The City Of Love {Stacey}

[brendan]

As Brendan told Stacey what was on his mind, and why he had wondered if keeping the baby was the right thing, he saw her bite down on her bottom lip. This in itself, made him begin to wonder what she would say in reply to what he had said. He felt Stacey lean into him, so he was thinking that was possibly a good sign. Then Stacey began to speak, and so it was his turn to listen to her this time. When Stacey had finished, Brendan felt really upset. The news of Stacey having his baby had been the happiest news he had in a long time, but knowing she might have to go through this for the next eight months, was killing him, only because he couldn't stand to see Stacey suffer so much.

"Ya don' hafta apologise sweetheart, ain't yer fault tha' it's makin' ya feel this way. Besides, am the one who put ya in tha' mess, I feel kinda guilty, blamin' maself. Shoulda been more careful. Even though ya know am happy abou' the pregnancy, but, there'd have been plenty time fer it to happen when ya were ready." Brendan sighed then, he wasn't sure if saying that would make the situation worse or better. "But tha' said, I know we'll get through it, an' I ain't leavin' ya no matter how difficult it migh' or migh' not get." He hugged her again, and kissed her on the top of her head again.

When Brendan had asked if she was happy to go through with the pregnancy, he was glad to hear that she was. He saw that warm smile of hers, which made him give a smile back. He was a little worried about what her answer would be. She said she was happy and wouldn't want it any other way, apart from not having the moodswings of course. "Well tha's good then, so long as yer happy, then am happy an' all." He then heard her say his name in full, and felt her hand touch his face, so he automatically put one of his free hands on top of her own, Stacey then said she was so in love with him also. He smiled warmly at that, as he gently took her hand which was on his face and put it to his lips and kissed the back of it. Then he had pulled her close to him and kissed the top of her head, and when he did, he heard her murmur that she was definitely going through with it.

"An' I'll be there every step of the way." He murmured back softly still holding her in his embrace. When Stacey giggled over his response to the mini show, he was glad to see that she was happy once more. Seeing her upset, really did break his heart. She then playfully tapped him, it wasn't even that much of a slap, not like some of her other playful ones, so he decided not to play on it, instead he just chuckled slightly.

After Brendan told her she didn't have to apologise, Stacey spoke again, and he listened, as he looked at her with a look of love. "Well, alrigh' then, if tha's wha' ya wanna call it." He replied with regards to the apology for all the moodswings she would have over the next eight months. "Yeah it was kinda bad, all over a meal, but it's how ya felt at the time. An' I understand tha' Bambi." At least she hadn't hit him, although he did wonder if that would come at some point, but Brendan would just take it all in good faith, and he'd never hit her back, Brendan wasn't the type to do that. He'd only ever hit a woman once, and that was when that crazy bitch was using persuasion on him to make him kiss her and do all sorts of things, when he was supposed to have been with Megan. God help anybody who tried to make him do that now he was with Stacey, he may just kill them.

When Brendan stood up and held his hands out for Stacey to take, he had pulled her to her feet gently, once she'd taken them. When Stacey said she did need to fix herself up, she looked a mess, Brendan shook his head gently, "Maybe ya need to fix yerself up fer goin' out, but ya don't look a mess, least not to me, yer beautiful, ya'll always be beautiful to me." Stacey then said she still wanted to go, she wouldn't be long until she was ready. "Sure, sweetheart." He knew she was ready for the most part, so he knew she wouldn't take that long.

As Brendan mentioned food, he heard Stacey's stomach grumble, and he couldn't help but chuckle a little, "Well, we'll play it by ear, if ya fancy somethin' while we're out, then tha's wha' we'll get, never ate ma meal either to be honest, lost ma appetite when ya, well ya know." He wasn't meaning for it to sound like he was having a go at her, as he wasn't, he was just telling her the truth. Seeing her like that had indeed made him lose his appetite.

After Brendan had wrapped Stacey in a hug again, kissing her tenderly on the lips, he had then told her how much in love he was with her, and Stacey said she loved him so much too. "Jus' as well really, seein' as we're marryin' each other." He winked and chuckled, he couldn't help just throwing in a little tease at that point, before he had left her to go sit in the bedroom while she freshened herself up.

While Stacey was in the bathroom Brendan couldn't help but wonder what other kind of things Stacey would get into a mood over with her hormones messing with her, the whole meal thing had been a bit over the top he felt, but at the same time, knowing she couldn't eat her favourite meal, must have been really frustrating, so in a way he really couldn't blame her. Oh well, the joys that came along with having a baby. It sure was going to be eventful.

About ten minutes later, Stacey walked into the bedroom, sat on the bed, put her shoes on and then grabbed her bag, saying she was ready. "Alrigh' sweetheart." Brendan got up from the bed, and then let out a low whistle, "Ya really do look gorgeous Stacey." With that he immediately reached out for one of her hands, before making his way out the door, and locking it, once Stacey was outside, and then made the way to the elevator. "We ain't got much time afore the show starts, so gonna have to take a taxi there, d'ya think ya can wait till the show is finished afore gettin' somethin' to eat sweetheart? Or, maybe we can grab a bite to eat durin' the break or somethin'?"

Soon the elevator arrived and Brendan stepped inside, waiting for Stacey to get in before pushing the button to take them to the ground floor, so they could be on their way.

[Anastacia Potter]

"Brendan, don't you go blaming yourself. Maybe 'we' both should have been careful that first night. But you have to remember that something good is going to come out of all of this." Stacey looked at Brendan, eyes smiling at him. "We are going to have a baby." She then moved his hands, placing them on her stomach, over her dress. "I know that I hate these moodswings already, but just knowing that this little one is growing inside me, I hope that that will just turn each one around a bit quicker then this first one. It seemed to last forever."

"And we will get through it all. I know it." Brendan hugged her, and kissed the top of her head. Stacey closed her eyes, as soon as his lips hit her head. She always loved him doing that, sometimes it would calm her down, or just make her love him more. When she had touched his face with her hand, Brendan put a hand over hers, then Stacey said that she was so in love with him. She was, more than he could ever imagine. Maybe it was the hormones making it more than ever, but whatever it was, she loved it. Brendan took her hand, and kissed the back of it. Soon enough, Stacey was close to him, which she loved, and he kissed the top of her head.

