Darker Shades » afi | ✓

Chapter 18

The time that I had spent with Ashton over the past few days were amazing, I'd finally gotten to know the man behind the crisp white shirts and sickly sweet charm. Despite everything I'd discovered he was just like the rest of us. A normal human being with needs wants and aspirations. Grated I was at the centre of all three of those objectives but I didn't mid, not really.

Today he had promised to take to see a movie, at an actual movie theater with people, popcorn and the promise of a backseat make out session. Everything a girl could hope for with the man she couldn't get enough of. Although I couldn't help but wonder if this was a wise decision or not, considering Ella had begun a wave of war amongst our close-knit group of friends. Luke and Cassie were speaking, but only just. Hayley was supposed to fill me in on all the gory details last night but I think she may have gotten distracted. That distraction probably being a naked Calum Hood in her bed.

I'd dressed myself up for the occasion, obviously attempting to make myself look like a sophisticated woman with a stable job ready to settle down; but failing. I looked like an adolescent child trying to play dress-up in my mother's closet. "You look lovely" he encourages, trying to get me to leave the apartment so we didn't miss the already booked showing of 'Spiderman; homecoming' little did I know Ashton was a huge comic book fan and had waited rather impatiently for this movie's release.

Upon arriving at the movie theater I'd begun to get a sense of sickening excitement, at the knowledge we would be walking in together. As a couple. The cool sharp air hit me as I exited the car, causing me to draw my jacket closer to my body in an attempt to regain some form of heat. "Take my hand" he instructs with his fingers outstretched before me, I look at it as though it were a foreign object. "Please?" doing as I am told I entangle my fingers with his, my heart racing from the simplest of actions.

We walked casually into the building where heat instantly washed over the both of us, the slight orange glow the lights gave off illuminated the complex. A gentle hum murmured in the air, that of children's excitement and adults sigh of relief. The strong scent of popcorn infatuated my nostrils, compelling me to buy a bag and scoff the whole lot before the movie had even begun. "This is exciting" I beam up at him, the casting shadows obscuring his features.

"I know" a smile flashes upon his lips, and I could tell that he was genuinely happy. Probably because he wanted to see this movie rather than because he was out with me, but it was nice to see this side of him. It was nice to go out in public with a man who declares his love for you, regardless of his forbidden this 'relationship' was I couldn't help but think how perfect this all was. "This is all I've wanted" he murmurs as we approach the kiosk.

"To go to the movies?" joking as I playfully smirk up at him.

"To go to the movies with the woman I love" his cheeks flush pink in an instant, as do mine. Whenever he uttered to me those three simple words my heart flutters that little bit faster, and my stomach does flips of excitement.

"I love you too Ash" tears beginning to pool in my eyes as I spoke.

"I have a surprise for us though" cocking his head to one side as he looked down at me

"and what's that?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now would it?" he chuckles as we move forward toward the counter, a tall dark haired man serving us. His eyes noticeably tired behind his thick-framed glasses, yet watching everything intently around him, the way he looked at Ashton worried me. Looking as though he were judging us. "two regular salted popcorns and two cokes please" Ashton spoke sternly to the boy as if he were going into teacher mode.

"Is that everything sir?" his voice nasally as he adjusted his glasses. Ashton just nodded handing the boy some cash before he ran it through the till.

"Can I get a clue?" I ask, collecting my popcorn and drink from the counter

"You'll get it after we've finished the movie" he smirks, juggling his snacks as he tries to open the door. Now I most certainly was intrigued.

****

"That was amazing holy shit" he exclaims as we got into the car, I tried my hardest not to laugh at how hilarious he looked right now. "Look excited Ally, that was one of the best movies I've ever seen in my whole entire life...did we even watch the same thing back there?" his tone high pitched and full of enthusiasm, which caused me to smile contently to myself at the thought he'd had a good time...which meant I was in for a good time.

"I have to admit It was a great movie. Are you going to tell me what my surprise it now?" I ask as he begins to calm down slightly. His eyes flash over to me before looking back at the road, followed by a brief moment of silence.

"It's just around the corner, be patient" he now smirks wildly at me, placing his hand on my thigh while he drove.

After a few minutes we pulled up at the most spectacular hotel I 'd ever seen, even in the darkening day I could clearly see the grand stature of the building. Walls encased in white with illuminated lights, a sort of elegance about the place. I sat in the car completely speechless as Ashton parked up. "What do you think?" He murmurs quietly, switching the engine off to allow the world to descend into a blissful silence.

"Wow" I uttered, not taking my eyes from the stately building. Wondering silently to myself how on earth he could afford this.

"We will be residing here for the night Miss Harper" he chuckles getting out of the vehicle. Before I could even turn to grapple to door handle Ashton was there, opening the door for me as a from of some grand gesture.

We'd entered the beautiful building, already from the reception I could grasp the elegance of the place. It was old yet with modern twists. High beams residing in the ceiling, gorgeous glossy hard wood floors. T.Vs and modern artwork had been dotted about on the white washed walls for a form of domestication. "Mr and Mrs Smith" the woman reads from the flat screened computer, looking up at Ashton and I with pleasant green eyes.

"Yes" he replied blissfully, taking my hand in his. I gathered he liked that feeling, knowing someone was there with him every step of the way.

"That's room 206, here's your key cards and breakfast is served from 06:00 o'clock" she beams, bashfully placing her heat behind her ear. Ashton took the key cards from the desk and gave her a handsome smile. Not once did he remove his hand from mine even as we walked towards the lift.

"We won't be needing to go down for breakfast" a smirk forming on his lips, as we entered the lift heading for the Second floor.

"And whys that?" My eyes searching his as a glint indicated he was up to something.

"Because, room service is available" he shrugs. "But I can already predict your next question. The whole I don't have any of my things for staying over at the hotel...well my love I've already packed for you and our things are in the car" an overwhelming feeling of pride washed over him in that moment, thinking he had absolutely everything covered.

"You're unbelievable" I gush as the lift dings to indicate we had reached the floor.

"That's not the end of it my dear" the tone in his voice devilish...once again.

He opened the door to our room 206 and the sight of the place made my jaw drop. Rose petals leading from the door to the bed, candles lit in all rooms of the house and a fresh bath had been run. He had pulled out all the stops and I didn't have any complaints. "What's all this for Ash?" My cheeks flushed pink as I scanned the room.

"I want you, I want us. I want you to be mine and only mine. So I guess I'm asking if you want to be my- my girlfriend Ally?" I'd never seen him look like the way he did, eyes glossy with lips plump. Palms sweaty and voice hitched. I couldn't leave him in suspense, nor could I leave myself, knowing I knew the answer to his burning question long before he'd even asked it.

"Of course" I crash my lips to his in a fleet of passion, tasting the leftover particles of salt that still clung to his lips. He scooped me up in his arms and pressed my body against the wall as we passionately expressed our love for one and other not only in the vocal form but also physically as well. And with every achingly tender kiss, touch and moan we fell more and more in love with each other.