Back Together


A/N: Sorry for the delay in update. Had a super busy week at university. Hope you enjoy this slightly longer chapter, and thanks again for the continued support on the story!


"You can't go to New Jersey." AJ shook her head, walking down the street towards their coffee shops after leaving the sheriff's office.

"Why can't I?" Punk asked.

"You can't just show up and interrogate his parents." AJ said, "You'll end up getting yourself arrested. And we have the Fair tomorrow. And Christmas is next week." She pointed out, "And what if Craig comes back here when you're gone?" She pointed out as Punk ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

"We can't just do nothing. Especially when that dumb fuck of a sheriff is doing the absolute bare minimum." Punk said.

"There's nothing we can do. Nothing that will make a difference, anyway." AJ said, "Whatever Todd's parents are trying to achieve, they won't get it. I'm never going to change any of my statements. The evidence is all there. They're just in denial. Sending Craig to terrorise me isn't going to work." AJ said defiantly.

"It's not about it working or not. These people still need to be punished. You shouldn't have to be looking over your shoulder constantly or living in fear. You've been through enough." He shook his head angrily.

"I'll be looking over my shoulder more if you go off to a different state." AJ told him as he looked at her sadly. She knew he just wanted to make everything go away for her. His love for her definitely shone brightest when he was in protective mode, but she knew it was a recipe for disaster if he went to New Jersey.

"I just hate not being able to do anything to make it better for you. To make you stop worrying." He sighed.

"You're doing more than enough. You're here. That's all I need." She assured him, leaning into him as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"You never told me you figured the attack on Shiv was meant for you." He said.

"I only recently thought about it after I realised Craig's possible connection with Todd." She said, "I was thinking maybe I should tell Shiv. It might ease her anxiety if she knows she was never really the target." AJ shrugged.

"Maybe." Punk nodded, "Doesn't ease your anxiety, though. Daryl was going to pick her up from college this morning. They should be here soon." Punk checked his phone for the time.

"I can't wait to see her." AJ smiled, "Like the band getting back together again."

"Is there anything I can do for you? Anything to make you feel safer or… less scared?" He asked.

"You're doing enough, Phil." AJ assured him, "Just you being around makes me feel safe. I guess if the sheriff isn't going to help us much then we just gotta wait for Craig to be caught."

"Yeah, I dare him to show his face here again." Punk shook his head.

"We have the Fair to be preparing for. Let's just focus on that." She nodded.

If there was one thing she had noticed throughout all of this, was how much she felt she had grown and matured, especially since her attack. She felt able to think pragmatically and to rationalise with herself. Of course, certain parts of her wanted to curl up in a ball and hide until she felt it was safe to come out, but she refused to do any more hiding. She'd done more than enough of that. She refused to do any more.


"What one is this again?" Shiv asked, standing in one of the barns on Mister Eckles farm, watching Maple and the kittens roaming around in their little makeshift pen house.

"Laffy." Daryl said, "He's my favourite. Goes crazy if you wiggle your fingers at him." He chuckled.

"They're just so sweet." Shiv smiled, watching the kittens closely as they tumbled over each other, and play fought with each other.

"Yeah, they are." Daryl agreed.

"Did Phil give you the whole day off today?" Shiv asked curiously.

"No, just the morning." Daryl said, "He still pays me for the full day, though. He's good like that." He nodded.

"You see yourself working there forever?" Shiv asked curiously.

"Forever is a long time." Daryl said, "But I'm not good with thinking into the future. I know I'm happy working there. I get up in the morning and I don't hate going to work. I think that's pretty cool." He nodded.

"Yeah, not everyone experiences that." Shiv agreed, "And with AJ having a baby, Phil will probably be taking time off. He might look to you to… take charge." Shiv said.

"Maybe." Daryl nodded, having not thought much about it, "That would be kinda cool, I guess."

"How's your leg?" She asked, turning to face him a little more.

"It's alright. If we've had a busy day, it sometimes stiffens up a little at night but… for the most part, it's fine." Daryl shrugged.

"You ever think you'll play football again?" She asked, "I know you love it."

