Author's Note:
Guys! I am so sorry for the wait... I think this is the longest I've gone without updating this story. I'll try not to make it a habit! I got a commission a customer wanted done ASAP, so it kind of took over my life this past week. The life of an artist! :S Plus, I've been training for a charity run next month, so with that on top of everything else in my hectic life, I haven't really had time to update unfortunately. I haven't forgotten about you all though, and I promise you, I will stick this out until it's complete! :)
A couple of things I want to say before this chapter:
I am so stoked to see that this story has over 100 reviews, 30 favourites, and almost 80 followers. Wow! I was not expecting that when I first started this fic. Thank you all for taking such an interest! I've said it before, and I'll say it again; you are all awesome. Positive or negative, I love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for the advice, guys. I will eventually be changing the rating of this story to M. For some reason, the site isn't showing any M rated fics on the list at all, even when the filters are changed, so I'll change it when that bug gets fixed. Maybe it's just my laptop; I don't know... But, yes, that means I'll be attempting to go into detail. I'm a bit apprehensive, as I've never actually written any 'smut' before... Ah well, everything once, right? Or more than once haha Besides, I know you're all a bunch of pervs who want detail :P Meh, who can blame you? Everyone likes a bit of smut, right? ;) None in this chapter though. Just putting it out there...
For those that want to see Casey's reaction, that won't be happening just yet. A couple more chapters, then we'll see it :)
To the guest reviewer going away – Thank you for your review! Four weeks is a long time... I hope you have a great time wherever you're going, and hopefully there'll be a good few chapters ready for you to read when you return! I'm sorry I couldn't get this out before Tuesday, but work is work...
Anjela78 – I'm not going to lie; I totally had to get onto google and translate that. Not all of us are brilliant enough to be able to speak, read, and write in more than one language! Haha Although from the translation, it was a very lovely review, and I thank you very much for that! I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and hope I can continue to deliver with my writing and ideas. Once again, thank you; I really appreciate it!
Finally! An update!
Behold: Fluff!
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my imagination.
Chapter 19:
Well, I had the most amazing dream last night. It was one of those realistic ones. You know the type; the ones where you swear you can feel every sensation; the soft touch on the ends your fingertips, the overwhelming aroma that tickles your nose, the delightful noises that assault your ears, the sweet taste that... Oh God, the taste.
Yes, it was one of those dreams... Well, not exactly one of those dreams... There was none of the good stuff. Well, there was good stuff. What I mean is, there was none of the great stuff.
There was romance. Yes, there was romance. And there was sarcasm too. But let's face it; there always is when it comes to Spencer. Yep, that's right. It was one of those dreams, and it was about Spencer. I'm not going to hide it anymore. I've already admitted to myself that I have strong feelings for her that I don't think are going to disappear anytime soon; not as long as she remains herself, so these kinds of thoughts and dreams are to be expected, really.
It was a good one. The dream, that is. We were out on the lake, on one of those kickass rafts Rob made, but somehow ended up in the water. At one point, I totally jumped Spencer, but she enjoyed it. I could tell from all the little noises of pleasure she was making. So, a heavy make out session beside the lake soon led to another at the campfire. I'm not actually sure why the dream didn't progress. Usually, when I have those kinds of dreams, they don't end abruptly...
There was another kiss though, on the landing, and then...
Wait.
It wasn't a dream.
I run a hand through my hair and feel that it's slightly damp. Just slightly, but still; it's damp. I was at the lake last night, and I was with Spencer. I also made out with Spencer. Twice. And damn, was it good.
I can't help the smile that takes over my face, replaying the events of last night over in my head. Then I remember the conversation I had with Spencer, about guilt and pain, and then about moving on and living.
I sigh.
I won't forget about my past; I can't. But I can't live in it anymore. I need to move on. Why dwell on the past, when what you're working towards is the future? It doesn't make sense. It's just like Spencer said; life goes on.
No more holding back.
I decide to shower first before getting breakfast.
By the time I'm finished, everyone is up and thriving downstairs, including Spencer. I don't get a chance to talk to her though; Brooke's busy telling her a story about the time she fell off her bike and sprained her wrist. How did that even come up in conversation? I don't even know; she's a kid. Kids are pretty random most of the time...
