By ten o'clock Thursday morning Polly was ready to explode.

"For goodness sake Piper what on earth is the matter? You have been up and down from the computer, you have paced, you have sighed and you are quite honestly just getting in the way!"

"Sorry." Piper muttered sitting back at the computer and trying once more to focus.

"So?" Polly prompted again. "What's wrong?"

"I asked Alex out."

"Woah!" Polly hadn't expected that. Putting down her pen she looked at Piper closely. "Tonight? You are going out tonight?"

"No tomorrow. Nicky and Lorna will be there, we are going back to that club."

Polly's eyes widened. "OK. So I am guessing today's unrest is because what? You have suddenly realised your wardrobe doesn't cater to lesbian nightclubs?"

Pipers head sunk onto the desk. "Partly." she mumbled into the wood, "Polly I am so out of my depth here."

"So why did you ask her?"

Piper thought before answering. "Because I like her. I like how she makes me feel. Because I cant stop thinking about her." Piper admitted honestly.

"So," Polly grinned, "what are you going to wear?"

"Oh god I don't know, not a dress that for sure," she smiled remembering there previous visit and Nicky's firm insistence that they go home and change. "The thing is my clothes, all of my clothes, are things my mother would approve of, or Larry. They fit work or drinks at a function. My casual clothes would not look out of place in any social club my mother would attend. I have jeans, but … oh I don't know."

"OK." Polly looked at Piper seriously "from what little I remember before the evils of drink took over my brain, the dress code was pretty casual. And regardless of Nicky's opinion there were girls there in dresses. OK maybe not the dresses you have in your wardrobe but certainly dresses. Why don't we get this order finished and if we focus," she gave Piper a stern look, "really focus, we could spend tomorrow shopping and getting you ready!"

"What do you mean getting me ready, what else should I do?"

Polly grinned, "if you were going to a club with a guy on a first date what would you do?"

Piper frowned, "oh I guess hair, mani, pedi, waxing…" her eyes grew wide as she went through her ritual, the unspoken reasons behind each one and what Polly was getting at. "Polly this is a casual date, I'm not.. we're not…" Piper blustered.

"No, maybe that's what you are thinking now but how many dates did we do in college that were casual dates which ended differently." Polly grinned. "Come on, forget that now lets get this order filled."

00o

"Is it true?" Nicky demanded the next morning having barged into Alex's office.

"Is what true? Alex sighed wondering what drama Nicky was on the edge of creating.

"Lorna tells me we are going clubbing tomorrow, she said you and Piper might be coming. Is it true or is she messing with me and I am going to end up at some boring dinner party with her stuffy friends?"

"No its true." Alex nodded.

"Seriously? You got blondie to agree to go back after last time?"

"Yes Nick seriously. Look its no big deal." Alex muttered not looking at her friend or wanting to go into the details of the evening and what led up to it, meaning Piper actually asking her and the kiss, "what is a big deal is this meeting I have in half an hour! Is everything ready?"

"Yes boss," Nicky grinned. "Although I am not sure why you are taking this meeting, shouldn't Suzanne be doing it?"

"Well yes she should; but it seems Maureen and her had an argument. Suzanne's secretary called me at home last night to say Suzanne was, 'in a bad place' I think was the phrase she used. The brands we are promoting today, well we need this chain to take them. Is she goes in, then looses, it could cost."

"She shouldn't have the job." Nicky muttered.

Alex smiled. "Hey last month she brought in more business than any other national store. She was happy and in love, this month we need to cover for her."

"Look at you, all sympathetic cos you have a date." Nicky smirked.

"No I am sympathetic because we pick up sales off the back of her success. Also," Alex frowned, "I heard a rumour they are thinking of combining the two department."

"What! That's ludicrous." Nicky gasped.

"Yes, well lets just get today over with before we worry about that. And lets make it good Nick, we want them to see we can do national and international."

Nodding Nicky left to go double check everything was ready. If Alex was worried they all needed to be worried.

o0o

"We should go celebrate!" Nicky grinned. They meeting had gone well. Alex had not only persuaded the hotel chain to take the Barney products Suzanne had listed, she had somehow managed to send them off with a box full of PoPi produce; telling them they were the first to sample the exclusive brand. "If they go for even one of the PoPi range this will be huge for Piper and Polly. Have you told them?"

