A/N: This is my first time posting a story here. It's AU and a Vauseman drabble! Just some random thought which I penned down. Constructive criticism is welcome!

Alex: "I love you!"

Piper was left stunned after Alex's confession. Her simple confession, those three simple words. She had said it out loud. Piper had not expected this from Alex. The last time she had seen how Alex was still in kind of love with Sylvia. Piper had seen Alex still somewhat in past, or their past.

Piper: "You what?"

Alex: "I said, I am in love with you!"

Piper: "I heard that the very first time Alex, I am not deaf." she said pushing Alex back, creating some distance between them.

Alex: "Why are you mad? I am trying, no I am telling you that I really do love you."

Piper: "Really? Are you sure Alexandra Pearl Vause? Because the last time I checked you were still not over Sylvie."

Right there, Piper said it. She didn't mean to have this conversation with Alex, not today. Last few weeks, since Sylvie came out of the coma, Alex had been with her, literally every minute. Piper had seen all of this and realized that she was a fool to fall in love with the enigma that is Alex Vause. She had seen Alex take care of Sylvie, talk to her for endless hours and smile. That's when she realized that she has to move on. She is one strong woman, she didn't anyone in her life, least Alex Vause. She can live her life, on her own terms and conditions. She had moved past Alex and their life together, keeping their moments spent together as a memory for life. It was as if the universe was mocking her. A few weeks ago, this was all she wanted to hear. It would have music to her ears to hear those three words that would cause her heart to flutter and skip a beat. But alas she was wrong. Today this woman comes back in her life, causing her to relive all that she had put behind. The audacity Alex Vause has.

Alex snapped her fingers in front of Piper causing her to break her reverie and look at him.

Alex: "I really am in love with you, Piper."

Piper: "Don't do this Alex. Don't break my heart all over again. I cannot survive another heart break."

Piper nearly pleaded in front of Alex.

Alex: "Why will I break your heart Piper?"

Piper didn't respond. Alex slowly cupped her face and made her look at him. She slowly wiped her tears away and was making small circles on Piper's cheek with her knuckles.

Piper: "Let me be very honest Alex. Yes, I am in love with you. Yes, it was not love at first sight. It was slow and gradual, first I thought it was infatuation, later deep respect and then eventually love. The day I realized that I was in love with you, I knew I wanted this, I wanted US."

Alex was about to say something, but Piper stopped her.

Piper: "Please let me finish. But the day you found out about Sylvie, you left me. I was very jealous. But then I thought maybe you needed the closure. So, I let you be there, take care of her and honestly, it killed me. I knew deep down somewhere that I love you and probably you feel the same. But then your past comes back. I backed away. You know what I wanted when I realized that I love you? I wanted marriage and kids with you. To grow old with you. Telling our grandkids, the crazy love story we shared. That's all I have ever wanted. So please tell me honestly, without a doubt in your mind that you love me. I don't want to be your rebound"

Alex gently took Piper's hand in her. She led them to the couch and sat her down. Alex sat down on the floor, looking at the woman who her heart dearly loves.

Alex: "I want that too Piper. I want all of this, marriage and kids and probably a cute dog. I want US too. You are not a rebound, you are not a pretense. I love you with all I have."

Piper's crying slowed down.

Piper: "You want US too?" she asked excitedly.

Alex: "Yes, like you said, love for me was gradual too. Sylvie was my past and I took care of her. It was my way of trying to move on from my guilt that I have been drowning in not saving her life. Besides, don't you see the changes in me?"

Piper nodded in negative.

Alex: "Don't you think I am livelier and happier Pipes?"

This statement from her lover made Piper's heart flutter. She made Alex happy, she made her enjoy life and she made it joyful.

Piper: "I am really sorry Alex. I had my own fears and I think they were justified. I didn't want to lose you, I cannot afford to lose you. The thought of us not being real made me mad. I thought I could live with our memories, who the fuck I was kidding? I was so heartbroken for the past few days. The only thing that kept me sane was my work."

Alex: "So would you like to be my girlfriend?"

Piper: "WOW! So, we are using labels now Vause, huh?"

Alex: "Yes, don't you want to be…" she asked hurt and sadness evident in her voice.

Piper wrapped her arms around Alex's neck and pulled her closer, making the older woman gasp.

Piper: "I would like that. But if I agree then you cannot make fun of my job. I love making organic soaps and lotions and being a co-owner of PoPi. I love creating new scents that are inspired by the different seasons Alex. I know I come home smelling funny sometimes, but I love that. Like for you, being a doctor is what defines you, being someone who makes soap is satisfying. I know my job or profession isn't high demanding like yours, but I am passionate about it. Alex, saving lives is what you are passionate about, me making soaps and lotions. So if you want this to work, you better respect the job. DEAL?"

Alex smiled, her faint dimples visible. She rested her forehead against Piper's. They stayed like that for what seemed forever. That's when Alex broke the magical silence that had engulfed them.

Alex: "Pipes…"

Piper: "Hmmm…"

Alex: "I am starving. I need dinner, BABE." she stressed the word babe.

Piper: "Okay. I will order something."

Alex chuckled at her response. Piper was so innocent and naivesometimes.

Alex: "Uhhh Pipes. I meant you babe."

Piper finally realized Alex's words meaning and gasped.

Piper: "WOW Vause. Very classy."

Alex: "I meant it when I told you I missed you."

Piper: "Alex…"

Alex: "You didn't miss me?"

Piper: "Off course I did. But I missed everything about US. The small moments, intimacy and that emotional connect. Not just the physical act of sex. I could have just got myself off, but I couldn't do it. I kept on imagining you in between my legs. I missed your concern during our kinky sex acts even when you were completely absorbed in your throes of passion, you would always see if I was comfortable. I want that back."

Alex: "I want that too, Piper."

With that Piper gently kissed Alex's cheek and pulled her in a warm embrace. They stayed like that, just being with each other and enjoying their togetherness.