"Come on you have to tell me where we're going!" I begged Pierce as we entered the city of Seattle. It had only been a couple of months since I had been to Seattle but it was home to me and anytime away from it felt like forever. After an almost four-hour car ride from Portland, we had finally made it to the city and I was beyond excited to be back. 

New York was a city that everyone wanted to see and be a part of, and don't get me wrong New York is amazing but Seattle will always just be home. Pierce refused to tell me the plans for today but told me to dress warm and be ready for anything. We could do anything and I'd be sufficed as long as I didn't run into any drama. 

My phone began ringing, making me reach into my back pocket and accept the facetime call from June. The call opened up to the video of June with her long blonde wavy hair and bright crystal eyes looking into the phone as Triston stood behind her. They both gave me a grin as they shouted into the phone "Happy Birthday!" 

"I miss you!" Triston took the phone from June as she blew a kiss into the camera. The rest of the Gunners had flown back to New York this morning, arriving about two hours ago. Pierce and I left so early in the morning we hadn't gotten a chance to see any of them. 

"Thanks, guys." I chuckled "I miss you too, but I'll be home soon." 

"So did Romeo tell you where he's taking you yet?" Triston wiggled her eyebrows as she and June held the phone far enough out so you could see the both of them in the frame. "Uh no." I bit my lip, glancing over to Pierce whose eyes were fixated on the road before looking back at them "Not yet."

"Well let me know everything that happens! And take pictures!" June narrowed her eyes, and I nodded in response. We bid our goodbyes before hanging up and I let out a sigh as I looked over to Pierce who was not budging at all to tell me what the plan had been for today.

We soon came to a stop as Pierce paralleled parked into a spot that was on the side of the street. I raised an eyebrow at him as he turned the car off and got out. He walked around to my side of the car, opening the passenger seat as I got out of my seat and pulling my leather jacket on as the damp air hit my skin. I did love Washington but I did hate the rain and how depressing it could make everything. 

I looked across the street to the Metropolitan Grill, a steakhouse that I had already been to once when my dad had turned 40. It was a super pricey restaurant and fancy, to say the least, a single steak could cost up to a hundred dollars hence why I had only gone there once even though I did love it. 

"Here? How did you know-" I started to ask Pierce how he knew I liked eating here, as it wouldn't exactly be anyone's first choice to take someone out for how expensive it had been. "I talked to Aster a bit about what we should do. He said you loved the food here but never got to go a lot." Pierce said bluntly as he took my hand and pulled me into the restaurant.

We were greeted at the doors, and I immediately heard jazz music being played throughout the restaurant that had a vintage feeling to it. The host led us through the restaurant as I looked over to the bar that was filled wall to wall with alcohol as the walls were engraved with great detail. The lighting was a bright light but dimmed to an extent, trying to make it more of a relaxing feel for the guest. 

She led us to the backroom and my eyes glanced at the table of 7 set with utensils that were wrapped and cloth as well as saucer plates and a glass of water in front of each seat. The seats were covered in black leather that looks like they had just been polished. There were centerpieces of flowers in the middle of the tables that complimented the cloth table covering well. 

My eyes widened as I saw the five people who had sat around the table. "Oh my god," I said in shock, immediately walking up to them and being pulled into a hug by each and every single one of them. I pulled back as I finished hugging each of them and looked between them and over to Pierce, shocked at how he was able to pull this off. 

It was all my friends that I grew up with and went to Parson High School with before I transferred. Lana, Amelia, Peyton, Liam, and Nolan- we had been inseparable from each other growing up as it was always the five of us..well six, when Cayde used to be part of the group but after we split he left all of them behind and went off with his football friends. 

"Oh, I've missed you so much." Lana pulled me into another tight hug as I returned her hug back. Lana was my absolute best friend out of everyone ever since she put gum in my hair in kindergarten and I cried to the teacher. Her mom later forced her to apologize to me and ever since then we just clicked. 

"I've missed you too," I said softly back as I pulled away looking into her light blue eyes. I hadn't been in touch with any of my friends since I had left Seattle, which had been all my fault. Once I left Seattle I was so unhappy and couldn't bear to even think of them just continuing to live without me while I had to live without them. Somewhere in my head, I thought it was just better to stop talking but I knew that wasn't right.

