I do not own OITNB or any of its characters.

Although this is a Piper and Alex fanfic I've always liked the more realistic ones so just as a warning this may well be a slow paced fan fiction. GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT THOUGH :)

The beeping of the alarm clock awoke the sleeping Piper. She looked at it as its red light flashed '6:30am'. Once again she had regretted going out the previous night as now she was feeling slightly hung over. Just as she sat up she felt hot breath again her neck and lips beginning to kiss her. She smiled at this affection and turned round to face Larry who was looking at her lovingly. Seven years they had been together, almost eight. It had been 3 years since she was released from prison and it was from there they got back in touch and began to rekindle their love for one another. It hadn't been easy and Larry had always felt that, although she would never admit it, she had never really forgiven him for breaking it off whilst she was in prison. But none the less here they were, back together and happily so.

Getting up from the bed she made her way to the bathroom to start getting ready for work. Although she now had a lot of activist work that she did regarding women's criminal justice, she still had a part time job working in a toy store in the city. It was fast approaching Christmas time so her boss had asked if she could do some extra hours. She knew that he wouldn't have asked unless he was desperate so she was in no doubt that it was going to be a busy day. An hour later and she was done and walked into the living room where Larry was watching television. Kissing him goodbye she left.

The icy cold air hit her immediately as she stepped outside. It was always in the wintertime that she couldn't forget what had happened 4 years ago in the snowy field of Litchfield Prison. She would remember how she had lost it and beat Pennsatucky, earning herself a few months in SHU. It would then lead her to remember the events that happened once she came out of SHU, memories she had never shared with anyone, not even Larry. Shaking off her thoughts she called a taxi and began her journey.

She arrived at the store at 8am, just on time and was greeted by her colleagues. One in particular, John, a good looking man who was slightly younger than her made his way over to greet her. He just so happened to be the bosses son. Everyone had suspected that John had fancied her but she would continuously deny it. Partly because she wanted to reassure Larry who was often jealous by it and intimidated by the attractive young man. But more so because she did want her ego to get the best of her. The man was tall and sported expensive suits, his eyes were soft and blue and his jaw line was sharp.

'Good morning,' He said in his deep voice, before flashing his perfect white teeth.

'Hello!' She replied cheerfully.

She made her way to the stock room when she heard someone calling after her. She turned around to see her friend, Sarah, calling after her.

'Oh my god Piper, could he want you anymore?!' Was the first thing she said to her.

Piper didn't know what to do apart from laugh. They began there walk to the stock they need to sort out, luckily they had been paired up to work on the same aisles this particular day. While they sorting out the toys they needed, Sarah once again brought up the topic of John.

'I'm not saying that you should do anything with him, I'm just saying he's FIT!' She exclaimed.

'Look, there's no denying he is a good looking man but you know I'm with Larry. We've been through so much together and he loves me. I don't think I could ever hurt him like that.' Piper replied.

'But don't you ever just wonder what it would be like to just start a new with someone else. Back to when everything's so new and exciting. Don't you ever miss not knowing what's going to happen next?'

Piper paused for a minute. Believe it or not she hadn't thought about starting a fresh with anybody else. She had just been grateful to have some that she was secure with. Larry had always been a safety net kind of guy, he was reliable and kind and loving. Something every girl wants in a man. But the cons off this was that often she was bored by this safety. Would it kill him to whisk her away to somewhere exotic once and awhile? Would it be crazy of her to ask him to kiss her like he wouldn't live another day? But that just wasn't Larry, that wasn't their type of relationship. Maybe she just wanted too much. She snapped out of her thoughts.

'I can't say I have.' She finally admitted. But now she couldn't stop.

Finally at 7pm it was the end of her shift. She was exhausted as she went to her locker to get her bag and coat. Just as she was about to leave she felt a hand on her shoulder. She span around to see John looking down on her. He was side smiling at her and his eyes were sexy but at the same time seemed to be smirking. It could be seen as intimidating to some, but not to Piper.

'Do you fancy going to dinner tonight?' He asked in a low tone.

Piper's whole body froze. Did he really just ask that? He knew she had a boyfriend so was it just a friendly gesture? She knew that it couldn't simply be a friendly thing, his body language was suggesting otherwise. She couldn't possibly go though, it would cause tension between her and Larry, it wouldn't be fair. Yet still a part of her was tempted.

'Aw thank you..but I don't think...'

She was interrupted when he gently placed a finger on her lips.

'I'll pick you up at the street down from your house at 8.' He said, and with that he left.

Piper rushed home, her thoughts were racing. She shouldn't have just allow him to leave like that as now she would HAVE to meet him. When she got in Larry was in the kitchen.

'Hey honey! I've made up some dinner.' He called out to her.

Shit.

'Um, Larry, I don't think I'll be staying in tonight. Gonna go have a drink with the girls.' She lied.

To avoid seeing his disappointed reaction she ran upstairs to freshen up and get dressed into something more dinner appropriate. She had no idea what to wear and even less time to think about it. She decided on a pair of tight jeans along with a simple blouse, only casual attire. She then freshened up, straightening her hair and applying some perfume. Picking up her purse and keys and putting on her coat she shouted a goodbye to Larry before walking out the door.

She walked down the street, she was nervous for once and this made her uncomfortable. As she turned the corner she saw John in his suit looking even more dapper than usual, he was leaning against his BMW and a smile creeped across his face as he saw her. Suddenly she felt self conscious and under dressed.

'Hello' He said, looking at her admiringly, whilst opening the door of the car for her. She got in, smiling shyly.

As he got in next to her in the driving seat he put his hand on her leg.

'You look amazing.' He whispered.

Piper felt a pang of guilt hit her because of how much she was affected by the statement. It had been ages since Larry had said anything like that to her. She could feel her heart warm to the words. Without another word they both made their way to the restaurant.

I get that some of you may be like wtf where's the Alex/Piper action, but all in good time guys. Bare with it.