I have returned, I'm going to try and make this the shortest author's note I write. We've reached the final day. If I were evil this would be the ending but it's not. There's still an epilogue. I have staples. Things that I tend to do no matter what story I write, no matter what characters whether it's my own or Spashley. If you've read my other stories you'll know what I'm referring to. There are cartain things that inspire and the unintentional make their way into my writing. So sorry if I'm being repetitive or redundant. So in regards to that. In this order should you want to listen as you read you can catch these guys on Youtube they are who I modeled the scene after in a way: 1)Kenneth Wong, 2 &3) David Cannava and 4 ) Luke Holland (my personal favorite.) . I won't go into detail it'll ruin it but I'm sure you guys can figure it out. Guys the reviews are fantastic. Thanks for all the love and encouragement and the kind words. They make me want to update faster! I'm on 3 hours of sleep a and been awake for the past 16 hours so if you find mistakes blame it on sleep deprivation but I think I caught majority. Enjoy guys and let me know what you though. Guess it wasn't so short after all.
Oh by the way. sonfanatic...you're the greatest. Everyone should give her a standing ovation because if not I probably wouldn't have posted tonight. Oh and Agent M...thanks for you patience and empathy. Made me feel better.
Day 10
The boat rocks gently back and forth. Ashley sighs reaching her hand to find the space next to her empty. She sits up and calls out to Spencer, no response. She looks out the porthole and sees the water rushing past. They had spent most of the night talking and eating, cooking a late dinner after they legally anchored the boat for a few hours. They hadn't had sex the night before enjoying their conversations of nothing in particular. Ashley learned that Spencer's beard, if she would ever desire one, would be Zac Efron. Ashley confessed that she owns a set day of week underwear in addition to her regular undergarments and made sure not to wear them when she knew she'd be around the writer. After that confession Spencer firmly stated that she'd now only sleep with Ashley if she were wearing days of the week underwear.
She walks through the ship, the sun peeking through the neatly designed skylight, she really did love being on this vessel. A part of her loving the uniqueness of Spencer, hoping this won't be the last time they sail anywhere together. They explored through it almost the entire night. Taking books off the shelves of the many bookcases and reading excerpts, deciding if it were crap or not. Ashley had been a less harsh judge than Spencer. She steps up the stairs and calls out to the blonde.
"Hey…morning." Spencer rasps out, Ashley had discovered from the celebratory party a few nights ago Spencer's voice is raspier in the morning when she has had a few drinks the night before. It had been the sexiest thing Ashley has ever heard.
"G'morning." She greets Spencer with a chaste kiss.
"You sleep alright?"
Ashley squints as she takes a look at where they are. She can see land ahead. She catches Spencer staring at her bare legs, only sleeping in her pajama shirt and boy shorts.
"I did until I found myself, by myself." She adds a little sass to her statement making Spencer snicker.
"I'm sorry, I wanted to get us in at a decent hour so we can spend the day. Trust me, it was tempting. Your legs were made to tangle with mine."
Ashley smiles softly wrapping her arms around the sailor, scratching gently at her taught stomach. She presses kisses against Spencer's back, making them firm so the blonde can feel her lips through her beater.
"Want me to make you some coffee?" Ashley asks cutely, feeling domestic.
It's a role she fell into by accident not really questioning its inception. She loves it.
"I would love some if you don't mind."
"Coming right up." She lightly smacks Spencer ass making the blonde laugh.
"Oh and Ash?"
The brunette smirks knowingly, she answers before she can even be questioned. "Yes, I will make you some pancakes."
Spencer smiles brightly. Ashley's heart does a flip as she takes a final look at the blonde before disappearing below deck. She enters the galley expertly grabbing all her ingredients for the pancakes. Knowing everything she needed to be on board from their exploration last night. She whips it from scratch and prepares other breakfast foods and lets her mind wander to their conversation last night. She moves through the kitchen humming, smiling to herself, shaking her head in bewilderment. This feels like a dream. Like an out of body experience. Do things honestly happen this way? Do you randomly meet a person in a grocery store and have undeniable chemistry and feel like they were meant for you even if weren't typical? Ashley puts down her utensils as she lets her mind float to the amazing girl guiding them to their final destination and she tries to think, no way will she be able to stay away for too long. There's just no way. She finishes cooking a large stack of pancakes, knowing Spencer will eat the majority and starts to bring breakfast up the stairs.
Spencer puts the boat on self-steer and helps the brunette so they can sit down together. They sit across from each other and Spencer reaches her hand across the table. The Dean rests her hand in Spencer's palm.
"Thanks for feeding me."
