Author's Note - I do not own anything - it's all Hollyoaks property
This a short sequel to 'Wildest Moments' - a couple of chapters - I felt there was something else to be said, but in it's own little story. Please read and review J I really appreciated everyone's opinions. Thanks
Brendan and Walker had been back in Hollyoaks for a little over a week. They had returned in the dead of night after Brendan firstly insisted taking Walker to hospital to get his injuries checked out and then secondly going to get his stuff from the flat he'd been staying in. When they arrived at the hospital they were sure the staff didn't believe their lie that Walker had fallen down a set of concrete stairs drunk, the Doctor and nurses gave Brendan quick glances and stares. He batted them all off, he knew the truth and their opinions were irrelevant to him anyway. He just wanted them to check Walker over. It turned out that he had two cracked ribs and some serious bruising, but he was lucky that his facial injuries weren't serious - a broken nose, serious bruising to his jaw and severe swelling and bruising around the eye. Brendan was relieved as they finally left the hospital in darkness, him carrying the prescription the Doctor had given Walker for the pain. They headed to where Walker had been living, Brendan didn't want to let Walker go inside on his own, but Walker had insisted. Brendan sat impatiently in the car for what felt like hours as Walker retrieved what little belongings he had. They arrived in the village in the early hours, the place was dead, no-one was around, everywhere was quiet.
As they walked through the front door they were greeted with Cheryl in a night mask, a tiny vest which looked as if she had been poured into, a pair of matching tiny shorts and was holding a glass of water. The moment she saw the damage to Walker's face she dropped the glass, it hit the floor and the water splashed in multiple directions 'Oh my god. What happened to your face?' she splutters stunned. Brendan glared at her 'Back off Chez.' he snapped, instantly she stopped herself for asking any further questions but it didn't stop her staring at Walker. He felt uncomfortable under her stare, but more so when Brendan gently pushed him in the direction of the stair and said 'Go to my room.' Walker hissed at the pain in his ribs as did as he was told, the feeling of Cheryl's eyes burning into the back of his head as he trudged up the stairs, one arm holding his sore and aching ribs.
Brendan had been playing nursemaid for Walker, which he found a little disturbing. He helped him get dressed and undressed, even though Walker could just about do himself, even if it took a couple of minutes longer and a lot of swearing and gritted teeth. Walker was grateful that Brendan hadn't made any moves on him since they returned. Instead he gave strict orders to Walker to not to leave the house and to simply rest, not to life a muscle. He had had enough of resting. He needed to get out. He could open his eye almost fully, there was a little bit of overhang from the swelling on his eyelid but the bruises were now a shade of light blue and deep yellow, not the black and purple they were, so he was healing. He had had enough of daytime TV, there were only so many DIY and talk shows he could stomach. Brendan had been good to him, and he appreciated it but he was going stir crazy cooped up indoors.
Getting to his feet with a grimace, while clutching his side, he paused to let the pain fade a little before he walked to the door, opened it and stepped out into the warm sunshine he felt like he was being energised. Walker smiled as he looked up at the bright blue sky, the sun beat down on his bruised skin. He headed down the steps and quickly arrived at the bottom. He looked over at the club, he knew that Brendan would be inside, working away, bossing Joel around, telling him to do this and that. He then looked towards the deli and a wicked grin spread across his battered face.
Strolling through the door of the deli he smiled at the young man behind the counter. Ste. He walked up to the counter 'Hello.' he said brightly. Ste's mouth hung open as he saw Walker's face, the still angry bruises and healing cuts. 'What happened to you?' Ste mumbled as Doug walked out of the back, a tray of assorted bread in his arms. Walker looked over and Doug stopped in his tracks, a nervous tension filling the air. Walker turned his attention back to Ste. 'Don't know what you're on about.' Walker smirked. 'You're face, it's all battered.' Ste questioned. 'Oh, that. Nothing.' Walker replied sarcastically. 'Did Brendan do it?' Ste asked before his brain engaged his mouth. Walker's eyes narrowed. 'No.' he said pointedly. 'You don't have to hide it. I know what he's like.' Ste whispered at Walker so not even Doug could hear as he leaned forward over the glass food cabinet. 'It wasn't Brendan.' Walker stated loudly so Doug could hear this time. Doug injected into the conversation as he stepped forward. 'We thought you'd left. I mean we saw you go off with Brendan, but we hadn't seen you since.' he was trying to change the subject. 'House arrest. Brendan's orders.' Walker's eyes bore down on Ste's. The expression changed on Ste's face, from surprise to disappointment. Walker stood with his hands shoved in his jeans pockets, his gaze fixed on Ste.
