Archive of Our Own

Some weeks were good, some weeks were average. As they got later into the school year, more pressure had been applied to their expectations. Midterms were approaching. Holidays were approaching. Everyone in their circle of friends seemed to be swamped. During all of it, they still tried to meet up when they had free time, to prevent the group from falling apart. Stress played a big factor against that, however. Spencer was stressing the most. She was anxious, nervous, ready to rip out her hair as she studied. She always wanted to go above and beyond, perfecting every little detail of her assignments.

There was one night when she took it too far and snapped at Toby, pushing him away. She needed to take a break, according to him, and that lead from one thing to another. Instead of relaxing for an evening, they ended up fighting over something stupid. That fight didnt extend only to Toby, however. All of her friends ended up receiving some form of Spencer Hastings wrath.

Having been pushed away, Hanna found herself gravitating towards Mona on this occasion. It's not that they weren't good friends, because they were, just that her main group of friends often found Mona to be rather shallow. Still, a friendship is a friendship. Mona was also going through it this week. Not because of school, but because she was fighting with her boyfriend Noel. Hanna low-key had been putting off having conversations with her about the subject, mainly because she disliked Noel, but after fighting with Spencer herself, she decided that was the less uncomfortable situation to be in.

Mona had a theory Noel was cheating, which was her explanation of why he was so distant, distracted, and disrespectful towards her. One thing led to another, and they were fighting worse than Spencer and Toby were. With Mona each fight was catastrophic. Noel played into that, adding fuel to every little fire and watching it burn. They were toxic together, but in a sense it was what Mona had deemed romantic. One thing about Mona was that Alison was not the biggest fan of her. They also brought out the worst in eachother. They would make not-so-subtle jabs at each other. Plenty of offhand comments. While they were civil, it was apparent neither was a fan of the other.

After learning about Mona's breakup, Alison put on her beat face of civility and tried to maintain the peace for Hanna's sake. She felt for the girl, in all honesty, having also had a brief fling with Noel. He was manipulative, constantly scheming, calvulative. He enjoyed getting off on seeing women suffer after he had gotten what he wanted out of them. And unfortunately for everyone, Noel had a charming effect about him that lured in everyone. He was dreamy. He was approachable.

Hanna and Mona had been brainstorming plans for after midterms. They all needed a break, and it wasn't going to be optional. Everyone was attending. Hanna was going to be hosting a sleep over the friday after midterms. Her mom approved of the idea. Aria agreed they needed to do something, and a sleepover with a crappy rom-com was the perfect idea. Emily agreed to come, since she wasn't as stressed as the others, and was tasked with convincing Alison to be on board.

Out of all of the friends, Emily and Alison were closer to eachother. Everyone knew Alison played favorites. She would tease and flirt with Emily differently than the others. To the group, Emily was her soft spot. Her weakness. It had not been apparwnt at first, but in a subtle way. Though Alison had never admitted to it,

The conversation started the way most of their plans did. Half serious, half chaotic.
“Sleepover at my place Friday,” Hanna announced to the lunch table, her fist hitting the table like it was a gavel. “Mandatory attendance.”
“Mandatory?” Spencer laughed, barely looking up from her food. “You can’t mandate a sleepover.”
“I can if I’m providing snacks. My mom already okayed it. She said after midterm was fine.” Across the table, Alison had her arms crossed loosely. She looked interested, but not committed. Her eyes flicked around the room until they landed on Emily. Hanna followed the glance immediately.
“Oh, right,” she said. “Alison hasn’t said yes yet.” A couple heads turned, Aria being confused by the statement. Alison raised an eyebrow. “Why are we acting like I’m the deciding vote?”
“Because,” Aria said, “you always disappear when there’s a group thing.”
“That is not true.”
“It is a little true,” Hanna added. Alison opened her mouth to argue, then stopped when Emily chimed in.
“You should come.”

