18. The Sit Down

"Shit, It's really there," Sam said getting a good look at my torso as I held up my shirt a bit. Ashton had gone to wrestling practice so he wasn't in class with us this time, so it was a perfect chance to tell someone about yesterday. "You whore!"

"Shut up, you're the bigger whore here," I whispered back at him. I moved my collar to show him the hickeys Ashton left behind as well. "He left these too."

"I'm just surprised, with your uniform on, you can't see a thing, but Ashton's clearly marked his territory!" Sam squealed. "Congratulations, bro! You're a man now. How good was it?"

"So good I passed out," I told him.

"Passed out!" Sam slap my back a few times proudly. "So the rumors are true then? He has a monster hog?"

"Yes, but don't tell anyone!"

"My lips are sealed, Dan. I just want to ask Ashton his secret to making your dynamic work."

"Our dynamic."

"Uh, yeah, no offense, Ashton just doesn't seem like your type. But you guys get along so well and look like you're in your own world, so you guys end up looking good together, it's fucking weird." Sam explained. "People keep asking me if it's true and I just say you two are very much in love."

"Who's in love?"

"Well, Ashton sure is in love with you. He's telling everyone who'll listen. He may as well make it a morning announcement," Sam laughed. "People are getting up the courage to talk to him now."

"Why now?"

"Honestly, if he hasn't hurt you, the most fragile person in school, then he can't be as dangerous as everyone thinks. Ah, I just realized how bad that sounded, I'm just trying to explain it for you," Sam looked a bit guilty.

"Don't worry, I understand," I said. Ashton had explained it all to me before, but maybe he can make some new friends now as well. It would suck for him to be lonely a lot.

"Good, so you think I could take Ashton in a fight?"

"Hell no, that's real farm boy strength. He's won rodeos and he's super strong," I defended wholeheartedly. "You haven't seen him wrestle have you? He's the number one on the team. How could you possibly take him in a fight? You'd be beaten to a pulp."

Sam looked at me in shock. I think I might've hurt his pride by being so passionate about Ashton beating him. "Ouch. You're kind of an asshole, Dan. It's surprising since Ashton is so polite." He laughed suddenly.

"You think I have a bad attitude too?"

"Not bad, you just don't believe in pulling punches. If anything, you have a delinquents attitude. Just like me, your resting face is quite scary, too bad you're so small!" Sam smiled.

"Ashton's going to put some muscle on me."

"Sounds like the only muscle he's been putting on you is his penis," Sam joked poking my side. I could feel a blush taking over my body as i chuckled along with Sam. He really was super obsessed with anything sexual, be it gay or straight, as long as he could see or hear about someone get off. "Did it hurt?"

"At first, but it was the good kind of hurt."

"Oh my god! Was it gentle or rough?"

"He turns into a real savage animal when he wants to. There was no holding him back either once he got started," I admitted.

"Oh, dam I'm jealous. I want to make someone pass out from rough sex too. You know I always thought the gentle shit was overrated."

"Rough is better. Definitely better."

"If only it were a girl saying that to me," Sam sighed. "You're so lucky, Dan. You have someone who wants to fuck you all the time, and here I am lonely as hell. Help me find a girlfriend."

"Just ask Olivia out."

"Naw, I gave that up, she's way too into Vincenzo like a stalker. It's getting really annoying to deal with her when I know she doesn't like me at all. I know when to give up."

"Oh, well I'll join you so you can look for a girlfriend," I offered.

"Naw, Ashton said you shouldn't go to clubs, at least not the sleezy ones I go to. He'd kick my ass to the point that I'm unrecognizable. You can't drink so you won't have much fun anyway, at least not the way I have fun."

"Like what?" I scrunched up my face just as the bell rang signaling the end of class. I genuinely wanted to know the different freaky shit he did! Maybe he could convince Ashton to try something. "Tell me, Sam!"

"Tell you what?" Ashton appears behind us.

"How he has fun," I said.

"It's not gunna happen. You should know he's into that orgy stuff and swapping partners and threesomes, it's weird. Do you know how many relationships he broke up by having threesomes with the couple?" Ashton shook his head.

"Polyamory isn't that bad!" Sam defended.

