Boy I got my eyes on you, so tell me what you want to do, I can picture you in my room, until the morning, I don't even know your name, boy I need to know your name, am hoping that you fell the same, tell me if you want it…

Who would have thought that after the great worldwide famine caused by the war combined with the world economic crash that this would lead to a living in 2014 that looking back in the history books would suggest that we as a civilisation have slipped back into how it was in the pre Victorian times. It is a strange time to be around as we have elements of technology of what could have been but there are no excess resources to improve on the infrastructure. I found an article from 1949 that had people's predications of the future and it was predicted that we would have robots who did our bidding; that we would each own flying aircrafts to get from one place to another and that reaching Australia would only take 6 hours on a supper speed aeroplane. Unfortunately this idyllic future that was had by our generations before us has not come to pass, certainly not in Hollyoaks anyway and certainly not in the world of Christendom or Muslimdom either.

No the great world trade crash was enough to finish off the Western world in a crippling way and after a spread of biological disease that spread amongst us all that was in comparison to the bubonic plague, a truce was agreed so that mankind could have a chance of survival and repopulate itself again. As the UK leads the way to sail its turbulent ship to safer shores the new reforming government has repealed certain laws that was wrongfully passed and has now agreed that it will now be compulsory for all children to be educated up until the age of 14, it has up the age of sexual consent to 16 to dissuade abuses that occurred in the name of repopulation, there can be no more human contracts made; though those already entangled in them have to serve out their agreed time and it can be speculated with scepticism that this practice will go on underground like other violations of the law.

There will be a reforming of a limited capacity police service were corruption is to be avoided (though it remains to be seen if this can be achieved) and pay for the most basic health care but medication has to be paid for as does operations. There is no safety net of a welfare state that our ancestors enjoyed and where the state can make money to fund itself by taxing on such things like trade, moving to a new ward, gambling and alcohol it does so. There is still the disputed compulsory fees to register your child, to apply for marriage and to seek a death certificate that you need have a compulsory funeral, we certainly live in a time where nothing comes for free from the moment you are born to the moment of your death there is always a fee to be paid. But despite the increase in unregulated violence, gambling, drinking, and prostitution that is seen in other larger cities and towns, Chester enjoys a hostile though liveable agreement where it is led by four self-assigned ward leaders.

Two who share this joint role who reside in what has become known as the central ward and have made Hollyoak's village, (which is my home) and its surrounding area a desirable ward to live in by supporting and controlling the trade that runs in and out and two others who live on the village boarders north and south who have agreed not to let their feud spill into our central borders. A blood soaked verbal agreement made by Mr Brady and Mr Fox with Mr Houston and Mr Black is to be celebrated for its 10 year anniversary agreement tonight; this very fragile agreement is still in place and as the ward leaders are rumoured to be done away with by the slowly but surely reforming government there is a rumour as the song says … There is a change coming… (Or is there?)

There will be a celebration night in the Dog in the Wood's – commences from 8pm until the early hours.

Reporter Nancy Osborne.

"See I told you baby bear that your name would appear in this week's posting" Mitzeee grinned when she finished reading the article out loud and walked over to hand it to Warren for him to read it for himself as he motioned her to do so. Once she straightened her back out and rubbed her tummy she placed it in his hands she walked behind him and wrapped her arms around her man and swooped down and kissed him on his offered out cheek and he tapped her hands that were around him in an endearing way. Pulling away from him she noticed her stained lipstick mark on his cheek and licked her thumb to wipe it off his cheek, causing Brendan to roll his eyes and shake his head. "I saw that you sour git" she mused in his direction, which caused for him to offer up his middle finger with a wide grin in response with his head cocked to the side, both chuckled a secret smile at one another that was only between the two of them.

"Ay what's going on between you two" Warren quizzed without looking up from the article, shaking his head knowing that his missus and Brendan often shared moments to themselves when he was momentarily distracted. "And yes you did sweet cheeks, tell me my name would appear, but why does my name have to be mentioned after his" – Warren sulked as he threw a cushion in Brenden's direction catching him in the face, causing Warren to glee that he reached his intended target and causing the pale skinned man to scowl at him in response.