"No." Alex smiled at Nicky's excitement. "It may not work, I didn't want to get their hopes up. What we need is to get Suzanne back on track though, these guys are her contacts. They were not happy she wasn't there. See if you can find out what the situation is."

Watching Nicky leave, relieved she had diverted her from the need to go celebrate, Alex went back to the figures she had been looking at. Nicky was right the meeting had been good. Alex felt more relief than happiness though, she did not want to have to deal with Suzanne mess, she did not want to have to combine the two departments, she needed to stay on top of things.

Nicky found Alex, still typing, two hours later. "Boss, its gone 7, you not going home?"

Alex looked up surprised to hear the time but not ready to leave her desk. "Not yet Nick, you go. Thanks for today." She smiled at Nicky.

"OK." Nicky hesitated. "Should I order you food? Will you be long?"

"No. Go home, see Lorna. I'll grab something on my way home."

Nodding Nicky left. As she drove home she realised how, lately, Alex had loosened up on her working habits. Nicky had been pleased, glad to see the woman she now considered a good friend finally getting some work life balance. However seeing Alex so focused again made Nicky realise Alex needed work to in a way she never would.

When Nicky arrived early to work the following morning she was not surprised to see Alex's bike already in the parking garage. Crossing the street to grab them coffee and pastries, knowing full well Alex would not have eaten, she made her way back to find her boss in pretty much the same position she had been when she left last night. Depositing the coffee in front of her she was rewarded with a smile and Alex gratefully grabbed at the sweet treats. "You are an angel." She grinned.

"Yes, yes I am." Nicky nodded, "I am also one for self preservation and you are mean when your sugar levels drop." She grinned. "So hows the report going?"

Alex nodded slowly, her mouth still chewing.

"You finished?" Nicky was surprised. "Just how late did you stay last night?"

"Well," Alex shrugged, "I guess it was about 11."

"11! Did you eat? Did you get any sleep? What time were you here his morning?"

"Jeez mom, lay off." Alex grinned. "Actually I grabbed a sandwich from the machine down the hall, I had about 5 hours sleep thank you, and I was here just after 6 this morning. But yes it is finished, but I would like you to look over it."

"Me?"

"Yes, look you were in the meeting, check I caught everything we discussed. If we can get Suzanne back up to speed on this it would be good for everyone."

"Oh I have good news on that front. It seems the argument was over a game! Evidently Maureen is quite competitive, Suzanne may have taken issue with loosing and accused Maureen of cheating. But, thankfully, Maureen also does not hold a grudge. Having stormed out leaving Suzanne distraught, hence the phone call, she then returned later last night with flowers, a bottle of wine and," Nicky was grinning, "some of PoPi's lemon scented bath oil."

"OK enough!" Alex cut her off. "I think I know how this story ends thank you."

Nicky nodded, "anyway give me the report I will go over it and get copies sent to Suzanne. Then when I come back you can tell me what you are wearing tonight."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on boss, big date remember. You need to make a good impression."

As she watched Nicky leave Alex frowned. She had intended wearing what she would normally wear on a Friday night at the club. Should she change that? Would Piper expect something different? Sighing Alex mentally catalogued her clothes. Nothing she owned was as fancy as Pipers designer labels, it just wasn't her style. But Piper knew that. Sure her business suits may be expensive, but there was no way she wanted to spend Friday night feeling confined. No, Piper asked her to the club so Alex was going to dress how she normally would.

o0o

"Polly I'm not sure." Piper frowned. Polly had dragged her to a store Piper had never dreamt of entering before. "I'm too old to be wearing this stuff."

"Don't be silly Piper," Polly was busy pulling clothes of the rails and was now hustling Piper towards the changing rooms. "Just try them please."

Looking at the things Polly had chosen Piper grinned. "What are you doing trying to make me look like Alex? I am not wearing leather pants! Nor this shirt. You can not wear a band shirt if you have never even heard of them!"

Polly shrugged. "OK what about these? Holding up a pair of pale blue jeans she rummaged through the various tops and teamed it with a cotton shirt.

"That's not so bad." Piper agreed, "but the shirt has no buttons!"

Polly laughed, "you are such a grandma sometimes Piper. It is not meant to have buttons. You tie it."

