Time went by as the theater was being rebuilt, and during that time the contestants of Mr. Moon's contest decided to stick around. They weren't technically working at the theater, but it was there common place for performances and shows. One of the first shows Buster wanted to do was the show they put on in the rubble of the old theater, this time in a more proper setting. As per usual the performances had to be practiced. Johnny was playing the piano upstairs; the others were practicing in separate rooms and Ash practiced in a soundproof room. She wasn't exactly feeling herself this day, as she missed notes and groaned once she did so. On top of that there was the strain of a growing headache, and playing the guitar loudly wasn't helping. She was about to set it down and call it a night when Buster announced that they did wonderful and are being sent home early. Raising her head up and sighing in relief, Ash put her guitar in its case. She exited the soundproof room and joined the circle of people saying bye to each other. She tried to hide her distress, but one last additive stacked on top of her headache, nausea. Her face grimaced at first, but she fixed without being noticed, or so she thought.

Two people noticed Ash's abnormal behavior. Johnny and Rosita, the two of three who cared about ash the most. The third person was of course, Buster, but he was talking to Ms. Crawly and didn't notice Ash. Johnny and Rosita noticed Ash was anxious to leave. She muttered bye to Meena, Mike and Ms. Crawly, but oddly skipped Buster, Johnny and Rosita. Ash pushed the door with her shoulder, hustled away. It was only on her way out, Buster took notice.

"Is Ash okay?" He asked Rosita.

Rosita frowned and shook her head.

"I don't know, she didn't seem herself."

Buster shook his head. Rosita added on.

"I'd go after her but I need to get home to the piglets." Rosita's voice rose in volume, which grabbed Johnny's attention.

Both Buster and Rosita looked at him.

"Johnny, could you be a dear, and check on Ash?" Rosita pleaded.

Johnny became visually fidgety as shot of nervousness rose his back.

"Y-Yeah, I-I'll go check on her." He scratched the back of his head and turned to leave.

He hustled out the door to catch up with Ash. Once he was out of sight from the theater, Buster and Rosita fist bumped and smiled at each other, knowing they completed their task.

Johnny didn't take long to spot Ash. Her head was down and her fast-brisk walk, was replaced with slow awkward shuffling. Johnny easily caught up to her side. At first, Ash was oblivious to Johnny's sudden presence. She heard his footstep and turned to see who it was. She yelped and nearly hit Johnny with her guitar case.

"J-Johnny!? Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Johnny was frightened at her sternness. Ash noticed this and immediately returned to normal.

"S-Sorry, I just…" But she didn't finish.

Johnny's face now showed deep concern.

"Ash, are you okay? Are you feeling well?"

She turned to him, then looked away to hide her face.

"Yes." Was all she said.

"Are you sure?"

Ash said nothing, knowing he was concerned for her, but she didn't want to worry a guy like Johnny. Then again, she was sure he was worried a good amount already. Still, she remained to herself. Ash then went into a deep thought.

Why is he so concerned for me?

Why does he even care?

Thoughts like these continued to race through her head.

Lance wouldn't even ask if I was okay or not. In fact, the prick would just go 'snap out of it, BABE'.

Johnny is showing ten times the caring and kindness than Lance ever showed. So, why am I hiding it from him!? I should tell him the truth.

She opened her mouth to say something but felt something rise from within her. She closed her mouth and put her fist to it. Her cheeks swelled a moment then she swallowed it, but it came right back up. She swallowed it again, whimpered very quietly, grimaced and finally quivered.

Johnny saw the whole thing. He decided to finally act.

"Ash, I know you're not feeling well, I can't see you like this."

Ash turned towards him, her cheeks were greenish pale. Now that's when Johnny knew, for sure, Ash wasn't herself.

"Listen, you're not walking a step more. The truck is at the theater."

Ash wanted to protest, but before she could do so, she was hoisted into the air. Surprised, she yelped. Then in a split second she found herself sat on Johnny's shoulder. She realized she dropped her case, but Johnny knelt to pick it up. Ash's cheeks were no longer green, they were bright red. Luckily for her, it was too dark to see. Johnny's cheeks were red as well, but he at least tried to keep his cool.

