Guardian Angel: An Emison Story

by Packersgirl492

It's been 7 years since they've seen each other and both Emily and Alison work to help and protect people. Neither one of them will be complete without the other. What happens when a case brings them back together? Will they be able to overcome all of the forces working against them and finally get their happy ending? EMISON is Endgame ALWAYS!

7. Chapter 7: From the Ashes Like a Phoenix

Guardian Angel: An Emison Story Chapter Seven

Rose From the Ashes Like a Phoenix

Hello beautiful people! So sorry for the length between updates! I've been writing a lot of other Emison stuff and started another multi chapter story called Sinus Infection that you guys should check out! It takes place during the time jump and follows Em and Ali as a couple through 6B and really just shows how stupid the writers are for not just putting them together! It's a lot less mysterious than Guardian Angel and is mainly just a huge freakin' fluff fest as their relationship grows and they try to figure out who killed Charlotte (basically what I wish the actual show did-sigh).

I just wanted to address a couple questions that someone had in a review because I thought maybe you guys were confused about these things as well!

First of all Alison was sexually assaulted in prison, but NOT by Charles (that motherfucker's crazy, but I ain't about to delve into that incestual nightmare)! Actually what happened to Ali in prison will be mentioned during a flashback between her and Brittany this chapter, so for those who are curious I hope it makes sense!

Also just to clarify Kenneth was NOT kidnapped by Charles with Alison. He had frantically been searching for her and happened to find her in Aunt Carol's basement. But he was not chained up like Ali was. He willingly chose to shield her from bullets. Basically I just wanted to show how selflessly he sacrificed his life for Alison's, because that has shaped the entire course of her life since that moment when he died protecting her. The quilt that Ali feels about her father's death will also be brought up in this chapter.

Huge thank you to MC-GAR-IL for the wonderful reviews on this story! Reading your in depth thoughts, reactions, and analysis of what was happening motivated my somewhat lazy behind to crank this chapter out!

Also, someone asked me to cast the Johnson family, which was slightly difficult because I based them off people I know so trying to find famous people who look like my people was weird haha...but anyways here's what I came up with:

Brittany: Body of Diana Taurasi with Alex Morgan's face...lol I know how weird that sounds but yeah...
Bradley: A young John Cena (like baby faced John Cena from 2004 when he was on the rise in WWE and was trying to be a rapper lol)
Teresa: Hilary Swank (like in her film Conviction, which is a great fucking film by the way)
Eva: A young Gabrielle Union (like 2000 Bring it On Gabrielle Union)
Mandela: Toddler Jaden Smith (like Jaden in The Pursuit of Happyness but younger lol)

I hope that can at least give you guys somewhat of a visual reference lol! Anyways I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think!

And the title of this chapter pretty much describes what Alison has managed to do since she left Rosewood...rising from the brink of extinction and evolution into just an incredible person...also it's a line from Jay-Z in the remix of Kanye's "Diamonds" in case you were wondering.

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November 12, 2019
New York City CIA Headquarters
Medical Ward
11:00 am

"I'm sorry we don't have any clothes that are exactly your size." Alison's beautiful voice filtered into the bathroom.

Emily had just stepped out of the shower and wrapped an incredibly soft towel around her wet body. Jesus, were they at the frickin' Ritz Carlton?

Hearing Ali be so concerned about something so trivial like a change of clothes made the detective laugh. And it felt amazing to laugh. Since this serial killer had begun hunting down the citizens of the city she had come to love, she hadn't felt joy very often. And she hadn't been sleeping…but last night that changed and this morning she just couldn't wipe the smile from her face. It's incredible what being reunited with your lost love can do for your psyche…

The brunette reassured her angel, "It's fine, Ali. I just really needed a shower to get that carbon monoxide and psychopath stench off of me. I don't care if I have to wear a garbage bag…"

When the detective had finally come to her senses this morning she reached out to Brian, only to discover that someone had talked to him last night and told him she wasn't feeling well. Her boss had reassured her that it was fine that she not come in today because forensics was tearing apart the abandoned ammunition plant and everyone else was following up on leads. He said she deserved a mental health day and Emily couldn't agree more. Of course her ever caring boss didn't know that her day off would be spent getting to know the love of her life all over again. And how wonderful was that? But the swimmer refused to smell like whatever the hell her stench could've been described as any longer…

"You could pull it off." Was Alison's quick reply and Emily straightened herself up in surprise, "But I did manage to find you something a little more doable."

Alison's arm reached through the bathroom door (and the detective swooned that Alison was respecting her privacy so much) as she held out a pair of black Nike sweatpants and a New York Knicks t-shirt. Emily smiled-she could work with that…even if the Knicks were a disgrace to the basketball universe.

Taking the clothes from Alison, Emily let out a quiet, "Thanks." She was still in disbelief. Was she really here with Alison? And the detective found it funny how she didn't even care that she didn't even know where they were. She just trusted Alison that much.

Emily stepped further into the bathroom to finish drying off and began to get dressed. She didn't have any problems with the bottom half of her outfit but when she reached behind her to fasten her bra her ribs literally screamed at her in protest. Being with Alison made her forget that her serial killer had stomped on her ribs yesterday afternoon and left her battered and bruised.

"AGH!" She winced out when she got the clasp fastened and had to clutch onto the bathroom sink with both of her hands to keep herself from buckling over in pain. Jesus it felt like she had been stabbed instead of kicked. She didn't think her ribs were broken-just severely bruised-but damn her serial killer sure knew how to inflict pain. And Emily cringed at the thought-her mind immediately traveling to her four victims. One thing had become clear to the detective in light of her own confrontation with the maniac: Serena, Cindy, Helen, and Rebecca never stood a chance. There had been so much blood in that abandoned ammunition plant…Emily knew they all fought back like crazy. Doing everything humanly possible to survive…

"Em! Are you okay?" Alison's panic laced voice traveled into the bathroom and Emily tried to keep the tears that had sprung up in her eyes at bay. She knew it would worry Alison is she was crying.

When Emily didn't respond after a few seconds Alison made her way into the bathroom. The detective's vision had blurred and it caused a halo to form around the blonde-Emily thought it was fitting…

"My ribs…" She managed to croak out.

"Em…" Alison's voice was so soothing it almost made Emily forget that she was in any pain at all, "I need you to try and stand up straight. That'll alleviate the pressure from your rib cage."

Alison's hands gently wrapped around her tensed forearm muscles and lightly pulled the brunette so she was facing the blonde. Slowly, Ali guided her arms up to her shoulders and began massaging away the tension in the detective's arms.

"I'm going to change your dressing and put a new Icy Hot patch on your ribs...that should help with the pain. Can you just hold onto my shoulders to keep your balance?" Alison's voice was like a drug to Emily. She could feel its velvety reassurance spreading through her pores. Did the blonde have some sort of superpower where her aura could just calm people down? Because the brunette's pained breathing was becoming more and more stable with each second she was standing this close to Ali and feeling her strong shoulders underneath her fingertips. My God, what did Alison do for a living? Because Jesus she was fit…

Emily nodded her head in understanding and when she managed to open her eyes Ali's brilliant blue orbs damn near floored her. The detective could seriously feel her knees buckle. She would never grow tired of Alison looking at her with a mixture of love, kindness, adoration, and sheer protectiveness swirling in those ocean depths.

Alison's gaze shifted down to her defined stomach as she undid Emily's dressing that was presumably put on last night and the detective almost laughed because want and desire now swirled within the blonde's orbs as she took in Emily's toned muscles.

Emily found it all sorts of adorable when Alison gently shook her head obviously trying to refocus and stated, "The swelling's gone down a lot and the bruises aren't nearly as dark as they were last night. Which means you're healing, mermaid, but it's still gonna hurt like a bitch for a while."

The detective stood in complete awe of the woman before her. How did Alison know all of this medical stuff? As Alison placed the new Icy Hot patch over her battered ribs Emily sighed in relief, because that did make things feel a whole hell of a lot better. And she couldn't help but smile when Ali expertly wrapped her torso in dressing. When the blonde had everything secured she lifted her eyes to meet Emily's once more and the brunette almost crumbled to the ground again. God at this rate she'll be lucky if she ever even goes back to her apartment or the Special Crimes Unit again. Because honestly her heart and soul don't want to be anywhere that Alison isn't…

Stepping in closer to her, Alison smiles before shyly stating, "All better."

The detective has five million different questions running through her mind right now that she wants to ask Alison, but with her angel standing so close and her unique vanilla scent encompassing the space their sharing all Emily can do is lean down and place a chaste kiss on her lips, because Alison is just so beautiful and she loves Emily…and the detective feels like she's flying because how did that become her reality?

Alison's mouth moves in perfect sync with her own and Emily smiles like a complete dork into their kiss as her hands move from Ali's shoulders up to her face. She's not so embarrassed though when Alison does the same and smiles into the kiss as they pull away.

