Hello! Ok, i know you guys requested for CJ to just let go. But the thing is I dont think it was right to do deed straight away in the last chapter. I mean, both were confused and i dont want them to get properly together with their doubts and everything clouding their heads, 'cause then, it'll be more like a comfort thing and assurance. Anyway, here is the next chapter that i just hope you guys will enjoy! Cheers! Sorry for the type errors!


-Previously-

Both Charlie and Joey kept their lips locked, giving everything they have for the lives of them in their kiss, blocking out the whirlwind of their thoughts and just let their heart focus on showing how much they truly love each other.

Both lips continued to dance in a perfect rhythm as the tears from both Joey and Charlie's eyes mingled together as one.


It has been weeks since Joey got out of the hospital and things were getting more and more confusing for her.

For starters, she every now and then gets a few glimpse of what seemed may have happened that she might have forgotten due to her accident –but hoped and wished that all were just an imagination or really just bad dreams. Joey couldn't think of any reason as to how or why she would cheat on Charlie and let alone with Nicole. She had been tiring herself thinking of how or why but could only come up with nothing. She also tried not to think of it much around Charlie but when she's alone, that's when she starts thinking again and again. There was time when she considered talking or asking Nicole herself, but whenever she thought of talking to her or meeting the blonde in private, she would mentally kick herself for even considering it. Joey might not be sure of everything especially regarding 'it', but the images she'd seen in her dreams or just randomly were enough for her to decide never to see Nicole again if she could help it.

And also there's Charlie; Charlie pulling away every now and then when everything gets a little more intimate. Whenever they get to that point, Joey didn't fail to notice how Charlie would always pull away and say that she doesn't want to rush Joey or put Joey's health at risk and she then of course would always try to understand, but of course, that doesn't mean it doesn't frustrates her, she's only human after all; and on top of it, Charlie's constant avoidance of them being intimate only adds to Joey paranoia that maybe, Charlie knew about it. Joey sometimes thought that maybe she offended Charlie by pulling away when they almost did it in the tub few weeks ago, sometimes she thought that Charlie might've figured out her infidelity with Nicole and sometimes… when everything was becoming too much… sometimes she would just end up blaming herself for being selfish that she never consider about Charlie really just looking out for her and instead of understanding and appreciating it, she ends up paranoid and frustrated, which in turn affects Charlie anyway as her frustrated mood gets the better of her.

So at the end of the day, not only does she feel tired from all the thinking, she also, more importantly feels guiltier for what she had done and ended up doing to Charlie; and Charlie being always understanding and accepting of her moods and being supportive, patient, caring and loving doesn't help Joey's guilt either.


Charlie finished her shift for the day and as always, was in a hurry to get out of the station to go home to Joey.

After taking a week off when Joey woke up, Charlie had been reluctant to go back to work so soon but, then she was sober and rational enough to think of the other possible outcome of spending so much time with Joey and that made her decision to be contented on her week off.

Spending so much time with her best friend was never a problem for her before but, now that she was aware of her feelings for the said woman and the situation they were in, Charlie knew that it would stay away even just a little. Of course it killed her to do so as she always wanted to be with Joey, cuddling with her or even just talking to her about anything and everything, but that was also where the problem is coming from; spending time with Joey makes her fall deeper for Joey and although it may be acceptable in their situation at the moment, Charlie couldn't let herself be drown more. Charlie knew that one day soon, everything will fall back to its rightful place and the least she could do is to avoid more damage and complications that her actions now could cause once everything is settled. So Charlie -as hard as it was for her, returned to work; she had a few almost slips up that almost caused her to take advantage of Joey when she had the week off and so she decided that it was probably for the best to come back to her recently considered 'safe' place; work.

Charlie was walking out of the building when her eyes caught sight or Brett standing and leaning against her car with bouquet of flowers in his hands. Brett saw Charlie approaching and so walked towards her, greeting his girlfriend with a warm smile and hug.

"Brett, what are you doing here?" Charlie asked confused.

Brett looked at Charlie with hurt visible in his eyes. Charlie noticed and frowned, all the while making her brain work overtime for thinking of what she did or said that could draw such hurt in Brett's eyes.

"You forgot," Brett accused, his voice defeated.

The creased in Charlie's forehead got deeper as she go through all the things that she might've forgotten and came up blank.

Brett shook his head and shoved the bouquet in Charlie's hand before walking away. Charlie looked at the flowers and saw the little card, flipping it open it reads;

'Happy Anniversary, Love!'

"Shit!" Charlie muttered to herself before running after her fiancé.

"Brett!" she called and luckily for her, Brett stopped.

