Aria awoke the next morning feeling clean, refreshed and completely at ease, and this positive energy continued as her eyes fluttered open and landed straight on Ezra. She smiled at his peaceful slumber and his occasional giggles which caused him to stir slightly each time. He was the perfect combination of dorky and adorable, but the slight hint of stubble which grew on his cheeks reminded Aria of his extravagant good looks and unbearable jaw line. It reminded her of their aroused activities last night, and she tingled at the thought of her and Ezra becoming so intimate and personal.

Their evening was everything she could have ever hoped for, it was as if Ezra's perfectly sculpted body and her petite frame were meant to be together all along, moving in perfect harmony and synchronisation. He had guided her carefully, almost showing her what to do – which Aria was completely grateful for – and he had in no way made her feel inexperienced or unworthy of his passion, something that had been tickling at the corners of Aria's mind in the moments before they got close.

It had been the best night of her life. Never before had she felt so free and in control as in those prized and steamy fifteen minutes he was inside her. If she thought she knew Ezra's body from any of their previous make out sessions, then she was wrong. The way his bare body felt when entwined with hers brought goose bumps to her skin, and the thought of his sweet kisses on her collarbone almost caused Aria to moan. He was the perfect man to have shared her gift with, and no matter what was to happen with their relationship in the future, Aria knew that last night would be something she would never regret.

Aria hadn't even thought to check the time until she remembered it was a Thursday, which meant she had work to go to. The thought of it made her want to throw up. Not only was she dreading being hauled up in such a cramped space for the majority of the day, but having to share eight hours of the day with Maggie after Aria knew who she really was – and how she had hurt Ezra – made her want to scream. She couldn't go back there, not after what she knew now. Even if they did call a truce on the argument that was bound to happen, the awkwardness would be so intense that Aria wasn't sure she would be able to take it. If only she had managed to go to college here in the city, her life would be so much easier. She would be able to actually eat dinner every night, and she could have a social life and friends like most eighteen year old girls. All on top of studying the subject she loved the most; English.

But, Aria wasn't one to play with fate, and she knew it was because of fate that she and Ezra had met. And had she gone to NYU and not taken up her job at the law firm, then she would never have met Ezra Fitz. It did worry Aria that she had gotten attached to Ezra so quickly, and it didn't make sense how quickly things had escalated between the two of them, which in turn made Aria fear that if Ezra were to somehow be taken away from her that she wouldn't survive it. She couldn't bear the thought, so quickly she wiped it out of her mind and vowed never again to think of it.

Almost as if he had heard her thinking about him, Ezra groaned lightly and his eyes fluttered open. He took in the scene around him, and a small, happy smile appeared on his face as he spotted Aria's naked body lying next to him, and she could tell memories of last night were beginning to fly through his half-awake mind. "Hey," he said, snaking his hand around Aria's lower torso and pulling her close to him.

"Hi," she whispered, kissing him softly before burying her face in the crook of his shoulder. "You smell nice."

"So do you." He chuckled, and Aria felt him place a kiss on the back of her head, something he knew she loved.

"I could lay here all day with you." Aria sighed, knowing she was going to have to get up at some point. "I don't want to go back to that place ever again."

"Then don't. Stay here with me," Ezra said, tracing small circles on Aria's bare thigh with his fingers. "It'll work out well for both of us."

"I suppose one day won't hurt…" Aria knew she was letting herself be too easily persuaded, but she just couldn't deal with going in today, and now Ezra had actually given her a reason to stay, it seemed pointless to put herself through eight hours of hell.

Aria reluctantly slipped out of Ezra's grip and reached for her phone on the nightstand. It was almost eight, so if she had been going to work, she was bound to be late anyway. "Come back," Ezra groaned, pulling on her leg. "You took the cover with you and there is a draft."

Aria chuckled at Ezra's pleads, and quickly typed a simple message telling Melanie, the manager of the law firm, that she was sick and unable to leave her bed. She felt incredibly guilty as she placed the phone back on the nightstand; she was lying through her teeth, but for once, she decided to tell herself not to care. Never in the five months she had worked for Melanie had she taken a sick day, surely she was allowed to have one once in her life. "Okay, okay. I'm here," Aria said, slipping back into Ezra's embrace.

