Work Text:
Home With You
“Okay, fine but this is the last time I go out your window” he said quietly.
She smiled; “we’ll see”.
“No I mean it - I’m never gonna leave you again” he said with a mischievous grin on his face.
She could still see the boyish grin and the playful look in his eyes. It made her smile. If only there’d been more time she would have pulled him back in and made him stay regardless of Amelias unexpected return. There had been no time though. She had acted on instinct and pushed him out the window - just like she had done many, many times before.
His words had struck her deep.
She had been too dumbstruck to respond properly at the time. She hadn’t really believed him. Perhaps it was just something he’d said without thinking it through she thought, wiping down the tables at the bar. It was early in the afternoon, so they wouldn’t open for a few hours.
A lot of things needed doing before the bar opened and welcomed guests. Tables had to be wiped down, the floor needed washing, the bar needed refilling and she had to run through her cash register to make sure she had enough money to exchange when people paid in cash.
Although most of her guests preferred creditcards, a few still paid in cash. It always annoyed her a bit, but she kept a smile on her face, wanting everyone to have a good time.
She bit her lip as the memories of the previous evening flooded her mind again. She had finally given into temptation and invited him back into her life after days of fighting herself. His touch had been as featherlight and warm as she remembered. His lips had been all over her body, kissing every inch of her.
He had held her tight and made slow, gentle love. She had fallen apart in his arms and he had kissed her lips and her neck as they rode on the wave of euphoria together. He had been even more attentive than she’d remembered. She had enjoyed it immensly.
Afterwards they had laughed and talked for a while. She had finally asked him about Rooster, and he had confided in her. Since his first evening back, she had known something was up between them. He had looked like a ghost when Rooster had played the piano.
Now she understood why.
The scars ran deep and he was in pain. She had a taste of the pain he felt as she lay there in his arms. It was a shame they’d been interrupted. She wanted to get back into that conversation with him. Somehow she had a feeling that he had more on his mind and in his heart than he’d had the chance to tell her.
As well as they knew each other though, it’d be no surprise to her if he took a bit of persuasion to get back into that conversation. Whenever something was painful, he had a tendency to avoid it. He was a free spirit who had never liked to be tied up and confronted with painful emotions.
Perhaps for this very reason, she had a hard time believing that he had meant what he said last night.
The bell in the bar rang and she jumped. Turning around, she saw him standing there, a smirk on his face, the rope of the bell still in his hand.
“You left your cellphone on the bar”.
She laughed, realizing he was right; “You idiot - you nearly gave me a heart attack”.
He laughed too; “Rules are rules”.
Shaking her head, she closed the distance between them in a few, easy strides; “You could have called me, you know” she smiled, her arms wrapping around his neck.
His hands found her waist and pulled her tight to him, smiling broadly; “I wanted to see you”.
“Just see me?” She smirked, knowing full well that she was teasing him.
He chuckled, and leaned in, capturing her lips with his own, kissing her softly. She moved a hand to his face, caressing it slowly, as she deepened the kiss, getting flashbacks to the previous night. The invisible force that had kept them tied to each other all those years, was back, drawing her to him and him to her. She needed him, like she needed air.
His hand moved up her side, his thumb grazing the side of her breast and she sighed against him, suddenly grateful that they were alone, and that she wasn’t expecting anyone for the next couple of hours. She moved a hand into his hair, pulling it gently, and he moaned softly against her.
He pulled back for air, smiling warmly at her.
“I missed you last night” he said quietly, kissing her forehead.
She smiled; “My bed was very empty after you left”.
It had been.
After Amelia had gone to sleep, she had returned upstairs and felt lonely up there for the first time, in a long time. Having him back here and being back together, had stirred up feelings she had thought to be dead and gone. Obviously, she had been wrong.
Not only had he returned to North Island. He had wormed his way back into her life, and last night she had finally given in, and let him back into her heart, as well. Not only did it feel good to have him back - it felt right.
He sighed and she looked up into his eyes. The look in them made her frown.
“Care to tell me what’s on your mind?” She asked, smiling at him.
He leant in and kissed her briefly.
“I was just wondering,” he said, inhaling sharply, then sighing; “if you thought about what I said last night”.
She caressed his face; “I wasn’t sure if you meant it”.
It felt almost too good to be true. After all this time he’d changed and finally decided to stay? It seemed improbable, almost unthinkable. Would he even be the Pete she knew and loved without flying around the world?
His fingers slipped beneath her shirt, caressing the skin of her back; “I meant what I said - I’m never gonna leave you again”.
