Hey guys, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to update. I mean, I am genuinely sorry; I've been going through a stressful period of time in my life. It's no excuse, and it's not even writers block, I just couldn't get up the energy to write. Wow…I sound depressed, and that's not even the case, but anyway, to make up for it I've decided to give you an extra long chapter! I hope you enjoy.

Also, I forgot to disclaim Degrassi in the last chapter. Yeah, that's right, I still don't own it. Such a pity, don't you think?

Okay, moving on:

I took one last deep breath as I waited for the door to be answered. This wasn't going to be easy, but it really had to be done; at least that was what I was trying to convince myself. As I exhaled I tried to push all my fears, doubts, and anxieties out with the breath.

"Fancy meeting you here, beautiful."

Sam swung the door open, an easy but exhilarated smile on his face. Seeing him so happy to have me here made me instantly want to forget what I had planned to say when I got here. All I really wanted to do was pull Sam closer to me and pick up where we left off in my dressing room. Damn, why did boys have to be so confusing…?

"You invited me here, remember?"

"So? It still can't suit my fancy that you're here?"

"I guess I prefer that to you regretting your invitation."

"Bite your tongue, young lady! As if I would ever regret such a thing."

I laughed, but it was just slightly off. My mind had latched on to the word regret, thinking about the things that had happened earlier today. I should regret the kiss, but I didn't. Of course, was this worth screwing up Sam's and my friendship, or, more importantly, our professional relationship? Could we possibly make a romantic relationship work while still maintaining a platonic relationship at work? The words 'we need to talk' bubbled to my lips, but I bit down on my tongue, suppressing them. There was no reason Sam and I couldn't hang out for a little bit…until I was completely ready to talk. I wanted to know exactly what I wanted to say so that I wouldn't hurt Sam.

"So, are we going to stand here all day, or did you actually have something planned for us?"

"Oh, sorry, I'm such a ninny. Of course I want you to come in." Sam grabbed my hand and pulled me into his house. I blushed at the contact, liking how his warm, soft hand fit perfectly in mine. "I figured we could watch a movie, and I already ordered your favorite pizza- black olive; it should be on the way."

He ordered me my favorite pizza; could he be any more of a gentleman? I think not.

"Thanks, I'm starving. What movie did you have in mind?"

"I figured you could help me pick one out; I've got quite a collection."

I chuckled and let Sam lead me into the living room where he kept his collection. I was no stranger in Sam's house, so I knew picking a movie out of the millions he seemed to have was going to take us quite some time.

Just as we had narrowed our choices down to three movies the pizza arrived. Sam insisted on paying, so I gave in, enjoying that this was almost very nearly a date.

'Stop that,' I scolded myself. If I kept thinking like that I would never get up the will power to talk to Sam. One way or another, I had to discuss the happenings of today with him.

I settled in on the couch, grabbing a slice of pizza, as Sam sat on the ground in front of me.

"So, Oliver and Company, The Breakfast Club, or He's Just Not That into You?"

I deliberated for a second. "Take Breakfast Club out of the mix."

"Whoa, I thought for sure you were leaning toward Breakfast Club. I feel like I've failed; I'm so disappointed in myself," Sam pretended to sob melodramatically.

"Nonsense! You ordered me my favorite pizza- you passed with flying colors."

"Flying colors, eh? Why not swimming colors?"

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, so Oliver and Company or He's Just Not That into You?"

"You're the guest- you pick."

"He's Just Not That into You," I decided finally, handing Sam the case.

"You're wish is my command, madam."

Sam was joking, but there was a hint of seriousness under the light exterior. I blushed.

After slipping in the movie and turning off the lights, Sam settled into the couch next to me. Our thighs were just barely touching, and I could hardly pay attention to anything but the electric current that seemed to be flowing between our two bodies. As the movie played on I had no idea what was happening; I kept stealing glances up at Sam from under my eyelashes, and I could see that he was paying just as much attention as I was to the movie.

