Right - so I'm wicked iffy on this chapter and I had to muscle through it so here it is. I trust you'll let me know how you feel.
As always: thanks to my kind readers/reviewers. Also I just found out you can reply to reviews and feel like an idiot for not doing that before. Trust that I will from here on out!
Annnnd here we!...
A pair of callused hands ran up and under Josie's shirt and she sighed softly, smiling sleepily before opening her eyes to see Pete smirking up at her. He placed a kiss on her bare stomach, inching up her body carefully before laying his head on her chest. She ran her hands over his head softly, "Hi you, time is it?" she mumbled, leaning down to kiss the top of his head softly.
"Half passed seven," he said, voice muffled into her chest. She shivered at the vibration and he grinned up at her before a grimace replaced the smile, "Fuck my leg's killin' me." He said, feeling pain shoot up his body at the smallest movement. Frustrated he inched up slowly until he was laying next to her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her head softly, "I can't even properly ravish my gorgeous girl. And it's been weeks since I've been able to touch you."
Josie rolled her eyes, "You've been sleepin' for two weeks – I was the one suffering, I almost had to turn to Swill for bodily comfort," she said with a sly grin.
"Oi," Pete shouted, eyes darkening slightly, "Thas not even close to funny – don't even joke about shit like that."
She maneuvered out of his arms and he gave a disgruntled noise at losing the warmth of her body. He rolled over on to his back to watch her movements, tucking his arms under his head and reclining back. It was like he was seeing everything through new eyes and he was content to just stare at the living, breathing Josie. For some reason he'd been given a second chance yet there were still so many lingering questions and he hadn't a clue as to how to answer them.
But instead of climbing out of the bed like he thought she would and leaving him in his thoughts she straddled his prone form leaning down to kiss his lips softly, "You know you're all I've got, silly," she whispered while her hair tickled his bare chest.
Pete rested his hands on her hips, running his fingertips along her bare skin watching her carefully as sat up gnawing on her lip nervously, "You alright love?" he asked, voice filled with concern.
"Fine," she responded unconvincingly, "Just thinkin' is all."
"Bout what?" he questioned, pulling her down and back into his arms for a hug. Josie chose not to respond, her thoughts having been on the two detectives that had paid her a visit two days before he'd woken up and she had yet to contact them since he'd woken up. The encounter had been weighing heavily on her mind wondering how to broach the subject with Pete.
She kissed his chest softly, closing her eyes at the feel of his hands running along her back, "Just…stuff," she trailed off lamely.
"What kinda stuff?" Pete questioned, tilting her face up towards him so he could stare into her brown eyes. He stroked her face lightly, running his fingertips along the not quite healed scar under her bangs she'd received from the fight at the Abbey.
He felt like he'd been neglecting her since he woke up what with the parade of visitors and the beginning stages of rehab. There was just so much that had been thrown at them that in the quiet of their bedroom he was unsure if they were still the same happy couple they'd been and if they weren't, would they ever be able to get back to that?
Josie stared back at him, eyes filled with doubt and questions that caused Pete's chest to tighten painfully, "Just…wedding stuff and rehab and school and work and well…everything I guess." She finished in a hurry.
"Lots goin' on in there, huh?" Pete asked while trying to keep his voice light. Inside he was a nervous wreck. Here he was: twenty-four years old, just recovering from a near death experience, staring into the eyes of the girl he wanted to give everything to and feeling like all he'd ever given her was heartache and trouble.
She sat back up and looked down at him, smiling softly in an attempt to reassure him, "Baby, I'm fine – just gettin' used to having you around and not having to worry about you not waking up. But there is somethi- " she cutoff shortly at the pounding on the door. Glancing at the clock she realized what an idiot she was as she leapt off Pete and ran to answer the door.
Throwing it open she saw Swill and Ike with matching grins that quickly fell from their faces when they realized she'd clearly just woken up, "Fuck Joze – you said at the hospital you'd have Pete all ready?" Swill whispered furiously at her while caused her to blush deeply.
"We fell asleep," she said by way of lame explanation. And as though to emphasize that point Pete shuffled out of their room shirtless with a pair of sweats hanging low on his hips, not quite fully awake. She licked her lips subconsciously at the sight of his half-naked frame until Swill nudged her shoulder, shaking her out of her decidedly dirty thoughts.
