Hey guys! So sorry for the delay in updating-I had to attend a class all weekend on life insurance for work and study to take an exam on it (needless to say I would have much rather been writing Emison)! So our two ladies will be reunited in a couple chapters but I was missing them terribly and decided to include a flashback in this chapter! I also plan on including flashbacks throughout the story (I hope everyone's cool with that).

I don't own PLL cause y'all already know if I did Shower Harvey and Grandpa Lorenzo woulda been bye bye birdie five freakin episodes ago (aka their asses wouldn't exist). It truly amazes me how much the writers love to torture the Emison fandom-when we were the only ones remaining active and loyal during the ratings slump last season...but never the less I digress. Seriously though Ali boo you can do so much better (at least Pappa D kicked Lorenzo's ass out-thata boy Kenneth!) I think what drives me the most insane is how much Alison and Emily's characters have been destroyed if that makes sense-like fine don't put them together-but do we have to make them appear so weak and pathetic?

Anyways I hope you guys like this chapter! We meet some more members of the Johnson family (and I have to confess I love all of them) and learn a little bit more about the case that will eventually bring Em and Ali together. Let me know what you think!

Guardian Angel: An Emison Story Chapter Three

Under Orion's Protection

April 15, 2012
Rosewood, Pennsylvania

It was just past 11 pm while Alison laid out on her bed with papers scattered around her. She was trying to put all the pieces of her fucked up family tree together-but was failing miserably. Of course it didn't help that her dad was being radio silent about EVERYTHING. And Alison was so frustrated because as soon as she got an answer to one question-15 other questions appeared in it's place. She had a sneaking suspicion that -A or Charles DiLaurentis or whatever the hell Spencer was convinced his name was, was somehow related to her and definitely connected to Jason. At least her older brother had been standing up for her since she'd gotten home from prison, and despite her father's avoidance of her questions he had been wonderful to her as well. Then of course there was Pepe who Alison had come to regard as her best friend. It was nice to have his constant company while the rest of humanity seemed to avoid her like the plague. Pepe was also furiously protective of her. The blonde loved that the dog growled at Detective Tanner whenever she came to the house and wouldn't let the woman within 10 feet of Ali. Yeah it was safe to say Pepe knew what the bitch had done to his mom and he was not going to forgive her anytime soon.

Pepe was sprawled out on the bed next to her and Alison couldn't help but smile at the fur monster as she gently scratched his stomach. This was one friendship she didn't have to worry about repairing...her's with the other four girls who she cared about more than anything was a completely different story. She could see how much all of them were reeling from what they'd gone through in the dollhouse and it killed Alison. She blamed herself for everything that -A had ever done to them and their loved ones. The problem was as much as Alison wanted to be there for all four of them-she had no clue how to help them. She knew Aria was living in denial land, Spencer was in search of sleep aids and threatening her sobriety (again), Hanna was putting on a brave front but felt smothered by Caleb, and then there was Emily who Alison couldn't get a read on to save her life. Her mermaid appeared okay, but she was so reserved, rarely smiled, and hadn't laughed in what felt like ages. And it was driving Alison crazy that she didn't know how to be there for the one person she loved more than anything.

On top of her interpersonal relationship cluster fucks she had to deal with a psychopath who was becoming more aggressive and would surly wind up murdering her and everyone she cared about. When she was 15 and started receiving messages from -A she had no clue that it would turn into this. She wishes desperately that she would have been able to put a stop to all of the torment back then-back before dead bodies were piling up and lives were destroyed and altered forever.

Alison gathered up all her evidence (if you could even call it that)...maybe research was a better word...that made absolutely no sense to her and put it back in the locked compartment drawer in her desk. She doesn't know why she even attempts to hide things from -A...but the locked barrier gives her a little comfort. Feeling completely drained from LIFE Ali lets out an exaggerated sigh as she falls back on her bed next to Pepe. Her antics don't even faze the dog anymore-he just remains in his peaceful position.

Turning onto her left side she gently runs her fingers through Pepe's soft fur, before quietly speaking to him, "God Pepe, I'm so screwed." The dog lazily lifted his head and looked at her with sympathy. Alison swears he understood exactly what she was saying and all that she was burdened with. Who the hell needed a therapist when you had a dog who always listened to you and offered unwavering support? "Everything that's happened buddy is my fault,...and the thing is I don't know how to make any of it better." Pepe inched closer towards her-almost as if he could sense how much she needed a hug right now.

When Alison wraps her arms around Pepe she hears ruffling noises filter through her slightly ajar bedroom window and immediately tenses. Pepe lets out a low growl as he moves into a protective stance over Alison's body ready to tear apart anyone who might try to hurt her. Alison sits up on her bed and tries to calm the dog down,

"It's okay Pepe, it's probably just the wind." But who the fuck is she kidding? The wind! Yeah no. And even though her heart is thumping incredibly loud in her chest at least she's not alone. Pepe would be great back up if she needed to fight. Alison keeps reassuring herself that it's probably just a squirrel or something that's rummaging around on her roof, but then she sees the outline of a person...standing outside her window. She wants to scream and run but her voice is suddenly gone and she's paralyzed in fear on her bed. She can feel Pepe's muscles flex in anticipation underneath his fur coat ready to jump on whoever is currently outside. But as the figure moves closer towards her window Alison recognizes that body-those lean muscles. That perfectly sculpted figure had haunted her best dreams and quelled her worst nightmares for years now.