"My pleasure. So am I allowed to ask what we are doing today?"
"You can."
Ashley giggles as she watches her date quickly take a bite of her pancakes, closing her eyes in delight as she lets the breakfast rest on her palate.
"You put extra crack in it didn't you?" She asks with her mouth full, trying her best to sound serious.
"It's how you like it."
Spencer smiles widely as she chews her breakfast happily. "So I figure we can take a stroll through town. Then hit a winery, I made an appointment for a private tour, there's this place I want to take you for ice-cream. They have the best birthday cake flavor you'll ever taste, other than that I just figured we can just walk around aimlessly."
"Aimlessly sounds nice."
Spencer smiles with a mouthful of pancakes. Ashley laughs taking a sip of orange juice.
"You look like a hamster."
The blonde just wiggles her eyebrows completely satisfied with the fact that she looks like a hamster. If she could store these pancakes for later consumption she would.
The afternoon sneaks up on them as they finally get off the boat and head towards the Coupe. Blakely standing diligently next to the car. She smiles brightly at the driver.
"Ms. Ashley." He says cheerily opening the door for his passenger. "Ms. Spencer."
"Hey Blakely. Thanks for making the trek."
"My pleasure." He answers reassuringly, closing the door behind them. "To the winery then?" He confirms and drives off as Spencer consents. Ashley snuggles into Spencer's body, the blonde rests her arm over the brunette's shoulder. She laces their fingers hanging their hands haphazardly off her shoulder.
"Are you having a good time?" Spencer asks apprehensively.
Ashley looks up at her date. "The absolute best. Thank you."
The blonde smiles, proud of herself capturing Ashley's lips in a quick and gentle kiss.
"Are you still curious how I'm pulling all this off?"
"I wouldn't be me if I weren't."
"How's this…I will reveal some of my secrets when you no longer care."
Ashley gently nudges her elbow in Spencer's side. The writer winces dramatically, rubbing gently.
"You're so difficult."
"I can be yes, but I want to keep you at your high point, letting you experience everything at its maximum capacity."
Spencer gently kisses her date's neck. They fall into a comfortable silence and Ashley takes the time to look at the town she's driving through. The small boutiques. The fancy restaurant, the luxurious cars driving alongside their car. Ashley takes quick glimpses at the families as they enjoy the summer weather. She rests her head against Spencer's shoulders and finds her mind wandering to possible visits in the future. Summer trips by boat to the Hamptons. She feels her heart quicken both in anxiousness and fear. How she can possibly think of certain things like this after only ten days but she can't help it. It's happening emotionally whether she wants it to or not. The logic no longer reigning over the situation, she knows though it will have to. She squeezes Spencer's hand getting her attention.
"Question."
"Shoot."
"Are you scared?" Ashley asks hesitantly.
"Yes." Spencer answers honestly. "The one thing that scares me the most is what happens when we take time apart from one another."
Ashley just nods. "How much time will that be?"
The writer shrugs. "That's not up to me. It's when you're ready to take part of whatever this is."
"What do you think it is?"
"I can't give you shortcuts Ash." Spencer says with a gentle laugh. "I just know that what I feel is strong. It's true. I've been out of a relationship long enough, and I want you to take all the time you need. Just because I came into your life quickly doesn't mean I'll leave the same way."
"You're good at that."
"At what?"
"Telling me what I need to hear, reassuring me. I think I give you too much practice."
"I'll always want to be better at making you feel better."
Ashley angles her body, removing her hand from Spencer's and resting it on the blonde's thigh. She traces the hem of her jean shorts. Spencer's ears perk up as she smiles, looking into Ashley's eyes. They're just one shade darker than normal. She only gets a second to react as Ashley rushes forward. Inhaling deeply as their lips collide, Spencer reaches a hand up to Ashley's face pulling it impossibly closer. They breakaway breathless, Ashley leans her head against Spencer's. The blonde steals another kiss making the Dean smile softly. Ashley repositions herself in Spencer's arms and enjoys the rest of the drive to the winery.
She does her best to keep her mind from wondering what it will be like when they take a break to figure out things. They don't have a designated time in regards to how long they were going to separate but right now it didn't matter.
The streets become less residential, the lands stretching out as people's lawns become farmland. They turn down a street, driving down a windy road. Ashley looks as Spencer shifts pulling her little black notebook out of her pocket. Ashley smirks.
"Are your thoughts private?" She asks curiously.
Spencer shrugs as she pulls the cap of her pen off with her mouth not wanting to remove her arm from around Ashley. Spencer scribbles down in the notebook, Ashley thoroughly impressed at all the blonde can do with one hand. The writer lets out a drawn out 'uh' before giving her answer, wanting to get rid of the idea in her mind.
