A/N: *comes out with shield over face* *peeks out* *awkwardly laughs and waves* WELL, hello there...folks. If you know me. Then you hate me. I apologize for not finishing my stories, I really do. I also apologize for beginning a new story. I apologize. For it all. But you should give this a shot because it would be nice of you guys. You know. All Right.

Chapter 1: Engaging on a Truce

"The one you talk about the most the one you will forever love"
― Khameran Hicks

Toby Cavanaugh had never, uh, gotten along with his peers too well in high school. Most of them were lacrosse playing jerks who could supply a year's worth of douche with a single corny pick up line. They threw outrageous parties each weekend with their parents' money, and acted like complete snobs to anyone who couldn't flash them a smile of gold. He was lucky enough to not cross paths with many of them regularly, but he always had to be on the lookout. There was only one person whom he had uprooted a rivalry with; Spencer Hastings.

She just so happened to be a good friend of his best friend, Caleb Rivers. It was almost impossible to avoid her. Every time he thought he had gotten rid of her, there she was, waiting for him with her filthy little comments and crazy daggering eyes. No one was dating in this little trio, but Spencer was for sure the third wheel whenever the threesome gathered. He didn't understand how Caleb put up with her. He never would. It was an answer that he for sure knew he would never obtain.

And now he was going to see her. A lot of her. He was going have to spend time with her. "Possibly even time alone with her," Caleb taunted him with a sneer. He knew he was thoroughly enjoying this. He probably was enjoying whatever hectic Spencer was going through, too. Wow how he hated his best friend.

Caleb was getting married. To Hanna Marin. Toby knew her well. Right after High School, the two met. Toby actually knew her first. She had gone to a bar where Toby was playing at once. She was with one of new friends he had met in his Biology class, Emily Fields. They were then introduced, but Caleb had met Hanna another way that had no association with Toby. He met his fiancé through Spencer. Spencer was probably so giddy at the news of the two's marriage, most likely gloating to everyone she knew and even those she didn't know, that she was a grand matchmaker. Wow. She was already getting under his skin and he hadn't even seen her yet.

"Hey, you okay? You look like you just ate a bad burrito." Emily touched his shoulder, a smile placed on her features.

"Huh?" he looked at her, "Oh, no. I'm fine. I'm good."

"Right," Emily said, almost laughing. "Well, I'm ready. So, we should probably go before Hanna has another fit" Emily rolled her dark chocolate eyes, a tiny smile framing her mouth. Hanna and Emily knew each other since they were in diapers. Hanna was a few months older than Emily, but Emily acted as Hanna's older sister.

"Wouldn't want that," Toby commented.

"Exactly. So, let's get a move on, shall we?" she bounced her eyebrows up, giving him a slightly pointed look. He smiled at the brunette and followed her out the door.

Once they were settled in the car, and the radio played two pop hit singles that Toby really wished Emily would just turn off, she brought up the thing that he just had gotten his mind off of. (OK he was still thinking about it, whatever.)

"Are you being so quiet because you're going to see your little girlfriend?"

He felt like gagging upon the inference that she. Spencer Hastings. Was his girlfriend. "Come on Emily I already have to deal with Caleb."

She laughed. "Wow, Caleb wasn't kidding about you freaking."

Toby didn't say anything in response. Partially out of annoyance, but mostly because it was the truth.

"She seems nice" Emily supplied, glancing over to him from behind the steering wheel.

"Yeah, nice for a demonic creature, I'm sure."

"Hmm, funny, she said the same thing about you" her voice almost hummed the words. She was enjoying it almost as much as Caleb was. "I've never seen you like this." she said after a pause.

"It's just, I've went five years without seeing her. I've lived in the same state as her, only a few cities away, and I haven't bumped into her. I've had amazing luck, but—now."

"You're best friend is getting married, and you are going to have to see her? Wow, so unlucky."

"I'm happy for him, I am. But," he sighed. "It's complicated."

"Then do yourself a favor, and un-complicate it. Why don't you have a fresh start with the girl? You know? Begin again."

He stayed silent. Sure, it would be easier that way. He guessed. Although, this was Spencer Hastings. He doubted she was willing to turn over a new leaf. She was an arrogant, manipulative, stubborn, stuck up snob and he doubted she changed since high school.

"We'll see."

