7-Eleven [Lashton AU]

Chapter 31

*Ashton's POV*

"I don't know which is weirder," Michael said as he walked into the living room and handed me a set of his clothes. "You needing to crash at my place when you have your own apartment or you showing up at my door in nothing but your boxers."

What happened not too long ago was, I ran away from the scene after placing all of Luke's cash into the mailbox, but I was panicking so much I left my backpack behind. When I turned around to get it Luke, his girlfriend, and some other guy were still outside. Then the entire front yard started to be filled with FBI agents and policemen and I was still hiding away in the shadows, watching the whole thing.

I saw Luke along with his girlfriend talking to that one chief from the FBI and one of the agents called out to the man and told them that they had found something, and that something was my backpack.

I had no choice but to leave the area without being noticed by a soul.

I can't believe I let my guard down so much. It's like ever since I got myself at least acquainted with Luke, I've lost all of my innate knowledge of leaving nothing behind. I've been careless way too much and it all happened after crossing paths with Luke, the guy I like who works at 7-Eleven.

Another thing that stinks about not having my backpack is that now I've no way of getting any money to pay for my rent tomorrow. There's no chance that Leonard is going to extend the deadline for me. He hates me. He's made that pretty clear for the past two years.

Since I didn't have my backpack and I couldn't just waltz into the apartment building in my night suit asking for keys to my apartment without being questioned, I had to run to Michael's place without being seen by anyone. I stripped out of my black outfit in front of his house, tossing it along with my mask and gloves so it was hidden in a bush, and then I went up to his door nearly naked.

However, I didn't expect his mom to half-greet me before passing out.

"I-I misplaced my backpack," I said as I pulled on the pair of jeans first. "It has all of my stuff and I can't get in my apartment without my keys."

"It doesn't explain why you came here the way you did," he pointed out.

"Long story. I don't think you have time to hear it."

He thought for a moment before sighing. "You're right. I need to sleep. Couldn't you have just asked your landowner for a spare key?" He raised his eyebrow at me. "I'm sure he has one."

"Well, yeah, but last time I walked into the building without my clothes he threatened to throw my stuff out."

"You're clothed now."

"Almost." I slipped my arms into the shirt and finished pulling that on before I readjusted it a little. "Okay, I am now."

"Great. Now go home." Michael started as he pushed me towards the front door.

"W-Wait!"

Michael crossed his arms, sighing. "What?"

"I-I can't go home yet, Mikey. Don't make me go yet."

"Ashton, I need to sleep. I've got work early in the morning and I have to drive. Plus, my mom wouldn't be very happy when she wakes up and sees that you're still here."

I pouted, hoping that Michael would give in, but he just gave me a pointed look. I sighed, nodding my head.

"I'd give you a ride home, but like I said, I need sleep," Michael said. "Just be careful, okay? Don't get jumped by anyone."

"I'm pretty sure I won't." I laughed as I waved goodbye to my friend and walked out the door. Once he shut the door, I went over to the bush where my black outfit, mask, and gloves were. I used the outfit as some sort of bag to hold the mask and gloves. I held my stuff in my arms and started my journey back home.