"Oi wat are you two doin' 'ere?" Pete questioned, looking confused at the sight of his mates. He watched Josie carefully as she shifted her weight nervously from right foot to left.
"I'm an idiot is what I am – I ruined the surprise," she pouted at Ike who pulled her into his side, playfully ruffling her already messy hair by way of forgiveness.
"Yeah, this little Yank was meant to have you ready for a welcome back drinkin' session at the newly renovated Abbey," Swill answered gleefully, unable to keep the secret any longer.
Pete's face immediately broke into a huge grin, "Abbey's fixed already?" He was under the impression that the damage was so extensive it would be shut down for months but it seems there was finally a bright spot in the aftermath of the fight.
Ike nodded his head emphatically, "Terry worked frantically to get it done and it just so happens the grand re-opening coincides with you joinin' the livin' world."
Pete rubbed his hands eagerly at the idea of spending a night out with the boys and he grinned when he caught Josie's eye, "You're not a very good planner there love," he said, crossing the room as quickly as his lame leg would allow him, pulling her from Ike's side and into his arms, "But I do love you," he whispered in her ear.
Tucking Josie into his side he turned to face the boys, "We'll meet you lot down there after I throw on my party clothes," he joked, "I'll even act surprised." He said with a smile as the boys waved goodbye to the couple and he closed the door with a click.
He glanced down to see Josie biting her lip sheepishly, "I'm sucha fool," she mumbled, disappointed she'd ruined the surprise.
Pete grinned at her blush, taking her chin in his hand to tilt her face towards him, "No yer not – you're perfect." He said, placing his lips on hers, "Now – since we're so pressed for time I must insist you shower with me."
Josie squealed as Pete swept her off her feet, placing most of his weight on his good leg as he walked them both towards the bathroom, "Oh my God Pete, put me down! You'll hurt your leg carrying me," she shrieked loudly.
He rolled his eyes at her, kissing her forehead softly, "Oh relax gorgeous, I've got you." He said, holding her to his chest even tighter as he marched into the bathroom with her. Dropping her to the tiled floor he pulled her shirt up and off of her body, grinning at the sight of her and leaning down to suck lightly on her neck.
Josie breathed in sharply at the familiar sensation, "You plannin' on us making your surprise party tonight?"
"If my other option is having you in the shower, in our bed, maybe on the kitchen table…" he whispered, causing Josie to throw her head back with a laugh and he nibbled on the soft skin at the base of her neck, "Then no – I am not planning on making my surprise party."
"Ass," she whispered quietly to him, rubbing the nape of his neck softly, "We're gonna have to make an appearance but I'm thinkin' after tonight we spend the rest of the weekend locked in our bedroom until we have to face reality again on Monday."
"You think I'd ever say no to that?" he grinned down at her before switching on the shower and quickly removing both their clothes, "Now," he said, smacking her bum lightly, "In you go."
Pete felt his heart stutter slightly as he gazed down at Josie as he eagerly joined her, smirking as the water streamed down her naked body, "You, Ms Murphy-soon-to-be-Mrs. Dunham are just the most perfect thing in my life."
"Less talky, more touchy," she said with a grin, pulling his face down to hers in a searing kiss.
"Oi! Bout time you two pulled yerselves outta bed to join us!" Ned shouted as soon as he spied Josie and Pete walking through the door, his words causing a furious blush to paint her cheeks. Pete stared in amazement at the freshly fixed up Abbey that was currently packed with all the boys, Steve (a bandage still wrapped around his neck), his mum, Paddy, numerous school-mates…it seemed like everyone he'd ever met had come out for the evening.
"You planned this?" he whispered into Josie's ear, "Maybe yer not sucha terrible little party planner after all."
Josie grinned up at him, rolling her eyes slightly, "Can't believe you doubted me even a little." She stood on tiptoes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek, "Now let's forget about the disaster our life has been lately and enjoy the fact that we're both alive, have a wacky, yet dedicated group of friends and family who are willing to get us both decidedly drunk soo lets get pissed."
"Sounds fantastic to me love," he said with a smile before dragging her towards the bar where they were both enveloped in hugs and pats on the back from the grouping of people.
