Asher Harrington

Asher had managed to let herself feel but she was still capable of putting it all back in its place. She had always been afraid that if she allowed herself to feel the emotions that other people dwelt ok so freely that she would never be able to put them back where they belonged and she would constantly have to play this game of reason versus emotions. But alas, she knew she was capable of putting it all back and locking the box shut without remorse. And how did she know that? Because it wasn’t long before she saw one of the Aphrodite’s girls wrap her arms around Theo.

It wasn’t like she could hear what they were saying, but she could see her expression and while she couldn’t decipher whether or not the look on Evelyn’s face was that of flirtation or not, it didn’t help settle herself at all. She stared at them, her expression turning into that of cool indifference, trying to decide what she was to do. She had seen them and she wanted them to know that she had seen them, but she wasn’t sure if that contact and then walking away would provide her with the best outcome.

Asher was not a jealous person but she knew she didn’t like when something of hers was taken without notice or permission. And yet she couldn’t claim Theo as her own because what they were to each other was still unclear and perhaps that was what angered her most. So she walked towards them, one calculating foot in front of the other and when she came in close proximity with them, her expression changed. No longer was it indifferent but rather it made it clear that she had thoughts on the matter and none of which showed either of them in the best light. 
 

“Hi Theo. Evelyn.” Was all she said. Each word final. Without question at the end or chase for rebuttal. She wanted him to know what she was thinking but she wanted him to say it himself. And her, well, she wanted to know why she had to be so obviously cheap.

Asher had never wondered what it would be like to touch someone else. She had always imagined that she would be the one being touched and that would be it. But this was a moment shared between two people and therefore she assumed at some point she would need to touch him too. Not that she thought it was a bad thing but just not something she had ever prepared for. Could someone truly prepare themselves for such a thing? Asher took a deep breath and nodded Theo, knowing her time was coming to do the same.

"How do you like to be touched?" She asked, bringing her hands towards his waist. She assumed it would involved placing her hands around his member but she wanted to make sure she wasn't going to hurt him. She placed on of her hands over him and could feel what she assumed was the blood pumping through his skin. She slowly rubbed his member up and down, feeling slightly self conscious that perhaps she was hurting him. "How does this feel?"

Asher had spent enough time in the quote and quote real world and now she was back at camp. She had to. She had grown up dividing these two words in completely different sectors that when she ventured from one to the other it felt as thought she was stepping into a completely different world. And in a sense, she was. For instance, her life in New York was unlike anything she had ever experienced at camp. In fact, her life in New York was different that even that of your average New Yorker. Camp was a sanctuary in some ways and it seemed that despite everything, stepping foot into Cabin 20 was like being able to breathe again in some way.

So she had packed her bags and come back and now that had settled in, she was looking forward to seeing one individual in particular. That individual, with whom she had created more than just a little spark. That man that somehow managed to bring a smile to her face every time he walked into a room. She hadn't asked Theo if he would be back but she wanted to assume that he was.

Though she couldn't understand why she had never asked him. It would be very simple and he would answer but Asher was learning to open up and let him in. Reaching out first was certainly not something she would do. And yet, she still wondered around the camp grounds hoping to bump into him ever so subtlety and perhaps continue where they had left off. Though if it was up to her, they would engage in other things, like understand what they meant to each other. At least in part Asher wanted to have that conversation.

@ Theodore Thatcher  @ Evelyn Scott

Asher didn't trust many people and what was even more true now was that she didn't trust any new people. She was always cautious and made sure to be careful around new people because she had learned, especially in her business, that it was often wise to keep crucial information about one's self to yourself. She never wanted to open up too much or admit to something that she didn't want shared. It was a very intense way of being, especially since that didn't leave much place for her to simply relax, but for now it was the way that things worked out for her.

But then Theo was asking her to trust him and it went against everything she knew and believed in. It went against everything she had trained herself not to be but she couldn't help it. He wanted to pleasure her and she wondered if she even kew the meaning of the word. It was all starting to become very complicated and she was scared. He promised her pleasure and she had no choice but simply let go. After all, she wanted to let go. 

