Feral Daydreams 🎀

An Unlikely Date (🌸)

Roderick was a business owner. He owned a successful restaurant business, which had 4.8 stars and was pretty popular in his whole country. He also counted on his workers, although he was cold and stingy. Roderick especially counted on Ashton, his best working assistant.

...

Roderick looked at Asher with a cold gaze. "Do you have the files I asked for?" he tapped his finger on his desk and crossed his legs as he waited for his answer. Ashton nodded and handed the needed files to his boss. He took the files from him, his gaze lingered on Ashton's hand for a moment before meeting his eyes "Thank you." his voice was low and controlled, but there was a hint of something deeper underneath.

"Is there anything else I can help with?" Ashton shyly asked. Roderick looked at him for a moment, considering. "Actually, there is something else I need your help with." he said, his voice still low.

"Yes?" Ashton looked at him, scared to make eye contact. Roderick stood up from his chair and walked around the desk, stopping in front of him "I need you to come with me to a work event on Saturday. It's formal attire and it will be all night." he said, looking at Ashton with a serious expression.

Ashton sighed. "Alright, I'll be there" he responded with a small smile. He nodded, also a small smile playing on his lips "Good. I'll pick you up at 7pm." he answered, before turning around and walking back to his chair. Ashton nodded as he slowly walked out of his office. Roderick watched him leave, his gaze lingered on Ashton's figure until the door closed behind him. He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "What is wrong with me.." he muttered to himself, a hint of frustration in his voice.

...

Roderick arrived at Ashton's house at exactly 7 pm, wearing a sleek black tuxedo and his father's watch. He stepped out of the car and walked up to your door, knocking gently. Ashton opened the door, he wore a sharp-looking and well-fitted suit. "I'm here"

Roderick nodded, taking in Ashton's appearance with a small smile. "You look very handsome" he said, but his gaze lingered for a little longer before he turned away, gesturing towards the car. Ashton on the other hand wasn't used to Roderick's kindness, a small blush appeared on his face. "Thank you, sir" he gave a warming smile.

"Shall we?" Roderick responded, leading him to the car. Ashton nodded as Roderick opened the door for him, waiting for him to get in before closing it behind him and getting in on the driver's side. He started the car and drove off, glancing over at Ashton every now and then, as he navigated through the city streets.

"so.. where are we going?" Ashton asked something to break the silence. Roderick turned to look at him, his eyes shined in the low light of the car "I thought we could go to a fancy restaurant. It's a bit out of the way, but I think you'll like it." he responded, focusing back on the road as he drove.

Ashton couldn't believe what he was hearing.. Roderick actually was being nice? Or is this just another of Ashton's fantasies? He finally blushed in a responding. "Oh alright" Roderick smiled, a little amused at his reaction. "I wanted to take you somewhere nice today, I hope that's alright" he spoke as he kept driving to the restaurant..

"oh no it's alright! I just.." Ashton paused for a moment. "I didn't think that you cared this much for me.." he glanced at him once again, his expression serious but his eyes betrayed a hint of something else. "I care about all of my employees, but you.. you're different." he said in a low voice, his eyes focused on the road ahead again.

....

Roderick pulled up to the entrance of the restaurant and handed the car keys to the valet before opening the door for Ashton. "We're here" he said softly before offering Ashton his arm, his smile still in place. "Let's go" Ashton's mouth split into a grin as he took Roderick's arm. He Looked relieved before leading him to the entrance. Once inside, the hostess greeted Roderick warmly, addressing him by his last name. He nodded in acknowledgment before guiding Ashton to their table.

Ashton looked worried about how the food is probably very pricey. "Wow... This place looks expensive" Roderick looked at Ash and chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't worry about the prices. It's on me." he said, giving him a reassuring smile. "Tonight, we're just going to enjoy ourselves." His tone was soft and genuine. He pulled out the chair for Ash before taking his seat across from him. The waiter came up to the table and handed both of them the menus. Roderick glanced over it quickly before setting it down, looking at Ash with a small smile. "Know what you want?" Ash looked at him, putting down the menu "uh, oh yeah.. I'll take the white chicken chili" he answered nervously. Roderick raised an eyebrow, surprised by his choice but he didn't say anything. Instead, he signalled the waiter and ordered for them both. Once the waiter left, it became quiet for a moment before he leaned forward with his elbows on the table.

Ash twirled his hair out of being easily frightened. Roderick's eyes flickered down to Ash's fingers as he twirled a strand of hair, and he looked back up at his face. He pressed his lips together before speaking, and his voice is softer now. "What's the matter?" He asked, tilting his head a bit. "um.. I don't know. You always used to shout at me or give me death stares for little mistakes I did such as giving you the wrong coffee order or dropping all the files on the floor by accident. What if I mess it up all again?" He spilled it all to him, scared what he would say.

Roderick blinked in surprise, not expecting him to spill everything out like that. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. "I.." he paused, looking down at the table. When he looked back up at him, his expression had softened even more. "I'm sorry.." When Ash looked at him, he looked like was gonna tear up. Roderick shook his head, cutting him off gently "No, no..." He murmured, reaching out to place a hand on top of Ashton's. His touch was gentle and warm, and he squeezed softly before pulling away. "I am the one who should apologize"

Ashton glanced at Roderick's worried expression. He saw the hesitation in Ashton's gaze and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew he had a tendency to come off as harsh and cold, but he never wanted to hurt you. "I know I can be... difficult to work with at times."

Ash giggled a little, giving a small smile while still looking worried. Roderick could see the worry etched into Ash's expression, and he didn't like it. He reached out again, placing his hand on top of his. This time, Roderick's grip was firmer, more reassuring. Ashton hugged him as a reassurance too. Roderick's breath hitched when he hugged him, and he couldn't help but lean into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around Ashton's shoulders, pulling him closer. His touch is soothing, and he found himself relaxing in his hold. "I'm sorry.."

"It's okay I forgive you" Ashton smiled and looked at him in the eyes. Roderick looked up at Ashton, and for the first time, he let his guard down. He showed his genuine emotions, a soft smile played on his lips. He looked at him with warmth in his eyes, grateful for Ashton's understanding. "Thank you.."

..

As the waiter arrived with the food, Roderick released Ashton, but he didn't let go of his hand. He looked over the dishes with a critical eye before nodding in approval. He turned to him, his gaze softening. "Shall we eat?" Ashton nodded, as they dug their food. The evening passed by in a blur, and soon, Ashton found himself back at the car. Roderick held the door open for him, his hand gently rested on his back. His touch sent a jitter down Ashton's spine, as Roderick smiled at his reaction.