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Light My Fire

Chapter 10

Day of the fire – Morning.

Simon slammed the door behind him leaving Danny hot with anger, his hand shook as he held the receiver in his hand with such a tight hold he felt his heart beat throb through the palm. His other hand tapped quickly at the desk beside him.

The call clicked as it was answered. Danny didn't give the person chance to speak.

"I want out. I've had enough of the crap that comes with your fucked up mess"

The person on the other end was silent at first. Obviously thinking to themselves, Danny rolled his eyes and tapped his fingers quicker on the desk.

"Oi, are ya deaf?! I want..."

"Like I give a shit what you want!" The answer came in anger. "I own you Huston, you work for me. Why so riled? Things are going fine?"

"Walker. He's just been in here shouting the odds. Him and Brady think they own the department" Danny seethed. A light chuckle could be heard on the line, along with a squeak of leather.

"Walker? Yeah he's clever; I've his report here on my desk. The incidents into the fires are becoming more and more looked at."

Danny stood up slowly "he's bound to be suspicious, I mean the stuff is at every location"

"It's been covered up before, it can be again" There's a long sigh then "He wouldn't be missed would he?"

Danny sat down again looking at the door to his office "Look, he's harmless. He got my back up, there's no need to kill another one of us. Brady will miss him and others. He's loved in this department, you're only going to put more heat on us"

A louder laugh made Danny move the phone from his ear "An interesting choice of word. Don't tell me what I can and can't do Huston. Get your bitches onto it. We need to keep to the plan"

"You're fucked up, how do you even sleep at night?" Danny replied "This is the last time, I mean it, I aint doing this for you anymore"

"Don't hear you complaining when your bank balance shows up healthier." The voice became smug "Theirs enough evidence against you to put you away for a long time Danny, I suggest you have a think about that."

"Brady won't take this lying down, Walker is his second in command, and they've known each other years. And now this Ste..."

"Ste?"

"A recruit, they've started a relationship. I said they had to call it off, there are rules for this kind of thing" Danny sits back in his chair eyes closed, hand against his face, he's in too deep to do anything now.

"Only if it affects work, no this is good. Brady having a distraction. Ste you say? Looks like I may have a way of protecting this longer now."

"He ain't gonna let you hurt Ste, I've known Brady for years, he likes him"

"He liked Vinnie too, didn't he? Somehow I think he'll go to lengths to make sure that didn't happen again"

"Vinnie was an accident, the idiot forgot his training" Danny scoffed hand waved in dismissal through the air.

"The stuff was still in the building though, why it went up so fast. Nice insurance payout though. Did you enjoy that holiday? Car, house? I think we still have an understanding. I want Walker sorted, I'll deal with Brendan"

Present Day

"Brendan please calm down!" The swing chair moved back vigorously as Ste leapt off it in pursuit of Brendan. His pace quickening with each step, Ste had to jog a little to even make haste. His arm reached and grabbed the bicep of him managing to turn Brendan around to face him. Ste held on to his shirt hooking his fingers tightly.

"Calm down, you'll make yourself ill" Ste softened his voice watching Brendan look at him like he was crazy

"There is news about Simon, of course I am gonna be this way. He's my best friend." Brendan moved his arm quickly jolting Ste not realising how it came across. Ste felt gutted swallowing the lump of upset he sighed and followed keeping his feelings close to his chest.

Brendan was like a ferret moving around his house at speed finding his keys and wallet. He threw Ste his jacket and grabbing his own only stopping when he saw Ste's face.

"What Steven? Is it because I'm not lavishing ye with attention huh? Suddenly someone else is important not ye?" Brendan spat his words out at Ste almost instantly regretting them, the boy just moved to leave without one word of rebuke.

Brendan watched Ste stand at the passenger side of his car and he felt relief he'd not pushed him away with his words. Ste slammed the door shut when they entered the silver BMW and folded his arms once his seat belt was fastened. Ste's lip protruding so deliciously as he pouted Brendan smirked at the sight of him. His heart skipped a beat leaving the fire chief feeling even more vulnerable; Ste was having a significant effect on his heart he'd never felt before.

