Hello, guys!

Here goes another Lost Moment for you. Albeit short, I couldn't take this prompt off my mind. It feels so natural for Emily to be insecure about her relationship with Alison and where did her feelings come from. And then I believe Alison would say something like that. You can say that this scene takes place during 7x18, after their Kissing Rock scene.

I hope you like it!

With love,

White Tigresss

Context: after their first time together at the Kissing Rock, Emily asks Alison when did she first realize she loved her.

Emily panted, a thin layer of sweat making her skin shine in the afterglow. She had loved Ali's surprise night picnic, taking her to the Kissing Rock with food and wine for a moment of love and romance.

(It might very well be their last one)

At first, Emily had taken the lead in their lovemaking. She was the one with experience, after all. Deep inside, a part of her wanted to make love to Alison without having to expose her insecurities and vulnerabilities because, while their relationship is a dream come true to her, Emily still feared that someday Alison would wake up and bolt through the door and leave everything behind.

(And Alison had enjoyed the sex a lot)

But then, Alison turned the tables and took charge, pressing Emily down against their makeshift mattress.

"Ali, you don't have to," Emily whispered. She knew a lot of this was new for the blonde and didn't want her to be overwhelmed by the obligation to give back.

Alison smiled with mirth, "Oh, but I really want to."

Emily nodded, but insecurities plagued her mind. What if Alison was only with her because of her pregnancy? What if Alison didn't like to give pleasure to another woman? What if Alison was straight after all?

What if Alison was going to leave her?

"Em," Alison called her out, seemingly feeling Emily's insecurities. "I'm not going anywhere."

Then, Alison placed a kiss on Emily's heart and laced their fingers together as she made her way down slowly, exploring and loving every inch of her body. By the time Emily was ready, her insecurities had long been forgotten in favor of Ali's mouth on her skin.

(And of course Alison would be skilled with her mouth)

In Emily's afterglow, Alison laid beside her, enthused and proud at her own abilities. her fingers trailed through Emily's hair, a soft, lingering touch that made Emily's heart race. Her voice dropped to a whisper, tender and unguarded.

"You're so beautiful."

Emily's eyes fluttered open, locking with Alison's. The vulnerability in Alison's blue eyes held her captive. She reached up, tugging lightly on Alison's hair, and brought their lips together in a kiss.

As they broke apart, a question tugged at Emily's thoughts. "Ali?"

"Mmm?" Alison hummed, her lips still brushing Emily's as she leaned closer, her hand dangerously dancing on Emily's hip.

"When did you know?"

Alison pulled back slightly, her brows knitting in confusion. "When did I know what?"

Emily hesitated, her cheeks flushing. "When did you know you… liked me?"

A soft smile curled on Alison's lips, but Emily caught the flicker of sadness in her expression. She reached up, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind Alison's ear.

"Promise not to be mad?" Alison said, her voice small.

Emily's brow furrowed. "Why would I be mad?"

Alison hesitated, the silence stretching between them like a fragile thread. Then she took a deep breath. "Because I've loved you from the very first day."

Emily's breath hitched, her eyes widening.

"I know, it sounds like some cheesy rom-com, but it's true," Alison went on, her voice tinged with self-deprecation. "I told myself it was something else—envy, admiration, friendship—but deep down, I always knew. I was just too scared to admit it."

"Ali…" Emily's voice broke as tears welled in her eyes.

"And then," Alison continued, her own eyes glistening, "when I finally figured it out, I thought I'd missed my chance. That you'd moved on. I couldn't stand the thought of losing you, so I kept holding back."

Emily cupped Alison's face, her thumb brushing away a tear that slipped down her cheek. "Ali, it's always been you for me too."

Alison let out a shaky laugh, her relief palpable. "Can you forgive me? For taking so long to figure it out?"

"There's nothing to forgive," Emily said, her own tears falling freely now. "You're here now, and that's all that matters."

They kissed again and, as they pulled apart, Alison managed a soft chuckle. "I know I need more than words to make up for all the time I wasted, but I'm willing to try."

Emily smiled, her heart full. "You're off to a good start. Keep surprising me with nighttime picnics, and you'll do just fine."

Alison laughed, the sound light and free. "Deal."

"I love you, Ali," Emily whispered, her voice steady and sure.

"I love you too, Em," Alison replied, pulling her into a warm embrace as the stars above bore witness to their new beginning.