A.N I cannot believe it's been over a month since I updated the time has just run away with me, preparations for Christmas then New Year devoured my writing time but today I have sat down and forced myself to finish this chapter. I apologise for the wait I hope you enjoy this chapter and I hope you all had a lovely festive period and best wishes to everyone for the New Year!

"Nurse Stevens? Hi how are you!"

Piper practically beamed as the familiar woman turned with confusion in her eyes before she relaxed into a welcoming smile as Piper pulled the smiling nurse into a quick embrace.

"Piper! Hi! I'm fine thank you but I don't quite know whether I should be pleased to see you or not?"

Piper chuckled "Nothing awful this time I promise we're here for Alex's radiotherapy. This is the second week of treatment and the third appointment so while she's otherwise engaged I'm just loitering until she's finished. I was beginning to get a bit restless so I thought I'd nip up and see if you were here"

Piper gestured around to the ward that was unfortunately so familiar to her. When she had first pushed her way through the heavy double doors a cold shiver had passed over her and for a moment she had struggled to tamper down the overwhelming sensation of fear that had built instantly in her stomach as her mind was assaulted with the recent memories of what both she and Alex had endured. It had taken a couple of deep steadying breaths before she could bring herself to head over to the nurses station to seek out the particular person she was looking for.

"I'm actually just about to go on my break Piper would you like to come and grab a coffee with me?"

Piper smiled and nodded eagerly and they made their way in comfortable silence to what Piper presumed was the nurses break room. She smiled and nodded at a few other familiar faces before they settled themselves down into a couple of worn armchairs overlooking the hospital grounds with hot plastic coffee cups in their hands.

"So how's Alex's treatment coming along?"

"Better than I imagined"

This was the honest truth the radiotherapy, although gruelling, was not as scary as Piper had initially thought. The build up to the first round had been fraught with worry and tension but Alex had been completely calm trying to ease Piper's nerves by explaining in detail exactly what the process involved and the side effects that she would possibly experience. No matter how many times Alex tried to reassure her Piper had not been able to tamper down her fear but Alex's descriptions had been accurate and Piper had been relieved to realise that Alex had been correct in her assumptions as to what to expect.

"Has she struggled with any side affects?"

Piper shook her head "Not really the only thing that Alex has really experienced is crippling tiredness after the radiotherapy has been administered in tends to wipe her out for the rest of the day. Luckily she hasn't experienced any hair loss and I know this is the thing she was most concerned about"

Nurse Stevens nodded "It's the most common reaction to cancer treatment especially in woman"

"She has to come everyday for the next 3 weeks then fingers crossed that will be it" Piper smiled hesitantly over the rim of her cup and she was grateful for the warm hand that squeezed her own gently.

"Well I'm praying for you both Piper if anybody deserves happiness its you and Alex especially after everything you have endured"

Piper took a long sip of her coffee and looked out of the window to the grounds outside she didn't really know how to respond to the kind words given to her it made her feel rather bashful.

"I presume Alex's physiotherapy has been placed on hold for the time being?"

"Yes until she's finished this course she's not to attend as you can imagine there was quite an argument over it but I think Alex is secretly relieved now after how tired she has been feeling afterwards"

Nurse Stevens started to laugh "She was one of the more stubborn patients I have ever encountered" Nurse Stevens raised her eyebrows at Piper grinning "But then again I recall you not being much better"

Piper smiled guiltily "I know I can imagine you were incredibly glad to see the back of us both"

"I haven't missed arguing with the powers that be about your sleeping arrangements I must admit. If I had had to endure the same argument of hospital policy and health and safety one more time I think I would have screamed"

Their talk moved to happier topics Piper asked about Nurse Steven's wife and she had laughed at the nurse's face when she had told her that no she had not made any wedding plans and no she did not see a wedding on the horizon anytime soon.

"I have noticed that ring on your finger though I don't think it's possible to miss it. Someone is proving to the world that you belong to her"

Piper chuckled and she held her hand out flexing her ring finger causing the diamond to shine brightly "It was my belated Christmas gift I still cannot get over how beautiful it is"

"I agree it must have cost your Alex a fortune"

"She won't tell me what she paid for it even though I have tried to wheedle it out of her. Alex has always spoilt me even though I have told her all I've ever needed is her to love me"

"What does Alex do? I know we discussed your job at length when you were visiting here considering I am such a fan of your books but I don't think you ever mentioned Alex's job"

"She imports items for a finders price, you name it she can find it. Alex has a real talent for it, she always has done ever since the first time we met"

Piper laughed internally to herself at her words she wasn't about to tell Nurse Stevens her love's drug smuggling past but it still amused her at times that Alex's past heroin importing had actually managed to pass over to provide such a lucrative legal job.

