a/n: Thanks to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and followed! I hate to be like this but I would really like to aim for at least five reviews on the next chapter because I really want to know what you think, I'm very nervous about this chapter!

I'm introducing an original character into this chapter who's been mentioned in passing before and will be in the future. Spencer had to have made new friends, didn't she? It wouldn't make sense for her to have no friends other than Toby so I'm introducing her friend, but don't worry she doesn't play a big role, okay :)

But still please let me know what you think, I was considering starting over from scratch for this chapter so...

Oh, and come follow me on tumblr at, I post preview's there, I did for this chapter but not many people follow me so check me out at adarkromance! I take prompt requests and am fairly friendly so don't be afraid to chat about anything from story updates to the newest episode of PLL!

I'm going on vacation a week from today so make sure to review if you want two updates next week :) Also do you want to see the Hasting's dinner next or a Toby-centric chapter first, I can do either so review to let me know! Or I'll pick :)

Enjoy the chapter!

always in the twilight

chapter six

a test of control

by colorshow

It takes Spencer what feels like less than a second to rush out of the office, did she make things worse or better? It certainly feels like she made things worse. What happened to holding her secrets close?

She looked up at the clock, hearing the school bell ring, signaling second period was over. Letting our a deep breath she decided to head to Toby's locker, knowing he could make her feel better. Nearing his locker he looked up at her, a smile on his face that he reserved just for her fading into a panicked look.

"Hey babe, how'd it go?" He asked, giving her a quick kiss and letting her fall into his embrace as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Spencer shook her head "I have no idea, all I know is I told, I told him I saw Ali that night. And I mentioned you were with me so I don't think this is over, you know Wilden would love to pin this on us." Spencer murmured, her voice muffled from her face being pressed against his leather clad shoulder.

Toby let out a sigh "I support your decision whatever it is, you know that. And I don't doubt for a minute he'd love to blame it on us. But lets forget about it right now, we have bigger things to deal with. Don't worry, okay babe?" he reaffirmed her, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Spencer nodded, pulling herself away from his body, "Can we go for a ride later, I need to clear my head before dinner tonight. Plus we could use some quality time together." she added, giving him a suggestive look, locking her eyes on his.

Toby chuckled, "Like I could resist you Spence."

"That's what I thought, what better to get my mind off things than my favorite thing in the world." Spencer added, running her hand down his arm.

He shook his head at her "You'd think I was your sex slave or something, although I don't think I'd mind that." he joked, causing Spencer to snicker "See you later, stud." she said jokingly.

Turning on the heel of her feet she began to walk away. Somewhere along the line she had become maybe too dependent on him, but she felt it made her stronger, even if Toby would always be here one weakness. He understood she wasn't a slut just because she loved sex, or a druggie because she sometimes looked to a different escape, and she wasn't a criminal because she made mistakes.

She was confused, lonely, and sad. She always had been. But Toby was too. Maybe that's why she was almost positive he was the love of her life. He got her, and that was what she needed, someone to understand who Spencer Hastings was.

"So, Cat told me this was for you." Toby Cavanaugh said, sitting next to Spencer and handing her the bottle of Vodka. She gave him a smile in response, "Toby Cavanaugh, how did you get your hands on this?" Spencer asked, a spark in her eyes that Toby immediately caught sight of.

He let out a snort, "I have connections, Cat sometimes recruits me to help her get her hands on the things she needs."

Giving him an approving nod she stealthily put the bottle into her bag, she had never really had a conversation with Toby Cavanaugh, he was a grade above her so he was currently in high school, while she was still stuck in middle school. They ran in the same circles but often didn't interact unless it was very, very, brief.

Her lips curved into a small smile when she realized he hadn't left yet. No one could deny that he was handsome, with his blue eyes, sandy blonde hair, and leather jacket. Everyone knew he was somewhat a mystery, but she liked a good mystery. So to take a chance or to not take a chance.

Eighth grade was almost over and she knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to take a chance, she was almost a ninth grader, she could flirt with a guy if she wanted too.

"So" Spencer said breathlessly, because she could do this, and why was she so nervous? Taking a deep breath she just focused on Toby's blue eyes that were focused intently on her. "I could use a drinking buddy, um, do you want to hang out sometime?" she asked, gosh, why did she sound so nervous?

He raised an eyebrow at her "Really, what about Alison? Don't you need her approval first?" he mocked, causing a scowl to form on Spencer's face.

"I don't give a damn about Ali, I'm not her puppy dog, and obviously I was stupid to even ask." Spencer choked out, standing up to walk away before Toby quickly grabbed a hold of her arm.

"I didn't mean it like that." Toby said, a smile on his face "I was kind of kidding. No one owns you Spencer Hastings, I was actually kind of hoping you'd ask. I think there's a lot more to you than people think." he said affectionately.

