Ashton Ryder, 29, class of '14, #28 national team, #28 NHL LA Kings, olympic gold medallist 🥇 | defenseman, sniper, blue line shooter. just need the ice and a puck.
Full Name: Ashton Finley Ryder
Nicknames: Ash, Ryder, Fin, Ashy to his teammates
Birthday: November 3, 1996
Birthplace: Carroll County
Current Home: Poppy Court, Carroll County & El Segundo, Los Angeles
Occupation: Team USA Men's Hockey Team; NHL Los Angeles Kings - Defenseman, Sniper, Blue Line Shooter, plays most like Brent Burns & Brandt Clarke (i, ii)
Religion: Atheist
Orientation: Asexual (sex favorable), Biromantic
Status: Dating March Carter, a lil bit in love, very much in love
Aesthetics: sunshine on freshly fallen snow, a star fiercely burning too bright too fast, and worn down hockey skates you’re too attached to to throw away
MBTI: ISFJ-T, The Defender (Turbulent)
Enneagram: Type5 Wing6, The Troubleshooter
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Zodiac: Scorpio
Face Claim: Luke Mitchell .
Voice Claim: Luke Mitchell (i)
THE PHYSICALS
Height: 6'1"
Build: Muscular, Athletic
Allergies: people beating around the bush, & lilies.
Hair Colour: Dirty Blonde
Eye Colour: Deep Blue, that turns deeper when he cries
Glass/Contacts: none, but sometimes if his eyes are strained he has reading glasses
Dominant Hand: Right, but semi Ambidextrous
Tattoos: only one, solar system running across the inside of his left forearm
Scars: Too many to count
Piercings: Earlobes and Helix on both ears
Smells Like: Sage, Cedarwood, Fresh Fallen Snow, Pine, Eucalyptus
Outfit Clothing Style: Sweaters, idk what else to tell you, he has no fashion sense and goes with whatever is the most comfortable things for movement or feel like a hockey jersey.
Accessories: His father's dog tag, he has one and his mother has the other, a friendship ring engraved with a moon on the outside and initials in the inside, a promise made to someone special, usually worn on his left index finger, both never leaves his side, but when he's playing hockey, loops the ring on the dog tag and kisses them quick for good luck before he skates onto the ice.
THE ADDITIONALS
Spoken Languages: English, French
Driver’s License: yes
Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry, Dark Navy (with moonroof, v important)
Pets: Dawn - German Shepard, Military Trained, Retired
Debuts on the Ice: Youth Olympic Games - 2012 (4th) | US National Junior Team - 2012 (IIHF U18 World Champions, Gold), 2013 (IIHF World Junior Champions, Gold) | NHL Draft (3rd Overall) - 2013 | NHL Los Angeles Kings - 2014 (Stanley Cup) | US National Team - 2021 (IIHF Men's World Championship, Bronze), 2025 (4 Nations Face Off, Silver) 2025 (IIHF Men's World Championship, Gold) | US National Olympic Team - 2022 (Beijing Olympics, 5th), 2026 (Milano Cortina Olympics, Gold)
Up Next On The Ice: Carroll County Hockey Summer Camps (Pee Wees, Elementary, Middle, High School Levels)
THE BIOGRAPHY
While Carroll is mostly known for its football talents, behind that glory lies the other sports that try to shine just as bright. Ice Hockey is one of those sports. Ashton being born and bred in Carroll County, he's been playing ice hockey as a kid and grew to really develop a knack for it, it was something his parents introduced to him to channel all that energy into somewhere, taking it up as a sport all through high school, playing the U-18 Nationals and truly making his mark in his junior year in high school as part of the 2013 National Junior Team taking home the World Junior Championship.
While he had hopes to follow his father's footsteps and join the military, losing him in combat shook the Ryder family, his mother begging him to not join at all, anything but the marines, and perhaps in another lifetime he'd follow his dad but this time, he respected his mom's wishes.
Instead he poured his all into his high school's ice hockey team, growing to be the best offensive defenseman and sniper the team's had in years, putting the Cavalier Hockey Team on the Hockey League’s map. Over time it became clearer to Ash that perhaps ice hockey was the route he wanted to take in life, he'd be close to home, and he was fucking good at it - and scouts seemed to agree. During his senior year he was scouted to the NHL Drafts for the Los Angeles Kings, signing on the very next year and competing there for much of his youth before he joined the National USA Team as well for the Winter Olympics in his mid 20s for 2022.
With Ashton coming from a small town, it was super exciting for the small community to know he made it to the National Team. He's been with the USA National Team now for a couple of years, making his Olympic debut then, back to the NHL after and now training for the next. Outside of the competition seasons, he prefers to come back home to Carroll County, training kids and teens during the summer breaks and simply being home and returning the love to the small town that believed in their kids when no one else did.
THE WANTED CONNECTIONS
Type: Platonic
Character name: UTP
Character age: Any
Preferred Faceclaims: Any
Relation to your character: fellow space nerds to nerd about space!! he will send you pics of blurry images of black holes and galaxies and he will cry about it.
Brief description of the relationship: In another life, if it wasn’t hockey, nor the marines, perhaps Ashton might’ve pursued his deep love of astronomy, perhaps he might’ve been working at NASA, perhaps he’d get his PhD in astrophysics. The night sky was the one thing that used to be able to stop the young boy from running around and actually staying still for once, enamored by the vast beauty above, the space was beautiful, as it was terrifying, and Ashton always was interested in learning more. In this life though, he was happy to have it as a hobby to himself, something to enjoy outside of hockey, because hockey was a love that became a job with pressure. the stars had no judgment. you’re a friend that has the same passion, perhaps you guys have stargazing sessions, Ash rarely splurges but the one time he did splurge was to get himself a telescope. you guys share a fun hobby together and Ash is glad to have you in his life that gave him a reprieve from the hockey, sports, the press and media, the limelight, the pressure.
Should you be contacted before application?: No need
Type: Platonic/Rivalry/Professional
Character name: UTP
Character age: 20s-30s for schoolmates (Class of ‘10 - ‘18) / 50 up for mentors/teachers/coaches
Preferred Faceclaims: Any
Relation to your character: Classmates, teammates, athletes of opposing sports, friendly rivalries
Brief description of the relationship: Perhaps in your school years you knew of this golden boy athlete, maybe from your classes, maybe from childhood, maybe crossing paths in the sports realm itself. You could’ve gotten along well with Ashton, or maybe it got on your nerves that hockey was getting a spotlight for the Cavaliers those few years of his existence. Or maybe you remember teaching this kid back in the day. Connections from school that range from close to tense, anything you want!
Should you be contacted before application?: No need
Type: Platonic
Character name: UTP
Character age: Any
Preferred Faceclaims: Any
Relation to your character: Parents to kids / people who Ashton teaches hockey for Brief description of the relationship: Outside of competition seasons, Ashton spends most of his time back home, in the one ice rink the town has and gives back to his alma mater, teaching and mentoring kids of all ages for a mini summer programme. And on normal schedules he holds weekly classes when he can. Perhaps you’re a parent that has a kid that once took or is taking a class, maybe you even as an adult had been interested in picking up a new skill or hobby, Ashton doesn’t turn anyone away from learning.
Should you be contacted before application?: No need
Type: Ex-Romantic TAKEN Character name: UTP Character age: 20s-30s (Class of ‘12 - ‘16) Preferred Faceclaims: Any Relation to your character: Exes, High School Sweethearts Brief description of the relationship: You dated in school, first loves by all accounts, but for one reason or another, things just didn’t work out. So many years have passed and you’re navigating what comes after, friendship? Acquaintances? Never speaking to each other ever again? An Old Flame hoping to rekindle? A connection of a high school sweetheart tragedy. Open to all possibilities! *Any gender, Ashton is bi-romantic asexual (sex-favorable). Should you be contacted before application?: Yes, you can reach me on shannn_n in discord or @defendingtheice on tumblr
//ext. cup cake's bakery and cafe - early morning. july 9th.
@deputydarling
He hasn't really been functioning like a human being yet. Forcing himself to be one during the development camp for prospects in LA was the most he's done and that took a lot out of him to put on that mask. But getting to hang on to the pillar of friends, Fitz, Ruth, Aggie, Claude. He woke up today feeling like he could walk outside again. It's easier when you've made a promise and someone is equally hurting and counting on you.
They agreed to meet at cup cake's first to get their coffee and sit to talk and then take a slow walk over to Winnie's work before he himself headed to the rink, to properly work this time, not to pretend to work but actually crash out on the ice. Ash got there earlier, stealing them a quiet al fresco table with the early morning still cool and breezy enough, Dawn laid down under the table, watching the streets as they both waited for their friend. The German Shepherd was first to notice Winnie, tail wagging at the first signs of her.
"-hey," Ash looked up to Winnie, just in time as he came back with cups of their usual coffee orders to settle down on the table. His voice still a little hoarse, nose still a little stuffed, and eyes still a little puffy, but he flashed her a sad empathetic look of understanding before immediately reaching over to wrap her in an warm enveloping hug, murmuring into her shoulder, "I'm sorry, it must really suck." He held them there as long or as short as she wanted the hug. They both needed it.
//int. rhps rehearsal room, eden - night. july 20th.
@angstfactory claudio
He had really meant it when he swore to completely avoid and ignore the tea, the ignorance he lived in would be much better than the constant anxiety and paranoia of when something would drop and ruin his life. And so! While Britney seemed to be having a field day in her day time show, Ashton was blissfully unaware, coaching the twelve year olds for summer camp that day, he usually makes sure all notifications are off other than calls and texts, phone is away on the bench, setting a good example to the kids to stay focused on camp itself. He had been sending off the kids at the end of the day to parents waiting to pick them up, and overheard certainly some fun tidbits from the chaos today, and some not so fun tidbits. Of course they didn't dare gossip about his stuff in front of him.
He packed up and came over to a rehearsal for the musical, simply to help with callouts once more. He certainly had no musical talents but he sure can yell and project an audience line well. At some point along the way the schedule splits as smaller scenes at worked on, most Brad and Janet stuff, Claude taking a break from their roles. Ashton decided to come sit beside them on the floor against the wall, watching the performers work through their scene with Teddy. "Seems like a lighter day today," he handed them their refilled water bottle before plonking his butt down, it's honestly strange to be here for a few times now when he's basically never step foot in this establishment before.
"So.. Conor, huh?" Ash grinned cheekily as he recalled the bypassing housewife gossip, that was amusing, and somehow.. it also weirdly twisted in his gut at the thought. Just sounded so unlike Claude, but gossip is gossip until he's heard it from his friend themself.
It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out, but Fitzroy followed the soft confession with an understanding nod and no further commentary. What else could there be to say about it? Sometimes, one wasn't in a good mood and they also weren't open to discussing it, either. If there was one thing Fitz had learned with his handling of such a myriad of people of all types of personalities and dispositions in life, it was that most would open up like flowers. One simply had to wait for them to bloom.