I decide to slip off upstairs and brush my teeth when I finish my breakfast. When I open the door to leave, however, I almost bump into Spencer, who's standing with a towel and a change of clothes. She must be going for a shower. I wonder if she'd let me join... Wait, no. Scratch that; that's bad. Stop with the naughty thoughts, Ashley...
"Hi." I don't know what to say, so I settle for 'hi'. Smooth, right? I want to bring up last night, but I have no idea how to... Plus, after getting a proper taste of it, I really want to kiss her again. Saying that, I don't think it's proper etiquette to just walk up to someone and kiss them because you want to. In most cases, it's polite to make conversation first...
"Hey," she replies, smiling at me.
I step to the side to let her in, but she stops just in front of me.
"Thanks." She seems to have an internal debate with herself, then leans in and kisses me briefly, on the lips. Wow.
Maybe it is proper etiquette... Either that, or she doesn't really care for manners in this case... "Mmm... Minty." She smirks, then turns on her heels and walks over to the sink, setting her things down.
I still haven't left. I'm glued to the spot.
"Umm..." She turns to look at me again at the sound of my voice.
Somehow, my legs start to work and I make my way towards her.
"About last night..." She ducks her head then.
Shit, she probably thinks I regret it. Well, she's wrong. Very wrong.
I use my finger to lift her chin so she's making eye contact with me.
"I meant what I said. I can't stand this. And it is too hard..." I wait a second before expanding, Spencer looking quite wary. "Staying away from you, that is." A small smile graces her lips.
"For a second there, I thought you were going to say it was a mistake." I shake my head, smiling at her.
"Not a chance." And then, I close the distance between us, my lips on hers as she raises her arms to wrap them around my neck. I deepen the kiss when my hands come up to rest on her waist, but there's no urgency like there was last night. It's slow and passionate.
I give her one last peck when we pull away, before moving my head so it's resting on her shoulder, Spencer mimicking my actions as we stand in a warm embrace.
I close my eyes and inhale that comforting scent again, shivering slightly when I hear Spencer's voice whispering in my ear.
"What do we tell Casey?"
Right. Casey.
"Maybe we don't for now," I murmur into her shoulder.
She gasps in mock horror.
"Ashley Davies!" She pulls back to look at me. "Are you implying that I be your dirty little secret?" Her eyebrows are arched.
"No, not at all... I just think that maybe... We should keep it on the down low for a while. Just until I'm sure she won't blow up."
"She was fine with it the other night at the club..."
"I know, but that wasn't for real." She looks thoughtful for a second.
"Okay." There's a moment of silence. "I guess it could be quite thrilling trying to keep it from the others..." I grin at this.
"I guess it could." I lean in for another kiss.
When I pull away, I pull a face at Spencer.
"Oh, and... You might want to do something about that..." I point to her neck, just above her collarbone.
Yes, I got a little carried away last night, but she was scraping her nails down my back. She'll learn in time that that does things to me... That and... Well, give it time; she'll find out.
"What?" She turns around to look in the mirror, her eyes widening. "Shit!" I can't help but giggle slightly at her reaction. "What if the others see that?"
"They didn't already? You were walking around at breakfast..."
"No..." Her eyebrows furrow. "Well if they did, no one said anything."
"It's fine. Cover it with makeup and wear a hoodie or something. Hey, maybe Pam has some nice turtlenecks you could borrow..."
"Shut up." She slaps my arm playfully whilst smiling. "I'm so getting you back."
"Oh really?" I challenge her.
"Yes, really." We stand there just staring at each other for a second before I pull away and walk towards the door. Just before I open it, I turn back to Spencer.
"Oh, and I hope you haven't forgotten about our trip to the supermarket today."
"Of course I haven't. It's a date." She smirks and I smile back.
"Enjoy your shower." With that, I leave.
'It's a date'? A date. I guess it kind of is, in a way, really, isn't it? It may not be conventional; I mean, it's a trip to the supermarket, but still... I get to spend time alone with Spencer. I wonder if I could stretch it out, spend time with her doing something other than shopping.
I just hope no one else decides they want to join us...
After lunch, whilst everyone's still gathered around the table, I decide to bring up the supermarket.
