Been a little while but here's an update! It's set three years after Velvet left. I hope you enjoy it! I don't own any of the Boondock Saints.

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"Slow down Vee, what are you talking about?" Michelle's concerned voice said through the cell phone.

Velvet sighed, leaning against the door jam of her bedroom next to the three hastily packed suitcases. "I don't know if I can explain right now any better. I… I need to get out of here. Whether it's for a vacation or permanent I'm not sure yet."

Her roommate stayed quiet for a moment. The last thing Velvet wanted was to upset her best friend, especially after everything Michelle had done for her. Velvet opened her mouth to start the apology when Michelle finally spoke up, "Okay, okay Velvet. I've known you long enough to know when things are serious. Just please tell me you're going to be okay?"

"Aren't I always?" Velvet responded, lightly adding humor. "I left next month's rent on a table in the kitchen."

"You didn't have to do that-"

"Yes I did. You can enjoy some peace and quiet before finding a new roommate."

Michelle said softly, "That doesn't sound like you're coming back."

It was Velvet's turn to be quiet for a moment. "Maybe I'm not, I really don't know."

"Take care of yourself. Call me when you get there," Michelle said sadly. Velvet could sense how disappointed she was. Velvet felt the same.

"You too Michelle, I'll talk to you soon." Velvet closed her cell phone and slipped it into her jeans pocket. Her eyes traveled around the apartment one last time.

This was it.

It was time for her to go back home.

XxXxXxX

They say home is where the heart is.

For Velvet, home was where the pieces of her heart laid waiting for her return.

On the flight to Boston all she could think about was the life she had left so suddenly three years back. A lot had happened during her time away. College life had been interesting to say the least. While the friends she quickly made dove into the party scene, Velvet found immersing herself in her studies a much better relief. It helped settle her mind and reduce the stress her childhood had caused her. She stayed busy with art projects and extra classes, determined to work hard and stay busy. During downtime Velvet realized she was trying to make up past mistakes by turning her life slowly around.

She also knew that a day didn't go by when Murphy MacManus did not enter her thoughts somehow.

Sitting on the plane now, staring out into the endless sea of sky, the idea of seeing Murphy and Connor again was abruptly overwhelming. Velvet took a deep breathe and let it out slowly. She had made only a handful of visits over the years and they had consisted of strictly just seeing Doc. Three years was a long time not to see the brothers- but that didn't mean she hadn't spoken to them.

It was six months after Velvet left when she received her first hand written letter from Connor. While it was definitely old fashion it was a pleasant surprise and soon they wrote each other on a regular basis. Of course, Connor also had a secret agenda with this plan. Eventually Murphy started adding a sentence or two in smaller more cramped handwriting. It started off with a simple "Hello, how are you", progressed to actually asking how her schooling was going, and finally writing a whole separate letter of his own. Hope flared in Velvet as this had continued. Talking through letters had fewer expectations and proved to be much easier for them both. It took time but the letters soon turned into phone calls and very slowly their friendship began to strengthen.

Velvet sipped her drink, sighing loudly again. Murphy, Connor, and Doc weren't the main reason she was coming back however. In fact, none of them even knew that she WAS coming back. Her old room was always available to her (as Doc frequently pointed out over the years) so she had a place to stay. She also had a soft spot for the bar and was sure Doc wouldn't mind the extra help again. Everything was set and ready for her return.

There she was again, avoiding thinking about the reason for her current departure. Velvet just didn't want to waste time thinking about something useless. Right now she had enough to worry about- like seeing Murphy and Connor for the first time in three years. Three years. That was a long time. Things change, people change. Velvet knew for sure how much that statement rang true for her. It seamed cheesy but she felt more mature, even more alive. She wasn't the broken girl that showed up looking for a family. Velvet felt more confident, secure, and proud than she ever had in her life.

Underneath all her worries and doubts, Velvet was just excited to be going home.

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Originally Velvet's plan was to go straight to Doc's and surprise him. However, once she landed and got herself a cab she found herself rattling off Murphy and Connor's address. She sat in the back, rested her head in her hands, and hoped that she wasn't making a huge mistake. The cab ride felt like the longest one of her life and finally arriving at the familiar street only made her nerves worse. In a complete daze Velvet paid and thanks the cab driver. She walked up the stares to the top floor, deliberately keeping her mind blank and taking slow calculating breaths.

