Well hello there! I'm sorry it's been so long in between chapters this time, but that annoying thing life got in the way. Thank you all for you lovely reviews, I can't believe how many there are! When I first started this story my expectations were pretty low, I'd have been thrilled with 10, so you can imagine how elated I am. I'm so happy you're enjoying the story, I apologise if that changes. Anyway here's your next chapter. Guest, whoever you are, this ones for your train ride to school : )

When Alison had kissed Emily she was as surprised as the brunette. She didn't plan to do it, but the adrenaline that was still coursing through her from the nights events had given her the courage. When she had shouted that she couldn't lose her, Alison had realised that the reason she was so angry herself, was because she couldn't lose Emily either. So she had done it, she had taken the plunge and kissed the yelling woman sat in front of her. Alison DiLaurentis, the girl who didn't need or want anyone, both needed and wanted Emily Fields. The brunette had been right, this was a terrible idea. It was stupid and reckless and everything else her parents would say if they knew. Right now though Alison couldn't care less, because as Emily's tongue danced against her own and the tanned beauty's strong hands gripped her waist, she never wanted another day to pass where she didn't get to kiss Emily Fields.

She wasn't sure if it was minutes or hours that had passed since they started their heavy make out session. They were in their own little bubble, one she could happily stay in forever. However Emily broke away to speak.

"Ali," Emily breathed out pulling away from her lips, only to begin trailing kisses along her jawline to her neck, "we need to stop."

"Why?" Alison mumbled out, tilting her head back to give her better access.

"Because," Emily continued to place soft kisses on the sensitive skin sending tingles shooting throughout Alison's entire body, "if we don't stop now, then I'm not sure that we will at all."

"Sounds good to me." She couldn't suppress the moan that escaped when the brunette gently sucked on her pulse point.

Emily pulled away completely.

"No, not like this." She stated gently, taking Alison's face in her hands and stroking her thumb softly against her cheek. "I want to do this right. It's been a crazy night and I don't want you doing something you're going to regret."

"I regret nothing." Alison replied honestly.

"Then let's keep it that way." Emily leaned forward to kiss her softly once more. "Come on, time for bed."

"I thought you just said…" Alison smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"To sleep." Emily laughed, moving to stand, forcing Alison to climb off her lap.

Alison found something for Emily to sleep in and headed to the bathroom to get herself ready for bed. She returned to the room to see Emily already underneath the sheets, laid on her back passed out. Smiling at the sight, she turned off the light and climbed in next to her.

"I know I didn't say it before when I was shouting at you, but thank you for keeping me safe." She carefully leaned over and placed a tender kiss on Emily's cut. Then turned over and closed her eyes.

"Always." She heard from behind her. Then she felt Emily turn on her side, planting a delicate kiss on Ali's shoulder.

Alison reached behind her and took Emily's arm, wrapping it around her middle and holding it there, lacing their fingers together.

"Goodnight Em."

"Sweet dreams Ali."

When Alison woke the next morning Emily's strong arm was not around her. She rolled over to see that she was no longer in bed at all.

"Em?" She called out, voice raspy from sleep.

When she didn't get a reply she began to panic. Maybe this wasn't what Emily wanted at all. She had practically thrown herself at the brunette, was it too much? Had she got up in the night and left? Her thoughts racing she started to climb out of bed, maybe she'd left a note.

"Don't get up, I wanted to surprise you."

She turned her eyes to the door, Emily was stood with a tray.

"Breakfast in bed." She stated with a smile. "Not that you had anything in to make a good breakfast," she rolled her eyes, "so I hope toast and tea will do."

Alison felt relief throughout her whole body. "It's perfect."

They sat in bed together eating the humble breakfast that Emily had prepared, watching the morning news. The domesticity of it all wasn't lost on Alison. She had never done this with anyone, not even Elliot. He'd had to travel a lot for 'work', at least that's how he explained his frequent absences and reasons for not staying over. Suddenly she was hit with a wave of worry, what were they doing? Yesterday Emily was just her employee, now they were spooning at night and eating breakfast in bed. She looked over to the brunette who was awkwardly trying to wipe crumbs off her top and onto her plate. She looked up at Alison sheepishly.

"Sorry, think I got some in your bed."

Alison's worry dissipated somewhat. Sure she didn't know what the hell they were doing, but whatever it was, she wanted to do it with the funny, sweet brunette next to her regardless.

"It's ok, Martha will change the sheets today anyway." She smiled.

