Here's a new chapter guys! Enjoy! Hit me with your reviews! Thanks! :)))
Better Together
(Jack Johnson)
...
The evening gives quite a chill, as the breeze of the cold air passes through her. She's walking towards her hunting ground, in search of someone. Inside, the lights have been beautifully blinding and the deafening music is pleasant in her ears. She views the ocean of bodies slamming gracefully towards each other; induce by alcohol, calming their raging souls. Alex Vause spent this day of the year delighted on the pleasure bought by her familiar Saturday territory, in search of a quiet single soul to worship her.
In her haze, she eyes a willing red head standing near a table, waiting to be conquered. She was about to approach her when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Vause!"
"Nicky? What are you doing here?"
"Well, you left work early without any word...and knowing it's the time of the year, I had a pretty guess where you're going."
"I'm fine Nicky. You don't have to stalk me." She said from the stool she's seating by the bar, as she sips her beer.
"Yeah. It's obvious." Her blonde friend said, as she sits besides her and ordered her beer.
"Seriously Nicky, I'm fine!" She said, as she played with her glasses.
"Vause it's been 2 years."
"I know..."
"Don't you think it's time to move on?" She said softly.
"I am moving on!" The brunette said defensively, as she tears the label of her drink.
"Yeah right!? By sleeping with almost every girl in this bar...don't get me wrong I'm with you. You're hot and women always fall for your mysterious feel, but your refusal to commit after her, is lonesome."
"Nick..." She said protesting softly, as she looks at her friend.
"No! It's been two years Vause. C'mon!" She said encouragingly, as she puts her hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Okay. Fine! I get it. I'm with you too. It's just, it's hard sometimes Nicky."
"I know but you have to stop living in the memory of her. It's the past. Let it fucking go!" She said embracing her by the side, as Alex smiles. She took a deep breath, contemplating about what Nicky said.
"Okay?"
"Okay." Alex said concluding, as she looks at her and smile.
"I'll do that. I'll try again, with someone...but first, let me just...divide and conquer." She said raising her eyebrows playfully at Nicky. She gave her friend a kiss on the cheek before leaving and walking towards her waiting conquest of the night.
...
Her fingers caress the table on a frequent rushed way, as her mind gathers an idea about an upcoming visit of a past she gladly puts an exclamation point a long time ago. She was seated on a bakeshop not far from her work, as she eagerly waits for her friends to show up. She summoned them earlier that day, saying she urgently needs their thinking minds. Her head pops up as Lorna Morello first come in.
"Hey."
"Hey. Polly is going to be late. She was just finishing a deadline." She said and seated across Piper.
"That's fine."
"So what's up?" Lorna asks, as Piper showed her an invitation for a wedding.
"Okay? So, what about this?" She said taking it, as she examines the object.
Piper begins a story back when she was in college. Jacob Andrew White, her ex boyfriend. He's a first ever-long relationship she had. Five long years of off again on again love affair, that ended quite bitterly as she discovered him cheating on her, over his art history professor back in college. Four years have passed since she last heard from him, and although she's so over it, she can't help letting him have the satisfaction of not being with anyone else after him. She dated after him of course; it's just that none have stick so far as they had together.
"Hmmm..." Lorna nods in understanding, as she sips her jasmine tea.
"What am I supposed to do? The wedding is in two weeks."
"Well, if it really is a big deal on you to show up with someone as a date, then you have to start dating Piper."
"Well, I tried you know that." She said in frustration.
"Why can't you just show up alone?"
"No! No way! That guy is an asshole. He's going to rub it over my face, about not being able to replace him, feeding his self-esteem." Piper said frustratingly, as her shoulders sagged.
"Then, don't go to that wedding!" Lorna answers.
"I can't...Ana and Jim are my good friends." Piper said.
"Well, then. Let's go on a dating site, and hire somebody." Lorna said as she looks at her phone waiting for a text from her girlfriend.
"Lorna, I can't just pick up somebody in two weeks, and pretend that we're dating."
"Why not?"
They were on a middle of a discussion when Lorna's girlfriend showed up. Lorna smiles at her and gestures to seat beside her. They greeted each other with a peck, as Piper smiles at the action.
"Hey, Chapman!"
"Hey, Nicky." She met Nicky a lot of times before, whenever Lorna would bring her.
"You seemed tense."
"Oh, no I'm fine. Just thinking." Piper said. Lorna updated Nicky about what they're talking about, as the wild haired woman listened.
"Why not hire someone?" She asks the blonde.
"Really? Is that a trend now? I don't like hiring a stranger to pretend my lover and do some dating sessions with them. I may need to kiss them. What if they have bad oral hygiene? What if it turn into an obsession after, and they stalked me?" She said going on and on about what a bad idea Nicky and Lorna just said.
"Wait! I have a solution on your doomsday problem Chapman!" Nicky said excitedly, as she jumps a little on her seat.
"What?" Lorna asks.
"Vause!" She said back, as she smiles. Lorna gave her a nod, as she smiles to Piper.
"Boss? What's that, a perfume?" She said sarcastically.
"No. V-A-U-S-E, Vause. I'll call, wait."
They waited for Alex to come, as they slowly but surely convince Piper that this is a good idea, and besides she doesn't have any choice but try and see what Nicky has been pushing her about. Vause is Nicky's friend anyways, what could go wrong? They were continually talking when they heard the bell on the bakeshop's door made a noise, signaling someone comes in. Piper saw Nicky's face light up, but quickly ignored it, as she's talking eagerly to Lorna. She felt someone at her side as Nicky speaks.
