It was the first time that Alex was meeting any of Piper's family member. She was excited and nervous at the same time. She knew Piper was close to her younger brother Cal, so she made an effort to look presentable on their dinner. She wore a combination of white and navy blue dress that although hugging her on the right places, still looked elegant and classy. Her three-inch heels gave her the same height difference against Piper. The blonde was wearing a black classy dress and three inches heels, matching her girlfriend's sophisticated look. They left Piper's house just in time for the 7 pm dinner. Cal and Neri were already seated when the two women arrived at an Italian restaurant chosen by Cal. Neri gave them a tiny wave when she noticed the two women arrived. They reached the table hand in hand as Cal and Neri stood to greet them.
"Hi." Piper said as she smiled.
"Hello, sis." Cal said as he gave her a big hug.
Piper released Cal after, as she proceeded to hug Neri. They hugged briefly, then Neri released Piper as the blonde took Alex's hand.
"Guys, this is Alex. My girlfriend. Al, this is Cal and Neri." Piper said with obvious joy in her tone.
"Hi, nice to meet you both." Alex said as she offered her hand to shake.
"Non-sense! C'mere. Let me hug my sister's new love doll." Cal said as he pulled Alex in a bear hug.
Piper laughed as Neri chuckled on Alex's surprised face. He released her after, as Neri gave Alex a warm hug. They talked briefly as they settled on their table. Alex and Piper seated together as Neri and Cal sat across them.
"It's nice to see you guys." Neri said.
"It's nice to see both of you too." Piper said.
"Wow, it's nice to finally meet you Alex. Now I know why my sister lost her mind."
"Cal!"
They laughed as Piper blushed. Alex looked at her, as she grinned and fidgets on her glasses. She took a mental note to teased the blonde later.
"I'm joking. It's really nice to see you, Alex."
"You too."
Alex and Piper smiled at each other as Cal and Piper continued talking. Alex observed them. She saw how close they were and how much they both adored each other. They decided to order after the introduction as Neri said she was already hungry. The waiter arrived and gave them a menu to choose from. They decided to place a beverage order first, as Piper softly asked Alex what she wanted to drink. They had a little disagreement about the glass of wine that Alex wanted.
"You promised." Piper said softly as her hand brushed on Alex's arm.
"It's just one glass."
They looked at each other intently, oblivious to the pair of eyes that were watching them.
"You promised me, Alex." Piper said recalling.
She looked at Alex with a disappointed glare as the raven-haired woman's green orbs, softly pleaded. Piper was annoyed as she removed her gaze from the raven-haired woman. It reminded her of the past, on how easily Alex used to break her promises to her before. Alex studied her expression as she exhaled defeated. She reached for Piper's hand and rested it on her thigh, as her thumb brushed Piper's knuckles.
"Hey, okay. I'll just get sparkling water, then." Alex said as she smiled as Piper smiled back.
"Thank you."
"You guys are cute. I wish Cal can easily get guilty like Alex does." Neri said.
"Hey." Cal said.
They laughed at the thought as their waiter left to placed their orders. The four of them continued to study the menu.
"Al, what do you want?"
"Hmmm...let me think. What are you having?"
"I'm considering just pasta...but let me see."
The two woman converse closely like they were the only people in the table. Cal and Neri observed quietly as it was the first time since three years ago, that Piper was like that. She tried to go out with other people a year after she lost Alex, but the blonde seemed to be just passing the time. She really didn't consider settling down or having a serious commitment with someone at that time. This version of Piper was new to Cal. Even before with Larry, she never really showed intense attention to him. Piper cared for him, but this Piper was very attentive to her girlfriend and she meets Alex's need any chance she could get. Cal saw how Piper changed ever since she lost the raven-haired woman.
The waiter came back with their drinks as they decided to place an order right away. They continued talking after the waiter left.
"So, how's your store?" Cal asked.
"Great. It's doing well. It's always busy. How about you guys?"
"Still living in the wild." Neri replied.
