Clemont's PoV:
This.
Is.
Awkward...
Serena and Ash are just staring at each other in a stunned silence until Serena breaks it my walking up to Ash and whispering; "Hey..."
"GAH!" The raven haired boy yelped, unable to process how close she was getting. In all my experience with girls, I've never met one quite like Serena.
"Oh hi - who are you again?" She asks me as if she's only just seen me in the room with them, so I whisper as I try to blend into the wall as I mutter; "I'm Clemont... um... I'll be off now..."
The brunette laughs at me as she pulls me into the middle of the room and says cheerfully; "Nonsense! We've only just met, and I want to get to know who my boyfriend is making friends with!" That made me feel cross. I don't know why; unprecedented thoughts flew through my head, like that Serena shouldn't be with Ash, and that I'd treat him better. But after a few seconds those thoughts hide back in the dark and unfamiliar corner they crept out of. I've never had a moment like that before, so in a desperate attempt to remove it from my mind, I vaguely ask: "So... are you and Ash a happy couple?" She nods and invites us both to sit on the sofa - Delia didn't seem too thrilled by the sudden unpredicted invasion of her house so I ask her, "You seem troubled. Do you want us to leave?" She shakes her head, smiling. "You're very polite, aren't you? No no; I'm fine with you guys here." Ash smiles at this and beams, "Thanks mum!"
"No problem Ash." She replies before walking out. "Let me know if you guys want any tea or anything."
Serena smiles sweetly at us and said: "So: how was your day Ash?" He sighs at her for a moment before suddenly loosing the plot and bluntly yelling in a typical Ash manner; "You cheated on me with Alain!"
I stare at my feet awkwardly, hardly daring to look at anyone in fear of being roped into this. Gosh: why couldn't my first day have been normal?!
"WHAT?! No I didn't Ash!" She screamed back at him; Ash braved himself befire letting it all out in a stream of uncontrollable rage.
"You kisses Alain at that party and you were laughing with him - and then you told me that kissing other people in a relationship was ok and it's not! Clemont said it was wrong!" He yelled. At this, Serena grew mad and stood up, screaming:
"There's nothing wrong with a french kiss on the cheeck to a friend! Ash: it was a kiss between friends; family kiss each other like that! I told you it was ok because it was. And I'm not so sure if I trust this Clemont guy's opinion."
"HEY!" I yell in protest; she looks surprised that I'm still here and hastily apologised, saying quickly; "Oh gosh - I'm so sorry! It's just I love Ash, so I thought you might be trying to deliberately split us up, but you're clearly not - right?!" As Ash stands up and yells at her; "You have no right to interrogate my best friend!" I gulp as she turns on an intensive glare and almost examines me. It feels... strangely violating of my privacy so I shake my head, saying desperately;
"No no no - don't fight! I'm happy for you 2, and you guys should be happy. May I leave to go to the bathroom quickly?" They nod and as Ash gives me a sweet smile and a set of directions, I make hast to find the small room I can just lock myself in for a little while - hearing the couple arguing and fighting even more makes me strain to block out the sounds of discord and try to speed up a little - emphasis on try.
On my way there I see Delia sitting on the stairs; gosh she looks miserable! Making a plan of conversation in my head, I sit next to her and ask quietly; "Is everything alright?"
At this, she looks like she's trying not to cry so I jump in, all plans aside, and say, "No: don't answer. I know it's not ok, so please. What's wrong?" The older woman stares at me with a bewildered expression resting on her face as she gently whispers;
"Maybe I could've done a better job of raising Ash..."
"Nonsense!" I hastily reply. "You're amazing to have raised a son who is as smart, nice, and as kind as Ash. Ok, maybe he's not the best at being punctual and tactile but nobody's perfect! Honestly, the normalcies are the imperfect and I'm so happy to call Ash my first real human friend. You should be a very proud mother because your son is one of the best people I've ever met." She stares at me with an unfamiliar look in her eyes. It almost looked like... care!
"You're saying Ash is your first human friend?!" She asked incredulously; I sigh and explain how I was never really liked at school; how I was a lot younger than the rest of my classmates; how I was usually bullied and beaten up by the other boys in my class; and how I was neglected by my mother and father once my sister was born.
"I talked to my father about it and he said that he was sorry, and we've had a better relationship ever since. My mother though... I can't say the same..."
Trailing off, my gaze finds quietude in starting at the floor and Delia puts her arm around me. "I'm sorry about that Clemont: I know how hard it is to be unloved by the people you care most about. Your see; Ash's dad walked out when he was 3... I tried to keep him out of it but nevertheless he found out about it at one point, like I knew he inevitably would. His face of hurt and betrayal... I still remember it now! But all the fights, all the horrible messages he sent to me, I can recall them like it was merely yesterday and not 20 years ago like it was."
We sit there in silence untill a door slams with a heavy thud and we hear Ash yelling, cursing and crying at the door.
