AU.

Leah's 8 nearly 9 in this I just needed her a bit older.

Rating: Hard M

Warning: M/M sex, bad language

When Amy and her boyfriend had invited him to come on a three week holiday with them and the kids to Ireland he had thought it would be a great chance to catch up with his children and a good solid break from the stresses of his job. He could look after the kids while Amy and Tim enjoyed a few romantic days and nights out. He knew he was there as a baby sitter but he didn't care. He wanted to spend time with his kids.

He'd put in the last of the year before's holidays that he hadn't taken even though they shouldn't have counted and a few days from his current allowance, Tony had insisted that he deserved it and told him to enjoy himself.

They were staying in a big house that belongs to some relative of Tim's who has gone to Moscow for a few months on business. She had been offering the house out to anyone who wanted it. It was lovely, big spacious but lived in. There's no question of the kids having to keep their hands behind their backs as they walk in case the break anything. It was a family home and could be treated as one, within reason.

"Look at the horses." Leah says pointing to the cliff top where he can see seven or eight horses cantering along. He had seen them a few times. There was a horse riding centre down the road that they had passed on the way in. "Daddy." She wanted something, she only called him that when she wants something. "Will you take me?"

"Where?"

"Horse riding." She replied. "Claire's got a pony at school, it's pretty and she let me have a go. Mum's been taking me on a Saturday to have lessons."

He can't see the harm in it he still runs it past Amy who thinks it's a wonderful idea but is a little cautious because Leah has only had a few weeks of lessons, so tells him to make sure that the instructor knows that.

He borrows the car and drives down to the stable yard which is part of a big complex. He looks around for someone to ask about lessons or to send him in the right direction of the person he needs to talk to.

"Can I help you?" He turns to see the most gorgeous man he has ever laid his eyes on. White shirt, dirt streaked, skin tight jeans leaving nothing to the imagination, heavy boots… Tall, broad shoulders, trim waist, powerful legs, moustache which isn't his normal thing but it suits this man. The man raises his eyebrows at him and he realises he's been so busy checking him out he'd forgotten to speak.

"Erm." He has to remember why he's here, he needs to get a grip. "I'm looking for someone to ride, erm talk about riding with." He blushes. "It's for my daughter."

"You can talk to me. I run the stables. Brendan Brady." He takes the hand the man offers.

"Ste. Ste Hay." He replies and realises that still holding the man's hand even though they've shook. He drops it and shifts awkwardly.

"Come into my office. I'll see what I can do for you." He follows Brendan across the yard, taking in the stone stables leading up to an arch way that he can't quite see into from his angle and the horses with the heads over the doors. There are a couple of women knocking around carrying saddles and bridles, all in skin tight jodhpurs and little tops, pony tails, a few others with t-shirts, one has a horse out of it's stable with barely there vest top, her boobs are nearly falling out as a tall blonde man is standing to the side talking, or rather flirting outrageously with her.

"Walker I'm paying you to shoe my horses not chat up Ann." Brendan calls.

"Sorry Brendan." He sounds anything but even though it does prompt him to pick up the horses foot and place is on a stand and start filing.

Brendan leads him to a small building at the end of the stable block and holds the door while he steps inside. It's pretty poorly lit compared to the bright sunshine outside. There is a large desk with a computer to the side. Photographs all over the walls of horses and various people, he recognises Brendan in a few of them. It's almost like a chart of his life…

"You weren't born with a moustache then." His mouth, honest to god it should be sealed for his own good.

"No." Brendan sounds amused.

He turns from the photographs to find Brendan watching him sat in a big leather but battered looking chair.

"So? I'm a busy man Mr Hay."

"God sorry. Yeah Leah, my daughter wanted to do a bit of riding. We're over here on holiday and she saw the horses this morning. She hasn't done much so I was hoping that you'd offer something for a beginner."

"We've got the facilities of all abilities. I usually like to start them off in the arena to assess their abilities. Was she looking to go out on a trail?"

"I dunno. I haven't got a clue about all this me."

"Why don't you bring her down later today? Say three. My sister Cheryl will be available to do a lesson then. Half an hour is twenty euro's, and hour thirty."

"Which do you think?" He really doesn't know. He would go for the cheaper option but he's not sure how long Leah's normal lessons are and if it's usually an hour she's going to be disappointed.

"An hour means we can take it slower and if she gets sick of it then she can help brush down and put the pony away."

"Alright then. You want me to pay now or later?"

"If you pay a ten euro deposit now it'll grantee the hour."

"Cool." He hands the money over. "Thanks."

"No trouble Steven."

"Been ages since anyone's called me that only Ames when she's in one. Anyway thanks Mr Brady I'll see you later."

"Brendan."

"Yeah." It's like he's stuck. He's meant to be leaving but he can't take his eyes off him. He shakes himself and smiles as he makes his way out.

Leah is beyond excited as he pulls into the yard with her. He parks to the side where there are other cars are.

"Look at that one it's so big and pretty." She beams pointing to one of the horses out in the field.

