Please feel free to read and comment. Thank you. Carly x
Here is the first of three parts
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Part OneFor ages they walked side by side in complete silence the winter night fraught with their frustrations. Usually they could laugh, talk and joke about anything and everything, but tonight something was different and they were both stubbornly pretending they couldn’t feel it. It was three in the morning all of the pubs and clubs had closed hours ago, even with the introduction of late licenses. Hollyoaks centre was deserted and without so much as discussing a plan of any kind they were both drawn to the park at the rear of Jubilee Gardens.
John-Paul slumped on the fountain wall. It was too early to still be awake; he was tired and hungry, so functioning on auto-pilot. Craig loomed over him, fidgeting too nervous to sit down.
“What’s up with you? You have been off with me all night. Have I done something wrong?”
“No course you haven’t and I haven’t been off with you. It’s just you and that Spike guy it was sort of…I don’t know weird.”
“Weird, how?”
“I don’t know really. I guess I just feel sorry for Hannah now.”
“Hannah? She is getting over it. I’m sure she is okay.”
“Yeah, but will I be?” Craig mumbled to himself.
“What?”
“Oh, nothing. I guess she will be fine.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Can we keep walking though? This air is making me sick because of the drink and because I haven’t eaten,”
“Sure. You gonna walk me back to mine then?”
“May as well it’s on my way home.”The short trip to John-Paul’s house was done in a lighter mood, as the boys play fought and insulted each others taste in television viewing, music and football team. This continued until they reached John-Paul’s front door and even in his drunken state he remembered he had to be quiet, so jumped Craig gagging him from behind, because he didn’t want to wake up the whole clan or get collard for getting in at this time in the morning, especially if ever wanted to see daylight again. After a mini, silent argument John-Paul persuaded Craig to stay over to finish of the beers they had stocked in from the other night and to whoop his backside on his latest FIFA play station game, before getting some well earned kip.
Craig made himself at home on John-Paul’s bed, beer in one hand and controller in the other. However, by the time the game was set up and ready to play Craig had nodded off snoring contently. He looked so sweet and innocent a far cry from what he was actually like. John-Paul removed everything from his hands, not only to make him comfortable but to protect his bed spread and then tucked him in, before kissing him lightly on the forehead. John-Paul was too busy getting ready to realise that Craig was in fact awake watching him change, a sly grin on his face.
Craig woke with a start in the morning to discover he was in an unfamiliar bed and someone, whom he couldn’t identify at present, as he was struggling to open his eyes, was lying beside him. When he had focused enough to realise it was John-Paul he didn’t freak out as he expected to, he calmly stepped over him, so as not to wake him before creeping to the bathroom. He couldn’t resist a quick glance back over his shoulder; he looked so peaceful it made him smile. John-Paul heard the door closing as quietly as was possible, so risked a sneaky peak at Craig’s retreating back. “God he has a great bum!” but he had to shut his eyes quickly, so Craig didn’t catch him blatantly staring.
By the time Craig returned to the bedroom John-Paul had somehow managed to swap to the other side of the bed that Craig had recently vacated. This happened to provide him with an opportunity to express his feelings which he jumped at. Craig knew full well that John-Paul was faking sleep, as he didn’t move like that during the night in fact he barely breathed. He walked purposefully over to the bed and lifted the covers and climbed in without saying a word. He then rolled onto his side, so he had his back to John-Paul and the wall; he then shuffled his body backwards until he felt the touch of skin on skin. Then he stopped. Basking in the heat and love radiating from John-Paul he waited for a response, but it was a long time in coming.
John-Paul felt paralysed by uncertainty. What was he playing at? He knew exactly how he felt about him, yet here he was rubbing himself into his body. Just great, he could feel his crotch stirring, yearning for the touch to continue. John-Paul couldn’t handle this. He would only be let down if he continued to follow this through, as he had been all the other times, so he sat up and with full force pushed Craig away from him. Unfortunately Craig hadn’t been expecting this so landed in a heap on the floor.
“What are you doing?”
“Forget that. What did you do that for?”
“You know how I feel about you, so what are you doing?”
“I was trying to get back to sleep but apparently that is some kind of crime in this bed.”
“Just let me past you. I’ll get the camp bed out.”
“What is the point? We’ve shared a bed all night unless you haven’t noticed.”
“Course I’ve noticed I am not stupid. Wait that’s true you stayed all night. How? Why?”
“You invited me in and then I guess I just fell asleep. But I do remember one thing. You kissed me.”
“No I didn’t.”
“Yes you did on the forehead.”John-Paul cringed mentally at the memory.
“Okay fair point. I did. But don’t you have to be with Sarah or something?”Craig had been waiting for that attack.
