HEY GUYS! IT'S ANN1AMOUR AND WE ARE REALLY MEETING AFTER A LONG LONG WHILE.
AS I HAVE ALREADY INFORMED YOU GUYS THAT MY FIC, 'COMING CLOSER' IS BEEN WRITTEN ON HIATUS, SO I DON'T KNOW WHEN I'D BE ABLE TO UPDATE THIS FIC THE NEXT TIME. THIS DILEMMA WOULD CONTINUE TILL MID AUGUST THIS YEAR, I GUESS WHEN MY FINAL SCHOOL YEAR EXAMS WOULD BE DONE ONCE AND FOR ALL. PHEW!
AND I BELIEVE SO IS THE CASE WITH MY OTHER FIC, 'UNEXPECTED LOVERS', IT REALLY UPSETS ME TO THINK THAT THE FICS I LOVE, WILL NOT PROGRESS ANY TIME SOON, AND IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF COVID.
DON'T WORRY GUYS, I'm NOT INFECTED, AND I PROMISE ONCE I'm BACK, I'D FINISH BOTH OF THEM IN NO TIME. AND IN NO WAY AM I LEAVING FANFICTION. YOU CAN KEEP REVIEWING AND SUPPORTING ME, WHICH I WILL REPLY AS SOON AS I CAN (ALSO AS WAS REQUESTED BY A READER, I HAVE IMPROVED THE TITLE AND SUMMARY OF CC, ;D HOPE YOU LIKE IT MATE!)
ANYWAYS THIS ONE SHOT IS JUST MY WAY OF APOLOGIZING FOR MY WRITING DELAY TO YALL. HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT!
I SPEAK A LOT AND I KNOW THAT, BUT ENJOY!
DISCLAIMER: I HAVE NEVER OWNED THE CHARACTERS INVOLVED IN THIS FIC. I WILL, THE VERY FIRST CHANCE I GET. XD.
LIGHTS
"I don't think she'll say yes, Ash." said an ever unfazed Bonnie, munching on her last piece of banana sandwich. She had a sly smirk on her face this entire time they were sitting in the restaurant.
"Hey, hey, hey, you're here to encourage me, give me some advice and help me go for broke, Bonnie, and what have I actually got from you? 'nope', 'not happening', 'she ain't buying that' and now this. Damn you Bon."
She couldn't hold the sheerness of the laughter anymore, letting it bolt out. Instantly, Ash could feel being stared at by everyone in the hall.
"For gods sake Bonnie…. Shut it….people are staring at us….put a sock in your mouth, geez." Ash whispered, a mere cute victim to one lady roast monster.
"I know…. I know….. pfft! Hahahahahaha!" She is ridiculous. Everyone knows it.
"Yeah alright…I'll be the joker… It's too funny isn't it? That's what I get for asking my bff to help me figure this out."
She was trying so hard to get a straight face. Ash hated her.
"Okay..okay…..ahem." Deep breath. No-nonsense now.
"Face it, Ash. For the past three months you've been straight up stalking her…."
"Which, she seems to like." Ash corrected.
"No, which, she seems to tolerate, because she is kind, unlike me." Bonnie pointed out.
"C'mon, what you talking about? She smiles all the time I tell her jokes, or, or some of my anecdotes. She's clearly amused."
Giving him a deadpan glare, she continued,
"Seriously Ash? I KNOW WHAT YOUR JOKES ARE! 'Y'know about butter? Ho oh I better not tell it, it might spread.' Y'know why I don't laugh at it? Because it's lame. Y'know why she does laugh at it? Because she doesn't wanna upset you."
"There are many who likes lame jokes though."
"She laughs because she KNOWS HOW LAME YOU SOUND, Ash!"
"Alright, alright, I'm a goof, and that's why you're here." He swiped his phone open.
Her silence indicates that she is thinking deep, like meditation.
Then her lips parted.
"See, …. These aimless talk won't get you anywhere. Honestly, I've been there Ash. Try to figure out whether she is just entertaining you, or really wants to know you more. And make it quick…. Um you guys have each other's numbers?"
