Notes:

Additional Cast:

Grey Damon as Ashton Sanders

Valerie Curry as Anna Matthews

Titus Makin Jr as Shawn Martin

Ansel Elgort as Matt Foster

Emily Bett Rickards as Emma Taylor

Vanessa's POV

It's been an easy day at the paper. Last week we printed the first spring issue so now things are more relaxed as we schedule the articles for next month. I am still writing for the cinema section but this semester I have taken more responsibilities, by participating in the social column as well. Ashton said that I was already helping over there and I should get the credit. I am proud of myself and how things have turned out at the paper. Everyone is lovely, there is a complete absence of arguments and Ashton is doing an amazing job as an editor. I am sending my parents each issue every month. To my mom via email and to my dad via post. He insists that holding the paper in his hands is the real thing. Both my parents, just because they are my parents, love everything and praise every single word I write so I can't count on them. Alice and Emma though are giving me honest feedback and their kind words and thoughts help me improve my journalistic skills.

I am about to turn off my computer when I hear Ashton's voice. He is talking with Aria near the photocopier. He is wearing a checked navy blue shirt and grey trousers. He is nodding to Aria when his eyes fall on me. He gives me one of his genuine smiles and I smile back at him. After the end of their conversation, he comes by my desk.

"You're done for the day?" He asks.

"Yeah, I am heading to the dorms." I say and toss my bag over my shoulder.

"Having planned anything special?" He raises his eyebrows.

"Nah, I'd probably watch some movie. I can't watch any new episodes since Alice has class till late today." I reply with a shrug.

"Okay, I am kidnaping you for the rest of the day." He announces casually.

"You are?" I giggle and narrow my eyebrows.

"Yes, I am. As right now." He smirks and takes me by the hand. "Bye, Anna." He greets her just before we get out of the office.

"Bye boss!" She looks at him playfully. "Bye little cupid!"

"She won't ever stop calling me like that." I roll my eyes as we approach Ashton's car.

"I think it suits you perfectly." He opens the passenger's door for me and I thank him with a smile. He quickly jumps in as well and starts driving.

"So where are we going exactly?" This is weird but entertaining. I have no idea what Ashton has in mind.

"I'll keep it a mystery for a bit longer." My curiosity gets the best of me.

"Any hints?" I try to elicit some basic informations.

"Our first stop will give my plan away." I suppose he is not going to reveal a thing. I sigh and rest my head back. This is so intriguing.

"Fine! Have it your way." I remark lifting my eyebrows.

"You will find out in about a minute." He chortles.

In less than a minute actually, and I know that because I checked the time, we park in front of the grocery store.

"Here we are." Ashton says and gets out of the car first.

"Um, I still don't get why we are here." I frown and follow him into the store.

"To get the basics." I can tell he finds really amusing the fact that I am clueless and I know he knows I am examining every possible scenario to explain why we came here.

"For?" I ask hesitantly and he tries to resist from laughing. "Hey, Ashton!" I pat him on the arm. "This isn't funny!" I chuckle. "I am starting to feel like a fool for not getting the obvious thing, which is not obvious at all." I point a finger at him.

"Okay, it is time to enlighten you then." He says and rests his hand on my shoulder as we walk. "Didn't I promise to turn you into a first class chef? Your cooking sessions are starting today. Right here, right now."

"Oh, they are?" I widen my eyes and he nods in confirmation. "I am not prepared. Like at all! I haven't watched any youtube videos on how to not embarrass myself on such an occasion."

"You won't embarrass yourself." He chortles and starts putting peppers into a paper bag.

"I will. I need to watch those videos for amateurs and practice on my own and then maybe-"

"There's no way out of it." He shakes his head. "I told you, you are mine for the day, Vanessa."

He looks me in the eyes anticipating my reaction. I give him a simple nod. I don't think I'll win this battle. Plus, I need a few more seconds to process his last sentence. After Ashton is done with the peppers, he takes another bag and grabs some tomatoes.

"So... Green, red, yellow and orange peppers... And now tomatoes... What are we going to make?" I ask intrigued.

"Homemade pizza." He states with a smile.

"Homemade pizza?" I repeat returning the smile. "I love pizza! And I haven't eaten for, um... almost two weeks which is a record for me."

"You don't say!" Ashton laughs and his head falls backwards.

"Is it something easy though? I mean, for me? I wouldn't want to destroy all these ingredients and leave you with an empty stomach." I tell Ashton as he hands me the bag full of peppers.

"You won't do that and even if you did, we could always cook something else. But this is the easiest pizza recipe in the whole world. And the fastest! We are not even actually going to cook in the traditional way of cooking. You don't have a problem with mushrooms, right?" He asks me as he tosses a bunch of them into another paper bag.

"No, I eat pretty much everything except from pickles." Who eats pickles anyway. Ashton is giving me a weird look and a weird smile. "What?" I chuckle puzzled by this.

"I do remember you don't like pickles." He says and continues to look and smile at me in the same way.

"So why did you ask?" I pat him with my shoulder as my hands are full with the grocery bags.

"Because I love that grimace you make when you say the word pickles." His words are so unexpected sometimes. They do surprise me in the best way possible.

"Well, even the word disgusts me." I admit the truth. That's the only thing I know for sure.

We go to the cashier, both with our hands full now. Ashton insisted some extra vegetables and herbs are necessary for us to create the most delicious pizza ever. I offer to pay at least the half but Ashton is not the easy one to surrender. We get back to the car and in about five minutes we are at his apartment.

"You live pretty close to campus." I tell him as we pick up the grocery from the trunk. "I haven't noticed that the last time I came here since I was at Robin's house. She lives close to campus as well but on the other side of the town really."

"Close to Kennedy street?" He asks and takes the heavy bags from me so I am now carrying the herbs and the onions.

"Exactly."

"It is a nice neighborhood." He remarks and locks the car. "More family like. On this side there are more blocks and apartments to rent for students."

"I see." I take a look around. "I like this neighborhood too."

"So do I. Now let's see if we are out of luck and Shawn is still at home." Ashton smirks and rings the bell. The door opens right away. "He's still here." He eyerolls and heads to the elevator.

"I find it convenient since you had practically no hands to open the door." I chortle pointing with my head down at his full hands.

"You do have a point." He says and lifts his eyebrows. We get to his floor and find Shawn waiting for us at the doorstep.

"Hey guys!" He greets us with a grin. "How are you, Vanessa? I had no idea you were coming for a visit." He gives Ashton a strange look.

"Hi Shawn! I didn't know it either." I giggle. "I am good, how are you? Will you give us a hand at the kitchen?"

"Is that so?" Shawn raises his eyebrows and crosses his arms.

"Don't you have something planned, Shawn? With Tim or something?" Ashton asks as we step inside.

"Yeap, with Tim or something." Shawn looks playfully first at Ashton and then at me. "You're lucky I was sleeping all day and didn't have the chance to ruin the place. So, I am out! You guys have fun and save me some..."

"Pizza! We are going to make pizza!" I inform him with enthusiasm.

"Yes!" Shawn raises his fist in the air. "Save me some pieces. Bye!" He waves at us and leaves.

"Let's get these to the kitchen." Ashton says and goes down the hallway. I take a glance around to observe the place better. I might have been here before but I hadn't paid much attention. Let's not forget I was welcomed by a naked Ashton. I mean, shirtless Ashton! There are some comics framed on the hallway's walls.

"You're into comics?" I ask Ashton as we put the grocery on the kitchen table.

"You got me." He says and runs his fingers through his hair. "I am kind of a comics geek."

"You are?" I raise my eyebrows up in surprise.

"Yes, I try to stay low key about it." He chuckles.

"There's no reason for that. If it is something you like, you shouldn't. I find it cool." I tell him and sit at one of the kitchen chairs. "Are the ones at the hallway some kind of rare edition?"

"Yes, the first one is a Flash's volume from 1959 with the very first appearance of Mirror Master!" He explains to me excited. "He is one of my favourite villains! Lucas and Chloe got it for me on Christmas since they are two of the few who know about this obsession of mine."

"That is so great!" I smile at him. " So you prefer DC over Marvel?"

"I would stand up for DC everyday!" He states with passion. "You?"

"I am torn between both words. But I am saying this after having watched some movies and tv shows. I haven't tried reading comics yet. I am afraid that if I go for it, I might never stop and I am obsessed with a lot of things already." I giggle. "Alice though owns a wonderful collection of comic books. I think the majority of them is Disney."

