I'm sorry for the late update, real life taking over at the moment.
Thank you as always for your lovely reviews for this fic. xx


The Moment We Met

Part 11

Cheryl poised the mug of hot coffee she held in her hand to her lips and flicked her eyes up at the flat door upon hearing a key turn. Brendan stepped in and met her gaze briefly before closing the door behind him.

"Sure you're at the right place?" Cheryl asked idly flicking through the glossy pages of her magazine on the table, she took a sip of her brew.

"I've come to get a change of clothes"

"Uh huh." Cheryl bit into and chewed her buttered toast. "Ste not washing your clothes now? Thought he'd be wanting to look after ye, seen as ye spend most your days there"

Brendan let out a sigh and stepped over to the table his sister sat at and stood watching her purposely avoid eye contact. "You're mad with me - ain't ye"

"Now why would I be angry with ye Brendan? It's not like ye come and go as ye please, staying out nights on end. Only time I see ye is when you're wanting a change of clothes. Washing machine is over there by the way, in case you're wondering"

"I'm sorry. I am sorry, okay? Me and Steven we just..."

"Ye want to spend time together" Cheryl finally looked up at her brother. "Have ye moved in with him?"

"No, it's... I stayed over one night and that became every night and we just never saw need to change things. All my stuff, ye know, it's still here"

"I understand that, but I never see ye anymore"

"Jesus Chez, we work at the same club. I saw ye hours ago"

"Ye know what I mean. Is it really so much to ask that ye spend some time with your sister that doesn't involve the accounts or ordering stock?"

"No. Of course not." Brendan replies softly backing down. Cheryl's eyes found a renewed sparkle.

"Right so, tonight we'll finish early and ye can come home. I'll cook us something nice"

"Don't go to too much trouble Chez. But, yeah. I'll stop a couple hours tonight" Brendan turned on his heel and started to walk through to the kitchen.

"I mean stay here Brendan." Cheryl angled herself around in the chair and watched her brother stall his movements. "Don't want ye rushing off, we could watch a film or talk, have wee a catch up"

Brendan thinly smiled looking back at his sister, reluctantly nodding in agreement. It wasn't that he didn't want to spend time with Cheryl, but he looked forward to seeing Ste and they'd never not spent a night apart since they went on the road trip together. Brendan swallowed against the dread it made him feel.

"Don't suppose there's another brew in that kettle, sis?"

"Of course love" Cheryl beamed getting up. "I bet you've room for toast and jam too haven't ye"

"Now you're talking"

The twist in Brendan's stomach remained as he stepped into his bedroom. The room felt odd and unfamiliar almost, the sheets were still neatly made up and the curtains drawn open. The last time he had slept in this bed was with Ste, and when he'd decided to go back to his flat, Brendan had spent every other night there with him.

Brendan found some clean clothes, ones that Cheryl had sorted for him and the guilt crept in. He sat down on the bed and reached for his phone to call Ste.

"Hiya - you forget somet?" Ste's voice sounded upbeat when he answered, Brendan could tell instantly he was smiling.

"Are ye asking, or telling me?"

"I were asking ya cos you've only just left me."

"Well maybe I missed your voice"

"Oh yeah?"

"Oh yeah" Brendan smiled feeling a natural warmth within his chest and leaned back against the pillow and headboard. His reflection mirrored back at him.

"Where are you, thought you were going back to the flat?"

"I did." Brendan held up his phone and took a photo and sent a picture message through to Ste. "I'm here now, sat in my bedroom - that picture I sent jog your memory?"

Ste could be heard lightly laughing on the other end of the phone. "You're a tad overdressed in this one, not that I don't appreciate you in a suit cos I do"

"Duly noted"

"We watched a film together that night, kind of"

"We did, kind of"

"When I think about the early days, us trying to see each other. Well it's no wonder Doug got narked about it, all we did was flirt. Do you ever miss that?"

"What's to miss, fluttering those Bambi eyelashes of yours. And don't get me started on that pout"

"Your eyes" Ste's voice spoke dreamily.

"What?"

"Your eyes. The way you look at me sometimes - like I'm impossible"

"Can't believe what I'm seeing, so"

"Aww"

"Anyways - what ye up to?"

"Getting ready to go out in a bit - are you alright Bren?" Ste's voice instantly turned into concern.

"I'm fine Steven. I've just been speaking with Chez and she wants a catch up ye know, with me as I haven't spent much time with her recently"

"You see her at the club everyday"

Brendan couldn't help but smirk. "Ye got that too huh? Anyways, that's just working at the club. Cheryl suggested I came here tonight, close the club early and she'd make tea, I dunno"

"Aw that's nice though Bren. You two could do with a good natter, don't blame her really cos me an' you, we've kind been wrapped up in each other to notice owt else. Bit selfish init?"

"Is it? Oh" Brendan inhaled deeply through his nose.

"You can't back out on her now can ya? Just use your key to get in as normal, I'll wait up because I'm planning on finishing work early tonight"

"That's why I am calling. Cheryl wants me to stay here, I think she misses me being in the flat ye know." Brendan explains, pauses when he's finished talking but there's too much silence in return.

"Steven, are ye...?"

"Yeah I'm here." Ste's voice hollows. "So you won't be back, okay"

"It's just tonight Steven" Brendan flicks his eyes up to the ceiling. "It wasn't my idea, I don't want..."

"Doesn't matter, does it. Cos I'll get loads done won't I, in the morning cos you can't distract me ey?" Ste jokes, laughter forced. "Bout time ya slept in your bed init? I'll miss you though -"

"I'll miss ye too" Brendan leans his elbows down on his knees and listens to Ste's breathing.

"When did we get like this?" Ste spoke lowly breaking the silence between them. Brendan can hear the sound of the sofa in the living room creak as Ste sits back on it

"I dunno" Brendan shook his head and drifted his eyes to the floor. "Maybe after the hotel, ye know, the fire. Makes ye value what you've got hm?"

"Yes it does. Which is why you're gonna have a great time tonight with Chez. Listen I'm gonna have to go, need to catch me bus"

"I wish you'd re consider working at the club, it's closer ye know?"