Emily Fields was on her roof! Had Alison died and gone to heaven? Pepe seemed to sense that there wasn't any imminent danger as his muscles relaxed and he slowly laid down next to Ali. Maybe he had picked up on Emily's scent? Dogs did that, right? After all he really loved the brunette-not as much as Alison did-but close.

Alison didn't know why the brunette was at her house-mind you on her roof-at this hour of the night but she wasn't about to object. She hadn't been alone with Emily in months-maybe God was giving her an opportunity to finally sort some shit out with her mermaid.

"Em, what are you doing here?" Alison softly asked the brunette who was illuminated by the moonlight and looked absolutely breathtaking as she climbed through the blonde's bedroom window. Ali jumped off of her bed and rushed towards Emily grabbing onto her arms so she wouldn't fall. Alison was well aware that this was the closest the two of them had been since the dollhouse. Her heart ached every day for the brunette-all she wanted to do was hold onto Emily and never let her go, never let anything or anyone hurt her again.

Emily finally met her gaze and her normally warm, soulful eyes were etched with sorrow. Before she could stop herself Alison was gently stroking Emily's cheek with her right hand. It didn't even register in her head what she was doing until she noticed Emily's eyes go wide. She quickly removed her hand from the brunette's flawless skin and backed away slightly.

"Sorry…" Jesus Alison! Who knows what –A fucking did to this poor girl in that dollhouse and you go stroking her cheek! Before Alison could back away any further Emily lunged forward and wrapped her arms securely around the blonde. The gesture had at first started Alison but God she was so welcome to it. She had missed Emily more than words could ever describe so she reciprocated the embrace and buried her head in the crook of Emily's neck. She breathed the brunette in and let Emily's distinct scent fill her body and soul. With ever inhale she could feel herself healing and the tension that consumed her life evaporating. The two girls stayed in their hug, feeling the contentment of the other's existence, for a good five minutes. Alison wouldn't have minded if the moment lasted forever.

"I just needed to see you." Emily spoke, filling the silence surrounding them. Alison turned her head slightly so it was now resting on Emily's left shoulder. This allowed her to gaze up at the goddess holding her and feel the brunette's strong heartbeat against her ear.

"You could have used my front door. Although your Spider-Man endeavor was successful..." Alison knew it probably wasn't an appropriate time to be kidding Emily, but she just wanted to see her mermaid smile, even if it was for a split second. She could tell Emily was trying hard not to let her lips curve upwards, but eventually she gave in. Alison considered it a success and plus very few things on this earth were more beautiful than Emily Fields' smile.

"I didn't want the cops to see me. They would have asked a million questions about why I was here instead of at home." Alison knew the truth behind the brunette's words. Rosewood's finest were becoming incredibly annoying and while she understood that all 5 of them were given police details for protection…having a cop constantly stationed outside her front door reminded her too much of prison. And it was becoming ridiculous to justify why she was walking her dog every time she left the house with Pepe. She had started walking Pepe through the woods behind her house just to get some fucking privacy.

After a few more content moments Emily slowly untangled herself from the hug and Alison had to suppress the groan that was threatening to leave her lips. Every time she thought they were getting somewhere…one of them pulled away or shut down. She knew they had a complicated history, but why was this so fucking hard? She loved Emily Fields with every fiber of her being and had no clue how to verbalize that or even get to an emotional place remotely close enough with the brunette that would allow for such a conversation to occur.

"Em…" Alison softly called out to the brunette who had walked over to her bed and began petting Pepe-which the dog happily accepted. Despite interacting with Pepe, Emily appeared to be lost in her thoughts (or maybe trapped in her thoughts). When the brunette eventually glanced back at her Alison softly continued, "I'm not complaining at all…but why are you here?"

With almost no hesitation Emily honestly answered, "You make me feel safe."

Emily seemed to have surprised herself with her response because she bashfully averted her gaze from Alison towards the floor and tried to cover the blush that had appeared on her cheeks. God this girl was too adorable. Alison's heart swelled at Emily's declaration and she couldn't help the broad smile that spread across her face. Not wanting to ruin the tranquility of the moment however Ali contained her excitement and slowly made her way over to Emily who had straightened herself back up, but was still looking at the floor. When she was close enough Ali reached out and softly held Emily's hand before interlocking their fingers. It always amazed Alison how perfectly their hands fit together-talk about a sign that someone's your soulmate…

When Emily lifted her eyes from the floor and finally met her gaze Alison confidently proclaimed, "You make me feel safe too."

And God was that ever the truth-there were moments when she was with Emily that she completely forgot she was being hunted by a psychopath. Since she'd met Emily Fields the brunette had been her safe haven-her light in this dark world. To think that she was maybe Emily's light as well…made her heart swell to a capacity that Alison didn't even know was possible.