Stacey rolled her eyes a little, as Brendan agreed to what she said about saying sorry for the next eight months, and that the moodswing was kind of bad, about it being over a meal. Stacey hoped that none of the moodswings would end up physical on her part. She had been hit a couple of times when she was with random guys. At the time, Stacey just thought that that was what guys did - they hit girls as they had sex with them. But Brendan showed her how it was meant to be, and Stacey never thought about it ever again. But Stacey hoped that she never hit Brendan in her rages.

Stacey blushed a little, when Brendan said that she was beautiful, and will always be beautiful to him. Now the hormones were making her do that now. Another emotion she would have to document down in her journal. So now it was the way he kissed her head, and now the whole compliment thing was causing her to blush all the more. Well, at least these are some positives, rather than negatives to document.

So after she said that she still wanted to go, and Brendan said 'sure', she heard her stomach grumble. She hoped that Brendan hadn't heard, but he had. "Okay B. And sorry that you missed on your meal. Also it depends on what time lets us do. Maybe I should just grab some biscuits, and put them in my bag before we go, so I can at least have something in my stomach." When Brendan said that it was just as well that they loved each other, seeing as they were marrying each other, Stacey raised an eyebrow. "Yep, or I don't know what would happen." She laughed a little then.

When Stacey said that she was ready to go, she heard Brendan say 'alright' and then he let out a low whistle, and comment that she did look gorgeous. He took one of her hands, leading her out the door. She watched as he locked the door, and then they made their way to the elevator. Brendan mentioned about not having much time now, so they would have to take a taxi. And then asked her if she could wait till after the show for food, or wait till the break in between the show. "Well, I have these biscuits now, so I could wait till the middle of the show, when there is a break."

When the elevator arrived, Stacey stepped in after Brendan, and watched him push the button to take them down to the ground floor. While the elevator brought them downwards, Stacey let go of Brendan's hand, and wrapped an arm around him, and rested her head on Brendan's chest. All the commotion that she had caused earlier, was now catching up on her, and Stacey was starting to feel a little tired. But she had promised herself that she would aim to stay awake, even though she had read that she would get tired with her body adjusting to the whole baby thing.

[brendan]

When Brendan had told Stacey he was feeling guilty and was blaming himself, Stacey was quick to reply back to him. As she spoke, his weak smile turned into a more warm one. Especially when she said something good was going to come out of it. Which Brendan already knew, but it still didn't stop him from feeling like shit to see Stacey in so much shit over it. Maybe it would just be during the early weeks, and as the time went on, she'd become less hormonal, he hoped so, for Stacey's sake more than his own. When Stacey said those magical words, they were going to have a baby, Brendan couldn't help but break into a bigger smile, showing off those dimples of his. She then moved his hands onto her stomach, and as she did so, he couldn't help but push down gently, knowing that his child was already beginning to grow in there.

"We're gonna have a baby, damn righ' it's somethin' good." He finally said, when he realised he had been quiet for a little longer than he expected. "Maybe ya migh' be lucky fer the moodswings to jus' last a coupla months." It would be great if that was all they lasted for, but he knew, despite how long they lasted, he'd be there, and they would get through every single one and come out stronger at the other end. When Stacey said she knew they would get through it all, Brendan just gave her another one his bright smiles, "Damn righ' we will." He had then kissed the top of her head, that move which had become one of Brendan's signature moves. He knew Stacey liked it, because quite often, he'd caught her close her eyes as he did it.

Brendan was glad when he'd commented on her moodswing being a bit much that Stacey hadn't got upset again. He certainly wasn't meaning it in a bad way, he did notice her roll her eyes a little though, but he wasn't going to play on it. Hopefully the worst of this moodswing was over with. It certainly seemed to be, but at least he sort of knew what to expect now. So he would play the next one out, just the way he had this one. Leave her be for about ten or fifteen minutes and then go after her and shower her with love and affection.

After Brendan told Stacey she was beautiful and would always be beautiful to him, he noticed her blush, again he wasn't going to play on it, but he was pretty sure it was one of the first times he had seen her blush at one of his compliments. Maybe the pregnancy was having some positive effects as well as negative ones, which was great. Maybe in time, the positive effects would outweigh the negative effects.

After Stacey's stomach grumbled and food was mentioned, Stacey apologised to him for his missing out on his meal. He just shook his head, "Ain't nothin' to be sorry fer, coulda eaten it, if I wanted I guess, but I was jus' too worried about ya. I ain't tha' hungry jus' now, so I ain't complainin'." Stacey then mentioned about grabbing some biscuits just so she'd have something in her stomach. "Sure Bambi, sounds like a plan to me." He wasn't too bothered about himself, but Stacey was now eating for two, so she needed to keep her energy levels up, and eating was one way to do that.

Brendan could only laugh at Stacey's raised eyebrow and response to what he said with regards to it being just as well they loved each other, since they were getting married. Stacey had followed it through with a laugh, which made Brendan laugh also. He was so in love with her, he wasn't even sure if she really knew just how much, despite the number of times he told her, or showed her. He had wanted to sing his new song for her earlier, after their meal before they had left, but with all the commotion, he now didn't have time for that.

As they made their way to the elevator Brendan had asked Stacey if she'd be able to wait till after the show to eat, or try and get something at the break. He smiled as she responded, saying she had the biscuits now, so maybe they could get something at the break. "Alrigh', works fer me sweetheart." Soon they were in the elevator heading to the lobby. Stacey let go of Brendan's hand, and instead wrapped her arm around him and leaned her head on his chest. As she did this, Brendan bent his head down to gently rest on her own. He hoped that this night wouldn't become too much for her, after the energy she would have used during that moodswing before.

