A.N 300 reviews! (Squeals) A simple thanks just doesn't seem enough I have been honestly taken aback by the response to this fic and I'm glad you have all stuck with me after my delay in posting the last chapter. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Piper weaved her way through the throng of people that had gathered in the doorway of the coffee shop getting more and more irritable as she struggled to push past the hoards of shopping bags that everyone seemed to be carrying. The January sales were still in full force and Piper wondered how there were still bargains to be had three weeks into the new year. Looking around exasperated she was pleased when she caught sight of a familiar bushy mane relieved Nicky had already managed to find a table. 20 minutes later Piper fell into the chair across from her friend letting out a loud sigh of relief.

"I cannot believe it's so busy!"

Nicky chuckled and rolled her eyes and Piper just knew she was laughing at her dramatics.

"Yeah well this place serves the best coffee in New York what do you expect?"

Piper shrugged irritable and took a sip of her hot coffee almost groaning at the heady taste, Nicky was right this coffee was fantastic. This was what she needed after a couple of sleepless nights and she hoped the double shot of espresso in her drink would help keep the tiredness at bay that had been threatening to overcome her.

"So what's new Chapman? I spoke to Vause yesterday she says the radiation therapy is coming along nicely"

Piper nodded her head "It is, she's back at the hospital tomorrow to start the third week then just two more week long sessions and then hopefully that's it"

"That's fuckin' brilliant. Sometimes I wonder if she's telling me the truth when I ask, you know as well as anybody what she's like for not divulging the full details"

Piper tutted "Do I, but no this time she's being totally honest it really is going well and fingers crossed she'll get the good news she deserves in a few short weeks"

Nicky took a mouthful of her coffee before she fixed her gaze onto Piper her stare unflinching and Piper found herself looking back curiously. Her finger subconsciously rose up to touch at the skin under her eyes and she wondered whether her makeup had successfully covered the black bags that had been prominent in the mirror that morning.

"What?"

"I'm not sure you tell me"

Piper laughed nervously "I don't know what you mean"

"Cut the bullshit Chapman you seem out of sorts, I don't really know how to describe it, stressed, worried? All I know is it didn't shift when you spoke of Alex which makes me think something else is bothering you"

Piper just stared at Nicky gobsmacked, her friend was so intuitive that it was borderline frightening how well she could read her emotions. Deciding not to try and attempt to brush Nicky off after her keen observation Piper settled her gaze back to the coffee cup in front of her and slouched back into her chair.

"I've been given an offer by my publishing company to go on a promotions tour. It's just a few book signings of the meet and greet variety, interviews, that sort of thing but they really think it will help increase sales"

Nicky's face broke into a hesitant smile "Surely that's news to be happy about? It proves how popular you are becoming as a writer if they are willing to push you for these things"

"It's flattering yes and I'm pleased people seem to like my stories I really am but it's not really my thing so I've decided to tell them no"

"Well then if you are so certain in your decision why do you seem so out of sorts?"

Piper just shrugged and carried on drinking her now cooling coffee avoiding Nicky's gaze.

"It has just been a more difficult thought process than I anticipated that's all and I've been having trouble sleeping these last couple of days which hasn't helped"

Nicky scrutinised her for a few more moments before her expression relaxed a look of pity crossing her features. Piper did not like the look on her friends face and her tone, when she spoke, was one of warning.

"Nicky..."

"If Alex was fighting fit-"

"But she isn't is she Nic so don't even go there she's battling a serious illness and I am not leaving her on her own"

"You wouldn't have to I could always step in you know I would"

"Alex would feel like she was being babysat there's no way she would agree and anyway I don't want to go so there's no need for you to even offer"

"Have you spoken to her about it?"

Piper shook her head suddenly feeling guilty she knew exactly what Nicky was going to think about that particular action.

"Well then you're stupid. You need to tell her what you've been offered and talk it through I think you'll feel better if you do"

Piper didn't think it would make her feel any better but she nodded anyway not having the much needed energy to argue.

"You never know she might encourage you to go for it"

"Yes but that's what I don't want, I don't want her to think that she's denying me this opportunity. I'm just torn I suppose, I want to stay with Alex, I truly do, but at the same time there's a small part of me that's disappointed that this offer may not come up again and I feel like I'm losing out"

"I can see your point Chapman but you still need to discuss it with her. This is your fiancée we're talking about and you would be furious if this was the other way round and you were the one being kept out of the loop"

This made Piper stop for a moment. There was absolute truth in Nicky's words if this was Alex being offered this opportunity she would be livid if she turned it down before discussing it first. Having this pointed out to her was slightly embarrassing and and she cursed her own silliness as she smiled at Nicky sheepishly.

