Hello beautiful people! Oh my gosh my apologies for the long wait between updates! Life just gets crazy sometimes when you least expect it! I was on vacation and then I had to enroll in classes for Grad School/meet with the heads of my department and then I did a bunch of cleaning for my mom (like literally 20 boxes of stuff to donate later...lol). And then I find myself getting inspiration for a one shot and like my brain won't let me focus on this story until I've crunched that out...so yeah.
Anyway it really wouldn't be an update if I didn't rant about Pretty Little Liars, right? So bear with me y'all!
First of all it bothers the hell out of me how much this damn show portrays Aria and Ezra as being soulmates. Does no one else find it disturbing that he knowingly pursued a minor and stalked her in order to get information for his book on Alison?! Which means anything him and Aria did sexually at the beginning of their relationship was STATUTORY RAPE! And maybe it's just because I had friends in high school who had romantic relationships with older men and saw how much it fucked them up (and has continued to fuck up any relationships they have now) that Ezria literally rakes my nerves, but honestly the message this show is sending to teenagers who are susceptible to a lot of shit and incredibly vulnerable is just sick and wrong! And okay I knew Ezria was gonna get the proposal, but like Aria JUST broke up with Liam...literally. And her character is sooooo much better when he's not around. Like 7x03 and 7x04 Aria was so lit. I was like damn girl where have you been this whole show? Oh yeah, in Ezra's bed...I forgot, my bad.
And okay what the fuck is up with Spencer this season? She has literally turned into I don't even know how to describe her...useless in a sense. Like Spencer you're the genius who puts all the pieces together! Forget about Caleb and get back to being you boo! And girl you really need to stop coming at Hanna like that. Hanna was literally abducted and is suffering from PTSD yet Spencer wants to never be her friend again over a kiss? Why these writers decided to fuck with their beautiful friendship is beyond me...
And it amazes me how much Caleb's character has come to drive me absolutely insane. When I tell y'all that I LOVED him seasons 1-6A, like I mean I'm not joking. He was my favorite male on this show (well other than Jason haha). And now I'm like, ummmm uber -A can you just like kill him please?
Speaking of uber -A like is there 20 damn people involved with this shit? We have Jenna (who's such a brilliant actress it's refreshing), Noel (I really don't want him to be evil, but then again I'd also kind of love it), Sara Harvey (why she's still around I have no fucking idea). And guys I'm just saying I really think Charlotte's alive and in control of everything. But I also don't want that to be true, because it would destroy Alison...
Elliot...well I really hope he's dead after what he put my baby Ali through. God, that poor woman can't catch a break. And okay I'm sorry but if he was in love with Charlotte this whole time, why the hell did he pursue Alison in the first place before Charlotte was even 'dead'?! Like bro, you make no sense!
Emily and Sabrina...just no. I literally threw up. Like how is Emily going to be all about Ali in 7x01 and 7x02 and then out of no where be into Sabrina. Like I understand that Emily has a tendency to run from her feelings, but c'mon it's the last season-just put her with Alison already! But I have to admit I swooned when Ali got all jealous and was like 'didn't know you were seeing anyone' and Em was just like 'gulp'. I was like YESSS the queen is back! Bitchy Ali rise! And for the love of God can Emison rise already?!
Holy crap so sorry that was such a rant, but I really needed to get that off my chest!
Here's the next chapter! Things really get rolling from this point forward!
As always please let me know what you guys think!
Guardian Angel: An Emison Story Chapter Eight
Fight Like Hell
November 12, 2019
Emily Fields' Apartment Building
Manhattan, New York City
6:00 pm
After she got inside her apartment building, Emily had to lean against the wall. Her lips were still tingling…they probably would be all night. Alison DiLaurentis had always been an amazing kisser, but after going seven years without tasting those delicious lips…Jesus, the detective was in heaven. She doesn't know how she found the strength to get out of that blue Chevy Camaro and walk away from her blonde angel…but she knows Alison had a job to do. Hell, she and Brittany would probably put the pieces together regarding this serial killer faster than Emily and the rest of the Special Crimes Unit could even dream about doing. And God, maybe if they found out who was behind these vicious murders Emily could actually spend some time with Ali and properly reconnect with her. Not like the time they shared together in the past twenty four hours wasn't completely precious, but she wanted to take Ali to the movies and cook-wait, scratch that-take her out to dinner. But God, could Alison even do stuff like that? With the nature of her job as a Guardian Angel for the CIA was it even safe for her to go on a date?
Whatever, if it isn't you'll just bring the date to her! Yeah, that's it! Shit, you're like the queen of romantic gestures and dear Lord you'd do anything for Ali…Wherever she lives…son of a bitch how do you spend all day with your long lost love of your life and not find out where she lives, Fields?! Jesus, you're supposed to be a detective!
Emily took a deep breath and let out a heavy sign as she brought her arms above her head, all she wanted to do was get to know the woman who she was head over heels in love with again. But New York City needed them to wait. Alison was right they couldn't get lost in each other just yet…they had a serial killer to catch.
The detective felt herself smile at the prospect of working this case with Ali. Maybe they could save the world together…although she doesn't think Alison was going to trade in her partner in justice anytime soon. There's a reason she and Brittany were the CIA's most valued Guardian Angel duo after all…
The ringing of her cell phone brought the tanned brunette reluctantly out of her Alison daydream. Reaching into her borrowed leather jacket that smelled wonderfully like vanilla (and her blonde beauty) Emily swiped her thumb across the screen and answered in a cheerful tone because Ali had her feeling some kind of way,
"Hello?"
"Detective Fields?" A shaky voice asked in response.
Emily felt her heart clench in her chest and all of the joy disappeared from her tone, "Carla…hi."
Oh my God, Rebecca's wife…who had to bury the love of her life tomorrow.
"How are you holding up?" Emily face palmed herself after the question slipped out of her mouth. How the fuck do you think she's doing Fields?!
Carla sniffled and emotionally replied, "I just can't stop crying. Rebecca was my entire world…I don't want to let her go."
Emily knew nothing she said was going to ease this woman's pain. A pain that the detective herself had lived with every day for over seven years...until a psychopath had tried to kill her and Ali once again proved to be her savior. So she remained silent and let the other woman vent…it was obvious she had a lot to get off her chest.
"We had so many dreams for the future…we were planning on adopting and starting a family soon…I just…I just don't understand why someone would take the best thing that's ever happened to me away so mercilessly!" Carla's sorrow turned to anger and the detective couldn't blame her. She would be reacting in the exact same way if she were in her shoes.
With delicate precision, Emily began to explain as she's had to do far too many times to the family members of her victims throughout her career, "You'll never understand because you have a conscious…because you have morals and believe in right and wrong. Whoever did this to Rebecca and those other women don't feel like you and I feel…they're void to all emotion-except for rage and hatred." Emily shook her head in sheer disgust as she continued, "That's why they need to be stopped and I promise Carla that I will find them and I will stop them. I'll get justice for Rebecca. And I know that won't bring her back to you, but it will at least give you peace."
A moment of silence filled the air before them and Emily held her breath…she hoped she hadn't gone too far, but she was determined now more than ever to find this psychopath. Not only so Carla and the other families could somehow begin to move on, but so she could (somewhat selfishly) lose herself in her love, because God had she missed Alison…
"I'm really glad you're the one investigating her murder, Detective Fields. At least on the NYPD's end…" Carla trailed off and Emily smiled because she knew that Brittany had already reassured her close friend from her days at St. John's University that the CIA was looking into Rebecca's death as well. But of course she couldn't tell Carla that she knows that, because then it would come out that she was eavesdropping on their conversation and then she'd have to explain who Alison was to her…Yeah better off just acting like she didn't catch that little slip from the distraught (although somewhat calmed down) woman.