Emily reverently runs her thumbs along Ali's cheeks and rest their foreheads together as she ghosts out, "What are you some kind of superhero?" Because seriously Alison had saved her from that abandoned ammunition plant and she was like a damn doctor patching her up…

Alison lets out a soft giggle before biting her bottom lip and replying, "Something like that…" Given the look that crosses Alison's face, the detective knows she's not trying to be coy, that there's actually some truth behind Emily's inquiry.

"What do you mean?" Emily asks with nothing but understanding seeping through her tone. She wants Alison to know that whatever it is, she can tell her. She'll accept whatever secret the blonde feels like she can't reveal.

When a few moments of silence pass between them, Emily waits to catch Alison's now worried eyes and declares, "I love you and nothing will ever change that."

She breathes easier when Alison smiles at her and asks, "God Emily, how do you always know what to say?"

Because we're soulmates Alison that's how.

The detective gives Ali a knowing look that she hopes conveys that sentiment.

Alison steps away from Emily and clears her throat. The brunette almost whines at the loss of contact but refrains, because she knows another one of Alison's nervous habits is to pace back and forth. And obviously right now Ali needs to move around to get out what is weighing so heavily on her gorgeous shoulders.

"I…uh…I'm…" Alison turns around so she's facing Emily again and runs a hand through her blonde hair-another nervous habit of hers-and the brunette smiles because some things about Ali have remained the same, despite all of the drastic changes the blonde has obviously gone through in the past seven years.

Alison lets out a frustrated groan and Emily move towards her to offer some form of support when the blonde's hand flies up telling her to stop advancing. Okay…what the hell is going on?

Offering her an apologetic smile Alison kindly asks, "Em, can you please put a shirt on? Because I can't focus when you're standing there looking like a Greek Goddess."

Emily knows her mouth is hanging open, because yeah she didn't see that coming whatsoever. But then again if Alison was the one standing in front of her shirtless she wouldn't be able to have a serious conversation either. Reaching for the Knicks t-shirt that Ali had brought her earlier, the detective slowly brings it over her head and down over her stomach. She's relieved that her ribs didn't hurt too badly when she did that.

Ali lets out a relieved sigh, "Thank you." Emily nods back at her and she keeps it stored away for future knowledge that the sight of her abs fluster (or maybe it's turn on…) Alison DiLaurentis-who would have thought?

Alison goes to say something else, but then stops herself and moves in front of Emily grabbing her right hand and interlocking their fingers. God…we just fit.

"Are you hungry? I made some food."

Emily's expression conveys how taken back she is by the innocent question given the direction their conversation had previously been going.

"Um, I guess."

"Great!" Alison beams up at her and excitedly (but with extreme care) pulls on her right arm and leads her outside of the bathroom and hospital room she woke up in...in the arms of the love of her life none the less.

The pair enter an expansive hallway and Emily is flabbergasted by how high tech everything looks. Seriously where were they?

Everything looked brand new (or it was extremely well taken care of) and given the size of the space Emily is surprised that it appears they are the only two people around…

"I hope blueberry pancakes are still your favorite, but if they're not I can totally make something else." Alison's sweet voice draws her out of the trance she was in and the detective realizes that they're in a kitchen now. A big ass kitchen at that…She can imagine her mother having an orgasm because of the stainless steel appliances and granite countertops that adorn the inviting space.

Shaking her head Emily looks over to Ali in awe that she had remembered her favorite breakfast food and quietly replies, "Yeah…they're still my favorite."

Alison gives her a closed lip smile and then hesitantly explains, "I'm not trying to avoid telling you about what exactly it is I do. It's just…that will take a while to explain and I figured you'd be hungry because it's probably been a while since you've eat-"

Emily pulls Alison flush against her and cuts off her rambling with a kiss. Even though the brunette found it adorable when Alison rambled…she didn't need Ali to explain why she had done such a sweet gesture. She knew how expansive Alison's heart was and the fact that she was so concerned about Emily made the detective swoon so hard.

Pulling a mere centimeter away from the woman who meant absolutely everything to her Emily reassured, "Thank you, Ali. Everything smells amazing." And it did. Emily's stomach growled in anticipation, which Alison found pretty hysterical as she continued to just stand in Emily's embrace.

It had been a long time since Emily had had a proper meal. Really she'd been surviving on nothing but coffee and protein bars since she'd begun hunting this serial killer. On occasion Hanna had shown up at her front door with take out and the detective relished in the added sustenance…but lately her meals had consisted of chewing on gum…and coffee. She really was becoming worse than Spencer. Given her erratic eating and sleeping habits it was amazing she remained as physically fit as she did.

"Don't worry, Em. I made coffee." Ali quipped as she made her way over to the coffee pot and poured Emily a large serving in a New York Knicks coffee mug. Okay what was up with the Knicks stuff everywhere? Were they at Madison Square Gardens or something?

"Oh thank God." Emily exaggeratedly let out as she sat at the breakfast bar in front of a plate of delicious looking blueberry pancakes. Ali might just give Pam Fields a run for her money.

Alison shook her head in amusement as she handed Emily her mug before turning around to get her own coffee and mumbling, "Jesus…you're worse than Brittany."

Emily nearly spit out the hot liquid all over the granite countertop at the mention of that name. Brittany. Brittany as in the Bronx Baller who Emily had been researching the shit out of for the last few days? Hanna said she was stalking, but the detective likes to think she was just putting the pieces together…or at least trying to.

Wait! Oh my God that picture she found in the abandoned ammunition plant! It had Brittany, her entire family…and Alison in it! Her angel was definitely connected to the Johnson's…but from everything Emily had found out about them they were good people and she's thinking they helped Ali become this superhero-esqu woman.

Her eyes must have been the size of saucers because when Alison turned around to face her, a look of concern spread over her beautiful face.

"Is everything okay, Emily?"

The brunette took a large gulp of her coffee and tried to settle her racing thoughts. She didn't want to start interrogating Alison about what she did and the people she had in her life now. Ali had promised to tell her story and the last thing Emily wanted to do was scare the blonde. But Emily's gut told her that Ali needed a question to lead her into what exactly the past seven years had consisted of…so here goes nothing.

She took a deep breath and held Alison's gaze, "Brittany…as in Brittany Johnson?...As in the Bronx Baller?"

Alison set her mug of coffee down and stood across the breakfast bar from Emily. It looked like she was readying herself for one hell of an explanation as she sighed exhaustedly, but the brunette hoped Alison realized she wasn't accusing her of anything. She was just curious…Jesus she was a detective it was like in her freakin' blood.

"Yes." Alison's blue eyes shined with honesty as she slowly revealed, "Brittany as in…the person who brought me back to life, welcomed me into their family, and gave me a purpose when I thought I had nothing left to offer the world."

"Whoa."

"Yeah…she's the best friend I've ever had. Well, next to you of course." Emily blushes and shyly looks down, "And this might sound weird but…I don't know it's like her soul's connected to mine. Not in a romantic way or anything, but it's like we were destined to meet and I just don't know what I'd do without her." A soft smile spreads across Alison's face and Emily thinks she'll like Brittany if she ever gets to properly meet her. Sure she'd seen her outside of Carla's apartment in Queens, but again she was kind of stalking the former basketball great…God she hates when Hanna's right! But any human who watched over Ali when she couldn't and obviously loved the blonde was okay in Emily's book.

"She sounds like an amazing person…almost like the big sister you didn't have but always wanted growing up."

Emily held Alison's hand across the breakfast bar and softly stroked her soft skin, "I'm so glad you have her Ali." The detective can feel the emotion creeping up her throat as she recalls, "I was so worried about you when you left Rosewood. You were injured and scared and I didn't even know if you were alive." Emily's voice is laced with pain and she sees quilt spread across Ali's face, "I just kept praying that God would let me find you or at least send some guardian angels to look after you and keep you safe." She sniffles and is relieved that at least no tears have escaped her eyes this time.

Keeping their hands together Alison makes her way over to the stool Emily's sitting on and draws the detective into a warm embrace. The brunette buries her head in the crook of Alison's neck and just breathes her in as her arms snake around Ali and hold onto her as close as possible. She's still in shock that Ali is even real.

"I'm so sorry I hurt you Emily." She knows Alison is being sincere and can hear the regret in her voice. But the detective finds it telling that Ali hasn't apologized for leaving Rosewood. She's merely apologized for the excruciating pain she caused the brunette because of her departure. Emily can only assume that the blonde doesn't regret her choice to get out of the suburban town (and really who could blame her), she just regrets causing pain to the ones she left behind.

