Birthday Surprise {Stacey}

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey waited for Brendan to tell her if the perfume was in fact turning him on at all. She smiled, and closed her eyes for a second, when he said yes. When he talked like that, it turned Stacey on a bit. Stacey had to restrain herself from turning herself to lay back on the bed, and let him take her right then and there. But of cause the whole morning sickness thing just spoke to her again, and she just had to imagine Brendan doing that instead.

When Stacey spoke about letting him spoil her, but not taking it all for granted, she saw Brendan smile at her, showing off those dimples. She then let out a half laugh at his response, and then opened the box. When she had said that she loved it, Brendan replied to what she said. Stacey handed over the bracelet, and watched as he undid it, and put it on her wrist. Just when she thought that she was going to get her arm back, Brendan kissed the back of her hand. Stacey let out a breath, and then smiled warmly at Brendan. "Thank you." She then went and touched it, admiring it.

Brendan took all of their things, but Stacey took her bag, and then the gifts that she had gotten from Brendan on the train. She hugged the bear to herself, smiling, and tucked away the perfume and the jewellery box into her bag. Stacey followed Brendan out of the train, once the doors opened up for them to step out. She waited for Brendan to get out first, and she took his hand, in order to step out of the train.

When Brendan asked if she wanted anything out of the bag that held all of their stuff. She thought for a minute. "Well I have a few things in my bag, like a brush and all that sort of stuff. So, I should be good for now. Maybe just might put the perfume in the bag though. I think I would be afraid to have it in my bag, in case it got broken." Stacey fished out the perfume, and handed it to Brendan to put in the bag.

She looked around the train platform. Stacey couldn't wait to get going to look at the sights. She looked in her bag, and took out a biscuit to eat, knowing too well that this was going to be her food for a couple of hours, until they had lunch probably. Stacey waited, while Brendan took their bag to where it had to go, as she nibbled on the biscuit.

[brendan]

Brendan sort of knew telling Stacey that the scent was turning him on, would turn her on a bit also, but knew that she wouldn't be up for anything for fear of being sick, besides, they wouldn't really have the time for it. He might be a speedy guy, but that was one thing he liked to take his time with. Now he knew what the scent was like on her, and what it did to him, he'd make sure to buy her plenty more of it when she was in a fit state to have morning sex again.

When Brendan kissed the back of Stacey's hand, he heard her let out a breath, he loved touching her, and giving her affection, but he may have to stop giving her the affection in the morning, until she started to feel better. Somehow, he felt like he was teasing her, when he did that, getting her worked up, and not being able to go through with making love to her as well. But then, not being able to touch her for fear of getting her worked up, was like a punishment for Brendan and he didn't know if he liked that.

Stacey thanked him for the bracelet, and he then caught her touching and admiring it, and he couldn't help but wonder what she'd think of her other gifts, if this was the response she gave to the ones he'd already given her. "Yer welcome, an' it looks beautiful on ya, jus' like I knew it would." He gave her another one of his smiles, looking at her, he truly did feel lucky to have her in his life. He knew he must have thought that over a hundred times since she came into his life, but he kept thinking it, because it was true.

As Brendan gathered their things together, he noticed Stacey hugging the bear to her, which made him smile. He still wasn't sure if cuddly toys was her thing, but he just couldn't resist getting it when he saw it, and he knew those type of bears were popular with the female generation. He'd probably get one for Libby when it was her birthday as well. Stacey took Brendan's offered hand and he smiled at her as he helped her off the train.

When Brendan had spoke about leaving the bulk of their luggage at the left luggage area, seeing as they would be travelling by train all the time, to save them carrying them about, Stacey said she had enough on her, and she should be good, but handed him the perfume to pack away into the bag, in case it got broken. "Sure sweetheart." He took the bottle from her, packed it into the main bag, safely between some of the clothing. "Alrigh' I ain't gonna be too long Bambi." He smiled at her as he went off in the direction of the left luggage.

A few minutes later, he had the bag packed away and was back at Stacey's side. "So, ready to get settin' off fer now sweetheart?" He then wondered what they could do, until it was time to get the train to Pisa. He held his hand out for Stacey to take and when she did, he began to lead her out of the train station and into the heart of Rome. "There's somethin' we need to pick up from a shop Bambi, was gonna be takin' it to the hotel room, but since we're stayin' in Venice instead of Rome now, we're gonna hafta take it with us."

It wouldn't be too much of a problem, it just meant that some of the sight seeing wouldn't be able to start right away. "Once we've got it, it's up to yerself naturally, but we could take a look around St. Peter's Square an' have a look at the Vatican?" After a couple of minutes they were outside looking into the heart of the city of Rome, traffic everywhere, and lovely old type buildings. The sun was out, but it wasn't quite warm enough for Brendan, so closing his eyes, he manipulated the temperature to go up a few degrees. There was even an open top sightseeing bus. "Now this is wha' I call a fantastic view, wha' ya reckon Bambi?"

Then an idea came to him, they had just over two hours before they were due to leave to go to Pisa, he wondered if they'd have time to go on the sightseeing bus to pass some time this afternoon and then they could get off at the Vatican, so that when they got back to Rome the following day, they could just relax in a nice comfortable bar until it was time to head back to Paris in the evening.

"Be back in a second sweetheart." He said as he walked off toward one of the buses which were still sitting there, he hadn't really learned any Italian phrases, so he sure hoped they would understand him. "Excuse me, do ya speak English?" The driver turned to him with a bright smile, "Sì, signor, how may I help you?" Brendan gave him a smile, a bit worried at the start, when he started speaking in Italian at first, but soon felt relieved when he continued in English. "How long does the trip take on yer bus please?" Brendan asked, the man nodded his head, "Signor, takes forty five minutes, you want tickets?" Brendan thought for a few seconds, they had to get the cake, and it was already ten in the morning now, and they had to be back at the train station for the train leaving at midday.

