"Blue Roses"

Karasu 030407

-Scene I-

Temptation Is Fun, But Giving In Is Even Better.

"Wow," Ashley Johnson's eyes scanned the picture of the boy appreciatively. Dark hair, dark eyes, slim body, prick-your-finger-on-them hipbones; perfection. That, paired with a tattered "Taking Back Sunday" tee and skeleton hand gloves made Ashley just about cream his pants right then and there.

He scanned the MySpace profile again, stopping to note his newest prey's obsession with the Power Rangers and The Catcher in the Rye. The page seemed filled with Holden-like characteristics as well: hating movies and people alike, calling almost everyone a 'poser.' Typical emo-slash-scene kid. But, Ashley did have to admit that he enjoyed J.D. Salinger's work as well, and not just because it was the trend.

They had a lot in common, too. Ashley liked the Lost Prophets (they were his favourite band), and so did he. Ashley liked The Academy Is..., and so did he. Ashley liked Mae, and so did he. Ashley's favourite movie was Donnie Darko, and was his. Looking down the list of movies, bands, and books, almost everything listed was on Ashley's profile as well. But, the best part about the whole thing was that the kid only lived a city away.

But, there was a downside as well. He had a boyfriend. And a damn cute one at that...

Ashley kicked his feet, which were dangling a few inches above the ground and read through the comments on the page. Apparently, the kid's name was Stuart (though his diplay name was Russ14nR0ul3tt3), and his relationship was rocky. A lot of his friends were posting things like 'sorry that you're having a tough time,' or 'ily Stuie, see you later.' A pity party, really.

Nevertheless, Ashley was drawn into the drama. The venom-filled comments left by Stuart's boyfriend (with a few just after proclaiming his never-ending love and deep apologies), the absent-minded chat of Stuarts girl friends, hundreds of comments from one guy wanting to meet up with him; it all held Ashley in a trance. He wanted to be a part of this, to be there for Stuart, even though he didn't even know him. He was just... fascinating.

Ashley was so caught up in the life of Stuart that he didn't even hear a tiny 'clink' sounding from his window. It's only when two more sounds echoed around the room that he got up and lifted the blinds. His dark blue eyes quickly caught site of Ian Rabu, his best friend. Ashley waved down to Ian, whose face broke out into a big grin. Ian ran a hand through his messily dyed black hair before motioning for Ashley to come down.

Ashley grabbed his Pencey Prep zipper, checked the clock (1:00am: just the right time to sneak out with Ian and return before his parents knew he was missing), blew a kiss to the computer screen, and scaled down the house.

"Hey beautiful," Ian leaned in to press his lips to Ashley's cheek. Blushing, Ashley returned the gesture.

"So, where're you taking me tonight?" Ashley linked his fingers with his friend, "Some remote club that only lets in kids as fine as we are? Or are we going back to your place to fuck like monkeys?"

Ian shot Ashley a playful glare, "We're going somewhere special. 'Cause tonight's a special night."

Ash thought for a second, "It's not my birthday..."

"Keep thinking," Ian smiled before he pulled out a black arm sock.

"Are we playing dress up?"

"Funny, Ash. Now, stand still while I blindfold you."

"Oh! We are playing dress up!" Ashley giggled.

Ian smiled and relinked their fingers, leading Ash in the direction of their old elementary school. The school was known for it's huge playground and soccer field. Both Ashley and Ian had gone there; that's where they met... six years ago today.

"Mkay, open your eyes, sweetie," Ian removed the blindfold and stood back to see Ashley's face.

"Ian... why am I here?"

The teen frowned, running a gloved hand through Ashley's shiny raven locks, "Don't you remember what today is?"

"Of course no-- Oh, my God! It's our anniversary!" Ashley leaped into Ian's arms, burying his face into the soft tee-shirt his friend was wearing. He couldn't believe he just forgot one of the most important days on the planet (the most important, of course, was Christmas, then his brithday, then Ian's). It was today, six years ago, that he arrived at Clarenden Elementary School, which was right in the heart of San Francisco. It was awkward the first day (but isn't it always?), but then he met Ian, who showed him around and introduced him to everyone. They became fast friends, and stayed friends through junior high and their first part of high school, which leaves them in the present, juniors in School Of The Arts.

"I thought I'd do something different this year, instead of taking you out to dinner or buying you a cute little stuffed animal," Ian admitted, wrapping his arms securely around Ash. "I wanted to take you to the exact spot where we first met," he led his friend over to the swingset and sat in the one farthest to the left. Ash smiled and sat in his lap.

Ian ran his hands through Ashley's hair, kissing away the flow of happy tears from his cheeks.

"Push me," Ash requested. Ian nodded and got behind the boy, pulling back on the chains and releasing them.

Ashley pumped his legs, going higher than he ever had. He felt free. No more at-home drama, no more bitchy friends, no more bad grades. There was only he and Ian tonight.

Ash skidded to a stop and took Ian's hands in his own, "Thank you, Ian."

"You're welcome, beautiful," Ian leaned in to peck his friends lips sweetly, sealing another promise of friendship.

Ashley sighed as he looked up at the stars. Right now, he was at his happiest.

But happiness can't last forever...

A.N.: Bad me, yeah, I know. I shouldn't start another story. But, whatever. XD Review cuz you love meh. :D Cookie for you if you can tell where I got the title of the story from.

Song: A mix of Dir en grey songs. Yokan particularly. :D

Next Update: Whenever I get around to typing, rofl. XD