I'm so sorry it took a while for me to update. Work's been keeping me busy… I'm also trying to keep up with Shay's, Ash', Keegan's, Mrs. Benson's and other PLL casts' tweets and Ustreams in real life for this fic... Whew! And yeps, we'll have Ian on the next chapters. Big thanks to Shayleychillin / ShayMitchUnite for pointing that out... Will try my best!

I know most of you guys are in school… And not a lot of people actually ship my Shayley and Keeshay… But still, thank you for taking time to read my fic. You guys are beyond awesome!


Chapter 6

Shay and Ash are both lying on Ash' bed... Shay's eyes still set on the ceiling. She's been unconsciously fiddling with her hands, as if trying to channel the unexplainable tension that she's feeling at the moment… She bit her lower lip, hoping 'whatever' unresolved issues that she and Ash had the past week will be resolved this time… Secretly hoping she'd get Ash to talk. "Good luck on that," Shay said to herself in exasperation.

Meanwhile Ash was also feeling a little bit antsy lying next to Shay. She wasn't sure if it was because she's lying way too close to Shay—feeling Shay's warmth burning through her skin… Or how she felt weak, drowning from Shay's faint perfume… Or if it were because she's afraid as to where Shay's questions would lead….

Earlier on Shay already went on pouncing her with questions she wasn't entirely sure how she'd answer. Heck, she wasn't even sure of the answers herself. Ash kept on looking at Shay momentarily, grateful she hasn't caught her stealing glances on her since…

"So, are you ever gonna tell me?" Shay asked.

"You're not gonna let this go, are you? I already told you. I was just…. Well, I was just disappointed that you're moving in with Alex instead of with me."

** Flashback

"Here you go girls," Norman said, pleased and excited for the scenes that they'll be shooting for Season 2 today. He handed the script one by one to each 'liar'. "We'll be up for a table read in a few… I'll just look for Marlene while you girls check on your scripts." All four 'liars' held on to their respective scripts and smiled thankfully at Norman whose back was already turned on them—walking, looking for Marlene.

The 'liars' sat on their usual seats… Shay beside Ash', Troian beside Lucy's… Shay and Troian opened theirs and read the content intently, Lucy flipped through the pages while holding a cup of ice coffee on her left hand, and meanwhile Ash skimmed absentmindedly through the pages… until two of Shay's scenes caught her attention…

Ash frowned while reading on the two scenes… One, where Shay and Keegan will be talking inside Emily's room and then Shay will place a kiss on Keegan's cheek. Ash knows it's just a 'professional kiss', mainly for work… But she felt a pang of jealousy just by reading it… She felt possessive of Shay, not wanting her to share a kiss especially with Keegan…

She secretly complained it's already bad enough she has to deal with the fact that Shay has to kiss a couple more hot girls for the show as Emily… Ash felt silly for feeling jealous over her co-actors who gets to kiss Shay when she herself can't even make the first move… "What the hell am I thinking? Me kissing Shay? Dammit! Erase! Erase those thoughts!" Ash thought to herself while her head moved in disapproval… The other liars' just shot Ash a puzzled look. Shay on the other hand felt like she has an idea on what may be going on in Ash' mind but she parked that thought for the meantime and focused on her script instead…

Secondly, Ash smiled when she read that Shay's character, Emily, will be moving in with her character, Hanna…

Later that day…

Ash waited for Shay to finish her scenes…. She told Shay she could just find her in her usual 'spot'. It didn't take long for Shay to join Ash on her 'spot'… Shay greeted her with a kiss on her left cheek leaving Ash wishing Shay's lips didn't part with her cheek… Ash returned the favor by briefly hugging her… Shay was also welcomed by Ash' familiar smell-it was the kind of smell that will make you think of summer and anything sunshine-ish… A little unusual for Ash but Shay picked it for her… Ash hasn't changed her perfume since… Both girls went on telling each other how it went with their scenes 'til…

"Shannon, you should move in with me."