"Yeah? That's pretty cool too." He takes the tomatoes and goes by the sink.

"Can I wash the grocery?" I stand up and rush towards him. "It is the easiest task and I really want to help."

"Sure." He chortles. "It's going to be very easy. We won't even make a dough for the pizza if we have..." He opens a cupboard and takes out a package of bread for toasted sandwiches. "And we do have toast bread! It's the fastest food ever, I have shown Shawn how to make it and by that I have also saved his money."

"Toast bread? I'd never thought of that!" I remark and keep washing the vegetables.

"I know you would stress yourself and I didn't want that, so we are going to cook but not in the traditional way as I already told you. I'd love to cook for you my gourmet specialty but let's keep it for another time." He winks at me and turns on the oven.

"Okay. One step at a time." I giggle. "Should I begin to cut these?"

"Yes, start with chopping the parsley and the celery, we are going to make the tomato sauce first." He opens a bottom cupboard and takes a blender. "Leave the onions to me."

"I can cut an onion without crying!" I remark proudly. "Emma and I used to compete over this when my mom was cooking. It took me years but now I own this super capability."

"Let's not risk it." Ashton chuckles. "I don't want to see you shed a tear. Ever."

There it is again. That faint smile on my face. Ashton brings it quite often. We make the sauce pretty fast and then place it on top of the toast slices along with the vegetables, the cheese and the ham. In the meantime, Ashton tells me about how he began to cook. His parents were working all day so he learnt how to cook on his own because he didn't want to bother his mother with that as well. Isn't it extremely sweet? He was the one to cook back home and he doesn't mind doing it here for Shawn and himself. He insists he enjoys it in general and even more when he cooks for people he cares about. When the cheese melts, we turn off the oven since according to Ashton it's the sign our pizza is ready. We've made different toppings and also tried a spicier sauce on some of the pizza toasts.

"They look delicious! And they smell so good! My mouth is watering already!" I comment as he takes out the baking sheet.

"Well, we've made a ton of them, so be my guest!" He gives me a plate on which I put three pizza toasts, each with a different topping. Ashton does the same and we go to the living room. We sit together on the big blue couch leaving a Friends episode to play on the background.

"I am not sure if there are going to be many left for Shawn." I say after eating my first two toasts right away.

"We made them so we have the right to eat them." Ashton tells me and takes another bite. "So you like them?"

"Are you kidding me? They are so good!" I exclaim in excitement. "I can't believe I somehow helped into this process. I'll go for a refill if that's okay." I frown and stand up.

"Of course. Grab a bigger plate from the left cupboard and bring them all here." Ashton suggests and I do as he says. The time passes by as we search online to find the recipe for our next cooking session and eat some more pizza toasts. We did manage to keep a decent amount for Shawn. Ashton tells me not to do the dishes but there's no way this happens. He tells me about the one time he was gone for two weeks for a university project and the massive pile of dishes that was waiting for him when he came back. I laugh. I laugh a lot with Ashton's stories. Or should I better say he makes me laugh. He really knows how to make a conversation entertaining and also make the other one have a good time. As I wash the dishes, he tidies the rest of the kitchen putting everything back in place. I caught him looking at me sometimes but he didn't seem uncomfortable about it. I on the other hand was the one who smiled and looked away all five times.

"And the dishes are done!" I announce after wiping the last one.

"Thank you but you didn't have to-" He begins to tell me one more time how unnecessary it was but I bring my index to his lips.

"Shh... I won't listen to this again." I give him an eyeroll. "And I should be the one thanking you. You took a total amateur and transformed her into a pro within an evening!" Ashton is staring at me surprised with the pupils of his beautiful green eyes dilated. His lips feel soft under my touch. Woah, did I act before thinking once again? I need to stop doing that! I giggle as a coverage of my silly gesture and retreat my hand. Ashton takes it in his though and rests it on his chest close to his heart. Oh my God. Is that his heartbeat? It beats like crazy!

"I... I had fun today." I tell him with a smile and look down. I have to play it cool.

"I had fun too." He says beaming at me and raises my chin up.

"Um... maybe we can do it again?" I gulp. "I mean another time." I try to laugh to support my coolness but since my throat is dry, I end up coughing. Quite intensely I should add.

"Here." Ashton hands me a glass of water. When did he go to the sink, grab a glass from the cupboard, fill it with water and bring it to me? I drink half of the glass right away.

"Thanks." I murmur and drink the rest.

"You want some more?" He asks me smirking.

"No, I am good. Thank you very much." I say and take a small bow. What was that? Why did I do that? I never do that. If I was one time embarrassed, now I am five times more. And that implies that if I was one time red, now I am ten times more. I can so feel the blush on my cheeks right now. "I think it's time for me to go home." I say and leave my hair down so I can turn it into a bun again. I have to keep myself occupied before I do anything stupid. Again.

"Okay, let's go." He gestures to me to lead the way.

"I don't want to bother you." I shrug. "I'll call Alice."

"You are not bothering me. You never do." He tells me grinning.

"I am glad I don't." I chortle. "But Alice should be on her way home now, she leaves the gym at this time."

"Fine, you call her but if she is not or won't pick it up, I am driving you." He points a finger at me.

"Deal." I take my phone out of my pocket and call Alice. Thank God she picks it up at the second ring.

"Hey Vanessa!" She greets me in a casual tone.

"Hello Alice! I hope I am not interrupting. Are you still at the gym?" Please, be done with your exercises or punching or whatever it is that you doing.

"No, don't worry! I am actually at the dorms. I didn't go to the gym." Alice answers with a steady voice.

"Oh, I see." Alice didn't follow her usual routine as it seems. To speak the truth, she doesn't act exactly like herself these past days. Nina has visited us quite a few times and we had girls night over at our place since Alice is not so eager to go out. Nina is asking her at every chance given what is going on but Alice always finds a way to dodge the question. I can see that there is definitely something bothering her but since she is not so willing to share yet, I try to be more discreet.

Ashton raises his eyebrows at me with a grin on his face. I have to improvise fast and hope it turns out well.

"Um, yeah yeah. I am with Ashton at his place. We decided- well, he decided it was about time for my cooking lessons to start. Can you come and pick me up since it is already in your way? I don't want to trouble him to drive me back to the dorms."

I immediately lower my head and keep my eyes on the kitchen's grey floor with the different patterns. Mainly, to avoid Ashton's gaze but I hear him puffing.

"You Vanessa Adams lie now?" Alice exclaims. "I didn't see that coming from you, but since you don't want Ashton to bring you back, I will be your chauffeur. I've got your back!"

"Great!" I release a sigh of relief that I had no idea I was holding. "See you in 10! Bye!"

Alice greets me back chortling and we hang up.

"So, since she is on her way back home already, she will come and pick me up." I inform Ashton still with my eyes on my phone, pretending to- I don't know just pretending I have something to look or do.

"I heard that. You know I have no problem driving you." I detect a huffy tone in his voice.

"I know. Of course I know! I just..." I raise my head up to face him only to see his calm features still untouchable. This somehow makes me feel worse. I just found an excuse but I didn't do it intentionally. I mean I did, but it didn't come from a bad place.

"Let's wrap some slices for Alice. She has to try your first cooking attempt, don't you think?" He suggests with a smile as he reaches for a bowl from the upper cupboard.

The burden of my little lie feels lighter now as I smile back at him. Ashton makes everything look lighter. Easier. We take a fair amount of slices for Alice and make sure that Shawn will feel full with the rest of the pizza. Ashton accompanies me down at the entrance where Alice is thankfully already waiting for me in her car.

"Hello guys!" Alice greets us with a light smile.

"Hello Alice! How are you?" Ashton gives her a grin as he opens the passenger's door for me.

"Good!" Alice gives this answer, without actually feeling it. "You?"

"Me too. I am really good." Ashton says and nods his head smiling down at the ground. "I won't keep you long," he gestures to me to pop into the car, "I imagine you must be tired by the gym so have a good rest, Alice. I hope to see you soon." He closes the door after I get inside the car and stands at the open window. "Goodnight Vanessa." He tells me softly and tucks a strand behind my ear. I thought I had all my hard under control in the bun on the top of my head but apparently I was not.

"Goodnight Ashton." I give him a half smile and turn my head over to Alice waiting for her to greet him as well so we can get out of here. Maybe I also did it to release myself from his touch. I don't know. It could be that case too. I don't know what's going on with me.

