The worst was at night. The nightmares were getting better. Now I woke up panicked but silent. They were just as frightening, but they were easier to hide.
The fact that Ash was being so careful, waiting for me to be ready before initiating anything, meant the world to me.
I’d seriously misjudged him all these years. I’d thought he was nothing but a slacker and party animal who didn’t give a shit about anyone but himself.
It turned out I couldn’t have been more wrong. He was none of those things, and I was quickly learning that he was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’d ever met.
I’d seen glimpses of this side of him when he’d interacted with Riley. He was so good with her, so sweet, and I was ashamed that I’d assumed it was all an act and that he was just a jerk who knew how to fool people.
“Ash?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t think I can handle another horror movie tonight.”
“Probably not the best idea. Have you seen the newest Spider-Man movie?”
“I saw it when it first came out. But it was awesome. I’d watch it again.”
“You sure? We can pick another.”
“No, if you want to watch it, then I’m good with that. Remember, geek here. I’m all about superheroes.”
“Especially if they’re in tights?” he teased.
“I mean, I’m not going to deny that’s a giant bonus.” I patted his chest. “You’d look good in a unitard.”
He chuckled and pressed a kiss into my hair. “Yeah, that’s not gonna happen.”
“No? You don’t want to play dress-up? Maybe put on some superhero costumes and have a little fun. Thor pounding the fuck out of Loki would be hot. Just saying.”
“My naughty little kitten.” Ash’s voice was heavy with affection. “But you’re not wrong. Thor and Loki are my number one slash couple.”
“Who else?”
“Bucky and Steve.”
“Obvs.” I put my chin on his chest and looked up at him. “They’re in everyone’s top three.”
“What’s your third?” he asked.
“It’s a bit weird.”
“I like weird.”
“Okay, hear me out. Hawkeye and Falcon.”
“Is it because of the bird theme?” Ash quirked an eyebrow.
“No.” I rolled my eyes. “That’s just a happy coincidence. I think they’d look hot together.”
“They would. Who do you think would top?”
“Falcon. No doubt.”
“Really? I think they’d be vers.”
“You think so?”