"ASH!" Me and Delia yell in unison as we rush in. The raven haired boy's sat on the floor with tears streaking down his face as he's trying not to loose the plot of things.
"Oh honey - what happened? Delia asks him sweetly, cradling him in her arms. I try to awkwardly hide as I feel like I'm not going to be a huge help to the situation - however - I barely reach the other side of the room when Ash calls; "Clemont! Please stay!"
Sigh. Why does he have to be so freaking adorable?!
"I'm here Ash..." I reply, going to them and sitting on the floor with my friend. He sniffs and begins to explain;
"So, Serena was getting cross because I thought she was cheating, and she thought it was me being a jealous controlling boyfriend. I told her she was wrong but she got upset at me - like - really upset. She asked me if I truly loved her and I said yes because I do! But then she started talking to me about Clemont and I told her that he was a really great guy, and I really liked him, and that I felt lucky to have him in my life and that kind of thing. So then Serena started to cry about how apparently I'm never that romantic like that to her, so she thinks I love Clemont! Then she said she just wanted me to be happy and so she told me that she didn't want to be my girlfriend anymore, saying that she really hoped Clemont was nicer and I don't get why! She said she wants me to be happy but this doesn't help so why would she do that?!"
Oh shit.
Me and Delia spend the next half an hour explaining to Ash what Serena thought was going on, but it still took us putting on a movie with pizza to calm him down fully - he was still a bit malcontented as we laughed ourself hourse at the hillarious Thor Ragnorok. Although the laws of electricity in this film slightly trigger the scientist in me, it's a phenomenal film nevertheless! All the while I still feel guilty as I brood about how it's my fault Serena ended the relationship she had with Ash. Nervously, I know what to do so I ask Ash for his phone and begin to text Serena - with Ash's consent.
- (C) Hey Serena: it's Clemont, not Ash. I'm so sorry about tonight and I just wanted to say that me and Ash aren't a couple. Ash isn't gay... and besides. He's madly in love with you. He's a wreck without you, and I'm blaming myself for messing up your relationship. Can you forgive me please? It wasn't what it looked like and all I want is you and Ash to be happy together.
I look at the phone screen silently until a response comes through a few moments later.
- (S) Clemont, I'm so sorry about the fact that we've dragged you into this, but I've honestly suspected Ash is gay from the first date when I had to drag him away by his ear from a shirtless man who hypnotised Ash with his abs /
You clearly like Ash. I know what a crush looks like and you have a huge one buddy. The way you look at him, it reminds me of how he once looked at me. With passion. Besides - I know I'm awesome and that there'll be someone who can love me whole heartedly in the world. I can't help Ash being into guys. Please, let us still be friends. I want to be friends with you as you're a really cool person from the things I've heard from Ash. You graduated at what - 15?! Amazing! Maybe we can hang out sometime with Ash - we can do trio things but I'll be there third wheel maybe when you ask him out already! XD
Good luck with Ash - you'll need it! He can be a handful but he's a really nice guy and deserves your love. And you deserve his. Because trust me; it takes a lot to get him started but once he's starting there's no stopping him!
- (C) LOL! Ok Serena, sounds good! I also hope we can all be friends - how about we meet for coffee on Saturday? I'll pay for all of us.
- (S) Clemont, that sounds great! I hope you can convince Ash to come... and also no you're not paying. It's the last I can do to make it up to Ash.
I smile at this and say to Ash; "Heh... Ash: Serena wants us to have coffee together on Saturday. You in?"
"Meh." The raven haired boy sighs quietly, unsure of how to respond. I sigh and rub his shoulders, trying to be a source of comfort in this predicament.
Ash's PoV:
After everything's sorted out, Clemont gets a bus home as I'm still not quite up to driving. My mum puts her arm around me and pulls me in for a gentle hug, whispering cheekily,
"So Ashy... you're back on the market for all those girls hmm? Or do I detect something happening between you and Clemont?!"
"C-Clemont?!" I splutter nervously. "N-No! He's a very good friend... he's just a friend!"
Dang it! I can't hide anything from my mum - she just knows how I feel about him! I doubt he feels the same way though... we've only known each other for a day. But - I know him for a day and my girlfriend ends it with me because I seem gay. Is there more to this than I'm realising?
"Honey? What'cha thinking about?" Delia asks me worriedly: I smile and reply; "Nothing much. I'm just thinking about what you said about Clemont. We've only known each other a day!" She smiles and shakes her head.
"Sometimes love comes in a day. Other times, days, weeks, months, even YEARS sometimes! It all depends on the person, and on you. But I think Clemont is an amazing person... so don't let him slip through your fingers Ash. I thought Serena was great too, but if you're more into boys, then I'm fine with that to. I love you no matter who you want to be."
That's makes tears of joy form in my eyes. "Thanks mum..." I whisper, so excited for work tomorrow! Hopefully I can make Clemont fall for me... but it's a long shot. Especially as there's the summer fair to prepare for! He left me and Korrina on the sporty games side of things whilst the rest of them already had their roles. He's so brave to take on running an entire fair on his first day! I feel bad for pressuring him into it, but I know he's be good at it!