"Well I just see it as a shameless plug for everyone to go to this month's truce night, how sad, I think we should tax them extra this month", bemoaned Brendan. "I don't see what Darren sees in her, she romanticises what happened as if it was some ease truce to obtain, a lot of people died that day the silly bitch". Brenden dropped his gaze to his now fiddling hands.

"Eeeerrrr do you mind I am present and accounted for in front of you, you know and so is this bun in the oven" she pointed at bump before adjusting her overly fitted top. "And you also know that she is my best friend. I think it is very thoughtful article I don't believe for one minute she has down played what happened she is unlikely to relive the full war is she?" Mitzeee continued now checking out her appearance in the mirror and reapplying her lipstick – a vibrant red of course.

"Alright you do have a point but don't be so naïve Anne, that" he gestured with his hand to the article which had now been placed down on the coffee table by Warren, "Is just a shameless plug to get people to attend tonight".

"Yeah I agree it is a long fucking invitation request isn't it" Warren said grinning.

"The longest, see my point has been confirmed" Brendan said as he got up and headed towards the kitchen patting Warren on the shoulder as if thanking him for backing him up.

"Well, whilst you two are in your, us against the world mood, maybe you can convince him baby bear to get rid of that beard, I miss the symbol that is your moustache, when are you going to shave it off?"

"In very few words Anne, when I can be fucking arsed to do so!" Brendan stroked around his beard with his fingers and smirked. "I like it, and I think ye secretly want your baby bear to grow one so he can live up to his nickname"

"Please!" Mitzeee responding by looking at Brendan through the reflection of the mirror raising her eyebrows up to him. "Don't be giving him any ideas I don't want a stubble rash on this face thank you. Imagine what it would look like to the village, I have to maintain an appearance of the lady of the manor, be an upstanding moral woman who can be relied upon to have a moral standing, not some cheap loose lady of the night who enjoys a rumble around in the dark with a stubbly hunk, no matter how handsome he is" she turned around and winked at Warren, who blew her a kiss and she motioned to catch it and patted her heart and returned his act by blowing him a kiss back and the two of them grinned at each other as she walked over and sat in his lap and he hugged her close rubbing her tummy.

Not for the first time Brendan shook his head at the two of them but this time felt a little twinge within himself knowing how lucky they were to find each other and love each other as much as they do and smiled fondly knowing that he had a hand in them getting together finally. Though if truth be told he suspected they would have managed without his less than discreet words when he said that they just needed to fuck each other and get it over and done with as the sexual tension was getting on his nerves. Only on the slightest of occasions did he wish for this to happen to him, but he guessed it never would and that he was to lead the life of just having men fleeting in his life who would share his bed until they kept his interest going which he noticed was become less and less in length of time with each lad that joined him in there. To snap out of his maudlin thoughts he turned to Mitzeee and asked "So you do admit that you do like a rumble around then?"

Before she could answer which she could not do through her squeals as Warren was tickling her he answered on her behalf "You know she does, I wouldn't want my woman to be ridged and wooden, I like her to be advantageous and confident and on occasions dominating"

"Warren shut up, you git he doesn't need to know the ins and outs of our bedroom escapades!"

"Never a truer word said Anne, I don't want to know what goes in or out anywhere between the two of yous thank ye" he smirked on the fact that he capitalised on the quip that was left in the air for him to pounce on and exploit.

"Says you! Mr I have a different man in my bed every week"

"Yes but I don't pretend to be something am not, I am what I am, I keep the village safe to the best of my ability and I like to fuck, that about sums me up. And I actually haven't had company in my room for some time now, maybe just maybe am bored with that side of myself. But either way you need stop pretending to be something that you're not young Anne, we all know that it is manor ladies who are the dirtiest" Brendan beamed.

