Prologue
Alison and Emily hadn't really spoken since the night the four girls had found her and been held at gunpoint by –A. After everything that had happened, the girls rushed Ezra to the hospital and of course, Aria had been at his side. Later that night, Alison and Emily were alone in his waiting room and finally managed to talk. Alison, of course had been her cold self and had pissed off Emily enough for the brunette to drive home and leave Alison to her own devices to figure out where she'd go for help. Alison waited outside on a hospital bench for a couple hours, after managing to buy a new burner phone from a nearby electronic store. A couple hours of freezing on the bench and she decided to stop being so naive and text Emily. To her luck, Emily responded and offered her place on the couch for the night. After Emily came and picked up Alison, they headed back to Emily's house. Emily was kind enough to decide to sleep downstairs on the couch with Alison and watch scary movies.
Alison felt Emily jump and heard the sound of the brunette's phone clattering to the floor. She bent down and picked it up before rolling over on her side to face Emily again. She handed over Emily's phone and instinctively stroked the brunette's arm gently trying to comfort her. "It's only a movie. You okay, Em?" She spoke softly, in her sweet tone that she
Emily chuckled some and took her phone from Alison. "I know. I just get so jumpy, Im used to watching these horror films alone you know?" Emily turned her attention to the screen once more, pulling her own arms beside her, she watched the movie and jumped a couple more times during random parts.
Alison smiled sweetly and nodded. "I know what you mean. Being alone makes me jump at just about every sound I hear at night." Alison admitted, hugging herself tightly and biting her bottom lip. She turned back to the movie and let out a high pitched scream at a really scary part. She looked away from Emily after screaming so loudly, not wanting Emily to comment on her vulnerabilities.
Emily jumped as Alison screamed. She turned to her and then started to laugh. She was just so jumpy that she laughed so hard and didn't seem to care. She wasn't laughing that Alison was scared, or that she had screamed, she just laughed at the fact that the two seemed to be very scared during random parts of the movies.
Alison looked at Emily like she was completely insane at first. She gently gripped her shoulders and tried to get her to calm down. "Em! Em! Clearly you've lost it!" Alison cried out until she too decided that if she couldn't stop Emily, she may as well join in. She smirked, glanced over at the clearly hysterical brunette beside her and giggled, exploding into her own laughing fit, almost falling off the couch from laughing so hard. Alison had no idea why she was laughing really but it felt good to be relaxed enough to actually laugh again.
Emily chuckled for another moment or two before trying to calm down. Tears from laughter had fallen down her cheeks, she wiped them and tickled Ali's waist for only a second. "Its great to see you laugh." She whispered to her, her had hitting her pillow once more, trying to quiet herself down from the random laughing trip.
Alison took in a few deep breaths, trying to stop the hiccups that had started when she'd laughed so hard that her breathing had become irregular. She squealed softly and tried to squirm away from Emily's tickling attack, only to giggle even more when she couldn't get away. She took another deep breath and slowly began to calm down. "I've missed being able to, actually." Alison whispered softly before adding. "Thanks for this, Em."
Emily fixed her hair up and then adjusted the pillows underneath her body. She batted her eyelashes once or twice and then turned to her side to face Alison. "No need to thank me." She whispered and then took a deep breath. She knew the movie wasn't over yet, but she didn't care, she laid there, closing her eyes yet still facing Alison.
Alison met Emily's warm eyes, looking back at the brunette with her piercing blue eyes. She felt Emily's warm sweet breath blow against her face as the girl spoke. She slowly closed her own eyes when she saw that Emily had already done so. She sighed softly and chewed on her bottom lip. "There's a lot I need to thank you for. And a lot I should apologize for..." Alison murmured softly, her mind replaying all the horrid things she'd done to the girls over the years.
"Stop." Emily mumbled. The brunette placed her head over Alison's shoulder and then batted her eyelashes once. "We're all angry, upset.. we're just all confused right now. Either things fall back into place, either they don't. The past doesn't matter anymore." She mumbled under her breath to comfort her before pulling back once more to take the remote to finally start the movie.
