Hi my Emison babes! How is everyone? My wedding is in less than a week and a half so my life has been very hectic! I've been going full bridezilla so pray for my fiancé lol. Thankfully, she's the calm one and keeps me grounded. If we had two crazy brides we would be in trouble lol. Tell me some of the shows ya'll are watching right now. I need some new suggestions. My fiancé and I are currently watching re-runs of Modern Family and New Girl for the millionth time...so share some of your current favs with me! We need something new to watch aside from sitcoms haha. Anyhooo let's get into this chapter shall we? This chapter will be in Emily's POV. Enjoy!

In response to the reviews: •Perez3614 , Hi! I literally just saw your review as I went to publish this chapter. Lol we love a good binge read. So happy you're loving it. Hopefully I'll hear from you next time! •To the Guest who reviewed, Hi and welcome! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. Thanks for your kind review. •Packersgirl492 , Lol fair enough! I had a friend who broke both wrists at the same time snowboarding once, and watching that traumatized me. Plus it's expensive! I've heard of Tammy Baldwin, and she's awesome. I think a lot of people don't do a lot of research for state senators or representatives when voting. Awh how awesome! I've considered going back to school and getting my secondary elementary education degree to teach pre-K or kindergarten. I bet your brother has fun teaching the little kiddos. My dad has been a 5th grade teacher for almost 28 years now, my mom is a music teacher, and my sister is currently working for the Colorado board of education. Anywayssssss, onto the other stuff! Yes, they both will have a lot to address now after the truth came out. It definitely won't be completely smooth sailing. Just like any relationship, communication is key! I wish it could all be fluff and fun, but that's not realistic ;). I promise there will be fluff and all the other good stuff though. See you next time friend!

~3mison

Chapter Twelve: Powerless

"When we met there was a pull. Like two magnets unsure of the way we wanted to feel. You told me that night you were afraid of fireworks but loved colors in the sky. And all week I've been wondering if I could be a color you'd want to know."

-a poem from Pillow Thoughts 3 by Courtney Peppernell

The brunette's hands were still wrapped around Alison's back, and Alison kept her arms wrapped around Emily's shoulders. They pressed their foreheads together, taking in the moment. The rain was starting to let up, and the sun hit both of their faces, casting a orange glow over them. Is she real? Is this all real? Emily leaned back into Alison, placing a ghost of a kiss across her lips. Emily whispered across Alison's mouth, "You're so beautiful," she said in a dreamy haze. Alison hummed in response, smiling up at her, "That's you," she whispered back. The two girls stood still, holding each other, both unwilling to move. "As much as I don't want to leave this spot, you really need to call your mom. She was a wreck," Alison said, breaking their blissful moment, "Plus I'm freezing," she mumbled against the brunette's mouth, still keeping their closeness. Emily made the first move to pull away from their embrace, "Yeah, you're right." Emily bounced up and down on her tippy toes, feeling suddenly super self-conscious and nervous. She ran her fingers through her wet hair, and looked back to Alison shyly. The blonde was grinning at her, with a glimmer in her eyes, "Come on," Alison instructed and motioned with her head towards the cars. I'm so awkward. I don't know what to do or what to say or how to act. The two girls started walking slowly back to Emily's car side by side. Emily shoved her hands into the pockets of her sweat pants, feeling extremely awkward now that their moment was over and done. She kept her brown eyes trained on the ground as they walked. All of the sudden, she felt two hands push her arm, causing her to slightly stumble to the side. Alison grinned devilishly at her before Emily got back in stride with the blonde. The brunette shook her head at Alison's antics, and gently pushed her body into the blonde's walking beside her, getting pay back for Alison shoving her. They both giggled at each other before Emily broke off and opened her driver's side door. She watched as Alison mirrored her movements from the opposite side of her car, getting in on the passenger side. At least she isn't running away this time.