A few seconds later Carla added, "You're a really good person." Emily could feel a blush rise on her cheeks. She always reverted to her fifteen year old self whenever she was complimented-even to this day. Doesn't matter that she's a bad ass detective who protects people for a living and has solved damn near every case that's been thrown in her lap…you tell her she's nice and she turns into a bashful teenager. But she supposes that's better than being an arrogant douche bag, so…
Clearing her throat Emily sheepishly replied, "I do my best…" She then shook her head so she could refocus and sweetly explained, "Lieutenant Williams and I will sit right behind you and your family tomorrow at Rebecca's funeral. Carla…you should be aware that whoever did this to Rebecca will probably show up tomorrow…"
She heard the other woman suck in a hollow breath before muttering, "Yeah, I know serial killers get off on seeing the suffering they've imposed…" It was evident that Carla had taken some psychology courses in college…
"There'll be a lot of police officers there to keep an eye on things…to see if anyone suspicious shows up." And as horrible as it is Emily was hoping whoever did this would come to Rebecca's funeral so they could relish in their-God, how disturbing is this?-accomplishment. Brian set up surveillance cameras throughout the church today so they should be able to get a visual of every guest that showed up tomorrow morning to pay their respects. And a part of the kind detective hated profiling people-99% of who were good human beings-but with a serial killer running wild the Special Crimes Unit couldn't afford to take any risks. They had to take drastic measures to ensure the City's safety.
After a few silent moments, Carla inquired, "Let's say in theory they do show up…can I legally castrate them?"
Emily choked on her saliva because holy shit that was not the question she was expecting….and even though the humor was incredibly dark she was relieved that Carla had created some semblance of a joke…although Emily wouldn't put it past her to actually cut off the balls of the person who'd stolen the love of her life from her so callously. Hell Emily might have to take part in that castration.
The detective held back a smile as she hedged out, "Um…how about you let me interrogate them first? Then by all means you can castrate them."
Emily's knees buckled when a little giggle filtered in from the other side of her iPhone. She had made her victim's wife laugh-forget about her tragedy for a split second and laugh…that was progress. There's a reason you're so good at this detective thing Fields…Now you just have to find this serial killer.
Fuck.
Fifteen minutes later Emily was walking down the hallway towards her apartment door when a cold shiver crawled down her spine. She could hear movement coming from the other side of the door. Oh my God someone was inside her apartment!
The detective instinctively reached for her gun that always sat in its holster on her hip, but was met with nothing but air. Shit! She must have lost it in the abandoned ammunition plant after their serial killer tried to kill her…or it was at the CIA Headquarters with Ali because Emily had changed her clothes…
No, there's no way Alison would have held onto that. Emily can remember holding out the 9 mm when she'd been struck in the head mercilessly with that crowbar…it must have slipped from her grasp when she was knocked unconscious and remained in the carbon monoxide filled building. Ali was too busy saving your life Emily; she wasn't looking to retrieve your department issued gun...
Despite her current predicament Emily smiled as she thought about her Guardian Angel. She didn't care what Alison said-the blonde was a superhero-in every sense of the word. And she'd saved Emily's life again.
Reaching for her cell phone so she could call for backup, the detective was just about to dial Brian's number when a voice from inside her apartment made her pause.
"Momma do you think Aunt Emmy will like the picture I drew?"
Oh my God Chloe! Emily let out a relieved sigh; it was just her beautiful goddaughter.
"Of course she will, sweetie! Aunt Emmy loves everything you give her!" Hanna's reassuring voice filtered through the door and Emily smiled, because she knew her best friend was probably crouching down to Chloe's height and gently holding her tiny arms. The designer was seriously the best mom ever and Chloe was growing into a sweet little girl because of the phenomenal job she and Caleb had done in raising her thus far.
Well it probably helps that she has you and Toby as godparents…
Knowing that there was no danger within her apartment, Emily opened her front door and was met with a flash of blonde hair enveloping her in a hug as she crouched down.
"Aunt Emmy!" Chloe's excited voice made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
"Hi angel!" The brunette replied in just as cheerful as a tone as she lifted the toddler into her strong arms. Her ribs hurt a little bit with the extra movement, but Emily wasn't about to let an injury keep her away from holding the Hanna mini me within her clutch. Chloe was just too precious to deny anything.
In that moment Emily was so grateful that she'd given Hanna a key to her apartment to use in case of emergencies. From the looks of it the emergency was that Chloe had the case of Emily withdrawals…and as the detective's heart clenches while the little girl nuzzles into her chest she realizes just how much she'd missed her favorite human (well other than Ali) as well.
"I missed you Emmy!"
Shifting Chloe in her arms so she could place a gentle kiss on top of her head Emily echoed, "I missed you too, Chloe bear!"
"Jeez you fawn over my daughter and I don't get a greeting." Hanna's teasing tone had Emily's soft chocolate orbs venturing from Chloe over towards her best friend who was standing in her pristine (given that she was hardly ever home) kitchen with her arms lightly folded across her chest.
A gentle smile spread over the detective's face as she finally greeted the designer, "Hi, Hanna Banana."
"Emily Fields!" An expression of mock horror overtook Hanna's face and Emily couldn't help but laugh. The feisty blonde seriously should have looked into acting, because her reactions to situations were just so damn dramatic sometimes.
Hanna strutted towards them and playfully swatted Emily on the arm, "What is wrong with you? You know only Spencer is allowed to call me that!"
"Momma don't yell at Aunt Emmy!" Chloe pipped up and then lightly brushed her little hand across the wound left on Emily's forehead from the crowbar, "She's hurt…"
Emily cringed because she knew Hanna would over react to her injury. But she was deeply touched that her goddaughter would notice something was off with her. Chloe might have been young, but her perceptions were spot on.
"Em! Oh my God what happened?!" Hanna's startled voice rang throughout her apartment and Emily sighed because she hadn't exactly come up with a cover story…she really didn't want to go with the whole getting attacked and almost killed by the serial killer she's been hunting and then rescued by the now resurfaced Alison DiLaurentis who happens to work for the CIA and has lived in New York City this entire time. That would definitely be too much for Hanna to take in. Yeah, no…better come up with a plausible lie Fields.
"Oh this?" The detective asked nonchalantly referring to the cut on her forehead, "It's actually kind of ridiculous…" God, please let me be a better liar now than I was in high school… "I was out running yesterday…you know trying to clear my head…and I must have lost track of what I was doing because I ran right into a metal ladder hanging down from a…a fire escape."
Emily held her breath…God, please let Hanna believe that line of shit.
Hanna gave her a quizzical look and the detective could see the gears turning in her head. Shit. She's not buying it. Hanna might be blonde but she was no fool.
After a few moments (that felt like an eternity for Emily), Hanna gently touched her wound and let out an annoyed sigh, "See now that right there is why I don't exercise. It's detrimental to your health."
Emily shook her head with a 'you've got to be kidding me' look on her face and Chloe let out an adorable giggle in her arms. Leave it to Hanna Rivers to take the detective's injury and interpret it as a justification to not work out. Her best friend was just too damn much sometimes.
The designer innocently shrugged her shoulders and asked, "Is that why you missed work today? I stopped by the precinct to bring you lunch and Brian said you were sick."
Emily gave her a soft smile of appreciation. Hanna might have portrayed herself as one tough bitch, but she was one of the kindest people Emily had ever met. And the detective knew how lucky she was to call someone like the feisty blonde not only her best friend-but sister as well, "Yeah…my head was throbbing. They think I might have suffered a concussion."
Hanna opened her mouth to say something (most likely another snarky remark about the dangers of exercising) when Chloe cut her off, "I know what'll make you feel better Aunt Emmy."
Right as the detective was about to inquire what that was, Chloe leaned up and kissed her wound. The gesture was so sweet that Emily knew there were tears forming in her eyes. She didn't know whose kisses were more healing-her goddaughter's or Alison's.
