[hr][hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/j1qkXOz.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/Vf5YvKp.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/PH9E2h2.png[/img][/center] [hr][hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/UDcCjuo.png[/img] [img]http://38.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4hnwfBbMc1qdxxyt.gif[/img] [img]http://33.media.tumblr.com/70ee089a77e22abac019a3dfdb09fe0d/tumblr_inline_miokpaLHqP1qz4rgp.gif[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/xHbOCSd.png[/img] [b][u]Location:[/u][/b] Infirmary [b][u]Interacting With:[/u][/b] Each Other [@lovely complex][/center][hr] Entering the infirmary, with no staff member in it, Aisling let her mask drop as the incident in the lobby with Alex (Ghost) flooded her mind. What people knew of her face as harsh was rather vulnerable and her chocolate orbs saddened. The incident truly got her nerves shaken up. Why? She didn’t expect the first day of camp to get her this worked up - it never did (until this morning). By far, today was definitely one of the more eventful first days she's experienced. Jackson and Adielle going at it, Theodore was here for a reason that was beyond her, and Alex was still very much a child, especially for an eighteen year old. Another factor that added to her underlining sadness was the fact that this was her last summer here and soon, she would have to transition from teen to adult. Sure, she was on the mature side compared to most teenagers but being an adult only meant more expectations from her parents and from herself. Ash didn't even know what she wanted to do with her life. As of now, once the summer was over she would be a Business, Management and Marketing Major at Columbia University. Not completely sold on her course of actions, Ash reluctantly did what her mother wanted her to do rather than truly think of her own future. How did some kids know exactly what they wanted to do when they were her age? Or even younger? Ash could hardly think about her game plan for one day and here her mother was expecting her to get married within the next five years and become a successful trophy wife. Her mother simply believed Business would provide her with stability regardless if Ash finished or not. The possibility that her daughter could potentially find a rich entrepreneur to marry was really all that mattered to the socialite woman. The nurse usually came a day late, so today the kids had better hope to God they didn’t break a leg. If they did, it was straight to the hospital they went. Thankfully, Jackson’s hands could be mended by a first aid kit. Going to the sink, Aisling opened a drawer beside it and pulled out the kit and Neosporin. After placing the items on the counter, she stared out the window above the sink, gazing upon the vacant camp grounds (since most, if not all students were in the Main Hall). Quiet and lost in the trap of her mind, she took a deep breath in to gather her thoughts, closing her eyes to allow them to pass her by. Gently exhaling, not paying attention to her surroundings, she had forgotten where she was or who she was waiting for. The main reason she left the Mess Hall was to have a second to herself. Why did she care so much about other people's well beings, to the point that she didn't know how to take care of herself? Carrying other people's problems was one hell of a burden to bear, but it was her's to carry and although she was upset right now, she didn't mind making everyone's lives easier and safe. This wasn't his first time at the rodeo and it was most likely wasn't going to be his last. Time and time again Jackson had always gotten injured. Sometimes they were minor like cuts and scraps(his current injury). However, on occasion, they were more serious than that. The most recent, of course, was what he told Ash and the other Grey Wolves. He nearly broke his leg a month or so ago. For him to be back in any kind of physical injury state wasn't an uncommon sight. It wasn't even an uncommon sight for Ash to be there with him. For as long as he had been here at Camp Liberty and had been tight with Aisling Hawthorne, there wasn't a time that he got hurt that she was nearby. Some call it convenience, some call it divine intervention. Jackson never really paid any mind to either of those. He just knew that, through whatever means, Ash always had his back — even when he didn't deserve it. Today was one of those days. Still, after what he did at Introductions, Jackson had to wonder if she had changed her mind at all. If she did, then good for him. However, if she didn't, then well, he was in store for one hell of a verbal beatdown, perhaps even physical. [color=e62020][i]Just keep calm, Jackson! She won't do that. She's gotta patch you up first. Just open the conversation with something.