"How many times we been over this, you've no need to worry about me. It's a job Bren. This is helping to pay for the ferry to Dublin and ya know how much I'm looking forward to us going. I know it's not ideal me having to work in the city, but this is a means to an end init? And besides I like working there now."

"I know ye do"

"I'll text when I am home alright? I love you Brendan"

"I love ye too. See ye tomorrow"


"That was great Chez, thank ye" Brendan said, he placed his knife and fork on top of the plate and reached for his drink of water. Cheryl smiled at him across the table and gathered up their dirty dishes.

"Glad ye liked it. It has been really nice to do this again, I miss my big brother" Cheryl moved up from her chair. "Why don't ye go and sit on the sofa, I'll quickly wash these up."

"Alright, do ye want a drink?"

"Glass of wine? Thanks love" Cheryl stepped over to the sink and filled the bowl with soapy water. "Has Ste been in touch yet?"

"No" Brendan rubbed his tensed brow checking his phone. "Must be still at work, funny because he told me he'd be home early tonight"

"Don't ye be fretting, he'll text when he can do." Cheryl mused, she rubbed the plate in her hand clean and angled her head back to look at Brendan. "It's good to see ye happy"

Brendan flicked up his eyes from his lit phone screen. "Ye didn't think I could meet anyone"

Cheryl took in a breath. "Well, ye weren't always the settling down type. First Eileen then Macca, goodness knows who I don't know about"

"Remind me how your love life is going at the moment sis?" Brendan gritted out placing his phone into his back pocket.

"Can I have an easier question please?" Cheryl asked as she laughed. "I always hoped you'd find someone Bren, and I think we all need what ye and Ste have. Must be my turn next eh?"

Brendan gave his sister a cursory glance and hummed in reply before moving to pour them both a drink. "No one sniffing around I need to worry about I hope"

"You make it sound so romantic, that what ye did to Ste was it? Sniff him?"

"Your ridicule will only strengthen my curiosity Chez"

"Come on love, I think you'd know if there was a bloke on the scene" Cheryl continued to chat away in the background while Brendan kept an eye on his phone. The whiskey left a warmth in his throat as he knocked it back and moved to sit on the sofa.

When Brendan's phone finally beeped it surprised him.

'Home at last! :)' S

'Was just about to send out the calvary' B

'Ha ha. Missing me? :)' S

'Nope :)' B

'Fibber. Did xtra shift.' S

'Extra money I hope" B

'Obvs yeah.' S

'Obvs' B

'What you doing?' S

'Chez is washing up, I'm sat with my feet up' B

'Go and help her' S

'I'm the guest Steven' B

'Do u do my voice in your head when u read my txt?' S

'I did just then and got confused' B

''Oi cheeky.
I love your voice' S

'Just as well' B

'Mostly your bed voice. It's just for me that' S

'Not the only thing. In bed yet?' B

'Yep. Your side is comfy' S

'Keep it warm for me' B

'I am. Past ya bedtime isn't it? :) S

Brendan smiled and drifted his eyes up to Cheryl as she walked around the front of the sofa, she'd changed into her pajama's and brought over two mugs of hot chocolate.

"That Ste?" Cheryl asked placing the drinks on the table. "See, told ye he'd text"

"Yeah, he had to work a late shift tonight. Going to bed by the looks of it" Brendan explained hiding his mouth behind his fist capturing a noisy yawn. "Getting on the time though eh?"

"Not for us, we're used to staying up all hours running the club. There's a good film on in a minute we can watch together" Cheryl switched on the tv and made herself comfy.

"Right, an entire film. Brilliant" Brendan flicked his eyes back to his phone and typed a new message.

'Watching a movie, Chez is settling in with hot chocolate... and pjs' B

'Aw, she'll be happy your there :)' S

'See u 2mo ok? Night, night xx' S

'Goodnight Steven. x' B


The last month had seen Ste secure himself a new job in the heart of Chester. A chance vacancy Ste had seen as he spent days searching had fallen into his lap. The sous chef position had been a welcome boost for Ste and despite having to travel out early each day, he'd felt better for it.

Tony was the proprietor of the restaurant in question and needed a new sous chef to help with the ever growing demand of custom he had. And equally lucky for him, Ste had been the perfect addition to his staff.

"Morning Ste, you're bright and early this morning after last nights late one" Tony gazed up as the restaurant door opened and Ste walked in. He swung his bag around and left it on a chair.

"Not so bushy tailed though, didn't hardly sleep a wink last night" Ste held his head briefly in his hands and dragged them over his face.

"Do I really want to know the reason for that Ste? It's still very early and I've just had my breakfast"

Ste looked back at Tony initially confused. "Eh? Oh, right. Nothin' like that. Brendan wasn't even with me, he stayed at his sisters last night"

"Oh dear. Shall I make us both a strong coffee?"

"We haven't fell out" Ste finally smiled and let out a small chuckle. "It just felt weird without him there. Usually when I wake up Bren is next to me"

Tony gently patted Ste on the shoulder and encouraged him into the kitchen. Ste grabbed an apron and put it on moving over to the larder.

"I'm gonna do a carrot cake and chocolate gateau for lunchtime. They always go down well. Maybe a cheesecake, that too many?"

"No that should be okay, if not there's other things on the menu they can choose. Hey, that fresh bread of yours goes down a treat with the customers too" Tony replied confidentially.

"Had loads of practice with baking though, it's dead easy too, except the staying up all night"

"Done that myself in the past, the older you are the harder it gets staying up and besides Diane likes me coming home each night"

"See, that's what I were on about before. Brendan, he worries about me working so far away. It were different at the deli cause at least it was a stones throw away. Used to like going over at lunch or seeing him on the balcony"

"You make it sound like you're not together anymore" Tony chuckled to himself. "I understand what you mean about waking up with someone there, Diane and I are the same because you do get used to it. You and Brendan haven't been together that long yet though, it'll get worse mark my words"

"Cheers for the heads up" Ste laughs.

"You any closer to that restaurant of yours yet?"

"Ask me an easier one. Problem is finding a good place to set up, you'll know yourself cos I bet in the beginning it weren't a bed of roses. Like, it's great I have this for now, cos I love cooking an' you've taught me loads but..."

