^^Turning Page-by Sleeping at Last^^

Asher's POV

As soon as I exit the classroom, I take off at a jog. I make a quick stop at the cafeteria to pick up a couple of sandwiches, chips, and bottled water before heading to my room. The thought of knocking on my own door never occurs to me, though after opening it, I wish it had. "Ah! My eyes!" I screech when I walk in the room. Brandon and Brock are both shirtless, Brock lying over Brandon, settled between his spread legs. They are practically eating each other's faces, and don't even have the courtesy of stopping upon my entrance. I shake my head at the infatuated fools before much more calmly saying, " Uh, I mean, don't mind me. Just need to grab a few things, then I'll be out of your hair." I hear one of them grunt, it is impossible to tell which. I decide to take it as an acknowledgment of my statement, rather than the much more likely sound of enjoyment that it was.

I dump my backpack out onto my desk before sliding my phone into my pocket. Then I grab the spare blanket from under my bed and the flashlight from my closet before quickly retreating from the room. I stuff my bounty in my bag, being careful not to squish the food. I know I will be a bit early, but I have nowhere else to go, so I start off in the direction of our tree. Ivy's reaction to the new designation of the tree surprised me. She seemed so touched that I would include her as part owner. If only she knew, I'd give her the world if I could.

When I make it to the tree, I check my watch and see that I have about 10 minutes until Ivy arrives, so I get to work setting up our little picnic. I know it isn't much, but I hope she likes it. Almost as soon as I get everything set out, I hear running footsteps approaching. I look through the trees separating me from the trail just in time to see Ivy come in to view. She looks gorgeous, as per usual, wearing a t-shirt the same color blue as her eyes, making them stand out even from this distance, and black running shorts with her grey and white sneakers. When her eyes meet mine, her face breaks out into a brilliant smile and she picks up speed, dodging the trees between us. She almost knocks me over with the force of impact as she hugs me, but she is able to keep us from toppling over onto the food.

She holds me tight, burying her face in my neck while breathing deeply. After a moment, she lets out a happy little sigh and says, "I missed you."

I feel my throat tighten at that. This amazing, beautiful creature missed me. I clear my throat, "I missed you, too." I press a kiss to her temple before pulling back and gesturing to the blanket. "I brought food for us... I mean, I don't know if you are hungry, but it is dinner time so I just thought..." She cuts off my nervous ramblings with a light brush of her lips against mine.

Pulling back, she grins at me,"I am indeed hungry, my good sir. I thank you for this gift of sustenance." Her slight bow has me chuckling.

"Good. Good. Well, come on then, let's eat." We take our seats on the blanket and I ask," Roast beef or turkey?"

"Roast beef, please."

I hand her the sandwich and watch in astonishment as she takes a bite that consists of nearly half of it. My mouth falls open, and when she sees my reaction, the blush on her puffed out cheeks is adorable. I shake my head with a chuckle as she quickly chews before swallowing and grinning sheepishly at me. "You really are hungry, huh?"

She just nods before taking another, much smaller bite. I pick up my sandwich and take a bite before offering her a bag of chips. She takes them with a smile of gratitude. The next several minutes are spent in a comfortable silence as we finish our food, washing it down with the bottles of water.

The sun has fully set by the time we are done, and when I glance around I notice several fireflies floating in the air. As I watch, their numbers multiply until there are literally hundreds of them dancing in the air around us. Suddenly, I have an idea. I pull my phone from my pocket and flip through my music as I stand. When I find the song I want, I press play before slipping my phone back into my pocket. As the opening notes of Sleeping At Last's 'Turning Page' spill from my phone's speaker, I bow deeply while offering Ivy my hand. With a soft giggle, she accepts my hand and allows me to pull her to her feet. Still bowing at the waist, I say in my most manly voice, " May I have this dance, my lady?"

^^fireflies, obviously^^

With a graceful curtsy, she grins at me,"I would be honored."

I pull her close with the hand that I still hold and place our clasped hands to my chest while placing my free hand on the small of her back. I'm not a good dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but she doesn't seem to mind as I just gently sway us to the music. She places her arm around my neck and lays her head on my shoulder. I can't imagine a more perfect moment. Listening to the lyrics, I feel a sense of camaraderie with the writer.

'I've waited a hundred years
But I'd wait a million more for you
Nothing prepared me for
What the privilege of being yours would do

If I had only felt the warmth within your touch
If I had only seen how you smile when you blush
Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough
Well I would have known
What I was living for all along
What I've been living for

Your love is my turning page
Where only the sweetest words remain
Every kiss is a cursive line
Every touch is a redefining phrase

I surrender who I've been for who you are
For nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart
If I had only felt how it feels to be yours
Well I would have known
What I've been living for all along
What I've been living for

Though we're tethered to the story we must tell
When I saw you, well I knew we'd tell it well
With a whisper we will tame the vicious seas
Like a feather bringing kingdoms to their knees'

 As the song comes to an end, I move my hand to her face before pulling it to mine for a kiss filled with all of the emotions that I can't make myself say out loud and she returns it with all of the love I know it is too soon to feel, but I can't find it in me to care. She is perfect, and she is mine.

A/N: Please, please, please vote and/or comment. What is your favorite love song?