The drive to the hospital was frosty despite the sun beaming down through the white nimbus clouds above. Ste angled his eyes upwards to watch them move across the blue sky, head leaning on the window. Brendan turned his head every now and then hoping Ste would do the same and their eyes would meet. How he could be missing him as he sat in the next seat confused Brendan.

The silence was becoming unbearable to Brendan, even fighting he'd get to hear the younger boys sweet voice.

"Can you drop me at the flat?"

Ste spoke finally shocking Brendan to look back at him quickly. He couldn't go home, not now, he needed him here.

"Why? I thought you'd want to see Simon" Brendan kept alternating his gaze between the road and Ste. The traffic mellowing in the early evening.

"No, I don't want to get in the way. You go" Ste replied still watching the sky.

"Please don't go home, Steven" Brendan implored Ste and he turned to look at him finally.

Ste looked at Brendan's face and shifted in his seat. "Okay" Ste's voice softened "Whatever you want"

"Thank ye Steven. I don't think I could do this without ye"

"I am here as long as ya need me. And I too want to know how Simon is doing. What did they tell you?" Ste turned to face Brendan moving to one side, his head lolled on the head rest.

"Just that there'd been a change and wanted his family notified."

"You're not family though are ya?"

"No, but I'm down as his next of kin. He doesn't see his family much, it's just been us, me, Simon and Foxy since we were recruits" Brendan tells him as they stop at a queue of cars at the lights. Brendan leans towards Ste.

"Come closer"

Ste moved up curious "What is it?"

"I want to kiss ye" Brendan beamed before kissing Ste hard against his lips. Ste flicked his eyelashes up to meet Brendan's gaze. They both smiled and Brendan sat back behind the wheel as Ste shuffled back into his seat giddy.

"I didn't mean what I said back at the house. I feel the walls are closing in, the whole situation has thrown me" Brendan chuckled a little "Considering the things I've seen in my job that sounds crazy"

"We should tell Anne and Warren" Ste answered retrieving his mobile "They are gonna want to be here too" Ste spoke on the phone keeping his eyes on Brendan the most part so they could catch a look at each other when Brendan turned.

"They're on their way, Anne's worried. Should we be worried Bren?"" Ste gulped realising they were almost at the hospital. An ambulance passed them, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. Brendan braked to allow it to pass through. The silence reared its ugly head between them once again. This time however, it wasn't uncomfortable, Ste rested his hand on Brendan's thigh squeezing as they parked up and moved to get out.

The hospital ICU was quiet as visiting time was over, all that could be heard were the beeps from various monitors, nurses passing by walking into the wards or side rooms. Brendan froze before they got to walk in Simon's room, Ste watched his hands clench by his side, he moved and wriggled his fingers enough to slide their hands together. Brendan turned to look at Ste who smiled in response.

"No matter what, I will be here" Ste added and walked them towards the room. Inside they were left with the vision of an empty bed, all Simon's clothes gone, bed made waiting for the next patient. Brendan's legs gave way on him, and try as he might Ste struggled to hold him up.

"B…Bren, I can't…" Ste held on tighter heaving Brendan up with all he had and moved him to sit in a chair.

"He..he can't be…" Brendan looked at the bed "Simon's the strongest one of us, he'd never give up"

"I am going to find someone, just wait here for me okay?" Ste looked at Brendan who was miles away.

Ste stood up taking a last look at the bed, he opened the door and looked up and down the corridor. No one was in sight so he called out for anyone. It had suddenly turned into the twilight zone. He couldn't walk off and leave Brendan in the state he was in. At the same time he needed answers.

He held his hands behind his back to edge to door closed and walked out a little, where was everyone. They'd disappeared, Ste took one more look and then moved back into the room. Brendan had his head in his hands. Ste rushed over to the emergency call button and pressed it before kneeling down in front of Brendan

"Hey, we could be jumping to the wrong conclusion huh? I have called for help, we'll find Simon Okay?"

Brendan held his head up to look at Ste, his arms moved around Brendan's neck and held his head to his chest. Ste kissed over his dark hair soothing him. As his breathing calmed eventually a nurse opened the door popping her head around to see them together huddled.

She walked in and looked puzzled "Erm can I help you?"