The two girls softly smiled at each other as they continued to hold hands. Alison swears there was electricity being emitted between them. She realized if she didn't get Emily Fields out of her bedroom she might do something really crazy like kiss the still fragile girl senseless…and the last time they had done that in this room Alison hadn't been able to stop herself from getting lost in her mermaid. And needless to say they were both sore by morning…

The intimacy of the moment was only broken when Emily playfully inquired, "I don't just make you feel safe because I Spider-Manned my way into your room, right?"

Alison couldn't help but chuckle before she replied, "No, but knowing you have that capability is definitely comforting."

Venturing to a more serious place Alison placed her free hand over Emily's heart before she explained, "You make me feel safe because of everything that's in here…your heart and soul…they're so pure. I swear Em, you're my guardian angel-reminding me that there's good in the world when everything and everyone else says differently." Now it was Ali's turn to blush. She didn't mean to confess that much, but every word she spoke was true.

When Emily lets go of her hand Alison has a mild panic attack. Oh my God! You scared her-why the fuck are you opening up now? Stupid Ali stupid! But her fears quickly disappear when Emily draws her into a warm embrace…again. Jesus she doesn't know what's come over the brunette but she's not about to protest. She'd take Emily being overly affectionate with her rather than having nothing to do with her any day of the week.

"You're mine too, Ali." Emily breathes out and Alison has to blink back tears. She knows they have such a long way to go to ever get where Alison wants more than anything for them to be, but Emily Fields just gave her a sliver of hope-for tonight that was all she needed.

November 10, 2019
The Bronx, New York City

It was just before 11am when Alison was dragged from her peaceful slumber in her oh so comfortable bed. God how she had missed her mattress, warm sheets, and plush comforter-she could have seriously slept for another two weeks undisturbed and still not have been adequately rested. Alison groaned as she turned towards her bedroom door where the sound of voices coming from the kitchen had disturbed her and interrupted one of her more precious memories with her mermaid (especially given her occupation now…). If they didn't belong to two of her favorite people in existence she would have been livid.

"Why the hell didn't you call me the second you got back to New York!?" Teresa's always loud voice traveled throughout the house. "You know how much I worry about you and your sister! A mother has a constitutional right to know when her children are back home safe and sound. If I didn't love you so damn much I'd be beyond pissed right now!" Even though Teresa was probably throwing one of her fiercest glares at Brittany, Alison couldn't suppress the small smile that crept across her face. Teresa had started referring to Alison as her second daughter five years ago and it never ceased to amaze Ali how much her best friend's mom loved her. Growing up with a mother who programmed her to lie and manipulate from childhood and rarely showed her any affection it had taken Ali a while to adjust to the love and adoration Teresa always gave her. Though Alison had lost so much because of her psychotic brother (Emily Fields' presence in her life being the greatest), she had gained an entire family who talked about and treated her like she had always been a member of their close knit unit.

"Mom, I love you, but do you have to be yelling right now? I haven't even had coffee yet for God's sake." Brittany's significantly quieter than normal voice replied back to her mother. Given the huff and groan Brittany emitted shortly after her statement Alison could assume that Teresa had engulfed her in a bone crushing hug. She always did so when the two of them returned from international missions…or from the coffee shop down the street. Teresa never let either one of them leave or return from anywhere without hugging them and saying "I love you".

"Jesus, do you know how much I've missed your coffee addicted ass?" Only Teresa could take a word like "ass" and transform it into a declaration of motherly love.

Given the good seven inches Brittany had on her mother Alison can envision her best friend wrapping her arms protectively around her and placing a gentle kiss on top of her head as she honestly replied, "I missed you too, mom."

Deciding it was time to peel her tired butt out of bed Alison made her way to the kitchen and as expected saw Brittany clad in her St. John's sweatpants and sweatshirt keeping her mother who was rocking her Scooby-Doo hospital scrubs safely secure in her arms. Not wanting to ruin the moment Alison stood in the entrance way and decided to wait until someone acknowledged her presence. It may sound odd but she loved observing Brittany and Teresa together because whether the two were arguing, crying, laughing, or simply sitting in the same room an underlying love was always present between them. They were each other's rocks.

After a minute or so Brittany looked up and saw Ali standing in the door way. She smiled softly and conveyed a silent thank you to Ali before speaking, "Hey, good morning."

"Good morning to you, too." Ali's voice caused Teresa to finally let go of her daughter and move towards her "adopted" daughter. She could have said a million different things to Ali but instead she just embraced her in a hug that conveyed more than words ever could. Alison sighed contently and melted into Teresa's small frame. Sometimes Ali convinced herself that she didn't deserve this kind of unconditional love after everything she'd done and put people through in the past. But it was the only thing that mended the pieces of her shattered soul (along with protecting people as a Guardian) and hell would have to freeze over in order for her to give it up.

After a few silent moments into their hug Teresa proclaimed, "I missed you sweetie." Ali squeezed Teresa slightly harder but not enough to cause the slender woman pain. Ali found it hilarious how Brittany and her mom had completely different body builds-her best friend being tall and athletic while Teresa was just an inch taller than Alison and maybe 105 pounds soaking wet.

