My Sun, My Moon, My Sky

by socialpixie555

Mother Earth has four sons that each represents a season and plan out that season by the second. Ashton's is summer and he meets Sophie on the first day of his season. A summer romance ensues.

1. Chapter 1

January 1st

Mother Earth beamed down at the four young men before with such pride. Each grew into their season perfectly and now, they were all wise enough to look over their season on their own, without any aid from her.

"My sons," she addressed the men before her, "For many years, I have watched over the Earth. I made sure the sun shined when it was supposed to. The leaves darkened and fell from their branches from my command. I covered the land with snow and ice and chilled the Earth. And when it was time, the snowflakes turned into flower buds and brought warmth back to the planet."

Mother Earth stood up from her throne, which was formed from clouds, just like everything around them were. She stood before her four sons with a fond smile laced on her lips, "Many years ago, I knew that I could no longer watch over the four seasons of the Earth, as well as the animals and the plants," she grinned at her sons, "Plus, I wanted a family of my own. I've seen humans on planet Earth reproducing and creating new life and I wanted that too. So I turned to the most beautiful things in nature and used to them along with my powers to make four sons that would each control one season."

The Mother stood before her sons, dressed in an embroidered robe laced in emerald and sapphire details, "Over the years I have raised you all. When you were old enough, you watched me prepared each season. I taught you how to bring in your seasons and manage the weather. You've learned how to call for rain and snow. You know how bring on the cold and the warm. You know Earth's patterns and where the sun will touch the planet at every moment.

"Now," Mother Earth grinned, "I am confident that you are now all old enough to manage your season on your own without my supervision," she moved towards her son, who was wearying a silvery formal robe.

"Michael," she sighed out his name and pat his shoulder, "I made you out of a small pile of the first snowfall. You have been in full charge of Winter for the past two years and I couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments. I know it's not the easiest season to oversee but you have done your season honor Michael. This current winter is going well so far and I have no doubt you continue to do so."

Michael's bright blue eyes shimmer at the compliment. His constant aura glowed a baby blue all around him, reflecting his season true. Soon all her sons would have their own colored auras surrounding them. Mother Earth moved to her next son.

"Luke," she beamed as she took his hands, "My precious Luke, made from the first cherry blossom to bloom the year you were made. You are a pure mixture of joy and youthfulness. You embody Earthly springs perfectly and I trust you will bring humans a perfect spring this year."

With that, their joint hands glowed. She passed on her oversight of Spring to Luke and the young man looked wiser somehow. He proudly stood before, looking oddly serious in his green robe, dawned with white and pink flowers. He's aurora glowed a bright sage green and the other two sons gasped. Their colored aura would come soon enough.

Next, Mother Earth stopped in front of a man who looked rather serious with darker features heightened by his deep maroon robe. The Mother laughed.

"Ah, my Calum," she shook her head and took his hands, "so hard to understand at times. You're quite serious, but sweet and good natured too. I made you from the first fallen maple leaf in the fall and since then, you've become the embodiment of Autumn. It's not easy making the Earth cooler and getting the trees ready for their Winter sleep. But you are ready for the task, my son. I know you'll bring a perfect Fall under your control."

Mother Earth tightened her grip on Calum's hands and the aura that surrounded his body was a deep, nearly purple red.

Lastly, Mother Earth came upon her last son. She saved her brightest smile for him.

"My lovely Ashton," she beamed at him. Ashton flushed nervously and took hold of his mother's hands, "My sweet, sweet Ashton. When I took the brightest ray the sun had on the first day of summer many years ago, I knew it was special, and it would make me a special boy. Your bright, playful spirit is contagious and captivating. You are summer, in every sense of the season. And I trust all the many summers to come in your hands."

With that, Mother Earth closed her eyes and focused. A shuddery breath escaped Ashton as incredible heat overtook his body. Flashes of lush green vegetation and blindly bright light filled his senses. He could hear human laughter and the pleasant sound made Ashton smile.

When Mother Earth stepped back, she looked proudly at her eldest son, a golden light surrounded him.

In a few months time, Ashton would control his first summer on his own. And Ashton couldn't wait to see what was in store.

June 20th

When Ashton transports for the first time without Mother Earth, he lands on a patch of grass. But looking around him, he notices that this is not a meadow or a wooded area. There are tons of human people everywhere and tall, monster like things that Ashton is pretty sure are buildings. Ashton's never been in a building before, and wonders what exactly is inside a building.

Ashton's only been on Earth a handful of time and each time it was with his mother. Mother Earth knows everything there is know about Earth so he's never felt so lost before.

But Ashton just wanted to see the start of summer first hand.

Ashton's been planning his first proper summer for ages now. He knows what days will be the warmest. He knows when the sun will rise and set each day. Mother's stars, he even knows how many thunderstorms are set to happen in the eastern hemisphere. Ashton knows what summer is, but this is his first chance truly experiencing it first hand on his own.

Mother Earth wouldn't let Ashton go with her often when he was younger, saying something about how him and his brothers couldn't last long on Earth because it'll drain them. But Ashton figures that he's older now, everything should be fine.

Ashton looks down at his humanly form. He frowns when he's not met with the familiar glowing aura he's come to love so deeply. He's not wearing his fancy garments, but rather a simple black shirt and rough denim jeans, and that's the only human clothing Ashton knows about. He doesn't like the clothes, but it's what he must wear in order to fit in. Ashton suspects that his human form still has emerald eyes and long brown waves like Ashton normally has back home.

Ashton wonders if he still has his powers…

Looking up at the sky, Ashton sees a cloud passing over the sun. And that just cannot be! It's the first day of summer! And yes, Ashton loves clouds-he lives in the clouds for goodness sake!-but the clouds can sometimes make the sun go away. And Ashton doesn't like that one bit! He himself is made out of a bit of the sun so of course he loves the sun! What's a first day of summer without a bright, blaring sun?

So Ashton trains his gaze on the cloud protruding the sun's space. He focuses and silently commands the cloud to move. A second later, the cloud darts over the sun, making the Earth shine at it's brightest once more. Ashton relaxes and sighs as the wonderful heat takes over him.

Ashton decides to venture out and discover his surroundings. He walks out onto a street and notices how many humans are walking around him. Ashton feels incredibly out of place, with the tall buildings and the people and the weird looking things on wheels moving in the road. It's loud too, much louder then it his back home and already, he feels himself becoming dizzy and faint.

So this is what Mother means about Earth being draining for them? Ashton thinks.

Just then, a human bumps into him, sending Ashton to stumble back a couple of steps. Ashton gasps in shock.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Ashton looks at the human and-well, it's a girl.

She's rather pretty, Ashton notices. She's got a nice, petite face and a sheepish grin on her lips. Her eyes, Ashton thinks, are like the same color as tree bark and they dazzle in the sunlight. The girl reaches out and takes hold of Ashton's shoulder to steady her and. Ashton's used to the heat and the sun and he swears that the girl's touch burns his skin and makes his heart do some strange flipping thing in his chest.

Ashton feels utterly lost but looking at this beautiful girl, he feels better about being lost.

"Are you okay?" the girl asks, seeming to genuinely care about Ashton. Which…Ashton can't seem to know how to feel about this. He suddenly feels hotter, but not in familiar way. He feels…light, incredibly light, because there is a dreamy looking girl giving her attention to Ashton.

"I, um-" Ashton stutters, and then giggles weakly, "I, yeah. Yeah, I'm good."

The man smiles happily, "Good, I'd hate it if I hurt a fit guy like you."

The blush that burns Ashton's cheeks is uncontrollable.

"Thank you," Ashton flushes, his voice incredibly shy. The girl chuckles and boldly takes Ashton's hand.

"Trust me," he says with a coy look in her eye, "the pleasure is all mine."

Ashton giggles happily and the girl seems to like that.

Some strange noise trills through the space between them and the girl rolls her eyes and huffs as she lets go of Ashton's hand. Ashton can't help but be disappointed in this. The girl fishes her pockets until she pulls out something that has Ashton frowning. He's never seen it before, whatever is in the girl's hand. It's glowing, whatever is in the girl's hand, and Ashton's eyes widen at it.

"Sorry, I have to go," the girl says then quickly states, "See ya around." She leaves Ashton, briskly, and keeps looking back at Ashton until she eventually presses the strange object to her ear and talks into it as she walks away.

Ashton's left flustered in the middle of a busy street. Part of him wants to follow the girl, for some odd reason, but he doesn't. He stays there for a bit, lost in the brief memories of the girl. He grins and spins around and starts to walk in the opposite direction.

His memories of the stranger will do just fine for now.

Ashton looks around the city as he strolls happily. The tall, intimidating buildings change into rows of charming looking houses and small stores. There are flowers of every color decorated nearly every way Ashton looks and the trees curl over the streets to prove some shade. He thinks that Luke should be here too. Wherever Ashton is, he quite likes it a lot.

After a while, Ashton starts to feel faint once more. He blinks and there are black spots and he feels dizzy. He knows he's draining and Ashton needs to get back home fast. Ashton moves quickly behind a lone building. Behind it, there's no one in sight and Ashton sighs in relief. He crosses his arms over his chest, closes his eyes, and thinks about summer-y thoughts, just like Mother Earth taught him.

Ashton feels his body moving rapidly and within a second, Ashton is back home.

When he opens his eyes, the first thing he sees is Mother floating between clouds. She's stunning, as always, in one of her bright white robes and actual ivy vines twisting around her arms. Ashton smiles as he rushes towards her and Mother Earth accepts him with open arms.

"Easy Ashton," she chuckles fondly as she hugs him. She pulls back, keeping her hands on his shoulders and looking fondly at him, "How was it Ashton?"

"AMAZING!" Ashton beams, his happiness uncontainable, "It was-like-it's so pretty Mother! So hot and sunny!"

The Mother chuckles, "You make it sound like Earth is better then here." Ashton's eyes widen.

"Never, Mother!" Ashton gasps, "Besides, humans are so strange. They talk into rectangles."

The frowns, tilting her head a bit before letting out a delighted laugh.

