Thanks readers and reviewers

LoveAsh87, ebonyedlove , Harley Quinn Davidson – Thanks heaps!

Ugtabkdnm3 – Yeah Spencer is one lucky duck! Tom is not a well liked character, not that I am surprised by that. Many people have threatened him with violence lol

uluvme – Converses are the best shoes ever…I own 7 pairs (Spencer has more lol). Thanks, glad you liked the chapter. Yeah I want someone to write a song for me too!

mutt009 – Awesome, thanks!

shayer – Yeah cuteness overload, but a good one I hope! Ah you saw through me! Yeah the next level…we'll see how it plays out. I have enjoyed building the intimacy without, as you put it, having them bonking like bunnies!

Usual Disclaimer – SoN not mine

Fear Itself

Chapter Thirty-Seven – Celebrate Good Times

Ashley's POV

I smiled over at Spencer as I parked my Porsche in the car park behind Pella, just outside the entry way that led to the stairs that took you up to her apartment. I was in my usually space right next to her little dark blue SUV. Spencer leaned over and placed an affectionate kiss on my cheek before scooping up her bag and climbing out of the car. I beamed and followed her out of the car and up the stairs to her apartment.

She fumbled with her keys a little before getting the door open and leading me inside. I loved Spencer's place, it felt more like home to me than my own apartment did. I think that had more to do with the blonde who inhabited the place than the apartment itself. To me Spencer equalled home.

Spencer dropped her keys and bag on the sofa and turned around to open up her arms for me to step into, which I of course did. I snuggled into her embrace, resting my head on her shoulder as her arms circled my waist. I felt more than heard her sigh in contentment.

"You ok Blue?" I asked resting my lips against her throat, loving the way her breath hitched at the touch. Honestly, mine did too.

"Yeah I'm good, it's all kind of a dream really," she replied huskily. I didn't need to ask what she meant, this record deal was like a dream to me too. I held tight to her for a bit longer, placing gentle kisses on her neck, working my way up to her lips. Once I reached my destination I took her lips in a tender kiss.

I kissed her until we were both breathless and then pulled back to rest my forehead against hers. "And that was kind of dream-like too," she murmured with a hint of teasing in her voice. I chuckled and held her close.

"Hmmm I'd have to agree with that, very dream-like," I purred as I brought my lips to hers again. Spencer giggled, her breath tickling my lips before she pecked my lips and then suddenly pulled away, making me groan in protest.

Spencer smirked at me as she stepped back a little and folded her arms over her chest. I pouted at her, brining an adorable chuckle from her lips. She tilted her head and said softly, "Well I'm gonna go change before we head downstairs to meet the masses for our big celebration, make yourself at home."

I nodded and smiled widely at her and watched as she headed down the hall to her bedroom with a very sexy swing in her step. She turned to face me just as she opened the door and slipped inside. Spencer winked and shut the door behind her. I laughed and wandered over to take a seat on her sofa to await her reappearance.

I was just reading a text message from Julian telling us to hurry up and get our asses down to Pella when I heard someone clearing their voice behind me. I turned my head and found Spencer smirking at me looking all kinds of hot.

She had exchanged her previous outfit for a pair of black, pin-stripe shorts that showed off a LOT of her tanned, muscled legs that ended in her signature pair of Converses, these ones being classic black high tops. She'd paired them with a form fitting turquoise tank top that was cut high on one side showing off some toned stomach and the tattoo on her right hip. Her long blonde hair was straightened and hanging loose around her shoulders and her big blue eyes were shining with mirth.

"Wow!" I breathed out, making her smirk widen and her eyes twinkle.

"You think?" she asked coyly as she spun around, giving me a 360 view of her barely covered body. I definitely felt my blood pressure rising and had a Pavlovian need to drool all over the rung on her living room floor.

I swallowed hard and climbed to my feet. I nodded and took her in my arms, "Yeah I definitely think!" Spencer chuckled and leaned in to press a series of soft kisses to my lips.

