Ashton woke up early, which wasn't uncommon now, since Luke was across the hall and he was always up early.

Ashton slid out of bed and walked to Luke's nursery.

Luke was laying down in his crib, babbling to his stuffed penguin. Ashton smiled down at him. "Morning Lukey." Luke gasped and struggled to sit up. "Ashy!"

Ashton scooped him up and pressed a kiss to Luke's soft hair. "Hi baby, wanna get some breakfast?"

"Yas." Luke giggled, putting his tiny thumb in his mouth.

Ashton led them downstairs and was surprised to find his parents sitting at the table already. Usually they were working this early.

"Oh, morning guys." Ashton said as a maid came and took Luke, setting him down in his high chair. "What are you guys doing here?"

"I forgot to tell you last night, we have a family interview today about Luke and our upcoming movie." Mrs. Irwin said as she sipped her tea.

"Oh." Ashton looked over at Luke, who was messily eating his baby food without a care in the world.

Ashton smiled at him as Luke grabbed his food with his fist, ignoring his spoon completely as he shoved his hand into his mouth.

"Do I have to come with?" Ashton didn't like interviews, the spotlight was for his parents, not him.

But his dad nodded his head. "Yes, this is a family interview. So go get changed into something nice. You and Luke....after he takes his bath."

Luke looked up when he heard his name. "Da!" He shreiked happily, holding out his messy hands.

"I'm on it." Ashton picked Luke up carefully and carried him to the bathroom.

 Luke petted Ashton's face with his messy hands and giggled. "Dere go Ashy!" He kicked his feet happily.

Ashton grimaced but smiled for Luke. He brought the baby close to his face and rubbed their noses. "Thank you Lukey, exactly what I needed!"

Luke smiled up bashfully at Ashton and laid his head on Ashton's shoulder.

Ashton started the bath water and set Luke down carefully. He took off Luke's pajamas and set the toddler down in the warm water. While Luke babbled and played with his water toys, Ashton cleaned the baby food off his face at the sink.

"Ashy, Ashy, Ashy." Luke giggled to himself. Ashton turned and saw Luke holding two rubber duckies. He was making them kiss and Ashton laughed. "What are ya doin' there Lukey?"

"Ashy and Lukey." Luke explained, kissing both ducks while Ashton stopped and blushed furiously on the spot.

"O-oh...well bath time is over now." He pulled the plug and Luke pouted at the short bath time.

Ashton wrapped him up in a fluffy towel and carried him back to Luke's bedroom.

"Let's see, we gotta dress you up fancy for today." Ashton said, balancing Luke on one hip while he searched Luke's closet for a good outfit. "How 'bout this?" He pulled down a little black blazer which came with a matching tie and hat. He put the hat over Luke's head and it dropped down, covering half his face.

Luke reached up and pulled the hat back up, peering up at Ashton with big eyes. Ashton laughed. "Oky, I'll wear the hat."

An hour later, they were finally ready to go.

When they pulled up to the movie set, their limo was instantly surrounded by paparazzi. Luke looked out the window from his car seat and whimpered.

"I got him." Mrs. Irwin said, unbuckling Luke from his seat. But Luke cried and pushed her away. "Ashy!" He cried, making grabby hands to Ashton.

Ashton got out from his seat and grabbed Luke. "It's okay Lukey, no tears." Luke sniffed and wiped his eyes with his fists. "'Kay." Ashton noticed he was looking a little green.

Mr. Irwin held the door open while they all climbed out.

Cameras flashed in their faces while reporters yelled questions at them.

Ashton held Luke close to him, sheilding the baby from the paparazzi.

"Uh oh." Luke suddenly said, and Ashton felt something wam and sticky running down his chest. He gasped and looked down. Luke frowned.

"Oh..." Ashton stared at his baby throw up covered shirt. The reporters were going wild.

Mrs. Irwin gasped while her husband burst out laughing.

Luke giggled and clapped his hands. Ashton sighed.

When they were safely inside the building, the wardrobe crew gave Ashton a new shirt to change into.

He joined his family on the interview couch when he was done. Luke was leaning against his mom tiredly. "Sowwy Ashy." He mumbled. "He got a little sick in the car, and the paparazzi didn't help his stomch either." Mrs. Irwin said. Ashton poked Luke's cheek and smiled. "It's okay." Luke smiled back up at him.

The interviewer came up then. "Hello Irwin family! Ready for the interview?"

He and Ashton's dad made small talk while they waited for the interview to start. "Ashton." Ashton looked up at his mom. "Yeah?"

"I have some news to share, you might not like it, but..." She trailed off. "What?" Ashton let go of Luke's hand. "What is it?"

