Author's Note: As always I want to say a huge thank you to all of you for your reviews, PM's and kind words of encouragement. It means so much to me.
And a special thanks to my person, this chapter especially is for you.

Chapter 14

Emily sighed as she dismissed yet another outfit and tossed it onto the bed. The rejected pile was growing larger by the minute, while her options dwindled. How was it that she had so much clothing and still had nothing to wear? She ran a hand through her hair, yanking at the strands in frustration. A quick glance at the clock confirmed that she didn't have time to go shopping. Not that it would help. She'd made two separate trips, one with the girls to the mall in Rosewood and one with just Hanna to the boutiques in Philly and despite coming home with an arm load of bags each time still didn't have anything suitable.
She knew that her stressing was pointless. Paige wasn't going to care if she showed up in this year's trendiest fashions or a burlap sac. She would still say that Emily looked beautiful and wouldn't be able to tear her eyes away. That didn't change the fact that Emily wanted to look good for her.

Especially because she knew Paige would look good without even trying. For someone who hated shopping and couldn't care less about fashion trends Paige still always managed to look good. She had a style all her own, and the quiet confidence to pull it of.

Unlike Emily, who at the moment didn't think she'd be able to pull of finding socks that matched, let alone put together a classy, yet stylish outfit. With a soft growl and a little more force than necessary she tossed another shirt onto the pile.

"You're pathetic, you know that?"

Emily jumped, started, then spun around to find Hannah leaning against the doorway, smirking.

"Oh, please. Like you didn't used to call me for three hour Skype sessions to help you find an outfit before a big date."

Hannah's expression softened as she pushed herself off the doorframe and approached. She rubbed Emily's shoulder soothingly before stepping past her and beginning to sort through the items of clothing lying in disarray on the bed.

"Relax. Sweetie. I don't know why you're so nervous about this. It's Paige."

"Yeah. Exactly. Its Paige." Emily began to pace as Hannah worked on finding her an outfit.

"It's not some random girl I met at a coffee shop or a bar and I want tonight to go well but if it doesn't know big deal. There's a lot riding on this."

Emily couldn't help but feel like this was their last shot. If they couldn't make things work tonight, where would that leave them? They'd already established that they couldn't be just friends. But what if they couldn't make a go of a relationship either?

She pressed her hands against her stomach, trying to settle the knotted, uneasy sensation that left her feeling like she was about to throw up.

She spun back around to face Hannah, and jumped, letting out a startled yelp when she discovered they were practically nose to nose.

"That's not going to happen," Hannah said with such confidence that Emily couldn't help but believe her.
The comfort that swept over her stronger than the embarrassment of realizing she'd voiced her fears aloud. Even if it was only momentary, before the fears started creeping back in.

"Now, put this on." Hannah pressed an outfit into her hands and Emily accepted it automatically. She stripped down, but before she could change into the clothes Hannah had thrust at her Hannah tore them back out of her hands again.

"You're not seriously thinking of wearing those, are you?"

"You're the one that gave them to me," Emily reminded her friend, cold and annoyance sweeping over her. "If you don't like the outfit why'd you pick it?"

"Not these," Hannah said, gesturing to the bundle in her arms. "Those." She wagged a finger in Emily's direction. It took Emily a moment to realize Hannah was referring to her bra and underwear. "You can't go on a date in those."

Emily glanced down at the plain white cotton bra and boyshorts she was wearing, unsure what was wrong with them.

"What does it matter? It's a first date, Han. It's not like Paige is actually going to see them anyway."

"Are you one hundred percent sure on that? Besides," Hannah added, without giving Emily a chance to answer "it's not about anyone else seeing them. It's about how they make you feel. Its a first date. They should make you feel sexy and flirty and fun. Would you say those make you feel sexy and flirty and fun?"

Without waiting for an answer she spun around and began rifling through Emily's dresser. Before Emily could demand she get her hands off her panties Hannah flung a lacy black bra and matching thong at her. They were definitely sexy. And flirty. And fun. Maybe a little too much so. Emily caught them both in mid air and tossed them back.

"Try again, Han."

"Prude." Hannah pulled a face at her, and Emily pulled one right back. "Why do you have them if you never wear them?"

Emily didn't bother to respond, which Hannah took as an admission that Emily never wore the sexy underwear in her drawer, even though that couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, it might have been awhile, but that didn't mean it didn't happen.

"How about these?" Hannah tossed another set at her, this one a matching light green set with little pink flowers. It was more fun and flirty than sexy but considering the goal of tonight was to reconnect and not give in to their base desires, Emily thought that was fitting.

"Better." She changed into the new undergarments and then held her arms out for the outer layers.

