Setting the World on Fire: Kenny Chesney Feat. P!NK
Lyrics in italics
A/N: This story is a bit different. It's pure fluff. The overall story is more in line with the song rather than the story being interwoven. But then again who can pass up P!NK singing country?
Piper's legs kicked in midair, Alex's strong arms held her firmly in place as she spun her around and around until both women gave way and fell dizzily on the bed. Alex turned her head to look to Piper. Her eyes searching for Piper's as she watched her girlfriend in that moment. Gathering her breath, she finally got Piper's attention. Both women looking at each other, their bodies pressed against the bed. "Piper. Do you have any idea how happy you make me?"
Piper was still giddy from the spins. Grinning at Alex, she steadied her breathing slightly. "Alex, let's take a trip. Just you and me." She rolled over on top of Alex, raising her eyebrow as she smirked down to Alex. Sliding her hands up Alex's waist. She tucked her fingers into Alex's armpits, as Alex's body jumped at the contact and quickly held onto Piper's body on top of her for support.
Piper laughed. Watching Alex recover from the shock.
"Pipes." Alex warned. Piper frowned. Sliding both hands down her girlfriend's body, this time targeting Alex's belly and sides around her ribcage, her giddy self still beaming. Alex's body arched at the contact, her laughs were uncontrollable as she fleetingly lost control over body. Instinctively wriggling, she tried her hardest to slither from Piper's tickling grasp.
Rolling to her side, Alex turned back to Piper. Her thumb running attentively across Piper's chin, she brushed her girlfriend's hair away from her face tucking strands behind her ears. "Where were you thinking? A tropical island with warm sandy beaches? Ski slopes in a lodge with a roaring fireplace?"
Piper pondered her choices, Alex lay watching her girlfriend process her thoughts. Piper's face suddenly beamed, her blue eyes sparkled and grin spread from ear to ear. She adjusted herself on the bed so she could see Alex better. "Let's go to Los Angeles." She smiled to Alex, biting her lower lip as her eyes widened in excitement. "I've never gone there except for modeling jobs."
Alex mirrored Piper's expression, eyebrows arched too. Moving her hand from Piper. "LA? Interesting decision". She watched Piper's expression soften, quickly finishing her sentence. "But if that's what makes you happy, then that's what it shall be." She leaned into her girlfriend and pecked her on the cheek.
Alex's head jerked forward, the plane jolting slightly as the wheels bumped down on the runway. She opened her eyes confused by what was happening. Looking out of the window and to the side of her as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. Apparently Alex had missed the instructions regarding their landing and Piper had been too excited to inform her girlfriend. Piper squirmed in her seat as the aircraft taxied to the gate. Alex stretched her body as the plane crossed the tarmac. This was her first time Piper had taken a break from New York City in quite some time, but more importantly the first trip she had taken with Alex.
Piper squeezed Alex's hand as the headed to collect their luggage. Her excitement broadened as they boarded the shuttle bus that took them directly to the rental car area. With the mild weather in California at this time of year Alex had specifically requested a snazzy convertible to rent. Finishing up the paperwork, they were directed to their car. As Alex loaded the bags into the trunk, she raised her head in search of Piper to find her already happily positioned in the passenger seat. Piper was playing with the controls trying to sync her phone's Bluetooth to that of the car. Alex shook her head at how excited Piper was. She turned back to the man that had escorted them who was watching Piper as well. They both chuckled as Piper turned around and gave Alex a look that told her to hurry up.
Alex arched her eyebrow. She turned her attention back to the agent who talked her through the instructions of the soft top and how to work it. Piper looked to Alex standing outside of the car, rolling her eyes at how long it was taking for the women just to be on their way. Eventually, Alex positioned her body in the driver's seat and got the soft top down. The pair were finally on their way.