A blond woman, with bouncy hair walks across and introduces herself as Cheryl. She's bubbly and quite loud as she leads them across the yard and into a building directly across from the one Brendan had taken him into early on. He can't help but look in that direction, he tries to make out through the window if Brendan's in there but Leah tugs on his hand and he's lead into a big room that smells musty.

"Do you know your hat size sweetheart?" Cheryl is asking Leah. "We normally have a couple knocking around, they're all in good condition. Most people bring their own with us doing riding holidays. Have you signed all the paperwork?"

"No not yet." Amy had warned him that he would have to sign a few things to say that he wasn't going to sue them if an accident happened, that he was aware that riding was dangerous and he understood that not all circumstances could be accounted for.

"If you go over to the office," she points to where Brendan had taken him. "Give a knock our Bren will sort it out while I get this young lady a hat." She smiles at Leah who is looking around.

He walks over careful to stay out of the way of the horses and rider's coming back in.

"Hey good looking back so soon." He looks up at the woman, Ann who has pulled her horse up, she swings her leg over and pops to the ground.

He smiles and walks around her to get to office. Knocks.

"Come in."

Brendan stands very close to him as he lays the documents out on the desk and explains everything to him. He trails his finger over the pages, Brendan's hand catches his as he points to where he should sign. He dares a look up and Brendan is staring at him, he licks at his bottom lip and Brendan's eyes follow the movement.

"See something you like?" Brendan asks. He's about to do something stupid, he's about to step forward and closer and kiss him but Cheryl comes in with Leah and Brendan steps back.

"Everything sorted?" Cheryl asks.

"Yeah, good to go. You using Murphy?" Brendan asks as he drops into the leather seat, his eyes still on Ste.

"Yep." Cheryl replies. "Come on then let's get you started."

Cheryl tells him to take a seat on a couple of half barrels to the side as he's staying for the lesson. He sits and watches as Cheryl put Leah through her paces. She looks happy, confident on a white pony that she looks a little too small for. The hour is over quickly. He gives the money to Cheryl.

"She's good enough to go out with one of the starter groups if she was looking to go out along the head land. It's not very far and we only walk with that group. I'd keep her with Murphy, he's as quiet as a mouse, bombproof, well as bombproof as any animal ever is."

Leah pleads with him to be allowed. But she doesn't need to.

"What time?"

"Not the normal question usually it's how much?" Cheryl jokes. "Nine in the morning every day. If there isn't anyone else I'll still take her out."

He agrees.

Tim thinks it's wonderful and reminisces about the time he had spent here riding when he was young. He puts it down to enthusiasm on finding something that he could possibly share with Leah. He doesn't mind. Tim's a part of her life and he wants her happy and he has no interest in horses.

He sits through dinner barely eating anything all the while thinking about Brendan. The muscles he had seen, the feel of him being a bit too close in the office. He excuses himself and goes up stairs.

He stands under the shower and can't help but touch himself. Imagine what Brendan would feel like, how his muscles would feel under his hands, how his moustache would feel on his mouth, on his skin. How he would look naked. How his large hands would feel around his waist, over his chest, he runs his hands over his torso, tweaking a nipple imagining Brendan's mouth nipping. He imagines Brendan dropping to his knees and sucking his cock. What that man would look like naked on his knees soaking wet with his cock in his mouth. He comes hard into his fist. Fuck, he wants him. He runs a finger over his hole. He wants to know what it feels like to have Brendan bending him over his desk and pushing his cock into him…

He needs to calm himself the hell down.

He's only met the bloke twice and even though he's fairly sure that Brendan's attracted to him he doesn't even know if that's just his imagination and Brendan has no sense of personal space. Brendan's surrounded by women in tight clothing, he could have his pick of any of them… He doesn't want to think about that. He doesn't want to think about not being able to have Brendan. He has a want, bordering on need to have him.

It's never been that powerful for him before. He's had plenty of boyfriends but he's never wanted any of them the way he wants Brendan.

He takes Leah down to the stables at quarter to nine. Cheryl's leading horses in from the field she smiles and greets them. She ties the two horses up to the outside of the stable and hands Leah a brush and asking her if she would like to clean Murphy up for their ride.

It's a cooler day, fresher. There's a bit of a strong wind which keeps picking up every so often. He shivers in his hoodie.

"Go get yourself a tea love… in the tack room." He looks blankly at her. She smiles warmly. "That room we were in yesterday where I got Leah's hat from. I'll let you know when we're heading off. You can go home if you like and pick her up at eleven..." He's struck with indecision, there's no point in staying, but at the same time if he stays he might see Brendan. "Go get that tea you look like you're freezing."

He does as he's told.

Ann he recalls her name as makes him a cup while another girl moans that it's only to get out of cleaning tack.

"That you're little girl?" Ann asks bluntly.

He nods as he adds his sugar.

"You're not mute are you?"

"No." He replies.

"Don't talk much do you?"

"You talk enough for everyone Ann." Brendan says as he walks in. "Are you going to ride Jack today?"

"Bit windy, you know what he's like when it's windy. I'd rather not." Ann replies, hesitant.

"I'll ride him in the arena." Brendan states. "How are you today Steven?"

