Thank you for your lovely reviews for this story. xx
The Boy Next Door
Part 2
Ste closed the front door with a soft push, mind racing as fast as the sound of his heart against his chest. He couldn't comprehend the last hours he'd spent with Brendan and how they'd just sat together talking as if it were something they'd always done. He'd waited, Ste had listened to the quick steps of Brendan rushing up the path and back up his own to avoid the torrential downpour. The noise of his door closing. There was something exciting about them being this close with only a wall dividing them, and Ste felt he could now hear everything, each sound seeming to echo more now.
Ste licked his dry lips and proceeded to switch off the lights in the main rooms of the house before moving through to his room. Drawing the curtains to, Ste got into bed and bunched up the covers under his chin. He looked around his new bedroom again, it was a lot different to his childhood room. They'd had single glazed windows in his house that always froze over during the long winter months and kept him cold. He'd do this then, shelter under the duvet. Wrap himself up in it like a cocoon during those nights and shivered until he'd fallen sleep. They'd not always money to keep the energy going in the house so the fires barely got switched on. Ste drags back the sheets now and feels the heat from the radiators prickle against his skin releasing a gentle hum from his lips.
The light fitting on the ceiling cast an elongated dark shadow from it with his bedside lamp lit up, there was an old style mirror hung on the wall at the back and a solid pine wardrobe in the corner of the room. Ste traveled his eyes around then lay his head to one side, stared at his phone and took it in his hand. The time said 2:43am. He huffed a long breath, bouncing himself on his back and closed his eyes. Usually an old memory would resurface now, a time from his childhood he rewrote in his imagination. Now there was something else dominating his mind, Ste smiles with thoughts of Brendan.
Rae wakes Ste up late morning. Bouncing on the edge of his bed on her knees, the mattress dipped and springs recoiled. Ste lifted his head up sharply, half lidded eyes looking at her unamused. Ste grumbled placing his head back heavy on the pillow.
"Rae...I'm tired" Ste yawned loudly, rubbed the pesky sleep from his closed eyes.
"Sorry, but come onnn. Haven't seen you in ages, we could go shopping like we used to. You're not working today are ya" Rae speaks excited, once again shifting the springs in the mattress. She moved off the bed and drew the curtains letting in the beautiful sunshine. Ste let out a weary sigh, brought up his arm to cover his eyes from the bright light.
"Okay, I will agree if ya quit boundin' around me room all day" Ste twisted and stretched his arms up above his head, his bones cracked blissfully. Rae stood quietly by the window and gazed out of it. "What ya looking at?"
"Just our neighbour, he's going out somewhere" Rae replies, the noise of Ste suddenly shifting and jumping out of bed alerts her to gaze back at him. He looks then himself. Ste tries to avoid Rae's curiosity, moving to get some jogging bottoms on.
"What were that all about? You have never gotten out of bed so quick in your life!" Rae laughs watching Ste, she looks back out of the window.
"No, I had cramp in me leg. Had to shake it out quick so that's why I moved fast." Ste replies unconvincingly, doesn't look back at his friend who sports a fair old smile now. "Do you know if anyone's gonna be in later tonight? Ste continues.
"Um, well me an Amy will be out for a meal, gonna ask ya to come along"
"Can't, not tonight. Were gonna do some baking ya see. Could do with the kitchen to myself" Ste gazed up sheepishly at his friend. "Just for an hour or two"
"Hm. Okay, I'll suggest to Amy we take Tony along tonight. You're acting pretty elusive Ste, but I think you're not ready to divulge why, are ya?"
"No, an I have my reason's. Just trust me an I will tell you soon, promise. Come on, let me have a shower an that and I'll treat us to a coffee in town"
After getting the kitchen to himself a while before he went round to Brendan's house, Ste left his home and traveled the short distance to next door. Ste stills with his hand up to the door, hesitates before he knocks. Looks around at the quiet street they live on, darkness falling around him, it's around eleven o clock. They'd arranged for him to come around tonight, and now he's stood outside of Brendan's house his nerves become his enemy and weaken his knees.
Ste stands taller and gains composure, knocks pathetically at first, no one would have heard it. Except Brendan that is, the man who'd been waiting for Ste to turn up. He heard it and opened the door. His smile had begun to please Ste the more he saw it, the way it brightened his face, lifted his moustache and presented those hidden lips fully. Ste mirrored his happiness and felt at ease walking in to Brendan's home.
"I'm too early, aren't I? Hope it's okay - I can leave if not...or" Ste babbles with his nerves, the fact he's in new surroundings and with a man he happens to like.
"Yes, probably best stand outside for another, half hour" Brendan admitted taking a quick glance at his watch, his mouth held relaxed upon engaging Ste's eyes. They were wide and shiny in the bask of the street lamps leaving Brendan completely at mercy with them.
"Ya serious?" Ste exclaims, voice surprised as he drops his jaw.
"Like I'm gonna make ye stand outside Steven. I was ready hours ago, so yeah it's okay" Brendan winks and relaxes Ste instantly. He chuckles on his breathing and gestures to the inside.
"Cool place." Ste spoke impressed twisting his body around to look everywhere. Brendan closed the door and showed him through to the lounge. Ste passed him a food box and nosed around the modern looking room.
"Thanks. So what's in here?" Brendan intrigued looks at the container.
"Just some cookies. I have a budding chef at home, Tony, he teaches me stuff sometimes."
"Ye made these?" Brendan asks, eyebrows raised in question.
"Yeah, not the surprise of the century though right. You like cookies don't you?"
"I love all food Steven. It's the way to my heart"
"I'll make a note of that then" Ste speaks without much thought, glances at Brendan who's looking mischievous suddenly.
"Will ye now"
"Couldn't hurt" Ste simpered as he shrugged and sat down on the sofa. The large comfortable cushions swallows up his body and he melts right into it. Ste smoothed the fabric out with his flat palms. "Could get used to this"
"Reckon I might too" Brendan sighs watching Ste making himself at home, places the box on the table. "Want milk with your cookies?"
