Unexpected//Fezco

08| Progress

(A/n: im sorry this is a short chapter, but next chapter will be longer. And I hope you've enjoyed reading so far. And I really do appreciate all the feedback. Also this is specifically targeted to one person. Yk who you are😉. Ok, I love you. Happy reading<3)

Recap

"I'll give you space if you need it, i know youre not the best with new people." Reina said, getting up and dusting of her pajama shorts. "Let me know if you need...or want anything."
Reina left it at that, walking back inside the house.

She knew Ashtray needed time, and she was willing to let him have it.

She just hoped he would open up to her soon, she wanted to get to know him.

She wanted him to trust her.

————————————————————————

Song: "Everything I am" by Kanye West.

Ashtray had soon settled into the guest room,
"Ashtray, dinners ready!" Reina yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

Fezco had texted her throughout the day, making sure Ashtray didn't kill her. He had also informed her about their grandma's state and what happened to her.

Reina had offered to go and check on her, but Fezco declined because he had a private and trusted nurse who took Marie to their home.

Fezco had told Reina that even though Ashtray was young when everything happened with Marie, he was still old enough to feel depressed.

Which he was.

Fezco had told her it took time for Ashtray to trust anyone again, including Fezco. He had pushed people out, but he began to slowly let them back in.

Which is why Ashtray was so pissed at Fezco for leaving him with a girl he's met once.

To the point where he wasn't answering Fezco's texts, which is another reason Fezco was texting Reina to make sure Ash was alive himself.

Reina set out a plate for herself and one for the boy, along with the warm dinner rolls on the table.

She knew Ashtray was very serious about the food he ate. One of the small details Fezco had mentioned while they talked and texted.

He would take any home cooked food as long as it was to his liking. It wasn't often that Ashtray or Fezco got a home cooked meal.

It wasn't often since their grandma was the only one who really cared for them. Nowadays the boys would be eating microwave dinners or takeout.

When Ashtray came down, Reina had already set the food on the table. He recognized the smell from the bottom of the stairs. He looked at the dinner she made, recognizing it.

"I hope I didn't overdo it. I just wanted to make it...special." Reina said, nervous for how the boy would react.

Once they both sat, Ashtray didn't say a word, just stared at the food.

"Does it- does it not look good?" Reina questioned.

Ashtray quickly shook his head no.
"It's just, this was- it was the same dinner our grandma had made the night she..." Ashtray said, trailing off.

Reina had cooked chicken legs, green beans, and mashed potatoes. The last thing their Grandma Marie had cooked for the boys before she fell into her coma.

Reina realized that is was a likely chance it caused him to remember that night.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Ash, want me to order in?" She said, pushing her chair out, about to get up from her seat.

"No, no! It's ok. I- I want it!" Ashtray said. He quickly served himself, putting 2 chicken legs, 3 pretty large spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, and a scoop of green beans. Reina cracked a small smile, watching as Ashtray tasted each food item.

"Holy shit." Ashtray said through a mouthful.
"Is it....is it alright?" Asked Reina.
"This shit is fuckin' amazing." Ashtray said. Grabbing one of the bread rolls in front of him. Reina giggled at the boy,
"I'm glad you like it." Reina said softly.

Both of them ate their dinner in peace, enjoying each other's presence.

-

Ashtray and Reina sat on the couch after they finished eating, Reina had even managed to get Ashtray to help clean.

But really she told him if he helped, they could watch whatever he wanted. So there they sat, watching Rick and Morty.

"Why are we watching this again?" Asked Reina.
"Because you said we could watch whatever i picked," Said Ashtray, making Reina scoff. "You're acting like you haven't been laughing this whole time."

Reina rolled her eyes,
"Fine, it's not that bad." Reina said. "I just didn't expect a little gangster like you would like shows like this." Said Reina, causing Ashtray to turn his body to Reina.

"First off, dont call me little." Ashtray warned, "Second, i don't care what you think."
Reina put her arms up in defense, turning back to look at the tv.

"Tomorrow I'm gonna enroll at East Highland High school, and-" Reina began to say, before Ashtray cut her off.
"When did I ask." He said, Reina scoffed.

"I was going to say, that I'm enrolling you at the middle school nearby." Reina finished.

"Hell no." Ashtray protested.

"You can't just say no?" Reina turned to face the boy, "Ash, this will be good for you." This caused him to roll his eyes.

-

After much protest, Ashtray had soon fallen asleep on Reina's shoulder, she didn't wanna wake him. So with all the strength in her body, she lifted him off of the couch and lugged him up the stairs. Reina gently set him down on the bed and put him under the covers.

She turned on a night light she used to use when she was younger, setting it on the desk that was in the room. She gave Ashtray a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving the room, leaving the door cracked open.

She hoped she had made progress with Ashtray, i mean he did trust her enough to fall asleep in the same room as her.

Word Count: 850