A/N: And thus I return to The Gateway as everyone has been wanting. Thank you so much for putting up with my challenge one-shots before I got to this.. And again, thanks to Bel for being my Gateway Beta, she rocks so hardcore! And I hope she and her Murph and Conn Conn are enjoying the SPF CD I made for her ;)

Hugs, The McSithster

"An' ye overheard 'em talkin' 'bout the pennies over the eyes," Connor asked his brother as they stood outside the library, smoking their cigarettes and conversing away from the girls.

"Aye," Murphy nodded, glancing around quickly. "An' the Dutchman seemed ta know more than he was lettin' on. Told Fey he remembered somethin' about it, but when she asked, he told 'er she'd 'ave ta find out 'erself. An' believe me, she seems hellbent on findin' us out."

"I dunno, Murph," Connor shook his head slowly, taking another drag from his cigarette. "Maybe we should be gettin' ourselves out then. It wouldn't do ta be found out as soon as we roll inta town."

Murphy stared at him a moment in thought, not liking the idea of just disappearing so soon after making a few connections. "Maybe she won't find anythin'. I'm pretty sure Smecker kept most a the details about The Saints bagged up someplace where regular people can't just get at 'em."

"The media, Murph," Connor replied, tapping his head as if his brother wasn't thinking as clearly as he should. "Ye remember all the stories on the news an' in the papers? There's bound ta be a record a that kept somewhere. It was all over tha' we were Irish an' we put the pennies over the eyes. She's not stupid Murph. She's bound ta put it together."

"All I'm sayin' is if we just take off, then we're sure ta draw attention ta ourselves," Murphy tried to make his brother understand. "D'ye have any idea how many Irish people who've been ta Boston travel through this city? What's ta say she'll even trace it back ta us? I mean, there's two other masked men runnin' 'round killin' people. Maybe she'll peg them an' not us."

Connor nodded a bit, bowing his head as Murphy finished his cigarette and both brothers tossed the butts in the ashcan outside the door. They went to walk back inside but were cut off by a small group of young teens clambering in the door. Glancing at each other, they both shared a look that questioned the presence of young people seeming so excited about entering a library. Inside, they found Laura flipping through a book at one of the study desks. Connor slid into the seat beside her, looking over her shoulder at the book.

"What're ye readin'," he asked. She barely looked up at him, smirking as she flipped the book over to show the cover. Twisting his head, Connor began to read as his eyebrows raised. "Stephen Hawking? Ye read physics books, Laura?"

"Yep," she nodded. "Fey recommended him and I haven't been able to stop myself since."

"Speakin' a Fey," Murphy interjected. "Where'd she run off ta?"

"She went into the stacks," Laura tilted her head toward a long row of bookcases. "Over by the periodicals, I think."

Murphy nodded his thanks, leaving Connor to happily discuss the ideas of Hawking with Laura. The periodicals were in the back corner of the library, hidden away it seemed from the rows and rows of fiction and more colorfully printed books that tended to catch the eye of more readers. Of course, Murphy didn't have to go all the way back there before he found Fey. All he had to do was follow a few of the teens who had entered the library only moments before. They joined a small group of people crowded around Fey near the end of one of the stacks as she hurriedly scanned some book spines on the shelf.

"Ah, here we are," Murphy heard her announce laughingly as he drew closer to the group. "Okay guys, this book would be perfect for your science fair project. It's about the water cycle and how ground water pollution affects most ecosystems."

"Thanks, Miss Fitzpatrick," one of the boys smiled, taking the book from her hand.

"And don't forget to cite your sources properly," she called after him as he and another boy and a girl ran off toward the study tables. Then Fey turned to a woman who looked more her age, maybe even a few years older, a finger tapping her chin in thought. "Gabby, I think a good place to start for your sociology paper would be with the difference between chimps and bonobos. See, they're cousins, but chimps are male-dominated and end most of their disputes with violence, whereas bonobos are matriarchal and solve problems by having lots of recreational sex. You might try to tie that in with your other research about the difference between male and female behaviors."