"No!" Piper shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Because I am not going to a gay club with a top I cant wear underwear with, and only a knot to protect my dignity."

Shaking her head Polly sighed "OK this one?"

The next top was not dissimilar to the t shirt Nicky had her wear. This one was electric blue in colour though and when she put it on even Piper had to admit it looked good.

"Yes!" Polly grinned, "your eyes look so blue with that colour. In fact you could get away with boots flat sneakers or heels. So if you want to stay casual…."

Polly knew Piper was nervous, she had refused to go to get her nails or make-up done saying she could do them herself. She wouldn't entertain the conversation about waxing, and now showing even an inch of flesh seemed to freak her out.

Piper looked at the clothes she was wearing in the mirror. Jeans and a t shirt. Simple, and Polly was right, she could wait to see how Alex was dressed and choose her shoes accordingly. Satisfied Piper nodded. "OK, these." she agreed.

"Just buy this one too Piper, please." Polly grinned holding up the button less shirt, "if not for tonight then the next date."

"Oh no," Piper shook her head, "I have already told Alex I am not going through this again."

"What? Going on a date."

Piper nodded. "I cant believe I asked her once, I was a mess. A gibbering wreck who simply made a fool of herself. I know she only agreed because she felt sorry for me. I know she only kissed me to stop me talking."

"She kissed you?!" Polly's eyes widened at this news. "Piper Chapman how have you not told me this! When? How? What was it like?"

Piper groaned. She had not meant to tell Polly this. She knew she would ask questions and Piper had been doing her best to forget how it felt.

"At her house. I was babbling, she was laughing at me because I could not even do a simple thing like ask her to a club, I went to leave, she stopped me and kissed me."

"Like a proper kiss?"

"What do you mean? Piper frowned.

"Don't play dumb Piper, you know what I mean."

Piper sighed. "Yes a proper kiss. On the lips. It was…. Nice."

"Nice? That's it?"

"OK, more than nice. Soft. Gentle… oh I don't know. Any way I left pretty much straight away."

Polly, sensing she was not going to get any more information out of Piper, looked at her watch. "Lets go pay for these then grab some lunch. Then you need to go home a sleep."

"Now whose a grandma!" Piper laughed.

"No I'm serious. Its not just you and Alex going remember. Nicky will be there. You need to conserve energy, you will need it!"

Seeing some logic in Polly's argument she nodded. She even let Polly add the button-less shirt to her pile of clothes, she didn't ever have to wear it after all.

Having eaten and returned home Piper hung up her clothes, sorted several pairs of shoe options, just in case, then went to rest.

o0o

Alex had let Nicky hustle her out of the office early, well 5 o'clock which was early for Alex. She had promised to eat, had promised to rest and had agreed to meet Nicky and Lorna in the club by the back bar as soon as she and Piper got there. Alex grinned. Nicky was acting like a mother hen. She knew Alex liked Piper, it seemed Lorna had had quite the conversation with Piper too, although Nicky was not for telling Alex anything other than she was on to a winner!

Now, having fixed herself soup, a sandwich and some tea Alex decided she would lay down for half an hour. She knew if Nicky was on a mission she would need all her wits and energy tonight. So setting the alarm on her cell phone Alex lay down and closed her eyes. She must have drifted off as it seemed like only seconds later she was jolted awake by the ringing of the alarm. Switching it off she stretched out, feeling the ache in her limbs and wishing she could just stay were she was. Knowing there was absolutely no way Nicky would allow that to happen Alex reluctantly got off the bed and moved into the bathroom. A shower would help revive her and smiling she opened the pink strawberry scented gel Piper had left the first time she had visited Alex's home. The smell filling Alex's bathroom was all Piper.

Feeling calmer somehow Alex wrapped a towel around her hair, another round her body and walked back into the bedroom. Nicky seemed to be expecting her to make some kind of statement tonight. The only statement Alex intended making was who she was. If Piper was even remotely serious about getting into some kind of relationship with her, Alex wanted her to know who she was. Grabbing so faded back jeans, her favourite guns n roses shirt she moved to her underwear drawer. Grabbing some shorts and a bra Alex began to dress. She could already guess Nicky's opinion of her outfit but she really didn't care. She needed to be comfortable tonight as the very fact she was going with Piper was unsettling her enough as it was. Deciding she would make more of an effort with her make up though Alex sat down in front of the mirror by the window. She used to drive her mom mad with her heavy black eye liner and bright red lipstick. Now, not being able to wear it for work, made dressing up like tonight feel more special. This was the part of herself she hid. Tonight she was going as Alex Vause. Piper would see her as she wanted to be seen, all of her not just a part.

