Anxiety; Cashton AU

sechs

The dinner table was silent except for the sound of Ashton's mother's heavy breathing. "So, how have you guys been? This is the famous Ashton, huh?" My dad smiled at Ashton's father.

He smiled back, patting Ashton's back, "Sure is! Boy's a real achievement for Julie and I!" Julie scoffed, "All he does is listen to those dreadful bands! It's eardrum breaking!" Ashton's shoulders then slumped.

"Julie . ." Jason spoke up. He looked like he was getting agitated. I looked over to Ashton with a sympathetic smile, "It's okay." I mouthed. 

 If this is how his home is on a daily basis, I feel bad. "Ash, want to go to my room?" I asked politely so his mother didn't say anything explicit about me. He frantically nodded and got up out of the chair, it screeching in the process.

"Well . . " My mother's voice faded out as we made our way to my room. "Woah, your room is so cool!" He stared in awe at the various posters and paintings on my walls, "You paint?" I nodded and sat on my bed.

"It helps me get away from this cruel world." He bit his lip as he walked over to the bed.

"What makes you think it's cruel?" Boy did I have so many answers for him. 

"Well, there's a lot of reasons, it will take awhile." I stated, biting my lip also.

He smiled, "Then I guess I'll have to stay the night so I can hear every last one of those reasons!" I smiled, I liked Ashton.

"Uh, well for starters, there is so many critics. No matter what it is, you get criticized for it! There can't just be one day where everyone in the world can remain happy?" He seemed genuinely interested in what I was saying. I was glad that I wasn't boring him.

"Also, bullies! Why do people have to make other people miserable just for being ga-" I quickly stopped myself before I revealed my biggest secret. The secret that only Aislynn and my mother know.

"For being what?" He questioned. I felt a small sweat droplet fall from my head to my lap, "Nothing, it's nothing-"

"You can trust me! I won't criticize!" I deeply exhaled, should I tell him? I mean, he's so nice to me. What if it ruins everything?

"I- I'm . . Ashton, I'm gay. I like boys." He smiled. 

Why was he smiling? I was so confused.

"You thought I would be mad or something for you being gay?" I nodded.

"Well, you were wrong. In fact, I'm gay too." My eyes widened in shock, how could he just come out and say that with no hesitation? 

"Y-you are?" I stuttered out. Of course I would make a fool of myself in a situation like this.

"Yep, now continue with your reasons. I'm really interested." He winked. Is he flirting with me? I blushed and continued to talk until it was three o'clock in the morning and I heard soft snores coming from the beautiful boy. 

I like Ashton. A lot.