Chapter Text
Ash was at his age.
He was twenty two, he had graduated at eighteen and had a clear vision on his future.
He had struggled a lot. His mother was a single mom, who experienced teen pregnancy wasn’t able to pursue her own career because of that obstacle.
She had initially wanted to be teacher, or doctor. Although stuck between the two she was set on either of them. But as soon as Ash coming along that was all washed away since she had now needed to share a future with him.
So with knowing that, Ash felt like he had to do something extraordinary to make up what he did to his mom.
Despite the fact he was fully aware that he was not to blame.
His mother even made that clear to him.
As result, when he ended up staying with her about two years after graduation he knew it was time to get out and branch out.
He had decided to study photography and modeling and did that for his career but he still felt like he let his mom down.
He didn’t have interest in being a doctor, teacher or even anything furthermore professional. He struggled with what he wanted to do after graduating because of this.
Leaving that aside he had found his first apartment. It was a nice complex, there was lots of green grass, tiny gardens where the spaces were unoccupied and a playground for children.
The apartment was also quite large; the only bedroom was a master bedroom, with a walk-in closet, so it was ideal for Ash who had tons of clothes and other stuff he loved too much to give away.
He had bought some furniture for his house, a grey colored couch and love seat, he made the furniture pieces complete with pink pillows and a teddy bears for each seat.
He bought a white kitchen table to match the countertops of his apartment and cabinets. He had thrifted some adorable vintage cat paintings for the walls of his bathroom, which had a cherry blossom theme.
Ash began his moving and had been using a dolly to push a dresser to his apartment. But he was filled with struggle to push the dresser. Ash sighed, he was upset he wasn’t as strong, and also upset that his plan to use a dolly for everything wasn’t gonna work.
After taking a brief rest, Ash began to push the dresser again and soon struggled again.
At that moment his neighbor noticed his struggle, he watched briefly while parking his car and approached Ash after with a smile “Do you need any help with that?” he asked the ravenette who over at him and blinked “Oh! Uh… no I’m okay!” Ash said blushing slightly out of embarrassment and began pushing it again.
Ash was extremely embarrassed that the man was observing him struggle so much that he even pointed out the obvious “You’re not getting anywhere you know…”
“Okay! Yes help me please!” he said in small pants making the taller man smile “My pleasure. Can you hold this for me?” The brunette smiled handing Ash his briefcase and jacket “Of course” Ash did so and watched him push it effortlessly.
If only he was capable to do such a thing.
“Where to?” He asked, Ash smiled and pointed “Just the bottom floor apartment to the left!” Ash said seeing his newly helper turn to him happily “Oh! So you’re my new neighbor! Cool!” he laughed leading the way “Really? Interesting!” Ash giggled, he had to admit he loved this complex a lot more knowing it came with the benefit of a cute neighbor.
Ash continued to follow him and opened the door for him “To my room!” Ash said and pointing to where he wanted it.
The man placed it down, retrieving the dolly and turned to him “Is there okay? Or do you need me to place it somewhere else?” he asked “No! That’s actually perfect! Thank you so much!!” Ash thanked him seeing the man give him another smile
“No problem! If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you contract movers?” Crossing his arms, the man pondered looking at the few boxes Ash had on the floor, which, according to him, didn't even have much in them to make them very heavy.
“Everywhere I called, they were all booked…” Ash said playing with his hair, a lot more embarrassed.
It was just his luck.
He smiled. “Oh, makes sense. You know if you’d like I can call some of my buddies and we can help you” This made Ash blush once more.
He softly responded “That’s very sweet of you, but I don’t want to be a hassle…”
“You’re not gonna get through all your things by yourself” He pointed out seeing Ash nod slowly knowing he was right.
Ash gave in and agreed “Okay. If it’s not trouble for you and your friends… Sure!”
“Okay! Cool. I’ll go get changed first” The brunette pointed back.
“Oh sorry about that!” He took his things from Ash’s arms, he giggled it off “It’s okay, I forgot I even had them in hand” he said shyly
“I’m Gary by the way” He introduced himself holding a hand out “I’m Ash” Ash shook his hand
“Nice to meet you, I’ll be back” Gary smiled leaving his apartment with him behind him.
