Title: Noise Complaints
Author: bubbles799
Show: Packed to the Rafters
Characters: Jake/Rachel
Summary: If only it had just been about noise complaints.
Disclaimer: PTTR is not mine. Merely borrowed for a bit of twisting.

So, last night's episode was brilliant. It would actually have to be one of my favourites, ever. I loved the dynamic in characters, and they way it all fitted together. It all worked beautifully.

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Coby's birthday party had been eventful; no arguments there. Not only had it revealed many different personalities, it had unearthed some shattering secrets.

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Jake and some of the party crew were on the front lawn, laughing as Rachel and Nathan struggled to get an extremely drunk Ben to the cab waiting on the street.

Ben: Come and have a dance, Rachel.
Rachel: Ugh, no dancing. Home time.

Nathan and Rachel pushed Ben into the car, and again as he tried to get out once more. The contents of the goon bag Ben had been consuming earlier had sure taken it's affect, and Rachel was thanking someone that she didn't have to be the one in the car with him on the way home. Rachel was almost in a fit of laughter as Nathan slammed the door shut with a sigh, mentally preparing himself for the ride home with his drunken brother.

Nathan: Thank you for an awesome night, Rachel.

With Ben safely contained in the backseat, and Nathan climbing into the front, Rachel went into protective sister mode, telling Nathan to make sure Ben had water. With both brothers heads sticking out their windows, they all turned as they heard the police car siren, it's bright blue and red lights twirling as it made its way up the street. Rachel prepared herself to deal with noise complaints from the police, while Nathan was suddenly thrilled that he had the option of going home with Ben instead of talking with the cops.

Ben: Ugh oh...
Rachel: Oh no! We're getting noise complaints about Retta!

/

Fast forward a few hours, and Rachel would have been overly thrilled to have dealt with noise complaints. Anything would have been better than the alternative. Rachel didn't know what was happening; Jake had only said that everything would be alright as he was taken away by the police. But given his dramatic exit, Rachel only knew it meant something drastic.

Fast forward another few hours, and Rachel was definite that she would have picked noise complaints. Not only was she in a state of shock about the horrific charges laid against Jake, she was coping with that fact that her momentary pause had hurt him so badly. She had seen the look in his eyes at that pause, something she was sure she'd forever curse herself for.

Yep, a noise complaint would have been gladly taken.

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That's just a one shot. Speaking of which, I have not forgotten about 'Little Miracle'. An update will happen, I promise. But an injured neck has left a lot of my plans on halt, so it may take extra time. That and I have had trouble writing it of late. A (hopefully small) bout of writer's block.

Thoughts and wishes to everyone in Christchurch, and who have been affected. Stay safe.

In the meantime, would love a review. Thanks again guys.