Just a quick note: hope everyone had a Happy Halloween & is enjoying the extra hour if you're living stateside!

As always, thanks to the reviews - you make it alll worth while.

Pete leaned back in his chair, grinning stupidly at everyone that looked his way. Swill and Ike's smiles mirrored his own, Dave looked ill (weird, too much drink, Pete thought) and the glare that Bovver was shooting back at him was no surprise. But none of these looks mattered to him. The only one he could see was the one Josie kept throwing in his direction.

He could barely keep his eyes away from her and only half listened when Ned started talking about the match, "Oi Dunham! You 'earin us?"

Pete tore his gaze away from the bar to see Ned staring questioningly and Bovver shooting daggers at him, "Shit – sorry mate, what's up?"

"Get yer head in the game Dunham – what kinda showin' are we gonna have if lovey-dovey leader shows up in place of you?" Bovver spat in his direction.

Pete clenched his fists angrily, trying to remain as calm as possible as he reminded himself he did need to focus on the GSE, "Worry about yerself bruv. Its match day, I'm 'ere aint I?" he asked, daring Bovver to argue he'd let his mates down.

"Barely," Bovver grumbled before leaping up to chat up one of the local girls that was lingering just off to the side of their table. Pete rolled his eyes and he noticed Matt grin at the look.

"Always a pleasant day with Bovver, huh?" Matt asked jokingly.

Pete nodded his head absentmindedly, "He is who he is. He just doesn't like outsiders and it doesn't help that two Yanks have invaded his life on a permanent basis," he said lightly.

Matt smiled slightly, "Yanks aren't all bad, you seem to like us just fine."

Pete shrugged his shoulders casually, "Eh – I could take or leave you but – "

"That 'but' better be somethin' along the lines of 'but I'd rather die a thousand deaths than lose the other Yank' or we're gonna have some serious words, Dunham."

Pete's face broke into a ridiculous smile at the sound of Josie's voice and turned to see her wearing a matching look, holding a tray of shots much to the delighted cries of Swill and Ike, "AH you're a legend Joze, thank fuck Dunham pulled his head outta his arse in time for free drinks."

Josie laughed as Pete leaned across the table to smack Swill who darted out of the way of the hit, "Leave him alone Petey – he makes a fantastic point."

At her order Pete stopped his attack instead turning his attention to Josie, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her towards him, "Ere we are boys," she said as she set the tray in between them, "Compliments of the old man hidin' behind the bar."

"Heard that!" Terry shouted and the boys laughed as Josie turned to yell back, "You were meant to!"

Pete stood up, moving out of the way as the GSE leaped forward greedily to snatch at the free shots. Josie noticed Pete didn't bother to grab one, "What? You don't like my gift?" she asked, pouting slightly.

He grinned down at her, pulling her into his arms roughly, "I like you better," he whispered in her ear.

"Oh well lucky for you I like you best," she replied, kissing his neck lightly. He leaned down, tilting her face up to press his lips softly to hers. Pete grinned as she sighed into the kiss and he felt his stomach flip pleasantly at the familiar sensation of her lips. He moved to deepen the kiss, wondering for a minute just how badly the boys would take him skipping the meet. As he continued to kiss her he became more convinced the fallout would be worth it if it meant staying with Josie.

The two stood locked together while the scene around them turned to the usual yelling, jumping, beer throwing debacle that usually signaled the boys would be leaving soon for the match, "I'm gonna 'ave to leave you for a bit, gorgeous." Pete said to her reluctantly, relaxing his grip on her only slightly knowing that as much as he wished he could bring her straight to his place he had his responsibilities.

"Fineee," Josie huffed in mock exasperation, "You coming back here after?" she asked hopefully.

"I don't know Joze, you know how these things go," he cringed as her face fell and he rubbed her neck softly, wishing (and not for the first time) that he wasn't the leader of the GSE as hurting her apparently came with the job.

"Yeah yeah, I know – guess I can't complain too much since you are mine again," she said with a shrug.

Pete smiled softly before leaning in to whisper, "I'll always be yours," and he felt her breath quicken at his words.

