From another quite long break, I'm finally back with a new chapter :) Sorry, there's lack of case in it, but firstly I need to deal with the wedding thing and then move into concrete things. Anyway, I hope you'd enjoy it :)

Sometimes you might be surprise by the sequence of events

Craig massaged his forehead as for the fifth time he tried to read the email, but Steph's squeals over baby Cameron sleeping in John Paul's arms, effectively disturbed him. He really wanted to learn something new about mysterious Spaniard, Bridget mentioned in the message, but the hard he tried, then less he know what he was reading and could focus on his task.

'Doesn't he look sweet, mum?' She squirmed somewhere behind his back, in hand waving Cameron's teddy bear like she was trying to catch the dog's attention. 'Kid suits you, John Paul. You should find a nice girl and start your own family.' Craig's fingers nervously patted the keyboard as he barely stopped himself from saying his sister to get lost and mind her own business. He exactly knew with whom John Paul's going to have a baby and he was sure he didn't need a 'nice' girl to reach it.

'Yea, they look nice.' His mum said casually from the couch, fortunately hasn't been in mood to cooperate with her daughter.

'Only nice?' Craig rolled his eyes. Typical Steph- never happy with simple answers. 'And what about you, Craig? What do you think about them?'

'I think I'm gonna try to read the email once again, because of your twittering I didn't get even a one word from it.' He replied annoyed without turning back. 'And I wouldn't mind if you go somewhere else.'

'Well, you're the only one who's complaining, so I think you should go to your room or somewhere else.' She retorted irate and he almost could felt her burning gaze at his back.

'It's from work and it can't wait. I'm sure Cameron wouldn't mind if he stays in John Paul's arms here or outside.'

'I thought you're on the vacation.' John Paul added his few coins, giving him an evil eye above the baby. 'Supposed to not work, now.'

'When you're superintendent, you're working all the time, if you want to catch the bad guy who shot down the whole family.' He retorted, his fingers again moved nervously over the keyboard.

'Do you really have to say that when Cameron's here?' Steph asked annoyed in a hiss as she covered her son's ears.

'He doesn't understand a word!' Craig exclaimed. 'Besides I didn't say exactly how they have been shot.'

'Mum, tell him something!'

'We're not five, I'm sure we can solve that between us!' Craig snapped and turned around on his chair to look at his sister warily. 'Did you see mum, how mature woman she is?' He cried when Steph stick her tongue out at him.

'Would you two just stop it? I have a headache.' His mother only said and heavily raised up from the couch. 'Stephanie, let your brother work a bit. You can finish your discussion later.' She added quietly and looked with tired eyes at the siblings.

'Everything's fine, mum?' Craig asked worried, surprised by her strange behavior. Normally she'd take Steph's side and would start nagging him about his work, but not today. She was quiet from the very morning and she seemed to be upset with something.

'Yes, love. It's only a headache.' She replied with a ghostly smile before she made her way to the bathroom. But Craig knew better there wasn't only about headache. Something upset her and he was sure of that. Maybe she and Jack had a fight?

'You know, what's wrong with her?' He asked as he turned around to look at Steph.

'Don't have any idea. But maybe she found out about Darren's party?' She suggested with a shrug.

'Yea, maybe.' He nodded slightly his head, although he didn't think it was all about that, either. If it was about party she'd be already moaning over their heads and would behave like something bite her. Surely she wouldn't be depressed about something like that. 'I'd talk with her later…Ah, and John Paul?' He called softly as he noticed his boyfriend was preparing himself for leave with Steph and little Cameron.

'Yea?' He glanced at him shortly.

'It looks like Spaniard is real. We have another witness who saw him, so there's a big chance we'd catch him pretty soon. Charlie is in the charge, until we come back.'

'Cool. You need to tell about that Darren.' He said with lack of enthusiasm and reached out for his jumper lying on the couch.