"Ha, nah, I'll have a cuppa if you're making one"
"Usually crack open the whiskey at this time" Brendan says, moves into the kitchen and Ste jumps up to follow, finds the middle counter a good place to lean down against, his top rides up and shows off his lower back. Brendan can't help but admire the soft golden tone of his skin. "Comfy there?"
"Yep. So can you cook then? Only I was curious like, as ya on your own"
"There's this brilliant invention that I use" Brendan informs Ste, puts the kettle on. With his back to him, Ste let's his eyes wander the full round of Brendan's posterior.
"Besides size too small suit trousers?" Ste ponders while Brendan turns his head back slowly, looks at Ste with a blank expression. "Let me guess, microwave"
"Takeaway" Brendan turns back, beam on his face. "Brew?"
"Tea, one sugar ta"
"Duly noted. I have three in mine" Brendan places Ste's drink on the side. "Are ye feeling better from yesterday?"
"Yeah, not bad. It was good to talk a little about it, I haven't in a long time. It does help though"
"I agree it does" Brendan leads them through the house and gestures to the sofa.
"Ya don't mind if I..?" Ste toes off his shoes so he can sit crossed legged. They sit across from each other as Ste offers the box of cookies to Brendan who takes one. Ste blows cool air over his tea and takes a sip, watches as the older man carefully takes a bite and savours it. Ste's eyes are like the ocean staring back at him.
"What's the verdict then?"
"They taste like...heaven. Ye really make them?"
Ste grins smugly. "Yep. Glad ya like em"
"Where does your step dad live?" Brendan asks, leaving Ste whipping his gaze up fast.
"Why ya wanna know that?"
Brendan shrugs. "Just seems like he's gotten away with far too much that's all"
"Where does your dad live?" Ste asks with a miffed tone, it has Brendan left feeling put in his place and regretful for asking.
Brendan nods slowly "Okay, fine."
Ste releases a heavy sigh and mulls over his thoughts. "Sorry, it's just that Terry winds me up. It's ridiculous what I let him get away with. He comes into my work sometimes, says the money is for me mam cause he knows I'll do it for her. Thought once I'd left home things would be better, but seeing Terry the other night here shows me he'll never leave me alone"
"Why don't ye do something about it then? Seems to me he needs putting in his place, but by ye. I could sort him out again but he knows he can click his fingers now. Been going on too long"
"How can ya make it sound that easy though?" Ste fidgets with his hands. "Your dad did bad things too, he got away with it. Terry is just the same"
"It's not the same. That's...nowhere near the same. And I chose to walk away rather than face my demons. My father is Seamus Brady, no one can stand up to him" Brendan shakes his head pathetically, the amount of times he'd rehearsed it, standing up to his father had wasted umpteen hours of his life. If it could only be that simple. Brendan can feel the gaze of Ste's eyes upon him, they're innocent and curious. Soft when Brendan meets them.
"You only think that because it's your dad init? I'm the same with Terry, they leave that fear they put in ya when you're young. So it's like always there. But when they're faced with someone else, someone new it's them who get the fear. Not knowing what to expect"
"And you're the boy for the job are ye? Think ye can face my father? Can't even face your own can ye?" Brendan drawls, but surprisingly Ste doesn't let it faze him.
"I were just saying Brendan. Look how Terry reacted to you the other night. I saw his face change, like I'd never seen before. Moments earlier he was hittin' me cos it was normal, safe for him knowing I'd just take it. Then you turn it around and that's dangerous to the likes of him."
"Steven, I didn't know he'd hit ye" Brendan places his drink on the side. "He won't do that again, ever."
Ste gazes up through his half lidded eyes, gulp in his throat. "I'm not just a boy either."
"That's told me. Go on, how old are ye then?
"I'm Twenty"
"Twenty. I remember when I was that age."
"Musta been ages ago, back when the dinosaurs became extinct" Ste huffs, grabs his drink again and sulks. Brendan watches him do so for many moments, half amused by his protruding lip and sunken eyes.
"Nobody ever teach ye respect?"
"Nobody ever teach you tact?" Ste bites back, his eyes bore straight into Brendan's.
Even though Brendan humoured Ste, there would never be a time, he thought, that he could ever have the last word with Ste. He'd certainly gain enjoyment trying.
"Leave your manners outside did ye?"
"For me elders? Yeah you've a point there, best go find em"
"Answer for everything, spirited... and it's not your youth?"
"I'm not sticking around for this, taking the mick outta me" Ste grumbles, hoisting himself off the sofa. Leaves Brendan slightly taken aback but Ste doesn't get far walking over to the other side of the room by a bookshelf. There are numerous photos placed there and he stops to look at them. Brendan eventually wanders over to join Ste, standing just beside him.
"More like, you're miffed because ye can't get the last word" Brendan lowers his voice, bends down to Ste's ear. "Met your match in me"
Ste turns to his side and gazes up into Brendan's eyes, licks his lips and catches Brendan watching. Ste smirks.
"At least I can control myself around you" Ste turns back and looks down at the photo in his hand of Brendan and a young girl stood with him on the beach.
"I wasn't takin' the mick. I only meant ye wont take any crap off anyone. Including me so it seems. Why can't ye do the same with Terrance, reckon he'd be put firmly in his place"
"Probably because it never gets me anywhere. He frightened me as a kid you know, that doesn't just leave ya Brendan"
"No, it doesn't. I just believe you're a lot stronger than ye think ye are" Brendan holds his hand to Ste's shoulder but the boy is still feeling antsy.
"This was a bad idea coming here, I'm gonna go" Ste places the photo frame into Brendan's hand.
"What do ye mean, hey don't go. I'd been looking forward to your company" Brendan says, the younger boy stops and turns around, gazes up at him.
