REALITY - ashton :]

[peter bergan walker]

<sup>The idea had come to Peter Friday night after Ashton's little episode. Peter knew some things about Ashton. He didn't know a lot of the more important things, but he had picked up some little details that he made note of. Peter firmly believed that in a relationship the little thing mattered more than anything else did. What had been plaguing Peter most of Friday morning was that he had told Ashton that he loved him. Maybe it was a mistake... maybe it wasn't. Ashton didn't return the favor, which told Peter that the scale leaned more toward mistake. Peter didn't care. That was how he felt and he wasn't going to feel bad about it. Peter was supposed to go home and see his father Friday morning, but that wasn't possible anymore. He had decided that he wouldn't go. Peter avoided his father's normal places and avoided his room. What Peter did Friday night was-- shop. He went to different places, trying to put his idea into action. He was going to be there for Ashton whether he liked it or not.

Peter picked up a few little things that he knew Ashton liked. He picked up some mountain dew livewire, cheetos, and a bunch of ingredients to make cookies. Sure Peter could have gotten the cheaper toll house cookies or something, but he didn't thing those really had the feeling in them. Peter was very picky about making his cookies. He tended to bake his feelings into them. Ashton's cookies would take a lot more care and attention than Saiga's. Somehow Ashton's cookies seemed more important. Peter returned to his dorm late Friday night. He picked up a few things and moved down to Kholden's dorm. Kholden was away with Carson so it really didn't matter and he didn't think that Kholden would mind all that much. Peter was sure to keep everything in their places and not really put too much of his own stuff anywhere. Even though he knew Khol wouldn't mind if he even messed up the room... he didn't want to be a bad dorm guest.

The weekend went slowly and Peter had to play his cards very carefully. He had to be sure to avoid his dad and make it down to the campus kitchen. They always allowed Peter in to do his thing. He always cleaned up and he always made sure to leave the ladies a little something. Peter carried everything he had bought Friday into the kitchen. He studied over the ingredients carefully. While speaking to Ashton on the chat, Peter mixed all of the ingredients, getting ready to bake the cookies. At first the conversation had gone well, but when the conversation took a nearly sour turn Peter stopped mixing and paid more attention to the conversation. It finally began to pick up again and Peter started putting dough on the tin cookie sheets. After shoving them into the oven all Peter had to do was wrap up conversation with Ashton and get over to the school. It was dark, but that was okay. All of the clouds had cleared out and it was really one of the clearest nights Chicago had in the last few months.

After the cookies had finished, Peter put them on a plate, covered them and made his way to Camden. He didn't waste any time. The cab ride over wasn't horrible and Peter was just glad that he was about to see Ashton. He was so excited and he wanted his surprise to be a super good thing. Peter moved out back of Camden and looked around. It was still pretty dark, the only light coming from a distant street light. But the sky was clear and just about all the stars were completely visible. Peter sat the stuff down before spreading a blanket over the grass. He sat down on the blanked, fishing out his phone and texting Ashton: out back, ash :] come on down Peter leaned back on the blanket as he waited for Ashton to come down. He stared up to the stars and closed his eyes. A familiar ring tone came over his phone. It was one Peter had specifically picked out for his dad. Peter simply turned his phone off, not wanting to deal with it.

No- this night was about him and Ashton and cookies with loved baked into every one. Peter wouldn't let anything ruin his night. He was going to wait for his boyfriend to show up and he was going to kiss his boyfriend and take him away to a different reality where there was just them and no one else.</sup>

[ashton cole johnson]

<sup>Ashton seriously is really curious as to what peters got up his sleeve. Ashton has never been one to like surprises, but coming from pete they seem a little more bearable. Ashton licked his lips as he looked up at his ceiling. He didnt know what to do but wait, so of course his mind wandered. He'd been having headaches the past few days or so and he could only link it to his most recent blackout. He felt like he should be remembering something, but he just couldnt seem to get to it, its like it was being blocked and it seriously hurt his head to think about it. He felt like such a loser copping out on pete like he had when hed been talking to him on the computer. Then again maybe it hadnt been so bad, hed woken up to pete sleeping with him. He didnt remember ever inviting him over, he was normally careful about that.

Hes had pete over once before the last time and they hadnt stayed very long, but apparently this time theyd fallen asleep together... god he wished he could remember how hed gotten there. His brows furrowed together and the familiar pain started to spread in his head and he stopped. It was still there, but not as sharp as before. He scowled and sat up as he rummaged through a drawer and pulled out some asprin then grabbed a nearby water bottle and swallowed them down.