Emily called her mom once they got into her car and told Pam where she was. "I'll be home soon...okay...love you too," Emily said over the phone. As soon as she hung up, she felt nerves all over again. Alison was playing with her fingers in the passenger seat. Is she nervous too? They made eye contact and smiled shyly at each other, both silently wishing the other would say something. "So..." Emily spoke first, "What does this mean Ali?" She asked the blonde quietly. A few seconds passed before Alison replied, "You're my best friend," Alison answered, "It just means I can do this..." Alison quickly leaned over the center console and placed a peck on Emily's lips, causing the brunette's breath to hitch, "...with my best friend now." Emily smiled at her for a moment, but looked away before speaking, "Ali you're my best friend too, but I-I don't just see you as my best friend. I mean I've had this giant crush on you ever since I've met you and you've drove me crazy ever-" Alison cut her off, grinning, "-A giant crush huh?" She asked and poked the brunette in the arm, teasing her. Crap. "I mean no-yes-I meant that-" Emily's stammering was interrupted again by Alison, "-You're cute when you blush," Alison commented with a shit-eating grin. Emily huffed, clearly not in the mood for flirting, "Ali..." she murmured, slightly irritated that the blonde wasn't taking her seriously. "Em, I've felt the same way about you too. I'm just nervous is all. I've never done this before...like with a girl I mean," Alison said, matching Emily's serious tone. Emily bowed her head, "I know that Ali. That's why I want to know what this means for you...what I mean to you. I don't want to be some experiment. Like are you...are you wanting to date me? I've already been on a date where I was practically hidden and I can't handle being hurt again," Emily started rambling, not leaving room for a breath, "I care about you and I don't want this to turn into what happened a few weeks ago. You told me all these things and now you're telling me that was a lie and I don't know what to think anymore and-" "-Em" Alison said in between Emily's fast speaking, but the brunette didn't stop, "-I went on a date with another girl to get you out of my head and now this happened and-" "-Em" Alison said again trying to get the brunette to quit speaking, but to no avail, "-And I'm freaking out because you're way out of my league and-" "-Emily Fields!" Alison interrupted her loudly, finally getting the brunette to stop her nervous rambling. The blonde put her hand on top of Emily's, "Look at me," she said softly and firmly, "Take a deep breath, okay? You're taking this way too seriously." Emily's eyes flashed up to the blue ones, "Well I'm sorry that I take you seriously but-" "-Emily stop. That's not what I meant," Alison cut off the frustrated brunette, "I don't have all of the answers right now either. All I know is how I feel about you. Let's just take this one step at a time, okay?" Emily nodded her head in response, "Okay," she answered, still furrowing her eyebrows in contemplation. Alison smiled at the serious girl, "You know how much I care about you right? I know I hurt you, and I'm so sorry Emily. You aren't a game to me. This has been confusing for me too, but I want to figure it out with you," Alison concluded. Emily laced her fingers through Alison's, taking a deep breath and calming herself down. "Can you hang out with me tomorrow night? I know we both have the evening off of work," Alison asked. "Well I don't know. I might have plans..." Emily answered. Emily watched Alison's face fall slightly in disappointment, "Oh, okay," the blonde replied quietly. Emily started giggling, "I'm just kidding Ali. I would love to hang out with you," Emily said, "You should've seen your face!" While the brunette was laughing at her, Alison removed her hand from Emily's and smacked her in the arm. Emily pretended that the blonde seriously injured her and made a fake face of pain, "Ouch! You love hitting me don't you? Maybe I will make plans with someone else tomorrow," Emily teased. Suddenly, Alison quickly leaned her body back across the middle console towards the brunette. Her lips brushed against Emily's, making the brunette's breathing hitch and cheeks redden. Emily moved forward to connect their lips. As soon as she made the tiny movement forward, their lips almost touching, Alison moved her lips over to Emily's ear, "I promise I'll make it worth your time," she whispered seductively. Alison leaned back into her seat, grinning at the brunette who she just turned into mush. Before Emily could even process responding to that, her phone starting ringing again: her mom. My dad. "Hey," Alison's voice was soft, "Go home and be with your parents. Spend time with your dad before he leaves. I need to go back to my house and change before going to school anyways," Alison said. Emily nodded sadly with the realization of her dad leaving coming to the forefront of her mind again. Alison reached up and ran her fingers through the frizzled hair of Emily's that was in between wet and dry. Emily's eyes fluttered shut from the comforting touch. "I'll call you after I get out of school. I have to work tonight, but I can call you after I get off too if you need me, okay?" Alison asked quietly. "Okay," Emily replied, "Thanks for coming here by the way. How did you know where I was?" The brunette inquired. Alison smiled sweetly, "I just knew. What can I say? I'm a psychic," Alison replied and winked at her before leaning over and placing a quick kiss onto the brunette's lips. The blonde remained leaned over the middle of the car with her face close to Emily's. She smirked seeing Emily's eyes still closed, proud that she could effect the brunette easily with just one kiss. This time, Alison let the brunette lean back in and connect their lips. Both girls sighed into each other's mouths. Alison moved her right hand to the side of Emily's face, tilting her head and deepening the kiss. Emily adjusted slightly in her seat, moving both of her hands onto Alison's hip bones, grazing the skin under her shirt. The blonde let out a breathy moan, and instantly pulled back, "Okay, okay we need to go or I won't be able to stop," she said and took a deep breath, trying to get her heart beat back to normal. Emily smiled shyly, still trying to wrap her mind around everything that had taken place this morning between them. "Bye Ali," she said quietly, wishing the blonde didn't have to leave...wishing she didn't have to go home and face saying goodbye to her father. "Bye Em," Alison said goodbye and opened the car door, "I'll call you okay?" Alison added before shutting Emily's door and walking back over to her car. Did that just happen?

Emily spent the rest of the day with her parents. The three of them went out to lunch at their favorite place to eat, and spent a quite afternoon together in the living room watching tv and trying their best or ignore the inevitable. Emily and Pam sat on the two sides of Wayne on the couch, cuddled up beside him. The brunette's thoughts lingered on Alison while the tv played, becoming back ground noise to her very loud thoughts: Alison told me she has feelings for me. I know it happened but it doesn't even feel real. Oh god...what about Paige? What about Bradley? Is she going to break up with him? What if she doesn't? We still have so much to talk about. I know it's different than the last time...she told me she wasn't playing games, but I can't help but wonder if history will repeat itself. She told me she wanted to figure it out with me...does that mean she wants to be my girlfriend?

The day went by way too quickly for the Fields. Before Emily could blink, it was time to say goodbye to her father. Even though she has said goodbye many times to her dad, it never became any easier. If anything, it got harder to watch her father leave every time Wayne had to deploy. The horrible thought of him never coming back home plagued Emily's mind as she said her last goodbyes. "I love you Emmy," Wayne said as he held his crying daughter in his arms, "You be strong, okay? I'll be back before you know it, I promise." Emily refused to let go of her dad, "You can't promise that dad," she mumbled into his jacket. "You're right, but I can promise there won't be a day that goes by when you and your mom aren't on my mind," Wayne comforted, "I've got my lucky picture of you two in my pocket. So far it's always kept me safe." Emily pulled out the hug reluctantly, staring up at her dad through tears. The cab pulled up along the curb by their house, and Emily felt her heart drop into the pit of her stomach. "Goodbye dad," she choked out. Wayne placed his hands on her arms, "It's not goodbye, it's see you later, remember?" Wayne pulled Pam and Emily back into another tight hug, "I love you two so much," he said while picking up his bags. Emily took a step back, letting her mother have space to give her husband one last kiss before he had to leave. Pam and Emily held each other as they watched him climb into the cab, waving to him as the car drove away.

