Hello, guys!
Another chapter for you! I hope you find this as entertaining as I did when I wrote it. Emily will finally meet the infamous Vivian Darkbloom, there will be some tension in the interrogation, and there will be a cliffhanger in the end.
*runs away from the mob*
Please, rate and review and let me know your thoughts!
With love,
White Tigresss
RULE X: DON'T KEEP SECRETS
ROSEWOOD HAWKS
Emily Fields spotted leaving Alison DiLaurentis' apartment once again!
Seems like our favorite Rosewood ship is getting closer and closer to being a couple. America's Mermaid, Emily Fields, has been spotted leaving Alison DiLaurentis' condo once again!
The swimmer is reportedly fresh out of the waters of a long-term engagement to fellow Olympic swimmer Paige McCullers. Since their rumored split, McCullers has taken a mental health leave, leaving Emily to navigate the stormy seas of single life.
DiLaurentis, on the other hand, has been voted the sexiest woman in America this year and has been linked to several men and women. However, she has never been in an official relationship. Could our sweet Mermaid be the one to change that?
With Fields' frequent visits and the undeniable chemistry between the two, fans are buzzing with excitement. Will Emily and Alison finally make it official? Stay tuned, because this ship is definitely sailing into interesting waters!
#Emison #LoveInRosewood #NewCoupleAlert
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across Alison's bedroom. Emily stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open to the peaceful sight of Alison lying next to her. They were tangled up together under the warm covers, limbs intertwined in a way that felt both natural and comforting.
Alison was still asleep, her blonde hair spread out on the pillow, and a serene expression on her face. Emily watched her for a moment, taking in the quiet beauty of the morning and the rare calmness in Alison's features.
Emily shifted slightly, trying to get more comfortable without waking Alison. She propped herself up on one elbow, her other hand gently brushing a strand of hair from Alison's face. The touch was light, but it was enough to make Alison stir and slowly open her eyes.
"Hey," Alison murmured, her voice thick with sleep. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she focused on Emily.
"You look so beautiful in the morning," Emily kissed her softly and returned the smile. "Did you sleep well?"
"Better than I have in a long time," Alison admitted, reaching out to take Emily's hand in hers. She gave it a gentle squeeze, her eyes conveying a depth of gratitude and affection.
They lay there for a while, simply enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. Emily shifted closer, wrapping an arm around Alison's waist and pulling her in for a snug embrace. Alison nestled against her, resting her head on Emily's uninjured shoulder. The closeness was comforting, a silent reassurance that they were both exactly where they were meant to be.
"I'm really glad you stayed," Alison said softly, her breath warm against Emily's neck. She had never felt this way about her former flings. She'd usually run away first thing in the morning because she didn't want them to get attached. But Emily was making her see and feel things in a different way.
"Me too," Emily replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Alison's head. "I didn't want to be anywhere else."
They fell into a comfortable silence. The steady rhythm of their breathing synchronized, creating a tranquil harmony. Emily's fingers traced light patterns on Alison's back, each touch conveying a promise of support and affection.
"Do you think we could do this more often?" Alison asked, her voice hesitant but hopeful. It wasn't like her to be so introverted, but this intimacy was deeper than what she anticipated.
"Maybe," Emily joked, but the smile on her lips was more than enough for Alison to know that yes, this should happen more often, so she relaxed.
"Good. Because I need more cuddle sessions."
Emily chuckled, "Who knew you'd turn out to be such a cuddle monster?"
With that, they settled back into their comfortable cuddle, letting the morning stretch out around them with no rush.
Emily's phone beeped on the nightstand. It was Hanna teasing her about the night before:
I hope you two wore a condom at least!
Emily chuckled and blushed slightly. Alison leaned over her shoulder to read the text as well. She smirked, undeterred by Hanna's antics.
"Tell her that my fingers are magical, but not so magical to the point of getting you pregnant."
"Ali!" Emily groaned in embarrassment. She didn't want to think about what the blonde's fingers could do. Or maybe she did. It made her feel things she hadn't felt in a very long time.
"What?! It's true!"