With a casual tug of his shirt, Fitz offered a cheeky grin. "Ah, so you think I'm cool," he flirted teased Ash, that hand then coming up to scoop through his hair in a way that said he was exaggerating the moment. If only in some vain attempt to lift the hockey player's spirits in some small way. For some reason, the action made him think of Emily. He felt Emily would have fired back with some cheeky little expression like that, and it brought a more genuine smile to his lips. She must have rubbed off on him from that tour of the yacht. With an inhale and look down at the road, Fitz nodded. "Absolutely," he exhaled the word, his shoulders slumping some. "I'm always anxious," he shared, before side-glancing Ashton, "but aren't we all?" It was said so casually and dismissive, as if Fitz wanted to soften whatever concerns Ash might develop on his behalf of being honest.
They all had their problems.
"See, I'm not much of a corner person myself," he considered then, resting his elbow against his knee and staring across at the darkened houses on the other side of the quiet street. "I'm either right in the thick of things, or I'm not there at all... there is no in-between," Fitzroy chuckled over the thought. "I am like Tinkerbell, I need attention to thrive." Another laugh at his comparison. "And trust, I do love the attention, too. I was born for it, I will admit. But sometimes..." his voice trailed off a moment in thought, "It does get to be a lot." And even he needed time to himself to pick back up and recharge. "Hey now," Fitz was back to looking at Ashton, his elbow giving the other man a gentle nudge, "we should all take each other at our bests and worsts, as they say." They may not have been the closest, but he felt this night might actually change that. Whenever you witnessed someone's rock bottom, it entangled within and would always be there as a reminder that they could talk.
"March.. the one who likes his horses, right?" he questioned, thinking over the number of Agnes' friends that Fitzroy had met throughout the years. March, actually, had to be the one he'd known the least. Their interactions had been sparse and most of what the British man knew, was through word-of-mouth by Agnes herself. So he recalled what he'd been told, that Ashton and March were an item. Fitz was silent a moment, eyes roving over the many boxes and as that small statement sunk in. Realizing, as one considered the miserable state that Ashton was currently in, what this all might mean. "Ah." The sound came in an understanding huff, and he suddenly reached out, to cover Ashton's knee with a comforting squeeze. Fitz had always been a touchy person, most which meant nothing more than it did now: simple gestures and reassurances. This one here had unsaid words, that's rough. "Would you like some help, to carry these back home?" he asked, taking his hand back. Rather than ask for further gossip, he chose to be a working hand. Something to keep the engine running, until Ashton himself decided if he wished to embellish the story.
Ash could only manage a pretty depressing chuckle, appreciating Fitz's attempt at lightening the mood, "just the coolest, too cool to hang with me." The chuckle struggled, still looking to clear the linger smoke in his throat and lungs. In some way perhaps it was true and other ways not so much. Surely he was some British royalty or whatever, it never really mattered to Ash, none of that seemed to matter when they did hang out and talk during summers. Ash would be lying if he said he could spell out his full name, he was just Fitz to Ashton. And yet the man carried himself with such an air of confidence, the anxieties had been missed at some point their friendship for surface level than what he and Aggie had. Aggie was always their tether, even when they hung out. Had Ashton ever really sat one on one with Fitz before? Not really sure but it feels like the first time. And what a shitty first impression Ashton must be making. "Not sure about everyone, but me too." His anxieties came in quiet ways, in the ways his brows furrowed and he stayed silent, in the ways he'll be the first to find all the worst case scenarios for you, in the way he thinks, and overthinks, and overthinks again. High functioning anxiety perhaps, Ash had simply lived with it.
"Maybe you haven't found the right kind of corners," he suggested with a weak poke at his friend's arm. This here in Poppy Court was technically a corner too, if you saw the whole town as its own 4th of July party. Ash had a short scoff of endearment at the term Tinkerbell, reminding him of a certain someone else. "Even for you?" He asked curiously hearing the way he spoke of his experience. Ashton probably gets to too much, too fast. He felt the nudge sway him slightly, no will to root himself down into the ground, the wind itself could've probably knocked Ash over and he's simply back on the ground submitted to whatever the universe wanted to do to make his life just a little worse. But this little nudge made him sway and a rebound, a ghost of a smile creeping in. "Isn't it unfair, if you have to deal with the worst me and not the other way around?" He wasn't really making much sense grasping at straws to prove that he was a mess that no one should need to clean but himself. "But.. I won't stop you." Yet he still added after a short beat, not really wanting to chase him away either.
There was a light fond shake of his head as Fitz took a guess on March, feeling the need to clarify even in an unsteady voice - this would've been important to March, "no- he loved his horses." He loved them like no other and it was admirable to see a passion and love to strong for these animals and to do right by them, that's perhaps what drew Ashton in in the first place. He sat there stewing in embarrassment of how things ended up as he let Fitz take the moment to observe all the signs, the smart English man could easily put two and two together. Anyone would to be honest.
Ash stared down on the asphalt even as it clicked for Fitz, a reassuring hand rested on his knee, a silent conversation happening right there and then. Ash squeezed his eyes shut tightly feeling them prickle with tears, refusing to let more spill over. He's done enough crying, at this point everything had numbed over from the initial pain. Now he might just be in shock, if there was a better way to describe it. He nodded curtly pressing the bridge of his nose, to push back the overwhelming rush of feelings of a single comforting touch. Ash was a physically affectionate person and that felt like a wave hitting his numbness, he was physically here, as was someone else, this wasn't a nightmare, but also he wasn't alone. Fitz had been the first person he's seen since parting ways with March. And that warm gesture of physical connection meant more than he would ever be able to explain to Fitz.
He sucked in a breath through his teeth, letting oxygen fill his lungs and brain to compose himself longer enough to focus on what he does best, yes just get to work. Just do something that made him feel useful, made him feel wanted again. "Um-" he uttered rubbing his face before turning around to stare at the boxes again, weighing the options of the decision. "-yeah. Actually-- yeah, if.. you got time, just means I won't have to come back here for another trip." He didn't want to come back down this street tonight, please. The numbness physically at least was starting to wear down as he moved to get to work, the emotional number with strong and show no signs of wearing off. "Just.. these," he mumbled, legs like jelly when he first stood up too fast, passing a box and a bag to Fitz before he started to lead the way quietly. They maybe walked down a handful of houses before Ashton even said anything, "..I still- don't really know what happened." He felt like he needed to preface how out of it he is right now before Fitz first question was potentially what happened. The last time they were all together, at pride having a picnic, Ash was beaming with his love, Fitz with his, and now it all felt so so far away.
As Ashton gave them a deft poke to the chest, Claudio instinctively rubbed the area, managing a small but wavering smile. "I am," they confirmed, still with that same sort of pride in themself. It wasn't something they had as a child or teenager; they had had to earn that, which they continued to do so every day. Some days were better and easier than others. "He mentioned that too," Claudio admitted. Actually, Asher had done just what Ashton was now: invited them to work out with the hockey player and the record producer. At least now they felt they could, comfortably, knowing that Ash had offered, too. They wouldn't feel as if they were overstepping any boundaries now. "Even professionals make mistakes," but they wiped under their eyes as they chuckled over the other's playfulness. A bit cheered up by it, even if only momentarily. Ash cracking jokes helped them not to focus solely on being miserable, at least. As their ex spoke about the rink, Claudio considered it as a while. Their gaze swept around the ice, the barricades, the penalty boxes and players' benches, and even beyond that to the bleachers, where they had spent a good chunk of their time, too. Sat there, supporting him. "It really has been, hasn't it?" The question was more rhetorical and nostalgic, than anything else.
The entire thing a bittersweet, but cherished, memory.
Claudio had meant Ashton's pull of them into the hug, had surprised him. But they let the response settle over them, because it was still true, too. Ashton did continue to surprise them. As the male gently advised they didn't have to be okay with him, Claude kept their gaze on the ice. For some reason, it felt too intimate to look up or say anything, so they only managed a tiny nod of acknowledgement they heard him at all, and continued to bat the puck back and forth as distraction.
Just knowing that Agnes had gone through her own faceplant moment, as awful as it was, did make Claudio feel a tad better. A bit more normal, even. That maybe it wasn't the end of the world, to be turned down by someone you love and cared for. That life with them could still move forward. "And you're both still best friends.." they looked at the bright side of it, with hope for the future with Asher. If Ashton and Agnes could have gotten over what happened between them, then surely Claudio and Asher could, too. Right?
"Yeah.. I guess.." Claude inhaled deeply, allowing the other man's words to sink in through them to settle and calm their inner worries. Even if it only helped now, it was a welcome reprieve. Just knowing that Ashton hadn't felt any of it was stupid or embarrassing, made it tolerable. "Yes," this more decisive, their brown eyes finally lifting to meet the hockey player's. "At least I do know. I don't have to wonder anymore. I can.. find ways to move past it.." Which still felt like something of a tall order, but Claude had to believe it was possible. They did not want to stay this miserable, pining friend of Asher's forever. They didn't want him to have to endure feeling like the worst person because he couldn't return the same feelings.
The gentle tap with the end of Ashton's hockey stick caused them to smile. A small one, but it was there, finding the moment endearing. "We will?" they questioned, their upset trading for quiet amusement the more Ashton said. "What kind of tests are these?" Claudio couldn't help to ask, wondering what the other would expect in someone he'd consider worthy (!?!) of them.
Tu puedes.
Hearing this phrase caused them to pause, eyes on Ashton. He didn't look as if he had registered he said it at all, too busy with the hockey stick and puck. Going on as if life hadn't just stopped completely for them. Claudio glanced down at their shoulder in reaction, thinking maybe their shirt had hung open or something, revealing their tattoo of the phrase they used to carry for each other. But the cloth was firmly in place, no tattoo visible. Nothing but stark realization that Ashton remembered it on his own and well, that hurt in the most bittersweet of ways all over again. They had to let it go, though. He was smacking another puck into the goal like everything was normal, so they had to be normal too. And they couldn't think about how they wished they'd gotten this advice from someone ten years ago. "I will," they promised, sniffing through a minor block in their nasal way. They wouldn't repeat their mistakes, no matter how humiliated they were again.
They carefully slid up to another puck, and tried to copy the strike Ashton had just made. The puck finally reached the goal this time, though with decidedly less vigor and oomph as the player.
"Ha." Claudio stood tall, and rested their stick down against the ice with triumph shimmering in their reddened eyes.
Despite the weight Claude came in here with today, Ash as glad he could alleviate some of it for even just a few seconds, managing the smallest of smiles, that's all he hoped he could do for his friend who seemed to be hurting. "And I'm proud of you," he nodded, genuinely saying that, knowing how they felt about their body back then, knowing that it must've took a lot of effort, and to see a small blip of pride in them was all that mattered. "He did?" Perhaps it wasn't the most surprising, they seemed to be getting really close, Ash didn't mind Asher inviting Claude in at all, perhaps it makes it easier for him and Claude too. "Well then you can say no to both of us now," Ash joked, obviously more than okay to accept a decline from them anyways. "We are thinking about doing brunch after that too, like a treat." As if that would entice someone to be up by 6am to work out. But maybe it is. "True.." Ash sighs almost in soft dramatics, enjoying hearing the voice lightened up, "they are pretty costly mistakes though." One mistake too many and you're sent down the league, traded, stop being trusted on the ice. If you don't correct them fast and get your shit together, you're out.
