A/N: Just a small oneshot after tonight's episode. Christian comforts an upset Syed

Disclaimer: I don't own EastEnders, I just like to play. Title is from the Anathema song "Cries on the Wind"

Syed tried to wipe the tears from his eyes before Christian came back but it was obvious that he had been crying. His mother's visit had really knocked him for six, he hadn't expected it and it had felt like a punch to the gut. She had raised his hopes beyond all expectations with her visit and once again she had crushed him with her rejection. He should have been used to it by now but she never failed to hurt him just when he thought she wanted to be his mother again.

"Hey," Syed heard Christian greet as he burst through the door. He could never announce his presence quietly. Syed almost smiled but he felt too down to manage. Instead he curled up further into the sofa and tried to hide his face from his lover. Christian noticed something was wrong immediately. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Syed replied, his voice shaking. "It's nothing."

"It's not nothing," Christian said as he sat down on the sofa next to Syed. "Tell me what's wrong."

Syed found that he was unable to speak. A lump had formed in his throat and it stopped all sound from leaving his mouth. Instead he crumbled. All the pain and emotion that had been building inside him since Zainab's visit came pouring out. Christian pulled Syed close to him and wrapped his arms tight around Syed. He didn't say anything, he didn't have to. Syed didn't want to talk about whatever it was he was upset about so he just sat there quietly with his beautiful boy in his arms as he sobbed.

Eventually the sobs died down and the only sound was that of Syed's ragged breathing. He clutched Christian tight, his head resting on his chest as he listened to the steady beat of Christian's heart.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Christian's voice broke the silence.

Syed sat up slightly, wiping the tears from his reddened cheeks. He looked awful. His face was red, his hair was a mess but Christian thought he had never looked more beautiful. "It's okay you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"It's not that," Syed replied quietly, his voice cracking slightly. "I just don't know what to tell you. I can't even work it out in my own head."

"Well, you figure it out and then when you're ready I'll be here to listen," Christian said sympathetically. It was worrying him, not being able to figure out what had upset Syed so much. At a guess, though, he would say it had been Zainab. It was only Syed's family that had the power to upset him so much. "How about I make us both a cup of tea?" He suggested.

"That would be nice," Syed attempted a half smile. "Christian?" He said as Christian stood up from the sofa.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for being so understanding."

"It's what I'm here for, babe," Christian grinned his wonderful smile and Syed felt his heart lift slightly.

Syed heard the phone ring. "I'll get it," he said before Christian turned back to answer. He put the phone to his ear.

"Hello?"