"So, Spencer and I were thinking of going to the supermarket today... Maybe going for a drive or something after..." She gives me a look at this. "Anyone want to come?" Please say no. Please say no. Please say no...
"Yeah, maybe I'll tag along!" No, Chase. I love you, but you're not coming.
I see Spencer scratch the back of her neck out of the corner of her eye. I bet she was counting on us being alone too...
"No! Chase, you can't! You promised you'd let us make you look pretty!" Brooke looks upset as Lucy agrees with her.
"Wha... Well... I –"
"Got to entertain the kids, dude. Besides, you need all the help you can get with a face like that..." Everyone but Chase giggles at Glen's input. At least he won't be tagging along now. Hopefully Casey won't want to come...
"Casey?" Say no.
"Nah..." Thank you! "I think I might hang out with Martha today..." Right. The mysterious Martha.
"Right... So, no one wants to come?" There's silence. Would it be inappropriate to jump up on the table and cheer right now? Yes? Okay then...
"Looks like it's just the two of us then." Spencer smirks as she says this, though I don't think anyone else notices.
"Looks like it."
"You'll be back for tea though, right?" Pam looks at us.
"Uh... Well –"
"Yeah, I don't know if I'll be back for tea..." Pam looks disappointed with Casey as she speaks up. "Umm... Martha's mom apparently makes a mean stew. She asked if I wanted to stay for some." Yeah, 'stew'. That's exactly what you're staying for. You've got yourself a fancy girl, haven't you? I narrow my eyes at Casey as Pam scolds her.
"Casey! You're supposed to be Ashley's friend! And Spencer's too! They came here for you, and you want to leave them and go off with someone else?" Aww, I appreciate it, Pam; I really do, but I'm actually glad. It means we have an excuse to stay out!
"Oh, no, Pam! Really, it's fine!" I turn to Casey then. "Go have your stew. Maybe we'll eat out, right, Spence?"
"Yeah, definitely. Don't spoil your plans on account of us. We'll be fine."
"So the three of you are ditching us then?" Pam raises her eyebrows.
"We're not 'ditching'..."
"Yes you are; you're ditching!" Glen sticks his tongue out at us, to which Spencer pulls a face.
"We're not ditching! We're just... Giving the rest of you peace for a while..." I have no idea what I'm saying... I've got nothing. "Wait..." I turn to look at Pam. "Where did you even hear that word anyway; 'ditching'? No offense, but it's not really something I'd expect you to come off with..." Pam looks sheepish for a second.
"I... I heard a couple of kids say it at the shop the other day..."
"Hey, you leave her alone! She's just being down with the kids. Isn't that right, Pam?" Ugh, Glen, you're such a lick.
"Ash?" Ah, thank goodness for Brooke!
"Yeah?"
"Will you be home before bed time?" Aww, she wants me to put her to bed.
"Definitely. You want me to put you two to bed?"
"Umm... No, I was going to ask Spencer to." There's a snicker beside me and I turn to see Spencer biting her lip as she tries to suppress her laughter.
"You got burned!" Chase, Dale and Annie all laugh at this lovely comment from Glen, which earns him a lovely hand gesture from me, shielded with my other hand of course, to prevent Pam, Rob and the kids from seeing it.
"Oh! Oh! Pam, did you see that? Did you see what she did? She just –"
"Hey!" Thank you for interrupting, Spencer! "How about we both put you to bed tonight?"
"You and Ashley?" Lucy questions. Brooke looks thoughtful.
"Yes; me and Ashley." The pair of them look at each other, seemingly having some sort of telepathic debate, before they both answer at the same time.
"Yes!"
Well, I guess that's settled then. It looks as if we're both doing bed time tonight...
About an hour later, I park the car in the car park of the shopping complex and the pair of us head towards the supermarket. When we're making our way through the door having grabbed a trolley, Spencer turns to me.
"So, what are you getting Brooke?"
"Ah, now that would be telling..." She smiles then.
"Are you serious?"
"Very." I continue walking with the trolley.
"You're really not going to tell me? Come on, I can keep a secret."
"Nope." She gives me a look. "No! I'm not telling you! I will tell you however, that it's brilliant." She chuckles.
"I'm sure it is." She gestures with her hands. "I mean, look around. It's like heaven for a seven year old. We've got... Crackers, and... Meat, and... Vegetables. What more could she possibly want?" I can't help but laugh.
