Long Road Ahead

by RCizzle (RC1024)

Summary:

Andrew and Ashley Graves flee their family home after the murder and desecration of their parents. Living a life on-the-run together as siblings turned lovers, they're met with new troubles - a lack of safety, limited supplies, and most worrisomely, an intense paranoia on Andrew's end that causes them more trouble than they need.

Chapter 1: Exhaustion

Slumber has once again taken Ashley Graves into its alluring grasp, drifting her consciousness into a state of monotonous relaxation. Long gone were the days of complete and utter exhaustion, passing out from a lack of nutritional energy and a wary sense of stability, but this wasn't much better. Her life has, once again, come to a sudden halt with her older brother - Andrew - the two resorting to a life on-the-run for the time being. Of course, it was Andrew's idea, not hers; Ashley wanted to enjoy the temporary comforts of their parent's home for just a little while, but Andrew insisted they'd best remain mobile, plan out their next move while gaining some distance from the town they grew up in. Ashley, as per usual, defied his course of action, pleading with him to finally embrace something they've lacked for so long in proper shelter, time in which to regain their strength, a vantage point near enough the many stores and services they may need - but Andrew's mind was set. He wasn't entirely in the wrong to feel anxious and desire the safety of an anonymous life, with the murder and crime left behind in their wake, but Ashley was tired. It was one thing after another: being quarantined in their old apartment without a surefire means of escape, death a looming certainty in their minds, their escape being accompanied by murder and cannibalism in the name of survival. After managing to claw their way out of that freakshow of a building, the grim reaper seemed to linger - following in the form of a hitman hired by their very own mother, who they had also murdered at this point. 

 

It was a lot, but all of it was in the name of survival. That's what they had to tell themselves, at the very least - especially the older Graves sibling, whose brain was wracked with the fear of repercussions brought along by the moral ambiguity of their actions. Exposition aside, things weren't all doom and gloom. The two siblings were in this together, and they were closer than ever. Life hadn't exactly been kind to them as of late, but they weren't completely defenseless against its every whim. A vehicle commandeered from the aforementioned hitman acted as the pair's ticket out of town, and a well stocked trunk full of clothes and different types of quick, easy, consumable emergency food items ensured the two had a fighting chance for some time. Last but certainly not least, Andrew was in possession of his mother's hard earned bank account, which he'd use to retract funds when necessary for food or the occasional motel. All of which once belonged to the previous Mr. and Mrs. Graves, but their lives, just like their now abandoned home, would be left in the past. 

 

A bump in the road, minor, but inconvenient enough to cause a small rocking of the car would snap Ashley awake. With a groan, her pink eyes are met with the dull color of the roof. Slowly coming to her senses, she realizes she had once again fallen asleep in the backseat - which she had practically transformed into her very own bed. Blankets stolen from the Graves residence, they weren't as cozy as her old bedsheets, but they got the job done - and a pair of pillows for herself and the darling man still seated in the driver's. "Ugh…" Ashley muttered, sitting up slowly, "Andy? You're still driving? Can't you take a break?"

 

"I'm fine. Haven't been any motels around. Go back to sleep, if you're still tired. It's late…" If anyone sounded tired, it was him. Andrew's voice was always a bit deep, but he sounded borderline sickly. It hadn't been very long since the two had begun this journey together, but they had already skipped town and ended up in the next, unknown territory for the two siblings. Andrew, much to Ashley's dismay, had been pouring his time into focusing on gaining as much distance from their old residence as he could. It was a challenge of managing resources, gas and sleep, with the latter being sacrificed. Ashley had no idea why he was so paranoid still - to the rest of the world, Andrew and Ashley Graves were dead, death certificates and all. The site of their last set of misdeed, too, was thoroughly cleansed and taken care of before the two departed; including the bodies of their parents, which were disposed of properly. 

 

"Andrew…" Ashley, sitting up completely, turned her gaze towards the window. Although difficult to make out due to the car's tinted glass, she did indeed notice the sky was pitch black. The girl was in and out of sleep so often the last few days, she was losing track of time - and it's not like Andrew was giving her his full attention, much to her misery. She did her best not to prod and poke at him too often, though; she was more so worried for his health than angry with his lack of focus on her, for once in her life. She didn't quite understand why exactly all the time, but she could at least recognize this was all taxing on Andrew. She wished he could see things her way, how they really were -- everything that's happened so far was a necessity for them to survive, all they had were each other, and her older brother had to remember that. "You need to sleep. This is all gonna be for nothing if you pass out on the wheel and we end up in some ditch."

 

"I know… I'll pull over next chance I can. Can't just do it on the middle of a random road." For once, he complied. Things would be so much easier if he did this more often. Whirling by the girl at a frantic speed, she took note of how little she seemed to identify what they drove by, they really were in a different town entirely. She wasn't used to this, it was exciting in a way! If only Andrew wasn't killing himself. Things between them had been a bit less tense lately, their relationship bordered on romantic, Andrew had finally given in - but his inability to ease himself was as apparent as ever. Although happy to share the road with her brother turned lover, Ashley missed their beds - it was so simple to pull Andrew down and cradle him into her comforting grasp. "Wanna stock up on gas, too. Running low."

 

"Probably because we've been driving to god-knows-where for the last week." Ashley sighs, leaning her head against the tinted window. She was trying her best to remain patient at Andrew's request, but her annoyance slipped out in her tone, which spit at the already stressed young man sitting in front of her. She knew he didn't have a plan yet, which was unlike him - but she had no choice but to settle for his paranoid desires to escape. "Find a gas station then, I gotta pee anyway." 

 

"Uh huh." Andrew's tone couldn't be more flat and deadline, though it couldn't be helped. Ashley couldn't put up with this for much longer - not because his stoic attitude was so dreary, she was used to that, but because she couldn't offer him comfort even when she wanted to. The damn psycho wouldn't stop, whilst not even knowing where they'd go! At this rate, things would be easier if they could settle into a nice, cozy, cheap motel - at least there she'd be able to keep him down and talk some sense into the oaf. 

 

The ride to the nearest gas station is quiet and uneventful, mainly thanks to Ashley once again drifting back to a state of half sleep. The two needed to swap roles - Andrew needed some sleep, Ashley needed to keep herself awake. Although, perhaps it was the best outcome for Andrew. He appreciated his sister's concern, but the last thing he needed in his ear was her incessant nagging, good reason or not. Still, though, the deafening silence wasn't exactly pleasant either. The longer he was alone, the more time he had with his paranoid thoughts. It was one of those very rare instances in Andrew Graves' life where he couldn't tell whether or not he craved his sister's company with full certainty. 

 

Soon enough, though, they'd arrive to a small convenience store that was open into the late hours of the night - assumedly 24/7. It looked inviting enough, well kept and managed, with a small pump station outside. "Ashley, we're here." Andrew calls out, turning his head backwards just enough to peek at his snoozing sister, who snaps awake upon hearing his voice. Usually, she's a heavy sleeper, but she was only half dozed.

 

"Finally…!" the girl stretches, letting out a breathy mixture of half yawn, half groan. "You coming in too, handsome?" 

 

"Yeah. Gotta pay for the gas, unfortunately." Andrew signs in response, plopping his body against the carseat for a moment. He had parked around the side of the convenience store, taking the moment of respite to rest his body. The break felt nice, the lack of motion easing his body into a simple comfort he's missed. "You can pick out something to eat too, because I know you're gonna ask anyway…"

 

"Goodness, my dear big brother offering to spend money on me willingly? It must be a cold day in hell! You know me so well, beloved Andrew!" the girl laughs, and, being the little menace she was, using one of her legs to nudge against the driver's seat where Andrew was relaxing. As always, Ashley Graves was a wild card - was she trying to pester him, or did she want him to settle his nerves? Ever the mystery…

 

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Get inside before I change my mind." The older sibling scoffed, leaning his body forward once again whilst cursing under his breath. Taking the key out of the ignition, he opens the door to step outside, feeling the pavement below his tired feet. He waits for Ashley to leave the vehicle as well, watching her hop out. Their stolen car was painted black, the coating shining under the soft glow of the light. Usually, it looked pretty irregular amidst the sea of brightly colored vehicles on the road, but no one seemed to be here tonight barring a single vehicle parked near the front, seemingly the cashier or whoever was working tonight. The darkness helped them blend in too - although it could be mistaken as some shady business with a car this ominous in its appearance.  

 

Entering the small store, the two siblings are met with arrays of differently colored snacks, miscellaneous odds and ends for car care and such, and of course, a cashier standing behind the counter. She was a middle aged woman who looked half asleep, though it being this late made that an understandable quality at the moment. She held a magazine in one of her hands, blindly reading through it with such drowsy boredom, she nearly missed the pair walking inside if not for the small jingle of a bell above the glass doors that chimed when they were opened. 

 

"Oh hi," the cashier finally spoke up, snapping to her senses, "out late tonight, ain't we?" she had somewhat of an accent, giving her some foreign charm. 

 

"Ahah, yeah…" Andrew spoke out, his voice clear and appropriate despite his own tired mood. He always did know how to blend in like a normal young man, at least in comparison to his baby sister. The only issue was that their pale skin made them stick out like a pair of sore thumbs. "Just needed to buy some gas. My…" he sweats, pausing for a moment, brow furrowing just a little, "... girlfriend here, she also has to use the bathroom. If that's okay." Well, isn't that awkward. He chose to save himself the trouble of Ashley embarrassing him, as she tends to do, by stating they were romantically inclined himself. He still wasn't used to it, after so many years running from exactly that. 

 

"Oh, 'course! Bathroom's around the back." The cashier's eyebrow raises slightly in response to a giggle Ashley lets out - she'd definitely be teasing Andrew about that as soon as they were alone again. 

 

The two's next moves were made. While Andrew handled the boring transaction business, Ashley headed towards the bathroom. Entering the ladies room, her nose is immediately smacked with the strong scent of tobacco and skunk - though she could only imagine it wasn't caused by an animal. It looked clean enough, but she still decided to place some toilet paper around the rim of the toilet seat inside of the selected stall just to be safe. 

 

Back in the main section of the store, Andrew paid for a refill of their gas tank, but decided to wait for Ashley inside. To kill the time, he decided to peruse the aisles, grabbing a few types of candy bar and small bag of chips - the flavors he knew Ashley liked. He did promise her something to eat, after all, and while it wouldn't be much of a dinner, it was better than going hungry. He'd also buy himself a new lighter, as well as another fresh pack of smokes, god knows he's needed those lately. 

 

"You guys get much business this time of night?" Andrew asked, wanting to stir conversation while he checked out his items, spending just a bit more of those stolen funds. 

 

"Naw, not really. Mainly just me until the manager comes by around noon, says he trusts me with the late night shifts. That your truck out there? Fancy paint job." 

 

"Yeah, I really dig the color black, if that wasn't obvious." A painless enough lie - he was wearing his black sweater too. Anything to avoid suspicion, since that car was most definitely not his own, nor was it very conventional. 

 

"You did it yourself then? Good work, never seen anything like it." That made sense, it was made to go incognito - something Andrew was sure this town wasn't used to. At least, for his and Ashley's sake, he hoped that was the case. "You two ain't from around here, are ya? Y'all don't look local." 

 

"No, we're not." Andrew's eyebrows furrowed a little, now she was starting to ask a bit too much. He started the idle chatter, but he wasn't looking to give out information on him and Ashley, had to avoid that at all costs. He never knew when someone was listening, someone who could run their mouth. 

 

"Where y'all from, if you don't mind me asking? How long have y'all been together? You make for a cute couple!" Andrew had to think carefully on how to answer. He didn't want to come off as rude and noncompliant, that may seem suspicious - but he couldn't hint at any traces of their identities, either. 

 

"We came from a few towns south, we're on a road trip. It's coming up on our anniversary, five years… we wanted to do something special." Thankfully, Andrew had gotten quite used to stringing together lies throughout his life, but his anxiety was starting to show in the way he uncomfortably shuffled around as the cashier scanned his items. 

 

"Aww, well ain't that sweet! Y'all should be careful driving around these parts with your vehicle out there looking like that, the police are mighty nosy around these parts, and that ain't the first time I've seen a car that looked like y'alls. Though you're just a couple of sweet young lovers, the last guy I saw was wearing some real shady looking clothes, had this weird look--" before the cashier could finish her thought, the bathroom door was flung open, commanding the attention of both the woman and Andrew. 

 

"Oh Aaandy, I'm all done!" out came the bustling Ashley, suddenly hyped up on energy after her string of naps. Feeling the need to announce her finished deed, the girl always found a way to interrupt a scene at the most impractical of times. Andrew was eager to hear the full description of the supposed man with a car similar to theirs. "Oooh, what're you buying?" 

 

"I'll show you in the car, let's just go please…" Andrew, suddenly ridden with anxiety thanks to how this exchange took a turn for the worse, gently grabs at his sister-turned-girlfriend's arm to nudge her towards the entrance. "Have a good night, ma'am, thanks for everything!" 

 

"You're welcome, you two! Don't forget to pump your gas!" the woman shouted back as the two stormed out of the doorway. Now she was really confused - why did he seem so flustered? Why did he rush out like that?  

 

"Must you always make a scene, Ashley? I'm sure the cashier wasn't all that interested in your piss break…" the older Graves sibling, now back outside into the cold night air, groaned in frustration. He couldn't believe he was actually starting to miss this girl just a bit ago. Far enough away from the store to regain their privacy, Andrew drills his eyes into his sister's, his tone stricken with worry. "Listen. We have to go. Now." 