The woman nodded and went off further into the stacks. There was just one girl left standing there with a messenger bag and her hair up in a simple ponytail. She had a look about her that was at once pained and angry. Fey looked her over for a second, then smiled, reaching out to grab her chin lovingly. "You, my dear, need some Plath. Go over to the poetry section and grab Ariels. Then, swing back around to the Ps and pick up The Bell Jar."

A quick nod was the only response before the girl disappeared as well. Fey turned back to the books, rolling a small ladder over and stepping up a few rungs to look at books on a shelf a few feet above her head. Apparently, she stilled hadn't noticed Murphy, and he was content to watch her as her eyes scanned the spines with sheer determination. It also didn't hurt that the day had been surprisingly warm enough for her to wear a skirt, albeit with pantyhose. Murphy found himself asking God to bless the strange weather St. Louis had when he caught a sight of her inner thighs.

"Murphy," she called down to him with a mischievous smirk. "You wouldn't be trying to look up my skirt, would you?"

"No, no," he shook his head, feeling his cheeks heat up a bit as she gave him a disbelieving look. Then the corners of his lips tilted up a bit. "Well, maybe just a little. O omniscient one."

Fey giggled and it made his smile broaden. She switched two books on the shelves to their proper places and started to step down from the ladder. Murphy's hand came out instinctively to help guide her down, brushing over her back and shoulder. But it didn't seem to bother her much as she gave him a smile.

"Did ye find what ye were lookin' fer back there," he asked casually, hoping maybe she hadn't and that she would give up.

"No," she shook her head. "But I called up Washington University and S.L.U. to have my librarian friends there check their periodicals for what I was looking for. Sometimes the universities have better records than the public libraries. I should hear back from them in a few days or so."

"Wow, must be somethin' real important if ye're goin' ta all that trouble," Murphy shook his head, hoping he looked innocent enough with the statement.

"Let's just say, there are questions I honestly hate to leave unanswered," she replied, rearranging a few more books on their shelves with a cluck of her tongue. Then she turned an excited smile on him and Murphy found it to be very infectious. "I didn't learn something interesting though. Before today, I had no idea that the early Celtic Christians had put coins over the eyes of their dead. I knew the Catholics had assimilated it from the Romans who took it from the Greeks, but I didn't know that the Celts had taken so readily to it when Catholicism was introduced to Gael."

The excited way she spoke and the image of her moving back and forth between bookshelves at such a fast pace reminded Murphy of a hummingbird flitting from flower to flower. Though he knew the information she had found was somewhat dangerous to him and his brother, there was no denying that the sparkle in her eyes and flush in her cheeks over a new bit of knowledge was more than Murphy could withstand. Before he knew what he was doing, he had grabbed the side of her neck and pulled her face toward his. He covered her lips with his own, stealing a quick, soft kiss.

"Smart and beautiful," he mused, leaning back to look at her face. Fey blushed a bit and he could feel the red creeping up his neck and cheeks as well as he let his hand drop to his side. "Sorry, couldn't help meself."

"Well, at least you led with smart. It's nice when a girl knows she's appreciated for her mind," Fey giggled a bit, giving him a smirk. "But like I've said before, you're a good kisser Murphy MacManus. Makes me think you've kissed quite a lot of girls."

Murphy felt himself pale a little, slightly uncomfortable with the situation. Honestly, he hadn't thought about another girl since he'd met Fey, and certainly none of the other girls he'd had could touch the loveliness of sweet fairy Fey. And it didn't bother him a bit that he was stone sober and still thinking ridiculously childish thoughts. Licking his lips quickly, he replied "I'll admit, I've kissed a few, but…"

"But what," she chuckled lightly, face and eyes bright with amusement

"But," he repeated, stuffing one hand in his pocket and nibbling on the thumb and finger of the other one as he bowed his head. If he had known the shyness he exuded at that moment, he might have tried to change it, tried to act confident and charming. But as it was, he just stared at his feet and mumbled a bit. "I think I like kissin' ye the best, more than all the other lasses combined."