"Have you thought about a career as an agony aunt or marriage counsellor? You do a fantastic job of making me realise when I'm being an idiot in my own relationship"

"Yeah but you and Vause give me enough drama thanks I don't think I could cope with anyone else's. Although I might just start charging you I reckon I could make enough to live"

Piper laughed she really did love Nicky she was a good friend to have and it was great how she seemed to know exactly what to say to make her feel better.

"How are things for you anyway Nic I feel like every time we meet we only talk about me and my latest drama"

"That's because of how self centred you are Chapman I've come to expect it's all you, you, you"

Piper threw her napkin as Nicky laughed raucously at her own teasing drawing a few curious glances from their fellow diners. Nicky did not respond even after her laughing fit had calmed and Piper raised one eyebrow.

"Hey I have given you a chance to speak and you clam up is it any wonder we only talk about me!"

Nicky just chuckled quietly before shaking her head slightly and Piper narrowed her eyes.

"Come on spill there must be something"

"Well I'm finally moving out of The Pavillion my mother has lovingly paid for me a new flat which I'm trying to be grateful for but with her constant put downs she isn't making it easy"

"Oh brilliant where?"

They talked about Nicky's flat and her mother Piper getting fully caught up on the happenings in her friends life before Nicky announced she needed to leave for an appointment. Piper pulled on her coat and picked up her bag and they made there way out onto the busy street. Piper pulled Nicky in for a hug and planted a kiss to her cheek chuckling as Nicky grumbled.

"Well I'll see you soon I suppose?"

"Yeah I'll be seeing you Chapman don't you worry"

Piper smiled and as she watched as Nicky waved and turned to cross the street. As she made to leave heading back up the street towards where she had parked her car she stopped dead in her tracks as Nicky shouted to her as she crossed the busy road.

"Oh and Chapman Lorna's being released so there's some news for you!"

"Never!"

Piper laughed at the look of complete shock across Alex's face and she nodded eagerly.

"Yep that's was the last thing she shouted to me as she left! The little shit, I've text her but she's not for telling me anything else. I'm half tempted to write to Lorna but I don't know whether she'll receive it in time"

Alex just laughed and shook her head but she was smiling widely "God I hope they get back together Nichols always was head over heels for Morello they'll be good for each other. I think Nicky has struggled since she has been released I know she's being shagging around but I don't think she has been finding it that fulfilling"

Piper rolled her eyes at Alex's choice in words before she had a thought and a smile spread across her face.

"Oh I hope so just think we could go on double dates!"

Piper beamed at Alex winking and she chuckled as Alex rolled her eyes in reply "We don't need to do any of that dating crap now you're wearing that rock. We're practically wifey's now aren't we Kid I don't need to impress you anymore"

"Excuse me I still expect to be taken on dates Ms Vause don't think you can get out of that"

Alex just laughed and Piper knew she was teasing. It had been a lovely evening Alex was feeling better after having the last couple of days to recuperate with no hospital appointments and Piper had relished their time together. They had just finished eating one of Piper's favourite meals which was Alex's spaghetti bolognaise and she felt full and content with a stomach full of good wholesome food. She groaned as she stretched out across the couch a glass of red wine held in one hand as she popped the button on jeans with the other.

"I swear I've never felt so full"

"You say that every time I cook"

Piper groaned theatrically "Well you make such good food I just can't help but gorge on it ... I should be so fat"

Alex came over from the kitchen her crutch clicking on the hard wood floor and sat down letting Piper rest her feet in her lap a fresh beer in her own hand and Piper almost laughed at how Alex had seemingly gotten used to the non alcoholic version of her favourite drink.

"I'll help you burn those calories later Kid"

The look on Alex's face and her flirty tone made Piper smile coyly in return but her urge was tampered slightly by the conversation she knew she was putting off.

"Can I talk to you about something?"

Alex adjusted her long body so that she was turned towards Piper, her face was expectant one eyebrow raised but she was smirking and Piper looked at her curious as to why she was grinning.

"This sounds serious, are you leaving me for Nichols?"

Alex laughed at her own joke and Piper shoved her playfully with her feet causing Alex to squirm as she prodded her ribs.

"You are such an arse why do I put up with you again?"

"Because I make you awesome food, give you earth shattering orgasms and put up with your need to fill the fridge with organic shite that no one else cares about but you AND I even use it in my cooking. That Kid is devotion right there"

Alex looked at her seriously daring her to reply but Piper just laughed loudly agreeing with Alex's statement whole heartedly.