"Your sarcasm is highly amusing. Make as much fun as you want though. She will love me; moreso than she already does!"
"Right..."
Of course, Pam supplied us with a list of other things to get for the house, so we've had to do a full on shop as well as get what I wanted for Brooke. Turns out though, Pam wanted a few of what Brooke's getting too, so it's camouflaged well.
Once we've got everything, we make our way to the check out. When we get there, Spencer calls out to me.
"Ash?"
"Yeah?" I turn back to her.
"Aren't you supposed to get Brooke's present today?"
"Yeah, we've already got it." She looks confused.
"We've already got it?" She scans the items in the trolley. "You're not planning on giving the child a potato for her birthday, are you?" Have I mentioned that I love her sarcasm? I have? Oh, well, I do.
"No," I chuckle.
"Well, what then? I'm looking at everything we have right now, thinking that if I were turning seven, I would not want any of that junk..." She screws her face up.
"You'll see." I smirk at her.
"Alright..." She relents, sighing. "I thought you were going a little crazy when you jumped in the lake last night... If I see Brooke unwrapping a potato on her birthday, or a... a cucumber; that would be so wrong, by the way; please don't do that, I'm booking you in to get checked out." I chuckle at this, starting to load our shopping onto the checkout.
"I'm not crazy."
"Sure you're not..." I grin.
"Come on, help me unload this stuff..."
Once everything is loaded into the trunk, I close it before turning to Spencer.
"So... You're not in any rush to get back to the house, are you?"
"No..." She looks slightly perplexed. "Why, are you?" I shake my head before taking her hand, and leading her to the other side of the car park, where the bowling alley and ice rink is.
Her hand in mine feels so natural that I didn't even think before taking it. They just... Fit. It feels nice to be able to walk around like this with her. No one knows us here, so why not?
When she realises where we're headed, she stops, causing me to be pulled back by her grip on my hand.
"Wha..."
"Ashley, no." She's looking at me with a serious expression right now. What's up with her?
"What?" she shakes her head.
"I'm not going in there."
"Why?" I make a face.
"I'm just not. Can we go somewhere else please? Maybe get a coffee or something?" she's avoiding eye contact now. Something's up.
"Spencer?" I duck my head to capture her attention again. "What's wrong?"
"I just don't want to go in there. Let's go." She pulls in the opposite direction, trying to get me to follow, but I'm having none of it.
"Wait, why? Why don't you want to go in?" she sighs as she turns around to face me.
"I can't ice skate, okay?" I raise my eyebrows.
"So you can't ice skate... I can. Just hold on to me." She bites her lip, eyebrows furrowed. "Come on, I'll go slow." I start back in the direction of the ice rink, but there's another tug on my arm and I turn to see that Spencer hasn't moved.
"It's not just that I can't skate... I..." She rolls her eyes and sighs again. "I'm scared."
"You're scared?" I'm confused. What is she scared about? "Look, I don't know what kind of ice rinks you've been to before, but it's just a layer of ice on the ground with a bunch of people skating over it. There's no water underneath, so you can't fall in anywhere... The only thing relatively scary is the screaming from little kids, although I doubt there'll be many here... You'll be fine."
"No, I... It's not that... What if we fall?" I chuckle.
"That's half the fun, right? There's nothing wrong with looking like an idiot once in a while." She's not convinced.
"I don't want to get hurt."
"Spencer!" I throw my hand out to the side, exasperated. "You won't get hurt! Kids go ice skating. If they can do it, you can. Hell, we should have brought Brooke; she's an expert."
"But the ice skates... There are blades..."
"Yeah. And?"
"What if I get sliced?"
"You won't get sliced."
"Ashley." Oh, she looks quite stern. "What if I fall over, and have my hands out flat on the ground and someone accidentally runs over them and cuts them off?" I burst out laughing at this.
Sometime during my laughing fit, I feel the warmth of Spencer's hand escape my own, and when I recover, I'm faced with a huffy looking Spencer, arms crossed in front of her as she pouts, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Are you actually serious?" She says nothing, but looks away from me. "Spencer." She's still not looking back. "Spencer!" She turns around. "That's not going to happen. Where did you even get that idea anyway?"