Piper cranked up the playlist she had made specifically for this trip. The pair jammed on tunes as they made the short trip to The Huntley hotel right north of the Santa Monica Pier off of the Pacific Coast Highway. As the car slowly approached the hotel, Piper turned down the music. She lifted up her sunglasses and stared in awe at the place they were staying. Everything in that moment was slow motion; Alex had chosen well. Piper's eyes drained in every inch of the beauty as their car rolled up to the doors and the women were greeted by the valet. Both women greeted the him; Alex handing over the keys to the car as they headed to check in.
Alex had booked an ocean view suite that faced the Malibu coastline. Piper immediately went to the balcony and threw open the doors to let in the cool ocean breeze. After tipping the bellman who brought up their bags, Alex closed the door behind him. Leaving the bags for later, she quickly went to join Piper. Sitting down in one of the balcony chairs next to Piper, she placed her hand on Piper's thigh as they enjoyed the view of the waves crashing against the shore. "What's first Pipes? Beach?"
Piper grinned. "Let's do the beach tomorrow. Then we'll have all day." Her head turned to Alex and her eyes were wide. "How about dinner?"
Alex furrowed her eyebrows. Checking the time on her phone, she chuckled at her girlfriend. "Ummm it's a little early for dinner? Remember, it's three hours earlier here than in New York."
Piper pouted, whining. "But I'm starving. How about a late lunch?" Since she had stopped modeling, her appetite was voracious yet she didn't seem to gain an ounce. "I heard about this incredible Italian restaurant called The Stinking Rose." She fluttered her eyelids at Alex with an innocent smile. "We can try it?"
Alex bit down on her lip. Holding back the eruption of laughter. "The Stinking Rose? Seriously?" Alex smirked, shaking her head towards Piper. "Ummm no."
"Come on Al. All of their dishes feature garlic. Yum." She leaned over to Alex's chair and blew into her face. "How does my breath smell?"
Alex pushed Piper back slightly. Her head still shaking. "I'll pass. What about Spanish? Jose Andres has a tapas place over by Beverly Hills. Then we can share plates and get a larger variety of food."
Piper scoffed. "If I want a larger variety, I'll just order more food."
Rolling her eyes, Alex replied. "That's the point of tapas – small bites."
The women had changed into clothing more appropriate for the central California climate, casual and unassuming, things they didn't exactly wear in New York. Alex donned faded ripped jeans and a Rolling Stones t-shirt. Piper wore khaki capri style pants with a black tank top. She grabbed one of Alex's button downs and threw it on over the tank.
"My god. I never knew dressing down could be this comfortable."
Alex retrieved the car from valet and they took a leisurely drive to the restaurant. "Alex! Quick – pull over." Piper was pointing to a few people walking along the sidewalk in front of the shops." Piper pulled out her phone and started taking pictures.
Alex just laughed. "And just who was that Piper?"
"I don't know but they might be famous." Piper cranked the music loud because the top was down yet she wanted to still feel the beats. Now she had to shake Alex's arm every time she wanted her to slow down.
So this went on, all the way to the restaurant. Alex tried moving to one of the left lanes, but Piper wouldn't have it. "Alex!" She shrieked. "Move back to the other lane. I think I just missed Taylor Lautner."
"No loss there," Alex muttered under her breath. But she appeased her girlfriend and drove in the right lane. Slowly.
Eventually they made it to the restaurant. As she pulled to the curb, Alex waved off the valet from Piper's side as she rushed around to open the door herself. She pulled Piper up out of the low car and into a smothering kiss. Tossing the keys to the valet, they headed inside.
Alex quickly knocked back her drink. Placing her glass back down on the table, she outstretched her hand to take hold of Piper's. Squeezing it gently, she looked at Piper across the table. Piper's eyes lifted from the touch of the contact; she looked back to Alex as their eyes locked together. Alex lightly pulled on Piper's hand, running her finger across her skin. She arched her eyebrow, standing from her seat as she carelessly flagged down their waiter.
Piper quickly swatted Alex. She ignored her girlfriends gesture as Alex continued to stand unbalanced at the edge of the table. She reached across for the bottle of wine between the two. Raising the bottle, she fell back down into her seat. Shaking the empty bottle in her hand, Alex raised it to her mouth drinking the final drips. Pulling the bottle from her mouth in disgust, she slammed it back on the table.
