Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone! The fact that you're reading this in general and taking the time to review means a lot to me. I'm going to tear up...no...that's not true...but I do appreciate it :] There was originally a lot more to this chapter, but I decided to split it into two. I'll probably post the next fairly soon!

"I have a proposal for you," Spencer declared as soon as Ashley picked up the phone.

"Well, I'm kind of already engaged, so you're a bit too late." Ashley joked.

Spencer tried to find the humor in that.

"Cute," she replied sarcastically, though she did find everything that Ashley said quite cute, " but my proposal was more along the lines of -do you want to come to the party slash barbecue thing that my parents are having tomorrow? I know it's late notice and it's totally okay if you have plans...or don't want to go...but I figured all of our times spent together were fairly impromptu so why not continue the tradition...and you can bring Kyle if you want..."

She was proud at how she managed to force the final line, though she couldn't help but drop all enthusiasm at the mention of his name.

Ashley laughed softly and Spencer allowed herself to picture the dazzling smile she more than likely wore as she did so, " You just ramble on and on, huh?"

If she wasn't so busy smiling foolishly, Spencer would have been offended.

"Ouchhh. That wasn't a very warm response to an invitation."

Clearly thinking that Spencer was in some way actually offended she corrected herself. "Not what I meant, I'm sorry...Of course I'd like to go tomorrow. Unfortunately, Kyle's out of town so it'll just be me."

"I wasn't really offended," Spencer finally clarified, "I just wanted to make you feel uncomfortable."

"Sadist," Ashley mumbled through a fake coughing fit, "I look forward to seeing you." Her voice changed from mocking to genuine without a moment's notice.

"Did I say I was going? I've got plans, but...have fun with my parents," Spencer clarified.

After giving the brunette the address of her parent's home and the lame message of "bring nothing, but your appetite" that her parents made her pass on, the two hung up.

That night basically consisted of convincing herself that trying to win Ashley's heart (which she hadn't realized she was trying to do until approximately 2AM) would simply be detrimental to all parties involved.

No good would come from pursuing the brunette- she was getting married to Kyle and she was too awesome to lose as a friend.

So, when she woke up the following morning, she was fully prepared to be "the friend."

She allowed herself to just relax and look forward to the party.

She arrived at her old home early to help set up or prepare food with her parents. When she entered the house, the first thing she saw was Clay, Chelsea, Glen, and surprisingly enough, Aiden all sitting on the couch lazily.

"It doesn't count as coming early to help out if you just come early to lounge," Spencer informed them sternly.

"Oh hush, sister," Glen said tiredly, "You're a fun ruiner."

She simply smacked him in the back of the head and went to join her father in the kitchen.

After what seemed like way too much later, guests were arriving and Spencer was pleased that the weather was being especially agreeable for them.

Since the whole neighborhood, many friends, and a few relatives were invited, the yard was slightly crowed.

Spencer just hoped she'd be able to spot Ashley when she got there.

Only moments later, Glen emerged from a pack of people, pulling an uncomfortable, but still completely stunning Ashley along with him.

She was wearing a sundress and Spencer nearly died. She literally couldn't tear her eyes away.

"Hey fun ruiner," he announced, gaining her attention, "look who I found."

"Hey Ash!" Spencer welcomed pleasantly, but as she did this, she took a step towards Glen.

After seeing that he still had a hand wrapped around Ashley's forearm, Spencer quickly grabbed said hand, pull him towards her, and twisted his arm around his back expertly.

Even as he writhed in pain and annoyance, she ignored his attempts to escape. Instead, she remained passive, even friendly as she exchanged pleasantries with the now highly amused brunette before her.

Finally turning her attention to her brother she whispered jokingly to him, "You'd think you'd have learned by now."

"I give up!" He pleaded sourly, "just let me go...and... how are you this strong?"

At this, she let him go, patting him on the back good-naturedly and trying to be a good sport about it, though he was always either a sore loser or an arrogant winner.

He stomped off without another word, probably to go tell on her.

She finally looked back to Ashley, having forgotten she had witnessed the childish exchange, but was pleased to see that Ashley was bent over in uncontrollable laughter.

"What?" Spencer asked smiling, confused as to what was so funny, but unable to not smile when Ashley was looking so happy.

"That was pretty bad ass. I've never seen a guy get his ass handed to him by his sister."

Spencer just laughed along, more than glad that she had entertained the girl.

"Should I be scared of you?" Ashley asked, narrowing her eyebrows at the blonde.

"Are you planning on giving me any sass?" Spencer fired back.

"I wouldn't dream of it" Ashley exclaimed looking appalled, "...fun ruiner."

Spencer gasped and before she could even think of a retort, Ashley was running off towards Aiden and company, still giggling.

When she caught up with the group, Ashley was being introduced to Chelsea. Chelsea asked how Spencer and Ashley had met and they smirked at one another, before sharing the story of their first encounter.

Neither noticed that through the entire story, the were finishing one another's sentences,

"So basically, she's my hero and I owe my life to her...but in reality I only ever hang out with her 'cause I feel like I owe her that. She hasn't got any real friends."

Spencer's conclusion to the story didn't seem to please Ashley who scoffed loudly. She pouted when Spencer refused to retract the statement, pinching her side in revenge.

The blonde squealed and jumped back from Ashley. "No, no, nooo. Not going to happen. I'm wayyyy too ticklish for that."

Despite the argument, Ashley realized the powerful position she was in and just couldn't pass that up. As she moved closer to Spencer, her eyes were mischievous and determined, so naturally Spencer started to run in the opposite direction.

Apparently Ashley was a mutant or on track in high school or something, because she caught up in moments and spun Spencer around to face her. The blonde tried to mentally prepare herself for the torture.

Ashley tickled Spencer's sides for merely seconds before dropping her hands to her sides and giving her a huge smile.

"It's called mercy. Next time I won't be so generous."

The final line was said with a wink and Spencer immediately recalled those as the words Ashley used before getting soaked by a water gun on her behalf.

"Based on past experience, I think you will," Spencer corrected conspiratorially, still very pleased with the image of Ashley winking at her.

"Whatever," Ashley dismissed, "but you've really got to work on not revealing your weaknesses like people aren't going to take advantage of that. You're like, 'I'm Superman. Here you go, you see this kryptonite, don't you use it on me, mister...'cause it's the only thing that can kill me.' "

"Soooo...are you saying that I'm Superman?"

"Basically," Ashley replied sighing with a defeated smile.

Spencer was terrified to find that while she was thankful that Ashley chose not to torture her as just about everybody else did when she revealed how ticklish she was, she still was a little bit dissapointed that Ashley's hands weren't on her for longer.

Definitely not a friendly thought.

She decided to make a figurative folder in her mind for all of those unfriendly and Ashley related thoughts-but at the rate she was going, it would soon become a filing cabinet.

"Wanna meet my parents?" Spencer offered hopefully.

Ashley nodded eagerly and Spencer foolishly ignored the alarms in her head when taking Ashley's hand in her own to guide her through the throng of people around them.