25th December 2019: The Simplicities of Life

They were waking up beside each other on the single bed in the spare room at his dad's house. It wasn't the most comfortable night sleep but it would do for both of them as they had each other and that was enough for them both. The sun shone through the netted curtains forcing her eyes to open, she grumbled in annoyance at the light streaming through but with Peter's presence there her foul mood disappeared. She had been very grumpy the last few days, refusing to crack a smile, he put it down to Michelle leaving and that was final, he never brought the topic up knowing she was secretly hurt about the whole thing.

As she became more awake as the time went on he was running his hand up and down her back, she snuggled into his chest and eventually, her eyes met his, he kissed her on the forehead, she straddled his and resting her head on his chest so she could look at him directly in the eyes, they loved being close and it made them both feel safe having the other one so close to them.

Soon after they cuddled for a bit, taking in each other's presence they decided they would get ready for the day, she dressed in something comfy knowing they were going to be doing a lot today from meeting both sides of the family and to opening the presents and eating a lot of food, she didn't want to feel restricted.

They headed down to the bistro where Michelle was hosting a few drinks there, they were all over each other, they were so happy and that was something that they cherished entirely. They entered the bistro and Michelle had laid out some non-alcoholic variants of alcoholic drinks for them, she couldn't believe her friend was going to leave her but she was convinced she would be ok, well she would have to be, she needed to be and after all, she had Peter.

They went home to work on the dinner after Carla said that she would be cooking, the whole family was sceptical but she promised she wouldn't give anyone food poisoning. But then things took a turn, a number of gunshots rang out around the surrounding area and Robert ended up being shot. Carla rushed to be next to Michelle's side, to comfort her best friend and she relayed information back to Peter about the situation. Robert ended up dying and he knew this would hit Michelle hard so she needed to be there for her but with Michelle being stubborn she wanted to be left alone leaving Carla to lock up the bistro for her and return to Peter's side once more.

"Hey, love" he whispers having been speaking to Roy previously about how this could affect Carla "Come here"

"It was awful" she cries causing Peter to hush her gently "Michelle's in right a state, she's in denial, it was so hard"

"I know" he kisses her on the forehead as she continues to cry "Why don't you run yourself a bath then we can have some snuggles in bed?"

"Ok" she nods slowly excusing herself to go into the bathroom, she just reappears having changed into some pyjamas "I don't want a bath"

"Ok, then that's fine" he smiles holding his arms open for her to fall into his chest again "You're ok, I'm here"

"It was just seeing her like that, she has no good memories associating with this place now, we wanted her to be happy with her decision"

"I know you did, why don't you take your medication then we can grab an early night?" he suggests, she nods padding into the kitchen and meticulously popping her pills out, the exact amount she needed, he watches her take them "Come on then, let's get you settled"

"Ok" she nods "Night Roy"

"G-Goodnight Carla" he nods excusing himself into his bedroom allowing Carla and Peter to spend some well needed time together

"Here, Roy made you a hot water bottle" he grins handing it to her she smiles at the simplicity and she gets into bed, he undresses and gets in with her "Come here"

"It was awful Peter" she whispers causing him to nod slowly "I hated it but I needed to be there for her, you know"

"I know sweetheart, but you're here now, you're safe ok?" he reassures her, she nods rather cutely "Everything will be ok, we'll give Michelle the send-off she deserves"

"Ok" she nods slowly "I'm going to miss her"

"Hey," he tilts her head up so he can look at her in the eyes "I'll miss her too"

"No you won't, she hated you for a long time" she chuckles slightly causing him to roll his eyes at the fact she had to bring that up

"Either way, she's a massive part of your life which means I automatically care about her" he whispers causing her to smile "Everything will be fine, you'll feel a loss for some time but you will be ok sweetheart, you have me and I'm not going to let anything or anyone hurt you"

"That's why you're just amazing" she smiles slightly, he nods "Are you staying tonight?"

"Yeah if you want me to?"

"I do, I would have you here all of the time if I could"

"Well I'll stay then, and hold you, and reassure that everything is going to be ok"

"And that is why I love you"