"Stacey sweetheart, ya wanna take a sightseeing ride? We can jus' manage it, the shop ain't far an' the trip takes forty five minutes, we'd be back with an just under an hour afore the train leaves fer Pisa, d'ya feel up to it? Or wanna leave it till we get back from Venice tomorrow, thing is we'd not have time to get off an' take photos if we done it today?" Once he got the answer from Stacey, he could let the guy know if he wanted tickets or not.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey smiled when Brendan said that the bracelet looked beautiful on her. It did look good on her, even though she really had nothing else to really compare it to, as she didn't really wear that much jewellery. Then when Brendan smiled at her, Stacey could only smile back at him, but then looked down at the bracelet again. Stacey felt lucky to have Brendan with her, and always felt special. Nothing like she had ever felt in her whole entire life.

As Brendan made his way back to her, she had finished the biscuit, and placed the rest in her bag. Stacey smiled at Brendan, when he asked if she was ready. "Yes. Let's go." She slowly took Brendan's hand, and followed him out of the train station. They were soon in Rome now, and they were hit with the sun outside. It felt nice on Stacey's skin, and created goosebumps on her skin. She wasn't cold, but being in the train station, it was a little cool, maybe because of the air conditioning or something.

She listened to what Brendan said he had to do, and Stacey nodded. "Okay." As she looked away from Brendan, she looked quickly in the corner of her eye. Stacey wondered what he had to pick up, knowing somehow that it was probably something else for their trip, or for her. She then listened to what Brendan said that they could do. "Well, that would be nice, as the weather is nice out." Looking up at the sky, as they walked, Stacey's skin was soon getting used to the warmth. But as they continued to walk, she felt the sun warm her even more. Looking at Brendan, she saw that he was opening his eyes. "Mr. Harris. Did you just do that?" She smirked, and then let out a small laugh.

After the weather warmed up a bit, Brendan commented about the view. Letting go of his hand, and wrapping an arm around him, Stacey smiled. "It is B. Can't wait to see more of it." Just as she said that, Brendan said that he would be back in a second. Stacey nodded, and watched him walk off towards one of the buses. She pulled out another biscuit, and nibbled on it, as she waited for Brendan to come back. Stacey could see he was talking, and wondered if the driver actually spoke English. She had no knowledge of foreign languages, so she wouldn't be much help.

When Brendan came back, he asked her if she wanted to take a sightseeing ride, explaining some more of what they could do today or tomorrow. "Well, I don't mind either way. But if we don't have time to take pictures, then I am sure I can wait till tomorrow then." The idea of sight seeing is to take pictures, so she could definately wait.

[brendan]

They were soon outside in the heart of Rome, and it really did look phenomenal. They had been lucky with the weather during the trip so far, not that it would have mattered really, as Brendan would have just manipulated the weather anyway. Brendan really loved when he could do that. When he'd told Stacey they needed to go somewhere to pick something up first, she said 'okay'. So he headed in the general direction of the shop. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep the cake much a surprise from her now, seeing as she would soon find out the shop they were about to go into.

Brendan had asked if she wanted to have a walk around St. Peter's Square and see the Vatican seeing as they had a little time before they were due back on a train to head to Pisa. He smiled when Stacey replied. "Great, well we can do tha' the soon as I've been to tha' shop." He wondered if he had managed to manipulate the weather without being detected, but nope, Stacey had worked it out. He couldn't help but chuckle when she'd asked if he had done that. "Why yes Mrs. Harris to be, I did, ain't gonna do harm to anyone." He winked at her after saying that and then continued to walk to the shop.

When Brendan had commented on the view, he felt Stacey let go of his hand, and soon her arm was around his waist instead. She agreed and said she couldn't wait to see more of it. "Well tha' makes two of us then." Brendan soon thought about taking one of the sightseeing buses around Rome, and told Stacey he'd be right back and went to ask how long one of the trips took. He was trying to figure out if they'd have time to do it before heading for Pisa. Turned out they would, but not to get off and take photographs. So when the driver asked if he wanted tickets, he decided to go and ask Stacey her opinion.

Brendan nodded his head, when Stacey responded. "Yeah, yer probably righ', be best to do it tomorrow, then we can get off at certain sights an' take some photos, an' then get back on the bus again to another sight. The whole trip takes forty five minutes if ya don' get off, but the buses come round every attraction every fifteen minutes, so yeah we'd best to do it tomorrow. Takin' a look at the sights on the side of the bus, we get takin' to the Coliseum an' the Trevi Fountain, as well as the Vatican, but we're gonna do tha' jus' now, unless ya jus wanna leave the Vatican until tomorrow an' all, an' jus' go sit somewhere fer a drink an' relax?" He took in a deep breath, realising he'd just rattled all of that off like an express train. After Stacey responded, he went back to the driver, and told him, they'd leave the trip until tomorrow. He then made his way back to Stacey and continued their walk to the shop.

After walking for another five minutes, "Well, we're here." Brendan said as he stopped outside the shop, "I'll jus' be a couple seconds Bambi." He then went into the shop, and within a minute he was back out, with a rather big bag, which had the cake in a box at the bottom. The bags were made especially to hold boxes, so the cake wouldn't tilt at all, unless Brendan swung the bag naturally. But he wouldn't do that. He bent down then, and opened the lid, "Wanna see? Ya migh' as well, seein' as ya now know it's a cake."

After standing back up he went into his pocket, and pulled out another small box, this time showing off a pair of gold earrings, with diamonds.

He looked at Stacey, "Thought these migh' match yer bracelet a little." He leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. "Never thought I'd love spoilin' someone so much, but I jus' love spoilin' ya Bambi, I love ya so much." He couldn't wait to give her his final gift, he'd thought about it over and over, what he wanted to do, and he knew now, he was definitely going to wait until they were in Venice on that gondola.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey had to grin at Brendan, when he admitted that he had manipulated the weather. She loved when he referred to her as 'Mrs. Harris to be'. Stacey couldn't honestly wait till that moment came. Just knowing that she would be married to him soon enough made her feel all happy. She hoped the day would come sooner, than later, so that she could be called Mrs. Harris, without the whole 'to be' bit.

