Hello beautiful people! I know it has been forever since I have written anything for Emison fanfiction, but after that gut wrenching 7x14 episode y'all know I had to crank something out! Of course, it helps that I just finished my first year of Grad School and have more free time to write over the summer now! And have no fear I WILL be updating Guardian Angel and Sinus Infection at some point (hopefully in a couple weeks)!
Okay do y'all want a PLL rant? I really need to rant, but don't even know where to begin!
Okay okay I guess I'll start by saying Emily Fields, girl, what are you doing?! You were showing ZERO romantic interest in Paige and now all of a sudden you were hoping the two of you could become an "us" once she got back to town? Like WTF? Also, Paige get your filthy little bike riding hands off of my precious Alison's personal possessions. God y'all, talk about being a stalker. Also, Paige is just trash because she didn't even want to stay until she saw Ali's abortion papers-Emily is just a possession to her-mark my words y'all! Anyway, back to Emily. Okay Em I can understand that Ali has yet to verbalize her feelings. Y'all remember from 7x11 when our girl said she didn't know why she kissed her mermaid. Sigh, Ali. BUT if y'all remember Ali was really annoyed at Paige that night AND she's pregnant. Hell, she's got other shit on her mind. However, I do think it was mightily shitty of Emily to give Ali the "don't kiss me until you know" ultimatum to only then kiss Paige (for a good chunk of time I might add). Ugh gross, I literally vomited. How do people ship Paily again?!
Now onto this whole what should we call it? Medical rape pregnancy? WOW, PLL writers just wow. Even though most of us expected this to be the outcome-it is majorly fucked up. Like Ali was all set to have an abortion (you know decide what to do with her own damn body) and get back in control of her life; but now she feels like there's no way she could make that decision because this baby is biologically Emily's. Considering how hard women still have to fight for reproductive rights in the world today, I just thought it was a really shitty move by the PLL writers. Like they really need to tread carefully with this...AND doing it to the main LGBTQ couple made it suck even worse. All I know is they better not make it seem like our girls are only coming together because of this baby. We did not have 7 years of build up for this to be how Emison finally becomes a couple!
Alright, what else has driven me crazy so far? Oh yes, PLL killed off another woman of color because you know, why not? First of all, if they were going to have Yvonne die, why couldn't she have just died in the car accident? Why did they have to make her come out of her coma, marry Toby, talk about going to Moscow, and then die? Or better yet if you wanted her to live and for Spoby to get back together, just have Yvonne be like "Toby I saw you kiss Spencer and I can't marry you if you still have feelings for someone else." BAM problem solved!
Any one else grossed out by Spencer and Detective Furry sleeping together? No, just me, that's okay. I love how she told Hanna she was feeling sad about Toby and Yvonne and that's how they ended up in bed together. Also, aren't Emily and Toby really good friends? Why has she not gone to console him? And like was there a funeral for Yvonne, or nah?
The steaming hot mess that is Ezria. Lord, Aria really needs to just leave his ass. I'm sorry, but this whole Nicole story line is just ridiculous. I am kind of excited though to see Aria make turn towards the dark side (but lol at Sydney trying to act like A.D.-girl your ear piece is big as fuck-try and be a little more conspicuous in your attire).
Also, Paster Ted being Charlotte's dad-like what?! And lol was it not anti-climatic when Peter "revealed" that Mary killed Jessica. I won't believe it until we see a flashback of the shit-just saying.
Any one else think this whole board game fiasco is just a really poor way for them to end the show on? Like y'all couldn't come up with anything else?!
Anyway, moving onto this story! It's set in the current season of PLL and I really hope you all enjoy it! I'm planning on it being 3-4 chapters!
Thank you all for the continued support-for the follows, favorites, and reviews-you really are the best!
You're Not My Second Choice
Chapter One: Figure Out Our Shit
"God…Ali. I'd say I'm sorry, but…that doesn't even begin to encompass it…"
Brittany trailed off as her brilliant blues eyes looked up from Ali's cell phone after that damn video A.D. sent her finished playing.
The English teacher uncomfortably shifted on her best friend's couch and before more tears could spill out of her eyes Brittany had her wrapped in a comforting hug. She really didn't want to cry anymore, but what else could she honestly do? This on top of the truth about her pregnancy was just too much to bear. It's why she'd gotten in her car and made the three-hour trek to New York City without telling anyone where she was going. She just couldn't be in that fucking town any longer.