"Alright. Just brought Leah down, she's going out with Cheryl."

Brendan nods, makes a soft grunt, then strides across the room gathering a saddle and bridle from it's stand then walks straight back out.

"You coming?" The girl asks.

"Give him time to get him tacked up and into the arena." Ann states shaking her head. "Where were we… Ah yes you were about to tell me everything about yourself Steven."

"It's Ste." He corrects. There's a glint in Ann's eyes that he doesn't understand, she smiles like a cat that got the cream which makes even less sense. "What brings you to the Emerald isle?"

"I'm on holiday with my kids, their mother and her boyfriend."

"So you're not with Leah's mother?" He feels like he's at the Spanish inquisition the pressure from Ann's gaze on him.

"No. We split up years ago."

"And why was that?"

"You're very forward."

"Only way to find out what you want to know." Oh. Shit. Ann fancies him, it's the only explanation that makes sense.

"I'm gay."

"You are, wonderful." She beams. Not the reaction he was expecting. "What's your type?"

He's lost and she's obviously off her tits.

"Ann." The girl nudges Ann and points to the window. He frowns and looks out in time to see Brendan leading a huge impressive looking horse past.

"Come on then…" They both put down the leather they were working on. "You coming?" She asks him.

"Where?"

"To see a master at work." She replies grabbing his arm.

Cheryl and Ann nearly collide as he's lead outside.

"Taking him to see our Bren?" Cheryl asks. "We're heading off."

He shrugs Ann off to go and check that Leah's happy and she still wants to go. To which he gets a beaming smile and Leah telling Cheryl to hurry up. Cheryl laughs.

"Leah you behave yourself alright? Cheryl is like a teacher, you've got to be respectful yeah?"

"Yes, Dad."

"Good girl. Enjoy yourself."

"I'll take good care of her don't worry." Cheryl says as she joins them. She helps Leah up into the saddle and makes sure she's all set before mounting her own horse off a plastic block.

"Bye Dad." Leah waves then gathers her reins.

"Come on, we're missing the show." Ann practically drags him across the yard and up to the arena. Where he can see Brendan riding the impressive horse around. There is a bank of grass about eight foot high all the way around the sides except for a break which leads to the gate to enter. The bank acts as a wind break and he doesn't feel as cold. Ann pulls him down onto a barrel and keeps her arm around his.

He watches as Brendan turns the horse and has it working in all different speeds around the arena. He looks amazing in control of the mass of muscle which has a grace and beauty about it even as it snorts as it passes.

"See how soft his hands are on the reins…" Ann says. He hasn't got a clue. "Tiny little squeeze with his legs and see, the control is ridiculous." Brendan's got the horse going sideways up the side of the arena in a straight line.

Ann must catch on that he hasn't got a clue.

"He's doing flat work, it's all about getting the horse to listen and respond to you. Jack's a Show jumper but Brendan has him doing Dressage to medium… Oh sorry. Jack usually jumps big bright coloured fences." He saw some of the Olympics, Leah insisted on watching it. "But to be good at that they've got to be balanced, all this on the ground is where it's built from. Getting a horse to be responsive, to get them to listen, trust you. All these movements he's doing aren't really required but Brendan likes to keep Jack fresh for competition, doesn't like to jump too much in case he gets stale."

"Brendan competes?"

"Yeah all over Ireland. I'm his head groom." Ann says beaming with pride. Apparently that's a good thing.

He watches Brendan for a while, can't take his eyes off him…

"Have you got a boyfriend?" Ann asks bluntly.

He shakes himself to turn his attention back to her.

"No." He'd spilt up with Ben months ago.

"What do you do? For a job?"

"I'm a chef." Sous chef, at a small restaurant he's about to say but she cuts him off.

"A chef." Ann smiles brightly.

"Why doesn't he wear a hat?" He asks. Brendan hasn't got a hat on, he thought you always had to wear on, it's a long way down.

"Doesn't ride with one in the arena. Bitches like mad if any of us do it but he's the boss so he can do as he likes." Ann replies.

"Ann stop boring young Steven and give Jack his rub down." Brendan calls from the gate which the other girl is about to open. He watches Brendan swing his legs over and lands, he hands the reins to Ann who leads the horse down and away towards the stables. It goes sideways a bit and looks like it's acting up but Ann keeps walking. The other girl follows.

"Dead impressive." He comments.

"You didn't know what you were watching did you?" Brendan states he doesn't sound annoyed, he sounds amused.

"Nope. But it looked good." He replies, shivering as the wind catches him.

"Let's get you inside, you look like you could get blown away." Brendan says. Electric runs up his spine as Brendan places his hand gently on his lower back to guide him back down to the yard. "Make me a coffee, strong, milk, three sugars, I've got to talk to Ann... I'll be back in a minute." He watches as Brendan strides away. He can't take his eyes off his arse. He blushes as Brendan glances over his shoulder and he opens the door and steps into the office which is much warmer than the tack room was.

