Ashley listened to Jacob with soft sniffles to try and keep from crying any more than he already was. He'd figured they'd only met because Jacob was after a new client, he hadn't minded that. It was a strange way to meet, but really, it amused him.

His mind went blank and his two toned gaze stared up at Jacob's face, his fingers gently reaching to touch a cheek. "....move in with me, then... I..I can support you for a while, until you find another job." He felt so selfish, it made more tears streak his face and he shifted to wrap his arms around his lover in a hug.

Jacob looked down into Ashley's tear streaked face sadly, he didn't want to do this to him. He reached to brush the tears from Ashley's cheeks with gentle fingers as he looked into those eyes that had intrigued him so when they'd first met. His eyes widened slightly at Ashley's words but his gaze softened as he gave a small nod.

"A-alright," Jacob stammered still he was still finding this all surprising. It wouldn't take much for him to move, the furniture had come with the apartment. "I'll do that, then."

"Thank you." he whispered, tipping his hiead back and leaning in to give his lover a kiss. "I'm sorry... Our food's probably cold." He muttered, blushing. Rubbing at his eyes, he was ready to go back out and try and finish their dinner, maybe now things would be nicer now that they'd talked things out a bit. "Let's try and eat now, okay?" He tried to get up, reaching to try and grab his crutch and push up with it onto his feet, grunting.

Jacob kissed Ashley back gently and helped Ashley stand once more. Shaking his head at Ashley's apologies. "I don't care about cold food.. your happiness is what matters to me. I'm sorry that I had upset you."

Jacob guided Ashley back to their table and to their food which indeed had cooled with their absence. Biting his lip he didn't care, he just wanted to spend the rest of the night in peace with his lover. He'd worry about the things to come later.

Ashley smiled softly at him as they got to the table, sitting down and picking at his food a moment. He started on his salad first, since it was supposed to be cold anyways. He'd just take the rest home and re-heat it later one. He hoped Jacob wouldn't want to move that night. He wanted to just spend all the time with his companion.

He drank the wine still, actually not touching much of his tea anymore. The taste was definitely growing on him. He supposed he'd stay awake until Alex was conscious so he could tell the man what they'd decided to do. He was sure he wouldn't appreciate waking up and finding out he'd moved without even knowing it.

Jacob picked at his meal eating what he could, it definitely would have tasted better warm but he wasn't going to complain. He wasn't sure what to say but it might have been for the best at this moment. Finishing off his wine and pouring himself another glass and topping of Ashley's since he seemed to be finishing it off quite fast as well.

"Enjoying it?" Jacob teased, trying to get a semblance of normality after the awkward silence.

Ashley blushed softly, though his cheeks were a little coloured even after the glass he'd nearly finished off. He could feel a small warmth from it. "Mmmhm." He stuck his tongue out at Jacob playfully, feeling better now that they'd let things settle and started to talk again. He picked his glass up once more when Jacob topped it off, taking another drink before he finished off his salad and decided he was good for the time being, he'd eat the rest later on, maybe for lunch the next day.

"We going back to your place after this?" He wanted to make sure the plans were still the same. He knew there wasn't much space in his place right at the moment, it was a mess, he'd have to clean up now! What'd he gotten himself into? He wanted to make Jacob comfortable there too.

Jacob grinned at Ashley, pleased that the other man was feeling better. Whether it was the drink that was doing it to him he wasn't sure but he didn't want to keep up the morose feeling going on tonight. He sipped at his wine now more than he picked at his meal, he'd take it home to warm up and eat.

"Ah, yeah. Unless you're wanting to move me in tonight?" Jacob asked chewing his lip. He didn't mind either way but he just wanted to relax now, wanted to assure himself that Ashley still wanted him. "All I'd need to pack is the food stuffs, clothes and the television and dvd player and movies.. everything else isn't mine."

Ashley leaned on the table a little as he took another drink, listning to Jacob again before he shook his head. "No, I think we should do that uhm.. well, I'll give you my key. I'm pretty sure work's going to keep me late tomorrow night.. So I don't think I can help--sorry. I think it'd be nice of us to let Alex know before he wakes up living somewhere else, you know?"