Ste kissed Brendan and let go of him. They both stood up "Yes, where is Simon Walker? He was in this room"

"Oh…yes you'd best come with me" The nurse beckoned them to follow her. After a good walk Brendan was beginning to get tetchy.

"Look can ye just tell us, I cannot stand this anymore."

"He was moved" The nurse spoke and walked them onto a new ward "He's stable but still very poorly"

Ste stopped the nurse "Eh? How can he have been moved then?"

"He made progress, so doesn't need to be on the ICU anymore"

They were taken to a ward and Simon's bed was placed by the window. Four other beds were in the room. He still had a drip in his arm but some of the equipment was gone, the tubes removed from his mouth and his breathing stable. The heart monitor remained however and constantly beeped into the air.

Brendan lightened and his colour returned as he rushed to Simon's side "Jesus, ye gave us a real fright then. I'm here with Steven" Brendan looked up to Ste who moved to the other side of the bed "Hi Simon, good to see you. Now how about waking up now eh?"

"I second that, time to stop sleeping and wake up"

"He needs to sleep to get better" The nurse again, she held his chart and flicked through it "He's badly burnt, I am sorry what happened to your friend"

"He will recover though right?" Ste asked "I mean even with the burns"

"There's no reason why he wont. They will have to do skin graphs though, on his arms and legs. His chest and face have superficial injuries, which will heal naturally." The nurse placed the chart back and nodded in goodbye.

Ste grabbed his phone and text Anne and Warren before they too made the mistake of going to the ICU ward and getting the worst idea. Ste joined Brendan and he snaked his arm around Ste. "Thank ye Steven, for everything"

"That's okay. We've a couple of days before we are back on shift. Fancy going away for a night?" Ste looked up at Brendan "I know you're concerned about Simon, we all are. I just think some time away will help, plus Warren and Anne will keep us posted"

"Okay I am listening. Where do ye wanna go?"

"The seaside, ever been?"

"No, heard of a few though, which one?" Brendan asked

"We could go to..." Ste's eyes widened as he looked back at Simon who began to move "Simon? Oh my god, Bren he moved!" Brendan looked at Simon who's eyes began to flicker.

"Simon? Nurse! Quick he's waking up!"

Brendan paced the waiting room while Anne and Warren joined them. Anne wrapped herself into Ste's hold hugging onto him tightly. In turn Warren slapped the shoulder of Brendan lightly smiling.

"What's happening Brady? Is he alright?"

"He was moved because he made progress, then as we stood there he began to wake up. Next thing we are being ushered out while they attend to him" Brendan shrugged.

Simon lay eyes open as they walked back in, Brendan smiled wide and leaned over so he could see his face "Bloody sod, ye gave us all a right shock!"

Simon's eyes moved open and closed sporadically, as the strong painkillers worked their magic. Simon managed a small nod.

Warren moved Brendan out of the way "Yeah ya lazy git, why don't ya get up, do some work instead of lazing about in bed?" Warren winked at Simon as he smirked back. "Just so ya know, I've stolen ya job, so best not be here too much longer"

Ste shook his head at them "Woah, how's about we give Simon room to breathe?! Great to see you awake" He moved and pushed Anne forward who edged onto the bed and held over his hand. They moved out of the way and watched from a distance.

"Has he said anything yet?"

Brendan shook his head, as he looked at Simon and Anne "Not yet But I am sure he will when he's stronger, let's hope he has the answers to nail whoever did this to the wall"

"Namely Danny" Warren added.

Twelve weeks Later.

"Trust me, you'll be fine" Brendan rested his head on Ste's shoulder and rubbed his arms over his uniform. Ste was tidying himself up in the mirror, making sure his tie was straight and buttoning up his buttons on his blue shirt, this was the second time now as Brendan had kept popping them open as he did.

"Yeah but what if…what if I screw up?" Ste's voice broke and he turned to be held in Brendan's arms

"Ye will, but Steven we all make mistakes"

"Oi! Great lot of good you are, prep talks ain't ya forte" Ste smiled as Brendan laughed, couldn't help it his laughter was catching.

"Steven, ye are gonna pass with flying colours, and no one will be more prouder than I will be" Brendan sealed his words with a kiss, one that deepened the longer it went on. Ste's hands moved through Brendan's hair gripping tightly as their tongues swiped hotly.