And thank God Brittany was actually home when she'd shown up on her doorstep with a look of sheer broken heartedness spread across her face an hour ago. Ali didn't even know for sure whether the tall brunette was even back in the United States yet. The Euro league women's basketball season had just ended (with Brittany's team winning the championship of course); but Ali was counting on some member of the Johnson family to be at her best friend's lavish estate when she'd rang the doorbell. Lucky for the blonde it was the one she desperately needed to see.
She hadn't seen Brittany since before Charlotte's hearing. Back then she had some semblance of control over her life, now though…Everything was fucked up. She was carrying Emily's child after being inseminated against her will by A.D. or whoever the fuck at Welby…And to make everything worse she was hopelessly in love with the swim coach.
Ali had let herself hope that maybe there was a chance for her and Emily to actually be together. She'd always harbored romantic feelings for her best friend and she was finally ready to stop hiding from who she really was and tell Emily how she felt about her…only to get that fucking video and text from A.D.
Looks like Estella won't get her Pip in the end. She's always been the love of your life, but you'll always be her second choice.
It was a video from the night she had discovered the truth about her pregnancy. Paige and Emily were making out-feverously so she might add-and blissfully talking about getting back together. Alison could feel her heart crack inside her. Like before that moment she could still hold onto hope, but after seeing that video and reading those words…her soul was shattered.
Thankfully the school day was over and she was just grading some of her student's papers when she had gotten the bombshell revelation, because there is no way she would have been able to go back to teaching after seeing that.
Ali doesn't even know if she locked the door to her classroom, all she knew was that she had to get away. She had to talk to someone who never fucking judged her and just knew how to make her feel better.
Brittany was the big sister she'd always wanted when she was growing up-loving, kind, funny, and just all around good. The two of them met when Ali was living on the run in New York. At the time, Brittany was still in college at St. John's University and she'd found Ali bleeding from Cyrus' stab wound in an alleyway on her morning run.
At first the blonde was reluctant to let the basketball superstar help her, but Britt's entire being radiated protection and Ali was in too much pain to protest for very long. She'd known from the moment she'd looked into the athlete's soulful blue eyes that she could trust her and after getting to know the older woman, Ali was so glad she didn't push her away.
Brittany's strong arms wrapped around her even more securely as she assured, "Ali, I know you're really hurt right now, but…I just want you to know that I'm here for you. You're not alone. My mom, Bradley…we're all here. We all love you. You know that, right?"
Ali sniffled as she burrowed even further into Brittany, relishing in the tenderness of the embrace. After a moment she whispered, "I know that…it's just I really needed to hear it."
Brittany and her entire family had practically adopted Alison all those years ago, but it was still hard for the blonde to accept their love at times. Her fucked up childhood had conditioned her to question whether she was worthy of such affection.
The two of them got up from their position on the couch and headed into the star athlete's gigantic kitchen after the blonde's stomach grumbled. Brittany didn't even have to ask what Alison was hungry for-she just knew-and immediately started making her famous egg white omelet.
"How are you single again? A multi-millionaire athlete who cooks?" Ali teased her best friend as she added a wide array of vegetables and tofu to their mouthwatering omelets.
Brittany just laughed at the shorter woman before she revealed, "Well, I guess you could say I just haven't found the right person yet. I mean there was this one woman who I thought I could actually have something with, but she was really hung up on her ex and it was just all sorts of messy."
"Exes…they're the worst." Alison murmured as Brittany brought their food and two water bottles over to the breakfast bar.
"Ali…" Brittany tentatively began as she sat down in the chair next to her, "Maybe you should just talk to Emily about that video."
"And say what exactly? I love you, but I know it isn't enough because you're still in love with Paige. No fucking thank you." Alison let out a frustrated sigh before she took a bite of her omelet and moaned because it tasted so good.
"I just think it's odd. You said the two of you were building something…tangible…why would she go running back to Paige now?"
"Because that's what Emily does!" Alison raised her voice not at Brittany, but at this entire fucking situation. Running a hand through her long blonde hair, the teacher further divulged, "I come back from the dead, we share an incredible night of love making together, she goes running back to Paige. I finally put myself out there and initiate a kiss with her, and she goes running back to fucking Paige!" Tears collected in Alison's eyes as she hollowed out, "I'm never going to be good enough for her, Britt. I broke her heart when we were teenagers and she's breaking my heart now. That's just karma, right?"
"Ali, listen to me," Her best friend's tone left no room for reproach and the blonde turned her head so she could hold her gaze, "You are enough. You're an amazing human being who deserves happiness. This isn't karma. This is Emily being a fucking idiot. If she can't appreciate how wonderful you are, then she doesn't deserve you."
Alison wiped her eyes as she looked at Brittany with so much damn adoration, "I love you."
