A.N 161 reviews (squeals) thank you! This chapter is long enough so I won't say anything else other than I hope you enjoy ...

"You need to push that left leg as far as you possibly can"

Alex grunted feeling her muscles burn with the effort it was taking to keep herself upright. Her arm muscles were beginning to shake with the exertion, her top soaked in sweat was sticking to her body like a second skin and she couldn't wait for this last hour to be over. Today she was using the walking frame for the third time and it was quickly becoming her least favourite apparatus in the rehab centre. It required her to hold herself upright using the two bars at either side of her for balance but with her stubborn left leg her right side was bearing the majority of her weight.

"Concentrate now and push forward that little bit more"

Alex grit her teeth and tried to force her left leg forwards it wasn't easy her brain and muscles just not willing to respond to the other and after a few more minutes she still hadn't managed to move her leg by any means other than dragging. Her right hand was clutching the hand rail tightly her knuckles white with the force of her grip as she slowly tried to push forwards. Beginning to pant with the effort Alex felt sweat drip down from her hairline and land on the floor in front of her and she pulled her face at how disgusting she must look right at this moment.

"Ok Alex that's enough for today"

Alex let out a sigh of relief and let her body fall into the wheel chair that the therapist had carefully placed underneath her shaking body. She slumped down into the chair grateful for the rest, today had truly exhausted her. Her left arm was getting stronger the muscles responding as they should the only issue was her finesse and grip her minor motor skills still not particularly refined. Now that she was sat in the chair she could feel the muscles in her left side beginning to cramp from the effort that she had forced upon them and she grimaced at the sensation.

"Right I'll get you on the table and I'll give you a deep tissue massage to stop those cramps then I'll ring Nurse Stevens and tell her that's it for today"

Alex nodded wearily she was so tired all she wanted to do was go back to her room and sleep for as long as physically possible.

"Right arms up"

Alex raised her arms and her therapist wrapped his hands under her shoulders and lifted her out of the chair with ease. Alex stood, her weight firmly held on her right leg while she was manoeuvred gently on to the padded massage bed and she shifted so that she was lying face down letting out a contented moan as she did. This was the best part of physiotherapy and the only bit that was in any way enjoyable.

"You're going to gain some fantastic muscle definition Alex soon if you keep up at this rate"

Alex just hummed in response she was certain that she had a lost at least a stone since she started physiotherapy through sweating alone. She had never been one for any type of physical exercise unless it ended in an orgasm. It was truly exhausting to now be active for two to three hours a day forcing herself through each of the required activities whilst giving a 100% to each task. As she lay there Alex could feel her body was starting to cool and she shivered immediately wincing as the sensation ran across her still sensitive scar. Each time she had a cold shiver or she sneezed it felt as though the feeling reverberated around her skull and she was grateful to the nursing staff for always making sure she was warm at all times. Her head was also still incredibly sensitive to touch and it was surprising how she was now used to the constant tingling ache that resided in the right side of her head. She had been trying to wean herself from the painkillers deliberately not asking for any pain relief until she couldn't bear it any longer not wanting her body to become too dependant on the drugs.

By the time her thorough massage had been completed Alex was nearly asleep her body had completely relaxed and she was very reluctant to move even though she was craving her bed.

"Progress is coming along nicely Alex you should be proud of yourself"

Alex didn't feel proud she still felt incredibly irritated at how long it was taking to regain full control over her own body and with each day that passed she was becoming less confidant that she would leave the hospital on her own two feet. Slowly she maneuvered herself so that she was sat upright her legs dangling from the table and she thanked the physiotherapist for his time and gave him the go ahead to leave while she waited for the nurse.

"Hi Alex! You ready to go?"

Alex fought the urge to roll her eyes as Sarah's voice rang out into the room immediately wishing it had been Nurse Stevens who had come to collect her. Alex had never met anyone so upbeat and enthusiastic in all her life and although she knew the young woman meant well she found that it grated on her nerves. Piper was a lot better at dealing with her never ending enthusiasm, always managing to stay polite and sound interested in the girls conversation, she however neither had the patience or the inclination. Trying to hold in her temper Alex just grimaced and nodded in way of greeting praying that today the junior nurse would not want to engage in conversation.