"What's that face for?" Ezra said, tilting Aria's head towards him. She squirmed as he scrutinised her features, her cheeks heating with just the thought of his eyes being on her.

"I was just thinking about last night," Her voice was hoarse, as she recalled Ezra's heavy breath on her neck and the taste of his tongue as it danced with hers.

Ezra's posture suddenly changed, and his hands began to caress Aria's nude body. "Oh yeah? What did you get up to last night?"

Aria smiled devilishly at his teasing, and decided to play along with his little game. "A little of this," she said, kissing him hungrily and nibbling down on his lip, causing a moan to escape the back of Ezra's throat. "And quite a bit of this." She shifted herself so she was laying on top of Ezra's chest, and she began to place soft kisses across his taut, bare skin. Ezra's moans filled the apartment, and the pair's sexual tension was on high alert, almost to the point where they were getting dangerously close to becoming intimate again, however, Aria's phone began to beep, causing them both to jump with fright and their heads to collide in the midst of their panic.

Aria could barely withhold her giggles as Ezra clutched his head in pain, having obviously received the more painful half of the knock. "Hello?" She said, answering the phone without checking the caller ID.

"Hello, Aria."

Aria almost chocked at the sound of Maggie's voice, and at first she wondered how the hell Maggie had her number, but then Aria remembered that she did, in fact, work with the woman. "What do you want, Maggie?"

Ezra's eyes widened in shock at the mention of Maggie's name, and he began to mouth a series of questions that Aria could barely understand.

"Don't worry, Aria. I'm not calling to ruin your and Ezra's little love nest, I'm actually calling on duty. Melanie asks your reason for not coming in." Maggie sounded like she owned the place, not like someone who had only worked for Melanie for less than a week.

"I told her I was sick," Aria replied, adding a cough to the end of her sentence to prove authenticity. Ezra chuckled silently at her lie, and Aria, in fear Maggie would her him, slapped him playfully on the chest.

"If you say so…" Maggie was playing Aria. She could just see that signature, mocking smirk on the older woman's stitched up face as she spoke in her teasing tone.

"Actually, I'd like to speak with Melanie myself. Can you transfer me through to her line?" Aria asked, a sudden burst of confidence rushing through her and convincing her to bypass Maggie's childish ways.

"She's busy at the moment, so you'll have to call back out of work hours." Maggie sounded smitten with her response, which only made Aria's short temper increase in a steady upward pattern.

"Well, I need to tell her I'm handing in my notice; I'm resigning from my position as receptionist at her law firm." Although the thought had crossed Aria's mind more than once that morning, she didn't think she would actually quit, never mind do it over the phone with a woman who she was beginning to detest. Apparently, the words that had just come out of Aria's mouth were a shock to Ezra, too. If he hadn't been surprised enough before to hear that Maggie was the caller who interrupted their steamy moment, he was almost on his feet at her decision now.

"What are you doing?" he asked quietly, his face pulled into an expression of pure bewilderment and confusion as he came back round to sit beside Aria.

"One minute," she mouthed, holding a finger up towards him so she could hear what Maggie had to say about her choice to quit her job. There were a few nervous stutters, and Maggie told Aria that she would have Melanie call her back later. She was free. Free of Maggie and her childish bullying, and free of a job she had never really enjoyed, and which was holding her back from moving onto the next stage of her life here in the city.

"What the hell was that, Aria?" Ezra asked, grabbing a hold of Aria's hand worriedly.

"Ezra. I can't stay there if she is still working there, I mean, did you hear that phone call? I'm sure that it would be happening every day in person, so it was best one of us got out before anything bad happened," she reassured him.

"But, how is it fair that you had to leave? You're the one who has been working there five months, and she's only been there a matter of hours. Aria that was your job – your only source of income." Ezra looked desperate and agitated, which was unusual because usually it was Aria who needed reassuring, not him.

"Ezra. I didn't just leave because of her. I left because that job really wasn't me. It took over my life, I have no friends here in the city and I have absolutely no social life. Working there, I feel like a middle aged woman. With that pay I can barely scrape enough money up each month to pay the rent and the bills, so it was never ideal anyway. It was always only going to be temporary until I could find somewhere to work that I enjoy."

Ezra nodded, seeming to agree with her argument, but then shook his head, almost at himself. "I just can't help but feel like it's my fault she pushed you out of a job."