"If I play, I won't be playing professionally or seriously." He said, "No point in risking it. It'd be too painful, anyway." He shrugged.

"Have you still been talking to Christina?" She asked curiously, turning back to look at the kittens so she could avoid his face.

"Christina?" He questioned.

"Yeah. At the Fall Fair. Before I was attacked. You guys looked cosy." She shrugged.

"We were just talking." Daryl said with an amused smile, "Why? Jealous?" He teased, nudging her as she stumbled to the side a little.

"Jealous of what?" Shiv chuckled.

"And what about you, anyway? You're halfway through your first year of college and no boyfriend?" He asked.

"I don't need a boyfriend." She shrugged, "I need to focus on my education." She said as Daryl looked at her closely.

"You've… You've had sex with other people, right?" He asked, "I mean… it's been over a year since we stopped-"

"Of course I have." Shiv said bluntly, continuing to look at the kittens as Daryl watched her, "But would it be so bad if I hadn't?" She asked.

"No. Just… I thought maybe at college you would-"

"Go around sleeping with people?" Shiv turned to him, "I'm not you. I do have some self-control."

"Having self-control is just another way of saying you're boring." Daryl scoffed as she rolled her eyes.

"I don't remember you finding me boring." She turned to him with narrowing eyes.

"I didn't." Daryl said as Shiv smiled to herself, "And for the record, I don't go around sleeping with anyone. Syphilis is real, you know." He nodded as she turned to him with a raised brow, "It is."

"Yeah, you're all about the health and hygiene." Shiv nodded sarcastically.

"Damn straight." Daryl nodded.

"Don't forget I've saw what your room looks like. It's not syphilis you should be worried about." She scoffed as Daryl chuckled.

"I've gotten tidier in the past year, actually. I think going to work every day, it's gave me a routine. Helps me keep on top of things. I even cook dinner for my mom and sister sometimes." He nodded proudly, "I think my dad would be proud of that." He said, more to himself than to Shiv.

"He would." Shiv nodded to him, "He'd be really proud of you." She said, turning to face him again as he looked down at her, noticing the necklace he'd given her still secured around her neck.

"Hopefully." He said quietly, taking the pendant between his fingers as she looked up at him, "You're welcome to stay over on Christmas at my place. If you didn't want to go back to an empty house." He said.

"I don't know about that." Shiv shook her head, unsure of what that kind of offer would lead to.

"My sister will bunk up with my mom. You can have her bed." Daryl clarified.

"No, I can't take your sister's bed." Shiv scoffed.

"She sleeps in my mom's bed most of the time anyway." Daryl rolled his eyes, "I'm just saying… the offer is there." He nodded, not expecting her to answer right away. She figured she'd think about it for a while no doubt.


"Coming through with a hot tray." AJ announced, walking into the front of the coffee shop with a tray of white chocolate and raspberry muffins, fresh and ready to serve.

"April, you shouldn't be lifting things." Nico scolded, sitting on a stool at the front counter polishing cutlery.

"It's a tray with muffins on it, tia." AJ scoffed.

"Still." Nico said, "You could trip or burn yourself. And then what? Hmm?" She said.

"I'd rather do as much as I can whilst I'm still relatively small. Before I know it I'm not going to fit through the door." She rolled her eyes.

"That's a little dramatic." Lyla scoffed over by the coffee machine.

"Is it?" AJ questioned.

"Yes. It is." Lyla nodded.

"So let me get this straight." Nico said, "Sheriff dumbass isn't going to look into why that little snake's parents are trying to get his sentence reduced? He's not going to look into why they were visiting Craig before he was moved to Chicago?" Nico asked.

"That's correct." AJ nodded, "Phil is getting really uptight about it. He wants to go to New Jersey." She said, "So please don't bring it up with him."

"I don't blame him." Lyla shook her head, "These are the people we're supposed to go to for protection and help. And they do nothing."

"I'm not surprised." AJ said, "In his eyes, no real damage has been done, so he won't take it seriously."

"So we're waiting on Craig coming here and really hurting someone for it to be taken seriously?" Lyla asked.

"Pretty much." AJ nodded, "At least we know how he's connected to Todd."