"But you want a place of your own to build up. I can relate to that, was always my dream running a business, but it isn't just cooking for people you know, it is hard graft with ups and downs. You gotta expect huge challenges along the way Ste, but you've the talent and determination I'll give you that. Just don't be opening a place on my doorstep okay"

"Ha ha, no I won't. We've talked about Dublin actually, but there would be barriers in the way of that."

"How do you mean?"

Ste flicked his eyes up at Tony and watched him prepare some food. "Nowt, just unsure if it'll happen or not"

"What about Manchester or Liverpool even? That's not too far away is it?"

"Don't think I'd go back to my hometown cos of my mam and Terry, but Liverpool I love. It's a great city, but I know certain people there that wouldn't like me around"

"Liverpool is a big city Ste, loads of places you can go. Having said all that, I would be losing a great employee - so no rush yeah" Tony said with a smile. "When you swanning off to Dublin, two weeks isn't it?"

"Yeah, not long to go. I might have a look online tonight at the ferry and cabin we've booked. Taken a bit longer for us to plan it cos I wanted to sort a job out first. Must of been fate you decided to advertise a vacancy in a restaurant ey?"

"Well I'm not too sure about fate Ste but the world does work in mysterious ways." Tony switched on the radio in the kitchen. "If I get the quiz right this morning, you do the dishes"

"You've only said that cos I've been answering them all so far." Ste switched on the large electric mixer and added in the carrots and sugar to the cake mix. "Alright deal, an' if I win again?"

"Okay, if you win again I'll cook a meal for you and Brendan in here one evening. I would like to meet this 'amazing bloke' you cannot stop talking about."

"That sounds a great idea, I'll arrange it with Brendan. Thanks Tony"

"You haven't won yet!" Tony cried incredulously.

"Shush, trying to hear the question!" Ste replied with a smile.


Ste removed his apron and hung it up behind the kitchen doors and watched the last of the customers leave the restaurant. Tony stood holding the door for them and spouted his usual chat about coming back again and thanking them for their visit.

"Come again!" Tony hollered after the couple had left. He waved in gesture and closed the restaurant door. "Phew, busy day that. Hey thanks for stopping late again, I really appreciate the help. I've blinked this afternoon Ste"

"Me an' all. Managed to serve a few people today, wanted to be out front for a little while and talk to the customers. Been a good day actually and me cakes went like, hot cakes" Ste laughed moving to grab his coat.

"There's some of the chocolate cake left - you take it Ste, saves waste. "

"You sure? Actually I will cos I'm not going home, gonna stop by the club and see Brendan. I'll see if he wants some of it, thanks. I'll see you in the morning, be normal time though"

"No problem, see you tomorrow then."

By the time Ste arrives back in the village it's dark outside, the sky above him cloudless and pinpricked with stars. It's warm for a change and Ste has removed his jacket and draped it over his arm as he walked up the alleyway and stopped at the entrance. The bouncer on the door is a new one Ste notices and walks up to him with a smile.

"Sorry mate - full, can't let you in"

"Really? That's great, I mean it's been dead slow in here recently, bet Brendan is happy"

"The boss happy? Sure you know Mr Brady?"

"Reckon I should, I'm the boss' fella"

The bouncer relaxed his folded arms and the defensive stance to edge back a little. "He's mentioned you, Steven? You got any I.D on you? Just doing my job."

"What ya paid for init. Call me Ste, please. Only Brendan uses my full name. I've only got me bus pass, other than that I have photo's on me phone of me an' Brendan I could show ya"

"No need for that, this is fine Ste" The man held out a hand for Ste to shake. "Name's Andrew. Andy to everyone but the boss"

"Nice to meet ya, thanks" Ste steps past the man and into the club that's heaving with people. It makes Ste smile as he slaloms his way though to climb up the stairs. It's a sea of bodies dancing at the top, the loud throbbing music getting everyone together on the dance floor. It's the kind of music Ste enjoys and can't help but throw out a few moves as he directs himself through to the bar.

"Hey Chez" Ste greets once he makes it to the bar, he glances around him. "This is brilliant, where did all these people come from?"

"Hiya love." Cheryl moved over to stand with Ste. "We're online now. Brendan gave me the task of sorting it and it paid off surprisingly. Worked off our feet in here today."

"Well the turn out is great"

"Especially for our profits. So have ye come straight here from work?" Cheryl asked as Ste looked back around the club, searching. Cheryl smiled to herself. "If ye are wanting our Bren, he's on a break in the office. I sent him in there earlier when he kept snapping at the customers. Reckon seeing ye might just be what my moody brother needs"

"Hope so" Ste said, he turned back to Cheryl. "I haven't seen him since yesterday morning."

"Jesus, bet you're climbing the walls aren't ye? Go on with ye, young love eh. Just don't keep him too long in there!" Cheryl smiled before serving another customer.

Ste left the bar chuckling to himself and tackled the crowd expertly by dancing his way through them. He knocked on the office door and Brendan could just be heard shouting through to whoever it was to go away. Ste's smile widened, he could hear the annoyance in Brendan's words, the tiredness. He opened the door anyway.

"Pretty sure I said to go away" Brendan grumbled, his face hidden rested against his folded arms on the desk in front of him.

"Now that's a real shame, cos I came here especially for you" Ste laid his jacket on the couch. "And... I brought chocolate cake"

Brendan held up his head speedily.

"Steven" Brendan sighed relieved and stood up stepping over to him. "Are ye a sight for sore eyes. C'mere"

Ste hugged Brendan as he drew in his body.

"So ya did miss me then" Ste beamed, his eyes closed as Brendan gently squeezed. "What's the matter? Bad day?"

"Hm, something like that" Brendan answered, he breathed through his nose. "Wasn't expecting ye. Thought I'd have to wait until morning to see ye"

"I didn't want to wait that long" Ste said, his voice now soft and cohesive. "Wanted to surprise you"

"You've done that" Brendan inched back and dipped his head down to kiss Ste, tongue parting his lips and capturing breath. When Brendan breaks them apart, Ste's eyes flutter open and their gaze fixed. "Did ye mention cake?"

