AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Things are heating up now! Hope you all like this chappy ;) 

On a side note which has nothing at all to do with this story, the girlband FAKY who I've worked on a song for just reached NO. 1 IN THE J-POP ITUNE CHARTS!!!! And I think it reached No. 4 in the overall album charts. So I've written on a charting album in Japan. EEK!!! Life is good and exciting!!! :D

Anyway... Enjoy ...! :D  (Sorry I just has to celebrate with you guys! <3)

Love Becky xxx

***

Chapter 9

New Situations

"Do you want a drink?"

Jaxon's question pulls me back into reality. I swear that I've lost all sense of space and time. We've been jumping around in the pit for what feels like hours together and I forgot that anything outside of this moment actually exists. Like thirst.

Wow, actually I really am thirsty now that I think about it. It's pretty hot in here.

"That would be great, thanks." I reach for my handbag to get my purse. God knows how it hasn't fallen out yet. Even as I rummage around for it, I'm being bustled around from every possible side and practically knocked off my feet.

"I'll get it," Jaxon declares, grabbing me by the arm. His touch makes me gasp out loud, but luckily it's so noisy in the room that it's impossible for him to hear me. I still can't believe I've met him or that he's out here dancing with me. It's like the whole night is just some bizarre dream.

He pulls me through the crowd and back over to the bar. The air feels clearer once we're finally away from the mass of sweaty people on the dance floor. It's like swimming up to the surface after being underwater for ages. Not that I minded being in the middle of the ocean.

"What's your poison?" Jaxon asks me. "Another vodka and cranberry?"

"Are you sure? I don't mind getting these." I feel bad that all my drinks are being paid for by other people. I've got to put my hand in my pocket at some point tonight. Which reminds me, I owe Chunk a drink too.

I glance over to the booth we were all sitting at to see if he's still around. The only ones left inside it are Sarah and Raj who are cosied up very closely together as they chat animatedly. To a stranger's eye, they might actually look like a real-life couple. Ooh, go Sarah!

In front of me, Jaxon has joined the queue at the bar. Actually, it's less of a queue and more of a rabble. I scurry forward to join him, feeling my dress straps slipping down my shoulders as I go. Now we're back in a more visible light I don't feel quite so bold anymore. My dress doesn't fit and my hair must be a total mess from all the bouncing around.

Oh no, what about my make-up?! It's probably melted off and I've got mascara running down my face or something. Why didn't I think of any of this stuff before I went leaping into Mosh Pit City? Why is it so hard being a girl?! Boys never have to worry about anything.

"You alright?" Jaxon says, clapping a hand on my bare shoulder. "It's intense out there right? You look kind of flushed."

Oh God, now I look like a tomato! Ash, quit being so uncool. "Do I? I think I've got a bit overheated."

I fan my face with my hands, hoping that it will stop my blush somehow and maybe dry my melty eyeliner. As I do so, all that happens is my straps fall further and further down my arms. Jaxon hooks his finger around the black material and drags it back up to its rightful place.

I stop completely dead. I am just a statue and I am incapable of human speech. Jaxon's finger is burning into my stone and marking me for life.

"Just breathe," he murmurs. "You'll cool down in a bit."

There's no way that's going to happen. Not when I'm standing so close to his burning fires.

The heap of people we're standing behind all march forward a tiny bit more. I have to make a conscious effort to move my limbs since they're still practically paralysed. I manage to drag myself nearer to the bar without tripping up or making even more of a fool of myself. There's just one person ahead of us now, a humongous guy with a spider-web tattooed onto the back of his bald head. I inch backwards a step so I'm not too close to him.

"Shit," Jaxon exclaims next to me. "Shit!"

I turn to him curiously. Surely he's used to crazy looking people like this? "Don't worry, he's probably not nearly as scary as he looks."

It takes me a moment to realise Jaxon isn't talking about Mr. Spider-Web at all. He looks at me in confusion and my tomato-face gets even redder than before. I am literally at ketchup levels of embarrassment.

"Erm, I mean... You don't mean that guy do you?" I pause. "What um, do mean exactly?"

"My wallet," Jaxon replies bluntly. He is patting his jeans from top to bottom. "I can't find it... I think I must have left it at home."

"Oh," I exclaim in surprise. "Oh, right." For some reason, I can't think of anything more helpful to say.

He continues to dig down into the bottom of his pocket. "I must have some change in here somewhere. I swear the guy at the door gave me back a fiver."