"Yeah and me." Ste sighs, slight nervous laugh escaping from his mouth. "I guess I'm a bit mouthy sometimes"
Brendan runs his thumb over the lower part of Ste's mouth, just below his full lip. It dragged a little, Ste's lips parting enough to breathe warmth over Brendan's wrist. "I like mouthy"
Ste scoffs bowing his head, lip subtle tugging upwards with his smirk. "So, who's the girl in the photo?"
"That would be my sister Cheryl. She lives in Dublin, likes to be near my Da. We're quite the opposite as in she had a completely different upbringing to me" Brendan recollects, looks at the photo frame in his hand. "This was taken on the beach near to where we lived"
"You look happy here. Do you still see her?"
"I haven't been home in such a long time. When I left, looking back wasn't part of the plan" Brendan explains, his eyes flicks up to an open mouthed Ste. "Well, we speak on the phone so...I'm not too bad"
Ste smiles, turns to look at the other frames of photo's and notices something else. "What about this, degree in English?"
Brendan lifts the frame, certificate encased inside it.
"Yeah, I'm a teacher." Brendan confessed reading quietly to himself.
"Oi I thought ya weren't taking the mick anymore!" Ste shoved Brendan playfully in the arm, gasp in his throat.
"What?!" Brendan says with forced laughter
"I'm not taking the mick, ye ain't the only one who studied" Brendan defends himself quickly. Ste's still not convinced though. "Alright so yeah, it wasn't planned, but it was anything to stop working with my Da. This, this he wasn't happy about, wanted his son to help him run the business, why I pursued anything but"
"So, you studied to piss your father off? I can think of less boring things to do"
Brendan chuckles. "It kept me busy, and out of the way. Like ye do now I attended college and I was good at English and gained enough qualifications to be anything I wanted
"Anything?" Ste honked out his laugh "Teaching though, means ya dead clever that does. I wouldn't last five minutes"
"Hang on a minute, what about cooking? Ye could show me more than I'll ever know"
"Oh yeah. Got a point there. So...you became a teacher in spite of your dad. Do you regret it now?"
"No, it's cool. I get to travel as a supply teacher. I go where I'm sent, been to many different schools and academies. A few in Ireland until this one time I was offered a placement at a school in England and I jumped at the chance, literally on a ferry, to get as far away as possible. Got myself a house here and...never looked back. Truth is, I haven't been home in years"
"Supply teachers. I remember those at school, they were cool and occasionally fit too" Ste recollects, looks at Brendan who dances his brows.
"Well it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. Ye still are surprised though, doesn't it sound feasible to ye? It's the tache, isn't it. Beard?"
"That in't a beard"
"Why isn't it?"
Ste holds his palm to Brendan's face, uses his finger tips to drag the rough growing hair. "Still stubbly ain't ya. Beard would be softer an you'd be hairier"
"Beard expert now are ye? It's not fully grown yet. Tell ye what, I'll let ye test it out again when it is"
Ste gawps a moment at Brendan, observes his arms now tightening around his chest. Ste breaks out into a short snigger. "You don't look like a teacher."
"What do I look like to ye then? Careful mind."
"Dunno, in your suit you could pass for a businessman" Ste walks back over to the sofa and feels satisfied enough to stay. Sits back and thinks carefully, grips one of the cookies in his hand to nibble on. "Was you dead strict with ya kids as a teacher then?"
"No, I didn't really get chance to be in their lives. My biggest regret. I'm not a great father" Brendan admits with a heavy sigh as he joins Ste once again on the sofa.
"I don't believe that, you being a bad dad." Ste shook his head at Brendan. "I know bad uns, and that's not you."
The briefest smile painted the older man's lips then, he didn't look up from his hands though. The shame he felt weighted him. It had been a long time since anybody had believed in him let alone spoke it out loud.
"I start back at college soon, that's helped loads the study an that. Making myself better, determined I am"
"Good, I'm glad because you'll do well having that attitude." Brendan leans back against the couch. "College and studying, working. That's gonna keep ye busy."
"This will be my second year, I'm just a part time student doing a couple of years to get some grades behind me. I wanna keep working my shifts at the coffee shop and besides, can't study all the time. I'll miss our chats when term starts." Ste says, ponders his words thoughtfully.
"Perhaps I could help your study, won't tell if ye don't"
"I'm not the best at English, so would be good having all the answers" Ste grins deliciously.
"Hey, I ain't helpin ye cheat"
"AW. You'll be too busy anyhow Brendan" Ste dismisses his idea with a shrug, finishes off his tea.
"I'll make time for ye" Brendan licks his lips, eyes darting with Ste's. "Is that okay?"
"Yeah, I'd like that"
"Good"
"So, you said your thoughts were elsewhere when ya married" Ste says curiously. "I'm assuming it was a male priest that lured ya mind"
Brendan breathes his laugh encouraging Ste to smile "Perceptive, but I didn't have it away with the priest. I did get caught though, with the wife's cousin, Macca. I had to leave when she found me with him"
"Was he important to you?"
"No, I was an idiot. I didn't think about the bigger picture, my kids, Eileen"
"We all make mistakes Brendan. It's how we make up for them that matters" Ste looks up at the time and sighs. "Right, it's pretty late so...up early for work" Ste pointed to the door getting up. Brendan stood with him and they walked to the front door.
"Thanks for the cookies"
"That's okay, I'd..." Ste's words break off, eyes swimming in Brendan's. There was an attraction between them neither could deny but Ste was enjoying himself too much to complicate things. "Um, best be off"
"Want me to walk ye home?" Brendan asks, angles his head to one side and darts his gaze to Ste's lips.
"Brendan, I live next door"
"And?"
Ste smirks head bowing. "That's...thanks, but I'm good. See you again?"
"Ye can bet on it
Ste's day's became weeks as the hot summer passed quickly, spending more and more of his restless nights in the company of Brendan. The end of July came around all too soon. Rubbing his eyes into focus Ste got up early one morning and traveled to his job, worked his shift at the coffee shop. The whole day it's there in the back of his mind, the distraction Brendan caused him. Nothing has dominated his mind so much or as often that hadn't been with a sadness or regret. Mind swimming, Ste had used to want to forget everything in his head. Now though, the bad had been replaced by the good, excitement, and an accompanying flutter within his tummy that made the sick feeling worth it.