Unhinging herself from Warren's grip and walking towards Brendan she seductively smiled "Yeah well the whole village don't need to know how dirty I like it thank you very much, and before you dare to open your bearded face, you just remember I've caught you in more than compromising positions in near every room in this apartment including that blood sofa, so don't you dare, not another word". Brendan and Mitzeee once again shared their secret smile as Brendan held his hands up to indicate his abandonment of this conversation.

"You what?! You mean this sofa am on right now! You dirty dog, I hope them stains I can now see aren't spunk ones where you've missed the opportunity to swallow Brady" Warren wiped himself down as if spotting some substances on himself at that very moment and walked towards the bathroom.

"You know between the two of you…" shaking his head again, he thought better than to respond and so decided to change the whole topic back to the originally source, the posting. He gave Mitzeee her peppermint tea that he done as he noticed her rubbing her bump. "Anyway I don't get what Nancy is moaning about, as far as am aware, we always had to pay for things like registering a child and death certificates so her article truly is shit! Anyway I wonder if Danny will grace us with his presence this year, it is a momentous anniversary to celebrate. I cannot believe it has been ten years since we managed to force a truce Foxy, where has that gone?"

"I don't know mate" Warren responded now entering the kitchen picking up his coffee that Brendan had wordlessly made for him. "But what I do know is, is that I wouldn't have wanted to have fought that battle we did with anyone else by my side. We were so young and naïve in our thinking but it paid off and I feel that is why everyone in our ward appreciates that."

"Well I think you've made this village and its surrounding areas a good place to live which was everyone's dream" Mitzeee added.

"When we realised just how wrong Danny was or should I say is, it just had to be done. Its his land who we took up in our treaty and we were backed up by Fraser who saw the opportunity to work for his advantage, if Trevor or Walker had their way we'd have lost every man and fought to the death" reminisced Brendan, "Especially Walker, he still accuses me of taking his brother away from him, he encouraged the war, surely he is aware there are casualties in wars, the cunt".

"Language" Mitzeee tapped Brendan's chest and he leaned forwards and kissed the top of her head "Sorry".

"And say sorry to this little one" she said rubbing her bump.

"Seriously? You do know that he has heard everything that we have said about you being dirty? And he must have heard me say the word fuck".

"Yes, but that word is particularly vulgar and I don't want her hearing that word from her God-father".

"Am telling you Anne it's a boy, you are carrying just like Eileen was when she was having our boys, not when she was carrying Niamh", Brenden dropped his gazed upon mentioning his daughters name and Mitzeee stoked his arm, he looked back up at her "Anyway like I said he, is a boy". And offered her a smile.

Not adding to what Warren had just seen pass between them he added "Well lucky for us Fraser is more calculating and seen sense and it's been him who has noticed the advantages of not being so ridged in boarder movements, pity Danny is so ruthless in how he treats those in his ward, well I suppose that's why so many flocked to us from his ward once their debt is up, it just amazes me why those who could flee don't do so".

"Through fear baby bear, sometimes it's just safer to stick to what you know best and for some of them he is it, I have been there, you cannot be told otherwise you just have to figure this out for yourself".

"Wow we truly have come a long way since those boys who came here at 17 and 18 to the lads who fought for what we thought to be far and right when we were 22 lead by Jack Osborne. He was a good man and we do owe him for rallying everyone to stand up and fight, who knows maybe this village would be even better if he hadn't have fell" Brendan spoke his words in a distant way.

"Right enough moping you two," Mitzeee stood in the middle of her men and held their hands "Jack would be glad in how things have turned out and you two have carried on his legacy which is having somewhere safe to live that is not afforded to many in different wards. We educate our children here, leave none to starve, don't force prostitution, keep our young ones safe and don't wield over people with a frightful fist and this is why should there be another occasions to rise again they would do it out of loyalty for you both and not fear. I doubt Fraser can say that and I especially know Danny cannot, not with both of them having ravaged sadistic dogs in tow. Now enough, let's get ready to go out tonight yeah?" she looked between the two of them and they all came in together and gave a silent group hug that could only be shared for their appreciation for one another and to represent what they had all gone through to get to this point that they were at now.