"I just... When we were younger, Glen said –"
"Glen's an ass. Come on." I hold my hand out for her again. "I'll keep you safe. I promise." She takes my hand hesitantly, letting me guide her through the door.
As soon as we get our skates on, I stand up and hold my hand out to Spencer. To be honest, I'm pretty pleased she can't ice skate. It gives me an excuse to keep holding her hand.
She takes my hand hesitantly and follows me to the edge of the ice rink, where I use my free hand to open the little gate.
"You ready?" I grin at her, and she groans.
"No." She looks so scared right now, it's hilarious. She's wearing the exact same expression she was when she saw the bats the other night.
"Great! Let's go!" I make my way onto the ice, pulling her along behind me.
"Wait!" she stops just before she makes it onto the ice, staring at me intensely. "You promise you'll go slow?" I nod. "And you won't let go of my hand". I shake my head. "Okay..." She swallows before taking those steps out, but almost slips.
I grab her other arm with my free hand to keep her steady.
"Woah... Easy, Bambi... Okay, just go slow, yeah?" She nods, and we take off at a granny pace. Ridiculously slow; just like she wanted.
We've only been on the ice about half an hour, but Spencer's feeling pretty confident now. In fact, she's smiling and laughing with me!
We're no longer going at the speed of a geriatric out for a leisurely stroll with their zimmer frame, but more like that of a hyperactive toddler chasing after a pigeon. Not too fast, not too slow, but despite the growth in confidence, Spencer still hasn't let go of my hand. I'm not complaining though. I'm not going to say a word...
Speaking of hyperactive toddlers, one very annoying brat whizzes past us. When I say past, I really mean through. He must see a challenge in being able to skate under our arms, but when he does, my skate catches his and sends me tumbling, while the brat skates on unscathed. Of course, since Spencer's hand is still in mine, she goes down too, the pair of us landing with a thud.
"Ahh!" I yell out, Spencer eying me with concern before shuffling so she's beside me.
"Are you okay?"
"God! I put my hand out to break my fall, but that idiot just ran over my fingers..." Her eyes widen as she watches the middle-aged man who just skated past us continue his lap, oblivious.
"Ashley! Shit! I told you that would happen! And you wouldn't listen! You just..." she sighs in frustration. "Let me see..." She grabs my wrist and brings my hand in front of her face.
I grin, biting my lip as I wiggle all five digits in front of her.
"Gotcha."
"Ashley!" She shoves me playfully with a grin as she gives off. "You're such an ass! I actually thought you were hurt there..." She turns her head and crosses her arms.
"Aww, hey!" I reach out to her. "I was only joking." I pull her in for a quick hug, which she accepts, before pushing me back again and getting to her feet, taking off.
Well, look at her go... Would you believe that that's the same girl who only half an hour go was 'scared' and apparently 'can't skate'? Me neither. I guess I'm just an excellent teacher.
She raises her eyebrows challengingly at me as I scramble to my feet. Looks like I'm chasing her then...
Eventually, I catch her, grabbing a hold of her hips as the pair of us continue to drift forward on the ice due to the velocity we built up during the chase.
"Can't get away from me that easy!" I start to tickle her sides.
"Ash! Ash, stop it!" I continue to tickle her.
"Stop what? What's the magic word?"
"Please! Stop, please!" I stop tickling her then, but instead of removing my hands, I wrap them around her waist and put my head on her shoulder.
She covers my hands with her own as we continue to drift along the ice, before turning her head to look at me. When my eyes meet hers, she cranes her neck to press a warm kiss against my lips. She smiles as she pulls away.
"Thank you. For this. It's been really nice."
"No problem. It's my pleasure." I'm not lying. I've been loving every second of this, and I really don't want to go back to the house anytime soon.
She just smiles once more and pulls me closer. I could definitely get used to this.
Unfortunately, the ice skating can't last forever, and eventually, we have to leave.
We're walking across the car park again, hand in hand, when Spencer makes a suggestion.
"So... How about that coffee now?" I think for a second, before grinning at her.
"I have a better idea. Come on." I pull her in the direction of the car.
After about ten minutes, we reach our destination.
"A park?" It's the first thing she sees.
"Well, yeah... But look over there." Her gaze follows my hand before a cute smile takes over her face and she turns to me.