She tossed a few bills on the table, she stood to her feet, holding the table to capture her balance. They had consumed too much alcohol over their meal.
Alex stumbled, struggling to find her balance. Quickly stopping her body against the table, she looked down to Piper and burst out in laughter. A mixture of alcohol and joy had Alex feeling giddy. Pulling her body to stand behind Piper's chair, she placed her hands on Piper's shoulders. Leaning over her girlfriend as she kissed her on the neck. Piper quickly finished her drink. Pushing her chair back, Alex holding out her hand to help Piper to her feet.
Seated, Piper had some composure, unaware of how much wine she too had consumed throughout their meal. But as she stood to her feet, the rush hit her. She stumbled back as the alcohol hit her. She fell into Alex, both women in fits of laughter as their arms wrapped around each other. Alex pushed back the hair from Piper's face, kissing her girlfriend on her lips. She took hold of her hand, heading for the door as both women got their jackets and thanked the maître de.
Pushing open the door of the restaurant, Alex outstretched her arms. Ignoring the looks of those that were entering, she leaned back she felt the fresh air hit her hard. Piper wrapped her arms around Alex's waist. Leaning her head on Alex's shoulder. Both women looked at each other as their car was pulled to the curb by the valet. Piper shook her head. Alex wasn't in a state to drive, nor was Piper.
Alex stuck her head down to speak to the driver. After a brief conversation, she extracted a much larger bill and tucked it into his pocket. He assured her there was a driver service that would have her car returned to the hotel within a few hours.
Turning back round to Piper, she shouted. "Where next my lady?"
Piper's head jolted to the side, a look, then her whole body turning. Alex stood on her previous spot as she watched Piper's eyes widen. Following the direction of her girlfriend's eye, Alex squinted. Trying to make out what caught had Piper's attention. Piper started waving her hand at her girlfriend which drew Alex's eyes back towards Piper. Looking between her hand and open mouth, Alex laughed at her frantic girlfriend.
"Al! Alex!"
Alex stumbled towards Piper. Wrapping her arm around her girlfriend trying to reclaim Piper's attention. But Piper squeezed hold of her hand. Her other arm raising as she frantically waved her finger in front of her, pointing towards the crowd that was coming towards them.
"Take… Take a picture Al. Quick!"
Piper quickly pulled from Alex's hold and turned to face Alex with her back to the crowd. She waited on Alex to pull out of her phone. Glancing over her shoulder and between Alex, her excitement etching as she rushed Alex to proceed with the photo.
Alex quickly fumbled in her pocket. Raising her camera to her girlfriend, Piper smiled widely at the group of people behind her.
"Get her in the picture Al. Get her in!"
Alex frowned slightly. Not making out what Piper was talking about. She pointed the camera at Piper, who pointed her thumb back at the group for the photograph. Posing slightly, she encouraged Alex to take another photo. Quickly moving from her spot, taking Alex's hand from her phone. She pushed Alex to the place she was once standing.
Raising the phone, she snapped pictures of Alex and the people behind her. Quickly handing the phone back to Alex. Piper looked around her girlfriend. Her eyes fixated as the people come closer.
She quickly pulled back out the phone. Capturing constant images as the people walked towards her. Her jaw dropped, completely star struck. She pushed the phone into Alex's hand, walking closer to the crowd.
"It's Jodie Foster!"
Piper's voice was shaky. She walked, stopping waiting for the two women to walk closer. Alex turned in Piper's direction. Her mouth dropped open. Looking between the two women, one blonde and the then the taller darker haired woman that accompanied her.
Alex turned around in Piper's direction, looking at the two women that were indeed walking by Piper. She froze on the spot, her mouth dropping slightly open.
"Jodie! Jodie!" Alex's eyes quickly diverted back to Piper who was now waving her arms at the two women walking past her. Alex was slightly taken back, lost for words. She quickly rushed to Piper's side and joined in the chanting. Both women holding out their hands to try and get contact from "Jodie."
