Disclaimer: I don't own South of Nowhere or any of it's characters, sadly. Those belong to the-n and the creators of the show.


Spencer was at her locker putting books away when she felt someone behind her. No one needed to tell her who it was, because she always knew exactly when Ashley was behind her. Her instincts were always surprisingly accurate, because Ashley was standing behind her, arms poised, ready to tickle her.

"Don't even try it," she said without even looking up.

"Ugh, I can't even sneak up on my own girlfriend!" she whined. Spencer turned around and Ashley put on a fake look of frurstration, which didn't last long before both girls were laughing.

"So what are we doing tonight, Ms. Davies?" said Spencer.

With the most serious face she could come up with, Ashley put a finger to her chin and pretended to be deep in thought. "Well, Spencerella, we could hit up a concert, I could stalk you into a bathroom, and then take a nice tour of Griffith Park. What do you think?"

Spencer knew she'd never live the infamous Kelly incident down, so she just made an 'oh-very-funny' face and hit Ashley on the arm before they burst into another fit of laughter.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Ashley said, catching her breath. "I don't know, I was thinking maybe just hanging out at my place tonight? My mom's in Vegas for a week with guy number eight." Ashley feigned puppy eyes, and Spencer smiled.

"With that face, how can I say no?"

"I'm glad I have at least a little control over you, Spence."

She leaned over and hugged the blonde in front of her.

From a safe distance away where he couldn't be seen, Aiden watched as Spencer leaned her back up against her locker. His eyes devoured every part of her. Her neck, hips, legs. Everything. He had gotten so close just a few nights ago, only to have her pull away at the last minute. But close wasn't and would never be enough for him. There was something about her that set him on fire. He wanted her. Needed her. Craved her. He watched her as she talked to Ashley, her face lighting up the way it always did when Ashley was around. It was all innocent, but he couldn't deny the surge of anger pulsating through him at the sight of them. Lengthy hugs, light touches here and there, continuous eye contact. He couldn't watch it anymore. Emerging from his hiding spot, he casually made his way over to where the two girls were standing.

"Hey." Both girls looked up. With a brief glance at Ashley, he turned his attention back to Spencer. "Spencer, can I talk to you?"

Ashley rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Aiden." She turned and stepped in front of Spencer with her back to Aiden. Gently resting her hands on her shoulders, she leaned in towards the other girl's ear. "Spence, just meet me in the car when you're done, okay?" She gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before pulling back, taking enough time to glar at Aiden before walking back to her car.

Aiden couldn't believe what he was seeing. His eyes followed Ashley as she walked away, burning holes through her back. Spencer noticed this and shifted her weight uncomfortably.

She looked up at him with questioning eyes. "So Aiden, what d'you want?"

His eyes turned back to Spencer. "You. And I heard about this party down at the beach tonight, and wanted to know if you wanted to go." Spencer opened her mouth to say something but Aiden quickly cut her off, knowing exactly what it was she'd say. "Without her."

"Oh." A nervous hand raised to her forhead and she glanced around, searching for an appropriate response. True, she wouldn't mind hanging out with Aiden, but it wouldn't be in the way that he wanted. She knew he still wanted to be more than friends, and that was just something she couldn't give him. "I can't, I'm staying with Ash tonight."

Aiden's anger had come back just as quick as it had left him before. Only this time, it was visible. Spencer watched as his body tensed up and he pulled his eyes away from her momentarily. His fists clenched and unclenched themselves.

"Aiden, you said you were cool with-"

"People lie, Spencer! Haven't you realized that by now?" His voice raising just enough so that few people passing by glanced over.

Shaking her head in disblieve Spencer turned to walk away. She hadn't made it three steps before he grabbed her. Aiden's grip was strong on her wrist, and she couldn't pull herself out of his grasp. His eyes burned right into hers.

"Let go," she said, trying to hide her fear. His grip only tightened. The class ring he had on his finger was being pushed harder and harder into her skin. A thin line of blood found its way down arm, but he didn't seem to notice. With a throbbing pain in her aim, her eyes begged him to let go. "Aiden, please."

By now there was a small crowd of people watching. A guy from the basketball team called to Aiden, distracting him long enough for Spencer to pull away. Risking one more glance at him, she turned around and ran to the parking lot.