'Walker.' that familiar Irish drawl cut through the air like a hot knife through butter. None of them had heard the door to the deli open. Walker tore his eyes from Ste's face and turned to see Brendan in the doorway. Brendan sauntered over to Walker, their bodies brushing one another as he leaned against the glass case. Ste's mouth sagged at the closeness between the two men. 'I thought I told you not to leave the house.' Brendan whispered into Walker's ear. 'I was bored.' Walker sulked like a naughty child who had been caught with their hand in the sweet jar. 'Then you watch TV, read a book, do something, but not go outside.' Brendan said steely. Walker sighed. 'I'm fine.' he hissed, his eyes on Brendan's face. Brendan was tense. Walker could see the tension in his jaw and his shoulders beneath his red shirt. Ste and Doug were watching the exchange with intrigue.
'Fine. You can come to the club.' Brendan relented and stood back, his shoulders eased a little, his eyes barely left Walker, not even to really look at Ste or Doug. 'Steven. Douglas.' Brendan nodded at both before speeding out of the door and out into the street. Walker held back, he was in a playful mood. He wanted to see what Brendan would do if he didn't follow his command that instant. He stood in the middle of the empty deli with his arms crossed over his chest. He was watching Brendan walk towards the club, but then he stopped. Brendan turned around slowly, having realised that Walker wasn't on his heels. He look directly at Walker through the window. Walker could see the anger and annoyance in Brendan's face as his jaw tightened once again. Walker smirked. He turned to look at Ste, who had now been joined by Doug. There they stood side by side in their matching uniforms. They looked more like twins than boyfriends, Walker thought to himself, he was amused by his own thought and let out a small laugh. 'Best go, the lord and master has commanded. Well it was great to see you both and catch up. We should do it again sometime.' Walker smiled and winked his uninjured eye at them his voice dripping in sarcasm.
Walker strolled over to the door and opened it and stepped out into the breeze. 'Do you think Brendan did that?' Doug muttered at Ste, who was captivated by the two men outside. Walker strolled casually over to Brendan. 'I told you to stay inside.' Brendan hissed at Walker. 'I told you I was bored.' Walker snapped back. They stood facing one another, a stand off in the middle of the village, neither wanting to back down. Walker's eyes narrowed. 'How did you know?' he questioned. Brendan shrugged petulantly. 'Where is your flying monkey?' Walker spat as he looked over at the club. Brendan cocked his head to the side, he was eyeballing Walker. He wasn't in the mood. Other villagers hurried past like scared rabbits as they saw the stand off between the two, giving them a wide berth.
Brendan could see the playfulness in Walker's eyes as he turned back to look at him and relaxed a little. He span on his heels and strutted to the club. Walker felt the anxiety and tension release from his body, his ribs screamed out in pain and his gasped, bending forward slightly and clutching his side. Walker watched Brendan disappear into the club by the door on the street and heard it bang close. He changed his mind, he didn't want to go to the club. The option of sitting on the sofa in front of some mind numbing day time TV was all the more appealing than sitting in the club office watching Brendan brood in silence. He chose to head back to the flat. He quickly set off, knowing that Brendan would soon notice he hadn't followed him into the club. He rushed up the steps, clutching his side, breathing heavy from the pain. He reached the top of the steps and grabbed hold of the metal railings, sagged against it, fighting to regain his breath.
After a second he heard a bang behind him, turning to see where it had come from, he saw a dash of red as it merged with the tree. He knew it was Brendan. Pushing himself off from the wall he scurried over to the door, his hands were clammy as he fumbled to retrieve the keys from his jeans pocket. Turning to see if Brendan was there. He pushed the key into the lock and quickly unlocked and opened the door before almost falling inside. He slumped against the wood as the door closed behind him with a click. He closed his eyes and sighed. His whole body ached. He stumbled forward to the sofa and slumped down. A hiss escaping from his lips as the pain seized him.
