DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING, ESPECIALLY HUSH HUSH CHARACTERS...THEY BELONG TO BECCA FITZPATRICK

THIS CHAPTER: WE LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT PATCH AND NORA'S RELATIONSHIP AND RIXON AND A NEW CHARACTER JOINS THE STORY.

(THE EXTRA CHARACTERS ARE MY OWN, THERE ARE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF 'GOOD GUY' CHARACTERS IN HUSH HUSH SO SOMETIMES IT'S NECCISSARY TO CREATE NEW PLAYERS AS MUCH AS I HATE TO. I DO TRY TO KEEP A SOMEWHAT STEADY USE OF THE SAME ONE'S IN ALL MY STORIES. SINCE RIXON WAS LIKE A BROTHER TO PATCH FOR A GOOD PART OF THEIR EXISTENCE IN THE SAGA I USE HIM AS HIS BROTHER MOST OFTEN AND VEE WILL ALWAYS BE NORA'S FEMALE BEST FRIEND. BELLA'S PERSONALITY IS NEEDED FROM TIME TO TIME IN SOME STORIES TO BALANCE THE NEUROTIC VEE, SHE ALSO GIVES ME SOMEONE TO SOMETIMES PARTNER RIXON UP WITH. OBVIOUSLY IN HUSH HUSH FALLEN ANGELS OR ANGELS DON'T HAVE PARENTS SO FOR 'HUMAN' PATCH I HAD TO CREATE THEM TOO. EVERYONE HAS A BACK STORY, RIGHT? ANYWHOO, THERE'S A LITTLE INFO ON WHOSE WHO IN MY POSTS...HOPE IT HELPS)

"IRREVOCABLY"

"Oh God!" Nora groaned loudly. He was right there, his body pressed tightly against hers. Sweat poured from their bodies as he thrust them forward until finally they heard the bed hit the wall.

"Did I hurt you?" Patch asked softly.

"No. I just knew this is what we needed," she replied. He laughed against her bare shoulder and let his hand slide down to her hip. Nora giggled when he edged them forward again. Her fingers slid down the headboard. Her nails scraped the hardwood and he watch them glide across the well-worn surface.

His shirt lay on the floor next to him and he relished the feel of her bare skin against his. Nora's skin was much cooler than his as she slid against him gently. He paused in their movements to help her maintain her balance. Her legs were tense as she tried to keep herself upright. Some how she had managed to stay in her stocking feet.

"So are you going to move?" Nora asked huskily. Patch kissed her neck softly before pulling back. She relaxed a little and to make her pay he fell forward again. His weight caused her to fall flat on the bed and she bounced lightly. He smirked proudly against the back of her head as he lay there, keeping her still.

"Is this better?"

"No. You're heavy...get off!" Nora gasped.

"I could get off..." Patch whispered near her ear. She giggled but he rolled off her then, tucking her against him when he rolled on his back. Nora rested against him, her hair sticking to his sweaty chest. He reached to the side and lifted the dangling earring from the bed where he spotted it and laid it by her eyes. "Next time don't leave your earrings in my bed, okay?" he smirked.

"Oh you loved it. You haven't had sex in a few weeks and I could see you salivating earlier," she rolled her eyes.

"What can I say...I like your ass," he grinned smugly. "I mean, its utter perfection with lush curves. How could anyone not love it?"

"You are the only man I know who can wax poetry about my ass," Nora giggled.

"I better be the only man waxing poetry about your ass. No one else does it right."

"That's what she said," Nora said as she sat up.

"Really Nora? Really! That line was good when you were a teenager," Patch rolled his eyes dramatically. "You know what? No! It sucked then too. That should be wiped from everyone's phrase book."

"You and your pet peeves," she chuckled softly. "Hey, weren't you on your way out?"

"I was, but I changed my mind. Did you come up with a menu for Thanksgiving yet?" Patch asked.

"Pretty much." Nora sighed. It was her year to prepare their feast and she knew he was itching to shoo her out of the kitchen. It was the one holiday he didn't have to host luxurious parties. She looked up at him and noticed the relaxation that was clear across his features.

"Can't I just take this year?" Patch asked as he reached up to run his finger down her back causing her to shiver.

"Um, no. I have some recipes and you talked me out of my last Thanksgiving dinner," she said gently. That had been the year Dante had dumped her and she wasn't really in the mood for the holidays after that.

"But...you'll ruin the turkey," Patch teased.

"You're so kind. Now I need to get to Vee's so you need to let me up," she struggled against his arm. He didn't let her go so easily and she finally had to blow a few strands of hair from her face before resuming her struggles to free herself. Patch chuckled as she fought against him, her legs sliding against his delightfully until she decided to wait for his hold to loosen. He did eventually let go and she was able to stand up, glancing down at the man in her bed she thought to herself, he really did look like he belonged there, but then he was the only man who got to sleep in her bed.