"Don't miss a trick do ya?" Ste's eyes drifted down to Brendan's smile. "I made it myself too"

"Even better. Want a drink?"

"Erm, nah I'm alright. Can't stay long anyhow, Club is buzzin' tonight" Ste untangled himself from Brendan and placed the cake on the desk for him.

"Buzzing is one word, chaos another." Brendan sits down in his chair. "It is good though, about time it picked up because I'd been looking at the books again."

Ste sat down on the arm of the couch. "Were it really that bad then?"

"Hmm, still is. I haven't told Chez though, didn't want to worry her over it. As long as this surge of custom continues we should be able to get back on track"

"Don't worry Bren, you know this sorta thing can happen sometimes. Maybe people are just skint, so can't always afford to come in here. Cheryl mentioned you're using social media now, welcome to the age of technology. Right, an' it's worked"

"As long as my sister keeps control of it" Brendan took a bite of the cake. "This is the business. Anthony approve I hope"

"Makes me smile how you call everyone by their proper names."

"If it's what they were christened, stands to reason don't it?"

"Alright smart arse, just most of us don't actually go by them."

"'Us' being the collective world?"

"Well, yeah. Anyway Tony likes my baking, he thinks I am a valuable employee an' doesn't wanna let me go"

"I can relate to that"

Brendan licks his lips clean and moves from his chair over to the couch and Ste slides down from the arm of it to sit next to him. Brendan's mouth is warm and tastes of chocolate cake and after a while of them kissing, it's just him Ste can taste. Ste's fingers spread through Brendan's hair disheveling the style where he's grabbed and settles his hand against his beard parting their lips with a low click.

"Are ye leaving me?"

"What?" Ste replied in confusion looking at Brendan. "Oh, you mean the club, yes I should really. It's hours till you close and I need to get out of these clothes"

"Don't let me stop ye" Brendan swept his eyes over Ste and back up again, open mouthed smile on him incorrigible.

"Cheryl could walk in anytime needing your help." Ste brushed his hand through Brendan's beard once more, felt himself blush under his gaze and he's missed him just as much. Ste looks down to Brendan's hand on his knee and thumbs over it.

"I'll try not to be late tonight." Brendan keeps an eye on Ste and the uncertainty on his face. "I will be coming back to yours"

"Will you?"

"That is if ye want me too"

"Of course I do, just wasn't sure" Ste darted his eyes with Brendan's. "Wake me if I'm asleep then"

"Okay"

Ste stands up with Brendan and there's a knock at the door. Cheryl creaks it ajar. "Sorry ye two, Bren I really could do with a hand"

"Told ya" Ste smiled.

"I'll be right out" Brendan spoke to Cheryl and looked back at Ste. "See ye later?"

"To right you will"

"Too right I will" Brendan agrees and curls his hand around the back of Ste's neck to kiss him with a gratified moan.

"Get a room ye guyyss" Cheryl mocks, laughs as Brendan's hand part covers her face angling her eyes away.

"I love you" Ste gushes proudly.

"I love ye too - now scam"

"I love ye" Cheryl continues to tease them both as Ste leaves.

Both Cheryl and Brendan watch Ste leave, the flashing beams of the lights seem to slow mo his movements bouncing off his body before Ste disappears briefly within the crowd. Cheryl shares a look with her brother.

"You've suddenly perked up" Cheryl said with a curious smile. "What did he say to ye? Or was it something he did"

"A gentleman never tells" Brendan avoids his sisters gaze and steps over to the bar.

"That's okay, cos I'll just get it out of Ste"


Ste flicks his eyes up from the computer screen when he hears the door of his flat click to and waits until Brendan appears around the bedroom door.

"Hi. Thought you'd be asleep"

"Hi. No, I think I managed a little bit, but kept waking up. I've been looking at our ferry booking on here and at the ferry we'll be going on. There's loads of pictures on board and that, of the deck and places to sit. They've even got a shop and cinema"

"They have all that do they?" Brendan said stepping over to the bed. He sits down on the mattress and looks at the screen. "Have ye looked at the cabin too?"

"Uh huh, dunno how much time we'll spend in there though cos I wanna be on deck me"

"Might be too choppy to stand out" Brendan drifted his eyes to Ste's body laying on it's front, blue boxers on. His hand settles on his back and strokes along the soft skin inducing a shiver from Ste. "Cold?"

"Nah, it tickled. I still wanna try though Bren cos I ain't been on a ferry before. You'll come with me wontcha?"

"Nervous about it?"

"A bit yeah, dunno if I'm sea sick, or boat sick"

"Boat sick?"

"Ferry sick" Ste laughs.

"If ye eat a good meal before hand, I've heard it helps."

"We could eat on the ferry cos it says here there's a cafe, bars an' that. Or we could upgrade to club class and get free food"

"Free food?"

"Thought you'd like that, but it sounds a bit snobby to be honest and besides it's hardly free once you've paid for it. I think we'll have better fun on the rest of the ferry, don't you?"

"Wherever ye want to be is good enough for me" Brendan moves to stand up. "Gonna get a quick shower"

"Can't ya do that in the morning Bren? Come to bed ey, waited up especially, an' ya don't smell that bad"

"Good to know. And they say romance is dead" Brendan dipped down to kiss Ste's smirk. "D'ye need anything from the kitchen?"

"Can you get me a glass of water, please?"

"Gonna turn off the laptop?"

"Already shutting down" Ste clambered up to his knees and stared at the screen. "Windows updates, eleven of em! Swear it does it on purpose every time I'm in a rush"

"There's no rush, put it on the side let it do its thing. Need to get out of this suit at some point so I'll be right back with your water"

Ste shuffles out of his boxers and gets under the covers with a light shudder at the cold sheets beneath him. When Brendan returns he's down to his boxers and carrying Ste's water.

"What you chewing?"

"Biscuit"

"Where's my one?"

"I ate it" Brendan passed Ste his water, deadpan expression on his face that made Ste laugh.

"Switch off big light will ya"

"Big light" Brendan scoffs. "Anything else ye want me to do for ye Steven?"

