007, surface tension
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ONE WEEK after the fashion show incident, Jason and Aspen have grown closer as a couple with the male basically living with the blonde of a night and returning to the house during the day to work around somethings.

After Peter Hastings basically threatened Jason into terminating the fence being built due to it kind of going onto the Hasting property.

Aspen's aunt and Emily's mother Pam returned to Texas to be with Wayne for a while leaving the brunette in staying between Aspen's apartment and Hanna's house.

Standing in the Marin household the five girls stand together, "I thought you were getting your own room." Aria states.

"That was before the pipes went off behind the walls. Plus I always have Spen's to sleep at as well." Emily explains grabbing the cup of coffee Hanna's passing her and Aspen a glass of mineral water.

"They had to fix the pipes and put the wall back in, so we're roomies till then." Hanna says.

"It'll be fun." Emily states, "I know. It's gonna be like a sleepover than never ends." Hanna smiles cheerfully.

"Has Garrett called you about Ian's messenger?" Spencer questions looking at Emily, "Not a sound." Emily denies.

"Guys... we dragged Garrett into this. We just gotta trust him." Aria shrugs, "We're trusting him with Ian's $10,000... and I could've used some of that to replace Melissa's ring." Spencer mumbles.

"And if they traced the money from Ian to you? How would you explain that?" Hanna wonders, "I just don't like waiting. If we're too quiet... A will get bored and stir the pot." Spencer voices.

"And if we say something... A is gonna smack us down. I don't wanna walk into another A-stravaganza like that fashion show." Hanna explains.

"God. The look on Mrs DiLaurentis's face." Emily says shaking her head as the doorbell rings.

Aspen sips on her glass of mineral water watching Hanna walk towards the front door.

"This isn't just about making us look like bitches anymore... is it?" Aria says, "No. It's about keeping us quiet." Spencer explains, "Why?" Aria frowns.

"Because A might really be the one who killed Ali." Aspen announces, "I mean that's what we're all thinking, isn't it?" Emily adds on from Aspen's reply.

"Why else go through all the trouble of setting up Ian?" Spencer shrugs, "You guys. Look at the card." Hanna urges motioning to the card which Aspen takes a hold of before handing to Emily.

WHAT FUN, TWO LITTLE
LIARS UNDER ONE ROOF,
YOU'RE MAKING IT SO EASY
— A

Said girl reads aloud for the rest of them to hear while Hanna grimaces seeing the candy options, "It's not even good candy." Hanna scoffs throwing the candy in the trashcan.

"So, Ria, we heading to yours to pick out that outfit?" Aspen wonders leaning off the counter now seeing Aria nodding and collecting her jacket from the countertop leading Aspen out of the Marin household towards her car since Jason dropped Aspen off this morning.

✹

SITTING ON Aria's bed listening to Mrs Montgomery talk to Aria about the dinner party that's coming up.

"It's really not that dressy. Just a couple people coming over like we used to do." Mrs Montgomery explains seeing Aria pulling out an outfit before placing it beside the fashion freak on her bed.

"I know. But it's the first one since you moved back in." Aria explains putting a dress in front of her body showing her mother before Aspen, "You look lovely in both." Mrs Montgomery smiles.

"You talk like a mom." Aria mumbles smiling, "Thank you." Mrs Montgomery laughs hearing a door slamming from the hallway and Mike rushing out of his bedroom.

"Mike! Breakfast in five minutes." Mrs Montgomery states, "Gotta go." Mike mutters not even bothering to stop and talk to his mother, "He eats at school. I've seen him." Aria explains.

"I like that one." Mrs Montgomery states seeing Aria holding a black dress up, "Me too." Aspen states smiling.

"Yeah?" Aria asks, "It makes you look very grown up." Mrs Montgomery states softly.

"Agreed." Aspen nods seeing Mr Montgomery walking past Aria's bedroom, "Byron, did you catch Mike?" Mrs Montgomery asks.

"No. He escaped before I could grab him." Mr Montgomery explains waving at Aspen politely.

"But he knows we want him here." Ella voices, "He knows. I just want to make sure he doesn't blow it off at the last minute." Byron states.

"Nancy Partha called. Elliott finally approved a sitter. So they will be here." Ella explains.

