ASHTON HAS HAD ENOUGH OF THIS.

Luke in 2017 nearly tore Ashton to shreds, let alone Luke himself, and now they're doing so well, and he can't bear to watch some outsider destroy it.

As soon as he's sure Luke is OK, Ashton is straight out of their hotel room, and striding down the corridor. He doesn't really care about what happens to him now - it's twisted to think, but at least he has a legion of fans to stand by him throughout whatever the repercussions of he ends up doing.

He has no idea where Cole might be. After all, none of them have no idea where to go in this strange country, and that could play to his advantage. If he's lost, Cole probably is too.

Somehow, Ashton ends up outside of his own hotel room, his head resting against the door as he listens to the seemingly angry mumbling of whoever is in there. It's definitely not Nico, since they're out at the moment with Pippa and Daniel, and Ashton has no idea who else could get in, unless it's one of the hotel staff.

Slowly, he turns the handle and opens the door to the sight of Cole (who else) sat on the bed. At first, it doesn't seem like he notices Ashton staring at him, until the older boy sits down next to him.

"We're not angry." Ashton starts, trying to adopt a calming tone. He's had plenty of practice with attempting to calm people down, what with being the oldest in the band and the constant emotional turmoil.

"Luke is." Cole sighs, picking at his nails. "Ashton, you believe me, right? I swear to God, I wouldn't cheat on him. I love him so, so much."

Ashton nods in response, because to be fair, who doesn't love Luke Hemmings?

"I know you wouldn't, I trust you that much, Cole. Known you as long as Luke has. And he was really drunk and scared that night. He's still a mess after what's happened to him in the past."

They share a small smile, before Ashton wraps his arm around the boy's shoulders. "And I'm sorry I went for you in the room back there. Spur of the moment."

Cole nods, and laughs a little - it's relieving to Ashton that he isn't as worked up as Luke, otherwise he'd have no idea what to do or where he'd start. "It's fine. I know how protective you guys get of each other."

Ashton simply nods in reply, casting his eyes forwards to the hotel room across the corridor, where he can hear Michael's voice and Luke's as well, but quieter. He only hopes this'll all work out.