"Yeah"
"What do you two talk about?"
"Nothing much y'know, just the weather or how her day was, sometimes replying to her status and her saying 'aww sweet', 'your kind' stuffs like that."
"Sooo…. She's politely avoiding you."
"I mean you could say that…but we've known each other for six months right? Also, I'm just a patient, and she is just a receptionist."
"Exactly! You are just another regular stranger Ash!... who just… well, happens to know her a bit more. Anyways, try to be someone different. Don't be mainstream, be more than that. Let her know what kind of person you are."
"Well, she hardly asks about that."
"That's cus she is not interested. Try bringing that subject up, Ash. If you really like her, give it a push further, since it's time." She was dead serious.
Another plate of banana sandwich.
"Why do you like her so much anyway?" she jabbed.
"I dunno."
He never had a clarifying answer himself. He was still figuring it out.
Maybe because she is so sweet? Kind? Extremely beautiful? Her pearl blue eyes looked majestic…
"Well, maybe because I'm too caught up by that smile of hers, and her eyes. Besides, she is so caring and it's really easy to talk to her y'know."
"Pouty Instagram girls have always been a bummer for me." Bonnie got up the table, ready to leave, as her tummy was satiated.
"Of course, you're a fan of banana sandwiches, I'm not surprised."
That was a mistake.
Her sass was triggered.
"Mr. Romantic cheeseball, this thing is love. It has bananas, bacons, maple syrup, all in one. It brings a new inextricable taste bud, fruity, smooth, creamy and crunchy, but not pickle kind of crunchy, sweet kind of crunchy, salty and smoked, with peanut butter, oh it's delicacy heaven! A pure masterclass from Elvin Presley I say." She has never been more proud, emanating that enigma all over.
AN HOUR SINCE Ash REALIZED THAT WITH DIFFERENT (BIZARRE) PEOPLE COMES DIFFERENT (BIZARRE) FOOD HABITS.
Ash was at a loss.
The clock tower displayed '11:27 P.M.' and he still was not sure whether to continue approaching this mesmerizing honey blonde woman, that fate has showered on him, blessings that is, or just move on. Knowing that he would always be a stranger.
Been an hour since Bonnie left for home, and Ash just directionlessly strolled around the magnificent Lumiose city, rewinding how hell of a ride these past few months has been for him. Broke his arm, dislocated joint and a cracked finger (but accidents happen all the time, chin up, Ash!), almost got healed, except this little tendinosis.
Found a woman, who made her feel love in a way never felt before. Learnt that his boss claptraps about his work-from-home adds to his laziness, reached 10k twitter followers (always better than Instagram), fell for her even more so that now he smiles, just watching her smile, like a complete lunatic, and now unaware whether to keep trying to reach out to her universe.
It was summer. And the city looked sublime.
University students, families and loads of couples constituted the flock of by-stranders. Neon LED street lights, flashy commercial billboard boxes and tiny bulbs, illuminated the night.
This is life. He thought.
Ordinary, but extraordinary, radiating an ever incandescent aura as an aesthetic tool that lifts moods and offers vibrancy.
The city of lights. And he could live here forever.
The bell of Notre Dame Cathedral rang. I was 12 midnight. He should go now.
Just a few blocks away is 'Night-angel Hospital', just another stereotypical name to make you feel better when you are holding a token behind 20 other sick dudes, while restraining an acute stomach disorder.
Pushing the glass door open, Ash helped himself in, before turning his eyes all the way to that same table which, the receptionist, he is so madly in love with, occupies.
Their eyes met. A moment blossomed.
She passed him a small smile, before looking back at the table, jotting down once again, eyes fixed at her document papers.
With the swiftness of a cheetah, Ash rushed to sit at the vacant space, facing his love
Maybe that seat was always made for him.
"Hi." He said, albeit wistfully.
"Hey, how're you?" She did not even look at him.
"Uh, I'm good, I'm good." Conversations are the best.
