I guess you're all wondering what took me so long to update...

It seemed like a good idea to start writing a story about Pogue's Ascension and I guess I got a little carried away with that - so I humbly apologize. I hope to get a bit more of that story completed before I start to post it so you don't have to wait 6 years for updates. - Gemma

It wasn't the first time that Kate had woken up in the arms of a boy but knowing that it wasn't Tyler Simms in bed with her was the reason she genuinely smiled. Pogue was still asleep so Kate tried her best to stay motionless, still in a bit of disbelief that this was real. Not just him spending the night but the kissing and the talking and everything else that went along with the transition from being friends to being more.

She closed her eyes, tracing her finger lightly across the bare arm draped over her midsection.

He must have felt it because he stirred and then his embrace tightened. Her hair was brushed out of the way as he leaned in kissing her shoulder. Kate sighed as his hand also came alive, exploring her curves once more. She was half-tempted to stop him but before she could follow through with that thought, he was halfway on top of her. Showering her with long slow kisses – which Kate tried to fight because – you know – morning breath – but he wasn't letting her out from under him.

Soon enough Kate gave up her struggle – if he didn't mind – why should she? For the record though – Pogue's breath was remarkably fresh – for just having woken up. It was almost as though he gargled in his sleep.

He pulled the comforter over their heads so far that their feet stuck out the bottom. Kate knew he had a plan, and sure enough he was groping under her tank top. She was beginning to enjoy the feeling of his hands on her a little too much, so she decided to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Kate knew she wasn't as experienced as most of the female Spenser population but she did know – thank you Cosmo – that there were certain places that guys liked to be touched (excluding the obvious – because she definitely was not ready for that yet)

She started with his face. Lips than cheeks and then she moved to his ears, taking care to brush away his hair. She moved to his neck, pulling him close and grinding her hips against his.

He panted. Hard. Moving his body against hers, Kate could have sworn she heard him utter the word, fuck under his breath. Moving a hand to his stomach, she teased the strip of skin between his navel and the waistband of his jeans.

That's when his hand grabbed hers, stopping any further motion.

Kate looked up at him. Hair hung in his face and his chin was tucked into his chest. He took a deep breath and then slowly pushed her hand back against the pillow near her head. Amused, Kate reached up with her free hand and held his hair out of his face. Pogue's eyes were squeezed shut and he took another deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Kate asked, wondering if she had done something wrong.

"Uh huh," Pogue nodded. "just, uh, need a second."

He sat back on heels, the covers falling over his shoulders once again. He exhaled one last time before saying, "I have to use the bathroom."

"Want some help?" Kate teased, rolling onto her side.

He turned around, smiling as he shut the door.

Kate stared up at the ceiling, smiling wide. She had a feeling to day was going to be perfect. Kira was home for the weekend, so she and Pogue could hang out in the room all day...alone.

She reached over for her phone. It was past ten in the morning, curfew was over an hour ago. If anyone found Pogue in her room now, it wouldn't be a big deal. Had they really gotten away with it?

He came out of the bathroom with toothpaste on the tip of his nose.

"Which toothbrush did you use?" Kate asked suspiciously.

Pogue held up his index finger.

"You brushed your teeth with your finger?"

"I do it all the time," he shrugged.

"I bet your dentist loves hearing that."

"Behold, a cavity free mouth," Pogue exhaled in Kate's face, leaving his mouth open as though she might inspect it for herself.

"You are too much." Kate used her thumb to wipe his nose clean.

He leaned in and kissed her again pushing her back onto the bed. They kissed a little more but not much. Instead Pogue curled up against Kate and fell back to sleep. Kate wanted to do the same, but with all the excitement her body felt anything but tired.

She lay with him for a while before the growling of her stomach forced her to roll over and complain good-naturedly, "I'm hungry and you promised me waffles."

"mmmhhhhmm," Pogue mumbled and half opened an eye.

"Aren't you hungry?" Kate ran her hand over his stomach.

"More tired," he replied.

"I'm going to get dressed," Kate announced, light and cheery as she dug through her clothes selecting something more appropriate than her pajamas to wear down to the dining hall. Pogue replied with a muffled protest as he remained on the bed, hogging the pillows and blanket.