An hour or so later Josie was leaning over the bar, chatting with Terry who was practically bursting at the sight of his fixed up pub filled with people when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find a timid Emma who was fighting a blush just at the look of her, "Hi," she said cautiously.
Josie rolled her eyes and tipsily pulled Emma into a hug, "Stop actin' like I'm going to beat you up – I understand," she said sincerely, "Colin can be quite charming when the mood strikes him."
Emma grinned back at her friend, "That he can. But I am sorry Joze, to have put this on you when you're going through enough."
Josie waved a casual hand, spilling her beer in the process, "Em, its fine...seriously. Now, have a pint!" she shouted and Terry quickly obliged by pouring a glass of red wine for her.
Emma grinned back at him, feeling a sense of comfort over how he remembered her drink order and how eagerly the boys all came over to chat with her. She'd always been envious of Josie and her relationship with Pete as well as her close friendship with the boys. Life had been so uncomplicated before she met Josie but it had also been boring. Now it was anything but.
Glancing around the crowded pub she turned her attention back to Josie who was staring dreamily at Pete who was currently in a heated argument with Swill about who was better at pool, "Nice to see everything's getting back to normal, eh?"
Josie gave a wide smile, "It is definitely nice. You still plannin' on being my maid of honor?"
Emma huffed slightly, "Obviously – now I'll have help planning since you're finally assured you'll get a wedding."
Josie rolled her eyes, "Sorry I wasn't keen on planning a wedding to a lifeless body." She shuddered at her own words, the wounds still fresh from almost losing Pete as she again glanced over to see him standing in the corner, pint in hand as he argued away with Swill.
"I know love, but no worries now. You two can put this all behind you and continue being the fairytale perfect couple," Emma replied, following Josie's gaze, biting back a jealous sigh as she saw Pete lock eyes with Josie and give her a quick wink. The look that passed between them was so tender she felt like she was intruding just by seeing it. She tore her eyes away from the couple to look back at Josie who was still staring at Pete with a foolish look on her face.
Emma gave an awkward cough to get Josie's attention and it worked as her friend turned back to her saying, "So…you and Colin…just how did it happen and just what is goin' on between you too?"
The blonde bit her lip in thought, wondering how much detail to give, "Erm, it happened the first night he was here," she barely registered the surprised gasp from Josie continuing, "And you'd gone back to the hospital for the night. Neither of us really wanted to go home, we were too amped and worried about you, so we went to a pub for a few drinks. And well…one thing led to another…and we ended up in bed together."
"I see," Josie said face a blank mask, "Well…how has it been since then?"
Emma stared dreamily off into space as she thought back over the past few days with Colin, "Perfect. I really like him Joze," she confessed.
"That's great Em," she replied with false enthusiasm, "Just…just be careful is all. Col is a great guy but to be honest none of us were ever very good at the whole serious relationship thing. I think its cause we didn't have a healthy parental relationship to learn from."
Emma scoffed slightly, disbelief clearly written on her face, "Joze – you and Pete are the couple. I mean sure, you guys fight because you're both so hard headed and stubborn, you've hit some bumps but you're made for each other. It's like he's your missing puzzle piece."
Josie flushed at her words, "It's like that now but before I wasn't so good at being with one guy for a long period of time but…I guess you're right, it just took the right guy," she responded, "Well, I hope Colin's your puzzle piece because then you'd be family!" she shouted happily as the thought came to her mind. Shrugging at the weird scenario she now found herself in she decided to not interfere and let it go where it may. "Now," turning to face the bar she beckoned Terry towards her, "Shots please – two for me and my faux-sister."
Terry grinned at the two girls and Emma sighed in relief that Josie had taken it all so well. She'd been a nervous wreck that Josie would flip out and end their friendship, "I love you Joze," Emma said, nudging her shoulder into Josie's.
"Right back atcha English rose," Emma grinned back at her and the two girls clinked the shot glasses together before throwing them back. Josie smacked her lips happily, wiping a little dribble off her chin.
She opened her mouth to say something but jumped in surprise at the pair of hands that covered her eyes, "Guess who?" a voice whispered.
