I really, really love this story. I love that Brendan is completely taken by surprise by his feelings for Ste. He knows he fancies him but it's clear that he doesn't expect everything else that goes along with it - Ste's openness and how responsive and affectionate he is.

I agree with your portrayal of Vinnie with his shyness, and Macca with his boldness. Ste was somewhat in between, but also completely separate. Sassy, brave, loyal, loving. Everything that Brendan never knew he wanted but that he needed, desperately.

I love this fic so, so much. I'm just having a little reread alongside watching the coinciding episodes. Even during the darkest of times for them you still make perfect sense of the inner workings of Brendan's mind: the need to be in control, the self-hatred, the difficulty and the startling development of him being in love for the first time.

I love the way you write about Ste and Brendan's first time too. Ste was a man who knew what he wanted - he was scared but determined too, and his coming out journey was so refreshing in his bravery and his complete adoration for Brendan and everything they shared. It helped Brendan SO much in the long run too. The worst thing for him would have been to fall in love with someone closeted like himself, who also had those insecurities and self esteem issues surrounding their sexuality. Ste's pride helps Brendan in After Today - he's proud of what they have, proud of their marriage and family and life, and his own ease must calm Brendan in a similar way to his chatterbox ways.

It's touching to see Brendan wearing his silver cuff when we now know that Ste wears his as a wedding ring. And I love all the little references of this fic in After Today, like when Ste says how they had chips together and Brendan ran him a bath.

Including Macca in this is a clever touch, and I can't help but laugh at the Ste/Macca interaction when I think of Ste's jealousy now. I'm still wishing for him to reappear in AT one day and bring out jealous Ste in all his sassy glory.

Chapter 21, where a crying Ste begs Brendan to sleep with him - still one of my favourite things you've ever written. It shoes how impossible Brendan found it to resist him.

I took a trip down memory lane and read lots of this today. It remains wonderful and a brilliant exploration of early Stendan. Thank you :)

I love this. It's incredible that you've covered their beginning here to their reunion in Real Arms Around Me, to their marriage in Doing It Again, to their new life together in After Today.

This fic is amazing. It's like the birth of little Stendan-isms, with you already sowing the seeds of how they'll be as a proper couple. I love how some things here are the same as what we see in your other fics, only without the intense self hatred from Brendan that's present here. Wonderful development, both on screen and in your writing.

Such a great chapter. I love how you added that sex scene. Whenever I watch that episode back it seems impossible now that it didn't lead to that, and Ste's sadness and Brendan's inability to resist him is brilliantly written. Macca's presence adds a lot to the story, giving him a sense of closure and providing more of a contrast to how Brendan feels about him and how he feels about Ste.

One of your very first fics! Memories sweet memories. It's amazing how you tell this from Macca's perspective and yet still make it all about Ste and Brendan at its heart. Brilliant writing as always - I only wish it was even more detailed and longer! But it truly is a fantastic exploration of early Stendan. I love how you show Brendan's feelings gradually growing, and Brendan taking Ste to the hotel is a highlight, and of course all their times in the famous sex cellar. Love the little reference to Giovanni's Room too. Good taste Liam, good taste.

Beautiful from start to finish. Thank you.

Omg just read all this in two shots! It was bloody amazing! Wow! Made, me feel like watching show all over again but million times better. You got what was in Brendan head so perfectly it was scary. You are so talented love!

I reread lots of this yesterday and remembered what a delight it is. We're so lucky to have your fics.

-And knowing at that moment: knowing that it was Ste. It was Ste who Brendan loved.

-And then, Brendan held him. Held him so tightly that Macca felt his ribs might break again and splinter into his heart.

Very emotive writing, I've really enjoyed reading this stories.

I really liked Macca on the show, I always wished they had kept him around for longer so it's nice to read from his point of view.

Loved it! _

That was the most intense chapter yet.
Loved it!

Loved it!

Brilliant chapter