After her dad left, Emily sat on her window seat in her bedroom. The brunette had barely moved a muscle for hours as she looked out into the night sky. Her tears had dried up and she had a pounding headache from crying, but she couldn't will herself to move. Emily felt stuck in grief, and she felt powerless against it all. Powerless was a good way to describe her life, and she hated the familiar feeling. However, it was relieving to have finally come out to her dad. Emily felt like she gained some power in her life after that, and it gave her confidence. Yet she still felt out of control in many aspects of her life. The major one being Alison. Despite the blonde admitting her feelings and saying she wasn't playing games with her, Emily felt like Alison still held all of the cards. Emily knew she couldn't ask her to break up with Bradley. The brunette didn't even know exactly what the blonde wants. Emily also knew she couldn't confront the blonde about her sexuality...being that Alison bit her head off the last time sexuality was brought up amongst the two of them. Alison still scared her. Even after knowing Alison well now, the brunette felt the same way she did when the blonde walked into Dairy Queen that first day of work. She felt powerless in the blonde's presence...mainly due to the fact of her giant crush on the blonde. Emily knew the feeling she felt wasn't insecurity. If anything, the blonde had brought out more confidence in Emily than anyone else has, but deep down Emily knew the blonde could ruin her life and do it beautifully. Alison held so much power over her. If the blonde asked Emily to jump over a cliff, she would leap. If the blonde asked Emily to save her in a house engulfed in flames, she would burn. The most terrifying part is that Emily would give the blonde anything, and she would do so willingly and happily. Alison made her weak, and Emily was scared their relationship was going to be demolished in the near future, and all Emily would be able to do was watch as the beautiful girl walked away. Crap. Alison said she was going to call me after school. I haven't had my phone around me all day. Emily finally got up from her spot, and went to grab her phone from her bag. Her eyes widened when she saw the notifications: 3 missed calls and 5 texts from Alison. Shit.

She read Alison's texts: "Hey! I tried calling you after school, but I figured you're busy with your dad. I still have an hour before work, so call me if you need anything!" "I called you again because I'm worried about you. Sorry for blowing up your phone. I know today must be really hard. Text me if you can, okay?" "Emily you're starting to worry me...is everything okay? Text me." "Okay now I'm freaking out. Are you avoiding me because of this morning? Please call me." "Emily if you regret what happened between us just tell me. I can't handle all of this silence." It was already 10 o'clock by the time Emily read all of Alison's text messages. She clicked on the blonde's contact in her phone. Just as she was about to hit call, coincidentally, her phone started buzzing: a call from Alison. Emily instantly answered her: "Hey Ali!" Emily greeted her cheerily. "Hey? Did you get my messages?" Alison sounded angry. "I did. I just now saw your texts. Today was really difficult and I didn't have my phone on me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out." "It's okay, I'm just happy to hear your voice." Alison's anger seemed to have diminished. "Are you off of work?" Emily asked while laying down on her bed. "Yeah I just got into my car. When did your dad leave?" Alison questioned. "A few hours ago," Emily responded nonchalantly. "Oh," is all Alison said in response. Emily smiled to herself. "I've just been sitting in my room. I wasn't out with anybody if that's what you're thinking." "I wasn't thinking that," Alison answered defensively. Emily started giggling, knowing damn well that was what the blonde was thinking. "Okay maybe I was, but it's none of my business even if you were," Alison admitted. "I wasn't Ali," Emily said softly into the phone. She felt butterflies hearing the blonde's voice again after their kiss. "I've probably scared you off huh? Calling you a hundred times..." Alison mumbled, her voice trailing off. "You called me three times, and no, you haven't scared me off, but jealousy does look a little scary on you. Remind me to never piss you off," Emily joked while grinning. "I wasn't jealous!" Alison's voice picked up in pitch, knowing she was caught. Emily smirked into the phone. "Mhmmm..." The brunette couldn't help but tease her. "I wasn't jealous I was worried!" Alison said in her defense. "Whatever you say. You don't have anyone you need to be jealous of anyways Ali," Emily said softly. The brunette's heart race was increasing. There was a pause on other end of the line before Alison spoke again: "What about Paige?" Alison asked quietly. "What about her?" Alison had another moment of silence before answering Emily, "Well are you going on another date with her?" Alison inquired, but her voice wasn't sharp, it almost sounded...insecure? Shy? "Depends.." Emily replied, her smile growing while she was teasing the blonde. "Depends on what?" "Depends on if a certain blonde would rather take her place?" Emily bit her lip, smiling, but also extremely nervous after she boldly put herself out there. "Emily Catherine Fields are you asking me on a date?" "Depends," Emily answered, grinning widely. "Depends on what?" The blonde asked through the phone. Emily held her breath, scared to say anything more, but instead she chose bravery and said one thing: "Bradley." Alison paused on the other end of the line. Crap. I shouldn't have mentioned him. "Bradley who?" Alison asked in a teasing voice. Emily could practically see the blonde smirking. "Ali..." "I'm just kidding Em. Actually, I broke up with him today...after school." Emily's heart beat sped up. Oh my god. "Really?" "Yeah." "Oh." Alison let out a laugh. "Oh? That's all you're going to say?" Emily hoped her next question would be answered a certain way, but she was still scared to ask: "Why did you break up with him?" "Why do you think?" Alison whispered. Emily froze. Her heart was essentially beating out of her chest now, and she didn't know what to say. Alison spoke again, "I'm single now...so..." Oh god what does she mean by that? Does she want me to ask her on a date? Does she even want that? "Em?" Alison asked through the phone. "Sorry. I- I was just...Ali...what do you want?" Alison sighed into the phone. "I know what I want, but I'm not ready to...you know...tell everyone." "Tell everyone what?" Emily's asked. "About us." "What about us?" Alison laughed out into the phone. "You're not making this easy for me are you killer?" "Making what easy for you?" Alison sighed, "Okay since you won't do it I will. Emily, will you go on a date with me tomorrow?" Alison sputtered out her last question so fast Emily could barely even process it before the blonde started rambling again, taking Emily's silence as a no: "If you don't want to I mean that's okay. We can just like hang out you know? Like we originally planned. It doesn't have to be a whole thing." Emily cracked a huge smile. She asked me on a date and now she's nervous. "Ali, I'd love too," she breathed out. "Yeah?" "Yes. Of course. A million times yes!" "Goddamnit Emily you almost gave me a heart attack!" Emily started laughing, but she was interrupted by her mom knocking on her door and peeking her head in. "Hold on Ali," she said into the phone and looked at her mom, "Yeah?" "It's a school night Emily, and it's been a long day. Wrap the phone call up with Alison and get to bed soon," Pam said. "Okay. Good night mom, I love you," Emily said sweetly, feeling sad all over again seeing her mom look so forlorn and depressed about her father's absence. "Hey Ali, that was my mom. She said I need to hang up." "Damn okay. You have swim tomorrow right?" "Yeah I do. I'll be done at 5 though." "Can I pick you up at your place around 6 then?" "Oh wow, this date comes with driving service too huh?" Emily teased while smiling like a little kid in the toy aisle. Alison laughed sweetly. "Yes it does, Goodnight Em. Sweet dreams." "Goodnight Ali. Sweet dreams."