"The Scotacs won't. He called. His mother fell off her riding mower." Byron replies.

"Oh. Is she all right?" Ella wonders, "Bruised hip. Shredded azaleas." Byron says earning soft chuckles from all of the girls inside Aria's room.

"So, just us and the Parthas?" Ella asks, "Well... I was thinking I would invite Ezra Fitz." Byron states unaware of Aria's eye widening looking at Aspen who smirks.

"He met Elliott. They got along really well." Byron explains, "It's kind of short notice." Ella voices.

"Ezra still seems a little lost around campus. He's not Aria's teacher anymore. He's a colleague. So no conflict of interest. I'll tell him he can invite a date." Byron shrugs.

Aspen tries not to laugh at Aria's obvious jealous look at the mention of her boyfriend bringing a date.

"That should be interesting." Ella hums turning towards Aspen, "Speaking of guests. Aspen, you're invited." Ella smiles seeing Aspen confused and surprised look.

"Oh okay. I'll be there." Aspen confirms earning a nod of approval from both Montgomery parents and Aria herself beside her.

✹

WALKING INTO school towards her only class for the day before she breaks away for her study session at lunch and after school, since she graduates in less than two months.

"Hey baby." Jason smiles sitting beside her at the courtyard table, "Hey Jace." Aspen replies finishing up her notes to have a conversation with her boyfriend.

"What's up handsome?" Aspen wonders seeing his confused look, "Mrs Montgomery— Ella, invited me to dinner tomorrow night." Jason explains.

"Oh. That's weird." Aspen mumbles packing up her laptop and other things hearing the bell ringing signalling she's free for the afternoon.

Jason walks out beside his girlfriend, "I've gotta run a few errands but are we still on for movie night?" Jason wonders looking at Aspen packing her things into her car.

"Of course. I'll see you later." Aspen smiles kissing his lips before leaving the carpark after Jason gets into his car driving away as well.

✹

SITTING IN her apartment Aspen groans feeling a migraine pounding through her head before hearing her phone vibrate in her pocket.

DON'T YOU THINK
IT'S NEARLY
TIME TO TELL JASON?
— A

The text message states confusing Aspen who winces from the pain in the back of her head.

Jason walks into the apartment seeing Aspen lounged on her living room couch watching her favourite comfort show holding onto her head with a cloth on her head.

"Baby, you okay?" Jason whispers noticing the frown on Aspen's face.

"I'm good. Just a stupid migraine." Aspen explains lifting her head up so Jason to slip underneath and let her rest her head on his lap.

"Just a migraine? No nausea?" Jason wonders curiously worried for the sake of his unwell girlfriend.

"Just a migraine, Jace." Aspen whispers lowly sipping on her water.

"Let's get you to bed. A nights rest should help out the throbbing." Jason states lifting her off the couch gently and carrying her bridal style into the bedroom placing the blankets over her weak body and hearing her sigh with relief at the comforting feeling of her sheets.

"Don't go anywhere please." Aspen mumbles feeling the bed dipping beside her and Jason climbing into the bed bringing her in for a comforting snuggle running his fingers gently along her scalp eventually putting her to sleep feeling relaxed.

✹

ASPEN WAKES up feeling a lot better than she was last night seeing Jason's side of the bed empty and a note explaining he had to go out for a while and he'll be back later tonight after dinner at the Montgomery's unaware that his girlfriend is gonna be at the dinner also.

After spending most of the day relaxing on her couch and doing some minor studying.

Aspen arrives at the Montgomery house smiling at Aria who shrieks happy to see the blonde girl.

Aspen helps Ella set up the living room table alongside Aria who puts the cutlery and plates down.

"Thank you for helping with this Aspen." Ella states, "Of course." Aspen nods.

Aria walks alongside Aspen as they overhear the last of the conversation Byron and his work colleagues wife Nancy is having.

"If you ever need a sitter... you should call me or Aspen. I'd love to do it. I'm also sure Aspen would to as well." Aria suggests seeing Aspen nod agreeing with her.

"That'd be great. Just stop by the house with a blood sample. The background check won't take more than an hour." Nancy states chuckling.

"Hey, where's Mike?" Nancy asks, "Well, he promised he'd be here, so..." Byron explains, "Uh, yeah. He's on his own clock. You'll find out about that soon enough." Ella explains.

