A/N: I'M SO BEHIND! ugh, I'm so so so so so so so so so sorry I've been taking so long but I'm at college every day of the week and working weekends… my free time is very little and I'm exhausted…. However, Merry Christmas and have a great New Year…. These few chapters aren't Christmas themed, I'm afraid… it's still November for them. I tried to make it up to you by giving you a longer chapter this time! And I'll make sure to keep updates more regular from now on. PLEASE forgive me *cuddles*
He wasn't sure what had possessed him to do this, Ste thought, shuddering in the icy rain. He was oblivious to it at first but once he had nearly reached the high school and the wind was swirling around him, trying to pull his blazer from his body simultaneously, he was beginning to regret not bringing a coat. Not like he really had a coat that fit him. He had been bought a cheap one from the market when he was in his first year of high school but that barely fit him anymore and his 'parents' weren't willing to buy another. He laughed bitterly to himself and snuck through the courtyard of the school, keeping to the shadows so that he wasn't flooded in the automatic security lights that he was sure he was going to set off soon.
He kept himself against the discoloured brick walls, jumping from shadow to shadow, trying not to curse when his battered trainers hit a pool of icy rainwater on the uneven concrete. He shivered and glanced up at the part of the building he had finally reached, the very faint lights from one of the classrooms etching ghostly orange light across his face in streaks as it snuck through the gaps between the blinds. Ste smiled to himself and took a shaky breath. He was going to do this.
He had been stupid, he knew that, and his friends had made him realise more than anything possibly could that there was a lot at stake here and a lot of things he would lose if he simply let this carry on. He had to do what he needed to do and that was to walk into Brendan's classroom, hanging his head in shame and wholeheartedly apologise. He needed to make up some excuse, say it was nothing to do with Brendan and he was going through a rough time. But what rough time could he even make up? He could blame Gaz easily but he knew if he did that there was a possibility Brendan would contact someone. Teachers' confidentiality only stretched so far and if Ste was in any kind of danger, Brendan would be forced to tell someone higher up. Child Protection Act or something like that. It was laughable, Ste thought, as the image of Terry beating him flashed across his mind.
Ste exhaled shakily as he approached the double doors by the Geography corridor and gently pushed one of the doors, finding himself thankful that it was unlocked. He smiled; his timing had been spot on. The doors were left open for the cleaners. He snuck inside, making sure to check that there was no teachers or security pacing the corridors and when he noted that the coast was thoroughly clear, he walked down the hallway. He took care with his steps, cursing how the rain outside meant he was leaving muddy footprints on the newly mopped floor. He was traceable. The corridor was fairly dark and proved a perfect cover for Ste, clad in his black hoodie but it also became somewhat creepy. Like something out of the 18 rated horror films him, Amy and Doug had used fake ID to sneak into. He shuddered as he recalled the particularly creepy one about the demon that kidnapped children. The light crept out from underneath Brendan's closed classroom door, illuminated the floor of the corridor but serving no purpose as a guiding light. He swallowed thickly, prepared himself, felt his hands and knees and almost everything shaking. He knocked. Waited. Shifted. Considered running away. Waited. And then blinked at the light.
He was met with a very surprised looking Brendan. He couldn't stop himself from speaking.
"Br…Brendan, we need to talk."
He expected Brendan to roll his eyes and slam the door in his face but instead he studied him and then stepped aside, allowing Ste access into his classroom. Ste walked past Brendan, making sure his arm brushed gently against Brendan as he passed him. He wasn't sure why he had done it, but it felt like something he needed to do. To make a point, perhaps. He stopped in the centre of the classroom, in the gaps between the two rows of desks and turned to face the older man, folding his arms. He watched as Brendan closed the door behind him and leant on it, his eyes boring into Ste. Oh so different from the way he had looked at him that night yet so similar too. Ste turned and paced the aisle of the classroom, the light of the classroom against the dark windows turning them into mirrors. He tried to ignore the sight of his own reflection. It always sent shivers down his spine, a twinge of self hate in his stomach and weak was the last thing he needed to be today. He had to be strong, confident. He exhaled and turned back to Brendan.
"We need to talk." He repeated with more confidence than before. Brendan nodded.
"About what?" He raised his eyebrows nonchalantly and Ste shook his head, feeling a surge of anger buzz through his veins. He was sure Brendan was forcing that answer – he was playing Ste as much as Ste was playing him. There was no way in hell that Brendan could be clueless about his intentions in his classroom right now. Unless Brendan went around kissing all of his students, which Ste highly doubted. He wet his lips and scoffed.