Once she was firmly settled into the chair Sarah set off pushing her down the corridor talking away a mile a minute everything from the weather to the new type of yoghurt they were serving with tonight's meal. The last couple of days Alex had insisted that she pushed herself but today her aching arms were just not up to it. Instead she just sat quietly trying to tune out the incessant chattering from the young woman behind her.

"You'll be pleased to know Piper's waiting for you Alex she arrived back earlier today"

Alex smiled if anything was going to put a smile on her face it was the thought of her love waiting for her to return.

"She looks tired though and a bit, I'm not sure, stressed maybe? something about seeing her mother?" Alex's face creased with concern Piper hadn't mentioned an outing with Carol.

"Does she not get on with her?"

"N..Not always"

Alex's tone was short Sarah was always so inquisitive it was why she kept their conversations to a minimum.

"Is your mother not coming to visit soon Alex?"

A pang of want washed over her at the nurse's words and it momentarily took her by surprise, Alex faltered as she tried to quell the longing in her heart.

"My mums d..dead"

"Oh Alex I'm sorry"

"D..Don't b..be it was years ago"

Alex knew her tone was harsh but she didn't want to talk about her mother especially not with this over eager little upstart. As if she realised she had maybe crossed a line Sarah did not speak again on the remainder of the trip back to the general ward where Alex's room was and Alex was extremely grateful at being able to remain silent, she couldn't quite seem to shift the lump in her throat.

When they got back to the room the nurse opened the door slowly before she wheeled Alex across the threshold and Alex smiled warmly at the sight she was greeted with her body humming with happiness. Piper had curled up on her bed and was now fast asleep with her arms clutching the pillow tightly, her nose buried in the fabric.

"Piper? Pip-"

"Shhh leave 'er"

Sarah had moved towards the bed but Alex grabbed her arm and held her steadfast giving her a glare. Piper looked so comfortable and relaxed that Alex didn't have the heart to move her and she certainly wasn't allowing Sarah to wake her fiancée.

"But you shouldn't be staying sat in this chair not after the intense Physio session today your muscles are likely to cramp and ache and being sat as you are will only aggravate it"

Alex raised one eyebrow "Leave 'er b..be I'll b..be fine 'ere, I'll call if I need anything"

Sarah glowered at her obvious dismissal, for a moment she looked like she was going to argue but Alex just kept her gaze stern. Piper was staying were she was and it wasn't up for further discussion. Eventually Sarah just snorted and stalked away and Alex was relieved when she didn't slam the door if she had and it had disturbed Piper Alex would have been baying for blood.

Slowly Alex pushed herself forwards so that she was now sat alongside the bed it took her a few attempts but eventually she was settled where she could reach for Piper's hand and she wrapped her fingers around Piper's wrist careful not to wake her. Piper's hair was fanned out some strands falling across her face it came to rest at least three inches past her shoulders and Alex marvelled at how much younger Piper looked with her hair a little longer. She ran her fingers through the soft silky strands trying to be gentle with her awkward left hand. Now that she was sat closer she could see the tell tale sign of tear streaks on Piper's face where her make-up had been washed away slightly and Alex frowned with concern. Half of her wanted to wake Piper and find out what had caused her upset but the other half wanted to let her get the sleep she obviously needed.

Reaching for her iPod she placed one earphone in her left ear wanting something to distract her while she waited as Piper slept on. Reading was still out of the question she struggled to concentrate on the words her brain not up to the task of focusing long enough to understand the stories written and she hated daytime television with a passion. Although she mused the mind numbing programmes would at least be easy for her still healing mind to follow. As she pressed play the music began to sooth her tired fraught mind and she snorted as she recognised the song. She was certain Muse's supermassive black hole didn't class as a relaxing tune. Piper always rolled her eyes over her love of rock music just smiling when Alex had it blaring loudly in their flat she always joked it was like living with a teenage boy. Alex always quipped that there were other ways that she was like a teenage boy always making sure there was a flirty glint in her eye as she said it. It was always a sure way to make Piper flush with want.