"He's a puppet, that's what he is." Nico pointed a fork to her, "And his day will come, mija."

"I hope so." AJ said, putting the muffins out on display whilst Becca was over wiping down some tables, "I'd rather be dead than be terrorised into changing my statement or putting a good word in."

"Don't talk like that." Nico shook her head.

"I would." AJ insisted, "I don't care how rich his parents are. Their son is a rapist, and he's exactly where he's supposed to be." She said firmly.

"You seem to be doing ok. I know this has all been a nightmare for you but… you've been dealing with it really well." Lyla pointed out.

"What else can I do? I've lost enough years of my life to that bastard. I won't lose any more." AJ said, "I just worry about Phil doing something stupid. He's not the most rational person. I mean… you saw what he done to Luke at the Summer Fair." She turned to Lyla who nodded.

"What happened? Who is Luke?" Nico asked.

"A story for another time." AJ said, "My point is… if Craig does show his face around here again, and Phil gets his hands on him…" She shook her head, thinking of what kind of chaos would ensue from that situation, "I just don't want him to get into trouble for trying to protect me."

"Mija, there's nothing you can do about that. The man loves you. You're having his babies." She whispered quietly, "I wouldn't blame him for losing his head with the man who's trying to hurt you."

"I wouldn't either." Lyla said.

"I would if he ends up in prison and these babies have no father around." AJ made clear to them both, "Then what? Todd wins again. He takes something from me that I love. He gets the last laugh." She said.

"I hear you." Lyla understood her friend's worries, "Might be best to keep Daryl in the know. If Craig does show up, at least someone is there to talk Phil down, keep him calm."

"Are you kidding? That kid would start a fight just as quick as Phil would." AJ rolled her eyes, "I might talk to Finn. He's pretty pragmatic. Got a good head on his shoulders. I love Daryl but… he's basically Phil's chaotic little brother, let's face it." AJ shook her head as Lyla chuckled a little.

"It's true." Lyla nodded, "Finn might be the better option."

"And who are you assigning to me to hold me back from this Craig man? Because if I see him on the streets…" Nico held up a fist as AJ scoffed.

"You'll what? Drop into a yoga pose?" AJ questioned.

"I'll beat his ass. Wouldn't be my first time. I know you remember our early days in New Jersey. I had to fight my way through life, mija. To keep you safe. And I'll do it until I'm buried in the ground." Nico made clear.

"I know." AJ smiled. Regardless of her worries, it was a good feeling to know she was surrounded by so many people who loved her and wanted to protect her. It definitely helped her from worrying so much.

"Hey, can I ask you guys a question?" Becca asked, approaching the counter with a tray of dirty mugs.

"What?" AJ asked.

"Do you guys use sex toys?" Becca asked as AJ and Lyla turned to her with confusion and horror, whilst Nico raised a stunned brow.

"You're seriously just asking that? Randomly out of nowhere?" Lyla asked.

"Yeah." Becca shrugged, "I don't mean by yourselves. Like… with your significant other." She made clear.

"Why are you asking this?" AJ sighed, "What goes on in that pretty little head of yours?" She frowned with sympathy.

"Because… it's life changing." Becca said, "And you should all try it." She nodded.

"So that's how the farmers do it?" Lyla asked as AJ chuckled.

"I'm just saying… try it." Becca nodded.

"Thank you. For giving us this helpful life advice at 1pm on a Friday." AJ nodded, "Where would we ever be without you?"

"You'd be lost." Becca nodded.

"Shiv!" Lyla yelled as she noticed Shiv walk through the door to the coffee shop.

"Oh, finally." Becca turned around as Shiv walked over to them at the counter, embracing them all as Lyla and AJ came from behind the counter.

"We've missed you, little angel." AJ said, hugging Shiv tightly.

"I missed you guys too." Shiv said, not realising how much she'd missed her friends until seeing them right in front of her again.

"I was wondering when I would finally get to see you." Nico said, jumping down from the stool she was sitting on.

"Aunt Nico." Shiv smiled happily, embracing Nico tightly.

