Ash didn’t like school much. Too many people, too many questions. He never had to go to school before, all the kids in his old pack had been home schooled. But Gwen and Lennox had insisted. They registered him under their name, told the school they were fostering him. At first Ash had resisted, flat out refused, but they thought it would do him good. He would be bored at home all day by himself anyways they had told him; the adults would be working and the rest of the kids were in school themselves. It wasn’t until Aiden stepped in and told the young pup he should go that Ash finally, yet begrudgingly, agreed not to fight about it.

 

Today was Friday; the first week was almost over. Aidan would be picking him up and they were going to go out and do something special. Ash tried not to be excited, but he missed his friend so much. His first week at the McKenna house Aidan was allowed to stay home to help Ash settle in, they hadn’t been apart for more than a few minutes all that week and being separated was proving to be difficult. Even if they did spend every minute together once they got home.  

Ash fidgeted in his seat and glanced at the clock. It was taking all his willpower not to bounce; he felt himself practically vibrating with excitement. He couldn't sit still and he had long ago given up on paying attention.

“You seem happy today.” Ash turned wide eyed to the girl who sat next to him. Her name was Kadey; she had been very nice to him all week. She didn’t tease him for being weird like some of the other kids. And she said it was okay that he didn’t live with his biological family; his new family was special because they choose to love him. He liked her enough, for a human at least.

“It’s Friday.”

“Yes, Fridays are nice. Do you have something special planned for the weekend?” Ash nodded shyly, he could feel his face burn. Kadey smiled. “Would you like to tell me?”

“My Aidan’s coming to get me today.”

“Aidan? Is that your foster brother?” Ash nodded. “That’s nice that you can spend some time together. My big brother doesn’t really like to play with me; he says I’m just a silly little girl.”

“Aidan always wants to play with me.”

“That’s because he chose you.” Kadey stated matter of fact.

Ash smiled. He liked the sound of that. Aidan chose him. He couldn’t stop a small smile from forming on his usually emotionless face.

 

+x+x+x+x+

 

“Are you sure someone’s coming to get you?” His teacher asked for the third time.

Ash nodded, a little less sure than he was an hour ago.

“Alright, well come sit in the office and wait. I’ll try calling your parents.”

 

Ash followed the teacher into the office and sat down on a hard plastic chair. His chest felt tight. Aidan promised he would be there. That he would come get him after school. Ash rubbed his damp palms on his jeans; it’s only been half an hour, get a grip on yourself, Aidan promised. Ash fidgeted in his seat, he could feel his eyes burn with tears. What if Aidan didn’t show up? What if they changed their minds and they don’t want him anymore? Ash closed his eyes tight and took a deep breath. I’m too old for this. He scolded himself, Calm down and pull yourself together.

 

“Ash!” The dark haired boy’s head snapped up when he heard that voice. “Oh, Little Pup, I’m sorry I’m late.”

Ash looked to the floor. “It’s okay,” He mumbled.

“No, it’s not. I had to stay after school; I tried to get out of it. I really am sorry”

“Okay.”

“Ash? Look at me, Pup.” Ash lifted his eyes to meet Aidan’s. “Ah, there’s those big blues. What do you say we go grab some food, huh?”

“Excuse me? Who are you?”

“Oh hey, thanks for looking after the little man here, but I’m going to take him home now.”

“Who are you?”

“Oh, I’m Aidan.”

“Look, I can’t just let you take him out of here. I don’t know who you are. Please step away from the child.”

“Excuse me?” Aidan's voice came out with a slight growl. His hands squeezed into fists at his sides.

“Look, son, you need to just back away or I’ll have to call the cops.”

“You can’t keep him from me!”

“And I can’t just let a minor leave with some strange teenager!”

Ash dropped his eyes to the floor again. He could hear the teacher arguing with Aidan, she wasn’t going to let him leave. He felt his eyes burn again; she wanted to take him away from Aidan. He could feel the anger rolling off the older boy, his fists clenched. He wasn’t communicating well; he never did when he was upset. He just kept making demands. Hell, he was pissed. Pissed that someone was trying to keep them apart.

