Danny Cunningham

Although Sam had told me briefly what exactly was going on with the sudden influx of people interested in me, it was no where near comfortable. On top of that, Ashton being suspended for the next three days was going to be a wild ride. As of now, it was the creepy teacher's assistant that seemed to be lingering around me. He'd usually be clear across the room staring at Ashton and I, but now that he paced around my desk, I felt almost trapped.

Luckily, before the bell even rang, Sam waved at me to hurry to him. When the assistant teacher had spotted Sam, he went back to his usual place on the other side of the room. For the last three minutes of class, I could feel the obsessive stare from him making me suddenly miss whatever word Vincenzo had put out for people to stay away from me. Finally the bell rang.

As I headed towards him three girls stood in front of me.

"Hey Danny," said the girl in the middle. She had brown hair, brown eyes, obviously fake nails. She wore a pink crop tank top that showed her belly ring through her school shirt, and blue mini skirt that wasn't part of school dress code, and pink high heels. She also wore a lot of make up and kept sort of bending down a little bit so that I can see a little down her shirt. Is this flirting? "So, how 'bout you and me. This Saturday. My place to study?" Ew, that's sick.

I tried to be as polite as I could to say no, because that's the kind of person I am. "Look, whoever you are. I'm not interested." I said.

"My name is Madison Heart. Vice-president of the student council, and editor of the school yearbook." She said in a really, really annoying voice.

"That's good for you. I've never heard of you before today. Plus, I don't think my boyfriend Ashton would like that. Now excuse me I'm gonna go with Sam."

I pushed passed them and hurried to Sam ignoring the assistant teacher that had started to approach me.

"Dude what was that all about?" he asked

"Nothing. Just this girl that wanted to take me home. Ya know the usual."

He nodded. "You've got another one to deal with already."

"Help me please."

A freshman had managed to corner Sam and I just as I had exited the classroom. Without a second thought, he quickly blurted out his feelings. "I- I like you and I want you to notice me! Since the first time I saw you, I thought you were extremely cute for a guy!"

This again. "That's great, I'm not interested."

"Then just one night! I heard that no matter who asked you, you'll do it with whoever asked! So what's one more?" The kid begged.

"What the fuck?" This rumour had really suspicious timing. First that assistant teacher starts to zero in on me after Ashton and I start dating, then suddenly I'm rumored to be a man slut. Of course all of this was just a misunderstanding, and I thought about how I should try to clear it up, but there was no possible way to do so since people won't believe it.

"Kid, you're like 14," Sam flicked the freshman's forehead. "And this guy is already taken, so you'll have to find someone else."

"I'm rich!"

"So is his boyfriend, kid. Go back to class," Sam pushed past him and let me walk forward. "Now that Ashton isn't here, you really do need the protection."

"Ugh, I'll be fine."

"Fine how? That's the fifth person that approached you today. You're making me feel real ugly now that you're attracting men and women, it's barely lunchtime," Sam sneered at me.

"What am I supposed to do about it? I didn't think Ashton was being serious when he said a lot of people liked me. And besides, they're only interested because Vincenzo isn't turning people away from me anymore. You think I'm comfortable with this change?" I asked him. I was far from ok with this and wished that Ashton was here to block the creepy stares that kept getting directed my way. "I should've stayed home with him. I feel like someone is about to pounce on me."

"We have gym class next," Sam groaned.

Going to gym class used to be very exciting, but I wasn't in the mood for it today. More eyes than normal stayed glued to me when I changed and sometimes I would hear the vulgar things said about my physique. For some reason, I'd recently become a lot more popular. And I STILL don't understand why that is. "I hate this."

"You hate it? I've been having to help fight people off from you since this morning, you'll survive. You can also show off that you've been marked so people will stay away."

"It's vulgar to show that off, that's why there's band aids all over it," I lied. No one deserved a peak into what I liked Ashton do to me and I didn't want to show it off either. If people started going after Ashton because of it, I don't know how I'd react. "Besides, these are mine."

"Oh please, we've all seen what Ashton does to you. You've got bite marks all over you," Sam nudged me. "I think you're just a chew toy at this point."

