lea/Guest: sorry! I know the last chapter basically lacked all Paily interactions…but needed to focus on how Paige dealt with her feelings. Kinda hoping this chapter makes up for it. Let me know what you think!

Tommy88/shadedgrey15: Thank you so much! I really hope I don't disappoint when that moment comes!

Shelly: Hope you're still reading and it wasn't ttoooo long of a wait!

Darkredeyes: Thank you! Hope you weren't too frustrated I didn't post another chapter last week! I didn't have time to edit last weekend

Guest: You and me both!

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

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Thursday afternoons are always unofficially known as Thirsty Thursdays; known for their numerous happy hour events throughout the city. For Paige specifically, Thursdays happened to be the days where her company had happy hours for people either leaving or joining the firm. With 'Figaro' right around the corner from the office, the turn out for Kristine Brown's going away party was far greater than expected. Cheering with a round of Grey Goose, Paige made it clear to herself that would be the last round she did even though it was her first. Sticking with light beer, Paige wanted to keep it a bit low key for the night. After the way she reacted at 230 fifth, Paige made a promise to keep herself inline.

Paige knew it's been 3 weeks since she last saw Emily; she knew it's been 3 weeks, 2 days, 10 hours and 33 minutes since she last saw the brunette. Emily was her drug. The closer she was to Emily, the more she felt exhilarated. The further apart she was from the beauty, her withdrawal symptoms kicked in. After the first few days of not interacting with the girl, Paige wanted more than anything to see her. She instead forced herself to stay busy by working late, meeting with coworkers after work and at one point she even stayed with her parents back home for the weekend; all to keep her mind from the gorgeous woman. But it failed drastically the minute her mind slightly drifted to anything related to Emily.

Paige didn't plan on ignoring the girl for as long as she did, but she still hadn't figured out what she wanted. She broke up with Angela because she wanted more; she wanted Emily. But she wasn't what Emily needed. Every day that went by was torture for her. Everything reminded her of Emily. A simple notebook made her think of high school with the brunette, or watching any sports game made her think of their tournaments or even listening to a song made her relate back to the girl. Paige could visually see Emily everywhere. During a meeting in midtown last week, Paige swore she saw Emily leaning against a column of the conference room just watching and smiling at her with those lips she wanted to taste more anything.

Even right now, as Paige glanced out the window Kristine happened to be sitting in front of, Paige swore she could see Emily walk pass the front of the restaurant. Focusing her attention back to the blonde as the woman began setting up the glasses to do another round of shots, Paige found herself glancing back up to the window as she saw Emily walk by again.

When she left Midwood after the incident with Bess, it took Paige months and months to get the brunette out of her head. Every girl she dated throughout college she unconsciously compared back to Emily even though she wasn't even hers. Eventually with time the image of the girl began fading; allowing her heart to take a break. Paige thought the only reason why it took as long as it did was because she had been crushing on the girl for 3 years. Nodding her head in confusion, it couldn't be possible that after merely a couple of months she would be hit with the same heartache again; maybe even worse given the fact that they actually interacted with each other this turnaround.

The thought of someone drugging her drink quickly shot through Paige's mind as she stared at her Corona bottle thinking that was why she was suddenly seeing the brunette outside. Putting it down, Paige quickly whispered to one of her colleague's that she was going to step out for some fresh air as she gathered her coat and walked outside.

Walking to the corner of the building, Paige leaned back against the wall as she took in a deep breath looking up. As she brought her head back down, Paige squinted her eyes as she once again saw Emily; but now the brunette was across the street looking through the window of another restaurant. Quickly realizing her mind was not playing tricks on her, Paige crossed the street paranoid something happened.

"Em?" Paige gently said as she observed the brunette come to a halt in front of her. Watching the brown eye beauty turn around, Paige almost lost her footing at how it was even possible Emily looked more beautiful than before. Getting her breath back, Paige looked at Emily's eyes as concern suddenly engulfed her. "Hey, what's wrong?" she asked as she stepped closer to the apprehensive woman.

Emily was instantly taken aback by the sudden appearance of the auburn woman in front of her. Standing still for a minute, Emily finally pushed herself to say something, to say anything. "Hey" she whispered.

