A/N: Here's Chapter 3! I'm struggling a bit because I'm eager to post everything that I've written thus far, but I want to make sure I'm writing quickly enough to stay fairly consistent. As of right now, I have a good chunk of Chapters done, but I'm not sure how much more I'll have to write to see my envisioned outline all the way through.
"You know the party's over there, right kid?" The blonde's head whipped around, her eyes wide.
"What are you doing here?" Piper blurted out.
"Ouch. Gonna be honest, that's not quite the warm welcome that I was expecting." The brunette had on a low cut black dress with gold birds on it that tied around her waist. He long back hair was down and loosely waved. What was most surprising was the fact that she had on a pair of black-rimmed glasses.
"I didn't-I-I just meant...I hadn't expected to see you here, is all.." Alex smiled at the blonde as she stumbled over her words. It was strangely adorable. She decided to join her on the sand.
"It's ok kid, I know what you meant."
"Right. And I'm not a kid, y'know?"
"I know, it's just a term of endearment I picked up from my mom. How old are you, anyway?"
"16. You?"
"17. So technically you're still more of a kid than me." She winked.
"Right." Piper replied, feeling the weight of the silence that followed. "You wear glasses." She stated awkwardly.
"Oh, yeah. I always wear contacts at the pool because it's easier. This is what I look like off the clock." Alex smirked.
"I like it. The glasses suit you. It's like a sexy librarian look." Piper tried not to blush at the fact that she had just referred to a woman as sexy.
"Right, that's why I wear them. Has nothing to do with the having-to-see thing."
"I figured as much. I see right through you Alex…" Piper paused, realizing she hadn't yet learned the other woman's last name.
"Vause."
"Vause." Piper smiled, staring into the other girls brilliant green eyes.
"I've shown you mine. Now it's your turn."
"It's Chapman."
"Piper Chapman. I'm intrigued. You're different than all of these other spoiled rich kids."
"I'd like to think so. What about you, though? I've been coming here every summer since I was a kid and I've never seen you."
"Yeahhh. I'm about as different from those kids as possible." Alex stared at her feet as she shifted them in the sand.
"Trust me, that's a good thing." Piper shrugged, sensing the shift in Alex's mood.
"I guess so. I mean they all seem pretty happy." Alex gestured toward the teens drinking and dancing on the beach behind them.
"They're all soooo dull and fake. Take it from me, I see every aspect of the story, not just this part."
"Alright, I believe you. What makes you think you're the exception?"
"I'm not. I am also dull and fake." She laughed at her own admission. "But at least I'm self aware, right?" The brunette raised her eyebrows and nodded slightly, contemplating the question. "They just don't see it. We're all so brainwashed by our parents that we don't even know who we really are."
"You don't think you know who you are?"
"Yeah." Piper shrugged, looking up to meet the other girls eyes. "But I think I'm working on figuring some things out."
"Really?" Alex smirked, sensing what Piper was hinting at. "Let me know if you need any help with that." She winked.
"Do you- I mean- are you…..?"
"Gay, you mean?" Piper swallowed harshly, nodding. "Yeah. I mean, I thought you kind of got that."
"Right-no-I mean I kind of figured. I just didn't want to assume. This might be a shocker to you, but I don't exactly encounter many gay people in my day-to-day life." The blonde stated sarcastically.
"You don't encounter openly gay people, you mean."
"Precisely." Piper responded with a giggle. "Generally pretty frowned upon amongst the WASPs and, thus, many of their children." She motioned toward the crowd of teens much like Alex had done earlier.
"Bummer. I'm assuming your parents don't know about you then...?"
"I mean I've only just begun exploring it myself...so no. They have no idea. But even if I do figure things out, I don't know if I'd be able to tell them. I always try to be this 'perfect' girl that they want me to be, and never fail to disappoint. Not sure if I could add onto that." Alex frowned, she often forgot just how lucky she was to have Diane.
"That fucking sucks. I'm really lucky to have a mom that doesn't give a shit about any of that stuff. She just loves me."
"Yeah, you are. Don't get me wrong, I know my parents love me. They just have a fucked up way of showing it most of the time. Especially my mom. I mean I've never heard them explicitly say anything super negative about the LGBTG+ community, but they tend to be on the more conservative side." Piper frowned, looking across the water.