 

"What? What's wrong? What the hell happened while I was peeing?" Ashley asks, once again her brother had sent her into a state of confusion.  

 

"I'll tell you in the car, just act natural. Don't worry it's nothing bad just - let's just get back to the car so I can fill the tank." 

 

"It's always bad with you as of late…"  

 

Making their way back to their vehicle, Andrew would pull out from the side lot to drive towards the small pump station. Leaving the bag of snacks and treats with Ashley, who had transferred seats to the passenger's, he steps out and grabs the nozzle connected to the pump. Leaning against the side of the fixture in his tired daze, Andrew flips open the fuel tank and starts to pour the strangely addictive smelling gasoline into the vehicle. Oh, how thoughts started to fly through his head - none of them good. That woman's questioning had made him paranoid all over again - not only were the cops actually responsible with their job, at least compared to their home town; but from the sound of things, an assassin from whatever shady organization that sent the last after them had also come by these parts. At least, that's what he figured the woman would have said. He was tired, he didn't have the brain capacity to ponder the possibilities - only a sickening thought of how easy it would have been to flick that new lighter of his after dousing himself with the gasoline.

 

But no, he couldn't do that. He had to stick by Ashley's side, no matter what came their way. I'm just imagining things. I have to be… he thinks, trying to ease his worries. It didn't help much, but an effort was made. He decided then and there that he'd only tell Ashley once they hit the road again, he just wanted to be rid of this place. 

 

Speaking of, the girl was busy ripping into the bag of goodies Andrew left her with. Immediately reaching for a package of potato chips, Ashley rips them open to begin digging in - she was feeling hungry after falling in and out of sleep as she has been. She rolls her window down and peeks her head out, still munching on a few chips. "Andy, that shit stinks, I can smell it in the car!" 

 

"Lots of people find this to be a very enticing smell, Ashley… would you prefer one of my cigarettes?" those glowing green eyes in the night shoot over at her, sending her tumbling back into her seat.

 

"... fair point." Ashley slumps back into the leathery throne she owned, never shall she know the pleasures of the driver's seat. Andrew would have taught her how to drive eventually, but - their lives went to hell before that could happen. Soon enough, Andrew would finish up, and it wouldn't be long before he entered said driver's seat and slumped over the steering wheel, folding his arms over top. Thankfully, he was careful enough not to slam on the horn. "Andy?"

 

"I really don't wanna drive anymore tonight. You're right, Ashley, I'm exhausted." his voice was just as flat as it was earlier, if not even more so. He drags his head back upwards and slowly glances over at his sister, who's expression was once again one of concern. All of this, the constant driving, the fears of the law and their possible demise, it had drained the boy to his limit. Driving anywhere else tonight was the last thing he wanted to think about. 

 

"... you wanna crash here for the night? Around the back. I'm sure that lady inside wouldn't care, if she even notices anything. Hell, she looked just as dead inside as you do."  Ashley reaches over and, gently, strokes her brother's cheek. Ashley knew when Andrew was in bad shape, it's a sixth sense she's had ever since she was a little girl - which made her near constant torture ironic in retrospect. 

 

"No! No… no, we can't." Andrew shoots back to attention, giving her a wide eyed look that freaked the girl out just a little. Seeing her jump back herself, he takes a deep breath and sighs, falling back into place. "I'm sorry, just - no."

 

"Andrew." The girl demanded his attention, her tone stern and menacing, as menacing as she could muster at least. "You need to tell me what happened in that store. Did that bitch say something?" once again, she reaches her hand out, but this time it lands against his shoulder. She rubs against his skin, trying to pry whatever had him so spooked from his lips. 

 

"She was asking about us. About the car. About where we were from. Says the cops in this town think we might look suspicious because she thinks our car looks familiar - you know what that means. Said some guy pulled up here once, looked shady. What's shady? Hoodie, sunglasses, a knife, a gun -- it was one of those fucking hitmen from back home!"

 

"Woah, woah, slow down Andrew. Isn't that a bit of a stretch? We're god knows how many miles from our old town, how could--" Andrew snaps, turning to face her, cutting her off.

 

"It's an organization, Ashley! We have no evidence that they're local, for all we know we're still being hunted and they have operatives out here too! We're fucked, we have to-" this time, Ashley returns the favor, clenching his shoulder tightly to get his attention. She doesn't falter, not this time, staring him in the eyes. 

 

"Andrew. Listen to me. You need to calm down. Take a deep breath… now." To her surprise, Andrew obliges. He slowly looks away from her, taking a deep, long winded breath. "Good. Now… you need to chill out and pay attention, okay? You are overtired. You're manic, you're stressed out, you're acting like an irrational psycho. I understand why you're worried, but you're jumping to conclusions and need to think logically. Remember the papers we found in this very car? They said they don't want to be contacted again. Whoever sent that asshole we killed in the park, they assume we're dead. Everyone else who knew us also assumes we're dead. Yeah?"

 

"I… guess, yeah. I don't know…" Andrew shakes a little, taking another breath. He was shocked Ashley was being as convincing as she was.

 

"You've barely slept, if at all, in days. Please, Andy… no one's coming to get us. Not until we get into trouble again, at the very least -- okay? Trust me. You don't know what that lady was talking about, and you definitely exaggerating how suspicious we look. It was most likely a coincidence, if we were that out of place, wouldn't we have been stopped by now? We left town days ago." 

 

"Yeah… that's true. I guess you're right. I'm sorry, I just… I'm scared, I guess." Instinctively, he flinches as he feels Ashley's warm lips press against his cheek, still a bit greasy from the potato chips she had begun devouring. It always caught him off guard how mature Ashley could be when he needed her support and comfort, for such a little gremlin otherwise.

 

"It's okay, Andy. We're gonna sleep here tonight, okay? Around the back. No one's gonna notice, no one's gonna care. I promise. Okay? Better?" the way she spoke to him, it was like a child. But he needed that loving sternness. 

 

"... better." The older sibling gives her a solemn look, nodding his shaggy head. 

 

"I love you, Andy. Take us around back, 'kay?" 

 

At her behest, Andrew starts the car and, as carefully as he could, drives around the side of the store once again to reach the back. It's much darker, the building blocking any of the lights coming from the road. To blend even better with the shadows, he parks as close to the corner as he can - obscuring their vehicle in the shadows of nearby trees. Not pitch black, but dark enough to seem inconspicuous in the night. 

 

"Here we are…" Andrew groans, once again releasing the steering wheel with an exhaustive sigh.

 

"Good boy! Now, get in the backseat." Ashley commands, grabbing her brother's shoulder like earlier.

 

"What about you? Where are you gonna sleep?"

 

"Back there, duh!"

 

"Are you crazy? There's barely enough--"

 

"No bitching or whining. Get in the damn backseat, Andrew, before I smack you upside the head and drag you back there! We've slept like that before… get moving." Her voice was stern, she wasn't looking to negotiate, a mirror image of the girl from a few minutes ago. 

 

"I'd like to see you try.." the defeated boy mumbles one last comeback in defiance, but he's already making his way out of the car's front to transfer into the makeshift bed Ashley had prepared in the back. Opening the door, Andrew would practically collapse against the cushions behind the very same seat he filled mere moments ago. He nearly rocks the car, shuffling himself in the rest of the way like a wet noodle, squirming up against the pillows. He was slowly starting to feel grateful for this idea - they were like fluffy clouds compared to the headrest. Hearing the passenger door open and close promptly, he shuffled as far into the seat as he could, expecting the incoming little sister who'd wiggle her way inside as well.

 

"There, that wasn't so hard, was it? Big baby." Ashley teased, "I think this is quite comfy, if you ask me." The girl coos, getting in nice and close, bending her body a little to pull the door shut, trapping them inside, forcing their legs to tilt enough to fit. It was cramped, but surprisingly cozy… or maybe they were just so used to cuddling like this. 

 

"Make sure the doors are locked, please…" the tired lug moans out against the soft pillow's, shuffling his body a little more to get comfy now that they were closed in. Ashley, the more mobile of the two at the moment, did a quick check on each of the four doors - reaching around the passenger seat to make sure that door was locked, then reaching over Andrew to lock them in properly. The driver's seat and entryway their heads would be pressed against were already locked - Andrew was pretty good at handling that by instinct.

 

"Done! You comfortable, Andy?" Ashley, nestling in, presses her face directly against her brother's chest. Andrew wasn't very muscular, but she loved how he felt against her - like something in the world that just felt right, meant to be. Gently, she wraps an arm around his waist, making sure he's close to her. Tonight, she'd be in charge of dishing out the cuddles. Her tired man needed her now more than ever, and that's saying something. There's so much on his mind, and slowly, with a bit of tomfoolery here and there, she's gonna help him through it.

 

"Yeah… thanks, Ashley."

 

"You know, you oughta listen to me more. I'm not dumb. And I worry about you, Andy… especially lately. I feel like you haven't been here, I miss you." Ashley confesses, her voice small and soft. Usually, she dislikes letting her guard down, even around Andrew - but she did indeed miss him, and she doesn't want to lose him over his own lack of care for himself. He was the smartest man she's ever known, the only person she's ever truly adored - but he can be so stupid sometimes, too. He needed to think with his head, be mindful of his limits.

 

"Ashley…" tired green eyes, half lidded, widen just a little in surprise. His expression is soft as he lets out a breath. "I'm sorry. I promise I'm not trying to ignore you, I just-..."

 

"Shh. I know. It's okay, Andy." Admittedly, she wasn't expecting a proper apology. It's so like Andrew to get defensive and scold her for being so needy and selfish, but perhaps in his tired stupor he was feeling a bit less guarded. "I know you're just trying to protect us. I know that now, at least -- not even you'd be so manic otherwise." She laughs before leaning in, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. A small gasp escapes her as he does her one better, embracing her close and giving her one right on the lips. It was still something neither were truly used to, but the moment seemed right. Pleasant silence takes them for a few moments, where time feels as if it had stopped entirely - all they could feel was the cold starting to nip at them, as Andrew had turned the car off to preserve gas. Nights like these were cold, and that's when the two had to share body heat, just as they are now. By no means is it a perfect set-up for a proper rest, but it fits them. 

 

Soon, Andrew breaks the silence. "How do you handle this all so well?" His voice, matching Ashley's, was soft, anxious even. His emerald eyes, one of the few things Ashley could still make out in this darkness, were shimmering with drowsy curiosity for her answer. "... I mean, you're doing better than I am. And I'm supposed to be the older sibling here."

 

"Andrew, you've asked this question so many times," she smiles, "and I never know exactly how to answer! I just… push it all back, I guess, like I've said before. I'll unpack it later, the stuff I care about at least. What we've had to do, it doesn't really bother me like it does you. We're kinda just surviving - you know? No one came to help us, we have to do it ourselves." An uncharacteristically thought provoking answer, one that makes Andrew close his eyes in thought. "I focus on you and me. I want us to be safe, I don't care about morals, the ifs or buts, the bad thoughts… just you and me."

 

"... I envy you, sometimes. You're strong, Ashley, at least in that way."

 

"Oh Andy, you flatter me." She chuckles again, snuggling him, using that warm chest of his as her pillow, she had no need of the other. "We gotta cover each other's asses, right? You're the big, strong, smart, anxious one - and I'm the sly, strategic, mentally stable girl!" now that brings a hearty chuckle from her man, something she wanted to hear, something he needed.

 

"I don't know if I'd use 'strategic' or 'mentally stable' to describe you, Leyley, but I see what you mean." he gasps, feeling Ashley suddenly wrap both of her skinny little arms around him, hugging his body tightly. 

 

"Leyley… you called me Leyley."

 

"... yeah, I guess I did huh? You bring the best and most certainly the worst out of me, you know." He returns her affectionate grasp, squeezing the girl closer. If he wasn't so tired, their close proximity would cause quite the issue for him down below - one of the many reasons he stopped cuddling her in recent years. Her soft body, so warm and pleasant to the touch, made his feel all tense and vulnerable in all the right ways. "I'm gonna sleep now, okay? I'm tired…"

 

"Mmhm, let's nap. I love you, Andy." 

 

"I love you too, Leyley…" finally, Andrew Graves begins to drift off to sleep. But temptation was a strong vice, and Ashley couldn't help but tease him one last time. 

 

"Oh, and, try not to dream about having your way with me again, Andy~ don't wanna get all frisky in this lonely parking lot, do we? Mom and Dad's bed was moooore than enough…" she snickers as Andrew shoves against her just a little, growling out in one last burst of anger and disdain. 

 

"God, shut up. You suck! I really am gonna play with the gas and my lighter…"

 

"What? Burning to death would suck , dumbass - not romantic at all!" she laughs some more, squeezing her ample chest against her grumbling brother, taking the place of top cuddler as she pulls his head against her warmth. "And that'd be such a tragedy for you, yeah?"

 

"Goodnight, Ashley…" his tone, although muffled against Ashley's breasts poking out from her top, was sassy and annoyed - but less panicked and stressful; returning to that typical Andrew charm. Moments like these were precious to them, even in the cramped confines of their vehicle. It was tight, but they felt at peace cuddling with each other. Cold, but they provided each other with warmth and comfort. 

 

Andrew would appreciate this, at the very least, until the morning came and they'd set off onto the road again. Only god knows what would have happened if he hadn't taken Ashley's advice to rest just a little. Their journey was uncertain, the destination unknown, the details cloudy - but the car wasn't so bad when occupied by two.