The kettles in the far corner along with a few mugs. He sits in Brendan's leather chair as he waits for the kettle to boil. He can see Brendan and Ann talking as she takes off Jack's tack. The kettle clicks and he makes himself a coffee while he's making Brendan's. He sits back in the chair with the mug warming his hands.

"Make yourself at home." Brendan says, quirking his brow at him as he enters.

"Sorry." He jumps up but saves himself from spilling any coffee.

"Sit yourself down." Brendan smiles and shakes his head. He goes to the kettle and picks up his coffee. "How long are you in Ireland for?"

"Couple of weeks why?"

"Just wondering how much money I'm going to be getting off you." Brendan replies, he's joking he thinks. Brendan sits on the edge of the desk leaning across the desk to place his mug down on a coaster. The black jumper he has on rides up a little and he gets his first tiny peek at what is promised, pale skin hint of a treasure trail, lean muscle, he wants to run his tongue straight across the flesh… He swallows as Brendan sits back up... His thighs… He could run his hands straight up the thinning material, it wouldn't take much to tear it... He needs to get a grip he chastises himself.

"How much do I owe for today?" He looks around the office for something to hold his attention.

"Fifty euro's." Brendan replies, rough voice, lower than it should be.

He licks his lips and looks out to the yard.

"Nice set up you've got." He says trying to start a conversation. "Don't know much about it but Leah says it's the best she's seen." He should really shut up. His daughter thinks it's nice. He really needs to think before he speaks. "You always been into horse riding?"

"Since I was small, my Dad was a race horse trainer." Brendan replies.

"I can never win anything on the Grand National."

Brendan laughs gruffly. "You're a funny little thing aren't you."

"Er what does that mean?" He hates being patronised, even the smallest hint sets him off. "Thanks for the coffee." He stands. Brendan might be fucking gorgeous but he's got the feeling that he's also a bit of a knob.

"Steven wait." Brendan catches his wrist and pulls a little before he can get fully around him.

He trips on a loose bit of carpet ends up practically falling onto him. One hand on his thigh the other on his chest. Brendan's thighs bracketing his legs. If he looks up and he's not going to be able to stop himself. Brendan still has a hand on his wrist and the other comes up and touches his chin pushing it up. He can feel Brendan's heart beat under his fingers, the heave of his chest. His pupils are black. If he's got this wrong he's going to be so embarrassed but he wants it and there's nothing to say that he can't have it yet. He leans forward and catches Brendan bottom lip kissing it then pulls back, this is damage limitation, he's got this wrong… Brendan's slips to the back of his neck and pulls him back in to a bruising kiss that has his blood singing, he pushes himself further into Brendan's body, let's himself get lost in the swirl of tongues. He gets his hands on the hem of Brendan's jumper and pulls it up. He doesn't want to break the kiss but he wants his hands on skin. Brendan breaks first and pulls the jumper over his head chucking it down…

So much skin, dusting of hair across his chest… His mouth waters as he trails a hand across the hard muscle… Christ, he wants him… Brendan pulls his hoodie and t-shirt over his head so quickly his head spins… He's pushed back against the wall Brendan's hands trailing down his sides, to his waistband, Brendan kisses him hard as he stoves his hand down and around his cock, he moans into Brendan's mouth at the contact…

"Fuck." He mutters into Brendan collar bone as he starts to work his cock, he's panting and moving his hips, thrusting into Brendan's hand, he groans a sigh, it's what he wants but he wants much more… He gathers what's left of his wits and reaches for the button on Brendan's jeans, pressing a little lower, yeah Brendan's hard, he un zips him and it takes a huge effort to get the jeans down while Brendan's hands still moving on his cock, slower, less attentive, Brendan's breath is caught in his throat as Ste pulls his cock free from the confines of his underwear. Long, thick, just what was promised through those jeans. He kisses Brendan then drops to his knees, looks up at Brendan for any reluctance, finds none… He licks at the head, tastes pre-com, he wants to taste more he groans and flattens his tongue to gather as much as he can. Brendan jerks, he looks up again and Brendan groans, he runs a thumb along his bottom lip stretched around his thick cock, he nods ever so slightly and Brendan gently thrusts, long and slow forward into his mouth he works his tongue as best he can until he has to concentrate on relaxing his throat, tears form in his eyes at the stretch, he swallows and Brendan pulls back and stops moving, he grips the base of Brendan's cock and sucks hard. He puts everything into it. Rolling his tongue, sucking, he's had a taste now he wants to full thing.

"Brendan." He jerks back, Brendan's cock falling loose.

"For fucks sake Ann." Brendan growls.

"Oh sorry." The door shuts. "Just to let you know Cheryl's back."

He should really go, but he hasn't got what he wanted yet. He takes Brendan's cock back into his mouth and grabs at his arse to encourage him.

"Fucking... Jesus… I'm gunna come." Brendan warns a second before he is. He swallows it all down, licks Brendan clean.

Brendan tucks himself away. "Aren't you a find? Christ." Brendan pulls him into another filthy kiss.

"Brendan." Ann states loudly through the door.