"Martha?" Emily asked.

"My cleaner, she's worked for the family since I was little. She's pretty much the only person I'll let in the house while I'm not here. I don't know what I'm going to do when she retires, to be honest I think she's only still working because she knows I won't hire anyone else and the house will go to shit." Alison laughed.

"Poor Martha." Emily replied with a sad, exaggerated shake of her head. "Maybe you'll actually have to learn to clean up after yourself."

"Like poor people?" Alison joked.

Emily nodded, keeping a straight face. "Yes, just like poor people."

"No, I think I'll just have my security add it to their responsibilities." Alison smirked.

"Well I think you'll be looking for a new cleaner and new security then." Emily replied taking a sip of her tea.

"Hmm, maybe that's not a bad idea." Alison put her hand to her chin pretending to think.

"Hey!" Emily pouted.

Alison began to laugh, "You started it!"

They were interrupted by the door. Emily went to check the camera to see it was the police. She quickly got dressed and went to answer while Alison got herself sorted.

When Alison got downstairs two detectives were sat in the kitchen with Emily.

"Miss DiLaurentis." One of them greeted.

"Good morning, sorry I took a minute to come down, I wasn't expecting you." She apologised.

"It's fine, we just wanted to keep you informed of the progress made in the investigation."

"What have you found out?" She wanted to walk over to Emily's side, just to be near her, but she didn't want the detectives to see that. So she remained standing where she was.

"The mans name is Paul Stevens, does the name mean anything to you?"

Alison shook her head, she'd never heard the name in her life.

"We just have to ask, he believes that he's been in contact with you for the last six months."

"I can assure you that I've never had any contact with that man. Other than him bumping into me at Noel Kahn's party, that was the first I've ever seen of him." Alison replied.

"Yes, well he believes you've been sending him messages through the newspaper, magazines, your interviews, things like that."

"That's absurd." Alison said, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Believe it or not, it's not the first case of its kind." The detective sighed. "He's been placed inside a secure psychiatric facility for treatment. You may be called upon at some time for testimony, but it's not likely. It doesn't look like he's contesting the court order. We just wanted to let you know."

"Well thank you, I appreciate you taking the time." Alison replied.

"We'll be off then."

The detectives got up and Emily began walking them to the door.

"Actually Miss DiLaurentis," The detective that hadn't spoken turned to her looking embarrassed. "My girlfriend is a huge fan of yours, do you think I could get a picture?"

"Are you serious right now?" Emily spoke up with disbelief.

"I'm sorry." The detective stuttered out, obviously regretting his request. "That's very inappropriate of me."

"You think?" Emily stared at him hard, arms across her chest.

"It was nice to meet you." He called out as they left.

"What the fuck was that?!" Emily turned to Alison, "Can I get a picture? Of course it's inappropriate. Who does that?"

"I'm going to get in the shower." Alison said, heading toward the stairs.

"That didn't bother you?" Emily asked as she was leaving.

"I'm used to it." Alison shrugged, "Plus I really don't think you can be lecturing other people on 'appropriate' behaviour with me." She laughed as she ascended the stairs.

"Got me there." Emily shouted after her.

Carter arrived to pick them up at 10am. She didn't have any appointments that day but she wanted to go shopping for pieces for her winter wardrobe. God forbid she be seen in the same outfit twice. The magazines would never let that slide.

Once they were sat in the back and on their way Alison became very aware of Carter's presence. Something she'd never even thought of before. What if he knew? Would he be able to tell? Paranoid that she'd let the development in her and Emily's relationship show somehow, she ignored the brunette for the entire journey.

"Ali?" Emily tried to get her attention.

Alison shot her a look. "Miss DiLaurentis." She whispered angrily.

"Sorry, Miss DiLaurentis." Emily rolled her eyes, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Alison replied coldly, "Everything is fine."

Emily stared at her for a few seconds and then turned to look out of her own window.

They'd been shopping for a few hours and Alison could see Emily growing bored. When she had first started working for her she couldn't have cared less. In fact she wouldn't have even noticed, but things were different now. She noticed everything about Emily now, and she cared. She cared that the brunette was bored and this made things complicated. On one hand it was her job, she worked for Alison and it didn't matter that she didn't find this entertaining. On the other though, Alison wanted her friend, her, whatever this was, to be happy.

She was in the changing room trying on yet another dress, yes it wasn't exactly suitable for winter, but she liked it. She was having trouble with the zipper, so she called to Emily, who was standing outside the door, to come help her.