Miraculously Emily managed to keep the quiver out of her voice as she confirmed, "You're right angel that does make me feel a lot better."
"I knew it would! I fell yesterday at preschool and scraped my knee, but all the pain went away when my friend put a band aid on it and then kissed it!"
Emily smiled at the toddler and brushed some of her blonde hair out of her face as she inquired, "Which friend did that?"
A blush crept onto Chloe's cheeks before she hid her face in Emily's shoulder and mumbled out a name, but Emily couldn't hear what she said…
"What was that sweetie?"
Instead of her goddaughter's voice answering her though, Hanna piped up with a slight tease to her tone, "Her friend Mandela…"
Wait…Mandela? Like Ali's nephew Mandela?! No, there's no way they go to the same preschool!
"….Who according to Chloe is the nicest boy that ever existed."
Chloe's little head whipped towards Hanna as she insisted, "He is momma!"
Emily smiled at her goddaughter's defiance towards her mother. She knew Chloe loved Hanna and Caleb unconditionally but she never ceased to express how she was feeling…even at her parent's expense. That was definitely a trait she inherited from her feisty mother. And it would serve her well in life…(although it might be difficult for her to find a partner who would put up with her sass).
The detective giggled as Hanna jokingly scoffed to further annoy her daughter before teasingly jabbing, "And why is that again Chloe?"
"Because…because he's sweet…an-and…and kind…and he's nice to everyone-even the kids that everyone else make fun of." Her goddaughter's cheeks were bright red and Emily had a sneaking suspicion that the little bundle of joy in her arms was experiencing her first crush which the athletic brunette found absolutely adorable.
Bright blue eyes met her soft chocolate brown before Chloe dreamily breathed out, "He's like an angel Aunt Emmy."
Yeah following that description there's no way Chloe's Mandela wasn't her Ali's Mandela. He sounded just like Alison…and from what she knew a definite by product of the Johnson family.
For a split second Emily considered probing Chloe further about her best friend in preschool in order to confirm her suspicions about his identity, but she thought better of it because there's no way Hanna's inquisitiveness would miss her pointed questions…which would lead to a whole other can of worms.
The detective smiled at the little blonde girl, "Jeez Chloe, it sounds like you're in love…"
A shocked look spread over Chloe's face and before she could get a word of protest out, Emily cheekily continued (much to Hanna's dismay), "…With the nicest boy who ever existed. And that's pretty amazing, sweetie."
Emily could see the gears turning in her goddaughter's head as she absorbed the information. After a few silent moments Chloe stated in a matter of fact tone, "I think I'm too young to be in love Aunt Emmy."
Hanna couldn't help but laugh, obviously entertained by her daughter's reasoning...
The detective scrunched her nose (which Chloe giggled at) while she dramatically huffed out and conceded, "Yeah, you're probably right, Chloe bear. Give it ten years."
A sympathetic look flashed across Hanna's eyes as Emily's gaze shifted to her. Chloe was four…add ten years to that and she'd be fourteen…which was the age when the kind detective fell completely in love with Alison DiLaurentis…and the brunette knew Hanna was thinking about that…If only Emily could tell her best friend that she didn't need to be sad for her anymore because Ali was back in her life.
But God was she allowed to tell anyone that wonderful reality? Ali hadn't exactly specified…and the last thing she wanted to do was put the blonde guardian in danger.
"Besides if Mandela's my best friend first…it'll make anything else between us that much more special."
Emily and Hanna shared a glance with pure adoration swirling within their irises. Chloe was seriously an amazing little human. She understood so much about this complex world already…The detective knew she and her best friend had the same thought running through their minds: Can you imagine the young woman she'd someday become? They were both blessed to say the least.
Hanna kissed her daughter's forehead and lovingly ran her hand through her blonde tresses, "I love you so much, Chloe." Tears were threatening to fall down Hanna's picturesque face as she continued, "And I'm so blessed to have a daughter like you."
Chloe offered her mother a small smile, "Aww shucks momma." Then a sly little smirk spread across her face as she goaded, "Don't get all mushy squash on me now!"
"I'm supposed to get all mushy squash…you're my baby!" Hanna playfully defended as she tickled Chloe who began to squirm in Emily's arms. The toddler's extra movements pained the detective's bruised ribs, but she managed to hide her grimace. The last thing she wanted to do was show any signs of discomfort and worry two of the most important people in her life. She'd learned the art of mastering a poker face early on in the Philadelphia Police Academy after all…
Chloe's heart-warming laugh filtered throughout the detective's apartment as she managed to squeak out, "Momma! Momma stop! I love you too!"
Hanna sported a proud look as she declared, "Now, that's more like it."
The moment was so tender between the mother and daughter that Emily felt herself dreaming of a future where she could experience something similar…a future where she and Ali raised kids together. Where they got married and spent every day wrapped up in each other with little ones running around…Oh my God! Fields, she's literally been back in the picture for 24 hours-tone it down!
"Anyways, Emily there is a reason we busted into your apartment." Hanna's more serious tone had the detective snapping out of her Alison daydream…well at least partially. She knows Ali would be an amazing mother….and she'd probably be drop dead gorgeous if she were pregnant. Seriously, Emily get a grip!
"I have some kind of major news…"
Before Hanna could elaborate, Chloe excitedly shouted, "Team Sparia's coming!"
Emily turned back to her goddaughter with a surprised expression on her face and asked, "They are?!"
Oh my God that would be amazing! I haven't seen Spencer or Aria since I've moved to New York.
"Way to steal my thunder, Chloe…" Hanna joking trailed off as the toddler just shrugged and then cutely giggled as she cuddled back into the crook of Emily's neck knowing that her mother wasn't actually mad about her spilling the beans.
"Anyway…" Hanna dramatically began with a huge smile of her face, "my designs got selected to be in this huge fashion show next week-"
"Oh my God, Han! That's so exciting!" The detective couldn't help but join in her best friend's thrilling news. She was so happy for Hanna.
"I know! I know!" Hanna gushed and then offered Emily a playful glare as she stated, "So…for one night you have to give the serial killer hunt thing a break, okay?"
The brunette smiled at the designer. She knows her law enforcement career can be frustrating for her friends. The detective always seems to be working on a huge case, whenever Spencer, Aria, or Hanna have something to celebrate…and as hard as Emily tries, she isn't always there for them.
"I'll be there, Han. I promise." The feisty blonde gave her a skeptical look for a few seconds before relaxing once she realized how serious Emily was being. The detective wasn't going to miss this fashion show, Hanna had been working her entire adult life to have her work recognized, and the brunette was going to be there once that finally came into fruition-come hell or high water.
Hanna wrapped her in an awkward hug with Emily still holding Chloe and placed an appreciative kiss on her cheek, "Good. I think it'll be really great for all of us to spend some time together. You know reconnect and all that jazz."
Emily couldn't agree more. It seemed like it'd been forever since all four of them were together. And maybe just maybe it could be all five of them…
The detective could only hope.
November 12, 2019
New York City CIA Headquarters
Basketball court/training area
7:00 pm
Alison felt like she was floating. If you would have told her a couple days after getting home from her mission in Iran that she would be kissing Emily Fields, she would have laughed in your face. But that was her wonderful reality…and her mermaid's lips were just as talented as they'd always been. And she hated to let her mind wander to how mind blowing other physical displays of love would be between the two of them when she really needed to be focusing on stopping this serial killer, but damn sue her she was horny…and the love of her life was fucking gorgeous.
She's hoping to God that Brittany and Reggie have been able to gather some evidence and connect some dots while she's been reconnecting with her soulmate. And the Guardian within her feels bad that she's literally left her partner and boss hanging since they rescued Emily and that teenage girl from the abandoned ammunition plant…but God true love seriously didn't play by the rules. It didn't matter how much bad ass training she had since joining the CIA and how poised she normally was, Emily sent her into a blissful tailspin and garnered all her attention. Which in any other situation would be fine…but given that she and Brittany are responsible for keeping not only New York City but the rest of the world safe…she probably should get her head out of the clouds.