'I'd do that when I see him.' He nodded and turned back to his laptop to look again at the portrait of their missing Spaniard. He hoped that this time he wouldn't run away.

'You look like you need a drink or two.' He smiled slightly when Jake whispered into his ear and patted his shoulder before he walked over the bar and reached out for the bottle. 'What's bothering you so much? And I'm not going to believe in that shit about being nervous before the wedding.' He added as he pointed a finger at him.

'I'm missing the work. I'm not used to have so many days off.' He replied casually, sharing the half of truth with the man. 'I can't find a place for myself.'

'Now, you're sounding more like Craig.' He rolled his eyes and chuckled slightly as he poured the amber liquid to the glass. 'But I want to talk with someone more like Darren.' He retorted with a grin as he handed him a drink. 'Cheers, mate.'

'I'm not hiding anything, it's only you trying to sniff out something. You'd better focus on someone else.' He said with a smirk and took a gulp of his drink. 'Strong, but nice.' He added as the warm liquid burned his throat.

'You mean Craig and that blonde guy? What's his name? John Paul? Strange name, but guy is decent.' He stated and made a drink for himself, too.

'What you mean?' Darren asked carefully, not sure how to interpret his statement.

'You think I'm blind and dumb? Usually if the guy brings someone to his family house, it's his girlfriend and wants her to meet his future mother and father in law.' Darren almost choked on his drink. 'So, I'm taking I am right?' He grinned.

'How do you…'

'Like I said I have eyes and can put two to two. Besides it always works like I said.' His grin widened. 'Well, I always hoped he'd find a nice girl for himself, but…Ah, it doesn't matter, now.' He shrugged off. 'Till he's happy, I am also.'

'I've always thought you had many objections when it comes about gays.' He put the glass down and looked with curious at older man.

'And I still have, but with Craig…You know, it always was different. He never wasn't only into one league if you know what I mean.' Darren nodded his head. 'He has never changed although I've tried not once to change his 'habit' of bringing to his bed not only pretty chicks, but years passed away, and we're still in the same point. So I just kind off, gave up.' Jake shrugged off with a small sigh. 'What other choice do I have, eh?'

'I guess you don't.' Darren said quietly with a slight smile. 'So, you're accepting John Paul?'

'If I accepted Craig's last fiancé, it'd be strange if I don't accept someone like John Paul.' He smiled wryly. 'Still don't know what he saw in her. Yea, she's very pretty, but brainless.' Darren couldn't help, but chuckle. 'I know he's scowling all the time at your Hannah, but she's way better choice than Sarah…And still you don't look happy about the fact you're going to marry her in two days.'

'You know me. I've never been crazy with happiness.' He shrugged off, but Jake watched him intently above his glass with strange smile on his face.

'You had that stupid grin on your face yesterday night and this morning, so don't tell me the crap there's nothing going on. You have second thought, don't you?' Jake attacked him quickly.

'It's nothing, Jake. Just drop it!' He growled and laid his head on the counter before he covered it with his own arms.

'What's happened yesterday? You were completely relaxed and smiling goofily when you thought no one was looking.' Jake prompted him softly. 'Come on, Darren. Whatever you say, it's safe with me. You know that.' Jake was the last person in their family who'd spill out anything he hear in a minute, and Darren knew that perfectly. But still it didn't mean it'd be easier for him to say loud about his dilemma. 'Don't keep it for yourself. I can tell it's killing you from inside.'

'I kind of met someone I didn't hear from very long time.' Finally came the muffled answer as Darren didn't dare to look at older man. 'That's why I could smile goofily as you said.' He waited for something from Jake, but surprisingly man didn't say a word. Confused, he raised his head up and frowned as he noticed a big grin on his stepbrother's face and knowing look in his eyes.

'Thought so, you have someone else.'

'It's not like that!' Darren protested, flustered.

