Note:

Additional Cast:

Grey Damon as Ashton Sanders

 Keiynan Lonsdaleas Vincent Brown

KJ Apa as Lucas Rivers

 Elizabeth Lail as Andrea McKay

 Titus Makin Jras  Shawn Martin

 Holland Rodenas  Chloe Rivers

Vanessa's POV

"Good job, Vanessa!" I hear Andrea's voice and, before I actually see her, she raps hers arms around me.

"I did get Ashton's reaction when you both walked in. It was priceless!" Vincent follows her, pointing at his phone.

"Hey guys!" I greet them smiling, after Andrea releases me. "I was worried I would destroy the surprise but I think it turned out great."

"You did amazing!" Andrea praises me and looks at Vincent beaming, as he nods in agreement and places his hand on her back.

"Thanks but it was nothing compared to what all of you guys have done here. Wow, the coffee shop never looked better!" There are balloons raised up on the corners of the room and typical party signs every here and there, completing the decoration, but nothing too noisy. The small wooden tables are placed on the side, creating just enough space for an ideal dance floor, and on top of them lays a huge buffet with various finger foods. The band has already begun to play some loose songs.

"We? Chloe was obsessed enough to do everything by herself!" Vincent says chuckling, pointing with his finger all around.

"She was not obsessed. She took a huge risk hosting the party here. Her boss has given her the permission but he wants the place to remain in one piece." Andrea mentions and raises an eyebrow at Vincent. "We came here straight after the paper to help her but she didn't let us do much. She was a bit anxious about the band since their drummer got sick ,but thankfully they found a replacement and they came."

"I had no idea. She made it all sound so easy. I am glad everything worked out." I state relieved. If it was me, I would have definitely freaked out.

"I have never participated into pulling such a huge surprise! I was so excited, I still am and this excitement will accompany me for the rest of the week for sure!" Andrea confesses giggling and fixes the edges of the dark green dress she is wearing.

"Sounds like I have to take advantage of this excitement." Vincent says mischievously and brings Andrea closer.

"Okay then! I'll see you guys later!" I wave at them chuckling. I believe that was my queue to go. Andrea and Vincent have no problem showing their affection for one another in public.

I should probably check on the newest couple too. Alice and Joseph must be here somewhere. Passing by the bar to get a drink, I run into some girls from the paper's office and stay a bit to chat. They have some kind of contest criticizing every single dish Chloe has made on the buffet. As it appears, they are all so delicious they can't decide which one is the best. Since I haven't tried them yet, I cannot define my preference, and since they talk nonstop, I just stand there and listen. My eyes search in the crowd for Alice or Joseph or Ashton really. I haven't seen him since we got here. After some minutes, the front door opens and he comes inside, after holding the door for Chloe to enter first. They greet some people who sit near the entrance and they both look very happy. Why wouldn't they be after all? This is the best party I've ever been to. Ashton notices me staring and after giving me a smile, he whispers something in Chloe's ear and the two of them head over my direction. I excuse myself from my companions and meet Ashton and Chloe halfway through.

"You two." He points back and forth at me and Chloe. "What am I going to do with you two?"

"Well, you've already thanked me more than enough, so I suggest you thank Vanessa as well." Chloe lifts an eyebrow at him. "Or let me do it first. Thank you Vanessa!" And with a smile, she gives me a quick hug.

"I can't take the credits for tonight. It was all because of you. Everything is beyond perfect and I know you worked hard for it!" I congratulate her and Ashton brushes her arm with his palm gently.

"I... It was nothing." She shakes her head and looks at the floor. "And don't you dare keep on praising me!" She adds lifting her head back up and points a finger at Ashton.

"That ain't happening. I am in shock! I have no words, you've left me speechless, Chloe. You completely caught me off guard. I don't know how to tell you how thankful I am for this. For everything." He stares at her softly and after some seconds Chloe lets out a brief sigh.

"Where have you been? I was beginning to believe that you found this party completely hideous and that you've murdered my sister." The guy from before joins us. He is indeed Chloe's brother.

"Forgive my brother for his awful sense of humor, he has been working on it for years but with no success, as it is obvious. Vanessa, this is Lucas." Chloe jokes and does the introductions.

"Nice to meet you, Lucas!" I greet him chortling.

"You are um," he looks at me frowning and then at Ashton, "you are Vanessa!" He exclaims and stretches his hand for a handshake which I return grinning.

