OMG we're finally nearing the end :( Just another chapter or two to go after this. Thanks you guys and enjoy x x x

Joe could hear Lauren calling after him as he sprinted down teh street, but he didn't stop. His heart thumped heavily in his chest and his lungs screamed out for more oxygen. Following the dark figure with his eyes, he saw the black jacket turn into a side alley and Joe smiled to himself knowing it was a dead end. People passing by continued to go about their daily business as he shoved them aside, earning him a few glares and curses. In a way Joe was glad, he didn't want help. This was personal.

Turning the corner into the alley, he stopped. The guy had his back to him. He was trapped. Joe waited for him to turn, so that he could finally see his face, the face that for weeks had caused his whole world to almost collapse in on itself… the face that Lauren had had to look into as she bled... the face of a scumbag,

"Ha… too much of a coward to even turn around and look at me," Joe spat, taking a few slow steps forward.

The guy remained with his back to Joe and he felt his fists clench up in frustration,

"LOOK AT ME!" he roared, "look at me and face me like a man."

The tension in the air was palpable and despite the sound of traffic in the background, the alleyway seemed deathly silent. In a way the alley seemed separate from the rest of the world.

"You don't think I already know that I'm a coward," he announced, eventually turning around. Joe's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the young face that stared back at him – he was barely out of his teenage years. He diverted his eyes and stared down at the ground,

"It was an accident. I didn't know anyone would come home... I didn't mean to hurt her."

"Do you think I care?" Joe hissed venomously, "She almost died and you just left her there to die so you could save your own sorry ass."

Joe lunged forward and roughly grabbed hold of his collar, shoving him up against the wall. He could feel all the rage he'd built up culminating and he wanted nothing more than to watch this lowlife suffer, just as he'd made Lauren, himself, their friends and their families suffer.

"I went to the hospital that night," he spluttered, struggling to get words out due to Joe's iron hold, "I waited and I listened for news of her… You don't know how relieved I was when I found out she would be ok."

"You didn't care about her, you were only relieved you wouldn't have to face murder charges," Joe growled, dropping him. He'd barely regained his balance when Joe pulled back his fist and planted a sickening punch into his nose, knocking him to the floor. Joe bent down next to him, his tone empty and unfeeling,

"She pitied you, you know?"

The guy looked up confused and Joe's face hardened, "she thought it was her fault."

"JOE STOP!" he felt Lauren's small hands grip his shirt and try to pull him back, "Joe… don't … I called… the police." Lauren gasped and Joe turned to see her panting heavily. Her face was stark white, completely drained of colour and Joe felt his chest contract as he saw blood stains on her shirt from where her stitches had torn. Beads of sweat ran down her forehead,

"Lo! You're bleeding," he cried holding her as she clasped on to him for support. She stared past him at the heap that was on the ground in front of her. Slowly he lifted his head and she let out a tiny gasp as she saw his bloodied face. This time he was covered in his own blood and not hers, but his eyes were still the exact same – terrified.

"I'm sorry Lauren," he choked. She didn't say anything and was only vaguely aware of Joe pulling her close to him so that she was fully supported.

"You said that before you left me," she said, her voice cracking.

"I know… It probably doesn't mean anything to you but it's the only thing I can say."

For a moment all three stayed silent but Lauren had a feeling that Joe might soon express how he felt through a violent outburst, so she made sure to keep a tight grip on his shirt,

"I forgive you."

Both Joe and her attacker looked up as she spoke,

"You shouldn't, I don't deserve it."

No sooner were the words out of his mouth when suddenly the alley way became crowded with police officers, rushing in from the street, their guns poised, ready if needed. Lauren felt herself and Joe being dragged back and Joe swung her up in to his arms. Two police officers now blocked her view and all she could see was a pair of hand-cuffs being locked around two wrists. The scene had finally captured the attention of city goers and police were attempting to push back curious onlookers.

Lauren leaned her head against Joe's chest, exhausted, however seconds later she felt herself being lowered on to a gurney and pushed into a waiting ambulance. Her mind seemed to be moving in slow motion as she watched Joe climb in next to her and take her hand,

"It's all over Lo."

She nodded absent-mindedly, not entirely sure if this sort of thing could ever have complete closure,

"Do you really forgive him?" Joe asked tentatively as a paramedic carefully lifted her top to observe the damage,

"Yes… I mean it wasn't going to make things any easier if I didn't forgive him. I'm not saving what he did was right, but I know he knows that."

Joe nodded however Lauren could see from his expression that he didn't really understand. Thankfully he didn't pursue the matter any further. When they reached the hospital they were led to a small cubicle to wait for a doctor. They'd been assured that the wound didn't look too bad and that after a quick check for infection and fresh bandages, Lauren should be free to return home,

"Are we still going to do the tour?" Lauren asked unexpectedly, leaning back against the stiff hospital pillows once they were alone.

"I don't know… probably," Joe responded unsure.

"We won't have Darren though," she stated disappointed, "Glee will need him back."

"I don't know…. Darren doesn't like to miss out on friend time," Joe smirked but he knew the chances of Darren being able to stay were slim. Lauren patted the bed next to her and scouted over to make room. Joe looked dubiously at the tiny space and laughed,

"Lo Darren wouldn't squeeze in to that space, not to mind me."

She pouted and stared down at the empty space and then back up at Joe. He sighed before sitting down on the edge of the bed and pulling her on to his lap,

"This works well too," she giggled only to wince as her stomach muscles vibrated from the laughter.

"No laughing," Joe said seriously, cradling her in his arms. She smirked playfully and poked his arm, "We should make Starkid t-shirts with that on it…. And then underneath a picture of our heads. We are masters of comedy."

"Jeesh Lo… how much pain medication did they give you?" Joe joked.

He looked at her and for what seemed like the first time in a long time, he was able to look at her without worry or fear and just marvel in how lucky he was to have such a beautiful, amazing girlfriend. He was able to observe the way her soft hair fell perfectly around her face and how her red lips parted ever so slightly. It was her eyes however that had always been his weak-spot. The depth and inquisitiveness in those chocolate coloured eyes, made his heart melt,

"What?" she asked intrigued.

"Hmmm?"

"You're looking at me really weirdly," Lauren explained, drawing patterns on his t-shirt with her index finger. Even still, her touch made his heart race and his skin tingle,

"I'm just looking at how beautiful you are," he answered softly and honestly. Lauren's finger stopped and she exhaled gently, aware that she was now blushing.

"You're pretty handsome yourself Walker," she smiled, bringing her hand to his cheek. He leaned down and kissed her, only to pull back when he heard an uncomfortable cough. They looked around to see a doctor standing there,

"Oh, sorry," Joe mumbled, slightly embarrassed, lifting Lauren off his knee and back down on the bed. He could see the corners of her mouth turn up slightly as she tried to contain her amusement,

"I'll just sit here," Joe said stupidly, lowering himself in to a chair while the doctor attended Lauren. Things were going to be okay. He leaned forward now as Lauren bit her lip from the slight discomfort caused by the needle as the stiches were re-sewn. He took her hand in his and squeezed it. She turned to look at him,

"Love you."

"Love you too Walker."

x x x