Aria took his hands in hers. "Ezra. Don't say that – ever. I made this decision on my own, and I will deal with any of the consequences that I have to. As for now, I need to go hunting for a new job."

"Alright," Ezra replied, shaking his head at the rationality and absurdity of the situation, but obviously willing to help Aria in any way possible, too. Deep down, Aria wondered herself if maybe it was a little odd that she was so relaxed about everything, she had just become jobless, after all. But in those last few moments, that sense of power and control she had felt had overpowered her usually doubtful mind, and she was beginning to enjoy her newfound confidence.

*Ezra's POV*

Three hours later, Aria and Ezra were sat on his sofa, he looking up job listings on his iPad, and Aria opting for the traditional method and searching through the newspaper. They had spent a little more time in bed, Aria resting in his arms and eventually falling asleep again, while Ezra began to reread one of his favourite novels – To Kill a Mockingbird. The two had eventually gotten up and Ezra had gone to fetch them some fresh coffee and muffins for breakfast, while Aria took a shower.

Ezra scooted over Aria's side of the couch, and peered over the large newspaper which was almost half the size of her petite body, and inhaled the smell of his shampoo in her damp, dark locks. It smelled way better on her. "Found anything yet?" Ezra asked, pulling Aria out of her intense state of concentration.

"Not really. I mean, there are a few things, but nothing that really stands out to me. Don't worry, I know that I definitely don't have time to be picky, but I still really want something I know I'm going to actually enjoy doing."

"No, I understand," Ezra said, kissing her cheek softly. "How about we take a break from this? We could go for a walk or back to your apartment so you can change?"

Aria closed the newspaper and began to fold it up. "That sounds like a great idea. I don't think my eyes can take reading that tiny print much longer." She stood up, and wandered towards the front door of the apartment to find her shoes and jacket, and Ezra followed behind contently, grabbing his keys on the way.

The two walked hand in hand along the busy streets of the city, chatting nonchalantly and Aria expressing her opinion on a number of matters to do with the production of classic books and plays being turned into films. Ezra smiled at her determination to prove her point, and was once again compelled by Aria's melodic voice and the ever expanding vocabulary she possessed. "Am I talking too much? I'm sorry, I can shut up if you want?" she suddenly said, nervously.

"No, no. I love listening to you talk," Ezra chimed, smiling down at Aria, whose rosy cheeks weren't just the product of the chilly air. He thought it was cute the way she was self-conscious about these little things, but still, it only made him more intent to make her feel good about herself and to wipe away any doubts she had.

Just as they were about to cross the road to turn down Aria's street, a small child arrived beside them and began to pull on the sleeve of Aria's jacket. At first, she hadn't noticed the little girl, and Aria had jumped obviously thinking someone was trying to rob her of her personal belongings, but when she set eyes on the small girl, Aria's face softened immediately and she bent down to comfort her.

"Mommy?" The child sobbed, grabbing a hold of Aria's hand. It was then Ezra noticed that the little girl was quite obviously distressed; her cheeks were red and tears were falling from her dark, brown eyes.

"No, darling. I'm not your mommy," Aria said, squeezing the little girl's hand softly. "Do you think she's lost?" Aria said, looking up towards Ezra, worry filling her hazel eyes.

"I'm betting she is. It's pretty busy here today, her parents could be anywhere," he replied, coming to match both Aria and the child's height.

"Where's my mommy?" the little girl pleaded, erupting into a fresh bout of tears, and causing a lump of empathy to form in Ezra's throat. She was terrified.

"Hey, don't cry," Aria soothed, wiping away the little girl's tears. She was very young – Ezra could tell by not only her small body, but by her childish pronunciation of her words. "What's your name?"

The child looked between the two adults before her, her eyes big and unsure all of a sudden. "Rosie," she finally answered.

"Okay, Rosie. Where did you last see your mommy?" Aria asked, making sure to catch the little girl's attention.

Rosie turned around, and pointed down the street towards one of the many buildings. "Mommy is working," she huffed, folding her arms over each other.

Ezra craned his neck to see where on earth little Rosie could be pointing to, but it was just impossible to decipher exactly which building she was indicating them to when there were at least twenty entrances along just the visible part of the street.

"Maybe you could take us there?" Ezra asked, speaking to the little girl for the first time, but this only got a harsh look from Aria.

