Soo this originally started as two different versions that I eventually decided went together so hopefully it isn't disjointed in anyway.

As always, thanks for the reviewers - you're the best everrrr :)

"Josie?" silence.

"Joooosie? Hellooo JOZE!" Emma yelled slightly, waving her hands frantically in her friend's face and finally Josie's head shot up in response.

"Huh? You say something?" she questioned quietly earning an eye roll from her friend.

"I've only been shouting your name for the past few minutes…you want to go grab some lunch before you head out for the day?" Emma asked.

Josie felt her stomach roll at the prospect of food, "Um, I'm not really hungry – I'll take a walk down with you if you'd like."

Emma blew a frustrated puff of air out and Josie cringed at what she knew was coming, "Joze, love, I haven't seen you eat since D-day. You're wastin' away in front of me. I'm worried." She said seriously and Josie felt a pull of affection for her friend that dulled her aggravation at having to explain again why she couldn't eat.

"I know you're worried. And don't think I don't appreciate that," she said earnestly, "But I haven't been able to keep anything down since 'D-day' as you so kindly nicknamed it. I've always been like that – I go through somethin' bad in my life and food just doesn't like me anymore."

"Can you just try?" Emma pleaded with her, "Puh puh puh plllease try to eat some fish & chips for me?" she ended throwing in an exaggerated pout for affect.

Josie rolled her eyes, biting her lip to stop from smiling, "Ugh fine."

Emma clapped her hands in delight, "Yay! It'll be just like old times, pre D-day if you will."

She lurched across their shared desk, grabbing Josie's hand and pulling her quickly from her chair before throwing her coat and bag at her, "Slow down Em, I'm not gonna change my mind the slower we move."

Emma blushed lightly, "Oh…well – you never know with you Joze, now get you're tiny little tush bundled up so we can brave the cold."

"I think I've passed my crazy onto you," Josie said raising an eyebrow at her friend, "You're bein' weird."

This comment earned a rough smack to her arm, "Well someone has to be cheery to make up for your sour puss."

She looped arms with Josie dragging her down the stairs and out the museum into the clear, bright February day. They walked arm and arm towards their usual chip shop, Emma prattling along about who knew what as Josie again receded into her thoughts.

"Ugh – Joze, you've got to snap out of this. I get that it's only been two weeks but I really am worried," Josie's face burned with embarrassment, "Have you tried talkin' to him?"

"Absolutely not," she replied stubbornly, "He did this to us. He chose his stupid Firm over me. And he made it abundantly clear that he doesn't love me enough to stay."

Emma looked over at her friend before smacking her upside of the head, "OW – what in the hell was that for?" Josie said fiercely, rubbing her head in pain.

"For being an utter fool," Emma replied sternly, "I know I had my reservations in the beginning but Joze – that man worships you."

Josie raised a shocked eyebrow and went to argue when Emma quickly covered her mouth before continuing, "No – it's listen time for right now: if you could see the way he looks at you when you're not paying attention you'd know it was true. Pete honestly stares at you with this smacked arse look on his face as though you were a personal gift from God to him. I've never seen a tough guy so wrapped around a girl's finger before until I saw you two together. You're perfect for each other – you're both just too damn stubborn to work things out."

Finally Emma dropped her hands from Josie's mouth allowing her to sputter incoherently for a few seconds, "I, I…I just can't – I don't…"

"Use your words Joze," Emma replied with a smirk.

"I have nothing to apologize for…what am I going to do? Beg him to take me back when he's the one that ended it? That would be mortifying…"

"Oh please Joze," Emma said as she rolled her eyes, "Maybe Pete wants you to beg."

"Well that'd be a prick move," she mumbled softly, "Besides – he's been avoiding me. He knows my schedule so well he's stopped coming in when I'm workin' at the pub. Actually," Josie gulped slightly, "Tomorrow will be the first time I see him since D-day."