"Yes and no." She says in a muffle, the pen cap sitting tightly between her teeth.
Ashley smiles widely. Just like the blonde to leave things open ended. She chuckles as she feels green eyes staring at her waiting for her to clarify.
She pushes the cap back on her pen with her mouth before she answers.
"In regards to my notebook, yes they are because a lot of the times it's due to my emotional state, random thoughts, ideas, desires, overheard conversations, random quotes, random things people say, etcetera. But you know that if there was anything you wanted to know you could always ask me."
"I know, I'm just curious what's in there."
"Everything and nothing. You can look at my older notebooks if you'd like…in time."
"I don't want to invade your privacy." Her voice small and quiet, now a little embarrassed that she even asked.
Spencer just shrugs nonchalantly. "You're fine, you're not invading. I'd be curious too if I ever saw someone write in a random notebook as much as I do."
She breathes out a short laugh. "Curiosity and cats, murders and such."
Spencer erupts in laughter, uncapping her pen again and jotting in her notebook.
"Did I just make it into your notebook?" Ashley asks a little excited. The thought almost the equivalent of making the Hall of Fame in her opinion.
"Yes you did."
Ashley drops her head onto Spencer's shoulder, closing her eyes enjoying the summer breeze as they drive, she giggles as Spencer places noisy kisses all along the side of her face. Blakely pulls in front of the Duck Walk Vineyard. He gets out of the car and opens the door for Ashley. She exits, Spencer following behind her.
"Thank you for the ride Blakely, we'll be done in a few hours and then we'll head into town."
"I'll be here, whenever you're ready Ms. Spencer."
Spencer winks at their driver, lays her hand on Ashley's lower back.
"You ready for the second half?" She asks cheekily.
"As long as I'm with you I'm ready for anything."
Spencer's eyes widen in shock and the brunette understands why. Here's the girl that hadn't been ready for the emotional obligation, but now with Spencer she's ready for anything. How things have changed.
The afternoon is filled with wine cheese and chocolate. Giggling, soft kisses, and gentle grazes of fingertips. The looks lingered, smiles still bashful and the continuation of their first date still magical. It all feels right and yet with each minute that passed there had been a daunting silence that looms over them. Both of them subconsciously knowing it's only a matter of time. When it gets uncomfortably quiet between them Spencer suggests they move on to the next thing.
The drive back into town quiet again. Ashley looks down in her lap as Spencer plays with her fingers. Squeezing her fingertips and pulling invisible string from the middle of her hand. Ashley giggles as she quickly pulls her hand away at the tingly feeling. They joke around with one another doing their best to keep the mood light. They were both grateful for the drive back to be shorter. Blakely pulls up in front of music store, the brunette drops her head in defeat.
"Really?"
Spencer smiles brightly. She doesn't wait for Blakely to open the door, too excited for what's about to happen. She puts her hand out and Ashley takes it reluctantly almost being pulled out of the car.
"You said you would." Spencer pouts cutely.
"Yes, you're right I did. Come on, let me go and rock your world."
"Woo!" Spencer shouts excitedly, closing the door behind her date.
Ashley giggles as she walks onto the curb and heads towards the shop. She opens the door for the blonde, the bell above the door jingling as it swings open. Spencer steps into the store and shouts at the only worker in the store.
"Hey punk, I need drums!"
"Spencer!"
"Of course you know this guy." She says with a laugh. The door closing softly behind her.
Spencer whips her head at the Dean, scrunching his face making the brunette smile. She grabs Ashley's hand pulling her into her arms.
"They say it's important to know big people in high places and the truth is…it's really the small people. They make the big people relevant." She gives her a quick kiss. "Jackson and I had English Lit together, I saved his ass on several occasions."
"That she did, damn near tutored me through every book." He confirms as he comes over.
Spencer lets one arm go around Ashley to give Jackson a side arm hug.
"Jackson this is Ashley. Ashley, Jackson."
Ashley gives Jackson a once over. A pair of black Vans, skinny jeans and a vintage band t-shirt. brown hair pulled into a messy man bun, grey eyes behind black framed glasses, her mind flashes back to Spencer in her glasses and she closes her eyes to gather herself for a second. The two old friends rehash for a little bit, she places a soft kiss on Spencer's cheek and wanders around the music shop. She walks over to the set of drums gliding her fingers over the crash cymbals. The coolness and ripples on the metal, she feels Spencer's arms wrap around her waist hugging her from behind.
"You okay?"
"I'm great. A little nervous honestly."