They soon reached the lobby and Brendan led the both of them outside, and he was able to flag a taxi down right away, which was great. He opened the door, and waited for Stacey to get in, before he slipped in beside her. Once he told the driver where they were going, he put his arm around Stacey's shoulders, and leaned in toward her. "When we get back to the hotel later, I wanna play somethin' fer ya." He hoped the words of the song might just cheer her up a little. He had never dreamed of doing it as a profession, but sometimes he wondered if he should pursue a singing career, but if he did that, it might mean long spells away from home, and he found it hard enough being away from Stacey just going to work at the paper on a day to day basis.

Besides, he didn't need the money from it, what with his shares in his parents vineyard and his salary from The Chronicle, he had plenty of money. No, he'd keep his song writing and songs for his family only. Since most of his songs were written about family and events that happen to Brendan on a personal level, he wondered how long it would take him to write a song about their new addition to the family.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey loved seeing Brendan happy, but knowing that they had this chat, also made her happy as well. She couldn't be all down and out now, she had a new life growing inside her, there was nothing to be sad about. Stacey felt Brendan press down slightly, when she had moved his hands to rest on her stomach. She looked at him, when he said that they were going to have a baby, and that it was something good. He mentioned that she might be lucky to have the moodswings to last just a couple of months. "I hope so too. I know that I want to look into that, and maybe we could ask the doctor when we see them, when we get back. I honestly don't want to keep going like this the whole time. It is not fair on either of us."

Stacey nodded slightly, as Brendan spoke about that he could have eaten, but he was too worried about her. She still felt bad for him for not eating, but she decided to let it go. No need to harp on the whole food issue, it was more or less old news. Stacey made a mental note to grab those biscuits before they left to go to the show.

When Stacey had wrapped an arm around Brendan, and rested her head on his chest, she felt his head gently rest on her head. It felt so nice for it to just be the two of them right then. Even if it was only for a few seconds, it was still nice. She loved being near Brendan, and knew that she would need him all the more now as she carried their child. In some ways, Stacey wondered if Brendan would maybe take some time off from work, just before and after the baby was born. But being second in charge at the paper, he might have that advantage.

The elevator soon stopped, and the doors opened. Stacey let Brendan lead her out of the elevator, and outside the hotel. She was starting to get a little excited, as she couldn't wait to see the stage production of her favourite movie of all time. Brendan hailed down a taxi straight away. Once it had stopped, he held open the door for her. Stacey got in, sliding over enough for Brendan to get in after her. He told the driver where they were going, and soon they were off. Brendan put his arm around her shoulders, and leaned in towards her. She shuffled closer to him, as he spoke about what he wanted to do when they got back to the hotel. Stacey smiled at Brendan, "I can't wait to hear it."

Stacey loved hearing the songs Brendan wrote, especially the ones which he wrote for her. Though now she wondered what the song might be about. There had been so much happen over the last couple of days, it was ridiculous. She knew she had to write down that list of all the things she loved about Brendan, before it was too late. Stacey then leaned into Brendan, placing a hand on his knee, just resting it there, and closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

Soon enough Stacey drifted off to sleep. She hadn't wanted to do that at all tonight, but the taxi ride was sending her there. Stacey started to dream about what it might be like for her in the next few months. It was all what she had read so far - the hormones, the uncomfortability of having her stomach out in front of her. But the good things began to override the kind of bad stuff - the feel of the baby kicking, being lazy with Brendan, with his hand on her stomach. Those thoughts made her feel happy and content.

Feeling that the taxi had come to a stop, she slowly awoke. Stacey knew that her sleeping wouldn't have gone unnoticed by a certain someone. Slowly moving apart from Brendan, she weakly smiled. "Sorry. The ride was making me a bit more relaxed than I was hoping for."

[brendan]

When Brendan suggested that her moodswings might only last a couple of months, he smiled at Stacey's reply as she said she hoped so, and then suggested asking the doctors about it when they got back home. He nodded his head, "Yeah, we should go see abou' it Bambi. Ya never know, maybe there's somethin' they can give to help curb the moodswings or somethin'?" When Stacey said it wasn't fair on either of them, he nodded his head, because it was true, but he also now knew that if it was going to be a part of the whole process, then he'd learn to deal with it. He just felt bad for Stacey, as it was her body going through all the changes, not his.

As they sat cuddled together, which felt nice, because Brendan always enjoyed being so close to Stacey, he began to wonder about nearer the time when Stacey was due to give birth. Being one of the bosses, he was in a good position to take time off if need be. They had plenty of reporters out there, and although Daniel was extremely busy what with being the main boss, Brendan, knew he'd be able to hand his responsibilities down to Connor. He was their music reviews guy, but he was a damn good reporter, and Brendan had every trust in him. Brendan didn't want to miss anything toward the end of the pregnancy, he wanted to make sure he'd be there when she went into labour. Then, he wanted to make sure he didn't miss the first of anything after their baby was born. He could quite easily take paternity leave, and have about four months off, it wasn't like he couldn't afford to do it anyway.

Soon after, they were outside and on their way to the show. Brendan couldn't actually wait to see it himself. He had always loved the movie, so it would be great to see the stage version. They were soon inside the taxi and Brendan had got close, speaking about the song he wanted to sing for her later. He gave her a bright smile, when she replied saying she couldn't wait to hear it. "Tha's great sweetheart." He hoped she would like it, but she seemed to like all of his songs so far, so why wouldn't she like this one.

He cuddled into her more then, and as he looked down at her, he noticed she had fallen asleep. He gently kissed her on the top of her head then, and just sat there looking at her with love on his face. He then gently put his free hand on top of Stacey's which was resting on his knee. He didn't mind that she'd fallen asleep, even for the short journey in the taxi, he knew the earlier moodswing would have taken its toll on her, and he also knew that pregnancy made a woman tired in general, especially during the early stages.

Once the taxi stopped, he felt Stacey stirring, and she smiled at him weakly, and apologised. "Tha's alrigh' sweetheart, no need to apologise, kinda liked havin' ya restin' up on me, an' I loved jus' watchin' ya sleep, if tha' don' sound too creepy." He chuckled slightly after saying that. He did love watching her sleep, but he also knew that could creep some people out. Brendan reached over, paid, the taxi driver, and then opened the door, and stepped out of the taxi, holding his hand out for Stacey to take, so he could help her out.

