"Polly, this is a gay club." Piper hissed an hour later as they found themselves alone at the bar while Nicky went off in search of Alex.

Polly grinned. "Well at least we can be safe in the knowledge Pete and Larry wont find out! Relax have a drink."

Piper stared around nervously. It wouldn't have been so bad if they had come straight from the bar, but Nicky had made them go home first to change, declaring their clothes 'too straight'.

"I don't see how jeans are more appropriate than the dress I was wearing before." Piper moaned, pulling at the clingy t shirt Nicky had insisted on.

"Look around Piper. No-one is in a dress. At least we don't stand out!"

"And," Piper continue as if Polly hadn't spoken, "Alex isn't even here."

"No, well Nicky said she would have gone to change too. I cant wait to see her out of her business suit!"

At Pipers raised eyebrows Polly laughed, "I didn't mean it like that and you know it." she grinned.

Deciding, as they were there, they may as well enjoy themselves Polly got them both a drink and they went in search of Nicky.

"I cant believe she brought us here then abandoned us!" Piper said as the made there first circuit of the club but saw no sign of either Alex or Nicky.

"I can!" Polly laughed before adding, "OK we will have one more drink, do one more circuit and if we cant see them we will leave." Piper agreed. As good as the music was, as nice as her drink was, she had to admit she felt awkward here.

"Hey blondie!" A shout came from behind and spinning round Piper laughed when she saw Nicky up on a podium dancing.

"Get down here!" She called and watched, amused, as Nicky, hair bouncing, jumped of the podium landing close to a group of girls who immediately danced round her, blocking her exit.

"This place is wild" Piper muttered, not entirely sure if she was enjoying it or not.

"Blondie, did you find her?"

"Alex? No, we thought you were looking for her."

"I was, she is dancing. Look!" Pointing to a smaller dance-floor Piper had not noticed off to one side, "See. There she is."

Piper squinted. She could see dancers by none who were obviously Alex.

"Holy shit!" Polly gasped nudging Piper and pointing.

Piper grinned. Alex was there all right. From this distance it was hard to tell if she was wearing tight jeans or leathers, but the form hugging black pants did nothing to disguise the length of her long slim legs. She had a sleeveless shirt tied high around her waist showing of a toned stomach and her hair loose, flying as she spun and flirted at the woman she was near.

"See!" Nicky grinned. "I told you she was fun. Come on lets go join her." Grabbing Polly, who were still staring open mouthed, she pushed her way through the crowded dance floor until she was behind her ebony haired boss; then slithering into the gap began to rub herself up and down Alex's back. Alex, Piper was amused to see, spun round eyes wide at the forward behaviour, then laughing when she saw Nicky played up to her antics, the pair of them gyrating in smaller circles until Nicky was positively rubbing against Alex grinning.

Polly had backed off the dance floor and was once again stood next to Piper. "OK, I think I am out of my depth here." she admitted looking at her friend who was laughing at the scene before her. "Should we leave?"

Piper nodded. "Yes, but we need to let Nicky know first."

"Oh look at her Piper, she wont even know we have gone."

Piper shrugged. Still laughing at Nicky, who was now trying to pull Alex up on to a podium, she was forced to admit Polly was right. But just as she turned to leave she heard Nicky's voice. "Blondie! Don't you be leaving yet. Get your sexy ass up here, I want a dance!"

"Oh god!" Piper groaned.

"See we should have escaped when I said." Polly half laughing half anxious replied, "now she will never let us go. In fact her joking that she was going to turn us gay suddenly seems more a threat than a joke!"

Piper laughed at her friends reaction, "Polly relax, she is messing with you! Look."

Sure enough when Polly turned back she saw Nicky's attention was now focused on someone else.

"She seemed so into Lorna too." Polly mused, fascinated with the flighty woman's attention span now she was not the target.

"Oh she is." came Alex's voice behind them causing them to spin in surprise, "by the end of the night it is guaranteed she will be crying into her beer trying to get each and every one of us to get a cab to Lorna's. In fact," Alex laughed "Lorna herself gave me her key saying it was easier for Nicky to just let herself in than wake up half the neighbourhood later."

"She got the measure of her quick."

"Yes well Nicky is something of a regular here. I am not sure how she gets into work some days. So Lorna has had a lot of practice in a short space of time." Looking at the two women before her Alex grinned. "She made you change didn't she."