Walker had just rested his head back against the top of the sofa and closed his eyes when the front door burst open. Not moving his head he opened his eyes and looked over at the figure which stood ominously in the doorway. Brendan's nostrils flared, his jaw was clenched. His eyes were fixed on the man sat on the sofa. Walker lifted his head and looked squarely at Brendan. 'I told you to go to the club.' Brendan growled as he took a step inside and closed the door behind him. 'I didn't want to.' Walker replied defiantly holding Brendan's gaze. 'I don't like people not doing as I tell them.' Brendan rasped. 'I didn't fancy sitting in the club doing nothing. At least here I can make my own lunch.' Walker snapped as he struggled to get to his feet, groaning in pain at moving too quick.
Brendan stayed in the doorway and watched as Walker stumbled to the kitchen, clutching his ribs as he went. He grabbed hold of the counter and stood with his back to Brendan, who walked forward into the room and stood by the sofa. 'You know people think I did that to you?' Brendan muttered. Walker slumped his shoulders forward. 'You mean Ste does.' he snarled. 'Not just him. Cheryl does too.' Brendan added quickly. Walker scoffed. 'I don't like people thinking I would do that.' Brendan said softly and quietly, Walker strained to hear him. 'Huh.' Walker laughed. He turned around to face the Irish man. 'But you did do that.' Walker smirked. 'Didn't you use to beat Ste up?' Walker asked sarcastically with a shake of the head, his hair tumbling into his bad eye. He brushed it aside as he waited for Brendan's reaction. He could see anger wash over Brendan, not just his face but his body too.
'That was a long time ago.' he mumbled angrily. 'And you wouldn't ever do it again?' Walker regretted asking the question as soon at it left his mouth, just exactly what was he playing at. Why was he trying to wind Brendan up? Brendan was getting even more angry. But instead of continuing this back and forth confrontation, that would no doubt end in someone getting hurt, physically or emotionally. Brendan turned and quietly left the flat.
Walker was left stunned by Brendan. He was sure that Brendan was going to loose his temper and loose control. He felt a little disappointed that he didn't. He wanted Brendan to show him some sort of emotion. He wanted to see that he mattered to him, it was definitely misguided logic. After all Brendan had been so kind and gentle with him since they returned from Dublin, but he knew that would only last so long.
Brendan walked to the railing and looked down, watching the villagers go about their daily business. He was furious, why was Walker so determined to wind him up? Did he want to be punched? He couldn't understand. He had seen Walker get more and more fed up as each day passed being stuck in the flat, but he also knew that he needed to mend and heal. He only wanted him to get better, so why was he acting that way? Brendan saw a familiar face emerge from the deli. He gave a wicked smirk and hurried down the steps.
'Steven.' Brendan said as he strutted over to the young man. Ste glared at him. 'Did you do that to Walker? He said you didn't, but remember I know you Brendan.' Ste set off shouting in the middle of the village anger fuelling his words. Brendan balked at the sudden attack. He raised his hands in defence. Ste stood before him, hands on his slender hips, his lips pouting tightly, his eyes accusing. 'Wow, wow, wow Steven. Where was that from?' Brendan replied, defensively. 'I saw his face, all the bruises and the cuts. It just seems a little convenient that you two disappear and then you come back and he's nowhere to be seen and then he turns up black and blue.' Ste rambled, his face getting red with anger. Brendan took a step back. They'd now been joined by Doug, who was standing awkwardly in the doorway, his eyes darting between the two, his mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air.
'Why did you do it eh? Didn't he get your favourite coffee? Said the wrong thing? Looked at you the wrong way? What did he do?' Ste was off on a tangent, even Doug looked uncomfortable and embarrassed. 'I didn't do it.' Brendan said firmly, taking a step forward. 'He got in a fight. Nothing to do with me.' he lied, the words dripping off his tongue. 'Huh, and you just stood by I bet?' Doug snipped, he couldn't help himself. As both Ste and Brendan looked over at him, even he felt stunned that he joined in the confrontation. Doug physically shrank as Brendan's piercing blue eyes stared him down.
'For your information Douglas. I wasn't there.' Brendan snarled in Doug's direction. Doug backed into the deli, this move satisfied Brendan and he returned his angered gaze to Ste. 'Now if you have any more questions, please send me an e-mail and I will be sure to get back to you.' he hissed at Ste as he took off, barging into Ste as he went. He needed a drink and some time on his own to think. 'Why did you say that?' Ste snapped at Doug, as he turned to face him. 'What?' Doug gasped. Ste pushed past Doug and stormed into the deli.