"Okay, Chapman meet Vause. Vause, this is Chapman." Nicky gestures at the both of them, as Piper slowly looks at the brunette. She was enthralled, as her eyes raked from Alex's face down to her form. Her obvious admiration was not missed by Nicky, as she elbows Lorna lightly.
"Hey." Alex said softly, as she raised her palms a little to wave.
"Hey." Piper manages to say, as she continued gazing at her.
"Sit down Vause, we need to talk." Nicky said teasingly at the blonde. Piper looks at Nicky and smiled unknowingly, as Alex waited for her to moved more inside, as they were seated beside the wall.
"Ugh, yeah." She said awkwardly, as she waited for Piper to move, but the blonde was oblivious to it, as she was overwhelmed by Alex's presence.
"Piper move!" Lorna then said, tapping her on the arm.
"Oh, shit! Sorry." She said embarrassed, as she moves inside. She smelled Alex's perfume combination of citrus, jasmine, leather and vanilla. A nice, warm, and sensual smelled was conquering her senses.
They have talked for quite sometime about work, current life issues and other things before Nicky updated Alex about the blonde's required help. Alex throws little glances towards the blonde beside her. She was dumbfounded by the blonde's vibe of innocence, as the same time enveloping a depth to her soul. Her blue orbs are the first Alex notice. She radiates covered sense of being, shielding her towards the cruelty of the world, which Alex knew full well. For some reason, she felt like protective over her, even to herself.
"So you wanted me to help Piper here on her seek of revenge?" She said, pointing her thumb towards the blonde.
"Not revenge." Piper said defensively, as she looks at her.
"What then?" She asks teasingly, as she smirks. Piper was torn between smacking her in the face or kissing her, as she felt somewhat offended but at the same time charmed by the brunette.
"It's liberation." She said defending, as Alex carefully studies her.
"C'mon Vause, it'll be fun." Nicky said, as her eyebrows rise playfully. Alex raises her brows to her friend, quietly saying that she doesn't think Piper are one of those kinds that she conquer on her "soul searching."
"Nicky...I don't th..." She said as she looks at her friend, but was interrupted by the blonde before she finishes her sentence.
"You didn't have to do anything you don't like. I just need someone...please." The blonde begs, as Lorna was surprised.
"Aren't you the one who said that this is a bad idea?" She asks Piper teasingly, as she smiles. She knew her friend is up to something.
"I know, but if Nicky knows her, I think I can...consider." She said shyly, as her eyes scans the floor.
The brunette gazes at her, as she considers Piper's situation. What harm would it do? She felt the blonde's desperate plead to have someone acting as her lover. If she says no to this, the blonde may end up with someone she doesn't like or worse, someone who might take advantage at her. She quietly seated contemplating her options, as Piper continued talking to their friends.
"So, Alex can you help our friend in need here?" Lorna asks. Alex looks at Piper intensely, as the blonde flushed red beside her.
"Okay. I'll do it." She said, as she smiled towards the blonde.
"Problem solved!" Nicky yelled in glee, as Lorna giggles.
"Hey, Alex…thanks." Piper said softly, as she looks at her. She smiled to the brunette as Alex smiles too.
"No worries kid. It sounds like fun." Alex says teasingly, as she raises her brows playfully. Piper grinned at her timidly, as something tells her that yes; this will be a lot of fun.
...
In preparation of their wedding date, they have decided to get to know each other. On a Saturday, Alex and her agreed to meet in a coffee shop to talk. Piper arrived earlier than Alex so she grabs a table near the window. It's a great place, as it's quieter and isolated, a far cry from the busy atmosphere of the store. She was waiting patiently for her, as she sips her coffee. She swears she felt her, before she saw her.
"Hey kid." Alex said, as Piper was startled a little.
"Hey." She said smiling. She was stunned on how beautiful Alex is. She was just wearing a casual white V-neck t-shirt, paired with white Birkenstock slippers, and black fitted jeans, but it looks so good on her.
"Sorry, I'm late." Alex said smiling.
"Oh, no. You're just in time." Piper said smiling at the brunette.
Alex takes her time to observe the blonde in front of her. Enthralled by how cute the blonde looks on her loose dark shirt, faded jeans and flats. She sat across her contemplating how her days are going to pass with the presence of the blonde constantly, for two weeks. She felt happy and excited to see how this plan is going to work.
"So, what's our agenda today?" Alex asks, as she moves her glasses further in her nose.
"Well, we need to know each other better so I was thinking we could talk about basic things."
"Okay, sure. But first let me just get my coffee. I'll be right back. Oh, do you like one more?"
"Ugh, I could get it later don't worry."
"It's fine kid. Let me. What do you drink?"
"Ugh, just flat white."
"Sure. I'll be right back." She said smiling at Piper, as the blonde smiles back. She doesn't know why, but she felt excited about the next few weeks on spending time with the brunette. She waited uncomplainingly as Alex ordered their coffee.
"Here." Alex said when she comes back, as she carefully places the blonde's coffee in front of her.
"Thank you." Piper said softly.
"Okay. Shall we start? How are we going to do this?" Alex asks.
"I was thinking 20 questions?"
"Okay...What if the question should be answered in another time?"
"Hmmm…well, we could say a magic word instead." The blonde concludes as she sips her coffee.
"Okay, what's the word?" Alex inquired attentively. Piper gazed at Alex's eyes through her glasses, as the blonde thinks.