"Just stay close to me, ok?" I begged. Sam gave me a thumbs up, as if he had already accepted the position he was in. It made me able to relax a bit more.

Everyone was crowding in the locker rooms- trying to get ready for gym. Sam was telling me exactly how scary our new gym teacher could be.

"Miss Gain, is crazy, OK? Don't try to out-wit her, like you always try to do with other teachers," Sam told me, jokingly.

"As if I was going to challenge her, she looks like a gorilla- no offense." I had taken a look at the teacher before entering the changing room myself.

I walked over to one side of the change room with Sam and took off my shirt. I felt many stares on my back and shivered- some people at this school were incredibly creepy. Quickly, my hands rummaged through my gym bag and pulled out a gym shirt. It looked pretty tight, and it was quite sheer- although not to the point where it was see-through. I pulled it over my head quickly and tugged down. I whipped my head around- just fast enough to see a few heads turn back, how weird.

My shorts were a different story altogether- the shirt was acceptable at the least, a bit too tight but fitted. The shorts looked two sizes too big for me. Anyhow, i pulled them up quickly and tied them as tightly as I could. I had to be mindful since Sam pointed out that my gym shorts made my butt stand out, and emphasized the slender figure I apparently had. Every other guy in the change room seemed to have normal fitting shorts, not that i was looking, and they didn't look any different. I wonder why it was only me.

It wasn't fair!

This time around, we were climbing up ropes. The gym teacher was strict and buff, no one dared to say no to her. Her aura rivaled a hostile bear, almost. She grunted and spat on the floor, further proving her manliness. "Today, we're going to do some rope-climbing. You runts best do it well, or get ready for some laps." I would rather do laps than climb ropes as my upper body strength might be a bit pathetic. "So, who dares to go first? It's not that hard you cowards." She took a good look at all of the boys in class at the moment, and her eyes landed on Sam thankfully. "You, what's your name?" She gave a nod at Sam.

Sam was pretty well built, and he seemed confident, so he gave it a go. "Samuel Kim."

"A'ight then Kim, you can go first, you seem ready." She said with a grin on her face. Sam was able to get halfway up before giving up.

I looked around the gym, hoping that the gym teacher wouldn't pick me next. I could see that someone else was struggling, he put his foot on one of the foot holds and stayed steady for a few seconds... then his hand slipped and he messed up, only managing to hold on to the rope again before he hit the floor. I looked at him and sniggered, I tried to hold it in but he couldn't. The guy whipped his head around and lost concentration for a moment, leading to his demise. He landed in a heap on the floor and got an earful from the teacher for not paying attention.

"Dude, that's Jake Harvey. Don't provoke him." Sam whispered to me.

This Jake Harvey guy gave me a glare that probably meant something along the lines of "I'm gonna get you." Or something weird like that. I was no where near afraid of him though. "I think it's already too late."

"Please be smart. Neither of us are as strong as Ashton."

"I'm a man, Sam. I'm not afraid of anything, unlike you."

The evil gym teacher shot me a look, as if she heard me, then pulled out her name list and started calling out random names. I let out a sigh of relief, i wasn't going to go up, at least not for the next few minutes. I gave Sam a sheepish smile, as it was my turn. Sam watched as I struggled to get up the rope, but gave more of an effort than Jake and Sam did. However, I was able to surprise everyone, including myself, I gave a shout as I was able to touch the bell on top.

"Heh, Sam, look!" I flashed Sam a grin and turned around- Right before I slid down the rope to the ground with a loud 'thump'.

Sam laughed, rubbing my throbbing butt awkwardly. I laughed feeling incredibly superior to half the class that went before me. At this moment, it was good to have a real friend to cheer you on. One who wasn't trying to fuck me.

"I had to take a video of it as soon as you passed the halfway mark. You look exhausted but good job. You're the better man. I'll send it to Ashton after class."

"Please do," I said. I wanted him to see that our workouts together have not been in vein whatsoever. Because of him, I was able to do a rope climb successfully, although I may have over exerted myself.

"Go change! Kim, we need to talk!" The gym teacher's voice bellowed through the spacious gym as all the guys headed in the direction of the change rooms. I dreaded going back into the changing room without Sam. 