[/i][/color] Jackson looked up at Ash who was still at the sink, seemingly gazing out the window. [color=e62020][i]Okay, she's distracted, so whatever you say may not get through 100%. You have a chance.[/i][/color] Jackson made that mental note before speaking. [color=e62020]"Hey Ash, you all good over there?"[/color] Jackson inquired cautiously. He didn't want to ask the wrong thing just in case she was still mad at him. Though, if she was, she wouldn't want to be near him. Still, better safe than sorry. Coming from Jackson that's probably a bit off and very unlike him, but Ash isn't just anybody to him - she's the apple to his cinnamon. Realizing she dazed out when Jackson's voice trailed into her head, Ash looked down at the sink, quiet and to herself. Turning it on and making sure it was a temperature that wouldn't hurt him too bad, though it was still going to sting, she gestured for him to walk to her, "[color=lightslategray]Come here.[/color]" After deliberately not answering his question, the brunette figured the boy didn't bother washing his hands to prevent infections. Waiting patiently for him, she hoped he didn't inquire further about how she felt-- not one to talk about her "feelings". Trying to rebuild her mask before he reached her, the withdrawn woman took a deep breath in and just waited. She never answered his question. Typical Ash was typical. Whenever someone asked her about how she was feeling, regardless if it was good or bad, she didn't want to say so. It was that part of her that Jackson both loved to death and became insanely furiated at. Being a guy that was so open about how he felt, Jackson never found it difficult to say if he was doing pretty good or if he was in a shit mood. He never had any problem stating if he felt like punching a bitch out or just ignoring everyone altogether. Those that knew him always had that idea about him. But Aisling Hawthorne wasn't like that - Ash wasn't like that. Jackson let out a partially-contained sigh as he got up, and walked five large steps the right of Ash. He put his hands over the sink, next to the pouring water. His eyes were on Ash, doing something that he hardly ever did: stayed silent and observed her. That and he was just waiting for her to do the thing. With her soft, yet firm hands, the woman, who wanted to detract his thoughts from her, if that was even possible, gently touched his wounded hands and pulled them gingerly under the water for a moment or two. Once they looked well rinsed, she grabbed a nearby wash cloth and gave attention to his right hand first, wrapping it and adding pressure to make sure all his cuts and scrapes were no longer bleeding. Ash was always one for precautions. Methodical in her ways, she did the same with the other hand. Jackson felt the stinging sensation from the water on his cuts. It stung more than he thought it was going to. Sure, punching a brick wall six times(three per hand) wasn't the smartest idea he had all day, but he didn't think the cleaning of the cuts would actually give him real pain. He would have to make a mental note to not do it again. If he was angry, he would punch a pillow. Brick walls were never meant to be anger-filled punch-friendly. While she did this, Ash gave a faux smile, trying to ease his worry, "[color=lightslategray]So... what other things did you do this year besides hurt yourself? Any adventures? [i]Love affairs[/i]?[/color]" The last part was a joke, but hey, if there were other women he noticed besides her, she would be okay with that. It wasn't like they were an item or anything. [color=e62020]"Love affair? My, my, Ash, are you trying to find out if I banged any chicks while I was away from you?"[/color] Jackson popped a curious grin. As the woman released him, her chocolate orbs glaringly darted at him, [color=lightslategray]Wouldn't you like to know, Jackie Boy.[/color] After turning off the sink, the brunette grabbed the Neosporin, not needing hydrogen peroxide, which could be irritating to the tissue already injured, she directed him to lay out his hands in front of her. Helping the surface stay moist, she applied a thin layer of the antibiotic cream on them, in no rush whatsoever. [i]She was calm. Nothing was wrong.[/i] [color=e62020]"Yes, that's why I asked."[/color] Jackson retorted. "[color=lightslategray]Your love life is none of my business. Forget I even asked.