Hey guys! i am back with another update :) Hope you like the new visitor..

Enjoy! :)

...

Before she even heard the opening of the door, Alex could see a head popping through the slim gap and it didn't take long for her to recognize that it was Dean.

"Hey.", he smiled, a little nervous, and Alex wondered what was going on. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"There is a visitor for you.", he announced and Alex' eyes lit up. She had missed Aria. She always managed to make her feel good after her visits and it was really the only thing she looked forward to these days, apart maybe from her few trips to the park with Dean. She was still trying to cope with the fact that Aria had turned her down to any chance of having something beyond friendship, but she was grateful that Aria didn't abandon her when Spencer found out she was coming to visit. Alex' eyes travelled to Dean and she smiled softly at him and nodded, indicating for him to let her visitor in.

He stepped aside then, and suddenly anticipation turned into confusion when she noticed that it wasn't Aria who was standing in her room, but non other than Mona. She was glad she didn't freak out right this second as all she could do was stare at her unexpected visitor.

Before she could say something, it was Dean who spoke again. "Ms James here told me she is an old friend of yours and wanted to see you when she found out you could receive visitors now. Is that all right with you?"

Of course she had thought about changing her name, Alex thought. Mona probably knew Alex had mentioned her when she was telling Dean her story, but Alex was certain he had never seen a picture of her and because this was Philadelphia he probably didn't hear much about her either.

Two pairs of eyes travelled back and force until Alex finally nodded, forcing a smile onto her lips.

Seconds later, the two girls were alone as Dean had left the room and Alex' eyes wandered around Mona, not understanding why she would have the nerve to show up.

"What do you want, Mona?", her voice laced with a mix of venom and annoyance.

"Relax.", Mona raised her hands as to make clear she wasn't here to cause any trouble. She followed Mona's eyes around the room and scoffed when Mona sat down in the chair in front of her. She didn't want her here. The only person she trusted enough to have visit her was Aria.

Alex looked at Mona doubtfully, still thinking about possible theories as to why she would make the effort to find out where Alex was treated to come visit her. She was certain there was more to the story. And normally, Mona Vanderwall appearing magically, was never a good sign.

"You don't approach people unless you want something from them. What is it?"

Mona raised an eyebrow, chuckling a little. "Oh, and you are different?"

"I have changed." Even though Alex knew she didn't need to explain herself, she wanted to make clear that she wasn't interested in Mona's shady business anymore. She had promised Aria to work on building a normal life and she had actually enjoyed not having that constant pull inside of her to hurt somebody out of revenge or satisfaction - she certainly didn't want to return to her old ways, and she wanted to show Aria that she was right in believing that she was able to change.

Mona's lips turned into a smile, and soon a scoff followed. She shook her head slightly as to say that her answer was ridiculous. Before Alex could throw out a comeback however, Mona spoke. "You have changed? Really? Why the change of heart? Don't tell me it's because of little Miss Montgomery. I knew you had the hots for her when I was still tangled up in all your mess. This is hilarious, Drake. I remember thinking it was so odd for her to come visit you, but I thought it was to stand up for Spencer. But now – now everything makes more sense! This is awesome! You really fell in love with her, didn't you? I thought this was all a joke when I found out! The beauty and the beast. Priceless."

For a moment Alex' eyes squinted in confusion. Mona knew about Aria's visits? She knew about her feelings for her?! How was that even possible? The only possible explanation was that Hanna had told her, who had to know because of Aria. Had Aria not only told the others about her visits but also about her feelings for her? Had Aria told Hanna about the things she had confessed her? She didn't want to know the truth. She wasn't naive enough to think Aria had not explained herself after they found out about her visits. But she didn't think Aria would go as far as tell them about Alex falling in love with her – that was something private, something vulnerable. It hurt that Aria was capable of betraying her like that. She felt something inside of her crack, and then turn cold. Did she not realize how hard it had been for her to even confess these kind of feelings out loud?

Trying not to show any emotion, Alex shrugged, not meeting Mona's gaze.

"I've changed because a lot of things."

"Fine then.", the other brunette scoffed. "I only came here to be sure you're not going to bring me down again."