“No I don’t think I will be seeing her for a while actually?”
“And why not?” John-Paul more or less growled his response his anger clearly apparent.
“Because I dumped her last night, just as we left The Loft or wherever we ended up.”
“You did? Why?”Craig halted mid sarcastic thought. At this point is was probably best he just offered John-Paul the truth and rolled with the consequences.
“I realised something last night about me and you.”
“Oh yeah. What’s that?”
“We…I mean I well actually it is we…OH MY GOD why is this so difficult? The thing is I was jealous.”
“Of what?”
“You and that Spike guy.”
“Nothing was really going to happen with us. He was just a guy at a bar who gave me his number who I have been out with a couple of times.”
“Yeah exactly and I felt jealous. For the first time I could put words to it. I felt so stupid. But I have wanted to be with you for ages. Spending time with you wasn’t enough I wanted to kiss you and touch you and then when I saw someone else get that chance I decided enough was enough.”
“So you dumped Sarah?”
“Yeah I told her it wasn’t working anymore and that we had had fun, but we should just be friends.”
“Then what happened?”
“Well she cried and asked a lot of questions and then when I told her about you she slapped me.”
“Ha ha. Wait you told her about us?”
“Yes I felt I owed it to her to be honest.”
“But you hadn’t even told me.”
“No in fact I spent most of last night just hoping I hadn’t made the biggest mistake of my life. When you kissed me I knew you still liked me well loved me so I knew I was okay. You still like me right? Well that is what that’s saying.” Said Craig his eyes moving from John-Paul’s face to his crotch area, a smile creeping across his face.
“Well maybe, but I’m not the only one. Come here.” Said John-Paul mirroring Craig’s response.
John-Paul pulled Craig back under the protection of the bed covers and there they stayed wrapped up in their own little world until one o’clock when an almighty scream echoed through the McQueen residence.
~*~“What the F**K! JOHN-PAUL? I want a word with you.”The two boys jumped out of bed as though they were caught on fire and started grabbing their clothes from the floor at random, as they heard an incensed Mercy stomping up the stairs and across the landing in their direction. Mercy barged her way through the door without bothering to knock. Craig had grabbed a blanket from the top of the wardrobe and had managed to dive on the floor and pull it over himself to hide the fact he was still half naked, whilst John-Paul had rolled on his side once more feigning sleep.
“What the hell have you two been up to?”
“Errr…what was that? Mercy what are you doing in here?”
“Don’t give me that look John-Paul and pretending to sleep won’t help. I’ve just seen Sarah in the pub with her mother and to say she is unhappy would be an understatement. You see apparently she got dumped last night by him for you.”
“Mercedes…”
“Don’t you dare speak to me Craig Dean!”
“Mercedes please listen. I did dump Sarah last night and yes it was because of John-Paul, but could you give me a chance to explain?”
“Downstairs NOW!”The boys didn’t need telling twice and they didn’t think to disobey they just jumped into action. Craig finished dressing in silence before joining John-Paul on the couch downstairs, where Mercedes was pacing up and down in front of him.
“So exactly what do you have to say for yourselves?”
“How about it’s none of your business.”
“John-Paul people are going to be asking questions and we were going to tell our family anyway, so we may as start now.”
“No she can just wait till I’m ready to tell everyone I don’t go demanding details of her love life from her.”
“No, but my love life or whatever it is you two are getting up to is not about to be headline news for the village gossips.”
“So what if we are Mercy? I’m sorry if it is embarrassing for you that you have a gay brother, but you are just going to have to deal with it like everyone else has, because I am not going to change and I am certainly not going to be told who I can and can’t date by you or anyone else.”
“But John-Paul he is straight!”
“No I’m bi-sexual. If you want to put a label on me.”
“What? Since when?”
“That’s news to me Craig.”
“There was this guy used to live here, he was a friend of Darren’s for a while and he worked as a fireman. Ben he was called. I just never really admitted to my feelings before and there have been other guys but nothing I have ever acted on.”
“Oooo say no more I completely understand the attraction to men in uniform.”
“Where did you come from?”
“You would our Carmel you’re dating a PIG!”
“Don’t start Mercy. Calvin is a nice guy I think she has done well for herself there.”
“Awww thanks John-Paul and I think you and Craig make a lovely couple and I am really happy for you.”
“Thanks babe. Come on I think it is about time we faced the world. Starting with your mum and Jack.”
“Can’t we do your lot first? They won’t take the news as badly.”
“I’m out already mate you have two things to explain, so it would be better to get it over with.”~*~Craig had never experienced nerves like he had now. If these were butterflies then they were on drugs, because his stomach felt as though it was going to explode. John-Paul held his hand on the journey to the pub and they were so focused on what they were going to do that they didn’t hear the usual taunts being sent their way courtesy of Sonny Valentine.
