Pairings/Characters:Joe/OC, Fred/Lindsey, Ziggy/Ruby, Trevor/OC, Sandy/Fraser, Jason & Robbie.

Rated:M for language and sexual situations

Disclaimer:I own nothing, besides Gabby Castillo and Mel Owens. Everything else is purely from the C4 show Hollyoaks (which is the best thing on TV, ever.)

A/N: Thanks for reviewing! Thought I'd update my disclaimer and character list, as this seems to have expanded a lot lol look out for a new character in c12, a test for Jason and Robbie's relationship. Enjoy this, I struggled writing this chapter, not sure why, but would love to know what you think :)

The Unexpected Acquaintance

Chapter Ten

Threats

Joe was in the garage, bent into the hood of a nice Porsche, music playing on the radio behind him. He whistled along, wiping oil-coated hands on his black trousers. Ziggy had the morning off, and Joe wanted to get the car out the way in time for lunch with Gabby.

Footsteps echoed behind him, the sound of metal scraping metal. Joe turned, a little too late. The crowbar crashed against his head, before Freddie shoved him into the workbench, pinning him hard. Joe glared; he could feel the trickle of blood down his brow, head pounding instantly. 'What the fuck are you playing at?!'

'I want you to stay away from Lindsey. She chose me. You failed her and she chose me, you understand?' Freddie raised an eyebrow. Joe managed to shove him off, fists balling.

'I failed her? It was you who snuck in like a worm and took her!'

Freddie laughed, though it was humourless. 'Lindsey wanted freedom, and you wouldn't give it to her. After the miscarriage-'

Joe surged forward, pushing his chest. 'Don't you talk about that! It had nothing to do with you!'

'Temper, temper, Joseph.' Freddie was still watching him, crowbar clenched tight. 'Wasn't that the other reason why she left? Because of the arguments, the fighting,-'

'Shut up!'

'-pushing and pushing her, until she couldn't take it!'

Joe lashed out, fist connecting firmly with Freddie's jaw. The younger man stumbled back, spitting blood. He put his arms up, stopping Joe in his tracks.

Joe paced away, tears stinging his eyes. 'Everything was perfect, until the day we lost that baby. Then... then, it changed. Lindsey changed.' He glared at Freddie, voice thick. 'And then, you came along like a knight-in-shining-armour and you...'

'I love Lindsey,' Freddie murmured, slowly straightening up. His jaw ached when he spoke. 'I always did.'

'She was mine first.'

'Things change, Joe.' The two brothers stared quietly at each other for a moment, before Freddie smirked. 'How's Gabby?'

'Leave her out of this.' Joe's tone dropped, dangerously. Freddie raised an eyebrow.

'Then, stay away from Lindsey. 'Cause it would be unfortunate for anything to happen to your new girl...'

'Is that a threat?' Joe growled, stepping forward. Freddie tossed the crowbar aside, turning to leave.

'Just a word of advice.' Joe watched as he left the garage. Ziggy appeared, frowning at Freddie's retreating back.

'Everything all right?' he asked, moving towards the office. Joe touched his brow.

'Just Freddie being Freddie. Is it bad?' He followed Ziggy to the office, watching his face crease into a frown.

'Quite a gash. Nothing a few stitches won't fix.'

'Great.' Joe grabbed his wallet from the desk. 'You okay on your own for a few hours?'

'Dandy, son.' Ziggy was already moving towards the car, pulling up his overalls as not to muck up his Daz white vest.

'So, this is obviously the till, and we keep all alcohol and cigarettes on the wall behind us. Make sure you I.D and keep an eye on the teenagers...' Cindy shuddered. 'They're the worse.'

'It shouldn't be too bad,' Gabby smiled, looking up when the doorbell tinkled. A blonde woman stepped in, early-fifties and looking well for it. She was dressed in nurses' blues, hair clipped back.

'I'll come down for the money before lock-up every evening, which is at five, by the way,' Cindy continued, tugging the sleeves of her cardigan. 'And if you need anything, then just ring the buzzer next door.'

The blonde woman appeared at the counter, setting down a bag of pasta and a boxing magazine. 'New sport, Sandy?' she asked, showing Gabby how to scan the items. Cindy started to bag them.

'Oh, you know Jason,' Sandy smiled. 'He's really getting into his boxing now. He has a tournament coming up soon. Didn't Holly say?'

'Oh, probably.' Cindy forced a laugh that didn't meet her eyes. 'I'm not really with it at the moment. Oh, how rude of me.' She nodded at Gabby, still standing at the edge of the counter. 'This is Gabby; she's going to pull a few shifts for me, so I can clear my head.'

Sandy suddenly stared at Gabby, eyes seeming to take in every inch of detail. Gabby flushed under the intense gaze, glancing at Cindy, then back at the older woman. 'I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere.'

'Of course you have,' Cindy replied, a trace of a real smile on her face for the first time that day. 'She's dating your Joe.'

Gabby wished the ground had swallowed her up. This was Joe's mum?! Her face felt like it was burning, as she forced a smile and tried to look normal. Her hair was wild, and she desperately wished she'd raided Mel's wardrobe this morning; at least, she would have looked nice enough for a first introduction.