A few content moments pass between them as Ali soothingly runs her delicate fingers through Emily's luscious hair. And God does the detective ever love the feel of that. When they had been young teenagers Alison used to play with her hair all the damn time, and she's found very few things as relaxing as Alison's touch in life.

Alison places a gentle kiss on top of her head before quietly stating, "But it's funny that you should mention guardian angels because…that's actually what I am."

Emily's eyebrows furrow as she remains in Alison's hold. She knows she should probably readjust her position so she can make eye contact, but honestly she was just too comfortable and loving this too much.

"What do you mean?" It's the second time she's asked Alison that question this morning and she's hoping this time around the blonde actually elaborates.

Alison takes a deep breath before she quietly explains, "Brittany and I are Guardian Angels for the CIA…She likes to say our job is to kick ass and save lives, but we basically keep the entire planet safe unofficially for the United States government. We're actually at the New York City CIA headquarters right now."

The detective can feel a shocked expression spread over her face. She would imagine that her mouth is hanging open and her eyes are bulging out of her head. The love of her life's a freakin superhero?! For the C-I-motherfucking-A!?

"Holy shit." Emily tries to collect herself before she pulls back so she can look Alison in the eyes, "Ali, that's amazing! You basically are a superhero!"

Alison smiles at her excitement, "I could say the same about you Detective Fields. Working with the Special Crimes Unit at such a young age is very impressive."

Emily gives her an incredulous look, "Not as impressive as saving the world, Alison."

Alison playfully scoffs, "Ugh it's overrated. It's a life where you never sleep, never get a day off, can be sent anywhere around the world at the drop of a hat, and if I wasn't doing it with such amazing people I'd have to deal with political bullshit too." Emily knows the blonde isn't lying about the downfalls of her job, but she can tell that Alison loves it regardless…and that alone makes her smile.

"However, it is incredibly rewarding, is never boring, and the money's really good. So…it's not all bad." The blonde finishes with a lighthearted smirk.

The detective is looking at Alison in complete awe. After everything she had to endure in Rosewood because of Charles-being buried alive by her own mother, living on the streets for two years, being sent to prison for a crime that never happened, having to watch her father die right in front of her-Emily just can't fathom that she's turned into this amazingly selfless human being. Alison protects the defenseless and unlike Emily gets zero recognition for it. The brunette just shakes her head in wonderment-she'd always seen the best in Alison even when they were young and Ali was a master manipulator and devilish bully-but she had no idea just how incredible her angel really was. God how was she even real, again?

Emily's hands land on Alison's slender hips and she runs her thumbs over the exposed tantalizing skin. Before she gets too lost in how amazing it feels to have Alison's skin be underneath her fingertips, because her mind will immediately go to some not so PG places, the detective looks back up at the woman who had been her entire world for over a decade and delicately states, "Well…considering you've saved my life on now four occasions I suspect you're one of the best Guardian Angels the CIA has to offer."

Given the confident flare that flashes in Alison's ever expressive blue eyes Emily knows that her love is one of the best…or at least part of the best team.

Ali offers her a sheepish grin, "I mean I don't want to brag…but first Barack and now Hillary rave about Brittany and I. They call us the dynamic duo, it's kind of cute."

"You…you kn-know the president? Like on a first name basis?" If Emily wasn't in shock before, she definitely is now. Suddenly being acquaintances with the mayor of Philadelphia and now New York City seems lackluster...

"Who do you think keeps them alive, Emily? The Secret Service? Please those guys are idiots…" She knows Alison's kidding from the playful look on her face, but Emily finds it endearing how nonchalant the blonde is about literally being responsible for keeping some of the most powerful people on the planet safe.

Alison's carefree demeanor turns more serious as her eyebrows scrunch in a worried crease, "Sorry...I keep distracting you. You should eat something, Emily." The blonde goes to move, but the brunette pulls her back in and kisses her softly.

"I love when you distract me." And Jesus Emily knows she's being so ridiculously corny, but she can't help that she's finally been reunited with her lost love.

"Okay fine." Alison huffs out and then effortlessly jumps into Emily's lap. The brunette is pleasantly surprised and lets out a playful squeal.

Alison turns in the detective's lap and completely wraps herself around Emily (which she has absolutely no qualms about-she wants Ali to feel free to touch her however she pleases), before kindly asking, "If I stay right here will you eat something?"

With the blonde being this close to her, she could ask Emily to do just about anything and the detective would cave (she can only imagine how much shit Hanna would give her right now for being so whipped). Ali's been back in her life for not even a full day and already she has Emily wrapped around her finger.

Feigning fake reluctance Emily picks up her fork and drawls, "Well since you asked so nicely…"

In all honesty though Emily was starving and after taking a bite of Alison's blueberry pancakes she lets out a satisfied groan. Her stomach will definitely appreciate this added addition.

"Ali…" Emily begins after taking a few more bites.

"Hmmm?" Alison burrows even further into her shoulder and Emily thinks she's the cutest thing in existence.

"How does one become a Guardian Angel?"

Alison looks up at her lovingly before coyly uttering, "Well…"

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September 3, 2012
Manhattan, New York City
Central Park
5:00 AM

"Hey blondie! C'mon! Don't be shy, girl! I just want to play!"

Alison feels panic spread through her veins as the hoarse voice shouts after her. She quickens her pace through Central Park and curses herself for being so careless. After everything she'd been through she should know better. She should know better than to walk through the spacious green area in the wee hours of the morning without Pepe by her side for protection at least. But the adorable sheltie had looked so cute asleep on her bed in the secluded lower end home she was renting a room in that she had left him be when she'd woken up from her nightmare and needed fresh air. The blonde would usually never walk around New York City of all places by herself, but she'd felt claustrophobic in the small space after images of her father's dead body had her jolting awake in a cold sweat…and ironically the city's grimy streets brought her comfort. It seemed like everyone in New York was lost and trying to find their place in the world…and even though Alison had very little human interaction it made her feel less fucked up being in the presence of other shattered souls.

She used to be so careful and calculate every move precisely…

But since she'd left Rosewood over two months ago she's become more and more reckless. She left the suburban town reeling from her injuries and doped up on narcotics after Lieutenant Tanner had started spewing her bullshit theories about Alison being behind the entire –A ordeal and working in cahoots with Charles after the blonde woke up from her coma. She had been hoping to see her mermaid's beautiful face, but instead she was met with the policewoman's who from the day she met Alison had made it her mission to make the blonde's life a living hell. It wasn't enough that she'd thrown Alison in jail for months for a murder that never even happened…now she had to draw psychotic connections where there were none.

Ali could handle a lot. She could handle people thinking she was a bitch and blaming her for certain things…hell she blamed herself for most of the shit that had gone wrong in her hometown. But she refused to be tied to the motherfucker who murdered her mother and father so senselessly. She couldn't live with that being the angle the police were going to take as they prosecuted Charles for his crimes. So she had split.

And yeah the blonde will concede that it was a rash decision to flee from the hospital, but she was seriously fucked up from what Charles had put her through. For God's sake he riddled her father with bullets as Kenneth lay protecting her just for the hell of it. Just because he could…There were no words to describe the quilt that consumed Alison's entire being as Kenneth's eyes had shut for the last time and his dead body fell on top of her.

She was in a damn haze as she somehow miraculously made it back to her house and hastily threw a bag of clothes together, grabbed all the cash she could find, and retrieved Pepe from the back yard. She may not have been thinking clearly but she knew it would do her well to have her canine best friend by her side, because she had come to accept that she'd more than likely never see Spencer, Aria, Hanna,…or Emily ever again.

Emily. Sweet Emily…who loved Alison the way Alison loved her. Sweet Emily who rarely left her side while she'd been in her coma. God she'd give anything to just feel Emily's arms wrap protectively around her again. But that couldn't happen right now. That couldn't happen because she was way too screwed up…and Ali knew she needed to heal. But she just had no fucking clue how to even begin.

She prayed that the gorgeous brunette understood why she had to leave Rosewood. Even though that included leaving behind her three best friends and love of her life Alison knew she could never put herself back together in the town that had been home to so much of the physical, emotional, and psychological torment she'd endured at the hands of her half-brother. She could only hope that in time she could be reunited with her soulmate and their relationship could have an honest shot.

"C'mon sexy I just want to talk!" The hoarse voice is getting closer and closer to her and Alison can feel her heart thumping against her chest as her feet pound against the paved path. She shakes her head trying to clear the images of Emily out and focusing on the task at hand. Her still injured ribs scream at her in protest, but the last thing she wants is for whoever the fuck is following her to catch up to her. She knows they only have bad intentions…and given the early hours of the morning there's no one around to help her.

Before Charles had damn near killed her Alison had become quite the runner, but her body is weak from all the pain that had been inflicted on it and she knows not receiving adequate medical attention isn't helping matters either. She tries to keep her breathing calm and steady but as the heavy footsteps close in on her she starts to gasp in sheer terror. And right as she crosses under the overpass of the cement bridge along the park's path her left ankle brutally twists.

