Hi all. Lolitangela approached me with a new plot for a Stendan story again. This is her idea, and as I've got a thing for one shots at the moment, (and bad writer's block with my other fics :( ) I decided to write it for her. Canon/non Cannon. Rated M. Basically it's a fluffy/smutty filled AU Stendan story.

This fic ended up being huge, so I've split it into 3 chapters, however as this is technically a one shot they will all be posted together at Lolitangela's request. ;D xx

Ste and Doug are married, and when things turn sour and they decide to divorce, Doug approaches hotshot lawyer Brendan to take on their case.


Bring Me To Life. Part 1 of 3.

Liverpool

Summer was the hottest on record this year, the sun beamed down on Brendan as he stood at the window in the building block, which basked over the city of Liverpool. At this height Brendan could see the radio tower which looked suspiciously like a UFO balanced on a tall concrete pole.

His eyes left the radio station to look at the train station and museums in the city centre, the place screamed history. The tourists and local's alike looking like ants as they wandered around the various historical buildings. His arms twitched by his side and congregated tightly over his broad chest, a yawn traveled long and wide with a cry of sleep he never got last night.

Brendan glanced at his watch as it caught a beam of sunlight, time was ticking by slowly this morning, and with a free diary he'd a pile of paperwork crying out for attention. He moved to the coffee machine to make an extra strong cup of coffee, needing a caffeine fix. His breath blew cool air over the hot liquid sipping it and humming in appreciation, making his way back to his large desk. A knock at the door and a similar face popping between the door frame had him frowning more lines to his forehead, moving to sit down behind his huge desk the leather creaked under the strain of what had to be his best asset.

"I don't recall ye had an appointment this morning?"

The man walked with a swagger and head held high and mighty on his shoulders, expensive black suit and tie he made his way across the plush carpet that adorned Brendan's high-rise office. On the walls were bookshelves full of law books, certificates of qualification and degree. The man held his nose up at them, jealous of this man's success, except he too was successful, his success however lay firmly between Brendan's hands, and without his expertise he'd be languishing behind bars.

He hung around the chair opposite holding the back of it with a firm grip swinging the chair from side to side watching Brendan with his nose engrossed in paperwork and a pen that did his bidding. He coughed slightly tying to get his attention, Brendan didn't flinch, there were far to many things in the world more important, maybe not in his life personally, but there were things.

"You gonna look at me, or am I to stare at the balding spot you have till the hour's up?"

The man smirked with his poison, Brendan dropped his pen and muttered under his breath something incoherent, fingering through his hair as a defence, he finally made eye contact with his client.

"Why don't ye sit down before I put ye down?"

Brendan's eyes shook, trying not to lose his temper; he hated some of his clients. The man's hand's shot up and rested in mid air, a shrill mock response and shudder leaving Brendan contemplating what his defense plea would be after strangling the cocky twat would be.

"Okay Brady, I'm sitting down, and stop taking things so damn seriously, try getting a sense of humour degree next yeah? Recon there's some room on the wall back there"

"I'm saving that spot for your head Daniel, better watch your back huh?"

Brendan stroked his fingers over his moustache and into his growing beard, the stubble softening the longer it grew. Danny settled finally and crossed his legs and arms as Brendan opened the desk drawer grabbing a file and tossing it across the desk. The motion quick it fanned out the paper from the folder enough for Danny to place his hand down quickly stopping the documents from ending up on the floor.

"It's sorted then? What I asked? "

Danny looked over the paperwork before him and pretended to understand the wordings of it, Brendan settled further back arching the leather chair enough to hit the shelving unit behind him shaking the ornaments in a jingle.

"Well think the fact ye aint eating slop in a prison cell is proof enough I have yet again saved the fucking day for ye" Brendan shot forward again. "Do ye purposely go out of your way to make things difficult? Huh? Can ye not for once keep that protégé of yours on a leash?"

"Oh keep ya wig on, bloody whinge, whinge, whinge." Danny rolled his eyes then smiled "Knew we could rely on ye Brady, that's why you are so highly regarded, doubt anything is past you"

Brendan blew out a sigh, grabbing his coffee and wincing at the coldness of the drink now. His eyes travelled to the drinks globe he had in the corner of the room pondering if it was too early to Irish his coffee. Danny followed his eyes and made the decision for him jumping up to make them both a drink.

"Are we done yet? I have a mountain of paperwork to be getting on with"

"Soon, I have another problem"

"Jesus, when do ye not have a problem? What is it drugs? `Physical violence?"

"No, I've another threat. Someone trying to step on my toes, worming their way into my territory"

"Wow, maybe I should be congratulating them, that mean I am finally rid of your ugly all day looks?"

Brendan laughed and eyeballed Danny over his drink of whiskey, he couldn't care less what Danny thought of his backchat. End of the day Brendan could finish Danny in a snap of his fingers, the power he held in his hands the only reason he got away with it.

"One of these days, I'll wipe that smile off your face" Danny seethed and pointed angrily at Brendan who shrugged nonchalant.

"Course, let me know when the pigs start flying past won't ye?" Brendan held his finger and thumb over his face and looked in thought.

"Who is it then?"

"Fraser Black"

"Oh for godsake. Yeah I know him, he's a client of mine too"

Danny turned on his heals and somehow made it from the window to Brendan's desk in record time leaving Brendan to re adjust his eyes to suit. He slammed his palms on the table and Brendan flicked his gaze up to Danny's menacing stare

"You better be kidding me."

"I'm not kidding, if I were, I'd tell ye the joke about the Irish man in a bar"

"Funny git, take him off your books"

"Look, I appreciate ye coming, next time I'll bake a cake" Brendan twisted his wrist to look at his watch "Sorry times up"

"I ain't gonna ask twice Brady"

Brendan had Danny by his arm and was walking him quick smart out of the door.

"Why don't ye go make an appointment with my P.A instead of just turning up when ye feel like it?"

Brendan clicked his fingers loudly at Leanne who painted her nails at her desk. She looked round gob wide open waiting instructions. Brendan rolled his eyes and pushed Danny to her desk.

"Can ye make Daniel another appointment? Preferably in the next decade"

Leanne scrunched up her face and thought a moment "But we only do them a month in advance sir?"

"Jesus. I know that Leanne, just make an appointment yeah?"


Chester.

"Are you alright Ste?" Sinead walked up to the counter of the deli and rested herself on folded arms. Her smile cheering Ste up instantly he settled to mirror her image.

"Bored" Ste said with a hand under his chin.

"Well, the days nearly over, you'll get some time with that hubby of yours soon" Sinead glowed and Ste wished he could bottle her cheerful persona.

"Great!" Ste punched the air with both hands trying to look excited, but failing miserably.

"Oh Ste, things the same then?" Her body straightened stiffly, "Thought you were gonna have a word?"