"Happy Birthday Aspen." She smiled back at me and I looked back at Pierce in shock. "How'd you-" I started in complete shock that Pierce would now do this for me. I hadn't mentioned any of my friends so I knew he didn't know any of them by name.

"Went through your social media, saw your old post." He shrugged nonchalantly "That and Aster was able to help me about a bit." 

"And this must be..?" Amelia raised an eyebrow at me as she looked over to Pierce. "Right.." I trailed off "This is my boyfriend, Pierce Gunner. Pierce this is Lana, Amelia, Peyton, Nolan, and Liam."

"Pierce.." Nolan looked Pierce up and down, clenching his jaw as he scanned over him "And what are your intentions?"

"Nolan," I warned, knowing Nolan would not stand a chance against Pierce in a fight. No one truly did stand a chance against Pierce especially when it meant he was protecting me. "I'm just messing with him, Aspen." Nolan's stern tone disappeared as he held a hand out to Pierce "I'm cool with any guy that makes her happy."

After everything that happened with Cayde and me, Nolan and Liam took my side over Caydes which had said a lot considering they were best friends. They saw the reality of who Cayde was and saw what went on behind closed doors. They became like brothers to me after, stepping into the place that Aster left behind. Lana, Amelia, and Peyton didn't hesitate to comfort me every time something happened with Cayde, not dismissing the truth that everyone else did.

Pierce took Nolan's hand before we all took seats around the table. Pierce placed his hand on my thigh beneath the table and I looked over giving him a small smile. Pierce wasn't the best around new people, I mean no one in Crestmont had been because they were so used to all just being together 24/7. Being in Crestmont was like a full-time job that came with built-in friends, so you didn't even have time to talk to others. 

"So how'd you guys meet?" Peyton chimed curiously. "I- uh.." I stuttered, looking over to Pierce before looking back at her "Just from school." It wasn't a lie that we had met from school, that is technically the first time we had ever talked but I didn't exactly feel like I should elaborate that I was kidnapped by a gang that I had now joined. 

"Wow, cute," Liam said sarcastically, making me roll my eyes in response. "So Pierce, what's your baggage? I mean no guy as hot as you come on this earth without something wrong." Amelia joked as she twirled her straw in her glass. 

"Amelia." I shot her a glare, not wanting her to make Pierce uncomfortable. Pierce scoffed a muttered laugh as his lips tugged up into a smirk, glancing over to me as he knew exactly what the answer to his question was. I sent Pierce a look of pleading to not bring up the gang, knowing this exactly where it had been going to. 

"Just the usual shit." Pierce shrugged, leaning back in his chair as he looked across the table to Amelia "You know, prison record, suspension, family issues."

"What were you arrested for?" Lana looked at me with concern that she was hearing my new boyfriend had a prison record. Her eyes flickered from mine to Pierce as she laid her arms on the table and raised an eyebrow at him.

"Which time?" Pierce retorted and I closed my eyes shut tightly, not surprised Pierce would say something just like that. "Ok, how about you Lana? I mean how has everything been with Gavin?" I changed the subject immediately, bringing up one of Lana's crushes that she had for years on end.

"Oh you know, same old same old. He just got back with Jessica though so you know how that goes." She let out a deep sigh but her eyes soon widened in realization "I completely forgot to tell you, but it was reported that Cayde was temporarily arrested for gang violence."

"Lana!" Peyton shot her a glare "Why would you bring him up! We all agreed to not say anything."

I sat up straight, fixing my posture as the realization of keeping everything a secret was going to be harder than I thought. There was a rule about Crestmont and when someone was told about Crestmont they became a threat to themselves, as any rival gang would go after anyone who knew the smallest details about the gang. I wanted to tell them everything about Cayde and how he's been making my life a living nightmare, but I knew I couldn't.

"Hello, my name is Serena. How may I help you guys today?" A server with dark black hair and golden brown eyes, dressed in black dress pants with a white blouse and a black apron tied around her waist approached us. She pulled out her notepad, hovering the pen over the paper as she waited for us to give our orders. 