The table quieted just slightly, not dramatically, but just enough for people to notice. Emily was leaning forward against the table, elbows on the cool metal. She wasn’t smiling the way the others were. She sounded like she actually meant it. Alison tilted her head at her.
“Do I?” she asked.
“You always leave early,” She said. “Or don’t show up.”
“That’s because you all stay up until four in the morning arguing about movies.”
“And you secretly enjoy that.”
“I secretly enjoy winning those arguements."
“Then come win them against us.” Emily shrugged lightly. Alison looked like she was considering it. For a second it almost seemed like she might say yes. She glanced at Hanna
“Who’s going?” she asked. Hanna started listing names, and halfway through, Alison’s expression shifted just a little.
“And… Mona,” Hanna finished. There it was.
Alison didn’t react loudly. She just exhaled through her nose and looked away, suddenly interested in her phone.
“Come on,” Aria groaned. “You two don’t even fight anymore.”
“We never fought,” Alison said calmly. “She just annoys me.”
Emily watched her for a moment.
“Mona won’t bother you,” she said. Alison glanced back at her, lowering her phone to her lap.
“You say that like you’re in charge of her.”
“I’m not,” Emily replied. “But if she does, I’ll deal with it.” Spencer made an exaggerated “oooh" while making a teasing face and Alison. Alison shot her a look, but the corner of her mouth twitched.
“You’re very confident,” she said.
“Not really.”
“Sounds like it.”
“I just think you should come.” Emily folded her arms as if to solidify the end of the conversation. There was a pause. Alison studied her for a second longer than necessary. Like she was trying to figure out whether she was joking, or pushing, or something else entirely.
“You’re persistent today." She said.
“Someone has to be.” She sighed dramatically, like the weight of the decision was unbearable.
“Fine. I'll be on my best behavior."
“Alison’s coming!” squealed Aria. Alison held up a hand.
“I said I’d come,” she clarified. “I didn’t say I’d stay.”
“That counts,” Spencer said. Emily didn’t say anything, but when Alison glanced over at her again, she was smiling slightly. Not a victory smile, but she was satisfied.
“This better not be a trap.” Alison rolled her eyes.
“It’s a sleepover.” Emily said. “You already agreed.” Alison shook her head, but she didn’t take it back.

The sleepover had started loud. Music in the background in the kitchen area, chips everywhere, people arguing over which movie to start with. Someone had already claimed the floor with a pile of blankets like they were building a nest.

Alison stood in the kitchen doorway with a red plastic cup, watching the chaos like she’d walked into a documentary about poor decision making.
“You came,” Aria said, passing by with a bowl of popcorn.
“I did,” Alison said dryly. “You should all appreciate the sacrifice.” Across the room, Emily looked up from the couch when she heard her voice. Their eyes met for a second. She lift her hand in a small, casual wave. Alison rolled her eyes, but she walked over anyway.
“Comfortable?” she asked, gesturing at the couch she’d already taken over.
“I got here early,” Emily said. “Strategic seating.”
“Of course you did.” She dropped onto the arm of the couch beside her instead of taking a chair. No one commented, but a few people definitely noticed. The movie had barely started when the first problem appeared. Mona wandered over, leaning against the back of the couch.
“Well look who actually showed up,” she commented. Alison didn’t look up at her, instead she kept her eyes on the screen.
“Thrilling observation,” she replied.
Mona laughed like she’d made a joke for her.
“Didn’t think you’d come to something this.. social.” Emily paused the movie, earning a justified groan from everyone else in the room.
“Hey,” she said calmly. “Can you grab the drinks from the kitchen?”
Mona frowned. “Why me?”
“Because you’re standing.” Mona hesitated, clearly debating whether to push it, but eventually she shrugged and walked off toward the kitchen. The moment she disappeared, the movie resumed. Alison slowly turned her head toward Emily.
“That was subtle.”
“Wasn’t trying to be.”
“You just volunteered her for chores.”
“She looked bored.” Alison studied her for a second, keeping her voice hushed.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know.”
Alison looked back at the television.
"Still...”

