AN: Oh, dear... this chapter...

I fucking love you guys, by the way. So. Fucking. Much.

By the time I had gotten back Michael and Geordie were gone. Jasmine was sitting patiently in her seat. I cleared my throat and she turned to my direction. She stood up and walked over to me.

"Let's just walk," she said. I nodded.

No matter how hard I tried to enjoy my time with Jasmine, I just couldn't do it. My mind would always wander off to Luke. Sometimes- no, most of the time, I didn't even hear what Jasmine's saying.

"Ashton?" A finger prodded my side and I squirmed. I looked over at Jasmine who was staring up at me. "Are you okay?"

"Peachy," I answered, however I'm way far from that.

She bit her bottom lip and looked down at the ground between us. "Can we go somewhere private?"

I didn't even think. I just said sure. She grabbed hold of my hand and began leading me somewhere. I didn't care at this point on what's going to happen anymore. She could kill me right on the spot and I'd be perfectly fine with that.

I wasn't even paying attention to where we were. She just took me to someplace behind a building where you can barely see other people.

"I want to ask you something," she began as I pressed my back against the brick wall. I shoved my hands into my pockets and let out a sigh.

"What?" I asked, not bothering to look at her.

"I know we only met yesterday, but... we are friends, right?"

"Yeah." Jasmine better get to the point already, because I need to explode at Harry about what happened between me and Luke. If I don't tell someone soon I might go insane.

"Okay, just wanted to make sure, because, well, we just met."

"I figured that out."

"Right. So, do you think we can hang out more often and get to know each other? Like, just the two of us." I took her suggestion to thought. That may not be such a bad idea.

"Yeah, okay. We can hang out more." She flashed a smile.

"Really?"

"Yeah. We can start on Monday."

"Is tomorrow not good?" she asked, her voice going quiet.

"No. It's my best friend's birthday tomorrow, so I'm going to celebrate with him."

"Oh..." I just nodded, not knowing what to say. "Ashton, you know, I really li-"

"There you are, Ashton! I finally found you!" I turned to the direction of the voice.

"Liam?" I questioned, but he threw his arm over my shoulder and ruffled my hair. "Knock it off!" I began smacking him with my hands to get him to stop.

Liam stopped messing with my hair and he glanced at Jasmine. "Oh, were you two busy?"

"Actually, we-"

"Good. I'll be stealing Ashton here. If you'll excuse us." He dragged me away, leaving Jasmine staring at us, dumbstruck.

Liam just dragged me around a corner before releasing me. I pushed him off and brushed my hands over my shirt.

"What was that for, mate?!" I yelled.

"I told you to keep an eye out," he said, his voice gone cold.

I gulped, "She wasn't doing anything. She just wanted to tell me something."

"Exactly. She asked if you two could hang out, didn't she?"

"Well, yeah..." There's nothing wrong with that. Plus, I need a good distraction to get my mind off of straight Luke.

"That's her first step. Just... seriously, watch your back. She could attack any moment." Attack? What's that supposed to mean? "By the way, the lads are waiting and wondering where you are. Let's go." He hooked his arm around me again and led me backstage.

I don't know what happened to Jasmine, but I'm sure she's fine right now.

Liam and I finally reached Niall, Zayn, Harry, Michael, and Geordie. When Harry saw me he had a huge smile on his face.

"Ashy!" Harry exclaimed, running over to me and attempted to jump onto me. I moved out of the way fast enough and he fell to the ground. I couldn't help but laugh. I'm such an awesome friend, aren't I?

He groaned and flipped himself over so that he was on his back.

"Oh, my God! That was the best!" I laughed, doubling over and then falling onto my back, unable to control my laughter. The next thing I knew Harry pounced on me and jabbed his fingers into my sides. "AH! That hurts!"

"So does my face, but you still laughed!" he yelled, continuing to poke me. He was sitting right on my stomach and he's heavier than I was, so I couldn't get out of his reach.

