-H-o-m-e- [.S.w.e.e.t.] <H.o.m.e>

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

Ashton's first attempt to walk into her apartment was pathetic at best. As he turned to head inside he vaguely realized that he was only partway in the doorway and he was headed for the frame. But before he could do anything a loud thump echoed through the complex and he was sent stumbling backwards. Someone yelled nearby, but he paid them no heed. I guess I'm not quite myself yet,he said in a quiet daze before managing to regain his balance and walk inside the door properly on his second try. He did not wait for an invitation but immediately headed for the couch and plopped himself down on the far end with a thud. He left plenty of room for Jamie to sit down as well, really not caring at all where she sat, just glad he was off of his feet and sitting on something more comfortable than the ground besides a tree or a building were he had just been in a fight. He sighed in contentment, not thinking at all about leaving. He was too tired to move now.

Thanks, he said to Jamie quietly. But I don't know if I can manage to get up again, I'm so tired. He watched her carefully, sensing her fear of being left alone in the apartment. Maybe he would have to stay here, if he couldn't stand back up. But that would not be the best idea he had ever had and he knew he would have to move if it was physically possible. He tried to move his head and look at her, but the dizzy feeling exploded again, triggered by his run in with the wall a few moments ago. This wasn't at all good. Maybe he should have gone with the EMTs to the hospital, just in case. Oh well, too late now.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie waited for Ashton to come in, but she watched him walk into the door frame. She imediately went to him to help him up, but he did not need it. Jamie then asked, I guess you not. Maybe you should go sit down. Jamie smiled to him slightly, and moved out of the way so he go to the couch and sit down. Jamie watched him for a moment, and then shut the front door. She locked it, and went and dropped her keys off on the kitchen isle. She sighed and looked at Ashton. You look so comfortable. Jamie smiled and then walked into the kitchen. Can I get you anything? Something to eat, drink, medicine? She glanced up to ashton, as she poured herself a glass of milk. Jamie stood there, and waited for a moment for Ashton to answer. Your welcome to sleep on the couch tonight. There is extra blankets and pillows here for you, you know, if you wanted them. Jamie looked up to Ashton. Maybe he was going to stay the night. She was not sure, but in the condition he was in, he just might be.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

No, he said, shaking his head when she began to offer him things. I have everything that I need at home. His eyes were drooping as he leaned back on the couch, his body more than ready to fall asleep right then and there. He was in between sleep and wakefulness when he heard her offer for him to spend the night on the couch he awoke from the half-sleep and looked up. No, no, he said quickly. I really shouldn't stay here. He tried to sit up, but he collapsed backwards, his body unwilling to move. It was glad to be sitting on the couch, no longer faced with exhaustion as he walked along to some far-off place. I really should get home, he sighed, but did not try to move again. His eyes were closed as he leaned against the back of the couch. Stupid, he muttered to himself. Weakness was something that he did not deal well with, as he was prooving at that moment when he tried once more to sit up, only to fall back to the couch again.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie shrugged her shoulders and put the milk back into the refriderator. Okay then. Jamie watched Ashton as he tried to get up. He fell back onto the couch. Do what you want, but you are always welcome here if you need it. Jamie smiled and as she watched him, Jamie headed for her bedroom. I'll be right back. She disappeared into her bedroom, and shut the door behind her. Jamie set the glass of milk down, slipped her shoes off and put on a pair of black stretchy pants, and a blue tank top. This is what she was going to sleep in. Jamie then grabbed an extre blanket and pillow. She had a feeling that Ashton was not going to make it up to his apartment. Jamie went back to where Ashton was, with the folded up blanket in one arm, and the pillow in the other hand. She set it next to him, and said I promise not to do anything to you. And don't think I will. Jamie started to walk away, but before she left, Jamie turned around and walked back over to Ashton. Ashton, just go to sleep on my couch, or I might have to give you some medicine to put you to sleep. Jamie smiled and waited for Ashton to reply.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

Ashton had always been defiant. It was a character trait that he happened to carry around with him and it was hard to defy defiance. He was determined to reject her help, simply because he was one of the people who did not like to rely on others. I won't need anything, he said just before she went to her room and closed the door. He waited in silence, wondering what she was doing. When she came out he knew, of course, why she had gone to her room. She had changed into black stretch pants and a blue tank top. She looked good enough in it, even though it was apparently her idea of pajamas. He sighed when he saw the pillow and blanket. She seemed determined to have him stay the night in her apartment, and he was determined to do the exact opposite, no matter what he had to put his stupid body through to get his way. He was stubborn, another trait that he carried along with him everywhere.

