Chapter 21 ~ I Can't Find My Pants

***
(that's Ashy's outfit)

"Are you sure we're going to be able to do this?"

"Yes, we have to, or else everything we've done has been for nothing."

The unlikely trio sat in Luke's car, waiting for the moment to strike.

All around them, the Young Guns were getting into position. They were planning the last heist, and Luke and Ashton decided they needed all the reinforcements they could get.

This wasn't going to be like the last ones, where they transferred funds online. They couldn't, now that the security system was updated and Luke didn't have the time to go through it and find its weak points. This time they were taking the money from the vault—all of it.

Luke wanted to destroy his father, he wanted him to have nothing after Luke was done with him. Luke could happily live the rest of his life with Ashton knowing that he'd defeated the monster that was his father.

"Gunner to position 1." Eagle spoke over the headsets each man wore. He was back at the gang house overseeing everything, planning escape routes and directing all the pawns in this scheme.

"Gunner in position, over."  That meant Louis was sitting on a bench on the west side of the bank with a book, covering the back side of the bank to make sure no one was able to sabotage them.

"Icebox and Smiler to position two."

"Smiler and Icebox in position, over." This indicated Liam and Bill were in the field across the bank playing catch. They could watch a large area while remaining inconspicuous.

Luke turned to Ashton and grinned.

"You ready for this, love? After this, everyone's going to be set, we'll never have to worry about anything again."

"We should go to Japan first," Ashton smiled at his boyfriend. From behind them, Sadie sat in the trunk with a laptop. Luke had hacked into all the security cameras in the bank (that he could still do) and in the surrounding area so she could watch out for anyone coming that might ruin their plans.

Luke looked back at her to see what she thought of Ashton's plan, and she smiled and shrugged.

"Japan, you got it," Luke smiled. As much as he hated to admit it, Sadie was good for him. He was actually talking when it wasn't even necessary, and he had started to smile more. She was what they needed, she helped complete them.

"Kid Danger and Pretty Boy, are you ready to move?"

"Ready to move, over." Luke pressed the button on his earpiece. He nodded to Ashton. "Ready, baby?"

He nodded, turning back to blow Sadie a kiss.

"Let's do it."

Luke and Ashton moved his vehicle from where they'd been parked on a side street and made their way to the bank parking lot, reserved for employees. They were dressed in something casual, Luke had a pair of dark jeans and a red flannel, sunglasses resting on the top of his head. Ashton was wearing a maroon jacket over a white tee with black jeans and his usual combat boots. Their goal was to look like they had been out and about but needed to stop by the bank to finish up some paper work.

Trying to look innocent and inconspicuous, Luke and Ashton walked up to the doors. Luke pulled the keys from his pocket and unlocked the doors, letting Ashton walk in before him and quickly glancing around and shutting the door once he was inside. Everything was clear, and he knew he had backup around if he needed it.

"Okay, Ash, here's the code for the safe, you go unlock it," Luke handed Ashton a slip of paper with the days codes on it and kissed his forehead. "I'll join you in a couple minutes, as soon as I go grab the duffels."

"Hmkay, Lukey," Ashton practically bounced away. Luke couldn't stop himself from taking a moment to admire the cute boy. He's always loved Ashton no matter what kind of mood he was in, but this new bubbly, lovable Ashton was the most adorable Luke had ever seen him.

"Lover Boy, come in Lover Boy." A voice from Luke's comms teased.

"Shut the fuck up, Gunner." Luke rolled his eyes, reluctantly turning away from The View and walking to the storage closet that the armed guards kept leftover money bags and boxes in. He had to grab 3 duffels, and a bunch of smaller money bags. He'd also forgotten he was wearing a camera on his glasses, so everyone could see what he was staring at.

"Well, all I could see is Ashton's ass, so if you wanted me to keep admiring, I will." Gunner snickered when 2 voices of protest (Luke and Harry) were heard over the headsets. "Sorry, love," Gunner apologized at Eagle's indignant huff. "I'll only oggle your ass from now on,"

"I didn't mind the view so much," a female voice added in.

"Of course you didn't Stockholm." Sadie growled at the name the gang had teasingly started calling her. Icebox specifically liked to tell her that the only reason she liked Luke and Ashton was because she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, but she chose to believe otherwise.

"Can we please stop discussing my ass and get on with the job? Keep the airwaves open for important information please." Ashton implored.