"That your fingers are magical?!" Emily asked in disbelief, almost challenging Alison to prove her wrong.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Emily bit her lip. Gosh, she'd pay a whole lot of money to find out just how magical Ali's fingers could be. Or how Alison would be as a lover. Emily bets Alison is a lioness in bed, taking control and providing pleasure. And, oh gosh, Emily loves bold women who take charge.
If Alison had kissed her neck then, Emily would've probably got it on with her. But Ali just placed a kiss behind her ear instead. The blonde was hell bent on proving that her thing with Emily went beyond physical attraction. So, they stayed in their sweet embrace for a little longer that morning.
They both had a feeling good times were coming to an end soon.
THE ROSEWOOD OBSERVER
Focus D Releases Statement Offering Support for Their Athletes Amid Ongoing CIA Investigation
By Aria Montgomery
Focus D, the Carissimi Group brand known for its top-of-the-line swimming equipment, has issued a statement extending its unwavering support to the athletes they sponsor, including Olympic swimmers Emily Fields and Ben Coogan. This comes in response to the unfolding CIA investigation in Rosewood, which has shocked the entire community.
In their statement, Focus D emphasized their firm stance against doping and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining integrity in the sport. The company's support is likely to be a significant source of comfort for Fields and Coogan as they navigate the potential implications of this high-profile investigation.
The investigation centers around Archer Dunhill, who infiltrated the National Swim Team under a false identity and secured a position as the team's doctor. Dunhill, who was wanted by Interpol, was killed by the CIA in a dramatic operation, raising serious questions about the vetting processes used by the team.
The National Swim Team has yet to comment on how Dunhill, operating under the alias Dr. Elliott Rollins, was able to bypass their hiring protocols. In the meantime, members of the team are being summoned for questioning as part of the investigation. While no athletes have been questioned thus far, it is expected that they will soon be called upon to provide statements.
The days went by. Alison finally got rid of the sling for her injured arm and the CIA started to talk to the swim team personnel. Eventually, they finally were able to call a swimmer into the interrogation room: Sydney Driscoll.
Alison dressed up for this conversation, making sure to hide her blonde curls underneath a brown wig. Sydney had seen her while she was making rounds at their practices. She couldn't risk being recognized by the swimmer. Her Vivian disguise was on.
Sydney walked into the room with Yvonne by her side. Yvonne had been beside every member of the swim team that had given them statements, providing legal aid. So far, there hadn't been anything shocking or relevant in the statements. Alison wanted Lorenzo to drop them because they were getting nowhere, but her boss stressed that it was important to show their due diligence process.
"Your name is Sydney Driscoll, right?" Vivian asked in her forced French accent.
"Yes."
"And you're part of the National Swim team."
"Yes."
"You must be really competitive then," Spencer quipped in her Alex disguise. "Ever felt like you needed a competitive edge to one up your rivals?"
Their roles came in so naturally. Alison/Vivian would play the good cop while Spencer/Alex played bad cop. What most people didn't realize is that Alison was the most dangerous of the duo. People tended to trust her more and then she was able to make them fall in contradiction.
Sydney smirked, undeterred by Alex's remarks:
"Agents, have you seen Emily Fields swimming?"
Alison broke character and couldn't stop herself from smiling, "As a matter of fact, I have."
"Then you know there's no competitive edge that could make you better than that," Sydney replied. "That woman is a freak talent even at pro level. She's the perfect combination of physiqué and technique."
"So, this envy pushed you into doping," Alex pressed by taking a leap that they all knew was highly unlikely.
"Agent, I don't like the conclusions you're making about a respected Olympic athlete," Yvonne tried to intervene.
"It's okay, Yvonne," Sydney prompted her to relax. "Agent Drake, I know the consequences doping would have in my career. I'm living my dream and I don't want to ruin it."
Alex squinted her eyes, but allowed Sydney to continue.
"With that being said, I can only speak for myself."
"Sydney!" Yvonne tried to protest.
"Go on," Alex pushed her to continue.
"I'm not gonna say names because that's not the kind of thing we talk about openly in the locker room," Sydney went on. "But I think the blood tests you're running will put some light on that."
"Who do you believe wouldn't be involved in a doping scheme?" Vivian reverted the question.
