A.N Glad you are all pleased that Alex is coming home! I'm still in awe at how many people seem to be enjoying this story and are taking the time to review it feels flipping marvellous so thank you!

"The minute we get through this d..door I'm getting straight out of this godforsaken chair!"

Piper ignored Alex's ranting as she continued to push her wheelchair from the car park into her apartment building. All morning Alex had fought the condition that yes she could leave the hospital today but only if she agreed to using the offered wheelchair. Nurse Stevens had not backed down as Alex raged and shouted refusing to sign the release papers until Alex had been firmly settled into the offending chair a scowl fixed across her face. After four weeks in rehabilitation Alex was coming on leaps and bounds her speech almost back to normal she still had the occasional stutter especially if she was suffering with a headache or if she was tired but other than that it was fine and Piper was so proud of Alex. The physical side to things had still not really improved over the last few days Alex's left leg could still not bear any of her weight although she had regained slight movement. The walking frame used during physio was exhausting her physically and mentally the strain at times had been a little too much. Alex was becoming incredibly frustrated but after finally being granted permission to go home she had at least spent most of the morning smiling which was a great improvement from the last couple of days.

"Piper I'm b..being serious I've got crutches that I can use this t..thing is not making an appearance again"

Piper just rolled her eyes though she was smiling like a lunatic she was absolutely ecstatic that Alex was allowed home she knew this was a massive step forward in the recovery process. Half of her was terrified knowing that they were now going to be alone, without a nurse just a push of a button away, was extremely nerve wracking but she was trying hard to conceal her fear from Alex. Piper had decided that with her apartment being on the ground floor it was the sensible option to stay at hers once Alex was more mobile they had decided that they would move back to Alex's flat which would become their home together. It suited everybody Alex preferred her apartment over Piper's and Piper had conceded she too had fallen in love with the place the moment she had first set eyes on it. Bill was also secretly pleased even though he was trying hard not to show it Piper knew her mother was nagging him over making some money by either selling the place or renting it out once Piper had left.

When she reached the end of the corridor Piper leant down and placed a gentle kiss to Alex's cheek before she unlocked the apartment door.

"You glad to be back?"

A wave of what could only be described as pure relief passed over Alex's face and she turned her head pressing her lips to Piper's fiercely one hand coming up to grasp Piper's scarf before she replied "You 'ave no idea"

Piper pulled back slightly flustered but she tampered down her lustful urge knowing there would be plenty time for that later "Come on then and I'll make you a proper coffee"

Alex moaned in pure delight and Piper shivered as she pushed her way through her door. For Alex to moan like that out of the bedroom should be made illegal.

"Well it's about time we never thought you were going to come!"

Nicky's loud voice echoed loudly but Piper only laughed as her bushy haired friend barrelled across the room seizing Alex in a bone crushing embrace while whooping loudly.

"Nice to see you too Nicky"

"Oh don't be jealous Piper you get to curl up next to this hot piece of ass every night from now on. I, on the other hand, have to take every chance I can to touch Queen of the lesbians here"

Alex snorted hugging Nicky back briefly before she pushed her away.

"That's enough loving Nicky fuck off and make yourself useful I'm d..dying for a proper coffee 'ere"

Nicky huffed but threw a wink in Piper's direction before she headed to the kitchen "God anyone would think this one had endured life saving surgery what with everyone at her beck and call"

Alex laughed while shaking her head in amusement and Piper grinned in response.

"I'll have a coffee too Nic' if you're offering"

Nicky just stuck her middle finger up but Piper watched as she took four mugs out of her cupboard.

"You struggling to count Nichols there's only t..three of us 'ere"

"Yeah and hang on a minute how are you sitting in my apartment?"

The moment the words left Piper's mouth there was a knock at door before it opened Bill Chapman stepping across the threshold, key in hand, his arms laden with carrier bags.

"That bloody organic supermarket is full of lunatics! It took me twice as bloody long because every over enthusiastic sales assistant was intent on boring the arse of me providing me with a list of reasons why their products are better for you, like I give a flaming shit! Christ only knows how you shop there every week Piper"

Piper beamed and ran over to help her cursing father place the bags in the kitchen ignoring the crestfallen expression on Alex's face.