While Claudio's eyes swept across the entire space, Ash had his gaze kept on them instead, a wistful tone escaping with a simple yet heavy answer, "..yeah." This school.. had been tormenting at its worst, to the both of them, and they had found their safe spaces on campus, at the ice rink, at the dance studio, shared moments alone with no external noise that threaten to rot what felt pure and easy and joyful between them. Yet they couldn't stay in their safe place forever. But for now, it was enough, still safe, still theirs. The way the armor began cracking and chipping away in the safety of no one else, and Ash understood maybe why Claude reached out to him and would come here.
"Still best friends," Ash hummed to confirm, a small smile growing as he looked back, "it was awkward for awhile but.. I think almost losing her life, changes perspectives on a lot of things. It seemed.. trivial and silly to worry about, when life was so fleeting." He remembered her catching him visiting her hospital room secretly, stopping him so they could talk, she clocked March so easily as the reason. And it's right, life was fleeting. Maybe why he's been acting a bit more on impulse, kissing March, talking to Claude again. Perhaps in the future it might be something they can discuss about with her, a shared experience. And hopefully like them, Claude and Asher could get over that hurdle too.
He could see them taking in his words, considering them seriously and with time a certain decisiveness sat in their gaze as they agreed and finally met Ashton's. Blues that had been laced with worry softened at the relief, nodding to their choice to accept. "We'll figure it out, how to move on from it," you don't have to figure it out yourself, was what he wanted to mean.
Gentle nudges towards looking at the future instead of mulling over the past had brought a lighter air to Claude, responding with a cheeky grin, "Yes, we will, someone totally your type. Maybe not right now, but when you're ready." Surely the right person will walk into Claude's life, they deserve it and the world. "Friendship tests! Some say if your friends don't like your SO, you might wanna relook at that person without love goggles on." Ash sounded like he was trying to convince them on something ridiculous, despite some logic in it.
It came out as easy and as unnoticed like a breath without thinking of breathing. Ashton never fully noticing himself say it with the logic part of his brain, at this point his emotions had taken control in wanting to desperately be there for his friend, to be their emotional support, to help them smile again after such a painful day. Soft deep blues glimmered as they promised with a stronger voice than they had all this time, stronger not in volume, but comfort, determination, assurance. Ash nodded mirroring the same energy back for them, making some space of them to breathe, focus, and take the shot.
Seeing it hit the back of the net, Ash couldn't help the excitement and silliness that cropped up from their old habits of being kids, his voice was in a whispered yet exaggerated announcer at a game, cupping his mouth, "Rojas shoots.. they scooooore!! Overtime win for the Kings! What a beautiful play with Ryder on the assist, the crowd goes wild!" Ash circled around Claude, softly hyping up his friend like they just won a game, letting out a voiceless sound of the pretend audience, raaahhhh!, before he circled back in front of Claudio, cheeky grin plastered across his face leaning his hands and chin on the butt of his hockey stick, hoping they felt even just a little bit better than before they had walked into the rink. The grin softened as they looked at each other, sitting in a quiet moment together before he started again, "c'mon, let's keep shooting till you're done, I bet we can get you a hat trick. And then we can go get dessert."
"I'm always serious." This was said with an unsmiling thin-lipped approach and deadpan expression from hazel eyes. It held, too. Jesse could see the upset all over Ashton's features, so this wasn't exactly a moment he felt like lightening with a typical scoff or brush aside. He was here, first and foremost, to be a friend because they needed him.
How he had gone from watching just his own ass, to being there for Ashton and the others in his village, Jesse couldn't say. It was like one day, he woke up and suddenly there were all these people to watch out for, too.
Jesse followed the hockey player inside with a curious sweep of the home. Aware this was probably his first time inside? He couldn't recall being there before, anyway. The two of them usually kept their hangouts to the bars or pier, any general spot within Carroll rather than each other's personal residences. But, he had always known where Ashton lived, that's for certain. "I'll stay if she wants me to," Jesse agreed once more with a casual shrug, "I don't got much else on today's calendar." He had cleared things aside, for Ashton.
The living room was cluttered with an array of stuff that reminded Jesse of someone who was packing things away for a move. Only... in reverse, he assumed? Because the other man had mentioned he was taking care of his stuff from March's place. These must have been the parts of his life Ash had shared with March, only to have to take back like something borrowed and collected back finally. "So, this everything from March's place?" he asked, unnecessarily. Jesse only wanted to open the door for the other man, if he felt like talking about it yet or not. He carefully stepped around things, until he took a spot on the couch and scooted to the edge of it. "Well, what're we sortin' then?"
"Guess you are," Jesse has never gone back on something he's said or declared before, but he didn't really have the energy to argue back in jest like he usually would, somehow at some bar bickering over some mundane inconsequential opinions differing between them for the fun of it. No today, Ash didn't have much fight in him, probably would take whatever is shoved to him.
As Jesse took in the Ryder's home, Ash couldn't help but take a curious peek at the bag, the enticing smells waft out, but not enough to convince his stomach to unfurl itself, carefully putting it aside, but not far enough to forget, within reach with a butt shimmy and an arm's stretch away if he so choose. A good sign. "She'd love for you to stay," as did Ash, perhaps it's a strange feeling having Jesse over for a family dinner but he's known the man long enough, most of his friends have had the Ryder's welcome in their home, except him, so it was certainly about time, even if Ash is putting a damper on the entire vibe, he's going to try to be better by dinner. And part of that plan was compartmentalizing his items here, alongside his feelings, and neatly tuck thing away into a box. He glanced up to Jesse making what seemed to be a passing comment on his empty day, but Ash knew what that meant, and it meant more to Ash than he'd know, "..thank you." Ash mumbled with a twitch to the corner of his lips. There were only so many friends that would do that for him, and Jesse was one of them. He doesn't show it, but Ash knew he was a person that cared, and cared deeply. And he felt lucky to be one of them he cared about.
As he sat down to stare at the mess in front of him, pretty much representing the mess that he was, "mm," Ash only hummed in confirmation. Or at least he thought it was everything, maybe more. He was grabbing things incoherently a few nights ago, he might've taken extra, he might’ve missed things out, but the first step was to wade through the mud of emotions. "Um.." Ash had to ask himself that same question to be honest, "just.. clothes I guess, from the wardrobe, they're clean but, I just need to fold them." He shrugged, pulling that box he already sorted into definitely his towards Jesse. He wasn't sure what his friend wanted to do, certainly not come here and do chores with him, yet it sounded like an offer with the question. "There are some.. from LA, that I took are his.. I'm gonna, return them," he pulled a different box that was definitely his, Aggie had helped him pack while they were there, all the stuff, and evidence of March in what once pretty much felt like their LA home since whenever March needed a place to stay for his trainings in the city. "I don't know, you can dig through whatever you want, if you wanna help me sort." Everything still hurt either way, but he was pulling himself together enough to face it.
"I think it would be silly not to use the community college when it's here at your disposal," they offered their opinion directly. "The courses here should be just as informing as anywhere else, and probably cheaper, too. Convenient and fiscally responsible." There was a sudden firm purse to their lips, to prevent a smile from their thoughts. Ones that said that would be right up Ashton's alley, if he was still anything like himself from before. Always level-headed and humble; they thought he would care more for the convenience of being home, and the affordability was a cherry on top. Not that he probably had to worry about money these days? "Well I wouldn't know," Claude let out a quiet laugh, both hands coming up to cover their face in a brief moment of minor embarrassment that they didn't know how it worked, "I never went to college! I go off what I've seen in the movies and tv." They hadn't been able to afford it, even community college, but luckily the career they were chasing didn't exactly require credentials if you were good enough and got in front of the right people.
With a gentle scoff and roll of their eye, they muttered, "NASA had better be scared of me, and the many others that will ride or die Pluto," their accent came in heavy on the planet's name. They weren't surprised to know Ashton had gotten good use of the telescope, or taken care of it, either. "I bet you have that thing in perfect working condition for another ten years still," they mused aloud. Their gaze went back toward Ashton as he asked if they ever had their own space. "Only if you count school and Grove Theatre. I had even less space in New York, with four of us having to shack up in a 900 foot square apartment with communal bathroom." But, there was a softened look to them as they rested their head back. Despite the fact they hadn't been able to hack it in the broadway industry there, it didn't mean Claudio's experience had been a complete wash. They did land a couple of ensemble roles, they did have the whole New York experience that people raved on about. They had made friends and had roommates and for a couple years, they tried and struggled and it wasn't terrible.
Disappointing, but not terrible.
They had wanted so much more from it.
The car ride was certainly starting to get their eyelids a bit heavy. Funny, how they had started this whole thing out incredibly tense and alert, too aware of the other man and feeling as if they had to step along eggshells to be sure they could get through this. But now, their body had relaxed into the seat, their head tipped back, and long, slow blinks were starting to happen as they got more comfortable. "Do you really think so?" they asked quieter, contemplative, staring at the vehicle in front of them as they tried to picture a life somewhere in Los Angeles, giving that place the good old college try. Or was it too late? "What, like for roommates?" they asked, their arms coming up to hug into themselves. Because they knew they were not going to be able to afford an LA apartment on their own either, but it probably wouldn't be as insane pickings as New York City. "Ah, that's cool.. you know famous people," they murmured offhandedly, then paused. Their brows furrowed. "You are famous people now.." as if it just now struck home that they were in the car with someone who had their own Wikipedia page, was a professionally signed hockey player in the NHL, with who knew what sizable contract under his belt.
Ashton had always been just... Ashton; this playfully stubborn, slightly hotheaded kid with a bright shine and future ahead.
Now, he was a grown man with a full life and experiences and successful career under his belt already. Matured and stable.
What did they have to show by comparison? Blips of potential and stagnancy. They felt heat in their face as they allowed their stare to drift back towards the window, wishing they'd become just as amazing as he had, so they had better things to tell him now.
"True," Ash agreed with their thoughts, bringing back ideas he hasn't thought about seriously before, "maybe I'll see how my summer's shaping up." Might be a lil too late for this summer but maybe the next, he'll start a bit more reading himself this time. Claude was right about a lot of what Ash would've preferred, it's strangely hard to tell that they've rarely spoken for the past ten years, Ash shifted in his seat slightly as the strangely comforting feeling of that. "I don't either," he chuckled at both their admissions to the lack of a college degree, similar boat, different circumstances. Memories flooding back in full force as Ash grinned sheepishly, "I actually thought you went to New York for college." He hesitated clarifying that he found out they weren't there for college when he saw their name on a poster on the subway for a small off off broadway musical. The sudden impromptu decision there and then to go watch it, an unexplainable urge to make sure they were okay even if just from the very back of the theatre. No that had to be weird, Ash convinced himself to never talk about it.
He was still trying to wipe off the smile on his face, "they'll be quaking in their boots at your name, I just know it." He let his mind wander for a bit, if he had gone to college, worked for NASA. And then perhaps receiving a very strongly worded letter from a Claudio Rojas. A strange life he can't fathom. "Hopefully, I've grown attached to her already," as did Ash with everything he had, cars, telescopes, apartments, people. He didn't like feeling like he was abandoning something someone. Ash remembered back in school it was the closest thing to their own little spaces when the two were hard working and wanted the space to train while others might be playing. Ash has sat in with them in the dance studio before, watching them work on a scene or dance or at the gymnasium, training their flips. And vice versa as Claude watched him train his drills. Their little quiet spaces. But they still haven't had something that belongs purely to them. "Four people in an apartment?? Sheesh.." Ash let out a low sympathetic whistle to that idea, especially four strangers. He wondered if they would even feel settled living alone at this point.
