The Walls We've Built (Lashton)

2

Ashton loved music. But doesn't everyone? How some music can make you feel like you're on another world or can really speak to you or makes you feel like you're in the music video, sad or happy. Especially the lyrics, they're meant to connect with people. Well, at least some songs. Some more than others which is why one person might like rock and another might like pop. No matter what life threw at Ashton, he always had music as his safe space, as something that seemed like it really understood him when no one else did. That's what he loved about it.

More so when finding a great music shop downtown that had all his favorite bands on CDs. Yes, it is a bit old fashioned to get CDs, but Ashton loved it, it gave him something to collect while it being something he loved as well. He couldn't ask for anything better.

When school got rough, which it mostly always did, music helped him. It helped shape Ashton into who he is, he learned to express himself no matter if people don't like you. And honestly, it helped him get through his rough points and still is.

Since finding the music shop, all he wanted to do was go visit it, so that's what he was going to do. After school, he was determined to go and explore. It was a bit of a long bus drive, but he didn't mind, gave him some time to read. Though when he did look up, he noticed a couple listening to music together. He'd always thought it was cool, to find someone who has the same music taste as you, so you can just bond over that. It's amazing, really.

When the bus came to a stop, Ashton stood up, saying a polite bye to the bus driver before walking down the sidewalk, not stepping on the cracks like a little kid would do though he was certain everyone still did it. Continuing walking, he never realized that the music shop was right near his job at the bookstore. Either he never paid close attention or he was too intrigued by the books to even look outside.

When reaching the destination and walking inside he was immediately surrounded with the cool air blasting from the AC, the soft music playing in the background, the store itself smelled like a new car, and some low chatter amongst the 3 employees who seemed like they were all friends. He went straight to the section hoping where the CD he was looking for was destined to be.

As he searched through the rows of CDs and walking around to the other side to look at the rest of the variations, he noticed a worker with fading black hair, blonde showing at the roots with a SnapBack and loads of tattoos on his arms restocking the CDs where he was currently at. As the worker grabbed as many as his hand could hold, one CD fell from his grasp hitting the floor with minimum noise however, still caught Ashton's attention. Going to pick it up to help since it was closer to his foot, the employee spoke.

"I got it." The worker snapped lowly making Ashton flinch back slightly with a polite smile.

Brushing it off before continuing to look for the Fall Out Boy CD he saw when doing research about this music store online. Sifting through all the ones he already had, looking specifically for the one he didn't.

From Under the Cork Tree.

Gasping softly when finding it, realizing it was the last one he excitedly went to pay for it. "That's a good album." The cashier commented who happened to be the same worker from before. "You listen to them?" Ashton asked to which the blonde with tattoos. "What's your favorite song?" He asked again. "Seven minutes in heaven. You?"

"Sugar, we're going down."

The boy hummed in response with a small smirk looking at Ashton and not talking for a few seconds. "Ten seventy five."

"Why were you looking at me like that? Is it cause of my song choice? I realize it's kinda basic but it's still great."

"Whatever you say Sugar. Here's your change. See ya later."