Title: Don’t Look Away: Chapter Twenty-three, History
Rating: PG-13 [language, alcohol]

Summary: Pete recovers from the Smothers Brothers explosion and the band heads back to London. Cady feels cabin feverish and sets out to learn about her new home.





Seated in the back of the car with Pete, Cady inspected Keith’s damage. Pete’s hair was singed and the side of his face blackened with soot. A dazed look filled his eyes and she was fairly certain he could not hear at all. The show’s medic looked Pete over and thought he simply needed aspirin and some rest, but she was not so certain. She would pamper him the rest of the night and then seek real medical attention.

“Pete? Love?” she spoke a bit louder than normal.

The guitarist continued looking out the window, clearly having not heard her. She reached over and touched his thigh, squeezing gently. He turned to look at her, meeting her eyes. Her hand left his thigh, caressing his cheek. She leaned forward and kissed him gently. Pete smiled slightly, but it did not translate up to his eyes. Cady kissed him again.

“CADY,” he shouted.

She pressed her fingers to his lips and shook her head. Reading her eyes, he understood what she was not saying, not that he could hear her anyways. His face screwed up in pain, causing Cady to shift over in the seat, kiss him again, and cuddle with him. His arms slipped around her, holding her tightly to him. He sighed.

Though she knew he could not hear her, she muttered, “It’s going to be okay, love. I’ll take care of you.”

They arrived back at the hotel before the rest of the band. Cady snapped at Kit, keeping him away from interfering. His eyes narrowed, poised to argue with her, but she glared at him and hurried Pete to the elevator. The manager attempted to follow them in, but she held up her hand. Surprisingly, Kit did not step forward. Instead, the couple retreated to their room alone.

Once in the room, Cady stripped Pete of his clothes and led him into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and quickly removed her own clothing. Her fingers grasped his and stepped into the shower. Kissing him lovingly, she slowly washed the traces of the explosion from his hair and face. She kissed his ears, silently praying they would be all right. As she leaned back, their eyes met. Pete’s tears joined the rain of water from the shower. Her hands surrounded his face and she kissed him gently.

With their eyes locked, Cady mouthed, “I love you” to Pete. His eyes squeezed close and leaned forward into her embrace. She held him tightly for a few minutes before finishing washing him and herself and leaving the shower. With a shower of kisses, she left him on the bed, opened a beer for him, and called down to the front desk to get food brought up. She curled up next to him on the bed, her head on his shoulder.

“CADY, WHAT IF I CAN’T EVER HEAR AGAIN?” he asked loudly.

She reached up and kissed his mouth quickly before turning to find his notebook. Watching her movements, he understood what she was doing, which was an even greater indication how bad off his ears were. She sat back next to him and quickly scribbled out that she believed his ears were just in shock and would recover quickly. She also promised to find him the best ear doctor to evaluate his hearing first thing in the morning. He scribbled a response as she jumped up to answer a knock at the door.

Opening the door, her eyes met John’s, “Hi.”

“How is he?” he leaned to the side, trying to get a glimpse of Pete.

“He’s really shaken up,” she responded. “And he can’t hear a thing right now.”

“Fuck,” he muttered. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Beat the shit out of Keith?”

John smirked, “I don’t think you need to worry about him, love.”

“I’m not worried about him. I’m pissed off.”

“Well… I’ll handle Keith,” he glanced over his shoulder as a hotel employee arrived with food. “You just take care of Pete.”

“Will do. Thanks,” she smiled slightly before accepting the food from the employee and promising a tip once she set it down.

John remained at the door, holding it open while Cady fished cash from her purse. He smiled at Pete and waved. The guitarist quickly scribbled on the pad in his lap and held it up.

John laughed, “Yeah, mate, I’ll get your smokes. I’ll be back soon.”

Sitting back on the bed with him, Cady handed him food while she read over what he written while she answered the door. Frowning at his declarations of his life being over if he could not hear music, could not create music, Cady did not pick up her silverware, but quickly responded to his statement. She punctuated her written statement of loving him no matter what happened with a long, slow kiss.