"An ice cream parlour? In the country?"
"Yeah, I couldn't believe it either, but it turns out the country folk love their ice cream..." She shakes her head slightly, still smiling.
"You're so sweet. Come on then."
We make our way over to the building and make our way inside. Like Mel told me, it hasn't got that great a selection, but hey; it's still ice cream!
Of course, we get the largest cones we can. We're really pushing the boat out today... Spencer goes for Strawberry, whereas I go for Mint; nice and refreshing!
We walk around for a while before heading back to the car when our ice creams are almost finished.
Of course, I finish first. What can I say? I like ice cream, and I definitely didn't want it to melt...
"Did you enjoy that?" Spencer grins as I wipe my mouth with a tissue.
"Oh yeah. You?"
"Yep... I know you enjoyed it, because you've got a little something right... there." She swipes her finger across her own ice cream and smears it on my neck before licking her finger, causing me to gasp.
"Hey!"
"It's okay, I've got it..." She wipes my neck with her finger before making eye contact with me as she pops her finger into her mouth.
I watch as she takes her time sucking the strawberry dessert off, swallowing audibly as she removes her finger.
"Mmm... Tastes good." I'm about to say something, but she cuts me off. "Oh, wait. I missed a bit. I guess I'll just..." She leans in, and I close my eyes thinking she's going to kiss me, but I'm shocked to feel a wet warmth on my neck.
My eyes open in shock, before fluttering closed again of their own accord as I feel a tongue slip out to lap up the ice cream. Then, she starts pressing open mouthed kisses along my neck, and I feel a shiver as the temperature suddenly rises. A little further up, and I'm afraid I won't be held responsible for my actions...
"Fuck..." I can't help myself as the expletive falls from my lip, her kisses becoming less gentle.
Suddenly, she bites down and sucks, and I know exactly what she's doing...
I regain some control of my body and push her away slightly, pulling my mirror down so I can check out my neck, my suspicion proving to be right.
I turn to Spencer, shaking my head.
"You're such a sneak..." She looks pleased with herself, a smug grin in place.
"Told you I'd get you back." I can't believe her; getting me all worked up like that just to get revenge.
"Bitch." I pout.
"You love it." She smirks, earning a chuckle from me.
I shake my head, starting the car up. Better get the makeup out as soon as we get home...
"You still want to get dinner, or are you good?"
"I'm actually not hungry. That ice cream kind of filled me..." Yeah, ice cream and human flesh. "Why, did you want to get something?"
"Nah, I'm good too. Back to reality then?" I pull a face.
"I guess..." She sighs. Sounds like I'm not the only one who doesn't want the evening to end.
Pretty much as soon as we arrive back at the house, I race upstairs to cover my neck. Matching bites; that would be a fun one to explain to the kids...
Meanwhile, Spencer takes the shopping in before joining the others in the living room. It's past tea time, so everyone's just chilling out at this stage, the twins looking pretty tired from whatever activities they'd been taking part in this afternoon.
Luckily, when I get downstairs, no one says anything. I guess like Spencer, I did a pretty good job.
"No Casey yet?"
"Nope," replies Chase.
"Stew must be good..." I shoot Spencer a look and she just grins. She knows exactly what I'm thinking.
There's a sudden thud as everyone turns to look at Max, who seems to have been drifting off before banging his head on the coffee table.
"Ohhhh... Time for bed, I think..." Dale scoops a shocked looking Max up before doing the same with Emily, taking the pair of them upstairs.
"Spencer! We made Chase look pretty today! Want to see?"Lucy looks excited. I'd totally forgotten about that!
"Sure!" Lucy goes to Annie, who fiddles with her phone for a second before handing it to her.
"Look, see! Doesn't he look pretty!" Spencer and I both burst into laughter.
"Wow! Good job girls!" Spencer can barely breathe.
"Nice, Chase! Hey, why'd you wipe it off? I think you look very cute!"
"Shut up, Ash!"
Just then, Casey walks in.
"Hey, guys! What did I miss?"
After a lot of laughs, and some fantastic anecdotes from the girls, we decide it's their bed time. As promised, it's both Spencer and myself on duty tonight, which the girls are ecstatic about.
