Yes - I know - this update has been a long time coming - I do apologise - more at the end - but for now - enjoy!
Piper couldn't stop smiling – she knew she wouldn't hear the last of it from Nicky if she caught her with this stupid look on her face, but for once, Piper didn't care. She felt like she was floating on air as she walked out of her bedroom, phone still in hand and made her way towards her small kitchen.
After she had nervously flirted with Alex over a few text messages she had plucked up the courage and made sure Alex knew she wanted her to come to the Hamptons, more specifically, she wanted Alex to come to the Hamptons with her.
Now having sorted details as to when they would be meeting, Piper couldn't help but feel giddy, her heart racing at the mere thought of seeing Alex again, it was nearly jumping out of her chest at the thought of spending the entire weekend with her.
As she moved round the kitchen making a new pot of coffee, Piper considered the last twenty-four hours. Yesterday morning she had woken up and gone to work, by the afternoon she had met Alex, by the evening she knew they both felt something special between them, Alex more than proving that by the way she had protected her against Mendez. Piper smiled at herself, thinking of the moments she had been wrapped up in Alex's arms, it didn't take much for her mind to wander to their first kiss, her stomach flipping as she remembered how exhilarating it had felt.
She was jolted back to the present with the sound of something slamming loudly onto the counter beside her.
"Awww, shit Chapman – don't be making me look at that gooey face of yours all weekend…"
"Gooey?"
""Yeah – gooey. Just look at ya! I have a pretty good idea who's got you looking that way too. Take it you've heard from Vause?"
Nicky had walked into the small kitchen, standing close to Piper as she held out the mug she had banged on the counter earlier, indicating she wanted some of the coffee Piper had started to make as she'd reminisced.
"Yeah – Alex is meeting us outside Gloria's at two, just like you said."
"Great! That means we have a few hours before you start stressing about what you need to take for the weekend – can we please go and get something to eat? My stomach thinks my throat has been cut!"
"Nicky – there is plenty of food in the cupboards – you know you are more than welcome to any of it."
"Chapman – there is no way on earth you are convincing me that any of that bird seed you eat is food. Come on – I think that diner round the corner does all you can eat breakfasts…"
Piper smiled as Nicky walked away from her, the coffee forgotten, already pulling on her jacket, and opening the door to her apartment. Piper made sure everything in her kitchen was switched off, then hurried out behind Nicky, calling out for her to wait up. She figured treating Nicky to a decent breakfast was the least she could do. After all, it was thanks to Nicky that Alex had stuck around on more than one occasion last night, when the drama that seemed to follow Piper around landed squarely at her feet.
By the time one o'clock rolled around, Alex felt a lot more settled. She had spoken with the storage company and her furniture and belongings would be arriving on Tuesday. She had done a half decent job of grocery shopping, so her cupboards and fridge now had food in them, and she was now pulling the third and final load of clothes out of her dryer, so despite having no wardrobe to put them in, she did have a half decent selection of clothes to choose from for the weekend.
It took Alex about half an hour to get her things together, the benefit of currently only having what she had brought back in her suitcases limited her choices, so she made quick work of stashing everything she thought she may need into a small bag.
Alex tidied round her kitchen, busying herself with nothing much at all as she tried to ease out this feeling of nerves before meeting Piper and her friends again. Even after just spending an afternoon and evening with them, Alex was beginning to feel more like her old self again, the confident Alex Vause was beginning to make a reappearance after the several months of hell she had gone through thanks to Sylvie and in particular, Sylvie's brothers.
But that was firmly behind her now, and Alex smiled at the possibilities that could await her with Piper. Deciding not to waste any more time cleaning her already sparkling kitchen, Alex shoved her phone in her back pocket, grabbed her keys and the suitcase and headed out the door.
Piper was stood outside Gloria's coffee shop with Poussey and Tasha, each holding freshly brewed coffee in take out cups as they waited for Nicky and Lorna to arrive with their ride. They were chatting about the plans for the evening, when Piper spoke, changing the subject abruptly, "So, errr… I, well, actually it was Nicky who asked her first, but I then asked…" Piper huffed as she realised how she was rambling, then continued, "I invited Alex to come with us this weekend - hope that's OK with you both..."
Poussey elbowed Tasha in the side, nodding her head and beaming a wide smile at Piper as she replied, "It's more than alright Piper, Alex is cool, plus, Nicky told us all what your girl did last night, damn! Wish I'd been there to see her punch that sleazy bastard in the face!"
Piper started to smile at first, glad that her friends seemed to like Alex too, but then quickly frowned at Poussey's words, thinking again to what Alex had gone through for her last night, "Well, if it's alright with you, I'd rather not relive that moment and I'm sure Alex won't want to talk about it either. I just want a fun weekend, no drama-"
"No Larry!" Tasha interrupted, her voice thick with laughter.
"Definitely no Larry!" Piper laughed back.
"Just all Alex, all the time!" Poussey boomed over them, imitating a voice over from a cheesy movie. Piper gasped, her eyes wide, playfully hitting Poussey on the arm, pretending she was embarrassed by the suggestion, but secretly loving the idea of getting to spend more time with Alex.
"The girls not denying it though!" Tasha chuckled, as her and Poussey collapsed into a fit of laughter against one another, as Piper stood, one hand on her hip, the other shaking her half empty coffee cup at them.
"Well, it would be rude to keep her to myself all of the time..." Piper offered, her eyes towards the floor, a slight blush on her cheeks.
Tasha studied Piper for a moment, although she had been playing along with their jokes, she could see something sparkling in those blue eyes at every mention of Alex, quickly working it out, Tasha leaned towards Piper, her voice low, "Damn girl! You've got it bad Chapman, haven't you? Less than twenty fours hours and already you've fall-"
"Alex! There she is! There's our writer with a right hook!" Piper was thankful at that moment Poussey had spotted Alex walking towards them, interrupting Tasha before she could vocalise and what Piper already knew to be true.
They watched as the other woman moved towards Alex, faking punches and jabs at her. A laugh slipped over her lips as Alex let go of the suitcase she was pulling behind her, bringing her hands up in a loose but defensive boxing stance, swaying from side to side before playfully taking a wide swing at Poussey with her right arm. The two women were laughing loudly as Poussey faked being hit across the face, before turning quickly to stand at the side of Alex, raising her right arm in the air, as if announcing her the winner of their match.