"You're a true Irish gentleman, Murphy," Fey smiled, taking his hand away from his mouth and twining her fingers with his before kissing his cheek. "I think you may be full of shit, but a gentleman nonetheless."

Murphy was about to protest her comment about being "full of shit" as she so eloquently put it, but she cut him off by looking back and forth down the aisle before leaning in a bit closer to whisper "Speaking of Irish gentleman, Murphy, can I ask you a serious question?"

"Aye," he nodded, squeezing her hand a bit as he looked at her curiously. Her head twisted to either end of the bookcases before pulling his down one side, farthest away from the doors. She tugged him close at the end of the case so that no one could see them from either aisle. Murphy couldn't help but smile when she checked the rows one last time. "What's so serious an' secret that ye're actin' like a scared rabbit?"

"I heard some of the conversation you and Connor were having this morning," she responded, which made Murphy's face burn red hot. He started to stammer a reply, but Fey shook her head. "I don't want any of these gossipy, book-stack jockeys to hear this, but does Connor really like Laura?"

The question caught him off guard completely, making him furrow his brow before a grin spread his face. It was such a sweet and innocent question, as though they were a couple school children making conversation. "Aye, I really think 'e does. D'ye think she likes him?"

"Yeah," she nodded, grinning as well. "On the ride to see Mr. Haloran, all she could talk about was Connor-this and Connor-that. If I didn't know her any better, I'd say she had a bit of a crush on him."

Murphy chuckled quietly, being respectful of the sanctity of a library. "Aye, a crush. I believe that's what me brother has too."

"But Laura's my best friend, Murphy, so I have to ask," she continued, looking timid as though she was afraid of the answer. "Is Connor just looking for a winter fling? Just a girl to keep around until he warms up to the place, then moves on? Don't get me wrong, I think you and your brother are both real nice guys, and I don't really care if Laura agrees to it, she's a big girl and can make her own decisions. I just… I'd just like to know so I can be well prepared. I'm very protective of my friends is all."

Murphy felt his heart beating a little faster. Something was telling him that she wasn't just talking about his brother and her friend anymore. It felt as though there were a second conversation going on underneath the surface and he was damned proud of himself for picking it out, even though he wouldn't let on. "Me brother's had a few lasses in his day, but I know him well enough ta see that he really does like Laura. He might be a right charming bastard an' it does tend ta piss me off sometimes, but he can't hide what he really feels from me. He likes her, more than he wants ta admit, and he won't do anythin' hurt 'er."

Fey seemed satisfied by the answer, nodding her head a little. But Murphy couldn't keep from adding in one last dig on his brother with a wide smile. "'Sides, I already told 'im I'd beat his arse if he does."

"Alright," she giggled again, making him shiver with how close they were. "Just make sure that he dances with her tonight at the club. Think you can do that?"

"Course I can," he nodded quickly, giving her a smirk. "Though I don't know if he's quite foolish enough to say no ta an offer ta dance with a lady."

"You did," she smirked back, raising an eyebrow.

"Aye, I did once," he nodded, pulling the back of her hand up to his lips. "But don't worry, Connor told me how much o' a fool I was fer it, an' I felt like an idiot too."

Fey's smile warmed him, even as she chuckled gently. "Does that mean you'll dance with me tonight if I ask?"

"I'd do anythin' ye ask a me, Fey," he replied before he had a chance to think about it.

"Then maybe I'll try not to drink too much tonight. I might start asking for things I shouldn't," she winked before pulling away from him and heading back down the aisle toward the study desks. Murphy watched after her a bit stunned for a moment, but soon moved his feet to follow.

--

The club was pretty packed and very hot, just like The Dutchman had told them. It seemed the bouncers knew Fey and Laura already, letting the group of four in ahead of a long line of rather upset people outside. Everyone checked their coats at a window near the entrance, Murphy unable to take his eyes away from Fey as she peeled off her long leather jacket. Earlier that day, she had looked clean cut and lovely, but once the sun went down and they headed for the club, Murphy could only call her look drop dead sexy.