"Ash, I already am, remember? I mean 'Emily' will be moving in with 'Hanna'. I think Mommy Mar will have us under one roof throughout Season 2. I'm not so sure."

"No, I mean move in with me, like for real," Ash said in a matter-of-fact-tone, her big blue eyes meeting Shay's beautiful brown eyes…

Shay furrowed her eyebrows as if trying to digest what Ash just asked her…

"Are you sure? Aren't you just saying that because of what we just shot today?" Shay said finally.

"No honey. I mean look we can work it out. I'll work it out... You'll do the cooking; I'll do the dishes. You'll do the... Well I'll do the cleaning. I'll do everything but cooking. We can order in pizza every single day. I'll stuff our fridge with chocolates, cupcakes and all of your favorite foods. See? Sooo easy! We can annoy each other everyday and I won't have to pick you up in the morning to drive you to the lot."

"Ash… I… I mean, are you like sure-sure?"

"Never been more sure! Just promise me you'd give it some thoughts, okay?"

"Okay, babe," Shay answered with a smile…

"Is that all? Ash, you know what I mean…" Shay pleaded, interrupting Ash' reminiscent thoughts.

"No. I don't. Just let it go already, okay?" Ash replied in a slightly raised voice.

Shay was slightly taken aback by Ash' tone but she wanted to push her luck, trying to find out more 'answers' from Ash…

"It's just Alex that I'm gonna be sharing the house with… Not some stranger. You know her... I've known her for a long time. And you know we go way back. And besides… I thought you two have warmed up to each other already… I mean we used to go out for shopping and dine outs…"

Ash cut her short and went on saying, "cam whoring, shopping and dining out with her don't always translate to being actual 'friends' with her… even on twitter." Ash said firmly. Did she really have to stress that they go 'way back'? Geez.

"Oh…" Shay debated with herself if she'd ask further… She went on anyway…

"But how come? I mean you used to follow her on twitter, right? And then you unfollowed her… I… Well… Some are still asking… Our fans are curious… I'm curious," Shay said, regretting the last statement that she said because she could sense Ash' mood instantly changed—almost from 'being okay' to 'feeling irate'…

For a moment Ash tried to compose her thoughts… Careful not to hurt Shay with her sarcasm and stubbornness, again…

Ash could hear her mom's words echo in her head… "Ash, sweetie, it's better to lose your pride with someone you love… Rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride… I know you, Ash. You and your pride were born like twins since day one." She tried dismissing her mom's words but she knew from the bottom of her heart that her mom is right… And Shay's not worth losing over her silly pride…

"I know you two are the best of friends… I can be civil with her. I always have anyway," Ash was surprised with her sudden change of mood, sensing Shay's frustration on their talk… Her mood suddenly changed from irritable to pleading Shay not to get upset… She realized only Shay can do that to her… Like challenge her to be the best version of her self… Always.

Ash continued, "I'll behave whenever she's around, I promise… For you, honey." Ash said meaningfully, looking at Shay's direction, hoping Shay would see and feel the sincerity with what she just said.

"I mean, look, hon, nothing's much changed with your moving in with Alex. You can just go to my apartment anytime like you always do. The only difference is I'd worry less about your crazy driving because you're gonna live closer to me now."

"What's wrong with my driving?" Shay asked, puzzled at Ash' remark, oblivious to the fact that her driving has a 'reputation' on her co-stars and crew…

How many times had Ash and her co-stars especially Ian remarked how much of a daredevil she is when it comes to driving… Like recently she and Ash went for a drive to the city and then Shay tried to do all these things at the same time—driving, recording a tweetvid, holding and licking her lollie, dancing to Mr. Saxobeat while telling her fans about hers and Ash' day…

A smile curved on Ash' face, finding it adorable that Shay seems to be oblivious of her 'reputable driving'… "Nothing. Nothing's wrong. You're perfect, honey," Ash replied.

"Oh, alright then," Shay said half-convinced… But a sweet smile escaped from her hearing Ash compliment her that she's plain 'perfect.'

