A/N: Enjoy.
Disclaimers: I don't own PLL.
This work includes: Violence, Mentions of Child Abuse, Murder, Suicidal Thoughts, Sex Scenes, Coarse Language. PTSD.
PART THREE
The FBI had their hands full Alison noted, they had caught thirteen potential suspects in the woods and 'rescued' the four injured girls. Alison and the girls 'would be rescuers' were counted among the suspects and hauled down to the station for questioning along with the rest of the A Team. And then it was just a shit fight.
The Feds were still somewhat convinced that Alison was the mastermind of the whole operation, they'd told her as such on the car ride back. So when she'd been dragged to a cell filled with other members of the A Team, Alison made sure the Feds knew which side Ali played on.
A well placed comment at Lucas suggesting they should put him in a women's correctional facility, was the straw that broke the camels back, most of the A Team rallied for her head. Lucas especially lashed out with threats of murdering her in her sleep. She didn't like that it worked but it did and the Feds led Alison to her own private interrogation room. When everything came out they finally started to open up to the idea that no Alison didn't have a fucking clue what Bethany and Andrew had planned for them all.
Alison was a mess by the time her arm had been stitched up and she had been throughly examined for signs of a concussion. She was a mess trying to deal with the dull ache that filled her head and the never ending barrage of questions because once the questions started they just didn't stop.
She was held at the police station for what felt like days but was later confirmed to only be seventeen hours. The whole A Team were separated and questioned. Somewhere in the woods Bethany and Andrew were found in an incredibly anti climatic end, someone briefly mentioned a feral dog but the Agent shut the door before Ali could hear more.
And finally, finally the whole story came out, everyones' part in the grand play was revealed. One grizzle detail at a time.
Alison ratted on Noel and Eric the second she got a chance, telling the FBI all about the Kahn brothers' little cabin ravers and the trouble they'd caused. Noel's connection to Wilden specifically covering up the dirty cops dealings (surprise surprise, it involved underage girls) as well as his own fun little drug habit, was what Ali had to keep him in line, thanks to Cece.
Alison spilled all to the Feds, the Jenna thing, her fake kidnapping story, her mother killing her aunt, her mother burying her alive, Bethany and Andrew's endless hunt for revenge, Mona's real and fake craziness, Melissa burying Sara Harvey, Ian attempting to kill Spencer, Ezra's book, Paige hitting Sara and vacantly Alison recounted killing Maya just hours before, she still felt numb like it had never really happened.
Melissa was charged with Sara Harvey's murder and had lawyered up immediately, Paige was charged with attempted murder, Aria was being charged with second degree manslaughter for Shana's death. Jenna was implicated in Garret's death but no evidence could corroborate that she had killed him, Wilden took the fall for that. Jenna maintained Shana had targeted the NAT club members, along with Wilden and with both the cop and Shana dead it was impossible to prove Jenna had any knowledge of Shana's intentions. Cece was still in the wind and Alison hoped her friend would stay that way.
Wren was stripped of his medical licence and charges were to be drawn up for his part in the tangled web, Alison still wasn't sure how he fit into everything apart from using his clearance at Radley.
Cindy and Mindy were looking at community service for their part in Mona's schemes and setting up Alison for murder. Sydney too would be joining them though not for as long as she had quickly pled out by caving on Jenna. Mike got dragged in for his knowledge of Mona's plans to fake her murder but Alison hadn't heard if he was to be charged with anything.
Lucas was being charged with assault, stalking, harassment and threatening another he was most likely going to prison unless he pled out to community service and rolled on Andrew.
Bethany and Mona were both being moved to separate state facilities, Mona either snapping under the pressure of being caught or playing another grand trick was back to her insane ramblings. Bethany was clearly unhinged and an investigation was being done into Radley and its board members to straighten out her story, the whole place was to be temporarily shut down.
Andrew was going away for a long time to a maximum security facility. The Feds were particularly interested in his entire set up and Alison had no doubt when the news broke it would be a frenzy.
Alison was charged for obstruction of justice, lying in an investigation, covering up a mountain of evidence and last but not least her involvement in the Jenna thing. An initial sweep of Maya and the scene had temporarily been ruled an act of self defence especially with Alison's three star witnesses all of whom swore Maya had intended to kill Alison. In a happy turn of events or maybe not so happy, Ali was awarded time already served for her months in prison over Mona's now very obviously fake murder. Alison suspected a lot of it was to prevent her from suing the department for unlawful imprisonment but she'd take her freedom either way.