"I do," genuinely, Ash replied, after giving it a thoughtful pause to think about Claude in LA, the Claude he knows for sure. Ash tilted his head side to side St the question, "well, maybe? I have teammates that get traded in that might have a spare place or some leaving LA looking to give up their place. And well, there's also my apartment building, that I know some neighbors lease are coming up. I stay near the training rink in El Segundo, so staying outside of downtown LA is really nice, nor as pricey," Ash hesitated, self conscious of explaining so much, before deciding to add, "I.. uh, my apartment also have spare rooms. If you ever need it." God is that weird for suggest? "You don't- have to, I just thought, if it's ever urgent or something, I really don't mind. I let friends crash a lot." It's hard right now to say they're friends, but Ashton can't deny that he trusted Claude still. He had specifically gotten an apartment with a few more rooms than he needed, should family and friends come all the way into the city, they could always have a place to sleep over instead of taking the night drive home.
Ash lightly scoffed at the idea of famous when it's Los Angeles they're talking about. "Not really just him." He glanced back to Claude, their mumbled tone took his attention for a few seconds oft the road, "and not really, I can still roam downtown LA and not get recognize which I'm honestly thankful for." If someone wasn't in the hockey space, they would have no idea who he was. Though he won't be able to tell how the Olympics might change that yet, he didn't want to think about that, seeing Claude in a deep thought, he shrugged with an optimistic grin, "who knows when you might get way more famous than me." People will know actors and performers and artists much more than athletes. He wondered what Claude was thinking then, he wished he could fully look at them to try and deduce. Instead of guessing, Ashton let them be, seemed rude to dig further especially in the precarious day night of talking again. "You can take a nap, if you want. I'll wake you up when we're there," Ash gently suggested, he could at least notice from the corner of his eyes the way they settled into the seat, the telltale signs of them letting the heaviness behind their eyes take over from the lull of the engine rumbling and the radio softly playing.
ok, but did y'all see harriet and ashton join in a rphs rehearsal recently? Who gave them special treatment access? WHY were they even there? This I gotta know
"I thought it was common knowledge that everything Eden's ran off favoritism? I mean Asher Stone is in the show so it only makes sense his new hanger on Harriet McLaughlin would be there trying to act like his social life is hers. Maybe Ashton Ryder is there just because he somehow ends up in the middle of everything despite being the most boring person on the planet."
Are we even sure Ashton is still taken? Where tf is March? Didn't he like come back a bunch of times? I thought he'd be here all summer, doesn't seem like the case anymore, yikes suddenly he's gone. did you break them apart with that outing Britney, guurl you messy
"People are saying that Ashton Ryder and March Carter are broken up. I'm just that powerful, Baby."
I was grabbing some things for the house and clocked Ashton Ryder and Claudio Rojas out shopping for pillows. It was cute, but sheesh, he sure did move on quick from March.
"Wait wait wait. Did Ashton Ryder and March Carter break up and I didnt know about it? Damn you guys really are out here letting me down like this, I'm actually kinda of disappointed in you all."
Girl, please, I was at Spruce Grove furniture shopping and I saw Claudio and Ashton together, looking real cozy at the pillows section, what's up with that?? Claude hoe phase too? 👀
"Yaaass, Claudio Rojas on the hoe train! And starting off strong with hitting on his taken ex Ashton Ryder! This is how you do it. Love you, Claudio I'm gunna be a big fan of you keep this up."
emily was glad ashton had texted her to hang out. it had been a minute since they’d actually seen each other, and between both of their schedules, finding time had started to feel harder than it should. she’d been helping nathan plan their trip to greece, work had been hinting at a promotion, and her brain had been running in about seventeen different directions at once, but ashton wanted to catch up, so emily made time. that was what friends did.
“then you’re not paying attention, ash,” she teased, smiling over at him. “i stream at least once a week. you’ve just been busy.” her flip-flops were kicked off in the sand beside her, her arms wrapped around her knees as she looked out at the water. the breeze helped a little. so did sitting next to someone who didn’t need her to have everything figured out. “but google has been… something,” she admitted with a small shrug. “they want to promote me, but i don’t know if i want the job.”
emily rested her chin on her knees, frowning out at the waves. “i’d have to move to san francisco. and nathan and i’s life is here.” she paused, then corrected herself with a faint grimace. “our life is here. i don’t want to uproot us for something i’m not even sure i want.” her fingers absently traced little lines in the sand. “i think i’m just tired of being away from home for a week at a time.” tired of hotel rooms, car commutes, video calls, missing nathan’s face in person. tired of pretending ambition always had to mean leaving. she glanced back at ashton, pushing the heaviness aside with a small smile. “what about you? summer camp starts soon, right?”
He pursed his lips at the realization of the mistake he made, he was a bad friend then, still he knew Emi doesn't hold it against him, as he wouldn't her if she missed his games. "oh-.. sorry it's been.." he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "it's been a long July." They were barely halfway through the month, and it felt like it's been forever. Whoever said pain doesn't correlate to time perception is wrong. He mirrored Emily as they both got comfy to watch the sunset, waves crashing and rolling in teasing to lick over the sand close to their feet if the tide had been any higher. Arms wrapping closer to his ankles, resting a cheek on his knees to turn to Emily as she updated him on her job. San Francisco isn't too far away, still on the west coast but he understood her concerns and hesitation. Home was Carroll.
"There's no other way to work from here instead?" He tried to ask, knowing Em's already probably asked herself the same question. He understood her exhaustion completely, his long journeys could last weeks away from home, the 26/27 schedule just dropped already the team with the longest away games in a row. But at least he had the summer, he had months at a time to be home to hang with friends like right now. As much as he loved hockey, Ash doesn't know how he'd handle being constantly in and out of home all year long. "I get it though," he softly murmured with empathy, been there done that, even more so with March. It stung to think about him, he forced his mind away from that for now, "you shouldn't have to move your entire life if you don't want to, for jobs that will treat all of us as replaceable anyways." He shrugged with the truth of the matter. If Emily didn't take the job, no sweat off Google's back they'll always have someone else to do it. Though perhaps it's hypocritical, coming from a hockey player who's career can uproot his entire life if they so wish to, all in the name of business of trading assets.
"Me?" He asked as if unprepared for her to turn it to him so quickly, any courage fading away to say the news, "um- yeah, yeah they just started this week, high schoolers first till the peewees last at the end of July." He explained, it had always been his favorite part of summer even if it's dampened this year, even if his voice didn't sound as bright as he usually would talking about the kids. "Those kids have been talking all camp about the new NHL 27 video game trailer coming out," he managed a grin, turning his attention to something more fun.
Evie's smile only seemed to grow the longer Ashton talked, quietly content to let him ramble. There was something comforting about hearing someone speak so fondly of the people they loved and it just made her in more awe about having him in her life. From one meeting all those years ago, to being the one person she trusted the most. ❝ I like listening to you talk about them, you know. It just shows how happy you are. ❞ She laughed softly. ❝ I've actually met Aggie once before—she was really sweet. And Asher and Claude have kind of become my people already. Kept Asher fed for awhile with how much I ever ordered or made. ❞ She laughed about the joke
❝ And March already sounds wonderful. Anyone who can make you smile like that has to be doing something right. ❞ She looked up looking into his eyes, her own soft as he had a smile that could make anyone happy seeing it before she started grinning. ❝ Oh I have to Google your name every so often to know what you're up to and watch any of your interviews or press work. ❞ There was a slight tease in her voice about it but really she wasn't going to let the drama of whatever happened tell her who Ashton was, she knew.
❝ Right now it's mostly just working at Eden during the night uh.. Birch's as well during the daytime and figuring life out one day at a time. Hobbies have become more of just exploring the town and enjoying a day. ❞ She glanced over at him with an easy smile, soft laugh about what she'd been up to. ❝ Oh yeah! The Rocky Horror play, I originally wasn't going to try out for it, but Naomi talked me into it pretty easily so I'll be auditioning. I figured why the hell not you know! ❞
He tried to suppress his smile unsuccessfully as she pointed it out, how he smiled talking about his friends, his love, eating his melting ice cream to distract from it now that it was pointed out, but he still met her gaze for a second, "and I hope you'll be just as happy here too." It has been nothing but joy living here, growing up with friends he's seen since diapers. Eyes widening as Ash bit into the cone, already seeing the associations she has with her friends, "oh you'll have to tell me the stories, how'd you meet Aggie? And Claude? And just what did you feed Asher?" He was laughing by that point, the surrealness of her already meeting his friends, being good friends even, it warmed his heart, small towns are what it's for.
He could feel a blush creep up at the tease about March, turning away to look at the people by the beach, avoiding her playful teasing look, still he bit down on a small smile, "yeah.. I guess he is." Not to say it's been easy, but it had always been worth it, to find the time and huddle with his phone talking to March at the end of the day. He pulled himself of the puddle of emotions for the blush to turn more embarrassed by her searching him up than March, "oh my god, no you don't," he playfully let out a groan, "what mess have you discovered, have you seen some of the memes? I try not to Google my name ever." Probably better for his soul and self esteem to live in blissful ignorance.
Ash enjoyed hearing her talk about her life now, with so much ownership, pride, that's all he ever really wanted for her. It didn't really matter what job she took, she gets to choose herself, and that's what really matters. "Busy bee already! Don't work too hard yeah? There's so much to explore in Carroll when you're new," Ash wistfully thought about a fun locals tour for her to have on hand whenever she had free time. "Nice! It's been awhile since we had a musical production, and it's the first time for Eden, I think? Usually the community theatre puts on shows but they've been working on fixing the theatre since the hurricane," he explained, "what roles are you auditioning for? Or are auditions over already." He hadn't been keeping up himself, giving it a hard pass.
int. ryder house pregame - late afternoon, before wedding reception, May 9
@angstfactory (claudio, fitz), @stoneasher @aggierobshaw and ruth
discord
Ashton
"ha, you should see the way Ruth's medal display holds against mine, can't beat that," Ash chuckled to Claude pointing in the general direction where the two's proof of accomplishments still hung in the hallway in their family home, helping to put out the goods they bought from the grocery store before coming back home for them to snack and drink while they got ready. Ash hasn't changed yet, waiting for Asher to arrive at least before they all got ready together. He called out to Ruth and his mom letting them know they were back home, before turning to Claude, "got your clothes to change?"
-
Claudio
This was like, experiencing a time capsule in real time for them. They had not been to Ashton’s house in years, so as they scooted in behind Ashton with their arms laden with several bags, they stared around wide-eyed to catch everything that was different, and everything that was the same. Old pictures were there, along with new, the kids growing up in them. And apparently this wall of trophies. “Honestly surprised it can carry all that weight,” they joked, following after Ashton quickly and setting down the bags. Claudio then looked down at themselves, a soft frown furrowing their brows as they twisted the cuffed material that hung down over their palms, because their Sunday best was several years out of fashion and had once belonged to their father, who was a larger man than they were. So, they were a tad drowned in the fabric. “No.. uhm, I’m — this is — I was going in this?”