What could she possible do to him without waking him, he wondered. Injured though he was, heavy sleeper he was not. I won't be here for you to do anything to anyways, Jamie, he sighed. I can't stay here. He decision was final, but his body wasn't about to let him defy it, no matter how much he wanted to. I need to go home, he said in the middle of a yawn. He didn't take her threat of medicine seriously at all, though he thought he should in the back of his mind. He struggled to sit up, but hardly got farther than leaning forward over his knees, his head in his hands as his body complained with screams of aches and pains. He sighed. He wasn't about to give up the fight against his body. He was going home.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie was determined to keep him in her apartment. Jamie put her hands on her hips and looked at him. Ashton, will you just lie you head down and go to sleep? Quit being stubborn and fall asleep already. Jamie sighed, and went into the kitchen. Fine, if you want to play this little game... Jamie went through her medicine cabnet until she found some sleeping medicine. She poured a glass of water, and took it into Ashton. Now, we can do this the hard way, or the easy way. Which do you prefer? Jamie stood there, not going to let Ashton get up, not that he could anyhow, and leave. She was going to have him fall asleep on her couch. She was even willing to sleep in front of the front door so he could not escape. And if he wanted to, he could try to run out the sliding glass door but the patio was fenced in by an eight foot fence. Jamie would hear Ashton in the night if he tried to leave. Jamie stood in the same spot and just stared at Ashton. I can't let you go home. You will end up killing yourself.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

I need to go home, he said, eying her furtively. She had gone to the kitchen and was getting water and what looked like medicine. Crap, he thought to himself. He couldn't even defend himself against her, he was so tired to move. But defiant Ashton was still there and ready to fight. As he watched her carefully she came closer, holding the water and the medicine. You wouldn't dare,he said cautiously, knowing very well that she would dare to make him take the sleeping medicine. He struggled to try and stand, only just managing to make it to the edge of the couch, but he knew he would never manage to stand and reach the door before she stopped him. He glanced at her warily again, watching to see what she was going to do about him since he seamed to be stuck sitting here for the time being. He wasn't about to go to sleep though, not if he could help it.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie watched Ashton. She could not believe how hard he was being about sleeping on her couch. Jamie did not say anything. She just looked at him. How do you expect to get yourself home, when you cannot even stand up without falling over? Jamie had the bottle of medicine in her hand and the glass of water in the other hand. Now Ashton, I am going to give you this medicine, whether you like it or not. You will so much better and it will make you sleep. Jamie put the glass down next to Ashton, and unscrewed the bottle of pills. She dumped out two white pills in her hand and then rescrewed the cap on. Jamie set the bottle down, and turned back to Ashton. How 'bout it? I can do it, or you can be a big boy and take it yourself. Jamie eyebrows highered as she waited for a reply. She waited for Ashton, but then got tired of waiting. Jamie sat down next to him, nearly touching him. You cannot leave this apartment until you have taken these pills. I won't let you go and if you try... well, it won't be hard to stop you. Her voice was firm. She was not going to let Ashton leave until morning. He needed to sleep, and he needed to be cared for. There was nothing wrong with that. Jamie sat there, and just watched him. She was willing to even put her hand out, or body, or foot out to stop Ashton from trying to leave. She was also very quick and was willing to get to the door before Ashton. There was really no choice but to take the pills.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

Ashton moved his hands to the couch beside his legs, gripping the edge of the couch as though he were preparing to spring up and make a run for it. But he was still undecided. His mind told him he had to go home, but his body told him that he was fine just where he was. And maybe he did want to stay here for the night a little, but that was something that he would rather avoid if possible. Better not to let wants get the best of you. He sighed and hung his head, as though he were defeated, but then he turned his head, looking at Jamie with one stone cold, serious eye. They didn't look like they had when he had been angry at her for calling the ambulance. This was simply the defiant look that he often had. He was almost glaring at her, but not in an angry way. There was a touch of wariness in his eyes as he glanced at the pills she held in her hand. This was sure to end badly.

I am not taking pills, he said, his voice firm. You should just give in and let me go home, he warned before trying to stand up again. He managed to pull himself a few inches of the couch, and he knew that he would be able to manage it soon enough. He tried another time, managing to actually get himself on his feet, wobbling back and forth. Taking one step forward, and nearly falling over, he began to head for the door.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie just stared back at him. The pills were still in her hand. She kept on watching him. Her heart began to be a little faster when he tried to get off the couch. Your not going home. Don't even think about it. Jamie voice was serious. She watched him for a moment. Once he got to his feet, Jamie jumped to her feet and stood in front of him. Your not going anywhere. Just sit down and take the medicine. Jamie put her hands on her hips, and stood tall, well really, short. Once he took the first step, Jamie sighed and said Oh fine, play hard. Jamie gently reached her hands out to his sides and tried to pushed him back towards the couch. She was going to be stubborn and not let him leave. She was a whole lot smaller than he was, but she was also very speedy and quick. She could beat him to the door if he wanted to try and run. Jamie watched Ashton for a moment, still trying to get him to sit down. Ashton, she said with a deep sigh. Site you butt down. Quit being a pain the butt and take the pills. She sighed and talked in a slight irritated voice, but also a firm voice. Jamie was stubborn at times, and one of those times was now. She was not giving up on getting Ashton to sit down, take the medicine and fall alseep on her couch.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