When Brendan replied to her comment about taking the tour bus tomorrow, she had hoped that she hadn't let down any plans he had for them. Stacey nodded, and then attempted to reply to all that Brendan had said. "Okay. And it would be good to get photos from our time away. And if we don't have time today, maybe we could leave the Vatican till tomorrow. If not, we can squeeze it in today. But it would be nice to just sit and relax with you." After she replied, Stacey watched Brendan go back to the driver, and probably tell him that they didn't require tickets.

Soon enough they were off in the direction of some sort of shop Brendan was after. After five minutes, they stood outside a cake shop. Of cause he wouldn't have forgotten a cake, thought Stacey. "Okay," Stacey said, as she watched Brendan go into the shop. She looked around, as people went by. Stacey looked down at her bracelet, still loving how it looked.

Within no time, Brendan was back with her. The bag he had in his hand was huge. Stacey eyed it off wide eyed. "How big is this cake that is obviously for me? Soon enough Brendan opened the lid, and then asked her if she wanted to see. "Of cause I want to see. Don't keep me in suspense." She looked inside the box. Without thinking, Stacey gasped a little, putting a hand up to her mouth. She looked at the cake for another couple of seconds, before realising that she hadn't said anything. She looked at Brendan, smiling at him warmly. "It is beautiful. Love the strawberry touch on top. Can't wait to share those with you."

She noticed that Brendan had stood up, but she kept admiring the cake. As she closed the lid of the box, Stacey stood up, and saw that Brendan was handing her another present. Another small box was handed over to her, and she saw a pair of gold earrings. Before she could commented on another present, Brendan kissed her softly on the lips. Stacey responded, with a bit more passion behind it. Once they parted, Stacey looked down at the earrings. "They will. And Brendan, I love you so much." Stacey put the box in her bag, and wrapped her arms around Brendan's neck, and planted a good kiss on his lips, letting herself get lost in the kiss. The morning was getting on, and she knew that she wouldn't be sick now, only if she smelt something that she knew wouldn't agree with her. But the aroma of the cake was making her slightly hungry.

Stacey parted from Brendan, smiling. "Looks like I might be okay for now. Feeling like something other than these biscuits of mine." She took her arms from around Brendan down, and then stood, waiting to see where they were off to next.

[brendan]

Brendan was glad Stacey wasn't too bothered about what they did with regards to visiting St. Peter's Square and The Vatican. Since they would probably only have just over an hour left by the time they collected the cake, it would be pointless to drag Stacey to St. Peter's Square, as they wouldn't be able to take their time. "Well, to be honest with ya Bambi, I'd prefer to jus' sit an' relax a while an' all jus' now. So we'll leave The Vatican until tomorrow, an' make use of tha' sightseein' bus." He then made his way over to the bus driver and told him they'd come back and do it tomorrow instead. Soon he was back beside Stacey and they were making their way to the cake shop.

It hadn't taken them too long to get to the shop where they were to pick up the cake. Brendan just smiled at Stacey as she said 'okay' and waited for him to go in and collect it. Once he was back outside, he bent down to lift the lid off the box and asked if she wanted to see the cake. Brendan couldn't help but chuckle at Stacey's response. Of course she wanted to see it, and don't keep her in suspense. He watched her reaction as she looked into the box. The gasp and the hand to her mouth were good signs in Brendan's eyes. When she spoke, Brendan was glad of the choice, and could only smile at her warmly.

"So, good choice then sweetheart?" He chuckled, and when Stacey said the strawberries on top was a nice touch and couldn't wait to share them with him, he eyed her mischievously. "D'ya mean share them with me, as in poppin' one in ma mouth? Or by placin' them on me an' then eatin' them off me?" He winked and grinned at her, showing those cheeky dimples. "Cause if I've gotta choose, I'd go for the latter option maself." He stood up then, and playfully slapped her on the ass, before handing over another small box to her.

After he gave her the box, he'd kissed her, and Stacey returned the kiss putting some passion behind it. Naturally, Brendan responded with as much passion. When they parted, Brendan watched as Stacey looked down at the earrings. She agreed that they would match the bracelet, and then she said she loved him so much, and before he could respond, her lips were on his own and her arms round his neck.

He could feel Stacey get lost in the kiss, and so he didn't hold back himself, putting a lot of passion into it. To himself he began to think that maybe Stacey was beginning to feel a little better. After a bit of time, Stacey parted from Brendan, and he could only wink and grin at her, as it was a pretty full on kiss. He saw that smile of hers, he loved when she smiled, but then, he loved everything about her. She then said she felt alright for now, and having something better than the biscuits. "Alrigh' Bambi, well then, let's go an' get ourselves a seat at tha' café over there? An' we can maybe ask fer a knife an' have a piece of the cake? Unless ya wanna have somethin' better in yer stomach afore the cake?" He lifted up the bag with the cake, and put his free arm around Stacey's waist and began to walk her toward the café he'd seen.

There were seats outside, so it meant they could sit and enjoy the weather, while relaxing until they were due to head to Pisa. Once they reached the café, Brendan pulled out a seat for Stacey and waited for her to sit down. He then placed the bag with the cake on one of the spare chairs, and then he sat down next to Stacey. He then went into his pocket and pulled out another small box. Before he got a chance to give her the gift though, a waiter came toward them.

"Buon giorno Signor.... Siete pronti a fine ora?"

Brendan just looked at Stacey and then back to the waiter. Was there going to be a language problem now. Brendan looked at the waiter with an apologetic face. "Sorry, do not speak Italian." The waiter then shook his head, and smiled. "Sorry, Signor, sorry. I say, good morning Sir, are you ready to order now?" Brendan looked over at Stacey, giving her a warm smile.

"Anythin' ya fancy sweetheart? Or ya wanna wait fer a bit?" Once Stacey replied, and the waiter was gone, he looked at her with another warm smile. He then handed over the box to her. "Happy Birthday sweetheart. Yeah, I can say it as often as I like." He chuckled and wondered what she would think of this gift.