"Hey" Paige repeated as she reached out to touch Emily on her arm. "What's going on? I saw you pass by the restaurant a few times. Are you looking for someone?"

"Yeah" Emily replied as she swallowed lightly looking at Paige. Gaining her composure, everything Emily was feeling for the last few weeks came rushing back. "Where have you been?" As soon as Emily saw Paige's eyes widen, all the anger she kept at bay came rushing out and all the doubt she had flew out the window. The minute Paige touched her arm, Emily just wanted to cry. She could feel her own voice starting to tremble as she asked the question.

"What?" Paige asked confused. Before she could follow up, she watched as Emily took a step back; away from her grasp.

"Where have you been?" She asked more sternly.

Catching Paige off guard, all she was able to mutter out was "uh".

"You just vanished. Again!" Emily yelled out frustrated.

Paige watched in surprise as Emily screamed at her, realizing how much her absence actually affected her. Not knowing how to react, Paige continued to watch in silence.

"You left 5 years ago without a single word. Now, you left for 3 fucking weeks and again nothing! How selfish are you? Reply to a god-damn text why don't you? Do you know how worried I was? You decided to hangout with everyone else but me. How do you think that made me feel? What the hell is going on?" Emily finally said exasperated. "Did I do something?" she whispered.

"What? No, Em" Paige said as she stepped closer to the tantalizing brunette. "I just…I just had a lot on my plate recently" she said. Realizing Emily was about to speak up again, she continued. "I should have texted you back".

"Yeah you should have" Emily replied more calmly. "I had to go to ask your brother".

Biting back a smirk that was slowly crawling on her lips, Paige realized Emily really did care for her. Emily had to find out the area she would be in since she never told Kyle the actual place and it must have taken Emily some nerve to walk up and down the block in order to find her. "He didn't tell me you were trying to reach me"

"What my series of texts didn't give you a hint?" Emily asked sarcastically.

It downed on Paige that Emily must have been looking for her because something happened. Finally the feeling of her own selfishness dawned on her; Paige scowled at herself for letting that happen. She would never forgive herself if she couldn't protect the woman. "Em, did something happen? Are you okay? Is your family ok? Are you hurt? Did someone try something on you?" Paige began as a series of questions asked left and right; exposing her concern for the girl as the new emotion shredded all accounts of being confused over her feelings toward the brunette.

A smile crawled on Emily's face as she recognized how adorable Paige was with her anxiety. "Paige, everything is fine" she stated to calm the girl down. She watched as Paige's face washed over with relief. "You went missing for 3 weeks Paige. I didn't hear anything from you since 230 fifth" she continued. Looking down, she asked again "Did I do something?" thinking back to the way Kate had kissed her on stage.

"No, no. You didn't do anything" Paige stated as she couldn't maintain eye contact with the brunette. "I'm sorry. I should have made sure you were at least okay" she said in distress.

"It's okay" Emily said feeling a bit better. "Sorry I had to go stalker on your ass" she continued with a smile.

"Yeahh" Paige groaned out as she placed her hand in her coat. "Are you free..now? Maybe we could talk" she mumbled, hoping the woman would say yes.

"Well I kind of cleared my schedule to hunt you down. So, yeah" Emily answered with a smile.

Instantly smiling back Paige simply said, "Good. Let me grab my bag. I have an idea. We just have to make a few pit stops on the way".

"Isn't it your coworkers going away party?" Emily asked as she looked over to the restaurant.

"Yeah, but I spent enough time in there. Just give me a second" Paige responded as she jogged back to the venue.

Emily nodded as she watched Paige cross back to the restaurant. She was elated at how comfortable she felt as soon as she was next to Paige. Trying to bite back a smile, she was curious to see what Paige had in store with them for tonight.

XXXXXXX

After two different pit stops, Emily was more than eager to find out where the last stop would be. The pair had stopped at a Chipotle on 51st and 8th followed by a liquor store on the same block; then continued their walk up to Central Park. Paige seemed to have a certain location in mind as she strutted down the pathway of the park knowing which turns to make. Finally coming to a stop by a large tree, Paige pulled out two volunteer t-shirts her company provided her with and placed them on the ground for them to sit.

