Disclaimer: I own nothing. I wish I did but then it would probably center around Spencer and Toby so…yeah, I've got nothing.

Pairing: Spencer/Toby…because we all want to see them run away together.

Summary: They're driving past the Welcome to Rosewood sign when she grabs one of his hands and holds on to it tightly.

Warning: Will contain language and in later chapters adult situations but none too graphic this will PG-13.

Author's note: First Pretty Little Liars story so let me know what you all think. I love reviews, just no flames. The thing I'm worried about the most is keeping them in character and I would love suggestions, I may just incorporate them. Also, any funny random sayings, who knows? They may just pop up in the story! So, I hope you all enjoy!

underneath starry skies

prologue

She had promised herself that she wouldn't run away ever again. She honestly thought that she'd never have to. Then Alison died and A appeared and her life (their lives) went to shit ever since. She doesn't think they should have to deal with this. She wants to go back to the beginning and not be friends with Alison. God, she regrets the day she became friends with her because Aly was so…mean. And honestly? When someone's dead, they're dead. As in non-existent, as in gone forever, as in move the fuck on.

She's staring at her phone and a million things race through her head. She's older now, not too much wiser but older nonetheless. She knows that running shouldn't be an option and it wasn't until Ian (she sincerely hopes he rots in hell) mentioned it.

Actually, that's a lie. She did think about it, fleetingly but the thought was there and has since come to the forefront of her very jumbled mind.

She's not really thinking when she snatches her phone and dials a number that has become familiar to her.

Her breath hitches when the person picks up. " I can't do this anymore." She admits quietly. "I can't be in the same house, this town, anything. I just…can't."

The other line is silent but when he starts speaking she breathes a sigh of relief…finally.

It takes a couple of days and she manages to do everything discreetly, at least she thinks she does. Emily keeps looking at her funny, Aria gives her, her favorite necklace on the claim that she doesn't want it anymore and Hanna hugs her longer than necessary. She doesn't know how they know but they do and she's grateful that they don't mention anything.

She waits impatiently the night she runs away. She can hear her parents shut the door to their room and she waits another hour before she opens her window. She's got it all planned. Her bags are hidden in a little alcove next to her house and with ease; she climbs down and reaches the grass. She lets out a small exhilarated laugh and looks up at her house. If she were a better daughter, she would feel guilty. Except she's not so she doesn't.

She's the first one at their designated meeting spot and it's then that she really starts thinking. Is he going to show up? Is this smart? Should she call the whole thing off? Doubt starts to creep in when two headlights practically blind her. It's an old car that has definitely seen better days.

"Where did you get this?" She asks him.

He gets out of the car and shrugs. "I know a guy." He looks at her and looks at the road. "You sure you want to do this?"

"Toby," she starts, "I need to do this yes, but I don't want to drag you-"

"Don't." He interrupts. "You go. I go. Spencer…I don't want to be here if you're not."

She almost cries. "Good, because I don't want to do this alone."

He smiles, grabs her bag and goes to put them in the back of the car.

She's about to get into the passenger seat when her phone vibrates.

And away she goes. U need this. Don't worry I'll be here when u get back. A

She hopes this means A is giving her a way out because it's the least this bitch can do after everything. She glances at her phone one more time and slams it against the pavement and watches as it smashes into pieces.

Toby is standing by the driver's side and smirks, hair falling into his eyes. "Feel better?"

"I will soon." She answers honestly as she gets into the car and shuts the door.

They're driving past the Welcome to Rosewood sign when she grabs one of his hands and holds on to it tightly. He squeezes back and gives her a reassuring smile. She smiles back and leans against the seat and watches the black sky littered with bright yellow stars, leading their future path away from their pasts.

So…what did you all think? Reviews are very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Bex

P.S. I apologize for any spelling mistakes, they are mine and mine alone and I hope I don't offend anyone with them.