He hoped putting the photograph of Libby toward the back wasn't too much for her. But it seemed to Brendan that they were getting on well enough, and he didn't see the harm in making it more official they were a little family. "I've got one more gift to give ya Bambi, but I wanna wait until we're in Venice to give ya tha' one." He winked at her, between the Paris trip, the Rome trip and all the gifts, he pretty much felt he'd pretty much outdone himself with spoiling her, but she was more than worth every single cent he'd spent on her, and she more than deserved it.

[Anastacia Potter]

Brendan asked Stacey if it was a good choice, in regards to the cake. "More than a good choice. A fantastic choice Dimples." Stacey hadn't really thought about what she had said about sharing the strawberries. But when Brendan had asked her which one of them she was thinking of, when he mentioned about either putting them in his mouth, or putting them on him and eating them off of him. All Stacey could do was roll her eyes, and smile cheekily at Brendan. "Well, you never know. But of cause you would think of the second one. I had my mind just set on laying on the bed in the train, chatting, and feeding each other strawberries." She then playfully slapped him, after he slapped her on the ass. "Is your mind always in the gutter?"

Stacey didn't want to part from Brendan, as she gave him the most passionate kiss she had ever given him. She was feeling much better, but didn't want to jinx it straight away, so just told him that she was feeling a little bit better. Stacey nodded, and followed Brendan's eyeline to the cafe he was talking about. "I think I will want something more than cake for now. All I have been eating is these dry biscuits. Not really filling. But we could ask for a knife all the same for after." She then felt Brendan put his arm around her waist, which led to Stacey putting her arm around his body, and walked with him to the cafe.

In no time they reached the cafe, and Stacey sat on the seat that Brendan had pulled out for her. She began to look at the menu on the table, as Brendan sat down next to her. Just when she was having a look, the waiter came over to them. Stacey smiled at him, and then looked at him blankly when he spoke in Italian. She kind of thought that he might be saying hello, or something. Brendan told him, that he didn't speak Italian, and the waiter than spoke in English.

"No. It's okay. I think I might have the spaghetti. Just to be on the safe side. But only a small serve please." She didn't want to over do it, just in case she would be sick with the amount she ate. "And maybe some water please." She gave the waiter the menu, and then waited for Brendan to tell the waiter what he wanted. Once the waiter left, Brendan handed her another present. Stacey took the present, and gave him a warm smile. "Well, I can hear it all day. You will be the only person who will be wishing it too me anyway." It made her a little sad that there was no one else who would be saying to her. But really, Stacey had no contact with her sister, since she left when Stacey was seven. And Stacey walked away from her family, so in some ways it was her own fault.

Stacey opened the box, and then saw that it was a necklace. She opened up the locket, and saw that there was a picture of herself, Brendan and Libby. Just looking at it, made tears form in her eyes. Here comes the hormones. "It's beautiful Brendan. Thank you so much." Without hesitation, Stacey took it out of box, and unclasped it, putting it around her neck, and fiddling with the clasp, until it closed. Stacey looked at Brendan, as he said that he had one more gift to give her yet, but wanted to wait until they were in Venice to give it to her.

She had no idea what it could be. Thinking about all that he had done, and given to her, Stacey wondered what it could be now. "Well, so far, all that you have done for me and given to me has been fantastic. I can't really think of what you have in store for me next." She looked down at the locket, thinking that it was nice to have pictures of the two people that she loved close to her heart now. Even if Brendan was always close to her heart at all times.

[brendan]

{ooc - got the perfect opportunity to use that line from that song Am Still A Guy lol}

Brendan grinned when Stacey said the cake was more than a good choice, it was a fantastic choice, she used his nickname Dimples, so naturally Brendan couldn't help but show them off when he'd grinned at her. "Am glad ya like it Bambi, sweetheart." When Stacey had spoken of sharing the strawberries with his later he couldn't help but tease her over it. Strike one, he thought, when he saw her rolling her eyes and smiling at him cheekily, he got the right reaction, which was brilliant in Brendan's eyes. When she mentioned laying on the bed on the train, feeding each other the strawberries, he grinned again, "Well, we could do tha' an' all if ya like." He winked at her, and when he'd playfully slapped her ass, she playfully slapped him back. She then asked if his mind was always in the gutter, he began to chuckle, eyes sparkling, as he licked his lips a little.

"Wha' can I say sweetheart? At the end of the day am still a guy." He then took a mental note of that line, or part of it at least, might make a good song he thought. He grinned and winked at her again. Then he thought about it, was his mind really in the gutter all the time? Well, what if it was? Was it his fault, she made him like that? She was that damn sexy and beautiful, she'd make a gay man straight with one look. He chuckled at his own thought.

Brendan really enjoyed the passionate kiss they were sharing, and knew Stacey must have been feeling a little better. He had wanted it to continue when she'd pulled away from him, but he understood why she did, not wanting to risk anything, should she begin to feel sick again. He really did hope for Stacey's sake, her morning sickness wouldn't last too much longer. When Brendan had spotted the café and asked Stacey if she wanted some of the cake, or something better in her stomach before the cake, he nodded his head and smiled as she responded. "Alrigh' sweetheart. I'll ask the waiter or waitress to bring us a knife out." Personally Brendan couldn't wait to have a slice of the cake, the aroma of it, was making him hungry. When Brendan put his arm around Stacey, he soon felt her put her own around him, and they walked to the café.

Brendan was glad when the waiter came over that Stacey was ready to order, even if there was a slight language problem at first. Stacey asked for a small serving of spaghetti and some water. Brendan looked at the waiter, and gave him a smile, "An' I'll have a small pizza with chicken please, an' some water, thanks." The waiter took the other menu from Brendan and bowed, before taking their orders away. Looking at his watch, Brendan could see that it was now 10.38am, they had just under an hour and a half before their train left for Pisa at midday.

When Stacey said she could hear him saying Happy Birthday all day, he'd be the only one anyway, Brendan felt his heart lurch slightly. It seemed a shame to him that he may be the only one wishing her a Happy Birthday and spoiling her. It wasn't right. It made him do the silliest thing then, and even though he didn't have his guitar with him, because he left it in the hotel room in Paris, as he'd booked it for the entire week anyway, he stood up and started to sing;

"Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Stacey
Happy Birthday to you."

