The unexpected warmth at his back put Ashton into a moment of tense and tightly control response to lash out with his anger. It was a half second later that he relaxed, and Jae let go. He could still feel her warmth even as she moved away and Ashton turned to look at her, unspoken gratitude in his normally fierce eyes.
Even if he didn't accept it, it was nice to know that he could call on someone should he be in desperate need. Ashton realized that with Barclay asleep like this, he was in danger of turning back towards his old behaviors of snapping at everyone and shutting out opportunities. Barclay had a way of bringing emotion out of Ashton and it spread into all of his interactions. Without Barclay, Ashton just felt cold. Cold anger coiling in his belly.
But for now, he had a promise from a friend, and Ashton was grateful as he watched Jae take her leave.