"Emerald." She said after a minute, getting lost on the brunette's eyes.
...
They have learned the basics about each other. Piper learned that Alex's last name is Vause. Her favorite color is black/brown, her favorite author is Robert Frost, she's allergic to peanuts, and was born in January 22, 1986. She graduated liberal arts in Columbia University and is now an editor in chief of the Daily News. Most of the background questions she asked were answered by "emerald". Piper wonders what is so personal about it, but she also sticks by their promise to the use of that word.
She tells Alex her last name is Chapman; her favorite author is Jane Austen, she's born on June 7, 1988 in Connecticut, and likes tequila. Her favorite color is yellow, and she speaks little Spanish. She graduated at Cornell University, and practices veterinary. Her parents have died five years ago in a car accident, which the brunette felt sorry for her, and she has 2 other brothers.
They went on dates after, discovering little things about each other, making each other comfortable. They learned that Piper's a morning person and Alex is not. They discovered that Alex is a laid back kind of person, while Piper worries a lot. On one date, Alex invited her to watch a movie together. That's where she found out that Piper hates scary movies, as she easily get frightened and accidentally threw all of her popcorn to Alex, some of which even gets to her bra. She apologized profusely, as the brunette just laughs at her. Piper then discovers that Alex gets cranky when she's stress at work, when one time the blonde waited for her at the lobby in her office, as they made plans on having dinner together.
...
Another sunny Saturday comes, as they are only a week away from the wedding. Piper have ask Polly to accompany her on shopping for a dress, as the brunette wasn't a fan on walking endless in search for a single clothing. After they exhaust themselves on a single dress that Alex will just match after, they have bought a fruit slushy to drink while walking home, as the weather's getting a little more heated.
"So, you mean to say you've agreed on the stupid idea of bringing a wedding date?" Polly asks criticizing, as they walk towards Piper's apartment.
"Well, I don't have any choice Pol, I really don't want to show up alone." She explained, as she sips on her drink.
"Why can't you just don't show up?"
"The bride and groom are my dear friends." She answered blatantly, but Polly sees some other reason on Piper's game.
"Shut up! There's something in here." Polly said teasing, as she drinks on hers.
"What? No!...what do you mean?"
"I can read you like an alphabet book." She said certain, as the blonde rolls her eyes.
"You wouldn't push through in this, if this person isn't your type."
"Type? What type?" The blonde said innocently, not giving Polly the satisfaction of being right.
"Don't you play that game on me Pipes, I know you." Polly said, as she giggles on her friend's actions.
Piper was about to answer when her phone rang. She took it out, and saw Alex's ID. She stopped walking, and answered it immediately.
.
"Hello?" She said softly, carefully trying so hard not to show excitement on her voice, as Polly observes her.
"Oh, yeah? I was just about to go home..."
"Sure..."
"See you. Bye." She said, as she drops the call.
.
"Who was it?" Polly asks, as they continued their trek towards Piper's home.
"It's Alex." She answered briefly, as Polly waited.
"It's the wedding date." Piper confirms.
"Oh, now the date has a name."
"Is he hot?" Polly inquired excitedly.
"It's a she." Piper said timidly, as Polly was surprised. Piper had admired a lot of women in her life but she hasn't dated any before.
"Oh, okay! Is she hot?"
"You'll see." Piper answered, as she gave Polly a knowing smile.
They reached her apartment and there she saw Alex leaning on her black two-door wrangler, waiting. She waved at Piper timidly when she saw her. Polly was surprised, as she hasn't seen the brunette ever, in Piper's life. Alex approached them slowly, as Polly and her stands on the sidewalk.
"Why didn't you wait on your car?" Piper asks her, once Alex reached them. She wipes Alex's forehead with her hand, as she saw a few drops of sweat on it.
"It's okay kid." The brunette said, as she dismisses her worries.
"It's an orange-strawberry." She said, as she offered her slushy to Alex. The brunette sips a little and smiles, as they both get lost in each other's presence forgetting Polly beside them. Polly clears her throat, as she reminds Piper that she's still around.
"Oh, fuck! Polly this is Alex. Alex this is Polly, my friend." She said shyly.
"Hi." Polly said, and gave Piper a knowing smile.
"Hey."
They exchange pleasantries for a while, as Alex told Piper about her plan for that day. They decided to go before it gets dark.
"Nice to meet you Polly." Alex said, as she bids the smaller brunette goodbye. She waited beside her car, as Piper says goodbye too.
"Bye Pol." She just said, and was about to leave when Polly grabs her and hugs her tight.
"You're fucked!" She whispered, as she released Piper and chuckled at her. Piper immediately walks towards Alex's open car door and deposits herself. Her heart was beating fast, as she told herself ahead that if Polly noticed something has changed in her, she's screwed. Because unlike any other person, Polly will see…that she's falling slowly with Alex Vause.
...
Alex took her at Rippers, a beach boardwalk in Manhattan. It was close to sunset, as the sky views a blending of colors yellow, orange and red. They sat at a table overlooking the peaceful waves of the sea, accompanied by their beers and sandwiches.
"Wow! This is nice." Piper said, as she bites on her hotdog sandwich.
"I'm glad you liked it kid." Alex said, as they smiled to each other.
"I'm ready. Are you ready to hear my story?" She said softly, after munching on her cheeseburger. Piper nods her head, as she listens intently.
