by Lane Whitt
"I'm sorry Kitten." Finn says in a voice that would break my heart if it wasn’t already broken.
"Fine. I just wanted to look for my wolf." I grit out, trying to keep my tears at bay. I leave the table, stomping off to...well… I don't know. I don't know where to sleep and I'm not sure if I could anyhow. I'm worried about my wolf. I head back to the basement and do laundry until I fall asleep, exhausted, on one of the piles.
……..
I wake up with stiff neck, shivering from the lack of heat in the basement. I forget why I am down here. Oh yeah, I lost my puppy and went crying in a corner like a two year old. I swear, I'm acting so unlike myself lately. The plus side of my temper tantrum is that I got a crap load of laundry done. If this is going to be a continuous thing I might make the suggestion that they all have the same kind of socks. Pairing that many different kinds was ridiculous. I really need to find Logan so I can start sorting where all of this stuff goes. Also, I have a few ideas to run by him.
I make my way up the stairs, trying to work the kink out of my neck. When I open the door, I'm shocked to see a sleeping Ash sitting across from me. I close the door as quietly as I can but he still stirs awake.
"Hey there." He mumbles.
"Hi. Did you sleep there?"
"Yeah, I know you wanted your space, but I didn't want to leave you completely alone." He gives me a meaningful look. Though I don't know what it means.
"I'm sorry about how I acted. I don't know what came over me. Would you like to get some food with me? I'm no Tristan but I make a fantastic bowl of cereal."
He snorts out a laugh. "Sure thing, little one."
We walk in comfortable silence to the kitchen. Just as I'm about to enter, Ash grabs my upper arm, surprisingly gentle for such a huge guy. He lets out a breath. "About yesterday, I get it. You have abandonment issues. I'm not the most talkative of the group and I know I come off a little... reserved. I just wanted to let you know that the wolf didn't run off because of anything you did." He says.
I look up to his face. His masculine features make him look scarier than some of the other guys but the thought that comes to mind when I really take in everything about him is ...deadly attractive.
"Ash?" I say quietly.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for saying that. It's because you're the quiet one that makes your words mean more, when you do speak up."
Ash looks way for a moment before gesturing with a nod of his head that we should enter the kitchen. I think we might be the first ones up. There's no sign that anyone has been here yet. Ash walks over to a coffee pot, getting it started. I've always liked the smell of coffee so I stand beside him as it brews.
"Want some?" he asks, once the pot is done filling.
"I've never had it."
He takes down two mugs from a shelf. He pours one to the top and the other leaving a few inches of space. He walks to the fridge so I take the less full one and take a gulp. Burning the ever-living-crap out of my tongue!
"Damn it! Kitten, I was getting you some creamer to cool it off.
Here, put that on it." he hands me an ice cube.
I take the ice but put a hand on Ash's arm. "It's okay, I'm fine."
Ash shakes his head at me. He takes both our cups to the island and motions for me to sit. I do and he brings me a container of liquid creamer and sugar. I watch as he drinks his without any of that. I take another sip of mine too. This time slower. I like this how it is. It's bitter but I don't think I've tasted anything like it before. Not even a little. Maybe that alone is why I like it.
Ash nods and his lips lift in the corners. I think that's approval. I continue to sip on the hot concoction as he gets things out to cook.
"I thought we were having cereal?" I frown.
He snorts again. "As if I'd ever feed you cereal for breakfast. I'm no Tristan either so don't go getting excited. I can make scrambled eggs though."
I really like this side of Ash. I thought he was going to be a mean type of person but I think that's just a front. Maybe. He starts making eggs and I seek out the cabinet with the ibuprofen.
Finished cooking, he brings over two heaping plates for us. I get the coffee and refill our cups, grabbing forks as well. We eat in the comfortable silence I'm starting to realize comes with being around Ash. It's nice to be around someone who I don't feel pressured to speak. Ash only talks when he has something to say. I like that.
We finish, so I pick up the dirty dishes and place them in the dishwasher. I turn back to Ash and pat my stuffed tummy. "That was delicious, thank you. Next time I think we should put bacon in them."
He smiles. "I knew I liked you for a reason." Ha! I got a full blown smile out of him.
He gets up, taking his coffee with him. I grab mine too and follow him. He looks back and raises an eyebrow at me, I just shrug. What else is there to do? We end up in a garage full of vehicles. I'm pretty sure the white SUV is Reed's but beyond that, I don't know.
"So... what are we doing?" I ask.
Ash snorts a laugh out, "We, huh? Do you know how to do an oil change?"
I bite my lip and shake my head no. "I've never even been in a car, only on the bus."
"I'll teach you to drive sometime. For now just watch. I'm gonna change the oil in a few of these today." He didn't even blink at my confession and I'm grateful for that. So far, these guys haven't judged me for anything I've told them.
He works quietly, taking time to explain this and that to me. Pointing out each tool he uses and how you use it. I stand back, watching and listening, just letting him do this thing. After a couple hours pass, I go back to the kitchen, looking for something easy I can take back with me so I can talk Ash into a break. I'm sure he's hungry by now.
