Enchantments and Betrayal in Rosewood

[Author's Note: I've fucked with the plot some so it's kinda different. Just roll with it kid. Basically the strange connections between Emily and Alison and other pairings has caused some magic in Rosewood. Like legit magic. Oh and there's some other really weird pairings. Hahaha. I'm just gonna do it all. Holla.]

Emily's feet pumped the pedals of her bike as she raced down the road, her heart thudding in her chest. The stars above her twinkled serenely and it was the perfect contrast to the storm inside of the brunette's head. She turned sharply and passed Spencer's house in a blur, coming to a sudden in front of Ali's front porch. She leapt off of the bike, let it hit the ground, not bothering with the kickstand, and raced around to the back yard, only stopping to catch her breath in the last few feet before shooting into the empty space. Alison was there already, sitting on a red plaid blanket, propped up on her arms, her head tilted up to the sky.

"Em," she said calmly, "You didn't have to rush."

The brunette's lips turned into smile as she approached her friend and sat down beside her, her hand outstretched. Alison's fingers laced into Emily's and the two sat in silence.

Do you see Proxima Centari?

Proxima what?

Centari. That's the North Star. It's right there. Emily lifted a tanned arm and pointed at the brightest star in the sky with her free hand.

You're such a nerd Em. I didn't know you liked astronomy.

I do. It's scary thinking about what's out there.

It's even scarier thinking about what's here with us though.

Emily's turned to face Alison and she said aloud, "Why did you want to see me so badly Ali? What's wrong?"

"Everything," the blonde said, lifting her chin to give the impression of being composed. She gave her friend a sad smile and she was aware that the Emily could see the tears twinkling in her eyes, but could do absolutely nothing about it. She took a deep, shaky breath and then leaned her head on Emily's shoulder. I hate it here Em. I want to run away, slip off the radar again.

You can't Ali. You can't leave me. Not now.

Alison closed her eyes and sniffled, willing herself not to cry. I know. I don't think I could bear leaving you again Em. You're the only one who understands me. The only one I truly trust. But I fight the urge every night. She lifted her head again and looked into the brunette's dark irises. You could go with me.

"Ali," Em whispered, and slid her arm around the blonde's shoulders. "You know I can't."

I know. You're family. You've told me.

Not just my family Ali. Spencer too. And Aria. And Hanna. And school.

We could start over. Change our names. Wear disguises. Go to the west coast. You wouldn't have to go to school Em. We could get jobs and live a new life.

Ali…

I'm scared Em.

I know. I know you are. But I'm here. And you know you can call me anytime and I'll be here.

Alison nuzzled her face into Emily's neck and inhaled the scent of her faded perfume. Emily had been asleep when she'd called for her and no wonder- it was after 2 in the morning. But she's awoken right away and rushed to Alison's side nevertheless. If Ali wasn't sleeping over at one of the other girls' houses, she was calling for Emily to be at her side.

Stay with me tonight?

Emily sighed. "Alison. We can't. You know what would happen."

"I don't care Em. I need you."

"How about my Mom and Dad? What happens when they wake up and I'm not at home?"

"So I'll go home with you. And we can sleep in your bed. And you can just tell your mom and dad I got scared in the middle of the night. They know my situation is all messed up. They'll understand." She squeezed Emily's hand. Please Em. Please. She was practically pleading.

Ali. We've had this discussion. We've agreed that you should stay with the others. Not me. It'll just mess everything up.

"Em. I'm begging you. Dad's gone on business. Jason isn't here in town. And I need you. Please."

It was no secret that Emily Fields had feelings for Alison DiLaurentis. And Ali had almost admitted on several occasions that the feelings were mutual. But Emily knew as well as Alison did that acting on their feelings would only make things more of a mess than they already were. And so they fought it. Sitting outside made it easier, with all the open space and possibility of someone walking up at any time. But laying together in bed was too tempting. Their connection was already so strong that the two had developed the ability to telepathically communicate. And Emily actually felt that the more they were around each other, the stronger the power got. Holding Alison's hand made energy surge through her. She couldn't explain it. It was powerful and terrifying and so the two had made rules to keep it from growing. But now Alison was begging and Emily was very quickly losing her capability to resist her.

Just to sleep?

Alison's eyes were troubled and pleading, and she looked at Emily with an intense need for affection. Can we cuddle?

Ali…

Please? Just hold me?

Emily breathed in carefully through her nose and then out through her mouth. She told herself that it would be alright. That she could lay with Ali just like old times and have a sleep over and things would be alright and she wouldn't kiss her. And she almost believed it too. Okay. She stood up and then pulled Alison to her feet. They folded the blanket up and laid it on the back porch and then walked around to the front to get Em's bike.

Just leave it. We can get it tomorrow.

Mom and Dad are going to want to know why it's not out front.

Tell them when I called you crying, you rode out to get me and then walked me back. It's kind of true.

Okay.

XXX