'It's okay, Darren. I'm not going be the one who's going to give you lecturers or say you should feel ashamed of that. You're talking with twice divorced guy.' He grinned even widen as shy smile appeared on Darren's face. 'And I can tell you, that if you have any feelings toward your secret lover, don't marry Hannah. It wouldn't work out. I know what I'm saying.'

'It's a bit too late for having a second thought, don't you think?' He looked at him with tired eyes, knowing he's already in the dead point. Everything was prepared, guests invited, and he doesn't think Hannah would suddenly freely let him go.

'It never is too late.' Jake said firmly and laid a hand on his forearm. 'Pack your things, talk with Hannah and says her where your heart lies, and go to your birdie.' Darren smiled wryly at his man's last word, but decided to not correct him. It was too early for such confidences and he believed it'd be too much for Jake as for one night to take.

'I even don't think she'd like to see me.' He whispered.

'Well, if you stay here, you wouldn't know that for sure, right?' Jake cocked one eyebrow at him with knowing smile. 'Just, don't do the same mistake I did once. I can tell that birdie is still sitting hard in your head.'

'It doesn't matter. Too much things happened between us and she said clearly she doesn't want to see me again.' He growled, wanted to smashed his head on the counter. 'My life was never complicated, so why now it's so fucking mess, here? Why I just couldn't love Hannah just like I should, marry her and raise kids with her?' He looked straight into older man's eyes with hope that at least he'd able to answer for all those questions. But Jake only smirked down at him and poured him another drink.

'I'm taking she's one pretty birdie and is living pretty close to us, huh?' His stepbrother asked with a grin, like he didn't hear his pathetic argument and notice Darren was close to despair.

'It doesn't matter.' He replied for the who knows what times again and downed his drink in one gulp. 'She's not interested.'

'If woman says she's not interested, it means she is.' He said firmly and pointed a finger at him. 'She's probably waiting for you, but you prefer to cry over your sorry ass instead of go and see with her. It wouldn't kill you if you meet with her and check for sure where are you standing.' He tempted him more. 'Maybe you're wrong.'

'And what if she gives me a chance, eh? What about wedding, Hannah?'

'I didn't say it's gonna be easy.' Jake shrugged off. 'You have to tell her a truth. Say you're meeting with someone else and you're not loving her anymore. I believe she's smart enough to understand there's no point in pressing at the wedding. ' Darren smirked, already knowing how Hannah has taken the news.

'It sounds so simple when you say it.'

'I know, but it only sounds so good.' He smiled down apologetically at him and squeezed lightly his forearm. 'Look, just be honest with yourself, and then with her and somehow everything would work out…Ah, and remember to not come over Hollyoaks for few weeks. I believe Ashworth's and mum wouldn't take it too good.' He chuckled.

'Still we're going to have a baby.' There was always some 'still', whatever he choice to do. There was any simple and optional way to get away from that mess he has created, and whatever he do, always someone ends hurt.

'I have two, although I'm not with the mother of my child anymore. And I don't think I'm the bad father.' He retorted straight to the point, like he knew what exactly was bothering the younger man. 'Just give yourself a chance, Darren. If you don't use it, you'd regret it to the end of your life.' Jake said softly and walked over the counter to might stand over his stepbrother and rub his back.

'I already made a choice, Jake, and I'd stick with that.' Darren replied firmly and straightened up on the stool, before he slipped off it. 'But thanks for listening to me and try to help me in my pathetic situation.'

'Just wait!' Jake called after him and reached out to the pocket of his blouse. 'It's just in case if you change your mind. I know you're rarely doing that, but maybe in that case for once you'd listen to your heart.' Darren frowned when he pushed the keys to his hand. 'They're to mine car.'

'Jake, I…' He protested, but he took a hold of his hand and closed it in a fist.

'Just in case. I'm not saying you to use it, but keep it.' Jake smiled warmly and released his hand. 'Well, you never know.'