The doorbell rings as Ella goes to answer the door, "Hello. So glad you could make it." Ella smiles, "Thank you for inviting me." Mr Fitz— Ezra states handing the brunette woman flowers.

"Thank you." Ella smiles closing the front door, "For you." Ezra says.

Aspen and Aria both walk around standing in front of Ezra and Ella, "Aria. Aspen." Ezra nods, "Hello." Aspen smiles.

"Hi... Ezra." Aria smiles, "I'll put these in some water." Ella states, "Oh! I'll help." Aspen smiles walking beside Ella towards the kitchen hearing the doorbell ringing once again.

"Hey. Come in." Aria smiles seeing Jason at the front door, "Sorry I'm late." Jason says, "Uh... no. It's fine." Aria explains closing the front door once taking the flowers out of his hands.

"Thanks." Aria smiles looking at Ezra in the living room, "Spen, can you come grab these please?" Aria exclaims looking into the kitchen.

"Coming. Coming." Aspen states walking back into the area where the front door is seeing her boyfriend looking at her confused, "Asp?" Jason frowns.

"Hey Jason." Aspen smiles taking the flowers off Aria and walking back towards Ella in the kitchen putting both flower bouquets in water before returning to the others.

Aspen stands beside Jason, "Sorry. I forgot to tell you last night. I couldn't really talk." Aspen explains quietly.

"Baby, it's okay. Aria's your best friend. Don't apologise." Jason mumbles kissing her forehead before looking at the others in the living room.

Aria motions for Aspen to follow her upstairs showing her the phone with a phone call from Spencer on it.

After Spencer explains to the both of them what Toby found in the backyard.

"That's the same stick that Toby found buried behind my house." Spencer explains.

"Are you sure?" Aspen asks, "Absolutely the same one." Spencer states.

"How did it get in your backyard?" Aria wonders, "Well, you don't bury old sporting equipment. But, you do bury murder weapons." Spencer explains.

"Are you serious?" Aspen groans knowing where this conversation is heading.

"It was in Ali's bedroom the summer she was killed. Anybody could've used it." Spencer mumbles.

"Anybody?" Aria wonders looking at Aspen who bites her nails.

———— The girls sit in the path leading between the Hastings house and the Dilaurentis households.

"Alison. Mom wants you." Jason states coming into view from the backyard immediately catching Aspen's attention, "Why?" Alison asks.

"I don't know. She didn't say why, okay? Just go. I got better things to do than hunt you down." Jason mutters smirking at the look of lust on Aspen's face staring at his figure.

"Like what?" Alison taunts, "What's this for?" Jason questions snatching the hockey stick from Alison's hands.

"It's for me." Alison explains, "Oh... yeah?" Jason smirks smugly, "Give it back. Give it back, Jason!" Alison demands trying to grab the hockey stick from Jason's height.

"Or what?" Jason taunts going to hit Alison with stick shocking everyone behind the two siblings, "Be careful!" Spencer exclaims.

Jason sighs quietly seeing the look of fear in Aspen's eyes from beside Spencer handing Alison back the hockey stick in which the blonde goes to hit him resulting in the male immediately snapping into protecting himself latching onto the stick.

"Ooh. Too bad. You're not gonna get a second chance, Ali." Jason taunts smirking at his younger sister before walking off leaving the group of friends stunned at the sibling encounter and Aspen actually frightened of the male for once. ————

"Jason was in the house that summer." Spencer says, "But so was Ian." Aria shrugs seeing the look of frustration clear on Aspen's face.

"Yeah. But Jason is the one who says he can't remember the night Ali disappeared. And I'm starting to think that is awfully convenient." Spencer explains.

"Spencer. Look... this could just be A playing with us again." Aspen voices.

"Except that we didn't find this. Somebody else did. And if my dad hadn't stopped Jason from building that fence. No one ever would've found it." Spencer rambles.

"What's your dad saying about this?" Aria asks, "I haven't spoken to him yet. He's in a meeting. He won't be home till late." Spencer explains, "Aria. Aspen!" Ella shouts from downstairs.

"Hey, we've gotta go." Aria states, "Spen. Aria. Think about this," Spencer pleads.