"Bill please t..tell me there's some normal food in t..there?"

Bill snorted "Of course what do you take me for"

Alex grinned at him while Piper rolled her eyes she wished she could get Alex to eat healthier but deep down she knew it would always be a losing battle.

"Here I thought you could start with these"

Bill held up a bag of mini snickers chocolates and Alex fist pumped the air.

"Freakin' awesome" Nicky ripped the bag out of Bill's hand almost knocking the coffee pot over in her eagerness and Alex scowled heavily.

"Get your f..fucking paws out Nichols they are mine!"

Nicky just laughed and carried on trying to devour the contents of the bag.

"Bill you reckon you can get me out of this b..bloody contraption?"

Bill nodded not looking at all fazed and Piper found herself unwillingly holding her breath. She had nothing to worry about Bill grasped Alex's shoulders hoisted her up and helped her shuffle over to the couch where she sank back into the cushions a grin stretching across her face.

"Glad to be home?"

Alex continued to smile serenely "You've no idea B..Bill now do me another favour and t..take my snickers off t..that greedy shit in the corner"

Nicky laughed through a mouthful of chocolate then threw the bag in Alex's direction causing the contents to spill all across the floor. Piper carried the four coffees over to the table scowling as she did so side stepping the spilled chocolate.

"You're worse than a child Nic"

"What can I say it's the animal in me" Nicky winked and pinched Piper's bum jokingly "You wanna unleash the beast later Chapman I'm sure Vause won't mind"

Alex just snorted indignantly "Get your 'ands off Nichols if anyone's going to be f..fucking Piper later it's most d..definitely going to be me"

Bill choked on his coffee and Piper glared at Alex who at least had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed "Sorry B..Bill"

"No no that's alright if I had been confined to a hospital bed for the best part of a month I think I'd be wanting a little action when I got home as well"

"Dad!"

Piper was mortified her cheeks on fire as Alex and Nicky just laughed loudly. Pouting sulkily in Alex's direction Piper internally smiled when Alex stopped laughing and patted her leg with her right arm "I'm sorry b..babe come 'ere"

Piper clambered into Alex's lap receiving a loving kiss to her cheek as she nuzzled her head into Alex's neck and Alex stroked a hand up and down her back comfortingly.

"You warm enough?"

Alex nodded and Piper settled back down glad the hospital had warned Piper about allowing Alex to become too chilled. A cold would only aggravate her headaches and it would be dangerous for Alex to catch anything as severe as flu while her brain was still recovering from surgery. If she left the house Alex was to keep her head firmly protected and Piper had bought her a large fluffy Russian style hat to keep her scar warm and one of her own to match. Her dad had fallen about laughing when he had seen them but Piper thought Alex looked incredibly attractive in hers the style suiting her but she did admit she looked a bit of a fool in her own.

"Piper your mother wants to know what you intend to do about Christmas this year?"

Piper physically winced last year she and Alex had been away for Christmas so she had avoided the annual Chapman get together she had missed seeing her family but the annual family party was something she had not been unhappy to avoid.

"I haven't really thought about it Dad to be honest"

Bill just smiled knowingly "Well you best start thinking about it Christmas will be here in just 10 days"

"I have had bigger things to worry don't you think and the thought of being paraded about as the family's biggest disappointment hasn't been high up on my agenda"

Piper's tone was scathing but she didn't care Christmas had always been a difficult holiday to process. Her mother with her obsession for high society did nothing but spend her time obsessing over the annual dinner party she held for the neighbours and members of the golf club. Carol would lecture Piper on everything from what dress would be appropriate "Do you have to wear that particular dress darling you look like a call girl" to who she was allowed to speak to "Please do not talk to the Newman's dear they still haven't recovered from your outburst over the prison system"

Alex had only endured two of these dinners and Bill had rescued her early on sneaking her away into his study for a shared whisky with some of her father's friends in attendance. Her mother was less than happy with this arrangement her tone always scathing when they both reappeared smelling of whisky and cigar smoke and Piper knew that it only intensified her mothers dislike of Alex.