"Stop being weird." Chloe tells him in a scolding tone.

"I'm sorry. Nice to meet you too! I meant, Vanessa, that you are the one who brought Ashton here!" Lucas pats Ashton on the back. "By the way, happy 21st, bro!" He tells him smiling and hugs his friend squeezing him, while Chloe looks at them laughing.

"Thanks Luke! I might have not murdered Chloe and honestly, I am incapable of doing such thing, but I might kill you. Not only you didn't tell me a thing, but you pretended to be sick and said you couldn't make it to my party tomorrow. Which as I can assume is off?" Ashton gives Chloe a suspicious glance.

"Of course it is off! You were going to actually let Shawn be the dj. Again. And don't deny it!" She tells him smirking.

"You know me so well." Ashton chuckles and rubs the back of his neck.

"She practically saved your ass big time! Everybody knows Shawn doesn't know a thing about music." Lucas mentions in a teasing tone.

"He's not that bad." Ashton states as both Lucas and Chloe give him the eye. They do look like siblings indeed, although Lucas is way taller and with light brown eyes instead of green. "Anyway, I have to scold Vanessa too for fooling with me. I had no idea you could lie to my face like that!" Ashton raises an eyebrow at me.

"Well, technically, I did not lie to you! I just said we should do something fun for your birthday. I didn't specify it." I shrug giggling. "Besides, I am a horrible liar."

"Someone can speak the truth without revealing all of it." Chloe states casually.

"That was impressive, little sis." Lucas lifts his eyebrows up amazed.

"It is just real. The truth might be right in front of your nose, yet you still can be too blind to see it." She adds and then looks at the band. "I'm gonna go over and tell them to spice things up. This song is too boring, don't you think? Ashton, don't forget to come by. The singer wants to wish you in person. Vanessa, thanks once again! I'll see you later." She gives me a smile and after Ashton's nod she leaves.

"She has become smarter, hasn't she?" Lucas asks pointing at Chloe's direction.

"She was always smart. Smarter than the both of us together." Ashton says and it seems like he is taking a trip down the memory lane, reliving some of the moments these three have shared together. They've known each other from such a young age, they've seen seen each other grow up and they still remain so close. It is quite admirable and it makes me miss the one person who has known me for my whole life, Emma.

"So Vanessa", Lucas brings me and Ashton back to reality, "was it easy dragging this stubborn human being here?"

"It was a piece of cake. I followed her voluntarily. I don't think there is a place where I wouldn't have followed her voluntarily." Ashton says while keeping his eyes on me and as expected, the heat on my cheeks makes its appearance.

"Um, you've been at office all day long. You needed to get out of there." I put my hair behind my ear. "So to answer your question, Lucas, it was surprisingly easy! And I don't think Ashton is stubborn."

"Try not to badmouth me much." Ashton warns bis friend chortling. "I'll go greet the band. I'll catch up with you later." He looks at me waiting for an answer and I give him a nod.

"I'll come with you. I am curious to meet this favourite band of yours. They came totally on last minute you know, Chloe almost had a heart attack." Lucas says laughing. As Ashton goes ahead, Lucas whispers to me before following him. "Just to be clear, Ashton is stubborn. Way too stubborn to actually admit he is indeed stubborn." He raises an eyebrow and I giggle. "Sometimes his stubbornness blinds him and keeps him from going after what he wants, yet it also makes him never giving up on that."

I smile at him confused but before I say anything, he leaves me behind.

Alice's POV

Ashton's surprise party is a total success. Vanessa managed to get him here, without raising any suspicions. I was sure she could pull it of, even though she had her doubts until the last minute. I did as much of a pep talk as I could back in the dorms and reminded her that I was there for her if anything went wrong, but honestly I knew that there was nothing to worry about. Ashton would follow Vanessa anywhere and I was right. He seems really happy with the surprise and Chloe is really proud of herself.

"This band isn't that bad, after all." Joseph remarks, beside me, shaking his head to the music rhythm. I told him about the surprise party right after Chloe informed me about it. Joseph, has been knowing both Chloe and Ashton, accepted at once. It's not in his character to miss a party after all and after the whole mess with Sophie, he really needed a distraction. He seems to enjoy himself and I am glad to see him having fun. I don't like sad and troubled Joseph. I actually hate it and that's why I try to lighten his mood these past few days.