"How about get in my bed, and quit complainin'"

Ste blinks his eyes to try and focus on Brendan's shadow in the dark. He feels the mattress dip and a warm naked body touch against his own.

"I weren't complaining" Brendan said, his lips settled close to Ste's mouth. Brendan curled his arm around Ste and brought them in closer proximity.

"So, did your night get any better?"

"It picked up considerably, shame ye had to leave" Brendan replied. "What about your day?"

"Yeah it was good, busy"

"What did ye do last night?"

"Nothin' much. Got in late an' text you a bit. Went to bed"

"I meant - what did ye do, without me"

Brendan's open mouth began a slow journey along Ste's jawline, neck and shoulder. Ste closed his eyes and angled back his head.

"I thought about you." Ste drew in breath. "Touched myself"

Brendan hummed. "Where?"

"You know" Ste replied shyly, felt his skin prickle.

Brendan flashed a smile and nuzzled in the crook of Ste's neck. "Tell me"

"My cock." Ste let out a coy laughter and swallowed. "Made it hard thinking about you"

"I'm hard thinking about ye" Brendan took Ste's hand and placed it on his erection, dragged his palm up and down its length. Ste sighed and squeezed his grip.

"Ye want to?"

"Yes"

Brendan kissed Ste wide mouthed and hot tongued, slid his palm down Ste's body and felt his smooth skin react to the touch, the gentle raise of goosebumps beneath his fingertips and the cool shiver that produced. Ste let out a low whimper ghosting their mouths close, he balled his palm over the head of Brendan's cock spreading the pre come around its thickness tightened his grip and felt his lips tingle from the burn of Brendan's beard and moustashe as he kissed him.

Their bodies writhed throughout contact, moved together hotly as sweat formed in beads over their skin slipping into every touch they had on each other. Ste kept Brendan close unwilling to let go kissing like they're already making love. Brendan's dick feels heavy in his hand his own throbbing trapped between them.

Brendan shifted backwards and found a condom wrapper on the side passing it to Ste so he could put it on him. The lube fell coolly over his fingers and then spread wet between Ste's arse cheeks. Brendan smoothed it back and forth only lightly touching Ste's entrance making the moans in his throat flutter quietly.

Brendan kissed against Ste's throat so he could feel the noise shudder out of him, placed a finger to Ste's hole slipping in the tip and sucked the vibration from his Adams apple. Brendan took his tongue and licked against the light scatter of stubble as he slid the finger deeper into Ste's warmth twisting to coat his inside and out with lube.

"Brendan" Ste spoke desperately.

"What do ye want?" Brendan asked slicking two fingers inside Ste's hole, back and forth easily. Ste raised his leg over Brendan's chest and panted into his neck when his prostate reacted to the penetration.

Ste's fingers raked through Brendan's chest hair, he raised up and sucked Brendan's tongue into his mouth following it up with a hard kiss. "Want you inside me"

Ste moved off Brendan and lay on his back, his arms beckoning until Brendan twisted around and slotted between Ste's legs. Ste's hand lined them up, his legs twisted around Brendan's back and dragged his body into him.

"Steven" Brendan groaned and rippled his hips enough to get them connected until his cock was buried deep. Kissing throughout, Brendan only stopped to gasp breath or to nip his teeth against Ste's bottom lip.

Ste rose up his legs and crossed them high up Brendan's back and let out cries of pleasure, his sweet spot at the angle of impact, Ste was unable to prevent his nails dragging down Brendan's sweat glazed back and his hands then laid permanently around his arse.

"Brendan" Ste rasped, pushing his head back into the pillow holding Brendan in place so he could feel his cock filling his every inch. Ste's hips gently rolled his sweet spot over the head. "Oh. God"

Brendan blew out a long wavering breath and locked his gaze with Ste's, his movements quick, deep and in the same spot that made Ste's noises sound like honey.

Ste screamed when he came, the sound uncontrollable enough it made him softly laugh afterwards. The sticky warmth slipped between their stomachs as Brendan continued to put his cock inside and out of him riding the timely orgasm. When Brendan came his cries trickled down the back of Ste's throat.


"You're all sticky" Ste lightly laughed when Brendan collapsed on his side of the bed afterwards discarding the used condom and pulled Ste into his front. He could feel the small smile Brendan had for him imprinted against his skin.

"That's your doing" Brendan took in a deep breath still shaky with adrenaline. "Ye told me not to shower, so you'll have to deal with it"

"Don't mind, think it were worth it"

"Only think?"

"Alright, I know then. Maybe a night apart wasn't so bad after all"

"Hey" Brendan playfully warned.

Ste kept his permanent smile and swept his hand over Brendan's arm. "Bren?"

"No"

Ste scoffed.

"Go on, what?" Brendan asked sleepily.

"Just, it's nice to have you here again"

"Hmm" Brendan agreed. "My bed's comfier though"

"Is it? Actually, yes it is. This ones got a few more years on it, bit like you"

Brendan quickly tickles Ste making him laugh and flips him over. "Bloody cheek"

"But ya still love me" Ste said gazing up in the darkness at Brendan.

"But I still love ye" Brendan agreed.

"Enough you'll move in with me?"

Brendan edged back to let Ste suddenly shift himself forwards a bit. He switched on the side light and left them both temporarily blinded.

"Ow" Brendan scolded slightly, taking his fingers across his eyelids.

"Right, sorry about that." Ste looked up at Brendan patiently. "It makes sense, don't it? You've been here every night for weeks now and even before that back when we were in the hotel and your flat, being together felt like the right thing. Last night I proper missed you and I know that is stupid -"

"It's not stupid" Brendan interrupted still blinking his eyes. When they focused again it was to Ste's widened bright blue eyes staring back at him.

Ste looked around his room still full of boxes, the disheveled wallpaper and outdated furniture. "I know the place ain't much to look at, an' compared to your flat it's a massive step down but ya practically live here anyhow. Right, this could be our home, couldn't it?"

Brendan regarded Ste in front of him, the expression on his face. "For now"

"For now?"

"Until we find something better"

"You don't think it's too soon for us then?"