Alex begins her story on their small apartment at Bronx, in its poor neighborhood. It's been just her and her mom back then, barely having anything to eat. Her bond to her mom gets stronger, as she saw each day how hard she worked for her sake. Her mother worked four jobs at that time, pushing Alex to graduate in high school. After she did, a certain lawyer comes knocking in their door one fateful day. It's her dad's lawyer.
"Lee Burley? Senator Lee Burley is your dad?"
"Well, yeah. He and mom had an affair. He's a married man before, and had plans on running for post."
"And then what?"
"His lawyer made a deal with mom. He said he'll finance my studies and give mom her own business but we may never see, nor speak about him again. That's the only time I ever felt I have a dad. I was so angry and refuse to accept anything from him, but I looked at my mom and how she worked hard for us and still wasn't able to provide anything more than a meal in our table. I accept it…for her and me." She said softly, as she stares at the ocean waves of her past, as Piper felt her pain.
"You're a good person Alex. You made a right decision for your mom." She said looking at Alex intently, as she smiles. Alex wipes a finger on a sauce in the side of her lip, and playfully tastes it.
"Eew! You're so gross!" Piper said engrossed, as the brunette chuckles on her.
Alex observes her silently, as a smile edges on the brunette's face. Piper was the only person she told about this, aside from Nicky. She couldn't explain it but she's comfortable enough to tell her. It scares her a bit, as how slowly Piper is beginning to tear her walls and change her views. Something tells Alex that she can, and she wants to get used to this.
They finished their beers and sandwiches in between talks, as slowly the day passes. The chilly gust of the ocean replaced the warm heat of the day. Alex sees Piper shivers a little, so she asks her if she's ready to go, in which the blonde agrees.
They were driving on the road again in Alex's car going home, when Piper asks.
"Al, have you lost someone before?" She said softly, gazing at her window side. She felt Piper's hurt a while ago when they saw an old couple seated by another table. It probably reminds her of her parents, Alex concluded.
"I have." She said softly, gazing ahead the road. She fixes her glasses, as the blonde looks at her.
"Lana...She's my girlfriend at the time. We both worked at the Daily News for quite a while." She said, as Piper's eyes never left her face.
"It's a story coverage in a marathon with a cause, when a terrorist attack happened. She's one of the casualties."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay kid. It's the past." She said gently at Piper, as the blonde lays her head on Alex's shoulder. She holds Alex hand resting on the gear, for comfort. Alex runs her thumb on Piper's hand softly, as the blonde smiles at the contact. Piper never took her hand away from Alex's arm, as she was still holding her until they reached home. It makes Alex feel happy and cared for. She felt like this is right, it might lead into something she's been searching for, something she'd been missing, for quite sometime now.
...
The moment has arrived. It was the day of the wedding, the day they both been picturing in their minds as the week passes. They were both captivated on each other's appearance. Alex was wearing a lighter shade of blue metallic lace sheath dress, which falls two inches above her knee. The glowing sequins and metallic threads highlight the embroidered lace atop a scalloped sheath, as tonal bands crisscrossing in the waist accentuate her curves. Her dark strap sandals match the color of the dress, making her a little taller. Piper was quite taken aback on how beautiful she looks. She felt excited, but at the same time shy to be around the brunette's presence. Little did she know that Alex felt the same way, because Piper was wearing darker shade of blue embellished mesh cocktail dress that falls three inches above her knees, and is hugging her body on the right places. The strands of gleaming beads create an art pattern overlay of a short evening dress with a rounded hemline. Her three inches open toe sandals leaves Alex just an inch taller than her. The car ride going to the wedding seemed a little awkward, as a nervous atmosphere surrounds them.
"Are you okay?" Alex asks, as she looks at Piper. She couldn't stand the atmosphere anymore.
"Hmmm…yeah." Piper nods.
"Are we okay?"
"What?"
"Did I do something? You seemed silent than usual." She asks softly, glancing towards Piper.
"Oh, no! Sorry. We're fine. I'm just a little nervous." She said gently, as she looks at the brunette's eyes. She rubs Alex's arm in soothing circles and grinned at her.
The brunette smiles back, as she stares back on the road. Something was at the back of her mind. Is Piper nervous because of this Jacob? Does she still have feelings for him? After all, they're here together because of that guy. Her mind was on overdrive, when she felt Piper's soft lips on her cheek.
"Thank you, Alex." She said softly. They're faces was only inches apart and Alex gladly wants to close that gap but she knew that this isn't the time for that, so she smiled genuinely, as Piper grins back warmly.
...
The first time Alex saw Jacob, was at the ceremony. He was seated with somebody, as he continues to gaze at Piper guardedly. He's tall, probably same height as she is. His dark hair compliments his eyes, and Alex admits that he's quite a catch. She concluded that he was with his girlfriend, as they obviously find it hard to not touch each other. After the ceremony, Alex met the newlyweds and Piper's other friends, as she was introduced as her girlfriend. Some were surprised and others were shocked and Alex didn't miss any reaction given. She was clueless about why, until Jacob approaches her, as the wedding nears its end.
"Hey. Alex right?" He said, clutching a glass of bourbon in his hand.
"Hey. Yeah."
"Jacob." He said introducing himself.
"I know." Alex says, as she smiles a little.
"Really? I'm surprised. I guess Piper still talks about me huh." He said delighted, as he sips on his drink.
"Oh, no! I just knew all of her exes. No secrets for us." She said rejecting his claim, as she pushes her glasses more towards her nose.