"Hmm, ya taste good" Ste whispered as their mouths ghosted "Shame I have this interview"

"How long will ye be? I have to pop to the office, sort out a few things" Brendan replied back his arms finding more headway around Ste's tiny waist.

"Ya should know, you had the same interview! These three months have flown by haven't they?"

"You've been my best and worst recruit ye know that? Only ye Steven could come into my station and wreak the havoc ye did and still pass the recruitment stage" Brendan huffed out a laugh watching Ste pout at him. He'd never looked so beautiful, Ste could tempt any man he wanted. Brendan knew this and held tighter.

"Yeah well, what do ya want? Weren't expecting you was I?"

"Got there in the end though" Brendan kissed Ste again before moving away to grab their hats and threw one at Ste he caught it and placed it on his head grinning. Brendan took in the sight of him a moment or two before leaving together. Brendan leaned across the car as Ste stood by it looking up at the building before him. He turned and crouched down at the open window leaning in to connect their lips.

"Wish me luck handsome"

"Not that you'll need it Steven, but good luck. I'll see ye back at the station"

Ste nodded leaving Brendan to move up the many stone steps to the glass doors which opened as he got closer. The reception was vast and as he took off his hat and placed it under his arm he walked over the large fire department crest that was tiled into the marble floor. His shiny patient shoes tapped over it as he did.

Standing at reception the young man before him smiled asking how he could help. Ste swallowed informing him he was here for an formal interview to which he was guided to the right floor. The elevator was crowded making Ste warmer than he already was. Everyone dressed in suits or fire fighter uniforms. The doors opened on the fifth floor, a sea of red and blue attacked his eyes as he walked out.

Eventually finding the right place he walked in to see a number of candidates sat waiting, every one of them looking up at him, he'd never wanted to escape more. After another brief chat at the reception Ste sat down, hands held over his knees he waited with a bunch of nerves wrestling at his body.

Back at the station Warren was sat in Brendan's leather chair feet up and grinning. The stark reminders of Simon rearing their painful heads again. Warren seemed to notice the upset in Brendan instantly placing his legs down and standing up.

"Sorry mate, was just waiting for ya" Warren moved to let Brendan sit down.

"No, it's okay" Brendan smiled a little and gestured to him "Any news?"

"Nope, everything cool, running smoothly. In fact, it's eerily quiet"

"Hmm, well now you've said that I am sure we'll see a change"

Warren folds his arms across his chest "Did Ste get off alright? I bet he's nervous poor fella"

"Yeah a little, I think I persuaded him otherwise"

"I don't want to hear about that nonsense, what you and Ste get up to behind closed doors…"

"Jesus, I didn't mean that! I mean I spoke to him, said he'd passed the recruitment stage and theirs no reason why he shouldn't be accepted on as a fully fledged fire fighter."

"What if he can't get a job here? You discussed that?"

"Didn't need too, I've pulled some strings. An old friend is on the interview panel" Brendan raised his eyebrows smugly

"You must enjoy working with him then." Warren moved to leave the office

"Yeah, our working relationship keeps me on my toes, never argued so much in my life and reveled in it"

Patrick shifted in his chair, newspaper in hand he was again reading about the 'heroic' rescue from the recent warehouse fire. His eyes glassed over dismayed. Simon surviving hadn't entered the equation. He wanted answers, more than that he expected results.

An insignificant knock at the door interrupted his thoughts as Leanne walked in clutching a heavy file in her arms. The girl walked with a hesitant swagger as she closed their distance. Her smile was wasted on him; he dismissed her as soon as the paperwork left her weakening hands.

Patrick watched her leave with a grimace before lowering his newspaper folding it meticulous and placing it on the side. As the file opened he took a long breath, tapping at the typing on the paper. He read a while and suddenly grabbed it and flung it across the room in anger yelling at the top of his voice.

"Sir…?" Leanne peered around the smallest crack in the door at Patrick, She whimpered at the look he shot her.

"What?!"

"I…I heard you shout. Are you…okay?"