"Agh!" She lets out a worried pain filled gasp and tries to keep running despite the limp she now has. Shit! Shit! This is not good!

Rough hands snake around her waist and shove her into the cement wall of the bridge. Alison yells in pain, because damn if her ribs weren't injured before they definitely are now.

Her creeper has a deranged look in his emerald green eyes as he dominantly presses against and gropes her already battered body. Alison is thrashing against him with everything she has but it's to no avail as her PTSD is flaring up. She can feel his erection through his jeans as he leans down and snarls menacingly in her ear,

"I love when they play hard to get."

The blonde feverously scratches at his disgusting face like a caged animal as horrible flashbacks from her time in prison take over her mind. The guards had taken to sexually assaulting her as a means to keep her in her place. She thought it was ironic that her lawyer had been so concerned when her fellow inmates had burned her with that iron…if only she knew what the men in blue were doing to the blonde.

"Help me! Please somebody!" Alison screams as loud as she can when this sicko's hand moves from groping her breasts to fumbling with the button on her jeans. Hot tears spring into her eyes because she can't believe she's about to experience this kind of abuse and dehumanization again. The only reason she'd gotten through what happened to her in prison was because Emily had started visiting her and slowly letting Alison back into her life-culminating in that wonderful moment on prom night-but now her brunette wasn't around. And Alison would laugh out loud at herself if the situation were different, because she was the one who had left-again.

"Yell all you want, baby. It's just you and me." Her soon to be rapist taunts her and Alison desperately pushes against him trying to break free. But even if she caused him to stumble her ankle is so injured she knows she wouldn't get far. Just her fucking luck.

She hears him undoing his own pants and she tries to block everything out. She doesn't want to have any recollection of this. As her body continues to fight she tries to direct her mind elsewhere. Emily-think about Emily. Your gorgeous guardian angel. That smile. Her smile makes anything bearable…

Her vision is so blurred from her tears that Alison doesn't know what's happening when suddenly the disgusting creeper is no longer sadistically pressing himself against her.

Desperately she whips her tears so she can access her surroundings because she highly doubts this bastard had a change of heart. When she clears the moisture away from her eyes she's met with the image of her would be rapist looking pathetically small as a tall athletic brunette has his body lifted off the ground and thrust into the opposite side of the tunnel-her flexed forearm keeping him in place as he struggles to breathe. The blonde keeps her own body flush against the tunnel wall she'd nearly been raped against and struggles to get her breathing under control as she frantically refastens her jeans.

Where the hell did this woman come from? Ali hadn't seen anyone else in the park…did she jump down from the bridge or something? Alison doesn't really care how; she's just really fucking glad the mystery woman showed up when she did.

The mystery woman restricts the creeper's airway even more as she glares daggers into him and sneers in a threatening tone, "You think you can just put your hands on a woman and get away with it?!"

The emerald green eyes that had scared Alison shitless a few minutes ago now have fear flashing through them. Good.

"How many women have you raped, huh?!" The brunette is borderline screaming at the scum bag and Alison can't explain it, but she feels safe. Despite what almost just happened to her, she feels safe with…whoever this is…being around.

When all the creeper does is sputter out some incoherent words and saliva the chiseled woman thrusts him into the wall so violently that he's knocked unconscious. With zero regard for the gross man's wellbeing her savior releases his now limp body and lets him sag to the floor like the pathetic pile of trash he is.

Alison observes with intrigue as the woman slowly backs away taking deep breaths obviously trying to calm down. Her chest is heaving and her fists are clenched. Ali gets the sense that she protects people for a living or something because of how worked up she is. Either that or she's one of those rare breeds of human who actually care when complete strangers are suffering. Most people are simply indifferent…and Alison hates that. She wishes more people gave a fuck about all of mankind. And she knows she isn't one to talk given the kind of person she used to be, but she really had evolved from her Queen Bee days-near death experiences do that to you.

After a few moments her mysterious savior, who's drop dead gorgeous she might add-well not as gorgeous as Emily but then again no one is, pulls a cell phone from the pocket of her black Nike sweatpants and places a call,

"Bro, I need a favor…Yes, I know how early it is!...Can you please call 911 and report an attempted rape in Central Park under the bridge? I think I just stumbled across the man who's been terrorizing women in the park for the past three months…Because! Reggie's been on my ass lately for getting involved in NYPD cases and I seriously don't need him getting irritated because he'll send me off to Kuwait or something for punishment! And mom's already tripping about me doing this job. I don't need her worrying even more by being halfway across the world…Thanks, Bradley. I love you, too."

She may have been seconds away from getting raped but Alison was still perceptive…and from what she could gather from this end of the conversation her mystery superhero-Wait…can she call her a superhero? Fuck it; yes she can call her a superhero!-her mystery superhero has a brother named Bradley, a mother who obviously worries about her, isn't a cop but does something that entails keeping people safe maybe on a global scale, and wants to bring about justice even if it means bending the rules a little bit.

When the athletic woman turned around with obvious intent to check on Alison and see how she was doing the blonde felt immediate comfort spread through her as worried lighter hued blue eyes held her own. Looking into those soulful cerulean eyes something happened to Ali that she'd only ever experienced once before. She instantaneously trusted this person. And the only time she instantly trusted someone previously was when she met Emily Fields in middle school. Her mermaid and this…superhero both conveyed a sheer goodness through their orbs.

The tall brunette stopped in front of her and lightly held Alison's arms. The blonde hadn't realized how her balance had been staggering and how panicked her breathing still was.

"Just take some deep breaths, hon." Her savior's voice was so soft and soothing with a hint of authority laced into it. "There you go…Inhale…Exhale. You're doing great!" She encouraged and as Ali's tears went away and she really got a good look at this person she swears she would have fallen in love with this angel if Emily Fields didn't hold her heart and consume nearly all of her thoughts. Whoever this was radiated protectiveness and safety, which is what Alison needed more than anything right now…

The blonde could feel her breathing and heart beat slow down to a somewhat healthy rate and she grasped onto this mystery woman's toned arms for support. She was feeling rather light headed and her ribs hurt like a bitch.

"Hey, hey try and keep your eyes open, okay?" Her superhero urged and Alison just nodded in understanding, but she felt so dizzy she didn't think she'd be able to keep her eyes open for much longer. What was wrong with her?

"Are you staying around here? Your ankle's swelling and needs attention…" Those blue eyes held so much concern and Ali thought it was telling that this mystery person had picked up on the fact that she didn't really have a home-she'd asked 'where she was staying' as opposed to 'where she lived'. In all honesty Alison was floating, trying desperately to land on some solid ground…and as her body went limp, strong arms wrapped around her. Maybe just maybe she could find some stability with her mystery superhero. And Ali knew that was a crazy thought…but then again she was in a desperate situation. Pepe was great and had helped her maintain her sanity, but Alison knew she was heading down a dark path if she didn't try and build some semblance of a life for herself with other human beings…

As her head lulled against and came to settle on the athletic woman's shoulder she managed to mumble out incoherently, "Renting…room…by…church."

With that Alison's world went black, but for the first time in two months she didn't fear that she'd succumb to the darkness. In the sad reality that had become her life, she might have just found some light.

---

November 15, 2012
The Bronx, New York City

Alison was curled up on the comfortable couch in Brittany Johnson's apartment (her superhero from Central Park) reading Richard Wright's gut wrenching novel Native Son. Pepe was snuggled up against her as Ali's free hand ran through the sheltie's soft fur. She and her canine best friend had been living-yes actually living-with the athletic brunette since the morning she had saved Alison in Central Park.

While Alison was still unconscious in her arms that morning Brittany had found the room she'd been renting next to the church, looked at how utterly shitty the space was, seen how adorable Pepe was, and come to the decision that Ali and her pooch couldn't stay there any longer. Mind you at that point she didn't even know Alison's name, she just knew she needed help. At first the blonde had been startled when she'd come to in an actual comfortable bed with her ribs properly bandaged and her ankle wrapped, but as her frightened eyes took in her surroundings and landed on the woman who had stopped that gross man from harming her anymore she instantly relaxed. Before her superhero could even explain what had happened Alison had pulled her into a hug and just kept repeating "thank you" over and over again. Over the next few hours Ali learned that her superhero actually was kind of a hero and worked for the CIA and the blonde found it hilarious that Brittany was supposed to be so secretive about what she did for a living because she'd known Ali for less than a day and let it slip. And according to the brunette her mom, brother, most of her extended family, and best friends Rebecca and Carla knew what she did as well.

Alison hadn't said too much that first night. Just that she'd been through a lot and was trying to get her life back together. Brittany didn't ask too many questions which Ali really appreciated and she offered her apartment for as long as Alison wanted to stay there.