The girls were looking at more community service after they recovered from their ordeal, expect Aria, who would likely be spending at least a year in a low security facility. They'd all been taken to the hospital and Alison was itching to see them, the boys had already been released and most likely were already there, though no one had called Alison. Jason as the last remaining member of the NAT club was charged for filming without consent, spying on underage girls and having possession of essentially underage pornography. He would be going away for at least three years on good behaviour and Alison didn't really know how to feel about that.
She didn't really know how to feel about any of it, the joy and relief that should have come with the knowledge that it was finally over, that A was gone, was missing. Because as safe as the girls were and as happy as that made Ali all she had were flitters of memories or dreams of another place. A better place and the cold hard look Emily had given her after she slapped the blonde, Alison couldn't even begin to imagine them getting to that kind of place ever again.
"Well Alison don't take this the wrong way but I hope this is goodbye," Tanner smirked somewhat and Alison tried to smile politely.
This woman still had no idea what they had been through the terror, the fear of everyone, the lack of trust Bethany and Andrew had created, not to mention the amount of dirty cops this town had uncovered. Alison just hoped the Feds took over completely, Rosewood PD needed to be flushed out.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Alison cordially replied.
Tanner opened the backdoor to the station, the reporters were swarming the front and Alison's father was picking her up under police protection in the parking lot.
"Can you do me a favour?" Alison looked back to Tanner, to see the woman tense. "It's not huge."
"Ask and we'll see," Tanner truthfully rejoined.
Alison sighed, that was the best she could hope for under the circumstances.
"Aria Montgomery," Alison started. "She killed Shana and it was self defence and if we hadn't have run she wouldn't have been charged right?"
Tanner shrugged, this woman obviously didn't like hypotheticals which was weird for a cop but Alison pressed on.
"Just remember we knew how dirty Wilden was, we did something stupid but you can see why it happened can't you?" Alison pleaded.
Tanner titled her head and studied Alison for a long moment.
"We'll keep it in mind," was all she offered, gesturing at the door.
Alison nodded in thanks and headed through.
Her father hollowly stood by his car and she met his tired eyes briefly. He opened the passenger door for her and waved at Tanner who stood at the doorway to the station.
"I'm telling you, he's feral," an angry voice grumbled. "We should have just shot him-"
"Animal control are coming, just hold your horses," another voice argued.
Alison was half way into the car when she caught sight of the two officers arguing near a cruiser in the parking lot. A loud pained whine sounded before vicious barking as one of the officers yelled into the cruiser.
"Just shut up, you stupid mutt," he tapped at the window and a dog launched itself snapping at the glass.
As the dog pressed itself up against the window trying to break through, Alison got a good look at him.
"Pepe," Alison bolted from the car as her father tried to shut the door and sprinted across the parking lot.
"You better not pee in there," one of the officers muttered.
"Thats my dog," Alison screeched skidding to a halt in front of them.
The officers turned to Alison, Pepe whined catching sight of her.
"Ah sorry, princess," one of the officers patronized. "But animal control's already been called."
Alison crossed her arms.
"Well tell them I got my dog and they don't need to bother," Alison retorted reaching past the officer for the car door.
The other officer grabbed her arm tightly and Pepe started slamming himself against the window again viciously barking.
"He's obviously dangerous," the dickhead smugly retorted. "You can't take him."
"Get your hands off me and he'll calm down," Alison argued.
She glared pointedly at him when he didn't let go. What was it with officers and just grabbing people in this town. The officer took back his hand slowly.
"Its alright, Pepe," Ali called gently trying to calm the angry dog.
Pepe's barking eased off as Alison approached the door. He wagged his tail a bit as she pressed a hand to the window.
"Hi, baby," she cooed through the glass. "Did you miss me?"
Pepe yipped happily.
"You'll have to deal with animal control," dickhead number two grumbled.
"He's my dog," Alison argued.
"Do you have papers?" the other challenged.
"Yes," Alison snapped. "I just carry my dog's papers everywhere."
"Well he's got an appointment with a needle so you're gonna have to be quick," dickhead one laughed.
Alison stepped up into his face, Pepe growling low in the car.
"If you think you're taking my dog anywhere, asshole, you're about-"
"Alison," Tanner cut in sharply.