“Why?” She asked, the words escaping her before she had a chance to think. She could have kicked herself. It felt harsh to question his words, but she couldn’t help it. Their shared history was working against her and made her doubt everything.
Thankfully, he smiled at her words. He understood. Of course he did.
“I guess seeing you again, spending time with you, made me realize just how much you mean to me” he said, looking straight into her eyes.
She smiled, feeling somewhat calmer. So what she had felt in him recently wasn’t just a figment of her imagination. The deep connection she felt with him, was mutual.
“And what is that?” She asked quietly, silently wishing, they were back at her house. She felt an increasing need for him.
“You mean everything to me” he said, smile gone. He looked, and sounded nervous; “I never want to lose you again Penny”. His hands ran up and down her back.
She swallowed a lump in her throat and leaned in, kissing him slowly. She felt one of his hands move to the small of her back, pulling her to him, holding her tight. She felt warm, the fire from the night before lit inside her once more.
“Then stay with us - for good this time” she whispered against his lips.
He pulled back and smiled; “you sure that’d be okay?”.
“I’m sure” she nodded, feeling happier than she had for a long time.
“Not gonna make me climb out the window again?” He grinned.
She laughed, shaking her head: “Not a chance”.
Moving a hand to her face, he brushed her hair back, smiling broadly. She couldn’t remember seeing him this happy before. Or feeling this happy herself. Everything had come together so unexpectedly. And it felt just right.
His hand resting in her hair, he gently guided her lips to his, kissing her softly. Her eyes slipped shut as she kissed him back, her hands roaming his chest and his sides. Although he was right there, holding her, kissing her and taking her breath away, she still had a hard time actually believing that this was for good.
She wanted it to be for good this time. More than she had ever wanted anything to last. But some small, annoying part of her, still struggled to accept that he meant it.
She had loved this man for most of her life. They’d met more than thirty years ago and she had fallen for him - head over heels, out of no where. They’d been off and on for decades. She had laughed and cried with him. Loved and hated him. But the passion remained, driving her over the edge of the cliff.
And love remained. It always would.
“Any chance we can head back to your place?” He asked, pulling back from her lips, slightly out of breath.
She smiled but shook her head; “God I wish” she sighed, kissing him once; “it’s gonna be a busy night - I can’t leave it all to Jimmy”.
“Later then?” He asked, leaning in to kiss her neck.
She bit her lip, already struggling to stay in control. His touch tended to do that - have her soar away and lose composure. He knew just was he was doing, the beast that he was.
“Definitely” she breathed, her body flush against his.
He smiled and pulled back, grabbing her hand, interlacing their fingers. She missed his touch instantly but she knew it was the right thing to do to stop it here - or it would get out of hand and they’d get carried away. Now just wasn’t the time.
“Need a hand with getting this place ready?” He asked, kissing the back of her hand.
Her heart fluttered; “That’d be great thanks”.
He refilled the bar as she wiped down the rest of the tables. Then she went through her cash stock and he moped the floors. They finished earlier than she’d expected. Before she knew it he was standing outside her office window, knocking on it;
“All done - care to join me out here?” He said, a playful gleam in his eyes again.
She smiled and frowned, wondering what was with his cocky attitude; “I’ll be right out” she said, moving out of her chair to go through the door.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you” He called.
She turned to look at him and her confusion must have been apparent because he continued; “I moped the floors - so there’s only one way out”.
Then it hit her. Her jaw dropped at his sass. He chuckled; “guess it’s your turn to jump out the window”.
She laughed and opened the window, then climbed over her desk and jumped out into his arms.
“You’re such a goof” she chuckled.
“Just making it an even game - not counting the past thirty years, might I add” he grinned.
He grabbed her hand and they went to sit on the porch, facing the ocean. He sat on the bench she had been sitting on just yesterday but she had other plans;
“I have a better idea” she smiled, reaching for his hand.
He grabbed it and she pulled him up and dragged him out on to the beach.
“Sunbed?” He asked, following her lead.
“Exactly” she smirked. His smile told her he’d understood her plan now.
He sat down in one and leaned back, then opened his arms to her. She smiled and sat down between his legs, leaning back against his chest.
“Think it’ll hold?” He asked, wrapping his arms around her.
“Well if it doesn’t, we’re just a few inches from the sand” she chuckled.
“Good point” he grinned, kissing the top of her head.
“This is comfortable” she sighed, closing her eyes, resting against his chest.
He buried his nose in her hair and breathed in her scent; “it really is”.
She smiled as he tightened his hold on her. This was certainly not how she had pictured spending her afternoon, but it sure was great. The beach was surprisingly empty for a warm summer afternoon. Not that she would complain. Having him to herself, just the two of them, was something she greatly appreciated.