Once Stacey was out and standing beside him, he then headed toward the entrance of the theater where the show was being held. "Am really lookin' forward to this, hope yer gonna like it." Couple of minutes later, they were inside, and Brendan handed over their tickets and they were soon being ushered to their seats.

***Two Hours Later***

The show was now finished and after applauding like a maniac, with a huge grin on his face, having loved the show, Brendan stood up, and held his hand out for Stacey to take, and began to lead her out of the theater. He didn't see the point in trying to talk until they were outside though, because there was so much background chatter from everybody who had also been in at the theater. All different languages and accents among the voices.

Ten minutes later, once they were outside, after a battle getting through the many crowds, many of whom just suddenly stopped and obviously began talking about the show, Brendan turned to Stacey with a smile, and finally felt it was a good time to talk to her. "Well, I thought tha' was a fantastic show, wha' d'ya reckon?" Brendan asked Stacey, as he wrapped his arm around her waist, and slowly began to head in the direction of their hotel.

He was still aware Stacey needed something proper to eat, and now he was pretty much famished himself. However, he wasn't sure if Stacey would be alright to walk back, so he leaned in, "Are ya alrigh' fer walkin' back to the hotel Bambi? If ya are, then, if there's anythin' ya fancy eatin' jus' let me know an' we'll go get it. If ya wanna jus' get back to the hotel, then we can order more room service." Although in many ways, he was secretly unsure about ordering more room service after earlier's fiasco, but they both needed to eat, and if room service was the only option, then so be it. He could just order toast or something, can't go far wrong with that surely.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey nodded about hopefully getting something from the doctor to help her deal with the moodswings. That first one was a good display of what she might be going through the rest of the pregnancy, and she didn't like it. She could only imagine what she must have looked like as she went on and on about wanting the food. This was just something that she would have to read more into, just to see whether she would be having to deal with all of this for the rest of the pregnancy. Stacey didn't want to get upset and wound up over the smallest of things, and then take it out on Brendan.

She couldn't believe that she had fallen asleep, but she had been able to do that ever since she was little. If she was tired, and she was riding in the car, Stacey would drift off to sleep. Lucky for her, she would feel if the car had stopped, and would wake up herself. A couple of times, her mum had to wake her up, as she was very tired and sound asleep. But for her, it would always be at night time, if she had had a big day. Well today had been a big day for her. Walking to the waterpark, and back again, well halfway at least. Then those two love making sessions with Brendan, and then to top it all off, a display of hormones on her part. No wonder she was tired.

When the taxi stopped, Stacey stirred, and woke up, smiling weakly at Brendan. She said sorry, but Brendan said that she didn't need to apologise, and that he loved watching her sleep, and hoped that it didn't sound too creepy. Sitting up a bit more, Stacey shook her head. "No. I don't mind you watching me sleep, but now I know that you do that. but I am glad it is you and not some creepy guy." Gently wiping around her eyes, as so not to smudge her make up, Stacey followed Brendan out of the taxi, and got out, standing beside him.

Stacey followed Brendan to the entrance of the theatre. Brendan commented on how he was looking forward to the show, and hoped that Stacey was going to like it. "I'm sure that I will B." She then wrapped an arm around one of Brendan's, and walked with him, into the theatre. She watched as Brendan gave the tickets over to the usher, and they were then shown to their seats.

**** Two Hours Later ****

Stacey couldn't believe that the show was now over. The whole thing was just spectacular in her eyes, but still loved the movie more. She saw Brendan hold his hand out, and Stacey took it, and let him lead her out of the crowds that had been there to see the show. Stacey wanted to thank him, but she knew that there was no point, as he wouldn't have heard her over the roar of voices all talking at once.

Finally, after ten minutes, they made their way out into the fresh air. They would have been out minutes earlier, only that some people decided to stop, just where they were going to walk, and start chatting. That would sometimes get to Stacey, and she would roll her eyes, and contine to follow Brendan, who found another path in the crowd. Brendan turned to Stacey, saying that it was a fantastic show, and asked her what she thought of it. Brendan wrapped his arm around her waist, and began to head in the direction of the hotel.

"Well, it was nothing less of spectacular. The costumes, the performers, and just the overall atmosphere was just amazing." But then she added, "But I have to say that I still love the movie. That Ewan McGregor, yum." Stacey had to smirk a bit, wondering what Brendan might say to that. She didn't care, she was allowed to crush on actors, and she had a few favourites that he will soon find out about later on.

When Brendan asked if she was okay to walk back, she felt in herself that she was okay for now. "I should be okay to walk back. But if we do walk passed any food places, and I smell something that I feel that I might be wanting, I will let you know." Stacey hoped that she might soon hit a smell that made her stomach want it, and would make sure that Brendan knew about it.

They continued to walk for only about three minutes, when Stacey's nose picked up a smell. Whatever it was, it smelt divine. She stopped, looked around, and then spotted a shop just a few steps away up head. "Well, looks like I might have found something that I want to eat. And it smells like spaghetti."

[brendan]

When Brendan had said that he hadn't minded her falling asleep and he had in fact been watching her, he had hoped that she wouldn't find it too creepy that he watched her sleep. He smiled when she replied, so he felt a bit better about watching her sleep now. "Well am sure glad ya don' mind me watchin' ya sleep, an' am sure glad ya ain't classin' me as a creepy guy." He was teasing her with the second part of his words, and so he added a wink and a slight playful nudge after it, so she would know he was messing with her. Although, she should probably know the way he worked by now.

When they got out the taxi and they were heading toward the theater, Brendan said he was looking forward to it and hoped Stacey would like it as well. He grinned when she replied saying she was sure she will. Stacey then wrapped her arm around his, and walked with him into the theater. He gently leaned in to her as she did that for a few seconds, just enjoying the feeling of being so close to her. He soon handed over the tickets and they were ushered to their seats.