My boyfriend Kate thought as she allowed herself one last dreamy-eyes gaze at his bare skin before shutting the bathroom door.

Knowing he wasn't going anywhere, she took her time getting ready. Setting her phone on the ledge Kate cued up her playlist of fun songs. Clothes, teeth, hair and make-up were all done to near perfection. Taking one last look at herself, Kate felt nothing but positive energy.

Swinging the door open she was greeted by Pogue, Bailey and Chelsea. She swore she felt her heart stop beating.

Pogue was recounting a few details about the Cathedral game but he stopped when he saw her. In fact they all stopped to look at Kate.

But Pogue was the only one smiling.

"Hi," Kate forced herself to remain in good spirits despite the evil vibes that radiated from the new arrivals. Tunney kept telling herself that she didn't do anything wrong. Even though Bailey still had feelings for Pogue, they were not together and hadn't been in a very long. Bailey had no claim to Pogue nor did she have any right to be upset with either of them for liking each other.

But that still didn't make Kate feel any better.

Why did everything have to be so damn complicated?

"hi," Bailey responded with stiffened posture and arms folded at chest level. "We stopped by to see if you wanted to eat with us."

"But didn't expect you'd have company," Chelsea added on behalf of her friend.

"I'm starving!" Kate chirped, albeit a little heavy on the enthusiasm. "I'm ready if you want to go now."

"What about you?" Bailey addressed Pogue. "Hungry?"

"Yeah, but I wanna get cleaned up first. Meet you down there?"

"We'll save you a seat," Chelsea offered as she and Bailey made their way toward the door. Kate followed behind grabbing her keys and ID card. Before she could join Bailey and Chelsea out in the hallway, Pogue's arm wrapped around her.

"No goodbye kiss?" he asked. In the instant it took Kate to formulate a reply, Pogue's lips were on hers again. And it wasn't that she didn't want to kiss him, but in her peripheral vision she could clearly see Bailey staring right at them.

"I'm gonna go," Kate broke the kiss after less than a second. "See you soon." Grabbing her things she practically sprinted out the door.

"I was going to ask a dumb question, but I think that answers it," Bailey sighed as she pointed to Kate's slightly smeared lip glass.

"Bailey, I want to explain…," Kate began but the look of utter disappointment on Bailey's face set loose a tidal wave of guilt.

"You don't owe me an explanation," Bailey said softly as her shoulders slumped forward. "If I were you I would have done the same thing."

"I know I said I would talk to him for you."

"And I'm pretty sure I already know what he said," Bailey sniffed.

"I…I…," Kate stuttered watching as Chelsea swung her arm over Bailey's shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, Kate. It's mine." Tears rolled down Bailey's cheeks.

Kate wanted to offer Bailey some sort of condolence but instead she folded her hands together, letting Chelsea take the lead.

"Pogue Parry is just a drop in the hot guy bucket, Bails." Chelsea gave her friend a big hug. "There are a ton of hotties walking this campus." Then she sent a curious look Kate's way. "Can we assume that Tyler Simms is now single and potentially looking to rebound?"

"We were never a couple," Kate managed a smile. "But I do know that he's very single."

"Wouldn't it be great if Kate could set us up on a double date with Reid and Tyler?" Chelsea continued.

"You can't go five minutes without mentioning Reid, can you?" Bailey almost smiled.

Chelsea pulled out her phone. "I say I can and I'm starting the stop watch right now. The next five minutes will be Reid-free. Although I was serious about that double date," she looked at Kate hopefully.

"I'll see what I can do," Kate replied cautiously. She still didn't understand why girls were attracted to Reid. She wondered if Chelsea had ever sat down and had a conversation with him – because the times Kate had talked to him, he didn't exactly impress her with his sparkling personality.

"Ready. Set. Here I go." Chelsea tapped her finger to the screen, then held up her phone to prove that she had indeed set the timer for a five minute countdown.

"Pogue was telling us about the game last night," Chelsea made good on her promise to not mention Garwin. "So this Kerwood guy, he's pretty good, huh?"

"Kerwood's the quarterback, right?" Kate had to think for a second. There were a lot of football players and a lot of names being screamed during the game.

