Hello all! I have returned to bring you the next chapter of Fire and Ice :)
To shake things up a little and clear up just what happened last time, this chapter will be in Gary's POV :3 I kind of made him a heartless jerk in the last chapter .
Thank you all for reviewing, and by the way for any of you who got emotional with the last chapter I apologise. I didn't mean to cause upset for anyone . Also I have am having issues with the internet back at home so uploading will be slow for now until I can gain access. Please bare with me!
WOW 88 reviews?! Seriously... I am totally speechless!
Btw for the record, I am adding an OC just for this chapter, it's kinda like I'm breaking the fourth wall or something xD Oh well, she will only be in this chapter to annoy the shit out of Gary :)
I'll leave you to enjoy the next instalment!
Chapter 14: I've found a reason to start anew, and the reason is you
Fuck my fucking life! Yeah, go me, ass-hole Gary, always loving hurting the people you love most. Well done there! For Fuck's sake!
In anger my foot collided with a nearby trash can, sending it tumbling away out of my sight. I shouldn't really aim my anger at inanimate objects, but rather at my own stupidity.
Did I even have a good enough reason to why I just totally broke Ash's heart?
No, that was the answer.
Was I scared of admitting to myself that I actually loved him back?
No, that wasn't it.
It was something a lot more than that and it had burrowed deep into the abyss of my mind.
Sighing I stomped away from his house and onwards to an unknown destination. The rain was hammering downwards heavily now from the heavens onto me, soaking me to the skin, but right now I did not care about the weather or where I was going. I just needed to get away and forget about the fact that I had just so willingly ripped the boy who I cared about most to pieces.
I watched him break with my own eyes.
Fucking idiot! WHY?! Why did I do that?! Urghhh... man, I totally messed everything up.
Biting the inside of my mouth in annoyance I tried to think up of why I freaked out when I woke up.
It wasn't the fact that Ash and I had sex, no, in fact I enjoyed it. It was the realisation that my own stupid fake façade was crumbling down and I didn't want anyone else to see this side of me.
What the hell would my family say if they found out I was gay and had shacked up with a man? I would be the biggest disappointment in their eyes.
Balling my hands into fists I continued walking down the road, not really caring where I ended up. Hell, if heaven struck me down with a lightning bolt I probably wouldn't mind, not as if I didn't deserve it.
Ash probably would never want to see me again anyway, so I completely ruined the chances of any relationship now. I hurt him real bad, and I even said it was all a mistake.
What the hell is wrong with me?! Why did I even say that?!
I never believed I would be capable of hurting someone that bad with a single word, I knew I could be a complete and utter jerk sometimes, but never this.
Even if Ash did forgive me, I don't think I could forgive myself. I don't even have a good reason for doing what I did, just some stupid fucking self preservation shit about my family.
Why did I even care about what they thought?!
Not being able to find enough strength to walk any more I sat down on the curb of the road, watching life miserably pass me by.
My hair was now clinging to my face and I was soaked to the bone, and even though usually I would care about this, right now I didn't.
Bowing my head I wrapped my arms around my knees and just sat there, drowning in my own sorrows, my own self inflicted misery.
God, I am such an idiot. Why didn't I just swallow my damn pride and tell him that I loved him too. No, that was obviously too much for me to handle.
"Are you okay?"
I heard a small curious voice enter my ears over the sound of the incessant rain.
Raising my head I looked towards the direction of the voice and saw that it was a girl.
She was like a drowned rat, hair clinging to her face and shoulders and her outfit was completely water logged. Huffing I decided not the reply, I didn't want to tell all my stupid woes and troubles to a complete stranger.
Turning my head away I tried to ignore her presence looming over me, it was like she was some sort of omen. Well, right now I did deserve it.
"You look awful," She commented making me wince.
Just who the hell was she? Why was she bothering me?
"Thank you for the compliment," I shot back sarcastically, rolling my eyes as the rain continued to soak my form.
I knew if I didn't seek shelter soon I would probably catch a cold.
Oh well, nothing I can't handle.
As I gripped my knees tighter I watched the girl sit beside me, adjusting her water logged jeans.
