Hello beautiful people! So here is the five year epilogue of Burning Embers! I really enjoyed writing it, because well the writers of Pretty Little Liars frankly drive me insane. I have to admit though Emison in 7x06 had me swooning so hard! They're just so innocent and pure and dear God I just love them (as if you guys couldn't tell, right?). Like why are they not girlfriends yet? No seriously though, why? There's elements from a scene in 7x06 incorporated in this epilogue-so watch out for that!

Ugh I still can't believe we'll have to deal with Paige again soon...and from the looks of things for a good part of 7B too. I understand her coming back to compete with Em for the swim coach job and all that jazz, but like why is she sticking around? Like her only story on the show has been Emily...so why is she still around if Emison is 'rising'? And I use that term lightly because honestly I'm so jilted and so sick of the queer baiting that I can't even believe it when they say good things are coming for Emison. I swear to God though if they try to pull some love triangle bullshit...watch out.

And really why irrelevant characters like Paige (unless she's A.D. or some shit but I highly doubt that) garner screen time, yet Sasha who plays one of the main characters on the damn show (and the entire story behind PLL revolves around Alison and her family) and literally slays every scene she ever does isn't in every episode for the last season is beyond me! Like damn! And for God's sake give Janel some more screen time as well (like Mona drives me nuts, but damn the girl can act!)

Oh and Sara Harvey dying in the shower-y'all it was so beautifully ironic I laughed. I know that makes me a terrible person, but c'mon! And damn you Charlotte being all evil and shit-I made you the frickin hero in Sinus Infection and you gonna do that to me? (P.S. I like my version of Charlotte a lot better)! Jesus will Alison never catch a damn break?! She literally gave her life up for Charlotte only to be stabbed in the back again! Emily just come heal her with your love!

Anyway after that long rant (I would apologize, but I find ranting about PLL oddly therapeutic, so bare with me guys) I hope you all enjoy this epilogue and please let me know what you think! Just to fair warn you though I have a pairing in here that probably no one saw coming and might seem odd at first but I hope I did a decent job crafting it...really it was just another way for me to explore the topic of sexuality.


Burning Embers

Five Year Epilogue

When Alison opened her eyes she couldn't help but let a blissful smile spread across her face at the sight of the two people she loved more than anything in the world before her. Emily was sleeping peacefully with a protective arm wrapped around their four year old son Wayne and it literally melted the blonde's heart.

Sure she loved waking up naked next to her wife, but this was pretty great as well…and luckily Em had already gotten her off before Wayne came into their bedroom last night after he had a nightmare (and thankfully they both had clothes within reach that they could quickly throw on before he crawled into bed between them). Luckily the toddler had been so out of it that he didn't notice how momentarily flustered his moms were. She and Emily had shared knowing smirks before Wayne immediately curled up to Emily's chest. It was his go to move whenever he was frightened and Ali couldn't blame him. Her mermaid had always given off a protective aura and when it came to their little angel Em would do anything to keep him safe (and Ali of course turned into a protective momma bear when need be as well).

They'd adopted Wayne two years ago after they'd been married for a year and a half and it had honestly been the best decision the two of them could have ever made. Ali never thought that she could love anyone as much as she loved Emily, but the first time she'd held Wayne in her arms that assumption was completely disproved. As his chocolate brown eyes (that remarkably resembled her wife's) had gazed into her crystal blue ones and he whispered "momma", Ali fell head over heels (and shed happy tears for a good hour).

It was safe to say that Wayne was the best thing that had ever happened to them. He never ceased to bring a smile to her face on even her most stressful days and his huge heart and sweet demeanor made practically every negative thought the teacher had disappear.

Ali's smile grew as Emily subconsciously pulled Wayne in closer to her. As Alison always suspected her soulmate was a fantastic mother and for the millionth time in her life the blonde thanked her lucky stars that Emily Fields was hers.

Thank God she asked me out on that hiking date five years ago…or else we never would have gotten to this place…so insanely happy that it honest to God takes my breath away.

Given that it was Saturday she knew she had a good hour before Emily and Wayne even stirred out of their slumber. Ali thought about just staying in bed and staring at them in complete adoration, but she decided making a nice breakfast would be the perfect start to the day. She and Emily both had hellacious weeks and really the two loves of her life deserved nothing but the best. Plus there was a phone call she really needed to make…

Grabbing her iPhone and earbuds off her bedside table Alison lazily padded her way into the hallway and stretched as she walked towards the living room of her and Emily's upscale Philadelphia home. They'd lived here since they got married and the teacher felt like she was living in a dream every morning when she took in the vaulted ceilings and warm ambiance of the space.

Initially Ali had been hesitant about buying the house because it was a little out of their price range, but Emily had looked at her with those puppy dog eyes that she just couldn't refuse and before she knew it they were placing an offer. And really it was the perfect place for her and Emily to start fresh and raise a family…it just took Alison a little while to come to grips with that.

Having to be more fiscally responsible because she'd lost everything after she'd married Elliot (and dear God she still can't believe that she ever even went out with that psychopath), Alison had spent hours crunching the numbers and it took a lot of reassurance from her soon to be wife at the time that they'd be fine. Alison had just accepted a position as the head of the English department at a private school in Philadelphia that would provide her with a much higher salary than she'd ever hope to make at Rosewood High (not to mention the freedom to develop a curriculum that would actually benefit her students). And Emily was quickly turning into a brilliant investor in her job at the Carissimi group working alongside Jason. So really they would be fine it just scared the blonde that initially they'd be in further debt than they originally anticipated.

But as she made her way out onto the deck that overlooked their large backyard and swimming pool, Ali smirked. As was often the case Emily Fields was right.

That's why she's your better half…God, I love her…with my entire being…Lord, I've been awake for all of ten minutes and already Emily has a dopey smile spreading across my face.

The teacher leaned against the deck railing and got her earbuds situated before she hit the green call button on the contact name her thumb was hovering above.

The phone rang a few times before a grumbled, "Hello?" filtered out.