[/color]" she defensively added. Soon Ash would have to cover his hands with bandage tape, which only meant their 'alone time' would end. It was rare for them to have these kind of moments, since she usually was always with her teammates and when she was alone with him, they were exercising. She'd have to check on him everyday to make sure he changed his bandage. Oddly enough, the woman had no idea how much her subconscious made her naturally take care of him. Out of all the people here at camp, not once did she question her actions toward Jackson. Ash simply felt obligated to care for him. It was most likely because of her motherly nature, more so with him than anyone else. People thought she was insane for putting herself in front of a hotheaded beast, but she couldn't care less about what other people thought. One day, he would surely get himself killed and she wanted to prevent his death for as long as she could. He watched her and the handiwork she was doing to his hands. She had done this so many times that, at this point, it seemed as if it was nothing to her. Apply some antibiotic cream here, some Neosporin there, and neatly wrap it in some bandages. If Jackson didn't know better, he would have the thought that Ash was going to be a doctor at some point. If not, then she just did this way too often. But as great of a job as she was doing, that didn't set aside the fact that she simply dropped a subject that [i]she[/i] brought up. Jackson hated when she did that. It didn't make him angry at her per-se, but just rather that right when he was about to answer her, she dropped it altogether, citing that it wasn't her business. The hell it wasn't! You're important to me, Ash. Of course you would want to ask about what chicks I might have or might not have banged. Well, that's what he wanted to say. [color=e62020]"Why do you always do that, Ash? Last year you did the same thing: you asked about my love life and right when I was about to tell you, it was dropped."[/color] Jackson said frustrated. [color=e62020]"I'm a lot of things Ash. Impulsive? You bet. Having a great disregard to my surroundings? Always. Don't act before I think? Again, you bet, but never ever have I been dishonest with you."[/color] he said. Jackson didn't really know where he was going with this, but he gave a sigh. [color=e62020]"If you only let me tell you, I would. I have no reason to keep anything from you."[/color] Jackson gave Ash a subtle wink. [color=e62020]"For the record, no I didn't have any love affairs."[/color] he added not-so-subtly. For someone who talked without thinking before he opened his mouth, Jackson was making more sense than Ash, who was known for being the rational one. He surprisingly knew her better than she thought and caught onto her habits… as if he cared. No matter how many times he professed his love to her, Ash would continue to believe he wasn't. She wasn’t ready. She never would be. The more he talked, the more she felt like her mask would drop at any moment. After the wink, the anxious woman glanced down to her medical project, avoiding all eye contact, which was an odd thing for the woman with the piercing stare. Ash went to grab the tape to wrap his hands, now faster, as if she was trying to cut short whatever 'this' was. “[color=lightslategray]The only reason why you answered was because I took back my words. It doesn’t matter anymore. Thanks for telling me, but it’s not like I care.[/color]” Why was her words coming out more hurtful than she intended them to be? “[color=lightslategray]Besides, I’m not going to be here for too long. You shouldn’t even waste your time with me.[/color]” Shut up. Just leave. Don’t ruin your friendship over something so meaningless. [color=e62020]"Ash."[/color] “[color=lightslategray]You’re a friend. And that’s all you’ll ever be to me, Jackson.[/color]” Phew. Taking a deep sigh, she brought her eyes back to his and gave him a serious look that read: I mean what I said. With that, she hurriedly tried to clean up, “[color=lightslategray]We should get going.[/color]” She wanted to run away… [color=e62020]"Ash.."[/color] Picking up all the supplies, she put it in the drawer, not looking back at him. Today was a terrible day for her emotions. "[color=lightslategray]There. Clean.[/color]" Readying herself to speed walk out the door, she turned her body away from him. Now look who's acting impulsively. [color=e62020]"ASH!"[/color] Jackson grabbed her arm. Despite how much the bandaged limb might have hurt, he held tightly onto her hand. Tightly his fingers squeezed her wrist until she had no choice but to notice the desperate notion for her to just stay and look at him. The squeeze was probably good enough, but right when she would have to look at him, she would see it: a look that Jackson rarely had in his eyes. It was an unfamiliar gleam that most only had once in a blue moon, but for Jackson Drake it was seeing Big Foot - no one knows if he's there or not until they actually see him, even then it's not 100% guaranteed. His grip on her was rather tight. Wouldn’t that hurt his wounds? His voice trembled. Ash didn’t even have to turn to imagine how he looked but she knew whatever she was imagining, he was probably ten times worse. Why couldn’t she be mature about this and just stay? [color=lightslategray][i]I’m scared.