Tristan is up, cooking. He's still in his night clothes, a white tank top and red flannel pants. He smiles at me when I enter.
"Hey there, breakfast will be done shortly. What are you doing up? It's only seven." He says in his kind voice.
"Actually I already had breakfast, Ash made us scrambled eggs. I was going to make us some sandwiches but I don't know what he likes. Any ideas?"
"Hmm. I see. I'll fix you up a few BLT's. What are you two up to?" He gives me an odd look.
"Just changing oil and checking things on the cars. Don't worry, I'm not touching anything." I say playfully, earning me another beautiful Tristan smile.
He fries up some bacon and puts the sandwiches together, wrapping each in a paper towel. I grab two water bottles from the fridge. I give Tristan a hug and lean up on my toes to peck him on the cheek.
"You're awesome Tristan. Thank you." He looks a bit shell shocked so I motion for him to bend down to me, "don't tell Ash, but I'd take your eggs over his any day." I whisper in his ear. He barks out a laugh, very un-Tristan-like. I giggle and make my way back to the garage. The door is tricky with my hands being full, but I finally get it after tucking a bottle of water under my chin.
Ash is bent over the front of an older, shiny black truck. I don't think he notices me so I take the time to check him out. God, the boy is a tower of pure muscle. His rumpled gray shirt is hiked up in the back, showing off a sliver of tanned skin. Is it odd that I want to lick it?
"I thought you got bored." He says. I blush and clear my throat. At least he couldn't see me.
"Nope, just went to get some food. You boys are spoiling me. I've never had such open access to food before." I hand him two of the three sandwiches.
He takes a big bite, like half of it. "Boys?" He asks in an amused tone after swallowing. "Do I look like a 'boy', Kitten?"
Oh no, I've insulted him. "No I guess not, but you guys can't be much older than me."
"Looks can be deceiving.” He mutters, finishing his food. I hand him a bottle of water and he nods his thanks.
So he's older than he looks huh? So... what? Twenty-five? I suppose it doesn't matter in the long run. It makes sense though. Kellan is some sort of physician and they all seem to have skills that exceed what I
've seen of normal teenagers. Tristan's cooking, Reed's artistic ability, Ash and his knowledge of cars. Remy has his own office for crying out loud! That's when it hits me. That's why I feel like I fit in so well here, they aren't normal either. I find that comforting and disturbing all at once.
When I'm finished with my sandwich I stand next to Ash, his head still in the truck. Curious, I ask, "So who does this one belong to?"
"Why, do you like it?"
I take a look at all of the vehicles. "Yeah, I think I like this one best. It's pretty."
He smiles and his chest fills with pride. "This truck here is mine, the red car is Tristan's Charger, and the black Escalade is Remy's, the white one Reed's. Over there is Logan's electric blue R8. Kellan drives a Mercedes, Finn a burnt orange Dodge Ram truck that he keeps parked outside, and Jace, has the flashiest car of course, a yellow Corvette."
I look around, I don't see the yellow or blue ones but I do see a motorcycle that looks like it's made of glass. I walk to it and hover my hand over it. I don't want to smudge it. I briefly wonder what it looks like in the sun.
I look back to find Ash watching me. "I change my mind, if I had to choose, I'd want this."
He raises an eyebrow, "What if it rained?"
I shrug, "It's just water."
"What if it was cold?" he asks.
"I'd wear a jacket."
"And what if you fell off it?" I can hear the smile in his voice now.
I turn and look him in the eyes with a smile of my own on my face, "That's why they made helmets."
He laughs under his breath. "This is mine too. I built it from scratch." He wraps a large arm around my shoulder. "Yeah, we're gonna get along just fine Kitten, just fine."
I beam up at him. "If you teach me to drive this then I think you might be my favorite giant ever."
……..
Later that night, I'm in the kitchen trying to stay out of Tristan's way. "Why are you always the one that cooks?" I ask while stealing a piece of cucumber he just sliced for the salad.
Tristan swats my hand before replying, “Because I like cooking. If I don't want to someone else will and trust me, you do not want that to happen. Or we just eat out." He laughs.
"I can make grilled cheese." I smile up at him. He smiles back.
"God you are adorable, go set the table before I kiss that little heart shaped face off."
I nearly choke on the cherry tomato I just stole. Did he....just say that? I shake off my shock at his words. He's just in a good mood. And playful. I grab the plates and silverware and go set the table like he asked. He probably just wanted me out of the kitchen so I didn't devour half the salad before it was brought out.
Once everyone is seated the food dishes get passed around. Tonight Tristan made a three meat lasagna with garlic bread and a house salad. It still amazes me that they get to eat like this every single night. With great food, surrounded by friends. Ash pokes the side of my face before handing me a plate of bread. I take two and pass it to Reed.
Looking down the table I see a bright blue streak of hair. "Hey Logan?"
