𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫:

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝟓

𝓚𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮

"A science museum?"

"Yeah . . . um, I just thought you'd like this place." Ashton started to scratch the back of his neck, "But if you don't want to -"

"Are you kidding? Of course, I want to." I smiled.

His tensed posture relaxed, breathing out a sigh of relief before returning my smile with his soft one. 

"But wait . . . it's already 5:30. What time does the place close?", I asked him.

"By 6 o'clock. But don't worry, I took care of everything." He winked and I narrowed my eyes at him. Ashton took my hand in his and intertwined our fingers together. "Let's have fun." He gave me a smile, which I gladly returned.

❇❇❇

"That's so cool." I smiled while looking up at the planes that hung on the ceiling.

"I'll take you one day."

My eyebrows furrowed. "I'm sorry, what?"

He gave me his usual charming smile. "I'll take you flying one day."

I chuckled. "Really?", I asked with narrowed eyes.

Ashton brought our locked hands closer to his lips and pecked the back of my hand. "I promise."

The feeling of Ashton's lips lingered on the back of my hand and I felt a tingling feeling in my stomach at the caress of his mouth on my skin. A fluttering feeling, like butterflies. 

What's happening to me?

Ashton's eyes widened. "Did I just make Kristine La Cartier blush?" He smirked.

I'm blushing.

"Be grateful you're somebody I would blush for." I returned the smirk.

He chuckled and smiled. "I'm beyond grateful."

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed the area just above his sharp jawline. Leaning back, I noticed his cheeks had reddened a pinch. I smirked and whispered in his ear.

"Now look who's blushing."

With that said I took a step back and walked away.

1 hour later

I never knew I could have this much fun in a science museum. But with Ashton, I was having a great time. We've tried many of the interactive exhibits and I felt so happy to find somebody, who was interested in science just as much as I was. Ashton was really smart and knows a lot of scientific facts. Especially, when it came to robotics, engineering and space.

"Why does space interest you?" Ashton leaned against the wall while watching me walk around the artefacts.

We were currently in the space exhibition area.

"I have an interest to explore the unknown, discover new worlds, push the boundaries of scientific and technical limits. Human space exploration helps to address fundamental questions about our place in the Universe and the history of our solar system."

"Cited by Nasa."

I chuckled and faced him. "Of course, you of all people have read that website."

He started to walk toward me and each step he took started to make me more nervous.

Ashton makes me nervous. Noted.

Once he stood in front of me, he placed his hands on my cheeks. My eyes widened at the sudden touch. 

"I'm sure that isn't your reason."

"What . . . what makes you so sure?"

"I've known you quite long enough to realise you speak from the heart, not mind", he whispered and gave me a soft smile that I'd never received before. It has an effect on me, that's for sure. Even more so when he said, "That's what I like about you."

There's that feeling in my stomach again.

I took hold of his hand and started to walk off to somewhere, pulling Ashton with me. Once we reached the Wonderlab, I walked into the Equinor gallery. On the ceiling were these stars that looked so realistic.

Fortunately, there weren't that many people since it was a Monday. Also, it's past closing hours so it was left me and Ashton. I wouldn't be surprised if he had connections to this museum.

"I love the stars." I smiled while looking up at the stars.

They shined almost as bright as his smile.

"I love them too. But there's one star I love in particular", Ashton spoke.

I glanced at him and he was looking up at the ceiling of stars. "What star would that be?"

"You."

I scoffed and elbowed him."You're really charming aren't you?"

Ashton used my arm as leverage and pulled me towards him until our chests collided.

"For you, yes."

Oh, god . . .

When they say I'm ice cold, I believe it. It wasn't just my heart, but my body. The feeling of his warm body against mine, I like it. I really do.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. Ashton leaned down and placed his forehead against mine. He did that thing again where his thumbs caressed the curves of my waist.

There was this feeling in my chest, and it hurts so damn much. But it was a pain that held a promise . . . one I've yet to trust. 

Then, I realised I haven't told Ashton the real reason why I loved space. My answer from the heart. Expressing what was in my heart was dangerous, but . . . maybe there was some part of me that wanted to open up. To let it all out. To be truthful. Ashton was leading me to confess my true everything. Everything that I kept sacred in my heart . . . it's scary that I was willing to tell him all of it. 

He reminded me, I still had a heart.

How?

"I take interest in space . . .", I started, "Because I had a friend, who loved everything about it."

Ashton pulled me closer to him. Our noses almost touched and his sweet vanilla earthy lulled me.

"He was my best friend. He knew a lot about planets, rockets and galaxies. Funny how he didn't know much about stars. I was the star expert. He would always ask me to tell him something about the stars."

"Was?"

"Yeah, he passed away last year in a car accident. I guess I meant to say is my best friend. He's still my best friend till now and will always be", I answered while avoiding eye contact.

Ashton wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head.

"I'm sorry", he whispered.

I nuzzled my face into his shoulder and wrapped my arms around his torso, tightly. I could feel one of Ashton's hands rubbing my back in a circular motion, and his other caressed the back of my head.