"You'll find out in a few minutes. I'm sorry you'll be finding it out this way though." She said, hugging Luke close.

"What do you m-"

"Hello everybody and welcome to this very special interview, where our lovely guests are none other than Mr and Mrs. Irwin, and their lovely sons!"

Ashton waved and smiled to the camera while Luke shreiked happily, making the studio audience laugh.

Ashton's parents talked about their movie then, and Ashton smiled and laughed at all the right parts, but his mind was elsewhere. His mom had really put him on edge with her news. What was it?

"Now, about this cute little guy here." The interviewer smiled at Luke. "What motivated you to adopt him?"

"Our publicist suggested it actually, and when we first laid eyes on hiim, we knew he was perfect for us." Mr. Irwin smiled.

Luke smiled bashfully and the audience cooed.

"Yes, we've been very happy with him for the past few months, but we have some very troubling news, I'm afraid." Mrs. Irwin said.

Ashton sat upright.

"What is it?" The interviewer asked in a concerned tone.

Mrs. Irwin sighed deeply. "Well, after giving this much thought, my husband and I have decided, that because of our busy schedules, and the fact that we are hardly ever home, that it would be best if Luke returned to foster care."

Ashton froze.

The audience gasped.

"Wh...well...I suppose that would be the right thing to do." The interviwer said.

"What?!" Ashton cried, jumping up. "Why did you never tell me this until now? Why wasn't I included in this 'family' discussion? What about my feelings? I don't want Luke to go away, I can watch him!"

"Ashton sit down." Mrs. Irwin hissed. "You're making a scene!"

"Good! Maybe now you'll notice me and remember to invite me to the next family meeting!" Ashton shouted. "Screw you guys, I'm out of here." He muttered and walked off the stage.

Luke twisted around in Mrs. Irwin's arms and pouted after Ashton.  "Ashy! Ashy!" He cried, kicking around until Mrs. Irwin placed him on the ground. He picked himself up and ran on unsteady legs off the stage.

The audience was on its feet and the interviwer had to cut to comercials.

Ashton crouched down and scooped up Luke, hugging him tightly. Tears slipped out as he buried his face in Luke's soft hair. "It's okay Lukey, no tears. I won't let them take you away. I promise."

Luke sighed and wrapped his arms around Ashton's neck, making the older boy cry harder, since Luke had no idea why Ashton was so upset.

"C'mon son, we're going home." Mr. Irwin said, placing a hand on Ashton's shoulder. Ashton shrugged him off and carried Luke back to the limo, ignoring the reporters as he settled Luke into his booster seat and closed the door.

Ashton brought Luke to his bedroom when they arrived at home. He ripped his hat off and threw it at the wall in frustration. Luke watched him with wide eyes. "A-Ashy? S'matter?" He crawled over and grabbed onto Ashton's leg, staring up at him with big, watery eyes.

Ashton sighed and scooped him up, carrying him to the bed and laying down with him. "Nothing Lukey. Don't worry about it."

"Kay." Luke snuggled down on the pillow and soon fell asleep. Ashton watched him and sighed. Luke was like his biological brother and best friend. He was there for Ashton when no one else was. With his parents always gone, and no one wanting to hang out with the rich kid, besides Calum and Mikey, Ashton was lonely.

Luke made him laugh. Luke was always there, right across the hall, and now his parents wanted to take that away from him.

"No. No, that won't happen. I won't let them take you away Lukey." Ashton gave the baby a small kiss. "Promise."

-

Ashton woke up the next morning alone in bed.

He sat upright and felt around the sheets for Luke but the baby was gone.

Ashton shot out of bed and ran down the steps. His mother was crying on the sofa while his dad comforted her. They looked up when Ashton came down.

"Where is he?" Ashton demanded. "Where's Luke?"

Mrs. Irwin burst out sobbing. "Ash...I'm so sorry."

Ashton's eyes widened. "You didn't. Tell me you didn't."

Mr. Irwin looked at him sorrowfully. "I'm sorry son. It's for the best."

Ashton gripped his hair. "Are you fucking serious?! You took him away while I was asleep?!"

"Ashton-" Ashton ran up the stairs, ignoring his mother.

He ran into Luke's room and slamed the door. Silent tears ran down his face while he paced the room, angrily pulling on his hair.

He looked over at Luke's crib. It was empty now, the sheets were cold.

Ashton broke down in front of it. He climbed into it and grabbed Luke's stuffed penguin, hugging it to him as he cried. "I'm so sorry Luke...I broke the our promise. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry."