"Oh honey," she sighs, "Those are called cell phones. It's how humans communicate with each other."

Now Ashton's the one frowning, "But…why don't humans just talk to each other face to face?"

"Ah Ashton," the Mother sighs, grinning, "you have so much to learn still. But I'm glad you had a good day."

Ashton nods to himself before asking, "Yes, but um. Where was I? On Earth I mean, where was I?"

"How should I know?" The Mother says unconvincingly. Ashton playfully cocks an eyebrow at her, looking smart-alecky. The Mother rolls her eyes, "Okay fine. Yes I kept an eye on you today on the Vision Cloud. But that's because it was your first day out on your own Ashton."

Ashton smirks, "I knew you would do that Mother, and I'm okay with that." The Mother smiles dopily down at her son.

"Sheffield."

Ashton blinks, "What?"

"You were in a city called Sheffield, Ashton. It's in a place called Yorkshire in England, you remember?" Ashton furrows his eyebrows and nods.

"Those are pretty names…" he notes in awe and the Mother laughs.

"Yes they are love. Now why don't you rest up a bit, hm? You must be so drained." Ashton nods and Mother Earth pecks him on the head, "Alright love, you better go to your dome now."

Ashton moves through his dwelling with ease. Ashton loves living literally in the clouds as it leaves the dwelling white and just oh so pretty! Ashton loves how soft the clouds we to touch and on any other day, Ashton would chase wisps of clouds around. But Ashton's exhausted and so he goes straight to where the domes are, his smile never fading.

Ashton's dome is the last one in the row of domes. His brothers have their own domes too, all of which are catered to their seasonal needs. Michael' has icicles hanging down the top of his down, with hills upon hills of fluffy, white endless snow. Calum's dome is littered in colorful, nearly dead leaves with a gloomy grey sky. Luke's dome is practically has an entire meadow squished inside of it, and normally the flowers are gorgeously bloomed and colorful. But today, Luke's dome looks lifeless. The flowers are wilting and there's a light drizzle inside the dome. Ashton frowns at this and takes a look over at his dome. His dome looks ever so inviting, with a blazing sun cast over a lusciously green feel and a clear blue sky but…

Ashton goes straight to Luke's dome.

"Ashton?" Luke mumbles out from his spot, curled in on himself in the middle of drooping flowers. Ashton stands over his brother, who frowns up at him, "What are you back so soon?"

Ashton sighs as he sits down in the grassy meadow next to Luke. Luke's dome is not hot to Ashton's liking. But the flowers, when in full bloom, are a true vision. Ashton's never been in Michael or Calum's domes; just even looking at their domes spikes Ashton's anxiety. But Luke's is quite lovely and despite the lack of heat, Luke needs Ashton right now, Ashton just knows he does.

"I've been gone all day," Ashton tells him.

Luke looks surprised, but only says, "Oh." Ashton leans down and kisses his brother's forehead.

"Come now, Luke! You know that spring doesn't last forever!" Luke pouts.

"Easy for you to say!" Luke retorts. He heaves a great breath as he sits up, "it's the first day of summer for you! You've got three months to watch over your season!"

Ashton can't help but grin happily at that, "Yeah but. I know summer's gonna end. And then Calum will take over to manage Earth's autumn," he shrugs, "it's how it works, Luke."

Luke grins almost wickedly, "You won't be saying or feeling that way when summer draws to a close."

"Yes I will," Ashton says adamantly. Luke glares at him knowingly, "I will."

"If you say so," Luke says coyly, "So how was it? First day of summer and all?"

Ashton brightens up at that, "Oh Luke it was wonderful! I transported to some charming place called Sheffield! It was so pretty there Luke! It was super sunny and warm and the flowers-Luke the flowers were gorgeous! Mother did a wonderful job with the flowers this year! You must come with me next time to see the flowers!" Luke gasps at the last statement.

"Ashton!" he says, flabbergasted, "You know I can't come with you! Not when it's summer!"

Ah yes. Ashton momentarily forgot the number one rule: none of the boys can go to Earth if it's not their season. Being on Earth and amongst the humans is already draining, even if the sons are there in their season. If one of the boys were to go on Earth in a season that is not theirs, they can be drained too quickly and the results could be "devastating", according to mother. Only Mother can go on Earth any time of the year.

Ashton swallows and nods stiffly, "Of course, right. I'm sorry, Luke! I just got so caught up in the summer and I forgot." Luke sniffs.

"It's okay," he mumbles and shutters, "Just the thought of being in summer makes me faint. I mean, I can stand being in your dome for a bit but like-actually experiencing summer?" Luke adamantly shakes his head, "I can't stand that idea."

"Hey," Ashton whines, "I am summer! If you don't like my season then you don't like me!"

Luke laughs heartily, "I'm kidding-I love ya, Ash! You always make me smile."

And just like that, the wilting flowers become revived at Luke's smile. Bursts of bright pink and yellows pop up from the meadow, filling the dome with its normal floral scent. The clouds dash way and a sun is revealed with cooled warmth to it. Ashton beams at the changes.

By the time evening comes, Ashton finds himself in back in his dome. In his element, Ashton's dome is muggy and humid and he loves it. The sky in his dome is clear and full of stars. He smiles up at the stars from his floating cloud bed hovering up in his dome.

Ashton drifts off to sleep and dreams of the human man he met in Sheffield, whose skin was golden like the Sun's rays.

June 23rd

The thing is Ashton can't get the pretty girl from Sheffield out of his mind.

He goes to different places on Earth for two reasons: one, to see how the young summer is coming along in different places and two, to get his thoughts off of the girl. Ashton ends up in Mexico, Rome and some place in America called Portland. And while Ashton enjoyed all these cities, his thoughts never strayed from Sheffield and the girl that lives there.

And that's where Ashton finds himself now. The weather is lovely, a bit cool but the sun is shining again and the tamed heat lightly sizzles on Ashton's skin. He sighs and takes in the sent of magnolias as he strolls down on busy road. He's back in the part of the city where the buildings and shops are colorful and cheery and it brings a smile to his face.

Ashton doesn't really know what to do. He thinks he should go back to the where he ran into the beautiful girl…but he doesn't remember how to get there. He wants to ask a human for help but everyone who walks past him seems too busy to help, which Ashton finds rather rude. He huffs, part of him wanting to give up all hope of giving up on the girl. Ashton finds a lone bench that is cocooned by drooping willow tree branches. It's a lovely spot, close enough to the shops and yet secluded. The only thing that Ashton doesn't like about this spot is the fact that's heavily shaded, which makes it not as warm. But Ashton's feet are achy and tired. He's not used to walking so much on hard ground.

Ashton sighs gloomily and gives up all hope when a random dog sits in front of him. Ashton stares, perplexed, at the large black dog. Ashton's seen dogs before on his other Earthly trips, but he's never seen one quite as large as this one! Ashton thinks he should be frightened but he's not, simply because it's not in his nature to be fearful of animals. Besides, the dog is panting in front of Ashton, his tongue hanging out and his lips curled in smile. Ashton grins, and loves the fact that animals always seem to know that Ashton is on their side. Being Mother Earth's son seems to be universally known in the animal kingdom which means that all animals trust Mother Earth and her sons.

Ashton's hand reaches out and pets the large dog on his head. The dog tilts his head up into Ashton's hand and his course fur tickles Ashton's palm. He laughs freely.

"Ah," a voice pops out of nowhere, seemingly labored. Ashton glances over and-it's his girl! Well, not actually Ashton's girl because she's not Ashton's girl, of course. But still Ashton's heart picks up as the girl approaches him. She's not wearing a fancy outfit this time, but rather a simple floral dress. The girl smirks down at Ashton and winks before turning to the dog. She places her hand on the dog, just centimeters away from Ashton's own fingers. Ashton suddenly feels unbearably hot under his collar.

"Watson," the girl scolds the large dog. Ashton laughs at the mammal looking clueless up at the girl. The girl looks over to Ashton and smirks wickedly, "Are you bugging the handsome man here?"

Ashton's heart skips a beat as the girl sits beside him on the bench, "You remember me?" Ashton states dumbly and the girl laughs heartily at that.

"Of course, could never forget a pretty face," she says smoothly, a lazily grin taking over her lips. She places her hand out to Ashton, who eyes it suspiciously, "I'm Sophie. Sophie Pashley."

So Ashton now has a name for the beautiful human. Sophie. Sophie Pashley. Ashton thinks a wonderful name. His focus goes back to Sophie's hand and he takes it unsurely. It's a bit strange, holding someone's hand. But Sophie's grip tightens on Ashton's and he shakes it. Ashton's still not sure what to think of all this but it is nice to have Sophie holding his hand.

"So," Sophie says, her eyes playful, "do I get to know your name or…" Ashton chuckles sheepishly because how rude of him!

"I'm Ashton."

A lovely smile blooms from Sophie's lips, "Ashton, eh? Do you have a last name?"

Oh…Ashton only has one name. He looks around him and searches for options. He finds it in a small store front that says on a sign the shop has great…

"Irwin!" Ashton blurts out too enthusiastically. Sophie cocks an eye at him.

"Ashton Irwin?" Sophie says and Ashton nods quickly. Sophie scoffs lightly, "what are you then-some sort of celebrity?"

Ashton frowns, "Uh?"

"With a name like that you must be famous," Sophie leans back on the bench and studies Ashton. Ashton flushes madly under her stare. Watson the large dog plops his head down on Sophie's thigh and Sophie pets him gingerly. It's a sweet scene and touches Ashton deeply. Sophie's voice demands his attention, "I reckon you're a musician of some sort-perhaps Indie?"

Ashton's terribly lost, but refuses to show it, "I'm not a musician."

"Well then. What do you do? Just what are you exactly, not so infamous Ashton Irwin?" Ashton giggles and for a second he flirts with the idea of actually telling Sophie the truth. He knows he can't, because Sophie wouldn't believe him and she'd probably think Ashton is crazy and she'd never want to see Ashton ever again.

"I'm…" Ashton ponders, "I'm, uh, figuring all that out." Sophie smirks at that.

