DarkBlueMint – I tend to believe the girls have the safety of each other in mind however don't fully realize the consequences of their own actions given their trust issues.

Naiel2017 – Thank you for that! I'm a sucker for mythology. I love trying to incorporate it with my stories. You don't know how much I appreciate you liking it as well.

Siophiefandom – I love how you picked up on the characteristic of Paige. We all tend act just a tad differently when it comes to the person we have blinders for.

Thecatfromaliceinwonderland – Thank you as always right back! The girls always put themselves in danger without fully thinking it through. Our parents always tell us not to run into a dark alley way alone at night and these girls basically skip toward danger. I did not write how Emily felt during that little story time; however you will eventually see her side of things. And trust me, I'm a sucker for mythology and constellations as well.

For the readers who really want that Paily interaction, it's a lot closer than you think. I would have loved to put the first interaction within the first few chapters…however I tried to put myself in Paige and Emily's situation and I think I would have been so livid yet thrilled to see my best friend after so many years that I wouldn't even know what to say. But anyway…enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pretty Little Liars or any of its characters

The Joint Expeditionary Base located in Virginia was truly known for its historical background. Created during World War I, the base became the Headquarters for Harbor Defense Command during World War II and is still obliging 13 different organizations.

After making their way off the helicopter pad toward the main building, the team stopped shy of the revolving doors to take in the massive historic setting. They've been to several bases before, however most of them were new and modern. None of them had the history and pride this place held.

Feeling a sudden sense of honor dawn upon them, the group continued through the large glass revolving doors where they were met with one of the Sergeant's up front. Immediately showing a sign of respect toward the highly regarded officer, the team followed suit as they made their way toward one of the large meeting rooms the base had to offer.

Paige knew Commander Collins had a seething personality but was also seen as one of the most noble commanders the U.S had to offer. Stealing herself a glance of the tanned brunette, Paige wanted to protect the girl from what was about to happen. Emily knew her way around the base given her own father's title; however she never had to endure this type of reprimand from a high ranked officer.

Immediately hearing the doors open, the team got to their feet awaiting orders from their commanding officer. Observing as the clean cut man silently making his way to the front of the room, he quietly sat down as he took in the files before him. Without looking up, he began the meeting. "Welcome to Virginia" Commander Collins began in a deep raucous voice. "Glad to see everyone's safe and hear there were no casualties" he continued before finally looking up. "Now, can someone tell me what the fuck happened down there? Did the target change from my last conference call with Commander Mahoney? If so, no one instructed me about this change" the heavy built many shouted as he stood up.

"It did sir" Aiden clearly answered.

"Officer Aiden Weaver, am I correct?" Commander Collins stated as he picked up the officer's file to take a better a look of who he was dealing with. "Well officer, when and why did it change?"

"While we were up in the Boeing, Officer Skylar Hensley spotted 3 moving objects on our thermal screens" the team lead honestly responded as he continued. "Officer Paige McCullers knew the 3 objects were civilians and friends of our primary target, Aria Montgomery".

Paige harshly swallowed as she realized it wasn't going to go well for the girls. Luckily they were just civilians; but the auburn girl knew Commander Collins was still going to be rough on them. Continuing to listen, she heard the commander speak up once again. "And you initiated the protocol to save these civilians" he stated before looking toward the girls.

"I did sir" Aiden responded as he stood tall.

"Even if it meant losing any possible leads we could have on Ms. Montgomery whereabouts?" the commanding officer asked as he stood right in front of Officer Weaver.

"Yes sir" the curly hair officer replied without hesitation. "We saw the civilians being surrounded by a group of armed men"

Nodding his head in agreement, the team was suddenly taken aback by the next words to leave the commanders mouth. "You made a respectable call. Are your suits transmitting any video recordings of your mission?"