"Haz, stop! Oh, my God! I can't breathe! Guys, help me!" When I looked around, still squirming underneath Harry, I noticed that the guys were gone. They completely abandoned me in my time of need! "Harry, stop it! My sides hurt!"

He finally stopped and I was just inhaling heavily, trying to catch my breath. He got up and extended his arm out to me. I grabbed his hand and he hoisted me up, but my sides were still a bit sore from his intense attack.

I leaned forward and my arms wrapped around my sides. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you that badly?"

"I could've died!" I yelled, smacking him. He just laughed.

"You and Jasmine have front row seats reserved to our concert. How 'bout I take you there, yeah?" I nodded and he helped me walk. After a while my sides didn't hurt anymore, but I hope I won't have to deal with Harry's prodding anymore.

"Wait, I think I left my backpack somewhere backstage. Can you go search for it?" I asked Harry when I realized that it wasn't on my shoulders.

"Sure," he said. "Be right back." Then he was running off. He jumped onto the stage that the band were going to perform on, and ran until he was in the back. I slumped into my seat and closed my eyes.

"Lukey, we should really look for somewhere to sit before people start piling in." My eyes shot open and I turned around in my seat, seeing Aleisha and Luke just a few yards away from me. I sank into the seat some more while looking at them. I didn't want Luke to see me.

"Yeah, just... give me a moment," I heard Luke say, tugging his arm from Aleisha's hold.

Aleisha frowned. "I'll get us something to eat." She was about to leave, but Luke grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

"Wait! Don't!"

Well, that hurt. He said to me that he was going to tell her to go, and there he was, telling her to stay.

I should really stop looking at them. I'm just getting more depressed as the seconds go by.

I watched as Aleisha cupped Luke's face and pulled hers closer to his. I finally had enough strength to turn away.

Not dating, huh? Just like a sister? They're awfully close for a mere brother/sister relationship.

I decided that I wasn't going to stick around. I'm gonna go find Harry.

As quietly as I could, I slipped out of my seat and ran off, undetected. But as I was running I bumped into someone.

"Oops, sorry, mate," said the person. He flattened out my clothes, and then our eyes met.

His face suddenly grew dark and he ran off as quickly as he was here.

That guy... he was-

"Ash!" I turned to the stage and saw Harry running towards me. My eyes darted to Luke, and he held my gaze.

Shit.

When Harry jumped off of the platform, I grabbed his hand and started pulling him as far away as possible from Luke. Harry was hesitant at first, but began running as well.

"Ashton!" Luke yelled. No, don't follow me! Go to Aleisha!

"Where are we going?" Harry asked, but I didn't answer his question. I just kept running.

We ended up running backstage. Luke was about to follow, but was stopped by some big security guy. I don't know how the guys even got security to come here. They have their ways.

"Whoa, you can't be back here," said the security guy. "One Direction, backstage holders, and workers only."

I didn't stop running there. I kept going until I knew Harry and I were out of sight.

"Ash, what's going on?" Harry questioned once we finally stopped. He didn't seem the least bit tired, but I was out of breath. "Why are you running from Luke? I thought you liked him?"

"I-I do, but I can't be with him now," I answered, my voice almost cracking.

"But isn't he supposed to be with you? I mean, there is that policy."

"I think that only applies at school. He's not required to be anywhere near me outside of school grounds."

"But I still don't get it. You like Luke."

"He's straight, Haz."

"Really? I couldn't tell from everything he did to you."

"He told me that if I were a girl he'd date me. He's straight."

Harry's eyes widened and then he bit his lower lip before looking around. His phone suddenly began to ring and he pulled it out.

"Huh, unknown number." He answered it anyway, typical Harry. "Hello?"

I inched my way closer to Harry and he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Hey, Jenny!" he exclaimed. "Where you at? I will come and get you... Coffee shop? The one across the street? Awesome. I'll be right over. I'll call you when I get there." He hung up and stuffed his phone into his pockets. Then he pulled out a ticket and backstage pass from his back pocket.

"Were you always holding that for her?" I asked.

"Well, yeah. She's our friend. Now, let's go." He removed his arm from me and then dropped my backpack at my feet. I picked it up and slung it over my shoulder. "Do you want to come with?"

