Context: Cathy's probably around three months pregnant.

(written by Gina)

This is around 20 pages on Word, so it's a bit lengthy.

Feels-inducing. You may want Kleenex.

This Space For Rent

She definitely wasn't the size of a watermelon, though she felt as bloated as one – no, that wouldn't come for a while. But she had noticed the snugness of her clothing, and first assumed it was just some weight gain from her strange eating habits. But after a quick appointment with the doctor to check that all was well, she was informed that there was no issue and that she was just "showing early".

"It's not really a big deal."

Joyce closed the door of Cathy and Jamie's flat behind her, placing a bag of groceries on the ground. She had phoned earlier, after Cathy's appointment, and asked if she needed any help around the house. Jamie was at work at the coffee shop, so there was no one to object and explain that they were "not children and didn't need help picking up their toy trucks and building blocks." (Though she always popped in anyways and, after shoving ice cream in his hands, he usually seated himself on the couch and watched the game while she toddled around picking up.)

She had been a lot of help lately, after hearing of Cathy's pregnancy, and had been nothing but supportive the entire time. Even when they went to tell her, she only had half the reaction Cathy and Jamie had expected. (Though, when Cathy left the room to get some tea, she heard her slap his arm and scold him in whispers.)

Instead, she was nothing but gentle and supportive. In fact, she was just as excited as they were. She phoned whenever she found something cute that she "knew a grandchild of hers would just adore." She had a lot of simple yet helpful tips that neither the doctors nor the Internet could provide. Cathy thought this very kind, and listened intently to every word. Jamie acted as if she had just crashed his prom in a jester costume. But he'd get over it. It was still early, after all.

"Different woman, different body." Joyce started to empty the bags, placing the drinks and milk into the refrigerator and distributing the canned goods and boxes into the cabinets immediately. Cathy stood in the middle of the kitchen and watched as she strolled around their flat as if it were her own house.

"It's really just nothing. When I had Jamie, you wouldn't believe. Thought I was having twins!"

She started to lay foods out on the table while she talked, almost subconsciously preparing a meal of fried chicken without a mistake. Cathy made a few attempts to catch her attention, but it was in vain.

"Um, Joyce?"

"–scared me half to death!"

"Would you like some help?"

"Two o' Jamie? Can you even imagine?"

"Joyce–"

"Sounds like a great deal t'me." Jamie closed the front door behind him with a lopsided grin. "Buy one, get another one absolute free!"

He slung his bag off his shoulder and shrugged his jacket off. Cathy smiled and padded up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a sweet kiss.

"What a bargain." She laughed. "Welcome home, baby."

"And it's great to be back."

They both chuckled and kissed again while Jamie snaked his own arms around Cathy's waist and, being the cocky bastard he is, gave her bottom a light squeeze. Cathy giggled, her cheeks turning pink.

"Watch yourself, Bradley," she began before he cut her off with another kiss. And then another. And another –

"Ahem."

They separated at the sound and at a clicking shoe on the hardwood floor. The look on Jamie's face perfectly portrayed a teenage boy being caught sneaking out.

"The hell are you even doing here?"

Cathy swatted his arm. "Jamie, she's your mum!"

He was about to retaliate before his mother interrupted him with a plate of heated fried chicken and a glass of soda.

"Oh, yay, food."

"Nice to see you too, love. Work was good?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, work was divine, yeah, did you get ice cream?"

Joyce sighed and rolled her eyes, picking up her bag from the kitchen table. Cathy chuckled.

"Some in the fridge."

"Lovely."

He grabbed his wife's wrist and led her into the kitchen and to the table. Joyce was going through her bag when they both sat down.

"Well, on my son's charming appearance, I think I shall make me leave." She got her keys and turned for the door. Cathy frowned.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for lunch?"

"Oh, love–"

"–she's sure."

"I'd love to, really–"

"–but she's just so busy."

"–gotta watch Jack today, Stu's got work."

"Okay, bye!" Jamie held a hand to his mouth to prevent the food he'd stuffed in there from escaping, and used the other hand to wave goodbye. Joyce shook her head again.

"Oh, James dear, what did I say about your eating habits–"

He stood from his chair. "Oh, you really must be going." He slung an arm over her shoulder and casually ushered her to the door as fast he could.

"Can't believe you put up with him, Cathy!"

"Alright, you need to get home."

"–what a slob! Must love him, though, you're having his kid!"

"Needs her rest."

"–handsome, but not too bright!"

"Gettin' old, this one!"

He held the door open and gestured out the door. She chuckled at her younger son and patted his cheek. "See you when I see you."

Jamie laughed. "Alright, see you." He leaned down and kissed her cheek and she chuckled again, exiting out of the door of the flat.

