Summoner

Chapter 13

After their kiss, Layla and Ash didn't really talk much outside of their study sessions. They were so unusually quiet towards each other, that even Ash's brothers found it strange. They've missed golden opportunities to insult each other which was so out of character. They decided, that when Ash was done with his Dragon Rider practice, his brothers would be waiting in his dorm for him to interrogate their brother. 

Ash looked at his brothers with a raised eyebrow, "Can I help you?" "What the hell is going on between you and Layla," Terro asked him. Ash tossed his bag in the corner, as his brothers watched his cheeks become a light pink, "Nothing." "Liar," Maxis scoffed. "You two have never passed up chances to insult each other, yet you both let those chances slip without even looking as if you were trying to restrain yourselves." 

"We know it wasn't a fight because when you two fight, you throw each other glares when giving the other the silent treatment until one of you insult the other," Cecil pointed out. Then Cecil had a thought, "Did something happen in one of your study sessions?" Ash's blush deepened as Maxis and Terro's eyes widened. "Study session," Terro questioned. "For a while they've been meeting up almost every day after class to study. She's been helping him with Ms. Botnic's class while he's been helping her in Mr. Qulo's class," Cecil shared with them. "They didn't want us to know." 

"Why not," Maxis asked. "Because you two are so over protective of her," Cecil pointed out. "At least when it comes to Ash being the one she's interacting with. I only know because I asked Layla to help me in Ms. B's class on her way to meet with Ash and Ash told me to join them." 

"You have a big fucking mouth," Ash muttered while not looking at his brothers. "And no, nothing has happened during the study sessions." Terro smirked, "Then it has to be during Dragon Rider sessions." "You fucked her didn't you," Maxis asked him. "No," Ash said quickly. Ash then sighed, knowing his annoying brothers weren't going to leave it be. "We kissed when I took her for her first flying lesson. Now that you know, can you just leave?" 

"No we're not leaving," Terro said. "What happened after?" "You idiots are worse than gossiping women," Ash said while running a hand through his hair. Ash sat in his chair at his desk. "Nothing happened after the kiss. Right after, we saw the circle we told you about then that's it. We haven't really spoken outside of our study sessions and Dragon Rider training." 

"Well, how do you feel about her," Cecil asked him. "Fuck if I know," Ash muttered. "I don't hate her, so I guess that's something." His brothers shared a look before looking back at him. "You brother have a golden opportunity, don't fuck it up," Maxis said. Ash rolled his eyes the three of them then left.

The next day at breakfast, Layla woke up and looked at her clothes. There was no school today but last night Ash asked her to meet in the library, and even clarified that it wasn't to study. Did he want to talk about the kiss, she asked herself? She decided to not ask herself ten thousand questions and just get dressed. She went with her light colored skinny jeans, a black bralette, an emerald green lace kimono, and her black heeled ankle boots. She gave her hair a slight curl before putting on her belt with her God Keys. She looked at herself in the mirror and debated on changing. It was just Ash, she told herself. But since the kiss, she's been questioning herself on how she really feels about him. 

She left her room, before she let her thoughts get the best of her. As she walked she saw many decorations around the school, both in the halls and outside. The Anniversary dance was coming up. It will be the school's two hundredth anniversary and everyone was excited. The students were all above drinking age, and there would be alcoholic beverages available. The teachers were only going to not be chaperones, but to enjoy the dance themselves. The magic schools started at the age of twenty one because around that age is when one's magic is fully matured, and they want to ensure those who attend get proper training and can get the chance to explore different job fields as well. 

As Layla was walking past the garden to get to the main school building, she saw a guy give a girl flowers as he asked her to the dance. For the last few days, everywhere Layla looked, she was seeing romantic gestures when asking someone to go to the dance. Layla didn't know if she would be going. She had never been to a dance, nor did she know how. She'd probably make a fool out of herself and that's the last thing she needed. 

She got to the library and found Ash in their usual spot. He wore dark jeans, a casual red button up that had a faded look it with his sleeves rolled up, his nicer combat boots, and his hair was done. She couldn't help it as she let her eyes run over him as he was doing the same with her. "So what did you want to talk about that couldn't wait till after breakfast," she asked him. "The other day, my brothers, being the idiots they are, noticed we haven't really been, uh, talking since we kissed," he said to her.

"They interrogated you didn't they," she asked with a shake of her head, knowing exactly they would do something like that. He nodded, "Yeah. They said I have a golden opportunity, and to not fuck it up. Well, I realized they were right. I don't know what the fuck I feel towards you, but I would like to see where it leads."

He then pulled a small rectangular box from his pocket and held it out to her. She took it and opened it. It was a necklace with silver chain that had a red glass heart pendant. Layla knew it was something Ash had made, having made sand into glass a lot when he was a kid before she left for her journey.

On the inside of the lid was his fancy cursive handwriting she used to tease him for, Will you go to the dance with me?

She smiled softly at how much he clearly put into it. She also knew that him making the heart was most likely filled with trial and error because he needs complete concentration as he controls the heat of his hands while he shapes it without using too much pressure.

"I'd love to," she said as she looked at him. She then had him put it on her. It rested just above her breasts. "Now come on, I'm starving," he said while taking her hand, lacing their fingers together. She smiled softly as she followed after him. 

Maxis, Terro, and Cecil watched as Ash and Layla walked into the dinning hall, holding hands. "Damn he moves fast," Terro said softly. "He has always been one to go for what he wants," Maxis said with  a shrug. 

Layla and Ash went to the table and they sat beside each other. "Are you two going to the dance," Terro asked them. "Yeah," Ash answered with a nod. Ash looked at Layla, "Have you already gone shopping for your dress?" She shook her head, "I didn't know if I was going to be going or not. I guess I can go today." Ash nodded, "While you shop, find me a tie that matches your dress." She smiled softly, "Okay." 

She had no clue what she wanted her dress to look like, but she knew it had to be perfect. It was most likely the only time they'd go together since he graduated this year, so she had to make sure to impress him.