"And say what? I'm no longer happy in our marriage and I want different things? Yeah that's gonna go down well""

"Calling Pauline wasn't his greatest idea was it?" Sinead stated the obvious.

"Hmm, she's still around too, I need her to leave you know. Left that part of my life behind me long ago, why the hell would I want to drag it back again?"

"He didn't know though, come on, you can't blame him for trying to help"

"I don't, I blame him for not asking and doing it behind my back" Ste hugged Sinead tightly.

"Look I'll see you later, gonna make a start tidying up."

"Ok hun, see you soon. Love ya" Sinead smiled leaving Ste alone cleared up the deli, a place he'd ran with his husband Doug for the last two years or so. He was happy when they first got married, and then bought the business together. The business had been a hard slog, they had to work together to make it a success, and with all the blood sweat and tears they managed it, and it kept them in a stable financial state.

All that time spent on the business had meant less time for them and their marriage. Ste began to feel something was missing in his life, he wasn't sure what that was exactly, but it niggled at him, there in the back of his mind something ticked within ramblings of a man intoxicated with cheap beer and a longing he couldn't quite fix. He'd never spoken to Doug about his past, and maybe in hindsight he should have. Pauline had just turned up one day, Doug holding his hands up to the charge; Ste had felt something die inside of him. Her turning up was the worst thing in the world, but more so because Doug himself had invited her.

Ste didn't have the answers when she slithered into the deli again that evening as he began to close up, so just standing there as his mum called him all the usual homophobic words that dripped off her poisonous tongue; standing there and being belittled again had pushed him further away. His heart sank at her cruel words, and he'd walked out and left the deli, carried on walking till he'd ended up at the flat he shared with his husband. Kneeling down at the floor of the sofa and cried with a heavy heart.

As he gazed around the room he sat in, the bland walls, crumby carpet and place he lived in he wondered what on earth had become of his life. He did love Doug, there was no denying that, but as time went on the love he felt was more of friendship than anything else.

The door opened with a creak, one that sounded wary and unsure. It still opened up and closed firmly. Ste waited with his head resting on his arms, his heart beat echoed around the flat, louder than the footsteps his husband made walking from the hall to the lounge.

"Ste, why did you leave the Deli unattended?" Doug stood at the archway in the flat, not realising Ste was upset.

"Only now we have no money left in the till do we?!"

"It was me mam, she'll have took it. I left her in there earlier, walked out and came here"

"Well that's just great Ste! Why do that if you knew she'd steal from us?"

Ste looked up in anger "YOU CALLED HER NOT ME!"

Doug faltered at the outburst, feeling his knees weaken he sat down at the dining table.

"I'm sorry"

"I know" Ste sighed wiping his eyes "Why did you have to call her?"

"I thought it was what you wanted Ste, I was trying to help" Doug implored his hands out in front of his chest. He stared down at Ste who still hadn't moved his head, too heavy with thoughts.

"There's stuff you don't know, things from my past I'd rather not drag up. And with one phone call you've managed to do just that"

"Why are you being like this huh? Everything I do is wrong, I'm sick of it"

"You're sick of it? Try being humiliated by your own mother Doug, her homophobic words, they tore through me! You weren't there then were ya?" Ste finally lifted his head to reveal the extent of his feelings; red enlarged eyes pierced Doug's with a contempt that had the American faltering on his feet. It disheartened him to see the look in Ste's eyes.

"Maybe this is the opportunity you need to make things up with your mom?" Doug tried and moved a little closer to sit on the arm of the sofa. "You could give her a chance you know…"

"I could give her a chance…what? My childhood was hell, growing up I was made to feel like nothing. Her digs in the deli earlier just reminded me of a time I hated. And I know, I know you didn't mean to upset me and was trying to help" Ste moved to sit on the sofa "I just wish you'd cared enough to ask me first, you just called her"

"I don't know what to do, Ste just tell me how to fix this, fix us again"

"I can't do that, I have no answers for you, not ones that will make you happy at least"


Doug knocks at the door of Leanne's flat and walks with the weight of the world on his shoulders. She guides him in sensing something is wrong with her friend placing herself next to him her hands rest on her knees and her face studies his face as his eyes fill with tears.

"What is it Doug? You had a fight with Ste again?"

Again. Leanne has been the shoulder Doug has depended on of late, her ears taking the bashing of their ongoing fights and fallouts for so long she no longer needs to be told. Doug's heart falls into his stomach, his head shaking in agreement, there's not much else he can say, they have fallen out again and he is forlorn.

"It's over Lea, I can't, I can't hold on to something that's broken. I've tried to fix us so many times and got nowhere" Doug takes the tissue given by Leanne and wipes his nose. "Can I have a glass of water please?"

"Course love, hang on a minute"

Leanne makes haste to the fridge and pours Doug a cool glass of water bringing it back with one for herself. Drinking some before settling it on the coffee table.

"Oh Doug, seriously…why do you put up with it? I know you love him, I get that, but this has been going on for so long. Maybe you should cut your losses"

"What do you mean? Cut my losses?"

"Separate, but not just for a day here and there, or a week, for good Doug. Move on and start again"

"I can't…leave Ste! I love him…it's just…"

"Okay, give me a reason besides the fact you love him, to remain together? You've been fighting a year, seriously? It's over"

"Look, I work for one of the best lawyers in Liverpool, why don't you go see him huh? He can have the papers drawn up for you quickly, no fuss."


Doug twisted the key in the lock to their flat and settled on the sofa, he waited until Ste walked in and got up to make him a brew.

"Hiya!" Doug sounded cheery and had a spring in his step. "I've made tea, please sit down" Doug held the chair out to Ste who managed a thin smile throwing his keys on the table.

Doug placed a plate of food down for the each of them and moved a candle to the center of the table. Smiling he lit it and brought in two drinks. Ste felt awkward watching him and when Doug settled down he encouraged him to eat up before it went cold.

"Doug what's going on?" Ste asked wary, his jacket slid off his arms precariously.

"Nothing I've just made tea"

"Why the candle? It looks, romantic"

"So, can't I make an effort for my husband huh? Now eat up" Doug began to falter as Ste looked upon him with pity. He put down his knife and fork and settled his hands at the side of his plate.

"We need to talk Doug" Ste spoke pushing his plate away "And thank you, but I'm just not hungry"

"More like you just can't eat what I make you!" Doug snapped hurt "Took me ages to make it"

Ste grabbed his knife and fork and began to eat the food, which tasted good if truth were told. Ste nodded in appreciation "This is great, thank you"

They ate in silence a while, the tension surrounding them, Doug glanced sideways at Ste who looked deep in thought.

"I saw Leanne earlier"

"Hmm?"

"She thinks we should split up"

Ste sighed and looked back at Doug. "Ya know I love you right?"

"Really?"

"Yeah I do, just I'm not in love with you Doug, not anymore"

"So you agree with her then. Maybe we should see a lawyer"

Ste pursed his lips before blowing out a long breath. "That one she works for? Brady?"