After a while the room settled into the sleepy chaos of a late night. Half the group was arguing about the movie’s plot holes. Aria had fallen asleep halfway off a beanbag. Emily got up to refill her drink. When she walked into the kitchen, someone was already there. Hanna leaned against the counter, watching her like she’d been waiting.
“You know she only came because you asked, right?” Emily grabbed a soda from the fridge, hesitating on closing the door and revealing how shocked her face was at the statement she heard.
“That’s not true.” Hanna gave her a look.
“Em.” She didn’t answer.
“She literally said no three times before you spoke.”
She opened the can, taking a long, slow, calculated sip.
“She was thinking about it.” Hanna smirked.
“Sure. Keep telling yourself that, Em." Emily shook her head and walked back toward the living room. Alison wasn’t there anymore. She spotted her a minute later on the back patio, sitting on the step outside with her cup balanced beside her. The cool night air had quieted everything. Emily pushed the door open.
“You escaping?” she asked.
“Observing from a distance.” Alison glanced up.
“Very scientific.” Emily stepped outside and leaned against the railing. For a moment neither of them spoke.

“You handled Mona.” Alison spoke casually.
“Barely.” Emily shrugged.
“You said you would.”
“I said I’d deal with it if she bothered you, Ali.”
“She did.”
“So I did.” Alison tilted her head slightly, studying her again.
“You’re very consistent tonight.”
“That sounds like criticism.”
“It’s curiosity, Em.”
She looked out into the yard.
“Why did you come?” Emily finally asked, earning an immediate scoff from Alison.
“Because Hanna threatened to text me every ten minutes if I didn’t.”
“I’m serious, Ali.”
“So am I.”

Emily didn’t respond. Alison sighed softly, realizing Emily wasn’t buying it.

“You’re very annoying when you do that.”
“Do what?”
“Wait.” She smiled faintly.
"You asked...” Alison said finally, picking at the edge of her cup.
“That’s it?”
“You say that like it’s nothing.”
“I just asked you to come to a sleepover.”
“You’re the only one who can ask me like that,” Alison turned towards her a little more, their eyes meeting. The sentence hung there for a second. Alison immediately stood up and grabbed her drink.
“Anyway,” she said quickly, walking back toward the door, “if we go back in there and they’re watching a second movie without me, I’m leaving.” Emily followed her inside, trying very hard not to smile.

The second movie had been playing for almost forty minutes. No one was really watching it anymore. Spencer had taken over the remote and turned the volume low, people were scattered across the floor in blankets and pillows, and the room had that sleepy, dim glow that came from staying up too late. Alison was still awake. Not that she’d admit that if anyone asked.
She sat cross-legged on the far end of the couch, half watching the television and half watching the room. Emily was on the other side. She somehow ended up with one of the larger blankets draped over her legs, leaning back into the cushions like she had no intention of moving again. Typical. Alison told herself she wasn’t looking at her. She absolutely was.
Across the room, someone groaned dramatically.
“Okay,” Mona said, sitting up. “I have an observation.”
“No you don’t,” Hanna muttered from under a blanket.
“Yes I do.”
“No one asked.”
Mona pointed vaguely in Alison and Emily's direction.
“Emily is basically Alison’s bodyguard tonight.”
“What?” Alison blinked.
“You literally kicked Me out of the conversation earlier,” Mona continued, looking at Emily who began to stir uncomfortably on the couch.
“I asked you to get drinks.”
“You exiled me.”
“I did not." Emily kept her voice gentle, even though she was beginning to get irritated.
“If I needed protection,” Alison said, rolling her eyes, “I promise Emily would not be my first choice.” A couple people around the room laughed. Emily didn’t look offended, If anything, she looked mildly amused.
“Wow,” she said.
“You know what I mean. I'mmore than capable of fighting my own battles.” Alison crossed her arms.
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
Mona wasn’t done.
“Alison, you’ve been sitting next to her all night.”
“There are limited seating options.” Alison gestured vaguely at the couch.
“There are literally chairs everywhere.”
“That sounds like a you problem.”
Mona opened her mouth again, but Aria threw a pillow at her.
“Go to sleep.” Mona collapsed back onto the floor dramatically.
“Fine. But I stand by my observation.”

The room quieted again after that. Alison focused very intently on the movie. Not once did Alison dare to look at Emily after that. Not once. Okay, well, maybe once. Emily was already looking at her. She immediately looked away. Great. Now she looked suspicious. Alison exhaled slowly.

"Relax. You are acting like this is weird. It’s not weird." She thought to herself. Except it kind of was. Because the stupid part was that Mona wasn’t completely wrong. Not about the bodyguard thing, that notion was ridiculous. But because Emily had stepped in earlier. She’d done it so casually that most people probably didn’t even notice. Except Alison did. She always noticed when Emily did things like that. Which was annoying to her, because it meant she noticed Emily more than she intended to.