Alex rolled her eyes as she watched the tiny woman in front of her sending her a threatening glance. "I am done, Mona. Just go and live your life. I don't care."

"You know too much. A few months, a year maybe, and puff you are out of here. I can't have you walk around the streets of Rosewood without knowing what you're up to."

"I won't spill your little secrets, if that's what you are scared of. I have my own to protect." She was tired of talking to her, annoyed by having to remember all the reasons why she was being held in this nuthouse in the first place, annoyed that she had cracked open a wound in her heart she didn't know existed.

"Fine. But I'll warn you. You cross me again, and you will regret it. Don't play with me, Alex. I will always be one step ahead of you. I can make your life a living hell, and I won't hold back. See you next time – I have to check on my favorite psych after all."

Alex didn't move, too lost in her own thoughts. Something inside of her started itching then, wanting to come out. She fought back, not wanting to let thoughts of revenge and pain control her actions, but as she saw Mona leave for the door, she realized she was too weak to defeat her inner demons.

"Mona?", she called out then, unable to stop herself and the other woman turned around with a questioning gaze.

"Would you do me a favor?"

…

"Are you sure you have to go back?", Spencer whispered, nuzzling her nose against Aria's face as she caressed her exposed back, her fingers drawing circles on the naked skin.

"Yeah. If I don't go to this meeting tomorrow to discuss this new book idea, they might throw me out of the firm. I wish I could stay, though." She turned around to face Spencer, kissing her softly on the lips.

"I doubt they would fire someone as passionate and talented as you.", She whispered against Aria's lips. Feeling Aria draw back a little, she tightened her hold onto her and moved her lips over hers more forcefully, not wanting to end this. Spencer couldn't believe their short time of bliss was over already. She wanted nothing more than to keep Aria in this bed with her forever.

"You are quite the charmer, you know?", she heard Aria chuckle as the smaller woman had finally managed to move out of Spencer's arms. "I need to get ready, Spence." Spencer felt Aria roll away from her and she let out a disappointed sigh at the cold space beside her. She closed her eyes again, already being lulled back to sleep by the warmth of the bed, when seconds later a pair of lips pressed to her cheek from the other side of the bed. "I am taking a shower before I go; just to let you know." Aria's breath tickled Spencer's ear and her eyes shot open when she grasped on the meaning of those words. She could see Aria's almost naked form leave the room, her hips swaying a little from side to side. Without another thought, she jumped off the bed, her hurried steps following Aria and as she reached her lover, she lifted her up with almost no effort, their lips already battling for dominance as they stumbled into the bathroom.

An hour later both of them stood in front of Aria's car, a little blush still present on both of their faces as they thought about the passion they just shared. Spencer's arms were wrapped around Aria's slim frame while Aria's head laid on Spencer's chest with her arms circling around Spencer's waist. Both felt powerless. Just as they had finally found happiness in each other – finally committing to a relationship - life was forcing them apart again.

"Promise me to call me as soon as you get back.", Spencer whispered, not even trying to hide the worry in her voice.

"I promise.", Aria chuckled, leaning up to press a chaste kiss to Spencer's lips before reluctantly stepping out of the embrace.

"It's only two weeks, Spence.", Aria tried. Spencer had promised to drive back in two weeks time as it was her Mother's birthday and she wouldn't miss an opportunity to see Aria again.

"I know.", Spencer sighed. "I will miss you, though."

"Me too.", Aria smiled as she reached for Spencer's hand to give her light squeeze. "We can do this. I won't let us mess this up again. I am ready for this, for us. This – us - It's all I want."

"God, I love you.", Spencer vowed and she couldn't help but notice the flicker in Aria's eyes before the writer's head turned a little to the side. "Relax.", she whispered and kissed her girlfriend's forehead to assure everything was okay between them. "I know you're not ready to say it back. And I would never force you to. You showing me how much I mean to you is enough for me. But that doesn't mean I can stop saying the words; because Aria – you saved me, you are my home."

Aria met her gaze then and Spencer could see the tears welling up in her eyes. "You are my home, too, Spence." With another chaste kiss, Aria wiped away some of the falling tears, laughing a little when she realized she was crying. "I better go now, or I won't be able to leave at all."