"Yeah, how do you know his name?"

"I heard her mention him a few times. If it helps, go and see him. I want this all done proper, amicable." Ste cleared their plates away and began to wash them. Ste looked out of the window at the daylight switching to night. Doug moves to stand behind him and his hands touch over his waist, Ste flinches and moves quickly leaving Doug torn.

"Doug, please"

"We haven't…in ages maybe if we tried…" Doug moves to kiss Ste who stops him.

"This isn't a good idea"

"How do you know, come on" Doug kissed the side of Ste's neck, they hadn't slept together in a long time, and Ste tried to fight the urge to feel aroused, he pushed Doug back and kissed him hard releasing him he looked into his eyes.

"In here"

"What? Ste we're in the kitchen…come on there's a perfectly good bedroom through here"

Ste held Doug back and began to tear at his clothes "No, in here, thought ya wanted too?" Ste smirked gripping hold of Doug's clothes.

"Ste, we cook food in here, stop being silly. Lets go to bed" Doug grinned back and Ste's enthusiasm died like a flame being blown out. Ste shook his head at Doug, moving back to the sink again.

"There's a reason we haven't Doug."

What's wrong with you? We always do it in bed" Doug tried to kiss Ste again who pushed him away.

"Please stop making this harder than it already is"

Doug sighed in frustration and leaves for a moment before returning with a small bag. "I'm going to stay at Leanne's for a while" Doug nods at Ste. "Reckon I need some time to think"

"Okay" Ste's voice is low and apologetic as he watches Doug leave he's left empty inside.


"Sir? I've a friend here, he is looking for legal advice, thought you could see him, please?"

Brendan sighed as he looked up at Leanne who held her head around the door, her eyes full of hope enough for Brendan to back down with his toughened exterior and nod in agreement.

"I will give him two minutes Leanne, then he will have to leave, I've an appointment to adhere too"

After a moment Doug walked in, Brendan took one look at him dressed in chinos and a shirt obviously made for a dare of some sort, and he's sat up from his paperwork practically preparing his goodbye speech in seconds.

"Hi, I'm Doug, pleased to meet…"

"Douglas, the answers no"

"Wha…hey come on at least hear me out?" Doug looked back at the door "Leanne said" Doug faltered, "Leanne, she's a good friend, she said you'd be able to help us"

"Us?" Brendan raised an eyebrow scanning the room for no one else besides them "There's no us"

"I mean Ste, me and Ste, my husband. We…we're separated and want a divorce see and you're a lawyer and…"

"The answers still no. I've no time for this, go find a divorce lawyer, I've bigger fish to fry" Brendan looked back down at his work and carried on writing, the close of door had the Irish man curling a smile at the corner of his mouth as he got back to his work.


Doug packed some more of his belongings into a suitcase he placed down with a jolt on the carpet. Ste looked up from the tv with a fumble, not knowing what to say or how to say it, things between them strained. Ste handed him a pile of letters he'd collected the last week having labelled them for Doug. As he did the anger rose in Doug, the last week and meeting with that obnoxious lawyer sending him close to the edge.

"It's Doug!" Doug snapped loudly at Ste making him spin around quickly eyes wondering what was wrong

"D.o.u.g? You're so fucking stupid Ste!"

"And you're an arse hole! I'm dyslexic remember?! I can't help it if I sometimes make spelling mistakes, and you of all people should know that!" Ste's eyes glassed over at the humiliation.

"Shit…Ste I'm sorry." Doug tries to grab Ste who shakes him off in anger. "I didn't mean that, I'm just wound up."

"Should think before ya speak Doug"

Doug slumps on the sofa resting on his knees rubbing his face, it cant erase his cruel words, but he tries to explain the outburst "I tried to see a lawyer for us, you know, get it all sorted amicable?"

He has Ste's full attention now; he backtracks from the fireplace to hold his arms around his chest, eyebrows raised intrigued.

"Anyway the man was just awful, I'd barely got in the door when he's throwing me out again"

Ste swallowed and breathed deeply rubbing his eyes clear again. Settling next to Doug his eyes shift to look at him "Look, can we please stop this? I care about ya you know. You're important to me, and I ain't standing by and letting this stuck up lawyer treat us this way"

"How are you gonna do that Ste? Just ignore him, Leanne just made a mistake, she thought he'd agree to help"

"I am still a gonna give him a piece of my mind!" Ste hugged Doug closely.

"I'm sorry it turned out like this, but you know I wasn't the right man for you"


Ste looked up at the tall building, stretched his neck far back to see the top of it, the windows shone in the sunshine of the morning. He wondered which window the lawyer Doug had met was his office. He didn't stand there long enough to see, instead grabbing Doug by the arm he entered the main reception and stomped into the elevator. Brendan's office was high up on the ninth floor it turned out as Doug pressed the button before telling Ste to calm down.

"I ain't calming! Why should I? Even though we are gonna get a new legal representation, I'm still saying my piece. He sounds like a proper idiot." Ste huffed arms folded so tight across his front his chest ached. As the lift door pinged and opened he moved with haste out to the right while Doug moved to the left, before waiting. Ste stopped and glanced behind him sheepishly looking up as he walked past a smiling Doug.

"What? I thought it was that way" Ste grumbled as he made his way to the door that had 'Brendan Brady lawyer' stamped across it. Pushing his palm flat against the door Leanne's eyes widened as she stood up.

"Ste? Doug? What's going on?"

"I wanna see that arse" Ste said pointing viciously to the office doors that stood in front of him "Tell him we're here"

"I can't! He's in a meeting…look It's not the best idea but if you want I can make you an appoint…STE!"

Ste ignored Leanne and opened the door to Brendan's office. Inside he was sat with a woman, long flowing hair arched down her slender back. Ste just about made her out but couldn't see Brendan who was shielded from his sight.

"E'yar, who do you think you are ey?" Ste blurted out as he frogmarched himself further into the office. The woman, who turned out to be stunning, had stopped talking to look back at the voice behind her, eyebrows raised in entertainment at the young slim boy who gained on her.

"Oh Brendan, looks like you've pissed the wrong person off here…although, he's pretty"

Anne moved from her chair gracefully to un shield from the sight of Brendan to reveal the boy before them. Brendan who had heard the thick Manchester accent, had closed his eyes preparing himself for an argument, opened them to see such beauty his heart skipped out of beat.

Brendan's mouth opened to speak but no words left his tongue, instead for the first time in years he was dumbstruck. Anne watched him with an awe she'd never experienced and then looked at the other man in the hope to see the reaction she suddenly wished for. Anne wasn't in disappointment.

"Wha…who…I am here to see Brendan Brady" Ste spoke breathlessly, partly from the effort he'd used to get to the office and part to the fact he couldn't believe his eyes. Ste gulped watching Brendan's eyes trail over him with an obvious intent that sprang his hidden senses to life again. Brendan licked his lips and like catching a yawn Ste mimicked the notion without thought. Brendan stood up finally and Ste was worried the new rhythm his heart shook.