"Well I'd love to say we should skip the whole celebration thing down stairs," I nodded enthusiastically, making Spencer smirk slyly as she stepped further into my arms, "Well I'd love to say it, but I can't," I groaned and she chuckled, "Sorry Brown but we have a lot of people waiting for us down in the bar and we'd better not keep them waiting any longer."

She stepped back out of my arms and took my hand in hers. She ran her thumb over my knuckles as she scooped up her bag and mine before leading us to the door. I meekly followed her to the door, hell I'd follow her anyway and she knew it. Spencer Carlin tells me to jump and I will be too busy complying to ask how high.

We headed down the stair case and in through the back door of the bar. It pays to know the sister of the owner! As soon as we stepped into the crowded bar people started clapping and cheering. I saw Spencer blush hotly while I just smirked and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. It was adorable how shy she could be, especially since I had seen her entrance an entire bar full of people with her music.

Julian walked over and took both of our hands in his as he led us further into the room. He walked us to the centre of the dance floor where Jen and Grey were already standing with Derek. Julian leaned in and kissed Spencer sweetly on the cheek before shoulder checking me playfully. I rolled my eyes and flipped him off, earning a chuckle from the assembled friends, family and band supporters.

Julian took the microphone Glen held out to him and raised it to his mouth, "Well firstly I want to thank Ashley and Spencer for finally gracing us with their presence," He paused and everyone burst out laughing. I rolled my eyes and Spencer blushed cutely again. "And now secondly and most importantly I want to thank you all for being here to help us celebrate our RECORD DEAL with Island Records!"

Everyone started cheering, clapping and yelling excitedly. I pulled Spencer closer against me and beamed out across the crowd. The bar was full of the friends and family of the band, plus Derek and his wife. The people here had been a big part of the journey so far and it was only right that they be here to celebrate this achievement with us.

Julian waited until the clapping died down and then started speaking again, "Island Records has very generously agreed to take a chance on us and we are so very grateful. I also want to say thanks to all our friends and family who came out tonight to celebrate with us, you all have been endlessly supportive of us and our music. So on the eve of us officially signing on the dotted line with Island Records we wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all and celebrate the beginning of the next chapter for our band."

Julian raised his glass as Glen quickly handed Spencer and I a glass of champagne each. Julian winked at us and grinned, "So I'd like to propose a toast. Here's to family, friends, our manager Derek and to my fellow band member. To Fear Itself!"

"Fear Itself!" We all echoed. I clinked my glass against Spencer's and then my band mates' before taking a sip of the expensive champagne. I giggled as the bubbles tickled my nose, which Spencer caught and found hilarious and/or adorable if her grin was anything to go by.

I leaned in and kissed her gently on the cheek, causing her to grin adorably at me. I was about to say something witty and intelligent (I promise you it would have been dazzling) when I felt a presence behind me. I turned my head and found Kyla and Aiden grinning at me and Spencer.

"Hey guys," I said to them with a huge smile. I felt a little guilty, I had been a bit neglectful of my little sister and my best friend. I had just been so wrapped up in the band and well Spencer. Can you really blame? No I didn't think so.

"Hey Ash, we just wanted to say how proud we are of you!" Kyla all but screeched. I chuckled a little as Spencer winced beside me at the high pitched sound. I was pulled into a bone crushing hug, the force of which was impressive given Kyla's pixie like sized. Spencer was just cracking up at the sight of my eyes bulging out of my head when Kyla released me and pulled her into a hug of an even more impressive force. Poor Spencer looked like she was having trouble breathing.

"Uh Ky, you think you could let go of my girlfriend before she turns blue and passes out from a lack of oxygen?" I asked with a smirk.

Kyla immediately released the blonde who flashed me a grateful smile and moved to my side. Kyla grinned sheepishly and said, "Sorry Spencer, I can get a little over excited at times."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Hmm you don't say?" Spencer and Aiden burst out laughing and Kyla glared at me. Ah sisters are such fun! We chatted to them for a while and then Julian dragged us off so he could introduce us to his new partner. I stared in confusion at the tall good looking girl with her arm around Julian's waist, which made Spencer giggle.