Nora's memories drifted back to the first time Patch had slept in her bed with her when she was only five. She had been crying for hours it seemed and suddenly there was a black-haired boy holding her. She had squeaked loudly but then she realized it was only Patch Cipriano, her new family's eldest son. He had cuddled up close to her and she had fallen asleep in his arms, and even now he would come to her when she felt sad or lonely and curl up with her.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked her. Patch made a picture with one midnight sky colored eye open and the other closed, his mouth locked in that infernal smirk of his. His bed-tasseled raven hair falling haphazardly on his forehead against his Italian complexion only captured the perfection of his masculine features, the strong jaw line, his aristocratic nose and cheeks. As if that wasn't enough the part of him now covered under her sheets was just as godly, he had a fully defined six-pack, well-developed pecs and biceps, he was tall and lean, muscled but not bulky. Perfection.

"The first time you were in my bed," Nora answered.

"I couldn't stand your crying. You were so small and helpless, Rixon wasn't helping matters by pushing you in the mud and taunting you...little fucker," Patch answered as he sat up to watch her slide her shoes on.

"Well Rixon's always been a little rough around the edges," she said. "He got a lot better, but you can't really fault a five-year old can you?"

"I guess not, I know Mom and Dad thought you guys would be inseparable but..."

"We became inseparable," she smiled. It was true after all. Patch and Nora had become instant friends and he was often overprotective of her during their childhoods. Every girl in town knew wherever Patch Cipriano went, little Nora Grey wouldn't be too far behind. It was the same for the guys who sought Nora's attention. The only difference lay with the dark-haired man running off the majority of the men for their impure thoughts.

"I picked up some flowers yesterday. I figured we could visit your parents' graves on Friday," Patch placed Mr. Snuggles in the center of her bed.

"Black Friday. Vee is dragging me out to all the stores so I'm thinking Saturday if that's cool?"

"Yeah, no problem," he replied as he headed for the door. "I think Rix's coming home this year."

"Really? He hasn't been home in two years," she trailed off, "Well, at least we'll have enough food." Nora grabbed her purse and headed down the steps with Patch less than two steps behind.

"I know, but he was talking about coming home for two weeks. Apparently he had a nasty break-up or something," Patch filled her in as he helped her into her coat. She nodded appropriately as he told her about Rixon's last girlfriend, Lexi and their inevitable break-up. She had clearly outgrown Rixon's childish behavior and he was simply reeling from her departure. She would be expected to coddle him if Patch and Rixon's parents flew in.

Nora hadn't seen Gianni or Celia in nearly a year once they decided to take a European vacation. She hadn't told them a vacation wasn't a year-long affair but merely a break. Patch took it as a blessing since he could live how he wished in his home for the time being. Once they returned it would be difficult to have women over or to hold his usual parties.

While Patch loved his freedom in dating, Nora love her own privacy. She knew the moment their parents got home, she would be forced into doing some silly Coldwater Creek event and most likely be forced to attend with someone she disliked. Celia had a knack for matching her with eligible founding family bachelors, but often they were eligible for a reason. There couldn't be many left in town, but Celia always managed to find someone. Oddly enough she never paired Nora with either of the Cipriano boys.

Patch escorted her to her car and kissed her cheek, an absolutely normal occurrence in their relationship. She smiled as he slipped a fifty in her hand and asked her to pick up dinner. It was a pretense but he always liked to make sure she had cash on hand if she needed it. Nora had always laughed at this until one time her car had broken down and the tow company required a cash payment. She was happy to have Patch's money then.

"I'll see you later Patch," Nora said as she pulled the door shut. He waved as she backed down the driveway waiting until she was out of sight. Then he sighed heavily and headed towards his jeep. Dear old Elliot would be getting a visit, that was for sure.

P&N*P&N*P&N*P&N*P&N

"So what happened?" Vee asked Nora as she shimmied into a purple dress. Bella was watching with utter disinterest as she sipped her coffee. Nora was looking at a long silver gown longingly, her fingers sliding over the material. Unfortunately she couldn't afford a new dress for the Christmas party that was sure to happen. She sighed as she thought of the older red one in her closet.

"What?" She asked as she turned away from the gown.

"What happened with Elliot?" Vee asked again with an eye roll. She had been hiding something all day and all Bella and Nora wanted to do was drag it out of her but she was commanding the conversation.

"He wanted me to put out and I refused," she said quietly. Nora knew the inevitable questioning would start-up and sure enough they were both firing off their questions.

"How long has it been?"

"Maybe you're too picky! What did he do?" They exclaimed in unison. Nora sighed again and moved to the loveseat in the dressing area. She pulled her lengthy curls over her shoulder and began to play with the long strands.