“CADY, I LOVE YOU.”

She kissed him again before pulling away and motioning down to his untouched plate. Smiling slightly, he nodded and reached for his silverware. They would make it work. He trusted her to fix everything.



Knowing the band was certainly in the red, Cady made certain that Keith did not sit in first class with the rest of the band on the return flight back to the States. On the other hand, she loaned one hundred dollars to John through Pete, so that he could sit up in the front with her and Pete. Two days since the Smothers Brothers explosion, Pete was slowly regaining hearing. He had seen a doctor in LA, who assured Cady there was nothing he could do, but believed that Pete would make a near full recovery. His career was not over.

However, Cady’s relationship with Keith certainly was. She refused to speak to him, had his booze allowance cut off, and squashed his attempt of throwing a party the night before departing the States. He tried to apologize, but just as Pete did turn a deaf ear, Cady pretended to. She had no intention to spend any time or waste any energy on him at all. She had not even begun to punish him for what he did to Pete.

The drummer snuck up to first class, heading towards the restroom. Instantly seeing him, she pointed the drummer out to the flight attendant, declaring that he certainly was not a first class passenger. Nodding the blond-woman quickly corralled Keith and led him pointedly out of first class.

John leaned across the aisle to Cady, “How long are you going to keep this up, love?”

“This is not at all like his slamming my head into the doorway,” she declared. “This is much, much worse. Pete will likely have permanent damage for Keith’s antics.”

“But he’s doing better today, no?”

“He can hear from his left ear seemingly normally, but his right ear is still ringing some,” she responded.

“I think Keith understands, Cade. You took away his booze and partying, though I’m still not sure how you did that. And you’ve forced him into the back of the plane. I think he gets it,” he stated, leaning back to allow one of the Herman’s Hermits to pass by. “He gets it.”

“I don’t care if he gets it. That’s not entirely the point of punishment.”

“But, Cade–”

“Don’t try to play peacekeeper on this one, John. This is very serious.”

He sighed, “Okay. I understand. I do.”

“You do what?” Pete turned away from the window and looked across the aisle to his best friend.

Cady turned and kissed his cheek, “Don’t worry about it, love. Did you write something?”

He glanced down at the pad of paper on the tray in front of him, “Some.”

“Can I see?”

“Sure,” Pete handed the pad over to her.

Her eyes quickly read over his lyrics. A smile filled her face and she quickly leaned over and kissed his cheek. Pete’s eyes searched hers, completely confused. Without a word, she reached under her seat and handed it over to him. He opened it up and glanced in. A smirk teased his lips.

“You wrote a song about my purse,” she teased.

“Actually it’s about a plane crash and the girl makes this list in her head as they’re going down and her fiancé is thinking about all the sentimental things,” he explained. “And then the plane hits and they’re reincarnated as a baby girl.”

Cady kissed him again, “You’re thinking big, Pete. I like that.”

“You don’t think it’s too much?”

“Not at all,” she handed the pad back.

He smiled, “Thank you.”

Cady kissed him again, pressing her lips to his ear, “You’re amazing.”

Pete flushed slightly, “Cady…”

“Will you come to the bathroom with me?”

He turned, his eyes meeting hers, “What? Why?”

Her hand dropped to his lap and squeezed his leg suggestively. His cheeks turned redder, his eyes widening. She nodded, answering his unspoken question. He glanced across the aisle at his best mate, before meeting Cady’s eyes once more. She said nothing, still waiting for a response.

“Cady… I don’t think…”

“It’s okay, Pete. I understand. But if you change your mind, you know where I’ll be…”

Cady slipped out of her seat and headed to the first class restroom. Waiting for a moment, Pete shifted over into her seat. His eyes darted to the bathroom, but he remained in the seat. Instead, he turned towards John.

“How’s Keith?”

John smirked, “Really, mate?”

“I know that… Cady’s taken steps against him… is he okay? Was he hurt?”

“Cut up his arm some,” he responded, sipping his drink. “Your bird punishing him is ten times worse, mate. He adores that girl and you’re very important to him.”