I trudged in the change room with low spirits. I was one of the last ones to finish the rope- I wasn't supposed to act superior, but i got chosen nearly last so i was obviously slower. I quickly tore off my gym shirt ignoring the states again. I pulled on the dress shirt of my uniform, grabbing the vest in my other hand.

Whilst changing, I felt a breeze run right past my face. A hand slammed against the wall beside my head.

"So, you have the nerve to laugh at me, eh?"

I could feel the hairs on my neck rising, it was that dumb Neanderthal Jake that Sam warned me about. For some reason, I didn't feel scared. He probably had the brain the size of a peanut, his body was another story altogether though.

"Well, I tend to laugh at funny things." I retorted calmly- i didn't want this to end in a fight, especially not in the change room....but I'll be damned if he thinks he could intimidate me.

Ok, I do want a fight.

"So you think I'm funny? I just slipped because of that dumb gym teacher's shouts."

"OK, I believe you. Now if you would just move your arm, please," I asked politely. If only Sam were here, he'd be the first to shop the guy away, but right now everyone around me was just watching. I could feel the anticipation creeping up as I though about what I should do first to hurt him.

Jake didn't move a muscle. "That's good, but to make sure you don't laugh at me again, how about I teach you a lesson? And guess what- it won't even be painful, if you behave- that is."

I could feel the smirk on his breath causing me to roll my eyes. "How about you move, idiot." I grumbled under my breath.

"What did you say? Idiot? Excuse me?" Jake looked me in the eyes and said, with anger.

"Calm down- I was merely stating a fact. You are, after all, an idiot."

"I am no such thing. I'd better teach you a lesson." Jake pushed my shoulder back against the wall and flipped me around so I was pinned.

Jake started to lean closer against me and whispered huskily, "Don't worry, you'll enjoy this." He moved in to press his lips against mine as I started to get ready to knee him in the balls.

"Ahem," A voice from behind coughed loudly. Thankfully Sam and a male gym teacher were right behind Jake. "What are you doing?"

He quickly snapped his head around- only to face one of the deadliest glares ever given. If looks could kill, Jake would probably be burning in the depths of hell at that moment. "Sorry, Mr. Vich. It won't happen again."

"That's not good enough Harvey! Deans office! Now!" The two stared each other down. "You better go now, or the police will be called!"

"OK, Mr. Vich. I'll be there..." He muttered before shooting me a glare and stomping from the room.

"Are you alright, Cunningham?" Mr. Vich was still watching Jake leave, making sure he was not to come back and harass me again.

"I'm fine sir, no harm was done," i exhaled realizing that I was indeed holding my breath. 

"Stick with your friend and try not to wander off, Cunningham," Mr. Vich followed Jake as soon as he left the change room.

"What did the teacher want?" I asked Sam.

"To bitch at me for giving up! Anyway, forget that! Are you alright? You almost got-"

"I was getting ready to kick him in the balls until you guys interrupted me. In fact, I was itching for a fight." I smiled making sure anyone listening could hear me. "I was really getting ready to hurt him as badly as possible."

"You aren't strong enough to do that."

"So then I'll stab him. It's only self defense," I shrugged pulling my pants up. "If I get hurt, Uncle Mickey will hunt him down and kill him, regardless of jail time. I'm worry free."

"Ah, I forgot about him. If you call him you'll definitely get justice."

"Why is it just me anyway?" I grunted. 

"You have a cold arrogance about you, like you look down on people. Excessively stubborn with lots of pride and a rather obtuse troublesome pretty boy. Who wouldn't want to push you down?" Sam explained.

"How boring is that. In that case why aren't you attracted to me?"

"Because I'm straight. You're pretty, but you're not that pretty," Sam scoffed.

"Like you look any better, ya butterface," I teased back. Actually thinking back on what Sam just said, I don't think any of that was a compliment. If I remember clearly, a person who's well liked will have countless good qualities about them, but I've yet to hear any good points about me at all. Does that mean I have no good points? "H-hey!"

"I was wondering when you would finally catch on. It's only the truth because nobody knows you at all except for Ashton and I. You're a good guy."

"Unless I'm being arrogant and looking down on people?! Asshole!"