Finally placing her glasses on and putting on some black bike boots and grabbing her jacket Alex checked she had her wallet and keys. She would walk to Pipers then get a cab to collect them from there. She was not sure Piper would be ready to leave at the time they had agreed so taking her cell phone too Alex headed out the door.

O0o

Piper was not ready when Alex knocked on the door. Hearing Piper call out "Shit! Hang on!" Alex grinned. The other side of the door Piper was wearing the new jeans but had only got her bra on on top as she applied her make up, grabbing the t shirt from the hanger she pulled it over her half curled hair and dashed for the door.

"Hey," she grinned sorry, "I was in the bedroom, as you can see I am running a little late."

"That's OK." Alex smiled. "I thought you may not be ready so I haven't ordered a cab yet."

"You guessed I'd be late?" Piper frowned.

Alex shrugged, "I know some girls take longer to get ready than others."

Piper snorted, "no you thought I was a preening princess didn't you?"

Alex grinned at the challenge on Pipers face. "Your words Pipes not mine!" she laughed. "So should I make myself comfortable while you finish getting ready? because as good as you look, and I am loving the shirt, I think having half a wet head is not going to work."

"Yes yes." Piper grinned, "look make yourself at home, there is coffee made in the kitchen, there may even be some cake in the tin if you are hungry, I really won't be long."

True to her word Piper was ready 15 minutes later. Having seen, much to her relief, Alex was wearing clothes similar to their last night out, Piper opted for flat shoes and comfort, rather than the heels Polly had been pushing her to wear. When she returned she smiled at the sight of Alex sat on the sofa nursing a mug of coffee with a plate of crumbs being all that was left of the cake she had indeed found.

"You know what, if PoPi's bombed you could go into baking." Alex grinned nodding at the empty plate before her. "Even though it wasn't chocolate it sure was good."

"You think PoPi's will bomb?" Piper asked horrified.

"No!" Alex laughed "in fact I think the opposite and know you will succeed more than succeed, but that's business, we are meant to be going on a date remember."

"Oh come on Alex, you cant say something like that then stop."

"Well Polly isn't here, its hardly fair." Alex pointed out logically.

"OK, so if its good news lets call her."

Alex shrugged. "OK, how about I tell you you can then decide if you want to call Polly tonight but then we drop it OK, no more business."

"Fair enough but you brought it up." Piper pointed out defensively.

"Yes OK. Well we had a meeting with a large international hotel chain this week. We wanted them to take some of our products nationally. I gave them a sample basket of PoPi products. Well we heard back today, they loved them. But, and its a big but Piper, nothing is signed, they don't want to use them in the states. They want to take the lemon scented range and use it in Europe. In the first instance the UK, then France, Germany then Italy."

"Oh my god!" Piper stared at Alex in disbelief. "How likely is this to happen? Alex its huge. But say we cant meet the demand?"

"That's why we need to go over details Piper. It is huge, really huge." Alex grinned, "you are going to get to travel kid. Your dream."

Alex watched Pipers face as fear, excitement and nerves washed over her. "You going to call Polly?" She prompted.

Piper shook her head. "No, you were right there is too many details to iron out to get excited yet. But, oh god Alex, I may get to see Europe, travel, oh god!"

Alex nodded grinning. "You deserve it kid, you both do. I know you sacrificed a lot for this."

"Oh we need to go celebrate!" Piper grinned. "I know its not a done deal but we can celebrate the possibility right?"

"You bet! In fact the first round of shots are on me, we will save the champagne until when the deal is signed. Now, no more business. We need to leave before Nicky comes hunt us down."

Nodding Piper grabbed her bag.

"You need a bag?" Alex frowned.