"Don't worry about it," I interject hastily. "I'll just get this round, it's no problem."

I reach for my handbag, but Jaxon grabs hold of my arm, halting it in mid-air. Then he nods toward the bar with a suggestive grin. I don't really know what he's trying to show me. There's nothing there apart from the scary-looking spider guy who appears to be getting in a massive order of drinks for all his friends.

"Wh-what is it?" My arm is frozen in Jaxon's hold. I can almost feel the pulse from his index finger beating against my skin. Or maybe it's just my own heart I can feel pounding. "I honestly don't mind paying, it's fine."

Jaxon lets go of me and spins me round until I'm fully facing the bar. Again, I can't see anything apart from Spiderman and his row of drinks. A second later, I feel warm breath against my ear.

"Which one takes your fancy? I'm pretty sure the glass at the end is Malibu and Coke. You've got to be a Malibu girl, right?"

I'm looking at the glasses and I'm hearing Jaxon's voice, but something still isn't quite computing. "Um, yeah, I like Malibu... But I don't get what you mean?"

He is grinning wildly at me now, his wolf teeth glinting under the lights. "I'm sure he won't notice one missing. The barman will just think he forgot to pour it."

It suddenly hits me just what exactly Jaxon is suggesting. My whole face burns crimson and I bring a shocked hand to my mouth. "We can't steal his drink! What are you talking about?!"

Jaxon moves past me, edging his way closer to the bar. "It's not stealing, it's just borrowing and not giving back."

I watch on in horror as he gets so close to the row of glasses he can touch them. Spiderman is leaning against the counter, telling the barman he doesn't want ice in whatever's next on his massive order. He barely even notices Jaxon right beside him, getting closer and closer to the precious liquid on the counter.

"Don't," I mouth silently, shaking my head in utter dismay. This is so wrong. Spiderman is going to catch him and then we're going to be dead meat. I mean seriously, the guy is terrifying and looks like he could beat us both to a pulp. Plus judging by all the drinks he's buying, there might be a whole army of other Spidermen and women right behind him.

To my relief, Jaxon doesn't take the joke any further. He pauses mischievously by the Malibu and Coke, then walks back over to me before actually taking it. My whole body unwinds with relief. I know all too well what it's like being on the other side of the bar and nicking a drink like that would be completely out of order. I don't want the barman to get in trouble or something.

"I can't believe you almost did that," I say with a nervous giggle once Jaxon is close enough to hear me. "That guy probably would've killed you."

"He still might," Jaxon smirks. And with that, he produces a pint of beer out from behind his back.

My jaw drops in astonishment. "Did you just take that?!"

Jaxon shrugs and sips on the glass. "Well, you said you didn't want the Malibu. You didn't say anything about beer, though."

I have no idea how he managed to swipe an entire pint of beer without me noticing. He must have been quicker than a ninja. I glance anxiously at Spiderman who still hasn't noticed he's a drink down.

"You have to put that back right now! He'll turn around and notice any second."

"What a good little girly you are," Jaxon chuckles in response. He gently takes a tendril of my hair with his free hand, curling the red strand around his finger. "Don't you ever get bored of following the rules all the time?"

His question disarms me and I just stand there gaping. Does he think I'm nothing but a silly little goody-two-shoes? Because I'm not. I can be fun. Sometimes.

"You should try letting loose a bit. I think you'd like it."

Right, that's it. I snatch the pint out of Jaxon's hand and take a big, pointed glug. The beer tastes sour and disgusting, but I try not to let the revulsion show on my face.

"There," I announce, gulping back a full-on splutter-attack. "You've officially made me an accomplice."

Jaxon bites his lip in amusement. His tooth grazes his lip-ring and for some reason it's so sexy I want to melt into a puddle. "So you do have a dangerous side after all. I knew it."

I wish I could think of some clever, witty comeback but nothing is coming into my brain. All I do is open my mouth then close it again. Jaxon is staring into my eyes, pinning me to the spot. His gaze makes me question everything about myself. Maybe he's right. Maybe I should try letting loose, even if it's just for one night.

If he's here by my side, I really think anything might be possible.

"Oi! Where's my pint gone?!"

Uh oh. Spiderman has just realised one of his drinks is missing. He's barking at the barman and scanning up and down the counter. Finally, his eyes land straight on Jaxon and me.

"You little shits! Did you take my drink?"