Jamie closed the door with a huff. Cathy was about to comment, but Jamie held his finger in the air, listening for the sound of her car.

"Jamie–"

"Do you hear that, Cathy?"

She quieted, only half–interested. She held her breath to humor him, which also helped suppress her laughter at his expression.

"That," he began, in a calm soothing tone, "that is the sound of our nuisances fluttering away." Cathy chuckled under her breath.

"Peace, my darling – that is the sweet sound of serenity."

Cathy lost it a second later. She collapsed against her chair in a fit of childish laughter she specially reserved for Jamie and his Jamie Things. He broadcasted a proud smile, the pride of a man pleasing his wife. He chuckled and shook his head.

"That woman. What a mouth, am I right?"

Cathy grinned. "Now I know where you get it from."

Jamie stopped abruptly and raised an eyebrow at her. He then gave her a sly smirk and sauntered over to her side, just as he usually did when he was feeling cocky and when he was just about to do something that'd make her want to kiss him. He slid his hand across the table until he was leaning in at eye level with her, and she bit her lip to suppress her snigger.

"Oh really now?"

The comment elicited a giggle from her, and she tugged him down by his shirt to meet her smiling lips in a passionate kiss.

–

It was kind of her fault for getting him wound up with that. They were on the couch in the living room, which branched right off of the kitchen. Kiss after kiss after kiss – she wasn't complaining, mind you, but it was best she settle him down before he got too eager.

"Alright, slow it down there, Romeo. Juliet's got a little one on the way."

He pouted, gently tightening his hold around Cathy's waist, bringing her to his chest. "Damn. What a jip."

She chuckled and snuggled into his chest with her arms around his neck, trailing her thumb into his hairline. He kissed her head and put his chin in her hair, one of his hands slowly gliding from her waist to her stomach. She felt her eyes close, and they relaxed there for a minute. This would've been a great way to spend the afternoon – fried chicken and ice cream, snuggling, maybe a movie –

Ding-dong.

Cathy lifted her head from Jamie's chest (who hadn't even flinched in the slightest at the sound) and stared in the direction of the door.

She waited with her eyebrows furrowed, but it didn't ring for a while after that. Maybe it was the wrong door?

"Were you expecting someone today?" Cathy asked her husband, who gave a light yawn in response. "Jamie?"

"Hm?"

"Were you expecting anyone?"

"Uh, not really–"

Jamie's text tone went off after that. He stared down at his phone, puzzled, and picked it up to read the name. Cathy watched his mouth twitch at the side, but no other sign of acknowledgment was made. He pressed the screen and turned the phone sideways, preparing to answer. His thumbs danced across the screen for a moment before he paused and, sighing, placed his phone back on the coffee table.

"What's wrong?" Cathy was beginning to worry. It wasn't that she was unsure of who it was at the door, for she had a good idea – she just didn't know what he'd do about it. She touched his arm and gave him a light, comforting squeeze. He gave her a small smile as the doorbell rang again.

His expression dropped, and it was with a blank face that he rose to answer the person at the door. He sighed and wiped his face with his hands on his way there, and Cathy followed him wordlessly until they reached the kitchen. She sat at the table and took a deep breath.

Jamie's hand hovered over the doorknob for half a second before he gave it a swift twist, yanking it open.

"Hey, Stu," he said as casually as he could, adding a little smile. His brother half–smiled in response. This wasn't a regular occurrence, Jamie and Stuart talking face to face without their mum being there. And, to be honest, it was a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

Jamie ran a hand through his hair before folding his arms. "What's up? Anything important?"

Stuart looked upward and let out a huff before scratching the back of his neck, "Uh, no, not really. Just thought I'd drop by, see how everything was with you and Cathy." His mouth didn't as much smile as it did twitch up for just a second. Jamie nodded and leaned in the doorway. What sounded like two pairs of tiny feet scurrying around hit his ears, followed by Stuart's comment.

"Plus, we needed to get out of the house for a while."

Just as he said this, two pairs of arms wrapped themselves around Jamie, and he stumbled inside, laughing.

"Hi Uncle Jamie!"

"Hey you guys!" He turned his attention to Jack and Daisy, who were giggling like crazy below him. Jamie lifted Daisy into his arms and Jack turned for a short while to his father to ask for some new toy of his. Jamie was bombarded with the excited voices of his niece and nephew, shouting over one another to be heard by their uncle.

"We got it this morning–!"

"Do you have ice cream–?"

"Okay, okay!" Jamie laughed, removing the excited four-year-old from his shoulders and allowing the seven-year-old entrance to the flat. "Why don't you two go attack Aunty Cathy and then you can show me what you got."