Both Baily and Chelsea shrugged. Then everyone laughed as they realized none of them really had any knowledge of the Spencer Blue Viking football team. They changed the topic to Homecoming because that was the next big event. As Kate tried to recruit Bailey and Chelsea onto the Alumni committee with Mrs. Simms, she accidentally lured Chelsea into saying Reid's name before the five minutes was over.

Another bout of laughter later, the three girls were in line at the dining hall loading their plates full of waffles.

Finding a free table, they sat together discussing Homecoming Dance – which Kate was surprised to hear included Alumni too. Which as Chelsea explained was like being at your aunt's second wedding.

"There're tables full of old people everywhere. The old-old ones don't get up and dance but the ones that are our parents' age, you would think it's their high school prom all over again."

"Yikes," Kate frowned. It really was starting to sound like a family reunion.

"Don't expect to hear any good music, unless you're a fan of the eighties," Chelsea added. "Oh, and the drunk ones always try to hang out with you, like they're reliving their youth or something."

"And people actually go to this dance?" As much as Kate loved formals, this one was starting to sound like an event she could skip.

"Well," Chelsea frowned. "It's a catch 22. If you want to get voted King or Queen you have to pay your dues early and make sure everyone knows who you are."

"I think this is the only school that the King and Queen are selected by alumni votes," Bailey added.

"Seriously?" Kate looked at them. "You mean we don't get to vote for King and Queen?"

"Nope," Chelsea shook her head.

"That's not fair," Kate snorted.

"The senior class gets to select their court," Bailey continued. "Then there is a big luncheon for the Homecoming Court and the Alumni."

"Which I hear is the best way to get some extra "scholarship" money," Chelsea added.

"Huh?" Kate asked as she brought a forkful of waffle to her mouth.

"I don't know if it's true or not," Chelsea whispered, "But supposedly, the alumni make 'donations' to your scholarship fund – you know, if you play nice and kiss their ass."

"Really?" Kate had no idea that was even allowed.

"But the big money comes from the Homecoming Crown," Chelsea shook her head, disappointedly.

"At the luncheon, every member of the Homecoming Court gives a brief presentation about their experience here and then the Alumni vote on the girl and guy whom they feel best represents Spencer Academy," Bailey paused to sip her juice. "The King and Queen are guaranteed admittance into the school of their choice with a full scholarship."

"Yeah," Chelsea tapped her fork on her plate. "That's the only way some of the seniors are getting into Harvard."

Bailey gave Chelsea a look to which her friend replied, "What? You know it's true. They're not getting in without help."

"You don't have to say it so loud," Bailey lowered her head and focused on her food.

"I talked to a bunch of seniors the morning of Fall Fest," Kate said to Chelsea. "And they all had Ivy League acceptance letters."

"Like who?" Chelsea asked folding her hands as though she was ready to debate Kate's statement.

"Josh and Randy said they were both going to Dartmouth."

"Maybe for a frat party, but trust me Tweedle dumb and Tweedle dumber do not have the GPA or SAT scores to get into Dartmouth. Next," Chelsea said with a smile.

"Ashley Olberholtzer said she was accepted to Yale."

"You mean Spencer's version of Legally Blonde?" Chelsea used her finger to slide her glasses back in place. "I'd like to see that acceptance letter. Next."

"Okay," Kate composed herself, ready to defend her senior friends. It made no sense why they would lie about where they were going to college. "I saw April Reeser's acceptance letter to Brown."

"Would this be the same April Reeser that got expelled?"

"Well, yeah," Kate sighed in defeat.

"And checkmate," Chelsea drummed her fingers on the table. "Sorry, Kate but the seniors are idiots. That's what happens when the administration caves to the pressure of the Alumni to boost the athletic program."

"Okay Chelsea," Bailey interrupted. "We don't need to hear your criticism of Spencer politics."

"Actually," Kate leaned forward attentively. "I'd like to hear what Chelsea has to say."

"Ugh," Bailey groaned. "I'm going to the bathroom."