'I think I know.' Darren said quietly with a sad smile at the same time as the door of the pub opened widely and his old mate came in, welcoming both men with the series of the music wishlist.

'You're always on my mind! You're always on my mind!' Rhys more howled than sang, successfully convincing Darren it was the right time to get out on the fresh air and stay there until the party is over.

'When exactly my vacation is ending?' John Paul raised his one eyebrow as he looked up above his travel bag at his boyfriend watching himself in the wardrobe's mirror door as he decided to give a try his white shirt.

'We already set up we're not going to talk about the work on our vacation, Craig. You already forget about our agreement?' John Paul said angrily and removed the clean pair of socks from the bag.

'Then, we didn't know we have a breakthrough in the case.' Craig retorted and with unsatisfied face stripped off from his shirt and threw it back on the bed. 'You think I should wear something formal or something more casual?' He asked as he turned around to face the other man.

'You're not taking a part in the banquet, only going to have a fun on your brother's stag-party, so guess what the answer is.' He replied irate and reached for his pair of tight jeans.

'You don't have to be all so moody, because I asked when the vacation would be over!' Craig scowled. 'You know we have a lot of work to do and I want to catch the guy who killed Behari's family.'

'But do we have to talk about that all the time?' John Paul looked at him heavily. 'I believe it's the only thing you like to talk with me about.'

'Of course there's a lot of other things I'd like to discuss with you!' He immediately protested.

'Like what?' John Paul folded his arms and looked skeptically at Craig.

'Like…' Craig fished down for the brown shirt and grey blouse with some colored pattern on the middle. 'Formal or casual?' He asked with a cheeky grin as he lifted two clothes to show them to his boyfriend.

'And you've never take me seriously.' John Paul snapped and threw the socks straight into man's head, before he stormed out of the room with his jeans.

'Oh, come on, don't be angry at me! I was only fooling around!' He called after him with a chuckle, but he didn't come back. 'Well, that definitely looks like it's going to be a very long night.' He muttered to himself and rolled his eyes as he sat heavily on the bed.

He switched on the small lamp standing at the nightstand above his head and threw himself on the bed as he decided to spend a quiet night with a good criminal story to read. He has found the book in John Paul's side of the room, between some old novels covered with a thick layer of dust, in a bookcase. He heard Myra and Mercedes arguing about something downstairs and the sound of collected plates as someone decided to wash them after the dinner. When something broke, he was thankful he didn't has to be downstairs as Myra's voice reached the point it was not possible she could get it higher.

He barely finished three pages when the doorbell announced someone's arrival and it got even louder as they try to choose who's gonna answer. Some door closed with a slam and suddenly everything went down, as he guessed, Myra and Mercedes has to decided to finish their quarrel somewhere else.

'I'd get it! It's Calvin!' Carmel shouted from the downstairs, somehow seemed to be happy with the visit of her unfaithful husband. Didn't want to take a part in upcoming encounter, he reached for his mobile phone and play the music on it with hope it'd drown out the other sounds.

But he learned very quickly it didn't work out as much as he wanted it. He felt like the whole McQueen clan was just behind the door of his bedroom and buzzing like the army of bees. He turned on his back and lifted the book above his face as he once again try to focus on it, not on the shouts.

'Mum!' He almost jumped on the bed startled, as Carmel squealed loudly as injured animal and something fall down with a bang. He immediately pulled himself into sitting position and tensed as he switched the music down and began listening to the rumors coming out from the downstairs. There was another bang and it got pretty loud just under his floor. He knew it wasn't his thing to interfere into Carmel's and Calvin's business, but his old instincts woke up after the long sleep, and he felt like he should go there and check if everything's fine. Maybe he wasn't in the good condition, but he was an ex-copper, and knew how to use few tricks to calm down Carmel's husband if there'd be a need.

