Some time had passed, and before Brian knew it, it had been a little over a week since he'd last been in contact with Brock. And that? Well that was discouraging enough on its own. It was a real blow to the ego, and for the past week, the Irishman had done nothing but mope around his house, lost in his ever growing thoughts. Had he misread Brock's signals? He was sure after all the time they spent together, the older man had to have had some kind of feelings for him. That was why Brian had kissed him in the first place. But did all the banter mean nothing? All the times they went out for coffee or when Brock had to come spend the night at Brian's house? It was all too confusing. Did he like him? Or did he not like him? What the hell was going on?

And oh god, that kiss? Brian saw stars in his eyes. Sure, he'd only known Brock for a short amount of time... But it was never the time that was important, it was the connection, the feeling. The Irishman was absolutely and completely set in his mind that he liked Brock. But did Brock like him? That was the million dollar question. However, there was a spark, a strong connection that the younger man was sure that he'd never felt with anyone else before. Brock was it, and now, Brian was a bit bummed because he was set in his thoughts that he had scared the older man away. He didn't text or call, because he wanted to give him some space. If he had scared him off, then space was vital right now. He just hoped that eventually, Brock would come around. Or maybe sooner or later, Brian would just grow the balls and give him a call.

"Are you going to call him yet?" Nogla's voice was loud, obnoxious, as he stared at Brock who sat at the kitchen table with his laptop. He had finally managed to get some writing done, thanks to his free time away from the Irishman who had stolen his heart. "It's been a week, Brock. For fuck's sake..." He trailed off, shaking his head as he readied for another late night at work.

Brock sighed and saved his work, before shutting his computer. "Okay, it's not as easy as it sounds." His doe eyes drifted to his roommate, who was now standing in the living room. "What if he's mad at me? He kissed me and I just left... That's messed up." The older man had to admit, he did miss Brian. And having time away from him had allowed him to think about his future and what he truly wanted. Sure, he hadn't come here for a relationship... But this was a once in a lifetime thing. If he and Brian could work? Well then Brock was sure that he'd be able to adjust his lifestyle and living for the younger man. Plus, Ireland wasn't so bad, maybe he could stay here longer than planned. They would be a team, they would figure things out together.

Daithi brought him from his thoughts, "Well..." He drawled, "You'll never know if he's mad or not if you don't call." He shrugged.

Brock rolled his eyes, "Damn you Nogla... Why are you always right?"

"Because I'm the best." He answered with a smile, grabbing his keys and getting ready to leave. "I'm going to work. Call him." He gave his roommate a look before walking out the front door. The older man sighed, still at the table. Sometimes he really hated Nogla for always knowing the answers, always knowing just what to tell him. He had become so used to Brock's shit over the years, he just knew. And Brock? Brock knew he was right. He wanted oh so badly to call Brian, to tell him that he was just scared. In his head, it sounded okay, but he couldn't find the words... He didn't know what to say even if he did call him and blabber out whatever came out. He didn't know what to do as he picked up his phone and his thumb hovered over Brian's name.

The statue had been finished ages ago. Brian had been able to recollect from memory the older man's body. Now it just rested in his living room somewhere in the corner. He didn't like looking at it. It only reminded him of Brock, of the good times he had with him... Of all the conversations they had. A week was a long time, right? Brian shook his head at the thought. He was sitting on the couch, tossing his phone up in the air and catching it, debating on whether to dial Brock's number or not. Would he even answer? What would he say? His heart was beating so fast, palpitating, as he went back and forth, weighing the pros and cons. "Fuck it." He muttered, before calling the older man and bringing the phone to his ear.

Brock nearly jumped up from the kitchen table when his phone started buzzing in his hands. And his heart nearly vaulted from his chest when he read Brian's name on the screen. Without hesitation, he answered it. "Hello?" His voice was a bit shaky, but that was to be expected. He was nervous as hell, and he had no idea how this conversation with the Irishman was going to go.

"Brock?"

"Yeah?"

"It's me, Brian."

"I know," Brock got out, tapping his fingers on the table.

"Oh."

A few moments of silence lingered between them before both of them blurted out, "I'm sorry!" Their hearts were fast, and Brock couldn't help but to laugh at the fact that they had both said the same thing at the same time. It was clear to the both of them now that for the past week, they had been feeling the same way about things, and that all around, everything had been mutual.

"You first." Brian managed.

Brock sighed, unsure of where to start. "Well... Before we discuss things, I just want you to know that I didn't run away because I don't like you. I do like you!" He was anxious and he stood from the kitchen table, unable to sit any longer. "I just... We didn't know each other for very long, and this kind of thing just doesn't happen... And I don't know, it freaked me out when you kissed me." He was rambling and he knew it, but hell, Brian needed to know everything, he needed to know the whole truth. "But I've been taking this time away from you to think, and after talking to Nogla, I think everything's going to be okay. Like I said, I was just a little freaked out by the whole thing." Finally, he was finished, and he focused on the younger man's breathing to calm himself down.

"That's a relief." Brian answered. "I wanted to apologize for kissing you... I should have asked, or something... So I wouldn't have scared you away."

"It's okay." Brock found himself smiling.

The Irishman grinned, "Good. Now please tell me you want this as much as I want this." He was referring to their relationship, of course, because he wanted Brock like no other. He wanted the older man to be his and only his. He wanted to be able to kiss him, and hold his hand, and just spend time with him until eventually they would do more and more with each other. He knew Brock would have to leave Ireland sooner or later, but he was sure they could figure that out along the way. But right now? He just wanted to live in the moment; he just wanted to be with Brock.

"I want this as much as you want this." Brock's voice was simple, and he was happy; incredibly happy.

"Can I come pick you up?" The younger man asked, hesitantly, and he didn't even wait for Brock to confirm before he had grabbed his keys and was out the door. Not even twenty minutes later, he was outside of the house that belonged to Nogla and Brock with a huge grin on his face. Everything was going to be okay, everything was going to work out. And he watched as Brock exited the house and came to get in the car. It had only been a week, and they hadn't even been together yet, but still... They had missed each other, they had missed the presence, the sight of each other, just the time and memories they used to make. "Where to?" Brian inquired, looking over to the older man as he put on his seatbelt and got settled in the passenger seat.

"Anywhere." Brock smiled, puckering his lips to let Brian know that he was ready and that he wanted a kiss. Their lips met, and together? They were so good. Brock knew right then and there that this was the right choice. He and Brian were meant to be. So, he sat back in his seat while the Irishman drove them to wherever, content with the way things were and very excited for the future.

The night was full of restaurants and Brian parading Brock all over Dublin. They even went to the countryside to count the stars and spend time with each other. The whole time, they couldn't take their eyes off each other. It was almost three o'clock in the morning before they were on their way back home. "Does this count as our first date?" Brian broke the silence as he looked over at the man in his passenger seat for a brief moment before turning his attention back to the road.

"It can," Brock laughed.

"Was it a good first date?" There was a smile on his face when he spoke, playfulness in his Irish lilt.

"It was."