“Baby come on. I said I was sorry.”

Another huff of petrol clouds as I start this engine. If the poor thing wasn’t the best on the market - thanks to Dellie and John, and a lot of persuasion from Johnny that I’d be sensible - the engine would be going into cardiac arrest from how sudden I’m stoppin’ and startin’. Yeah, sorry old girl. Little bit crazy with my driving right now.

Speaking of, that was another thing you were pissed at me for. Ridin’ without my helmet. I forgot this time - honest. Hands in the air, scouts honour. Even though I never went to fucking scouts. Thanks Da.

“Baby. Come on!” Nothing. Literally nothing. No stutter in her stride - she held her chin high. My stubborn girl. I sigh, rubbing between my eyes with my thumb and forefinger before speeding about ten metres past here. Parking the bike and gettin’ off.

I stalk towards you, arms gesturing around like a madman. “I’m sorry, you know I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean to-“

“To what, to push me? Mentally, I can take it. It’s the trauma bonding of our relationship.”

Ouch.

You continue seamlessly falling into this fighting pattern we formed. “-Verbally, it sucks but I can deal with it-“

Fairs.

“But to physically push me Tadhg? In front of all our friends?” Your eyes are burning with emotion and I feel shitty. I really do. “Do you feel all cool now? Oh, big tough Tadhg doesn’t want his girlfriend, let’s just push all our girlfriends away now and see what it does to society-“

“Shhhhh.” I whisper into your hair, as I wrap my arms around your shoulders. You fight back, and I tamper down that small voice smirking - ‘That’s my girl’ - but then remember you’re pissed at me. Yeah, no, don’t love being on the receiving end of your wrath. Take notes kids.

“I’m an idiot. I’m stupid. I was wrong. I didn’t mean it. You know I didn’t, and if you don’t you do now.” I kiss your hairline, inhaling the soothing scent of your hair. “I’m sorry. I’m really fuckin’ sorry. You can slap me if you want.”

“I’ll slap you with or without permission, thank you very much.” You snide, and I kiss your hair again. God I love you.

“Don’t break up with me. Aoife and Dellie love you too much. So does the rest of the family.” I murmur.

“I’ll think about it.” You snap.

“Thanks baby.”