Ditto || l.p

Ch.17- drive-in theaters

"Anchorman is playing next," Liam informs me with his head poking out the window, reading the movie schedule. I had a hard time reading from distances, so Liam read out loud for the both of us.

"That's a good movie," I comment and he leaned back in his seat, turning to me with an amused grin. "What?"

"Where have you been my entire life?

"Um..well, I lived in Northwich until I was 12, then I moved to Holmes Chap-"

"No, I mean- you're just so..tremendous and awe-inspiring. I have never, in my 20 years of high self-esteem and occasional cockiness, met someone as remarkably incredible as you."

"I have no idea what to say to that, oh my God," I laughed and he laughed with me. "Thank you."

"I'm just speaking my mind," he shrugged and turned back to the window. "So, Anchorman?"

"Sounds alright to me," I agree and he reached for his pocket. "Wait!" I grabbed my backpack and unzipped the front pocket, retrieving my wallet from it. "You know the rules when you're with me."

"Ashley May, if you think I am going to let you pay for this, think again." He drug his own wallet out and pulled out a £50 note, waving it in the air. "Sorry, love."

"Liam, why?" I groan and jut my bottom lip out, hoping to change his mind. My hopes were crushed.

"Because you paid for lunch. Now it's my turn to pay."

"God dammit," I mutter, and he gives me a sweet smile. He slowly pulled into the pay-desk type thing and handed over the money. I sighed dramatically and Liam said, "Oh, c'mon, Ashley. Don't be like that."

"You know I hate when people buy me things."

"I didn't buy you anything. I paid for us to watch a film," he smirked and poked my rib. I bit down hard on my lip to keep from giggling, but I couldn't contain it any longer as he kept poking me.

"Liam," I giggled harder as it became a hardcore tickle fest, "s-stop, it tickles!"

"I found your ticklish spot on our first date, now that's what I call skills." He finally pulled his hands away from my body and I turned away so he couldn't see me blushing.

He called it a date. He called vandalizing a park, getting chased by old women, visiting train tracks, and a drive-in movie, a date.

Now, I was never one for self confidence, but if there was one thing I was sure of, it's that Liam and I both felt attracted towards one another.

But I don't expect us to jump right into a relationship. He still needs help getting over Rebecca. Though we've both had our fun together, he still has his bad days.

But I do as well. Liam's only seen me when I'm happy and giggly, down for anything. He hasn't seen me on my own bad days, where my life is falling apart and I feel like I can't go on. He hasn't seen the marks on my skin that remind me of the past; he knows nothing of my history.

Theres still a lot Liam has yet to learn, but I won't rush into that. No, Liam and I aren't ready for anything yet. But I have a strong feeling that we're definitely gonna change each other's lives.

"The film is starting, Ashley May," Liam informs me and my thoughts drift away, my attention now fully on the massive screen before us.

"I hope I don't laugh anytime during this," I mumble as the beginning credits proceeded to roll.

"Why?"

"My laugh sounds like thousands of hyena's dying."

"I'll be the judge of that," Liam smiles and takes my hand in his for a second time. I smiled back, but there was a small worry in the back of my mind that Liam will hate me for my laugh.

Maybe his will be just as embarrassing.

~*~

I didn't need to agonize over Liam hearing my laugh. Actually, I never let out a faint giggle once. But how could I when I was sound asleep on his shoulder during the entire film?

"So, how was the movie?" Liam flashed me a crooked grin and I punched his arm, which only led to him laughing.

"Shut up, asshole," I muttered, staring at the floor mats and holding back my own laughs that dared to escape.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry." I looked to the left at Liam, who was undoubtedly staring at me.

"You're staring," I say quietly, lifting my head to get his attention.

"I can't help myself," he shrugged with a smirk, but I wasn't feeling so smug.

"Look, I know I'm disgusting, okay? You don't have to point it out by staring," I sighed and unlocked my phone, tapping the messages app. I had several from Harry asking where I was, but I didn't feel like answering.

"That isn't what I meant," Liam says from beside me and reaches for my hand but I pull it away before he could get a firm grasp.

"What do you wanna do now?" I ask through an exasperated sigh.

"Um, I don't know..we could go home or- hey! I know this amazing ice cream place if you wanna-"

"Sure," I cut his words short, locking my phone and leaning back in the seat. I just really wasn't in the mood for anything anymore.

"What's wrong?" Liam asked softly, frowning down at me. I knew he hated it when I crossed my arms and gripped them in my hands, but it had become my alternative for self harm over the years. Gripping them hard enough until my nails dug into my skin, sending tiny jolts of pain through my arms.

"Nothing's wrong," I shrug, forcing a smile.

"Ashley."

"That's my name," I nod, and he sighs out of frustration, spinning his body to face the steering wheel.

"Okay..next stop, ice cream," he muttered under his breath, backing out of the parking lot. I absentmindedly stole my wallet from my backpack, running my thumb over the design. I might as well pay for this too.

"You're not-"

"Just let me pay," I interject, raising my voice a bit more than intended.

"I-uh, alright."

And just when I thought things were going well..

~*~

THIS CHAPER IS LIKE A REALLY SHORT FILLER IM SORRY

PLS FAVE ANYWAYS ?? ILY :-)