-
Ashton
"We made sure it was super sturdy," he shook his head, remembering the youthful days they set that up, it was when they were much younger, when the kids when for their competitions, and they both knew they had the hunger for more. Ash gave them a once over as the realization washed over, "oh," shit was that an insult? "-sorry I just thought.. maybe you went to Saturday church instead since you might be going late tonight." He shook his hands trying to dispel whatever they were thinking he was thinking, "-it's fine, by the way, It looks good, I'm not saying it's not. I just.. thought we were getting ready together is all." Awkward. Someone, Ruth, doorbell, please save him from further embarrassment, it's a weird feeling having Claude back in this household, but honestly.. it's not that bad.
-
Claudio
This is fine. They wished they could have brought some nice dress they could feel pretty in or a decent silk shirt that fit properly and didn’t make Ashton think they still needed to go home and change. All was well. “I guess I thought we were all just meeting here, to carpool.. not actually getting ready, ready..”
-
Asher
asher pulled up to the ryder house on his motorcycle, parked it out front, and swung off with the easy confidence of someone who’d been doing it long enough to make it look effortless. he grabbed the garment bag strapped behind him and slung it over his shoulder. like always, he moved with a rhythm only he could hear, steps landing like there was a beat in his head. he crossed the porch, knocked, and then because asher had never been great at waiting pushed the door open with his shoulder.
“hello, ryder household,” he announced, already grinning. “your favorite has returned!” he stepped inside, tugged off his jacket, and hung it up like he lived there, the garment bag still in hand. the house smelled familiar—clean, lived-in, warm. “ash?” he called, letting his voice carry. “are you here?”
-
Ashton
"hm, that's on Asher not working on his briefing skills," Ash swallowed a laughter, realizing the miscommunications that probably occurred. As if right on cue, the rumble of a motorcycle cut off and the sunshine voice filtered through the door way, "hear ye hear ye," he rolled his eyes hollering back and walking over to the door to give Asher a hand though it seemed like he got it, instead just helping to close the door, "hey, the drive here okay?"
Ash then gestured to Claude, but eyeing Asher, "didn't tell them we were gonna get ready together?" He only held the joking accusatory tone for a second before chuckling, "it's fine Claude, you can just cool down, do your hair or something, or raid our wardrobe for any extras," that last one slipped past his lips, kicking himself that perhaps it would've been fine with friends, but an ex? oof. too much probably.
-
Asher
seeing his friend made asher grin immediately. he nodded once, like he was approving the universe’s timing. “yeah, good drive” he said, bright and easy. “it’s a good day for a wedding.” his gaze shifted to claude and his smile softened into something warmer. “hey, claude…” he started and then ashton opened his mouth and asher’s eyes went wide. “oh—oh my god, i am so sorry,” asher blurted, hand lifting like he could physically rewind the situation. “i did say we were only pregaming, which is fully my bad.” he looked right at claude, genuine. “i’m sorry, claude.” then, because asher couldn’t sit in guilt for longer than three seconds without trying to turn it into a joke, his grin crept back in. “but hey… you’re just ahead of the game.” he pointed between himself and ashton. “ash and i clearly need to catch up.”
he bumped ashton in the stomach with the back of his hand, playful. “so where are the drinks? because claude and i could use one.” asher shot claude a quick wink and headed for the kitchen, already on a mission. “i’m raiding the fridge,” he called over his shoulder. then he looked back toward ashton, voice raised just enough to carry. “where are we getting dressed, ash?”
-
Claudio
The sound of the motorcycle startled them and they fidgeted only briefly, reaching into one of the bags to find one of the plain m&ms as one walked in with the confidence of a thousand people and the other joked about what they weren’t told. Now they also needed to do their hair? Claude gave a faint touch to their dark curls in seconds of uncertainty and heaping amounts of insecurity. “It’s okay, I take forever anyway.” They dragged the bag of m&ms across the island, towards a particular corner of the kitchen that didn’t happen to be close to the fridge whatsoever. Simply staying out of everyone’s way, that’s all. They, too, looked Ashton’s way to hear the answer as they quietly dug into the candies.
-
Ashton
In all honestly, this was the first time, for real, seeing Claude with any of his friends at least in his presence again. He wasn't sure how to mentally prepare for that, at the least if he needed to, he could always escape to the other rooms in this house. He knew this childhood home too well. But it was strange, not in a bad way, he caught the way Asher's voice softens for Claude, ..huh. Ashton's eyes darted back and forth between the other two, staying silent to simply observe until the attention was back at him, "yeah yeah, I can make it quick, just throw a suit on, already showered at the ice rink."
Ash retaliated a hand back at Asher as if they were still high school kids, "raid away, alcohol's in the side cabinet, ciders and beers in the freezer, I was gonna make like an orange spritz mocktail batch for me, because - driving, but if anyone else wants it." Ash avoided saying anything on Aggie's pregnancy as requested, easy enough to just put it on him. Following them into the kitchen, Asher looked like he belonged in this household and Claude.. Claude seemed so uncomfortable. "Just make yourself at home, do whatever you want," Ash tentatively flashed them a reassuring look, leaning down against the island, standing in between the both of them. "Hm?" Ash hummed digging into some of the snacks they had, boringly eating a banana first. "I mean... here? where else?" he joked jutting his thumb back into the living room. The hockey player is too used to changing and being naked with 20 odd guys in a locker room. "Kidding, there's a bathroom right down the hall, bedroom's free too, I brought a full length mirror to the living room."
-
Asher
asher popped the fridge open and immediately grabbed a cider for himself then, without even thinking about it, grabbed a second and handed it to claude like it was the most natural thing in the world. no asking, no checking. just asher taking care of it before it became a question. he clocked the way claude was starting to tuck into the corner again making themselves small, turning into a wallflower by instinct, but he didn’t call it out. not yet. he just stayed close enough that claude wouldn’t feel stranded. then his attention snapped back to ashton. “that sounds delicious,” asher said, bright and approving. “i’ll have some of that spritz.”
he lifted his garment bag a little, as if to remind everyone it existed. “i just need somewhere to put this.” before anyone could answer, he hooked the hanger over a cabinet handle—improvised, but effective—and finally cracked open his cider.
he took a sip, exhaled like his brain just came online, and looked back at ashton with curiosity. “i think aggie said she and fitz were coming over. anyone else?” his brows lifted. “is ruth bringing someone?”
-
Claudio
This was definitely very awkward. The missing years evident and the once easy familiarity gone. Claudio couldn’t help but feel like they didn’t quite belong there anymore, despite the obvious attempts to include them, but then, that’s not a feeling they were new to. They accepted the cider from Asher with a quick thanks, juggling the bag of candies to their other hand, and backing from the corner. “Well, since I’m ahead of the game, I’m going to go loaf on the couch and wait for the outfit montage,” they mustered as cheerfully as they could, because they appreciated just being invited, and wanted not to become an issue one way or another. The floor felt littered in eggshells. Claude paused at the island, with a cheeky grin at Ashton as they snatched a bag of hot Cheetos from right under his nose, ” And I’m taking these with me too, thank you!” Hustling out of the room, they made their way into the living room with barely looked any different, and flopped onto the solo recliner. “Your mom still has this chair!?”
-
Ashton
"guess i'm making a bigger batch of spritz then," Ash starting quick work with a pitcher from the cabinet onto the island. He was gonna hang back and let the two gravitate to each other rather than Ashton getting in their awkward way. "can't believe you really went straight for the fridge with this thing, priorities," Ash playfully clicked his tongue, taking the hanger and garment bag off the kitchen cabinet handle, walking over to place it by the bathroom door first. "Yeah, Ags and Fitz are coming over, no one else really, oh- more like someone's taking Ruth," Ash snorted, if a little loudly through the house the announce it. "She'll bail on us when her date comes to pick her up." He was pretended to grumble about it more so than he actually was. In actual fact, he's so happy to see her go out on dates and put herself out there.
Claude slinked out of the kitchen too soon as Ashton returned back to the kitchen finishing the banana as a bag of Cheetos was taken away from the island. "Pff enjoy, we bought a few flavors, not sure which one you wanted," he looked over to Asher to explain, giving him the option to go snag some hot cheetos. A grin growing with a chuckle as nostalgia masks the awkwardness, "she just refuses to throw it out! Still comfy anyways right?" Ash hollered back to the living room, starting to make his spritz concoction, patting Asher's shoulder as he swung around him to grab the ingredients, "c'mon, speakers there if you wanna play music, then go get changed!"
-
Asher
when claude reached for the cheetos, that’s when asher finally clocked the spread—bags of snacks like someone had prepared for a small apocalypse. “wait,” he said, turning toward the counter, eyes widening a little. “who brought the snacks?” he sounded genuinely impressed, like this was the most responsible thing anyone could do. he immediately stole a cheetos puff, of course, popping it into his mouth as the speaker got pointed out to him. asher’s face lit up. “yes,” he said around the crunch, nodding with absolute confidence. “i got us.”
he pulled out his phone, connected to the speaker in seconds, and started queuing songs like it was sacred work—something upbeat, something to keep the energy moving, something that made getting dressed feel like part of the event. then, still snacking, he pointed his chin toward the bathroom like he was already halfway gone. “i’m gonna go change,” he announced, mouth full of cheetos. “don't have too much fun without me.”
-
Aggie
The ride over was strangely quiet for the her and Fitz, but the moment the uber dropped them off at Ashton's, Aggie's smile was on and her hand firmly in her boyfriend's, grip just maybe a little too tight, but she hoped that would come off as excitement. She didn't knock, it would almost feel weird to knock on the Ryder door, and instead let just opened it so they could walk into the party. "We're here!" The words were one hand signed as she spoke, joined hands held up to punctuate that. "Did we miss all the fun?!"
-
Fitzroy
With everything so fresh and heavy on mind, Fitzroy barely noticed the silence on the drive there. He was in his own head. They both were. But like Agnes, once the got out of the car and headed inside, the flip switched to polite friends mode, the smile automatic. “Let’s hope not,” His hand squeezed hers back in a gentler manner, noticing then, that she was kind of crushing his.
-
Claudio
“Hey guys! You look so nice,” Claudio called from where they sat on the recliner, leaned all the way up to be able to see the latest two arrivals over the counter. Then they settled back in, because something wet touched their hand. “Oh Dawn, you startled me,” they grinned at the retired animal, who had wandered in to see what all the noise was and now stood with her head resting on their lap. “Okay, you want all the attentions, don’t you girl?” Claudio abandoned their candy and hot Cheetos to instead give Dawn all the proper head scratches she asked for. Until somehow, the two of them were cuddled up on the recliner together, sharing the space, and quite cozy.