When he touched her, she gasped, new to the feeling and the tickling she felt in her lower body. Her stomach tensed up and she looked at him, laying back down to relax. When he kissed her neck, she moaned and could feel goosebumps down her arms. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, kissing his cheek and running her fingers through his blonde hair. She felt the pressure of his kiss and her hand went back to touch to her skin softly, still warm from his touch. She wasn't thinking about whether or not it would leave its mark. There was plenty of time to look at that in the morning.

"It feels great," she said, biting her lower lip. "It makes me want you all to myself. Like I can't hold on to this tension any longer. You should keep going. Show me what else you can do and then I can do the same for you."

Asher thought about the last time she had told someone in her life that she loved them. She was certain it had been to her father when he had passed. Even with Arsen, the two of you had looked at each other and he had nodded, seemingly knowing what she was about to say. That had been it. There had never been anyone with whom she exchanged those words. So hearing James say that back, well, it had certainly produced a remarkable feeling. She could be soft and gentle when she wanted to. She smiled then and took a deep breath, letting her body relax. "Yes, as long as that involves some stories about the trouble you seem to find yourself in when you are with my brother." She added, then turned towards the door to follow him towards the dinning hall.

[Exit]

There was a moment, when Asher could feel Theo's touch that she wondered what her life would have been like if her father was still around. Or if her mother had been just a regular person and their life had played out in the way that it was supposed to. If she was a regular person and her family had been a normal family, would she still have found herself at that moment? 
She already knew the answer and the answer was a simple no. The reason she was there was because of what had happened to her and there was no denying that she was relieved at the fact that it had played out the way that it did. She wasn't angry about it or hurt or even resentful. She was just aware and accepting. We are all a combination of the things that had happened to us. 

So now it was evident what was going to happen and Asher was slightly scared. She knew the basis of the interaction and questions she needed to ask should the situation arose. When he touched her, she felt a like she had lost control of her body and immediately jerked away. It wasn't in pain or anything of the sort but rather like she didn't know what to expect and the bolt of electricity that flashed across her body was new. She felt a gasp leave her lips and she looked at Theo like she was waiting for him to explain.

She bit her lip gently, trying to keep her body from twitching or moving around too much. When he whispered in her ear, it brought goosebumps to her arms. He had found one of those spots that always managed to bring her a chill down her spine and she smiled at him. "Keep going and kiss my neck. I love the touch of your lips against my skin."

Asher could truly say she had never experienced what being nervous felt like. She had never had that increased heart beat and pain at the bottom of her stomach. She had always known exactly what she was doing and she always felt prepared and ready to take on whatever she needed. She had approached life as a matter of fact. She needed to do this or do that and there wasn't much time for feeling or emotions. Even when she had kissed a boy for the first time and they had gotten grabby with each other, she had never been nervous. Now, however, she felt the adrenaline pumping through her veins and she knew she what other people meant when they talked about a rush.

Even with things that she enjoyed doing, Asher had never felt true rush over anything. It was as though she had stood still for a long time, not feeling anything or being anyone other than what was on the script. When Theo spoke and the way he looked at her, she felt a sensation pierce her skin that was unfamiliar but as addicting as she could imagine. He said he had never met anyone like her and she wanted to know what he meant but that was something to discuss later, maybe when watching the city's skyline under the moonlight. 

When he pulled her bra away, she felt a small deep breath escape herself. She knew what she looked like naked and her physique was never something she worried about but at that moment, she wondered what he was thinking about, looking at her naked for the first time. A work of art, he had said and Asher smiled. He kissed her and she could hear herself moan ever so slightly and everything around her disappeared. There were very few things that could make Asher relieve herself of all thoughts. There was always something at the back of her mind, something to worry about or recall but she was in the moment. 

"You are the first person that has ever made me feel anything," Asher said with a smile. She placed her hand over his cheek and pressed her lips against his. Her kiss was intense but it was soft. Like she was yearning to know him through the touch of their lips. "I don't know what it is about you but I have felt more myself in these last few hours than I have in a long time. If you want me, I am yours."

Asher, like any other teenager, had played seven minutes in heaven. She had also made out with the right boys from the right families and dated one or two. She knew all about making the right impression on the parents and how to act in a way that was cordial and expected. She had never gotten herself in a position that would ruin her reputation and even more so, she had never found herself naked in front of a boy. But with Theo, she didn't care. She didn't care that she was naked or that they were about to embark in a situation that was more mature than she felt at the moment, but she still wanted to do it. Even more so, she was yearning to do it. He made her feel safe and they were talking about it. It made her wonder if he had ever done this before and if so, under what conditions?