Brittany was honest to God her platonic fucking soul mate and she was so glad that she had her. Even if Emily wanted to be with Paige, at least Ali had Brittany and her family's support.
The basketball superstar smiled at her and supportively grabbed her hand, "I love you too." A beat passed before her best friend jokingly threw out, "And I'm seriously kicking Emily's ass for breaking your heart like this."
Ali grimaced at the suggestion. As devastated as she was, she still didn't want her mermaid getting hurt.
"That wouldn't solve anything, Britt."
They finished their egg white omelets in silence, before Brittany threw out another suggestion as they stood up to bring their dishes to the sink, "Can I beat Paige's ass then?"
Alison laughed at the taller woman as she playfully bumped into her, "I mean I wouldn't stop you…"
The blonde was kidding of course, but it was comforting to know Brittany was willing to get in physical altercations to defend her honor.
"So…no one knows where Ali is?" Hanna's worried voice filtered through Lucas' loft and Emily could feel her heart drop into her stomach when neither Spencer or Aria seemed to have any idea where the blonde was either. It was nearing 10 pm and no one had seen or heard from Ali for over six hours. They'd all tried calling and texting her repeatedly, but had gotten no response. The brunette's thinking the teacher's phone is either shut off or…no, Emily you can't let your mind go there. A.D. doesn't have her.
"This doesn't make any sense…why would she just leave?" Aria inquired as she ran a frustrated hand through her hair.
"Maybe she needed a break?" Spencer threw out and Emily rolled her eyes. Didn't they all need a fucking break from A.D.'s sadistic game?
"But we can't afford for one of us to leave town, Spence! What if A.D. wants Alison to go again?" Hanna bluntly argued and Emily didn't mean to snap at the designer, but she was feeling extra protective over Alison lately…ever since she found out the truth about the blonde's pregnancy…and okay, yeah even before then.
"Fuck A.D. and fuck this game! Ali should be able to leave town for the fucking weekend after everything she's had to go through! Everything she's still going through!" Emily was seething as she paced back and forth, "Hell, she should leave this town and never come back, because Rosewood is toxic!"
Angry tears welled up in Emily's eyes because she was just so upset about everything that had transpired in the last week. She's angry at A.D. and she's even more angry at herself. She should have fucking been there for Ali when she had to find out that earth shattering news; but no, she was fucking making out with Paige like a complete asshole.
Because that's what she did whenever things between her and Ali started to get serious-she ran back to Paige. She ran back to Paige because Paige was safe, because Paige wasn't a complex enigma, and because Paige didn't have to "know" why she was kissing Emily. Paige kissed Emily because she was attracted to her.
And yes, Emily realizes how shitty of a person it makes her for giving Ali that ultimatum about kissing her and then running off to kiss Paige, because more than likely Ali hadn't even had time to process how she felt. For Christ sake, she had just figured out that she wanted to terminate her pregnancy, so she could have some semblance of control back in her life; so, she probably didn't even have time to think about if she wanted to embark on a romantic relationship with Emily. Fuck.
A few heavy seconds passed after Emily finished her rant before Aria quietly asked, "Where would Ali even go? Aren't we all that she has?"
That question made Emily feel even shittier about herself. Unlike the four of them who were also living through A.D.'s hell, Ali literally had no one besides them. They all at least had one parent who could provide support when they needed it; but Emily didn't even know if Ali had friends outside of them. The teacher had sacrificed so much taking care of Charlotte over the past five years, how could Ali have even found the time to build any kind of meaningful relationship with anyone outside of Rosewood?
Emily flopped dejectedly onto the couch next to Hanna before she stressed, "We have to find her," The brunette flicked the lone tear that cascaded down her cheek away as she choked out, "I have to make sure she's safe."
Hanna reached over and placed a soothing hand on her tense forearm. Emily tried to offer the designer a smile, but it fell flat.
A few more tense seconds passed before Spencer crossed her arms over her chest and accusatorily asked, "So, you do still care about Alison then?"
Emily's head snapped in the brainy brunette's direction as hot rage coursed through her veins, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Spencer sent a none too subtle glare in her direction as she sarcastically replied, "Oh nothing. You just bounce back and forth between her and Paige so much, it's hard to keep track of who's captured your heart for the day."
Emily felt her mouth go dry. She couldn't even argue with the tall brunette because she knew she was guilty of what Spencer was accusing her of. She was toying with them both, even though she knew who she wanted…who she had always wanted. She was just so terrified to say it out loud.
