A/N: Sorry guys, I've been super busy lately! Trying to update as much as I can! Sorry this is a bit of a shorter one!

"I think last time we had a proper conversation you were studying at Upenn?" Jessica was doing her best impression of politeness as she sat at dinner with her daughter and her girlfriend.

Cece nodded, "It didn't work out too well," she said slowly, "I'm working at the boutique in town now. It's not a career but it pays the rent."

"I've been in there, they have some nice things," Jessica smiled.

Alison smiled gratefully at her mom, at least she was trying.

"So, do you still go to that club, I forget what it's called… you and Jason used to go?" Jessica asked not so subtlety.

Cece took a breath, "I haven't been for a while," she said slowly, "I don't really drink so much these days as when I was younger."

Alison squeezed her hand under the table.

"Good to hear," Jessica smiled tightly, "Seeing as you're dating my daughter who is not of drinking age."

Alison groaned, "Mom, we don't drink. I mean, okay, maybe once or twice but nothing crazy. Really."

Jessica nodded, "Good."

Cece hesitated before leaning forward slowly, "I know there's an age difference between Ali and I," she started, "But Alison is really mature for her age. I don't want to push her into growing up too fast at all. Ali is… beautiful and smart and funny and I love her," she bit her lip, "So, if you need to give me the third degree or test me or whatever it is you need to do for you to be comfortable with her seeing me… go ahead."

Jessica's eyebrows were raised in surprise, "Well… that's quite the speech, Cece. I hope it's true. What I would like is no more lies," she turned to her daughter, "If you're going to see Cece, tell me that. Don't tell me you're seeing your friends."

Alison nodded, "Okay, fair enough."

"And I don't know what Jason's thinking right now," Jessica shook her head, "He hasn't been around much since your party but you need to speak to him, Ali. He's your brother."

Alison nodded again, "Yeah… I know. I will."

Jessica nodded, "I'd like it if you'd spend some time here… rather than at Cece's all the time."

Alison sighed, "Uh-huh," she grumbled.

Cece couldn't help smiling as she nudged Alison, "That's not a problem. I mean, I appreciate being welcomed into your home."

"If I get any hint of partying or drugs…"

"Not an issue," Cece said quickly, "Honestly, you're right.. I was into some of that a couple years back. College was hard and I got a little lost. But I cleaned up well over a year ago. Sometimes I have a glass of whiskey or wine but that's really it. And if you tell me Ali's not allowed a drop, I'll happily abide by that."

Jessica watched the girl curiously; she certainly seemed a different Cece than the one her son used to hang out with, "One glass max. And not all the time."

"Totally," Cece agreed.

"And if your grades start to drop, Ali…"

Alison smiled, "Cece's super smart. She already helps me with my homework."

Cece grinned, "Not that she really needs the help."

Jessica nodded. She could see how much the two girls in front of her cared about one another. That didn't mean she wasn't going to be keeping a close eye on them.


"Someone's sleepy," Cece murmured.

Alison smiled lazily, her eyes closed as she curled into Cece's side. They were watching, or half watching, some movie in Alison's bedroom.

"Mm, sleepy," Alison mumbled in agreement, slinging an arm over Cece's stomach, stroking her through her clothes a few times before her hand stilled.

"Maybe I should go," Cece whispered, a hand in soft, blonde hair.

Alison's hand tightened over Cece's stomach, "Nooo," she whined.

Cece chuckled, "We didn't exactly clarify the rules of sleep over's, Ali."

Alison hummed sleepily, "Just a little longer, please. I always sleep better when I'm with you."

Cece bit her lip, "Yeah, same here baby," she kissed the top of Alison's head and unable to resist she continued, "I guess a little longer won't hurt."


Jessica trudged up the stairs, rubbing her eyes. She still hadn't decided if she was okay with letting her sixteen year old daughter have a sleepover with her girlfriend. She sighed. Technically, they'd been doing it for months anyway, she thought. She paused before pushing Ali's door open.

The two girls were curled up, fully dressed, in Alison's bed, breathing lightly as they held each other. The television ran redundantly. Jessica walked over to the television and switched it off. She turned the lamp off and closed the door gently.