Throughout the display, Piper had stood still, her eyes fixed on Alex the whole time, unable to stop the wide smile that crept across her face, so when Alex looked towards the blonde, she was met with the brightest smile she had ever seen. Poussey was still holding her arm aloft as her eyes met Pipers, Alex knew her own eyes reflected the same look, not one just of desire or lust, but of something more, of words unspoken last night, of promises of things to come; she felt it as she stood there looking at Piper, there was an undeniable connection between the two of them. She'd thought about it last night, but was even more certain of it now.
As Poussey released her arm, Alex slowly walked over to where Piper stood, neither woman dropping their gaze, until they were once again stood inches away from one another.
"Hey, good to see you," Alex whispered, the low rasp to her voice sending tingles down Pipers spine, as Alex tucked a stray stand of blonde hair behind Pipers ear,
"Hey," was all that Piper managed to force out, her brain too busy taking in the view in front of her, Alex's pale, but beautiful skin, how dark her hair actually was, how her eyes seemed to be a slightly different colour of green from when she last looked into them only the night before, those lips….
Before Piper could take action on any if her thoughts, her attention was quickly pulled to the large MPV that had pulled up alongside them, its horn blaring wildly. The sliding door pulled back to reveal a beaming Nicky, the front window rolling down, revealing Lorna sat behind the wheel, who waved excitedly at the group of woman stood on the sidewalk.
"Come on bitches! The Nichols pussy wagon is ready for action!" Nicky roared as she jumped out of the vehicle landing on the sidewalk part way between Piper and Alex, who Nicky slapped on the back as she righted herself, refraining from falling over, "Vause! Glad to see you could make it! How's that right hand of yours doing?" Alex raised her hand, shrugging her shoulders as if indicating it was fine, as Nicky continued, Well, I'm pretty sure Chapman here will take very good care of you, if you still need a bit of TLC, if you get what I'm sayin'" Nicky winked at Alex before walking to the back of the car, opening the trunk, Piper only just managing to contain the blush she could feel rising to her cheeks, making a mental note to seek revenge on Nicky at some point this evening.
The women quickly loaded their bags, then settled into the seats, Tasha and Poussey claimed the seats at the back, leaving Alex and Piper to settle in on the middle seats, as Nicky jumped into the front to sit alongside Lorna, who was still grinning like a lunatic behind the wheel, turning to face Alex as she took a seat behind her,
"Alex! It's so good to see you again - Nicky told me about last night, and how you beat up that sleaze-ball that attacked Piper, then when she told me you were coming this weekend, I was so excited! Seems like you are one of the gang now – which does mean there's no escaping Nicky now!" Lorna said with a wink.
"Thanks Lorna, good to see you too-" Alex started, but was cut off by Nicky,
"Come on Morello! We ain't got time for inane chit chat - the sooner we get to the party - the sooner I can ditch the parentals and actually have some fuckin' fun with you guys-"
"Hold on - we're going? What about Daya and John?" Piper asked, suddenly aware that their group was still two members short.
"Yeah, they bailed on us." Nicky stated, almost matter of factly, her eyes still forward on the road ahead of them.
"Nicky, that's not true!" Lorna cut in, her voice getting higher as she defended Daya, "What Nicky means is that Daya's not feeling too good, throwing up and everything, John said she looked a right mess…"
"Whatever Morello, they can't make it - so in my book - that's bailing, come on – put that pedal to the metal babe!"
"Hey – Lorna!" Poussey called up from the back, leaning over the top of Alex to get the shorter dark haired girls attention, "You sure you OK to drive – you know – can you actually reach the gas pedal?"
Although she knew Poussey was only joking, Lorna's expression changed at the accusation, "Hey, quit it! I'll have you know I used to drive the van for the family business!"
"You shittin' me? Really? The 'family business'? What – you were working for the Corleones?" Nicky wheezed out between snorts of laughter.
"Don't be daft Nicky, I don't know nobody called the Corleones – I worked for my Dad and his cousin Vinny"
"Oh this shit just gets better. Seriously? Your dad has a cousin Vinny?" Nicky managed to speak before falling into another fit of laughter, the giggles and suppressed laughter coming from the other women in the vehicle not helping her in anyway.
"Yeah – what's so wrong with that?" Lorna's face was one of confusion, clearly not aware of why Nicky and the rest of her friends were laughing at her so much.
"Nothing Morrello, just amazed at how someone can actually live up to a stereotype so well without actually realising it…" Nicky laughed as she leaned in and planted a kiss on Lorna's cheek, "Now come on babe, lets get going yeah?"
Lorna raised her middle finger at Nicky, tilting her head and smiling as she did so, before shifting the car into gear and moving easily into the building traffic of the city. As Nicky settled into her role of navigator, chatting happily once again with Lorna, Alex had smiled as Piper had shuffled closer to her, their two bodies as close as they could manage whilst still wearing their seatbelts. As she reached out and placed her arm around Pipers shoulder, Alex felt a thumb rubbing gently across the dressing she had on her right hand resting in her lap, hearing concern in the voice that spoke to her.
"Alex, your hand…."
"Piper, it's fine really. Jut a little sore this morning, it's nothing-"
"It's not nothing Alex, you are hurt because of me…"
"Yeah – well, kind of," Alex saw Pipers eyes go wide at her words, so she quickly continued, laughter in her voice, "Well, I was defending your honour after all, so yeah – kind of your fault!"
Piper smiled as she realised Alex was joking about her injury, playfully pushing Alex away before moving back towards her, lightly resting her hands either side of Alex's face, pulling her closer so they were able to share a chaste kiss. The moment didn't last long, both pulling away quickly as Poussey and Tasha leaned over their seats, both booming out "Bow-chicka-wow-wow",both Alex and Piper joining in with the laughter as the two women behind them fell about in their seats, pleased with their well timed joke.
Alex spent the rest of the journey listening to the conversations between Piper, Poussey and Tasha, watching the blonde next to her intently as she spoke about things she was passionate about, watching her blush as Tasha retold embarrassing story after embarrassing story, until Piper begged her to stop.
It took them just under two hours to reach their destination - as they drove up the long drive of the Nichols Hamptons residence, Alex couldn't help but think how far she was from her younger self. Her and her mom had only known a small apartment for most of Alex's younger years – so the sprawling mansion in front of her stunned her for a moment as she considered how different her life would have been from Nicky's growing up.
"Here we are ladies – party central!" Nicky jumped out of the car, rushing over to the small woman who had appeared at the doorway as they had pulled up. Nicky practically scooped the smaller woman up in her arms, both women returning the tight hug the other was giving.