We had already been served our drinks by another server who brought over a tray of water with a pitcher in the middle of the table. I stared down at my glass, twirling the straw in the glass as I zoned out from reality. I began to think about Cayde and when I had seen him last, not being able to get seeing him out of my head. 

"Aspen." Pierce snapped me out of my thoughts, making my eyes snap over to the server Serena "Oh, sorry I'll have the filet mignon." I said bluntly as I folded up the menu and handed it back to her. Everyone gave me a confused look, being able to tell I had been off but I knew Pierce knew why I had been and that it was about Cayde.

"Nice going, Lana." Nolan rolled her eyes at her, as he leaned back in his chair and gave her an Are-You-Serious look. "What?" Lana said defensively "I figured she'd be happy to hear he got arrested, even if it was only temporary."

I was happy that Cayde had gotten arrested temporarily but hearing them say he was found to be involved with gang violence, made it all more real. I had known that Cayde was involved with gangs now as some way to get back at me but hearing it out of Crestmont had made it surreal. 

"What gang?" Pierce spoke up, rubbing his clenched jaw as he stared intently back at Lana. She pushed her blonde curled hair behind her shoulders as she furrowed her brows together "I can't quite remember, V..Vi-Vip..Vipers, that's what it is."

"Vipers?" I whispered, my body going into shock the more I thought about it. I looked over to Pierce with a face of worry as I knew this just got a whole lot worse "So he's not working with the Coinstons..." 

Cayde wasn't working with the Coinstons, which was somehow even worse. He was involved with a gang named the Vipers which I could only assume was a west coast based gang. If Cayde wasn't working with the Coinston's that meant I now had not one but two gangs after me..the Coinstons and The Vipers. 

My anxiety started to spike and I felt like I was going to suffocate while I drowned in my thoughts. Pierce's hand squeezed my leg, making me snap out of my thoughts as he leaned into my ear to whisper. "Don't worry about it right now, we will talk about it later," Pierce reassured and I could tell he was worried but was putting it aside for now. He just wanted me to enjoy my birthday and not have to worry about being chased after by gangs. 

"You good?" Peyton cocked an eyebrow at me "Who are the Coinston's? Jesus Lana, I told you to bring up Cayde it never ends up well."

"No, it's not that." I swallowed a lump in my throat, knowing I had to come clean and tell them. They could have more information on Cayde and who the Vipers are or what they want. I didn't want to tell them about Crestmont but a part of me felt like I had to, I mean they were my best friends and stood by me no matter what happened.

"It's just that I saw Cayde the other day..." I trailed off making all their eyes grow wide in shock "I haven't been completely honest with you guys about everything...I just don't want you to freak, it's half the reason I cut off contact when I moved to New York because I couldn't keep secrets from you." 

"Don't tell me you're pregnant..." Lana said dumbfounded as her look changed completely while her eyes bored into me. I shook my head in response and looked over to Pierce, who gave me a slight nod. He knew I wanted to tell them, he knew it was hard to keep everything a secret to people I used to be so close to. 

"Pierce and I didn't just meet in school. We actually met because of a gang, when I moved to New York I found out Aster was in a gang called the Westwoods. Well, I soon learned there was this gang called the Coinstons that were after me, but I don't know why. So for protection, I joined the Crestmont gang, which is how Pierce and I met...later I found out my mom was some kind of gang lord and a past leader of the Crestmont gang. But the Coinston's have been after me since I moved here, and on New Year's Cayde showed up at a club I was at. He shot it up and sent polaroids of me to our leader." I explained, taking a deep breath as the words blurted out "The other day in Portland Cayde used Pierce's cousin to get close to me. He showed up.."

It sounded even more insane than what it was when I said it out loud. I watched as their faces changed, all having smiles tug at their lips as if they thought I was joking. Their faces soon fell when they realized it hadn't been a joke but that this was now my life. Cayde Matthews was after me again, he wouldn't let go of his grip on me no matter how hard I tried to run away.