"So what was that?" Alice asks me, the moment she drives away from Ashton.

"Oh my God. I don't know!" I exclaim and cover my face with both of my hands.

"Did anything happen between you two?" Alice raises an eyebrow.

"No!" I can hear my own voice come out much more louder than I intended to. "Of course not."

"Why not? Vanessa, why are you so negative towards Ashton? It's like you've won the first lottery number." Alice says huffing, with her eyes on the road and the frown returns to her face.

"I am not negative. I just..." I wave my hands animatedly in the air trying to find the right words. "I don't know." I sigh and sink at my seat. "Thank you for coming to get me. I am sorry that I dragged you over here while Ashton could simply drive me home but I just needed some space. I think that I might have crossed the line. I always act without thinking!" I admit and facepalm angry with myself.

"You don't have to thank me! I am there for you anytime." Alice reassures me. "Why are you saying that? What happened?"

"It was just a regular day at the paper's office when Ashton announced to me he was going to kidnap me for the rest of the day and we ended up at his place cooking. Oh! I brought you pizza!" I point at the bowl I have placed on my knees.

"Thank you!" She pulls a forced smile. "I don't see anything wrong with that, except if he used the literal meaning of the word which is bad." She makes a joke attempt.

"No, he didn't kidnap me for real. Ashton was his usual self. Kind, charming, funny. A true gentleman. I believe I might be the one who didn't act like a lady." I tell her while making a grimace.

"Meaning what exactly?"

"We cooked and ate and laughed and then I washed the dishes even if Ashton insisted for me not to. But you know how I feel about cleaning up. I couldn't leave it like that and I couldn't let him do it either. He was putting up with my non existent cooking skills the whole evening. And even if I wasn't that bad -I mean I think I wasn't- , I wanted to do the dishes to help him." I lift my eyebrows up to show Alice the importance of my gesture.

"I know how obsessive you are with cleaning, but you don't get to the point where you weren't a lady." Alice remarks, giving me a look with the corner of her eye.

"Yeah, about that..." I nod my head a couple times and then continue. "Ashton was protesting about it and to make him stop I... well you can say that I... I stopped him. With my index on his lips."

"Wow Vanessa! That's bold! I mean for you it's bold... I didn't see that coming." Alice exclaims.

"I didn't see that coming either!" I admit shocked with myself as well. "And when I realized what I have done, I obviously retreated my hand but Ashton took it in his and placed on his chest. I swear I could hear his heartbeat. I mean I actually felt his heart beating, beating fast under my hand!"

"Come on, Ness, don't stop it there! What happened next?" Alice says with anticipation.

"I ended up coughing hysterically and he brought me some water. It was so awkward but me coughing actually saved the day!" I state thinking about it once again. "I didn't know what to do. All I knew was I had to get out of there. That's why I called you. I am so glad you came! Thank you Alice!"

"And what did Ashton do?" she asks.

"He brought me water? I thought I already said that." I look at her frowning.

"Not that silly. I mean in general! His reaction! Did he try any move later?"

"What? Of course not! Alice! Ashton would never do that!" I raise my voice scolding her.

"How do you let a man like this go away? He's so kind and gentle and sweet and the list goes on forever!" Alice yells irritated.

"I didn't let him go, I was the one who had to go!" I rest my head back at my seat with force. "I didn't know how to react, I didn't know what to do! And I was the one who started it. And I was the one who had no idea how or why I started it. And I was, no doubt, the one who should end it. And guess what? I didn't know how to end it!"

"To end what exactly? You went on a date with a really hot and good guy, who obviously likes you and you tell me you wanted to end it? I wish I had found a guy like that, but nooooo, I am such a masochist that I like all the wrong guys. So why am I crying? I know how stupid I am!" Alice yells and I think she might have revealed to me the reason of her mood's change these few days.

"Alice, that's why you have been a little off lately?" I ask her with concern.

"Is that obvious, that I am not at my bests these days? I guess I should say goodbye to an acting career as well." She huffs, cracking a forced smile.

"Well, we do live together so I guess it would be really impossible not to notice. Is there something I can do?" I propose grinning.

"Just being the Vanessa I know. Maybe you don't realize it, but you make me feel better without even trying." Alice beams to me.

"That's good to know." I say giggling. "Well, if you want to talk, you know I am always willing to listen. About that wrong guy or about anything else."

"I would, but when I talk about it I realize even more how stupid and lame I was. Actually I think I am being pretty lame as we're speaking. How can I let a guy make me feel like a wreck? He doesn't even deserve the chocolate I've consumed!" Alice says firmly, tightening the wheel.

"We all need our moments to deal with whatever it is that is troubling us. And you should never regret eating chocolate! I mean, how can anybody do that?" I shrug chortling lightly.

"Only crazy people! Or without a taste!" Alice giggles as well.

"We sure don't want people like that in our lives!" I raise an eyebrow at her, happy that I somehow took her tension off. "And in less than a week we will be drinking cocktails by the beach at Joseph's house. There would be no time to think about any wrong guys!"

"Actually I wanted to talk to you about it. I don't think I will be coming with you guys on spring break." Alice mutters giving me a sad glimpse.

"What?" I ask shocked and unable to hide my sadness. "Why? It could be fun!"

"I know, but there is a chance my british friends come the same week." She says looking at the road.

"Can't they join us at Miami?" I ask but immediately regret it. There is a big chance that Alice just came up with this because she simply doesn't want to come. "I mean, have you told Joseph that you're not coming?"

"Not yet, but I will. Do you think he will mind?" She asks me.

"Um, yes I think he would like us all to go but if your friends are coming, he will be understanding." I give her a half smile. It would be such a shame for her not to join us. Plus, as I can see, she needs to have fun.

"I see." Alice exhales. "Anyway, here we are. Dorms sweet dorms." She parks the car and turns off the engine.

We get upstairs in our lovely tiny room and distract ourselves with watching the last week's episodes of the shows we love. It kind of made me keep what happened with Ashton today out of my mind. I can't tell if it worked for Alice and that wrong guy too.

Robin's POV

I keep buzzing the intercom, trying to hold the bags from the supermarket. Soph and I want to make italian for lunch so I went grocery shopping and now stand outside their apartment entrance but she is taking too long to let me in.

After another try, finally she buzzes me in. I make my way to the elevator and in 2 minutes, I walk down their hallway. Their door is unlocked so I take the liberty and get in. "Babe, I am home!" I call out.

"In my room, babe!" I put the bags on the kitchen counter and then I make my way to her room. Joss is not home yet so I think we can maybe make out for a bit. Sophie will not indulge me to other activities 'cause we have to cook and have the food ready by 13:00, so a make out session will have to suffice.

I open the door and stop dead at my tracks. Sophie's ass on air, is the first thing I see, and my eyes bulge. My mouth waters as I keep staring at it and a flood of arousal reaches my center.

She is doing yoga and is now mist a yoga position with her amazing and oh, so touchable ass on air, and her elbows on the mat supporting her weight. I do not like yoga but I know this position.. Besides, the only positions I am well aware of, are not yoga ones, but this one, gives me the perfect view of her juicy bum. My minds is flooded with inappropriate images of yoga positions going kamasutra style, and goosebumps fill my body. The things I could do with her like this...oh god.Get your mind out of the gutter, Ro!

"Hey sexy. Good morning" I say leaning on the doorframe getting a glimpse of her outfit. Tight black yoga pants and a nike sports bra. I love that sports bra, man. It makes her boobs pop out, and my eyes as well.

"Hey babe, give me a sec and I am done." She says and changes her position. Damn it no, no, go back. I want to see that booty, babe girl. Disappointed I won't get to see her magnificent ass, I pout, but the new position makes me even more aroused. Holy shit, this is better than the kamasutra!

She is laying down now, with her legs spread in a butterfly position (another position I know), thus now before my, two not so innocent eyes, is her pus-

"Take a picture babe, it will last longer" I blink at her words. I focus on her face this time. She is looking at me supporting her body on her elbows, with a smug smile on her sexy face with her sexy red cheeks, flustered by her work out. I can give you the best work out, baby. Yoga is for housewives, I think as I eye roll.

"Oh yeah? I can take a picture? Cool, get in position, baby, I want to see those legs as spread as possible." I say with a raspy deep voice that betrays my hornyness. Her eyes widen at my banter and she bites her bottom lip as she translates my words in a kinkier way. As she does so, the gulp is obvious and I smirk proud of my flirting skills.