Ali shook her head as she teased, "Jeez Han, you sound like you're dead…"

"I might as well be with you calling at such an ungodly hour…" The feisty blonde annoyingly responded.

Alison did a double take to check the time on her phone as she reasoned, "It's 9:30 am. That's not that early…"

"Hmmm are your wife and son awake Alison?" She knew Hanna was probably burrowing her head underneath her pillow and comforters as they spoke given the amount of rustling that was occurring from her end. That image alone made Ali smile.

The teacher chuckled as she amusedly answered, "No…"

The designer groaned, "So then why the hell am I?"

"Because Hanna Marin I wanted to make sure you were coming out with us tonight," Emily had been looking forward to this girl's night for weeks and Alison knew it would deeply sadden her mermaid if her best friend wasn't there. Sure Emily loved Spencer and Aria fiercely (but there was just something special between her and Hanna). It was rare that the five of them could even get together anymore because of their crazy schedules. Spencer was always in session for Congress in Washington D.C. as the youngest United States Representative to ever be elected from Pennsylvania. Aria was always on a book tour or editing a draft of her and Ezra's latest novel (not to mention the fact that she was also pregnant with their first child). And Hanna had literally taken over the fashion world once she could pour all of her heart and effort into her designs after everything settled with A.D. and she cut ties with both Jordan and Caleb.

"It won't be Marin for much longer…" Hanna cheekily chimed and Ali giggled. The designer's wedding was less than two months away in Rome of all places and to say she was excited was beyond an understatement.

"So you are taking her last name?" The teacher arched a perfect eyebrow in skepticism because Hanna literally changed her mind every other day on whether or not she was sticking with Marin, taking Johnson, or hyphenating them.

"Well I want the entire world to know she's mine and I'm hers…so probably," She could hear the smile in Hanna's voice despite her tiredness and it made Ali's heart flutter. Brittany and Hanna were literally perfect for one another-both global superstars in their respective industries with hearts of gold. When she'd asked God to find her amazing ex-girlfriend someone who could love her with their entire being, she had no idea that the answer would come in the form of another strikingly beautiful blonde from Rosewood. Ali had noticed the instant spark between the two when they'd met almost five years ago outside the Rosewood Police Department of all places and she'd even predicted where they'd eventually end up...


Alison lifted her head from Emily's chest but remained in her mermaid's embrace as she looked towards her ex with sheer appreciation. Brittany was leaning against the light pole outside the police department furiously typing away on her iPhone looking oh so cool-literally oozing off swagger. No wonder every woman in the world literally turned gay for her…not like the basketball star even noticed though…She made every female bi-curious effortlessly-including Spencer and Aria who were damn near drooling as they stood next to Ali and Emily. Jesus Toby and Ezra might need to watch out…

"Thank you so much, Brittany. Seriously I can't even explain-"

"Ali would you stop, please?" Britt playfully groaned out as she briefly looked up and explained, "It's unnecessary, okay? Your friend got wrongfully charged with murder…I'm just glad I could help."

Brittany was always so nonchalant when people praised her. Jesus if only she knew how much she was literally saving all of our asses right now…

When Hanna got arrested two days ago and charged with vehicular manslaughter Ali didn't know where to turn or what to do as she, Emily, Spencer, and Aria all desperately tried to reason with the police and explain how everything they'd done was in self-defense. A.D. had of course tampered with all of the evidence though and made it look like the five of them were guilty of all sorts of shit they'd never even heard of. She felt herself spiraling and the last time she'd felt like that she'd married Elliot…not wanting to do anything desperate and needing to be grounded she called Brittany immediately.

"Besides what good are super rich ex-girlfriends if they can't lend you bail money once in a while?"

Brittany flashed her that award winning smile that got the athlete her endorsement deal with Colgate as she made her way over towards the four of them.

Emily let out a quiet laugh and Ali turned her head so she could gaze up at her breathtaking girlfriend. Initially the teacher had been worried that the swimmer would get jealous of her reaching out to Brittany for help (their relationship was only two months old after all), but her girl seemed to realize how special of a place the basketball star held in Ali's heart and also amazingly understood that the blonde no longer harbored romantic feelings for her ex (even if she was perfect). And let's be real after declaring her love for Emily Fields, Alison DiLaurentis never planned on being with anyone else ever again. They were soulmates and nothing else would ever measure up.

When Emily leaned down to capture her lips in a chaste kiss, Alison smiled like the love sick fool she was. She wanted to deepen the kiss but out of respect for her ex Alison restrained herself and gently pulled away. Because sure Britt might have been happy for her finally being in a relationship with Emily, but the teacher doubts she wanted to see the couple making out two feet away from her.

Burrowing back into Emily's chest Ali let out a content sigh when the taller woman kissed the crown of her head and whispered so only she could hear, "I love you so much, Ali."

Responding in just as intimate of a tone, the teacher echoed, "I love you too, Em."

"So…you really think your lawyer's going to be able to get the charges dropped against Hanna?" Spencer's concerned voice draws Alison out of her Emily day dream. Leave it to the brainy brunette to need to know every detail.

"Reggie? Oh hell yeah. He's a total shark. Not to mention he's ex-CIA and has loads of evidence that everything the five of you ever did that was technically criminal was provoked by A.D."

"How was he able to put all that together in two days?" Aria asked disbelievingly and honestly Ali was a little perplexed too. She knew Brittany's lawyer/body guard was brilliant and could throw a case together on literally zero time, but still gathering enough evidence to get all of them off the hook Scott-free after everything they've done?

Brittany shyly looked down as she revealed, "Um…I asked Reggie to start looking into things after I visited Ali two months ago."

That caught the blonde's attention and she asked sharper than she intended to, "What?"