"Y-you're in a gang?" Amelia stuttered out, while everyone stayed in shock. "I am." I nodded slightly, giving them a shoulder shrug and a small smile that I forced to reach upon my lips. Anyone who knew before New York would not believe me of all people would join a gang but I've changed so much in the past few months that I wasn't the same Aspen Ambrosia.

"You've got to be kidding me. Aspen Ambrosia? A shy girl that can't stand up to anyone is in a gang?" Nolan said in complete shock as she scoffed a laugh. "Not exactly shy anymore." Pierce muttered under his breath before leaning forward on the table "She's dragged race, fought rival gangs, stole from a thousand dollar store, shot at the police, and oh..how about you ask her about that fake ID in her pocket."

"Thanks, Pierce." I narrowed my eyes at him in annoyance as he sat back in his seat. "No problem, babe." He smirked back at me proudly, the words he said only making it harder for my friends to see me as the person that I am now. 

"You've got to be kidding me." Lana scoffed "You turned into a badass after you left Seattle?! What the hell Aspen, I couldn't even get you to shotgun a beer with me behind the bleachers because you were scared of someone seeing and telling your dad."

It was unimaginable to see me do the things that I have now. In Seattle I was some girl who was shy and quiet, never speaking my mind. But that's what Cayde had done to me, he destroyed me and made me frail. Although I was proud of the Aspen I was today, I wasn't afraid to stand up for myself and I knew how to stand my ground, which is something that Pierce made me learn. 

"A lot's changed I guess.." I trailed off "I've changed."

"Yeah, I guess we see that." Peyton let out a chuckle before turning to Pierce "Do you have any other hot bad boyfriends? I can pretend to play mafia wife for a bit."

~ ~ ~ ~ 

"Here you go, thank you for coming out. Have a good day!" Serena our server flashed us a smile as she placed the check down on the table in a black booklet. Pierce reached for the check, while he took out his wallet and threw down a couple of hundreds on top of it. I glanced over the check to see the total of $800 dollars. 

"Pierce no, let me get some of it-" I started as I went to reach for my card but he grabbed my hand to stop me. "Aspen it's your birthday, I got it." Pierce's gray eyes narrowed at me as I sighed, lowering my hand from his. I stood up from my seat and walked around to hug each one of them goodbye. 

"Happy Birthday, Ambrosia." Nolan and Liam pulled me into a hug quickly "Make sure you keep in touch. We've all missed you." 

"Will do." I smiled before hugging Amelia and Peyton then coming to Lana. "Please tell me you're not going to ghost me now. I've missed my bestie." Lana forced a small smile at me, making me chuckle. I pulled her into a hug, as she squeezed me tightly and I wrapped my arms around her as she hugged me tighter.

"I promise I won't." I smiled as I pulled away, and her light blue eyes flashed at me "Bye Lana."

"Bye Aspen." She smiled before looking over to Pierce "And thank you, Pierce, for lunch and getting us all together. Take care of our girl for us." Pierce said nothing but nodded slightly before taking my hand in his as we walked out of the restaurant, waving back to them. 

It felt amazing to catch up with my old friends, made life feel normal for once which is not something that I had in months ever since getting involved with Crestmont. I felt home again, being with all of them and just being able to talk about things that somehow didn't always end up going back to gangs. After I explained everything it was definitely a shell shock but they got their questions out and soon understood why I had to join.

The Seattle air had hit my skin as we left the restaurant as it had been pouring as normal. I turned towards Pierce as we stood under the entrance of the restaurant. I grabbed the sides of his leather jacket and pressed my lips against his. Pierce responded to my kiss as he pushed me up against his body, the warmth of his body radiating off of him.

"Thank you." I smiled against his lips before breaking away "You truly have made this the best birthday. I can't thank you enough." 

"Well, it's not over yet." Pierce smiled down at me as he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear "I have one more surprise for you." We were going to do some sightseeing but after how long we spent at the restaurant, we both decided to skip the tourist attractions. 

"What?" I cocked an eyebrow at him, not knowing what else Pierce could possibly get for me. He already had paid for a whole trip for me to Seattle, plus lunch, and got me to see all my friends. Pierce was so much different than I ever had imagined when we first met, someone who I thought couldn't be any more of the biggest dick turned out to be a huge romantic. That was a plot twist itself. 