Piper laughed as Alex felt intrigued. When Piper first told her about Cal and Neri, she mentions them living in a trailer in the woods. She really wanted to know how their life was.
"How is it like?" Alex asked.
"What is?" Neri replied.
"Living in the woods. I mean, I love nature and all, I want to experience being close to it but I never really thought that I could live in isolation...I mean far from the city."
"Uhm, it's surprisingly likable." Piper said.
"Yeah?"
"Well, it's not that really hard. You'll enjoy the silence and calmness of nature...the same effect of joints. Only better, since no neighbors and their nonsense." Cal said explaining.
Alex laughed as Cal smiled at her. Something tells Alex that she would enjoy spending time with Cal.
"Hmmm..."
"Well, if you really want to know you can always drag Piper and visit us...you can even spend the night if you guys want to." Neri suggested.
"Really?"
"Yeah.
"What do you think, babe?"
Alex asked as she looks at Piper and rubbed her back soothingly.
"Well...we can, but let's plan our schedule first. It's hard to leave the store for too long."
"Just call us if you decided when. I would like to show Alex my plants." Cal said.
"You are so not showing her your plant!" Piper scolded.
They knew very well what kind of plant Cal was talking about. He laughed at Piper as Alex and Neri chuckled.
"I just want to get her insight."
"No. She doesn't have any insight about it."
"You have a flower shop right, Alex?"
"Yeah. I own one."
"See, big sissy? It's all about plants." Cal teased.
"I will smack your head Cal, if any of your plants came near my girlfriend."
Their laughter resonated on the room as they continued to banter. Neri asked Alex more about her store as their food arrived. The discussion on their table continued all through the night. Alex and Cal hit right off as Piper watched in amusement. She knew they will like each other but she never thought that they will bond instantly.
...
It was close to midnight when they decided to call it a night as Piper insisted that Alex needed to rest. The raven-haired woman called for the waiter and settled their bill. Cal and Neri objected, but Alex insisted for it.
"It's fine guys. I enjoyed meeting you both, so it's no big deal."
"Are you sure?" Neri asked.
"Yeah. No worries."
She settled the bill and excused herself as she told Piper that she needed the bathroom before they leave. Neri trailed after Alex as she too needed to go, leaving Cal and Piper behind.
"Wow. I never thought she's so...foxy." Cal said as Piper laughed on him.
"Yup and she's mine."
"I know. It's just...I mean, I saw the pictures you kept when you were still together, but she's something else when you see her in person."
"Yeah. Alex is stunning."
Piper proudly said. They smiled at each other as Cal observed his sister. He knew very well that Piper was happy and that she finally knew what she wanted. He couldn't help but grin at the blonde.
"What?"
"You're happy."
"I am."
"But you're not so gangsta anymore."
"No. No, I'm not. I don't even care. I know what I want now."
"And what is that?"
"Alex...I just want her."
"I'm happy for you sis...but are you sure about this? I mean, Alex is great I like her...but you haven't confessed to her yet. This could end in a sour note."
Piper grew silent as her smile slowly fades. She knew Cal was right.
"I know Cal, but I'll take my chances."
"Tell her soon. She deserves to know."
"Yeah...yeah, I will."
"When shit got real, you know where to find us okay?"
Piper nods at him as Cal gave him a sincere smile.
"I really hope that this time, you guys end up together. I can see she loves you...like, sincerely loves you.
Piper smiled at her brother. She saw how deeply Cal cared for her and her relationship with Alex.
"Yeah. Thanks, Cal."
Piper contemplated on what Cal had said. She decided it was time to face her demons. If she wanted another chance with the raven-haired woman, she must come out clean to her. No more secrets, no more lies. She decided to tell Alex soon, no matter how terrifying it was.
...
The two women arrived at Piper's apartment. They decided to spent the night there as Alex brought clothes with her when Piper drove her home earlier to change for their dinner. They quickly changed for bedroom clothes and did their nightly routine. They were brushing their teeth together as they talked about Cal and Neri again.
"I like your brother."
"Yeah? Well, he likes you too."
