Ash's thoughts rang true for not just the next morning, but several after. Every night for the next week Lance came, her door creaking ominously each time. The scratches in the wood were severally worse, making the already exhausted porcupine even more worried. If her friends saw, they'd throw a fit. And everyone was so busy with the play, she didn't want to be another problem. Especially as in her tired state she kept screwing up, and forgetting her lines.
She had shrugged off the concern that reached her, saying it was family problems. Which was sort of true, as she was still furious at her mother. The excuse worked well, stopping the questions. Johnny and Meena still shot her worried looks, but she just brushed them off. The play aided her, by keeping them distracted, though. Which was fine by her. But the whole ploy couldn't last forever, and on Sunday night, everything went wrong.
Rain pounded against the window as the storm raged overhead. Ash would usually sleep all that better in a storm, finding them oddly soothing. Yet tonight, she was still awake, gazing wide eyed at her front door. The room was dark for the most part, flashes of lightening occurring occasionally. Not even the thunder could bloke out the noises of Lance hitting the wood. At each thump, the door shifted, creaking under the attack.
Ash glanced to her room, thinking about her phone on charge. It wasn't even an option now, she had to ring the police. Yet just as she got up, the door caved, slamming open. For a second, both porcupines stood, staring at each other. Another flash of lightening illuminated the male's face, and he shot towards her. Ash dived for her room, only to have her arm grabbed. The grip was almost bruising, nails digging into her flesh.
'Come here you stupid bitch,' was growled in her direction, as she was dragged away from her bedroom door. The smaller of the two struggled, whimpering slightly as his grip doubled. God, what was he going to do with her? Ash was panicking. She couldn't make it to her room, he'd catch her easily, and she'd be trapped. The front door, hanging sadly off its hinges caught her eye. It was her only escape.
Turning slightly, the female caught the male's eye. There was a dangerous glint in those green eyes that had once caught her heart. He opened his mouth, and Ash went for it. Quills jabbed Lance straight in the face, the pain causing him to let go. On his yell, Ash shot for the door, running as fast as she could. Even when she made it out of the building, she kept going, not daring to look behind her. She could hear him yelling after her, but the voice sounded distance, drowned out by the rain and her thundering heart.
She kept running for ages, not knowing exactly where she was heading. Harsh concrete scrapped the bottoms of her feet, cold rain soaking through her pyjamas. Her lungs felt like fire, tears stinging her eyes, yet she couldn't stop. It wasn't until she saw a familiar sign, did she even slow. Johnny…. She shot for the large grey garage door, grabbing the handle. Her whole strength only lifted the door about half a foot, but it was enough for her to crawl under. Sliding it shut behind her, Ash stood shaking.
The noise of hurried footsteps behind the metal shook the porcupine back into action. She could hear Lance calling her name as she rocketed up the stairs, into the flat above. She didn't even think as she approached Johnny's door, throwing it open. The gorilla shot up, confusion written all over his face. In any other situation, Ash would've paused to admire the bare chest presented to her, but she was too scared. The smaller was already trying to scramble up onto the bed when Johnny realised it was her.
'Ash, wha-' came forth, covers being yanked up to his chin in attempt to hide his lack of shirt. Ash didn't even bother to point out his unneeded shyness, as she finally made it on the mattress, not hesitating to throw her arms around his neck. Her face burrowed into his neck, tears dampening dark fur. She was shaking like a leaf, only starting to relax when large arms circled her, pressing her forward.
'Ash, what's going on? Are you ok?' the words were soft, accent still thick with sleep. The elder didn't reply, her sobs preventing any words from coming forth. They sat there for a long time, large hand occasionally brushing back her quills. Eventually the tears calmed, her body collapsing into that strong chest with exhaustion. Johnny then gently placed her next to him, getting up to grab a t-shirt.
Not a word was said between the two when he carried Ash into the bathroom, setting her on the counter. Great brown eyes gazed at her with worry, before turning to grab a towel. The porcupine let her own eyes slide shut as it was wiped softly across her face, soaking the excess water from her fur. The silence was almost deafening as the gorilla repeated the action, making his way down her arms and clothes. It was only broken when he reached her feet.