"Emily Fields," Sydney replied and Vivian let a proud smirk escape her lips. "That girl is too good to be involved in something shady, both in terms of skill and personality.
"Can we have a sample of your blood?" Alex asked.
Sydney lifted her sleeve and offered her arm, "I've got nothing to hide."
"Could you please stop smiling every time someone talks about Emily?" Spencer huffs as soon as she's alone with Alison in the interrogation room. "Yvonne is going to catch up soon."
"I'm not smiling whenever someone talks about her!" Alison retorted, crossing her arms defensively.
"Yes, you are! And you'd better stop before Yvonne finds your connection to her and manages to overthrow this whole round of interviews!"
Alison sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Fine! I'll work on it." She glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'm going out to grab a cup of coffee before we talk to Shana Fring. Do you want anything?"
"The strongest one you can find," Spencer replied, massaging her temples. "These interviews are giving me headaches."
Alison nodded and made her way out of the room, her thoughts swirling. She knew Spencer was right, but it was hard to suppress her feelings for Emily, especially when they were brought up so often. As she walked down the hallway, she took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay professional.
The break room was empty when Alison arrived. She poured herself a cup of coffee and one for Spencer, making sure it was strong enough to jolt a horse awake. She leaned against the counter for a moment, trying to clear her mind.
Just as she was about to head back, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out and saw a message from Emily:
Gonna go talk to the CIA soon. Wish you could be there with me :(
Alison felt a pang of guilt for lying to Emily, but it was not like she had a choice anyway. She was already way too deep into the case. However, she did feel bad about lying to the brunette.
The blonde quickly composed herself though, texting back a brief, encouraging reply before pocketing her phone.
Returning to the interrogation room, Alison handed Spencer the coffee. "Here you go. Hope it helps."
Spencer took a sip and sighed in relief. "Thanks. Just remember, Ali, we need to stay focused. Dunhill is gone, but the one making the drugs is still out there."
"I know," Alison said, settling into her chair. "Let's just get through this."
The next one in line was Shana Fring. Alison felt the need to play bad cop with her for everything that Shana indirectly put Emily through. She knew it was petty, unethical, and even ridiculous on her part, yet she still put the swimmer under pressure.
"What's your name?" Vivian started.
"Shana Fring."
"I hear you're part of the National Swim Team."
"Yes."
"Care to tell me how you've made it there?"
"You can look up at my stats and wins online, Agent," Shana replied.
"I have, in fact," Vivian pulled out a spreadsheet with every swimming record Shana had. "You're pretty ordinary compared to talents like Emily Fields."
Yvonne interjected, "Agent, you will not pin one teammate against the other!"
"But isn't that what they do in the end?" Vivian pressed. "Swim against one another?"
Shana gulped and cowered back.
"Ms. Fring, if you got involved in a doping scheme, now it's the time to confess," Alex added, reacting to Vivian's bad cop mode naturally. "This is a safe space. You can take a plea deal."
"I reserve the right to remain silent," Shana replied.
"She's not going to ratte a scheme that has benefited her from the start," Vivian deduced. "Her reputation would be ruined."
Shana was intimidated, but still didn't fall in Ali's trap.
"It's a shame, Ms. Fring, that you can't beat someone like Emily Fields even when you're cheating."
It was low and Alison knew it. She wanted Shana to react, but the one who blew up was Yvonne.
"Agents, I will not have you intimidate Ms. Fring like that!" She yelled. "She's here as a witness, not as a suspect."
"She hasn't contributed though, not like Ms. Driscoll," Vivian pointed out, trying to stir competition between them. "I'm guessing she won't give us her blood samples either."
"I am not obliged to," Shana shot back.
"You aren't, but it could help protect your reputation," Alex countered, not mentioning that it could possibly ruin Shana as well.
"Well, you're not getting anything from me," Shana said. "I reserve the right to remain silent."
Vivian wanted to press her even more, but Alex stopped her.
"Very well, Ms. Fring, you're free to go," she conceded.
Shana left the room without ever looking back.
"Spencer, why did you let her go?!" Alison huffed, pacing the small interrogation room. "She's hiding something, I can feel it!"