"Ye trying to change my mind now?" Brendan smiled.

"No, I just..." Ste paused to wrap his arms around Brendan's neck and pulled him tightly into a hug. "You won't regret it"

"Yeah, but ye might" Brendan looked at Ste when he pulled back.

"What about Chez?"

"I'll deal with my sister. Tell her my place is here - with ye." Brendan laid back down on the bed. "You're right, I do spend most of my nights here. Ye got room for all my suits in that wardrobe of yours?"

"I will make room for them, all your stuff - have ya got much?"

"Not really no" Brendan chuckles. "Just a few bits. I'll bring some things round tomorrow"

"Okay" Ste leaned back and switched off the light.

"Night roomie" Ste laughed.

"Goodnight Steven"


Two weeks later

"Look at the size of that" Ste gawped out of the windscreen of Brendan's car and at the mammoth sized ferry docked in front of them. Brendan continued to drive them, stuck in a queue of cars as they each in turn drove onto the back of it.

"Reckon we'll find a parking space Steven?"

"Ha, think we'll have a choice won't we"

"No, we park behind others and others behind us excetera, excetera"

"That mean we have a wait to drive off it then too"

"Precisely, but you're driving once we make berth in Dublin so"

Ste turned to see Brendan swallow and look back at him carefully. "Don't be so worried, not like I ain't driven before. In fact, I'm probs better than you at it. Had tons of practice"

"The illegal kind. Excuse me if I don't throw a party at the notion." Brendan accelerated forward another few yards. He turned to Ste again. "Why did ye do it?"

"Boredom. Sorta like, I wanted some fun in my life. Might not have been my best idea..."

"Shocking I'd say"

"Like you're all goody two shoes - right ya don't get a reputation for nothin' Brendan."

"I'm not all bad, but I like to get things done. Helps having a reputation as ye put it"

"I got done for it. Spent some time in juvenile detention"

Brendan turned to gaze at Ste who continued to look at the queue of cars in front of them. He felt his stomach turn and his breathing quicken.

"How long?" Brendan said, his voice sounding stunned.

"Six months. I regret it Brendan, right, I were just messed up as a kid. Does it change how you feel about me?"

"Jesus Steven. Nothing in this world gonna do that"

The queue in front of them finally dispersed and they were able to drive onto the ferry at last. They took a small holdall from the boot of the car, locked it up and made their way up from the bowels of the ship until they were met with a golden glow reception area. Brendan walked over and passed the young polite lady his booking documents for his key cards and they made their way to the cabin.

Brendan stepped over to Ste and kissed his soft open mouth and waited until his earlier tension dispersed. Ste's smile was full of warmth as Brendan held up the key card for him.

"Not too bad this" Ste said as he passed through the door, Brendan closed it behind them. "Even got a desk an' all"

"Thought we should push the boat out"

"You've been dying for a moment to say that ain't ya." Ste shook his head and moved over to the window. "Can we go out on deck while it's not moving? Wanna go look before it gets too dark to see owt"

"Better get a move on then"


"Wow" Ste took in a breath and stepped out onto the deck, his trainers slightly slipping on the wet floor. leaving him gripping onto Brendan's forearm. Around them a few people stood looking over the side, the area of the deck large and spread wide around them. Ste continued straight over to the side and held on.

"Not a bad view is it?" Brendan moved to stand next to Ste. "Just think in a few hours, right out there, we'll be in Ireland"

"Can't believe it me. I've never done owt like this before" Ste gripped the sides as the thrust of the engines kicked in and they started to back out on the sea, he felt a flutter in his stomach and drifted his eyes up once more to the sea in front of them. It wasn't far off sunset and in the distance he could see the slow decent of the bright orange sun that created a glow over the water. Ste was pretty sure he'd never been this happy in his life. "Thank you."

"What for?" Brendan asked quietly.

"For this. For sticking your nosy face in the back of my delivery van so that I would bump into ya. Cos if you hadn't of..." Ste licked moisture back to his lips.

Brendan wordlessly embraced Ste up into his right arm and gazed out onto the sunset. He turned to look at the side of them as other passengers gathered to do the same and watch as the sun disappeared beneath the water. It was over too soon and the sky above them darkened behind the smoky clouds revealing the hidden stars.

As they watched the ferry soon changed course sailing towards Dublin with only the break of waves along the sides of the vessel to be heard. The motion of the ferry became uneven gathering speed on the waves swaying their bodies more frequently.

"Not sure I like this now" Ste spoke beginning to feel slightly queasy. "Weren't too bad when it was going slow an' steady"

"Have to agree with ye on this, it does knock ye the movement of the vessel."

The crowds that had stood out here earlier had now dispersed leaving them alone on the deck.

"Might be the same on board but we could go look around, have somet to eat, maybe even visit the shop?"

"How could I possibly refuse when ye make everything sound so...tempting"

"Shurrup" Ste chuckles, he places his arms around Brendan's neck. "Bet I know something that would tempt you"

Brendan rounds his head, eyes drifting down to Ste's lips before they touch and kiss his own. "I'm listening"

"Feeling a bit light headed now, could do with a lie down." Ste's smile was warm, fawning as he slid his hand into Brendan's pocket to retrieve their key card. "You could come and take care of me"

"Now that, I can do"


"What're ye doing?" Brendan asked glancing at Ste. His hands were poised on the steering wheel of his car, big grin on his face. Brendan clicked the seat belt into place.

"I'm basking aren't I." Ste explained adjusting the rear view mirror. He looked back to Brendan. "Nice motor like this, gonna be a smooth ride init?"

"Smooth ride? Yeah it is because you'll keep within the speed limit and eyes on the road."

Ste scrunched his nose at Brendan. "I know that, and I am a safe driver"

"That's right Steven, ye are"

Ste switched on the ignition and glanced down at the pedals. "Which one is the clutch again?"

"Ye what?"

"I'm kidding. Automatic too, least I don't have to worry about breaking" Ste smirked as he drove off the ferry, ignoring Brendan's obvious discomfort.

Once they'd found their way out of the docks, Brendan programmed in the sat nav to take them to their apartment. Situated by the river it was a good twenty minutes drive into the city centre.