Polly nodded, "but in fairness we would have stood out, and you changed too."

Alex shrugged, "I am guessing my reason for being here is different to yours though so I had a reason."

Polly grinned "You found anyone to hit on yet?"

"Well seeing as I am stood here talking to the two straightest girls in the club I'd say no!" Alex laughed. "Not only straight but taken. Damn I must be loosing my touch!"

"Well we were just leaving so we will stop cramping your style." Piper said suddenly feeling more than a little awkward, and certainly not wanting here to be the place she chose to inform Alex of her changed relationship status."

"Oh no. You both owe me a dance." Grabbing their hands before they had a chance to realise what she was doing, Alex pulled the protesting women onto the dance floor. Hearing a whoop and knowing Nicky had spotted them, Piper couldn't help but laugh as herself and Polly self consciously swayed while Alex and Nicky danced around them.

Watching Alex move, so close to her now, Piper was fascinated by the change in the woman she had thought she was getting to know. This Alex, dressed so sexily, red lipstick, thick eye-liner and her tattoos on display, was an enigma. The little glimpses she saw of her like this the more drawn to her Piper felt. Realising she was staring Piper turned, facing Polly who she saw was beginning to relax. Leaning closer to her friend she shouted, "I'm going to get a drink." And moving off the dance floor Piper moved to the quieter end of the bar and ordered herself a vodka.

"Do I get one of those too?" Alex voice in her ear made Piper jump.

"Sure." She smiled, signalled for another drink then turned reluctantly to face the woman she had tried to escape.

"So Piper Chapman, what brings a nice girl like you to a den of iniquity like this."

Piper laughed at the description, "oh its not so bad here, the music is great."

"So that's why you were dancing like you had a poker stuck up your butt?"

"I don't dance. At least not sober."

Alex grinned and tipped Pipers glass towards her lips, "Then drink up!"

Piper sipped her drink but frowned, "I thought you were here to, to use Nicky's phrase, 'get yourself some'."

Alex shrugged. "Maybe, or maybe I just needed a release. You ever feel like that Piper? That you want to scream, or run, or hide?"

"Only every time I speak to my mother."

"She still giving you a hard time about the wedding?"

"No." Piper answered simply but did not elaborate. She knew Nicky was aware the wedding was off, so she had assumed Alex knew too, but she obviously didn't; and talking about Larry and the break up was the last thing she wanted to do. Finishing her drink she turned to get another.

"Hey kid," Alex frowned as she noted the change in Pipers mood. "Everything OK?"

"Yeah." Piper smiled "suddenly the idea of getting drunk and dancing just seems a really good one."

They were joined minutes later by an out of breath Polly and a grinning Nicky, both desperate for a drink and laughing. "Hey why are you two hiding back here?" Nicky grinned. "Come dance."

Looking at Piper who shrugged and downed the rest of her drink, Alex nodded. Pulling Nicky back a little she whispered "Was Piper OK earlier, at the bar?"

"Sure boss. Why?"

"She seems upset that's all." Alex shrugged.

"Oh that's probably because she has split up from the man of her dreams." Nicky threw in casually missing the shocked look on Alex face. Following Piper, Alex began to dance.

Piper was single! Did this change anything? She was here after all. The sane side of her brain was telling Alex that Piper was sad and drunk and upset about her break up; but this did not stop the fluttering Alex felt in her belly at the idea that Piper Chapman was available.

"Piper it is nearly 3 am we should go." Polly said trying to hide her yawn.

"Oh come on grandma!" Nicky laughed, "the night is young."

"We have an order to deliver tomorrow remember." Polly looked at Piper waiting for her reasoning to hit home.

"Oh we will send a van," Nicky dismissed, "I've seen the stuff Pol, its boxed ready to go. Come on have another drink." Pushing a glass to Alex, then one each to Piper and Polly, Nicky slurred "To PoPi's!"

Laughing and drinking Piper reached over the bar and grabbed the bottle grinning drunkenly at the waitress who, seeing Alex hastily wave some money behind Pipers back to show they would pay, just shrugged and left her too it. Pouring them each another shot Piper raised her glass "Too vodka and dancing!"

"Yeah I think we may have had a bit too much of one of those." Alex grinned prising the bottle from Pipers grasp and placing it, along with the cash, the other side of the bar, earning herself a wink from the bar tender.