"What do you need Miss DiLaurentis." Emily asked, emphasising her name.

"Look I'm not going to apologise about the car. We agreed weeks ago that when there were ears about we'd keep it professional." Alison sighed.

"I know, you're right." Emily conceded. "It's just, hard, that's all."

"I know but we need to be careful Em, it won't just be me that gets wrung through the press if this gets out. They'll be after you too." Alison tried to explain.

"I know, I know." Emily stepped toward her, putting her hands on Alison's shoulders.

"Zip me up?" Alison turned to look in the mirror as Emily slowly pulled the zipper up, before leaning down and softly kissing her shoulder.

Alison spun around, "What are you doing?!"

"Nothing, I just..." Emily started to reply.

"You just what?" Alison asked, anger in her tone. "We're in public, anyone could be watching."

"I'll be outside." Emily turned and left.

Fuck! Alison knew she had overreacted, Emily was just being her usual sweet self. Alison couldn't stop herself though, she was always on guard in public. She had to be, people were just waiting for her to mess up, to get a juicy story out of her. This was a changing room though, there weren't cameras in here, she doubted it was a two way mirror. She had messed up, and the only person that had been there to see it was Emily. Preparing herself for an apology she opened the door to see Emily laughing with some woman. Emily noticed her appearance and looked uncomfortable.

"Miss DiLaurentis," she cleared her throat, "This is Paige McCullers, Paige this is my boss." She introduced.

Alison stood silently for a moment in shock. She didn't like unwelcome surprises, and this one was very unwelcome. Quickly regaining her composure she greeted Emily's ex.

"Hello." She couldn't help but sound like a bitch, she really didn't like this girl.

"Hello." Judging from the other girls tone she didn't much care for Alison either. Fine by her.

"Fields, it's time we left." Alison turned to Emily, her eyes conveying her thoughts of 'are you fucking kidding me?'

"Yes, I'll let Carter know where to meet us." Pulling out her phone and looking back at Alison with eyes that said 'I'm as surprised as you are.'

"Nice to meet you, Sara was it?" Alison couldn't help herself.

"Paige. Yes you too." The girl replied with the fakest smile Alison had ever seen, before turning her attention back to Emily. "It was nice to see you again."

"Yeah." Emily rubbed the back of her neck, putting her phone back in her pocket. "Goodbye Paige."

Alison began walking toward the exit, Emily taking quick strides to catch up to her.

"She just came out of nowhere."

"It's fine." Alison replied, "Judging from what she was wearing she needed to be here."

"Ali." Emily said in a warning tone.

"I'm just saying. Good for her, trying to better herself."

"Ali."

"No wonder you were laughing together, I assume it was at that ghastly pantsuit."

"Ali, you don't have anything to be jealous about." Emily sounded amused now.

"Jealous? Are you kidding me? Of that thing back there?" Alison scoffed, angry that Emily had called her out, she stalked off to find the car.

Once again the car was filled with silence, neither girl made an effort to fill it. After what seemed like an incredibly long journey, they finally arrived back at Alison's.

"Are you coming in?" Alison asked after Carter had left.

"No, I think I better go home. Hanna will be worried, I should let her know I'm still alive." Emily replied.

"Ok. Well I'm at the office tomorrow with my father so you won't be needed, I guess I'll see you the day after." Alison tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

"Yeah, have a good afternoon." Emily watched Alison get in safely before setting off back the apartment.

When Emily got home nobody else was in yet. She figured she had about an hour until Hanna got home from work so she got changed and ran to the store to get some ingredients to make dinner. She wasn't much of a chef but she could throw a simple pasta together. Knowing that Caleb would be working late and deciding she wanted to do something nice for her friend.

She was just finishing the sauce when Hanna arrived home.

"Oh my God you're alive." Hanna said with mock relief when she walked into the kitchen to find Emily making a salad.

"Yes I am, and I know I've not been the greatest friend recently so I'm making dinner for you to apologise." She answered, putting some of the sauce on a spoon and handing it to Hanna for her to try.

"Not bad." Hanna said handing the spoon back. "Definitely not your worst attempt."

"You have no room to judge my culinary skills Marin." Emily warned.

"Fair point, so why are you cooking for me?" Hanna leaned against the counter and crossed her arms.

"I told you, I haven't been around much lately and I want you to know I appreciate everything you've done for me." Emily continued with the salad.