"He wasn't the one," she said finally.

"Nora, how many times do we have to tell you, he doesn't have to be the one? Sometimes a girl just needs to get laid," Vee said.

"I can get sex when I want it, but I don't want to add that to a new relationship," Nora answered. Everyone knew who she meant. If she needed sex, Patch would be there. They had been together many times since their first time, but only because that way they both got what they wanted. Nora didn't need a messy relationship right now and Patch made her feel safe and protected. Not to mention he was a tiger in bed. He could do things to her she couldn't even have begun to imagine. That was beside the point though.

"Nora, it's so unhealthy," Bella said. Everyone knew about her tense relationship with Patch Cipriano, but she kept her mouth shut in deference to Nora. "What happens when he meets someone or you do? Will you two give up on that for an occasional orgasm?"

"Bella!" Nora exclaimed.

"For the record Bells, it's more like orgasmS," Vee added, "Nora claims he has the stamina of an Italian stallion and the skills to make it an unforgettable night, rumor is she's right. God I wish when I dated him in high school I had put out..."

"Um... that's not the point. Nora, you deserve so much better!" Bella said.

"I like my relationship with Patch. I'm not ready for a serious relationship and what we have is just fine. I don't have to deal with all the complications of a serious relationship and Patch is perfectly happy with the arrangement."

The conversation ended quickly, but Nora missed the look Bella shot her. Bella knew Nora had given her heart to the raven-haired boy the moment he crawled in her bed all those years ago. They were just too stupid to realize it.

P&N*P&N*P&N*P&N*P&N

"So explain why I can't help again?" Patch grumbled from his perch at the kitchen island. Nora glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

"Because this is my year," she said simply. He pouted at her backside as she went back to peeling potatoes. He had begged and pleaded but she wouldn't let him near her turkey and he was going through withdrawal. His fingers traced designs in the black granite counter as he thought back to the previous night.

Nora had come home with no shopping bags but she had brought home a pizza. He knew she was messing with him since he didn't believe in take-out pizza. It simply wasn't as good as his homemade Italian pizza with fresh tomatoes and handmade dough. He obliged her though and ate a few pieces grimacing the whole time. She had been quiet since she arrived home and he wasn't sure what had happened.

"Are you alright?" he had asked softly. She glanced up at him as if surprised to see him sitting there. She had been a million miles away and he didn't quite like it. Patch didn't like it when she was this deep in thought because she got those little wrinkles between her eyes. His fingers darted out to smooth the lines.

"Yeah I...I um...it's nothing," she fell quiet again. He watched her silently for a moment as she nibbled on her slice of pizza and noticed the change in her. Her body was humming with anxiety and he realized she was aroused. Her body quivered as he reached out to trail one finger down her arm. She reared back suddenly but he grabbed her and hauled her in his arms.

"Wh...what are you doing?" Nora whispered as he slid over her body. His hands rested on her hips but she could already feel gentle, feather-like touches on her skin from past memories.

"Taking care of you," Patch said as his lips swooped down to taste her neck. She moaned softly at the contact, her fingers fisting in his hair. His lips were insistent on her skin seeking out every sensitive spot until she was clawing at him. Patch could read her like a book and he knew ice cream and talking wouldn't ease this ache he felt for her.

"You need this," he whispered seductively. 'I need this', he thought.

"Yes," Nora responded. He seemed to know when her desire for intimacy made an appearance, as rare as it was, and Patch always responded with what she needed. She didn't know how to ask him and he understood their relationship wasn't always conventional. Most people would not sleep with their best friend to help them feel better, but then sometimes he found himself when he was with her.

"Long or short?" he murmured against her ear his voice like velvet sex. She was lost in the sensation of his fingers sliding up under her sweater, brushing aside her front-clasped bra seeking out the hardened peaks hidden there. She cried out harshly as his fingers pinched the little rosy buds and he chuckled lightly. He would tease her body into submission tonight, coaxing sounds from her until she was mindless.

"Short, definitely short," Nora moaned. Patch smiled smugly as he kissed her thoroughly, his hands sliding up to cradle her neck. Her leg curled over his hip as he kissed her tenderly, losing himself in their deepening kiss. He made a move to lift her but she pulled back. "No, here. Right here," she demanded.

Patch could never really understand these feelings that coursed through him when she was in bed with him. He had slept with other women in his years, but nothing ever felt like this. With other women it was sex, plain and simple. With Nora he had to push her to her limits before he was satisfied. He had to see how far he could take her until she was limp in his arms, her body spent and exhausted.

In the morning he would wake up before her and watch her sleeping deeply. He would look at the marks he left on her skin from their passion and feel a sense of accomplishment, love notes written in the flesh. Nora was a woman who could wear him out, who could give as good as she got and it left him with a sense of fulfillment.