"It's really good to be home." It always amazed Alison that she had not just a geographical home, but a family as well. After she had abruptly left Rosewood following her "unofficial" release from the hospital after Charles had almost killed her, she assumed that she had given up any chance of feeling safe and "at home" again. Yet here she was in the arms of a woman who had showed her the true definition of motherhood.

Although Alison wasn't completely healed from the trauma that had been inflicted on her during her teenage years, the unconditional love and support she got from Brittany, Teresa, and Bradley (Brittany's younger brother) allowed her to breathe again. The three of them would never truly understand how much they saved her life.

"Breathe, agh, whoo whoo breathe. One and then the two two, two and then the three three, three and then the four four. Then ya gotta breathe. Then ya gotta, then ya gotta agh."

The sound of Fabolous' "Breathe" drew Ali reluctantly out of her moment with Teresa, but also made her smile because that meant that Bradley was calling his older sister.

"Yo, brother!" Despite not having her coffee fix yet, Brittany was always hyped up to talk to her firefighting younger brother.

"Yo, sister!" Bradley's booming voice rang throughout the kitchen as Brittany put her phone on speaker. Alison always found Britt and Brad's greetings for one another hilarious as did their mother who was loudly chuckling beside Ali. Brittany moved from leaning against their granite counter top in the kitchen closest to the coffee pot and hopped up on the island in the middle. Despite the breakfast bar and attached dining room to their kitchen Brittany's favorite spot to sit had always been on the island for the five years the two had lived in the house. The old Alison DiLaurentis would have been appalled by such an act, but the reinvented Ali found it endearing.

"How you not gonna call me the second you and baby sis get back in town? That's just rude!" The playfulness in Bradley's voice made it clear that he wasn't actually upset with his sister and just ecstatic that she and Ali were home safe and sound.

"Yo, I'm sorry. But we didn't get home until really late and we were exhausted-like I had to carry Ali to bed."

Ali couldn't help the tint of red that spread across her cheeks because yeah Brittany had carried her from the car, but Bradley didn't need to know that. Ali felt the need to defend her tired behind,

"You did not!" Brittany whipped her head towards Ali with a look of complete horror.

"What!? Girl you were out like the Knicks every year in the playoffs-instantaneously-as soon as you got in the car! How the hell do you think you ended up in bed?"

"Pepe could have given me a ride." Ali's rebuttal caused Bradley to evoke his signature laugh and Teresa to clutch onto the nearest counter top for support. Always needing to have a comeback Brittany replied,

"Girl please, that dog is like 10 years old and has bad hips. And yeah you're tiny Ali, but you a'int that tiny. Plus Pepe's still at Bradley's house."

"Which is two blocks over! He could sense my presence and came to assist me." Ali smirked at Brittany because in the past six weeks they've hardly had any time to joke around and it felt really good to be able to-plus she loved getting the last word in.

Defeated but never permanently deferred Britt replied with a slight bite to her tone, "Yeah whatever." Turning her attention back to Bradley she continued, "Thank you by the way for watching Pepe while we were gone. Ali and I both really appreciate it." And Ali did appreciate the wonderful care everyone offered her dog while she was overseas-he was the only best friend still in her life from Rosewood so his well-being was an absolute must.

"Yo, no problem. But Mandela might not be so quick to give Pepe back this time though-that dog hasn't left his side since y'all have been gone. He's almost like the stand in guardian of the family when you two guardians are off saving the world."

Brittany and Ali both "Aww" at the mention of Mandela and Pepe-the two of them together were pretty freaking adorable. Brittany always said that Mandela's fro (a product of being the perfect mix between his parents' Irish and African American racial identities) was just like Pepe's fur-lite and fluffy. But Alison swears the adorable toddler's eyes were an exact replica of her best friend's. Maybe God just wanted the world to know how soulfully connected the two were.

"When can I see my nephew slash godson?" Alison knew it took all of her best friend's strength not to drive over to Bradley's house last night and see her favorite human in existence.

"Well damn, if you and baby sis would let a brother speak I would have been able to invite you both over for dinner."

"Okay seriously Bradley I'm older than you," Alison replied.

"By two months!" Bradley heartily answered back. "Chillax Ali I already have an older sister and I can't walk around addressing both you and Brittany as "big sis" cause that would just be weird. Hence why you're "baby sis" cause you're younger than my "big sis"." Secretly Ali didn't mind the nickname, but she just loved to give her actually "younger brother" a hard time.

"But we're getting off topic here! Eva's making vegetarian burritos and both of y'all are invited." Well Lord help everyone Ali was not about to give up Eva's cooking. Bradley's wife was a professional chef and instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education for a reason-she was freaking amazing at what she did. "Oh and momma I assume you're there. Probably hugging the bejesus out of both of them-you're invited as well."

"I'm covering for Sandra at the hospital until 6, but then I'll definitely be over."

"Yeah, Ali and I just have to check in with Reggie this afternoon, but that's it. So we'll be there too."

"Agh yes! Our first family dinner in over six weeks-it's about damn time! I actually gotta run, but I love all of you!" Bradley might have the physique of a ferocious grizzly bear standing over 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds of pure muscle, but on the inside he was nothing but an absolute softy.

"We love you too!" Three voices rang out simultaneously.