Because he'd sang it out rather loud, a small crowd had gathered and began to sing the song as well. Brendan wasn't sure how Stacey would take to that, but he figured, she can't say he's the only one saying Happy Birthday to her now. Then a woman came over to their table who was selling single roses, and he couldn't help but think back to the night he'd met her, and so he bought two of them, and immediately handed her one, and snapped the stem of the other and put it behind her ear.

He then stared at her, giving out a low whistle. "Beautiful as always Bambi." He had then given her the locket pendant, and watched as she opened it. He could see the tears form in her eyes, and so he knew it had gone down well. He gave her a warm smile when she said it was beautiful and thanked him very much. "Yer welcome Stacey, sweetheart. An' ya'll find ya can slot another photo in there, thought ya migh' wanna put one of the baby in there an' all when he or she is born." He winked at her then, and couldn't stop smiling as Stacey put the locket on almost immediately. He knew it had been the best choice of pendant to buy her, and it sat well on her.

"Looks gorgeous on ya Bambi." Brendan had then told Stacey he had another gift, but didn't want to give her the gift until they were in Venice, and he could only smile at Stacey when she spoke. "Well, I ain't gonna give anythin' away with regards to the final gift, jus' know tha' am sure ya'll love it as much as the others. But I do know how I'd love the nigh' to end." He winked at her, and raised his eyebrows a couple of times as he looked at her mischievously. Yeah, maybe his mind was always in the gutter right enough.

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey had a thought about what Brendan really wanted to do, but she would definately see how she was in order to maybe have some more adult fun later. They hadn't done anything too risque last night, as she was tired. But maybe due to being on the train for a bit soon, she might see if she was up for having sex, after having some cake with Brendan. Or maybe just picking off the strawberries instead. Stacey waited to hear what Brendan's comment was in regards to what she said about his mind being in the gutter. He was right, and she laughed. Stacey had been with her fair share of guys, and they always had one thing on their mind. Stacey just rolled her eyes and shook her head.

After Brendan had ordered his food, the waiter left, and she mentioned about how he was going to be the only one to say 'Happy Birthday' to her. Then all of a sudden, Stacey watched as Brendan stood up. She had no idea what he was going to do, and then he opened his mouth, and started to sing 'the song'. Stacey put a hand over her face, and felt her face get rather hot. After a second, she saw a small group of people gather near them, and they were joining in. Stacey felt her face get hotter. Was it the weather, or was it what was happening right in front of her eyes.

She gave Brendan a playful glare, as he finished the song. Then as he sat down, saw a woman selling roses. Stacey watched as Brendan bought two, handing one to Stacey, and breaking the stem off the other one, and putting it behind her ear. Memories of when they first met came flooding back. Stacey lent down to smell the rose, when Brendan spoke, saying 'beautiful as always'. She smiled, and then had to say something. "You are definately going to get yours Brendan. I will have to think of something to do in front of people. But not sure yet, as I am not that kind of person now. I would need a few drinks in me before I did that." She thought then. Brendan had never really seen her drunk, and she thought that maybe he didn't want to see that side of her at all.

When Brendan mentioned that in the locket there was a spot for a picture to add of their baby, when it was born, Stacey looked. Sure enough, there was one more spot. Looking at him though tears, which hadn't fallen yet, she smiled. "I can't wait to add that picture." Then Stacey put on the necklace, and Brendan said that it looked gorgeous on her.

After Stacey commented about what Brendan said about the final thing he wanted to do, Brendan said that he wasn't going to give anything away. Then the last thing he said made her pout her lips, and look sideways. Well, two things she was sure of now. One, that she was feeling much better and in a more mischievous mood. And two, that Brendan might just get what he was suggesting. "Well, Mr. Harris. You never know what you might get."

{ooc: I was thinking that they might get on the train now? Or maybe move a bit more further on. I am unsure what you have planned for them, so it is up to you Mands.}

[brendan]

{ooc - I'll skip them to Pisa - at the end}

Brendan couldn't help but chuckle when Stacey rolled her eyes and shook her head at what he said about his mind being in the gutter. So, no come back from her, meant ht was right, but of course Brendan knew he was right. Well she would have to ask, wouldn't she? Good thing about it though, well at least he thought, Stacey loved that side of him, whether she tried to deny it or not. "Well I ain't ever heard ya complainin' afore." He couldn't help but say it, "I mean, I know ya love ma body, ya can't get enough of it." He grinned and laughed out loud then.

When Brendan had stood up to sing Happy Birthday to her, he saw Stacey put a hand over her face, and he saw her face get hot, and then a small crowd gathered and joined in and Brendan could see her face get even redder. Maybe it was the heat, but he had a feeling it was his singing and then the crowd joining in. "Well, ya can't go sayin' am the only one sayin' Happy Birthday to ya now, can ya?" He teased her, and smiled at her, just before the woman came over with the roses. He had then remembered what he'd done that first night he'd met her and repeated the act.

Stacey then said that he would get his, even though she wasn't that type of person anymore, she'd think of something. Then mentioned how she would need a few drinks in her. "Well, guess ya ain't gonna be gettin' me back anytime soon then, wha' with the lack of alcohol ya should be consumin' when yer pregnant." He winked at her then and chuckled. He just couldn't help tease her, but he had thought singing Happy Birthday was a nice touch, he just hadn't expected a lot of other people to join in as well.

After Brendan had explained that there was another spot to add in the baby's picture when he or she was born, he smiled when Stacey responded. "I can't wait to see it in there an' all Stacey." She really suited the locket, it really did sit well on her. When Brendan had said that he knew how he wanted the night in Venice to end, he could only grin at Stacey's response. "Well Mrs. Harris, tha' sounds like somethin' I like." Forgetting once again, that she was still Mrs. Harris to be.

