He stood there with a look of amusement on his face as Blessing was in a green face mask wanting to know why he was outside. He could ask her the same question, stood there frightening him like that. Ste ignored the question and went upstairs to his room to bed. That had lightened the mood. After all this stuff with Brendan.

The next morning he got ready for work, giving Blessing a humouress look on his face. Making a start on unpacking the stock before opening he found himself having a good time. Leelah coming in for a coffee, having a laugh. Dealing with the breakfast rush, then the lunch. He forgot everything.

He knew going home would change everything, so he went out with Tegan for a movie.

Brendan crept his way in the house, when he knew it was deserted. Ste had waited outside for him last night. That much he thought was true. After his housemate came outside he had gone back in. sleeping on a bench with his coat over his head so no one could see him.

He sat on his bed looking through his photos. One of him and Ste came out at him and made him long for him. Staying in prison every night and thinking of him, depressed. He knew Cheryl had gone back to scotland. And he would probably never see his kids again.

Being out now was a release. Seeing Ste was a bonue. He wondered when he would come back. Maybe he should hide under the bed. He listened out for his housemates. He heard a couple but knew he was safe in here.

Coming out the dog, plastered, Ste and Tegan had gone for a drink after the movie. She had gone home hours ago but he had stayed. Having a drink with Danny, then Darren, anyone who came along so he could stay out and not go home to dream of him again. He couldn't wait any longer so he walked the mile home and let himself him. It was so quiet. Dumping himself on his bed. He layed awake until the drink unleased him and he fell asleep.

Coming out from under the bed after half an hour. To make sure he was asleep. Brendan looked down at this gorgeus boy. Drunk, rugged but gorgeous. He closed the door shut and went over to him. He wanted him to wake up so he a made a noise. Nothing. Trying and failing over and over, he stroked his face until he took Ste's coat and shoes off. He layed beside him. How he wished he could stay, but he knew now he thought of it, he had to. He couldn't let him wake to find out he was hear like that. It had to be done better than this.

Maybe he should stay abit longer. He was drunk. He could afford a couple more minutes...