"How is college, sweet girl?" Nico asked whilst embracing her.

"Hard." Shiv summed up with a chuckle.

"Yeah, you look too thin." Lyla said, "You need some cakes in you."

"Finals have been stressful." Shiv summed up, "Glad they're behind me now." She said.

"And you're here." AJ smiled, "It wouldn't have been the same without you. I'm so glad you decided to come."

"Well, I don't think I had a choice. Daryl was going to put me in his trunk if I didn't come." Shiv shrugged.

"I'm sure he'd love you in his trunk." Becca scoffed as AJ turned to her.

"What is wrong with you today?" AJ scoffed.

"I don't know. I think I'm getting my period." Becca shrugged.

"How have you all been? How's the baby?" Shiv asked AJ, "Are you getting a bump yet?"

"A little. I just think I look bloated." AJ said, lifting her sweater where the tiniest little swell was around her stomach.

"Oh, you can actually see it." Shiv realised, "How sweet."

"Selfishly, we're glad you're here to help for the Fair tomorrow." Lyla said, "We need all the hands we can get. Especially cause Phil has got Linda to bake as if she's feeding the five thousand." She shook her head.

"She likes including her." AJ defended.

"We got some customers in, guys." Becca pointed out as a few people came in and took seats at some empty tables.

"Do you have a minute to talk?" Shiv asked AJ quietly whilst Becca headed over to take some orders and Lyla prepped the coffee machine. Nico sat back on her stool and opened up her magazine she'd been browsing through.

"Sure." AJ said with a little concern, "Let's go in the back." She said as Shiv nodded, following her through, "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I just… I need to talk to you about something." Shiv said, finally getting into the privacy of the empty kitchen.

"You're not resigning from here, are you? Because I won't accept." AJ folded her arms.

"No. Never." Shiv assured her as AJ smiled.

"Then what's up?" AJ asked.

"Just before Thanksgiving I got this weird email. There was no name or anything on the email. Just numbers. And it was sent to my college email." Shiv explained, "It just read, I'm sorry for what I did, it wasn't supposed to be you." Shiv said as AJ looked across at her. I assume it was from Craig. And I… I guess I put one and one together and thought maybe he meant to attack you, since we're both short and kinda look similar from the back. I know it's far-fetched but…"

"Shiv." AJ tried to stop her from going any further.

"And I'm so sorry I didn't say anything sooner." Shiv carried on, "I just… I didn't know what it really meant and I didn't want it to scare you. I thought if you knew he meant to attack you then it would only make you terrified and then Daryl came to see me and told me he showed up again-"

"Shiv. It's ok." AJ shook her head, walking over to her and taking her shaking hands, "You have nothing to be sorry for. This whole thing has been awful for you. Dealing with what happened. I don't blame you for wanting to hide away and shut everyone out. Because I know that's what you were doing."

"I just didn't know what to say to anyone. I didn't know how to explain how scared I was after it happened. And then the email came through and… I didn't know what to do." She said, "But I brought my computer with me and I'm going to go to the sheriff in the morning. Maybe he can trace where the email came from or something. I never thought about that until Daryl brought it up." She said.

"Yeah, I've been dealing with the sheriff." AJ nodded, "I don't think he'll be much help but it's worth a shot."

"There's been more happening?" Shiv wondered.

"A little." AJ said, "Craig might be connected to someone from my past. In New Jersey." She said vaguely, "I've not told anyone else, apart from Lyla and Phil. I don't want it to become any bigger than it already has." She said, "After I realised it might be to do with… my past, I realised that it was probably me Craig meant to attack."

"But they still haven't found Craig?" Shiv asked.

"No." AJ shook her head, "But they will. Eventually."

"I'm still so sorry. I should have said something sooner." Shiv shook her head, "And I'm sorry that you're having to deal with this."

"It's ok." AJ shook her head, "You have nothing to be sorry for, ok? I got plenty of people around me to get me through whatever this is. I'm just so glad you're back for the holidays." She said as Shiv nodded.

"You don't hate me?" Shiv asked.

"I'd never hate you, sweetie." AJ frowned, wrapping her arms around her tightly, "They'll get this guy and it'll all be over soon." She said, hugging Shiv tightly.