The topic was soon dropped between the two and transferred to the question of why Emily was bringing Toby as her date instead of her girlfriend, Paige. Emily told him that she was still practicing for the upcoming meet at their university. They had practiced most of the morning and afternoon, but that wasn't enough for Paige. Emily saw that, and told her girlfriend to stay behind—it would be fine. Toby told her that was nice of her; where she went on to invite him to the meet.

When they arrived, the party was already vividly alive. Colors of purples, pinks, and golds, were splashed everywhere. Toby could only assume these were the wedding colors, which also seemed very Hanna like. He doubted Caleb was all yippy giddy about it.

"Oh, I see Hanna!" Emily exclaimed, happily, a jolly smile coating her mouth. She took Toby's hand in hers and guided them throughout the party. As they went on their travels, Toby spotted a few people from high school and internally groaned. Although he did not spot Spencer.

"Hanna!" The swimmer yelled with an avid enthusiasm, running towards the blonde in almost leaps. The two already had their arms out before they were in contact. They clashed into each other with a full force hug that lasted for at least two minutes. Toby couldn't quite understand them over the music, and the fact that they were speaking through giggles and whispers.

After they finally pulled out there everlasting hug, Toby pulled Hanna into a sweet, but much shorter, hug.

"Where's Paige?" Hanna asked after they all settled down.

"Where do you think?"

Hanna rolled her sky blue eyes and mumbled, "of course."

"What about you Toby? Why didn't you bring a date?"

He shrugged, about to say something, but Hanna spoke first. "Afraid that your girlfriend will get jealous?"

His eyes did a roll around. "I'm not even going to reply to that."

She laughed, putting a hand on his shoulder as she passed by him. Emily was at her side in a blink and he got the feeling he wasn't invited to come along.

He wandered around until he eventually ran into the man he wanted to see; Caleb Rivers.

"Congratulations, buddy!" Toby called from behind, seeing that notorious mop of hair.

Caleb turned around in an instant, a gigantic smile spreading across his face. "Dude, I was wondering when you'd show up!" the man proclaimed, taking his friend into a hug.

The hug was a lot shorter than the one Emily and Hanna shared, and even shorter that the one between him and Hanna.

"I told you she'd say yes."

Caleb waved him off, taking a drink of his beer in hand. "I don't know why I was so worried. Hanna has barely slept since I asked her, she's either going crazy with wedding plans or trying to get crazy with me, if you know what I'm saying."

"Yeah, thanks for that visualization," Toby commented, a look of absurdity crossing his face.

Caleb laughed, "You need a drink, my friend." He jabbed a finger into his friend's chest.

"Yes, I indeed do. Especially if I'm going to have to deal with all these baboons you invited from our high school."

"Oh god, I almost forgot how annoying you are."

"Annoying I am? Have you seen the people you invited?"

Caleb rolled his maple eyes good heartedly, "Come on, Cavanaugh. It'll all be OK." He mocked, as he pushed him towards the bar.

"By the way man, wanna be my best man?"

"I would be honored." Toby said in a mocking matter, covering his heart, making Caleb chuckle.

Spencer sat on her couch, puffed her cheeks out, blew on her already dry nails, examining every single split end her hair provided, told herself not to bite on her nails because she just painted them, and most of all, WAITED FOR ARIA MONTGOMERY TO GET HER ASS READY.

Spencer wasn't late to things. She wasn't planning to be late to her best friends' engagement party.

"ARIA!" Spencer sprouted up in irritation. "I swear I'm going to kick your tiny ass, if you—"

Aria tumbles out of her room, almost falling on her face. "I'm ready! I'm ready!"

Spencer stares at her friend, raising her eyebrows, challenging her.

"OK…fine. I just got to put on my shoes…and figure out which shoes I'm going to wear…and then I'll be ready."

Spencer rolled her copper eyes, "Mind if I help? Make this process go by a little faster?"

"Sure," Aria accepted, turning back into her room. Spencer walked pass the couch, down the hallway, and turned into her best friend's room. Spencer stepped over a million piles of clothes to get to the closet Aria was digging through.

Spencer squatted, pulling out various shoes out from her friend's closet.

"Why are you so eager to get to this thing anyway?" Aria asked as she examined a shoe, giving it an odd look before throwing it to the side and continuing the voyage of finding the perfect shoe. "Toby's going to be there. Your arch nemesis."

"Seriously, Aria. I doubt I'll even be seeing much of him. Besides, I've grown. I can handle one night with him."