"I believe they are really good. Ashton is really lucky to have Chloe as best friend. I still wonder how she booked his favourite band. It must have been really difficult." I take a look at the five member band singing a light rock song. The drummer seems to be having the time of his life, observing how intensely he hits the drums and shakes his head.

"I guess she had good connections and a hell of patience." Joseph takes a mini tart from the buffet, after eenie meenie which one he should try first.

"If Ren would do this for my birthday, I would have died from excitement." My mind daydreams a birthday party with my favourite boy band. It would be awesome. "But this is impossible." I pout instantly.

"I still don't get what you find in 7 Koreans guys." Joseph huffs in disapprovement.

"I can narrate the list again, but we don't have all day." I tell him with a cocky attitude.

I still laugh at how Joseph found out about my favourite boy band and how obsessed I am with them. We were in his house in our few attempts to study together(but all of them ended up with us on his sofa or on his bed),when I started dancing over my book when a BTS song came into the shuffle. Joseph just looked at me like I was possessed, before dragging my headphone to find out the source that was making me act like that. Total confusion painted all his face when he heard the song, making me laugh. I couldn't resist, so I showed him a couple of their music videos. As I was sure he just couldn't understand why I listen to them and why I stan them. To contradict me, he just put on some videos of his favourite rock bands. Eventually all of this leaded to a small youtube fight between mine and his favourite videos, that ended up to us having sex. When we have silly argues like that, we always end up having sex.

"I should have known there was going to be a trap somewhere." He takes a second mini tart, by doing the same way.

"Says the guy who performs a silly kid song in order to eat." I raise an eyebrow, crossing my hands.

"But you like it." He feeds me a bit of his mini tart, making us both chuckle.

"I find it adorable!" I admit, chewing as his thumb cleans my mouth's edge.

"Hello guys, are you having fun?" Vanessa approaches us with a smile.

"Hey Ness!" I smile to her as well. "The party is great! Good job!" I wink mischievously at her.

"I didn't know you had it in you, Vanessa. You pulled off your mission successfully." Joseph rubs her arm, smiling.

"Oh my God, you guys! I thought I was going to faint! Thank God, everything went by the plan." She sighs relieved and places her hand above her heart. I am sure it still beats like crazy.

"What did you tell him eventually to make him come?" Joseph asks really intrigued. I wonder the same thing, as she changed her plan strategy a thousand of times back in the dorms, not knowing which one would be more believable.

"I kind of improvised. The main excuse was to do something fun for his birthday. He has been working all day at the paper's office so I suggested to come here and grab a coffee first. He agreed right away!" Vanessa informs us grinning, looking really proud of her achievement. "I feel like I can breathe again, Chloe has put so much effort into this. I didn't want to disappoint her."

"The party is a huge success. So relax and have some fun! By the way, where is Ashton? We haven't wished to him yet." I look around, but the place is too crowded.

"Um, you haven't?" Vanessa slightly narrows her eyebrows as she takes a look around. "There are so many people here and it takes a lot of time to greet them all. I've barely seen him too, I mean since we got here. He was out with Chloe for sometime and then they came back. He had to greet the band, Chloe wanted to introduce Ashton to them all. They are a great band, aren't they?"

"They are nice." Joseph admits, taking a sip from his beer.

"That means he likes them a lot,but he's too stubborn to admit it." I chime in, sticking my tongue out mockingly at him.

"I could listen to a couple of songs and that's all!" He states, making me and Vanessa chuckle.

"They are really good! I had no idea Ashton liked them so much, it was really nice of Chloe to book them for the night." She compliments Chloe's thoughtfulness once again.

"How did she manage that? It's amazing! Ren loves me, but I doubt he would book my favourite band for me." I comment and Joseph nods, before he adds.

"That's true. I don't think Sophie would surprise me with something like that either."

"That's because the majority of your favourite bands are dead." I remark, making Joseph pinch me hard at my belly side to stop talking. That jackass. I can still see the satisfaction's smirk.

"They must be really close!" Joseph continues, as I haven't interrupted him.

"Yes, they are. They have known each other all their lives. Chloe's brother, Lucas, is Ashton's best friend. Have you met him? Um... There!" Vanessa points with her head towards the bar, where a tall guy with ginger hair chats with Anna. It must be Lucas. He and Chloe really look alike.