Chapter 2: Simple Pleasures

Summary:

Life on the road continues for the Graves siblings. Rest is but a temporary fix for Andrew's weary mind, as before long, he and Ashley are already at each other's necks. A heated argument ensues, but as is usually the case with these two, it doesn't last long. The two decide to spend the day outside of the car to make up and relax...

Cuddling Andrew was always so nice. He wasn't a built young man, rather tall and lanky. He had some hair around his body, but was generally well groomed, as best he could be in recent months at the very least. His limbs were long, so they provided a comforting sense of protection that made Ashley feel like a little girl again. The best part about Andrew? His unique scent, a blend of smokey tang, nicotine that added a somewhat comforting familiarity, and the type of cologne you'd expect a poor boy his age to wear - good, but not great, passable enough. His natural smell, that of cedarwood and sweat, blended well with everything to give him a musk that Ashley loved so very much. It always helped Ashley sleep, like a natural fragrance that soothed her nerves - part of the reason it was noticeably harder to rest when Andrew wasn't around.

 

A very grumpy Ashley Graves, however, wasn't being exposed to that luxury at the moment. 

 

Things were back to business as usual, on the road again, the morning sun just barely peeking from behind the trees they drove by. Ashley sat in the passenger seat of the car, arms crossed, eyes staring blankly at the windshield. Next to her, of course, was Andrew - who was starting to develop seeable bags under his leafy eyes, as if to compliment his look as a creepy young man. Mere hours ago, the two were resting together in the backseat of the car by a local convenience store. They didn't know exactly where they were, but it was a nicer establishment than the ones back in their hometown. 

 

"You could have waited a little longer, Andrew. The sun is barely even up yet, for christ's sake." The girl was clearly disappointed, although for her sake or Andrew's own wasn't as obvious. What good fortune they had last night seemed to be gone, though, both were on edge.

 

"Didn't wanna risk it. If the manager came by early and saw our car in the daylight, they'd probably call the cops to check us out… and you know why that would have been a problem."

 

"You're crazy. You need to--"

 

"Ashley, we're driving a plated black vehicle with an unidentifiable licence plate number and tinted windows - we look suspicious! Not to mention, the lady gave me cause enough for concern last night…" 

 

"Tch. Figured you weren't gonna let that go. Shouldn't have let that old bitch run her mouth." Ashley mumbles under her breath, shifting her legs to cross over one another. She had half a thought to extend them up and rest them along the dashboard, but Andrew gets all pissy when she does that. 

 

"Besides…" Andrew starts off before biting down on his lip, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head slightly. "... nevermind." 

 

"What? Say it. Don't be shy, Andy. I'm a big girl, I can take it." The girl baits her brother, eyelashes fluttering all cute and innocent. Her pink eyes are as wide as pearls, tilting her head to face him. Andrew's eyes in return twitch, glancing over at his little sister, a slight growl spilling from his throat in grumpy annoyance. 

 

"I think you've slept more than enough the last few days, Ashley, you'll live…" Uh oh. Immediate regret, he knew what was coming - it wasn't good. The moment he sasses Ashley, she responds tenfold; especially when she was already grumpy herself.

 

"Excuse me? What are you trying to say, Andy? Pardon me, I'm missing out on hmm, I dunno, sitting on my fucking ass for eight hours straight! My most sincere apologies…" she growls, glaring at him, those pink eyes as fickle as they are pretty. "You're such an asshole, you know that? I was worried about YOU - YOU have barely slept! You're running us around like a headless chicken squawking at thin air, there isn't much to do besides sleep!"

 

"I was thinking about our safety, Ashey! You said you understood - we're on the run! It was a terrible spot to hide out, I shouldn't have even entertained the thought!" he was too tired to realize that it was by his own decision to follow Ashley's suggestion - ushering in her comfort and safety, allowing her to calm him down. She was doing so for his own sake. 

 

"Shove your 'safety' up your ass, Andrew. It's all you've been spouting about - we ARE safe! As safe as we can be, at the very least! We're nobodies, a pair of nameless, homeless, unrecognizable outcasts! We're like two towns away, at least! God…" feeling defeated, frustrated, and offended - Ashley slumps back into her seat, uncrossing her legs and letting them rub against one another. "I was doing it for you, asshole. You were manic, you needed to stop - I thought I was doing something right for once, to help you, to help us …" 

 

"Ashley…" Andrew's face softens, only to once again stretch in annoyance. "Don't even take it there! You're putting words in my mouth, making it seem like I don't appreciate what you do, what you say…"

 

"Is that not the truth? You yell at me, constantly - and when you're not scolding me like a child, you're ignoring me in this damn car! I miss you, Andrew…! That passionate night we shared before leaving mom's house, did that mean nothing to you? Was I not good enough, didn't it make you happy? Why can't you just be happy - why am I never enough for you?" Ashley's body language worsens, legs trembling a little, staring down at her lap. "You said it would be the two of us. You used to tell that to me all the time, and I thought… for the first time in awhile, what we did was your way of telling me you meant it again. That you wanted to be with me, that you didn't care about all this other bullshit as much as you did me. You called me Leyley, you told me you loved me, that you weren't going anywhere… now I feel like you're so far away, I can barely see you." 

 

"I…" the boy sighs, shoulders slumping just as his sister's body did. "It's not like that. It has nothing to do with what we did, that night we shared…! Of course it meant something, I shouldn't have to tell you that…" his hands, clenching the steering wheel, tighten up with further frustration. "You don't realize what I'm doing, the lengths I'm willing to travel just to keep you SAFE - you think everything is simple, that we killed mom and dad, we skipped town, we can just live all carefree somewhere else. We can't! You have no idea what would happen if we got sloppy, if we slipped up even once, if we got caught by the cops or god forbid those hooded fucks! Can't you just be grateful, for once?!"

 

"Andy…" 

 

"I'm doing this all for YOU! For US, so we can get away from all of that bullshit! So we CAN be in the position to make something for ourselves!" at that point, his teeth were clenched, he saw red and he couldn't hold back his miserable lack of tolerance with the girl. "Of course I love you, for fuck's sake! I wouldn't be doing all this shit if I didn't, you think I like being so tired I can't see the road ahead of me? So fucking scared and powerless that I can barely form a coherent thought?! The last thing I need is you buzzing around my head, whining for no good reason…"

 

Ashley's eyes slowly rise to stare at his face, tears welling up around the corners of her pink gaze. With a heavy breath, she turns away and starts to weep silently into one of her hands, covering herself so that Andrew couldn't look at her; or perhaps she didn't want to see him. He was hurting her, driving the knife deeper than he had to - all she wanted to do was help him, look out for the boy as he always did her. Ashley didn't enjoy crying around her brother, unless there was something to get out of him, some way to coerce Andrew - but those tears were real.

 

Andrew, his own breath a bit shaken and strained, snaps from his burst of anger and annoyance. Despite driving still, his attention turns to Ashley, gasping to himself as he notices the girl shaking with sorrow. "Ashley, I…"

 

She doesn't respond. Instead, she turns away further, the only thing stopping her the physical limitations of her frail body in that leathery seat. The scene was all too familiar, it wasn't the first time Andrew had erupted on her in this last week alone. Immediately, as he tended to do, he'd backtrack; the guilt tugging on his heart intensely. There was some truth to what he had said, but he didn't want to hurt her.

 

"If there was a possibility that someone could hurt you, I need to take you to safety. If there's a chance someone can find us and take you away, I would… I'd just… I'm sorry. I'm really fucking trying here. This is hard on both of us, I just want to get us some place better, I…"

 

". . ." still, she cried, tears slowly streaking down her face. As confident and snarky as the girl could act at times, Andrew scared her when he raised his voice that way - she was as emotionally tense as he was.

 

"Ashley…" his tone lowers to a quiet mutter, eyes returning to take their place on the road, wishing that they could meet his sister's once again. "I'm sorry, I've just been so all over the place… please don't stay mad at me…" whether he was pleading to save his own ass or because he felt genuine guilt, Ashley couldn't tell yet. 

 

All the girl can manage is a slight glance, sniffling a little as she shakes her head. She goes to speak, but all that comes out is a whine, milking her sadness for what it was worth. She couldn't tell if she was angry at him or feeling a small bit of remorse herself - probably some combination of the two. She knows he's tired, but he can't turn on her like that, it breaks the girl's heart.

 

"I need a cigarette. I'm pulling over." The older sibling groans out, a clear telltale sign of his admittance of defeat, brain reaching its mental limit in that heated moment. True to his word, it isn't long before he slows the car down and drifts to the side of the road they were driving on. Thankfully, the road was empty for the most part, all they'd have to worry about is another driver flying by every few minutes, but he was confident no one would bother him anyway. At least, he he hoped not - for their sake. 

 

"Ready to pull over in the middle of bumfuck nowhere for a cig break, but it's like pulling teeth for you to pick me up some chips. Such a fucking bastard..." Ashley snarks, finally breaking her silence to sass her insufferable grump of a brother. She watches as Andrew rolls his tired eyes and slams the car door shut. "God, I feel like I need a cigarette at this point…"

 

Minutes always felt like hours whenever Andrew took time out of their day to smoke. He knew Ashley didn't like the smell, or really the fact that he did so at all, so in recent times he's tried to distance himself. Still, though, he doesn't realize she'd much prefer if he simply cracked the windows down - just so he'd still be there next to him. Even when he was a grumpy asshole, Ashley wanted him nearby, it was that agency that kept her sane, the answer to that burning question Andrew always asked. Of the two, grudges were always held on Andrew's end the longest. That's not to say Ashley isn't a vengeful tornado of wrath and chaos when she wants to be, that couldn't be further from the truth - but with her big brother, it never lasted long. In a sense, both had the virtue of patience when it came to the other - one of the few good qualities to them. 

 

Her moment of weakness, speaking on her insecurities like that - it stains her mind as she sits there in temporary silence. Andrew's words, too, ring out in her mind, everything he just laid on the girl like that. It made her feel worse than she did before, but she told herself he didn't mean it. It'd be so easy for her to lash out and continue until the boy had no choice but to apologize with full earnesty, but she didn't want to rock the ship any more than she had. She was immature at times, a true child at heart -- but if Andrew was cracking in his revolve like this, she at least needed to keep a steady head less the both of them wouldn't last.

 

Andrew watched as the leaves of nearby trees rustled with the wind. Wherever they ended up, this town sure had a lot of nature surrounding it - even that convenience store was amongst a thicket of trees. It was a nice change of pace from the dreary town they grew up in, where the buildings were dark and cold, the people not as friendly as one would think. As corny as it felt, the view of nature in its purest form did a bit to calm his nerves. He looks back at his own car, specifically at the girl inside, leaning against her windowsill. His sister, his one and only Ashley, the only woman he's ever truly loved - and as he typically does when he's alone, Andrew begins to reflect. Upon yelling at her, while denying her advice - he's hurting the girl. It's the last thing he wants, after doing it so many times before in the past. 

 

The sting of that burning cancer stick snaps Andrew's mind to attention, giving him the brief moment to ponder what just went down. Ashley has no idea just how far from the truth her assessment was - to think that she was just another girl to him, it baffled him. That girl was the most polarizing part of his life; as angry as she made him, he couldn't help but feel a sincere love and guilt that ate at him thanks to their exchange. She was right, deep down, he knew that - he had to get a grip and take better care of himself. The quick bout of self loathing seemingly makes the cigarette clasped between his slender fingers burn faster, as before long, its butt is flicked to the ground, discarded.

 

"Sorry that took so long." Andrew mumbles upon returning into the car, once again taking his place in the driver's seat. He sighs and looks over at Ashley slowly, her expression neutral. The tears had dried up, at the very least. "... are you okay?"

 

"Yeah." Ashley replied with a noticeable dryness to her tone, clearly brushing off Andrew's attempts to reach out to her even still. He wasn't too surprised, more so disappointed. 

 

"... so that's a no, then." Andrew sighs, hands slowly grasping at the wheel again. His thumbs gently caress the firm outline of its leathery shape. His brows are furrowed, he knows what she wants - knows what he should do, after acting so out of line. There hasn't been many times he was the primary cause of her tears. Indirectly, sure - the times he's left to spend time with that hussy, for example. But just a few minutes ago? He spoke to her with malice and disappointment, he stung her out of anger.

 

"No, Andrew, it's not. Just drive. Wherever you want to go next, I don't care anymore."

 

"... I'm sorry, okay? I am. I'm sorry I exploded like that, Ashley. It wasn't cool of me, I'm just--" he bites down on his lip, head turning to face his sister. Her expression is uncharacteristically stoic, as if expecting something from him. Swallowing his pride, he once again leaned forward to nudge his head against the wheel, being careful not to press down. "You're right. I'm exhausted, and out of line. I'm killing myself and blaming you, when you're just trying to stop me before I take us both down."

 

"How perceptive of you, Andrew. So, what you're saying is…" the girl tilts her head, her face still a mystery to read. Her pink eyes are digging into his very skull, piercing him so intensely with her unchanging gaze that she can practically freeze him in place. She was goading him into a true display of defeat and remorse… 

 

"You're right, I'm wrong. You're thinking about us in the here and now - that's smart. Can't get to the end point if we fuck up halfway through."

 

"If you fuck up halfway through, Andy." Slowly, her expression begins to shift as she revels in his groveling. 

 

"... right." Biting his tongue, he lets out another breath. He can recognize when she was baiting him on, he was well aware of her tactics. 

 

"You hurt me, you know." 

