When Ste moves to the village as the new deli manager and meets Brendan, the close friendship they form is threatened when Ste's partner Doug returns from the states.
I started writing this fic a couple of months ago, and is mostly made up of Brendan and Ste dialogue. Written as a one shot but I may make this into a chapter fic along the way.
Stendan AU with some canon in places. Rated M for later parts.
As I couldn't reply personally... StugruinedmyTea: Thank you for your lovely message. I hope you will enjoy this new story that pretty much centers around our boys :) xx
The Moment We Met.
Part 1
Liverpool
The beginnings of a warm spring turned the air inviting at last, replacing a long drawn out winter spell. Ste was sat down by the window and gazed out to look at the sky momentarily distracted and watched the clouds gently travel over. His head bowed and began to read once again over lines in the book he held. Perfect long lashes flickering with his study, and casting a sweeping shadow against his cheekbones, Ste's mouth slightly parted gave way to small breaths of concentration.
"Hey" Doug quietly spoke, his hand laid on Ste's arm as he stood by his side. Ste managed a slight turn of his head while gazing down at the words in front of him, the ink on the page keeping his attention.
"Hmm?" Ste spoke absent mindedly.
"All you do is study" Doug announced with a hint of sadness. "I hardly get to see you because of it"
Doug's words edged with petulance and Ste felt a weariness engulf him as he reads the same line twice. Ste glances up to him and the expression he is wearing. It was one Ste had become all to aware of in recent months.
"I'm sat right here Doug" Ste replies blankly.
They'd met through college, and now they'd left Ste still wanted to continue to learn, craving the intellect. Ste had found a natural talent for cooking and enjoyed being a sous chef where he worked. But the job wasn't sustainable and barely covered bills so finding another job for Ste had become Doug's new quest.
"Are you here though, hm? You can be here but still be somewhere else Ste."
"Give me a break. Ya know I am giving up my dreams for you right? I'm willing to move somewhere else and take a job running that deli ya parents bought - why isn't that enough?" Ste looked up then and sighed greatly. "But I ain't giving up my studying, cos one day I'll own my own restaurant."
"When are you gonna wake up Ste? Your own restaurant - with what? You've barely any savings to speak of. Look, my parents have given us an amazing opportunity, a business of our own!"
"But it's not ours is it? It's yours an' the deli is your idea not mine. I'm doing this for..." He'd forced a smile back for him, Ste was grateful for Doug's perseverance to try and make things work between them but worried the plan had been crafted for so much more than that. Doug's face had said it all, how desperate he'd looked, eyes wide and sparkling. Ste hesitated.
"I'm doing this for us, okay?" Ste placated, his fingers curled against the pages of his book.
"Ste, do still want to be with me?"
"What do you think Doug" Ste replied flippantly, continuing to try and read through the words on the page.
Doug let out a sigh as he sat down at the table with Ste, he glanced down at his phone. "Mum keeps texting about Dad. Wish they didn't live so far away, that visiting could be easier ya know? He keeps feeling unwell and I'm worried"
"I'm sorry he's still not doing so good." Ste said, he folded the book in his hands closed and looked up at Doug. "If ya need to go and visit I'll understand alright?"
"What about the deli though - we've only just got it sorted, can't run out on ya now can I?"
"Doug, it's your Dad init? I'll sort it, just see how he goes yeah?"
"Yeah, okay"
"And I do care about you. Just ya know things haven't been great between us in a while so if I sometimes seem... distant, that's why okay?"
"I know that. We can't keep kipping in Riley's spare room though, we need money and that's what the deli is for. You think my parents are interfering but it's not like that Ste. Did you get a flat sorted out with your savings?"
"Yeah. It's a cheap one bed flat, easy rental. Needs a good lick of paint like, but I'll put my mark on it at some point. Doug... I meant what I said though, about us moving in together. We'll be working side by side everyday so lets just do it one thing at a time okay and not in each others pockets like we have been. Besides, Riley don't mind you here does he, best mates aren't ya?"
"Yeah, dunno what I'd do without his friendship."
"Must be lovely to have that."
"Hey, you'll meet new friends in the village won't you? Bound to be nice people there too."
Ste removed his cup from the table and placed it in the sink. "I decided I'm gonna go to Chester early, got the keys for the flat and I've advertised Monday next week for opening. I'll do some baking too, get the deliveries out. Keep myself busy."
"They'll all love your baking too. I need to sort a few things here with the car and that so I'll come on the Tuesday. Will have to commute each day after all"
"Don't make me feel bad over it. I'm not ready to move in together yet, sick of us arguing" Ste looked up at Doug. "They do say the heart grows fonder with absence"
"Isn't the saying out of sight, out of mind?" Riley interrupts as he wanders through into the kitchen. He smiles at Ste and then looks to Doug. "Hey, you wanna come out later, have a kick about before I leave for the club? Take ya out for a spin in the new jag too while we're at it"
"Love too, give us a minute with Ste though first"
"Sure. Good luck with the opening of the deli Ste, shame the restaurant idea never took off mate" Riley slapped Ste on the back with a smile before nodding back at Doug. "Meet you in the garage Doug"
"Be glad to get out of here - he doesn't like me" Ste glares at Riley as he leaves the room.
"Yes he does, paranoid." Doug said, his arms curl around Ste's shoulders. "And listen, I don't mind how long it takes for us to live together - as long as it's not for ever okay"
Chester
"Brendan, have ye seen the coffee love?!" Cheryl shouted through the flat as she pottered about in the kitchen attempting to make some breakfast. There had been no sign of her brother getting up yet and because of her late night out with her friends, Cheryl's head throbbed mercilessly.
"Won't be in the fridge Chez" Brendan said, he wandered out of his bedroom and tittered to himself adjusting the length of his shirt sleeves. He stood to watch her sulk closing the fridge door to. "Regretting the late night by any chance sis?"
"Eurgh" Cheryl pouted miserably, her hand shielded her eyes as she propped herself up on the table "My head's pounding. Need a coffee, will ye go to the shop Bren?"