"Seriously though, you look like death warmed up," She said, chuckling a little.
Her melodious voice was brash and was starting to really aggravate me. All I wanted was to be on my own, to think and sort out my stupid life.
I couldn't even get that.
Glaring at what seemed to be a blonde haired girl who was near enough my age I responded;
"Don't you have something better to do than annoy random guys in the street?"
"Actually no, I don't," She mused, smiling.
Grunting to myself I turned my attention away from her and focused on the puddles in the road.
Anything was better than the interrogation act that I was freaking getting here.
"Do you live local?" She asked me, making my body tense up.
God why won't she freaking leave me alone! Is it too much to ask?!
Trying to fight the urge to mouth off at her I gritted my teeth and tried to calm myself.
"What is with all these questions, are you some kind of wannabe journalist or something?"
Glaring at the petite blonde haired girl I watched as all she did was smile at me.
It was then I realised, she reminded me of someone.
Someone else I knew who smiled like that all the time, even if I was being an arrogant prick.
That someone was Ash.
Turning away I swallowed hard, feeling so incredibly guilty about what I had done to him again. I just wanted to rewind time and stop that terrible scene from happening, but of course I couldn't.
"So, why are you out here in the rain?" The girl asked me, trying to get me to open up.
For the first time I didn't actually want to tell her to get lost or anything. I kind of liked having someone here, even if I had no idea who this person was.
A least they weren't going to judge me.
"Well, it certainly isn't because I have a rain fetish now is it?" I replied sarcastically, actually smiling after my words. She giggled in response.
"Obviously, you just seem so troubled. I couldn't help but notice how sad you were and so I had to come over to see if you was okay,"
Inside I smiled, it was actually sort of endearing that a complete stranger wanted to make sure I was alright. I hadn't had anything like that happen to me before, I just put that down to my insular behaviour.
"Thanks for worrying, but I'm okay," I lied, but it was necessary.
I didn't want anyone to know about how much of a dick I had been, and how I deserved to feel like this. It was probably nothing in comparison to how I made Ash feel.
The blonde haired girl frowned at my words;
"You don't seem fine,"
"It's nothing I can't handle," I replied, noticing that the rain wasn't showing any signs of stopping soon and both of us were totally drenched to the skin, I was even positive that my shoes were letting water in.
Great, I hate wet socks.
"You know sometimes its good to just let it all out in the open, you might feel better," She mused, looking up at the heavens that were pouring this unstoppable waterfall on us.
I sighed.
Yeah I knew that, I just felt like this wouldn't be resolved through speaking about it. I needed to sort it out on my own.
"Yeah I know that, I just don't think talking about it will do me any favours,"
"Try me," She pursued, her azure eyes burning into my soaked figure.
I sighed again, not actually having the heart to have a go at her for meddling in my affairs any more. I didn't have the energy.
"I'm just... worried about stuff," I answered awkwardly, trying to word my words carefully as to not let on too much about the real deal. She furrowed her brow in thought.
"What stuff?"
"Stuff about my family, like what they will think of me,"
I hated feeling like this, usually I didn't care about stuff so trivial as this, but still it was my Gramp's.
The last thing I wanted was for him to be disappointed in me, and I also lied to him about who I was staying with.
For Christ's sake, I said I was staying with a girl!
"What do you mean?" She continued.
"I don't want them to be disappointed in me," I said, feeling so downright pathetic right now.
I knew that this was the main hurdle for me, accepting that I had deep feelings for Ash wasn't the issue, it was trying to confess my sordid sexual orientation to my family.
"Why would you think that?" She asked, her eyes wide in astonishment.
I sighed again, rubbing my forehead with my hand in annoyance. I wasn't so much annoyed at her, just annoyed at the conversation in general.
"Because...I..." I struggled, trying to find the right words to say without sounding like some stupid loser.
"Yes?"
"I...love someone who they wouldn't approve of," I answered.
Even though I was slightly unsure of whether they would approve or not it was the fear of them being disgusted or hating me for being this way.
Loving Ash wasn't something I could control, hell, I did not expect it to escalate to this level.