“OY fairies! Awww how sweet look at them holding hands.”
“Shut it Sonny.” Justin had developed respect for John-Paul since his rather public coming out and it was obvious that Craig was about to have the same experience.
Craig stood outside the pub’s open door no matter how much he tried his legs wouldn’t move.
“Come on. I know you’re scared, but they will probably know already. My guess is Sarah didn’t stay quiet for long, but I’m here with you, remember?”As they walked in John-Paul’s suspicions were confirmed as all eyes were rooted on them. He rubbed circles on Craig’s back for encouragement and this obviously worked as he felt the older boy’s toned body relax with every lingering touch.
“I can’t do it.”
“I’ve told you. It will be fine. Let’s go.”Ignoring all the looks and obvious whispers John-Paul guided Craig like a puppet up to the flat where he could hear Frankie pacing and huffing and puffing. Frankie didn’t even acknowledge their presence in the room until Craig started stuttering.
“Mmmum. Erm can I have a word with you?”Frankie stopped pacing and stood leaning against the fireplace for support and fixed Craig with the most furious stare that he literally tried to back as far away as possible, only to be stopped by the pressure of John-Paul’s body behind his.
“Just tell me it’s not true. You had everything going for you. Sarah, Dublin, everything. What could possibly posses you?!”
“It was all a lie! I love John-Paul.”
“I knew you would cause problems from the moment he met you. Your whole family are the same, can’t stay away from anything in trousers!”John-Paul was on the verge of retaliating until Craig stepped in.
“Mum that isn’t true. John-Paul’s family are lovely people, but this has absolutely nothing to do with them. In fact they don’t even know about this apart from Mercedes. Look I have been chasing him. Since we met things with me and Sarah haven’t been the same in fact this has made me see I have never been in love with her. But we have something special and that won’t ever change. I’ve never been totally into girls. That isn’t John-Paul’s fault.”
“Since when? Actually never mind, but we’ll just see about that. A letter came for you this morning and Jack opened it by mistake. You have been accepted at Trinity.”
“Wow that’s great! But mum look at me and listen. That will not change anything between me and John-Paul whether he stays here or joins me in Dublin or even if I stay here. I love him.”John-Paul just stood there in a shocked silence staring blankly at the smirk crossing Frankie’s face; she believed she had actually won. He had totally forgotten that Craig had applied to study business at Trinity University, which had always been his dream; in fact Craig had told him that on the first day they met. He would be leaving in a matter of weeks. What would they do then? However, as he came round from this daydream he heard Craig saying exactly what he needed to hear. He only hoped he meant it.
~*~Stepping outside the boys took in deep breaths of fresh air. They had survived their first test however the next one was to arrive a little quicker than they expected.
“Oh No.”
“What?”
“Just quick. Move.”Craig dragged John-Paul so fast round the corner into the deserted alleyway that he thought his arm was going to get disconnect from its socket.
“What is wrong?”
“That was Mike and Sarah. I can’t face them yet.”
“Craig, you’ve just told your mum believe me you can face anyone.”They started off again once composed, hand in hand only to walk right into Jake as they headed to John-Paul’s house.
“Watch it!”
Jake’s face was one of complete anger and disgust.
“What’s your problem?”
“What’s my problem? Let me think. You have turned my once straight brother into a full raging queer like yourself.”
“Oh yeah because all of this is my fault!”
“Yes for once we agree on something.”
“Jake listen to me please. I did the chasing. I went to him.”
“No he’s had you brain washed from the day you met him.”
“No he hasn’t. I’ve fought my feelings for months things with Sarah went totally down hill. I’ve done nothing but hurt her and lie to myself. I am only happy when I am with him.”
“Yeah well do what you want. It is disgusting!”
“Jake that’s your choice, but you are my brother I was kinda hoping for your support.”
“I’m sorry Craig, but I can’t.”Craig turned and walked away from him tears falling down his cheeks, so much for being able to rely on your family he thought.
“You’re so narrow minded! So he wants to be with me. He hasn’t changed he is still the annoying little brother you’ve always loved. So you hate me, fine. But don’t turn you’re back on him when he needs you the most.”
“I can’t deal with this now!”
“It’s not easy for him either. Just think what he is going to go through!”
“Yes but he has made a choice.”
“God Jake you are such a [bleep]! It isn’t a choice.”With that John-Paul clenched his fists and served Jake a hard right hook to the mouth the impact knocking him to the ground.