"Oh this…this is delicious" Anne giggled and Brendan shot her a look of warning, realising she'd read his mind like an open book. He hated that about her; he could never keep his feelings truly hidden from Anne. At the same time he loved her, his best friend, Anne grounded him, and made the kind of living he had worth it.

"I am Brendan, and ye are?" Brendan locked his gaze with Ste long enough to see the boy blush, like a switch flicked he instantly gasped and didn't know how to handle his thoughts. He sat down quickly hiding his shame as it grew the longer he stared. Ste licked his lips from the persistent dry, and all Brendan wanted to do was bruise them magenta with his own pink flush.

Anne switched her gaze between them, like watching a game of tennis; neither of them spoke again even though she waited. Eventually, watching the two men visually undress each other became far to tame and she strolled over to Ste with a smile and an outstretched arm.

"Hiya, I'm Mitzeee, but to my friends" Anne looked back at Brendan long enough for him to flick his eyes to hers for a knowing wink "Call me Anne"

"Um…hi" Ste stuttered managing to blink back into existence when Brendan broke their connection "I'm Ste"

"Steee" Anne replied still looking at Brendan with a smile that could melt ice. Brendan wanted to throw her out at the game she was playing. Brendan composed himself wondering what he hell was wrong with him.

"Whom gave ye the right to barge into my office?"

"Whom placed that chip on ya shoulder?"

Ste snapped, his initial blindness slipping he edged closer to Brendan who leaned back in safety, being too close to Ste could be dangerous for his health, it certainly didn't help his happy un planned arousal, his trouser crotch never been so tight.

"Ye here for a reason, only I'm in a meeting, and you're not invited"

Brendan ached at his words, it didn't make any sense to him, everyday he spoke to new people, clients, and never had he'd a problem with speech until now.

"I don't like your attitude, you owe Doug an apology and I ain't leaving till he gets it"

"That a promise Steven?" Brendan moved forward as Ste rested his hands on the desk, their bodies distance edging closer, the heat in the room soared and Ste fingered at his collar flicking his eyelashes up he looked through them into Brendan's amazing blue eyes.

"Jesus, ye are…"

Doug barged into the room almost taking the door off it's hinges and snapped the two out of sync, Brendan flicked his gaze from Ste and back to Anne who still looked like she'd booked the best front row tickets in the world.

"Douglas" Brendan drawled "Come in why don't ye, join the party my office didn't know it was throwing"

"Ste! Are you Okay? Why didn't you listen to me?

"Wait ye two know each other?" Brendan looked at Ste in question, making him tilt his head in confusion.

"Yeah, Doug? He's my husband"

"You're married?" Brendan stood up and flushed, still looking at Ste. It mattered, it bothered him it mattered that much. Ste's initial confusion slipping slightly spoke again.

"Yeah, so? Catch up will ya."

Ste lowered his voice, his eyes widened at Brendan; he couldn't understand why he felt so guilty at the admittion. Ste looked up as Brendan settled closer, their bodies practically touching with the warmth, Ste hitched a breath and parted his lips. "What?" Ste whispered but Brendan moved past him leaving Ste feeling empty.

Brendan then moved closer to Doug "This the man you're divorcing?"

Doug nodded in agreement every now an then darting his look to Ste who just looked at the floor in thought.

"Yes"

"Then you're even more stupid than I first thought"

"What?" Anne gasped

"What did you say?" Ste looked up then but Brendan kept his back to him dismissing everyone's question.

"I'll take on your case" Brendan spoke thickly "Now leeeaveee" His voice deepened and Doug backed off gesturing to Ste to follow him.

Ste walked past Brendan as he grabbed his arm, Ste closed his eyes "Thought ye weren't leaving till I appologised, Steven"

"Whatever" Ste spoke in a hushed tone before flicking his eyelashes up at Brendan again wanting to get a reaction. He did, as the Irishman's expression simmered Ste smirked with a twinkle in his eye before shaking his arm free and leaving.

Brendan breathed finally as Anne hugged onto the back of him resting her head on his shoulder she grinned. "Oh. My. God."

"Who the hell was he?" Brendan asked dumbfounded

"Your future by the looks of it" Anne replied looking back at the door with Brendan .

"What, that jumped up Manc? Give me some credit" Brendan sighed as Anne hugged Brendan closer.

"Are you ready for it?"

Brendan scoffed and glanced back at Anne who had a serious expression plastered on her face.

"I have no idea"

"You thought he was fit though" Anne spoke assuredly leaving his shoulder And grabbed her bag.

"Ye are leaving?"

"Stop changing the subject"

"He's alright I guess"

"And the rest, I'm still trippin over your tongue"


"What the hell was that?" Doug walked behind Ste quickly trying to keep up with Ste who seemed on a mission to leave the building fastest.

"What was what? I sorted it didn't I? He's taking on our case"

"Well yeah, I guess but…"

"Yeah but nothing Doug!" Ste swung around in temper shaking his head and gesturing to the floor "It's done, lets move on now. This is what we agreed." Ste halted his anger and breathed through his nose "It's the right thing to do, lets just leave it at that"

Doug nodded in silence and entered the elevator watching Ste slump against the wall in defeat. They didn't speak again and their disappointment shone through, how they had got to this place in their lives saddened them.

A week later Doug came around to the flat and packed up the rest of his belongings. Ste leaned against the bedroom door frame and watched him a while, managing a expressionless smile whenever Doug looked up in his direction

"How are you?"

Ste asked picking up a discarded top of Doug's off the floor, he'd snatched it from his hand with a grunt.

"So, what? We can't even be friends?"

"Friends"

Doug snorted pushing the last of his clothes into a holdall. "Funny how you get the flat eh? While I'm left to crash at Leanne's"

"Hey, this was always my flat Doug, when we met I lived here long before"

"Yeah but when you marry you're meant to share everything Ste!"

"Fine! Fine, stay here, do what you like. I will sleep in the deli, or is that not allowed either huh?"

Ste stormed out into the hallway and opened their front door. A white letter lay on the floor; Ste gripped it in his shaking hands. Brady & Co solicitors stamped in the right hand corner. Ste shook his head and placed it in his pocket, opening the door he shouted back at Doug he was doing to the deli and to stay as long as he wanted slamming the door to the point the hinges rattled. He made his way to the village.


Brendan angled his body against the door frame of the office door and smiled. His eyes fixated on Leanne who every now and then slid her own up to his view, typing away at a letter in relation to a case Brendan had won, she began to perspire under his gaze.

Her fingers fumbled across the letters of the computer and when she'd made more errors than she would care to admit Leanne lost the will to stay calm under the pressure. Her chair moved back quickly as she folded her arms flat against her chest crossed legs she stared back at Brendan making him loosen his posterior and feel a little unnerved.