"What do you want from me? Ashton doesn't want me to tell you any of these things in the first place. I thought you'd take it as a compliment with the twisted way you think! It's not like you need me to tell you that you're prettier than some girls. You know that."

"I thought it was just because I was a cold person."

"That's part of the appeal. And you are far from cold, I'm just surprised that deep down, you're just as feisty as a woman as well," Sam joked as I turned to smack him. "See! Nothing good about you, if only you had boobs, that would be hot."

"Shut the fuck up," I laughed.

"Nooooo, if you aren't around, I couldn't go on living!" Sam laughed dramatically mocking a theatre student from earlier today. All eyes were really on us now as we broke down laughing with each other over the failed confessions from earlier. "But seriously, Ashton wants the names of everyone that tries anything. Make sure you tell him all about today."

"I will. I just hope he won't go berserk," I'd probably tell him and provoke him to take his feelings out on me. I liked it when he did that and then held me afterwards just being sweet. Ah, I can't believe I miss him so much already.

"Ashton's waiting in the parking lot for lunch already, we still have a class before then." Sam told me as we neared our next class. "Want to find a way to get out of it?"

"You want to start trouble?" I asked excitedly. Sam nodded matching my energy. Delinquent Sam could be loads more fun than regular Sam if I gave it a chance right?

We took our seats and the teacher coughed loudly, gathering everyone's attention. Tucking away our cells and trinkets, everyone lazily averted their attention to the front of the classroom.

"As you all know, maths is very important in our society, so students should pay good attention," the teacher scowled, giving each and every student a stern glare unanimously. Everyone of her classes started with this same introduction and scowl.

The teacher quickly gave us some assignment and told everyone to choose their partners before turning back to his own desk and mumbling something incoherent. I didn't think she was feeling up to par today.

Sam quickly got up, "Partner?"

"Of course."

Sam walked over to the teacher's desk and grabbed a fistful of papers- supposedly the work we were supposed to be doing. We grabbed their pencils and scrambled to start the work to see who could finish first. Within minutes, we'd both finished our page of maths. I wasn't that bad actually, regardless of the months i'd missed.

"I think you've made a mistake there Sam," I pointed at his paper with a finger, eyes fluttering back between my paper and his.

"I don't think so. Keep your eyes on your own paper, I'll bet there are a thousand mistakes there," Sam gave me a silly look yet kept the aggression in his voice.

"You can clearly see the mistakes on your paper Samuel..."

"I don't think so Daniel."

We tossed around a few competitive insults and eventually the conversation became more playfully heated. Sam tossed a punch at my head - making sure i didn't get hurt too bad. Immediately catching onto the plan, i punched Sam in the stomach and before long it became a full out brawl on the floor. We sought at each other's faces and fake punched each other relentlessly.

"Fuck you!" I screamed, wincing as Sam landed a harder blow at my face. That would bruise, i mentally noted, but this was fun.

"My pleasure," Sam smirked, bringing his hand back before slamming it into my stomach.

Sam barely had time to recoil before being kicked by me in the groin. A groan came out of his mouth and I suddenly felt a little guilty. It seemed like i had the upper hand over him.

"Stop! Stop! What the bloody hell are you two boys doing on the floor? Get up this instance - or you'll be sent to the office." The teacher shrieked loudly. I paused briefly, would this be enough? I quickly shook away that thought and followed the act with many more punches. I could feel bruises rising to my skin, but still took notice of how Sam was trying to aim the punches precisely at places where it wouldn't hurt as much.

"You little shit!" Sam screeched as I tried to lightly kick him in the gut.

I laughed crazily; Sam really could be an actor.

The teacher finally took charge and pulled us apart - requiring the help of two other boys around her. We were pulled apart while grabbing at each other and still managing to give hearty insults. The teacher gave us both a look of fury; her eyes looked like they were about to pop out of her sockets. Obviously, she didn't think there would be much commotion this early.

"Both of you. Off to the office, scram! You've just earned a week's fill of detention! Who knew boys could be so rowdy even in the morning..."

The two of us drudged our way to the door and i slammed it - just trying to piss the teacher off a little more, since i'd gotten detention for a week anyway.

I took a look at Sam, and Sam stared back at me and we both burst out laughing, clutching our stomachs. Our plan had been a complete sucess despite the consequences. We were laughing jovially as we made our way into the office.