"It's pathetic really," Chelsea began. "As a school that prides itself on being the top academic institution for admittance into the Ivy League you would think clubs and activities that primarily reinforce the competitive scholastic nature of the student population would be of utmost importance. However, it seems that trivial things like sports and 'the arts' somehow climbed the ranks. While I am in support of our music and theater programs which compliment the successes of our student body, I do not agree with the amount of money donated to provide "financial aid" to student-athletes – if you can even call them students, to boost morale so the alumni can have something to brag about to their constituents. In my opinion, if you have to change the entrance exam because the potential athletes you've recruited can't pass it, then there's a serious issue."

"Wait a minute, they changed the entrance exam?"

"For the graduating class of seniors, yes. They took a different exam than we did. A much easier one, might I add."

"How can that be?"

"In order to be accepted to Spencer you have to pass the exam. There are cases where the exam is waived based on proof of merit in other venues but they couldn't exactly do that for everyone. So they dumbed it down and vioila! Everyone passed."

Kate's mind was spinning. "What about Melanie Higgins?"

"A perfect example of my point," Chelsea rolled her eyes. "She's still reading at a seventh grade level but the girls' basketball team has won three consecutive division championships and they finished second in the state last year."

"All the seniors are here because they're good at sports?"

"Not all the seniors," Chelsea admitted. "But a significant percentage. Your friends Josh and Randy are ranked in the top ten in the nation for wrestling. And Ashely, won some baton competition in France last year. Although, I don't think April is very good at anything. We'll have to ask Bailey when she gets back. But if you look at the record board by the pool all you'll see is the name Reeser. Her grandfather was on the US Olympic Men's Swim Team. "

"That's amazing," Kate gushed. "I had no idea."

"Her family is like swimming royalty or something," Chelsea laughed. "But Bailey is the expert on all that stuff. You should talk to her about it. And speaking of swimming," she trailed off as Pogue Parry approached their table. "Were your ears ringing?"

"Umm. No," Pogue set down his tray next to Kate's and slid into the seat beside her.

"I was telling Kate about the Reeser Swimming Dynasty at Spencer," Chelsea said bringing him up to speed on the conversation.

"Yeah. April's brothers are really fast," Pogue agreed. "Chrisser swam three seconds under JO qualifying in time trials the other day."

"You realize we have no idea what you're talking about right?" Kate bumped her side against Pogue's as she exchanged a look with Chelsea.

"Chris. Reeser. Swims. Fast." Pogue said slowly as both girls laughed.

"Do I hear swim talk?" Bailey arrived back at the table smiling widely at Pogue.

"You heard Chrisser swam a 19 flat in the 50 free at time trials," Pogue said to Bailey as he drowned his waffles in nearly a pint of syrup.

"Hard to believe he's only fourteen," Bailey added. "I bet he's going to break Brad's record by the time he graduates."

And that's where Kate got lost trying to follow the conversation between Pogue and his ex-girlfriend. Even Chelsea wasn't interested and she began texting someone. Kate checked her phone too. She didn't see anything from Jessica and felt a little disappointed, she hoped that her BFF would have checked in to see how her night went – she understood that Jess had a life too. But now that they both had boyfriends - there was the possibility of a double date. OMGosh! Kate was really excited for Jessica to meet Pogue!

In her mind she was already planning the date. One of the fun places near her house was this throwback arcade that had a full size laser tag arena. If you explained it to someone who had never been there – it sounded silly but it really was one of the most fun places she'd even been. Kate imagined she and Pogue running around in the dark warehouse wearing the standard combat gear, which had reflective tape strategically placed so you could see the enemy. It would be fun if they were on opposite teams.

At the sound of a chair scraping against the floor, Kate looked up and saw Matt Hodges taking the empty seat next to Chelsea. By the way, she looked down her nose and slid her chair as far as it would go in the other direction, Kate didn't have to be told that Chelsea did not like Matt. Oddly, she wondered how much of that was influenced by Reid's animosity of the infamous blonde senior.

"Hi Matt," Kate offered him a warm smile in comparison.

"Hey Kate," Matt replied with a wide grin as he dug into his plate of waffles.

"Did you clean the room yet?" Pogue inquired his voice flat as he waited for his roommate's response.

"I'll get to it," Matt answered. "Didn't want to miss brunch." As Pogue's eyebrows dipped into an angry 'v' Matt added, "Don't worry, it'll get done."

