Asher King's life has revolved around putting up an involuntary mask to hide his true self. With successful parents boasting about his 'pretend' success, Asher feels as though the life he is living was never his to begin with, and a home of happines...
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"Hey, honey," my mom says sweetly as I walk back through the door. "Where did you go this early in the morning?"
I kiss her on the cheek in greeting and then set the coffee and flowers on the table.
"I thought I would get Ash a little something to start the day."
"Aw, that's so sweet...wait a second." She eyes me suspiciously and points to the flowers on the table. "Are those from the flower shop?"
I hold up the keys to the shop and chuckle awkwardly, "Guilty."
"Leo!" She slaps my shoulder playfully. "Don't think I didn't notice all of the missing Lisianthuses!"
"Sorry, sorry," I say apologetically, holding my hands up in surrender. "They're Ash's favorite flower, so of course I'm gonna spoil my boyfriend."
"I don't mind, just a little bit of warning would've been–wait," she stops mid-sentence. "Boyfriend?" Her expression lights up, and her face breaks out into a smile. "Oh my god, Leo! Did you finally ask him out?!"
"Yeah," I chuckle, a little embarrassed.
"That's so great. I'm so happy for you!" she exclaims, wrapping me in a hug.
I hug her right back, thankful that the world gave me such a great mother.
"Thanks, Mom," I laugh.
"Is he still asleep?" she questions, breaking away from our hug.
"I think so."
"Well, I'm about to head out to work so have a good first day back at school. Tell Asher the same."
"Okay, Mom. Love you. I'll see you later."
"Love you too, Leo." She gives me a side hug before rushing out the door.
I pick up the coffee and flowers, carrying them to my bedroom. I open the door as quietly as possible and peek into the room to find my boy still asleep.
Ash is curled up in the middle of the bed with his legs wrapped around the blanket, almost like he is looking for my body to cling to as he sleeps. His hair is disheveled and he is snoring heavily, but somehow he's still the cutest person in the world.
I slowly approach the bed and hide his gifts behind my back.
"Ash?" I say softly, but he doesn't move a muscle. "Asher?"
Still nothing.
I lean forward and start kissing up his jaw. After a few seconds, he makes a sleepy noise. I don't relent my soft kisses and keep pecking his cheek. His nose scrunches up in protest, but he still doesn't open his eyes.
"Baby, wake up," I whisper in his ear, and he whines in response.
"Leo," he pouts and pats the bed next to him. "Why aren't you in bed with me?"