"Right! Boss or not I wanna know what's wrong?" Leanne's face turned from worry to stern in seconds

"Ummm, Douglas and Steven"

"Yes, what about them?"

"What are they like?" Brendan fiddled with the paint on the door frame looking back at Leanne

"They're…good people. Although I am mad at Ste, he's broken Doug's heart"

"Oh? Maybe they're just wrong for each other, time to move on"

Leanne scoffed throwing one of her arms in the air "Whatever. All I know is Doug is a right grump now"

"Why not invite them out? I erm…we, as in Simon and myself have a party to attend, ye know like a work's do. And as an employee you're invited" Brendan pushed off the door and held his hands in his pockets.

Leanne's eyes followed him around the room her arms still folded across her while crisp shirt.

"Really? First time you've ever invited me out to a works do, what's that got to do with Doug?"

"You are allowed a plus one, or in this case plus two?" Brendan's eyes stared at Leanne's confused ones.

"You want me to invite Ste? Oh yeah and that will go down like a lead balloon!"

"There will be a lot of people there, they could mingle, maybe find others company good"

"Orrrr" Leanne's mind began to whirl she stood up wagging a finger at Brendan. "Maybeee they could get back together, you know different environment? Party atmosphere, alcohol flowing. This is perfect!"

Brendan widened his mouth to speak and stumbled on his words he shifted on his feet and darted his eyes at her.

"Um…yeah…yeah I guess. Or not. Anyway just make sure ye invite Steven, both of them" Brendan quickly nodded before leaving back into his office.


"Why have we been invited though?" Ste rummaged through his wardrobe with reluctance, he had nothing remotely suitable for an office party. He'd never been invited to one. As the trawled through tracksuits, jeans and work clothes he suddenly felt the urge to cancel and feign illness.

Doug wandered in dressed the part smiling and bubbly, Ste wasn't in the mood for this, he could see his husband desperately clawing on to the sliver of hope they could still work things out. Ste however had made the decision and he was devoid of all this coterie.

"It's a sweet thought! Leanne says we'll be mingling with the big suits too"

"Big suits? What?" Ste rummaged some more until Doug moved him out of the way and fished out black jeans and a shirt.

"Here!" Doug handed them to Ste "You always looked gorgeous in these"

"Um thanks" Ste flicked his eyelashes up and then pondered "That Brendan gonna be there tonight?"

"Yeah, he's the one who invited us" Doug sat on the edge of the bed "Leanne reckons it's unlike him too, guess we made an impression"

"He certainly did" Ste whispered then coughed as Doug looked back at him "Can you, you know" Ste thumbed to the door.

"You've never been shy before, and I've seen everything you have remember?" Doug stood up and reached out to Ste who shook his head.

"No, it's different now, please?"

Ste watched Doug sigh and agree leaving the room with his tail between his legs.

A posh car picked them up and Ste was impressed by it, a black company car according to Leanne who squealed in the back when Ste opened the door. They climbed in Ste sat on his own while Doug crowded around Leanne seemingly just as excited.

"Leanne, why has Brendan done all this? Don't you think it's weird?"

"A little, but it's a free night out, you two should sit together here…" Leanne moved and grabbed Ste to slump down next to Doug as she took his original seating. Doug even smiled awkwardly; Ste just stared out of the window conjuring ways to leave early. The building for the venue turned out to be a large hotel. Ste got out and looked at it surprised, obviously expensive. As they entered nothing had been spared the room surrounded in tables kitted out of every food imaginable Ste felt out of place and stayed close to Doug and Leanne the instant they arrived.

Ste wandered over to the bar and the barman offered over a flute of champagne

"Complimentary drink sir?" The man said and Ste couldn't help smile and accept it, the bubbles tickled at his nose as he sipped some. It tasted good too. After necking the liquid in one he asked for another and then scoped the room. He couldn't see him and thought it odd one of the hosts of this lavish do was nowhere to be seen.

It became all too obvious Ste was looking though, and unbeknownst to him Brendan was there, and watching the bronzed boy with a yearning. He wanted to go over to him, and he planned too, but right now he enjoyed the thrill of knowing he too had the same idea.

"He can't read minds you know?" Anne. Dressed in a gorgeous black A line dress, backless and shimmering even Brendan smiled wide at her.

"Ye look stunning"

"It is a superb dress isn't it?" Anne twirled "So, you gonna go get him?"

"Don't know what ye mean Anne" Brendan drank some champagne and smirked.

"I'll go fetch him" Anne moved quickly not giving Brendan chance to swallow his drink; he spilt some out of his mouth.

"Anne! Oi!"

Too late he watched the train of her sparkle leave as she made a bee line for Ste who was now sat at the bar talking to the barman. Brendan tilted his head, was he getting in with the barman? He was suddenly pleased Anne was on his side.

"Hello again" Anne winked at the barman getting his attention off Ste, the disappointment in his face had her tutting.

"Oh you can do better than him" Anne spoke to Ste turning to the other man "No offence love" The barman frowned walking away. Anne beamed at Ste.

"Thanks for that." Ste sighed

"Brendan"

"Actually my name's Ste"

"No, him Brendan" Anne gestured to Brendan on the balcony that surrounded the room, he was in conversation with Simon and wasn't looking.

"Oh that's where he is, I mean…so?"

"Come on, I saw it, that spark you guys had" Anne drank her champers "Don't just sit here, go do something about it"

"He's divorcing me and Doug, not exactly romantic is it?"

"Last I knew ya don't need romance in the bedroom"

Ste blushed eyes wide. "Wow you don't hold back do ya? That's all he wants then, a quick fumble? Well ya can tell him from me I ain't that easy" Ste got up and walked away leaving Anne to ponder her words.

"Hairy bollocks" She sighed and Brendan settled at her side.

"Whose this time?"

"Not sure, could be yours though" Anne turned to look at Brendan with her teeth gritted

"What…What ye done?!"

"Yeahhh, I think…I kinda told Ste that you just want a quick shag and he left"

"Ye…" Brendan looked to the ceiling for answers he'd never find.

"Never again will I allow ye to meddle in my affairs" Brendan held his hands on his hips exasperated.

"Affairs? Chance'd be a fine thing! It was an accident, just slipped out" Anne stood up "Bet you'd be thanking me if he'd been up for it though"

Ste grabbed his jacket and barged past Leanne and Doug. "I'm out of here, suddenly feel nauseous"

"What? Ste? Steee!" Doug looked at Leanne for answers but she just shrugged it off drinking her free booze.

Ste stood against the side the hotel, nightfall covering the sky, moonlight shedding some light besides the streetlamps that littered the streets. People staggered by in the distance, the lateness of the hour allowing for drink and merriment. Ste looked over at the car that brought them to the hotel and pushed off the wall to go over and try the handle. It was locked, frustrated Ste thumped his palm hard at the door.

