I had always been a people pleaser. Wether it was letting Luke choose the games we would play on a Saturday afternoon, or telling someone it was okay that they lost my favourite colouring pencil when, really, it wasn't. I was always the student that volunteered to do things and always put my hand up to give an answer. I was the kid that got asked if they could sit behind the table at the bake sale for the next four hours under the burning sun and unbearable heat because they knew I would say yes and do it with a smile on my face. I was the type of person that radiated kindness, empathy and support. I was that one person that everyone would turn and say, "Gosh Michael, you're such a good friend. I hope we can be friends for a long time." Or "Michael, you are such a good person, God bless you."

Modesty aside, I was a good person. I worked hard on myself to be a good person. To be that friend everyone appreciated, the son parents would be proud of and the student my school would use as an example to be followed. I had always done kindness for the sake of kindness and never asked for anything in return. Sitting on my living room couch, watching Luke cry as he looked through pictures of Ale, my caring side was kicking in on full blast. He had his lower lip between his teeth, holding it as it quivered and tears rolled down his cheeks. I couldn't bear to even look at it anymore. My heart was aching and every cell in my body was telling me I needed to do something about it now. My nature was to please people and I was running out of ways to please Luke. 

"I have to go." I sighed, standing up from the couch and looking away. I could feel Luke's eyes on me, sniffles making me stop dead in my tracks.

"You're not going to be home late, are you?" He asked, wiping away his tears as I turned around to look at him. It was the worst thing for me to see my usually strong best friend sitting like that, just a small fragile resemblance of who he used to be. 

"No," I shook my head with a small frown. "Usual time, why?"

"Nothing," He looked back down at the pictures, closing the book with a slam as he took in a sharp breath. "I should really get started on those online classes, shouldn't I?" I knew Luke wasn't waiting for my response, and just like he had expected from me, he got silence. He nodded, closing his eyes as he rubbed his temples. "Alright, I'll go do that. I'll see you later."

I smiled softly, not being able to contain myself as I walked back over to the blond and gave him a kiss on the forehead. As I walked out of the house, I could hear Luke sigh heavily before the door slammed shut and I was no longer aware of anything Luke related. I got into the car, driving slowly down to campus as the sound of Metallica filled the car. Nothing Else Matters blared through the speakers, stopping only once I parked the car and switched the engine off. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to get out, to head into a seminar that really meant nothing to me at that exact moment. My mind was all over Luke, like it used to be five years ago.

Shaking my head, I pulled out of my parking spot, knowing exactly where I had to go. Knowing my friends well enough, I knew they'd be at home at the moment. The drive was quick; thankfully my old apartment complex was only a few minutes away from the UWA campus and I was pushing myself out of the car before I knew it. It felt odd being in that building again, knowing that a half hour drive away, a blond waited for me with loving arms and tender kisses. The feeling of freedom when walking down the corridor to my old front door was amazing, but the feeling of coming home to Luke was a million times better. Luke had always been the only person I'd want to come home too, and up until that moment, nothing had changed.

I pulled the spare key from under the mat, opening the door like that was still my apartment. If I hadn't lived for the past five years with Ashton and Calum, that moment would have gone straight into the list of most embarrassing moments of my life. Walking in to find your friend naked on all fours on your old couch and his soulmate kneeling behind him while thrusting into him quickly was not exactly the most heartfelt welcome I had expected. But it wouldn't be Ashton and Calum if I hadn't gotten the full blown grand entrance.

"Hey," I sighed, acting like what I had just witnessed was not a big deal. In Michael slash Cashton world, it wasn't anymore. The two of them stood there, Ashton still holding onto Calum's hips as their jaws hung openm eyes trailing behind me as I walked to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. "What are you doing? Finish off or get some clothes on, don't just sit there."

Ashton sighed, letting his head fall as he shook it quickly. I looked away as I noticed him start to pull out, yanking the condom off and reaching for his boxers on the floor. Calum cleared his throat, taking his own boxers before pulling his shorts up his legs. Neither of them said anything, looking at each other before looking at me with flushed cheeks. 

"I swear to God our intimacy has gone a step too far." Ashton finally spoke, taking a seat on the couch and pulling Calum to sit on his lap. "When you can actually tell us to finish off without even flinching, it's time to move out."

"I did move out." I said blankly, taking a sip of the cold drink. "Anyways, I need your help."

"Aren't you supposed to be at Uni?" Calum frowned, finding the courage to open his mouth. I hadn't seen Calum in a while, but I understood how hard it was for him with the whole Luke situation. I was going through the same. I wouldn't deny how much I missed Calum's voice, though.

"Yes," I shrugged, clicking my tongue as I walked back into the living room. Taking a seat on the couch, opposite from two of my best friends, I felt the nostalgic feeling spread through my body. So many nights I had spent sitting there, watching Calum and Ashton be so in love with each other. So many times I had wondered if Luke was feeling the same as they were and if I would ever get to experience that. I had so many doubts that remained unanswered and that would most likely never be answered. "But I'm not, so oops."

"What do you need help with?" 

"Luke is sad." I frowned, picking at my nails as I said so. I didn't want them to see just how upset it made me to say that I wasn't succeeding in keeping Luke happy. "I need to make him happy."

"How?"

"You'll see. Just come with me."

-

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Michael."

"Calum?"

Ashton sighed, resting his head on the steering wheel in a tired way. He shook his head and I could tell he, much like Calum, did not think this was a good idea. I didn't care though, I knew this would bring a smile to Luke's face and I knew it would make him miss Ale less. Luke needed this and I needed this. "Alright then," Ashton huffed, sitting back up as he looked back at me. "Take it inside and we'll be back tomorrow with the rest of the stuff."

"Thanks guys." I smiled, opening the door and getting out of the car.

I walked over to the front door, opening it with Luke's present still in hands. The house was oddly quiet, and I instantly knew that that could not be a good sign. Luke was constantly listening to music or playing music, and silence in the world of Luke Hemmings meant sadness. I could hear the sound of him tapping away at his laptop, meaning that, at least, he was home.

"Luke?" I called, biting the inside of my cheek as I waited for his response.

"Yeah?" He called back, typing instantly stopping. "You're home early."

"Could you please come out here?"

I could hear the sound of Luke closing his laptop, and then his door swinging open before Luke's feet padded down the corridor towards the main living area. He came out with a frown, eyes widening and jaw dropping as he saw what was in my arms. I could see the sparkle in his eyes as he looked down at the puppy in my arms, lips outstretching into the biggest smile I had ever seen on Luke's face.

"Oh my god," He whispered, kneeling down as I put the little labrador on the floor. "What even?"

"I got you some company." I smiled softly, watching as Luke picked the dog up and hugged it tight. "For when you feel alone. What do you want to name him?"

Luke bit down on his lower lip, looking down at the dog that circled around him and licked his hand. Luke grinned, looking up at me. "How about Armani?"

"I like it." I lied, masking the hurt in my voice as I realised Luke had chosen Alessandro's last name. It was just another reminder of no matter how hard I tried, I would never be enough.

~~~

do you think this is getting too repetitive? what do you want to see in this story besides obvi michael telling luke the truth

i have about 3 stories in my drafts that i have started but still haven't posted. would you guys like me to post the blurbs and leave it as coming soon so you can check it out or should i wait a while??