“Ash? Are you okay?” Ash looked up to see Kadey taking the seat next to him. Ash nodded. He was scared if he tried to talk she would hear the fear in his voice. He couldn’t let her see that kind of weakness. “Is that you're Aidan?” Ash nodded again. Kadey stood up and walked towards their teacher. “Excuse me, Mrs. Smith?”

“Not now, Kadey, go sit with Ash and don’t move.”

“It’s just, Ash is really upset.”

“I know sweetie…”

“He wants to go home with his Aidan.”

“What?”

“That’s Aidan, he’s Ash’s foster brother.”

“What?”

“Ash was very excited he would be picking him up today.”

Mrs. Smith turned back to the teenager. “Your Ash’s brother?”

“Well, not really. But he lives with my family.”

“Ash? Sweetie? Is this your brother?” Ash nodded without looking up. “Do you want to go home with him?”

Ash nodded again. “Yes, please.” Ash’s voice came out small and broken. He was ashamed to sound so small and weak. Especially in front of Aidan. He glanced over at the older boy worried. But Aidan was just looking at him with a fond smile.

“Mr. Aidan?" Kadey spoke up again. "Don’t you have some ID or something? To prove who you are.”

“What? Oh, yea.” Aidan pulled out his wallet and handed the teacher his student ID. The teacher pursed her lips at Aidan’s last name, the same one Ash had been registered under.

“Why didn’t you just say so to start with? Instead of running in here making demands and threats!” Aidan shrugged. “Alright, Ash, you go along with your brother.”

 

+x+x+x+x+

 

With Ash’s hand gripped tightly in his own Aidan led the smaller boy across the field towards the nearby mall. Now that he had his pup he was starting to relax. He really started to lose it in there. When the old bat said he couldn’t take Ash with him he sort of lost his mind. He knew he let his anger take control, made things more difficult than they needed to be. But now it was okay, that little human girl was surprisingly helpful. Even if Aidan was a little embarrassed he hadn’t thought of pulling out his ID in the first place.

 

“Alright, Little Pup, what do you want to do first? I could go for some grub, how about burgers and chilli fries? Then maybe we’ll hit up the arcade? Or maybe the batting cages.” Ash stopped suddenly pulling his hand from Aidan’s.  “What? Hey, Little Pup, what’s wrong?” Ash’s eyes were glued to the ground. Aidan could smell a faint hint of salt as Ash squeezed his eyes shut, obviously trying to hold back tears. Getting to his knees Aidan tucked his knuckle under the younger boy’s chin, forcing his head up to meet his eyes.

 

“I thought you left me behind.” Ash's voice was small and broken, full of fear and pain. A sharp pain shot Aidan’s heart and he felt his own eyes start to burn. Ash had really thought he was going to leave him. The smaller boy was holding himself taunt, trying to hide how unsteady he was. Knowing he hurt his pup was breaking Aidan’s heart. Even worse was the fact that Ash easily believed Aidan would leave him. His lack of faith was Aidan’s failure. Reaching up he griped the smaller boy’s shoulders, hazel eyes blazing intensely into the blue.

“I will NEVER leave you behind Cashel, you’re my pup now. I promise, you and me, till the end. I swear nothing will ever keep me from you. I will always be here for you. Always, no matter what. I’m so sorry I scared you.”

 

Ash blinked hard as the tears began to spill down his little cheeks. He was embarrassed for crying, and ashamed he hadn’t trusted Aidan. And he was so relieved to hear his friend’s promise. Aidan brushed his thumb across the younger boy’s face, wiping the tears away with a small smile. Suddenly Aidan's arms were full and Ash was gripping the back of his shirt tightly. He could feel the younger boy’s body shaking as he sobbed loudly. Aidan felt his own tears running down his face, this poor child had been through so much. Orphaned at a young age. Abandoned by his own pack, left to die alone. The little Ash had told them about his life before gave them the belief he was greatly neglected. Past around from pack member to pack member, made too feel like an unwanted burden. It was no wonder he was so scared Aidan would leave him. Aidan pulled him tight and rubbed his back.

 

“I swear to you. I’ll always be here. Always. You’ll never have to be alone again.”  Ash nodded against his shoulder and took a shuddering breath, his sobbing slowing to a stop. Aidan would die before he broke this promise, he would die before he caused this precious boy anymore pain.