"I'm sorry Mr. Ketchum, but we don't have any orthopedics active at this hour, and Dr. Walter is long gone." She informed, eyes full of amusement, knowing very well, the information was unnecessary.
She knew why he was here.
"Oh, um…. It's fine though, I mean I'm not here for him. Also it's Ash y'know…I told you, you can call me that." He was flushing.
She placed a hand on her mouth, as Ash could hear a suppressed giggle.
"Oh, right. Ash. So what are you here for?"
She was plain, he cursed himself.
"I was… um…y'know.." He had no idea what to say.
But it was brief.
"It's fine, you don't have to say it." She stopped his torture, he was glad.
Awkward silence prevailed.
"Um Serena?"
"Yes?"
"How long will you work here?"
"Well, maybe half an hour more, depends…"
"Oh.." Ash sighed.
He was getting the hang of this omnipresent smell of medicine, all around.
Only a few persons were loitering in the waiting lobby, the digital screen hinting that only one pediatrician was working. It was really late working hours. It was almost time.
"So… can I sit here till you finish..?"
He was not leaving without Serena. It was evident. But he was being petulant, he was rushing it all.
She contemplated his visage, before realizing, not all of her co-workers were fond of them interacting like this. she should get away from all this unexpected attention she was getting.
"Um, or maybe you'd like a walk around here Ash… we can talk when I'm done hm?" she smiled.
Ash smiled as well. Now well aware that she did not want him there.
"Right." He walked away. Perceiving as if a part of his own life was snatched away from him when he did. He wanted to be by her side.
Not necessarily talk. He would just sit and watch her. All the day. Nothing else would be required. That would be his life. Sometimes, she would pass him a gentle smile, maybe? To make his heart flutter. He would live for that. But…
She would always get her away. Just formal conversations, formal smiles. Nothing more. Pulling the front gate open, he found himself outside of the hospital, by the glass door, taking a glimpse of the ever-occupied street network.
Lights, cars, buzz, city night life, exuberating world, he was not a part of.
Light.
That was what she was to him. He did not even know how and when his little affections transpired into something as big as that. She really was his whole light. She is the reason he would nonchalantly stare at his overhead room lights, for hours, while trying desperately to sleep.
But it would, she would always be this distant.
He loves her, and it hurts to think of moving on….
But she is just a kind girl. She has just been kind to him. It was never meant to be anything else. Just because she still cares for him, he has dared to still be here, stalking her, and getting away with it.
Oddly enough, he saw her smile falter a bit through the glass.
Was his heart shattering?
Maybe this was the day she would ask her, with oh so polite a voice, to not be here again. With the sweetest of words.
A tear lurched down.
He was determined to leave.
Yet, he wished to see her one last time, feel to be close enough to her universe, till he can.
Placing his hand on the glass, Ash looked at her…..
She was waving at him, hailing him.
He must go….
No wait. Why was she waving at him?
It struck him like a flash. She was calling him to come back. He couldn't hear her, but her hands gestured, 'come on in!'
Ever sensed the emboldening sensation of renewed life? Well, he did.
He was hearing symphonies. He was startled, that comes without saying, but elation was written all over his face and she could read it.
"The last patient is being checked. I can leave after that." She stared at him, and said it, a little smirk growing in her.
Why did she feel different?
His auburn eyes have a way with her, but she never felt so special staring at it.
As if it was hers.
When did it change?
"Oh." Ash looked like one of the minions.
She beamed at him before packing her belongings and shutting down her computer
"Bye Shauna!" she placed her uniform and picked her handbag, loudly wishing goodbye to one of her co-workers.
"Seeya." She waved back before focusing back on her phone, grin etched on her face, Ash had no clue about.
"Shall we go?" his trance was derailed when the honey blonde was seen wrapping a pink vest and blue leggings, under her uniform. Vivacious red lips etching a perfect smile at him, as if it was always meant for him.
She looked angelic to him at that very moment. He was transfixed.
10 MINUTES SINCE Ash REALISED 'NIGHT ANGEL' WAS A WORTHY NAME
They walked. Just walked.
