A/N: Thanks to Polkadot-Sunstar, punkteacher, pitaqueen and Ghostwriter for the reviews - it's always great to get some feedback:)

TWO.

As the phone rang beside the bed, Fulton inwardly groaned. He had just dozed off when the ringing had disturbed him and he was loath to even open his eyes. But he didn't want Caitlin disturbed – she'd fallen asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow and, after a long period of restlessness, was finally lying peacefully in his arms.

Trying not to move too much, he stretched to grab the phone and answered it in a low voice, checking the clock as he did so. Eleven thirty – it could only be …

"Dude, what's up?"

"Portman, how's it going?"

"Good, man, good. Hey, listen buddy, you fancy headin' out in a bit? There's this new club …"

"Sorry, bro, can't …"

"Whadda ya mean, can't? The night is still young … And why are you whispering?" his best friend demanded from the other end of the phone.

"Cait's asleep – I don't want to wake her."

"Listen to you, Mr Considerate Boyfriend. Early night was it? You dog!"

"Not like that, man – she's had a tough few days, she's shattered." Fulton explained, rolling his eyes even though he knew his friend couldn't see him.

But Portman's tone changed at that, sounding almost remorseful. "I did catch the news today – rough gig. I suppose I can let you off best friend duty under the circumstances. You just make sure you look after that girl of yours – and give her my love."

"Will do, dude. Hey, why don't you give Jules a call – see if she wants to go clubbing with you?"

"Funny."

"Just a suggestion." Fulton grinned, mock innocence in his voice. "Listen, Portman, I was talking to Adam about that Vegas thing and it could be on the cards - no pun intended. I'll call you tomorrow and we'll talk then, yeah? Or come round, whatever suits."

"Sure, man, no worries. Hey, I'll be thinking of you stuck at home when I'm surrounded by a bevy of sexy women."

"You do that, bro – and I'll think of you going home alone, pining for a certain Miss Gaffney, while I'm happily tucked up with my girl."

"Below the belt, Fult, below the belt."

"Where all your problems lie, dude." he chuckled, "Have fun."

Still laughing softly to himself, Fulton hung up the phone before settling back in bed, one arm still draped around his girlfriend. Glancing down to check he hadn't disturbed her, he frowned when sleepy green eyes met his.

"Shit, babe, I'm sorry – I didn't want to wake you." he apologised sheepishly.

"S'okay." Caitlin murmured, "Who was on the phone?"

"Just Portman – he sends his love, by the way." Fulton told her, letting his fingers caress her cheek.

"That's sweet." she smiled, "Nothing wrong, I hope?"

"Nah, he's just looking for someone to hang with."

"While he mopes over Jules …" Caitlin sighed insightfully.

"Ah, you're not just a pretty face, kiddo." Fulton grinned.

"Those two need their heads banging together – can't you talk to him?"

"I've tried, but you know Port when he gets an idea in his head."

"Pig-headed." she nodded, "Just like Julie. Why can't they just admit they're crazy about each other and get it together? They could put us all out of our misery and be so happy!"

"Like us?" Fulton asked, smiling as Caitlin shifted so she was leaning over him, her long dark red hair falling in a tangle of soft waves over her shoulders.

"Exactly like us …" she smiled, kissing his lips as he slid a hand into her hair.

Soft kisses slowly turned more passionate, lips parting and tongues exploring, hands wandering. Until Fulton paused, his hands on Caitlin's hips and his forehead resting lightly against hers as she straddled him. "Aren't you supposed to be getting some rest, babe?" he teased, eyebrows raised in question.

"Fulton …"

"Mm-hmm?"

"Shut up!" she demanded, giggling as he gave in – without the need for much persuasion - and kissed her again, only pulling back briefly to catch hold of the hem of her silky pyjama top and deftly pull it over her head, letting it fall to the floor.

"Love you, Caitie." he murmured huskily as he moved on top of her, relishing the soft moan he drew as he finally slid inside her, hearing her tell him she loved him too and knowing she meant it by the look in her eyes.

And afterwards, with Caitlin wrapped in his arms, lazily tracing the outline of the tattoo on his shoulder with her fingertip, he still couldn't help marvelling at the fact that he was the so-called Bash Brother in such a position. Especially since he had never thought he'd be lucky enough to find someone like Caitlin, while it had been obvious for years that Dean Portman and their old team-mate, Julie Gaffney, were made for each other.

They really would have to do something about that – perhaps this break at Banksie's new hotel was the perfect opportunity …

to be continued ...