I Borrowed Your Daddy 4

Chapter 4

Brendan was sitting, eating dinner as Cheryl talked about her day. He nodded and grunted every so often to show he was listening even though his thoughts were focused on something else. He was thinking about what Ste had said and what he could have or should have answered those questions with. If only he'd had a little more time to think on it, but then would he have run off like Stephen had said he would? Brendan grunted in time to respond to Cheryl, though it was more a grunt to himself as he didn't like to think himself a coward. He switched his thoughts to something else. Stephen was very different from how he knew him. He was confident, assured and... very sexy in an independent sort of way. Of course Brendan had found him sexy before but that was in a more cute and vulnerable way, this was almost the opposite. 'He seems to have more power over me now than he ever had.' Brendan thought to himself Cheryl scoffed and pulled Brendan from his thoughts. “What are you thinking about Bren? You're even more quiet than usual so I know there's something.” She said in a Brady demanding sort of way a she waved her fork at him.
Brendan weighed up his options. He could lie to her after all he's always believed what he gets up to is his business, but then he did tell Stephen he wanted things to be different. Brendan took a deep breath as he decided what to say. “I spoke with Stephen today.”
“Right.” Cheryl answered urging him to continue.
“I'm meeting up with him tomorrow.”
“Are you?” Cheryl didn't wait for an answer to her question instead followed it with her own assumption. “Or are you gonna stand him up again? Just like last time with Declan.”
Cheryl knew it was harsh to say this but she also cared for Ste he was a dear friend. Brendan may  be her brother but she couldn't deny his selfish and inconsiderate nature.
Brendan stood to leave the table but answered as he did so. “I don't know, I want to be there but I don't know.”
Cheryl was left alone at the table wondering why her brother had to make things so complicated.

Ste was in bed wondering if he had done and said the right things. He hadn't yet told Amy about what had happened between Brendan and him and luckily the kids hadn't mentioned it. He wasn't forcing them to keep secrets, he would never do that to them, but he was grateful they hadn't said anything. He knew what Amy would say but he needed time to get his own head around it., besides if Brendan didn't show he'd have worried her for nothing. Even though Ste knew what would most likely happen he was hopeful. Surely Brendan wouldn't run again. But then with his track record would it be better for Ste's physical health if he did?
“Oh for gods sake!” Ste grumbled out loud. Maybe he could pretend he wasn't in tomorrow, then again doors have never really stopped Brendan Brady before. No, he'd just have to get the kids ready, he'd give him 10 minutes to be late as Brendan’s time keeping was usually solid, if he failed to show they'd go without him.

Brendan was on his way out wearing quite casual clothes it felt a little odd, he'd been wearing suits mostly. His mind was torn did he really want this or did he just say this to get back into Stephen's pants? He was full of doubts and didn't like it one bit. He hated thinking of himself in a bad light but these thoughts popped in every now and then. Little did he know that Ste was having doubts also.

The kids were ready to go, food was packed plus a couple of kid emergency essentials all that remained was for Brendan to arrive.
Ste had hoped that sleep would settle his mind, it hadn't. He felt more nervous than ever. Had he made a mistake to suggest a trip to the park with Leah and Lucas would it be better they not come? Ste sighed “I'm being silly.” Ste reassured himself as he realised he was just making up excuses to soften the blow if Brendan didn't show.

Brendan hesitantly knocked on the door. Swallowing thickly he waited.
Ste stood at the other side of the door kids beside him ready to go they were excited, had been all morning. A deep breath escaped from Ste as he opened the door and all three stepped out. Ste stopped, where was Brendan? He definitely heard knocking so where was he? Ste walked the children all the way out and looked round.
“Stephen.”
Ste jumped, Brendan was leaning against the outside wall.
“I thought.” Ste shook his head. “Never mind.”
Brendan knelt down and greeted the kids. Which helped both Ste and Brendan relax before they set off.

At the park things weren't too awkward. After throwing the ball about for a bit with the kids they started entertaining  themselves on the play equipment. This left Brendan and Ste alone to talk. They sat on a bench watching the children play.