"I am fine! Don't you have some typing to finish? Filing?" Patrick snapped wafting his hand at her. "Wait! Actually, there is something you can do. Find me Ste Hay"

"Ste Hay? Who is…"

"Works with Brady, a recruit. I want to meet him, set it up if that's not too difficult for you".

Leanne left quickly but returned faster than Patrick had wanted. Her eyes had a look of fear as she tried to fight the urge to leave the room.

"S…sorry to disturb you again sir. Ste Hay? He's in the building already"

Patrick stood up making Leanne flinch "What? How do you know this?"

"I looked on the system for his name and it flashed up he has an interview today"

"Who with?"

"Lynsey Nolan is heading the interview panel"

Patrick looked through Leanne and smirked to himself "Good, make sure he's directed up to this office afterwards right?"

Leanne nodded and hurried out of the office. Patrick sat back feeling instantly better.

Ste walked out of the interview room in a daze. had that actually just happened. Ste glanced around and realised he had no one to share the news with, no one to hug and jump up and down on the spot with. He wished Brendan was here. As he walked past reception his name was called out on the tannoy, it made him look up in surprise, he wasn't expecting it. The man on reception informed him Patrick Blake wanted to see him. He'd no idea who he was. Ste moved to a comfy couch situated in the foyer and found his phone. He called Brendan on the off chance he's still in the office. No answer in his office and it goes straight to voice mail when he dialed his mobile.

Ste moves towards Leanne who is sat smiling. Ste holds out a hand to her in greeting. "Hiya, here to see a Mr Blake?"

"Yes, please go right in, he's expecting you"

Ste walked into the large office and saw a tall man stood at the window. As he turned he smiled and gestured to the chair for Ste to sit down. As soon as he did Patrick joined him at the table.

"Can I get you a drink?"

"Erm, no ta. Why am I here?"

"I wanted to meet the infamous Ste Hay"

"Ey?"

"The man who tamed Brendan" Patrick smiled and Ste looked upon him with suspicion, although he didn't know why.

Ste sat up in his chair and leaned forward "Why is what Brendan gets up to your business?"

"Ha ha, feisty. Now I know why he wants you. I'm an old friend of Brendan, knew him when he was still a recruit."

"Oh, right. Well yeah we are together, been about four months now." Ste smiled to himself, it felt a lot longer than that.

"It's a shame about Simon though...I knew him too"

"You make it sound like he died. He's recovering now, in fact wont be long before he's back at work" Ste sniffed and folded his arms.

"Yes I am sure you are right, of course we will have to see how he is. Has he spoken about the accident?"

"Accident? It wasn't an accident. Someone tried to kill him"

"That's a mighty big assumption, I've seen the reports and there's nothing of evidence to show it was anything but an accident" Patrick interlocked his fingers and watched Ste stand up

"Then your report is wrong. And I know there is more than one of us that won't stop till the culprit is stopped"

Patrick stood up quickly and walked to stand in front of Ste. "That right? Well good for you. I doubt you'll find anything"

"Simon will remember, then you'll have a statement" Ste moved to leave, he hated all the negativity given by this man.

"Congratulations by the way" Patrick shouted back "Must be good having Brendan on side, he able to bribe the interview panel"

Ste span around "What? No, he wouldn't"

"Oh come on, you didn't know? He doesn't have a lot of faith in you does he? Still, least you got the job" Patrick grinned
"My regards to Brendan when you get back there"

Ste walked into the station placed his hat down on the reception desk and sighed as he and Cheryl looked at each other. Cheryl moved her chair closer and tilted her head at him waiting. Ste didn't say a word.

"Well?! Did ye get it?!"

"Don't pretend ya didn't know. Brendan to the rescue huh?" Ste had resentment in his voice which didn't go unnoticed by Cheryl. Her face drifted lower as she tried to work out what Ste had meant.

"I take it you know Lynsey Nolan too?"

Cheryl widened her eyes and stood up "Oh...he wouldn't. Ste he has every faith in ye. Yes we both know her, we grew up as kids" Cheryl winced at Ste's face

"I can't believe he did this too me, all this time he still has no faith in my abilities whatsoever" Ste grabbed his hat and placed it on his head

"Don't fall out again!" Cheryl shouted at Ste as he left.

