The stairs outside her room creaked, as a shadow danced across the hallway wall, slinking slowly towards the open bedroom door. Spencer’s shoulder’s tensed subtly, as Dodger poked his head into the room.

Ashley saw Dodger’s hesitant face, his glasses resting on his head, his hair an absolute rat nest. Her heart fluttered at the familiarity, goose bumps erupting along her arms in response to her friend’s presence. His sweet face was an island in the middle of the ocean, she and Spencer having battled the waves and unquenchable thirst for days.

She smiled broadly, noticing a tiny patch of white powder on his cheek. He grinned back hesitantly, shoving his hands in his pockets, glancing away from Ashley’s stare, to inspect Spencer’s current state.

“Um…I made breakfast…whenever you guys are ready…” The words rolled off his tongue as more of a question, his usual cocky demeanor no where to be found, most likely hiding under layers of uncertainty and concern, much like when a mother inspects a child’s scraped knee, feigning nonchalance so as not to further upset the child, yet failing miserably.

Hot breathe struck Ashley’s neck, her left hand stroking Spencer’s back.

“Thanks, D. We’ll be right there, okay?”

Dodge nodded, glanced once again at Spencer, then back towards Ashley, his eyebrows raised in question.

Ash nodded back, her lips constructing a faint smile.

Dodge winked and backed out of the room, as if not wanting to make any sudden movements were Spencer a frightened child or a terrified animal, the threat of sudden hysterics a serious concern.

The shadow disappeared along the wall. Ash turned back to Spencer, her face once again pressed into the crook of her neck.

Spencer leaned back and sniffed, her eyes darting around Ashley’s face not wanting to commit to any specific focal point. Ash used a finger to push some loose blonde hairs away from Spencer’s face.

Spence glanced down at Ashley’s feet and smiled.

“Nice socks.”

Ash laughed deeply, no longer concerned over her stupid socks, and lightly kissed Spencer’s cheek. The act was brave, yet not awkward.

“Yah, well, I dig Wolverine.”

“Me, too. Something about mutton chops turns me on.”

Ash grinned widely, staring back into Spencer’s eyes, thankful she was cracking jokes.

Spence sniffed loudly, her hand wiping at her nose, and rose to her feet.

“This may sound weird, but…I’m hungry.”

“Yah, so am I…but, be beware the cook that is Dodger. Just swallow it in huge pieces, and try not to chew too much.”

Spencer laughed and bit her lower lip. Both girls took a step towards the open door, only to bump into each other with their shoulders. Ash jerked back, as did Spencer, each allowing the other to go first, only to both go again at the same time, knocking into one another.

“Uh, so it seems we are never leaving this room.” Ash smiled, sliding her hand into Spencer’s.

Spence glanced down at their touching hands.

“Okay, I go first…onetwothreego!”

Ash jumped ahead, her hand still clutching Spencer’s pulling her cautiously towards the doorway in pursuit of overcooked eggs and mushy pancakes.