“Okay, I’ll be over here” Ash smiled and walked to his moving truck “Alright!” Gary smiled opening his apartment door and entering.
After Gary called his friends and they helped Ash out, before ehe knew it; he was all moved into the apartment.
All furniture was set in and Ash couldn’t feel anymore relieved about the situation.
“Thank you! You’ve all been very helpful!” Ash said happily, clasping hands together to Gary and his friends.
“I can get pizza! It’s on me” Ash offered next “Thanks! But I gotta go” One of Gary’s friends said “Me too, I got work tomorrow morning” Another said.
Ash nodded feeling slight disappointment that he couldn’t pay them back for their hard work “Oh it’s okay then! Thank you very much nonetheless!”
Gary turned to Ash with a smile “I’ll take you on that offer” He agreed to Ash “Okay!” He giggled happily.
After, it left the two of them and the cheese pizza. “So tell me about yourself!” Ash smiled taking a sip of his soda, composing some conversation “Well. I’m thirty, and I’m a university professor.” Gary smiled replying to his question, Ash’s turned into immediate shock.
“W-Wait you’re thirty!?” He repeated earning a chuckle from Gary seeing how his face expression became incredibly stunned.
He leaned back on the chair “Do I not look my age?” He tilted his head at Ash in curiosity, knitting his eyebrows a little.
Ash slightly paused not able to find words and stammered “W-Well n-no. I thought we’d be around the same age…” he said to Gary.
He chuckled “Don’t worry about it. I get that a lot.” Ash nodded in awkwardness then cleared his throat.
“Anyways! You must be very smart then!” Ash said grinning and twirled his hair a little.
Ash couldn’t help but think how he would definitely take a class taught by Gary if it gave him an excuse to see him often.
Gary shook his head “I just teach chemistry, and other sciences. Nothing so fancy.” Gary retorted to him with a faint shrug. “Well I never understood chemistry…” Ash giggled a little flirtatious, Gary grinned wide.
“Maybe I can’t give you a few pointers” He flirted back, he sparked another giggle from Ash who looked away shyly. Right down towards his pizza.
“What about you?” Gary reversed the question on him, in amusement taking a bite of his pizza, very curious about his new neighbor.
Ash swallowed his food and smiled “I’m twenty two, and I’m a model! I also do photography! But nothing so cool for me to say.” Ash shrugged “Oh you’re a model?” Gary repeated in clarification.
“Yes!” He replied feeling himself get quite lost with how amazing his new neighbor looked.
“No wonder you’re so beautiful!” he commented, sparking off Ash to blush deeply “T-Thank you…” he said clearing his throat feeling flustered.
“You’re welcome” Gary smiled sipping his soda again and finishing up his pizza crust.
“I never really got to meet my previous neighbor. It’s very nice to be able to get to know you at least a little.” Gary commented warmly smiling at him, Ash felt curious about the previous neighbor. “Oh really? Who lived here before?”
Gary replied “It was some lady with her two kids. They were okay. Before her move, her kids were playing outside and shattered my windshield with their basketball…” he said in a neutral tone, his eyes squinting a bit.
Ash gasped. “Did you sue her??” Ash asked him, he shook his head immediately.
“Oh I could never. I felt horrible for her. She was a single mom, and I could hear her slight arguments with her ex. They always argued outside, when it was his weekends with the kids. Anyways. I just thought it’d be too much pressure for her, if I did. I come from a single mom myself so I have witnessed a thing or two about a bad, and horrid marriage.” He explained briefly to Ash who slightly melted.
He was sure a perfect gentleman.
“That’s really sweet of you to consider!” Ash complimented. Gary treated him with another smile and set his plate aside.
Gary proceeded to interrogate him more “So what’s your story? Did you come from another apartment complex or what’s up?” He pondered, Ash smiled at this and also set his empty plate aside
“Uhm actually… I just moved out of my mom’s place. It’s a little late I know but, I was just so lost and confused so I–“ Before he could continue he was cut off by the man.
“I’m sorry to interrupt. But it’s not late for you to move out. Being on your own isn’t always as easy as people make it out to be.” He encouraged him.