"Time to go," Jaxon says mischievously. He grabs my hand and pulls me away from the bar, back towards the mosh pit. The beer is sloshing out of the glass and splattering all over my shoes, plus my dress straps are falling so far down my arms I'm practically half-naked. I keep running anyway, doing my best to keep up with Jaxon's pace and get as far away from Spiderman as possible. He is shouting and swearing over our shoulders, but he has too many drinks to chase after us.

We've definitely lost him by the time we reach the pit, and as I'm instantly crushed by people again I feel exhilarated. I don't care that I'm being pushed around by strangers or that my dress is falling off or that I've just done something incredibly naughty. I'm happy and I'm alive. It's the greatest feeling in the world and something I never thought I'd experience today.

Jaxon takes the pint off me, which is now half-empty since I've spilt the majority of it on the floor. "Thank you, partner in crime."

"Oh God, don't say that," I squeal. "If he comes back and finds us I'm blaming you for the whole thing. I'll say you tricked me into helping you."

"They'll never believe you." He takes a long swig of drink, then throws the plastic glass on the floor. "That sweet and innocent act doesn't fool anyone apart from your friends. The rest of the world totally sees through you."

"Oh yeah?" I challenge daringly. "And what do they see then?"

He grabs my hips, making me shudder. "That you're a fiery little minx."

This isn't me. I am not the girl who flirts outrageously, who plays pranks or who jumps into mosh pits without a second thought. I wonder what on earth my parents or Benjamin would think if they could see me now. I sort of wonder what I think about me now. But Jaxon's grip on my waist eradicates any of my concerns.

I'm sick of being so boring and predictable. Everyone else gets to have exciting adventures and plans and romances. When is it going to be my turn? For once it's like someone actually sees me as something more than safe, invisible Ash. For once, it's like I really exist.

The music pounds around us and we keep moving together, Jaxon still touching me. Seeing me. I temporarily forget about everything else around us. But after a few songs, we bump into Annabelle in the middle of the crowd. She's clinging onto Dev, screaming joyously as the wave of people sweeps her up and down.

"Ash, there you are," she calls over, reaching out to grab me. "We thought you'd got lost in here."

"No, we've just been dancing," I shout back. "This place is awesome!"

At this point, Annabelle gets a hearty shove from a group of punk-rock girls beside her. She bends down and rubs her ankle, showing a huge amount of cleavage in the process which makes Dev's eyes pop out their sockets.

"I don't know, I'm getting a bit sick of being pushed about so much."

"I'll protect you," Dev declares, throwing his arms around her shoulders. He's super tall and even with her heels on, he still towers above Annabelle. She giggles crazily, hugging him tightly back. I wonder if she seriously likes him or whether she's just messing around.

"Sarah and Raj look like they're getting on," I say with a grin, suddenly remembering the other flirtation back at the booth.

"He is so into her," Dev responds, continuing to hug Annabelle as he speaks. "We thought we'd leave them to it."

I make a high-pitched sound of excitement. I can't help it, I love hearing about any kind of budding relationship especially when it involves two people I know. Then I look around for the other member of our group. "What about Chunk? Is he with you?"

Annabelle waves a hand at the mob around us. "He's in here somewhere."

"Chunky Monkey is hardcore," Jaxon laughs. He's grabbing my waist again and it's making my breath hitch in my throat. "He's probably right in the middle going crazy."

Everybody laughs and for some reason the sound is fuzzy. It's wobbling in and out of my earshot.

Jaxon grabs me tighter. "Ash, you alright?"

My breathing is getting tighter and tighter. I think it's something more than just having Jaxon here. I'm hot and dizzy and I feel really, really sick.

"Oh my God, she looks like she's going to faint!" Annabelle is screeching right in my ear but she sounds a million miles away. "Someone get some water."

"I'm fine," I say croakily. "I just... I'm really hot..."

"I'll get her outside, she needs to cool down." Strong arms wind around my body and I feel myself being carried away from the pit. All I can do is slump over, allowing myself to be pulled along like a ragdoll. The fish tanks from earlier flash past my vision, then cold night air hits my face, filling my lungs and bringing me back to reality.

I breathe in as deeply as possible and the world finally stops spinning. There is a hand on my shoulder, rubbing in gentle motions. I look up to see Jaxon staring at me with concern in his piercing blue eyes.

"You OK?" he asks. "Keep taking deep breaths."

I give a tentative nod. "Yeah, I'm OK now. I think I must have got overheated with all those people round me."