After making sure that Ali and Brittany consumed more than coffee for breakfast Teresa left for her shift at Lincoln, but not before she gave each of them another huge hug.

When it was just the two of them left in the kitchen Ali turned to her best friend who was washing dishes, "Britt."

"Hmm?"

"We didn't tell them about our new assignment."

Her best friend glanced up at Ali and smiled, "I know. I wanted Mandela to be the first to know." Alison couldn't help but let her lips curve into a smile as well. While everyone in the Johnson family would be thrilled that the two women were on domestic assignments for the next five years and potentially New York City's permanent Guardians-no one would be more overjoyed than the 3 and a half year old who thought the sun rose and set with his two "superhero" aunts.

November 10, 2019
The Bronx, New York City
6 pm

Emily had been sitting in her car, staking out the Bronx neighborhood she suspected Brittany Johnson's family lived in (Teresa Johnson's last registered address was on this block) for over three hours to no avail. So far there was no movement or anything, which was freaky given how much human traffic their usually was on New York City's streets. To make matters worse she had maybe slept for three hours last night in her office desk chair-not exactly conducive for rest. Thankfully Hanna had brought her a change of clothes and coffee before she went into work this morning, so Emily could appear like less of a zombie. She knew her best friend was incredibly worried about her. Being a detective in Philly before coming to Special Crimes, Hanna, Spencer, and Aria had no comprehension of what Emily put herself through during an investigation, because none of them lived close by. Now she and Hanna were only four blocks apart and the blonde had to witness the brunette becoming completely consumed with this case. Always being the one to wear her emotions on her sleeves Emily wasn't able to mask her frustration and exhaustion when she was around Hanna.

Emily was convinced that this serial killer was trying to send a message Bronx Baller's way, but the rest of the Special Crimes unit thought she was losing her mind. But it was possible for all of their victims to have come into contact with Brittany Johnson at some point in their lives-and it turned Emily's blood to ice how similar they all looked like the mysterious athlete. All four were around 6 feet tall, athletically built, had wavy brown hair, and blue eyes. Of course there were physical differences because of bone structure and variations of tan in their Caucasian skin tone; but Emily knew this wasn't important. Her gut told her that the body count would keep increasing until the killer got some reaction from Brittany regarding the deaths.

Serena Allen, the first victim, played in the same city wide basketball league as Brittany in middle school. Cindy Douglas, the second victim, attended the same Catholic Church growing up-St. Dominic's in The Bronx-as the Johnson family. Helen Lawson, the third victim, grew up in the same neighborhood-Morris Heights-and attended the same elementary school. Rebecca Evans was a student at St. John's and in the same sociology class as Brittany her freshman year.

It was plausible that the connections between the elusive Bronx Baller and the victims were coincidental, but Emily was praying that they weren't. She honestly had no other leads and she wouldn't be able to live with herself if someone else was killed before she put the pieces together.

Yet Emily didn't know how to approach Brittany-if she was even still in New York-or any members of her family regarding her suspicions. What would her reasoning be? One of the victims was dumped next to a graffiti portrait so it has to mean something? In her head the connections were there, but trying to verbalize and explain them would be a whole hell of a lot harder.

When Emily's phone vibrated she feared that it was Brian informing her of another victim, but relief quickly flooded over her as she glanced down at the screen and realized it was just her best friend,

Em, I know you're really stressed, but could you please come over tonight? A hug from your favorite niece is exactly what the doctor ordered-she's just as worried about you as I am. I love you.

Hanna hadn't stopped texting her since early this afternoon following her meeting with an upscale clothing store about some of her designs. She knew the blonde loved her and just wanted her to take care of herself. Sometimes though Emily felt like no one understood the quilt she felt about doing anything that wasn't detective related during an investigation. Her father to some extent understood because of his work in the military, but everyone else in her life thought she should just be able to leave her work figuratively in the office. She wouldn't be a good detective if she did so-some of the most pivotal revelations she uncovered during her career occurred when she was at home thinking. Regardless of the quilt she knew she would feel later she conceded to Hanna's request because a hug from Chloe sounded really great right about now,

I'm just finishing up something and then I'll be over. I love you too, Han.

Pulling out of the South Bronx parking lot her unmarked squad car had been in, Emily headed over to Hanna's Manhattan brownstone to get a much needed reprieve.

November 10, 2019
The Bronx, New York City
9 pm

As she stoked through Pepe's soft fur while he rested his head on her lap Alison couldn't help but feel so…content and safe. She knew it was a feeling that wouldn't last long-Reggie had basically given her and Brittany the day off, but it was inevitable that their domestic missions would start soon. Right now though as she sat in Bradley and Eva's cozy living room snuggled up with her canine best friend Ali couldn't help but enjoy the moment.

As expected Mandela hadn't left Brittany's arms since they'd arrived a little after 6-although he had jumped into Ali's as an initial greeting. It was clear though who his favorite aunt was. Whenever Ali watched Brittany and Mandela interact she couldn't help but wonder if her best friend ever longed for a life where she could have a family and be a mother. The work the two of them did in the CIA didn't really allow for that to be possible. However, now that they might spend a majority of their time in New York City Alison felt like anything was possible. It was evident to Ali that Brittany would be a phenomenal mother-she has an amazing one as an example. While Alison could admit that she tended to connect really well with kids-her best friend always referred to her as the "child whisperer" because she could get young victims to share their knowledge and earn their trust-she always worried about passing on her genes. The DNA that ran through her veins had produced multiple manipulative psychopaths and Alison didn't want any child to have to bear that burden.