"He probably just trying to have a threesome with us babe, don't fall for it," Ashton wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

"No, it wouldn't work with you two, there needs to be a woman. And, Danny already told me how big you are, it would just kill my mood trying to compete," Sam pointed to Ashton's pants. "Well, I guess I do find Danny's all over blush attractive and he has those nice plump lips for an excellent blowjob, so I guess there'd be someway to get off. After all, all men love blowjobs."

"Sam-"

"Relax, he's got no boobs, I'm not interested. What I said is just an attractive weapon that makes Danny look a lot more fuckable. Doesn't change that he's still a guy to me though." Sam shrugged Ashton off. "I don't want your man, Ashton."

"Is all you can talk about sex?" Ashton huffed. "Ive heard people who talk about it a lot aren't getting any."

"You're right, I haven't been getting any but I can finally talk to my friend about it. Unless, you'd like to help me out, Daniel. It looks like you can really take a dick," Sam joked.

"In your dreams, ugly." I laughed.

"I may be ugly but my dick is very pretty," Sam laughed.

"You...."Ashton fizzled out and sighed at us. It was really amusing to watch the banter between them. "You two are too much."

"The guy's practically glowing, I had to ask," Sam laughed. "You obviously did something, and he showed me the marks you made."

"You showed him?"

"I had to show someone," I said. "How else can I brag about you to my friend?"

Ashton took a second to think but seemed to let go of whatever negative feelings he felt when he broke out into a smile. "Well, who am I to stop you, baby? If you want to brag then brag. Sam's really straight anyway."

"Ugh, you two sicken me, I'm off," Sam waved us off and took off in a different direction visibly annoyed.

"So, you're showing off how you're mine now?"

"Yeah, Sam said you marked your territory. Are you a dog or something?" I teased.

"Only yours," Ashton leaned down to kiss me quickly on the lips. "Well, it's not like I haven't been running my mouth either. Everyone who's asked me knows how much I love you after all." What a pain in the ass! Although I'm glad that he wanted to claim me as his boyfriend, he made everything sound so dramatic. "Oh, heads up."

I lifted my eyes to see Vincenzo walking down the hallway. He looked a bit more than lost, as if he was unaware of everything going on around him. Dark circles had formed under his eyes and his stubble wasn't groomed as usual making him looked haggard. Without lifting his head, he walked past us in his daze.

"Vin-" Ashton covered my mouth and rushed me forward.

"Sorry, but you should let him talk to you first. Eventually he will, but you can't disrupt his therapy by showing up in front of him, right now. That's why he changed all of his classes around," Ashton warned. Did that mean Ashton knew what was going on with Vincenzo's therapy? How else could I have disturbed him by just asking how he is? "I don't know much, but I've been told they've made a small progress in their first session. It's best to minimize contact with each other as much as possible for now, as this is a crucial period for him. If it's disrupted in anyway, it could cause a number of problems for his already unstable mental state."

"Problems?"

"Anything is possible when the brain is under a lot of mental stress, including an escalation of violence. His therapist is trying to avoid him having any extreme reactions from outside stimuli. If the reaction he has is violent, who knows what could happen," Ashton quickly explained. "I'm only doing this so your friend could get help, you can't mess it up."

As much as I didn't like this, it made sense to me. If Vincenzo was getting real help for himself, I didn't want to fuck that up for him. After all, it would effect me directly if I did. "Oh, then. If he's so unstable, should I really be telling my dad anything?"

"Yes, so stop trying to get out of it, you already said that you'll go through with it," Ashton said. "Keeping your word to yourself is important in self care. Anyway, let's do something this weekend!"

"Huh?"

"This weekend? Do you have a place you want to go on a date? The sea? The mountains? The entire world?"

"Those three choices don't even go together," I grumbled. "There's a spot I like to eat at."

"It's not sushi is it? I heard how much city folk like sushi. I need cooked food."

"It's not sushi! I'm going to bring you to a regular Chinese takeout place."

"Um.....ok, I'll try it."

"What now?"

"How's the quality of food?"

Right. Ashton's rich boy stomach probably couldn't handle the three star takeout like a regular person. As much as I appreciate him wanting to try what I suggested, I wasn't trying to consistently poison him. "What I meant was that I'll cook for you. I know my food hasn't ruined your stomach, right?"