But knowing her so completely Brittany knew she wasn't being accusatory and just calmly stated, "After everything you told me Elliot did to you in Welby…did you really think I could just walk away Ali? We may not be together anymore, but that doesn't mean I stopped caring…"

For the millionth time in her life Alison was blown away by Brittany's sheer goodness. God whoever she ended up with would be one lucky woman…

Before she could respond to the person who had helped her so damn much a booming voice enveloped the space around them, "And Lieutenant Tanner if you or anyone in your department ever even thinks about coming after Hanna, Spencer, Aria, Emily, or Alison again about any of this shit, I will be representing them and you will be sorry!"

Ali had never seen Lieutenant Tanner look so small. The usually confident police woman who oozed annoying bravado looked like her soul had been snatched as she stood on the steps of the police station next to an enraged Reggie.

"Oh and you are so damn lucky that my boss has the Olympics and a new Nike campaign to focus on or I'd be burying your ass in so many lawsuits you'd never see the light of day where you could peacefully walk the streets!" There was literally smoke pouring out of Reggie's ears and Ali understood now why Brittany had him on her payroll-no one would take advantage of the kind hearted athlete during negotiations with the strong willed Harlem native by her side.

"Now if you'll excuse me Lieutenant I have an innocent woman to return to her friends," With that Reggie stepped past Tanner one last time and opened up the door for a much happier looking Hanna and Ashley Marin (Momma Marin had insisted on being there every step of the process after her baby girl got unlawfully arrested two days ago-she stayed at the police station in protest).

Hanna hadn't even made it to the bottom step before Alison, Emily, Spencer, and Aria were all enveloping her in a tight hug. Ali had been waiting for this moment since she was fourteen. The –A game was really over and all five of them were alive and not going to prison. Plus she was openly in love with Emily Fields. Life really was beautiful.

She could hear Ashley in the background profusely thanking Brittany and Reggie once again who both acted like what they had done was no big deal.

The five friends lost track of time as they stayed wrapped in their embrace.

"My mom's making a huge dinner tonight and you guys are all coming!" Hanna all but demanded some time later and the other four girls laughed. They had definitely missed the feisty blonde's bluntness during the last forty eight hours.

"There's nowhere we'd rather be, Han," Emily answered a few seconds later for all of them.

When they finally broke apart so they could begin walking back to Ashley's house, Hanna abruptly stopped a few paces into their trek.

Before Spencer could even inquire what the hell Hanna was doing, the designer was striding over towards Brittany who was finalizing details with Reggie regarding the upcoming summer Olympics in Tokyo.

When the basketball superstar noticed Hanna standing in front of her she offered that warm smile that made everyone in America fall more and more in love with her.

"Hi Hanna, we haven't officially met, but I'm Britta-"

Before Alison's ex could finish her sentence, Hanna was hugging her tightly. Surprise was written all over Brittany's face as she loosely wrapped her arms around the newly freed blonde. Given their almost ten inch height difference, Hanna's head fit perfectly under Brittany's chin. And Ali had to admit they kind of looked adorable as they both relished in the embrace.

The teacher could tell that Brittany was instantly attracted to Hanna, and who could blame her? For God's sake the designer was practically Alison's twin. And Ali swears Hanna was inexplicably drawn towards the athlete for far more than appreciation…

"You don't even know me and you literally saved my life. Why would you do that?" Hanna muttered out a few moments later.

Britt let out a quiet chuckle, "I know you're a good person and you needed help. It was kind of a no brainer…"

Hanna lifted her head so she could search Brittany's soulful blue eyes, not believing that someone like her existed.

"That's so sweet. Thank you so much," The sincerity in Hanna's voice was enough to make Aria let out an "aww". Lord, she really was a hopeless romantic.

"Oh yeah, you're welcome." Brittany blushed and Alison smiled. This could definitely get interesting…

"Well since you're basically my knight in shining armor you have to come to dinner tonight. My mom's going all out…" Hanna's confidence was oozing out and Emily giggled in Alison's ear. Can she see what's happening too?

"I'd really like that," Brittany truthfully answered a few seconds later and the designer beamed up at her.

"Great!" The four of them all shared glances. They hadn't seen Hanna look this happy since her glory days with Caleb.

"I'll see you soon then."

Ali could tell that neither woman wanted to let the other go as they lingered in the hug. Okay, they're already becoming too cute to handle.

When Hanna finally did move out of the protective hold (and Ali knew just how comforting Brittany's arms could be-they literally washed away all your insecurities and fears), she suddenly turned back and kissed Brittany on the cheek, which made the basketball great flush even harder.

"Okay, what just happened?" Aria whispered as Hanna literally floated back over towards them as she bashfully cast her head down and shyly looked back over her shoulder.

Bringing her and Emily's joined hands up to her lips so she could place a gentle kiss on the tantalizing tan skin, Ali turned towards Aria and knowingly declared, "Hanna just fell in love."


Alison laughed as she answered the brilliant designer, "I don't think you have to worry about that, Han. The whole world knows how in love you two are." And it was true given their celebrity statuses Hanna and Brittany had tens of millions of followers each on all of their social media platforms and needless to say 99% of the time they were posting about each other.

"Well excuse me for talking about my amazing fiancé whenever I get the chance! And if I recall Mrs. DiLaurentis-Fields you do the same damn thing!"

Alison let out a boastful laugh. Jesus, if that wasn't the truth. She literally talked about Emily and Wayne whenever she could. The other teachers at school probably found her so annoying, but she didn't give a fuck. The way she looked at it, she paid her dues while she was a teenager and young adult to live this amazing life now. And really why should she have to apologize for that?

"Ali…" Hanna quietly began and the teacher could hear the serious underline to her tone.

"Yeah, Han?" Alison subtly encouraged. Over the years she and Hanna worked diligently to repair their friendship and she hoped the designer knew that she could tell her anything.

"Do you ever just question if you're actually living the life you're living? Like if it's really real because it's so amazing and you just can't believe it?"

Alison waited a moment before she honestly responded, "Every single day."

And it was true every time she looked at Emily or Wayne she thanked every higher power in existence that she had them.

Hanna groaned and Alison heard more rustling. The feisty blonde obviously realizing that she wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep and deciding to just get up for the day.

"God, Ali we used to be two of the toughest bitches around and now we've turned into total saps."

