Not much to say so I'll make it quick: Thanks to the readers & my ever faithful reviewers, you know who you are & I just can't thank you enough.

I swear I am going somewhere with all this soo keep with me :)

Josie stretched lazily, her eyes still closed as she reached for the space next to her only to find it empty. Her eyes snapped open as she searched around Pete's empty room. Just as she was about to climb out of bed in search of him the door of the bathroom swung open to reveal him half-dressed; his shirt was open casually and he had yet to buckle his belt. In short, he looked delicious.

She grinned devilishly at him and crooked a finger in his direction, beckoning him back to bed. She chanced a small movement and immediately regretted it as she found herself quite sore from their activities last night. She ran her hands down her body, rubbing her aching frame softly. Josie heard Pete groan and she looked up to see him watching her, eyes dark with lust, "Fuck I can't leave you like this."

He closed the space between them easily, quickly covering her body with his and kissing her deeply, tilting her head back in order to kiss her neck softly, "Oops."

Josie looked up at him in confusion, "Oops, what?"

"Your neck – I got a little carried away it seems. Good thing it's scarf season." Josie's face flushed red but she managed a smirk nonetheless.

"Seems you didn't look in the mirror carefully enough babe, you've got some marks of your own," Pete's eyes widened in shock causing Josie to giggle slightly as she traced a finger along the slight mark on his neck.

Pete closed his eyes, a small smile on his face, "Yer gonna make me late if you keep touchin' me like that," he managed to murmur to her and she smiled up at him.

"So says the half-undressed man pressing his naked girlfriend into the bed?" she questioned lightly.

Pete groaned, holding her body tighter to his, "I don't want to leave you. Ever."

Josie smiled as she pressed a kiss to the slight mark on his neck, "I'm not goin' anywhere. Ever," she replied sweetly, "But…as much as I'd love for us to stay locked in your bedroom forever methinks we'd starve and go broke for lack of funds. So go forth and make me some money, honey."

He nuzzled his nose against hers softly, "Ah but if we never wear clothes we'd only need money for food." She shoved him off of her playfully, "Alright fine, I'll go to work." He heaved a theatric sigh as he ran his hands through her hair, moving down to cup her face softly, "How about I take you out on a proper date tonight?"

Josie arched a delicate eyebrow up at him, "Just what does a 'proper' date entail, Mr. Dunham?"

"Well," Pete started, as he allowed his hands to wander from her face, tracing her jaw-line softly before moving down to her naked frame, "it involves that little black dress you have hidden in the back of your closet," his fingers moved lower and lower until they reached her hip, dancing along the edge of her waist as he pushed the sheet that was covering her lower half aside in pursuit of her bare skin, "those lacy red knickers with the matching bra," as he spoke his fingers inched closer and closer until she threw her head back in pleasure as he pressed one finger into her, "a fancy meal of gourmet food at some poncey restaurant in the middle of the city," he felt her clench around his finger as he inserted another and she let out a delicious moan, "and it ends with you screaming my name in pleasure."

"Fuck Pete," she moaned, "If that's the way you always ask me out I don't think I'll ever say no." He kissed her softly, smiling into her warm, soft skin, "Gah Pete, you're going to be even later if you keep this up – I'm serious, I'll tie you to the bed."

Pete smirked at the thought but managed to tear his eyes away from her to the clock next to his bed, "Shit, you're right, I gotta go." He removed his hands from her body reluctantly, "Stay as long as you want love and I'll be over yours to pick you up at 7 sharp, got it?"

Josie smiled up at him through half-closed eyes, already feeling herself falling back to sleep in contentment, "Ok baby…love me?"

She tilted her head to the side questioningly and he pressed a hard kiss to her lips, "Course I do, love you with everything I have." He smoothed her hair back, ecstatic that she'd returned to him, reveling in everything that was Josie.

"Good, cause I sorta love you too." She gave him one more kiss before shoving him away, "Now go, before you get fired for skipping school." He smirked down at her in reply before finally walking out of the bedroom to hurry off to work.

Josie sat bundled in the corner of the Starbucks around the corner from her apartment typing away on her laptop when she sensed someone looming over her. She glanced up to see Dave staring down at her and she wrenched her headphones out of her ears, jumping slightly, "Shit – you scared me," her face flushed red and she smiled up at him as best she could, "Hi."

Dave gave a half smile and an awkward shrug of his shoulders, "Hi to you too Joze, can I sit?"

"Course," she quickly shoved aside the majority of her papers that had been covering the small table to make room for him to plop into the chair next to her. Awkward silence reigned for a few moments as they both tried desperately to not make eye contact.

