Chance and Choice (Ashleigh Stone)

[Alex Cross]

In the student lounge was this sort of old polyester square chair. It was light gray in color with all sorts of food stains from the years of student abuse and neglect. Some of the professors had tried to rid the school of this unsightly relic for years, but thanks to a unified front from some of the students, the chair remained. It wasn't really comfortable as the springs and cushions were wore out long ago, but it was just.....great none the less. No one knew why everyone loved it, they just did. Alex occupied the prized chair currently, all alone in the lounge. He was sitting sort of sideways, with one leg draped over one of the chair's arms, his foot kicking slightly. A dark blue hoodie was thrown casually across the back of the chair, held in place by Alex's body which rested against it. In front of the chair was a small metal trash can, empty of course, save for about ten or so playing cards. Around the trash can, messing up the lounge floor, was several other playing cards. One card sailed through the air, tossed with fluctuating skill by Alex. The card hit the rim and flipped once before falling in to the trash can to join the others. It was a game played by the bored worldwide.

Alex was so out of ideas of any sort of fun activities as Ashleigh was no where to be found. To be honest, he was more ticked than anything. You see, jealousy burned deep within Alex and the green eyed monster he harbored was fierce. He trusted Ashleigh, just not any guy who happened to be around her. The fact that Ashleigh lived in the co-ed dorms really didn't help his mood currently. She was a knock out ( in his opinion) and to him, every guy who looked at her was hitting on her. Yeah, it was kind of stupid to think that way, but to Alex, Ashleigh was his and he wasn't sharing. The next card was thrown a bit harder, sailing over the trash can, gliding to the floor and sliding about a foot before it finally stopped. Ashleigh was highly social and chatted it up with everyone, a good trait to have, but here again rose Alex's jealousy. He just couldn't help himself, Ashleigh meant the world to him and was not going to lose her to anyone or anything.

Alex and Ashleigh had known each other since forever. They both hailed from the same small town and had attended grade school together. Ashleigh's family owned a dairy farm on the outskirts of the town and Alex's family owned the local general store, supplying all the farmers in the area with whatever they needed. Alex had made countless deliveries to the Stone dairy farm, both with his father when he was younger and then solo as he grew up and took a more serious role in the family business. The rest of their history is so small town cliche, but it was who they were. Who ever would have expected both of them to be meta-humans and end up at the same training school? Fate or divine intervention, call it what you would. It seemed Alex and Ashleigh were intertwined forever and that only cemented Alex's jealousy.

Another toss of a card, which sort of seemed to take on a slow motion blur as the sound of someone coming through the door caught Alex's ears. His eyes looked up slowly, staring straight ahead, his mind and heart curious if the voice he would hear would be the one of the angel which held his thoughts.

[Ashleigh Stone]

Ashleigh gave a slight yawn, the computer screen blurring as she hit the send button on her email. She was miles away from her brother but she still found it necessary to email him at least once a week. No matter what changed in their lives they still felt that bond they had with one another. She had been busy all morning and couldn't wait to see Alex. She was sure she could find him around, after all they spent every single day together, this one would be no different. In fact she was surprised he hadn't shown up yet. Perhaps he missed her when she was dropping a book off at the library or when she helped Kelly finish one of her essays. Either way they would have plenty of time together.

She pushed the lap top off her lap, beside her on the bed and hesitated only a second before closing it. She swung her legs over the edge, smiling and shaking her head as she heard deep laughter coming from the common area. She slipped on her shoes and quickly grabbed a black leather coat, definitely big on her small frame as she wrapped herself up in it and inhaled deeply. She could remember the first time she had wore Alex's coat, which now could almost always be found in her room. Every now and again he'd wear it, leaving the scent of his cologne lingering on it. She took a glance at her watch and couldn't believe it was as late as it was. She took one last look in the mirror before running her hands through her hair and hastily making her way out of the dorms.

It took her maybe fifteen minutes before she was drawn to the student lounge, really expecting Alex to be shooting pool but instead their was silence as she opened the door, a card halting slowly to a stop not far from where she stood. Her eyes darted up instantly to Alex's face and in an automatic reaction a smile spread upon her lips. She pushed her hands deep in the pockets of his coat as she walked over to him, her converse hardly making any noise at all on the floor. They had been together for quiet some time now and yet everything felt so new. Butterflies still stirred in her stomach when she saw him, of course now they settled down from time to time, and when things got quiet she would catch herself sometimes daydreaming. It was so funny to think of these too coming from such a small country town, really a modern day fairy tale come true.

She pushed her hair back as she stopped in front of Alex, leaning down to place a kiss on his lips. She let her hand rest on his lap and patted it, letting him shift himself around in the seat before sitting down on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning back against him, she knew Alex at least she was aware of his jealous nature. She saw the way he clenched his jaw sometimes when someone talked to her or looked at her for too long, little things she would think nothing about. But she was hoping that this wouldn't put a damper on their evening, in fact she was determined to stop it from doing so. "Hey stranger, where have you been all my life?" She teased, hoping this would put give a different perspective to the situation.