"Jesus I'm gonna throw up if you two keep at it," Ike shouted directly into Josie's ear, causing her to jump slightly in shock while Pete smacked him in the back of the head, shoving him away from the couple before turning his attention back to her.

"Alright baby, back to work for you," Pete said with a smirk, kissing her again, lingering for a few moments much to the indignant shouts of the GSE who were itching to take off.

Josie grinned at him, smacking his bum lightly as he turned to go, "I'll be at yours waiting – so don't pick up some slag after you beat the shit outta the Goonies."

The collected boys around her cringed and rolled their eyes, shouting in unison, "It's Gooners!" causing Josie to blush slightly while Pete simply laughed loudly at her.

She stuck her tongue out at the boys before turning to hug Pete goodbye, "Be safe," she whispered into his ear, "Love you."

"I will," he promised, giving her a final kiss before striding out of the bar, the rest of the boys following in his footsteps.

The loud crash from the kitchen caused Josie's eyes to snap open in shock. Disoriented, she glanced at the clock next to Pete's bed to see it was half past one. Rolling her eyes, she climbed out of bed and hurried into the other room to investigate. She bit back a laugh as she saw Matt sprawled out on the floor and Pete kicking him softly in the ribs in an attempt to wake him. The slight snort that escaped her caused Pete's eyes to snap over to her and Josie cringed to see his handsome face marred by the usual cuts and bruises that came with a match day.

"Didja forget about our little reunion Dunham?" Josie said with a smirk as Pete stared at her gobsmacked. It was lucky for her that Matt was passed out as in her haste she'd run out in a pair of tiny, black boy shorts and a small white t-shirt that clung to her body.

Pete gazed at her, desire filling his body at the sight of her bare legs, "Absolutely not...if I'd known you'd be waitin' in my bed like this I'da skipped the meet."

He leapt over Matt's immobile frame to reach Josie. He lifted her up into his arms, attacking her neck with his lips and groaning when she wrapped her legs around his waist, molding her body close to his, "Why'd I ever think I could give you up?" he asked her seriously, staring into her brown eyes as he ran his hands up and under her shirt to feel her warm, bare skin. She moaned softly at the feel of his calloused hands on her body, gentle despite the roughness.

"Cause you are a stupid, stupid man," she replied, breathless from his kiss, "Now put me down so I can clean you up. And you've got to at least roll Matt onto the rug; he'll catch his death on the floor."

"Fuck Matt, I need to get you to bed," Pete replied, carrying her towards his room, keeping her locked tight in his arms as he planted a kiss into the hollow of her throat. He reached his room, tossing her lightly onto the bed and slamming the door shut before immediately joining her. She giggled softly as he moved to pull her shirt up and over her head, "God I've missed you," he whispered reverently as he leaned down, caressing her bare skin while kissing down her neck softly.

Josie leaned up and pulled his shirt off, running her hands over his chest, sighing happily at the feel of the hard muscles, "You're tryin' to distract me from examining your wounds," Pete sucked lightly on her neck and she breathed in sharply, "And I have to say: it's workin'."

He smirked down at her, knowing he'd won when she began undoing his belt buckle, pulling his jeans and boxers down in one movement, "I'm a pro at distracting you," he whispered softly, moving down her body to pull her panties off. He moved down her legs slowly, running his hands along her smooth, bare skin. Once the offending article was removed he kissed his way back up her body, taking his time as she squirmed beneath him in pleasure.

Reaching her face Josie pulled him towards her, kissing his lips roughly as she used all her strength to roll him on to his back. She straddled his waist and Pete hissed as she moved over him. He ran his hands along her hips, gripping her tightly, he smiled up at her as she leaned in to kiss him again, "I love you Joze," was the last thought he managed to articulate as she slowly lowered herself down onto him, throwing her head back in pleasure. Pete gripped her hips tighter, rising off the bed to match her movements.

They made love slowly both reveling in the reunion and in no hurry, preferring to pretend they were the only two in the world. Hours had passed when Pete finally collapsed exhaustedly onto the bed, dragging Josie on top of his body. He kissed her shoulder softly, smiling into the warm skin that seemed to glow after their activities, "Enough make-up sex for one night?" he smirked at her, feeling happily exhausted as she kissed her way along his jaw-line.

