Vanilla Unicorn Princess

Ashley Jenkins, born a millionaire, made her way as a business woman. Mother to the ones she cares about, kneecap breaker to the ones who get in her way.

[pure-brownage-deactivated201509]

Mama knows best

[pure-brownage-deactivated201509]

Ray raised an eyebrow at the woman sitting across from him. “Because I know you?” He gave a smile. “And I know you care too much to not try and get us together.” To Ray it felt like his life was becoming some weird reality show that they would show on MTV. Meet sniper, sniper meets explosion guy, falls in love, everyone tries to get them together. Ray would be lying to himself if he said that he wouldn't watch it. 

He noted Ashley’s quiet surprise at him being able to tell she was lying. Of course he could, he wasn’t any Gavin but he was more perceptive than people usually thought he was. He had however picked most of it up from Gavin. “Good, I’m glad he’s helping.” Ray had been skeptical when he first met Ashley’s boyfriend, he had seemed so civilian. Then again it also felt like it was his mother starting to date again. “What do you mean by little? You might as well get it all out. I may be able to help.” 

[mamaxxash-blog]

The woman giggled lightly. He did know her, he knew her very well. Not that she minded all that much. It also meant that he knew that she cared about him, and she knew that he cared about her. “--Hmm, you’re right. I do.” A grin lit up her eyes, a sort of mischievous look in her eyes. “--But you know me. I seem to have a bit of a magic touch when it comes to these things.”

The smile dissipated however, when he pried further into life at the club. She didn’t want to get into it-- she’d already talked to Geoff about it. He had a plan. A bit of a terrifying one, but a plan nonetheless. “--It’s alright. Geoff’s taking care of it.” A pause. “--but, I guess I can tell you. I’m in a bit of...gang related trouble. Like, my neck on the chopping block sort of trouble.”

[demichris]

Mama’s Here

[demichris]

It was funny how things worked out. Not too long ago, Chris had been freaking out after his own near-death experience. But than panic was nothing, nothing, when compared to how he felt about Ashley’s. He didn’t know the details, the only words he could recall in the moment he heard what had happened being ‘Ashley’ and 'hurt’. It was the classic moment of the world seeming to stop spinning, but rather than let his light-headedness stop him, Chris had halted everything he was doing to jump in his car and drive.

Ashley was the closest thing to him. He knew that, and so did she. His adopted mama was practically his everything, when she’d taken him in and shown him love that an orphan had been lacking all of his life. Which was where the anger had come in when he’d unlocked the front door only to be restricted by the chain. Chris wasn’t the type to get angry, often being too jovial for his own good, but when it came to matters involving those who he held dear, it was a sight to see his face turn stormy whilst swears and curses flowed seamlessly. For Ashley, she’d had to put up with call after call, angry voicemail after angry voicemail, frustrated text after frustrated text, and her door being pummelled against as Chris refused to leave. The door had proved good for absorbing some of that fury, with Chris eventually calming down to become a desperate ball of worry who just wanted to see Ashley alive and breathing.

Originally, Chris was going to leave. Threats to camp outside all night if that was what it would take had faded to a simple wish that his actions would benefit Ashley in some way. Then the texts had come. Their conversation had spun from nostalgia over music too loud, to Ashley reflecting on the very event that had caused her to genuinely fear for her life. When that had happened, Chris finally caught sight of the open window in the reflection on his phone screen, and clambered inside without so much as a second thought.

Thoughts raced, however, when the bedroom door opened. Like a coward, Chris froze, not sure how to react. When he’d always viewed Ashley as a powerful woman, the bruises and marks littering her body made her look weak. They reminded Chris of the brutal image he’d conjured up as the worst case scenario. Whether it was that reminder he’d almost lost his mama, or another underlying factor, it didn’t matter, because Chris found the strength to try his hand at being the protector for once. “I’ll kill whoever did this. I swear I will. Nobody’s gonna hurt you and get away with it.”

The fierce expression softened when Chris went in to hug Ashley. He halted soon after taking the step forward and beginning to lean in, hesitant that it would cause her pain. “Does it hurt?” he asked, before realising that what he’d questioned was stupid. “I mean, is it really painful? Have you got painkillers? Do you need me to get anything for you?”

[mamaxxash-blog]

Ashley was once a very different woman. She was a hard ass, a business woman at heart. It didn’t take much to make her angry, or for her to step on people to climb her way to the top. It wasn’t her fault really, it was the way she was raised. The world was cold and unforgiving to the woman who’d grown to parents that didn’t love. 

The person that had changed her was Chris. Of course, she’d known the boy in elementary school, but it wasn’t until after school that she was changed for the better. When the man showed up at her doorstep (to rob her coincidentally), there was something that Ashley felt, protecting him from the harshness of the world that she’d suffered through, that tapped into something the woman didn’t know she held herself. Caring, compassion.

Love.

After experiencing real emotion like that, the businesswoman turned mother knew she could never go back to who she was before. So, all at once, Ashley cut herself off from her old life, and started a new one with her own little family, which included Chris, Burnie, and perhaps a few good-for-nothings gangsters along the way.