"Yes sir" Aiden responded again. "Officer Hensley made sure everything was being recorded so we would have all our basis's covered"

"Good" the burly officer stated. "Officers Patterson and Keaton will take your suits to transmit those recordings" he instructed. "Officers Yang and Rowe will take your statements as we follow protocol. Once you're done here, feel free to take the rest of the day off to collect yourself. There are a few rooms for you over at the Mercury Inn about 20 minutes away" the commander informed the team. "Good job out there"

Surprised at how the events played out, Paige was even more worried for the girls. "What about the civilians' sir?"

"I need to have a word with them" Commander Collins strictly stated as he glared at them. Noticing the officers taking their statements approach the team, the commander continued. "I'll see you back here tomorrow morning"

Quickly and quietly making their way out of the room as they followed Officer Yang and Rowe, Skylar whispered to Paige her own concerns. "Why do I have a feeling those girls are going to be terrified after talking with the commander?"

"Maybe because I'm terrified after talking with the commander and I didn't even talk to him" Dylan quickly answered.

"Well they deserve it" Dave chimed in. "Those girls need to learn to allow officials to handle the process. It's their own fault we weren't able to collect any data about Ms. Montgomery"

Feeling a bit of concern, Paige knew David was right. It was the girls fault for just throwing themselves in danger. They needed to allow skilled professionals take the lead on this case. Tightening her jaw, Paige tried to change the subject. "Let's just get out here. I need something real to eat"

With a bit of hesitation, Skylar found it within her to finally knock on the girls' door. After talking with the group during their ride over to the motel, it was agreed on that maybe they should cut the group some slack. They've been through a lot in just the past few days. With their best friend taken, having a blast from the past, getting in the middle of a gun battle, sleeping in the forest and now getting yelled at by a commanding officer, the team knew they could use a breather.

Watching as the door slowly opened as it still had a chain on it, Skylar found herself staring at Spencer; visibly seeing how shaken up she was. "Hey. Well I see that you guys made it through Commander Collin's fury. You guys ok?" she asked sympathetically.

"If you want to call it that" the intrepid brunette retorted as she opened the door wider.

"Did you hear anything back from base regarding Aria?" Hanna asked quietly as she sat on the bed furthest from the door.

"Nothing yet" the hazel eye beauty responded with a small smile. "We're still awaiting word"

"So what are you doing here?" Emily bluntly asked. Thinking it was Paige's doing, the brunette had enough with officers for one day. "Wanted to see the outcome of being humiliated and embarrassed for hours?"

Realizing the tanned beauty was in a defensive mode at the moment, Skylar tried to think of the best way to ask the group out. "No, actually we've all been through it" she started honestly. "If you haven't noticed, the entire team is packed with stubborn officers"

"Tell me about" Emily quietly mumbled.

"I'm actually here to invite you out with us" Skylar finally stated.

"What?" Spencer asked confused.

"Well there's a bar in town with some good barbeque. We were headed down there for dinner and figured maybe you could join us" the beauty explained as she placed her hands in her pockets as she suddenly became a bit nervous. "It's not like we're forbidden to talk to each other"

"We're in" Emily found herself blurting out; earning a surprise look from everyone in the room.

Smiling widely at the acceptance of her invite, Skylar made her way back to the door. "Alright then. Just gather your things and we'll meet the rest of the team over there"

It only took the girls about 10 minutes to collect their things and freshen up a bit before they all hopped into the large black Cadillac SRX SUV and headed toward their destination.

Emily could feel her heart pounding a little harder as she realized she would finally be seeing Paige in a friendly environment. It wasn't because it was business. It wasn't because she was seeing her friends again. It was because they were having dinner and drinks. Pulling up into the vast parking lot of the rustic bar, the group immediately spotted the rest of the team leaning against their own SUV as they waited for them.

Immediately spotting the certain auburn girl, Emily languidly dragged her gaze from the beauty's long legs in her black jeggings, to her v-neck white top which was accompanied by the girl's black bomber jacket. There was no denial of how gorgeous Paige was. After all these years, Emily didn't understand how her body was able to react the instant she saw the girl. Clenching her jaw as her eyes finally made its way toward the brown eye beauty's face, Emily felt herself blush as she noticed Paige engulf herself in the same movements she just did. Satisfied with her simple spaghetti strap turquoise dress which showed off her legs perfectly, the brunette made sure she walked in front of the auburn girl to give her the full appreciation of her assets.