Since she had been living with Brittany things had been wonderful to say the least. The blonde could feel her physical injuries and psychological trauma improve with each passing day. Slowly, but surely, she was becoming an actual human being again.

And her seemingly mundane days that consisted of staring at nothing had turned into productive ones as a result of the taller woman's possession of hundreds of books. Alison had to admit it felt really great to use her brain again…to become engrossed in stories that didn't revolve around her and learn about social issues that she didn't even know existed. It turns out Brittany was quite the activist and Ali loved listening to her rant about everything that was messed up in the world. She may not have been in college, but being around the genius superhero was definitely providing her with an education.

She had also begun a regimented exercise routine to help her body heal and regain muscle tone. The blonde was most excited about finally being able to go jogging with Pepe again-although Brittany never let her go jogging alone after what happened in Central Park. Ali found it endearing just how protective her 'roommate' was.

Next to her sweet Emily, Brittany was the kindest soul she had ever met. She never pushed Alison to reveal more than she was comfortable with, and it had made it exponentially easier for the blonde to slowly begin to open up and talk about her past. She found it fitting that the person she now considered her best friend's job title was Guardian Angel, because she seriously was.

Over the last two months Alison had painfully opened up about everything that haunted her. About her mother and the sadistic way she raised her, how she buried her alive, and then was murdered by her psycho brother before they could repair their relationship. About Charles being –A, and torturing not just her, but her best friends as well. About Kenneth and the sacrifice he'd made to save her life before she'd left Rosewood. And of course what she talked about more than anything was her beautiful mermaid who she had come to realize was the absolute love of her life. No matter what she talked about Brittany just listened intently and usually ended up holding Ali as she cried her eyes out. One thing Alison had quickly realized about the athletic brunette was that she gave amazing hugs and always knew how to make her feel better. And she was just insanely grateful that she'd come into her life when she did.

Lifting her eyes from the novel she was becoming more and more engrossed in, Alison's piercing blue orbs landed on her best friend who was leaning over the dining room table with papers spread out all around her. There was an emerging terrorist group that Reggie, Brittany's boss, wanted her to familiarize herself with…and this reality scared Alison because that meant the woman who had become her lifeline would more than likely be going half way across the world. The blonde knew it was selfish but she wanted (or more like needed) Brittany to remain in New York.

But even if her best friend had to leave for a few weeks Ali could breathe a little easier knowing that she wouldn't entirely be alone. Brittany's mom, Teresa, and younger brother, Bradley would probably spend an ample amount of time with her and Pepe. And that thought was incredibly comforting because the amazing reality was Teresa and Bradley both treated Alison like she was a part of their family and always had been. At first it had baffled Ali how loving and welcoming the Johnson's were to her-it was a complete contrast from everything she knew growing up in Rosewood-but with each passing day the blonde came to accept that these amazing human beings truly cared about her. The three of them almost filled the hole that leaving Emily behind had created in her heart-almost.

As if on cue the front door to Brittany's apartment opened and Teresa and Bradley waltzed in like they owned the place. Pepe of course ran over to greet the two with his tail wagging and tongue hanging out. Luckily her mother and brother were just as big of dog people as Brittany was. Bradley crouched down to give Pepe some love and the sheltie licked his face, while Teresa set down food on the dining room table before going over to Brittany and softly instructing, "You shouldn't slouch like that dear you'll screw up your posture." Her best friend looked up and offered the nurse a soft smile before sitting up straight. Ali thought it was funny how Brittany was indignant and stubborn towards nearly everyone but turned into a goody two shoes around her mom. If Alison's being honest she envies their relationship. Teresa loved Brittany and Bradley unconditionally and instilled good morals in them. That's what mothers were supposed to do…

"Yo! Pepe it's a good thing you're cute buddy because your breath stanks!" Bradley's booming voice ripped Alison from her thoughts and she playfully glared at the fire fighter in training.

"Do NOT give me that look Ali! You know this dog's breath could knock anyone on their ass!"

"This coming from the guy who had how many cavities growing up?" Brittany lightly jabbed and Bradley turned towards her gasping.

"Well excuse me for not being OCD about my teeth and spending ten minutes a pop brushing them!"

Alison chuckled at the siblings. They gave each other so much shit, yet loved one another fiercely. She wonders briefly how Jason's doing. She knows he hadn't taken the news about Charles-his own freaking twin that their parents hid existed-being the one who was torturing Alison and the other girls all along the greatest. As much as she wants to reach out to him, Alison knows that would only bring on a shit ton of questions from everyone else that she just isn't ready to answer. She hopes he's at least in rehab or something. All she wants for Jason is for him to be healthy and find some semblance of happiness. That's all she's ever wanted for Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily as well. But what if they don't get that? What is she fucked them up so badly that they can never have normal lives? She'd never forgive herself…

"Ali?..." A soft voice had her shaking her head and looking into soulful blue eyes that got her every fucking time. She must have spaced out for a few minutes because Brittany had cleared the table of her work and set it for dinner. Looking past her best friend who was kneeling in front of her with Pepe right next to her Ali saw Teresa and Bradley standing a few feet away with worried expressions spread across their faces. Alison was confused. Why did everyone suddenly look so concerned?

Tentatively Brittany raised her hand to Ali's cheek and that's when the blonde realized she was crying. And not just softly crying…like borderline hysterical crying.

Sensing that Alison wasn't going to fight her Brittany got on the couch next to her and drew her into a hug. The blonde collapsed into the taller woman's chest and clutched onto the person who made her feel like she was worth a damn in New York City for dear life. She was sobbing and her breathing was erratic. Teresa had explained that part of her PTSD from all the shit that's happened to her were these sudden onslaughts of emotions, and Alison hated that component because she literally would have a damn near mental break down out of nowhere. She supposes it's healthier to actually be expressing her emotions as opposed to completely shutting down like she'd been doing from the time she left Rosewood and before she met Brittany. And really she couldn't have found three better people to be experiencing these episodes in front of. The Johnson's never judged her and that alone was enough to bring tears to her eyes.

Brittany was softly stroking her hair and whispering reminders to keep breathing into her ear. Ali could hear the Guardian's heart beat and it was the sound she held onto as she came down from her emotional tornado. She never knew how much time it actually took for her to calm down. Her perceptions were completely off…but she was hyper aware of the fact that Brittany had her enveloped in a hug and that Teresa and Bradley were rubbing soothing circles along her back as her tears died down.

When her breathing had finally gotten under control she slightly lifted her head from Brittany's chest so she could look in her eyes and squeak out, "Thank you."

The brunette whipped the rest of her tears from her cheeks with the pads of her thumbs and slowly stated so the blonde would let her words sink in, "You have to stop blaming yourself for everything bad that ever happened, Ali. You didn't ask to be born into a family founded on manipulation and tortured by a psychopath. Sure you've made mistakes in the past, we all have. But you've learned from them. You're a good person Alison DiLaurentis and I'll remind you of that every five minutes of every single day if I have to. I'm so thankful that you're in my life and I know it sounds crazy but I can't imagine not having you in it." Ali could hear the emotion seeping through her best friend's voice. She was almost on the verge of tears and Alison couldn't believe just how much Brittany believed in her. It honestly took her breath away.

Her best friend brushed some blonde hair out of Ali's face reverently and gave her a soft smile, "I always wanted a younger sister. I love you, Ali." Alison could feel her heart clench in her chest. And even though it wasn't the first time Brittany had told her she loved her it just felt amazing to hear.

"I feel like I should be offended." She heard Bradley mumble to Teresa followed by a joking "ouch!" as the nurse more than likely swatted his massive forearm in playful annoyance.

"Shut up. Your sisters are having a moment." Teresa murmured back to him and that's when Alison realized that she was surrounded by her family. Sure she missed Emily terribly and would never really be complete without her, but with these three and her ever loyal canine by her side she knew she'd survive until the universe brought her mermaid back into her life.

Wrapping Brittany in a much gentler embrace she whispered back, "You're the best big sister a girl could ever have. I love you, too."

And she meant every fucking word.

---

January 5, 2013
The Bronx, New York City

"Ali, you know you can tell me anything." Brittany gently reminded her.

The blonde huffed out, "I know that…it's just…" God how was she supposed to do this? How was she supposed to ask Brittany this? She knew her best friend would support her no matter what…she just didn't know if she'd support the career path Alison wanted to go down.

A coy smile spread across the brunette's face, "Are you trying to tell me you're pregnant? Because when the hell would you even have had sex?"

Alison grabbed one of the pillows that was perched behind her on her comfortable bed and smacked the athletic woman who was lying next to her with it. Brittany's arms flew up to try and shield her body from Alison's playful pillow assault. The blonde couldn't contain her laughter as she repeatedly hit the older woman who begged for mercy.