"Are they twins?" I wonder, since you can't miss the similarity.

"No but they could be. Lucas is one year older. And so is Ashton." Vanessa clears it up for me.

"Did someone call for me?" Ashton appears behind of Vanessa and places his hands gently around her waist.

"Oh, hi!" She blushes right away and locks a curl behind her ear.

"Ashton! Happy birthday!" I exclaim happily, handing him over his present.

"Happy birthday!" Joseph says as well, giving over his.

"Oh man." Ashton takes them in his hands, shaking his head disapprovingly. "First of, thank you guys for coming. Second, thank you for these. You didn't have to though."

"You're not a fan of presents?" Vanessa throws him a questioning glare over her shoulder.

"Not really. But I do like surprises." He says next to her ear making her giggle.

"We can see that." Joseph says beaming, but I think I discern a bit of sarcasm underneath.

"Chloe really pulled a huge surprise for you." I add, smiling.

"She sure did. I keep on thanking her but she constantly shrugs it off. I couldn't even dream about celebrating my birthday like this." Ashton admits with a smile. "Are you guys enjoying yourselves?"

"Yeah! Do you, Ashton?" Joseph chimes in, before I manage to answer. His tone is a bit odd, but if you don't know him, you just think that's his typical style.

"Definitely. What more could I ask for?" He seems truly grateful and the constant beam on his face is the proof. "I haven't seen you in a while, Joseph. How did that project of yours go? The one you were working on with Mr. Roberts, if I remember correctly."

"It's going great! Actually he offered me a summer internship." Joseph informs him smiling. When he talks about his project and the chance he got for the internship, his face lights up. That makes me so happy and so proud of him. He worked really hard and he deserves it.

"Really Joseph? That is so great! Congrats!" Vanessa tells him beaming.

"Yeah, this is a big deal. Congratulations, Joseph!" Ashton speaks next. "Does this mean you are going to spend summer in Silver City?"

"Actually it's in New York! It was a huge opportunity and I didn't expect it either." Joseph says enthusiastically.

It's true the proposition came out of nowhere, but I believe mr.Roberts sees something in Joseph. He may seems carefree and relaxed at most of times, but when he loves something, he puts his whole heart and strength to it.

"New York is really going to give you even more opportunities. I am sure your internship is going to be tough, but you should steal some time whenever you can to explore the city. I am going to spend my summer in New York too, so if you need anything, let me know." Ashton proposes kindly.

"Yes, you guys should hang out! It's the second summer Ashton is going to be there, right?" Vanessa makes her own suggestion.

"Yes, this is going to be my second internship in New York. It was a bit frightening at the beginning but it's nothing Joseph can't handle. You are going to do great, man." Ashton reassures Joseph one more time.

"I think I could use some info at first, but since it's not my first time living alone, I think I will be fine. If it wasn't for mr. Roberts and his project, I wouldn't have encountered this opportunity."

"And this is where I should step in to praise your skills and hard work?" I joke, looking tenderly at him.

"I could do it on my own, but then you'd say I get cocky again." Joseph answers playfully.

"And I think that was our cue to go." Ashton looks at us smirking and takes Vanessa by the hand. "Thank you for coming, guys, and for your presents too. Congrats on the internship, Joseph."

"I'll see you guys, later." Vanessa follows him giggling, leaving me and Joseph alone.

"That would be really interesting. Like watching a documentary." I remark, raising an eyebrow and turning my posture towards Joseph completely.

"Me living in New York?" He asks a bit confused by my words. "I've been living alone for almost three years and I have to remind you, that I am the one who cooks."

"I am not referring to that, but to you hanging out with Ashton."That makes him chuckle lightly.

"Sometimes I forget you are way too smart."

"I can use this in my advantage." I smile mischievously. "But also I get to know you better and better, as time passes. I have somehow come to understand, who are the people that you really enjoy to spend time with." This catches his attention for good.

"Enlighten me, mrs Sherlock." He smirks, full of anticipation.

"Obviously Matt and Grant are the two people you lose track of time, when you're with..." I start saying, as Joseph eye rolls sarcastically, without giving words to the catchphrase 'You don't say'. "But besides that, they are the people, who you trust the most. Even Grant. He might not be the best person to ask for advice, but you know he will be there for you when you need him to be and that you would do the same for him. You may act like Neanderthals, but you have your way of communicating. You know that Grant can take a joke." I examine him carefully from head to toe. These things were a blank piece of paper before, but now, I am even surprised with myself, that I've managed to reveal the hidden ink in that paper.

