EMISON: Memento Vivere (discontinued)

Chapter III

It's only right that you should play it the way you feel it

But listen carefully to the sound

Of your loneliness

Like a heartbeat drives you mad

In the stillness of remembering

What you had

And what you lost

(Dreams - Gabrielle Aplin feat. Bastille)

They say your whole life flashes right before you when you're body goes through a near death experience. Important events like you're most memorable experiences would play in your head. That's what they said. No, Emily didn't need that, of course. All she needed was to hear that one word, that one name, and all the memories she's learned to repress all these years came rushing to her head. It felt like she was going to run short of her breath. It felt like her hands were about to go numb. It definitely felt like she suddenly lost her strength. It's that kind of feeling, that moment when you instantly feel scared, confused, weak, all at the same time.

Emily forcefully willed her thoughts away, tears threatening to fall. "...and it's Aly". She couldn't help but hear Alison's voice again -her laugh, the sound of her voice needing her, longing for her.

After that longest minute that Emily hasn't had in years, she took the courage to look up, confusion heavily evident in her face.

"Emily? Are you okay?"

"How did you know my name?" Emily questioned, trying her best to hide her trembling voice.

"It's written on your badge," Aly said.

"I, uh, yes, it's um, ah, Emily. Sorry, lost me there. I got your order. Semi-warm Americano you said? Your name is Ali?"

"Yeah, yeah, it's A-l-y, short for Alexis. And... you... didn't need to know that, of course," Alexis said with an awkward smile fixated towards Emily. "Are you sure you're okay? You look pale. Did I scare you? If I look hung over, I'd owe you my life if you'd kill the bartender last night," Alexis teased.

"Oh my gosh, no. You're okay. You're very pretty. I mean you're great. I just thought you were someone else." Emily mumbled behind the cash register.

"Hey miss, someone's trying to get a coffee. This ain't a place for flirting with coffee chick there."

"I should go. Wait for my name to be called." Alexis then pushed herself closer to Emily, her perfume filling Emily's nose, and spoke with a low voice, "or this Mr Grumpy behind me might pull a tantrum. I'll see you again coffee girl," Alexis said with a wink. Her scent reminded her so much of Alison. And that wink, why did that have to be like Alison's.

Emily's lips slightly parted, trying to form some words, but all she could do was offer a faint smile to the pretty blonde girl in front of her.

(Flashback/inspired by 5x05 episode)

Emily woke up to the rays of sunshine shining unforgivably against her room's curtains. She tried to move, realising that Alison's arm was draped over her waist, her face snuggled closely to Em, breathing slowly, sending warm breaths against Emily's neck.

She heard a car engine start and assumed that her mom has already left for work. Emily indulged herself with the sight of a sleeping Alison right beside her. She looked so worry-free, so serene. Her golden locks haphazardly spread out on her pillow. Gone were the creases in her forehead she usually wears when she's awake. Alison was definitely sound asleep.

Alison made a slight movement, her hand now sits comfortably against Emily's chest. Emily intertwined her hand with Alison's, placing a light peck on her knuckles. Alison did not make any move, unbeknownst to Emily's affection on display.

Emily debated whether she will get up or stay put. She couldn't resist but snap a photo of Alison's face on her phone-capturing Alison's content face. This kind of moment happens so rarely. And with Alison, being unpredictable most of the times, Emily couldn't help but bask with the warmth that Alison's body offered.

Emily planted a small kiss on Alison's closed eye and decided against her wishes to stay. She whispered to Alison's ears, "I'll make us breakfast."

Alison woke up to an empty bed. For a moment she panicked, hoping nothing's happened to Emily. She thought to herself this is what happens when you've been running away with fear for years. You think just because someone's out of sight, something bad must have happened. She forced herself not to think of the past. She's in the present. Now. With Emily. Her sweet Emily. What more can Alison ask for. A peaceful life would be ideal. Alison thought to herself ironically.

Alison walked down the stairs, careful not to bring any attention to her. She found Emily making pancakes for breakfast. Alison let out a huge smile at the sight of Emily wearing a White tight tank top showing her curves in all the right places and a pair of Red mini boxers hugging tightly her bottoms.

Alison stealthily wrapped her arms behind Emily's waist, pressing her body against Emily's back and whispered just right at the back of Emily's ear, "morning Killer". She then placed a lingering peck at the back of Emily's ear, taking in Emily's scent, eyes closed, leaving Emily almost frozen, not exactly sure how she should react to the sweetness and thoughtfulness that Alison shows only to her.

Emily turned her back, with Alison's arms still locked against her. Alison not showing any sign of letting her go. Emily's brown orbs stared lovingly towards Alison, pulling down all her guards she's consciously built since last night. Alison returned the favor and smiled back at Emily. "How domestic Em. Careful, killer. I might get used to it," Alison said, their faces less than an inch closer to each other.

Alison smiled into the kiss, teasing Emily, probing her to kiss her back. Emily not knowing how to react, unconsciously parted her lips, giving more entrance to Alison's full and inviting lips. Alison took advantage of it, pressed her body closer to Emily's, and kissed her deeper-allowing them both to savor each other's taste. Their kiss started slow, inspired with a moment of discovering each others lips, its taste, its softness. Their lips danced in sync, filling each other with an undeniable passion. And when their lips parted, both of them were breathless.

Silence.

Comfortable silence.

Blue orbs matched the intense look emanating from Emily's.

Alison had not felt so content, so oblivious of what was happening other than her and Emily sharing that very special moment. And for once, Alison allowed herself to not be in control, not too cautious. But to just be. To be in that moment, in their bubble. It was just her and Emily. Just the two of them. That's all that really matters to her.

Alison broke the ice, teasing Emily, "so, we're having burnt pancakes?"

"Oh, nooo. I'll make another one. I'm sorry," Emily said with an apologetic voice.

Once more Alison took in the face of an angel standing right in front of her. Both her hands found its place resting on Emily's waist. A smirk curved onto Alison's lips, "I like waking up to your kisses more than your pancakes," Alison said in a matter-of-fact tone, her eyes not losing contact with Emily's, tenderness still evident in her voice.

A couple of knocks on the door broke their stares against each other. Emily, not wanting to lose physical contact with Alison, left a hasty peck on her lips, and excused herself to open the door and found Spencer, Aria and Hanna in front of her.

Emily and Hanna exchanged cold "hey's", leaving Spencer and Aria oblivious to the argument the two had last night about Alison.