"But, if your family loves you then they should understand eventually," The girl answered, giving me one of those smiles that Ash always wore on his face.
The sort of smile that would literally make butter melt.
Yeah, my family did love me, but it still did not stop me from worrying about the consequences to confessing about my sexual preferences.
"It's not that simple," I returned defiantly, watching as the girl just stared at me.
The funny thing was I didn't even know her name.
"I lied to them about who I was staying with, if they find out then they won't be happy with me and will be disappointed,"
God I felt like such an idiot right now.
Saying all my problems out loud was actually starting to build connections in my mind.
Why was I so worried about other people's opinions?
"You just need to talk to them and explain why you lied. I am sure they would understand, most people who love you do." She replied and it actually made me think.
Perhaps if I saw Gramp's and explained everything I might feel better and be able to try to regain some sort of relationship with Ash? That was if he didn't totally hate my guts.
Standing up I decided deep within that was what I needed to do, I needed to see Gramp's and sort this out. It would only keep praying on my mind until I did something about it anyway, so no time like the present.
Turning to the blonde haired girl I forced a smile;
"Yeah you're right, I think I'll do that actually,"
She smiled and stood up also, both of us being completely drowned by this incessant rain. By the time I would get home I would definitely need to change my clothes, these would not be suitable right now.
"Well, good luck with that," The girl issued kindly, bowing her head.
I stood stationary for a moment as I watched her slowly walk away down the street.
Raising an eyebrow I tried to figure out what the hell just happened.
Some random person comes over and amazingly manages to make me see sense, wow that is a first. I didn't even catch her name.
Shoving my hands in my pockets I walked briskly down the street towards the laboratory. I kind of didn't want to stay out in this abomination for much longer, I could hardly feel my legs due to the dampness.
So I'll talk to Gramp's and get it all out in the open. I'll probably feel better afterwards too, at least then I will definitely know if he is disappointed or not.
The rain continued to hammer down as the laboratory came into view.
It's large white form stood out from the dismal and dreary surroundings.
Sighing a little I walked faster, wanting to get this all over and done with. The sooner I sorted this out the sooner I could attempt to piece back my relationship with Ash, that was if he didn't hate me already.
This is Ash we are talking about, I don't even think he has that emotion in his body to start with.
Walking towards the front door a slight feeling of nervousness consumed me, making me think twice about what I was doing.
What would I do if Gramp's was disgusted and turned his back on me?
I hadn't thought about that part.
Gritting my teeth I cursed myself for being so pathetic and walked up to the door.
Tapping the door with my knuckles I waited for a response. I knew it usually took a while before it would open because Gramp's was forever busy doing something or other.
I didn't expect it to open straight away.
But it did!
"Good grief Gary! What are you doing out in the rain?! Quick, come inside!" Gramp's voice entered my ears as I saw his figure at the door.
I accepted his offer graciously, longing to feel warmth instead of constant dampness.
As I walked inside I could hear the squelching of my shoes where the water had gotten inside.
Hastily I took them off only to see that my socks were soaked too. Sighing a little I prayed I had some clean ones upstairs.
"And what pleasure do I owe this visit?" Gramp's beamed happily, sitting down in his armchair, taking a sip from a nearby coffee cup.
Combing my fingers through my now flattened and very wet hair I replied;
"I came to talk to you about something,"
"I see, then please sit down," He offered, gesturing with his hand for me to sit down.
I kind of felt guilty though, I was completely soaked and if I did sit down I would probably get the furniture wet too.
"Can I go and change into some dry clothes?" I asked, pointing with my thumb towards the direction of my nodded and quickly I retreated to my room.
There had to be something clean and dry in there, even though I packed most of the fresh laundry and it was all at Ash's house. Feeling my clothes clinging to every inch of my body I shuddered in disgust.
It was a horrible feeling, and I wanted out of them right now!
When I swung the door open I immediately got to work with searching for something clean and dry to wear.
Anything was better than these water logged clothes, and then once I get changed I can finally sort out my head and talk to Gramp's properly about my problems. He seems cheerful so maybe it won't be so bad.