"Brett, I'm so sorry," she apologised sincerely. "I… I'm not going to deny, I did forget but you know how things were and are and I'm really really sorry."

Brett just looked at the police officer feeling defeated. He's upset about everything that is happening around them and to 'them' but, he loves her too much to stay upset with her. Brett could understand her reasons and although sometimes it doesn't make sense to him, Brett still would always find it in him to make sense out of it, just so he could give Charlie the understanding and patience that she needs.

Sighing, Brett nodded his head, accepting Charlie's apology.

"I understand," he said.

"Thank you!" Charlie said hugging the still crestfallen looking man in front of him. "-and I'm really sorry," she added.

Brett wrapped his arms around Charlie too and tightens his embrace as he realised that his was the first physical contact they had in weeks.

"So, I made a reservation," Brett said after reluctantly releasing Charlie from his arms. "We could still make it there on time if we leave now."

Charlie's face fell and Brett noticed.

"But Joey's expecting me to be home soon," Charlie blurted without a thought and immediately regretted what she said when she saw the pain that once again crossed Brett's face.

Brett took a deep breath composing himself before speaking.

"Can't you… maybe, call her and tell her that you'll be home late?" Brett suggested hopefully.

Charlie fidgeted. She so badly wanted to do what Brett had suggested just so she could make up for obviously hurting him, but she remembered how Joey seemed excited about whatever she planned for the night, that she reminded her time and again to be home as early as possible and Charlie also promised that she will; and she never break her promise.

Brett noticed Charlie's uneasiness and knew straight away.

"You can't," he stated.

Charlie nodded.

"Brett I'm sorry. It's just that I promised Joey that I'll be home early," she tried to explain although she knew it would be pointless. "Maybe we could re-schedule the dinner?"

Brett gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw.

"Forget it," he said and walked away again, afraid that he'll lose it if he stays longer.

"Brett, wait!" Charlie called out, jogging after him.

"Wait!" she pleads as she caught up to him, reaching for his arm.

"WHAT?" Brett snaps, turning to Charlie. "What do you want?"

Charlie was shock. She never saw Brett lose his temper nor experienced being shout at by him. But what made her stood still and frozen to the spot was when Brett showed his face; his eyes red as tears threatened to fall. A picture that Charlie had never seen before, not even when Joey had the accident and everything seemed to be falling apart.

"I'm sorry," Charlie whispered, unable to find a word or give a better explanation to lessen the hurt she's causing him.

"I understand what you're doing to our family," Brett started. "-and I know that you're just helping us with Joey but… I'm your boyfriend Charlie. I'm your fiancé. I'm your bloody fiancé and I don't ask for too much. I just want a piece of your time."

"I know," Charlie whispered.

"Then why do I feel that you've forgotten that too?" Brett asked, looking at Charlie shamelessly showing his now tears stained face.

"Why do I feel like I'm…" Brett paused and took a deep breath again, "look… forget it," he said.

Brett decided to hold back. He's not sure of anything anymore, and as much as he's aware of being jealous of Joey for temporarily having his Charlie, he still couldn't find it in him to admit to it someone or anyone, let alone Charlie.

"I'll talk to you late," he said calmer before walking away.

Charlie watched Brett walks away from her and this time she lets him. Charlie lets him not only because she doesn't really know what else she could say to him aside from sorry but, also because she knew Brett enough to know that Brett is losing it and that at time like this time, Brett would prefer to be left alone as he organise his thoughts and calm himself and even his emotions.

Sighing and feeling more tired that earlier, Charlie turned to her car and drove home.


Joey once again checks the clock, noting that Charlie should've been home 30minutes ago and she couldn't stop worrying. It wasn't like Charlie to be late when she promised not to be and if she will be late, Charlie would always call but, Joey had been holding the phone for 30minutes now and she didn't receive any call.

Another 15minutes passed and Joey now couldn't stay still. She started walking back and forth, pacing around the lounge area, and all the while checking the clock and the phone.

Suddenly and finally though, she heard the clinging of keys outside the door and in no time, Joey was there, opening the door for the much awaited police officer.

Charlie just got the right key when the door opened and revealed a teary looking Joey. Charlie had barely opened her lips to apologise when she found herself in a tight embrace.

"Hey," she said, wrapping her arms around Joey while she managed to get them both inside, kicking the door close behind her.

"I was worried," Joey said burying her face on Charlie's neck, "you were supposed to be home 45minutes ago and you usually call when you'll be late and…"

"Shhh…" Charlie cuts in, "I'm sorry. I know I should've called. I'm sorry I worried you," she apologised while slightly pulling away to look at Joey.