I can do this…

Velvet knocked on the door. Her heart was pounding faster than she ever thought possible. Images flashed in her mind. The first was of Murphy and his coy grin then seeing him for the first time that rainy night, Connor laughing as the three of them sat around telling stories, the two brothers getting into another humorous fight, her and Murphy intertwined in the wine cellar…

There was familiar laughter on the other side of the door and the sound of a deadbolt unlocking. Velvet took a deep breathe and looked up. The door opened and… a shirtless Murphy MacManus stood there. Velvet's heart stopped and her mouth fell slightly open. Nothing could have prepared her for seeing him again, especially with all that bare skin glaring at her.

Murphy's smile faded slowly and he blinked his eyes in an almost disbelief. "Velvet?"

Connor's voice called form within, "Who is it?"

Velvet smiled gently, feeling like she was just coming out of a stupor. "Hi Murph." She was trying desperately to keep her eyes on his face only.

Murphy looked her over for a moment, registering her bags and then resting his gaze on her face. Suddenly his face broke out into a smile. "Velvet," he said again. "How are ye?"

"I'm fine," Velvet said still smiling. She glanced down at her bags. "I'm… back in town for a little while."

"Murphy, who the fuck is it-" Connor ranted before finally coming into view and stopping mid sentence. Upon seeing her, Connor's eyes lit up. "Velvet! Fuck, ye should have told us ye were comin' for a visit." He pushed past Murphy and pulled Velvet into a hug. Velvet let out a laugh and hugged him back. A warm happiness was spreading through her. "Hello to you too Connor."

When he finally released her, Murphy was walking back towards the open door with a t-shirt now covering his torso. Velvet felt a marginally more comfortable.

"How long are you stayin' for?" Connor asked as he reached down to grab one of her bags.

"Um, for a while," Velvet said as she went to grab her other bag.

"Let me get it," Connor said and grabbed the bag from her. He walked inside and Velvet followed as Murphy shut the door behind them. She turned back to Murphy but before she could say anything he was coming towards her with his arms open. Velvet smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling his arms encircle her waist. It was awkward for maybe a second before things felt normal again.

"Missed ye love," he whispered.

"Missed you too Murph."

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The three walked across the street. Velvet could see the lights flickering in the bar's fogged windows and hear the loud Irish music. She had an overwhelming sense of being home. She had spent so many days in the pub with the brothers, Doc, and everyone's friends. Now, they would all be together again. All she could do was smile.

Connor paused with his hand on the door. "Ready for this love?"

Velvet laughed, "You have no idea."

The brothers went through the door first to save the best surprise for last. Velvet took a moment to enjoy the happiness she felt then stepped through the doorway. The crowd erupted in shouts and soon Velvet was being pulled into hugs and being kissed on the cheek. Doc was making a commotion at the side of the bar, trying to make his way to her.

"Fuck! G-G-Get the fuck outta the way! Velvet!"

She laughed as the people around her parted enough to let the old man through. "Fuck Velvet, w-where ye been? Come here!"

Still smiling, she gave yet another hug to Doc. He turned it into a giant bear hug. "I missed you too Doc."

"Come on, let her breathe lads! We've got a night o' drinking to get underway," Connor said, clapping a hand on Doc's back.

The old man released her with a grumble, "Alright ye bastard. I want to know everything Velvet, how long y-you in town for?"

Velvet glanced at Murphy and Connor before answering Doc, "Not too sure but I'll be here for a few weeks at least."

"Wonderful, d-d-drinks are on the house for ye dear."

"Thanks Doc."

Velvet smiled as Doc, completely overjoyed, made his way back to the bar. She watched him for a moment as Murphy stepped beside her.

"How's he been?"

"Oh you know, fuckin' grouchy as ever. Same ole Doc." Murphy looked from Doc to Velvet.

Their eyes met. Murphy asked, "So ye stayin' in town for a while?"

"I think so," Velvet said with a nod. "Murphy-"

"Velvet! What do you say for a dance?" Rocco announced loudly, before swinging back a shot.