There had been a steady stream of customers today, and that greatly hastened the day for Ste and his colleagues. The rain from the night before had lingered a lot longer than he'd hoped and on his break Ste had made a drink for himself and sat down by the window on his own. The pavement outside drenched, shone with puddles doted around. Kids that passed by jumped in them and splashed the water around their ankles annoying the parents that held tight to their hands. Ste noticed the hidden smiles they'd had though, remembering from when they themselves had done the same. Ste rested his jaw on an upturned palm to watch, thought about the times he'd been in that same place, left behind his mum to walk alone. God forbid he'd ever try and splash in those puddles. It had worsened when she'd got married.
"Terry...?" Ste's eyes widened, body siting up quick and tall. It had been a few weeks since he'd last seen him and there had been a point where Ste, becoming complacent, thought Terry wouldn't have dared come back again. Bold in his motives, the weathered older man stood in front of him in the rain just staring through the glass pane window. His eyes dark with plans of revenge. Ste swallowed feeling vulnerable, darting his eyes back to his co workers busy with customers. Terry turned and walked in the door, painful in his calm composure settling at the table Ste was at. His hand reaching across the wood and folding against Ste's so tightly he whimpered at the pain, face wrinkling while his eyes darted from his hand to Terry.
"Where is he?"
"Wh...who?" Ste asked, his voice crumbling. "Get off me..."
"Your dirty boyfriend. The one who thought he could humiliate me" Terry drawls leaning over the table towards Ste. "Turns out he's as thick as pig shit. Just made things worse for you, hasn't he?"
Ste shook his head. "He's not...I said get off me!" Ste angered and dragged his hand free. The pain throbbing through his fingers left him rubbing the flesh. "I could call the police you know, tell em how you won't ever leave me alone"
"You won't do that though. It's your mother I am here for. She's unwell Ste. Now...I know you ain't gonna want her suffering"
"My mam only suffers because of you. Maybe if you took the hint and crawled back from where ya came from she'd get some peace" Ste seethes, stands up with his hands down on the table.
"You actually believe Pauline cares about you. It's laughable, where's your bodyguard now eh?"
"He ain't my bodyguard right. He's my friend"
"Friend?!, he'll have felt sorry for ya. Realised what a pathetic excuse you are!" Terry chuckles to himself and settles back with the menu. "I'll have my usual. Run along now, do your job. Don't forget my tip while you're there"
"The tips are for the staff!" Ste shakes his head. Terry grabs Ste's wrist.
"I'll let that go because you're upset about Pauline. Don't send me back to her pissed off, alright"
"You are scum, ya know that?" Ste leans down to Terry's ear. Reaches behind to another table gripping hold of a half consumed cup of coffee. "It's not gonna work on me any more. This is the last time you ever come in here and the last I will ever give you anything"
"You ain't in any position to make..." Terry splutters as cold coffee is poured over his head, he stands up fast, anger on his face.
"That's your tip. I left home for a reason, because I have friends who care about me. And yeah, I kept giving in for me mam but as you so perfectly put, she don't care about me. I never want to see you again, or me mam. She made her choice" Ste's breathing falters, eyes scanning the shop and the customers staring.
"I think you should leave sir" Ste flicks his eyes up at his manager as she encourages Terry to leave. "And don't come back"
"He assaulted me! You all saw it!" Terry angers. "I want compensation!"
"Nobody saw anything, isn't that right?" The people in the shop all turn away and continue their conversations. Ste's colleagues serve and chatter among them all. Each one a regular and each one supporting him. Ste sighs with relief and takes a last look at his step father before he leaves disgruntled. His manager walks over to him and hugs Ste closely.
"I am sorry. I just...I had to do something cause he was never gonna stop was he? What if I just made things worse..."
"Ste listen to me, it's okay. I have been waiting for this day for so long Ste. I hated the way he could just come in here and take money from you like that. He's barred forever now. And you, should take the rest of the day off."
"What? Why?" Ste sniffs, smile across his face crooked with emotion.
"You've been smiling all day, every day distracted. No bloody use to me" She says jokingly, smiles softly with her chuckles. They walk to a table to sit down at. "Then here you are standing up to that scumbag. There has got to be a reason for the change in you"
"Yeah" Ste nods. "There is. I moved in next door to the reason. He's...well I can't get him out of my mind. And ya gotta keep a hold of that, what makes you smile"
"Yes you do. Right, call a cab. It's on me, go home. Maybe one day I will get to thank this man personally. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early" She says with a wink. Ste sucks in a deep breath, releasing it heavy and with a contented smile.
Ste's taxi pulls up at his house, and just as it does Brendan's car parks into his driveway. Ste cannot contain himself, pays the driver and has a spring in his step standing behind Brendan's car. The older man get's out and stops to look Ste over, his eyes wander and it's like they always do. Ste shakes his head at Brendan laughing to himself.
"What ye up to, loitering outside my house now is it?" Brendan walks close to Ste, towers above his smaller body. Brendan squints his eyes intrigued. "Ye look...different"
"I am different. And it's because of you"
"Me?" Brendan points to himself. "How?"
"Today I stood up to Terry. I can't believe it either but he came in the coffee shop again an I..."
"Did he hurt ye?" Brendan asked, voice full of concern.
"Doesn't matter." Ste say's dismissively, Brendan holds his thumb to Ste's chin tilts him up towards him.
"It matters to me if he hurt ye"
"He didn't. It was just the usual thing, askin' for money. So, I told im right, I said he couldn't keep demanding money. I chucked coffee over his head! Actually, that coulda backfired... Brendan, you gave me the courage to stand up to him"
"Hey, that's not because of me, it's because of ye" Brendan smiles holding onto Ste's shoulders "I told ye, you're a lot stronger than ye think"
"I never thought I could do that though. An I just wanted to thank you"
"Well if ye insist" Brendan cocks his head, lowering closer to Ste. "So, just how will ye be thanking me this time?"