The next day, Emily was trying her hardest to study, but every time her eyes left the page of her book, her mind thought about the date tonight. The last time she tried to find an outfit for a date her room was a disaster. Emily pulled out her phone and texted Alison: "Hey! So about this date...what should I wear?" Earlier, the two texted each other good morning, but Emily's mom was on her case to get school done this morning, so she didn't have a chance to text the blonde much during the day. Her phone buzzed, a text from Alison: "Hmmm do I get to personally pick out your outfit ;)?" Emily grinned reading the text. The blonde had gone through her clothes so many times she was sure Alison knew her closet inside and out by now. Emily typed a message back: "Well I trust your fashion advice more than mine." Emily focused her eyes back onto book, but within seconds Alison texted her back: "Okay I'll come over early and help you. Please don't destroy your room in the meantime;)" Emily kept grinning, still in disbelief that she was going on a date with Alison. The brunette smirked while she typed a text back: "Oh I see...you just want to see me change...Sounds a little backwards to me don't you think? Aren't you supposed to take me on dates first before undressing me?" She threw her phone across her bed, panicking a little. Normally Emily wouldn't dare say things like that, but Alison was bold and exciting and confident, and Emily tried her hardest to match it. The blonde brought out something new in Emily. She heard her phone buzz from where it laid on her bed. The brunette picked it up and squeezed her eyes shut before slowly opening them, reading Alison's text: "Damn you caught me. My intentions are completely dishonorable. It's not anything I haven't seen before though...remember?;)" Emily's cheeks were completely red. Her thoughts drifted to their moment in the bathroom, making her heart race. Before Emily could type back, her phone started ringing: a call from Spencer. "Hey Spence. What's up? Aren't you in class right now?" "Hey! No, lunch break just started, but I have a huge favor to ask you." "Okay, what do you need?" "I totally forgot my biology book at home, and I can't drive home on lunch because I caught a ride from my sister to school today. Would you mind going by and getting it for me? I'll send you the code to get inside." "Oh yeah? Let me ask my mom, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind. I should be there in 15. I'll text you!" "Awesome thanks. You're totally saving my ass!" "No problem! See you soon, bye!" Emily hung up the phone and threw on athletic shorts and a plain black tank top before leaving her house.

