Christian paced the flat again, having lost count of the number of times he'd nervously walked the small rooms. James was due back anyway minute, and Christian was dreading the moment he would walk through the door, no doubt with a smile on his face.

On cue, James waltzed through the front door, humming to himself. Christian sighed and headed for the sofa, placing his head in his hands.

"Hey, gorgeous" James was busily unpacking shopping, "I was thinking, we could invite Syed and Amira over, kinda like a double date. Maybe I'll make risotto"

Christian didn't respond, just sighing occasionally.

"James, come here a minute, will ya?"

James slumped down next to him on the sofa, much too close for Christian's liking.

"What is it?" James asked, running his hand softly down Christian's arm. Christian shifted awkwardly, moving away from James as subtly as possible.

"I can't do this anymore" he murmured, "It's over, James"

James blinked, "What bought this on?"

"I just think we're better off as mates" he said quietly.

"What, is there someone else?!"

Christian looked away, "It's....complicated" he said, "But that's not the point" he stood up and began pacing yet again.

"James, you're a good'un. Probably more than I really deserve" he admitted, "I just don't want a relationship right now"

James was stunned into silence. He had thought he'd changed Christian, made him a better man. He sighed as he realised how wrong he had been.

"Fine, I'll be gone by the end of the day" he glared, but there were tears in James' eyes as he stormed out of the flat.

Christian collapsed onto the sofa. He knew that James must think he wanted to be single, free of commitment, and he knew he probably hated him for it. But he couldn't admit the true reason behind his actions. Christian did, in fact, want commitment. He wanted comfort, and security, and love. But he couldn't have that with James, not when he truly wanted somebody else. He wanted that person to love him; just like Christian loved the man he wanted but couldn't have. He wanted Syed Masood.


Sorry, it was just bugging me that we didn't see the break up. Next chapter (Syed's reaction to it) coming soon :)

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