A while later the room had gone quiet again. Actually quiet this time. The movie was still playing, but half the group had fallen asleep. Someone snored softly from the floor. Alison shifted slightly on the couch. The blanket that had been loosely covering Emily's legs had slipped partly between them at some point. She hadn’t noticed when.

Knowing she should probably move, instead Alisom pulled the edge of the blanket over her own legs. Just a little.
It wasn’t like Emily would care. Alison was getting cold, and wanted that extra layer of comfort that the blanket would bring. She told herself that was the only reason.

“You’re still awake?” Emily spike quiety. Alison didn’t look at her.
“So are you.”
“I asked first.”
“That’s not how questions work.” For a moment neither of them said anything. The quiet was different now. Less chaotic. More aware. Alison stared at the television. She had absolutely no idea what was happening in the movie anymore, completely lost in her thoughts replaying every word from the group conversation earlier.
“You survived Mona,” Emily said.
“Barely.”
“I think she gave up after the drink thing.”
“Good.” She hesitated for a second. “Em, you didn’t have to do that earlier.”
“I told you I would.” Emily shrugged slightly beside her. Alison picked at the edge of the blanket. She hated that answer. Not because it was wrong, because it was simple, like it had been obvious to her.

Her brain immediately started doing something deeply unhelpful. She probably does that for everyone.You’re not special. Don’t read into it.

“Do you think they’re right..?”
“About what?” Emily glanced at her.
“The bodyguard thing.”
“Do you?”
“No.”
“Then we’re good.”
Alison turned her head just enough to look at her.
“You’re avoiding the question.”
“I answered it.”
“No you didn’t.” Emily leaned back against the couch.
“I don’t think you need a bodyguard.”
“Good.”
“But you do tend to get into arguments.”
“I do not.”
“You absolutely do.”
“With people who deserve it.”
“That list is very long.”
“You’re very brave tonight.” Alison narrowed her eyes at her.
“I’m under a blanket shield.” She huffed a quiet laugh before she could stop herself. Then the quiet returned again. It wasn’t awkward. Which might have been worse, because Alison could feel the awareness sitting there between them. Not heavy.
Present. Like something unspoken that neither of them was touching.
“Why did you really come tonight?” Finally Emily spoke quietly. Alison immediately responded.
“I told you, I-”
“You lied.” She turned her head toward her fully this time.
“I did not lie.”
“You absolutely did, Ali.” She studied Emily for a moment, and came to the conclusion she wasn’t teasing. Just watching her with that calm, patient expression she got when she already knew the answer.
“You asked." Alison stated, as if it was factual.
“That’s all?”
“You’re the only one who could have asked me like that.” Alison looked at her like she was being deliberately difficult. The words slipped out before she could filter them. Immediately Alison looked back at the televisoon.

Too late now. Her brain kicked in instantly. Why did you say that? That sounded like a confession. That was absolutely not the plan.

“I’ll remember that.”
"Don't." Alison resisted the urge to bury herself under the blanket.
“Too late.”
"You're impossible." She sighed dramatically.
“And yet,” She said, “you still came to the sleepover.” Alison didn’t answer, but she didn’t move away either.

The room was completely quiet now. Real quiet. The television still flickered softly, but the sound had long since been turned down. Blankets and pillows were scattered everywhere. At least three people were asleep on the floor. Someone snored.
Alison shifted slightly on the couch, careful not to move too much. The blanket between her and Emily had somehow turned into a shared one at some point. She couldn’t remember exactly when that had happened. She did remember not moving away. Beside her, Emily was still awake. She could tell without looking.
You learned things about people if you paid attention long enough, like the way Emily tapped her fingers lightly against her knee when she wasn’t tired yet. She was doing that now. Alison finally glanced sideways.
“You’re still awake,” she whispered.
“You said that earlier.”
“I never said I was going to sleep.” A quiet pause stretched between them. Emily shifted slightly under the blanket.
“You know,” She said softly, “Mona’s going to feel very validated tomorrow.”
“If she says the word bodyguard again, I’m leaving.” Alison sighed immediately.
“She will absolutely say it again.”
“Then I will absolutely ignore her.” Emily watched her for a moment.
“You didn’t ignore her earlier.”
“I corrected her.”
“You got defensive.”
“I did not.”
“You did.” Alison held her gaze for a second. Her brain immediately started doing something very unhelpful again.