Alison glared at the officer her very obvious threat left unfinished, she didn't take her eyes off him until Tanner snapped again.
"Alison. I must be seeing things because I was almost certain you were threatening an officer not three seconds after you were released," Tanner crossed her arms shaking her head in disappointment.
Alison looked back to Pepe who was whimpering in the car, his sad puppy eyes imploring Ali to do something. She squeezed her eyes shut painfully for a second and turned back to Lieutenant Tanner.
"I got lost in the heat of the moment," Alison grumbled, swallowing her pride. "I'm sorry."
"You should be," Tanner glared.
Alison hung her head, not in shame of her actions but in shame that she couldn't protect Pepe. Animal control was unlikely to take her word over the cops and no matter what anyone said Pepe was scared and lashing out, and though she could relate to that, it wasn't going to help her case that he wasn't dangerous.
"Officer Peters I can't believe you were careless enough to leave your door open," Tanner admonished the officer.
"Sir?" Peters asked with confusion.
"Honestly, you're just lucky," Tanner grumbled stepping past Alison and opening the backdoor. "That the potentially dangerous dog escaping is of little importance in such a ground breaking case."
Tanner fished into backseat for the rope tied to Pepe's neck, she pulled him out gently all the while lecturing the officer's about their apparent 'carelessness'.
"I expect your reports of what happened on my desk first thing," Tanner told them both, placing the rope into Alison's hands. "The dog escaped we figured it was a stray and it barked at two suspects and alerted authorities to their hiding place."
Alison took the rope stunned, she pulled Pepe sharply to her when he growled at Peters.
"Thank you," Ali whispered to Tanner.
"For what?" Tanner tilted her head in confusion. "Didn't I tell you I didn't want to see you again?"
Alison nodded and whistled for Pepe to heal, they rushed back to the car as Tanner continued to lecture the stunned officers.
Her father watched as she loaded Pepe into the backseat and climbed in after him.
"He's staying with us," was all Alison offered her father.
Kenneth nodded and started the car not wanting to argue. Pepe lay himself across Alison's lap wanting to stay close and Alison curled her fingers into his soft fur.
"I'm so sorry, baby," she whispered to him. "We're going home."
He whined as she rubbed at his back soothingly and maybe with Pepe it would finally start to feel like a home.
When they got back to the house her father mumbled something about needing to sort out a lawyer for Jason and slammed the door to his study. Alison hadn't really expected much and she could see her father was obviously struggling with everything that had been revealed, but she had thought, foolishly it appeared, that he would be glad his daughter was alive and not a deranged sociopath like everyone thought.
She decided it didn't matter and her father had checked out of her life a long time ago, she took Pepe upstairs and set him up in the master bathroom.
"You're a stinky boy aren't you?" she cooed at Pepe, his tongue hung out happily as she petted his head.
She ran the water in the tub as she got some old towels and shampoo out.
"Come on, Pepe in you get," she called directing him into the tub.
He jumped in a little reluctantly and it was nice to have something mundane to concentrate on as she washed him.
"Are you happy to be home?" she asked lathering shampoo into his dirty fur. "I'm happy you're home."
Pepe licked her face when she was close enough. She giggled pushing him off.
"I almost forgot how affectionate you are. The only person you like to kiss more is Em right?" Ali's smile faulted a little.
Pepe barked when Alison stopped washing and she shook her head scrubbing her dog clean.
"We'll see her soon buddy I promise," Ali whispered, promising herself too. Even if Emily just wanted to be friends Alison refused to live without her mermaid, it would hurt but she would deal.
Pepe wagged his tail happily and Alison poured clean water over him to wash away the soap he shook himself when she was half way through.
"Gah Pepe, you're as bad as Toby," she giggled shielding herself too late as she caught all the spray in her face. Pepe titled his head at like he was trying to understand her words.
"Toby in my head," she muttered remembering that wasn't real.
"I think I'm going crazy, baby," she cooed sadly to Pepe.
He licked her chin softly.
"Thanks, Pepe, I love you too," Ali whispered hugging him to her.
She was already soaking wet so it hardly mattered. It was just nice to hold something in this world that loved her back in spite of everything she had done, Pepe didn't care that she was a bitch and had made people cry Pepe liked treats and walks and that Alison patted him, he was simple and affectionate and she loved him for it.