"So you normally carry around volunteer t-shirts with you?" Emily asked as she helped place the shirts on the grass before taking a seat.

Slightly grinning, Paige responded "They've been in my desk for about a month. I was just taking them home today since I didn't have use for them there. Good timing huh?"

"Great timing actually" Emily asked with a smirk. "So how do you know about this place?"

"It's where I get all my thinking done, even when I was in high school" she stated.

"I see" Emily whispered as she took out her chicken burrito bowl and dived in.

After a few minutes of silence, Paige was debating with herself if she should try and become honest with the girl. It was a dangerous footing, especially since she's never opened up before. But it just felt right and really wanted to Emily to have faith in her. "My family tends to be…very traditional. I don't know if you've noticed".

Slowly chewing her food, Emily was surprised at the sudden statement. Glancing over at Paige, she gave her a nod to continue.

"You were right to think I was privileged in high school, I was. But it's not all it sets out to be" Paige carefully continued. "My parents tend to have a certain expectation for Kyle and me. If we were going to be a part of our community, we needed to uphold a few traditions given my father holds a certain title there. That includes what school we go to, what clubs we're a part of, what jobs we have….and who we marry" she hesitantly said as she picked at her food. Assuming correctly, she watched as Emily stopped chewing and slightly turned to face her. Trying not to make eye contact, Paige leaned against the tree as she continued. "Obviously Shana isn't exactly Jewish. It caused a lot of tension in the family, especially when it came down to me. Kyle had left for college when he told us about Shana. Since he wasn't here, I got most of the backlash for it. But I will always defend them. Shana has always been like a sister to me. But since Kyle didn't exactly follow tradition, I was supposed to make up for it…without it actually being told to me. Why do you think I was always "crying for daddy's approval" as you so put it? Everything I did was never good enough, despite trying as hard as I could. I was an honor student, I was captain…and I dated Hallie."

Making Emily's head spin, she finally realized why Paige kept her distance. Even if Paige felt anything for her, the idea of them being together could never happen. Meeting Paige's family was definitely something completely different than anything Emily was use too. Everything and everyone was traditional. Paige's father obviously held a higher title in the family. He stood tall with so much pride and structure about his rules. If Paige or Kyle broke any tradition, she knew both would deal with consequences severely. For that to happen to the girl at 14 made Emily sympathize for her; but she was crushed by the declaration. Emily turned to rest against the tree trying to figure out a way to subtly ask Paige a question.

"Say it" Paige softly asked as she continued to look forward knowing Emily was dying to ask her a question.

Emily bit her bottom lip, ultimately deciding to just ask. "Why did you break up with Angela?"

Paige gritted her teeth. That was definitely not the question she was expecting to hear from Emily. She thought Emily was going to ask why she left Midwood again. Working up the courage to finally look at Emily, Paige turned around simply asked, "Let me guess, Kyle?" Taking Emily's silence as her confirmation, she knew she had to answer. "Angela was perfect. She was gorgeous. She had these eyes to you can just get lost in all the time. She was kind and so generous. I remember this one time she was craving for her favorite pizza after this movie went too. We waited on line for an hour, an hour! For a slice of pizza! Who does that?" Paige asked with a smile. Turning to look at Emily, she realized the girl wasn't laughing.

Emily knew Paige was doing as she asked, just answering her question. But the more she spoke about Angela, the more envious she became. She wanted Paige to just get to the point. She didn't want to hear how aroused Paige got with her girlfriend. Nonetheless, she continued listening.

"When we finally got the slice, we went outside to enjoy it by the park. As we were walking, there was this mom sitting there with her crying toddler. She was trying so hard to calm him down, but he wasn't letting up. This lady was begging people for money, and you can see how much she needed it in her eyes. Angela didn't even think twice. She gave the little boy her slice and gave the mom $40. That's who Angela was."

"She sounds like the perfect girl" Emily distantly said as she began taking out her whiskey shot she bought from the liquor store and poured it into her ginger ale bottle.