"That's Marisa," Lorna offered to Alex as she stood beside her by way of an explanation. "Nicky always said she was more of a mother to her than her own was…"
Alex smiled to Lorna, not needing to say anything, but suddenly very grateful. For all the money the Nichols family had – wealthy clearly didn't always equate to being loved, something Alex knew her and her mom had by the bucket load, no matter how much they had struggled as Alex grew up.
Pulling away from Marisa, Nicky turned back to her friends, "Come on ladies, I'll show you to your rooms, and then I don't know about you, but I'm fuckin' starving – hey!"
Marisa had clipped Nicky around the ear, and was now wagging a finger, her face stern, "I don't care how old you are Nicole, I brought you up to use better language than that!"
"Sorry Mar…."
The older woman relaxed, placing a hand on Nicky's shoulder, "Come on – take your friends to their rooms. Find me in the kitchen when you are settled and I will sort out something for you all."
"You're the greatest Mar…"
Marisa turned away and headed back into the house, shaking her head as she walked away, Nicky taking a step back towards Lorna. Taking her by the hand, she lead Lorna towards the house, the others picking up their bags and following close behind, as Nicky gave them a brief tour of the house. After walking for what seemed like hours, Nicky stopped in a long corridor, doors on either side.
"OK, so Tash, here's your room, P – that's your room there opposite. This here is where Lorna and I will be. So Vause – you've got that room up there on the right, Chapman – you're the room next door to Vause." Nicky had stood in the long corridor – indicating like an air stewardess to each door as she pointed out the assigned room. "You got 10 minutes to dump your shit and freshen up – then I'm heading to the kitchen. I need to eat if I'm having to put up with all the crap I'm gonna get from my parents. I can only handle that with a shit load of alcohol – which won't end well if it's on an empty stomach."
With a smile and a wink, Nicky opened up the door to the room she had indicated she was sharing with Lorna, and bundled the smaller woman though the door, the giggling continuing as the door shut behind them.
Alex picked up her bag and moved the little way down the corridor to stand in front of the door to her room, hand on the door handle, looking to her left as Piper stood in front of her door, a mirror image of Alex's own stance, "Well, I guess this is me. See you in a few minutes?"
"Yeah – don't worry Alex, I won't leave you. I got lost the first time I came here, so many corridors and rooms…" Piper smiled, then quickly turned the handle and ducked into the room, closing the door behind her, leaving Alex alone in the corridor.
Alex pushed open the door in front of her, releasing a low whistle as she looked around, impressed with the size of the room considering Nicky had said her Mom considered this the "smaller" part of the house.
Leaving her suitcase to the side of the door, Alex trailed a hand over the edge of the four-poster bed as she moved around it to walk into the ensuite bathroom.
As she checked herself in the mirror, straightening out her top, she heard a faint tapping which seemed to be coming from back in the bedroom. Sticking her head round the door frame, Alex looked around, not seeing anything but puzzled by the noise, trying to place where it was coming from. Out the corner of her eye she noticed something move, and took a step back, the initial shock turning into a deep laugh when she saw Pipers head sticking out from behind the door that was opening between the two rooms.
"Hey neighbour!" Piper laughed, noticing the changing look on Alex's face, "Sorry! Hope I didn't scare you?"
"No, I'm good, although I was starting to feel a bit lost in this massive bedroom all by myself."
Piper closed the door behind her, moving towards Alex who was also closing the distance between them. They both stopped within touching distance of one another, smiling, each just taking in the sight of other woman for a moment.
Alex moved first, placing her left hand to Pipers cheek, her right on the hip of the blonde, and gently closed the small gap that remained between them, pulling Piper into her. Alex kissed her gently at first, their pace quickening as Piper brought up her hands to rest in Alex's hair, gripping it between her fingers as she pulled Alex deeper into the kiss. Piper was the first to break away, dipping her head as she trailing caresses along Alex's jaw and down her neck, breathing in the delicious scent of the other woman as she nuzzled into her neck; eliciting a moan from the dark haired woman as Piper kissed her on her collarbone, nipping gently at the soft skin; the noise making Piper moan in response, their two bodies continuing to melt into one another.
The feelings Alex felt around Piper were like none she'd had with anyone else, it didn't seem like she had only known her for less than twenty-four hours, the blonde already felt part of her, like she was the missing piece she hadn't known was absent until they met. She knew if they continued, she doubted she would be able to hold back, but she needed to be sure that Piper felt exactly the same, she didn't want to rush into this, didn't want to ruin what was happening between them. Alex's voice was rasping as she spoke, forcing the words out before her willpower gave way, "Piper …we can't do this now…"
Although the words were low, barely a whisper, Piper heard them clearly; fearing she had misunderstood the situation she pulled away from Alex suddenly, confusion on her face, "I thought that…. that we….after last night that…shit…" Piper mumbled as she started to move away from Alex, walking backwards towards the door she had come through. Before she could escape through it, she felt Alex reach out and grab her by the wrist, pulling her gently back to the spot they had stood moments before. Piper relaxed slightly as she felt Alex's strong arms wrap around her waist, but still confused as to Alex's words.
Seeming to understand what was running through the blonde's mind, and how her words had been taken the wrong way, Alex leaned into Piper, pulling her close, inhaling the sweet scent of her before speaking, "Don't get me wrong Piper, I so want to continue that with you, but not now, Nicky only gave us ten minutes, and I'd want to take a lot longer than that with you…"
Alex leaned back slightly, looking to Piper, noticing her blue eyes were a lot darker, that she was gripping her bottom lip in her teeth, her eyelids low, a smile breaking on the corner of her lips as she seemed to consider her words.
Alex raised an eyebrow, giving Piper her signature smirk, as she continued, her voice lifting as she spoke trying to lighten the mood, "Plus, you barely even know me…you've known me what – less that twenty-four hours? You've already seen me beat up a man, then storm off without a word of explanation, who's to say I'm not some crazy psycho, with a thing for gorgeous…beautiful…blonde…women?" With each of her last few words, she placed a kiss on Pipers collarbone, moving up to her neck, then jaw, before finally placing the lightest of kisses on Pipers lips, noticing the blonde closing her eyes as she did so.