“And that’s for calling me a queer. I’ve dealt with worse than you Jake believe me, but you are his family just remember that. I love him but he still needs you and he always will.”John-Paul left a rather dazed and embarrassed Jake flat on the floor contemplating what he had just been told to go in search of Craig. He didn’t have to look very far though. Craig had returned to the spot which was now theirs, the fountain at the rear of Jubilee Gardens.
“Why does he hate me so much John-Paul? My own mother and brother don’t want to know.”
“Your mum will come round. Jake is just being Jake, he doesn’t understand that’s all but he has a lot of his own stuff going on.”
“Yeah but I’m happy and I just want them to know that.”
“I know babe, but acceptance will take a little longer. Come on time for my lot. This should be fun!”~*~The boys arrived at the hectic McQueen household to find all the girls and Myra crowded around the television watching Jeremy Kyle chatting and arguing amongst themselves about the outcomes of the situations. However a silence descended as they stepped through the door, as for the second time in under an hour all eyes turned to them.
“Mum. Craig and I have something we need to tell you.”
“Apparently so, but you’re a bit late the whole village already know.”
“I bet even his parents know by now.”
“For your information Kayla we just told them, so yes they do know.”
“So you’re serious about each other then?”
“Yes. Yes we are.”
“And do you love our John-Paul? Craig.”
“Yes I do Mrs McQueen more than I ever thought was possible.”
“Well welcome to the family then love, but be warned you lay a finger on him or cause him any heartache you will have us all come down on you like a tone of bricks.”
“I know and I promise I won’t.”
“Awwww.”
“Give it a rest Carm!”
“Get a heart Mercy. It is so sweet.”
“So will you be staying with us tonight then Craig?”
“Yeah that is a point. How did your mum take it love?”
“Not too well really, but better than Jake. He doesn’t want anything to do with me. My own brother hates me.”
“He’s a [bleep] Craig and I told him so. Don’t worry you will sort it.”
“Well never mind hey love. You’ve got us now and your mum will come round she will have dealt with a lot worse before.”
“Thanks Mrs McQueen.”
“Myra, love I’ve told you. You’re like one of the family.”
“Thanks…Myra.”The remainder of their afternoon passed uneventfully as the girls all disappeared, so they could have some alone time together. They played video games, watched television and generally enjoyed each others company before going for a walk mid-evening to clear their heads. They were back to their laughing and joking selves and neither of them could have been any happier.
“I thought they’d never leave.”
“I have no idea what you are getting at Mr McQueen.”
“Well we have the house to ourselves. It’s just me and you and my empty room.”
“I’m liking where that’s going.”
“I don’t want to pressure you if you’re not ready.”
“I’ve got nothing to be worried about with you. You’ve been saving me since the first day I met you.”
“I’d do it all again.”
“Would you?”
“Of course, because I love you. Why is there something you’d change?”
“I’d have told you how I felt sooner probably after we kissed at the dance off, because it has killed me keeping all my feelings under wraps these last few months.”
“Well you don’t have to do that anymore. Especially now. Show me what you’ve got!”They locked in a passionate kiss all the while manoeuvring themselves through the house to John-Paul’s bedroom where they locked the door and collapsed on the bed. John-Paul straddled Craig and whilst grappling with his shirt buttons he kissed his neck softly each touch to Craig’s skin causing him to moan. He ripped off his shirt and continued to kiss his toned body; licking and massaging his nipples, when he reached his belly button he nibbled the skin surrounding it. Craig tore of John-Paul’s shirt, but at this point waited for him to take the initiative. John-Paul didn’t need to ask Craig if he wanted to continue as Craig guided his hands past the waistline of his boxers and down to his ultimate target. Whilst John-Paul massaged Craig’s hard on bringing him close to climax, Craig tussled John-Paul’s hair, grabbing it harder still with every release of pleasure, he then undid John-Paul’s jeans and stroked and kissed every inch of the body he had longed to explore for so long. John-Paul stiffened under Craig’s light lingering touches and elicited moans of pleasure. Craig new he wasn’t far off reaching his peak and so he lay back on the bed, his body jerking around. John-Paul removed his hand and Craig looked up into his face wondering what he was going to do. Nervous about the next step Craig closed his eyes. He trusted John-Paul with his life, but this was a totally new experience for him. John-Paul lifted his lower body and removed his jeans and boxers so he was now lying totally naked below him. He then licked his lips seductively before kissing him allowing his tongue to roam. He then repeated these actions on his neck, his chest and finally he reached his inner thighs. He looked up to check Craig was still okay and he received the conformation he was looking for as he opened his eyes and nodded at him. John-Paul parted his legs and nuzzled his head in between his thighs. He then continued to massage Craig’s hard on with his mouth alternating between kissing and licking until Craig relieved himself. Exhilarated by the passion he was feeling Craig grabbed John-Paul and wrestled him onto the bed. He removed his jeans and boxers as he had disposed of his shirt earlier. He then set about John-Paul like an animal. Whilst massaging John-Paul’s hard on he kissed and licked all the flesh he had access to. Craig finally brought John-Paul to climax and they lay unclothed together embracing their love.