When she was brushing his hair out later, cooing and babying him as usual she wondered how she was going to get into the hospital assuming the girls were still there. No one had called to tell her anything and she suspected the girls' parents would be happily cutting her out of their daughters' lives, maybe that was for the best, she'd caused them enough pain already. Pepe whined when she pulled too sharply on a knot and she apologized profusely deciding he was probably just going to get mattered again in a few hours. They headed down to the kitchen to find some dog food, it turned out Jason threw it all out so Pepe got premium mince instead. He didn't seem to mind.
There was press everywhere, several streets in the neighbourhood were blocked off by the police to protect the Hastings and DiLaurentis houses, as Alison strolled to the hospital she found that Emily and Toby's street was also blocked off. The police were in full force trying to control the crowds who were interested in how the wholesome teenagers of Rosewood could be involved in such sadistic games, murder, escaped mental patients, plots and victims it was all the stuff of legends.
Alison had had to step up her Darkbloom disguise to include a trench coat, red stood out way too much and she wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. She'd left Pepe in the backyard, with the gate firmly locked and a steady supply of water. Pepe had whined when she put him outside and she felt terrible but she needed to see the girls. Needed to see how they were coping because she was barely hanging on.
The press were barely contained at the hospital entrance several uniformed officers trying to hold them back. Alison spotted Mrs Marin yelling at her ex-husband in the waiting room before he stepped forward looking for all the world like he was going to slap the woman. Mr Fields was in his face in the next second and the two men stared at each other before Tom Marin shook his head and stormed off. He emerged from the hospital to be met with the swarm.
"Mr Marin! Is your daughter alright?"
"Do you know what happened?"
"Was she sexually assaulted?"
"Mr Marin!"
Tom ignored them all and stormed off to his car. The majority of them followed him shouting more questions and Alison wanted to throttle everyone of the vultures for their disrespect. The officers on the barrier couldn't do much but as Tom pushed past them intent to get out as soon as possible.
Alison took the opportunity to slip up to the barrier.
"No one-"
Alison lifted up her dark sunglasses and smiled sheepishly. The officer recognized her instantly and Ali was just lucky enough she'd managed to pick a rare member of Rosewoods finest, because this gentleman had a brain. He lifted the barrier aside and ushered Alison in without a word and she gave him a thankful head nod. Between this guy and Tanner's good deed with Pepe maybe Ali's faith in law enforcement could be replaced.
She approached the huddled group in the waiting room cautiously.
"Hi," she softly uttered.
Everyone looked up and it was like being dissected under a thousand different eyes. Mrs Marin just looked tired and drained like she didn't really believe Alison was standing before her. Mr and Mrs Hastings wore opposing expressions of reserved anger and relief. Mr and Mrs Montgomery were carefully neutral but somewhat shaken and Mrs Fields was just shaking her head staring at Alison while Mr Fields offered Ali a small flat smile. Ezra and Toby were hesitant but nodded in greeting and Caleb looked like he was going to murder her.
"Can I see them?" she asked softly.
"They're sleeping right now, sweetie," Mrs Hastings told Ali softly and she sounded apologetic.
"Oh," Alison tried to keep the disappointment off her face. "Are they.."
It seemed stupid to ask if they were ok, because of course they weren't ok, they were fucking traumatized because it turned out Alison wasn't the worst apple in her sadistic family tree.
"They will be," Mrs Hastings promised understanding what Alison was trying to ask. "When they're home with their families."
"Is there anything I can do?" Alison asked pathetically, she just wanted to help somehow.
"Yeah," Caleb stood angrily. "Take you're friends and leave us all alone."
"I don't-"
"Did you really need more publicity" Caleb hissed as though Ali had called the press and invited them along.
"When would be a better time to see the girls?" Alison asked Mrs Hastings ignoring Caleb.
"They're going to be released later tonight," Mrs Hastings shared.
"Maybe I could-"
"Make sure the cameras get a good shot of you visiting the girls like the 'good friend' you are," Caleb spat bitterly as he cut her off.
Alison took a deep breath and tried to ignore him, he was angry and feeling helpless and she was a good target, she got it and she wasn't going to rise to his baiting.
"Could I come see Em?" Alison asked Mr and Mrs Fields. "Please, I won't stay long-"
"Just long enough for a front page pic," Caleb muttered.
Alison clenched her fists.
"If it wasn't for me they wouldn't be alive," Alison rounded on him.
"If it weren't for you they wouldn't be in this mess," Caleb yelled.