 

"I know. I am sorry. I mean that. I know you probably think I'm just trying to kiss ass to get back on your good side, but - I'm not. You're looking out for me and I appreciate it. You're using your head in ways I wouldn't really expect and I'm proud of you. I'd probably be dead in some ditch, if not for you being here right now. All these roads, they're starting to blur together and make me feel even worse. The last thing I wanna do is turn that on you. I'm… I'm sorry for that, Ashley." His tone suggested that he was genuine enough. No longer did she feel the sting of venom that he spat with each word and complaint, but that soft spoken gentility that he had whenever he was self aware of his behaviour, like a dog tucking its tail between its legs. To top things off, he releases his grip on the wheel, tilting himself enough to grab at Ashley's slender face gently, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on her nose. 

 

At that, the girl can't help but crack a smile, going as far to giggle against his soft lips. "Apology accepted, Andy." Ashley offers him her hand, a symbol of peace between the siblings once again. She believed him, his silver tongue, and his devilishly good looks -  for now. "... soooo, what do you wanna do? Because we can't just stay parked at the side of some random road, I think people take issue with something harmless like that." Ashley reaches over and pokes at his shoulder, an innocently curious gesture. 

 

"I was thinking… we could find a park, or something? I don't know. Somewhere to relax. I owe you better locations than shitty gas stations and expensive convenience stores." Peeking over at his sister, he smiles and shrugs a little, trying to defuse the situation completely by returning the cheerful expression. He of all knew people knew Ashley could be somewhat of a brat, so promising her something tended to be a surefire way to appease the girl and have her forgive him for acting like such an aggressive jerk.

 

"Ooo, now you're speaking my language! These beautiful legs of mine have to stretch sometimes, ya know." Worked like a charm, that usual Ashley pep returned to her voice. Andrew was lucky she was feeling merciful - for once. "Although… we haven't had the best of luck with parks recently." 

 

"Jesus Ashley - make up your damn mind, do you want me to think about all that shit 24/7 or not?!" Andrew growls, taking the key and shoving it back into the ignition to start their vehicle once again. It was time to leave this dusty side of the road behind. 

 

"Aw c'mon, it was just a little joke. If you can't laugh things off, they'll haunt your mind forever Andy! Live a little, you're doing good right now! We both are. Well, besides your insomnia. But we're working on that!"

 

"I don't think I'd say 'good' truly fits our situation, but - fuck it. Let's go. Let's find a park, a truck stop, anywhere." 

 

Once again, they were off. Pushing his feet to the pedal, Andrew drives back into the road properly, blending back in with society on the proper part of the pavement beneath them - as best they could with a car like this, at least. This town is a mystery to the pair, so the trip to find a suitable location to settle down and chart out a plan isn't as simple as it could be, but they'll manage. Spirits are high enough again after their shared spat back and forth, the two bouncing back well enough; they've argued and bickered for nearly twenty full years now at this point, a few more can't hurt. 

 

Rolling down her window, Ashley leans her head outside of the car door. The difference is like night and the incoming day, the rays of light provided by the sun immediately shining down upon the pale girl. Being trapped behind tinted windows for days on end, it became depressing - like a mobile reflection of the apartment they were trapped inside of. She didn't mind it as much since she had Andrew's company, but that's exactly why she wanted him to feel himself again. Ever since they escaped that coffin of an apartment, it's felt like Andrew had been on one long adrenaline rush - she wasn't so ignorant that she couldn't tell. 

 

Andrew was, of course, focused on the road. He did feel guilty for lashing out at Ashley like that, and while not their worst bout of infighting over the years, it still ate him up. Moments like these reminded him that the guilt he felt in relation to Ashley was even more intense than those delusions of paranoia that inhabited his brain. He knew she was just trying to help, in her own way, and that deep down she was probably as scared of everything as he was. She was strong, but he knew his baby sister better than anyone - growing up, changing together, having greater responsibilities… it worried Ashley. Andrew would have to step up and, as he always did, help her through. Prove to her that she was ready - and that she really was the woman he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. 

 

"Hey, if we find a spot to plug it in, you wanna use that hot plate we stole from mom and dad's basement? While I do appreciate your occasional generous offering of chips and candy, I am getting kinda hungry all over again… some soup sounds real tasty right about now." The younger Graves sibling rubbed her slim tummy, as if to accentuate her growing hunger. 

 

"Yeah, I was thinking about that too. We may have to live off of canned soup and all that for a little while, so… I hope you'll like the taste, Ashley."

 

"Oh please. Do you forget we were living off of saw dust and dirt for months, Andy? I'd eat literally anything nowadays. Well-- probably anything." 

 

"Good point. After eating human flesh, I'd say our palette is pretty welcoming to anything considered actual food." He chuckles, reminiscing on his odd life as a now cannibal twice over. 

 

"Hey, true! To be fair, it just tasted like pork both times. It was pretty good!" The girl joins him, giggling as well, sharing the moment together. He's laughing… she thinks to herself, smiling at the manic boy. It was ever amusing how these two went from pining for one another's throats to sharing a twisted laugh about their decrepit life. 

 

The two continue on into the outskirts of the town they discovered, so far from home. They remarked how pleasant life seemed to be, it was a sunny day and the people they happened to drive by seemed to be in better condition than those from their old street. It wouldn't be long before the two did indeed stumble upon a park, a path leading to one at least, curving in to a wide area of freshly cut grass and maintained trees - with benches and shrubbery aplenty, an inviting sight. 

 

"Wow, this looks way nicer than the park we used to live by. Look at that - you can actually see the ground! It isn't covered in trash." Ashley remarks, her head still poking out through the opened window halfway. 

 

"Yeah, it seems nicer in general around here. Cozy enough…" conveniently enough for the two, this park, being a good bit larger than the ones they were used to, featured resting spots - places to park their vehicle, a couple pavilions in which to relax beneath as well. It had been far too long since Andrew had a meaningful experience in the outdoors, back during his teenage days in school perhaps, maybe an outing with Julia, his ex. "Look, there's a vending machine over there." 

 

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Ashley's eyes slowly shift their way towards Andrew mid-park, full of devious intent and a scheming glimmer. 

 

"Unfortunately, yes. We'll have to be quick, though. Thankfully, this place doesn't seem too busy today…"

 

"Yeah, Andy, people have these things called 'jobs'. Usually has them working their ass off in stuffy suits or ugly vests just to get by - couldn't imagine such a life." Ashley snickers, scoping the place out from her opened window.

 

"That's rich, you explaining that to me, sarcastic or not." Finally parking near one of the pavilions, Andrew takes a breath before tugging the key once again from the ignition, shutting the car off promptly. "We'll use whatever outlet that thing's connected to for our hot plate, cook up some soup, then relax here for the day. Sound good?"

 

"I'll grab the soup, Andy!" the excitable Ashley wasted no time, swinging the car door open almost immediately. Running around the back of their vehicle, she'd wait patiently as Andrew soon followed, shutting his door behind him. Unlocking the trunk of the car, he'd lift the cover to expose their treasure chest of goodies. Different bags of clothes, boxes of cans and other spices, and of course, a couple of essential tools. Hammers, screwdrivers, a large butcher's knife that may or may not be Andrew's personal killing tool - that sort of thing. Silverware too! Behind a few bags of clothes laid a box housing an electronic portable hot plate that their mother had purchased and was storing down in the basement, now in possession of the two. Shoving the bags to the side, Andrew leans down and grabs the box, hoisting it from the car. Ashley then grabs two cans of chicken soup, their dinner for the day. Or maybe this should be considered lunch, given how early it was?

 

Giving each other a nod of confirmation, the trunk is once again shut and locked up tight, the two making their way towards the cozy pavilion nearby. Despite it being sunny, it was still rather chilly out - so Ashley huddled close to her older brother for warmth. Even in the daylight, the two could see the shine of the aforementioned vending machine, the soft multi-colored glow that blended as many colors as possible to get the attention of passerby - seemed to work with the Graves here. Approaching the dispenser, Ashley realized it did seem familiar.

 

"Andy, look! They have the soda from back home, guess they aren't as local as I thought." Ashley's face, perking up with excitement, eyed the machine up and down - indeed, inside were rows of differently flavored cans of acid, none other than the ToxiSoda brand. 

 

"DIdn't you hate the last can of this crap I bought for you? Said it tasted like nail polish or something." Andrew can't help but be curious as well, reading the different labels that indicated which flavor was being displayed on the different rows. 

 

"Something like that, yeah. But, we need a drink to enjoy our dinner with! And we didn't grab any of the water from the car, sooooo…" 

 

"Tch. Fine. I'll buy some of this liquid garbage for you again. Consider it an apology for earlier…" reaching for his wallet, Andrew swipes out a few dollars; enough to buy two cans, to be precise. "They still have that cinnamon apple shit, you wanna try that again?"

 

"Eh, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Lemme try… fruit punch!"

 

"Mmkay. I'll get… I don't know, mango I guess?" punching in the corresponding combination of numbers, Andrew orders Ashley's requested flavor first, then his own. Both cans drop with that satisfying clank of a vending machine, prompting Andrew to get down and swipe them up. He offers the first can to Ashley, red with small designs of different fruits scattered around the can. His was a yellowish orange, boring in comparison. "Here Ashley."

 

"Thank you, Andy, you're the best! As generous as always, and handsome to boot." The gracious girl giggles, grabbing her can and nudging into her brother's side, hugging him with her free arm. Her attempts at flattery bring some color to Andrew's cheeks, who looks away and cracks a smile.

 

"You're welcome. Little nagging brat." Andrew laughs as that arm Ashley latched around him turns violent, grabbing him and giving him a playful shove.

 

"Asshole, and after I give you my gracious praise! Now you've gotta move this thing yourself, hmph." Ever the one for dramatics, this girl. 

 

"I was going to anyway, Ashley my dear. Step aside…" Andrew places his can of soda down for a moment as Ashley hops a foot or so back. He does one last check around to see if anyone was there in his line of sight - and once he knew he was in the clear, the young man grabs the vending machine and tugs it forward. It's heavy, but not enough to give him too much trouble, scraping it across the ground below them enough to gain an arm's width of space behind the beverage dispenser. "There we go…" he steps to the side, adjusting positions around the machine to check his progress out. He was successful in making some room for his lanky arm to reach back, and when doing so, he yanks the electrical cord connecting the vending machine to the outlet straight out of the side of the wall. Instantly, the machine's array of lights goes dark. 

 

Ashley, wanting to contribute to their little vandalous stunt, opens the hot plate's box that Andrew lugged over, Carefully, she pulls the small device out and offers it to her brother, its own cord and all. "Here you go Andy!"

 

"Thank you." Andrew takes the hot plate, setting it down by the vending machine. Then, while reaching a bit further in than last time, he pulls the replacement cord up to the now free outlet, shoving the prongs into the wall, giving their dinner maker its power needed to cook their soup. "Perfect, there we go." He stands up, dusting his hands off. 

 

"Good work, muscles! Now, let's cook up some dinner." Ashley grabs the two tins of soup again, reaching her finger down to hook around the tab and yank it back with enough strength to peel it back. Then, she follows up with the other, offering both to her brother once again, the little helper she is. 

 

"Thank you again, my assistant." He laughs, taking the cans and placing them down by the plate. He was having a nice time doing this with her, and soon, their bellies would have some warmth inside them as well. Andrew pinches one of the dials on the hot plate, manually increasing its heat to an appropriate level. Then he grabs the two cans, placing both atop the surface of the quickly intensifying device. "Usually, it's not recommended to cook food directly in the can, if it can be helped… but we didn't pack any pots, that's something we should pick up sometime." 

 

"Eh, we'll live. We're already about to sip down chemical waste in a can, so." Ashley kneels down next to her brother, watching as the hot plate begins to cook their cans of soup. "You know, it's kinda like we're camping. Missing the tent and all that, and this little thing is certainly no fire - but it's nice." 

 

"Yeah. It is nice… you're right. I'm glad we came here, glad we found it." 

 

"I'll chalk it up as another good idea of mine, you're welcome. Imagine we were still in that stuffy car with your moody ass - GOD, I wish a creepy hitman would strike me down!"

 

Andrew laughs, nudging her arm with his shoulder, careful not to knock her into the hit plate. "Shut up, dumbass! Don't just yell crap out loud!"

 

Thanks to the miraculous invention purchased with, most likely, the money their parents got from selling them both off - the pair of siblings wouldn't have to wait long for the cans of soup to finish simmering and cooking. It seemed to go well, and neither tin container exploded! Always a plus. The two siblings turned lovers decided to climb up into the pavilion proper, the insides featuring a couple of small tables to sit at. After carefully transferring their cans over, as well as fixing the vending machine back into its proper place, the two took one of the tables as their own. By then, a few families had wandered into the park, but no one bothered them at their seated position. It was around midday by then, the sun still blaring down, but there was a gentle crisp in the air accompanied by a comfortable breeze. 

 

"You cold?" Andrew asks, sitting across from Ashley. The tables were two sided, with small seats crafted on both ends.

 

"Nah, I'm fine. It's not so bad during the day." She smiles up at him, her expression soft and blissful. It was so easy to keep her happy and docile, when the brief peace of the moment lasted like this. The two began to eat, having fetched some silverware from the car before being seated, a small trip back to the vehicle, in which they put the hot plate back as well. They'd also pull open the tabs to their cans of soda - if it can even be called that - the satisfying sounds echoing through the small structure. Ashley raises the can to her soft lips, taking a slow, obnoxious sounding sip of the soft drink. "Bleh."

 

"Still terrible?" Andrew asks, amused at his sister's misfortune.

 

"Still terrible. Bet yours is even worse, though!" she snaps back, leaning across the table a little.