"Think about what this means." Spencer adds, "I'll think about it. Bye." Aria mutters seeing Aspen's face of annoyance.

"Look Ria. I know Jason... he wouldn't have hurt Alison in the slightest. They had a weird relationship. But he loved her." Aspen explains walking down the staircase sitting beside Aria looking at her boyfriend stuck on a gaze.

"I was either going to Japan or Europe. I ended up biking through Connor Pass on my way to Kerry." Ezra explains, "So, why did you pick Ireland?" Byron asks handing the male a glass of bourbon.

"I love Joyce and Beckett. I wanted to see where they started." Ezra shrugs, "And you did it by bike? That's great." Byron states, "I've got a bike in my garage. Every morning it mocks me." Elliot says.

"Oh. You'll get back on it. Just have to add a baby seat." Jason smiles, "You cycle?" Ezra asks looking at Jason.

"Uh. Some... yeah, when I first took off from college. I did the Kona coast." Jason explains noticing his girlfriend's distant stare.

"That's where they have the triathlon, right?" Byron questions, "Yeah. I wanted to clear my head before I came back here. Riding those lava fields is like being on the moon. You know?" Jason says meeting Aspen's stare once more frowning.

"That's intense." Ezra voices gulping down a shot of his bourbon, "Yeah. It's what I needed." Jason softly replies just as the doorbell rings again.

Aspen sighs before frowning at the look of confusion on her best friend's face before Aria calls for Ella and Byron to meet at the door.

"Hi... Barry." Ella politely says, "Sorry to interrupt. But it's about Mike. He's okay. But we have a situation." Barry explains, "What kind of situation?" Byron wonders.

"Looks like he broke into a house." Barry reveals as both Aria and Aspen sigh knowing about this already.

Jason looks at Aspen and then at Aria knowingly, "He what?" Byron asks stunned.

"Over on Morrison." Barry states, "There's gotta be some kind of mistake." Ella suggests.

"I'm afraid not. it's Mike. He must've thought the place was empty. Homeowner grabbed him and called us. He's at the station now. If I could get you to come down there." Barry suggests looking between both parents.

"Yes. Of course. Do you want to stay here?" Byron asks, "No. No. We'll both go." Ella states grabbing each other's coats, "Aria. Aria. Please stay here." Ella demands gently.

"Yeah." Aria nods watching as her parents leave the house to go get Mike from the police station.

Both Aria and Aspen begin cleaning up from the dinner knowing the plans have been ruined by the sudden change, "Hey. I got this." Ezra states politely.

"No. No. I kind of just want to keep moving." Aria explains, "Okay." Ezra nods, "The Parthas took that salad, right?" Aspen asks handing Aria plates from the table.

"Yeah. They just wanted to go home. Separation anxiety. Not the anticipated evening. Was it?" Ezra wonders, "No. You were doing really well." Aria states.

"You were," Aspen nods holding her thumb up awkwardly, "Okay. I'm gonna go over and talk to Jason." Aspen motions towards the man sitting in the living room already sending a look at the girl.

"You want some more?" Aspen asks holding the brewed coffee, "Sure. A little." Jason confirms.

"Mike promised the both of us he wouldn't do this anymore." Aspen sighs holding onto her head.

"He probably meant it when he said it." Jason explains noticing Aspen's hands shaking and her breathing deeply.

"Give me that. Sit down and take a breath." Jason demands softly rubbing soothing circles over Aspen's wrists.

Aria walks over looking at the couple, "He must be so angry at me." Aria states looking at how tired Aspen suddenly looks.

"Why would Mike be angry at you?" Jason frowns still rubbing circles over Aspen's wrists.

"Because... we're in the middle of this mess with Ian and mom and dad. If it weren't for me... he probably would've gotten more attention from my parents." Aria explains.

"No. No. No. Trust me, you're not the reason Mike is doing this." Jason states, "How do you know that?" Aria asks.

"Cause I know a lot about misplaced guilt. Look, the amount of trouble Mike's in depends on how many times he's done this. Do you have any idea how many places he's broken into?" Jason asks placing Aspen in his lap once she's calmed down a little bit from her previous attack.

Aria then explains she doesn't know the exact amount of houses but also reveals that he was the one who attacked Aspen and left her with her injured side and wrist which has only now only healed.