-
Asher
it didn’t take asher long to get dressed normally. but he’d gotten distracted in the bathroom doing the important things: eating cheetos, bopping to the music, and turning the mirror into a tiny private dance floor. so what should’ve taken ten minutes took closer to twenty. by the time he finally emerged, he was fully suited up, hair slicked back like he’d actually tried, and his garment bag was slung over his arm like he was on his way to a photoshoot instead of a wedding. there was still a faint orange dusting of cheeto evidence on his fingertips that he was pretending didn’t exist. his face lit up the second he spotted agnes and fitz. “hey, you two!” he said, immediately crossing the room and pulling them both into a hug like he couldn’t help it. he leaned back just enough to look at them properly, eyes bright and approving. “you both look good,” he declared. “damn.”
-
Fitzroy
His smile became and focus became a little easier, with the reveal of Asher, who always knew how to brighten anyone’s life with just his presence and that smile. “Ah, we were the two best dressed until you came out here,” Fitz joked, both arms going around the other man for a proper hug, one that lingered half a second longer than necessary, the squeeze just a tad too significant, because part of the man craved the comfort right then. “Allow me once more, to say you should never leave us in Carroll again, okay? Not unless you take all of us with you. We’re simply not the same without the one and only Asher Stone. Oh, and you’re all alright as well, of course,” he said the last bit as an aside with a glance towards the others in room, tone intentional and friendly, so it could be understood as the joke he meant it as.
-
Ashton
"Hm?" Ash hummed to the question pointed towards the snacks, "we got them from the store, I had hockey class today so we went there after, you asked for cheetos no?" Ash glanced to Claude as if to confirm that they both were aware of it before looking at Asher like he had short term memory from the text he sent him earlier today, though no filter in implying both Claude and him were at the grocery store together. "Thanks, more like don't have too much fun without us," Ash chuckled knowing the life of the party follows Asher, and if Asher was in the bathroom the party was most likely in there too. Music played as Ashton got to mixing the mocktail and Claude relaxed with Dawn coming over to them.
Just in time as the door swung open once more, the Ryder's open door policy but only reserved for friends and family to know, with a German Shepherd ready to fight if it was anyone else. "hey guys, we're just in here," Ash hollered from the kitchen, Claude the easiest to be in their line of sight when Aggie and Fitz entered. "Asher just got started on the fun, don't worry," he lightly rolled his eyes nodding his head to the bathroom, if you listen closely you could probably imagine him having a dance party in there. He finished up the pitcher of mocktail, giving it a final stir before bringing it and a few cups over to the coffee table by Claude, "just in time, mocktail's ready, alcohol is also in the fridge if you want some," he mostly faced Fitz on that one, knowing Aggie couldn't drink.
Asher soon joined in the fun, "did you get cheetos dust all over the bathroom?" Ash joked once his friend had a moment to heartily greet the latest arrivals. Ruth probably still up in her room getting ready, and the gang's almost all here, just minus March, his heart aches at the thought. It would've been nice, to get one full polaroid all together again. Fitz was right to make that request, the town had liven up a lot since he's been back. "I for one agree with Fitz's hostage threat," Ash poured out the mocktails into glasses and handed them out before his job was done, "alright I'll go get changed now, I'll be quick, and we should get a polaroid together."
-
Claudio
As everyone (minus Ruth, where was she? and March) came together in the living room, Claudio's gaze bounced from one person to the next, their arms loosely locked around the German shephard lounging in their lap. A certain small smile on their lips. They were just thinking, how nice it was to be back here with all of them, plus Fitzroy, who they didn't quite know very well but certainly seemed pleasant enough. All of it gave them a rather harsh tug of nostalgia, a missing piece in their life coming back together. At least, that's what it felt like. They might have lingered on Asher a couple seconds longer. "A polaroid?" they bit down on their bottom lip, trying to prevent a smile, at Ashton's old man ways. People rarely used that word anymore, much less an actual polaroid camera. And yet, they were so excited by the prospect of it. They hadn't taken a polaroid picture in years.
-
Aggie
Standing back she let Asher greet Fitz first, it gave her time to push away every thought of what had happened at the manor so deeply it might never have happened. If she didn't, Asher, Ruth and Ashton would surely notice something was off. Giving Asher a hug and a kiss on the cheek, she turned her attention to Ashton thanking him for the drinks as he too got a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You really went all out. Grinning she shood him up the stairs as she turned to extend Claudio his own pair of hugs and cheek kisses. "Man, a Polaroid, that brings back memories."
-
Asher
asher clocked the way ashton said we without even thinking about it. so claude wouldn’t take a ride from asher, but they’d take one from ashton? the thought flickered quickly and weirdly sharp before he shoved it back down where it belonged. claude had said they’d rather walk anyway. it didn’t have to mean anything, and asher wasn’t going to make it a thing.
fitz’s compliment hit and asher did a quick little spin on the spot, laughing as he smoothed his hair back like he was modeling for someone who definitely hadn’t asked. “i wasn’t going to say anything,” he teased, “but since you did…” he pulled fitz into a proper hug, and when fitz said what he said, asher’s grin softened into something touched. “that’s really nice, fitz,” he said quietly. “carroll will always be home, so if i ever leave again—believe me, i’ll always come back.”
then ashton called him out for cheeto dust and asher whipped around, scandalized. “no!” he protested. “just the hand towel in there.” he tossed the bag of cheetos onto the counter with a laugh, then set the speaker down beside it like he was checking items off a list. “yes, go get dressed, ash,” he added, waving ashton toward the bathroom like he was directing traffic. asher dropped his garment bag in the living room (he could deal with it later) and grabbed a drink from the fridge. he took a sip, then looked back at his friends with a huge, bright smile that made it obvious he was genuinely happy to be here.
“i, for one, am so excited for tonight,” he announced. “like, i’m buzzing.” his eyes flicked upward as he started imagining it. “i wanna know if they’re doing classic wedding songs… or if they went for something more elevated.” he grinned, already planning the soundtrack in his head. “because if i hear ‘cha cha slide,’ i’m gonna lose my mind in a good way.”
-
Ashton
"Yes, a polaroid," Ash chuckled at the question, letting Aggie greet him with a hug and cheek kiss, returning the same affectionate greeting, "unless Ags brought her film camera too, we can do both." He grinned, as if knowing he's just going back further and further in time with their photo albums. The christmas present he got her had to be useful every now and them too.
Ash made a face walking past Asher, laughing not being able to hold it back, "ew, you're gonna wash that." He waved off letting the rest of them take control of the house as he went up to his room to change to a suit. It didn't take him take long to put on a familiar suit already fitted well, gave his face a quick wash and he was probably back down in ten, polaroid in hand interrupting the conversation below, chasing Ruth down for a quick photo together. "Photo time, before we lose Ruth to her date."
"You're tryin'a say you were outside every wakin' second of the day, n' never once, in your entire childhood, ever got taken to movies or sat down with your ma to watch somethin'?" Jesse questioned in the most dramatic and extreme line of questioning, to make Ashton see how silly his comment had been. "There ain't no way." He shook his head to reject that possible scenario.
"N' why wouldn't he know?" Jesse frowned, and looked away from Ashton in a guilty manner that said he knew damn good and well why Elio could have doubts on asking him things. Or just talking to him in general. Because Jesse wasn't much of a talker. Any time someone tried, if they pushed too hard, he would clam up and balk. The only way information came out of him was if he wanted to give it, when he wanted to give it, and not a second sooner. Jesse was Difficult with a capital D. Had trouble giving out his vulnerable moments and accepting he even had emotions in the first place. As Ash started listing off a few things, he started nodding. "Yeah, stuff like that.. n' this shit with Val too, I wanna know why the fuck she thought he was dead.. what all that was 'bout."
Jesse simply sat there for a long moment, drawing from the bottle of beer like it was the answer to everything. It certainly made him feel better, as it mellowed him out in ways he hadn't realized how much he missed. "I dunno, maybe I don't wanna know," he muttered, still with his eyes directed off at the water. "If he thinks I should know, he'll tell me then." How Elio would do that with Jesse actively avoiding him, the world may never know. "I know she's got a whole life on her plate right now but.. didn'a seem like seein' Elio again after however long was gonna be nothin'."
"No 'course not!" Ash chuckled at the ridiculous assumption, "my mom's a teacher, so it gets really busy sometimes. And then they got me in hockey and then that's that, free time went straight to that. We usually talk and yap rather than watch TV." Ash just never was a TV kid growing up, even if it was an option he'd rather be doing something else. Perhaps one could say the kid refused to sit still to watch an episode of anything.
Ash slowly shrugged at the rhetorical question with one himself, "why.. would he know? If you haven't told him yourself?" He preferred not beating around the bush with feelings. Especially trying to communicate them. Sure people can look at his life and call him a hypocrite at times, but the wishy washy ness gets to him without any love blinders on. A simple admission, maybe a burn to the ego, I want to know more about you, and tell you more about me. Didn't seem so hard to Ash. But it obviously was very hard for his friend. "Mm yes, great dinner table conversation starter," Ash raised a brow, and jested, Jesse seemed stuck up on the whole Val thing. He felt like yes it was important to ask too, sure, but that's more delicate. "Maybe work your way to that question then. That's a next step, talking about your past relationships." A big one too, all you're mistakes, heartbreaks, you're asking someone to look at all of that and still love you anyways.
He was happy to sit in silence with Jesse, he munch on the pistachios that his friend has rejected, letting them stew in thoughts before they continued. "..I know," sometimes there are things Ash didn't want to know either. Or were too scared to know. Ultimately it always hurts more it smacked you in the face later, forcing you to know. "How did she react? Because I mean, I bet I'd be thrilled if I saw you again after who knows how many years thinking you were dead." He'd certainly react a certain way if he saw Claude again at that game, and he had thought they were dead for the last ten years.
ext. carroll park - late night, july.
@eviescore @angstfactory (grayson)
discord
Evie
After about the fourth drink and blunt, Evie stopped keeping track of who she was texting and what she was smoking or drinking next. Laying in the grass she had her knees up pointing toward the sky to herself after dropping her phone into her face. ❝ Ohp!! ❞
-
Ashton
Ash had gotten the burger for Evie, hoping to help his friend sober up and was ready to take her home, he immediately drove out of his house late that night, not even willing to take the chance for Evie to be drunk and in danger, and even if she was safe and with friends, at least he would be able to see it with his own eyes. He parked the car nearby and followed the live location map pin to exactly where Evie laid down, not moving as she promised. "there you are, burger delivery," Ash's worries melted away seeing her alone and safe, even if it a lil out of it lying in the grass, phone falling on her face. He chuckled passing her the burger still warm in one hand as he picked up her phone for her in with the other, "cheese and pickles, as requested." He stood beside her first, looking around the park, those sex noises must be loud for Evie to run so far, "you doing okay?"
-
Grayson
it had been a relaxing day for gray, a slow one at the store. was able to get it closed up by 7pm and when he got home, a sandwich got him tired and fallen into a few hours nap. thats life in your forties for you. eventually, he turned over and the light from his phone got the man groggily cleaning out the sleep from his eyes and seeing that evie had been texting. and was drunk, somewhere in carroll. gray had too much experience with this to feel comfortable leaving the woman out by herself this late. so he got up, took one of his hoodies for her, and headed out to find her at the park. he wasn’t expecting someone else to be there with her and from this distance, he wasn’t sure what was going on or if he liked that much. “heyo,” gray alerted to his presence, jogging the rest of the way to come across evie laying on the ground. and some other guy that he did a double take of, a smile coming in as he pointed towards him, “i know you! .. uhh.. hockey player, right? yeah, the la knights,” he said, totally unaware he had gotten the team name wrong — wouldn’t have cared anyway, because he had been rooting for the other team. “you two know each other?” gray asked then, surveying the scene with a keener eye, noting the food and that evie didn’t seem to be in distress. just drink. “hey,” his smile soft, he squatted next to evie to check on her, “you want to put this on? it’s cold out tonight.” he held out the hoodie.