It was when he was buried deep inside her body, he felt the change. Something was different since the last time he had her. Maybe it was a look in her eyes or maybe it was something in his own soul. Patch couldn't put his finger on it but he knew something had irrevocably changed. It would be later when he would question the feeling.

That night he had her before the fireplace and once she fell back against the Egyptian cotton-covered pillows he had covered her with blankets. He crawled in next to her pulling her close until her body was settled into his and he fell into a deep sleep. Their morning had been quiet as he made her breakfast and then she started on Thanksgiving dinner. Patch had felt something different he couldn't put a finger on, the only thing he knew was something had changed last night. He couldn't help but wonder if it would change their lives, whatever 'it' was.

"What are you thinking about?" Nora asked as she slid into the seat next to his. He considered her, unsure what to say.

"Last night," he finally responded. She looked surprised then she smiled softly. Patch watched her carefully as she pushed some of her unruly auburn curls behind her ear and he smiled as she reached out to smooth his own bed-head.

"Thank you. It was amazing as usual, and I seem to remember screaming a few times," Nora blushed. Patch smirked proudly and leaned forward to nip her ear.

"Trust me, you were screaming," he whispered. She shuddered at his tone and he chuckled again. Nora had been screaming towards the end and that had only driven him farther. He loved the sounds she made in his arms and he was going to get every last sound until she fell asleep sated.

"How do you always know?"

"After the first time I just knew when you needed comfort and a hug wouldn't do," Patch replied as if it were just simple math, a no brainer really. He felt the conversation heading for some sort of mental discovery and he just couldn't bear the thought of it so he responded the only way he knew how. "Although, with my sexy body a hug is never enough," he smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Cocky much?" Nora smirked and laughed as she pushed against his shoulder. She giggled again as she stood to return to her prep work. His smile remained for a few seconds and then dropped when her back was turned. What had changed? Why was last night so different and why did he want to lock the doors and hide away with her forever? How had one night of sex changed things when all the others hadn't?

Patch watched her for hours moving around the kitchen, prepping this and cutting that as he considered things. Nora was chattering endlessly, her excitement seeping through to him as he watched her. He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm when she finally put the last pot on the stove. Minutes later he was in the dining room, setting the table for four. Rixon had informed them he was bringing a guest and while Nora was hesitate to let in a new girlfriend so quickly, she was a proper hostess. Patch could only imagine the girl Rixon would have found a week after breaking-up with Lexi.

"I wonder what's keeping him," Nora asked as she slid a few glasses onto the table. Patch shook his head before reaching to tuck her tag back in her blouse. She mumbled a thank you before moving to look out the dining room windows. Patch was only a few steps behind her when she squealed loudly and raced out the door. He saw the car coming up the driveway and followed her closely. Rixon hadn't been home in a long time.

"Rixon!" Nora called as she flew into his arms. Patch watched her from the porch, leaning against one of the pillars. He held his ground but he didn't like the dark feeling of jealousy when she wrapped her arms around Rixon. What the hell happened last night?!

"Hey Tweets!" Rixon greeted her. Patch cringed at the old nickname. Nora loved Tweety Bird when she was little and Rixon never let it go. "How are you doing?"

"We're so glad you're home!" Nora beamed loudly. They spoke in soft tones for a few moments before they all turned to the opening car door. Nora was curious and moved around the car, no doubt waiting for some young woman to step out.

It came to some surprise when a young man stepped out and brushed the wrinkles from his coat. He glanced to Rixon before turning to Nora. He was impeccably dressed and Patch recognized the designer clothes hanging from his slim frame. He came from old money obviously. He smiled brightly and approached her. Patch saw red a moment later when the man bent down to kiss Nora's hand delicately.

"Charmed, Miss Grey. My name is Nathaniel and Rixon has told me so many wonderful things about you," he said with an accent. Patch watched the blush spread across Nora's cheeks and he let out a low growl. Nathaniel's eyes met his and Patch saw the challenge in them. Patch smiled. He had never lost a challenge, but he felt another one of those aches in his soul. This one might just give him a run for his money.

So...this one is different from my others, Patch has some slight insight instead of being utterly clueless like in Follow Your Heart, but how much is he really aware of? He's always been protective, maybe even slightly jealous, but is it me or does it seem like Nathaniel's arrival is coinciding with some bordering awareness in Patch? Okay, next chapter is Thanksgiving and we find out about Nora's parents and how her and Patch came to be so close.

Input requested...this lemon wasn't very lemony compared to what I usually write, mine tend to be more involved and graphic but I'm not sure how you guys would feel about it fitting in a story like this. Do you want them steamier or do you like them mild like this? Let me know! :)

please review/favorite/follow-It's hard to give you what you want if I don't hear what it is ;)