"This is your own doing" Brendan teased, he held both his hands on the back of the chair and looked down at his sister. "Fresh air will do ye the world of good"
Cheryl slowly uncovered her sore eyes to glance up at Brendan. "Please? Ye can't have a coffee ether if ye don't, and I'll even make breakfast"
Brendan shifted the chair back under the table and glanced back at his sister before heading to the front door. "Anything else while I'm there?"
"Actually, there is something." Cheryl angled her body around to face Brendan. "I've heard the new deli owner is arriving today, have a see if ye can nosy around while you're out there love"
"Because I ain't got anything better to do? If ye wanna know, go nosy on your own. They'll be middle aged with a bit of money thinking they've a business brain Chez. Just what this village needs"
"Give them a chance at least. Be nice to have a deli I think. Should be right up your street, food isn't it?"
"Doubt I'll ever set foot in the place. I will however, go into the shop for ye. Get some milk too shall I?"
"Best had love, thanks Bren. Promise I'll think about breakfast once you're back again" Cheryl said, she moped from the kitchen table to the sofa and plonked herself down, her forehead resting on the palm of her hand. Brendan pulled on his suit jacket before stepping out of the door and greeted a warm spring day, he held over the metal side and looked down into the deserted village. Light emitted from the shop window so he moved to walk down the stone steps from his home.
Brendan picked up some coffee and milk and wandered out of the shop stopping briefly to look at the news board headlines of the local newspaper and shaking his head. His eyes then focused on a van parked outside the deli ahead showing he wasn't the only early bird out in the village. The van doors were open and as curiousity got the better of him Brendan stepped closer briefly gazing up at his club while he passed by. At the van there was no driver or anyone else seemingly lurking about so Brendan had a quick look inside. The smell of freshly baked bread filled his nostrils and closed his eyes. The food in the van smelt delicious leaving Brendan even more hungry than he was when he'd woken up.
As he turned around to go, another person bumped into him clumsily. He was carrying a tray of bread and the force of its contact left some of them hitting Brendan's suit jacket staining him in a cloud of white flour.
"Oi watch the suit! Where did ye come from ey?" Brendan snapped as he glared down at his ruined suit. His eyes quickly flicked back up at the young man before him. Brendan drew his head up steadily to meet the widened fresh blue eyes looking back at him.
"Where did I come from? You're the one with his nose in the back of the van - bit of a stupid place to be in when I'm sortin' out my deliveries init?" The young man inspected Brendan's suit for the damage. "That's nowt that. Just shove it in't wash an that'll come up like new"
"I dry clean my suits" Brendan replied in annoyance. His thoughts betrayed his tone of voice, that the boy before him resembled an angel in this early morning sunlight. Long lash fringed eyes enhanced as he gazed up through them at him with an innocence that mirrored his youth.
"Course ya do" Ste replied levelly, paused for a moment to study the stranger before him anchored to the spot. "Can ya move now please cos I gotta get these into the van. I mean if ya wanna gawp, budge over a bit at least"
"Right so. You're the driver then?" Brendan asked, his eyes still entranced.
"Driver? I'm the manager here" Ste said, his eyebrows raising in time with his voice.
"Good to know" Brendan replied thickly, his eyes roaming over Ste's face. "Welcome to the village then"
"Um, thanks. Driver's in the deli if ya must know. Anyway..." Ste swallowed, he watched the other man eventually side step out of the way for him.
"Can't take all of them, this one is half on my suit."
"Well can ya just take that one off then? Ta" Ste placed the tray inside the van and closed the door shut. The driver finally came out of the deli then and exchanged a few words with him. Brendan watched on as he bit into some of the still warm bread roll in his hand and made a gratuitous hum of approval.
"Like the bread?" Ste asked with a smile, the van drove off and left them alone in the quiet village. "I made them myself, up late last night I were, baking"
"Tastes great."
"My time hasn't gone to waste then" Ste's eyes fell from Brendan's mouth to his flour covered suit jacket. "I feel kinda bad about that - even if it were your fault. Tell ya what, come in and I'll sort you out some breakfast."
Brendan's gaze followed Ste."Breakfast? In the deli?"
"Well yeah, unless ya wanna ave' it out ere'?" Ste said, he rubbed his hands down the apron he was wearing and strolled back into the deli leaving the door open for Brendan.
Brendan hesitated, his eyes on the coffee and milk in his hand that Cheryl was expecting. His growling empty stomach answered his thoughts. Brendan followed Ste inside the deli and took a look around. "Looks okay this place, did ye come up with the décor too?"
"No this, all this is the owners idea" Ste explained looking around the place. His eyes settled back on Brendan who was now focused on him. "It's alright though yeah"
"I've made croissants too, they're still warm from the oven" Ste continued to speak wandering into the back. "Could put some jam on – do you like jam?"
"Oh ye know, occasionally" Brendan replied. "But I only eat seedless"
"Good job it's the only one I stock then, better to make pastries and stuff without the bits in it. Get's stuck in ya teeth. Sit yaself down and I'll fetch it over."
Brendan sat down heavy on the soft seating area, relaxing his legs wide open and gazed at Ste in the kitchen and then around the deli properly. "So, Chester then?"
"Yeah. Moved around here from Liverpool -" Ste hollered through from the kitchen, he fetched the croissants out of the oven and felt the released blast of heat on his face. "- Seems a lot quieter here an' all" Ste brought out four croissants with some jam on the side. Strawberries and blueberries decorated the side of the plate.
"There ya go, don't mind if I join ya do you? Not had chance to eat and I'm starving after baking that lot"
"Not at all. This looks great, thank ye" Brendan said, he spread some jam on one of his croissants and bit into it. "Jesus, this is good"
"Ta. Want a drink too – I can make a fresh pot of coffee if ya like?" Ste turned to look at the coffee maker behind the counter. "I ain't worked out how to use it though so could take me a while"
"Get your breakfast. This'll do fine." Brendan licked around his teeth and gums before holding out his hand. "I'm Brendan, I run the club behind us along with my sister Cheryl. Been around here a good couple years now, place is okay but it's not as quiet as ye think, never a dull moment and everyone knows your business"
"Ha, cos it's a small village? Reckon most places ya find are like that." Ste shook Brendan's hand. "Brendan, nice to meet you. I'm Ste. North Irish accent isn't it, whereabouts in Ireland are ya from?"