The two siblings complied, rushing over to Cathy and jumping at her. She laughed, trying her best to keep up between both of their conversations of ice cream shops and toy stores and to reply to every question and to awe at anything that was shoved in her face with excitement. Jamie smiled at them with his arms folded again before he made his way over.

"Just be careful you guys, don't break her!"

They laughed, reassuring him that they wouldn't, playing with her hair and starting fake engines on the counter top. While the four of them played, the fifth occupant watched with a smile. He had put Jack and Daisy's toy bag and snacks by the door and was unsure of exactly what to do. He tried to look around the kitchen and admire the flat, but every time he tried, his eyes would catch on a sudden movement out of the corner of his vision and he'd give in to watching his younger brother and his sister-in-law goofing off with his children at the kitchen table as they attacked the fruit bowl.

It was Cathy who caught his eye first and she gave him a kind, genuine, welcoming smile. He smiled back, trying to relax himself from the obvious tenseness in the atmosphere whenever he had to speak with Jamie directly.

Jamie directed his attention from the playing kids and instead looked up with a huge grin at his wife, expecting her to be smiling at him as well, but who instead had looked away from Stuart a half a second after. His grin dropped a little, and he looked over his shoulder at Stuart. His own smile fell as well when he met Jamie's eye, and he was soon playing with his fingers a moment later.

Jamie sat up and cleared his throat. He looked down at his hands and swallowed. "Hey, Stu," he repeated, hesitating to look at him again.

Stuart paused for a second, and Jamie heard him sigh his response. "Hey, Jamie."

If there was a more awkward moment in Jamie's life, then he had no idea how he could've possibly forced himself to forget. He felt Cathy's hand on his shoulder and then on his arm. He took her hand in his and ran his thumb over it, and she kissed his temple. He felt a sudden tug at his chest as he realized that this was Stuart's first time seeing the flat finished since the week they first bought it, and even then he had come with Leanne (who, it pained Jamie again to realize, had actually been in the flat more often than Stuart) and the kids and, of course, their mum. Jamie had no idea what kept him from inviting him over. Well, he did, but he kept repeating to himself that he didn't. "I must've just forgotten" seemed the best excuse right now.

"Dad, can I have a banana, please?"

Stuart snapped his head up, plainly relieved at a subject change to occupy himself. He fidgeted for a second before answering his son. "Uh, yeah I guess, if that's alright with your uncle."

"'Course it is, don't worry about it, kiddo." Jamie grinned.

"Thanks!" Jack snatched the fruit from the bowl and peeled it while his sister whined about wanting a piece.

"Get your own!"

"No, I want yours!"

Both Jamie and Stuart sighed simultaneously, prepared to stop any fight ready to emerge.

"Jack–"

"You guys–"

But their warnings were lost as Cathy piped in, leaning down in her seat so she could look the two pouting kids both in the eye. "Jack, why can't you share it?" she asked sweetly.

"Because, I want the whole thing…" he mumbled, folding his arms, "And she's stupid!"

"You're stupid!"

"Hey!" Whether the comment came from Stuart or Jamie was a mystery, but it sure quieted the stubborn children, who folded their arms with large frowns.

Cathy smiled, and continued to speak to them gently. "Now, don't call each other names. Split the banana in half and give her a piece."

"But–!"

"Then if you want more, maybe your dad will let you have another."

Jack began to protest but, seeing the varying expressions on each adult's face, simply huffed and split the fruit for his sister. "Here," he mumbled.

Cathy grinned in praise to their cooperation, leaning back in her chair, "Good." She grabbed her glass of water from earlier and slid it towards her. Right as she was about to take a sip, she saw the two brothers from the corner of her eye, watching her in fascination. She giggled. "What?"

"How…uh…where did that all come from?" Jamie asked, attempting the most casual, passive tone he could.

Cathy rolled her eyes. "Am I really the only one who listens to your mum's old stories?"

Stuart laughed and Jamie frowned, shrugging his shoulders. "Pretty much."

"Aunty!" Daisy grabbed at Cathy's shirt sleeve. "Have you seen the new park down the street?"

"I have." Cathy chuckled, half laughing at how adorable they were and half at a child's ability to change topics so easily. "It actually looks very nice."

"Oooh, Daddy, can we go?" Jack wrapped his arms around his dad, staring up at him with pleading eyes.

"Uh, well, I dunno. I mean, we just got here–"

Jack interrupted him with a loud, possibly rehearsed groan. "But Daaaaad." He let himself collapse, hanging from his father's arm like monkey bars. "You said we cooould!"

"Yeah, Daddy, pleeeaaase?" Daisy clung to the other arm and Stuart stumbled, dramatically following to one knee.