Piper sighed before she opened her eyes to look at Alex. She knew Alex was right, despite her feelings, despite how much she wanted to be with Alex right now, it wasn't the right time. She wasn't going to deny the connection that they had, but again, Alex had joked about it – but she was right about that too, she barely knew the woman. Piper knew there was a lot more than to Alex than she had already shared with Piper last night, but it felt like she had known Alex a lot longer than she actually did, which did nothing to help the conflicting feelings pulsing through her body in that moment.
Smiling, she pulled away from Alex's embrace, grateful for Alex for lightening the mood, "You know, I had a similar conversation with Nicky, before we met you in the bar…"
"You did, huh? All good I hope?" Alex rasped out as she continued to pepper the blonde's skin in light kisses, marvelling at the soft skin beneath her lips.
"Well, we were torn between bunny boiler – or axe murderer…" Pipers voice was light, trying hard to keep her voice steady but playful, conscious of the warm feeling pooling within her as Alex continued to kiss her neck.
"Mmm, both admirable occupations…what did you decide on?"
The warmth of Alex's breath on her bare skin set Pipers nerves tingling; the low rasping of her voice seemed to ooze with a rawness that made her heart race with desire. "Alex!" Piper gasped, partly as she realised that Alex was still joking about her supposed background, but also as she had lightly nipped at her skin, soothing it quickly with her tongue, Piper smiling slightly to her self as she thought it would possibly leave a mark, but not really minding since it was Alex who had made it.
"Hmmm…" Alex was close to her again, she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear before leaning close to Piper, her voice husky as she whispered, "You still seem undecided…so maybe, for your own safety, you should lock that door between us tonight…"
Pipers response was quick, not needing to think about it, her voice low, laced with desire for the woman in her arms, "What would happen if I don't?"
"Well, let's just say, I won't be held responsible for my actions…" Alex leaned in to kiss Piper, feeling the blonde smiling into the kiss as it quickly heated up, tongues clashing, both women pulling the other closer, not wanting the moment to end, both wanting so much more.
Both pulled apart, gasping as they breathed in heavily, looking to the closed door of the bedroom as it was nearly rattled off its hinges from the loud pounding it was being subjected to. The noise was soon followed by the loud booming voice of Nicky from the other side of the bedroom door.
"Chapman! Vause! Time to get some food, yeah? Don't make me come in there!"
The two stood in each others embrace for a moment longer, leaning together, their foreheads touching, slow smiles creeping across one another's faces as they savoured the last few moments they would have alone together. Piper traced her fingers down Alex's arms, her hands resting over Alex's that were now gently holding onto her hips.
"We'd best go – Nicky will barge in if we don't…" Piper whispered, smiling as Alex merely hummed in response, not wanting to voice the fact that she didn't want to leave the room they were stood in, whether Nicky barged in or not.
"Vause! Put her down – you have no idea where she has been!"
Alex snapped her head up quickly to see Nicky stood by the now open door, an enormous shit-eating grin on her face, her eyebrows waggling at the two women, her eyes glinting with a mischievous look having caught the two together. Alex didn't care, she buried her face into Pipers neck, laughing as she did so, before straightening up, taking hold of Pipers hand and walking her towards the door. As they passed Nicky, Alex held back, letting Piper pass her, and leaned towards Nicky, a smile on her face, eyebrow slightly raised, "Did anyone tell you that you have impeccable timing?" As she caught up with Piper, Alex placed a hand lightly onto the small of Pipers back, the small gesture making the blonde smile as she walked with Alex along the corridor towards the kitchen.
Nicky followed behind Piper as she closed the bedroom door, swinging her own arm over the shoulder of Lorna who had been stood to the side of her, a huge smile on her face as she had watched Alex and Piper start to walk off down the corridor.
"They are so cute together – dontcha think Nicky?"
"It's vomit inducing is what I think…"
"Don't be like that Nicky – Piper deserves to be happy and they make such a lovely couple…"
"God – you really are the desperate romantic aren't you?"
"And what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing – just don't expect me to be sweeping you off your feet, I'm not the sweeping kinda girl…"
"Oh, I think you'd be surprised at what you are capable of Nicky" Lorna chuckled, planting a quick kiss on Nicky's cheek.
The six women sat in the large kitchen stuffing their faces with the large sandwiches and copious amounts of handmade soup that Marisa had laid out for them.
"Aww man, this is delicious Mar! I forget sometimes how much I miss your cookin' ya know!" Nicky mumbled, her mouth half full as she took another bite of the large sandwich in her hands, ducking her head too late as once again the older woman's hand connected with the side of her head.
"I don't know! Swearing, eating with your mouth full, it's almost as if your manners disappeared completely when you moved to the city. How your friends put up with you is beyond me Nicole!" Marisa looked around the group of woman, humour evident in her eyes, joining in with the laughter that broke out at Nicky's expense after a few seconds.
Nicky, in response, straightened herself in her chair, glancing towards Lorna who was sat at her side as she spoke, the tone of her voice higher and lighter as she attempted her own style of upper class grace.
"My dearest Lorna, would it trouble you at all to pass me the coffee, so I might avail myself of another serving of the delicious beverage? I really am just not myself unless I have consumed at least five or ten cups before my mid-morning activities, and heaven knows, Marka would be frightfully disappointed with me if I were unable to converse politely with Tarquin as we played croquet on the lawn…"
Playing along with Nicky's ridiculous act, Lorna grabbed at the coffee pot, attempting to reply in a similar manner, "Why my dearest Nicole, please, allow me to assist you with your addictive habit, it is quite true, you are practically horrific unless you are fully caffeinated!"
There was a pause as the women, including Marisa looked around to one another, before they all collapsed with raucous laughter, the howling ringing round the kitchen.
Nicky dropped the pretence, her eyes fixing back to Marisa, who was wiping tears from her eyes, "Hey Mar – I'm sorry yeah? It's just being back here, it brings out the worse in me sometimes, I think it's my body's way of telling me it hates being here."
Marisa placed a hand on Nicky's shoulder, patting her gently, her kind eyes fixing on Nicky's, no words needing to be spoken. Instead, she moved away to the furthest side of the kitchen, returning a moment later holding a large cake on a decorative stand, a wide grin on her face. "When Mrs Nichols told me you were coming for the weekend – I knew I needed to make one of these for you – I just wasn't expecting that you'd have to share it with so many friends…I hope there will be enough to go around." She squeezed into the gap between Nicky and Lorna to place the cake in the middle of the table.
"Mar! You made your honey ginger cake? Don't think I'm sharing this bad boy with any of you lot – hey! Hands off Morello!" Nicky slapped Lorna's fingers away from the cake as she tried to break a small piece from the side of it.