"You know that's not true, Brittany! God, you're ridiculous sometimes."

Expertly Brittany snatched the pillow from Alison's hands and put it securely under her head, "I know, but it got you to smile and you've been extra serious today…so the DiLaurentis Decoder strikes again."

"Bronx Baller's a better nickname." Alison grumbled out as she lay back down and turned towards Brittany.

"True." Her best friend's blue eyes sparkled like they always did when she was reminded of her basketball glory days. Despite what Brittany said Alison wondered if she ever regretted joining the CIA instead of turning professional…her life would probably be a whole lot less complicated had she just continued playing basketball…but then she never would have saved Alison in Central Park and well that would just be a damn travesty.

"Now…will you please tell me what's going on?"

Alison shifts her gaze from Brittany's imploring stare and starts playing with the thread on one of her pillowcases. After a few silent moments she quietly states, "Reggie talked to me at your mom's Christmas party."

Chancing a glance back over to her best friend Ali sees Brittany's brows furrow in confusion, "Reggie? Like my boss Reggie?"

Alison nods her head.

A protective flare flashes across Brittany's usually calm eyes, "What'd he talk to you about?"

Alison gulps and takes a deep breath, "Joining the CIA as a Guardian Angel."

Brittany doesn't say anything in response and it's unnerving to Alison. Her best friend usually has an opinion about any and everything. After another minute of silence passes Ali notices that her best friend doesn't seem surprised by the revelation.

"You don't seem surprised."

Brittany lets out a frustrated groan and then meets Ali's questioning eyes once more, "He's been trying to get me to recruit you ever since the day we met."

Alison doesn't know what to make of this reveal. She likes Reggie and thinks it would be a good fit working for him, but why had he been pestering Brittany to bring her into the agency since September when she was suffering from a multitude of injuries.

Knowing she'll probably regret asking but needing to know; Alison ghosts out, "Why?"

"Because…" Brittany took a deep breath and tried to explain just why her boss had been so interested in Alison, "Because you've been on the CIA's radar ever since you successfully faked your death and lived on the run for over two years. When a 15 year old manages to outsmart several different law enforcement agencies that's a very appealing quality for the CIA…Throw in surviving a bullshit murder trial and 6 horrendous months in prison and you're damn near a prototype for who they want Guardians to be." Alison didn't know what to make of this information. So…ever since she came back from the dead and returned to Rosewood she's been a person of interest for the CIA? If that was the case why the fuck didn't they help her during senior year when her torment started up again and her life turned to complete shit? Was it just some sick game for them-to see how much she could endure? Oh if you bounce back after your father dying before your very eyes and being in a coma for a month then you've passed the test and we'll contact you?

"I kept telling Reggie that you weren't ready and I mean for God's sake your ribs weren't even healed when we met and you're just now able to run at a quick speed again. Not to mention all of the PTSD you're still suffering from. I mean Jesus you're vulnerable and the last thing I'm about to let happen is for you to become some pawn in the government's game." Brittany's voice was laced with protectiveness and Ali felt her insides warm.

Tentatively she reached her hand out and grabbed Brittany's effectively silencing her best friend's rambling, "You can't protect me from the world, Britt."

"I can sure as hell try," Was the brunette's immediate determined come back.

Alison just shook her head and wondered out loud, "God, why couldn't you have come into my life two years ago?"

Brittany offered her a knowing smile, "Because two years ago I was still a basketball phenom…I wouldn't have been much use to you."

Alison knows that isn't true. Having someone like Brittany even without the CIA Guardian Angel job title in her corner would have definitely been of use. She knows Charles would have never been able to hurt her like he did after her return to Rosewood if Brittany Johnson had been in her life after her first go round in New York City…

They share a few content moments and Alison knows Brittany is analyzing...lighter hued blue eyes are taking in all her nonverbal communications and the blonde knows it won't take her best friend very long to figure it out.

After another minute the full realization has hit the brunette and she sighs out, "You told him you'd do it, didn't you?"

Alison nods and a pained expression crosses Brittany's face, "Ali, you do realize that every single day there's the potential that you could die?"

She offers the tall woman a sad smile, "Britt, I've been running from death my entire life."

"I know, Ali. And I know how incredibly strong you are and how brilliant you are it's just…I don't want to see you get hurt. Being a Guardian Angel you see the worst of what the world and humanity has to offer and even though you have these amazing skills and access to the best technology…you can't save everyone…no matter how hard you try…there's always going to be people working a million times harder to enact evil. Not to mention you'll basically be leading a double life." Brittany was stressing every point because she wanted Alison to understand what exactly she was getting into. Sure it was rewarding work, but there was a hell of a lot of downfalls.

"I know all of that, Brittany. But I can't just sit here and not do something where I'm actually on the ground making a difference in people's lives."

A pregnant pause passed before Brittany teased, "You could always be a teacher…"

"Shut the hell up!" Ali chastised her best friend, "Me as a teacher now that's a joke."

Suddenly a mixture of insecurities began to consume her and Alison hollowed out, "Do you not think I'd be a good Guardian?"

A horrified look spread over Brittany's face, "What?! Ali, no! God, you'd be like the best freaking Guardian in the world! You've already got the brains and the instincts and the heart. You just need some physical training, but…" Her best friend paused and Alison felt relief spread through her at Brittany's reassuring words. Reluctantly Brittany groaned out, "Agh fucking Christ who am I kidding you were tailored made to do this job."

Alison squealed and lunged forward wrapping Brittany in an excited hug.

"But we have to establish some ground rules, Ali."

Pulling back Alison hesitantly asked, "Like what?"

"Well, for starters I'm the one who trains you."

Alison rolled her eyes and jokingly hedged out, "Well, duh. I am a diva and demand to be trained by the absolute best, which news flash Brittany you are."

Brushing off the compliment Brittany continued, "Secondly, we work as a team. I think we both would benefit from that."

Alison smiled at the notion of getting to save the world side by side with Brittany, "Reggie said that's what the plan was."

In mock annoyance Brittany groaned out, "Ugh I hate when bossman's right about something. He gloats about it for weeks on end…I swear he's like a high school jock in a forty year old's body." Seeing a slight panic spread through Ali's eyes, Brittany continued to reassure the sometimes still fragile blonde, "But in all honesty we're blessed to have him as our CIA higher up. He's honest, fair, and doesn't buy into political bullshit. He'll always have our backs which not every Guardian can say about their agency contact."

"Thirdly, if it ever becomes too much and you think you just can't do it any longer you fucking tell me and I will network like a crazy person and get you into a normal type of job and make sure you're safe and happy. I don't care what repercussions the CIA threatens you with…you just tell me and I'll get you out of it, okay?"

Alison nodded her head in understanding.

The Guardian paused and took a deep breath, "Lastly, if it comes down to it and we're cornered with our lives on the line…I'm jumping in front every time...I'm taking every bullet, every stab wound, and every explosion." Brittany's eyes had a steely resolve and Alison swallowed. She knew her best friend was 100% serious, "I don't care what you say, Ali I'm not letting you die on my watch."

A heavy silence filled the space between them as the harsh reality of the career path she wanted to go down hit Alison like a fucking semi-truck.

"But I don't want to watch you die either." Ali could feel tears spring to her eyes just at the mere thought of it. She'd probably never get over watching her father die before her eyes or leaving Emily Fields behind…but if she had to witness Brittany's life end-my God it would destroy her beyond repair.

"I know you don't, but I'm the older sibling. It's my job to keep you safe." Brittany's voice was soft, yet left no room for argument. Alison would have to agree to let the person who had become her life force die for her (if it god forbid came down to it) in order for Brittany to be okay with her deciding to be a Guardian Angel. God, life really wasn't fair sometimes…

Having to work extra hard to keep her tears at bay, Ali itched closer to Brittany so she could rest her head against the other woman's shoulder. When the brunette's toned arm lightly wrapped around her Alison let out a content sigh. They laid like that being comforted by each other's existence for a good ten minutes, before Brittany uttered out,

"If you understand and are okay with all that, then I think we can accomplish some really amazing things together."

Alison just burrowed further into Brittany and subtly nodded her head.

Alison always knew her best friend was wise beyond her years, but WOW how right had she been when envisioning the amazing Guardian Angel duo they would turn out to be for the CIA.

---

November 12, 2019
CIA New York City Headquarters
Lounge Room
5:00 pm

"Then after that Brittany started training me and I guess you could say the rest is history. We just clicked and Reggie kept sending us on these high profile missions that eventually garnered the attention of higher up people within the government like Barack and Hillary. Now we're the go-to team." Alison lifted her head from where it was resting in the crook of Emily's neck so she could drown in her mermaid's eyes and gauge how she was processing everything. Ali knew it was a lot to take in, but Emily was used to pouring over evidence and gathering details being a detective so she was right there with the blonde. The swimmer's arms were loosely wrapped around her as Ali sat in her lap in the one comfortable chair that adorned the lounge room that they had moved to after the detective had finally eaten some food in the kitchen at Ali's insistence…and Alison still couldn't believe this was real. That Emily was real.