[/i][/color] She thought to herself. Not only did Ash fear looking at him, but she knew if she did he would see a face she hasn’t revealed to anyone, not even Alex and that’s saying something. Alex saw more than most people ever did when it came to her but never her vulnerability… no, she wouldn’t allow it. No one should see that side of her. It was ugly. Why couldn’t she be strong? Everyone needed someone to rely on and a weak person wasn’t one of them. The seconds passed in silence, as she felt the beating in her chest. She could run away or stay… give him a chance to talk or… hurt him. [color=lightslategray][i]What’s it going to be, Ash?[/i][/color] “[color=lightslategray]Um…[/color]” A woman, who was normally good with words, couldn’t speak. Her body wasn’t letting her pull away, no, it just froze in position. Why? [color=lightslategray][i]Take a deep breath, you can do this.[/i][/color] Closing her eyes, she did as her mind told her. Steadily, she turned her body to face him completely. Opening her eyes… but not having the courage to look at his face, she stared at his grasp on her. Aisling was no longer a mother in front of him. It was as if she was five years old, entering a dark place alone. Not able to look straight, terrified of what was ahead of her, looking down because she couldn’t handle not knowing where she was going... a child. She was a child. “[color=lightslategray]I’m sorry…[/color]” Ash softly muttered. [color=e62020][i]She's sorry; sorry for what?[/i][/color] Jackson didn't know what she was sorry for. She didn't run away, so that at least was good, but Jackson still didn't know what she was sorry for. Was it because she didn't want to tackle the elephant in the room? Was it because she had brought up a subject that she had swiftly - or so she thought - ended by dropping it? Jackson hadn't the slightest clue. Only thing that he knew and that was obvious in both the way that she didn't make eye contact and her tone of voice was that Ash was struggling with something. [color=e62020]"Hey, Ash,"[/color] Jackson released his grip from her hand, and brought his other one underneath her chin to allow their eyes to meet. [color=e62020]"What's wrong? You know you can talk to me, right?"[/color] he said sweetly. Jackson was doing a lot of firsts. He was thinking before he spoke, he wasn't yelling at the top of his lungs, and he was actually being reasonable and understanding. Must be a leap year. Her gaze only weakened when she stared deeply into his blue green sea. [i]You can talk to me.[/i] How many times did she hear those words and how many times did she keep quiet? She was not the strong mother figure everyone wanted her to be, or at least, right now, she felt like she could collapse at any moment for not being a sturdy foundation for others or for herself. Especially for herself. “[color=lightslategray]I’m fine. I’ll be fine.[/color]” she answered in the most apprehensive tone, while trying to get her sight out of the ocean of his gaze. [color=e62020]"Ash, no you're not. I know you're not."[/color] Jackson stated. He knew she wasn't. Her obvious stubbornness to still avoid his eyes. Even though Jackson was trying his best to make her look into his eyes, it seemed to not work - and the pain in his hands wasn't going away any time soon. Something had to give and Jackson didn't want to lose - not this time. [color=e62020]"Ash, if you can look me straight-dead in the eyes and tell me that everything okay and that you're not feeling fifthy shades of fucked up, I'll believe you. If you can tell me, without a shadow of a doubt, one-hundred-percent, swear on the pride of the Grey Team, that you're fine, and nothing is wrong, I'll leave you alone. If you can do that, then I'll gladly let you walk out that door. However,"[/color] Jackson gave her the most attentive stare he could muster up, [color=e62020]"if even for one second I catch a glimpse that you aren't as you say you are, then you're going to tell me everything. You're gonna sit here with me on that bed or in a chair next to that bed, and tell me what's eating away at you."