The night had been eventful. Savana had beat Michael in both number of rounds and highest kill count. Those numbers drastically fell once they were handed a beer each. The food got there about two beers in and they were already loud. Sierra put everything on the new plates and passed the meals around, Savana and Michael last.
Lindsay watched as Savana fumbled to try and kill the Panzer in her round, whereas Michael died a few rounds back.
"Just give it a rest, Sav," She smiled as she stood to put her dishes away, "You've already proven you're better at this game."
She slurred, "Not until this mother fucker learns his lesson." She giggled and leaned down to lay on his shoulder. The game ended and went back to the lobby screen and Savana had started snoring as Lindsay rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen.
Lindsay held her plate and glass in hand as she bumped into someone, "Woah, you alright?" An amused voice spoke. She looked up to have her breath hitch in her throat. His blonde hair and blue eyes almost glistened in the kitchen lighting. His hands were warm and soft as they held her elbows. She sat in a stunned silence.
After a few seconds of whispered stuttering, Niall looked at her with a confused expression, but shrugged it off. He walked over and plopped down between Ashton and Liam. Lindsay continued her walk into the kitchen, realizing her stupid mistake. She dropped the plate into the sink and rested her head on her hands as she leaned down. "God, how could I have been so stupid? I could've said 'Hi' or 'Oh, sorry' but no, my dumb ass had to just stare at him with your big ol' doe eyes." She grumbled to herself.
Sierra walked in and heard her grumbling worries, "Hey, what's up?" She leaned over after grabbing a tea from the fridge.
"Oh, nothing. I probably just embarrassed myself in front of the absolute cutest boy here and I think I just ruined my chances with him is all." Lindsay sighed while smiling weakly.
"Linds," Sierra walked over and placed a hand on her back, "you're such a charming person. I doubt you just ruined your chance with him. Besides, theres seven other boys you can try if you want."
"Not to sound too whore-ish." Lindsay laughed, "Wait, wouldn't it be eight?"
Sierra looked into the living room, "I think Savana's got Michael hooked." Lindsay looked into the living room to see an almost-drunk Michael sitting on the couch as he played with Savana's hair, who was asleep in his lap. "Hoisting her up there was hell, but it made her smile in her dead sleep, so that was nice and Michael seems happy."
"Opposite of that, I ran into Niall on the way in here and couldn't form coherent words when he asked if I was alright." Lindsay smiled as she spoke sarcastically.
Sierra pulled a half smile, "Trust me, if he didn't think it was cute, I doubt he would've been grinning like a mad man as he sat down."
Lindsay blushed as she turned to the sink to finish her dish. Sierra walked back into the living room a she sipped on her tea. She sat down next to Savana's feet and watched as Inside Out played on the television. One by one, the boys said their goodnights and the last ones left were Michael, Sierra, Lindsay and Ashton.
"If you guys want to go to bed you can," Michael spoke, "I don't think I can move." He laughed quietly.
Lindsay smiled and stood to stretch, "Yeah, I think I'm gonna head to bed. It's been a really long day. Sierra, you coming?"
"Yeah, give me a minute." She smiled, waving Lindsay away. She turned to Ashton, "Are you going to be up? Or do you want me to turn this-"
"How many animals have you saved?" Ashton spoke quietly. He looked up at her with soft eyes.
Sierra smiled, taken back by his comment, "Uh, I don't know. I have a lot of people helping and we've taken a lot of animals off the endangered species list. Like manatees, pandas, some species of monkeys. I want to work on sea creatures next. They play just as big a role in nature as the land dwelling animals do. Why do you ask?"
Ashton held his hands nervously, "I've heard of your work and your organization and I've donated as much as I can without letting everyone know. I love what you're doing for the world."
Sierra blushed as she sat on the edge of the couch closest to his chair. "I mean, all animals play a role in human survival, as well. So I can't imagine someone wanting them all dead, but thank you. Your donations, actually, do have a significance in my organization." She stuttered to get the words out, trying to stay professional.
"Is there anymore I can do to help?" He smiled brightly, "I want to do anything to help your organization."
Sierra laughed a bit, "Well, do you kill bees? Like, the little fat ones buzzing around on clovers?"
The songs on the radio are okay
But my taste in music is your face
"Sometimes I'll accidentally step on them," Ashton sat up quickly, a worried expression covering his face, "Oh, no, am I not supposed to do that? I'm so sorry."
And it takes a song to come around
To show you how
"No, No, No. It's quite alright. Sometimes they're hard to see, but try to cut back on it. Without bees, plants can't pollinate like they do now. Bees carry pollen from plant to plant, usually making it easier for pollination to occur. They're harmless and won't usually sting unless they feel threatened. When they sting, its essentially a form of suicide." Sierra smiled as she tried to explain easily.
She's the tear in my heart
I'm alive
Ashton looked at her with wide eyes, "Oh, well, that's sad. Is that it? Or is there any way to help more?"
Sierra was impressed with his willingness, "Unless you'd like to go on some expeditions to random places, that's it." She dropped her hands on her thighs.
"Oh, cool!" Ashton stood up and held his hand out for her, "Well, I'll do my best to save the bees and I'll start when I'm not as tired." He waved a bit as he disappeared down the hallway.
Sierra stared at the hall for a bit, smiling. "That was cute." Michael was smiling up at her as he shifted to try to fall asleep with Savana on his lap. Sierra's entire face lit up read as she hurriedly walked to her room down the hall.
She closed the door behind her before laying down on her bed and grinning wider than she ever had before. She fell asleep thinking of her conversation.
Sometimes you gotta bleed to know
That you're alive and have a soul
But it takes someone to come around
To show you how