"Spence…now really isn't the time." Aria reasoned with the strong-willed brunette and Emily thanked her lucky stars that Spencer didn't berate her for her shitty treatment of Alison anymore. Her heart literally couldn't take it. The swim coach leaned forward and covered her head with her arms, so she wouldn't have to see Spencer judging her. Emily was just so fucking tired.
After another uncomfortable minute of silence passed between the four of them Aria asked, "Han, do you know where Caleb's techy stuff is? I could track Ali's phone and find out where she is. Even if it's shut off there's still a way to trace the signal."
Hanna cleared her throat, "Um…yeah. It's in the bedroom. I'll go grab it."
Thankfully, Hanna was back in the living room in under a minute, because Emily could feel Spencer burning a hole through the side of her head that her arms weren't completely covering and it was unnerving to say the least.
As Aria started typing on Caleb's laptop, Emily lifted her head from resting between her legs and hollowly ghosted out in Spencer's direction, "What do you want from me?"
Never one to back down from a confrontation, Spencer scooted forward on the couch. Surprisingly though she spoke in a much softer tone, "I want you to get your shit together. Figure out who you want to be with and be with them. Ali deserves that," Emily sniffled as tears collected in her eyes, "And well, I guess Paige deserves that too; but honestly I don't give a fuck about her."
Hanna snorted at Spencer's declaration and a small smile spread across Aria's face at the taller brunette's words. Wait, do they all want me to be with Ali?
Never one to hide how she felt about someone, Hanna quickly added, "Seriously, Paige doesn't deserve any of our damn kindness. Can you believe that bitch went snooping through Ali's stuff?"
Emily's eyebrows furrowed at the information, "Wait, what?" Why would Paige do that? And better yet when did Paige do that?
"Last week Ali abruptly ended our video chat because she had to throw up and when she got back to the teacher's lounge Paige was holding onto her appointment card for the clinic," Aria explained as she continued to work on Caleb's laptop and Emily immediately felt sick to her stomach. Oh my God. Was that the same day…
"Let me guess, Em. That was the same day Paige was all 'I'm not taking that other job, Emily. I'm staying. I want to be an 'us' again.'" Spencer was daring her to try and argue with her assessment of the situation, but Emily couldn't because that was the same day. Fuck, I'm such an idiot. Oh my God, how could I do this to Ali?
"The way I see it Paige doesn't even love you Emily, she's just desperate to beat Ali," Hanna noted with clear disdain in her voice towards the athletic supervisor, "Obviously, the bitch hasn't grown up."
Before anyone else could comment on Paige, Aria piped up, "Guys, I've got a signal."
The tiny brunette turned the laptop around so they could all get a look at the map.
"That's in New York," Hanna instantaneously answered when her eyes scanned the map with a red dot flashing that supposedly indicated where Alison's cell phone was located. The designer's eyebrows rose impressively, "Like a really high end part of New York-we're talking athletes and celebrities. Damn, who does Ali know there?"
Before anyone could say anything else, Emily sprang up from the couch and hastily threw on her jacket. She could feel herself starting to panic as every possible situation of A.D. harming Ali flashed threw her mind.
"What if she doesn't know anyone there? What if A.D. took her or made her go on some crazy wild goose chase?! I can't just sit here when Ali could be in danger!"
The swim coach couldn't find her car keys anywhere and it was really starting to piss her off.
Aria gently grabbed her arm and turned the taller brunette around. When Emily's panic stricken, brown eyes met hers, the publicist gently commanded, "Em, breathe."
Emily tried to take a deep breath and settle her racing heart as the tiny brunette continued speaking, "You're not going to New York by yourself, okay? We all love Ali and are worried about her, so that means we're all going."
"Nothing like a road trip to spice up our Friday night," Spencer joked as Hanna found her car keys.
"I'm driving, bitches," The feisty blonde declared and then explained when three pairs of eyes settled on her, "New York's my domain."
"Ok, just get us there in one piece, Han," Aria teasingly stated as the four of them walked out of Lucas' loft. Emily felt slightly better that her three best friends were going on this excursion with her. At least she'd have back up if they came upon A.D. in their quest to find Ali. God, I just hope she's okay…
Alison curled up further into Brittany's side finding comfort in the other woman's body heat as they sat on the couch in the athlete's living room watching Friends reruns. Being in Brittany's presence had helped Ali feel remarkably better as the night went on. Obviously, her situation still sucked, but at least she didn't feel as devastated as when she'd first seen that horrific video of Emily and Paige earlier in the day.
"Britt…do you think I'll be a good mom?" The blonde doesn't even know what sparked that question, but she was honestly curious what the older woman thought.
Brittany offered her a soft smile, "I think you'll be a great mom, Ali."