Pete had said he was skipping his dads house. It left an unsettling feeling in his stomach and he didnt like it. A part of him was glad that he was sticking it to his dad but the other part knew that this probably wasnt going to turn out good and he didnt know just how severe that was. He had tried to talk pete out of it, but pete just brushed it off. Why was he being so damn stubborn? If anyone knew the severity of the situation it would be pete. Why would pete even tempt with that? He sighed and rubbed his thumb and forefinger over his head before moving to rubbing his temples. He didnt want to a grouch tonight.

Pete seemed really happy... excited too. He just ... he wanted to focus on that. He squeezed his eyes closed for a few moments before opening them. Maybe by the time pete got here, the headache would be gone. Moving he went back to his bed, shutting his light off first and then layed down.

He was nearly asleep when his phone went off. Grumbling he grabbed it his sleep fogged brain forgetting that he was waiting for pete. He had to blink a few times against the brightness of his screen in the dark room. Finally the text started to take form in his head and he realized it was from ash.

Here?... wha... he stopped. Right .. hed been waiting for him.

Standing up pete didnt bother with anything, just slipped out of his room running long thing fingers through his hair. It was getting shaggy... he should really get it cut. Maybe hed ask pete... Who knows pete might like it. Wait... why was he caring about shit like that? Its just fucking hair.

Ashton grumbled at his thoughts as he made his way out back. It was dark outside and he scanned the grounds for pete. He saw a shadow but didnt want to take any chances, could be a stalker. Marco?" he called out nearing it cautiously.</sup>

[peter bergan walker]

<sup>Peter was so happy... possibly more happy than he had ever been even with Blaine. He and Ashton had some bumps in the road, but Peter assumed all couples had those. There had been that one moment where Peter had been afraid that Ashton had really broken up with him and god was he glad he let Ashton take it back. That night Ashton had fallen asleep in his arms and visa-versa. It was nice. Just... being able to wake up and the first person he saw was Ashton... something about that just made Peter feel much more strong, confident... happy. This was an excited feeling that Peter wouldn't trade for the world. He could feel it with every single breath he took. Every inch of Peter knew what he was feeling and it was a little upsetting that Ashton hadn't taken it all that well. But Peter knew this excited, jumpy feeling. He knew that every time he thought about Ashton he smiled and that with ever kiss his stomach twisted, reminding him that each kiss could very well be their last. To some that would be a depressing thought, but Peter thought it was probably the most romantic thought he had ever had in his life.

As Peter lay on the blanket, staring at the bright stars, he thought about how this could have happened. He and Ashton had started out in a fake relationship, meant to cover up the tracks of his lying to his ex, Blaine, about being in a relationship. Somewhere along the road it had turned into a real relationship. Peter was glad he did that... he was glad he made it official with Ashton. He wouldn't change that decision unless Ashton wanted to. He remembered the conversation, chuckling as he thought about it. The whole thing had turned into an argument about whether or not they should make it official. Luckily it ended with them becoming official and the argument ending. Was it bad luck to go into a relationship arguing? Peter hoped he never found out if it were bad luck. So far peter felt like he was the luckiest boy on the planet. Most of these feelings Peter didn't share with Ashton merely because he didn't think Ashton would approve. That was okay with Peter. He obviously wouldn't have Ashton any other way. The thought of it was even appalling to him.

Drawing in a deep breath, Peter smiled. At one point Peter had been sure that he had imagined love ever being something that was meant for him. Peter had absolutely been positive that was something that he wasn't meant to have after Blaine... but Ashton came along. Ashton upset Peter's whole loveless, unbalanced life. That wasn't a bad thing though. Peter was still recovering and he found a lot of things about himself changing. He never would have thought to stand up against his dad had Ashton not come along. It would have been weekend after weekend of getting knocked around and abused. Now, as Peter stared at the night sky, his palms laying flat on the blanket, he realized that his life was slowly becoming unpredictable. Peter had no idea what would end up happening. Would he make it the distance with Ashton? Would they break up tomorrow? Would his dad come looking for him? There were so many uncertainties and Peter kind of liked that. It kept him on his toes for sure. Peter couldn't be more grateful for what Ashton did to his life and that was why he needed to do things for Ashton... he needed to be there for Ashton.

