Author's Note: Sorry about not getting to this sooner! Past month has felt like a conspiracy to keep me from writing. Again it is so flattering to read the kind things people have said about this story. Thank you.

This chapter is a tad more Glee-heavy so I apologize if any of the references don't make sense. For what it is worth, finding some brief clips of "Fondue for Two" will help clarify that scene.

Facebook chat. April 7th. Third person POV.

Spencer Hastings: I don't know.

Paige's breathing hitched for a second. I'm not just imagining this. This pull. Paige didn't want to be the sort of girl who pines again. She had loved Emily for so long. She didn't want to be the same person in the same situation with Spencer.

Paige McCullers: What do we do?

Spencer Hastings: Regardless of how we feel our situation hasn't changed. We can't…I can't…

Paige knew it would be better to just agree, even though she wanted to pull apart and analyze all her feelings towards the other girl.

Paige McCullers: I know…I wish things were different though.

Paige McCullers: I want you again.

Spencer forgot to breathe for a second. She wanted Paige too. She had tried to forgot about her weekend with the other girl, but their new rapidly developing friendship only made her think of Paige more. She supposed she must have always found Paige a little attractive, with her athletic build and competitive edge. With her sincere brown eyes.

Spencer Hastings: I know. I want you too.

Spencer Hastings: Will you be back home for the summer?

Paige McCullers: Yes

Paige McCullers: I'll be back mid-June.

Spencer Hastings: June! That is a month after mine.

Paige McCullers: Stanford goes by quarters.

Spencer Hastings: That is the worst news I have heard all day.

Paige's stomach fluttered again. Spencer wanted to see her. She was upset she wouldn't see her sooner.

Paige McCullers: I can't wait to see you again either.

Facebook chat. April 8th. Third person POV.

Spencer Hastings: …so there's something I've always wanted to try. In bed.

Paige McCullers: …well hi to you too

Spencer didn't write back for a few moments that felt like minutes.

Paige McCullers: What do you want to do?

Spencer Hastings: Do you have a strap-on?

Paige McCullers: No…

Spencer Hastings: Oh

Spencer immediately felt a flush of relief. She didn't want to think about Paige and Emily together like that. Or together at all. But she did like the idea of trying something that was new for the both of them.

Paige McCullers: But I could get one. If that's what you want.

Spencer did want it. But she didn't want Paige to get it just for her.

Spencer Hastings: Oh no I wouldn't want you to buy one just for me. It was just a thought.

Paige McCullers: So you have been thinking of me like that?

Spencer Hastings: I thought that was obvious. I mean

Spencer Hastings: You are hot. It was hot hooking up.

Paige shifted in her seat, biting back a moan. This was going to be a long end of the semester.

Same Night. Paige's POV

"Come on Paige. Karaoke at the Old Pro! You love karaoke!" Claire called from her room into mine. One of the few advantages of paper thin walls was the ability to easily hear one another when we wanted to talk without moving.

I tried to ignore her while simultaneously trying to figure out what to say to Spencer. And trying to get a grip on how it was all making me feel. I jumped at dull but loud thump against my door.

"STOP throwing things at my door. I'll come." I yelled.

Paige McCullers: I would love for you to continue this train of thought…but I just agreed to go sing karaoke with Claire.

Paige McCullers: I promise it won't be Journey or show tunes.

Spencer Hastings: Well that is a relief. Have fun.

Same Night. Spencer's POV

I am so foolish. I was basically throwing myself at Paige McCullers and she would rather go drink and sing just like one of my roommates.

She is Emily's ex-girlfriend. I had started so many texts to Emily trying to explain what had happened. What was apparently still happening? It could have, should have been a one or two night stand. But with talking every night, I had gotten to know Paige so well.

Hey Em we need to talk…like old school on the phone talk…

Funny story! I got tipsy and had sex with Paige! Yes that Paige! Isn't that funny and not the least but upsetting or awkward?

You broke up with Paige right? You wouldn't care if we hooked up every now and then?

None of that seemed appropriate. I could only imagine how upset Aria or Hanna would be if I slept with Ezra or Caleb respectively. Hanna even more so considering she was still dating Caleb. But I didn't want either of them. Something had sparked between Paige and I and now even though I should let it go I wanted more.

