Vide (Cake/Mashton)[DISCONTINUED]

6

"Ash."

The noise didn't stop.

"Ashton, I'm trying to concentrate."

Ashton was sitting across from him on the couch, their legs stretched out and resting between each other in the middle. He kept patting his legs and the leather, making a beat and moving his head, hair wiggling around.

"Ash! You're literally right in front of me—I know you can hear me."

Ashton stopped, shoulders slumping, and sighed. "Fine. I was just enjoying myself."

"I'm reading."

"You could move."

Michael raised his eyebrows.

"Please don't move."

"I won't. You be quiet. Get your glasses and a book."

"Wait wait." Ashton started tapping again, moving his right foot against Michael's leg for a kick drum, a thinking look on his face.

Michael sighed. "Please can you—wait. That sounds like...oh what is it. 'Cause the ghost of survivor's guilt can be...what is that?"

"I don't know. I just thought of it."

"No. It sounds like something else. I can't remember what though."

"I'm telling you I just made it up."

"Well it sounds like something else."

"Stop whining."

Michael smacked his book closed and eyed Ashton. "You know, you're not even doing anything. You're only sitting here because you want something."

Ashton crossed his arms. "Maybe."

"Well? Spit it out."

Ashton looked sideways. "I was hoping you could go into the Center and—"

"Are you coming with me?"

Ashton pouted. "I knew you'd say that."

"How many days has it been since you left this house?"

"Only three. Remember? I got you that lollipop."

Michael grunted. "Yeah but before then."

Ashton looked at his legs. "I don't know."

"Too long to be sure, right?"

"I don't want to go."

"The other two might be out there. We might meet them."

"I don't want to m—I don't want to go, okay?" Ashton glared at him but behind it wasn't anger or annoyance. Something else. Michael couldn't identify it.

"I'm forcing you out eventually," Michael said a little more softly.

"Not today."

"What is it you want?"

Ashton smiled. "I just want a new towel."

"Like a bath towel?"

Ashton shook his head. "The one for the dishes. I want a green one."

"Why? That one works."