From beauty salons to gift shops.
From grocery stores to planetariums.
Bland walk. Aimless, painless, even, worthless walk.
That is what it happens when you walk without a plan.
"Um Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"Where are we going?"
"Oh, I thought you'd be hungry so maybe find a place to eat?"
Thank Jesus he had a plan. But he could have told that to her. Heck, they have not spoken a word since leaving the hospital.
It was not his fault. He tried to talk, but he was nervous. When tried to spark something up, but whenever he looked over his shoulder, the person walking by him took his breath away. He looked away.
"Um are you okay hanging out with me?" he asked.
"Well… I dunno… we don't know each other, Ash….. and you haven't said anything."
She was a bit bemused.
"I …..am sorry Serena… it's just that…."
She halted him.
"Look, Ash I….. know what you have been aiming at. It's very obvious. So I decided to give you sometime to clarify something."
"Oh.." he already knew where this was going.
"I'm…not looking forward to being in any form of relationship right now. We.. can be great friends! I love talking to you, but the way my life works, there is no space, Ash. I can't have myself dealing with love right now, I just don't see myself there y'know."
Simple and painful.
Of course she knew. She was just being kind. Why could he not get it in the first place?
"Face it, Ash. For the past three months you've been straight up stalking her…."
"Which, she seems to like." Ash corrected.
"No, which, she seems to tolerate, because she is kind, unlike me."
She sure was tolerating all this nonsense.
"Sooo…. She's politely avoiding you."
Of course she was politely avoiding him. He should have picked up the hints. And there he was, pinning hopes. He even exchanged their phone numbers!
Half sulked eyes, Serena saw right through Ash's forlorn self.
"Right." He mustered.
"But let's end things on a good note right? C'mon Ash, love isn't everything! We can be good friends!" she placed a hand on his shoulder.
Love isn't everything.
But somehow it was his whole life, his light.
It hurt.
"Yes, definitely." He was bleeding.
FIVE MINUTES SINCE BONNIE REALISED Ash, THAT STUPID IDIOT HAS SWITCHED HIS PHONE OFF
Ash wanted to bury his face inside a bottomless hole and never be out of it.
Yet here he was, comforting in a restaurant. Facing the woman he would give his heart out to, for her to take it away. He knew, he was not the one.
"Ash?"
"Oh… yeah.."
"What's your order?"
He was totally not feeling like eating anything. But he had to.
"What's yours?"
"Fettuccine pasta."
"Wow… I'd have that as well.." he handed it to the waiter, the menu, with a creepy death-stare, sending chills down his spine.
"Oh.. t-thank you sir." He left, ran I believe.
He could not look at her anymore. He rather looked outside. With a distant, aimless stare, just like his life.
And Serena was not having it. She'd rather go home than just idly sit here, palms on the cheeks, dumbly. She was bored. She looked like some super-mart mannequin. It was getting ridiculous.
"Ash if you want to um…. You can share what's bothering you I guess. I won't mind."
Exactly.
If he loves her, then she deserves to know all about it.
It was going to be a long night.
"Serena…I.." He didn't know where to start.
Her reassuring smile helped him continue.
"See, um ever since the day I saw you, Serena, I felt something I've never felt before. It was new. Honestly, I'm really naïve when it comes to women, and they are the last thing I focus on. Yet I find myself surrounded by you, everywhere I went after that. I recovered, but I couldn't stop seeing you, talking about you. I yearned to be affected by you, your world. I craved to feel your presence every day. The reason I'd go there, in that hospital. A hopeless place. But that meant you'd be there. You…. became my life, my light, Serena and being a friend is… not something that would reduce the pain, but I'd still be your friend. It would keep me alive. I'll know that I'm still a small reason, you'd smile sometimes. I'd still be able to talk to you, heck just look at you from a distance, without saying anything. Your serene blue eyes, your honey blonde hair.. your red…. Lips…."
He was nervous, once again.