Ste bumped into Warren and he turned to ask him the same questions. How did it go, did ya get the job. Stupid questions Ste thought. "Who cares. Just tell me where he is"

"Locker room, just got back from a long call out. He rescued a child from a burning house" Warren added

"He did?" Ste asked and smiled nodding his head "I bet he did. He's a hero"

"Ste, you alright?" Warren held his hand on Ste's shoulder "You look upset."

"I'll survive" Ste moved making his way to the locker room. He sat heavy on the long bench in the middle of the room holding his head in his hands and rubbing over his face a few times. As he held his head up to think he heard a noise in the shower, blew a breath out of his mouth and sauntered around. He saw Brendan's uniform on his locker and he moved to lock the door.

Toeing his shoes off he moved to the shower where Brendan was, taking his two fingers angled the shower curtain to see Brendan showering. He smiled to himself, finally catching the fire chief showering. He moved behind him unbuttoning his shirt and letting it loosen open. His hands slid over the zipper of his trousers to reveal his boxers. Ste wasn't hard but highly aroused enough to feel a twinge in his groin. Brendan still oblivious to Ste being there let the water flow over him, steam filled the cubical. Ste stretched his hands out and touched the wet skin of Brendan lightly. Brendan froze feeling a tongue lap up his back.

"Steven?"

"Who else were ya expecting?" Ste asked changing his licks to wide kisses. Brendan moves to turn but Ste doesn't let him. Instead tells Brendan to put his hands against the tiles and not to move them.

"So, I went to the interview" Ste speaks smoothing his hands down Brendan's body parting his legs open he drops to his knees. "And I got the job"

"Steven that's...good"

Ste shakes his head tracing his hands up the insides of Brendan's thighs up to his fleshy cheeks. Ste thumbs over them edging down the crack he parts his cheeks instilling a quick breath from Brendan "Steven...what..."

"Shhh" Ste tells him and laps his tongue over Brendan's hole slowly, tasting him and the warm water on his tongue. His tongue settles in that spot and licks harder, Brendan moves backwards keening into it. Ste stays in that place lapping and tickling at his hole pushing the tip inside Brendan jolts with it.

"God...Steven"

Ste replaces his tongue with a finger and presses inside Brendan. "Relax Chief. So I hear you know Lynsey?" Ste moves his finger deeper inside Brendan and back out, in again and then moves his other hand down to his hard cock stroking it. "And don't dare lie to me" His grip tightens as he milks the shaft with a flick of his wrist, Brendan's moans fill the shower.

"Steven...I...fuck...I wanted to help" Brendan rocked back onto Ste's finger and moaned feeling two fingers enter him. "This your way of getting me back?"

"Maybe" Ste thrust his fingers deeper rubbing against Brendan's prostate. "Ya seem to like ya punishment chief"

Ste gasped as Brendan turned and moved shoving Ste up against the wall and lingered their mouths close "I do like it Steven, I need ye to know, I did it for us. I want to work with ye each day, I want to wake up with ye in the mornings, I want to fuck ye hard against this wall" Brendan pushed down Ste's soaked trousers and boxers revealing his hard length. Brendan held it and moved his palm up an down.

"I...I want that too" Ste closed his eyes and rested his head back against the tiles thrusting into his palm. Pre come dripped from the slit as Ste keened. His eyes opened to see Brendan looking at him in hunger as he stripped his dick with his tight fist. They moved together kissing hard, Ste moaned as Brendan's tongue owned his mouth curling their tongues close Ste's breath taken out of his lungs the deeper he went.

"I haven't anything on me" Brendan's breathing heavy as he whispered into Ste's ear. The younger man wound his hand around his length again.

"Doesn't mater, just come in my mouth" Ste purred dropping to his knees and taking Brendan into his mouth quickly, the fire chief moaned holing his palms up against the tiles and hips jolting with the deep suction. Ste's lips held around his cock and milked his climax out, the hot liquid filtered out and slid down Ste's throat, sucking him through his come down Brendan sighed as he let him go.

Ste looked up and watched Brendan gasp water falling off his body and down in drips onto Ste. Brendan crouched down on his knees and lifted Ste onto his lap, fingering between his open thighs his hand moved up and rubbed at his hole, entering him with his middle finger and gripping hold of his dick, Ste held around his neck and gazed into his eyes as he rocked down over his finger till he opened up enough for three digits. Their mouths held close, breathing heavy, Ste moved and angled till he rubbed over his sweet spot and came hard between them.

