friday, if you’re waiting. thought you were the master replicator
Link
?? not tonight
Ashton
Link, are you alright?
Link
nah.
Ashton
lay it on me.
Link
earlier, when you were scrolling, liking all my tweets, did you happen to see me fuck up?
Ashton
the tweet from Michael Shield’s news & updates account? I don’t think anyone noticed. I wouldn’t have, if I didn’t already know.
Link
someone did.
Link
got a text from an artist friend, guy I go way back with, name’s Kane.
Link
we used to be… real close. million years ago. he knew i liked writing stories, but he thought they were crap. big waste of time, embarrassing, even. might be possible he’s a big part of why i don’t go public with my identity and crap. he put 2 + 2 together, and it was a shitty convo.
Currently, Ashton’s propped up by pillows in bed, ankles crossed, staring down at the screen of his phone in the dark. It’s the same way he’s ended most nights lately, and he hasn’t been this content about life and his choices in ages. Up until this point, the conversations have been fairly light, and the parts that haven’t were mostly Ashton’s doing.
Link is kind and he is thoughtful, he’sflirty,and he’s sweet. It’s very obvious to Ashton that he’s interested, but his vulnerability has been almost surface-level before now. This is an interesting development, and well worth staying up late to see. He’ll need to tread carefully—Link requires validation that doesn’t cross the line into pity, which would repulse him and drive him swiftly back into his shell. It’s a fine line for Ashton to walk.
Color him intrigued.
Ashton
completely unrelated, i’ll be needing to borrow that tire iron when you’re finished with it. hot poker, whatever you decide to go with. I’m not picky.
Link
you sly dog. you always know what to say, don’t you?
Ashton
so, this sentient sludge stain had thoughts about your indisputable and incredibly admirable successes?
Link
you’re good for my ego, man. but yeah. I don’t get it.
