Hey everyone, so sorry I've taken this long to post this. Since it's been so long since I started back up with the post again, I had to get this version of Spencer and Ashley correct and do them justice while I've been having other versions of them race through my mind. Also writing is what I want to do for a living so I've been working on my own projects that have been taking time away from writing this fic. With that being said. I hope you guys enjoy this, I didn't get to go through it with a fine tooth comb so forgive me if grammar is abysmal. I know that always takes away from the experience so hopefully I went through it enough to keep all your interests intact. Please keep the reviews coming, they mean a ton and honestly the more reviews I get the more I want to keep writing, it's great practice for me and you guys seem to enjoy what I write. I've already got to other stories underway so yeah...let me know what you think and next chapter is the last one! So don't be shy! Thanks for reading!
Save the Date
"What'd you think of that place?" The photographer asks her assistant as they climb into the car. They've been scouting office space all morning. Ashley needs to find a space quickly because she only has a few more days before she has to leave. She completely forgot about the job she took until this morning. An email from an associate reminding her about the profile piece she promised to shoot in New York. She's worked the subject before and they specifically asked for her.
"It didn't have enough light, and there wasn't enough space for two offices and a dark room."
Ashley sighs as she runs a hand through her short brown hair. This is the fifth spot they've been to this morning and she is becoming a little impatient. She knows Chase is right, doesn't make it any easier. The photographer's assistant cranks the car on and pulls away from the vacated building.
"You know we don't have to find it right now."
Ashley drops her head against the window and watches as the buildings whiz by. She groans her response. She knows this obvious fact, but she feels it necessary to get it done before she leaves. It's a statement. One she needs to make to ease any possible worry that could arise in Spencer. If she's honest with herself, to ease any possible worry that could arise in her. Sure, Spencer is everything she's been waiting for, that's reason enough to come back, reason enough to stay, but staying home and waiting for Spencer to get off of work is not ideal for the brunette. She's traveled the world for the last ten years. She didn't even go to college in the states. Staying in one place is not in her forte. Finding a place now means Ashley's willing to break old habits and form new ones.
"Where's the next spot on the list?" Her head drops lazily as she looks over at him. He sheds a sheepish smile, grabs her hand and squeezes it gently.
"I'm scared too Ash."
She smiles softly and squeezes his hand back. He drops her hand to rest his on the wheel, drumming his fingers in a steady rhythm.
"Chase…" She calls out softly and he grunts while he keeps his eyes on the road. "She asked me to marry her."
Chase whips his head to face Ashley, his hair swinging along in the motion. He stares at her for several seconds, a blaring horn causes him to refocus his attention. He swerves the car a bit and regains control. He flinches when Ashley punches him on the arm.
"I'm sorry, I just...marriage!" He shrieks. "Like married, with a whole like wedding and white and rings and doves?" He stammers out stupidly, brown eyes stare worriedly.
"Are you having a seizure? What's happening?" She asks with a laugh. He gives her a dry chuckle.
His large hand runs through his curly dark brown tresses, he rests his hand on his neck. Letting the thought settle in his mind.
"I completely get the whole finding an office now thing." He finally responds. Ashley pops her brows up once and purses her lips together.
"Yeah, it feels like something that needs to be done. Like it'll solidify my answer, I suppose."
Chase grunts again. Ashley turns in her seat and squints at her assistant. She bites the inside of her bottom lip. Surveying the tall man driving he quickly glances at her. Adjusting himself in the chair, uncomfortable with her gaze. He clears his throat and starts to whimper.
"Stop staring at me."
Ashley stares harder causing him to growl. The brunette chuckles and waits for Chase to say what he's really thinking.
"Ash...you're getting married?"
"Yes." She says with a bright smile. Her mind flashes to Spencer and how very freaked out she was earlier this morning. Chase is acting very much how Ashley imagined Sammie to have acted. Of course the concept of marriage after being together for a total of less than two months over a period of seventeen years is a difficult one to grasp. However unfathomable the idea of them getting married; the idea of them not taking that step is just as unbelievable. Ashley lets her mind wander to her, now, fiancee. The love of her life, the girl she's been in love with since she completely understood what love was. Realizing that one day will never be enough, that day has finally come and whether people wanted to agree or not, wasn't an issue Ashley would worry herself with. To other people it may be crazy, for a split second it was to her as well, but right now, as she searches for a place to call home, nothing makes more sense.