“Believe it or not I actually didn’t leave my mom’s house till I graduated college which was at twenty three” he said, having Ash fully intrigued.
“Wow. I didn’t expect that…” Was all he said in return.
“I know right?” Gary grinned at him.
“Anyways continue your story doll.” He bluntly flirted, Ash couldn’t help but blush at the nickname. He was hoping the compliments and slight flirting were genuine and not just to flatter him.
“Well since I got all my degrees for photography and now I’m making a good amount of money, I decided to just go out and do my own thing now!” Ash shrugged happily in contentment.
“I see, that’s good for you! I’m sure it’s a good career for you as well.” The man assured in a rooting manner, Ash giggled shyly.
“Thanks!” He said watching Gary get up “I better get going. I have to shower and make dinner for my lunch tomorrow. I’ll see you around okay? Thank you for the pizza.” He said watching Ash get up too.
“Oh of course!! I’ll see you then, thank you again!” He beamed, Gary grinned. “Don’t mention it. If you need anything I’m a knock away!” He assured seeing Ash nod.
“Thank you! Same to you!” He said walking Gary to the front door and letting him out.
When gently closing the door of his apartment, Ash took a deep breath and leaned back on the door feeling as his heart beat very rapidly that he could almost hear it.
When he settled in for a couple days, Ash had his mom over to look around the place.
“I love how cute and cozy you organized it!” His mom commented as they and their way to Ash’s living room and sat down at his couch as they were gonna have tea together.
“Thanks mom!” Ash chimed sitting by her, his mother grabbed the teddy bear Ash had as couch decor and smiled at it.
“So you like it here? It seems like a nice, put together area!” she commented sipping her tea. “Yes I do! I like the calm environment and vibes it gives off!” he said and sipped on tea too then looked at his mom.
Ash shyly cleared his throat and said “I also… have a tiny developing crush on my neighbor…” That sparked his mom to giggle a little, wanting to know more about this scoop.
“Ohhh really?” She mused.
“That’s very sweet, I’m invested already!” she brought on her snoopy voice making Ash laugh. “Nothing has happened though, I just think he’s cute” He commented with a shrug.
“You’re very cute too honey; I’m sure he might like you if you take a chance” she encouraged him and leaned back into his couch.
Ash exhaled and rolled his eyes a little “Maybe that would be good advice if I knew whether he was into guys or not” Ash said and leaning back as well.
His mother then wisely advised him: “Love comes naturally Ash, it’s not always something, someone knows about themselves”
“I know mom!” He whined and sighed.
“There’s also an age difference…” He approached nervously seeing his mother raise her eyebrows.
Her demeanor became rigid, which Ash knew she’d hit him with a lecture. “How big of an age difference?” She pressed to him.
Ash began playing with his hair, coming towards his answer quite nervously. “Uhm…” He swallowed still playing with his hair.
“Eight years…”
His mother immediately shook her head about to oppose. Ash spoke before she could anyway. “Mom look, it’s not so big if you think about it! Plus he’s really, really sweet! I’m sure you’d like him if you were to meet him!” He insisted trying to convince her to not lecture him.
But she did anyway.
“Ash absolutely not! When you were born he was in the fourth grade!” His mother objected fiercely. Ash gave her a grimace in return at her comment.
“Mom don’t be weird! We’re both adults so if we do become something it’s gonna be with consent!” Ash clarified.
His mom rolled her eyes, she still seemed uneasy but went with it “Okay, it’s your life anyways” she said finishing up her tea.
“Keep in mind that maturity differences can come in the way in terms of dating a much older man. I want you to know what you’re getting into before doing that.” She pointed her finger at him, Ash frowned.
He almost whined. “But I’m very mature for my age!” That was enough for her to sigh and roll her eyes. “A lot mature that you match the maturity of a man almost a decade older than you?” She asked raising an eyebrow at him.
Ash rolled his eyes. “Ugh! Mom! Stop acting like he’s sixty! He’s thirty!” He pouted.
She got up, straightening her skirt. “Whatever. I better go, I have bingo to go to.” She said earning herself a sarcastic remark from Ash.
“Oh and we all know you can’t miss that”
She brushed it off and gleamed at him. “Well, thank you for inviting me sweetheart!” She brought him into a hug. “Oh mom, you can come over even without an invite!” He assured her with a giggle and walked her out.