Emma raised an eyebrow and tried to bite back a smile knowing that if the two of them were in the same room there'd be no way they wouldn't get back together, "Why tomorrow?"

"Match day, he'd never miss it," Josie shrugged casually but she felt her insides twist, wondering how United away went. It killed her to not be able to check on him and to make sure he'd cleaned up any cuts and bruises.

"Well…" Emma said lightly, "Maybe this'll be good for the two of you. I doubt he'll be able to see you and not try to talk to you. And if the two of you are speaking there's no way he'll be able to resist kissing you. And if he kisses you, you'll fold like a pair of twos against a flush draw."

Josie smiled unwillingly at her friend, "Poker references? Pushing me to be back with the hooligan? Who are you and just what have you done with Emma Parks?"

Emma gave a hearty laugh and pulled on her arm, dragging her the remaining steps to the chip shop, "Oh shut it Yankee girl, you've changed this bratty aristocrat for the better so don't rub it in."

"Aw I'm touched," Josie said, placing her hand dramatically over her heart, "Now – eat in or take out?"

"It's freezin' out – we may as well eat here. The food'll freeze by the time we get it back." With that Emma threw the door of the shop open and ordered food for the two of them. Lunch passed quickly and Josie managed to ignore all thoughts of Pete instead letting herself relax and enjoy time with her friend.

The two girls finished eating and Emma dragged Josie out of her seat, pulling her back towards the museum, "Ems, relax – I am physically able to walk on my own, ya know?"

"Course you are Josie Jo, I just like to keep you close," Josie rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless as they walked out into the bitter cold.

They walked quickly down the street, Josie keeping her head down against the wind when Emma nudged her in the stomach with her elbow, "Hey – isn't that Pete's mate? Dave?"

Josie's head shot up to be met with the sight of Dave, pacing back and forth outside the museum, "Huh – it is…I wonder what he's up to."

"Oo, a man in uniform – me likey," Emma said giving a low whistle.

"You're an idiot, you've met Dave before," Josie said with an eye-roll.

"I know…but there's something about a guy in a uni that just gives me the chills."

"A pilot's uniform?" she said with an arched eyebrow, shaking her head slightly, "You are shameless."

The two girls reached the front of the museum and Josie broke away from Emma to meet Dave after giving a quick peck on the cheek and promising to call her with whatever results of D-day plus 14 would be, "Hey Davey, isn't this a pleasant surprise. What's up?"

Dave grinned at her, though concerned shined in his eyes making her uncomfortable as she was well aware of how terrible she looked recently, "Nothin' at all love, I've been away for the week so I thought I'd check up on you."

Josie smiled gratefully, happy he was still coming around. Ike and Swill had been over throughout the week but she'd always been closest to Dave and had missed him over the past few days, "Eh, I've been so-so…" she trailed off, lying never having been her forte.

"Yer a terrible liar, Joze," seeing right through her nonchalance, "Where ya headed?"

"Just headin' home actually, I'm back to half days since classes started."

"Well then it would be my utmost pleasure to ferry you to our neighboring hovels," he grinned at her and Josie tried to return the smile having trouble when she noticed the faint bruises still remaining on his face from the past Saturday's match.

"Sure, sounds good," she took his offered hand and he pulled her towards his car, placing a careful hand on the small of her back.

"How was last Saturday?" Josie tried to question casually, eyeing Dave carefully.

Dave rolled his eyes at her question, "You are so transparent – we're all fine, Dunham especially. Matt came in handy and Pete managed to practically beat it into everyone that you and him are finished."

Josie felt a stab of pain in her heart, "Oh well, that's just dandy."

Dave cringed when he saw the look on her face and he rubbed her shoulder reassuringly, "He's only doin' it to protect you." They'd reached his car and Dave opened the passenger door for her which Josie stepped into, grateful to be out of the cold.

"I have to say," Josie said, leaning her head against the car window, "I'm getting damn sick of hearing how this is for my own good."