"Yeah but am not getting rid of me beard so don't ask!" at that point there was a knock at the door and Brendan broke away and answered it, it was Darren looking a little stressed out.

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Brendan huffed as he loaded up the last of the barrel of beer destined for the celebration tonight, "You are a life saver mate I don't know how to repay you" said Darren.

"Don't mention it Darren, we can hardly have a grand celebration in our ward and run dry can we? This celebration tonight is more about what your Dad did for us all as far as I am concerned". Hearing such a sincere comment caught Darren off guarded and he felt himself well up, which Brendan was not insensitive to ignore. He placed his arm on his shoulder and simply said "I'll get Ron to deliver this over now am sure the Savage brothers will help as well, are you sure this will be enough?"

Darren now more composed nodded and said a silent thank you to Brendan before going on his way. Brendan summoned Ron to take the beer over and he said he would stay and ensure everything got set up correctly. Since the agreement Ron had become a trusted hand to both Brendan and Warren and could be relied upon even for the most simplest of tasks "No problem boss, leave it to me and I'll see you later". No matter how many times Brendan insisted for the slight dark haired man not refer to him as 'boss' he had done so.

Just as he was about to leave his bar he heard "Where are you going now Bren" it was Cheryl. "I feel as though I don't get to hardly see yous, you're always doing business, ensuring everyone else's affairs are in order or with Mitzeee and Warren, I thought her moving out would mean that we have more time together, but it seems to have been the opposite with me seeing you less and less".

Brendan opened out his arms and Cheryl nestled into it, she lifted her head up and kissed her brother on the cheek and scrunched her face. "When are you gonna …"

"Don't ye start I've already had it off Mitzeee, I like my beard and the more you's go on about it the more I reckon I'm just gonna keep it forever". He hugged her tighter before releasing her from his grip and she walked over and got herself a drink from behind the bar. "I hope that is non-alcoholic, I don't want you drinking whilst you're carrying my niece or nephew. I take it that you're not coming out tonight?"

"No Nate won't let me, not whilst am in the early stages anyway, he is very nervous that I'll miscarry again and wants me to rest as much as possible, he won't accept the fact that no matter how long I have my feet up and drink tea this will not stop it should it happen again". She offered a weak smile and Brendan hugged her again.

"He is just doing what he thinks is best Chez that's all, I've paid for that last hospital bill by the way, whatever you need just go and make sure I get charged yeah".

"Thanks Bren, I know it's not cheap".

"Hey shush, don't you dare even mention it or think about it, anything I can do to help my baby sister yeah?"

"Well I best be off and rest up before Nate comes back home, have a good night tonight yeah Bren, have some fun, let off some steam, I know we haven't had our quiet times together lately but I think your taking too much on now that Mitzeee's soon to drop and taking more on that Warren would normally do".

"His just nesting along with Mitzeee, I remember doing it with Eileen, it's no bother but thanks for your concern".

"No I mean it Bren, I know it's been a tough couple of years and you've put on this brave face but since Vinnie, well since him you've changed in how you are with everyone and I've noticed you don't seem to be going out and seeking fun like you used to" she withdrew herself away from him so she could assess his reaction.

"Not you to as well Chez, just-just leave it yeah, am good, am not gonna deny it hasn't changed the way I am with men but just let me do what am doing and am more than sure you'll get me back soon". He mustered a smile in her direction and she smiled weakly back at him.

"Look I need to go before Nate discovers I left the confines of our home, say hi to everyone tonight for me and please Bren for all our sakes have fun and chase someone, even if it doesn't go anywhere", after planting a kiss on her cheek Cheryl left the bar and Brendan locked up and as he walked out into the village noticed it was quiet and knew most of the residents would be heading to the woods for the 10th anniversary celebration.