"Wow very interesting I suppose it's a handy job to have what with the illness I suppose she's not had to face the hardship of going on sick leave"

Piper's phone buzzed in her pocket and she looked apologetically to Nurse Stevens before she glanced at the text message that had appeared on her screen.

"Alex is finished for today I'm going to have to go but it's been lovely to see you again"

They quickly finished their coffees before Piper stood and embraced the Nurse she had come to think of as a friend.

"Don't be a stranger Piper you are quite welcome to pop up and see me anytime, you and Alex"

Piper nodded warmly and they said their goodbyes before Piper made her way back towards the radiography unit. When she arrived in the reception area she smiled as she noticed Alex was already sat waiting for her on a particularly uncomfortable looking chair.

"You ready to go love?"

Alex nodded at her tiredly and Piper helped her stand before handing Alex her crutch. Piper wrapped one arm around Alex's waist firmly and they made their way slowly to the carpark the winter sun's weak rays warming her face as they stepped outside.

"How did it go?"

"Fine next appointment is Monday so I have a few days to recover thank God"

Piper nodded as she took out her car keys once Alex was firmly settled in the front seat comfortably Piper began the short journey from the hospital back to Piper's apartment. Once they had arrived back in their safe haven Piper turned to Alex her car keys still in her hand.

"Will you be alright while I nip out for a few hours?"

Alex's face darkened slightly and Piper winced she hadn't mentioned to Alex that she had an appointment that she needed to attend having completely forgotten about it until Alex was already in the treatment room.

"Where are you going?"

"I have a meeting with my publishers they want to discuss my newest amended draft of the third novel. Hopefully I shouldn't be too long they didn't really say what it was they needed to talk about"

Piper held her breath but Alex didn't put up a fight she just nodded tiredly and made her way slowly to the bedroom. Piper moved forwards to help her but she was stopped in her tracks by Alex's raised hand.

"Don't Piper I'm perfectly capable of moving from here to the bed without you fucking hovering"

Piper tampered down the urge to retaliate instead she bit her cheek and just nodded "Ok I'll see you later ring me if you need anything and I'll come straight back"

Alex just waved at her dismissively and Piper knew she was angry but she didn't have time to argue now she was already running late. Deciding to let her frustration go for now Piper waited until the bedroom door had closed with a resounding bang before she headed back out of the door hoping that this meeting passed quickly otherwise she was going to be in for a difficult evening.

"I understand that this is a lot to take in Miss Chapman but I really think you should consider this offer. There is a real demand for you and with this draft almost ready for print we think it would really help sales if you did a short promotional tour just across a few states"

Piper could barely take in the information she was being given. The meeting had taken an unexpected turn thinking she was just discussing her third book release date she had been shocked to hear how much demand there was for this instalment. Although she knew her books were selling well she had no idea the level of popularity that there currently was. When Alex had left her she had thrown herself into her work as soon as her brain had recovered enough to function but since they had reconciled her writing had taken a back seat and she had not taken any interest as to how well her books had been selling or how popular they had become.

"Since your first book was listed in The Times recommendation list sales have rocketed and people are clamouring to know more about the author behind the stories. It would help the sales revenue if you made a couple of appearances at book signings and maybe undertook a few interviews"

"I never realised I would have to do promotions that was never my intention when I stated to write"

The man sat in front of her sighed heavily and Piper knew he was frustrated at her lack of enthusiasm "Miss Chapman opportunities like this do not come around often this could potentially make both you and us a lot of money"

"Ah so that's why you are so keen for me to agree"

His face coloured slightly and Piper felt a small thrill pass through her knowing she had hit upon the route of his frustration.

"Why are you so reluctant, most authors would jump at this opportunity?"