"I'll never have enough of you," she whispered into his ear, sucking his earlobe softly, "But," she said as she pulled away while he groaned in frustration, "We need a break so I can clean the dried blood off the gash in your forehead."

Pete rolled his eyes at her returned determination, "Finee, I liked you better when your one-track mind was for sex not nursing."

She stared at him in mock anger, "Ass, I'm tryin' to ensure that pretty face of yours doesn't get any more scars."

He tickled her stomach lightly, "The only pretty one 'ere is you. Now go on…though I shouldn't even be lettin' you outta my bed."

Josie rolled her eyes, climbing over him and throwing one of his shirts on over her. She moved to walk out into the kitchen when Pete cleared his throat loudly, "What?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"The Yank's still sprawled out on the floor and as much confidence I have in him not wakin' till mornin', I'm not risking anyone seeing you half naked – shorts, please." He said, pointing to a discarded pair on the floor.

This comment earned another eye roll and she huffed slightly as she pulled his boxers on too. She walked quietly out of his bedroom, cringing when she saw Matt had moved to the couch and was currently snoring loudly, shit – I hope he didn't hear us, she thought hopefully, knowing how awkward the morning would be if he had.

Josie moved into the kitchen quietly, trying to be as silent as possible while searching the cabinets quickly. Finding the bandages where she'd left them from the last stitch up session she ran a washcloth under warm water before scurrying back into Pete's bedroom.

There she found Pete sitting up, staring impatiently at the door as he waited for her return, "Took ya long enough. Having you out of my bed even for a minute is painful."

Josie grinned at him as her eyes strayed to his bare chest, "Smooth talkin' Dunham," she said lightly as she skipped back to the bed, climbing on to him again. "Now lean back." She ordered and Pete immediately tilted his head back to allow her to view his face clearly. She concentrated on the largest cut, just above his eyebrow, patting the gash lightly, unwilling to press too hard in case it hurt him.

Pete watched her in fascination, smiling as she bit her lip in concentration and her soft hands moved across his face, taking care as she pressed butterfly bandages to the cut, "It's gonna scar is my bet since you were too impatient to let me fix it up earlier."

He smirked, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he rolled her off him then pulled her into a close embrace, "Whatever you say Dr. Murphy."

Josie smiled up at him as she leaned up to kiss him again, "I missed you Pete," she said seriously, "I'm looking forward to actually sleeping again. I've looked terrible ever since D-day due to lack of sleep."

Pete arched an eyebrow, "D-day?"

She blushed lightly, "Emma's term – not mine. I think she meant it to stand for dumping day but I never bothered to ask for clarification."

"Ooch," he grimaced, "I forgot about Emma…is she calling for my bollocks on a platter?"

Josie patted his cheek reassuringly, "Actually she was the one telling me that it'd all be fine cause there was no way the two of us could be in a room together without getting back together."

"Smart lady, I'll send flowers," he said with a grin as he kissed her tenderly moving his lips all over her face, not leaving an inch of skin untouched, "Now go to sleep Josie, my gorgeous little Yank."

She smiled back at him sleepily placing a final kiss on his lips before rolling over in his arms. He pulled her tightly into his body, kissing her hair softly as he listened to her breathing deepen and even out signaling she'd fallen asleep.

Pete stayed up, watching her in wonder as she slept. He rubbed his hands along her body, grinning when she'd sigh slightly in content, my Josie, he thought happily, kissing her temple before finally allowing himself to fall into the first deep, peaceful slumber he'd had in two weeks.

Monday morning dawned bright and early and Pete's eyes shot open in panic as he caught sight of the clock, "Fuck," he hissed as he jumped out of the bed, tossing Josie onto the floor in the process.

"Ouchhh," she groaned, rubbing her naked backside and glaring up at Pete from the tangle of sheets she was stuck in on the floor. He bit his lip, fighting against the desire to laugh or to pull her back into bed and continue what they'd been doing the entire weekend, "I'dve preferred breakfast in bed versus chucking me out of it but thanks anyway for the wake-up call."

He grinned down at her, scooping her up in his arms and tossing her back onto the bed hurriedly, "I'm sorry gorgeous but I'm so late I'll be lucky if the boys don't stage a walk out." He apologized as he ran around the room, searching for clean clothes and when that failed, searching for the least dirty ones he could find.