Ali smiled as she bit her bottom lip, "Kind beautiful brunettes do that to you."


Alison was just finishing up the chocolate chip pancakes (Wayne's favorite of course) when two tanned toned arms wrapped around her from behind. She leaned back into Emily's gentle embrace and giggled as the brunette placed feather lite kisses along her neck. Damn you Fields-you know how sensitive I am.

Emily breathed her in for a few moments before she mumbled out, "Good morning, beautiful. Everything looks terrific. Thank you, Ali."

The blonde smirked. Everything did look damn tasty-the scrambled eggs, hash browns, chocolate chip pancakes, and of course coffee. No matter how chaotic their lives became, Alison refused to let her skills in the kitchen falter.

Tilting her head back so she could kiss Emily's always tempting lips that she craved more than anything, Ali responded, "You're welcome, love. I figured after your rough week you could use a good breakfast."

Emily offered her one last appreciative squeeze before she moved over towards the cabinet above the coffee maker and grabbed a mug to pour herself a generous serving. The teacher smiled when she realized what mug her wife had grabbed. It was white with a painting of the Eiffel Tower on it. They'd gotten it on their honeymoon in Paris after Alison had to literally drag Emily out of their hotel room so they could explore the city. The swimmer had claimed that all she wanted to explore was Alison's body, but for the love of God it was their fourth day in the city of love and all they'd managed to do was orgasm over and over again. And it's not like they could exactly take pictures of that to show everyone back home. What in the hell would Alison's new mother-in-law have thought?

"I'm just thankful that I don't have to see your brother for two days."

Emily's annoyed tone brought Alison out of her thoughts as she lightly chuckled, "How come when you're annoyed with him he's my brother, but when you're getting alone he's just Jas?"

Emily gave her an unamused expression as she settled into a seat at the breakfast bar and took her first sip of coffee.

"What did he do anyway?" Emily had been irritated with Jason all week, but she never went into the specifics of why.

Her wife annoyingly huffed out as she ran a frustrated hand through her tousled (yet still beautiful) hair, "He's just…he's just been riding me a lot harder than usual and I don't know why." Alison do not let your mind wander to you being the only one who can ride Emily…well shit, that was short lived. Stop it, Ali! Listen to your wife! "Like I make more money for the Carissimi group than almost every other associate combined, but Jason feels the need to constantly call me into his office and make a scene in front of everyone."

Ali reached across the breakfast bar and held Emily's hand supportively, "Do you want me to talk to him? Sometimes Jason just needs a good kick in the ass."

She loved her brother she really did, but occasionally he was the complete manifestation of Kenneth and he didn't even realize it.

Emily ran her thumb over Alison's knuckles, "I don't want Jason to think I can't handle things…"

Ali waited until chocolate brown eyes met her own before she explained, "Em, you are doing amazing, baby. Jason just needs to be reminded of how much of an asset you are to the company."

Emily offered her a knowing smile, "You just want to bitch him out…"

Alison smirked, "Well I'm not gonna lie…I do enjoy it."

Her wife just shook her head, "God, I love you."

Ali leaned across the breakfast bar so she could place a chaste kiss on Emily's lips, "I love you, too."

Seconds later Wayne walked into the kitchen rubbing his brown eyes, obviously trying to wake himself up and mumbled out through a yawn, "Good morning, momma."

Ali crouched down so she could offer the toddler a hug and bring him into her arms, "Good morning, my beautiful boy."

A few moments later as Wayne became aware of his surroundings he excitedly yelled out, "Oh my gosh! You made chocolate chip pancakes?! Momma you're the best!"

"Well I do try…" Ali feigned innocence as Wayne squirmed in sheer anticipation in her arms.

"No momma you are!" Her son adorably argued, "I tell everyone at preschool that no one's better in the kitchen than my momma!"

Setting Wayne down in the chair next to Emily so he wouldn't get injured, Ali began bringing over the breakfast she'd prepared.

Once she was finished and sitting down on the other side of Wayne the adorable toddler turned to her and inquired, "Do you know what mom told Aunt Hanna once, momma?"

"No, what?"

An amused expression spread over Wayne's face as he chuckled, "That no one's better than you in the bedroom!"

Alison felt her cheeks flush as she glared at Emily, who was looking everywhere but her right now. Their son had heard her wife say that?!

"But I didn't know what that meant, because don't you just sleep in the bedroom?"

Emily finally met her gaze and mouthed, "Whoops," and Ali couldn't help but let her glare transform into a soft expression. Her wife was just too cute, especially when she sported that innocent smile. Alison shook her head, Jesus she literally couldn't stay mad at her for two seconds.

Seemingly unfazed by the slight tension that had briefly entered their kitchen Wayne asked a few moments later through a mouthful of chocolate chip pancakes, "Is Grandma watching me tonight because you have girl's night?"

Alison and Emily both adoringly laughed at their son's puffed out cheeks before Ali ruffled his brown hair and answered, "Yes, you and Grandma Pam will have the house all to yourselves."

Wayne did a little happy dance in his chair, "Yay! I love Grandma!"

Ali smiled at the toddler, Pam Fields was seriously the best and the relationship she had with their son was one of the sweetest things the blonde had ever witnessed. Given her nonexistent relationship with Kenneth, Alison was glad that Wayne had at least one phenomenal grandparent. In a perfect world Emily's dad and Alison's mom would also be around to see Wayne grow up, but given that that wasn't exactly possible, she felt blessed that Pam was at least involved in their lives. And well she wasn't just involved, she was there for everything…which is exactly what Alison wanted.


"Mom, there's actually something kind of major that Ali and I have to tell you…" Emily began and she could hardly contain her excitement as she grabbed Alison's hand underneath the table at the downtown Philly restaurant they were at.

Pam gave her daughter a worried look, "What is it sweetie?"

"Well…" Alison took over when she noticed her wife literally couldn't get any words out of her mouth because she was smiling so widely.