"This seems so...sudden. I mean,I know your guys' love is one for the ages but...marriage, Ash."
Chase finally comes to a stop light. He takes a chance to look at his boss for a bit longer without causing a on head collision.
Ashley pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and smiles. It's Chase's turn to survey his boss. His eyes squint in observation and he can't help the smile that spreads across his face.
"I get to be the best man."
"Even if you have to wear a dress?" Ashley asks jokingly and Chase flamboyantly flips his hair causing the brunette to erupt in laughter.
"I will totally rock a dress at this wedding...holy crap Ashley. You're getting married. Just a couple weeks ago you were freaking about telling her how you felt and now, now you're engaged to the girl."
Ashley's smile couldn't get wider. At least, that's what she thought as a rush of emotions flood her body. The hairs on her arm raise as goosebumps grow and she covers her eyes as she blushes. The thought dawns on her for the first time after not being around Spencer and her heart races.
"Oh my goodness Chase, I'm getting married."
They stare at each other and an impatient driver behind them honks bringing their attention back to the road. Ashley sits straight in the chair and stares out into the horizon, envisioning her life with Spencer.
After an entire day of office searching with very little luck, Ashley and Chase drop onto the couch of her suite and both take a sip of their drink. They both exhale as the sting of the liquor flows down their throats.
"I hope apartment hunting isn't this bad." Chase groans as he kicks off his shoes. His boss groans at the thought and takes another sip.
He glides his large hand through his messy hair and slouches further into his seat.
"Everything's going to be different now, isn't it?"
Ashley lulls her head to face him, her brows furrow. She can hear the sadness in his voice.
"Well...yeah, they are." She answers honestly. He just nods.
"No more adventures, traveling the world, running for planes, trudging through a snowstorm in Sweden to send out letters." He quips and chuckles softly when Ashley lightly smacks his stomach.
She smiles softly and allows her mind to wander back to the memory. She's been through a lot of crazy experiences with the man next to her. It's a wonder how many adventures she's had and yet falling in love has been the greatest of them all.
"Well, it's not going to be all the time but we can still go on some overseas jobs...Or just you." Ashley offers, slightly sad at the thought of Chase working without her; but there's a time for everything and maybe this is it.
He shakes his head no before slowly sipping the amber liquid in his glass. "No...it's me and you Ash. You gave me a chance when I was struggling the most and I don't want to do what I love with anyone but you."
Ashley grabs his hand and he squeezes hers gently. She often remembered hearing Spencer complain about having a sibling but there were the times where she would really talk about how much she appreciated him. Ashley was never really able to relate until Chase. They share a moment and Chase turns on the television, tuning into National Geographic. Ashley smiles at him because she knows he likes to point out the pictures in the intros of the shows that were theirs. He can be such a little kid.
The brunette's phone goes off and she answers the call cheerfully.
"Love of my life." The photographer greets.
"I think Spencer will get jealous Ashley, you better watch what you say." Chase teases, his eyes still on the television. Ashley stands and walks into the bedroom, but not before mushing her assistant's head. He whines petulantly and she focuses her attention back on her blonde.
"How are you?" Spencer asks gently.
"Exhausted, spent the entire day looking for offices with nothing to show for it. You?" She asks as she drops onto the bed, buries her fingers into her hair. Spencer marvels at how short it is but it's been shorter and she contemplates a cut.
"Busy as well, but I actually called to see if you would meet me."
"But I'm tired." Ashley whines already getting up and grabbing her keys to meet her girlfriend.
"I know and any other time I'd say forget it, but I really need to see you."
"Are you okay?" Ashley asks, a bit of panic rising in her heart. She doesn't know why her mind automatically assumes there's something wrong, it's just when it comes to Spencer that's how her mind is built.
The blonde giggles on the other line. "Yes Otter, I'm fine. Just meet me at our spot."
I look at the time and it's already a quarter to ten. "Spence baby, it's closed."
"Not for us, just come." She orders gently and Ashley complies.
"See you in a bit."