At that moment Gary was just coming back home from the gym and ran into the two.
“Oh hey Ash!” Gary smiled seeing Ash freeze a little while his mother looked at him stunned by his looks. Ash shyly spoke and brushed off his fluster immediately. “H-Hey Gary!”
“Uh…” Ash started awkwardly looking at Gary then Delia. “T-This is my mom! She came to check out the apartment!” He blurted out, Gary turned to her giving her a warm, welcoming smile.
“Nice to meet you mam’, I’m Gary” He said shaking her hand. “I’m Delia” She said shyly, yet very composed. Ash then cut them short with a grin. “And she was just leaving! So we’ll go!” Ash said turning his mom around forcing her to walk away from the man, Gary chuckled to himself watching them and going into his apartment moments after.
Ash walked his mom her car, where he swiftly turned around “What was that all about?” She gave him growling like mutter at him. “I just knew you’d embarrass me by saying something about my crush on him!” Ash hissed at her.
She rolled her eyes again until she grinned teasingly. “Ash he’s gorgeous!” She commented seeing Ash giggle back in agreement “I know!” He said twirling his hair a little.
“You better make a move at him” She demanded Ash who blinked at her. “Hm, and what happened to the disapproval on our age difference??” He raised an eyebrow at her intentionally audacious towards her.
Delia returned the face expression “I’m being supportive!” She argued back. “Oh mom! Just go, you have your bingo!” He shook it off, initiating another hug. “Okay, okay. I love you so much my baby boy!!” She kissed his cheek.
“I love you so much too mom!” He said watching her leave and going back into his apartment.
That afternoon, Ash baked cookies. He let them cool down on his cookie rack and went to his room to quickly adjust his clothes.
Wearing a simple black top with lace and some ripped jeans. He fixed his hair and applied some lip balm and went to fix up the cooled down cookies in a pink heart-shaped container with two compartments.
In the container's miniature heart, he added some fruit chopped up and a spoonful of whipped cream.
He had cooked dinner that night, some spicy-lime noodles with some orange chicken and white rice which he placed in another of the pink heart- shaped containers. This one had three compartments.
He placed the orange chicken and a spoonful of rice in the two side compartments and poured the noodles into the deep heart compartment in the middle.
Ash walked out of his apartment and shyly knocked on Gary’s door, waiting for Gary to respond. When he did in seconds, he was shirtless and in some shorts with a towel over his his shoulder. “Hey there Ash” he grinned, Ash stayed still and stunned.
He quickly brushed it off as he always would.
“Hey! Were you busy?” Ash asked him. “Oh no, I was just working out! Why, what’s up?” He smiled leaning his arm on the doorway.
“I was just baking cookies, and made some dinner sooo…! I just thought I could bring you some!” Ash beamed sweetly seeing Gary smile warmly with his green eyes scanning him.
Gary gladly accepted his invitation with a grin. “Wow! That’s really sweet and thoughtful of you, thanks!”
“Cute kitchenware by the way!” Gary commented making Ash giggle “Thanks! They’re Valentine’s Day edition!” Ash said with hands behind his back in innocence.
Gary couldn’t help but grin finding Ash utterly cute.
“Anyways! I’ll get going, bye!” Ash waved and walked back into his apartment after seeing Gary wave goodbye to him as well.
When entering his apartment Gary set the containers down and opened them smelling the freshly made food with a smile getting kitchen utensils from his kitchen hearing his German Shepherd’s paws run towards the smell of food.
“Aw sorry Ace, you can’t eat none of this” He sorrowed going to his cabinet with his dog treats and essentials, and gave him some bacon based treats in his bowl which his dog devoured with happiness.
Gary grinned at his fur companion and sat down at his table tasting the noodles and hummed loving the taste and coughing slightly at it’s spiciness which made his dog quickly respond coming to his side and barking alarmingly.
Gary chugged some of his orange juice and cleared his throat, chuckling at his dog “I’m okay Ace, just a little spicy. Thank you buddy!” He shot his dog a grin watching him push his bowl to Gary’s side to stay closer to him which Gary smiled at, he loved his fur companion a lot.