Ste swallows before he's up on his tip toes and laying cool lips on Brendan's cheek. It's a quick peck but it says everything he needs too. "I'll see ya later, okay?"
"Yeah" Brendan says, his surprise leaving him in a daze as his eyes follow Ste up the path and through his front door.
August
Ste stretched his body tall, fingers reaching the ceiling once he'd got out of bed. Moving to have a quick shower and a brush of his teeth he skipped down the stairs and halted with a skid at the bottom. There, forming a kind of barricade were his friends. All huddled together and looking at Ste quizzically.
Ste stepped into the room cautiously darting his eyes to each of them individually. "Morning, you're all wide awake I see"
"Yes we are" Tony agreed with a nod, looked at Rae then Amy then Ste. "You got something to tell us?"
"Um...no" Ste shook his head, parted his friends to walk through to the kitchen. "I'm famished, what's for breakie?"
"Cookies" Amy chirruped in, sly smile across her face.
"Cookies..." Ste replied, eyes closing shut. He grit his teeth before removing himself from the fridge.
"Hm, yeah." Rae grinned, walking with a sway over to Ste, her eyes had the kind of glint in them that foretold his guilt. He stood tall and remembered plausible deniability actually exists for moments like these.
"Brrrrendan called round this morning" Amy caved first, almost combusting, her cheeks reddened.
"Who?" Ste replied, hard of hearing this morning naturally. The younger boy played down the entourage of butterflies in his stomach hearing someone else say his name.
"Brendan" Tony this time. They were all behind him, trapped like an animal Ste composed himself turning to face them.
"He's...our neighbour"
"We know that! No more sneakin around mister" Rae took one arm and Amy took the other. Tony kept up the rear as they steered him to the sofa of interrogation. Ste glowed with his smiling. Amy perched herself on the coffee table in front of Ste.
"He called round this morning. Brought back your cookie box. Said to thank you personally for making them"
"See, he's my best student. Ste will go far in the world of culinary expertise" Tony beamed proudly. "An I taught him that cookie recipe, it never fails"
"Thanks Tone" Ste rolls his eyes. "Must of left the box at his house...maybe" Ste nibbled the corner of his mouth. Caught out big time.
"I told Ames, we started talking one night and that turned into each night and we just never stopped"
"So that's where you've been going this whole time? I knew you were hiding something" Ray says, links onto Ste's arm. "He's okay too"
"Thought he was weird?" Ste looked straight at Rae who shrugged in reply.
"Fair enough, I was hasty. He seems very nice, pleasant. Bet he didn't bank on us lot when he knocked at the door"
"Yeah I bet" Ste agreed, suddenly feeling gutted he'd not seen Brendan this morning now. "When did Brendan come round?"
"Not long, about half hour a go. Said he was going into town or something." Amy replied and wandered into the kitchen. Ste stood up and moved to grab his thin blue jacket.
"Did he. Right, I'm off to do my shift Ames"
"Thought that wasn't till later, don't you have an afternoon shift today?" Amy said, she finished off her toast with a lick of her fingers.
Ste glanced back at the front door and slowly edged further towards it. "I just fancied a wander round town first. Fresh air and that."
"Fresh air huh?" Amy grins at Ste. Still finds it highly amusing how he thinks she cannot read his mind. Amy moves then and wraps her arms around Ste's neck, squeezes him tightly. Ste hugs her back.
"What's this for?" Ste asks, he smiles at his friend when they part again.
"Just, good to see you happy"
Ste exchanged a smile with Amy as he left the house and moved out of the door into the bright sunny morning. Ste glanced over to the house as he zipped up his thin jacket, wandered down the pathway to look, carried on until he reached the driveway. Brendan's car was gone though, the younger boy sighed disappointed, hands sliding into his pockets Ste continued to walk to the bus stop down the road.
"This gotta stop happening, else people will talk" Ste hitched a breath surprised and turned to the side. Brendan parked up and leaned across the passenger side.
"What are ye doing up, thought you'd need some sleep after last night. Ye stayed pretty late again"
"Well, we found a lot to talk about" Ste angled on his folded arms against the open window, gazed into the car. "I've a shift at the coffee shop later today. Gotta earn some money somehow right?"
"I still have to visit this coffee shop of yours one day."
"I like that idea. Ya might even get a discount if you're lucky. This is a nice car"
"Yeah, I like it. Where are ye off to?"
"Town before my shift starts. I was just about to catch the bus"
Brendan licked his lips, eyes trailing Ste's face. "Forget the bus, get in, I'll give ye a lift"
"Serious?" Ste replied, his face brightening.
"Sure, I am going there myself, if ye want to tag along..." Brendan didn't get to finish his words, Ste opened the car and bungled himself inside. Sliding the seat belt on he bumped his body comfortable.
"Cool interior. Looks mint" Ste fingered along the dashboard.
"The view has certainly improved"
Ste pursed his lips, finger waving around the car. "Kinda lucky you was passing by though ey?" Ste turned his face to look at Brendan trying to play the coincidence down.
"Hm yeah. Very lucky that"
Brendan shifted the car into gear and set off down the road. They traveled a few streets in relative silence, Brendan switched on the radio for the travel news and cruised along the busy road. They took it in turns to glance at each other, missing every opportunity to meet in the middle until they'd stopped at the traffic lights. Upon turning again, they both caught the other looking. Clear smiles formed for them both and perhaps a little excitement mixed in. Ste studied Brendan and vice versa, both trying to work each other out. Ste flushed bashful pressing the window down for the relief of cooler air.
"I missed you this morning, but my housemates didn't. Reveled in that believe me"
Brendan darted his eyes to Ste then the road "Oh yeah, I brought back the food box finally. The cookies all fell out though, oops" Brendan chuckled. He gazed at Ste again.