~*~The boys were woken from their blissful sleep by the ringing of John-Paul’s phone alarm. Unfortunately it was Monday, which meant they not only had to face school but the rest of the world. Luckily there was only a month left, which included their exams before they were free for the summer and either relaxed or worked before heading off to University.
“Come on boys breakfast’s up!” Myra had made them a full-English, which happened to be John-Paul’s favourite, however nerves had overtaken then so they only managed two pieces of toast each.
“So are you ready then?”
“No.” Craig was petrified, worse than he had felt when he had to go and see his mum, but this was a whole new ball game.
“As ready as we will ever be. Thanx for the concern mum.”Myra busied herself in the kitchen washing the pots and John-Paul did his up most to relax Craig.
“We can do this together you know?”
“I know I just didn’t figure school into my plans of being with you.”
“If you aren’t ready to be open that is totally fine by me, but I am there for you. It is about us both you’re not on your own. Come on we better get going. It will be easier if we are first in class rather than walking in late.”
“How about we take the day off to get used to the idea?”
“How about you stop being a cowardly custard Craig Dean and prove you are more of a man than I think you are.”
“Mercy stop it. This is ridiculously hard for both of us it isn’t a joke.”
“You made the choice, so deal with it.”
“Come on babe we don’t want to be listening to her squak all morning.”As they reached the school gates Craig’s legs near enough gave way and John-Paul supported him over to the bench on the sports field.
“Will you please calm down? Or go home if you want to. I didn’t want to do this on my own though it was you who got with me remember?”
“I know I know. Just give me a second and I’ll be fine.”Craig was turning greener as they sat in silence and John-Paul was seriously starting to worry about him.
“Go home if you want to babe. I’ll come and see you later. I’ve handled worse than this.”
“No. I’m not a coward. It’s like you said we are in this together.” With that he grabbed John-Paul’s hand and marched purposefully towards the entrance it was as though he had a new lease on life. They stood outside the common room door looking in to each others eyes.
“You ready?”
“Yeah. Why not? Things couldn’t get much worse than they are at the moment.”
“Cheers.”
“I didn’t mean that it’s just…”
“I know. Don’t panic I was joking.”John-Paul cupped Craig’s face and kissed him lightly on the cheek before clasping his hand tightly and walking into the suddenly silent room side by side. They walked through the rows of desks trying to ignore all the stares and whispered conversations until they reached the back and they sat in their normal places, Craig next to Sarah and John-Paul next to Hannah they were met with cold stares and outright rejection, but that was no major surprise. But then to their utter amazement and to those close enough to witness the conversation; Justin Burton leant across to John-Paul.
“Katie’s having a house warming party at ours and she wanted to know if you were coming and she said and this is a actual quote ‘if he has developed some balls tell him Craig is welcome to’.”
“That’s great. She knows me too well. When is it this party?”
“Friday night starts at seven ish.”
“Craig are you free then?”
“Yeah I think so. We didn’t have anything else planned did we?”
“No babe we can go.”
“Great well I’ll see you guys there then. Oh and Katie also said can you call her? She wants to arrange a shopping trip before the party and apparently she desperately needs your help as does Louise.”
“Okay sure. I’ll text her after class.”
“Ohh and last thing. There is a footie match tomorrow lunch I assume you will both still be there as you are playing?”
“Well yeah as long as we are still welcome.”
“Course you are. John-Paul you’re the best flippin’ player we’ve got and Craig you’re…well…entertaining.”John-Paul couldn’t stop laughing especially when Craig pulled the most desperately upset face he could manage.
“God he is joking babe.”
“Yeah you have got too sensitive all of a sudden. I thought you were gay cos you like guys not cos you’re turning into a girl.”
“Yeah thanx for that Justin. Way to make me feel so much better.”
“Look I’m not bothered who you do or don’t sleep with the point is you are still you. The team needs both of you despite what that clown over there will say (gestures towards Sonny Valentine)
and my girlfriend has formed a strong friendship with you for some reason John-Paul so I just have to accept that.”
“Cheers!”
“I can’t imagine clothes shopping is really your thing though Craig, so if you’re free that afternoon whilst your other half entertains mine do you want to join me and Danny at your pub for a few drinks and games of pool.”
“Yeah as long as you’re sure.”