"Hey Alex, she winked, she likes you!" Piper giggled.

"OK blondie I think you and your friend here have had enough." Nicky laughed. Looking at Polly who now had her head n Nicky's shoulder and was nearly asleep. "What say we get these ladies in a cab boss, then get back to the serious business of getting you laid!"

Alex grinned, "I think I'm good for tonight Nick. But thanks for the offer!"

Shrugging Nicky pouted "You are not leaving though? Its early."

"We cant leave these two to get home alone and yes it is early! 3 am early."

"Lightweight! Tomorrow night, you and me." Nicky pointed at Alex who laughingly agreed as they steered Piper and Polly to the exit.

Settling the two women into the back of the cab Alex looked at Nicky, "You are coming too, I promised Lorna. Get in!"

"Oh you look like you have this boss." Giving the driver Polly's address then Pipers.

"Get in here you loon." Alex laughed "Or I will call Lorna and tell her you hooked up with Miss Harper here."

Sniggering Nicky said "That's lame even for you!" But climbing into the cab she said "It wasn't so bad tonight was it?"

Alex stole a glance at Piper. "No it wasn't so bad."

o0o

Her head hurt. Opening one eye, slowly, Piper groaned. What had she drank last night? Knowing the answer full well Piper tried to focus on the clock by her bed 11 am. "Oh god!" She moaned as she tried to sit up. Nicky had said they would send a van. What if she had missed it. As Piper sat, then let the spinning room settle, she saw a glass of water, some aspirin and a note propped against the glass. Picking it up she saw her name in bold print. Unfolding the paper she read.

We need to add handling alcohol to your growing list of lessons to learn! Hope the head is not too bad, drink the water, take the pills and call Nicky when you are feeling human. A V.

Swinging her legs of the bed Piper suddenly became very aware of the fact she was not dressed in the clothes she wore last night, but instead wore just a t shirt over her panties. Had Alex undressed her and put her to bed? Feeling her cheeks flush at the thought, Piper wondered if she had made a fool of herself. Reaching for the phone she called Polly.

"'lo." Came a hoarse mumble telling Piper her friend was in no better state than she was.

"Polly, its me. You OK?"

"Not sure." Polly groaned. "Piper?"

"Yeah."

"What the hell happened last night?"

Piper smiled relieved she was not the only one feeling the effects, but a bit disappointed Polly would not be able to fill in the gaps for her. "I think we got drunk! Like seriously drunk. Do you remember getting home?"

"Not really." Piper could here Polly shifting. "Hang on." she mumbled. More rustling then Polly's voice came back. "I have a note, by the bed. It seems Alex put me to bed. Oh god. How embarrassing."

"Same here." Piper muttered, not sure if she felt relief or disappointment knowing her friend had received the same treatment. "What did the note say?"

"Just to call Nicky once I felt up to it, and to drink the water she had left. Piper I need to go get out of these clothes and shower. I will call you back."

As her friend hung up her words hit Piper. Polly had on her clothes from last night. What did that mean? She could hardly phone Alex and ask is she had undressed her, but the thought would not leave her as she made her way to the bathroom.

An hour later, showered and having eaten some toast, Piper picked up the phone and called Nicky.

Her voice as loud and bouncy as ever had Piper shaking her head in disbelief. "So are you not suffering at all today?" She asked without preamble.

"Blondie! Hey Boss, blondie lives!" Nicky called before adding "you are a lightweight Chapman, last night was nothing. Is Polly suffering too?"

"Yes, in fact the reason I am calling is to thank you for the water and pills; without them I am not sure either of us would have survived."

"Oh that's the boss. She is used to having to put me to bed, she has the routine down pat. Now are you calling to arrange this pick up?"

So having arranged a time with Nicky, Piper, now dressed in running clothes sat down to wait. Once the boxes were gone she would go for a run, maybe to Polly's to check on her. Making herself some coffee Piper looked around the room. She really needed to talk to Larry too. This place was full of memories that she was quite happy to leave behind. Maybe she would leave a message for him with Polly and they could get this sorted.

So boxes gone, Piper put on her sneakers and grabbing a bottle of water headed out of the door. She ran for half an hour before turning and heading in the direction of Polly's. By the time she arrived Piper felt she had finally shaken the affects of last nights vodka.

"Please tell me you haven't been running." Polly groaned staring in disbelief at her friend when she opened the door.