As the atmosphere seemed to get even hotter, judging by the disturbing sounds and Myra's angry voice, he carefully left his bedroom and moved toward the stairs. He regretted he didn't take anything with himself, but on the other hand he believed Calvin wouldn't do nothing stupid, and still he was sure McQueen's women would be take care of him without his help.

'Get out before I'd call police! You don't have any rights to come in to my house like that!' Myra yelled, as he began walking down the stairs.

'Well, he didn't do nothing wrong, in contrary to ya taking a part in hiding an ex-copper for whom is searching the whole police station.' He almost could see the wry smile plastered on Mercedes face as she spoke up with her nasal voice.

'Exactly on whose side are you standing?' Myra snapped at her at the same time as he walked around the wall and was able to see everything what was going on downstairs.

'Look, I just want to see him, okay? If he doesn't want to talk with me, I'd go away and never come back. But, just let him speak for himself and tell me straight into my face he doesn't want to see me again.' It felt like the time just stopped right now, as his eyes landed at the person he hadn't think would see again.

Darren.

'He doesn't want to have anything to do with you.' Myra scowled, hands on her hips.

'Let him speak up for himself!' Darren shouted angrily and until know Spike realized how much he was missing his voice. He kept watching him like petrified, drinking into his beauty, wasn't able to say a word. Darren didn't change too much, maybe lost a bit on the weight, but he looks the same as few months ago when he has seen him the last time. Still handsome, with stylish, dark hair shining in the light because of the big amount of gel, and in his inseparable black leather jacket.

'You're getting married in two days!' Carmel squealed from his right, close to despair. 'You can't mess with his head, Darren. You need to go.'

'I'm not going to marry anyone.' Darren suddenly announced, his voice firm and sharp, made Spike's heart race. 'I broke up with Hannah.'

'What?' Carmel's eyes widened in shock as she set them at the man, and even Myra suddenly became lost in words.

'I can't marry her and Hannah knows that. And I regret I didn't do it earlier, only waited to the last moment. It was too late to save our relationship.' He said quietly, staring straight into Myra's eyes. 'Now, please, let me talk with him. Just for five minutes, let me see him.' The step croaked under the pressure of Spike's body as he shifted a bit, the same catching everyone's attention. Darren turned and took a deep breath as he noticed his old friend and lover being so close, yet so far away, to him.

'So, what now?' Carmel asked quietly and bite down on her low lip as she looked worried at her mother and older sister.

'Spikey…' Darren whispered as their eyes met, making Spike forget how to breath. He kept standing there like a sculpture, as the words failed him and any sound left his mouth. Until now he realized how much he missed the man standing only few steps away from him. 'Please, talk to me.' Darren begged him, his eyes full of sadness and hope.

But he couldn't. He just stared at him, couldn't move, talk, do anything. He was petrified.

'Do you wish to talk with him, love?' Myra asked softly as she glanced at him worried with his strange behavior. 'I won't say a word if it's what you want.' But he stayed silent, his mind went somewhere else, as he tried to figure out and understand what was going on here.

'Say a word and I'd stay.' He saw the hope slowly fading in his dark eyes. 'Or go for good…Give me a chance, Spike. I've just burned down the all bridges for you.' He added louder, getting angry. His eyes shone with tears.

'I think it isn't a good time for your visit, Darren.' Myra stated softly as she calmed down a bit. 'You should leave, love. He doesn't feel well, yet, and he, just left the clinic. Besides we all know what happened between you two and maybe it'd be better for everyone if it's stay the way it is now. You already made your choices few months ago, Darren. Now, let it go and let him start his life from beginning.'

'I'm sorry Myra, but that's not your fucking business.' Darren said through the teeth, surprising her. 'If you want to play a mother, you have around enough your own children.'

'He's living in my house and of course it's my business!' She shouted back, annoyed. 'And you only want to mess with his head and when you'd get boring with him you'd go back to your fiancé with a tail between your legs!'