"Woah, you guys are killin' me!"

"Dad!"

"You don't know your own strength, you two. I think I'm down!" He hit the floor and fell backwards, bringing his children into his arms on the ground. They laughed uncontrollably, grabbing at his nose and pushing at him as he pretended to be seriously injured.

Cathy was trying her best not to laugh too hard, but Jamie gave in, doubling over in a laughing fit. Watching him lose it pushed her over the edge, and soon the room was filled with the combined sounds of their laughter. When they all calmed down a bit, Jack asked again.

"I still dunno, bud."

Cathy stood up, bringing her cup to the dishwasher, only to find it full. "I'll take 'em if you want, Stu," she said, placing the cup in the sink.

"Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to–"

"Nah, really, it's perfectly fine." She dismissed his concern with the nonchalant wave of her hand. "Perfectly fine. Besides, it'll give me some practice for the little one." She smiled.

Stuart considered this before sighing in defeat, "Alright, alright, if you want to." He turned his head to both of his kids. "You guys be nice to your aunt, alright? She's doing you guys a nice favor. No horsing around and what she says goes, okay?" Stuart tried his best to sound stern, but there is only a very fine level of firmness one can have when one is sprawled out on the floor. But nonetheless, his children obeyed, and they hugged their father while he sat up.

"Love you, Dad!"

"I love you guys, too."

The children flocked to their bags and rushed towards the door, bouncing the whole way. Before Daisy could reach the knob, though, she turned back to her dad. "Will you and Uncle Jamie come play with us, too?"

Stuart chuckled, brushing off his pants. "Maybe in a bit, sweetheart, okay?"

She smiled in response, broadcasting the gap in her teeth before scurrying from the room.

The entire time, Jamie was watching from the kitchen table, a sideways smile plastered to his face. But when the kids said their final goodbyes and ran out, and even when Cathy came over and gave him a goodbye kiss and a strange comforting look before exiting the flat with a click of the door, it took him several seconds after to actually register that he was now alone with his Stuart in his flat.

Stuart seemed mildly shocked himself when he turned to face Jamie for the first time in several long minutes. It was as if he had blinked and they were suddenly together by themselves. Jamie shifted from foot to foot before glancing over at the cabinet.

"Uh, so, you want something to drink or something?"

Stuart considered the question and, still not really looking Jamie in the eye but rather just somewhere on his face, replied, "Uh, sure." He scratched his neck. "Whatdya got?

Jamie pivoted and sighed loudly as he opened the doors of the refrigerator. "What do we got?" he mumbled to himself. After some consideration, he started to list off the contents.

"We got water to start, then milk, orange juice, cream soda–"

"Cream soda?"

"It's a craving."

"Ahh." Stuart nodded. "So that's started?"

"Hm? Oh, no, the cream soda's for me." He reached far into the back of the fridge and pulled out a clear jar. "The pickle juice is for Cathy."

Stuart raised an eyebrow at him and smirked, chuckling so lightly it was practically a sigh. Jamie studied the jar for a moment, about to unscrew the lid, before he decided against it and placed it back. "Not today, Champ. Not today."

Stuart let out an actual chuckle this time, relaxing into his seat. He could tell Jamie was a bit nervous, as he was still in his "formal phase" and refused to look at him directly. But he'd be honest – he was nervous too. But he reminded himself several times that he had expected it to start out like this, and he also reminded himself of why he was here in the first place: to avoid these awkward situations in the future. But as long as he kept the conversation from drifting to the recent past, he was sure the visit would go smoothly.

Shit. Knock on wood.

"How about some tea, then, yeah?" Stuart suggested, leaning forward with his arms folded over the table.

Jamie stared at the cabinet in mock contemplation. "Yeah, if you're boring then I guess tea's good."

He reached to the top cabinet and Stuart rolled his eyes and laughed again. "Real mature. Really, how do you come up with this stuff?"

"Oh, ha–ha–ha." Jamie took a small rack down from the shelf reading off the titles of each tea. "We have caffeinated teas, un–caffeinated teas, herbal teas, teas that make you sleepy, ginger tea, mint tea, chamomile tea, rooibos tea…"

"What the hell is rooibos?"

"I don't fucking know."

Stuart shrugged. "I don't really care. I'll try some of that rooibos stuff, though."

"Alrighty, one cup of strange rooibos tea comin' up." He slid the box down the counter towards the sink, and turned back to the boxes. "And for the handsome gentlemen –" He closed his eyes and picked up a random box, sliding it down the counter as well. "The mystery special!"

Stuart watched as Jamie prepared the tea in front of him. He made it just like their mum – he could've sworn he was humming like her too – and he was finished in the snap of a finger.

