Hey guys, I know it's been so long, and you've been patiently waiting. I'm sorry for the delay. But it's finally here, Chapter 5. Thanks to all of you who continue to read and review this story, it really means a lot. Your kind words are what keeps me writing, thank you. I love hearing your thoughts so please continue. I hope you're all safe and well. Feel free to PM me. I hope you enjoy this update :)

Chapter 5:

''Can we go back to your place, Al?'' Piper asked as she stared into emerald green eyes (finally reconnecting the missing piece of her, after three long years apart).

''Sure, kid.'' Alex replied with a warm smile as she pulled twenty dollars from her purse and paid the bill.

There was a comfortable silence as the (ex) couple walked back to the brunette's apartment, just a few blocks away.

The brunette unlocked the door to her huge, penthouse apartment and gestured for the blonde to enter first. A bittersweet feeling washed over the pair as they stepped inside the apartment together (which was once theirs) for the first time in years.

'It still feels like home.' Piper thought to herself as she glanced around the once so familiar apartment. Everything looked almost the same as she had last seen it, like no time had passed at all. As if she had only gone to the grocery store and came back a few hours later, rather than years later. The only differences were; a few more trinkets and collectables from the brunette's trips were placed around the room, the walls had a fresh coat of paint (a similar colour as before) and all the photographs that used to contain the couple were replaced with people the blonde didn't recognise. Taking a deep breath, Piper's senses went wild at the fragrances she missed dearly. Lavender and vanilla breezed through the living room from the scented candles that were lit earlier in the day, (barely) covering the smell of cigarettes. The comforting smell of leather hit the blonde, from the jackets hanging on the coat rack and from the jacket the brunette (who was standing very closely) was wearing. The scent that overwhelmed the younger woman the most was the smell of Alex herself. 'Alex smells like home.' Piper thought as she glanced at the older woman, only now noticing her closeness.

''Make yourself at home, kid.'' Alex said with a friendly smile as she took off her jacket and hung it on the rack. Piper smiled politely back, trying to ignore the pain in her heart and the lump in her throat at the older woman's choice of words.

''Can I get you something to drink?'' Alex asked as she gestured for the blonde to take a seat on the couch.

''I'll have whatever you're having.'' Piper replied as she practised her best (fake) friendly smile.

''Unless your drink preference has changed, you never liked jack and coke before. You sure?'' Alex questioned with a smirk.

''You're drinking? It's barely 2pm.'' Piper stated, slightly shocked.

It was unlike Alex to drink during the day, the older woman usually liked to be in control. Piper could count on one hand the times that she had seen her ex-girlfriend (girlfriend at the time) completely drunk and vulnerable. Alex would drink a glass of wine with dinner, have a few beers to relax after work or sip a jack and coke during a business meeting or if they were out for a night clubbing. The brunette might have a beer during the day if she had no plans, but she never drank whiskey during the day. This worried the blonde.

''I might as well enjoy drinking while I can, Piper. This time next year the only alcohol I'll be able to get my hands on is toilet hooch… You know what, how about champagne instead? I should take full advantages of the luxuries of life.'' Alex replied as she walked into the kitchen and grabbed a (fancy) chilled bottle of champagne and two flutes.

Alex popped the cork, spraying foam around the living room, poured two glasses of champagne, and handed one to her ex-girlfriend.

''Cheers. To… Erm, what are we toasting to?'' Alex asked as she raised an eyebrow.

''I uh, I don't know… Amends? New beginnings?'' Piper questioned as she stared at the brunette.

''New beginnings? I'm going to fucking prison, Pipes!'' Alex stated with an 'are you kidding me' look.

''I meant 'us', you idiot!'' Piper replied with a cute pout.

''Us? What about us?'' Alex asked as she stared intently at the blonde, her champagne completely forgotten.

''I- I just… I mean, I… We've reconnected again.'' Piper stuttered nervously as she chanced a glance at her ex-girlfriend.

''It's was only coffee and a drink, kid.'' Alex stated, trying to hide the smile she could feel burning her cheeks.

''It's more than that and you know it, Alex!'' Piper argued feeling hurt at the brunette's dismissal.

''I wish it were more, Pipes.'' Alex replied with a sad smile.

''It could be, Al. I know you still love me. As much as I love you! We could try again… Be 'us' again.'' Piper begged with tears forming in her eyes.

''I'll always love you, Pipes. Nothing will ever change that. You're 'It' for me, but I'm not it for you. You deserve a life… With marriage, kids, a white picket fence, even a fucking dog.'' Alex said as a single tear rolled down her cheek, that she quickly wiped away.

''We could have that Alex… Together!'' Piper tried to reason as tears streamed down her cheeks.

''No… We can't! I'm going to fucking prison, Piper. Probably for life! You deserve to have all that with someone, but it can't be me.'' Alex replied as tears ran freely down her cheeks.

''But I-… I want it with you, Al. I've tried to move on from you. Believe me, I've fucking tried. I met Larry and he's a great guy. He's sweet, he looks after me, we live together, he wants to get married and have kids. It's everything I thought I ever wanted, but it just doesn't feel right. Something's missing… I've tried to pretend there isn't, but I know there is… It's you! It's been three fucking years and I still miss you, Alex.'' Piper nervously rambled as she reached for her ex-girlfriend's hand.

As the blonde finished her heartfelt declaration, the brunette took her face in her hands and wiped away the younger woman's tears. Alex stared into glassy, ocean blue eyes for a few seconds, only to confirm that the blonde was being sincere. She truly meant every word. Alex leaned in closer to the younger woman, their faces only an inch apart. The brunette waited a few seconds (that felt like a lifetime), fearing the blonde's rejection, only it never came. Alex closed the gap between them and gently pressed her lips against her ex-girlfriends. If it were a movie, there would be fireworks and cheesy music playing in the background as the screen went to black and the credits started to roll. Unfortunately, this was not a movie, it was real life.

There we go, chapter 5! I know it's A LOT shorter than my usual chapters, but I just wanted to get something posted to let you know I haven't abandoned or forgotten about the story. I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know your thoughts on this chapter by leaving a review. It really makes my day hearing from you's. It makes this dark time more bearable. Thank you for your support and encouragement 3 I'll be back soon with another update. The next chapter will be steamy ;) Stay safe, guys!