"Whatever you say…" Aria commented mindlessly, clearly not taking her friend's words to heart. "Aha! I found it!" Aria exclaimed after coming across a golden pair of stilettos. She grabbed the other from the pile that accumulated and sat on her bed to put them on.

Spencer stood up. "I'm serious," Spencer dusted off the imaginary dust on her dress. "Two of my best friends in the world are getting married; I'm not going to ruin it for them with some stupid high school rivalry."

"So, what are you saying? That you're going to make amends with the kid? I'd pay to see that." Aria chuckled to herself.

"Aria, come on we weren't even that bad… we had a few moments, but—"

"Oh no!" Aria put up a finger to silence her friend, giving her attention to Spencer instead of her shoes. "Two Words: Hair Dye."

"OK that was Alison's idea…"

"The Car Wash."

"OK. You know what, Toby got me suspended, SUSPENDED, at that car wash. So, you know…wasn't really my fault."

"Lunch."

"Lunch? We had a lot of lunches."

"Yeah, well I don't really need to be specific considering how many times I got milk or barbeque sauce spilled on me when I ate lunch with you two."

"You know, it's all Caleb's fault. He brought him to our lunch table."

"I'm was friends with him too, Spence."

"Yeah…because of Caleb…" she grouched.

Aria rolled her autumn eyes and stepped up, a good four inches taller. "Spencer, I really don't even understand why you hate him."

"I don't understand why you like him…" she mumbled under her breath, but the tiny girl's ears were easy to catch the murmur of words.

"Nor will I ever…" Aria's eyes did a swoop.

"Can we just getting going? Before Hanna gets too drunk to even recognize who we are?"

"Yes, I just have to—"

Spencer gave her a look.

"I'm just kidding!" the shorter one giggled, "come on" she said taking her the girl's hand "let's go get wasted and make fun of all our old high school friends."

The hall where the engagement party was taking place was not too far from the duo's apartment. It was nothing short of five miles so they didn't have to wait too long until they were walking in the tall doors and signing their names on the guest list booklet.

"I don't see Hanna or Caleb anywhere," Spencer stretched out her neck like a giraffe, her dark mocha eyes scanning the crowd, recognizing a few faces as her old high school pals.

"Well, I don't spot them, but I do see one person we know" Aria announced beside her. Spencer followed her friend's gaze and landed on a tall man with a muscular frame and bronze hair. It almost looked like—Toby.

"Is that…Toby Cavanaugh?"

Aria let out a high pitched laugh. One that usually only came out of her mouth when she was chatting it up with a martini, "Oh, I forgot. You haven't seen him since graduation."

Spencer didn't drop her glare. The last time she saw him he could barely pick up his own juice box and now he was the incredible hulk? The whole thing seemed odd. She couldn't believe it until she sees it…up close that is.

"He's got a little muscle now," Aria dropped her gaze to look at Spencer, ultimately catching her staring at the man. "If you wanted a few pictures, I'm sure I can rally up some for you." Aria teased, clucking her tongue against her teeth.

Spencer immediately shot her eyes down, but they were back up and glaring in a split second. "Shut up," she hissed. "I just think it's strange, is all" the brunette commented after a minute, giving another glance his way. "Why now?"

"I mean, it happened awhile ago."

Spencer gave her a slightly curious look. She didn't want to seem too invested. Not that she was, anyways.

"Like right after high school, I mean, actually… I think it might have started in high school. Late senior year. If you take a look at some photos—Oh look! There's Caleb! They're with each other, come on let's go." Aria reached for the brunette's hand, but she snapped away.

"Seriously?" Spencer groaned.

"Spencer! Caleb's getting married. You were just saying that you could just ignore Toby. What happened to all that?"

"Yeah, I would qualify ignoring as going right up to him."

Aria rolled her eyes, "are you coming or not?"

Spencer tongue rolled around in her mouth, her eyes glaring up at the ceiling, "fine."

Spencer slugged behind the shorter woman as they traveled across the room to meet the two men. Well, the one man and the cretin who went by Toby.

He had to be taking steroids or something. It just didn't add up that in high school he was some skinny, scrawny, tall, less cool, version of Eric Foreman and now he was Hercules. Why? Did he even play sports? She doubted it. Although if she mentioned this question to Aria, or anyone else for that matter, they'll just accuse her of caring. And she so didn't.

As they got closer, Spencer's smile finally found its way. Her best friend of many years looked as happy as anyone could be. Or maybe he was just really drunk. Either way. He had to be at least a little joyful considering the girl he loved said yes to spending their entire life together.