Alison relaxed slightly at Emily's kinds words. It made her feel better that Emily was comforting her and not being so distant with her anymore. "I know, Emmy. I just...I never wanted to hurt you. I hope you know that." Alison explained, the majority of her guilt due to how much she's played Emily and used the girl's feelings for her to her advantage. Alison shifted slightly and faced the television once more to start watching the rest of the movie.
"Don't be sorry anymore, I know you are, but the words don't mean anything to me anymore. Just forget the past and try to live in the future. Enjoy whats going on right in front of you." Emily spoke to her, the movie starting to play. It didn't seem like it was a very scary movie therefore she could probably fall asleep while it was still on.
Alison blinked a few times. She was taken aback by how much Emily had grown up. "You've changed so much since I've been gone." Alison whispered, looking at Emily practically in awe. "I'm totally going to sound like a mom and don't make fun of me or I swear I'll smack you with a pillow but I'm proud of you, Em." She smiled sincerely and glanced at the movie, grateful that this one was a lot less scary than the previous one.
Emily narrowed her eyebrows and took Alison's arms in her hands, narrowing her eyebrows even more. "Who are you and what the hell have you done with Alison DiLaurentis." She let out a small chuckle and let go of Alison's arms after a minute.
Alison suddenly felt nervous, as she didn't really like being restrained. "Emily! Come on, you've seen my kind side before. I can't win with you, huh? If I'm a bitch you're mad and if I'm nice, you're confused." She teased the brunette, nudging her playfully once Emily had released her grip on Alison's arms.
Emily chuckled once and licked the top of her lips. She exhaled loudly, practically sighing as she heard Alison's voice while she spoke, a voice that the brunette had missed lately. It was all so shocking that Alison was here in this very moment with them, though she was more than happy to have her stay over, even after their disagreement earlier in the day.
Alison was glad that she still had that effect, to make Emily laugh even when they didn't exactly see eye to eye about everything. She couldn't believe that even though the battles the girls and her faced were far from over, that she was going to come home and be with everyone she loved again. Then, it hit her. Going back to school would be horrid. Emily was right that more people hated and feared her, rather than loving her. She sighed deeply and mumbled. "School is going to be a train wreck."
"It'll be fine. Everyone is going to hate us too anyways. They all think we knew about you being alive all this time." She rolled her eyes and then sat up, turning to face Alison once more. The brunette sighed once. "Maybe we can just take the week off.. my parents are in Texas anyways, we can just stay here and get you emotionally prepared."
Alison nodded slowly. "I like that idea. I still haven't seen my family. Do they even know I'm back yet?" Alison already knew that her mother had known for a while that she was alive. She bit her lip softly, thinking for a moment. "Well you girls will have me around again. I'll give everyone my best death glare if they even think about saying anything." She laughed softly and then sat up a little. "Actually can we go shopping? I'm going to need a better wardrobe than black hoodies and jeans." She smirked and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder.
"Yeah, your typical death glare. I mean people already hate you enough as it is, might as well make more enemies, right?" Emily spoke sarcastically, though shot Alison a wink. "Im not really one for shopping..." She couldn't help but be mesmerized by the blonde's hair and her facial complexions.
Alison rolled her eyes. "I'm pretty sure I haven't got anymore enemies to make. I know I'm not very loved but when have I cared what anyone thinks." She shot Emily a wink of her own. "Still the same old Em. But come on, please? You can even choose things for me and I'll try them on." Alison gave Emily her best puppy dog pleading look, knowing that she could likely get the brunette to agree to come along.
"Nah, no shopping." Emily wasn't going to be convinced this easily. She stretched her body once more over the blankets, as she stretched, her belly button was revealed. The brunette scratched an itch just over her lips before getting up and heading towards the door frame. "Just need to go to the washroom." She hurried to the washroom.
Alison pouted at Emily and nudged her. "God, you've become so stubborn." She sighed softly and gave up the shopping idea for now. "I'll change your mind eventually." She winked at Emily and nodded. "Okay, and speaking of clothes, can I have some pajamas? I didn't think I was staying here, so obviously all my stuff is well probably at the last place I stayed if it hasn't all been thrown out or whatever." Alison shrugged slightly and sat up on the couch, waiting for Emily to return.