"Of course, sorry baby," Luke relented. "Pretty Boy in position 2." He stated, letting them know he'd collected the bags and was on his way to the vault. "En route to position 3, over."

He caught up with Ashton who was removing money and other valuable items from the banks vaults.

It wasn't only money that was kept inside the giant safe room. Some people used the safety deposit boxes to keep treasure, important documents, jewelry, and other sorts of things. Luke and Ashton were only interested in the cash, mostly, though they'd decided if they came across something pretty or worth a lot, they'd pick it up for Sadie.

"What's the status?" Eagle asked a couple minutes later. Luke had joined Ashton in the vault and had begun stuffing some of the bags.

"About a third of the way done," Ashton said, unlocking another box. He held up his hand and Luke tossed him a money bag.

"Good work, over."

Luke and Ashton worked quietly for a couple minutes, quickly stuffing their bags with money. Luke couldn't believe they were really doing this, that they were so close to giving his father one final Fuck You. He hated everything about his father so much that it almost seemed unreal that he was actually able to do this.

"Movement on the southern side of the building," Someone called.

Luke and Ashton didn't bother looking up, they just continued their work. Unless someone told them they were under attack, they had no reason to worry. It was probably just someone walking past.

"Movement at the doors. Code yellow, over." That was a signal, meaning that someone was there. Luke quickly ditched the bags, peeking outside and seeing someone standing

"It's one of the bank employees, that little Irish fellow," Icebox commented.

"I'll distract him," Luke said to everyone, then turned to his boyfriend who was frantically stuffing money into the envelopes. "I'll be back in a minute, Ash, just finish up if you can. I'll get him out of here."

"Be safe," Ash muttered, continuing what he was doing but for Luke, it was enough to make him grin like a fool. There were other ways to say I love you, and Luke knew how to hear them.

Luke quickly slipped away from the vault, which was behind the counter and shut the door. He sat on the stool closest to the vault, turning the computer on and pretending like he was working there.

A soft knock sounded at the door and Luke looked up in shock, pretending like he had no idea what was going on.

Technically he didn't. He had no idea why Niall would be here, but before he could get up, Niall was opening the door and walking inside.

Fuck, Luke hadn't locked the door after they snuck inside, what an idiotic move.

"Hey, Niall, what are you doing here?" Luke asked, furrowing his eyebrow and looking at the short lad. He was walking toward the counter, but Luke wanted to cut him off and keep him as far away from Ashton as possible, so he hopped over the counter and met Niall halfway, standing in between the counter and the bankers desks.

"He's adorable," Icebox observed, watching the way the Irish boy turned red and looked at the floor.

Luke internally rolled his eyes. Why was this entire gang made up of horny, gay men?

"Hi Luke, what's going on?"

"Well, I realized I forgot to file some things the other day when I went to the Waverly branch, and we were in the neighborhood so we stopped by quick so I could get caught up. What are you doing?"

Niall shrugged.

"I live nearby and I was just taking a walk like I do most days and noticed some movement inside. Wanted to make sure everything was okay," He stated casually, like it was normal for a teller to be so concerned about his work place.

"He's lying, you guys were both inside the vault. There's no way he would have noticed that." Sadie's voice in his ear commented. "Plus, I saw him from the car when he was walking over, he came here on purpose. He walked right up to the doors."

"Really?" Luke tilted his head. Niall nodded. "Wow, my dad and I are really lucky to have employees as dedicated as you,"

"Why would he do that?"

"Maybe he's in on something."

Niall blushed as Luke walked closer to him.

"What did you mean 'we' came in?" Niall questioned, looking up at Luke's hard gaze with suspicion. "When I asked what you were doing, you said we."

"Oh, Ashton's with me." Luke shrugged.

"Hm. You two are pretty close, aren't you," Niall accused, taking a step closer to Luke.

"Is that a crime? You a homophobe, Niall?"

"Pretty Boy, stand down. Don't escalate this more than necessary." Eagle chastised.

"No, I'm pretty gay myself," Niall chuckled, and Luke had to hold in a scoff when he heard Icebox cheer in the background.

"That's good." Luke nodded awkwardly, not knowing to do now. "Anyway, I'll let you continue with your walk, and I'm going get going." Luke put his hand on Niall's shoulder, trying to lead him to the door. Niall dug his heels into the ground.

