"Come on, let's get you inside," said Gavin gently leading Tim out of the car and into their flat. "You're still shaking," he noted as Tim sank onto the sofa. Gavin disappeared briefly and returned with a tea which he handed to Tim. He sat down close to Tim, and placed a protective arm round his shoulders.

"Are you OK?" asked Gavin stroking Tim's shoulder gently as he spoke.

"He's a mad man, Gavin. A complete mad man," said Tim still obviously distressed.

Gavin pulled Tim towards him, and hugged him tightly. Gradually Tim calmed down, and lifting his head from Gavin's chest said, "You were wonderful, Gavin!"

The sadness that had been creeping into Gavin's face evaporated as he grinned back at Tim, "Oh, well, you know, some-one had to stop him," he said with fake modesty, then with a twinkle added, "and besides, I'm not letting any one near your trousers."

Tim grinned, then looking serious said, "What do you think will happen about your job?"

"What job?" replied Gavin heavily. "I'm not going to be welcomed back, am I?"

"But you have done nothing wrong," said Tim heatedly, "It's not fair!"

"I though you didn't like me being management anyway?" said Gavin sadly.

"I didn't like you sucking up to Brittas," said Tim wriggling upwards so his face was level with Gavin's, "but you were wonderful. You should be manager, not that maniac's deputy."

"Do you really think that?" asked Gavin smiling again.

Tim wrapped his arms around Gavin. "My hero," he whispered, which earned him a playful bear hug form Gavin.

The phone in the hall rang.

"Timing," remarked Tim giggling.

"Leave it," said Gavin pulling Tim back into themselves.

"I never can, can I?" said Tim getting up to answer it.

"It's Laura, for you," he said coming back into the room. Gavin got up grimacing and Tim lay back on the sofa closing his eyes.

"Guess what?" said Gavin a few minutes later jumping on Tim and wrapping himself in his arms again, "I'm a proper deputy manager - Brittas has given me the job!"

"What?" asked Tim incredulously, "You must have knocked some sense in him at last."

"Apparently he had been worried I was a bit girly" said Gavin looking slightly offended.

"Girly?" said Tim archly, looking Gavin up and down. "Trust me, you look all man from here!"