"I'd hoped to see ye when I popped round. The box had been an excuse" Brendan confessed, his head still alternating with the road and Ste's eyes. "Ye must have still been in bed"
"I was. Only missed you by half hour. And Brendan, you don't need an excuse to see me" Ste's voice was dainty, his stomach span with his nerves when they exchanged smiles. Brendan stopped at more traffic lights.
"So, come on then. What did they say?"
"What do ya think they said?" Ste snorted his laughter. "Wanted the lowdown. I explained there was nothing to tell"
"Nothin to tell? Steven, surely these last weeks have lots to divulge" Brendan spoke thickly enhancing his broad accent. Ste's cheeks fell aflame.
"Where's the fun in telling them everything? Besides, there's nowt to tell" Ste scraped his top teeth over his bottom lip while Brendan laughed. "Pack it in, it ain't funny! They actually trapped me at breakfast"
"Have ye eaten?"
"No, didn't get chance, I came to find you instead...I mean..." Ste sighed. "I wasn't on my way to town initially. I hoped I'd catch you and that's why I was outside"
"Looks like we both have great minds then. I'm hungry. Ye want to join me for breakfast?"
"Love too. Pancakes?"
"Hmm, sounds good. I know a place, bit of a drive but worth it"
They find a quiet cafe in the middle of nowhere. Brendan orders for them but Ste refuses to let him pay despite insistence. They go Dutch instead and Ste elates while they sit opposite each other and chat in a new surrounding that isn't away from the world. This time people can see them together and it feels good. Ste drizzles maple syrup all over his pancakes while Brendan sprinkles sugar and lemon juice on his before eating a mouthful humming in gratification.
"Might be a bit early for pancakes, but they're ace" Ste muses, chewing a piece. He takes a look around the café and the few people sat down to breakfast like they are.
"It's not actually. Makes a nice change, although I eat anything. Cooked breakfast is good. All food is good"
"Egg or Pineapple" Ste says, chewing his piece of pancake, he swills it down with his coffee and licks the inside of his gums cleaner.
"Egg, gotta be hasn't it?" Brendan gestures his fork in the air, gulps down his coffee and adds another sachet of sugar to it.
"No cause pineapple is just as good. Have you had enough sugar yet, you'll get porky" Ste warns with a wink.
"Or ye can have both and forget the decision" Brendan parts his lips with a smack. "Would it bother ye if I did get porky?"
"No cause ya look good"
"I look good?"
"So good" Ste replies, eyes straining over the half eaten pancake in front of him. He plays with it nervously. "For an elder" Ste smirks, eats some more breakfast.
"Okay, forget food...music? Who do ya listen to at night?"
"I listen to ye at night now, don't I?" Brendan looks at Ste who swallows deeply, gaze casting a spell he'll be trapped within for the rest of his days. He always looks younger somehow, especially when he's embarrassed. Brendan sighs contentedly. "Johnny Cash. Ye ever heard of him?"
"Nope" Ste shakes his head. "Is he old too?"
"Enough with the ancient jokes boy, I'll have ye doing lines"
"Ha ha, going all teacher on me. I'd rather just have you keep me back after class"
Brendan leans further forward "And what would we do?"
"Not lines that's for sure" Ste clears his throat as a waitress comes over with a bright smile. She clears up their empty plates and offers a top up of their coffee. Brendan gets another drink and waits until she and her pleasantries have left.
"Are ye all ready to study" Brendan asks, the cup in front of him becomes his focal point. If he concentrates on that he doesn't have to look into Ste's eyes. "Holidays flying past, isn't it"
"Gonna be weird going after all this time. Meeting loads of new people."
"I don't think that is a bad thing. Tons of guys your age will be there."
Ste's eyes bore into Brendan who takes his finger around the edge of his coffee cup. "Ye know, people your age, same interests and that." He knows he's pushing it now, he also knows how Ste is feeling about the way his words are being said.
"I don't care about that, why would I?"
"I don't know. They won't be ancient though, punching above their station" Brendan dares to glance up now. Ste is looking right at him, almost horrified. He's still beautiful though, even when mad, especially when mad. His cheeks glow red and his pupils seem to enlarge.
"Stop it...right now" Ste warns, drops his fork that clatters and echoes on his plate. Brendan swallows deeply.
"I ain't doing anything, simply stating the obvious"
"Really, well it might be obvious to you, but to me it's stupid right" Ste says, his temper settles and he leans over on his folded arms. "Is this why ya brought me here?"
"What, no"
"I won't stop you know, coming round. I don't want this...us to stop" Ste reaches his arm over, gently touches Brendan's hand. "Do you?"
"No, course I don't. I don't. Things will change though, you're young."
"I look forward to every day now. I will the clock to hurry when it crawls like a snail towards the end of the day because I'm closer, I'm closer to seeing you" Ste removes his hand then, anger replacing the hurt once more.
"You had no right coming into my life Brendan, making me feel wrong about this. We've done nothing but keep each other company. And it's all I want"
"I'm sorry" Brendan gulps down the lump in his throat created by the surge of guilt he feels, watches Ste stew behind his folded arms. There's the beginning of that pout he perfected long ago and it's becoming increasingly harder not to do something about it.
"It's all I want too. Nothings gonna change"
Ste dares to look up then, eyelashes sweeping. Brendan catches his breath at the sight of him. "Swear it"
"I fucking swear" Brendan replies, hands up to the air in complete surrender. Ste scoffs at the sight of him, unsure of whatever this is they have built up together. Ste knew it had become important to them both now. A slight hesitation flashing across his eyes pulls at Brendan's stomach muscles.
"What is it?"