Ashley hangs up her call with Spencer and on her way out she lets Chase know that she's leaving. He just waves a dismissive hand as she leaves the room. Her head swims around his remark of things changing. Change was a normal thing for Ashley. Always having to travel, it's the not changing that is going to take some getting used to. It's not that Ashley doesn't want to get used to it, what if she doesn't adjust as well as she'd like? What if staying the same is what stumps her. A life with Spencer is all she's wanted for a really long time, but she's never really thought about what that would entail. Being with Spencer is definitely what she's wants, staying in the same spot all the time, that's the real challenge. Her heart quickens as she becomes a little anxious. She holds onto the rail of the elevator when she steps inside trying to contain her balance.
"Get a grip Ashley." She berates herself, reminding herself that Spencer is worth the effort. She closes her eyes, running a hand over her face. The elevator comes to a stop and she exits, cool, calm, and collected.
Ashley pulls up to the very dark parking lot of the aquarium. She looks around, searching for signs of Spencer. The photographer calls her girlfriend but it goes straight to voicemail. She reluctantly gets out of the car and starts across the parking lot.
"I swear Spencer, if you get me murdered I'm going to kill you." She tells no one but herself as she walks at a brisk pace toward the entrance of the building. She pulls on the door and is thankful when it opens. The lights are dim and the only sound are the rhythmic steps Ashley takes as she walks further into the lobby.
"Penguin?" She calls out hoping the pet name will deter the blonde from whatever scare tactic she may have planned.
There was no answer.
Ashley sighs and calls out to her girlfriend again. This time a little more sternly.
"Spencer, where the hell are you?"
"Up here!" Ashley jumps a little and looks up at the televisions that surround the lobby. They're usually playing videos of the sea animals, providing random facts about the various creatures that occupied the aquarium or sometimes show displays of special offers that visitors can take advantage of. However this time it's the smiling blonde taking over the screens.
"What the hell Spence?" Ashley asks a little startled. Her eyes dance around not sure which screen to look at.
"I'm sorry Otter, I didn't mean to scare you."
Ashley doesn't need to ask Spencer how she did any of what she's doing. She's known her long enough to know that wires, videos, and computers were a hobby of Spencer's. Ever since she were a kid, the inception of her interest had to do with evolving pranks. Seems she's back at her old ways. No Ashley doesn't need to know how, but she does need to know why.
"Penguin, what kind of shenanigans are you pulling?"
"Just hush, and play along yeah?"
"You know it's creepy when you do this stuff right? Is there going to be some tiny person riding in here on a tricycle?"
Spencer shakes her head and gives her girlfriend a scolding gaze. Ashley throws her hand up and nods.
"I'm all yours."
Spencer smiles brightly. "That's what I'm hoping for." Ashley's heart skips a beat and she rests her hand over her chest making sure it starts back up.
"I want to take you down memory lane. It was right here, seventeen years ago where I met the love of my life. I didn't know it at the time and even after that I still didn't know it."
Ashley looks down at the ground and laughs softly.
"I was so enthralled by this girl and I hung off her every word. She was smart, beautiful, exciting, and without trying always brought out so much life in me. Like that one time she kissed me when we were twelve, I'll tell you all about it when you make your way over to the room."
Ashley smiles widely, shaking her head and walks in the direction of the open sea room. The room was translucent. The light from the tank filled the room just enough to see inside but not enough to take away from the illusion that you were under water. There was no television in this room but Spencer's voice filters through the speakers as she continues to tell Ashley a story she already knows.
"I remember the way I was wringing my hands as I admitted that I hadn't had my first kiss. You were so sweet about it. You said yours was okay, it wasn't a big deal. Nothing to brag about."
"It wasn't." Ashley mumbles to herself as she remembers the lack of spark of her first kiss.
Ashley imagines a younger version of herself and Spencer having the conversation all those years ago. She smiles as she sees her younger self push back some of Spencer's blonde curly hair from her face.
"I told you that you're only saying that because you didn't want me to feel bad. You were always doing that...still do. You're so attentive, in tune to everything I'm feeling. Sometimes even before I am. I always loved that about you. That I didn't have to show too much emotion because you always picked it up so quickly."
Ashley bites her lip, fighting her smile. She didn't want to come off cocky. Truth is, that only ever happens with Spencer. She's usually awful at honing in on anyone's feelings.
"You assured me that you weren't just saying it for my benefit. That things were only ever special when they were with me."