"Two seconds. Keep her busy." Brendan growls dropping to his knees. "Better make it quick." Brendan says as he licks his lips then swallows his cock to the root, he tenses. If getting to see what he had been imagining, Brendan on his knee's for him wasn't enough the feel certainly was. He tenses, arching his back and thrusts into Brendan's hot mouth. "Fuck." He pants, his legs feel like jelly, he's tingling all over. Brendan gently pulls his clothes back into position, smiling at him as he gets the hoody back down over his head then kiss' him.

Ann pulls the door open then quickly pushes it shut.

"Will you put him down?" Ann growls and stamps her foot.

"Keep talking and I'll fire you." Brendan replies then kisses him again, gently.

"You most certainly will not…"

"Alright keep your hair on." He says reaching down, picking up Brendan's jumper before dropping it into his waiting hands. Brendan pulls it back on, he watches as the material covers his skin. He really should leave that off…

"Dad?" Leah. Shit.

He rushes past Ann opening the door and stepping back out into the cold. The office felt like a furnace compared to outside. He shivers.

"Did you have a good time?"

"Yes."

"She was good as gold."

"Thanks Cheryl." He hands her the money from his wallet. He had been too distracted before. He glances into the office to see Brendan looking back.

"Can I come again tomorrow?" He winces slightly. He can't really afford to have Leah riding every day even as an excuse to be at the yard, it'll end up costing him a fortune.

"She can help out around the yard in exchange for the ride if you like? She's seriously keen and there's always something that she can be doing."

"Please Dad."

"I'll have to speak to your Mam, she wanted to do a few day trips..."

"Well let me know, there's always someone around here during the day." Cheryl says.

He nods. He looks back into the office, he can't see Brendan. He nods thanking Cheryl again. Leah pulls on his arm.

"I want to tell Mum about my ride." Leah says, she itching to go home. He's itching to go back into the office and say goodbye, or something. Anything. It's a bit awkward leaving like he is.

"Better get her home looks like rain." Cheryl says.

He lets Leah pull him to the car.

It rains all afternoon, so he plays video games with Lucas since he can't play football in the rain. Amy doesn't want Lucas catching cold. Every so often he drifts off back into that office, gets lost in the feel of Brendan, the taste, the sound… Lucas keeps whining at him about not paying attention. Tim takes over when his own son says he's crap and he wants to play against someone who doesn't keep dying so easily.

"You're all over the place today." Amy says putting a cup of tea down in front of him.

"Yeah sorry." He replies.

"I don't need an apology Ste." She states. "There's nothing wrong is there? You are still alright with Tim?"

"Yeah, he's alright…" Tim's a bit boring but if that's the worst of what he can dislike about him then he can put up with it. Besides Amy's the one that's got to live with him.

"It's important to me that you two get along. I know it's hard seeing him with Leah and Lucas but he's not trying to be their Dad, you're their Dad and he knows how important that is."

"It's not Tim." He states.

"Then what is it?"

He sighs.

"I met someone."

"What? Who? Where?" She's asks full of excitement.

"Calm down."

"When? We're in the middle of nowhere."

"He's the owner of the stables."

"Is he nice?"

Nice? He doesn't really know him that well but nice possibly isn't how he'd describe him.

"Yeah, he's alright." Fucking amazing actually… But he doesn't know that for sure he only knows that he really wants to find out.

"Arrr you really like him." She coo's slightly.

"Yeah." He does. He's not going to lie.

"So when are you seeing him again?"

"Suppose when I take Leah down for another lesson." He shrugs. He realised half way back to the house he hadn't given Brendan his number.

"That's no good." Amy says. "How are you meant to get to know each other like that?" They possibly already know too much about each other, all things that matter but perhaps not as much as other things like actually liking who each other are not just each other's bodies.

He shrugs.

"I haven't got his number."

"You are going down there and you're asking him out."

"No way." He's not doing it.

"Oh yes you are. Now."

"Amy."

"Actually, no not right now. Go upstairs and get changed."

"Amy."

"It's been ages since you've actually liked someone. It'll do you good and bit of holiday romance."

"What if he turns me down?" He asks.

"You won't know if you don't ask. Now move. Jeans not tracksuit bottoms." She adds pushing him up the stairs. He would argue, he really would be he really wants to know himself… He's had a taste and from what had happened he's fairly confident that Brendan will happily fuck him.

Nerves jangle in his stomach as he looks through his clothes. He hasn't brought anything really decent with him. It was meant to be three weeks away with the kids, he was not planning on meeting anyone and he certainly hadn't thought about going on the pull.

He goes for his nicest pair of Jeans which also happen to be his tightest and a plain black t-shirt. He hasn't got a jacket other than his water proof which isn't sexy and his hoodie isn't smart enough, although Brendan's had him half naked so he already knows most of what he's getting…

He gels his hair a bit, not that it'll matter too much in this weather and makes his way downstairs to where Amy is waiting.

"Very nice." She says kissing him on the cheek and pressing the car keys into his hands.

It's barely four in the afternoon. Cheryl said there was always someone around.

He pauses. Maybe this is a bad idea.

"Ste. Go and find out." Amy states. "And run to the car or your hair will be ruined."