[/color] Jackson said, crossing his arms across his chest. That was his way of offering up a handshake to seal the deal, but obviously he can't since they're a bit tied up at the moment. Why was he so fucking persistent? It’s wasn’t easy spilling out her emotions and if she did, it could backfire and someone could use her issues against her. Why was he so adamant to know her problems? Ash wasn’t even [i]that[/i] interesting. Her mind was battling sadness and frustration because he wouldn’t just give the hell up. MOST PEOPLE THAT WERE INTERESTED IN HER DID. The constant word that entered her mind was WHY. Why was he trying so hard when it gave him nothing in return? His words raced through her head, she couldn’t contemplate if she was glad he wouldn’t stop until he got to her or that she was annoyed as fuck at his bold attempt to break into her world. Looking up at him as he crossed his arms, seriously believing he could get her to freely tell him everything, her fierce glare mentally questioned him. “[color=lightslategray]Just hug me, you idiot.[/color]” The woman wasn’t the type to open up that easily, they could stay in this room all day and she wouldn’t waiver. He should know better than to believe he could [i]win[/i]. This was as far as she was going to meet him for this session. There was no way in hell she was going to say anything personal. His words had lit a fire in her, which unintentionally revealed to him how much his words meant to her. Ash wasn’t one to get riled up, but for Jackson, hell she could get rather feisty and didn’t even realize it. At least, she didn’t look sad anymore. [color=e62020]"Now that's the Ash that I know and [i]love[/i]"[/color] Jackson purposely made sure that she heard his accentation of love. As much he professed his feelings for Ash in such a robust way that she had no choice but to at least acknowlege that he felt that type of way for her, Jackson genuinely smiled when she invited him to hug him. Even though her tone of voice was of the usual variety that Ash always took when she was trying to hide certain things from him, Jackson would silently admit defeat. Yeah, just like Ash, Jackson also liked to win. Regardless, he would take her in to an embrace as she instructed. When Jackson had his arms around her, thier bodies close together, Jackson chuckled. [color=e62020]"So, any chance of me getting to second base?"[/color] Jackson asked. Usually in this type of scenario, the she-wolf would roll her eyes, tsk, and maybe even say something witty in response but instead… she would ‘play along’. Batting her eyes rather playfully, she traced her fingers down his chest, “[color=lightslategray]I could give you a little something…[/color]” Her voice trailed off, as she pulled him closer to her breasts. She was close enough to feel the heat coming out of his lips. Letting her breathing pick up, as if she were getting excited herself, she gave him that oh-so-familiar challenging stare. Bringing her lips close to his ear, Ash whispered, “[color=lightslategray]But what’s in it for me?[/color]” Sure, this made her sound like a whore but he should know that she wouldn’t just give him a piece of her without him becoming her bitch or something. Her tempting red wine voice was truly put to use right now as she let out a light giggle and nibbled on his ear. “[color=lightslategray]You know… I’m not easy, Jackie boy.[/color]” Her lips touched his neck gently, giving him sweet and hot kisses, that he probably only dreamed of having. Glancing up at him with her alluring eyes, she asked, “[color=lightslategray]How bad do you want to kiss me?[/color]” If he did one simple thing for her, she could give him the world. [color=e62020]"Uh, uh.."[/color] Jackson said, blank eyes blinking. Of all times for Jackson to be speechless, why was now the time? It could have happened five minutes ago, or even when he was running his mouth against Adielle. No, Jackson obviously had to run his mouth then. He could have held his tongue when doing his introduction, but he had to get Ash's forgiveness somehow. Of course, he did get it. He couldn't stop his rhetoric when trying to figure out what was wrong with Ash, but he dug, and found the golden treasure. And now he found himself here. In the arms of Ash, her breasts literally pressing against his chest, they were like two plush pillows of awesomeness. Jackson should be thinking about what he wanted to do to them, but the only thing going through his mind was if she was somehow pulling a fast one on him. He wondered if she was pranking him. If she was and he fell for it, would she show it to him in some form that only pranks could. The Gray Team was known for that, after all - and that's what had Jackson having a mini-mental breakdown. [color=e62020][i]Even if she is, only one way to find out.[/i][/color] Jackson had decided. Following that, the embrace between them was broken, and Jackson was once again looking into Ash's beautiful eyes. He cause the glimmer of a tease in her eyes - something that he was rather fond of. [color=e62020]"Ash, you have no idea how bad I do."