Sorry it took so long to update, had planned on a brendan POV chapter but just found i couldnt get his character right at all. Anyway hope you enjoy and please review x

Ste's POV

When i left Brendans flat to head for home the next morning i could hardly believe the events of the night. I wasnt even thinking of the mugging, but it did hurt around my ribs andi could feel the bruising on my face. Brendan had been very angry when we woke up this morning and demanded i tell him who it was who mugged me. I refused even though i had a fair idea who it was and decided it best to quietly slip out of the flat before causing any more comotion. When i got to the flat i froze, realising the barage of questions i was sure to get from amy. She would probably think that i was covering for brendan again. With a sigh i put my key in the door and turned it. As soon as i stepped in the flat lucas ran up to me with shouts of "Daddy".

"Heya little man, have you been a good boy for mummy?" I asked as i bent down to pick him up.

I didnt get an answer though as he had now seen the bruising on my face " Daddy whatswrong with your face?" He asked looking rather upset.

"What? Oh this...nothing serious buddy, Daddy was just being silly at work and walked into a door" I told him, not wanting to scare him which i didnt as he just giggled at how silly his daddy was.

But of course as soon as i said that Amy walked around the corner, and let out a shocked gasp.

"Its ok Amy, Nothing happened" I emphasised the last two words hoping she wouldnt ask any more questions in front of Lucas. Luckily she didnt. She waited till the kids were playing in the living room and then asked meabout two hundred questions before she eventually believed Brendan had nothing to do with my bruises, This time.

Later in the afternoon, as i was getting Lucas' lunch ready there was a small knock at the door and that unmistakeable voice calling " Stephen" in that soft but hard way that only he can say my name. I almost ran to the door i was that excited to see him. The second i opened it he barged straight in, walked into the middle of the living room and looked around. I closed the door and walked over towards him.

"Can i help you with something" I asked, wondering why he was acting so strange.

"What...eh No no, i just came over to let ya know ya can take a few days off, ya know recover and that"

"Its fine Brendan, i can work, anyway i cant take days off now, ill need them for when we go away" i asked immediately smiling again at the thought of spending time alone, away from hollyoaks with Bren.

"Nah I cleared it with Cheryl, told her we were going on a lads weekend and we planned it ages ago, anyway Stephen, I do the rotas, I say who works and who doesnt. And, Rhys and Jacqui will finally learn what hard work is with you not there" He smiled at the last bit, obviously complimenting me.

"Awww Cheers Bren, Your a softie really ya know that" I said rather daringly while walking closer to him. He scowled at me and mumbled "yeah whatever" but i knew that he wasnt actually mad. Just playing.

"Anyone home?" He asked.

I laughed and answered " Yeah... Lucas is right behind ya Bren, better get that eyesight checked old man" I joked knowing how sensitive about his age he was.

He looked at me, and it is fair to say he didnt look pleased but then smiled and said " Least i dont look about fifteen Stephen."

I laughed and walked back into the kitched to finish off Lucas' lunch.

"Hey little man, what ya playing?" I heard brendan ask Lucas

"Cars, wanna play with me" Lucas smiled up at him.

I looked at brendan who looked down at Lucas and seemed almost sad. Sometimes i forgot how bad he must feel about missing out on moments like this with his kids and how sad he must be about not being able to see them every day. I know it would kill me to not be near Leah and Lucas.

"Course, buddy" he said and sat down with him, immediately picking up one of Lucas' toy cars and getting straight into the game.

So for the next ten minutes i cooked away, listening to my secret boyfriend playing around with my son, and i couldnt have been happier. I began imagine the life me and Brendan could have together. Doing normal family stuff like this everyday.

I was dragged out of my wonderful daydreams by Brendan calling out my name. I looked around to see him standing leaning against the kitchen wall with Lucas in his arms.

"Any sign of the lunch Stephen, Me and this little man are starved, arnt we?" he asked tickling at Lucas' stomach and making him laugh.

I served up and all three of us sat around the table, laughing and messing about like a proper little family. I dont think there could have been a better way to spend the afternoon than with the two most important men in my life.

After a few more hours of fun, Brendan got up and put his suit jacket back on. He kneeled down to Lucas, and slipped him 5 quid to spend on "sweeties".

I walked him over to the door, just out of Lucas line of sight. " I really enjoyed today Bren, Thanks."

"You dont have to thanks me, it was fun. Reminded me of when the boys were younger, i used to play with them for hours" He reminised. " Oh before i forget. Were going Thursday evening. Ill pick ya up round 6. And ill give ya a hint as to where were going" He said smiling " It could be warm, could be cold, but will most likely be lashing rain where were goin. So pac accordingly" With that he lent in for a quick peck on the lips opened the door and was gone.

I giggled to myself, running into my room to pack, and feeling fairly certain i knew exactly where he was taking me...