“Craig will you please get a grip? I wouldn’t be offering if I wasn’t sure besides it gets me out of the shopping spree and knowing how much cash she has blown on more clothes that she so doesn’t need.”
“Ohhh cool will we be spending your money? I might just enjoy myself more.”
“God you are such a girl sometimes! Anyway it’s practise at lunch too. Have you both got your kits?”
“Yeah.”
“I think so.”
“If not go and get it Dean. We have a match to prepare for.”Craig suddenly felt a whole lot more relaxed, lighter even, as though a huge weight had been lifted. With Justin on side that meant less torment from the likes of Sonny Valentine, as he was able to keep him in check more often than not. The lessons went by with few problems a few smart a**e comments flew their way but they just shrugged them off, they drew strength from each other, football practise however was a whole other issue.
~*~The football game itself was not the problem. What kicked off in the locker room was.
“What you doing Dean?”
“Having a shower.”
“Not in here you ain’t.”
“Why? I have a lesson just like you lot and I have always used the showers.”
“Hurry up guys we’ve got English next.”
“I am not showering with them.”
“Why? Gayness isn’t catching Sonny.”
“You sure Justin, cos your becoming very pally pally with the puffs!”
“Yeah I’m pretty sure. Stop causing hassle and get on with things.”That argument simmered down; unfortunately Craig was just lulled into a false sense of security. He always was the slowest to change, so John-Paul agreed to meet him in the class.
“Dean a word if you’ve got a second.”
“No I haven’t we’ll be late for English.”
“Well late you will have to be. What you and that McQueen get up to is disgusting.”
“No it isn’t and it’s none of your business.”
“You see it is because you’re on my football team. And as I hope I am making clear I don’t like puffs.”With every word Sonny thumped Craig in the stomach, the impact leaving him sprawled on the floor.
“Not so strong without your bodyguard boyfriend are you?”
“Leave me alone. What have I done to you?”
“Nothing and that’s how it will stay.”Justin and John-Paul sat in English as anxious as each other when both Sonny and Craig hadn’t turned up for the start of the lesson. Half way through they both requested a toilet break and without having to discuss where they were heading they sprinted towards the school locker rooms.
“Craig! Craig! Craig!”
“John-Paul calm down. We’ll find him.”
“Yeah but in what state? God this is all my fault.”
“How is him falling in love with you your fault?”
“I have no idea but his parents will blame me. Everyone will blame me. I have always looked out for him. Right from the first day we met.”
“Yeah but you can’t be there for him all the time and besides he may have just gone home annoyed or whatever cos Sonny had a go at him.”
“No he’d have left me a message.”They walked into the showers and found Craig half naked still sprawled on the floor.
“Help me. We’ll take him to mine.”
“Forget it we can’t carry him all the way there. Warren has a car. I’ll give him a call.”John-Paul knelt by Craig’s side tears falling fast down his cheeks.
“I’m so sorry Craig. Can you hear me? I love you. You’ll be okay.”At the sound of his lovers panic stricken voice Craig began to stir.
“I know I will you’re here.”
“Phew! Don’t scare me like this again.”
“Yeah god he’s been a right wreck. Warren’s on the way.”
“Warren, why?”
“We need to get you out of here stupid and back to mine or yours, it’s up to you.”
“Take me to your’s my mum won’t cope with this.”~*~Warren arrived in the school car park and with directions from Justin headed directly to the locker rooms.
“Justin?! Justin?!”
“Over here Warren.”
“What have you been up to then?”
“Nowt this is all Sonny Valentine’s doing.”
“Craig, can you walk?”
“I don’t know, but I could try.”
“That would be a start mate cos I can’t carry you all the way to the car.”John-Paul stood slightly behind as the boys made an effort to get Craig on his feet.
“Hey lover boy your tears aren’t helping anyone but a lift would be appreciated.”
“Sorry.”
“JP it’s not your fault please just help them get me to your house so I can rest.”
“And my God Dean is making sense are you sure he didn’t bang your head?”
“Yeah ha ha I’m sure Justin. Believe me; my stomach is in enough pain.”
“Look we’ll get you back to our flat and call the doctors there. I don’t think either of your families will handle this well. Besides Lou and Katie can look at you.”
“Thanks that would be great.”
“Right on the count of three then. One, two and three.”A few feet from the car and Craig’s legs gave way as he passed out cold and they had to catch him in their arms.
“Oh my God oh my God oh my God! What do we do?”
“Calm down for a start. We’ll just get him in here and drive right to A&E.”
“Good plan. Do I call his mum, Warren?”
“Na lets get him checked over first. You don’t want to go worrying her. She’ll just get in the way, but I’d give Jack the heads up.”
“John-Paul give me your phone. They’ll think he’s dead if you speak to them.”