While she desperately wanted to agree to his words she knew the art of playing the game "Well then I guess you're gonna have to make the first move next time. I'll get drunk by myself tonight." Spencer murmured, giving him a smirk as she cocked an eyebrow at him.

She brushed her body against his as she walked away, the fabric of her black plaid dress brushing against him as she walked away, her combat boots pounding against the pavement.

Looking over her shoulder she smiled in satisfaction that his eyes were still trained on her, a small smile on his face. "I'm expecting there to be a next time Cavanaugh." she assured him.

Giving her a smirk he walked closer to her until he stood right behind her, he stood nearly a head above her and his breath was warm on his neck as he spoke "Well how about right now then, because I don't think I can stand seeing you lonely." he whispered, the reality of his words struck her hard "I think you're incredibly beautiful and I really want to know who you really are, how's that sound? Because I'm lonely too, and I would really like some company." he offered, taking another step closer to her so her back was flush against his front.

She was glad the area surrounding them was empty, but still she resisted the urge to kiss him, she barely knew him. But here he was charming her, "Okay, meet me at eight at the bridge behind Forger's Creek." she agreed.

Turning around to face him he grabbed unto her hips to steady her, "Sounds good. I'll be there." Toby agreed.

Nothing felt more liberating to her than when the bell rang at the end of the school day, quickly stuffing her Math Textbook into her book bag she rushed out of the classroom, hurrying to her locker she quickly put the books she needed for her homework into her bag before slamming her locker shut as she felt the familiar figure at her shoulder.

Cat Lancaster. Her best friend, besides Toby of course. The girl who always seemed to have drugs or booze for sale was an acquaintance in middle school that quickly became her best friend in high school.

"What do you need Cat?" Spencer groaned, lifting an eyebrow at the slightly shorter girl. With her brown eyes and long reddish brown hair she was usually found to be quite attractive by most of the male population at Rosewood High. Surprisingly enough though, Spencer had swiped in her V card before Cat had even considered cashing her's in though.

Cat gave her a sarcastic smile "That's your horny tone, the grumpy one, not the bedroom one, which I don't even need to know what's like by the way. I know you're looking for Toby, I bet you're going out on the motorcycle too, huh?" she prompted, snickering when Spencer rolled her eyes, "I know you too well Spence."

Nudging Cat's shoulder as the two girls made their way outside Spencer asked "And what did you need exactly?"

Giving her a dark look Cat whispered "Can I stay at your place tonight, dad has someone coming over tonight, and um... I don't want to be there."

Spencer internally clenched her fists, what most people failed to note was that though Cat provided you with all the drugs and booze you needed for a reasonable fee, she hardly used any herself, not that she never did, Spencer had seen her under influence many a times. She stole most of it from her dad or bought it cheaper from her dad's druggie friends and saved the money to get the hell out of that place. Now that she was old enough to get a job at the Brew, a local coffee store, helped of course, but still her best friend had stayed over way more times than one would think because of her own father. The two girls often bonded over their parent troubles.

Not that Spencer minded of course, Cat was welcome anytime especially since Spencer pretty much lived on her own and it sometimes got awfully lonely, but Spencer wished she could just do something sometimes.

"Yeah, Cat you don't even have to ask, you'll just need to hang out for awhile though, I have family dinner with Melissa's new doctor fiance tonight." Spencer said dejectedly.

Cat nodded, "That's fine, see you later, I've got places to be!" she exclaimed, Spencer watched her hyperactive best friend nearly race to her beat up Honda.

Her thoughts were distracted by a pair of arms wrapping around her waist "Hey beautiful, how's it going?" he murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek. Spencer turned around to face him, "Cat, she's staying the night again." Spencer said, taking her hand in his as they began to walk to his motorcycle.

A dark look crossed Toby's face "I really wish she'd get herself out of that situation." Toby muttered, Spencer nodded in agreement. "You know how she is though..." Spencer trailed off.

Deciding to move things onto a lighter matter, she eagerly raced toward his motorcycle, shoving her book bag into the storage seat and putting on her helmet. "Well someone's eager" Toby joked, Spencer smiled at him "I need to make the most of my time. Now come on, we need to be back here in an hour."

"Yes sir!" Toby agreed.

She just internally hoped things wouldn't be as bad as the last time Spencer had met Melissa's boyfriend.

"So, you're Melissa's little sister?" Ian asked, Spencer knew who he was, but thankfully she'd never had the pleasure of Melissa's current asshat boyfriend. With his smarmy looks and polo shirts he was right up her sister's alley, and too 'try to be preppy' for Spencer to even consider him to be attractive.

Spencer rolled her eyes "No, I'm her personal assistant, what do you think? Unless all that cologne has gotten to your brain obviously." she snapped, grabbing a two cans of root beer for her and Cat from the fridge.

The two girls were enjoying the first warm day of May by Spencer's pool, Toby was doing something with his friends, although he planned to stop by later. Still, she'd feel more comfortable if it were her boyfriend eyeing her in her bikini than her sister's boyfriend.