"Well yes, I have keys, phone, money…"

"Give!" Alex held out her hand and Piper handed her bag over. Alex emptied the contents onto the table. "God Pipes, you are such a girl!" She laughed, "you do not need a comb, lipstick, and perfume. Here." She unhooked Pipers front door key and put it on her own fob then grabbing Pipers wallet and putting the cash alongside her own she said "I know the jeans are tight, not that I'm complaining," she winked letting her gaze wander over Pipers legs, "but you have the phone I'll look after the rest, then you can leave the rest of this crap behind."

"Its not crap!" Piper muttered but following Alex out of the door she couldn't help smile. Teasing Alex she said "I bet Nicky lets Lorna take a purse."

"Yes I'm sure she does, and I bet we hear her moan about it all evening too!"

Laughing Piper climbed into the cab. She watched the city pass by, thinking how little she remembered of her last trip there. Once they were inside Alex held her hand and said "You ready for this?"

"Ready for what?" Piper asked not sure what Alex was referring too.

Seconds later though she heard "Blondie! You are here, about time. From across the bar."

"That!" Alex muttered squeezing her hand. "OK lets go kid."

Soon Piper was laughing and drinking and feeling far more comfortable than she had expected. When Nicky insisted they all go dance Piper hesitated, "I am not sure I am drunk enough yet." she laughed, "you go." She grinned at Alex. Lorna she was relieved to see was as reluctant to hit the dance floor as her.

"I hate dancing." Lorna admitted as she watched Nicky spin and shake and grinding against Alex who gave as good as she got. "Look at her though she is crazy and I love seeing her enjoy herself like this."

Piper was watching Alex as she listened to Lorna talk. She couldn't take her eyes of the tall dark beauty of her. As she laughed and whipped her hair round Piper grinned. "They both know how to have fun." She agreed. "Alex looks so different out there."

"You pleased you asked her?" Lorna asked smiling as she saw Pipers gazed never wavering from Alex.

"Yes" Piper smiled. "Although as much as the music here is amazing, and as much as I actually quite like dancing, I am not sure I will ever be able to take Nicky's place on the dance floor there is not enough vodka in the world to get me dancing like that!"

"Well I'd drink up if I was you they seem to be heading this way!" Lorna grinned handing Piper a shot glass and grabbing one herself.

"Come on blondie, you have had my girl to yourself long enough, swap!" Nicky grinned. And not giving Lorna a chance to argue dragged her away from the bar.

"Well?" Alex quirked an eyebrow "you coming to dance?"

Piper cringed, "I cant dance like Nicky." she squirmed.

Alex smiled, "Good. I don't want you too." She took the glass Piper was holding and placed it on the bar. "Come on." she grinned. Piper was surprised though when Alex didn't pull her in the direction of the main dance floor, but to a quieter section where, Piper noticed, not the frantic dancing she had watched Nicky excel at but rather couples dancing together.

Pulling Piper close Alex pushed Pipers hair back gently over one shoulder and lent down to whisper in her ear. "Less likely to be disturbed here, plus I get to hold you like this." She pulled Piper closer wrapping her long arms loosely round Pipers waist. "Just move with me Pipes, no-one is watching."

Piper closed her eyes. The feel of Alex's arms around her actually comforting, the sound of her husky voice in her ear giving her goosebumps on her bare arms. Looking up at Alex's smiling eyes Piper grinned, "You used my gel! I can smell strawberries."

Alex dipped her head in confirmation. "It smells of you Pipes. Definitely my favourite."

"And there was me thinking you were a coffee girl." Piper grinned.

"Oh I am," Alex smirked "but I used this one tonight hoping I could hold you like this and then you would be able to smell how good you smell!"

Piper laughed, "oh smooth Alex, smooth!"

Alex grinned, "I thought so." She tugged Piper closer, "now see how nice this feels."

Piper blushed.

"Why have you gone all shy?" Alex smiled, she loved the pink in Pipers cheeks, it thrilled her that she could put the colour there so easily, but she wasn't sure what was causing it.

"It just feels, I don't know weird."

Alex laughed, "you calling me weird Piper?"

"No" Piper smiled back. "But being here with you like this is weird."

"In public you mean?"

"No, yes, no.." Piper stumbled over her words again "Shit! no. not really. Look at me!" she was whispering as if people may hear some big secret. "I cant even talk when I am this close to you!"

Alex hugged Piper tight. "God Pipes, right now, in this moment I wish we weren't here. But I am also very glad we are."