[Alex Cross]

A very familiar crooked little smile spread across Alex's face the way it always did whenever he saw Ashleigh. No matter how foul or depressing Alex's mood, Ashleigh always made him better. He was a better person in her presence....for the most part. Around her he was more relaxed, more human so to speak. Not that he was a monster to being with, but Ashleigh was the beauty to his beast, the music which calmed the savage soul. Things which might rile or annoy him took a back seat whenever Ashleigh was by his side and his thoughts focused more intently on whatever she was doing or saying. Of course, there was one negative emotion which Ashleigh magnified in Alex, but it really wasn't her which it was directed at. Alex was quite the jealous lover and did not like any eye but his looking Ashleigh's way with any sort of lustful or wanting intent. Ashleigh was his and his alone and the love they shared was special to him. What they had was not to be trifled with or ruined in any form or fashion. Ashleigh was very dear to Alex and he would give anything to keep her happy and safe.....anything.

The moment was silent for several minutes, but in all reality, it was probably just seconds. Alex remained still, watching Ashleigh with that crooked smile of his. The light coming in from behind Ashleigh caught the moment just right, giving her that Hollywood look. She was an angel, standing there all graceful and fragile. Her hair was like silk and her face entrancing. Ashleigh wore Alex's black leather coat as she did more often than not. It was several sizes to large for her and he sort of found the way she rolled the cuffs back a bit amusing. He didn't ming Ashleigh wearing his things, as a matter of fact, it sort of cemented his claim of her. It fortified her love for him, showing Alex how much she truly cared for him. Yeah, it was sort of childish and sickening sweet, but it was what it was. Some people called what they had 'puppy love' but Alex and Ashleigh knew it was something much more important and powerful. They came from a different world and not in the sense that they were meta-humans. Ashleigh and Alex were small town folk and thus had a different sense of life and what it was and had to offer. They took life a bit more seriously than most or at least certain aspects of it. Love wasn't something trivial or a word carelessly thrown around.

Alex's eyes never left Ashleigh as she crossed the small distance between them both. The way she casually slipped her hands into the pockets of his jacket and the way she sort of shrugged her shoulders with that little girl grin on her face made him take a deeper breath. He still felt nervous when he was alone with her like this. The feeling wasn't too different from the first time he asked her out. No doubt some of the others made fun of Ashleigh and Alex's relationship, likening it to some silly little child's fairy tale, but that was okay. Both of them were happy with one another and pleased with the relationship they shared. They weren't without their problems, but Alex had been working on his faults, having more success some days better than others. Ashleigh put up with her imperfect prince more than she probably should have most times and for that, Alex was eternally grateful.

When Ashleigh bent over, brushing her hair from her face, Alex felt his heart beat a bit faster and a rush of nervousness wash over him, making the back of his neck feel hot. Instinctively he closed his eyes, feeling Ashleigh's lips on his. It was a gentle kiss, but perfect for the moment. Her hand on his leg made Alex inhale deeply and then smile as she broke the kiss. His eyes opened and he shifted himself to make room for Ashleigh to sit on his lap. Sometimes, the two required no words to be exchanged, only simple glances and movements. The words which followed next brought a very slight chuckle from Alex. "You better be careful stranger. I have this very beautiful girlfriend who is madly in love with me and might not take kindly to you seducing me in this manner," he said, letting his hand fall to Ashleigh's leg.

[Ashleigh Stone]

As Ashleigh leaned in to Alex she breathed deep, his cologne making her senses tingle. Sure he was a bit rough, rugged... but where Ashleigh came from they wanted them all boy. These emo kids that ran around, well ... they were far from a potential suitor. No, everything about Alex drew her in, the good and the bad. He could hold his own in a scruff, and he had proven that even before he developed his skill. Just a reminder of the past they had made Ashleigh smile. His lips were soft, and they seemed to melt right up against hers. Maybe it seemed a bit too perfect but it seemed the two just went together. Sort of like they were two pieces of this puzzle and when they were put together you could see the breathtaking scene of their magical world.

She pulled away and her heavy eyes opened up instinctively to look into his. She grinned, tugging at the corner of her lip with her teeth. She slid onto his lap, like it was second nature, leaning up against him to feel his heart beating alongside hers. His response made her smile mischievously. "Really?", she said softly as she let her finger trace a small circle on his chest. She paused for a minute, before smiling back up at him sweetly. "I guess I should be glad she's not here to see me doing this." She brought her hand up to his face, leaning in and kissing him with a bit of hunger this time. She nibbled at his bottom lip before letting her tongue slip between his lips to caress his. She wasn't sure how long they were like this before she pulled away but she pulled back just a bit, her breath short and quick. Her lips tingled and she felt driven with a desire, she let her lips sweep kisses on his cheek trailing down to his neck. She could feel his pulse, his blood rushing just under the skin. His breath tickled her ear and she broke away from him, turning her eyes up to him while she licked the last trace of him from her lips.