Why are we looking at each other like this Why does this suddenly feel like a moment?

Alison shifted slightly under the blanket, suddenly very aware of how close they were sitting. Her hand was resting on the couch cushion between them. Emily's was too. Not touching, but very close. Alison stared at their hands for a second.

This is a bad idea. This is definitely a bad idea.

Her fingers moved anyway. She slid her hand slightly closer until her knuckles brushed hers. Emily stopped tapping her fingers immediately. She didn’t move away. Alison waited. Nothing happened. So she did something even worse. She turned her hand and laced her fingers loosely with hers. Her heart immediately started beating faster. Great. Now you’re holding her hand. At a sleepover, with like six witnesses if anyone wakes up.

Emily looked down at their hands briefly. Then back at her.
“Don’t make it weird, Em.” commented Alison, her nerves allowing her to be defensive.
“I wasn’t going to.”
“You were thinking about it.”
“Maybe a little.”
She squeezed her hand once, lightly.
“Behave.” She smiled faintly. For a while they just sat there like that. The television light flickered across the room. The house was completely still. Alison told herself she would let go of her hand soon. Any second now. Probably. She didn’t. Eventually Emily glanced around the room. Carefully, scanning everyone sleeping around them. Alison followed her gaze. Mona was asleep on the floor, half buried under two blankets. Aria was face down on a beanbag. Someone else had fallen asleep with popcorn still in their lap. No one was moving. No one was watching. When Alison looked back, Emily was already looking at her.
Her stomach did a very inconvenient flip.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she whispered.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re about to say something.”
“Maybe I am, Ali.” Alison narrowed her eyes slightly.
“You should probably not.”
“Why?”
“Because whatever you’re thinking is probably a bad idea.”
“That’s a very strong assumption.”
“It’s an accurate one.” Emily squeezed her hand gently, then leaned a little closer. Alison’s brain immediately short circuited. She stopped just short of her, still giving her time to pull away. She didn’t. Instead she whispered,
“You’re being very brave.”
“You said that earlier.”
“I meant it.” Emily glanced around the room one more time. Still asleep. Still quiet.
When she looked back at her, her voice dropped even softer.
“You’re not stopping me.” Alison’s heart was absolutely not cooperating anymore.
“I might.” she whispered.
“You haven’t yet.”
She hesitated for exactly one second. Then said quietly,
“You should probably be quick.” That was apparently all the permission Emily needed.
As she leaned in and kissed her, Emily lift both her hands and cupped Alison's cheeks, steadying herself.

Soft. Quick. Very real. For a second Alison forgot how to think entirely, which was extremely inconvenient. When Emily pulled back, they both froze instinctively, listening. The room stayed silent. No one moved. No one woke up.

Alison exhaled slowly, and looked at Emily.
“Well,” she whispered.
“Well?” Emily echoed.
“That was reckless.”
“You literally told me to do it.”
“I said be quick.”
“I was.”

Alison studied her for a moment. Before she could overthink it again, she leaned forward slightly and kissed her back. Even quicker than the first one. When she pulled away, she immediately looked back at the television like nothing had happened. Emily was clearly trying not to smile. Alison returned their hands, squeezing her hand again under the blanket.
“Don’t say anything,” Alison murmured, leaving half of her sentence unsaid. Emily kept her mouth closed, unable to hide her smile.

The living room was still dim with early morning light, that soft gray blue that sneaks in before anyone’s really awake. Long ago someone had switched off the television, a blanket half slid to the floor, empty soda cans and a board game still abandoned mid-game. Emily woke first in the room. It took her a second to remember where she was, why her neck felt slightly crooked, why everything smelled faintly like someone else’s house. When she realized she was lying sideways on the couch, and her head warm, nestled into Alison’s lap. Emily went very still. Alison was awake too. She must be. One of her hands was already in Emily’s hair, slow and absentminded, gently combing through it like she’s been doing it for a while. Not nervous, not rushed—just soft. Familiar in a way that made Emily's chest tighten.