As the two women walked by Piper and Alex they looked to each other. Stepping further away as they turned to look at Piper and Alex. Quickly rushing past them. Looking to Piper's phone held out. The blonde woman looked to the taller, dressed in a suit and dark hair.
"Alex! Alex!"
"What?" Alex turned to look at Piper. Slightly annoyed that Piper was shouting her name whilst she tried her hardest to get a photo.
Piper's head didn't flinch. Her feet just following the two as she asked for a photo. "No. Not you. Her wife! Jodie! Alexandria!"
The two women turned back over their shoulder. Looking at Piper behind them. They turned around. Piper quickly thanking them as she asked for a photograph. The women looked between each other, laughing amongst themselves at the persistence of the drunk calling their names. They stood apart as Piper stood between them. Alex took a photograph then switched places so Piper could take hers. Both women thanked the others. As the two entered the restaurant, Piper turned to Alex and screamed. "We just met Jodie Foster!"
Alex wrapped her arms around Piper, jumping together in excitement. The sound of a beeping horn startled them. Both women turned their heads in the direction of the street, and then back to each other. Shaking their head. They embraced in an excited hug.
Yeah we got drunk on La Cienega Boulevard
Taking pictures of people we thought were stars
Alex took hold of Piper's hand, and they started to walk down La Cienega Blvd taking in the surroundings as they were walking. Still high from the buzz of the earlier sighting, each of them observed every person that walked past them closely, celebrity watching. Music poured out of the various buildings as they strolled along the busy street. Looking in and out of the stores, they loosely held hands as they talked about what had just happened to them.
They stopped on the sidewalk as Piper pulled back on Alex's hand. Walking into Alex's body, her arms wrapped around her. She looked up to her girlfriend in awe, kissing Alex softly on the lips. They swayed together at the sound of the music. Piper's eyes didn't look from Alex's. She admired her girlfriend.
She brushed Alex's hair from her eyes. Tucking the strands behind her ear. A single finger running down Alex's cheek.
"Can we just keeping walking Al?"
Alex tilted her head at Piper.
Piper smiled. "You asked where next my lady."
Alex laughed at Piper as she kissed her forehead. They swayed into the street, cars passing and honking when they got a little too far out. Both drunk and careless and didn't much care what others thought. Alex twirled her girlfriend in the streets. Looking down at Piper, she kissed her lips.
"Whatever you want baby."
It's easy to give in to your heart
When you're drunk on La Cienega Boulevard
They continued their stroll through the road as traffic passed them. The pair were oblivious and content in their whole little world. Alex turned to look to Piper smiling beside her. The fresh air hitting them was making her thirstier. Her hunger to keep the happiness going, she looked down to Piper.
"One condition."
Piper turned her head to Alex. Stopping at the side of the road. "Yeah?"
"We don't stop drinking."
Piper looked around her location. Her eyes glancing the traffic and falling upon a cab that had just passed them. In that moment, her eyes widened. She turned back to Alex. Nodding her head. "To the Abbey we go!"
The taxi pulled up at the curb. Both women climbing out of the car as they looked to the outside seating. They were fairly early as the party was only just starting. While the crowd was busy, many people were just now arriving. Alex looked down to Piper as the music played loudly out of the speakers. Her head going at the beat of the music. Piper looked to Alex, mirroring her actions. Both women dancing at the side of the road.
Piper looked down to Alex's t-shirt. She grabbed Alex's hand and pulled her into the bar.
When the song comin' out of the speakers
Was the band that you had on your t-shirt
Alex instantly started dancing as they threaded their way through the crowd to the dance floor. As soon as they hit the dance floor, Alex let go, dancing in full swing. Both women tossed their heads back, belting out the song as they grooved on the dance floor.
"Take me by the tongue and I'll know you."