Spencer wanted to convince her that she didn't need to go, that she could stay with her in DC, could find a job and that they could start a life away from Rosewood – but she knew Aria wasn't ready to leave their hometown behind and she respected that.

"All right.", she agreed. Kissing her one more time, before Aria climbed into the driver's seat.

"See you in two weeks. Try not to miss me too much.", Aria chuckled through the rolled down window and Spencer smiled back, starring into Aria's eyes – not believing that the last few days were real. "Drive save, Ar. Don't forget to call, okay?"

"As soon as I get back. See you soon." And with that and one more hand wave Aria was gone.

…

"Welcome back, Romeo!", Hanna greeted her as she stepped into Ali's and Emily's house later that night. She had promised them to come over and celebrate Aria's success of earning Spencer's forgiveness and starting their newfound relationship. Even though she was exhausted from driving all the way to Rosewood without so much of a break, she was glad to be surrounded by her friends and soon made herself comfortable on the couch.

"I still cannot believe you drove there by yourself without even knowing where she lived.", Ali chuckled. "Sounds like somewhere from a movie."

Aria's cheek turned into a shade of red. "It still feels like a dream. I don't remember the last time I have been this happy. She makes me brave and melt inside. She feels like home."

"Look at that romantic writer we got here! All crushed on her new girlfriend.", Emily joined and grinned. "I am so happy for you, Aria. So, when does Spencer come back?"

Aria's body tensed, not sure how their friends would react to Spencer's decision of trying to get a job at DC in order to stay there for a while. It had been easy not to mention the interview on the phone but Aria had promised herself not to lie to her friends again, it would only cause more problems after all.

"Spencer is staying in Washington for now." The words were forced, and Aria's wide smile had turned into a slight frown, as doubts crept into the back of her head. She wanted to make their relationship work, wanted nothing more than to grow even closer to her best friend, to experience things with her and build a life – but somehow the distance made it all so much more complicated.

Hanna was the first to react, letting out a high pitched screech as her mouth fell open in shock.

"This is unacceptable!", she protested. "She can't just turn her back on us! I thought we were all going to grow old here together once we reunited!" Her burning eyes turned to Aria. "Why didn't you stop her? You can't just start off a new relationship like that!"

"Washington is not the end of the world, Hanna. It's only 150 miles. I think you guys can do it, Ar.", Emily interfered, and Aria was thankful to her for trying to make her feel better. But then Emily's eyes shifted to Alison, confusion featuring her face. "Did you know?", she asked and even though her tone was light Aria could spot the anger behind it. Hanna's eyes moved to Alison, too, almost ready to freak out again.

"Yes.", Ali confessed and before the other two could say something, she tried to explain herself. "She had to tell me! We are running a business together! She was supposed to tell you herself, but I guess she got – distracted." Their eyes shifted to Aria again and the brunette sighed. "Sorry."

"It's okay, Ar. I just wish she would have told us. Who knows when she is coming back home."

Seeing Hanna so upset, Aria felt a tuck of guilt. Spencer had told her not say anything about her coming back for a visit in only two weeks and Aria had promised to stay quiet but she felt bad for their friends and she knew it was something that could light up the mood.

"Listen, don't tell Spencer. She wanted to surprise you, but she is visiting in only two weeks for her Mum's birthday."

The girls smiled, seemingly happy that it wouldn't be too long until they were reunited again, when Ali spoke again.

"Listen. What if, instead of her surprising us, we throw her a surprise party and show her that this is in fact her home?"

Aria wasn't sure if convincing her girlfriend to stay was the right move. She understood Spencer's wish to have time away from Rosewood and didn't want to pressure her. On the other side however, she was certain that Spencer belonged to Rosewood just like and the others and she also wished for them to start their future together, not separated by drives on the roads. Maybe it was a little selfish, but in the end Spencer could still decide for herself what route she would take.

"I am in!", Aria agreed and Emily pressed a loving kiss to Ali's cheek. "Perfect idea, babe."

Hanna clapped excitedly; Aria could already picture her coming up with a plan. "Yes! Let's convince Spencer to stay!

...

Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it! I am going to be honest, I am running a little out of ideas; so any idea or suggestion might be helpful! :)

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Until next time, xx