Despite everything that had happened, those protective instincts kicked in once again when she saw the fear, anger, and worry flash all at once across her boy’s face. She encircled the boy in her arms, as he paused, pulling him close and burying her head in his shoulder. It was her fault that he was hurting, and all she wanted to do was make it stop.

- “--They’re already dead.” She muttered softly. “--Ryan took care of it. And no, I’m fine. Just a few bruises here and there. Nothing mama can’t handle, you know.”

[mamaxxash-blog]

This keeps happening. I’m gonna need it to not.

[demichris]

Mama’s Here

[demichris]

It was exactly what Chris needed, to be enveloped in the arms of Ashley. Regardless of how ridiculous it sounded, Chris swore they felt like a place where nothing could go wrong. A safe zone, where worries were relieved and his optimism was recharged as the bad memories faded away. He immediately wrapped his own arms tightly around Ashley, breathing in the familiar smell, and refrained from speaking whilst she gently rubbed his back - an action which soothed him.

Chris wouldn’t cry, heck, he was a grown man and he tried to hold back from teary waterfalls with an iron willpower, but his emotional baggage was catching up with him. Not only the events of today, but things he had overheard that had been playing on his mind for longer than they ought to have been allowed.

“Rough day…” he mumbled into her torso. An understatement. “Really, really rough day…”

When Chris had managed to calm himself to the point his voice didn’t quiver, he decided to launch into an explanation. There were no secrets between him and Ashley, or at least, not on his part. “Got a call to deliver some meth. Went. Guy was… crazy. He wouldn’t pay up, so I wouldn’t give him the stuff. I didn’t see the shotgun sat by the door before, but fuck, I saw it when it was pointed at my head,” Staring down the barrel of a gun never lead to fond memories. “I put my hands up but- but I couldn’t surrender the stuff, y'know? And what, not collect the money he owed me and wait to get shot later by the big guys instead? Please.”

Chris pulled out of the hug, sheepishly scratching his arm and swivelling his eyes to look at anywhere but Ashley. “I just… It was a lose-lose situation, no matter how I looked at it,” The idle wandering of eyes stopped, and Chris made eye contact once more. “I thought that was it.”

[mamaxxash-blog]

---------------

(A little while later)

With a little sigh, Ashley placed her cell phone on the coffee table and heaved herself, a bit painfully so, from the bed. She hadn’t wanted this to happen; Chris was never supposed to see her like this. Ash was his mother, his protector, his mentor (Though maybe she didn’t always set the best example). Seeing his mother broken and hurt would only cause him to lose faith in her. That, Ashley would not be able to handle.

In passing, the woman took a sidelong glance in the mirror, only to cringe. She looked like death. Ash’s skin was nearly flushed of color, the bags under her eyes dark, and large. The nightmares had been keeping her up at night, but hey, who really needed sleep, right? The handprint shaped bruise on her neck was more visible than ever-- no amount of make up could hide it. It was blotched green and purple across her skin, making it obvious what had happened, and she knew that Chris would be less than thrilled at the mark. 

Just above her left eye, gause was still taped to the wound on her head, nearly bled through. Ashley had been much too lazy to replace it that morning, and was now completely regretting it. Another annoyed sigh left her lips as she reached for the door handle, pulling it open so that pale, tired hues could meet her son’s.

[mamaxxash-blog]

Don't be disappointed in yourself. [break] You're the greatest and I love you. [break] Also, no promises about the crying thing. [break] Outside the bedroom now, please have arms ready for a hug.

You’re the best, sweetie pie <3 

{Break} 

Coming to the door.

[mamaxxash-blog]

Sorry. [break] I'm not really sorry. [break] Don't be mad. [break] I like Disney movies. [break] Can I watch with you?

I’m not mad, mostly just disappointed in myself.

{Break}

As long as you promise not to cry when mufasa dies.

[mamaxxash-blog]

[long break] You left a window open. [break] I climbed in. [break] Where are you?

CHRIS!!!

{Break}

In the bedroom. Propped up on the bed, and watching disney movies.

{Break}

Don’t judge my decisions. I needed happiness.

[mamaxxash-blog]

I can do that. [break] I miss you too. [break] All the time. [break] Sometimes it feels lonely in my apartment when I play my music loud. [break] Half expect you to put your head round the door and tell me to turn it down.

The apartment isn’t the same with out you and your obnoxiously loud speakers.

{Break}

The other night, when this all happened. There was this point when I thought that I wasn’t going to make it.

{Break}

God, it was terrifying.

{Break}

All I could think about was you. 

{Break}

I wanted to see you again before I died, and I wouldn’t get to. That’s what scared me the most.

[mamaxxash-blog]

Oh. [break] Okay. [break] I don't know what to do, either.

Just.. 

{Break}

Keep texting me.

{Break}

I miss my baby boy.

[mamaxxash-blog]

If I go home [break] Will that make you feel any better?

Yes.

{Break}

No.

{Break} 

I don’t know.

[mamaxxash-blog]

What if I promise not to say anything? [break] Or do anything? [break] I won't talk, I won't show any emotion. [break] I just... [break] Can I at least give you a hug?

When I’m better, yes.

{Break}

Not now.

