2015-Dublin, CA.

The Feds, she learned, had been planning the bust for a long time. They spent months and months researching and gathering data and statements, even approached some other people from Alex's circle who were indicted to help out as well. But none of them knew Cooper like Alex does. She was his right hand, and in order to get their hands on the kingpin, they needed to get to Cooper.

They also had a strategy planned out. For the time being, Alex would remain in prison, and she would still do her duties. Most of her free time, though, was spent in that gray room with fluorescent white light that Alex had grown to hate. Chung would ask sometimes, but Alex would just shrug and say nothing. Once Lopez teased and said Alex was actually an undercover agent. "If only," she replied, laughing.
Agent Cue told her that after they get Cooper, it could take another year or two to have Alex released, mainly for her safety. It was all very hush hush, and they didn't want to raise any kind of suspicion or, worse, put Alex in danger by doing anything rash, which was something she's thankful for. She'd never had anyone else looked after her life before.

By the end of last year, they had substantial information about how he operates, but not enough. That's where Alex comes in. She told them about his methods, his accounts, and named some of his trusted people, most of which Alex knew and had hung out with a couple times. She pointed them on their usual transit cities and what to look for. She taught them her techniques of organizing the drop. She filled them in on every little loophole. She didn't know much about the actual kingpin, although she'd heard that he's based somewhere in Africa.

By November, they were ready.

The agents told her about the date, but she didn't get any sort of information at all after the day had passed. She tried to listen to any hint of news, but couldn't get anything. She was anxious to hear whether they had pulled it off or not, but after a while she thought that maybe it wasn't her right to know anything. Her job was to give them details and informations, and nothing more. And so informant Alex was back to being regular, drug-smuggler-convict Alex.

A week later, she was listening to the radio when a CO approached her bunk.

"Vause."
She looked up.
"For you."
He handed her a folded piece of paper. Alex knew immediately what it was about. She reached out and unfolded it, her hands trembled with anticipation.

Checkmate.

2014-Litchfield.

Birthdays always make Piper nervous, for some odd reason. This year, Piper figured it probably has something to do with the fact that she was spending it in prison.

Some of the inmates decorated the rec room with paper towels and wrote 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAPMAN' and taped it on the walls. She felt grateful that people actually took the time to commemorate, but if anything it made Piper feel worse.

"Cheer up, Katy Perry. Look at it as a new birthday experience. Next year you wouldn't be so lucky." Nichols said as she grabbed a chair and took a seat in front of Piper.
"Why does everyone keep calling me that?"
"What, Katy Perry? Cause you kinda look like her, if she were blonde."
"Jesus."

Piper gave the room a thorough scan. People were talking and eating and generally having a good time. Some played scrabble like they usually do. She thought about calling her mom and Polly later today, and as soon as her brain landed on those two, she couldn't help but think of what life would be like outside of prison.

Four more months.

She had been getting ready. Pete had moved all of her stuff to a spare bedroom in their apartment, and proceeded to sublet Piper's place. Her job is waiting for her, as well. As far as she was concerned, that's the best way to start over. Living with Polly and Pete would be a stepping stone, and at least she wouldn't have to do everything alone.

She didn't even let her mind settled on the thought of Larry. He's out of her life for good, as far as she's concerned.

"Yo, Chapman?" Nicky snapped her fingers in front of Piper's face, and that brought her attention back. "What's on your mind?"
Piper gave our a small smile, and before she could answer, Red had came in with a sponge cake and candles.
"Nothing."

2016-Dublin, CA.

"Miss Vause."
Agent Caufield and Cue were sitting on their usual spot. Alex was a bit surprised to get another visit after only 6 months, but she figured maybe they needed her help again.
"Boys."
"According to your file, today's your birthday."
Alex let out a scoff and took a seat. "I don't do birthdays."
"We have a feeling you'll be celebrating this one." Agent Caufield gave her the faintest sign of a smile. Alex's only response was a frown.
"I'm sure you know what we've managed to accomplish. I just want to let you know that in December last year we went after the kingpin along with the African intelligence and got him as well. He's been sentenced."
Alex just nodded. "Okay."
"As a token of gratitude, the FBI have spoken to the DA and told him all about your case and how you've been helping us throughout this entire process. Your information has been valuable, and we couldn't have done it without you. So he agreed to reduce your sentence."
She was jubilant and her whole body felt just about ready to combust. Out of relief. Out of fear. She was going to be free. It had excited and scared her at the same time, and she felt like her stomach was going to flip. Instead, she cleared her throat and leaned forward. "How long?"
Both of the agent smiled. "You'll be out by next week. The paperwork is done."
Alex's jaw dropped and she stared at the two men sitting in front of her in disbelief. Agent Cue explained how the whole situation had been reviewed and why they felt that this is a good time to release her without raising any suspicion. He also explained that the FBI would make sure that she will be safe from any possible threats once she was out, but by then Alex was no longer listening. She had known they were offering less time if she agreed to help, but she'd managed not to get her hopes up. And besides, they told her it could take a while.
"Holy shit."
She didn't realize her hands were shaking tremendously. Alex had been trying to keep it together, and she'll be damned if she fell apart now, in front of these two agents. She clasped her hands tightly together to stop the trembling, but it did little to help.

"Told you, you'd want to celebrate this one, Miss Vause."
"Happy birthday. Maybe we'll see you on the outside."

When they left, Alex covered her face with both her hands and cried.

2019-New York.

"Al?" Piper called out as she locked the apartment door.
"I'm in here!"
Piper instantly knew Alex was up to something. Their apartment was almost dark, except from the lights that came in through the window and the gentle yellow flicker coming from the kitchen. Slowly, she put her keys on the hanger and put down her bag by the chair before making her way into the dining room.

Alex was there with a single cupcake by the desk and small candle sitting on top of it. She looked up and saw Piper, and immediately broke into a grin. Piper could feel all of her exhaustion washed away in that instant. Her shoulders slumped with relief, and she walked over to Alex.
"I know big birthday celebrations would just throw you off, so..." She shrugged just before she enveloped Piper in a hug. She buried her face on Alex's neck, something she always do whenever she's tired and spent. Alex rested her chin on Piper's head and ran her hands up and down her back.
"Long day?"
Piper just murmured and nodded lightly.
They stayed still and quiet for a while, neither of them wanted to break away from each other.
"You better blow out the candle, it's gonna ruin the cupcake."
Piper chuckled and reluctantly pulled herself away from Alex, reaching for the cupcake. She closed her eyes for a moment, and then gave it a gentle blow. The apartment went significantly darker. Behind her, Alex made clapping gestures with her hands but without the noise. Piper turned to Alex and the brunette pulled her close and kissed her temple.
"Happy birthday."