And even though Ali's thoughts rarely traveled to her raven haired lost love when she was surrounded by her "family" all she could think about was Emily when it came to kids. Alison would only ever want to experience parenthood with her mermaid. While Ali knew it was highly unlikely that she'd ever even see Emily again, she always held onto hope that one day they'd be reunited and everything would fall into place. It's what kept her sane in the incredibly dark world she inhabited and tried to protect.

But for all Ali knew Emily could be married right now and have kids of her own. The thought alone made Alison sick to her stomach and want to throw up Eva's world class vegetarian burritos. Being in the CIA she knew she could figure out what had happened to her mermaid and her three other best friends with just a few clicks and a little digging. Alison isn't exactly sure why she never kept tabs on the girls. Truthfully it was easier to just believe they were all successful and happy than to be confronted with the very real possibility that what she at first and later Charles had put them through left them destroyed. Alison wouldn't be able to live with herself if that's what happened to the four girls she considered her sisters (well Emily fell into a slightly different category, but still).

"Aunt Ali," glancing up from where she'd been staring off into space and completely lost in her head Alison locked eyes with Mandela who was standing right in front of her and definitely wanted to ask her a question.

"What is it sweetie?" The 3 and a half year old's steely blue eyes gleamed with hope as he inquired,

"Do you and Pepe want to come outside and look at the stars with me?" Alison couldn't help but smile at the preschooler who was so beautifully innocent. She prayed to God that nothing ever happened to him that would blemish his remarkable soul.

"I don't know if you'll be able to see them, hon. The lights from the city make it practically impossible."

"But daddy brought home a telescope from the fire station and he says I'll be able to see them with it." Alison glanced over at Bradley who was holding Eva securely in his arms on the couch underneath numerous blankets-it was clear neither Mandela's mom nor dad wanted to embark on this adventure with him in the incredibly cold New York air. After Mandela was practically bouncing out of his skin in excitement, Alison conceded,

"Well it can't hurt to try now, can it?" Mandela clapped his little hands together and rushed over towards the coat rack by the front door to retrieve his New York Knicks jacket, gloves, and hat from Brittany.

"Aunt Brittany did you hear? Aunt Ali and Pepe are gonna look at the stars with us!" Mandela gushed.

"I did! But first we gotta get you all bundled up cause it's cold out!" Brittany replied and then added as an afterthought as she helped her nephew get into his winter clothes, "Although your coat would keep you warmer if it was of a winning team."

Mandela contemplated the statement for a moment before proclaiming, "Hey you should play for the Knicks Aunt Brittany! Then they'd never lose!" God this kid was too much.

"Yeah Bronx Baller lace up those Nike's again!" Teresa's loud voice called out to her daughter.

"Momma, seriously?"

"What I freakin love that nickname. Don't act like you don't either. For God's sake you have it tattooed on your shoulder blade!" Before she had started her college career at St. John's Brittany had gotten the nickname tattooed in traditional graffiti lettering with The Bronx city scape she grew up in behind it on her left shoulder blade-no matter where basketball (or life) took her the tattoo was a reminder to her and an announcement to others that she was a born and bred Boogie Downer. The tattoo being on her shoulder blade allowed most of it to be visible while she was wearing her jersey and it was always accentuated when she shot the ball given she was left handed. Alison wasn't one to usually be into body art, but she loved this tattoo-thought it beautifully encapsulated her best friend and the borough she always represented.

Brittany just chuckled softly and continued to help her nephew ignoring her mother's goading, "Where's the telescope at, champ?"

"It's already outside on the deck! C'mon let's go!" Mandela all bundled up like a little orange and blue eskimo reached for Ali's form fitting blue jacket on the coat rack-unsuccessfully.

Gently shifting Pepe's head off her lap Alison got up to retrieve her jacket- "Whoa, whoa there buddy. I got it….So impatient."

"I'm not impatient Aunt Ali! I'm just excited! Do you know that some stars form pictures together! Isn't that cool!?" Mandela beamed up at his two aunts.

"Yeah, they're called constellations." Brittany informed as she scooped up the curious little boy and placed him over her left shoulder.

"Hey, Aunt Brittany! Put me down! I can walk!" Everyone-especially Teresa-chuckled as the three of them and Pepe made their way outside to the deck. Once they had gotten outside Brittany set Mandela down onto the wooden platform and tried not to laugh at him as he attempted to throw her a fierce glare. Mandela was such a sweet boy that him trying to look angry or threatening was a complete stitch. As soon as they had gotten outside Pepe sprinted into the fenced in backyard and began rolling around in the damp grass. It was obvious that he didn't care about looking at the stars. The sight warmed Ali's heart though because Pepe still acted like the excitable two year old her mother had adopted, even in his old age. She hoped he never became decrepit and weak because that would absolutely tear her to pieces to watch him slowly decline.