"It clears the head you should try it."

"No thanks." Polly muttered. "You call Nicky?"

"Yep, boxes gone!" Piper grinned. "Oh and Nicky said to pass on you are a lightweight. It seems she was in work as normal and she sounded fine. Is Larry home?"

"No. He has gone into the office. Why?"

"I need to talk to him, sort out the house. If he wants to keep it, or if we should put it on the market."

"He wont like it Piper, he thinks you two will get back together."

"Then the sooner I talk to him the better. Look can you get him to call me."

"Sure." Polly smiled. "Shall I call you a cab home." Groaning at the thought of running.

"No!" Piper laughed. "I am going home via the realtor. Its time to look for a new place." With a wave Piper ran down the path and onto the street. Shaking her head Polly went inside. At least Piper looked happy now.

o0o

"Larry it isn't difficult, either you want to keep the house or you don't." Piper sighed. Larry had called soon after she had got back from her run. Now, sat facing him across the table in a restaurant she had suggested just to ensure things stayed civil, she sighed. "OK see if this makes it easier for you. I am moving out. Now that means you either take over and move back, or we put it on the market."

"What's the rush?"

"Its not a rush Larry, we separated weeks ago, nothing has changed."

"Yes it has. Everything has changed. Even Pete noticed it. Do you know last night Polly got so drunk some stranger had to bring her home and put her to bed."

Piper sniggered "Yeah I did know."

"I'm serious Piper. Some biker looking chick practically carried her to her room. It woke me up. I went out to see what was going on and I got a mouthful of abuse."

"From Polly?" Piper was surprised, she knew Polly had had a lot to drink but from what she remembered she was more tired than drunk.

"No not from Polly, from the other woman. She pointed and laughed at me and said no wonder she was drinking if she had to live with that. She thought I lived with Polly I guess, but it was still rude."

Piper covered her mouth to hide her grin, just picturing Alex staring at Larry in his boxers, she could almost hear her sneering tone. The fact she thought he was the reason Polly was drunk was not accurate but amused Piper said "oh I'm sure it was no reflection on you. Look, our night life aside we need to decide this. Do you want the house or not?"

Larry reluctantly nodded.

"Great. I have a price from a realtor -"

"You had the place valued?" Larry was shocked.

"Well I was passing, wanting to look at apartments, they offered, it is a fair price Larry."

Sighing, knowing there was no way of changing her mind when she was in this mood Larry said "I will get dad to draw up the papers. You have found somewhere else already?"

"No. I have a few to look at, but nothing definite. You must be glad to get out from sleeping on Pete's sofa."

"Yeah." Larry conceded. "What with them either arguing or making up it is not exactly conducive to writing. At least I can have my office back."

Nodding, satisfied, Piper said "As soon as I have found somewhere I'll let you know."

o0o

"Its not very big Piper."

Piper shrugged. "Its not so bad."

"But what about the soap. We cant make soap here."

"No well I have been thinking about that." Piper looked at Polly as she looked critically at the first apartment Piper was considering, "now we have an advance on our first order I thought maybe we should invest it. Maybe hire a small unit. Then we can make and store the product there and save messing up either of our homes."

Polly looked at Piper, her eager expression hopeful.

"Maybe," Polly conceded, "but it wont be the same."

"Of course it wont. It will be a business. A proper business not just a hobby we got lucky at. It makes sense Pol."

Nodding Polly said "Let me guess you have the ideal place in mind."

"Well actually yes" Piper laughed. "This place is nice, not great but nice. The unit I found is perfect though, and just round the corner there are some great apartments."

"For sale?"

"Well no, but I have asked around and if any come up..."

"So what about until then? You gonna share with Larry?"

"Don't be stupid, of course not! Look just come see the unit."

So a short drive later Piper watched Polly's face as she looked around. "Well?"

"Its perfect." Polly was forced to concede, "And I know what you are thinking. You cant live here Piper."

"Short term Polly. There is electricity, a kitchen..."

"But no bathroom, no shower."

"There is a toilet." Piper was defensive, she knew Polly would object. "Look if I can find an apartment fair enough, but this unit is a possibility yes?"

Agreeing but only to the business idea Polly followed Piper back outside. "You cant live here long term Piper."

"I know" Piper smiled. "Last resort only, short term." she agreed.

o0o

A week later Polly stacked the last box on the shelves in their new unit. "Have you heard anything on the house?" She asked Piper who was busy carrying rubbish outside to the trash.