****Pisa, Italy - 2pm****

After a two hour train journey, which didn't seem like that at all, they were both in the city of Pisa. There wasn't really much to the city, not like there was in Rome, or what they would see when they reached Venice later. But Brendan had really wanted to see the Pisa Tower, it was just one of those tourist things to do. He looked at the little map he had for attractions. There was a sightseeing bus here as well. "Here Bambi, they have a sightseen' bus an' all, we could take it to the Tower if ya wanna? We'd get there quicker, an' then have more time to look around an' take photos? Then we can take the bus back so we're in plenty time fer the train into Venice?" He waited for her to respond before he would go and see about getting them tickets to get them to Pisa.

{ooc - sorry crappy short post, but I wanted to post and I was getting too tired, should have left it for after sleep, sorry}

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey knew that she had to reply somehow to Brendan. Then he had said that he hadn't heard her complain before, in regards to anything he had said that was dirty. Stacey then grinned, with her tongue between her teeth, looking at Brendan. "Well, I do love your body, and I can never get enough of it." With that, Stacey grabbed one of his bum cheeks, and gave it a squeeze. Maybe she was more hungry now for the sex, rather than the food. But to be only safe, it was better to eat, rather than to go and make love to Brendan, just in case she wasn't right.

"I know," Stacey said, when Brendan said that she couldn't say that he was the only one who said happy birthday to her. Then Brendan bought the roses, giving her one, and putting one behind her ear. She did feel so special with Brendan, and was lucky that she had him in her life. Stacey knew that he would be a keeper, especially since she was now engaged to him, and was carrying his baby. All the more to know that her life was now almost complete.

Stacey pouted then, when Brendan reminded her that she wouldn't be able to get him back anytime soon, as she was pregnant. "Okay. You got me there. But," Stacey put a finger up, "I am allowed alcohol. Just not as much as I used to have." She hoped that she could still drink and keep down what she liked. Only time would tell. She knew one thing, that she could drink champagne.

Stacey smiled warmly through tears in her eyes, when Brendan said that he couldn't wait to see the picture of their baby in the locket either. She then looked down at the locket, touching it, like she had with the bracelet when she had first gotten it that morning. She knew that these things would be worn with much affection each day, just knowing who had given them to her.

When Brendan had commented about what she had said that he would never know what he might get that night, she smiled, hearing this time that he hadn't put 'to be' after Mrs. Harris. Stacey couldn't be bothered correcting him, it sounded nice to hear, even if the name 'Harris' was not her surname yet. Then her phone rang, letting her know that she had a text message. Opening up her phone, there she saw she had a message from Libby. "It's from Libby." Smiling, Stacey read out the message:

Hey Stacey, I know it's late for me, but I wanted to say this while it was still early for you. Happy, Happy Birthday, hope you have a really good day with my dad. Sorry I can't be there, give you plenty of Birthday hugs when you get home. Love Libby xoxox

"That was nice of her to send that. But I wonder why she is up so late?" Stacey quickly replied back, and then closed her phone. Was she becoming a worrying mother already?

**** Pisa, Italy - 2pm ****

The train ride went pretty fast in Stacey's eyes. They were able to eat a couple of strawberries, but Stacey wanted a short nap before they continued on with the next part of the travelling. So soon enough they were in the city of Pisa. When Brendan mentioned the thing about the Pisa Tower, Stacey nodded. "I want to see it as well. So why not take the tourist bus? I know that we will get to go on one tomorrow, but if it will only be a short trip there, I agree about how we can hang around it longer to get pictures."

{ooc - it's okay Mands. I understand how it gets.}

[brendan]

When Stacey gave him that grin with her tongue between her teeth, he knew he had got her going. He was now waiting to see what kind of remark he would get back from her about it. When she did speak, he couldn't help but look at her turning his head to the side, and grinning, showing off those powerful dimples. "See, I knew tha'." He then felt Stacey squeeze his backside, and of course Brendan being Brendan had to return the favour and squeezed her own backside, but not too hard.

When Brendan said she couldn't say he was the only one who was wishing her a happy birthday, she just replied with an 'I know'. Maybe it had got to her, embarrassed her slightly, but that hadn't been his intention, he just loved her so much and wanted to make her feel good about herself on her birthday. At least he didn't get a slap or a moodswing for his efforts, so it couldn't have been that bad a thing to do.

Brendan had to chuckle when she agreed he was right, that she wouldn't be able to get him back for some time, although she did also let him know she could drink alcohol, just not as much as she used to have. "Good point, but it ain't gonna be enough to do somethin' to make me feel tha' embarrassed." He chuckled again, although to be honest, Brendan wouldn't really give a damn if Stacey got him back or not, Brendan would just take it all in good faith.

Brendan could tell the locket meant a lot to Stacey as he kept seeing her touch it and look at it, he had to admit it did look good on her, and when the time came, it would be wonderful to open it and see their baby's face in there along with their own and Libby's. Their own little family, a ready made and instant family. Not long after Brendan had teased Stacey about how the night might end for them, he heard a phone sound. Stacey then reached for her phone and opened it, and smiled when he heard Stacey say it was from Libby.

She then read the text message out to Brendan and he couldn't help but grin. His baby girl said she'd send Stacey a text on her birthday, but he wondered if she would have remembered and she did. "Yeah, it's real nice Bambi." Then Stacey said she wondered why Libby was up so late. Brendan couldn't help but detect a bit of mother worry coming from Stacey then and he got a warm feeling inside as it felt so good.

"Well she said to me afore we left, she migh' wanna send ya a text to wish ya a happy birthday, an' explained she wanted to send it when it was still early fer ya, an' would I get mad if she stayed up late the nigh' afore, to do it. Course I said no, didn' think she'd remember, but there ya go, she did an' all."

So, now Brendan definitely wasn't the only one who'd wished her a happy birthday, apart from the people who'd come to sing along with him when he'd sung Happy Birthday to her. It was nice for Brendan to see that Libby and Stacey seemed to be forming a bond and he could only hope that it would continue to grow the longer he and Stacey were together.

****Pisa, Italy - 2pm****

Brendan had spotted a sightseeing bus when they'd walked out of the train station in Pisa, asking Stacey if she wanted to take the bus to the tower, to give them more time to see it and take photos. He was glad when Stacey agreed. "Great sweetheart." He then held out his hand for her to take and walked toward the bus. He soon paid for two tickets and helped Stacey on before getting on the bus himself and headed for a seat near the front at the top deck which had the open roof.

