A.N Thanks for the reviews for the last chapter i'm super grateful and I'm glad you are pleased that Alex is going to be fine!
"It's so good to see you darling!"
Piper leapt forward and wrapped her arms eagerly around her father's shoulders pressing a kiss to his stubbled cheek. It had been almost four weeks since she had seen her father and she found she had missed him the familiar smell of his aftershave relaxing her tired mind.
"I've missed you too Daddy"
"Would you like a coffee sweetheart?"
"Oh yes please I've been waiting all day for something other than instant rubbish!"
Bill made his way into the kitchen and smiled gently before he looked from the door to Piper one eyebrow raising curiously.
"Alex not with you?"
"No I've just dropped her off home before heading here she's exhausted the flight took it out of her so it will do her good to have a rest"
Bill nodded looking slightly put out and Piper smiled pleased that her father cared for Alex enough that her presence was automatically missed.
"Did you enjoy your tour?"
Piper sat down onto the couch nodding and she eagerly launched into a detailed description of her 3 week tour, the places she had visited and the different venues she had met her fans. It had been slightly overwhelming to meet so many people who had actually taken the time out to come and speak to her and have their novels signed. Piper had been grateful for Alex's support over the last couple of days as the gruelling schedule had begun to take its toll and she had never been happier that Alex had decided to join her.
"So you're becoming quite famous in the literary world then"
Piper blushed and half heartedly shrugged her shoulders and her father laughed at her embarrassment.
"You should be proud!"
"That's what Alex keeps telling me"
"Well obviously Alex and I are talking sense you should listen to us more often!"
Piper rolled her eyes as Bill laughed and she eagerly took the steaming mug of coffee and into her hands. They sat in comfortable silence until she couldn't hold back her curiosity or the words she had wanted to say since she had arrived at her old flat.
"So how come you're staying here and not at home?"
Piper watched keenly as her father shuffled uncomfortably in his chair his gaze averted so that he wasn't meeting her eyes.
"Daddy..."
"Me and your mother have decided to take a break for a few weeks"
Piper sighed and placed her mug on to the coffee table in front of her as she tried to stop the worry building in her stomach.
"I hope it isn't permanent but at the moment we need some time apart from one another otherwise the arguments are just going to continue and it just cannot go on any longer"
"How long have you been planning this?"
Bill stood up from his chair and came to settle next to Piper on the couch and placed a comforting hand on her knee squeezing gentle.
"I've not been happy for a while Piper but I don't want to just throw in the towel. Me and your mother have been together far to long to not try and work through this rough patch we seem to be having"
Piper nodded mutely trying not to become too upset at the news she did not want to make her father feel guilty for something he obviously needed to do for his own happiness.
"What does mum think about all this?"
Bill snorted and his face become clouded with anger.
"Your mother thinks we should just get a divorce and have done with it. She's already listed her demands and picked the furniture she's keeping apparently all I have to do is find a lawyer"
Piper felt her stomach sink but she was not surprised although her mother would abhor the thought of divorce she would also want everything to be done on her terms and this way she could come out on top calling the shots. This way she kept her control and did not come off as the woman to be pitied.
"Has she not spoken to you? I would have presumed she would have called?"
Piper shook her head "I last spoke to her on the day Alex received her results I was worried and stressed and I needed her to comfort me. As usual the conversation became less about me and my worries and more of how my life is still a source of embarrassment for her"
"I'm sorry Piper"
"What for? You do not need to apologise for mum. You have been nothing but supportive since I got with Alex Mum hates the fact that since I left prison our relationship has blossomed"
Bill smiled and pulled Piper into a loving embrace.
"I don't want you to become trapped in the middle of this darling no matter what the outcome is it will not change our relationship and I hope it does not impact the one you have with your mother"
Piper nodded half heartedly she knew her father meant well with his words but she knew ultimately this would not be easy for any of the family to process.
"Have you spoken to Cal?"
Bill nodded "He took the news rather well said as long as we were both happy he would support us in whatever decision we ultimately make"
"And Danny?"
Bill's face darkened and Piper knew just from the look on her father's face that her older brother had been less than supportive.
"He thinks at our age it would be ridiculous to divorce and that we just need to 'get over ourselves'"
Piper snorted loudly "Saint Danny the font of all knowledge, sometimes I wonder how far the stick up his arse has been truly shoved"
Bill laughed loudly and Piper giggled softly. They continued to drink their coffees each lost in their own thoughts until Bill's face brightened and Piper turned to face him curiously.
