"You know we can't keep doing this."

Beth doesn't deny it. She can't; Alison's right, and she knows it. They've been living in secret for too long now, and Beth isn't sure how much longer they can hide it.

It's not enough that they're clones – that alone could spark a shitstorm if it got out – but falling for one of your 'genetic identicals,' as Alison preferred they call themselves, was a whole new level that she knew had to remain between the two of them.

"Do you think we could stop? Do you think this," she said, gesturing between her and Alison, "could just – I can't. I need you, Ali."

Beth hated the desperation in her voice, hated how dependent she had become, but at the same time, she didn't. She didn't – couldn't – hate it.

Alison sat up beside her, holding herself up with one arm as she met Beth's eyes. The secrecy was becoming too much for her. Whenever she went over to Beth's place like tonight, Alison was constantly on edge just waiting for Paul to come home early and catch them or for Donnie to get suspicious and come after her. The worry took away from any peaceful bliss she used to have around Beth, and Alison could tell she felt uneasy too.

It was just one more thing for her to dwell on, one more aspect of her life that could fall to shit at any moment.

And for so long, Alison had held out hope that everything would always work out for the best, but that was before Beth's confidence faltered, before she'd started questioning her optimism.

"I need you," Beth continued, reaching her hand up to Alison's, their fingers twisting themselves together of their own accord. "I can't do this on my own. Emotionally, I mean. I just need you to be here for me." There was that damn desperation again. She searched Alison's eyes, hoping for answers, or reassurance at the very least.

"Always," she whispered back. "I would never leave you."

"I can never stop thinking about what we'd do if someone found out."

"Hasn't happened yet, has it?" A half-smile flickered briefly on Alison's face, eyebrows arching softly. "Why stop now?"

x

A/N: First time trying out writing any other fandom (how exciting). Just a short little drabble to start it off, let me know what you think! This'll probably be continued as a drabble collection, so if you have any requests feel free to leave those in a review.

Title from Team by Lorde.