“I was thinking,” he said, finding her hand and squeezing it; “after the mission - how about we go away for a few days? Just you and me?”.
No working late into the night. Amelia staying at a friend’s house. Just the two of them, spending some quality time together. It sounded like heaven.
“I’d love that” she said quietly, bringing his hand to her face, kissing it gently.
She sensed him smiling behind her.
“That’s a deal then” he said and kissed her hair again.
She couldn’t wait for this evening to come and go so she could take him home. Although she was right there in his arms, she missed him. She craved closeness and alonetime with him. And judging by his sudden appearance and his words and actions, she concluded that he felt the same way.
If she could fast-forward time, she would skip the next couple of weeks so the mission was done and over with and they could go away together, living an almost care-free life together for a few days. The idea of it would be the fuel that would bring her through the next few weeks. She knew he would be incredibly busy until it was all over. He had to put all the time and energy he had into preparing the pilots for the mission.
He hadn’t been able to tell her much. Naturally it was all classified. But she knew it was a dangerous mission, and she knew he was nervous about it. That was a novel experience for her. He wasn’t usually nervous about anything. Normally, he would just jump head-first into things and take on the wildest and most insane tasks.
This time he wasn’t going himself and that was a relief to her. It would be the younger pilots that he was training that would go out there. He would stay safe on the carrier, guiding them by radio if necessary. That was a great comfort to her. And his worst nightmare.
Not surprisingly, he was a nervous wreck for those pilots. Especially Rooster, whom he cared deeply for.
Hopefully, it would all be okay in the end.
They stayed on the sunbed for quite a while, talking and touching. It was very relaxing. She felt so content in his arms. It wasn’t until Jimmy showed up to start his shift, that they got up and went back to reality.
They walked back inside, hand in hand. She let go of his hand and turned towards the bar, intending to get the last few things ready for the evening. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close, and she gasped, surprised at his move.
“One more thing” he said, smiling as he moved a hand to the small of her back, holding her tight against him.
Their eyes locked, he moved his other hand to the back of her neck, pulling her lips to his. He kissed her slow and gentle at first, then deepened the kiss, tongues playing. She felt her brain go numb, her hands on his waist. She swam away in his touch, and his kisses as he moaned quietly against her lips.
Her head was a foggy mess and she momentarily forgot where they were. Damn him sometimes.
He pulled back, slightly breathless and smiled; “I’ll see you around midnight”.
She frowned; “You’re not staying?”.
“I have to fly a few rounds with the pilots but after that I’ll be back” he smiled happily.
“Midnight then” she smiled, already counting the hours until they could head back home together.
“Midnight” he nodded, kissing her swiftly before letting go.
The night went on. The bar slowly filled and became louder. It was a busy night and her customers kept her and Jimmy busy. They handed out drinks, took credit cards and talked to a lot of different people - some more familiar than others.
Buying this place was one of the best decisions she had ever made. No matter what day of the week it was, she always had a great time at work. People were usually very kind and spirits were high. Tips were generous and the music was great.
The hours flew by, and before she knew it, it was closing time. The bar was nearly empty and she and Jimmy had begun wiping down the counter, when Pete returned, looking exhausted, but happy.
“Welcome back” she smiled, taking his outstretched hand and squeezing it.
“Busy night?” He asked.
“Fairly busy” she said and Jimmy interjected;
“Busy? Full house tonight”.
“Penny always had a gift for understatements” Pete laughed, joined by Jimmy who shook his hand.
She smiled and rolled her eyes; “If you two are quite finished, I’d like to clear this place up and take this fine officer back to my quarters”.
He gaped at her and she raised an eyebrow, smirking at him. His surprise quickly turned to a grin and he winked at her.
Jimmy laughed and shook his head at the two of them; “Alright boss - I’ll clear out”.
“Night Jimmy!” She said, smiling at her faithful employee.
The last couple of guests had left and Jimmy walked out, waving at the two of them, locking the door behind him.
“Would you mind checking the porch? If anyone left trash or glasses out there bring it back in?” She asked.
“Sure” he smiled and left his chair.
She walked around, ensuring all windows and doors were closed. She removed empty bottles, cans and glasses, collecting them. He followed suit, shutting and locking the door to the porch and removed trash from tables.
Soon the bar was clear of trash and she had wiped down the tables, most of them sticky from spilled drinks. Definitely not her favorite part of the job, but it had to be done and she always slept better knowing the bar was somewhat clean when she locked up.