"She was" Paige said honestly. Turning to catch Emily's gaze, she continued "But she wasn't for me. I just…needed some time to sort out my feelings after the breakup. That's why you haven't seen me in a while."

Just like that, Emily managed to go from being jealous to being roused. Holding the auburn girl's gaze she heard Paige explain herself. "I want someone who can make me melt with a single glance. Someone who can send chills with a single touch without even meaning too. Someone who challenges me".

Emily swore Paige can hear her heart pounding. She could feel the beating of her pulse in her ears as watched Paige look at her lips then back up to her eyes. "You make it seem like you experienced it before" Emily asked.

"I have" Paige cryptically said.

"Why aren't you with her?" Emily responded as she broke their eye contact and took a sip of her drink.

"It's a bit complicated" Paige responded getting a bit unnerved as she answered.

"Is she worth it?" Emily asked as she looked at Paige again.

Holding on to her gaze, Paige answered completely truthfully, "Definitely".

Looking back forward, Emily felt immediately flustered. Taking another sip of her drink as she said, "You should make your drink". Emily wasn't expecting Paige to admit anything to her today. The brunette thought Paige would side track their conversation as usual and end up just talking about everything else. It was the first time Emily heard the truth from the auburn's lips themselves; she was content and frustrated at the same time to know what the girl has been feeling all these years.

As Paige began pouring her own whiskey into her ginger ale bottle, she had to ask the question that's been on her chest for three weeks. "How's Kate?"

Looking down at her hands, Emily knew that question was coming. It was only fair. "She's good" Emily answered as she took another sip. "We're supposed to be going out next Friday actually" the brunette hesitantly admitted.

Paige's eyebrows arched unintentionally at the confession. She knew no one would just stop at a kiss when it came to Emily Fields. Taking a sip of her own drink, Paige continued the conversation. "Have you guys dated since the lounge?"

Feeling uncomfortable, Emily fidgeted a little before answering. "Not really. We've been talking since the then, but next week would be our first official date." Emily didn't want to tell Paige what happened in the taxi, but it was slowly breaking her inside thinking Paige deserved to know. She felt as though she did something wrong but she wanted Paige to tell her not go with the woman or finally ask her out instead. Realizing Paige was nowhere close to saying any of those things, Emily decided to give her a little provocation by admitting the truth. "She…tried to get me go to her apartment when we took a taxi home together".

"Oh?" Paige simply said as she held back all her anger. She wanted to punch a wall. She wanted to run from where she was and find Kate just physically destroy her.

"She uh…" Emily murmured. "She had grazed my leg…up my thigh and kissed me…again"

Clearing her throat rather loudly, Paige took began to down her drink. Licking her bottom lip, Paige decided to turn her head away as she asked the next question. "Why didn't you go with her?"

"You think I'm that type of girl?" Emily asked offended.

Snapping her head back, the last thing Paige wanted to do was offend the woman. "No, no, I don't. You guys are both healthy young adults. After a night of drinking and dancing…you know. It's natural" she stuttered out.

"No, I don't just sleep around with the first girl who flirts with me" Emily responded.

"I didn't mean to offend you, Em" Paige quietly said.

Emily closed her eyes in frustration. Anyone would think Kate and her would end the night together. They did leave together. "You didn't" Emily quietly said.

Silence fell upon them, but it was the silence they felt comfortable with. Wordlessly sipping their drinks, the chill in the air began picking up, driving Emily to shuffle closer to Paige. Realizing Emily wasn't wearing a jacket, Paige didn't think twice about taking off her own. Using it as a blanket between the two, Paige looked at the sky and realized it was also becoming darker faster than it should. "I think it's going to rain".

Emily couldn't help but laugh, "And where have I heard this before?"

Paige looked toward her left as she saw Emily's head hovering over her shoulder as the sound of the brunette's giggle brought a smile to her face. "Just wait for it". Within seconds the rain slowly progressed through the park as Paige and Emily watched on. It was amazing what rain can do to the atmosphere in a park; it changed it into a magical place. Emily couldn't resist locking arms with Paige as she gently placed her head on Paige's shoulder; she couldn't help but enfold into the auburn girl. They held onto each other little longer before the droplets started; getting the left side of Emily's arm wet.