While he and his brother still sported the same jeans and t-shirts from their afternoon outing, Laura had switched over to a skirt like Fey had on, both black and loose and barely touching their knees. The red-head put on a green top that made her hair and eyes stand out, but Fey went straight for crimson, low-cut too which made Murphy have to force himself not to stare. And bare legs leading down to strappy sandals were not helping. She had even gone so far as to paint her finger and toenails a strange black color with red flecks in it. Both had let their hair down and the humidity in the club was already causing them all to sweat a bit.

Murphy could tell his brother was just as taken with Laura from the slightly dumb look on his face. But the darker twin just smiled and offered his arm to Fey. She took it gladly, giving him a smirk as they walked out into the music, followed close behind by Laura and Connor. It was extremely loud, bass thumping the walls a bit on some songs. And the way sweaty bodies pressed and grinded against one another added to the stifling heat of the place. Fey led the group around some dancers to the bar where there was just enough room for them all to squeeze in amidst the bustling patrons.

"Hey Jonesy," Fey laughingly called over the counter and the din, tapping her hand a few times on the bar. "Get your ass over here and get me and my friends a drink."

One of the bartenders came walking over with a huge smile. "Fey! Heard you had your 21st birthday this week."

"Sure did," Fey nodded. "Picked these guys up from the Flogging Molly concert and decided to keep them around. I mean, I can't be at McGurk's all the time, so why not take a few Irishmen with me wherever I go."

Jonesy laughed as he looked the two men over. "Alright, Fey. Since I missed your birthday, your first drink is on me. What'll you have?"

Fey tapped her chin thoughtfully which made Murphy smile. "I think I'll start the night with a Stoli and Sprite."

"Oh, pretty stiff drink for a newbie," Jonesy chuckled as he poured.

"Well, I'm not driving home, so why not let loose a bit, huh," Fey smiled as she took the glass.

Each of the brothers got a Guinness and two shots of Jameson, telling the girls it was a tradition of theirs to start a night out. They took their shots of whiskey quickly, even as Laura's Jack and Coke was being made. Once it was in her hand though, she pulled Connor out on the dance floor, barely giving him enough time to grab his Guinness as he smiled. Fey took Murphy by the hand as they grabbed their drinks. She led him down a small ramp toward the back of the club, close to the office doors where there were a few tables set up. It was a little quieter there since it was right behind the stage and almost all the speakers faced the opposite direction.

"What're we doin' all the way back 'ere," Murphy asked, taking a sip from his beer.

"It's not so loud," Fey replied. "Plus, I like being able to see everything. Keeping my back to a wall let's me know no one is gonna sneak up on me."

"A bit paranoid there, are ye love?" Murphy snickered. "Well, don't ye worry. No one'll hurt ye while I'm around."

Fey took a drink from her glass. "Oh, so you're planning on being my hero, huh? Well, stick around. You might get your chance."

"What's that supposed to mean," Murphy questioned, head tilting a bit in confusion.

"Nothing," she shook her head. "Do you plan on getting drunk tonight?"

"Irishmen don't get drunk," he corrected with a wink and a grin. "We only get more charming."

"I guess it doesn't really matter," she smiled, shaking her head a little in amusement. "We walked here anyway."

"Which I commend ye for," Murphy's smile broadened as he pointed at her shoes. "Ye're a real trooper walkin' 'round in those things."

"Whoa, another compliment from Murphy MacManus," she giggled sweetly. "That's two in one day. Careful, I may think you're starting to like me."

Murphy looked at her a second, hands reaching into his pockets to pull out a cigarette and his Zippo. Putting the filter between his lips, he leaned his elbows on the table and fiddled with his lighter, something to keep his hands busy as he responded. "What if I do like ye, Fey?"

It was her turn to stare at him a moment as he lit his cigarette. She gave a soft smile and fiddled with the straw in her drink. "I'd probably ask you why."

"What's not ta like about ye, Fey? Ye're," he paused, blowing smoke from his mouth as his thumbnail worried his lower lip. "Ye're perfect."