She looked at Rocco and laughed. He hadn't changed at all. "Think you can stop drinking long enough to finish the dance?"

"I can try, for you of course." Rocco bowed and didn't a little swing with his hand mockingly. "After you..."

XxXxXxX

An hour and a few shots later, Velvet found herself sitting at the bar with Connor and Murphy on either side of her. She was telling Doc about her schooling and her recent art projects. Doc then told her about his news. They laughed together and shared their stories. It was turning out to be a great night.

"Oh! Fuck, you got to come see the new kitchen we put on upstairs. Shit, can't believe I forgot..." Doc started bustling about to get around the counter.

Murphy laughed and leaned in to whisper, "Us too. He's been talking about that fuckin' kitchen for weeks, everyone had to take a tour of it."

Connor slid off his seat in front of her and still laughing, Velvet got up as well. The four of them made their way to the stairs and up to the living quarters above. Velvet grinned as she looked around. Everything still looked the same.

"It took me a fucking month to get the damn construction done. They kept trying to brush me off-"

They turned the corner as Doc continued to rant and Velvet's eyes widened at the new kitchen. It was really nice, much more open then the previous version. Very enthusiastically Velvet said, "Wow! Oh, this is beautiful Doc. Much better than before!"

Connor and Murphy both laughed behind her. Doc was beaming as he looked around. "It is ain't it? I've needed the s-s-space for years!"

"Doc! Doc! You up there? The beer pump ain't working. Doc, get your ass done here!" One of the bartenders yelled up the stairs.

"What? Fuck, ass! Got to do everything myself. You three behave-" Doc said as he turned back down the hallway.

"-Doc!"

"-Fuck! I'm c-coming!"

And with more shouting Doc exited the room to head back downstairs. Velvet was leaning against the counter as the silence settled. Connor had his hands in his pockets while Murphy was leaning his shoulder against the doorway.

"So yer stayin' a while?" Connor asked again.

Velvet glanced at the floor before grinning. "Yeah, I'm thinking about it. I need to find a place to stay-"

Murphy said, "Ye always welcome at our place, ye know that."

She looked at Murphy and nodded. "Thanks."

Connor added, "Doc would love to have ye too."

Velvet smiled. Maybe she could switch off? Doc wasn't getting any younger after all. She wanted to spend some time with him as well.

"Well I'm gettin' more beer," Connor announced. He stepped forward and pulled Velvet into a hug.

"I'm glad yer back," he said into her hair.

"Me too," Velvet returned. They pulled apart and smiled at each other.

He glanced back at his brother and said, "Don't ye do anything stupid now." Then he started walking towards the stairs with a chuckle.

Murphy was looking at her and Velvet returned the heavy gaze. There were so many things she wanted to say but none of it came out. Instead she broke the silence with, "I want to see my old room." She smiled and walked towards him to go through the doorway. He didn't move as she brushed passed him and her heart was starting to pound.

Murphy unfolded from the doorway and followed her down the hall. She could feel his eyes staring into the back of her. Velvet unzipped her jacket. It was much hotter up here than down in the drafty bar. Her room was the second door on the right. She opened the door and wasn't surprised that nothing much had changed in here as well. Same bed, same curtains. Same photographs on the wall. She slipped out of the jacket and laid it on the low dresser just inside the room.

"So many memories in this room," Velvet said softly.

Murphy stayed quiet behind her. He hadn't followed her in, just placed a bent arm high above his head on the doorframe. The pose pulled his black sweater up to reveal a sliver of tan skin on his stomach. The sight of it brought heat to her face and she turned back around. You'd think after seeing him shirtless earlier in the day that something as miniscule as that wouldn't effect her. Wrong, of course. She hoped Murphy hadn't noticed.

Velvet went to the window and looked out. It was a full moon tonight, stars bright in the sky. She remembered another night, just like this one, where Murphy and her had been alone on top of the roof...

She came back to herself before reliving that particular memory. Sighing, Velvet turned back around to face the man in the doorway.

Murphy was watching her closely.

"I guess we should go back downstairs," Velvet said quietly but she didn't move.

"Tell me I'm fuckin' not the only one feelin' this," Murphy finally spoke. He lowered his arm and stood there still looking just as scrumptious.