"Go in my room and put on whatever fits you." Emily offered as she washed her hands clean. She then walked back to the living room and opened the sofa bed, enough room for two, maybe even three people to sleep on. Emily jumped on and snuggled herself under the blankets, her head over two fluffy duck feather pillows.
Alison laughed softly at the sight of Emily all cuddled up in the covers. "Okay, I won't be long." Alison stood up and headed upstairs. She went into Emily's room and smiled upon seeing that nothing had really changed. She looked in Emily's drawers and found a loose fitting tank top which she slipped on along with a pair of Emily's Rosewood sharks sweats. She quickly washed her face and then headed back downstairs.
"Dont worry." Emily chuckled and closed her eyes, falling into a light sleep. She had been exhausted, ever since Alison came back, she was scared to go to sleep considering she thought she would wake up and Alison would be gone once more.
Alison reached the last step and noticed that Emily had dozed off. She carefully walked over, quite skilled in maneuvering without making a sound. She quickly got into the sofa bed beside Emily and closed her eyes, letting the tension release from her tired muscles.
Emily turned to her side, her face just inches from Alison's. She was breathing warm air over her cheeks, not really aware that she was doing so. The brunette wasnt quite fully asleep yet, though she was tired, she needed to relax, and there isnt a better way to relax than when she was laying down near Alison.
Alison felt Emily's breath, hot on her cheeks. She could feel the close proximity and she wanted to wrap her arms around Emily but she wasn't sure if she should. "Emmy..are you asleep?" She whispered softly, her hand automatically going to Emily's arm to stroke it gently. She was exhausted but she didn't want to sleep just yet. She missed the whispered conversations Emily and her would have just before they fell asleep when they used to have sleepovers before everything got so complicated.
"No.." Emily whispered softly and kept her eyes closed. The brunette gently placed her feet against Alison's feet. She felt a good sort of tension going on between the two, she was close to Alison, and she didn't care. She opened her eyes and looked at Alison, whispering to her. "You okay?"
Alison nodded slowly and whispered back. "Yeah, I think so. I've just missed this a lot." She admitted, suddenly feeling like it was time she'd started to be kinder to Emily. After all, the brunette had rescued her tonight despite her bitchy attitude at the hospital. She smiled softly when she felt Emily's feet brush up against her own. She slowly let one of her arms drape over the brunette's waist.
Emily felt butterflies churn in her stomach. The brunette relaxed comfortable over Alison's arm, her head resting near Alison's elbow. The atmosphere felt great, the air was soft, it had started to rain outside, though it was soft rain, no thunder, no lightning, the doors were locked, the blinds were closed, there was not one inch of doubt in the air, and this was what they both deserved.
Alison felt Emily's muscles relax and she subconsciously pulled the brunette closer to her, enjoying the warmth of Emily's body. It had been a long time since she'd had someone else to fall asleep next to, much less talk to. It felt really good to be beside Emily and to know that the brunette was going to help her get her life back. The sound of the rain drops was a soothing sound and soon Alison let her eyes flutter shut as she too relaxed.
Emily felt the closeness between the two. At the very moment, he wasnt so sure about whether or not she liked the contact, but she knew she could fall asleep being this close to Alison. The brunette was breathing heavily, she was nervous, Alison was close to her, she didn`t want her to leave this time.
Alison felt Emily's breathing pick up and her eyes flew open. She was instantly alert for any danger that was near. She looked over at the brunette and bit her lip nervously. "Emily? What's wrong? What's going on?" Alison whispered nervously. She was always on high alert and she hadn't gotten a chance to get used to the fact that nervousness wasn't always a sign of serious danger.
Emily placed her index finger on Alison's lip and then mumbled ',Shh.'' She opened her eyes and looked at the alert blonde. ''I'm fine, don't worry.'' She mumbled to her and took one deep breath, trying to relax herself. She blinked once and smiled at Alison, removing her index finger from her lips. ''Relax, You're safe.''
Alison smiled softly and took a deep breath once Emily had removed her finger from the blonde's lips. She giggled softly and slowly let herself relax. "Sorry, I'm just so used to having to jump up and disappear at the first sign of anything nearby. I'm not used to being able to just go about my normal life. Normal has become abnormal for me I guess." Alison let out a yawn, both from physical and mental exhaustion.