"Really? That's great. We should go out again soon."
"Let's ask them. If their schedule fits, then why not?"
Alex kept talking about Cal as they settled down for bed. Piper noticed how happy she was, to finally meet a member of Piper's family.
"I'm beginning to feel jealous."
"What?"
"You've been talking about my brother nonstop. Should I be worried?"
Alex laughed at Piper's words.
"Never." Alex kissed her briefly as Piper answered back. They slowly laid down as Alex hovered on top of the blonde. She broke the kiss as Piper brushed Alex's hair.
"It's the first time I'm meeting them right?"
"Yeah...sorry."
Piper felt somewhat guilty on not letting any of her family meet Alex before.
"It's fine. It was hard to introduce a girlfriend working for a drug cartel. If I were you, I'll be scared too."
Piper exhaled sadly on Alex's words. It's true, but somehow it made her feel that Alex was depreciating herself. Piper suddenly felt like she needed to reassure Alex about how she felt.
"I'm in love with you."
Alex grinned at her as Piper blushed a little. She suddenly felt conscious on her girlfriend's gaze. It didn't help that Alex was quietly staring at her.
"Are you happy, Al?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah?"
"Very much. Thanks for tonight."
Alex leaned in as they kissed again. Piper pulled Alex tightly towards her as their bodies melded. Piper moaned when she felt Alex sensually hump her as her hand traveled on her back, under her shirt. Their kiss ended as Alex's mouth traveled to Piper's neck down to her collarbone, placing gentle kisses on its way.
"Babe..." Piper whispered as Alex's mouth reached gently and sucked on Piper's protruding nipple that was visible under her shirt.
Alex's breath hitched as Piper's hand traveled on her back. She reached inside Alex's boy shorts groping her butt. They looked at each other intently with obvious wants resonating on both of them.
"I'm in love with you, too." Alex said.
There's a part of the blonde that wanted to stop as she worries about Alex's recurring headache but when she heard Alex's husky voice uttering those words, all of Piper's self-control vanished into thin air. She immediately relieved Alex on her shirt as the raven-haired woman did the same for her. Their naked torsos rubbed gently, sending shivers down their spine. Alex's tugged on Piper's shorts as the blonde gave in. Alex's hand reached Piper's front, rubbing her clit by her thumb. Piper closed her eyes and moaned at the contact as Alex's lips found her neck again. Piper hurriedly took Alex's boy shorts off as Alex continued to kiss her. Desire overflowed on them both as Alex urgently removed Piper's undies. Their naked bodies enveloped each other as their emotions for each other manifest. Piper needed to feel Alex immediately as she guided Alex's hand where she wanted it to be. Alex's digits went inside the blonde as Piper opened up freely to her. The rushed rhythm of Alex's fingers matched Piper's ruthless rocking of hips. She wanted to come immediately as lust coursed through her body. She raised her chest for Alex as the raven-haired woman gave in once again and grant Piper's nipples the attention it craved. Piper's hands gripped on Alex's hair as she felt a strong urge course through her.
"Aaallllexxx..." Piper moaned.
Piper gave a powerful released, as her juices rolled at Alex's hand. She slowly recovered as Alex gradually catches her breath too. She was hovering above Piper when their breathing went back to normal. Piper brushed Alex's hair away from her face as she kissed her fervently. She released the raven-haired woman after as their gaze found each other again.
"Love you, baby." Piper said as she kissed Alex on her cheek.
Alex felt overly happy on Piper's words as she couldn't help her cheeks to slightly reddened. Piper noticed as she couldn't help but laughed on her girlfriend.
"You're blushing."
"No. No, I don't blush."
"Yes, you are!"
"I don't. Shut up!"
Piper laughed audibly as Alex grinned at her. She knew Piper was really happy by the sound of her laugh.
"You're happy."
"Very...you make me."
Alex smiled as Piper kissed her passionately again. Intense hunger for the raven-haired woman reemerged at Piper's as her mouth traveled on Alex's body. She tasted Alex as the raven-haired woman gave an earth shattering release. Their moans and groans echoed all through the night, at Piper's bedroom. They made love several times as the feeling of an overwhelming affection for each other, surface.