"You impress me!" It's the only thing Joseph he says. "As for Grant,you are right and I have to tell you there is more to him than meets the eye. Perhaps one day I will tell you a story, but it's not mine to share." His face expression tightens and a dark shadow covers his bright eyes.

It's my turn to be impressed now. It's obvious that something has happened. Let's not forget that Joseph knows Grant and Matt for two whole years, so I have only seen a glimpse of their friendship. My curiosity eats me up and I want so badly to ask, but seeing Joseph being all serious puts a break on my impulse. He wants to share with me and that's enough. He really respects others' secrets and on times like this I remember he's older than me, thus more mature, even though he sometimes behaves like a teenager. So better change the subject.

"Then, we have Sophie that no matter how different you both are, you manage to get along..." I don't want to stay on the Sophie part, because I don't want him to remember the hardships of his best friend and ruin his mood; but as I am about to advance, he cuts me off.

"Honestly if Sophie and I had met in college, we wouldn't be friends for sure, but no matter how different we end up to be, there is something in childhood friends that it can't be replaced." He smiles nostalgically. I know how he feels. It's exactly the same between Ren and me. I can't describe how happy I am that I have someone who understands this special relationship. I know Joseph would never get jealous of Ren. Unlike someone else...

"But Sophie isn't the only childhood best friend. I have heard so much of Chris." He laughs mischievously.

"And he's so much more! He wants to meet you so badly. He wants to know the supergirl that made Joseph Nelson head over heels." He puts a hair behind my ear, chuckling cutely.

"Wow! You admit it so easily now. That's what I call character development."

"His words, not mine! I am just the messenger." He smiles brightly, as I am poking him on the arm, but he grabs me instantly for a peck. I am laughing inside, that he resists hard not to swallow me in order not to ruin my lipstick, as I scold him every time. Later though, his whole resistance explodes and I like it better. "Are you done with your psychological profile?" He says, after leaving me from his grasp.

"Not even close. Although, if you give Ashton a chance to hang out together, I wonder how your friend Nathan will react to it." I know I might wander to a dangerous zone, but I live a risky life. All that Joseph does is give me a sly look.

"We have a free relationship, so don't worry." He smiles sarcastically, while I know I've hit a boulder. Joseph is so good at this. Avoiding the question with a smart quip and without picking up a fight. I pout instantly, not being able to keep a poker face and he smiles satisfied. "I am going to the bathroom. Don't fight with the other children." He talks again with a silly voice, like he's addressing to a toddler he just left for the first time in kidden guard. All I do is let out a strong and distinct huff, as Joseph goes away chortling.

I go nearer the buffet again to take another small tart(this time with a strawberry on it), since they are irresistible, when I feel a soft touch on my shoulder. I turn around and I face Shawn, Ashton's roommate, giving me one of his brightest smiles.

"Hey Alice! Long time no see." His beam becomes wider, as his eyes are scanning me affectionately.

"Hey Shawn!" I greet him, giving back the smile. "It's true it's been a while. Since Captain's Party, right?" Ashton and Vanessa introduced me to Shawn at John's party, the moment I got there. Shawn was really kind towards me. Anna was pretty assertive that he really liked me and he couldn't take his eyes off of me, but all of these moments are really blur in my head, since the only thing I remember is Joseph hitting on Danielle, him kissing me, after an intense spar and then him, running after me while I was crying my eyes out. All of these seem so far away now, but then again, it was the beginning of everything.

"Exactly! But we didn't talk much to my displease." He says, still smiling widely. "But I am still glad I got to meet you at least."

Oh... is he flirting with me? I think he does... He is discreet though and a real gentleman, but I totally get the flirt vibes. But he's so kind and sweet. If I was single and not totally crazy about Joseph, Shawn would have been my number one choice to go out on a date. He seems like a really nice guy, but unfortunately for him, he came too late. I should find a way to tell him politely I am not interested in a romantic way, but I don't want to sound like a snob bitch, who thinks all men are hitting on her and she gets out the bf card obnoxiously. Then again wouldn't Ashton have told him about me and Joseph? I guess I am over analyzing stuff again. I will be polite and see where this is going.