"So what exactly is it you want to talk about?" Hanna asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Em, you've cooked for me without being requested to three times in our entire friendship. Each of those times it's been because you wanted to talk to me about something. So spill."

Hanna knew her far too well. Emily kicked herself for not just ordering in.

"I can't talk to you about it."

"Ah, fight club business." Hanna said stealing a tomato and popping it in her mouth.

"But," Emily thought of a loop hole, well she figured it was one. It was a stretch but she really needed to talk to her best friend. "Let's say we're talking hypothetically, about made up people. No private information being given, just completely made up people in completely made up scenarios."

"Okay, let's say that." Hanna nodded.

"Let me plate up and then we'll talk." Emily served up the food and they took it over to the table.

"So," Hanna began, spooning pasta into her mouth. "Talk."

"Well," Emily wasn't sure how to begin. She was torn, she knew she was betraying Ali's trust but she trusted Hanna. Deciding she needed this more, she continued. "So there's these two people."

"What are their names?" Hanna interrupted.

"Does it matter?"

"If I'm going to be invested in their story it does."

"Call them whatever you want. It doesn't matter."

"Okay, let's call them Emma and Alana. You know what would be easier though? Let's just refer to them as Em and Ali." Hanna smirked taking another mouthful of pasta.

"You're not making this any easier." Emily glared.

"I wasn't trying to."

"Well these people…"

"Em and Ali."

Emily glared again, "You're defeating the purpose of this."

"Look, let me guess the story. Em works for Ali, who is a super famous, super rich socialite. She got herself a little too involved in her work and now she's fallen for her boss. She took a chance, they slept together and now it's awkward as fuck?" Hanna finished, staring at Emily as though waiting for applause.

"We didn't sleep together." Emily answered defensively.

"Well at least we can stop this whole make believe thing." Hanna smiled. "When you'd said there was an incident last night and you would be stopping at Alison's I just assumed the incident was your head between her legs."

"Hanna!" Emily reprimanded.

"Sorry." Hanna held her hands up in apology. "So what you kissed her then?"

"Actually she kissed me, I mean I kissed her back, but she kissed me first."

"Oh wow." Hanna sounded genuinely shocked. "And?"

"Then we went to bed."

"And?" Hanna wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

"Nothing, I mean we cuddled, but we just slept. We had a nice morning, I made her breakfast. Then as soon as we left the house it all went to shit. It was like she suddenly regretted everything. Then we bumped into Paige."

"Oh no, that's not what you need." Hanna said sympathetically.

"Actually I think it was, I mean it was horrible and awkward having to introduce them. Alison seemed jealous though, it was nice to know she cares enough to be jealous."

"So what's the core problem?" Hanna asked getting straight to the point.

"I really like her, and I think she likes me too."

"But?" Hanna pressed.

"But I don't want to be some dirty little secret. I know as long as I work for her that's how it has to be, honestly I'd quit tomorrow if I thought we could just be together, but I don't think that's completely it. I think it's because I'm a woman, and this is why you don't mess with straight girls. I just don't know if it's worth it." Emily finished putting her head into her hands with a sigh.

"You want to know what I think?" Hanna asked.

Emily didn't answer, she knew the question was a rhetorical one, Hanna would give her opinion whether she wanted it or not.

"I think you need to talk to her about this, not me. You need to find out exactly where her head is in all this. It can't be easy for her. It's hard enough to suddenly find yourself having feelings for a woman, but imagine having to deal with that in the public eye. She must be confused Em, remember how hard it was for you when you started seeing Maya? How long did you keep that a secret for? You're probably going to have to be patient with her. As for whether or not it's worth it? Only you can answer that."

"When did you get so wise?" Emily smiled at her best friend.

"Always have been," Hanna answered flipping her hair. "I'm like an eagle."

"It's an owl Hanna," Emily chuckled. "But you sure are."

They finished eating and started clearing the table.

"Em, your phone buzzed." Hanna let her know as she came into the kitchen with plates.

She went to the table to pick it up. She had a message from Ali.

'Can you come over? We need to talk.'

Hanna walked back into the room and stood behind her.

"Go, you cooked, I'll clean."

"Are you sure?" Emily felt bad leaving the girl.

"Please go, you need this, Alison needs this. Hell I need this." Hanna joked.

"Thanks Han," Emily hugged her best friend, "Love you."

"I know." Hanna stuck her tongue out as Emily left.