"We don't think you're a disappointment Piper"

"You might not but mum certainly does have you asked her recently what she thinks about my life? The last I spoke to her she was devastated that her chance had been taken from her again to find me a suitable male so I could finally begin to live the life she always wanted!"

Alex's hand wound into her top clutching at the fabric tightly and Piper tried to control her frustration she had not told Alex exactly what Carol Chapman had said when Piper had told her that they were back together and this time for good. It would be futile their relationship already strained and Piper didn't want to make things any worse instead Piper had raged at her mother and told her she could either be happy for her or fuck off. Her mother had reluctantly backed off but she still couldn't help but throw in sly comments every time she saw her and Piper was finding it harder and harder to control her temper. The frustration over her mother's unwillingness to be supportive had driven her to tears at their last meeting and she was determined to not let it upset her anymore.

"I'll miss you if you decide not to come"

Piper sighed "Daddy don't try and guilt me lets be realistic Alex isn't up for it and I don't think I could suffer through biting my tongue. I would rather have mum sulk at me now than me embarrass her in front of her friends she would never forgive me"

Bill looked like he was going to argue and Piper raised her chin in defiance but instead he just sighed "I reckon this will be the only year you will get away with not coming so I suppose you should take full advantage of it"

Piper stood up and went and gave her father a big hug planting a firm kiss to his cheek "You're only upset because your whiskey buddy won't be there"

Bills face turned to one of horror "I hadn't even thought of that! Bloody hell Alex I'm going to have to endure the night on my own"

Alex chuckled huskily "I promise I'll make it up t..to you B..Bill"

"What do your family do at Christmas Nicky?" Bill looked curiously but Nicky just shrugged awkwardly not making eye contact avoiding Bills inquisitive stare.

"Dunno anymore before prison I just used to go AWOL now I'm not sure what'll happen" Nicky let out a humourless chuckle "If anything will happen at all"

Nobody answered not really knowing what to say until Alex broke the silence "Bill's gonna need a new d..drinking b..buddy you could be my stand in!"

They all laughed a little two hard to break the tension and Piper wondered if there was some way to make Christmas enjoyable for everyone. She realistically didn't think it was possible.

"Right well as much as this has been fun I've got a hot date"

Alex and Piper both looked at each other before their eyebrows raised and they turned to Nicky expectantly "Oh do you with who?"

Nicky smiled roguishly "I'll let you know if it goes well"

Piper moaned and whined but Nicky didn't relent she shook Bill's hand gave Piper and Alex a hug and then left laughingly shouting "Bye not - lesbians" as she left.

"I think I rather like Nicky" the surprised tone to Bill's voice made both Piper and Alex laugh Nicky Nichols certainly was one in a million.

"I think I'll head home too your mother will be calling soon"

Piper nodded and she fetched her fathers coat kissing his cheek as he stood.

"Thanks for coming B..Bill"

"Oh it's no trouble Alex just give me a call if you need anything and I'll see you later in the week?"

Alex nodded smiling and Piper led her father to the door "Goodbye darling, look after her won't you?"

Piper nodded fiercely "And try not to worry too much you two are going to be just fine"

Her father kissed her cheek waved to Alex who waved back then he too was gone.

"Man it's good to b..be 'ome"

Piper just smiled at Alex's serene expression she locked the door and made her way back to the living room.

"Technically you're not home yet"

Piper smirked but Alex looked at her seriously "I am, 'ome's wherever you are Kid that's all I need, all I t..think I've ever needed"

Tears sprang in Piper's eyes and she settled herself into Alex's lap wrapping her arms around her love she settled her head on her chest listening to the soothing beat of Alex's heart "I love you so much you're home to me as well"

Alex chuckled and Piper sighed contently when Alex squeezed her tighter resting her chin across her head. Yes this was perfect if home is were the heart is then this was it for Piper because the woman in her arms would definitely always hold her heart.

"Fuck...yes...Al...fuck"

Piper's body was practically humming with anticipation, she was being stretched to her fullest, her body taught with pleasure seeking the sweet relief that only Alex could successfully bring to her. She could feel Alex's own hot naked body spooning her from behind, their skin slick with sweat sliding against one another as Piper's hips arched against Alex's thrusting fingers. Piper flung her right leg over Alex's trying to angle herself so Alex's fingers delved deeper causing Alex to chuckle huskily down her ear and Piper moaned loudly. The change in position caused Alex's fingers to strike gold and after a few more deep hard thrusts Piper felt her pussy walls begin to clench and flutter.