Jacob gave a guilty smile, he hadn't even considered how Alex would take moving in with Ashely. He gave a small nod though, he really would enjoy spending the night relaxing. He didn't mind that Ashley wouldn't be there to help, but he'd speak with his 'landlord' that night before heading back upstairs. "You're right. It'll nice to just relax tonight anyhow."

"Yeah. I'm looking forward to it." He smiled, he hoped Alex wouldn't mind moving... he wouldn't have to worry about people bothering him there, and there was a convenience store just around the corner, and a bigger store just a few blocks from that. Besides, Ashley worked so much, he'd probably hardly ever see him as it were, Maybe when he woke up next to him, and when he left for work, but he expected to run into Jacob more than anything with his busy schedule.

He was nervous about it all, andhe didn't realize it until he'd finished another glass of wine without even thinking about it. "Mmh. Maybe... we should wrap things up here? If we don't, I think I might drink too much."

"Mm.. I don't think you have to worry about drinking too much," Jacob teased with a grin showing the bottle was nearly empty. At the size of the glasses and the amount the bottle held it seemed between the two of them they finished it, though Jacob had had one glass more than Ashley already. Finishing what was left he waved at the waitress to pack up the food and bring them the bill.

He paid for it all and left a generous tip Jacob stood, the alcohol didn't seem to have much affect on him as he offered his hand to Ashley once the other man was up. Calling for a cab he guided the man outside and into the cab once it got there. "Mmm.. still wanting to rent a movie? Or watch one I've got at home..?"

The alcohol was affecting the light weight drinker just a bit, appreciate the help up and he held gently to Jacob as they left after having paid and waited outside for the cab. The outside air was nice, and he took in a slow breath, shifting to look up at his lover as the cab pulled up.

Getting in, he buckled and rubbed at his flushed cheeks. "mm? Let's just watch whatever you've got around. I don't really want to go anywhere else tonight."

Jacob nodded and gave the cab driver his address, sliding his arm across Ashley's shoulders he leaned against him gently as the cab drove them home. It would be strange not worrying that he had to work, it would be weird not living in the small apartment he'd been living in for years. Sighing he looked at Ashley.

"Mmm.. I'm going to have to speak to the matron for a moment before we head upstairs, alright?" Jacob said as they drew closer to his place, his eyes returning to Ashley. "Don't head upstairs without me.. I don't want you falling."

Jacob got out of the cab as it pulled to the curb after paying and helped Ashley out and into the bar. He leaned in pressing his lips to Ashley's cheek. "Wait here."

"Ah--Okay." He wanted to protest that he could get upstairs on his own, but he was a bit buzzed and he didn't want to risk getting dizzy on his way up. He sat himself down somewhere, pushing a hand through his hair as he waited.

His eyes had closed just long enough to not see someone approach and they opened as he felt one hand on his shoulder and another taking hold of his wrist. "What...?" He'd never seen the man before, but he could smell the alcohol on him, frowning as he attempted to pull away. "Ngh--Let go. I don't even work here" His pursuer was more persistant that he'd expected, but he supposed the alcohol had dumbed the bugger up pretty good. His body tugged away once again but he found himself being pulled from the chair withought his crutch, the man probably hadn't even realized he had a cast!

"Hey!" He grunted as a hand tightened on his shoulder and he tried to fight the guidance away from his seat, his crutch, where he'd told his lover' he'd stay. "..." He found himself in a bathroom, swallowing thickly; his leg ached now that he'd been walking somewhat briskly on it with the man's impatient pace. Just where was Jacob when he needed him? ...He knew he couldn't rely on Jacob all the time though, he'd have to learn to defend himself.

Ash protested as he was shoved into a stall, grunting as the door closed and lips claimed his in a rough manner, sloppily due to the intake of alcohol. He turned his head away, hands shoving at him before he grabbed to stop him from getting his jeans undone and off. What the hell was this guy's problem?! His hands tightened on his shirt before one fisted as the man leaned back, thrusting his fist forward and gave him a good, hard slug in the kisser. Wincing, he looked down at his bleeding knuckles; he'd caught them on one of the man's teeth, and it'd distracted him enough to miss that the man was quickly retaliating and he got a taste of his own medicine as he earned what would soon turn into a black eye.