"I'm sorry," she repeated cupping Joey's cheek in her palm. "I got you these," Charlie said, pulling 3 red roses in her back pocket.

Joey took the roses and smiled at Charlie, once again wrapping the brunette in her arms.

"Sorry it got a little messed up," Charlie said. "I didn't know where else to put it when I was trying to find my keys and-" she explained.

"Thank you," Joey said stopping Charlie from apologising by placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"Stop apologising," she said. "The roses are beautiful as you are."

Charlie smiled shyly and could feel herself blushing. Joey giggled at that finding Charlie's blushing very adorable.

"Come let's get you in more comfortable clothes and have dinner," Joey said.

Charlie was standing beside the bed looking at the clothes on the bed. Everyday, in the morning she'll find her uniform all set and ready for her once she's out of the shower and as well as her breakfast waiting for her. In the afternoon when she gets home, she'll find these; her home clothes, neatly prepared for her to change into and yet still couldn't get herself to stop marvelling at how sweet Joey is. She's aware that Joey really is a sweet person but she didn't expect 'this'. Once again, Charlie envied Nicole for having Joey as a girlfriend; and once again, Charlie found herself falling deeper for her best friend.

Joey was in the kitchen checking the food once she had put the roses in a vase; she made sure that everything is perfect.

Early today Joey realised that she couldn't remember her and Charlie's anniversary and she didn't want to ask Charlie, but somehow in an unexplainable way, she felt that today is a special day. She didn't know and couldn't explain how she knows but she was somehow certain that there's something special about today. And so, Joey decided to prepare a dinner date for her and Charlie. Tonight, she cooked Charlie's favourite dish and bought her, her favourite brand of wine; Joey also set up everything that would give any high end restaurant ran for their money.

Charlie walks in the kitchen only to halt at the view that greeted her. She stood silently at the doorway as she admires Joey fussing over lighting the candle, deep in her task. Charlie smiled to herself knowingly and carefully sneaks in and snaked her arms around Joey's waist from behind.

Joey jumped a little when she felt arms around her but, immediately relaxed knowing who it belonged to.

"It looks beautiful," Charlie whispered in Joey's ears, nestling in the crook of Joey's neck. "Just like the creator behind it," she added.

Joey smiled and turned her body to face the taller woman but made sure to remain in the brunette's arms.

"Not as beautiful as you," Joey said. "Not as perfect."

Charlie blushed again at that and Joey giggled; even before –in both worlds, Charlie was never the one to take compliments easily and both women knew that.

"You know, I love it when you blush after a compliment," Joey said, rubbing the tip of her knows to Charlie's.

"Why?" ask Charlie, pulling Joey's body closer to hers.

"Because it means you don't realise how perfect you are. Thus, it makes you blush; thus, gives me reason and chance to prove you as much," Joey explained and closing the gap between them.

Charlie returned the kiss and soon, Charlie and Joey were sharing a passionate, yet soft kiss where their lips dance in perfect rhythm with each other. The kind of kiss that Charlie never had from her past boyfriends; and one that Joey always felt unfamiliar with -compared to the kissed she shared to whomever in her forgotten past-, but felt very at home.

"Come," Joey murmured after reluctantly pulling away, "the dinner's getting cold."

Charlie nodded her head and followed Joey's lead.

30 Minutes later…

Charlie and Joey just finished eating their meal and now indulging themselves with their fine red wine; both women smiling at each other, gazing at one another's eyes.

Charlie let herself gaze in Joey's golden brown eyes that seem to twinkle against the light of the candle. Charlie knew shouldn't put more wood into the unstoppable growing fire and make herself fall deeper but, Charlie was also very aware that she's already 'there'; falling deeper and faster that she's afraid there would be no way to make it stop. And somewhere in the deep part of her being, somehow… she didn't want to stop even though it would be painful in the end. She didn't want to stop because, if it did, she'll be incomplete and she'd rather hurt than be incomplete, as she knows that falling and loving Joey completes her, nevertheless.

Joey watched Charlie's eyes, once again found herself comparing it to the ones that she felt like she had always looked at; Nicole's. She compared both eyes and although they were both blue, somehow Charlie's eyes were/are much more comforting and simply beautiful that it's actually a shame for her to compare it to Nicole's. Once again, Joey felt the pang of guilt as she was reminded of her… she supposed infidelity that until now she can't fathom how or why.

"Thank you for the wonderful meal," Charlie said breaking the comfortable silence.