"You know what, Brendan." He challenged and Brendan inhaled sharply, tilting his head. He was getting somewhere.
"How do ye know my name?"
"Your… Dad… let slip." Ste shrugged, leaning on one of the desks, hopping up so he was sitting on the edge, swinging his legs as they dangled. Brendan visibly grimaced and nodded in acknowledgement, as if he had expected no less. It was a reaction that sparked curiosity in Ste. The sharp intake of breath, the flinch, and then the resignation that the Head had let it slip on purpose. They were familiar to Ste in a way he didn't quite understand. It was like he knew that Brendan would have this feeling in the pit of his stomach right now but Ste didn't know how he knew that.
Ste watched him carefully, wondering who was going to speak next – would Brendan accept that they needed to talk or would Ste have to stress the point further? As the silence dragged on longer than felt comfortable, Ste drummed his fingers on the surface of the desk slowly. Brendan wasn't giving in. He was being tougher than Ste had expected though he wasn't sure how he expected this conversation to go. He didn't expect Brendan to forgive him and welcome him back to his class within a few minutes but he expected some level of responsiveness.
"I'm serious, Brendan, we have to talk about what happened. I just… I need to apologise for what I did. I could've proper threatened your job and I'm sorry, yeah?" He exhaled heavily; trying not to let the nervousness he felt show. He glanced down at his lap and picked at his fingernails before holding his hands still to stop them from shaking.
"Mm…" Brendan hummed in agreement and Ste knew he was staring at him but refused to meet his gaze. "You haven't been in school for a while."
"I were too scared to show me face…" He sighed and looked up to meet Brendan's eyes. "That's why I had to come here."
He hopped off the desk and approached the Irishman, making every step count, making himself – forcing himself – to be more confident with every move closer, until he was only a metre or so away from Brendan. They studied each other for a while and then Ste swallowed, trying to ignore that feeling in his gut that told him to kiss Brendan again. He couldn't.
You're disgusting. You make me sick just lookin' at ya! He heard Terry's voice in his head, reminding him of all the reasons – aside from the obvious teacher thing – why he couldn't kiss Brendan again.
"I don't wanna fail school because I made some stupid mistake, and I never thought I'd actually wanna come into school… but I do. I just… I dunno what came over me. I've never done it before… not just the teacher thing, but the bloke thing and I feel dead daft but Amy and Doug made me realise I were throwing me education down the toilet and I'm not ready… to like… flush the chain…" He frowned to himself and then laughed softly. "That made more sense in my head."
Brendan smiled too and they both let out a small laugh. Brendan pushed himself off the wall, shoving his hands into his pockets and Ste could see that he was about to speak again so he forced himself to carry on, cutting Brendan off before he could begin. If Brendan began talking now, began shooting him down, there was no way Ste could carry on. No way he could make a point valid enough for Brendan to even consider. He had to keep moving.
"The thing is… these classes have been really helping. Things make more sense in English and I just… I feel better with meself. I don't wanna give up on all of that because I did some weird thing this one time. I think, I got all scared with GCSE's an' the whole Gaz thing and I just freaked and…" He nodded and shrugged, meeting Brendan's gaze. "I wasn't even thinkin' straight, was I? I wasn't thinking at all."
The silence dragged on a little longer. Brendan watched him and then exhaled, nodding slowly. He was buying it. At least Ste hoped so. After a pause, the Irishman spoke. "It's not a problem…"
"Yeah, I know but w…" Ste paused, taking a second to process what Brendan had said and then he frowned. "Wait, you what? You serious?"
Brendan had told him it was okay. He couldn't believe it.
"Mm…" Brendan nodded and sighed. "Yeah, it's fine. And Steven, please, if I lead you on… I didn't mean to."
"No!" Ste snorted and laughed. "I'm not gay. I'm not, honest. I don't know what happened. I've had girlfriends before, me."
Brendan grinned and raised his hand to silence Ste who giggled and bit his lip. "I don't want to know about your high school conquests, thank you. The gossip you hear across the classroom is bad enough…" Ste opened his mouth to speak but Brendan cut him off. "and no, I will not tell you any gossip about your fellow students."
"Mean…" Ste muttered and laughed. "So we're still alright then, you and me?"
