They left the aquarium with Ashton driving again since he knew where he was going. Luke plugged his phone into the aux so it wasn't silent while they were driving. Ashton didn't seem to be in the mood to talk much, so Luke let him be and sang along with All Time Low.

They pulled up at a beach and Luke grinned.

"Wow, this is beautiful!"

He got out of the car and walked over to the edge of the parking lot, where the concrete met the sand.

To his left, there were a couple of large sand dunes and shrubbery that stretched down the length of the beach. He saw a couple of birds and seagulls sifting through the seagrass for food. To the right was a wooden cabana on a deck with a palm branch roof and bamboo walls. There were a couple of people serving drinks and snacks there, and they sold bathing suits and gift shop clothes as well. There were fairy lights strung up on poles around the cabana and the deck, and little candles sat on tables for two that guests could sit in.

"It's so cute here!"

"Want to take a walk by the water?" Ashton asked, holding his arm out to Luke.

"Yeah."

"Do you need a drink now, or later?"

"Later. It's so pretty right now with the sun starting to set," It was close to evening and the sun hung low in the sky, casting pale yellow and orange streaks in the sky. The way it reflected in the water was truly breathtaking.

And so was Luke, Ashton couldn't help but think. His blonde curls were bouncing as he let Ashton go, shucked off his shoes, and ran over to the waves. Ashton picked them up just so they didn't lose them and took his off as well, setting them in the car before jogging over to join him. Before he did, he took a picture of Luke's silhouette as he danced by the water. He was so carefree, forgetting all his troubles. Ashton was glad he felt so calm for even a short amount of time. So much of his last few years were dark and heavy, this lightness about him since coming to Florida was a good look on him.

Ashton sent the photos to Liz before pocketing his phone and catching up with Luke.

"Look, there's a pier over there, can we go?"

Ashton didn't respond, instead grabbed Luke's hand and pulled him, running down the beach. He needed to let go too and forget for a bit. What better way to do that than to run dramatically down the beach with his boyfriend?

"Ashy, too fast," Luke couldn't keep up. He was working on cardio during his Krav classes but otherwise wasn't in the best shape. After a couple of minutes of running in the sand, he needed a break.

Ashton slowed down, keeping his grip on Luke's hand as they leisurely made their way to the pier. They climbed the steps and walked to the end, standing all the way to the edge. There was a small plank on the outside to let people know not to step off the ledge, but otherwise it wasn't blocked off. Ashton knew what he had to do.

Luke walked over to the bench and sat down, patting the spot next to him for Ashton.

He complied, setting his arm around the back of the bench. Luke lifted his knees up and curled up next to him and rested his head on Ashton's chest.

"This is real nice,"

"It is, Sweetheart. It's so pretty here, and you're so pretty, I don't even know what to do."

Luke chuckled. He closed his eyes and listened to the waves crash and Ashton's heartbeat. He couldn't imagine possibly being any happier at the moment.

Ashton shifted, sliding his hand in his pocket. Luke opened an eye to see why he was doing and why he was suddenly so tense. His heart started to beat wildly as Luke scrutinized him.

"You okay, Love?" He tilted his head and looked at him in concern.

"Yeah, yeah everything is fine." He told himself.

Ashton knew he needed to say what had been on his mind. He needed to man up and just say it. The others all knew, but Ashton figured it would be best to do it here, without an audience.

"Oh, fish!" Luke scrambled up from their bench and rushed to the edge, getting on his knees to peer down into the slightly murky water. "Did you see them?"

Ashton knew the moment had passed and got up from the bench.

"I did, Munchkin." He stood behind Luke, hands on his shoulders as they looked at the fish swimming around. "Hey, be careful by the edge, you might—" and then he pushed Luke forward, catapulting the man into the warm water. "Fall." he finished to himself since Luke was under the water and couldn't hear him.

He came up spluttering, his curls flopping into his eyes, water dripping everywhere.

"ASHTON!" he screeched, treading water so he could glare at his boyfriend who was huddled over, cracking up. He held up his phone and took a picture of Luke in the water before placing his hand on his knees so he could catch his breath.

"That was a good one, Babe. I'm so glad that worked."

Luke glowered, kicking his feet so he could try to get up.

"Help me up, you asshole," he mumbled, struggling to push himself up.

Ashton set his phone down; he knew what Luke was planning to do and made sure nothing valuable was in his pocket. He threw his wallet out next to his phone, just in case.