"He was the older brother I never had." I closed my eyes.

Ashton's arms tightened around me. We stayed like that for a few minutes, until Ashton leaned back a bit. He tucked the stray strands of hair behind my ears and placed his hands on my cheeks. When he leaned his forehead on mine, I smiled.

There was something about Ashton that you couldn't help but fall for, and it wasn't just his good looks. 

I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned up on my toes. Ashton brought his hands down to my waist and wrapped his arms around the lower of my torso. He held me up so I was pressed against him. There was no space between us and I could feel my body leaning into his.

I glanced up at the stars."You know why I love the stars?"

He shook his head and I could feel his soft eyes trailing down my face. One of my hands went to his nape and my thumb stroked it. Ashton's body tensed a bit at the touch. 

"Whenever I look up at the stars, I see our loved ones that have passed . . .  up there, shining among the others in the night sky and watching over the ones they're waiting for."

Ashton's face soften to the point tears nearly brimmed in the corner of my eyes. I didn't want anyone to look at me that way. That look reminded me that I do have loved ones that have passed and maybe they were waiting for me. But my time to leave wasn't now, not yet and not anytime soon. Not when I had so much to live for. 

I couldn't remember my past, but deep down I could feel that pain. That pain of loss and grief. Guilt. There was an entire constellation of stars that were watching over me. I knew very well that I've lost people I love and care for. I just didn't know who. My mind can erase all the memories. My heart . . . it can still feel the remaining fragments of life I've lost. 

I smiled. Oddly enough, it was a smile. My grateful smile. My genuine smile.

"Our loved ones give us all the more reasons to love the stars. So whenever we look up, I hope that we can appreciate their presence and say thank you."

When I aligned my eyes with Ashton's, I noticed how his pupils have expanded and how their ocean blue colour has lightened. A soft smile graced his lips before he kissed my forehead.

"Also . . "I leaned my face closer so our noses were touching, "They're just so beautiful."

"You're beautiful", he whispered with many emotions pouring into his honey voice as he gazed down at me so adoringly. 

Says you, was what I wanted to say but didn't.

You're gorgeous.

That wasn't a lie.

I couldn't deny how gorgeous Ashton is. His ocean blue eyes, his freckles and his charming smile. I feared falling and I think I already am.

It's as if I was enchanted. My fingers lightly traced over his freckles on his nose bridge, beneath his eye and on his cheekbone. I rested my hand on his right cheek and in response, he leaned into my touch. His ocean blue eyes pulled me in and I was mesmerised.

"I like your eyes", I blurted in a soft whisper.

A smile tugged at the edges of his lips until a full one was shown and my eyes were blessed at the sight. He pressed his forehead onto mine and pulled me closer to him. As he did, his nose rubbed mine and I giggled softly.

"I like you", he said in a tone that assured me he meant each word.

We stared into each other's eyes and remained in each other's arms for a while longer. No, much longer. Please make this feel like forever.

Suddenly, Ashton's gaze fell to my lips.

Oh . . . lord . . . . 

I couldn't tell what I was feeling on the inside. Did I want to kiss him? Maybe.

Yes, you do. You really really do.

Oh god . . . .  I was scared. Like never before. 

Ashton tugged on his bottom lip with his teeth and I definitely couldn't miss the motion of his tongue rolling over it after. He met my eyes and called out almost breathless, "Kristine . . . ."

I inhaled.

"Yes?"

"Can I please kiss you?"

I'm pretty sure, I stopped breathing for a second.

"Take a chance."

I exhaled.

Smiling, I gave a nod. 

He returned a heart-melting soft smile before giving a single caress on my cheek. I waited in anticipation as Ashton dipped his face lower so his lips hovered over mine. My breathing hitched and Ashton tentatively kissed my cheek. Our eyes met for a second. Then, he connected his lips with mine.

He kissed me with slow deliberation as if I were a dessert that he was tasting for the first time and he wanted to savour it. Each second Ashton would tug me closer to him, even though there was no space left between us.

The kiss was slow and gentle. I loved that our first kiss was at a slow pace. Ashton's very careful and gentle when it comes to me and I couldn't help but smile into the kiss at that thought.

A minute or two passed and I broke the kiss. When our eyes met, we both couldn't help but smile. Ashton re-connected our lips with more eagerness. The kiss deepened each second and there was this feeling.

I've never felt something like this.

Leaning into him, our mouths opened together and I laced my fingers in his hair above his nape. When Ashton increased the pressure of his lips against mine, I could feel our tongues graze past each other. Gently, he sucked on my bottom lip before pulling away.

He rested his forehead on mine and we both smiled.

"Your lips taste so sweet", he whispered.

Before I could respond, Ashton pecked my lips then my forehead. I giggled when he pecked my nose. He pecked my right cheek, then my chin, my jaw, and the crook of my neck before he nuzzled his face into it. Ashton lifted me off my feet and spun me around in the air with his arms secured around me. 

I didn't need to look at myself to know that there was a huge smile on my face at this current moment.

I love this feeling.