Eventually, Sam slipped his arm around my shoulders. I let out a relieved breath, as if this had been what I was waiting for the entire time. Ever so slowly I settled my head down in the crook of his neck and shoulder with a content sigh, and I let my eyes slide shut. Everything felt amazing, warm, comfortable…

Until I remembered that we still had talking to do. We couldn't keep acting like a couple until I said my piece. Sam had a right to know what was on my mind. My eyes snapped open, and I quickly sat up. I guess, ready or not, Sam and I were going to have to talk about this.

Sam paused the movie and turned to me, a look of confusion on his face.

"Did I do something wrong, Ace?"

"No…I don't know…we need to talk."

-Sam's Point of View-

I instantly tensed up. We had to talk? I thought for sure Aislinn and I were on the same page about today, and she had accepted my invitation to come over. I waited, growing more worried as each second passed that Aislinn didn't speak.

"About what?" I finally prompted quietly when I could no longer stand the silence.

"About today; about us and what this entire thing means."

"Okay…so talk; I'm listening."

Aislinn took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and looked me right in the eye. For a moment I was caught off guard by the deep blue. Whenever I looked into her eyes I swear I forget everything from my name to how to breathe correctly. Ace is just so damn beautiful.

'Pay attention!' I snapped at myself.

"I think…today might have been a mistake," she whispered softly.

I felt like I had been pushed off a cliff, nothing but air beneath me. My stomach plunged down to my feet.

I quickly composed my face, not waiting Ace to see how much that had hurt, and put on my best business deal face.

"What makes you think that?"

"Sam, we work together. I think that's reason enough to just stay friends for the time being. Let's just say we were caught up in the moment, and keep our relationship platonic."

I processed what she was saying and relaxed. It wasn't that Aislinn didn't like me like that; she just thought we had to stay friends because we worked together.

"Only if you can look me in the eye and tell me you honestly don't have feeling s for me."

"Sam," she gave me a pleading look, but didn't continue.

"That's what I thought. Aislinn, I have never felt this way about anyone before. You're sweet, amazing, talented, compassionate, gorgeous…the list goes on. We can make this work, I know we can. So if that's your only fear, that we work together, then we really don't have a problem."

Aislinn seemed to be at a loss for words, her mouth stuck in a surprised 'o'. I could practically see conflicting thoughts flying at full speed through her head.

Finally, she spoke again. "Sam, I like you, too, but…"

That was all I needed to hear. Aislinn liked me, and nothing else mattered, so I cut her off by placing my lips softly but firmly against her full, pink ones. At first she seemed surprised, unresponsive, but then she seemed to melt into me, allowing me to deepen the kiss. It was so much better than the kiss we had shared earlier because I knew I didn't have to control myself; hide in the pretense that it was the moment of the scene.

This was just Aislinn and me, and it was perfect.

-Aislinn's Point of View-

It felt amazing; so much better than the first time. I turned my brain off, allowing myself to go on feeling and instinct alone. Sam's lips were gentle against my own, but still passionate, and for a full minute I forgot where I was and how to breathe.

Sam slowly started to pull away, pressing his lips lightly against mine once, twice more. I opened my eyes to find him staring at me, the biggest smile illuminating his face.

"See, what could go wrong? We have undeniable chemistry, Ace."

Why did he have to open his mouth? Just as I was relaxing, forgetting everything I was worried about in the first place, Sam had to go and bring it up. I hung my head in frustration.

"Look Sam, I'm not saying you're wrong…I just…I have to figure things out, okay? Thanks for everything. I had a great time tonight, but I have to go."

"Ace, I'm sorry, I'll slow things down, but please, stay."

Sam grabbed my hand, and I looked down at him. He was pleading with his eyes. My resistance almost cracked.

"I want to, I really do, but I promised my mom I would be home at a decent hour. Munro and I are on set pretty early tomorrow."

Sam dropped my hand. "Oh, alright, well, I'll walk you to the door."

"Can't miss an opportunity to be a perfect gentleman, huh?"

"Please- momma didn't raise no fool!"

And just like that the mood shifted once more to natural flow of Sam's and my relationship. Maybe he was right; maybe we could make this work. I just needed someone to talk to, and lucky for me I had a great friend who had recently offered up his services.