“How uh... how has the job hunt been going?” Brendan asked awkwardly.
“Not great, keep trying with no luck.” Ste replied glumly.
“I can always help you out with some cash if you need it.”
“No.” Ste replied hastily. “That's not what I want.” He sighed. “I need to make my own money, but thanks for the offer, I know you mean well.”
“ Sorry, I just don't want you to have any difficulties.” Brendan explained.
“Well maybe you shouldn't have got rid of me then.” Ste snapped.
Brendan was silent.
Ste sighed. “Look, I'm sorry, Never mind what I said, lets just talk about something else.”
“Maybe...” Brendan stopped and looked from Ste to his knees. “Maybe we should talk about that.”
Ste looked at the side of Brendan’s face with a mix of emotions. He was happy for the suggestion but unsure and confused as it was coming from Brendan who, had a tendency to strike out if he felt too vulnerable or emotionally confused. It would be good to clear the air but could Brendan keep his fists under control long enough for it to clear?
Brendan interrupted Ste's thoughts “We should talk about it all, everything, get to know each other properly.”
Ste finally spoke after long delay. “If you're sure you would want to and can.” Ste paused to judge Brendan’s reaction. He seemed to expect it, so Ste continued. “I think we should meet up for a coffee or something and talk then, not with the kids around.” Ste smiled at the end of the sentence hoping to lighten the mood.
“OK.” Brendan replied as he stood to help Leah on a climbing frame.
Ste sat for a little longer thinking how different Brendan was being he seemed genuine but was it an act? Was he playing the long game? Biding his time till he had Ste where he wanted him and then slinking back into his old ways making Ste feel trapped and insecure in his grasp? Could Ste ever get over all the lies and just trust? He pushed his thoughts and questions to the back of his mind and stood to gather his things. “Brendan, we should get going the kids need food.”
Brendan took Leah and Lucas by the hand and walked over. Ste watched and his heart flipped at such a sweet sight.

Back at the house Ste led the children inside and Brendan waited at the door to say bye. Not giving it much thought Ste waved Brendan to come in. As Leah and Lucas played at the small table, Brendan stood with Ste in the kitchen watching him prepare the food.
“You know,” Ste started. “You don't have to stay.”
“I know.” Brendan touched Ste's shoulder causing him to look into Brendan’s eyes. “I want to.”
Ste was quite visibly stunned by this confession of sorts. Which caused Brendan to laugh. “Is it that surprising? For me to say it?”
“Well yea actually.” Ste replied. “I'm not used to you being so...” Ste paused trying to find the right word but failed and settled for. “So normal I guess.”
Rather than be offended Brendan just laughed. Ste couldn't help but join in.
“Why don't you eat with us? After I put the kids to bed we can talk or just watch a film.”
“Won't Amy mind?”
“Probably, but I’ll talk to her when she gets in, I needed to talk with her about all this anyway. Now stop just standing there and give me a hand.”
This left no room for Brendan to argue and as he didn't really want to leave he obeyed Ste's orders and started chopping some veg.

Amy walked in as Ste was plating the food. As she noticed Brendan doom filled the air and made the house feel even smaller.
“What the hell is going on her?” Amy exclaimed.
Ste jumped and turned to Amy motioning for her to calm down. “Brendan could you give us a moment.” He sighed.
Brendan took his plate and went to Ste's bedroom without saying a word. If Stephen wanted to handle this Brendan was going to let him.
“Will you just please explain what he's doing here.” Amy said trying really hard not to raise her voice and unsettle the kids.
“I invited him to stay for dinner.”
“Why would you do that?” Amy interrupted.
Ste took a deep breath ready to explain. “We went to the park today and he came along. We were having a nice time, the kids enjoyed playing with him and we talked. We talked properly I mean.”
“So?” Amy questioned. “Do you really think he's changed just like that?”
“No.” Ste said after a moment. “I don't think he's changed just yet but he's trying.”
“Fine you want to be an idiot, go ahead, I won't stop you. Don't involve the kids. I don't want them near him.” Amy stated firmly.
At that moment Brendan emerged from the bedroom having heard everything but decided not to comment. “Thanks for the food, it was nice, I’ll see myself out.” Before he escaped the tension he pecked Ste on the cheek and waved at the kids.
Ste stood silent not sure what to say after Brendan had left. Amy on the other hand had things to say. She continued to argue her opinion for the rest of the evening despite having said that she was going to let Ste be an idiot. She cared too much to leave him to his own stupidity.
Not having the will or interest to argue back, Ste was silent half listening and half considering if he really believed Brendan’s efforts. Maybe he was just being stupid and wishing Brendan’s new attitude was genuine because he really wanted it to be so.

Brendan sat on the edge of his bed, he found himself in a very contemplative mood.
Should he continue his efforts in making Ste his once again? Or should he step back so as not to rip him and Amy apart? He wasn't sure, the only thing he did know for sure is that he had really enjoyed the day with Ste and the kids.
Brendan allowed himself a smile. At that moment Ste text him. ~Goodnight x~ It read. Brendan smirked and replied ~night Stephen~.