"Not been long since you were last here, bet it feels like yesterday don't it?" Ste glanced at Brendan from the road.

"It doesn't" Brendan admitted, he watched the Liffey River come into view. "That was just a Christmas trip my sister wanted to do. She visited Da while I just... Anyway, it feels strange coming back here because I left to start my life over ye know? Christmas gone was the first time in years since I had visited"

"So, Cheryl went over to England with you then?" Ste mused quietly, looked at Brendan when they'd stopped at some traffic lights.

"No, she left before me. Followed a friend over there. I found out about the club and I'd missed her. Decided to stick around in the village and help out with it" Brendan explained. "I'd done it before, so"

"What, run a club?"

"Hm, Danny Houston's. He was at the conference, so Foxy said. I told him to steer clear, not the kind of man to do business with"

"But you did"

"Only for a while" Brendan looked back at Ste. "Anyway, that's another story"

"You've a few of those ey?" Ste looked at the sat nav. "Maybe it should be you driving, think I might have took a wrong turn an' you're a master at those"

"Funny man. No, ye haven't, keep driving along this stretch by the river. Do ye want me to take over?"

"No, it's alright. The River looks great, loads of bridges in't there?"

"That's the Ha'penny, on your right Steven, with the lights on top. Can ye see it?" Brendan points out in front of him and it's hard not to miss all lit up the way it is standing out from all else in the background.

"Yeah I can, and unless the sat nav woman is lost, we're at our destination an' all"

"Those apartments over there is where we're staying. Thought you'd appreciate the view"

"I love the view" Ste said glancing at Brendan. "The river ain't bad either"

Ste parked up the car and switched off the engine. He helped Brendan to unload the trunk and checked in. The apartment was like a brand new build, open lounge kitchen and bedroom in a spacious area. Ste dropped his bag next to a chair and stepped in.

"This is like a home" Ste gushed happily. "It's amazing Bren"

"Glad ye like it" Brendan put his bag next to Ste's. "Ye don't have to cook for us, but I know ye like cooking so"

"I do, I really want to as well." Ste stepped into the kitchen and inspected everything. "There's food in here, in the cupboards and even the fridge. Bottle of Champagne too"

"We'll have to find something to toast then"

"Later we can do that." Ste walked into the bedroom and sat on the bed, bounced his body up and down upon it.

"Meets your requirements does it?" Brendan asked leaning up against the door frame. Ste had a smile for him as he removed his jacket and laid it over the back of a chair.

When Brendan stepped closer to the bed, Ste grabbed Brendan's hands pulling him onto the mattress. A light laughter left Brendan's mouth as Ste stretched his leg over him and sat down. "Now it does"

Brendan touched his fingers lightly up Ste's thighs when he dipped down and kissed his lips. "What d ye wanna do first?"

"Dunno, can't believe I am actually here in Ireland." Ste glanced around the room and then back down to Brendan. "With you"

"I said I'd bring ye over"

"I know." Ste palmed down the front of Brendan's shirt. "Just feels like we've always been this way, how can it only be our second date?"

"Nothing wrong in the long journey Steven, means we can take our time. There's a couple of restaurants in this area, if ye want and as it's getting on, how about a meal out? Just for tonight ye let someone else worry about the cooking. Come back here, early night and then we've the day tomorrow"

"Nothing too heavy because we ate on the ferry didn't we. But you're a growing man who needs to keep up his energy, especially now you've bagged a younger boyfriend"

"In that case..." Brendan quickly flips Ste onto his back and swaps their positions. Ste grins looking up at him. "Best get ready then"


Brendan stands at the slightly open window as he buttons up a new shirt, dark purple with white trim. Behind him the light from the streetlamps pours in, faint but enough to silhouette his outline. He fixes his shirt collar unbuttoned to show off his dark chest hair and silver cross. Brendan then looks over at Ste pulling on a t shirt that fits him like skin when his hands travel down the material removing any creases he thinks are there.

Outside there's music playing, it's the kind of music Brendan would turn off if he could, romantic soft soothing tones that have somehow set the mood for them. Ste moves slower because of it, takes his time and when his eyes flicker up and see Brendan watching the smile is coy and knowing.

"Come and look Steven" Brendan asks beckoning him over.

Ste steps across to the window with Brendan and pulls back the curtain to peer out. The Liffey bridge glows in the backdrop of the uninterrupted city, the lights on underneath making the bridge even more spectacular to look at.

"There's a load of people crossing it"

Brendan settles behind Ste to look himself, Ste can feel the heat of his breath bristle against his neck. "It's a way across the Liffey so always gonna be busy like that. Ye never know, there might be a lull in the crowds"

"Be nice, just the two of us"

"Do ye want to go stand on it?"

"In a minute"

Ste bumps gently against Brendan's body, lifts his head up and back to gaze at him. The lights from outside reflect their sparkle inside his blue eyes when they share a kiss.

"Love kissing you ya know" Ste whispers against Brendan's lips. Their lips meet again impossibly slow at first, lingering. Ste edges back so his body touches the wall next to the window breaking the kiss enough for an outtake of breath and time for their eyes to meet and dance and then another kiss. Ste feels dizzy when they kiss like this, so full of greed to have each other. Ste rests his palm on Brendan's chest to steady himself despite the wall propping him up.

"I find it hard to stop myself" Ste continues a touch breathless, his eyes drift to Brendan's lips.

"Ye don't have to stop" Brendan replies, his finger tips run over Ste's hardening nipples, t shirt pulled taut showing them off.

"What about, the restaurant. We've just got ready to go out" Ste strokes his hands around Brendan's arse. He can feel his erection against his thigh digging in, making his skin shiver.

"Keep your clothes on" Brendan whispers against Ste's soft skin, drags his open mouth along it trailing a hot breath. He takes Ste's hand pushing down the front of his own trousers and clasps both their hands around Ste's length. "So hard"

Ste inhales deeply, opens his eyes. "The chair, behind you"

Brendan backs them both over to a large comfy arm chair, sits down while Ste climbs on top of him falling forward to kiss him. Brendan pressed closer returning the restless kiss that felt hot and inviting the longer it lasted. Ste edged back from it too soon, eyes enamored while his hands made light work of unbuckling Brendan's belt and drawing the zipper down on his trousers. Excitement awashed Brendan's body at Ste's first touch on his cock, wet with pre come his fingers only lightly brushed the foreskin, thumb slipping the slit leaving Brendan to merely whimper.