He looks up, "Yeah Kitten?" He takes a bite and I swear he growls in satisfaction. These guys love food as much as I do.
"I was wondering if you could help me out. I did a bunch of laundry but I don't know where to take it once it's done. Can you help me with that?"
He smiles and bounces in his chair a bit. "Sure thing, I usually keep most of the clothes down there and only bring up what I want the guys wearing for the next couple of weeks. Most of that stuff can be thrown out. Winter season is around the corner and I'll be buying new stuff."
I nearly choke for the second time today. Thrown out? They really do throw away once worn clothing? Ash pats me hard on the back to stop my choking.
"How about, once I get everything washed up, you come down a pick out what to keep and I'll donate the rest? There's no need to be so wasteful, there are plenty of people out there that would love to have your guys' stuff." I barely manage to hold the anger and disbelief out of my voice. I thought they were like me once upon a time? Either it was a really long time ago or someone was lying. If even one of them was ever homeless they'd remember what it was like to be cold. To be a have-not in a world full of haves. I'm sure that will stay with me forever.
Remy clears his throat. I didn't realize I was glaring at Logan. I look down at the table. I shouldn't be like this. They've been so nice to me and here I am lecturing them. I feel like such a horrible person. Remy clears his throat again so I look up at him, trying to hold back the tears.
"I think that's an excellent idea Kitten." He must see the tears in my eyes because his commanding voice softens, "I think we forget sometimes how far we've come. Don't feel bad, we deserved that."
They didn't but I don't contradict him. Something tells me he's not used to being talked back to. Besides, he was trying to make me feel better.
"Tomorrow I want you up bright and early. Logan and I are taking you shopping for something to wear, and then we're heading to the ice rink to talk to the manager." He continues to eat after that statement like its set in stone.
"I haven't done enough laundry yet to afford clothes Remy." I say quietly. Embarrassed.
His eyes snap to mine. "Did I say that you were paying for it Kitten?" His powerful voice washes over me and I gulp.
"No, but..." He cuts me off.
"Then don't worry about it. We discussed this earlier. You'll need something to wear tomorrow and I said I'd take care of you didn't I?" I nod.
His eyes bore into me even more intensely. "Didn't I Kitten?"
"Yes Remy." He nods once, returning his attention to his dinner. I look down at my plate, my appetite disappearing. A large hand rubs my back and I look to Ash. He gives me a small smile and gestures at me to eat. I pick up my fork and push my dinner back and forth until everyone else is finished.
Finn and Reed start to clear the table and I go help. Logan snags my hand and pulls me to walk behind him. "Oh, no. It's my time with you Babygirl. I didn't get to dress you or play with your hair today, the least you could do is look at clothes with me." He smirks, making my spirits lift a little. I don't know how anyone could stay mad at Logan for long.
……..
An hour or so later Logan is humming, separating the clothes I put on hangers the day before. We have several full bags of things to be donated. I explained to him that we should drop off certain things to certain places. The coats, hats, gloves and thick sweaters from last year or several years before, we could personally give away at the soup kitchen. The unwanted t-shirts and jeans could be left in a Salvation Army drop box. While the nicer stuff could be given to an organization that specializes in giving clothes to those who are rejoining the workforce. I'll have to look that last one up. I've only heard of it, not dealt with it personally.
I mentioned the idea of buying the same kind of socks for everyone and Logan just laughed at that. He did however; say he'd donate all the ones down here so it would be easier to match them up in smaller increments. He also took the time to point out each guys’ style to me. After that it was much easier to see what belonged to who. Logan made it fun and turned it into a game. He'd hold up a piece of clothing and have me guess the owner. It may have been stupid but it made the time fly.
It turns out that Tristan will steal anything red from any of the guys so they all stopped wearing that color except Tristan. That made me laugh, he really didn't seem the type. I could've guessed when I was told that Ash tends to stick to blacks and grays, much to Logan's disappointment. He told me that he once took all black and gray from him, only leaving the colorful clothes. Ash chose to walk around the house naked until Logan gave them back. My face turned beet red at that story.
"I'm done for the night. Want to get a shower and head to bed Kitten?" Logan asks as he staggers over heaps of clothes.
"Sure, although I don't know where I'm supposed to sleep." I reply
"You can sleep with me if you want.
I don't have an in-suite bathroom, I took the room with the biggest closet, but there's one down the hall with a huge claw-foot tub. You want a bath?" he asks.
"I'll stick with the shower for tonight, I'm exhausted. I could just sleep on one of the couches. Or in the library room." I suggest.
Logan looks hurt by my words. "I don't mind, you slept in Tristan and Reed's beds, what's wrong with mine?"
"Nothing, I just didn't want you to feel like you had to offer. That's all."
With his smile back in place he grabs my hand, entwining our fingers, and leads me up to the upstairs bathroom. This one is all white with hints of blue everywhere. I'd say that Reed and Logan share this space. It's not as big as Tristan's, the tub taking up most of the space, but it's freakishly clean and better than good enough for me.