“You know I can’t lie to you, mate. I was worried I’d never hear again. Cady just… acted on it…”

“Well, she loves you, Pete,” he commented. “Keith will get over it.”

“I don’t know that Cady will…”

“Will what?” Cady asked, stopping between the two men.

“Switch seats with me,” John spoke up.

“So you two can talk band?” she asked.

“Um, yeah, sure, love,” he nodded.

Her eyes flicked to Chris Stamp, who leaned on the window sleeping. She bit her bottom lip and sighed. She glanced back over at Pete.

“Yeah, I guess so. If that’s what you want, Pete.”

“It can wait,” he declared, shifting back over to his window seat and patting hers once more. “You inspire me more.”

Cady plopped back down next to him, kissing his cheek lovingly, “I love you, genius.”



Sprawled across their bed, Cady flipped through the local newspaper Pete picked up earlier that morning when he went to get coffee and danishes. She was not looking for anything in particular, just anything that caught her eye. With the tour over and Pete working on a new album, she quickly became bored. There had to be something to do.

If she brought it up to Pete, he would likely either not hear her due to his working or tell her to set up her easel and canvas. While she knew he meant well, she had no desire to break out the supplies they bought the day before. She did not want to paint. In addition, she did not like being cooped up in the flat just as she had been stuck in hotel rooms while on the road. 

Pete could stay locked up all day, every day. She could not. She could not in New York, not the Jimi had been anything at all like Pete. She just could not. She was going out. She did not know where or what she was going to do. She just had to get out. Folding the paper brusquely, not caring that it did not actually fold correct, Cady rolled off the bed and quickly dressed in a shirt and jeans. She stepped into the bathroom, washed her face, quickly applied minimal makeup, and swept her long hair back with a thick ribbon. After stepping into a pair of fashionable boots, she located her purse, checked for British cash, and left the bedroom.

Turning towards Pete’s studio, she stopped. She could hear him working out some song. With a sigh, she found a sheet of paper and scribble a promise to be back in time for dinner, should he want to dine with her that evening. Signing off with love, she left the note on the kitchen counter, found the key to the apartment, and headed out.

Wandering for about an hour, Cady strolled the streets of London. She had no idea where she was or where she was going or even what to do, but at least she was out of the flat. Finding an empty bench in a small park, she sat down and watched people pass by. There was something about sitting silently and watching the city go by that helped calm her soul. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact she knew nothing about the city and its people.

The more she thought about it, the more it concerned her. She changed her life to be with Pete. Not that she left much behind in America, just a broken family and a near-abusive boyfriend. But she did not know the first thing about England, except what she had been taught in school, by American teachers. If her life was in London now, she needed to know about the country. But she did not have a clue where to even begin such an exploration. Wandering the streets only did so much.

With a sigh, she got back to her feet and decided to ask a random shopkeeper where she could go to find some English history. She crossed the street quickly and pulled open a random door. Stepping into the shop, her blue eyes quickly scanned the wares. She bit her bottom lip to hide her smile. She knew that store. She had met James in that store. Maybe that day she would be lucky too.

Instead of heading directly towards the counter, as the girl was busy with a customer, Cady wandered through the store. She browsed the wares, hoping to find a gem in amongst the random items. Finding a sparkly beaded necklace the same shade as her eyes, Cady plucked it from where it draped over a hook and fastened it about her neck. As she turned to find a mirror, her lips curved into a smile.

“James,” she muttered.

The guitarist turned and approached her, “Well hello, Cadence. What a pleasure it is to find you here.”

“I am so glad to see you,” she grinned. “What are you doing here?”

His fingers tapped the top of a dresser, “Looking for a few pieces of furniture. You?”

“Looking for a bit of history,” she responded.

“It’s beautiful on you,” his dark eyes flicked down to the necklace. “However, I know of a number of places we could find you much nicer baubles than that.”

“But I like it, James,” Cady declared, her fingers touching it.

“Then we ought to purchase it,” he smiled slightly. “Would you care to join me for lunch?”

“I would like that very much.”