"Definitely not! Your food is the best for me," Ashton finally looked more excited like I wanted him too. I think he wanted me to cook for him from the beginning, and he was definitely going to get what he wanted.

"This weekend is my dads birthday, so bring your parents," I said remembering my fathers birthday suddenly. No wonder I've been so nervous. "I'll be the one cooking anyway. So we'll do a triple date. Keep it a secret."

"So he doesn't know you thought it up on the spot?"

"Isn't one of your country sayings to 'let sleeping dogs die' or something?" I glared at him. Ashton threw his hands up in surrender and agreed to come with his parents. "Nothing over a hundred dollars."

"A gift is for the gifter to decide," Ashton smirked. "And your dad likes expensive things even if you don't. I like this idea of a triple date, you're inviting Teresa yes?"

"I have too now," I said not hiding my discontent with this realization. How could I even look her in the eye after what I smelled in that living room? It felt even worse to see since she's a woman.

Ugh, I'm disgusted again.

Ashton stopped us from walking and cupped my face with his hands. He smiled ridiculously while he stared at my face. "You're so sweet I could sop you up with a biscuit. This feels great, and you're smellin' nice."

"Sh-shut up! What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" His accent paired with his face was making me blush hard. It really was a secret weapon of his and he was getting to full of himself using it on me. It's impossible not to really be falling for this guy. "Don't look so proud of yourself, Ashton."

"I just can't help but be sweet on ya, darlin'," He said unapologetically. I noticed people staring at us but Ashton didn't seem to care about the noise at all. He was making it clear that he was focused only on me in this moment. Shit, I was kind of turned on by this.

"Ugh, thank you," I mumbled. Ashton's love was sickeningly sweet. "You're making me heat up too much."

"Ok, ok, I'll dial it back," Ashton seemed to finally compose himself and finally spotted the crowd that had formed near us. "I just like looking at you."

"I like looking at you too, but that was intense," I said holding up my red hands. "Look I'm a mess here!"

"You are really red," Ashton said. "But I still want to touch you more. Why don't I bring you home and we hang out until your father comes home?"

"You want to have sex with me again?"

"No! Well yes I do, I want to push you down on your bed and eat you up.....but I have a test coming up, and I need tutoring," Ashton groaned. "I'm not good so good at math. I at least need to get it to a barely passing grade."

"Did you seriously drop below passing? Did you at least get a C?"

"No, my math teacher is getting suspicious that I cheated to get into the class."

"But you did cheat to get into the class."

"Exactly, baby, that's why I need your help. Tutor me, I'll focus!"  Ashton begged.

"I'll do it, you don't have to beg me," I said. "I'm happy to help."Ashton picked me up off of my feet suddenly and walked quickly to his car completely ignoring the stares and whispers directed at us from all sides. Sam was correct in calling us a spectacle to behold. I'd probably be staring at us as well. "Ashton, put me down! I'm not crippled!"

"So what? I just want to carry you. I don't want my baby to walk. Besides you're light as a feather, you need to eat more."

Ashton opened the passenger side door and sat me down before trapping me between his big arms. "Don't entertain the thought of Sam being sexual with you, babe. I'll never let it happen for real. I'll make sure no one else can see you have pleasure like that but me."

"You calling me easy?" I glared at him.

"Of course not, but just in case he said something weird to you, don't think about it too much. I don't want a threesome!" Ashton whined.

"Neither do I! Why would I want that when I could barely handle you, stupid," I flicked his forehead getting him to perk up.

"Fuck studying, I want you."

"Well, if you make some progress studying, we can have time for you to have me. The better you study, the more I'll let you do," I pointed out. Ashton immediately put my seatbelt on for me and closed my door before running around the car and hopping into the front seat.

"I'll study hard, don't go back on your word," he said seriously.

"If you pass the test, I'll find a way to spend the night with you," I smirked knowing that I could easily rile him up. "And I'll give you permission to do whatever you want to me....as hard as you want."

Ashton gripped the steering wheel tight to the point his knuckles started to turn white while wearing a determined look. It was as if I had suddenly given him purpose. "Whatever I want? I'll be sure to pass it."

