As they climbed the stairs together their hands still entwined, Ste thought of how happy he was with Doug, they made each other laugh, were great business partners and were good friends. Amy had once told Ste how sometimes the best relationships developed out of friendships, and he couldn't help but think she was right. Ste started to care for Doug more than friends he thought with the set up of the deli, he just hadn't really noticed. They spent pretty much all day together and then after hours they would often discuss plans and new ideas for the business, but he was always Doug, his friend and business partner. When Doug blurted out his true feelings for Ste that day is when Ste revaluated his feelings, realising how he actually felt. He knew just how hard the last two weeks must have been for Doug, thinking back to his own experience of realising he was actually gay, yet here they were holding hands as a real couple, although Doug had come so far and Ste was so grateful he wasn't going to rush him in anyway, they would go at Doug's pace and Ste was happy with that. He was just grateful they were together now.
Doug let go of Ste's hand just for a moment as they rounded the corner to get his keys out of his pocket and open the door but soon replaced it, he liked the feeling of there, like everything would be alright, and he was safe. He lead Ste inside and looked around the flat, "Looks like we're alone." Doug turned and said, before their lips met once more, he dropped the shopping and placed his hands on Ste's jaw. It was so well defined and there was a little stubble, but his face was so soft and smooth. "Doug… is that you?" Came Leanne's voice as she darted down the stairs closely followed by Dennis. "Aaww you guys. You're so sweet, so you're together then? How did it happen? What did you say?" Doug blushed a little and looked at Ste for help, Ste rubbed his thumb softly over Doug's hand to reassure him. "Leanne!" Came Texas' voice, "Leave the poor guys alone will you?" Doug was so pleased to see Texas, although he loved Leanne to and she had been a great help to him in the last week (in her own special way all be it) Texas did help calm her down a bit. "Yeah, we are." Ste said in answer to Leanne's first question. Doug smiled and nodded his head to his flat mates, then looking back at his boyfriend and getting lost in his eyes. After a few seconds Dennis cleared his throat, "Well we're all off out, fancy joining us? Ouch that hurt! What did you do that for?" Looking up at Texas and hopping around on one foot, "Sorry, foot slipped" she said winking at Doug. "No room in the taxi anyway," and she ushered the others out of the flat closing the door behind them leaving Ste and Doug alone.
As the door closed Ste and Doug couldn't help but laugh, "Well that was awkward" Ste said in between laughs.
"Yeah, just a bit" replied Doug. "But they're my mates, and they've been great this week, really helpful." Ste couldn't help feel guilty, Doug had come out for him and he nearly through it back in his face and lost it all. "Look… I'm really sorry if I rushed you or anything, I promise I wont ever again and…" However this time it was Doug comforting Ste and he placed his finger softly on his lips. "You were great Ste, you gave me the time I needed to come to my senses, I'm sorry I left you to run everything on your own. I just needed to sort my head out."
"And have you?" asked Ste.
"Sure have" Doug replied before placing his lips on Ste's, he would never grow tired of kissing Ste. They pulled apart, "Come on then, lets get this food in the oven, I'm starving." Ste said as his stomach rumbled causing them both to fall about laughing.