The door handle turned slowly and Alex sat upright waiting to see who it was who was disturbing them when she had specifically told Sarah she would call if they needed anything. Nurse Stevens popped her head around the door and Alex visibly relaxed letting a smile cross her features.

"Hey Alex" the nurse whispered and Alex was grateful for her tact "Can I come in?"

Alex nodded and Nurse Stevens came in quietly and perched on the edge of the chair that Piper usually occupied.

"I have just had a call from your speech therapist she says she thinks you'll be fit for signing off by the end of this week" Alex beamed she had been relieved and quietly impressed at the progress she had made with her speech. Now she only stuttered slightly the words flowing much easier and it had been a welcome relief to realise that at least something seemed to be healing with obvious results.

"Physio will have to continue though I know their hasn't been too much progress with your left leg but as everything else is healing nicely we are thinking that it'll be possible to sign you up for out patient therapy which means you will be able to go home soon!"

Alex almost let out a girlish squeal, almost, instead she just grinned and let out a hoarse chuckle. Alex couldn't wait to go home the thought of being able to curl up in her own bed with Piper in her arms comfortably not crammed in the uncomfortable single hospital bed made her want to shout out happily.

"I know somebody who's going t..to b..be pleased"

Nurse Stevens grinned wildly but it faltered slightly as she looked at Piper her face creasing with concern.

"Is she ok?"

Alex shrugged awkwardly in response she didn't know but felt uncomfortable in saying so. Thankfully Nurse Stevens didn't push for an answer she just nodded and stood up placing a hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Do you need any painkillers? I know physio was particularly gruelling today"

Alex shook her head but the nurse just looked at her knowingly.

"I'll bring some in for you later don't try and take on too much I know how much the muscle aches hurt pushing through the pain won't help you in the long run" Alex smiled sheepishly and nodded.

As the door clicked shut Piper began to stir and as her eyes flickered open she smiled sleepily up at Alex who was watching her closely.

"Hey you"

"Hello my sleeping b..beauty"

Piper chuckled sleepily "If I were really sleeping beauty you would have awoken me with a kiss"

Alex rolled her eyes at the obvious hint but she eagerly complied leaning over she pressed her lips to Piper's nibbling along her bottom lip as she did eagerly entwining her tongue with Piper's as soon as her mouth parted. She inwardly smiled as a happy sigh left Piper's lips as she was kissed properly.

"B..Better?"

"Hmm much better I needed that"

Alex's face creased in concern and she looked at Piper waiting for her to expand. Piper however looked away avoiding her stare as she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed stretching her arms as she did pouting as her back cracked loudly.

"Getting old Kid"

Piper poked her tongue out "Yeah but you will always be older than me my dear"

Alex laughed "I can't argue with t..that now can I"

"Do you want to get on your bed"

Alex nodded but looked down at her lap hesitantly so far Piper had not had to do much in the way of moving her physically it was usually one of the nurses that helped her to and from her bed and chair. When the nursing staff helped it didn't bother her she reasoned they were just doing the job they were paid to do but with Piper it still felt like an inconvenience, like she was a burden.

"You can take that look of your face I don't mind helping you" Alex grumbled under her breath "Besides I need the practice once you're home it's going to be just me and you I don't want to hurt you because I don't know what I'm doing"

Piper stood up in front of her fidgeting slightly and Alex knew she was waiting for her approval. Swallowing down her pride for the time being Alex lifted her arms in the air.

"Put your arms around my shoulders and t..then lift me upwards. Use your muscles in your legs t..though I d..don't want you putting your b..back out"

Piper smiled and nodded wrapping her arms around her Piper easily lifted her so that she was standing and Alex turned and sat heavily on to the edge of the bed stretching her arms and legs as best she could. Swinging her right leg up onto the bed she was pleased when Piper lifted her left without prompting and Alex sighed with relief as the aches in her muscles eased slightly now they were no longer cramped up in the chair.

"That better?"

