[AN: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or its characters. I'm simply a girl who likes to imagine what happens once the camera cuts away.]
Emily shifted on the bed, settling deeper into Paige's embrace. Her breath shuddered as she tried to keep more tears from spilling from her eyes.
Such pain as this shouldn't have to be experienced.
I'm still reeling from the loss, still a little bit delirious.
She felt Paige press a gentle kiss onto the top of her head and closed her eyes, feeling a warmth spread through her, feeling safe for the first time in months.
Near to you, I am healing, but it's taking so long.
'Cause though she's gone and you are wonderful, it's hard to move on.
Yet, I'm better near to you.
Emily sat up and turned to Paige, locking eyes with her, seeing a mixture of kindness and worry, seeing a strength she hadn't noticed before. She let her eyes roam over Paige's face as if she was seeing it for the first time. Wasn't it barely a year ago they were sitting on the window seat, just three feet away from where they were right now, and the roles were reversed? Wasn't Emily the one drying Paige's tears?
Well, you and I, it's something different and I'm enjoying it cautiously.
I'm battle scarred, I am working oh so hard to get back to who I used to be.
Emily reached out and gently pushed a loose strand of hair behind Paige's ear, letting her hand linger by her smooth, pale neck for a moment. She guided Paige closer and gently pressed her lips against the brunette's. When the kiss ended, Paige leaned her forehead against Emily's. Emily squeezed Paige's hand a little tighter and longer than she intended.
She's disappearing, fading steadily.
And I'm so close to being yours, won't you stay with me...please?
Without letting go of Paige's hand, Emily rolled onto her knees and towards the other end of the bed. She gently tugged Paige's arm, pulling her closer as she rested her head on the pillow, her long, silky hair splayed out on the bed behind her. Paige joined her on the pillow, facing the dark-skinned beauty, fingers still intertwined. Emily looked at her again, this time with pleading in her eyes. "Please don't leave me."
Paige never broke eye contact as she untangled their fingers to put her hand on Emily's face and traced her thumb along her cheek. She spoke gently, but with unwavering confidence. "I'm not going anywhere."
'Cause near to you, I am healing, but it is taking so long.
'Cause though she's gone and you are wonderful, it's hard to move on.
Yet, I'm better near to you. Yeah, I'm better near to you.
A wave of relief washed over Emily and she gave her girlfriend a small smile. Paige wrapped her arms around her and pulled her closer; Emily rested her head on the other girl's chest and felt herself relax into Paige's body. For the past two years, she's had to be so strong all the time. Day after day, she had to stay strong and keep others strong. It felt nice to be able to relax, to let someone else be strong for her. And yet, somehow, she felt stronger here, in Paige's embrace, than she ever had before.
I only know that I am better where you are.
I only know that I am better where you are.
I only know that I belong where you are.
[AN: The song is Near To You by A Fine Frenzy. I took a little creative license with the lyrics to make it more applicable to our Pretty Little Lesbians.]