"Dublin City, ye ever been?"
"Nah, never got the chance to travel much me. Manchester's my birthplace, Liverpool was where I studied at college, that's my limit, well - unless ya count coming here of course." Ste mumbled chewing on some croissant.
"Chester though, would of thought the other Cities better places to open a deli, more customers for a start."
"This wasn't planned though." Ste admitted focusing on Brendan. Ste took a moment for thought. "See, I weren't ace at schooling, so I tried at college instead and studied catering an' that, somet I'm good at. Worked in a restaurant part time but it weren't paying enough and I needed to get my own place. I know the owners so the job was offered to me"
"Always pays to have the owner on side" Brendan nodded agreeably. "Cheryl is the owner of the club, but I'm the boss"
"Best behave myself then. The suit kinda gives it a way to be fair, like a businessman in it. Looks good on ya too" Ste exchanged a brief smile with Brendan before continuing. "You're the first customer I've had so far an' if everyone else has your appetite I'll be okay won't I?" Ste said glancing at Brendan's empty plate.
Brendan fed a strawberry into his mouth and rolled it before he chewed. "Thanks for the breakfast Steven. Are ye open for lunch too?"
"As it happens, yeah. Working lunch for me as I'm on my own until tomorrow, that's when Doug arrives. He's from America."
"Really, he came all that way for a job?" Brendan quipped, his cheeky smirk on display. "Must have free air miles"
"What, no – silly" Ste flashed Brendan a smile. "Doug is the owner, or technically his parents are. Let's just say this is a second chance for us"
"Ah, I see. You're married" Brendan's Adams apple bobbed slowly.
"No. I mean he talked about it, once. Then this place became available and... Listen to me ey? Like ya gonna wanna hear me wafflin' on"
"It's not a problem." Brendan shakes his head. "My sister thinks the village could do with a deli"
"And do you think that?"
"It has it potential from what I've seen today"
"My first day of opening – hopefully I'll get a few people coming in" Ste chances a glance out of the window and the bright of the morning sunshine is creeping out properly from behind the clouds. "Especially on a day like this"
"Ye will, don't worry on that score." Brendan stands up to leave. "I'd best make a move, my sister is waiting for this, she'll think I've had to milk a cow for it"
"Gotta be a first time for everything though Brendan" Ste chuckles gathering up their plates. "Hang on one more minute, you can take some of this for your sister too, placate her won't it? I'll put it fresh in a bag for ya."
Ste wanders through to the kitchen and bags up some more pastries and hands it to Brendan.
"Might let ye walk into me a lot more in the future if this is my reward Steven."
"Hey, that's for your sister, you've had two large croissants already" Ste momentarily captures Brendan's blue eyes before opening the door to the deli to see him out. He waits until Brendan is almost at the stone steps and calls back after him. "It's Ste, by the way"
"I prefer Steven, and if I'm the only one calling it ye, gonna always know it's me" Brendan said, he winked as he left. Ste's smile widened.
His phone buzzed in his pocket and Ste reached for it.
Doug calling...
"Hiya"
"Hi. How's things there?"
"Okay, yeah, just sorted out the delivery. Everything is ready for today"
"That's great. Riley's letting me borrow one of his cars to drive there, quicker that way."
"Right. Riley saves the day again then. How's your Dad doing?"
"Still not great. Why I am calling - what we spoke about, would ya be okay if I did go over to the states? Ste, I know the timing isn't good" Doug said, his voice sounding weary. Ste stopped idly pacing up and down the deli and wandered over to the window to sit down instead. "I mean might not need to, but I wanted to double check with you first"
"Said I'd be all right didn't I? Just let me know. Won't be that bad on my own here I don't think, cos locals seem friendly enough"
"Oh? Have you met some?" Doug cried happily down the phone.
"One so far" Ste said, he turned to gaze up at the nightclub opposite the deli. "Brendan he's called, bumped into him earlier" Ste fleeted a smile.
"See, there ya go. Knew there'd be nothing to worry about. You might even become mates Ste" Doug encouraged. "Anyway, I'll let ya know either way what's happening. Riley said he might tag along if I do, go visit his Dad Carl over there. Makes sense"
"Right" Ste grumbled. "Long as ya tell me your plans beforehand, seen as I'm the one stuck here"
"Ste, I'm sorry"
"Don't matter. Gonna go now, so see ya tomorrow maybe" Ste ended the call before Doug could respond and drew in a heavy sigh.
"He's the manager not the owner" Brendan announced as he walked back in the flat. Cheryl was still sat flaked out on the sofa feeling like a zombie and opened her eyes to look at Brendan. He shakes a paper bag at her. "Brought ye some breakfast"
"Bren, what on earth happened to ye? Get into a flour fight?" Cheryl sat up and lent forward to watch her brother head for the kitchen.
"That'll be the new manager of that deli. Bumped into me, literally" Brendan carried on through to the kitchen and placed the bag on the side. His hand swept through the white flour stain on his suit jacket. "And my suit got the brunt of it"
"Jesus I hope he's alright then, Brendan please tell me I don't gotta go out there and check."
"Why wouldn't he be alright Chez? It was a accident." Brendan leaned up against the counter and crossed his feet where he stood.
"Hang fire, who are ye and what have ye done with my brother Brendan?" Cheryl quizzed turning to kneel up on the sofa to scrutinize Brendan. "Are ye feeling okay? Must be the shock of fresh air."
Brendan shrugged in response leaving his sister curious.
"So... this new manager then, name?"
"Steven and he's way out of your league too so don't bother getting all glammed up on a mission to impress" Brendan said, he avoids his sisters gaze by switching on the coffee maker but he can still feel her eyes on him.
"And why not? Your sister isn't good enough for the newbie in town?"
"Village and no, you're not his type."