"Yeah I get it, I got like that when you were reading my first draft in front of me."
"So is this payback?" She asks with a smile in her voice.
"Totally."
The brunette giggles as she makes her way over to Jackson. "So it's cool if I play?"
"For sure, sticks are over there. I'll be behind the counter if you need me."
"Quick favor."
"Shoot."
"I don't typically get stage fright. I just haven't played in a while and the only audience I really want to entertain at this very moment is…"
Jackson chuckles nodding in understanding. "Not a problem, I'll lock up and turn the sign over while you jam."
She whispers a thank you and heads over to the display of drumsticks. Grabbing a classic pair and walking over to the set she had been admiring earlier. Ashley sits behind the drum set and twirls one of the sticks around her fingers smoothly. Spencer smirks as she watches the brunette adjust herself, making sure she's comfortable and every part of the drums are within reach. She kicks off tapping the bass drum in a four count, adding a little snare drum, flaring with the hi-hat cymbal. She starts off simple looking at Spencer as she sucks on her bottom lip, staring at her intensely. She feels her cheeks flush burn slightly. She hasn't been behind a kit for a while but it's like riding a bike. She's a tiny bit nervous wanting to impress the blonde, the woman staring at her has left her nothing but speechless since day one and now's her turn to impress her.
"So do you want me to freestyle? Is there a particular style you want to hear…" She trails off and her brows rise as she sees Spencer smile cheekily.
Ashley rolls her eyes, the blonde has gone completely fangirl on her and she hasn't even really done anything yet. She stops as an idea pops in her head. She stands up abruptly and goes over to Jackson. She hears Spencer whine behind and laughs as she holds up her index finger, asking the blonde for a minute.
Ashley leans on the counter and asks Jackson for a pen and paper, she writes down a list of songs that she'd like him to play through the store stereo. He smirks at her.
"Yeah, I got you."
"Thanks," She smiles sheepishly. She walks over to the blonde and buries her fingers in her hair, scratching gently.
"Are you about to show off for me?" Spencer asks with a smarmy smile.
"Oh, for sure." Ashley shrugs. "You asked for one thing. And well there's no point in doing anything if it's not done the best way right?"
Ashley does a not subtle reference to Spencer's motto at experiencing life. The blonde chuckles and nods in agreement.
"Hey, Ashley all set."
Ashley nods in thanks, she pops her shoulders up once in excitement then pecks her date on the lips. She walks towards the second set of drumsticks the tip oval shape, and grabs a set of mallets. Ashley winks at the blonde as she sits on the drummer's throne again.
"Hey Jackson can you get my girl a stool?" She states confidently. Spencer smirks she's only ever seen Ashley with such swagger a few times. In her office, that day she barged in on her angry thinking her calls and texts were being ignored, and the first night she took control. There's a fire in the brunette and it's flaring a little. It makes her a little glad that it hasn't completely distinguished. Ashley always had a shy side to her but when it counts she can be a badass.
Jackson laughs as he nods, "Of course."
"So you two are buddies now?" Spencer directs the question to Ashley but Jackson answers.
"You've been replaced Spence, I'm sorry." Jackson confesses as he hands the blonde her seat. "Let me know when you're ready Ash."
"Ash?" Spencer squeaks out.
The two acquaintances give a little chuckle and the brunette steps on the bass drum a couple of times, hitting the high hat a little. It's as if she were getting behind the wheel and making sure all her mirrors were in the right spot. She rolls her shoulders and takes a deep breathe. She bows her head and Spencer really wants to say something. She's never seen the Dean like this before. It's interesting, it's like seeing someone you've known your whole life revealing this big secret about themselves. Though they haven't known each other their whole lives there is a high level of familiarity between them that's making Spencer feel extremely curious about the drummer.
"You ready?" Ashley asks seductively.
"I don't know," Spencer answers honestly, her heart thumping with anticipation.
"You're not." Ashley quips as she signals Jackson.
The air is still, the whole store quiet. It's as if even the noise outside has stilled just so Ashley can shine in this moment. Ashley grabs the mallets and slowly builds on the ride cymbals. Spencer smirks as Abel's voice fills the air. The general song is loud enough to be heard but Ashley controls the volume of the instrument where she's leading and the music is just background.
Spencer watches as Ashley dances around between the crash cymbals and the riding cymbals in sync with the song. She places them down grabbing a settle of regular sticks and the beat drops and Spencer's moans as she watches Ashley beat the drums, sticking with the snare and the high hat. Ashley bites her lip as she concentrates on the song making sure to stay on beat. She's keeping it simple for now, making sure to build it with every song. Doesn't want to give away the whole show at the very beginning. As she plays along to The Weeknd's 'Earned It' she takes a moment to look at the blonde she's playing for.