"Really, Sam, thanks for having me over. I had fun." I leaned in to give him a light peck on the cheek, and slipped out the door before he even had time to react.

I inhaled the night air deeply, letting it surround me and clear my mind. I could still feel the way Sam's hand had effortlessly slipped into my own. That kid…if only he knew the way he turned my insides to mush.

I sighed and pulled out my cell phone to check the time. It was 9:30…I thought that gave me enough time to talk to Munro and still be home at a decent hour, so I dialed his number from memory. He answered almost instantly.

"Isn't it kind of early; why aren't you still with Sam?"

"Hi, it's nice to hear from you Aislinn. How is everything?" I prompted sarcastically.

"Hi…but seriously, why aren't you with Sam?"

"I sort of need to talk to you about that. Are you home?"

"Yeah, and Thomas is out for the night, so you can come over and we'll talk."

"Great! Thanks, Munro, I'll owe you one."

"Oh, no doubt about that. Where are you; do you need me to come pick you up?"

"It's not a problem; I can walk."

"Aislinn, state your location. I'm not about to let you walk to my house from wherever you are."

I rolled my eyes; sometimes he reminded me of my mother. "I just left Sam's. I'm practically still on his doorstep, Mr. Hoke Colburn."

"Very funny; who does that make you in this scenario- Miss Daisy?"

I put on my best southern accent. "The one an' only."

I could practically hear Munro's eyes roll. "Don't move. I'll be there in five."

"Oh, whatever would I do without you?" I did my best damsel in distress impression without dropping the accent.

There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. "You kill me, Ace."

I smiled as the line disconnected, and settled into the bench conveniently located not five feet from where I was standing.

I was so lucky to have a friend like Munro.

-Munro's Point of View-

She wanted to talk about what happened with Sam tonight. I couldn't tell if that was a good or bad thing, but during the drive to pick Ace up I let all kinds of hypothetical's rush through my head.

Had she told him they should remain friends? Did he listen to her? Did they fight? Had she decided that she actually did want a relationship with him? Worse- did they kiss again?

I was literally going to drive myself insane. Unrequited love sucks.

Not a moment too soon I spotted Ace on a bench a few blocks away from Sam's pad. She seemed to be engrossed by her phone, and didn't even notice me pull up. This could prove fun…

I turned off all my lights and drove right past her, parking a couple blocks away. I slipped out of the car, and crept through the darkness so I was standing right behind the bench. Ace still hadn't looked up from her phone, so I lowered my head till it was on the same level as her ear and whispered, "Boo!"

Aislinn screeched, and shot up into the air. As soon as the fear drained out of her features, anger replaced it. "Munro, you are a dead man."

It was so cute that she actually thought she was menacing, her hands balled up into fists and her hair flopping in her eyes. "Bring it on," I laughed, taking off in the direction of my car.

Without a second of hesitation, Aislinn was after me, sprinting full speed ahead. She was fast, I had to give her that much. In fact, she was gaining on me pretty quickly, and I was not going to let her ruin my fun by actually catching me, so I spun around, holding my arms open wide.

Aislinn was shocked by this turn of events, but couldn't slow down before she ran into my chest. I engulfed her in my arms spinning her around. She smelled like coconut, and I savored the scent as it surrounded me.

"Gotcha," I smiled, keeping her trapped in the circle of my arms.

"Not fair," Aislinn muttered against my chest. "And to think I was just feeling grateful to have a friend like you. Thanks for reminding me that isn't the case."

"Aww, don't be bitter."

I released her, and unlocked my car, hopping in. Aislinn paused for a moment, clearly upset, before she climbed in after me.

"You would never know who was the twenty year old, and who was the seventeen year old," Aislinn continued on angrily. I let her grumble under her breath the entire ride to my house, knowing that she would forgive me by the time I asked her what had went down between her and Sam. She had called me, after all.

We arrived at my house, and I walked in, Aislinn following closely behind. I headed to the kitchen, poured her a glass of water before she even had the chance to ask, and sat down across from her at the island.