"Right. And ye are sure about this"
"Positive, got some American fella, joining him tomorrow by all accounts. Sorry to disappoint" Brendan raised his hands outwards wandering into his bedroom to change his clothes. When he came back out the table was set for two and Cheryl was eagerly waiting for him to join her.
"Looks great this, thanks sis" Brendan said kissing Cheryl on the side of her temple. "Two breakfasts, gotta be my lucky day"
"Two? Oh...so that's the reason for the pastries?"
"Steven offered me breakfast, would have been rude to decline."
"Is he nice then?" Cheryl asked with interest, her eyes glaring at Brendan.
Brendan nods as he chews his toast. "I guess he is"
"And?"
"And what?" Brendan drank down his coffee.
"Is he fit?"
"I didn't ask him if he visits the gym Chez, Christ"
"Brendan! I mean as in fit, good looking?"
"Look at the time there, must be all the fun we're having - I'm off to work. Club won't run itself."
"Wait, Bren?"
"I'll see ye later and thanks for the extra breakfast" Brendan nimbly shifted out his chair ignoring his sisters gaze and stuffs some more toast in his mouth. There's a spring in his movement walking down the steps from his flat, he takes a quick look over to the deli before unlocking the door to the club and going inside it.
"What do ye mean ye can't do anything about it? What do I pay ye for huh? To mess up our order on a grand scale? I don't care if he's miles away tell him to turn back around and bring me the stock I asked for yeah? Hello, hello?" Brendan groaned and placed the receiver down hard.
"Really having one of those mornings aren't ya " Ste interrupted, he leaned up against the door frame as Brendan's eyes flicked up to him. "Hello again. Hope ya don't mind me coming up, the back door was open - might wanna look into that"
"Thought it was locked. Steven, what are ye doing here?" Brendan winced at his tone of voice, still angsty from his phone conversation.
"Ouch. Bad time then." Ste shrugs and turns around. "Guess I'd better leave ya to it"
"Wait" Brendan replied quickly, he moves from around his desk. "Supplier brought the wrong stock, leaving us in a tight squeeze. I've been trying to sort it out"
"Right. Maybe a softer approach then?" Ste suggested, wryly smile lighting his face. "Instead of bull in a China shop."
"Don't always work. What can I do for ye?"
"Change" Ste held up some notes. "Forgot to go to the bank, do ya have any spare?"
"Have to be from the safe" Brendan takes the money from Ste's hand and opens the safe. "Pounds and fifties do ye?"
"Great, thanks. Nice office this, never had one myself." Ste moved into the office and gestured to the leather chair. "Can I?"
Brendan quirked his eyebrow before giving a sharp nod. "Go ahead"
Ste sat in the chair, leaned back and folded his arms fixing his eyes with Brendan's. "What d'ya reckon, look the part?"
"Not sure ye can pull it off wearing those clothes to be fair"
"What about with, a tight fit suit on then?" Ste replied cheekily, coolly licking his lips.
"Maybe, yeah" Brendan held the money bags up. "Long as ye don't get flour all over it"
Ste scoffed pushing himself out of the chair with both hands, he rounded the desk to take the money. "Ta. Must be alright, being the boss of a nightclub though"
"Has its perks. Easy to hide from my sister in here" Brendan hushed with a smile. He moved to sit down again. "Looking forward to your first day?"
"Bit nervous, but mostly, yeah. I'd best be off actually, gotta open up. Thanks for helping out with the change"
"Anytime."
Ste briskly skipped down the stairs of the club and back out of the wooden door. A tall blonde haired lady met him at the bottom of the stone steps and as she looked, her expression blossomed into a friendly smile.
"Morning." Cheryl greeted the young gorgeous man before her and drifted her eyes to the deli. "I don't suppose you're the new manager are ye?"
"Guilty as charged" Ste smiled broadly and held out his hand. "Ste, and you must be Brendan's sister"
"How did ye...?"
"Guessing from the accent"
"Good guess" Cheryl's eyes widened with her smile, was enthusiastic shaking Ste's hand. "Nice to meet ye, oh and thanks for the breakfast by the way, tasted great. Brendan said ye made them croissants?"
"Cooking is my real passion. I'm actually a sous chef but I ended up managing this place, it's a job init? Think the only downside has to be the late night baking - I wouldn't recommend it to be honest. You want to come in for a coffee? Just about to open up"
"Erm -" Cheryl's eyes drifted to the club briefly and then settled on Ste. "Think that's a grand idea. Ye can tell me all about how my brother ends up covered in flour after meeting ye" Cheryl linked her arm through Ste's.
It was late afternoon when Cheryl finally arrived at the club. Climbing up the stairs, Cheryl smiled at Brendan as he served behind the bar. There's a few people sat around the sofa's as she wanders up and leans down on her arms.
"Sorry I'm late, got held up with the suppliers, what did ye say to them Brendan? I had to practically grovel to keep them on side. Can ye not use some tact in life sometimes love?"
"It's my middle name. Look, they messed up our order Chez, gotta do something about it ain't we? You're too kind on them so they believe they can get away with it."
"Ye wouldn't let that happen so nobody's taking advantage love." Cheryl surveyed the room and spotted some customers looking like they'd already settled in for the day. "Some people really like to start early don't they."
"Hey don't knock it, paying customers"
"Hm. I'll get Rhys to bring the crates up from the cellar. What time is it? Get off for your lunch if ye want, I'll take over here now"
"You've twisted my arm. It's not been too bad in here actually, steady stream of people coming in, busier tonight no doubt. Jacqueline and Rhys are around somewhere, although I suspect together" Brendan said, he handed a customer a pint of beer and took some money off him. "We need to have words with the staff, they can't keep sneaking off when there's work to be done"
"Not a bad idea though"
"Chez"
"I know. I'll speak to them, they're just in love, young love when ye wanna spent every moment together." Cheryl paused momentarily with her thoughts before she rounded the bar. "Something I still haven't been afforded yet, a dalliance with a gorgeous young man"
"They always see me first that's why" Brendan spoke coolly, smile wide as he chewed his gum.
"Very funny. Go eat. Oh... and say hi to Ste for me won't ye?" Cheryl added with a smirk, she found her brother's sudden confusion humourous. "That's right, ye don't know."
