Tipsy

It was about half eleven when Leanna next checked her phone, but she couldn't be sure. Things seemed to slip her mind the moment she thought of them, but taking a glance at Lizanne who was practically hanging off of Frank's arm, she knew she wasn't that bad. Liam was stood next to her, attempting to balance empty beer cans on his arm that was crossed over his chest by the sling. Both Rick and Elektra had disappeared and through the fuzzy thoughts wavered one, that they would have to leave at some point to avoid getting caught. The realisation that she should probably look for them dawned, though she was quite comfy in Liam's arms and an hour or two more wouldn't hurt, would it?

It didn't seem that way at first, most of the group in the living room seemed to handle drinking somewhat responsibly, and unlike when she was around her dad she didn't feel nervous. Quickly she shut him out of her mind, feeling a shudder run through her as brief flashbacks of his drunk moments flashed in front of her eyes. He's gone, he's not coming back.. Leanna told herself, but to be frank it wasn't working. He wasn't gone. He was just locked up, but how long would that last? She was safe though, Mike and Liam would protect her. Not like he'd come back for her anyways.

Shifting herself in Liam's arms, Leanna looked up at him. He was laughing with one of his friends, his glazed eyes lighting up and his smile brightening the room. He really was special, even though he didn't realise it. He had come back for her and taken her to the Dumping Ground despite what happened with stealing Frank's possessions. He hadn't noticed that she was uncomfortable and just let her move when she left his embrace. She wanted to get another drink, to change the thoughts that were buzzing around in her head.

Upon entering the kitchen Leanna found Rick helping a girl with dark hair drink some water. Leanna felt like she vaguely recognised her, but turned her attention to Rick who looked frustrated. He glanced at her and gave a half hearted smile, his arm firmly wrapped around the girl to keep her up. Smiling back, Leanna was about to take a cup of Vodka when she was reminded of the girl Rick was looking after. Something not too strong, she thought and picked up a breezer. Passing out was not her idea of fun. To be honest, she didn't even know why she agreed to come. Maybe it was the strong urge to please Liam or the attraction of a party, Leanna was now realising that it really wasn't worth it. She would have been better off with a more space in the wardrobe than she now had, and a good nights sleep.

She could always gather Liam and Frank and leave, she thought as she tossed the fruity drink back into her mouth. The fizz made her tongue tingle and she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, remembering that she did not like fizzy drinks at all.

Another lot of people had joined the group in the living room, and Leanna made her way over to Liam, Frank and Lizanne. She had only been gone five minutes and Liam seemed even more loud and boisterous, and he spun her around, pulled her onto his lap and kissed her on the cheek as she reached him. "Dunno if I said today, but you look be-au-ti-ful." He emphasised, earning a blush from Leanna. Why was he so unbelievably cute? She sighed internally.

"Is that the Liam kid?" A voice stood out among the others, one that Leanna didn't recognise at all. It seemed that Liam's over the top gestures had caught the attention of not only Leanna. A stout looking boy pushed through to the sofas, a grimace spread across his face. "Oh, it is!" He laughed, stepping forwards.

"Yep, 'at's me!" Liam chuckled, though he stopped when he looked up and saw the boy who stood before him. "Oh."

"Bet you thought you'd never see me, eh!" The boy growled, his frown deepening.

Liam shrugged, seemingly loosing the care he had only moments ago. "Look James, it was a joke, 'aight?" He reasoned, glancing around when he noticed that the group had stopped talking and were now watching the two. Leanna grabbed his hand, feeling butterfly's emerge in her stomach. The bad feeling that she had felt when they arrived was back, and Leanna had a feeling that it wasn't just Tracy's pasta they had for dinner.

"You pissed me off, O'Donovan. Fuck off right now yeah? Nobody wants you here," James threatened, stepping closer. He wasn't taller than Liam, but he sure was bigger. Liam opened his mouth to reply, but closed it again. "Actually, nobody has ever wanted you, isn't that right?" He sniggered, taking the chance to hit home.

Liam stood up at this, his playful attitude gone. "'scuse me?" He said quietly. "You don't know nothing about me." His words were slurred but the impact of what James had said seemed to have a slightly sobering affect, and he didn't sway.

"I think I do. You're a little care kid, ain't you!" James laughed, and there was silence around them. Did no one know? Leanna thought. Had no one ever questioned where Liam lived, or what his parents were like, or why he never invited people from school over? It seemed like they hadn't as James' revelation caused hushed whispers and stares. A muscle in Liam's jaw twitched, and he let go of Leanna's hand.

"Ain't nothing wrong with being a care kid."

James considered this for a moment. "What, the rest of you lot not messed up as you are? You're all nothing." He sneered.