Rummaging through my bedside drawers I retrieved a fresh pair of socks and boxers.
Placing them on my bed I tried to locate some jeans and a t-shirt of some kind.
I didn't fancy wearing a shirt, not in this weather and besides it would only make it go see-through.
As I walked over to the wardrobe I passed a nearby mirror and scowled at my appearance
God... my hair, I probably need to sort it out too. It's a total mess. Stupid friggin' rain!
Combing my fingers through it's flattened form I sighed.
I would sort it out, but not before I got something dry to wear.
Opening the wardrobe to my surprise I found my old purple t-shirt hanging up on a hanger along with some old dark blue jeans from ages ago. These would do, anything would be better than sitting around in drenched clothes. It was starting to make my skin feel all weird.
Grabbing the two garments I threw them on my bed. At least now I could change and finally get started on the agonising conversation about my sexual orientation.
After about ten minutes of grooming and ensuring I looked my best, naturally, I casually made my way back down the stairs towards the living room.
At least my hair was now back to it's wild shape and I didn't feel soaked to the bone.
Stepping into the living room I saw that Gramp's had not moved from his seat. He was reading some newspaper and the front page spoke of a rare Pokemon that had been found in Sinnoh.
Of course this grasped my attention, but it soon wilted away when I heard his voice;
"How is the Eevee?"
Shuffling around all the odd bits and bobs that were scattered around the room I finally settled into another seat just opposite.
"She is fine, she seems to be really playful,"
Gramp's pulled the newspaper down and laid it flat on his lap as he smiled at me.
Seemed like he too was thinking about the cute bundle of fluff. At least she was safe in the hospital with Pikachu.
"So... how are things? Are you still staying with that girl?"
My eyes widened as I could feel his eyes burning into me.
This wasn't good, already I was being pushed into confessing that it wasn't a girl, and in fact I was shacked up with Ash.
Looking away I tried to think of the right words to say;
"Yeah... everything is good. Gramp's the thing is... I'm..."
"You will have to introduce me to her sometime, it's nice to know that you have finally taken an interest in someone," He interrupted me, taking another sip from his cup.
Gritting my teeth I could feel this situation getting worse and worse.
Yes, I had taken an interest in someone but it wasn't a girl. Why did I have this feeling that telling him wouldn't go as smooth as I had planned?
"The thing is..." I tried again.
"What does she look like? Are you actually a couple?" He pursued, making all the hairs on my body stand on edge. This was not going to get any better.
Fuck sake! What am I going to do?! Do I just come straight out with it?
I remained silent, fidgeting with hands in my lap as my eyes refused to focus on his.
I already felt guilty enough about lying, but now it was getting worse.
My options were tell the truth about Ash, or cover it up with another lie and then get swallowed by all the constant lying.
I didn't fancy that option, and besides I wasn't that skilled at it.
"Gramps..." I mumbled, getting his attention.
He looked at me through kind eyes, I didn't want to burden him with the fact that I was gay and that his Grandson would never have children or anything.
"Yes?"
"I'm... not staying with a girl,"
I found it so incredibly difficult to keep still in my seat as his coughed uneasily.
"So, are you living alone?"
Closing my eyes tightly I decided that it was now or never, he needed to know, he deserved that at least.
"I'm living with... a boy,"
There was a brief silence but it was soon destroyed by the sound of sighing and the the rustling of the newspaper.
"I see, so why did you lie to me about it?"
I swallowed hard, not really liking where this conversation was headed.
Lying to Gramp's wasn't something I was particularly proud of, I wished I could've been straight from the start. Ha! Pardon about the pun.
"I... just thought you would act weird about it," I answered, receiving a chuckle from the older man.
"Gary, why would I think that? There is nothing wrong with you staying with a boy, I wouldn't assume anything,"
It was then that it clicked.
If he was so okay with me staying with Ash then would he be okay if I confessed I was gay?
Biting the inside of my lip I continued to rack my brains for anything to say.
How would I come out with it? By the way Gramp's I'm shacked up with Ash, enjoying fucking his brains out and I now know I am Gay and we are a couple? Yeah that would totally go down well...