"What. What don't I know?"
"Just that I popped into the deli earlier and introduced myself to the lovely Ste properly. Well, I had to see who had my big brother in a daydream didn't I?" Cheryl leaned down on her folded arms, noticeable twinkle in her eye.
"I ain't been daydreaming Chez." Brendan scoffed and shuffled on his feet, his eyes fixing on Cheryl's. "What did ye say to Steven?"
"Once I'd mentioned whose sister I was to Ste, he couldn't stop talking away. Think you've made an impression there"
"It's a natural habit of mine - how did ye know I was going to the deli for lunch?"
"Well I didn't, until now" Cheryl spoke smugly as she moved to serve a customer. "Erm, Brendan? Thought ye said you'd never set foot in the place?"
"A man can change his mind"
Brendan held on a few seconds with his thoughts before swiftly stepping down the stairs to leave the club. As he wandered over to the deli he could see a lot of people inside, it made it difficult for him to enter the premises. Once a few of the customers had left and he found his way in, Brendan searched over the many heads of hair for sight of Ste.
"Steven?"
"Oh, hey Brendan" Ste glances up from wrapping a panini, has to stretch to his tip toes to see over the crowd that he's serving. Ste gestures quickly to the queue. "Won't be long, bit busy"
"I can see that. Want a hand?" Brendan suggests pointing to behind the counter. Ste pauses for thought.
"Well that depends, any good in the kitchen?"
"No" Brendan replied flatly and shakes his head, he's pretty dire when it comes to that sort of thing. "I do know how to work a till though"
"Ace, you're hired. Payment in food?"
"And we've only just met today" Brendan announced proudly to the first couple of customers who looked at him with blank expressions. He gave up his smile stepping around the counter to take payments from the customers and after a while Ste joined him and together they worked quickly through the crowd. Once the queue had dispersed, Ste walked over to the window to fall down on the comfy seating.
"Ta for the hand. I've been run off my feet today cos of the first day offers and that. Good though, shows it's a profitable place" Ste flicked his eyes up to Brendan and his new black shirt and light grey suit he had changed into from this morning, looking handsome in the body fit material, Ste couldn't help but appreciate the sight of him. "Anyway enough of me resting, I'd better serve my next customer hadn't I"
"Have ye eaten yet?" Brendan asked and Ste shook his head. Brendan walked over to the door and turned the two signs to closed. "So now ye will"
"In a minute I will. Have a seat" Ste patted down at the side of him. "I presume you've come in for some lunch too?"
"Don't move" Brendan playfully warned as Ste tried to get up. Brendan plonked himself down on the seat. "Have a break yeah? I can wait"
"Right and that's why your stomach is rumbling is it? You have waited long enough" Ste shakes his head, smile wide and gets up.
"Ye need a break too Steven" Brendan argued, but Ste's face was determined.
"No, it's okay right cos look - I can grab us somet each this way can't I? That'll satisfy us both then"
"At the same time? Talented man right there"
Ste laughs and makes his way to the kitchen. "What drink would ya like?"
"Let me sort those" Brendan shrugged off his suit jacket and laid it on the seating area and rolled up his sleeves while Ste got to work in the kitchen. "What are ye having?"
"Somet cold, I'll just have an orange juice thanks. Hey, what are ya doing?" Ste watched Brendan place some notes in the till.
"Paying for lunch is what I'm doing. Can't keep giving away your profits Steven. This is on me this time"
"Right, thanks. Smoked ham salad baguette do ya?"
"Sounds grand, I'll take these drinks over. So what d'ye think of the place so far?"
"Yeah, alright. The people seem friendly enough. Haven't had much time to look around though yet, heard there's a pub nearby. And your club of course but it's still early days init"
"Do ye like to drink?" Brendan asked, his arms stretched out the length of the back rest while his eyes kept on Ste in the kitchen.
"Well to be sociable I suppose, don't get rat arsed or owt" Ste chuckled. "I'm still not settled at home yet, boxes all over the place dunno when I'll find the time to unpack. Guess Doug'll help with all that though"
"Sounds serious" Brendan said, his fingers scratched idly at the side of his beard. "If he lives with ye"
"Used too, kind of. Met at college and we shared dorms. I got a part time job in a restaurant in Liverpool and we were doing all right at first, talked about getting a flat but it were too expensive to rent, neither of us could afford it. Money, one of the things that caused arguments so his parents decided to interfere with theirs instead"
"None of my business anyway"
"Sorry, guess it's nice to be able to talk. I'll shut up now" Ste stepped through the room with two plates and settled them down on the table.
"Gonna be pretty hard going if only one of us is talking Steven"
"Deja vous init" Ste smiles as he sits down next to Brendan who had to stretch his arm from around him to eat his lunch.
"Yep. You've not chucked that baguette all over me though, result there"
"You're funny. Next time then"
"Next time?" Brendan mused, he took a large bite out of his sandwich.
"Yeah, come in tomorrow, I'll see what I can do" Ste said tentatively and flashed Brendan a shy smile. Brendan carefully studied over the movement of it and the ease he seemed to feel around this young boy he'd only just met. He found it difficult not to look at Ste while his interest piqued.
"What time d'ye want me?" Brendan asked, he watched the bob of Ste's throat as he tried to swallow and fight off the blush in his cheeks. His eyes drifted onto Brendan's and shone brighter in the cast of daylight.
"Oh, um..." Ste mumbled finally gulping down the food in his throat. "Same time maybe, lunchtime?"
"Tell ye what, come over to the club with it. I'll show ye around properly – we can eat in my office, quieter in there" Brendan gulped down his drink. "You'll have Douglas here then won't ye?"
"Douglas? Oh, Doug! Yeah, I will. Good job too if today's owt to go by, would be shattered by the end of the week. I'll pop by then. Just thinking before, I've not been clubbing in yonks - since I were in my teens but ya probably don't play my kind of music in there" Ste jabbed his thumb back towards the window.
"What's that then?"
"Um, Cheryl Cole?"
