A.N I have had little sleep after spending most of the night trying to perfect this chapter after being bitten by the urge to just write but I think I have done all the tweaking I can do.

I am really nervous about this chapter I feel like it had a life of its own the words just kept flowing and I was compelled to just keep typing. I really hope it satisfies you and once again thank you for all the reviews for the previous chapters.

Caputo sat back in his chair and exhaled loudly bringing a heavy hand up to his face trying to wipe away the tension that was currently marring his features. It was not his intention to upset Chapman he had actually thought his news would bring her some happiness and relief now that she knew the identity of the spy. Instead he had stumbled when question on Vause and left the woman sobbing desperately begging for the brunette, pleading just to see her, until she had been sedated for her own recovery that he had set back with his careless words. The sight was still burnt in his mind and it had affected him more than he cared to admit. He had underestimated Chapman and her affection for Vause and vice versa, they had always stayed relatively under the radar with their relationship. Only Healey had ever called them out on their affections but Caputo presumed at the time it was just two women comforting each other how some woman did while in prison. Healy with his lesbian obsession usually made a point of hounding any woman he thought was partaking in "unnatural behaviour" and so Caputo had assumed he was taking his vendetta too far.

After they had both been called to the trial of Vause's ex drug lord Caputo became aware of their previous history and after seeing Chapman's reaction this morning, listening to her explain her account of the beatings and what should have been fatal stabbing, seeing the pure longing in her features he realised just how much love Chapman had for the tall brunette. Vause was faring no better Caputo had tried to be gentle in his ill thought words about the dark haired woman not wanting to cause Chapman any distress, knowing if he told the truth he would be dealing with an emotionally distraught woman something he found distinctly uncomfortable. Now after being frog marched from the infirmary by a very irate nurse he was relieved that he had told his watered down version of events.

Alex Vause was alive in name only the light behind her eyes had gone out and Caputo had genuinely feared that he would be notified of her demise at her own hands. So much that the sheets had been removed from her bunk and a guard was to check on her every 15 minutes. She was refusing to eat spending the days either roaming around her cell muttering wildly or screaming for Piper until her voice cracked under the strain, begging for Piper to come back to her to not leave her on her own, not again. Caputo was going to arrange for the counsellor to see her and for her anti depressant medication to be administered once more hoping that it would bring her a semblance of peace. Vause had said nothing when he had sat down with her earlier and tentatively informed her of Rigsby's role in Piper's attack. Her knuckles had whitened as they gripped the metal bed frame but there had been no other outward acknowledgment of his words. Caputo had expected her to erupt into a violent rage, determined to seek revenge for Piper but instead met with the stony silence and a blank stare he had almost found himself wishing for the anger.

The fight and life had left Alex Vause completely and Caputo was beginning to feel uneasy about leaving Vause in the dark, knowing nothing of the FBI's plan and Chapman's surprise survival. Their love for each other was clear to see and now that Rigsby had confessed Caputo was trying to think of a way of uniting the pair even if only for a few short minutes. It would bring the life back to Vause and help Chapmans recovery and he decided in that moment he would fight for them even though he was very reluctant to go against the FBI's wishes. Caputo had vowed when he took on the head wardens post to fight for the rights of the inmates and make sure there wellbeing was the prisons number one priority. Right now he had failed and he wanted to right that wrong immediately before it became a stain on his record and a festering memory in the other inmates minds. The prison was struggling to recover from the incident gossip was strife and the CO's where struggling to contain the rising tempers within the prison walls. Red and Nichols were raging at the CO's both emitting there own grief in anger at how they thought Piper had met her maker. He also had a bit of a soft spot for Chapman she wasn't a criminal by the usual standards and she was polite and pleasant although he couldn't ignore her fits of violent temper. When she had arrived she had looked like a deer caught in headlights and he had found himself feeling sorry for the blonde. A

phone call interrupted his thought pattern and he took the receiver eagerly the words where spoken into his ear quickly and clearly and after he answered in the affirmative he brought the receiver back down quickly. An FBI agent was coming to interview Vause tomorrow and she would be taken to the only secured interview room the prison housed on site. An idea began to quickly form in his mind and he picked up the telephone receiver once again and dialled the number to the infirmary. For his plan to work he needed to know whether Chapman would be physically well enough to leave her hospital bed by morning, if so maybe, just maybe his quickly forming plan at helping Chapman could be a success.