***Two Hours Later***

After the show was finished, Brendan had held his hand out for Stacey to take, which she did, he then began to lead her out of the theater, through the many crowds. Crowds was something Brendan had no problem dealing with, but now his Stacey was carrying his child, he wanted to make sure that she wouldn't get hurt or pushed. He didn't want anything happening to their unborn baby, especially now Stacey seemed to be a lot more happier about the prospect.

So, after they had battled for ten minutes, and were outside, Brendan had finally turned to talk to her, and tell her what he had thought of the show. He smiled at her, as he waited to hear what Stacey thought of it. He really hoped she had enjoyed it as much as he had. When Stacey began to speak about the show, he couldn't help but smile warmly, feeling glad that getting the tickets to the show was a good thing to have done. "I agree with ya Bambi, am really glad ya enjoyed it sweetheart." When Stacey was happy, Brendan was happy, it was that simple.

She then continued to say she still loved the movie and swooned over Ewan McGregor, he couldn't help but shake his head then, and roll his eyes slightly, but chuckled. Well, everybody was entitled to their celebrity crush, weren't they? "Well, all I can say to tha' is am helluva glad am the one whose got ya, an' it ain't him." He grinned, pulling her close to him again, so he could hug her slightly as they continued to walk. "But..." Letting out a low whistle, "Gotta say, tha' Evangeline Lily from Lost, she's an absolute stunner." He raised both his eyebrows then, and chuckled lightly. Well, if she was allowed a celebrity crush, then so was he.

When Brendan asked Stacey if she would be alright to walk back, he smiled at her response. "Alrigh' then we'll take our time, an' if ya do get too tired, ya'll say to me won't ya? Then we can get a taxi back the rest of the way." So they continued to walk, and as they did so, Brendan's stomach let out a bit of a growl, as he was now rather hungry. But he wasn't really bothering, he was only caring about one thing right now, and that was Stacey's happiness. A few minutes later, however, Stacey stopped, which of course led to Brendan stopping. He then stood as she looked around, before she spoke to him.

"Fantastic Bambi." Brendan said with enthusiasm in his voice, when Stacey said it looked like she had found something she could eat and it smelled like spaghetti. "Tha' suits me an' all." He then gently walked her to the shop, café, restaurant. "Ya wanna sit down? Or ya happy to get take away an' we'll eat while we walk? I don' mind either way, yer choice sweetheart." He did have a feeling she might opt for take away, so they could get back to the hotel. And in truth, Brendan was looking forward to getting back to the hotel himself, he wanted to sing his song to her, the one of many he had been taking notes for, some of them were songs he could sing just now, and others, well they would be songs for a little further down the track.

He still wondered if he should go into a semi professional singing career, he knew his voice was alright, and he was a pretty reasonable song writer, but again, with the paper, would going down the path of a singing career take him away from Stacey and Libby too much? He would maybe have to talk to Stacey about it, and get her opinion, see how she would feel about it, but at the same time, what with just getting engaged, the wedding when they get back home, having Libby and now the new baby on the way, maybe talking about that, would just be too much for her. So, once again, he put it to the back of his head.

[Anastacia Potter]

"You are not a creepy guy. You are a sweet, caring, loving guy, who I can't wait to marry." Stacey then looked down, as Brendan nudged her slightly. She knew that he was just playing around with her. Soon enough they were in the theatre, and Stacey felt Brendan lean into her, when she wrapped her arm around his own. Then they were seated for the show.

**** Two Hours Later ****

Stacey smiled when Brendan said that he agreed with what she said about the show, and was glad she enjoyed herself. She had caught him rolling his eyes, and shaking his head, when she mentioned Ewan McGregor in the movie. "Well, I am glad that you have me. But Ewan is also a bit of a looker in my book." Then she let out a short laugh, knowing that she was going on about him more. "But my B is definately a ten on my good looking chart. Maybe even an 11?" Then when he pulled her close to him, hugging her, as they continued to walk.

She frowned slightly, when Brendan said 'but'. That low whistle led Stacey to wonder what he was going to say next. Then Brendan mentioned about Evangeline Lily from Lost was a stunner. As they walked, Stacey looked at him sideways. Shaking her head, she squeezed his waist, where her hand was resting. "Fine then. I will just leave you alone with your thoughts." Stacey let go of him, and began to walk in the opposite direction, for only like five steps. She stopped, and waited to see what Brendan would do. Stacey hoped that he knew that she was playing about. She was in such a good mood. A little tired maybe, but in a good mood.

She then headed back to him, and wrapped her arms around his body, continuing to walk slowly. "I never want to leave your side ever again. Well, only when you are working, and so forth. But I can't see myself with anyone else right now." Brendan had said that if she got tired, she would tell him, asking her if she would. "Yes, I will tell you. I am all good at the moment. Only slightly tired, but nothing that would stop me from walking."

Stacey couldn't get over the smell of that spaghetti, it was making her mouth water so much. She didn't know how hungry she really was at this point in time until that smell hit her nose. Stacey was glad that Brendan liked the idea of what she wanted. If he didn't like it, too bad. She just wanted to eat whatever it was right there and then. When Brendan asked her if she wanted to sit outside the restaurant to eat, or just take the food with them, to eat on the way back. Looking down at her watch, she noted the time. "Might just eat and walk. If that is okay? Just seeing the time, it might be quicker"

So they headed towards the restaurant. It was only small, so it catered for take away, which was good. "I will just sit out here and wait for you to order, if that is okay? Just need to rest for a second. And before you say anything, I am okay. Just a big day that is all." She had enjoyed majority of it, but now it was seriously catching up on her.

[brendan]

When Brendan had joked to Stacey about the whole creepy guy thing, he smiled at Stacey's response. It was really nice to hear her say that, it meant a lot to Brendan. He was so in love with Stacey, and he knew he couldn't wait to marry her either. "Well am glad tha's how ya see me. An' I can't wait to marry ya either." It was true, he couldn't wait to speak of Stacey as his wife, than just his girlfriend. Just the thought of it made him feel all happy and tingly inside.