Alison paced in the hallway, Pepe following her every move sensing her nervousness. She was starting to regret texting Emily. Why did they need to talk? Maybe they could just ignore everything that had happened and go back to how things were before. She was about to pull her phone out to tell Emily not to bother coming after all when the door went. She checked the camera, too late, she was here. Before she could convince herself not to, she opened the door to let her in.

"Hey, you're here." Alison greeted dumbly, of course she's here you idiot you asked her to come.

"You wanted to talk?" Emily responded, coming in.

"You want a drink?" Alison had already had two glasses of wine since she'd got home, but suddenly it didn't seem enough.

"Sure." Emily answered, following her into the kitchen.

"I really need to get the living room sorted at least, I'm sick to death of sitting in this kitchen." She rambled as she walked, trying to keep it light.

Alison poured them both a glass, emptying the bottle she had already opened earlier. Emily just raised her eyebrows, but seemingly let it go.

"So, you wanted to talk." Emily asked again.

Right now Alison felt like it was the last thing she wanted to do, so she she just took another drink and stayed silent.

"Ok, well I'll talk then." Emily sighed. "I get it Ali, I do. Last night was, well it was a lot of things. I can't speak for you but for me it was stupid, and inappropriate…"

Alison felt her heart sink. Why? Two minutes ago she was almost set on pretending the whole thing had never happened. So why did it bother her that the brunette was feeling that way.

"..and amazing." Emily finished her sentence. Ali's heart soared again, what the hell was wrong with her?!

"I wouldn't change it for anything. I like you Alison, I mean really like you, and I thought you liked me too. This morning was great, it felt natural, it felt right. Then we leave the house and…what happened? I get that you're scared."

"I'm not scared." Alison felt herself shouting defensively.

"Okay, you have got to stop doing that." Emily stared Alison down.

"Doing what?" Alison couldn't stop the defensive tone in her voice again.

"Shutting me out! Lying! Being a bitch!" Emily threw her hands in the air in despair.

"Did you just call me a bitch?" Her voice was dangerously low and quiet.

"I did, and it has to stop." Emily said defiantly. Alison opened her mouth to let the girl in front of her have it. Nobody spoke to her like that. Emily just held her hand up to shush her and continued, Alison was livid.

"If this is going to work at all. Whatever this is, you have to let me in Ali. You can't keep hiding behind Alison DiLaurentis. You need to be honest with me. Please." Emily reached over and took her hand in hers. Staring into her eyes and causing Alison's anger to dissipate.

Alison couldn't bring herself to say anything still though, Emily's eyes felt like they were staring right into her soul. Finding herself overwhelmed she took back her hand and looked down to her glass.

"I understand, I do." Emily's tone was soft and sweet. "I'm a woman, I'm guessing this is all completely new to you. You're probably really confused right now. I remember when I met my first girlfriend, I was in high school and it was terrifying. Eventually Maya helped me feel comfortable enough to come out and just be me. Not that I'm saying you need to come out, liking one girl doesn't mean you're gay, I just." Emily paused as if collecting her thoughts. "Whatever your orientation you should just be able to be with who you want, and that doesn't have to be me, I just want you to be happy. I got lucky, the people in my life were mostly understanding. Took a while for my parents to come round to the idea, but by the time I met Paige I was comfortable with who I was."

Alison's head shot up at the mention of that particular ex. She couldn't hide the flash of jealousy that crossed her face.

"Seriously Ali, you really have nothing to be jealous of with her."

"I'm not jealous!" Alison snapped again.

Emily just gave her a pointed look. "What I'm saying is, I don't want to make your life hard. I don't want to make you uncomfortable. I don't regret kissing you, I never will and I would love the opportunity to be the one to make you happy, but if it's not what you want then I'll walk away no hard feelings." Emily finished and waited for Alison to speak.

Alison continued to stare at her glass. A million thoughts racing through her head. She took a deep breath, if she was ever going to open up to anyone, it was going to be the brunette sat in front her now.

"The whole world is constantly waiting for me to fall, to read about my latest drama. My whole life is just entertainment for them. I can't face being dragged through the press, the headlines, what they would write about you. Not to mention my parents, they'd be so angry. Half because it's a woman, half because it's the 'help'. The way they'd treat you. It's all too complicated, and the more I think about it the more these seem like valid reasons to forget this ever happened."

Alison finally looked up to see Emily's chocolate eyes staring at her intently. Taking another deep breath she continued.