"I am glad I met you too. So what's up lately? Anything interesting or are you in the same boat as the rest of us, dying from the non stop studying?" I initiate a small and friendly talk. My words make Shawn chuckle.

"Like you said...non stop studying indeed. The only interesting thing that happened is that I got to see you again.". He comes closer, without being bold, but the whole body language shows he's into me and his words confirmed it. I guess Shawn doesn't know anything or he just doesn't care. My intuition believes the first one though.

"I guess the party is really interesting. The band is really rocking it and the food is delicious."

"Ashton has a really valid reason to love them and then, we are talking about Chloe's cooking skills. Never disappoints. Add to that, you being here, and we have an awesome party." His smile is the brightest and he is the sweetest really. But I can't give him any false hopes.

"That's a really beautiful compliment, but..."

"It's not the compliment that's beautiful. That's definitely you." I have to stop it now. If he was an asshole, who was hitting on me without respect, it would be much easier to tear his hopes down, but seeing the sweet Shawn being so polite and smiling, it makes it so difficult. But I gotta do it.

"Your words are really flattering, but..."

"No buts. Alice, you didn't strike me as the shy type the first time, but I guess I was wrong." I wonder how I found myself in this position. It rarely happens to me.

"No I am not..."

"I can repeat it of course. Flattering you isn't boring." Shawn insists.

"Please do. I don't find it boring either." A voice speaks, that doesn't belong neither to me nor Shawn. It's Joseph's. Shawn's eyes widen instantly looking at Joseph, standing behind me, who has left non existent space between us and now places his hand around my waist. I guess that's what is called a male marking its territory.

"Oh hey Joseph." Shawn finds his voice, but I can get he isn't as cheerful as before. His eyes are locked on Joseph's hand around my waist and waits to see any reaction by my side, which never comes. I guess Joseph's gesture is pretty clear.

"Hey Shawn. Am I interrupting anything?" Joseph asks playing the indifferent and I don't know what's going on, yet sarcastic card.

"No!" I take the wheel. "We were just talking."

"I can see that..."

"I would make the introductions, but I see you know each other." I speak again, being casual and friendly, but I feel Joseph agitated next to me.

"We are just acquaintances. See each other now and then." Shawn looks carefully towards Joseph. I can see they are not besties, but Joseph being Joseph, he knows pretty much everyone.

"Well, Joseph is my boyfriend." I make the introduction as I should to clear things up. Shawn seems a bit surprised, but I guess he saw that coming.

"I've heard the rumors, but I am not the type who believes the gossip." Shawn says, forcing a smile.

"What rumors exactly?" I ask curiously. Does people talk about me and Joseph?

Shawn seems reluctant to answer, but he gives in. "About Joseph quitting the bachelor life. There were talks about his girlfriend being a freshman and stuff, but as I said I don't indulge myself with gossip."

"If you did, perhaps you'd know that Alice is that freshman girlfriend." Joseph speaks sharply and he seems annoyed. It's not something I am used to. Is he jealous? For real? I've seen Joseph being the protective kind of boyfriend before, but I've never seen him that annoyed or upset.

"I know now." Shawn backs off a bit, but he doesn't seem intimidated. "Not my style flirting with other people's girlfriends." He looks Joseph straight in the eyes, but Joseph doesn't seem intimidated either. Then Shawn looks at me. "So sorry Alice, I didn't want to put you in a difficult position. I didn't know." He looks so sincere.

"Don't worry. We cleared things out." I smile to him and he nods awkwardly.

"Well... Have fun!" He says and leaves, after throwing a last glare towards Joseph.

"Can't I leave you one moment alone? All guys surround you at once." Joseph says, still a bit annoyed.

"People don't go around wearing tags. I recall you have said that as well."

"I know, but still it's irritating. Doesn't Shawn know anything about personal space?" He huffs irritated. "You usually teach these guys a lesson, for cornering you like this." His comment makes me chuckle and, because of my reaction, I receive a glare from him.

"Even if you find it hard to believe, I don't start picking on people out of nowhere." He gives me a total look of disbelief. "Shawn did nothing wrong. He didn't corner me nor imposed himself on me. He was a real gentleman." My words make Joseph start to lose his cool.

"He was hitting on you!" He raises his voice a bit.

"I know, but he didn't know I wasn't single."