"I thought you had to finish some work?"

"Already did, I'm done now. You know, you're really concerned about me, what's going on?"

"N-nothing," Niall shook his head. "Just, remember when you told me you'd let me take on more responsibility?" He waited until Luke nodded. "I thought maybe you could show me what you were doing, so I could learn."

"Oh, sorry bud. I'm already done. Why don't you come in early on Monday and I'll let you help me open up," Luke offered, expecting the usual bubbly man to be excited. Instead, Niall narrowed his eyes and shrugged.

"That would be great, thanks." But he wasn't enthusiastic.

"Great. I'll see you, then." Luke again tried to get Niall to leave, but Niall ducked around him and walked toward the counter.

"Where is Ashton? I thought you said he was here." Niall leaned over the edge, looking around to find the dark haired man.

"He is," Luke bit his lip, trying to figure out what to do. Ashton was in the vault, he couldn't let Niall know that. He was extremely suspicious as it was. He couldn't blow this chance.

Luke knew Harry didn't want them to use violence, but he felt like he had no choice, he had to subdue Niall. While the blonde was leaning over the counter, Luke got up behind him, ready to deliver a stunning blow to his temple when he heard Ashton's voice coming from the break room.

"Lukey, can't find m' pants," he whined, coming out from around the corner.

When he saw Niall, he squeaked, running back into the room and coming out moments later with a jacket wrapped around his bottom half.

Niall's eyes widened at the sight in front of him.

Ashton's usually neat hair was wild, flattened at the back and sticking up all over the place. His face was flushed, lips red and swollen, and as he mentioned, he was missing his pants. Luke had a hard time looking away from Ashton's pale thighs which weren't entirely covered by his jacket.

"H-hi, Niall," Ashton's face turned more red and he wasn't able to look at his coworker.

"Hey, Ash. Uhm..." he turned around and looked at Luke, running his hand over the back of his neck. "I'll uhm...let you finish your uh p-paperwork." Niall scurried past him. "S-see you both Monday," And then he was almost running out the front door. He turned back, not looking forward and bumped into the glass. He gasped and held his hands to his broken glasses, but left without another word.

Once he was gone, all Luke could hear from the comms was hysterical laughter.

Luke bit his lip, trying to hide a grin at Ashton.

"You're lucky I love you," Ashton growled, pulling his pants on in the hallway. Luke couldn't hold his laughter in anymore, causing Ashton to scoff and swat his arm. "Let's get the stuff, I left it in the break room."

"Ash, that was great thinking," Sadie chuckled.

"Shut up, Stockholm." He muttered, tossing a heavy bag at Luke. "I can't wait until we get to Japan."

After that altercation, they were hoping they were in the clear.

Luke made sure he locked the door, then they both slipped out the back entrance where a car was waiting. They loaded the duffle with the smaller money bags into the car, which sped off and disappeared. That car held Gunner and Eagle. Eagle wanted them both out of there as soon as possible.

The Escalade slowly pulled up in front of them. Luke scoffed when he opened the door.

"Could you drive any slower?" He asked as Sadie hopped into the back seat so he could get in the front seat.

"I don't actually know how to drive," she admitted.

"And you didn't think to tell us that before we did this?" Luke shrilled.

"Thought it would derail the plan. I figured it out." She shrugged.

Ashton climbed in the back to sit with Sadie, pulling her close and pushing her hair back to kiss her forehead.

The three of them had quickly caught on to the affection part of their relationship. After discussing what it might look like, forehead kisses had become the new handshake. Sadie and Luke were still a bit awkward around each other, but after Ashton forced them to make out the day Sadie got back from the police station, things were a bit less uncomfortable. Ashton was the glue holding them together.

"Gunner and Eagle to position 4."

The rest of the crew all spoke the same words over the comms, and the trio smiled at each other.

They just had one thing to do.

Luke drove to the hill that overlooked the city, the one that had a perfect view of the bank.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ashton asked. Luke nodded and opened the trunk of his car. He lowered the back row of seating so they could have space and hopped inside. He pulled Ashton's hand so the shorter man would know to come sit with him. Ashton complied, scooting close to Luke so they could cuddle.

Ashton waved to Sadie, inviting her to join, and she snuggled up to Ashton's arm on the other side.