She considers it for a while and after giving me one dirty look she lays back on the mat dragging her hands on her stomach seductively, and spreads her legs.

That little brat! She is messing with me. Little teaser. With trembling hands, I grab my phone and approach her mat. She wants to play dirty, I am the king of dirty, babe.

I kneel between her legs and caress her thigh with my hand getting it incredible close to her center. I am biting my lip and I can clearly make out the flustered state she is in. Her chest is rising, her breathing is laboured and her hands fidget.

Fuck...all I want is to just reap her freaking hot yoga pants and taste her. Damn you, Soph.

After a few seconds though, I put the phone down not interested of wasting time on taking a picture... I have the real deal ready, plus she would look better if I had my polaroid... I would have loved to have her photo on my wall. Smirking, I put my phone on the floor next to the mat and after a wink, I am ready to play dirty with my sexy girl.

I start by caressing both her thighs with my hands, teasingly slow as I move my body closer to hers. With a quick move, I bring her legs around my waist and lean above her stomach. I hear her take a deep breath as my face gets closer to her skin. I drag my hands from her thighs to her hips and then tentatively I run them across her belly. I lick my lips and making eye contact with her, I lean forward and dip my tongue on her belly button, my gaze never leaving hers.

"Oh shit.. Ro! Baby... I am sweaty.. it's gross". She complains as she threads her hands in my hair to stop me.

"Mmmm... I like you sweaty, babe. Your skin tastes deliciously salty." I say and I lick her stomach. Gosh, her skin tastes amazing. The sensation makes me really wet and I just want her desperately right now. Her skin fills with goosebumps and her grip on my hair gets tighter. Little moans escape her mouth as I suck on her skin, making it red.

"Ba.. be... we need t.. to ma.. ke lunch... I need to.. sho.. wer." She says out of breath, trying to change my mind.

"You were so hot bending like that, baby girl... so fucking sexy.. I couldn't take my eyes off you. So damn hot" I whisper as my hands reach the hem of her sports bra which is drenched from her work out. My stomach muscles clench from hunger. I keep my hands busy on her boobs, sneaking them under her bra. I l touch her softly, provoking a new wave of moans... more desperate this time.

I look up at her and the image fuels my fire. Her eyes are closed and her back is slightly arching while she keeps licking her lips. My fingers start playing with her hard nipples while my tongue dips in her belly button again.

"Babeee!" She gasps out of breath, but I keep going, enjoying her salty skin. I take my hands from her soft pillowy breasts and bring them to the waistband of her yoga pants, and then slowly pull them down. My tongue instantly explores the new exposed skin, aching to get lower. My eyes close from desire and my hands pull the pants even more lower, to her pubic bone. Absentmindedly, I lick my lips ready to taste her when Soph talks.

"Ro... please... babe... I am sweaty... let me take a shower." She says but I pay no mind.

"I don't mind, babe, it's ok." I answer licking her sweaty skin. I don't care if she has just finished working out. Her sweaty skin makes me even more wet and seeing her body stretched like that is giving me an animalistic need. I want to devour her.

"Babe... please." Her voice is raspy. I stop and look up responding to her pleads.

"Come here." She demands and her hands move from my head to my shoulders in her attempt to bring me to her eye level. I crawl back up to her and kiss her hard. I part her lips with my tongue and invade her mouth as her nails mark my shoulders causing a sweet pain.

I bite her lip and then stop, resting my forehead to hers as I bring my hand to her collarbone. Soph brings her hand on my forearm and caresses my skin, trying to catch her breath while I feel disappointment. I really wanted to get funky with her but I won't pressure her if she doesn't feel comfortable. I really don't mind that she is sweaty though... I take a deep breathe to calm down as Soph's other hand sneaks under my grey sweatpants and my superman boyshorts. I raise my head and look at her green beautiful eyes, rather confused at her actions but she whispers.

"Just...your fingers now... ok?" She says shyly and it takes me a few seconds to realise what she means... ohhhhh, we are still on. Yes!!!!!

I nod slowly and attach my lips to her pulse point as my hand descents to her hips. With one quick move my hand sneaks under her pants and then her undies, reaching my destination. I smirk at what my fingers find and I start a slow pace taking my sweet time.

****************************

Thirty minutes later, I lay resting my head on her shoulder, breathing heavily. Soph's eyes are closed shut, and her skin is covered by a thin layer of sweat, unlike me. I did all the work but I am as cool as Elsa... she on the other hand is a mess. Dork.

Her one hand is caressing the small of my back while the other is caressing the wrist of my hand that is still cupping her center, as I pepper her collarbone with small kisses. I am totally immersed in an euphoric feeling even though I didn't have my turn. I am leaning towards service top here, but I am not 100% sure about it yet.

She takes said hand off me and starts twisting. "I need to take a shower." She says lovingly and I sit up letting her get up. She grabs some clothes and underwear walking to her door when I call out her name. I never miss my chance to make her flustered and today is not gonna be the day I will... nope...

"What is it?" she asks as she opens her door.

I give her a mischievous look and put my index finger in my mouth. I smirk at her shocked expression and... "You taste good, babe, sweaty or not" I say and her cheeks redden uncontrollably. She shakes her head and in a flustered state she leaves the room leaving me behind, laughing my ass out. She is so damn easy to mess with... but I was right. She tastes good no matter what. I love it.

I approach the kitchen and start preparing the pasta and the tomato sauce, emphasis on tomato and not chilly. My poor taste buds still remember the sauce fiasco.

I have been preoccupied by the food for 15 minutes when Sophie emerges from the bathroom. I heard the door close and then I feel her hands hugging me from behind, and her head rest on my shoulder. Her jasmine shampoo hits me. Seriously, when Soph loves something, she exaggerates. She has a whole collection of flower scented shampoos, not to mention her flower scented perfumes and her favourite oxford shoes... oh and her music taste. She sticks to what she likes and doesn't try anything else.

Me, on the other hand, I am diverse. I follow no patterns. I buy different perfumes, different clothes brands, even my coffee is different depending on how I feel. I hate routine. But her jasmine shampoo does smell awesome. I have to admit that. Although my favourite is her vanilla scented shampoo for sentimental reasons... I still remember how sweet she smelled our first time... yeah, vanilla is my favourite.

"What can I do to help?" She asks close to my ear and I shiver.

"Stay away from the kitchen area. Simple." I mock her and groans. "What, babe, you have a history with tomatoes and chilly."

"That happened ages ago, let it go." She replies not finding my teasing funny.

"It happened months ago,and... no, I will not let it go." I say and take a spoon to taste the sauce.

"Fineeeee... be meanie like that. It was a human mistake. Can I do anything else?" She hugs me tighter and kisses my neck. I could be vulgar and say something that will earn me a slap or a punch so I stay PG... for now.

"You can make a salad, that awesome salad you make? With the mustard and honey stuff?" I point on the remaining bag on the counter and her warm hands leave my body. She is done within 10 minutes so she presumes her previous position, hugging me lovely as my sauce is ready now. Joss will be here in 15' and the food is almost ready. I turn the stove off, having both pasta and sauce ready and with Soph still attached to my body, I walk to the kitchen table.

"I am sleepy." She says tiredly. I detach her hands off me and take a seat pulling her down with me, to sit on my lap. She really looks spent.

"Hold on, baby, this will be over in like 30 minutes. I am hungry as hell and I bet Joss is famished too, so the food is gonna be devoured within seconds." I kiss her shoulder and she brings her hands around my neck and rests her cheek on my forehead, providing me with a clear image of her chest.

"Will you stay?" She mumbles.

"If you want me to, yes, pretty girl, I'll stay." I peck her nose and then her cheek.

"Will you also spent the night?" She asks next. Her hands caress my shoulder and my collarbone and I bring her closer to me.

"Hmmm, of course, babe." I kiss her neck and she drags her lips from my cheek to my ear. I am waiting for the bite.

"Good, because I would like to taste you too".

What? Oh dear Horos. Did these words actually leave her mouth? Like for real? I am not dreaming about this?

I am in shock. Like, this is the first time she ever says that to me. I mean, she says some stuff during sex like 'oh god' type of staff, and the times I get vulgar, she usually gets flustered and doesn't respond... well not verbally, that is. And then I remember how I teased her earlier and it makes sense. She has to have the winning act.