We have so much fun teaching Spencer how to play the toothbrush game, and she actually enjoys it a lot. I can tell from the way her whole face lights up when she laughs, and how loud she gets when shouting out the names of the songs.
Pretty soon though, Brooke and Lucy are both washed and ready for bed, so the four of us make our way into the room before squishing up on the bed altogether.
At first, when we're reading them their story, we take a page each, but Brooke suggests we each take certain characters to voice, while Spencer narrates the rest. Apparently, she's better than me; still! I'll get there someday...
By the time we've finished, Brooke is still awake, Lucy as usual, out for the count. She must take after her dad like that...
"Can you make up a story? Like you normally do? You know, like that time there were two superheroes, and they were us?" Her eyes are heavy, but she's fighting it.
"I'm sure we can think of something..." Spencer answers for us. "Right, Ash?"
"Uh... I'm not really that good at making up stories..."
"It's fine. We'll take three words each. Even Brooke can play. You want to?" She nods frantically. "Okay, I'll start... Once upon a..." She nods to Brooke.
"Time, there were..." She counts the words on her fingers, bless her. Oh, my turn...
"Two little girls..."
"Called Brooke and...
"Lucy! One day..."
Eventually the story ends. Somehow, the girls came across a magical flying donkey whose friends needed saving from a nasty lion who was bullying them. Of course, Brooke and Lucy sorted things out for them in the end and they all lived happily ever after with the lion, who actually turned out to be quite a nice chap... Creative, I know!
"That was fun!" I chuckle at her.
"It was. But now... Sleep!" She giggles as tickle her slightly.
"Okay! Night, Ash! Love you!" I kiss her forehead and tuck her in as Spencer makes her way to the door.
"Night, Brooke. Love you too."
"Goodnight, Brooke." Spencer smiles as she stands in the doorway.
"Night, Spencer! Love you!" I see Spencer flinch slightly at what Brooke's just said. I stare at her for a second.
"Uh... Love you too..."
Content, Brooke snuggles down and closes her eyes. I notice that she didn't hold Paige put for me tonight to say goodnight to. Huh... Weird. I decide to let it go for now, and walk over to Spencer as we leave the room to rejoin the others.
We stay up for another couple of hours just chilling in the living room. Glen had the urge to tell us his best jokes, some of which are actually pretty hilarious, I have to admit. Chase has some good ones, too, but I mean, it's Chase; he's a funny guy!
Now though, I'm just lounging in my bed, reflecting on the day I've just had. My thoughts are interrupted as my door opens slightly, Spencer's figure becoming visible as she slips in silently.
"Wow, visiting me in the dead of night again, Miss Carlin? I do believe this is becoming a nightly habit..." She grins as she ducks her head, embarrassed. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" She shrugs.
"Just wanted to see you."
"Just wanted to see me, eh? What, was the whole of today not enough? You wanted to see me some more?" I smirk.
I'm just playing with her; she knows this. If I could spend every waking hour with her, I would. I know I would. Today at the ice rink just cemented that thought for me. I loved every second of it.
"Shut up." She smiles back at me as she makes her way to her usual side of my bed. "I just wanted to see you properly again."
"Properly, huh?" She nods. "And what does that entail exactly?" She rolls her eyes before leaning over and claiming my lips with hers.
I raise my right hand to her neck as the other holds me up on the bed, Spencer doing the same with hers as she holds herself her up. I grant her access when her tongue begs for entrance into my mouth, feeling more than content in this moment.
Soon though, she pulls away, the two of us smiling goofily at each other for a second before she lies down and rests her head on my chest, her left hand coming up to trace patterns across the skin below my neck.
We lie in silence for a moment, before Spencer speaks again.
"Thank you again for today. I loved every second of it." She plays with the strap of my vest.
"Mmm, me too..."
"I can't wait until we're able to be like that all the time."
"Mmm..." I couldn't agree more.
With the silence that engulfs the room, and the warmth of the blonde beauty cuddled up to me, I feel an overpowering sense of comfort, before somehow my eyes flutter closed, everything but the warmth and comfort disappearing as I drift off into another world.
.
.
.
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A/N – Uh-oh... Did they fall asleep? We all know Pam has rules, right?
P.S. I hope to not take over a week to update again. I'm so sorry, guys! Forgive me? :(