Alex eyes looked up and down Piper. As Piper's body moved to Alex, she wrapped her arms around Alex's neck. "Kiss me 'til you're drunk and I'll show you all the moves like Jagger." She bushed lips against Alex's neck, her hand running over Alex's chest.
As they continued to sing the lyrics to each other, Alex stepped back from Piper and clapped her hands as she moved her legs and hips like Jagger.
Dancing around the dance floor, Alex side stepped into a man, knocking him back. She turned her head and looked at the man closely. She pulled Piper to her side. Pointing her drunken hand at the man. "Pipes! It's Mick Jagger!"
Piper's jaw quickly dropped.
The man looked between the two. Pushing both drunken women off, he laughed at Alex and Piper. "I'm not fucking Jagger!" He laughed at his own joke. Turning back round to his friends, dancing.
After a few songs, both Alex and Piper were sweating as they finally stopped their dancing. Alex's mouth dry, she looked over at the bar. Piper's eyes followed her and nodded. Piper took hold of Alex's hand, taking them both to the dance floor. Pushing through the gathering, they found a seat at the bar.
Alex's hand brushed Piper's thigh as they waited on their drinks. She leaned into her girlfriend and placed her hand on Piper's face as she kissed her strong on the lips. The heat of the kiss increased, Alex's hand wrapping in Piper's hair as she kissed her harder. Her tongue searching for Piper's. They were oblivious to their surroundings.
"Woah!"
Piper opened an eye. Her lips still locked with Alex's. But Alex brought Piper back to her, continuing the kiss.
"I think I'm going to need a library card" Alex quickly broke the kiss. Glancing through the corner of her eye, the unfamiliar voice continued, "''cause I'm gonna check you out."
Alex quickly grasped hold of Piper's hand, reassuring her. She went to stand to her feet, as the hand of the other woman pushed her back down. Anger etched on Alex's face yet her mind was in a complete blur at what was happening. She pushed her glasses down to her face. Piper looking to Alex, then round at the woman.
"Don't stop on my account." The woman laughed.
Piper's head quickly flicked back around at the woman. Pulling back slightly. She let go off Piper's hand. Her mouth wide open in shock. She looked to Alex, who looked to her. Then back to the woman with short blonde hair whose attention was now at the bar.
Piper struggled to find her words to speak. Tapping Alex on the knee, trying to express the words she couldn't speak. Alex nodded. Her own eyes wide, and eyebrow arched. Piper stood to her feet. Turning to look at the woman that had just interrupted them.
"El… Ellen."
"I know." Alex's voice was just in shock as Piper's as she stood to stand beside her. Both staring at the woman who was now getting served. The woman turned around to Piper and Alex then turned back to the bartender and ordered for them. Piper swallowed the lump in her throat. Alex gratefully took the shot the woman offered and quickly knocked it back, shaking her head at the burn.
Piper was in complete star struck. "Ellen."
The woman nodded. She winked at Piper. Then at Alex. "I can be. Actually if you don't mind, I came over here to tell you that I admire your work. You are Piper right? The model from New York. Mind if we get a picture? Portia doesn't believe it's you."
Piper dumbly nodded as she posed next to Ellen for a quick photo. Then Ellen took off to her group of friends taking the tray of drinks she had ordered.
Alex and Piper watched in slow motion, watching Ellen disappear into the distance through the crowds of people.
"Was that Ellen DeGeneres? Did she really want a picture of me?" Now Piper was not only star struck but amazed that she had been recognized by the TV star and comedian. But everything had happened so quickly. Alex and Piper quickly looked to each other, then their legs taking them in the direction of the woman. They pushed through the crowds of people. Their phones out as they searched for the celebrity. Piper decided sometimes being famous wasn't so bad after all.
Ellen had arranged for a car to take them back to the hotel so they wouldn't have to put up with a nasty taxi or wait on an Uber. The couple stepped onto the sidewalk, balanced by the rush of fresh wind. Piper took hold of Alex's hand, moving away from the car as they happily walked closer to the doors of the hotel. They stopped to look around them in excitement. Tonight had been the best yet. Both women were in a daze, a reckless state of shock and still pretty intoxicated after the consumption of several units of alcohol.