She sees the look Spencer's giving her and it only makes her ego rise. She builds the song up dancing the sticks on the snare and floor tom as it reaches the end allowing her to come to a close. The crashing of the cymbals filling the music store beautifully, she bangs the floor tom and snare drum with gusto. The next song plays and she rolls her eyes hating it but knowing it fits so well with who they are. She hits the high hat and the bass drum. She peeks at the blonde and sees the blonde laughing, loving that she can make the blonde smile as Call Me Maybe plays.
Ashley knows she's killing the drums as she switches between the high hat, snare drum, middle and floor Tom. The song allows her to be a little busier with the set. She throws a look at her date and can see that she's thoroughly impressed but still she hasn't reached anywhere near her potential. The song switches and she hopes that Spencer doesn't mind all the cheesy pop songs that she's picked. They're the easiest to remix with drums especially off the top of her head. Drunk in Love plays and she bops her head as gets into the song, smiling, doing something that she hasn't done in years. A little surprised that she's still as good as she is. She looks at Spencer again and sees how wide her smile is. Ashley spending a lot of time on the high, medium, and low tom as Jay Z raps. She knows the last songs approaching and she decides to throw in her tricks hoping she isn't too rusty.
She makes sure to stare at Spencer through the intro of the song. The blonde, surprised that her smile can even go wider than it is now. Justin Bieber's song Boyfriend plays and Ashley's dancing on the high hat flipping the sticks in the air and catching them with ease. Her eyes never leave Spencer's face and she's determined not to make herself look like an ass. The break between the pre chorus and the chorus she twirls the sticks and slams them against the snare drum and low tom, kick the bass drum quickly. The way she's playing the song tempo faster and fancier than all the other songs. She stays in tune with the lyrics as opposed to the melody itself. She takes her eyes off the blonde as she gets deeper into her playing. She'd rather stare at the girl who's gotten her to play her instrument but wanting to impress her even more, for once hoping to leave her speechless instead of the other way around. Her hands dance skillfully around the drum set. The end of the song comes to the final lyrics where Justin sings na, na, na and with those lyrics Ashley gets a little fancier with her stick control hitting her high hats and riding cymbal smoothly juggling the sticks between the breaks of the lyrics. Tossing the stick in her right hand in the air towards her left catching it smoothly while she tosses the stick in her left into her right. The cycle of how they move impressive and she giggles as she hears Spencer groan out. "Oh my God!"
She keeps the pace throughout the end of the song, the bass drum busier than it's ever been. The song comes to an end she smacks the crash cymbals, catches them and sits back finally finished. She twirls the stick around her fingers again and throws it against the snare drum making it bounce in the air and catches it skillfully. She looks up at the blonde shyly waiting for her to say something.
All she sees is her date, wide eyed, slack jawed, and speechless.
She pulls her bottom lip into her mouth as she stands, clearing her throat.
"More." Spencer squeaks out finally finding her voice.
Ashley laughs but stops as she realizes that Spencer is very serious.
"That wasn't enough for you? I picked those very songs on purpose you know, did you not catch the not so subtle song choices."
"Yes I did, which made you even sexier."
Ashley laughs as she walks around the kit towards the blonde. "Thanks Jackson."
Jackson nods his head. "That was awesome."
"See it was awesome. Baby, I want more. Jackson tell her to do more, you seem to have the in with this girl."
Jackson throws his hands up in surrender, deciding to stay out of it.
"Aw, I know. I'll do more for you another time. I want ice-cream." She turns Spencer around and gently pushes her towards the door.
Jackson rushes over to help them out with door. "Don't be a stranger okay Spencer! Ashley it was an extreme pleasure."
They both say their goodbyes to Jackson as they step outside, Spencer extremely reluctant. She pouts as Ashley locks their fingers together. The brunette laughs as she gently pulls Spencer into her making their shoulders bump.
"Don't be like that."
"You were so amazing though. It was just so exciting to see you like that. I didn't want it to end."
"Well take comfort in knowing that it doesn't have to be the last time."
"Where's your kit? I've never seen it in your apartment."
"Back at my parents, there wasn't enough room for it in my old apartment and I just never got it when I moved."
"But you're going to now right?"
Spencer's behavior modeling a lot like a small child who had seen their first action movie. Her excitement bubbling over.
"If you insist love I will."
"I insist."
Ashley blushes and squeezes her date's hand. "Should we feel bad that we just waltzed in on Jackson and used his stuff after years of not talking to him?" She laughs as the thought dawns on her.