Noticing her plan working, Emily soon heard a certain blonde's voice from behind her. "Well don't you clean up well?"

"I'd say the same for you, but it doesn't look like you cleaned up at all" Paige truthfully stated.

Laughing slightly to herself, Hanna nodded in agreement before rapping her right arm around Paige's left arm. "I wasn't really motivated too"

"Well for the sake of everyone else, please find the motivation" the auburn girl said with a laugh before moving away from the blonde beauty. "I love you but sweat and dirt shouldn't be your thing"

Earning herself a laugh from everyone around her, Hanna had to laugh at the gesture as well. She knew she was a mess, but didn't care. All she wanted to do was eat something fulling. As she entered the large rustic bar, a large neon sign blinking a certain word made the brown eye beauty's chest dip.

"Nice! A karaoke bar" Hanna exclaimed. "Haven't been to one of these in a while"

The air surrounding her somehow made it harder to breath as Paige stood frozen by the entrance. Feeling a certain pair of eyes on her, Paige couldn't handle the situation just yet.

Turning to find Skylar, the auburn girl closely went up to her before whispering, "Hey, I'll be right back. Watch the girls for me"

"You okay?" the hazel eye beauty asked in concern.

"Yeah, yeah" Paige replied before glancing over at the tanned beauty who was staring right back at her. "I just need a breather"

***9 Years Ago***

Leisurely raising her gaze from the tanned beauty's long legs to her short denim skirt, Paige couldn't think of anything that looked more ravishing on the brunette than the vibrant cerulean drape neck jersey top the woman was currently sporting. From the blush Emily was now displaying, Paige had a feeling the beauty somehow read her thoughts given she was now smiling shyly in her direction; yet kept her gaze on the wooden floor. Biting her bottom lip, Paige instantly became enthralled knowing what a simple glance from the brunette could do to her. Without a second beat, the auburn girl finished her ginger ale in one gulp before heading to the stage. Emily's eyes alone gave Paige enough courage to try to profess her affection toward the brunette.

Watching the brown eye beauty whisper something into the host's ear, Emily's heart began beating even harder at the thought of what the girl had up her sleeve. Within seconds, her hunch was verified once she heard the music began.

I don't know, but I think I may be falling for you

Droppin' so quickly, maybe I should keep this to myself

Wait until I know you better

Observing as Emily's left eyebrow arched once she started, Paige drifted her eyes to the beauty's lips as they curved into the sexiest smirk giving her push to start descending her way.

I am tryin' not to tell you, but I want to

I'm scared of what you'll say

So I'm hidin' what I'm feeling

But I'm tired of holdin' this inside my head

Finding herself finally in front of the beauty, Paige watched as Hanna and Spencer shifted their seats a bit further away from the brunette without breaking her gaze from blushing girl. Feeling herself begin to smile, Paige felt how in love she was with the girl sitting in front of her. In that moment, she wanted the entire world feel what she was feeling. To feel how happy and lucky she was to be that close with the one and only Emily Fields. Grabbing the girl's hand, Paige continued.

I've been spending all my time just thinking 'bout you

I don't know what to do, I think I'm fallin' for you

I've been waitin' all my life, and now I found you

I don't know what to do, I think I'm fallin' for you

I'm fallin' for you

Pulling the girl toward her, Paige repeated the verse she just sang and as she began bringing Emily to the stage. Feeling the resistance the brunette gave her, Paige turned around to see the sudden fear in the beauty's eyes. Holding her grip even firmer, Paige rotated herself to stand behind the girl as she wrapped her arms around her before continuing their ascend back on the stage.

As I'm standin' here, and you hold my hand

Pull me towards you, and we start to dance

All around us, I see nobody

Here in silence, it's just you and me

I am tryin' not to tell you, but I want to

I'm scared of what you'll say

So I'm hidin' what I'm feelin'

But I'm tired of holdin' this inside my head

As they made their way on stage, Paige guided Emily to sit on the stool located in the middle of the stage as she continued on with the lyrics. With the crowd screaming and whistling around them, Paige gave the brunette a quick wink before she began swaying in tune with lyrics.

