drowning

32

Ava.
One month later.

It was Ashton's birthday and I was beyond nervous for the entire day.

I had spent the day surprising him as many times as humanly possible, and everything was thankfully going according to plan.

I woke him up with breakfast in bed.
We went to his favorite record store and a farmers market that he had been wanting to go to for a few months.
We had lunch at his favorite restaurant.

I knew the guys were at home, prepping for his party that he kind of knew about, but I had no clue what extreme the guys were taking it to, I hope he would enjoy it regardless.

I spent the rest of the day keeping him far away from home and preoccupied with anything else I could think of doing, before I got a text from Luke, saying they were ready.

"You did not have to do any of this, thank you baby." He told me as I held him arm, letting him lead me back to the car as I smiled lightly.

"You deserve it. Happy birthday, Ash"

We went home, parking the car where he immediately looked to me.

"So when I walk in and everyone surprises me- do I act shocked or do I just laugh?" He asked making me immediately slump, staring to him.

"Did I give it away?" I asked, feeling immediately disappointed that he wasn't even going to be a little surprised with his surprise party.

"Not you, no." He quickly spoke, grabbing my hand.

"But when I see that you are immediately ready to leave a place that I had been trying to leave for thirty minutes, directly after Luke texted you- I caught on." He smiled

"You also can't forget, we have a camera doorbell- I've been getting notifications every single time someone approaches my door- which has been a lot."

Completely forgot about the doorbell.

"Well- act surprised." I gave in.

He did good.

He opened the door, everyone jumped out and yelled happy birthday- I would've believed that he had no idea it was happening if I wouldn't have just sat outside with him discussing how to act.

I watched him greet everyone, myself going around and doing the same, hugging the guys.

"Let's get to drinking."

I proceeded to watch the guys shotgun, funnel and chug any liquid that contained alcohol, which made me immediately nervous for each of their morning selves.

I sat on the counter, drinking a seltzer beside Sierra, who was taking pictures of everyone.

"It's good to see them not in their work state" she spoke, making me nod in agreement.

It was so good to just watch them fuck around and enjoy each other's company.

Before I knew it, it was 3am.

Sierra and Luke had passed out in 'my bed', which I didn't mind.

Michael and Crystal- who I was just introduced to tonight were both cuddled together on the couch.

Calum had went to his house with a nurse, who I believe was named Brandy.

Once I knew that the majority of people were home and safe, I threw blankets over everyone, seeing Ashton stumble in, hiccuping.

"Did you want to shower?" I offered him, laughing lightly at his drunken state.

"Absolutely."

I set his clothes and towel up for him, putting a water beside it before starting the shower for him, leaving him to do so as I changed into one of his t shirts and made sure all of the doors were locked.

I got in bed, watching TikTok as I waited on him to join.

And soon, he joined- seeming a bit more sober, his sloppy smile never leaving his face.

"Thank you so much, for an amazing birthday." He told me as he got into the bed with me, still sitting up and pulling me closer to him.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." I smiled to him.

I watched his eyes go from my lips to my eyes multiple times, I could see that behind his eyes- he was full blown contemplating

So I sealed the space, connecting our lips gently, feeling his hand immediately cup my face as he kissed me gently.

We pulled away, just our foreheads touching as he smiled.

"Happy Birthday, Ashton."