Piper scowled slightly at his impertinence but she kept her tone even "My fiancée is currently enduring radiotherapy treatment for a cancerous brain tumour and I am not leaving her while I gallivant around the country chit chatting to members of the public"

"I'm sure she wouldn't want to be the reason you turned down such a lucrative deal"

Piper's scowl deepened her temper beginning to bubble up deep within her "Do not speak as if she is holding me back the whole reason I began writing in the first place was due to her support and encouragement. I would be nothing without her and I refuse to leave her at a time when I need to be by her side"

The man held up his hands conceding defeat "Well I still think you should consider what you are being offered carefully. Why don't you go home speak to your fiancée and give me a call in a few days and let me know your thoughts?"

Piper already knew what her answer would be but she couldn't be bothered wasting anymore time arguing. Instead she nodded humouring the man for now and she watched as his body visibly relaxed "Excellent if you could let me have an answer within, let's say a week then I can start to plan the release date etcetera if you agree we could literally have your first interview within a matter of weeks"

Piper nodded and shook his hand before she made her way to her car her brain buzzing with thoughts. If this offer had come at any other time then Piper would have snatched it with both hands and not let go. She wasn't stupid she knew with promotion came more money and meeting and greeting would only help increase her profile. The offer unfortunately couldn't have come at a worse time for there was no way she was leaving Alex home alone while she travelled across States. Even if it was scheduled for after the radiotherapy Alex was still due to return to physio and Piper wanted to be physically present. To her it would be breaking the promise she had made to stay by Alex's side. Putting the car in gear she shook herself mentally she would leave it a couple of days then contact the publisher and politely decline. If it affected the sales and her popularity then so be it Alex was more important than either of those things. Her mind made up Piper set off home trying to ignore the slight sinking feeling that had appeared deep within her stomach at the decision she had just made.

"Are you going to carry on ignoring me for the rest of the evening or are you actually going to acknowledge my presence at some point"

The stony silence was driving Piper up the wall ever since she had returned home she had been given the silent treatment and it was beginning to grate on her nerves. Still receiving no response Piper stalked into the kitchen and began loudly putting the washing up away slamming and banging the cupboard doors as she did so.

"For fucks sake Piper pack it in I've got a fucking headache"

"Getting a reaction from you though isn't it?!"

Piper slammed the last drawer shut and turned to look at Alex who was scowling fiercely as she glared at her with fire in her eyes.

"You're like a fucking child"

"No you're the child Alex! I left for an appointment with my publisher for Christ's sake you would think I had done something unforgivable the way you have been behaving"

"Didn't tell me you were going though did you? For all I know you could have been anywhere with anyone a little heads up in the future would be nice unless of course you are hiding something?"

Piper let out a humourless bark of laughter and she shook her head in disbelief.

"It slipped my mind because it didn't seem important I don't know if you've realised but I have had other things to think about"

"Yeah sure try and place the blame on me. You weren't so fucking preoccupied that you couldn't leave me this afternoon were you? What the fuck Pipes I've had a fucking radiation beam burnt into my brain and you just buggered off with a 'Oh sorry I'll see you later'!"

"You didn't seem bothered when I said I had to go"

Alex scoffed and turned her head so that she wasn't looking directly at her anymore and Piper could feel the anger building as her frustration took hold. She couldn't quite believe they were arguing over something so futile.

"Didn't have much of a choice did I? You hardly offered the option that you would have stayed if I hadn't wanted you to go"

"I tried to make sure you were alright with me leaving and when I tried to help you, you told me to fuck off!"

"Because you were doing what, at the moment, you do best and fucking hovering! I'm not a child I don't need you to be constantly watching, like I can't do the simplest things for myself"

Piper ran a hand agitatedly through her hair and leant forwards onto the kitchen worktop.

"Well then if you are fed up with me caring, oh sorry hovering, why are you so angry over the fact that I went out for a couple of hours?"

The anger seemed to drain from Alex's face and she dragged a hand through her hair a loud sigh leaving her lips.

"I'm just fucking pissed Pipes"

Piper watched as Alex began to fidget her hand worrying at the edge of the worn tee she was currently wearing. Forcing her frustration away Piper felt a wave of tiredness wash over her and she made her way over to the couch slowly not sure whether her presence would be accepted. When Alex remained silent Piper sat down heavily and let her head fall backwards a loud sigh leaving her own lips as she did. She jumped slightly as Alex's fingers brushed against her own but she allowed the contact, wrapping her hand loosely around her love's long slender digits.

"Are you ok?"

Piper made sure to keep her tone neutral for fear of sounding patronising she was pleased when Alex sighed but did not snap at her in reply.