From the school parking lot to my house, Ashton was dead focused on his studies. He had immediately pulled out his textbooks and homework and started to ask questions as soon as we entered my room. I spent the next two hours making sure Ashton knew enough to answer most of the questions on his own.

He really wasn't kidding when he would probably fail this subject. And his teacher was definitely right to be suspicious as Ashton didn't even understand calculus equations very well. Trigonometry was going to be a bitch for him.

"You can definitely do it if you try, I think if I teach you a little bit everyday before the test, we can at least get you a C," I said proudly. Luckily Ashton's brain was like sponge so I think he definitely had a fighting chance.

"My brain hurts," Ashton sighed. "Who needs this kind of stuff for life? I can just hire someone to do it all."

"You only know the physical aspect of your livelihood. You should learn the numbers and be the most qualified person if you're going to be the boss," I tried.

"Can't I just hire you? You're the most qualified person I know," Ashton turned to me excitedly. "The numbers are something that seem like second nature to you. So you do the numbers, I'll stick to the physical labor."

"It's still good to have some understanding of it, Ashton," I insisted.

"I'll know what I need to know by the end of college or something. I already know to use math to determine the amount of seed needed to plant their crop and how much it will cost. I know to use math to decide what tractors and equipment to purchase and make payments. I also know how to calculate the costs of production, pricing of our crops and product and the profitability," Ashton assured me. "I take it seriously, but I'm so over the meaningless stuff. In my opinion, all schools should teach you a trade from start to finish and when you graduate high school, you'll know how to make money."

"A degree to back it up is a better look."

"Who cares about that?"

"As long as you take it seriously Ashton," I closed my textbook and relaxed.

"I haven't been able to take my eyes off of you since I put the textbook down. You're just too fucking beautiful and smart."

I knew I was blushing, but at the moment, I didn't really care. Ashton's face and words had me mesmerized. Surrounded by his scent and looking at his gorgeous face had made me bold. I raised a shaking hand and very gently wiped the cookie crumbs off the side of his mouth. He closed his eyes at my touch and leaned into my hand, so I was cradling his face. My hand was tingling and he drew in a deep breath before opening his eyes again.

Moving one of his hands, he brought it to his face and rested it on mine. I sucked in a sharp breath and he scooted a bit closer to me, his eyes not leaving mine. "Danny," he whispered, and I could feel his warm breath fan my face.

"Yeah?" I breathed, almost unable to take in air. He was so close to me, I could feel the intense energy between us.

"I finished my homework and I did the practice questions correctly. Would it be alright if I kissed you now?" he asked, very softly.

Nodding my head slightly, I whispered, "Yeah."

Ashton smiled softly at me, then leaned in, tilting his head a little. I closed my eyes and felt his nose brush mine before soft, plump warm lips took my slightly parted ones in a sweet kiss. Before I could open my eyes, he kissed me again, just as gently. My lips were suddenly on fire from the contact, and I wanted more.

All my shyness forgotten for the moment, I rested my free hand on the nape of Ashton's neck and I could swear I heard him whimper. He leaned in and kissed me again, barely touching my bottom lip with his tongue. I felt a twinge of want in my lower stomach, and it was my turn to whimper. I used the hand on his neck to pull him closer. Removing his hand from mine, Ashton took my face in his hands and slid his tongue tentatively into my mouth. My whole body was alive and tingling, and I opened my mouth wider so I could taste him too. Slipping my tongue into his mouth, I moaned involuntarily at his taste. He tasted like mint and sunshine. If sunshine had a taste, it would be definitely be him.

Finally, I reached the waist of his jeans and I popped the button, casting my eyes up to see his reaction. His eyes were wide and he was shaking his head. As I yanked the zipper down, he panted out, "babe...you don't..."

"Ashton," I growled out before my sudden courage could leave me, "Shut the fuck up..." I looked down and realized Ashton was at full mast. Perfect. Leaning my face down, I buried my nose in his short, soft curls, inhaling deeply. He smelled really good, and it made my mouth water. Ashton grabbed a handful of my hair and propped back on his hands. I looked up at him again, and he was watching me with eyes so bright, they almost looked angelic. I gulped in anticipation, then reached my hand out to grab the monster in front of me.