-
Evie
Evie blinked blearily up at the two figures looming over her, squinting like they kept multiplying before a crooked grin spread across her face. ❝ Ashhhh... y'came. ❞ She reached for the burger with both hands like it was the greatest treasure she'd ever seen, nearly dropping it before hugging it to her chest. ❝ I love cheeseburger... an' you pickles. You're, like... the besht. ❞ She hummed with that little happy smile she almost always had on her lips. Her attention drifted to Grayson when she heard his voice now. ❝ Gray! Hi... you found me too. Everybody's findin' me now. ❞ She giggled, then pointed lazily between the two men. ❝ An' it's Kingsss. LA Kings. No the... no t... who was it? I know 'cause Ash does the hockey thingy and we met a long time ago now. ❞ It was sweet of Grayson to bring her a sweater, as she didn't even noticed the temperature outside anymore, accepting the hoodie with clumsy hands, sliding it on her small body to then flop back into the grass. ❝ M'fine. The ground's comfy... but y'guys are way prettier than the stars right now. ❞
-
Ashton
"course I did- careful," he gently spoke, making sure the burger made it to her hands without dropping. How did she get this wasted? The question was lingering in his mind. "Once you eat a lil let's get you h-" Before Ash could finish his sentence, some other voice came up, and one that was off the bat unrecognizable which made Ash tense up at the sound of it. He stood up straight up, raising an eyebrow at the familiar face but never around here in Carroll.. Evie at least seemed to know him. Ash stared him down for a second or two as it clicked, "you?"
The irk of a face and that smile had him in a small mild annoyance but nothing truly antagonistic, in all the times they've been in random cities.. he's always felt like.. a house fly, harmless but annoying. Evie was the sweetie to even help him correct his hockey team before he could as he chuckled, "yeah, hockey player, constantly judged by this one Sharks fan." He's seen him in teal before, running around San Jose. "And yeah, we're old friends." Ash said it quickly before he could have any ideas on what he walked in on, or what he himself might be planning with her. even if Evie knew him, Ashton didn't. And he wasn't going to trust another man's intentions with her. Ash squat down opposite of this Gray to continue keeping an eye of him. "And how do you know each other?" He had promised Evie he'd look after her in this town, no way he was going to let anything happen to her. His concerned gaze glanced back down to the obliviously happy dazed girl lying on the ground with these two men beside her, honestly the optics are not great from the outlook, "Evie, you wanna go home?"
-
Grayson
“right, kings,” he corrected with a quiet smirk, more than aware that it might chafe the hockey player some. ash? the guy was hot, gray clocked messing with him from the moment they met and had a relatively friendly rivalry going on. “gotta stay loyal to my sharks, being a water man myself,” gray claimed with a wink in ash’s direction. did he honestly care that much about hockey? not particularly, but he had gone out to games now and then, with his nephew in tow, to keep the younger man entertained. “ah, that’s easy,” now his smile directed down onto evie with a softer expression, “i am her gargoyle, she pulled me out of the shadows at the reception and hasn’t put me back since.” now it was her he was giving the wink, because damn, he was just a terrible flirt with everyone. he liked evie, though! as a friend, definitely, and she was more than just that by now. they had their fun but — tonight wasn’t the night for that, with her blitzed out of her mind. ash and his goals aligned here, get her someplace she could sleep it off safely. “yeah evie, you should come sleep it off.. i feel like you probably texted half the town here,” gray actually looked over his shoulder from where he squatted, as if expected other men to come out of the shadows to play knight. giving that she was a dancer, he was lowkey concerned about who some of those might be.
-
Evie
❝ I… I did not text that many people… ❞ Evie mumbled, pouting as she fumbled her phone inches from her face, squinting at it for a beat before letting out a tiny gasp. ❝ …Oh. Maybe I did. Tha’s… a lotta names. ❞ She dissolved into giggles, dropping the phone onto her stomach this time. Her hazy gaze drifted between Grayson and Ashton before she pointed at them with absolutely zero coordination. ❝ M’gargoyle… m’hockey man… y’both came to me. ❞ She smiled so wide her cheeks hurt, hugging herself in the warmth of his sweater. Shaking her head she took a big ol’ bite of the burger to devour it. ❝ Mm… but Ash, brought me cheeseburger… I could just kiss y’for that… ❞ she slurred absentmindedly through a mouthful of food before blinking at Grayson. She flopped back into the grass with a content sigh. ❝ I don’ wanna go yet, we gotta eat my burger and watch the sky. ❞ her hand touched Grayson bicep to keep him near. ❝ Then house boat. ❞
-
Ashton
he rolled his eye lightly, knowing the other man could care less about his hockey, even if he did care about hockey on the occasions, it wouldn't be for him. "her.. gargoyle..?" Ash mumbled in confusion mostly to himself, blinking at the unconventional way to describe your relation to someone. So during the reception, Ash was well.. busy. He hadn't noticed or met many people there. Ash sighed endearingly looking at Evie giggling to herself, with her phone, her sweater, and her burger. "of course I came, no kisses needed, you should sit up to eat.." he lightly nagged, but resigning to sitting down on the grass beside her since she didn't want to leave yet. However words caught his ears that made his sharply turn his gaze like daggers to gargoyle Gray, "house boat?" His tone darkened waiting for an explaination from either of them. No, Ashton wasn't going to let her go sleep in some other man's house while she was drunk. He pulled out a bottle of water from his bag that he got alongside the burger, twisting the cap and holding it out for Evie whenever she needed it. "Why are you even here in this town? Touristing? This is kings territory, shark man."
-
Grayson
"maybe no kisses until you're feeling more up to it," gray suggested, giving a quick glance towards the hockey player. did these two have something going on too, then? well, that was fine -- evie was her own woman, could do what she wanted, of course. but didn't mean gray felt it was appropriate to happen while she was too plastered to remember come morning. "my home," he cleared the question up, not even clocking the sudden sharpness from the other because his attention was mostly on evie. grayson, too, finished lowering his bottom to the ground and sat there, knees to his chest. "just got me and my nephew on it but, it's home." for now, anyway. so long as carroll stayed good for them. gray was enjoying himself and the shop so far. "i opened a surf's shop down by the pier, so we're here for the forseeable future.. promised trist i'd give him a stable place for once so.. maybe i'll change my colors," he smirked over at ash.
-
Evie
❝ Huh…? ❞ Evie looked back and forth between Ashton and Grayson, her brows knitting together like she was trying to solve the world’s hardest riddle before giving up with a lazy smile. ❝ S’pretty goat. It floats an’ everythin’. ❞ She took the bottle of water from Ashton with a clumsy little grin. ❝ Thank yewww… ❞ she slurred, taking a sip before immediately reaching for another bite of her burger. ❝ M’not goin’ hoome tonight. Dom might still be nakey there. ❞ She loud whispered like it was a secret. She wasn’t realizing the tension between the men as she was in her own little world. ❝ Whoaaa… Trist is your nephew?? ❞ She stayed sitting up before leaning her head toward Ashton’s shoulder
-
Ashton
"no kisses at all, tonight." Ash felt like if Evie isn't coherent enough to say no, he will lay down that boundary for her. Doesn't matter if they're madly in love and he's just cockblocking right now, he was her friend and he'll do what he thinks is right when she can't. He slowly let his shoulders release some of the tension as they both explain, at least his nephew is around and... it.. floats. Weirder that they're staying here, of all places. "Didn't know people stayed on boats around here," the bite in his words had simmered away though as was still being wary of this Gray guy. He murmured it's nothing to Evie's thanks, stabilizing her bottle once she was done. But he frowned her a reluctance to go home, "maybe they're asleep by now, y'know?" perhaps an understandable logical reason, but still going to this man's boat home didn't sit well with Ashton either.
Evie was still in her entire world as they waited for the food and water to help sober up a little, letting her lean onto him more comfortably, so she wouldn't choke on her burger, "think I've met your nephew before.. right? somewhere around with you," they conversed tensely, keeping Evie in the conversation could also help her not crash out to sleep. Blues turn their gaze to Gray, to meet the smirk unamusingly, "never known a sharks fan to ever become a kings, but be my guest to prove me wrong." Interesting that they were trying to find somewhere stable. Those guys hopped around more often than Ashton travelled to different cities for away games. But he took a short beat, absorbing what he was saying before the dots finally clicked, any warmth that might've built up in his voice dissolved again. "Oh. So you're that Grayson." Surf Shop Grayson. That he knew.
-
Grayson
he merely gave the other man a look that said, plain as day, duh. hadn't that been what grayson said? in his eyes, surely. clearly when she was more up to it would imply she needed to sober herself first. the shop owner that that was common sense here. "you must not visit the pier very often." they weren't the only pair living on the water, that much gray had noticed. but, there weren't many, no. "dom?" his brows lifted, wondering who this person was now and why were they naked at evie's apartment. "maybe this dom ought to go back to his own place.. you shouldn't be muscled out of your apartment," he was already a bit annoyed by dom. "ah, you know trist too, do you?" gray's voice came in a murmur now, assessing evie for a moment as he wondered if they had something going on, as well. evie was having her fun, as grayson did, but potentially with his nephew? that made things.. a bit weirder for him.
"have you met every sharks fan?" he asked, faint amusement over the thought. there was something going on with this ash guy. his vibes weren't the same friendly rivals that grayson was used to. "that grayson?" his arms came to rest over his knees, staring at ashton. "something bothering you, friend?"
-
Evie
Evie let out the smallest little whine, pressing her forehead dramatically against Ashton's shoulder as if the conversation itself was exhausting her. ❝ M'head's so... spinny... ❞ she mumbled, squeezing her eyes shut before peeking back up at the two of them, sitting upright as she looked between the two of them. ❝ Why're y'both... doin' the scary guy stare thing? ❞ A giggle escaped her as she took another bite of her burger almost finishing it now, chewing with far too much concentration. ❝ M'ya... It's Nio... Naomi's place, he's there with her ❞ She rubbed at one eye with the sleeve of Grayson's hoodie, softly laughing about getting her own friends name almost wrong. ❝ Y'know... y'look kinda cute when y'get bein' a liiiittle grumpy. ❞ She poked as Grayson's arm, sitting upright, crossing her legs, holding her arms outwards to try and so called balance herself.
-
Ashton
"I'm more of a solid water kinda guy," Ash shrugged, though it wasn't true, he loved the beach, just never really one in the higher society of life corner of carroll. "Maybe it's time to sleep soon, hm?" he gently nudged Evie as she whined, hand lightly patting her head to hopefully soothe the spinning. But she was quick to move on to look at them and focus on her burger. "We're just.. talking, don't worry Eves," he sighed, knowing at least if he stayed by her side, nothing bad would happen to her, Ash dropped more of his guard down then. He kind of knew of Dom, more of mom's circle, none of his business to really get into it, other than the fact that he definitely did not want to imagine him naked. So he let Evie explain. "I agree, maybe you should chase naked Dom out so you can sleep," he chuckled dryly, agreeing with the other man sounded strange.