"I don't know if that's a good idea, Ezra. What happens if her parents come out of that shop and we get accused of child abduction? Plus, are we really meant to trust a three-year-old's navigation of the city streets?" Aria's words were rushed and quiet, as if she didn't want Rosie to hear.

"Look, look!" Rosie cried, interrupting their conversation. "That's my mommy!" And with that, the little girl began to toddle along the street, bumping into people's shopping bags and legs as wove her way through the crowds.

"Oh my god," Ezra said, beginning to run after her, pulling Aria along with him. Although there were no roads to cross, Rosie could still be trampled over if she were to fall, and Ezra feared for her safety.

"Rosie!" Aria called, her voice coated with fear and anxiety for this little girl they had met only minutes ago. Eventually, the pair caught up with the tiny child, and they each insured both of Rosie's hands were held firmly by their own as they continued to walk the length of the street.

It soon became apparent what Rosie had gotten so excited over as they neared an open door to an office where a dark haired, slim woman stood with her head in her hands. "Momma!" Rosie called once again, and the woman turned, her tear stained face a look of pure relief.

"Oh thank god," she said, rushing over to where Aria and Ezra stood, having released the little girls hands so she could return to her mother. Ezra felt tears brim at the corner of his eyes as the woman scooped little Rosie up, pulling her arms around her in a protective shield and whispering words of nurture and care into her daughter's ears. After the two had had their moment, Aria and Ezra walked towards the mother and child, whose faces were both stained with happy tears.

"These are the peoples that bring me here," Rosie said, pleased with herself for identifying the pair, and then pointing towards Aria and Ezra before picking up a lock of her mother's dark, chocolate coloured hair.

"Thank you. Thank you so much," the woman said, her smile sincere and her eyes portraying nothing but gratitude. "I just opened the door to get some fresh air and turned my back for two minutes and she was just gone."

"It's no problem at all. We're just glad you found each other," Ezra said, taking a hold of Aria's hand, seeing she was feeling just as emotional as he was about the reunion.

"Absolutely. Rosie is a lovely little girl." Aria smiled, and waved to Rosie, who was now squirming to be released from her mom's hold.

"She is a real cutie, but sometimes she can be such a handful – times like this being a perfect example. I had to pick her up early from day care today and bring her to work, and it's safe to say I got little to nothing done." The woman shook her head at Rosie, but soon nuzzled her nose into the little girl's mass of blonde curls.

"Oh really, what do you work as?" Ezra asked curiously, but then realised that it was maybe a little forward of him to do so.

"My husband and I have our own publishing business, actually. It's pretty hectic at the moment because he is across state holding meetings with future clients just now, and I'm practically run off my feet, especially with this little one," she said, tickling Rosie under the chin playfully.

"Wow, that's impressive!" Aria said, her eyes lighting up. Ezra could tell her thoughts matched his, and he squeezed her hand knowingly.

"I'm Ezra Fitz, by the way, and this is my girlfriend, Aria Montgomery." He felt awkward, all of a sudden introducing himself to this busy, educated woman, but she seemed chatty enough and they could all perhaps benefit from what Aria had to offer.

"Flora Stewart." She offered both Ezra and Aria her hand to shake. "Well, it's really been nice talking to you, but this one unfortunately doesn't enjoy standing still for too long," she said, setting Rosie down on the ground, but making sure to grip her hand carefully. "I can't thank you enough for finding Rosie and bringing her back to me, you guys are really great people. What can I do to make this up to you?"

Ezra looked towards Aria, his eyes pleading her to step in, and for a split moment, he thought she was going to back out. A publishing business would be the perfect place for her to work – it involved using skills she loved and the people she would be working with seemed wonderful.

"Well," Aria finally said. "There isn't any chance you'd be looking for someone to help out with your business, is there?"

Hello there! Thank you for reading, and sorry for the longer wait than expected. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, and would like to thank my lovely friend Emily (MustacheYouAQuestion) for giving me inspiration and ideas for this, and some of the following chapters! You're amazing. Also, I'd like to thank all of you guys who take time out of your day to read this story, it means the absolute world to me, as does your feedback, so please review and let me know what you thought!

- Kate :)

(Also, thank you to Courtney for getting excited for this chapter, and Flora for letting me steel your name!)