"That's great."
"You know, I thought I screwed Piper so much when I cheated on her. I mean she's a great person she doesn't deserve it. I know you knew that."
"She is." Alex replied, as she smiles.
"It's a one stupid mistake. It's a lack of better judgment on my part. I thought she'll resent that community of the society, but it turns out to be better, as it seems like she's dating one now." He said smiling.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I cheated with my professor…my male professor." He said. Understanding dawns on Alex as probably this is nothing but perfect revenge for Piper. Her showing up, dating someone of the same gender, now she understand what the looks and raised eyebrows mean. This is nothing but to show everyone that she's over it. What she thought they could be, was all on Alex's mind. This was all nothing but liberation for Piper, nothing more or less.
"She didn't tell me."
"Oh, sorry. I thought there's no secret?" he asks, as he smirks. Alex looks at him, as she heard obvious thrill in his tone.
Piper came back holding two glasses of cocktails. She hands Alex one, and rubs her back affectionately. She eyes Jacob suspiciously when she saw a sudden change of demeanor on Alex's face.
"Ugh, I should probably go. Nice meeting you Alex." He said, as the brunette smiles at him a little.
"Piper." He said, as he bids them goodbye and walks away.
"Are you okay?" Piper asks worriedly. She has a hunch that Jacob might have said something offensive to Alex, as the brunette's mood seems to drop a little.
"I'm fine kid. Don't worry." Alex said softly, as she touches her shoulder. She smiles at Piper, masking the hurt that she felt, but the blonde reads her well.
...
A week has passed and she hadn't heard anything from Alex since the wedding. They parted that night in good terms so Piper is worried that she might have done something, or maybe all this is just a pure help on Alex's part. Maybe she misunderstood all the things that Alex made her feel. After all, this is a show. It's just an upfront pretension to be a couple.
The next Monday Piper was with her friends as she contemplates on this. They are seated at the couch waiting for Nicky to show up, as they were going to have dinner at Lorna's.
"Pipes, can you make another face than that?" Polly said.
"What face?"
"Any face, other than what you have right now. You've been having that face since your grand plan with Alex ended a week ago." Polly said, as Lorna was surprised.
"Did Alex call you after?" Lorna asks softly.
"No."
"Oh...that explains it." Polly concluded, as the blonde just looks at her.
"I mean...maybe I misread it. I thought it might lead to something. Maybe it's all support on Alex part, just pretending." She said sadly.
"I don't think so. It felt genuine to me. I mean...when I saw you guys, it felt right. Unless she has a degree on acting or something." Polly jokes, as Lorna giggles at her but Piper just gave a sullen smile.
When Nicky came she saw the three, still seated at the couch. She deposits herself tiredly besides Lorna.
"You seemed very tired." Lorna said, as she rubs Nicky's shoulders.
"Oh, you have no idea. Vause for some reason wouldn't accept or approve any special article needed for the weekend, to be printed. The revisions are taking its toll on some writers. Isn't she getting any from you Chapman?" Nicky said teasingly. Nicky worked as a print production manager at the Daily News, side by side with Alex.
Piper felt extremely down, thinking what's wrong with Alex. She couldn't remember anything she must have done or said that's offensive to the brunette the last time they're together.
"What's wrong?" Nicky asks, after a minute of silence has passed.
"Princess Charming is nowhere to be found." Polly said.
"I...we haven't talk since last week."
"What? Why?"
"I don't know. Maybe Alex isn't that interested on me." She said dejectedly, as her eyes scans the floor.
"What? Are you fucking kidding me?" Nicky asks, as she chuckles.
"She talks about you constantly. It's the first time ever, since Lana…and that's saying a lot. She likes you Chapman believe me."
"But she haven't answered any of my calls or text."
"What did you do? You must have done something."
"I swear Nicky, I didn't do anything. We're okay in the car ride to the wedding. We are fine...until...fucking hell!" Piper yells, as she stands abruptly.
"What?" Lorna asks, worriedly.
"Fucking idiot! Jacob! She talks to Jacob without me for a moment." She said, pacing.
"Well, that must be it, genius!" Nicky said.
"Where is she?"
"Probably still in the office breathing fire over the writers."
"Shit!" Piper said, as she rushes to leave.
"Chapman, don't you leave until you fix it! We need newspapers next weekend!" Nicky yells, as Polly and Lorna laughs. Piper rushes through the door, as she smiles. She'll fix this; she will not let Alex go.
...
The Daily News was closed when Piper reached it, as it's nearing 8 in the evening but there are quite some few people still around. When the receptionist wasn't in front anymore, she went straight over Alex's office, as she knew which floor she is, since she's been there before. She knocks softly at the door, when she heard the brunette's raspy voice on the other end asking her to come in, as the brunette assumed she's one of her writers. She pushes the door gently and went inside, as Alex eyes were still glued on her desk.
"Hey." Piper said softly. Alex was startled a little, as she never expected to hear that voice again.
"Hey. What are you doing here?" She asks softly, as she looks at her and gave Piper a warm smile.
Alex realizes that she has no right to get angry at Piper, as she consented the wedding date that they went into, but at the same time she doesn't want to subject herself into the blonde's presence anymore, as she knew full well it will only be harder to pull herself together, if she's fallen deeply in love with Piper Chapman.
"You haven't answered any of my calls." She said sadly. Alex saw hurt in the blonde's eyes.
"Sorry kid. I was just busy." She said looking back at the documents in her desks.