[mamaxxash-blog]

I'm already panicking. [break] You're not okay, Ash, and I can't stand it. [break] Please, Ash, you know you're the closest thing to me. And you know I wanna help you.

Breathe, sweetie. Just breathe. 

{Break} 

Everything is taken care of already. 

{Break}

 I know you do, but Burnie is here. And Ryan helps. 

{Break} 

It just...It’ll hurt me to see you hurt. You know?

[mamaxxash-blog]

Oh thank God [break] I love you too [break] Please don't ignore me again. [break] Please let me in, Ash. [break] Please.

I can’t. 

{Break} 

You don’t need to see me like this. You’ll only work yourself up over nothing. 

{Break} 

It’s okay, I promise you.

[mamaxxash-blog]

I'm heading over, don't go anywhere. [long break] Why'd you put the chain on? [break] Ash, let me in. [break] I know you're fucking home. [break] What the FUCK happened? [break] Pick up the fucking phone. [break] PICK IT UP [break] Fine, I'm not fucking leaving till you answer me. [break] I'll camp outside all damn night if I have to. [long break] I'm sorry. [break] For the angry messages. [break] Just please, answer me. [break] I'm really worried, Ash.

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

{No Answer}

I love you, baby. I’m fine. Go home.

[pure-brownage-deactivated201509]

Mama knows best

[pure-brownage-deactivated201509]

Ashley’s words had actually helped reassure him quite a bit. “You do always have your ways.” He said with a small smile. “Are you going to play match maker?” He said already knowing that she would be. If it was anyone else trying to meddle so much he’d be annoyed but with Ashley it was just endearing. He knew she only did what she did because she cared about him. 

“I am insulting your spaghetti aren’t? I’m sorry.” He said picking up his fork and digging in again.  “Since your earlier answer wasn’t so believeable, how are you really?” He asked her carefully. “Is things at the club alright? It’s not Burnie is it?” Ray liked the guy enough but if he had hurt Ashley in anyway he would wreck his shit. 

[mamaxxash-blog]

“--Now what gives you that idea?” The woman couldn’t hide her smirk. Of course she was going to play matchmaker. Ray and Ryan were effectively two of her favorite boys in the entire world. If she could somehow use her magic touch to push the two together...there was no way she was going to let that opportunity slide. It was like her mission.

Ashley froze, lips popping open ever so slightly in surprise. The woman was a professional persuader, how could her lie not have worked? She let out a heavy sigh and placed her chin on her hand. “No, no. Burnie is helping, if anything. There’s just...a little trouble.”

[masks-makethe-madman-blog]

Small Favors

[masks-makethe-madman-blog]

Ryan looked at his watch again as he paced in the main room. Over an hour has gone by without sound nor sight of any possible assassins. It made him feel anxious. There was a good chance that they may have learned about the Fake AH Crew’s involvement and if they have; they may have called off the whole assassination altogether. He also doubted Ash was all that comfortable after hiding for the hour. 

He did one more round before heading to her hiding spot. He hesitated before rasping against the wall. He could already see her start to emerge. 

“It’s clea-” There was a sharp pain that bloomed from the back of his head drawing a loud groan from him. Before he had time to react, a fist slammed against the side of his face knocking him against the wall. He lifted his arms up to protect his head against the punches and kicked at the attacker. There was a flash of metal and Ryan barely managed to catch the attacker’s wrist before they tried to plunge a knife into his chest. His head was spinning. He twisted the wrist, forcing them to drop their weapon, only to gasp in pain when the attacker kneed him in the gut. He doubled over and the assassin took the chance to slam his fists against the back of Ryan’s head. His knees buckled and he fell flat on the floor. 

Suddenly, there was a loud crash and a shout as footsteps retreated down the hall. Ryan swallowed and forced himself to sit up. To his left was the knife left by the assassin - he grabbed it and grit his teeth as he got up and chased after the two. 

All he could think was; at least he didn’t have the knife. 

[mamaxxash-blog]

Lindsay didn’t like hiding, not because it was too long, or too uncomfortable, it was because it put her on edge. It felt like at any moment something could happen, yet, in the darkness that was the closet, she could hear no sounds of war, or bloodshed. Had she been wrong? Maybe they decided to come another night? Whatever the reason, Ashley began to feel more and more uneasy by the minute.

That uneasiness piqued, however, when she saw her friend nearly get stabbed only feet in front of her. Suddenly her mind was racing a mile a minute. Ashley had to do something and do something fast before the attacker decided to end Ryan first. With a growl, the woman exploded from the closet, placing a firm kick to the man’s knee cap, the man yelping in surprise and pain before tumbling sideways to the ground.

It wasn’t much of a distraction, but it was better than nothing. Ashley turned on heel then, moving quickly down the hallway to lead the man as far from her grounded friend as possible. Unfortunately, the woman underestimated how fast the attacker was. Pain ripped through her as clammy hands curled their way into her hair from behind, bringing her head down on the corner of the wall. Stars danced in her eyes, and before she knew what was happening, she was being pinned, someone’s hand bruising around her neck and cutting off her air.

[mamaxxash-blog]

((I can’t.))