Didn't people make their mind's up in three seconds? All Sandy had got was three seconds of a gawping, wild-haired cave woman in need of more than four hours sleep. Hangovers and work didn't mix.

Hangovers, work and meeting your potential-future-mother-in-law...? 'Pleased to meet you?' she finally stuttered.

Cindy gave Sandy a pointed look. 'She's shy. It took her half an hour to say good morning to me, so don't expect miracles.'

Sandy gave Gabby a warm smile. 'Well, it's nice to finally meet you. You've made a real change in Joe.'

Gabby was sure she went redder. 'He's a lovely man. You've raised him well.'

You've raised him well? What the hell? Gabby groaned inwardly, but Sandy just laughed and picked up the bag.

'Maybe I did, or maybe he's just mellowed out.' Sandy grinned, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. 'He was a bloody toe rag when he was younger.'

Gabby let out a relaxed laugh. 'I can believe it.'

'Anyway, I should go. The boys will be home from college soon.' Sandy gave them a smile, before turning and leaving the shop. Gabby exhaled.

'That was unexpected.'

Cindy laughed. 'Your face was hilarious.'

'Thanks.'

Cindy grinned, and for the first time since Gabby had met her, she looked a lot more contented. 'Do you think you'll be okay on your own?'

'I'll ring if there are any problems,' Gabby promised. She watched as Cindy left, and then moved to restock the sweet shelves.

Nearly an hour passed, before the doorbell dinged again. Gabby looked up, grinning when she saw Mel. 'How's the head?'

'Ugh, don't,' Mel muttered, stopping beside her and rubbing tired eyes. 'I used all the painkillers this morning.'

'Did you have fun?' Gabby picked up the empty crisp boxes and crossed the shop to put them in the back room. Mel followed, leaning against the counter.

'I guess.' To be honest, she didn't want to talk about it. She'd messed up with Trevor, and she still hadn't found the courage to talk to Fraser. 'As much fun as you can have on wine spritzers.'

'Lots then.'

'We need milk,' Mel suddenly remembered, walking to the fridge and reaching into the back for a carton. 'I've not had my morning coffee yet. That's probably why I feel like a zombie.'

Gabby took the carton and scanned it, taking the change Mel offered. 'Well, you have the flat to yourself for now, so make the most of it.'

'I will; a roasting hot bath and hot chocolate are waiting for me.' Mel grabbed the carton, just as the door dinged again. She turned, smile broadening. 'Ziggy!' He wasn't much taller than Mel, but he was broad, muscles bulging from beneath his vest. Gabby recognized him vaguely from the night she first met Joe, and she realized with a jolt, that this was his brother.

'Long time, no see, Mel,' Ziggy grinned, sauntering across to the pair. 'How are you holding up?'

'Busy with work,' Mel told him. 'This is Gabby.'

Ziggy smiled at her. 'All right? Wait, Gabby? Like Joe's Gabby?' He eyed her like a hawk. 'He's kept you well hidden since you started dating.'

Gabby flushed. 'That's me. I met your mum today too.'

Ziggy grinned. 'Well, then he has no excuse not to bring you round, eh?'

Gabby smiled, and gave an awkward half-shrug. Secretly, she hoped Joe would bring her round, she was curious about his family, wanting to know more about him.

'What's this I hear that you're getting married?' Mel asked, diverting the conversation. Ziggy grinned.

'I asked Ruby last week. We're thinking April.'

'I better be invited, Zig,' she told him. 'I love a good party.'

'Front row,' he winked, before taking her place at the counter. 'I'll have ten Lambert and Butler please.'

'I didn't know you smoked.' Mel was eyeing him suspiciously. He looked at her, before gesturing to himself.

'Body is a temple, love. They aren't for me.' He tapped his nose, turning back to Gabby as she set the packet of cigarettes on the counter.

'I'll catch you later,' Mel smiled, turning to leave the shop. Gabby was suddenly left alone with Joe's brother, and shitting it.

'He doesn't stop talking about you, y'know,' Ziggy told her, smouldering green eyes resting on her face. He oozed hunk, a true Adonis. Mel's kind of man.

Gabby preferred the rougher, manly type. 'I'll take that as a good sign.'

'Yeah, well, he's head over heels, trust me. An' after what he's been through, it's good he's finally happy.'

Gabby blushed again. 'I don't really know the ins and outs. I know they lost the baby, and she left him for Freddie.' She glanced down.

'I heard about that. What he said in The Dog.'

Gabby shrugged. 'It didn't bother me.' He didn't looking believing. 'I don't like to get involved.'

'You're a good gal,' Ziggy smiled, snatching up the cigarettes. 'Anyway, off for a... smoke. Nice to meet you properly.' He gave a sheepish grin and strolled out, cool as anything.

Ziggy shut the door behind him, crossing the square towards the alley. Robbie was waiting for him, schoolbag hitched on his shoulder. 'You took your time,' he muttered, watching his older brother approach.

'Less of that, you cheeky shit. Mum would kill me if she found out.'