Piper was anxiously waiting by the ward doors shivering slightly with anticipation. When she had awoken groggily and realised it was already morning she had been confused and disorientated. The nurse had informed her of her sedation and she had reacted angrily if she was to heal she wanted to heal through her own determined will. Drugging her every time she experienced negative emotion wasn't going to help her in the long run and she was determined for it not to happen again. The nurse had grumbled at her impertinence but Piper felt no guilt she knew her own body and the limits it could take she didn't need the prison system trying to control her own body's healing system and emotions.

For the first time however she had been encouraged to get out of bed and although she had been a bit shaky Piper had managed to stand unattended for many minutes the entire time grinning like a fool in triumph. It had exhausted her more than she liked to admit it but Piper had been pleased with her progress nonetheless. Numerous tests later, which had been tedious but it had beat staring around her room in boredom, she had been informed brusquely that she was healing well and the nurse had stalked from the room muttering about having to make a phone call. After a short nap Piper had been rudely awakened quickly ushered out of bed and she was now sitting in a wheelchair shivering in a pair of thick tracksuit pants and an oversized grey pullover wondering just what the hell was going on.

"CO Bennett will be here for you in a moment"

"And just where is it I'm going to?"

"I don't know inmate I didn't ask" Piper seethed at the unhelpful response but she bit her lip and forced a smile on her face trying to remember that this woman controlled her medication and could make her life in her solitary bed rest a living hell. Frustrated Piper crossed her arms moodily and stared at the clock in the nurses office as she waited for the CO to arrive.

"Afternoon Chapman you all set?"

"Well I would be if I knew where the hell I was going?!" The frustration leaked out of her and she sobered slightly as Bennett's face went from jovial to serious in an instant.

"Watch your tone inmate" chastised Piper nodded meekly "Yes sir, sorry sir"

Bennett smiled and nodded accepting her apology "I'm escorting you to the other side of the prison so I'm going to need you to pull that hood up we need to keep your face covered" Intrigued Piper did as she was told covering her face as best she could she tucked her blonde hair under the hood and pulled the drawstrings tightly so that it was securely fixed. "Most of the inmates are either working or inside in their bunks so there should be only a minimal chance of you being recognised even if you are seen"

Piper took in her surroundings watching keenly as they made there way through corridors she had not frequented before. They did

not encounter a single inmate for which Piper was grateful and again she wondered exactly where it was she was being taken to. Bennett pushed open a heavy metal door at the end of a particularly long corridor and Piper took a deep breath of the fresh cold air she was greeted with as she was pushed outside.

"Just into this next building Chapman then were there" Piper wanted to ask what was happening but she had a feeling she would be ignored instead she just concentrated on her surroundings a habit that had become ingrained into her after her last few weeks facing Kubra's wrath. They emerged from around a brick wall and a strong breeze whipped around her. The cold air felt biting on her skin and she rubbed her hands together willing Bennett to increase his pace. The thick hoody she was wearing wasn't doing much to keep out the cold damp air and as her body began to shiver her stitches pulled and burnt.

Wincing Piper felt relief as Bennett turned heading towards a door hidden slightly out of sight he knocked twice and as the door opened she felt a wave of heat wash over her body instantly warming her limbs.

"No problems Bennett?"

"None at all sir" Caputo's expression visibly relaxed and Piper looked at him carefully he looked stressed, on edge, almost guilty as he paced back and forth the narrow corridor Piper now found herself in.

"Bennett I will radio for you when we're done I will need you to return Chapman to the infirmary when business is completed here" anxiousness washed over Piper at his serious words and for a second Piper wanted Bennett to stay.

"Yes sir"

"Remember not a word to anyone" Bennett nodded to Caputo shot a small smile in Pipers direction and left letting in a cold blast of air as he closed the door behind him. Piper shivered and turned back to the head warden.

