To the Moon & Back

Chapter 31- Ash

Between meals that day I start to wonder what'll happen when Linh does go to college. It'll certainly be a much different routine, of course, & I would be happy for him... But I'd also kinda miss him... Away all that time... A bit of a selfish thought, but still 1 I had...

What would he do with all that time away? There'd be so many people there... & what if Adair or someone hurt him while he was there? I know my cousins would be protecting us, but... You never know with a large campus... Or maybe that's just me worrying...

If only there was some way I could protect Linh even more than I already am...

"Hey... What ya thinkin' about?" Linh asks, looking at me from his spot on the couch after the Aunties have retired for the night.

"Oh... I don't know... What Auntie Joy said at lunch really got to me... About you going off to college..."

"Oh..." He smiles sadly, scratching his head nervously. "Yeah... It's a bit intimidating, yeah... But I'll still be here... Just less..." He sighs.

"Yeah..." I look away, & then back again. "I'm just... worried about you, ya know?"

His eyebrows raise & his face reddens slightly. "You- are?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Of course I am. I care about you guys..." He smiles warmly, a light blush still touching his cheeks. Impulsively, I reach out & touch them, thumbs rubbing the soft skin along his cheekbones. He gasps, shoulders tensing slightly, & I withdraw. I look away. "Sorry... You're just so cute..." I clear my throat. "But anyway..." I scratch at my neck, still avoiding eye contact. "Maybe... I was thinking... Just as an extra precaution... I could teach you... How to fight? Just in case you're ever in trouble?" I glance in his direction to gauge his reaction.

His eyes are wide, but he nods. "Sure... Whatever you can do to keep me... From being completely useless..." He laughs self-deprecatingly, & I smile slightly.

"I mean... You aren't useless... You did kinda save my life when you met me... & you have been really nice..." I look at him slowly.

He smiles softly. "I guess... I mean... If you appreciate me... Then I must be somewhat ok..." He looks away.

"I don't know..." I grin. "I'd say you might be a little more than 'somewhat ok'..."

He beams, leaning forward slightly. "Really?!"

I chuckle. "You say that like it's a compliment!"

He blushes. "I mean, it is, I guess..."

I laugh. "I mean, I guess... Technically, yes..." We grin & stare at each other for a second before I clear my throat. "So... You wanna start tomorrow then? Because we gotta get in some time before your school starts..."

He smiles. "Oh- yeah, sure! That sounds great! As long as you don't make me work too hard!" He chuckles & I grin.

I give a fake salute. "Will do, partner." & with that, I head off to bed, feeling somewhat more at ease.

Hope you guys liked this chapter. Ash & Linh are so cute :3. Ashlinh for life, lol :D. Anyways, see ya next time. Byeeeeeeee :3