Giggling at how adorable her best friend seemed to be, Emily placed head in her hands to try to cover how red she was turning but honestly didn't care. Paige was the type of girl who wore her heart on her sleeves and Emily loved that about the girl. Besides seeming like the shy doe eye girl everyone pegged Paige to be, Emily knew her better than anyone. She knew Paige had that certain burst of energy about her wanting to come out. So if being serenaded to "Falling for You" helped the auburn girl get out of her shell, Emily didn't mind at all. Unbeknown to the brunette however, the song was Paige's confession to her.

Licking her bottom to stop herself from grinning like an idiot, Emily watched as Paige finished the song as she placed her hands on both sides of the stool. Looking deeply into the brunette's eyes, Paige didn't want anyone else to hear the next words she would say.

"So, what do you think Emily Fields" Paige stated whole heartedly.

"You're such a dork Paige McCullers" the brunette stated as she leaped toward the auburn girl and engulfed her in a tight hug. "Any girl would be so lucky to have you"

With tears in her eyes, all Paige was able to do was hug the brunette back. Emily didn't get her intention at all.

***Present Day***

Paige felt the cool breeze hit her the minute she walked out of the karaoke bar. Taking in a deep breath to get her blood flowing again, the auburn girl needed a bit of space from everyone around her. She needed to think. Sending a quick text over to Skylar as she began walking behind the wooden bar, Paige knew there was a lake somewhere behind the bushes and trees since there was a certain chill in the wind.

Thankful she didn't stay long enough to have a few beers with her team, she continued her descend through the forestry area with only one goal in mind. After about 10 minutes of walking in uncertainty, Paige finally approached her accidental destination. Parting her lips at the scenery before her, the auburn girl could only look on in complete admiration.

Before her was in fact a lake; lit up by the night sky as the water remained stagnant from stillness. But surrounding the lake was why Paige remained speechless. Two large mountains stood by both sides of the lake. With trees and bushes completely surrounding the area, no man made light was able to disturb the area.

Taking in the scenery, Paige stood motionless before noting a small row boat at the edge of the lake about 20 feet away from her. Without a second thought the auburn girl walked directly to the small vessel. Instantly elated once she saw the two oars within the abandoned craft, the brown eye beauty pushed it out slightly to get it off the rocks before jumping in once it began gliding perfectly in the water.

Skillfully stroking the oars into the water, the small boat was able to get Paige into the middle of the lake within minutes. Stopping once she was able to get in a suitable isolated place, the auburn girl pulled the oars back into the boat before lying down to take in the night sky only a few would honestly appreciate.

Not only was the scene a rarity for her, but so was the silence. Paige could hear everything. She could hear the rustling of the leaves on trees as the wind blew through the night air. She could hear the night owl hooting. She could hear the crickets chirping. She could even hear the small waves in the water; the small waves which seemed to have been becoming bigger.

Immediately sitting up as she began feeling the boat rock slightly in accordance with the waves in the water, Paige tried to adjust her eyes to the night as she knew something else was in the water with her. Paige knew it couldn't be alligators since the area never had them; but whatever it was, it was fast.

Tightening her jaw, the auburn grabbed for one of her oars as a form of protection. Taking in a deep breath to gather her strength, the sudden appearance of the intruder came into view; letting out a sigh of relief and infuriation.

"Are you serious Em?" the auburn girl shouted as she continued watching the brunette swim her way over to the boat with no intention of having anything stop her. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Paige asked at bit calmer as Emily finally reached the boat. Trying to grab one of the brunette's wrists to help her onto the small vessel, Paige realized she needed to give the girl some room once Emily jerked her hand away. "Do you even know what's out there at night?"