***Two Hours Later***

Brendan couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle lightly as Stacey went on about Ewan McGregor some more after she commented about being glad he had her. When Stacey let out that laugh, that laugh Brendan loved so much, he couldn't help but laugh along with her. Then Stacey mentioned that her B was a ten on her good looking chart, maybe even an eleven. He tilted his head to the side, and glanced at her, with his eyes sparkling, "Is tha' righ'? A ten or an eleven?" He nodded his head then, and broke into a grin showing off those dimples which make him so handsome, and then chuckled slightly. "Ain't gonna argue with tha' one." He chuckled a little and then hugged her, as they continued to walk.

Of course Brendan couldn't leave it at that, without getting in his own celebrity crush and commented about Evangeline Lily being an absolute stunner. He was of course teasing her, just like she had been teasing him over her own celebrity crush. He felt Stacey squeeze his waist where her hand was resting, which made him flinch to the side, yeah Stacey had just found a weak tickly spot on Brendan. He chuckled slightly. Stacey then let go of him and said fine, I'll leave you with your thoughts. He knew fine well she was messing around with him, but he couldn't help but run after her.

He gently put his hand on her shoulder, "Not so fast Mrs. Harris to be, I don' remember sayin' I wanted to be alone with ma thoughts. Besides, there's only one woman I wanna have sexy, dirty, passionate thoughts abou'...." He trailed off then, before lifting her up into his arms, swinging her around gently, "an' she's righ' here in ma arms." He bent his head down to kiss her gently on the lips before putting her back on the ground.

"But, ya know, if ya really wanna be left alone, I can do tha'." Teasing her right back of course, he began to walk away from her, and soon enough he felt her arms around his body. He was about to speak, but Stacey got in first. "Well, am sure glad ya said tha' Bambi, cause, I can't see maself bein' with anyone else either." Of course he knew he had to go to work, but that wasn't technically being apart from her, besides, he always felt close to her just by either sending her texts, phoning her and leaving messages, or emailing her.

When Brendan asked Stacey to tell him if she got tired and needed to rest, she replied saying she would tell him, but that all was good right now. "Alrigh' sweetheart." Brendan gave her another hug then, just loving the feeling of having her close beside him. He still couldn't believe that he was going to marry this wonderful, beautiful woman. He felt like the man who had everything, a wonderful family, health, wealth, a job he adored, a fianceé, daughter, and a new baby on the way. Really, right at this moment, life couldn't get much better for Brendan. So, when was it all going to go horribly wrong?

When Brendan asked Stacey if she wanted to sit to eat, or eat while walking, Stacey opted for the latter. He smiled at her then, "Tha' suits me sweetheart." They then headed toward the restaurant and Stacey said she was going to sit outside while he went in and ordered. He was about to ask if she was feeling alright, but she got in first, telling him before he asked, she was fine, it had just been a big day. "Alrigh' then, I ain't gonna be long." With that, he bent to kiss her tenderly on the lips and then made his way into the restaurant and ordered their spaghetti take away meals. He asked for some plastic forks and then made his way back out to Stacey after he had paid for the meals.

"There ya go Bambi, sure hope this is gonna go down better fer ya." He handed over her take away box and then he began to tuck into his own. "Didn' know how hungry I was till I smelled this." He chuckled then, and waited for Stacey, so they could begin their walk back to the hotel. Walking slowly, it should only take them about another fifteen to twenty minutes to get back.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey knew that deep down that Brendan was way off the charts with his good looks. But it wasn't always about his good looks that she was always attracted to. Brendan was smart, funny, a romantic at heart, and a great lover. What more could Stacey ask for. Well, now they were going to share their love with a baby. Seeing those dimples of Brendan made her smile, and then he hugged her as they continued to walk back to the hotel.

When Stacey teased him a bit, saying that she would leave him with his thoughts, she had walked away a few steps. Soon enough she heard feet running towards her, and then felt a hand on her shoulder, which made her turn around. Stacey had to smile when Brendan said that he didn't remember saying that he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. He then continued on with saying that there was only one woman who he wanted to have sexy, dirty, passionate thoughts about. With that comment, Stacey was soon swept up in Brendan's arms, swinging her around gently. She was glad that it was gentle, or she might have been sick, maybe.

Stacey looked at Brendan, as he continued saying that she was right in his arms. Then his lips were on her own. Stacey returned the kiss with her own, and then felt herself being put back on the ground. Then what Brendan did next, she just shook her head to, but there was no hesitation, and Stacey was right back beside Brendan, arms around him. When Stacey had said that she didn't want to leave his side ever again, that she couldn't see herself with anyone else, Brendan replied saying that he couldn't see himself with anyone else either. "Very good. If I saw you with anyone else, I would definately have something to say." With a giggle, Stacey leaned into him as they walked.

When Stacey said that she would wait outside, Brendan kissed her tenderly before he went in to get the meals, saying 'alright then'. As Stacey waited for Brendan to get back from ordering and getting the food, she got out her phone, and began to make notes on what she wanted to write in the email to Brendan. She knew that she could tell him to his face, but she wanted to write it down, in a way for him to keep it, and always look at it. Stacey was sure that he would remember every single word, but she wanted him to have and keep what she wanted to say.

Just then, Brendan came out, and handed Stacey her box. "Thanks, and I hope so too." She got up from the chair, and then headed back in the direction of the hotel. Stacey opened the box ever so slowly. When that smell hit her in her face, her stomach grumbled. She was definately loving this smell. Stacey got the fork, and swirled it around in the spaghetti, placing that fork full in her mouth. "Wow!" was all Stacey could get out in her mouthful. Normally she would wait until her food was out of her mouth, but this was divine. "I think I am having my first food craving, and I love it." Stacey continued to put in fork full after fork full, not wanting to talk. She just wanted to eat.

Within ten minutes, Stacey had finished all of her spaghetti. It was the best food she had had in the past couple of days, and she hoped that room service had it the next time they ordered. Stacey wondered what other foods she would crave. She hadn't had spaghetti since she was a kid, and this one that she had just eaten was nothing like she had been used to. "I have a feeling that I will be eating a lot more of that in the coming months. That was delicious."