He swiped the floors clean from dropped peanuts and other stuff, throwing it in the trash. Then they filled the industrial dishwasher with glasses and bowls. She emptied the cash register and locked the money up in the safe in her office. She would deposit them later.
She then went back out to the bar and turned off the lights. Only the lights above the bar desk remained now. She felt grateful for his help. It would have taken her much longer on her own.
“Leave it on for a bit” he called and she turned around, her fingers still on the switch.
“Why?” She asked, curious to what he was up to now.
He was standing by the jukebox and she frowned, wondering what on earth he would want to listen to at this hour. All she wanted was to drag him back to her house. It was late and she had waited all day for this.
Looking up, he pressed a couple of digits and reached out a hand; “Remember this one?”.
She took his hand, shaking her head at him; “What’s gotten into you today?”.
He grinned and pulled her to him, wrapping an arm around her waist, keeping her tight to him, his other hand clutching hers tightly.
She rested her free hand on his shoulder and smiled as she recognized the song at last.
We were young and wild and free
Now nothing can take you away from me
He took the lead, kissing her forehead softly as they swayed to the familiar song. He spun her around and she laughed, not feeling the least bit tired.
He dipped her low and kissed her swiftly as she chuckled, then spun her out again before pulling her back into his arms.
“You’re all that I want” he whispered, in tune with the music.
“Summer of 85” she muttered, remembering only too clearly.
He smiled, nodding; “the summer we met”.
It wasn’t as if she needed reminding. That summer was as clear in her conscience as yesterday. It had been a sunny and warm summer, filled with adventure. Little did she know then, that the young pilot she met would still be in her life, thirty years later.
They had both changed but he still looked the same. Just as handsome and attractive as he did back then. The gleam in his eyes and the boyish grin on his face was the same as always.
“Like I could ever forget” she smiled, leaning in and capturing his lips as the music stopped. She moved a hand into his hair, her nails gently scraping his scalp as she kissed him hard, tongues playing the familiar game.
She pressed her body against his, and felt his grip around her tighten in response. She needed him more than she had words to express.
“How did you know?” She gasped, pulling back while she still had her mind under control.
He frowned; “know what?”.
“That song always reminded me of you - how did you know that?” She asked, running her fingers through his hair.
He raised both eyebrows in surprise: “I didn’t. I chose it because it was the soundtrack to the summer we met”.
She smiled. He was unbelievable; “and what a summer it was”.
He chuckled; “one I’ll never forget”.
“Me neither,” she breathed, pulling his lips back to hers, kissing him softly; “I played that song over and over again every time I missed you” she whispered against his lips.
He pulled back, smiling. He held her tight, his hands running up and down her back.
“There’s something I haven’t told you” he said, kissing the top of her head.
She smiled against him; “yeah?”. She wondered what this could possibly be.
He took a deep breath before speaking again;
“I’ve travelled to the most remote corners of the world. I’ve seen the best and the worst of mankind. I’ve killed countless terrorists and, regretably, civilians as well.” He sighed.
She looked up at him, wishing for nothing more than to drag him back to her place and hold him tight all night. Sensing he had more at heart though, she stayed silent.
“I’ve met hundreds of people. Seen more than you can imagine,” he continued, still holding her close; “but even after all that - I could never let you go. I didn’t want to. You’ve been with me through it all, Penny”.
Her hand found his face, caressing it gently. The pain in his eyes made her heart flutter and her stomach clench at the same time. It was bitter sweet. She knew where his pain came from and it was heartwarming, but she hated seeing him in pain.
“But you’ve still left - what changed this time?” She asked quietly. It wasn’t an accusation, merely a question coming from curiosity. It was important for her to understand.
To her surprise, he smiled; “Time, I guess”.
She narrowed her eyes, still smiling. He wasn’t being entirely honest with himself - or her.
“And seeing you again…” he paused, then sighed; “I wasn’t expecting that - especially not you rejecting me. I realized that I need you in my life. I understood how much you mean to me, so I decided to fight for you”.
Her heart was pounding so hard that she was sure he could feel it. He had never said something like this before. Through the years it had mostly been fun and games - sometimes more serious than others, but something had changed this time. And now she knew why.
Her hand found his face, her thumb grazing his cheek, her fingertips running along his hairline. This was it. She knew now. They’d stay together this time. The reassurance she had been seeking, was staring into her eyes.
“I’m glad you did” she whispered, pulling him to her, her eyes slipping shut as she kissed him, her lips moving slowly against his.
“Let’s go home” she breathed against his lips.
He pulled back, smiling; “I am home - I’m with you”.
~*~