"Shit!" He muttered, huffing and he ducked under and around, unlatching the stall and he started to opne the door, gasping as it was slammed shut and he grabbed at the top of it, a hand tangled in his hair and yanked his head back. He was trying to yank the door open again, however it didn't do him much, he didn't have enough leverage with the man grabbing him and pushing him against it and he didn't have the stability of both legs like the stronger man either.

Jacob had planned to keep an eye on Ashley as he headed to the bar, but the place was packed and by the time he got to the bar after slapping away hands that reached out to grope him he didn't have a clear view of the other man. Cursing a bit to himself he pushed his way behind the bar so he didn't have to worry so much about protecting his ass, he just wanted to talk quickly and get Ashley out of there and upstairs with him.

"Judy, got time to talk quickly?" Jacob asked, his tone wasn't quite that of a question but was polite enough to seem as if he was requesting it.

"Jacob! Where have you been? Get working, it's too busy to have a day off!" Judy said brushing him to the side to help another customer. "I'll talk to you when the place is closed."

"That's what I want to talk to you about," Jacob said allowing her to move around him to get to the customers and get them their drinks. His eyes kept trying to search for the table he'd left Ashley at to catch a glimpse of him, but he was having a hard time. "I'm quitting, I'll be moving out tomorrow night so you don't have to worry about yammering on at me about living here means working."

"What are you talking about? I thought you loved doing what you do!" Judy said pausing to stare at him. He cringed a bit as she looked at him expectantly and he sighed giving a small shrug.

"I've a boyfriend now, this place.. this job of mine is too much for him and all the same I prefer to be loyal to him anyhow," Jacob conceded with a small shrug. "I'll still be getting laid every night, so that's not the issue now."

He gave a meek grin as he watched her shake her head, he knew she wasn't going to argue. "Fine, is there no way for you to work tonight at least? I hate to lose someone as good as getting customers as you.."

"Mm.. sorry. My boy's here and we're going to have our own fun," Jacob said patting her shoulder. "I'll be out of your hair soon enough, you still got a lot of boys to work the floor yet."

"If everything doesn't go all right, you're welcome to return," Judy called to him as he left the safety of the bar.

"I hope that doesn't become an option," Jacob said with a warm smile, but he knew if it did happen somehow he would be returning. Sighing he made his way back to the table hoping no one had bothered Ashley. He was supposed to be watching him but had found it hard, it might have been best to take him up with him.

When he found the table empty at first he thought Ash had just decided to prove to him he could make it upstairs himself. However he spotted the crutch and cursed. Looking around he tried to spot that curly head of brown hair somewhere, but he couldn't see it within the crowd. Ash wouldn't have left willingly with anyone, especially not without the crutch. Running to the washroom, ignoring the ache that was becoming of his leg he pushed open the door looking around the small room his eyes sinking to the crack that would show feet.

"Ashley?"

Ash felt tears burn at his eyes as he grasped the top edge of the door tight, nails chipping slightly as they scratched a small amount of paint off the surface. "Mmph.." His mouth was covered, muffling any noises he made.

The man had been ready to take him when someone opened the bathroom door and entered. They both froze until Ash recognized the voice calling his name. He shifted, struggling and muffling a noise before he bit the man's hand. The man jerked back faintly before smacking Ash's head against the door. Ashley whimpered and his hands left the door to grab his head, woozy.

Twisting around, Ashley shoved the man away and tugged his pants up the short distance they'd been pulled down. Ash hit him again, turning as the man stumbled back into the wall and he yanked the door open to get out, grasping his bloody hand. His left cheek was bruised and he had a black eye, his lips had the man's blood on them from biting his hand hard enough to break the flesh.

"Jacob--" He held hishead again and leaned against the wall, there wasn't much commotion in the stall now, he'd probably gone unconscious when he hit his head on the wall after being hit. He hoped he'd stay down a while! Ash was trying to be strong and not cry, but it was what he wanted to do so badly. He looked relieved however.

Jacob's eyes had caught sight of feet under one of the two stalls and was heading there by the time Ashley managed to get out. He gasped when he seen Ashely, rushing to him the few steps he'd had left, he glimpsed into the stall that Ashley had been held and turned a disgusted face away from the unconscious man.