"Aren't we all?" she reasons. Ashton shrugs, a dopy smile laced on his lips.

"I guess so, yeah," tries to act like Sophie's acting. She appears casual and at ease so Ashton tries to mimic that. But he's have difficulty doing so as he's rather nervous, "What do you do?"

Sophie smirks and muses, "Boring stuff." Ashton shakes his head.

"That's not a real answer!" he states and Sophie chuckles.

"It's true!" She insists.

Ashton shrugs, "I don't care-I'd like to know."

So Ashton listens as Sophie goes on about her job. It sounds very different from Ashton job to manage the Earthly summers. Sophie explains that she buys land and sells it for higher profits, whatever that means. Ashton doesn't quite understand it all. How can one buy land? Isn't all land technically Mother's Earth? Ashton's lost but he hopes he at least looks like he's following Sophie. Sophie goes on to explain that she also likes to hike, workout, dancing and go sailing on her yacht…Ashton makes a note to look up all these things when he gets back to his dwelling.

"So," Sophie sighs after talking for ages. She looks over at Ashton a sweet glint in her eye, "Tell me about yourself, Ashton Irwin."

"Oh," Ashton breathes out, his mind panicking, "Well, um. There's not a lot for me to tell really."

Sophie laughs, "Oh c'mon! I won't let you get away so easily. Can you at least tell me if you're from around here?" Immediately Ashton shakes his head and Sophie sighs knowingly, "Ah, so you're new to Sheffield, hm?"

"Yeah," Ashton breathes out.

Sophie nods, looking a bit unsure, "Do you mind me asking just where you're originally from?"

"Uh," Ashton stutters out and searches his mind for answers, "I'm from…up North," he answers cheekily and Sophie's eyes perk with interest.

"We are up North, though!"

"Ah," Ashton breathes out, having no idea where Sheffield is, "Cool."

Sophie nods to herself, "Right, so. You're new here. Where do you live?" Ashton panics.

"I um…haven't figured that out either…" Sophie's eyes widen.

"So you just moved here without finding a place to live first?" Ashton nods sheepishly. Sophie shakes her head, her gaze kind and amusing, "That must be why you're wearing the same clothes you did a few days ago."

Ashton flushes madly and his eyes dart downward, "Yeah…" he mumbles out, voice small.

A gentle hand rests on Ashton's thigh. Ashton's skin squirms happily from the touch, "Hey Ashton. It's okay, I'm not one to judge. You must've really needed to leave your old life behind. I get that, and I just-I want to help." Ashton picks his head up and-Sophie's eyes are sincere and kind. Ashton gulps thickly and us unsure how to feel about all this.

"Sophie-I can't let you," Ashton shakes his head, "you don't have to do anything for me."

Sophie's hand squeezes Ashton's thigh, "But I want to help you Ashton." Ashton can't help the questioning gaze from his eyes.

"But why? You don't know me." Sophie smirks.

"Well if Watson like you, you must be good. Watson hates everyone, including me."

Ashton's glad for the joke because it breaks the tension. He laughs cutely, "That's not true. Watson loves you."

"How can you tell?" Sophie ponders. Ashton holds back his initial response that he can read animals thoughts because even though yes he can, Sophie can't know. So Ashton shrugs easily.

"I just do."

Sophie smirks, "Watson ran away from me! I told him to stay and he didn't listen." Ashton grins.

"Well," Ashton muses, "It's a good thing he did, yeah? He brought us together again."

Sophie's eyes are soft and on Ashton as if he was a meadow full of all sorts of beautiful flowers, "Yeah, this is a good thing. A very good thing."

Ashton's blushing, and he knows it's not from the summer heat. Sophie stands up, taking hold of Watson's leash. She starts walking away wordlessly and Ashton's heart sinks. So this is it? He wonders. But after a couple of steps, Sophie turns around and eyes him closely.

"Aren't you coming?" Sophie asks and Ashton's on his feet before asking any questions.

They walk for a bit and Ashton takes in the surroundings. The tall, grey buildings still look intimidating but Sophie's there, so he's not too scared. The sidewalks are bustling with people so Ashton just has to stick close to Sophie's side and Sophie doesn't seem to mind and Ashton certainly isn't complaining.

Sophie takes him to a building. There's some weird device that Sophie pokes different buttons at and the door opens. Ashton follows Sophie inside and walks closely behind Watson. They walk into some sort of box thingy that closes once they're all inside and Sophie's pushing another button. The box moves upward and Ashton gasps loudly and holds onto the walls. Sophie looks back at him and chuckles and Ashton doesn't understand how Sophie can be so relaxed right now! It's like Ashton's transporting but he's confined to a box. They're moving in a box!

Ashton doesn't understand humans one bit.

The box stops and the doors open up once more and Sophie steps out into a large space. Ashton follows her timidly and is blown away by his surroundings. It seems to be a dwelling of some sort-a human dwelling as it were. It looks…clean and everything is white and it reminds Ashton of being back home. There's another man in the middle of the room, talking into his rectangle, or cell phone as Ashton recalls. The man pockets his cell phone and smiles at Sophie.

"Sophie!" the man yells out and pulls her into a big hug. So humans hug too? Ashton hugs his Mother and Luke, sometimes Michael even (but not Calum. Calum's weird and doesn't like anything hugging him). But Ashton didn't know that humans hug each other. Hm, maybe humans aren't so different then what Ashton thought?

Sophie pulls back and hits her friend on the shoulder, "Andy, what did I tell you about working on the weekends? Don't you have a date tonight with Cassandra?"

"Hey," the man, Andy apparently, cries out, "I was just about to leave when you texted me."

And, texted? Ashton frowns deeply and thinks that yeah, humans are vastly different from him.

"So who's this guy?" Andy asks, looking over at Ashton. Ashton shrivels under his stare but Sophie proudly puts her arm around him, like they've known each other for years. Ashton blushes.

"Andy, this is Ashton-Ashton Irwin," Sophie tells him and Andy reaches out his arm to Ashton.

"Nice to meet you, Ashton Irwin," he says and unsurely, Ashton takes his hand and lets the man shake it. Is this a normal human custom? Ashton needs to study more on human behavior when he gets back home.

"He's the reason why I'm here," Sophie tells him and much to Ashton's dismay, she disconnects herself from Ashton's side, "You've been trying to sell this apartment for a long time and I think I've found a solution to your problem."

Andy looks over to Ashton with unbelieving eyes, "You're telling me he has a stellar credit score and can afford a $1,200 rent?"

And…what? Credit scores and rent? Ashton has a headache now.

"Well no, he doesn't," Sophie admits and then grins, "But I do."

Ashton turns to Sophie, his eyes wide, "Sophie, I –no. I can't let you do this!" Ashton wants to tell him that he already has a home and this is all unnecessary. But Sophie ignores him.

"Sophie…" Andy breathes out, sounding just unconvinced.

"Look, Ashton's having a difficult time. He's just-he left his old life behind and I don't know why he did but I suspect it's for a good reason," Sophie explains and Ashton just shakes his head, stunned, "He's in a bit of a rough patch. He's got no home, no other clothes, and no body in his corner. I just-he just needs a place to stay and you've been trying to sell this place for three months now. I can take on another rent, you know I can."

"Sophie, no," Ashton mumbles and steps backwards, ready to bolt and transport back to the clouds.

But Sophie catches his hand, "Ashton, honestly, it's nothing. You need some place to stay, and Andy needs to sell this apartment. This solves everyone's problems."

"But-" Ashton starts but Sophie's finger to his lips stops him.

"You will take the apartment and I'm paying for it-end of story," Sophie insists. Ashton bites his lip and lowers his head in surrender, "Good, so. Andy, do you have that contract?"

Ashton sneaks a glance over to Andy who is waving his hand in the air, "I'll send you the paperwork on Monday. I gotta date I need to get ready for," Andy turns to Ashton with a tight smile on his lips, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ashton."

"Likewise," Ashton says sweetly, but Andy just walks towards to elevator and doesn't say anything in return. Ashton frowns deeply and thinks that was rather harsh. Sophie looks a bit confused as well but she puts on a large smile once she notices Ashton staring at him.

"Would you like a tour?" she suggests and Ashton reluctantly agrees.

Sophie shows him around the "apartment" (Ashton needs to find out just what exactly an apartment is). Overall, Ashton likes the abode. Sophie shows him something called the kitchen and the living area. That really baffles Ashton-a living area? That seems like a strange title for a room. Just what does one even do in a "living" room? Ashton is perplexed indeed.

Sophie leads him to a bedroom and Ashton's saddened that he doesn't see a cloud-bed in the room like he has in his dome. There's a room called a bathroom and Ashton is scared of the things he finds there. Sophie takes Ashton to a nearly empty room and Sophie tells him it'd be great for an office, whatever that is.

"Well," Sophie says when they're back in the "living" room. She looks at Ashton kindly, "Think you can live here?"

Nodding, Ashton stutters, "I, uh. Yeah, it's great. I just-I can't believe this is happening."

Sophie grins happily, "Good. I just-" she pauses, her gaze soft, "I know we just me and like-this is a lot to process but. I couldn't just let you live off the streets, Ashton. I can afford it, I promise you I can. I'm very blessed and you need help and I can give that to you," Sophie just smiles kindly at Ashton, "so please, just take it."

Ashton furrows his brow. From his understanding, Ashton thought that humans were not so nice to each other. So Ashton doesn't really understand why Sophie would give him an Earthly home to live when they hardly know each other. But Sophie seems pretty sure in her actions and despite his many attempts to make her not do this, Sophie won't back down on this, Ashton knows she won't. So Ashton swallows thickly and nods his head.

"O-Okay," Ashton mutters weakly. But it cheers Sophie's spirits up. She grins happily and Ashton quickly adds, "But I won't let you do this forever. That's too kind and I won't let you do that."

Sophie nods agreeing, "Sounds fair-just until you get back on your feet," And Ashton has no idea what that means but he just nods along.

"Thanks Sophie."

"Oh no," Sophie shakes her head, making Ashton frown, "don't thank me yet. On Monday morning I expect you to come to my office. We'll go out and get you some new clothes."

