A/N: Hey everyone. I'm back again. I'm starting to like exploring the dynamics of relationships. We all know that relationships go through ups and downs, twists and turns, so you may have noticed that I have decided to take off my rose colored glasses and start looking at things in a realistic view, and my stories are starting to reflect it. I know everyone LOVES the happy ending. And I too ADORE the happy endings, but I also like the stories that make me think a little about life and love and how hard things can really be. So the realist in me has been unleashed. I'm sure its just a phase, so bear with me. :) Please review. I love reviews, good or bad. ( I prefer good ) lol.

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Bummer

They both knew it, but neither were brave enough to put their thoughts into words. Somehow actually saying it would make it real. If they actually said it, then that would mean they would have to do something about it, and neither one had the heart to actually do something about it. But they both knew. Sometimes relationships hit this plateau, this phase where its just not the same anymore.

When they began this relationship ten months ago it was all fireworks, intense, passionate, you name it, it was the real deal. They were so in love. But every relationship goes through stages. They had the head over heals, can't keep their hands to themself stage. Then it was the blissed out stage where every look was googly eyed and love sick. Then the content and happy just to be in each others company stage. But they didn't know how to handle this stage. This stagnating stage were everything just seemed so routine, and mundane. The stage were they could imagine each others next sentence and it annoyed the hell out of them how predictable they both were. This stage seemed suffocating, and to think just a few months ago they felt like they couldn't breathe without the other. How quickly things can change.

This wasn't supposed to be them. Having been best friends for all these years its no way that this would be the outcome of them starting a relationship. The odds were in their favor, right? How can you love someone sooo much seemingly just one minute ago, and now the next minute you are barely tolerating their presence. This is INSANE! How could this be happening? Maybe they shouldn't have rushed into moving in with each other. Maybe if they would just step away from one another for a moment, get a little distance from the relationship, then maybe they could find a way to work it out. Maybe. But it's that maybe that they are both afraid of facing. Maybe is a 50 % percent chance that it could work, or a 50 % percent chance that it won't work. Maybe is a risk, and a risk that they both are too afraid to take. So they both sit on the sofa in silence, watching a show neither is really interested in hoping that the other is too scared to talk about the giant elephant thats in the room threatening to change their very existance. But is this how they really want to exist? Just staying together because they think they should. Because when best friends become a couple it should always work, right?

Although Spencer may seem like the weak one, at least physically, he was however the strong one emotionally. He couldn't take the strain anymore and was willing to take the risk. Maybe things would get better. But either way, he knew they couldn't go on like this. So he did the unthinkable. He put his thoughts into words. To someone looking in from afar it would seem like the words just came "out the blue", but they both knew they were words long overdue.

"Derek, we need to talk... I think I need to move out."

Derek gave a long sigh. It was like he had been holding his breathe, and he was finally able to release the pressure. He never thought it would be Spencer to brave this territory. He himself was so determined to just let things run its course, do nothing and hope things just get better. But he should have known Spencer, a man of book knowledge, science, wouldn't just let things be. He would have to formulate a plan, do something to change the situation. Maybe this is exactly what they need. Time apart might help them get back to where they where. But what if it didn't. What if they became happier apart? What if they can't rekindle what was lost? What then? Spencer opened this can of worms, so he had no choice but to face the what ifs and hope that both could live with whatever outcome it would be. So with careful thought he responded.

"I guess I could go along with that. Some time apart maybe just the thing we need. I know things have been a bit strained between us lately and I honestly don't know why. But I still love you, you know that."

Spencer looked him in the eyes and said, "I know."

"Thank you."

"For what?" he said puzzled.

"For being brave enough to face what I just couldn't face."

They both looked into one anothers eyes for a moment before he said, "You're welcome." Spencer paused a moment to reflect on his next move.

"I'll stay on tonight and tomorrow see if I can find a place to stay until I get settled somewhere."

Derek pondered his words and came up with a idea. "Why don't you move into one of my rent properties. I have two that are live-able right now I just haven't found tenants yet."

"That would be great. You sure you wouldn't mind? It would only be temporary."

"Of course not. You can stay as long as you need Spencer."

"Thanks. I don't want to be a burden."

"You could never, under any circumstance be a burden to me."

Spencer smiled. "You know I love you too, right?"

"I know."

Endnote: To Be Continued when I think up the next phase of their relationship. Waiting on the inspiration lighting bolt to hit me real soon! Hopefully.