"Aunt Ali!" Mandela's cheerful voice catches her attention and Alison's able to regain her composure right as the adorable toddler jumps into her inviting arms. As his little arms wrap around her neck, Alison pulls him in closer and relishes in his loving embrace.
"I missed you!" As Mandela's words wash over her, Alison doesn't even care that she didn't even know he and she's assuming the rest of her family would be at headquarters when she got back, she's just thankful that they are.
Tenderly holding onto the little boy who gave her hope in this bleakly dark world, Alison echoes, "I missed you, too."
Glancing around the rest of the training area she takes in the sight of the most important people in her life. They're all looking at her and smiling and the blonde despite the circumstances feels so utterly complete. She has them and she has Emily. How did she get so lucky?
Bradley, Eva, and Teresa are standing close together while Brittany and Reggie are off to the side with Pepe happily getting his ear scratched by her best friend. She can only imagine what her fellow Guardians have uncovered…and from the look Brittany's giving her-a mixture of 'girl, you a'int gonna believe this' and 'no, seriously you a'int gonna believe this'…she knows she'll have to be sitting to hear it.
"Is it really true?" Mandela asks as he lifts his head from resting in the crook of her neck as she begins to walk over towards the others with the toddler secure in her arms.
"Is what really true, sweetie?"
A huge smile spreads across Mandela's face as he bashfully inquires, "That you saved your mermaid?"
If Ali wasn't holding a child in her arms, she probably would have fainted.
The question had definitely thrown her for a loop, because when did everyone find out about her reconnecting with Emily? But she also found it heart-warming because Mandela had been optimistic that she and Emily would one day meet again ever since the blonde told him about her mermaid when he asked if she'd ever been in love almost a year ago.
With a closed mouth content smile settling across her face, Ali merely nods to answer her nephew's question because she couldn't even form words right now…
Squealing in delight, Mandela gushes, "I told you God wouldn't keep you from your soulmate Aunt Ali."
She always loved and appreciated just how big Mandela was on happy endings…a dreamy look overtook Alison's face as someone else who's big on happy endings crossed her mind.
"Ohhh everyone look quick! Ali's daydreaming again!" Bradley's teasing voice rang throughout the training area as the blonde and Mandela made it over towards everyone else. The Guardian knew her cheeks were bright red and she was about to playfully jab back at her younger brother, when Teresa jumped in on her behalf.
"Bradley, stop teasing your sister! She's been waiting to see Emily again for seven long years…" Ali turned towards the woman who had become her mother since she'd met Brittany and smiled lovingly at her. Teresa (and really everyone there) knew just how much Emily meant to her and honestly they'd all been waiting for this moment just as long as she had. Despite how much their love had helped Alison they all knew that she'd never be truly happy without Emily. And all any of them wanted for her was genuine happiness. How she had gotten this amazing of a family and Emily Fields was beyond her. God, she couldn't wait to introduce her mermaid to them…
"…And given that you're practically glowing, sweetie…I'm going to assume that the reunion went well."
Alison felt six pairs of eyes land on her (well seven if you included Pepe) and she couldn't contain her joy as she truthfully declared, "It was perfect. She loves me…even after everything. I just can't believe it…"
"Oh my God, Ali! That's amazing!" Eva gushed and enveloped her in a side hug. Much like Aria her sister-in-law was a hopeless romantic. So needless to say the chef had been holding out hope for her and Emily since she first met Alison six years ago when she began dating Bradley.
"You have to bring her to dinner the next time we all get together! I'll make her favorite food! Whatever it is! I don't even care if I've never made it before! I'm a damn professional-I'll teach myself, shoot…Oh my gosh it'll be so great!" Ali could see the gears turning in Eva's thoughtful mind and for the millionth time since they've all come into her life, Alison felt eternally grateful. Celebrating holidays would sure be interesting in the future…especially once she and Emily had kids of their own. Wait, what?!
"And it'll never happen if y'all don't get your Bronx butts out of my headquarters so my Guardians can get to work and actually you know do their damn jobs!" Reggie meant to sound somewhat authoritative but Ali couldn't take her boss seriously when Brittany was giving him that jokingly offended look that made the blonde lose her shit every damn time. Her best friend had the absolute best expressions and Ali was just relieved to see humor cross Britt's face. With Rebecca's funeral fast approaching she knows how much it's killing the athletic brunette. So to see her ready to joke around was a welcomed sight.
"Excuse me? Your headquarters?! Yo, last time I checked this joint wouldn't even be in operation if it weren't for Ali and I!"
Ali softly giggled at her best friend's assertion. It was pretty accurate. The reason the New York City headquarters was equipped with such stellar technology was because she and Brittany were such a valued team within the CIA. In fact it was pretty lack luster until they came along…
Bradley let out a booming laugh, "She's got you there, Reggie!"
Her boss glared at the firefighter and then playfully swatted Brittany's arm, "Baller you are so damn lucky I love your ass…" A sincere look spread between the two before Reggie grumbled, "publically disrespecting my authority and all."
"What authority?" Teresa feigned innocence and Reggie looked at the nurse in mock shock. She always managed to somewhat get under his skin…much like her daughter.
Turning back to Brittany her boss semi kiddingly stated, "Now I see where you get it from…"
Before her best friend could offer a retort Reggie proclaimed with actual seriousness in his tone this time, "As much as I love all of you…y'all seriously gotta go! Because we…" He gestured between Ali, Brittany, and himself, "Have to game plan! As great as this whole Emily Fields being back in Bombshell's life is…there's still a serial killer on the loose…"
An awkward silence filled the space as the reality of the situation they (Teresa, Bradley, Eva, and Mandela included simply because they were related to Brittany and Ali) were all in settled over them.
After a quiet minute Mandela wrapped his little arms tighter around her neck and earnestly asked, "You'll stop them won't you Aunt Ali?"
Before she could answer the toddler who believed so strongly in her and Brittany's ability to prevent any harm from coming his or anyone else's way, her best friend gently ran her fingers up and down Mandela's back as she reassured with conviction, "Of course, angel. We're superheroes after all, right? You have nothing to be afraid of."
Mandela softly smiled up at his godmother, but Ali could see through his brave front. This serial killer was unlike any enemy they've ever faced before…and the three and a half year old knew that.
Usually when she and Brittany are fighting the worst mankind has to offer they're half way across the world-which though it's taxing at least keeps danger away from the people they love the most. But this time they're home in the city that means so much to them and where practically everyone they love resides…if they didn't stop this psychopath the repercussions would be detrimental.
Fear swirled in Mandela's big brown eyes but not because he was worried about what was going to happen to him…he was worried about what was going to happen to them.
Slowly the little boy shifted in Alison's arms so that he could stroke Brittany's cheek and honestly express, "That's why I'm afraid…because most heroes forget to save themselves."
God this kid's wisdom was beyond comprehension sometimes…
Ali could see the water collect in Brittany's blue eyes so the blonde interjected because it was evident her best friend was too choked with emotion to respond. The weight of Rebecca's funeral, their serial killer still being on the loose, and Mandela's fear of losing the both of them making her crack.
"That's why Brittany and I work together, Mandela…she saves me and I save her."
The athletic brunette gave her an appreciative glance as she was able to suppress her tears. The last thing Mandela needed was to see Brittany cry when he was already so worried about them. Out of the dynamic Guardian duo Alison was the softy while Brittany was the total bad ass…and when the bad ass got emotional that usually meant things were off. But even if both of them weren't completely on top of their game, they were stronger together. And Alison knew down into the depths of her soul that they were going to stop this monster.