"You are an angel to me Serena. You are kind, hardworking, amiable, caring and one of the most wonderful women I've ever seen. And I just….. can't live without being close to you. I'd be a friend forever, since that would mean I'd be able to be a small part of your world Serena, while you still happen to be the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are someone I'm glad Lord gave me a chance to meet and get to know. And I don't wanna let go of this feeling. Whatever it is between us, it's beautiful and I would treasure it forever."
He did not know he could go that long. He should go for a Guinness world record or something. Guys don't speak that long anyway. Unless, you are Sir Lincoln, that is.
Serena was enchanted. She was dumbstruck. No, she has never heard anyone talk that much before. But she could swear to God, that was not the reason.
"I…." she was at a loss of words. She was moved. Heart-melted. No one has ever spoken that high of her before. She was precious. She never imagined she could be precious to someone.
He really love her, for the world. For the first time that night, she felt like hugging him. In a way to try take all that excruciating agony that this sweet, sweet guy, with a charming face and cute hair, was going through.
Could he be her messiah?
Maybe there was someone who would love her unconditionally, and never let go of it.
But he was devastated.
And she was the reason.
"I am….. so so sorry Ash…. I had no idea that you were going through…"
Ash hushed her.
"No, no, no…. it's not your fault Serena. I really didn't say all that to blame you. trust me. I fell for you. You had nothing to do with that… you cannot love me, and I know it. I'm not even upset with you. I'm just… I'll just need time to heal. But I'd love that being your friend. Never even consider it being your fault, cus it's not and I'm dead serious. I'd regret saying all that long monologue if I end up making you sad, Serena. Please, don't. Understand me."
Emotions were flowing spontaneously, and he was on the verge of having a breakdown. But the tension was broken. This time, again, with a smile. Followed by a laugh.
He passed her a weak smile, fragile enough to let tears seep out, ebbing away his inner torment.
She could not take it any longer. She embraced him. Transmitting him, all her vigor. Silent weeping could be heard. Tightly blending his body to hers, she let him in, never apart.
The order arrived.
Few minutes passed by, as they ate in silence. Ash looking ever so broken, and Serena, somehow, looking the same.
A foreign intuition surged into her. She had an epiphany.
Her eyes shot open, surprising Ash and herself.
They looked at each other.
"I said I'm not looking out for love, Ash. I never said I couldn't love you."
He was unaware how to digest that. Was it reality? He's surely dreaming.
"What?"
She chuckled. At him.
"Let's play a game." Said she.
"Wha.. what game?"
"Truth and only truth."
TWO MINUTES SINCE Ash NEARLY ESCAPED A HEART SURGERY
The rules were simple and effective. Each person at their turn would ask various types of questions to their opponents, which should be answered in the truest possible way. Nothing to lose. Just another classic game.
"Okay, so who goes first?"
"I'll go." She declared, grinning.
"So, tell me, , had any understanding with your boss?"
"Hah, . . He's always bitching about me being unproductive. We had meetings, but he would always be that Vince McMahon 2.0"
"Oh, that's what I was expecting, hahahahahahaha!" He is a crazy-ass.
"Okay, my turn. Are my jokes lame?" His confidence was crushed down.
"Yesss." She was hardly holding it.
"Then.. am I annoying?"
"Oh, certainly. Yes."
"Ow, touché."
"Again, I didn't say I hate being annoyed did I?"
"Really?"
"Really." Isn't she just amazing?
"But surely Ash, most of my co-workers, except Shauna, don't appreciate that during office hours, and rightfully so. It breaks the decorum, the etiquettes. It's not allowed." She had to put it up.
"Oh right, it doesn't suit the atmosphere I guess. I should stop going there."
"Yup, unless you need it. You are welcome in my place though, Ash."
She passed him a toothy grin. He had so many reasons to be happy.
His beaming smile made her happy as well.
"Kay, my turn. Tell me, do I look good in red or black?"
"You look beautiful in anything you wear Serena." He blurted out. He wasn't lying at least.
He was suddenly a blubbering mess.
She blushed, unknowingly, being affected.
Afflicted by the disease.
"T-Thanks Ash."
They looked away, unable to look back.