"You do?" Piper frowned "why?"

"I wish we were alone so I could kiss you. Properly kiss you not like the other day. But I am glad we are here because I think part of me knows if I did kiss you I would scare you off."

Piper didn't answer. She buried her head into Alex neck and thought about what Alex was telling her. She wanted her. Really wanted her. But she also knew Alex was right, she was scared.

"Pipes," Alex whispered. "Look at me, please."

Piper lifted her head.

"I promise you Piper this is your call OK. Nothing we do or don't do unless you want it."

Piper nodded and rested her head back on Alex shoulder. Piper was aware of other couples around them, aware they were in fact barely moving just swaying gently in each others arms, but she didn't care.

"You fit perfectly." Alex whispered a moment later. This time Piper felt herself shiver as the words touched her ear then the rest of her body. "You feel it don't you?"

Piper nodded.

Feeling Piper tremble in her arms had Alex swearing. "Shit! come on." Suddenly Alex pulled away grabbing Pipers hand she led her back to the bar.

The relief Alex felt on seeing Nicky was immense. "Nicky line them up!" she called cheerfully. Piper following behind felt dazed. What had just happened?

Handing Piper a glass then swallowing her own Alex quickly ordered more.

"You OK?" Lorna asked Piper quietly, looking from Alex who seemed strangely hyper to Piper who seemed dazed.

Piper shrugged then nodded.

"Blondie we need to dance!"

"Oh I don't know," Piper looked at Alex to rescue her but Alex was already ordering more drinks and before she could call on Lorna's help Piper was pulled half way to the dance floor. As Nicky threw her arms in the air whooping and grinning Piper looked around wondering if she could escape to the bathroom. "Loosen up Piper!" Nicky called, grabbing at Pipers arms and making her mimic her own actions. Deciding it was easier and safer to go along with Nicky, Piper tried to forget where she was and just go with the flow of people around her.

At the bar Alex was struggling also.

"What happened?" Lorna asked once Piper and Nicky were out of earshot.

"Nothing," Alex shrugged, "just needed a drink."

"Sure I get that," Lorna nodded, "except you have just knocked back 3! come on, what happened?"

Alex looked at Lorna. "We danced. Piper got all flustered, admitted I make her nervous. I promised I wouldn't do a thing unless she wanted me too. But holding her close, feeling her breath on my neck, god I wanted to take her Lorna, right there on the dance floor! Shit! I felt her trembling and my mind exploded, I just needed to get some space between us. For her sake as much as mine!" Alex rubbed a hand down her face. "She is worth more than a one night stand, is so much better than just sex yet, god Lorna, I want her. So I ran, well dragged her here to the safety of you and Nick and alcohol."

Lorna smiled. "She might want the same as you Alex."

Alex nodded, "yeah I know but I really don't think she is ready. God that sounds stupid. But I am not sure she has thought this through. I'm gay Lorna. Sure Piper knows that but I am not sure she has thought about the implications."

"What implications?" Lorna frowned. "Damn it Alex, she isn't a kid. Talk to her. Not here, its not the place, but if you have concerns you need to voice them. She does too."

"Did you? Have concerns I mean."

"Sure a few. I mean its Nicky right, I should be concerned!" Lorna winked. "But my concerns are not Pipers. Look." Lorna pointed to Piper who was being twirled by an over excited Nicky "Go rescue her before Nicky injures her! I'm sure she will thank you!"

As Alex let herself be pushed towards the dance-floor she was relieved when the tempo of the music slowed once more.

"Hop it Nichols, this dance is mine." She was watching Pipers face, ignoring the over dramatic protestations of Nicky, who thankfully quickly became distracted by Lorna's appearance. Alex was pleased to see relief on Pipers face and holding out her hand was glad Piper quickly took it and stepped forward looping her arms around Alex neck.

"You could have rescued me sooner." she grinned.

"I could," Alex admitted "but then you may not have been so grateful to see me." she winked "This way your gratitude lets me do this." Alex pulled Piper flush against her and arms low on Pipers hips she swayed them together as she whispered "Also, I was confessing to Lorna how much I wanted you. She basically told me to stop being a pussy and to come get you."

"I love Lorna!" Piper grinned.

"Yes well enough about Lorna," Alex growled "how about we leave here early, grab a cab back to yours and you feed me what's left of that cake."