"I've never done this before," she said. "I've never taken off my clothes in front of anyone. Have you? Ever slept with anyone before? Because, I do want it, so you don't have to worry about that." Asher, looked at him in his splendor and she had to admit that it took her a moment to keep her composure. She felt her entire body radiate with heat and anticipation. She took a deep breath, soothing herself before she spoke. "You look amazing," she said. She then nodded. "Keep going. I want you to undress me. No one has ever done it before." She wanted to see the reaction on his face, notice the lines of his expression and the sparkle in his eyes. As she waited, she raised one of her hands and whispered an incantation in latin for candlelight. She wanted it to be romantic after all. 

Asher looked at James' hand on her shoulder and realized that it had been a very long time since anyone had offered her any comfort. She hadn't ever thought she needed it, having taken on responsibilities and tasks simply because she had to but now that it was being offered it, it was as though she felt this incredible mantle across her that made her feel like she could exhale. Asher knew deep down that after her father had died, she went on to hold her breath through life. Feeling as little as possible. Thinking about the truly important things and most of all making sure that everything was as it was supposed to be. She didn't know she needed to exhale.

She smiled and without realizing what she was doing, Asher grabbed James' hand, moved it away from her shoulder and pulled him so she could wrap her arms around him. He was there for her, not just in words and empty promises but he truly was. Asher had never taken the time to get to know the other campers, mostly because it was a painful reminder of the consequences of years of godly abuse, but James had managed to break every boundary and every frown and gotten to her root.

When she finally let go of the hug, having squeezed him ever so gently, Asher smiled at him and said something she had never told anyone but her family, "I love you," she said. "Because you're honest and you're friendly and when I am with you, learning how to cook or bake, you manage to offer me exactly what I need. You are one of my best friends and I know I don't tell the people I love that I love them but I am going to start doing so now. I think it is important they know."

Asher was nervous and frankly there was no reason for her to keep that to herself. Ever since talking with James, she was learning to be more open about her feelings, more open about what she wanted and vocal about it as well. She knew that no one could read her mind and assume what she wanted and while it was hard for her to speak up, she needed to. Theo made her nervous and the situation they found themselves in even more so but that was just the way things happened and she wanted to see where this would lead to. "I do feel safe and I do feel comfortable. I am just nervous and I want you to guide me, caress my body. Feel its softness as you kiss my neck."

This was new for her and she had to admit she couldn't let go of the feeling that she felt radiating from her body. She wanted to grab Theo and pull her towards her. Feel his body on top of his. When she felt her on her underwear, she took a deep breath and looked at him. "Take it off. Get naked with me and kiss me softly. I want to see what you look like when you are only yourself." 

Asher was very by the book. She had a hard time figuring out how to look at things in shades if gray and she had noticed that it often made people think of her as unpleasant to be around. Nothing she said was deliberate. She had simply learned to be more direct so people would not take advantage of her of think she was easily to manipulate. Besides, she had learned to be that way to keep her family intact. Someone had to be the strong one for her father and her brother was certainly a mess in his own way. That had left her with a very limited grasp on her feelings and what she chose to do in that regard. Either way, she was learning and perhaps it was better late than never to get to it. "You just made me think there are so many aspects of myself that I have no idea of. Like, who am I when I am not the person I was made to be? I don't know what I truly enjoy but I suppose it is time to find out. I know I should be better with my half-siblings but at times it is hard. Like we are all replacements for an idea that our mom had and she was never fully satisfied with." She shrugged. "You are such a great friend. I don't know what I would do without you. I mean, you are really one of the few people that is honest with me. I don't know how to be vulnerable. I suppose it is because I don't like it because I don't know how to be okay when I get hurt? Does that ever happen to you?" 