"That wont open the door, I've tried that myself once or twice"

The thick Irish accent soaked through Ste's pores infecting his body to react with a shimmer.

"Yeah? Well nobody asked you did they?"

"Feisty ain't ye?"

Two loud beeps filled the air, as the car unlocked with a flash of its lights, the younger man scoffed looking back at Brendan's outstretched hand holding a black set of keys.

"Company car, I have a set" Brendan shrugged "Ye can get in now"

Brendan walked slowly until he'd stood next to Ste with a swing of his body leaned against the car. "Won't get far without a driver though"

"Ya cocky shit, why don't ya go back in, ya might get lucky" Ste tinged green with jealously at his own words, it rattled him this man has such an effect on him.

"Bothers ye doesn't it?" Brendan's instincts fine tuned to Ste's unspoken thoughts, his arms folded methodically twisting his body to lean on one side Ste warmed under his stare.

"No…what?" Ste held his hand at the door handle of the black car pulling it open.

"In case I do"

"Like I care, I don't even know you"

"So, let's change that. My office, lunchtime this week"

"What? No." Ste flummoxed and Brendan smirked

"I just mean to discuss ya case, hop in, I'll drive ye home" Brendan moved quickly not giving Ste chance to argue. "Jump in the front, if ye want…"

Ste stood a while; twiddling his hands he eventually closed the back door and opened the front to side in the leather seat. Brendan smiled, and Ste realised it lit his face up completely as he did. Even with the beard, his eyes practically shone happiness.

"You…have a nice smile"

"Yeah? Thank ye Steven."

Brendan drove them to Ste's flat, neither of them spoke, Ste seemed miles away in thought as he lay against the cool window. Brendan glanced at him during the journey but he never once roused from his silent trap. The car jolted Ste off the glass as Brendan pulled up and looked at the flat.

"Lived here long?"

"A few years yeah, um thanks for the lift. Sorry you missed the party"

"The reason I went decided to leave early, what choice did I have but to miss it?" Brendan answered turning to Ste full on.

"Hmm, right. I'd best…" Ste gestured to the flat as Ste nodded

Winding down the window Brendan leaned on his arm to watch Ste walk away, he tilted his head and hummed. Ste smiled as he heard but didn't turn back as he entered his flat.


Simon sauntered over to Brendan as he left the court room of the Magistrates building. Brendan managed a tired smile in greeting as they shook hands. Dressed in a suit that made him look swarve and debonair, Simon leaned back against the side of a huge staircase next to Brendan and sat down next to him on one of the soft chairs dotted around. Brendan who had been writing out paperwork dropped his pen for the umpteenth time that day to look up at him with contempt.

"Why is it, every time I finally start my work someone manages to disturb me and shove a spanner in the works?"

"Good morning to you too Brendan" Simon showed off his impeccable white teeth and glanced his eyes to the window across the way "Gonna be another scorcher by the looks of it"

"Are ye here for anything in particular or ye just gonna make small talk the whole day?"

"A couple of things…firstly I want Anne's phone number, secondly Carter and Hay? What the hell are we doing taking on such a pointless case for? Divorce a king pin or a member of parliament if ya must, but those two are commoners"

"Ye know what, your snobbery is gonna have us bankrupt one day. And I took it on as a favour if ye must know, Leanne knows one of them" Brendan points his pen at Simon then "And Anne would eat ye for breakfast"

"I truly hope so" Simon wringed his palms together slowly thinking it through. "Ok then as it's a favour, it's easy, both want amicable separation? Or are ya gonna fleece one of them for the other?"

"Steven wouldn't want that" Brendan answered without thinking and closed his eyes as Simon drew breath. He hated explaining.

"Steven? Oh who is Steven? Come on, I want details"

Simon leaned forward waiting for Brendan to look up; he did eventually but wasn't giving anything away. He and Simon were friends and had met through college both studying law they'd pooled together and set up their thriving business. All too soon their client list grew and with reputation came powerful clientele, the kind who showered you in money to keep them on the right side of the law, no questions asked.

Simon soon adhered to their demands reaping the awards that followed. Brendan tried to keep the business as clean as he could, only using his knowledge to bend the truth in such a way it stayed within the law and kept them reputable. They were both comfortable, and Brendan had his money invested elsewhere to keep him financially stable. That and the fact his sister married a millionaire also helped.

"Steven is…a client. He wants their divorce amicable and that's how it will be"

"That colour change in your face tells me otherwise" Simon raised his eyebrows

"Colour change? My beard is growing, no way ye can see owt but that on my face"

"You're eyes tell the truth no matter how much you protest to the contrary, I'd very much like to meet him" Simon asked looking around.

"You seen Fraser Black yet?" His blonde hair flopped forward over the side of his face as Simon lowered his head to look at Brendan flicking through a file heavy of paperwork.

"Yeah a couple of times, Daniel ain't happy about it though" Brendan sighed heavy "Maybe it's time to cut them out, I don't want to jeopardise our business Simon, it's taken us years to get this far"

Simon waved his hand in dismissal as he sat down next to Brendan. "Don't fret about it, they're just both too big for their boots, maybe if they'd work together, that would solve a lot of the crap"

"Or make more of it! Those two working together? Jesus. I'm here with Trevor Royale, and Daniel is slivering around too so watch yourself"

"Yeah, I saw you were up this morning, just a routine drugs bust I see" Simon sighed resting his elbows behind him. "I've supplying with intent to sell later this afternoon."

"Jeez, we really know how to pick em huh?" Brendan scoffed shaking his head.

"I'm not taking on anything else at the moment, to be honest this divorce makes a welcome change"

"In more ways than one I bet" Simon winked then and folded his arms.

"What?"

"Anne told me at the party last night! What, you think I'd not find out, and my best mate too, fancy keeping it from me!"

"Bloody gob on that woman. If you've spoken to her why don't ye ask her out?"

"Already did, she keeps saying no" Simon pouted as Brendan laughed at him "Thought if you give me a good word in?"

"Yeah yeah, I'll think about it"

"Well well, look at this, very cosy" Danny appeared climbing the stone stairs dressed in a grey suit and a smile. Simon groaned and rolled his eyes. Arms folding in defense.

"Simon Walker"

"Danny, fancy seeing you here of all places eh?"

"I like to get around. They ready for us yet?" Danny looked at Brendan who glanced up in mock surprise.

"Daniel, sorry I was too busy not caring ye was here"

"Oh always the life and soul. Simon you joining us?"

Brendan turned to Simon who mirrored his image "Ya want me to sit in? I've some time before my fun begins" Simon replied glancing at his watch.

"Ya might need some moral support what with the wet bandits" Simon gestured to Danny with a grin. Sneering back he moved away to answer his phone.

"Can do, I ain't fussed. Maybe one day I'll be lucky and lose"

Simon chuckled slapping Brendan on the shoulder "Nah mate, you're too bloody good, why I went into this business with ya"

Brendan stands when they're called back into court, signalling to Danny who tells him to hold on a moment, continuing his call. Simon walked by his side to the doors pulling them open.

