"Ben is still bleeding!" Taylor announced, peeking into the kitchen of boys cabin, where Ashlyn, Logan and Aiden finally tried to come up with a plan called 'the hell are we going to do with Ben when we'll shift to our dimension' after an inappropriate long rest.
As they got to the cabin, they quickly realized there were no bandages left - what was Ashlyn's fault, because she was the one responsible for taking them. They had two ways to go through this: wait for Ben's wound to cure by itself, or get to the hotel where was first aid stuff. They chose the first option - only Ashlyn knew where exactly first aid was, and she had decided to stay. And even though her sight came back, the hotel was full of phantoms, they saw them clearly through the window.
"Are you sure there's no bandages left?" Taylor leaned over a wall. "Ben's completely soaked."
"Not good" Ashlyn started to circle around the room. "He may not make it without them. The wound is bad. How does it look, Taylor?"
"Well... bad, I'd say. Maybe we could use our clothes to-"
"No" Ashlyn interrupted. "I'll go outside and take those bandages from the hotel."
Aiden grabbed her wrist.
"I'm sure we all agreed to stay here."
"I changed my mind. I have to make sure Ben will be safe."
"It's too dangerous, you know it."
"I don't care!" she took her hand away. "More dangerous is to let Ben lose too much blood."
"He doesn't lose that much" Taylor assured. "We just need... some fabric."
"I don't want to risk. I just had decided, I'm going."
Aiden blocked her way.
"No. By letting you go, we risk losing you, so no."
"That's not about that" Ashlyn shook her head. "First of all, its me who didn't make sure to take the bandages. Second of all, I want to be useful after the whole time I wasn't able to do anything cause I couldn't see. And third of all - I'm your leader - so I'm responsible for your safety even if it means i may get hurt. So I go."
"No."
Ashlyn closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath, not sure what to choose: smack him in the face or cry.
"The hotel is full of phantoms", Taylor reminded. "It'd be a suicide! Besides your sight came back just now, what if you lose it again?"
"It was almost six hours ago. I'll be fine!"
"You won't be unless we go with you", Aiden crossed his arms. "We won't let you go alone. Isn't that a great idea?"
"No, Aiden. This whole situation is my fault, so I'm going, and you don't risk getting hurt." she rushed toward the door.
"It's too dangerous for one person to make it" Logan repeated. "Impossible."
"Don't you think it's a bit selfish about you?" Aiden added. "You shouldn't reject our help."
Ashlyn stopped.
"Well" he continued "I wouldn't be sad if you got hurt or died, or anything else happened. I totally, absolutely wouldn't blame myself."
Ashlyn gritted her teeth.
He's doing it on purpose.
But he has the point, this bastard.
Aiden moved closer to look her in the face.
"If you go, I'll follow you anyway. Feel free to go alone."
Ashlyn gave him a tired look.
"Do you want me to rate how annoying you are in the scale from one to one hundred?"
"Bet it's one hundred. At least." he smiled widely. "And calm down, we won't worry about you. At all."
"You're too clever", she sighed.
"Does it mean you won't go?!" Taylor exclaimed.
"It means you can go with me" Ashlyn mumbled. "But not everyone. And on my rules, is it clear? Aiden, stop gaping your face."
"Of course" he smiled. "Logan, come with us! We need a shooter."
"Alrighty" he nodded.
"Are you Mr. Thomas or what..."Taylor sighed. "Ashlyn, I'll stay then. Ben needs me."
"Yeah, stay. We'll take walkie talkies, so let us know if something wrong happens, okay?"
"And you contact us when you're done."
Taylor hugged her quickly.
"Be safe!" she ordered and disappeared upstairs.
"Okay, let's not waste time." Ashlyn moved towards the kitchen. "Take your killies."
"Wait a sec" Aiden passed her in the door and ran upstairs.
"Wha- I said on my rules'!"
He didn't reply.
Therefore Ashlyn took a big knife from the kitchen table, her best earplugs and walkie talkie for three of them. At the same moment Logan brought his gunshot - and finally Aiden came with Tyler.
"Whatcha want, psycho." he was clearly unhappy.
"Yo, listen, halfwit. You gotta sit on your butt in the kitchen all the time until get back, and prepare snacks for all of us."
Tyler looked at Ashlyn to make sure if Aiden is serious.
Ashlyn shrugged.
Tyler blinked.
"Hold on. Wait, wait, wait. Am I supposed to make you food even though we don't need food?! You've got to be kidding me?"
"Not at all." Aiden smiled kindly. "I just think Taylor and Ben need some time alone. Ya know, they were both there when he got hurt, so I guess they gotta work through it."
"What? There's nothing to work through!"
"Oh yes, there is."
Tyler snorted.
"I see no point."
"I actually see..." Ashlyn said slowly. "Aiden. You... Sometimes you see more than I thought you could."
He ran his hand over his nape.
"Erm- was it a praise or what...?"
She didn't reply.
"Tyler, just stay here, okay? Please do it."
He frowned.
"You're sus. But fine! Just try not to drag your feet."
"Are you done?" Logan rolled his eyes with irritation, and everyone stared at him, surprised.
"Umm- Yeah, we are", Aiden was a bit confused.
"Fine, let's move on."
Ashlyn and Aiden exchanged glances, and he shook his head, spreading his hands.
"Dunno what he's up to."
"Well... That's nevermind. Let's go."
Just before she closed the front door, she glanced at Tyler. He looked pissed off.
"Take care."
And enjoy your time alone, she finished in her mind. You won't have much when they start dating.
She closed the door and joined Aiden.
A little smile appeared on her face.
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That's unbelievable how this silly, cringe, fluffy fanfic became so popular... okay maybe I lost 3/4 views cause I had a break (I'm heartbroken ð) but y'all say this is so good, and look how funny - honestly I kinda mock what I write here hehe
Btw i know there is less Aidlyn rn but dw I have a plan ~