A few moments later she and Brittany shared a small smile that conveyed just that sentiment: 'I've got you, now let's go kick some ass.'
November 12, 2019
New York City CIA Headquarters
Surveillance Room
8:00 pm
Alison was sitting in the surveillance room-which is where she, Reggie, and Brittany always game planned before a mission-trying not to blow a fucking gasket. Thankfully Pepe was sitting next to her on the couch…he was the lone family member to remain when everyone else had left a little while ago. And running her fingers through the adorable sheltie's soft fur was the only thing keeping her calm right now.
The blonde could tell that Brittany was keeping something from her as the tall brunette paced back and forth. She could literally see the gears turning in her best friend's brilliant head and all Alison wanted was to hear whatever she had uncovered. Reggie was leaning against one of the tables in front of the huge monitor that adorned the room with his arms lightly crossed over his broad chest with a conflicted look spread across his face.
Okay, seriously what they found out couldn't be that bad. But shit with what they've had to deal with…you never really knew.
Letting out a frustrated groan Alison stated, "You're both going to have to tell me eventually, so you might as well just get it over with."
Britt stopped pacing and looked at her with a painful expression. Why was her best friend so conflicted? Jesus, Alison has literally been to hell and back-she could handle whatever this was.
After a few more seconds of awkward silence Brittany moved towards the couch and crouched down in front of her before she honestly replied, "I don't know where to start."
Not what I was expecting to hear…
"Well start somewhere, please…" Alison pleaded as her bright blue eyes searched lighter hued ones. It must be bad if Brittany was struggling this much to voice her discoveries…or maybe it was just that complicated of an explanation. Fuck.
"Show her what you found in Emily's leather jacket." Reggie meekly suggested and Alison felt her heart clench. Oh God…was Emily in danger?
Slowly Brittany reached into the front pocket of her Knicks hoodie and pulled out two plastic evidence bags and handed them to Ali.
The blonde immediately recognized the family Christmas picture from last year. God, she loved this photo. But, wait? Why did Emily have this in her leather jacket? Had she found it somewhere?
Frantically looking at the other piece of evidence, Alison felt like she'd been stabbed as she took in the words:
"Dearest Comrade,
Your work so far has been exceptional. I couldn't have done it better myself.
However, you need to make more of an impact. It's time to stop targeting her friends past and present and go for those she loves the most.
I shouldn't have to tell you who they are. But just in case-here's an image to refresh your memory.
Yours truly,
P.C.D."
Ali felt tears form in her eyes. Oh my God her suspicions had been correct. This psychopath was targeting Brittany. She was the "her" referenced in the letter. And whoever had written this letter wanted their serial killer to stop killing Brittany's friends and move onto her family.
Ali felt like she was going to be sick as the realization dawned on her. Brittany had been adamant that Teresa, Bradley, Eva, and Mandela all stay at their house for the next few days until things "calmed down". Which Alison found odd, but now understood. Her best friend was trying to protect them…and there was no safer location for them to be than the house they shared that was laced with the CIA's most advanced technology.
With emotion lacing her tone Alison painfully hedged out, "Britt…they're coming after you." God she couldn't lose Brittany or anyone in her family for that matter. The universe could NOT do this to her. She couldn't finally get Emily back and then lose one of them…it just wasn't fucking fair.
"That's what I thought at first too, but…"
"But, what?" Ali quirked a curious eyebrow as Brittany rested a calming hand on her forearm.
"They're coming after both of us."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, right now it's just a theory…"
"A damn brilliant one." Reggie interjected and then cleared his throat as he offered an apologetic wave.
Taking a deep breath Brittany began to explain, "That teenage girl I rescued from the abandoned ammunition plant is fifteen years old, has blonde hair, blue eyes, and…her name is Addison Lindsey Davis…the same initials as-"
"Alison Lauren DiLaurentis." The blonde finished the brunette's statement as her mind began to race a million miles a minute trying to connect the dots. That poor girl who had been tortured by their serial killer was literally a replica of the Guardian when she'd disappeared from Rosewood all those years ago…
"Right. So I started to think A.L.D., P.C.D. hmmm maybe this serial killer or whoever's in charge has a thing for initials, acronyms, or something. Then I looked at our victims: Cindy Douglas, Serena Allen, Helen Lawson, and Rebecca Evans." Ali could see how much just mentioning their names (especially the last one) was eating away at Brittany and she wanted to throttle whoever had killed these four innocent women, attacked the love of her life, and made her best friend doubt her abilities. If it was the last thing she ever did Alison DiLaurentis was going to stop this monster. No one hurts the people she loves and gets away with it.
"If you take their initials you get: C.D., S.A., H.L., and R.E. And when you rearrange those letters it spells out…"
Alison couldn't breathe as it finally clicked into place and she ghosted out, "Charles D. Oh my fucking God…" No. No. This was not happening. Charles was not going to ruin her life again. What the fuck? He was locked up in isolation in the highest maximum security prison the federal government had to offer. How was her demented brother (just giving him that title made her gag) even able to kill friends from Brittany's past and present to spell out his name? It literally made no damn sense. Then again did anything with Charles ever make sense?
"But he's locked up Brittany. There's no way he's killing women and tormenting teenage girls and going after Emily…" Ali's voice cracked as she thought about her mermaid.
Leaning up Britt pulled her into a comforting embrace as she tried to get Alison's breathing to settle. Rubbing comforting circles along her back the former basketball great continued to theorize,
"I don't think he is Ali. But Charles' nickname in prison while he was on trial for everything was Psycho Charlie D." Alison shuddered in her best friend's arms. Jesus fucking Christ-Psycho Charlie D…and that letter Emily found was signed by P.C.D. That could only mean one thing…
"I think Charles is in charge and his protégé is the one committing the actual crimes. Which means someone he comes into contact with at the penitentiary is working as the middle man." Why would anyone ever help a deranged psychopath create more deranged psychopaths? Jesus, what was the world coming to? "Think about it Ali. Our serial killer dresses all in black and drives a black SUV. What does that remind you of?"
The blonde squeezed Brittany slightly harder as fear coursed through her veins, "-A."
After a few seconds Ali asked what had been her greatest fear since she'd survived those torturous five days in Aunt Carol's basement, "Do you think the game's starting again?"
Brittany shook her head, "No. I think Charles is obsessed with you and he hasn't been able to keep tabs on you for years and it's driving him crazy. Somehow he must have figured out that we're connected and he gambled that killing Cindy, Serena, Helen, and Rebecca would draw me out. And he knew-"
"He knew killing you would destroy me." Alison painfully finished as she clutched onto the woman who had given her life after Charles took everything from her in Rosewood. Her psychotic brother had always sought to inflict pain upon his younger sister and what better way to do that than to kill Brittany?
"And Emily being a brilliant detective and finding his protégé's lair was just icing on the cake…it provided another opportunity to hurt you."
"Oh, God…" Ali painfully cried out. They knew Charles was behind all of this, but they didn't know who was working with him from the maximum security prison or who his serial killer reigning terror down on New York City was.
Slightly pulling back from Brittany's hug, Alison wiped her tears and declared with an unusual ferocity, "We're stopping him, Brittany. We're stopping all of them. And you are NOT dying."
Brittany offered her a small smile, "I wasn't planning on it, Ali."
"No one is dying. I'll make damn sure of that." Reggie asserted as he moved over towards the pair and sat down next to Pepe on the couch. Her boss had always been a softy for the sheltie…
"We'll run the video feed from Rebecca's funeral through our facial recognition software and compare it to the footage from Cindy, Serena, and Helen's. I guarantee this psycho went to all of them so they could relieve it…We'll catch this son of a bitch. We always do."