"Hey Sam, wasn't that a bit too much? Now I have a big bruise on my cheek," i pouted.

"Awww, poor little Dan! Would you like me to kiss it better for you?" Sam came and mockingly blew a kiss at me, laughing.

"Hey! It isn't funny," I sulked, feeling the texture of his face, "Now I'm ugly."

"Don't worry, in my eyes, you're still very good looking." Sam winked and snickered.

"Don't make me give you a bruise to match mine!" I stuck my tongue out, feeling slightly childish.

"I think you've given me enough bruises thank you. I probably won't even be able to eat anything for days, considering the beating you gave to my stomach," Sam gave me a joking glare. "It looked like you got serious for second."

I looked down, even though it was just a 'pretend' fight, somehow I had gotten a bit carried away. Of course, we had to do everything unreservedly as to convince the teacher it was serious, but maybe we had pummeled each other a little too eagerly.

"Sorry, Sam. Next time I beat you up, I'll try to be a little less harsh."

"Nah, no worries Dan. I'm fine, really. It's you I should be worrying about. Look at that nasty bruise on your cheek... sorry." Sam touched the bruise softly.

I stepped back from the touch, the bruise didn't hurt that much, but it certainly did react when touched. "It's fine, we should get to the office before the teacher thinks we've ditched or something."

"OK," Sam grinned as he dragged me playfully.

We arrived at the door to the office shortly later, with me panting a bit. Who knew schools could be that big after a gym class? Sam grabbed the cold, metal handle and pulled. Inside was a nicely furnished room, mostly wood. It smelled like pine too - although not naturally. Probably from those sickening air fresheners everyone was spraying lately. The deans office, different from the teachers office, definitely got redone recently.

"Hello boys. Mrs. Sellers told me that you'd be here shortly," The secretary said. "You boys can sit down there and wait for Dean Marshal. I'm sure he'll be here before long."

The secretary gave us a stern look that screamed of disapproval, but I didn't care. It wasn't as if this was a stain on my record. Although inside, I though it was quite fun to be in a school with friends... Well, a friend - one he didn't have to be wary of.

We sat down on the leather chairs adorned with gold details. Everything in this school seemed too fancy and try hard.

"We were just play wrestling," I rolled my eyes at her. 

"And the bruise?" The secretary asked. 

"It's what happens when you roughhouse. Do we really have to just stay here? We already got the detention," I complained loudly.

"Is that so?" Dean Marshal entered the office lobby and gave us both a disapproving look.

"Honest, a little roughhousing is part of being a man, isn't it?" I said. "Plus Sam and I are best friends. Why would we ever fight for real? We're both fine and we got punished already.

"You have your detentions, get out of here," Dean Marshal sighed. "I'll call your teacher, who is it?" He picked up the phone on his secretary's desk, hands lingering on the buttons, waiting for our answer.

"Miss Gainsborough. That manly woman hardly could be called a woman," Sam scowled, looking up as if he could picture her buff build.

"For once, Mr. Kim, I agree," Dean Marshal quickly dialed her number and told her of our whereabouts. "Done and done. You are two of the most brilliant minds in this school, so try and act accordingly. Now let's get back to class, shall we?"

"Yessir," I said like the obedient child I always tried to be. I kept up the innocent act until Sam closed the office doors behind us. "That was easy, now we just have to get someone to do the detention for us." 

"That's exactly what I thought, I already have people to fill in for us so don't worry about it. Welcome to the delinquent side, Danny!" Sam patted my back.

"Let's skip the rest of the day! Ashton's already waiting outside!" I smiled. "And we're already in trouble."

"Do you want Ashton to be more delinquent like as well?" Sam asked.

"Hell no. I like that Ashton's a good boy," it's a hot contrast in my eyes. One that made him impossible to resist. "By the way, let's pick up Soyoung and just chill somewhere until Ashton's suspension is over."

"I'll text her right now!" It felt good to laugh and have a good time. "Also, make sure you tell Ashton that bruise on your face was an accident. I don't want the Ronnie treatment."

"He won't hurt you. Believe it or not, you're his closest friend."

