Tainted love [Sashton]

Chapter 2, Regret

Ashton is pulled from their blissful slumber by bright sun rays brushing against their face, and beaming its intruding light into their eyes. They put their hand up in an attempt to block the sun, before shifting slightly in the bed to face away from the window. As Ashton laid awake, their mind drifted to the events of the night prior. The sheer regret and embarrassment made Ashton wish for nothing more than to let the hands of sleep take them once again, and never let go.

Ashton's silent sulking was brought to and end when their alarm clock began to blare in the most irritable pitch. Ashton groaned loudly as they turned over, hitting the alarm clock and forcing themselves to get out of bed.

the immense dread Ashton felt at the thought of returning to their workplace overtook them as they got ready for the day; The constant noise in their mind proving to be relentless and unwavering. After walking out the door, Ashton checks their phone and curses under their breath.

"Shit.. I'm gonna be late."

They sprint to their car, turning the ignition and skirting out of the driveway.

Ashton took a deep breath before taking a step into the office building. They quickly walked into their personal office, placing their bag down and beginning to file the rest of the paperwork, hoping Sam wouldn't pay mind their tardiness.

After around 20 minutes of managing to do their work in peace, Ashton thought they were in the clear; However that thought was quickly disproven as they hear the sound of 3, crisp nocks at the open door.

They quickly put down the papers they had in their hand, looking up to see Sam's tall, menacing figure standing at the doorway.

Sam: "Ashton.. I couldn't help but notice your absence this morning.."

Ashton took a small breath before forming their response.

Ashton: "I'm sorry, this morning was stressful- I.. I won't let it happen again."

Sam walked into Ashtons office, placing another massive folder of paperwork on their desk

Sam: Y'know.. I was gonna spend my day sorting through these, but now that you're here I'm happy to hand it off to you, instead!

Ashton sighs, glaring at Sam's smiling face. oh how they hated that stupid smile.

Ashton: "Fuck you."

Sam ignored Ashton's words, walking towards the door before speaking once more.

Sam: "Oh, and Ashton?"

They pause for a moment, as Ashtons narrowed eyes remain locked on them.

Sam: "I want that on my desk before the day ends"

Sam walks away before Ashton is able to give a response; leaving them with yet another pile of paperwork due by the end of the day.

There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe the sheer level of hared Ashton felt towards their boss in that moment. They had to take a few moments to breath before they were able to try and deal with the absurd amount of paperwork that now lay piled up in front of them.

The rest of Ashton's day was excruciatingly slow and painful; Even harder with Sam coming in multiple times throughout the day to torment them and make sly comments as Ashton worked.

After hours of relentless work, Ashton was finally able to get through all the paperwork; Leaving them utterly exhausted with cramped hands and an aching back. They let out a sigh as they placed the last paper in one of the files, almost crying with relief.