Maybe he should ask it. Now's the time.
"Um.. so when you said that you didn't say that you could not love me….. did you mean it?"
And the question came up.
Should she answer? Isn't he still that someone she isn't well aware about?
She mulled over.
There's no harm in facing it anyways.
"Ash, I've been… in love before." She was hesitant.
Maybe sharing this is not the right decision.
But she wished someone would listen.
"Oh, that's great." He was a bit taken aback.
"No, hear me out. There was this guy who used to love me like no one else, took care of me, gave me freedom. He was…everything to me, and I believed I was everything to her too. Life was pulchritudinous when I was in his arms."
Ash would rather not hear that.
"He used fondle me all the time, with excessive kindness, making me feel like maybe I didn't deserve him. He still loved me like I was his life. It was special. And then, I feel sick. Life was becoming harsh to me, as I was diagnosed with leukemia. He was crestfallen. He promised to stick with me though, but a day came when the doc went up to my parents and said that I may not survive."
The sadness was tough to endure,
"I didn't see him that day, he had work to do. The very next day he came to me and said,
'As much as I love you, I cannot see you go. It's better if I don't.' I realized, he just wanted a better life. How could he live with me when I will not be there forever? I cried hopelessly that night. I was holding him back this entire time. I never heard of him again. I understood his state of mind, it.. it was justified. And I couldn't bring myself to love anyone else after that. I believe they would go as well. It's better if I live a life for me. Alone. But then I saw you giving me that smile, that sweet, sweet smile when I called you to come in. I felt different. You have no idea how happy it made me to see someone happy to stay by me. Even if I push them away. I meant what I said Ash, but I'd need some time. I think I can… trust you, Ash. Since you are unique."
She paused, desperate for air. Her memories…. It was coming back to her.
Ash was flabbergasted, how could he just?
Does she?
He left her when she needed him the most.
And he could do nothing to undo that scar.
"Serena?" he had her attention.
He should save her. She can love him. And only him. She said that.
"I don't know and I don't care…. What he was thinking when he did what he did. But I can at least say you this. You have a bewitching beauty, there's no denying that fact. But if anything, even if we don't end up together, I would be there for you when you need it the most. I promise. I keep promises. Moreover, I cannot imagine…. Leaving you like that, when you are at your worst state? I'd die before anything happens to you Serena. You'll always have me, as someone who would strive to make you smile, as a friend and as an admirer. I'm the one Serena. I'll always love you."
It was happening
He is the one. And this time, he is not walking away.
She would give him her, like she used to.
She will love her eventually.
She closed her eyes, to absorb the tension.
"I wish I could be there when you were down back then Serena….but anyways how did you get cured?"
She smiled. At him. Always him.
"The chemotherapy worked. The stem cells started to degenerate, but again the doc didn't guarantee that it won't be back."
Ash was mortified to hear that.
"You have me now. I'll make sure it doesn't."
"Your such a kid Ash."
They were grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Maybe she has love for him. She grasped it, inhaling deep, remarked,
"I can love you Ash. But we should give this some time. Are you willing?"
Exhilaration. It was Christmas. It sure was Christmas.
"You… I…. will You me?" what is he saying? He is going berserk.
She laughed. He seemed kind of cute?
"Yes I will."
"YESSSSSS! Oops!" he threw his hands in the air in pure glee and yanked it back to it's place as he grabbed the attention.
"Gosh Ash!" she couldn't keep a straight face.
The game was deemed to continue. But sadly enough, the restaurant had to be closed.
"I'm afraid sir but we have to close this place." Said the waiter.
It was 2 P.M. and humans sleep at this hour. Except binge watchers.
AND THE AWARD GOES TO…. BANANA SANDWICHES
"Seriously? Banana sandwiches? You like them?"
"C'mon Ash, you kidding me? this thing is love. It has bananas, bacons, maple syrup, all in one. It brings a new inextricable taste bud, fruity, smooth, creamy and crunchy, but not pickle kind of crunchy, sweet kind of crunchy, salty and smoked, with peanut butter, oh it's delicacy heaven! A pure masterclass from Elvin Presley I say."