[brendan]

After Brendan commented about his score being a ten or maybe an eleven, Stacey didn't say anything else, but when he smiled showing off those dimples, he saw Stacey smile, just one of the many things he loved about Stacey. There were so many things he loved about her, but he hoped he showed her that every day, and in the songs he wrote for her.

When Brendan had run after Stacey when she teased him, and put his hand on her shoulder, saying he didn't remember wanting to be left with his thoughts, Stacey turned to face him and he saw that smile. He smiled back at her then, before lifting her up into his arms and gently swinging her a little. When he kissed her, he felt Stacey kissing him right back, and then he had put her back onto the ground. He had then carried on the teasing, by saying if she wanted to be left alone, he could do that, and started to walk away. Of course he had soon felt her arms around his body. When Brendan said he couldn't see himself with anyone else either, he had to grin at what Stacey said.

"Well, I best make sure I ain't ever seen with anyone else then, eh?" He was still teasing her of course, and as she giggled, he chuckled, and then as they continued to walk back to the hotel, he felt Stacey lean into him, so he leaned into Stacey also, hugging her to him, like he always did.

While Brendan went to the restaurant to order their meals, and while he waited to get them, he wondered what song he should sing for her when they got back to the hotel, not all of them were complete, but of the ones which were complete, it didn't seem quite the right time to sing some of them to her. Then, just as the meals were handed over to him, he figured out the song he'd sing. It would be perfect for this moment, or at least, so he thought.

Once he paid for the meals and made his way out to Stacey and handed her the box, he had said he hoped that this food would go down better for her. He wasn't meaning to be nasty, he was saying it with love and concern in his voice. She said she hoped so too, and he just gave her a warm smile. Then Stacey stood up and they began to walk again. He side glanced as she opened the box, wondering if she was going to push it aside, but thankfully she didn't appear to do that.

He watched that first fork full go into her mouth and her response was 'wow', well that must be a good sign he thought, after swallowing the food he had in his mouth at the time, he grinned at her. He was about to say something, when Stacey spoke again, once again he grinned, he was happy she had found something she could eat. "Well tha's great Bambi, am sure glad ya've found somethin' ya can eat sweetheart." He meant it too, and now he was thinking, he could just see himself having to run out to 24 hour take away restaurants for spaghetti to fulfill her craving. And he would do it without even batting an eyelash. That was just how much he loved Stacey.

He then watched her and smiling as she continued to shovel in the spaghetti without really talking. Brendan had to admit that it was rather nice, and he decided to stay quiet, while he continued to eat his and finish it. They remained quiet for about another ten minutes as they both ate their spaghetti, and then he heard Stacey begin to speak. Brendan finished his last mouthful, and then smiled at her, "Well tha's great Bambi, gonna hafta make sure we get plenty of tha' in fer ya then." He grinned again as he took the empty box from her, and then placed both of them into the first trash can he came across.

They continued to walk, quietly, not an awkward silence between them at all, just the romance of the evening, and soon they had reached the hotel. Brendan was feeling rather tired himself by this point, and all he wanted to do was get in that hotel, sing his song to Stacey and then fall asleep in her arms. He led her into the hotel, and once again into that elevator he so badly wanted to stop and make love to her in the other day, and still those thoughts were swimming round his head. But the thought that they might get caught always put the thought out of his mind quickly.

They were soon on their floor, and once again he was opening the hotel room door, and they were soon inside. Brendan took off his jacket, and placed it on the chair and immediately went for his guitar. He then sat on the edge of the bed, and then waited for Stacey to be ready, before he began to sing the song he had written for her, well, the one of many. "Ya ready to hear it now Bambi? This one I called "Your Everything". He then began to sing the song to Stacey.

"The first time I looked in your eyes I knew
That I would do anything for you
The first time you touched my face I felt
Like I've never felt with anyone else

I wanna give back what you've givin' to me
And I wanna witness all of your dreams
Now that you've shown me who I really am
I wanna be more then just your man

I wanna be the wind that fills your sails
And be the hand that lifts your veil
And be the moon that moves your tide
The sun coming up in your eyes
Be the wheels that never rust
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more
So much more, I wanna be your everything...

When you wake up, I'll be the first thing you see
And when it gets dark you can reach out for me
I'll cherish your words and I'll finish your thoughts
And I'll be your compass baby, when you get lost

I wanna be the wind that fills your sails
And be the hand that lifts your veil
And be the moon that moves your tide
The sun coming up in your eyes
Be the wheels that never rust
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more
So much more, I wanna be your everything...

Be the wheels that never rust
And be the spark that lights you up
All that you've been dreaming of and more
So much more, I wanna be your everything...
I wanna be your everything."

Once he was finished, he looked at Stacey, not grinning, but just his warm smile, and showing all that love he held for her in his eyes, "Wha' ya think?" He then put his guitar down and began to undress himself, and slipped into the bed, holding his arms out for Stacey, for when she was ready, so they could fall asleep together in each other's arms.

{ooc - I do not own the rights or words to the song Your Everything - it belongs to Keith Urban - just borrowing it for the character and his creative writing skills. No copyright infringement intended.}

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey saw Brendan grin as she said 'wow' at that first mouthful of spaghetti. It was just to die for. She turned and smiled, as Brendan said that he was glad that she had found something she can eat. Stacey was more than glad, she was over the moon at the thought of being able to eat something, anything. "Well I am just glad that I can eat something, other than biscuits." With that, Stacey continued to shovel in the spaghetti. As she ate, Stacey wondered if there was any places in Las Vegas, who could serve up spaghetti like this. If not, she might just have to move to Paris permanently.

After Stacey had finished the spaghetti, she had told Brendan that she was going to eat a lot more of the spaghetti in the coming months. She had to laugh a little when Brendan said that they would have to make sure that they get plenty of it in for her then. "If no one in Las Vegas makes it like this, I might just have to learn to cook it then, even though I don't know a lot about cooking." Brendan then took the box from her, and threw their rubbish in the rubbish bin.