"What did he said to you Al? Please tell me." She said, as she begs the brunette. She remained rooted at her place, afraid to disturb Alex's set boundaries. The brunette exhales and drops the documents she's been reading, a little more with force than intended. Piper winced at the sound, as Alex looks at her. Alex stands slowly, as she walks in front of her desk few feet away from Piper.
"You didn't tell me that the person he cheated with you, is a guy too. I mean, yeah it makes sense right. I'm the perfect revenge." She said hurting, as she fixes her glasses.
"That's not true."
"It's fine Pipes. I agreed with this, I have no reason to get mad at you...but I don't want to subject myself into anymore unnecessary pain of being around you…and pretend, I don't feel anything for you." She said resignedly, as her shoulders sagged. Alex sits at her desk, as she was exhausted about work and the mess she puts herself into. She took off her glasses and rubs her weary eyes. Piper saw it and she wants to hug Alex tight and kiss her, but she restrained herself.
"It's not like that Alex…I didn't mention it because I don't want you to feel exactly like this. I don't like making you feel that I'm just using you because you're starting to be important to me. But I'm stupid…because of course, you'll find out." She explained gently, as she looks at the floor. Alex however, stared at her, contemplating if she's telling the truth or not.
"I'm sorry Alex. I really am. I really do like you, but I understand if you couldn't trust me anymore." Piper said unhappily, as she looks at Alex. She smiles sullenly at her and started walking towards the door. She was about to go out, when she felt Alex's hand pushes the door, while she grabs her arm lightly so Piper would face her. She pushes Piper mildly at the door, as she took her face gently and slowly closes the gap between their lips. Alex's soft lip encloses hers gracefully. They continued getting lost in the rhythm that their mouths dances in, when Alex's lips parted slightly and darts her tongue out a bit, asking permission towards Pipers, which the blonde permits. They are passionately entwined kissing, as their tongue dances towards each other. Her hand settled on Alex's arm, as the brunette's both hands gently rested on her face. Alex rested her forehead on Piper's when the need to catch their breath arises, breaking the kiss. She slowly lifts her head after, gaining eye contact with the blonde, while she still holds her face.
"I want to date you...for real this time. Is that okay?" Alex declared, as her fingers slowly brushes on Piper's cheek.
"I want to date you too...for no reason whatsoever...just because I want to." She answers tenderly towards Alex.
"And Nicky said they need their newspaper this coming weekend." Piper follows, earning a chuckle from the brunette. They smiled tenderly at each other, as they shared a brief kiss again. She invited Alex for dinner, as the brunette's locks her door for the night, not letting go of Piper's hand.
...
Four months after they started dating, Piper first heard Alex's admission of how she really felt about her. That day, they had agreed that Alex would just drop by her clinic to fetch her, as they have plans that night together. Alex was running a little late so she called Piper, because she knew the blonde is waiting. Piper was outside her clinic at the sidewalk, clutching her phone to her ear, as she answers the call. She saw Alex at the other side waved at her smiling, so she waved back and beamed at her. Her excitement towards seeing her girlfriend at the end of a workday was obvious on her voice, as they continuously banter over the phone. She immediately wanted to cross towards her, forgetting the traffic. She distractedly step ahead but was brought back to her senses from a loud horn coming from a car that passed by her, almost hitting her on the side. Her heart beats a little faster, as she unintentionally puts herself in danger. She looks at Alex on the other side and saw dread on her face, while she clutches her phone over her chest. A few seconds after, the pedestrian crossing sign blinks, so she walked hurriedly towards her.
"Shit!" Piper said, as Alex crushes her in a tight hug. Alex's heart is beating rapidly against her. She didn't mean to scare the brunette, for she knew full well about Alex's past issue over losing someone.
"I'm sorry. Shit! I'm so sorry babe, I wasn't thinking." She said suddenly, trying to pacify her, when she felt Alex's arm wrap over her body, not letting go.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" the brunette nervously asks, as she releases Piper and examines her body.
"No…Al, I'm fine. I'm okay. I'm sorry." She said assuredly, as Alex hugged her again. Piper feels her heart calms down slowly, against her.
"I love you…please be careful." Alex said abruptly.
"I'm…I'm okay babe. I'm fine." She said, as she feels herself blushed over Alex. She was surprised so she wasn't able to answer back, but Alex didn't care. She kisses Piper briefly, as she rests her forehead against the blonde. Piper places her left hand at Alex's nape, while her right was over Alex's heart. She feels her heart beats steadily again under her presence.
After Alex calms down and Piper was able to appease her worries by promising she'll be more careful next time, they continued walking towards their planned afternoon. Alex wanted to bring her at the Bryant Park and watch an outdoor movie. This is one of the laid back things they haven't tried yet, as usually they had dinners in restaurants, went to art exhibits, go to wine bars and movie houses. Piper agreed to, but she wanted first to buy Alex's dinner, because she is certain that as the evening progressed, the brunette's stomach will protest. They were walking absentmindedly and somehow as if on instinct, their hands find the way towards each other. She feels Piper's fingers intertwined over hers, and her thumb rubs soothingly on Piper's hand.
"Why are we here?"
"Oh, I just want to buy you food first babe. This is my favorite restaurant, you'll like it here." Piper said excitedly.
They ordered chicken caesar wrap for her and lasagna bolognese for Alex. Alex called and instructed a waiter to pour at least two glasses of any Sangiovese in her tumbler, as she gave it. Piper was about to tell her that she couldn't do that when a hand smacks Alex lightly in the back of her head.