It was a moment before Liam leapt forwards, pushing James backwards. "Don't you say anything about them, or me. Fuck off." He shouted, and immediately Leanna and Frank grabbed him by the arms and pulled him away.

"Leave it, Liam." Frank said in hushed tones, and leaving a laughing James, they lead a stumbling Liam outside into the garden. He was evidently still fuming as he muttered angrily to himself, cursing James under his breath. "I think we should go home." Frank sighed, and Leanna nodded.

"Look, you go and get Lizanne and the others and I'll take Liam back. Catch up, alright? Call me if you need, okay?" Leanna offered, taking Liam's arm. Frank nodded and headed back into the party whilst Leanna started down the road with Liam following, his balance slightly off. They were silent for the whole journey, until Liam moaned quietly behind her.

"I feel sick." He groaned, stopping by a wall and leaning against it.

Leanna grimaced to herself and stopped. Her eye caught sight of the corner shop and she told him to wait whilst she bought some water. When she returned he was sitting against the wall, his eyes closed and his arm cradling the other. "Does it hurt?" Leanna asked gently, unscrewing the bottle and passing it to him. He nodded slightly, chugging back the water gratefully. Leanna watched him, wondering what he was thinking at that moment. He always seemed so on edge recently, as if he was just about to snap. She supposed he did with James. He cared so much for all the care kids, but she really was surprised he hadn't told anyone. Was he ashamed? He had never mentioned it before.

When he had finished the bottle he stood up and winced, but ignored it. Taking Leanna's hand he started walking again, staying silent once again. Leanna figured the others could get home themselves, they had Frank. She did feel quite bad for leaving him, but they had to get Liam out of there. He seemed to be calming down, and sped up a little as the house came into view. They tiptoed through the front garden to the brick wall, where Liam stood and squinted up at it. "Hmm, didn't think of this when we left." He sighed, and Leanna laughed quietly. That was more like Liam. She placed her foot on a low branch of the oak tree and hoisted herself up onto the wall, struggling a little. Liam bit his tongue from making any jokey remarks and held out a hand for her to pull up.

"How can you be so skinny and yet so heavy!" Leanna gasped as swung his legs round to the other side of the wall.

He smirked, flexing an arm. "It's all here, babe." He slurred, and then dropped to the other side. Leanna had to clamp a hand over her mouth to avoid shrieking as he fell, and she felt her heart hammer in her chest as he landed safely on the ground and rolled over, laughing. "Hey, why are you so scared?" He called up to her as she slowly lowered herself down. Leanna swallowed hard, turning to face him.

"You didn't see yourself fall that day, Liam." She said quietly, and the jokey look fell from his face.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, kissing her forehead. "Just gonna say though, you didn't see your dad hurt you either." Automatically Leanna's face crumpled, the memories from earlier that night reappearing in her head. "You get hurt to often." He sighed, his hand reaching up to trace the faint scar that ran from her temple to her cheekbone.

"And you are wanted." Leanna replied, gazing at him. At that moment, all she wanted to do was sleep and when she woke up, she wanted Dennis to be gone and everything to be back to normal. He didn't smile though, and suddenly he was kissing her with more feeling than he ever had.

And all too soon he had pulled away and was cradling his arm, his eyes avoiding hers. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it when she saw there were tears in his eyes. Did he really think he was nothing? "Liam.." She began.

"Stay here with me." He said, sitting down on the grass.

Leanna raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden idea. "What, here?" She gestured to the garden, and he nodded. He was still drunk she noticed. Her bed was waiting for her upstairs, she thought. What if Mike or Dennis came in through the garden in the morning? Doubts clouded her mind, but deciding to make a tipsy decision, why not? It was a pleasant night and in all honesty, Liam needed someone. Plus, they'd be in more trouble if she stayed in his room. Shrugging she told him that she'd be back, and entered the house through the bathroom window to get a spare duvet from the cupboard upstairs. When she returned Liam was already half asleep, his eyes opening and shutting slowly as he shifted over to her under the tree.

"Ain't this a cliche thing to do, eh." He muttered sleepily. "Seems kinda fairy-tale like don't it. I'm too average for that shit though." His words were mumbled and his eyes didn't open again as he settled into a gentle sleep.

Laughing at his sleepy rambles Leanna curled up next to him, ignoring the odd feeling of the grass under them. She'd ask him about James another time. "You're far from average." She said, though she wasn't sure he heard her.

A/N: slightly shorter chapter this time. Thank you for reviewing! I've just caught up with the new series and I'm loving it so far, I like how there is a tad more seriousness. Anyone else looking forward to Liam? I am hehe