"Anyway enough about me, how about it eh Alex getting the all clear that's what we should be talking about"
Piper's whole being filled with happiness and the smile stretched widely across her face.
"I know I can scarcely believe it. After everything we have been through I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and it will have all been a big misunderstanding"
Bill smiled at her sympathetically but he took her hand in his own and smiled warmly.
"Darling you have no need to worry Alex is fit and healthy do not let your nerves ruin this. You can finally be happy don't waste it"
"I don't plan to I'm sorry I don't mean to sound like I'm being negative"
Piper smiled sheepishly and Bill chuckled before he started to smirk.
"So when's the wedding going to be?"
Piper rolled her eyes "There isn't going to be one"
"Well that's stupid have you seen you two? You are meant to be together"
"And we are, look we don't need to get married we are happy just as we are now" Piper's finger rubbed at her engagement ring, back and forth across the metal band.
"But you want to"
Piper smiled hesitantly "I like the idea but the enormity of planning an actual wedding? No I don't like the thought of that and neither does Alex"
"Rubbish Alex loves you she would do anything to make you happy"
Piper nodded "Yes she would but I also love her and I know she's not bothered so we're just going to stay as we are"
Bill snorted "Well I think it's a waste of an opportunity"
Piper hushed her father softly while smiling she knew deep down he had always wanted to walk her down the aisle and she was certain his love and admiration for Alex had only increased that desire.
"So when's the third book being released then?"
"One month from today"
"Anymore promotion?"
Piper shook her head "No that's all for now but depending on how good sales are I may get the opportunity to do more interviews"
"I would hope you all ready know this by now but I'm going to say it again anyway, I'm so proud of you Piper"
Piper smiled broadly and pulled her dad into a hug feeling slightly overwhelmed.
"Thanks Daddy"
"Alright I'm fucking coming!"
Alex stalked angrily towards her flat door the incessant pounding not lessening with her shouts she flicked the lock and flung open the door trying to take some of the anger off her face. As soon as the door opened Nicky barrelled in almost knocking Alex of her crutch causing her to scowl darkly.
"Bloody hell Nichols calm the fuck down!"
Nicky prowled around the living room and Alex watched her curiously her hair was even wilder than usual. She looked stressed, exhausted even and she chewed furiously on her top lip looking like she had the weight of the worlds problems on her shoulders.
"What the fuck is the matter with you?"
"Have you got anything to drink?"
Alex raised one eyebrow but at the pleading look on Nicky's face she nodded her head and made her way to the kitchen. Placing a glass on to the side Alex poured a decent measure of whisky and passed it over to Nicky who eagerly took the drink and downed it in one gulp.
Gesturing to the glass Alex sighed but she poured another watching worriedly as Nicky knocked back the second drink, Alex was certain, quicker than the first.
"Hit me again"
Alex screwed the top back onto the bottle and looked at Nicky her face firm.
"Not until you tell me what this is about?"
"Lorna's coming tomorrow"
Alex broke out a beaming smile and she clapped Nicky on the shoulder.
"That's brilliant news! Good for you!"
Nicky shook her head and reached her hand out "Yeah fuckin' marvellous now pass me that scotch"
Alex moved the bottle out of Nicky's grasp and looked at her bemusedly "Surely this is a good thing"
Nicky nodded, smiled then her face became worried once more and she shook her head. Alex rolled her eyes and gestured to the couch. Once they were firmly settled she turned to look at Nicky her voice soft.
"What's the matter Nic?"
"I'm fuckin' scared, alright"
Nicky looked embarrassed as if she was admitting something stupid but Alex didn't laugh, seeing Nicky so unsure she didn't have the heart to tease her.
"It's going to be fine"
"Yeah and how the fuck do you know that?"
"Because I've seen the way Morello looks at you and you love her that's all she has ever wanted, someone to love her for who she is and that person is you"
Alex leant over and placed her hand on Nicky's shoulder giving a reassuring squeeze "You just need to stop worrying and be natural"
Nicky sighed and ran a hand through her wild mane making it stand up on end even more.
"Where's the Kid?"
Alex smirked at Nicky's words Piper and Nicky were similar in age but she had taken Alex's moniker for Piper and used it along with Chapman.