"Yes t..thank you"

Alex patted the bed and raised her eyebrows silently inviting Piper to lie back down with her but Piper shook her head and started to put the few things away that littered the surfaces in the room. Alex let Piper carry on with her task watching her with a keen eye Piper's shoulders were tense her posture hunched and Alex knew she was under some form of stress.

"Pipes what's t..the matter? You're cleaning like Cinder f..fuckin rella"

Piper just scowled slightly and didn't answer her just continued to put things away, folding her clothes and making up the camp bed in the corner Alex was going to ask again but Piper spoke up her voice heavy with an emotion Alex couldn't quite pinpoint.

"I met up with my mum today"

"Lunch with mummy d..dearest not go well then?"

Piper shot her a glare and Alex held her hand up apologetically "Sorry, sorry no more b..banter"

"I just don't know why I bother. Each time I try to be positive and think we'll have a nice lunch it's always the same I come away disappointed. There's always something she isn't happy with and if by some miracle it isn't me then she starts on about my dad"

Piper huffed irritably and ran a hand through her hair.

"Today all I've been subjected to is your father this and your father that. She had the audacity to call him selfish! My mum calling anyone selfish is practically laughable and not once did she ask how we were until she was leaving then it was a quick 'I'm sure everything will be fine dear' eurghh she makes me so mad!"

Alex held out her hand to Piper and smiled at her gently "Come here Kid"

Piper came and pressed her lips to Alex's lovingly but she sat down in the chair rather than up on the bed and Alex raised her eyebrow.

"If I get on that bed I'll fall asleep again and you my dear need a shower"

Alex snorted "You d..don't usually mind curling up next t..to my sweaty b..body"

Piper laughed and swatted her arm playfully "No but I've got a surprise planned for you and you won't want to be looking like that when it arrives trust me"

Alex looked at her curiously but Piper just grinned at her not providing her with any further details and Alex chuckled. "You going to help me?"

"Of course any opportunity to see you naked Miss Vause is an opportunity I'm never going to pass"

"You ssssure you're ok?"

Piper nodded and smiled taking Alex's hand in her own she pressed a kiss to lovingly to her knuckles "Yes I am now, bugger my mother I'm not letting her get to me anymore today"

Alex smiled reassuringly glad that Piper was no longer upset.

"Now come on time to get naked!"

"Jesus Bill these burgers are practically orgasmic I honestly don't think I've ever tasted anything so good!"

"Well I must admit I've sampled some of New York's finest eateries and I don't think I've ever had quarter pounders as tasty as these are. Yours good Piper?"

Piper nodded and Alex almost laughed Bill and Nicky had turned up not 15 minutes ago Bill carrying a large take out box and Nicky a 12 pack of non alcoholic beer. Alex had watched as Piper's face had fallen slightly when she realised tonight's menu was Beefeater burgers.

"I can't b..believe you are actually eating a quarter pounder with all the t..trimmings"

Piper nudged her playfully and Alex scowled as she almost dropped her burger as she tried to stop the beer bottle balanced in her lap from falling to the floor.

"They're some muscles you're sporting there Vause you getting pumped ready for the fuck fest I'm sure you'll have when you get home? You won't be the only one who can't walk afterwards I'm sure!"

Alex's top had risen up when she moved and she pulled it down chuckling as Nicky winked exaggeratedly making lewd gesture involving her fingers and tongue. Bill almost choked on the mouthful of burger he had just taken and Piper leaned over patting her dads back as he coughed and spluttered glaring at Nicky as she did so.

"Sorry Bill I forget sometimes that you are actually Chapman's dad"

Bill took a long drink of his beer his face still flushed red. Looking between Bill and Piper Alex let out a giggle they looked so alike in that moment both sporting the same embarrassed look.

"I think you just make it your mission to embarrass the fuck out of me Nicky"

"Darling language"

Piper's mouth fell open and she looked at her Dad shock on her features "I get told off for my language? Did you hear what this one here just said?"

Bill just raised his eyebrows "'This one' isn't my daughter is she? Now watch your language"

Piper slumped back and moodily picked at the remains of her burger causing Alex to chuckle and lean across pulling Piper into a warm one armed hug pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Don't worry Kid you know I love that d..dirty mouth of yours"

Piper blushed but she giggled and nuzzled her head into Alex's neck and Alex felt her press her lips against her pulse point.