Peter wondered how long it would take Ashton to get down there. He hadn't really thought about that though he didn't mind the peace he had at the moment either. Most people would be a little more cautious about hanging out in the dark, but not Peter. He hardly ever thought of his safety when he really needed to. Safety just wasn't all that important to him, though he had promised Ashton that he would start locking his door. There had been a couple of times where Peter had forgotten to follow up on that, but he was starting to get better at it! Finally Peter heard some footsteps. He wasn't sure if it was Ashton at first, but he sat up anyway, listening to the soft crunch of the grass. Peter turned to try and get a good look at whoever was coming toward him, but the figure was still just as silhouette in the darkness. Licking his lips, Peter stood and took a step toward the figure. It was one measly step and didn't help him in being able to see who it was that was walking toward him.

As soon as Peter heard the voice he grinned and bound toward the figure he now knew was Ashton. He wrapped his arms around Ashton, pulling him into a hug. "Polo." Peter answered with a laugh as he pulled away from the hug, taking each of Ashton's hands in his and threading his fingers through Ashton's. He leaned up, having to lift up on his feet a little, since Ashton was a bit taller than him, and pressed his lips to Ashton's. Just like every other kiss, though it wasn't long and passionate, it still held that same intensity for Peter. He pulled away, but that wasn't enough for him. After stealing another kiss from Ashton Peter began to slowly pull him toward the blanket. "I know it's like... super dark, but I mean seriously, Ash... look at those stars." Peter pulled Ashton to where he was standing on the blanket. "Have a seat... let's get this surprise going." Peter moved to the basket that he had carried everything over in and reached into it. The first thing he pulled out was two mountain dews. He handed one over to Ashton. "Phase one," Peter said with a smile. "Get you wired on mountain dew so that phases 3 and 4 seem so much more interesting."</sup>

[ashton cole johnson]

<sup>Ashton had a feeling it was pete, but just to be on the safe side. Then as the figure stood up and then bounded after him after he said Marco, he almost ran but he hesitated far too long and soon pete was on him. Maybe it was pete he should be afraid of. Ashton smirked his arms wrapping around him and he raised his brows even though he was sure pete couldnt see. The hug didnt last long, but pete was already lacing their fingers and ashton, out of habit, glanced around before rolling his eyes at himself for being an idiot. It was nighttime... besides hes kissed pete in public before why was he suddenly self conscious.

The kiss pete gave him was nice, it wasnt like their usual, but ashton wasnt complaining. He liked these too. Ashton had a lot of firsts when it came to pete and he was still getting used to it. The funny thing was that it wasnt as hard of an idea to get used to as he assumed it would be. They kissed again before pete was leading him over to the spot hed been at. Ashton noted that there was a blanket layed out and some other things. Taking a seat he looked up towards the sky upon Petes comment. mmm... he nodded. yeah. he took a seat as was told it seemed pete was in charge tonight. I like stars. he commented offhand.

Ashton did like the stars he knew a lot of the constellations as well. His favorite was Cassiopeia. It was a constellation but amongst a group of stars that make it look like its just a cluster from the ground. It just seems like a ball of out of whack stars and most people dont really notice it because of that. For some reason Ashton kind of likes that. AShtons attention was taken from the stars as pete kept talking and he blinked realizing he was holding a mountain dew out for him. He smirked, the thing about pete was that he always paid attention to what things ashton liked and he always made sure that it was what he had around just for him. IT was... kind of sweet.

Ashton unscrewed the cap and took a drink licking his lips of any residue and looked over at pete. I have a feeling im going to enjoy it a lot no matter if im wired or not. he smirked. So... do i get to know yet or is it like a surprise that keeps on surprising?' he asked taking another drink. He looked back up at the stars. It really was quite nice. He hadnt taken time to look up at the stars in some time and he kind of missed it. It felt different doing that with someone for once. He normally did it to get away from his parents, sneaking up onto the roof. Now he was with pete and... it was nicer.</sup>

[peter bergan walker]

<sup>Peter was glad it was dark. He didn't want anything getting in the way of the moment. It was important that it go well for him. The darkness was calming, relaxing. Peter didn't have to worry about how things looked... only how it felt. That, in itself, was a huge relief. He enjoyed all the little things. Peter loved having his fingers laced with Ashton's and he loved the sweet kisses they shared. He couldn't count the endless things that Ashton did that just made him feel good. Peter was sure that Ashton probably didn't realize all the things, but Peter kept them in the back of his mind. The way Ashton seemed to have his own way about things was extremely appealing to Peter. He loved that Ashton was Ashton no matter what the situation. Asking for anything else would just... it wouldn't be right and Peter knew that.