Dave sighed sadly, "I know you are Josie, but he's a stubborn twat. He is fuckin' miserable to be around though, that make ya feel any better?"

She shrugged her shoulders awkwardly, "Not so much but it's a nice try, thank you," she replied stiffly.

"Ugh – I could just murder 'im sometimes," he grumbled angrily.

Josie smiled in his direction, placing a soothing hand on his forearm, "I know you could. You've been a good friend to me – I really appreciate that."

Dave gulped and cringed slightly, causing Josie to retract her arm in confusion, "Yeah well, that's what friends are for."

An uncomfortable silence fell over the two of them as Dave navigated his way through the streets and Josie tapped her fingers impatiently on her knee, "Soo, will you lot be in tomorrow?"

"Again Joze, you're so easy to see through – yes, Pete'll be in tomorrow," Dave answered gruffly.

"Whoa touchy much?" Josie asked, taken aback when he'd snapped at her.

Dave rubbed a hand through is hair, "I'm sorry… it's just this shit is like nothin' that's ever 'appened before. Christ – it's like when you were gone but ten times worse, it's tearin' the Firm apart. And…"

Josie turned in her seat to fully face Dave, "And what?"

"I 'ave to say Bovver's makin' me nervous. The GSE's about trust and it's just the way he's been eyein' Matt lately…like he's plottin' something."

Josie gave a delicate snort, "Well, we all know my feelings towards Bovver. If it was even possible I'd swear he had some hand in this breakup."

"I don't think he's that terrible but I'm keepin' my eye on him anyways," Dave patted her knee reassuringly, "Now, enough yammer on the GSE. You'll be fine tomorrow, no more worrying on that. And we're home anyway."

And so they were, Josie looked up to see their apartment building looming in front of them. He jumped out of the car and hurried around to the passenger side to open the door for Josie, offering a hand to help her out.

"Well aren't you such a gentleman – why's no lady snatched you up yet?" Josie questioned lightly and was surprised to see when Dave blushed in response.

"Dunno Joze, guess no one's caught my fancy."

"Well the lady that does'll be one lucky girl – I call veto power," Josie said with a grin.

"Veto power?"

"Yeah," she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "If I don't think she's good enough I have the power to reject her."

Dave grinned and rolled his eyes slightly, planting a kiss on her cheek, "Whatever you say love," as he led her towards their front door.

Josie linked her arm with his; having Dave smiling and alive in front of her could only mean that Pete was safe as well, "I do say so," she said, turning towards him to stick out her tongue.

"You keep doin' that someone might catch it," Josie's mouth dropped open in shock while Dave laughed loudly, "You look like a codfish. Come on', it's brass monkeys out 'ere."

The familiar turn of phrase caused Josie's thoughts to turn once again to Pete and her face fell slightly as they walked silently up the stairs towards their flats. He was never far from her mind and she could feel her stomach rolling at the thought of seeing him tomorrow. She prayed with all her might that Emma was right and that Pete wouldn't be able to stay away from her for long.

"You gonna try and talk to 'im tomorrow?" Dave's voice cut through her thoughts.

Josie tried to shrug, wondering just how she was going to react to seeing him, "I dunno…I think it's better if I stay away – seems that's what he wants."

"Well he's a bloody fool Joze," he replied, rubbing her back softly, "Only Pete would throw away the best girl in the world for the Firm."

Josie blushed lightly, raising an eyebrow in disbelief, "Like you'd choose me over your lifelong mates of the GSE?"

Dave turned and locked eyes with her, "I'd give up flyin' if you asked me to," he said seriously and Josie's breath caught in her throat. The brown eyes that met hers stared back and she suddenly felt a sudden urge for those orbs to be blue.

They were standing inches apart in the hallway between their two doors and Josie stumbled backwards slightly at his intense gaze, "Um, th -, thanks for the ride," she said, tripping over her words, "I'll see you tomorrow."