"Nice to know Vause I'm sure Daddy dearest wanted to hear that but hey now it's out there what exactly is it about Piper's 'dirty' mouth you enjoy?"

Bill had turned tomato red and he held his hands up looking suitably horrified "Please do not answer that Alex, I beg you, I don't think I can take anymore"

Alex flipped her middle finger at Nicky and placed her now empty food container on the table at the side of her. "Don't worry B..Bill I 'ave no intention of t..telling this one anything. I'm worried about you Nichols I know I'm irresistible b..but you seem to 'ave an unhealthy obsession with my sex life"

Nicky didn't miss a beat "It's not you its perky tits here I'm lusting after!" Nicky slapped Piper's leg and cackled loudly as Bill placed his hands over his ears groaning as he did so.

Luckily before Bill was subjected to anymore of Nicky's banter the door opened and Nurse Stevens popped her head in smiling wildly "Hi Mr Chapman, Miss Nichols I'm just letting you know visiting ends in half an hour. Can I give you these painkillers Alex?"

Alex nodded and she quickly took the two tablets knocking them back with the beer in her hand. Nurse Stevens eyes widened comically as she looked at all four occupants each holding the dark glass bottles in their hands.

"I hate to be a party pooper but alcohol is strictly prohibited from entering the hospital grounds I'm truly sorry but I'm going to have to ask you to remove it"

Nicky laughed loudly and practically shoved the bottle in Nurse Stevens face "I wish it was! fuckin' hell this stuff is shite we're only drinking it to make this impromptu meal a little more normal so we don't have to sit around drinking kiddy pop or fuckin water" Nurse Stevens just looked at Nicky confusedly and Alex rolled her eyes while holding up the bottle.

"What Nicky is trying to say is it's non-alcoholic b..beer"

Nurse Stevens smiled sheepishly and held up her hands "Sorry that's perfectly fine you can have as much non alcoholic beer as you like Alex"

"Lucky me"

Bill and Nicky both chuckled at her sarcasm as Piper prodded her gently in the ribs.

"You alright now for the night Alex?"

Alex nodded and Piper sat up eagerly smiling at Nurse Stevens "I'll help her with anything she needs"

"I'm sure you will Piper, right well good night everyone remember 20 minutes then you will need to leave"

Bill and Nicky nodded and said their goodbyes as Piper stood up from the bed yawning loudly.

"You tired my darling?"

Piper nodded heavy eyed and Bill pulled her down on to his lap wrapping his arms around her as Piper snuggled into his shoulder. Alex smiled warmly Bill and Piper's relationship was a lovely sight to witness.

"What have you been doing to be this tired Chapman surely lounging around here all day is a breeze unless Vause here has already been putting those new muscles to good use"

Piper kicked out her left leg catching Nicky on her shin and she chuckled as Nicky scowled swearing as she rubbed at her leg.

"I had lunch with my mother today that's enough to exhaust anybody"

Bill nodded solemnly in agreement and Nicky burst out laughing "When do I get to meet the infamous Chapman matriarch?"

"Never if I have my way!"

Bill just laughed loudly and Alex joined in heartily the thought of Nicky and Carol in the same room was hilarious Alex wasn't quite certain that Carol would survive an evening of Nicky's particular humour.

Alex and Nicky continued to talk quietly as Piper stayed on Bill's lap with her eyes closed. Alex smiled as she met Bill's eyes and he gestured his head in Piper's direction "I think this one will be asleep soon"

"I'm still awake you know"

Piper opened one eye and Alex reached out her hand pulling Piper up onto her feet then into her own warm embrace.

"Well I think that's our cue to leave Miss Nichols what do you think?"

Nicky stood up and flung herself at Alex and she swore she could feel her ribs almost breaking under the pressure "Yeah love you t..too Nichols now fuck off"

Bill laughed and he leaned forward and gave her a gentle one armed hug pressing a kiss to her cheek before he moved to Piper repeating his actions.