"I seem to have become that for a lot of people. You, him and Vincenzo. It's like I've become the most depended upon."

"Like you haven't profited from the beginning. I think of you as a good friend to have. You're a lot more caring than you give yourself credit for."

"Don't fall for me now!"

"He won't," someone said before I could answer. A few feet in front of us stood a casually dressed Ashton. Ultimately, I thought Daniel Radcliffe was the best looking man in the world. But my mind almost made me question that.

Ashton dressed in flannel and jeans, with his bulging muscles, and his blond messy mullet above his head was a sight to behold. They were like a sexy models, but just way more amazing. His eyes looked like miniature oceans swirling around, and when they met mine, I'm pretty sure the bones in my knees disappeared for a second.

"What no cowboy hat?" Sam took in Ashton's attire with a chuckle. "At least you've got boots on like a normal person and not those pointy ones."

"You shut up! Why are you two skipping class? And why is your cheek like that?" Ashton immediately went to reach out for my face. "Who hurt you baby?"

"I'm not hurt! And we're being bad for the rest of your suspension, so let's go pick up Soyoung and go somewhere." I grabbed his hand before he could touch my face and looked right into his eyes. 

"Did something happen?"

"Yeah, he's not safe in school without you there and Jake Harvey tried to attack him in the locker room. Luckily I got the teacher there in time." Sam reported.

"And his cheek?"

"Roughhousing to get out of class," I pulled Ashton into a tight hug so he would get distracted from his line of questioning. "I need something to distract me from thinking about you all the time, Ash. You have no idea how much I miss you."

Behind Ashton's back, I shot Sam a thumbs up knowing that I must've said the magic words, because Ashton quickly returned the hug. "I know the perfect place to go hang out."

"Get in the car you lovebirds!" Sam snapped at us. Ashton opened my door for me before rushing over to the other side of the car to start it up. Once Sam put the address of Soyoung's school into the GPS, we quickly took off. "Oh yeah, that rumors gotten outta control. You should take care of that assistant teacher quickly, he got way too close to Dan and we've been fighting people off all morning."

"He'll be gone before the end of the day," Ashton assured Sam. "As for the rumors, I don't think there's anything I can do about people talking, but no one's going to approach Dan once I'm back."

That's for sure. They'd all be too scared after seeing what happened to Ronnie. "Who knew a rumor would spread so quickly."

"Don't worry, lovebug. As soon as Sam told me about it, I started to get a handle on it. Just focus on having fun for next three days," Ashton reached over to ruffle my hair. "Morgan's at the school now as we speak."

"Oh," the speed at which money can handle things was pretty cool and scary. 

When we pulled up to Soyoung's school, the atmosphere completely changed. The all girls school looked like there was some serious business going on outside. Some girls were in gym clothes working out together intensely. Some were sitting down in a group engaged in what looked an really intense study session. Others were gathered around in separate groups talking amongst themselves. Instantly, by the way they wore uniforms, you could tell what group was which. There was one main building that is the size of a normal school. It looked like it holds the classes the girls have to take, the auditorium, cafeteria, and the offices where every visitor has to sign in and out. Safety regulations, the main building. On the way top floor looked like one huge room with big windows overlooking the campus and scenery. It looked like a greenhouse or an event room. 

Surrounding the center building were about six other smaller buildings which Sam explained held the dorm rooms. There is Building A through F, and 6 floors in each building. The dorms are all numbered like apartments, and when you are assigned a dorm, your 'address' is your building letter and room number.

Scattered around the Campus were fields for soccer, track, lacrosse, softball, and other field sports. There are tennis courts and basketball courts, as well as a nice sized swimming pool. Strictly used for the swimming team only. There are randomly places trees, statues, benches, gardens, etc.

"Damn woman, she takes so long in the bathroom," Sam mumbled. As if on que, Soyoung walked out of the school. Stopping to lean on the door frame, not in a sexy manner, but just a tired way. Her arms folded in front of her. She's wearing her uniform, which was a bit longer than everyone else's, and I have to admit they looked great on her. It fit her perfectly, showing all her curves. Her dark hair loose around her face. Her high-heels dangling from her fingers. Her other hand, was holding a chocolate bar, specifically a KitKat. She was munching on them, walking barefoot down the pavement, ignoring the weird stares of the people around her.