Reverently she traced along the curvature of Emily's perfectly sculpted face and whispered, "I don't know it still blows my mind if I think about it too much." Emily leaned into her touch and Alison relished in the physical effect they still had on one another even after all this time. "Just like you being here right now is blowing my mind."

Emily laughed, "Leave it to us to be reunited because of a serial killer. God, I can't wait to hear what Hanna has to say about it."

Alison's ears perked up at that, "Hanna?" Oh dear God please tell her Emily and the others are still really close. The least they all deserved after everything Charles had put them through was their friendship. The blonde won't be able to handle it if they had grown apart. And she knows Em and Hanna had always been the closest of the four. Spencer and Aria coming in a close second…

"Yeah, we actually only live like two blocks away from each other." It warmed Ali's heart how happy Emily looked talking about her and Hanna's relationship.

"So you and Hanna are still really close?" Emily gave her an 'are you serious' expression and Alison just shrugged in response.

"If you call being the maid of honor at her wedding and the godmother to her daughter close, then yeah we're still best friends."

Alison felt nervousness spread through her veins and desperately pleaded, "Please tell me she married Caleb! I always thought he was so good for her."

Emily beamed in response, "Yeah they got married the summer after Hanna's freshman year at FIT and being the two of them they couldn't keep their hands off each other for very long and they had Chloe less than two years later..."

Alison found it adorable how happy Emily was for Hanna and the family she and Caleb had created in the years since they'd left Rosewood. And the fact that Hanna hadn't just survived after everything, but appeared to be thriving made the blonde elated as well.

Ali nuzzled into her mermaid and murmured, "I bet you're the best God mom ever."

Emily kissed the top of her head and breathed out, "I do what I can, but it's not that difficult because Chloe's the best kid ever."

A soft smile spread over Alison's face, "She sounds just like my nephew, Mandela. He just captures everyone's heart and reminds me that there is good in the world. Sometimes the things I see make me doubt, but all I have to do is look at him and everything gets better."

Emily hummed in agreement and then echoed, "Chloe does the same thing for me. Hanna thinks I'm crazy when I say Chloe's been my salvation, but she literally has been." Emily pulls her a little closer and Ali can only guess that Chloe had filled the void that her absence had created in the kind detective's heart. Ali felt an immediate need to give Hanna and Caleb the biggest hug imaginable for bringing such a remarkable little girl into the world. Any child that brought this big of a smile to her mermaid's face needed to be protected at all costs.

After a few content moments Alison quietly asks while her fingers trace patters over Emily's arms, "What happened to Spencer and Aria after…everything?"

Her mermaid takes a breath and then playfully inquires with a hint of actual curiosity, "Do you mean to tell me that you work for the CIA with access to the most advanced technology in the world and you didn't keep tabs on us over the years?"

Alison softly shakes her head and truthfully mutters, "I was too scared to."

"Why?" Confusion laces Emily's voice.

Ali pauses for a few seconds before explaining, "Because I was afraid the four of you wouldn't have been able to move on and it would have been all my fault."

Emily shifts their position so she can look Alison in her sad eyes and make her understand as she sternly declares, "Alison none of us blamed you for what happened."

The blonde couldn't help but interject, "But I brought Charles into your lives and he put you and your families through hell-"

Her mermaid stroked her cheek and cut off her self-loathing, "Charles is a psychopath, Alison. He feels no remorse for what he's done. But you?" Emily shook her head in wonderment and looked at Ali like she was the most precious thing in the entire world, "God, beautiful you…you were mean during freshman year and think everything bad that's ever happened is your fault, when it's not. Can you not see how much you've grown, Ali? How much you've changed for the better? Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and I didn't blame you for one second and we didn't resent you for leaving. I mean it was pretty obvious that you wouldn't have been able to heal in Rosewood…We all love you and just wanted you to be okay, which from the looks of things you amazingly are."

Alison felt her eyes water at Emily's kind words. Could the four of them really not have resented her or been angry at her for all the shit she brought into their lives?

Emily rests her forehead against Ali's and the blonde lets out a content sigh, "I mean don't get me wrong they don't love you as much as I do, but I know they'd be ecstatic to see you again."

Alison knew a full blown smile had overtaken her face. She wanted nothing more than to be reunited with the other three women who had made her time in Rosewood semi-bearable.

"But…to answer your question. Spencer went to Georgetown and studied politics with a focus on international policy. She then went to law school at UPenn obviously to appease her parents…" Emily rolled her eyes at the recollection and Ali darkly chuckled. She could only imagine how much pressure the Hastings had put on Spencer to become the perfect daughter.

"They wanted Spencer to take over the family firm and become a slued defense attorney just like them, but she decided to study and become a human rights lawyer." Emily gushed and Ali could tell just how proud she was of the tall brunette.

Alison smiled, "Wow, using that big brain of hers for good."

"I know! Right now she's focusing on helping parents put pressure on school districts and lawmakers to provide quality education for students in under-serviced and underfunded areas in Chicago. It isn't easy work, but she loves it."

Ali could just imagine Spencer tearing through the corruption that made up Chicago politics and being the advocate that lower income students desperately needed. Jesus, her and Brittany seriously needed to have a conversation because education reform was one of her best friend's greatest passions.

"What about Toby? Did they stay together?"

A cheeky grin spread across Emily's face, "Yes. Toby left the police force in Rosewood and followed Spencer to Washington D.C. working construction jobs throughout the city before his contracting business took off again. Now he's one of the most sought after contractors in Chicago…and he finally proposed last Christmas, so they'll be getting married this coming spring."

"Oh my God that's so great." Alison felt relief spread through her as the realization that both Spencer and Hanna got their happy endings sank in.

"Yeah, Spencer and him are just as disgustingly cute as Hanna and Caleb." Emily acted like it annoyed her but Alison knew deep down her mermaid was happy for their friends.

"What about Aria? Where'd she go to school?"

"Aria went down to Savannah, Georgia and studied all things art. Her stuff was absolutely incredible and she was offered a teaching position at a middle school in Boston after graduation, so she's been there for three years. She also does freelance photography and writing on the side. Mike's finishing his degree at Boston College so Aria moving out there gave them a chance to repair their relationship. They actually live together now and get along really well." Alison was glad to hear that Mike and Aria had somewhat gotten past what happened to them. Mike really had helped her while she'd been in prison. He was a good guy and Alison was glad he at least had his sister to rely on now.

Emily's brows furrowed as she inquired, "Wait, you didn't ask about Ezra?"

The blonde looked away from her mermaid, "Their relationship was founded on some pretty screwed up stuff, Em. I just figured once Aria gained some independence she'd see that and want to move on…"

"Wow…those were literally Aria's exact words when she explained why they broke up. Jeez Ali, you're just as perceptive as ever."

"Well…according to the CIA I have an exceptionally high IQ so I guess I'm pretty smart."

Emily's chocolate brown eyes sparkled as she brushed some blonde hair behind Ali's ear and leaned impossibly closer whispering, "That's not all you are…"

"Em…" The Guardian breathed out as her lips anxiously hovered above Emily's. It had been far too long since she'd tasted them.

Torturously slowly Emily closed the distance between them and Alison's heart hammered against her chest as their lips fused together. Jason may have been the one with the addiction problem, but Ali could admit that Emily Fields' lips were becoming a drug that she never wanted to give up. Her mermaid's touch set her on fire and Ali knew she'd never be able to live without this ever again. She shifted her hips so she was properly straddling the detective and moaned as Emily's soft tongue caressed her own. God when she was kissing Emily everything else that was happening around her-all of the problems in the world and needing to catch serial killers-just faded away. It was like the only thing that existed was the two of them. She tangled her fingers in Emily's gorgeous hair as the brunette moved her hands underneath Alison's shirt and kneaded her fingers into her toned muscles. The blonde could feel her underwear get wet at Emily's subtle movements. It had been a long time since she'd experienced arousal and needless to say Alison fucking loved this sensation. She could feel Emily's fingers climbing higher and higher and Ali was damn near losing it.

Right as she moved to sucking on Emily's pulse point her iPhone vibrated in her back jean pocket alerting her of a new text message. She wanted to ignore it and keep ravishing her mermaid with her tongue, but she knew only one person would be texting her right now. Brittany was too sweet to interrupt her time with Emily-she knew how fucking much the detective meant to her. That left one person: Reggie.

Groaning as she pulled away from Emily's delicious skin she murmured, "I'm sorry. I have to get that."