Ashton's eyes bug out, "Wha-?"

"Now before you gripe and insist that it's too much," Sophie cuts him off, "I want to get you new clothes so that you can start looking for jobs. You have to look presentable or they'll look the other way."

Ashton frowns, "That's a strange thing to say."

"My dad used to say it all the time," Sophie's smile drops a little bit and Ashton feels conflicted. He decides not to question her so Sophie goes on, "So I just want to get a few things to make you look good for job interviews. I mean you're quite the looker now, but with the right clothes will make them hire you on the spot." Sophie winks at Ashton, causing him to blush.

"That really is too much," Ashton insists but Sophie's not having it. She reaches in her pocket and hands Ashton a something. Ashton takes it, and frowns down at it. It's has Sophie's name on it, next to the word CEO and Ashton has no idea how to pronounce that. There are series if numbers on the card and Ashton has no idea what they stand for.

"My office address is on there, along with my personal cell," Ashton nods, recalling that Mother had mention that those weird looking rectangles were called cell phones. Sophie grins, "It's practically right down the street, ya can't miss it. Come in on Monday at ten, I'll let my assistant know you'll be stopping by."

Sophie goes to leave the apartment when Ashton stops her, "How do you know I'll show up?" Sophie pauses before cracking a wide grin.

"Because I'd be deeply upset if you don't," Ashton's mouth goes slack because he didn't pen Sophie to use guilt over him. Sophie's lips curls to the side as she waves to Ashton, "See you Monday. Enjoy the apartment Ashton."

When Sophie's gone, Ashton sits in the middle of the room as he tries to decipher the card Sophie gave to him and what those numbers and letters could mean.

When Ashton transports back to home, he doesn't expect Michael waiting for him.

Michael is…well he's a bit of a mystery to Ashton. Michael' two seasonal years older then him, so he has the most experience of all of Ashton and his brothers. He's much friendlier and more outgoing then Calum is. Michael's nice to Ashton but often times Michael tends to keep to himself. Ashton has spied on Michael when Michael was in his dome and found Michael making icicles and making the snow dancing with his silent commands and hand gestures. He and Calum will have long conversations sometimes and Ashton wouldn't say he's envious of this. Him and Luke share a bond unlike any other and Mother says it has to do with the fact that their seasons are similar. Perhaps, Ashton thinks, that's why Calum and Michael are so close.

Ashton's and Michael' seasons are complete opposites and Ashton's always felt like that caused some sort of disconnection between the two of them.

But Michael was waiting for Ashton's return.

"Michael," Ashton breathes out.

Michael curtly nods at him, "Hello Ashton. How's Earth?" Ashton shrugs.

"Fine," Ashton's thoughts slip to Sophie and his lips curl in dreamy smile, "More then fine, really. Everything's sorta…wonderful."

Michael studies him, his piercing blue eyes locked on his youngest brother, "Right. Well, Mother mentioned that one your first day you went to Sheffield. I happened to check your position on the mapping cloud today and I noticed you were in the same city again."

Ashton's mood drops and he swallows thickly, "Ah, yes. I, um, I went back there again," Michael scowls and Ashton's quick with a response, "The summertime there is just so lovely, Michael! The flowers are so colorful and cheery! The sky is so clear there, not a single cloud! And the sun is so bright and hot-very, very hot!"

Ashton grins victoriously when Michael shivers at Ashton's words. The Wintery brother nods tensely and puts on a false smile, "That's uh-that's great Ashton. I, um-I gotta go back to me dome now. See ya."

Ashton snickers as he watches his brother all but run towards his dome to retreat to his season. He turns around and finds another brother, Calum. Ashton huffs at him; out of all his brothers, Ashton dislikes Calum the most. He's so reserved and closed off. Plus, Fall comes after Summer so naturally, there's a rift between the two of them. Calum glares at Ashton, his dark eyes frowning at him.

"Hi Calum," Ashton tries because he always tries with Calum.

Calum sharply replies, "Hello Ashton. Are you enjoying your summer?" Ashton beams at the question and is surprised that Calum would care.

"Oh yes! It's so warm and sunny! I love what I've created," Calum smirks cunningly.

"Well enjoy it while it lasts, dear brother," he says flatly, "before you'll know it, it'll be my season." Calum whistles happily as he walks off, leaving Ashton stunned and mortified.

Ashton huffs and a minute later makes his way to his own dome. He's created to warmth and the sun in his dorm greets him with its brightness. Ashton sighs as he walks over to the giant tree in the center of his dorm and sits under the tree. He thinks about the day's events and wonders just what the summer will have in store for him.

Ashton thinks that if Sophie's there, it just might be the best summer Ashton could ever dream of creating.

June 25th

"Oh, you must be Ashton!" a woman greats Ashton as soon as he walks into the door.

Ashton's taken aback-at the woman's zealous greeting and at the room he enters in. Everything is so…white and clean. If Ashton hadn't just left his dwelling to come here, he would be questioning if he really was back in the clouds. He looks over at the woman, who's standing behind a high table. She's pretty, Ashton thinks.

"I, um-yeah. I'm Ashton," he confirms weakly and the woman lights up.

"Perfect!" she sighs and walks out from behind the table. She stops short in front of Ashton, "I'm Hannah, Miss Pashley's assistant." She extends her arm and Ashton knows what to do with it. He shakes it unsurely and looks around curiously.

"Hi Hannah. Um, where is Sophie?" he asks, hoping he doesn't sound like he's been desperately wanting to Sophie.

Hannah smiles sweetly, "Miss Pashley, unfortunately, had a last minute meeting she couldn't get out of. So she won't be able to join us today."

Ashton frowns, "Oh." Hannah giggles.

"Don't worry, Ashton," she says, "Miss Pashley wanted me to go with you. She says I have a great sense of fashion. Plus, we have her credit card so we can go crazy with the clothes!"

Ashton laughs for her sake. He has no idea most of what she said, but Hannah seems genuinely nice so that eases Ashton's mind a bite, "O-Okay."

"Alright," Hannah sighs as she links elbows with him. Ashton follows her lead, "So I'm thinking you need color in your wardrobe. You can handle bright colors, Ashton."

Ashton grins happily, "I love bright colors!" Hannah laughs and grins fondly at him.

"Oh I like you already, Ashton!"

Two hours later, Ashton's modeling a pair of pastel blue shorts and a mint green shirt for Hannah. She frowns at him and shakes her head.

"No," she sighs, "You're more hipster college guy, not preppy high school boy."

And well…Ashton has no idea what to say to that.

"Go try the next one on," Hannah tells him sweetly and Ashton wants to groan. It's been hours since he's been outside and he's missing his sun. Still, he walks away from the mirrors and goes towards his dressing room.

Hannah insists they look at shoes next and Ashton learns he likes something called sneakers a lot. So they get a couple of pairs of sneakers along with some other shoes called sandals. Hannah asks if wanted to try on something called heels and Ashton nods, not really knowing what those were. But when he sees them, his eyes bug out because they look really intimidating. He tries them on and they make him a little taller but they hurt like nothing Ashton has ever experienced before so it's a hard no from him. Hannah laughs at him and dugs at his arm; Ashton follows easily.

It's in the middle of the afternoon that Hannah and Ashton return to Sophie's office.

"Miss Pashley should be finishing up with lunch," Hannah tells him as she sits down at her desks and pulls out her lunch. Ashton knows that humans eat and need to eat to survive but he doesn't really know different types of foods. Ashton doesn't need to eat to survive; he just needs his seasonal elements like sunshine and heat. So he declined Hannah's offer to get him something called a salad, "Are you sure you don't want a bite of my lunch?" she asks once more.

Ashton shakes his head, "No, I'm fine. But, can I go see Sophie now?" he asks and Lauren smirks knowingly.

"I'm sure she'd love to see you, hun," Hannah tells him, "It was a pleasure spending the day with you, Ashton." Ashton grins.

"Thanks Hannah. It was great spending the day with you too."

Ashton follows Hannah's instructions to Sophie's office and finds that her door is slightly opened. Ashton pauses by the door before leaning in and takes a peek inside. He finds Sophie at her desk, looking sharp in a tight blue dress. Ashton thinks that Sophie looks quite beautiful in navy blue but he can't dwell on that for long because someone speaks up.

"He's using you, Sophie," a man says and Ashton's stomach drops because it's Andy. Ashton shifts his gaze from Sophie and finds Andy on the opposite end of the room, leaning against a window. He shakes his head at Sophie, "First an upscale apartment and now an entire new wardrobe?! Why the Hell would you do that Sophie?"

"Because he's in need-" Sophie says.

"Because he's a gold digger!" Andy says coldly. And well, Ashton has no idea what that means, but the clear disgust in Andy's voice must mean that's not a good thing. A cloud of shame overcomes Ashton, "And you're letting him take from you because you think he's hot."

Hot? Well of course Ashton's hot, the boy thinks. He is made out of a ray from the sun after all.

Sophie's face turns red, "I…yes Ashton is attractive," Ashton bites his lips to keep himself from squealing, "But I don't even know if he's into me." Andy scoffs bitterly.

"Sophie, when will you wake up and see that it doesn't fucking matter to him. You're just gonna keep writing checks for him and paying for his shit! He's taking advantage of you! He's probably on con looking to get your money and one day you're gonna wake up and find he's gone and your bank accounts drained! Ashton's gonna hurt you!"

Ashton can't help the gasp that escapes his lips. Ashton could never dream of hurting Sophie. Sophie's been so nice to him and wonderful and-how could he hurt Sophie? How could anyone think he could hurt Sophie?

Both people in the office stop and look over in Ashton's direction. Sophie's face falls as she rises to her feet, "Ashton!" she calls out to him, but Ashton is already taking off.

He runs down the hall and past Hannah's desk who calls out for him too but like Sophie, Ashton ignores her. He runs down the stairs until he's on the ground floor of the building. He runs out the front door and as soon as he's outside, it starts to sprinkle light raindrops around Ashton. It wasn't in the plans Ashton made-today was supposed to be partly cloudy but no rain, high of seventy-five.