If I follow the comic books instructions, maybe I'll be  good at this.

Training my eyes on Ashton's face, I slowly took half his length in my mouth, pressing my tongue against the side all the way down. Ashton looked as if he were almost hyperventilating, his mouth opening and closing as if he were trying to say something. I hollowed my cheeks, sucking gently all the way back up. I think this was the way I always saw it done. I pushed my mouth down over his dick once again. He let out a long, low moan, and I began sucking him in earnest. Bobbing my head, I tried to take him all the way into my throat each time, but kept failing. In no time, Ashton was moaning and crying out. He was breathing so hard, I was afraid he was gonna faint, but the sight of him almost made me come undone.

It wasn't much longer before Ashton was gripping my hair tighter and gasping out, "Gonna cum..." he arched his back and held my head down as he bucked hips into my mouth. A warm liquid started to fill it up quickly. I swallowed every bit while trying my hardest to hold back a gag. When he was spent, he pulled me up gently and looked at my face.

"I can't believe you swallowed it," Ashton sported a crazy horny look while staring right into my eyes. Sam was right, men love blowjobs. I have to remember to ask him for some ideas on what to do so I could see Ashton in ecstasy again.

"Was it good?" I asked rubbing my aching jaw.

Ashton's face darkened and he suddenly looked serious. "It was too good, tell me how you learned."

"The comic books. They literally have tropes of tops that walk you through it," I explained. "I already told you nobody touched me before."

"Right! How could I forget? You're like a sponge," Ashton sighed in relief and pulled me into his arms burying my face in his chest. "That shit blew my mind, babe! It was just so unexpected for you to do it first and so well. I feel like all my stress just melted away. I'll definitely study if I can have that."

He closed his eyes then, and pressed his lips against mine quickly. I closed my eyes as Ashton put sweet, tender kisses all over my face. In between his kisses he was murmuring to me that he loved me, just the way I am, and to never change. He told me he loves my shyness and awkwardness, and that I didn't have to ever lift a finger again. And with every word, every kiss, I could feel my heart flutter more and more. I could just be myself, and he would love me.

Finally, he pulled back and gave my heart a break. "You're being too sweet. Was it really that good?"

"Yes...but, my mom says I'm just an affectionate person," Ashton said. "I get it from watching my dad dote on my mom. I want a love like that, and I want to love like that. It's a beautiful feeling, to really be in love."

"Don't you have pent up aggression?"

"I wrestle and do a few rodeos every summer. I get my hit of primal male more than you think, so there's no need to get aggressive. Not that I'm afraid of the aggression when it comes."

"You are a bit of a pushover."

"Only to you, babe. You're the only one who gets to experience my gentle side," Ashton smiled. Hm. Now that I think about it, Ashton never bowed down to what anyone wanted. He held his ground against Vincenzo. He held his ground against the people on the wrestling team. He held his ground against his cousin Katy. And he never minced his words with anyone. He spoke up if something needed to be said, and never wavered from his core beliefs. "I can't say no to you after all."

"You only shut up when I tell you too!"

"Don't say it like that!"

"Shut up!" I giggled feeling extra giddy inside. Ashton started to laugh with me.

"Dan?" I heard a tired voice call out from outside my door. "You in there?"

"Yeah!" I called back as my father opened the door. He looked at us unsatisfied at the sight of us so close together. Luckily, Ashton had already pulled his pants back up."Oh, I was teaching Ashton math."

"How hard is the math?" Dad asked.

"Trigonometry," my dad flinched at the sound of it. It made sense.

"Well, um-"

"Sit with us, Dad. I have something to tell you anyway," I pointed to a spot across from the table where Ashton and I had our books laid out. My dad raised an eyebrow but awkwardly sat across from Ashton and I.

"And he's here for?"

"Moral support. Just let me talk and it'll all make sense why it's needed."

"Thank god you're not a daughter, I'd be having a heart attack. Why can't I help but think you're about to tell me you're pregnant?" Dad pushed his hair back frustratedly. "It feels serious in here."

"I'm a boy, dad. You know that!" I hissed.

"Just tell me what it is."