"Don't worry kid, I'm sure everything will work out just fine. How about for now, we just enjoy the sunset?" Alex suggested. Piper had been so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn't even realized the sun had begun taking on a beautiful red hue.
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?"
"Mhmm." Alex confirmed, quietly.
"I've been coming here for most of my life and I don't think I could ever get tired of seeing this." Alex grabbed her phone and snapped a few pictures of an unsuspecting Piper. Once the blonde noticed, she attempted to swipe the phone from her. "Hey!"
"Sorry, I couldn't help it. You looked so serene." The brunette presented the pictures to the blonde.
"Not half bad actually." Piper shrugged and giggled slightly.
"You look incredible." Alex responded sincerely, catching Piper off guard. The blonde quickly lifted her own phone, returning the favor. She snapped one photo of the brunette's sincere face, before it shifted to a goofy smile. She made sure to capture the second look as well.
"So do you."
"Duh." Alex replied with mock arrogance, lifting her glasses to the top of her head.
"Wow, ego." She laughed. "Now you can't even see the sunset." Piper reached out, tucking a hair behind Alex's ear and running her hand along the side of her glasses.
"No, but I can still see you. Which is more important if you ask me."
"Oh, she's smooth." Piper rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the smile that lit up her face. "Well you might want to be able to see this." Piper set her drink and phone back in the sand before removing her clothing and taking off into the water. Alex was quick to slide her glasses back on, definitely not wanting to miss this view. Her green eyes followed the blonde's form. She had gotten in to about her hips when she beckoned Alex with her pointer finger. "Come here." Alex was quick to slip off her clothing and join the other woman.
"You tease." She spoke up once she had caught up with Piper. Her eyes trailed up and down the other woman's form.
"You know, I gotta say I prefer this suit to the guard attire." The black bikini she was sporting offered up an incredible view of her cleavage and toned stomach.
"Oh yeah?" Alex smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Fuck, the water is kind of cold." She shivered a bit.
"Yeahhh, I probably should have thought that through a bit more. The water isn't usually the perfect temperature until later in the summer."
"Shit, I didn't even bring a towel."
"It's alright, I brought a couple."
"Do you wanna maybe head to the club pool?"
"Isn't it probably closed already?"
"Yeah, but I always have a key. Plus it has a heater."
"Sounds good to me." The blonde shivered. I'll go get my bag and bring you a towel. Piper made her way to Polly and Pete who were now making out in the same chair as earlier. She tapped her friend on the shoulder. The two parted after a few more seconds of their sloppy kiss.
"Hey, Pipe. What's up?" She could tell by Polly's voice that she was a bit tipsy.
"Hey, I'm heading out." The brunette saw Alex down on the beach and smirked at her friend.
"Alright, have fun." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Be safe, use protection, etc." She laughed at her own drunk humor.
"You're the worst." Piper replied, trying not to let herself smile.
"What? I don't even get a thank you?"
"For what? Reminding me to use a condom?" Piper laughed. "Thanks for the tip. Not really sure it applies here, though."
"Nooo, you stupid lesbian. How do you think Alex knew to come tonight?"
"You invited her?" Piper replied. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense."
"You're welcooomeee." Polly replied in a sing-songy voice.
"Thanks, Pol. Like I said I'm out of here. Pete, take good care of her."
"You got it, blondie." He replied. He also appeared to be a bit tipsy, but not as far gone as Polly. The blonde found comfort in the fact that neither of them would be driving tonight. She grabbed her bag and headed back down to the gorgeous brunette.
"Everything alright? It took you awhile."
"Yup, all good. Tipsy Polly is a little bit difficult to deal with sometimes." She grabbed the towels out of her bag, handing one to Alex.
"Oh, yeah?"
"Mhmm, she made sure to remind me to 'use protection'. I told her that it wasn't super applicable to the current situation but a helpful tip, nonetheless." Alex chuckled.
"She's kind of a mess."
"That's an understatement." Piper smiled, warmly. After she was mostly dried, she slipped her clothes back on. Alex mirrored her actions. "I can't believe she invited you."
"I was a bit apprehensive, but I'm glad that I came."
"Me too." The blonde gazed sincerely into her gorgeous green eyes.
"Ready to go to the pool?"
"Yesss. I'm freezing." The thin blonde tried to control her shivers as the cool evening breeze passed over them. She gathered her things and they headed off toward the club. Alex slung a long arm around her shoulder as they walked. The firm grasp was comforting and helped protect the smaller woman from some of the cold wind as they walked. She couldn't help the dopey smile that lit up her face.