All three of them shared determined glances as Reggie finished his statement. Charles might have been able to yank her chain in the past, but Alison was stronger now. And she wasn't going to lose anyone else to his clutches. She had a home to fight for, she had a loving family to fight for, and she had a future with Emily Fields to fight for. And come hell or high water she was getting her happy ending.
November 13, 2019
Emily Fields' Apartment
Manhattan, New York City
8:00 pm
"I saw the press conference on TV, sweetie…you looked very intimidating." Emily let out a tired chuckle at her mom's interpretation of the aura the detective was attempting to give off during the press conference outside St. Patrick's Cathedral following Rebecca's funeral. It had been unexpected to say the least and Brian had done all the talking…
"Lieutenant Williams have you made any progress on the case?" A reporter from CNN asked right as she and Brian emerged from the Catholic Church's doors to escort Rebecca's family to the cars that would take them to the cemetery for the burial. There must have been over 50 news cameras set up and hundreds of reporters were flanking them from every direction. It was the most chaotic scene the detective had ever stumbled upon to say the least. Emily placed a reassuring hand on Carla's shoulder-this woman just had to say goodbye to the love of her life the last thing she needed to be dealing with was the media. Carla offered her a meek smile as she instinctively leaned into the kind detective in order to shield herself from the cameras. Luckily several police officers rushed towards their group and created a barrier between them and the news thirsty reporters who were desperate to get their sound bite…
The detective whispered to Carla, "This should just take a second. Don't worry. Brian will get rid of them." She hoped anyway…
"We're currently analyzing all the forensic evidence we collected from the abandoned ammunition plant in The Bronx…"
Carla started whimpering at the mention of the place where Rebecca was so brutally slain and Emily felt horrible because there was nothing she could do to take her pain away…well except catch the son of a bitch responsible for her wife's death.
"And my detectives…" Brian glanced towards her and Emily immediately felt the blood rush to her cheeks as everyone's attention followed her boss's gaze. Underneath her kick ass exterior Emily was still incredibly shy and hated being the center of attention. "…Are following every lead. I'm blessed to have the best of the best working at Special Crimes." Brian's exhausted eyes met her own as he offered her a sincere smile.
Turning back towards the reporters Brian steeled himself as he determinedly proclaimed, "And it's with that knowledge that I can confidently say…" Her boss briefly paused for dramatic effect and then spoke directly into the camera, "To the coward who keeps hurting the women of our beloved city. You can't run, and you can't hide. We are going to find you. You're days terrorizing New York are over."
Emily knows their serial killer was more than likely at Rebecca's funeral (and it made her absolutely sick to her stomach that someone could be so ruthless and disturbed to then bask in the pain they caused) so they had more than likely just heard Brian's declaration. She could only hope it would make them pause before they struck again…
"I highly doubt I looked intimidating mom." The brunette light heartedly threw back as she fell on her couch. She was utterly exhausted and didn't know how she was going to find the strength to do anything productive for the rest of the night. The kind detective was grateful that their serial killer hadn't done anything at Rebecca's funeral or tried to send some weird ass message-it left the day pretty routine. But rifling through hours of surveillance footage after an emotional funeral left her drained. It didn't matter that she consumed an ample amount of coffee-the liquid gold just wasn't doing the trick today.
I swear after I catch this serial killer I'm going on vacation…with Alison. Wait, can Ali even go on vacation? Fuck it, Fields you two will make it work.
Speaking of her love she hasn't heard from her at all since their kiss in the blue Camaro last night…The swimmer had been hoping she'd at least see Alison at Rebecca's funeral but given how gifted Alison was at her job she probably managed to be pretty inconspicuous and observe from the shadows while Emily was front and center...sitting with her victim's family. Kind of made saying "hello" a little difficult…
Emily understood how complicated Alison's job was and how absolutely essential it was for the safety of literally everyone. She knew it would make their relationship incredibly challenging, but Emily's never wanted anything more in her entire life. She didn't care if she had to share Alison with the world, so long as the blonde came home to her every night…
Jesus, I'm so in love with her.
"Don't beat yourself up, sweetie. It was just a rough day. You'll catch this person. Dad and I believe in you." Her mom's sweet voice filled her with warmth. Pam Fields always managed to offer her just the right amount of reassurance and encouragement.
"Thanks mom." It always meant the world to her that her parents believed in what she was doing. Initially they hadn't been thrilled when she told them about attending the Philadelphia Police Academy. Her mom especially couldn't understand why she'd want to embark on that and attend Temple University at the same time. Which Emily understands is a pretty crazy thing to do, but at the time she needed to keep her mind constantly preoccupied or else she'd never stop thinking about her lost love. And let's face it Alison still crossed her mind over a hundred times a day.
Being a master at changing the direction of a conversation when things got too heavy, her mother proceeded to fill her in on all the new happenings of Rosewood and describe in detail the crazy scenarios that ensued the last time she, Ashley, Ella, and Veronica got together for girls night. And their mothers thought she, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer were wild…The detective begged to differ, especially when wine was involved…
It was a nice distraction to talk and laugh with her mom for half an hour. Of course Pam Fields had to insist that she try and improve her eating and sleeping schedule, which hello she's a detective-her normal was sleep deprivation, coffee, and chaos…and now with Ali in the picture. Yeah, Emily's life was never going to be bland or boring, simply because of what they both did for a living. Which was fine by her, but she knows it'll probably worry her parents to death.
Deciding that her still injured ribs would not agree with her falling asleep on the couch, Emily reluctantly garnered enough strength to dramatically roll her tired behind off of it and head towards her kitchen. She smiled as her fridge came into view and Chloe's beautiful artwork adorned it…Aria would be proud of the Hanna mini-me that's for sure.
Opening her fridge the detective lets out a weary sigh when she's met with a few water bottles, a box of take out, produce (that's more than likely spoiled), and a few containers of yogurt.
Jesus, please let them not be expired.
Grabbing one, Emily smiles when she sees she still has two days before the creamy substance would turn to shit. It was rather pathetic that her fridge was practically bare and she can't even remember the last time she went grocery shopping-damn maybe her mother has a point…
After fetching a spoon from the drawer, the detective reaches into the cupboard and grabs a box of chocolate Teddy Grahams. She didn't care what anyone said they were the best damn flavor. Although Ali would have you believe that chocolate chip was better, while Spencer, Hanna, and Aria all favored honey…
God the things we used to argue about pre –A were so trivial.
Then again what teenagers didn't fret about things that weren't really all that important in the grand scheme of life?
Sitting down at her breakfast bar, Emily knows that she should probably keep investigating what little leads they'd come up with after sifting through the hours of surveillance footage from Rebecca's funeral back at the Special Crimes Unit, but her eyes literally feel like they're going to fall out of their sockets. Nothing about this case made any sense. And she supposes she wasn't able to make any brilliant discoveries because she was still suffering from the side effects of her concussion.
Note to self: Do not get your skull bashed in by a crowbar…because it's a bitch to try and use your brain afterwards.
She understood that all four women were somehow connected to Brittany and that reality terrified the detective because if they were connected to the former basketball star that meant they were also connected to Alison. But why would their serial killer go after the two of them? Brittany and Ali were literally angels who protected innocent people all over the world, why would anyone be opposed to that?
Because Fields they enact justice and prevent tragedies from happening every single day. Which is a hindrance to those trying to commit crimes and spread destruction…God, the world is one fucked up place.
Finishing her yogurt Emily glances at her iPhone that's sitting oh so temptingly on the breakfast bar. She desperately wants to call Alison. Ali had given her her phone number for a reason, right? She said I could call anytime-that she wanted to talk to me if she couldn't see me. Then again you're so exhausted would you even be able to have a coherent conversation? Well maybe you can just call her and say 'I love you' and see if she's managed to make sense of this case at all?
Deciding that it was going to drive her absolutely insane if she didn't do it, Emily grabs her iPhone and finds 'Angel' in her contacts.