It was only once she'd settled them over her frame that she took the time to look at what they were.
Hannah had selected a mint green sundress that hugged her curves along her torso and then flared out just slightly at the waist so the skirt swirled lightly around her legs. The fabric was cool and smooth against her skin and she couldn't help but run her hands down her front, enjoying the way it both looked and felt.

Hannah had paired the dress with a white denim jacket, which was cropped to fall just above her waist.
She tugged lightly at the lapels, adjusting it slightly, but really she had to admit she felt pretty good.

"Here, put these on." Hannah handed her a pair of white flats, followed by a couple of chunky bangle bracelets and long chain necklace with a dark green stone pendant.

"Where are you going tonight?"

Hannah moved behind her and began to do her hair, fingers combing deftly through it as she pulled it back into a loose braid, with a few strands arranged artfully to frame her face.

"I don't know. Paige wouldn't tell me."

Paige had a penchant for surprising Emily on their dates. A trait which had proven to be both charming and irritating in equal measure.

"She just said to wear comfortable shoes."

Hannah hummed distractedly as she finished Emily's hair and moved onto her make-up, just a hint of blush, some shimmery lip gloss and a bit of mascara. Emily closed her eyes and enjoyed the few minutes of being pampered.

When Hannah finished she stepped back to admire her handiwork. "You look good."

She put her hands on Emily's shoulders and guided her towards the mirror. Emily studied her reflection, turning in place to get all the angles. Her skirt swished softly against her skin and the braid swung lightly along her back.

"Cute and sweet. Virginal. Like the thirteen year old you're acting like."

Emily scoffed and shoved Hannah's shoulder, but she couldn't deny that she felt like a teenager again, aflutter with nerves and excitement. Palms sweaty and heart racing as she waited for the doorbell to ring.

"Thank you, Hannah."

Emily pulled her in for a tight hug. For all her jokes, she knew Hannah understood how important this night was to her. She'd been a mess before Hannah had walked into the room and her friend had made her feel at ease.

Their moment was interrupted by the doorbell. Emily's anxiety returning as the chimes echoed the through the loft.

Hannah pulled back far enough to cup Emily's face, forcing her to hold her gaze. "You got this. Okay?" She pinched her cheeks lightly. "Now get your shit together and go answer the door."

Emily couldn't help the laugh that rumbled in her throat. "Gee, thanks Han."

This thank you was less sincere than the last one, but just as heartfelt.

She bounded lightly down the stairs only to pull up short at the bottom to take a couple of deep, calming breaths. Smoothing her hands down her skirt she hurried forward. Torn between nerves and anticipation her gait was alternately eager and halting. By the time she reached the door her palms were sweating and her heart was racing. She tugged at the edges of her jacket and tucked a fee strands of hair behind her ears.

"Open the damn door, Emily."

Hannah's voice drifted from downstairs. It was just the push she needed to grasp the handle and pull it open. Her throat suddenly arid as she got her first glimpse of Paige.

"Hey." Paige greeted her with a warm smile, her entire face lighting up with it. "Wow. You look...you look good." Her gaze went dazed for a moment as she gave Emily a once over. It was comforting that with all the years and things between them, Paige still looked at her with that same mixture of affection and lust.
Paige stepped across the threshold and pulled her in for a light, loose hug. Another thing that hadn't changed, how it felt to be in her arms. It was a little overwhelming. But in the best possible way.

Emily swallowed hard, attempting to clear her throat.

"Hey." Her voice came out breathy and hoarse as she returned the embrace, which was far too brief for her liking. Paige was pulling back before Emily had even settled in.

"You too." She cleared her throat and tried again. "You look good too," she said, unable to resist running her hands up and down Paige's arms, squeezing lightly against the solid definition beneath her fingertips.

Paige was dressed in a pair of fitted, dark wash jeans and a dark blue t-shirt, with a lighter blue flannel shirt hanging open. She wasn't wearing any makeup, but her hair was artfully mussed. Emily's fingers twitched with the desire to run through it.

"Ready to go?" Paige seemingly ignored Emily's compliment, though the faint blush on her cheeks gave her away.

When Emily nodded, Paige reached out and took her hand, lacing their fingers together as she guided her to the door. The thrill of pleasure that coursed through her was disproportionate to the simple gesture.

"I hope you don't mind walking," Paige said as the exited Emily's building and turned right. "It's a nice night. And we're not going far. Just a few blocks."

"Not at all." Emily squeezed Paige's hand lightly. It had been a long time since she had gotten to experience the simple pleasure of walking hand in hand with Paige, and she had forgotten how much she missed it until she had the opportunity to do it again. It was a nice night, as Paige had said. The air warm and balmy, the sun just starting to set, sending rays of golden light streaking across the horizon.