'You don't have any bloody idea who I am and what I think! I've abandoned everything what was important to me, for him!' He yelled, waving his hands in furious. 'I've needed to change everything what I thought I knew so perfectly! And that's not simple!'

'I know it isn't easy for you, but…'

'You don't have any bloody idea how it is to wake up one day and suddenly realized you're attracted to another man! And that's not everything! You also have to face you have feelings for him and that was never no one in your life you'd feel for so badly as for him.' Few tears rolled down his flustered cheeks. 'And I wish I don't have these feelings! Because the life would be again so simple, easy and normal. And I'd know what to do…I…' He closed his eyes and sobbed quietly as without warning warm body pressed to his and familiar arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him into tight embrace.

Spike rested his head on Darren's shoulder and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath of familiar perfume and his cheek met with a warm and wet skin of other man. He felt arms wrapping around his waist and warm breath puffed into his ear made him shiver, and from a long time he felt save.

'Stay.' Spike said in a soft whisper, holding at him tightly as his life depended on it. There was no need to say more words, they've known each other enough to understand what that meant for them.

'I'd make a tea for us. Carmel, Mercedes give me a hand, will ya?' Myra broke the silence as the first and pushed her two daughters toward the kitchen, while the men were still in tight embrace. 'I'd be just behind the door.' She added and looked heavily at Darren, before she reluctantly left them alone.

'She's a one big dragon, isn't she?' Darren whispered into his ear amused, making the younger man chuckle. 'And me was worrying about you.'

He smoothed his plain blue t-shirt on himself as he finally walked out of the bathroom and made his way toward the living room, as he noticed Steph sitting in his and Craig's bedroom, helping his boyfriend to choose the right clothes. Didn't feel strength enough to listen to their bickering, he preferred to stay outside the room, until they finish and both of siblings would go in separate ways. He was going to watch something in TV or just sit on the couch and wait till Craig's would be ready to go for a party, when he noticed the place was already occupied by someone else.

Frankie was sitting in the middle of the couch with a big album with photographs on her laps, her face stern and a bit pale. John Paul stopped at the track and unsurely shifted on his feet, not sure if he should interfere her or go somewhere else. But before he made any choice, Frankie has to sensed his presence, as she lifted her head and looked with her tired eyes straight at him. He could tell there was something bothering her, but he didn't dare to ask her about that, don't feel welcome to do that.

'Oh, it's you, John Paul.' She broke the silence softly, her eyes filled with sadness. 'Please, sit down.' She offered and pointed at the free place on her left side.

'I don't want to disturb you.' John Paul replied unsurely and scratched the back of his head.

'Don't be silly, I'm just watching old photographs of my kids.' She patted the couch and John Paul couldn't help but felt like she was calling the dog to jump on. 'Please, join me.' She smiled slightly, although the smile didn't reach her still drown in sadness eyes. Didn't want to offend her, he politely sat down at the offered place and reciprocate the smile. 'I thought you'd prepare yourself for the party?' She suddenly stated.

'For a party?' John Paul tried to play dumb, but Frankie only smiled at him clearly amused.

'You think I've born yesterday? I know my sons and I also know they wouldn't lose the occasion to make a party when they have a chance.'

'Well, I'm almost done, just need to put something on the t-shirt and I'd be ready.' He finally replied with a small shrug.

'I believe Darren is already downstairs and empties our bar along with Jake?' She more stated than asked with a small smirk. 'There's only Rhys missing and they could celebrate without anyone else.' She shook her head at the same time as Craig's raised voice came to their ears. She frowned and looked quizzically at John Paul.

'Steph is helping Craig choose the clothes for the party.' He explained with a wry smile. 'I believe it doesn't go in the direction Craig wants it.'

'Ah, that's nothing new. They're like that since I remember.' She replied, amused. 'And still they didn't learn even a thing. They'd never grow up.'

'I guess it works out like that in all families.' John Paul smiled softly as Craig's mum closed the album and put it aside at the coffee-table.