"We can't look at the stars if you stay mad at me." Brittany crouched down and pouted at her nephew who was reluctant to uncross his little arms.

After a few moments passed Mandela gave in and threw his arms around Brittany's neck drawing her into a slightly awkward, but still adorable hug.

"I could never be mad at you Aunt Brittany. You're my best friend." Brittany just pulled Mandela closer into her body and stood up with him securely in her arms before honestly replying,

"You're my best friend too. I love you more than anything." Alison had been leaning on the deck railing letting the two bond and making sure Pepe didn't start digging any holes in the backyard. Of course she just had to playfully retort to Brittany,

"Hey, I thought I was your best friend." Brittany smiled back at Ali, while Mandela lifted his head from the crook of Britt's neck and declared,

"You are our best friend Aunt Ali. Get over here!" Mandela motioned for her to come join their two person hug which Alison happily did.

After a minute or two in the embrace Mandela began to squirm and Ali couldn't help but lightly laugh at his anxious antics,

"Are you itching to go somewhere bud?"

Mandela sheepishly hid his face in Britt's shoulder before he glanced back up at Ali and explained,

"I just really wanna see the stars. My friend Chloe said that they'd be really bright tonight."

"Chloe? Is she a new friend?" Leave it to Brittany to inquire about every person that ever came into contact with her beloved nephew.

"Yeah, she switched preschools and is in my class. I was the first one to talk to her on her first day." Mandela beamed up at his aunts and then nervously glanced down.

"What is it sweetie?" Ali gently asked.

A slight blush began to form on Mandela's light brown cheeks before he admitted, "She's really pretty."

Brittany and Ali shared a look before the brunette uttered, "Oh Lord."

"What? She is. She looks kinda like Aunt Ali." Mandela defended the crush he had on his classmate. This kid was just too adorable.

"You think I'm pretty?" Ali asked while she slightly tickled Mandela's stomach making him giggle. After a few seconds, Mandela unexpectedly reached up his left hand and softly stroked Ali's cheek. The gesture made her stop what she was doing and look into Mandela's innocent orbs.

"No, I think you're beautiful…inside and out." Alison could have cried after hearing Mandela's words. Here was this little boy who had never known the horrendous person Alison used to be and only saw the good in her. The entire Johnson family only knew this version of her-her true self. They never questioned Alison's motives for doing anything-they had no need to. She didn't lie to and manipulate the people in her life now. Ali knew she should be able to forgive herself for what she had done in the past-especially given all of the people she now protected-but she had her moments of self-doubt. Sensing how deeply affected Alison was by the toddler's words Brittany rubbed reassuring circles on her back. Pepe had also made his way back to Ali's side having sensed that his owner needed some comfort. Keeping her tears at bay Alison placed her hand over Mandela's that had remained on her cheek and replied with complete adoration,

"Thank you, Mandela. I love you sweet angel." Mandela grinned back at her before he began to squirm in anticipation again. He definitely inherited his father's energy.

Never able to refuse the little boy anything and sensing Mandela's growing restlessness Brittany set him back down before turning her attention to the telescope,

"Let's get this thing focused so we can see those stars."

"Yes please!" Mandela echoed back and excitedly jumped up and down. Given all of the technology Ali and Brittany worked with in the CIA it only ever took the women a few seconds to figure out any piece of equipment. True to form Brittany had the telescope precisely assembled and in position in under 30 seconds. Sometimes when the two of them were in public they had to consciously remind themselves to slow down when it came to technology so as not to raise any suspicions. What was harder to control was their incredibly quick and automatic reflexes-Ali can't even count how many times the two of them have caught coffee mugs and wine glasses as they've been pummeling to the floor in restaurants. Teresa, Bradley, Eva, and Mandela had all become accustomed to the women's specialized skill sets and it was refreshing to be able to do things that came so instinctively natural to them without fear of being questioned around those four. Although, Mandela still marveled and looked on in awe whenever Ali or Brittany did something superhero-like (he was only a child though so it was allowed).

"Alright we're all set to go. Now what stars do you wanna see little man?" Brittany crouched down so she could look Mandela in the eyes. Ali was petting Pepe who had sat down on the deck and didn't want to leave her side. His loyalty to the blonde was pretty remarkable-Ali knew Pepe would follow her to the end of the earth.

"I wanna see really really bright and really really big ones!" Mandela's response made Brittany chuckle because it was not specific at all, but she'd do her best to please him.

"Ok ok let me see what I can find. What are you gonna do when you see the bright and big stars?" Britt implored making sure to add extra emphasis to "bright" and "big".

"Duh, I'm gonna make a wish." Mandela replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Any particular wish you want to make, sweetie?" Ali asked the toddler who was rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet.

Mandela gasped before he chided, "Aunt Ali! I can't tell you or it won't come true!" Ali and Brittany made eye contact and lightly laughed, their breathe showing in the cool night air. Their 3 and a half year old nephew had always believed that anything was possible and after spending 5 weeks in a war-torn country dodging bombs and bullets it was incredibly refreshing to be reminded of the good in the world.

