Retrouvailles

Chapter Two

Ashe scoffed at his ridiculous past self. He couldn't believe how irresponsible and foolish he was as a teenager. Spending all his time with that lunatic, what a waste. Charming as Simon was, Ashe knew it was too good to be true.

Even still, he ended up falling in love with him in less than a week. By the time a month had passed he noticed Simon becoming a bit more touchy feely than most. His suspicions were answered one morning while getting ready for work. Simon had asked him to meet in front of a restaurant down the street, and all the while Ashe was barely registering the words and agreed without thinking about it.

After work, he came home to change and noticed Simon wasn't there, so he made his way to the restaurant. Once inside, Ashe noticed how the place was very open, and how lovely it smelled. He quickly found Simon in the back and saw how secluded it was from the rest of the small room.

Simon stood up and smiled at him, even going as far as to pull out Ashes chair.

"Any more of this nonsense and people are going to think we're a couple" Ashe smiled as Simon took the seat across from him. Simon just chuckled like he always did, but somehow, it sounded different. At least to Ashe.

"Oui, I see what you mean. But you're so cute I don't think I would mind getting mistaken for your lover." Simon winked at him and Ashe couldn't help but feel like he missed a memo.

Just as Ashe was about to say something, a waitress came over to their table. Ashe ordered quickly so he could go back to their conversation but Simon looked over the menu carefully and slowly. After a minute he had finally decided and Ashe was beginning to grow anxious. The waitress excused herself to the back and they waited in silence for her to return.

Ashe didn't want to be the first one to speak, he felt odd. Out of place. Simon just simply sat staring. Staring at the walls, staring out the window, staring at Ashe. The waitress came back just as the silence was beginning to be uncomfortable and she also pulled out a bottle of champagne from an ice bucket. She sat it on their table and left without a word. Ashe started to eat quietly and eyed the bottle of alcohol.

"This is wonderful, isn't it? The atmosphere of this place? It's my favorite restaurant." Simon's eyes seemed to sparkle in appreciation of the small, hole in the wall restaurant.

As they finished their meals and popped open the champagne, Ashe leaned back in his chair and took a small sip.

"Simon, why did you bring me here?"

It was no secret that Ashe was inquisitive, or that Simon was a charmer. And it wasn't unusual for them to eat out together, as they have done so many times. But this time, Ashe couldn't figure out why it was so different. Maybe it was the romantic feel to this place, or maybe it was how Simon dressed in a suit just to invite Ashe to dinner. Whatever it was, he was sure that it wasn't for no reason at all. Something is going on here.

"Ah, it seems that you've figured out my plan" Simon almost looked embarrassed. Like he was hiding some big secret.

"No, I have no idea what you're doing, in fact that is why I asked."

Ashe held back a laugh at his surprised face and willed him to go on.

"I see. You are a sly one, you know that? Anyways, I wanted you to have dinner with me tonight, because, well, how do I put this."

Simon rambled like that for quite some time before Ashe was getting a bit curious.

"For the love of god Simon, spit it out."

Simon quickly gained his composure and nodded. "Ashe, I think I'm in love with you."

That was it. Those simple words had frozen Ashe. It wasn't as if he didn't return his feelings. It was just unexpected. He remained silent for a minute, and Simons expression showed how much he had regretted his decision.

"Look, Ashe, I'm sorry. Lets just go back to the apartment."

Simon moved to stand but Ashe grabbed his arm and kept him still.

"Simon, are you being serious?"

Ashe looked into his bright eyes and could see his answer before he even spoke. And he didn't have to. Ashe nodded and paid the bill, then silently went back to Simon's apartment. After a good 30 minutes of watching Ashe make coffee and sit out on the balcony, Simon finally got off the couch and slid open the door.

"Ashe, I,"

He interrupted him. "I know, Simon. I know how you feel. And I feel the same."

Simon seemed somewhat confused. "But, at the restaurant,"

Again, he interrupted. "I know what I did and did not do. That was for my own good."

Ashe stared out at the setting sun, the coffee in his hand burning through the ceramic mug.

"Simon, would you like to be lovers? Is that what you wish?"

The questions burned aloud the frigid winter air and fizzled out just as quickly.

"Oui." Simon nodded and looked at him confidently.

"Alright then." Ashe got up from the large balcony chair and ushered Simon inside from the cold. He shut the door and finished his coffee.

Watching Simon act strange was different. He had always been the charming, straightforward, confident one. Although on the outside Ashe seemed to be normal, on the inside he couldn't help himself from acting like a teenage girl. Although, he was already a teenager. He smiled to himself and cleaned up his mess from earlier.

"Good night, Simon." Ashe called over his shoulder.

"Yes, bonne nuit."

Ashe headed to what was now his room. Decorated in what he liked instead of the bland old guest room it was before. He quietly slipped into bed and tried as he might to sleep despite his nerves.