"First drinks on ye tonight?"

"Deal" Simon winked in acknowledgement.


A week later and Ste had an appointment with Brendan. He shifted warily along the corridor stopping to look through the doorway to where Leanne was sat. She sighed watching Ste enter the room. Another door opened and Simon moved out to pass Leanne some paperwork to file. Simon looked up at Ste as he passed the file across to her.

Simon smiled leaning over and holding out a hand to Ste. "Hello, I'm Simon. Brendan's better half"

Leanne sniggered taking the paperwork and shoving it in a tray on her desk. Ste gulped taking Simon's hand with a firm grip.

"You and Brendan? Oh…I thought he was…"

Simon realised quickly who Ste was wagging a finger at him and shaking his hand in such a way he jolted Ste's body.

"You! You are Steven?" Leanne looked up curious scrunching her forehead at Simon and then switching to Ste who bit his lip nervously.

"I just…" Simon danced his eyes between Leanne's gaze and Ste's caught in headlights stare "I recognize him from the party"

That worked, Leanne satisfied carried on typing. Ste still looked at Simon, he was good looking, Ste would have to be blind not to notice. He realised he hadn't said anything.

"Hi, I um…I've an appointment with Brendan"

"Hmm, thought so. He's a good man, and he might act all tough, but deep down he's a soft ass"

Ste's eyes widened, not knowing where to put himself, his lips moved but nothing came out. Simon grinned and just before anyone else could say anything Brendan opens his door too.

"Leanne, can ye chase up Steven Hay for me, he seems to be…" Now there was a stand off, all three men darting looks to each other and Ste who began to back out slowly.

"What's going on here then?"

"Nothing" Simon licked his smile and turned on his feet. "Nice to meet ya Ste" Simon winked and the look Brendan shot at Ste had him feeling guilty as sin. Brendan looked at Leanne then moved back to his room with a deadly silence.

Ste glanced around and leaned close to Leanne

"They always like this? Only I feel like I've entered the twilight zone suddenly"

Leanne just glared over her glasses at Ste, typing one letter at a time in annoyance at his interruption.

"Fine then. Where's Doug?"

"He hasn't an appointment has he" Leanne snapped typing away at her keyboard in anger, letting off a thick atmosphere in motion, which held Ste captive. His eyes rolled, he's expected this, he was the bad guy in her eyes, Leanne never stopped to think this would've happened whether he ended it or not.

"Thanks for that, I take it I don't need to ask why the hostility?" Ste moved to knock on Brendan's door.

"He deserves better if you ask me" Leanne replied

"Yeah well no one asked you did they" Ste turned back around and gained on Leanne's desk "I never wanted this, think I want to hurt Doug? I'm saving him, us."

"No, you're saving yourself, you're bang out of order Ste. And where did you get to from the party? Just disappeared, bit convenient isn't it?"

"You're his best mate, I get this, I do. I ain't answering to ya anymore though"

Ste opened the door and slammed it shut resting his forehead against the wood for a moment to gather his thoughts. He glanced around the office with more detail this time noting the amount of certificates and books the man had. Brendan sat at his desk and when Ste had stood behind the chair, he looked up.

"Steven"

"Ste. Can I?" Ste gestured to the large chair and he sat down hard into it. His body tired and limp he's never felt so heavy, worst still the chair was hard leather so he couldn't sink into it and hide away like he really wanted to right now.

"Are ye okay?"

"Nope, next question"

"Want a drink?"

"No ta, look can we get on with this? I just want to get back, have a business to run"

"Steven, about the other night…I need to explain about what Anne said to ye"

"Doesn't matter, she told me what you're after. Good luck with it."

Brendan shifted in his chair like he was sat on nails; he felt a divide appearing between them. It's the last thing he wanted though.

"It's not true, what Anne said." Brendan flicked his eyes embarrassed

"Really?" Ste asked similarly embarrassed. "Then what do you want?"

Brendan caught Ste's gaze again, the first moments they'd shared the other day resurfacing Ste shivered under the scrutiny of it. Ste noticed the mysterious man before him in a new light, he fancied him, his presence set his senses alight.

"Honesty? I wasn't expecting ye"

"I have an appointment though"

"No I mean…" Ste laughed making Brendan smile in response "Very funny"

"Do ye like Simon?"

"What?" Ste shot his eyes up at Brendan who fumbled with the pen in his hands, every now and then flicking his gaze up.

"Yeah, he's alright"

"Just alright…or good looking maybe"

"Brendan, you sound jealous I looked at him"

"I ain't nothing to get jealous about" Brendan shifted in his chair upright. "Liked what ye saw though eh?"

Ste grinned leaning forward. "I do like what I see actually" He rested his teeth over his bottom lip trying not to redden but something about Brendan had his body far too responsive. Realising the fun he could have just teasing this man was sending his mind crazy. He quickly simmered down.

"What am I here for Brendan?"

A gulp left Brendan's mouth "Ah yes" flicking through his paperwork "The deli?"

Ste nodded silently looking around the huge room. Distracted, Ste wasn't really here, in his mind or heart. Brendan's voice distorted into a far away place as he switched off, eyes blinking softly a sigh left his lips and head lolled at the back of the chair. Brendan oblivious carried on talking.

"Ye want half of it?"

"What?"

"The deli, only if ye divorce ye can either take half or all of it"

Ste stands up and wanders over to the window "This is boring, can we talk about somet else" Ste sighs heavy leaning his head against the glass which is hot thanks to the summer sunshine beaming through, he looks down onto the bustling city. It's funny, he thinks, how life just always manages to carry on no matter what. His hand trails up and flattens against the window.

"Good view this"

"It's not half bad"

Brendan looks directly at Ste who then manages a smile before turning back at the view outside. Ste listens to the movement behind him, Brendan is soon at his side and they look at each other a lingering moment, Ste drowns in his eyes, they're so blue and mysterious. He wonders what's going on in his mind as he looks at him with such intensity, Ste feels naked from it.

"What ye want to talk about?" Brendan breaks their spell as fast as he'd cast it.

"Sorry?"

"Ye seem to have a lot on ye mind, maybe we should cancel"

"Okay then" Ste shrugged and moved to leave, Brendan silently cursed his words.

"Wait, I've some paperwork for ye to take home and fill out" Brendan moved to his desk and passed Ste over an envelope. Ste took it and thanked Brendan.

"Sometimes speaking to a stranger helps"

"I just dunno how I got here you know?" Ste spoke hand on the door "I thought after everything me and Doug were gonna be the start of something good"

"After everything?"

"Why are you even bothered? As long as you get your money" Ste regretted his words turning to Brendan "I'm sorry, ignore me"

"Please?" Brendan gestures to his desk "Sit with me for a while"

Ste chewed on his bottom lip moving over to the chair again. "What am I supposed to say?"