"Yes, we signed the contracts this morning. He will move back next week so you will have your place back to yourselves soon."

"Oh he was no trouble," Polly shrugged, "in fact he was tidier than Pete; maybe I should keep Larry and chuck Pete out."

"No," Piper grinned, "from what Larry tells me of your sex life with Pete, Larry would be a huge disappointment!"

Sniggering Polly said "Poor Larry."

"Not poor Larry, poor me!"

"Any news on the new apartment?"

"No, well not the one I want." Piper frowned. "But I have a few more to view so maybe. Oh I meant to tell you I had to call Suzanne, I gave my address as yours for the time being, it was easier than explaining the situation to her about my move, this place and everything. But she said we go on sale tomorrow! How do you feel about a trip to Barney's!"

"Yes!" Pulling out her phone Polly grinned. "I am going to tell everyone in my phone book!"

Piper laughed, "Just not carol! The last thing I want is my mom there spoiling the day."

o0o

"So, what do you think?" Turning and seeing Nicky stood behind them Piper and Polly grinned.

"Its amazing!" Piper smiled, her first glimpse had actually brought tears to her eyes, she just hoped Nicky didn't notice.

"Ah blondie!" Nicky laughed pulling her into a hug. "Come on, the girls are waiting."

"What girls, waiting for what?"

"The girls, you know. And waiting for you. We had a bet you would be first through the doors-"

"What a surprise!" Polly laughed, earning herself a glare.

"-so we have champagne waiting to celebrate."

Grinning Piper and Polly followed Nicky to the office. Soon corks were popping and drinks passed round.

"I swore I'd never drink with you again." Polly laughed as Nicky handed her a drink.

"Nah kid, you need to do it more! You need the practice, blondie too. You should have come out with Alex and me the other night. 7Am we got home!"

Shaking her head Polly said "I don't know how you do it."

Nicky grinned "Years of practise! Hey blondie," she shouted across to Piper who was thanking Daya for the designs once again, still moved by seeing their soaps on display, "you need fixing up now you are single, give me a shout."

"Leave her alone Nicky!" Daya laughed, before asking Piper what had gone wrong.

"Don't look so sad" Nicky grinned, "from what Alex told me he had a little dick anyway, you can do better!"

Piper sniggered remembering Larry's shock at seeing Alex and her evidently derisive comments. "Yeah I think she both scared and scarred him that night."

"Oh he'll survive." Came Alex's voice as she exited her office. Taking the glass Nicky handed her she raised it. "To PoPi's!"

"To PoPi's!" came the response. Moving nearer to Piper Alex said "So you survived then?"

Piper grinned. "Thanks for taking care of us."

"Oh it was my pleasure." Alex winked causing Piper to blush and Alex to chuckle.

"I hear you have been out again. You get lucky this time?"

Alex pushed her glasses on top of her head and quirked her eyebrow staring Piper straight in the eye she leant close and asked "Why, you jealous?"

Flustered Piper said "err, what, no I mean ,I was…"

"I'm kidding kid," Alex stepped back. "Yeah I got lucky, together Nick and I are an unbeatable team."

"Doesn't Lorna mind?" Piper was shocked.

"Why should she? It was me who got lucky not Nicky." Then as if suddenly bored with the conversation Alex said, "OK I have to get back to work, enjoy." She saluted with her glass then went back into her office.

Suddenly feeling flat Piper moved to Polly, "we should go, let these ladies work. Thanks for this," she grinned at Nicky, "it was lovely."

"Not my idea Blondie, thank the boss."

o0o

Why wasn't she happier? Piper ran towards the park willing the exercise to take away the nagging thoughts that had been in her head all day. Alex had bought them champagne, had laid on the celebration. It was a kind gesture and one she didn't have to do. But as much as she was touched, the only thought in her head since leaving the office was that of Alex and another woman.

Why did it bother her?

Not wanting to face the feelings fighting for attention in her head Piper ran faster. Maybe if she was too exhausted to think she would not wake up again tonight with thoughts of Alex Vause racing through her head.

o0o

A/N: Thanks once again for all your lovely messages and reviews! Having so much fun writing this, and hearing you are enjoying it seems to make me want to write both more and faster! The lack of sexy dancing may disappoint this time but it is in their future so fear not!

Ali x