Three days had passed, and my mother had still not uttered a word to me, apart from "Dinner" or "Breakfast", with Jack playing the mediator between her glares and stares. I feel sorry for what she's doing to him, to me, but I don't care. Because John Paul is the only thing that matters now, my dreams of going to Trinity now pushed back to second place. I am utterly at peace with our relationship, even if we haven't had any excursions in the village yet.

Darren continued making his poor comments, Steph's badgering me to join her on a shopping spree in Chester, Jake is ignoring me except for his poisoned comments and disgusted glares, even Debbie is happy for me!

John Paul had arrived in the afternoon, some beers and a new game to try out, but as soon as we'd scurried into my room, we were making out as if there was no tomorrow. We were beginning to divest each other of our clothing, my hands making light work of his t-shirt as I stripped him of it.

I was teasing his bullet-like nipples as the door swung open. I groaned at the intrusion before passing John back his t-shirt. Steph, fighting at fit of the giggles, just stood in the doorway as if she were a statue just taking in the view of the two of us entwined on my bed.

"Still haven't come to the terms of 'knocking', have we Steph?" I joked, breaking the tension and all three of us descend into hysterics.

"So, any reason for the intrusion?" I asked, taking a leap of faith and sliding my hand into John Paul's. Sitting side-by-side on my bed, we sit up and face my elder sister as she leans against the doorway smiling down at us.

"I was just wondering if you two wanna join me at MOB's for a smootie and gossip, and I didn't realise that I was interrupting anything, I think I should just leave it."

Chuckling at her thought process, I looked at John Paul who had laughter brewing in his eyes, "I think the mood was broken, sis, so I think we'll be joining you," I said, waiting for John Paul to agree. He soon gave the nod and we were quickly making tracks.

We exited through the pub and, gratefully, Mum wasn't there as we passed through. Jack, on the other hand, gave a goodbye to us all, clapped John Paul on the shoulder and asked how his exams were going so far and what his plans for uni were (and as soon as he mentioned the word HCC, I felt ice force it's way into my stomach adding a weight that I didn't want to be carrying) and let us on our way.

As the door opened, a blast of sunshine washed over us and I didn't even flinch when Johnny squeezed my hand, making me realise that we were still attached by our gripping fingers.

We joked with Steph as we made our way to MOB's, and as we arrived, the scrapping of metal against concrete and the loud clanging as the chair almost bounced on the ground, we noticed that Sarah had suddenly gotten to her feet and, with their backs to us three, Hannah and Nancy were wondering what was suddenly so wrong.

"Oh, look everybody! Love's young dream are making their first public appearance! And their being so brave, holding hands!" Sarah snarked, smiling mirthlessly at us before she began to clap, "Such a proud moment! And what a change we have in dear Romeo – four months ago he was beating up his Romeo and now he's skipping, hand-in-hand, through the daisies!"

Sarah, self-centered as always, failed to notice how Hannah blushed fiercely and throwing a number of glances at the pair of us before jumping to her feet, grabbing her purse and rushing off, presumably to her home. Nancy glared, but not at us, before calling after her and chasing her fast-paced walk. Sarah, realising her apparent abandonment, gave us the finger, shouted "Coward" in my general direction followed by "Backstabber" at John Paul's.

It was as she clip-clopped away on her too-high-heels that I realised that Steph was making chase, meaning that me and John Paul had to take hold of her and stop her from, and I quote "Scalping the vain bitch queen!"

As Steph calmed down (after John Paul guided her to a table), I ordered our drinks and I couldn't help but smile as my sister and boyfriend entered into a conversation that was causing the pinkness that was already covering John Paul's face to a deeper shade of plum.

I returned to our table, dished out the drinks and sat beside the two of them. Once more my hand found John's (on the table top no less!).

We fell into light conversation and, as the sun moved overhead and the number of empty plastic cups piled up before us, Steph finally spoke her mind. To be honest, I'd been wondering when she'd explode with her squeeing.

"I'm made up for you two, boys. Honestly, I've never seen Craig as happy as he's been in the last three weeks for a long time. I don't care what mum or Jake says, I think it's lovely!"

I couldn't help but mumble a thanks for her support, and we soon got back to taking the piss out her, and soon she started bringing up things from years ago just to embarrass me.

John Paul couldn't halt the deep laugh that broke forth from deep down inside. And that was how the evening continued until the skies darkened as the sunset. We all stood at the same time, and as Steph headed on, I took a moment to say goodbye to my John Paul.

"You okay?" I asked, rubbing my thumb affectionately across the back of his hand.

"Yeah... I guess I'm just sorry that Sarah is acting this way to you, it's all my fault that Spike told all and sundry about us. I can't help feeling guilty."

I kissed him chastely to ease his fears and took him into a firm hug. "Hey, don't be thinking that – we were doing nothing wrong, Sarah's just playing the part of the sad puppy incredibly well at the moment. But, before long, she'll be with some other bloke and I'll be forgotten instantly – For God's sakes, she's a model now, she can have anyone she wants! Okay, so stop worrying."

I kissed him once more, a lot more passionately this time (and I still can't get over my lack of caring what anyone thought, but then again, why should I?) and we wished each other a good night before heading off in opposite directions to our homes.

I rejoined Steph, who I now realised had been watching the whole interaction between us two with great interest. As I stepped in line with her, she bounced her shoulder of my own, grinning quite madly.