Jason looks at his girlfriend concerned looking at the wrist that was wrapped a few days ago.

"I have use the bathroom." Aspen explains excusing herself from the conversation between Ezra and Jason and walking upstairs into the bathroom belonging to Aria peeing and sighing not understanding why she's feeling so unwell recently.

Aria waits for Aspen outside the bathroom hearing retching coming from inside before the door opens, Aspen flinches seeing the brunette looking at her alarmed.

"Are you okay?" Aria asks noticing the nervous gulp Aspen just took, "I'm fine. Just have an upset stomach." Aspen explains, "Are you pregnant?" Aria bluntly asks suddenly.

"What? No! No way. I'm on birth control for one. And I've just come off my period a few days ago." Aspen explains wide eyed, "Sorry. That was rude." Aria apologies nodding at Aspen who softy smiles.

After explaining to Aspen that they have to sneak into Mike's room and find out what is going on and what he's stolen the past few months.

Aspen stands at the door not wanting to invade the teenagers personal space until Aria gasps showing Aspen the lantern belonging to Jenna inside Mike's closet.

Rushing downstairs Aspen stands at the end of the staircase looking at Jason, "I was just thinking you should go now." Aria explains stopping at the last step.

"What. The both of us?" Ezra asks. "Yes. Please." Aria confirms, "Are you sure?" Jason wonders seeing Aspen nodding at him.

"My parents are going to be home with Mike any second. And it's probably a good idea that he doesn't have to deal with anyone but family right now." Aria explains urging the two men to get out of the house.

Since Aspen needs rest she agreed to leave with them also knowing Emily is in the spare room at her apartment due to Hanna's loudness.

"Okay." Jason confirms seeing the pleading look on Aspen's face, "Do you want us to help finish cleaning up?" Ezra asks, "No. I'm good. Really." Aria states.

"Let me know how your brother's doing." Jason states, "I'll call." Aria confirms.

"Text me updates Ria... and if you need me, call me." Aspen demands seeing Aria smiling at as Jason waits outside for his girlfriend standing beside Ezra uncomfortably.

"Good night." Jason says walking away with his hand on Aspen's back from the front door of the Montgomery household, "Good night." Ezra mumbles walking the opposite way towards their cars.

"I'll meet you at home?" Aspen wonders standing beside her car, "Of course." Jason smiles getting into his car and driving towards Aspen's apartment, in which Aspen does the same.

✹

EMILY TEXTS Aspen explaining that she's going back to Hanna's as she wants to talk about something.

Aspen sighs feeling bile coming up her throat once more leaning out of her car door throwing up on the curb away from her car.

Jason frowns jumping out of his car seeing the girl being sick, "Asp?" Jason asks once Aspen stops dry heaving on the ground.

"I'm okay." Aspen nods holding onto her head once more before locking her car and walking upstairs to her apartment lying in her bed groaning at the nausea rushing through her body and dizziness.

"This can't be food poisoning Asp. I would have it too." Jason explains placing a cold wash cloth on her head once more.

"I don't know what it is. But it's annoying." Aspen groans running into the bathroom and dropping to her knees in front of the toilet bowl.

"Are you possibly pregnant?" Jason asks holding her hair out of the way.

"Not possible. Birth control... and I've just finished my period three days ago." Aspen explains looking at her boyfriend.

"Baby, I know birth control sometimes doesn't work." Jason replies, "Jace, I'm not pregnant. I did a test this morning just incase." Aspen explains gesturing to the negative test in the bin.

Picking herself up from the bathroom floor and shuffling back into their bed snuggling into the blankets and pillows once more.

Hearing Jason returning from the bathroom and walking out of the bedroom getting a cold water from the fridge and placing on the nightstand.

Seeing and hearing Aspen's relaxed breathing signifying she's finally asleep.

Jason sighs frowning at the negative test in his pocket pulling it out and staring at it before throwing it away once more and climbing into bed allowing the blonde to cuddle into his torso for the night.

─────── ∘°❉°∘ ───────
TO BE CONTINUED...

𝖊𝖑𝖘 𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖐𝖘 ⛧
don't worry she won't
be pregnant for a while
just a bug or something 👀

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