The Throw-Aways

It was eleven at night and the Tino, Phil, and Aaron hadn’t come back from the bar. The ginger had retired to bed and my dog was snoring at my feet. The football game had ended about twenty minutes ago, and Austin and I were starting to drift off.

Outside, Oregon waves pounded the beach nearby. The surf rumbled and creating a soothing background noise. A few cars rumbled by, but our bus remained stationary. I hoped that the trio hadn’t accidentally passed out at the bar.

With a yawn, I stretched my arms. Joints popped as I stood up. Austin quickly got up as well. Jake lifted his head but otherwise didn’t move.

“Going to bed?” He asked. I nodded. First I had to brush out my long locks of tangled hair. The TV still rumbled with the remainder of an ESPN sports report that mumbled soft words.

“Yeah, but I have to brush out my hair.” I complained. He teased me and tousled the top of my hair. I grumbled and swatted his hand away. He was grinning a pink smile.

“So, you’re looking for…this?” He slyly pulled out my hairbrush.

Where did he get that?!

“Aus, you thief!” I accused. He grinned and held it just out of reach. The blue beads that hung on little bristles dangled over my reach and I tried to grab onto his arm and pull it down.

“Give it back, please!” I grumbled halfheartedly. He put one free hand on my head, settling my jumping motions. Austin grabbed my one wrist as Nubby the nub flailed uselessly.

“I’ll brush your hair.” He smiled. Okay, I knew that he always like to brush my hair for me. It was just one of his kind acts that showed how much of a sweetheart he really is.

Besides, I really didn’t mind him brushing it…

Legs collapsing under me, I flopped on the black leather. Austin sat behind me, gently gathering my black, and now silver, hair in his hand. The brush carefully touched the strands. Every time his fingers slipped and gently ran over the back of my neck, I shivered slightly.

But I think after the sixth time, he wasn’t “slipping up” anymore.

“There! All done!” He said quietly, but his voice was filled with delight. The hairbrush rattled on the table as he set it down. The long fingers ran through my black hair. I closed my eyes and hummed in delight as he absentmindedly stroked my hair. The corners of my lips twisted in a small smile. Jake snored, his tongue sticking out of his mouth.

“I should probably get to bed.” I sadly admitted after a few more minutes. Alan was already asleep and we should get to bed before the other men came back.

“Okay.” He admitted in defeat. We both pulled to our feet, heaving weary bodies up. As soon as we reached our bunks, I paused for a moment, not wanting to go to sleep just yet.

“So, do you think we should go get the other three?” I asked slowly, drawing out our conversation.

“Um, I think they’ll be fine.” Austin stood close. Bodies were packed in the small space and he loomed over me.

“Are you sure?” I laughed a little. We were close enough that I felt my nerves stand on end. It was a wonderful feeling.

I just sat there and stared for a moment, taking in the man before me. His brown eyes were so soft and caring. Light brown hair was slightly messed up, but didn’t look any less amazing. The tattoos on his arm seemed to wiggle and stretch like animated ink.

We both caught ourselves staring and looked down, shuffling our feet a little. I think it was just to give ourselves an excuse to be closer together. Our faces were just inches apart.

Close enough to kiss….

I lingered on the thought for a moment, considering how wonderful it would be. It seemed like he might be thinking the same thing from the thoughtful look in his eyes. Well, maybe he was thinking something else, but I could give myself a faint hope, right?

“The silver l-looks really good in your hair.” He stuttered, gently reaching up and brushing a pieces of hair back. I blushed a little, still staring in those two brown eyes that held such a caring potential in them, I could’ve drowned.

“Thanks.” I mumbled. We were only inches apart, sharing the same cool air, feeling the same excitement tingle under my skin. His hands still lingered to where he tucked the piece of hair behind my ear.

Does he really feel the same way?

Our eyes had been locked on for what seemed like forever. I saw that look on his face. It was like all he could see was me, and I felt like the most special girl in the world.

Kiss me, please just make the first move…

I mumbled this thought over and over. It was if our noses were almost touching. Everything around us two disappeared. It was like I was whole once again, I was still beautiful, there was nothing holding me back. But I was getting a little impatient.

KISS ME, FOOL!

I screamed this thought like he could hear me. We both leaned in a little, just a couple inches away. My heart races, practically beating its way out of my chest. Was this it? Was this really my dream come true?

“Jake!” Alan hopped out of bed, quickly scooting past us. We had to scoot to opposite ends of the small hallway to make room for him. Our wonderful little escape was broken.

Alan Ashby certainly knew how to ruin a moment.

Austin and I blushed, looking to the ground. Now that we were broken out of our little almost-so-close-way-too-perfect situation, our minds went back to normal. We had almost kissed, but Alan had broken it.

Speaking of the devil, he came toddling back, carrying a disgruntled Jake in his arms.

“I’m taking Jake for the night!” He exclaimed and crawled into his bunk. Good luck, pug.

Austin and I were both mostly sad that the moment ended, and a little embarrassed that Alan had almost caught us in the act. With a sigh I pulled back the curtain.

“I should go to sleep.”

“Me to.” He responded with a sigh. It was a silent agreement that we wouldn’t speak of this or try to continue again. As we settled under our covers, I pulled on my headphones and tried to imagine what would’ve happened if our ginger hadn’t ruined the moment.

In tight spaces, Alan Ashby certainly knew how to break up the closeness of it.

Notes

They're gonna kiss, they're gonna kiss, they're gonna kiss!!!!!!!
*readers hold their breath*
*Smiles in the anticipation*
*Ooohh I can't wait to see Ravelyn once again*

.........

Dammit, Alan.