"Here you are." He handed the mug to his brother, who accepted it with a smile. He took a cautious sip, and was surprised by the different, sweeter taste.

"Honey? Instead of sugar?"

"Mhm. Cathy likes this tea in particular with honey, so I guess I just added it by force of habit."

While it wasn't a huge deal, and while it also could've easily been a trick of the eye, Stuart still could've sworn he saw Jamie smile the second Cathy's name hit his lips, and he took a swig of his tea to hide it from him. He probably thought, Stuart being his annoying older brother and all, that he'd tease him for it, so he tried to hide it as best he could.

Which means Stuart just had to tease him.

"Sooo, you and Cathy must be doing well," he commented nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair and looking down at his mug. "Very well, in fact." Jamie gave him a confused look as Stuart took another sip and added, "Good tea, this."

"What do you mean, 'very well'?" Jamie questioned.

Stuart smirked. "So do you have a list of baby names going or what?"

Jamie scoffed at him, folding his arms, fighting back the smile and light blush that was threatening to creep up on him. "Arse." He took another sip of tea to hide his grin. "But I might, yeah."

Stuart chuckled. "Oh, you know I'm just teasing ya. I'm happy for you." He then raised an eyebrow at his brother and urged him to continue.

Jamie smiled at his mug and chuckled shortly. "Well, I haven't really thought about girl's names yet, but Cathy and me were talkin' the other night and we both kind of decided on Matthew."

"Matt, huh?"

"Yeah, I'm really drawn to that name for some reason. It's like I have some sort of connection with it, I dunno, it's odd."

"I see. Well I like it." Stuart picked up his mug, gripping the handle proudly. "Matthew Bradley," he pronounced. "He shall be great!"

"Oh, with my genetics? He's sure fire." Jamie chuckled. "He will have quite the way with the ladies."

Stuart snorted at this. "Yeah, 'cause you're so smooth."

"Oh, you mean like you on your first date? When you tripped and got the back of your jeans all muddy?"

"Naw, I meant more like that time your gum fell out of your mouth and onto your shoe."

Jamie raised his eyebrows at him. "Oooh. Watch out, we got a real hot shot over here. You got a lotta guts bringing that one up."

Stuart laughed, leaning back in his chair and stretching his arms behind his head. "Oh, you have no idea how long I've been waiting to use that."

Jamie stretched his own arms with a challenging smirk. "I see how this is," he started as he set his mug down on the counter, cracked his fingers, and stared Stuart right in the eye. "It's on."

–

The time spent after that was in pleasant nostalgia: little funny stories from the past that split their sides, jabs at embarrassing moments of each other, and just those little moments that made them sigh in happiness. There were few moments where the conversation faded out, which usually resulted in a half-awkward silence. They tried hard to avoid talking about anything touchy and, of course, anything from the robbery onward. There were a few hiccups here and there, but one of them was always able to steer it out before it got too serious, usually bringing the topic back to the baby.

"I noticed you with Jack and Daisy." Stuart smiled. "You're really excited, aren't you?"

Jamie grinned goofily, playing with his mug. "'Course I am. I can't wait, really. You should've seen me when I found out."

Stuart smiled and, remembering something, chuckled. "Hey, remember when we were deciding on a name for Jack–"

And they'd launch into a new topic. But as all the pleasant conversations and the witty anecdotes carried on, Jamie grew more and more anxious. He realized about half way through the conversation that Stuart was avoiding something, and that there was a specific reason why he had even come in the first place. And when he did ask, Stuart's answer was a bit vague.

"Well, Stacy's at a sleepover tonight, and Leanne's out with Denise and some girls, so I was pretty much alone with Mum for the night. And I think she's been watching them too much. I mean, I know she loves them and all, first grandchildren and such, but…I dunno, I just don't think we get enough time together."

"But you go home to them every day. And don't you guys go out all the time?"

Stuart had scratched his neck again at this. "Well, yeah, I guess. I dunno, I guess I just wanted to take them out, so I took a day off. Halfway through the day, thought I'd pay you a visit."

They had both taken sips of their tea at that time – it was getting cold, since they talked so much that they never got to take sips – and there was a small silence. Before Jamie had set his mug down completely he blurted out:

"Why?"

Stuart held his mug in his hand for a split second himself, before he placed it back on the table. "Well, you know," he began, searching for the right words, "you're my brother. And we barely talk, anyways." He stopped for a moment, looking at Jamie and then back at his mug. "Why? Do you not…want me here?"

"Naw, no, I do," Jamie said, "I just…I dunno, I was taken off guard. Thought youwouldn't want to talk to me."