It didn't take Emily long to find Spencer's book in her friend's bedroom and drive over to Rosewood High. Spencer texted her and said she would be in the lunch room. Thankfully, Emily knew her way around the school for the most part because of swim. The brunette walked into the school that was packed with students standing by their lockers. Emily weaved in and out of everyone, trying to make her way to the lunch room to find Spencer. Two guys by their lockers were messing around, and one of them pushed the other directly into Emily. The brunette tried to dodge him, but his body slammed into hers which made her slam into somebody else. "I'm so sor-" Emily's apology was abruptly cut off by the person she ran into, "Watch where the fuck you're going!" A familiar voice yelled, "Jesus chr- Emily?" Of all the people in Rosewood High, Emily ran into Alison. "Ali! I'm so sorry! That guy ran into me," Emily explained, stunned to see the blonde. "It's fine, sorry for yelling at you. What are you doing here?" Alison asked. "Spencer forgot her book at home and I went to go get it for her," Emily answered while leaning down to grab Spencer's book that fell to the ground. Alison nodded and the shorter blonde beside her chimed in, "So you're the mysterious Emily! Hi! I'm Hanna!" Emily adjusted the book in her hand, blushing hard from running into Alison after their last text messages. Emily stuck her hand out to Hanna, "I am, nice to meet you," she greeted. Hanna shook her hand and laughed, "I haven't had anyone shake my hand in forever!" Emily smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "Military family," she answered. Hanna eyed her up and down, "Damn girl! I can totally see why you're a swimmer! You have legs for days!" Emily laughed and went to respond before another familiar voice interrupted their conversation, "Emily? What are you doing here?" Paige asked while walking up to her teammate. Emily wasn't quite sure, but she thought she heard Alison scoff when Paige walked up. "Oh hey Paige! I just came to drop off a book for Spencer," Emily answered. Paige opened her mouth, but instead Alison said something, "We were having a conversation. Rude much?" Emily eyes flashed to Alison in shock, but the blonde was glaring at Paige while crossing her arms over her body. Emily had never heard Alison be so rude before. Paige's eyes widened, "Sorry," she stammered to Alison before directed her eyes to Emily, "I'll see you at practice Em," she said. Alison clearly scoffed again, and Emily assumed it was because of Paige calling her Em. "See you then," Emily said sweetly. Emily directed her eyes at Alison, looking at her in disbelief, but Alison seemed unfazed. "So, Emily," Hanna said leaning against her locker, "Please tell me you agree with me about Bradley." Emily looked confused, but before she could ask what that meant, Hanna kept going, "Alison made a colossal mistake breaking up with him...duh! Like who breaks up with someone because they're bored?! I've been trying to convince her all day to make up with him," Hanna explained. "Oh...I-I uh-" Alison cut Emily's stuttering off, saving the brunette, "Han drop it. How many times do I have to tell you that?" Alison asked, glaring at her friend. Alison glanced over to Emily and gave her a wink, going unnoticed by Hanna. "Whatever," Hanna blurted, waving her hand, "Anyways, Emily do you want to join us for lunch?" Hanna asked kindly. "Oh I should probably get this book to Spencer and go home," Emily said shyly, "Thank you though. Maybe another time." Hanna smiled, "Okay well you need to hang out with us soon! Alison has kept you all to herself and I need to know more about you!" Hanna exclaimed. Alison rolled her eyes jokingly, making Emily giggle, "Sure," Emily replied, "It was nice to meet you Hanna. Bye Ali," Emily said. The swimmer waited until Alison and Hanna said their goodbyes before quickly turning and walking away.