"Manners Nicky!" Marisa joked, placing a large knife on the table next to her. Huffing dramatically, she picked up the knife, putting on her upper class voice as she waved the knife precariously in the air above the cake.
"May I interest any of you fine young ladies in a slice of the delectable honey and ginger cake?"
"Well, I don't know about fine…" Tasha started,
"Or young!" Alex added, laughing as Tasha elbowed her in the side,
"But that cake looks to die for! Serve me up a slice of heaven Nichols!"
As Nicky served the cake, Marisa stood proudly to the side delighted by the mummers and moans of approval the cake elicited from the group as for the first time that day, they were all quiet as they ate.
Piper was the first to break the quiet, "Marisa, this cake is truly amazing, can I trouble you for the recipe?"
"I don't know, it's an old family recipe,"
"Come on Mar!" Nicky jumped down from her seat, throwing an arm around Marisa's neck, "Piper's practically the closest thing I got to a sister, and I'm the closest thing you got to a daughter – its just going through the extended family…"
The woman smiled at Nicky, "OK – but only because I know my son Marco wouldn't care for it. He can burn water given half a chance!"
"Sounds like me Marisa" Alex spoke up with a chuckle, her eyes still focused on the plate in front of her as she dabbed her finger around it trying to pick up the last few crumbs. "Cooking, baking – not really my thing – prefer to leave it in the hands of the professionals!" She looked up as she brought her finger to her mouth, catching the glint in Pipers eye as she licked the crumbs off, raising her eyebrows as Piper caught her looking, flashing her a knowing smirk.
"Well, we can't all be good with our hands…" Marisa started, but was quickly interrupted by Nicky,
"Oh! I think Chapman would say otherwise!" she laughed, noticing the flash of a grin on Alex's face and a blush rising quickly on Pipers cheeks at her suggestion.
"So, you are good at something then?" Marisa continued, missing the connotation of Nicky's words.
As Nicky barely managed to choke back a snigger, Alex managed to contain herself, controlling her voice enough to respond to the question, "Ummm, I write. I'm a writer. Of books. I write books" she managed to force out, before covering her mouth, suppressing the laughter that threatened to spill out.
"Ahh – a writer. Words are food for the soul," Marisa started, a smile on her lips as she looked to Alex.
"Mmmm hmmm" Alex knew if she opened her mouth to speak, she wouldn't be able to control the laughter, especially with Nicky staring at her so intently, willing her to break; Piper was also trembling at the side of her with Poussey and Tasha holding back their own fits of laughter.
Thankfully, Marisa moved away, her attention drawn elsewhere in the kitchen by a timer ringing. Alex watched her every move as she walked away, eventually, when she was safely out of ear shot, Alex released the breath she was holding, hissing as Nicky as the air forced out over her lips, still indented with the teeth marks from having to bite down on them to stop her laughing, "I'm going to get you for that Nicky!"
"What? I was only telling the truth – that's how Mar raised me – to be a good little girl and always tell the truth…Who knew you had such a command over the English language Vause…remind me again what you do..?" Nicky stood to the side of her, sticking her chest out and dropping her voice low, imitating the now quaking raven haired woman as she repeated "I write books" in a voice not unlike Alex's.
Tasha and Poussey couldn't hold back any longer, erupting in laughter, quickly followed by Piper, who had quickly got over the embarrassment, and was enjoying someone else being the subject of Nicky's teasing, instead of her for a change.
Hearing Piper laughing, Alex looked to see the blonde throw her head back as the laughter in the room took hold of her, "You too Piper?" Alex accused, her tone light, laughter in her voice as she carried on, "I thought after all I've done for you – you'd at least back me up - seems I'll have to get you later for this too."
Pipers voice was low as she replied, "Oh, I am counting on it…" The desire in her voice not going unnoticed by Alex as she calmed her breathing, before a deep chuckle from Tasha started the group laughing again, tears running down their faces.
After they finished the last few slices of cake, Nicky and Lorna stuck around in the kitchen helping Marisa as she busied herself with the food ready for the evening ahead, whilst Poussey and Tasha disappeared back to their rooms to change, wanting to try out the sauna and hot tub before the party got going.
"You fancy joining them?" Piper asked Alex, as they too started to walk away from the kitchen.
"Hmm, we can if you want Pipes?" Alex replied, distracted by the numerous paintings and objects lining the corridor they were walking down. Piper smiled at the nickname Alex had used for her, and how easily Alex had slipped it into their conversation. She glanced over at her, taking in the sight as she walked the corridor, stopping every so often to look at a painting, or peer out the window go take in the view of the Nichols Hampton estate.
Alex had been distracted by a large painting, when she felt a tug at her hand; Piper had taken hold of it and was now pulling at her, attempting to move her towards another part of the house.
With a flash of a smile, and a raise of her eyebrow, Piper laughed, "Come on, I want to show you something"
Alex let the smiling blonde lead her through the house, walking hand in hand as Piper chatted happily about summers past spent with Nicky; how Piper had been glad to be away from her parents, whilst Nicky had been glad to have someone other than her mother to speak to for the long summer months.
"You two really are close then, huh?" Alex asked, distracted again as they past a painting that depicted a young Nicky, and who Alex took to be her mother stood beside her. Even young Nicky had a mass of wild hair and a look of mischief about her – which made Alex smile as she wondered if she came across any baby photos of Nicky, there would still be the same tangle of hair present.
"Yeah. I've known Polly the longest, we were best of friends from being young, and we grew up together. But Nicky is the sister I never had. We met in junior school and I haven't been able to get rid of her since!" Piper laughed jokingly, "But she stuck up for me a lot, looked out for me…" Pipers voice dropped, becoming quieter, "I was never one of the cool kids. I liked my lessons, I worked hard, I got good grades…I was an easy target I suppose…" Alex knew what Piper wasn't saying and it surprised her that someone like Piper had been bullied, Alex all to well knowing the feeling that brought with it.
Piper remained quiet for a moment, but as they reached a particular door, her normally cheerful persona reappeared. Her face lit up with a beaming smile as she looked to Alex, "Here we are!"
Piper let go of Alex's hand, pushing the double doors in front of her open, stepping back to allow Alex to be the first one to enter the room.
"My god Piper! There must be thousands of books here!"
Alex had stepped into a large, well-lit library, each wall filled from floor to ceiling with shelving, each row filled to the brim with neatly arranged books.