"Pete – hop in the shower quick, I'll find you somethin' to wear," he grinned thankfully at her knowing it was necessary since they hadn't left the bed since Saturday night and the one trip they'd taken to the shower together was short lived as Pete had "distracted" her before they'd had a chance to take a full-fledged shower.

Three minutes later Pete rushed out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist to be met with the sight of Josie wearing the sheet like a toga searching through his laundry. He licked his lips at the sight, fighting against his desire for her and smiling when she threw a shirt and tie in his face, "I know what you're thinkin' and if you didn't have time to wipe the soap from behind your ear you certainly don't have time for what I'd want you to do to me."

She smirked as he frantically wiped behind his ears, cringing when he realized she was right, "Cheeky slag," he muttered as he pulled her into a hug, kissing her soundly, "Morning." He said as she yawned sleepily and he swept her up, placing her back into the bed carefully, smoothing her hair as he kissed her forehead softly.

"Hi," she smiled up at him as he kissed her again before turning to dress quickly. He threw his tie around his neck, coming to stand next to the bed as Josie kneeled up to tie it for him like she did each morning before he left. He kissed her cheek as she finished a perfect knot, "Perfect – no one'll ever know it's hiding a spaghetti stain under there," she said as she patted his chest softly.

"Thanks Joze, you workin' today?"

She yawned slightly, stretching her arms over her head, "Ugh yes, but not till nine and just until one…kinda pointless but Em begged me for help."

"No class today either, why don'tcha come by school? Paddy would love to see ya and the boys have missed pervin' on you," Pete smiled as she laughed at his words and he cradled her face in his hands lovingly.

"Sure why not," she shrugged, having already planned to surprise him anyways, "Now go – or there'll be no classroom for me to visit since you'll be out of a job."

He leaned down to kiss her, whispering a quick 'I love you' before running out the door. Josie sighed, flopped back onto the bed and curled up in the still warm spot Pete had been in a short time ago. Her thoughts strayed to the past twenty four hours, the overwhelming sense of happiness that she'd felt when Pete had kissed her in the backroom had yet to dissipate and it seemed he was riding the same high.

She closed her eyes, a soft smile playing on her face as she thought of him and she fell into a dreamless sleep only to wake an hour or so later when her alarm went off. She stretched lazily, feeling her body ache and she moved quickly into the shower.

Josie ran the water hot, letting it stream over her body and glancing down she cringed to see the marks Pete had left behind. She blushed at the memories of how they got there though she prayed there were none on any parts that would be visible once dressed. Once she got out of the shower, she wiped the steam from the mirror seeing it would be another scarf day as her neck was spotted with various bites and marks, oh well, she thought happily, it's the price of being with a hooligan and one I'll gladly pay.

She dressed quickly, quietly sneaking out of Pete's flat, taking care not to wake Matt who was asleep on the couch. Maybe I should offer him the use of my place? Josie thought in wonder, it can't be good for him to keep sleeping squished on a couch. She tiptoed out of the flat, making sure her heels didn't click too loudly until she reached the hall.

Walking normally she clumped down the stairs and out into the street. Glancing at her watch she hurried towards the tube station as she realized there'd be no time for coffee and Emma was going to be mad as hell already since she'd neglected to call her with an update on what happened with Pete.

A short time later Josie was scurrying up the stairs to her office and as she flung open the door she was met with the livid face of Emma causing her to stumble back with a hand over her heart in shock, "Holy hell you scared me."

"Good," Emma said, jabbing a finger into her shoulder, "I have been worried sick wondering what happened with you and Dunham but based on the fact there's a mighty love bite peeking out from your scarf, I think I have my answer."

Josie blushed a deep red and moved to adjust her scarf, "I'm so sorry Ems, I was just a little preoccupied."

Emma grinned back at her gleefully, "I knew it, I just knew there was no way Pete could stay away," she said, dragging Josie towards their desk, "I shoulda put money on him begging for you back as I can only imagine that's how it went down."

Josie tried to bite back a laugh at her friend, "Yes oh wise one, you were correct."