"I'm just fed up Piper, I'm fed up of being ill I just want to be able to live normally and it's getting me down"

Piper could hear the weariness in Alex's voice and she wished she could take it all away share the physical burden of this shitty illness that was obviously causing Alex more distress than she had thought.

"You can't keep taking it out on me its not fair Al I know its frustrating but I'm only trying to help"

Alex let out a deep breath and squeezed Piper's fingers tightly in her grasp and she turned to look at her a gentle smile across her features which Piper hesitantly returned.

"I know Kid and I'm sorry, I'm sorry for all of it. I just get so angry and I'm lashing out"

Piper nodded accepting her apologies she knew how hard this was for Alex who was usually so strong and independent and she didn't want them to fall out over something which seemed so petty.

"We need to find another way to vent your frustrations"

Piper let her tone turn flirty and she raised an eyebrow smirking coyly as she fluttered her eyelashes in Alex's direction. Alex groaned wantonly in reply but she shook her head looking frustrated "I'm so knackered Kid I don't think I could even begin to fuck you properly"

Piper shook her head slowly before she stood up so that she was standing in front of Alex's curious gaze. Moving confidently she climbed up onto the couch and pressed her weight down firmly into Alex's lap her knees resting on the couch cushions Alex's legs pinned between her thighs.

"I never said anything about you fucking me"

Piper made sure to whisper her words into Alex's ear, her tongue reaching out to caress Alex's earlobe causing her dark haired lover to shiver, her hands coming to rest on Piper's hip bones. Piper began to rock her hips slightly her earlier frustration giving way to the burning urge to fuck the woman pinned underneath her. Piper nipped and sucked at Alex's ear and neck loving the breathy pants her actions pulled from Alex's body. When she bit down on Alex's pulse point Alex jumped slightly a quiet moan leaving her lips and Piper smirked.

"You're such a little tease"

"And yet you love me for it"

Alex pulled on her hips tightly increasing the friction between them and Piper began to rock harder. She let her hands trail down Alex's shoulders to her breasts smirking as her fingers came into contact with the hardened peaks through the thin material of Alex's t shirt. Leaning back slightly she watched as Alex's face slowly began to flush as she flicked and pinched at her sensitive nipples her body beginning to strain forward and Piper chuckled before removing her hands.

"See ... fucking tease"

"I'm not denying it my dear just as your body can't deny how much you love it"

Piper ran her fingers gently down Alex's vest clad torso before slipping them past the waist band of her pants letting out a feral grin when her finger tips met the moist heat she craved so much. Piper stroked one finger across Alex's clit, coaching it out of hiding rubbing with the barest hint of friction, watching keenly as Alex's hips began to arch up and her breathing faltered. Piper knew Alex was struggling not cave in to her desire but it was a losing battle and Piper knew it when Alex's arms began to tighten their hold around her pulling her closer into Alex's body increasing the pressure between them.

"Is this satisfying you Al? Or do you need more?"

"More..."

Piper pulled her hand away ignoring the look of outrage that crossed Alex's face before she crashed their lips together their tongues meeting each other eagerly.

"What would you like more my mouth or my fingers?"

Alex groaned at the heated words Piper whispered on to her lips and Piper felt Alex's hips buck against her own.

"Fuck ... Mouth"

Piper smirked wickedly she knew that was going to be the answer, nothing made Alex cum quite like her tongue, and she was instantly willing to comply. Moving swiftly downwards coming to kneel on the wooden floor she pulled Alex's thin yoga pants from down her gorgeous long legs and threw them over her shoulder not caring where they landed. Running her hands up Alex's soft skin she grasped her knees gently and prised her legs apart pulling Alex forwards so that she was settled comfortably between Alex's thighs.

"That all for me?"

Alex was ready her core glistening with her arousal and Piper watched as her love winked at her before smirking cockily "Nah I've been thinking about Nichols"

Piper traced one finger gently down Alex's wet slit barely applying any pressure causing Alex's breath to hitch and her hips to strain.

"You can get yourself off then to thoughts of Nicky"

Piper pulled her hand away and made to get up from the floor but she was stopped as Alex's right leg wrapped around her tightly pinning her against the couch between her thighs.

"Don't you dare move. I believe I told you I wanted your mouth now fucking use it"

Piper swallowed down the loud moan that threatened to break out at Alex's words, dominant Alex was unbelievably sexy, and her body shuddered with want her own sex throbbing in response.