In the middle of the room, beneath the large skylight windows from where the light spilled down from, was a large mahogany desk, two large leather sofas at right angles to it, a low table between them covered in various magazines.
Piper moved into the room behind Alex, perching on the arm of one of the sofas in the middle, her head following Alex as she walked the perimeter, fingertips trailing across the spines of the books as she passed them. "I would often come here if it was a rainy day and just read – it was my little get away from it all – even I need to escape the craziness of Nicky sometimes!" Piper chuckled.
Alex nodded her head slightly to acknowledge Piper, her focus still squarely on the shelves in front of her, taking in the wide variety of books beneath her fingers. Piper continued to watch Alex move round the room, studying her closely, enjoying the chance to properly look at the woman who had captivated her so much. As she watched Alex take a book from the shelf, gently flicking through the pages before returning it, Piper gasped suddenly, a thought coming to her, "Alex! I've just remembered – I have your copy of Gatsby!"
Alex turned to face Piper, her attention finally drawn away from the vast collection of books, her eyebrows furrowed, lips pursed in confusion as she tried to work out how Piper would come to have one of her books.
"You must have brought it to the coffee shop yesterday, after you left, there was a book in your seat…" Piper started to hesitate as Alex's expression remained unchanged, considering for a moment that the book wasn't hers at all. "Ok, so not yours huh, Must have been someone else's…"
"No, it is mine Piper – thank you," Alex moved towards where Piper was perched on the arm of the sofa, remembering how she had intended to read her book over a coffee, that was, until Piper Chapman had walked into her life. Smiling, Alex continued, "It means a lot to me, that book, thank you for looking after it for me."
"I thought as much – it's a beautiful copy…" Piper remembered running her fingers over the embossed designs on the cover, "...I saw the inscription inside." Her voice softened as she spoke, eyes darting to the floor, not wanting to look directly at Alex.
Alex smiled, she knew what Piper was referring to – and possibly what she thought about what it meant. On the inside cover, in neat cursive writing, were written the words, 'A, You are my whole world, All my Love, D xx'
"I can see why it means a lot to you, for someone to write that…"
"It does. They do…" Alex said softly, not helping but smile as she looked at Piper. The blonde was still acting shy as they spoke about the book, her eyes looking down to her hands in her lap that were fussing with a loose thread on her shirt, in fact looking a anywhere other than at Alex who was now stood in front of her, her long legs brushing against Pipers knees.
Alex began to chuckle, softly at first until it was loud enough for Piper to notice, raising her head to look at the raven-haired woman in front of her, eyebrows scrunched together, confusion evident on her face.
"What's so funny Alex?" Her blue eyes shimmered as they looked at Alex.
"You – you idiot!" Alex beamed, a smirk firmly planted on her face as she watched the emotions run wild over Pipers face.
"What? Me? What have I done?"
"Getting all jealous over an inscription in a book!"
"I am not" Piper said defiantly, looking up, meeting Alex's green eyes, not wanting to prove Alex right, her words coming out far stronger than she felt. Truth being she was instantly curious as to who had written in the book, and why it was so special to Alex. "I'm not jealous," she repeated, this time quieter, more to herself than Alex.
"You so are, Piper" Alex said confidently, her smile even wider as she looked to the blonde who was shifting uncomfortably on the arm of the sofa.
Piper felt infuriated by Alex who still stood with a smug look on her face, arms crossed. "Well, can you blame me? It's such a permanent thing to do – writing in a book. I'd only do that if…"
"If what, Piper?" Alex raised an eyebrow, curious as to what Piper would say, what she thought about the innocent words in the book.
Piper sighed realising how silly she must sound to Alex, "If that person meant something to me, was important. Special." She looked up to Alex, staring into her green eyes once more, trying to detect any form of clue as to what this book, this person, meant to her. "Plus, it looks like you have had it a long time; you've kept it because it is important to you. The person who gave it to you is important to you, they must be special."
Alex smiled at Piper, "Do you want to know who it is Piper?"
"Yes," she said, too quickly for her own liking, catching the smile in Alex's eyes as she glanced up "No – I mean…" Piper sighed, not knowing what she wanted. "You don't have to tell me Alex…"
"Diane. The 'D' is for Diane."
"Oh. OK." Piper still looked confused, she didn't know enough about Alex to know who Diane was, or what importance she had, or still had on Alex's life, that was until Alex spoke again and Pipers eyes went wide at the admission.
"She's the only woman I've ever loved with all my heart…." Pipers head snapped up – her eyes immediately locking those green eyes of Alex who was looking straight at her, watching Pipers response as she took in the words, watching as she made the assumption Alex had known she would.
"Oh," Piper couldn't help but feel down hearted. "Do you still…"
"Love her? Yes."
The response was too quick, too definite for Piper to know how to respond, "Oh. Well, that's…" she mumbled, flustered at the admission there was someone already in Alex's life. She shouldn't have been surprised really, someone as beautiful and gorgeous as Alex was bound to be with someone. But what she had said in the bar last night floated through her mind, she hadn't given any indication she was with someone, the look of confusion must have been evident on her face, as she felt Alex's hands resting on her shoulders as she spoke, the laughter in her voice clear,
"Piper, relax! Diane, the name in the book, that's my mom!"
Piper didn't react immediately, but as soon as what Alex had said sank in, relief flooded through Piper, her whole body relaxing as she realised she'd been tense throughout the whole conversation. The relief was short lived as it was quickly followed by annoyance, which she showed as she punched Alex on the arm a little heavier than she meant to, "Alex! You let me think… Do you know how mean that was?"
Alex let go of Pipers shoulders, a hand rubbing the spot on her arm where Piper had hit her, a red mark already forming on the pale white skin, "Hey - lay off Hilary Swank! No need to hit me! Your face though…"
"Shut up!" Piper crossed her arms, turning her face away from Alex, pouting as she tried to recover some semblance of composure.
Alex moved her head, trying to catch Pipers eye, "I really had you going didn't I? Who did you think I was talking about? A girlfriend perhaps? Were you worried you had competition, Pipes?
There it was again, that confident attitude, the fact Alex had read exactly what Piper was thinking, and that nickname...
"I hate you," Piper muttered softly, moving her head towards Alex again, her eyes not quite looking at the woman in front of her.
Alex stopped laughing at this, instead she moved closer to Piper, pulling at her arms to uncross them, holding Pipers hands in her own as she looked to the blonde, speaking softly, all laughter gone from her voice, "No, you don't"
Piper smiled as she looked to Alex, the confidence and cockiness that had been there a moment ago all but vanished, instead she saw a genuine look of concern, of worry, cross Alex's face, even it was for a fleeting moment.