Spencer leaned back in her chair, a tired look in her eyes. "We can't make her speak, Ali," she argued. "Plus, as Yvonne said, she was here as a witness, not as a suspect or a person of interest."
"I was going to make her speak!" Alison snapped, her frustration evident.
"No, you were not!" Spencer shot back, her tone firm. They bickered for a moment, then Spencer added, "And stop referencing Emily every time you interrogate someone. I swear to God Yvonne will catch up!"
Alison stopped pacing and glared at Spencer. "We're calling Emily now, in case you forgot."
Spencer sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Then I'm playing bad cop with her. You'll probably baby her the moment she sits in this chair."
"Fine," Alison conceded, though her voice was tight with concern. "But don't go too hard on her."
"You can't ask me that, Ali. I have to do my job and we can't take sides on this."
"She has nothing to do with this, Spence! Even Sydney mentioned it," Alison insisted, her voice breaking slightly.
"Well, we're building this case on evidence. And, as long as the evidence doesn't point out to Emily, she's good."
Spencer softened, but only slightly. "Well, we're building this case on evidence. And, as long as the evidence doesn't point to Emily, she's good."
Alison took a deep breath, her anger slowly dissipating. "I know. I just... I just don't want her dragged into this mess."
Spencer stood up and placed a reassuring hand on Alison's shoulder. "We'll handle it, Ali. Just trust the process. Emily will be fine."
Alison nodded, her eyes still filled with worry. "Okay. Let's just get this over with."
Emily walked into the interrogation room shy and unsure, feeling intimidated by the formal setting. Yet, Alison, under her alias Vivian, couldn't take her eyes off her. Emily looked gorgeous.
Emily was wearing a crisp white linen shirt that contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin. The shirt was slightly oversized, giving her a relaxed yet effortlessly chic look. She paired it with form-fitting black pants that accentuated her athletic figure. The pants hugged her curves perfectly, highlighting her toned legs. She completed the outfit with a pair of sleek black ankle boots and a delicate silver necklace that added a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
Alison's gaze lingered, captivated by Emily's presence. She only broke away from her daze after Spencer, masquerading as Alex, elbowed her right in the ribs, whispering a stern "Behave" into her ear. They exchanged pleasantries until Alex started the interview.
"So, you're Emily Fields. America's Mermaid, Olympic champ… That's quite a list of achievements you have," Alex began, her tone professional but tinged with curiosity.
Emily nodded bashfully, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. "Thank you, Agent."
"Still, I hear that you have an ongoing injury that's been troubling you for quite some time. You haven't been able to go back to your old shape," Alex continued, her eyes sharp as she observed Emily's reaction.
"Yes, it's an ongoing recovery," Emily admitted, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
"With Dr. Rollins… Dunhill, I mean," Alex corrected herself, watching closely as Emily's face showed a flicker of discomfort. Emily gulped, her composure momentarily shaken.
Alison, watching Emily struggle, felt a pang of protectiveness. She had to remain professional, but seeing Emily like this made it difficult to stay detached.
"Yes, he was the one responsible for my treatment. It makes my skin crawl whenever I think about what he could've done to me," Emily admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and anger.
Alison's heart ached at Emily's words. She wanted so badly to reach out and hold Emily's hand, to offer her some comfort. But she knew she couldn't. Not only would she break character, but she'd also throw the CIA into a wild loop. Yvonne would likely call off the statements, and Emily would probably hate her for keeping such a secret.
"We're onto that, Ms. Fields," Alex assured, her tone calm and professional. "That's why we're taking blood samples from you and the rest of the team. It's not mandatory, though."
"You can have my blood," Emily offered without hesitation. "I'll try to help in any way that I can."
"Let's start by telling me about your relationship with Dunhill," Alex prodded, her eyes narrowing. "Ms. Fields, you wouldn't be the first or the last top athlete to turn to performance-enhancing substances to keep winning."
"Agent, what are you trying to imply here?" Yvonne interjected, her tone sharp and protective.
Emily's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her voice growing forceful. "I would never use drugs to enhance my performance, Agent! I'd rather retire first!"