"Stand-up" Paige whispered into Emily's hair. Emily looked up to look at Paige in curiosity before doing as she said. Quickly shuffling over to situate herself right in the middle of the tree, Paige slightly parted her legs indicating to Emily to sit between them. Giving the auburn girl a questionable look, Paige decided to give Emily back one. "What? The only place near us where we won't get wet is right here…in the middle…because of the shade the branch is giving us". Arching an eyebrow at the response she received, Emily allowed a small smirk to crawl across her lips as she nodded in agreement before turning around to sit perfectly between Paige's legs; placing her jacket around them. As soon as Paige felt Emily nuzzle into her, she couldn't help but place her arms around the girl; gently pulling the beauty more into her.

A single touch from Paige could send shivers through her entire body, but with feeling of the girl's entire body pressed against her own, Emily felt as though she was going to burst with sexual exhilaration. The instant she felt Paige arms go around, her Emily placed her own hands on top to make sure the girl didn't take it away. Both girls couldn't deny they both wanted to stay like that for as long as possible.

Closing her eyes, Emily leaned back forcing Paige to do the same against the tree. Emily knew she always felt right where she belonged once Paige was around her. But she also knew they needed to work on was communication. "I need you to stop running away from me" the brunette tearfully whispered.

Paige wrapped her arms around Emily even tighter as she heard the brunette's statement. Feeling her eyes tear up, Paige knew she was scared of the consequences of being with the girl. But how can something feel so right, be wrong in someone else's eyes? Having Emily in her arms, safe from everything in that moment; Paige didn't care about anyone else. Taking in a deep breath, Paige finally decided, this right here, this is what she wants. She wanted Emily and didn't care about the implications of it; but that wasn't going to stop her from being hesitant with her heart, she was scared. "Ok" was all the auburn girl as able to muster up.

"No" Emily sternly stated. "You promised me before, but you still did it" Turning her head slightly under Paige's chin, Emily continued. "I need you to stop running from me at the first sight of something that worries you. If you can't find it in yourself to say anything, then don't. Just sit next to me. We have this weird thing between us where even if we're silent we could still communicate at the same time" Emily admitted.

Cocking an eyebrow, Paige realized Emily knew all along why she kept running away despite admitting to anything. Slightly turning her head to allow her lips to graze over the brunette's temple, Paige nodded her head before promising. "I promise you I won't run anymore".

Particularly satisfied with the way the day turned out, both girls stayed in their same positions way after the rain stopped; talking endlessly about everything and anything. The tree created their own safe haven for both of them. In that moment, no one could touch them.

XXXXXXX

"Where you headed? The train station is right over here" Emily asked as she watched Paige turn at the end of the block.

Turning back to see a confused Emily, Paige simply replied, "I parked over here".

"Ahhh, well I guess I'm going to see you soon?" Emily asked shyly.

"Em, get in the SUV" Paige said as she took out her keys.

"Again? We're going to fight about this again?" Emily said as she came to a halt.

Nodding at the girl, Paige stood on her ground. "Emily, just get in the SUV".

Starring at the doe eye woman, Emily shook her head as a smirk came across her lips. "Fine, only because it's been a long day".

"Right" Paige responded as she continued walking to where she parked.

As both girls entered the vehicle, the rain began falling heavy once again. Quickly warming up the seats as Paige put on the engine, the SUV acted as a bubble for both girls. Paige reached over to raise the volume of Chris Botti playing in the background before finally began driving off. Neither girl said a word for the entire ride. They just relished in the feel of each other's proximity. Right at that moment, as they were driving down the west side highway in the middle of rain, nothing else mattered. Not Paige's parents, not Angela, not Kate, not society, nothing. It was only about them.

Twenty minutes into the drive, all Paige wanted to do was glance at Emily, but was scared to get caught staring. Risking the embarrassment, Paige still looked over. As her breath hitched at the sight, Paige couldn't stop glancing at the sleeping woman. This is what Paige wanted. She wanted to walk to work together. Spend the evenings together just talking. Then take her home at night. She wanted to protect her. She wanted to hold her. She wanted to call Emily hers but needed to make sure the brunette felt the same.