Letting out a chuckle Ian gave her an appraising look that made Spencer want to slap him even more than she had previously wanted to, "Melissa described you correctly."

"What, as a vindictive little bitch? Because I'm pretty sure those were her exact words." Spencer said sarcastically, trying her best to find a convenient way to escape this awkward situation.

Ian shrugged "That may have come up somewhere in that conversation but I agree with the rebel part, you seem like you enjoy a good time."

Spencer tried not to gag at his implication "I have a boyfriend, you have a girlfriend who is my sister, you don't need to fuck another Hastings do you? Personally I think you're a dick, so please stop hitting on me, okay? I have a boyfriend who will mess up your face." she hissed vehemently, turning away from him on her heel.

Ian let out a mirthless chuckle "Completely right in her description actually, I hope you have more friends than enemies Spencer Hastings, you'll need them."

Trying to forget the way his words chilled her to the bone she walked outside to the pool, collapsing on a chair next to Cat, who barely looked up as she asked her "So which Hastings has got you all mad this time?"

Pulling down her sunglasses from her forehead Spencer hissed "Melissa's dick of a boyfriend, he tried to hit on me."

"Tell Toby and he'll scare 'em off real good. Remember when Drew Robinson was harassing us, one threat from Toby and he ran away from him screaming." Cat reasoned, turning her head to face Spencer, taking in her deeply troubled face.

"Yeah, I'll do that." Spencer confirmed, opening her can of soda and reclining in the chair, but things could never be that simple could they?

Glancing around she noticed a flash of familiar blonde hair, what the hell was she doing? "Alison, what the hell are you doing here?" Spencer shouted, angrily getting out of her chair as she watched the girl emerge from the bushes.

Cat gave Spencer a startled look, taking in the sight before her.

Ali gave Spencer a smirk "You know, I'd be careful Spencer, you wouldn't want to get involved with the wrong people." Alison warned, giving Spencer a smile that was more devilish than kind.

"Well that's rich coming from you Ali, I'm not the one who tries to get into everyone's business. What, Ian harassing me make you jealous? Why are you even here?" Spencer questioned, giving the other girl a glare.

Ali shook her head "Just leaving, as for the answers, don't expect any." Ali affirmed.

As Cat and Spencer watched her walk away Spencer let out a deep breath, "Well the bitch never dies, does she?" Cat sneered, "I can't believe you were ever friends with her Spence, think about all the things she did just because you figured out that she wasn't worth your time, remember those rumors she spread?"

Spencer shook her head in agreement "I know, neither can I Cat. She can't stand to be ignored, I figured that out a long time ago. Let's just hope she wasn't here to stir up more trouble for me.

Spencer pulled her clothes back on that were tossed to the side of the motorcycle, Toby hummed contentedly against her neck as she snapped the clasp back together on her bra. "Toby, I need to get dressed, we have to get going, I still have to get dressed for tonight." she murmured, reaching for her shirt which was hanging from the front of his motorcycle.

Toby just laughed, wrapping his arms around her waist "You know motorcycle sex gets me in a good mood, plus you look beautiful no matter what you wear. Plus, don't look too beautiful, we don't need another of Melissa's boyfriends hitting on you." he assured her, pushing a strand of hair back from her face.

Spencer rolled her eyes "I only have eyes for you anyway. I don't want to go, but the Hasting's have to keep appearances and prove their daughter isn't a total screw-up" she muttered bitterly.

"You are not a screw-up Spencer Hastings, you will never be anything but perfect to me." He whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Their naked backs were pressed together and though Spencer desperately wished they could go for another round she knew that life wasn't always a fantasy where she could spend all her hours with Toby.

"And you're my perfect, don't you forget either. No ancient Greek sculpture could have a body that was as much of a work of art as yours." Spencer agreed, causing Toby to groan as her eyes roved his naked form.

"You always test my control Spencer Hastings."

The two were knocked out of their bliss by the sharp ding of Spencer's phone, signifying a new text. She pulled her phone out of her discarded pants which lay on the ground, her lips forming into a frown.

Toby looked over at her, "Who is it?" he asked.

Spencer shook her head "I'd love to test your control, ready to start playing games? -A", she read, sharing a concerned look with Toby, who angrily reached for her phone "Who the hell is this, who the fuck is stalking us!" he yelled.

Worriedly looking around, knowing she wouldn't see a figure in the trees that surrounded the secluded dirt road her and Toby had parked at no matter how much she squinted "You're giving them exactly what they want." she hissed, Toby reacted immediately to her words, visibly calming down.

But what did they want, judging by the cryptic messages it wouldn't be anything good.

Toby looked at the phone that buzzed in his hand again, feeling a rush of fury through his veins as he read the message "You have no choice now, better learn how to play for the A-team. -A"

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