"Sir may I ask why I am here?"

"You asked something of me yesterday that I wasn't sure I could give but I have found away to grant your wish although it will not be for long"

"What's going on sir?" Caputo moved behind her and grasped hold of the wheelchair handles gently he pushed her in the direction of the two doors in the corridor. Selecting the door on the right Caputo turned the handle and carefully wheeled her inside. The room was only just big enough for the pair of them it was dark with no light and no windows the only feature that stood out was one wall which was made up of a large piece of mirrored glass which Piper could clearly see her pale reflection in.

"Sir?" Pipers voice wobbled and she cursed at the fear in her voice. Though her mind reasoned in her defence the last time she had been shut in an enclosed space she had exited with a bloodied beaten face.

"Don't be scared Chapman you are perfectly safe" the warmth in his voice relaxed her and she looked to Caputo eagerly "This is the prisons interview room it's only used when serious crimes within the prison have been committed and to be honest there has been no use for it for a number of years. The glass you see here is a viewing pane when I flick this switch you will be able to see the room that is behind the glass" Piper nodded she had watched enough TV crimes shows to recognise the set up now that her eyes had adjusted to the half light of the room.

"I still don't understand why I am here"

"The FBI have been using this room to question one of our inmates all morning before that inmate is escorted back to SHU I am going to speak with her and you will be allowed to watch and listen to the interview from within this room" Piper's heart began to beat faster and she could almost feel her body beginning to shake with anticipation, Her brain was putting two and two together and she prayed that four equaled the person her heart desperately hoped to see behind that glass "Sir?"

"I hope this satisfies you Chapman" Caputo stood up and opened the door quickly flicking a switch as he did and Piper heard an audible click then the glass began to change before her eyes. The mirrored effect changed to become transparent and Piper was glad she was sat down in her wheelchair as her body shook with relief and her eyes greedily drank in the sight in front of her. Alex had her head resting on her outstretched arms that lay across the plain grey table that was situated in the centre of the room. Her knuckles where bruised and scraped causing Piper to frown and she cast an appraising eye trying to find any other injuries, she found none. With her sleeves rolled up in typical Alex style Piper could just make out the edge of her rose tattoo. knowing she was so close Piper started to smile but it soon fell from her face when Caputo entered the room.

Startled by the noise Alex jerked upright and Pipers mouth fell open, she brought her hand up to her face in horror as tears pricked her eyelids. Alex looked terrible with her glasses perched on her head Piper could clearly see the usually bright vibrant green orbs where rimmed with red the whites heavily bloodshot with deep black bags lining the underneath. Her face was drawn her cheekbones more prominent than Piper had ever seen, she looked ill, defeated and Piper felt anguished at the sight.

"How did it go Vause?"

"Ok" Alex's trademark husky voice crackled through the speakers and Piper let the tears fall if Alex looked defeated her voice only confirmed it. Flat and lifeless it sounded nothing like the vibrant cocky Alex Vause she knew and loved.

"We will keep you informed of any further updates" Alex didn't say anything merely continued staring forward and Piper stood up shakily so that she could get closer to the glass "You will still have to return to SHU for your own safety we cannot be certain that Rigsby was the only spy and we still haven't discovered how Kubra's man entered the prison"

"I want to go back"

Caputo sighed "I can't allow that you are still in danger"

Alex shook her head slowly "I don't think I care anymore"

Pipers throat felt as if it was closing her lovers pain suffocating her from the inside.

"I'm going to arrange for one of the counsellor's to see you and your anti depressants to be re administered. You can't keep this up Vause beating the walls won't bring Piper back" Alex didn't acknowledge his words other than visibly flinching when Caputo said her name. Tears rolled down Pipers face this wasn't her Alex and she wanted the original one back.

"Vause listen I know this is hard for you-"

"You don't know anything about how this is for me!" Alex stood abruptly flipping the chair over she had been sitting in. it crashed to the floor the noise echoing loudly in the small room causing Piper to wince.

"Inmate control yourself!"