"Why do you say that?" The teacher's voice was so soft as the insecurities she always struggled to keep in check came on full force.
"Because of how protective and resilient you are," Ali felt a warmth spread through her chest as her best friend elaborated with nothing but sincerity in her tone, "You put everyone's needs before your own without even thinking about it. You're honestly one of the most selfless people I know. And God, Ali you just always find some way to get back up and keep fighting no matter what life throws at you. Any child would be lucky to have you as a mom."
Tears collected in Alison's eyes. Maybe I can do this after all…but God it would be so much better to raise this child with Emily…even though this is so NOT how I wanted us to come together at all.
"If…if Em and I don't work things out…can you help me?"
Brittany tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear, "I'll help you no matter what, Ali. You just have to let me."
Alison sniffled as Britt's underlying message was made clear. After a few moments she whispered, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about A.D…or the game starting again after Charlotte died."
"Why didn't you?" Ali could hear the hurt in Britt's voice, "I have money, access to resources…I could have helped you before…" Brittany had to pause mid-sentence when her voice became laced in emotion, "Before they violated you and Emily like this."
Though she'd started off the night mad as hell at Emily as her inherent protectiveness for Alison came on full force; Brittany realized how fucked up this situation was for both the swim coach and teacher as time wore on. Emily was probably just as confused and conflicted Ali…and probably assumed she didn't stand a romantic chance with the blonde so therefore went running back to her ex-girlfriend. As much as Brittany loved Alison (and you'd better believe she'd always take her best friend's side in a situation), she understood Emily's perspective on whatever was brewing between them romantically as well. In the swim coach's mind, there was no chance for the two of them to become an "us" because Ali had yet to verbalize how she truly felt. But the basketball superstar didn't understand how Emily couldn't see how much Alison loved her. It was obvious to literally everyone else…
The English teacher had to look down as the reality of the situation washed over her once again. Brittany rubbed soothing circles with the pad of her thumb along the back of Ali's hand and the teacher let out a heavy sigh. After she'd somewhat collected her bearings, the blonde looked back up at the woman who was just so inherently good and revealed, "I didn't want to get you involved…because I didn't want you to get hurt. You've worked so hard to get to where you're at…living your dream and inspiring people across the world to do the same. I didn't want A.D. to take that all away from you."
"Ali…"
"A.D. targets everyone I love, Britt. They'd come after you and your family just to spite me and I couldn't risk that happening."
"Ali, I understand being overly protective probably better than anyone…just ask my sister-in-law," The two of them shared a look of understanding and Ali can't help but slightly smile as the memories of a ranting and raving Brittany from five years ago came flashing through her mind. The tall brunette had been convinced that Bradley's at the time fiancé, Eva, was only with him because he worked for his sister, who was quickly becoming one of the wealthiest athletes on the planet, only to be proven wrong time and time again as Eva proved just how much she loved the younger Johnson sibling. Luckily, Bradley didn't hold it against his sister for too long that she was reluctant to accept his new fiancé at first.
"But please let me help you. I can't undo all the damage A.D.'s already done, but I want to prevent them from hurting you and the others further. Don't you want this game to be over?"
"Of course, I do Britt. It's just…A.D.'s outsmarted every law enforcement agency that's tried to stop them. What makes you think Reggie would be any more successful?"
"Um…maybe because he's an ex-senior operative from the CIA and not a dumbass police officer from Rosewood?" Brittany deadpanned like it was obvious and Ali had to admit her best friend had a point.
A minute of silence passed between them before Ali decided to stop being stubborn for once in her life and let someone actually help her potentially get out of this insanity, "Okay."
"Are you sure, Ali? I want you to be comfortable with this." Brittany searched her face for any signs of hesitation.
"Yes, I'm sure. Call Reggie…maybe an outsider's perspective is what will finally solve this mess."
Brittany offered her a reassuring smile as she dialed Reggie's number, "Knowing Reggie he'll put all the pieces together before breakfast."
Spencer always said hope breeds eternal misery, but Alison allowed herself to be hopeful. After all, if Brittany believed in the head of her security/badass lawyer that much, maybe Alison should as well?
Hanna got them to their desired location in New York City in under three hours and miraculously they had all made it there in one piece-despite the designer's borderline reckless driving. But now they were met with a tall iron gate that was preventing them from getting in the drive way of the huge mansion where supposedly Alison's cell phone (and they hoped the blonde herself) was located.
Hanna parked her car a few houses down from whoever's place they were trying to get to and the four of them got out of the vehicle. When they made it back over to the tall iron gate and got a better look at the property before them all their mouths hung open. Wow, this place is majestic…
As always, Hanna was the first to break the silence, "Okay, I'm going to be pissed at Ali if she did just come all this way to visit a friend without telling us; but then I'm gonna ask if we can spend the weekend because holy shit look at this place!"