"You didn't realise Julian was seeing anyone huh? Or did you think he would be dating a guy?" Spencer teased. Julian and the good looking girl both laughed and I just blushed. How was I supposed to know he wasn't gay? I mean Julian has more obviously gay traits than anyone I have ever met! And for the record I'm sure I have seen him with guys before. I confused!

Julian chuckled, "It's ok Ash, I'm bisexual so yeah you have seen me with guys, but I like girls too and this girl in particular." Julian smiled adorably at the tall girl and then looked back at us, "Spencer, Ashley I want you to meet Nate. Nate this is Spencer and Ashley."

I shook Nate's hand after she'd released Spencer's and smiled warmly up at her, "It's nice to meet you Nate, how did you two meet?"

Nate gave Julian's shoulders a gentle squeeze and beamed, "Well I'm a police officer and I pulled this one over for speeding. We bumped into each other the next day at the grocery store and started talking. It kind of built from there."

We talked a little longs, making sure to gather some great teasing titbits to use to make fun of Julian later before I took Spencer over to the bar to get us a couple of drinks. I leaned against the bar and waited patiently for the bartender. Spencer rolled her eyes and me and literally climbed over the bar, which was kind of hot. Once she was on the other side she leaned forward and smirked over at me, "So what will you be having Honey?"

I grinned widely at her and leaned in so I could pull her into a deep kiss over the bar. "Hmm I don't think we usually serve that here but I can get you a beer?" Spencer teased as she pulled back. I laughed and nodded, smiling gratefully as she handed me my beer.

Spencer mixed herself a drink and then walked around from behind the bar to stand beside me, her arm loosely hanging around my neck. I leaned into her and sipped my beer as I watched our band's family and friends all mingling on and around the dance floor. It made me smile to see Kyla being spun around the dance floor by Mr. Carlin. I loved that mine and Spencer's families could get along so well. It would make things easier if and when they were each other's in-laws.

Once Spencer and I had downed our drinks I led her out onto the dance floor, grinning widely when a slow song came on. Just what I had been hoping for! I looked deeply into her eyes and pulled her into my arms. She rested her head on my shoulder and looped her arms around my neck. I circled her waist with my hands and rested my cheek against her glorious silky hair.

I swayed us gently to the music. Everyone else in the bar melted away until the only two people in my world was Spencer and me. I fanned my hands out across her lower back and pulled her more firmly against me, loving the little whimper I heard come from her gently parted lips.

Even when the song ended and a more upbeat one began, Spencer and I continued to sway gently, slowly together. I felt her lips tentatively land on my exposed throat. She peppered the skin with soft kisses, her warm lips making my skin feel like it was on fire. I ran my hands up her back in soothing movements that pressed her body even further into mine. She sighed in contentment and I closed my eyes.

I can't be sure how long we swayed along to music only we could hear, it could have been minutes or it could have been hours. All I know is that no amount of time holding her in my arms will ever be enough. I moved my head back a little so I could look down at her face pressed into the crook of my neck. I was wearing pretty high heels so for once I was actually taller than her.

Her eyes were closed and her face was serene, she looked totally happy and at peace. I smiled tenderly and then leaned in to kiss her cheek softly. Her eyes fluttered open and she grinned up at me before raising her lips to mine and taking them in an adoring kiss. I felt her hands tangle themselves in my hair as I pulled her body impossibly close. I could feel tingles over every part of my body that was pressed against hers.

There was something almost spiritual about holding her in my arms. I tilted my head slightly and deepened our kiss, smirking at the soft moan I heard come from her mouth when my tongue touched hers. The sound was heard again as I slipped my leg in between hers and pulled her hips so that she was grinding slowly against me.

We were fused together until a high pitched scream pulled us back to reality and made us jump apart, looking around frantically for the origin of the sound. The music came to a sudden halt and the assembled masses all turned to face the one direction, giving us a clue where the scream had come from.

