Strings Attached (lashton, editing)

Epilogue One.

"Tim, buddy, please be still," Luke whined for the fifth time as Tim wriggled around in his lap. "I know it's long and boring, but Ashton wanted you here. This is important for him." 

"I'm bored," Tim slumped back into his fathers lap and crossed his little arms over his chest as they sat in the large room waiting for Ashtons name to be called. 

Two years had passed and Luke was finally getting to see his boy graduate college. Ashton had made it into honours after his third year and Luke couldn't have been more proud of his boyfriend. 

"I know sweetheart, it'll be over soon," Luke muttered to Tim as he held the boy close. Though Ashton had never outright said it, he had wanted Tim to be there for his graduation. Over the past two years he had grown ever more fond of the little boy and his father, hoping that one day he could properly be a part of their little family. "Look, thats Ash."

Tim's head perked up at the words, watching with his father as the curly haired twenty-two year old walked up to the stage in his cap and gown. A bright smile covered Ashtons face as he walked up the steps and received his diploma, turning to look at the audience in search of Luke, Tim and his family - all of who were clapping obnoxiously loud for him. 

As the rest of the names were called, Tim continued to be restless in Luke's lap while his father snuck texts to his boyfriend. 

you looked so good on that stage. 

im so proud of you.

you should show me what's under that gown later.

As always, it never took Ashton long to respond to his boyfriend; even when they were supposed to be doing anything but texting. 

shut it u. thank u, love u. 

Luke smiled to himself as he waited for the graduation ceremony to be over. Once everyone began to stand and file out of the large hall, Luke quickly marched around to find his newly graduated boyfriend. 

"Ashton!" He called, seeing his beautiful boy standing with his diploma and looking around absolutely lost as he waited to spot his family. An even brighter smile covered his face as he saw Luke and Tim walking towards him, with his mother and siblings in tow. "Congrats babe, I'm so proud of you." 

"I did it!" Ashton smiled as he pulled Luke in for a deep kiss. "I'm free!" 

"You sure are," Luke smiled, pulling Ashton into a hug before stepping aside so Ashtons family could say their congratulations to him. 

Not long later, Ashton was sat with his family along with Luke and Tim in a busy restaurant seemingly filled to the brim with other fellow graduates who were also out to dinner with their families. 

Listening to the happy chatter between everyone at the table and feeling Luke's warm hand resting on his thigh, he felt happy and content. While most people his age were getting ready to go off on some kind of big adventure; he couldn't wait to finally be able to create his own little family. 

He could feel the small box in his pocket almost burning through the material of his pants and into his skin, just waiting for the perfect moment to give it to Luke. 

However, he knew for certain that in the middle of a busy restaurant and in front of all his family and Tim was not the right moment. That wasn't Luke's thing, he knew Luke would want it to be something low key. So, he waited. 

Even as they parted ways with his mother and siblings, sharing another round of hugs and congratulations as they were dropped off at their hotel; he was dying to fall to the ground on one knee to pop the question. As Ashton sat in the car, watching Luke drop a very tired Tim off with Michael for the rest of the weekend; he could feel his fingers itching to just hand the box over as soon as Luke slipped back into the drivers seat. But, he still waited.