After swim practice, Emily hurried home to get ready for her date with Alison. The brunette barely had an hour to spare to get ready before the blonde came over. After her shower, Emily was applying makeup with her hair thrown up in a towel and another one draped around her body. Normally, Emily didn't wear makeup, and if she did, it was very minimal, but she wanted to look good for her date. Even though Alison had seen her at her literal worst while throwing up before, this time was different now. This doesn't even feel real still. I feel like I'm living in a dream. She did a double check in the mirror, happy with her smokey-eyed look. Emily pulled the towel off of her head and grabbed her robe from the closet. She turned on some music, trying to fight off the fact that she felt like she could vomit at any moment. The brunette turned on her blow dryer and started to dry her hair, lightly dancing and singing to the music in front of her mirror. Due to the noise of the blow dryer and the music, she didn't hear Alison knock and come in. The blonde stood in the doorway for a few seconds, smiling and watching the brunette sway her hips. Emily's eyes found Alison in the reflection of the mirror, making her jump. "Jesus christ Ali! You scared the hell out of me," she yelled while turning off her blow dryer. Alison giggled while walking over to Emily's bed and sitting down, "Don't stop on my account. I was enjoying the show," she said flirtatiously and gave the brunette a wink. God I'm so embarrassed. I can't believe she just walked in on that. Emily blushed and took in the outfit the blonde was wearing. She had on a blue floral sleeveless tank top, a short black jean skirt, and black flats. "I didn't think you were serious when you said you were coming over early," Emily said while trying to cover up checking the girl out. Alison smirked at her, "Well have you picked out an outfit yet?" She asked knowingly. Emily pursed her lips. "See! I knew you were going to need my help," Alison joked, "Unless you plan on wearing your little blue robe." Alison ran her eyes over Emily, taking in the fact that she was naked underneath her robe. Emily smiled playfully, "What? You don't like it?" She asked while doing a full turn, modeling the robe for the blonde sitting on her bed, "I thought this was the perfect fit." Alison stood up from the bed, grinning, and walked up to the brunette. Emily's playful look turned serious in reaction to their sudden close proximity. The blonde grabbed the fluffy belt on the robe that kept the material tied around Emily's naked body. Emily swallowed thickly, smiling nervously down to the shorter blonde, "Hi," she whispered. Alison smiled sweetly, dimples showing, "Hi," the blonde whispered back. In one swift motion, Alison tugged on the material in her hands, pulling Emily up against her body. She gracefully connected their lips as soon as Emily was tugged forward. After a few short seconds, they simultaneously pulled away, aware that Mrs. Fields was home. Emily grinned, "What was that for?" She asked with her body still pressed up against Alison's. "I missed you," Alison answered, shrugging nonchalantly and moving her arms up to Emily's shoulders. "You literally just saw me a few hours ago," Emily teased while grinning, moving her hands to Alison's hips. Emily made a mental note of how much she enjoyed their position: Alison's hands wrapped around her shoulders and her own hands on Alison's hips. The blonde did the same action yesterday at the lake, and it gave Emily butterflies. It felt natural, like they've been touching each other like that for years, not one day. "Yeah but I wasn't able to kiss you," Alison replied, "It was a nice surprise seeing you though." Emily giggled, "Oh yeah? I was scared you were going to punch me after that guy shoved me into you," she joked. Alison started laughing, and Emily couldn't help herself but to lean back in and connect their lips again. They both sighed into each other's mouths from the contact. The blonde moved one of her hands from Emily's shoulder onto her cheek, moving it from the side of the brunette's face and lacing her fingers through Emily's hair. Emily's butterflies increased tenfold. She made another mental note of Alison's actions: she wants to keep kissing me if she puts her hands in my hair. Emily smiled against the blonde's lips, loving every minute of getting to know Alison's habits. Her smile that was dancing across Alison's lips disappeared when the blonde deepened the kiss and slid her tongue into Emily's mouth. Emily knew they needed to be careful with her mom being home, but her bedroom door was shut and if her mom decided to come upstairs, Emily would be able to hear her. So the brunette decided to get lost in the moment. Emily moved her hands up under the tank top Alison was wearing, gliding her fingertips across the skin of her back. Alison breathed out a moan into Emily's mouth from the touch. Once again, Emily made another mental note: she likes when I touch her back. Alison's fingers gripped her brunette locks tighter, sending a lightning bolt straight down to Emily's center. The brunette instantly moaned from the slight roughness of Alison's touch. Emily instinctively started walking them backwards towards the bed, using her hands on Alison's hips to guide the blonde. As soon as the back of Alison's calves hit the edge of Emily's bed, Alison pulled her lips away. "Miss Fields," she breathed out, "Weren't you the one scolding me earlier today for trying to get you undressed before a date?" she whispered playfully to Emily, their mouths still temptingly close. Emily's eyes glanced down to the blonde's swollen lips, taking in the fact that she ruined Alison's lipgloss. "Who said anything about undressing?" Emily asked in a hushed voice. Alison smirked at her, "I don't know about you, but if you push me onto this bed I can promise you clothing will not be staying on," she said in a low, sexy tone. Emily parted her mouth from surprise, trying her hardest to ignore the fact that she was incredibly turned on. Alison grinned at her knowingly, "Come on," she said while moving herself from in between Emily and the bed, "Finish drying your hair and I'll pick out something for you to wear." Emily closed her eyes for a brief moment, firmly glued to the spot where she was standing, trying to get herself to focus. Alison sauntered over to the closet and looked back, smiling at the very obvious sexually frustrated brunette she created. "You're evil," the brunette huffed in response to Alison who was devilishly smiling at her. Alison let out a short laugh, "Dry your hair," she instructed again before turning her attention onto Emily's clothes. Emily did as she was told and turned her hair dryer back on, desperately trying to ignore the pulsing between her legs. Little did Emily know, while Alison was flipping through the shirts in her closet, the blonde was trying to fight off the same exact feeling.

"You think I'm joking but Bridget carries around a flask in that purse of hers," Alison said while focused on the road. The blonde was driving Emily to their date while spilling tea on her classmates. Emily laughed from the passenger seat, listening intently to the drama, "How can she get away with that?" The brunette asked. Alison scoffed, "Because her parents are loaded and pay for all kinds of things at the school," she answered, glancing over at Emily. The blonde picked out the outfit for her: Emily was wearing a black knit sweater and grey denim jeans, along with simple black converse shoes. "No way!" Emily exclaimed. "Yes way! One time she threw up all over the grass in P.E. and no one batted an eye. She had one too many sips from her purse that day," Alison said, loving to tell other people's secrets. Emily laughed in response, "So, where are we going?" She asked curiously, watching the road and trying to guess where the blonde was taking her. Alison side eyed her from the drivers seat, smirking, "Uh huh. You don't get to know," she teased, "It's pay back for you not telling me where you were taking me last time." "Um actually, last time was payback from you not telling me where you were taking me that night after my swim meet," Emily argued. Alison smiled over at the brunette before directing her attention back onto the road, "Okay maybe you're right, but we'll just make it a tradition then. You can get me back next time," she offered while throwing the brunette a wink. Emily blushed from the action. She wants to keep dating me, then? "What makes you think there's going to be a next time?" Emily asked, joking with her date. Alison made a fake face of shock, pretending the brunette seriously hurt her feelings. Emily laughed and watched Alison's face morph into that familiar flirtatious look that made Emily melt. "There will be a next time," Alison said quietly, but confidently. It was enough to make Emily's heart beat increase and face flush. "Wanna hear about Noel passing out at a party?" Alison asked, directing the conversation back to peer drama. Emily watched the blonde animatedly tell her stories about people she barely knew. The brunette engaged and listened, but all along she was admiring the beautiful girl beside her.