Shay continued, "But Ryan's gonna be there…" Shay felt a tinge of unexplainable displeasure on the mere mention of Ryan's name… Truth be told, she likes 'this' more… spending alone time with Ash whenever, wherever… But lately…

"Alex will be on yours cus she's your housemate now. So all is just fair," Ash shot back, interrupting Shay's thoughts.

"I guess… It's just that. I mean she's one of my best friends… That's different. I don't know… You mentioned before Ryan's already planning of leaving Justin's team. I figured you guys would be spending more time now since he'll have extra time on his hands… That's gonna mean you'd spend less time with me… And…"

"Did I hear it right? Shannon Ashley Mitchell, are you jealous of Ryan Good?" Ash beamed at the thought of Shay getting jealous over Ry. Shay wasn't really the jealous type unlike her… Now she couldn't help but tease Shay nonstop about it.

"Heyyy! I'm so not! I'm just saying my 'Ashley time' might get cut off… I just… Well, you're already spending an awful lot of time with him lately…" Shay said while she did a fake pout, she then crossed her arms, acting defensively, trying to avoid Ash' eyes otherwise hers would be too much of a giveaway to how she really feels towards Ash and her budding relationship with Ryan…

Ash changed her position from lying at her back… this time she's laying on her stomach, her face just a few inches away from Shay's. Shay met her gaze and for a moment they were lost in each other's eyes… And as cheesy as it sounds, Ash felt like the time froze… Letting her and Shay enjoy each other's stares…

Ash couldn't help but adore Shay's big, hazel-brown eyes. Her eyes shifted to her beautiful, pink lips, aroused by the scent of Shay's lip gloss… Then her eyes went back to meeting Shay's gaze…

Shay felt a churn on her stomach… Feeling a little uneasy of her current position with Ash. It was a great-uneasy feeling-whatever you may call it…and she admits to liking it… Liking this… Laying close to Ash…She tried to move to ease up some tension between her and Ash but Ash's right arm is hovered on her waist stopping her from making any movement… She wondered, "had her arms been around me all along?"

"Boy you got my heartbeat runnin' away
Beating like a drum and it's coming your way
Can't you hear that boom, badoom, boom
Boom, badoom, boom bass"

** Super Bass by Nicki Minaj

Shay's ring tone surprised them both, as if snapping them back to reality. Ash' upper half body is pressed against Shay's while she tried to reach out to her side table, trying to grab her iPhone…For a moment, Shay felt a little weak, a little shaken from the tension that they both shared. She was just glad someone called her… "Here," Ash pressed the 'answer' button on Shay's iPhone and then held it to Shay's right ear.

Shay mouthed the words, "Who's this?"

Ash answered, "I don't know. I didn't get to see it. I think it's…"

"Hey, Shay. You up for coffee later?"

Shay was welcomed by the familiar husky voice on the other line…

"Troian! Hey there! I missed you! Um, later? I…" Shay responded while Ash is waiting for her answers, wondering what the two must been talking about over the phone…

"I missed you too! Sorry, mia much. Girl friend duties, as usual," Troian said with a faint laugh.

"I'm sorry… I'm with Ash right now. Some other time?"

"Hmmm, Ash' apmt eh? So you two are okay now?" Troian couldn't help but grin at Shay's reply…

"Yeah," Shay said while she met Ash puzzled eyes, as if trying to decipher what she and Troian are talking about. Shay could tell Troian is smirking on the other line, she added "You know what I mean."

"Well, I won't take any much of your time from your girl. Laters, Shay!" Troian said with a smile. And then the line went dead.

"And? That was Troian? What'd she say?"

"She just asked me how I've been. No biggie."

Ash nodded, a little convinced from what Shay said but she just ignored it. She figured it was just Troian and they usually hang out whenever Troian can.