[/color] Whoa, did Jackson just say that? Yeah, pretty sure he did - and what Jackson did next was him returning to impulsive Jackson. Regardless of the pain in his hands, Jackson's desperate pull of Ash's waist to his direction took precedence over it as their lips met. She wanted to know how badly he wanted to kiss her. How's forsaking all friendship boundaries and going right for the money for "badly wanting to kiss her?". Classic Jackson. The room was private and no one witnessed their shared moment. It was as if they were the only ones that mattered. If Ash didn’t like their lips locking, she would have pulled away. Instead, she closed her eyes, showing that for once, she would give in to him. Her body relaxed in his hold, as she felt something different about this kiss than she had experienced with others. Her stomach actually felt light and her heart skipped a beat… what? As much as she wanted to continue, her face was bound to flood red. No… no. This won’t do. Abruptly pulling her lips away from him before either of them could get any tongue action, she lightly exhaled, “[color=lightslategray]It wasn’t entirely a prank. You can take that kiss as a thank you.[/color]” [color=lightslategray][i]A thank you for being here for me.[/i][/color] Using all her might to squirm out of his embrace, cutting their intimate scene short, she stumbled out. Scratching her head, a little embarrassed about how his kiss made her feel (not understanding it necessarily), she carefully looked at him. “[color=lightslategray]Win a race… and we’ll continue where we left off at our ‘date’.[/color]” she winked at him and puckered her lips. With her intimidating yet loving gaze, Ash warned, “[color=lightslategray]But don’t think for a second, I’ll go easy on you.[/color]” Jackson laughed; not negatively, though. No, this was the kind of laugh that said—Oh I don't count on it. In fact, I encourage you act like this didn't happen.—yes, that kind of laugh. Jackson's smirk only cemented what kind it was, and how eager he was to win the race. Originally it was just to get a date, but now that Jackson was pretty sure there was [i]something[/i] there in Ash's heavily-guarded heart for him, Jackson was more determined than ever to win that race, and see where they would go from there. [color=e62020]"You better not. I told you in the Main Hall!"[/color] Jackson said, pounding his chest twice with a single hand.[color=e62020] "I'll win a race with you and romance the fuck out you, Ash."[/color] Jackson stood there, proud, and still smiling. Only was it a moment later that his face lit up with such agony that red was filling the right bandage of his right hand. [color=e62020][b]"SHIT FUCK TITS ASS!"[/b][/color] And there was the cursing of agony that Jackson foresaw coming. He so wanted to bang his hand against a wall, but that's how he got into this predicament in the first place. Rolling her eyes in a friendly manner, Ash decided to go back to the drawer and take medical supplies with her... just in case. After taking off her book bag, she placed all the items she had used to clean Jackson's hands up in it. The woman would like to think she was borrowing the items so she wouldn't have to go to the Infirmary to fix him up, "[color=lightslategray]You need to be more careful.[/color]" Time after time, the Mother Wolf told the reckless man to take care of himself, and time after time, he didn't. It was in his nature to do something stupid, ultimately with the end result of hurting himself. Hopefully by him seeing her take these things, he could assume the Grey Cabin was open for him to visit so she could clean his cuts and bruises. She didn't want to outwardly state that she was here for him, but the brunette would like to believe that her actions spoke louder than words. Zipping up her bag and putting it back on her back, the darkly clad woman turned her body toward the door. Bringing her attention back to the man she had just shared an intimate moment with, Ash made an internal decision in her head as she scanned his face. She would most definitely try to forget this scene. As much as Aisling wanted to entertain a romantic relationship with Jackson, there was no way she would allow herself to consider him something more than just a friend with occasional benefits. Ash couldn't afford to get heavily involved with someone, especially since this was her last summer here. Plus, love made people fickle and she didn't want to lose her way because she cared about someone too much. "[color=lightslategray]Let's get out of here, Daredevil.[/color]" Her voice returned to the tone that the whole camp knew best: assertive, confident, motherly, slightly harsh, and with an underling baracade hidden beneath all of that. Walking ahead, she pulled the door open and turned to look back at him, giving him a pure smile that not many others, besides Alex, get to see, "[color=lightslategray]I look forward to the race tomorrow.[/color]"