"But then I'm selfish, I'm selfish because I can't stand the thought of you being with anyone else. I wanted to rip Paige's head off for even looking at you, and yet you deserve someone who can look at you like that in public, who can hold your hand in the street. You are the best person I've ever known and I can't even take you out on a date, or even let anybody know we're together. Because if they did find out, your entire life would change, you'd become public property. I'm just not worth it Em." Alison's eyes were filled with tears now, she knew she'd overdone it with the wine.

"Don't I get to decide that?" Emily took Alison's hand again.

"Em, there are a million reasons why this would never work." Alison sighed.

"There are a million reasons why this wouldn't work." Emily nodded in thoughtful agreement with her.

"Like I said, my parents…"

"Opinions don't matter if you're happy and doing nothing legally wrong." Emily finished for her.

"It's not like we could have a normal relationship, we wouldn't exactly have date nights and you wouldn't be able to accompany me to events."

"Haven't you heard of Netflix and chill?" Emily smiled, "Plus I do actually accompany you to all your events."

"That's not what I meant." Alison rolled her eyes and found herself giggling, nobody made her laugh like Emily. Then she remembered the situation they were in and got serious again.

"Look, I'm Alison DiLaurentis. I've appeared on the front of every magazine, I can't walk down the street without being stopped every four feet. The police department are given a copy of my schedule so they can assess if they need to place officers. I am on the top ten list of most followed social media accounts every year. I am on the top ten list of most influential people every year. I am one of the most photographed people in the world. My life is public domain and so is anyone's that's associated with me. My career is my reputation." Alison finished, hoping that she had got through to Emily just how hard this could be for them.

"No you're not." Emily answered softly, shaking her head.

"Excuse me?" Alison questioned, eyebrows raised.

"Sorry to knock you down off that lofty perch you've built for yourself there, but that isn't who you are. It may be your career, your reputation, but it's not you." Emily spoke more boldly now.

"Oh, I forgot you were such an expert on me." Alison couldn't keep the bitchy tone from her voice as she spoke, "Please, enlighten me Emily. Who am I then?"

"You're Ali." Emily answered her calmly. "You have the manners of a goat on the outside, but on the inside you're one of the sweetest people I've ever known. God knows you hide it well though. Your sense of humour is amazing, and your laugh is like hearing my favourite song. You're smart and you love crosswords. You like only cheese on your pizza and you're a coffee snob. Your favourite film is Love Actually, because it has every aspect of love in it, the good and the bad. Your best friend is a dog, a dog that thinks you're his 'mama'. You don't trust anyone, not even yourself. It takes you, on average, 15 minutes to type out a 140 character tweet, and don't get me started on how long it takes you to take a photo for Instagram. You like to cuddle, and you can eat more than most of the guys that were in my unit. When you sleep, you're so still and quiet that I have to check you're still breathing. Oh and you hate hotels." Emily finished her rant.

Alison let a tear slide down her cheek.

"So yes, there are a million reasons why this will never work, but there are also a million reasons I'm willing to try anyway." Emily leaned over to gently brush the tear away with her thumb.

Alison inhaled sharply at the girls touch, as she remembered the first time Emily had performed that act. How her pulse had quickened then, how it always quickened at Emily's touch.

"I'm scared." Alison finally managed to whisper out.

"So am I." Emily whispered back. "But you're worth it to me Ali. I don't exactly want to head back into the closet, but if we have to be a secret for now then I'm willing to try. The question is, am I worth it to you?"

Alison knew how she felt, vocalising it was a different matter. She had always kept her feelings in check, it was how she'd been raised. Never let anyone in, never give them too much. After what seemed like the longest silence she finally spoke.

"I think you are, and that's what terrifies me the most."

The next thing she knew Emily's lips were on hers. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it was filled with passion. Then she was back on her stool, Alison left sat with her eyes closed, savouring the feeling.

"How about a trial, one week." She opened her eyes to see Emily grinning at her like an idiot.

"I'll take it." Alison grinned back. Her apprehension was still there, but she had been right the previous night. She didn't want to go a day without kissing Emily Fields.

Emily woke up the next morning with a spring in her step. She had left Ali's the previous night and practically skipped home. Hanna had waited up for her and teased her relentlessly before Emily had flipped her off and gone to bed. She was out on her usual morning run when her phone went off.

'So I'm at the office all day with my Dad, I'm so bored. I know it's your day off but if you wanted to come over tonight that would be OK.'