Spencer took my hand in hers and pushed our way through the crowd where we found Glen kneeling on the floor with his girlfriend Kate leaning back against his legs while panting heavily with her hands clasped over the huge baby bump she was sporting. Oh yeah Kate was like eight and a half months pregnant.

"What's going on?" Spencer asked anxiously as we reached them, her eyes flicking about nervously from her brother to Kate and back again.

Glen glanced up at us and bit his lips nervously, "Kate's water just broke, and she's in labour. Dad's just gone to get the car and then we're going to the hospital." Poor Glen looked panicked.

"Shit," Spencer murmured so softly only I could hear. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close.

"It's ok Blue, we'll get her to the hospital and then you're niece or nephew can enter the world. It's all going to be ok," I whispered against her ear.

Spencer turned to grin gratefully at me, holding my gaze until Kate cried out in pain again. Spencer moved to the woman's side and took her hand, "It's going to be alright Katie, just breathe."

I watched as my girl took control from her big brother who looked about a second away from a total nervous breakdown. Spencer tenderly swept the loose strands of hair off the older woman's damp brow and smiled warmly down at her. Kate kept her eyes locked on Spencer's as she struggled to control her breathing.

Soon Mr. C raced back in and between him and Glen they helped Kate up and pushed through the crowd of people to get her out to the car which Mr. C had driven up onto the sidewalk in front of the entrance. Highly illegal no doubt, but it was necessary. Halfway out the door Kate doubled over and screamed out in agony as another contraction ripped into her. Spencer rubbed her back soothingly while the men held her up and moved quickly to the car.

Once she was loaded into the car Mr. C jumped in the driver's seat while Glen climbed into the back with his girlfriend. Spencer stepped back and took my hand in hers as we watched them speed off. I was about to offer to go get my car when Clay pulled up next to us and motioned for us to get in.

I held open the back door for Spencer and climbed in after her, both of us saying our thanks to Clay and Chelsea as he sped off in the direction Mr. C had taken.

The drive to the hospital was tense and silent. Spencer was gripping my hand so tight I think I was getting a preview what it would be like to be with her while she was in labour. By the time we parked at the hospital my hand was turning blue from where she had cut off the circulation and I was seriously thinking one of my fingers was broken.

We all climbed out of the car and ran inside, right up to the front desk, where we were quickly told we had come to the wrong hospital. We all groaned in frustration before we hightailed it back to the car and sped towards the hospital where Kate had really been taken. I literally thought Spencer was going to start hyperventilating so I pulled her close and rubbed her back, urging her to breathe and relax as much as she could.

Spencer sighed and leaned into me, her breathing becoming less shallow and erratic as my hands rubbed soothing circles across her back. I loved that I was the one able to calm her and sooth her. It made me feel important and connected to her. I hoped she knew it was very much so a mutual feeling. She was really the only person who gave me a sense of calm. She was the balm that soothed all my anxiety and worries.

I leaned in and kissed her forehead gently, holding her close as Clay parked the car in front of the right hospital. We all climbed out and raced inside, soon being directed to the maternity floor where we found Mr. C sitting in the waiting room patiently sitting with his eyes on the door.

We sprinted in and slid to a screeching halt in front of him. Clay first and then Chelsea crashed into him followed by Spencer slamming into her and then me colliding with them all and sending us sprawling onto the linoleum. Mr. C shook his head and smiled as got to his feet to pull us up and hug us each in turn. "Ok gang take a seat, the doctor said it could be a long wait," Mr. C said with a tired smile.

We all got as comfortable in those God awful plastic chairs as we could, Spencer attached to my side which I of course was not complaining about. She rested her head on my shoulder and sighed softly, the gentle gust of air ticking my skin. I kissed her forehead tenderly and looked up in time to catch Mr. C smiling affectionately at us. It really meant the world that he was so supportive of our relationship.

We had been sitting out in the waiting room for about fifteen minutes when an all too familiar blonde woman strode in wearing sky blue scrubs and a white lab coat.

Well fuck me! Didn't see that one coming.