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The celebrations appeared to be in full swing by the time Warren, Brendan and Mitzeee arrived, they sat down near the dance floor and declined politely the seats that had been reserved for them by Nancy and Darren, there were familiar faces that they recognised and Mitzeee noticed that Brendan was a little on edge which she knew was down to that fact that there were faces there that they did not know. Warren's and Brendan's back were immediately up when they saw Trevor enter the building, Mitzeee silently glanced at them both and reminded them that it was a truce celebration evening and that he often would make an appearance on the Dog in the Woods theme nights. Trevor flanked by younger men and women around him nodded in their direction and Grace came over to offer some friendly words to Mitzeee, nothing overly formal just mere pleasantries of which she accepted though Brendan looked on at her with great suspicion. "Well I thought it was nice of her to come over" Mitzeee said.

"More like trying to access our weaknesses, I don't trust her at all, I think Fraser raised a right one with her and I don't want her coming anywhere near you Anne. She and Trevor aren't a perfect match for no reason she is just as ruthless as he is, don't be fooled by her smile".

"I agree sweet cheeks". Seeing that she was just about to explode with frustration Brenden got them all some drinks from the bar and left the two of them to thrash it out between them, by the time he returned they were all over each other and Brendan rolled his eyes with how quickly they could change and react to one another. Looking around to see where else he could be right now except sitting next to the loved up couple and looking like a gooseberry he noticed a new wave of a crowed entering the bar.

Blue jeans, white shirt, walked into the room, you know you made my eyes burn, it was like James Dean for sure… was the song playing in the background when he saw him walking down the stairs with an equally handsome man but not as good looking as him, as the song rang out in his ears he looked at the boy who was grinning whilst he was talking to who he assumed to be his boyfriend. He was wearing skin tight navy jeans that hung down low on his non hips a little too low Brenden thought to the point that he felt he was either seriously missing the modern day youths fashion or the boy quite simply could not afford a belt to hold up his jeans for his very tender slender frame that Brenden would guess him to not even be a 28 waist. He was wearing a tight burgundy polo t-shirt that appeared too small even for him with his top button out of the three undone and as he placed his arm around his companions shoulder it completely rode up exposing his hairless treasure trail.

They appeared to be descending the stairs in slow motion but Brenden knew that was just him being ever so captivated by the sight of the boy and he noticed that his partner who was a little fuller in his figure and more blond than he was in hair colour was also wearing skin tight jeans but he had on a black polo t-shirt, with a rim of burgundy colour on the hem of the shirt. As they neared the last step the fuller figure blond missed his footing and nearly tripped taking the boy with him but he grabbed the handle rail and steadied them both to their full standing height and they both looked at each other and laughed out loud as if they were school girls. Mitzeee noticed a shift in Brendan's bodily demeanour and sort to see what his gaze was upon and she grinned and nudged him in the ribs "oh seen something you like have you? Well am glad even if it is only eye candy maybe your mood will pick up and you'll forget about Grace and Trevor".

Brendan silently thought that there would be only one thing that would do this, but he has is hand in another as they walked towards them still giggling heading for the bar. 'What do you want your only drink to be? Asked the fuller man to the boy "Beer with a dash of coke on the top?" the boy nodded with a grin and placed is hand on the blond man's upper arm and snuggled in close to his body and kissed him on his cheek. "Oh you know me so well don't ya?"

Just when they were level to where Brendan, Mitzeee and Warren were sitting the music suddenly changed to that of Cheryl Cole and the boy immediately withdrew his hand from his mates light grasp and backed towards the dance floor. "Oh I love a bit of Cheryl me, come and dance with mi" and he appeared to be brandishing the biggest daftest wounded puppy dog look that Brendan had ever seen to the point that he scoffed a smile to himself that did not go unnoticed by either Warren or Mitzeee.

"Eeerr no way! Not until I've had at least 3 pints, 4 cocktails and a couple of shots first, not everyone can dance stone cold sober like you Bam...".

"It's Ste tonight remember?"

"Sorry, Ste".

What kind of stupid name is that thought Brendan realising with some embarrassment how much notice he was now completely playing to the baby faced handsome boy who was clearly off the market to even entertain the flashing thoughts that Brendan did not invite his mind's eye to play to himself.