"Does this mean, we can't tonight? I still wanna see you later"
"You're seeing me now..." Brendan mutters, his voice low and softening. He's kidding himself though. He needs to see Ste just as much, if not more. "Okay, just an hour alright? Then I will throw ye out"
Ste smiles then. So does Brendan. "Agreed, if you can bear to let me go that is"
"There is that hurdle, admittedly"
Ste grins satisfied. "Can I get a lift into town? I'll be late for me shift otherwise"
"Jesus, how has this much time just past by?" Brendan says, moves up out of his chair and follows Ste's lead out of the cafe. They get in the car and Brendan starts up the engine.
"Time always flies when ya having fun Bren. I've enjoyed this, we should go out more often"
September.
After having a shower, Ste changes into his tracksuit and rushes downstairs. His friends are all preparing for college, packing their bags ready. Ste has already done his ages ago, made sure everything was sorted so he could have more time for Brendan. He stills patiently when Amy stops what she's doing and comes over to him.
"Hiya, you off next door?" Amy asks, she leads them both into the kitchen while she fills up the kettle with water. "Want a brew?"
"No ta. And yeah, not for long though, gotta somehow try and kip don't I? Need a routine sleep pattern sorting out"
"It could be you are just not in the right bed anymore Ste." Amy winds her friend up and after switching on the kettle she clings heavy to his arm. Her eye winks suggestively leaving Ste confused.
"How do you mean, hang on...no. No it's not like that. We haven't..."
"Really, never?" Amy quirks her bottom lip. "You've been seeing each other all summer. And...I thought you liked him"
"I do, but we're just friends Amy"
"Friends? Ste come on" Amy sits down at the kitchen table.
"Alright, I'll confess to liking Brendan. I want him to make the first move though. The way he looks at me, I know he feels the same"
"It's good to see you happy. Go on then, I know it means a lot seeing him. And don't forget his invite to the party"
"Thanks Ames, see ya later"
Ste rushes around to Brendan's house, doesn't knock any more, the door is always left open for him now. Ste clicks the latch shut and ventures through the house. He eventually finds Brendan in the kitchen, amazing smell of vanilla hitting his senses. Ste angles his body across the middle counter again and gazes up at Brendan.
"There ye are. I made something for ye" Brendan says, turning around and pointing to his little creation.
"For me?" Ste shifts his head up, elongating his neck "Smells fantastic, what is it?"
"Crème brule. I thought I'd cook for ye instead." Brendan brings the plate around and gives one to Ste and one to himself. "Have ye had tea?"
"Yeah, now I can have pud too. This looks great." Ste uses his spoon and tastes the dish, eyes widening Brendan waits eagerly, smile infecting Ste's.
"Okay that...oh yeah"
"Well naturally" Brendan practically preens himself, smugness leaving Ste chuckling. They eat the pudding in silence and Ste places the pots in the sink.
"So not only good looking, you're good in the kitchen too" Ste bows his body back against the counter, enough to show off his belly button. Brendan smacks his lips apart, eyes on Ste.
"I'm great in the kitchen, but I cannot cook. Just the pud" Brendan moves to the cupboard, stands next to Ste, makes sure the younger boy can feel the heat of his body and his eyes on him. Brendan pours himself a whiskey, one for Ste.
"Ye won't like it, but drink. It'll help ye to sleep"
"Ya want me to fall asleep? Jeez, all ya had to do was ask me to leave"
"I didn't mean that, I..."
"Kidding." Ste placates taking a sip, it burns his insides leaving him to cough. His eyes almost protrude from their sockets leaving a smile ghosting Brendan's lips "Bloody hell, that's strong"
"Told ye. It'll do ye good, warm the cockles"
"Cockles? I bet it does."
Brendan grins and lets out a chased breath. "I've missed ye"
"Aw, an I saw ya this mornin too. Remember you came into the coffee shop, again" Ste teases and pauses with the smile he has when Brendan towers above him. It's true he'd visited one time to try out the coffee Ste had raved about and one day turned into most days for Brendan who needed to spend more and more time with Ste. The days had become a routine now, for them both.
"It's my favourite place to drink. The one to one service is great and the staff are easy on my eyes."
"All the staff is it now? And there's me thinking...you only liked my coffee" Ste hummed lightly gripping his fingers against Brendan's top, gazing through his thickset eyelashes. The older man pushing closer has Ste's heartbeat quickening pace.
"Ye know I only go in to see ye. And Steven, I have missed ye"
"Oh." Ste licks his lips. "I've missed you too. Getting used to this, cannot believe we've spent the whole summer holidays together. My best ever. Cos when I was younger, summer holidays weren't great"
Brendan passed Ste his glass and grabbing his own, moved them both to the lounge. On the sofa they sat side by side now, barely an inch between them.
"Tell me then"
"I couldn't go to school and escape for those hours. Ain't it funny, cos most kids can't wait to get out of school. But for me it was the only time my bruises got to heal. So during the hols I'd try and stay in my room, or get up early and sneak out. I had no where to go though. Plus, ya know being young on the streets like that – it ain't the best. It's lonely and cold, even in the warmest months too. I got into mischief loads. Am I going on too much?"
Ste cocked his head up to Brendan who just sat there listening intently, he hadn't once moved. He gave a shake to the head. "What about your friends. Where were they during summer?"
"My friends were proper lucky, they all went away, abroad, hot exotic places. I wouldn't have minded, even for a holiday in the UK, but I never did owt like that. Me, I'd spend my time dodging bruises." Ste ended his memories with a deep sigh, he didn't feel sorry for himself though and Brendan caught that, the way he just accepted his past as a normality. A startling reminder to how that is an easy trap to fall in to.
Brendan's hand found it's way onto Ste's leg, gently fingering there. Ste watched a moment before his own hand settled on top, they'd linked together over a slow progression of nerves and understanding. Brendan felt protective towards Ste and he knew that, he felt the same for him too.
"Ye know, we had very similar childhoods, in the fact that both the father figures in our life had to resort to using their fists for comfort. Children shouldn't have to go through those kinds of things. Ain't it supposed to be an innocent time? The monsters are supposed to be in our imagination aren't they?"