"I think I'll stay here," I said with a smile. Then he said he'll be back as soon as possible. I nodded and he left. I took a seat on a seat that just so happened to be around.

"Ashton?" I looked around and saw who said my name.

"Oh, hey, Jas," I greeted. "Sorry about Liam earlier."

"It's okay. I know he dislikes me and I know why. But it's something between the two of us." I nodded, understanding. "Can I sit?"

"Be my guest." I threw my head back and then I felt a weight on my lap. I jerked forward and I saw Jasmine smiling at me. "What are you doing?"

"I'm sitting," she said.

"Can't you get your own seat?" Jasmine then shifted so she was straddling me.

"You telling me you don't like this?" she asked. Is she trying to seduce me?

"No, no I don't. Now get off, please. This is uncomfortable."

"You'll get used to it." She caressed a finger from my cheek to my chin, and then she hooked her finger onto the collar of my shirt and tugged at it. Suddenly Jasmine was shoved off and Niall took her place on my lap and she let out a scream.

"Sorry, babe, I was with the lads," Niall said. Then he looked over at Jasmine. "This seat's reserved by moi." He was smirking down at her as she stood up. Michael, Liam, and Zayn showed up moments later.

"What the hell was that for?!" Jasmine yelled. Niall threw his arms around my neck.

"This beast's taken. Find yourself a new man." Niall planted a wet kiss on my cheek, and I glared at him. Then Jasmine turned to Liam and glowered at him.

"This is a plan of yours," she growled. "I know Ashton's not gay. You're just trying to ruin my chances with him. I'm going to enjoy my time with him tonight." She held up a ticket and backstage pass. "I still have the ticket and pass Ashton gave me."

Liam plucked the items from her hand easily. He ripped the ticket in half and stuffed the backstage pass in his pocket. Jasmine gaped at him while he just smirked before shouting, "Security!" Two large men came by and Liam pointed at Jasmine. They grabbed her by the shoulders and carried her off.

"I'll get you for this, Payne!" Liam just shrugged innocently as she was taken away.

I let out a sigh I didn't even know I was holding in. "That was really weird," I commented. Niall got off of me and dusted himself off.

"Liam made me do it, I swear!" Niall began, shielding himself by hiding behind Zayn. "Don't let Luke kill me, please! Actually, let him kill me, because jealous Luke is the best Luke."

I rolled my eyes, but I didn't smile. "He's not going to kill you even if I did tell him." Niall peeked over Zayn's shoulder. "He's straight."

"Says who?" he furrowed his eyebrows and frowned as he moved around Zayn and back over to me. "Lashton is real. Or it's going to be... IT WILL BE!"

"YES! LASHTON!" Michael exclaimed, and then the two high-fived each other.

"Luke is straight, okay? He even said that he'd date me if I was a girl." Niall looked down at the ground, and then back at me.

"At least he likes your personality?" he tried. I shook my head and removed my backpack to put it on my lap.

"Harry said that I have seats up front, but is it okay if I just chill back here? I can still hear you guys." The guys nodded and then Michael stepped closer to me.

"I'd stay with you, but Geordie's waiting for me at our seats. People are already piling in, by the way."

"Right, show starts in half an hour," Zayn said. "I can't believe people are actually showing up. This is our first time performing. Ever!" Then he looked at me. "Hey, have you seen Haz?"

"Went to the coffee shop across the street," I answered.

"Aw, couldn't he wait to get coffee AFTER the concert?" Niall groaned.

"He's not getting coffee. He's giving a ticket to a friend of ours."

"Of course," Liam laughed. "Anyway, tell him we'll be over there." He pointed behind him, and I nodded. Then he, Zayn, and Niall left. Michael said he'll see me at the party after the concert and then he left.

Not too long after Harry was walking up to me with Jenny by his side.

"Hi, Ash!" she greeted. "So, is this Luke kid here?"

I bit my lip and didn't say anything.