"Can't wait for that baby." I whisper and bring one hand under her t-shirt to cup her breast, when the other goes to her cute little butt.

I am this close to pick her up and drag her to her room when we hear the door open and close.

"I am hungry!" Joss yells approaching to the kitchen.

I let an annoyed sigh and let Soph get off me. Her cheeks are red as per usual and she avoids eye contact in case Joss catches up on us. Resigned, I get up as well and start setting the table.

Joseph's POV

I look outside of the window, watching the rain fall. One drop after another. The weather has deteriorated and it's hard to believe it's only one week before Spring Break. It looks like we're in the middle of autumn, rather than spring, but I don't mind because this weather describes perfectly my current mood. I hear mr. Roberts' voice in the depth of my mind, lecturing about a subject for his class on Artificial Intelligence and I would be very intrigued to watch him, but despite my efforts I can't, so I gave up and decided to watch outside. I guess that this would help clear my mind a bit, but no! My mind returns to her. Despite everything I try to do, my mind is stuck on her. Fuck fuck fuck!

I take a huff and I look at the unanswered calls I've made to her. I thought that she was going to recover from that incident between us, but the next day that I called her to check on her, the phone went straight to the voicemail. I left her a couple of messages, but when she didn't call me back I was certain that she was avoiding me. That affected my mood more than I was able to realize. I started missing her. Missing that I couldn't talk to her, going out with her, making fun with her. I know we weren't together on a daily basis, but this isolation is unbearable. I wasn't and I am not in the mood to go out with friends or even to have sex with any girl these past few days. Danielle and other girls were texting me to meet, but I ignored them and I even rejected Lindsay who literally threw herself at me at the sushi bar the other day. Those women look so plain, so indifferent, so pointless to me right now. It seems that only Alice matters to me anymore.

Sophie made me feel a bit better by taking me out to lunch, even if her choice of food was like she was torturing me on purpose, but despite that, she really brought back my cheery attitude just being there for me. I wish I could talk to her, but how can I tell her what's going on when I don't even know what's going on with me? The only thing I know for sure is that I am a mess after I left Alice's dorms that Friday night and that I haven't got any better since then. Normally I wouldn't care for an incident like that, but I really do and that's why irritates me the most. The fact that she doesn't answer made it all worse and I don't know what to do. It's the first time that's ever happening to me and my head is about to explode. I used to find everything pretty easy with life, there wasn't nothing that I couldn't overcome or solve, but now I am feeling like I have crushed on a massive wall. I can't even recognise myself and I hate this current situation.

"Joss, are you listening to me?" Matt's voice, who's sitting next to me, snaps me out of my thoughts.

"What?" I ask with a boring look.

"Let's go!" Matt nods to me to stand up.

"In the middle of the lecture? That's not your style." I remark a bit surprised and confused.

"Um Joss, the lecture is over." Matt points out showing me the amphitheatre. It's totally empty and it's just the 2 of us. When was the class finished?

"That early? What time is it?" I ask confused.

"Joss, the class finished on time and I am talking to you for the last couple of minutes, but your mind is obviously on outer space." Matt tries to joke, but I can discern the concern in his voice.

"Actually my brain has left the building these past few days and I hope it's going to return fast, because it's taking me on my nerves." I state standing up.

"I can see that and it's really rare for you!" He says following me.

"It's happening to the best of us!" I crack a faint smile.

"Are you sure it has nothing to do with Alice?" Matt asks and I stop abruptly to look at him.

"Why are you saying that?" I ask him sharply.

"Because you've been like this since the incident at John's party, so I thought it was because of that." He mutters.

"I am just having a bad week... That's all! Alice doesn't control my mood! She doesn't have any affect on me!" I get annoyed by him and I continue on walking.

"I see! I am buying you coffee, because things are worse that I expected." Matt says firmly.

"What are you talking about dude? I am fine!" I protest, because I don't want to talk about it, not even to Matt.

"Way worse! Beer it is!" Matt jokes and I snort.

"Fine! I will do you the favor since this is one of your rare solo appearances." I groan and Matt laughs lightly.

"Actually Nina is with Alice. She told me that she's kind of off these days, even though she can't find out why and she doesn't want to leave her alone, no matter how grumble Alice can be." Matt informs me.

"Well, it was her decision that things should be this way!" I blurt and I feel this stub on my stomach again. I feel those quite a lot lately and I hate it. I hate that things have to be this way. I hate that she is like this because of me and I hate that she cut me off completely, but what did I expect? This is Alice we're talking about. When her defenses are up, not even the USA army can bring them down.

"Hers?" Matt exclaims confused.

"It wasn't mine for sure." I mumble and I unlock the car, which was parked outside of the amphitheatre.

"So that's what bothering you!" Matt concludes and I turn on the engine, once we're inside the car and I start driving to 'Checkpoint'.

"Dude, I am fine! Just knock it off!" I shout to Matt without intending to and he stays silent for the rest of the ride.

This whole situation makes me acting weird. I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like everything I knew is changing. I shouldn't care about Alice not answering my calls, but I do and it's bothering me. I feel this need to explain to her. For her to know. To know what exactly? What do I want to tell her? I know she means way more to me than I expected. She has become important to me, something that I was clueless about it and now that she is absent and I can't reach her, I started to realize it.

After 10 minutes, we arrive at the 'Checkpoint'. We sit at the back tables, although it doesn't have many people, because of the rain. A blonde new waitress about my age comes to take our orders, so I guess Claire's shift hasn't started yet or she has a day off. I am lucky, because I am in no mood to hear her teasing or lecturing or whatever she was about to tell if she saw me at this non-Joseph state. After a couple of minutes, the waitress returns with two large beers.

"10 seconds passed and no comment about the waitress." Matt remarks looking at his watch. I groan and and I eyeroll. "No flirting, no compliments, no number!" He emphasizes every word and I feel annoyed by it.

"What's up with you today?" I demand in an angry voice.

"With me? I am the same Matt you always knew, while you on the other side..." Matt leaves the hint, giving me a meaningful look.

"Fine, dude! You win! I am not on my right minds today and you guessed the right reason!" I exasperate huffing, because it's pointless hiding behind my little finger. Matt is one of my best friends and one of the people I trust the most, so what's the point of this whole stupid charade?

"So what's going on with Alice does bother you!" He points out.

"It pisses me off actually. She took the decision for both of us. She decided to disappear just like that, without actually caring what that means to me. And then she's the one who says I don't care!" I start yelling letting go everything I had inside of me. It feels kind of liberating.

"She doesn't talk to you at all?" Matt remarks,widening his eyes.

"I called her quite some times the next day, after the party but she didn't pick it up. I sent her a couple of messages and I left two on the voice mail. She doesn't respond to anything." I exclaim annoyed. "Well, if she doesn't want to have any connection with me, it's her problem! I am not going to chase her or anything. Maybe it's true what she said that I don't care." I huff taking a large sip of my beer. I feel like I need it a lot. Matt examines me carefully.

"Joseph, I think you care more than you're willing to admit. Just put your pride aside and face the truth." Matt remarks, giving me another meaningful look.

"I care for her as a person, because no matter how irritated it can be to me, I do not wish her any harm. And you know, Matt, that the women chase Joseph Nelson!" I move my index in front of him.

"If I recall correctly, you were the one who was chasing her." He states crossing his arms.

"That was because she misunderstood the situation! She thought that I was thinking her as a conquest, as a challenge to win..." I mumble and Matt laughs. "I was expecting this from Grant and not from you." I huff annoyed.

"Sorry, but I think for such an intelligent person as you, you're quite a dumbass of not understanding what's going on with you." He says playfully, taking a sip from his beer and I raise an eyebrow.

"I know quite perfectly what's going on with me!" I object like a child and Matt raises an eyebrow. "Ok, mr. Know-it-all, since I am such a dumbass like you said, which I deny, do you know what's going on with me?" I ask sarcastically.

"Well, I think that Alice means more to you than you have realized. Maybe more than you're willing to admit. I think the word care for her doesn't describe it perfectly though. I think you have fallen for her." He emphasizes with a smirk. First I am jaw dropped and then I start laughing.

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." I utter between my laughters.