"Gone to see her dad he's moved into the flat while we've been away"
"Divorce on the cards?"
Alex shrugged grimacing "I'm not sure, she's been hiding it well but I know Piper's worried so I told her to go and speak with him"
Nicky went quiet again and Alex smiled at her reassuringly "It's going to be fine. Look why don't you and Morello come and have dinner with us at the end of this week? You know once she's settled in I know Pipes would love to see her" Alex started to laugh and Nicky looked at her curiously "She can help me with my wedding plan"
Nicky's face broke into a wide grin and she started to laugh "You'll regret that when she starts making pin boards detailing colour schemes"
"As long as you don't try and paste a picture of yourself in the middle as the groom I think I'll survive"
They both cracked up laughing until Nicky turned to Alex curiously "Have you decided on a destination then?"
"I'm thinking Mexico we can get married on the beach I'm not into the whole church thing and this way it's exactly what Pipes wants, small and intimate"
"Good plan Vause what are you going to do about witnesses? If your really going for the element of surprise you can always ask the hotel staff!"
Alex shook her head and smiled "Well I'm thinking Bill can come and give Piper away. I was hoping he and Carol would be there although now I'm not sure"
Nicky winced and Alex looked at her in agreement "I know I think there might be a spanner in the works with that one"
"Ah well if you need a stand in I could always make an appearance"
Nicky nudged her exaggeratedly laughing loudly but Alex didn't smile instead she turned to Nicky her face serious.
"Are you trying to flake out on me?"
Nicky looked at her like she had sprouted antlers and Alex rolled her eyes.
"You're my fucking 'best man' I expect you to be standing firmly at my side" Alex nudged her playfully "You know to stop me from making any stupid mistakes like saying the wrong name"
Nicky looked at her in shock her mouth practically hanging open and Alex waved a hand in front of her face as she continued to stare.
"Earth to Nichols you having a fucking stroke or something?"
Alex laughed but Nicky's face didn't change and she could feel herself losing patience "Nic I want you at my wedding get over it"
Nicky finally seemed to snap out of her stupor and she grinned while shoving Alex hard.
"Sorry I just can't believe you are being so thoughtful it's rather unsettling"
"Hey I'm thinking of number one I don't want Carol being my support bloody hell I can see the headlines now 'bride to be murders mother in law to be in wedding day showdown!'"
Alex scowled as Nicky laughed at her joking, well potential joke if Alex and Carol were left alone together for too long Alex wasn't certain they would both live to tell the tale.
"So I'm guessing you've not booked the trip yet?"
Alex shook her head "No I'm going to mention going on a beach holiday to Piper and then if she agrees I'll speak to Bill"
"Chapman Snr will be thrilled"
Alex chuckled she couldn't wait to tell Bill her plan, that thought led her to another and she grinned at Nicky "I've bought Piper a dress though!"
"And here was me thinking matching white bikinis were going to be the marital outfits!" Nicky guffawed and Alex rolled her eyes "Come on then show me"
"It hasn't arrived yet but I've got a picture"
Alex passed Nicky her phone and as she looked at the picture Nicky whistled through her teeth.
"Good choice Vause she's going to look stunning"
"Pipes always looks stunning"
"You fuckin' sap!"
"Oh fuck off you're just as fucking soft when it comes to Morello"
Nicky's face became worried once again and Alex snorted "Take that look of your face I thought we had decided it's all going to be fine"
Nicky grumbled "No you decided"
Not wanting Nicky to begin to worry Alex smiled "You should bring her to the wedding we can tell Piper were going on a couples holiday or something throw her off the scent"
Nicky looked dubious but Alex continued "I mean I know it's not bora bora but its as good as"
"You forgot the third bora"
Alex looked at Nicky as she laughed hysterically for a moment thinking her friend had finally gone mad. Once Nicky had stopped her giggling Alex just looked at her pointedly waiting for an answer.
"Don't get to ahead of yourself Vause lets see if we can survive as flatmates before I start inviting her as my plus one"
"Flatmates! Yeah right I give it a week before you've fucked her!"
Nicky tried to look offended but even she couldn't hold back the snort of laughter "I must admit I've missed that pussy"
"And there's the Nicky Nichols we know and love!"
"Darling what a lovely surprise!"
