On Leave

Eight

Eight

Ashley spilt some of the tea she had been pouring. Had she heard that correctly? Sebastian had been here for half a day and he was asking if it would be weird to ask her best friend to dinner? She could understand his attraction to her. Small and smart, she was both strong and vulnerable. She was also a beautiful person inside and out, always kind to others no matter what the circumstances are. Her long mahogany hair was usually wrapped up for work but when she let it down at home it framed her face like a goddess, giving off an almost angelic glow to her.

Ashley had fallen in love with the woman herself not long after meeting, though she would never admit it. Even her brother didn't know her dating preferences. There was too much ridicule in the world, and too many eyes that would want to pry. On top of that her parents would nearly disown her, and until school was over and she had a decent job, she couldn't risk it. Unlike RayRay, Ashley wouldn't be able to make it on her own like that, and she knew it.

On top of all those things, what made it weirdest was the fact that Ashley's brother had never stated an interest in any of her previous friends, not even the ones that would career models. Again, Ashley could understand well enough. Unlike those girls, RayRay had a small frame but the perfect body shape. Her breasts were big enough to bounce when walking in general, enough to make the perfect pillow which Ashley had been guilty of using before. Her tummy was flat and toned, hour glass shaped perfectly to fit her hips and the perfectly shaped butt that followed. She worked out any chance she could, keeping her body in tip top shape.

She was gorgeous, and it freaked her out to like her best friend so much, let alone her brother liking her as well. She sighed, she knew that RayRay wasn't into women as she was, she had already lost on that, though at the same time, she knew her brother. From past knowledge, he wasn't one to stick around. Ashley looked him straight in the eyes and if the look in his were any indications, he was genuinely interested. But Ashley couldn't make it that easy for him. RayRay deserved a man that would chase her and work hard to be by her side. She wasn't a one night only kind of girl. Ashley took in a breath and chose her words carefully.

"If you want her...really want to be with her, then get to know her. She isn't a woman you can take to your bed and kick out the next morning. She deserves a noble man, not a peasant looking for a hole to hide his stolen jewels. She is a good person, and she deserves the same." Ashley watched as her big brother's eyes widened in surprise. She was confused, what was so surprising?

"That's the first time I've heard you speak so sincerely of someone before." Ashley shrugged.

"She's the only one deserving of the praise thus far." Sebastian looked at her for a brief moment before he nodded.

"Okay." He said. Ashley sighed in relief and worry at the same time. She still wasn't sure his full intentions, all she knew was that the girl she loved was being sought after by her brother, and that was just odd.

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Raelynn went into the kitchen to find that Ashley had already served the drinks. Ashley and her brother were talking about a childhood memory that Ashley had told her about a month or so ago. Raelynn paused in her stride as Sebastian raised his eyes to hers for a brief moment. That look held so much promise that it had Raelynn's breath freezing in her chest. She had to grit her teeth to hold back the shiver that wanted run down her spine.

She mentally slapped herself. Remember what happened the last time you got involved with someone! Raelynn's brain scolded her as she forced herself to look away and head into the kitchen. She had made breaded tilapia fish with potatoes and a side of veggies. She loaded up their plates, giving Sebastian's a little extra since he was such a giant. Loading the plates and silverware on her arms she headed to the table around the counter. Setting the plates down in front of them she sat herself between them since they were on both ends of the table.

Ashley stopped mid-sentence and clapped her hands.

"Yay! Perfectly healthy balance. Thanks, RayRay." Ashley cheered as she happily chowed down. Raelynn knew what Ashley preferred to eat. However, she didn't know about her brother. She turned to him then and noticed he was just staring at his plate. Nervous she had cooked something he didn't like, and confused that she even cared, Raelynn felt her smile falter.

"Do you not like it?" she asked him. His eyes shot up and she noticed something then. A kind of heartbreaking sight, like he was almost a child again, shock and awe in his expression. It seemed familiar to Raelynn. It clicked then. It was the same look Asley gave her when she cooked their first meal. From what Ashley told her, her parents had never done family dinner, nor homecooked meals. It was simply "Here's money, order what you want."

Raelynn smiled softly and reached out, cupping his hand that rested on the table. He looked down at it and back up.

"Well that settles it, you're both coming to the family Thanksgiving dinner in two weeks. Now eat, before your food gets cold." She said. His eyes widened as he looked towards Ashley who was chewing on her food. She nodded.

"We're going, good thing you're here too though, now we can take the big truck and there'll be plenty of room for the road trip!" Raelynn chuckled. She loved her friend. So energetic with such a positive outlook on things. Raelynn looked back towards Sebastian and found he was staring at her. His adam's apple moved until finally he spoke.

"Thank you." He said, his voice croaky and rasping. She smiled.

"My pleasure, now, eat, and don't make me tell you again." He nodded quickly and started eating with vigor. Raelynn ate as well, and even though the day had been nothing but weird and bit awkward, she was perfectly content now.

She hoped they stayed that way.

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What do you think?

J. Vas