"Of course I'd want to talk to you, don't be clueless, Jay!" Jamie rolled his eyes at the use of his short lived childhood nickname. "Besides, Jack and Daisy love you. And they adore Cathy!"

And right then they came home, and the two of them were attacked with hugs and cries of "I thought you said you were coming!"

"Sorry, Princess," Stuart spoke into his daughter's hair as she hugged him tight. "Got caught up with your uncle over here."

"Yeah, your old man's got quite the gob, talked my ear off."

"Oh, shut it."

The two of them laughed right as Cathy came through the door next, struggling with the bags. Jamie smiled and rushed over to her side. "Geez, Wonder Woman, let me help you with that." He grabbed the toy bags and bag of candies and sweets from her, giving her a welcome kiss.

"Thanks, baby," she huffed. She collapsed into a chair at the table, fanning herself. "Gee, Stu, those kids of yours sure got energy." She laughed, watching the two of them whiz around the kitchen and then into the living room and out of sight like airplanes. She put a hand on her stomach. "But I guess it was partly my fault for giving them some sweets. Hope you don't mind." She smiled sweetly and apologetically and he chuckled.

"Completely fine. Glad you had fun. They didn't bother you or anything, right? Like, nothing too exhausting for you?" He glanced down quickly to her stomach and then back at her.

She smiled and waved a hand at him. "Really, it was fine, they were angels. Jack even held my hand the way there."

"And you're sure you were okay with them? 'Cause I know they can be a bit pushy–"

Cathy cut him off. "Stuart, don't worry. Really, the only thing even concerning the baby was when they wanted me to go on the swings. When I told them I'd rather not…well, Daisy poked at me a bit and Jack asked me why I swallowed their Uncle Jamie's baby, which got us a few stares."

Stuart and Jamie both laughed at this, and Jamie's face turned a bit pink. He watched Cathy rub at her neck and got behind her chair, taking her hand and kissing the palm.

"Sorry about them," Stuart apologized. "They get curious."

"It's fine, stop apologizing." Cathy waved a hand at him again and relaxed further into her chair.

"Hey, Stu, I hope you don't find this offensive or anything," Jamie started, placing his hands on either side of Cathy's neck and tracing his thumbs along her back and neck before applying pressure. "But when do you think you guys'll be outta here?"

"But you can of course stay for dinner," Cathy added after sighing happily as Jamie massaged a particular spot. "No, no, it's fine," she insisted when he refused.

"Don't worry, we'll be out of your hair soon enough. I just wanted to finish my chat with Jamie and then I'll be off." He smiled. Cathy returned it, shrugging her shoulders once Jamie was finished and was now rubbing her arms.

"Okay, whatever you want," she said, getting up. "Well, I'll leave you two to it, then. Someone needs to watch those kids." She gave Jamie a quick kiss and another bittersweet look before heading upstairs to search for the rascals.

Jamie watched after her with a lingering smile as he sunk into his seat. Stuart chuckled at him and shook his head. "I don't think I've ever seen you like this before."

"Hm?"

"You're so relaxed around her. It's like you don't even have to talk all that much and you're just comfortable." He paused, smiling to myself. "Kinda like Leanne and I."

Jamie waited for him to continue speaking, but nothing else was said. He still had a smile on his face and turned to look at his older brother, who was staring straight ahead with a far-off smile. He was actually extremely surprised to find that, after getting a good look at him, Stuart actually looked younger than he had in a while. As if he didn't have any real problems anymore.

They continued small talk after a while. Just little things. They made more tea. But as time went on, Jamie started getting anxious again. It didn't build like before, but rather hit him full force all at once, like he was just picking it up again. He had so many jumbled words and sentences in his head that he actually got mixed up a little.

"You sure you're okay?" Stuart asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jamie nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just fine."

Stuart made a reply, but Jamie missed it completely. All of a sudden, these questions were building on his lips and threatening to roll off his tongue. He tried to continue regular conversation again, but the urge just continued to grow until he couldn't take it any longer.

As Stuart took a sip of his tea, Jamie took a deep breath. He looked at his hands and then at his brother. "Stuart, can you be honest with me?"

"It depends, are you going to ask me how your hair looks today?"

Jamie rolled his eyes. "Tosser."

Stuart laughed a very genuine laugh, one he always saved for when he teased, and when his little brother ran a hand through his hair with a pout, he had to stick a hand out to the table to balance himself as he tilted in his seat. "Alright, what is it?"

Jamie swirled his spoon in the empty cup gently, somehow expecting it to disintegrate if he stirred faster. He heart picked up speed, and he could hear it faintly in his ears. He stuttered, scratching his chin, and leaned back in his chair. "Um…"

Stuart put his cup down after another swig and watched him.

