Asher's POV

Walking away from Ivy was harder than I expected, but I have classes early in the morning, so it was necessary. I can hardly believe that she asked me to be her boyfriend. I was sure that I was just reading too much into her touches and hugs, assuming she was just one of those touchy-feely people, but I guess you know what they say about assuming. I feel as though I'm walking on clouds as I make my way into Slater House and up to my room.

Opening the door, I am stunned to see Brandon sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands, crying. This guy, who scared me yesterday, looking so vulnerable and defeated was concerning. I hurriedly close the door and walk closer, reaching out to put my hand on his shoulder. " Hey man, are you alright?" I ask, removing my hand quickly as he jumps. He quickly scoots back on his bed, seemingly terrified by what I had intended as a comforting gesture.

"D-d-don't touch me! S-she said no touching!" He is almost shouting at me, but with the way his voice wavers, it isn't intimidating.

"Who? What are you talking about?" I ask, thinking I may already know the answer.

"Nothing. D-don't worry about it. Jus-Just don't touch." He seems to be trying to get himself together so I just nod and go to sit on my own bed, but remain facing him.

"Are you ok? Do you need to talk about whatever had you so upset? I know we don't really know each other, but I'm a pretty good listener." I try to keep my voice low and soothing.

He stares at me confused for a minute before asking, " Why are you being nice to me? You shouldn't be nice to me after the way I treated you yesterday."

" Holding grudges isn't my thing." I tell him with a shrug. He had been a douche, yes, but he hadn't actually hurt me, so I can let it go, as long as he doesn't start up again.

"I'm sorry." He whispers.

" It's alright man, I'm over it."

"No, I mean it," His voice seems to be going back to normal now, so that's good." I shouldn't have acted that way. It was messed up, and I promise it won't happen again."

"Why did you? I mean, one night is a little fast to do a 180." I say, confused by his change of heart.

He hesitates for a couple of minutes before finally answering. "Because I used to be just like you before I started wrestling. I was the smartest kid in my class, and I loved to read. But I was weak, and I got hurt a lot because of it. When I had a growth spurt the summer after my freshman year, I decided to start working out, and then my dad talked me into trying out for the wrestling team. Suddenly I wasn't being bullied, for the first time that I could remember, so I stuck with it. I'm ashamed of myself for using the strength that I gained to bring innocent people down. I- I shouldn't have let the other guys rub off on me so much..." He suddenly stops talking, and his face gets red. What...

"Um... what? Are you blushing? Dude, why are you blushing?" I don't know why, but I find it incredibly amusing when his blush spreads down his neck and to his ears.

" No. Nothing. It's nothing." He rushes out while rubbing his hands over his face.

" Come on man, I'm not one to judge. Seriously, you can tell me."

"I'm gay." He blurts and then slaps a hand over his mouth like he can't believe he actually said that.

My eyes are so wide that it is almost painful and my jaw is hanging open. I might think it was a joke if he didn't look so horrified by his admission. I compose myself as quickly as I can, not wanting to make the situation worse. I clear my throat and try to make my tone casual as I say, "That's cool. Um..", I search my brain for something else to say, anything...ah ha," Do you have a boyfriend? Wait, no, that sounds like I'm fishing. I'm just curious. Not curious like that, just normal curious. Not that being gay or curious or whatever isn't normal, that's not what I meant. I only mean that I'm only curious about your answer, not the no pants dance with a man." I am finally able to shut my stupid mouth. During my frenzied attempts at reassurance and then clarification I have been looking anywhere but at Brandon. Now that I have my mouth back under control I look up and see him trying not to laugh. Oh well. I guess that works.

As he rolls his eyes at me he says, "No. I've never actually said that to anyone before. I'm kind of glad it was you though. Your freak out kind of canceled out mine, so thanks for that."

"Um... you're welcome? Do you want to talk about it?" I ask.

"No, I think that is enough for tonight. I'm done. I just want to get some sleep. But seriously Asher, thank you. I really needed that." He says sincerely as he lays down before pulling his covers up to his chin.

I go to speak but my words are cut off by a beautiful, soulful sound. The howl is long and almost melancholy. It touches something deep in my heart. I almost want to raise my voice along with it. Is that a wolf? I had no idea there were any wolves in this area, and it sounds so close. When the wolf's song ends, I shake my head and look back at Brandon, but he's already asleep.

I was not expecting that conversation, like at all, but I'm glad that it happened. I hope he meant what he said about not messing with me anymore. It will make living together a lot easier if we get along. I set my alarm for 7:00 a.m. then go to my closet, pulling out my pajamas before quickly getting changed and dropping my dirty clothes in the hamper. I collapse back on my bed. It has been a long and crazy day. I'm barely able to pull my covers up over myself before I fall asleep.