"Do you think we could go without the condom, one day?" Ste asked, watching Brendan fetch one from his wallet. Ste's fingers wrap around Brendan's length and tighten.

"Yes" Brendan's breath shook. Ste's palm strokes up and down his length takes his mouth to Brendan's and kisses him hard. Inside his hole Brendan's fingers are beginning to push into him, saliva coated and warm as they stretch his walls open. "Tell me when"

Ste waits a many moments and allows Brendan to prepare him loving the way he does this and how it feels. They share a smile and Brendan releases a low laughter watching Ste openly get off on what he's doing.

"Steven..?"

"When" Ste giggles and lets out a shaky breath.

Brendan feeds in his sheaved length leaving Ste to gasp at the intrusion. He angles his head back and feels the scrape of Brendan's teeth against his jugular. His hole wreathed Brendan's dick until he's fully seated in his lap and they can't get any more connected.

As Ste rides Brendan, his fingers open each one of Brendan's shirt buttons and splay the material either side of his chest, then slowly they run through the thick hair. Ste's eyes flick up to Brendan, while his strong hands splayed around his bum as he enters Ste from beneath with hard thrusts.

"Don't wanna... ruin your...shirt" Ste gazes intently at Brendan, moans leaving his open mouth.

"Good thinking... Fuck"

They laugh, shakily, Brendan raking his hands up Ste's flexing spine curling a hold over Ste's shoulders with his hands as he spasms and comes all over Brendan's chest. Ste continues to rock his pelvis dragging Brendan's dick in and out of him quickly until the shudder of Brendan's orgasm leaves them both wild and sated.

"That was so good" Ste said leaning his forehead against Brendan's.

"You're something else Steven"

"Better get cleaned up hadn't ya?" Ste lifts himself up and tries to stand on his jelly legs, laughs again. "If we're going out to eat"

"Thought ye weren't really hungry" Brendan walks into the bathroom with Ste.

"Ravenous after that"


When they step out of the apartment Ste's eyes are drawn to the bridge in front of them and the river it hangs gracefully over. It's late in the evening now and there's still a few people wandering around the city but it's hushed a lot more and the chatter replaced by the drift of music from a nearby bar and the thrum of car engines when they pass by.

Brendan gazes at Ste and his long eyelashes when they blink. "Shall we go across?"

"Yeah, come on then" Ste walks side by side with Brendan until they reach the foot of it and Ste steps on the bridge. He finds a number of padlocks attached to the white metal side of it and watches closely as a couple attach one and throw something into the water. His interest piques.

"They're called love locks" Brendan explains. "When ye love somebody ye write both your names on a padlock and throw the key into the river. Ye weren't thinking of doing one, were ye?"

"Flatter yourself" Ste replies as he looks out onto the river and across at another bridge further ahead. He feels Brendan move closer to him.

"D'ye think ye could live here Steven, find a restaurant and build your life around it?"

"It's beautiful here, magical even."

"Cause of all the leprechauns"

"Ha, yeah." Ste chuckles. "The place has a good feel to it, but, and I'm using my business brain here - it's expensive init? I'd have to spend more time saving up"

"Look at what we've got Steven, a home, both working. Why not start something in England first, get some capital behind ye. Grow a business and make profit on it"

Ste turned to look at Brendan. "It's sensible isn't it, that way?"

Brendan held his folded arms up on the sides of the bridge and looked out ahead of him watching the odd few people walk along the sides of the river. "Would definitely mean playing the long game"

"Yeah it would" Ste agreed solemnly. "But you're not going anywhere are ya, so at least I'll be in good company while I do ey?"

"I'll be here no matter"

"Really? No matter where we are or what we'll do"

"Well. I got nothing better else to do so..." Brendan chuckles at Ste's silent little protest at the side of him, pout on his mouth that near begs to be kissed. He doesn't though, despite the urge to do so as strong as it ever was. Instead they both end up smiling and the comfort warms Brendan's heart.

Ste peels his eyes off Brendan for a moment and searches around them, both ends of the bridge are silent now with nobody around. It's the first time he's consciously noticed the lull in noise around them as earlier they were surrounded by people.

Brendan looks then too, all around and seems surprised at the quiet.

"Where'd everybody go to?"

"No idea" Brendan replied, his eyes now firmly on Ste.

"It's nice like this anyway, makes it seem like our bridge doesn't it, we can pretend now, cos there's only us here" Ste decides to move then further up the bridge and behind him he can hear Brendan's footsteps.

"Why pretend?" Brendan called back, he's standing opposite Ste now.

"When you said you'll stick around no matter what, despite not knowing what the future's gonna have in store for us. That's a big thing Brendan, gotta ask why" Ste flicked his eyes up at Brendan. "Why you here?"

"Cause I love ye." Brendan said sincerely. "Cause I can't live my life without ye. I love ye Steven"

Ste felt the twist of emotion engulf him while a tear falls down his cheek, and he's never been more sure of anything until this moment. "I love you too"

"I'm gonna kiss ye now, come here" Brendan curled his fingers at Ste and beckoned him towards him.

Ste released a relieved breath, felt his heart beat double and his legs weaken beneath him. They still carried his weight stepping closer to Brendan and kept him stood up and smiling as he accepted Brendan's kiss.

Ste flutters open his eyes when it feels like a lifetime has passed by and they both quickly walk off the bridge together, Brendan losing his footing on the steps and they're laughing and unable to stop smiling. Brendan looks over at the apartment and then back to Ste who's also gazing up at it from the pavement.

"I want to make love to ye Steven"

Ste swallows, Brendan's thick Irish accent almost purring. "We should probably eat somet"

"True." Brendan nodded. "Restaurants do meals to go, don't they?"

Ste's tongue darts out and licks his lips. He looks back to Brendan. "Let's not waste anymore time then"