When they arrived at the pool, Alex unlocked the side gate. Piper was quick to toss her things on one of recliners and slide her long skirt off of her legs. She looked up to see the brunette slowly approaching her with a sly smile. Once there was less than a foot between them, Alex grasped the scalloped bottom of the blonde's tank top.
"Let me help you with that." She smiled, lifting the top off for her. Piper couldn't help the slight gasp that escaped her. She decided to grab Alex's dress and return the favor. The cool lighting from the pool exaggerated the glow of the girls' long, toned legs. Piper was certain she had never seen someone look more beautiful. The two girls stared at each other for a moment before Piper decided she was ready to get in. She tugged at one of Alex's arms and pulled her over the edge. The water was the perfect temperature; much more comfortable than that of the ocean.
"Piper!" Alex screamed once she had resurfaced.
"What?" Piper giggled.
"I hadn't taken off my glasses yet. Shit, where'd they go?" The brunette attempted to look down through the water.
"They're right there on the bottom. I'll grab them." Piper dove down and grabbed the glasses off the bottom, resurfacing to find Alex standing near the edge of the pool.
"I can't fucking see anything." Alex called out toward the blob that she knew to be Piper.
"Oh my goodness, don't be so dramatic." Piper teased her as she swam up to the brunette. "Here you go." She slid the glasses onto Alex's face and water proceeded to drip down all over her face. "See. Perfect." Piper laughed.
"Wow, thanks." Alex replied, sarcastically. She attempted to wipe at her lenses-unsuccessfully-as her hands were wet as well.
"Sorry about that." The blonde apologized, pushing the woman's glassed onto the top of her head. She wiped at the water droplets flowing from the brunettes jaw. Only then did she realize how close they were. Seeing no hesitance on the other woman's face, she leaned in and captured her lips with her own. The kiss was soft and gentle, only lasting a few seconds.
"I guess I can forgive you." Alex winked. She leaned in and kissed the blonde a bit harder this time. Her tongue swiped across Piper's lip and was granted entrance inter her mouth. The two pulled apart only when they both felt the need to catch their breath.
"Wow." Piper whispered, involuntarily. She felt herself blushing, embarrassed at having been so affected by a simple kiss.
"Wow is right, kid." The brunettes hand slid from the blonde's jaw all the way down her arm to her hand, linking their fingers under the water.
"So that's what that's supposed to be like." Alex laughed at the statement causing the blonde to smirk awkwardly.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"I've never felt anything like that. I've wasted so much time only kissing boys." Piper said with mild disappointment. What she had just experienced was so far from any other kiss she had previously had.
"If it makes you feel any better, I've never felt anything like that either. And I've been kissing girls for quite some time." She chuckled.
"So maybe it's less about finding the right gender, and more about finding the right person….?" Piper pondered mostly to herself.
"That's one way to look at it I guess. But I'm personally pretty set on women, if I'm being totally honest."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to drag you into some deep conversation about sexuality and attraction. I was just contemplating out loud."
"Hey. I said I was here to help, didn't I?" Alex looked at her sincerely.
"Yeah, I just- this isn't quite as fun as the 'help' I think you had imagined you'd be offering."
"Who says? I'm having a great time. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to 'help' in an even more intimate way down the line."
"Maybe." The blonde replied coyly. The sky was slowly taking on a darker shade, as the sun peaked less and less over the horizon.
"Would you maybe wanna go out on a real date sometime soon?"
"Yeah, that sounds great."
"I'm not super familiar with the area. Are there any good date places?"
"Eh, not particularly. I have a few favorite spots, though. You free for a lunch date tomorrow?"
"Absolutely." Alex smiled. The two swam and talked until the stars were shining brightly above them. Piper was dreading the fact that she would have to part with the brunette, even though they already had plans for the following day. She had on a sad smile.
"It's getting a little late. I should probably head home before my parents have a conniption."
"Yeah, alright." Alex swam to the edge of the pool and lifted herself out before helping the blonde out. "I'll walk you home." The two got dressed and Piper gathered her things before heading toward the gate.
"Tonight has been so amazing. I think I have a newfound appreciation for this place."
"You didn't like it before?"
"I've always appreciated the beauty and tranquility of being right on the beach. However, my parents are very skilled at the sucking the joy out of most things. Sometimes I forget just how incredible it can be."