"Still are." Ashley mumbles again.
Ashley stares at the imaginary versions of their younger selves. The way Spencer chews on the inside of her cheek and the brunette's eyes flicked down at Spencer's lips. She looked around quickly and no one had been around. Ashley grabbed Spencer's hand and pulled the blonde a few inches closer.
"I remember how hot my cheeks felt when you pulled me toward you. Nothing about that felt out of the ordinary but yet it was so extraordinary. It still is. Every time your lips touch mine, I feel myself ignite."
Ashley closes her eyes as she places a few of her fingers on her lips, trying to remember the feel of Spencer's lips on hers. She's not entirely sure what Spencer's up to but she hopes that it won't be too long before their lips can connect again.
"It's only worse when you tell me you love me...now go to the place I first told you I loved you. If you get this wrong, you're in trouble." The invisible blonde warns sternly. Ashley playfully rolls her eyes.
The brunette's imaginary version of when they were pre-teens disappears as she turns away and walks toward the sardine tank. She stops in the middle waiting for Spencer's voice to filter in through the speakers.
Much like in the kelp exhibit Ashley imagines their younger selves-teenagers this time-huddled against the wall watching the school of sardines swim around the tank.
"I still love hearing your heartbeat." Spencer starts. Ashley breathes out a soft laugh as she imagines a younger Spencer nestled between a younger Ashley's legs; turning her head a certain way so she could hear the future photographer's heartbeat.
"I remember how you buried your fingers in my hair, and I almost fell asleep. I was in such a daze that I told you I loved you and it was the first time I ever really said it outside of a letter. You said it back with so much ease and I wonder if it was in that moment that we shifted. If that was the moment we fell in love and we didn't realize."
"Probably." Ashley says to herself. She sees her younger self pull Spencer ever closer and breathe deeply. Her scent is as intoxicating as ever.
"Penguin, baby! This is torture; I need to feel you. You're making me remember all this stuff and it's bringing all kinds of euphoria that I need you to feel through my kisses."
"Okay Otter. Come to my favorite place." Spencer instructs and Ashley doesn't hesitate making her way to the otter tank. Her mouth hangs open dumbly as she sees her girlfriend behind the glass. All in the water are faux candles. The kind that have a switch on the bottom and a flame shaped bulb. They're resting on fake lilies pads floating in the water. The light isn't as bright as normal. Spencer doesn't want to take away from the ambiance.
Ashley puts her hand up against the glass and her heart melts as she sees her girlfriend sitting on the ground of the small island at the back of the tank, an ipad hiding in the corner showing the screens of the security camera. She shakes her head at the blonde's creepy version of romance but knows that a lot of effort has gone into what she's doing. Whatever it is she's doing. Ashley wants to ask again but she knows Spencer will explain and doesn't want to take away from what's unfolding.
Spencer points to the water and there's an Otter playing with a Penguin. Ashley places her hand over her heart and smiles at how sweetly the two animals are getting along. With her focus on the two animals, she never notices Spencer leave the tank and slip out the side.
She comes to once she feels Spencer link their hands together. Her head whips to the side as she looks at her fiancee. She licks her lips and smiles sweetly at the blonde. She wants to speak but words are caught in her throat. Ashley isn't one to cry normally, but Spencer always had the ability to make her do things she never thought herself to do.
"Why?" She manages to choke out. It comes out raspy and Spencer smirks, shrugging gently. She places a soft hand on the brunette's cheek. Ashley pushes into it, her eyes flutter close.
"Because you're my Otter."
Ashley smiles and the surgeon leans her head against the photographers. A gentle kiss is shared between the two and Spencer reluctantly pulls away. The brunette whimpers but it quickly stops as she see Spencer get on her knee.
"Ashley…"
Ashley feels her heart race. Spencer's already done this but this time...this time feels more real. The splashing of the two friends in the water go unnoticed. The gleam from the fake flames get hazy as Ashley begins to tear up.
"You are everything to me. You're the romantic comedy, the fairytale, the dream come true, the soulmate, the pen pal, the best friend...the love of my life."
Ashley ducks her head breaking her gaze from Spencer's momentarily. She can feel a tear escaping, she wants to wipe it away but she's floored. She's not even sure if she's breathing.