The yard is deserted from what he can see when he gets there. He's half tempted to just drive straight back, but something makes him get out and go into the yard. He tries the office but it's locked, the tack rooms padlocked. He's drenched and the wind is cutting straight through him.

"Love what are you doing here?" Cheryl pops her head up from one of the stables holding what looks like a blanket.

"I was… Erm…" He's stuck he doesn't know what to say.

"He's here to cheer up that miserable brother of yours." Ann shouts as she running down the yard with a couple of hay nets slung over her shoulder, rain coat and hat on. She drops them to the floor, taking one into a stable, disappearing then reappearing moving to the next stable.

"Brendan?" Cheryl frowns at him. Then something seems to click. "Oh." She smiles. "He's in the hay shed."

"Where's that?" He asks.

"Come with me." Ann grabs his hand and he's forced to run to keep up as she leads him through a stone arch way and into another smaller yard, another few stables he hadn't seen before and in through a small door into a big building where he spots Brendan filling hay nets. There's a line of ten already filled.

"How many more?" Brendan asks.

"Three and is everyone fed this time round." Ann replies. "Look what I found. Now you can stop being stroppy." She picks up three from the line and disappears off.

"Hi." He kind of waves.

"Jesus you must be freezing." Brendan says walking forward pulling off his jacket and wrapping it around him. "What are you doing here Steven?"

"Came to see you." His teeth are chattering.

Brendan rubs his hands up and down his arms.

"Come on lets get you dry." Brendan says and walks him out of the hay shed back into the pouring rain.

"You're getting wet."

"Yeah but there's more meat on my bones, cold doesn't affect me as much as you scrawny fellows." Brendan smiling.

"Scrawny?!" He pushes Brendan hard.

"Ah some strength in those chicken arms then." Brendan laughs. "The house is just through here." He leads him through another arch into a small courtyard. Where there are various doors with numbers on and porches over them. He follows to a larger porch that has a door unlike the others he steps inside, there are boots lining the sides. Brendan pulls his boots off and drops them before opening another door.

"Should I?" He asks, his shoes are soaking.

"Yeah there's a radiator they'll dry out alright in here." He toes them off. His socks are soaking. "And those." He takes them off and stands on the mat. Brendan pushes at the other door which leads into a big kitchen. He finds himself still as he looks around at the white surfaces and black counter tops. The top of the line cooker. It's a big contrast to the outside which looks old. He had expected a dark, tiny little rooms but this is spacious and modern.

There's a lounge area after the far counter which marks the end of the kitchen. Two big cream sofa's. A TV, a Coffee table in the middle. All of which are immaculate.

Brendan opens a door to the side and steps in coming back with a towel and handing it to him while slipping the jacket off his shoulders.

"Come on we'll find you something to wear." Brendan says leading him up the steep stairs to the side, it a tight spiral leading to a door which Brendan opens.

Wow… The room is huge. There's a massive double bed, black and grey covers. Gym equipment to the corner. An en suite that he can see as the doors open. The carpet is light grey almost silver. The walls are a mix of white, black and red. The red is behind the head board. Brendan pulls open a mirrored wardrobe which gives him a chance to see just how bad he looks. He's shaking and his hair is all over. A drowned rat. He wraps his arms around himself.

"Here." Brendan walks back over holding a pair of jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. "Bathrooms in there, if you know… Privacy."

"Think we're a bit passed that but thanks." He pulls his soggy t-shirt over his head.

"Christ." Brendan mutters, he barely hears him.

"What?" Brendan's staring at him or rather his torso.

Brendan cocks his head. Goes to say something but doesn't.

He frowns.

"What?"

"Just you're…"

"I'm what?"

"Fucking gorgeous." Brendan states rubbing at the back of his head. "And freezing so put some clothes on before you catch cold."

"You could always warm me up."

"Sleeping with a popsicle is not on my to-do list." Brendan replies. "Later."

"That a promise?"

"Guarantee."

"Brendan!" Cheryl shouts.

He pulls the too big t-shirt over his head.

"Brady you better not be screwing him already." Ann.

Brendan sighs and shakes his head.

"Women." He mutters. "We'll be down in a second." He calls.

He drops his Jeans, his boxers aren't too wet so he leaves them on, he doesn't want to be going around commando in Brendan joggers anyway. He pulls them on. They're too big on him as well, he has to tie the draw string.

"Here." Brendan throws him a pair of socks which is bit of a relief since he had half a mind on how he wasn't going to trip over the too long jogging bottoms. He stuff the extra material into the socks. He looks like a proper idiot but at least he's warmer.

Brendan is right in front of him, a predatory look on his face.

He licks his lips and juts his chin.

"You're in my clothes." Brendan says slowly.

"Which you gave to me." He replies.

Brendan grips his waist and pulls him into a demanding, claiming kiss which lights up his insides.

"Brady!" Ann shouts.

"I'm going to kill her." Brendan mutters into his mouth as he breaks the kiss. "Come on or she'll come up."

He follows Brendan down the stairs. Cheryl is in the kitchen with ingredients scattered around. Ann is sat watching the TV towelling her hair dry.

