Chapter Forty

"But I'm not a Hay anymore! I'm a Brady now."

I'm a Brady now.

Sam didn't register the words at first. He knew his son to be impulsive and at times, dramatic, but there was something in his tone that told him he was being entirely honest. With that realisation came the crushing weight of grief, the loss of something he had fought so hard for and was only now realising its true worth.

His son had never been his own. When he was born, Sam had lost him to a lesser man in Terry. The majority of his life had been spent with a nagging sense of regret and curiosity which had never abated. Before Brendan had returned, Sam had truly felt like he'd earned a place in Steven's life; one he was proud to inhabit. Now however he was left with that familiar feeling of loss and this time he knew precisely what he'd be missing.

"Dad?" Steven asked tentatively, his pale skin and wide eyes informing Sam that his outburst had been a spur of the moment thing. Despite this regret however, Steven looked proud of himself. It was clear why; he'd spent his entire life wishing to denounce Terry's name and finally he'd gotten his moment. Terry didn't look nearly as affected by this as Sam would have expected. Instead he stared from one to the other in disgust, lip curling in distaste.

"I don't even know what you are anymore." He addressed Steven, flowers falling limp in his hand.

"I'm nothing to do with you, that's what," Steven retorted, eyes blazing proudly. For the first time since the announcement, Sam turned to Brendan. He was entirely transfixed. His blue eyes were gazing at Steven in wonderment, taking in every inch of him. His smile was slight, anxious but proud. Unconsciously perhaps he had stepped closer towards him at Terry's words, creating a tighter barrier between them.

"I think it's time ye left, Terrance," Brendan's voice was low and full of warning. Terry blinked, turning to him sharply.

"Fine. Don't think this is the end though."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Brendan replied airily, but Sam could see from the slight tremor in his hand and the tension in his frame that he was anything but relaxed. In spite of the revelation, Sam could sympathise. There was something about Steven that made a person protective. When the bond deepened however, it became apparent that Steven could look after himself, or indeed that he was the one looking after you. Sam was beginning to see him clearly now and he liked what he saw. His son was a man. But where did Sam fit into that? Was he even necessary anymore or was he simply a liability? He had no time to dwell on such matters; Terry stepped closer, carefully laying the flowers upon Pauline's grave.

"I'll be seeing you." He sneered, looking pointedly at Sam. Sam sniffed, holding his ground. His body only relaxed once Terry was long out of sight.

"We should talk," Steven began as if Terry hadn't interrupted.

"It's fine, son," Sam said with a tight smile. "It's your life, I'm just a bystander."

"No." Steven shook his head. "You're still my dad."

"I wonder what that means anymore," He answered truthfully. "Listen, let's not talk about it here, in case he returns." He added quickly as Steven opened his mouth to reply.

"Agreed," Brendan said hoarsely, nodding slightly in Sam's direction. Their gazes met briefly, Brendan's one of steely determination. He wasn't going to let Steven go, that much was certain. Sam was too tired to fight the inevitable any longer anyway, it only brought him and Steven pain in the end.

By the time they got home, Sam had a million questions racing through his mind. He swallowed down several, knowing that they wouldn't be appreciated. Instead he began with the obvious.

"When?"

"When we were away," Steven began roughly, glancing quickly at Brendan who had sat apart from them on the sofa.

"I gathered that. Was it planned?"

"Brendan asked me before we left."

"I see." Sam swallowed thickly. "Mitzeee knew I presume?"

"She came to the wedding with Phoenix," Steven said, causing Sam's stomach to twist painfully in realisation.

"That was the wedding she went to?" He asked hollowly. Steven looked at him in surprise but didn't press it, moving closer until they were only several feet apart.

"I don't want to upset you, Dad. I love him though, this is what I want."

Sam nodded vaguely, leaning heavily against the nearest wall.

"Samuel," Brendan said, coughing uncomfortably. "I want ye to know this wasn't some kind of revenge. I didn't ask Steven to marry me to get at ye, it's because I love him, very much. I wanted to do it before I went down and when I got out and got him back, it felt right. Ye can hate me all ye like but I'm not going anywhere. I'll treat him right, ye have my word on that."