Piper sniggered, "Now the truth comes out. It is my cake you are after."

"Oh yes, believe me if it had been chocolate we would not have made it here at all!"

"Well at least I know how to keep your attention."

"Pipes, you just have to look at me with those big blue eyes and you have my attention." Alex admitted. "And when you blush like that," Alex stroked Pipers flushed cheek. "Well lets just say its a good job we are still in public."

"And if we were at home?" Piper felt a thrill go through her.

Alex stared into Pipers eyes before throwing a question back at her. "You want to go find out?"

Nodding it was Piper who pulled back from Alex's arms this time, Piper who took Alex hand and Piper who led the way of the dance floor.

"We should tell Nick we are going." Alex said as she let herself be led off the floor.

"OK," Piper nodded looking round to see if she could spot the other couple. "I cant see them."

Alex began looking too, also having no luck.

"I'll send her a text." Alex finally decided and slinging her arm round Pipers shoulder made towards the door.

"And where do you think you two are sneaking off too?" Came an amused voice behind them as they reached the door.

"Nick, hey we were looking for you. We're off. In fact," she raised an eyebrow at the coat Nicky was carefully placing round Lorna's shoulders "I am guessing you were actually the ones sneaking off here!"

"Caught in the act!" Lorna grinned. "You want to share a cab?"

"Sure," Alex shrugged, and together the two couples walked outside.

"You want to come back to ours?" Nicky asked "I bought some fine scotch whisky. Just perfect for sharing."

"Not tonight Nick," Alex said calmly, "another time maybe."

"OK," Nicky shrugged, "where shall we drop you?"

"Pipers is fine, I can walk from there." Alex tried to sound casual, like she was just ensuring Piper got home safe. She didn't miss the small smile Lorna shot Piper, or the kick she gave Nicky when the woman was about to challenge Alex's decision.

As they waved the cab off Alex grinned. "Remind me to buy Lorna some flowers, did you see the well aimed kick she delivered back there."

Piper grinned "Poor Nicky."

"Poor Nicky nothing, its about time someone taught her when to keep her mouth shut."

Alex fished Pipers key from her pocket and opened the door. As Piper went into the kitchen Alex sorted out Pipers money and keys placing them back on the table. Turning she grinned as Piper entered holding a plate with a large wedge of cake,.

"Coffee will be a few minutes." she smiled, "I may not have fine whisky like Nicky," she admitted "but I have some raspberry vodka if you are feeling brave."

"Raspberry? Seriously?" Alex asked sounded more disgusted than intrigued.

Piper grinned "its nice!" Fetching some shot glasses from the cupboard and the bottle she sat next to Alex on the sofa. "You brave enough?"

"Go on then." Alex laughed. Sipping a little gingerly before swallowing the shot Alex nodded, "not bad." She grinned. Piper poured her another then reached for a fork.

"Hey I thought this was my cake." Alex moved the plate away out of Pipers reach.

"So its all cake you don't share, not just chocolate!" Piper laughed.

"Listen," Alex put on her serious face, "I will share most things, drink, time, even my body," she winked breaking the serious face she had been holding "but cake? I don't know Piper."

"OK." Piper nodded just as seriously "I guess I was coming at this from a different perspective; you see I was thinking I was sharing my drink and cake with you, not the other way round. Technically that is my cake."

Alex smiled, "maybe we could barter. One mouthful of cake for one kiss?"

Pipers eyes squinted as she tried to look serious. "You will pay me one kiss if I let you have one bite of cake?"

Alex nodded.

"I thought you liked cake, is it not worth more?"

Alex grinned, "fair point, well made."

"How about," Piper smiled "we forget the coffee, have one more shot each, I bag up the cake so you can take it home and we just kiss!"

Alex eyes widened at Pipers bold suggestion.

"Really? You sure Pipes? I mean really sure."

"Yes Alex, it is why we left after all isn't it?"

Alex nodded. "I need to say something first though." She took a deep breath. "I meant it when I said we would only do what you wanted, I really meant it Pipes. But you need to know something.

I am gay."

Piper frowned. "Yeah I kind of knew that!" She nodded, knowing Alex obviously wanted her to take this seriously, but not sure what point she was trying to make.