I exhaled deeply and looked my father in the eye. "I want to start by apologizing to you, because I've been lying to you for years. When I was younger, Vincenzo and I actually did get along very well. But all of that changed since middle school."

I recounted everything from start to finish for my dad to hear. For the first time he heard about how a few lies from his parents had influenced Vincenzo to completely turn against me. How he told people how afraid I am of small dark spaces causing people to lock me in there for fun. How he had turned the school against me with Martin. How I hadn't celebrated a birthday in years because Vincenzo would bring trouble to me. How I had no choice but to run errands for him under threat that if I tried to pull away, he would try to kill me. Which brought me into the trips on the country side and the real reason I had almost died in that room. And the real reasons I couldn't enjoy the vacations. That led into me telling him about the club that Vincenzo had forced me to go to with him a few times, where he had spiked my drink, almost killing me. How all the people in there tried their hardest to humiliate me just because I wasn't capable of fighting back. How I stood out in the cold and the rain knowing I would get sick out of fear that if I didn't, he would kill me. How scared I actually was all this time, that I couldn't say anything about it.

That day, when he walked into the DeVellis house to look for me, Vincenzo had run away. After ten days, I went looking for him and brought him back to his house. A few days later, he switched his entire attitude towards me and started telling me that he was in love with me. I didn't understand the extent of how fucked Vincenzo's mind had become until I told him that I was going out with Ashton, and he exploded like he did. How he tried to intimidate me into rethinking this relationship. And the breakdown he had after that.

When I finished telling my dad everything that happened, I felt even lighter than I did before. No more cover ups were happening now that I didn't feel so scared.

"Fuck," my dad looked at me shocked. "I invited that little motherfucker into my home, Dan! He took your fucking asthma pump?! He almost killed you?!" My dad looked lost for words. "Stay away from that boy. He's not normal, just like his father."

"I know that, that's why Ashton sent him to therapy," I said.

"You still helped that asshole?!" My dad slammed his fist down on the table. "After he tried to murder my son?!"

"You told me even murderers get a chance a rehabilitation, so shouldn't he receive the help before he murders me?" I asked. "His parents obviously dropped the ball."

"That doesn't make it your fucking job to help him!"

"If I may, I sent him to one of the best clinics in town so he can get over his obsession with Danny. Only because, after hearing their history, I was afraid for Dan's safety. If he wasn't a real threat, I wouldn't have bothered with him." Ashton said. "I think he's a piece of crap personally."

"I thought they were taking care of that kid, and they were just making it worse! The fucking idiots! Dan, want me to handle the situation?" Dad offered proudly.

"Please do not. You're not a teenager anymore, dad. Aren't you supposed to be empathetic towards people?"

"It's only a suggestion. You don't understand how much I just want to hurt the three of them! This is the first time I've ever considered hitting a woman, Dan! That's not good! But that's how mad I am right now!" My dad fidgeted uncomfortably. "Why'd you keep it a secret?"

"They were your friends and I was too afraid of what Vincenzo might do to me if I said anything."

"Then why speak up now?"

"Well, Ashton pulled me out of it," I told him.

Dad turned to Ashton. "Next time, you have my permission to put that motherfucker in a bag and sink him in the river. That little shit should be sent back to hell where he came from!"

"I'll make sure to do so. I have the resources for it anyway." Ashton agreed.

"Why'd you send him to therapy instead of hospitalizing that piece of shit?"

"Danny doesn't want me to hurt him, and if I asked my parents to deal with that family, he wouldn't like it," Ashton grumbled. "He's too nice for his own good, so he still has faith in someone like that."

"And you've been going to therapy too or something, Dan?" Dad asked.

"Not exactly, Ashton's just been pointing things out to me my own problems that I've been ignoring and forcing me to face them. With his help, I've been able to stand up to Vincenzo, reach out to Teresa and meet her and tell you the truth about what's been going on," I said. "He's been keeping me from being bullied at school too."

"Well, ok.....did you think I couldn't take care of these problems?" Dad suddenly asked me with an angry tone. "I can't even do anything for you now! This feels like shit, Dan! I'm your father for fucks sake!"

"I know! I just didn't want to ruin your friendship-"

"Fuck them! You think I would care about them after hearing this?!"