Alex raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You're almost at that point, aren't you? I hear your first swim meet after your injury was subpar."
Emily stumbled back into her chair, feeling completely defenseless. Why was she being treated like an accessory when she was very likely another victim of Archer Dunhill? Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the interrogation, but the aggressive questioning left her reeling.
Alison's fists clenched under the table, her protective instincts roaring to the surface. She knew Alex was playing the role of the bad cop, but it pained her to see Emily under such scrutiny. She had to remind herself that this was necessary, that they needed to get to the bottom of this for everyone's sake.
"Agent Drake, I think that's enough," the other agent said in a French accent. Only then did Emily pay attention to her. The agent had brown hair and striking blue eyes that looked eerily familiar. She was wearing a long red coat that made Emily wonder how she had missed her before. Plus, her voice sounded familiar.
"Agent Darkbloom, we are not done here," Alex retorted sharply.
"Yes, we are," Agent Darkbloom insisted, her tone firm. "Ms. Fields has already agreed to give us a blood sample. She's here as a witness, not as an accessory. Plus, Ms. Fields has an outstanding reputation in and out of the pool."
"Agent Darkbloom, I'm not done with—"
"I think I agree with Agent Darkbloom, Agent Drake," Yvonne cut her off. "Ms. Fields has done everything you asked for willingly. I don't see any other reason why you should keep interrogating her the way you are unless you have something against her that you haven't mentioned to us. Either way, this statement is over."
Yvonne rose from her chair, pulled Emily by the wrist, and dragged her out of the interrogation room. Emily's mind swirled with confusion and relief as they left the room. She was grateful for the reprieve, but questions about the agents and their motives lingered.
When they were gone, Vivian (well, Alison) was left to deal with an enraged Alex.
"Alison, I told you not to act like her fucking guard dog in the interrogation room!" Spencer fumed, her voice low and dangerous.
"Spencer, Emily said she is going to cooperate. What more do you need?!" Alison bickered back. "Why did you have to say she was on the verge of retiring?!"
"You know damn well why!" Spencer's voice was seething with frustration. "Press them until they say something!"
"She had already cooperated with us!" Alison pointed out. "Plus, weren't you the one who cut me off while I was interrogating Shana?! What makes it so different?!"
"The difference is that you want to get into Emily's pants and you're letting that hang over your head so much that you're not thinking straight!"
"I'm bi, Spencer, I'm never thinking straight," Alison shot back with a smirk.
"Stop being insufferable!" Spencer huffed, her patience wearing thin. "I'm trying to solve a case here!"
"So am I. At least I'm not being a bitch about it."
"Fuck you, Ali!"
"I'm gonna grab another coffee while you cool off," Alison said coolly as she walked out of the room.
Spencer slammed the table and yelled, "Fuck!" The sound echoed in the small room, underscoring the tension that had been simmering between them. She sat down, her head in her hands, trying to collect herself.
Alison, meanwhile, walked briskly down the hall, her heart pounding not just from the argument, but from the sight of Emily being put through such an ordeal. She knew she had to stay focused, but it was getting harder and harder to separate her professional responsibilities from her feelings.
Emily thanked Yvonne and, as soon as it was appropriate, strode down the CIA hallways and went straight to a vending machine. She needed something to cool off. Agent Drake had really pissed her off, implying that she would resort to doping in order to get back to her old shape.
It hurt Emily in ways other people couldn't conceive. Everyone always expected a lot from her, and she felt like she was letting people down by not being able to swim like she used to. It felt like she was at war with her own body, and she was losing.
"Emily, wait!"
Aria jumped up and ran after her. True to her promise, Aria had come to the station to support Emily, and the swimmer was grateful for it, really. She just couldn't focus on anything other than her own feelings right now.
She tried to buy a chocolate bar from the vending machine because, fuck her diet, she needed some sugar to process the fact that her life was all over the place. However, the machine didn't want to work, no matter how many times Emily tried to select the chocolate bar. She tried once, then twice, and then she punched the machine, startling Aria.
"Fuck!" Emily muttered, hoping the vultures from Rosewood Hawks weren't around to capture her meltdown. They were probably publishing a blind item about her right now.
