alive ↠ hs

.21

Asher's POV

We were a day's walk from Sanctuary 33 and I could tell Saige was eager to get there.

Maybe this would be a good thing for her, she would finally be able be around people, she could have a part, have something to do everyday instead of be stuck inside her head. Before, I was afraid for her to be around other people.

People that wouldn't accept her like I did.

We were dreading the walk there, I could tell that she was too tired and wanted to stop for the night but we were so close. 

She had started to trip over her feet when we came through the clearing. She was breathing heavily. Tired.

Night had just started to fall when we came up to the gates.

A large, blinding spotlight came on, making Saige and I cover our eyes with our hands.

We couldn't see them as they wrapped their fingers around our arms and pulled us inside.

Quickly, we were stripped of our weapons, standing in front of a man dressed as if he were a king.

"Hi, welcome to S33," he smiled kindly. "I'm King James, our Queen is elsewhere for the night, I apologize for her absence."

"I'm sorry, what?" Saige said for the first time in months, her voice rough from lack of use.

"I'm sorry, love, did I stumble?" The king asked, Saige choking on her words at the love.

I had heard Harry call her that once or twice. She collected herself as she glanced at me.

Her eyes widened at the realization that this was really happening. "Um, no, I'm just confused, I didn't realize we were in Fairyland."

I nudged her with my elbow as her eyes lingered on the man holding Harry's knife.

"Well, you may have a laugh now because once you're apart of this community, you will dress, act, and be one of us."

"Okay, Asher," she turned to me. "I think we're gonna pass, let's go."

"Are you sure?" The King said.

"We've got shelter, food, electricty," he stepped closer, Saige balling up her fists. "We've got a place for you to live again."

He looked at me, searching for the right answer. I reached out, my fingers landing in hers. "We'll stay."

"Wonderful," the King clapped his hands together. "Bethany, show them to their chambers."

Saige stayed in her spot, her eyes falling on Harry's knife. "Can I have that back please?"

"We don't allow weapons in the-"

"Please," she begged, her voice cracking before she pulled herself together. "It's very important to me."

The king sighed before nodding to his guard, handing Saige the knife. "I'm trusting you not to use that on anyone here."

I followed Bethany through the town, people dressed in large dresses and suits like they were on the cast of Cinderella or something. Saige was completely awestruck and extremely confused by the way people have chosen to live around here. As was I.

This wasn't what we thought it was.

Bethany threw open a door and smiled at us. "Welcome home."

We stepped inside just as Bethany's hand fell on my arm. "Your room is right now the hall, everyone has their own apartment."

I looked to Saige as she held my hand tighter. "No, he stays here for now."

Bethany nodded before turning on her way. Saige dropped my hand as she examined the room, her mouth fell open with shock. 

There was a large bed in the middle of the room, thick and heavy duvets covering it. There was a large vanity in the corner of the room, old fashioned makeup on the table.

Beside that was a closet. When she opened it, there were four large dresses filling the small space. A gasp left her mouth as she reached forward, her fingers brushing the thick fabric.

She turned to me, her mouth still opened in shock. "This cannot be real."

I laughed as she pulled the corset from the closet, her eyes widening. "There's no way I've wearing this, I'm scrawny as it is!"

I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her tightly. "I love you, Saige."

She didn't reply, nor did she hug me back. I moved away, pulling a tight smile.

I pushed open the door to the bathroom, everything shining brightly. Everything was way too white. Too clean.

I reached forward, turning the handle on the sink. Water came pouring out as a mix of a laugh and a scream fell from my lips.

Saige came to the doorway, her eyes searching for the source of my surprise. 

She reached forward, filling her hands with the water before drinking from it.

I let her take the first shower as I downed as much water as I could handle. Until my knees weren't wobbling anymore.

Bethany came back, handing me clothes. "Actually, can I have one more of these? Saige isn't going to wear the dresses."

"Well, she has to, every girl has to wear a dress."

I glared at her. "She isn't putting on a dress."

She met my eyes before sighing. "Fine, but if the queen sees you then it's not on me."

When she came back, she had another outfit that had pants with it. Saige put on the clothes and brushed her hair, sighing heavily as she fell on the bed.

Saige's POV

While Ash was in the shower, there was a knock on the door.

I opened it, Harry's knife tucked into my belt loop.

The "king" was standing there, a smile on his face. "Hi, love, how are you getting on?"

I cleared my throat as I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. "We're good."

"Dinner will be in an hour, try to wear something nice, yes?"

I ignored his comment, pulling the door closer to myself. "Is that all?"

"The queen will be at dinner, I'm excited for you two to meet her, she will absolutely adore you," he gushed, making me anger as I stood there. "Bethany will show you to the dining hall when it's prepared for everyone, we're excited to have you apart of our community."

I nodded just as Asher came around the door, his hand falling on my shoulder. "As are we, thank you."

The king nodded, smiling at us. "You're very welcome."