"Let's talk about the ice cream place you work at!" Harry exclaimed excitedly, throwing his hands up in the air. "Do you think I can get free ice cream? For free?"

"Bring a nice person with you on Friday and say you two are a thing."

"Ashton-"

"No." He pouted.

"I'll ask the lads then."

"Oh, speaking of them, your band members are over there." I pointed in the direction where they had walked off to.

"Wait, you're part of the band?" Jenny asked with wide eyes.

Harry slowly raised his hands up. "Surprise..."

"Well, that explains why the security guy didn't even check for your pass, doesn't it? You go on ahead. I'll chat with Ashton." Harry stalked off and Jenny grabbed searched for a seat around her, but then settled with a crate that was close. "So, Luke..."

"I don't want to talk about him," I frowned.

"Aw, why not?"

"I just don't." I stared down at my feet.

"Did something happen between you two?"

I remained quiet, my eyes still glued to the ground. Then I opened my mouth to speak. "I'll tell you later."

"All right. I'm going to go look for a seat now. Come sit with me!"

"I think I'll stay back here." It's the only place that I know that Luke won't be able to access. Going out there means being vulnerable to running into Luke.

"Come on, Ashton. I'm going to be lonely." Then she pouted. And damn, she was really good at pouting. Because I almost gave in.

Okay, I gave in.

"Fine," I said reluctantly. "But I need to stay hidden." I got up from my seat and put my backpack on my shoulders.

"Yay! Let's go!" Jenny grabbed my hand and led me out. I saw that there were a lot of people who showed up. I even saw some of my teachers and classmates. I scanned the audience, but I never found Luke or Aleisha. They're somewhere in the crowd.

Instead of finding Luke I saw the same guy that I bumped into earlier. And he saw me, too. He's looking at me. No, he's glaring at me. Why is he glaring at me?

Then he turned away and disappeared into the crowd.

Man, that guy from the ice cream shop is strange.

"Where do you want to sit?" Jenny asked me. I looked over at her.

"Oh, Harry said that I have reserved front row seats. Let's go sit there." I led her to the seat that I was at. It just so happened that Michael was sitting next to those seats. I sat next to him and Jenny sat on my other side.

"Hey, glad you could join me!" Michael said as he draped his arm around my shoulder. Then I introduced him and Jenny. The two immediately began talking and then he introduced her to Geordie. Michael had asked Jenny if she wanted to attend the party that was happening after the concert, and she told him that she can count on her being there.

The four of us talked all the way until the concert started. There was a loud applause when the guys came onto the stage and began introducing themselves.

"Hey, everyone!" Harry exclaimed into the microphone. "We're One Direction, and welcome to our very first concert! The lads and I are pretty excited to perform for the very first time, and we're amazed by how many people showed up! Thank you!" While Harry was looking through the audience, his eyes locked onto mine, and then a huge grin appeared on his face. I returned the smileand waved at him. He gave a small wave back before he resumed talking. "I hope you guys enjoy our concert! We've worked really hard to make this happen. The first song we'll be performing is called What Makes You Beautiful. Are you ready to get started?!" The crowd cheered loudly. Even though they haven't even heard them perform, they sounded as if they've been fans since forever.

And then the music started playing.

------

The guys' first concert lasted for about an hour and it turned out to be a success. The crowd absolutely loved them! People even asked for their autographs.

Michael, Geordie, Jenny, and I waited for them backstage. Waiting took about another hour, but it's a Friday night, and Jenny doesn't have to work tomorrow, so we were totally cool with it.

When Harry, Liam, Zayn, and Niall came backstage, we all congratulated them on their first performance.

"You guys were amazing!" Jenny exclaimed.

"Thanks!" Harry beamed.

"And you might be?" Liam asked.

"I'm Jenny. I'm a friend of Ashton and Harry."

"And us!" Michael added, motioning to himself and Geordie. "But she met them first."

"I'm Liam. These two here are Niall and Zayn. How'd you, Harry, and Ashton meet?"

"Oh, they came by the ice cream shop that I work at today."