Seated across from each other at an intimate restaurant, Cady listened intently as Jimmy talked about his recent exploits with his band. Though he tried to remain upbeat, she could hear in his voice and see in his eyes that something was not quite right. She slowly reached across the table and folded her fingers over his when his words fell silent.

“Let’s talk about something else. I would rather you to not leave for tour in America with such down thoughts on your mind,” she stated with a slight smile. “I want to know more about London and England. Can you help me?”

“I would love to.”



Appearing from his studio, Pete called for Cady. He heard nothing and it instantly began to worry. Glancing into the bedroom and finding it empty, he sighed and passed by the kitchen to the living room. Not finding her there either, he began to worry about her. He headed into the kitchen, intent on having a drink, his eyes fell on a sheet of paper. Quickly scanning it again, he sighed and then glanced at the clock. Her note said she would be back in time for supper. It was nearly nine.

Pacing over to the phone, he snatched it up and quickly dialed John’s number, “Hey, mate, have you seen Cady?”

“Hello to you too, Pete.”

“Hi. Have you seen Cady?”

“No, mate, I haven’t. Have you lost your girlfriend?”

“She’s not here.”

“She’s an adult. She’ll be fine. She’s a smart lass.”

Pete sighed, “She should have been home by now.”

“Pete, stop your worrying. She’ll be fine.”

“But–”

“She’ll be fine. Jesus.”

“But, John–”

“Relax, Pete. She’ll be fine. Go back to your studio.”

“But–”

“Oh bollocks. Grow a pair, Pete.”

Before Pete could say anything else, John hung up the phone. Growling, he slammed the phone down. He turned to head back into the kitchen. Before his feet touched the tile of the galley kitchen, the door to the apartment opened. He froze and turned, his eyes meeting hers.

“Cady! Where have you been!?” he exclaimed, rushing forward.

“I left a note. Didn’t you see it?”

“The sun has been down for some time,” he stated.

“For that I am sorry, but, baby, let’s put on something nice and go have a dinner,” she stepped forward and kissed him softly.

“But–”

“Wear that blue shirt, Pete. I love how it brings out your eyes,” she kissed him again.

Shifting over in the booth next to Pete an hour later, Cady kissed his ear. He flushed but did not ask her to stop at all. His hand caressed her thigh, gently working her skirt up so he could touch her flesh. She giggled huskily before pulling back.

“I… have something for you.”

“Oh, baby, so do I,” he groaned.

“No, silly,” she shoved him playfully. “It’s a gift.”

Pete flushed again, “Oh.”

Turning, Cady reached for her purse and pulled a small box out, “I’ve been carrying it around for weeks now, waiting for the right moment. This… this is the right moment.”

He looked at her for a long moment, before accepting the small box. Flipping the lid off, his eyes dropped to the pendant on the cotton cushion in the box. His left fingers reached down and caressed it before he glanced up to her for explanation.

“I saw it that night you… took me to the French restaurant,” she smiled. “I went back for it when you went to the States. I don’t know what it is, but it totally called out to me.”

“Baby… Cady…” he set it on the table.

“What?”

He quickly circled her in his embrace and pulled her close. His lips met hers and he kissed her deeply. Not caring at all that they were in a public restaurant, Pete poured all his emotions into the kiss, letting her know how worried he had been before and how sorry he was he neglected her for hours while in the studio. Everything he felt for her and thought went into that kiss. And Cady could feel it all.

“Baby… I’m sorry,” he muttered against her mouth.

“Pete,” she caressed his cheek, “it’s okay. I understand. That’s what musical geniuses do.”

“I’m not–”

She kissed him quickly to silence his protest, “You are. You don’t need to apologize for who you are. Besides, I spent today getting to know London a bit more.”

“Why?”

“Because if I’m going to live here with you, shouldn’t I know about the city and country I now call home?”

He smiled slightly, “You’re going to stay here with me?”

She rolled her eyes slightly, “Of course I am. I did get a flat with you, didn’t I?”

“True… So you went to museums or something?”

“A… guided tour.”

“Like on one of the double-decker busses.”

“No. More personal.”

“Oh?”

“James took me.”

“Your cousin?”

“No. James Page.”