Neither of them says anything. Emily kept her eyes closed for a moment longer than necessary, letting herself exist in it. The quiet. The weight of Alison’s hand. The memory of last night sitting just under the surface. Quick glances, the couch getting more crowded until it wasn’t, whispers, and then… that moment. One kiss that turned into another before either of them could overthink it. Alison’s fingers paused, then resumed, tracing lightly near Emily’s temple. Careful. Almost like she was checking to see if she was really awake. Emily eventually opened her eyes. Alison didn’t look down right away, but Emily could see the small shift in her posture, the awareness. When Alison finally glanced at her, there was something quiet in her expression. Soft, but guarded around the edges.

Emily gets it. She doesn’t say anything about last night. Not here, not with the faint sounds of movement starting upstairs, a door creaking open, someone coughing, stirring awake nearby. Instead, she just murmured, “Morning,” her voice still rough and heavy with sleep. Alison gives a small nod, almost a smile. Her hand lingered a second longer in Emily’s hair before she gently pulled it away.

By the time they drift into the kitchen, the house was waking up in pieces. Hanna rummaging through a cabinet. Spencer was still partially asleep at the table, staring into a cereal bowl like it personally offended her. Emily moved on instinct, opening the fridge like she’d been here a hundred times before. Cold air spilled out as she scaned for something- anything. While trying not to feel the weight of unsaid things sitting just behind her ribs, she thought breakfast might take her mind off of everything. She grabbed a carton of orange juice, then hesitated, swapping it for coffee instead. Something stronger. Something to do with her hands. She’s focused on pouring when she suddenly felt Alison. Close. Right behind her. Not obvious enough for anyone else to clock immediately, but close enough that Emily could feel the warmth of her, the slight brush of fabric. Then Alison’s hands settled briefly at Emily's waist. Not gripping, just there. Light. Testing. Not in a teasing way either. Emily’s breath caught, barely. Alison shift herself even closer, just for a second. One hand sliding up, gently gathering Emily’s hair and moving it over her shoulder. The touch was unhurried, deliberate, like she was making space. A soft press of lips against Emily’s bare shoulder. Quick. Ghosting. Faint. Barely there. Gone almost as soon as it happens.
Emily froze, coffee halfway poured, heart suddenly doing something unhelpful.

No one said anything. No one reacted. Either they didn’t see, or they’re too tired to process it. Alison stepped back like nothing happened, already reaching past Emily for a mug. Emily set the coffee down a little too carefully, trying her best to hide the frenzy that pulsed through her hands. Still not the right moment to talk about what had happened the night before, but now it felt a lot less uncertain.

The kitchen settled into an easy, low energy rhythm. Cabinet doors were opened and closed. Someone laughed too loudly at something that wasn't that funny. Spencer had started a second pot of coffee, ready to fuel her caffeine addiction. The coffee finished brewing, and Emily busied herself with it. Anything to keep her hands steady, anything to avoid looking too directly at Alison for too long. That doesn’t stop her from feeling her, though. Every time Alison moves somewhere nearby, every time their shoulders almost brush.

Then the room shifts. It’s subtle at first. The kind of quiet that falls when someone new walks in. Emily noticed it immediately, her body going just slightly rigid before she even turns.

Mona.

Emily braced without meaning to, her grip tightening a fraction on her mug. She expected tension, something sharp, maybe a comment that cuts just enough to set everything off this early in the morning. Instead, Mona just smiles. Not a care in the world. Nothing suspicious. Just an innocent, friendly smile. It’s not big or dramatic, but it’s real.
“Hey,” Mona spoke, her voice still a little rough from sleep, even though she is dressed and ready for the day, hair and makeup on point. She looked around at everyone, then added, “Thanks for coming over, seriously. This was… really nice.” There’s a small pause, like people don’t quite know how to respond to that. Then she glances toward Hanna. “And thank you for hosting. You didn’t have to, but I’m really glad you did. It completely took my mind off of that loser Noel.” The tension Emily had been holding onto loosened all at once, so quietly she almost didn’t notice it happening.
“Oh, yeah, of course!” Said Hanna, a little surprised but smiling.

The moment passed easily after that. Someone cracked a joke, someone else started gathering empty cups, and it all melted back into the soft chaos of a morning after sleepover.