"WHAT?!" Niall suddenly yelled. "YOU TWO GOT ICE CREAM AND DIDN'T TAKE ME?!"

"I was going with Jasmine," I explained. "Harry just went after his doctor's appointment."

"Next time, Ni," Harry reassured, patting Niall's back.

"Oh, whatever happened to Jasmine?" Harry asked.

"We kicked her out," Liam started. "She was being her slutty self."

"Slut?" Jenny cocked an eyebrow. "I thought she was nice."

"You thought wrong." Then he turned to me. "I told you to keep your guard up. She's trouble. Stay away from her, okay?" I nodded sheepishly. Then Harry wrapped his arms around me.

"It's okay, Ashy," he cooed as he stroked my hair. "She wasn't good, anyway. But I'm glad you're gay. Or else you would've fallen for her. And then you two might frickle frackle."

"Can you not say frickle frackle?" I groaned. Harry just laughed in response.

"So," Zayn spoke up, clearing his throat. "Who's ready to party?"

------

The post-concert party was just at the coffee shop. The entire place was closed to the public just for us to celebrate the success of One Direction's first concert. Only the band, crew members, and those with backstage passes can attend.

"Let's get this party started!" Harry shouted and the entire place responded in an uproar.

Music blasted throughout the place. Tables were pushed to the side so the center could be used as a dance floor. Someone also decided it was a good idea to bring beer to the party. I'm underage, so I'm not going to drink any. Plus, I'm driving home. Zayn and Niall, on the other hand, were downing drinks like it was their last night ever.

Liam kept it safe and drank soda. Harry wandered off somewhere. Only God knows where that Brit ran off to.

Michael was chatting with Geordie and Jenny, something about his hair. I don't know. That guy said something about dyeing it green. I wouldn't be surprised if he lost all of his hair by the time he reaches his middle ages.

I grabbed some water to drink. I watched as everyone enjoyed themselves. Niall and Zayn were dancing with each other, those two already intoxicated. Liam was talking to a girl with brown hair. I saw her set her drink down and then pull Liam towards the dance floor.

"Ashton!" Harry was suddenly by my side and he threw an arm over me. "What up, best friend?"

I sniffed the air. "Are you drunk?"

"Just a bit," he hiccuped. I frowned.

"You're still underage. Your birthday's tomorrow, mate. Couldn't you wait 'til then?"

"It's fiiiiiiiiiine, no one's gonna question meeeeeee. Besides, I have a few more hours until I'm eighteen. Loosen up a bit, maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate." He stumbled forward, but I managed to catch him before he could hit the ground and pass out.

"You should slow down with the drinks. Or better yet, just stop." I took him to the back of the coffee shop where there weren't that many people. Harry needs some space.

I pulled a chair from a table and sat him down there. His head lolled to the side and he had a goofy smile on his face.

"Drinking's fuuuuun. My mind feels all good right now, Ashton. Like, you've no idea." He released another hiccup and then he was slouching forward.

"God, Haz. Let me get you some food." I was about to walk off, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back.

"Don't leave me, Ash. Don't leave me like what Lou did." He pressed the top of his head to my stomach. "Don't go..."

"I wasn't going to leave you. I was just getting you food."

"I still don't understand, Ashy. Does Lou not like me? Is that why he left?"

"I don't know why he left, Haz. Just... don't think about him right now, okay?" He sniffled and then rubbed his face into my shirt.

"You almost smell like Looooooouuuuuu, but he smells better," he slurred.

"That's nice to know," I smiled, running my fingers through his curls. Harry lifted his head so he was looking at me.

"You're just as nice as he is, except you're nicer." I hummed at that. "Your fingers move like Lou's." Then he stood up.

"You really like this guy, don't you?" I asked.

"Almost everything about you is similar to Lou..." He bit his lower lip. "I wonder..."

"Hm? Wonder what?" I blinked up at him. Harry then took my chin between his fingers.

"... if your lips taste like his," he finished. My eyes widened.

What?

Before I knew it Harry slammed me up against the wall and smashed his lips against mine.

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AN: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