Emma watched as Josie giggled while Pete nuzzled his face into her neck before taking her chin softly to guide her lips to his. Emma felt another jealous wave bubble in her stomach and she turned away from the scene to avoid feeling like a terrible person by envying her friend's relationship. She glanced around the pub, wondering who on earth she'd talk to when her gaze landed on the door that had just opened to reveal Colin stepping through. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the tall, lean man with the thick brown hair, looking him up and down eagerly.
She gave a timid smile in his direction when he caught her eye, heart pounding when he gave her a huge grin and beckoned her towards him. She leapt off the stool and hurried towards Colin. Once she reached him her heart stuttered as he pulled her into his arms, "Hi Ems." He whispered into her ear, causing a tickling sensation to run down her spine.
"Hi," Emma whispered back, "So, I had a chat with your sister," she said brightly.
Colin arched an eyebrow, "Oh yeah? What'd she say?"
"She bought me a shot and said she hopes it works out," Emma said, trying to act casual though inside butterflies were fluttering frantically in her stomach that there would be something to work out.
"That right?" he asked, eyes sparkling, "Well Josie Jo has always been quick to anger and even quicker to forgive."
"Being your sister I'm sure she had to be," Emma joked and Colin pulled her into his side, placing a soft kiss on the crown of her blonde head.
"I suppose I should make good with her, huh? Poor muffins been through enough," he said with a grin before pushing through the crowd to reach Josie and Pete who were still wrapped up in each other by the bar.
When they reached the couple Colin broke away from Emma in order to yank Josie out of Pete's arms, spinning her through the air, "Ello Josie Jo, forgive me yet?"
"Suppose so," she said with a shrug before her face hardened, "But you break her heart I break your face – got it?" Josie said, pointing an angry finger at her brother.
Pete bit back a laugh at the grim look Colin wore as he was quite familiar with how scary she could be when her anger was directed at you, "Yes Joze, Scout's honor."
Josie stared back at her brother appraisingly, wondering if he actually felt something for Emma but letting it go for now, preferring ignorance about her brother and her best friend's relationship. Shrugging it off, she planted a quick kiss on Colin's cheek before turning back to Pete wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling his lips to hers.
"Mm, I'm quite happy right now," she whispered into his lips.
"Careful Joze," he murmured back, "You'll jinx us."
Josie through her head back with a laugh, "That's crap – someone up there owes me some happiness."
"Yes they do love," Pete said, rubbing her neck softly, "Can't believe how many people are packed into this place," he said as he scanned the room.
"Well lots of people missed you," Josie replied, smiling softly as she locked eyes with Steve, "You're brother seems…better."
Pete glanced over to see his brother having a pint at the end of the bar with Terry, looking decidedly down with a white bandage still wrapped around his neck, "He heard from Shannon yet?" she asked him curiously.
"Not that I know of, none of the boys have 'eard from Matt either," he said quietly.
Josie looked up at Pete, knowing what he was thinking. She turned his face towards hers, "It's not your fault she left."
He stared down into her eyes, feeling the familiar bubble of guilt he'd been experiencing since he'd woken up and found everything in disarray, "It sorta is Joze…this started with the GSE, my Firm – and I dragged Steve back into it, got you hurt in the process and nearly myself killed."
"So after all that I think you've suffered enough, you don't need to feel guilt over your brother's marriage on top of all that. Shannon left, babe, you didn't force her to go," Josie tried to reason with him but inside Pete's thoughts were running wild. The booze had mixed rather unpleasantly with the pills he was on for his leg and it was causing his mind to turn in directions he would never usually go under sane circumstances.
"It's just…I -…there's the – " he continued to start and stop, trying to articulate what was going on in his mind but finally he just let the words tumble from his mouth, "It's just Shan and Steve were so in love, so happy. They have a kid together – and if she can leave him so easily…" he trailed off.
Josie's eyes widened in shock at where he seemed to be thinking, "You think I could just leave you like that?"
Pete's head moved just slightly and he now stared into the narrowed eyes of a very angry Josie, "Screw you Pete – I sat next to you in that hospital for nearly two weeks, cried myself to sleep every single night while I prayed you'd wake up and you have the nerve to think that I could actually leave you?" she snapped at him.