"I also didn't want to be homeschooled! You kept threatening to do that!" I snapped at him.

"You little shit! You dare to raise your voice at me?! You should've been homeschooled! Then none of this would've happened to you!" Dad snapped back. "You have no idea how I felt seeing you in the hospital all those times?! What father wants to see their child not breathing and blue in the face?! You don't understand how much I want to vent this rage on them! They made assholes out of us!"

"I'm angry too, that's why I'm keeping my distance. The fact is none of us are children. It can be talked out and Vincenzo is getting help," I said calmly. "Don't mess up the progress by interacting with them. If the Therapy works they'll come to you or never speak to you again. It's just that simple."

"So just wait and see?" Dad asked. "That's ridiculous, how could I do that and still call myself your father? Ashton, bring me this asshole so I can wring his neck."

"You taught me to be merciful to the disadvantaged and the mentally ill, dad."

"And I said it was just a suggestion!" Dad steamed. "Who the hell do they think they are to think so highly of themselves? Let me go a few rounds with his father out in the street, I'll show him what actual power is! I used to be a reputable thug in this city, you know that! My ex-wife is highly successful! My only son is a genius! I'll show them! Dan! Get me a drink, I need to decompress before I go over there kick his fathers ass! You know I will!"

"Sure, dad," I stood up and walked into the kitchen to grab a glass for my dad. Now that I got it out, I couldn't help but be embarrassed of my former self for being so cowardly. I had nothing to worry about because dad would've taken care of the situation for me. No wonder he was so damn upset. I would be hurt as well if I had a child that didn't have any faith in me.

I poured my dad his scotch and hurried back to my room where Ashton and my dad seemed in deep conversation. Ashton was telling my dad exactly how he pushed me to let go of my fear of Vincenzo. "He was willing to take the steps to change his own life, so other than my suggestions, I didn't do anything but support what he wanted to do."

"Hm, I guess you're alright," dad sighed. "I'll let you off the hook for what you were doing to my son last time."

"We fell dad," I insisted. "Come off it."

"Doesn't matter, the point is I forgive him," dad sipped his drink. "Now that you're back in the circle, I expect updates on Vincenzo's status."

"The therapist can't breach doctor-patient con-"

"Ashton, I know about that clinic. I used to take Vincenzo and Danny there a long time ago and I used to work summers there as a janitor. Those loose lipped doctors sell information to the highest bidder as long as they have a guarantee of not getting caught," dad rolled his eyes. "There's no way I can't be notified."

"As true as that may be, it's unethical. If there's anything serious to look out for, we'll be informed right away," Ashton said.

"Why can't you know exactly what's up, rich boy?"

"I made a reasonable arrangement, while respecting the privacy of a patient," Ashton insisted. "It's too late to change it."

"Ugh, fine," my dad excused himself from my room and turned on the TV in the living room.

Ashton took this chance to pull me onto his lap and kiss me softly. "You know, I'll take care of you from now on, right? I've been all yours since you met me, so keep depending on me....I won't let anyone touch you again. Especially now since I'm back in your fathers good graces."

"You're too easily satisfied, Ashton," I pouted. "Just having me shouldn't be a highlight."

"How do you feel after telling your dad?"

"That you might know me better than I know myself, because you keep being right about these things. I can tell how bad he feels even though there's nothing he can do now."

"As all dads would, so don't feel guilty. I'm sure he understands."

"How do you know me so well?"

"I don't know you better than you, babe. No one can hold everything in by themselves and not be completely miserable. Plus, you looked like you were tired of living when I met you."

"When you met me? Have I changed since then?"

"Well, you were horribly quiet, but when you argued with Vincenzo, the atmosphere was completely different. Like you were stuck in survival mode," Ashton explained. "Well it was super intriguing to watch you come to life, and I instantly knew that I wanted you all to myself. I was expecting some mopey guy, but you were straightforward and feisty. That's why I'm very happy you're with me now."

"So I have a bad attitude and I'm feisty?" I glared at him.

"Yes! I love a feisty person," Ashton giggled. "If you were the obedient type, I probably wouldn't be interested with you. I just love you more the more you become confident and take control of your life. You are a lovely person. All mine."