"Well I'm glad I can be a reminder."
"Me too." Piper smiled at the brunette. The two walked hand and hand until they arrived outside of the Chapman's summer home. "This is where I get off." The blonde spoke up, before realizing her unintended potential innuendo. Alex quirked an eyebrow, trying to fight her smirk. "I didn't- I meant- this is my….place." Piper corrected herself, growing defeated.
"I know what you meant, Pipes. It's ok." The brunette reassured her. Piper was grateful that she attempted to ease her embarrassment. The two women headed up the stairs at the side of the house that went straight to Piper's upstairs loft.
"You just called me Pipes." Now it as Alex's turn to blush.
"Shit, sorry. I didn't even mean to it just slipped out."
"It's ok. I liked it."
"I've had a really good time tonight, and I can't wait to see you tomorrow."
"Me too." Piper smiled. "Do you want to maybe swap phone numbers? Just so we can work everything out that way?"
"Yeah, definitely." The two girl gave their phones to each other and entered their contact details.
"There you go." Alex spoke up first.
"Perfect." Piper replied, proud of herself for obtaining the other girl's number. She took a step to get closer to the brunette, desperate to kiss her one last time before they parted ways. Alex began leaning in, but paused a moment later. She glanced at all of the windows and the glass paneled door.
"What if your parents are up?" She whispered. Piper smiled at the brunettes consideration.
"Don't worry. They're downstairs." The blonde leaned in, capturing Alex's lips. This time, she took control by sliding her tongue out first. She was met with no hesitation, and the two continued making out until they were left breathless. They pulled back, both smiling dazedly.
"Good night Pipes."
"Good night, Al." Piper couldn't resist placing on last peck on Alex's lips. The brunette turned and made her way down the stairs and off down the sidewalk. Piper watched her retreat for a moment before heading into her room. She remembered she needed to head downstairs to let her parents know she was home. She exited her room and went down the hall before descending their indoor staircase. She found her parents sitting together on the couch, her father had fallen asleep.
"Hey, mom. I'm home." She spoke up quietly as she came into the older woman's view.
"Oh, Piper! You scared me. I didn't hear you come in."
"Sorry. I just went straight upstairs so I wouldn't track any sand through the front entrance." The blonde silently commended herself for coming up with the quick excuse.
"Well that was thoughtful of you." Her mom smiled. "Thank you for letting me know you're home. Don't forget you have a private session tomorrow morning with Coach Richards on the courts."
"Right, yeah. Thanks for the reminder." Piper tried not to show her disdain.
"Don't make that face at me. You need to stay in shape if you want to get on a college track or tennis team."
"I know, mom. I just forgot is all. I'm gonna go get ready for bed." The blonde turned to head back upstairs. Once in her room, she showered and changed into her pajamas. She was about to climb into bed when she heard a knock at her door. The blonde debated pretending she was already in bed, but decided against it.
"Oh. Hey dad." She was surprised to see him and not her mom.
"Hey, Piper. When I woke up your mother told me you had just gotten home."
"Yeah. Sorry I was out a little later than I had expected."
"That's alright. How was your night?"
"It was really good." Piper's face lit up at the thought of her night with Alex. It felt so good to have someone ask her about it.
"That's great. I'm glad you had a good time, darling." Bill Chapman wasn't always the most observant man, but even he couldn't miss the change in his daughter's smile.
"Thanks for asking."
"Of course. Well I'm headed to bed, but I just wanted to check in with you. Sleep well." He smiled before heading back downstairs.
"You too, daddy." Piper closed her door, still smiling widely. She jumped into her bed and pulled out her phone, setting an alarm for tomorrow morning. Before setting it down, she opened her contacts. She felt her heart beating faster when she was greeted by Alex's name. She decided to add one of the pictures from the beach to her contact information. After a moment of contemplation, she chose the picture where Alex was smiling like a dork. Piper's face held a very similar smile as she lay in bed attempting to fall asleep.
A/N: Now Piper has officially had her first ever lady kiss(es). Huzzah! I'm trying to keep her sexuality a bit more fluid/ambiguous because bisexuality is valid! As a gay lady, I tend to write Piper really gay (unintentionally) so I'm doing my best. Also, I realize that Piper calling her father "Daddy" is a little cringe but it feels very accurate to a teenage Piper to me. Idk. -K