"Congratulations!" Spencer cheered, wrapping her slender arms around the man's side.

Aria joined in, snuggling into his other side. "Our little Caleb is getting married," Aria hummed. "How our child has grown."

He giggled, shaking his head down with that smile he's owned since forever. He wrapped his arms around the girls, contributing in the large group hug. "Glad you guys could make it," he commented after a moment, "now get off of me." He pushed them away gently, laughing.

The two girls took a step back and laughed.

"Toby! Hey, don't think you're getting away without a hug!" Aria said before Toby could make his full escape.

He smiled at her and the two hugged, while Spencer glanced her eyes everywhere else but the duo, trying to avoid Toby.

They stepped out of the hug, and Spencer eye's landed on Toby's…somehow or another.

"Cavanaugh" she spoke rigidly after a second, her shoulders up and body tense.

"Spencer."

"Wow, that's the nicest conversation I've heard between you two since...hmm, ever actually," Caleb commented after a moment.

"Yeah, I have to say I was kind of looking forward to all the bantering" Aria admitted, crossing her arms and looking at Caleb with a frown. "I've sort of missed it."

"It always was a good source of humor."

Spencer rolled her eyes, but a half of a smile formed on her face. Along with Toby.

"You're both really annoying" Spencer remarked to Caleb and Aria.

"Yeah, if I'm going to have to deal with you two's comments all night, I think I'll need another drink" Toby added.

Caleb and Aria smiled broadly at each other. "They're agreeing on something!" Aria announced eagerly.

"Wow, it's a new era. Next thing you'll know, we'll be attending their engagement party" the shaggy haired man sneered.

"Yeah, unless that involves my dead corpse. I don't think that's going to happen," Spencer squinted her mocha eyes, giving a mock of sympathy towards the annoying couplet of Caleb and Aria "Sorry."

"As much as I don't want to agree with her, same."

"You two just can't stop agreeing can you?" Caleb cooed.

"I'm leaving. I need to go find the bride and try to talk her out of making the worst mistake of her life" Spencer announced, turning around and walking back into the crowd.

"She already made that mistake by befriending you!" Caleb called after the girl.

Spencer glared back at Caleb and continued her way, while Toby laughed away along with Aria.

Spencer searched everywhere for the blonde, but she was nowhere to be seen. She had probably ditched the party—her own party—and went to get McDonalds or something. Last time she talked to her, the girl had some huge obsession with it. Especially since the whole McDonald's monopoly thing started which ultimately led her to the bar.

And the one person who she didn't want joining her, did.

He just stood there for a moment, not saying anything, or doing anything. He didn't even order a drink it was like he specifically marched over here to talk to her, or in other words, annoy her.

"What do you want?" she asked, annoyed, turning her head towards him.

"I think we should make a truce." he spoke up after a second.

"Truce?" she popped her eyebrows up at him.

"You know…put our past behind us."

She squinted at him, skeptically.

She was weary to trust him. At one point in time, a little tiny pocket of time during senior year that no one ever knew about, they were friends. But then Toby went off and ruined it all, by sabotaging her physics experiment. The project she had worked all semester on. He ruined it all. She didn't have time to redo the whole thing, so she had to do something else. At that point she only had a week left before the due date, which ultimately weighed down her grade. Her whole GPA.

It wasn't the first time he sabotaged her, but it was different from all the other times. This time he betrayed her. They were supposed to be friends, and he stabbed her in the back. After that little ordeal, things got bad. Worse than they were before. Way worse.

"…if that's possible…" Toby piped up.

Spencer swallowed, catching his eyes again. "Let's just stay out of each other's way, okay? I care about Hanna and Caleb as much as you do and I don't want to spoil it for them, but I also don't see myself cozying up to you anytime soon. So, you stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours. Deal?"

"Deal."

Too bad the universe had other plans for them.

A/N: so what did you think? Want me to continue? I might. If you want me to, I will. So you better tell me if you hated or loved or even remotely liked it in a review. Reviews are nice. Just saying. Maybe you wanna leave one? HEY YOU! Yes YOU! Yes, I think you, my friend, should leave a little something something in the comment box below ;)

No, but really...please tell me your thoughts, concerns, dislikes, wishes below.

Also, if I do continue.

Would you like to see flash backs of them in high school? Tell me!

OK BYE.