'So, do you have siblings, John Paul?' She glanced at him curious.

'Five sisters and brother.' He smiled as woman's eyebrow arched in surprise.

'That's a lot of kids. Your mother and father had to have hands full of job with you.'

'Yea, it wasn't easy.' He nodded his head slightly in agreement.

'So, do you like my Craig?' She suddenly asked, baffling him for moment.

'Yes, we're…friends.' He answered timidly and looked down at his hands. 'He can be sometimes a bit of full of himself and arrogant, but in the depth, he's a good guy. And have a big heart.' He added, not sure what she was expected to hear from him. He didn't want to give away too much to make her get suspicious about their relationship till Craig felt ready to say her the truth, but yet he couldn't say not enough as it'd also might make her thing too much.

'That's all my son.' She nodded with a small smile. 'Outside tough and inaccessible, inside sensitive and protective. He's a good kid, only messed up a bit, but who isn't these days? He went through so much pain as a child and then young man, I'm not surprised he got so tough and sarcastic around people.'

'What you mean by that?' John Paul asked with a frown. 'I know that Craig's father left you when he was a kid and that left a permanent mark in his life…'

'You need to ask Craig about that. It his decision if he wants to share with you it or not.' She said firmly and put a forced smile on her face as Craig's and Steph's voices got louder and moment later Craig stormed into the living room in hand clutching some dirty cloth.

'One day I'd strangle her.' Craig muttered and spread the blue cloth in air like he was checking it out, before he settled his eyes at his boyfriend and mother. 'What's going on?' He asked alarmed and wrinkled his eyebrows, immediately getting suspicious.

'Nothing, love. I was just showing John Paul your old photographs, when you were busy trying to find the right outfit.' Frankie replied without blink and pointed at the old album resting at the coffee table.

'Right.' Craig nodded, although he didn't look convinced.

'So, Steph forced you to choose more casual clothes?' John Paul asked with a smirk as he took a look at the man in a pair of dark jeans and fashionable grey blouse. 'Didn't think she'd managed to do it.' Craig gave him an evil glare and pulled the earlier held cloth over his skinny body. It reminded John Paul something, but he couldn't put a finger on where he has seen that thing, and why on Earth Craig wanted to wear some old cloth like that?'

'My lord, is this the same cardigan you got from your granddad when you were a teenager?' Frankie looked at him in disbelief as he fidget on his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. 'Craig, it has more years than this house.'

'It's still looking good.' He argued and buttoned up his cardie. 'Besides you should know that cardies returned to the fashion this year and everyone are wearing them.' John Paul had to bite on his low lip to not burst into laugh as he finally remembered the poor cloth when he noticed familiar snowflakes on it.

'Maybe they are, but I believe no one's wearing a cardie which has more years than its owner.' Craig looked at her heavily, clearly offended, when John Paul was chuckling slightly, in mind agreeing with the woman.

'At least I'm original.' Frankie only smiled indulgently at him and pushed herself off the couch. 'You're going somewhere?'

'Jack is taking me to the town for a dinner.' She replied and reached for her photo album. 'You'd have the house and pub all for yourself.'

'Great. Jake's would be happy to hear that.' Craig clapped his hands together and set his eyes at his silent boyfriend. 'So what was all about?' He asked in a quiet voice as his mother made her way toward her bedroom, looking seriously at younger man.

'It's nothing, Craig. I've just popped into the living room and noticed your mum being upset about something, so I thought I'd chat a bit with her and try figure out what's happened.' He shrugged off under Craig's suspicious stare.

'And you know what's going on?'

'Don't have any clue. Maybe she's just tired or worrying about little Cameron.' He replied and noticed disappointment in Craig's eyes. He wished he could tell him better news.

'Well, I'd try to talk with her tomorrow, then.'

'I think that's a good idea.' John Paul agreed softly. 'Are we going down, now? I think the party already started.'