"You're dead right, we don't play that" Brendan agreed, his laughter rumbled through his chest and infected Ste with it. "I doubt you'll find anywhere that'd play it"
"Hey!" Ste scolded. "I suppose your taste in music is better?"
"Johnny Cash? Don't play that either, well except when it's just me on my own. Music these days, well it's hard to keep up with the changes. Least in my day, ye could understand the words being sung, now it's death by stereo"
"What's a stereo?" Ste asked, his grin raised his cheekbones leaving Brendan to casually shake his head. Ste gulped down some of his orange juice.
"Never heard of Johnny Cash, must an older generation thing" Ste continued to tease as his heart lightened being in Brendan's company. He felt his body shift as Brendan's shoulder pushed him gently in retaliation. Ste licked his lips and grabbed a hold of his phone and typed into it.
"What ye doing?"
"How else am I gonna find out who he is, quicker than a flamin' stereo mate" Ste grinned side glancing Brendan. Ste watches the music video and smiles as Brendan edges over to do the same. "You're not really into all the technology are ya?"
"Nope. Give me vinyl records any day. So? Verdict?"
"It's..." Ste pauses. "More your thing than mine"
"Ye don't like it"
"I don't hate it" Ste turns off the screen.
"So, this home of yours, is it nearby?" Brendan blinked his eyes from Ste to out of the window, he points out of it. "I live upstairs in one of the flats"
"Figured that to be honest as ya walked up the steps this morning. My place isn't perfect but it was cheap. Just a ground floor flat out of the village, it'll do for now though" Ste looked down at Brendan's empty plate and took it along with his own to the kitchen. Brendan brought the glasses through and handed them to Ste.
"Ta" Ste said, he placed all the dirty pots on the side. "Forgot to tell ya, I met your sister earlier."
"So I heard. Popped in for a chat did she?"
"Yeah, mostly about you as it goes, know all your embarrassing stories now me" Ste joked as he stepped back over to Brendan. "Nah, not really. But Cheryl was happy to tell me if I'd have let her"
"I bet she was." Brendan said, his head shook.
"I like her, maybe I'll have more time to listen when she pops in again ey?"
Brendan gives Ste a cursory glance. "And on that note, I'm off" Brendan walks over to the door and turns the signs back to open. "Thanks for lunch. See ye tomorrow Steven"
A new day brought with it a change in the weather. Ste tutted when he opened his front door looking at the hard rain as it bounced back off the ground and created puddles in it's wake. He tugged up the collar of his blue jacket and tried his best to huddle inside it while he dashed outside and made his way into the village. Ste felt miserable once he'd arrived, half walked half jogged, he was soaked and slowed down the remainder of his journey towards the deli.
"Shoulda' brought an umbrella Steven" Brendan hollered from the balcony of his club, his suit dry enough to show he'd only just moved into the rain. Ste stopped to gaze up and collected raindrops on his eyelashes. Ste gestured to the sorry sight of himself, hair flat to his head and felt water droplets snaking down the back of his neck inducing a shiver within him.
"Come in for a hot drink" Brendan continued to speak to him. "Dry off a bit"
"I should open up really" Ste said, his eyes glanced back at the deli momentarily and then up at Brendan again, he'd stood opening the door for him now. "Have to be a quick one then"
"Always time for a quickie Steven. C'mon up"
Ste bowed his head and dashed for the metal steps, almost slipping underfoot as he does. The heat from the club instantly caresses Ste's damp face when he steps inside. He shrugs out of his dripping jacket and Brendan takes it off him to hang over his office door.
"Ta for this. Not sure I pull off the drowned rat look"
"Here, catch" Brendan lobs Ste a dry tee towel and goes to make him a brew. "Coffee do ye?"
"Thanks, milk four sugars."
"Four sugars huh? Between the both of us we just used half a bag there" Brendan passes Ste a steaming cup of coffee. "Only three in mine"
"I'm cutting down, used to be five" Ste glanced up at Brendan. "Joke"
Ste curves his hand around the cup and rubs the heat into his palms. His eyes stray over to various boxes of wine and beers, Ste points to them. "See ya got your order sorted, did you resort to underhand tactics in your quest?"
"No. Decided to take a softly softly approach. Somebody I know recommended it" Brendan passes Ste to sit down on the comfy seating in the bar area leaving Ste to grab his drink and join him. Ste rests his cup on his hand and leans back on the couch.
"This somebody sounds a really ace kind of person"
"Definitely had his moments. Great chef" Brendan complimented, he sips at his drink and eyes up at Ste. "Clumsy though, can't see what's standing right in front of him"
Ste's smile widen's. "Probably because there's always a big oaf in the way"
Brendan's facial expression is incredulous as he points at himself. "Oaf?"
"Nightclub boss then." Ste replied and kept Brendan's eyes fixed with his own "A cocky one at that"
"And here's me thinking ye liked that about me" Brendan tilted his head to one side.
"That'd be telling" Ste blew a cool ripple of air over his coffee before tasting it, eyes peering up at Brendan he let the rim of the cup lower gently. Brendan's quick beam of smile has Ste's tummy somersaulting. He swallows and idly looks around them. "Cheryl not in yet then?"
"No, will be later though. Doing the late shift." Brendan watched over Ste and couldn't help notice his slight nervousness. "Shouldn't ye be opening up soon, Douglas might be stranded out there in the rain."
"Doubtful. He's been delayed, for about a week." Ste breathed long through his nose and held his cup against his knee. "Parents - at least his dad, is unwell at the moment so it wasn't unexpected to be honest. I got a call off Doug last night, he and Riley are traveling together, flying over as we speak."
"Riley?"
"Doug's best mate"
"So... he's taken him instead of ye? Douglas gotta screw loose does he?" Brendan sips at his drink.
Ste laughs quickly through his nose and his smirk is permanent as he looks up at Brendan. "Doug's gone over to the states for a while. And I know I shouldn't grumble..."
"But you're gonna anyway..."
"Yeah" Ste chuckled. "Wasn't easy on me own yesterday, mostly during the lunchtime rush. Not looking forward to it, especially as I never wanted to come here in the first place."