But being Mother Earth's son, the weather is linked to Ashton and his brothers' moods, whether in his dome or on Earth. If Ashton's happy, then the weather and the nature around him are happy. But if Ashton is sad, his feelings can affect the weather negatively.

Ashton's upset and hurt and sad, so it spontaneously rains all around him once he's outside. Ashton finds a path of grass under a tree next to the building and sits under it.

He holds back his emotions as best as he can because Ashton knows he's an ugly crier. But he just can't help it. Ashton thinks, as his tears mix with the raindrops, that maybe he should just never come back to Sheffield. Maybe it would be best for Sophie's sake if he just disappeared and never returned. Maybe-

"Ashton?"

Ashton looks up at Sophie and lets out a shaky breath. Sophie's face is hard as rocks as she sits down beside Ashton on the wet grass. Ashton refuses to look at her again because he'll cry for sure. Sophie's probably convinced that Ashton is all kinds of awful and will probably never want to see him again.

So he's surprised when Sophie's hand ends up on his hand. It startles Ashton, but he eases into Sophie's touch a second later and leans over to plant his head on Sophie's shoulder. Maybe it's a bite too much, since they barely know each other but Ashton's always loved a good cuddle when he's upset. Plus Sophie doesn't seem to mind because she wraps his arm around him and it keeps Ashton to her side. So Sophie's not mad with him? She wants Ashton close to her? Ashton is just confused and upset and he hates feeling this way.

"I'm so sorry, Ashton," Sophie tells him softly a minute later. Ashton sighs weakly.

"It's okay-"

"No it's not!" Sophie insists, "Andy-he's not. Normally, he's never like that. But like, he's been my best friend for ages and. He's just…really protective of me I guess."

Ashton breaks away and looks up at Sophie as he sniffles, "I-I get that."

"It's no excuse for his behavior though," Sophie says surely and she shakes her head, "Oh Ashton, I'm so sorry. I know you're a good person. I don't know you that much but I know you're a good guy. Andy's just looking out for me but he crossed a line." Ashton's eyes bug out.

"L-Sophie. It's not that big of a deal. It's a reason for you to end your friendship with him."

ophie snickers, "Andy's done a lot of shit to me in the past," Ashton frowns because he's never heard of that word before. What exactly is a shit? He'll have to learn that too. Sophie's sigh draws Ashton back, "And I've been mad at him but I've always taken him back. That's what best friends do. So I'm mad at him now, but I'll probably talk to him soon and tell him not to be rude to you."

"Sophie," Ashton sighs, "He does have a point."

"No he doesn't," Sophie insists. Sophie tilts his head up with his fingers under his chin. Sophie's eyes are just so kind and trusting and Ashton fears he just might melt into them, "Like I said, I can help you out so I will. I think you're great and I'm more then willing to help you out."

The rain lets up a little bit because of that.

Ashton coughs tightly, "O-Okay," he says and Sophie looks relieved, "But!" He starts, "You have to agree with me on something."

"What's that?" Sophie asks, frowning. Ashton bites lip.

"I'll only let you help me for the summer," Ashton tells her his throat growing tight, "Once summer's over, you can't help me out anymore."

Sophie tilts her head, "What if you don't find a place or a job before the end of the summer?" Ashton advert his eyes.

"It won't matter."

Sophie's quiet before agreeing, "Alright," Sophie offers Ashton's hand and Ashton smirks, "We'll be business partners just for the summer then, yeah?"

Ashton has no idea what he's talking about, but he agrees to the plan with a hand shake-one of the few human things he knows how to do, "Okay."

Sophie's smile burns brighter then anything the sun could dish out in the heat of summer.

All around them, any trace of rain vanishes within seconds. The sun blazes across the sky and small dandelions pop up from the grass around them. Needless to say, Ashton loves being complimented on, especially by pretty girls. And by girls, he means Sophie, and only Sophie.

Sophie looks around at the scene with amazement, "Wait…" She breathes out, "Were these dandelions always here?" Ashton's stomach drops. Sophie's very observant evidently.

"I think so, yeah."

"Anyway," She looks down at Ashton's hands and coughs tightly, "I, um. I was hoping that I could, like. I mean. I just…I would really like to have you over for dinner."

Ashton blinks, "Oh." Dinner: a human meal that happens at the end of the day. Ashton knows what that is but he doesn't know why Sophie's gone so shy over it.

"Yeah," Sophie sighs, "I mean, if you don't want to. T-That's cool. I just-"

"Yes," Ashton breathes out. Sophie's smile grows larger.

"Really?" Ashton nods shyly, "Okay, um. I'm pretty busy this week-I just met with a new client today. But. How about Saturday? I'm free all day-you can come any time you want. Come at three in the morning, I don't care!"

Ashton giggles, "I won't come that early. But…how about early afternoon?" Sophie nods quickly.

"Yes, yes. That sounds fantastic!" Sophie says, "I need to go back inside. Will I see you the rest of the week?" Ashton's face falls.

"Oh, um. I dunno," he says, "I, um. I should really look for jobs." He plays up the façade Sophie has going for him.

Sophie nods, "Right. Okay then. I'll see you Saturday then?" Ashton bites his smile as he nods and Sophie has a dopy smile on her lips, "Alright. It's a date then. I'll see you on Saturday-and good luck with everything."

Ashton watches Sophie go back into the building. Once she's out of sight Ashton sighs and strolls happily about the streets of Sheffield to take in the heat, his spirits incredibly high.

It's only right before he transports home that Ashton realizes he has no idea what a date is exactly.

Ashton's skipping and kicking small wisps of clouds around when Michael approaches him. Ashton stops frolicking about and nervously eyes his older brother.

"I know you went back there," Michael tells him in a harsh whisper, his eyes piercing blue and angry. Ashton swallows thickly and shrugs.

"I dunno what you're talking about," Ashton insists weakly. He goes to leave, but Michael plants his staff in front of Ashton's feet and Ashton holds his breath. Michael's staff has beckoned blizzards in the winter. Michael's silvery staff with a sapphire sphere at the end of it makes the snowflakes pound the Earth violently under Michael' control.

Ashton fears the staff more then he can admit.

"Why do you keep going back there?" Michael asks and there's something in his tone that tells Ashton that he must answer it. He swallows thickly and looks over to his brother.

"D-Does Mother know?"

"The Winter brother shakes his head, "Mother's been busy in the Pacific. She's helping a school of fish migrate." Ashton nods quickly and closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath.

"I-I've met a human," Ashton tells him. Michael recoils a little bit and stares at his youngest brother in horror.

"YOU WHAT?!" He billows, his breath leaving a slightly cool mark on his cheek. Ashton stumbles backwards, his eyes widened in shock like a baby doe.

"H-Her name is Sophie," Ashton says dumbly.

"I don't care what this human's name is!" Michael grunts out, "I need to know why you thought it was a good idea to keep seeing this girl?"

Ashton huffs, "Because she's nice, Michael!" He crosses his arms into his chest and pouts, "You don't know her like I do!" Michael shakes his head at Ashton, his eyes in shock.

"It's only been summer for a week!" he points out, "How can you even know this Sarah girl-"

"Sophie," Ashton corrects aggregately.

Michael sighs and looks at his youngest brother with kinder eyes, "Ashton, please. Don't-you can't get close to any humans. It's not a good idea." Ashton studies him.

"How do you know?" Michael pauses before answering slowly.

"Ashton, people on Earth, they're. They-people hurt each other, all the time. People are mean and they steal and they destroy things they touch." Ashton shakes his head.

"N-No," he says as firmly as he can, "Sophie's not like that. She's, she's kind and caring and generous."

"Generous?" Michael asks sternly.

Ashton shrugs timidly, "She…might have thought I was homeless? And…Sophie is kinda paying for a place for me to stay…and she bought a lot of human clothes for me too." Michael looks at him dumbly.

"Ashton," he groans through gritted teeth, "You let her do that?"

"I couldn't stop her!" Ashton says, and he shakes his head, "And like, she was so persistent. And that proves that she does care for me!"

Michael shakes his head, "Ashton, that doesn't prove anything!" Ashton glares at him. He strongly dislikes Michael right now.

"Well," he huffs, "Sophie asked me on a date Saturday, so she must care for me!"

Michael' face falls, the hard exterior falls away into stunned amazement, "You're going on a date with this human?"

And Ashton has no clue what a date is, but somehow Michael does?

"Yes I am," Ashton challenges him. Michael stares at him, face hardening up again.

"You can't go, Ashton-"

"I'm going!"

"You'll get hurt," Michael tells Ashton softly. Ashton backs off and looks at his brother closely because there's something so sure in his voice. Michael just knows Ashton will be hurt but Ashton doesn't understand how he can be so sure of this.

"What-"

"Ashton!" Luke suddenly appears from nowhere and tackles Ashton with a hug, "I haven't seen you all day! How are you, dear brother?" Michael leaves a pointed look on Ashton before turning around and storming off to his dome. Luke shutters at the sound of Michael slamming the door to his dome shut and asks, "What in the clouds is his issue today? He's been in a mood."

Ashton shakes his head, "I dunno."

They head off to Luke's dome, which happens to be next to Michael's. Ashton looks to his oldest brother's dome and notices that the entire door is a block of ice. Inside Michael' dome, Ashton sees his brother waving his staff around, commanding fat and fast flakes of snow to spin around him until Michael disappears in the snow.

Ashton's not sure what to think about all this, but Luke's pulling him into his dome before Ashton even has a chance to process all this.

June 30th

When Saturday comes, Ashton's a giddy mess of excitement and nerves.

He transports to Earth and arrives inside his apartment. It's weird, Ashton thinks, that he has a home in the clouds and a home on Earth. Being in the apartment a second time, Ashton still calls his dwelling in the clouds his true home. But this is nice too, Ashton's just not familiar with everything around him.

Ashton trots over the bags of clothes Hannah had someone send up to his apartment on Monday after their shopping trip. He didn't understand at the time but now as he stands surrounded by bags and bags of human clothes, he gets it.