The reporters outside finally noticed what was happening inside and started taking pictures through the window as Caleb got up into Alison's face.
"If you weren't such a bitch none of this-"
"Caleb," Toby stood. "Thats enough, you were there this all started because of something Mrs DiLaurentis did, not Ali."
Caleb glared at Alison but went back to his seat next to Mrs Marin. The older woman latched onto him.
"I just wanted to see them," Ali softly admitted.
Mrs Hastings moved to Alison's side.
"I know you did, sweetie," Mrs Hastings soothed. "But now really isn't a good time."
Alison looked over the rest of the parents and loved ones of her girls and found no one else would really look her in the eyes.
"Of course I… I'm sorry," Ali whispered defeatedly.
The cameras outside snapped frantically as Alison turned on her heel. The doors opened as she stepped up to them and she was greeted with a roar from the press.
"Alison!"
"Alison!"
"Is it true you faked your death!"
"Are you close with Andrew!"
"Is it true he's your brother!"
"Did you sleep with him!"
"How well did you know Bethany!"
"Did you really try to kill Mona Vanderwaal!"
Alison rolled her eyes and tried to ignore them all as she slipped up to the barrier. The officer who had let her in before looked vaguely sympathetic and she gave him a small smile.
The press surged forward as she stepped around the barrier, crowding her on all sides and she felt like she was suffocating under the questions and yelling and what felt like a million people in her face.
"Out of the way," a loud voice commanded.
The press parted still barraging Alison with questions but made room for the new comer. Mrs Hastings pushed through the rest of them and turned shielding Alison as best she could.
"I'm driving you home," was all she offered Alison before she was barking at two of the four cops on the barrier. "Do your damn jobs!"
They jumped into action under her commanding tone and the crowds were pushed back as two officers escorted Alison and Mrs Hastings to her car. When they were buckled in and finally pulling out of the hospital park lot after Mrs Hastings had almost run over a reporter, Alison finally started to relax enough to question why Mrs Hastings was driving her home.
"Shouldn't you be with Spencer?" Alison asked gently.
"Spencer's father is there if she needs anything and I'm going straight back after I drop you home," Mrs Hastings told her.
Alison nodded, that still didn't explain why Mrs Hastings cared if Alison was swamped by reporters or not.
"Alison," Mrs Hastings said seriously. "None of this was your fault."
Alison looked down at her lap.
"You know that right?" Mrs Hastings implored.
The car came to a stop just before the DiLaurentis drive.
"Alison," Mrs Hastings called. "You didn't answer my question."
"I'm trying to Mrs Hastings, sometimes it feels like all I do is try but no to answer bluntly I don't know its not my fault because it was my mother who killed Bethany and Andrew's mom and it was my parents who locked Bethany up and sent Andrew away and it was me who lied about it and…"
"Alison," Mrs Hastings cut in sharply.
She pulled Alison's head up so they were looking into each others eyes.
"None of this is your fault," Mrs Hastings intoned seriously. "None."
Alison sniffled.
"Thank you for the lift, Mrs Hastings," Alison whispered softly wiping at her cheeks quickly, she slipped out the door.
"Alison," Mrs Hastings called just before Alison closed the door.
"Yes," Alison asked hesitant as to what else this woman could have to say to her.
"Come see Spencer some time I think she could use a friend," Mrs Hastings smiled warmly and Alison nodded a little dumbfounded.
As Alison watched Mrs Hastings head back to the hospital Alison felt a little lighter at least one of her friends parents didn't think she was evil incarnate and coming from Veronica Hastings of all people that was a pretty big step. Alison counted it a victory as she fetched Pepe from the backyard and settled in for the night.
The next morning Alison gathered all her courage to head over to the Fields home, she got there early to avoid the reporters and knocked on the door a little before seven knowing the Fields liked to be up early. Mrs Fields opened the door with a scowl.
"Alison it is very early."
"Please, Mrs Fields I just need to see Emily."
"Thats not a good idea right now, Alison," Mrs Fields shook her head sadly.
"But-"
"She's not sleeping well and she needs to rest," Mrs Fields cut Alison off sternly.
"Maybe I could-"
"You're of no help here, I'm sorry," but she didn't sound sorry for Alison at all.
Mrs Fields started to close the door and Alison threw out a hand.
"Can you tell her I stopped by," Alison pleaded.
"When she's feeling better I'll let her know," Mrs Fields offered.