I could feel my hands start to clam up with sweat the longer time went on.
I just prayed that deep down inside I would not end up being a disappointment to him. So what if I loved Ash, that should not even register on the scale to my Gramp's.
I was his grandson after all.
"Gramp's... the thing is..." I tried again, sighing a little.
As my eyes raised up and met his I could feel my heart begin to thunder harder in my chest. It was like I was ten years old again, being told off by him.
That feeling was something I despised the most.
"Hmm?"
"I... I think... I'm... gay,"
The atmosphere in the room suddenly got to the level of almost choking the life out of me. His eyes burned into me intensely, obviously wondering if I was joking about what I just said.
It was not a joke, I was deadly serious.
He remained silent for a while, looking away. His face was a mixture of confusion and annoyance, but nothing like disappointment.
"Gary..." He started, clearing his throat before he continued;
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
Looking downwards at the carpet beneath my feet I muttered pathetically;
"I... thought you would be disappointed in me,"
The older man placed the newspaper down flat on the coffee table as his eyes looked straight at me. Shaking his head he replied;
"Why on Earth would you think that? Gary, you are my grandson, I am not going to think any differently of you despite your sexual orientation,"
Looking up at last I saw that he was being truthful, that sincere look in his eyes said it all to me.
I was not a disappointment! He was actually okay with it, probably not entirely pleased, but it was better than being a disgrace to the family.
I could feel the corners of my mouth curve up into a small smile.
"Thanks Gramp's" I said quietly, feeling a large wave of relief wash away all my fears and worries.
Now there was an even bigger problem to contest with. Trying to win Ash back, if it was possible.
I could've blown it for all I knew, after all, I was really harsh to him.
"You don't need to thank me, all I have ever wanted for you is to be happy, regardless of whether that be with a boy or a girl," Gramp's issued kindly, giving me one of those smiles that I loved.
It just completely put my mind at ease, knowing that my sexual preferences would not affect our relationship.
"Brreeeeeoooon!" Came a familiar call which alerted my attention towards the back door.
My eyes widened and a huge smile crept across my face when I saw Umbreon come bounding indoors from outside, running straight over to me.
God, I didn't realise how much I missed him until now.
"Hey there buddy," I called out to him, watching as the large black figure leapt at me and started licking my face repeatedly.
I didn't mind, in fact it made me so incredibly happy.
Everything was fitting into place, now all I needed was to go and see Ash and sort it all out properly.
"Seems you have been missed," Gramp's chuckled, taking a sip from his coffee.
"Yeah, too right,"
The Eeveelution nuzzled my face affectionately, finally calming down so I could just settle him on my lap. He was the greatest friend I have ever had, we had been through so much together and even after so long Umbreon was still a constant entity in my life.
"Breeeeooonnn!" Umbreon cooed happily.
I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, seeing Umbreon and having this news from Gramp's was actually dragging me out from the pits of despair and giving me renewed hope to make amends to Ash.
I hoped it wasn't too late.
"I missed you too," I mumbled, gently petting the dark types head, now knowing exactly what my aim was.
To fix this terrible mess once and for all and try my best to put things right.
I shouldn't have messed up in the first place. God, I am the biggest jerk alive, yeah I know that. But everyone makes mistakes, and everyone should get a second chance. The question is though, do I actually deserve it?
After spending another half an hour with Umbreon and Gramp's enjoying aimless chit chat and friendly banter about our memories and past experiences I decided that now was the best time to leave.
The rain was still hammering down outside but it would not deter me from speaking to Ash about my actions. I would get soaked al over again and not care, as long as we could sort this out then it would all be worth it.
"Hey Gramp's, you got an umbrella I could borrow?" I asked, actually thinking twice about getting drenched again.
I didn't want to get a cold after all.
"Of course, there is one by the door,"
I smiled, watching as Umbreon leapt off my lap as I stood up. His large red eyes gazed at me longingly, not wanting me to leave. Turning to my best friend I issued quietly;
"I'll come back soon, I promise. Look after Gramp's while I'm gone okay?"