A few hours later, I'm sat in my bed posting on the chat:
- (Ash) Yo. Anyone on?
- (Korrina) Ya how r u
- (Ash) gooood bruh
- (Grant) sup bruh
- (Korrina) bruuuuuuuuuh
- (Ramos) You kids and your slang these days; so typical.
- (Olympia) Oh dear... you got dragged into this madness too did you Ramos?!
- (Korrina) bRo!
- (Ash) bRo!
- (Grant) bRo!
- (Clemont) WHAT THE -
- (Korrina) sup nerd XD
- (Clemont) Erm... I'm so confused.
- (Ash) hey buddy.
- (Clemont) Oh hi Ash! How are you?
- (Ash) good thanks I miss you tho.
- (Clemont) I miss you too Ash.
- (Grant) BEEP. BEEP. GAY VIBES INCOMING!
- (Korrina) LOL! Dibs on being the flower girl at the wedding!
- (Valerie) I'll sort out the wedding dress! I have one that would go so nicely with Clemont's long blond hair! And a suit would look so good on Ash!
- (Clemont) HOW IN ANY WORLD DID I SIGN UP FOR THIS?!
- (Grant) bitch you think this is optional?!
- (Viola) Wait doesn't Ash have a gf?
- (Ash) yeah about that - she dumped me today.
- (Grant) ...
- (Grant) I'm sorry bruh.
- (Grant) QUICK CLEMONT - WIFE HIM!
- (Korrina) WIFE HIM NERD!
- (Viola) I'll do the wedding photo!
- (Grant) I'll sort out music!
- (Viola) I've got the dress.
- (Korrina) yah and I've got the flowers!
- (Wolfric) And I'll have no part in this!
- (Olympia) Me neither.
- (Ramos) Nor me.
- (Clemont) NOR ME! :(
- (Ash) I'm in! XD
- (Clemont) WAIT WHAT?!
- (Grant) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!
- (Viola) God dammit Grant.
- (Grant) you know you love me bae.
- (Viola) Actually, I'm pretty sure I don't.
- (Korrina) ROASTED!!!
- (Ash) gEt nAe nAed biTcH!
- (Wolfric) Can we have 2 group chats please? One for the people with their brain cells still intact and one for whatever insanity you guys are plotting.
- (Grant) It's not insane - it's Ash and Clemont's wedding!
- (Ash) YEEEEAAAAAHHH BOI!
- (Clemont) No! NO! NO BOI! NO BOI! GET ME OUT OF THIS! HELP ME!
- (Wolfric) Sorry kid.
- (Korrina) I have a better idea! Ramos should be the flower girl! He runs the gardening club!
- (Clemont) Oh, do you really?
- (Grant) Yes. Yes. Yes. RAMOS IS THE FLOWER GIRL!
- (Ramos) Hopefully I die of old age first.
- (Korrina) OUCH! Dat gotta huirt!
- (Clemont) I'm so puzzled.
- (Viola) Yeah, we know. Is it like, a permanent state with you because you're always confused!
- (Ash) Yeah bruh.
- (Olympia) Why am I even still in this chat?
- (Ramos) Trust me, I'm still asking that question even though I've been working at the school longer than all the kids have combined!
- (Korrina) Hey! We're not kids!
- (Grant) except Ash and Clemont.
- (Valerie) Yup. Especially Clemont
- (Korrina) he's so smaaaaall...
- (Ash) yeah he's the little spoon! ;)
- (Clemont) I'm not any type of spoon!
- (Grant) of course you're not... lmao
- (Clemont) I'M NOT A SPOON!
- (Ash) nope you're defo my beautiful permanently confused spoon.
- (Korrina) #Clemont=PermanentlyConfusedSpoon
- (Grant) yaaas
- (Valerie) omg this is cannon.
- (Viola) Defo. What's the wedding song?
- (Clemont) THERE IS NO WEDDING!
- (Ash) The Time Is Now - John Cena.
- (Clemont) NOOOOOOOO!
- (Korrina) For one I agree with the nerd.
- (Clemont) Thank you.
- (Korrina) At least pick something good like Pumped Up Kicks!
- (Wolfric) KORRINA!
- (Korrina) wut?
- (Wolfric) The song is about a school shooting!
- (Korrina) yeah... and???
- (Wolfric) WE'RE TEACHERS KORRINA!
- (Korrina) O-O
- (Grant) sh00k
- (Valerie) Oof
As I laugh myself silly at this, Delia comes and says quietly; "Phone away for bed now Ash."
I sigh and turn off the device, smiling at her before saying quietly; "Night mum."
"Goodnight Ashy." She smiles, kissing me gently on my forehead before tucking me in. I smile to myself as I fall into a drops slumber...
... with all of my dreams being about Clemont!