"Ste love sit down, tea? Coffee?" Cheryl asks.

"I'm fine thanks." He sits on the sofa across from Ann who winks at him. Brendan drops down next to him.

"Oh fine you two sit there while I slave over dinner." Cheryl huffs.

"Told you before Chez ready meals are fine." Brendan states.

"You two might not care about all those additives but I'm trying to eat healthy." Cheryl replies.

"Shame you can't cook isn't it." Ann states pull a draw from the coffee table and picking a nail file out.

"I can cook." Cheryl protests. "You just don't appreciate my favour combinations."

"Burnt never tastes good." Ann smirks.

"I'll help." He volunteers anything to stop the sniping.

"No Ste love you're a guest."

"He's a chef let him." Ann states firmly.

"You're a chef?" Brendan asks.

"Yeah."

He stands up and moves into the kitchen. He can tell that Cheryl hasn't got a clue what she wants to make.

"What are you making?" He asks.

"Vegetable's with pasta."

"Meat Chez. I've told you before, leave rabbit food for rabbits." Brendan grumbles as he looks over the back of the sofa.

"There's some prawn in the fridge." Ann pipes up.

"Where's the fridge?" He asks because he'd like to see just what he has to work with.

Cheryl pulls a cupboard which is the fridge. He drops down. It's fully loaded with all sorts. They certainly aren't going to starve any time soon.

"The freezers in the utility room." Cheryl points to where Brendan had gotten the towel from. She fusses around, at her first attempt at chopping an onion he knows that for all the will in the world she hasn't got any skills to back it up.

"Cheryl why don't you sit down."

"Can't leave you to do it all alone, you won't get any help off them two."

"Seriously Cheryl." Time for the big guns. "You've helped our Leah out so much it's the least I can do honestly."

"If you're sure…"

"For god's sake Chez leave the boy alone. He wants to cook let him."

"Boy?" He sasses.

"Ignore him. He's hungry." Cheryl states.

"We all are and you're stopping him getting on." Ann says.

It doesn't take long for him to make a very basic, but still pretty tasty is he does say so himself prawn, vegetable pasta dish with a tomato and basil sauce to bring it all together.

He plates up.

"Done." He states and they all come and get a plate, Ann handing out cutlery at the draw. He leaves his own to the side, a smaller portion. He picks up his plate and sits back on the sofa since that's where they are all eating.

"Brendan I swear to god you are keeping him." Ann states deadly serious. "You fuck it up and I'll kill you."

"It's amazing love. Thank you." Cheryl beams at him.

Brendan doesn't say anything but is eating with enthusiasm so he assumes he likes it too.

He eats his quietly, as a conversation starts up about some horse or other. Cheryl and Ann discussing a performance programme or something.

"You finished?" Brendan asks. He nods and Brendan takes his plate.

He realises there's a bit of a routine. Cheryl cooks, Brendan clears the plates, the pans and Ann puts them in the dishwasher and wipes down the surfaces. The conversation continues on with Brendan now involved.

"Sorry love, it's the problem with living and working on a yard. Horses are the main topic of conversation." Cheryl says. "Beer?"

He nods and Cheryl brings him one over.

"I'm going to do the long round." Brendan states. He frowns. "I'm going to make sure that the horses in the bottom paddocks are alright." Brendan explains. Then looks at Ann and Cheryl. "I expect him here and in one piece when I get back."

"And what are they going to do to me like?" He quite likes Cheryl and even though Ann is forward she seems fun enough.

"We'll turn you straight." Ann smiles.

"Good luck with that." He replies.

"Oooo a challenge."

"Ann." Brendan says. "Play nice."

She blows him a kiss which has Brendan shaking his head before he walks out.

He takes a sip of his beer and wonders just how he is sitting in the living room of a bloke he's just met, who he's sucked off and had the favour returned, feeling like he's at home, comfortable.

"I forgot to ask what did you come down here for love? Sorry we just got caught up."

"I came to ask Brendan out." He replies honestly.

"Told you." Ann states.

"You did not." Cheryl.

"Are you intentions honourable?" Ann asks and he doesn't know if she's serious or not.

"Like you know anything about honour." Cheryl replies as she gets up and goes into the kitchen, she comes back with two glasses and a bottle of wine.

"So?" Ann presses.

"I just want to ask him for drink or something." He replies hoping that's alright.

"Arrr bless you sweetheart, you're blushing… So where are you from?"

"Chester, well a little village called Hollyoaks." He's back on trial.

"You said kids…"

"Leah and Lucas."

"Boy and girl very nice. Brendan's got two boys."

Brendan's a father. Of course he doesn't know that he doesn't know anything about him really.

"They're with their bitch of a mother in Dublin."

"Eileen isn't a bitch she just…"

"She's a bitch Cheryl." Ann states firmly. "She's being arsey about custody. Not that Brendan has much time you know with the stables and competitions. But he still wants to see them."