Raising his head into the air the dark type called out;
"Brreeeeooon!" As if to say 'Of course I will'.
I smiled as I turned back to the older man, who was still sitting in his armchair, very content.
"Right, I better get going before this rain gets any worse," I said quietly, heading towards the door. Gramp's nodded and continued smiling at me, it was like he was actually proud of me.
"Alright, take care and remember you are welcome back here any time,"
Feeling my lips curve up into a smile I nodded.
It was nice to know that he was still there for me, even if I whined about him sometimes he was still family and he didn't turn his back on me.
That was the main thing.
Grabbing the umbrella and putting my shoes on, which were now dry, I opened the front door.
The rain was literally bouncing up off the pavement and the sky was pitch black. Anyone would've thought it was night time or something, and it wasn't. It was only 1:00pm.
Sighing I opened the umbrella, feeling the rain already start to lash down on it's form and with that I headed out of the laboratory.
As I walked, rather quickly I might add, down the street towards Ash's house my mind was just a cocktail of emotions and thoughts.
What if Ash wouldn't let me in and leave me outside in this rain? Okay, he isn't that mean, hell he isn't mean at all! That is something an ass-hole like me would do, not him.
Even if he hated me the chances of him showing it were slim.
Gripping the umbrella tightly I could feel the wind start to whip up and intensify, causing it to sway and bend in Mother Nature's wrath.
Oh well, if this umbrella does break then I would only get soaked again, no big deal.
The sky was so dark it was unbelievable and trying to see through this abomination was actually kind of difficult.
Why is the weather so bad? It is summer for crying out loud! It should be hot and humid, not friggin' raining all the damn time!
Biting the inside of my lip I found myself getting closer and closer to his house.
Maybe I should have walked slower or something, then it would've given me some time to think about what I would say.
I had no idea.
Maybe an apology would be a good start, then an explanation to why I am such a stupid idiot.
The rain continued to lash down, really tearing into the flimsy umbrella, but luckily for me it still stood tall. For how much longer I had no idea.
At least I have an umbrella this time, the idea of getting completely soaked again isn't very appealing after all and it took me friggin' ages to do my hair again. No way am I going to go through that hassle twice in one day!
Then there it stood, Ash's house.
The one place that right now I was dreading to see or enter.
Taking a deep breath I tried to steady my nerves.
Why I was so nervous I have no idea, it's kind of unusual for me to feel nervous about anything. I usually don't give a shit, but Ash is a different story. I can't help but care about him, something about him has really burrowed underneath my skin and I can't get it out.
Before I knew it I was standing at the door, my hand levitating in front of the door, ready to knock.
What if he didn't answer? He might just ignore me and hope I go away or something. Or, what if he doesn't even want to listen to what I have to say?
Gritting my teeth I cursed.
Get a grip!
Rattling my knuckles on the door loudly I waited for an answer.
But there wasn't one.
Suddenly I was feeling impatient.
Was he even home?
I tried again, knocking louder this time, looking for any signs of life inside the house.
Still nothing.
Sighing a little I contemplated my next move.
Well, for a start I had no idea if he was even home, or if he had gone out somewhere.
Looking around aimlessly I tried to figure out what to do next. The possibilities were endless, he could be in there just ignoring me, making me feel like an idiot, or he could be out.
But where?
Searching through my brains I tried to think of the places where to look.
The hospital? Yes, that was one place, but where else?
Well one place to search was better than nothing so I took one last look at the very solemn looking house before making my way down to the hospital, hoping that I would find him there.
It was worth a shot.
If he wasn't there then I would have to rethink of other places to search and if that ended in failure then I should probably give up. If Ash didn't want to be found then that was that, I couldn't do anything about it.
An hour passed and I reached the hospital.
As entered the large white building I saw the usual people running around like headless chickens. The nurses and hospital staff, with various papers and notes for all the patients who were stuck in this God forsaken place.
I even saw the Doctor that had been tending to Ash's Mom.
Without thinking I rushed over to him and piped him;
"Hey Doc, have you seen Ash in here?"
