greenlight -- afi story♡

♡8♡

I stayed sat with ashton, just appreciating his existence, while listening to the other boys' conversation. they were talking about this song one of them wrote. I wasnt paying close attention.

so, when they stood up, I jumped, and looked around to see it dark outside.

'I cant walk home in the dark, and I dont have enough money for a taxi.' I thought.

I let out a sigh and threw my head into my hands. ashton saw this; "what's wrong love?"

"I cant get home, I'm stuck. I'm an idiot" I replied.

"well, how about you stay here tonight and you can leave when its light tomorrow?" he suggested.

i must say it did sound appealing.

"do you share rooms or have your own?" I asked without trying to imply anything.

"we have a room each, you can stay with me. it's okay."

it's more than okay, I said to myself. I blush at the thought.

"i guess i will ash." I said, and thank him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. now it was his turn to go red, which was adorable.

as the boys left, I said goodbye to them, giving both luke and michael a hug each. not wanting to out stay my welcome, I turned to calum and thanked him for the day and promised to text him tomorrow.

ashton placed his hand on the small of my back, which earned an eyebrow raise from calum, to which I smiled at.

I left with ashton, letting him guide me to his room that was only a couple of doors down. my heart was racing, the fact that his hand was pushing me slightly towards his hotel room.

my mind was full of thoughts that I had never even considered before.

he shifted and moved his hand from my back to find his key card, slotting it in the door, waiting for the green light. (come on, that was funny) he pushed the door open, letting me walk in front of him.

it was almost identical to calum's room, except for the sheets scattered on the table, which immediately caught my attention. I walked over to the table, feeling ashton's eyes watching me. I picked up a sheet, seeing the notes written down in his handwriting.

i felt hands on my shoulders, and he span me around, taking the sheet from my hands. I was stood still, shocked.

he just smiled at me and raised his arms again, and I walked into them. I was confused, but I wasnt going to complain about ashton wanting to hug me.

he placed his head on top of mine and sighed in contentment. I felt exactly the same. I pulled away after I felt a buzz in my pocket.

mom: where are you? are you coming back tonight, it's getting late
josie: I'm gonna be staying out tonight. sorry for not telling you
mom: it's okay, you and bella have fun

I dont correct her, knowing she would freak out if she knew where i actually was.

cal pal: use protection ;)
josie: I will hit you with a boot
cal pal: you love me
josie: mhm sure

I looked up from my phone to see ashton looking though the wardrobe. he turned around and walked over to me, giving me a tshirt.

"as cute as that outfit is, I dont think it would be comfortable to sleep in." he said, explaining himself. I just nodded and told him I would go change.

I took of my clothes, leaving my underwear on and put the top on. it was long, just the right length as to cover my bum. it smelt like ashton and I admired the way it looked in the mirror. deciding to wash my face and brush my teeth with the hotel provided items.

I walked out to see ashton topless and changing. I stopped and put my hands up to cover my eyes.

he must of heard me because I soon felt his hands on my wrists. he was laughing a little.

"come on sweetheart, bed time." he said as he pulled me towards the bed and sat on the bed. my face went red.

"we're sleeping in the same bed?" I asked.

"i mean, i could sleep on the sofa if you wanted me to. i just thought it was big enough for us both." he said, looking worried.

I sat beside him and placed my hand on his thigh, which caused him to stiffen a little. "I dont mind, I'm just surprised." I said with a smile.

before he could reply, I laid down, facing the centre if the bed, and then ashton when he laid down too. the bed was so comfy, but looking at ashton and having ashton look at me, made me feel like I was on cloud 9 either way.

he was so beautiful. his hazel eyes didnt blink very often, and then his nose was so cute. my eyes moved down to his lips. my favourite voice comes out of those lips, women of my favourite lyrics too. and they were just so damn kissable. my eyes continued to drink in his appearance, not finding a single fault. but when my eyes reached his again, they were slowly closing, clearly very tired.

I reached across and placed my hand on his cheek, which he put his own hand on top of.

"you can sleep, I'll be okay." I said softly, as to not startle him.

he pulled my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. "goodnight love." was all he said and his eyes dropped shut.

his hand was still in his, which I tried to pull away, but it led to him pulling me closer.

after about 20 minutes of ashton's quiet snores, I drifted to sleep beside him.

-♡-

I woke up in the middle of the night, sweating from my dream. well, more of a nightmare. i was struggling to get out of bed, the arms around my waist really not helping.

with all my twisting and turning, trying to get out, ashton started to stir.

"baby stop." he whined, neither of us really registering the pet name.

"ashton, please, I have to get out." I said hurriedly. he let go, and I ran towards the balcony, throwing the door open.

I stood there, breathing heavily, allowing my pulse to slow and my breathing to even out.

this happens sometimes, I have nightmares. usually, I can calm down quickly by looking out of my window and counting the windows I can see, or counting the flowers in the garden. just to take my mind of things. but this view is too overwhelming. the sounds of cars is too loud, there are too many windows. it's just too much.

"josie?" I heard from behind me, along with feet shuffling. my breathing was still erratic. I turned to face him, and the worry in his eyes was evident.

"what's wrong?"

"nightmare. panic attack." I said simply, not knowing how to explain any other way.

he just nodded knowingly; "what do you usually do to calm down?"

"count, but, but, theres too much out here" I said, my voice all ragged and tired.

"come, follow me." he said, while taking my hand in his. I followed him to the table I saw earlier, covered in paper.

he spoke again; "count the sheets of paper, or count the words in the sheet of paper, whichever is better for you."

I took the paper from him and count the words. I get to 20 and my breathing started to slow down. I keep counting until I finish the piece of paper.

"106." I turned to him and said. he just smiled with relief.

"I'm sorry." I sputtered before he could say anything. "I'm sorry, I get like this sometimes, I'm sorry you say that, i--"

"it's okay love." he cut me off. he stood up from the chair beside the table and kissed my head.

"it's okay, now can we sleep some more, 4am is far too early for me." he said and I giggled, but nodded.

we crawled back into bed, and I grabbed ashton's hand again. kissing his knuckles, like he kissed mine earlier as a thank you.

"goodnight again." I say and we both close our eyes, peaceful sleep taking over us.

(a/n) pls this is so long lmao