She turned around quickly, shoving her door open frantically in the hope to get away from a situation that had just turned incredibly uncomfortable with one of her (and not to mention Pete's) closest friends. As she slammed the door of her apartment shut, she leaned back on it breathing heavily, what the hell was that? she thought frantically, ugh, I need Pete back and I need him back now.

Pete threw the door open to the Abbey, pointedly avoiding looking at the bar as he made a beeline for his usual table where Bovver and Keith were already seated. Today's match was his first day back in the Abbey while Josie was working. He'd been careful to avoid coming down when he knew she'd be here over the past two weeks ever since he'd ended things with her. United away had been the Saturday before and he knew her schedule so well he could easily work around it to avoid running into her.

Ah United away, he thought happily, what a success. Matt's at first unwanted appearance had come in handy and he'd also been able to get it out there that he and Josie were no more. Hopefully word would spread and he wouldn't have to worry about her quite so much. His chest tightened painfully when he thought of her and he knew today would be hell trying to avoid going over and begging her to take him back. It's for the best, if she's safe who gives a fuck how I feel, he thought grimly.

The past weeks had been hell. He'd never been so miserable and had to hide it to avoid criticism from Dave, Swill and Ike who'd been especially hard to reason with. They'd been splitting their time between Pete and Josie trying to make sure both of them were ok but they just didn't understand why Pete had left her. He'd tried to explain it was for her safety but every time he tried to reason with them the boys would argue that it didn't matter to Josie. They maintained that she knew the risks and had accepted them long ago.

But Josie was stubborn and he knew this was best, even if it killed him.

And it was.

Slowly but surely life without her had become dull, monotonous and painful. Everywhere he went and everything he saw reminded him of her and every night he was plagued by dreams of her. He'd averaged about 3 hours of sleep a night and in general felt terrible all the time.

Trying to ignore these thoughts he threw himself into one of the empty chairs at their table before snatching the offered pint from Keith's hand, "Thanks bruv."

He gulped nearly half of it down at once, "I'd slow down there Dunham," Bovver warned and Pete glanced up to see him grinning back at him.

"And whys that Bov?" he replied raising an eyebrow in his direction as he leaned back in his chair.

"Service 'ere has been shit. Only Terry'll serve us, the bird won't." Bovver continued to watch Pete for any reaction and he was careful to keep his face blank, fighting against the urge to beat the shit eating grin off his friend's face. Bovver had been gleeful to say the least when he heard the news of Josie and Pete's parting; it even seemed to cause him to soften his demeanor towards Matt.

Pete chanced a glance at the bar, his breath catching in his throat when he caught sight of the familiar brown and gold curls. Her back was turned to him and he tried to stare as little as possible, turning away quickly when she made the slightest movement lest he be caught staring.

He was saved by familiar shouts and he looked towards the door to see Dave, Ike, Swill, Ned and Matt flooding into the bar. Pete stared carefully as he saw Dave break off from the pack and go straight towards Josie. Using her distraction as an opportunity to examine her he felt his heart break even more.

She looked terrible, even worse than when she first returned from the States after her dad's heart-attack. Huge bags hung below her brown eyes which held no life as she gave a pained smile to Dave. She looked as though she'd lost about ten pounds in the past two weeks and the normal healthy glow of her skin was replaced by a ghostly pallor that caused her freckles to stand out even more. He fought the urge to run over to her as he watched Dave smile down at her, taking her hand in his as she bit down on her lip anxiously.

Pete's blood boiled at the sight of the two of them together, not having forgotten about her brother's warning. A part of him tried to calmly remind him that this was of his own doing but all he could see was Josie. Shit, this is harder than I thought it'd be, he thought angrily, frustrated that he'd ever chosen to go down this path. After a minute of talking quietly Josie began filling pint glasses for Dave and when she finished she handed the tray to him as it appeared she refused to serve their table.

