Rumours [BxB] ✔️

XXVI

"My parents were never really there for me. Even when I was little, they were always too busy to do anything with me. I don't really know why they bothered having a child when all they cared about was money if I'm honest."

Ash's lips turned up slightly at the edges in a small smile, but his eyes were sad and distant. Our hands were locked together underneath the table and I could feel how his were cold and shaking in contradiction to my warm and steady ones.

"Sometimes I really do think that the adults are worse than their kids. Just know that we're here for you sweetie, and if you ever need someplace to stay, you're always welcome here." My mum spoke in that kind motherly tone and gave Ash a pitiful smile, taking a sip of her Manuka honey tea.

My father nodded in agreement, his hands wrapped around the large brown mug sat on the table. "Of course you're welcome here. As long as you sleep on the couch."

"Dad." I whined, drawing out the letters and tilting by head back.

"Certainly, Sir. And thank you so much for the offer Mrs Skyter, but I would hate to be a burden."

"No such thing! River has an appetite of two and so does his father, so I'm used to preparing a lot of food. One more mouth wouldn't make much of a difference."

Groaning, I flopped down onto the table, my head hitting the wooden surface with a loud bang. "Ow."

"Are you okay son? Do you feel lightheaded?"

"I'm fine mum! Thank you. But Ash and I are going to head upstairs and chill there for a bit, okay? Thanks." Without a second of hesitation I pulled him up by our interlocked hands and dragged him towards the stairs, desperate to get out of there.

Ash stumbled behind me, struggling to keep up with my unexpected running while also trying to talk to my mother. "O-oh! Thank you so much for dinner ma'am, I'll help next time."

"Ah, don't worry about it Ash. You're too sweet. Enjoy your alone time!"

"And keep the door open at least three inches!"

I slammed the door shut behind us and leant against it, sliding to the floor, panting. "I am so sorry about them. That was so embarrassing."

Ash was towering over me and chuckling before he knelt down in front me, taking my hands in his own. "I though they were lovely, Sky. Compared to my parents, they're great."

Sighing, I pulled him onto my lap, his thighs almost crushing me from how heavy they were. Although, I couldn't bring myself to care as I rested my my head against his strong chest.

"Aww, isn't this sweet. Feels a bit odd though; I'm not used to being the one in this position."

"Yeah yeah, whatever you have to tell yourself Mr 'I'm so dominant'." He scoffed, flicking my forehead lightly yet still making it hurt. "Anyway, I'm going to do my beauty routine really quick. Make yourself comfortable and pick a game you want to play."

After shoving him off my lap I pulled the door open once again and snuck into the bathroom, retrieving my night creams and a hairband from the mirrored cupboard above the sink. I slipped the piece of fabric over my head and began applying the cream swiftly.

Once I was done I returned back to my room, pushing the door shut almost completely just to spite my father, and waddled over to my bed. Ash was sat looking at his phone with a few retro game boxes scattered around, including things like Pac-Man and Bubble Bobble.

"Oo, good choices. But which are you going to pick first." His body jolted and his eyes widened upon seeing me, but his look of shock soon turned to confusion.