"Oh thank God, you've been a miserable sod to be around." Emma smiled back happily at Josie, poking her in the side lightly.

"Yeah yeah," she murmured, slightly disgruntled at how easily everyone could see how miserable she was without Pete.

"Oh stop pouting Josie posey, if I'd lost access to Dunham's bum and abs I'd have been just as miserable," Emma said with a glint in her eye.

"Oi, keep your eyes to yourself," Josie replied, shoving her shoulder into Emma's.

"Ladies – this isn't social hour," both Emma and Josie whipped their heads around to see their boss glaring down at them, "Get to work…now."

The two girls dropped their heads down and quickly took their seats at their desk, grabbing at papers in an effort to look busy, "We'll talk at lunch," Emma whispered.

Josie nodded, not risking speech as her boss was lurking just a few feet away from them. The rest of the morning was spent in relative silence as they worked busily on a fundraiser that was planned for next month.

"Joze?" Emma said a few hours later.

"Yeah?" Josie said, not looking up from her computer.

"It's just one now. I know you're done but you want to grab some lunch? Pub food instead of the chipper today? You've got a lot of sharing to do," Emma said, wagging her eyebrows suggestively.

"Sure," she said a little too loudly, garnering a glare from her boss, "Let's get outta here and quick."

The two girls grabbed their stuff, throwing their jackets on before quickly hurrying out of the office. As they stepped outside Josie let out a sigh of relief to be away from the glaring eyes of her boss, "Phew, what a relief to be out of there. Ready for pub grub?"

"Absolutely, he's so uptight it's unbelievable," Emma said, rolling her eyes at the thought of their boss.

They marched down the street, arm in arm, both chattering happily, a stark contrast to the last time they'd gone to lunch together.

"So just like that – he kisses you and all is forgiven? That boy must have lips of gold," Emma said, slightly disgruntled that Josie had let him off so easy.

Josie shrugged, "I'm much better with him than I am alone…I don't know how to explain it any better."

"Pathetic is the word I'd use," Emma said which earned an smack from Josie, "But I must say I wish I had what you two do. You're disgustingly, adorably perfect together."

"Thanks…I think," Josie said sarcastically and Emma smiled back at her brightly.

They reached the pub moments later, shoving through the door, happy to escape the cold. They settled on a table tucked into a corner. After deciding what they wanted Josie walked up to the bar to order for the two of them.

As she leaned over the bar, waiting for the bartender to notice her, a gruff voice beside her startled her with a yell, "You!"

Josie turned in shock to be met with the giant of a man that had threatened her and ultimately led to her and Pete breaking up. She stumbled backwards, fear written on her face.

"Oh relax – I aint gonna hurt you," he said with a sincere smile, "I actually wanted to apologize and I also need you to tell that little shit Bovver he owes me 50 quid."

Josie stared back into the man's face in confusion and all she managed to get out was an incoherent noise that caused the man to laugh, "Names Liam – pleasure to meet ya Miss Josie," he said, sticking a hand out in introduction.

Josie shook it warily, "Sorry I maced you," she said.

Liam threw his head back with a laugh and gave a casual wave, "Not a worry. I guess I played the intimidator too well, eh love?"

Josie still kept a cautious distance, despite the man's friendly tone, "Yes you did," she replied stiffly, "And about that – you mentioned the name Bovver…just how do you know him?"

"Oh that…I've worked a few odd jobs with him and he asked for a favor," he gave a casual shrug, taking a large sip of his beer.

"A favor?" Josie asked incredulously.

"Yup," Liam replied, "He paid me to scare you. He said somethin' like 'that'll scare her off'…weird dude but a hundred quid's a hundred quid. I aint had work in months. I am sorry miss, I went a bit overboard." He dropped his head, looking penitent and Josie touched his shoulder tentatively.

"It's ok, no harm no foul I guess." Just then Emma appeared at her shoulder noticing the angry look that was twisted onto Josie's features despite softening slightly towards the man.

"What's going on? You ok Joze?" she questioned frantically, worried by Josie's tense stance and the giant of a man she'd been talking to.

"This gentleman here was the one who scared me a couple weeks back, says our buddy Bovver paid him to pull that stunt."

Emma's face twisted in rage, "That little fucker," she hissed, "I'll murder him myself."

