Marching The Line: The Newbie

Chapter 8

I sat down in front of my T.V. at home. The rest of practice made me want to crawl in a hole and hide. I sat Indian style on my couch with a bowl of cereal in my hands. It wasn't long after I finished my food that someone knocked on my door. Growling with frustration and annoyance I walked over and opened the door. Asher stood in the door way, staring down at his feet, his hands balled into fists so hard his knuckles were white. I felt a pang of worry. "Asher...?" I whispered.

"I don't know who else to go to..."He mumbled.

"What happened...?" My heart clenched at hearing his pained voice. I grabbed his arm, electricity shooting through my hand, and pulled him inside. I shut the door behind me and led him to the couch. I made him sit down and I placed myself on my knees on the floor in front of him. I tried to see his face but he kept it hidden. I placed my hand over one of his fists and tried to pry his fingers apart.

"Stop." He growled.

I looked up at him, his eyes meeting mine. The silver in his eyes was swirling and darkening like the green. I sighed. "Asher what's wrong...what happened..?" I said keeping my hand on his fist.

Asher's other hand uncurled and moved to my cheek, I froze as color rushed to my face. His thumb stroked my cheek bone and I tensed. This was beyond Asher's normal behavior. "Don't you dare leave me.." He said quietly.

I blinked confused. "Who said anything about me going somewhere..?" I said just as confused as I felt.

Asher sighed, his eyes going back to the normal green color. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" I asked.

"Just you speaking calms me down." He said and leaned back against the couch, his hand leaving my face.

I stood up and sat down on the couch, my back leaning against the oposite arm rest and facing him. "I don't know?" I said still really confused.

Asher shrugged and hid his face again. "Things are so confusing.."

"Talk to me." I said trying to get him to explain.

"How do you tell someone you like them? More than a friend?" He asked suddenly.

I blinked and gave it some thought. This was really out of my advice range. "Well, start by calling them or being brave. You're voice and actions should be truthful and honest." I told him.

Asher looked at me, his eyes unreadable. He stood up and walked around, I stood up to, confused by what he was doing. He walked over to me without a word and looked down at me. I looked up at him innocently, my confusion not hidden. "What?" I asked. Seconds after I spoke Asher's lips crashed onto mine. My eyes went wide and I froze completely. Seconds passed and I relaxed and let my eyes close. Asher's arms wrapped around my waist and mine around his. Being my first kiss I let him take charge. He angled his head to deepen the kiss, then pulled his lips away from mine. I opened my eyes, shock and happiness making them dance. "Well...if that didn't get the message across I don't know what would." I said smiling.

Asher chuckled, his arms still around me. "Glad you aren't as dense as I thought." He teased.

My mouth opened in mock hurt. "Excuse me!" I scoffed grinning.

Asher laughed, his eyes dancing. "Sorry."

I rolled my eyes and leaned my head on his chest. "Why me?" I asked.

Asher sighed. "Don't ruin the moment."

"Nope, I am ruining the moment." I said, a smile still on my lips.

"Fine." He shook his head. "Because I admire so much about you. I care about you and you seriously never leave my thoughts. The night of the car wreck..."I tensed. "I realized something about my feelings for you. I didn't just see you as a friend. I cared way to much about you for it to be just that."I listened to his heartbeat. I smiled a little more when I heard it pick up speed as he spoke. "You bring out emotions in me I've worked to hide for years, you bring out the best and the monster in me."