Traffic was light, just off the main street. And as they headed away, rather than towards, the downtown core, Emily tried to figure out where they could possibly be going.

The curiosity was killing her. And from the sidelong glances Paige kept shooting her, she knew it. Bit Emily refused to give her the satisfaction of asking. Instead she kept her end of the steady stream of conversation, all the while racking her brain.

She figured out there destination just before they were upon it. Spinning, flashing lights that caught her eye from the far end of a side street and the faint strains of music clueing her in. The carnival was in town.

Every August they set up in the fields on the outskirts of town for a couple weeks. They had food and games and rides as well as crafts and exhibitions and on the closing night there was usually some kind of concert.

When she was a kid, Emily coming to the fair with her parents had heralded the end of summer. It had been the last of the long, hot hazy days filled with bike riding and swimming and playing soccer in the park and cool, crisp, nights spent playing flashlight tag and catching lightning bugs. It had meant a return to classrooms and schedules, homework and more often than not, her father's departure to far off lands. It had always been something of a bittersweet tradition. But one Emily loved nonetheless.

And one that she had gotten Paige to love just as much. She had brought Paige here every summer that they were together.

It had been a few years since she'd been home, even longer since she'd been here in the summer. She'd forgotten about the carnival, though the memories weren't far from the surface and came rushing back readily. She thought it fitting that Paige would bring her here for their first date.

Paige glanced over at her as they approached the gate, eyebrows raising in question, asking if this was okay. Emily squeezed her hand, indicating it was definitely okay.

By unspoken agreement they headed straight for the food stalls, following their noses towards the scent of roasted peanuts and hot dogs and funnel cake and candy corn. Her stomach rumbled and her mouth began to water at the thought of all the sweet, doughy, goey, greasy treats.

Paige let her by the hand along the row of stalls, the two of them sampling everything from deep fried butter to giant pretzels to bright blue clouds of cotton candy, until their bellies were full to the point of bursting.

From there they headed to the midway, the lights and sounds dazzling their senses as they strolled through the crowd, taking it all in. They wandered past kids fishing in the frog pond and guys trying to impress their dates on the Strongman, swinging the unwieldy sledgehammer with loud grunts of effort as they tried to summon up the strength to hit the little bell.

Emily tugged gently at Paige's hand, guiding her way, knowing if they lingered she would bust a gut trying to prove her strength.
She let Paige over to the milk jug game, figuring a little competition would distract her. Before she could say anything Paige nodded to the guy running the booth and gestured to the two of them, indicating they'd both be playing. He nodded and swung a bucket of balls into the counter between them.

"Three throws each. If you knock down all the jugs on all three throws, you get a prize." He jerked his finger behind him a veritable zoo of stuffed animals hanging from a net.

Paige eyed the selection speculatively as she hefted a ball. "I'm going to win you a shark."

Emily followed her gaze to a huge great white hanging in the far corner.

"Or maybe I'll win you one," she said, picking up a ball of her own.

Paige chuckled lightly. "Sure, Em."

Before Emily could repy, Paige settled into a pitcher's stance and let her first ball fly. It sailed in a neat arch towards the centre of the stack and the jugs fell onto the counter with a clatter.

The attendant let out a low whistle.
"Nice throw," he said as he went to work restacking the jugs.

"Em?" Paige turned to her, a faint grin on her lips. Emily rolled her eyes and mimicked Paige's earlier position. She drew her arm back and threw, sending the ball careening off towards the right corner of the tent, where it bounced off a post and ricocheted back towards them. It lost power as it went though, and dropped to the ground a few feet from the counter.

"Good power," Paige said, almost but not quite managing to keep from grinning. "Just need a little work on your aim."

"Why don't you show me how it's done?" Emily handed Paige her second ball, and just as she was about to throw, gave her a firm, resounding slap on the ass. Paige faltered just enough that the ball landed just off center, clipping the outer edge of the bottom stack of jugs. The top two rows tumbled bit the base remained in place.

"Ooh," Emily feigned sympathy, rubbing Paige's shoulder. "So close."

Paige huffed and handed Emily her next ball. "Let's see you do better then, slugger."

Emily snatched the ball from her hand and readied herself. Squinting one eye shut and cocking her head just slightly to the side she threw again. The ball curved slightly to the left, but still crashed into the pile of milk jugs, taking all but two down.

"Not bad." Paige sounded genuinely impressed as she picked up her third and final ball. Just as she had the first time, she knocked down the jugs with ease. And now Emily felt a little bad for distracting her on her second throw. If she hadn't, Paige would've won a prize.

Instead of taking her turn she leaned across the counter and lightly snagged the wrist of the attendant and drew him closer.