"Say it ain't so Steven, why on earth wouldn't ye?" Brendan hid a smile behind the rim of his cup and watched Ste shake his head at him. "Sorry, joking aside, why didn't ye want to come to Chester?"
"I wanted to have my own restaurant" Ste felt the twang of disappointment coarse through him as he said the words out loud. The stab at his heart knowing the grasp of it was even further away now. His steely gaze swept over to Brendan expecting him to laugh at the notion like Doug had when Ste told him, but instead he was quiet with pure interest. It made Ste feel better, for once someone didn't think the idea stupid.
"I told ya I went to college?" Ste continued relaxing his rigid body once more. "Well I still study now, learning new recipes an' that. The flat kitchen is too small and the deli's even smaller. I were saving up, probably woulda' taken me ages but that were my dream ya know, and everyone is allowed one except me. My savings... they all went on coming here, the flat."
"Douglas should have listened more."
"He say's it's a pipe dream, and he's right. It is"
"How long? Ye and him, how long?"
"About a year" Ste replied, and smirked at Brendan's reaction. "Just because you're in a relationship with someone it don't mean ya gotta always agree"
"What's to stop ye from saving again? Ye could even rent a place somewhere, start it up and when the restaurant takes off buy it"
"You make it sound like a walk in the park - it's easy for you, business head on ya shoulders. I promised Doug I'd try for us so I'm stuck here now ain't I?"
"It's not all bad ye being here" Brendan sniffed averting his eyes off Ste.
Ste fleeted a smile and nodded appreciatively. "Don't suppose I could hire ya for the next week or so? I'd make it worth your while of course"
"Tempting as that sounds, I can't. However, seen as ye asked so nicely, I could pop in at lunch again. Except today, you're coming here remember. Gotta whole tour of the place lined up"
"Sounds good. I'll have to close up shop" Ste mused, gulping at his drink now it had cooled enough. Footsteps clambering up the stairs had Ste looking behind him as Jacqui halted and glared over at them both like they were aliens.
"Oh. Sorry, weren't expecting a tea party" Jacqui said, her nose wrinkled up as she wandered over to the bar.
"This lovely specimen is Jacqueline. Meet the new deli manager, Steven" Brendan held his hand over to Ste.
"Alright" Jacqui nodded her head. "What do ya want me to do first? Rhys is on his way, got caught in the weather."
"This downpour has a lot to answer for. The stock's here, ye can start unpacking it." Brendan nodded to the various boxes piled up to clarify and looked back at Ste. "Steven, can I get ye another drink?"
"No, ta. Best get off now before I settle in for good. I'll see ya at lunch again though" Ste admitted and caught the sudden raised eyebrows of Jacqui as he did. Ste leaned forward a little to Brendan. "Gotta keep the locals in gossip don't we, ey?"
"Too right" Brendan agreed with a sharp nod, teeth chewing at his gum while he watched Ste leave. Jacqui stood by silently gawping. "Something on your mind there Jacqueline"
"Ain't he married or somet? Best keep your eyes to yourself ey boss" Jacqui stood with her arms folded, ghost of a smile on her lips.
"How about ye start unpacking those boxes there. Crates in the cellar need bringing up too." Brendan heaved himself up off the sofa and pulled his suit straight before stepping into the office. "And he's not married"
The day is a quiet one for Ste as the weather keeps the custom at bay during the morning and he's that bored Ste finds his recipe book and chooses something to cook from it using ingredients at his disposal in the deli. The meal he's cooking is one Ste's never attempted before but the finished results looks like the picture and smells good enough to eat. All Ste needs now is somebody to try it out. Ste glances out of the window at the club and smiles to himself.
The rain has lessened now, it's spitting that fine rain that somehow gets you wetter. Luckily for Ste the club wooden doors are still unlocked as he steps in and ascends the stairs. Jacqui is at the bar with another man Ste has never seen before so he wanders over with a smile.
"Hello again" Jacqui removes her eyes off Rhys to look over Ste standing at the bar. "Back for more I take it"
"What do you mean?" Ste asks, he rests the box in his hands on the bar.
"Never mind. Rhys this is Steven, the deli manager"
"Ste, and nice to meet ya Rhys. I don't suppose Brendan is around? I'm a little early but I've cooked this meal ya see and I want to..."
"Sweet. Does your boyfriend know you're cooking for another fella?"
Ste parted his lips and felt an unease in his breathing. His eyes darted between them both and then at the food in the box. He swallows sharply. "Actually, can ya tell Brendan I've changed my mind. That I've gotta go now..."
"Go where?" Brendan's thick Irish voice filled the air around them as he skipped up the steps and halted at the top. He flicked his eyes up to his bar staff and their stupid little grins they shared with each other and then the upset that laced Ste's face. "Right, ye two get lost"
"What, hey ya can't talk to us like that!" Rhys muttered in annoyance.
"I'm the boss, can say what I like. Especially when it comes to poisonous little minds. We're closing up for lunch and when ye get back I want your attitudes resolved - am I making myself clear?"
"Yes. Come on Jacqui, early lunch before he changes his mind. Ste, sorry mate, we never meant owt by it okay?"
"Sure" Ste nodded apprehensively and watched them leave through the door. Brendan locked it and paused to give Ste the once over.
"What did they say?" Brendan stepped further towards Ste when he kept his quietness. "Steven?"
"That I shouldn't be spending so much time with you" Ste nodded, his lip pursed. "They're probably right an' all, cos I have been"
"Saying it like it's a bad thing. That smells good" Brendan gestured to the food now in Ste's hand. "Is it for me?"
"Yeah, well us" Ste admitted sheepishly. "Thought I'd try out some proper cooking for our lunch. Hoped you'd be my guinea pig too. But I should go"
Ste looked upon Brendan while he closed their gap, and bore his gaze. Ste studied Brendan's moustache and reckless stubble growth adorning his face, he looked every bit rugged, handsome and mysterious. "Do ye want to leave?"
"Not really no" Ste breathed in and caught the scent of Brendan's aftershave. "Are ya hungry?"