Jesus, if Hanna saw that she'd probably think I was dating a stripper…
Right as she's about to hit the call button a loud thump echoes throughout her apartment. It sounded like it came from outside her bedroom window…which would mean someone or something had just landed on her fire escape.
What the hell?
Standing up the brunette takes her 9 mm (that she had indeed dropped at the abandoned ammunition plant and Brian returned to her today thankfully without any questions) out of its holster and moves through her kitchen and living room. When she gets into the hallway Emily takes the safety off. Given that their psychopath had tried to kill her once already, she wasn't taking any chances.
Taking a deep breath Emily readies herself for whatever awaits her once she turns the corner into her bedroom. She's going to feel like a complete idiot if it's just a raccoon or something…
But as her eyes settle on the scene before her, the detective can feel her heart flutter. Standing on her fire escape is none other than Alison and its unreal how breathtakingly beautiful she looks in the moonlight. If the whole working for the CIA thing doesn't pan out, her angel could definitely be a supermodel.
Ali has her back turned towards her and is talking on her cell phone. She appears to be frustrated (or even borderline pissed off) with whoever is on the other end.
Walking further into her bedroom Emily can make out bits and pieces of the conversation despite her window being closed. She wouldn't necessarily say that Alison was yelling, but she definitely wasn't whispering either.
"Well like it or not she is connected to this and deserves to know everything!"
"Okay, you know what? I really don't care what you think or what the CIA thinks!"
"Well considering I'm planning on spending the rest of my life with her, you're going to have to get used to it Reggie!"
Reggie? That's Alison's boss, right? From what Emily could deduce he and the blonde were fighting about her? Oh and you better believe she caught that Alison said she's planning on spending the rest of her life with her. Damn straight, DiLaurentis.
Making her way towards the window, Emily puts her 9 mm back in its holster, and quietly opens the glassed barrier separating her and Ali. The unforgiving November air hits her smack in the face and the swimmer's thankful that she'd thrown on her old Rosewood Sharks hoodie when she got home. Her apartment wasn't drafty, but there was just something about wearing a sweatshirt in this weather that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Well cuddling with Alison would make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside too…
Slowly the detective crouches down and steps onto the metal landing of the fire escape.
Ali's still turned away from her and the brunette wants nothing more than to just wrap her arms protectively around Alison from behind and hold her close, but she can see that her love's still on the phone.
After a few tense moments, Alison lets out a heavy sigh and runs a frustrated hand through her gorgeous blonde hair that looks even more spectacular in the moonlight. The action causes Emily to smell Alison's vanilla scented shampoo and she damn near crumbles. Ali never ceases to just floor her.
In a much softer tone the Guardian conceded, "I'm sorry Reggie. I'm not mad at you. It's just…I just got her back. And I'm worried…"
There was a slight shake to Alison's voice and it is killing Emily not to comfort her, but the last thing the brunette wants to do is throw the blonde when she's on the phone with her boss.
Jesus what had Alison uncovered about our serial killer to make her so shook up?
"I know Brittany's keeping them safe. She won't let anything happen to them…"
Who? Her family? Were the Johnson's in danger?
A beat passes before it dawns on the detective. Oh my fucking God, Emily! The picture! The picture you found in the warehouse with the letter that said the serial killer needed to target those closest to Brittany! How the fuck could you forget about that?! Holy hell! Damn this concussion, making me forget shit!
As she's cursing herself for forgetting about such a vital piece of evidence, she hears Reggie ask, "What do you need from me?"
"Let me bring Emily tomorrow. That way I'll know she's safe…and honestly if she's not there she's all I'm going to be thinking about." Despite the circumstance Emily smiled at the revelation. So Ali was going just as crazy today without me as I was without her, huh? "You saw me today when you wouldn't let me go up to her at the funeral…" So she was there…
"Yeah you looked like I ran over Pepe…" Ali's boss grumbled. Emily supposes that her angel and Brittany really give him a run for his money at times.
Ali let out a soft laugh and it's music to Emily's ears, "I can't help it Reggie. She means everything to me…"
It's quiet for a moment and Emily's praying that Reggie (who she's never even met) will let Alison bring her along tomorrow. Hell, Emily doesn't even care where they go, so long as she's with her. God could you be any more corny, Fields?
An exasperated groan filters through the phone as Reggie yells, "Fucking Christ Bombshell! You and your sister are going to get me fired I swear to God…" Despite his clear frustration with the situation though, he gives into Ali's request, "Fine! Fine! Bring Emily Fields with you!"
"Thank you, Reggie!" Ali thanks the man with so much enthusiasm and Emily marvels at how absolutely adorable she is.
"Yeah, yeah…you and Brittany better come save my ass when Hillary rips me a new one for letting a civilian work on a case…"
"Reggie you know we will…no one else in the CIA would let us get away with half this shit…" Emily knows Alison's smirking even though she can't see her face and the detective can't help but let out a quiet giggle.
Reggie lets out a hearty laugh before exasperating, "Ain't that the truth?!" And Emily can't help but marvel at how similar Ali's boss is to Brian. The detective thinks she'll like him when she meets him tomorrow at wherever Alison's taking her…
"Let me guess you're at Emily's front door right now?"
"Actually…I'm on her fire escape." Ali reveals and she can just imagine the expression Reggie is wearing right now.
"What the-? Bombshell that's creepy as hell! Why are you pulling some Spider-Man shit?" Emily was a little curious about that as well. Then again she climbed through Ali's bedroom window back in Rosewood following the dollhouse when she needed to see her to feel safe, so it was kind of their thing. Just like Paris was their place…and Great Expectations was their book…and rain was their weather element. Oh dear Lord Emily you're going to turn everything in existence into some symbolic representation of your relationship with Alison.
"Because there's a serial killer after us, so I was trying to be stealthy." Alison reasoned and Emily had to admit it made sense.
"Or you like jumping down from rooftops…"
Wait, Ali jumps off of rooftops?! Well she is in the CIA, Em. God, that's like the hottest thing ever…
"Well, that is a lot of fun…" Ali trailed off and Emily could hear the smile in her tone.
"Knew it! Now go cuddle with your woman before you suffer deprivation…"
Yes please cuddle with me!
"Will do Boss Man. And thank you Reggie for trusting me about Emily."
"Well you and Brittany have never given me any reason not to trust your judgments before, so if you think Emily can handle this shit…who am I to doubt?"
Damn he really has a lot of faith in Ali…which he should because she's amazing, but still…wow.
"Good night, Alison. And for the record I am happy for you, I just have to give you that whole 'be careful what you're doing and who you're seeing' spiel because you know secret government agency and what not..."
A few moments of understanding passed between the two and suddenly Emily felt like she was intruding on a moment even though Ali was standing on her fire escape talking to her boss over the phone. The detective certainly admired how much Reggie obviously cared about Alison. He kind of was like her father figure in a sense following the horrific fate Kenneth suffered.
She wonders briefly if he served the same purpose in Brittany's life given how nonexistent her relationship with her father was. When she'd been uncovering any and everything she could find on Brittany a few days ago, Emily found out that the man had walked out on his entire family leaving Teresa with a mortgage, an obscene amount of credit card debt, and two kids to take care of when Brittany was eight and Bradley was five. That's why they'd eventually ended up in the Morris Heights projects in The Bronx, despite Teresa's good job. It was the only housing Teresa could afford while she had to pay for a divorce and all of her ex-husbands debts because he had fled the state. The nurse had to work a minimum of fifty hours per week just to drag them out of that financial hole. Then the bastard had the nerve to walk back into Brittany's life after she became a household name at St. John's asking for money once she'd signed her contract with Nike.
Jesus, I'm so lucky to have such a great dad…
The detective was glad that both women had Reggie in their lives, even if he at times drove them crazy.
"I know. Good night."