"Although my biggest wish already came true." Ali and Brittany knew Mandela was referring to the news regarding their change in assignment that they'd first told him before announcing it to the rest of the family. The two women had received numerous bone crushing hugs and multiple utterances of "thank God" after they explained what Reggie had told them. Mandela couldn't stop beaming at the two women all night long-in awe of the prospect that they'd be a constant presence in his life. She can't remember a time when he'd smiled more-and Ali hoped to God that they could keep that smile on his face.

"I'm so happy you'll both be home more." The toddler locked eyes with Brittany and then Ali conveying nothing but pure love and devotion.

"So are we." Brittany and Ali replied simultaneously and then chuckled at themselves. Reggie always said they were such a formidable team because of how in sync they were-moments like this solidified that notion completely.

After a few moments of comfortable silence while Brittany continued to search for a constellation that would satisfy her nephew, she called him over to the telescope.

"What do you think about these stars, Mandela? Are they big and bright enough for your wish?"

Mandela was so enthralled with what he was seeing through the telescope lens that he didn't even respond to his aunt.

"What constellation did you find?" Ali quietly asked her best friend so Mandela wouldn't hear after Brittany had made her way towards the blonde and crouched down to give Pepe a good scratching behind his ears.

"Orion-he's always regarded as a hunter in mythology, but I like to think of him more as a guardian or protector." Brittany replied back with just as quiet of a tone. Ali offered Britt a soft smile because of course she would see the good in a mythological beast. Her best friend had seen the full potential that resided in Ali when the rest of the world regarded her as nothing more than damaged goods after all.

Brittany and Ali's phones vibrated tearing them from their peaceful moment with Mandela, indicating they had just received a text message. The only person who texted them at the same time was Reggie and it usually wasn't with good news. Ali really didn't want to read the message that was sure to alert her of some crisis. For the last few hours she had actually felt like a normal 25 year old-or at least as normal as Ali can get. She'd eaten dinner with her family, cuddled up with her dog, and bonded with her nephew over a starry adventure. It had been the best night she'd had in months. Ali doesn't understand how her younger-self never appreciated simplistic moments like this. She'd do anything to experience them and not feel the burden of the world on her shoulders. Glancing over at Brittany, Ali is surprised to find that she has also made no effort to retrieve her phone and read whatever message Reggie had sent. It seems as though Alison wasn't the only one who wanted to live in normalcy a little longer.

When Brittany finally met Alison's gaze the two had a silent conversation conveying their hesitance to jump right back into their roles as Guardian Angels, but knowing how necessary it was. With much reluctance Ali fished her phone out of her jean pocket and read Reggie's incredibly vague message,

Something's been brought to my attention. I need you both in headquarters as soon as possible.

Noticing the change in atmosphere that had spread over the deck and the change in demeanor of his two aunts Mandela inquired,

"Is everything ok?"

Ok…Alison hated that word, almost as much as the word "fine". How was anything or anyone ever ok or fine? Like she'd told Mrs. Grunwald all those years ago people wanted to hear that you're fine so they didn't have to deal with you anymore. The supernatural woman had been right that very feel people wanted an honest answer when asking how you were. The irony that her conversation with Mrs. Grunwald had occurred mere hours before she'd been arrested and betrayed by the four people she loved more than anything in the world (at least at the time) had never failed her. That night in the Hastings backyard had been the beginning of the end when it came to any future Alison had hoped to have in Rosewood. She knew even if everything legally got sorted out-she'd never stay in that hell hole of town-that she had been so desperate to return to while she'd been on the run (ok maybe it had just been one brunette who she wanted to return for, but still for years all she wanted was to come home only to have it all blow up in her face-thank you very much Charles).

"Yeah champ, Ali and I just have to go meet boss man." Thank God her best friend answered the inquisitive toddler because Alison had no clue what direction her mind was running in-first thoughts of motherhood and babies then Mrs. Grunwald and of course her mermaid-God she really hoped Reggie didn't need them to do something that required a lot of brain power.

"It never stops does it?" Mandela asked. Brittany raised an eyebrow at her nephew silently encouraging him to continue to voice his thoughts. After a moment he sighed and eyed them both up before he explained, "Your job. Even if you're both home all the time now-you can't just stop being superheroes." Technically Alison and Brittany weren't superheroes-they just did things most humans couldn't even comprehend or fathom. But it seriously tripped Ali out how wise Mandela was for his age-though he still innocently believed in the good of the world he was highly observant and no fool to his surroundings.

"You're right Mandela. We can't stop what we do, because it's...who we are." Brittany explained before bringing the little boy into her arms and standing up to carry him back inside.

"Well I wouldn't change you two for anything." Ali couldn't help but serge forward and place a gentle kiss on Mandela's cheek because he was just too sweet.

She and Brittany both knew that they would most likely be walking into a disaster in less than an hour once they'd made it to the CIA headquarters in the heart of Manhattan, but for a couple more minutes they could live under the "protection" of Orion's bright constellation with Mandela and Pepe who loved them unconditionally.

I think Mandela's probably my favorite character in this story-something about wise, inquisitive children always brightens my day! I hope you all enjoyed! Let me know your thoughts! Trust me I can't wait for Em and Ali to be reunited either...