She liked playing this game with Alex, although he knew that she was completely his. And trust didn't seem to be an issue between the two, he just didn't like others moving him on his territory - even if that wasn't their true intention. Or perhaps he may ponder some of the thoughts that could be roaming around in their head. Ashleigh could see where he was coming from, after all he was her dream come true. She sometimes still seen that blonde headed boy working at his fathers store. How many times had she daydreamed about him? She always wanted a future with him, those childish desires like having their names carved into a tree. And although it may sound silly thinking of those things now still made her giddy. She was so thankful that things panned out the way they had. Sure she doesn't know her father and he hadn't shown any desire to be a part of their lives or care about them... And maybe living on a dairy farm isn't your normal girls dream but to her, all the circumstances she had grown up with well, it helped her become the young woman she is today. She knew what work was, valued honesty and earning what you have. And as all farmers, she had seen some hard times but she always had the necessities, and she was always loved. She didn't want to marry out of convenience or for money, she wanted her soul mate. And she believed with all her heart she had found him, he was right here with her.

It seemed that fate had worked things out, even the things you would think would be negative seemed to draw them together. And perhaps it was foolish to want the white picket fence life but she wanted that. She wanted a home, nothing too elaborate but something that would suit their family. Kids, she loved them.. she wanted five (but understand that sometimes it doesn't work out like that) she could imagine two or three little boys with his eyes running around and playing in the yard. Would the future hold a place for somewhere perfect like this? She wasn't sure, she didn't know if their ending would turn out quiet like that but she felt confident that as long as they were together she would be happy and things would be okay. She let her hand slip down to his, curling her small fingers around his the best she could and giving it a light squeeze.

[Alex Cross]

Alex felt lost without Ashleigh around, like he was only half there. The two had been a part of the other one's life forever. As kids, they knew each one another, went to the same school since they were five and now both had ended up at the same meta school together. It was funny how long they knew one another but it wasn't until now that they had developed any sort of serious feelings. Alex didn't even have any idea that Ashleigh was a meta until she showed up here at Hammel not long after he had. He could sort of understand why she would be quiet about her abilities, they were new and strange to her. Alex on the other hand came from a meta family and so seeing people who could walk on walls, teleport and move things with their minds was just everyday occurrences for him. Keeping secrets was good sometimes, as his family had taught him to do by keeping their family secret, but with Ashleigh, nothing was hidden. Yeah, romance right out of some bad romance novel I know, but what are you going to do, right?

Public displays of affection weren't a problem for Ashleigh and Alex, although they weren't as bad as most. You would see them kissing or hugging whenever together but they weren't exactly humping like some wild dogs or other trash one might catch out on the school grounds. These two were small town and for anyone who knew what that life was like, well....small town never really left you. Alex liked the city and party life from time to time, but he was a simple country boy at heart and liked things simple. He enjoyed the thrills of life like everyone else, but he just liked them in very small doses. Those who were from the bigger cities and more populated areas of the country never understood Alex or Ashleigh or those like them. Hicks and inbred were the most common adjectives that some gave them and yes, it kind of ticked Alex off, but anymore he was getting used to such cruelty. That small town heart was quicker to forgive and forget....albeit that same heart could be quite mean when broke enough.

Ashleigh was Alex's most enjoyed simple pleasure. He would rather spend the day just sitting with her and lounging around Hammel than being out and about in town. He was moody when she wasn't around, more so than usual, most resembling a homeless puppy. He would sulk about the school grounds on the days when Ashleigh was too busy with her homework or power training. It was kind of sickening to watch him sometimes. At this moment though, wrapped up in Ashleigh, melting into her kisses, Alex was at the height of being his best. He had swagger, that was for sure, but when Ashleigh was with him, he just oozed cool. He was a man who knew what he wanted and was sure of every move. He and Ashleigh knew each other like the back of their own hands and knew what it took to please the other. So when Ashleigh began to trace her finger of Alex's chest, playing with him in this all too familiar game, he continued the game.

Licking his lips, he smiled, his hand moving up Ashleigh's leg, rubbing her thigh. "If she could kiss have as good as you, then I might not have to go looking for someone else to please me," he said, barely holding back his smile and laugh. It might seem mean, but neither Ashleigh or Alex meant the words they said, it was just their way of playing. "What about you sweetheart? Got a big bad boyfriend I need to be watching out for?," he asked, putting a bit of pressure on her thigh. For a second, Alex thought about upping Ashley's feeling of excitement. It was a simple act, just a touch would be all it would take, however in a public place like this, it might not be a good idea. Once those endorphins began to rush throughout Ashleigh's body and brain, she might not be able to control herself properly.