Velvet knew exactly what he was talking about. "You aren't," she whispered.

He made a frustrated sound and pushed away from the doorway. "Fuck," he said. "I thought after three fuckin' years I wouldn't feel this anymore. After everything, I thought things would just- go back to before, to the beginning." He was standing more in the hallway now as he finished with, "Fuck, I was wrong."

Velvet moved towards him, if they were going to have this conversation then she needed out of this room. The memories from it weren't going to help her. "I was hoping for that too. We've been friends for years, all of us." She added the last part because she couldn't forget his brother. No, none of them could forget that. The three of them had been inseparable.

Murphy was now leaning against the far wall of the hallway. Velvet stood in the doorway. They stared at each other and that extra heat was still there, still burning.

Velvet couldn't deal with this, not right now. Not after the roller coaster her emotions had been on in the last twenty-four hours. She went to move past him and she actually thought he was going to let her go. At the last second his hand was on her arm and she was suddenly spun back around. His lips crashed onto hers as he pressed his body to her. His hand held her hips as they fell against the opposite wall. She couldn't resist. She wanted to feel his body against hers, all that muscle and smooth skin. Their tongues collided with each other as they licked and kissed like it was the only way they could breathe.

Murphy ground his hips against her while letting out a frustrated growl. She could feel him hard and ready through his jeans. All her thoughts and doubts had disappeared. The only subject was what was the quickest way to get themselves naked and tangled up in the sheets. First they needed out of the hallway.

As if he was reading her mind, Murphy took a step back and pulled her with him. They were moving towards the nearest door, her old bedroom, the place full of their memories.

They both tried to lead in and both refused to part from the kiss and roaming of hands. It must have looked like a very well choreographed dance to an outsider.

Murphy pushed her against the door. Velvet moaned against his lips. He then lowered to her neck and nibbled before laying kisses along her skin. She moaned his name this time as her hands gripped his back.

He pulled her forward again and Velvet reached behind to slam the door shut. They walked to the middle of the room. They finally had privacy so the clothes were coming off. Murphy slid his hands under her shirt and tore the garment over her head. They were both breathing heavily as they solely focused on getting each others clothes off as fast as possible.

Her hands reached for the bottom of his shirt while he went to pull it over his head. Her body tightened as his toned stomach and chest came into her full view for the second time that day. Velvet wanted to kiss and explore that expanse of skin but that overwhelming need to feel him above her was far too great. It had just been too damn long since they'd been intimate together, the other stuff could come later.

They kissed as Murphy unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them down her hips. She wiggled out of them, breaking the kiss. They took a breather, Murphy leaning back slightly as Velvet unbuckled his belt. Their eyes met. His stunning blue eyes were filled with lust and passion only for her. It was a very male look, lined with possessiveness. It only increased her arousal.

He stepped out of his jeans and pulled her body to him. Murphy's hands slid down her back, her ass, and he suddenly leaned down enough to grab her thighs and pick her up like it was nothing. He was so incredibly strong. Velvet wrapped her legs around him, moaning with just the little display of strength. They looked into each others eyes again before crashing against each other for another kiss. Murphy walked them back to the bed where they fell roughly onto the black comforter.

The undying fervor, fiery lust, and intense happiness made everything a blur of hands, skin, and moans.

Finally he collapsed on top of her.

Both of them were breathing heavily, hearts pounding. It took a second before Murphy lifted himself up enough to slide himself out of her. Velvet moaned with the action. He fell onto his back beside her. She automatically rolled on her side and nuzzled into his outstretched arm, laying her head on his chest.

"I missed you," she said.

"I missed ye too," Murphy said.

He hugged her close to his body and Velvet giggled. "You'd think by now that we could handle being around each other for twenty-four hours without ending up in bed together."

Murphy grinned, "Well we could try the couch next time-"

"Murphy!" Velvet exclaimed and nudged him playfully. He chuckled in response.

"What? Ye said bed, nothing about other furniture-"

"You knew what I meant!"

"Fine, aye alright… We'll do it up against the wall next time to appease yer morals."

Velvet buried her face into his chest, shaking her head. She was laughing and so was he. It was a good sound.

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