“I’ll call Lou to make sure she gets in.”
“Call Katie too she may be able to help with calming this daft sod down.”
“Sorry. I’m just…why today?”
“I know mate. But you have to bare in mind there were going to be some issues with you two considering yesterday he was supposedly straight and dating a hot local model.”
“I know maybe I should have left him to be with Sarah.”
“Bit late for that now.”
“Besides he wouldn’t have been…”
“Happy. I wouldn’t have been happy.”
“And welcome back to planet earth Craig Dean."Eventually they made it to the flat after deciding to give A&E a miss. They discovered the girls had made up the sofa bed and were anxiously pacing around with towels, ice and water. They covered all options as Warren had been pretty vague on the phone as to how Craig actually was.
“Wow first class service.” Said Craig with a smile as he winced through the pain.
“Yeah maybe we should get beat up some time Warren.”
“Oh we look after you two lugs well enough.”
“Lou he isn’t pregnant what’s with the hot water and towels?”
“I know but we didn’t know if hot or cold was best so we got both. It’s up to you.”
“No ladies this is you’re department.”
“Yeah and I’ve seen enough of his body today to last me a life time.”
“We’re going to the pub. So are you John-Paul.”
“No no I can’t I need to be here.”
“No you don’t leave the girls to it.”
“Go on John-Paul I’ll look after him I promise.”
“Yeah go on babes I trust your judgement, she is your friend after all. I’ll be fine. Just keep quiet I don’t need my mum making a fuss.”
“Alright babe, see you later.” He kissed Craig lightly on the forehead before being dragged out of the door to a chorus of
“awww how sweet” from the girls and a over dramatic sarcastic sigh from Warren.
Two hours later and the boys had downed enough pints to fill a swimming pool, all in the name of keeping John-Paul calm and Craig hobbled in supported by Katie. John-Paul had his back to the Dog’s front door, but the other two didn’t have to say anything it was strange but he felt his presence before seeing him. He literally dived at him.
“Whoa. John-Paul steady.”
“Are you okay? Is he okay? Please tell me he is okay?”
“John-Paul go and sit down before you have a heart attack. Hey I thought you two were trying to help him chill?”
“Have you ever tried that in your life? When he is panicking there isn’t a hope in hell.”
“He has a point Katie believe me.”
“Well okay then. You can get us a round in though.”
“Of course what will it be ladies and Craig?”
“Two white wines and a…”
“Larger.”
“No you flipping don’t. Diet coke please Warren.”
“Diet coke?”
“Yes a diet coke. Your stomach won’t take alcohol right now after the beating you took.”
“What are you his mother or his boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend obviously but if he is in pain later Warren you can do the lifting and carrying to get him dressed and in bed etc.”
“Fair point. Diet coke it is then.”
“Wait up Warren I’ll help you with the drinks.”
“I love that you care but can you give me a break? I need at least one.”
“Why?”
“That’s why?”They all turned their eyes to the door to see their current least favourite person entering the bar. Craig tried desperately to hide, he shrunk in his seat and huddled as close to John-Paul’s body as possible. Sonny seemed to hone in on his reactions and headed over to the table where they were all sat staring.
“Hey Justin, Katie, puffs. How’s it going?”
“Fine thanks. Just leave us alone Sonny we are here for a quiet drink.”
“I’m not here to cause trouble.”
“Yeah you’ve done enough of that for one day.”
“I have no idea what you mean.”
“I’m sure you don’t.”
“Just get lost and leave him alone. They’re not hurting you in anyway and actually they can be a laugh some times if you could be bothered to get to know them.”
“No thanks I don’t want to catch anything.”
“You are pathetic you need to grow up!”At that point Warren and Louise returned to the table with the drinks.
“You all okay?”
“Yes course. Sonny was just leaving I believe?”
“Yeah I’m meeting Sarah she’s decided she is looking for a real man something about her last one wasn’t satisfying for her.”
“Yeah well good look with her mate believe me you’ll need it.”
“I think I can handle her ta. Just cos she was too much for you.”
“She won’t stay with him she is probably just wanting to know if he knows any real men!”
“Smart Dean. Very smart, but you will have to watch your back this lot won’t be with you all the time.”
“Watch your mouth Valentine. Your brother is the local pig. How would that look? His own brother arrested for a homophobic attack.”Sonny quailed under Warren’s stare, he didn’t really want to get on the wrong side of the local hard nut and he did have a point after all, Calvin was the local police officer and he couldn’t afford to get in any more trouble at the moment not after his involvement in that theft from Drive and Buy courtesy of his ex-girlfriend and shag buddy Michaela McQueen.