"Let's make sure Alison is actually here first, Han," Spencer gently reminded the feisty blonde.
"Well how do you propose we even get into this place to find out Spence?" Hanna lightheartedly fired back at the tall brunette and Emily would have laughed at the exchange if she wasn't so focused on finding Ali.
Before Spencer can offer a sarcastic reply of some sort an unfamiliar voice asked from behind them, "Can I help you ladies with something?"
Emily jumped nearly a foot off the ground, not expecting anyone else to be outside at this time of night. And from the gasps her friend's let out, she can only assume they were just as startled.
The four of them turned around and were met with the curious gaze of a tall muscular African American man who looked to be in his mid-40s. Shit, we didn't even discuss how we were going to play this.
Eventually Aria managed to ask as she motioned to the mansion behind them, "Do you know who lives here?"
The man just looked at them like the answer was obvious as he replied, "My boss."
"Your boss? Okay, um…who's that?"
"Why do you need to know?" His voice was stern yet there was an underlying gentleness to it. Emily found it oddly comforting, yet that didn't stop her from firing off an array of questions at the man.
"Look, we haven't heard from our best friend in almost ten hours and we're really worried about her, okay? We tracked her phone and according to the GPS it's located in your boss' house and we're assuming she's in there too. So, can you help us or what?"
A knowing look flashed across the man's brown eyes before he nodded and went over to the keypad that would open the iron gate and punched in a code.
"You guys were able to track Alison's phone? Pretty impressive considering it died shortly after she got here."
"Just because it's dead doesn't mean it's untraceable," Aria mused as Emily hurriedly asked just to make sure, "Alison's here?"
The iron gate slowly started to open as whoever this man was explained, "Yeah, she got here earlier this evening. She and my boss are best friends…practically family."
"If Alison's best friends with your boss why has she never mentioned this person to us, you know here other best friends?" Spencer asked as the four of them walked up the mansion's drive way, while the iron gate closed behind them.
"From what I understand Alison's relationship with my boss is like the only one she was ever able to keep out of 'the toxicity of Rosewood'-her words, not mine-and she was determined to keep it that way."
"You still haven't told us who your boss is," Hanna pointed out and the man just offered them a smirk as he rang the doorbell while the four of them stayed further back from the door.
"You'll find out soon enough."
Less than ten seconds later the door swung open to reveal a rather annoyed looking-holy fucking shit Brittany Johnson?! Ali's best friends with like the greatest woman's basketball player on the planet?! What?! She's guessing the others are just as shocked when utterances of "damn" and "are you serious?" leave all their lips. The superstar athlete is in Nike sweats and Emily can't help but notice she looks even more beautiful in person than on TV.
"Reggie why in the hell are you ringing my doorbell at one in the morning? You've worked for me for how long now? You know you can just walk in."
"Normally I would, Brittany…but I'm not alone." Reggie side stepped out of the way so the tall brunette could see who else was at her front door at such an unseemly hour. As her brilliant blue eyes settled on all of them, Brittany lightly crossed her arms over her chest. Emily didn't miss the particularly heated glare that she shot her way. Fuck, what did Ali tell her?
"Well, well this is certainly a surprise." Brittany's tone was a mixture of actual surprise and condescension. The tension continued to mount over the next thirty seconds as the athlete just continued to stare at all of them. Emily could almost feel her skin crawl. Much like Ali's, Brittany's blue eyes bore straight into your soul.
Finally, the basketball great moved out of the large doorway and gestured for them to come in. Once they'd all made it inside and gaped at the mansion's interior furnishings, Brittany noted, "You guys must be hungry or thirsty at least after making that long drive."
She walked further into the mansion with Reggie flanking her side. After the four of them exchanged looks they quickly followed after the duo not wanting to get lost. Emily was hoping that Ali would be in the kitchen or at least the adjoining living room. When she didn't see the beautiful blonde in either, the swim coach couldn't help but worriedly blurt out, "Where's Ali?"
When the athlete turned to face her, Emily pleaded, "Please let me see her. I really need to talk to her."
The two shared a look of understanding and had a damn near full blown conversation between their eyes before Brittany cleared her throat and revealed, "She's in the library. I'll take you to her."
Emily let out a heavy breath and wiped away the tears that had collected in her eyes as the two began to walk out of the kitchen.