Sam met his eyes, taking a few moments to study him. He saw no signs of dishonesty in his expression but from what he knew of Brendan, his violent side had never been pre-meditated when it came to Steven. He swallowed down his misgivings and forced himself to smile, certain that it looked as unconvincing as it felt.

"I can't say I'm thrilled but Steven's my son and I'm always going to be in his life, if he'll have me. I guess that means you will be too, seeing as you come as a package." He smiled again, a little easier this time. "I'll be keeping an eye on you though."

"Likewise," Brendan replied.

Steven chuffed out a breath in relief, his smile beaming and disarming the both of them.

"Now we need to discuss a more pressing matter," Sam began solemnly, sorry to see Steven's smile fade.

"What do ye think he wants?" Brendan asked, rising from the sofa to stand beside Steven.

"Difficult to say; you'd think he'd be keen to tell us."

"Unless he's being clever about it."

"Clever? Terry? No chance." Sam shook his head. "Regardless of his intentions, Steven isn't safe here. We need to do something about that."

"What do ye suggest?" Brendan asked intently, body primed.

"You could take him away again but Terry might be watching us, he could follow." Sam bit his lip. "We could keep him indoors I suppose. Ask Mitzeee to keep an eye on him when we can't. Steven do you think-" Sam cut off, noticing at the same time as Brendan that Steven was no longer in the room with them.

"Steven?" Brendan strode to their bedroom, breathing a sigh of relief when he clocked him sitting on the edge of their bed.

"I thought I'd give you both some privacy," Steven sneered, eyebrows drawn together angrily.

"That wasn't on, I'm sorry," Brendan said immediately. "But we need to be practical about this, Steven. Ye aren't safe."

"What, and you two are?" Steven stood up, crossing his arms. "He hates the both of you, you think he's only after me?"

"You were the one he asked for." Sam pointed out, leaning against the doorframe.

"So what?" Steven shouldered past the both of them angrily. "I can take care of myself, been doing it long before either of you showed up."

Brendan winced and so did Sam. They exchanged a knowing look before following him out into the living room.

"I'm not gonna sit in here like a good boy while you two play hero," Steven said, annoyed. "I don't need either of you to look after me, right?"

"Can't ye indulge us? Just this once?" Brendan pleaded softly. Steven's posture relaxed a fraction and for a moment Sam thought Brendan had gotten through to him.

"No," Steven said, recovering himself and looking away from Brendan. It was evident that he had a strong effect on him, one that Steven was trying to resist. Sam felt a pang at that realisation but pushed it aside.

"Fine, no house arrest," Sam acquiesced. "What do you want to do?"

Steven glanced at him, arms falling loosely to his sides. "I think we should confront him straight up, no messing about."

Brendan tensed at this suggestion. "And then what? Wait for him to batter ye?"

"Brendan," Steven held up a hand, keeping his gaze to the side. "It doesn't help if you talk."

Brendan laughed, staring at Sam incredulously. "Are ye hearing this?"

Sam gave a small smile in return. "You have to admit that it's risky, son."

"What else can we do? Hide and wait for him to get at us? No! That's what we did with Walker and look how that turned out."

Brendan paled at his words, swallowing thickly. "It won't come to that, I promise ye."

"It better not, Brendan." Steven flushed red, finally looking at him. "Okay. We should go out."

"What for?" Brendan asked warily.

"See where he's staying, we need to be prepared, right?"

"Right." Sam agreed. "We stick together though, okay?"

Steven pursed his lips, transfixed by Brendan's hard stare.

"Okay." He agreed, moving towards the door. Sam looked at Brendan pointedly, wordlessly informing him that they needed to watch Steven constantly, even if he didn't realise it. Brendan nodded imperceptibly, the two of them flanking Steven as they exited the flat.

Xxx

Ste walked slightly ahead of the two older men, the uncomfortable feeling of being watched settling over him. He squared his shoulders, inching further ahead of them and hearing the quickened footfalls behind him in response.

"Right." He stopped short, Brendan barrelling straight into him. "This is mad."

"We're doing what ye asked, Steven." Brendan pointed out, hand resting on his arm.