Allowing Alex the control Piper did as she was told and she leant forwards placing soft open mouthed kisses to Alex's left thigh all the while feeling her own muscles clenching in anticipation as she neared her intended destination. As she came closer Piper skipped over where she knew Alex wanted her the most instead she raised the edge of her top and pressed a soft kiss to Alex's mound. This close she could smell Alex's arousal and she automatically licked her lips and raised her eyes so that she had a clear view of Alex's gorgeous face.

"Touch me Piper I'm gagging for you"

Those words spoken with that husky voice of pure sex spurred Piper into action and she flattened her tongue licking from Alex's already sopping entrance all the way to her now protruding clit. Alex's thighs shook and twitched at the action as her head rolled back and Piper threw one leg over her shoulder and tightened her arms around the strong muscles.

"Fuck... You taste so good"

Piper repeated the motion over and over gathering Alex's arousal in her mouth her eyes almost rolling back in pleasure at the taste that was purely Alex. Alex's body was shaking gasps and moans falling from her open mouth. One of Alex's hands moved to clench hard onto the back of the couch the other coming to rest roughly on the back of Piper's head her fingers tangling into her hair.

"I can't get enough of you, I'm going to make you cum so fucking hard Al my face will be fucking dripping"

Alex moaned loudly and Piper knew her words were only turning Alex on more she always had enjoyed it when Piper swore in bed.

"Hmmm yes Piper ... fuck me with that dirty mouth"

Piper could feel her own arousal beginning to pool into her underwear leaving her feeling damp and uncomfortably turned on but she resisted the urge to touch herself instead concentrating hard on bringing Alex to the edge.

Piper nipped and sucked at Alex's pussy lips over and over bringing Alex closer to the point of release loving the keening sounds that echoed into the room. Knowing Alex was getting close she inched upwards and wrapped her lips around Alex's protruding clit nibbling and sucking hard at the throbbing hot flesh.

"Fuck ... Pipes... Yes"

Alex's grip on the back of her head had tightened holding her against her firmly and Piper knew it would not take much to cause Alex to fall apart underneath her. Circling her tongue over her clit roughly Piper let go of Alex's leg with one hand and thrust two fingers deep inside Alex's soaking entrance not hesitating for a moment as she fucked Alex harshly. Alex's body arched upwards violently and Piper struggled to hold her down while continuing to thrust both her fingers and her tongue at the same time.

"Pi..Pipes fuck ... right ...there"

Piper curled her fingers and thrust hard against Alex's g-spot once, twice as Alex's walls began to clench and spasm her orgasm approaching swiftly her hips beginning to jerk hard.

"Yes Piper yes, yes, fuck, fuck"

Alex's body arched violently as Piper did one final thrust her inner walls clenching hard as she struggled to ride out the waves of her orgasm. Piper slowly removed her fingers but replaced them with her mouth tracing her tongue down from Alex's clit to her dripping entrance as she lapped up the evidence of her lover's orgasm. She continued until Alex began to squirm restlessly and she allowed herself to be pulled up into Alex's warm embrace straddling her thighs their lips automatically coming to meet.

Piper moaned into the kiss as Alex quickly unbuttoned her jeans and shoved a hand roughly into her soaked underwear pressing hard on her aching clit. Piper's head lolled back as she felt her pussy walls clench in anticipation and she clutched at Alex's shoulders desperately to anchor herself.

"Harder, fuck Al harder"

Alex increased the pressure rubbing harshly back and forth while she nipped and sucked at the sensitive skin of her neck and Piper cried out as her own orgasm hit almost instantly. As she whimpered and gasped she felt almost embarrassed at how quickly it had taken hold of her.

"Yes Alex..."

Piper clutched tight hold of Alex as her body jerked and shuddered riding out every wave of pleasure until her limbs relaxed and she fell into Alex's strong embrace as her sated body settled against her better half.

"Well that certainly had the desired effect"

Piper chuckled weakly "Do you feel better?"

"God do I"

Alex pressed a kiss to her head and Piper smiled nuzzling her nose into Alex's clammy neck.

"Well at least we know now how to deal with any future frustration. Although next time we need to make it to the bed I'm going to have to wipe down the couch later, it's a bloody good job it's leather"

Alex laughed loudly and Piper joined in heartily enjoying the moment of pure post sex bliss glad that the demons that threatened to overcome her love had been pushed back for now.

A.N If anyone's still reading I would love to hear your thoughts :) ...