Before they were completely out of the kitchen, Brittany turned and addressed Spencer, Aria, and Hanna with a genuine smile spread across her face, "Please feel free to help yourselves to whatever. And if you're tired there's like a million guest bedrooms in this house. Reggie will show you where they are."
"Oh, so I'm just gonna put all the pieces together of this mystery and play host?" The muscular man sassed back at his boss in a light-hearted manner.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I was under the impression that I paid you so well because you could multi task," Brittany jokingly fired back as she arched a perfect eyebrow at Reggie. The banter caused Spencer, Aria, and Hanna to chuckle and even Emily found it humorous, though she was much too focused on going over what she was going to say to Alison in her head to verbalize her amusement.
After a few moments, Reggie crossed his arms over his broad chest and huffed out, "Alright fine, but I'm not cooking. That would be a disaster…"
Brittany just rolled her eyes at the man before turning around once more to head in the direction of the library, which for all Emily knew could be a half mile away.
The two walked down multiple hallways for what must have been at least five minutes before Brittany abruptly stopped and faced her.
A conflicted look spread across the taller woman's face, like she was having an internal debate on whether to say something to the swim coach. After an awkward ten seconds of Emily shifting nervously on her feet, Brittany lightly crossed her arms over her chest and sighed.
"Look, Emily…I cannot even begin to imagine how you must be feeling about everything that's happened recently. And while rationally I know that both you and Alison were violated by this…pregnancy," The basketball star looked pained to even phrase what A.D. had done to her and Ali in such a conventional manner. Emily fought to suppress her tears as the reality of their fucked-up situation washed over her once again, "I'm always going to take Ali's side, because I love her. And frankly she needs someone in her life who will stand up and defend her, instead of questioning the motives behind every single thing she does," Brittany's words cut the swim coach deep. Emily knew that she and the others had a horrible tendency of accusing Alison of shit before she'd even had a chance to explain herself, "So, with that being said if you came all this way to break Alison's heart further…" Emily gulped as the athlete stepped right up in her face, "I won't hesitate to kick your ass straight out of my house," A tense few seconds passed between them before Brittany stepped back and gave Emily some room to breathe.
"Why are you here Emily?"
At the taller woman's question, Emily finally snapped, "Because I love her! Okay?! Because I've always loved her! And even though this is the most fucked up way for us to finally come together…I know that we belong together," Emily's chest was heaving as tears streaked down her cheeks. She was so fucking tired of running from her feelings for Alison and come hell or high water she was putting it all out there tonight. Her heart wouldn't survive it if she didn't.
When Brittany brought her into a gentle hug, it took Emily a few seconds to react to the embrace because she was so shocked; yet she eventually melted into the hold. It was so comforting and suddenly Emily understood why Alison had fought so hard to keep this friendship unblemished by -A and Rosewood.
"Five seconds ago, you were threatening to kick me out of your house, now you're hugging me?" Emily inquired as she hugged the other woman back.
"Sorry about that…I'm just irrationally protective over Ali."
Emily sniffled, "I understand that feeling." There was a reason Ali deemed her "Killer" in middle school after all.
When their hug eventually broke, Emily looked up at Brittany and honestly stated, "I'm really glad she has you."
Brittany smiled at her, "I'm really glad she has you too, Emily. But please, for the love of God stop making out with your ex-girlfriends."
Oh shit. How does Brittany know about my make out session with Paige?!
When Emily finally made it into the library, she was met with the most adorable sight. Alison was curled up with a blanket reading by the room's bay window. And despite there being ample amount of seating options, Ali was sitting on the floor. Emily smiled at the sight and felt her heart flutter-the teacher was just so precious. God, I love her so much.
Ali doesn't even notice someone approaching her, because she's so enthralled in what she's reading. Emily briefly wondered if she should make her presence known, but she didn't have to debate for very long as Alison's vibrant blues eyes looked up at her seconds later.
"Em…" Ali looked like she couldn't believe the brunette was actually real as the swim coach sat down next to her, "What are you doing here?"
Emily tenderly brushed a loose strand of Alison's blonde hair behind her ear before she explained, "No one knew where you were and I was so worried that Aria tracked your phone. God Ali, I was so scared that A.D. did something to you."
"A.D. did do something…" The teacher mumbled as she looked away from the brunette.
Emily's heart beat increased rapidly, "What did A.D. do to make you leave Rosewood so abruptly?"
When Alison looked back at her there were tears threatening to fall from her ever expressive eyes, "Sent me a text and video."
Emily felt her heart clench as she quietly asked, "Of what?" (even though she has a pretty good idea what it was of considering Brittany's comment about making out with her ex-girlfriends...)
