehearted. As the song ended, however, Ashton was half sure he heard a soft whine.

"Do you understand?" Luke asked, voice cracking softly.

Ashton was quiet for several moments, debating on questioning such a question. Then, he nodded. "I understand. This place is... filled with emotion."

"So you feel it?"

Shrugging, Ashton insisted, "I feel you. I feel the connection between everyone."

That seemed to be enough for Luke. He turned back to the sermon, ignoring Ashton once again. Likewise, the student devoted his attention elsewhere. He scanned the crowd for any familiar faces, but his search came up empty.

Surprisingly, Ashton did not appreciate the ending of the sermon. Usually, he would be fine quietly exiting through the two doors in the back. But Luke's expression was enough make him feel disappointed. It was as if Luke's face closed off just as the music stopped. Whatever powerful movement Ashton was feeling had disappeared precisely when the stage went dark.

Thankfully, he was proved wrong.

Luke took his hand, pulling on it softly as he neared one of the two, crowded exits. Ashton was given plenty of time to worship the softness of Luke's palm and grips of his fingers.

"Why are you in such a rush, Mr. Hem– Luke?" Frowning, Ashton clarified softly. "Luke?"

Luke stopped as they entered the lobby, clearly dumbfounded. "You don't want to get out of here?"

"No."

Who would want to give up that sight? Ashton would sit all day in any place if it meant he got to feel so emotionally intimate with Luke. Church was no chore, as it seemed. It was not that way when it came to Luke. Ashton wanted to be there. Being there meant he got to spend more time with an interesting teacher; in fact, he has started to like this particular teacher.

In response, Luke gulped. His eyes flickered around the lobby landing on the doors. He tugged Ashton once more, fingers wrapping around the student's wrist. It was gentle and loose, meaning it was an action made with the intent to touch.

They walked through the front doors, rounding the corner of the building where Luke's car waited. Upon arrival, the teacher stopped abruptly.

Eyebrows quivering with confusion, Ashton frowned. He opened his mouth to speak, but the lad did not get far.

"Thanks," Luke rushed out. "Thank you." The words were slurred the second time around. The car clicked, Luke's nimble fingers brushing over the buttons of his key.

Ashton could not think of any other response, so he opened the car door and said, "You're welcome."

When both were seated, there was absolutely no chance they couldn't look at one another.

Ashton's glance allowed him to
summarize Luke's entire mood. The teacher was looking for approval, praise, or acknowledgement. Thankfully, Ashton had no problem giving. He blushed, fiddling with his fingers as he thought about a much deeper response.

"I like to see that side of you. I have trouble explaining it, but when you stand there in song, all I can see is hope," said Ashton, his voice soft.

Let it be known that Ashton was not surprised when the tension grew. He was expecting the air to be thick and heavy, making it harder to breathe. His lungs exercised rambunctiously, eyes flickering from various points on Luke's face. The tension only rose from there; Luke was not standing down. Typically,  he would reel himself back in like loose fishing line. His eyes would close and his temptations would disappear. However, this fisherman did not give a damn where the line went.

Likewise, Luke's eyes were fluttering, dragging across his student's prominent features but always finding their target. Ashton's soft, bow-shaped lips were far from chapped. They remained a soft dark salmon color even as Ashton licked them unconsciously.

"Do it."

Luke visibly shivered, ears interested in the breathless, panting tone. It went without saying that such voice was arousing. It was a soft request, and it feigned innocence perfectly.

How could Luke deny him that request? More importantly, how could he keep himself from such a temptation? Brushing such questions aside, he pulled Ashton forward and pressed their lips together.

It was soft. In reality, it had rarely been what society calls 'a kiss'. Their lips brushed, but Ashton kept his eyes open and focused on Luke's relaxed expression. It was the face of someone who had just given in completely; however, the guilt or regret typically followed. Thankfully, Ashton knew this. It only made him hungrier. The next kiss was harder, beating their record tenfold. It involved more biting. It involved more licking.

Ashton caught his breath seconds later, pressing his nose into Luke's pale collarbone. His eyelashes fluttered against the skin, but Luke did not protest.

When Ashton looked up, his eyes drank in the surrounding area. At first, only the situation before him registered. He saw an ordinary father packing his children and wife into a minivan. But as he helped his pregnant spouse into the vehicle, he turned and glared at the two in disgust.

Frowning, Ashton cupped his hand tightly around the back of Luke's neck and tugged harshly on the soft tuft of blond hair. It gained a response, for Luke was back on Ashton in seconds. The student was pulled further over the arm rest, lips connected with his english teacher,

Tongues brushed against one another, fighting their own battles. It was a fight Ashton lost. He gave up shortly after things began, moaning into Luke's mouth instead. On the other hand, Luke occupied himself biting Ashton's lower lip. It did anything but silence the boy,

When they returned to each other, it was more than just lips. Teeth clanked with inexperience, and one tongue was left bitten and bruised. But each body was left with an overwhelming emotion and a smile on its face.