"Do you really think this will work?" Sadie spoke quietly after a couple moments. She was drawing pictures with her fingers on Ashton's thighs, looking across the city. Ashton gave her a questioning glance. "Us, I mean, the three of us. I barely know either of you, and it's not like you need me."

Ashton opened his mouth to respond, but was surprised when Luke was the one to speak up.

"Never say that. You're the reason we're here right now, the reason we're both so happy. We were okay together just the two of us, and maybe we could have managed all right, but you've made Ash happy, and that makes me happy. I love you, Sadie, you've brightened my life so much." Luke brought his hand to her cheek. "I'm sorry for being so rude when we first kidnapped you."

"Thanks, Lukey." she whispered, a small smile gracing her face. "I love you too."

"Now kiss," Ashton whispered in a funny voice, pressing his hands to his cheeks.

Luke laughed, leaning over the dark haired man and pressing a short kiss to Sadie's lips.

"I'm happy too." Ashton said, taking Luke's hand and leaning his head against Sadie's shoulder.

"I am so glad at this," Icebox interrupted sarcastically. "But we need the final go ahead, Pretty Boy. You sure this is what you want?"

"Yes, Operation Molotov is a go, over."

Luke sat forward eagerly, wanting to see what was going to happen. It didn't look like anything at first, since it was still only mid-day. But suddenly, a bunch of red-orange lights lit up the horizon, all crashing and smashing into Babylon Banking. It only took seconds for the entire building to light up.

Gunner had already called the fire department before they lit up the first Molotov cocktail, so it wasn't long before sirens could be heard in the distance.

"Are you guys ready?"

"Is that all you wanted to see?" Ashton asked.

"Yeah," Luke smiled, actually feeling good. "I think I'm ready."

"Great, I already mailed the envelope for Ash," he smiled his thanks. "And the package you asked, Lu," Sadie said with a slight frown. "I still don't understand why you wanted those two things in it though," she knew what Ashton's was: the last bit of money for his siblings, but Luke's was confusing.

Luke grinned, grabbing his keys and putting his arm around his two partners.

"That's a story for another time. Right now, let's go start our new life."

***

Michael was furious.

Babylon Banking had burned down yesterday, and there was no way for him to prove anything. Any evidence he'd gotten was unusable. That Niall kid had been useless, too. When he knocked into the wall, he'd broken his glasses so they had no video proof that Luke and Ashton were in the bank that day. The security cameras nearby were also suspiciously wiped clean that entire day, so he really had nothing.

But he knew all of this was Luke Fucking Hemmings doing, and by god he was going to find a way to pin it on him.

"Package for you, Cliffo," mail carrier Doug called cheerily, setting a small parcel on his desk before walking away.

"What'd you get, you never get mail," Calum commented, coming over to his best friends desk.

"Dunno," There was no name or return address label on it. But it had made it through all the security precautions they take when mail is delivered to the precinct, so he was fairly certain it was safe. Even though, Michael was cautious when he grabbed a scissor from his desk and cut the tape the department resealed it with after checking it was safe.

Inside was an empty beer bottle with a floral arrangement and an attached picture that was clearly colored by a child. Michael was confused why he got this, until he read the note that was also set in the box.

"You were right all along, but you'll never find us now. You didn't make it to the auction, but I hope this centerpiece reminds you of what you'll never have.

~your favorite bankers"

"M-Mikey, are you all right? Your face is really red," Calum stated, looking at his friend worriedly. He knew this had been keeping his friend up at night, but after reading the note, he knew there was nothing they could do. Luke and Ashton could be literally anywhere by now. It was over.

Michael didn't answer Calum. Instead, he stood up, picked up the vase and threw it against the wall with a loud roar. Calum flinched and covered his ears, watching while Michael took the letter and tore it up.

He'd officially gone crazy.

***

Okaaaay, so that's the end!! I was thinking of writing an epilogue, a kind of farewell to our faves. Would anyone be interested in reading that?

What are your overall impressions of the book? Was there anything you'd like to have seen, something my writing is missing, or something you really enjoyed and would like to see more of in my upcoming books? I'm super open to constructive feedback if anyone would like to give it :)

I've almost got the first bit ready for The Bet, so that book will be starting shortly!! Thank you to everyone who's been supporting my writing. Seriously, I love you all ❤️ have a great day/night

~ashtonfortherwin