Always Hanging On

DANI: Hi, hello. Spoiler alert: I look super cute today. I know that’s like a regular thing, but it’s still kinda rude no one has noticed sooner. This is your opportunity to correct that error. Who’s gonna take me to lunch? I want somewhere that serves cocktails! And sushi!

ASH: Shit did I miss out??

“Can we embrace that I didn’t burn the house down cooking this, Cody is a great teacher.” Tom beamed looking at the meal before him. 

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“I mean... that’s pretty impressive given how easy it is to get distracted around here alone. So... I’d give you props.” 

‘Yeah. Brothers. — Can we just chill or something? Maybe watch some Spongebob?’

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“....Yeah... Yeah of course. Reckon it uh.... it’s always on about now... c’mon.” 

“Don’t tempt me, Ashton. Although, I reckon I’ve pissed enough people off. I’m not going to piss the girls off.”

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“...Eh it’s okay. I guess I can’t really afford to piss off my brothers either. Starting to think I already have so. Might as well leave it like that.” 

Not yet, but we do need another furry friend for Belle at some point 

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There’s always a reason for a new furry friend, I’d say. Still - if it isn’t a dog, that’s awesome, mate. Congratulations! 

Just when you think things can’t get any better, someone else makes a plan to arrive later this year. Lets hope they get their moms ears 

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I take it you’re not talking about a dog...

‘Hi! —— Do shots with me?’

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“Shots of....water?”

“That might be true, you are the one cursed with always facing people getting it on around here.” Ben laughed a little, not out of cruelty more because it was kind of funny. “To be honest I have a feeling people don’t mind, they probably find it entertaining.”

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“It’s a terrible curse! And I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve it honestly!” If anything Michael deserved it - though... then again the other man might’ve enjoyed it too. “...Ugh - I mean I guess if you’re bold enough to entertain the idea of shacking up on reality TV you also might not care too much who walks in.” 

“Good,” Perrie replied simply, small smile tugging at her lips. “I hear the same kind of shit about the blonde one from Little Mix.”

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“Damn - what a shame.” Ashton smirked with a short huff of a laugh. “Maybe they should ditch and form their own shit band together, innit.” 

“Thankfully knocking has always worked for me, but now I think I may have jinxed myself.” Laugh left the male, it was likely he would now walk in on someone. “When you are in the mood you are in the mood, you may not notice the world around you.” They had all been there once or twice. “I don’t think there will ever be a perfect way in here. People are like rabbits.”

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“I could just have absolute shit luck, if I’m honest. Might explain how I’m always on the wrong end of things...” Knock or no knock. Didn’t seem to matter. “I mean shit, I understand that but damn it’s a reality TV show you’d think people would be a bit more cautious innit? S’a bit bold is all.” 

‘Maybe you can’t.’

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“...I can always try, mate. You’re my brother... it’s what we do...” 

“I adore you but if you ever mess with my food I’ll throw a fit,” she warned him. “Yeah, the drummer’s totally my least favorite,” Perrie teased lightly.

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“Noted.” Ashton said with an innocent raise of his hands - since... he didn’t really want to set anyone off honestly. He was going the drama free, zen route. “...Really kind ruins the whole vibe they got going. Dunno why they keep him around honestly. Rookie mistake.” 

‘.. seems a little pointless asking if you already know the answer.’

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“...I just want you to talk to me, man. Maybe I can help...” 

“If I’m being honest, if you eat someone else’s food, you probably deserve it,” she half-joked. “Oh yeah? I did hear you were in a band,” Perrie nudged him.

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“...I mean I won’t argue with you there, you’ve got a damn good point. That’s a dangerous game to play.... especially around here. I feel like I’ve seen bloodshed over that.” And unfortunately he wasn’t joking. “Yeah? I think they’re pretty talented. Shame their drummer sucks though.” 

Uh-huh. Remind me to call you when you’re almost 40 and see if you still agree with that statement. 

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God knows I am way too hard on my body for that to be true when I’m forty. We can’t all be as lucky as you when it comes to not looking a day over twenty-five, I’m afraid. 

“As they shouldn’t. Why eat fruits when you can eat crisps?” She pointed out. “I dunno, Leigh and Jade can get a bit rowdy.”

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“...You got me there. Aside from the fact I’m afraid to eat someone else’s food and have them try to kill me.... - A bit rowdy never hurt anyone. Can’t say I’m not unfamiliar with rowdy bandmates.”