"Ouch!" She shrieked surprised, as the woman stands in front of Alex.
"What are you doing?" The woman asks.
"I was just buying." She explained, as Piper stood right beside her dumbfounded.
"Why did you gave your tumbler then?"
"I bought pasta and I just wanted some drinks too." She explained carefully. The woman seemed to consider, as a smile slowly edges on her face.
"Piper? What are you doing here with her?" The woman asks Piper.
"Ugh, she's my girlfriend Diane." She said quietly.
"What?" The woman howled surprised.
"Okay wait...mom, how did you know Piper?"
"She frequents here!" She said at Alex.
"Mom? She's your mom?" Piper asks her.
"Ugh, yes babe...the restaurant says "Alexandra" for some reason." She said and chuckled, as she kisses Piper's cheek dearly. Diane saw Alex's demeanor changes lately but her daughter haven't really formally introduced anyone since Lana two years ago.
"Shit! Of course! I just thought it's coincidence."
"Well it's not. This is my mom babe...and mom this is my girlfriend Piper." She said proudly, as she introduces them again. Piper reddens a little when Diane hugs her. She's happy on Alex's choice this time, as she finally found somebody worth her time. She hugs the woman back and they released each other after.
"Are you sure though?" Diane asks Piper, as the blonde giggles.
"Mom!" Alex complains on the side.
"I mean, Alex is a catch I know that, she's my daughter...but are you sure?"
"Yes Diane. I'm sure." Piper answers, as she chuckles at the older woman's questions. Diane smiled fondly at her, as she puts her attention back to her daughter.
"Alex Vause, you better be serious at this one." She said warningly in front of Piper.
"Mom, I know...and I am. I was about to introduce her soon to you, she just took me by surprise today." She explained before her mother says anything more. She saw Piper turns a little red when she glances at her, as Diane smiles affectionately at her daughter.
"Where's that goddamn take out?" Alex cursed, and heard Piper giggled beside her.
"Come here Al." Her mother summoned her, as she reluctantly obeyed. She walked in front on Diane fidgeting her glasses, as Piper watches them. Diane gently put both of her hand on Alex's face, and talks to her.
"I'm happy for you baby. And mom's always going to be here for you...you know that."
"I know mom." She answered. Diane kisses her both on the cheeks making Alex blush, as she saw people watching them. The waiter comes back bearing their bags of takeout and her tumbler.
"Oh, thank god for take outs!" She said and immediately grabs the take out bag.
"Not so fast kiddo! Let me hug Piper again. Come here Pipe." Diane calls Piper as the blonde obeys. They hugged briefly, as Diane thank her for making Alex happy. They said their farewells and Piper promised to drop by within the week.
"We haven't paid Al." Piper said, as they walked out the store.
"It's fine babe. I don't think my mother would accept it anyway." She answered, and chuckles at Piper's worries. Piper stops and was looking at her, as she slowly smiles.
"What?"
"You're such a big baby." Piper said teasing, as they were standing outside the restaurant.
"Oh really?" Alex acts offended, as she crosses her arms with the takeout bag hanging in one hand.
"Yeah. But it's okay because you're my big baby too." Piper said as she wraps her hands over Alex's neck and pecks her one after the other, on the lips.
"I love you Alex." She said to the brunette, as her blue orbs never left her greens. They heard a tap on the window, and when they look, they saw Diane shooing them away. They both giggled on the gesture, as Alex felt warmth all over.
...
Coffee is essential on Piper's morning. When she failed to take one at the comforts of her home, she usually drops by at the coffee shop near her clinic. Today was one of those, so she patiently waited at the line for her turn to be served. When she got her coffee she immediately rushed out, so she wouldn't be late at her appointment. At the sidewalk she bumps at someone equally rushing as her, and Piper spills some of her coffee to the stranger.
"Oh, shit!"
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." The blonde immediately says.
"It's okay." The woman replied. She glances at Piper and the blonde stares back. She was stunned of how beautiful this stranger is. She's tall, short auburn hair, her eyes compliments her face, with full lips. She has tattoos all over but surprisingly, it makes her sexier and she's oozing with confidence. If she was not totally with Alex, she would have hots for this woman.
"I'm really am sorry."
"No, don't worry about it. It's just a coin drop kind of stain. It wouldn't hurt."
"Are you sure? I could buy you a new shirt."
"Really? Did you have time for that?" The woman asks teasingly.
"Well...no. I mean if I have to I will make time." Piper answers seriously.
"No. I'm joking." The woman said giggling as Piper edges a smile on her lips.
"I'm Stella. Nice to meet you...?" She said, waiting for Piper to fill in the blanks.
"Piper. Nice meeting you." The blonde answered.
Stella finds Piper cute. She's very attractive. Her blue eyes are mesmerizing, and her toned body behind her clothes is something she wonders what would feel behind the sheets.
"You too. Do you work around here?" Stella said trying to make a conversation.
"Oh, yeah. I have a clinic near."
Stella was about to ask more when they both heard a raspy voice called on Piper, as a dark haired woman is running towards their direction.
"Hey."
"Alex? Are you running?"
"Oh, yes! We have a marathon in the office soon, so I have to practice." The brunette replies, as she giggles on Piper's reaction. She was wearing a blue singlet, black spandex thighs and black grey-white running shoes. Her hair was tied in a ponytail giving access to her sweaty neck with porcelain like skin.