"I am now" Brendan focused his eyes back at the office and made a bee line for it. Ste fleeted a smile and followed him through placing two plates on the desk out of the box he was carrying. He took one over to the couch and Brendan stayed at his desk. "So, what am I eating here?"
"Ratatouille. I've never made this before but always fancied trying it. Be honest please cos that way I can improve" Ste scoops up some on his fork but waits until Brendan takes the first mouthful.
"This is why I'm the guinea pig - cos of all the vegetables in it?"
"It's good for ya - well?"
"Tastes fantastic" Brendan laughs seemingly surprised. "I just, as a fan of meat, I'm impressed"
"Ta" Ste beams proudly. "I like it too. Broke up my day making this, been so quiet with the rainfall, thought I were gonna go mad at one point. That's why I got here early see and then I had to face the firing squad"
"Ignore them. Guess they've been going mad with the lack of customers too - not that I'm in any way excusing their behaviour." Brendan turns to the door when the clack of heels are noticeable against the stairs in the club.
"Brendan love have ye seen my... oh, sorry" Cheryl stopped abruptly as she stepped into the club's office and gazed between them both eating lunch. Ste's smile brightened the room and encouraged Cheryl to smile back.
"Hi Cheryl" Ste cleared his throat of the food he was eating. "Nice to see you again"
"Hello Ste" Cheryl chirped, she turns her head towards Brendan, her eyebrows raised and smile wicked. "Fancy seeing ye in here"
"Came over with lunch, sorry I didn't think to bring extra"
"Doesn't matter love, I've had mine back at the flat, late shift for me today. Smells great though, could smell it as I walked in here" Cheryl perched on the end of the couch. "I like to make things sometimes too"
"Chez loves Irish stew" Brendan explained between a mouthful of food.
"You'll have to show me the recipe for that" Ste encouraged, he placed his fork down on his plate. "Just cos I am always looking to find new ideas"
"Steven is studying between managing the deli" Brendan spoke again. There was silence in response leaving him to glance up. Both Ste and Cheryl were smirking at him. Brendan rolled back his shoulders. "Proof I listen if nothing else"
"Ye should come in here one evening for a drink Ste, I've finally managed to convince our Brendan to play varied music in the club. Always been apposed to the idea until now haven't ye Bren?"
"Uh huh" Brendan nodded, his eyes drew up carefully and met Ste's gaze. His smile was smug and all knowing. Brendan hid his own behind a closed fist and kept Ste's eyes locked.
"Just goes to show if I badger him enough he'll see it makes sense what I tell him" Cheryl beams proudly.
"Wow yeah. Really good idea that, cos not everyone likes the same music, do they Brendan?" Ste reasoned, he rids himself of any food running his finger the wide of his lips. Cheryl darts her eyes between them and tries to ignore her sudden gooseberry status.
"So!" Cheryl interrupted and Ste looked at her. "I noticed the deli was closed, didn't ye say someone else was due today?"
"Yeah, Doug. He is in America visiting his Dad. Looking like it'll be at least a week I'm on my own in there" Ste looked over at Brendan. "Just as well to be honest, he'd be well narky if I'd left him to come sit in here"
Brendan raised his eyebrows and moved his hand away from his mouth. "Would he now. Am I in trouble luring ye away from the deli?"
"Ha, nah. I wanted to nosy around didn't I, must be catching - curiosity."
Cheryl moved her hand gently on to Ste's arm. "So, Doug. He's your...business partner?"
"No, nothing like that. Doug's parents bought the business for him, but I think he perhaps expected me to agree to that" Ste shrugged his shoulders. "I'm just the manager"
"But you're together though?" Cheryl pressed for an answer.
"Hm, yeah" Ste admits, his eyes dart between Brendan and Cheryl. "Been a bit on - off, but new place, fresh start init?"
"By swanning off to America first chance he gets" Brendan interjected lowly, voice quietened hiding his mouth behind his hand. Brendan's gaze on Ste averted before grabbing his whiskey glass with his fingers.
Ste felt a tension in his forehead as his eyebrows knitted together. He couldn't work out the reasoning behind Brendan's annoyance and the words he spoke. "We'll be fine when he comes back"
"Course ye will." Cheryl's voice brings Ste back into the room again. "Plus there's always that bonus of meeting new people in a new place too isn't there? Our Bren's single, aren't ye love? Hard to believe it Ste, no one's snapped him up yet"
"That is hard to believe" Ste states and smirks at Brendan's growing discomfort.
"Chez" Brendan warns, his throat clears loudly. "Ye not got customers to see to?"
"Not since the club is closed, no."
"Pretty sure there'll be something" Brendan darted his eyes at the door and Cheryl's smile is brief as she takes the hint and moves herself up again.
"Ste, nice to see ye again. Get our Brendan to show ye the club"
"Yep, on my to do list." Ste agreed, they both watched Cheryl leave and then Ste looked over to Brendan. "New music choice huh?"
"Makes sense to play everything." Brendan said, he shifted back in his chair and watched Ste get up and put their empty plates back in the box. Ste waited for Brendan to talk but he'd kept hold of the discomfort Cheryl had left him with.
"So, you're single. I'm surprised" Ste whispered the words like a secret he wasn't meant to tell.
"Just ignore my sister, thinks she's clever" Brendan said, his voice flat and eyes emotionless. He pushes up from his desk and Ste fears he's lost him now, lost the usual ease around each other and it leaves him feeling strange, an odd kind of quiver inside his tummy.
"What were that crack about Doug before?" Ste questions, he glances backwards to watch Brendan open the office door and look at him, his face unreadable. Ste steps closer and darts his eyes with Brendan's. "You can at least pretend to want to speak to me"
"Thanks for the meal, you're a great chef" Brendan replied, the slither of a smile twitched his moustashe.
"You're welcome" Ste let out a breathy laugh.
"Cellar first"
"Cellar?" Ste repeated curiously.
"Work our way up from the bottom." Brendan dipped down nearer to Ste "Because you've gotta start somewhere don't ye?"
"Yeah" Ste ghosts a smile. "You do"
Brendan gestured his hand out the door. "After ye Steven"