Asher had never been in a bed with a boy. She wouldn't have dared to. Her father was protective but he wasn't around much to fully take care of her whenever she needed. She had grown up fast and had become an adult much quicker than anyone would have anticipated. While she did go to parties and hang out with kids her age, she would have never climbed into bed with a guy and brushed her fingers through his chest. It was very new to her and she kept thinking that in her quest to grow up, she had missed out on growing up. She didn't know what to say or what to do and it was nerve wrecking. "I've never done this before. Have a guy half naked on a bed, me laying next to him. I know what you would like to do, at least in a way, but I don't know what to say or do. You are going to have to guide me, but if you want, I am opened to finding out." She smiled and leaned forward to kiss him back. She loved the softness of his lips on hers and slowly, she grabbed his hand and placed it under her dress so it would lay on her thighs. 

Asher looked at Tristan with interest to make sure that he was enjoying what she had set up for him. His story about his upbringing had resonated with her and she couldn't help but think that it was up to her to make sure he had a pleasant stay with her. She didn't know why she felt responsible. Maybe because she was older and as an older sibling, she knew she had to be protective and supportive. It was a new experience for her. She knew she had to be on better terms with her half-siblings but it always felt weird to reach out to them. If anything, it was like they were copies of what her life could have been and a reminder that her mother didn't seem to be content with just one family.

"You don't have to thank me. You are my brother, right?" She said softly. "Are you hungry? We can go get something to eat first. Also, Central Park is nearby so I figured maybe we can go see it. It is beautiful when it snows and there are so many things to look at."

Asher chuckled once more. It didn't cease to amaze her how easy it was to talk to Theo and how easy it was to simply be herself. There weren't many people that knew who she really was and even less that had ever seen her in her own relaxed form. Usually, people couldn't tell what she was thinking and that had been a skill she had developed in order to do business the way she was accustomed to. She felt a shiver go down her spine as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face and whispered in her ear. That was one of her weak points and one that always gave her goosebumps, not that many had ever tried. 

She was surprised though to watch him undress, first by taking off his shirt. She got closer to him and reach out to touch his chest. She traced the contour of his torso with her fingers while looking up at him with delight. "You look nice," she said softly. She could feel adrenaline creeping out on her and she could feel her heart beating hard and fast against her chest. Any moment now, it would jump off her chest and make a run for it. She swallowed before looking up to meet his gaze. "This is not how I pictured my night going. I have to admit I am slightly nervous."

Asher smiled and chuckled to herself, thinking that she needed to learn how to control her feelings around him, otherwise she would eventually merge in a shadow, without ever being able to bring herself back. She thought it interesting that a man she had met only a few hours prior could have that effect on her and she had to admit that she enjoyed it. She nodded, knowing he was right, though Asher had never been one to stay in the moment. She was always three steps ahead, thinking about what would happen next and where she had to turn her attention to. She was always moving, always doing something and just sitting back and enjoying was new to her.

But she did so anyway, because she had to trust that Theo knew what he was doing. She nodded her head again as he asked her if she was ready and she followed him towards the bedroom. He was squeezing her hand she felt reassured. When she came upon the bedroom, even she had to admit that the entire room was splendid. It had every luxury imaginable and it almost took her breath away. "I can't picture you staying here on your own," she said softly. "But yes, I am ready." She nudged him and did what she wanted to do for the first time. She kicked off her high heels and ran towards the bed. She jumped into the mattress and spread her arms around her. "Come join me. This feels amazing."

Asher had never allowed herself to get close to anyone. It wasn't that she didn't want to but rather the thought itself was frightening and she couldn't even imagine how even doing so would even feel like. She was scared. She could feel that feeling at the pit of her stomach and it was causing her fingertips to turn black like mist and shadows. She took a deep breath. She needed to keep her emotions in check but this was not the sort of situation where she had to keep her emotions in check. In fact, the more she felt, the better as this was purely an emotional endeavor. Still, she took a deep breath and calmed herself down.

She grabbed Theo's fingers. Her own were ice cold and she raised his hand to their eye level. "You see the influence you have over me? No one else triggers this ability as much as you," she chuckled. "Knowing you has been an adventure and a pleasure." She stopped for a moment, because she knew that Theo would go back to camp and she would go back as well but not as frequent and for some reason the mere thought of parting ways at that moment seemed too much. "I know you have to go back to camp but you know I don't spend as much time there. Eventually, I have to go back to the real world." She sighed and when he asked her if she wanted to spend the night she eagerly agreed. "Are you going to tell me now how you managed to score this room?"

