I SEE YOU

FRIENDS (RIVER'S POV)

"Eh! Breakfast is ready." I clear my throat and linger outside Ash's bedroom a bit before going back to the kitchen.

I look over both our plates again then take my seat by the island.

I'm not a fan of cooking but it's something I had to learn for survival back when things were still rough. So I'd like to think I'm not too bad at it.

I usually opt for cereal or protein bars in the morning, but I thought it would be nice of me to prepare some food for Ash and I.

I really meant what I said to her yesterday, I want things to get better between us.

I honestly don't know where the sudden change of heart came from though. Maybe it's because Mercy likes Ash or because she thought I don't like her. Ash probably thinks so too, but after she helped me even though she didn't have to....I've decided to be the one to hold out the olive branch.

I've always had a hard time letting people in, even with Mercy it took years before I fully trusted her. My circle is really small, but I don't think it will hurt to add a new member.

Afterall, Ash is someone I see everyday. So why not make the best of this situation while I can.

My head snaps up when Ash walks into the kitchen with a flushed face and sleep still in her eyes. I observed her work schedule when we were ignoring each other, so I know she has a late shift today.

"Morning" Ash just smiles in response and my eyes drop down to her body.

She's in a pair of boxers and a tank top. Her breasts are perky and a bit smaller than mine, and man she has an ass for days. The boxers she has on are big but you can still see her firm ass clearly.

She has an hour glass that's always hidden by these baggy clothes, I bet she'd look really good in a dress.

I clear my throat when Ash takes a sit next to me, I honestly would have expected her to take the one opposite from me.

My eyes drop to her long legs, now that she's sitting the boxers are clinging to her thick thighs. I gulp and divert my gaze upwards.

Her bed hair is a tangled mess that I wouldn't mind sorting out. Her plump lips are slightly pouted and she looks so damn cute, with each passing day I appreciate her features a bit more.

We both start munching on our food silently and I feel Ash's dark eyes on me every once in a while. That's a sign her sleep is starting to wear off.

Eventually we finish eating, though I barely even registered the taste of my meal. "That was really good, thank you."

I turn to be met by a sweet smile on Ash's face, her violet eyes are sparkling in an almost animated way.

"I'm glad you enjoyed."

She smiles then takes our plates. I watch her as she goes to the sink and washes the plates. My eyes drop to her ass on their own accord and I find myself standing without meaning to.

I stop right behind her, I'm close enough that she can surely feel my presence though we are not really touching. She tenses as I hold my hand out to take a clean plate from her then I step back to put it away.

Her shoulders relax and I hear the deep breath she lets out. She quickly cleans the second plate and puts it away too.

She turns to face me and I'm not surprised at all to see how red she is, I swear it looks like she might explode at any moment.

"Are you okay??" She quickly nods and I can't stop myself from smirking.

"Are you sure?? Your face is really flushed." Now I'm just purposely teasing her and she can tell. "Seriously, you look really hot. I think you should check your temperature."

She visibly gulps before shaking her head, and then she abruptly changes the subject.
"So like, you won't guess who called me last night."

I think I have a pretty good idea. "Oh yah, who was it??"

She grips the sink and leans into it, the tank top moves a bit and I get to see a small curve of her boob. "Mercy, she called to wish me a goodnight and even asked to have lunch with me tomorrow."

Dang! I don't even know why I'm surprised because Mercy always goes for the kill fast. My friend doesn't understand the concept of moving slowly, she might even ask Ash to be her girlfriend tomorrow.

This thought has me frowning, so I quickly push it away.

"Did you give her my numbers??" Ash asks with a raised brow and I lift one side of my lips. "Actually, she's the one who asked for them."

My reply puts a thoughtful look on her face before a smile settles. She seems, I don't know, kind of excited...I think.

"Wow, that's something. Thank you I guess.
Your friend is a lovely person."

I nod because that is true, Mercy is the most amazing being on earth and she has a heart of gold. Certainly more likeable than me too so I don't blame Ash for warming up to her so fast.

"Would you like to be mine??" Her eyes instantly widen and my choice of words only registers now. "Shit, I meant friend. Would you like to be my friend?"

Her mouth opens and closes a few times. At this point her face couldn't redden any more. "You want to be my friend??"

"Yah, but only if your okay with that."
A big part of me is waiting for her to decline, but then she purses her lips and her eyes brighten up.

"I'd like to be your friend. But you do know that means I'll start minding your business, right?? No more free passes."

My entire chest warms up and I bite my upper lip to stop a smile, the blushing thing is her job....not mine.

"I think I can live with that."

She puffs her cheeks and starts walking away, she stops by the door while still facing in my direction. "Well, I'm gonna go take a shower. See you later, buddy."

And then she turns around and disappears from my view. I'm left standing alone with emotions I can't begin to explain swirling inside of me.

Friends, Ash is my friend now.