Joey smiled at Charlie feeling unworthy of her compliment and gratitude; feeling unworthy of Charlie's smile directed to her or the love that is pouring out of Charlie's voice and blue eyes. Joey even feels unworthy of just being in Charlie's presence. The guilt she's feeling is beyond comprehensible that even though she's doing everything to make it up to Charlie secretly –preparing her uniform, her breakfast, her coffee to bring to work, her house clothes when she returns, her dinner etc- Joey still feels that it's not good enough, knowing that even without guilt or anything, she would still do exactly the same; she feels not good enough for Charlie; not anymore.

"What's the occasion? I mean… what's with all the set up?"

"I thought you deserve to have a nice enough dinner after fighting crimes and looking after the city," Joey teased, pulling away from her guilt invaded thoughts.

"Why thank you sweetheart," Charlie went along, "that means I get to have this everyday."

Joey's face turned serious and again found herself gazing at Charlie's eyes.

"Yes. Yes you will," she said.

Charlie smiled and briefly touched Joey's hand before sipping some wine.

"Anyway, to answer your question seriously; well… I woke up this morning and felt like there's something special about today. Like, there's something to celebrate," Joey explained looking thoughtful.

'How is it that she can unconsciously remember the occasion today and I can't?' Charlie thought, feeling like the worst girlfriend Brett… no; anyone could have.

"But then, I realised that you deserve to be treated like this everyday," Joey continued, "because, it's unforgivable to treat you any less."

Charlie bit her lower lip as her eyes start to well up. She could feel the love pouring out of Joey; the adoration and care and Charlie again had to remind herself that if it's in a different situation, those feelings would not be for her but for Nicole. Charlie wanted to relish on the feeling but, the small part of her brain prevented her to do so, reminding her over and over that the love isn't for her and that she's not allowed to enjoy it because she'll just let herself fall for Joey more.

"So from now on, every night will be like tonight," Joey stated determined, "because, you deserve to always have the best."

"Don't," Charlie whispered before she can stop herself.

Joey frowned and got up to walk towards Charlie. Joey kneeled on Charlie's side, taking hold of the brunette's hands and let both of their hands rest on Charlie's lap.

"Don't what baby?" Joey asked, looking up at Charlie.

"Don't make me fall for you more," Charlie whispered.

"Why not?" Joey asked confused. She wants nothing more but to have Charlie continue to love her.

Charlie then turned to Joey who was still looking up at her with questioning look. Some part of Charlie want to take back what she said so they can continue to just enjoy the lovely night and some part just wants to voice out the unwanted truth.

"Because… because it's scary to fall this hard and this fast knowing how much it could only hurt when I hit the bottom," Charlie said voicing out her fear, honestly.

"Charlie, you will never hit the ground because I'll catch you," Joey said smiling lovingly at Charlie. "I'll always catch you," she added.

'I so wish you will…' Charlie thought.

"I'll catch you and carry you in my arms and will never ever let you go," Joey said cupping Charlie's cheek, caressing it with her thumb.

"Or, we could fall together. Because, I know I will never stop falling for you… hard," she added.

Charlie leaned in on to Joey's touch; letting Joey's warm palm caressed her face.

"You are such a sweet talker," Charlie murmured willing to lighten the mood.

Joey beamed at Charlie and winked before turning serious once again. Joey turned Charlie's body to face her as she kneeled closer to Charlie and had both of her hands on Charlie's cheeks, making sure that she has the woman's full attention and her eyes only to hers.

Charlie faces Joey and looked in her brown eyes that burn with so much passion and love; the look on Joey's eyes held determination of what? Charlie didn't know.

"I love you," Joey said leaning to give Charlie's lips the softest of kiss.

Charlie soon found herself kissing Joey's soft lips back; tasting the sweet taste of her kiss as their lips dance together.

The kiss was soft and tender, yet full of passion and longing at the same time. Both let themselves be drowned to the kiss letting its sensation take them away from what really lies within that both were actually unconsciously ignoring. Nothing mattered to both Charlie and Joey at this moment; nothing mattered except each other.

After a while, both reluctantly pulled away for the much needed air; forehead were against each other, tip of their nose rubbing one another, blue and brown orbs gazing at its reflection through one another's eyes.

"Let me show you," Joey breathes, "how much I love you."

With that, Joey stood pulling Charlie up with her; intertwining their fingers and hands, Joey lead Charlie to their bed room. Charlie hold on to Joey's hand while she found herself following Joey's lead.

Charlie knew what Joey meant and she's aware of what will happen once they step inside the confinement of their room. But, at the very moment, Charlie knew that even with the little rational voice in her head going off, her body is at her heart's mercy and her heart is telling her to give in and let go and just follow what her body and soul desires; Joey. And so, Charlie closed her eyes and let herself be drawn in amidst of Joey's dream and her desired reality.