 

"Let's see…" just as his sister did, the older sibling brought the orange colored can to his lips, taking a hesitant sip. "... yeah, that is fucking horrible." 

 

"Ahaha!" Ashley snickers loudly, watching as Andrew's face twists and cringes up at the mere taste of the toxic drink. "Yep, but don't you dare waste any of it - gotta make good use of our funds, or whatever shit you preach!" 

 

"Yeah, yeah, I know… wasn't planning on dumping it. Least the soup is good, you like it?"

 

"Mmhm. I could get used to this, certainly better than our last couple of brews."

 

Andrew simply rolls his eyes with a small smile, staring off at the rest of the park while continuing to shovel the small bites of soup into his mouth. He was hungrier than he realized, and it felt good to eat - Ashley was right, he had to take better care. He watched as the small groups wandered the park's green enclosure - a family or two, a couple even. It was nice, in a way. If only he wasn't so wracked with guilt and paranoia, he'd be able to make somewhat of a peaceful life like that with his sister. Obvious incestuous romance aside, if they could just escape their fates, leave their crimes and misdeeds behind… he questioned if they could live a normal life.

 

How ironic, that. For so long, he pondered what it meant to be normal. If he was to accept things as they are, his bizarre love for Ashley, her knack for getting him intro trouble, their sins of the past and present… he wondered what 'normal' truly meant. Maybe this whole time, to him, it had a different meaning - maybe this is his normal, the simple pleasures in his life. Better yet, that he was able to find meaning and happiness in all of this with her at his side. It made him think back upon their fight from earlier, how in the end, Ashley really was in the right.

 

"Andy? You okay? I know that look, you're thinking about stuff." Ashley extends her spoon out, tapping it against her brother's can to get his attention. 

 

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired still, is all. Guess you were right about that too, I didn't sleep much."

 

"No shit, you woke me up when your clumsy ass shuffled out of our car-bed. After this, let's go back to the car and nap, okay? For real this time. I'm not letting you move, you're safe here damn it." Those eyes of hers pierce his skull, glaring daggers as if his lack of compliance had personally offended her - because it did. 

 

"... okay, Ashley. You win. I'll try again."

 

"You promise?"

 

"I promise."

 

"Good boy." Ashley's expression softens again, smiling happily. "You're nicer when you actually listen to me."

 

"Oh yeah? Is that so?" leaning in, Andrew kisses her on the nose. After having wiped his mouth on his sweater, of course - he wasn't a barbarian! Like that, Ashley's face lights up, returning the ball to his court. "I guess I'll work on that then." 

 

"Yeah! You'd better! If you know what's good for you…" the girl squeaks out, surrendering her bossy act. 

 

Not wanting to linger, the two finish up their meal, as well as the two sodas, although begrudgingly. Stopping at one of the trash bins around the park, they toss out their now empty cans before making the trek back to their car. It still looked rather suspicious sitting out in broad daylight - but they figured it was fine this time, not many parked near their spot anyway. In the gaze of the passerby who had seen them walking by on the way out, they appeared to be as ordinary of a couple as can be - albeit with a more gothic flavor. 

 

Arriving back at the vehicle, the two open the left door of the set in the back. Andrew, like the night before, practically stumbles inside, groaning as he slithers his way into the sheeted seat, getting comfy immediately. He turns onto his back slowly, staring up at the roof of the car for a moment before tilting his head forward to peek at his looming sister, still standing outside. 

 

"Ashley?" before he could register what was happening, the air is knocked out of his body. Ashley had toppled him over, smothering down against him with as much strength as she could muster! The sudden drop caught Andrew off guard. "The fuck are you doing?"

 

"You're not moving this time, like I said! So, we're going to cuddle like this." Ashley grins, nuzzling into her brother, pressing down on his firm chest to get comfortable herself. Her skinny little arms wrap around him, snuggling their bodies together in their intimate embrace. 

 

"... can you at least shut the door before we get in trouble for public indecency?" 

 

"Oh - right! Sorry." Reaching back to yank the door shut, Ashley closes them in. Then, just like last night, she does a routine check of all four doors - making sure they were locked up tight. Those tinted windows came in handy all of a sudden, blocking out a majority of the sunlight gleaming through into the car. "I know it's still early in the day, but it's better to do stuff at night anyway, right? Less people." 

 

"What an uncharacteristically thoughtful interpretation of things from you, Ashley…" Andrew, eyes closed, head stuck between the pillows and Ashley's soft chest, hugs around the girl's waist. Rubbing circles into her flesh through her top and shorts, he embraces her closer, accepting his fate beneath her for the evening. "But yes, generally speaking."

 

"Hey, I'm not dumb Andy--"

 

"I know." He smiles, eyes half lidded, staring up into hers. The way the two had positioned themselves, Ashley was the one practically cradling him for once. "You're smart, and you've been the one keeping a level head… good on you, for that."

 

"Well… one of us has to, at least. I trust you'll pick up my slack next time I need it too!" she laughs, one of her hands stroking through his messy mop of black hair. "After all, what are good big brothers for, right Andy?"

 

"Yeah, you've got me there." Andrew's voice was quiet, tired, his words slurred. "... you have a good time?"

 

"I did. Did you?"

 

"Yeah. I'm sorry again for yelling at you and acting like an asshole…" his hand continued its slow exploration of her lower body, as handsy as ever.

 

".... aaaaand?" now it was evident that Ashley was simply milking things, the brat she was. Andrew rolls his tired eyes - he wouldn't give her all the power in the world, but he'd indulge her a little.

 

"You're far from useless, you're as sweet as a peach. Blasphemous is my denial and ignorance to such generous love from an angel so kind as you, o Ashley. I may only pray for my salvation that is your forgiveness, my dear sweet love, as truly spoken as thee's self proclaimed 'awesome fat titties' that so blissfully smother my own." Andrew chuckles weakly, squishing down on Ashley's tender flesh, feeling as it wiggles in his grasp. He was such a dork - he knew it always made Ashley cringe and roll her eyes when he spoke like that, even if it was broken up and messy thanks to his quickly waning consciousness. "That better, princess?"

 

"Yeah, I guess. You know, you're a massive fucking dork, right Andy? … Andy?" Peeking down, the girl realizes her brother had already fallen asleep, his romantic speech sapping him. Andrew isn't the type to snore, but he lets out gentle breaths, inhaling and exhaling against Ashley's body. Smiling once more, the girl holds him a little closer - despite being smaller than he is, she cradles his body and clings to his frame, keeping him nice and safe beneath her. She reaches for one of the sheets that hang off the side of the seats, guiding it over the two, nestling into his head of hair. She takes a whiff of his scent, nostrils filling with the smoky tang of nicotine and the shampoo Andrew had used last, when they were able to shower together. 

 

Ashley delights in the feeling of her brother's arms around her waist, the feeling of his chest rising and falling as she lays across it. The way he sometimes shuffles, ever so slightly, while deep in slumber; a habit he's had since they were young. Not only did she feel safe and happy, but she took pride in providing that to Andrew as well, cradling the restless hunk she loved so much, even at his worst.

 

As always, cuddling her Andy was so nice.

Notes:

I'm finally back with chapter 2 of this fic! I apologize for it taking so long, I was a bit busy irl and this chapter went through some revisions that I truly believe made it better in the end. I hope anyone who reads this enjoys!

Also, as a small side note for anyone who's already read chapter one: I'm not sure if AO3 updates the list of works when someone edits a story, but I did revise chapter 1 of this fic a little, if you hadn't seen it already. I added some additional scenes/dialogue that I think made things flow better and make more sense for the situations I'm trying to write out in this story, so, if you have already read it, I'd appreciate if you gave it another look. This is my first mutli-chaptered ongoing story for the fandom, and I'd like to make something decently well written before the game itself updates.

I really enjoyed writing this chapter, even more so than the first - it has some juicy angst in it that's later balanced out with the two having a somewhat nice day together, which was needed after recent events (both canon and exclusive to this fic.) It's dialogue heavy, but I did so because I wanted to focus on the two's relationship, the good and bad, of living this type of life.

As always, thanks for checking it out, and chapter 3 will be posted asap!

Chapter 3: Roadside Assistance

Summary:

A day that started off terrible had ended on a better note, and the two siblings had finally come to rest together.

Waking alone, Ashley is discouraged when Andrew isn't by her side - unbeknownst to the girl, her brother isn't far, and he had some business to handle upon his return...

Another day had come to an end. The type of life the two Graves siblings were living, it made sense to count the days as they went by - each felt like a challenge of its own, individual trials the two had to claw through. It really shouldn't feel this difficult yet, the two hadn't been on the road for very long; but the days simultaneously felt brief and exhausting in equal measure. It seemed that no matter how hard they fought against the whims of fate, they were destined for a life of monotony. It won't be like this forever, at least, they could only hope -- but these initial days were proving to be a struggle. The two were closer than ever in some ways, but that feeling of walking on eggshells was ever present in others. The lack of supplies wasn't the most tragic thing in the world, the two were unfortunately quite used to skating by with very little - not to mention, their funds would last for awhile if they were smart about things.

 

The worst part, by far, was the lack of comfort. 

 

Back in that old apartment of theirs, they each had a bed of their own, a room they've shared since childhood. At the time of their quarantine, that room felt like a tomb - but in retrospect, it had never been so missed. Especially on Ashley's end, who wished she still had those space themed bedsheets she used to love so much. The imagery of the stars and moon always intrigued her; she wasn't one for science, she left the nerdy aspect of things to Andrew, but she found immense comfort in the things that kept the memory of her childhood alive. She also owned a star shaped pillow - it was her favorite thing to cuddle at night after Andrew. Those were pleasures she had long lost at this point, now resorting to the backseat of their dark, gloomy, cold prison on wheels. 

 

Tonight was a cold one, but in a rare showing of good faith and consideration, the car was being kept nice and toasty. Andrew spoke of preserving gas whenever the topic of survival and precautions were brought up, so the two had to rely on each other to keep warm at night, the heat being deemed as too draining on the vehicle's reserves. It wasn't anything new, the siblings turned lovers had been cuddling each other into the morning hours since they were small. It wasn't the intense cold that would slowly wake the younger Graves sibling up, however; rather the sound of rain landing down against the roof of the car. It wasn't loud, relaxing even, but it slowly snapped the girl to her senses. The windows were fogged up, but she could see through the obscured tinted glass that it was pitch black outside, the two really had slept late into the night. 

 

Raising her head slowly, Ashley would then realize things weren't moving - Andrew must have been keeping the car parked, assumedly within the park still. She hears the low purr of the heating ducts emitting a comforting warmth that eases her tired body, gently making her way upward to sit up properly. The distinct lack of Andrew in her arms worried her - but not only that, he didn't seem to be in the car at all! He wasn't sitting in the driver's seat, nor the passenger, and he certainly hadn't fallen to the floor below her. She was alone temporarily, much to her confusion. Oh well, at least the heat was on for once.

 

Leaning closer to the window, Ashley peeks outside in an attempt to find Andrew. Getting a glimpse of the outside world, she confirms that they were indeed within the confines of the park still. The girl wasn't sure whether or not visitors were allowed after closing hours, but that was the type of thing Andrew could worry his head off about - if they were still parked here, he must have made sure they were safe enough. Within the blackness of the rain painted outside, Ashley could barely make out a figure standing close to a bush - it must have been Andrew! That, or, they really were followed by another hitman and her beloved older brother had left her for dead. Now that would be an ironic way to die after days spent trying to calm her brother's nerves regarding exactly that. 

 

Outside, beneath the gently pouring rain, Andrew stood before a sizable shrub that neatly decorated along one of the many gates surrounding the park. Given the weather, he deemed it too troublesome to find one of the park's bathrooms; so instead, he was utilizing one of his god given benefits as a man - being able to relieve himself wherever he needed to. It wasn't his most comfortable break, but the bush served as an acceptable spot to handle his business. Finishing up, the young man would take the moment to sneak a cigarette in. It was wishful thinking in these conditions, the rain coming down at too steady a rate to properly light anything with a simple lighter - but he was willing to try it anyway. Taking a few steps back from the bush he had sullied, Andrew presses himself against the gate properly. The metallic surface held his weight as he reached into his pocket, fetching his box of portable lung disease and that lighter he recently bought. 

 

Carefully, he slips one of his smokes out from the package and places the butt between his lips. Using one hand to cup over his face around his mouth, Andrew brings the lighter up with the other, flicking the spark wheel a few times with his rugged thumb. It takes a few good attempts, but eventually, a small flame spurts out to light the tip of his cigarette. That all too familiar sting of cancerous tar brings some relief to the boy standing in the soft rain, calming his nerves further. He was feeling better, at least compared to the earlier hours of the day and those that came before, but his mind still wandered.

 

Namely, to his recent behavior and his delicate position with Ashley. He still couldn't believe the way their life had been going as of late. The murder, the cannibalism, the proof of real demons existing in this world -- it was a lot. More so than any of that, the fact that he had finally crossed those boundaries with his sister, the same he swore he wouldn't. He was still afraid of hurting that girl, his baby sister that he thought was still fast asleep in the car. When he was alone, it was easier to let down that defensive defiance of his - reflecting back on things he regretted most. He felt ashamed that he yelled at Ashley earlier that day, going as far to make her cry. It was times like these where he realized… he truly did love that girl; not simply as a sister, but as his one and only woman. The guilt he felt over hurting her trumped even his worst anxieties. 