'Shit.' Was his only response, before rising to rummage in the cupboard above her. Ash took a moment to glance down, spotting the blood dripping from the paws. No wonder they hurt… she had obviously cut them up badly whilst running. Johnny pulled her from her thoughts, kneeling back down, first aid kit in hand. He produced a bottle and a flannel from it, glancing up.
'I'm sorry, this is going to sting, but yer need sorting.' Ash just nodded. At first, it wasn't bad, but then the disinfectant began to burn. The porcupine grit her teeth, spines flaring. An apologetic look was shot at her as he kept cleaning her feet of blood and grit. The grip on her ankle was careful, as if she was made of glass. Soon the cleaning was finished, and the gorilla was wrapping her feet in thick bandages.
'None of the cuts look bad enough for stitches, but yer should keep an eye. It might also hurt to walk for a bit.' The voice was soft and calm as he finished wrapping her feet, cleaning away the wrappers and blood soaked flannel. 'Stay there,' was all he said before disappearing back out of the room. Ash gazed at the door until her returned, familiar green fabric in hand. A pink flush had crept across grey cheeks, chocolate irises seeming unsure.
'This is all I've got that might fit in any way… it's clean, I promise. It's just your jamas are soaked, and you'll get a chill.' Ash grasp the offered jumper, pulling it towards her. It was soft, and smelt just like the teen stood nervously in front of her.
'I'll… just give yer a minute,' floated towards her. The door shut with a click, and she started to shrug out of her sodden clothes. Sliding the jumper over her head, careful not to catch her spines, a small smile graced tired cheeks. It was warm and familiar, much like Johnny himself, and hung like an oversized dress on her small frame. Sleeves dangled a good few inches over her paws, shoulder peeking out of the neck line. She burrowed further into it, allowing the warmth to spread through her.
Eventually Johnny returned, pausing as he looked at her. He had a strange look in his eyes, one Ash could quite place. He took her wet clothes away, leaving her to her thoughts. She was soon distracted by the teen lifting her back up, carrying her bridal style back to his room. She was placed on the bed, covers pulled up to her chin. He sat next to her, smoothing back her quills again, voice breaking the silence.
'Ash, what happened?' the porcupine shut her eyes, listening to the storm outside. She knew her friend needed an explanation, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. All that managed to emerge was a chocked out,
'Lance.' The large form next to her stiffened. She could see sharp canines glinting in the dim light, a dull growl echoing from his chest. The action stopped as fast as it had appeared, concern overtaking.
'Ash…' the gorilla seemed lost for words. A small paw on his large forearm pulled his attention back to her, her mouth opening.
'Not tonight.' She knew it couldn't be put off forever, but right now, sleep was her priority. Johnny nodded stiffly, knowing the information would come. He stood to leave, and Ash panicked. Grabbing his fingers, she almost shouted.
'Stay.' Conflicted eyes gazed down at her. The porcupine wasn't surprised, Johnny most likely thought it would be inappropriate, but she was terrified to be alone. Before he could say anything she spoke again. 'Please.' The single word did the trick, large shoulders slumping in defeat.
He moved to the wardrobe, pulling out a spare blanket and pillow, before making himself comfortable on the floor next to her. Ash scooted to the edge so she could see her friend. Brown met blue, half smiles gracing their faces. She spoke.
'I've never heard you swear before.' The words scratched at her throat. A soft laugh floated up to her.
'Nah, I don't generally. But I think that this time can be forgiven.' Sad chocolate eyes met tired blue. She knew Johnny felt bad that she was hurt, but nothing could be done. She just smiled gratefully, sinking into the soft pillows. It wasn't long before exhaustion took over, storm singing them to sleep.
Johnny was woken by the noise of something hitting the door downstairs. He shot up, back cracking painfully from the night on the floor. Ash was also sat up, cover clutched to her chest, eyes wide an afraid. The whimper that escaped the smaller animal made Johnny want to just scoop her up and never let go. She looked tiny in his bed, still swamped in his jumper. He had nearly cracked when he first saw her wearing it. She looked perfect, and even better, like she was his.
Another round of banging burst him from his thoughts. Ash curled further into herself as he stood. He knew he had to answer, and there was a chance it could be Lance. Johnny was defiantly not missing a chance to teach that wanker a lesson. He gestured for Ash to stay where she was, closing his door firmly behind him. Bare feet echo quietly between the thudding at the door, large body tensing. Large hands balled into fists as he reached the door, going for the handle.