"Am lookin' forward to this, but gotta admit, I sure can't wait fer when we get to Venice, as the evenin' will already be settin' in by time we arrive." He couldn't wait to take her on a gondola, after all his thoughts earlier about not wanting to give her the last gift on the gondola for fear of causing it to turn over or something, he figured they were sturdy enough to take a slight bit of movement so he could do what he had now planned with her last gift.

During the ten minutes on the bus it had taken them to get to the tower, Brendan had been snapping photos of the different bits of scenery on their journey. It was simply beautiful, the scenery really was rather breathtaking. "Almost as romantic a place as Paris, don' ya think?" Brendan asked, as he finished taking photos and wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him.

Soon the bus came to a stop near to where the tower was, and Brendan could see already just how great it was to finally be there, and soon to be standing in front of it. He made his way down the stairs of the bus first, turning round every few seconds to make sure Stacey was fine. Soon they were outside and the bus took off, which was fine, as they came round every fifteen minutes and Brendan knew they'd be able to take another one back when they were ready.

Brendan stood outside and looked up at it in all it's glory. He then turned to Stacey, "Kinda magical to be standin' outside it, don' ya think?" Of course Brendan soon got his camera out and began to snap away and took a few photos of the tower at different angles and then he turned to Stacey and grinned at her. "Wanna go stand in front it an' I'll take yer photo?" He waited for her to reply, and then wondered if there was anybody around who looked trustworthy enough to take a picture of the both of them together in front of it. He then caught his eye on a group of people who seemed to have a leader with them.

On closer inspection it looked like it was an organised tour, so the person leading it, he was pretty sure he could trust them enough. So when he'd taken Stacey's photo, he'd go and ask them to get a photo of him and Stacey together.

{ooc - whoot - back on form lol}

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey gave a bit of a giggle, when Brendan returned her bum sqeeze, with one of his own. She had always loved their friendly, harmless banter, even the ones in public. Stacey just hoped that in a foreign country, they wouldn't get picked up on any of it. You never know.

"Okay, but you had better watch out Dimples." She hadn't really done a lot of pranks or anything embarrassing, unless it was under the influence of alcohol. But Stacey was kind of glad that those days were now in the past. She was a pretty good party girl back then, but she didn't do anything that she was especially proud of. Stacey hoped that she would never have to tell Brendan any of her stories, even though most she had probably forgotten about.

After Stacey had read out the message that Libby had sent to her for her birthday, and then wondered why Libby was up so late, she listened as Brendan explained about that. Stacey smiled, and then looked down at her hands. "Sorry. Maybe the instinct is coming out of me already. Worrying, I mean." She hoped that she was as overprotective, like her mother was. But really, Stacey had a right to worry. Not knowing about the whole evolved human thing, she just persumed that everyone was human, and nothing more.

That made her wonder, whether this baby would have Brendan's ability, or would it be human, and nothing more, like Stacey. She wondered why she never really thought about it. Maybe because it was never really an issue with her when it came to Brendan, unless you count the first night they met.

**** Pisa, Italy - 2 pm ****

The tickets were paid for, and they were soon sitting up on the top of the bus. The sun was so nice on her skin, hoping that she wouldn't get too sunburnt. Stacey listened to Brendan, as he commented on how he was looking forward to the bus trip, and about how he couldn't wait till they got to Venice. "Well, I know I can't wait either. The bed was fine in the train, but can't wait for a real bed." Her back had been a little sore, but it was fine now. She just hoped that this was not what was going to happen, when she finally reached the later part of the pregnancy. She was still the same on the outside, and she already felt that she was already carrying a load sometimes. Mainly it was because she was tired, and that she was almost dragging herself around towards the end of each day.

Stacey took in all that they could see as the bus went past all of the sights. She also had to glance at Brendan, every now and then, watching as he continued to take pictures. After ten minutes, Brendan spoke to her. "Yes. But still love Paris." That was true. She loved it during the day, and at night. It was a magical, romantic place. But some good and bad times were definately going to stay with her, even after they left and headed home. Brendan then wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling Stacey close to him. She placed a hand on his shirt, resting it on his chest, and slowly played with his chest hair.

The bus came to a stop, and Stacey could see the Tower near by. Stacey followed Brendan down the stairs slowly, as so not to trip or anything, and soon enough they were out of the bus. They then made their way up to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was huge in Stacey's eyes, and she just kept looking up and up at it as they got closer. When Brendan commented about standing outside of it, all Stacey could do was nod for a second. "Yeah. It's pretty amazing."

Soon enough, Brendan was snapping pictures of the tower. He then asked her if she wanted to stand in front of it, so Brendan could take a picture. "Sure." So Stacey made her way over, and she stood in front of it, so that Brendan could take a picture, or two. She waited, but she saw him looking. She then guessed that maybe he was seeing if anyone could take a picture, like what happened last time, when they got an elderly couple to take their picture in front of the momument in Paris.

[brendan]

{ooc - I've skipped a half hour and I think my next post I'll skip them into Venice - otherwise all the train stuff is just going to get boring, plus I know you will want both this one and the Paris one finished before your holiday. So we can get the wedding discussion thread started. Even if it has to wait until you get back to finish, just don't want to miss the right time zone if there's another jump.}

After Brendan had squeezed Stacey's backside in return, he heard her giggle. He loved that giggle, and he was glad that Stacey wasn't bothered about public displays of affection such of this nature, otherwise Brendan might be in trouble. He always found it very difficult to keep his hands to himself. He just winked at her, showing those dimples of his in force. When Stacey told him he had better watch out, he just raised his eyebrow and began to chuckle. "Oh, I'll be watchin' alrigh', find it hard to take ma eyes off ya." He was teasing her as he knew fine well what she was referring to, but he just couldn't help himself. He was sure Stacey would indeed get him back at some point when he least expected it, but Brendan would just laugh it off, he could take pretty much anything which was thrown at him.

