Hey all... I don't even know how long it's been since I last updated. I wanted to but I wanted the DVDs to properly continue the story. But now, thanks to Netflix, I can do so. This one is kind of short but I'm still getting in the swing of things and need the last disc of the series. I am so incredibly sorry for the wait. Reviews/ideas are welcome.

I do not own the Black Donnellys... only the Murphys.

Days passed without Brigit and Kevin meeting or speaking; she only ever heard of him, nothing from him. Trouble was brewing in the neighborhood, everyone could feel it, and Brigit did not like being away from Kevin during such a time, but there was nothing should could do… it had to be his choice to return.

She had been surprised it had gone on so long but with all Donnelly brothers otherwise engaged, it was understandable. Tommy, Jimmy, and Seanny had other problems to worry about than Kevin's love life. Everyone knew Brigit could stand on her own too feet so she would be okay for the time being.

The three brothers she was still on speaking terms with did actually communicate with her regularly. Sean was the one to update her mostly, seeing as he was her best friend; Tommy called to check up on her, as always; and Jimmy usually called to complain about something – Tommy, Jenny, Italians, whatever.

It brought her comfort to know she would not be forgotten if Kevin wanted to. Whether she, herself, was a Donnelly or not mattered little because she was carrying a Donnelly and that was just as good. The Donnellys and Brigit Murphy would always be in each others' lives and that was ensured now.

All night, Kevin Donnelly thought and thought about what to do about the situation with Nicky Cottero, but came up with nothing. Normally, he would go to Brigit's and think it through rationally (usually with her help) but he had spoken to her in two days. So he tried to do it on his own but to no avail – by morning he had no solution and no sleep and so he went to his brothers for help.

Jimmy responded by stealing the thousand dollars straight from Nicky's bar and returned to the Firecracker to await Nicky's answer. Shortly after Nicky's call, the door swung open.

"Interesting sign, Jimmy, but I don't know if it was worth such an urgent phone call."

Brigit stopped suddenly when Kevin came out of the bathroom, who also stopped short at the sight of her. She took little notice of the three men at the bar shuffling around, trying to hide certain things from her view.

Jimmy was all smiles, though, ignorant of the tension between his brother and the woman standing before him, "Bri! Come in, have a beer!"
"Thanks, Jimmy, I can't, I'm pregnant."
The eldest and youngest Donnellys took a moment to process until Jimmy finally reacted, "What! Kevin didn't even mention it! Gives me more reason to drink! Come on, Kev!"
"He's not celebrating," she said without any emotion in her voice, "But that's not why I'm here – does anyone know what happened over at the Diner? Joey's holding it down pretty well, but he said that when he went there earlier he found it open, deserted, and full of smoke. Jenny supposedly cannot find her dad."
"No, uh, we haven't heard anything about it," Jimmy wanted Brigit out of the Lounge as soon as possible. He did not want her or his nephew/niece in harm's way. People may see him as an asshole, but he still cared about those around him. "You should probably go get more information on that and come back and tell us… later, much later."
Brigit rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, I'll let the four of you get back to doing no good."

She left without another word to any of them. Within ten minutes of her departure, Jenny walked in, asking about her father. Jenny was too focused on her father to remember she was angry with Kevin on how he treated Brigit and Kevin was too focused on Brigit to remember she was one of Brigit's best friends and could help him out of the dog house.

After Jimmy had to point out another one of Kevin's screw ups, Kevin decided to follow Jenny instead. He did not know how to fix things with Brigit, but helping out Jenny seemed a step in the right direction, especially if it got him away from Jimmy's snide remarks.

By the time they made it back to the Diner that night, still without Mr. Reilly, Kevin had had plenty of time to think some things through. Watching Jenny frantically look for her father made him think about those he loved the most. Sure, he understood Jenny's feelings – he would feel the same way if it were Helen, but when they sent to the morgue to identify a body that could possibly have been Jenny's dad, it struck him.

He should have known this already – his own father had been taken from him so suddenly. No matter how watchful or careful one is, people can slip away and become lost… they can even die. Because of this, it's best to keep them close as long as possible, remind them of how important they are, especially in the neighborhood they lived in.

Kevin was scared of how his near future could incorporate a child, but he had always pictured his future with children… and with Brigit. There was no point in pretending or hiding, he wanted exactly what had been handed him but, in a moment of weakness, he had run. He had to somehow repent, which is one reason why he helped Jenny so much.

And when she told him to go home – hinting at returning to Brigit – he refused, if only to see out what he had started, to see Mr. Reilly finally home and safe. He wanted to do as she asked and go to his fiancée (he wondered if she even still considered herself that) but he had yet to come up with a plan that would win her back. So, like a coward, if only for a while longer, he remained at the Diner.

"Come on, Kev, go home," Jenny tried again.
He shook his head, "No, I don't want to leave you alone."
"But you want to leave Brig alone?"
Kevin sighed, "No, of course not. I was stupid to leave her like that but now I don't know how to go back… if she'd even take me back at this point. Who runs out on a girl he loves at a time like that? Maybe she's better off without me."
"Whether that's true or not, we both know Brigit never cared," Jenny reasoned, "She will have you, good or bad. Go back now before it's too late."
He opened his mouth to say something but Jenny, knowing his thoughts, cut him off, "I don't care if you're scared… she'll be nicer if you go back sooner rather than later. And don't forget you kind of deserve it. Now go before I decide to make it unbearable for you to stay here."

Nodding, he got up and kissed Jenny on the cheek and a thankful smile. He was not sure if he was ready to face her but Jenny had a point – Brigit would be more forgiving today than should be tomorrow, though not as forgiving as she would have been yesterday. As long as she forgave him, Kevin had to make amends.

When he made it to her building, he looked up and saw no lights on in her apartment. She was not home, she was working. Kevin should have known that. He stood there, scraping his foot against the sidewalk, trying to decide what to do. Should he go in and wait for her? That is, if she had not changed the locks. Should he wait out on the stoop for her? That would be a long time on the stairs. Should he just go home? If so, he might lose his nerve altogether to face her and, in turn, lose her.

After some time and some thinking, he turned and headed toward his mother's apartment.