Finally Josie groaned, "This is just ridiculous. Dave, look at me." She reached a hand out and grabbed his tightly, "Let's just forget you ever walked in on me and Pete, yeah? Then we can go back to being besties!"

Dave rolled his eyes at her, a grin threatening to break on his face, "Ugh, fine Joze. But the fact of the matter is that I did walk in on you two and I have to tell you…"His voice trailed off awkwardly, his eyes dropped to the table and his face burned a deep red.

"You saw me," she stated bluntly, to which he could only nod his head in return. Josie felt her face heat but she continued anyway, "So what? Doesn't change anything: I'm still Josie, you're still Dave and we're still friends – no harm no foul."

Dave nodded his head slightly, "You're right. It's just…Pete'd kill me if he knew."

"Oh believe me I know," she rolled her eyes at the thought of what Pete would do if he knew for sure that Dave had saw her topless, "You know him. He's jealous and possessive in a strangely endearing way. So it just might be better if you don't go having some brutally honest man-to-man chat because I think you'd end up dead."

Dave made a slight noise at that, "Dead? He'd torture the image out of my brain first then he'd kill me."

"So, like I said: it never happened. You saw nothing, so now Pete doesn't have to kill you and we can all live in peace." Josie gave him a reassuring smile that he finally managed to return.

"Whatever you say gorgeous, now what are we workin' on here." He picked up one of her books to look at the title, flipping it over the read the back.

"Ugh, it's my final paper for my Conflict Prevention & Peace Building course."

Dave smirked at her, "Peace Building?"

"I know, right?" she smiled back at him, "I signed up for it so I could learn how to help my hooligan boyfriend and his mates solve their problems peacefully without resorting to fist-fighting."

"So says the girl that broke a local's nose last night?" She threw a stray sugar wrapper at him that he swatted away easily.

"Ass. You're as bad as Pete is." He simply smiled back at her causing Josie to laugh slightly, "Now what is it you're doin' here, mister?"

He shrugged, "I didn't have any flights today and imagine my shock as I went for my morning coffee to find my favorite Murphy sittin' 'ere," his voice took on a serious tone as he continued, "We missed you Joze, seriously, we was all a mess without you. Pete especially."

"So I've heard. Those are some pretty vicious bruises he's sporting." She raised her eyebrows at Dave questioningly, whose face immediately turned innocent. Josie snorted at the look, "Don't pull that angel face with me mister, lemme have it."

Dave gave her a blank look, "Joze, it was nothing. You've been with Pete long enough to know what happens after a day of drinking especially on a Match day."

Josie raised her eyebrows in disbelief, "Don't bullshit a bullshiter Davey. I'm not an idiot, he was riskier while I was gone, wasn't he?"

Dave sighed, "Course he was, I told you – he was a fuckin' mess. I've never seen him like that, not in all the years I've known him," he rubbed his temples tiredly as Josie looked at him thoughtfully.

She reached out and took his hand in hers, "Dave – look at me. What's goin' on?"

"Dunno," he shrugged, "everything just seems different this year. Like it isn't all sucha joke anymore."

"Beating the shit outta strangers is a joke?" Josie shook her head, she'd never understood the GSE, never understood how enjoying a football game made you want to head-butt someone.

"Come on Josie, I know Pete's explained it better than that to you – it's about havin' pride in your team and defendin' yer mates."

At this Josie rolled her eyes dramatically which caused Dave to snort, "You boys are idiots, please just promise me one thing."

"Anything for you," Dave answered her honestly, "what is it?"

"Watch out for him, k? I can't be there to make sure he doesn't get hurt but you can. He takes risks; he thinks he's unstoppable, unbreakable. Thinks he can't be hurt or…worse. And…I just can't – I can't…" tears started to well in her eyes and she bit down on her cheek in an attempt to stop herself from crying, "I don't know what I'd do if I lost him."

Dave rubbed her hand softly that was still clasping his tightly, "I promise – I'll look out for him."

"Thank you," she managed to whisper, continuing to bite on her lip trying to keep the tears at bay, "fuck, I thought I'd be done crying after the past few weeks." She wiped furiously at her face as a stray tear rolled down her cheek.

"Yer fine Joze, you've had a rough go of it. No one blames you for a little breakdown every now and again." He gave her a reassuring smile that she managed to return slightly.

"Ugh, this is ridiculous: I'm home, my dad's recovering, Pete's safe and you lot all seem to be ok. Welllll as ok as any of you twats ever are. So enough of this depressing talk." She grinned at Dave as best she could, "Now tell me mister, any ladies caught your eye lately."