The authoritative man turned around and immediately smiled when he saw me. He must have recognised me.
"Ah, you're Ash's friend right?"
I nodded, just wanting to know if he was actually here or not. If he wasn't it would give me time to think of other places to frantically search.
"Sadly no, he has not been here, is he missing?" The Doctor asked, the tone of his voice expressing his anxiety.
Okay that was clear then, Ash was not here.
"No, it's okay. Thanks anyway" I said quickly, immediately heading out of the building to continue my search.
For Fuck's sake! Where the hell could he be? There are only so many places to look, and I haven't been gone long enough for him to get too far. God... I feel like such a friggin' idiot!
As I left the hospital and opened the umbrella again I sighed.
All this thinking was messing up what I was going to say to him when, or if I found him.
What if this was all on purpose and he actually did not want me to find him? Maybe something had happened?
Furrowing my brow in annoyance I decided to keep going, I had to.
I needed to see him, to make it all up some how and to find out if he was okay.
See, I do have a caring side, but don't you dare tell anyone about this!
Walking a lot slower through the open spaces where the carnival had once been I continued to think.
If I was an upset or broken hearted Ash were would I go? Well, if it was me probably far away as possible, but that's me, not him. So... maybe somewhere connected to him? To us maybe? Hmmm... where though...
As the rain continued to hammer downwards I trundled on down the street. My eyes darted up towards the black sky, and then a thought hit me like a rock in the face.
The sky... the firework display. Yes! The hillside! That was where we confessed our feelings!
A wave of hope washed over me as I quickened the pace towards the hillside.
That was a good possibility, it was secluded, quiet and a good place to think.
I should know about that, I used to go there to think all the time if I was feeling troubled or anxious. Ash might be there, if he wasn't then panic mode could start to settle in, but not until I had looked there.
After almost running towards the hillside it finally came into view.
In these terrible conditions it did not look as appealing as it did when we watched the fireworks.
I sighed as I walked up the hillside, trying to keep this stupid umbrella stable in the wind.
I swear it was determined to break or something just so the rain could ruin my hair, again! Not happening Mother Nature!
The ground underneath my feet squelched in pain as I walked up the hillside, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of life.
And it was then I saw it, a figure bent over hugging it's knees as the rain lashed down.
Was that Ash? I couldn't really tell with these conditions, I had to get closer.
In an almost stealth mode approach I neared the hunched figure now noticing the mass of black, and also very wet hair.
It had to be him, that just had to be Ash, and from his body language he looked kind of upset.
"Ash?" I called out, hoping to get some sort of reaction from him.
I received nothing.
The figure remained still, hunched over, completely soaked to the bone just like I was a few hours previous.
Maybe he had not heard me or something?
"Ash!" I called louder, now vast approaching his small diminutive figure.
I watched as emotionless glassy eyes turned towards me.
He knew it was me, I could tell by his expression, but instead of shouting or screaming at me telling me I was a stupid fucking prick he just turned around and pretended he didn't see anything.
My heart started to sink.
Man I didn't realise how much being purposely ignored hurt.
Nearing him I knelt down on the wet grass, cursing at the fact I would probably get grass stains on my jeans.
"Ash... don't ignore me... please" I tried, bowing my head slightly when he would not even look at me when he spoke. I did notice however his tone of voice was slightly different than usual.
"If you... you.. have come to... to gloat... for...get it,"
Gritting my teeth I steadied my nerves, trying to figure out just what to say to make it up to him.
Would that even be possible?
"I haven't come to gloat... Ash... I am so sorry for what I said..."
I watched as he turned to face me, his eyes looked hazy and his expression sort of child like. His balance was also a bit off too.
"Ha! You're... you're... sorry? Well, that...that makes it all so... so much... bet... better riiiight?"
It was now I started to notice his speaking was incredibly slurred and also drawn out, like he had to think about what he was saying and it took a while before I could actually understand his words.
It took me a while to also take note of how red his eyes were, they looked all blood shot and glassed over.
Was he even paying attention to his surroundings?.
I sniffed the air, taking in an intoxicating aroma that smelt very similar to that of alcohol. Grabbing one of his shoulders I said firmly;
"Ash, have you been drinking?"