As Ashton sat down, commenting that he liked the stars, Peter knew that he had started off good. "I'm glad you like stars, Ash." He commented as he proceeded to get everything ready. Liking the stars... that was a start. Peter hoped desperately that he had gotten everything right and he hadn't screwed up. He was so afraid that Ashton would end up saying he hated mountain dew and cheetos were stupid and cookies were for squares. That would really break Peter's heart. He was still so worried about that. There was a possibility still that he could have remembered something wrong. So far Ashton hadn't done or said anything that made it seem like he wasn't at least content with the late night outing. He hoped that things stayed that way. Peter wanted... if he couldn't make Ashton completely happy, to at least make him content.

Peter watched as Ashton drank his mountain dew. GOOD! He was glad that he at least got that part right! He opened his own and took a sip, looking up to the stars. But it was Ashton's words that caused a smile to spread across Peter's lips. Those words meant that Ashton was already enjoying it and that he would probably enjoy the rest. Peter was so excited. He was almost ready to spring to the next part, but he decided to hold it back for just a moment. "This surprise is charged by Energizer." Peter commented with a laugh. "But it comes in phases so you're just gonna have to wait until I feel like moving on." Peter took a moment to look from the basket, to Ashton, then back to the basket. "Bah! Okay, I'm ready." Peter leaned toward the basket and fished out two bags of cheetos. "Welcome to phase 2." Peter said with a laugh.

Phases 3 and 4 were what scared Peter. The cookies... and well, phase 4 would be Peter's secret until time. Peter knew that phase 4 would be the best, even better than the cookies and that was why it was saved for last. Peter wanted Ashton to know that it was the best of the four... at least Peter thought so.</sup>

[ashton cole johnson]

<sup>Ashton smirked a bit and shrugged. well you know.. stars.. make the sky look far bigger then the day does and stars are like possibilites. How many people look up at the sky during the day and just think of things like dreams and stuff... not a whole lot. But if you sit people down beneath a starry night its like... everythings possible. Its like you're ages younger and things are at the tips of your fingers you know. ... i dont kow i know that... was probably stupid..' he frowned looking down. I.. dont know.'

He knew that was a completely childish thought. He felt childish even saying it aloud and he sighed leaning back on his arms to look back up at the stars. What was it about stars that ignited such wonder in people. Really was it all people or just... some. maybe he was wrong and that whole thing he just said... maybe pete thought it was stupid. Biting his lip he glanced over at pete, totally expecting some kind of are you an idiot. look then he stopped, looking back up at sky again because really. Even if peter thought he was an idiot he wasnt going to vocalize it let alone look at him like that. Pete was far too nice.

He really didnt know how he ended up with peter. They werent exactly polar opposites but he was pretty sure they had a lot of opposites about them that most would not put them together. They seemed to work okay though... right?

Ashton pushed it away again and took another drink from his mountain dew. Pete started to talk again so ashton gave him his attention. He couldnt help but smirk in a ... humorous way. PEte was being adorable as he introduced the night. When he mentioned phases, ashtons brow rose with interest. PHases huh? Well... he was definitely curious to see what he had in store for him. He wondered what kinds of things peter came up with. He had a feeling whatever it was he was going to like. Oh really? When you decide? WIll there be room for persuasion?' he smirked giving him a look.

At petes excited look as he looked between him and the basket ashton couldnt help but laugh lightly and then pete was handing him a bag of cheetos. Your so romantic' he said with teasing sarcasm. Most people would think he was being mean, replying like that and because of his voice it didnt really come out as much of a joke as he had meant for it. He hoped pete didnt take it that way. He hoped pete maybe knew that he was just teasing and in a good way.

"So.. you are fattening me up for the other phases? Is this like... you're going to eat me or is this an intersesting form of foreplay? he smirked as he opened the little bag and popped a few mouth.</sup>

[peter bergan walker]

<sup>Peter really liked what Ashton was saying about the stars. He sort of knew what Ashton meant, but at the same time he didn't. Sometimes Peter wondered what it would be like to get into Ashton's head. He had a little glimpse of what had gone on in Ashton's head before and just that little glimpse had made him so sad. Peter was just glad that it appeared there were some positive thoughts in Ashton's head too. Shrugging lightly, Peter smiled, "When I was little my neighbor told me that space was a whole other world filled with dreams and possibilities." He laughed softly, "I remember looking up at the stars and wishing that I could rise above my own world. I think, now, that stars are more than that. Sitting here... under the stars with you... it's the highest world I could hope to be in." Peter honestly didn't care how corny that probably sounded. That was how he felt. He wouldn't change that just because it might make Ashton feel a little uncomfortable.

