What's Different?

A night of dancing, drinking, and either watching people play pool or taking them on wasn't something new for Ashley. Giving someone a ride on the back of her bike wasn't new either. And coming home to the Sanctuary late at night- she did that almost as often as not.

So why does tonight feel so different? Ashley wondered as walked next to Will as they both headed to their rooms.

At the same time, Will was reflecting, It sure is nice to finally get rid of the awkwardness. At least most of it. It's been getting a lot better over the last week or so, but this- walking down the hall, alone together, not talking- we couldn't have even done this last week without it being really awkward and unpleasant. But Ash doesn't look awkward- just sort of pensive. And the way she wrapped my hands around her waist tonight- she would not have been comfortable doing that a few days ago. He sighed, relaxed. Maybe it's the booze. But it still feels more comfortable today than it did yesterday. Shoot, it still feels more comfortable now than it did this morning. It's nice. I want to do this again tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that and maybe every day...

Ashley realized they were at her door. She stopped, and Will stopped, not really seeming to notice their location, but merely stopping because she stopped. Which is so adorable, because I know it's not some kind of stupid ploy or anything. He doesn't even really seem to be concentrating on me at the moment, it's just that chivalrous nature...

Do not feel hurt by the fact that he's not concentrating on you, Ash. That also means he's not concentrating on any leftover weirdness between us.

At least, I don't think he is.

He didn't protest riding on my motorcycle tonight. Or the way I wrapped his hands around my waist. He even did that himself on the way home. Ashley couldn't stop the grin that suddenly came to her face, and unconsciously started to trace her fingertips where Will had laced his fingers on her midriff, the warmth of his hands making her completely un-sorry about failing to zip up her leather jacket.

The sudden smile on Ashley's face brought Will out of his reverie. She's so beautiful when she smiles! "Did you say something, Ash?"

"Uh, no." Why are his lips so interesting all of a sudden?

You know perfectly well why, Ashley's inner voice purred. You like to imagine those lips doing all sorts of things that have nothing to do with talking.

Stop staring at his lips, you idiot!

I could drown in those eyes.

Ashley fumbled behind her for the door handle to her room. Must get out of here! What's wrong with me tonight? I haven't thought about doing that with Will since...

since...

It.

Oh, no! I still want him! And there is no way! No way on earth he'd want a relationship with me. Ashley's compulsion to hide grew even stronger. Her hands finally managed to get the door open, and she had scooted halfway through the door before managing to squeak out, "I had a great time tonight, Will. G'night!"

And then she shut the door in his face.

Leaving a very confused Will standing in the hallway, wondering, Now what in the hell was that? We went from comfortable silence, to staring, to running away in a panic, in like twenty seconds flat.

Will started walking towards his room again. And what was the deal with staring at my face? Have I got something on my face? Will paused and looked at his reflection in the window at the end of the hall. Nope, nothing on my face. So what was her deal? What did I do that spooked her so much?

Back in her room, Ashley was leaning against the door, her heart thumping and her breath coming in great pants like she'd just run a marathon. Running her fingers through her hair, she wondered, Now what am I gonna do? I just got used to being comfortable being his friend again, but now...

... the images came rushing back. Every wonderful dream, every intense look, the way Will had looked without his shirt on...

... only to be spoiled when those thoughts led her back to what had happened in the tunnels. The hand in her hair gripped tightly- so tightly she almost ripped out a hank without meaning to. Oh, God! Now what am I gonna do?