T/W: Some innuendo, Mentions stalking.

***
Lex

"That's absurd," I tell Steve when he relies on to me what Dave said.

"It's not as farfetched as it sounds," Steve insists.

"It sounds crazy," I snap, irritated that Steve is so obsessed with this crap. We haven't heard nor seen from Knox Marshall again, so I'm beginning to think that maybe it was just a big coincidence. Why dwell it? The mystery was solved; it's time to move on.

"Maybe it does," Steve agrees. "But it could be true."

"Steve, let it go, would you? We got our answers. We need to move on," I say.

"We didn't get enough answers," Steve argues. "I still think this guy was stalking you. And I also think Eric could be a part of it."

"Oh please!" I snap. "You're only trying to implicate Eric because he admitted to liking me! Grow up! We're not in high school!"

"He's obsessed with you!" Steve snaps. "That's a dangerous thing. Eric Delko can't be trusted."

"Eric is a good guy. He'd never hurt me. Just because you don't trust him doesn't mean I don't have to."

"I think you're wrong," Steve growls.

"You're entitled to your opinion. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some photos I need to get sorted before Aria wakes up from her nap." I quickly leave the living room, tears threatening, feeling like the worse person in the world.

***

Steve

Lex and I haven't had too many arguments since we've been married. Sure, we've had our fair share of disagreements, as most married couples do. But usually, we've managed to resolve them fairly quickly. Neither of us are the sort to hold a grudge and we usually try to find a middle ground.

The one exception to that is: Eric Delko. Lex is constantly making excuses for his bad behavior. She's always sticking up for him, even when it's clear he's in the wrong. Now I'll admit; I don't have any proof that Eric is behind this crap regarding this Knox Marshall situation.

But I have a gut feeling that somehow Eric is involved. I want to ask him, but obviously if he is, he certainly won't admit his guilt to me. Which is why I need to think of some way to find out the truth.

***

"I'd like a few words with you." I'd went to try and catch Eric. I know it's probably a bad idea, but I have to know the what the hell is going on.

"What's this about?" Eric asks.

"I just want to know one thing," I snap quietly.

"What?" Eric asks.

"Are you behind this stalking shit?" Eric just stares at me. I want to grab him by the collar of his shirt and shake him until he admits his guilt.

"Why would I be?" Eric snaps. "I'd never put Lex in danger." I study his face, trying to determine if he's lying.

"You'd better not be lying to me, Delko," I snap. "Because if I find out you are, I'll be first in line to make sure your ass gets thrown in jail!" I turn on my heel, storming out. I have to get out of here before I end up rearranging Eric Delko's pretty face.

***
Lex

Steve, Aria and I decide to go to the beach one afternoon. Even though I'm still a little nervous about running into Knox Marshall, I refuse to allow my fear to dictate my life. I'm not gonna stay at home, hiding.

Life is for living and I'll be damned if I'm going to allow some idiot to ruin that. Aria is digging happily in the sand with a little plastic shovel that Steve gave her, her little white sun hat on.

I laugh, helping her dig some. Aria's laugh is one of the things I adore hearing. Luckily whatever crap she got, she seemed to mostly be over it mostly now. I'm sure the fresh air will help clear her out as well.

Steve had decided to to walk around a bit. I figured he was feeling as nervous as I was about Knox Marshall and wanted to look around, making sure he wasn't here.

I figured unless Knox Marshall was completely unhinged, I doubted he was anywhere near here. Although he kinda struck me as a little overconfident, he didn't seem cocky nor was I necessarily getting creeper vibes from him. Steve returns, sitting down beside Aria, who's still digging away.

"You see anything suspicious?" I ask Steve. He shakes his head.

"No."

"I'm sure we'll be okay today," I tell Steve. He nods, a pensive look on his face. Aria starts shrieking, making a lot of noise, waving her shovel around.

"You're noisy," I tell her. Aria just laughs. Steve leans over, lying on his side behind Aria and she swivels around, grinning at her dad.

"Boo!" Steve says and Aria grins, touching Steve's face. He kisses her cheek. I smile. I love watching them together. I know how much Steve loves Aria and vice versa.

"Ari," Steve murmurs, using the nickname we have for her. "Do you want to play in the water?" Aria squeals, so Steve sits up, lifting up Aria and I watch as Steve heads for the ocean, tightly holding Aria in his arms. I watch happily, filing away this memory.

***
Steve

Lex and I didn't really talk much about what was said between us the other day when we were arguing about Eric. We had apologized, but nothing further was added.

I don't enjoy fighting with Lex, but this constant crap about her always defending him is really starting to wear on me. Now before you think I'm acting like a complete ass, just stop and think: would anyone be as cool about someone wanting your partner? Pretty sure the answer would be: NO.

****
Lex

Our day at the beach was turned out to be just what Steve and I needed. We'd both been a little...cool towards one another over that ridiculous argument about Eric.

Once we return home, Steve went to put Aria to bed and then, we made love. It'd been several weeks since we had. I think life was getting in the way and we were too distracted.

I cling to Steve, snuggling into his bare chest, my fingers grazing his beard. Steve is kissing my bare shoulders and I shiver in desire, twisting around to press my lips to his. Steve's hand comes up, cupping the back of my head.

"I missed this," I whisper, running my fingers through Steve's hair.

"Me too," Steve murmurs as he begins to kiss my neck. I burrow in further, wrapping my arm around Steve's torso.

"You know how much I love you, right?" I say softly.

"I know, Lexie," Steve whispers against my neck. I twist around, just gazing at him. Steve smiles.

"You know, for a moment there," I say. "When I first saw...Knox Marshall, it was like..Speed was back." Steve nods.

"I felt that way, too."

"This is going to sound kinda.. strange," I say. "But after all this time, I'm not sure I'd want...Speed back." Steve frowns.

"Why not?"

"Because," I whisper. "I'm with you now. How would that him feel?" Steve appears to mull over that statement over.

"It would be awkward," he says at last. I hug Steve close.

"Yes," I whisper. "Really awkward."