Ashton riffles through the bags of clothes until he finds a plain white top and something called jeans with holes in them that Hannah said looked 'cool'. He wasn't too fond of the wording, and he didn't really understand why he would want ruined clothing, but she persisted. Ashton is giddy as he puts on his new human clothes and looks around every reflective surface he can just to see his reflection.

Ashton's playing with his hair in the mirror when some noise breaks through quiet apartment. Ashton freezes and looks around. He frowns as he follows the noise and comes up to the source of the ruckus. This item looks square-ish and is making this short, repeated ringing noise. Ashton's not sure what to think, but eventually the ringing stops.

Ashton jolts when a monotone voice speaks up.

"Please leave a message after the beep."

Ashton's body jumps back at the voice. He doesn't like that square-ish looking thing at all.

But then he hears Sophie's voice coming from it.

"Ashton? It's um, it's me Sophie," she says, Sophie's voice filling the apartment effortlessly. Ashton melts under her voice. It doesn't sound exactly like Sophie, the square thing makes her voice sound a little strange, but Ashton loves hearing Sophie speak, "Listen, I, um. God, I hope you're home. I realized I never gave you my address? Which was totally dumb and stupid of me. So I um, ah, just sorta…walked to your place? So, um. I'm here, now. Like, outside, so. If you're ready, cool. If not, I'll be here. I just," she breathes, "I wanted to see you is all."

Something inside Ashton flips around. A slow, billowing smile takes over his face.

Sophie's waiting for him outside.

Ashton all but runs out of the apartment and finds a staircase. He makes quick, small steps down the stairs until he's at ground level. There, he can see Sophie waiting outside for him nervously. Ashton's been all over the world this past week, checking up on how other parts of the world are experiencing his summer. But all the other cities pale in comparison to being here.

When Ashton walks out, he's greeted to a sheepish smile from Sophie that somehow radiates more then Ashton's beloved sun.

"Hi," Ashton says shyly. Instead of replying, Sophie walks up to him and wraps her arms around his waist, placing her head on his chest in a hug.

Ashton's been hugged before. His Mother gives amazing hugs and Luke puts everything he has into his hugs. But this, hugging Sophie is on a different level. Ashton can feel Sophie's arms imprinted in his body. He can smell Sophie and that scent is different from any flower. Its like Ashton's smelling all the flowers at once; Sophie's scent is light and sweet and Ashton loves it.

"Hey Ashton," Sophie whispers into his chest. Sophie draws back and fondly looks at Ashton, "I've missed you."

Ashton sure his skin turns into a lovely shade of rose-pink.

"Really?" Ashton asks, just to be sure. Sophie chuckles and grins, her teeth nibbling on her bottom lip and for some reason, Ashton finds even that adorable.

"Of course I did, sunshine," Sophie tells him. Ashton's heart stops at that and he's pretty sure his blush deepens, "Come on, we can walk for a little bit before it starts to rain."

Ah yes, Ashton did check on the weather for today that he scheduled well in advanced. He has to fit in rain into his forecast, unfortunately, and Ashton can't change the planned weather once he's planned it out. His mood can affect the weather a little bit, but it won't change it completely. If it could Ashton's happy mood when he's with Sophie would make the clouds go away. But at least rain helps the plants thrive.

Sadly, the clouds come faster then Ashton can will them away. Summer fronts are so strong and powerful, Ashton knows this since he's the one who creates them. So Sophie leads Ashton through the pounding rain that springs out of nowhere. She holds Ashton's hand and swiftly runs down the streets; Ashton giggles as Sophie takes him to wherever, he trusts Sophie completely. People look at them strangely and Ashton has no idea why. Why is it so odd to enjoy a little summer rain?

Sophie takes Ashton to a building, much like where Ashton's apartment is. Only this building doesn't look so scary and metallic. This building is made of white brick and there's a certain allure to this building that makes Ashton feel as ease. There are even vines growing from the windows and there's a large magnolia tree swaying in the breeze with white magnolia flowers on it.

Ashton quite likes this building.

"C'mon on in," Sophie tells him and it takes Ashton by surprise. Sophie has opened the door the building and is standing inside of it with her hand extended towards him. Ashton takes it willingly and walks inside.

It looks like…well, it also looks like Ashton's apartment inside. There are similar features in this place that Ashton's apartment has. But there's the same brick wall on the outside of the building inside as well on one wall. And there are lots of drawings hanging on the walls. And it smells like lavender and Ashton just loves that smell. Everything about this place screams Sophie.

"You live here?" Ashton concludes but he comes out as a question. He's too wrapped up in the drawings on the wall. It's all drawings of humans and Sophie's in all of them.

"Of course I do," Sophie muses, "What gave it away? Me turning the key to the front door or these pictures of me with my family?"

So these drawings are called pictures, hm? Ashton must remember that.

"A little bit of both I guess," Ashton plays along, his consideration going back to the pictures, "You have a beautiful family." Sophie places something around his shoulders-its fluffly and white, and it covers his chest and back.

Sophie smiles, seemingly sheepish at the compliment, "They're pretty great," she points to one of the women in the pictures, "That's my mom. She still lives in Rotherham," Rotherham? Ashton doesn't know what that is. He doesn't question it for long because Sophie points to another woman, this one looking more like Sophie, "This is my sister, Megan. She lives in London with her wife, Ginny. And this," Sophie points to a different woman, "This is Emma, my other sister. She lives the closest to me, in Leeds with her husband, Mark. They just got married last spring."

Married? Again, Ashton feels lost. But Sophie's voice sounds happy as she tells Ashton this, so it must be a good thing then. Ashton nods and smiles at the pictures.

"You have a lovely family," Ashton sighs.

"Most of my family is," she says lowly. Ashton wants to know what she means by that, but Sophie quickly changes the subject, "Do you have any sisters, Ashton?"

Ashton knows he shouldn't tell Sophie the truth. But there's just something about the girl that makes all rationale leave Ashton's mind.

"I have three brothers," he blurts out softly.

"Wow," Sophie breathes out. "What are they like?"

Ashton coughs tightly, "Well, um. There's Calum, which I never got along with all that much."

"Seriously? How can anyone not adore you," Ashton blushes and turns around.

"I dunno," Ashton sighs, "I don't like to think about Calum, much." It's because Calum embodies everything about autumn and autumn comes after summer. Autumn means that summer is over and Ashton doesn't like to think about that.

"Okay," Sophie says, "Tell me about your other brothers."

"Well, Michael's the oldest. He's like, very protective of me because I'm the youngest and like-that's just silly."

"Silly?"

"Yes silly," Ashton huffs and Sophie laughs.

"My sisters are younger then me and I had to fight all of their battles for them."

"Still," Ashton sighs, "I don't need him-I can take care myself."

"Of course you can, sunshine," Sophie tells him with the sweetest smile on her face, "Okay, so tell me about your last brother."

Ashton can't help the smile, "He's name is Luke. He's so funny and sweet. He's my best friend."

"I thought I was your best friend," Sophie pouts and Ashton giggles.

"You're a different kind of best friend," he tells Sophie somewhat seriously, "You're my best friend in a different way, more then just a friend." Sophie smirks dreamily at that.

"Okay," Sophie breathes out and then coughs tightly as she backs off a little, "Do you want another towel? That one looks soaked."

So the thing around Ashton is called a towel. Dooley noted.

"That would be great, thanks," Ashton says as he shrugs off the towel. Sophie's eyes look down to Ashton chest and she seems flustered. Ashton, being curious, looks down at Sophie's chest. Her shirt is soaked, just like Ashton's and Ashton can see the cruves of Sophie's human body through the shirt. It makes his gulp thickly. His heart flutters in his chest but he's not sure why.

Sophie returns with a dry towel and they move over to Sophie's couch (yet another new word Ashton learns). They sit at opposite ends of the couch with their legs tangled together between them and talk for some time. Sophie goes on for a bit about her family and how much she wishes she can see them more often. She talks about how she's taking time off from work over the summer and has so much planned for the summer. Of course, Sophie invites Ashton to do these too, and even though Ashton doesn't know what Sophie is talking about half the time, Ashton's more then willing to tag along.

But, there's something in the room that Ashton's been eying for a while and he must know what it is.

"What's that?" Sophie looks over and grins.

"That's my record player," she beams with pride, "It's vintage. I found it as a market and bought it fairly cheap. The guy selling it told me that it was a piece of junk, but I was able to find someone who restored it. It sounds wonderful."

So this thing makes sounds? Just like the square-ish thing in Ashton's apartment makes sounds too? Ashton isn't sure if he'll like this record player.

"Do you want me to play something for you?" Sophie suggests and Ashton nods timidly. Sophie leaves the couch with a smirk and a quick pip in her step. She scans her hand over some things that Ashton doesn't know at all but Sophie seems excited as she pulls something out. Sophie beams as she shows it to Ashton proudly.

"This is an original Ray Charles record from 1960," Sophie tells him happily, "It belonged to my granddad, and he kept in mint condition."

Ashton flashes her a wide grin, even though he's not quite sure what she's talking about. He's still excited for Sophie. Sophie walks over to the record player and within a few minutes there are sounds coming out of it. Sophie steps back and turns to Ashton as beautiful sounds fill the room. The rain has picked up outside, but it's overshadowed a man's voice coming from the strange machine.

"Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through. Just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind."

Sophie extends her arm to Ashton with a bashful grin on her lips, "Can I have this dance, Ashton?"

"I dunno how to dance," Ashton tells her honestly. He hasn't a single idea what that is. Sophie laughs at him and takes his hand. She pulls him up on his feet.

"Just hold me close and follow my lead, okay?" Sophie tells him in a hushed voice. Ashton nods weakly.

So dancing is holding someone close and moving slowly? Ashton can do that.

Sophie hums to the noise coming out of the record player. Her hands are strong and stable on Ashton's body, one sprawled out over Ashton's right shoulder and the other one holding onto Ashton's hand. His heart thumped in his chest as Sophie's head laid on Ashton's chest, making Ashton's skin prickle in delight.