"I just gave a name to what you described to me." He concludes, proud of himself. "Joss, I have never seen you chase a girl like this again. You chase them as long as it's necessary to bang them, without promising anything further to them. If something goes wrong, you just end it without any more further explanations or giving actually a damn. This is your simple plan!" Matt remarks. "What I saw wasn't that. You were out of breath trying to find this one girl to tell her that-"

"She wasn't another name on my list. To tell her she is more. She means more. To tell her that I haven't met another girl like her." I complete his sentence, blurting everything that was stuck on my subconsciousness and now I think I fully realize it.

"Joseph, my friend I think you have officially fallen for Alice." Matt remarks with a wide grin. Oh God! I should have seen it! All this time... All the moments we shared... I knew it was something more, but I was so blind to see it. I was avoiding so stubbornly to see it. I fell for Alice.

"Matt I think you're right... I thought is was just a phase and I ignored it all this time, but it's not. I had to lose her to understand it. Fuck! How could I be so blind?" I grumble to him, facepalming myself. I was going round and round all along. All this time that I was saying that I can't just have sex with Alice, it wasn't only because she is not just for it, it was also because I wanted her to be something more than this.

"Sometimes we have to lose something to understand its value." Matt states.

"I just hope it isn't too late." I murmur. "Fuck! I had feelings for her all along and yet I was flirting with Danielle. And that because I was disdained the truth! Shit! And Alice witnessed that, thinking that I don't give a fuck about her!" I get angry with myself. "I am such an ass!"

"That should have hurt her. You know, it sucks seeing the person of your interest flirting with someone else. How did she react?" Matt asks, musing the whole situation.

"She was trying to remain calm and she was polite towards me and Danielle, who by the way is friends with Alice." I point out.

"Statistically that shouldn't surprise me, considering the number of the girls you have slept with, but it's still remarkable." He says with a sarcastic attitude.

"Anyway, Alice snapped at me later, when it was just the two of us, but let's be honest she warned me to leave her alone..."

"Something that you obviously didn't." Matt raises an eyebrow.

"Exactly and I found myself in the nuclear zone, so in order to make it stop, I kissed her." I conclude giving a meaningful look to Matt.

"From all the options you chose the worst?" Matt chides me.

"Sorry for the lack of planning and strategy!"I counter to him sarcastically and he exhales.

"So she thought you were just messing around with her. Congratulations!" Matt says ironically and I give him a tired look.

"In general, it was a shitty situation and we have to talk about it and clear this through, but Alice doesn't let me reach her. She has raised a huge wall around herself." I explain to Matt.

"I can learn from Nina where she is,but still, Joseph, despite all that, there is one big question you need to answer..." Matt's eyes examine me carefully. "Are you willing to stop this free care lifestyle, in which you change women everyday in order to be with the one you really want?"

I have to admit that question finds me unprepared. Am I ready to do that? How the hell am I supposed to know that? I didn't even know that I had so many feelings for Alice and now I have to face that? I had never had to deal with ultimatums in my life and now here it is. Life used to work so easy with me on most matters and now I am stuck.

"I-"

My ringtone cuts my sentence. I look at my phone and I see it's her who's calling. I have to say a warm feeling overwhelms me and I feel a bit anxious of what this call is about.

"Yes?" I answer casually the phone.

"Hello Joseph. It's me!" Alice's voice echoes steady and firm. I don't respond back, which is unusual for me, since I am waiting impatiently for the reason she called. "Can we meet? I need to talk to you about something."

***********************************************************

I drive as fast as I can to go back to the campus to meet with Alice. I proposed to meet her at the central cafeteria, where we met for the second time after the summer and she poured her coffee on me, where I stopped her from erupting on the girl who stole her paper and watched her devouring a piece of chocolate pie, where we took a hot coffee after a chat in the snow.

I wonder what does she want to talk about and it's no secret that I am stressed about it. Yeah! Me stressed about that! Me, the carefree person! The person who keeps his cool and copes with pretty much anything.

After the phone call, I dropped Matt to the nearest bus stop, because he insisted that Alice is my priority now. He wished me good luck and advised me not to say anything that will give her false hope, because she doesn't deserve it and I know he's right. I can't fool around with her. I don't want to fool around with her.

The moment I arrive at the cafeteria, my eyes scan the place for her. There she is! She's sitting at a the back tables, next to a window wall, watching the rain, which started again. Her hair is in loose curls and she's wearing jeans with a spring white sweater with a red scarf. She's so fucking beautiful. Just standing there, natural.

"Hey Alice!" I smile to her the moment I reach the table. A wave of gloom overshadows her face. If it wasn't for that, she would be even more beautiful, because her smile is her best aspect and when she beams, her whole face glows.

"Hey Joseph!" She forces a smile and the awkwardness between us is so apparent. That's so unnatural. I hate it!

"So how are you?" I ask unsure, since I think it wasn't a wise question, but I really want to know. Her brown eyes examine me carefully.

"I guess there is no need to beat about the bush." Alice huffs. "The whole past week I wasn't exactly myself and I did a lot of thinking again and again and maybe I have overanalyzed things..." She says cracking an awkward laughter. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you, because I own to be honest with you and with myself." She exhales and I give her a soft look, without saying anything just waiting for her to be ready and comfortable. She inhales and exhales deeply again, trying to find the right words to say. "I want you to know that what happened at the party, this outburst was because I kept all my feelings inside of me for a long time. I don't know when it started, I don't know how, but I know it did happen, so I have to be honest with you about that. It's not your burden... It's mine, so it doesn't have to bother you or do anything about it. I have to deal with it." She says in a steady voice, looking straight at me. I suddenly feel my heart beat louder and I am looking at her speechless. Her whole posture is upright and she doesn't back down. "So I had and I have no right to snap out at you, because of that...", she pauses and inhales once again, "but this gives you no right to toy with me, because I have those feelings. They are mine and I will face them! Don't you ever try to take advantage of that in any way, because no matter how I feel I am not desperate to give in to you, because of that." She remarks firmly with an intense look. "That party shook me for good and I've woken up!" She looks at me with a glare. Believe me Alice... This party didn't shook only you, but me as well.

I can't believe Alice felt so many things for me and I hadn't even realized it. And here she is now, admitting it all without fear, without shame. I think that takes a lot of courage and I am amazed once again by her. She proves to me once again how brave she can be. It's not easy to confess without blinking, avowing everything that you feel to the other person and yet Alice is doing that now, while I am trying for the first time in my life to find the right words to say.

"And that brings me to the main reason that I called you here. I prefered to tell you face to face. It seems more honourable and I hate being coward." Her glance runs through my body and I stand there waiting. What else does she want to say? "Joseph, I won't be coming to your house next week for Spring break." That announcement left me frozen. What? There is no way!

"Why?" It's the only thing I say and immediately I inner facepalm myself. Idiot, you know exactly well why.

"Because no matter how well I acknowledge this whole situation..", she moves her index between her and me, "that doesn't mean I have to stand it. You have every right to do whatever you want, but it's my right and duty to protect myself."

"But I want you to come!" I say and I feel like a spoilt 5 year old, while Alice gives me a surprised glance.

"To do what exactly? Watching you change one woman after another? It's your lifestyle! I have to respect it, because I am in no position to tell you what to do, but it's in my hand not to experience that. Maybe it sounds stupid and I look weak, but I am doing what's best for me." Alice declares and I know she is right.

I want to tell her that she's the only woman that I want. That she's not the only one who had a rough week, but me as well. I want to tell her so many things, but something stops me. Can I be the man that she deserves? Can I reach her expectations? I've been following this no commitment lifestyle for years and I am not sure if I can change it. Habit is difficult to change, so I can make no fake promises, without hurting her again. But I want her to come so badly. Do I ask for too many things?

"Alice, who am I to take you away from the place you want to be?" I address to her without hesitation. "You've given me too much credit, without actually deserving it. You are Alice Reynolds! You want something and you achieve it. You don't back down. Why are you letting me affect you so much? You shouldn't!" My eyes are pierced to hers and my voice is rough and steady. My speech left her in aghast.

"It does and I hate it! But what else can I do?" She exclaims piercing me with her captivating eyes.

"Fight it! Like you always do! Don't let it take all over you. You know you can do it. Don't let me be on your way of having a good time with your friends." I exclaim trying to change her mind. "Also, it's Miami! Miami is famous for the best Spring break parties. You can't miss that!"

Alice examines me carefully and I believe she's considering everything I told her. I think I have pressed some of her buttons, that I discovered in our time together. She's still a riddle, but many parts are so clear to me now. And I have fallen for all those parts that consist her and I wish I could tell her, but it's better not to rush. I have to make myself sure about it, because Alice has to be treated well. I can't play games with her.