"Em and I have been talking about taking that next step in our marriage for a while now…"

Pam's eyes were beginning to water and she placed a trembling hand over her mouth as the teacher continued,

"So…we put our name on these different adoption agency lists because usually it takes a really long time to hear back, but everything just got finalized this week and…"

Alison reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of their adorable future son and handed it to her mother-in-law across the table.

"We'd like you to meet your future grandson." Alison couldn't keep the emotions out of her voice, because she couldn't believe that she was going to be a mom. That she and Emily were going to be parents together. It was just so unbelievably perfect.

"Oh my God," Pam's voice was shaking as she reverently traced a finger over Wayne's picture, "He's so beautiful."

Alison wiped the happy tears that were rolling down her cheeks and she sighed contently when Emily pulled her into her side and kissed her temple.

"What's his name?" Pam smiled through her tears and Ali doesn't think she's ever seen the elder Fields woman look so happy.

Emily cleared her throat as she met her mother's gaze and Ali rested her head in the crook of her neck-it was definitely the blonde's safe place, "Well he was called baby boy Joe at the agency because his birth parents gave him up for adoption as soon as he was born and he was bounced around from foster home to foster home…"

A pained look flashed over Pam's usually calm brown eyes as she realized how rough of a start her future grandson had in life. That knowledge only made Alison and Emily more determined than ever to provide Wayne with the best home possible. Sure they wouldn't be perfect parents by any means, but they were already so in love with the little boy and honestly wasn't that the most important component of being a parent-loving your child unconditionally? Wayne and Pam loved Emily unconditionally and that's honestly why she had grown into the amazing woman she is today.

"So Ali and I actually got to pick his name…" Emily drug out and Ali could see Pam literally bursting at the seams in anticipation.

"And um we decided to name him Wayne DiLaurentis Fields…after dad."

Pam couldn't get up from her end of the table fast enough to envelope both of them in a bone crushing hug.

More tears streaked down her cheeks as she burrowed into the two of them after they both got up to embrace her better and declared, "I love you both so much."

Turning her full attention towards Emily, Pam lightly held her mermaid's cheeks and uttered, "My God, sweetie…Dad would be so honored."

Now Emily was crying even harder as she squeaked out, "I love you, mom."

Pam smiled up at her and echoed, "I love you too, Emmy…But I hope you realize that I'm going to be that overbearing grandmother who spoils your son senseless and is at every single soccer game, school play, art show, swim meet…"

As Pam trailed off they all laughed.

After a few moments Ali earnestly stated, "We want you there, Pam. We want you there for everything."


"Something told me it was over…yeah…when I saw you and her talking…"

Alison smiled as the Etta James' classic "I'd Rather Go Blind" spread through their Toyota Rav-4 as they drove through the streets of Philadelphia to meet the other girls for dinner in comfortable silence.

Emily reached over and grabbed her hand interlocking their fingers as she revealed a few measures later, "I love this song."

"I would rather…I would rather go blind, boy…Than to see you walk away from me, child."

Her wife looked simply mesmerizing in her tight black dress that had a pretty generous neck line and the teacher had to remind herself to breathe.

Alison found herself drowning in Emily's soulful brown eyes as she shyly stated, "It um…always reminded me of you…of us really."

"So you see I love you so much, that I don't want to watch you leave me, baby…Most of all, I just don't, I just don't want to be set free, no."

Emily offered her an encouraging smile as she inquired, "Why's that?"

"Because…it always killed me to see you be with someone else…it didn't matter who it was…my heart cracked every time."

"Ali…"

"And I never thought that I would ever be with you…"

And it was true. She and Emily had let insecurities, betrayal, boyfriends, girlfriends, and psychopaths-everything imaginable stand in the way of them being together. Five years ago she thought she didn't stand a chance in hell…

Ali lightly shook her head in amazement as she cast her eyes down, "Yet here we are married and we have Wayne and I just…can't believe it."

Emily squeezed her hand and said in such a tender tone that Alison had to look at her, "I pinch myself every morning…because I can't believe it either, Ali."

The teacher knew the brunette was driving and shouldn't be distracted, but she couldn't resist and leaned across the center console so she could kiss Emily's cheek, "I love you, Emily Fields."

"And I love you, Alison Fields."


"How often do you guys have sex?" Spencer inquired out of the blue half way through their meal and Emily damn near choked on her linguine.

Aria look petrified, Ali just stared at the congresswoman in utter disbelief, and Hanna sputtered as she tried not to choke on her wine.

"Jesus Christ Spence, give me a warning next time you're going to ask something like that! I just spit out my pinot!" Hanna chastised and the designer's bluntness seemed to snap the others out of their daze.

Finally Aria turned towards their friend and compassionately asked, "Spence, where's this coming from?"

Spencer ran a frustrated hand through her long brown hair as she huffed out, "It's just been a while…"

"How long's a while?" Aria tentatively asked.

Spencer looked down at her plate as she quietly answered, "Four months…"

And true to form Hanna literally had no filter, "Holy shit…"

Emily loved her blonde best friend, but when Brittany wasn't around she literally said any and everything. And it wasn't like the basketball star held her back in any way she just brought out Hanna's sweet sensitive side with her presence.

Seeming to catch how insensitive her remark would be to Spencer, Hanna immediately apologized, "Sorry Spencer…that just slipped out."

Spencer waved her hand dismissively, "No, it's okay, Han." Painfully nodding the brilliant brunette heavily sighed, "But I guess that answers my question…"

"Every couple's different." Aria pipped up after an awkward minute of silence.

Emily knew that her and Ali's sex life was pretty great and dear Lord the way Hanna talked about hers the brunette knew the designer was satisfied…so the three of them were really going to struggle to relate to their distressed friend. She was hoping Aria could offer some words of encouragement.

"I mean sometimes Ezra and I go through a dry spell…especially now with me being pregnant my hormones are all over the place. Sometimes everything he does pisses me off to no end and I don't even want him to touch me for two weeks…"

Spencer offered the tiny brunette a grateful smile and Emily could feel Aria boring holes into the side of her face, waiting for some back up on the issue, but c'mon she and Ali went three days at most without making love. God, that's why they showered together after Wayne fell asleep most nights…that way even if they didn't have sex they could still feel each other.