"Fuck." AJ moaned, later that night in bed with Punk on top of her, settled between her legs as he thrust himself back and forth inside of her.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, desperate to get him as deep in her as possible, running her hands up his lean torso as he looked down at her, his brows frowned in concentration and pleasure.

"You feel so good." He murmured, leaning down and kissing her neck, leaving sloppy kisses down towards her breasts, taking one into his mouth and teasing her nipple as she arched her back off the mattress a little.

"Go slow." She gasped quietly, holding onto his arm to steady to him, "Slow and deep." She nodded, biting her bottom lip as she felt him slow down a little, thrusting into her more steadily but abrupt and deep, "Fuck, that feels so good." She moaned, dragging her nails down his back whilst he leaned his head into the crook of her neck, thrusting hard and slow, keeping their pleasure on the brink of climax.

"Fuck I'm close." Punk grumbled in her ear, trying hard to hold back as AJ tangled her hand down between them, stroking her clit with her fingers, the stimulation alongside his deep thrusts enough to send her over the edge.

"That's it." AJ moaned, her body going tense and rigid as she felt the waves of pleasure wash over her.

"Shit." Punk groaned, the feel of her body coming and the moans from her mouth enough to send him over the edge too, spilling himself inside of her, moaning against her shoulder with every spurt he left.

"Would you ever use sex toys with me?" AJ asked curiously after a few minutes of them enjoying the post climax happiness.

"Huh?" Punk lifted his head from her shoulder, "Why? Is this not working for you?" He worried a little.

"No, it's not that." AJ laughed a little, leaning up and kissing him with assurance, "It works perfectly fine for me." She nodded, "Becca brought it up today." She shrugged.

"She suggested we use sex toys?" Punk asked, rolling off of her and lying on his back beside her, wiping his forehead, both of them still breathing a little heavy.

"Only because she said she does, and it's life changing apparently." AJ shrugged.

"You guys are that close?" Punk asked.

"Well, it's Becca. She… says whatever is on her mind." AJ said, "I just thought… I'd ask." She shrugged as he turned his head to the side to look at her.

"If it's what you want." Punk nodded, "I have no objections."

"It's not all about me, though." AJ said, "I mean… I used to use a vibrator all the time. Helped me go to sleep actually." She nodded as Punk raised his eyebrows.

"I'm literally going to get hard again." Punk told her as she chuckled, turning onto her side and curling into him, "I have no objections to whatever you want to do. If you're naked… I'm sold. Tie me up for all I care." He said.

"Oh, really?" AJ smiled curiously as he chuckled, "Now there's an idea."

"These pregnancy hormones are no joke, huh?" He said.

"No, they're not." AJ laughed a little.

"Are you going with Shiv to the sheriff tomorrow?" He asked her.

She'd told him earlier when they got home from work what Shiv had told her about the email she received and the fact she was going to go to the sheriff with her computer in hopes they could use it as evidence or trace it somehow.

"Yeah, I told her if she wanted me to come I would." AJ nodded, "I'm thinking maybe there's a chance they could find the location from the IP address. Is that a thing?" She asked.

"Yeah. They could. If it's detectable." Punk nodded, knowing from previous court cases he handled.

"But I doubt it'll make any real difference. Even if they get a location, it doesn't mean he's there now." AJ shrugged, "Might just be a lost cause."

"It's worth the try." Punk said.

"Bless her she was so anxious to tell me. She must have felt so alone these past couple months. Trying to deal with it all on her own. Figuring out whether to tell me or not. She's just a young girl." AJ shook her head, "I think she thought I'd be mad that she didn't tell me sooner."

"It's obvious you mean a lot to her. I think she looks up to you. She's studying for a business degree and… who better to look up to than you? The finest boss lady I know." He said as she smiled.

"She means a lot to me." AJ nodded, "I'm glad she'll be here for the holidays."

"We should probably get some sleep. We got a big day tomorrow." He said.

"Yeah, we do." AJ said sleepily, leading her head on his chest, never feeling safer than when she was in his arms.