That didn't sound promising at all.
"Thank you, Mrs Fields," Alison answered because what else could she say.
Mrs Fields nodded and the door slammed shut. Alison stared at it for a long moment. How was she supposed to fix things if no one would let her talk to the girls.
Since it was still incredibly early Ali decided she would take a stroll to clear her head, as long as she got back to the house before eight she would most likely be able to duck the swarm of reporters. They weren't just the local mob anymore the story had gathered national attention and was steadily building an international coverage, it was such a spectacle, Alison had thrown the house phone across the room after her first day home, when it just would not stop ringing.
She had no interest in spilling her story to anyone, in fact she just wanted to forget the whole thing and for the old Alison DiLaurentis who lived on nothing but public adoration and attention that was a big change. Alison found herself on main street were most of the places were only just opening up, no one really paid her any attention or if they did they were discrete enough that Alison could ignore it. She was just thinking about heading back when she ran straight into a propped up chalkboard sign and it clattered loudly to the ground, Alison stumbled forward two strong arms shot out catching her and keeping her steady.
"Whoa you ok?"
Alison got a good look at her rescuer and smiled at the friendly face, a rare sight in Rosewood.
"Jake," Alison happily recalled. "Thank you, sorry about your sign."
"No sweat," Jake smiled as he released her and propped his sign back up. "I'm sorry but I don't believe we've met."
Alison closed her eyes slowly. Of course they hadn't met. She opened her eyes to find Jake studying her, she tried to smile.
"Right I.. You teach self defence," Alison pointed out. "I've just seen you around."
"I think I'd remember if you were in my class, Alison," Jake smiled, amused.
"You know who I am?" Alison asked surprised, she thought she'd only met Jake in her dream or whatever, how did he actually exist in real life.
"You're Aria's friend right, the one who didn't die," Jake nodded. "I can read papers."
"Right," Alison nodded, she must have heard about Jake from Aria and created him in her mind. "Thats me not dead Alison, hunted by a psycho sibling duo."
"Sorry to hear about that," Jake sincerely told her and Alison smiled politely while she didn't doubt his apology it really didn't do anything. "Do you know how Aria is?"
Alison shook her head, the Montgomerys hadn't called her either.
"I haven't heard but she's most likely going to jail so I imagine not great," Alison sighed exhausted. "Everything is really fucked up."
Jake didn't say anything but just watched as Alison rubbed at her face.
"Do you teach that move where if someones choking you, you grab their arm and like pull them down with your own weight?" Alison asked, Jake's face took on a confused frown as he watched her poorly act out her question.
"Oh yeah," Jake nodded finally getting what Alison was asking. "Yeah I do, its a pretty advanced move though and I'm still sure I've never seen you in-"
"You haven't," Alison smiled. "I just know that move. Have you ever used it in an actual fight?"
Jake shook his head and studied Alison carefully.
"Saved my life," Alison told him proudly. "Bitch on your knees though."
Jake laughed and Alison found herself smiling.
"You're nothing like I expected," Jake told her as his laughter subsided.
"I guess I'll take that as a compliment," Alison wryly shot back.
"Please do," Jake smiled charmingly and Alison could see where this was going. "So I was-"
"I'm seeing someone," Alison cut in, she shrugged. "I don't know if thats what you were going to say, ask me out or whatever but I am and she's.. really special."
Jake studied her for a moment and then ruefully shook his head.
"I was and I'm sorry, I bet she's amazing," Jake smiled.
"She is," Alison smiled fondly thinking of Emily. "But sometimes its like waking up from a dream."
Jake titled his head and Alison tried to explain.
"Its like every things perfect because my head created this perfect dream scenario and then I wake up and nothings right cause this is reality," Alison shook her head frustrated with herself. "Like how do you get over that?"
Jake thought for a moment.
"Well, I guess thats why its a dream, right, something to aspire to," Jake smiled encouragingly. "It gets boring if theres no fight."
"Oh I've had enough of fighting I would settle for mundane all the way," Alison groaned.
"But she's worth it right?" Jake hedged with a knowing smile.
"She's worth everything," Alison breathed.
"Then don't give up," Jake chuckled.
Alison laughed in spite of herself.
"You're still a buff idiot," she chuckled.
Jake looked confused for a moment but Alison waved him off, her mind had created a pretty accurate replica of this guy she decided and Aria was a fool to let him go.