 

The rain was making it difficult to smoke, but he didn't care much. He mainly wanted the small bitter bite of flame that slowly inched towards his fingertips, the addictive nastiness that was its taste. The small ember did its best to survive against the droplets falling from above, being one of the few dim lights in the darkness of the night. The park was, of course, decorated with streetlamps that gave it an authentic look, but those too were drowned out by the rain. It was cold, and Andrew was getting fairly soaked, but all he did was stare off in the direction of their vehicle. The sound of rain pitter-pattered across the ground and the metal fence behind him, it brought comfort to the boy. He always liked the sound of rain, there was a certain relaxation that it brought. When he was young, he and Ashley would watch it fall from their balcony, sometimes their mother would even let them play in it with one of their umbrellas. 

 

Soon, the rain would prove too much for the flickering flame Andrew held in his hand, and before he realized it, the cigarette was put out and practically crumpled into a soggy shadow of its former self. With a sigh, he flicks the moist butt into the nearby bushes before making his way back towards the car. He had left the heat on for Ashley, not wanting her to wake up and grow sick from this brisk cold of the outside air - not being there to warm her himself. He was starting to miss the girl, which surprised him since they've been anything but separated for the last few months - but it was a necessary course of action. He had snuck out when she was deep in her sleep, his body having rested enough for the time being; but he had other plans now. Plans he needed the brief alone time to carry out. . .

 

Back from within the car, Ashley's eyes picked up on the movement from outside. As she thought, that lumbering figure was indeed her brother - and he was coming back this way! The playful little troublemaker she was, she decided then and there that she'd fake her slumber; it was time to prank that moody bastard, that'd show him for leaving her! Lying back down against their makeshift setup of pillows, Ashley's pink eyes are once again shut tightly. She was quite the actress, able to fake her sleep well enough, her expression soft and relaxed without coming off as forced or altered. Surely enough, she'd hear the driver's door open, a very wet Andrew settling himself down into his seat. Dumbass… she thinks to herself, with good reason - if anyone's gonna catch a cold here, it's him! 

 

Peeking at his sister still laying in the backseat, Andrew figures she was still fast asleep. He keeps quiet, sitting his body down in the driver's seat, using a spare shirt he must have grabbed from the trunk to pat himself off. He was regretting going out in the rain like that, in hindsight, it was a dumb idea no matter how good the fresh air and cold rain felt. For a bit, he simply sits there - staring at the windshield, watching as the water slowly spills down the glass. The heat is still blowing out softly, acting as a sort of white noise for the two, both silently listening to it and the taps of water. It was dark in the vehicle, but Ashley could spot Andrew taking occasional looks back at her every few moments - her eyes were very slightly open. That half lidded type of gaze where one could keep an eye on their surroundings while feigning sleep, it seemed to trick Andrew. Instead of screaming to give him a scare, the girl was fascinated by her older brother's fidgeting. He seemed restless, swaying in the seat and sneaking glances in her direction. What was he up to? 

 

The truth is, Andrew was feeling a bit… pent up, for lack of a better term. He had been under so much stress lately that the pressure was building up in more ways than one - and at the poor rate at which he was getting rest, he seemed even worse off. However, while still an issue, he wasn't feeling like a zombie for the first time in days; he had enough energy for himself. The issue being, of course, his sister laying in the back seat. Ashley had seen him nude from the waist down before, an embarrassing number of times actually, and she had even gotten to experience his 'impressive gift' a little over a week ago for the first time -- but this felt different. The urge to do this while she was still in attendance rubbed the needy young man the wrong way. It really shouldn't, listed reasoning aside, it wouldn't even be the first time he'd masturbate with Ashley in his immediate vicinity. Thanks to the two sharing their room since childbirth, it came with all of the unwanted side effects of being tied together. Needless to say, true privacy was a rarity for Andrew. Because of this, there were many nights he pleasured himself under the guise of Ashley being in a deep, oblivious sleep… the same could be said for the girl. 

 

Even then - there was a good bit of distance separating the two and their beds! This felt too close, Ashley was mere feet behind him within the car. He couldn't even tell why he felt so unnecessarily aroused. Perhaps it was the stress needing to be relieved by physical means, or maybe it was thanks to how deeply rooted Ashley had been in his head for the last couple of days. When he wasn't imagining the worst case scenarios, he was thinking about her - and when he starts to think about her, he can't help but admire how beautiful she is, how happy her voice made him no matter how many times he hears it, how intertwined they were that night. Ashley felt so good against his body, without clothing to separate the two - to finally cave into his carnal desires, to make her his woman after so many years worth of denial, it was simply euphoric. 

 

He still remembers how it felt, the warmth of her body, the difference in their sizes, the way she squeaked for him. Ashley could talk a big game, but under him, she was a whimpering little kitten - bending to his will, his experienced lust. She was so fragile, her skin so fair - she tasted even better than he could have imagined all those years holding back. What made it better was how unexpected and heated it was, the two embracing each other in their parent's own bed after the hectic slope they called their life started to unravel. Ashley was a true virgin, no experience to her name, but she proved to be eager. He remembers how hard she tried to please him, how badly she regretted it the next day - the cute little dumbass. 

 

The morning after, he felt horrible. He felt like he had defiled his baby sister, stole that same innocence that he tried so hard to protect for so long. It was wrong, it was depraved, both by societal standards and his own morals. At his hour of need, disgusted with himself, Ashley was the one who gave him comfort. It was always her. She told him she wanted it, that she loved him, that she aimed to be whatever he wanted her to, as long as he'd stay with her. She told him that her body was his, that he was free to look at her however he wanted - treat her like his girlfriend. It was yet another fruitless worry of his, an issue he created on his own, she wanted to be with him no matter what. 

 

As one might expect, thinking about all of this did little to ease the issue he was having…

 

He figured that if he was quick, efficient, and quiet, it should be okay. The problem was, being "quick" and "quiet" was a hard combination to achieve. Andrew wasn't a very loud man when it came to sexual acts, but he did tend to get a bit… intense. It didn't help that he was wet, his moist body made shifting around in the car seat more noisy than it had to be. All the while, he had no idea his precious little sister was keeping a keen eye on each and every movement he made - the girl honestly more interested in his frantic mood than she was in giving him a scare. 

 

What has him so panicked? Ashley thinks to herself, did he lose the keys or something? No, no, that made no sense; not only was Andrew extra careful with things like that, but he was the one who cranked the heat up for the girl. Speaking of which, that blaring warmth was helping Andrew dry off from the rain, but in turn made the moisture stick to his skin. It was an oddly uncomfortable blend of feelings, his clothes ripe with the wetness from outside, making the awkward shifting of his pants into position a bit less satisfying than it should have been. The inside of the car was silent barring the heater, so hearing the small zip of Andrew's jeans wasn't difficult for the girl resting in the back. Suddenly, Ashley's eyes widened a little - oh god, was he seriously about to do that?  

 

It was now or never for Andrew -- within the brief period of alone time he assumed he had, the boy would pop the fly of his jeans. Having already tugged his underwear down through the pants that now hung a bit lower around his waist for easier access, his erect cock would emerge, standing at attention in the car. Thankfully, he finally seemed to cease his incessant checking on the backseat, giving Ashley a free view to the events that would soon transpire. She was positioned against the right door in the back, head leaning against a pillow propped up, giving her a perfect angle to peep on Andrew. From between the two seats in the front, she could watch as he slowly grasped himself in his implied safety, her vantage point perfectly primed to spot that gifted cock of his. That damn girth - the very same that had stretched her out. As good as it felt, it also hurt like hell! The feeling was still a vivid memory for the girl who watched closely as her brother began to stroke slowly along his shaft. By the look of things, he was already eager, his cock doing its best to push past the limitations of his jeans completely. 

 

Andrew did his best to remain quiet, biting down on his tongue within his mouth to try and stifle an incoming breath of relief. He started off slow, stroking from his tip down, then back up, rubbing over the helmet of his member with his palm for a moment. He was skillful with his movements, quickly finding a rhythm for himself as he stroked. He had done this many times throughout the years - usually with one girl in mind, the very same that sat behind him. The close proximity, whilst stressful for Andrew, also added a bit of spice to the situation that only seemed to turn him on more. Not to mention the setting - although it was dark, and they were alone, the pair were still within the park. It felt wrong to do this here, and that made it all the better. 

 

Andrew started to pick up the pace as quietly as he could, his hand slapping down against the base of his crotch with each stroke. The boy had a happy trail around the lower part of his skinny body, leading to a healthy bush of jet black hair that surrounded his cock - Ashley found herself immensely aroused by it, and if she tilted her head over and around just a little, she'd catch glimpses of it everytime Andrew humped against the air. More so than that, of course, was watching his penis pump against his strong hands; watching as he uncontrollably grew with hunger. Ashley wasn't typically a very sexual person, not nearly as much as her brother at least - but she was starting to feel a heat of her own grow between her legs. 

 

Now, instead of wanting to play a trick on the boy, she started to hatch other plans of her own… 

 

Leaning forward real carefully, Ashley slowly brought her head and body upward, closing in on her brother. Andrew who, at this point, was too preoccupied with his own dilemma to properly notice her, continued to beat away at his throbbing length, he felt like he was on fire, pumping his angry hand a little faster, leaning his head back against the head rest. Goodness, what a show he was giving his dear little sister - but she wanted more. She was closer now, audibly shifting up around the backseat as she pressed her body forward, leaning against the center console. "Whatcha doing there, Andy? Having fuuuun~?" now she definitely had his attention.

 

"A-Ashley!" Andrew gasps, jumping up in his seat a little, his head nearly colliding with the roof above them. Seems she did end up giving him a scare after all - mission successful. Flustered, he does his best to hide his big issue with both hands, shifting away from the girl who hovered close to him from the backseat. "I thought you were sleeping!"

 

"I was! Until I noticed a very apparent lack of Andy in my arms keeping me warm, safe, and cozy like a little princess. Why is that? Needed to get up and relieve yourself, hmmmmm?" as always, Ashley was going to milk his adorably satisfying face of surprise and shock. 

 

"I turned the heat on for you, I thought you'd be okay…!"

 

"Oh, I was. I don't mind that as much. What I do care about is the fact you thought you could hide away from me in this shitty little car…" getting even closer, practically spilling out into the front end of the vehicle, Ashley nudges his body with her head playfully, reaching her hand out to grab at her brother's leg. Teasingly, she strokes along his flesh until she nears his crotch, stopping abruptly just shy of his oozing cock. "Need some roadside assistance, Andy~?"

 

Andrew was too flabbergasted to respond. He was used to his sister teasing him in such a vulgar way, but it had such a different weight to it now - especially when she was delicately massaging circles into his clothed thigh so close to his member. Still, though, the offer is enticing… and it didn't seem as if Ashley would be taking no for an answer anyway. "... fine. Are you… comfortable like that?"

 

"Oh Andy, such a gentleman." Ashley smiles, that type of mischievous expression she makes when she gets her way. "Don't you worry, big guy… let's focus on your comfort, shall we? You've got a situation here yourself, don't forget…" she made an attempt at flirting and talking dirty to her older brother, but the truth is, she was a bit anxious herself. This was still new to the girl, and whilst no longer virgin, the prospect of actually being this close to Andrew in such an intimate way startled her. It was the good type of worry, a curious excitement, one that she didn't mind experiencing for him. The first time they got close like this, a handful of days ago, Andrew helped her through - but she wanted to prove herself this time.

 

Slowly, her movement a bit awkward, Ashley would grasp around Andrew's excited shaft. The young man lets out a hiss of pleasure, her hand felt so much better than his own did - her skin was so soft, pleasant to the touch, and because of the heat, warm around his member. Using her other hand, Ashley would stroke along her brother's side. Despite the awkward angle, she made room for herself to embrace both arms around him in the driver's seat. There was something so kinky about their positions, as if neither could properly wait to touch the other. Speaking of which, his hands now free, Andrew would reach around as well, grabbing at the girl's rear with a small hint of hesitant excitement. It made her squeak to attention, her grip tightening around his throbbing cock.

 

"I-I guess it's only fair, since I'm getting all handsy with you…" Ashley giggles softly, shifting her body around over the center console to better adjust herself. She breathes through her mouth as she begins to stroke him off sensually, her movements slow and precise in contrast to the eager jerking he had unleashed upon himself earlier. All the while, she'd very delicately grind her rear end against that strong, possessive hand of his - parting her lips slightly to let drool fall from her mouth. She always thought that Andrew touching her would feel good, she knew how their bodies worked - but she never imagined it being this divine. She had touched herself before, of course, in the past - but her tiny hands were nothing like Andrew's. The sheer fact of who it was touching her was the biggest turn on, too…

 

"Let me know if I hurt you, okay?" Andrew whispers to her, their soft voices bouncing against one another as the purring of the car's heat acted as a romantic backtrack. His hand continues to fondle along her ass, fingers sinking into her petite curves. She was clothed, but he grasped her so intimately, it was as if he could feel through the layers. Biting down on his lip, Andrew readies himself for Ashley's increasing rubs along his cock, oozing along the shaft to act as a natural lube for the girl. She mirrored his movements from before, a slow decline down, an even more sensual rise back to the top, then a good palming around the tip. It wouldn't take long for Ashley's hand to become moist with sweat, both her own and Andrew's, as well as his excitement.