"So I was wondering," she said, speaking softly and forcing him to lean in to hear her. "If it would be possible to give my girlfriend here my turn. If she could still get a prize if she gets them all down." She offered up a soft, sultry smile and flipped her hair as she gazed at him emploringely He blushed, growing flustered under her flirty gaze, and after a few minutes of stammering and fidgeting swallowed hard and agreed.

"But just a small one. I'm really not supposed to...my boss will...You can't tell anyone I let you..."

"Thank you so much." Emily gently squeezed his arm and he blushed even harder under her touch. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

She flashed one more winning smile and then turned to Paige.

"Fire away," she said, pressing her last ball into Paige's hand.

Though Paige hadn't heard what was said between the two of them, the exchange wasn't lost on her. Eyes dancing with amusement, a grin barely suppressed on her face, she accepted the offering and once again squared herself for the pitch. She hit the jugs dead center and they all went tumbling down. Emily let out a whoop and wrapped her arms around Paige's neck in a quick, celebratory hug. Or what was meant to be. Paige's arms snaked around her waist and she spun her around in a dizzying circle. Her vision continued to spin even after Paige set her back down again.

"So, what's it going to be?" She gestures towards the selection of prizes with one hand, while wrapping the other around Paige's bicep for a little extra support.

Paige studied her choices for a long moment before finally pointing to a little green dragon, with purple wings and a burst of fire coming out of it's mouth. The attendant handed it to Paige, who in turn handed it to Emily.

Still arm in arm, they wandered off to the next game, the dart toss, which they both bombed at, then on to the shooting baskets where they each sunk two shots, but neither won a prize. Skeeball followed, and was quickly abandoned when Emily's second throw busted one of the game's many lights. They scurried off, giggling before anyone noticed the damage. Emily schooled Paige at the sharpshooter game, winning a gangly looking lion with a fluffy mane. And wracked up a ton of points on Whack-a-mole, which won her a pink monkey. Both of which she handed off to Paige. For her part, Paige tested her hand eye coordination on the ring toss and won a lime green crocodile, and they each won teddy bears on the bean bag toss.

It didn't take long before they'd tried their hand at every game on the midway. Some with success, others without. But it was the most fun Emily'd had in ages. Her sides hurt from laughing and she felt more in tune with Paige than she had since they'd first reconnected.

As they wandered away from the games and towards the rides she realized how perfect an idea the carnival had been for their first date. It was interactive, unlike sitting silently next to each other in a darkened theatre if they'd gone to a movie but it didn't hold the pressure of making conversation the way facing off across a dinner table did. They slipped in and out of conversation as they wandered, the sights and sounds around them providing not just things to discuss but also filling any potentially awkward lulls. They talked and joked and teased each other as they played and for a brief time at least it was like the last few years and all the issues that stood between them fell away. It was light and fun and easy.

Emily couldn't remember why she had ever been so nervous. Nor could she imagine it was possible for the night to have gone any better. Even after all the foods had been sampled, all the games had been played, and all the rides had been ridden, she still wasn't ready for the night to end. It was coming up on midnight though, and the carnival was closing down. The crowd had thinned considerably. The smells from the food vendors had slowly petered out. Some of the games had gone dark and one after another the rides stopped running. There was no choice really but for the two of them to make their way home.

They set off at a slow pace. Apparently Paige wasn't in any more of a rush than Emily because she matched her slow, shuffling steps and made no move to hurry her along.

The streets were quiet, the houses they passed dark. The night was dark and cloudless, the stars spread across the sky like jewels. And with not a soul in sight it felt a little bit like she and Paige were the only two people in the world.

"I had a really good time tonight," Emily said as they strolled along, joined hands swinging gently between them.

"Me too." Paige glanced over, giving her a soft smile that made her heart flutter and and her hand a gentle squeeze that sent a warmth skittering up her arm.

All too soon for Emily's liking they had reached her apartment. They slowed to a stop outside her door and turned to face each other.

"So..." Paige said slowly, and Emily nodded like she had actually said something.

As much as Emily did not want the night to end, she had to admit she'd been waiting for this moment all night.

Paige licked her lips, wetting them. Emily couldn't help but follow the path of her tongue with her gaze.

She brushed a few errant strands of hair behind her ear, tucking them out of the way.

Her heart hammered loudly in her ears as slowly she inched forward. Hannah's crude teasing aside, she really did feel like she was thirteen again, about to experience her fist kiss.

Paige leaned in, her breath brushing against Emily's lips a moment before her lips did.

The kiss was soft and sweet and felt very much like the first time despite the fact that they had shared many kisses, hundreds, if not thousands, over the years. And had kissed just a few days ago. It was chaste, and lingering. A perfect end to a perfect evening.