"I was just wondering…I have been for a while." Jamie paused and took a deep breath. "What would you have done…or even, what would you have felt…"

Stuart gave him a puzzled, concerned look. "Hm?"

Jamie began his sentence several times, but not a sound came out, until he finally decided on his choice of words. "If we…never talked again. You know, after…"

Stuart huffed out a breath. "I dunno…" he said honestly, looking at the ceiling. "If we stopped talking…I guess…I would've, like, probably made some coffee or something…" He slowly lifted his mug to his mouth while his little brother stared at him.

"You–That's it–You're an asshole, you know that?"

Stuart chuckled and set his drink down while Jamie went off in a mumbled rant. "You could've just been decent and stopped teasing me for like two minutes–"

Stuart slung an arm around his brother's shoulders in a half hug and tried with difficulty to speak through his laughter. "Jamie, I–"

"–and just gave me an actual answer–"

"Haha – L–look, Jamie, I–"

"–but instead you were an arse about it–"

"J–Jamie, you're my brother–"

"I can't believe you." But at this point Jamie was half smiling, and it only took one shared look between the two of them for him to burst into laughter himself, chuckling into Stuart's shoulder. He moved his forehead onto the table and tried to compose himself from his fit. "Oh, Jesus."

"I feel like I haven't laughed that hard with you in forever."

"Not since I was thirteen. You know me, I can't stop."

Stuart looked down at the table with a smile, but it faded gradually, and he removed his arm from around Jamie's shoulder and intertwined his fingers in front of him. Jamie had himself under control by now and had his attention directed towards his brother.

"If we stopped talking…" Stuart paused, shaking his head and sighing. "I don't even know…I mean, you know…you're my brother."

Jamie was suddenly very fixed on Stuart's words, and he followed every tilt of his head and caught every breath his brother made. Stuart chose to leave it at that. It wasn't much, they both knew, and Stuart only hoped that it was at least enough. And it was – Jamie was convinced that he had all the answers he needed from Stuart, and that there was no possible question he could ask him right now that he didn't already have an answer to.

But his mind was still a confusing place to him, and his mouth even stranger, and while he continued to tell himself that all was well, he found himself actually struggling to keep the question saved on his lips from tumbling.

"What…" What am I doing? Stop!

Stuart started to look at him, but stopped himself and looked back at his hands, taking his mug in his fingers with the odd urge to keep himself busy. But he couldn't stop himself from watching Jamie from the corner of his eye.

"What…would you have done if I…at the hospital…" What am I–

Stuart was watching him now with sad, sympathetic eyes. "Jamie…"

But he didn't look back. "…if I didn't wake up?"

And there it was. There was a long silence. He knew he shouldn't have asked. He should've just let the silence continue on. But he didn't, and now everything was out, practically laying itself on the table for the two of them to stare at. And rather than feel a lift of relief from his shoulders, he instead felt as if another large weight had dropped, and his back physically dropped and his gaze switched from Stuart to his cup and back to Stuart again.

"I…" Stuart's voice trailed off as the words tried to tumble off his lips. He stuttered silently for a second, and then took an inaudible breath and looked at his cup.

Jamie watched his older brother fixedly. The puzzlement and surprise that his own emotions, his own mind, and his own thoughts could inflict upon himself were, well, astonishing. So astonishing, in fact, that he found himself mildly perplexed at the urge to repeat a question that he wasn't even sure he wanted an answer to.

He began to lift himself from his chair, his eyes staring off near his mug, before he finally got up and reached over to take it.

"The dishwasher's still running."

"Jamie–"

"So I'll just put these in the sink." His last sentence was a whisper as he took Stuart's empty mug and started towards the sink. He stared at the residue of the tea in his brother's cup, and he felt a prickling in his eyes. He studied the dregs, a crescent shape on the bottom of the mug, before they washed away in the water.

Stuart hadn't spoken a word, but rather observed from over his folded hands, which now rested in front of his mouth, his elbows on the table. "Do you want me to say anything?"

Jamie leaned over the sink with both his hands on either side, slightly lightheaded. He held the bridge of his nose and shook his head. It wasn't a no, necessarily, but rather its own sentence. I don't even know what I want you to do. And it had to be one of the most accurate responses James Bradley had ever given.

"Jamie…you're my little brother."

He felt a warm tear in the corner of his eye, and when he blinked it escaped and rolled down his cheek.

"You're my dumb, lazy, annoying baby brother."

He had raised a hand to wipe it away, but as another joined the first, he found his hand over his mouth instead. His shoulders shook once, and it took all of his strength to prevent them from shaking again. It took so much effort and distracted him enough that he hadn't heard the volume of Stuart's whispers increase as he grew nearer, nor registered the hand on his back.