"Let's assume I am coming. What it's going to be?" She raises an eyebrow at me.

"Do you wanna come?" I change conveniently the meaning, by asking her.

"Of course, but I don't want to ruin other people's holiday, because of my loud personality. As you've observed, I fail to keep it under control." And that's one of the reasons that I enjoy you and want to be with you so much.

"Where there's a will, there's a way. And you Alice, can overcome anything, when you want it. Or will you prove me wrong?" I raise an eyebrow at her, trying to provoke her. Alice pierces me with her eyes, crosses her hands and muses over it.

"You know what? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" She says firmly, hitting her punch on the table and a wide smile crosses my face.

"Should I take that as a yes?" I beam, trying to hide my excitement that I persuaded her, still wondering how.

"Yes! I'll come and I will prove to you, that I can have fun without anything and anyone bothering me. I can't believe that while you are the main reason of me being out of my ordinary self, you are also the reason that I am back to it."

"Alice, I want to prove you that I am not an asshole womanizer. I am sorry that it looked like I was considering you as my difficult conquest, but I want you to know that I don't think of you like that." I confide in her, because I have to make sure she knows. I want her to understand that.

"I guess we both messed it up and it's a good thing we cleared things up, but I still think we need to get some distance from each other, even on spring break." Her face is serious and I know that I have to get along with that term. It sucks, but I don't want to push it more. I've already achieved the impossible.

"Whatever it's best for you." I say softly and she gives me a faint smile, which I give back.

"So I'll get going..." Alice takes her bag, puts her beige leather jacket on and stands up. "Bye!"

"See you next week at the airport." I smile to her and I watch her leaving.

Then I throw my head on the table, not knowing what to think. I have to get myself together as soon as possible and figure this out. What do I really want? Can I leave my old life back and be with Alice or will I hurt her eventually because of that? Is it just a phase and I am just way too excited about it and I will be back to my old self now that we are in somehow better terms again with her? So many questions that I had never had to answer before or to actually care and now they are coming like a storm. What the hell is the right answer?

Vanessa's POV

Emma's flight arrives in about an hour. I have tidied up the room multiple times and made space in my closet for her to hang up her clothes but I know she will throw everything all over the place the moment she gets here and honestly I can't get mad at her for it. She wouldn't be herself, if she wouldn't, and I've missed her too much! Alice had class so I asked Sophie if she could give me a ride to pick Emma up and it's about time, so I grab my keys and go down to wait for her outside of the dorms. The moment I see her Mini Cooper reaching the dorms, I wave my hands up with enthusiasm.

"Hi Sophie!" I greet her as I get in the car. "Thank you so much for this!"

"Vee, good morning! Don't mention it, here, I got us coffee. Robin told me how you drink it." she says and hands me over a cup of coffee.

"Oh that's so sweet of you! Thank you, Sophie!" I smile at her as I let myself get lost in the caramel smell that's spread inside. "How are you?"

"I am good, thank you. I am stressing over the trip but once we get there, I am sure things will go smoothly! Have you packed yet?" She starts the engine and puts on some music.

"Oh my Gosh, I love this song! I didn't know you listen to this kind of music, Sophie!" I say as I start moving my hands along to the music.

"It's Robin's music, I am starting to like it too though. What do you listen to?" We stop at a light and Sophie sips a bit of her coffee.

"Almost everything really, but I have a soft spot for anything acoustic. Just a guitar and a clear voice is enough for me. Robin has a good taste." I remark while nodding my head.

"Well, she claims it's the music blood in her veins, but I give credit to Spotify." She chuckles and focuses on the road again. "How is your week so far?"

"The music blood in her veins?" I ask intrigued.

"Yes, her dad was a musician. Peter. You have seen the piano in the living room right?" She points.

"I have seen it but I had no idea really. That's pretty cool." I raise my eyebrows impressed.

"Yes, she has a few guitars as well, but she doesn't play. Do you play ? I don't think I have asked you that before!" She turns to look at me.

"Seriously?I didn't know that either! I guess there's a lot of things I don't know about Robin." I shrug making a grimace and Sophie chuckles. "I do play the guitar actually! Well, I haven't played in awhile, even though I have brought it here with me. Seems like I never have time for that anymore. Anyway, I have dodged your questions. First, I have in mind what I want to take with me for spring break but I haven't packed yet. I don't know what kind of luggage Emma is going to bring with her, so I thought it would be wiser to wait and see if she is going to need any extra space in my suitcase. And second, I had a good week so far, you know classes and all. And then I was worried about Alice who had decided not to come with us but thankfully Joseph convinced her otherwise. Hmm, what else? Um, oh yes! I started cooking lessons! Next time we hang out, I will make you the best homemade pizza ever! Ashton taught me the best and fastest recipe!"

"Wow, wow hold up, one thing at a time! I didn't know Alice had a problem with our vacations, hope everything is ok now, and second, you are learning how to cook? I could use some help too, Ro calls me a kitchen destroyer, and Ashton? Ashton is teaching you? Why?" She looks really interested in what I just said.

"Well, I don't know what happened with Alice really, she just woke up one day and told me she's not coming. As for Ashton, I don't really know either. He just suggested to teach me the basics one day and then he just grabbed me from the office after work and we went to the grocery shop and then to his house and then we cooked, well, it wasn't real cooking, it was way too easy to be considered as real traditional cooking but it was delicious and so so easy! I'll show you, you will impress Robin, there's no doubt about it!" I wink at her. We stop again at a light. This gives the opportunity for Sophie to turn to look at me again.

"Ok, maybe it is not my place, given we are not bffs yet, and you confide in Alice and Emma, and you obviously have the right to remain silent, but do you like Ashton?" She asks timidly.

I blink multiple times and then open my mouth to answer. Then I decide to think about it before actually speaking. Do I like Ashton?

"I... well...um..." Okay, maybe I began talking without really having thought about it. "We are friends, Sophie! Bffs material! Some serious bonding has taken place between the two of us." I pat her arm and lift my eyebrows up playfully. "If I like Ashton? Um, I mean I like him, he's such a good guy and so kind and so smart and intelligent and organized and fun and... I mean what's not to like about him? But..." I point a finger at her, "I have a feeling you mean it like Alice means it and Emma means it and Robin has mentioned it sometime if I remember correctly. If I really really like him, right?"

"Oh we are bffs! That's great, I never had a girl bff! Thank you, I am honored. And yes, I mean 'like' like I like Robin. Did that make any sense? I used a lot of 'likes'." She grimaces momentarily. "You know what, this is a personal question and totally your business, so I will just keep driving. Pretend I never asked." She waves her hand and focuses on the road.

"Sophie, have I mentioned I love you?" I rub her arm and she immediately chokes. "Are you okay?" I ask giggling as she nods and keeps her eyes on the road. "I really do though." I sigh. "You are so discreet about it, everyone is asking me and asking me and then asking me again and I don't know why really! Maybe because, you know, I am single and Ashton is too attractive and we do spend time together and everybody wants me to find my soulmate and I do too, but Ashton is interested in someone already. And that is clear to me but since someone brings this up every once in awhile, I started question myself, why do they ask? As it seems, Alice and Emma have this theory that Ashton kind of likes me but I don't know." I shrug. "I mean, maybe he doesn't find me indifferent, he does these things sometimes that give me the impression he might not, you know, find me indifferent but I just don't overthink it too much, you know?"

I turn to face Sophie who is still looking on the road while her hands are holding tightly the wheel and then she turns to face me for seconds.

"Um... the word 'love' comes hard to me... And you got me so off guard, but I want you to know that besides Joss, I really consider you my best friend too. You are a very kind person and considerate. So thank you, for your friendship." She looks at the road and then back at me. "You know you have the right to like anyone you want, you don't have to listen to what others tell you , or feel pressured, If Ashton likes you, I think you would know, you are smart... but the thing is... do you want him to like you?" She shrugs and drinks some of her coffee.

"Aww, Sophie! Thank you for your friendship too!" I am about to reach her with my hand but I think I kind of overwhelmed her with my words and physical contact already, so I decide against it. "To be honest with you, I don't know if I would know if Ashton would like me, like really really like me. I am terrible at this kind of stuff! I guess my lack of experience is the one to blame." I shrug and drink some of my coffee as well. I have barely touched it, since I kept on talking non-stop.