Luke took his proffered arm and gripped it tight, at the last minute dropping all his weight so Ashton was pulled into the water with him.

"Lukey," he groaned when he surfaced. "Why?"

"Karma is a bitch, my love." Luke shrugged, splashing water in Ashton's face.

They played around in the water for a couple of moments before Luke got too cold. Ashton helped him out, then heaved himself up over the dock so they could get their things and head toward the cabana.

"Do you have towels in your car? How are we going to drive home now,"

"There are clothes in the gift shop. I think I owe you a new outfit, Little Blue."

"You certainly do," Luke scoffed, sticking his nose in the air as he marched down the path. They perused the options before Luke settled on a blue tank that said: "shell yeah, beaches" with an animated drawing of a hermit crab on it. Ashton's shirt was pink with big letters spelling "DTF" and underneath it said, "Down to fiesta". They both took one look at each other and burst out laughing.

"These were good choices," Luke giggled. He pointed to the shorts Ashton wore that matched his, light yellow with pineapples. "Both of us look like children who got dressed themselves for the first time," their colors did not match, but Luke thought there was some sort of cuteness to both of their outfits.

"We look good, Angel. Let's get a picture,"

He asked a random woman if she would mind taking their picture by the water. They posed with their backs facing the sunset across the ocean.

"Smile,"

They did, and Luke leaned in to kiss Ashton's cheek, resting his hand on the taller man's chest.

"Oh, these are so cute," The woman said, handing the phone back. "Have a great evening,"

"Thank you," Luke took his phone back and checked them out as she walked away. "Damn, we are fucking adorable!"

Ashton chuckled, trying to focus on the positivity. Luke still didn't even know.

"Ready to end the day, sweetheart?"

Luke pouted, wishing they didn't have to go back quite yet but nodded reluctantly.

"Yeah. Do you think we can stop by home before going up to the hospital?" He asked once they were on their way to the car. "I don't think my dad will appreciate your shirt very much,"

"No? Why's that?" Luke glared when Ashton smirked at him. "Uh, y-yeah, I guess we can go home."

"Maybe we can get him one of those shirts for Christmas, maybe he'd like it better then," Luke giggled, unable to relax because he was so happy. Ashton started driving, Luke rolled down the windows and let the sea breeze gently waft through the car.

He opened his eyes when Ashton didn't comment on his idea to find his boyfriend super tense as he watched the road. Both of his hands were on the wheel at 10 and 2. He never drove like that. Usually if the window was open he'd have his left elbow resting on the window ledge and his fingers curled around the top. Otherwise, one hand would rest on the bottom of the wheel, the other trailing up Luke's arm, holding his hand, or drawing patterns on his thigh.

"Babe, Ash, what's wrong?" Ashton shook his head. Luke was even more concerned now. "Ashton, what's up?"

He sighed, biting his lip as the thoughts swirled around his head. He knew he had to tell Luke. He couldn't keep it in anymore. It was time. He'd let the moment go earlier because he chickened out. He couldn't do it again.

"Luke," he pulled over onto the side of the road and shifted in his seat. "I seriously have no idea how to say this..." he trailed off.

"Ash, you can tell me anything. Did I do something wron—"

"Don't even say it, Sweetheart. No, it's nothing you did. I had a wonderful time today, and you're the literal best person I've ever known," Ashton pulled the car over on the side of the road so they could have this conversation.

Luke took a deep breath, fighting off the anxiety that disappeared as quickly as it bubbled up at Ashton's reassurance.

"Then what's up?"

Ashton took a deep breath.

"I didn't want to be the only one to tell you, we were supposed to do this at home, but I can't hide it from you anymore."

"Ash," Luke warned. What was he going on about?

"Darling, it's your dad. H-he's gone."

Luke blinked.

"Like...he left his hospital room and they can't find him?"

A small tear slipped from Ashton's cheek as he frowned at Luke.

"They've gotta find him, Ash, he's sick, h-he can't—"

"Hey, Lu, it's all right," Ashton unbuckled his seatbelt quickly and rushed around the car, throwing Luke's door open so he could comfort him. "All right, calm down, take some breaths."

Luke was hyperventilating. His mind was stopping him from realizing what truly happened, he was still wrapped up in his dad going missing.

"D-did he have any enemies? Why would he just g-go?"