We ran across the street, darting towards the car as we both ended up soaked by the time we made it across. I slid into the passenger seat, slamming the door shut as Pierce ran around to the driver's side and got in. I threw my head back against the seat and looked over to him as he started the car. The rain poured down onto the car, making tapping sounds as the droplets came in contact with the windows. Before I knew it Pierce had taken off down the road and immediately got onto the highway. 

* * * * * 
"We're here," Pierce said as he pulled down a dirt road that revealed a small wooden cabin in the woods. It had still been pouring, the rain making the ground wet and damp as remaining snow from what seemed like a week ago covered the ground "Figured it'd be better than a hotel."

Pierce put the car in park before we both grabbed our bags and headed towards the cabin. Pierce grabbed the key that was below the welcome mat, pushing it into the keyhole and turning it to the side to unlock it. We both rushed inside to escape from the rain as I looked over the cabin that was stunning. 

The lights flicked on and we entered the main living room where a brown leather couch with a fireplace built into the wall facing directly at it. The ceilings were tall and part of the wall was made out of gray brick to complement the fireplace. Windows were in the place of the walls, making you be able to see directly from outside. Red rugs were placed down on the dark gray tile flooring with red blankets that matched well. 

I dropped my bags on the ground as I made my way to the back of the cabin. I pushed the door open to reveal the master bedroom that was just as stunning as the living room. The ceilings had been angled, the walls being made out of polished wood. A fireplace was pushed up against the wall that faced the king-sized bed. I sat down on the bed that was covered in a red comforter, nearing the edge of it as Pierce stood in front of me. 

"You didn't have to do all of this." 

"But I wanted to." Pierce took my hands in his as he looked down at me, inching closer to me "You only turn 18 once." He broke away from my hands as he walked over to his suitcase before digging through it and walking up to me with an envelope. 

"What is this?"

"Open it." 

I looked down at the envelope in my hands, sliding my finger across the top as I tore the paper apart. A folded piece of paper fell out and onto my lap, which I began to unravel. My eyes soon examined the words that had been printed onto the white pieces of paper. 'Aspen Ambrosia you have been reserved for the star listed below over the mountains of Aspen Colorado.'

"What is this?" I asked confused, reading over the rest of the paper before my eyes snapped up to Pierce who continued to look down on me. "I bought you a star in Aspen, Colorado. You get to name it and everything and the program will even said you photos of it. It's stupid but I remembered you told me your mom named you Aspen because of Colorado and how beautiful it was, and how she used to watch the stars. Just figured it would give you something to remember her by." 

"Pierce...I-" I tried to get out words but tears started to prick my eyes up as I clutched the paper in my hands. I stood up and threw my arms around him as he returned the hug, wrapping his arms around me. I didn't even know what to say, it was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me "Thank you, this is the most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me."

I sniffled as I wiped away the tears that pricked my eyes with the back of my hand. I placed the paper on top of the fireplace before turning around to face Pierce. His body pressed up against mine as his face inched closer to mine. 

Pierce's lips inched closer to mine, his peppermint breath faltering across my lips. I closed the gap between us and Pierce's hands grabbed my waist, pressing my body up against his. I placed my hands flat on his chest, keeping my body pressed against his while our lips moved in sync. Pierce took no time but to pick me up and walk over to the bed. 

He laid me down on my bed, my body sinking into the covers as it surrounded me. Pierce hovered over me as he broke away and took off his shirt before sitting me up and pulling my shirt off. His lips smashed back against mine and his hand moved around to my back, unclasping my bra with ease. 

Pierce slipped off my bra as he pushed me down onto the bed, my back hitting the mattress. His lips moved to my neck, biting the skin gently before leaving a trail of soft kisses before moving down to my breast. My back arched when his lips met my nipples as his tongue moved in circles.

He broke away and unbuttoned my jeans, sliding them off my legs before grabbing the sides of my thong and pulling that off as well. Pierce flipped me over, his hand smacking against my ass before groping it. His hand traced my skin before moving to the center of my legs, his finger rubbing against my lips before inserting them inside of me.

