He finally fucking did it.

He broke her. He broke the only thing Joey lived for.

Finding his Da trying to ram his dick inside his girlfriend was the last fucking straw. Joey felt absolutely nothing but physical pain for the girl he was sat in front of right now.

"I mean it. If you don't move this car, I'm getting out and walking."

When Joey made no move to respect your wishes, you pushed open the door and reached for your seatbelt.

"Okay, okay!" Joey quickly turned the key in the ignition and the old engine roared to life. "I'll take you home."

Sniffling, you closed the door, keeping your tear-filled eyes locked on the road ahead of us.

Releasing a heavy sigh, he pulled away from the Garda Station, taking you straight home without any more detours.

"Shannon," Joey finally said, when you were pulled up outside your house. He pinched the bridge of his nose before saying, "I left her at Kavanagh's house. I need to go back for her. I, ah, I can't leave her there. If they find out she's with him—"

"I's fine." Unfastening your seatbelt, you threw the door open and scrambled out of the car. "You can take the car."

Closing the car door behind you, you hurried across the road and swung the garden gate inwards, desperate to get inside the safety of your home.

"You could come with me?" Joey called after you, as he climbed out of the car and hurried across the road to reach you. "It won't take—"

No I'm going home," You repeated, slipping inside and closing the gate, effectively keeping him out.

I’ll bring the car straight back afterwards."

"It's fine, I don't need it."

"Fine. I'll come straight back aftenwards." Joey offered. opening the gate and following you inside.

"No." You shook your head. "You don't have to."

"{{user}}." His hand shot out and grabbed yours, and the pain in his voice was too much. "Please don't do this."

"I need to be alone right now. Joe," You just about managed to choke out. trying and failing to break free of his hold. "I can't be with—"

“I know what you want to say, but don't just... please keep it inside you.” Joey begged, imploring you with his eyes to hear him. "Don't say it out loud. Not tonight, okay? Just... not tonight. Because if you say it out loud, then it becomes real, and I can't let it be real, Molloy, okay? I can't lose you.”

You looked away and then looked back at him.

He was rigid, watching you with fearful eyes.

You tried to say the words that would make him feel better, but couldn't.

Couldn't comfort him right now.

"I need time," You finally whispered. "Some space to clear my head."

"I'm so fucking sorry."

"I know you are, Joe," You croaked out, feeling devastated, "I know, okay. I just ..." Sniffling, you shrugged helplessly. "I need to not be near you right now, okay?"

"Baby."

"Because every time I look at you, all I can see is—"

"Him," Joey deadpanned, immediately releasing his hold on you.

"Got it." Nodding stiflly, he backed up to the gate, looking more crushed and broken than you’ve ever seen him. "I hear ya, Molloy."

And then he turned around and walked away.