"Why are you defending him?"

"Why are you jealous?"

That moment Joseph loses his voice. Rare time indeed. I think it's the first time seeing him acting like this and then having nothing to say. Joseph, who has a word for anything. I am always the irrational girl, someone can say, who tries to send away the insecurities of Joseph's past and seeing him being chased by any girl, but now it looks I am not alone.

"I am not jealous! I just don't like seeing other guys come at you like this. Trespassing your personal space, touching you where they shouldn't, complimenting you..." He shakes his head in frustration, but he's so adorable in the same time. He's such a baby sometimes. Maybe he didn't say the exact words, but he somehow admitted it. I think that's the first time he's feeling something like this and it's itching him.

"And how exactly would you call this?" I ask, smirking and enjoying this a little too much. It's a guilty pleasure I must admit.

"Being protective over your girlfriend, who obviously doesn't know when to use her martial art training." He's so stubborn. He's never going to say the j word.

"And yet you call me irrational. Do you hear yourself?" I crack a smile, trying to get him see reason. He's always the one who does that to me, but yet here we are.

"Oh God!" He exasperates. "Why did you let him flirting with you like this? You usually deal with this, without any delays."

"I tried to be polite about telling him that I have a boyfriend, because he was not a jerk towards me, but before I did, you came..."

"And ruined his chances."

"Like he got any..." I state sarcastically. Joseph pauses again and his beautiful eyes look deeply in mine. I haven't seen his eyes like this again. Their blue has darkened and it concerns me."Joseph, you know you are the only one I want, right?" I thought this statement was for granted, but apparently it's not? Joseph has insecurities towards me?

"Alice, I trust you. I know what kind of girl you are, but I don't know what's gotten into me. When I saw him flirting with you and all, a switch I didn't know I had, suddenly turned on and I was on autopilot." I was right. He is clueless, about his feelings. He wasn't used to be in a relationship. He always had girls for one night and then he didn't care. All his love life's purpose was to have fun and then move on.

"I guess now you know how I feel sometimes." I speak softly and realization hits him.

"Is that irritating?"

"You have no idea!" I let out a small chuckle. "It's not that you don't trust the other, it's that sometimes wanting someone so much can make you a bit crazy and irrational and see threats where you shouldn't."

"I don't wanna be the crazy possessive boyfriend. I will hate myself being like this."

"Believe me, you are not. I know a thing or two about the bad side of jealousy, and trust me you don't fill the criteria." I receive a quizzical glance, but it's not the right time or place to talk about it. "But it's nice seeing your boyfriend being rationally possessive every now and then. I've told you this before." I give him one of my brightest smile and his mood has already started to change.

"I think it can work for us. We both love our independence and we love being independent together, if that makes any sense." He beams and his whole face lights. I caress his hair, that falls loosely on his forehead, and I lean to bring my lips on him. He welcomes my kiss, by grabbing my waist and pulls me closer. Yeah, I love being independent with him.

When we let go of each other and after being sure my lipstick is gone, Joseph speaks. "I guess I have to learn living with this feeling now, but it's a small price for dating a beautiful girl like you." He smiles tenderly to me, making my heart skip a beat. His words never cease to amaze me and make me fly. "I have to admit Shawn was right. Flattering you is never boring." He beams again, making my mouth edges hurt from the smile he created. He leans for another deep kiss, wanting to feel me more.

"I guess we have become completely the kind of unsociable couple, who spends all the time on its own, without interacting with other people." I joke, realizing we have remoted ourselves for the rest of the party for a while now.

"I think you've interacted a lot." Joseph jokes laughing and I poke him, smiling. "But I guess you are right."

"I think Anna is coming our way." I point a cute girl with short hair, coming to our direction.

"Is that a good or a bad thing?"

"She's amazing! Nina's lost sister for sure." I point out, since her and Nina can take gossip column by anytime. I think Joseph just gulped.

"Got it. I will stay for a polite chat of maximum five minutes and then let you two get excited for as long as you want." He makes a funny grimace, before Anna joins us.

Like he said, he stayed in our company for five minutes and then left to greet some other friends. When we weren't together, we always stole glances of each other, by smiling. I guess we can be independent together and just be us like we always are. This thought pins a huge smile on my face.

A/N: This is the end of Ashton's bd party. Tell us what you think about it. Every comment is welcome. Until the next time xoxo