Don't really have much to say here! Even I have to admit this is a really crappy chapter, but it helps with the last chapter, so bare with it!

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The Dragon and the Rose

Chapter Twenty Six

Do you want this?

Pete sat in the Abbey, looking up when Rhys came in. He looked angry, though it was slightly put off as he was on crutches.

'You need to talk to Tegan,' he said as he got nearer the table, voice hard. Pete frowned.

'Is she okay?'

'No, she fucking isn't.' Getting to his feet, the blonde stared hard at Rhys, before moving past him and out the door.

When he got back, he felt a small relief; Tegan looked fine. She was stood by the sink, washing up. Then, he noticed her red eyes.

'Tegan…?' he frowned, approaching slowly.

'Pete, I'm pregnant,' she stated matter-of-factly. It took a moment for him to digest this.

'What?'

'I'm pregnant.'

'Ah.' Pete shook his head slightly. He couldn't believe it; then, he remembered the conversation and how he'd felt just thinking about it. And now it was coming true and he couldn't think of what to say. 'I see,' he added stupidly.

'I see?' Tegan turned to look at him.

'I don't know what to say,' he replied quietly, not looking at her in the face. 'I'm not even sure if I'm ready.' Tegan threw up her hands.

'I knew it was a bad idea to tell you!'

'I just need to think,' he replied. He turned, walking back out the kitchen and out the house with Tegan staring after him.

She felt her bottom lip wobble and her throat go tight; it had happened so fast. One moment he was there and the next he had walked out.

She gave a light sob and sunk to her knees.

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Pete stared out over the River Thames, a sigh escaping his lips. He was going to be a dad; he just didn't understand why he felt so bad about it.

It was just… scary. Pete gave a harsh laugh. Scary? He'd fought many scary blokes and been close to death on numerous occasions, but when his girlfriend of five years becomes pregnant it's scary?

Shaking his head, Pete got to his feet. He had to get away. Anywhere at the moment; just to clear his head.

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Three days. Pete had been gone for three days.

After the first hour, Tegan hadn't worried.

After the first day, she knew he'd be back soon.

After the second, she knew he was probably at his mum's.

After the third day, she knew it was just ridiculous.

Bov, Lucy, Dave and Rhys were all sat in her front room, as Tegan made the drinks. 'I knew he'd just fuck off,' Rhys commented loudly. The same comment he'd been making for days.

'Shut up!' The others said, and for once Tegan laughed. It broke the mood as she came back with a tray of drinks. Rhys shook his head.

'All I'm saying is that… maybe you should give up.'

'Give up?' Tegan frowned.

'Well, he's just done a runner.'

'You're one to talk,' Lucy muttered, folding her arms. Rhys scowled.

'I'm just saying-'

'Well don't just say,' spat Bov. 'No one cares what you think so shut the fuck up, cunt.'

'Pete?' Tegan was staring at the doorway. The others turned in their seats, looking up at the blonde as he gave a weak smile.

'Where the fuck 'ave you been, son?' asked Dave, but there was a relieved grin on his face.

'Around,' he shrugged, before handing a bag to Tegan. She glanced in it, before pulling out a soft, cream baby blanket. She smiled, but looked up with a frown.

'I thought…' She shook her head, unable to explain her feelings.

'Will you forgive me for being a twat?' he asked. 'I just needed some time and I realized I can't live without you. And… I want this baby too.'

Rhys muttered something under his breath, but it went ignored by everyone. Tegan bit her bottom lip, before sighing and stepping forward to hug him.

'Don't you dare go and think ever again,' she warned. Pete laughed, kissing the top of her head.

'I guess everything's going to look up after all,' Lucy smiled, as Bov wrapped an arm around her.

'Don't you just hate it when that happens,' Rhys muttered.

'Ah, give it a rest, Welshy,' Dave muttered as Lucy smacked him on the arm.

'Watch it! I'm a cripple!' Rhys complained, before grabbing a can of lager from the tray and cracking it open.

And Tegan grinned up at Pete, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn't be leaving again.

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