Andy

I felt heat rise to my face at Ashley's statement, did he seriously like that?

I bit my lip ring, a nervous habit, and looked down at the table. Ashley's hand was still on mine, rubbing my knuckles with his thumb. It was actually a somewhat comforting gesture. I liked it.

Not long after, a waitress waltzed over to our table.

"Can I get you guys any drinks?" She asked cheerfully. I thought for a second.

"I'll just have a water," I said softly. My eyes drifted over to Ashley's hand. It never really left my hand, he did stop rubbing my knuckles though.

The waitress left after Ashley had ordered his drink and now he was staring at me.

"So, where do you think you want to get that tattoo?" He asked. I actually hadn't thought of that. When I saw the sketch I just knew that I wanted it.

I ran a hand through my hair, "My back I guess."

"Cool, so now all we need to do is set up an appointment on Saturday." Ashley smiled, squeezing my hand.

We really hadn't looked at the menu for what we were going to order, I kind of knew what I wanted because of old times. I have no clue why Ashley didn't, though.

The waitress returned with our drinks and we gave her our order. We had both gotten some type of burger, I couldn't really remember what though.

We are in silence, making occasional small talk. I didn't mind it, not being one to talk at first approach.

"So, how about we head back home after this and... watch a movie?" Ashley suddenly asked, making me jump. "Oh- um, sure."

We soon finished our lunch, Ashley paying seeing as I had no money at all. I started towards the door, pausing briefly to stare at the claw machine. I sighed, shaking away the memories I had as a child.

"Hey, Kid," Ashley patted my shoulder, gaining my attention, "want to take a swing at it? You know, old times sake?" I smiled, my eyes widening as I nodded.

Ashley handed me a quarter and I approached the machine.

My eyes scanned the toys in the machine, smiling as I saw a chestnut colored teddy-bear. I inserted the quarter, the lights edging the box blinking with multiple colors. Narrowing my eyes, I concentrated on the claw as I moved it over to the bear, lowering it to the head of the toy. The claws grabbed the bear's small head, and I moved the joystick to lift up the toy. I glanced at the timer at the top of the machine, 10 seconds, I could make it.

Quickly moving the claw to the output, I released the button on the joystick, the toy dropping inside it. I smiled widely, grabbing the bear from the output. I turned to Ashley, my smile growing if that was even possible. I walked over to him and hugged him tightly, one arm wrapped around his neck as I buried my face into his shoulder. He was hesitant at first, but he eventually hugged me back.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice muffled by his shoulder. He chuckled.

"For what?" I shook my head, laughing softly.

"Everything, I guess... All that you've done, you didn't have to but you did. Just, thank you."
Ashley smiled at me, patting my back before letting me go. I unwrapped my arm from his neck, my smile still on my face. I loved this, this was amazing. Ashley was amazing. He was so interesting and fun. He was so understanding. He's made me smile so much... And all in one day. How does he do it? Honestly, I don't know. But he does.

"So, how about we go home and watch a movie?" Ashley spoke suddenly, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Huh? Oh- yeah, sure." Ashley nodded, heading towards the exit. I followed closely, getting into the car when we reached it. I smiled to myself, looking out the window as we drove off.

----

We were now home, me sitting on the couch looking for a movie while Ashley was making some popcorn. I had the urge to watch a horror movie, so that was my main goal.

It wasn't long before I found a movie, The Purge, and Ashley was walking in with a bowl of popcorn. He sat the bowl down on the coffee table, plopping down next to me as I curled into the corner, leaning against the arm of the couch.

"What're we watching?" He asked, looking at the screen as commercials played.

"The Purge." I shrugged, taking a small handful of popcorn. Ashley nodded and chuckled softly. "What?"

"I don't know, do you like horror movies?" The smug look on Ashley's face only proved that he didn't need an answer to the question. "'Cause if I remember correctly, you whimpered when I brought up my fondness for them the day you showed me what you looked like."

I shrugged as Ashley got a knowing smirk on his face, blushing at the mention of that day. I had the stuffed bear sat with its back against my thighs, my legs being propped up on the couch and pulled somewhat close toy chest. I wrapped my arms around the toy, smiling softly.

As the movie started, I noticed Ashley edging closer to me, sparing a few glances at me as he did. A small smirk appeared on my face as I shifted so I was leaning against him, my head rested on his shoulder.

I was shocked to find his arm snaking around my waist, a soft blush blossoming on my face as he pulled me closer to him.

I could get used to this.

We were almost done with the movie now, and let me say, I have never been more terrified in my life. The fact that at any given time our government could make all crimes legal for twenty-four hours, or for any given amount of time, was scary.

I had to have jumped and hidden from the screen at least twenty times now, actually screamed around five. I was surprised that Ashley was fine with me being so close to him.
Me being practically on his lap.

I was shaking like a leaf, and of course, the bastard would chuckle at me if I ended up hiding my face in his neck. Or tense up and squeeze the teddy bear that was still in my arms.

I squealed as a jump-scare popped it's way onto the screen, burying my face into Ashley's neck as my arms tightened around the bear. A frown made its way onto my face as a chuckle sounded from Ashley's lips.

"It's not funny," I mumbled, closing my eyes briefly as I heard one of the actors in the movie scream. I didn't bother moving my head, I would only end up in the same position from yet another scare.

Ashley's hand rubbed up and down my side where it rested, his other being rested on my knee. I bit my lip at the small gesture, it causing tingles to rush up my spine as his fingertips brushed my ribs.

"You know, you look cute when you're scared shitless." I could feel the smirk on his face. Oh, how I wish I could just slap it off him.

"Shut it," I muttered into his neck, the words instantly causing him to chuckle.

"You're such a child." I looked up at Ashley with a small glare.

"I am a child, Ashley." I rolled my eyes as I made the statement. "17 is not a legal adult."
Ashley shrugged, smiling.

We spent the rest of the night watching the movie, and I never really left Ashley's lap.

The last thing I could remember was Ashley mumbling a small 'goodnight' as I drifted off to sleep.

Notes

Yes, I know, the format is fucked up, I'll fix it later on my phone because it keeps deleting every time I try to return it.

edit: FORMAT HAS BEEN FIXED