As Dave walked away from her Pete let out a breath he didn't know he was holding as his heart returned to a normal pace. He snuck another glance at the bar and was shocked when he locked eyes with the familiar pair of brown that had been haunting him. Josie stared for only a few seconds before her eyes seemed to grow moist and she turned her back to him quickly. Pete swallowed hard before turning away from the bar, wondering why he was punishing both of them like this.

Dave set a pint roughly in front of him, not acknowledging him in any other way before he joined Swill and Ike who were seated at the other end of the table, as far away from Pete as they could be. They were all still mates but a strain had been placed on their friendships as the three so vehemently disagreed with what Pete had done. They'd been closest to Josie and it didn't seem that was changing anytime soon as they spent a good amount of time trying to cheer her up.

Pete leaned back, settling in for a day of discomfort heightened by the fact he couldn't seem to keep his eyes away from Josie. Every so often he caught her eye as she seemed to be having difficulty looking away as well and each time he felt another stab of pain to his chest. This went on for hours when finally the booze took effect and he relaxed enough to act natural. He even chanced a few smiles in Josie's direction which she stared at stonily at first but a few times he could have sworn he saw the ghost of a smile on her face.

Just as he turned to glance over again he felt someone grab his neck hard, dragging him out of his seat and pulling him roughly into the backroom. The afternoon drinks had muddled his mind slightly and before he knew it he was pinned up against the wall, "The fuck you playing at Dunham?"

In all the year's he'd know him Pete had never seen Terry as livid as he was right now. He tried to squirm out of his grip but the shorter man still packed quite a bit of muscle behind him, "The fuck you talkin' about Terr? What's gotten into you?"

"Josie," he snarled back at him and the one word caused Pete to stop struggling as he slumped back against the wall and sunk to the floor.

"How bad is she? The boys won't tell me anythin' cept to call me a twat." Pete stared up into Terry's fuming face that only softened slightly when he noted the anguish in Pete's eyes.

"Fuckin' terrible. It doesn't look like she's been sleepin', she refuses to eat and she flat out refuses to serve any of your lot cept for Dave, Swill and Ike. I keep tryin' to feed her and she humors me with a few bites then looks like she'll be ill. What in God's name was you thinkin'?" Terry asked angrily, the concern for Josie evident in his eyes.

"I was thinkin' I don't want to see her hurt," Pete rose to his feet angrily, stepping forward until he was inches from Terry's face, "But none of you fucks seem to get that."

Terry glared back, "Oh we get that. You think any of us want to see her hurt physically? You don't think we'd do anythin' to keep that girl safe? But what you don't seem to get is what yer doin' now is killing her anyways. And you too, ya look like shit Dunham." Pete rolled his eyes in response as Terry continued, "I'm serious. Just…talk to her mate. Neither of you can live without the other – that's becomin' abundantly clear and –"

He cut off quickly as he heard a familiar voice shouting his name and before he could respond Josie came flying into the backroom. Clearly startled by the sight of the two men standing toe to toe with fists clenched she lost her balance and went tumbling towards the ground when Pete moved forward quickly to grab her before she hit the floor.

He caught her small frame easily, cradling her in his arms and as he stared down into her chocolaty brown eyes he fought the urge to press his lips to hers. Just the touch of her made him feel ten times better than he had five minutes ago but as he set her upright he reluctantly released her and she immediately moved away from him as though burned by his touch.

"Um, awkward," she mumbled under her breath and Pete bit his lip to stop from grinning at her words, "Terr – someone out there is whinin' about the way I made his whiskey coke, says and I quote 'a lady should have nothin' to do with whiskey makin'.' Whatever that means…but either way he refuses to listen to me and he refuses to let me serve any other customer cause he keeps standing in front of me blocking everyone else."

Josie blew a frustrated puff of air out and Pete watched her carefully, memorizing her face at this close proximity, "Alright Joze, I'll take care of 'im. Dunham and I are done 'ere anyways," Josie turned to walk out but Terry grabbed her hand, "You on the other hand aren't." With that he shoved her into Pete's arms and fled the scene before she had time to react.

