bar "banana fish" / ash x reader

chap VIII

"Boss, you have no chances."

You had no idea of how can you do that, since he doesn't usually smile, so you just have to improvise.

Starting off with making faces and playing weird, you realized it's not going to work. You thought of the things that would make you smile and none of them were even a little bit close to be something that would also make that cobblestone smile.

Okay, then plan B.

You stood up straight and looked straight into his eyes, making the contact with those dark green irises.

Step, step, step.

When you unexpectedly started coming too close, breaking the personal space, Ash's pupils lessened in confusion, he widened his arms, opening his flawless chest that is covered with a shirt, and started preparing himself for whatever is going on.

You took the last step and kneeled down, barely holding on to Ash's thighs, when he realized your plans.

However, you perplexed him on purpose. Now, when he is all confused and nervous, you jumped on him, beginning his tickling session.

"Ha-hah-ha-ah!" - tears began to gather in the corners of his eyes, as he was smiling and, of course, laughing his ass off. "Stop this! You won!"

"I knew you'd be ticklish." - you proudly smiled at him.

"Was that even legal!?" - Ash crossed his arms, "You forced me!"

Aw, mad Mr. Lynx is cute.

Now it was Ash's turn. He took the phone in the arms and moved to the little "True" button.

Tell about your previous girlfriend/boyfriend.

Ash noticeably was somewhat taken aback as his fingers tightened up around the device.

He turned his gaze on the bottle of bourbon and then back at the question.

"Come on, I'm curious!" - you whined, thinking he was about to refuse answering the question.

"It's not a fun story, no need to waste time on that." - He looked down.

"We're not in the rush." - you tried to be more gentle at that point, his first love must've been painful and you really wanted to help him or just let him talk.

"Well," - he straightened up in the chair and cleared his throat. "I was 15, I eventually fell for her and as soon as I did, she died."

She... died?

"I don't want to describe the details," - he continued, "So yeah, never again I've fallen for anyone."

The silence filled the air, making the presence in this room almost unbearable. Ash was looking at his hands with a fragile look, now rubbing his left thumb with the right one, tapping the foot.

"I- I am so sorry, Ash."

You didn't even notice how you called him by his name for the first time, you were comprehending the new information. It was so long ago, but he really seems to be still in pain. Did he love her that much?

"It's okay, don't worry about—"

Under the pressure of this moment, you sat on his laps and hugged him tight, even if you don't know the details or whatever, even if you know Ash for only like a week or something, it doesn't matter at the moment.

It felt like the living room darkened more, dim reddish color softly laid onto the skin of you and Ash, the sounds, that come from slightly opened windows, were now quieter, New York stopped for this one peaceful moment: Ash secludedly sobbed while hugging you back, as you felt insanely warm and comfortable here.

Ash felt better now, he never really told this to anyone else.

You pulled away, still sitting on his laps, a little bit to gently touch his cheek, feeling one wet tear strip.

So soft.

Maybe it's because of the alcohol his face seemed more attractive and pure, he didn't try to look cool and cold now, it was his true self.

Not you nor him were capable of holding back, so your lips were currently pressing against each other.

He wrapped his delicate hands around your waist, clinging fingers onto your skin, as you let your arm be free and ran it through his smooth medium hair meanwhile slightly scratching his scalp. You both deepened the kiss simultaneously, looking each other in the eyes.

You lost the track of time and pulled away, leaving a string of saliva between your and Ash's lips.

"Sorry, I—" - you knew it wasn't a good thing to do when someone has just opened up and was literally crying, but you just couldn't help it. Ash started it, too!

"No, haha," - nervous laugh... Is it a good or a bad sign? "It's fine, I wouldn't mind the second run."

Ash smirked. Damn, he's back to normal.

Your face lit up at his last comment, what made him lift his chin in sense of pride.

"Don't you think we have to sleep well before a working day?" - you said back, returning the control of yourself. "So let's sleep, shall we?"

Ash rolled his eyes but followed the so-called advice and lead you to the bedroom, helping you with all the sheets. Making sure you are now comfortably wrapped in the blanket, he wished you a good night, turning the lights off and leave the room.

Left all alone with your thoughts you tried to fall asleep, however, the memories of the recent 'game' would crash all of your attempts, terrorizing you for the next hour or two until you eventually were drifted into the dreaming world.