Soon enough, they had reached the hotel. Stacey had wondered if she was going to make the trek back to the hotel, but she had, and was proud of herself. Though now she was exhausted, and just wanted to curl up in Brendan's arms and just fall asleep, feeling safe and loved. They soon reached the elevator, and she followed him inside. As the elevator moved upwards, she laid her head on him, and for a brief second just closed her eyes.

The elevator opened, and Stacey followed Brendan to their room. Once they were inside, she saw him take off his jacket, and reached for his guitar. Stacey then remembered that Brendan had said that he was going to play a song that he had written to her. She sat in the chair opposite the bed, where Brendan was sitting, and nodded, when Brendan asked if she was ready to hear it, telling her the name of the song.

As Stacey listened to the song, she slipped off her shoes, glad to get them off. As Brendan got to the second verse, Stacey moved her chair forward enough so that she could rest her feet on the edge of the bed. Stacey just stared at Brendan, as he continued to sing and play the guitar. She just loved it when he wrote a song for her, it was just magical in her eyes. Listening to some of the words, it made her smile. Then the mention of this line: "And be the hand that lifts your veil" made her smile, and then mouth the words "I love you" to Brendan.

When Brendan was finished, and asked her what she thought, all Stacey could do was smile warmly at him, and felt a couple of tears sting her eyes. Sitting forward then, taking his hands in her own, Stacey knew she had to say something. "Brendan, that was beautiful. And you are more than I had ever dreamed of. A lot more. I never imagined being with a man as wonderful and loving as you are."

Giving him a warm hug, Stacey murmured in his ear, "I love you Brendan Harris." She then moved apart from Brendan, knowing that she was more than ready to just crash, and get some sleep. She got out of her clothes, as Brendan did, and put on the silk pj's she had in the suitcase. There was no need for her to be naked now, because she really was too exhausted to do anything but sleep.

Brendan has slipped into bed now, and held his arms out for Stacey. She grinned, and then got into bed, and got into his open arms. Stacey wrapped her arms around Brendan's own, and snuggled in for a good night sleep. "Good night B. Love you." Then she closed her eyes, and soon enough drifted off to sleep.

[brendan]

{ooc - hope you don't mind I said Stacey got spaghetti for dinner - just by skipping almost a full day - I had to do a little god modding}

When Brendan said he was glad that Stacey had managed to find something she could eat, Stacey had replied by saying she was just glad she had found something she could eat other than biscuits. Brendan was more than glad she could eat something other than biscuits, after all, biscuits alone was hardly full on nutrition for a woman who was carrying a baby. "Me too sweetheart." He gave her another warm smile then.

Brendan chuckled when Stacey laughed a little at him saying they would have to get plenty of the spaghetti in for when they got home. She then went on to say if nobody in Las Vegas made it like the one she'd just eaten, she might have to learn to cook it even though she doesn't know a lot about cooking. "If nobody makes it in Las Vegas like tha' one ya jus' had, then maybe I migh' be able to make it fer ya?" Not that he didn't think Stacey could learn, but more because he wanted to do as much for her as he could, even more so, now she was pregnant with his child.

They had then continued to walk until they reached the hotel, and it didn't take long for them to get back into their hotel room. Once they were settled inside, Brendan had reached for his guitar to sing one of the songs he had been working on for Stacey. After Stacey sat on the chair opposite Brendan who was sitting on the bed, Brendan began to sing the song. As he sang he looked up every so often to smile at Stacey, and he noticed she was staring at him. When he sang the line 'Be the hand that lifts your veil', he saw Stacey smile and then mouth the words 'I love you'. Brendan just winked at her, and a small smile spread across his face.

When he had finished the song, he had asked Stacey what she thought of it, he saw her give him a warm smile, and thought he could even see tears form in her eyes. She sat forward then, taking his hands in her own, and then Stacey spoke to him, the words were so nice, that it took Brendan a lot not to start the tears himself. He was feeling really emotional at that moment, "Am real glad ya feel tha' way Stacey. It's one thing to write an' sing abou' it, but to hear ya say it, makes me feel real special." Stacey then gave him a warm hug and murmured in his ear that she loved him. He immediately murmured into her own ear, "An' I love ya too Anastacia Potter, more than ya'll probably ever know."

Stacey then moved apart from him, and she began to get ready for going into bed. Brendan had already began to get undressed, putting a clean pair of boxers on, and then lay on the bed with his arms held open for Stacey. She grinned at him, just before she slipped into the bed, and went right into his open arms, which he closed and wrapped around her as she wrapped hers around him. He felt her snuggling into him, and then said good night and said she loved him again. "Night Bambi, sweetheart. Love ya an' all." With that, he leaned his head gently on top of her own, and soon he drifted off to sleep, along with Stacey.

***30th June, 2009***

6pm

It was now the early evening, Brendan and Stacey had spent the best part of the day relaxing by the pool at the hotel, after Stacey got over her morning sickness, just as they had discussed the day before. They had came back up to the hotel room an hour ago to have dinner, which lucky enough, Stacey had been able to get spaghetti, which was great. He would have hated for Stacey to have been stuck for something to eat again. Although if that had been the case, Brendan would have walked to that place to get her the spaghetti they had got the night before.

Brendan packed the small flight bag, with clean underwear and a change of clothes for them for the next day, and also made sure to pack some toiletries for the both of them. Once he was certain he had covered everything, including Stacey's birthday gifts, he turned to her with a warm smile. "Ya ready to leave then Bambi, sweetheart?" They now had just less then forty five minutes to get to where they were going. Brendan phoned reception and asked them to phone for a taxi for them.

***This thread will be continued at the following link for a few posts:
Birthday Surprise

[brendan]

Due to lack of time on Mel's part due to going on holiday and basically losing muse for the thread, since the important issues for the thread has been rpg'd out, Mel and I decided to bring this one along with the Rome thread to an end.

To read a very brief synopsis on what may have happened during the rest of the of their time away - you can read it at the following link;

Birthday Surprise