"Nah, he does it to me all the time when he's in the city. It's our thing."
Ashley just nods, letting the silence gather between them. Not wanting it settle for too long she breaks it. "So where's this ice-cream place with these to die for flavors."
Spencer can tell that the brunette is very shy with all the attention she is getting so she drops it and falls into conversation about all the flavors this shop has. They walk hand in hand, swinging them idly between their bodies. The silence comes back, it's as if the elephant that usually just sits in the room is now following them and gets larger with every return.
Ashley breathes out making her lips tremble as she raspberries. "So should we…"
"After coffee" Spencer interrupts not ready to ruin the mood of their date.
"Coffee?"
"Yeah, take me to that place you were going crazy about yesterday."
Ashley stares at the blonde as she keeps her gaze forward. Not looking at the Dean as if looking at her would make her relent and retract her from prolonging their discussion. She stares at Spencer and wonders if Spencer is doing this for her sake or for Ashley's. Her eyes drift away from the writer and she feels the elephant behind them grow three times bigger.
"Yeah okay." She responds weakly.
Things are shifting as the time passes quickly. They both can feel it, the luxury of the lack of commitment fading. The intensity stronger than when it started but if this what they think it is they both needed to be sure. Ashley still dealing with a level of heartbreak meanwhile Spencer embarking on this new adventure writing her novel. Work has been an issue before and their vulnerability and insecurity too sensitive to not think things through. However, is overthinking things just as dangerous.
They reach the ice-cream shop and Ashley's eyes widen at the length of the line as it forms out the door, to the curb forming an L shape, lining parallel to the street. Scoop De Jour is clearly a big deal in these parts. Spencer squeals in excitement causing the brunette to chuckle at her adorability. She's dragged to the back of the line. Once they reach the end they uncharacteristically drop their hands. Spencer slipping her hands in her back pocket, Ashley crossing her arms over her chest. She internally berates herself for trying to bring the conversation up. The anxiety of not knowing what will happen next is getting to her. Correction she knows what's going to happen. They are going to take time before becoming serious. Ashley time to heal, while Spencer comes out of the shadows of being just a rebound. She's not that anymore and this date definitely proves that she's a worthy contender. Satisfied with the title at the beginning it's not enough anymore. She's no longer just the person that could bring Ashley over the edge, she's the girl that captured a broken heart, mended it, released it and is patiently waiting for it to come back. Ashley wants to gives it free of hesitation. Meanwhile she has her own heart to prepare.
Often at times people embark in relationships just to be in a relationship. That's not what this can be. All by itself it has a life of its own and it can either be a beautiful disaster or a beautiful masterpiece. They both would rather the latter.
Ashley bites her bottom lip as thoughts run through her mind. She startles a bit as she feels Spencer lay a soft touch on her arm. She looks into blue eyes.
"I need to wake us up." She starts as she pulls the Dean's arms apart, wrapping them around her own waist. Their chemistry clearly trying to hibernate on them as if it were a choice. "Because this isn't working for me."
Ashley tightens her grip around the writer's waist as Spencer slowly slides her hands across Ashley's cheeks. They rest perfectly in the middle of her palm. She whispers a soft "c'mere" and she abides willingly. She could whisper anything and it would be sexy.
The kiss gentle, loving, reassuring and exactly what they both needed as they feel something in them awaken. It could have been confidence or even clarity but even this early they knew what it is, and what it will grow into.
They hear a throat clear and they break apart turning to the culprit who ruined their rekindling of their dimming flame. An older man looking rather annoyed and a second man scolding harshly at him.
"Levi!"
The man who the two girls guess is Levi ignores the man roughly saying his name. "If you two don't mind, the line has moved."
Spencer whips her head forward noticing quite a distance between them and the people they were standing behind. She blushes and turns to apologize.
"We're sorry, we just…" She starts sympathetically. She's had the ice-cream before, she completely understands the man's impatience.
"Yes, young and in love we get it. I would like my ice-cream."
"Damnit Levi! Excuse him girls he turns into a slut when he's hungry."
"No worries, she can get pretty slutty too." Ashley quips as she pulls the blonde forward several feet. Spencer squeaks in protest. "You get pretty slutty, baby."
Spencer just tuts, glaring playfully at the brunette. She grumbles. "Fine."
Spencer smiles shyly as she looks at the brunette. Neither of them protested the claim thrown at them by Levi. They just watch as the bulkier of the two gentlemen reaches his hand forward as they follow the two of them down the line.
"I'm Marty this is my clearly loveable husband Levi."