"Not always Bren. Imagine if we could turn back that time, us both be the same age. We could've met then couldn't we? Be best friends who could run away and be happy like we are now. Because I am happy now, with you" Ste wove his fingers tighter with Brendan's and fell gentle on his shoulder.
"I hate what he did to ye and I hate he got away with it"
"I know you do, because I feel it too. When you speak about your dad. If I ever met him, I apologise to you now Brendan because I swear I'd..." Ste breathed heavier. They hadn't used much physical touch between them, but any shared had been because of comfort. Brendan unlinked their hands and held his arm high enough Ste could slide down into his body. His arm crushed so tightly it left Ste feeling choked with emotion and allowed his hand to settle over Brendan's chest huddling into this new warmth. Ste listened quietly to the beat of Brendan's heart and closed his heavy lidded eyes. Ste felt safe under the protection of him, a simple gesture had meant so much and opened his mind to the feelings that lay dormant and unsaid.
"Amy thought we were together. She stopped me before I came here tonight and asked about us" Ste admitted nervously, his hand stroked over Brendan's top, down his tummy. He felt the shape of his belly button through the material and thumbed there.
Brendan shuffled his body weight "Oh? How did ye answer that then?"
"Told her we'd never, like...you know. Said we were friends" Ste spoke cautiously, flicked up his eyes to the room and waited for Brendan's response.
"It's true though, we are." Brendan hesitated, leaned his cheek on Ste's hair "But, I think ye know how I feel, don't ye?"
"Yeah, same as me. I kinda like the way it's going, don't you?"
"Unequivocally"
"Brendan, stop using the posh words. Dunno why ya can't just say 'yes'"
Brendan's hand reaches down to Ste's ribs, he tickles them and then lifts his top and strokes his fingers over Ste's stomach to gain more giggles. But it's more a gasp he gets in reply, Ste's eyes flutter closed at the gesture leaving Brendan's stomach to knot. Brendan swallowed thickly and paved his full palm curving the now hollow of Ste's stomach.
"Do ye like that?"
"Took ya long enough" Ste laughs and strokes his fingers against Brendan's. "Thought I'd have to throw myself at ya"
"Why never tell me then, ye need to say these things"
"Just did Bren. Didn't know how I'd react, but it felt right"
"It does yeah"
"Because I trust you, that's why" Ste answers, resolutely. His smile is back again, a little nervous. "Weird init?"
"I'd say, comfortable. I might get used to it now"
"Fine by me that is" Ste turns and lifts his own hand up, boldly fingers across Brendan's moustache and smiles lifting the bristles. His eye line meets Brendan's who's compelled to look at him.
"What?"
"I just...was curious. Feels nice" Ste says, fans both his thumbs and curves the outline of the tache. Ste breathes deeply through his nose and settles back down on the sofa.
"Ye should feel the beard, that tickles"
"If I ask nicely?" Ste grips his teeth over his bottom lip, his nerves are into overdrive.
Brendan laughs, body shaking Ste's head as it rumbles through his chest. Ste nudges him, and again leans his head back to look at Brendan gazing down upon him. Brendan's finger traces the outline of Ste's face, thumbs down across his lips and settles under his jaw. Ste feels Brendan's heart rate increase beneath him leaving his breathing non existent.
"Ye look good tonight. Can't keep my eyes off"
"Then don't, cos I like you looking. I want you too"
"Can I?" Brendan whispers deliberately, wanting his voice low and comforting, his warm breath finding a path to Ste's lips. Ste nods faintly and parts his mouth for the kiss Brendan gives him. Gasping slightly, Ste trembles against Brendan, the soft of his moustache and beard hair coaxes the silk of his skin to burn pinker while his mouth cups gentle movement. He already wants more, even as the kiss continues.
"Wow" Ste produces a breathy groan, dopey look on his face. Brendan's isn't much different though. They've surprised each other. Brendan laughs first but only by a second, Ste drags his palm down his cheek and over the soft of his beard, laughter forgotten on a breath.
"Shouldn't we do that again?" Ste entices, the hunger is heavy within his words.
They are so close. Ste can still feel Brendan's moustache feather light against the top of his mouth. Ste pushes up but Brendan's finger stops him, leaves their eyes to look and guess what the other is thinking. The older man quirks a sultry smirk, drags the pad of his finger enough to open Ste's bottom lip. Brendan angles the tip of his tongue into Ste's opening, enough he takes it and faintly sucks. Brendan moans, eyelids closing.
Ste's hand pulls Brendan down and instigates another kiss, lingers it because Brendan's lips are divine pressed with his own. Brendan still hasn't uttered any words leaving Ste creating doubts in his mind. "Wasn't I any good?"
"Ye took my ability for speech, I'd say ye are too good."
"Good answer. We're having a small party, at the house. A get together before college. Will you come?" Ste asked, his eyes soft gazing up at Brendan who hadn't moved from above him. The older man's gaze darted quickly as he looked at Ste. Slight chuckle leaving his mouth causing Ste to magnetise it.
"What?" Ste asked innocently.
"A house full of students, getting drunk and dancing all night. Think I might be out of place attending that don't ye?"
"No of course ya wouldn't. You could have a drink too. And a dance. You have moves right?"
Ste sat up straight when Brendan bumped himself back a little, he considered Ste a moment or two. "I don't really dance Steven. Never had the call to before. I do have the moves though, undoubtedly."
"I'll bet" Ste grinned with his little images of it. Brendan lowers his eyes to Ste's.
"I'll drop by on one condition"
"What's that?" Ste smirks the closer to him Brendan gets.
"Ye let me kiss ye again" Brendan says, placing his palm against Ste's cheek. Ste nods opening his mouth for Brendan but pulls back further and further, let's their lips touch faintly together. Ste slowly falls down on the sofa dragging Brendan with him. They laugh as he lands on top of him.
"Okay, this I will definitely get used too" Ste purrs placing his hands around Brendan's neck and sealing them in another kiss.