"Go on then Kid what is it?"

Piper felt the smile recede from her lips and she played nervously with the stem of her wine glass.

"Pipes?"

"When I went to see my publisher they offered me the opportunity to do a promotion tour apparently the first two books have become really popular and they think it will help increase sales expectation for the third. It's so weird, apparently there's quite a demand for me to make public appearances"

"That's brilliant Piper!"

Alex's face broke out into a proud smile, she reached out her hand taking Piper's fingers and entwining them with her own giving a firm squeeze.

"I'm so proud of you, but why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm going to turn it down"

Alex's face went from smiling to confused and Piper averted her eyes to their joined hands.

"Why?"

"It's not really my thing I never thought my books would become such a big deal that people would actually want to meet the author. I just don't think I fancy doing it"

Alex reached across with her other hand and cupped Piper's chin with her warm hand. It caused Piper to let out a sigh before she forced herself to meet Alex's kind gentle face.

"I know you too well for half hearted excuses Kid, what's the real reason?"

Piper sat up and moved so that she was tucked in close to Alex's warm body. One of her long arms wrapped instantly around her shoulders and Piper sighed her body instantly felt more relaxed at the familiar contact.

"I don't want to travel"

"Because you don't want to leave me"

Piper's body tensed but she nodded, her head sliding against Alex's cheek gently.

"If it was any other time then maybe but I'm not leaving New York without you and at the moment it isn't possible to take you with me"

"Piper..."

Alex's tone was irritated almost angry and instantly Piper knew what was running through Alex's head sitting up quickly she placed a hand to Alex's cheek so that she could look into her eyes.

"No before you start it's not because I think you can't cope on your own ok? Thats not it at all"

Alex still looked irked and Piper continued quickly.

"It isn't, I don't want to leave because I made a promise that I would be by your side through this whole process and I'll be damned if I break that promise Al"

Alex's eyes softened with understanding and Piper was relieved that she was at least making some sense with her ramblings.

"I don't want to be in another state sat in a hotel room wishing I was back home with you. After I thought it through I realised that yes it would be a fantastic opportunity but it would be marred by me wanting to be here"

Piper smiled gently as Alex suddenly looked at her curiously her eyes narrowed "Is this what has been giving you sleepless nights?"

Piper nodded meekly she should have known that Alex would know that she hadn't been sleeping properly and she suddenly felt more of a fool for keeping this to herself for the last few days. Nicky was right she was already feeling less stressed now that she wasn't hiding her worries from her love.

"I'm holding you back Kid"

Piper scowled at Alex crossly her tone forceful "No, no you're not"

Alex sighed heavily "If I wasn't ill you would go"

"But you are and that's just life. If the roles were reversed, if it was me having the radiotherapy, would you want to leave me on my own while you went travelling to only God knows where?"

Alex shook her head although Piper could tell it was done reluctantly.

"No you know I wouldn't but this is a big deal Pipes"

"I know it is but It's just bad timing that's all maybe I'll get another chance, maybe I won't but what I won't get is another chance at being by your side while you finish your treatment and that means more to me than any book deal"

Alex reached her arms out and Piper accepted her hug eagerly tucking her head into her favourite spot the crook of Alex's neck.

"Sometimes I wonder what I've done to deserve you"

Piper just shook her head as best she could "Yeah well I think exactly the same way sometimes I feel like I must have been Florence Nightingale in a previous life to have been given you as my other half"

Alex burst out laughing and Piper nudged her playfully feeling her cheeks blush with embarrassment.

"Sometimes Pipes you come out with the sappiest shit... See that's another thing you can add to that list of why you put up with me I tolerate your romantic mushiness with only a hint teasing"

Piper tried hard to look offended but she couldn't and she too started to giggle.

"Are you honestly happy with staying here, turning down your publishers offer? It'll mean more money Kid and a chance to travel and meet your fans"

Piper lifted her head and looked at Alex seriously her earlier frustrations fading away. Yes she was giving up a fantastic chance that she might never get again but at the same time nothing in her life was as important to her as the woman who was sat looking at her so seriously, willing to put aside her own wishes for Piper's. Her earlier turmoil had gone in three weeks Alex may get the all clear or it could be news that would be devastating. No Piper definitely did not want to be away from her love not at this crucial time.

"Yes I'm sure"

Piper pressed her lips to Alex's fiercely trying to convey the certainty in which she had made her decision. Piper lay her head back down pressing a kiss to the soft skin of Alex's neck and her love ran a soothing hand up and down her back in reply as they sat there content in the silence.

"Why don't you ask them for more time?"