The brunette nodded that it was okay and tried to settle her own panted breathing as Alison checked her phone.

I know I promised not to interrupt but we seriously need to game plan for Rebecca's funeral tomorrow.

Ali let out a heavy sigh. Back to reality. When she talked to Reggie this morning before Emily had woken up he informed her he'd be taking the teenage girl that Brittany had rescued from the abandoned ammunition plant home to Philly and would try to gather as much information as he could about their sadistic killer from her. He promised Ali he wouldn't contact her until he was back in New York…and only if it was pertinent. She wanted to be angry at her boss, but really he had given her an insane amount of leniency and was just doing his job now. A few seconds later her iPhone buzzed again as another text from Reggie came through.

And I mean c'mon bombshell you know she still loves you…let the poor woman go home!

"Ali, is everything okay?" Emily's soft voice drew the Guardian from her phone screen.

Exhaustedly Alison breathed out, "Yeah…I just have to meet up with my boss and Brittany to go over some things for tomorrow."

Emily's face scrunched in confusion and Ali smiled because God every single expression she makes is just too damn cute.

"We're going to Rebecca's funeral tomorrow to make sure nothing happens. Brittany thinks this serial killer might try something because they know how close she and Rebecca were."

Emily shook her head and a concerned look overtook her flawless face, "I think they might try something too. I mean they dumped Rebecca's body right next to that graffiti portrait of Brittany…they were obviously trying to send a message."

The blonde nodded in agreement before adding, "Yeah and they definitely succeeded…Not to mention all the other women they've killed are from Brittany's past…"

It killed Alison how her best friend blamed herself for Serena, Cindy, Helen, and Rebecca's deaths when the two of them were in fucking Iran when this psycho killer started their rampage. But that's just what Brittany did. She literally took on the weight of the world and believed she could have done something to save everyone.

Alison gently fell back into Emily's warm embrace-utterly drained. Her detective's warm arms wrapped around her and she breathed easier. Ali hadn't been alone since she'd met the Johnson's but it was comforting to know she had a romantic partner (or at least what she hoped was a romantic partner…then again she and Emily hadn't really put a label on what they were) who supported her…despite the craziness that made up her life.

After a few moments Emily confessed, "This is nice...talking about cases with you. I can't really do that with anyone else."

Alison pulled back slightly so she could get a good look at her mermaid. She noticed for the first time the dark circles under Emily's eyes. That meant she wasn't sleeping…just how much did she put herself through to catch the monsters she hunted down for Special Crimes Ali wondered…

"Em, can I have your phone?" The Guardian softly asked.

Without hesitation the detective reached into the pocket of the Nike sweatpants she was wearing and handed Ali her iPhone after entering her passcode.

The blonde smiled as a photo of Emily with a little mini Hanna in her arms adorned the detective's background…she seriously needed to meet this kid.

Going to Emily's contacts she entered her cell phone number and saved it as "Angel".

Handing the device back to Emily she urged, "Please call me whenever you need to talk. It doesn't matter what time. I'll answer. I promise."

"You're sure that's okay?" The brunette worriedly asked.

She smiled at her love and reassured, "It's perfect, Em. I want to be around you all the time…and if I can't be then I want to talk to you all the time."

Ali could see the detective visibly relax at her words. Even though it was the last thing she wanted to do Alison playfully instructed, "Now c'mon mermaid. I need to get you home safe and sound."

Alison stood up and extended her hand to Emily to help the detective stand as well. When they were both upright she interlocked her fingers with Emily's and led the brunette out of the lounge room and towards the stairway that led down to the underground parking garage. Given the compromised state of Emily's clothing the blonde retrieved an extra jacket of hers and gave it to the brunette. She knew it would fit a little snugly but she figured it was better than nothing given that it was November in New York outside which meant it was cold as hell…

Retrieving the set of keys to Brittany's Chevy Camaro Alison noted that that more than likely meant her best friend was riffling through evidence, trying to put all the pieces together somewhere within headquarters-most likely on the basketball court…

Glancing back at Emily who had slipped the jacket on, Ali grabbed her hand once more and reluctantly led her love to her best friend's car.

---

When they pulled up to the detective's apartment complex a mere fifteen minutes later Ali looked over to the passenger seat and noted that Emily obviously didn't want to leave her side either. The brunette was playing with her fingers and doing whatever she could to stall the goodbye that was soon to come.

The X Ambassadors' "Litost" was playing softly in the background and Alison didn't think there was a more perfect song to fit the mood they were experiencing. The Czech term itself meant: "A state of agony and torment created by the sudden sight of one's own misery."

For her and Emily their misery lied in the reality that they were always having to part because of circumstances that were out of their control. The gut wrenching lyrics described what their relationship had always been:

"What have I done?...With my heart on the floor...I must be out of my mind...To come back begging for more."

"But if you stay…If you just stay for the night…Swear that I'm yours…And I'll prove that I'm right."

"And how long must I stay?...Well I lay by your side...Just to say that I'm yours...Oh, but you'll never be mine."

"It's the way that you are and the way I'll forever be…With this love I can hold…Swallow my soul…Dragging me down."

"I swear I'll stay with you...But I just can't forgive you…And I'll never be whole again."

The first time Alison had heard the song in one of Brittany's playlists she had broken down, because its ghostly acoustics beautifully contributed to the ambiance of the longing lyrics. And as much as the blonde didn't want it to be their reality anymore, Ali knew that she couldn't get lost in her mermaid just yet…

Hopeful chocolate brown orbs met hers and Ali felt her heart clench as Emily asked, "Do you want to come up for coffee or something?"

God did she ever want to, but she couldn't and looking at her mermaid she knew that Emily knew that.

Reaching across the center console Alison grasped Emily's fidgeting hands and truthfully declared, "If I come up I'll never want to leave."

Running her thumb along the back of Ali's hand Emily softly challenged, "Would that be so bad?"

The Guardian could hear the pain in Emily's voice. God she didn't want to hurt her mermaid, but she needed to focus. She needed to meet up with her best friend and Reggie so they could devise a plan and find this psycho. That way Ali could focus on more important things like loving Emily Fields the way she deserved to be loved and introducing her to her family.

Sadly Ali replied, "For us…no, but for the city…yes."

She could see the disappointment seep through Emily's pores and this is what made Alison's job so fucking hard. She had to sacrifice relationships and personal happiness for the safety of the world…for the greater good. It wasn't fair but it was the life she'd chosen.

Swallowing thickly she explained, "Emily I'd love nothing more than to just stay in your arms forever and not have a care in the world...but I can't do that. That's not who I am." Tears gathered in Emily's soulful eyes and Ali knew she was on the verge of waterworks as well.

Sniffling she continued, "When I became a Guardian Angel I took a vow that I would protect people and enact justice…Whoever this person is they've caused enough harm and destruction already. For God's sake they tried to kill you! And I can't let anyone else get hurt knowing I could have prevented it. Just please…" Alison could feel her emotions getting the better of her as she choked out, "Pl-le-ease tell me that's ok-kay."

For a split second the blonde feared that Emily would decide this was too much. That she couldn't handle being with someone who literally carried the weight of the world on their shoulders. And Alison wouldn't blame her for walking away for good this time.

But her fears quickly disappeared as Emily gently cupped her face and brought her in for an emotionally charged kiss. Alison felt weightless as Emily poured her entire being into the meeting of their lips. They were both breathless when the detective pulled back and broke the embrace.

"Ali, I told you nothing would ever change the way I feel about you. I love you. I always have and I always will. I just wanted you to myself because it's been so long…but I understand." All of her prior panic went away as Emily proclaimed her love for her and looked at her like she meant absolutely everything. A goofy grin spread across the brunette's face, "I'll just have to get used to sharing you with the rest of the world...with you being a superhero and all."

Alison giggled in response before declaring, "I love you so much, Emily."

The detective placed one more searing kiss on her lips before exiting the car and entering her building. Damn, her soulmate definitely knew how to leave a woman begging for more.

After a good minute of just staring after Emily's already disappeared form, Ali pulled away from the curb so she could get back to headquarters and hopefully get some answers. She knew one thing for sure…this serial killer better beware because they were currently preventing her from spending time with her mermaid. And any motherfucker who did that wouldn't last long…this superhero would make sure of that.

My God Emily and Alison are literally goals! And I know I created her but I'm like freakin' in love with Brittany!

So side note...I took my brother to an X Ambassadors concert a couple weeks ago for his birthday and holy crap are they amazing! I mean I already loved them, but seeing them live was just incredible. And their song "Litost" is literally Emison expressed as music...just devastating with so much longing. Like I swear the band ships Emison and wrote this song about them because Marlene continues to keep them apart!

I hope you all enjoyed! Please leave your thoughts! Next chapter we get back in the thick of things with this psycho serial killer...oh joy.