I bit my lip, holding back a moan as I gripped the comforter, clenching my hands into a fist as Pierce's fingers filled the inside of me. He inched his body closer to mine, his chest covering my back as he pinned my arms above my head. I squirmed at his touch as he pushed his fingers deeper into me. 

"Moan." Pierce's voice demanded, slipping two fingers instead of one into me. I let out a moan as I couldn't hold it in longer. Pierce then crossed his fingers and pushed deeper, picking up the pace as he slowly moved his fingers to faster. Pierce kept my arms pinned above my head as he inched closer to my ear, his lips nearing my cartilage. 

"Louder." His voice was deep and heavy as the words left his lips.

"I guess you'll just have to fuck me then." I teased, making a smirk tug up at Pierce's lips as he slipped his fingers out of me and pulled a condom out of his back pocket. Pierce pulled his pants followed by underwear to reveal the hard-on he had. 

"Oh I will," Pierce smirked, flipping me back over so my back was pressed against the bed. He pushed me back as his lips smashed into mine while his hands began to roam my body, grabbing every inch. I wrapped my legs around his torso, and my nails dug into his back, leaving red scratch marks behind.

Pierce broke away from my lips and grabbed the condom, ripping the packet open and sliding it on. "You sure you want to?" Pierce's eyes narrowed to mine as he cupped my face in both of his hands, making me nod in agreement. I laid back down and his lips met back to mine, one his hands placing right beside my head to hold up his body and the other gripping at my hips. 

I let out a moan when Pierce inserted himself into me, my nails digging further into his back as my back arched. "Fuck." He moaned as he gripped onto the headboard of the bed, as the bed began to shake beneath us and I was thankful we were the only ones here. He began by thrusting slowly into me, making me moan with every single movement. 

"Harder," I begged, whispering quietly in which Pierce listened. He thrust himself harder into me, filling up my insides. He continued to grip on the headboard and moved his hand from my hip to push my legs back further. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as I bit my lip.

"You're so fucking wet," Pierce muttered but loud enough for me to hear "Cūm for me." 

Pierce slipped himself out of me before turning me back around, forcing me to arch my body in doggy. He grabbed my butt before inserting himself back into me. I gripped onto the bed sheets as Pierce began thrusting harder into me. He slipped his hand around to the front of my body as he started to rub my clit while continuing to thrust into me. 

I could feel my knees become weak as his touch sent me into massive pleasure. I bit my lip and closed my eyes as Pierce shoved himself completely inside of me, going deeper and deeper till he couldn't. "I'm gonna cūm.." I mumbled under my breath as I let go of my body completely as it was filled with pleasure. 

We both finished close together, Pierce pulling out as I rolled over on my back completely breathless. "You were right, birthday sex is the best kind of sex." I breathed out, recalling back to the night of Pierce and Juniper's 18th and Pierce was talking about having Birthday sex. 

Pierce let out a chuckle as he turned away to clean himself up before laying down on the bed next to me. I turned over on my side to face him as he laid on his to face me. Pierce pulled my naked body closer to his, his hand wrapping around my waist.

"If I knew the sex would be so good, I would've tried to get with you earlier." Pierce joked as he tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear "You're so beautiful."

"You know you don't have to always say that after we do something." I rolled my eyes at him, not wanting him to just be saying it in fear of me getting upset after sex from past memories. I didn't want Pierce to think about my past sexual history or worry about it because when I was with him it felt completely different, I was actually comfortable. 

"No I'm not saying it because of that, I'm saying it because I mean it." Pierce stated "I just want you to know how much I love your body and doing shit with you. You're seriously the best I've ever had."  

"I find that hard to believe, I mean I can't imagine how many girls you've been with-" I started but Pierce stopped me when he cupped the side of my face with his hand. His touch still made my stomach flutter, a feeling I hoped would never go away. 

"Don't think about the other girls, they were all just easy fucks. You are the most gorgeous girl Aspen, I can't even begin to fathom it." 

"What about Mercury?" I asked curiously. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about Mercury and Pierce together a lot. She was his longest and most serious girlfriend, of course, I'd compare myself. I watched him run back to her over and over again which scared me that his first love feelings never did go away. 