Piper sat up frowning, she thought the conversation was finished, but Alex held a hand up and she waited patiently for Alex to continue.

"I should have the results of my treatment in 3 weeks why don't you ask them to postpone it until then? That way yes I know you're still away from home but without the worry of how I'm coping without you"

Piper scowled at Alex's choice in words, it wasn't her coping she would be worried about she would just simply miss her, but she fought the urge to scold. Instead she mulled the idea over within her head it was a good point but there was one potential problem that she didn't really want to admit out loud.

"You don't look keen"

"What if the results aren't positive?"

The words were whispered laden with Piper could only describe as a mixture of fear and guilt. She really didn't want to linger on the idea that they could receive anything other than positive news but she was trying to be realistic.

"I wouldn't be able to cancel and there is no way, no fucking way I could leave with the knowledge that I would be wasting the precious time we have together"

Alex's face became pained as Piper spoke, her own strong facade crumbling for a moment and as Piper saw real raw fear flash across Alex's features she wished she could take back the words she had hesitantly uttered aloud.

"I don't know Kid"

"I'm sorry Al"

Piper reached for Alex's hand that wasn't fidgeting at the couch cushion holding it tightly in her grasp. The weight of the conversation automatically forcing her body to seek physical reassurance.

"Don't be you're being realistic and yes if it turns out not to be a positive outcome then I don't think I could let you leave me even if I tried which sounds so terribly selfish"

Piper pressed a kiss to the hand in her own "No it doesn't. I'm going to call them tomorrow and tell them my answer is still no and that's the end of it"

"Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes does it?"

Piper laughed but it sounded forced even to her own ears "There have been worse things that we've had to deal with that have been unfair Alex. I think I can say that we've had to deal with more in life than most people"

"Do you think it's made us stronger? You know as a couple?"

Yes was Piper's instinctive response but she wasn't sure how to explain the reasoning behind it. As she thought of how to phrase what she meant she noticed Alex falter slightly although Piper noticed she tried hard to hide it.

"Yes I do but I'm not really certain how. From my point of view it's taught me to appreciate what I have more and not to be quite so selfish which I think has made our relationship better. I think it's made me realise how lucky I am to have you in my life, not everybody can say they have met their soul mate but now I truly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, you are mine"

Piper blushed as the words left her mouth and she shook her head softly "I know you think all that sort of stuff is bull shit for hopeless romantics"

Alex chuckled "True but it's nice to hear that you believe I'm the one for you"

"Oh and what about me? Do you not think I'm your one?"

"I'm keeping you onside until Scarlett Johansson becomes available so I reckon maybe you're my number two"

Alex laughed loudly and Piper pouted moodily secretly smiling when the action caused Alex to kiss her lovingly while cupping her cheeks in her warm hands.

"I'm only joking Kid ever since you walked into that bar all wide eyed and innocent, like a little urban Bambi just waiting to be corrupted, I've only ever seen myself with you"

Piper hummed contentedly deepening the kiss so that there tongues entwined together the familiar feeling of contentedness washing over her as she kissed Alex thoroughly.

"Do you want to watch a film? Or you can always pick a book and read to me?"

Piper fluttered her eyelashes and Alex groaned.

"No don't look at me like that put a film on I'm not reading out loud again I get sick of hearing my own voice!"

Piper laughed and she smiled guiltily she had been asking Alex to read to her most nights and Alex being Alex had given in to her pouting nine times out of ten reaching for the latest novel rolling her eyes as she did so.

"As long as it isn't any one of your bloody romantic comedies"

Piper huffed slightly as she now rolled her eyes "Well I'm not watching Kill Bill again I swear you have an unhealthy obsession with that film"

"It's not the film its Uma Thurman in PVC"

Piper mocked scowled and placed a hand to her chest "I already feel like my place as number 2 in your life is being threatened do I need to be concerned that another blonde is trying to muscle her way in?"

Alex laughed but then paused a contemplative look across her face "It depends... Would you be willing to wear a PVC catsuit?"

"Hmmm well you see that also depends"

Alex sat up and turned to her eagerly obviously pleased the notion had not been instantly disregarded.

"Oh, on what?

"On whether you would consider wearing one as well"

Alex seized forwards and kissed her hard one hand tangling into her hair and Piper groaned at the intensity of the kiss whimpering indignantly when Alex pulled back smirking wickedly.

"I think that's something I could manage"

Piper felt her body thrum in response, a burning heat growing between her thighs, as her imagination suddenly ran wild and the idea of watching a film was soon forgotten as she all but dragged Alex towards their bedroom.