The brunette poked Alison's nose and giggled once. She then whispered to her. ''You just need to let the normal life come to you.'' She sighed once and then turned around, her back to Alison. She then took Alison's arms and placed them around her own body. ''I'm comfier and can sleep easier when you're here.'' She admitted.
Alison scrunched up her nose cutely and smirked. "Easier said than done, but I'll keep trying." She shifted slightly, getting back into a comfortable position and closed her eyes once again. She didn't pull away when she felt Emily grab her arms. The blonde let the brunette drape her arms over her body. "I don't mind. I sleep better with someone I can trust around too."
''Goodnight.'' Emily whispered to her and then quickly fell asleep. She took soft breaths and slept throughout the night until about 10 am. She woke up her face a few inches from Alison. Alison had let go of her grip on the brunette, though neither of them noticed throughout the night. Emily batted her eyelashes and stretched her body. ''Ali?''
"Goodnight, Emmy." Alison whispered back before drifting off into a deep sleep, finally able to sleep through the night without having to be on high alert. She heard the sound of Emily calling her name and slowly let her eyes flutter open. "Mm, yeah?" She responded in a sleepy voice.
''I dont know. I just got up and it's 10 am. Should we stay up or go back to sleep?'' She asked, a tired tone in her voice. The brunette looked at Alison and then gave her a sweet and innocent smile. Emily's bra was showing, her tank top was revealing her bellybutton, she she didn't notice, nor did she care.
Alison looked Emily up and down once her vision had come into focus after blinking a few times. She noticed how revealing Emily's clothing was, but she didn't say anything. She licked her lips slowly, contemplating Emily's question. Her mouth formed a mischievous smile and she grabbed Emily by her waist, pulling her back down to lay beside her. She smiled sweetly at the brunette. "Let's stay in bed a while longer. I like having someone beside me." She winked playfully at Emily.
Emily looked over at Alison and narrowed her eyebrows. She chuckled softly and then layed back down beside Alison. She nodded and took soft breaths. ''Okay.'' She turned her back on the bed and placed her hand over her bare bellybutton, tracing soft circles on it with her index finger.
Alison looked at Emily's expression and sighed softly. Her smile returned when she heard the brunette's familiar laugh. She glanced over at Emily beside her, noticing what she was doing and gave her a questioning look. But Alison had learned long ago that Emily was self conscious, and she didn't want to hurt her feelings like she always did when she questioned her about silly unimportant things. She moved her feet slightly, letting them brush up against Emily's like the brunette had done to her the night before.
Emily felt her body starting to get butterflies again. She looked at Alison and then sighed, frowning once. ''Don't do this if you're going to leave again...'' She said sadly, though keeping her leg in the same place. She kept stroking her stomach with her finger, shivers trailing down her spine and giving her goosebumps over her tummy.
Alison looked at Emily and absently stroked her leg with her foot. "I told you I wasn't leaving. Hell, I'm probably going to end up in a mental facility for faking my own death." Alison sighed deeply and frowned. She tentatively reached over and placed her hand over Emily's that was still on her bare stomach. "I'm not leaving you alone. I promise, okay?" Alison told the brunette in a sweet but sincere tone.
Emily sighed and then pulled her body away instinctively. She shrugged once and then listened to what Alison had to say. She still had trouble trusting her, and with good cause. She, however, let Alison place her hand over her stomach. ''Don't go anywhere, that,s all...'' She almost wanted to cry, but she held it together.
Alison felt Emily pull away but she couldn't really blame the brunette after everything she'd put her through. She knew she wasn't trusted by any of the girls, but she'd lied and kept secrets to keep them safe. They'd just have to understand that she'd always meant well. "I won't." Alison reassured Emily, hearing her voice break and knowing she was on the brink of tears. "Hey, calm down, okay? I'm here. I'm sure you have a lot of questions. Ask me whatever and I'll try to answer. Would that make you feel better?" The blonde felt bad knowing that she still had the power to make Emily cry so easily.