"It better," Pogue warned as Matt pretended not to hear him.

"You're Kelsey, right?" Matt said turning to the girl next to him.

"Chelsea," she corrected him.

"Chelsea," the blonde repeated. "Like Chelsea Clinton."

"I'm heading back to the dorm," Chelsea announced to the table. "Bailey, I'll call you later," she told her friend as she took her tray and left.

Kate chuckled to herself when Matt innocently commented, "Was it something I said?"

"Dude," Pogue said to Matt shaking his head 'no' but Matt wasn't about to stop.

"I don't think we've met," he turned to Bailey. "I'm Matt."

"Bailey," she introduced herself.

"Are you a…?" Matt pretended to think for a second. "Swimmer?"

"Did my shirt give it away?" Bailey replied. The "Got Chlorine?" logo on her tee wasn't exactly subtle.

Matt chuckled as he said to Bailey, "It might not seem like it but I am definitely a breast man."

Kate actually choked on her drink at that comment.

"Dude," Pogue repeated again, firmer.

"I was referring to the breast stroke," Matt gave Pogue a tired look.

"I'm sure that's what you meant," Bailey told Matt as she packed up her tray. "I'll see you guys later," she said to Kate and Pogue, ignoring Matt.

Once she was far enough away Pogue hissed across the table to Matt, "What is your problem?"

"No offense, man," Matt replied. "But most of the people in your class - suck."

"Funny," Kate said to Matt. "They don't seem to like you either."

"Don't even get me started on the juniors," Matt stabbed his fork into his waffle.

"Yeah, please don't," Pogue agreed.

At that moment both Matt's and Pogue's phones buzzed. Pogue ignored his but Matt removed his from his pocket. "Party at April's tonight," he read the text. "Cool."

Pogue took out his phone too. "What exactly is a rubber-band theme?"

Kate sat there looking at her silent phone.

"You didn't get an invite?" Matt looked at her.

"I guess not," Kate shrugged. Being left out was the worst feeling ever.

"I don't see you on the group text," Pogue said scrolling down.

"Does Josh have your number?" Matt asked.

"No, I don't think so."

"Then that's why," Matt said as though it was a simple oversight. "What's your number again?"

Kate recited her number watching as Matt texted it back to Josh. An instant later her phone buzzed with the night's details, along with a sea of comments regarding the theme.

Kate looked down the guest list which contained all the usual suspects. April (obviously), Josh, Randy, Matt, Andie, Hannah, Pogue, Caleb, Ashley, Chopper and a few other names as well as, Kaylee Abbott. Thinking back to the last couple times she saw Kaylee – that time in Matt's truck and on the front lawn of the Simms residence, Kate wondered what the night might bring.

Of course, Matt was planning on leaving right after lunch which caused a little riff between the roommates. Seems Matt was a bit of a procrastinator when it came to cleaning their room. It seemed that no one on campus was able to escape roommate issues.

As Pogue walked Kate back to her dorm, they discussed their plans for the evening.

"Do all April's parties have a theme?" Kate asked.

"Yeah," Pogue said with an airy laugh as he swung their entwined hands. "The first time I went out there it was, uh, tissue night."

"Tissues? As in Kleenex?"

Pogue nodded.

"That's weird. Did you guys all bring tissues?"

"We did," Pogue moved closer until they were touching.

"I'm missing something here, right?"

"The first game of the night was something Josh made up called "Stuff a Bra."

"That's kinda funny."

"Not when you're the one who has to wear the bra," Pogue admitted.

"OMGosh," Kate burst out laughing.

"It was me and Caleb, wearing April's grandmother's bras," he continued. "Everyone was ripping tissues out of the boxes and stuffing them in our bras. The first one filled won."

"Was it you?"

"It should have been me but Caleb cheated. Bastard."

With her keys in the door and Pogue's body pressing against her, Kate was barely able to get them into the room before Pogue pounced. Lips, sweetened with maple syrup, engulfed hers and it was only seconds before they were back onto her unmade bed to waste away the afternoon.

A boyfriend.

A party.

Another roommate free night.

This was the good life.

And Kate Tunney was going to enjoy every moment.