Is not this something more than fantasy? || ashvain

2 - fumbling towards kindness

"Ah, well, uh, I better get- I better get going now, so um. I'll see you tomorrow! I think, I don't know- uh, bye!" Ashe basically runs out of the classroom. I'm guessing he's tired after a long school day, and wanting to get back to his room as soon as possible. To be honest I am too, so I quickly scribble down Manuela's words on the blackboard and get my stuff ready to go.

I'm back at my room with a girl, which happens more than not. She's chatting away about how her day was. "Ugh, the professor told me I've got to do the weeding tomorrow, I don't want to!" She complains. I chuckle. "Well, I could always try and convince him to let me join you. I can't let a lady dirty her hands alone." She squeals, as expected.

Honestly, I'd rather take care of the sky watch with Ashe. I mean, he's my friend. Also I don't know who this girl is, like at all. Well, I've agreed to do worse stuff with girls I don't know, so this should be all good, but I sorta can't help but feel bad about leaving Ashe alone. Suddenly the girl pokes me in the back. "Hey, are you ok? You're more quiet than usual..."

I didn't even notice she was talking to me at all. "Ah, I was just gonna tell you that I sadly can't come with ya tomorrow. My professor got me on sky watch then. But there's always time next week, right? Maybe... we can even do a bit more than only weeding." I wink at her and she blushes. All of a sudden she stands up. "Oh jeez, I totally forgot I had plans with my friend today! I'm really sorry, Sylvain. You seem like a great guy, so if it's ok I'd definitely like to know you better. Some other time then! Bye!"

I think that's the first time a lady has ever willingly left my room before I've made a move on her. And trust me, I've had a lot of women in my room. Just ask Dimitri. But I've never been as distracted as I am today when I'm with someone, have I? Seriously, what's my deal today? I would've missed what Manuela wrote on the blackboard if Ashe hadn't told me.

Ashe... how was he doing? I remember he ran out of the classroom, not looking too good. Maybe I should go check in on him. Yeah, I should. I close my door, and then I realize I have no clue where his room is. Should I ask Dimitri? He's the house leader, he must know.

I knock three times on his door, and he opens it almost immediately. He's got really quick reflexes. "Ah, Sylvain. Is there anything you want to talk to me about?" That's the first question he asks? Even when the person visiting is a childhood friend? What a polite guy. "Just wondering where Ashes room is. Do you know?"

Dimitri crosses his arms and raises one brow. "Sylvain, I think this is the first time you've asked me about a non-female student's room." He smiles. I'm confused. "What does that have to do with- oh. Dude, you don't seriously think I'm like that, do you? I'm just, you know, worried about him. He ran out of the classroom earlier today and looked sick, so I wanna check up on him. You know? It's not like I'm like, in love with him or something." We both laugh awkwardly.

I'm walking down the stairs, thinking. Dimitri is kinda weird sometimes. I mean, it's obvious I'm straight, right? Personally I don't think anything about how I act can imply anything else. Dimitri's room is right next to mine, there's no way he can't hear the... actually, nevermind.

Today's been a different kind of day. I've been distracted in class, barely had a girl over, and now I'm outside Ashe's door hesitating to knock. Why's my heart beating so fast? There's nothing to be scared of here. I knock on the door and after a couple seconds Ashe opens it. He looks somewhat surprised when he sees I'm the one outside.

"S-Sylvain? What're you doing here?" He asks, barely making eye contact. I lean down a little as to make it easier for him. I haven't really noticed before, but Ashe is a whole lot shorter than me. "You seemed a little down when you ran out of the classroom earlier today. Sure everything's okay? No love drama going on? Any women I've gotta confront? It's starting to get a little late now, so that may have to wait until tomorrow." I give a small smile to indicate I'm joking. He laughs a little.

"No, it was nothing like that! Not everyone is like you, you know. I just- remembered something urgent I had to do, and it couldn't really wait. I'm sorry I made you worry." He seems genuinely apologetic. "No need to be sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were ok. What kind of friend am I if I don't worry for you, hm?"

Ashe smiles up at me and tilts his head. "Thank you, Sylvain. Honestly, you're a better guy than I thought when we first talked." I laugh a short but loud laugh. "Well, first impressions can't tell you everything about someone! When I first approached you in the greenhouse I didn't think we'd end up being good friends like this."

"Well, you can't really complain, can you? Now you've got a big strong buddy to beat up the bad guys for you!" I punch the air as if there's some black beast in front of me.

Then Ashe lets out a long, warm giggle. Possibly the purest thing I've ever heard come out of anyone's mouth. I think this guy's laugh could cure about every disease there ever is.

He must notice me completely spacing out again, because the next thing I know he's waving his hand directly in front of my face. For the second time today, I shake my head because of this gesture.

"Ah, sorry. I've been lost in my thoughts all day, haven't I? Girls really are complicated, if you know what I mean." I suddenly clap my hands together, somewhat startling Ashe.

"Jeez, I totally forgot to say thank you for earlier today when you woke me up in class! So, thank you! Without you I would probably have gotten a good scolding from Professor Manuela. Not that I'd mind, but still." I wink at Ashe and he chuckles a little.

"It's no problem, really. One must do his best to help others if he wants to succeed as a good knight!" He smiles up at me again. The sun is setting behind us, coloring his face in that kind, warm shade of red that comes with it.

He looks beautiful, covered in that beautiful fading sunshine. Almost like the sunset itself. Every part of his face was illuminated, and I'm just now noticing how green his eyes are, how rounded his nose is...

How gorgeous.

"Well, I'd better get back to my room now! I've got some stuff to study up on. You know, gotta properly read through whatever professor Manuela talked about today. I'll catch you some other time!" I wave and hastily leave. I almost run up the stairs to the second floor of the dorms. What am I doing? Running away from a situation like that really isn't like me.

Even so, I just can't stop thinking about how Ashe looked when the sun set. It was an amazing sight, really. His gray hair looked so soft, and his freckles were so cute, and those lips of his looked awfully kissable-

Come on Sylvain, stop that. You're just thinking that cuz you haven't kissed a girl in ages. I should find someone to hook up with. Which shouldn't be too difficult, if you get what I mean.