...
Friday came as the two women made plans to get their art pieces at Mugi pottery. Piper fetched Alex from her store as they drive to their destination using Piper's car. They were pleased as they finally have the memory of their first date. Although the mug and vase weren't perfect, they both found joy on the memory that it represent. Alex decided to spend the night again at Piper's apartment.
After dinner, Piper decided to tell Alex about Chicago. The raven-haired woman was sitting at her living area, busy typing a reply on her phone. Piper seated beside her as her left hand brushed soothingly over Alex's knuckles and her right hand held a letter that Alex sent her while she was in Queens.
"Al, can we talk? Are you busy?"
"Sure. Nicky just texted. She was just asking if we're free to hang out anytime this week."
"What did you tell her?"
"I said I'll ask you first."
"Okay."
Piper said absently as she thought about how she would tell Alex. Alex saw how worried Piper was.
"What's wrong?"
"I need to tell you something."
"Okay. What about?"
Piper swallowed her fears. She promised to tell Alex the truth so she must be honest to her.
"I...in Chicago..." Piper paused as she contemplated on how she would tell Alex.
"What about Chicago? Babe, you're scaring me."
Piper held Alex's hand tightly as she exhaled.
"Years ago when we were still in prison, they flew us in Chicago to testify against Kubra, your boss in the cartel..."
"Yeah, Benny told me that."
"You told me to lie, as you're about to, so I could be safe."
"Oh, okay..."
"I told you I won't...but I changed my mind and lied...but you decided to tell the truth, as Benny made you a decent deal and you were released right immediately after the trial."
"Oh..."
Piper swallowed as she remembered Alex's expression all those years ago. The hurt and hate that Alex's eyes showed when she found out that Piper threw her back in prison came flashing back at Piper as she felt the fear seeps inside her.
"You were out immediately and I was alone. I was sent back into Litchfield to serve my remaining time."
Piper narrates about the letter she was holding as Alex took it and read its contents. She also told Alex about her phone call, visit and her plan to just disappear.
"After that..."
"I was caught and put back in...yeah, Benny also told me that."
Piper swallowed as she gazed into Alex's eyes. She took her hand and kissed it as Alex smiled at the gesture.
"I have a friend...I called a friend to tell your probation officer...about your plan."
Alex was stunned. Her eyes showed betrayal and hurt. Piper felt her hand slowly retracted and let go of hers.
"You what?"
"Alex..."
"I was attacked after I was sent back in."
"I know...I'm so sorry."
Piper's tears escaped her eyes. She saw disbelief at Alex's emerald orbs. Alex stood up, pushed her glasses on top of her head and paced in front of the blonde. She knew it wasn't Piper's fault that someone attacked her, but she also thought that she could've escape it, if Piper didn't throw her back in. Anger and dismayed courses through her body.
"Why? Why did you do that?"
Alex's voice raised. It was the first time Piper saw this version of Alex, that enraged.
"I was..." Piper thought about saying that she wanted Alex safe, but she knew that it wasn't the real reason. "I wanted you back...I was alone and I wanted you back...with me. I know it's selfi..."
"I was attacked, Piper! I almost died...I lost my fucking memory!" Alex yelled in anger.
"I know, I know...I know and I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, Alex." Piper sobbed.
Alex looked at the blonde as her eyes shed tears. She wiped it off and saw how sorry Piper was.
"I have to...I need some air."
Alex walked towards the door as Piper immediately trailed after her.
"Please...please come back." Piper said softly. "Come back to me, Alex."
She looked back at Piper as Piper saw uncertainty and hurt. Alex closed the door gently as she started walking away with no destination in mind. Piper felt like she was suffocating, like her world was slowly crumbling down right before her eyes. It must have been what Alex felt when Piper walked out of her life years ago, back in Paris.