"Anything ye want"

"Are you a therapist now?"

"I'll be anything ye want"

Ste's eyebrows raised "Anything?"

Brendan's office door cashed open with a loud bang, the noise echoed around the large room. Ste jumped and turned around to peer over the back of the chair not knowing who or what to expect. Danny walked in and up to Brendan shouting as he lunged long strides. Ste eyeballed him the whole way and gawped open mouthed up at the suited man before him.

"Brady, need to talk with you, now"

Danny spoke in a warning that had Ste up on his feet in record time. He backed off and crashed into a drinks globe he'd not seen in his way. Brendan was calm in his ascent from the chair at his desk, almost methodical. Staring at Danny with a contempt he was glad wasn't directed at him.

"Ye don't have an appointment Daniel" Brendan grit his teeth, fisting on the desk he leaned on, his vision shifted to Ste as he crashed into the globe, eyes trying to appologise. He hoped Ste would notice. Danny questioned Brendan's distraction and turned himself then to see who he was looking at.

Ste swallowed as two pair of eyes were on him, he pointed to the door quickly.

"Brendan, I am gonna go now" Ste made to leave and Brendan hesitated knowing they were no longer alone.

He moved and stood next to Ste before he could walk out of the office.
"I wasn't expecting him too…I'm sorry"

"Look, I wasn't in the right state of mind for this anyway. I'm gonna…"Ste thumbed towards the door.

"Okay, I hope ye will come to our next appointment?"

Ste nodded in agreement before lowering his voice, his eyes fixed on the plush red carpet.

"Brendan, why did you say Doug was stupid divorcing me?" Ste scraped his fingers lightly at the door, his heartbeat slowed as if waiting for an answer. Brendan swallowed deep enough for Ste to hear the movement of it, both their bodies seemingly fine tuned to each others.

"Ye own a mirror Steven?"

"Yes"

"Try looking in it"

Ste smiled at his answer, heat rising in his cheeks, Ste's hand lightly touched Brendan's as it hung by his side, warm to it's touch. He opened the door and left.

Brendan felt an anger rise like bile in his throat, storming over to Danny gripping him by his collar the Irish man held him firmly over his desk. Danny's eyes widened in shock, having never seen Brendan so riled before.

"Ye" Brendan slid to the side of Danny's face "Ye never barge in my office without permition first, ye hear me Danny boy?"

"What's the matter, I ruin your time with that pretty boy of yours?"

"Don't. Test. Me. Ye wouldn't like my bad side Daniel" Incensed Brendan spoke directly into his ear for clarification jolting Danny back up with him, he nodded looking at Brendan's fists whiten at his shirt.

"Who is he anyway? Doesn't look like ya normal clientele" Danny asked straightening himself out again. Brendan walked uneasy back to his seat falling into it.

"Keep ye nose out of my business" Brendan jabbed to the chair opposite "This better be good"

"Police have arrested Trevor, need ya help getting him out of prison. What else did ya expect?" Danny smiled and Brendan wanted to reach over and wipe it off again.

"Simon could've dealt with this" Brendan stood up grabbing his briefcase "They'll set a bail"

"I'll pay it, whatever" Danny dismissed it with a swing of his hand. Brendan moved to leave turning to look at Danny.

"Come on then!"


Another month passed by quickly, Ste worked in the deli as normal, Doug choosing not to turn up, Ste had to cope on his own. It wasn't easy, and during the busiest times he'd had to close the business unable to manage. He'd barely seen anything of his husband, or now estranged husband. Ste felt more alone than ever.

He held a letter in his hands, one of many he'd received from his solicitor, he hadn't had the time to go to any more appointments, so just ignored them. Ste read the pages with a struggle, the words many and didn't make much sense to him. Frustrated he scrunched it up into a ball and threw it; two feet appeared by the rolled up paper and a hand reached for it. Two hands smoothed it out on top of the counter as Ste busied himself in the kitchen.

A man cleared his throat and Ste shouted through that he wouldn't be one moment, sighing as he placed bread in the oven he wiped his flour covered hands over his blue apron, pushing the door open to see the back of a man stood in the deli.

"Hey, what can I get ya?"

Ste waited but no answer came from the man's lips, Ste shook his head, the last thing he needed now was an awkward customer.

"Excuse me? What do ya want to order?"

"Can I have a jam sandwich? Seedless of course, and a coffee, three sugars"

Brendan turned on his heels "Please"

Eight weeks it had been since he'd first walked into this man's office, eight weeks since he'd felt himself more alive in one meeting than he'd had in his life. Four weeks since he'd last seen him and yet he still instilled a craving Ste wanted to fix. Ste's jaw dropped momentarily until he saw the smug grin his reaction had, then his face straightened up into non compliance.

"Don't have seedless, is there any such thing?"

"Yes, I have some at home"

"Better do one then, cos I don't supply it"

"Why ye crumpled up this letter I sent ye?" Brendan asked ironing out the creases with his warm palm "Not turning up to our appointments, I thought ye wanted this divorce?"

Brendan's eyes met Ste's then, wanting the answer to be yes. His pale pink lips parted and smouldered watching Ste fixated by his mouth, the dart of his tongue wetting his lips. Ste looked up to meet his eyes instead, he was so damn hot, Ste couldn't help but just stare at those eyes undressing him. He could feel Brendan's hands all over his body yet he was stood over the other side of the counter. Ste felt his blush simmer before it happened, that glorious flush his cheeks had making Brendan forget his inhibitions completely.

"Fancy getting a drink?" The words flowed freely off his tongue surprising Brendan even more than Ste.

"What?" Ste gulped and thought yes, god yes.

"Thought we could go over your case together, maybe I could explain what this letter means?"

"Why should I need ya help? It's just a stupid letter, I read it already"

"I know…Steven. I received your completed paperwork. I want to…help"

"That's none of your business! Get out!" Embarrassed Ste raised his defenses completely, he wasn't going to be humiliated again.

"Dyslexia is hard to live with, but ye know I can help, I want too. Please?" Brendan held his hand over the counter brushing the tips of his fingers over Ste's hand. The spark between them jolted their hands up quickly, Ste captured Brendan's gaze again which seemed to have darkened his eyes bluer than ever.

"Don't…" Ste whispered, "Don't take the piss"

"I'd never hurt ye, Steven." Brendan spoke with a defined honesty, shifting his feet awkwardly and moved to leave "Never mind. I was wrong to come here"

Brendan grabbed the door handle to leave

"Wait…don't go"

Ste broke the silence and Brendan closed his eyes at his voice which trembled. A renewed hope flooded his insides. He turned to look back, the younger man looking ashamed.

"There are some words I don't get and the context of the letter, it's hard to understand"

Ste bit his bottom lip, never feeling more embarrassed. Brendan however wasn't fazed at all, he nodded pursing his lips walking back into the shop properly.

"Okay"