Same Night. Paige's POV

I grab the mic and clear my throat before launching in. I had to do something to try and clear my head about Spencer. Well sorta. The song I chose isn't going to help get her off my mind. I hear Claire woot at the start of the song.

All I am is a man

I want the world in my hands

I hate the beach

But I stand

In California with my toes in the sand

Use the sleeves of my sweater

Let's have an adventure

Head in the clouds but my gravity's centered

Touch my neck and I'll touch yours

You in those little high-waisted shorts, oh

She knows what I think about

And what I think about

One love, two mouths

One love, one house

No shirt, no blouse

Just us, you find out

Nothing that I wouldn't wanna tell you about, no

I got a modest amount of applause before returning to our table. Emily and Tara were there too. I always made it a point to call Emily by her full name. Em was only reserved for one person that I tried to forget about as much as possible.

"Wow. Are you retiring emo Pink and Tegan & Sara songs? This is a huge character development." Claire stated, looking at me in mock-shock.

"I could never retire my Pink covers, emo or otherwise. Just a slight change of pace for the mood I'm in." I offered, taking a swallow of the beer in front of me.

"So she asked you to buy a strap-on?" Claire asked, glancing up to make sure she had embarrassed me by bring it up in front of Emily and Tara. I could feel my skin flush, my cheeks turning rosy.

"Damnit Claire. But yes she did. Well she said it would be hot to use one."

"Those can be expensive. But we can brave the sex store with you Paige." Tara said, tapping my hand gently.

"I like…" I took another big gulp of my beer, finishing the last of the pint. Claire wordlessly poured me more from out pitcher, gesturing for me to continue. "I mean…I'm not even sure how big it should be." Claire rolled her eyes, exasperated.

"Do you guys just constantly forget I'm actually straight? I know about what a good size should be. Don't be so dense, I can help with this too." I flushed again.

"Thanks guys. New subject please." I pleaded.

"Did you tell her how you actually feel?" Claire asked. I rolled my eyes.

"That is the same topic."

"No it is not. First we were talking about your sex life. Now we are talking about your romantic life. They are not always the same thing, as in this case." Claire clarified smugly.

"Not exactly. I'll figure that part out later. Right now I just want to enjoy what is actually happening."

"Just don't get hurt. We all want you to be happy."

Facebook chat. April 12th. Third person POV.

Spencer Hastings: At this point, it is the exception to the norm when they aren't just dating their exes from high school again. They just had this random outbreak where they all decided to reunite, including Sam and Mercedes.

Paige McCullers: Wait which one is Mercedes?

Spencer Hastings: Don't even ask. You don't want to get sucked into this musical afterschool special that has become my life.

Paige McCullers: I think that is an accurate statement.

Spencer Hastings: WAIT BRB

Paige wondered about the sudden use of caps lock, which was unlike Spencer. She also hoped it wouldn't be too weird that she had braved the sex store with Claire and bought the strap on. It was still a lot to take in. Em and her had been so new at the physical stuff, they had never gotten into introducing toys are doing much beyond the basics. It was so different with Spencer, who seemed worlds more experienced and forthright with what she wanted. Maybe that stemmed from her situation with-

Spencer Hastings: Santana is back! I have to go but talk soon okay?

Paige felt a pang of jealousy she instantly regretted. Spencer didn't even stay on long enough her to say bye.

Same Night. Spencer's POV.

"Santana!" I exclaimed, jogging up to hug her tight against me. I noticed a blonde girl right behind her, watching us with a vague look of understanding.

"Is this Spencer or did Rachel actually get hot?" She asked. Then she waited for an answer.

"SERIOUSLY. YOU ARE JUST AS BAD AS SANTANA." Rachel barked from her room.

"Nice to see you again." Santana whispered in my ear before quickly kissing the side of it and my cheek as she pulled away. "Spencer this is Brittany." I held out my hand to shake, Brittany took it and looked me straight in the eyes.

"We should have fondue."

Same Night. Third Person POV.

Fondue for two (Hey!)

Fondue for two (Yes!)

