~

“Because drinking helps me get my mind off of things!” Of course there was more to the story, but that was something Heather would barely even  admit to herself. “Hey now,” Heather warned. “They’re pink and have cute ruffles. Plus, they keep me warm.” She drank her third while cringing before deciding it was time to move on to beer since she was already tipsy. 

“Mind opening this for me?” She looked up at the curly haired boy beside her.

“I guess that’s something we have in common.” Ashton swallowed his third shot, and poured himself a fourth. He barely felt anything, but it was probably because he was so used to this. Drinking had become almost a nightly ritual for him, and he couldn’t remember the last time he had gone over a day without at least one beer.

Heather tried to think of a witty comeback, but couldn’t so she just smiled at him knowing it’s better to accept defeat sooner rather than later. “Shut up, dickbag.” 

She felt the burn in the back of her throat as she coughed a little. The girl set the glass down and took the bottle from Ashton pouring her drink and tossing it back just as fast. “I hate drinking.”

“Then why’d you agree to this?” Ashton laughed, amused. He downed his second shot and placed the glass on the table, pouring himself another one. His eyes drifted to the floor and he noticed Heather’s choice of footwear.

“Yeah, because I’m always right.” Heather shot him a playful wink and moved herself so she was standing beside him. “Vodka,” She smoothly replied. “I hate it, but it does the job. It kind of tastes like nail polish?” Heather tilted her head trying to find an accurate comparison. The girl took the bottle that was in front of her and poured it into 2 glasses taking one for herself and handing the other to Ashton. “Cheers to crappy days!”

“You know nail polish isn’t supposed to go in your mouth, right?” Ashton grinned.

Heather side eyed him from her position before going back to reaching. “I’m sure someone would hear my screams of terror and come to help. Or, just be a good civilian and call 911 for me. Heather shook her head being stubborn as usual, “No! I put them up there, so I can get them down.” Finally, Heather got a hold on them and hopped off the counter.  “Shall we?” She asked.

“Hmmm, anything you say.” Ashton smiled, taking out the bottle opener from his back pocket. He popped open the beer and took a long swig, watching Heather get off of the counter.

Heather was just sat waiting on Ashton, before she heard a loud thud that caused her to jump up in shock. She sat up and looked over at the boy, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “Gotta live on the edge sometimes, right?” Heather stood up and walked over to him taking a bottle from his grasp and set it on the counter. “You came fully prepared,” She commented “So I’m guessing we’re in for a good time.” Heather began reaching for shot glasses on the top shelf, but couldn’t reach so she climbed on the counter to grab them. “Small and mighty for the win.”

“Going to bed every night with the potential to get raped or mugged in your sleep is living on the edge?” Ashton rested the 6-pack of beer next to the vodka and leaned back against the counter, watching Heather try to get the shot glasses from the high cabinet.

Heather had a pretty shitty day to say the least. Her manager was a jerk just like the customers, but she couldn’t do much unless she wanted to get fired. Heather was tired and really just wanted to watch a movie while hiding under the covers, although that didn’t seem to be an option at the moment. Ashton was due to arrive any time so they could drink their problems away. Heather stood up from her spot on the couch and didn’t bother changing into anything nicer. She was in jeans and a tank top and her classic fuzzy socks, plus it was just Ashton so he shouldn’t care, right? The girl headed towards her door and cracked it open before going back to the couch and plopping down.

Ashton had finished tutoring his last pupil of the day and was on his way home from the NYU library when he got a text from Heather. She seemed to be in a pretty sullen mood, so Ashton took it upon himself to make her feel better. His plans for tonight had been to get high and go see a movie with his roommates, but he decided to blow them off for Heather since he literally lived with them and got to see them 24/7. Ashton got home, tossed his stuff into his room, and grabbed the 6-pack that was sitting in the fridge. He took the bottle of whipped cream-flavored vodka that was next to the 6-pack, figuring Heather would probably like its sweet taste. Ashton went to Heather’s apartment, his hands full of alcohol. He kicked the door lightly, expecting to kick a few more times, but to his surprise the door flew open.