He just smirked at me and reeled on his heels as his arms still wrapped around his knees.
Great, he had been drinking, and was as drunk as a skunk. This was not going to be good. I just knew it. How could I explain myself to someone who had no idea what time of day it was?
"Come on... let's get you home," I tried, attempting to pull him up with one arm while the other held the umbrella. He yanked away, giving me a drunken glare.
"Get off me, I'm... I'm... fine," He slurred, rubbing his head with one hand.
I wasn't having any of this, being in this state was making him vulnerable and I had caused it.
"Ash... you're drunk," I stated, giving him a stern glare which he just shrugged off.
"And you're... you're a fucking..." He paused, frowning a little while still reeling backwards and forwards on his heels. If he had actually sworn at me I wouldn't have minded, in fact it would of helped matters.
"Yes, I know," I completed his unfinished statement, and continued to pull him by the arm, hoping to lift him up into a standing position.
Why the hell was he so frickin' heavy when completely off his face?
"Stop touch... touching me!" He barked angrily, slithering out of my grasp and just continued to glare at me through clouded brown eyes.
Okay, this wasn't going to be an easy task at all. How was I meant to get him home without him injuring himself, making himself look like a complete and utter idiot, and also explain my actions all at the same time?
"Ash... I never meant to hurt you... I was just..." I tried, now fully sitting my body down on the wet grass.
"...Gay!" He cried out, giving my arm a slightly push in annoyance.
Again he frowned.
"You... you are so... Gay, it's fucking... un... unreal,"
Okay, now he wasn't making much sense. Yes, I knew that, he didn't have to keep telling me. But using the word Gay in this context didn't seem to add up.
I sighed heavily;
"I was worried about what my family would think of me," I completed, just watching the younger boy's actions.
It seemed he was struggling to understand what was going on around him.
Just how much alcohol had he drunk exactly?
"Y'see... this... this is all my... my fault," He slurred, swaying slightly that I naturally placed a supportive hand on his shoulder to steady his balance.
"How is this your fault?"
"Well..." His voice raised an octave as his eyes remained unfocused. "... If... I had not...said... said that I woved... you, then..."
"No Ash, this is nothing to do with that," I interrupted, holding his shoulder to stop his body from swaying like a leaf in the breeze.
He was that out of it he didn't even notice how completely soaked he was, maybe he had been drinking before he left the house?
Still, Ash being drunk?
It was hard for my brain to deal with.
"My Mom... she... she is..." He slurred again.
"She will be fine, now come on lets get you home," I tried again, pulling the smaller boy up by his arm.
This time he allowed me to with ease which caught me off guard.
His feet stumbled and I had to support his body with my own to stop him from rolling down the hillside.
Wow, his legs were just like jelly, nothing seemed to be working for him.
As I wrapped one of my arms around his waist I literally dragged him back down the hillside and made our way back to his house.
I sighed at his constant rambling, about 'how all this was Nurse Joy's fault and if Officer Jenny had stopped the Bidoof from destroying the town then his Mom would be on holiday' or something like that.
My main aim was to get him home and then when he sobered up after drinking some of my legendary black coffee perhaps I could explain myself better.
Why must you make everything so freaking difficult Ash?
I find you out here drunk and then I can't even explain to you because you're off your face. Oh well, I suppose it gives me more time to think of a worthy explanation that might actually help mend our relationship.
First things first I need to get you home to rest.
See, aren't I just the most caring and sensitive guy you have ever met?
The end of this chapter was inspired by Saturdays events :) My boyfriend got completely drunk and it was hilarious, so he inspired me to make Ash drunk from neglect. How do you think it turned out? :) I found it kinda funny.
Thank you all for your kind reviews! And I hope this chapter has cleared up all the negative tension between the characters and why Gary behaved so horrible. He will learn his lesson don't worry :D
Sorry for the time it took to update, having some problems with the internet right now. I only have certain times when I can upload my stuff . just bare with!
And now I'll say au revoir and hope to hear from you all very soon!
Bekki~ 3