Ali ends the call and lets out a relieved sigh as she straightens herself up and finally turns around and faces Emily. The detective is smiling at her and though Ali's momentarily surprised she returns the expression a second later.
"So…jumping down from rooftops, huh?" Emily quirks a playful eyebrow before adding, "What else can you do Ali?"
The blonde steps towards her and Emily shudders when Ali drapes her arms around her shoulders. Reflexively her own arms wrap around Alison's waist so she can pull the woman who's always been her entire world further into her. She'd been craving Ali all day and damn if the skin to skin contact wasn't doing wonders for her previously dragging behind...
Beaming up at her Ali quips back in a suggestive tone, "You'll have to stick around and see."
Before Emily can promise that she has every intention of doing so, Alison leans up and swiftly kisses her. (And she's totally okay with Ali cutting her off with sweet kisses whenever the blonde feels like it). Their lips move together with ease and the detective sighs because kissing Alison is seriously the easiest thing she's ever done. It was perfect in every sense of the word, and she loved every type of kiss they ever shared: passionate, longing, chaste, innocent…it didn't matter. Emily was addicted to all of them. This kiss is sweet and the perfect remedy to the brunette's frustrating day.
"God, I missed you so much today." Ali reveals when they pull apart and the detective smiles, because she'd been going absolutely insane without her angel. It was amazing that she was even able to semi focus at Rebecca's funeral and afterwards back at the Special Crimes Unit, given that Alison crossed her mind every five seconds.
"You were all I could think about…" Emily whispers back and finds herself drowning when Ali's brilliant blue orbs flicker up to meet her gaze. She'd never grow tired of Alison looking at her with nothing but love. "It was embarrassing how many times I spaced out at work…I think the other detectives were ready to smack me back into the conversation a few times…"
Ali giggles and bashfully asks, "Why do you think I all but demanded that Reggie let us work together on this case?" Moving her hands from around Emily's neck, Ali hugs her midsection and professes as she burrows further into the detective, "I need you by my side, Em."
Securing Alison in her protective embrace, Emily kisses the crown of the blonde's head and promises, "You've got me, Ali."
Alison had been in Emily's apartment for ten minutes and she couldn't quite explain just how Emily the place was. Warm, inviting, beautiful, full of life…
The blonde decided she liked it. The house she shared with Brittany in The Bronx certainly offered a lot more space and was definitely more her style with its high ceilings and pristine aesthetic, but she wouldn't mind spending an amble amount of time here with her mermaid. Especially after long nights of love making…Wait, what?!
"Ali, I'm sorry. I literally haven't been to the store in…God I can't even remember…" Emily's voice filtered in from the kitchen and the blonde had to shake her head to get the concocted images of Emily's gorgeous naked body out of her head.
Jesus, Alison she's still injured. You might want to let her heal before you ravish her physically…
"Em, it's fine." Alison reassured and then joked, "One of the advantages of having a sister in law who's a professional chef is that you never go hungry."
Seriously Eva can stay at our house for as long as she wants…or well for as long as it takes us to solve this case and make sure everyone in my family (Emily included) is safe.
The Guardian was currently standing in front of Emily's fireplace in her living room examining the framed photographs that adorned the mantle. There were pictures of Emily and her parents at what was more than likely her college graduation and several images of the brunette and the other three girls. Alison especially loved the candid shot of the four of them at what she was guessing was Hanna's wedding. Emily, Spencer, and Aria were wearing matching beautiful blue dresses while Hanna looked absolutely stunning in her white wedding dress. Ali briefly wonders if Hanna designed her gown and the bridesmaids' dresses. If that were the case, she can understand why the spunky blonde was so successful now…she was incredibly talented. The four of them were all laughing and had their arms wrapped around one another in a loving embrace-totally unaware that someone was capturing the moment.
Ali can't help but smile. Seeing them look so happy is all she ever wanted. Hell it was why she had made that deal with Charles all those years ago…
Shifting her gaze so she could access the other side of the mantle Ali saw a picture of Emily with a little girl who was the spitting image of Hanna. Surely that was her mermaid's goddaughter, Chloe. They were building a snowman and Alison thought it was the cutest thing she'd ever seen. It was obvious that the toddler adored Emily and from the way her love's eyes sparkled at her-the feeling was mutual.
God, Emily will be such a great mom someday to our kids. Wait, what?! Okay, seriously Ali you need to chill out…take Emily on a date first why don't ya?
As her eyes continued to take in the photographs Ali felt her breath catch as they settled on one particular image. Oh my God. It was her and Emily on prom night, they had just kissed and their foreheads were resting together. Emily was holding her so tenderly and Ali feels warmth spread through her as the memories come flooding back. This was literally the millisecond before Emily said 'I love you' back to her. The blonde runs her finger reverently along the black frame. Who had even taken this and how long had Emily had it?
"I love that picture." Emily confesses as she comes up behind Ali and wraps her arms around her from behind, resting her head on her shoulder. "You look so beautiful."
Ali lets out a slight laugh as her hands settle on top of the brunette's that are making her feel so safe, because seriously Em looked drop dead gorgeous in her purple dress, while Ali was literally in jeans. Nice jeans mind you, but still jeans. But of course sweet Emily would think she looked beautiful no matter what.
"Who even took this?"
Emily giggles, "Hanna. Her, Spencer, and Aria were creeping on us from Spencer's living room and you know Hanna just had to be Hanna." Ali laughed at that-it was such a Hanna move to snoop. But she was so glad that the designer captured this moment-it was one of the blonde's absolute favorites with her mermaid. God I miss Hanna. I miss all of them.
"Have you had it up this whole time?" Ali inquires as she turns her head so she can breathe Emily in. Since she'd left Rosewood Alison had kept a framed photograph of her, Emily, and Pepe from when she'd first gotten the sheltie near her bed. When her dad had taken the picture he'd joked that the three of them made a perfect family, and Alison couldn't have agreed more.
"Yes. I never wanted to forget you, Ali." The sincerity in Emily's words brings tears to Alison's eyes. Her mermaid was so thoughtful and never gave up on her-never gave up on them. "Looking at that picture gave me hope that one day we'd meet again and be able to have the future that Charles ripped from us. The future we both deserve."
Alison turns in Emily's arms so she can caress her girl's defined cheekbones and marvel at just how fucking perfect she is before ghosting out, "I love you."
Emily reflexively leans into her touch before echoing, "I love you, too."
God, Alison can't even explain how much hearing those three words set her on fire. How determined they make her to end this shit with Charles once and for all. And Emily's looking at her like she's the most remarkable thing she's ever seen and Alison can feel herself falling even deeper in love with her mermaid.
Their lips meet halfway in a tender embrace and the blonde savors every second of it, because it's more than likely going to be one of the last moments of tranquility they'll have for a while.
When they pull apart, Alison delicately holds Emily's face in her hands and boldly declares, "I promise I'm going to fight like hell for us, Emily."
Emily offers her a confused expression which Alison finds all sorts of adorable. And Jesus, Em really needs to stop being so damn cute or else the blonde is never going to be able to explain all the crazy Charles/serial killer connections-she'll be much too distracted.
"You make it sound like we're going to war, Ali." Emily observes and there's a hint of worry underlining her tone because what the hell had Alison found out about this serial killer to make her talk like that?
Looking up at her soulmate, Alison gently strokes her cheeks and apologetically declares, "Unfortunately Em, it might just come to that."
Soooooo, what did we think?! Any favorite parts?
I'd love to hear your theories on Charles' connection to this serial killer and what you think is going to happen!
Side note, aren't Mandela and Chloe the cutest human beings ever?
Who's excited for some Emison+Brittany saving the world action? Not to mention that Hanna's fashion show will bring two other brunettes back into the picture...
So many things to come in Guardian Angel!
Thank you again for the support! You guys are amazing!