Chapter Two

Ste didn't know much about Walker. He knew that he and Brendan had met in prison and they were friends of some sort. Since Brendan and him had gotten on better terms, Ste had been tempted many times to ask but he didn't want to appear jealous. He had tried so hard to hide his feelings from Brendan. He knew that Brendan still wanted him; as Cheryl had told him not so long ago: "He's still in love with you".

Ste couldn't accept that, wouldn't accept it. If he believed that he could almost believe there was a way back for them and that was far too dangerous. Instead, he kept Brendan at arms length. He allowed them to be friends, nothing more. Cheryl invited him round theirs frequently; they had became even closer after Lynsey's death. Sometimes he would eat dinner with them, watch some television. For the first few weeks Brendan simply watched. He didn't say anything; his expression was thoughtful as he observed Ste and Cheryl talking. Eventually though he grew braver, started sitting with them on the sofa, his arm easily around Cheryl. Things had been tense between the siblings for a while but with some gentle coaxing on Ste's part, she had agreed to hear Brendan out. They were slowly rebuilding, as were Ste and Brendan.

Sometimes when Cheryl wasn't there, Ste would wait alone with Brendan. They didn't exchange many words; Ste had no idea what to say. Sometimes Brendan would grit his teeth and enquire after Doug even though Ste knew it killed him inside. Ste hadn't told Doug where he went every Tuesday evening. To this day he still didn't know. Ste felt like he wanted that for himself: him and the Brady's. Just them.

One day however, not so long ago, Brendan got that look on his face. Ste sensed what was coming before Brendan even opened his mouth. It just so happened to be the same day Ste and Doug broke up.

"Stephen" Brendan began carefully. "Are ye alright?"

Ste nodded, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. It hadn't been a gruesome break up but he was still upset. He had cared for Doug very much but it hadn't been right in the end. Ste wouldn't admit to himself the reason.

"Doug and me… broke up" Ste said, forcing his expression to toughen.

"I'm sorry to hear that"

"No you aren't"

"No I'm not" Brendan said truthfully. He approached Ste cautiously. Here it was, Brendan was about to make his move. Ste knew he would and yet he had still came tonight. Brendan reached out towards him and Ste closed his eyes, ready to bolt. Instead he felt something tickle his face. He opened his eyes to see a tissue in front of him, Brendan looking at him in concern. Ste took the tissue wordlessly, watching as Brendan gave a tight smile and stepped away. He picked up the remote and turned the television on and didn't say another word until Cheryl appeared.

After that, things were easier, more natural. Ste and Brendan would smile with each other again, laugh even. Sometimes Ste spotted Cheryl looking at him, a wistful smile on her face. Ste asked her about it once.

"It's just nice seeing you getting along again" she'd said.

"As long as that's all you're seeing" Ste warned, kissing her cheek before he stepped out the door.

She nodded, hiding her grin. "Of course. Bye, love"

And now here he was, wondering if Brendan had been about to kiss him and why. Wondering what Walker was playing at and why he'd chosen Ste of all people. Funnily enough as he had stepped out the door, debating whether to go after Brendan or not, there was Walker.

"What are you doing, skulking around?"

Walker appeared unruffled. "Is it a crime to stand in the street now?"

"No" Ste said, frowning. "But why are you always here, outside my shop?"

Walker shrugged. "Do I make you uncomfortable, Stephen?"

"Don't" Ste said sharply. "Don't call me that"

"Apologies, Ste" Walker said, the name sounding strange on his lips. "In answer to your question, well, perhaps you'd better ask Brendan that?"

"He seems to think you're dangerous" Ste said, staring at him resolutely. "Are you?"

"What do you think?" Walker asked mildly.

Ste considered this. "I've met worst people" he said reasonably.

"I sense a but coming" Walker said, his lips curving into a smile.

"But I don't trust you" Ste said, squaring his jaw.

Walker laughed; it made Ste's spine tingle. "You're smarter than I gave you credit for" he said eventually. "I'll be seeing you" he stepped away backwards, doing a little bow as he went. Ste stared after him, confused.

Xxx

Brendan went straight back to the flat, fumbling with his keys as he opened the door. He slammed it behind him, collapsing into a seat and rubbing his hands aggressively over his face. How could he be so stupid? It wasn't a question he often asked himself. Stephen was beginning to trust him again and he just had to… had to what? Want to be close to him? Want to kiss him and hold him and be with him again? They had been on speaking terms for months now and Brendan still felt that ache inside him. Evidently Stephen didn't feel the same, not that Brendan blamed him.

Brendan could deal with all of that if it wasn't for Walker. Walker. Just what was his game and why hadn't Brendan sensed it sooner? He knew from the off that he couldn't fully trust him but he didn't imagine he would go this far. Perhaps his worries were premature. After all, Walker hadn't actually done anything yet. Yet.

Brendan stood up, thinking he should take a shower to clear his head. He was due back at the club soon and he wanted to go by the deli to… to what? Apologise? He had done enough of that, it wouldn't make Stephen love him again. Brendan felt that familiar ache and felt like he wanted to punch it out of himself. But he couldn't, he was trying so hard to control that urge, for Stephen.

Cheryl told him a million times to be patient, to be friends, to let Stephen come to him. Brendan wasn't sure he could wait any longer.

After his shower he re-dressed in more casual clothes before heading back to the club. Walker was there, perched on the edge of the sofa. He smiled at him as he entered. Brendan simply glowered at him.

To Brendan's surprise, Stephen came walking up the stairs not long after.

"Can we talk?" he asked quietly.

Brendan nodded, gesturing the way to his office.

"No, not alone" Stephen said, looking tense. He still didn't trust him then.

"I'm sorry" Brendan blurted out, running his hand through his hair. "I shouldn't have… ye know"

"It's fine" Stephen said gruffly. "Can we just… forget it?"

Brendan nodded, feeling that emptiness engulf him once more. "Ye still coming round tonight?" he asked quietly.

Stephen nodded, glancing in Walker's direction. "He won't be there, will he?" Brendan was surprised at the venom in his tone.

"No" Brendan said, looking at Stephen carefully. He seemed to be hiding something; his jaw was clenched. Brendan saw Walker move out of the corner of his eye. He looked… triumphant?

"Brendan" he said casually, and then promptly kissed him. Brendan pushed him away roughly.

"What the fuck?" He looked at Walker incredulously. Walker beamed at him.

"You're welcome"

"For what?"

Walker tilted his head to the side and Brendan turned to look at Stephen. He looked unbelievably hurt. Tears were springing to his eyes and his fists were clenched.

"Stephen?" Brendan asked, reaching towards him. "What-"

"I have to go" he said brusquely, practically fleeing down the stairs.

Walker watched him go with interest. "Well, perhaps he does love you after all" he said, grinning at the look of bafflement on Brendan's face. "Funny, that"