"Other arms are reached out to me," Sophie says melodically with the record and Ashton shivers, "Other eyes smile tenderly. Still, in peaceful dreams I see the road leads back to you."

The hand on Ashton's shoulder tightens and Ashton gasps slightly. He closes his eyes and lets himself be swept away by the noise coming out of the record player and Sophie's arms.

When the song ends, Ashton begs Sophie, "Again, please?" Sophie scoffs fondly.

"I love this song too," Sophie tells him and breaks away to the record player.

They dance and laugh and talk and listen to records until the rain stops and the sky begins to darken. Ashton feels slightly tired and drained and needs to leave. He knows he must but Sophie's hands are making grabbing movements and she whines in protest to Ashton.

"Don't go," she pleads like a child and pouts, "We haven't even eaten dinner yet."

Ashton laughs at him and fondly smiles, "I have to go," he insists softly.

He really wishes he didn't have to though. But Ashton is feeling exhausted and he knows it's because he's been on Earth for too long now. He needs to be in his clouds, back in his dome but that means leaving Sophie behind. And Ashton hates that idea.

"If you must," Sophie caves with a sigh. She then tenderly looks up to Ashton and curls her fingers lightly around Ashton's. She sways their hands between them, "Did you have fun today?"

"Yes," Ashton tells him swiftly and sure.

Sophie nods and looks relieved, "Good, great. Um, the Fourth of July is coming up and they have a great fireworks show in the park. They also set up carnival games and like," she smiles and shyly looks over to Ashton, "I was hoping you'd like to come with me."

And here's when Ashton realizes just how dangerous Sophie might be. Maybe Michael was right, maybe interacting with humans is a bad idea. He realizes this, because he knows that he can't say no to Sophie. He just can't. Sophie's too nice and her smile is too captivating and her hand somehow burns into Ashton's skin, even though he's made of a part of the sun and he never gets too hot. He always feels pleasantly warmer with Sophie. He always wants to be with Sophie and maybe that's dangerous for Ashton.

"I'd love to come," Ashton tells him. Sophie grins happily.

"Perfect! It starts at like, 7-ish? It's not far at all, so I'll pick you up at 6:30?" Sophie says excitedly.

Ashton finds himself grinning, "Okay."

"Okay then," Sophie pauses and stares at him before leaning up and briskly placing her lips on Ashton's cheek. Ashton feels everything slow down around them. Sophie's lips sears Ashton's skin and it feels like his insides are jumping like crazy. But it's a…good feeling, Ashton determines. He's not sure what this feeling is but he likes it a lot. Ashton's not sure what he should do or what this all means but he knows he likes having Sophie's lips on his skin.

Sophie pulls back and she looks flustered and unsure, "I'll um, see you on the fourth, right?"

"Yeah," Ashton breathes out and adds on weakly, "T-Thanks, um. For today."

That makes Sophie smile and that smile is the last thing Ashton sees before he leaves.

Ashton walks through puddles in the street as he wraps his mind around everything.

What are fireworks? They sound scary…and games? What exactly are games?

But what confuses Ashton the most is why Sophie felt the need to put her lips on Ashton's cheek. Yes it was lovely but why did she do that? Ashton sighs with frustration and finds the nearest, empty space and transports back home.

"Ashton," Michael greets him when Ashton's barely landed back on the clouds. Ashton sighs at the sight of his wintery brother.

"Michael, please. Don't scold me," Ashton pleas weakly and moves towards his dome. Michael grabs onto the collar of Ashton's robe and stops him.

"Ashton you can't keep doing this," Michael tells him again, sounding more manic then angry. Ashton can't pinpoint why Michael even cares so much.

Ashton just sighs and asks something that he needs to know, "What's a song?" This perplexes Michael.

"A song?"

Ashton nods, "Sophie um. She played something on this thing called a record player? She called this thing, this noise, her favorite song and I dunno what a song is," Ashton tells him and he weakly adds, "I just want to know what a song is." Michael doesn't say another and maybe Ashton shouldn't have asked. It's clear Michael doesn't like Sophie so why would he try to help Ashton understand her more?

"A song is like a story," Michael tells him eventually. Ashton looks up at him, his eyes begging for him to go on, "It's like a story, but there's music to it and-like the words are not spoken. They're sung, which is also known as singing. Singing is like speaking but you move your voice up and down with the music," he frowns to himself, "Does that make sense?"

"Not really," Ashton sighs in frustration. He looks up to his brother with a weak smile, "Thanks for trying to teach me, though."

Michael looks at him firmly, "I know you're going to keep seeing this Sophie girl and no matter what I tell you, you're going to go to Sophie. But please Ashton, believe me when I say you'll get hurt. Maybe not by Sophie, but by what Sophie is and by what you are and whatever relationship this is, it won't last."

I'm Summer, Ashton thinks. Sophie is only a human.

But she's the best human ever.

Michael leaves him be and Ashton sluggishly walks to his dome. Immediately opening the door, Ashton's welcomed to hot, blazing warmth under a blanket of the summer stars in his dome. Ashton peels his robe off and lays in his cloud bed.

Ashton drifts to sleep and dreams of Sophie.

"Still in peaceful dreams I see the road leads back to you."

July 4th

It's not clear to Ashton why the Fourth of July is such a big deal.

The city of Sheffield is decked out in red, white and blue. Flags made of those colors, along with stars and stripes hand all over the city. Ashton's seen this flag before in many cities in England, many times in fact. But he's never seen people carry small versions of the flag, or people wearing the flag on t-shirts.

He's not sure why, but the air in the city is excited so Ashton is excited too.

Plus, Sophie's there too, which excites Ashton more then he can say.

"Are you thirsty?" Sophie asks.

Ashton shakes his head and pulls on a sweet smile, "I'm fine, thanks." Sophie nods and looks around.

"Well we can do whatever you like," Sophie says, "They have all sorts of rides and games, as you can see. And food too, in case you get hungry. The fireworks start at 10, so we got plenty of time to explore."

Ashton grins, "Good."

The two move through the crowd slowly. Ashton's eyes are captivated by the lights and the beautiful sunset off in the distance. He smells things that Ashton's never smelled before, something heavy and musky. Ashton's not sure he likes these scents. And then there's all the people bustling around them, talking excitedly and smiling. Ashton smiles at the happy humans. He loves hearing their voices and how different they sound from each other. He notices some song playing loudly far away. It's not as lovely or calming as the song Sophie played for him but Ashton likes it enough.

Sophie's fingers surprise the back of Ashton's hand. They slide down Ashton's hand and Sophie links their fingers together, their hands connected loosely between them. And Ashton wasn't expecting that at all-why would Sophie hold Ashton's hand? It doesn't make sense to Ashton. It's not unpleasant, in fact Ashton kinda likes it.

"Are you okay with this?" Sophie asks, her hand squeezing Ashton's slightly.

Ashton nods quickly and flashes a tiny smile, "Yeah." Sophie beams at Ashton's answer and continues to lead them through the park. They stop in front of a table that says, "FACE PAINT" on it. Ashton frowns at a woman putting colorful lines on a little girl.

Sophie suggests, "You want your face painted?"

"Oh," Ashton breathes out just as the little boy looks at Ashton happily. The boy's face has tiger stripes on it and that makes Ashton excited, "Yeah-yes I would!"

Sophie chuckles, "Okay, sunshine."

And Sophie did it again-he called Ashton sunshine. And it still makes Ashton's stomach drop slightly and his heart ripple in his chest. Why does Sophie call him that name? And why does that name affect him so much?

Ashton sits down in a chair and greets a woman named Alex.

"So Ashton, what do you want painted?" Ashton purses his lips.

"I don't know," he helplessly looks up at Sophie, who smiles down at him.

"You want me to decide?" Ashton nods, "Okay…um," Sophie thinks before grinning to herself. She leans over to Hannah and talks in her ear. The other woman looks over at Ashton and smiles kindly. Sophie sits next to Ashton as Alex picks up a wand looking object. She puts in a vat of thick orange substance that Ashton guesses is paint, whatever that is.

"You ready?" Hannah asks and Ashton nods quickly and closes his eyes. Sophie holds his hand as something wet lands on his cheek.

"You're gonna love it when you see it, sunshine," Ashton smirks at Sophie's words and gets scolded by Hannah for moving his face. He feels guilty for a second but Sophie's laughter makes that go away.

A few minutes later, Alex tells Ashton he's all done. When Ashton opens his eyes, he's greeted to his reflection and smiles at the tiny orange and yellow image on his cheek.

"A sun?" Ashton says fondly as his eyes drift to Sophie. The human beside Ashton shrugs.

"You're such a bright, warm person Ashton," Sophie tells him softly, "you remind me of the sun."

Ashton grins, "I love it."

"I'm glad you do, sunshine."

Sophie takes Ashton to something called a carousel. It looks daunting as Sophie and Ashton climb on and Ashton's not sure what this carousel is or does. There are large, fake animals on poles all over the carousel and it scares Ashton a little bit. He looks over and Sophie has mounted onto a tiger so Ashton sits on the white horse next to Sophie.

"Hold on," Sophie tells Ashton and Ashton mirrors Sophie as her hands grip onto the pole.

They start to move and Ashton gasps. The carousel moves in a circle but also Ashton's horse moves up and down too! Ashton's nervous at first but then he looks and sees all the lights and the colors of the festival buzzing around them and it thrills him. He laughs uncontrollable and lets go of the pole to extend his arms outward. He nearly falls off his fake horse but Sophie's hand catches him.

Sophie has a content expression on his face, along with a tiny, dazed smile as she looks at Ashton. It makes Ashton's squirm happily under Sophie's watch.

After they ride the carousal another two times, it's nearing twilight so Sophie suggests they find a spot to sit and watch the fireworks.

So they won't actually touch the fireworks? Humans just watch fireworks? How can that be entertaining? Still, Ashton follows Sophie, their hands connected between them. Sophie gets some water on their way to find their spot.

Ashton picked out their spot underneath a tall magnolia tree. Ashton was drawn to the tree due to the pale pink magnolia flowers in full bloom on its branches. Ashton loves this spot and loves watching the stars with Sophie beside him.