Brendan smiled back at Stacey when gave him a smile after he had explained about the text Libby had sent her to wish her a happy birthday. Then she apologised and mentioned instinct and worrying. "Ya ain't got nothin' to be sorry fer Bambi. It's nice yer worryin' abou' ma little Kitten. Shows ya care, an' yer gonna be an amazin' mom." He meant that too. Maybe the whole baby news had been a shock at the start, more for Stacey than himself, but he knew Stacey would make a good mom, because she had the guts and determination to do so, that had always been evident in Brendan's eyes.

****Pisa, Italy - 2pm****

When Brendan had commented about how he couldn't wait to get to Venice, Stacey agreed, mentioning about having a proper bed again. He couldn't deny that. The bed in the train cabin was alright, but it didn't beat a proper bed. "Gotta agree with ya there Bambi, will be so good to get sleepin' in a proper bed again. Cuddlin' up to ya, holdin' ya." He said the words really softly into her ear, and then traced the side of her face with a finger.

Brendan then began to take photographs as the bus continued it's journey toward the Pisa Tower. Brendan really was the typical tourist taking photographs at every available opportunity. Brendan had stopped talking photographs long enough to ask Stacey if she thought it was almost as romantic as Paris. He had to smile at her reply. "Well, if am honest, I kinda think Paris is better an' all. But ya go home, knowin' ya been to two of the most romantic places in the world." He had winked at her then, and put his arm around her, and pulled her into a gentle hug. As he did this, he soon felt her hand on his chest, and began to play with his chest hair. Which was driving him insane on the inside, but he wasn't about to admit that, he didn't want to tease her, when there was no chance of them taking things further at this moment in time.

Once the bus had stopped and they were both standing in front of the Pisa Tower, Brendan had commented that it was kind of magical to be standing outside of the Tower. He smiled at Stacey's response. He then looked at her, "Not as amazin' as yerself though." He winked at her, grinning, he gave her a gentle hug, before walking up nearer to the Tower. Moments later he asked Stacey if she wanted her picture taken standing in front of it, and she said sure. He waited for her to stand in front, and when she was ready, he snapped the picture. "Beautiful as always." He shouted over to her, as he then held his hand up, "Back in a second." He then went off in the direction of the organised tour, and asked the leader if he could borrow them for a second.

He soon told her what he wanted, and she smiled. "Oh, yes, yes. Of course." She then walked with Brendan after telling her group of people she would be right back. Once Brendan showed the lady how the camera worked, he ran over toward Stacey, pulling her into a gentle hug, as he then leaned in to kiss her on the cheek, and soon the photograph was taken. They were going to have so many happy memories from this trip. Brendan then went over to the lady to get his camera back, thanking her.

After spending about thirty minutes, taking photographs and talking in general about their trip so far, and taking photographs of the building next to the Tower as well. Brendan wondered if they should start to think about heading back to Rome itself, so they could relax before heading on the train to get to Venice. "Ya up fer headin' back into the city of Rome now, Bambi? We could sit an' relax fer a bit with a drink, afore headin' fer the next train journey into Venice?"

[Anastacia Potter]

Stacey just raised her eyebrows, and then rolled her eyes, when Brendan had said that he found it hard to take his eyes off of her. Of cause he would say that. But she wondered if he still would once she got on in the pregnancy. Though she only had small doubts when it came to that time, even though Brendan had said that he would still love her.

When Brendan commented on when Stacey had said that she was sorry for worrying. She gave him a smile then, as he said that she didn't have anything to be sorry about. The last thing that Brendan said really got to her. It was nice to know that she would be a good mum. Well, Stacey had already practiced a bit, what with Libby in their lives and all.

**** Pisa, Italy - 2pm ****

She nodded, when Brendan said that it would be good to get sleeping in a proper bed, and cuddling up to her, holding her. Stacey looked at Brendan then, as he ran a finger along the side of her face. She slowly closed her eyes, as he did that.

"I agree," she said, when Brendan commented that when they got home, they would know that they had been to one of the most romantic places in the world. "I would never have done this, ever, if I had never met you. But I am glad that I have, and that is all that matters." Stacey cuddled into Brendan, as he put his arm around her, hugging her gently. She hoped he hadn't minded that she was playing with the hair on his chest, but that was her favourite thing to do with him, besides the sex. But after that, or when they were just snuggling, she loved just laying ther, thinking about nothing at all, and just playing with it. It relaxed her somewhat.

When Brendan commented that the Tower was not as amazing as she was, Stacey just rolled her eyes again, and pouted her lips a little. "Well then. I will have to keep up the good reputation then." Brendan gave her another gentle hug then, before he got ready to take her picture taken in front of the Tower. Once that was done, Brendan shouted that it was beautiful as always, and then asked her to wait a sec. She watched him approach a group of people.

After a few moments, Brendan came over to her, seeing that he had given someone the camera to take a picture of them together. Soon enough, the picture was taken, with Brendan kissing her on the cheek. She wondered if her face would turn out a bit red with that, as she had felt her face a bit hot. Maybe it was the sun and the heat, who knew. Stacey made a mental note to put on more sunscreen when they were done at the Tower.

After half an hour of taking pictures, and just chatting, Brendan asked if she was ready to head back into the city. The idea of just sitting and relaxing sounded good to Stacey. She loved seeing the sights, but she needed to just sit and relax, and have a break from walking, or moving around. "It would be nice to just sit and stop for a little while. I know that it is not that late in the afternoon, but I am getting a little tired." She didn't want to complain, just mention the fact, that was all. "I have loved seeing the sights, B. But maybe my body is still adjusting to the changes it will have to take on. A nice cold glass of Coke might be nice." Now that she thought about it, she didn't really drink a lot of that, so maybe it was something that she was starting to want more now.

As she moved to get her bag, Stacey felt her back was a little sore. But instead of just mentioning anything, she just slowly stood up, and just rubbed at the lower part a bit, hoping that Brendan wouldn't notice. She knew that this was all part of the pregnancy, but hoped that she would be okay for the rest of the trip, not wanting to ruin any plans that Brendan had for her and them.