"Oh come on pleeeeaaassseee, I'll love ya forever" and out came an award winning smile that brandished his gorgeous set of white teeth that were not completely straight with his incisors noticeably long. Very jovially the blond man replied "Yeah that don't work on me am not W…" The boy's body language instantly changed to that of a defensive stance but just as quickly shook it off and if Brendan was not watching him so intently as he was with him standing just a foot in front of him it would never have been noticed.

"Alright forget it, but there is no need to mention him is there JP?" he said now folding his arms, the boy glanced down at the floor shuffled his feet then looked up "Look I'll find you by the bar when the songs finished". John Paul instantly knowing that he has put a downer on the start of their night reached out to Ste's wrist "Look am sorry, why don't you lead the way" and gestured an open stretched arm with his palms open towards the direction of the dance floor. A half-hearted grin now appeared on Ste's face now only showing off less of his delicious teeth, he leaned in and kissed John Paul on his lips, "Cr… woops nearly forgot we're not meant to mention the crap men in our lives, anyway he was lucky to have ya! And do you know what? Am even luckier to have ya as me best friend, now go and get the drinks in and come and find me when you do". Ste drew back his head and winked and dance walked his way to the dance floor, seemingly noticing a red haired girl on the dance floor and was swishing away dancing with her, John Paul looked on standing there shaking his head at his best friends ridiculous uncoordinated dance moves, he turned on his heels and headed towards the bar.

Warren also not missing a trick that he sensed Mitzeee was enticed with spoke "Did you hear that? Best friends?! I think that means his young, free and single, get in there Brady, those cheekbones! Ouch! If you don't I actually… sorry sweet cheeks" as he glanced at Mitzeee then back in the direction of the dance floor "I actual think I sortta will! And did I mention he is young?" Warren said with a chuckle.

"Why don't ya go fuck yourself Foxy" Brenden said darkly with a very small tinge of humour.

"Please don't talk to me about fucking Brady, am being serious I am torn between going home with my lady or debating whether to explore a side to myself that I never knew existed, I think this is what the songs have been on about seeing the love of… Hey where you going baby I was joking" asked Warren as Mitzeee stood up and straightened her fitted dress down. "To see a young man for a fella I know who would love his company" and she winked and trotted off before Brendan could process what she said to ask her to sit back down.

Warren grinned fondly in the direction that she walked off in "She just wants you to have fun you know, she sees you as the older brother that she's never had and after Vinnie…".

Brendan looked down and rubbed his temple and muttered "Vinnie" so faintly. Warren knew him enough not to dwell on the subject "Well after him she just wants you to at best be happy and at worse have fun and relax, she feels guilty moving out and living with me and you know how she is when she gets a bug in her bonnet".

"It's bee you idiot, geez why does she put up with ye".

"Because you liked to kneel before men whilst their cocks are in your gob and that pretty much took you off the market and that left me…" Warren pointed a thumb back to his chest "the big baby bear here, as second best".

"Point" replied Brendan and both the men chuckled at one another. "How can you be a baby bear and big?"

Warren glanced down at his crouch and both of them leaned in to each other a bellowed in laughter. "Mind you I know it's not as big as yours so it looks like am truly second best, again!" Brenden gave a jovial huff and Warren smiled at him. Realising that there drinks were empty Warren stood up "same again?" Brendan cocked his head to the side and nodded and silent yes.

He turned his direction to the dance floor to see if he could see Mitzeee but noticed that she was talking to Lyndsey, beyond her he saw the boy who had captivated his attention dancing with the red haired girl that he knew was married to Freddie Roscoe and from how familiar they were with one another he wondered if that meant that he lived in Fraser's ward. He had definitely not seen the boy before though he felt a slight internal familiarity towards him but he knew he definitely had not seen him before and so he could not live in his ward or else he would have been more than acquainted with him by now, instead of hankering after him from the side-lines. Brendan looked on and he scrunched his face up, well could he described those moves as dancing? Well at least he has gotten to find out his name at least …Ste; though surely it's got to have more substance than that and by the end of the night he was hoping this would be the case.