"I'm far from perfect," she chuckled, sipping her vodka mix. "You just don't know me well enough."

"I'd like ta," he admitted taking another drag.

Fey shook her head slightly. "If I told you my secrets, you wouldn't like me very much, Murphy."

"Shouldn't I be the judge a that," he asked.

"Tell me your secrets," she replied stoically. "And I'll tell you mine."

Murphy nibbled his lip slightly. "They're not just my secrets ta tell."

"Precisely," she nodded. "How long do you think you could like a girl that keeps secrets from you?"

"Fer about as long as she could like me while I keep secrets from 'er," he answered, smoke curling from his lips as he leaned forward over the table. "D'ye like me, Fey?"

"Very much," she smiled softly, giving a little nod.

Murphy's heart beat faster as a somewhat silly grin crossed his face. "Then that's all that really matters right now, isn't it?"

She chuckled a little, shaking her head as if he was missing her point. He was about to ask what she meant by that action, but a song started and Fey picked her head up as if enthralled by the music.

"I love this song," she mused, sliding off her stool. "I'm gonna go dance."

Murphy watched as she walked a few feet closer to the group of dancers, unsure if he should follow her. He listened to the lyrics of the song for a moment. It was a Jamaican man talking about taking his girl to the West Indies. Murphy was actually starting to enjoy the music, finding the lyrics to be strangely familiar, but then he caught sight of Fey beginning to dance and he forgot all about the music.

Her body swayed back and forth to the beat as if in a trance. She spun and glided amongst the other dancers and Murphy was mesmerized by it. He watched, unable to look away as her hips moved and her skin began to glisten with sweat. It wasn't too graphic or obscene, but easily one of the most sensual things he had ever seen. And after another quick turn, their eyes met and she motioned him over to her with a crook of her finger.

He put his cigarette out in the ashtray, walking over to her as she continued to dance. Fey smiled at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck and Murphy could only describe it as seductive. His hands fell to her waist as she pressed against him, their breath mingling with their lips so close together. The tempo in the music slowed suddenly, and she twisted in his grasp so that her back eased into his chest. Her hips still continued their circular swaying motion, forcing him to either move with her or pull away, and he'd be damned if he lost one inch of physical contact with her. She slid down his body a few inches, then back up again, the friction it caused leaving him slightly uncomfortable in his jeans as he stifled a small moan in her hair.

The music stopped abruptly, but not before Fey had spun back around and wrapped her arms around Murphy's neck once more. They both panted a little for air, warm breath skimming over each other's slick skin.

"You're a good dancer, Murphy," Fey finally whispered after a few thick moments.

"Aye, well," Murphy replied with a smirk. "Ye've certainly got a few moves yerself. Don't think I've ever been tha' worked up over a song before."

"I'm sorry," she replied, tensing suddenly and looking embarrassed as a blush started creeping up her cheeks. "I guess that vodka was too much for me. I got carried away."

She started to pull away from him, but he held onto her tightly, forcing her back against his chest.

"Not this again," he shook his head slightly, voice thick with sheer desire. "I'll not let ye pull away this time."

Their eyes locked, something akin to fear flashing through her eyes and making Murphy's heart wrench, feeling that he'd done or said something wrong. But the fear was gone quickly without leaving a trace as her eyes softened and she covered his mouth with hers, sucking his lips gently.

Fey pulled back for a breath, quirking her eyebrows at him a bit. "Do you really want me, Murphy?"

"Oh, fuck yes," he breathed, pressing his forehead to hers as his hands slid down to her hips and pulled her closer. "I've wanted ye since I first laid eyes on ye."

He could feel her body tremble against him, even as she replied "Then that's all that really matters right now, isn't it?"

And with that, she clasped his hand in hers and led him toward the club offices.

A/N: Boy, that was a long chapter. Hope you enjoyed! I wonder what those two crazy cats will be up to back in the offices (rubs her chin thoughtfully) haha Oh, by the way, the song Fey was dancing to was "Shorty, I Could Take You There" by Sean Kingston.