"Yeah Spence, you know since Ali and I have Wayne we can't always have sex when we want to…" The brunette took a sip of her wine hoping to cover up her little white lie.

Please, please believe that line of shit.

She could see Alison arch an eyebrow in her direction and Emily was silently begging her wife to just roll with it…

"Yeah...sometimes other things just take priority." Her blonde beauty finally confirmed and Emily offered her a grateful smile. They both shared a suggestive look knowing in reality they had no trouble in this department…it didn't matter what was going on in their lives they always made time for that.

"You know I think sex is just easier when you're with a woman," Hanna began to reason and Emily groaned because Lord knows where her best friend was going with this…

"You don't have to fumble with a penis…" Aria and Spencer blanched at the designer's nonchalant use of the word before a devilish smile spread across Hanna's pristine face, "All you need are some skilled fingers and a talented tongue."

Oh dear God…leave it to Hanna to make this even more awkward! But she did have a point…

"Han!" Aria looked like she'd just walked in on her parents doing the deed, "Please I love your fiancé. She's so sweet and pure…and I really don't want to think about her like that!"

"Oh please shorty! I know you've had sex dreams about my future wife," The deep red that spread across Aria's cheeks did nothing but confirm Hanna's claim, "And hey I don't blame you-she's gorgeous and has a heart of gold…God, I can't wait to marry her," Hanna momentarily got distracted as her mind wandered to her upcoming wedding in Rome before she shook her head and smirked, "But basically Brittany's shy on the streets, sexy in the sheets."

Emily flushed as she thought back to that lunch period almost fourteen years ago when Ali had used those exact words to describe her.

"I know someone like that…" Emily thought she was hearing things as the suggestive words left Alison's mouth and that DiLaurentis grin spread across her wife's face.

Hanna let out a hearty laugh from across the table and high fived Ali.

Emily wanted to shrink into her chair or crawl underneath the table in embarrassment. She loved that she pleased her wife so much, but did the others really need to know that?

"Just out of curiosity…" Aria tentatively began before she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and directed the question to Emily, Alison, and Hanna, "Do you guys ever use like…you know…toys or anything?"

Hanna scoffed, "Hell no!" before she turned to Aria and wiggled her perfectly sculpted eyebrows, "Britt and I don't need them."

Jesus, Hanna really was too much sometimes. Emily found it mildly ironic that her wife and Hanna were so similar in personality-bold, brazen, strong willed-while the brunette and Brittany were very much alike-confident but more reserved in their approach. We really are the yin to Hanna and Ali's yang.

Aria looked expectantly towards Emily and Alison next and the brunette damn near died when her wife purred out, "We don't need them either."

"Okay! Okay! Moving past all of that…" Emily desperately wanted to change the course of this conversation and as Ali grabbed her hand under the table in apology she turned her attention towards Spencer who looked so incredibly sad, "Spence, what's going on with you and Toby?"

After a moment, Spencer took a deep breath and finally let out what had been weighing so heavily on her shoulders, "It's just been really hard." The shake in Spencer's voice led Aria to place a supportive arm around her shoulders. "I'm always in D.C. because Congress is in session and when I'm back in Rosewood all I'm thinking about are all the bills I want to introduce and all the problems my constituents are facing. And I just feel like Toby resents me…because I'm either not around or my mind's somewhere else…What kind of a wife does that?" The other four shared glances as the brilliant woman hollowed out, "I'm scared that I'm going to lose him…"

A lone tear cascaded down Spencer's cheek and Emily felt her heart clench in her chest. She knew how much Spencer loved Toby, but also how committed she was to her job and the people she served.

After a few quiet moments as Aria and Ali who were sitting closest to Spencer tried to comfort her, Emily hedged out, "Spence, Toby doesn't resent you…"

"How could he not, Emily?" There was so much pain swirling in Spencer's brown eyes and Emily wished there was a way she could make the representative understand.

"When he was with Yvonne she was there all the time supporting him and I'm not. I'm not her…"

"And thank God for that Spencer!" The brunette earnestly proclaimed and she really hoped Spencer heard her as she pointed out, "Toby married you Spence because he loves every facet of your being and there's no one else he could image spending the rest of his life with." Emily paused so her stubborn friend could let her words really sink in, "He loves how driven you are and how committed you are to being the best congresswoman ever. He just wants to be there for you, Spence. He wants you to let him take care of you once in a while, because he can see how exhausted you are and how quickly your mind's always racing…He just wants to be your husband."

Spencer wiped the tears that were cascading down her cheeks as she croaked out, "Did he tell you all that?"

Emily smiled at her friend as she thought about the conversation she'd had with Toby over lunch a few days ago, "Well, I might have paraphrased a little…but the sentiment's the same."

"Spence, I'm going to tell you what I have to tell Brittany constantly, because you know she thinks she can eradicate every single type of injustice in the world…" Hanna trailed off and they all chuckled because it was so true. On top of being one of the world's greatest athletes with loads of endorsement deals, Brittany was an activist through and through. And Emily knew how much being with Hanna helped the basketball great keep things in perspective. Jesus, they really are perfect for each other.

Reaching across the table so she could hold Spencer's hand, Hanna soothingly recited, "Babe, you're not going to save the world and that's okay. That's okay because you existing and doing what you love already does so much good. More than you even realize."

"I love you, guys." Spencer declared a few moments later and four choruses of 'We love you too,' rang out before they all turned back to their long forgotten meals. Whoops. Yup Emily's linguine would definitely be cold.

But as Alison's hand returned to hers under the table, Emily smiled. She believed Spencer and Toby would be fine and sort through their issues, but she was just so grateful that she had Ali. That she got to come home to her wife and Wayne every single night. It was a luxury she didn't take for granted. Her pasta might have turned cold, but her heart was so very warm.