Stella was gazing at the brunette unconcealed. This woman is something else. She's tall and stunningly attractive without trying hard. She has this distinct charmed towards her. Her vibe is luring her in, as she imagines putting her hands towards the brunette's curves.
"How did you find me?"
"I saw you come out."
"Where are your glasses?" Piper asks.
"Oh. It's hard to run with it. I used clear contacts today babe."
"Oh, okay. You look hot. C'mon." Piper said affectionately, as she tap her lips with her index finger signaling Alex to kiss her, as the brunette complies and pecks her girlfriend. They smiled warmly against each other, as they have forgotten about other people around.
"Oh, wait. Ugh…babe this is Stella. Stella this is Alex, my girlfriend." Piper said introducing them. Stella was surprised. Her immediate thoughts of conquering one of these two exquisite creatures vanished into thin air. Alex observes Stella, and she couldn't deny that the woman is attractive. She's something else sexy and her eyes are comforting at the same time.
"Hi."
"Hey."
"I spilled some of my coffee on her shirt, when I bumped into her." Piper explained. She brushes Alex's sweaty forehead, as the brunette smiles at her.
"Oh, can we replace your shirt or something, to pay for the trouble?" Alex asks, as she rubs Piper's back soothingly.
"Oh, no it's fine. Don't worry about it." Stella says as she smiles at both.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Ugh…we have to go babe, I have a meeting." Piper said to Alex.
"Sure."
"I'm sorry, we have to go." Alex said to Stella.
"Oh, sure that's fine. I just have to say, you guys are a good looking couple."
"Thanks. " Piper said, as she blushed. It makes her feel good all over when people always says it to them.
"Thank you. We should be going though." Alex says.
"Sure."
"Bye." The brunette says, as Piper waved on her and smiles.
"Bye." Stella said, and smiles back.
Alex walks Piper to her clinic, as they continued to talk.
"That woman is something else." Alex observes.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. There's something on her."
"She's attractive." Piper said observing.
"Yeah, and hot." Alex answers back, with obvious admiration on her voice.
"Really?" the blonde said irritated, as her jealousy flares a little.
"She is babe. I'm just admiring. Don't give me that look."
"So, you like her?" Piper said looking at Alex, as she stops abruptly.
"No!" Alex said as her tone rises a little. She couldn't help but giggle on the blonde's actions, as Piper couldn't hide her jealousy.
"This isn't funny!" Piper said seriously, as she pouts.
"Babe, I don't like her okay. I just appreciate that she's an attractive human being. Okay?" Alex said appeasing her worries. She knew very well that the blonde have issues over infidelity and she didn't want her to be worried about something that will never happen. She kisses Piper briefly but wouldn't hug her, as she's all sweaty. Piper however pulled her closer to hug her in her one arm, as she's holding her coffee on the other. She suddenly wanted to feel Alex.
"I'm sweaty." Alex tried to protest.
"I don't care." She hugs the brunette tightly and pecks her at the side of her neck, as Alex hugs her back. Alex felt her worries so she soothes her.
"I love you Pipes. You're the only one I want." She said, as she runs her hand on Piper's back soothing her.
"I love you too."
"C'mon, you'll be late!" The brunette says. Piper releases her, as Alex touches her face and kisses her gently. They smiled towards each other and continued walking. Alex linked their hands and wouldn't let her go, as Piper smiles at the contact. She concludes that they're better together and would fight for this, harder than anything in her life.
Sorry for the pain that I've cause on Breathe Again, but that's the point of the story though so, #sorrynotsorry(Ahaha, i need to do this!)
...
On The Way I Am
moanzs : Thank you so much. So glad you like it.
RANVEER : Thanks so much. I would try, or that would come on a different story/chapter.
Lj : Thanks for your review on The Way I Am. I super happy you like it.
FFChik : Thanks for your last review. I love that song, it's a personal favorite. Glad you like it.
Batman05 : Aw! Thank you. I'm trying to write another story, I just didn't know what though, so hang in there. Thank you for your kind words.
tash : Thanks for reading! I hope you like it so far.
Jan : Thanks for your last review. Glad you like it!
...
On Breathe Again
Chand3li3r : Aw, sorry man. I told you it's coming though. This one won't though. i hope you enjoy! ;)
Guest : Sorry, but i hoped you enjoyed.
Hyper130315 : Sorry for causing your tears and thanks so much!
Al : If it's any consolation, it broke mine too. Sorry dude.
Vauseismylife : Aw, sorry man, but i hope you liked it though.
Guest : Sorry for your tears. Thanks for the review and loving all the chapters!
ManveerlovesVauseman : I know dude, but i just have to put it here. Thanks for liking it, though!
VauseSearch : Ahahaha, i know dude sorry. At least there's warning though. ;))
luveverythingtv : Thank you. Yeah, i feel like it's vital in Piper's character in that chapter.
Guest : Oh, man! Sorry dude!
Maggie : Welcome back! It did in mine too. Thank you!
SeriouslyAwesome : Aw, thank you! But I hope you liked it.
Batman05 : Sorry for making you emo, but that's what i wanted to point out. It's reality, things happen. On a personal note, yes there'll be liberation, but there's a void of space too.
Guest : Thanks so much. Those songs really are great!
RANVEER : Thank you...and i'm sorry for making you sad but that's my goal ahaha.
moanzs : thank you. I'm glad you appreciate it. Hope you like this chapter too.
FFChik : Thanks so much. It actually is bittersweet!