"You're right. I don't." She had barely spoken the words before Alex moved the short distance between them, feeling Alex smiling as she placed the lightest of kisses on her lips. It was soft, not rushed, and only lasted a moment before she pulled away, speaking quietly as she looked directly at Piper.
"The Great Gatsby has always been a favourite of mine, ever since I first took it out of the library back home. I read it in one evening, staying up until the early hours of the morning, after that I must have checked it out a hundred times or more.
My mom bought me that copy for my 18th birthday. Like you said – you only write in books if someone is important enough or special to you. My mom is everything to me – so I made her write on the inside after she gave me the book. She was so mad – I pestered her for ages to do it – then when she eventually gave in – she couldn't think of anything 'memorable' to write, but I always treasured what she wrote – because it was just us, you know? That's all there's ever been, for a long time, that's all I've ever known."
Alex watched as Piper stood and slowly moved away from her, walking over to a bookcase and tilting her head to one side as her eyes scanned the text on the spines of the books, searching for one in particular. Locating it quickly, she took it from its place, holding it with both hands as she walked back towards Alex, sitting on the sofa, rather than the arm, patting the cushion next to her, indicating for Alex to sit beside her.
"Gatsby is one of my favourites too – in fact, I was reading it yesterday, before everyone arrived. It just seemed so right that you would choose to have that book with you yesterday as well."
Alex was now sat next to her, their shoulders touching. Piper glanced down at the book in her hands, then to Alex, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at her, almost scared to ask her question, worried that Alex would laugh at her request.
"Alex, will you….would you mind.." Piper paused, considering what she was about to say, laughing it off nervously, "…actually, never mind. It seems so daft now I'm actually asking…it doesn't matter."
Alex looked to Piper, her gaze not shifting away from that of the blonde sat opposite her, "Just ask me Pipes."
"Would you read to me? You don't have to – you can say no – it's just I love-"
"Yes"
Piper was taken aback that Alex had answered her so quickly, and without questioning her. Piper had always loved being read to from being a little girl. Her mother hadn't bothered, always making excuses as to why she couldn't, but her father had; he had always found the time to read a chapter or two of her favourite story.
Larry had only ever read to her on one occasion, and only after she had insisted that he did, which she regretted almost instantly after hearing his flat tone of voice reading out passionate and emotive literature. Piper hadn't bothered asking again after that.
Alex moved away from Piper, scooting further down the sofa, kicking her shoes off as she did so, arranging the cushions behind her back, before raising her long legs to rest on the low table. She then looked to Piper, a smile on her face as she rubbed, then patted her left thigh, laughing as she took in the slightly puzzled look on Pipers face at her actions.
"Come on Pipes, lie down. If I'm reading to you – we may as well get comfy."
It was the ease of it all that caught Piper off guard. As Piper sat for a moment, smiling at Alex's actions, Alex caught her eye, raising her chin as if coaxing to move over to her, to relax.
Piper didn't need asking twice.
Piper lay on her back, resting her head on Alex's leg, she pulled a blanket that had been thrown on the back of the sofa partly over her, covering her lower body. As Alex managed to balance the book on the armrest, turning the pages with her right hand, her free arm instinctively drifted down, finding Pipers hand that rested across her body, their fingers intertwining instinctively as they found one another by touch alone; Alex's thumb rubbing slow circles on her skin.
As she lay there listening to Alex's soft rasping voice bring the world of Gatsby to life, Piper couldn't help but smile to herself as she thought that right at that moment, there was no place she'd rather be, and with no else, but Alex.
Alex could recite by heart the opening paragraphs to The Great Gatsby, she had read the book so many times. So rather than concentrate on the words she knew so well, Alex looked instead to the blonde who was snuggling into her, who looked so happy and content to be sharing this moment with her, smiling to herself as she recalled the words of the chapter, thinking how they suited Piper, as the words drifted into the air around them, '... there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away.'
The two stayed as they were until the light started to dim in the room and Alex began to struggle to read the words on the page in front of her. As she paused, rubbing her eyes and deciding whether to continue, Piper stirred below, her head still resting on Alex's leg, her voice croaking from speaking for the first time since Alex had started reading to her,
"Alex, please don't stop, it's nearly the end of the chapter…"
Alex closed the book, resting her hand on the cover, her left hand pushing her glasses from the bridge of her nose to the top of her head, so she could continue rubbing her tired eyes, "Pipes, we've been in here for nearly two hours. I'm pretty sure you fell asleep at some point – so its not as if you are actually listening to me any more…"
"Hey! I didn't fall asleep – I was still listening to you – I was just…resting my eyes…"
Alex couldn't help but chuckle softly to herself at Piper, looking down to the blonde to the side of her as she continued, "Plus, it's getting dark and I can only just about see the words on the page…I'm pretty blindish as it is – I don't need to be straining my eyes any more than I need to..."
Piper huffed, not dissimilar to a small child who hasn't got their way, "Please Alex, just to the end of the chapter? I could listen to you read forever," Piper crossed her arms, almost sulking as she spoke quietly, "Those kids that got to listen to you read every week were so lucky…"
Alex leaned down to place a kiss on Pipers forehead, smiling as she did so, impressed at how much of their conversation from the bar last night that Piper had remembered and seemingly taken to heart. Alex looked to Piper as she shifted herself up from her horizontal position, realising Alex wasn't going to continue, her blonde hair slightly messy from lying on it for so long.
"I'll read to you all you want Pipes, but right now – we have a party to get ready for," Alex paused, trying to ignore the pouting face and puppy-dog eyes Piper was currently throwing in her direction, laughing at her continued child-like efforts to try and get her own way, "…plus I really could use a fuckin' drink, my mouth is as dry as sandpaper after reading for so long." Alex put her glasses back on her nose as if the action alone ended the conversation, chuckling and shaking her head as Piper continued to pout at her, eyebrows raised slightly giving her a comical look.
"You can pout all you want – but that look isn't going to work on me..." Alex shifted from her seat and stood up from the sofa, raising her arms above her head as she stretched her long body after sitting for so long, her shirt lifting as she did so, revealing a glimpse of her toned, flat stomach. Piper couldn't help but stare at the smooth white skin that flashed in front of her, wishing that they didn't have to leave the library, that she could continue to have Alex all to herself for a while longer, long enough to see the rest of the no doubt flawless body underneath the rest of those clothes.