"So you liked the carousel?" Sophie asks.

"I loved it!" Ashton replies eagerly, "It was so cool! Spinning around like that-I felt like I was flying!"

Sophie chuckles, "I like your spirit Ashton." Ashton blushes.

"Thank you," Ashton looks up at the sky. It's a warm, muggy summer night-just the way Ashton likes them. The sky is mostly clear with a few thin clouds mixed in with the stars. It's perfect, really truly perfect-especially since Sophie's here.

"I like that color on you," Sophie comments, his fingers skimming over Ashton's shorts. They're dark denim blue and textured and Ashton loves them and loves being complimented by Sophie.

"Thanks," Ashton smooth over his shirt. It's white and has a button and a tricky tie in the front that took ages for Ashton to figure out. Human clothes can be hard to figure out at times but Ashton likes how his looks, and thankfully Sophie does too.

Sophie asks, "So are you excited for the fireworks? They should be starting soon."

"Yeah," Ashton tries to sound convincing. Sophie looks a littler nervous which makes Ashton nervous too.

"It's um-we can like, get close and snuggle if you like," Sophie tells him, "it makes watching fireworks a lot more fun."

Snuggle? Is this yet another thing humans do? It sounds…cute and not scary at all. So Ashton nods.

"Okay," he smiles at Sophie, who looks relieved. She scoots in closer to Ashton and wraps Ashton's arm around her shoulders and pulls herself into his side.

Oh. So this was snuggling? Ashton thought. Ashton could get used to snuggling.

Soon enough the sky darkens and people find places in the grass to sit down. Ashton's pretty anxious to see just what these fireworks will do.

Suddenly there's a loud bang that comes out of nowhere. Ashton jerks at the sound, his face frowning as the sky fills up with bright red streaky lights that fall to Earth. Another bang goes off and another and another until Ashton can't see the stars anymore. Green, white, blue and red lights full the evening sky. And yes the lights in the sky look pretty but it's that loud noise that frightens Ashton.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Ashton doesn't like fireworks.

Ashton needs to get away from the fireworks.

Somehow, Ashton breaks from Sophie's hold and darts through the crowd. With each firework going off in the sky, Ashton winces and tries his best to cover his ears but the sound is just too loud. It's too loud and it makes him scared and when he's scared he cries. He bumps into humans but doesn't apologize to them-he just walks on until he's on a street, deserted and alone.

But not for long.

"Ashton?" Sophie calls out for him, not sounding too far away. When Ashton turns around, Sophie's there with this forlorn look on her face, "Ashton," she whispers.

Ashton shakes his head, "I-I, it's too loud. I-I don't-" Ashton heaves for air and Sophie swoops in.

"Shh, it's okay. Just breathe," she encourages with light strokes to Ashton's cheeks, "Just breath in nice and slow." Ashton nods quickly and follows Sophie's instructions. He breathes until he relaxes a bit and his tears dry up.

"I'm sorry," he croaks out.

Sophie shakes his head, "Don't be. We all get spooked sometimes."

But Ashton wants to argue that because it was something that Sophie looked forward to. It was something that for some reason other humans were excited for. Ashton just wants to tell Sophie that he's not sure how he's supposed to react to fireworks because he's never seen the before but he can't.

"From here, the fireworks aren't so bad, right?" Sophie asks, her voice gentle and hopeful. Ashton dares to look from where he came from and flinches as another firework billows in the sky.

But it's not as loud as before. In fact, the banging noise is just a distant thud-one that doesn't scare Ashton. Ashton straightens his stance and his eyes widen. It's not as scary anymore.

"Yeah," Ashton says, a tiny smile reaching his lips. He doesn't take his eyes off of the fireworks as Sophie's hand slips into his, "It's so beautiful."

Sophie chuckles at that and it gets Ashton's attention, "What's so funny?" Ashton demands. Sophie's gaze is soft as she looks up at Ashton.

"Nothing, just," Sophie takes in a breath and smiles widely, "I think you're by far the most cutest thing I've ever seen."

Ashton blinks at him, his head shaking, "Me?" Sophie nods surely, "No. Have you seen flowers? Or kittens? Or butterflies?! Those things are cute." Sophie laughs again and it angers Ashton, "What?"

"I have seen those things Ashton, and they're not the most cute thing," Sophie smiles up at him and places her hand on his chest, "You are, sunshine."

Ashton opens his mouth to protest but suddenly, Sophie's lips are on his.

It makes Ashton's insides bubble up in his chest and tummy. He stands there and doesn't move an inch as Sophie's lips stay against his. It feels nice, yes, but Ashton's unsure why Sophie's doing this. It makes Ashton's mind move faster then he transports from the clouds to Earth trying to understand why this was happening. Sophie's eyes are closed and her one hand is cupping the side of Ashton's neck-but why?

Sophie finally pulls back and has this dopy smile on her face as she takes in breath.

Ashton frowns at him before silently taking off again.

"Ashton?" Sophie calls for him in a panic but Ashton doesn't respond. He takes brisk steps while Sophie yells out for him and his name echoes off of the buildings around him. Ashton doesn't acknowledge it, just keeps moving until he's next to the building where his apartment is.

Ashton quickly gets to the ally and crosses his arms over his chest and thinks of summer-y thoughts.

"Ashton!" Michael' voice is the first thing he hears as his feet hit the familiar cloud, "Where were you? Mother was asking for you and I said that you retired to your dome and," he stops and studies Ashton's face, "Is that-what do you have a sun on your face?"

"Michael," Ashton breathes out, his head hurting from his confusion, "I have to-I need to know. I-Sophie did something."

Michael's face darkens, "What did she do? Did she hurt you?" Ashton shakes his head.

"N-No, I mean, I don't think she did." He says truthfully.

"What did she do then?" Michael asks and Ashton sighs.

"She, um, put her lips on my lips?" Ashton tries to explain, "She did it before-I mean, she had her lips on my cheek before but. She put her lips on my lips tonight and-I feel…like really confused? I don't know if I should be happy or if it's a bad thing."

A beat passes before Michael chuckles as well and Ashton's tired of people laughing at him.

"What?"

Ashton tilts his head at the new word, "A kiss?" Michael nods.

"Humans do that if they really like someone," he smiles, "it's like hugging but like-you can hug anyone. But humans only kiss people that are really important to them."

"Oh…" Ashton exhales as he processes everything, "So…Sophie kissed me? Which means, Sophie likes me? Like a lot?"

"Yep," Michael confirms.

Ashton blinks as a blush takes over his face, "So what do I do now? I took off after she kissed me!"

Michael rolls his eyes, "If you like Sophie kissing you then you kiss her back."

"Oh," Ashton breathes out, "how do I do that-how do I kiss?"

"Ugh, okay like-move your lips against hers?" Ashton's frown deepens and Michael shakes his head, "I dunno. Like you'll know what to do. Just do what feels right."

Ashton smirks playfully, "Sounds like you've been kissed before," he remarks as a joke but Michael's face pales and his stomach drops. Ashton gasps, "Wait-have you been kissed?!"

"Go to her," Michael tells him. It surprises Ashton.

"I thought you said being with a human is a bad idea."

"It is," Michael says surely, "but my words mean nothing to you, Ashton. You're a free spirit and you'll do what you want. I can't stop you."

My words mean nothing to you.

That hurts Ashton. Michael's is his older brother and Michael has Ashton's respect. Ashton has always aspired to be like him.

Michael smirks at him, "Go, but make it quick. You need your rest."

Ashton grins before crossing his arms over his chest and thinking of summer thoughts.

He transports back to his apartment in Sheffield. Ashton goes to the door and-

"Ashton?" Sophie looks at him nervously from the other side of the door. She shakes her head, "Look, I-I should've. I'm sorry. I just assumed-and that was so wrong of me! God, please don't be ma-"

Ashton lunges her him and presses his lips against Sophie's. He's kissing Sophie and he likes it a lot. Sophie's lips are smooth like flower petals with a gentle force like a summer rain. Sophie gasps against Ashton's lips but her hands are planted on Ashton's upper chest, her fingers deeply rooted into his skin to keep him there. Ashton feels alive-he feels very humanlike for the first time ever and he desires more.

"Ashton," Sophie chuckles as she breaks off. Ashton frowns at her. Humans kiss if they like each other and Sophie kissed Ashton before so why did she back away? Sophie cups Ashton's cheek, the one without the sun on it, and softly looks at him, "There's no need to rush. We can take our time and get to know each other better."

"Will there be more kisses?" Ashton asks, wide eyed and curiously innocent.

Sophie scoffs fondly, "Only if you want there to be." Ashton blushes as a smile blooms on his lips.

"Yes, please," he requests shyly, "I, um, like kissing you a lot."

Sophie seems torn between smiling and frowning, "Then why did you run away earlier?" Ashton's chest sinks.

"I just, I wasn't expecting that," Ashton says honestly and Sophie laughs softly.

"I've been dropping hints that I like you since the first time I saw you."

Ashton eyes widen, "Really?" Sophie nods.

"God I thought you knew," Sophie admits and laughs, "I feel like a blabbering idiot whenever I'm around you. You do that to me Ashton."

"I'm sorry," Ashton mumbles softly Sophie chuckles and traces his cheekbone with her thumb.

"Don't be," Sophie says honestly, "I like that feeling, I really do."

Ashton blushes madly, "I, um. I like you too-a lot." That makes Sophie smile.

"I'm happy to hear that," Sophie confesses, her gaze dazed. Ashton feels like he's floating on his cloud bed-light and weightless. Sophie does this to him.

"I, um. I need to-goodnight," Ashton stutters. Sophie smiles.

"I'll see you soon, yeah?"

"Of course," Ashton answers quickly. On a whim he decides to kiss Sophie on the cheek, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sunshine," Sophie singsongs. Ashton laughs as his face burns bright red before going back into his apartment.

Later on when Ashton's back in his dome and tucked into his cloud bed, he can still feel Sophie's lips on his own. He wishes that the feeling will never go away.