Emily didn't respond; she didn't owe the girl any explanation. Visibly shaking at how cold she felt as the cool air hit her wet skin, the brunette immediately felt a warm piece of clothing surround her. Pear and vanilla. Closing her eyes for a second to take in the familiar scent, Paige could see the brunette flinch at her touch as she placed her bomber jacket around the cold beauty.

Shifting back a bit as she took her seat to give the brunette some room, Paige looked down at her hands before glancing back up to the scenery before her. There were so many things both girls wanted to ask each other. They wanted to know what they've been up too. If they're good. How their families were. How their jobs were going. It was even possible one of them could have gotten married and have kids. So much time had passed. So much could have happened in 8 years. Yet neither girl knew were to begin. They sat in silence; just allowing their bodies to get use to the close proximity of each other once gain.

A good 15 minutes passed before Paige finally heard the sound of the brunette; a voice that finally was directed to her.

"Why did you get a shark as a tattoo?" Emily directly asked as she kept her focus straight ahead.

"I'm pretty positive Aiden told you the meaning behind our tattoos" Paige honestly answered as she kept her own focus in the same direction of Emily's.

"Yeah" Emily agreed as she refused to make eye contact toward the girl. "But he also mentioned you were allowed to pick your own code names. So why did you choose a shark?"

Lightly clearing her throat, Paige wet her lips before nodding in agreement. Knowing what the brunette wanted to hear, Paige knew she had to tell her the truth; at least what she wanted to believe was the truth. "When training for the academy, we were put through a lot of different tests" the chocolate eye beauty began. "They tested our physical state. They tested our mental state. They tested our personalities. In one test, they wanted to see how well we were at reading body language. Of course they don't tell you when or who would be doing the testing" she continued as her focus was still in front of her. "While training, we obviously get close to the people we train with. We begin to open up as we do in anything. In school. On a team. At our job. We talk. After seeing someone basically every day, we unintentionally begin to trust them without realizing. Unless you're use to not making friends, you'd fail the test. And the way we know if we passed or failed is by them obtaining enough information about us and using it against us some way" Paige explained. "Either they'd break into one of our accounts. Or they'd break into our apartments. Or they even managed to get money from our loved ones; pretending that we were the ones who actually needed help. So while I was there, I was scared. And you know out of all people how I get when I'm scared" the beauty stated with a soft chuckle. "I give out false data. I try not to even use my name. So the information I gave, the unit thought they would be able to break into my account; which they did. But instead of them breaking into my account, they unleased a virus onto their own computers" the auburn girl clarified.

"Nice" Emily quietly stated as she smiled to herself. Paige was still the cunning girl she's always been.

"I thought so" Paige replied with a smile. "They always told me I have good instincts. I could smell blood a mile away".

"Ergo the shark" the tanned beauty pieced together; not fully convinced for the reason behind the piece of art.

"Ergo the shark" the auburn girl repeated. "George Martin once said "Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you". It's my armor" Paige stated as she pointed toward the tattoo on her side.

"Is that the only reason why you picked a Shark?" Emily bluntly asked as she finally turned her head to capture the girl's gaze.

"It is" Paige lied as she swallowed the lump in her throat. "I know Sharks represent Rosewood's Swim team. I know it represents you. But it became symbolic for me outside that place" the auburn continued as she held the girl's gaze.

Scrunching her eyebrows at the statement, Emily became livid once again. "That place. It was your home"

"Rosewood wasn't my home" Paige corrected. "It was just my place of residence"

"You were raised there since you were a kid" the brunette argued. "How can you say that? Who am I kidding? I mean you did just leave everyone who ever cared for you behind"

"Em-" Paige stated as she was interrupted.

"No, you don't get to use my nickname" the fuming brunette coldly stated. "What happened? What- What did I do that was so hurtful you couldn't even talk to me about?" she continued breathlessly.

"What makes you think I left because of you?" Paige seemingly unknowing asked.

Softening her face as though she wanted to apologize, Emily asked "It was, wasn't it?"