"Andddddd we're here," Alison announced while pulling into a parking spot. Emily looked at the park with children running around and playing on the playground. "Going to push me on a swing?" She asked the blonde teasingly, yet curious. Alison lightly smacked the brunette's arm, "No, I'm taking you up there," she answered while pointing up to a grassy hill overlooking the park. "Going to push me down a hill?" Emily asked while smiling big, continuing her teasing. Alison raised her eyebrows, giving the brunette a look, "No, I'm taking you on a picnic for your information." Emily grinned at the blonde, enjoying their banter, and decided to keep messing with the blonde. Emily made a face of seriousness, "Ali, I'm so sorry, but I have a grass allergy," the brunette lied, trying hard not to smile. She watched as the blonde widened her eyes and started internally panicking, "Oh...Okay...um...that's fine we can just go-" Emily interrupted the blonde, unable to keep up her lie and feeling bad watching the blonde try to come up with a plan B, "-Ali I'm kidding." Alison whipped her body around in her seat, glaring playfully at the brunette, "Shut up! Emily you did not just lie to me!" Emily started dying laughing, "I'm sorry," she said in between laughs, "You're very gullible you know." Alison shook her head while smiling, "You're unbelievable." Emily grinned at her like an innocent child, "Who me? Never," she teased playfully while running her tongue along the inside of her teeth, and biting her lip. Alison's eyes glanced down to her lips, and Emily smirked, knowing she caught the blonde. Alison rolled her eyes, "I'm never believing anything you say from here on out. I was panicking you know? Thanks for that," the blonde said sassily. Emily reached her hand out across the space between them, placing it on Alison's bare thigh, "You're adorable when you panic," she said softly, trying hard not to crack a smile. Alison reached down to Emily's hand on her thigh, dramatically picking up the brunette's fingers and moving them back over to Emily's own thigh, "You don't have the right to touch me after that," she retorted while holding a serious face, challenging the brunette. Emily batted her eyelashes, pretending to be completely innocent. Alison cackled at the brunette's antics, "You, Emily Fields, are going to be the death of me," she said, her voice holding a serious tone. Emily's bright smile turned into a shy grin. Alison parted her mouth as if she was about to say something, but she closed her lips, mentally switching gears. Instead, the blonde opened her car door, "Alright, let's go," Alison said abruptly.

"Ali you didn't have to do all of this," Emily murmured, looking over the picnic spread Alison made. The blonde brought a large blanket, and genuine picnic basket full of sandwiches and fruits. "I wanted to," Alison said softly, settling down on the blanket beside the brunette. Emily smiled shyly at her before looking down and playing with her fingers, "Well thank you, it's beautiful." Alison reached into the basket and started pulling the food out, "I figured since you showed me one of your special spots, I'd take you to one of mine," she said while handing Emily a sandwich, "My parents used to bring me and my brother here when we were little. Almost every Sunday we would set up a picnic just like this." Emily smiled while eating the food Alison brought, "Do you all still come out here now?" The brunette asked. Alison looked away, watching the children play below them, "No," she answered sadly, "I probably haven't came here in over 7 years at least." Emily put her food down, picking up on Alison's sadness, "Why?" The brunette asked, "I know you said your parents are going through a divorce, but hasn't that been recently?" Alison nodded, popping a strawberry into her mouth, "Yeah, they are currently finalizing the divorce, but their marriage hasn't been healthy for years," she shared, "I remember the last time we all came here. My parents were fighting about something, and my dad stormed off before we even started our picnic. This wasn't the only family tradition that turned into nonexistence over the years. Almost every holiday after I turned 10 has been ruined by their fighting. Arguments became the new tradition," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. Emily placed her hand on Alison's knee, gently swiping her thumb across the pale skin, "I'm so sorry Ali. You didn't deserve any of that," she said softly, "You don't deserve any of it now either." Alison smiled kindly to the brunette, lacing her fingers through Emily's and looking down at their interlaced hands, "They're the reason why I'm incapable of being vulnerable," she said quietly. "Ali, you telling me that shows your vulnerability," Emily replied back, reaching down and grabbing the blonde her own sandwich, "Now enough talking. Eat," the brunette said. Alison laughed and did as she was instructed. The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, eating their sandwiches. They talked absentmindedly while watching the children with their parents slowly leave the park as the sun began to set.

Emily suddenly stood up and stuck her hand out to the blonde sitting below her, "Come on," she said with a smile. Alison sat and looked up at her suspiciously, "Come on what?" She asked, sitting and refusing to take the brunette's outstretched hand. "We're going to go down the slides and swing on the swings," Emily answered her as if that was obvious. Alison let out a laugh, "Why?" She asked incredulously, looking up at the brunette. "Why not? There's no age limit on playgrounds you know," Emily said, "Just because you've had one bad memory here, doesn't mean we can't make a better one." Emily stuck her hand back out to the blonde. Alison shook her head at Emily while smiling. She tentatively grabbed Emily's hand and let the brunette hoist her up. As soon as Emily helped the blonde stand, she let go of Alison's hand and started running down the hill. Emily made it to the bottom and looked back to Alison, who was walking down the hill laughing at her, "You're crazy!" Alison yelled out to her. "You're slow!" Emily shouted back. Alison finally caught up to where Emily was standing, "Says the athlete," the blonde joked. "So are you going to come swing with me or not?" Emily asked, smiling.