Asher smiled. She didn't often smile, at least not in a way that was genuine. She always kept herself at arm's length from most people. Her brother was the only one that had ever seen her vulnerable and even during those times, she never truly showed everything she should. But somehow with Theo, it felt natural, like she was letting go of this burden that had suddenly become too heavy to bear. He kissed her again and she felt his hands at the back of her head. It was an amazing feeling and for a moment, it made her lose her breath. "You know, my life has never been an adventure. I have never wanted it to be so, but with you-" She shrugged, looking at him and caressing his cheek softly. "I feel safe with you. I've never felt safe with anyone before. Like I can be myself around you. Do you have to go back to camp soon? Do you want to spend more time with me?"

Asher was not usually late to events like the claiming ceremony, but she had to admit it wasn't her favorite camp event. In fact, if it was possible, she would much rather do anything else. There was just something about it that always felt off to her but she did do her best to show support, especially when it came time for her own half siblings to join her cabin. However, she had heard from the rumor mill that there was drama happening at the ceremony and Asher had to admit that she always enjoyed watching such matters unfold. It was a hidden pleasure that she was never willing to show but that didn't mean she wouldn't find herself in the middle of it.

When she arrived, she saw some of her half siblings and her brother, front and center next to a man. Asher narrowed her eyes, looked at him closely and listened to the remarks gathered around him. She rolled her eyes when she heard her brother speak. It wasn't hard to do so. Her brother had a tendency of making a bigger deal out of anything. He didn't know how not to bring attention to himself. But she didn't say anything, because intervening at the moment seemed pointless when nothing real was going on. She just glanced around, took noticed of her friends and watched.

I volunteer Arsen

Asher didn't often feel embarrassed but somehow the fact that her entire body had disappeared the moment this boy had kissed her, did make her feel a bit exposed and vulnerable. It was quite ironic, giving her ability had made invisible and not the other way around. But alas, Theo seemed to have taken it in amusement and self felt her cheeks blushed when he made his remark. "I am working on that. It doesn't usually happen on its own." She chuckled, knowing it was triggered by unchecked emotion than anything else. 

Before she could say anything though, Theo replied to her and he kissed her because he wanted to. Because he wanted to and because he felt something for her. She looked at him and her eyes widened. She wasn't sure what to say because hearing those words made her stomach fill with butterflies and all of a sudden she was nervous. Funny how no one had ever made her feel like that before and suddenly she was very aware of her age. 

"I kissed you back because I like you," Asher said. "Like you, as in present tense. You are not a deadbeat and nothing about you is ever going to hold me back. I wouldn't be here with you if I didn't want you. I want you to kiss me again, to hold my hand, to enjoy this beautiful view with me."

Asher was not the type to often take vacations or days off for that matter. When she was at camp, she still followed up with work in ways that she could. This usually was harder than it seemed but it was the only way she could keep up with what was going on around her without feeling like she was losing track of her company. Thankfully she had a good team around her. People she could trust and rely on to get the job done and deal with any issues should they arise. But on this occasion, she had decided to take much needed time off and take the time to hang out and spend time with her brother. 

After she had lead him into her home, Asher showed him around a bit, noting that whatever he wanted to look at or use that he was free to do so. The place had their own staff so whatever needs Tristan had, they would be cared for. "Do you like it? I wasn't sure what kind of sheets you wanted so if you need warmer or thicker ones, they are in the closet. I also wasn't sure if you had any allergies to down feathers so the comforter is hypoallergenic. Whatever you want and need, you only have to ask. I have taken the week off so we can do whatever you want. I am happy you are here."

Asher had been kissed before. Naturally as she had been not only a beautiful girl at school but popular as well. She remembered her first kiss. Jeremy Langston. A boy a year older than her but who, with his dirty blond hair and green eyes, had managed to steal the moment away from her and leave her wanting more. She remembered how it had played out. At a party, in the balcony of his penthouse under the moonlight. It had been wonderful and she remembered the way, once he had turned away, she brought her fingers to touch her lips. She never forgot the softness of that first kiss but it was nothing compared to what was happening now.