Outside the door, Ashton's parents shared sad looks as they listened to their only son crying his heart out inside.

-

Ashton blinked his eyes open the next morning. His eyes were still red from crying all night. He sat up and held his head, fighting back a new wave of tears.

After a few minutes he climbed out of the crib, changing into a gray shirt and black skinny jeans.

He sniffed and walked down the stairs.

His parents were sitting at the table when he came down. He ignored them.

"Ashton honey, there's some tea and toast here for you." His mother said softly. Ashton turned his back on her and opened the fridge.

He saw a fruit flavored cup of baby food and couldn't help but smile sadly at the memory of him feeding it to Luke, of them getting into a food fight, of him chasing Luke around the house, about Luke wanting a kiss.

He slammed the door shut and went to the pantry instead. He pulled out the bread and made his own toast.

His parents shared a look and sighed.

"Look Ashton, I know you're upset about Luke being gone, but he's at the very best foster home in Australia! You can visit him anytime you'd like, here's the address." His father said. handing him a slip of paper. Ashton eyed it as he passed the table, holding his plate of toast.

He snatched the paper up and glared at them, before storming up to his room.

After school that day, Ashton followed the directions to the foster house.

He signed in, and the lady led him to the nursery, when all the younger kids were playing.

"C-can I have a moment first please?" Ashton stopped the lady from opening the door. She smiled and nodded, leaving him alone in the hallway.

He took a deep breath and stared at the door. "Okay Ash, no tears. You can do this. You gotta be strong for Luke. No tears." He opened the door slowly and was met with the sound of little kids laughing and shreiking.

He scanned the room for Luke, but Luke found him first.

The little toddler gasped and dropped his toys, standing up and running over to Ashton. He tripped and sighed into the floor before picking himself up and running again. Ashton burst out crying.

He crouched down and grabbed Luke up in a hug. "I see you haven't mastered walking without falling yet." He smiled sadly.

"Ashy!" Luke squealed happily, patting Ashton's face happily. He kicked his feet in excitement. "Ashy here!"

Ashton gave him a watery smile. "Yes Lukey, I'll always be here for you."

Luke giggled. "Ashy come play!" He squirmed and Ashton set him down. Luke grabbed Ashton's hand and led him to his circle of toys.

Ashton played with Luke until it was night, and visiting hours were over.

The lady came and informed him it was time to go. Ashton stood up slowly. "Oh, okay. Can I say goodbye first?" She nodded again and left him with Luke.

Luke beamed up at him, reaching his hands up. "Home Ashy! Ready for home now!"

Ashton choked back a sob. He knelt down to Luke's height. He placed his hands on Luke's small shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "I'm so sorry Luke, but this is your home now. You have to stay here."

Luke smiled and petted Ashton's cheek. "Kay. Ashy stay too."

Tears slipped out and ran down Ashton's face. Luke frowned and wiped them away. "No Luke...Ashy has to go."

Luke frowned. "No. I-if Ashy go...Luke go!"

Ashton sobbed and brought Luke in for a hug. "I'm so sorry Lukey. So so sorry." He gave the pouting baby a kiss and set him down. He stood up and wiped his eyes as the workers came to put the kids to bed.

"A-Ashy?" Luke sniffed as he was picked up. "Ashy! Ashy! No, no, no! Ashy! Ashy stay with Luke!" He sobbed and Ashton ran out of the room. He ran blindly out of the foster care home and down the street.

He opened his front door a few minutes later. His parents were watching TV on the couch. They looked up at him as he entered. "Hey Ash, how was Luke?" His dad asked.

"I hate you!" Ashton screamed. He ran up to his room and slammed the door shut, making his parents flinch downstairs.

-

"Ashton? Ashton honey? Your father and I are leaving now for our movie in the States. You won't see us for a few weeks." Mrs. Irwin knocked on the door. "Will you please come out and say goodbye?"

Ashton rolled over in his bed and stared blankly at the wall.

"Please?" Mrs. Irwin's voice cracked.

Ashton ignored her.

She sighed deeply and her husband whispered things to comfort her as he led her down the stairs and out the door, where their limo was waiting.

Ashton buried his face in his pillow.

After a few minutes, he got up and took a shower and changed into new clothes. He grabbed the paper that had the directions to the foster care center again and ran out the door.

He arrived there out of breath. He signed in quickly and went back to the playroom again.

He sighed deeply and opened the door.

He spotted Luke sitting alone at the drawing table. His heart tightened in his chest and he slowly made his way back there.

Luke held a crayon in his fist and was scribbling it across the paper.

Ashton sat beside him and Luke looked up at him.

