Retrouvailles

Chapter One

Although Quebec was usually nice this time of year, the rain fell heavily onto the roof of Ashes apartment. He glanced at the weather three times within a single minute, bored out of his mind. A fourth glance was stolen, and half of him expected it to change, half hoped it didn't. He supposed that his state of mind and the weather were synced, as for the past month has been nothing but scattered showers and raging storms.

That was to be expected, he mused to himself. It's been almost an entire year since Ashe left the love of his life in France and moved back to Quebec. Although it's only been a month since he started to feel remorseful. Ashe sighed to himself and stood, ambled into the kitchen, and leaned on the protruding window sill. As he stared through his solemn reflection in the glass at the falling rain, he thought back to that momentous day that impacted him forever.

The city of Paris was beautiful. New sights around every corner; nothing looked exactly the same. The people were bustling all around, and better yet, bread and wine seemed to season the very air that was being breathed. Although the sights were astounding and the feel of it all so magical, Ashe could not deny that he was horribly lost, and had absolutely no idea how he became so.

He fumbled with his bags at the airport, and when he finally reached his hotel they had no record of him, and were booked to the last room. Ashe was not one to argue, so he simply apologized for the misconception and left. After wandering about for a vacant room anywhere in the area, he decided to go off the beaten path and try elsewhere. And that's where he found himself now, lost, and far away from where he started.

He noticed that the crowds were thinning and the sun was slowly sinking behind the buildings. A wave of panic washed over him and out of desperation started to ask strangers if they knew of any hotels that had vacancies. He was rewarded with plenty of disgusted stares and rude faces. Until he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Do you need any help, mon ami?"

Ashe spun to face the stranger and was immediately stunned. He was met with a pair of cerulean eyes and wavy blonde hair that shimmered like gold in the dying sunlight. He was gorgeous, and his face was plastered with concern.

"Um, yes please, can you help direct me to the nearest hotel? Preferably with vacant rooms?"

Ashe cursed himself for stuttering. It'd been a trait passed down from his humble Mother. The mysterious man seemed not to notice and instead chuckled.

"I'm afraid you won't find a single vacant hotel in this area. It is very 'touristy' so the rooms are gone quickly. Trust me, I have tried before."

Ashe noticed his thick accent quickly, and saw how he was honestly trying to help.

"Well, I suppose I'm out of luck" Ashe sighed. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to think of something he could do. Meanwhile the stranger continued to stand with him.

"I'm Simon, by the way. Simon Blanc." Simon held out his hand and Ashe shook it in return.

"Ashe. Ashe Bellerose"

Simon smiled at that. "Bellerose? What a suiting name."

Ashe didn't understand what he meant by that, but ignored it.

"Er, thanks for your help. I guess I'll just try to find my way back to the airport."

Ashe noticed that Simon looked taken aback.

"I see. Why are you trying to find a room anyway?" Simon asked as he leaned against the building they stood next to.

Ashe explained his situation and started gathering his things when Simon piped up. "Why don't you stay with me?"

Ashe blinked up at the man and tilted his head. "I'm not sure I understand."

Simon chuckled again. "Stay with me. I have an extra bedroom, apartment with a view, and you won't have to drag that around everywhere." Simon pointed at Ashes now sad looking luggage.

"What's the catch?" Ashe squinted his eyes at him. He seemed trustworthy, but then again, he never was one to judge a book by its cover.

"To be honest, you look desperate, and ma mère told me that if I have the resources to, then I should always help someone in need." Simon spoke like he was some deity of helping people.

Still, Ashe was amused. "Alright then, Simon, I believe I'll take you up on that offer."

Ashe smiled to himself and let Simon grab one of his suitcases and started following him back to his apartment.

Thank God it wasn't far away Ashe thought to himself. After what seemed like the longest day is his entire life, Ashe was relieved to see a very immaculate apartment instead of a torture chamber. Hopefully Simon didn't have any ominous secrets.

After helping Ashe get settled in, Simon disappeared into the kitchen to make dinner. Ashe prayed that he wasn't a murderer and unpacked his things, taking use of the rooms personal bathroom to shower and get dressed. After he finally got to sit down for a moment he was startled by Simon knocking on the door announcing that the food was ready. After the day he'd experienced, Ashe had never felt so famished, and was relieved to see that Simon had prepared a small fondue set. After marveling at Simons exquisite cooking skills, Ashe felt full and ready for bed.

He helped Simon clean up despite his protests and promptly bid him good night. After crawling into the bed and hearing Simon finish up around his apartment, Ashe felt safe and comfortable. Deep down he believed Simon wasn't a bad guy, and that thought made him tired, and so he slept soundly.