"Are you okay?" someone with a gentle voice and a French accent asked.
Emily turned around to find the other agent who had interrogated her, Agent Darkbloom. Unlike Drake, Darkbloom was nice and seemed sympathetic. Emily squinted her eyes, sure she had seen this woman somewhere before, but she couldn't remember where.
When Emily didn't reply, Agent Darkbloom just walked to the vending machine and made it pop out the chocolate bar Emily had been trying to buy. The gesture took the brunette by surprise. She hadn't expected that from someone who had just interrogated her.
"Thank you," Emily said, startled by Darkbloom's gentleness.
"It's okay, this machine doesn't really like to work," the other brunette smiled, reminding Emily so much of Alison. But that was impossible. Emily knew for a fact that Alison was locked away inside an office doing CEO things. She couldn't possibly be Agent Darkbloom. Maybe she had a lost cousin somewhere in France. That would explain a lot.
"Do I know you?" Aria suddenly asked, addressing Agent Darkbloom.
"I'm afraid not," she replied. "My name is Vivian Darkbloom. I was born in France to American parents and then I joined the CIA. You can call me Vivian if you want."
Agent Darkbloom — no, Vivian — smiled at Emily, causing her to blush and feel her heart race the way it did when she was with Alison. It made her feel oh so guilty. They hadn't made their relationship official, but Alison had told her she wanted something serious with her, and to be fair, so did Emily. Why did she feel like she was cheating on the blonde just because of the way her body reacted to Vivian Darkbloom?
"Well, Vivian, any details of the Dunhill investigation that you'd like to share?" Aria asked, bringing her reporter persona to the conversation quicker than Emily had expected.
"You can forward any questions about Dunhill to our PR team. They will be happy to help you, Ms. Montgomery," Vivian dodged Aria's question gracefully, in a way that reminded Emily of Alison again.
"How do you know my name?"
"S'il vous plaît, you're really gonna ask a CIA agent how they know their stuff?" Vivian teased. "Have a wonderful day, mademoiselles."
The agent gave Emily one last wink before leaving them. As she walked away, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Vivian Darkbloom, something that connected her to Alison in ways she couldn't yet understand. Her mind raced with possibilities, but for now, she had to focus on the ongoing investigation.
Aria nudged her, breaking her from her thoughts. "She's something, isn't she?"
Emily nodded absently, still staring after Vivian. "Yeah, she really is."
Emily and Hanna were having dinner when the doorbell rang.
"Are you expecting someone?" Hanna asked.
"Not that I know of," Emily shrugged off and got up to answer the door. Much to her surprise, Alison was standing there with a bouquet in her hands. The flowers were a stunning mix of colors and varieties, each bloom perfectly arranged.
"Ali, they're beautiful," Emily said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you."
"Sorry for showing up without notice. Today was hectic."
You should know it. We were in the same interrogation room, Alison thought, shaking that away and focusing on the flowers instead.
"There's a meaning behind each flower," she began, her tone almost reverent.
Emily looked at the bouquet more closely, curiosity piqued. "Really? Tell me."
Alison pointed to a cluster of white lilies. "These are white lilies. They symbolize purity and commitment. I thought they were fitting because you always stay true to who you are, no matter what."
Emily felt a warmth spread through her chest as Alison spoke. Next, Alison pointed to a few delicate blue forget-me-nots nestled among the other flowers.
"Forget-me-nots," Alison continued. "They represent true love and memories. I wanted you to know that no matter what happens, I'll always cherish the moments we've shared."
Emily's eyes misted over slightly, touched by the sentiment. Alison then pointed to a group of pink camellias.
"These are pink camellias. They symbolize longing and admiration. I've always admired your strength and your heart, Em."
Emily's breath caught in her throat. She could feel the sincerity in Alison's words, and it made her heart swell.
"And finally," Alison said, pointing to a few vibrant red roses, "red roses. They stand for love and passion. I think those speak for themselves."
Emily looked up from the bouquet, meeting Alison's gaze. She saw the depth of emotion in Alison's eyes, and it took her breath away. The air between them felt charged with unspoken words and shared feelings.