Ash then changed her position and went back to lying at her back. This time Shay changed her position, went to her side, wrapped her left arm on Ash waist and buried her face on Ash' neck…

"Let's sleep," Ash said out of the blue…

"Huh? Oh... okay...?" Shay said with her eyes already closed, and dutifully followed Ash' request…

Ash glanced at Shay for the last time and kissed her on the forehead... A smile curved on Shay's lips when she felt Ash' kiss on her... Ash then closed her eyes, trying to get some sleep as well… Thankful that everything seems to be okay with them now… "Long day..." Ash thought.

A few hours later…

Mrs. Benson wondered if Shay and Ash are trying to patch things up already… She thought of going to Ash' room earlier to check on the girls but she resorted to baking chocolate cookies instead to while away her time. "They're grown ups. They'll figure it out," she thought to herself.

She removed a pan of cookies off of her oven and enjoyed the freshly baked smell that it offered. She prepared a few for Shay and Ashley… She then went to Ash' room, knocked at her door while holding a tray of cookies and two glasses of juice… When she didn't get an answer, she opened the door and was happy to see that Shay and Ash seem to be okay now…

Shay's left arm was wrapped on Ash' waist… Almost in a spoon position… Both looked sound asleep. Mrs. Benson put down her tray on Ash' side table, tucked in both girls with Ash' blanket and left the room with a happy heart.


At the lot filming for Pretty Little Liars' scenes…

"Shay! Keegan was looking for you. Have you seen him already?" Marlene told Shay, more like informing her more than asking her.

"He was? Oh, okay. I'll just text him." Shay grabbed her iPhone and composed a quick text for Keegan…

Keegan was shooting his scene when he felt his phone vibrated from his pocket. He thought of checking it later but he reasoned out that it could be from someone important. Keegan's face immediately lit up when he saw Shay's name popped up on his phone's screen… His smile went from ear-to-ear when he read Shay's text message…

"Good morning, Sir Keegan. Looking for your princess?"

His eyes looked for Shay but she was nowhere to be found…

"Keegan, stop smiling! You're gonna be doing a drama scene with Troian in a bit," Marlene pointed out to Keegan, trying to get his attention…

"Huh? Oh! I'm so sorry. Hang on," Keegan replied, trying to twitch his face, clenching his jaw, trying to put up a sad face for his next scene… but he just can't. That text from Shay made him lose whatever concentration he mustered for his next scene.

Once done with his shoot, Keegan grabbed a paper bag and looked for Shay…

"Hey there, princess," Keegan whispered to Shay's left ear from her behind…

Shay's eyes widened when she heard Keegan, and then she immediately turned her back and gave him a quick hug….

"I got you something…" Keegan happily handed the paper bag to Shay.

Shay put out her sweetest smile for Keegan and thanked him by planting a swift kiss on his right cheek…

All these exchanges between Shay and Keegan didn't escape Ash' watchful eyes…

"Dammit!" Ash cursed under her breath.


PS:

Ian did tweet before about Shay's driving…

ianmharding: great seeing you barreling down cahuenga last night. I've seen you behind the wheel a lot lately. TERRIFYING.

12 JunFavorite Retweet Reply

A couple of days ago, Ryan trended on Twitter worldwide because apparently he's leaving Justin Bieber's team. I honestly don't want him to leave Justin's. I want him to be with Justin for his world tour. And what does that mean? Less time with Ash. * meanie *

I think Shay and Alex haven't moved in to their new apartment, have they? By the way, I'm not so sure if Ash did unfollow DJ Alex. But rumors had it that Ash used to follow DJ Alex and then for some reasons Ash un-followed her… DJ is still following Ash, at least last time I checked.

Also, if you guys have the link for Brant's (Noel on PLL) latest Ustream, could u please send me the link? He said a couple of stuff about Shayley and Ian. I'll be using it as a reference for this fic. Hehe.

Ooh, have you guys seen Shay's latest Ustream? Isn't it cute that 'honey' is Ash' term of endearment for her? They're so adorbs! That Ustream made my Shayley shipper's heart go boom, boom pow : D

Mmmkay, soooo, what did you guys think of this chapter?

Feedbacks means more chapters! : )