McBlake

Prompted by Llanea, the aftermath of JP's trial. This is a conversation that should have aired between Patrick and JP. Although it was implied on-screen that they had spoken about JP's ordeal, we never actually got to see it.

"He should have protected you from Finn in the first place"

In some respects, Patrick was still shell-shocked. Although it had been about six weeks since John Paul had revealed the truth about his ordeal at Darren and Nancy's wedding reception, it still hadn't fully sunk in for everyone yet. The idea of one of his employees being sexually assaulted in the workplace then continuing to show up to work every day after that was something that Patrick couldn't even being to comprehend. However, all of John Paul's actions certainly made sense when Patrick thought back over the past nine months, particularly John Paul wanting Finn and Robbie expelled. Patrick felt guilty because if he had done what John Paul had asked then Finn would never have set foot inside the school again, John Paul wouldn't have had to face him every day, the disastrous trip would never have happened and John Paul would never have lost his job. Patrick wouldn't even hesitate to admit that John Paul was a credit to the school: the students seemed to adore him due to his teaching style and his wise but cheeky nature, and Patrick was penitent that he had lost him as a member of staff, especially now that he knew the circumstances.

All Patrick wanted to do was have a quiet drink in The Dog after a busy day at the school, but as he entered he pub he spotted John Paul being pampered by his family and friends, who were clearly celebrating the result of the trial. Patrick smiled slightly as he caught John Paul's eye, then sat down at the bar before ordering some wine. After a few moments, Patrick sensed that someone was approaching him so he turned around to find John Paul standing next to him

"Hey" John Paul greeted Jack, who was working behind the bar, "Could we get the same again? Thanks"

"It's on me" Patrick informed him. Both John Paul and Jack looked surprised so Patrick nodded, "I insist"

John Paul looked confused, "Uh, thanks" he replied uncertainly. Jack gave a brief smile and nod before sorting out the drinks.

There was an awkward pause, "Congratulations on the trial" Patrick finally uttered.

John Paul smiled at him, "Thanks" he murmured, "And thanks for all your help"

Patrick shrugged, "I didn't do much"

"You testified for me" John Paul corrected, "I know how difficult it must have been for you, being Finn's head-teacher and my former boss. I wouldn't have blamed you if you wanted to withdraw from it instead of taking sides"

Patrick shook his head, "I know that the needs of the students are paramount and I'm prepared to face the backlash of this" he began "but I respect you as a friend and an employee. And I believe your story - as awful as it is - that's why I did it"

John Paul blushed slightly, "Well I've not been an 'employee' for over six months" he pointed out

"I know, and that's why I wanted to help"

John Paul was taken aback, "So that's why you did it then?" he questioned, "You felt guilty about firing me once you found out what happened, so you helped me in court" he snapped "Do you want me to forgive you for sacking me or something?"

"No, of course not" Patrick argued, "You shouldn't be forgiving anyone"

John Paul nodded coldly in agreement. He certainly was not obliged to forgive and he wasn't about to do so. Patrick glanced at him sympathetically but turned his attention towards Jack, who had returned with the drinks.

John Paul smiled slightly as he picked them up. Patrick put his hand out to stop him.

"I'll help" he offered.

John Paul hesitated, then nodded gratefully before leading Patrick over to the corner where his family and friends were gathered. Patrick received disapproving looks from the majority of them, though he could hardly blame them for it. They handed the beverages around to everyone else before Patrick returned to his seat at the bar and sat down thoughtfully.

xxx

John Paul was confused when Patrick suddenly left while talking to someone on his mobile, especially since he had just ordered himself a drink. A few minutes later Patrick returned with a satisfied grin on his face. John Paul watched Patrick suspiciously as he took a triumphant sip of his wine, and his curiosity got the better of him. Just as John Paul had begun to approach him, Ste grabbed his arm.

"Where are you going?" he asked

"Nowhere" John Paul replied unconvincingly

Ste glanced over to the bar and noticed Patrick, "You want to talk to him, don't you?"

John Paul shrugged, "Just to thank him for helping me carry the drinks"

"He doesn't deserve anything, especially not from you" Ste snarled, "He's a crazy wife-beater"

It took every fibre of John Paul's being not to point out the irony of Ste insulting Patrick for abusing Maxine considering his own past of abuse, since everyone was elated about the result of the trial and he didn't want to ruin the atmosphere. Instead he shrugged and headed over to the bar, Ste in tow.

Patrick smiled as John Paul approached, "John Paul, I've just got off the phone with the head of the Department for Education" he began smugly

John Paul and Ste shared a puzzled look: although John Paul was aware that the DfE was the regulator of education, he was unsure why Patrick was telling him this, especially considering that he hadn't worked at the school for nearly nine months.

"They know about your ordeal, so they're going to contact the head of the local council to get extra cameras installed in the school" Patrick continued, "I know we already have quite a few, but having some more would ensure that if anything like this happened again, it would be caught immediately"

John Paul smiled gratefully, but Patrick was not finished yet, "They also agreed to review their policy about improving behaviour to prevent bullying against teachers as well as students"

"Thank you" John Paul replied gratefully. He was comforted to know that steps would be taken to ensure that no-one would ever have to go through what he went through himself.

Ste, however, was not satisfied, "Is that it then?" he questioned irritably, "You're not gonna apologise or anything?"

Patrick nodded and stood up, "Of course. I really am sorry John Paul" he apologised, extending his hand, "The thought of what happened to you is disgusting, and I'm sorry it took so long for me to realise or do anything to help"

John Paul shook his hand, "You did" he reassured the towering man, "What you did today helped, so thanks again"

Ste crossed his arms, "And what about his job?"

Patrick shifted uncomfortably, "You know I would re-hire you if I could" he murmured, "But what you did to Robbie was wrong, regardless of the situation, and it would take a long time to get everyone else on board with the idea"

Ste rolled his eyes and John Paul nodded "Yeah, I understand" he murmured, "Thanks anyway"

Patrick nodded and returned to his seat. Ste put his arm around John Paul and led him back to his family. John Paul looked at his former boss over his shoulder and they held eye contact for a moment before Patrick smiled and returned to his drink. He was disappointed that he could not offer John Paul his job back and that his chances of working in education ever again was slim to none, but he knew that the young man would be successful in whatever he decided to do next. Patrick was also well aware that his appeal to the Department of Education would never make up for the ordeal that John Paul had suffered, but he was determined that no student or teacher would ever have to experience anything as traumatic as the man had ever again.

Thanks for reading! And thanks Llanea for the request: I hope this is close to what you were expecting. I have a bit of a soft spot for Patrick (as weird as that may be) and I wanted to present him in a relatively positive but realistic way, so I hope I've done that. The stuff about the Department of Education was fictional (though it does exist), but I have been studying them recently and they are relevant so I thought I'd mention them. Anyway, if anyone has any more ideas for one-shots, then let me know, and remember that reviews are always welcome!