"All I know is the next time we all get together better not be at my wedding, bitches." Hanna deadpanned as the five of them made it out to the parking lot of the downtown Philly restaurant. Alison smirked as she leaned further into Emily's side. Nice tact Marin…soon to be Johnson. Some things never change.

"You're the one who's constantly overseas Han…" Spencer pointed out as she lightheartedly chuckled.

"Hey, it's not as bad as it used to be." The designer argued as she playfully bumped into Spencer with her hip, "At least Brittany plays in the WNBA now for the New York Liberty instead of doing club basketball in Europe…" Spencer threw her hands up in defeat as Hanna continued to stress, "And the only reason we go overseas is for fashion purposes…well and you know the Olympics and all that jazz."

Alison smiled. When her ex had decided to sign with the professional New York franchise (despite the massive pay cut) three years ago she knew how serious the basketball great was about making things work with Hanna, whose career was centered in the Big Apple.


"So wait, you're not going to play overseas anymore?" To say Alison was shocked would be a vast understatement, "Aren't you taking like a huge pay cut?"

They were standing outside on Brittany's deck at her huge estate in New York during a Sunday cookout. Hanna, Spencer, Toby, Aria, Ezra, Emily, and Alison were all there. They'd all become friends after Brittany (and Reggie) literally saved their asses following the whole A.D. debacle two years ago.

And Ali was so glad that Brittany had become one of her best friends after everything. Their transition from head over heels in love girlfriends to basically strangers to trusted confidants was bumpy, but so very worth it. Plus with Hanna and Brittany now dating, the ex's were inevitably going to be in each other's lives.

"Ali, I don't need the money…plus I'm bringing in so much from endorsements that it really doesn't matter…" Brittany explained as she took a sip of her coffee and that's when Ali realized.

"Oh my God, you're doing this for Hanna. You're completely in love with her…"

Brittany's blue eyes landed on the designer who was arguing with Emily about some trivial matter in the swimming pool.

Looking back to Alison who was now standing right next to her, Brittany softly declared, "With my entire being…"

The teacher looped her arm through Brittany's muscular one and leaned her head on her shoulder.

A few moments later the basketball superstar professed, "She's my soulmate, Ali."

Ali squeezed Brittany's arm in agreement before she revealed, "I know…I called it the day you two met. I'm so happy for you, Britt."

Jesus, my perceptions are spot on. I should give up teaching and be a damn match maker or fortune teller…

They stayed like that in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Alison muttered out, "Em and I have been talking about adopting…"

Brittany was the only other person she'd mentioned the desire of being a mother to other than her wife. The basketball star also understood why Alison wanted to adopt-she was terrified of passing on her completely fucked up genes and also there were so many kids who needed a loving home…

The tall brunette waited a minute before responding, "I think that's beautiful, Ali. You and Emily would be fantastic parents."

"Yeah?" Ali asked for clarification, because her insecurities had been eating her alive lately…

Brittany looked down at her with those damn eyes that just knew her so well and completely washed away all her fears as she proclaimed, "Yes."

They went back to overlooking the back yard, before Britt stated, "If you want I could have Reggie make some calls and put you guys on some adoption agency lists…The process usually takes forever, but he's pretty intimidating so it might speed things up."

After a beat Ali answered, "I think that sounds like a great idea."

Ali looked up at her ex in amazement. Brittany was just so inherently good and did everything in her power to help anyone in need. If Hanna ever hurts her, I'm beating her ass…But Ali could tell the designer was just as madly in love as the professional athlete…Hmmm guarantee they get married in three years tops.


"Or so you can get a great shot from vacation for Instagram…" Aria threw out and Hanna glared at her as she playfully fired back,

"Wow! Stalker much, shorty? Do you fantasize about Brittany while looking at the pictures of her abs that I post?"

"What?! I do not do that!" Aria argued but she was blushing so fiercely that no one believed her.

Poor Aria, she'd been crushing on Brittany for years and probably always would. But who could blame her? She was married to Ezra…talk about boring.

Spencer chuckled as she pulled the tiny brunette into a gentle hug-effectively shielding her from anymore of Hanna's teasing. The congresswoman's inherent protectiveness when it came to Aria had never faltered over the years.

After a beat, Spencer's eyes scanned the parking lot and she inquired, "Han, where's your car?"

"At home," The designer answered like it was obvious and then elaborated when the four of them looked at her questioningly, "Brittany dropped me off. She was going to visit some kids at the Philadelphia Children's Hospital anyway, so why would we take two cars? That just doesn't make sense."

"Did you tell her we were done? Traffic's horrible on Saturday night." Emily said as she absentmindedly ran her fingers through Alison's blonde hair. The teacher sighed contently.

Hanna playfully rolled her eyes at Emily as she hedged out, "Yes. She said it would take her like twenty minutes to get here."

"There's a coffee shop down the street. We could wait with you there." Alison suggested.

Emily had just gotten off the phone with Pam and the blonde knew Wayne was sound asleep, so they could be adventurous for a little while longer.

"Aww you guys are so sweet." Hanna sincerely responded and Ali offered her a sweet smile.

"I'd love to stay with you guys, but I think I should get Aria back to Rosewood." Spencer motioned to the tiny brunette who was basically falling asleep standing up in her hug with the congresswoman. It's a good thing they car pooled...

"Probably a good idea…" Emily trailed off and they all shared a laugh.


Twenty minutes later Emily finds herself sitting on a couch in the back of the coffee shop with not one, but two blondes drifting off to sleep against her shoulders. Her beautiful wife is curled up on her right shoulder like the adorable creature she is with an arm snaked around her waist. Meanwhile Hanna is resting against her left, trying desperately not to fall asleep.

Emily laughed, it was only 10:30 pm. Jesus, when did we turn into such grandmas?

A few moments later the bell above the door of the coffee shop dings and Brittany walks through looking effortlessly stunning as always. Before Emily can even acknowledge the superstar athlete Hanna springs up from the couch and jumps into Brittany's arms. So much for Han being exhausted…

"Baby I missed you!" Her best friend exclaims in greeting before she eagerly leans down and kisses her fiancé on the lips.

