I have always wonder just how much Brendan was aware of, especially towards the end. This is my take on how I think it could have played out, in another universe maybe. :)

"I love her you know. So much"

The words out of Peter's mouth weren't a question. Just a statement of the facts. Brendan internally grinned at the admission, something he had suspected for a long time.

"I have no idea who you could be referring to Peter"

Peter attempted a glare at his friend, the whiskey they'd been enjoying all evening was finally taking it's toll. He was fully aware that Brendan never missed a moment of what went on around Ballykissangel. Even not being near an event when it happened did not deter the man from adding two and two, inevitably ending up with four.

"You know full well to whom I am referring Mr Kearney"

The hand holding Peter's whiskey waved perilously close to Brendan's face. He knew now that Peter was in no fit state to drive himself back to the village.

Looks like another night on my sofa for the Priest.

"Okay, so lets say that I do know. What are you going to do about it?"

Brendan knew that when sober Peter would never have confided in him, another Priest maybe, but not him. He knew not to take it personally but now his interest was piqued and the rather inebriated parish Priest in front of him seemed more than happy to chat.

"I... have no idea"

Peter deflated visibly as through the alcohol induced haze his brain caught up to the fact that he really didn't have a clue. Brendan saw his friend struggle with himself, saw the pain of wanting someone so much it hurt flash through his eyes.

"What are your choices Peter? We all have to choose our own paths in life, free will and all that. Where's yours going to take you?"

Peter finished what was left in his glass and reached for the bottle to refill it. Brendan reached out quickly and move the bottle out of his reach. Saving his whiskey from the clutches of the clergy.

"I think you've had enough for tonight, don't you?"

"Not if you want this conversation to continue I haven't"

Brendan studied Peter for a moment, seeing nothing but defiance and pain in his eyes. Conceding the point he passed the bottle to Peter's waiting hand, who immediately filled the glass three quarters full and downed half in one swallow.

"Let's start from the beginning Peter. Since when?"

Peter glanced at the man sat opposite him, knowing that with Brendan Kearney honesty was probably the best policy. The man had a way of soliciting the truth from even the most reluctant of students, a mere Parish Priest would be easy picking.

"From the start... I mean... I don't mean the start. I was fascinated by her in the beginning. Her passion, her loyalty, even her contempt for the church. She was just so..."

"Assumpta?"

Peter chuckled. Brendan grinned.

"Yeah, I guess that's it. Then she handed me that petition and everything changed. Something moved inside me and it hasn't left since"

"You fell in love with her?"

"Yes... No. At least I didn't think it was, not then. We had something. I'm not even sure there's a name for it, it was more than a friendship. So many moments spent dancing around the real issues. Then she went and married Leo "

"Ah. But Leo's gone hasn't he? I thought Niamh said he had packed his bags, that Assumpta told her it was over between them."

"Yes, but did she also tell you that Assumpta has gone to find him? That she convinced Assumpta to try and save the marriage?"

Brendan shook his head. There was a despondency in Peter's voice that Brendan had never heard before from the younger man.

He had seen through the cheerful façade when Assumpta had brought home her new Husband. The glances between the Publican and the Priest on the night of the tournament had not gone unnoticed either and the way he had avoided the pub for a long time after had made it a little more obvious something wasn't right. There had been many tell tale signs that everybody had seen, but nobody would acknowledge. The driving lessons, the petition, the auction and the play that followed, the arguments about religion and morality normally quickly followed by acts of forgiveness from one side or the other. Even the night spent caring for the newborn together that they appeared convinced no one knew about. But as much as he was aware no one else had gone as far with their suspicions as he had.

"Does she know how you feel Peter?"

Peter looked up from his glass, the lack of sleep showing in dark circles around his eyes. A weariness washing over him in almost visible waves as he lent back in the chair, closing his eyes as he answered.

"Maybe. I don't know. I tried once, to tell her. Just before I went away on Sabbatical, in fact that's why I went. We were looking after the site for you, Siobhan and Michael, it was just after you got back, before she drove off. I tried to explain but it all came out wrong. She told me it was fine and to be a Priest, then she left me standing there"

Brendan stood and walked around the sofa, stretching his legs as he made his way to the window and stared out of it while he spoke.

"Maybe it's time to try again then. You know Assumpta. React first, ask questions later. She cares for you Peter, that much must be obvious even to you. And for Assumpta to care enough for it to show means it's certainly something special"

There was silence either Peter was deep in thought or... Brendan turned from the window to find his friend fast asleep, his head uncomfortably forward on his chest. Brendan sighed and ,not for the first time, retrieved the blanket from behind the chair using it to cover the sleeping Priest.

"We'll finish this conversation tomorrow"

Brendan paused long enough to turn out the lights as he left the room knowing that some one just needed to give Peter and Assumpta a push in the right direction and it might as well be him.

Okay, so? It's been a while since I've written anything so let me know if it really sucks - nicely though! :)