"Have you forgiven me yet?"

Aislinn glared at me, glanced down at her water, then back at me. Her face softened, and she took a big swig from the glass. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"Good; let's talk."

"Sam kissed me…again."

The smile immediately slipped off my face, but I tried not to look completely disappointed. So Aislinn and Sam were really happening?

'Whatever makes her happy, whatever makes her happy,' I chanted in my head, willing myself to actually, genuinely feel that way.

"And…how does that make you feel?"

"You sound like a therapist," Aislinn chuckled just slightly before honestly answering my question. "It made me feel great; like I was on fire, but in a good way. I really like him, and I want to make it work."

"So why are you here and not still with him?"

She winced. "This is going to sound silly."

"I won't laugh," I promised.

"I wanted to run it by you before I made my final decision. Your opinion means a lot to me, Munro."

I latched onto her words like a lifeline. I let them settle around me so they could ease the blow.

"You want my opinion, then?" Aislinn nodded. "Go for it. The two of you are mature enough to handle it, and if it's what you really want there is no reason you shouldn't pursue Sam. You'll regret it later if you don't now."

I wanted to take back my words, tell her she should realize that I was the one who would be here for her until the end, but her relived smile kept me from opening my mouth again.

"Thanks Munro. How is it that you always know what to say to me?"

I shrugged, averting my eyes so she couldn't read on my face the affect she was having on me.

"So, I have to eat dinner; I wasn't home from the movie set for ten minutes before you called. I assume you ate at Sam's, so why don't you go watch TV, and I'll take you home after I'm full."

"Sounds like a great plan. Enjoy yourself in here."

"Oh, I will."

Aislinn wandered out of the kitchen, and I quickly made myself a dinner. It didn't take me long to eat, but I still found Aislinn practically passed out on my couch when I was finally ready to take her home, an episode of House playing on the TV. Her face looked so childlike and innocent in slumber; devoid of any worry. It only made her more beautiful to me. She was all I would ever want, and everything I could never have.

Suddenly, the buzz of a cell phone took me out of my train of thought. I found Aislinn's phone sitting on the coffee table, her mom calling.

"Hi, Mrs. Paul," I answered, whispering so I wouldn't wake Aislinn.

"Munro? I thought Aislinn was with Sam."

"She was. She came over because I need to talk to her." I figured it would be harder to explain the other way around, so I switched the story up a little. "Um, but she fell asleep. I kind of don't have the heart to wake her. Do you mind if she spends the night? Thomas isn't here, so I'll just sleep in his bed."

Mrs. Paul deliberated for a few moments. "I suppose that wouldn't be a problem. I trust you, Munro. Don't do anything to change that."

"I wouldn't dream of it, ma'am."

I didn't bother to mention that I wasn't the one Aislinn wanted anyway.

"Call me in the morning, please."

"Can do," I assured her before hanging up.

I glanced at Aislinn once more, admiring her beauty before scooping her into my arms and carrying her up the stairs. I tucked her into my bed, grabbed my pajamas, and was about to head to Thomas' room, but I couldn't help glancing back at the girl in my bed one more time.

I slowly crossed the room to her, bending down to plant a kiss on her forehead, and brush her hair behind her ear. "Goodnight, Aislinn. I love you."

-Aislinn's Point of View-

I was asleep, of that I was sure, but I could still hear what was happening around me through my haze of consciousness. Suddenly, I felt strong arms scoop me up, cradling me against a warm body. I snuggled in closer. The heat felt nice. I felt the bobbing motion of rising stairs, and then suddenly I was surrounded by the cool silkiness of covers being tucked in around me.

Right before everything went black I felt soft lips press gently against my forehead. Then, heard a familiar voice that sounded a lot like Munro's whisper, "Goodnight, Aislinn. I love you."

But I was asleep, so I could have just been imagining things.

This is becoming so much fun to write. I hope you're having fun reading it!

So, are you guys Team Sam or Team Munro. Let me know, and of what you thought about the chapter! Thanks for reading, lovelies!