"Ali," Emily whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "This means so much to me. Thank you."
Alison reached out, taking Emily's hand in hers. "You mean a lot to me, Em. I just wanted you to know that."
Emily leaned in, resting her forehead against Alison's. "I feel the same way about you."
Hanna coughed and interrupted their sweet moment, "I know you're cute and cheesy. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be in my room if you need anything and that I refuse to be a third wheel."
Emily blushed in embarrassment, "Thanks, Han!"
"And Ali?"
"Yes?"
"If you do it on the couch, you're the one cleaning it."
"Hanna!" Emily whined, but the other blonde was already gone. Then, she turned her attention back to Alison. "Don't listen to what she says."
"What? I am totally ready to clean that couch," Alison joked and got a playful shove from Emily in response. "I'm kidding. I feel like you have a lot to talk about today."
Emily took Alison to the couch, and they sat down. They sat in silence for a moment, basking in each other's presence. Emily shifted slightly, leaning into Alison's side. Alison responded by wrapping an arm around Emily's shoulders, pulling her gently against her. The bouquet of flowers rested safely on the coffee table in front of them, a colorful reminder of the sentiments they had just shared.
"How was your statement?" Alison's question, though expected, carried a weight that Emily felt keenly. They both knew it had been a grueling experience, one Alison had witnessed firsthand. Emily's thoughts drifted to the delicate balance she maintained, concealing her identity as Vivian Darkbloom from Emily.
Alison's touch was gentle yet comforting, her fingers tracing soothing patterns on Emily's arm. Emily sighed, finding solace in the warmth of Alison's embrace. It was in this safe space that Emily found the courage to open up about the CIA interrogation.
"Terrible. There was this agent, Drake. She practically accused me of doping and brought up my injury," Emily confessed, her voice laden with frustration.
"I'm truly sorry you had to go through that, Em," Alison murmured, her sympathy evident in her tone. She longed to confess her role in confronting Agent Drake, to ease Emily's burden, but the weight of her secret held her back.
"How about the team lawyer?" Alison inquired, though she already knew the answer. Maintaining her facade was crucial, even if it meant feigning ignorance.
Emily's response was absent minded, yet it caught Alison's attention. "She was helpful, I guess. And Vivian..." Emily paused, her brow furrowing in thought.
"Vivian?" Alison's curiosity piqued at the mention of her alter ego.
"The other agent, Vivian Darkbloom. She was surprisingly kind. There was something about her... something familiar," Emily mused, her words stirring a sense of unease in Alison.
As Emily unknowingly drew parallels between Vivian and Alison, Alison grappled with the realization that their separate worlds were slowly converging. She couldn't keep Emily in the dark forever, nor could she continue to live a double life. The time would soon come for her to reveal the truth, consequences be damned.
Alison struggled to find the right words, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Emily had unknowingly stumbled upon a thread of the truth, and Alison found herself teetering on the edge of revelation. But she couldn't risk exposing her secret identity, not yet.
"Maybe you were just missing me," Alison quipped, attempting to deflect Emily's suspicions with humor.
"I was," Emily confessed, her sincerity tugging at Alison's heartstrings. "I wanted you there with me."
Alison felt a pang of guilt, knowing she couldn't reveal the extent of her presence in Emily's life. She masked her inner turmoil with a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry I had that board meeting today."
"It wasn't your fault," Emily reassured her. "But it just wasn't the same without you."
Alison enveloped Emily in a warm embrace, her heart heavy with the weight of her deception. "But now I'm here," she murmured, a subtle reminder of her unwavering support.
Emily's smile illuminated her face as she leaned in to share a tender kiss with Alison. The moment was fleeting yet poignant, a silent acknowledgment of their unspoken bond.
Resting her head on Alison's chest, Emily found solace in the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. Alison's presence was a balm to her restless soul, offering comfort and security in the midst of uncertainty.
Alison's touch was gentle as she caressed Emily's back, each stroke a silent declaration of her affection. Emily savored the intimacy of their embrace, feeling grounded and at peace in Alison's arms.
"Are you comfortable?" Alison whispered, her breath warm against Emily's skin.