Alex wanted to get away. Away from the past, away from all the hurt and pain...away from Piper. She thought back to everything that Piper told her. Although she saw love between them, it was also wrapped with betrayal, drugs and lies. Alex wasn't sure anymore. She didn't even knew what she was doing with Piper again. But then again, she loved Piper. She was everything to her. She felt how Piper loved her too. She wouldn't travel the world with her if she didn't. She wouldn't give Alex years of her life if she didn't. She wouldn't risk it all again if she didn't love Alex. Alex stopped walking and leaned on a wall in an alley. She sobbed for the first time again, after she met the blonde. She didn't know what to do anymore. She loved Piper. She even loved her even more this time.
After a while, Alex walked again. She didn't know how long she was walking, but she suddenly felt like she wanted to see Piper's blue eyes. Alex always knew that if it was a game, she will always lose. She will always want Piper back. She justified Piper's action as the blonde always retaliates when Alex did a questionable action herself, like the time she neglected her, that's why she left her in Paris, or the time she didn't have plans for the future knowing very well that Piper wanted security, making Piper chose Larry. She told Piper to lie in Chicago when she herself told the truth.
Alex walked back at Piper's apartment as her need to be with the blonde, escalated. Surprisingly, Piper left her front door unlocked, hoping Alex will come back. It was dark inside as Alex carefully maneuver inside Piper's apartment. There was no sign of the blonde inside, so she discreetly walked inside her bedroom. Piper was there lying sideways, facing away from Alex. Alex can hear muffled sobs coming from the blonde, as she absently smelled and caressed Alex's pillows. Alex slowly sat at the bed, so she won't startled the blonde and rest her back on the headboard. She rubbed soothingly at Piper's back making the blonde flinched in surprise. She looked back to where Alex was, as her eyes light up with relief.
"Alex?"
They looked at each other for a moment as Piper rushed into Alex's lap, straddling her. She hugged Alex tightly burying her face into the raven-haired woman's neck. Piper sobbed again, as she felt solace that Alex came back to her. Piper leaned away slightly, trying to gaze at Alex's emerald orbs when she felt Alex slacken and didn't hug her back. Alex took her glasses off and placed in on the nightstand. Piper saw how her eyes were swollen from crying. It made Piper shed tears again.
"I'm really sorry, Alex." Piper said as her tears flowed.
She brushed Alex's hair away from her face as she saw sadness written on the raven-haired woman's face. It made Piper hurt seeing Alex in pain, knowing full well she was causing it.
"I'll understand...if you want to be away from me." Piper shed tears again.
Alex was being silent as she gazed on Piper as the blonde dropped her gaze. She was about to get up and leave Alex's lap when she felt the raven-haired woman's hands brushed on her stomach to her back, hugging her.
"I love you...you know that?"
Piper nods at her as she didn't trust her voice to come out. Alex buried her face into Piper's neck. Piper felt Alex's tears flowed. She hated herself from hurting Alex again.
"I don't know what to do...I just...I needed you." Alex mumbled.
It made Piper cry again. She hugged Alex tightly as her left hand gripped firmly into her neck and the other wrapped at her shoulder.
"I don't want to be without you again...I can't...please don't leave." Piper begged.
"I'm right here."
They both wrapped each other on a tight hug, holding on for dear life. Piper peppered kisses to Alex's shoulder traveling from the side of her neck to her face. She placed rushed, sloppy, fervently kisses to Alex's chin, cheeks, close to her nose and finally reaching her lips. Alex kissed her back as Piper tightly held onto the raven-haired woman. Alex pulled Piper firmly against her, leaving no space between them. Ironically, Alex wanted to forget everything that she had discovered again and let love just lead them both in that moment, even just for that moment.
Hey, guys! I really tried to publish this chapter earlier this week, but things are so crazy for me lately. I'm so, sorry for the lack of updates. I wanted to write more when I saw your reviews and it really means a lot to me. Thanks for the love in this fic! You inspire me to write...keep it coming!
I apologize for any grammatical errors in here and I do hope that you at least, enjoyed this chapter as much as I did, writing it! Thanks!