 

"You're all wet, Andy…" getting a bit more into things, comfortable with the rhythm they had for each other, Ashley mounts herself up onto the center console properly. Practically sitting on Andrew's hand, barely fitting between the seats, her body is pressed directly against her brother's. She feels that dampening moisture along his body, breathing softly as she strokes him a bit faster, down and up, down and up. Andrew's panting softly, his hand sliding between her rear and crotch at a steady pace, fingers flat against her holes as he claims what was his. It was incredibly arousing for the girl, and she thanked him by pleasuring that cock of his. Still inexperienced, but better than last time - and her eager showing turned Andrew on so much more. "You've been so tense, let me help you… what are little sisters for, right?" that earns her a brief glare, sexy too.

 

"Keep your mouth shut, just…" leaning in haphazardly, Andrew's lips meet hers. Instead of her shying into the kiss and melting against him, he's a bit surprised to find she leaned right back into his lips; she really was trying to prove something here, he welcomed it. Tongues met quickly, and despite her eagerness, Andrew quickly takes control. He kisses her as if he never hesitated once in his entire life, in that moment, it never felt so right. So many thoughts had been swarming around his head for days straight, overwhelming him to his absolute limit - but now there was only one: Ashley. 

 

With their bodies pressed so closely together, Andrew could feel his beloved little sister shuddering against him. She was warm, so very warm, his body craved her touch - simultaneously, the girl had never wanted his more. He was always handsy with her, it was something they were used to as they grew up, something Andrew had drilled into her; but this was different. She felt her edge slipping as she craved his sexual devotion to her and her alone. She knew that look in his eye as he kissed her, she could see into that grimy soul of his - Andrew wanted her, she felt complete. A love so innocent, so taboo, so disturbingly beautiful all at once. 

 

Ashley couldn't hold their kiss for very long, but that was okay. Andrew was there to guide her and give her the pointers she needed - it was one of the few times she showed him proper obedience. Kiss after kiss, the two had started to sloppily twist lips and tongues with an uncontrollable hunger, breaths smacking against one another with a bit more intensity, those naughty hands of theirs growing brazen. Ashley was jerking him harder now, it was difficult to reach around completely thanks to how girthy Andrew was, but she managed. His hand had finally grown tired of that pesky friction caused by the girl's shorts - opting to reach inside and slick his slender digits across her folds directly. He was caught off guard due to how wet she was, something that filled him with a twisted sense of pride. 

 

Soon, the balance shifted into Andrew's court. Using his free arm, he grabs Ashley by her ponytail, tugging her against his neck to hide her away from the darkness around them. Breathing hard, he extends the thumb of his other hand, rubbing circles against his sister's clothed clit, his index and middle finger slipping inside of her entrance properly. Hidden against his sweaty skin, Ashley's nostrils were assaulted by her brother's addictive musk, that natural scent of his she's fallen so hard for. Her own hand was still wrapped around his cock, hand messy with precum, the other reaching around to grip Andrew's shoulders for support as she practically rides his hand.

 

Not wanting to submit entirely, she showers Andrew's neck with kisses that soon became bites. She was going to mark her big brother, and he was going to like it - the same way she was oozing all over his hand, absolutely in love with the pleasure he brought her, and it was merely his fingers. "Mine… you're mine, Andy…" she whispered out against him, groaning into his neck, indentations of her teeth already forming around his flesh. All the while, the heat continued to purr, the rain continued to pour. 

 

"Yeah… you're doing good, Leyley… you're a good girl after all…"

 

"You bet your ass I am…" the girl pants, throwing her head back, rocking her hips against her brother's hand like a needy animal. Sneaking her arm away from his neck, she reaches around her own, yanking her hair tie from her own ponytail, flinging it to the floor of the car without another care. Staring into those verdant eyes, Ashley releases her grip around his cock, backing away slightly. He's mesmerized by her beauty, curious of her next move all the same.

 

"What are you…?"

 

"Like I said. You're all wet, Andrew. Can't have you getting all sick… right? Let me warm you up…" with that, she lowers her head. Replacing her hand, she hovers her mouth around that needy cock of his, giggling to herself as she takes a small whiff of his bush of hair, another dose of that Andy musk. "I lost my hair tie, be a dear and hold me back, can you Andy~?" 

 

The mere sight of his sister's mouth so dangerously close to his cock. The way her breaths hit against it with each word she spoke, the lewd look in her eye, the utterly seductive way she was trying to make him crack - it'd work. It'd work well. Perhaps a bit too well…

 

With a twitch of his eye and an overwhelming sense of need, Andrew grabs his sister by her long, raven black hair. As always, she teased too much - and now her poor little inexperienced mouth was going to suffer the consequences. It's not by her own push that she goes down on that cock of his -- no no -- but Andrew's. With a low growl, the boy shoves his raging cock down her throat, grabbing a fistful of her hair just as she requested, holding it back with that same hand while the other smothered her head down into his crotch. The two had briefly experimented with this that initial night of intimacy - but it was nothing like this. 

 

Andrew was angry, he was needy, he was back in control. He bulged the girl's throat out easily, making her yelp against his burning shaft, plugging her up with days worth of stress and desperate thoughts. Andrew often came in two modes: gentle or fierce, there was commonly very little in-between. He wasn't going to break the girl's jaw, but if she wanted to keep his body warm, who was he to say no? 

 

The sounds she made as she gagged only served to drive the young man even more mad, he needed this even worse than he realized. The angle was a bit awkward, but he used his legs to support the girl's weight. After the first few initial thrusts up against her beautiful little face, Ashley would start to obediently follow along - bobbing her head up and down willingly. One of her brother's hands continued to grip her hair, while the other began to sensually massage around her neck and the back of her head, blending a contrast of roughness and loving Andrew adoration. The pain felt good - it wasn't intense, but those fingers of his gripping her locks, she could get used to that. 

 

The symphony the two had created together was intoxicating. The lewd, wet, adorably vulnerable sounds of Ashley gagging against her brother's cock, the soft pitter-patters of the rain above and around them. Tears welled up in Ashley's eyes, not because of the intense pressure on her poor little throat, but the pure ecstasy she felt in that moment. Her big brother was teaching her about all the pleasures she'd feel with him, the only person she's ever truly wanted. 

 

Thankfully, the girl's mouth wouldn't remain victim to her angry lover's onslaught for long. Andrew was needy, and not only had his hands been used to pump that messy cock of his, but so had Ashley's. It wouldn't take long for him to reach his climax, releasing right inside of Ashley's mouth with a groan of manly pleasure. The rain drowned them out, as did the privacy of their dark vehicle within the unsuspecting park. Ashley did her best to swallow his load, the taste was salty and strong, but it was his - and that's what mattered. As to be expected, she's unable to successfully take it all, throwing her head back with a loud gasp, Andrew allowing her to finally relent. Her hair falls to her back as she whines out in a mix of satisfaction and annoyance - Andrew had shot onto her face and chest, bleeding into her top. She also had a few of his hairs decorating her beautiful little face - he really did make a mess!

 

"You ass, this was my last shirt that I own myself…" she pouts, feigning anger at him. He can't help but chuckle, staring down at his messy baby sister, cock still throbbing and oozing from that pleasured tip. 

 

"Oh cry me a river, Ashley, I didn't tell you to do all that…" 

 

"But you loved that, didn't you? Tell me, Andy…" she laughs herself, leaning in to plant another kiss directly on his shaft, messy with her saliva and his climax. 

 

"I did. You did good… but we're not done yet, Ashley. Lay down…" 

 

"Oh? My, how unexpected! My little Andy's all grown up, now he's commanding I open my legs himself~..."

 

"Yeah, yeah. Let's see how talkative you are in a minute…" with a snicker, Andrew pulls himself away from his naughty little sister. She was in a rush now - who knows what he'd do if she wasn't ready for him in time! With a gasp, the girl quickly lunges her aching body up and forward, scooting off the center console of the vehicle. Taking her place once again in the backseat, she giggles as she lays flat across the soon-to-be messy sheet that acted as their makeshift bed. Everything felt so intense all of a sudden - the slamming of the door, the heavy steps as Andrew made his way towards the back of the car. She was like a doe, willingly awaiting her predator, each and every sound in the silent night filling her brain with a foggy excitement she hadn't ever felt before. Once she heard the door before her yanked open, there he was… her starved big brother, staring down at her.

 

"Hi, Andy… what a day we've had, huh?" Ashley's eyes were like bright pink stars, staring up at him with a smile on her face and a mess of sweat trickling down her forehead. Gently, she spreads her legs, reaching both hands down to gently nudge at her shorts and panties until the uncensored sight of her dripping pussy was on full display for her older sibling. 

 

"You said it…" Andrew, speaking softly, leans into the car. Mounting over the seat, he uses one hand to grab one of Ashley's quivering legs, the other pulling the door shut. His own pants hung around his waist loosely, he must have yanked them down properly on the way here. Cupping her skinny leg, he traces along her body slowly, grabbing at her shorts and tugging them down the rest of the way. Then, he reaches back around, using his other hand to lift the girl's soaked top over her perky breasts, revealing those as well. There she was, mostly nude, in all her glory. The sight brought some color to Andrew's pale cheeks, who took in her sexual brilliance, his thoughts fixating on her. "Slept without a bra, huh?"

 

"Yep," Ashley giggles, "I know how much you like when my chest presses against yours, big guy." Her eyes were fixated on his, just as he gazed upon her. She never minded feeling so revealed around Andrew, but especially now, in that moment - it was just like their first time not so long ago. She lifts her arms above her head, shifting her body just a bit, as much as she could with Andrew hovering above, posing for him in a sexy way. "Well now, isn't this a familiar sight?" 

 

"It is." Andrew laughs softly, leaning downward. He places his arms on both sides of the girl's head, staring longingly into her eyes for a moment before dropping down, giving her a deep, loving kiss once again directly on her lips. He holds the passionate smooch, easing the girl into it by starting slow, only inserting his tongue when he felt her own creep closer. His protective arms slowly closed in, hugging around the girls upper back and making their way downward, clinging to his baby sister as they shared a string of delicate kisses. 

 

Ashley, using her foot to kick at her brother's pants, managed to snag them down even more than they were. His cock dangled above her sweet, succulent entrance, so wet and starved for his rod, she already knew it felt better than his fingers. Her arms snake around his neck, ripping into the skin around it with her fingernails, embracing her brother turned lover close as she felt his warm cock finally touch down against her. He teases the girl, swabbing around her thighs and legs, getting her ready for the inevitable. After all, this was only the second time they've done this - she'd feel a great source of pain all over again. She kept her moist top buried beneath her neck, full on pressing her proclaimed "awesome tits" against Andrew's chest. His clothes were still damp from the rain, the very same that was still beating down on the window above their heads. 

 

"Remember. Tell me if it hurts, Ashley…" Andrew's voice, smooth as silk, burrows into the girl's ears. Both were breathless after their shared union of saliva and affection, but the main event was yet to come. Ashley simply nods, mentally preparing herself as she feels Andrew drag that throbbing cock of his over her lower lips again. She was anxious - but prepared. She wanted this just as much as he did. 

 

Without another moment of painful waiting -- he was in. Penetrating her tender pussy, Andrew claims his sister all over again, just as he had before in their parent's bed. Both siblings naturally tense up, the pleasure immediately sending ripples through their pale bodies, an innate pressure as well. Ashley was still tight, and Andrew was like a molten rod of pure steel rummaging into her sweet insides. His arms tighten around his baby sister, supporting her rocking body as she began to sway and melt beneath him. She whines out, so cute and innocent, a striking difference from her usual rowdy self.

 

There's little room in the back of the car like this, but that tightly packed closeness seemed to turn them on more. Their bodies collide with each thrust, Andrew taking the wheel, going down on his sister at a gentle pace before slowly increasing in intensity. He presses his messy head against Ashley's, breathing out heavily against her face before stealing another kiss, silencing her incoming moans as the pressure picks up. Those heavy orbs of his start to slap against her rear once the humping started to get fierce. Ashley's body felt so small beneath his, she felt so vulnerable and precious - like a little toy he could use for his pleasure, one to shower all of his love onto. 

 

That healthy bush of pubic hair tickles against the girl's puffy folds with each insertion, the speed gradually picking up every few pumps. Andrew does his best to maintain a healthy pace, at least one that could be considered comfortable for the poor girl, but it's difficult to hold back his hunger. Her body was on fire, it only made his own sexual need so much worse. She knew he was just getting started as the sex grew in loving intensity. 

 

Ashley is barely able to keep up with her ravenous brother, the pleasurable pain and addictive sensation of his burning body crushing her against the seat making her mind go blank. She did her best to weather the storm, but all she could truly do was tear those nails of hers into his skin - embracing his head closer against her neck. Returning the favor from earlier, Andrew would bite down onto her skin, sucking on her sweat coated flesh, marking her with his possessive love. Finally free to express himself as he always wanted, he took great pleasure in cementing Ashley as his in every conceivable way: sister, partner, lover. 

 

Soon, a slight metallic taste would flood into Andrew's mouth. Quickly realizing he had drawn blood from his sister, he doubles down - sucking from her neck, keeping himself in place as he pummeled her body into the seats. Ashley would yelp out, doing her best to keep it down, biting down on her tongue and letting out a perverted hiss of pain and arousal through her teeth. Andrew was scary when he got like this, but in such a sexy way - he really was like an animal, cornering her against that cramped cushion. She didn't mind his mark, she welcomed it; after all, she gave him a few of his own that he'd have to live with for the time being.  

 

What started off slow and romantic had quickly become a struggle to survive for the poor girl, smothered beneath her brother's body. Andrew wasn't muscular by any means, but Ashley herself was so tiny - it was a herculean task to handle the barrage of thrusts he laid upon her. He loved feeling in control, reveled in the way she moaned, the slight movements and shudders of her sweet body. The vehicle was rocking every so slightly thanks to their lewd car sex, Andrew pouring all of his pent up aggravation and desire directly into Ashley's body. She took it all like the good girl she could be, the good girl he taught her to be beneath him when it was time for Andrew to hold the reigns.