She was so shocked by the maneuver that she remained locked in Pete's grip giving him the opportunity to breathe in the familiar scent of apples and stare down at her face, reveling in the warmth of her body, "Alright gorgeous?" he breathed out softly.

"Hi," she responded quietly, her warm breath fanning out on his face. She remained locked in his arms and the two stared at each for a few silent minutes until Josie finally seemed to realize what was going on.

She began to struggle, attempting to pull away but Pete simply pulled her into his arms tightly, hugging her body close, "Joze! Relax – ok? I just want to see 'ow you are."

She finally managed to wrench herself free, "How I am?" she snarled back, giving a derisive laugh, "Oh let me tell you how I am: fucking terrible. Look at me:" she said, gesturing down at her body, "I look like shit and I feel even worse. I can't eat, I can't sleep. Most nights I wake up thinking I hear you coming to bed only to find I'm delusionally clutching a pillow pretending it's you. The very sight of you makes me want to cry and I can barely breathe when I think about us. So that's how I am Pete," he stared back at her, cringing in pain as her eyes welled with tears, "What'd you think I'd say? 'Oh fine and dandy, losing you was the best thing that ever happened to me cause now I can be safe from the boogey men!'?"

Josie tilted her head to the side questioningly and Pete was so stunned by her words he was momentarily speechless. She turned to leave but he grabbed her hand to stop her, pushing her against the wall, trapping her between it and his body, "I never wanted this Josie," he pled with her, trying to make her see, "I just can't stand knowing you could get hurt because of me."

"Well I've got news for you – I already have. At this point in time I'd prefer physical pain because it'd feel like a skip in a rose garden compared to how I've felt the past two weeks," she stared up into his eyes, daring him to say this was for her own good.

"Well…we don't have to not talk like we've been doing," he said slowly, "We can be fri-"

He couldn't even finish the sentence as she slammed her hands over his mouth to stop him, "Don't you dare suggest we 'be friends.'" she spat out, "Are you kidding me Pete? In what world could the two of us ever just be mates? It's all or nothing with us, I'm yours, you're mine…remember all that bullshit – how am I the only one that gets that?"

Pete stared down at her, raising a tentative hand to brush her bangs out of her eyes, "Yer not love, I just…I can't," he tried to articulate his worst fears to her. The visions of her bloodied body lying in front of him, how he could stand losing her now if it meant no man ever laid a hand on her. He tried to explain how he felt but all he could think to do was press his lips roughly to hers, dragging her body against his.

The feel of her lips was so familiar it felt like heaven to him. Just two weeks without her had practically driven him mad. He pushed his tongue forcefully into her mouth, smiling against her lips when she moaned softly into his kiss. After minutes of furious kissing she pulled away from him breathless, her eyes shining up at him.

He held her face carefully, stroking the soft skin of her neck feeling relief flood through him at the feel of her, "So what now Pete?" she said so quietly he just barely heard her.

"I don't know Joze," he answered honestly, "I told you before you and me together is the only thing in this fucked up world I'm sure of."

"So then why would you try to leave me?" she asked in a heartbreaking tone as a stray tear rolled down her face.

He brushed it away with his thumb, kissing the spot softly, "Cause I'm a fuckin' idiot."

She stared up at him through wet lashes, "Yes you are. Are you done being one now cause I'd like to be able to eat without immediately feeling sick. I'd also like to sleep on your chest instead of a pillow soaked in tears or –"

He cut her off with another kiss, "Will you ever stop yer talkin'?" he said roughly, wiping a stray curl out of her face, "I guess you win."

"Win?" she replied, tilting her head in confusion and biting on her lip nervously.

He ran his thumb along her lower lip lightly, smirking when she shuddered slightly, "You get to continue to be your stubborn little Yank self and continue to be my girlfriend even though I should know better than to put you in danger."