"Oh.. Ashley.." Jacob murmured a hand reached up to touch Ashley's face, but paused before he touched fearing he would hurt Ashely more. Gently he wrapped his arms around the man hugging him to his body. "I'm so sorry..."

He closed his eyes and turned his face into Ashley's neck. "I'm so sorry.."

Ashley hugged onto Jacob when he felt those arms wrap around him, and the tears he'd been holding back spilled over his face. "Don't... please don't apologize.. I'm okay." He held tighter to his lover, breathing out slowly to calm himself. "Jacob... can we.. just go to your room now? My head hurts." He'd like to lay down for aw hile, take something for his headache and maybe clean up his hand and bandage it up a little.

He wasn't sure what hurt more, his leg or his head or his hand. They all just made things worse really. He leaned against his lover, but he didn't expect him to carry him anywhere, remembering not long ago he'd been sore.

Jacob brushed his lips over Ashley's cheeks an looked at him, he nodded slightly but he moved to grab a paper towel from the dispenser and cleaned Ashley's lips of the blood that covered them. He felt sick.. He should have protected him, should have been watching him.. Glancing at the man that was on the floor, he hoped the man hadn't anything for Ashley to catch via blood. "H-he didn't..?"

He knew the man's pants were down, but he wasn't certain. Couldn't be certain without asking.. Taking a breath he threw the bloodied towel into the garbage and lifted Ashley in his arms. He paused a moment making certain his leg could support them both, before taking him out of the washroom and carried him upstairs. The crutch he'd worry about later.

Ashley allowed him to clean him up, shaking his head quickly at the question. "No-He didn't... get the chance." He grunted as he was lifted up, wrapping his arms around his lover rather than bothering to argue. "Jacob.." he kissed his cheek carefully.

He hadn't been thinking about diseases when he'd bitten the man to get away, he'd just wanted to get free. "You have something... for headaches, right?"

"Yes.." Jacob murmured his leg was aching him by the time he got Ashley on the couch. Biting his lip briefly he quickly moved to the bathroom grabbing a bottle of advil and pulling then to the kitchen to grab a glass and fill it with water. Returning to Ashley's side he handed him a glass and opened the bottle to pour out two pills into the man's hand. "I.. don't have anything stronger.."

He looked at Ashley cursing himself for ever allowing this to happen, he brushed his fingers through Ashley's hair gingerly. Closing his eyes he apologized again. "I'm sorry... I .. I was going to be watching you but I couldn't see you past the people between you and the bar... I'm sorry."

He looked at Ashley and bit his lip, not certain if he should say anything just yet. "Can.. Can you call in sick tomorrow? Please.. I .. I want to make sure you're all right.." He brushed a thumb over Ashley's lips lightly, he could tell that blood wasn't from Ashley.

"It's fine." He took the pills and chased them with water, sighing out slowly. He enjoyed the fingers through his hair, despite it all, he'd enjoyed the night he was having with his lover. Dinner had been nice when they'd finally gotten around to eating it, and now they'd be able to relax, even if they'd had another rough start.

"PLease--don't apologize. " he stated softly, opening his eyes slowly as he felt fingers over his lip. "Jacob.." He started, he was afraid he wouldn't get out of work.. "But... won't you be 'sleeping' anyway? I.. I don't know if I can but.. I can try." He could tell Jacob was worried about him, but he wasn't really sure what about--was it the head wounds? "I feel fine though.. It's just a headache." He whispered afterwards.

Jacob shook his head his arms wrapping around him and pulling Ashley close. Gently he pressed his lips to Ashley's cheek again knowing the man didn't understand. Rubbing a hand over Ashley's back he leaned back to look into those dual colored eyes. "I-I'm not going to sleep until I know..."

Softly he caressed Ashley's cheek, a look of worry in his eyes. "I know he didn't do anything to you but... the blood Ashley. HIV.. AIDS.. they can be transmitted through blood.."

"Wh...what?" He furrowed his brow, swallowing thickly as he leaned his cheek into the touch. "...I-I.. Jacob.." He was worried now, what if he did have something? The idea scared him, but he wasn't afraid for himself, he wanted to be careful not to risk giving his lover anything if he did. He could never forgive himself if he ever did give something to his lover.

"If I... Get tested...how long does it take to find out?" He whispered, his voice cracking nervously.