Alex brought her arms down, rolling her head as she eased out the crick in her neck, noting Piper staring at her as she did so. As she straightened up, she coughed lightly, gaining Pipers attention, letting the blonde know she'd been caught checking her out, meeting the smiling look from Piper with her own signature smirk and raised eyebrow.
Alex put both of her hands out, wiggling her fingers for Piper to take hold of them so she could help her up from the sofa. As Piper took hold of her hands, she pulled Piper up easily, quickly shifting her hands around Pipers waist, encircling the blonde in a tight embrace, planting another kiss on her forehead, before stepping back and taking her by the hand as she walked towards the door of the library and out into the corridor.
"Come on Pipes, we will never hear the end of it from Nicky if we don't get a move on…"
"You are such a spoil-sport Alex, do you know that?" Piper huffed, as she caught up with Alex, walking alongside her, still holding hands. Alex hummed a response but said nothing further, a smile on her face as she tightened her hold on Pipers hand, feeling Piper squeeze her hand in a wordless response.
They walked through the house once more, retracing their steps from earlier in the day as they headed back to the rooms, this time Alex was focused on Piper at the side of her, rather than the numerous paintings and photographs that lined the hallways, taking in how the late afternoon sun that fell through the windows illuminated her hair, making it shimmer, the light making her sun-kissed skin seem more perfect than ever.
The walk back to their rooms didn't seem to take long, before they found themselves stood in front of Pipers door, Piper reaching for the handle, letting the door swing open as she turned to face Alex.
"Well, this is me" she said, using Alex's words from earlier in the day to break the silence that had fallen between the two of them. When Alex didn't respond, Piper sighed and turned to walk into her room.
"Piper, wait."
Piper turned in the doorway, looking to Alex who seemed a little hesitant, "What's wrong Alex?"
"It's not so much that there is anything wrong..." Alex stepped closer to Piper, leaning against the doorframe as she played with strands of blonde hair between her fingers, not looking directly at Piper, making her concerned about what Alex was about to say.
"I knew it – I knew this was too good to be true."
"What is?" Alex's full attention was on Piper as she tried to work out what the blonde meant.
"You, Alex. You're going to tell me that despite what you said last night, what you did for me last night….that despite how you make me feel, that what ever there is between us can't be anything more – because-
Alex cut her off quickly, "No Piper! Not in the slightest!"
"Then what is it Alex? Tell me. Why spend all afternoon with me, reading to me, to now go quiet on me?"
Alex sighed, running a hand through her hair, knowing that she owed Piper some sort of explanation, "I know I haven't told you a lot about me – but my last relationship…" Alex thought back to the memories that had plagued her that morning, a shudder rippling through her body, "…well, let's just say it was, complicated. When I came back, I wasn't planning on looking for anything serious, I didn't want to start anything, I just wanted to get myself back to normal…"
"Well, that's fine, I guess, I'll just leave you to get on with your life, don't mind about me…" Piper crossed her arms defensively, looking at Alex for a moment before turning to head into her room, feeling tears about to well in the corner of her eyes and not wanting to show any weakness in front of Alex.
"No, Piper, please – listen." Alex reached out, catching Piper by the arm causing her to stop and once more look at Alex. When she was happy Piper wasn't going to walk off, Alex continued, "Going to the coffee shop yesterday – I never expected to walk in and find you. From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew there was something different about you. I don't know what it is, I can't quite put my finger on it yet, but I know it doesn't feel as if I have only known you for a day. There is just something I, well, I can't explain it. That's what I meant – there is nothing wrong, because this, us, already feels so…right. I really am hoping you have felt it too…' Alex felt she was rambling, but continued, fearing if she stopped she wouldn't get to say everything to Piper without being interrupted. "…and I know that it's only been a day since we met, and me punching that bastard Mendez was probably not the best way to make an impression, but please know that I do have my reasons for my actions Piper." Alex lowered her voice as she closed the distance between them, "I just hope you are willing to take a chance on me and see where this thing between us can go…"
Piper stepped into Alex, her lips millimetres from her ear as she whispered, "So what are you trying to say Alex?"
Taking a deep breath in order to focus, Alex started, building up to the question she had wanted to ask Piper since they had reached the doors to their rooms. "After this crazy weekend is over, because from what I have seen of your friends already, it's going to get pretty messy-"
"Most likely, especially if Nicky has anything to do with this evening…" Piper joked, relieve to see Alex smile ever so slightly as she continued,
"…and no matter what, I don't think we are going to get much time alone…"
Piper didn't say anything, just continued to look at Alex, her blue eyes glinting as she wordlessly encouraged Alex to carry on.
"OK. So - when we are back in the city and it can be just us two….will you…?" Alex paused, the unspoken sound of a question hanging in the air.
"What, Alex? Will I what?"
Alex sighed, by the smirk on Pipers face, Alex could tell Piper knew where she was heading, "You're gonna make me say it aren't you?" she sighed, the edge of her lips curling into a smile as
"Say what exactly Alex?
"Piper Chapman. I would very much like it if you would consider going out on a date with me."
Piper stood in the doorway for a moment – looking deep into the green eyes of the woman opposite her, before a wide smile spread across her face like wildfire. Flinging her arms around Alex's neck, she pulled her in for a kiss, feeling Alex smile as she spoke against her lips,
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a yes, you idiot!"
A/N Hey there lovely people! So apologies for the delay in getting this chapter up – real life has been a bit hectic for me over the past few weeks, and unfortunately it has meant I have had very little time to sit and work on this – or any other fic for that matter. However – motivated by the fact I am off on holiday in under 12hrs – I aimed to get something up this evening for you. So – hopefully you enjoyed this chapter! The party will be in the next update (which will more than likely be some time in the new year now) - I was hoping to get to it in this chapter, but it seemed to run away from me again!
I also want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, review, favourite etc – it really does make me happy to know that my efforts are not wasted – and people are actually enjoying my version of these two (mamazing!) characters! I do try to reply to every one posted – so for all those 'guest' reviews where I can't do that – "thank you" :)
Thanks also to Liggycow for the awesome PMs, to WB79 and Budda1127 who checked on me to make sure I hadn't disappeared into a fanfic black hole, taking the latest update with me, and for Vausemaniac for always leaving such a detailed review on each chapter.
I am now going to make sure I have remembered to pack everything for my holiday – and will be back in the new year! :)