No one was in a rush. People drifted between the living room and kitchen, half cleaning and half talking. Emily ended up wiping down the counter, then helping stack plates, doing something just to stay busy. Alison stayed nearby more often than not.
Not obvious. Not clingy. Just present and nearby her.

Their eyes met sometimes, and every time it happened, there was that same quiet understanding. Later. Eventually, people start peeling off. Aria left with a quick round of hugs, and Spencer followed not long after. By the time Emily and Alison finished grabbing their things, they were the third and fourth to go.
“Text me when you get home,” Hanna called from the couch.
“Yeah, yeah,” Emily replied automatically.
"Bye, Hanna." Alison called out from outside the front door.

The air was cooler outside than inside, fresh and still. The kind of quiet that only exists in the late morning on a weekend, when the world hasn’t fully started yet.
The door shut behind them, and just like that it’s only the two of them. No background noise. No eyes. No interruptions. They walk side by side down the driveway, not quite touching, but close enough that Emily is hyper aware of their proximity to oneanother. Emily exhaled softly, like she had been holding it in all morning.
“So,” she started, then stops. Alison glanced at her, waiting. Emily huffed a quiet, almost laugh chuckle. “That was.. not how I thought this morning was gonna go.”
"Yeah?"
“Yeah.” Emily looked down briefly, then back at her. “I thought it was gonna be weird, or that we’d have to pretend nothing happened between us.”
“I didn’t want to pretend.” Alison shook her head, small but certain of her actions. That landed somewhere deep. They reached the car, Emily stoping near the passenger side, her hand resting on the handle but not opening it. Alison turned toward her, closer now, the space between them finally narrowing without anything in the way. For a second, neither of spoke.
“About last night...” Emily searched her face, looking to see if she had came to the same conclusion.
“I meant it,” Alison said, cutting in gently. No hesitation. No over-explaining. Just that. Emily's breath caught, something in her expression softened, then sharpened all at once. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “Me too.”

That’s all it takes.

Alison stepped in first this time. Her hand came up to Emily’s jaw, thumb brushing just under her cheek like she’s anchoring her there. Emily leaned into it without thinking, her own hands finding Alison’s waist, pulling her in closer. They kiss. Not tentative like before. It’s slower. Deeper, like they’re actually letting themselves feel it this time instead of rushing past it. Emily shifted back slightly until she leaned back against the passenger door, and Alison followed without breaking the kiss, closing the space between them completely. There’s a quiet urgency to it, but not frantic, but certain. Emily’s hand slid up Alison’s back, fingers pressing lightly like she doesn’t want to let go too soon, or at all. Alison tilted her head, her other hand slipping to Emily’s shoulder, steadying herself as she leans in. They don’t rush this kiss. They take their time. When they finally pull apart, it’s not far. Their foreheads almost touched, breaths still a little uneven.

Emily let out a soft, disbelieving laugh under her breath. “Okay,” she murmurs. “Yeah. That definitely didn’t happen by accident.” Alison smiled, small but warmer than before. Less guarded.
“No,” she spoke quietly. “It didn’t.”

Emily didn't open the car door right away.
She’s kept leaning back against it, fingers loosely hooked around the handle, like if she moved too fast the moment might snap. Alison was still close. Closer than she’s ever been without an audience, and neither of them seems in a hurry to fix that.
Emily let out a small breath. "So.." Alison tilted her head, watching her.
“So?” Emily glanced down, then back up, a little more tentative now that the kiss was over and real life was creeping back in.
“Do you, uh.. have plans today?”
“No. My dad’s not home. Jason's at work until late.” Alison answered tentatively. There was a pause. Not awkward. Just open. Emily nodded once, like she was settling into a decision.
“Okay.” She shift her weight, still not moving to unlock the door. “Do you want to come over, or..”
“We can go to mine,” Alison said easily, like she had already thought about it. They lived across from eachother, so the distance didn't matter. Emily smiled at that.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”

That’s all it took for the fluttering in Emily's chest to start again.