"What?" I asked, knowing full well why she was smirking.

"God, you two are too cute – all the hand-holdin' and kissin' and hugs!"

I blushed once more for the day, and assumed a firm interest in my trainers. She stopped me with her arm, forcing me to face her.

"Seriously Craig, I'm pleased for you. You are so happy now, I'm so glad you found each other. Now, if I could find a fella, we could go on double dates after you help me pick out my outfit for the evening! It's not fair, if you think about – my straight brother can get a boyfriend far easier and far quicker than I can!" She pouted.

I laughed hard, and as she slapped my shoulder I made a run for it, laughing as she followed after me cat-calling and hurling abuse and stating what exactly she was planning to do once she caught up to me.

My sides ache from the laughing.

Arriving back in the bar, Mum was serving a customer with flare, her smile firmly ensconced on her face. I sat at the bar and waited for her to look at me. It seemed she had now taking up avoiding me as well, to the point that she wouldn't even serve me.

Jack, sighing audibly, moved towards me.

"Sorry about that son. It's getting ridiculous now! It's not like ya've changed now, and John Paul is a fine lad. She's burning the candle at both ends, and it'll be our before she knows it. So, what'll you be having?" He asked, his rant finished as he plastered a smile on his face.

"A lager and a white wine for Steph, cheers," He nodded his head and made a movement, reaching for the wine glass and was wavering on his movement to the fridge when I stopped him, "Jack, I really appreciate what you're doing – trying to get me mum to understand – but I don't want you two falling out over this. It's not like we're going anywhere anytime soon, is it?" I stated, grinning at him as he uncorked the house white and began to pour it. He finished off with a flourish and re-corked the bottle before settling the glass before me.

"That's just the thing, son, you'll be off to Dublin come September, and we both know how stubborn my lovely wife can be, she could stick out this way till she sees you off in that taxi to the airport. I'll just get you that beer," He clapped my shoulder, giving it an encouraging squeeze before moving off to the fridge.

-–

My twentieth arrived with a less-than-stellar birthday breakfast, an array of gifts from Jack and mum, although I guess that Jack had to force her to sign my card, some clothes from Steph, some of which I actually appreciated, and a selection of DVD's from dolt that is my step-brother.

I say dolt, as the DVD's included Another Gay Movie, Eating Out and Beautiful Thing, along with my regular DVD viewing range – a few action films and crime films. His card, however, was very personal and, in comparison to the silly DVD's and his normal service of sly comments, was very heart felt.

After breakfast, I lounged about the flat, doing the odd bit of study and eating a Pringle sandwich before heading to the shower to get ready for the events of the day.

John Paul had text me the night before to announce that I needed to be ready before 3pm or his schedule would be all screwed up.

I finished my shower, deciding to forgo a shave and head to my room and threw on the new jeans and new shirt that Steph had given me. I returned to the bathroom, fluffed my hair into a sort of weeping style and dabbed on some aftershave. Once more in my room I retrieved the essentials – wallet, phone, keys. Making sure that my gift from Jack and mum had been placed securely in my wallet before making my exit.

I scurried through the bar, quiet for the midweek afternoon, called my goodbye to Jack and Darren, mum having mysteriously vanished once more. Darren blew me a kiss as I opened the pub door, I gave him the finger. Jack scolded me as I practically skipped out the doors into the warm sun.

We had arranged to meet at the SU and have a few quiet drinks before heading into town for dinner and a movie (I know, so domestic).

I entered the pub and there he was, propping the bar, two pints before him, one slightly sipped at. I came up behind, forcing the fit of the giggles that was bubbling from the pit of my stomach.

I stood behind for a moment before leaning forward, whispering into his ear "Hey sexy," and kissing the nape of his neck. He jumped from his skin as if he saw a ghost.

"Fuck Craig, me heart's thumping! Be glad I wasn't holding me pint or you'd be buying me another!" he insisted, smirking at me. I leaned forward and just held away from his touch, an inch away. Staring hard into his eyes, feeling his breathing speed up as he flushed. He shivered in the intensity of our stare and I finally gave in and kissed him hard.

"Would you still have made me buy you a beer on me birthday?" I asked, tilting my head and smiling majestically.

"After that, God no! Let's grab a table before the leftover students nick them all."

I laughed at his antics as he grabbed both glasses and leading me to a table up the stairs. I sat at one side, Johnny on the other. He passed me my glass and I took a mouthful, savoring the taste and the refreshing qualities before replacing the glass on the table and taking John Paul's free hand in my own.

"So, what else have you planned for this day of fun and frolics?" I asked, stroking my thumb lazily into circles and squares on the back of his hand.

"After the film and food, we'll be heading back to my place so I can give you my gift, and then maybe we can have some private fun locked away in my bedroom?" John Paul said, his voice just at that level that me all in a quiver, that shivered my timber.

"Not too bad of a plan of action, although I do see one fly in the logic, mate," I said. He gave me the nod to explain and I lowered my head to stop the laughter before raising it up to smile at him once more, "I think presents should happen before the date part of the evenings line up, alright?"

"I could've guessed, Craig Dean is more interested in gifts than spending time with his precious, handsome boyfriend. No, it's fine. Really, I understand completely."

I laughed out loud, which made the bar man look at me with some witty comment that he muttered to the punter at the bar.