"Don't even worry about Mercury. Fuck her, I want nothing to do with her and the only girl that I want is you. I promise you." Pierce traced the skin on my cheek before dropping his hand "I do have another gift for you though." 

"No, what could you possibly get me? You paid for this whole trip Pierce, plus the hotel room, the cabin, our lunch, and the star. You shouldn't have got me all of this-" I started but he ignored my blabbering as he got up from the bed and pulled on a pair of basketball shorts from his suitcase. I pulled the comforter over my body as Pierce walked out of the bedroom.

I grabbed my phone off the nightstand when it vibrated against the wooden table. I saw a bunch of text messages from different people who had wished me a happy birthday throughout the day but I hadn't gotten a chance to look.

Xander Gunner: Happy Birthday Aspen, hope Pierce makes it worthwhile

Aster Ambrosia: Happy Birthday, sis! Call me when you can to tell me how your day went. Can't wait for you to come home, love you.

Evangeline Wilson: Happy Happy 18th!! Miss, you like crazy

Dad: Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I Miss and love you so much. I remember when you were born like it was yesterday and how your mom fought with me that she wasn't in labor, hint: she was. You've grown into a beautiful young lady and I am so proud of the woman you have become. Aster told me you were out with friends today, so give me a call when you can. Love you, Aspen.

Cypress Parsons: Happy Birthday Ambrosia, be safe ;)

Mars Sutton: Happy Birthday Aspen, thanks for getting Pierce the fuck out of here. I might have killed him soon

Harley Gunner: Happy Birthday! Hope you guys have fun!

Sawyer Gunner: Happy Birthday Aspen!! Finally legal :)

Tyson & Theo Crawford: Happy Birthday Aspen

Alexandria Fleming: Happy Birthday, stay dry in Seattle! 

Phoenix Harvey: Happy Birthday, make sure you take pictures for us to all see when you get back!!

Mrs. Gunner: Happy Birthday sweetie! Hope your day is as beautiful as you are, can't wait to see you again. I'm so glad you could come on the trip with us, have fun in Seattle! xoxo

Reese Gunner: Happy Birthday Aspen! June told me to text you. Also please tell my brother fuck you because he ignored my facetime call.

I chuckled as I read through all the messages especially Pierce who of course would give sass even through a text message but she never failed to amuse me. I began typing back thank you responses to all of them while I sat beneath the covers that erased my goosebumps. My eyes flickered up from my phone when Pierce had walked back in, taking a seat next to me on the bed. 

I sat up straight, keeping the cover wrapped around my body as Pierce reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. My eyes widened in the realization of what it had been as I covered my mouth with my hands, in shock.

He pulled the top open to reveal a sterling silver ring with an oval-shaped diamond. My eyes flickered from the ring up to him as I could feel tears begin to prick at my eyes once again. "And just to prove you to you not worry about any other girls.."

"You g-got me a promise ring?" I asked in shock as it hadn't been something I was expecting. Although I hadn't expected anything that Pierce had done for me today and how above and beyond he went for me to make my 18th birthday one to remember.

"It's just to show you how serious I am about you." Pierce said as he slid the ring onto my finger "I know you've probably had your doubts about us and where we'll go but I meant every word I said at the wedding last night. It's just something to show you I'm so fucking serious about you Aspen, more than any other girl I have ever been with." 

"It's beautiful. Thank you." I smiled as I looked down at the ring before looking back up to Pierce. "Happy Birthday baby." He smiled back at me, pulling me closer to him and his lips pressing back to mine. 

* * * * *

A://N Early update because I didn't have work last night cause of the snow and had time to write!

To Evan (my boyfriend) if you're reading this chapter (aka the ending part), no you're not. 

What did you guys think of this chapter?

What was your favorite gift that Pierce had given her out of everything?

What did you think of Aspen's friends? Is there any you like/don't like?

What do you think now that there are two gangs after Aspen? The Coinstons and The Vipers?

Do you think Cayde is working with the Coinstons are do you think it's all a coincidence?

Thoughts on the last part? You guys have been asking me for smut so I delivered

Favorite Pierce and Aspen moment?

Any guesses for the next chapter when they get back to new York?

~Ash