"Nice to meet you." Spencer jumps in quickly and introduces herself, eager to meet new people. A general quality of many writers. Never have enough material for a character. "This is Ashley, she's the number one suspect of an ongoing investigation in the case of the theft of my heart."
Marty places his hand on his heart, awing at them. Ashley drops her head on Spencer's shoulder giggling.
"Ya'll two are absolutely adorable. Levi and I have been together for twelve years. What about you two?"
They look at each other trying to wordless decided on how to answer. Spencer shrugs. "Ten days."
"Shut up!" Shrieks Marty. A couple of people look at them.
Levi kept quiet just listening. He's clearly a man on a mission. No fraternizing with anyone until ice-cream had been in his mouth. The two girls laugh softly at Marty's exaggerated response.
"Ya'll have the air of life long lovers."
"Feels like it." Ashley agrees not allowing her thoughts to hinder her from enjoying the truth that she felt. A truth that complete strangers recognized. Her smile grows as Spencer places a gentle kiss to her cheek and whispers in her ear.
"You're not helping your case thief."
Ashley can't help the chuckle, nudging Spencer only a few inches away from her. Marty awes again and the two couples engage in light conversation. Well the one couple and Marty. They stay that way all the way into the shop until it's time to order. Spencer gets two large scoops of birthday cake ice-cream while Ashley mixes and matches. When they walk out they search for a bench to sit on, the sun losing its fire as they day dies down.
"You two enjoy the rest of your vacation." Marty states as he walks out of the store moments later.
The girls turn and smile at him appreciatively.
"Words of wisdom…" Levi starts, his tone a little more approachable since he had his ice-cream.
"Please." Spencer asks eagerly, always willing to hear advice from people older than her.
"It's okay to let your feelings steer you, our head follows our heart. When we think something isn't right a lot of the time's it's because it doesn't feel right. You two already have what many people are still searching for. Invest in wisely."
"Thanks Levi." Says Spencer a little perplexed as she pulls her notebook from her back pocket.
"My husband, so dramatic. Thinks he's Yoda. It was a pleasure ladies." Marty wiggles his fingers as he walks away linking his arm with his husband.
Ashley and Spencer find a bench nearby and take a seat indulging in the dessert.
"So Levi…" Ashley starts with a small laugh bringing her ice-cream to her lips.
"He ordered rum raisin I'm not sure how much I trust him." Spencer says as she finishes jotting down what he said. Sticking her tongue out to lick the dripping ice-cream.
Ashley shakes her head smiling as she takes one of the extra napkins she grabbed wiping at the dessert that ran onto Spencer's fingers.
"I was saving that." She whines as she sits her pen in the middle of the book and closes it, leaving the book in her lap.
"It would've gotten in your notebook."
"It adds character." She retorts playfully. "It'll add a memory of this moment."
Ashley looks down shyly. Spencer lifts her head up by her chin looking into her green eyes.
"I never want to forget moments with you. I never want to forget how you called me slutty, or how amazing you look behind the set of drums, or how tipsy you get after twenty glasses of wine, such a lush."
"They were just sips!" She protests. "It's a wine tasting and I'm not spitting free liquor in a bucket. It's disgusting and financially ridiculous."
Spencer drops her head laughing. "You're amazing. I…"Her mouth opens to say more but she swallows it down.
Ashley notices it too and places a gentle hand on Spencer's face. "Thank you for making me feel this way."
Spencer nods leaning forward kissing her date. When they pull apart Ashley notices a drop of colorful ice-cream staining Spencer's black cover. She smiles as the memory is fossilizing before her eyes. Never to be forgotten by them as a tangible reminder melts onto paper.
The drive back into the city is long. Traffic horrendous as one lane takes forever to turn into the highway. They sat quietly as the amazing but exhausting adventures they've had the past two days catches up with them. Falling asleep in Spencer's arms her mind doesn't have time to dread what's next.
She's woken up by gentle kisses to her cheek. "Wake up Ash."
She stirs and notices they're parked outside of a coffee shop. She buries herself in Spencer's side and shakes her head no. The blonde's laugh is raspy, she glides her fingers through Ashley's soft hair.
"We skipping coffee?"
Ashley nods hoping that skipping coffee means that they don't have to talk. That logic only making sense due to her exhaustion. For the past few days she's been urging this conversation, now it's the last thing she wants to happen. It means space is about to be taken. They are about to be put on hold. Their natural flow about to become stagnant. It's all negative but in light of what Levi said, despite the fact that he was a grumpy stranger he had been right, it felt like it was necessary.
"Blakely, take us to Ashley's."
"Very well."
