honey ◇ ai

closing

She'd been hard at work for a little over three hours when she got up to toss out her paper cup. As the girl sat back down she huffed out a small breath of frustration, taking off her glasses and setting them beside her laptop.

Ashton had also gotten to work on his own paper for once. He'd finally gotten a solid postulate after days of contemplation. It was as if every time he'd started, he'd quickly approach a block. His mind would wander and he'd end up losing interest.

The focus of his paper had changed countless times but he'd finally settled. On the other hand though it seems the infamous beauty across from him was just beginning her own struggle.

She had closed her laptop, her finger tips tapping a bit agressively at the mahogany wood that was the desk. Seconds later, she lay her head down in her hands, taking a deep breath that Ashton heard quite clearly.

It took every fiber in his being not to get up and rescue the damsel in distress. He didn't want to see his honey suffer, succumbed to the stresses of university for the first time. He wanted to go over to her, drape his around her, lightly rubbing her back in a soothing manner.

But he had to shake himself from those thoughts as the lights in the library flickered. That was the sign of closure, everyone inside had a mere fifteen minutes to exit the building, everyone being only the librarian, Ashton and the little damsel.

He decided it was time to pack up while she remained oblivious to what hour it had been. She finally sat up only to glance up at the large analog on the wall that read 8:45.

Sighing she decided to gather her own belongings just as Ashton was doing. He smiled at her once again only hoping to see the sadness dissipate from her nearly flawless face.

"I guess they're kicking us out," she shrugged, chuckling lightheartedly. No it wasn't even a chuckle, it was a giggle. The first interaction Ash had with his beauty and it was her giggling.

It was a beautiful sound and he was eager to witness it again.

"That would, uh- be an accurate guess," Ashton muttered, his words tripping over his tongue as he spoke. He'd wanted to kick himself at that moment; the man couldn't even have small talk with the girl let alone make a move.

He of course couldn't make a move just yet anyhow and sighed to himself. The girl was a bit delayed in her actions as she pushed in her chair, but eventually did and stood awkwardly as if waiting for something.

Ashton was quick to take notice but was speechless himself. She on the other hand wasn't exactly sure on what she was awaiting.

It would only be proper to have some sort of conversation prior to their departure, but Ashton hadn't wanted to say, "Goodnight," when he hadn't had the opportunity to give her a proper greeting.

"I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself yet. I sit across from you nearly everyday and I only think it'd be suitable," Ashton smiled, "I don't want to come off as overbearing though," he continued, more confidently than before.

She nodded swinging her bag over her shoulder, taking a few steps toward the anonymous man from the library.

He extended his hand out to her, a blush rising to her cheeks as Ashton did so, "I'm Ashton, Ashton Irwin."

Nodding she looked down to her hand in his own, noticing a small tattoo on his wrist, "A heart?"

Her voice quivered slightly as she asked, his response being minimal, "Yes, I know it's a bit odd."

"No, it's sweet. I think it's really sweet actually," she smiled, still holding on his hand.

"Sorry," she shrugged, "Tattoos are an interest of mine. And I'm Helene, it's nice to meet you."

Ashton couldn't help but to display a saccharine smile, "It's my pleasure Helene," her name rolled off his tongue more easily than it should have as he brought her hand to his lips, "I must be going though, as should you," he continued, lightly dropping her hand.

Helene nodded toward the floor, clutching a stray textbook to her chest, "You're right, I don't want to be locked out of my dorm. I'll see you here soon again. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Helene," Ashton replied, his voice as smooth as silk, "And be careful walking back to your dorm, there are always a few stray imbeciles lurking around."

As he bidded his goodbye, the girl with the honey hair expressed her gratitude and Ashton gathered his own belongings, heading toward the door.

He watched Helene head toward the freshman housing, her shadow gracing over the sidewalk as she followed the line of street lamps. Ashton simulaneously made his way to the adjacent parking lot where his vehicle awaited.

His shoulders dropped slightly as she made her way through the hall's entrance, making a quick glance at her surroundings, thankfully unable to spot the man as he watched over her.

Ashton couldn't comprehend his true emotions in the moment. That night he'd gotten the chance to press his lips against her porcelain skin for the first time and the simple touch filled him with a desire he was yet to fulfill.

And she had been the one to initiate it all even though he'd been mulling it for weeks. She'd spoke only of small but it'd opened up a whole new world.

He couldn't help to notice how a blush flooded her cheeks when he'd kissed her knuckles ever so softly. That flush of color gave him hope even though, deep down he realized it may have only been due to the shock of chivalrous action.

As he sat back in his car, his head rested back against the seat, Ash closed his eyes for a moment thinking of his sweet Helene. He would do his best to make her his, to hold the girl and take her home with him instead of back to her state provided housing.

But he had to go back to the library where she assured the man they would meet again.

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Hello again, it's been a week and I am set to update every Monday.

I spent most of the day trying to come up with the name for Helene because I wanted the name to have a certain resonance. But if any of you watch Shameless, that's where I got Helene from.

I hope you're doing well and I'm sending my love.

Stay beautiful