He looked at her in front of him rather stupidly before he took the first step, almost falling over without her help. Then he felt the pressure on his sides from her hands and all of a sudden he was falling backwards again. He hit the couch with a thud and closed his eyes in discomfort for a moment before he managed to open them and become aware of where he was again. Do you realize how long it took me to build up the strength it took to stand up? he cried in quiet exasperation, looking at her indignantly, his eyes still a little bit shocked by what had just happened. He was already leaning back against the couch in the position that he had landed in, so he laid his head back with a frustrated sigh. I am not taking pills. I am not going to sleep. He said firmly, looking at her with wary eyes. The fall back to the couch, on top of the standing up, had completely whiped him. He wasn't getting up for a while, though it was guarenteed that he would try again as he managed to sit forward and start raising himself from the couch again, just barely able to lift himself up a few inches and struggling to not fall back again.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie was growing more and more frustrated with Ashton. She was getting tired of this little game, but she was not about to give up. Jamie did not sit down after she pushed him back down on the couch. She felt a little bad about it, but she knew she was doing him a favor. Ashton, let me make this clear. You will take the pills or I will call the ambulance again. Jamie hoped the threat with force him to take the pills, but she doubted it highly. I will stay up all night if I have to. As tired as I am, I still am strong and not going to give up. You know you just need to stay here tonight and sleep. There is nothing wrong with that, and nothing will happen. Jamie looked at Ashton. She was becoming a little annoyed by his stubbornness, but she was a stubborn person as well. Maybe, that is why they did not get along. Two stubborn people, not giving into each other. Jamie watched as Ashton tried to stand up. She sighed and shook her head. Ashton, please, just stop trying to get up. Her voice sounded tired, and restless. If you don't take the medicine then you might have to go to the hospital. The medicine that I have is special for neck pains. If you ever want your neck to stop hurting for a period of time. You will be able to sleep peacefully tonight. Jamie put both hands on Ashton's shoulders. Jamie tried to pushed on him trying to keep him on the couch. Please. Her eyes were worried, and also pleading.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

Halfway off the couch he froze. Her words had hit a nerve - a fear, others might call it. If he went to the hospital they would contact his mother and she would freak out and do something stupid, like fly over to Crystal Falls immediately. That would never end well. You wouldn't, he said, malice lacing his voice as he narrowed his eyes. My neck doesn't hurt anymore, he pointed out. It didn't really. There was a bit of a sore spot where he had been hit, but he was better than he had been before. Her hands on his shoulders stopped him again as he was forced back onto the couch. He glanced up at her face, ready to defy her again, when he heard the word please come from her mouth and saw her pleading expression lined with worry. If you would just let me go home everything would be fine,he grumbled, finally giving up. He wasn't going to be allowed to leave. He leaned an arm against the arm of the couch, trying to look away from her, the defiance in his body lost.

[Trinity]

Jamie

Jamie sighed. She looked at him, and was not going to give up. You want to try me? I will do it again. Jamie's voice was serious and did not have any ease in it. She was determined to keep him there, so she could take care of him. This will all end if you would take the stupid pills. Jamie was with a huff. She knew she was close to breaking, but she also knew that if she did, and somehow, Ashton hurt himself, Jamie would feel all responsible for it because she did not keep Ashton in her apartment. Just... Jamie let go of Ashton's shoulders. stay here tonight, and go home in the morning. Jamie stood straight up, and set the pills down on the kitchen isle. Without another word, she went into the kitchen and grabbed some pain relief for herself. She poured herself a glass of milk and watched down two blue pills. Jamie finished off the milk and put the glass in the sink. The pain in her back, from being thrown onto the hard ground, was just not hitting her. Jamie leaned against counter with her arms crossed, waiting and watching to see what Ashton was going to do. Jamie had a pleading look on her face, and a pleading eye.

[[.A.n.y.u.]]

A S H T O N

Nando kimi ni, ketsu mazuitemo modottekichau, aijou ni
^{_{I hurt myself because of you, over and over; but my love didn't go away--it kept coming back.}}

She meant her threat, and he wasn't stupid enough to test that. Better to let her win this time that cause himself more problems that he didn't need. How on earth had he gotten himself into this mess in the first place? Oh, that's right. He had saved her life, and now she was forcing him to stay against his will and take pills, or she would call the hospital again. With a sigh he reached toward the pills and the water, taking the glass first and passing it to the other hand before picking up the pills. He stared at them for a few long moments, his eyes blank, as though unwilling to put them in his mouth. Then, slowly, he opened his mouth and placed them inside and drank a swallow of water to send them down his throat. He felt them go down, knowing that it would not take long before he grew tired and would not be able to fight this anymore. He sighed, staring at the floor forlornly. Five minutes later he was already beginning to feel tired and his eyes drooped, though he was still fighting sleep.