"Yeah, lack of experience sucks. You have helped me so many times so, you know, if you need anything on that matter or any matter, I am here. I don't know a lot about love stuff, but we can always trust google." She shrugs too and turns to the left entering the airport parking lot.

"It's a deal then! Google to the rescue!" I chortle as we get out of the car. "Thanks Sophie!"

She gives me a timid smile and we enter the airport, searching for the right gate. We are here earlier as both me and Sophie don't want to leave anything for the last minute so we talk a bit about her classes and her plans for the second week of spring break. She's not coming home with us, since she has a lot of studying and papers to hand over so even if it's technically holidays, she has to spend a lot of time at the library doing the necessary research. It's a pity really but it is for academic purposes, so I get it. I would do the same.

Emma's flight had a slight delay so she appears at the gate thirty minutes later than the time expected, totally pissed and exhausted, dragging her suitcase lazily.

"Em!" I shout her name for her to notice us.

"Nessa!" She leaves her suitcase fall on the floor, runs towards us and hugs me tight. "I've missed you, my little pony!"

"Aw, I've missed you too!" I caress her back and break the hug after some seconds. "You look really tired. Did you have a good flight?"

"You're my best friend, so you are allowed to say that I look like shit. My flight was awful!" Emma facepalms. "Hello Sophie, how you doin'?" She greets her Joey Tribbiani style.

"Hello Emma, glad to see you again, sorry the flight was awful, it always happens when flying coach." Sophie waves at her, a bit timid of going for a hug.

"I haven't experienced anything like it! It sucked big time." Emma shakes her head in disapproval.

"Is that all your luggage?" I ask pointing at her suitcase which is a few steps away from us.

"Yeap. I didn't have spring break outfits with me in London. Bikinis and shorts are not what would you wear with that weather. Thank God it's shinny here! Plus, we're going for shopping. Tomorrow." She points a finger at me. "Now Sophie," Emma rests her arm around Sophie in a semi hug as they begin to walk, "fill me in with the latest." Sophie looks at her awkwardly and before she says a word Emma, turns back at me. "Nessa, bring my suitcase!"

"Sure, your highness." I chortle and follow them dragging the suitcase while Sophie walks next to Em.

"Um, nothing much. I passed all my exams, which is good. I don't think I have anything else to tell you." Sophie shrugs.

"Well, that was good I guess but kind of boring, don't you think?" Emma makes a grimace. "Come on, last time I was here, you were an intimidating witch with a wand and now that witch has no story to share? I'm disappointed." She raises her eyebrows at Sophie playfully.

"Uum... yes.. no, nothing interesting really... oh, I went to my first basketball game. Does that count?" She asks innocently.

"To support your friend um... What's his name, Nessa?"

"Nathan, his name is Nathan, Em." I remind her.

"Yeah, that Nathan guy. He's your friend too, Sophie?" Emma asks as Sophie unlocks her car's trunk.

"Yes, Nathaniel... Nathan is my friend. He is more of Robin's friend, but he is my friend too I hope. He is a very interesting guy, a lot of potentials." Sophie gets in the car.

"Really?" Emma opens the passenger seat. "Nessa, you're still trying to put my damn suitcase into the trunk? Geez! Let me do that." It is kind of heavy in my defence. She helps me and then sits on the front while I sit on the back. I hope Sophie is comfortable enough with this. "You said a lot of potentials, huh?" Emma asks Sophie while checking herself on the mirror. "I look like crap. Anyway, so?" She raises her hands up waiting for Sophie's answer.

"Yes, he is more than what meets the eye. You know, the 'jock', well, he is more than that, he is a good guy, same as Joss. These two are the good kind of guys. Right, Vanessa?" Sophie looks at me from the rearview mirror.

"Yeah, what's your opinion, Vanessa?" Emma moves the rearview mirror so she can see me.

"I agree with Sophie. They are both good guys and they are both our friends." I tell her and nod my head.

"Is that so? Hmm..." Emma puts the rearview mirror back at its previous position. "So you said he's coming too? Nathan?"

"Aha."

"Who else is coming again?" Emma asks even if I have already informed her about it.

"It's going to be me and you and Sophie and Robin and Joseph and Alice and Nathan and Grant and Matt and Nina. Grant and Matt are Joseph's best friends and Nina is Alice's classmate and a good friend of hers. Nina is also Matt's girlfriend." I remind her once again how we are all connected.

"So it's going to be a couple and then the rest of us are going to be single." Emma comments. "Leave Robin out of this, since she is playing for the other team, so this leaves us three and Alice and three single guys. Leave Joseph also out of this, since we all know him since like forever, especially you, Sophie. That means we have two single guys and then four single girls. How's that Grant guy? Is he hot?" Emma waves her hands in the air and looks at Sophie.

"He is a caveman. An Ape. Horrible. Ewwww." Sophie makes a disgusted grimace.

"Woah, am I getting some vibes over here, young lady?" Emma lifts her eyebrows playfully at Sophie. She couldn't have gotten it more wrong.

"What? No! God no! Eww, like ewww. He is not my type." Sophie groans and focuses on the road. "He is like the weird guy of the group."

"That's a shame. I don't do weird either. So that leaves us only Nathan and I am handing him over to you, Sophie. He's just way too muscular." Emma opens her arms wide open to picture Nathan's body. As I see, she has made her life's goal to play the matchmaker for Sophie too. This must make Sophie feel weird so I chime in.

"Sophie likes blond-haired people."

"Alright, alright! I let you choose first since you were kind enough to come and pick me up from the airport with Nessa. Thanks for that actually, I appreciate it, Sophie." Emma pats her on the shoulder. "So I guess it's up to Alice to choose between the two of them. Oh wait, the three of them. The Joseph thing doesn't count for Alice."

"Do we have to sleep with the people in the house? We are all friends, it will be weird." Sophie remarks grimacing. "And thank you for letting me choose but, I don't need to pick a guy. I just wanna have a decent spring break with Ro...I mean with all of you guys." She corrects herself.

Sophie is the cutest!

"Well, it's spring break, we have all seen the crazy parties on tv and since so many people are going to live together for about a week, most likely someone will hook up with another one. It's human nature." Emma shrugs.

"Well, I won't be engaging to the spring break madness and neither will Ro... bin. You guys can do whatever you want, but I do hope you will respect the rest of us. Roommate rules and stuff. I have a list of rules we can all follow." She points.

Emma bursts into laughter.

"You're a funny little thing, aren't you?" She claps her hands while continuing laughing. "Oh, you're good! She almost had me, Nessa! Woah, my stomach hurts from laughing. You're good, Sophie!" She takes a big breath. "So how's Robin really? I really liked her, I've already told Nessa that." That makes Sophie look at Em intensely.

"Robin is fine, she is in a relationship. She is not available. She is taken." She says slowly and clearly.

"Seriously? That's awesome!" Emma remarks with enthusiasm. "But wait. She's with someone and that someone allows her to go and spend spring break on her own? What kind of relationship is that?"

"Well, she's with someone who trusts her 100%. And Robin trusts that person totally and loves her so much so..." I burge in to clear the mess and I see Sophie giving me a thankful nod.

"That's really nice. If only we all could find someone like that." Emma sighs and Sophie smiles a bit.

The drive goes on as Emma changes station after station on the radio and tells us about what she needs to shop tomorrow. Sophie suggests a few shops for us to take a look at and leaves us at the dorms' entrance.

"Thank you for the ride, Sophie! I'll see you on Sunday! Or sooner! I don't know your exact schedule, guys." Emma shrugs and gets out of the car. "Bye!"

"Thank you so much, Sophie! Tell Robin I said hi!" I smile at her as I step out of the car as well.

"Bye girls, see you soon." Sophie smiles back and waves at us.

Emma helps me once again with the suitcase and we get inside the building after waving at Sophie goodbye. The moment we get into the room, she opens her suitcase right away and begins to toss around her clothes, showing me her new purchases. She's so messy but I love her. Alice joins us later and we spend the rest of the day eating pizza and planning our spring break in every detail.

A/N: So, first things first! Did Ashton and Vanessa just have their first date? Moving on to Robin and Sophie, they sure keep things steamy! And wait... Joseph just realised he has fallen for Alice! Last but not least, our favorite pink haired, Emma, is back! Woah, guys... let us tell you something; you are not prepared for spring break... Till next time... ;) Thank you for reading! Don't forget to vote and comment! xx