Young Folks (Ross Lynch AU)

twenty-six.

"We can't thank you enough," Ross repeated as we pulled up to the hotel.

"It was honestly no problem. Really, we were happy to help," Lucy smiled warmly. Mike parked the car and turned to Ross and I.

"Here," he said simply, then held out a wad of cash.

"No. No, no, no," I denied, shaking my head violently. "You've already one enough. We can't take your money."

"You'll need to pay for the hotel somehow. Plus, no offense, but I think you guys might need a new pair of clothes and a toothbrush," Mike chuckled. Ross and I laughed, knowing very well that we were probably the smelliest humans on the planet at the moment.

Ross and I shared a glance. There was no denying we needed the money, for we had none of our own and we didn't want to sleep on the streets. But it just felt wrong taking it from this near stranger after they had done so much for us. Ross gave a slight nod, and I knew that we couldn't pass up this offer.

"Thank you so incredibly much," I whispered.

"It's our pleasure," Lucy grinned as Mike handed Ross the money. He then grabbed a piece of paper from the console between the two front seats and a pen.

"Here, it's my business card, but my cell number is on the back. If you need anything at all, just call me," he stated, handing me the card.

"Again, thank you so much," Ross smiled widely. "We won't forget you."

***

"Hello?"  A voice on the other line answered.

"Mr. Danforth?" I asked. "It's Aspen."

"Aspen?" He sounded shocked. "Where are you? How did you-"

"I'm at a Hotel in Anchorage along with Ross. We, uh, got lost and found our way to a, uh, bus. Are you familiar with Into The Wild?"

"You found Magic Bus 142? Out of pure luck? I can't believe you guys survived, to be honest. I thought I would have to send letters home to your parents explaining what had happened and that you weren't coming home," my professor chuckled. I could tell he was still stunned, completely caught off guard by the fact that we weren't dead.

I heard the shower shut off in the bathroom as Ross finished up. Being the gentleman he is, he let me shower first after we bought a fresh pair of clothes and a toothbrush and such in the gift shop.

"Thank god for that," I laughed along with my teacher.

"We looked all over for you two, we really did. We spent at least five days searching for you in the mountains. I can't believe it didn't cross my mind that you had possibly found the bus," Mr. Danforth sighed. "I sent the rest of the students back to Chicago, but I'm still here. What hotel are you staying in?"

"We're staying at the AmericInn in Anchorage," I stated.

"I'm at the Holiday Inn just down the street. I'll head over to you guys in the morning."

Just then, the bathroom door opened and out walked the blonde boy.

"Can I just say that was the best shower I have ever had!" Ross exclaimed loudly. He then noticed I was on the phone. "Oh, sorry," he whispered.

"Was that Ross?" Mr. Danforth chuckled.

"Who else could it be?" I joked.

"Who is that?" Ross asked. I put my hand over the receiver and told him it was our professor. He then proceeded to grab the phone from my hands and shout, "HI MR. DANFORTH."

"Hello, Ross," I heard him laugh. I grabbed the phone back and shook my head, giggling.

"Sorry about that."

"It's fine. So I'll meet up with you two tomorrow okay?" He asked.

"Sounds good," I agreed.

"Sleep well, Aspen. And it's good to have you back."

"Bye, Mr. Danforth."

"You're a nutcase," I giggled after I set the phone down.

"But I'm your nutcase," Ross grinned cheekily.

"Don't remind me," I groaned. He then ducked down and kissed me on the lips firmly, pulling away after several seconds.

"You do realize that was the first time we kissed each other with fresh breath, right?" Ross asked, laughing.

"Of course," I giggled, "and I most definitely want more."

Thank you all so much for your patience and consideration. I don't know what I would do without you. I love you all xx