She bounced with a cool energy as she walked. A smile on her face as she looked at the cloudy, windy cold weather. Her hair was flying everywhere, making her look like a goddess. The energetic spirit surrounding her awed me.

Sam grins. "It's about time beautiful."

"Get in the car, Sam," Soyoung said sliding into the backseat effortlessly. "Some girl at school says she knows you."

"False, I've gone to parties with girls from here, but I never touched one aside from you, honest," Sam swore. Looks like he finally decided to be completely honest with her about his past. "I bet it's that Cassidy girl. Blond?"

"Yes."

"Sam's never touched a blond girl. I've been at those parties and I've seen and heard about how dirty he was being. But it was never with a blond," Ashton vouched for him quickly.

"Oh," Soyoung's mood improved almost instantly. "Well then forget it. She's just trying to pick on me again."

"You always hated each other?" I asked.

"I am not a gynecologist but I know a cunt when I see one." Soyoung rolled her eyes playfully and I laughed.

"I want to high-five her in the face with a brick, covered in spikes and dipped in poison." Sam said casually, making Soyoung giggle harder.

"She can go swimming in acid in a straight-jacket." Ashton added.

"She can choke on her own puke." I said.

"You're way more beautiful than her anyway, baby," Sam's voice got extremely sweet suddenly making me want to cringe. Ugh, is this how Ashton and I sounded in front of people?

"Awwww, baby," Soyoung cooed.

"Barf," Ashton fake gagged.

"Shut up! You two are worse than us!" Sam said.

"By the way, do I need anything from home?" Soyoung asked. I had the same question.

"No, we can get everything we need when we're there, just call your parents if you have too," Ashton said. "I booked us a peaceful stay for three days."

"My parents won't approve if they think we're just skipping," Soyoung said.

"Tell them you're making connections with Sam and you have to be there to support him," I suggested. 

"That would work, thanks Dan," Soyoung called her parents as we pulled off the street from her school. It took approximately fifty minutes to as we passed the leaving town sign. With seat back and clean warm air circulating breeze, I relaxed into the cushion. A nice change of pace rather than dealing with my dads on and off air system. Even after all these years, i still wondered why my father would never part with his old Pontiac, since by the car's age it has seen better days. Looking at the GPS it was clear we still had ways to go.

While engaged on the road trip, i stared at the window. I watched the birds and clouds go by like an endless loop. In addition, I couldn't believe that I was going on a road trip with two friends and my boyfriend. Something I couldn't even picture a few months ago. Still, to me anything certainly beat staying in a boring school for three days just feeling paranoid by stares. Maybe, some luxury would be nice and I can enjoy a vacation for the first time. I mean how anyone could ever deny the opportunity to take a trip with Ashton?

The trip took some time but I would have been happy if it had lasted for hours more. Every sight and sound was so new and exciting!

After a while, the car stopped outside a grand looking building and Ashton spoke cheerfully. "Here we are."

He came around and opened my door. I smiled at him shyly. "Thanks", I said as I hopped out onto the sidewalk at the same time as Soyoung, who was gleaming at the store in front of her.

She looked down at me, her eyes widening in surprise for the briefest of moments before she smiled broadly at me, grabbed my hand and gave my fingers a gentle squeeze before we walked, well she pulled me,quickly into the huge store, hand in hand.

"This young lady needs a fine. warm winter coat", I heard Sam say to one of the store workers. I gazed around the building in wonder. It was gigantic and everything looked so fancy. 

"One for my lovebug as well," Ashton wrapped his arm around me pulling me from Soyoung's excited grip, making her cross her arms. Ashton however was all to open in ignoring her. "I think you'll love it."

Two women came and brought different coats for me to try on. The coats were so beautiful and the materials felt like heaven on my skin. I'd never worn anything so luxurious or heavy in all my life. I glanced over at Soyoung who was checking herself out in a fur coat.

It was like a scene from a mafia movie. 

"What do you think, baby?" Ashton asked me, casting his eyes over all the gorgeous garments that were being draped on me.

"Oh.....well, it's nice," I breathed in absolute awe. As much as I felt that Ashton was treating me like a girl, I couldn't dislike the feeling.

