Author's Note: This is my first attempt at a Fanfiction. I've been utterly obsessed with this couple, and have read anything on them. So I figured I could contribute and give the Author's I've read (many times over now and counting) maybe a little something in return. This is an AU, so I hope you all like it! Thanks for getting THIS far. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Jenji Kohan and Piper Kerman.

Chapter 1: You're Hired!

Alex sighed, counting the money out from her drawer as her shift came to a close. There was something about working at a national retailer that killed your soul a little each day, every time you went to clock in.

At age 26, she always thought she would be a lot farther in life. Although kids, marriage and the like never really called out to her, she had hoped to at LEAST be something other than a cashier at a Litchfield's Market. Following very much in her mother's footsteps.

"Twenty-seven. Two hundred and fifty-six. Ninety-five…" A familiar voice called out from behind her. Alex growled and turned around to her lion-haired co-worker.

"Nicky! I lost count! Now I have to re-count all of it!" She gathered up all the bills and started counting out loud once again, ignoring the laughter coming from the aforementioned trouble maker.

"Oh come on Vause! I do this to you every day! You know, ever since you and what's her twat broke up, you've been a grump. I think it's high time we got you laid."

Alex continued to ignore Nicky Nichols, one of the Maintenance associates who mostly walked around pushing a broom than anything else. Nicky claimed it was her duty is ensure customers were provided a dirt free floor.

Finishing up her count and writing down her results on her balance sheet, she put everything in the bank bag provided, and walked toward the Cash office. "I'm fine, actually. Just because you're on the fall outs with a certain Bakery Associate with a Brooklyn Accent doesn't mean I'm bitter as well. And 'what's her twat' name was Sylvie, asshole."

Nicky followed closely behind her, making grump faces behind Alex's back. "I know you're making faces again Nichols. And if you don't stop, I'm going to tell Lorna about that time with the Porkchops." This made Nicky stop dead in her tracks.

"You wouldn't."

"Try it again and find out."

"That's cold, even for you Vause."

"I wasn't the one that-"

"It was ONE TIME and we PROMISED to never speak of it again!" Nicky Interrupted. She went to pouting, following the Brunette to the time clock.

Both gathered a little piece of their souls back when they heard the clock beep, giving them permission to leave the hell they called work.

"Lets go grab a drink. This place is slowly turning me into an Alcoholic." Nicky suggested casually. Alex didn't say anything, just merely nodded and the two headed out the automatic doors.

"Come on Piper! Just one drink, and then you can go home and get some rest before your big day at your new job tomorrow!" Polly grabbed Piper's hand, attempting to drag the blonde off the bed she refused to part with.

All Polly got for a reply was grumbles and snorts from a pillow.

"I only took one year of bitch-ish in high school, and I only remember the curse words. Now please remove that pillow from your face and talk to me like a normal person, Piper."

Piper raised her head from the offending object. "Polly, I have to start my job at 7AM tomorrow. If I go out, one drink will turn into 6 and then I'll be fucked for tomorrow. I need this job since a certain fiancé of mine can't seem to find any kind of writing job. And I can't borrow any more money from anyone's parents again. Now if you would PLEASE get the fuck out of my apartment so I can get back to being face down and unconscious."

Polly wouldn't take no for an answer and literally dragged the lazy blonde from the bed, making them both crash onto the floor.

"POLLY! WHAT THE FUCK!" Piper yelled, shoving herself off of Polly, becoming angry.

"You act like you're starting some kind of Rocket Scientist job tomorrow! You're going to be a cashier at LIthcfield's! Now get ready because we're going out bitch! Pete and Larry are already at another bar drunker than a skunk. You lost any more choice in this. Be ready in 20." Polly left the bedroom, with her hands on her hips.

Piper huffed, defeated, and went to her bathroom to get ready.

Well, there's the first chapter. I hope it wasn't too bad. Thanks for reading this far again!