By the time Brendan returns he finds out that he hadn't come out as gay until he was 28. That Eileen had caught him in bed with one of the stable hands and hadn't been very happy as he could imagine. That the house and stables were originally their fathers, his old racing yard which Cheryl decided to run for riding holidays to help Brendan with his dreams of competing at the top level. That Ann had met Brendan while he was competing at the horse of the year show in England and had asked for a job on his yard. She had been working for him for three years.

"You're still here." Brendan states.

"Where else would I be?" He asks.

Brendan shakes his head. "Just surprised, these two are a handful."

"I'm going for a bath. I'll check the stables at ten." Ann states and heads through a set of doors next to the kitchen into a office or study and he hears her on stairs.

"I'm going to ring Nate." Cheryl states. "He's my boyfriend, he's away at the minuet he's a horse trader. His parents have an estate not too far from here."

"Yeah, yeah night Chez." Brendan ushers her out.

His phone vibrates in his pocket. A text from Amy asking how it's going… If he's coming home more like.

"Important?" Brendan asks sitting down next to him.

"Just Ames wondering where I am." He replies. "I came down here…" He breathes. "Would you like to go out with me? For a drink or a meal? Something?"

"You've cooked, how about we watch a film?"

He had meant going out, like out of the house.

"You want to?" Brendan asks.

"I meant like a date."

"I know what you meant Steven and I will take you anywhere you want to go, but it's pouring with rain and I have a five am start tomorrow so a film is what I've got to offer."

He nods and texts Amy that's he's out all night and gets and instant reply of a big smilie. He shakes his head.

"I've got a better collection upstairs." Brendan states, standing up.

"Are you trying to get me into bed with you?"

"It working?"

"I'm not objecting."

Brendan smiles at him and takes his hand pulling him to his feet.

He lies on top of the covers as Brendan faffs around with the DVD player.

"Not that bothered by the film." He says. He's not here to watch a film he's here to get what he's wanted since he first clapped eyes on Brendan Brady.

"Good." Brendan states and instantly strides across the room and crawls up over him, knees bracketing his legs, hands either side of his head. "Didn't know how much longer I could go…" He cuts him off by wrapping his hand around his neck and pulls his mouth down onto his.

He could get addicted to this. The feel of him, the desperation, the need, the want that's pouring out of both of them and into the other. He groans and writhes.

Brendan pulls his shirt over his head and he licks his lips.

"Careful you'll have me thinking you only want me for my body… Wouldn't blame you." Cocky. Arrogance has never really done anything for him but he's not arguing with Brendan on the body front… He does wants it.

"Clothes off." Brendan demands. Pulling his own clothes off and getting off Ste to reach into a draw at the side of the bed. His stomach flips when he sees the condom and lube dropped onto the bed. He rids himself of the last of Brendan's clothes and throws his boxers down on top of the pile and waits for judgement.

Brendan groans low in his throat.

"Look at you." He says as he runs his hands up his torso with care, a gentle moment that isn't getting him what he wants. Brendan's just as hard as he is, he leans up and kisses Brendan while wrapping his hand around his hard length. "No long drawn out foreplay for you then." Brendan says smiling then he closes his eyes and groans as Ste works the head of his cock.

"Shut up and fuck me." He states. He feels like he's been waiting a life time for this. He doesn't want to wait. It's raw lust that's driving him and he's always listened to it, even if it's sometimes bad for him. But he can't think of a single thing that would be bad about Brendan inside him.

Brendan pins him to the bed by his wrists, he tips back on his hips and wraps his legs around him in retaliation. Brendan kisses him deeply, slowly while working a lubed finger into his hole, he relaxes himself as a second is added, then bucks up when Brendan finds his prostate, he moans encouragement not that Brendan seems to need it as he rubs his fingers over and over the same spot. He pants and clings on to anything within reach whether it's Brendan or bed covers… It's a relief he hears the tear of the condom and the first press of Brendan's cock on his hole. He's open. He wants it, his breath stutters and Brendan kisses him still sliding in, until he stops possibly to give him a second but he doesn't need it. He opens his eyes, he looks so right over him, feels so right inside of him, he reaches a hand down through the sweat on Brendan's back to his arse then pushes at him to get him to move. He doesn't need any more encouragement before he's thrusting into him. He loses himself in it. Hands himself over to Brendan. Concentrates on how good it feels, how good Brendan can make him feel, he's coming apart at the seams, long before Brendan strokes his cock to the same rhythm.

He comes back to his senses with Brendan lying on top of him panting into his collar bone. He shifts a bit, Brendan weighs a lot, he doesn't want him to let go but at the same time he needs him to move over a bit.

Brendan pushes himself up, looks down on him, shakes his head slightly then kisses him softly as he withdraws his cock. He winces a little.

"You're staying." Brendan states tying off the condom and throwing it into the bin at the side. He hands Ste a wet wipe to clean himself up while he wipes the come off his stomach and hands.

He doesn't want to move, but without Brendan's body the chill in the room is uncomfortable. He rolls off the bed, his legs nearly give out on him as he pulls the covers up and he gets under them. Brendan does the same from the other side and pulls him closer, closer still until he's pressed up against his rib cage and Brendan wraps an arm around him, kissing the top of his head.

"You're staying."