Dave blushed slightly causing Josie to give a yelp, "Yes!" she wagged a finger at him in a scolding manner, "you've been holdin' out on me – now who is she?"

"Just some girl I know…from, uh work."

"Aw," she whined, "So it's no one I know?"

Dave snorted at the suggestion, "You don't know girls, Josie."

"Hey!" She threw a coffee stirrer at his head, "I know girls…like Emma and uh, the Starbucks girl that remembers my order," she strummed her fingers in thought, "and the um, whores from the Abbey." Dave smirked at her, "Alright fine, so I don't know girls but whatever – now tell me about her."

"She's gorgeous and funny and one-of-a-kind and way outta my league." Dave sighed slightly and Josie smacked him softly in the head.

"Hey now! No girl is way outta your league, you're definitely out of her league. I don't even have to know her to say that," she said confidently as Dave simply rolled his eyes, "I'm serious Dave. You deserve a great girl cause you're a great guy."

"And you're a cheese ball missy, "Josie gave an indignant huff, "but who doesn't love cheese? Now, you bout finished that gigantic coffee? I'd like to take my little cheese puff out for a welcome back kebab."

Josie smiled, "Pete already beat ya to it but you can certainly treat me to welcome back fish and chips."

Dave nodded and she gathered her things quickly and leapt from the small table. He held his hand out to her and they walked outside into the early afternoon sun. Josie tightened her scarf around her neck from the cold, smirking slightly at the memory of what was hidden under it. She linked arms with Dave as they walked quickly towards the local chipper, chatting happily as they went, completely unaware of the set of eyes that had spotted the pair in the shop and were now following their path down the road.

Pete knocked on the door of Josie's flat, anxious to see her even though it'd been less than 12 hours. He held a bouquet of tulips, tapping his foot impatiently before finally wondering why he even bothered knocking on the door at all. He swung the door open only to find Dave sitting on Josie's couch, nursing a beer with his feet resting casually on the coffee table and his girlfriend nowhere in sight.

"Ai ai bruv," Dave yelled loudly, "Those flowers are mighty perdy, they for me?"

Pete rolled his eyes and grimaced, "Fuck off outta 'ere, where's Joze?" His eyes scanned the room for any sign of her, finally landing on her bag leaning up against the couch which at least confirmed she was somewhere in the place.

"No need to get your panties in a twist, I'm right here," Pete looked towards the entrance to the kitchen and felt his breath catch in his throat.

"Fuck me," he mumbled as she smiled softly at him, a twinkle sparkling in her beautiful brown eyes. The black strapless dress she was wearing clung to her slight frame, showing off the curves of her body. She had straightened her hair and it fell down her back, nearly reaching her waist. Her eyes lit up at the flowers he was holding out to her and he quickly crossed the room, gathering her into arms in a tight hug, "You're so gorgeous it's criminal." He whispered in her ear, kissing her neck softly.

"Erm, I'm gonna take off," Pete barely heard Dave say as he kissed Josie deeply and he chose to wave his hand in response rather than remove his lips from hers. He heard the door shut softly and he pulled away reluctantly, smoothing her soft hair away from her face.

"Miss me?" she smiled up at him and he was momentarily speechless by the look.

"Always," he said, kissing her forehead softly, "got you flowers to start off our 'proper' date right…although you in this dress makes me want to skip dinner and reacquaint myself with your bed."

"Nope," she smirked, kissing his nose lightly, "I was promised a gourmet meal so pay up Dunham. It took me a long time to get this pretty."

He snorted in disbelief, "Doubt it did love, you know you're gorgeous just when you roll outta bed."

Josie rolled her eyes and stood on her tip toes to kiss him, "Whatever you say Dunham, lemme just grab my shoes and we can go." She walked quickly into her room and Pete watched her until she disappeared before glancing around her place.

He smiled to see the familiar mess that was Josie, one of his sweatshirts was thrown casually over the back of the chair and her books were scattered all over the coffee table and couch next to a huge, empty coffee cup. He sighed at the familiarity of it and he looked forward to seeing it at his own place as her clutter tended to make its way over there as well. His face darkened momentarily when he saw the half empty beer that had belonged to Dave.

"What's that evil glare for? Haven't pissed you off already, have I? I've only been home for about 24 hours." He smiled unwillingly when he felt her arms wrap around his waist, poking her head through the crook of his elbow to eye him questioningly.

"Nah love, you never piss me off – you can act like a right brat but that only leads to slight aggravation followed by a round of heated 'arguing' in the bedroom." He wagged his eyebrows at her which caused her to poke his side sharply and stick her tongue out at him, "Aw you know it's true, you're my little princess."

"Fine then, you're my grumpy gus."