That's some hot dish!

Fondue for two!

Spencer looks nervously from Brittany to Santana to the melted pot of cheese, hoping for something to provide clarification on what is happening.

"Welcome back to another edition of Brittany S. Pierce's Fondue for Two…"

"Is that cat filming this?" Spencer asked in a hushed tone. The cat glared at her so she dropped the subject.

"So today's guest is the hottest girl ever slash my new girlfriend again Santana Lopez. As well as Spencer Hastings whose biggest claim to fame is sleeping with Santana when I wasn't around." Spencer looks too surprised to even be angry.

"Spencer now that I'm back I'm sure you understand that sleeping with Santana is off-limits."

"Is that a question or a statement? Either way Santana and I are just friends now." Spencer murmured, glancing quickly at Santana. She hoped the other girl would provide some insight as to what was going on and Brittany's behavior, but Santana seemed to look at Brittany with nothing but love and admiration.

"Does that mean you have someone else to deal with your lady bit urges? LORD TUBINGTON NO!" Brittany barked at the cat, who was somehow trying to light fireworks near Rachel's door.

"Uh…I guess there is someone that is helping me with…how did your cat even get access to fireworks? And how on earth would he know how to light them?" Spencer sputtered. Santana was looking at her, jaw dropped open in shock.

"You hooked up with that girl from Rosewood? Your best friend's ex-girlfriend?" Now Brittany looked positively gleeful with this new drama that had just been unearthed.

"Santana!" Spencer scoffed, before cracking a small grin and nodding meekly.

"How was it? Are you going to see her again?" Santana asked.

"It was good. I think so?" Brittany turned to the camera after Spencer finished answering the question.

"That was definitely one of the best Fondue for Two's in recent memory."

Facebook chat. April 15th. Third person POV.

Spencer Hastings: So what do you do with your time now that the swim season is over?

Paige McCullers: Pretty much drink.

Spencer rolled her eyes.

Paige McCullers: And talk to you.

And think about you. Paige thought to herself.

April 26th. Spencer's POV.

I was exhausted from my shift at the diner, ready to talk to Paige online for a bit before passing out and attempting to go to class early the next morning. It was times like this my mind would flicker back to the drugs. How they kept my awake and alert through all the stress and challenges in high school. No more of that easy way out.

As I slid the loft door back in place, I turned and nearly gasped in shock. It wasn't like they were doing anything to startle me, but I hadn't expected anyone to be awake and up in the loft. Yet there Kurt and Rachel were. They were sitting silently in the dark, quiet night. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed the back of their heads amidst the layers of strange shadow the moonlight created.

When you live with talkative singers you get used to almost always hearing noise. Even when they weren't making it with their mouths, they would be playing music or dancing or clanging together pots and pans for group dinners. But now they were so quiet and still. I would be concerned, but I figured both of them didn't suddenly die sitting upright next to one another.

"Hey guys." I said softly, walking towards them. They didn't turn. Standing right behind the couch I finally noticed it. They were looking at a picture of Finn and some letters he had written them while he had been in the army for his extremely short-lived stint. They were softly crying.

I felt my heart crack, like one of my ribs had punctured it. Toby had just left me. He hadn't died. I couldn't imagine what Rachel and Kurt were going through. I didn't want to ever even have to imagine losing someone I care about again.

I retreated to my tiny bedroom and logged in.

Facebook chat. April 26th. Third person POV.

Paige McCullers: Hey you are on late. How was the diner?

Spencer Hastings: Very tiring.

Spencer Hastings: Promise me something?

Paige McCullers: What?

Spencer sighed, not sure how to write what she needed to. She decided to be direct.

Spencer Hastings: That you know we are just hooking up.

Spencer Hastings: That you will never fall in love with me.

Paige felt like an icy fist had just punched her in the chest. She felt some strange combination of hurt and angry and didn't know which was more appropriate.

Paige McCullers: Where is this coming from?

Spencer Hastings: I just don't want to hurt you or give you the wrong idea.

Or most importantly, get hurt myself Spencer thought. Spencer didn't want another Toby. It aggravated her that by talking so much and so often to Paige she had entertained the notion that something more could be between them. Things broke no matter what.