Emily chuckled at Ali's attempt at an invite. Deciding to see if she could make the girl actually ask her outright she text back.

'Just ok?'

She didn't get an immediate response so she tucked her phone away and continued her run, she wanted to get it over with quickly, she had a busy day ahead of her.

As she got out of the shower she saw she had a message. She picked up her phone and smiled at Ali's response.

'Fine. Emily, would you like to come over tonight? It would be more than ok.'

'I would love to. I'll see you when you get home.'

'I'll text you when I'm leaving the office.'

She put her phone down and started to put her plans for the day into motion.

Alison was finally on her way home, she hated days at the office. She had no desire to run the family 'empire'. Unfortunately because her brother was an unreliable addict, a fact concealed from the press surprisingly well, her father had passed the burden onto her. She quickly text Emily, unable to keep the smile from her face. As she finished she caught Carter's eye in the mirror. He returned her smile and then turned his attention back to the road.

When she finally arrived home she realised Emily still hadn't replied. Feeling a bit disappointed that the brunette might have made other plans she unlocked the door and headed inside. Pepe didn't greet her at the door as usual and she called out for him.

"We're in here!" Came Emily's voice from the kitchen.

Confused as to why Emily was already inside her house she walked to the kitchen, gasping as she entered.

"Surprise."

Emily was sat at the counter, which had dinner set up for two. There were candles and Emily got up to press play on a portable CD player. Gentle background music began to play.

"I know you don't like people in the house when you're not here, but I figured you wouldn't mind if it was just me. Martha agreed so she let me in."

Alison stayed in the doorway, speechless.

"Are you mad?" Emily asked, sounding worried.

Alison finally found her voice, "No, not at all. I'm just…wow."

Emily grinned, holding her arms out at the scene, "Date night."

Alison couldn't hold back her own grin. Nobody had ever done anything like this for her before, however she decided that she shouldn't be surprised that the cheesy brunette had. This had Emily written all over it.

"I know it's not a table at Masa but…"

"It's perfect Em," Alison gushed as she finally walked into the kitchen.

"Don't worry, I ordered in. I don't want to scare you away with my cooking just yet."

"So you do plan to scare me away with it eventually?" Alison questioned with a smile.

"Oh no, I plan that by the time I actually cook for you, you'll be far too enamoured with me to care about food poisoning." Emily smirked in response.

Emily pulled out her stool for her and she sat down.

"So what's on the menu?" Alison couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

"Chinese."

"I like Chinese."

"I know, I'm an expert on you remember." Emily said cockily as she took her own seat.

Alison just laughed, Emily was definitely worth it.

The dinner was amazing, not particularly in terms of the food, which was nice enough, but it was the best dinner date Alison had ever had. They chatted easily throughout. Talking about their days, Alison ranted about hers, but Emily seemed very vague about what she'd been up to. Emily had her laughing again about something as she got up to clean up the plates.

"Wow, the magazine on Hanna's coffee table was right, celebrities really are just like us." Emily mocked.

Alison just rolled her eyes, "I can put plates in a dishwasher, but other than that I'm a, what was it People magazine said? An ethereal goddess I think it was."

"Oh yeah, absolutely." Emily dead panned, walking over to her and wiping sauce from the corner of her mouth she hadn't realised was there. Causing her to blush.

"If only they knew hm?" Her giggle stopping short as Emily licked the sauce off her thumb.

"Come on, I have another surprise for you." Emily grabbed Ali's hand and pulled her to follow, seemingly unfazed by the intimate gesture she had just performed.

Alison followed her blindly, wondering what on earth Emily was so eager to show her.

"Right close your eyes." Emily sounded giddy.

"Emily what are you doing?" Alison asked unwilling to do as she was told.

"Please, close your eyes." Emily turned to look at her, "Trust me."

The words hung in the air heavily for a moment, before Alison relented and closed her eyes.

"Okay, just a few more steps." Emily had her hands on her shoulders, walking behind her, guiding her through the house. "You can open them now."

Alison opened her eyes, knowing from the route they taken from the kitchen that they were in the living room. It was completely finished. The walls were all painted, the furniture was in place, no more dust sheets. Her large TV, which had been in leaning against the wall, was now mounted on it. She turned to the corner to see the large piano that occupied it uncovered, and standing proudly.

"Now I know you still have to put pictures up and little trinkets about the place, but at least you can sit in here now."

"Emily," Alison turned around to face her, completely in awe of the girl in front of her, "I don't know what to say."