Robbie grinned. 'That's why she can't know.'

Ziggy slapped him around the back of the head, shoved the packet into his hands. 'You owe me.'

'Yeah, yeah, I'll cover your shifts on Saturday.'

'Fraser's bringing in a car. I want the brakes checked and interior cleaned.'

'Cleaned?'

Ziggy snatched the cigarettes back. 'Cleaned.'

Robbie scowled. 'Fine. Give them me.'

Ziggy tossed them over, and Robbie caught them, tearing off the plastic and slipping one out. 'Don't let Mum see you,' he warned. 'And get back to school, it's nearly one.'

Robbie said nothing, turning and lighting the fag. He slouched off. Ziggy shook his head, turning to head back to the garage. There was work to do.

Lindsey yawned as the taxi pulled up, just before five. The clouds were setting in, rain impending and the pressure was making her head ache. Pulling a note out of her purse, she paid the driver and slid out the cab.

A cold breeze nipped at her face, and she pulled her coat tighter around herself, shrugging her handbag onto her shoulder. The sound of laughter made her look up.

Her stomach dropped. Gabby and Joe were leaving Price Slice, Cindy locking up behind them. His arm was wrapped around her, grinning at whatever she'd said, and she was nudging him with her hip.

They didn't notice her. Lindsey stood there, fists clenched. For weeks, she'd seen a broken man, a desolate man, pleading daily for her to take him back. Now, he looked happier than she'd ever seen him.

Lindsey bit back a sob, and watched as they disappeared around the corner towards his flat. She could feel the jealousy building like a tide in her chest, upwards until she wanted to burst, scream and shout.

Everything was wrong.

'Lindsey.'

She whirled around, nearly gasping at the sight of Freddie. His smile faded, brow creasing. 'Lindsey?'

'I... Really bad day.' She couldn't bear to tell him the truth, knowing how unpredictable he was. She didn't want to risk losing him.

'Are you sure you're all right?'

Lindsey swallowed her emotions, and forced a smile. 'I'm just being hormonal.'

Freddie pulled her close, and she sunk into her chest, wanting to forget everything. 'C'mon. I'll order a take away, we can chill out with your favourite film, and I'll even rub your feet, if you want.'

Lindsey laughed, despite herself. 'Oh, Freddie.'

He grinned, pulling back a little to look at her. 'Let's get you and our precious cargo home, eh?' He wrapped his arm around her, and her stomach jolted.

For so long, she'd enjoyed this with Joe. How things change.

She followed, numbly, as he led her home.

Mel sighed, as she looked around the flat, finding nothing else she could tidy up. She needed something to focus on, to forget her predicament, to forget the fact that she'd avoided work today to avoid seeing her boss. Avoided going out much to avoid seeing him.

Mel grabbed her cashmere cardigan from the sofa and pulled it on, the material cool on her arms. A sudden knocking on the door made her jump.

There was a pause, then more impatient knocking. Maybe Gabby left her key? She stepped into the hallway, eyes darting to the key hook. No key.

Maybe Gabby lost her key? More loud knocking.

Maybe it was Trevor? Mel exhaled, then yanked open the door. Her fears were confirmed. Trevor stood there, filling the doorway, face hard. 'Mel.'

Her mouth was dry, and she grappled to shut the door. He knocked it back open. 'Now isn't a good time.'

'Now's the perfect time.' He forced his way in, slamming the door shut behind him. Mel backed up into the hallway, trying not to look at his face. 'You've been avoiding me.'

'No, I haven't.'

'Why the fuck did you run off like that?' Trevor approached slowly, and her back bumped into the wall. He looked around, studying every last photo on the wall, down to the ornaments in the windowsill. Then, he stopped short of her, his eyes colder than she'd seen them.

'You really need to go.' She tried to look defiant and in control, but her voice failed her.

'Answer the question.'

Mel swallowed, pressing further into the wall. He pressed his hands either side of her body, blocking her escape. 'I've been busy. Look, my friend's going to be here soon-'

'I'm not leaving, until you tell me.'

Mel glared, saying nothing. He gave a soft laugh, and her stomach fluttered. She folded her arms tight, angry at her body's betrayal. Trevor leaned in close, words barely above a murmur. 'You're driving me crazy, Mel.' He tapped his temple. 'All day, every day.'

She felt exactly the same, but she wasn't about to tell him that. 'This is a bad idea,' she said, but her voice faltered a little. Trevor smirked.

His hand dipped, fingers trailing beneath the hem of her t-shirt. The skin on her hip burned at his touch, and Trevor leaned close, body flush with hers. 'Y-You should go,' she managed to say.

His head tilted up, lips temptingly close to hers. He was staring at her mouth. All Mel's body cells were fighting to reach him, needing to taste him, to feel him again...

Trevor pulled away. 'This isn't finished,' he said, voice low and firm. Telling her one thing. You will be seeing me again.

He stalked off, shutting the front door behind him. Mel let out a shaky breath, adrenalin still pulsing through her. Along with the rapid butterflies and pounding heart, she felt a complete mess.

She needed that hot bath right now.