Hello!

Well firstly, I do officially declare this the end of Checkmate's hiatus. I can't express how overwhelmed I am by the all of you who are still reading this despite me taking so much time off for work.

Just to keep you updated, this fic now has 10,350 views! That boggles me. I can't even…

*As a side note, whilst I was away I did write a little Under The Dome one-shot. So if by any chance you're a fan, then there's that on my profile. Or if you just want to read about two teenagers (who actually remind me of Kevasty a lot) being all cute and whatnot you can still give it a go!*

As always, thank you to continued supporters LisaT, Bex and Lexi for their lovely comments.

Big hello to Larry!

Guest – I may just sue you for thinking up all my ideas! Haha, a lot of what you said has actually appeared in a lot of my story plans but I won't spoil the surprise by telling you which bits are going to happen. All I can say is if those are the kind of thing you want to read, I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Finally, to finish off the longest A/N ever, this chapter – the big 30 – is dedicated to the lovely Larmac95.

Chapter Thirty

Waterloo Road stood tall and gleaming in the light of what Dynasty thought was the bleakest sun she had seen all summer. Beside her, Kevin made a concerted effort to retain the small, encouraging smile he had mustered as he helped Dynasty walk slowly into the familiar building. The old lingering scent of years worth of paint and something distinctly teen-like invaded their noses as Kevin guided his apprehensive girlfriend through the maze of corridors. Except for a small group of breakfast club students, the hallways to Mr Byrne's office were deserted; the school bell still a good half an hour away.

"Kev, it feels dead weird. Like, we're not supposed to be here," Dynasty confided lowly as they passed another cluster of curiously first years who began to mutter behind their hands.

"Yeah, because you shouldn't be. I wish you'd stay at home for a bit longer," Kevin implored, tightening his arm around Dynasty's waist.

"To do what?" Dynasty snapped as she pushed the staff room door open to reveal an already flustered Sonya. "I'm tired of sitting at the school house reading my glossies."

Kevin released a frustrated breath as Sonya smiled and began to fawn hopelessly over Dynasty. As Kevin took his seat he heard her ask question after question, which Dynasty answered as shortly as possible, whilst still remaining polite, with a tight smile. Before long, the dark haired receptionist scurried away to make tea, detouring slightly to knock quickly on Mr. Byrne's door and announced his students arrival.

Michael leapt out of his seat in a flurry of anticipation and strode out of his office with a quick 'thank you' towards Sonya's retreating frame.

"Miss Barry, I was starting to think you'd left us."

Dynasty Barry's welcoming smile strained as she came haltingly to her feet. Michael took a step forward but desisted as she stubbornly refused Kevin's arm for support and stood straight-backed before him.

"Like he'd let that happen," Dynasty quipped, nodding towards Kevin.

Michael noticed the young man's face was lost between concern and amusement.

"Well, in any case, it's a pleasure to see you back on your feet. If you'd like to come with me."

Michael smiled again and directed his students into his office. He winced slightly as Dynasty's lips took on that same tight smile of pain as she settled herself down into the seat beside Kevin's.

"Right, Dynasty," Michael began as he leant forwards, his elbows upon his desk, "I'm sure Miss Mulgrew has kept you updated." He leant back in his chair and fumbled around in his desk draw for a moment before withdrawing a piece of paper and placing it between himself and Dynasty. "I've had Sonya make a few changes to your timetable. Not many; we've just moved some things around."

Dynasty cast a nervous look at Kevin.

"Erm, what kind of changes, Sir?" Kevin asked tentatively.

Michael handed the timetable to Dynasty and allowed a moment for her to study it.

"Like I said, it's nothing to worry about, just a few alternative revision classes. You've come back earlier than we expected so I'm sure you can catch up in English and History. You'll still have to do the exams in January when we can enter you for re-sits but I've sorted that out already."

Dynasty nodded silently, still pondering the empty gaps in her timetable marked 'Additional' where they once read 'Theatre Studies.'

"Mr Byrne, I don't understand…" Dynasty trailed off, pointing speechlessly at the new additions.

"Ah, yes, well Mr Wellington doesn't think you're in any fit condition to be preparing for a practical exam. You'll do additional revision sessions for English and History during your Theatre periods," Michael informed her carefully, sensing with each word a storm on the horizon.

Dynasty's lips thinned into a tight line as Kevin eyed her anxiously.

"My theatre group is ready now! What am I supposed to do in January without anyone to do the exam with?" Dynasty raged, her voice rising to an angry Liverpudlian squeak that Kevin had learnt a long time ago meant war.

Michael breathed deeply at his student's tantrum and clasped his hands in front of him.

"Mr Wellington suggested a monologue-"

"A monologue!" Dynasty interrupted.

Kevin watched her fists clench from the corner of his eye.

"Dyn…" Kevin soothed quietly.

Michael bit the inside of his cheek as Dynasty shook her head wordlessly. In one swift, unfaltering movement the young woman gritted her teeth against the throbbing in her stomach and got to her feet.

"Well, I guess I've got first period –" Dynasty glanced sarcastically at the timetable in her hand, "-History to get to."

Without another word she snatched her bag from Kevin's outstretched hand before forcing her way out of Michael's office in a whirl of wild curls and school skirt pleats.

Michael stared dazed at the open doorway. He blinked rapidly as Sonya's fuchsia clad silhouette appeared in the empty frame. A small, nervous smile lit her face.

"That's just two teas then?" she mumbled.

"Dynasty, wait!" Kevin called after her, his concern for the healing gouges in her stomach growing with each step.

Dynasty halted suddenly outside of Miss McFall's classroom. She leant weakly against the wall, a sharp gasp falling from her lips as she clutched at her bandaged stomach in distress.

Kevin sprinted the remaining length of the corridor and grasped Dynasty's face in his hands. He forced her gaze to meet his.

"Relax, yeah?"

Dynasty swiped vehemently at a single tear that dripped down her cheek, knocking Kevin's hand aside. She turned away and sniffed.

"Why does Steve-O get to win? Why does he always get the last word?"