Alex's hands rose up and tangled wildly in her hair clutching at the dark locks tightly as she began to sob "I loved her, still love her and she is dead because of me!" The bottom of Pipers stomach felt as if it had dropped to the floor, the room around her began to spin and she clawed at the glass in front of her striking her palms against the surface. It had never entered her head that her actions would cause Alex this much devastation and her own guilt started to bubble in her stomach causing her to feel nauseated. Caputo's head turned towards the glass his face wild in warning at the muffled thudding but Piper didn't care bringing her fists down hard she pounded against the glass screaming for Alex screaming that she loved her too. Alex didn't acknowledge her impassioned pleas and Piper was disappointed when she realised she couldn't hear her shouting and banging too trapped in her own grief to care what was going on around her.

"Vause get your shit together I'll be back in a moment" Piper barely registered the door to the interview room opening only realising she wasn't alone when hands closed firmly around her wrists and she was pushed back into the chair. She struggled and fought until she gasped in pain at the burn that spread across her abdomen from her actions, her body instinctively trying to curl into its self in defence.

"Easy Chapman easy" hot tears still fell uncontrollably down her cheeks but she forced her body to relax and as she did the pain lessened allowing her to open her eyes.

"Sir you can't do this, you need to tell her"

Caputo looked torn as he shook his head slowly "I can't I've already gone against the FBI by allowing you here. I'm sorry Chapman it's just not worth me allowing Vause to see you. Surely you understand?"

"But Jesus Christ sir look at her!" Piper gestured angrily to the glass forcing Caputo to look at Alex curled in the corner of the room crying, rocking, looking like a wounded animal and Piper could barely stand the sound "I can't do this sir not now I know how much this has affected Alex. Everything I went through was to keep her safe so she could be happy but I was wrong she's killing herself with grief please sir please?" No answer was given only a look of guilt and Piper focused all her energy in grim determination she was not being returned to the infirmary without Alex knowing she was alive.

"I'm so sorry Chapman but this is out of my hands I tried I really did" with fire burning through her veins bringing a new energy to her depleted body she quickly began to think of a plan. Caputo was still watching her closely so she nodded meekly avoiding eye contact.

"I'll have Bennett come and collect you now?"

"Can I wait outside sir I can't - I can't stay" Caputo nodded sympathetically and he wheeled her out of the observation room leaving the sound of Alex's sobs behind them.

"I'll be right back the signal isn't great in here "

Caputo headed outside radio in hand as he tried to contact Bennett and as soon as he had stepped outside the heavy metal door Piper seized her chance. As quickly as she could she stood and made her way to the interview room door she paused for a moment, her hand hovering over the doorknob, as she gathered herself together. Before she allowed the rational side of her brain to even begin telling her this was a bad idea Piper opened the door quickly and the relief that washed over her made her release a sigh of her lovers name "Alex.."

There was no response and Pipers brow creased as she stepped further into the room coming to stand on unsteady legs just in front of where Alex still sat huddled in the corner her head on her knees, her arms wrapped around herself protectively.

"Alex?" This time Piper crouched down and placed a gentle hand across Alex's tightly clasped hands. At the contact Alex's head snapped upwards and Piper retracted her hand quickly, this close she could clearly see the range of emotions displayed in her lovers eyes, grief, anger, guilt and now disbelief.

"You just can't leave me alone can you Pipes?" Pipers eyebrows knotted in confusion as a humourless chuckle left Alex's lips "It's torture I see you everywhere in SHU, in the shower block even in the yard the one time they let me out. Everyday you appear it's like you won't let me forget" Piper wanted to speak tell her she was wrong but Alex's words rendered her speechless "Not that I want to forget you Kid it's just keep seeing you its slowly killing me. I'm sorry ok? I'm so sorry it's all my fault, what happened is all my fault"

"No ... Alex" Pipers voice cracked with emotion and she tried to reach for Alex's face but her fingers only met air as Alex wrenched back away from her outstretched hand.

