A/N: I've always loved the final scene in season 2's episode: One for Sorrow Part 2. But of course it could have been made just a little better with a touch more Lethaway love. So I've decided to use it as the epilogue to Please Wake Me So I Can Dream Again, and give you a little look at the boys happy ever after.

Six Months Later

James stood awkwardly on the river bank, sighing internal. He couldn't believe he'd allowed Robbie to talk him into this. Of course, he knew the reason behind it, he was trying to help build memories between him and his father, and sure, James appreciated it, but he was cold and felt useless. While Robbie stood talking to his dad about bait, there he was with a damn rod he had no idea how to use, feeling like a tit. - As his partner would say. Why couldn't they get called in on a case.

Almost as soon as he thought it, James regretted it. He was meant to be savouring what little time he had left with his father, and he had been. Almost every weekend he was either up at the care home reading to his dad, occasionally having discussions about the past. He'd always leave feeling worst, but he got to go home to Robbie. They'd eat curry, watching crap TV and then shuffle off to bed for an early night. - Some nights they even slept.

The past six months had been the best of James's life and he thanked God, and his mother, every day for them, and hopefully for many more. He'd even managed to pursued Robbie to attend church with him. - Sometimes. His so-called near death experience with Val hadn't exactly renewed Robbie's faith in the good Lord, but it had at least left him a little more open minded and a lot less angry.

As for Robbie's family. He still hadn't heard from Mark, which James had to admit, pissed him off no end. Especially in light of his own issues with his father. Lyn tried to defend her brother, but deep down even she couldn't forgive him for so much as calling Robbie. – As for Lyn herself, she was slowly getting used to her dad's sexuality, and James's new place in his life. According to David, there were pamphlets and books on bisexuality all over the house.

His home life wasn't the only thing working out perfectly for him. A month after he'd returned to work as a Detective Inspector, he'd been surprised to find Robbie arriving at a crime scene. Apparently retirement wasn't the promised land he'd been led to believe it was, and after a meeting with Innocent, Robbie had managed to talk his way back onto the force. "In a purely consulting role, you understand." Innocent had made that abundantly clear.

Of course it wasn't all rainbows and roses, they still had to work with Laura, who just about managed to maintain a professional air, but they were both fully aware that she was counting down the days until they ended up on her table, and he couldn't blame her one bit for it.

"Right." Robbie announced cheerily, grinning like the cat that got the cream.

James couldn't help but snort a laugh at the memory of the hideous stuffed cat they'd brought Maddox.

"And what's so funny?" Robbie asked, taking the rod from his hand.

James shook his head and took a deep draw of his cigarette, "Nothing," he said as he released the smoke from his lungs.

Robbie didn't look convince and James knew he'd bring it up later when they were alone. "Alright." he turned his attention to the rod, and James watched as he baited the hook, "There, you're all baited up."

"Good." James muttered unenthusiastically.

Rolling his eyes, Robbie pressed the rod onto his hand, "Just unhook that, okay. Knock this bail arm off, and then just get a hold of it like that."

James leant it, watching what Robbie was doing and trying not to get distracted but his fingers. He looked up throw his lashes with a smirk and knew the exact moment Robbie caught the lustful path his mind was going, because the man's cheeks grew a little red, "Sod off." he huffed out with a laugh, "You're meant to be learning to fish."

"I'd rather be back home in bed." James whispered.

Robbie ignored him, stepping forward and placing the rod in his hands, "Now nice and smoothly back,"

"If you're trying to chance the subject, you're failing miserably." James chuckled around his cigarette.

"Throw it out as far as you can, but keep it smooth, yeah."

James was still grinning as he wound in the line and then with a sharp snap of his wrist, flung it out into the water.

"Ah, that's not bad." His dad praised a few meters away.

A warmth spread through James, and he smiled over at him.

"I'm always trying to get m little boy into fishing." Philip informed them, "He'd not keen. More into books."

James swallowed the lump that rose up in his throat. He didn't think he'd ever get used to hearing his dad talk to him as if he were a stranger. Referring to him in the third person. He felt Robbie's hand on his back, a solid reassure pressure.

"He'll get there, I'm sure." Robbie replied, "Just waiting for the right moment." he added with a soft smile at James before he moved over to talk once more to Philip.

James turned back to the water to avoid his father seeing the tears playing behind his eyes. He watched the water ripple and flow, and tried his hardest not to think about the inevitable. While he felt reassure, more now than ever, that there was an afterlife, and that his parents would be reunited once again, he didn't ease the pain of knowing that one day soon he'd lose him. - And then eventually, he'd lose Robbie.

Clearing his throat, he turned his head away so neither his dad or Robbie could see him and rubbed his damp cheek across his shoulder. He was just getting himself under control when his father and Robbie's excited voices had him spinning around.

Robbie grabbed the net and looked up at James expectantly, "Do you?"

"No, no, you're good." James dismissed, hanging back as Robbie hurried to help reel in the fish. The joy on both men's faces was infectious and he found himself moving closer.

"Alright, here we go! You just guide it in." Robbie said excitedly. "Oh, that's nicely done."

James grinned, "What is it?"

"Rainbow trout." Robbie informed him brightly.

"It's a trout," Philip laughed, shaking his head as he looked up at James briefly.

The moment the trout was in the net James couldn't keep from pulling his father into a hug, "Well done." and felt his heart lightened as his father's arms tightened comfortable around him, securing the memory.

After they had the fish back on land, they took a few pictures, James grinning into the phone camera, his arm around his father's shoulders proudly. Then they tossed the creature back into the water.

"We should probably be getting back," Robbie said looking at the time on his phone, "Nell's expecting us."
James sighed, looking regretfully at his dad, "Right."

"Philip, are you ready?" Robbie asked gently.

"Ready?"

"You're having dinner with us, remember." he reminded him gently.

"Oh, uh...yes, yes, of course. Thank you."

Robbie smiled and James hurried to take his father's tackle box and rod, and lead the way back to the car.

While Philip made himself comfortable in the front seat, James stashed the equipment in the boot. When he slammed it closed he found Robbie stood there watching him. "It was a good day."

James nodded, "Yeah."

Robbie stepped around the car and up close to James, his hand resting lightly on his arm. He didn't say anything, because there was nothing he could say. Nothing but platitudes, none of which would ease the ache in James's heart. All Robbie could do was smiling warmly and pull him down into a gentle kiss.

When they parted, the light was back in James's eyes. "Do we have to have dinner with my sister?" he whined, "Can't we just go home and have an early night."

With a huff, Robbie stepped away, "Do you want to tell your sister that?" he laughed, fully aware of just what Nell would say to them crying off for an early night. "Didn't think so."

As James reached the driver's seat door, he looked over the roof of the car, meeting Robbie's gaze. "I love you, Robbie." he stated seriously.

There was a brief pause and then Robbie grinned, "I love you too, me Lad."

A/N: Well that's it. The end. I'm sorry if this ending sucks, I'm bloody awful at them. I'd like to thank everyone for sticking with me, and encouraging me to keep writing this story. Especially Pat, who'd reviews have really kept me focused. I'm glad you've all enjoyed it and I appreciate all the feedback you've given me over the last few months. I have a lot of mixed feelings about finishing this story but overall it's been a hell of a ride.

Anyway, thanks again.

Goodbye.