bandana (a.i.)

rhetorical questions and sunsets

I think those were the first words Ashton had produced that weren't cocky or insincere. I looked into his hazel eyes and I could see that in fact he was being sincere. I didn't know how to respond. I never saw Ashton as a sincere guy. He always seemed like an asshole. I slip out of my black shorts before pulling my tee over my head and I suddenly feel insecure about my body. I've never felt this way before. Why?

I walk towards the edge of the pool and sit down letting my feet dangle into the water. I look at Ashton who looks right back at me. It is kinda awkward. I feel like something needs to be said. He must sense it too because he clears his throat. 

"I'm sorry that I've been a dick towards you. I'll try to control myself," he says looking into my eyes while taking a step towards me.

I notice just how really close he is to me. If he takes one more small step towards me he will be between my legs. I shake my head, "You should be." I let out a chuckle and he smirks at me before letting one out as well.

He takes the one step closer but before I realize it he has his hands around my ankles and pulls me into the water making my whole body become submerged. When I resurface he is laughing and despite the anger I feel towards him I can't help but love the crinkles that form when he is laughing. They make him seem younger. He eventually begins to settle down and I send him the middle finger and a few splashes of water. I swim around trying to avoid Ashton but I can feel his eyes on me.

"So much for not being a dick," I say looking over at him trying to get on top of an inner tube.

He continues to try before finally giving up and letting it float away, "I'm sorry. It was just so tempting."

The pool water feels nice. It feels almost as if it was bathtub water. It is quiet and relaxing and I'm glad that Ashton and I aren't bickering. Although that probably won't last for long knowing his cocky attitude.

Thinking about it now, Ashton doesn't seem so different than me, personality wise. He has a sense of humor and his sarcasm is evident. I feel like his words are just a bit more cocky. I bet the girls at his old school were all over him. Girls attract to boys like Ashton. He not only has a somewhat charming personality but he has the looks. He probably has slept with plenty of girls. For some reason I am jealous at that thought.

"Why don't you like Jennie?" Ashton says making all my previous thoughts exit my mind.

I don't answer his question but instead ask my own, "Are you really still talking to that skank?"

He notices the venom in my words and he raises his eyebrows, "Woah. Skank? What did she do  to you? Steal your boyfriend or something?"

I automatically begin to blush because he is right in some aspect and I look away not even bothering to confirm or deny his comment. It goes silent and then Ashton speaks up, "If it makes you feel any better she has been trying to hook up with me and I keep ignoring her. I wish she would get the hint."

It's as if there is a small weight lifted off my shoulders that I didn't know was there.

But for some reason his sincere gesture makes me angry, "Why should that make me feel better?" I say looking over at Ashton who is leaning against the edge of the pool just as I am, not even a ruler is separating us.

It seems as though he is trying to pick his words carefully probably so I won't blow up at him. He then finally says, "I guess it shows that not everybody wants to get in her pants."

I automatically scoff at his remark that claims he doesn't want to have sex with Jennie. Of course he does. That's all guys want at his age. "Oh please, don't act all modest."

For some reason we both begin to chuckle and he loosens his grip on the edge of the pool which allows him to just float. I allow myself to do the same. He nudges my arm with his shoulder, "C'mon don't tell me you don't think about it."

I can feel the slight pink in my cheeks, "No. I can say that I have never ever thought about having sex with Jennie."

He chuckles and I can feel his right arm snake around my shoulder but I choose not to comment on the fact his arm is wrapped around me or that there is hardly any space separating our partially naked bodies.

"No, I meant have you ever thought about having sex," he says his gaze is no longer on me.

I laugh and nudge his rib cage which brings his focus back to me, "Please don't tell me you're a virgin."

I continue to chuckle for a few seconds until I look up at Ashton and his cheeks are beet red. He stammers and stumbles, "Well, I yes, but I no." He stops for a second and then concludes with, "I don't know."

I feel his arm snake back around to himself and he sits it on the edge of the pool in between the two of us. I for some reason feel the need to grab his arm and place it back where he had it but I resist the urge. "How can you not know if you are a virgin or not?"

"Well you see Ren and I, well she.." I cut him off. "Don't."

"But you asked," he said looking at me with a questioning face.

"I didn't really want to know the extensive details of your sex life or in your case the lack of details. It was more of a rhetorical question."

That made the conversation come to a halt and we both began to watch the sun slowly set. It was a sight that even the most poetic poet could not explain without shaming the beauty of the event. It was true beauty with the shades of orange, yellow, and red swirling together faltering towards the weeping willows and the surface of the green grass. I couldn't help but to think about the fact that the moon and sun will never meet. Each one of them sacrifice their limited days so the other one can shine. And right then watching the sacrifice with Ashton's arm wrapped around my shoulder drawing circles onto my arms I found out what love was really about.

A/N: Whatdidyouthinkaboutthischapter? Ikindawantanewcover. Ifanybodywouldliketomakeoneandsendittomethenpleasedo! Iwouldloveyou 5ever! JustDMme. Thanksforthevotesandreads. You'relovely.