"Hey Lukey." Ashton whispered, holding back tears.

"Ashy!" Luke cried, dropping his crayon and throwing himself onto Ashton.

Ashton hugged him close. "Hey baby, I missed you."

Luke sniffed and wiped his eyes with his tiny fists. "Miss Ashy."

Ashton swallowed and pointed to Luke's drawing. "Whatcha drawin?"

Luke held up his picture. "Drew Ashy. Lob Ashy."

The picture, of course, looked nothing like Ashton, but Ashton loved it with all his heart. He took it and studied the scribbles closely. "Oh Luke, I love it! You're such a good drawer!" He smiled down at Luke and Luke smiled up bashfully, leaning against Ashton's side.

They played inseperably for the next few hours. Luke shared his snack with Ashton and they took nap time together. They played and cuddeled until Ashton had to leave again.

He tucked Luke's picture into his pocket and pressed a lingering kiss to Luke's soft hair. "Ashy has to leave now Lukey, but he'll be back tomorrow to play, okay?"

"N-no." Luke whimpered, clinging tightly to Ashton. "Take Luke. Ashy take Luke with!"

Tears welled up in Ashton's eyes as he brushed Luke's hair back from his face. "I can't Lukey, I'm sorry."

Luke sniffed. "Lukey lobs Ashy. Ashy lob Luke?"

Ashton gave him a watery smile. "Ashy lobs Lukey. So, so much." He gave him another tight hug, before reluctantly handing him over to a worker.

"Bye Ashy!" Luke called, waving goodbye as tears ran down his small face.

Ashton smiled and waved back, wiping his face with his free hand. "I'll see you tomorrow Lukey. Lob you."

"Lob Ashy." Luke sighed.

Ashton left the room. He pulled out Luke's picture and looked at it as he walked home.

He returned to an empty house and tacked the picture above his bed.

The next few days continued like that, until one day, when Ashton's worst nightmare came to life.

-

Ashton opened the door to the play room the next day. He searched the room for Luke, but couldn't find him.

He went to the help desk. "Hi, is Luke here?" He asked her, nervously tapping his fingers on the desk.

"What's his last name?" She asked, looking through her computer.

"Irwin." Ashton said.

She looked for a few moments before turning back to him. "I'm sorry, but Luke's not here. He was adopted last night by a lovely couple."

Adopted.

Adopted.

Luke was adopted.

Last night.

Luke was gone.

He had been taken, again, while Ashton was sleeping.

Ashton gripped the desk. "Wh-what? Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Yes, but don't worry, the couple was very glad to have him."

Ashton's heart hammered in his chest. "He's...he's gone?"

She nodded, then gave him a concerned look. "Sir? Are you okay? Sir?"

The sounds of the children behind him and the lady's voice melded into one. Ashton got a light feeling in his head and he lost his grip on the desk.

He collapsed to the ground and his vision faded to nothing.

-

Ashton groaned at the touch of someone patting his face.

He blinked his eyes open slowly and stared at his unfamiliar surroundings.

"Ash? Ash!" A voice giggled. "Wakey Ashy!"

Ashton's eyes snapped to his side, where a baby was sitting, holding onto his footie covered toes as he beamed a bright smile up at Ashton.

"L-Luke?" Ashton sat up slowly. "Is that you?"

"Ashy!" Luke scream/giggled. He crawled over Ashton and layed down on top of Ashton's chest. He lifted his head up and patted Ashton's face, smiling happily.

Ashton put his arms around the baby and hugged him tightly. "Oh my God, Luke. Wh-what's going on? You were adopted! Where am I?"

"You're at the hospital honey." Ashton looked up to see his parents smiling down at him from the back of the room. "You fainted at the foster care center, and they brought you here. We came back a few days early to be with you." His mom said, coming to stand by him.

Ashton struggled to sit up while still clinging onto Luke like his life depended on it. "But..what about Luke? Why is he here? He was adopted last night!"

His parents exchanged smiles. "Yes he was.....by us." Mr. Irwin placed a hand on his wife's shulder and smiled.

Ashton widened his eyes at them. "You mean..."

"We do. We got him back for you. We were stupid to have sent him away. We're very sorry Ashton, please forgive us." Mrs. Irwin said sadly.

Ashton looked down at the baby who had fallen asleep on him. He smiled and petted Luke's hair. "Of course I forgive you."

He raised his arms up and his parents smiled and hugged him tightly.

Ashton blinked back tears of joy.

They were all a family again, the four of them, just like they should be.

"Welcome home Luke."

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the tears r real. legit crying right now. does anyone have a tissue plz? omg