One thing about Peter was that he was never afraid to let someone know exactly how he felt. When he wanted Ashton to know the feelings he had, then he would either plainly tell Ashton or plainly show it. This was an instance where Peter had chosen to do both telling and showing. He cared a lot about Ashton even though they really hadn't been together all that long. It still felt good to him and that was something that Peter didn't want to ever pass up. People may not have suspected, but Peter was rarely ever comfortable before Ashton came along. Now it was like there was a solid stability that hadn't been there before and Peter needed that stability. He needed to know that he had someone solid to lean against. Whether ashton thought he was solid or not, Peter did and that was really all that mattered.

Peter laughed at Ashton's comment, "Persuasion, eh?" Peter mused with a smile. "I'll think about it." Peter winked at Ashton jokingly. No way would Ashton even need to use persuasion. Peter was already ready to move on to the next phase. It was all so exciting to him. He enjoyed being able to surprise Ashton and just make a wonderful night for the both of them. Ashton was... reacting really well and that added a bit more to Peter's confidence. He just wanted to do what he could to make Ashton happy. Even though Peter wasn't sure that he would ever be able to make Ashton completely happy... he would settle for temporary happiness while he could. Peter sometimes wondered if that was an impossible goal, but he believed he could do it. He would stop at nothing to make Ashton happy as possible. He didn't want tomorrow to end up being the end of the world... because then that would mean that Ashton would see the end unhappy. Peter didn't think anyone should have to be unhappy in the end.

Peter stuck his tongue out at Ashton. "Hey, mister, that's gotta be the most romantic bag of cheetos you've ever seen." He laughed, opening his own bag of cheetos before taking a sip of his own mountain dew. Peter shook his head as he chewed on some cheetos. "Psh, fatten you up... I can't do the impossible." He laughed as he ate a few more cheetos. Raising an eyebrow, Peter took a sip of his mountain dew. "As for that question... I won't be able to answer that until after phase four." Peter couldn't wait to get there either. He loved all his phases, but three and four had to be the best out of all of them, hence why he saved them for last.</sup>

[ashton cole johnson]

<sup>Ashton looked over at him and smirked a bit but said nothing. He totally thought that was completely corny but at the same time it made him feel really good. He didnt get why peters dorky little things could make him feel so good and warm. He sighed and licked his lip. Part of him was getting worried that this was getting very serious way too fast while another part of him actually kind of wanted this. He had never been more happy then when he was with peter. Not even when hed been with andy, though andy had the pleasure of being his first for everything, so Peter... peter was actually getting his happiness, his true happiness, not just because it was new.

Peter always seemed to be able to tell him how he was feeling no matter what it was. Ashton on the other hand, had a harder time revealing his true feelings. Sometimes he would but he wouldnt do it in a direct way with him it was like you had to read between the lines or ... take something he says or does and think beyond what you would first think. Sometimes his meanings were there just... more hidden. Ashton just was not very good at sharing things like that and he didnt get how peter could just be so open about that kind of stuff. It ... was kind of... interesting.

Ashton smirked as he said hed think about the persuasion bit. Honestly with the way pete was going he didnt think hed even try the persuasion. He was kind of just enjoying how pete was handling this. So far so good. He finished off his chips and then took another drink of his soda. He was content to just sit here in Peters company. It was a weird feeling in the sense hed just never been so comfortable with a person like this in his whole life. He didnt understand how hed run into pete and it had all been... kind of.. funny how it happened. He never would have guessed itd turn out this way really. He... didnt mind it.

Ashton smirked and nodded. You're right.. it was. i almost feel bad for eating it. he gave him an obvious eye roll though it was a light one, so pete didnt take offense. he was only playing. Psh you never know. Not like i can guarantee my metabolism will remain like this through the years. You could be getting my body ready so it will be happy to store fats when it starts to die on me. he nodded. Which is not cool. If you wanted more cushion to your boy you should have got with someone more chunky' he smirked.

Ashtons brow quirked. really now? he leaned over and kissed pete. Then i hope we get past phase three cause you're really getting me excited for phase four/ he said agianst his lips before pulling away and took another drink, smirking at him.</sup>