"Please I've apologised please you need to go now Pipes I can't keep doing it any longer" Alex stood up abruptly backing away from her and Piper began to lose patience standing abruptly she seized Alex's wrist trying to prove she was here, alive not a figment of Alex's fragile mind. What Piper didn't expect was the retaliation that she received. As her hand made contact she was pushed angrily away, stumbling into the desk hard causing her to lose her balance and come crashing to the floor.

"Fuck..." Piper hissed through gritted teeth and brought her hands to her side clenching her hands around the thick material to stop herself from crying out.

"Piper?" Alex's voice was hesitant, scared, her eyes wide in fear and Piper tried to look normal keep her face neutral.

"I'm here Alex. I'm here I promise you"

Alex continued to stare uncertainly and Piper kept her face calm and her gaze steady.

"Chapman?!"

"Shit..,"

Caputo's voice echoed into the room just before the door was yanked open and he stood staring at her in shock and anger.

"I tried to do something nice for you and this is how you repay me! My head will swing for this and all I'm trying to do is keep the two of you safe and alive God damn it!" Pipers temper flared up instantly at his words and she started to shout before she could even think about who she was shouting at.

"Alive?! Barely! Have you seen the state of her! Did you think I would clap eyes on her and be able to walk away with nothing but a thank you sir? I fucking love her, love her so much I was willing to die to keep her safe even though I was sure she hated me so I'm sorry that I couldn't just sit and watch the love of my life destroy herself over something that isn't true!"

Caputo glared at her but she did not back down did not dare lower her gaze however her attention was grasped from the argument by her favourite sound.

"Jesus Kid it's really you.."

Piper turned and smiled as realisation finally dawned on Alex's face and her smile only got bigger as Alex lunged forwards pulling her upwards into a crushing embrace.

"You're alive? But how-"

"It doesn't matter you'll find out later just ... fuck Alex, just hold me" Piper turned her head and buried her face into Alex's neck feeling euphoria as Alex's arms tightened around her shoulders her own arms wrapped around a slender waist and she smiled inhaling Alex's scent letting it soothe her frazzled nerves and aching muscles.

"I thought I'd lost you kid..." Alex's voice broke and Piper squeezed her tighter placing a gentle kiss on the smooth skin of the taller woman's neck.

"I know, I know" Piper could feel her small burst of energy beginning to fade and she let her body sag gently against Alex as it became too much to stand on her own.

"Piper?! You ok?!"

Alex's voice was panicked and Piper nodded slowly "Just tired, third day, out of hospital"

Alex quickly lifted the chair from the floor and eased Pipers body down gently crouching as she did so that she could still support the majority of Pipers weight against her body.

"Did I hurt you? Pipes I'm sorry I didn't, couldn't believe it was you"

"I'm fine" Piper smiled softly staring into Alex's now bright green eyes trying to ease her lovers worry. Caputo cleared his throat loudly and the two woman jumped clearly forgetting his presence as they lost themselves in one another.

"What on earth am I going to do with you both now?" His voice was soft the previous anger replaced with acceptance and Piper shrugged one shoulder sheepishly. "We need to get you back to the infirmary Chapman" Piper tightened her grip on Alex's tunic top she didn't want to be parted again so soon.

"I need to take Vause with me Chapman but I promise you can see her again"

"When?"

Caputo sighed "When I've sorted out this mess you've created. sometimes I rue the day they brought you to Litchfield"

Piper had the good grace to look guilty and Caputo sighed heavily "Vause we need to bring you up to speed and quickly you got two minutes before Bennett arrives for Chapman then we need to talk"

Piper looked confused for a moment until Caputo left the room and she smiled when she realised he was giving them a moment of privacy. The moment the door closed Alex turned to look at her with such love in her eyes Piper felt overwhelmed and she closed her eyes in pure bliss when a pair of lips hesitantly met her own in a gentle kiss. The action caused Pipers heart to melt and she raised a heavy hand to Alex's cheek caressing the warm skin, still damp with tears, with her thumb softly.

"I've missed you, so much" Alex smiled in response her eyes crinkling and Piper rose to meet Alex's lips once again as she heard the voice she loved most in the world reply thick with emotion.

"Missed you too kid"