"Say you like it?" Emily stood awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. A sign that Ali had come to notice meant she was feeling uncomfortable, "I hope I didn't overstep, it's just you were complaining about it last night and…"

Alison interrupted her by throwing her arms around the brunette's neck and leaning up to kiss her soundly.

"Thank you." She wanted to say so much more, but she felt it was the only words she could muster.

Emily looked relieved as she put her hands only Alison's waist, pulling her closer.

"So, Netflix and chill?" Emily asked putting her forehead against Alison's.

Alison just laughed, taking her hand and leading her over to the couch.

They were laying on the couch, Alison between Emily's legs, head resting on her chest while Emily traced absent minded patterns up and down Alison's arm. Some documentary about serial killers was playing on the TV. Alison had long since stopped watching, instead her thoughts were occupied by the movements of Emily's hand and the nagging feeling that she didn't deserve any of this.

"Em." She said quietly.

"Yes Ali." The words vibrating into her ear still on Emily's chest.

"Why did you do all this?" She asked, sitting up so she could look at her.

"Because I wanted to." Emily shrugged.

"But why?"

"Because I like you, and I want to see you happy, and you're worth it." Emily smiled at her warmly.

"Okay." Alison resumed her previous position, her thoughts still racing. Was Emily hoping that all of this would get her lucky tonight? The other night, when her adrenaline was pumping she had been more than willing to have sex with the beautiful tanned woman. Now though, she was glad that Emily had put the brakes on. It wasn't that she didn't want to eventually, but something was different now. It felt more serious, more real, and she didn't think she was ready.

"What's wrong?" Emily sensed her sudden discomfort.

"Nothing," Alison lied. Lying, something Emily had told her she needed to stop. Composing herself she sat back up and looked down at her lap. "It's just…what are you expecting out of tonight? I mean you've done these wonderful things, these grand gestures and it can't be for nothing. What expectations do you have here?" She finished looking up.

"Expectations? I told you why I did this, what do you mean?" Emily looked at her confused before her eyes widened. "Oh." She started to laugh.

Alison felt her cheeks go red, embarrassed she looked down again.

"I'm sorry Ali," Emily stopped laughing, but a smile stayed on her face as she reached out and tilted Alison's face to look at her, "I didn't mean to laugh. Honestly I hadn't thought of it that way, I can see why you'd think that's what I was after. Particularly with the whole 'Netflix and chill' thing. I can promise you though that I have no expectations. Actually I was thinking we should take all of that slow. I told you the other night, I want to do this right."

Alison was completely sure now that she didn't deserve the sweet woman at all.

"Ali, what's wrong?" Emily asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I never do anything nice for you, you've been doing nice things for me since the day we met, and I never do anything for you."

"You gave me a chance." Emily said sincerely.

"That's not what I mean." Alison replied sadly.

"Okay, you want to do something nice for me?" Emily asked after a beat.

"I do."

Emily pointed over to the piano, "Play me something."

Alison's gaze followed Emily's finger to the instrument, "Like what?"

"I don't care, I just want to hear you play. Please?"

Alison got up and walked over, taking a seat at the stool and lifting the cover. Suddenly she felt incredibly nervous. She'd been playing since she was 5, she was more than competent, but she didn't want to embarrass herself if she messed up.

"Just play anything," Emily said from across the room, still seated on the couch. "The first song that comes into you head."

Alison placed her hands on the keys about to play the first song she'd thought of, before stopping herself and instead beginning to play Moonriver instead.

"Wow." She heard Emily gasp from the couch, as her fingers danced across the keys. "You're amazing."

"Shut up." Alison stopped her playing and turned on the stool, for some reason embarrassed at Emily's compliment.

"Please don't stop." Emily requested softly, her warm brown eyes staring directly into her own.

Alison turned back around on the stool and continued the song. Once it was finished she looked behind her to see Emily laid out on the sofa, fast asleep.

"Em?" She called, the girl was definitely out. She turned back to the piano and took a deep breath before starting to play the song that had popped into her head first. She began softly singing along to the music,

"Wise men say, only fools rush in…"

Well there you have it, chapter 7. Some sad news, or happy depending on whether on not you are enjoying my tale I suppose. It will be at least another week before I update again as I'm going on my jolly's. In the mean time while you wait, why not leave me your thoughts, options, or general musings. Doesn't even have to be about the story, if you have something you want to share, knock yourself out : ) I hope you're all well and living the dream. As always, much love.