Emily looked up at her and then sat up in the bed. She hugged her knees and then stood up and plopped down on the bed beside Alison again. ''Can we just get up and drink some coffee, maybe go swimming or something.'' She spoke to her and sigto stall the conversation.
Alison looked back at Emily and sat up straighter. "Yeah, sure we can. I'm starving actually. Do you have anything to eat for breakfast or should we go out somewhere?" Alison asked, standing up and looking around. She tugged Emily's borrowed tank top down, after noticing it had rolled up to reveal her abdomen.
Emily placed her hands on Alison's waist instinctively. She looked at her, feeling mesmerized by her beauty. She couldn't help but look at Alison from head to toe, admiring her pale and soft skin.
Alison felt Emily's eyes on her. She let the girl take her in, knowing Emily had missed seeing her and being near her. She slowly leaned in a little closer, blowing soft warm breath Emily's face, but not saying a word. She was curious to see what Emily would do.
Emily stood up and then walked to the kitchen. She started to brew the coffee, getting out the sugar and milk. She then got out the mug and stuff, calling out Alison's name. ''Ali.. coffee.'' She sat on the top of the counter and got her hed loudly. She wasn't sure what she wanted in this moment, she tried own cup ready, taking a soft sip.
Alison sat back down on the bed, giving Emily time alone. She could smell the scent of coffee in the air and inhaled deeply. She heard her name being called and stood up. The blonde slowly walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Emily's waist from behind. "Boo." She whispered softly, before gently releasing her hold on the brunette's waist.
Emily shrugged when Alison's grip was released from her waist. She then whispered. ''Alison.'' The brunette then picked up her phone and then received a text that made her smile. ''I have to go meet up with a girl later, but you're free to stay here and to make yourself at home.''
Alison rolled her eyes and crossed her arms tightly around her chest. She took a long sip of her coffee and licked her lips slowly. "Guess you found a new friend to kiss, huh?" Alison shrugged her shoulders and set down her coffee mug. "Guess I'll find someone else to keep me company for the day." Alison pulled out her phone and scrolled through her list of contacts, deciding who she'd spend her afternoon with.
Emily narrowed her eyebrows and set her coffee cup on the counter. She looked at Emily and rolled her eyes. ''Hang out.. with what friends.'' She placed her hands on her hips and then walked towards the washroom. ''Don't make me laugh, Ali.'' She closed the bathroom door and washed her face, hands, etc.
Alison glared at Emily's back as she headed to the bathroom. "Just because you've been looking for me the last two years doesn't mean you know everything, Em. I don't have to share all of my life with you. Anyway, you don't have to be so harsh all the time." Alison ran a hand through her hair. She'd wanted to actually have a fun day alone with Emily and talk about things, but already the brunette had something better to do. And it was true, there weren't many people who'd want to see Alison at the moment. Most that did care, she'd already put in danger.
''I'm harsh because I don't trust you, that's all.'' She mumbled and opened the door to walk out of the washroom. She looked over at Alison and grabbed her waist from the doorway and pulled her closely, her lips not even an inch from Alison's. ''I could always cancel my plans and.. stay around.'' She offered, though she wasn't really sure if she would cancel her plans for Alison or not, technically it all depended on how she would react.
Alison closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "I know you don't and I don't blame you but you I could use someone in my corner right now." The blonde bit her lip and nodded slowly. "I was hoping you'd spend the day with me. But...if your girlfriend is waiting, I guess I shouldn't keep you..." Alison looked down at her feet and then back up at Emily. She wasn't used to being the more vulnerable one when it came to Emily, and it felt uncomfortable to her but she was also glad that the brunette had learned to stand up for herself.
Emily lowered one of her hand to Alison's lower back and then kissed the side of her cheek. ''I have no girlfriend.'' She showed Alison her phone, pointing out that she had not received a single text during the morning. ''It's nice to see you share your feelings. I like it.'' Emily leaned a little more into Alison's body, her hand slipping up Alison,s shirt, her palm hitting Alison's bare back.
Alison smiled brightly when she saw that no one had texted Emily. She didn't even care that the girl had made up the story about the text and the other girl. "I should do that more often then." She winked at Emily and leaned in closer to her. She felt a shiver up her spine when Emily's hand hit her bare skin, but she didn't pull away.