Paige McCullers: Okay.

Spencer knew from the period Paige tacked on that she shouldn't talk about this again, and that it was definitely not okay by Paige.

Spencer Hastings: I'm going to get to bed I'm exhausted.

Paige McCullers: Good night.

Paige logged off before Spencer could say goodnight back.

April 27th. Paige's POV.

"I don't know. She just froze me out. It was really sudden." I told Claire, relaying the brief conversation I had with Spencer yesterday. I didn't say what really bothered me. It is two-fold. That she basically accused me of taking her and this thing too seriously…or the fact that I was the one in danger of falling. It hurt all over again.

"Let's go out. We need beer and dancing." Claire said, grabbing my wrists. I shrugged and followed her out the door.

"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Claire asked as we browsed the sex shop.

"What better time?" I said, nodding to the different styles of sex toys. Some of the items in the shop were comical, particularly the varied collection of blow-up sex dolls and porn movies.

"When we are sober for one...not after Spencer had a weird freak out about the situation for two…" She muttered before pointing to one particular toy.

"That one!" Claire exclaimed. I responded with a noise somewhere between a shush and a hiss. The employee on duty looked up from his newspaper wearily.

"It is a little big but that is sort of the point if you are buying one. And you will want lube." Claire asserted. I was just trying to nod while willing the blush on my cheeks to subside.

"Whatever you say."

"Even if things don't work out the way you want them to with Spencer, it is still good to have stuff like this. It will help you spice it up in the bedroom in general." Claire wagged her eyebrows suggestively.

"You remind me a lot of Hanna sometimes." I said.

Facebook chat. April 30th. Third person POV.

Paige felt it was better to just try and have a normal conversation rather than try to broach the impenetrable wall Spencer threw up in their last conversation.

Paige McCullers: Hey.

It was almost a painful relief to see Paige online and talking to her again since their last conversation. Spencer has exchanged a few generalities with Paige via text, but for the most part Paige was keeping an emotional distance.

Spencer Hastings: Hey! How have you been?

Paige McCullers: Things have been alright.

Paige McCullers: Nothing I can't handle, especially with swim season being over. What about you?

Spencer Hastings: School has been stressful, especially while working nearly full-time at the diner.

Spencer Hastings: Sorry about our last conversation on here.

Spencer Hastings: I still meant what I said, but I'm really looking forward to seeing you.

Paige McCullers: I know.

Paige McCullers: I am looking forward to seeing you too.

This conversation was good. Paige was taking the boundaries she set in stride, or at least right now while they were nowhere near one another.

Spencer Hastings: I feel like I never knew you till these past few months. Like when I see you, you will look different or something.

Paige McCullers: Well I haven't done any drastic new haircuts since you last saw me. Despite my fondness for abrupt hair style changes.

Spencer Hastings: Would it be weird if we did a Google hangout?

Paige looked down at her outfit. Not the best but acceptable.

Paige McCullers: Sure. Will I be serenaded by your roommates?

Spencer Hastings: I'll see what I can do…to avoid that at all costs.

After a bit of fiddling with the volume, finding her mic and plugging it into the jack, Paige finally heard and saw Spencer on her screen. Spencer looked impossibly beautiful, even more so than Paige remembered.

Paige looked so cute. And hot. Somewhere between hot and cute. And even though she had not done anything drastically different to her hair, Spencer did think Paige looked different. Well she was tanner, probably from visiting the beach more. But it was this strange feeling of having built a certain image of Paige in her head over the last couple months and being reminded what Paige actually looked like.

Spencer reached out and stroked Paige's pixeled image even though it instantly embarrassed her to do it. What a sap.

"Uh…did you just stroke my face? Like my pixel face?" Paige asked, looking confused before smirking.

"Sorry. Hey." Spencer said.

"Hey." Paige replied. Suddenly they were both bashful.

"Want to give me a tour? Do you have a built-in mic?" Paige asked.

"Yes and absolutely. But I have to warn you I won't be able to strip during this tour as my roommates are around everywhere. Since they have multiplied like ants recently." Spencer added.

"Fair enough." Paige said, laughing.