"Ok, I'm in your hands, Ashton," I said. If it was my attitude and feisty side that attracted him to me, I could live with that, though I considered that my worst qualities. Maybe I was glad that someone liked the parts of me that I hated with a passion, maybe it was glad because I had someone who really seemed to genuinely like and understand me. All I knew was that the feelings I was starting to have were growing more intense ever since Ashton and I spoke at that party.

He was truly someone I could trust wholeheartedly. Hopefully.

"For real?"

"Yeah, you gave me the couples ring and said your intent for dating me was marriage. I accepted, so I'm in your hands, Ashton," I said.

Ashton smiled warmly at me and started to kiss my hands. "I'd like for you to move in with me after we get into college. Of course, your dad can come too if you want, but I want to start taking care of you as soon as possible."

He's even offering yo move my dad in with us. "That sounds nice," I heard my dad say from my room door. Fuck, I forgot that he left the door open. "I thought you just plotting on stealing my kid away, but looks like we'll both be living in a castle soon, Dan. We're moving on up!"

"You're drunk," I frowned at him.

"Yeah, let your boyfriend join me for a fight, Dan. It won't take long, Enzo's a big pussy anyway!" Dad smiled hopefully.

"Dad, every time you get drunk you want to beat someone up! You're not going to beat up Vincenzo's dad tonight!" I scolded. Whenever he got drunk, he started to think that he was some lame teenager who enjoyed starting trouble again.

"Just a few hits, I want to teach him a lesson about bad parenting," dad pleaded.

"At least do that sober."

"I'd rather do it now!"

"If you go, I'll run away and I'll never come back!" I snapped feeling slightly embarrassed that this was the only way to coax my dad when he's drunk.

"But, I have to, Dan!" Dad entered my room and plopped down next to me. "This is about reclaiming honor as a man for my son!"

"Then let Ashton do it!" I said.

"Good idea! They wont press charges harshly because he's a minor!" Dad said happily. "My son is the smartest! You got your mothers brains!"

"I'll do my best sir." Ashton caught on that he should just go along with a drunk man's ramblings.

"That's right...kill him and that piece of crap he helped make. Crush his damn neck! Let that asshole feel the pain as he experiences the fear of impending death! This is the only way my son can be avenged! Make sure they feel my rage!"

"Ok, well go to bed and Ashton will take care of it in a few minutes," I said. Dad patted Ashton on the shoulder and welcomed him to the family before obediently leaving my room and stumbling to his own. Ashton looked like he would die of laughter at any moment but was holding it in for my sake.

"You're very loved," Ashton managed to finally compose himself. "Those were some really dark thoughts he was having. I can understand why though."

"Shut up! He's just fucking stupid when he gets drunk, there's no deeper meaning behind it. It's been a while since he got this drunk. Don't really do anything to Vincenzo's dad, when he's sober he won't even remember asking you to do that."

"Its alright, I was just surprised. You threatened to run away."

"It's the only way to get him to calm down when he's like that. I think I'm the reason he got his shit together and stopped getting into fights in the first place, so I get why he's getting so worked up."

"Why aren't your thoughts as dark as his?" Ashton asked.

"Sometimes they were. Sometimes I would think: I clearly hate his guts with a passion. It's hurts to just keep enduring this? My so called 'fair and just punishment' is not worth thinking about in the face of pure evil. That blood spilled must be paid with blood. Showing my enemy mercy is cruel to myself isn't it. So shouldn't I just kill him myself since he's trying to kill me? I had so many chances to do it too, by putting broken glass in his alcohol or water bottle, abandoning him in a dangerous ally with other people who hate him, pushing him into rush hour traffic, stabbing him in the neck with whatever was in my hand, I've thought if it all really. Had you not showed up, I would've broken and carried out one of my plans. Most likely, I'd make him overdose by drugging him," I confessed. "My dad and I are similar in this aspect. A man's gotta do what he can to survive."

"If you ran away, where would you go?" Ashton suddenly changed the subject.

"To the person who vowed to take care of me, Duh."

"I will," Ashton hugged me close to him. "I'll take responsibility, you won't ever have to think like that again. I'll never let anyone hurt you again baby, I promise. Let's elope now."

"Ashton!"

"Ok, not now, tomorrow!"