Eight years is a long time.

A really, really long time, especially in prison. Alone.

Alone with the thoughts of Him, his life now without me, him moving on.

Sometimes, the visions of Steven come all at once and I grab a pillow and scream until I have nothing left to give.

However, Joel has been keeping me up to date with all events in Hollyoaks over the past few years.

Yeah, Joel had been keeping me up to date with Steven's little exploits. Joel had returned not long after I had been arrested. I had asked him to manage Chez Chez, which of course he agreed to straight away. Mr "I own half the club" was practically jumping with joy at the fact he would now be managing the place.

Joel had informed me on one of his numerous secret visits to the prison that Steven had gone right of the rails for a while until his "new, nice and really good looking fella" (Joel's words) had made him see the light and pulled him from the darkness. Or pulled him from me? What did Joel say his name was? I have genuinely forgotten. All I know now is that Steven is happy. Living a good, successful life with a man who loves the bones off him and that he loves in return. Goood.

Anyway, none of that is important now. I ain't mad. I have moved on too. It's what I wanted, I'd say to myself over and over again in my head. I set Steven and Chez free that day, eight years ago. I think I set myself free too.

I'm happy today. I've paid the debt owed to society. I am free to go anywhere. Start again. Be with anyone. Yeah, that's what I will do. I am going to go back to Ireland. Back home. The first thing I want to do is find a nice, young guy and fuck his brains out. Then maybe try and find someone who I can picture spending the rest of my life with. I really want a loving future with a loving guy. I hate to admit it but I've been so lonely in prison. I have missed the intimacy of having a warm body next to me. I get shaken from my thoughts as a guard says "It's time, Brady".

I walk outside and don't look back once. The gates close behind me and I look around and smile. It feels really good. Actually, it feels fucking great! Freedom. The possibilities. I think I'm happy. I've moved on too.

"Alright there Brendan" Joel smirks at me.

"Yeah, I will be" I laugh then as Joel leads me to the car.

"So, where too Brendan?"

"Where do you think?" I raise an eyebrow cockily and Joel laughs out loud.

Oh yeah, about what I was saying earlier about moving on and that. Did you really believe all that bullshit? I mean, yeah, I'm a better person now. I'm ready to love and be loved back. But, for fuck sake. I'm Brendan Brady. Did you really think I'm going to let Steven go without a fight? C'mon guys. You know me better than that. Right?

I, Steven Hay am getting married in a week. Getting married, and to a guy who loves me unconditionally and would do anything for me. Well, not ANYTHING, but most things.

I am so happy right now. I don't think I 'ave ever been this happy in my entire life. I'm so in love with Dean. He makes my heart race and the sex is incredible. I have NEVER loved someone the way that I love Dean. NEVER!

I walk into the Deli and shake the thoughts of Dean from my head.

"Who's getting married in a week?" Doug beams a smile at me.

"Me, that's who" I laugh out loud as I make my way behind the Deli counter.

"Umm, Ste we really need to talk" Doug suddenly looks nervous as hell.

Oh shit. Here it goes. This is because I'm late again for work. Not my problem Dean had other plans for me this morning.

"Look, Doug. I'm sorry I'm late again, but these things can't be helped" I blush as I mumble the words to him.

"No, um Ste. It's not that".

I look up and notice Doug isn't even looking at me anymore. He's gone as white as a ghost and his eyes are bulging out of their sockets.

I follow to where he's looking and my heart stops.

No. This cannot be happening. My feet have a mind of their own and I walk out of the Deli, closely followed by Doug. I notice a crowd of people who have stopped walking and are looking at the person getting out of Joel's car.

"The show's over folks". That Irish drawl. Holy shit. I feel really sick.

I watch as he turns and his eyes meet mine. Oh my god!

"Hello Steven". His eyes trail down my body and back up to my face.

This is the part where I turn and run away. I just keep running. I don't even know where in the hell I am going.

I come to a stop just outside the village. My heart is hammering in my chest. Did that just happen? Was that really him? Tears start to fall down my face. Fuck, I've missed him so much.

Oh, I'm sorry. Did you believe the part of me moving on and being so in love with Dean? Well, you don't know me that well then, do ya?

One love of my life is enough for me. Moved on, as if!

My heart rate starts to slow and a sneaky smile starts to form on my lips. The best part of getting back together with someone is the chase or being chased and I know full well Brendan Brady loves chasing me.

This is going to be VERY interesting.