"There's not enough words to describe to you the way you make me feel but I will spend an eternity trying because a lifetime isn't long enough."
Spencer reaches for her back pocket. Pulling a flat black velvet box, it's not shaped like a regular ring box. She masterfully opens it with one hand as she opens the box the ring spins, turning to sit in the unique box in it's traditional fashion. The diamond catches the dim light and Ashley's never felt more like a girl than she has in this moment. She always thought it would be the other way around. Twice Spencer's gotten the better of her and she's okay with that. As long as it's forever.
"Will you marry me Ashley Davies?" Spencer bites her bottom lip nervously and Ashley giggles, like she is going to say no. She tortures the blonde for a few seconds and she whimpers. "Otter…"She cries out pitifully and Ashley chuckles.
"Penguin, of course I'll marry."
Spencer quickly stands up pulling the ring from the box and slipping it onto Ashley's ring finger. Spencer grabs the brunette's face and kisses her soon to be wife eagerly. The photographer wraps her arms around the blonde's waist and picks her up from the floor a little and the surgeon smiles into the kiss.
Breathless and giddy they break apart. Their arms still around each other, they sway in their own rhythm.
"How the hell did you do all this? You were working today."
Spencer shrugs nonchalantly. "I'm good under pressure."
"You're just not gonna tell me?" Ashley asks trying her best to sound a offended.
Spencer's head tilts to the side, closes one eye and pretends to think. She quickly snaps her head back in place and gives her fiancee a cheeky smile.
"No." She answers cooly, pecking the brunette's pouting lips. They turn to the tank the otter and penguin still playing happily together. "I'll admit I had some help from Lucas…"
"I gathered that much." Ashley says with a laugh as her fingers dance on some of Spencer's exposed skin. The addition of the ring adding a weight to her hand she quickly tries to adjust to. The blonde playfully nudges the brunette with her shoulder.
"He informed me that these two critters are actually really good friends." Spencer further explains.
"Hmm, who woulda thunk it?" Ashley asks as she pulls her head back to look at her surgeon. "They're a regular odd couple." Spencer smiles wider and Ashley continues her list of questions "Ring box?"
"Made it." She answer proudly.
"Man, I'm never gonna need to hire anyone to fix any problems when we have a house." Ashley quips and the blonde giggles.
"Better not or I'll be offended."
"Don't worry Penguin, you have full reign over whatever you want."
"Your hearts number one." Stating possessively.
"Always."
They stand there for a bit longer enjoying the birth of new memory in a place that's brought them together.
"We're not having the wedding here." Spencer states after she thinks about it.
Ashley laughs and nods in agreement.
"I think we've got enough mileage out of this place, it's time to move forward."
"June 5th?" Spencer asks inquisitively.
"Uhm...I actually like June 5th as it is now. Let's keep it and pick another one."
"Alright we'll save that date as is. You're right it's special already. We can have more than one special day." Spencer agrees, she excuses herself for a minute and Ashley gives her a chaste kiss and watches as the penguin and otter coexist. . Spencer makes a call to inform Lucas and the rest of the crew she's all done so they can put the animals up and remove everything Spencer and Sammie set up. She thanks them profusely and hangs up. When the surgeon is all done she grabs her fiancee's hand and starts to pull Ashley towards the exit
As they silently walk through the empty building, their hands swinging lazily between them. They welcome the silence because now they don't have to rush to say words. They don't have to calculate time, they don't have to cram life together in just minutes. They finally have time...time to do whatever they want. To do all the things they've promised, joked about, dared one another to do in their letters. They reach the lobby and Ashley stops and takes it all in.
"We've come a long way Penguin." She states, nostalgia pouring through the room. She stares back at the blonde's beautiful face. Her blue eyes holding so much love. "You're the girl." Ashley states, mixing her first words to Spencer from "a" to "the" singling her out from anyone else she's ever been with. Signifying her importance, her title.
"So are you." Spencer answers, knowing full well what Ashley meant. The moonlight filtering in from the glass roof, Ashley pulls Spencer close to her, she brushes her nose against Spencer's before leaning in to capture the lips of the girl that's sincerely hers.
Alright peeps, one more to go..let me know your thoughts, concerns, your genuine feel for this story. Thanks again and hope it was worth the wait.