"Do you have any preferred color, sir?" One of the store clerks asked me.

I turned to Ashton for guidance as this was a new experience for me. Ashton looked like a very fashionable man to me. But I wore uniform or had my clothes picked out by my dad my entire life, so I had no real sense of style at all.

"Well, I like what you're wearing, Ashton," I said, trying not to sound to ignorant.

"Blue's my favorite color too," Ashton winked at me.

I'd never even thought about having a favorite color. I just really wore black clothing. Everything at home suddenly seemed so plain - the walls, the linen, the clothes dad and I wore. Fuck it, any and every color was my favorite. 

However, I grinned at Ashton's words of approval.

"Might I suggest a slightly lighter blue for your partner for that more youthful look," one of the shop assistants recommended.

"Baby?" Ashton raised an eyebrow at me in question. I couldn't quite get over the fact that he was asking me for my opinion. 

I simply nodded and murmured, "Whatever you think will look good."

"Well, how about this one then?" The other assistant said with a flourish as she presented me with an absolutely expensive looking light blue coat. She draped over my arms and around my shoulders and pointed to a mirror nearby where I could see what it looked like. I walked over to the mirror and looked at myself in surprise. I'd only ever bothered to really look at my own reflection a handful of times in my life and I'd never been prouder of what I saw than I was just then. At that moment, I decided something.

Blue was definitely my new favorite color.

Ashton paid for the coat and I swear I must have had some ringing in my ears because I'm sure I must have misheard the price. Dad often complained about the price of the lease on the house, bleating that his old job barely paid him enough to cover it all, let alone look after me as much as he would like to. I'm quite certain the figure the teller rang up for my new coat was close to the amount of dad's lease for a whole month! But it seemed like nothing at all for Ashton or Sam to pay. I chuckled to myself as I imagined dad's head spinning.

I guess they could see how much I loved my new coat because they let me keep it on and I walked out the shop very happily and proudly like I was wearing the first new thing I'd ever owned.

The four of us got back in the car and we weren't traveling long before we reached our next stop.

"Now Lovebug, I don't want you to feel nervous," Ashton told me as he came and opened my door again.

"O-OK", I muttered, his statement actually making me feel more nervous than I had been feeling before. What exactly do I not have to be nervous about? We jogged up the wide steps of a gigantic house. It was so grand, not as big as Ashton's or Sam's home, but still amazing to look at.

"Are you ready?" Ashton asked me as we approached the door.

I didn't know what lay ahead of me for the next three days. I didn't even really know why I was there or what was going to be expected of me, but so far I'd been treated with nothing but kindness and generosity and so I could only assume that whatever was in store for me, it would all be OK.

"I'm ready," I said with as much confidence as I could muster. 

As we entered the mansion, my jaw fell open. It was even more impressive inside than out. Shiny marble floors, grand staircases, crystal chandeliers. I couldn't believe this was actually somebody's house! That we can stay in.

Ashton introduced me to everybody on staff, making it clear that it was a property his family owned. They all bowed and curtseyed and called me "Sir." It was a little peculiar but kind of nice. I waved and greeted them nervously as they were all staring at me. Then the butler man clapped his hands and they all went back to their work.

Every single one of the people at this grand and glorious house seemed like they were not only going to care for me, but that they were going to care about me too. Not only that, but they all seemed so glad to be doing it.

"It's impressive," Soyoung commented. "I've been dying to know what it's like to be Ashton for a while."

"Do I not pamper you enough?" Sam whined.

"Don't act like you haven't thought about it too. Let's not act oblivious to the fact that Ashton's born into one of the wealthiest families in the world," Soyoung said. She wasn't wrong about that, I've never been more reminded of that before than now.

"You guys have the left side, we have the right side. Soyoung, if you need girl things make a list and give it to one of the maids," Ashton said. "We still have half a day left, so what do you guys want to do?"

"While the men talk business, let's go explore, Danny," Soyoung squealed.

"There's no real business to be done," Sam looked a bit put off. 

"Then you two plan something for dinner while we explore the house," I followed closely behind Soyoung who was already leaving the room to further explore where we were going to be for the next three days.