❇❇❇

"Not the best buffalo wings I've tried, but I guarantee you'll like it." Ashton sat the tray down and I got excited. I loved buffalo chicken wings.

We were currently at The Orange Buffalo, which sold New York-styled buffalo wings. Ashton insisted that I tried this place.

"Let's see." I reached out and grabbed one of the buffalo wings. I dipped it in the ranch dressing and took a bite.

The sauce was delicious. As always, I did that little dance of mine.

Ashton chuckled."You're so cute." He reached out and wiped a bit of sauce on my lips with his thumb. Then, he pulled back and licked the sauce off his thumb.

That simple action almost made me fall off my seat. When Ashton looked at me, I just cleared my throat and continued to eat.

While we ate I noticed how Ashton smiled from time to time. When we were done with our meal, I started to clean my hands with the wet wipes I carried with me at all times. 

"Alright, what is it?"

"Nothing." He started to smile like an idiot while drinking his coke. He bit on his straw to control his smile.

I narrowed my eyes. "You were smiling like an idiot."

"Can't help it", he chuckled.

"Why?"

Ashton bit his lip."I just finally, got to kiss the girl I really like." He looked up at me and smiled.

Oh, god . . he's cute.

Maintaining eye contact with those ocean eyes just got more difficult, so I turned to look sideways and bit back a smile.

"Wow, this is unbelievable. You're actually flustered."

That's when my lips stretched into a smile that reached up to my eyes. I just shook my head in disbelief before I reached out for my cup of ice lemon tea. I took a big sip and stood up from my seat. Ashton was about to say something when I plopped down beside him. 

I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss. Instantly, he responded. He placed his hand beneath my jawline and I felt his other hand on my waist. Our lips layered over each other and I had to admit Ashton was a great kisser.

When he started to pull me closer, I bit his bottom lip and pulled away.

While his eyes were still closed, he smiled. I giggled and rested my forehead on his."You are . . . an amazing kisser", he whispered against my lips.

I smiled and pecked his cheek. "You are too."

Ashton opened his eyes and rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip. He tapped my nose with his index finger and I scrunched my nose in response. He giggled, softly.

"Kiss me again?" He smirked.

"Hmmmm . . after dessert." I winked.

He leaned in and trailed his lips up to my ear.

"Can I have your lips for dessert?"

I laughed.

"Sure . . ." He leaned back to look at me. "For the second round of dessert," I smirked.

Ashton chuckled and hugged me. He rested his head on my shoulder and I wrapped one arm around the back of his neck. I felt him lay a butterfly kiss on the crook of my neck.

"Ice cream?", he asked.

"Yes, please."

20 minutes later

"Woohoo!" I skipped into the empty store with the biggest smile on my face.

I could hear Ashton chuckle as he watched me from behind.

The moment we stepped into the ice cream shop, the song Love Somebody by Maroon 5 started to play. 

"It's been forever since I last heard this song . . . . I love it", I said and suddenly Ashton stood right beside me.

"Me too", he said and I beamed when I saw his smile that made every part of me come to life. 

I'm starting to think . . . . .  I have a crush on Ashton Lennox.

The chorus came in when Ashton grabbed my hand and spun me around. I giggled when my back collided with his chest. From the corner of my eye, I could see the cashier lady smiling while looking at the two of us. Ashton continued to hug me from behind as we ordered our ice cream, occasionally pecking the crook of my neck that made me smile so widely.

I didn't even care who was watching us.

After we ordered our ice cream, I broke out of Ashton's arms and faced him while I sang, "I really wanna dance the night away. I know we're only halfway there -" I was suddenly pulled against him with his hands firmed on my waist.

"But you can take me all the way, if you take me all the way", he sang back really softly only enough for me to hear and I smiled at the way he lyrically confessed.

We both danced together, spinning, jumping and all. Not caring about a bloody thing, but this. This dance. This moment. This. All of this.

 Ashton spun me out and I came back crashing against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed my cheek. "I think about you every single day", he sang lowly into my ear and I giggled at the ticklish feeling of his lips brushing over my lobe. "I know we're only half way there -"

"But you can take me all the way, if you take me all the way", I sang and received a long kiss on my cheek that made me smile until my eyes disappeared.

We were so lost together that we really did dance the night away.

A part of me thought the cashier lady forgot about our order while she just watched us with a smile on her face until the song came to an end.  While Ashton collected our orders, I looked away for only a second and was surprised when something cold touched my nose. Not so surprised when I realised Ashton dabbed his chocolate ice cream on me. Ashton laughed while pointing a finger at my face.

"Unbelievable", I mumbled.

Immediately after he handed me my order,  I tapped my ice cream with my index finger and swiped it on Ashton's nose and cheek. It was my turn to laugh.

"You find that funny?"

"Obviously", I chuckled.

Ashton just scoffed before reaching for my hand. He pulled me to him and gaze down at me with a smile on his face. 

"What?", I asked softly. 

His thumb did a rotation on the back of my fingers before he leaned down to kiss my cheek.

"I'll never recover, Kristine."