 

Once the pain started to settle, it was replaced with nothing but euphoric pleasure. This was shaping up to feel even better than their first sexual encounter despite the cramped space, the heat that was starting to become overbearing, and the darkness of the night. It wasn't as slow and suspenseful, Andrew was really letting go, Ashley wanted him to. After all, only she knew how rabid Andrew truly was, how fierce of a lover he could be - it felt validating having been right for so many years, fulfilling to finally witness it. Her eyes fog over from the intensity, she could tell he was close again. His body was tense, trembling down against her as he lovingly plaps again and again. Over time, she'd naturally come to fit his size better - but he'd cherish her tight gripped pleasure for the time being, she was his to experience. 

 

"Ashley… I'm gonna… I'm close…!" the boy mutters out, sweat dripping from his forehead. By now, the two regretted that the heat was still blaring, but it added another layer to this primal love making. 

 

"Do it, Andy! Give it all to ME…! We're meant to be together!" Ashley's hips had practically given out, her arms weakly dangling around his neck. She had half a mind to wrap her legs around his backside for the extra support, but -- she didn't want to end up pregnant, nor did she have it in her after submitting to her big brother's pleasure. 

 

Thankfully, Andrew was like minded, and despite the addictive feeling of his sister's burning body against him, he had enough willpower to attempt pulling out of her before he could reach his climax properly. As turned on as he gets thinking upon the idea of releasing it all inside of his sister after so many years of twisted, depraved thoughts; this impromptu sex hadn't featured a condom, and Ashley most certainly wasn't on any medication. It seems the younger Graves sibling would beat her brother to it though - as before Andrew could pull away, he hears Ashley squeak and whine for him one last time, a deluge of pent up ecstasy suddenly coating the young man's cock as Ashley squirts out her second ever proper orgasm. The feeling sends Andrew over the edge -- he needs to pull out now!

 

Yanking himself from his sister's body, Andrew grits his teeth as he releases his warmth all over her tummy and thighs, coating her entrance with his molten load. Bringing himself up, he nearly collapses against the door behind him, groaning out in pleasure as he grips his own messy cock and jerks himself a few more times to drain it all out onto his beloved. Both are left panting and trembling within the car, chests rising and falling as they share their simultaneous climax. 

 

"I needed that…" Andrew whispers out, pressing his head against the glass of the foggy window, the rain still refusing to cease outside. 

 

"Andy… hit that fucking heat off, please…" his overstimulated sister looks up at him, pleading with her tired pink eyes. Both were a mess of sweat, and while the heat felt pleasant earlier, it had overstayed its welcome. Snapping back to attention, Andrew drags himself forward, hovering over his sister once again to reach over the center console she sat upon before to shut the heat off entirely. Then, he slumps back and slowly lowers himself onto her, wrapping both arms around her head and marked neck. "Feeling better?"

 

"Yeah… a lot better."

 

"Me too. Never knew this stuff felt that good…" Ashley giggles, returning her brother's hug, arms locking behind his head as well, cradling him into her chest, her shirt still tucked under her neck. For a few moments, the two go silent, resting against one another in their collective mess. With the heat turned off, the rain is all that can be heard within the silence of their passionate unwinding. "Can't believe you were about to do that with me in the car, Andy…" Ashley, breaking the silence, giggles cutely above him.

 

"I'm sorry… I was alone, and stressed and shit…" he mumbles, incredibly embarrassed all over again - as if he hadn't just finished bursting all over his baby sister twice in a row. 

 

"You could have just woke me up, you know. I don't mind helping you with that if you ask nicely, Andy~" she laughs again, ever amused by the faces he can make. Leaning against his face weakly, she kisses his nose with a delicate little peck. "... were you thinking about me?"

 

"Ashley -- I… yes. I was." He admits, surprising even the girl. Good! It was her or nothing, those were her rules - but she still wasn't used to his full, blunt honesty. 

 

"Better have been. I'm the only girl you need… riiight?" there she was again, fishing for his praise and validation. Even when manhandled by her beast of a brother. 

 

"Wouldn't be back here with you if that wasn't the case, Ashley…" Andrew plants a kiss against the girl's rising chest, listening to her breaths that slowly became more controlled. "I was thinking… we find a motel around here, like you wanted, start making a plan. Can't figure anything out if we're moving constantly, focusing on that."

 

"If you are moving constantly, Andy - but yes! That's what I've been saying this whole time…" she strokes through his mop of hair, wet from the rain and his sweat. "We can hide out for a bit, find some way to make money, prep for the future. That kinda stuff. … not to mention, this was nice, but having sex on an actual bed would feel better." She laughs again, as does Andrew.

 

"I'm sorry I've been such an insufferable jackass lately. I do feel bad, Ashley…" he admits, enough time having passed since their fight from earlier that morning. 

 

"It's okay, Andy. As long as you acknowledge it and make it up to me, I'll always forgive you." Cue the bratty little smirk that just screamed little sister energy. 

 

"You little shit." He rolls his eyes, cracking another weak smile. "... did I hurt you? Was I too rough?"

 

"A little. But I'm okay. I kinda like it, it's cute to me." This girl always confuses him.

 

"... cute? If you say so." He cuddles into her, laying across her chest, folding his legs enough to fit inside of the closed vehicle. "I'm getting sick of sleeping like this. First thing in the morning, let's get the hell out of here. A proper bed can't come soon enough…"

 

"How do you think I feel, jerk?! You just crushed the shit out of me! I'm fragile, you know…" 

 

"Okay, fair point - but it is easier for you to fit back here!"

 

"Besides the point, dumbass, not when you're smacking your full weight against me! Some gentleman you are~!" once again, she's laughing, flailing her arms around playfully to push his face away from her body. "Let me lay on top!"

 

"Mmm, nope, I don't think I'm moving for the foreseeable future." Andrew snickers, pressing even more of his weight into the girl. Not enough to crush her - hopefully - but he was holding the cards here. "I'm all tuckered out, and the rain's making me awfully sleepy again…" 

 

"You're such a dick, Andy! What time is it, anyway?" she huffs, accepting her defeat for once, snuggling beneath her brother. Andrew was lucky he's so warm.

 

"Like four in the morning, something like that… the sun'll be up in a few hours." 

 

"I'm surprised we're still in the park. Figured breaking any rules would be way too scary for you." Ashley teases, taking small whiffs of her brother's sex scented body. 

 

"We slept late, and no one cared to fuck with us, so - it's their problem." Andrew scoffs, "besides, I wanted to wait until you were up before I left anyway. We're supposed to do this together, aren't we?"

 

"... you really do feel bad, don't you?" Ashley's voice was a whisper, soft like the rain still sprinkling down.

 

"Yeah. I do. I made you cry and I felt like shit. Sure, it didn't last long, but I don't like fighting either. Usually, you give me valid reason - but you're just trying to help, I get that." Ashley was overcome with emotions. Happiness, mainly, over Andrew praising her and validating her recent struggles and sorrows. She wasn't as smart as he was, nowhere near as strong, often reckless and childish - but she was really trying to look out for them in her own way, ever since they left that damn apartment.

 

"I forgive you, Andy. And I'm happy you finally wanna cool your jets and think about all of this, it's what you do best, for better or worse." She smiles an earnest one, Andrew can barely make out her face since they were so close, the rain unable to fully obscure the lamps from outside. It's how they were able to see and maneuver around somewhat within the car during their romantic get-together. 

 

"We've got a long road ahead before we can settle down and make anything of ourselves. If that's even possible, mind you… but we'll figure it out. I expect you to cooperate when I need you to, though - what was it you called yourself? 'Mentally stable'? Yeah, keep that up." 

 

"Oh, believe me, I will. You've proven to be veeeery reckless as of late, Mr. Graves." She can't help but to tease him, even when they're both drained and messy. "... man, I'm hungry again."

 

"I am too. But I don't feel like moving…"

 

"Neither do I. Not that I can at the moment…" she pouts, trying to be all cute and sassy in hopes of her brother showing mercy one last time, but alas, it fails. He simply snuggles back into her closer.

 

"Since you've been good… better than usual, at least… how about tomorrow morning, we stop somewhere to get breakfast? Somewhere with a drive through, preferably -- after we freshen up, of course…" the way he spoke to her, it wasn't far from a child - but it was an effective way to keep her happy with promises, especially if he was rewarding her good behavior. 

 

"I like the sound of that. Ooo, and if we're gonna get a motel room, we'll have our own fridge! We can get better slop than canned soup and crackers!"

 

"Yeah, you're right. Don't expect much, though, we hopefully won't be there for too long-"

 

"Yeah, yeah, I know I know. Blah blah blah." Leaning in, Ashley kisses him softly right on the mouth. It shuts him up real fast. "We can talk about it in the morning."

 

"Yeah… okay." Andrew lets out a soft sigh, embracing his sister closer. Their bodies are still moist with sweat, but somehow, they've never felt more comfy. The rain hasn't stopped, and although they hoped it would by the morning, it acted as the perfect soft melody to fall asleep. "Time's are gonna be tough, Ashley. I just want you to know that, and appreciate the situation… but I'll try not to yell again."

 

"I know, Andy. But I trust you. The last few months have been the shittiest we've ever had, but we managed to get here. I just want you to appreciate that too. Deal?"

 

"Deal… I'll try my best. I mean, I'm glad we ARE alive, of course."

 

"Hah, I'd hope so! … let's sleep some more, okay? Don't leave my arms this time. I wanna see you when I open my eyes." She leans in closer once more, but he's the one who goes the distance and gives her a small kiss.

 

"I won't." 

 

"You promise?"

 

"I swear, Ashley… just don't sleep all day, please." He smiles down at her, having shifted a little, going from her chest to being the top cuddle buddy. He holds her close, cradling the girl's body as they both close their eyes. 

 

"Goodnight, Andy. I love you. Forever and ever…" 

 

"I love you too, Ashley. Sweet dreams…"

 

Without another word, the siblings power down for the night. It felt right, making love and sleeping together like this, it seemed it truly was their fate. Ashley is quick to fall back into her deep slumber, making cute little sounds in her sleep as she presses her face against her brother's chest. Andrew, meanwhile, listens closely - to her fussing, her breaths, her complacency. For the first time in weeks, he felt a true sense of calm. It's been a rollercoaster, and it hasn't stopped yet - but he's on it with his sister. She wants him to appreciate it… he'll do his best. That's all he can promise to the girl wrapped so snug around his body as she sleeps, feeling safe and taken care of. She doesn't grip the danger they could be in completely, but that's okay. He won't let it catch up to her - not if he has a say in it. She does understand him, though, and this twisted love they have. For that, he's grateful. She's innocent, she's reckless, she drives him mad; but she's his Ashley. 

 

Tonight, Andrew Graves can finally sleep, without the panic of what tomorrow will bring.

Notes:

And thus ends my first proper mutli-chaptered work posted to AO3!

I ended up loving this story a lot more than I originally thought I would. It's nothing too grand, the idea itself isn't groundbreaking, but I'm really proud of myself for what I wrote and enjoyed it a ton. I'm grateful to anyone who decides to give it all a read!

I purposely made the ending of this chapter a bit open ended, because I actually may come back to this at some point. I dig what I had going here, the dynamic and struggles of *this* particular Andrew and Ashley, so who knows? Perhaps I'll make this a series at some point! The crux of why I rushed to start this piece in the first place was thanks to the game officially getting its continuation seemingly next month, but this story is based more in the "Burial" route anyway, if I had to choose one.

Obviously I chose to end with some smut, which I hope everyone enjoyed. I have an affinity for romantic smut between these two, I love writing it out, and I think it made for a good conclusion to this specific run of chapters, especially since stress and exhaustion was such a present theme. This was actually meant to be the shortest chapter, but it ended up being the longest, my fingers just kept moving lol I'm gonna sit back and enjoy myself now, might come back after playing TCOAAL episode 3, might write something up sooner, we'll see! I'm very excited but anxious to see how the game itself continues ahaha.

This is just a warm-up, I'm gonna make something amazing someday, I wanna contribute to this fandom <3

Notes:

Following the news that we very well may be receiving an official update to the game next month, I felt inspired to write about the two and their life on the road before the official continuation! While I do personally hope they stay around the Graves home at least for a bit, as I've expressed in previous works, I wouldn't be surprised if Andrew opts to leave as soon as they can.

When I started to write this out, I decided I wanted to explore Andrew's paranoia and how it may affect his sleeping habits - and how they would, in turn, cause Ashley to worry about him. She can be a little goblin sometimes, but I've always believed that Ashley is well aware of the limitations of Andrew's fragile mind, she just tends to willingly cross them when she chooses to... but I love the scenes where she does provide him a genuine comfort, something no one else has.

This fic will have three chapters, so stay tuned! I'll have them out as soon as I can. It'll be my first short story fanfiction posted here that'll have multiple chapters, so I'm excited for that.

Late edit: I have officially edited this first chapter, I've included a few more lines of dialogue and altered text/conversations thanks to a suggestion made by someone close to me - changing a bit of the narrative to fit better together, closer to my original image! Apologies for those who have already checked it out, but I'd appreciate if you could give it another read! Since this was my first multi-chaptered work, I had a few tweaks I decided to make along the way, but the other two chapters should come out ready and finished as I envisioned.