"When I say you're not walking, I really mean you are not walking." He chuckled.

Ash was dumbfounded by his gesture.

Is he really doing this? FOR ME?!

Is this a dream?

She sighed to herself, realizing very well that this was real.

A dream come true.

Ash then made herself blush even more. Did she really just say that? Yes, this truly was a dream come true for her. She was so put down by Lance. Who pretty much made her his slave. He abused her, emotionally. She knew Lance didn't really care for her, but she stayed with him anyway. The incident with Becky was the final straw and she didn't hesitate to kick him out.

Then she turned away from those bad memories. She became teary eyed, not out of sadness, but out of pure joy. Never, has she felt cared for by anyone like this. Never, was she treated so kindly. Now, her she is, riding on the shoulder of her knight in… a shining leather jacket. She became so lost in thought that she never realized that they had arrived to the truck. Only to come out of it when Johnny lowered her down, opened the passenger door and placed her inside. Ash sank into the seat, comfortable as can be. With a jolt the truck started forward.

"I'm going slow for you. Also, if you get sick, I have two, no, three Wal-Mart bags at your feet."

Ash blushed at his utter and unconditional kindness. Then the thought came to her mind.

Does he like me?

Without her planning to, and much to her own dismay, she asked him in her low stuffy voice.

"Johnny? D-Do you like me?"

Johnny's face went serious. He tried to delay the unavoidable.

"What do you mean?" He asked, knowing fully what she meant.

"I mean like-like, uh, I mean, like, ah…."

Johnny, saw she was blushing hard. Ash pushed herself to ask the question.

"D-do you have a crush on me?" She asked, she quickly hid behind her paws. She was to flustered to realize Johnny pulled over. Johnny set the parking brake and turned to her.

"Yes, Ash, yes I do." He declared softly.

"You do?" Ash asked, lowering her hands to reveal her well red face. Her eyes were focused on Johnny's face.

Johnny sighed to himself.

Well, Johnny it's now or never. Go on… BLOODY TELL HER!

"Listen Ash, your beautiful, your smart. You know what else? I know under that punk rock skin lies a kind heart, a heart that's been damaged, but all it needs is tender loving care."

Ash could hardly believe it. He was straight up confessing his complete love for her!

"Ash," he continued "I want you to know that I love you for you!"

Ash could feel her defenses crumpling, the dam had been cracked and tears started to form.

"I want you to be yourself, no matter what jerks say about you. Whatever choice you make, I'll be there to back it up."

Feeling his confidence shoot up like a rocket. He was no longer nervous and even decided to give her a laugh.

"And oh…. Lance will get the old, one two, if he comes near you ever again." He chuckled.

Ash couldn't take it anymore, his kind, caring, loving words were like shots being fired at a wall. It can only take so much before tumbling down. She not only cried, but started to bawl her eyes out. Without thinking, she slipped from her seatbelt and lunged herself at Johnny. Johnny was well ready as he caught her in a tight embrace. Out of instinct he began to sway back and forth. He brushed her quills ever so gently.

"It's alright Ash, let it all out. You defiantly need to."

With that, Ash cried more, letting out all she needed. Eventually she started to ease herself. Wails turned into sobs, and sobs into sniffles. She could feel an urge building up from inside her. She couldn't help herself, she grabbed Johnny by the collar and pulled him close. She planted a long-awaited kiss on Johnny's lips. He let out a muffled gasp out of sheer surprise, but got with the moment. He gently wrapped his arms around her and continued the passionate kiss. After a moment, Ash came back to her senses and realized what they were doing.

She pulled away suddenly and blushed like mad. She was breathing heavily.

"I-I am so sorry; Johnny I don't know w-what came over me." She managed to say.

"That's alright." Johnny responded calmly.

The fear of his rejection after the sudden kiss melted away. Johnny grasped her hand softly and smiled at her. She smiled back.

"God, I love you Ash." He whispered

Those were the three words she hadn't heard genuinely in a long time.

"I love you too. Now, C'mere, I'm not done with you yet."

At that moment, they both knew, that this was the start of something big. With that, they shared another deep kiss, under the night sky.