He cringed at the fire in her eyes, "I'm sorry Joze…I'm just all outta sorts. I still just can't wrap my head around all that's gone on and it was always so easy with us, I figured you wouldn't be up to the challenge," he bumbled along stupidly, digging himself in deeper.
Josie scoffed, rolling her eyes at him while gripping his face in her hands, forcing him to meet her stare, "Easy? You think this has been easy?" she whispered forcefully, "Christ Pete, you must have suffered a great deal of memory loss after the Warf – the two of us fight all the time, mostly because we're both stubborn to the point of idiocy, we've broken up once, nearly a second time come to think and within twenty four hours of the night we got engaged we both ended up in the hospital. Nothing about us has been easy – which is what makes us us. If this was easy, it wouldn't be love, you stupid twat."
Her words finally sunk in when she kissed his lips softly, tugging softly on his lower lip with her teeth, "Fuck's sake I'm a terrible guy. You just make me so stupid with your beauty."
"God you're such an idiot," Josie said lightly, a smile playing on her face.
"We allowed to leave yet?" Pete whispered into her ear and she shuddered as he nibbled her earlobe softly.
Josie gave a false loud yawn, "Boy am I just knackered," she yelled out to no one in particular. Pete took his hand in hers and slowly began to lead her out of the bar as quick as his limp would allow them.
They'd only made it halfway across the room when the door swung open to reveal the two detectives that had shown up at Pete's before he'd woken up.
The color drained from Josie's face at the sight and Pete looked down at her in concern, clueless as to who the two strangers were, "Who're they?" he asked gruffly, eyes clouding in confusion.
Josie remained horrorstruck, silently watching the two men as they scanned the room, tensing up when Detective Cross' eye's lingered on her and Pete. She gripped his hand tightly, jaw clenching, "Cops," she breathed out the word.
Pete's jaw set firmly, he straightened up as best he could and pulled Josie into his side protectively, "How do you know?" he said under his breath as they both stood there, tensely watching the two men push through the crowd towards them.
"They came by the flat a couple days before you woke up," she admitted cautiously, "I didn't know how to tell you. I refused to talk to them until you woke up…I was – I was meant to call them as soon as you came out of it."
Anger flowed through him at the sight of the two men, livid they had the nerve to come into the Abbey like this let alone the fact that they'd tried to intimidate Josie. He clenched his free fist as they came closer, preparing for the encounter but to both Josie and Pete's shock the two men walked right by them, continuing towards the bar.
Walking directly towards Steve.
The couple hurried after them, reaching Steve and Terry seconds after the two men did, "Steve Dunham?" Detective Cross asked gruffly.
Steve's face was a mask of confusion as his eyes flicked back and forth at both men, "Erm, yeah – I'm him. Can I help you?" he said politely.
"Yes – we need you to come with us," the younger man said arrogantly.
Steve crossed his arms over his chest tightly and Pete took a step closer, glaring down over the younger man, "What for?" Steve asked not so politely.
"You're wanted for questioning in the death of Tommy Hatcher," Detective Cross said, trying to keep his voice low so that only those closest heard him.
At his words, Josie's heart dropped to her knees and Pete's grip on her tightened even harder. She couldn't believe her ears: the man that plagued her nightmares was dead.
"Hatcher's dead?" Pete asked, unable to keep his mouth shut.
"Yes – and we'll need to speak to your brother," Josie's eyebrows shot up that the older man knew who Pete was, "You are Pete Dunham, correct?"
Pete nodded his head in response, "Nice to see you up and about," he said evenly, no emotion betraying his thoughts as his eyes flickered down to Josie who was now tucked so tightly into Pete's side she was having trouble breathing, "Miss Josie." He nodded at her.
"Sir – Detective," she started tentatively, "How can Steve be involved? Both him and Pete were in the hospital for extended periods of time and are still recovering at this moment. They can't possibly be involved," she stated firmly, staring pleadingly into the soft gray eyes that stared down at her.
"Hatcher Sr. is still with us – he's made an accusation that Mr. Dunham may have some information regarding the death of his son: Tommy Jr." he stated and the look of horror on Steve's face was plain as day as the younger, arrogant detective took his arm roughly and led him through the stunned crowd.
AH! So this little idea came to me just a few hours ago & I hope it threw a little twist to the plot. Let me know what you thought :)