A/N: Written before 3x21, I just based in on what happened in 3x20 and the promo pics.

She can't believe it. She just met Missy Franklin and talked to her about her future. Missy Franklin told her that she's talented. Missy Franklin. And it's all because of Shana.

"I really don't know how to thank you, Shana. If there's anything I can do, tell me." Shana grins at her and takes a step closer. "Well, there is something you could do," she says, her voice dropping slightly. "What is it?"

"Leave Paige. Break up with her and stop talking to her." It sounds like a demand or a threat and she isn't sure if she heard right.

"What?" Shana takes another step, until she's standing close enough for Emily to feel her breath.

"You heard me. Leave her."

"Do you really think that's going to work? That I'm going to leave her as a thank you for something I didn't ask you to do? Well, guess what? It doesn't work that way."

Shana lets out a laugh, leaning into her, growling "You said anything. So, leave her." Backing away, Emily balls her fist and grinds her teeth. "I'm not leaving Paige. I love her."

"So do I and I want her back." Shana's voice rises and she can feel people looking at them, but she doesn't care.

"You never had her."

She knows she hit the right spot, Shana's jaw going slack before tensing again. "And you never will. You were never anything but a substitute."

"Okay, so what exactly happened?" Paige asks her, pressing a wet towel to her busted lip. She tries not to wince and her eyes close.

"Shana tried to bribe me into breaking up with you."

The hand falls from her face, bumping her lip and she can't help but flinch this time.

"Sorry."

Paige carefully lifts the towel again and Emily peeks to look at the worried frown on her face.

"What did you do?"

Covering Paige's hand with her own, she catches her gaze. "I said no."

Releasing a breath, Paige leans in and kisses the corner of her mouth.

"That's all it took for her to bust your lip?" Clearing her throat, she tries to look as innocent as possible. "I might have mentioned that she was just a substitute for the real thing."

Paige laughs and kisses her again, careful and soft. "Maybe now she'll take the hint." She nods and winces. Apparently nodding hurts when you have a swollen lip. "I hope so."

They fall silent for a moment, Paige tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, fingers softly brushing her cheek.

"Wait, how did she try to bribe you?" Paige asks and she tries not to smile too much. "She introduced me to Missy Franklin." Paige's eyes widen and her mouth opens. "Wow, it's go big or go home for Shana, huh?"

"Yeah. The best thing is that she told me about her 'conditions' after I talked to Missy. If she'd mentioned it before, I never would've agreed." Smiling at her, Paige takes the towel away to look at Emily's lip. "I'd hope so. Getting dumped for the chance to meet Missy Franklin is not something I ever thought I'd have to be worried about."

"Good, because you don't. How bad is it?" she asks, pointing at her mouth. Paige shrugs and kisses her nose. "Not that bad. It's kinda hot actually. I mean, you fought for me, risking your beautiful face." She can't help but laugh, ignoring her pounding lip as she kisses Paige.