"I'm not a grump," he said, trying to keep the gruffness out of his voice, "I was just wonderin' what Dave was doin' 'ere."

She shoved away from him, "Dave is makin' you pout? Jesus babe, those three weeks apart musta done something to your head – he's one of your best mates, remember?"

He pulled her close, "I know he is but you're my best girl and I like to have you all to myself."

"Exactly, I'm yours you idiot now shut up and love me please," she pressed a kiss to his chest before pulling on his tie to bring his face close to hers, kissing him deeply. Her arms wrapped around his neck, trying to pull him as close to her as possible, he looks damn good in a suit, she thought.

Pete pulled away reluctantly, "I wish I could say fuck the dinner reservation but they took my bloody credit card number."

Josie felt breathless and lightheaded as she stared into his clear blue eyes, "Now why'd you do somethin' stupid like that? I'd much rather you finish what you started this morning."

Her eyes glinted suggestively and Pete let out a groan, "Fuck woman, you'll be the death of me, ya know that?"

"That's my plan," she grinned mischievously at him as she leaned away, intertwining their hands, "but if we must go eat, I suppose I can be persuaded to suffer through a meal with you."

"Suffer? Hm, I don't think so love – I'm the best date you've ever had and the last – so get used to it." He grinned down at her cockily and she responded by shoving him away playfully though her heart fluttered at his words – forever with Pete was something she could get used to.

"Whatever you say Dunham, now enough of your yammer I'd like my proper date now." She pulled her heels on, raising her to just about even with his shoulders before wrapping a long, wool coat around her and stepping into his arms.

Pete pulled her into his side, kissing her forehead softly as they walked out the door, "I love you Joze, welcome home."

"Love you too baby, now enough dilly dallying, I'm hungry." He smiled and held her tightly to him, leading them downstairs.

Dave sat staring blankly at the TV, barely watching the football game that was playing. Terry set a full pint in front of him and he took a long gulp, wiping a stray dribble of beer off his chin. The stool next to him scraped loudly and he glanced over to see Matt sitting next to him.

"Hey bruv, 'ow are we?"

Matt nodded his head in his direction, "Hey Dave."

"What can I get ya?" Terry asked Matt, slightly gruffly.

"Eh, Carlsberg please." Terry moved away from the two men to grab Matt's drink as Dave turned back to the TV. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Dave heard Matt clear his throat loudly and he felt his gaze on his face.

"What's up Yank?"

"Not too much Dave, how was your day?" Dave rolled his eyes at the proper chat and turned to see Matt staring at him blankly.

"Eh, fine mate. Great actually." Dave smiled and he stared off into space as he thought back over the day with Josie. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Matt staring at him, a slight frown on his face.

"Great, huh? What'd you do?" Dave rolled his eyes, what's with the third degree, he thought. It felt more like an interrogation than an actual conversation.

"Anything you'd like to ask me mate? Seems we're dancing with your hand on my ass and I'd prefer if you'd make a move."

Matt shrugged and smiled slightly, "Just asking how you're doing is all. I had a good day wanderin' round town, saw some sights – some really interesting sights and I just thought I'd ask if you did anything fun."

"Erm, you're a strange one ya know that?" Dave stared at Matt in confusion, "I actually hung out with Joze today for a bit till Pete picked her up for a date."

Matt looked surprised at Dave's response, "Oh. Well that's nice. You good friends with her?"

"Yeah," he hesitated slightly, "I like to think so. We all are." Matt again stared back at him with a blank look that made Dave start to feel slightly uncomfortable.

"Nice, she seems like a really sweet girl. And she seems to really love Pete."

Dave unconsciously cringed, "She certainly does. Pete's a lucky bloke. A very lucky bloke indeed." He trailed off slightly and Matt stared at him again, this was getting weird. He swiveled around on his barstool, leaning back to take in the bar. Seeing no one in particular that he wanted to spend time with, he shoved off his seat.

"Alright mate, I'll be seein' you." He slapped Matt on his back, drained his pint and walked across the room and out the door.

He walked quickly back to his flat, replaying the conversation with Matt in his mind. He certainly was a strange bloke, must be a Yankee thing, Josie was always a bit off too but in an endearing way. Unlike Josie, Matt left a lingering suspicious feeling in him that he didn't like. Maybe there was some truth in Bovver's words about outsiders being dangerous. Shaking these thoughts from his head he noticed he'd reached his apartment and decided to let it all play out.

Matt would either fuck them all in the end or it'd all turn out to be ok – he could only hope for the latter.

Reviews are always appreciated. And as much as I love love love my faithful reviewers, any new ones would be delightful :)