"Hey, Sweetheart? Luke, I need you to look at me." Ashton kept his hands on Luke's thighs, but there was nothing sensual in this touch. It was purely for grounding, and he didn't want to overwhelm Luke by touching him too much. "Your dad is not missing." He said slowly.

Luke took a shuddering breath in, and let it out.

"Then...that m-means..."

"Yes, my love, I-I'm so sorry,"

He burst into tears, throwing himself into Ashton's arms as he sobbed.

"Oh my god," he whimpered.

"I'm so sorry," was all Ashton felt he could say. Liz had called him earlier in the day, back when they were helping with the penguin show, but she was adamant Ashton not say anything. Andrew was very clear about the fact that he wanted Luke to continue having his date, and not come back yet. He knew Luke would be inconsolable, so he wanted to make sure the boy had a good day since he'd torture himself and not have one in a while.

Ashton was eventually able to get him to let go and he got back into the car. Silently—because what else could he say?—he started driving back to Liz's house, where everyone else was.

"I'm so sorry, Lukey. What do you need right now?" he glanced over at the defeated looking boy. His eyes were blank, staring forward, his cheeks tear-stained.

He shrugged. He didn't know what to feel.

They were silent for a bit, they were almost home when Luke's hand twitched and reached out to take Ashton's from the center console. Ashton looked over at him, glad he was at least responding now. He'd tried engaging him in talk, but quickly realized he didn't want that. He needed to be here and support him, it was about Luke right now, and that was fine.

Ashton pulled up to the house, parking the car in the spot on the driveway that had been left open for Liz's car. There were about 4 other vehicles parked on the street around the house, Ashton knew it was Luke's brothers and maybe some of Liz's friends come to comfort them.

Ashton helped his boyfriend out of the car, because they'd sat for 3 minutes without Luke even trying to move, and they went inside.

Liz, two men, and an older woman were sitting in the living room, and Liz started bawling again when Luke walked inside.

"Lukey," He rushed over into her arms, holding her tight as they sunk to the floor in tears.

Ashton watched on helplessly as they sat on the floor. He saw one of the two men stand up and walk over to him, hand outstretched.

"You must be Lu Lu's boyfriend," he said. "I'm Ben."

"Yeah, Ashton."

He nodded, watching his mum and his little brother sadly.

"He was always closest with our pops. Thank you for taking him today. I think it would have been traumatic for him if he were there,"

Ashton nodded. If this was how he reacted when he just heard the news, he couldn't imagine if Luke was there when he passed.

"I'll do anything for him," he choked out, watching Luke being held by his mum, the two of them rocking back and forth. Ben put an arm over his shoulders.

"I know, mum's been telling us how much you've helped him. Usually, I'd grill any of his partners to make sure they're okay, but you already passed the test and then some. Welcome to the family," he winked, coaxing a small smile from the brunette.

"Wh-why aren't we at the hospital?" Luke croaked out quietly after he and his mum calmed down a bit. "D-dad should still..."

"He went earlier this afternoon bud, right after me and Ben got to the hospital," Jack told him, carding his fingers through Luke's hair as he sat on the couch behind his brother.

Liz and Ashton looked at each other, unsure of how Luke would react to that.

It took Luke a second, but he fit the pieces together. His face changed instantly, from soft and sad to hard and furious. His jaw clenched and his eyebrows furrowed.

"I can't believe both of you," he wrenched himself out of his mum's grip.

"Lukey, please, he told—"

"Don't call me that. Dad called me that. And I don't want to hear it," He interrupted his mum. She allowed it because she knew he was going through something, but it broke her to hear how upset he was.

Ashton knew he was masking his sadness as anger because it was easier to deal with that way.

He stormed away, over to the staircase.

"Luke, maybe we should talk about some things," Ashton tried but Luke sent him a scathing glare and shook his head.

"I don't want to talk to any of you. You didn't want me to be there when my dad died," he looked at his mum, "And you kept it from me all day when I should have been there!" his voice steadily got louder as he finished his sentence, fixing his blazing eyes on his boyfriend. Ashton winced. "I don't want to see anyone right now."

And with that, he stomped to his room, slammed the door shut, and locked it, leaving everyone downstairs to continue grieving.

***

I'm so sad? And I'm sorry, I had to do this 😭 I swear it won't last too long, the perfect couple can't stay angry too long.

Also any B99 fans recognize the shirts they wore at the beach? 😂

Hope you're all doing well ❤️

~ashtonfortherwin