Breaking the intensity of their gaze, Paige looked back in front of her as she suddenly became restless. "I just needed a change in my life. I felt like I was becoming too dependent on everything there. So when I was told I could graduate early, I did"

"When did you find out?" Emily whispered. "That you could graduate early" she added. Observing as Paige shifted in her seat, she figured she'd continue. "Junior year right?" Paige slowly turned her head to face the brunette before Emily spoke up again. "Didn't think I would find out? Didn't think I would try to figure as much facts about my best friend's sudden disappearance? When I spoke to the college counselor about my plans after senior year I asked her when we would have found out about starting college early" she revealed. "Why didn't you just tell us? Why did you give us a day to practically come to grips with that?"

"I didn't exactly have a plan when I decided to graduate early" Paige whole heartedly admitted. "I just wanted to. I just wanted to leave Rosewood as soon as possible"

"Why?" Emily pleaded again. "You need to give me something. You need to help me understand why you just left me" the brunette tearfully begged.

Feeling her throat constrict at the emotional confession, Paige knew she had to turn the situation around. "It doesn't matter now. And it won't matter after we find Aria. I have no intention of going back to Rosewood after this"

"It matters to me" Emily corrected. "It matters to all of us" she continued as it dawned on her Paige might not care about them as much as they cared about her.

"High School is over Emily" Paige coldly stated. "College is over. Life happened. Why do you want to reminisce on something that happened 8 years ago?"

Livid at what came out of the auburn girl's mouth, Emily got back her footing. "Why Paige? Why? Seriously? You and I were attached at the hip for 3 and a half years. We were so close people use to ask me about your whereabouts. Then you just left" she yelled out.

"We should start heading back" Paige calmly stated as she realized the brunette was not going to let her off the hook just yet.

"You could throw daggers at target 200 feet away. You could jump out of a military plane thousands of feet in the air. But you can't answer a simple question?" Emily shouted again as she prevented Paige from taking one of the oars. "Why didn't you give me the flowers you threw out in the locker room the day of my race? Didn't think I'd realize those were from you? The anchor bracelet gave it away. You know…the one in the same boat as your tattoo" the brunette continued as she exposed her own discoveries.

"What do you want from me?" Paige frustratingly asked; finally showing some emotion.

"The truth" Emily simply stated.

"You. Spencer. Hanna. Aria. You were all my family. I trusted you with my life. I trusted you with my secrets. I would have and probably will still do anything for you" Paige truthfully stated as she combed back her hair in hindrance.

"So why did you just leave?" Emily asked again.

Letting out a small sigh, Paige knew Emily couldn't be this dense. "You honestly can't piece it together? You could piece together everything else but that? You saw the flowers" Paige began. "You saw the location of the flowers. Piece it together Em. It was because you were making out with Alison. You were making out with Alison. Right there. In the locker room" the auburn girl finally stated out loud for the first time in years. "My best friend and my worst enemy. And it wasn't even like it was only her that kissed you. You were the one leading it" the beauty exposed. "Do you know how much that hurts? Or use to hurt? How much betrayal I felt? I told you how she used to make me feel. How much of an impact she had on me. How badly I just wanted to get rid of that pain. How I rather feel physical pain then an emotional one. And you were the one who convince me to continue. To fight. And you'd be right there standing by my side. Yet there you were, kissing her" Paige tearfully admitted as she couldn't bare look at the brunette in the eye. "So I stopped fighting. You didn't honestly think I was going to stay and watch you two get together right? So I walked away". Angry at herself for allowing herself to get so emotional, Paige bit her bottom lip as the two sat there in silence once again.

"I was confused" Emily emotionally pleaded feeling guilty. She knew that was not going to help the two get back to where they were.

Nodding at the answer the brunette gave her, Paige drifted her eyes upward to grab the brunette's gaze before asking her the next question. "Did you eventually figure it out? I mean, in the 6 months you guys were dating after I left, did you figure it out?" she revealed.

Emily's eyes widen at the sudden revelation. "Paige-"

"We should start heading back. I wouldn't want you catching a cold or anything" the auburn girl casually replied before she began rowing their way back to land as the deafening silence fell upon them.