"But you're watching me like I'm about to set flight!"

"That's not true."

"Yes it is."

"No." Brendan shook his head, eyes piercing into Ste's own. Ste looked away, feeling a shudder ripple through him. Even after all these years Brendan still had this effect on him. It was unsettling.

"What do you call it then?" Ste retorted.

"Walking," Brendan answered dryly.

Ste rolled his eyes before continuing. With some relief he spotted Mitzeee and Phoenix coming towards them. Ste approached them quickly, aggravated when Brendan and his dad followed closely behind.

Mitzeee blinked, smiling at them. "I didn't know you'd hired bodyguards, Ste."

"Very funny." Ste sighed. "Listen, we've seen Terry."

Mitzeee's smile faded, her hand clutching Phoenix's tighter. "What happened?"

"Nothing really, we still don't know why he's here."

Mitzeee frowned at that. "Surely he's here for money or something?"

"Ye reckon?" Brendan appeared by his side.

Mitzeee shrugged. "He sounds the sort. Maybe he found out Brendan was back and figured you'd have a bit more money to your name with him around."

"Hey!" Ste protested.

Mitzeee rolled her eyes. "What's yours is his, remember?" She glanced quickly at Sam, stricken. "I mean-"

"It's alright, I know," Sam said quietly. The strangest expression passed over Mitzeee's face as she looked at him. Sam avoided her gaze, pushing his hands into his pockets. "If it's all the same to you, son I'm going to stop by the club for a bit." He nodded at Brendan, no doubt passing the protection over to him alone. Ste would have been annoyed if it wasn't for how hurt Sam seemed.

"Is he okay?" Mitzeee asked quickly when he was out of sight.

"He took it better than we thought he would," Ste explained. "I told him you came to the wedding and he looked dead weird."

"Oh." Mitzeee blinked. "He did see me in my wedding clothes; I had to cover for you."

"Sorry," Ste said.

Mitzeee waved her hand airily. "Don't worry about it." She fluffed her hair in that way she did when she was nervous. "You wanna come in for a brew?"

Phoenix beamed up at them. "Can they stay over, Mummy? I want to watch that new DVD you got me."

"It might not be the best idea right now, with Terry around. We don't want to make either of you a target." Ste said, voice low.

Phoenix frowned at them. "You don't want to?"

Ste brought himself down to his level. "Of course we do, we just have some stuff to sort out, okay? We'll come round as soon as we can though."

Phoenix crossed his arms haughtily. "Not good enough."

Ste smiled a little at that. "You're as stubborn as your mum."

"Oi." Mitzeee gave him a look.

"Just for tonight, yeah?"

"Save the DVD for us?" Brendan added, crouching down beside them.

Phoenix looked at Brendan carefully. "Promise?"

"Ye have my word," Brendan said solemnly, holding out his hand for Phoenix to take.

"Okay." Phoenix smiled, taking his mum's hand once more.

"Oh, he listens to you." Mitzeee sighed.

"It's the effect he has," Ste said, looking at Brendan closely. He suddenly had another reason for wanting to be alone.

"We'll leave you to it then, stay out of trouble." Mitzeee warned, pulling Phoenix away with a final wave.

"Wanna go home?" Ste asked quickly.

"I thought ye didn't want to hide away." Brendan raised his eyebrows.

"I might be persuaded…" Ste said suggestively, pushing himself surreptitiously against him.

"Oh is that right?" Brendan's eyes sparkled. "We'd better get ye home then."

The moment they got through the door, Brendan pressed Ste against the wall, cupping him through his trousers and attaching his mouth to his neck.

"Too long," He murmured, nose cold as it nuzzled below Ste's ear.

"Not that long."

Brendan groaned, pressing himself more firmly against him as though to illustrate his point.

"Okay, maybe-" Brendan cut him off by kissing him fiercely on the mouth, teeth tugging against his bottom lip in the process. They rolled together against the wall, neither of them making a move to take it somewhere more private. Brendan kicked the front door shut with his foot, his hands busy removing Ste's clothes. "Here?" Ste asked, voice unnaturally high.

