Thanks to those of you who review my last chapter. It is really appreciated. Here is chapter 2. Hope you enjoy. Please read and review. All comments welcome- good or bad.

This Feeling Inside

The pub was still half full when Rae and Finn went inside. They had decided to try and sneak in as to not draw any extra attention to themselves. As if that could happen. Almost as soon as they had stepped inside, Izzy came bouncing up to the pair.

"Where have you two been?" she said with a wry smile.

Rae smiled, unsure what to say. "We went down the chippy. Was hungry."

Izzy looked between the pair, who tried to conceal their smirks.

"Why did you go to the chippy, Rae when there's a buffet?"

Rae stumbled for an answer. "Erm, as if that's gonna be enough for me." She replied, letting out a small snort.

Chop and Archie had made their way over to the trio, intrigued by the reappearance of the pair, Chop placing his arm around Izzy's shoulders.

"Alright?" Finn said, nodding at the pair, trying to look and sound nonchalant.

"I see Rae found you." Archie piped up, throwing it toward Finn, a knowing smile forming on his lips.

"Yeah." Finn replied, quick and to the point but more chipper than usual.

Finn looked across at Rae who had a developed a glow- an aura almost. It was as if her happiness was exuding itself from her. Finn wondered whether it was just him who could see it or whether anyone else had noticed. It was obvious that everyone had noticed.

"What you did tonight, Rae, was so brave." Izzy put forward, looking the most serious any of them had seen her. She reached up and hugged Rae in a way she had never done before. It was a tight, loving hug. Chop and Archie both smiled in agreement.

"If it weren't for you, I don't think Chop would've been so brave either!" A huge smile engulfed Izzy's face.

"She's right Rae." Chop agreed. "That's why you're the daddy!"

Rae's eyes widened. "I am not the daddy!" she defended as she, along with the rest of the gang burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright." Chop held his hands up as if to block an attack. "Who wants a drink then?" he offered as they simultaneously headed toward the table they had been previously sitting up.

Before they Rae could sit down, Archie pulled her aside. "So, erm, you and Finn?" he asked, almost under his breath.

Rae's eyes lit up before she could even answer, her happiness beaming like starlight. She let out an excited sigh.

"Enough said." Archie gave Rae a nudge on the arm.

Chop had returned to the table, his hands full.

"Glad your mum made it an open bar!" he exclaimed.

As if her ears were burning at the mention of her name, Mrs Bushtat appeared at the table.

"Hiya gang." Her voice, almost hoarse, from the long day of speaking for two. "Karim and I are about to head off." She winked as to indicate why, and for the first time, Rae smiled genuinely towards her mother. She stood up and headed towards her mum.

She leaned in, though not in a hug, but close enough for her voice to be low. "Have a good night Mum. I, erm, you know." The words not quite taking form on Rae's tongue.

"I know." She replied. "Me too." She looked back towards Rae's friends. "Bye guys. Don't get into too much trouble will ya?"

A chorus of rumbles came from the group as they waved her goodbye.

"See you at home, Mum."

"Bye"

As Rae took her seat again, Finn intertwined his fingers with hers, out of sight, under the table.

She looked at him adoringly and tightened her grip on his hand. For someone who previously didn't enjoy holding hands, Rae was really starting to take pleasure in it. If she couldn't feel the flesh of his hand on her, she'd have sworn she was dreaming. How could this really be happening to her?

'You know what Rae? Shut up!' her inner monologue shouted at her.

Rae chuckled out loud, making the group turn towards her. Finn, especially, was intrigued by her outburst.

"You alright, Rae?" Archie managed through a giggle.

She looked round the gang, a big grin plastered on her face. "Three months ago, I'd never have thought I'd be sitting here with the best group of friends I could've asked for. I can't believe this is me."

Finn lightly squeezed her hand, touched by her comment. Izzy aahed. Archie throw Rae a hearty grin and Chop, well Chop throw a peanut at her.

Rae took at a sip of her water. She turned towards Finn, and leaned in close. "Can I tell you something?" She whispered in his ear.

Finn just smiled.

"I can't believe you most of all."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I still can't believe you like me? I never in my wildest fantasies would've ever thought that you would ever like me." Her voice now barely audible.

He turned his face towards hers. "Look at me," his hand guiding her chin up so their eyes met.

With no sound Finn mouthed "You're beautiful."

A tear ran down Rae's cheek. With his thumb, Finn wiped it away. She couldn't help but smile- it had turned out to be a crazy but wonderful night.