The sight makes Emily smile. She couldn't have asked for a better person to love the feisty blonde. Brittany brought out the best in Hanna and supported her in every endeavor she went after. Not to mention she loved her unconditionally.

When they were in high school dealing with –A, Emily was convinced that Hanna was destined to end up with Caleb. But after seeing how much Hanna had grown since she'd been with Brittany, the former swimmer realized how wrong she was. Caleb had his moments where he was a great guy, but after dating Spencer and turning into someone Hanna (or any of them) didn't even recognize, the designer knew she'd never be able to trust him completely ever again.

Looking back it was almost a blessing that Hanna had been arrested on vehicular manslaughter charges five years ago, because it brought Brittany into her orbit…well it brought Brittany into all of their orbits (including poor Aria who blushed every time she saw her).

What Emily loved witnessing the most as Brittany and Hanna's relationship blossomed from friendship to romance was how her best friend never felt the need to label her sexuality; frankly she didn't give a flying fuck if people thought she was a lesbian, bisexual, whatever. Hanna loved Brittany for Brittany and yeah the basketball superstar was the only woman she'd ever been attracted to, but Hanna was head over heels in love and really that was all that mattered. It should be all that matters. And it definitely helped matters that Brittany never pushed Hanna to label herself either. She was a secure enough woman that Hanna loving her was enough. And plus the feisty blonde true to form had emphatically told everyone on Twitter after getting hounded about her sexual orientation that she was "#Brittanysexual end of discussion".

"How was dinner?" Brittany asked after she set Hanna down who pouted up at her like a petulant child for not being allowed to keep her legs wrapped around her fiancé.

The tall brunette leaned down and kissed Hanna gently as she caressed her cheek, which caused the designer's pout to form into a smile.

"Dinner was really good, but you should be aware that Aria probably won't be able to look you in the eyes again for a while."

Brittany's eyebrows furrowed as she gazed down at the blonde who could be so incredibly mischievous sometimes, "What, why?"

Hanna just smirked before purring out, "Because baby, I told her how incredible of a lover you are…"

The athlete just shook her head-used to Hanna's sometimes crazy antics, "And how in the hell did that come up?"

The designer shrugged her shoulders, "We talk about everything…and Spencer needed sex advice."

Emily chuckled because that wasn't exactly how things had gone down.

"Speaking of which we should get going," Desire was seeping through Hanna's tone as she leaned up and bit Britany's ear lobe. Emily could see the athlete shudder as Hanna backed out of her arms and turned towards the couch. Good luck, Britt. You're in for a long night.

"Bye, Em. I love you." Hanna sincerely stated as she sat back down so she could give Emily a side hug without disturbing Ali, who was sound asleep on the brunette's other side.

"I love you too, Han." The brunette echoed.

Right when Emily thought her best friend was going to pull away, Hanna whispered in her ear, "And tell your wife not to call me in the wees hours of the morning tomorrow, because I'm going to be up for hours on end loving the shit out of my gorgeous fiancé and I need my fucking beauty sleep."

With that Hanna brazenly stood back up and grabbed Brittany's hand-damn near dragging her out of the coffee shop.

Emily sat stunned with her precious Ali resting comfortably against her for a good five minutes after Brittany and Hanna's departure. Her best friend was just so…bold. Dear God…

Knowing that they really needed to get home because she's positive the coffee shop wouldn't appreciate them spending the night, Emily began to try and rouse her wife from her slumber by gently scratching her scalp.

"Ali…baby. C'mon let's go home," Emily cooed in her wife's ear and kissed the crown of her head.

A few moments later Alison began to stir and eventually looked up at her with those majestic blue eyes that Emily had been drowning in for more than half her life.

"Only if you carry me to the car…"

Emily chuckled, "I'm in heels babe. That might be a little hard…"

"I believe in you mermaid." Alison tried to argue seriously, but failed when she began to giggle. It was obvious she really needed to go to bed-for real this time.

Emily gave her a knowing look before the teacher groaned into her shoulder (which Emily found all sorts of cute) and begrudgingly got up from the couch dramatically dragging the brunette with her.

When they got into their Rav-4 Alison turned towards Emily and mumbled, "I still love you even though you didn't carry me to the car…"

Emily soothingly kissed her forehead before she pulled out onto the streets of downtown Philadelphia so they could get home.

"I love you too, Ali. Forever and always."


A few hours later Alison stirred awake once more when she felt someone pulling the covers on her and Em's bed back.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, the blonde was surprised to see Wayne crawling into their bed on her side. Usually Emily was his go to parent when he needed to feel safe.

"What's wrong baby? Another nightmare?" Alison asked through a yawn.

The little boy shook his head before he gently grabbed Alison's arm and wrapped it around his tiny body.

"I just wanted to say I love you."

Alison smiled at her precious angel as she pulled him in closer towards her and declared, "I love you too, Wayne. Mom and I both do."

Alison Fields had never felt so complete in her entire life. Emily was pressed warmly against her back with a secure arm wrapped around her middle and Wayne was pressed against her front. She had a wife and a son who loved her unconditionally. She knew this would be one of those moments that stuck with her forever. As Wayne's little fingers curled around her hand she placed a gentle kiss on top of his head.

Emily was her soulmate, Wayne was her everything, and she was never letting either one of them go.


There you have it guys! I hope you enjoyed! This will more than likely be the end of Burning Embers so I can focus on Guardian Angel and Sinus Infection (I'm hoping to get those updated fairly soon)!

I tried to write a bunch of future scenes we'll more than likely never see between Em and Ali (married with a kid being all domestic) because frankly the fandom deserves it...and also writing the OT5 is just so much fun...and having Hanna be with Brittany was a blast for me to explore as well-I really believe Hanna's the type of person who wouldn't give a rats ass what anyone else thought and would be like "yeah I'm in love with a woman? So what? Get over yourself!".

Thank you for reading! You guys are the best!