the pale and the dimpled ;; mashton

eight // hospital

\\an

k i lied it's not that long.

though their pineses still are.\\

Ashton's nerves were going through the roof as he got nearer to the hospital. He cut the engine and sat in his car for a few more soundless seconds. He checked his breath - mmm, minty -, made sure he had the flowers for Ms. Clifford and the Cadbury for Michael, before taking a deep breath and actually getting out of his car.

He greeted the receptionist with a shaky "Hello." as he weaved through the incoming patients, families nurses and doctors. He made his way to the elevator, pressing the number 4. Smooth jazz music played in the background for a solid 20 seconds before the silver door opened to reveal three intersecting hallways. Gulping, Ashton stepped out and turned left.

Ashton could hear soft murmuring from inside the room, so he thought it might be best to knock. He curled his hand into a fist and rapped it twice against the door.

It opened and a brunette woman in a long coat smiled at him. "H-Hi," He stuttered. "Is Michael in there?"

Michael, who had been writing music quickly shoved the many papers into a drawer. "Come in." He said, and the doc, Dr. Coriveau, opened the door for Ashton to come inside.

The first thing he noticed was how bright it was. He blinked a few times before his eyes adjusted. He saw Ms. Clifford smiling at him from her hospital bed and Michael with his sleeves over his hands at the window.

"Um, hi, Ms. Clifford," He said, stepping further into the room. "My name's Ashton, I'm a - er - friend of Michael's."

Ms. Clifford smiled. "Please, call me Karen."

Ashton returned the smile and walked closer to her bed. "I, um, brought you these," He said, handing her the bouquet of various flowers.

"Thank you, they're lovely," She said and Ashton felt a surge of pride. "Michael, can you fill that vase?"

Michael nodded, returning quickly with a water-filled vase for his mum. Ashton watched silently and jumped when Michael's arm brushed his own.

"Sorry," Michael apologized, even though he liked the feeling of Ashton's skin against his own.

"S'okay," Ashton said, smiling reassuringly. "Oh, this is for you." He handed Michael the chocolate and watched his face light up.

"Mum, is it okay if I head out for a bit?" Michael asked, wanting to be with Ashton.

"Sure," Karen said. "You always did hate the hospital."

// an

so this was kind of cute I guess, right??

nah there's more in the next chapter

the mashton feeeeeeels especially with the giiiiiif,

ugh.

lates.//