"Fuck sake, Steven." Brendan grabbed him by the waist, fully clothed to Ste's nudity. His back hit the wall with a thud but Ste barely felt it. Instead he hooked his leg around Brendan's waist, hands fumbling to undo Brendan's fly.

"Anyone would think you were desperate," Ste managed to say, rasping a little as he felt Brendan's hand close around him.

"Don't know what's come over me."

Ste thought he had some idea. Ste was in danger, whether he admitted it or not. As a result, Brendan became increasingly desperate to keep him close, practically clawing at him to prevent losing an inch of skin between them. Ste knew he shouldn't indulge such behaviour but it was hard to concentrate on anything when Brendan was hard against his thigh and had him by the cock.

Brendan stuck three fingers into his mouth, slavering them in a coat of saliva. Ste braced himself against the wall as Brendan's first finger entered him without much preamble. He winced a little but the momentary pain was replaced with the overwhelming sensation of pleasure. He felt tight and sensitive all over, body prickling with suppressed heat. Brendan wasn't giving him air; body plastered against Ste's own as he fucked him with his fingers. Ste threw his head back, nearly concussing himself against the wall.

Brendan placed his hand at the back of his head, protective instinct kicking in even in the throes of passion. He slicked his cock up in preparation, eyes dark and lidded with desire.

"Okay?"

Ste kissed him then, breaths hot as they inhaled each other, tongues battling mercilessly at the same moment Brendan slid inside.

It wasn't the most comfortable of positions; Ste could feel his back hitting the wall with each thrust, Brendan's hand still cradling the back of his head. It was quick and frantic; Brendan trapping him against the wall, Ste reacting to every slide of Brendan's cock inside of him. Brendan didn't remove his hand on him throughout, bringing Ste to climax with a blinding heat, the aftershocks pulsing through him as Brendan rode out his own orgasm.

They slumped together afterwards, sweaty foreheads pressed together. Brendan used his hand still resting on the back of Ste's head to bring their lips together for a tender kiss, the opposite of what they'd just done.

"Steven," Brendan began and Ste groaned at the tone of his voice. He knew what was coming.

"What?"

"Please let me keep ye safe." He sounded so defeated as he said it, voice cracking.

"Don't." Ste closed his eyes. "Don't do this."

"Do what?" Brendan asked, breath ghosting across Ste's face.

"Make me promise something I'll regret later."

"Like what?"

"I dunno. Staying in here while you sort Terry out."

"Now there's an idea." Even though Ste couldn't see his smile, he knew it was there.

"It'll be okay," Ste whispered, nudging his nose against Brendan's in a feather light kiss.

"If ye can just promise me that you'll be careful, I'll sleep easier."

"Will you though?"

Brendan paused long enough for Ste to open his eyes to look at him.

Brendan hesitated. "Maybe."

Ste laughed, wrapping his arms around Brendan's neck and breathing him in, the smell of sweat and sex clinging to both of them.

"I promise, okay? It's not as though I'll be out of your sight anyway, don't wanna be."

"Ye have no idea how much that pleases me." Brendan sighed in relief, holding Ste tighter. It was still such a novelty to feel Brendan's arms around him. Ste found himself burying his face into his chest, hands interlocking behind his back.

When Brendan started to pull away, Ste clung tighter. "Please."

"What is it?" Brendan asked worriedly, unable to look at Ste's face.

"Just a minute longer." Ste pulled himself in closer, clinging childlike to Brendan's larger frame.

"If I indulge ye this time…"

"Please." Ste pulled away enough to look into Brendan's eyes. "I love you."

"You're scared." It wasn't a question. Ste slid his gaze away hastily. "Steven." Brendan tilted his face back towards him. "It's okay to be scared ye know. Happens to the best of us."

"I don't wanna be of him, not anymore." Ste admitted. "I sometimes wish…" he swallowed, wondering if this was the right thing to say or not.

"What?" Brendan pressed him gently, not letting go.

"That he was dead, like Seamus." Ste's breath hitched, watching Brendan's face for his reaction.

"I get that," Brendan said eventually, not giving much away in his expression. "Whatever happens, you've got me."

"I know." Ste laid his head against his chest once more, sucking in a breath of air and bracing himself for the events to follow.