"It never happened." Brendan exhaled and smiled slightly at Ste who grinned back.
"Thank you." He played with his school tie and sniffled slightly. "You won't tell anyone?"
"I wouldn't tell anyone even if they had a gun to my head…" Brendan smiled reassuringly and then sat down at his desk, watching Ste. "Besides, I'd compromise my job and that's the last thing I need…"
"Sorry…" Ste couldn't help but apologise again.
He couldn't believe just how accepting and forgiving Brendan had been. He thought he was going to get screamed at and told that he was disgusted by him for making a move on his teacher. He had come prepared emotionally. He'd got himself ready for rants and shouting and verbal abuse. It was what he was used to if he messed up at home; Ste had not expected anything else from Brendan. But the conversation still flowed easily; he didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable. He hadn't experienced forgiveness before. Not unless Ste counted the time he had grovelled to Amy to have her back as a friend after they had broken up. That felt like years ago to Ste. Now he was kissing men. He frowned. It still didn't make sense to him. Why he had kissed Brendan. Why he had wanted to. Why he still wanted to. He was sure he was going through a very early mid-life crisis or some kind of breakdown due to Terry's constant cycle of verbal and physical abuse. He must be crazy. Or sick in the head. They were the only two explanations.
"You don't have to keep apologising." Brendan shrugged. "How did you even get in?"
"Cleaners leave the doors unlocked in the evening…"
"Sly." Brendan smiled. "That's impressive."
"Ta…" Ste shrugged. "I've had training breaking in places…"
"That's… less impressive, more worrying…" Brendan paused, frowning. "Did you really break into the school to apologise? That's… dramatic, even for you, Steven."
"Aw, shurrup…" Ste grinned and then hesitated. "Brendan…?"
"It's not Brendan it's M… oh, never mind…" He rolled his eyes. "But if you start calling me Brendan in class, people will ask questions…"
"Ok… Brendan?" He smiled a little. "I know this is a massive ask… but… I don't want to stop the classes. I won't do anything dodgy, I promise… but they're such a huge help and I don't wanna start from scratch in LS and look like some retard… No one has ever had faith in me before; I don't want that to go away."
There was a long pause that felt like hours to Ste, who watched while Brendan contemplated and hesitated, mulling it over in his head. It probably spanned about 5 seconds but it felt like eternity to Ste, heart pounding, head filled with the sound of silence and blood rushing in his ears. He couldn't help himself from watching Brendan, the way he shifted slightly in his chair, the way his fingers knotted together so casually, his elbows resting on the woodwork of the desk. The way his blue eyes watched Ste thoughtfully from underneath his lashes as if he could read Ste's every thought. Perhaps he could.
Eventually, Brendan spoke.
"I'll see you on Tuesday, 3pm… sharp… I'll help you catch up on what you've missed too."
"Oh my god, thank you…" Ste exhaled heavily, trying to stop himself from grinning from ear to ear. The last thing he needed was to look like an idiot in front of Brendan when they'd only just reconciled. He wasn't going to mess everything up. He had fucked up, sure, but it wasn't the end of the world and that felt amazing. Brendan had let him back into his tutor classes and it meant he still believed in Ste. He hadn't seen one mistake and ran away like he was sure everyone else would. He believed in him.
He inhaled happily and glanced at the clock, realising he was very late home and he was sure Terry would be more than unimpressed if he was any later than he already was. So with that, he straightened his blazer and flashed Brendan his trademark grin. "I should probably go home, but… thanks. For everything."
"No problem…" Brendan nodded back and then stood up. "You got a way of getting home, boy?"
"Erm… I were just gonna walk…" He shrugged nonchalantly. It was better to act as if walking home was a choice rather than admit the truth which was that his parents had no idea where he was and, even if they did, would have no intentions nor means of picking him up and that he had not a single penny for bus fare. Besides, Brendan didn't need to know that home was over half an hour of walking away.
"In this weather? Don't be ridiculous. I've finished these papers anyway; I'll give you a ride home." Brendan smiled and Ste couldn't help but blush slightly in surprise at Brendan's offer.
"Oh, you don't have t…"
"Shut up, I'm giving ye a ride home. How far is it?"
"About 20 minutes."
"Alright, no problem. Come on."