Ashley remains in Spencer's arms ignoring the fact that their date is almost over. She should've got the coffee. She sits up and moves across the seat looking out the window as they pass the brightly lit buildings. She feels Spencer take her hand, squeezing it sweetly. Ashley turns to look at her and she swallows the lump in her throat. It's painful and tears form at the brim of her eyes. Spencer gives her a weak smile, Ashley doesn't try to force one out herself. She turns her gaze back out the window.
The buildings become more familiar as they get closer to her apartment. She's never hated seeing her apartment more than this moment. The Coupe comes to a stop and Blakely gets out of the car, opening the trunk giving the girls a second to regroup. He stands by the door waiting patiently.
"You ready?" Spencer asks softly.
Ashley just nods. Spencer leans over her and knocks on the window. Blakely opens the door, helping Ashley out. Spencer takes the bag from the driver's hand.
"Thank man. I'll be down in a few."
They walk hand in hand towards Ashley's apartment. Walking up the steps silently Spencer snorts out a laugh. Ashley looks at her curiously.
"Every time I walk up your steps I think about the incident with Marge."
Ashley takes out her keys and opens the front door. She walks in holding it open for Spencer. The brunette follows her up the stairs as she regales the story of the first night she came to Ashley's apartment, gasping for air as if she had just gotten chased by a psychotic killer.
"You had me so worried when I opened the door. I thought you were in trouble,"
"I was! That old lady was coming after me. What kind of person would I be if I fought and old woman?"
Ashley laughs and she's grateful that even know Spencer will always do the utmost to make Ashley happy.
"Worse off than if she beat you."
"Exactly."
Their shared laugh dies down as they approach Ashley's door. Spencer places the overnight bag beside Ashley's door and leans against the wall.
"I had a great time with Ashley…and I don't just mean on our date."
Ashley looks down sadly. Spencer reaches out for her hand and rubs her thumb over the back of hand.
"Me too."
"Maybe we can do again sometime?"
"Definitely." She smiles sheepishly. "Sometime soon?" Her question hopeful, she rubs her hand up and down her arm. Feeling suddenly uncomfortable with the level of vulnerability that she's put herself under.
Spencer averts her eyes for a moment, scratching her forehead as she contemplates how to answer this question. Soon would be preferable but knows it's not realistic. When everything first started it had all been about what's best for Ashley. In a way it still is but ultimately how long Ashley takes to recover emotionally will determine to some extent the success of the serious relationship they are trying to pursue. Spencer pushes herself from the wall and steps over Ashley's bag closing the gap between them. She doesn't say anything, cupping Ashley's cheek. The brunette nuzzle her face deeper into Spencer's palm.
"I want you to take your time. I'm not trying to scare you but I want you." Ashely breathes out a small laugh. "Take your time to heal properly Ash. It's been my pleasure to do nothing but pleasure you and I can't wait to do it indefinitely but I don't want anything to hinder what will very well be the greatest love story of all time because we jumped the gun."
"So taking space is what we're going to do then."
"I think it's best, don't you?"
"It is, doesn't mean I like it."
"Oh goodness, no, this is the absolute worst thing ever."
They share a pathetic smile. Ashley just sighs and nods. The talk they were planning to have could've been more elaborate. It could've been much deeper but no matter what it yields the same result. There's no point in adding salt to an open wound that's already stinging from freshly poured rubbing alcohol. It hurts badly enough so Ashley just stands on her tip toes kissing the blonde sweetly.
"You're not anything like I expected." Ashley says remembering the first night they spent together.
Spencer smirks, biting her lip reminiscing on the memory herself.
"You have no idea." She quips with a throaty chuckle. She steals a quick kiss from the brunette. Pointing towards the stairs. "I better get going Blakely is waiting."
Ashley just nods, making her fingers wave. She blows a kiss at Spencer and laughs with the blonde catches it puts it in her pocket.
"Later troglodyte." Spencer smiles brightly throwing a wink at the Dean.
Ashley wants to prolong the blonde from leaving but knows it'll just make things even harder than they already are. She enters her apartment dropping her bag by the door. Hanging her keys on the hook. She moves in a zombie like state as she looks around her empty apartment. She sees an open space in her living room and decides that will be the best place for her drums. Sighing already missing the blonde and it's only been a few seconds. She drops onto her sofa staring at her door internally wishing for a knock to break the silence. The longer she waits the more disappointed she feels. Sighing heavily she drops her face in her hands, resting her elbows on her knees. Her shoulders shake as she sobs gently. For the first time in her new apartment her tears aren't for Heather.
They're for Spencer.
What's the verdict.?