Just want to say thankyou for everybody that has reviewed so far. Never thought it would get that many readers to be honest. So thankyou :)

Ste walked back into the flat somewhat happier than he had been when he previously left it. His smile was proof that something had happened at the park, something that had lifted his spirits.

"Have a nice time kids?" Amy asked, looking at Lucas as she removed his coat.

"Yeah daddy's friend played football with me!"

"Friend?" Amy responded, looking up at Ste with anticipation in her eyes. He didn't want to tell her it was somebody he fancied, somebody he really wanted, there was nothing worse than Amy Barnes interferring in your private life. Ste remembered in the past three years how many dates she'd set him up on. Where the hell all these gay mates of hers come from he had no idea, but none of them worked for him. Sure, he'd found some attractive but he didn't feel the spark or imagine kissing any of them. That's what surprised him when he saw him, he could imagine all of it with him. With Brendan. Brendunnn. Ste already loved his name, the way it rolled off his tongue so easily. Ste had to stop thinking of tongues.

"Hello earth to Ste?" Amy clicked her fingers in front of his face. He'd obviously been day dreaming for god knows how many seconds.

"Huh? What?"

"Okay that's confirmed my suspicions. He's more than a friend."

"Yeah cos I've found myself my dream man within two weeks aint I?"

I have. I can picture myself actually being with him.

"Why have you never mentioned him?"

"We only met the other day! Then he was at the park, Lucas kicked the ball, it hit him and then he played football with him. What's with the twenty one questions Amy?!"

"God I was only teasing you. Calm down."

"Whatever."

Ste went to his room, sulking if anything. What gave Amy the right to need to know every detail of his life? He didn't ask her every second of the day who she was shagging this week or last. He put his hand in his pocket, clutching his phone and the piece of paper and bringing them out. He wanted to text him but how can you word something like this?

Today was fun, when can we meet again? x Too desperate

So this drink? When can we go? x Too eager.

Ste resolved for a more casual approach, and to not mention the date at all. He hoped Brendan would start that conversation off.

I enjoyed today, hope you did too x

Brendan laid on the sofa, the smile wouldn't disappear from his face after he'd received that text message. He had enjoyed today. He'd enjoyed Steven, Leah, Lucas the outside world. Everything. To Brendan they felt like what they used to be, a little family unit, on a little family outing. He was of course wary of Leah, she obviously knew something about Brendan and he really hoped she hadn't opened up her fears to her father. But then again if she had why would Steven be texting him now? He'd be furious wouldn't he? He'd be furious that Brendan nearly killed him? Brendan laid there for a good five minutes trying to figure out what to reply to Steven, deleting quite a few drafts in the process.

Of course I enjoyed it Steven, that's why I'm inviting you out again.

Are you now? And when would this be? x

How's tonight sound?

Tonight sounds good, and where are you taking me Brendan? x

Town. Meet you at the bus stop at 8?

I'll be there. x

Ste couldn't contain his excitement. Brendan was taking him out. Out,out like a date. Glancing at his watch he winced, two hours to get ready. He had to have a shower, choose his clothes, put on aftershave, make sure he had money - after all he was paying for these drinks. Ste rushed out of the room, getting to the bottom of the stairs before he heard Amy's voice.

"I'm sorry Ste. I just want you to be happy, that's why. I was happy you might actually fancy somebody cos you spent the day with them and that. I didn't mean it Ste sorry. Forgive me?" Amy asked, flashing Ste a smile.

"Of course I do. Oh and Amy?"

Amy looked up. "Yeah?"

"You was right by the way... about the bloke. I'm going on a date in two hours."

"Oh my god Ste really? Can I choose your clothes, you aren't exactly the best at picking."

"Oh go on then."

Brendan was never nervous, well not normally, yet tonight he was. It was all because of him. Because of Steven. He resolved it was best to get them out of Hollyoaks, just for tonight. He knew people round here, and it was a friday meaning most of his old villagers would be out enjoying themselves too and probably notice them together. Brendan pulled up at the bus stop in a car he had rented a few days ago, relieved to see Steven standing there glowing as always. He had on a plain black shirt, and black skinny jeans. He looked sexy as hell to be fair.

"Taxi for Steven?" Brendan shouted, as he wound the window down.

"Ah yes that's me. Bar in town please?" Ste smiled, he was obviously as excited as a little kid on christmas day.

"I know the perfect one. Hop in"

This wasn't normal flirting, but Ste liked how the conversation flowed with them. It was almost as if he'd known Brendan all his life, they got on so well. He felt comfortable in his presence, like it was only them in this room. Ste felt a bit tipsy now, he knew he should stop but this was the first night out he'd had in so long he didn't want it too end. Brendan was on the soft drinks, he'd brought the car of course and he doubted the rental place would appreciate a fucked up car being returned because he'd crashed it. He flinched at the thought.

"Another Steven?"

"Ain't I meant to be buying you a drink Mr Brendan?"

"Another time eh?" Brendan replied, placing his wallet back on the table, touching Steven's shoulder as he passed.

Ste looked down at the wallet. He wanted to pay his way, he didn't like the thought of Brendan paying for everything tonight. This was a date after all and he wanted to go halfs at least. Ste reached into his pocket, grabbing a twenty pound note. That should cover it surely. He opened Brendan's wallet, shocked at what he saw in the window of it. A picture. Why did Brendan have a picture of him? It wasn't even a recent one, this was at least four or five years ago...

"Here we go..." Brendan stopped, looking at Steven's face when he realised what he was staring at. His wallet. His picture of Steven. His favourite picture of Steven. "I can explain Steven. I can exp..."

"Explain what Brendan? Eh? Explain what? How you're some sort of stalker? What you gonna send me into a false sense of security. What are you eh? A murderer? Not like gay blokes do ya? Thought you'd find one then murder them in cold blood? A sex pest? Pervert?! Gonna get your wicked way with me? You're a freak. Why the fuck do you have a picture of me in your wallet? Actually. Don't answer that. I'm going. You're a fucking weirdo. Why did I even trust you?"

Ste ran out of the pub as fast as his legs would let carry him. He could hear Brendan shouting his name, shouting how he could explain. There was no logical explanation to this. He didn't know Brendan, Brendan didn't know him so why would he even have a photo there except for the reasons Ste voiced?

The drink seemed to wear off after that rant. He'd let Brendan around his children! Who does that? The week after meeting somebody, letting them near your kids. Brendan could be anybody, Ste had to make sure he never saw him again. Whatever he did, Brendan was obviously fucked-up in the head.

Sorry if you hate me after that. It gets better I promise. Next chapter will explain all what happened. Why Brendan blames himself for what happened to Ste :) Should be up either tomorrow/Sat :) xx