The world is small after all.
"I can't believe you just said that." Geez women.
"hm?"
"I know a friend who loves banana sandwiches, exactly the same way. Wow."
"Really? Seems like an instant love. What's his name?"
"She is a she. Her name is Bonnie."
"Wow, fancy."
"I know right."
Bonnie is devil. Serena is angel.
Bonnie is dark. Serena is light.
Ash was eager to see this union.
"What makes you snicker Mr. Ketchum?" hands on hips. She is snarky.
Maybe not that contradicting at all.
"Nothing." He shook his head, "You'd know once you meet her."
Eyebrows raised.
"You make me intrigued ."
"Gee, don't call me that."
"Why? It sounds so masculine."
"…." What could he possibly say to that?
Heads down to hide his blush, he tried to wipe some sweat off his forehead when it came to him,
They were holding hands all this time. Intertwining their fingers, interlocking their souls. Everything was right.
He was amazed, and she does not stop amazing him.
She laughed, bending down, so hard. His face was pathetic right now.
The city still looked incredible. Blinding lights.
"Hey, Serena? This 10 to 12 workshifts, same old routine…you, you like working there?"
Finally someone asked this to her!
"This has always been my passion, Ash. Honestly, I'm crazy. I love working there. It's monotonic, but it's somehow drives me. I love the place, the ambience, the people and the work. I even agree to stay overtime. It never bothers me. I'm alone in my house anyways. Dad and mom are always there in Canada, and in the weekly day-offs, I find myself just watching a movie by myself, or just lay down, taking long rest. I barely go out, y'know, unless it's groceries. So, I'm very happy to work there, and that brings my dedication. I don't regret any moment of it."
"Wow, you're the only person who would say that. If I were you, you'd find me watching Netflix under that table there."
She cracked. He resumed.
"But honestly, I'm glad I could be crazy enough to not leave you on day-offs, hehe." He scratched his cheek.
"Fair point." It pleased her ears.
And their destination was reached, after a long walk.
Her home.
She gave him the side eye to find him doing the same
Awkward laughter.
"Say, Ash, shall we do one last round of the game?"
"Sure, I'll go first." He would ask something he wanted to know from a long time.
"Were you happy when you met me? And was this special? Tonight?"
How could she say no?
"I'm glad I met you too Ash. I should have mentioned that before. And this is and you ARE special. I feel like I'm having a new feeling, but I'd like to explore that, with you. I'm glad you came, Ash, I'm glad you did."
Felt so good getting it out of her chest.
"Tonight was different, you made me feel." She hugged him goodnight.
"Thank you for letting me."
They released each other. Nothing else was needed to be said. It was late. He should head back home.
But this was perfect and they both knew it.
"So… uhm… earth to Ash?"
"Oh right." Maybe he is a romantic cheeseball.
"My turn." She gaped her teeth, ghosting a smile at him.
"What was your best kiss?"
Ash laughed inordinately at that thought.
"I have never kissed a girl before." He announced.
"You're 23! I can't believe that."
"It is what it is though."
The next thing blinded him, as he heard her say,
"Oh, then, I can take care of that."
TA-DA. THAT'S IT.
YOU CAN FIGURE OUT THE REST, I'm QUITE SURE ABOUT THAT ;)
HOW WAS IT? I'VE MADE IT KIND OF LONG, BUT I HOPE THE WRITING PRESENTATING DOES NOT THROW YOU GUYS OFF-GUARD.
ALSO LEMME KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE MORE ONE-SHOTS LIKE THIS.
THEY ARE THE BEST PAIR. SO I CAN KEEP WRITING ABOUT THEM FOREVER. HAHA!
HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY TO ACCEPT MY APOLOGY NOW?
YOU ARE SWEET, THANKS. (I DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER, XD)
KAY, I'm WISHING YALL MY GOODBYE AND TILL WE MEET AGAIN,
KEEP SMILING.
CYL. CHEERS. BAI!