"Thanks for the food B..Bill"

"Oh it was no trouble Alex. Piper is it alright if I stay at your flat tonight? Your mother is away at her friends and it'll save me having to drive home"

"You can come and stop with me if you like Bill?"

Bill raised his eyebrows looking suitably shocked and Alex sniggered at the innocent look on Nicky's face.

"Er that's very kind of you to offer Nicky but I don't think it would really be appropriate"

"Oh you don't have to worry while I can certainly appreciate the fact that you're an attractive old man, a 'silver fox' I think is the phrase people use, I know it may come as a surprise to you but I am actually, well how do I put this"

Nicky looked around suspiciously then lent into Bill her eyebrows raised high on her head.

"A lesbian"

Alex and Piper both burst out laughing as Bill blushed before he too began to chuckle at Nicky's teasing.

"Yes Dad you can use my flat ignore this idiot here"

"And there's me thinking I could have my own Chapman bed buddy you really do take all the fun away from me don't you"

"I 'ave something to t..tell you"

Piper opened her eyes sleepily and she turned in Alex's arms so that she could see her face. They had not been in bed long Alex had convinced her to snuggle in with her rather than sleep in the camp bed and although Piper had argued that it would do her muscles no good in the end she had not put up much of a fight. Seeing the relaxed grin on Alex's face lessened some of her tiredness and she raised her eyebrows playfully "Oh do you"

"Yes" Alex was still smiling her face one of glee and Piper pouted knowing Alex was tormenting her by not telling and she found herself becoming impatient.

"Alex..." Piper stuck her bottom lip out as she whined and poked Alex's side playfully.

"B..By the end of this week me and you will b..be sleeping in your b..bed"

Piper felt confused for a moment her tired brain not responding but at Alex's smile the words finally made sense and she felt her own face break out into a huge grin.

"You're coming home?"

Alex nodded and Piper squealed loudly laughing as Alex covered her mouth with her hand gently shushing her so that she didn't disturb the nurses.

"Oh my God Alex! That's brilliant news!"

"I know! I can't wait to be b..back 'ome there's certain things I've missed about you, me and t..that big b..bed of yours"

Piper blushed at Alex's voice which was teasing but laden with want and Piper found her skin breaking out in goosebumps her body shivering with arousal. Alex's hand roamed down her back to her arse and when she squeezed it tightly Piper body involuntarily pressed itself against Alex firmly and she almost moaned.

"Behave we're not home yet"

Alex pouted and Piper moved forwards seizing Alex's lips into a fierce kiss there tongues battled heatedly and Alex's hand continued to caress her body leaving a fiery trail across her skin. Pulling away breathlessly Piper lent her head to Alex's looking deep into her eyes "I love you"

Alex chuckled and placed a quick playful kiss to her lips "I love you t..too b..but if you kiss me like that again I won't be able to control myself"

Piper laughed but she turned over so that Alex could be her big spoon once she was settled she wriggled her bum playfully into Alex's groin smirking when Alex's breath hitched.

"I'm going to d..devour you once we're 'ome"

Piper shivered as Alex's husky voice travelled straight down her ear and she bit down on her bottom lip.

"I want to t..taste what you t..taste like"

Piper could have killed Alex those words whispered down her ear sent a rush of warmth straight to the pit of her stomach her brain quickly recalling the memory of her head between Alex's legs for the first time all those years ago in that bar and her raging libido was quickly beginning to curse the rational side of her brain.

"You are so dead"

Alex just laughed loudly and she pulled her closer pressing a loving kiss to the back of her neck and Piper sighed.

"These next three days best go bloody quickly otherwise I'll be forced to resort to other means"

Alex sat upright her tone indignant "You t..touch yourself and I'll never let you orgasm again"

Piper only laughed and closed her eyes letting the warmth ease over her making her extremely comfortable.

"I'm being d..deadly serious Piper if I suspect you 'ave so much as thought of getting yourself off I will t..tie you to that b..bed and hold out on letting you cum for 'ours"

"Ok, ok I promise"

Alex snuggled back down and Piper was just about to fall asleep when a thought popped into her mind.

"I'm not opposed to the tying down though"

Alex just chuckled huskily.