I own no part of SON

Peace and love to you all.

"So she didn't say what she wanted, just that she was coming over?"

"Yeah it was really strange."

Becky just shrugs and continues watching MTV reality shows. Ashley called me about fifteen minutes ago claiming she needed to see me ASAP. So now I'm standing in the hallway staring at our door, almost willing a knock from her.

"Spence…please sit down, you're scaring me."

I don't look away from the door just flip off Becky.

"Ok I'll sit down when you put clothes on, you're scaring me."

It's the truth she's dressed in underwear like clothes again and I don't need her prancing around practically naked.

"Ooo I don't think so, I like what I'm wearing."

I'm about to go over and slap Becky in the face when there's a loud rap at the door. I practically trip over myself to get to the door. As soon as I open the door I'm engulfed in a breath stealing grasp. It takes only a moment for me to wrap my arms around her and bury my face in her hair.

I can feel her heart racing against my chest and her hot breaths hitting my neck.

"Ash what's going on?"

"I just need you right now. I need you so bad."

I can feel hot tears running down my neck from her face. I had no idea she was upset. I gently lead her to the couch that Becky has disappeared from and lay down. She immediately cuddles on top of me and continues her quiet sobs.

I hold her until she finally drifts to sleep. I continue to hold her as she twitches in her sleep and frowns uncomfortably. The only way I can get her to calm down is by stroking her arm.

"Shhh baby sleep. I'm right here."

As she finally calms down Becky reappears, fully clothed thank God.

"Hey what's up with her?"

She whispers as she settles into the recliner across from us.

"I dunno Becks but its pretty bad, I mean I've only seen her like this when we were fighting."

I feel Ashley starting to stir on top of me and her eyes start to flutter open.

"Spence?"

Her voice is groggy and when she shifts her weight one of her legs slips between mine causing me to bite back a moan. Oh God she has to quit doing that.

"Uh huh."

My breathing is becoming shallower and I can practically feel my eyes go dark. Jesus one touch that's all it takes from her. She shifts again pressing down even harder and I can't help it when a throaty moan escapes me, as I bury my face in her hair.

"Spencer what the…"

She glances down at our position and I watch her eyes darken.

"Oh shit I'm sorry."

She doesn't move just continues to lay there on my with her leg wedged snuggly in between mine, staring into my eyes. Just as she starts to lean in we get interrupted again.

"Uh guys? Still here, yeah as much as I love you both I don't think I wanna see you two like this, so please move."

Eh crap I completely forgot about Becky and by the way Ashley is blushing deeply I'd say she forgot too. Ashley sits up off me and I sit straighter next to her. I'm surprised again when she cuddles into my side and when I look down at her face silent tears are running from her eyes.

"Hey Becks could you give us a minute?"

"No problem. Whatever it is, feel better Ash."

I smile widely at my best friend as she walks over and places a quick kiss on the top of Ashley's head and then quickly walks to her room.

"Ash what's going on?"

She doesn't move, doesn't look at me and I'm getting worried.

"Mom and I had a fight."

Her words are whispered and she clutches me tighter as if I'm some sort of life preserver. I rub her arm and pull her closer. I don't like seeing this strong woman in shambles.

"Wanna talk about it?"

I can feel her stiffen so I immediately know what they argued about. They fought about me.

"Ash, just tell me. I can handle it."

I hear her sniffle and feel her release a shuddering breath.

"She saw us the other day, in the gardens. She said she saw how I was looking at you and that she knew I still loved you. Then she found out about Michelle and me breaking up. Oh Spencer she lost it. Saying I'm an idiot for loving you, that you'll only destroy me again. Of course I yelled back and we both said some nasty things. I-I couldn't handle her saying those things about you, it made me so angry that she couldn't accept how much I love you, how much I need you."

Ashley starts sobbing again and I rub soothing circles on her back, whispering reassurances in her ear.

Weird I always felt like Christine liked me but I guess that can change when you shatter her baby girl's heart.

"Ashley, look at me."

Her gaze rises to meet mine.

"She had every right to say those things about me. I was selfish and stupid for leaving you, for hurting you. Christine doesn't know me now though. She doesn't know that I'm sticking around for good, to be with you. Which brings me to my next thing I have to tell you…"

I feel guilty when I see panic flash across her face.

"Which is?"

My heart hurts when I look at her and see that she's waiting for me to let her down. I really fucked this up last time. I lace our hands together and kiss her knuckles.

"I'm moving back to Ohio, indefinitely."

The words are hanging between us and I stare at her blank face waiting for some sort of reaction. This is really not what I was expecting; hell I'd even take her illogical anger right now.

"Ash, now would be a really good time to say something becau-"

I'm cut off by the iron death grip she has around my neck. She's laying quick kisses all over my face, never hitting my lips.

"I'm *kiss* so *kiss* happy!"

I laugh as she shoots off the couch heading to the kitchen, her previous saddened state all but a distant memory. I watch as Ashley sets a bottle of wine on the counter and then disappears down the hall. She reappears moments later with a very confused Becky.

"Uh Spence what'd you do to her? I think she's going crazy!"

Ashley laughs deeply and my heart melts again. Good God she has to quit doing this or I might combust.

"Becky didn't Spencer tell you the good news?"

I look at Ashley with pleading eyes, trying to tell her to stop.

"Wait, what does she mean Spence?"

I grab Becky by the shoulders and take a deep breath.

"Well I was going to wait to tell everyone at the same time but I guess that's just not going to happen. I'm moving back, I'm coming home."

I watch as Becky's simple mind takes in the information and I grin when I see the light bulb go off.

"AHHHHHHH!"

Becky's strong arms grab me and lift me off the floor as she spins around rapidly. I grin like an idiot as we crash to the floor with her still holding onto me.

"Becky, Becks let me go!"

She releases me and we generously take the glasses of wine Ashley has poured us.

"To Spencer and finally coming home!"

"Fuck yeah to Spence!"

I grin at them both a take a deep sip.

"I'm calling Ky and Madison, they are so coming over to celebrate!"

Ashley disappears into my room as Becky and I stay with the wine. It's been five minutes and Ashley is still in my room. I know it doesn't take that long to call two people. I walk to my door and raise my fist, wait I don't have to knock on the door to get into my own room.

I stride through the door but freeze when I see Ashley sitting on my bed clutching the picture of us with silent tears running down her face.

"You kept this?"

I don't answer just walk to where she sits and take the broken frame out of her hand. I study the picture and my chest aches from the memory. Although things are getting better I'm not naïve enough to think it's magically better.

"Yeah."

I walk back to my dresser and return the frame to its resting place. I sigh when I feel her hug me from behind and her hands snake around my waist to latch together across my stomach. I let out a deep breath and lean my head back against her shoulder.

"We'll get there. We have to."

She husks the words against my ear and this time she's the one with confidence. As the door busts open we jump apart like someone caught us in a dirty act.

Kyla stands in the doorway with a smirk on her face.

"You two coming?"

We look at each other and I give her a small nod. Ashley walks ahead of me, she looks amazing in her tight jeans, and grabs another glasses of wine.

We spend the rest of the night drinking away all the problems and celebrating all that is good in our lives. I faintly remember collapsing into bed and a warm body snuggling up to mine as I drift into a blissful slumber.

Another one. The wedding should be soonish and I'll prolly get another one up tomorrow for V-Day. Happy singles awareness!

Songs: Hanging By a Moment by Lifehouse, There You Are by Martina McBride, and Lost by Michael Buble.