Theo leaned in and their eyes locked. There is a moment before someone kisses you when you know they are going to kiss you. It happens for only a second. Their eyes widen, their gaze softens and they lean in slowly. They put their hands behind your head or they stroke your cheek. It is the anticipation that takes your breath away. And then Theo did something she hadn't expected. He had asked her if he could and while Asher would have preferred for him to simply kiss her, she understood why he was asking.

She barely nodded, leaning close to him herself. He closed the distance between them and he pressed his lips against hers. Asher felt herself lose her breath and she kissed him back. She could feel the softness of his lips. She felt her blood rushing and it felt surreal. And it would have been fine except for the moment, where she felt her entire body get cold. It had started with her hands and then her entire body turned into a shadow. Her umbrakinesis was still in the works but she did know it came about in the weirdest ways whenever she felt an intense emotion. She was essentially invisible.

She took a deep breath and step back, waiting for her emotions to calm only so slightly. When she was able to focus, her entire body came back its natural form. "I didn't realize that was going to happen. I thought I was better at keeping it at bay." She bit her lip slightly and got closer to him once more. "Why did you kiss me?"

Asher was amazed by the turn of events. The evening had started like any other. One work event after the other. Smooching off investors and talking to with her shareholders. All in a day's work. And then there had been this one kid, a guy that she had seen before and was so obviously out of place that he was intriguing. They had little in common. They came from different worlds. And yet, he had managed to do something that no one else had done before and that had been to grab her attention. It was such a change from the boy she had met earlier today. He was gentle and perhaps even sensitive.

He filled her glass and she took it. She noticed the way their hands touched ever so slightly and only for a second. He nudged her and gave her a teasing grin. When he spoke, she was surprised by his words and took a deep breath. Naturally she had had boys compliment her and ask her out. She was not only a beautiful girl but she was an asset to any rich kid that wanted to benefit from her wealth. Yet, none of the guys she ever met were more than just pretty faces in Brooks Brother's shirts. "Thank you. I have to admit, you are nothing like what I thought you were at the beginning."

He reached out and grabbed her hand and she looked down at the way she intertwined her fingers around his. It was a reaction that she hadn't anticipated and it was a movement her body seemed to do on her own. She smiled, turning her expression towards him and took a step closer to him.

Asher was not oblivious to the ways people looked at her or what other people might think of her. She knew she wasn't the easiest person to get along with and at times she knew she could come across as overbearing and demanding, even perhaps a bit rude. She knew it was something she had to work on, especially if she wanted to be more approachable but she had never done of any of that to be mean. Her demeanor was guarded, she could admit to that, but the way she talked to people, it was never to make them feel less than. She just didn't know how else to be. Being direct, after all, was only so she could be taken seriously and perhaps she had grown to rely on that too much. 

"I don't like to think about it that way. I was very fortunate growing up and if I have had to grow up faster than most then that was just my part to play." She shrugged, feeling an ounce of guilt that displayed across her face. She never wanted to complain as her father had given them more than anyone could have ever asked for, but she also couldn't deny that it had made her who she was and perhaps now it was starting to catch up with her. "I don't know how to let my guard down. I guess that is what I need to work on. How do you do it?"

Asher couldn't help but feel a certain thrill fall down her spine. It was adrenaline, something she hadn't really felt before. Her whole life was a series of "fine" moment, where nothing ever truly caught her attention, or at least nothing that ever fully made her display a greater emotion. She now felt mischievous and rebellious. Like she was doing she wasn't supposed to and the possibility of getting caught was exhilarating. She smiled and rolled her eyes playfully at Theo's candid manner. She had figured as much but then again, one could never be certain, though she did wonder just how he had managed to get access to this.

"I have to say, you are full of surprises." They made their way to the top and she watched every meticulous movement Theo made. She couldn't help but think that this boy might just be able to use that precision for something else but she wasn't about to offer career advise to someone that hadn't asked for it. Either way, those thoughts were forgotten when she walked into the suite and came across the view. Asher was used to views like this. She had grown up in New York after all, but there was something about it that still took her breath away. 

She took the glass from Theo's hand and sighed, happily and content. "You know, I've never been this close to anyone before. I always keep people at arm's length," she said taking a sip of her drink. "It is nice to be able to just relax and rely on someone. I haven't had that since my dad died."