He doesn't say anything in reply, just gives me a few more moments to get back to normal. I fan my face with my hands, feeling the ringing in my ears fade away into nothing. Once I realise I'm not actually going to die, I begin to feel ridiculously stupid. What kind of person faints in a mosh pit? A really dumb one, that's what.

"I'm sorry," I mumble, looking down at the ground. "I didn't mean to cause some kind of scene out there. You must think I'm a total drama queen now."

"Not at all," Jaxon answers instantly. He cups my chin with his hand and forces me to look up at him. I tremble under his touch. "Now your friend Annabelle, she's a drama queen. But you're something totally different, Ashleigh Apple."

I can't stop shaking. I don't know if I'm getting cold, if I'm nervous or if it's adrenaline pumping through my veins. This has never happened to me before. I'm always the girl who nobody notices. The girl who is just really good friends with boys like Jaxon. The girl who's not as pretty or as confident as Annabelle. Who's not as elegant or glamorous as Sarah.

But it's not either of them out here in the dark with Jaxon. It's me.

And suddenly, his lips are brushing against mine. And I honestly swear that I am going to faint again, but this time for the best reasons.

It's my first real kiss. I never expected it would ever be happening like this. I'm not prepared at all, mentally or physically. But it's so natural, it's so perfect. My lips move like I've known how to kiss him my whole life. He grabs my back, pulling me to him. His lip-ring grazes against my tongue and my universe explodes.

"Ashleigh, are you out here?"

I turn around sharply at the sound of my own name like I've been caught doing something illegal. Chunk is poking his head out of the entrance to the club and he's carrying a glass of water. At the sight of my clinch with Jaxon, he gets redder than a beetroot and starts coughing awkwardly.

"Erm, s-sorry, I didn't mean to... interrupt."

"No, it's OK," I answer, embarrassment flooding my face. Behind me, I can literally feel Jaxon's smug grin at being discovered. I try not to smile myself. Right now, dazed happiness is pretty much the overriding emotion inside of my body so it's incredibly difficult to keep it at bay.

"Annabelle said you felt faint," Chunk continues. "I thought I'd bring you out some water."

His words are a mumble and he's gazing downward at the concrete floor. I feel so bad. It's always mortifying catching your friends in these kinds of positions. He probably feels really awkward about getting in the way. It's not his fault, though. I'm just touched that he came looking for me.

I totter over to him and gratefully take the glass. "That's so sweet, Chunk. Thank you." I take a big gulp of water and it's only as it hits my tongue that I realise how much I needed it. I guzzle down the rest of the glass in one go.

"Are you positive you're alright?" Chunk asks. He's glancing between me and Jaxon now suspiciously.

"Absolutely," I trill. "Honestly. Tell Annabelle everything's A-OK."

He looks like he doesn't want to leave me, but after a few seconds, he reluctantly turns back inside. "OK, well you know where I am if you need me."

"Cheers mate," Jaxon calls over.

"Yes, thanks, Chunk," I add, touching his arm. "I appreciate you looking out for me."

He gives me a small smile, but it doesn't seem like he means it. Is he worried about me? I guess it's pretty ridiculous that this morning I was crying my eyes out about one boy, and now, to my own shock may I just reiterate, I'm outside kissing another.

I bet he thinks it's way too fast and that I don't know what I'm doing. To be honest, I really DON'T know what I'm doing. All I know is that Kieran feels like a distant dream, one that was never even real to begin with, but Jaxon is solid and present and standing right in front of me. Daring me to fall in.

And for the first time in my quiet, boring life, I'm ready to be a little daring. Even if it's just for five minutes.

"Trust Chunky Monky to come barging out like that," Jaxon says when his old school friend finally disappears back into the club. "Right when we were starting to have some fun."

I have never been in a situation like this before. The only time I've ever been interrupted mid-kiss was when I was twelve and Benjamin caught me snogging my own pillow. And I have to say, that moment felt a lot more humiliating than being discovered with a dark, sexy stranger.

A dark sexy stranger who is currently weaving his arms back around me and causing my brain to melt right out of my head.

"Don't be mean about him," I laugh nervously, trying to act normally. "Chunk's lovely."

"Not as lovely as you, minx." Jaxon knocks the plastic glass I'm holding to the floor and pulls my whole body back into him.

Suddenly I'm thrown into the second first kiss of my life.

And I never, ever want it to end.