Alison was hesitant at first, but she eventually caved and started swinging with Emily. After a few minutes, they slowed down and sat side by side on the swings, moving at a leisurely pace and swaying back and forth. "See I told you it would be fun," Emily stated, looking over at the blonde. Alison was smiling and pushing herself in circles on the swing with her feet on the ground. "Thank you," Alison said, reaching her hand across the space between the swings towards Emily. The brunette accepted the blonde's hand and laced their fingers together, "What are you thanking me for?" Emily asked. "This...everything...just you being...you," Alison replied, watching the tan fingers grip her own. "You don't need to thank me Ali," Emily said softly before turning her eyes towards the empty park. The sun was setting and casting a pink glow over them. "Yes I do," Alison responded, "I was awful to you...those things I said to you...you didn't deserve that, and yet you still gave me a second chance. I don't deserve any of your kindness," the blonde said somberly, releasing Emily's hand. "Ali, what happened is in the past. It doesn't matter anymore," Emily replied quietly. Alison stood up off of the swing, showing frustration, "It does matter Emily. I shut you out and I treated you awfully and I lied to you and you're still here," Alison said quickly, her emotions running high, "I'm sure Spencer has already told you, but I'm not the nicest person Emily. I don't know why you want to be around me or spend time with me or why you even like me!" Alison was stressfully pacing in front of the brunette sitting on the swing. "Why do you think you don't deserve kindness Ali?" Emily asked. Alison snapped, "Didn't you hear what I just said Emily? I'm not a good person!" She yelled. Emily stood up from the swing, yet kept some distance away from the blonde, "It sounds like you're trying to convince me that you're a bad person Ali, and you're not. You're the most beautiful, confident, exciting, and interesting person I have ever met. I don't care what Spencer says or what you say, I see you for who you really are," Emily stated confidently, trying not to let Alison lose control. Yet Alison clearly wasn't accepting Emily's words. The blonde shook her head in frustration and ran her fingers through her hair, "Don't you get it Emily? Who I really am is not beautiful! My confidence is fake, and I'm not as exciting as you think I am. You are the beautiful one. You are the kind one. You are the interesting one. You literally could have anyone in this entire world if you wanted," Alison shouted through a distressed voice. "Who made you believe you were so ugly Alison? You know what, I don't even want to know! Because that person was wrong," Emily said fiercely, taking another step towards Alison, "That person must've been blind because I've been looking at you Ali. I haven't stopped looking at you since the day I met you. I see you, and I don't ever want to look away," Emily professed, taking a big breath. Alison's eyes were filling with tears, and she made a laugh of disbelief, getting more frustrated and shaking her head. She took a few steps away from the brunette and then whipped around, "Why are you even here Emily?" She questioned with her voice cracking. "Are you really asking me that?" Emily answered Alison with a question, emotion in her voice matching the blonde's, "You know why!" Emily continued, hinting that the blonde should understand. "Why?" Alison speculated again. Emily sighed, "I'm here because I love you Ali! I...I'm...I'm in love with you," she breathed her last words out. Alison's eyes softened, but she remained standing away from Emily, keeping her distance, "Well you shouldn't Emily," she said sadly, her voice faltering. "I don't care," Emily replied firmly, "You can push me away all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that I love you." Alison's tears fell from her eyes, "I can't give you what you deserve," Alison said quietly. "Ali, just being around you is more than what I deserve. Every day and every minute I get to spend with you makes me the luckiest person in the world. So don't stand there and tell me what I should think and tell me what I should do and who I should love and what-" Emily was so engaged in her profession that she didn't notice Alison rush towards her, cutting off the brunette's words with a searing kiss. Alison swallowed the brunette's breath in her mouth, grabbing the sides of her face and pushing her lips hard against her mouth. Emily mirrored the blonde and grabbed her face, kissing the blonde back with passion.

Alison pulled her lips away, keeping her hands on Emily's face, "I'm in love with too Emily," she breathed out with her hands trembling, "but I'm scared." Emily moved her hands down to Alison's arms, "It's okay to be scared sometimes," Emily empathized, reaching one of her hands up to the blonde's cheek and rubbing her tears away. "I don't want to lose you, but I feel like everything I touch turns into a disaster. I keep thinking about how this is going to go and I'm terrified," Alison admitted through a whisper. Alison moved her hands down from the brunette's cheeks and interlocked both of them with Emily's, keeping their hands between their bodies. Emily smirked at her, "You know for a blonde, you think a lot," she joked. Alison raised her eyebrows, "Watch it," she replied sassily. "Or what?" Emily asked playfully, "I already know you can't catch me if I run." Alison smirked back, loving the fact that Emily's playful side had been making more of an appearance lately, "True, but I know where you sleep." Emily let out a laugh, "I wouldn't mind having you in my bed," she admitted flirtatiously. Alison laughed, "Don't get too far ahead of yourself there, killer. I won't make it that easy," she flirted back and winked. Emily blushed, "No I didn't mean that...I meant like-" Alison interrupted her, continuing her teasing of the flustered girl, "-Mhm, I know what you meant." Emily's cheeks were completely flushed, and she felt like she could explode from embarrassment. Alison smiled and leaned her lips over to Emily's ear, "I've thought about you in my bed too," she whispered. Emily's mouth parted opened in shock. Alison sauntered away from Emily and started walking towards the hill. Alison turned back to the flustered girl who was still glued to the place she was standing, "Are you going to help me pack up the picnic or just stand there all day?" She yelled out. I'm so going to get you back.


Hellooooo from the other side lol. That was a long chapter, but I probably won't be back until after my wedding...so I wanted to give ya'll a good one:) What are everyone's thoughts after that chapter? It's tricky trying to navigate new situationships. Emily and Alison still have a lot to discuss...things like Paige, Alison's sexuality, and oh yeah...are they girlfriends? They're obvi in love so that would make sense...right?...maybe...we'll seeeeee. We definitely saw a little bit of Alison's insecurities around relationships and vulnerability being brought to light, and Emily seems to bring it out of her...whether Alison wants it to come out or not lol. I enjoyed writing their little picnic date...some sandwich's with a side of emotional baggage haha. Leave some reviews! I'm even open to some suggestions or stuff you guys want to read. Alright guys ily all! I'll probably see you on the flip side of my wedding...eeeeep!

~3mison