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The panic that set in as everyone woke up was instant, the immediate crowd was at Aidens side in an instant. Ashlyn couldn't help but back away from him. He died. She thought, He died in her arms, and she couldn't do anything else but hold him. Then there was that other problem- the fact that they might be turning into phantoms- the idea that they might be becoming the things that have caused them so much pain, it made her sick. Aidens voice ran clear, and she wanted to cry, but she didn't know why. Why did this stupid idiot of a boy- make her so afraid to lose something?
"...Ash?" His voice was rough- scared? That idea was so foreign to her- Aiden being scared? Those were two words that just didn't go together. She rose from the floor memories flooding over her and she rushed forward enclosing him in a hug. She clutched at him like a lifeline wrapping a hand around his neck- the neck that was covered in blood two seconds ago- her other hand wrapping around and clutching at his back. She was checking his pulse, and he realized it with a jump.
"You died," She said, her voice shaking like all hell. It made Aiden uneasy, of course, he had seen Ash scared before- it was a given from what they do. Having to run away and around Phatoms, millions of near-death experiences, while they fall asleep, was now the new natural- but this? Ash shaking? That was more terrifying than anything they'd ever faced. He brought his hand around her and pulled her impossibly closer. He brought a hand around her wrist feeling her skin connect with his own.
"Im okay" He breathes out, "im okay" He repeats quietly. She sighs onto him, and practically he is suddenly holding the girl. People try to get her off of him but he glares when they even start to walk close, minus any of the others. He held her as she shook, not crying but almost. It made his heart ache. She was always so strong for and when it came to them, she always broke down when they were hurt. He knew they had work to do- that the clock had already begun before they were back there and they had to get everyone safe. But- part of him just wanted to hold her for a bit. Despite the ache in his head and limbs, he only wanted to hold her. He brought his hands to her face tilting her around and inspecting her face for any injury, she let out a laugh and said
"Aren't I meant to be doing that for you?"
He hummed and tilted her head in another direction, the sounds were probably overwhelming her. He looked around briefly, pulling her into his chest and covering her ears.
"Ty?" He called
The other snapped his head up, "Yeah?"
"Can you get Ash's headphones?"
Tyler nodded a look of understanding dawning on him and he rushed to where she had placed her bag pulling out the headphones that she kept there, Tyler handed them to him and he carefully slipped them over her ears to help block out all the panic. She sighed as soon as the headphones were on. The parents were discussing something, creating some type of plan. But all he could focus on was the girl in his arms, he let her head go and she looked up at him. He pulled her close, anxiety filling his mind again. She was too far- too far and he couldn't keep her safe. Needed to keep her close. His brain numbly filled in. Close, and safe.
"Im safe" Ash muttered "I should be asking you that"
He must have muttered that aloud, but he didn't really care. He just wanted her safe. He, possibly concussed, presses a kiss to her forehead.
"Safe" He mutters, whether he means himself or someone else he doesn't know, but he couldn't care less. She was safe. Safe and in his arms. That was enough. He still held her as someone attempted to tell him information. All he could focus on was her shaking. She was still shaking. He hated it. Hated it to the point that it made him want to burn the whole world. He hated her being afraid, or upset, which it seemed recently was happening much more. He hated it. She always seemed so much more tired lately, I mean, not like he was one to talk. His own lack of sleep was starting to get to him. But he just wishes that he could make her feel better.
"Aiden" She whispers
He tilts his head looking at her
"Yeah?" He says
"Can we get off the floor?"
He nods his head, helping her to her feet her moves to the couch which has a blanket resting on it. He still holds her in his arms, pulling her along with him and tucking his head into his neck. She stiffens for a moment- and he worries that he went too far. With an ache, he pulls his hands away and then pauses when Ash grabs his hand and pulls it back. Sleep pulls at his eyes and he rests his head again. He pulls her to lie down, and she goes with him and then shifts him atop her. He rests his head on her chest, it's the closest they've ever been and he can't help but feel his heart skip a beat. She throws the blanket over him, and her dad says something about going out to plant supplies. All Aiden really cared about though was the fact that he was with her and that she was safe- that they had nothing to worry about.