"Mmm, very," Emily murmured, her voice laced with contentment. "I could stay like this forever."
A soft smile graced Alison's lips as she reveled in the tranquility of the moment. "Me too," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm glad you're here with me, Em."
As Emily's breathing gradually slowed, Alison noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. She remembered the promise she had made Emily to not allow her to sleep on the couch, especially not with an injured shoulder. With a gentle touch, Alison brushed a stray strand of hair away from Emily's face, her heart swelling with affection.
"Em," Alison whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "Let's get you to bed."
Unbeknownst to Alison, Emily hadn't succumbed to sleep just yet. Her eyes fluttered shut, but her mind remained alert, cherishing the warmth of Alison's embrace. It was a moment she didn't want to end, a fleeting sanctuary from the chaos of their lives.
Alison carefully maneuvered, sliding her arms under Emily's frame, one supporting her back and the other beneath her knees. With surprising strength, she lifted Emily, cradling her against her chest. Emily suppressed a gasp of surprise, marveling at Alison's hidden strength. She couldn't recall Paige ever displaying such tenderness.
As Alison carried her through the dimly lit hallway, Emily relished the closeness between them. She felt the steady rhythm of Alison's heartbeat, the warmth of her body seeping through the fabric of her shirt. It was a moment of pure intimacy, stirring emotions Emily had long buried.
With delicate precision, Alison nudged the bedroom door open and gently laid Emily down on the bed. She adjusted the pillows, ensuring Emily was comfortable, before tucking her in with the soft sheets. Emily sank into the plush mattress, savoring the sensation of warmth and security enveloping her.
Alison lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on Emily's peaceful expression. She couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for the brunette lying before her, vulnerable yet serene.
"Goodnight, Em," Alison whispered, her voice soft as a feather, as she brushed a gentle kiss against Emily's lips. "Sweet dreams, my Mermaid."
Emily's heart swelled at the tenderness in Alison's voice. She usually brushed off the nickname "Mermaid" when it came from the media or her fans, but when Alison said it, it held a whole new meaning. It made her feel cherished, seen in a way she hadn't known before. Though she longed to express her feelings in return, she remained still, not wanting to shatter the fragile enchantment of the moment.
As Alison turned to leave, Emily's hand moved instinctively, reaching out towards her, but she quickly withdrew, allowing it to fall back to her side. She listened to the soft cadence of Alison's footsteps as she made her way to the door.
Just before leaving, Alison paused, turning back to look at Emily with eyes brimming with affection. She retraced her steps to the bed, leaning down to press a tender kiss to Emily's forehead.
"No one's gonna hurt you. I promise," Alison whispered, her voice barely above a whisper, but the reassurance carried immense weight.
A single tear escaped Emily's closed eyelids, not borne of sadness, but of the overwhelming flood of emotions coursing through her. She lay there, eyes shut tight, basking in the lingering sensation of Alison's kiss on her skin.
With a final loving glance, Alison departed, silently closing the door behind her. Left alone in the quiet room, Emily's reverie was interrupted by the vibration of her phone. It was Spencer.
S.O.S!
Alison stormed into the CIA's office with her signature commanding presence, yet the air was heavy with foreboding, stifling any potential comments from her colleagues. Even the sight of Wren, there to support Spencer, failed to lift the somber atmosphere. His presence hinted at the gravity of the situation.
"What's going on?" Alison demanded, her tone sharp and expectant.
Mona hesitated, feeling the weight of Alison's gaze bearing down on her. She glanced at Wren, seeking reassurance, before reluctantly continuing. "I cracked the code to Dunhill's device, and with Wren's help, we deciphered the substances he was administering to the swimmers."
"Okay, and…?"
Alison's impatience grew palpable as Mona trailed off, her nerves apparent. Lorenzo remained silent, exchanging a knowing look with Spencer. Wren, ever supportive, offered a comforting squeeze of his wife's hand.
Then, Spencer, swallowing hard, delivered the blow Alison had been dreading.
"Ali, it means that Emily won't be able to swim competitively ever again."
I'M REALLY SORRY FOR THIS CLIFFHANGER
Will Emily ever catch a break? Well, maybe.
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