Liam shied away from the angry blonde in front of him, "Said I was sorry, dinna I?" he responded roughly.

Emma pointed a finger in his direction, "Oh sorry, are you? Do you realize what the repercussions of your actions were? Scaring a poor innocent girl for a quick pound is reprehensible."

"Oi I know tha, I've felt terrible ever since," Liam said, "Not only that, the little shit only paid me 'alf."

Emma looked furious while Josie simply held up a hand to stop another outburst. She took a few notes out of her purse and handed them to Liam, "Consider the debt paid – you have a delightful rest of your day Liam. Thank you for the information, it's been a pleasure." He grinned and raised his glass in cheers as Josie grabbed Emma by the arm to drag her back to their table.

"I take it lunch is a no?" Josie nodded her head tersely, "Ooo, can I come help beat up Bovver?!" Emma said while they both grabbed their coats and walked back outside.

Josie stomped furiously in the direction of the underground as Emma tried to keep up with her, "Joze! Slow down, what are you gonna do?"

She shook off her friends grip, continuing to march forward as she went, "I'm going to absolutely kill that little shit is what I'm gonna do. The nerve of that man to think he could scare me away from Pete."

"Joze, calm down – you can't go after him when you're this wound up." Emma tried to reason with her. She brushed off Emma's grip, still stomping angrily down the street. The harder she thought about what she was going to do, the more confused she became as to what she should do.

Rubbing her temple in frustration, "Ugh fine," she groaned, stopping abruptly and turning to face Emma, "I just can't understand how anyone could want to destroy their best mate's happiness like that. Pete felt just as terrible as I did and Bovver sat there with a grin on his face knowing full well what he did."

Emma pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her back comfortingly, "I know Joze. Bovver's a right bastard but you've got to think this through. Pete would go ballistic if you went to him all riled up like this."

Josie nodded her head slowly, knowing Emma was right. Could she really tell Pete about this? They were just getting back to being happy, the last thing they needed was another blowout. Not only that, the question was whether Pete would believe her or not. She cringed internally at the thought of Pete doubting her.

She sighed heavily, "I guess you're right Ems. Maybe I'll just have a chat with Bovver myself – leave Pete out of it."

Emma grimaced slightly at her words, "Alright pet, but be careful please: Bovver clearly has it out for you and if he went to the lengths of hiring someone to scare you, who knows what he'll do."

Josie smiled at her friends concern, "Thanks Em, I'll call you later. Sorry about being a lousy lunch date, rain check until tomorrow?"

"You got it love, see you – call if you need anything." Emma turned to head back to the museum as Josie continued along towards the tube. She walked aimlessly, allowing her instinct to guide her along her normal route home. As the train moved quickly towards West Ham Josie sighed in frustration. What the fuck is he playing at? she thought angrily, I always knew Bov hated me, but this? This is just insane.

Josie slammed her head back, cringing when it met the hard glass of the window. Her phone rang in her bag and she wearily grabbed at it, smiling only slightly when she saw it was Pete, "Hello?"

"Hi you, on the way?" Josie smiled at the impatience in his voice as she glanced at her watch to see it was just quarter past one.

"I am actually just pulling into your stop, aren't you supposed to still be teaching?" Pete gave a snort at that.

"Oh I am – the boys are the ones that made me call, they're impatiently awaiting your arrival." Josie gave a disbelieving laugh at that, "Gospel of Paul love, toldja they missed pervin' on you."

She giggled at his words, "You're a twat, I'll be there in five."

"Make it three," he said before lowering his voice, "I love you Joze, see you quick."

"Love you," she said as she ended the call.

The quick chat with Pete had made her decision for her. He sounded so unbelievably happy and content there was no way Josie was going to screw them up again. No, she thought determinedly, I'll go straight to the source. If he thinks I'm going to lose Pete without a fight he is going to be sorely mistaken, he's never fucked with a Murphy before that's for damn sure. At that final thought she set her jaw in determination and walked quickly towards Pete's school shoving all thoughts of Bovver out of her head until she could corner him later that week, thinking only of Pete.

Dum dum dummm...bad Bovver. Whatever will our girl do? And Pete for that matter if he finds out..