Brendan's mouth widened over his neck and bit down hard rubbing inside him deeper through his come down. Ste kissed Brendan again and danced his eyes over Brendan's "I...I love you"

"What?" Brendan's mouth held open in shock, then moved into a smile "Yeah?"

"Yeah" Ste's breathing began to falter "fallen for you big time"

"I love ye too"

Ste smiled back and moved off Brendan's fingers gasping "You're not just saying that cos I did?"

"I promise ye, I feel the same way. My heart beats differently since I met ye, I can't live without ye Steven" Brendan wrapped his hand across Ste's cheek. "I thought ye were mad at me"

"I was...I am. Why couldn't ya have faith in me?"

"I do! I did, I just wanted to make sure ye worked in this station, so I asked Lynsey, if ye get the job to make sure ye posted at this station and..."

"Wait, ya didn't tell her to give me the job?"

"No, ye had to do that yourself Steven, and besides with your gob, there was no other outcome eh" Brendan laughed and stood up hoisting Ste up to stand with him. He looked down at the state of Steven, pants round his ankles and shirt undone plastered wet to his skin. "Ye all wet"

"Well I am stood in the shower with you after all." Ste looked down at himself and giggled "Probably should have got undressed first though."

Ste moved out of the shower and grabbed a towel wrapping it around Brendan he helped to dry his body, he took his time with it kissing Brendan deeply as his hands moved the fluffy material over every inch of skin rubbing it till dry. He grabbed another towel once he's got out of his uniform and stood with it around his waist watching Brendan get dressed.

"Can I have a spare uniform Bren?"

"Hey, loving ye doesn't mean ye get to call me anything other than Chief in work mister" Brendan wagged his finger fastening his belt and dragging on his shirt. Ste moved him up against the lockers and palmed over his chest. "Chief, please can I have a spare uniform?"

"Nope" Brendan grinned and buttoned up his shirt "Ye have been a bad boy Steven, seducing your Chief and in the shower of all places. Ye should be reprimanded"

"More like congratulated, you was loving it" Ste bit down on Brendan's bottom lip until he was guided away by Brendan who walked backwards before grabbing the towel from around his waist, he moved to the locker room door unlocking it. The door opened and Brendan moved out smirking.

"Chief...ya ain't gonna leave me like this, right?" Ste began to fluster as Brendan waved his fingers at Ste

"Sorry beautiful, I've a job to get too" Brendan rushed away quickly, his laugh trailing away as he went. Ste's eyes widened and looked down at his nakedness. He wouldn't.

He would. Fuck.

"Pssst" "Pssst" Warren stopped and looked around. What was that noise? He listened intently and slanted his eyes as he did. "Psst!" Warren jumped when he saw Ste poking his head out of the locker room. He moved over to him and pointed "What the hell are ya doing?"

"Waiting for a number seven bus, what do ya think I am doing?" Ste exasperated

"Ok what's going on?"

"I need a uniform" Ste whispered so low Warren barely heard him

"Ey?"

"I need a uniform"

"Look can ya speak up, I ain't got all day"

"I am naked behind here!" Ste shouted and it echoed around the corridor.

Warren held his hands up and backs off a bit "God you and Brady need to control ya urges. We're at work!" Warren moves towards the door.

"What ya doing?"

"Coming in, I'll give you my spare one"

"Close ya eyes then!"

"Ste what you have I aint the first bit interested in, but thanks anyway" Warren covers his eyes as Ste bounds into the showers, Warren leaves his uniform on the bench.

After Ste had got dressed he turned to look laughing "What happened to your other one?"

"It got wet, we erm..." Ste thumbed back at the shower. "Then the sod left me, I swear I'm gonna kick his ass"

"I'd like to see that, remember he's the Chief though"

"He told me he loved me" Ste couldn't stop the smile over his face.

Warren span around and smiled "He did? Bloody hell fire. Nice one."

"Still gonna kick his ass" Ste added shrugging.

"So would I" Warren nodded in agreement.