Piper rolled her eyes as her mother pulled her into an over enthusiastic hug kissing both her cheeks. Piper knew it was all for show as her mother looked around the coffee shop clearly wanting to people to notice her over the top welcome.
"I've just got back I thought it would be nice to catch up"
Carol's smile faltered slightly but she gestured for Piper to sit down.
"Ah yes of course the book tour I hope it was successful?"
"It was thank you. My publisher just called and said there has already been an increase in sales they're very pleased"
"I hope this means more money and stability for you especially while Alex isn't working"
Piper always marvelled at how her mother could always go from praising to cutting in mere seconds but she held her tongue instead going for a more practical approach.
"Alex is still the main earner in our household mother her job is extremely lucrative"
Piper made a point of flexing her hand as she spoke and Carols eyes widened almost comically as she caught sight of her diamond engagement ring. Piper did not comment on her reaction instead she continued to sip her coffee almost nonchalantly waiting for her mother to speak first.
"That seems to be a new addition"
"It was my Christmas present"
Piper beamed allowing her happiness to shine and she angled her hand so that the diamond glinted in the light.
"My my Alex has done well"
The words spoken sounded rather flat and Piper knew her mother was irritated at the fact that she was impressed.
"She has"
"So does this mean there will be a wedding after all?"
Piper just shrugged her shoulders gently and her mother's scathing tone "I don't know"
"Hmmm Alex never has seemed the traditional type"
"Actually it's me who's reluctant mother I would rather not have a circus wedding and with you and daddy the way you are at the moment a small affair may not be the most peaceful of endeavours"
Piper hadn't wanted to bring up the topic of her parents relationship in quite this manner but Carol's clear displeasure at the thought of her and Alex being married had irked her, rattling her temper.
"Me and your father are quite capable of being cordial darling the issues we are having are between us not the rest of the world"
"And would you actually wish to attend my wedding?"
Piper's tone was scathing but she couldn't help deep down being hurt at her mother's response all she wanted was her mother's love and respect.
"If it did not clash with anything else in my social diary I would be happy to attend"
Piper tried to mask the hurt at her mother's words knowing they would be the best she would receive but as she saw Carol's aloof expression falter she knew she hadn't been successful.
"Well you know there are certain appearances I just cannot afford to miss Piper you know how it is"
Piper nodded numbly unfortunately she knew all too well that her life and achievements would always have to take a back seat to Carol and her active social life.
"For example I couldn't possibly miss Gala night at the golf club as the women's team captain it would be an absolute no no for me not to attend"
"I understand Mother"
Piper averted her eyes to her mug fighting the tears that were threatening to make an appearance but she was shocked out of her sadness when her mother's hand rested tentatively on her own.
"I do care about your plans dear I know you love Alex and I'm trying to be happy for you I really am"
"I know and really we're getting carried away with wedding talks we have no plans to tie the knot so there's no use stressing over something that more than likely will never happen!"
"How do you feel about a holiday?"
Piper turned her head in Alex's lap and looked at her curiously her eyes heavy with sleep the iPod was playing softly in the background as Alex had softly stroked her hand through Piper's blonde locks and Alex knew from Piper's expression that the action had almost lulled her to sleep.
"Hmmm I could do with a break"
"Well how does me, you and a beach in Mexico doing?"
Piper's face lit up and Alex almost laughed at the childlike glee that spread across her fiancee's expression.
"That sounds bloody wonderful"
Alex leant forwards and pressed a kiss to Piper's lips smiling as Piper hummed appreciatively "Good because I booked it this afternoon"
"Alex!"
Piper bolted upwards and Alex laughed hard at the incredulous look before Piper pouted trying to hard not to smile.
"What? You've just said you need a break"
"I know but what if I hadn't wanted to go"
Alex snorted and pushed Piper back down into her lap wrapping her arm around Piper more firmly.
"Like you would have ever said no to two weeks in the sun with the one and only Alex Vause!"
Piper rolled her eyes playfully at Alex's teasing but she wrapped her slender fingers into Alex's own. Alex squeezed back instinctively clutching those fingers tightly feeling the love between them at the simple gesture.
"It's a good job I love you"
"Oh I know Kid"
Alex peered down at the love of her life wondering for the umpteenth time what on earth she had done to deserve this wonderful beautiful human being that was curled into her.
"I love you too"