-OXO-
Brendan was surprised, to say the least at how Steven had come so far just to apologise to him that Brendan wasn't 100% sure was his fault. Sure, it was easier for them both to pretend that Steven had completely made the move and Brendan hadn't reciprocated at all but he wasn't so sure himself that was the truth. He couldn't get that moment out of his head no matter how hard he tried. He glanced at Steven beside him as they walked down the dark corridor, both of them cradling a couple of folders and some sheets of paper since Steven had insisted that if he was going to give him a lift home then he would help him carry his paperwork. Steven glanced back at him and he couldn't stop himself from smiling, forcing a smile to come from the boy beside him too. Brendan sighed to himself as the Mancunian strolled, still grinning slightly, his young blue eyes shining, yet too old for his age. The bruises from Gaz's attack were still rather prominent on his face, too prominent. Brendan was sure; he thought to himself, that the marks Gaz had left were fading, only to be replaced by fresh ones. But it wasn't his place to question that right now. They both stepped outside together and inhaled, smiling to themselves. Brendan noted that Steven had done almost the same as him and must also be thinking the same as him. Thank God it wasn't raining for once.
The concrete was still slightly damp from the rain earlier but the air was cold and crisp, their breaths streaking white haze across the otherwise black skyline. He heard Steven take a shaky intake of breath beside him, the cold piercing him. He looked at him and smiled.
"My car is just over here."
He tried to gesture in the direction of the car park but found his hands far too occupied too do anything but hold onto his files. So with that, he decided to lead the way and walked towards the staff car park that would surely be empty save for his car now. He listened for Steven's footsteps behind him and smiled when he heard them. They reached his car and piled the folders into the backseat together, laughing as they both struggled to make them stay on the seats. Eventually, they gave up and piled into the front of the car together before Brendan started the car.
"So… you're gonna have to tell me the way." Brendan smiled as he started driving.
"Yeah, alright…" Steven replied, shivering a bit.
Brendan laughed to himself and glanced over at the younger man who was rubbing his hands together. He wasn't surprised Steven was cold since he was still slightly sodden from the earlier rain and wearing nothing over his school blazer. He glanced momentarily at Steven's hands as they rubbed together and smiled, he could leave him cold but that would be cruel. He reached forward and flicked the car heating on, hearing the whirring as it started up. Steven laughed softly in appreciation and stopped rubbing his hands together.
"It's just left…" Steven directed him as he pulled out of the school grounds, his headlights reflecting in the water that still coated the tarmac of the road and looked over at the boy beside him. He couldn't help himself. Never could. What he didn't expect was what he saw next. Steven was holding a stack of Brendan's CD cases that were inside the glove compartment of the car. He rolled his eyes and alternated between the road and the man beside him who looked enthusiastic about Brendan's music collection. "Can I put something on?"
"Sure…" He laughed softly and shook his head. There was no point in arguing at Steven and getting that same reaction that he was so used to getting in the catch up sessions. The pout and the fold of his arms to show he was not impressed. Usually, it was better to just let Steven do things his way.
"Who's Johnny…Cash…?" Steven frowned, shoving one of the albums towards Brendan to show him.
"The greatest musician alive." Brendan replied bluntly. Johnny Cash was one of Brendan's favourite artists but he was sure as hell not Steven's type, Brendan guessed. And it was not something he was prepared to have slated in his own car. Vincent used to always mock his Johnny Cash CDs, jokily. He sighed. "You wouldn't like it."
"Can I not see for meself, eh?" Steven challenged confidently, a mischievous hint to his tone. He tried not to smile to himself at Steven's stubbornness. There was something so…attractive about Steven's attitude, even though it made Brendan feel sick to admit it.
"If you say anything bad, I'll drop you off somewhere you don't know."
"You wouldn't dare…" Steven pouted, pulling open the CD case.
"Wouldn't I?" Brendan grinned as he drove, listening to the sounds of Steven pulling out the disc and shoving it into the CD player.
"No…" Steven grinned back, fiddling around with the buttons. "How do y…"
Brendan laughed and took his eyes off the road, watching him attempt to work the stereo. After a second, he rolled his eyes and helped him, doing it himself. Seconds later, the smooth tone of Johnny Cash was bleeding through the car and Brendan began involuntarily tapping the steering wheel in time with the beat. He smiled to himself, appreciating the music and noticed that Steven was staring at him, laughing softly. He frowned.
"What's so funny?"
"You… were getting proper into it."
