Wanderess || Malsey Pt. I

XIII

I'll remember you

XIII

Ashley

"You should have loved me"

-Unknown

first night in New York.

The boys had their first concert in New York with a whole new fan base they had never met before. They were only opening up for a signed band in the record label they were working with to bring in new fans. Ashley, on the other hand, didn't get this opportunity.

Because the boys had been writing music and performing longer, Ashley had to start from the beginning. With someone as amateur and young as she was, it was highly unlikely she would succeed in getting a record deal any time soon but she showed potential. Her ideas truly impressed the label and they were willing to give her a chance, that is without distractions of course.

Ashley felt relieved and took pleasure knowing that she was in a new place with unfamiliar faces. It was easy for her to get lost, not just by journey but in thought. She needed a distraction from Michael and all the wrong he's done. He should've known that she liked him after the kiss they shared in the kitchen of their apartment. She should've known better, and she knew getting over him wouldn't be easy but it needed to be done.

She was quiet happy though, Ashton was constantly at her side making sure she was okay and get her the things she needed. He was almost Sam's replacement to ensuring her mental state wouldn't interfere with her having a normal time in New York. All he wanted was to make her happy and help her get this deal even if it meant listening to her rant about Michael.

He looked at her, such joy filled in her eyes as she sang along to the bands songs. She looked almost normal standing in the crowd of cheering teenagers but her beauty stood out the most to Ashton. She made him a better person but he knew she couldn't see that because she was blinded by Michael.

Ashton didn't know how it happened. How could he fall for some girl that he hardly knew anything about? The idea of her coming into their lives was strange enough. Of course Ashley had opened up to him about her parents and Sam but he couldn't understand just how it happened. A part of him wishes it was him outside instead of Michael but things were meant to happen the way they did. He was thankful for the opportunity and wanted to take advantage now that things between Ashley and Michael were on the rocks.

After the concert, Ashton and Ashley were planning on sight seeing and getting lost within the city. Of course, Lance wouldn't allow that so Ashton had planned a romantic dinner on the roof of their hotel. It was a five star hotel, of course Ashton knew the view from the roof would be insanely amazing. He had set up during the small time he had alone. He was going to admit his feelings to her, as if she didn't already know because Ashton made things quite obvious.

It was the little things like cuddling with her whenever she felt more anxious than ever or kissing her forehead goodnight to ensure that she was in the safest arms in the world. He knew Michael couldn't give her this life, and she truly deserved it.

When the concert was over, the boys meet a couple of their new fans and signed some pictures, cds, and other merch. Ashley stood by Ashton's side the entire time. They made light talk with the fans and even had the question "are you both dating?" pop up more than five times. One fan said it would be cute if they were, which made Ashley blush.

A part of her was beginning to like Ashton, and for all the right reasons. Yet somehow she couldn't get Michael out of her head. She was stuck between both of them yet leaning toward Ashton. Genuinely he was a good friend, and he could obviously be a good boyfriend to her. She didn't want him slipping away from her finger tips but at the same time she didn't want to give the impression that she was playing him.