Alex closed her eyes nodding. "I know you do, but I am not sure if you have thought about this, about us, if there becomes an us."

"You are asking if I want a relationship? Or if I know what one is?" Piper could see where Alex was going with this.

"Both I guess." Alex nodded.

"OK, well I like you," Piper smiled. "A lot. If I didn't you wouldn't be here now. I wouldn't have asked you out tonight. Do I want a relationship, I honestly don't know Alex, I feel I failed at the last one big time, I guess I cant say yes to that right now. Do I know what a gay relationship is? Well unless there is a secret code involved, or some other mystery you gorgeous gay women are keeping to yourselves, I assume it is the same as any relationship. Two people who care for each other, wanting to spend time together and share their lives. Am I missing something?"

Alex smiled. "No Pipes you are not missing something, I just wanted to be sure you knew what you were doing."

"No probably not." Piper grinned, "but I can always blame the alcohol right." She laughed at Alex indignant expression.

"Oh believe me kid, you wont be looking to blame anything."

Piper flushed at the promise in Alex's words and the sight of Pipers pink cheeks immediately had Alex shift closer.

"You know, when you blush you are more beautiful than anyone I have ever seen." Alex whispered. "Come here." Alex held out her hand inviting Piper closer, she was thrilled when Piper put down the glass she had been fiddling with and shifted so they were sitting close enough that their knees touched.

"Can I kiss you know Piper?" Alex asked seriously.

"Yes." Piper smiled and leaned forward, not taking her eyes of Alex. Alex closed the gap resting her hands on Pipers knees groaning as their lips touched, the feeling so much better than she remembered. Pulling back she saw Piper frown.

"Why did you stop?" Piper whispered.

"Because," Alex took a breath, "because god Piper, I want more."

"So do I." Piper smiled. "Just kiss me Alex, please."

Alex didn't hesitate this time, she was not soft, gentle or restrained. Burying her fingers in Pipers hair she pulled the blonde woman towards her. As their lips touched Alex shifted slightly taking Pipers lower lip between hers and sucking, then biting gently. Hearing Piper groan Alex stroked her tongue over the area she had just bitten and was rewarded by Piper shifting closer, practically on Alex's lap now, her own hands gripping Alex shoulders as if she was scared she was about to fall. As Alex gently stroked Pipers lower lip, Piper gave in, allowing Alex access and immediately moaning as feelings of total desire washed over her. Almost unconsciously she pulled back gasping.

Looking at the dazed woman still holding onto her, Alex smiled, "I need to go Pipes." she said gently.

"You do? What? Why?" Piper looked suddenly scared as if she had done something wrong.

Alex smiled and stroked her face gently. "Because I have had a lovely night. And as much as I don't want it to end I think this is a perfect ending." Alex smiled. "Now come on woman," she grinned "go get me cake and walk me to the door."

Alex pulled Piper up cursing quietly her own restraint. What she wanted to do was take Piper into the bedroom shut the door and not leave all weekend. But she was not going to rush this, she needed to make sure Piper was ready for each and every step of what may lay ahead. As she waited for Piper to return with the cake boxed up Alex knew she would have trouble sleeping tonight.

"There you go." Piper held the cake towards Alex who, instead of taking the box, grabbed Pipers wrist catching her off guard and pulling her laughing back into her arms. As Piper looked up at her laughter shining in her eyes Alex lowered her head and kissed her once more. Bodies pressed together Alex leaning against the wall for support as she let her free hand stroke Pipers back she was soon lost in the feeling of Pipers soft body pressed against her, Pipers tongue stroking her own and, she groaned, Pipers hands wrapping around her clinging to her head as if scared to let her go.

"Pipes," she moaned.

Piper pulled back her blue eyes, Alex noticed, darkened with desire. "Pipes I need to go."

Piper stepped back. She watched Alex open the door, and walk down the stairs. Returning to the sofa Piper sat down. She had been wrong. She had told Alex she thought she knew what she was getting into but she had been wrong.

Kissing Alex Vause was nothing like kissing Larry. Nothing like any kiss she had had with any man.

Piper knew she was in trouble.

o0o

A/N: Oh boy, hope this is OK. Will be watching my messages from behind my fingers, scared I haven't done them justice. Nervously awaiting your verdict ;-) Ax