"I was not…"
He glanced between him and the road, watching Steven's poor attempt at an impersonation. He gripped the dashboard in front of him and tapped it slowly; closing his eyes and making some strange pompous expression that looked slightly constipated. He snorted a laugh and shook his head. Steven opened one eye and frowned before looking at him. Steven was a fucking eejit, for want of other words. There was no other way to describe it. He was a downright idiot but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, Brendan realised he actually liked it.
"That's what you look like!"
"No, it's not…" He smiled slightly and went back to driving, suddenly conscious of his actions. Steven hummed in appreciation and then shrugged.
"It's alright… could've picked better car music meself… but whatever, it's your car…" Steven smiled teasingly and Brendan went to retaliate jokily but then noticed that Steven's attention had been diverted. He was staring out of the window hungrily as they passed through one of the nearby towns filled with pubs and shops and takeaways, only a handful still open and lit up.
"I'm well starving, me." Steven told him, thinking out loud. "My stomach's proper rumbling."
Brendan had to agree, Steven had a point. Aside from the dreadful lunch that Eileen had made him in the morning – which consisted of pretty much just salad since she wanted him to eat healthily to help her with her diet – he had eaten very little. He glanced out of the window, his eyes skimming over the rows of lit-up takeaways and felt his stomach growl. He laughed softly at himself and turned his attention back to the road.
"Mm, I wouldn't mind McDonald's right now." Brendan replied absentmindedly, indicating to the said fast food restaurant as they passed it.
"I've, erm, never had one before." Steven told him and Brendan frowned, looking over at the boy beside him. He pulled the car up beside the sidewalk and parked. He glanced at Steven who was frowning deeply. A boy hadn't lived until he'd had McDonald's, even if it was cheap and common. The Mancunian had complained he was hungry anyway and there was no point in waiting until he was home, then having to wait for food to cook when he could just grab something on the way. He smiled at Steven and unfastened his seatbelt.
"Wh…"
"Do ye want something to eat or not?" Brendan grinned at him and opened the car door, getting out. He bent down so he could glance into the car and raised his eyebrows, taking in the confused yet appreciative look on the younger man's face. "Come on."
He began walking and felt relieved when he heard the car door close behind him, followed by hurried footsteps until Steven was stood by his side, slowing down from his jog. He walked towards the fast food restaurant and glanced sideways at Steven who was biting his lip in a look that could only be described as nervousness. Oh god, Steven didn't think Brendan was hitting on him did he?
"I've…uhm…" Steven began talking and Brendan snapped out of his thoughts to listen. "I've got no money on me, Brendan. So… It doesn't matter."
"No, you might not… but I do." Brendan offered the younger boy a smile and was surprised when he saw it returned. "I'll pay. It's only McDonald's."
They strolled through the doors of the 'restaurant' – if you could even call it that, Brendan thought to himself – and approached the counter. It was hardly busy, with only a handful of hooded idiots who were laughing loudly, slightly older than Steven but slightly younger than Brendan. Steven and he could sit upstairs, he decided. He glanced at the menu, knowing what he would order and looked over at Steven who was scanning the menu, debating. The boy looked like a kid in a sweet shop and he laughed, remembering the boy had never had McDonald's before.
"What looks good?" Brendan asked.
"Dunno… what looks good to you?" Steven echoed and Brendan swallowed the urge to reply 'you do'. He shrugged slightly and told Steven what he was ordering, smiling slightly as the Mancunian decided to order the same thing. They gathered their food from the counter as Brendan paid and made their way upstairs which was even quieter than upstairs. They picked a table and sat opposite one another. Brendan took a bite of his cheeseburger and watched as Steven played with one of the fries, not even eating it yet. Steven glanced up at him and then frowned before laughing loudly. Brendan frowned too.
"Wha…" Brendan asked, mouth loaded with cheeseburger.
"Ew… you proper eat like a pig…" Steven giggled and forced a look of disgust on his face which caused Brendan to laugh, swallowing his food. Steven smiled teasingly and began eating. Brendan was always teased by Cheryl about how he ate.
"This is proper good this, init?" Steven smiled as he ate and Brendan raised his eyebrows. It was mediocre to Brendan but he had dined in some expensive restaurants and then it dawned on Brendan that the Mancunian sat in front of him hadn't. He hadn't dined anywhere by the looks of it. Then the dots joined and it all made sense. The scuffed trainers, the insulted look when Brendan had insinuated that Steven had difficulties reading, the bus money incident with Gaz and now this – McDonald's. The boy didn't have much money at home and therefore little opportunity. It made sense.