"You and Paige…kissing and talking about getting back together," Alison looked completely shattered and all Emily wanted to do was wrap her in her arms and never let her go, but maybe how the blonde felt when she saw that video could finally lead them into a discussion about their obvious feelings for one another.
"Why would seeing that cause you to flee Rosewood?" Emily tried to ask the question as delicately as possible, but failed rather miserably.
"Because I felt my heart crack inside me, Em! And Brittany's the only person in my life who doesn't judge me for what I'm feeling."
Tears collected in Emily's eyes, "And what were you feeling?" She felt like an asshole for asking, because it was pretty damn obvious what Alison was feeling; but she needed to hear the other woman say it.
Alison doesn't even try to stop the tears that are cascading down her cheeks, "Devastated. Alone. It was the same feeling I had when I walked into the Ice Ball and saw you and Paige slow dancing. The same feeling I had when I got out of Welby and found out you were dating Sabrina."
Ali's voice was laced with so much pain, it's a miracle the brunette didn't have a breakdown next to her.
"I'm always going to be your second choice." What? Ali, no. You're my first choice, always. How do you not know that? "I love you, more profoundly than I've ever loved anyone, but it's not enough."
Emily's eyes widened when she heard the three words she'd been yearning to hear from the blonde for almost a decade come out of Alison's mouth.
"You love me?"
Alison used the sleeve of the St. John's sweatshirt she was wearing to wipe the tears from her cheeks, before she locked gazes with Emily and declared, "Yes. That's why I kissed you that night."
Emily was floored and had to take a few moments to gather her bearings. Holy shit. Alison's in love with me? "Why didn't you say that when I asked you about the kiss?"
Ali offered the brunette a sad look, "Because my family fucked me up so badly that I'm terrified of verbalizing my feelings for fear of being rejected. Not to mention I just got manipulated into loving and marrying a man who tortured me. The only reason I even feel safe enough to open up now is because I'm at Brittany's house. If you confirm my worst fears, I know she'll be here to pick up the pieces and put me back together again."
The teacher looked away from the brunette when her voice became laced with emotion. Gently, Emily grabbed Alison's hand and intertwined their fingers.
"You won't need Brittany to put you back together, Ali."
As the blonde registered the honesty behind her words, she tentatively glanced at Emily.
"The only reason I kissed Paige was because I thought I didn't have a chance with you," Ali's eyes softened and Emily reached up with her free hand to tenderly caress her cheek, "If you had told me how you felt that night, I never would have even looked at her. You're not my second choice, Alison. She is."
Alison smiled at her and Emily saw hope return to her angel's majestic eyes, "Do you really mean that? You're not just saying that because of…" Alison trailed off and the brunette knew she was referring to Emily's child that was growing inside her.
Emily shifted even closer to blonde as she finally revealed, "Ali, I've been in love with you since I was fourteen. I am still so in love you. I want to be with you more than anything."
Given their close proximity, Ali spoke in a tone that was just a little above a whisper, "I want to be with you too, Em. I want to be an "us." I've wanted that for a really long time."
The swim coach smiled at hearing those words. Was she really getting the girl of her dreams against all discouragement that could be?
Emily's eyes kept flickering down to Alison's lips. She didn't know if the blonde would be okay if she kissed her right now, but God she really wanted to. Not catching any signs of hesitation in Alison's eyes, Emily slowly leaned in. Alison met her half way and Emily melted as their lips tenderly brushed together.
Emily smiled into the kiss a few seconds later because this was the woman she wanted to kiss for the rest of her life. Next to Alison DiLaurentis, Paige didn't stand a chance in hell. It wasn't an overly passionate kiss by any means, because they were both exhausted, but for Emily it was perfect because it was with her Ali.
When they broke apart their foreheads rested together and Alison quietly revealed as she gently held onto Emily's face, "A.D. texted me that Estella doesn't get her Pip in the end."
Emily gazed at the woman who was her entire world and declared with as much fire as she could muster, "Fuck A.D., Ali. You have me. No matter what, okay? Whatever we decide to do about this…pregnancy, I'll be there every step of the way."
Alison smiled at her through her now happy tears, "I love you, Emily."
"I love you too, Ali. We're in this together."
So there's chapter one everyone! What do we all think? Can I just say that it is so much fun for me to write Brittany from Guardian Angel into canon PLL. Like Ali really needs a best friend like her on the actual show! Our ladies talked about that awful kiss with Paige and sorted through their feelings-God, I love when Emison communicates (I wish they did it more on the actual show lol). Next chapter will delve into the mystery aspect of the story-what will Reggie uncover? Also, expect lots of fluffy Emison (I mean really that's the best Emison)!