"And I am so proud of you."

And it took no effort at all to fling himself into his brother's arms, nor to cry for the first time in front of him in years. He was sure to have left a small stain on Stuart's light blue shirt, and he even felt a small, almost nonexistent drop on his own.

"You're doing so good for yourself," Stuart continued as Jamie removed his head from Stuart's shoulder and instead rested his chin there. "Look how far you've gone," he whispered, sniffling. "Look how strong you are."

Jamie practically lost it, gasping and covering his quivering mouth in Stuart's shoulder again, biting his lip to try and still it.

"Married to a beautiful, lovely woman; got yourself a house." He shook his head as though in disbelief and chuckled. "And you're gonna be a dad."

Jamie clung to his older brother as two more tears fell from his eyes in the intervals of his blinks. He had what he was sure was the goofiest grin as he laughed. "I know."

"You've gone so far," Stuart repeated. "I am so unbelievably proud of you."

Jamie loosened his hold on him, still smiling from ear to ear and trying to control himself.

"And so is Mum," Stuart rambled on, "and I'm sure even Dad would be, I promise you."

"God, just shut up," Jamie huffed, chuckling shortly.

Stuart didn't as much laugh and he did smile with his voice as he gripped Jamie tighter, kissing his head. "Ah, sorry, I know you hate that." He let go, finally releasing him, and Jamie wiped his face with a small laugh and sighed.

"It's fine." he laughed, "I just–I can't believe…oh, God."

They laughed again together, both leaning against the sink. They stayed silent for a while. Jamie sniffed once or twice, but other than that they were perfectly silent. Every so often they'd look at each other and smile, and Stuart would give him a comforting look, a silent question. You okay?

Jamie folded his arms over his chest and sighed once more. And then he asked the only question he had left, and the only question he could ask at this moment; the most accurate, bittersweet, puzzling question of all time:

"So now what?"

–

The Bradley brothers were as close as brothers could be. They met up regularly and just chatted at their places, and played with the kids. It was no longer awkward for them, but rather, comfortable – more comfortable than they had been in years. They'd call or text each other about once a week just to check in. It was mostly Stuart, asking about the flat, or work, or Jamie and Cathy and the baby. They were like all brothers were – like they used to be. They sipped their tea and they laughed. They continued to reminisce, and to tease.

And, most of all, like any brothers – they continued to fight.

"You don't get it!"

"Yeah, I do. You don't, though!" Jamie folded his arms at that, waiting for his older brother to retaliate.

Stuart rubbed his temples in half-annoyance. "Your idiocy gives me a rash."

"Oh, don't pull the whole 'I'm–obviously–smarter–than–you–so–I–don't–need–to–even–bother–backing–up–my–argument' act!"

"What defense do I need?"

"Oh my God. It is mediocre at best."

"Oh, hell no, you officially have no taste."

Leanne observed them over her place on the floor with the kids with a smirk on her face. Cathy entered, adjusting her striped cardigan and placing a tray on the table.

"The cookies are done!"

"Oh, sorry hun, but I won't be able to eat any of your delicious cookies, because apparently I have no taste." Jamie shrugged and Stuart pointed at him.

"He doesn't."

"Oh goodness, what is it this time?" Cathy asked, grabbing a cookie from the tray before the kids could attack them and sitting on the couch next to Jamie, who slung an arm around her and kissed her temple.

"Your husband," Stuart started in very accusatory kind of way, "thinks Where the Wild Things Are isn't a good book!"

Even the children gasped, and Cathy swatted at Jamie's arm. "How dare you?"

"What?"

"I love that book! I used to read it all the time when I was little! How could you not like it?"

"Well…I…actually…" Jamie stuttered for a moment before sighing. "Well, to be honest…" he mumbled, "I…haven't actually read it before."

Cathy gasped again and gave him another slap on the arm.

"Okay, ow."

"How could you have not read Wild Things when you were little?"

Jamie folded his arms and pouted. "You're gonna tease me."

Cathy raised her eyebrows at him. "I doubt it."

Jamie sighed, "Well…Stu read it and he gave it to me, but…I was too scared to actually read it. There, I said it!"

Cathy bit her lip, giggling, and Stuart laughed in his chair. "You know, I still own it if you want to borrow it. It'll be great for our big guy." He winked at him and Cathy.

And he was right. Jamie read Where the Wild Things Are aloud to Cathy and the baby that night. And again the next night. And again later in the week, and many more times after that. He even did the voices and thrashed around and tried his best to make Cathy smile. And they all looked forward to it. And it was, indeed, great for their big guy.

And I think baby Matt enjoyed it, too.