She arched an eyebrow, snorting slightly, "Always a smooth talker. And looks who's calling who stubborn – the boys told me how miserable you were…said you slept clutching a pair of my panties."

Pete grinned down at her words, noting color was already returning to her cheeks and her brown eyes shined back at him, "Bollocks – though it's a fantastic idea. I'll keep that in mind for next time."

Josie punched him in the stomach hard while glaring up at him, "There won't be a next time unless you'd like your bollocks removed – got it?" she said sternly, pointing a finger in his face.

Pete smirked at the sight, wondering how he ever thought he could give her up, "Yes ma'am."

"You promised you'd never leave me," Josie whispered, suddenly sad again, "How do I know you won't leave me again?"

Another tear leaked from her eye that Pete immediately wiped away, "Cause I'm not stupid enough to leave you again. It's impossible for me to be me without you. You're the other half of me."

He stared into her eyes, willing her to believe him. Finally she nodded her head slightly before throwing her arms around his neck and wrapping her legs around his waist, clinging onto his tall frame as she hugged him tight. He held her to him, rubbing her back softly as he felt his neck grow wet with tears.

"Fuck Joze – I've gotta stop makin' you cry," he murmured into her ear, wondering how he was ever going to keep her safe from others if he was the one hurting her.

"Yes you do," she mumbled, her voice muffled against his neck.

After a few minutes of silence, the two of them just locked in each other's arms Pete finally remembered just where they were, "Girlfriend?"

Unwillingly she smiled into his neck, "Yes boyfriend?"

"We're in the Abbey's backroom and all the boys are out there and I still have to go be the leader of the GSE."

Josie grimaced up at him, "Ugh, why can't we just be normal for a little bit?"

Pete kissed her forehead softly, "Yer not normal so that's impossible," he said smirking down at her.

"Ass," she said softly, "Fine…go be the big shot of the fleet. I expect you front and center at my place the second you're done beating the shit outta some poor unfortunate soul," he grinned at her, happy to comply with her request, "I'll clean your bruises and you can make the past two weeks up to me."

She raised an eyebrow suggestively and he licked his lips in anticipation, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Mind still in the gutter?" he said before sucking lightly on her neck.

"Still a prick I see," she said shoving him away, smiling brightly for the first time in weeks.

Pete couldn't keep the silly grin from off his face at the look on hers and he held her face tenderly, "I love you Josie, I'm sorry."

"I know baby," she stood on tiptoes to kiss him lightly, "I love you too. Now go and yes I'll stay safe, promise." She said as she took his hand and dragged him back out to the crowed pub, fuck I'd almost forgot how perfect she is, Pete thought stupidly as he felt the warmth of her small hand clasped perfectly in his.

Terry's eyes locked with his the second they exited the room and the self-assured grin on his face made Pete roll his eyes, "Oi, I'm gonna 'ave to figure out a way to thank Terry for buttin' in where he didn't belong," Pete whispered into Josie's ear.

"Fuck Terry – you've got me to make up to first; concentrate Dunham," she said happily and as they reached the end of the bar, just across from the boys' table Pete twirled her into his arms again, bending her back to plant a possessive kiss on her lips.

He smirked as she rolled her eyes and he felt his heart stutter at the familiar look, "Markin' your territory? How animalistic."

Pete growled in her ear, nibbling the lobe lightly, "I have to make sure they remember you're mine."

"Pig," she whispered up to him and finally he up-righted her, squeezing her hand tight as she moved to return to behind the bar. He stopped when she pulled on his hand lightly, "Fight fast, k?"

He grinned back at her, leaning down to place one last lingering kiss on her lips, "Promise – I'll be home in no time."

Seeing her brown eyes light up at this Pete felt normal for the first time in weeks, trying to leave her was the stupidest thing he'd ever tried to do. Never again, he promised to himself though the question still remained how to keep her safe from his GSE world when she was his whole world.

Toldja I could never keep them apart :)

Thoughts?