80 He Wasnt Asking For Forever (1/2)

A slightly hard little object was pressing into her side. The hair tie. He was still wearing her stupid little braid.

She had put that in his hair weeks ago! Why hadn't he taken it out already? He had said it made him look like a wannabe elf but he kept it in for laughs. Had he forgotten it was there or kept it purposely?

After everything that happened tonight Ruby may be forced to admit that Ash's feelings for her were deeper than she originally suspected. That didn't change anything though.

He was clinging to her out of desperation and loneliness because she was all he had left in the world. She knew this but what was she supposed to do about it? Continuing on as they had before wasn't realistic.

When she was at her absolute lowest she had desperately wished he would come but that didn't mean anything either. Mutual dependence between two different fae races wasn't normal or acceptable. Now that their deal was done, it was time for her to go.

Making money would be a bit more difficult now that she had to take Flora along but eventually she should be able to afford that land she wanted in Alaska. They could live up there in peace away from the bad memories in their hometown.

Ruby might even be able to be herself around the little fairy. There was a solid chance she wouldn't be able to get her glamour back up before morning so she would get caught anyway.

”Hey Ash?” she broached the subject delicately. ”About going home…”

The vampire looked up at her blankly. ”What about it?”

”I…I think I should get out of your hair as soon as possible. I mean, my end of the deal is fulfilled and there isn't anyone after me anymore so I really shouldn't impose on you anymore. Especially now that I have Flora to be concerned abou—”

”What if I want you in my hair?” Ash interrupted. ”You could never impose on me. Ever. And there is no guarantee that someone else won't come after you someday. I, um…I would prefer if I could stay with you.”

Ruby gaped at him and he was quick to elaborate on his stance. ”I know you want to be free. I get that, I really do, but could I still come with you? We could still travel like we did in Las Vegas and when the time comes that you do find a place to settle I would simply go too.

”I could help with Flora and everything! There were a quite a few babies in my coven over the past few centuries so I know how to handle them. I wouldn't want to burden you in any way but Ruby…I truly cannot bear to lose you.

Ash finished with a downcast expression. He wouldn't meet her eyes and she couldn't tell whether it was from embarrassment or something else. He sounded so sad by the end of his little speech but also a bit sheepish somehow.