"I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming"

Alex thrust forcefully once, twice and Piper saw stars her body arched and her eyes slammed shut as a wave of pleasure crashed over her spreading through every nerve her whole body tingling.

Piper let her body collapse heavily into Alex's arms barely registering her love placing a gentle kiss to her sweaty temple. She kept her eyes clenched tightly shut as lay perfectly still for a few minutes as she willed her heart to settle down, it was racing in her chest.

"You d..don't seem to be saying much"

Piper opened one eye and scowled up at Alex's smirking face her body was still shaking and her brain felt as though it had been turned to mush. Alex had not been lying when she had stated that once they were home she was going to devour her. Four long drawn out orgasms later and now she could barely move her mind still trapped in post orgasmic bliss. She swore she could still feel the echo of Alex's tongue and fingers bringing her to pure elation and her body and mind shuddered at the thought.

Piper turned her body pushing Alex as she did so that her head was resting on Alex's chest tucked under Alex's chin. Her body was beginning to cool the dampness across her body causing her to shiver slightly and she was grateful for the heat that Alex's body provided.

"What are you t..thinking about?"

"That this wasn't really what I had in mind when I said what do you fancy to eat?"

Alex chuckled and Piper rolled her eyes "Well I wanted my favourite meal it's b..been off the menu for a while and I was intent on 'aving it the moment it b..became available"

Piper laughed loudly and pressed a kiss to Alex's neck caressing her pulse point delicately with her lips as she did so.

They lay entwined together until Alex shivered her skin erupting in goosebumps and Piper sat up and reached for the covers pulling them up firmly around Alex trapping the warmth around them.

"We really do need to get up and eat soon"

Alex just cuddled her closer and Piper had to giggle knowing her lover had no intention of getting up anytime soon. Humouring Alex Piper curled up under her arm and let out a contented sigh she had to admit she had missed being able to cuddle Alex in all her naked glory. Piper just lay basking in the warmth from their bodies listening to Alex's heart beat strongly under her ear and she smiled to herself when she began to feel Alex's legs twitch ever so slightly.

"Al? Darling don't go to sleep"

Alex's body jumped slightly and Piper knew if she hadn't have spoken Alex would have been fast asleep in seconds.

"Humpff you've tired me out Kid"

Piper mocked scowled and nudged at Alex playfully "Excuse me you started this Ms Vause do not try and put this on me"

Alex didn't reply and Piper nudged her again trying to tilt her head so she could see Alex's face. Alex's eyes were fluttering and Piper knew she was losing the fight to stave off the tiredness.

"Love ... you"

"I love you too"

Piper watched as Alex's eyes slid closed and this time she didn't have the heart to try and keep her awake instead she pressed a kiss to her cheek and slowly slid from under her arm. Making sure Alex was firmly wrapped in the duvet Piper quickly made her way to her bathroom. If Alex wanted to sleep she might as well use the time to have a lovely long soak in the bath then she would make them their evening meal.

Piper skipped happily from the bedroom feeling immensely happy before her right leg twinged painfully and she faltered scowling. Her thigh muscle felt taut like it had been pulled and Piper blushed grimacing. Next time Alex was three fingers deep inside of her she needed to move her leg with more care save sporting the embarrassing limp she now hoped the hot water would cure.

Piper tried to move forward normally but as her muscle burnt and pulled she found she could not help the slightly shuffle to her usual gait and she groaned. Nicky would have a field day if she saw her now her premonition of neither of them being able to walk almost coming true and she winced at the thought of Nicky's teasing. This led Piper onto the next realisation and she groaned loudly, her fiancee would definitely think this deserved bragging rights and Piper just shook her head already feeling embarrassed. She hurried to the bath praying that a good soak would shift the 'I've just been thoroughly shagged' shuffle she was currently sporting otherwise she was going to have to make sure the next time Nicky and Alex were together her dad was not in the nearby vicinity.

In fact, Piper decided, she didn't think she wanted to be in attendance either.