"I've met enough sharks fans that have wished me an early grave," he still had jokes in him before the dawned fact soured on Ashton's impression of this man. The way he got defensive seemed guilty to him, friend had never sounded this hostile. "A little birdie told me you broke her heart, and I don't take kindly to people that break my friends' hearts." He answered as a matter of factly, as if implying or questioning if history was going to repeat itself here with Evie. Ash helped her stabilize with a hand gently to her shoulder as she sat upright properly, letting her oogle over this Gray guy for a second before asking, "Evie, if you don't want to go home, then do you wanna come stay at mine? My mom is home right now too, we got a spare room and she can lend you some clothes."
-
Grayson
grayson's brows merely sank together like he didn't quite understand what either of them were on about. he was literally just sitting there, picking up on a couple of signals that the hockey player wasn't too happy with him for some reason. "i'm not grumpy right now, evie," he advised her gently, the corner of his mouth up in a small smile. she was a cute drunk, but he still didn't understand why she was out drinking herself stupid just over a naked man at her apartment.
"it's just a game, i'm not that diehard a fan," the surf's shop owner made a small gesture, to brush aside the thought. "besides, i keep the rivalry at the games, where it's all good fun." then ashton mentioned about a birdie, the reference fairly specific as there's only been one person he's theoretically broken the heart of recently. "that birdie assumed a lot of things she wasn't promised and never asked about," gray returned in an even and polite tone. "i can't control what someone else assumes." this man had only one half of the story from winnie's very biased side, so grayson wasn't too bothered to understand that's where the friction came from. he didn't even blame ash for it -- the guy was obviously just being a good friend. like he was with evie. gray gave a minor shrug, to show he was fine with the change of plans if that's what evie decided.
-
Evie
Evie sat there for another moment, the cool grass beneath her hands feeling oddly comforting while the conversation around her blurred in and out. She could tell Ashton and Grayson were talking about someone, no idea who as it all just zoomed right over her head, and even through the haze of alcohol she didn't whatever weird tension was happening. Her head felt light, her cheeks warm, and every time she moved too quickly the world seemed to sway just a little before settling again, like everything was three seconds behind her. The water and burger helping soothe her stomach though as she finished the food.
❝ Oooook. ❞ she mumbled with a crooked smile, waving a hand lazily between them. A soft laugh escaped her as she planted her palms on the ground and pushed herself to her feet. She wobbled immediately, catching herself with a quiet ❝ Whoa... okay... ❞ before breaking into another giggle at her own lack of balance, flipping her long blonde hair back. Standing still for a second, she blinked until everything stopped spinning quite so much, then looked over at Grayson. ❝ I already told you I'd crash on the boat... didn't I? ❞ she asked, more to confirm it than anything else. Her eyes drifted to Ashton, her expression gentle despite the alcohol making every emotion feel a little bigger than normal. ❝ I don' wanna im..impose. ❞
-
Ashton
The venom was dissolving with time, a light scoff at Grayson's logic for their rivalry, makes sense. Probably. "Fine, guess it is the off season," he lightly shrugged, grumbled without bite, "you can hate me again when September comes." If Grayson lasts long enough to stay here. Honestly the Sharks are having insane lucky and it's super unfair and incredibly terrifying with their top draft picks in the draft lottery luck. Doubt he'll wanna switch teams at what seems like an incredibly strong young team next season. He frowned at his reasoning regarding Winnie, "well, would've been nice to have had an open conversation about it then, wouldn't it?" Sounded like a player alright. Though he was curious, what his side of the story was, or what he thought it was. He seriously hoped he wasn't playing with Evie either.
Though Ash took note of the willingness from Grayson for a change of plans, Evie however did not. "Eves.." Ash was helping her stabilize herself as she got up, more afraid she was going to fall and hit her head or back. He lowered his voice mostly for her to hear only, "I'm not gonna leave you alone on a boat." with this guy or without this guy. One wrong slip and if she felt into the water, that was it. But he didn't want to push her if she didn't want to. He glanced over to Gray, concerned gaze looking through the different scenarios, "I drove here, I much rather stay with her, if she wants to go to your place."
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Grayson
“sounds like a song,” he cracked a joke, ashton’s words reminding him of that blue october band. gray only inclined his head towards the assumption he should have spelled things out for winnie, because at that moment evie hoisted to her feet. / he, too, decided to get to his feet. “sounds like your friend here would feel better if you went and hung out with him and his mother tonight, evie,” gray said. fine to let that be the end of it, so long as ashton wasn’t doing exactly what he clearly suspected him of. taking advantage of a drunk woman. “though, gonna need some insurance here that you are taking her back where you got your mother watching out, too… no offense.”
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Evie
Evie blinked up at the two of them, lips pursed in exaggerated concentration like she was trying really hard to keep up. Her gaze landed on Ashton, lingering there as she swayed a little on her feet before letting out a tiny sigh. Her bosy appretiative of him helping her keep her balance. ❝ Y'know... you're both bein' all... responsible 'n so sweet n' stuff... ❞ she mumbled with a sleepy little smile at this point in time now. ❝ M'brain can't think much t'argue... ❞ She reached out without thinking, slipping her hand onto Ashton's arm. ❝ Okay... I'll come home with y'... say hi t'your mom... n' sleep sleep sleep the night away. ❞ She giggled at herself, then leaned her weight against him with a dramatic huff. ❝ But y'have t'carry me if the ground starts movin' again... 'cause it's bein' really rude tonight. ❞
She looked over at Grayson with a crooked grin, lifting her free hand in a wobbly little wiggle of her fingers. ❝ Sorryyy, gargoyle... rain check on th'floaty house, okay? Her eyelids drooped as she rested her cheek against Ashton's shoulder again, mumbling almost to herself. Her stomach felt more full, starting to absorb the alcohol and drugs.
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Ashton
"maybe you can write it, a big summer hit," Ash scoffed back at the joke, the silence to his words for Winnie said enough in his opinion, even as Evie gets up and takes both their attention. The tension escaped him in a long exhaled breathe though, as both parties seem to agree to the idea. "Of course, no offense taken, I expect nothing less of a friend of Evie's," honestly Grayson making that request made Ashton feel the best about him so far. "Mom would love to say hi to you, and catch up in the morning after you've slept, 'kay?" He shifted his hold of her to be steadier as she leaned onto him, "I will, might as well put my summer training to good use." Ash chuckled at the request, whatever that would help her cooperate to rest safely at home. He looked over to Grayson, to answer regarding his insurance he wanted, "did you drive? if you didn't, I could send us back all to mine first, make sure she's settled in with my mom, then send you back home." That was the best insurance Ash felt like he could give a friend.
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Grayson
his eyes swept over evie and the way she continued to touch and lean in against the other man. most of her interest, in fact, was in ashton, with grayson being a secondary act that was sort of in everyone’s way. he physically took a step back. a natural instinct to distance himself from caring about that and whoever ash was to evie, whatever he meant to her. they looked quite chummy and he distinctly ignored the minor irritation at seeing it.
“that’s alright, trist is home tonight, would have had questions,” gray said with a casual shrug over evie’s apology. the flirtation going back and forth between the other two made him squint, just enough. now he was going to carry her? “i got my car, I’ll follow you guys.” as soon as he saw that ash was bringing evie back somewhere with another female presence, gray would be on his way and not think more on it. why she had texted him when she already asked someone else to show, he didn’t know. was it to make him jealous? was he jealous?
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Evie
Evie let out a soft little hum, her fuzzy brain only catching about half the conversation. They were talking about cars... moms... Trist... insurance? Why they were talking about their insurances didn't make sense to her but it all sounded important, but the words floated around her head like bubbles she couldn't quite grab. She blinked slowly toward Grayson just as he stepped back, her smile faltering for the briefest second.
❝ Don't be all... over there... ❞ she mumbled, pointing at him with absolutely no coordination before abandoning the gesture entirely. With surprising determination, she stumbled the couple of steps separating them and threw both arms around him in a clumsy, alcohol-fueled hug. ❝ M'sorry I can't come see your floaty house... ❞ she slurred into his shoulder, giving him an extra squeeze that lingered a second longer than it probably could have. ❝ Rain check... I promise... ❞ She giggled quietly before swaying on her feet, immediately deciding standing was overrated. Turning back toward Ashton, she reached both arms out toward him without a shred of shame, fingers making little grabby motions.
❝ Okaaay... carry me now please. M'legs are on strike... an' the ground's still bein' rude. ❞ A dramatic sigh escaped her throwing her head backwards, not a smart idea as it made her stumble back.
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Ashton
"That works too, I'll show you to my car first, and text my mom while you pull over," Ash nodded, taking this more of a rescue operation at this point, working together rather than against Grayson. Guess in a way it's also because he did get his way on ensuring Evie's safety the best way he knew. Not saying that it would, but if Ash simply trusted that she'd be okay and something happened to her, he'd never live with himself. This was more than okay of a compromise for Grayson to come over and see the safety conditions of his home with his mom around.
Feeling a lil bit better about Grayson, Ash lets Evie stumble over to the other man for a hug, simply making sure she didn't fall over in the process. He could only look at her and her grabby hands with an amused and endeared sigh, "okay," Ash can rarely say no to his friends' requests, even more so like this. "Okay okay okay.." he was quick to move and catch her in her mid stumble, "up we go, time to sleep, 'kay?" he mumbled before gently bringing his arms around her shoulder and under her knees to lift her up without much problem, looking back to Grayson, "my car's just parked down there, let's go."
-
Grayson
the woman was coming his way so he met her halfway, just to prevent further risk of her falling. “some other time, you’ll have the grand tour— not that it’s anything special,” he promised, knowing it was an old boat in need of plenty repairs but was fine enough for both Tristan and himself.
gray naturally reached out to catch her before evie stumbled back, but ashton was quicker, saving the woman in the nick of time. she had asked for him anyway. “im parked this way, i’ll meet you over there,” gray gestured an opposite direction and headed off, with a look over his shoulder. hoping he wasn’t taking some risk in leaving her for the two minutes it would take to pull around. he found his vehicle and pulled around behind the one he saw them getting into, ready to follow.
-
Evie
Evie’s head felt pleasantly light, the kind of dizzy where everything seemed just a little softer around the edges. She caught bits and pieces of the conversation still, Instead, she simply watched the two of them move around her, an absent little smile lingering on her face as the cool night air brushed against her very flushed cheeks.
She barely had time to register herself tipping backward before Ashton was there, effortlessly scooping her off the ground. A laugh bubbled out of her, instinctively curling into his hold as one hand loosely gripped the front of his shirt to steady herself, head leaning against him. The world stopped swaying quite so much when her feet weren’t on it anymore. Her gaze wandered over his shoulder until it found Grayson heading toward his own car, and she lifted her hand in a lazy little wave. ❝ …See you soon my gargoyle… ❞ she hummed out as she rested back against Ashton.