The drive was quiet, but not empty. Emily started the car, pulling away from the curb a little slower than usual, like she’s aware of everything at once. The road, the silence, Alison sitting right there. The air felt different. Lighter, but charged. She reached over to turn the radio on, then off again almost immediately.
“Sorry,” Said Emily. “That felt.. too much.” Alison stiffed a quiet laugh. “No, I get it.” A few minutes passed. Houses blurred by, familiar streets felt slightly unreal. At a stop sign, Emily glanced over and Alison was already looking at her. They both looked away at the same time, causing Emily to smile to herself. Alison’s fingers brushed against hers. This time, neither pulls away. Alison’s hand settled more fully against Emily’s, tentative for about half a second before Emily turned her palm slightly, letting their fingers fit together properly. It’s simple, but it feels bigger than it should.

Alison’s house was quiet when they stepped inside. The door clicked shut behind them, and the silence is immediate. No distant voices, no footsteps upstairs, no one moving around in the next room. Just them. Emily took a few steps in, glancing around like she’s been here before, which she has, but it feels different now. Everything does. Alison set her keys and purse down by the door, then turned back to her.

For a moment, neither of them move. Emily exhaled softly, a small, disbelieving smile tugged at her mouth.
“This is kind of crazy.” Alison leaned back against the wall, arms loosely crossed. Not closed off, just grounding herself.
“In a bad way?” she tilted her head, looking curiously at the other girl. Emily shook her head immediately.
“No. Just-” she laughs under her breath. “I didn’t think you liked me like that.” Alison’s expression softened, something a little more open than before. “You've always been my favorite, Em."

The tension eased, not disappearing, but shifting into something warmer. The tightness in Emily's chest slowly released a little. Emily glanced further into the house, double checking if they were alone. “So… what do people do in this situation?”
“What situation?” Alison raised an eyebrow.
“You know,” Emily gestured vaguely between them, “post life altering sleepover experience.” Alison rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “Oh my god.”
“I’m just saying. Maybe Mona should throw another one. Really streamline the process for everyone.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that’s exactly what she was going for.” Alison let out a short laugh, shaking her head.
“Hey, it worked.”
Alison pushed off the wall, stepping closer. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Mm, and yet you invited me over,” Said Emily.
“Did I?” Alison countered, already within arm’s reach now.
“Pretty sure you did.”
“Debatable.” The space between them was gone again without either of them making a big deal out of it. Emily glanced toward the living room.
“Can we sit, or are we just gonna stand here and argue about sleepover logistics?”
Alison nudged her lightly.
“Come on, Em.”

They ended up on the couch. At first, there was a small gap between them out of habit, more than anything. But it didn’t last long. Emily leaned back, one arm draped along the back of the couch. Alison shifted a little closer, their shoulders brushing. Then staying. Then not moving away. It’s quieter in Alison's house than the car. Slower. Alison reached over without really thinking about it, her fingers finding Emily's hand again. This time it’s more deliberate. Turning her wrist slightly, tracing absent patterns along her palm. Emily watched it happen, something soft settling into her expression.
“Hey,” she said quietly.
Alison looked up. “Yeah?”
Emily hesitated, not pulling away, but carefully choosing her words.
“So what does this mean?” It’s not heavy. Not demanding. Just honest. Alison didn’t answer right away. She studied Emily for a second, like she was making sure she was saying the right thing to her. Not the perfect thing, just the real answer.
“It means I like you,” she finally said. “And I don’t want to pretend I don’t.” Simple. Clear. Emily's breath caught slightly, her shoulders relaxing at the same time, like something she didn’t realize she was bracing for settled.
“Okay,” she said, softer now. “Good. Because I’d be really bad at pretending right now.” Alison smiled at that.
There’s a pause, but it’s different now. Not uncertain. Emily leaned in first.
It’s not rushed. Not hesitant either. It's intentional. Alison meets her halfway, her hand coming up to Emily's cheek again, thumb brushing lightly along her skin as their lips met.

The kiss was slower than the one at the car. Less about proving something, more about staying. Emily shift closer without thinking, her hand sliding to Alison’s waist, pulling her in until there’s no space left between them. Alison leaned into it easily, like she already learned the shape of this, like they fit. They don’t pull apart right away. When they do, it’s only slightly. Just enough to breathe.
“So… no more pretending?”
Alison shook her head a ittle. “No more pretending.” This time when they kissed again, there was nothing uncertain left.