Piper bit down on her lip, eyes still wide as she looked to Alex. Alex stumbled back into the now empty street. Piper held both her arms out and screamed before bursting out into a fit of laughter as Alex followed suit. They yelled until the bellman quietly asked them to please go inside. Alex turned to Piper, kissing her and stumbled as she walked backwards into the hotel.
We were screamin' cause all the streets were empty
And you kissed me, and we were
Up all night and we were feelin' so good
Yeah, we got a little higher than we probably should
Alex held up Piper as they walked from the elevator. Propping Piper up against the hotel door. Her own hand pressed against the door as she supported herself, struggling to unlock the door. She looked round to Piper who was falling into her side. Placing her hand on Piper, she propped her back up. "Don't fall you lush."
Alex pushed open the hotel door. Piper pushing past as she ignored Alex, throwing herself on the couch of the suite. She looked to Alex with sultry eyes. Falling further back into the couch. "Lush? Me? Naw!" Her head propped back, Piper opened her mouth to burp then giggle. She wiped her mouth, outstretching her hand across the couch. She lifted her head. "Hey did you bring up that beer?"
"You can't tell me you are still thirsty!"
Piper scrunched her face, struggling to her feet unbalanced. Trying to kick of her shoes her body almost falling. "I'm headed to the bathroom." She looked over to Alex, licking her lower lip. "When I get back, I expect a beer." Step by step, she made it across the floor to the smaller room.
Alex laughed watching her girlfriend stumble. Disappearing through the open door, Alex turned her attention to the matchsticks on the side and the candle that looked untouched. The pristine look had Alex feeling naughty. Playing with the wax on the candle, she reached for the matchsticks. She lit the candles and propped the burning matches up on the ledge of the balcony as she turned back around singing.
We were in a hotel singin' in the hallway lights
We were strikin' the matches right down to the ashes
Setting the world on fire, setting the world on fire
Piper came back out of the bathroom, still giggling. Alex walked towards her and handed her a beer. "Piper, why are you laughing like that? You make me nervous." Piper covered her mouth, pointing back at the bathroom. Alex looked between Piper and the bathroom and headed to the small room.
Alex's heart fluttered as she walked in, smiling. Using her lipstick, Piper had written on the mirror in bold, red letters.
I love you Alex Vause!
Alex looked down to the basin, the red lipstick smashed from being pressed against the hard glass. She picked up the mangled lipstick tube, adding a small addition.
Alex hearts Piper with a heart in place of the word.
Looking back at their work of art. She grinned to herself, her heart still fluttering.
When Alex came out of the bathroom, her eyes scanned the room searching for Piper. She had somehow made her way to the chairs on the balcony. Her body slumped into it. Alex followed her girlfriend, falling into the chair beside her. She popped open her own beer and took a drink from it. "Tonight was fun Pipes. I'm glad we went."
"Me, too."
Piper suddenly stood and leaned over the railing. Alex lunged to grab her by the pants. Before Alex could ask what the fuck she was doing, Piper was screaming at the top of her lungs. "California! I love you!"
Wrote I love you in lipstick on the mirror
We were shoutin' out the window, like they could hear us at the pier
Said "Do you think we'll live forever?"
As we killed another beer
And you wrote I love you in lipstick on the mirror
We were laughin' until we were breathless
Alex's heart pounded in her chest. Pulling Piper back down into her chest as she held onto her. "Fuck Pipes. You scared me." Piper looked to Alex. A short pause and both women burst out laughing. Raising their drinks to California. They both continued their drinking.
Bodies close together. Creating their own party on their balcony. Singing out loudly as they looked down on the empty streets.
Never felt anything so reckless, we were all lit up and restless
And coming alive and we were
Up all night and we were feelin' so good
Yeah, we got a little higher than we probably should
We were in a hotel singin' in the hallway lights
We were strikin' the matches right down to the ashes
Setting the world on fire, setting the world on fire