'Sure. I'd just grab my phone and we can go.' Craig nodded and ran toward their bedroom, while John Paul walked over the bookcase to see Frankie's collections, unaware of her presence in the narrow corridor, as she hid behind the wall in the shadow and overheard their whole conversation. Her eyes firstly followed her beloved son and then returned to John Paul as she decided to take a closer look at him. Many conflicting thoughts and scenarios were crossing her mind, but even in that total chaos, she was sure of the one thing. But she didn't dare to say it loud, yet.

Jake pushed his way through the wasted men sleeping hard on the floor and empty bottles, until he noticed the familiar shag of dark hair close to the bar. He knelled down and on all fours he crawled closer to the man with a leering grin on his face, until he laid just behind his back and with a chuckle wrap an arm around his slim body. The man stirred in sleep and muttered something under his breath, but Jake couldn't understand the word. He puffed the warm air into the man's ear and chuckled amused as he finally rolled into his back and rubbed the sleep off his eyes.

'Fuck…What time is it?' He asked with hoarse voice and rested a hand on his forehead as his head was pounding with unbelievable pain.

'It's still early. Everyone's sleeping.' Jake replied quietly and grinned when he finally settled his eyes at him and wrinkled eyebrows in confuse.

'Why the hell I'm sleeping in your arms?' He asked and pulled himself onto elbows to might look and the arm laying lazily across his stomach.

'Don't know.' Jake chuckled, still not quite sober. 'Anyway, I did wake you up for the another reason.'

'Is there any better reason than that?' He arched his eyebrow quizzically at the man. 'I know I've drunk a lot and I don't know when I passed away, but there was no need to take advantage on me in that state!' He sulked and swayed a bit on his elbows. 'I know we're friends from years, but at least you could bloody ask!' Jake only rolled his eyes and rested his hand on man's chest to push him down.

'I didn't take any advantages on you, Rhyi! I'm not into that kind of things, even if you have marvelous ass.' Jake said firmly and pointed a wobbling finger at him.

'It's Rhys!' The man muttered, irate. 'Why the fuck you always have to call me Rhyi? It sounds like it was Japanese.' He sulked again and moved hand over his face. 'And I have marvelous ass, Jake. Women loves it and I believe guys would love it, too.'

'Is it some kind of invitation for me?' Jake cocked an eyebrow with a sly smirk. 'Didn't know you're working both ways.'

'Because I do not! It's you who has hands all over me and as ing stupid questions!' He cried, irate. 'And I still don't know what do you want from me.'

'I'd need your help tomorrow morning. It's for Darren.' He whispered into his ear, confidentionaly.

'Darren? Ah, yea, I remember drinking with him at the bar when he suddenly got talking about that Smoke.' He wrinkled his eyebrows.

'What Smoke?' Jake asked confused.

'Well, I don't know, I think it's someone's nickname, or…' He again pulled himself into elbows and looked heavily at Jake. 'He had weeds with himself and didn't share them with us? What a bastard!'

'Nah, I'm sure it's not that. He's a copper, don't do things like that anymore.' Jake shook his head. 'Anyway, just like I said I'd need your help tomorrow morning. I won't tell you now for what, but would explain it later, when you sober.'

'So you couldn't wait with that until I wake up?' Rhys glanced at him unsatisfied. 'Thanks a lot, mate!'

'It's quite serious thing, and you know, it's for our Darren.' Jake said and gave him knowingly look. 'And who like who, but you don't want to disappoint him.'

'Fine, I'd do whatever you say.' Rhys rolled his eyes, giving up. 'But only if it's for Darren and it means a good fun.'

'Oh, believe there'd be a plenty of fun for us.' He smiled slyly. 'So, we're set up.'

'Right…By the way, did you see Darren, somewhere?' Jake shrugged off with the lost face. 'Lovely.' He muttered sarcastically and laid back flat on the hard floor.