"Yeah, I guess." Brendan forced a smile back and kept his eyes on the younger man. The man who was so much older in the eyes. The man who's eyes were lined with fresh bruises on top of faded ones. And for the first time since Brendan had gotten to know him, the real Steven started to make a lot more sense to him. He sighed and glanced down at his food, shaking his head to himself. He heard that donkey laugh that he was oh so familiar with and looked up at Steven who was swallowing a bite of his cheeseburger and then slurping on his milkshake, clearly making the loud noise with his straw on purpose.
"This is well classy this…" Steven laughed and Brendan couldn't help but laugh too. "You really know how to make a man feel special, you know. McDonald's…"
"We're living the high life." Brendan replied and they both laughed between eating.
Brendan tried to block out the inclination niggling at the back of his mind that told him Steven was going through a hard home life and tried to laugh along with Steven's jokes. Tried cracking his own before being told he made horrendous 'dad jokes'. Brendan had noticed from the first conversations he had ever had with the younger man that he was a lot older mentally than he was psychically. He was a clever man, in some senses, and there was something about him that Brendan connected with. He didn't have to force laughter when Steven cracked a joke, didn't have to pretend to care when Steven told a story.
By the time they got back into the car, it was getting late and they were only another 5 minutes away from wherever it was that Steven lived. At least that was what Steven told him. He sighed as his Mercedes pulled into a council estate and Brendan's theory about Steven became even more watertight. He stopped the car by Steven's request and glanced out of the window, trying to work out which one of the flats or houses was Steven's. He was curious but he didn't know why. He wanted to know where he lived and slept and spent his days where he wasn't in school. Wanted to know him.
He looked over at Steven and met his gaze, the slight glow of the headlights and the streetlamps overhead were the only light. They flooded very softly into the front of the car, illuminating the younger man's face in a soft orange glow. The shadows on his face making him look… well, Brendan didn't want to go into it. He couldn't stop himself from smiling slightly and watched as Steven returned it. They held each other's gaze for longer than was deemed acceptable and Brendan saw Steven swallow thickly and glance away before looking back at Brendan again.
"So…" Steven spoke softly. "This is me… Thank you…"
Brendan nodded back, finding no words to reply.
He wasn't sure why he did what he did next. He leant over, so close to Steven, and opened Steven's car door for him. He heard Steven's breathing sharpen and turned his head so that they were inches apart, staring at one another, faces so close that he could feel Steven's breath on his lips.
And then, unlike last time, he was sure who made the first move.
He did.
He pressed his lips against Steven's, no softness or shyness or hesitance about this time. He heard the boy whimper and felt his lips move against Brendan's, returning the kiss. He gripped Steven's neck, drinking in the flavour of him and couldn't help himself from moaning slightly as he felt Steven's hand run through his hair. They kissed and it felt amazing. It was like he was taking his first drink of water after being stranded in the desert for weeks. Like he was taking his first breath of air after drowning for so long. It felt right, as much as that made Brendan hate himself. He kissed Steven passionately, desperately until both of them couldn't kiss any longer. They pulled apart, gasping for air, their rapid intakes and exhales of breath synchronising. Steven kept his hand entangled in Brendan's hair and he pulled their forehead's together. He moaned softly and Steven whimpered before they both laughed softly. Steven's fingers caressed Brendan's scalp and then they broke. Brendan sat back in his chair, ignoring the loss of intimacy he felt and also ignoring the slight increase of warmth between his legs. He couldn't. Not now.
"S…so…" Steven spoke softly, his voice shaking a little. Then he laughed. "So… this is me."
"Yeah…"
"I'll see you… tomorrow…"
"Too right you will…"
Steven grinned in response and leaned over to kiss Brendan's cheek softly, the heat of his lips against Brendan's skin causing him to inhale sharply. He looked at the younger man and smiled, watching as he smiled that trademark grin back at him. Steven remained in the car a moment longer, unable to pull himself away from Brendan – he noticed. And then he was gone and the car door clicked shut. He watched Steven walk away in the darkness, his silhouette only visible due to the glow of the streetlights. He watched until Steven disappeared into one of the flats. He sighed to himself and sat back in his seat, his head slamming against the headrest of his car seat.
Fuck.
He was really fucked this time.
-OXO-