~*~The eventful week finally drew to a close with the party at Warren’s flat. John-Paul never managed to go on the planned shopping trip with Katie as he spent most of his time nursing Craig who was taking full advantage of his invalid status.
“Babe can you run my bath?”
“It’s already done and waiting.”
“Can I have a drink?”
“There is one in there for you.”
“John-Paul?”
“Yes Craig.”
“I love you. Get in with me.”
“I love you too but we don’t have time.”
“Yes we do. Have you ever heard of making a fashionable entrance?”
“Well yes but…”
“No buts. Come on it is six we have an hour to get ready and there.”
“Okay fine, but it will have to be a quick one.”They arrived at the party at seven thirty dressed to impress each carrying a bottle of the Dog’s most expensive wine, which Craig would have to explain to his mother at some point.
“Hi. Come on in you two. Ooo wine. Justin put this in the ice box for me.”
“Hey guys you okay?”
“Yeah cheers.”
“Have you been making him work?”
“I’ve been running around like a don’t know what.”
“Yeah but tonight we can relax. I’m feeling a bit better you know.”
“Oh what a surprise recovery Mr Dean.”
“Yeah well I am sex starved and that’s just wrong at my age.”
“Okay thanx for that. A little too much sharing lads.”
“Sorry.”
“Go get yourselves drinks and have a dance we’ll come and find you later okay?”
“Alright see you in a bit.”Despite a few obvious stares and whispers the party progressed without a single problem. Craig found himself becoming increasingly more drunk as the night wore on, at one point he vaguely remembered telling an equally drunk Justin how great the sex with John-Paul actually was and he was totally caught unawares by Justin’s admission that he had slept with one of his more camp male friends when he was younger.
At eleven Katie and John-Paul had given up dancing and intended to find their respective partners to make their way to bed. However, they scanned the room and to their amusement found Craig and Justin laying across one another on the sofa their drinks forgotten on the floor.
“Awww let me take a picture.”
“No they will both freak.”
“Yeah but it will be a nice reminder.”
“I think we better just settle for the mental image John-Paul.”
“No way. I need some proof he will never believe me if I just tell him.”
“Okay put it on your phone then they can delete it if they want.”
“Aww spoil sport!”By some miracle John-Paul managed to half drag and half carry a totally paralytic Craig back to his. Craig was singing and shouting, so John-Paul gagged him when they arrived at the front door to the strangely silent McQueen house.
“I love you I love you I do!”
“Look just shut up will you? It is late and my mum will seriously kill me if we wake her now.”
“(whispers) I know but…I love you! (shouts)”
“Right. Shhhhhh.” The best way to shut anyone up, John-Paul decided was to cover their mouth, so he grabbed Craig into a passionate kiss whilst he grappled with his keys to open the front door. Then he manoeuvred them both upstairs whilst ensuring their lips remained locked. It was his only hope of keeping Craig quiet. They opened the bedroom door and collapsed onto the bed.
“I want you.”
“I want you too, but…” with that Craig’s head touched the pillow and he was sound asleep snoring contently. John-Paul smiled to himself. He decided to give undressing him a miss, but instead covered him up with one of his woollen camping blankets and stroked his hair back, then kissed him on the lips.
“I love you Craig Dean. Night night.”
“Night babe.” Came the mumbled reply.
~*~“Delete that.”
“Awwww but you make such a cute couple.”
“I said delete it. They’ll be here any minuet do you think he wants a reminder of how drunk he got? My hangover is saying he probably won’t.”To Craig’s utter amazement Justin arrived minus Katy looking as though he hadn’t touched a drop of drink.
“How have you done that?”
“Done what?”
“Managed to avoid the hangover from hell like I’ve got.”
“I guess I can just handle it better mate.”
“Where’s your better half then?”
“She’s in bed. All the dancing wore her out, she said she would join us later for the film. She said you have something to show me though John-Paul apparently to remind me of how good a night it was.”
“You could say that.”
“Before he shows you this I have told him to delete it.”Justin took the phone from John-Paul and started to laugh out loud.
“Wow don’t we look great hey?! Man what were we drinking?”
“You were mixing and well he’s just a lightweight anyway.”
“No wonder Katie was taking the p**s this morning.”
“Great so what you gonna do with it? Frame it.”
“Ah don’t be such a moody git. It’s not like anything else happened. Is it?”
“Don’t be daft. Mind you me and Katie would probably have recorded that.”
“I bet you would. Right, so breakfast? Have you decided what you’re having?”
“Full fry up for me I think. What about you moody guts?”
“I can’t eat a fry up can you just get me some toast? and I’ll have a few of your beans or whatever.”
“Drinks?”
“Water for him I think and I’ll have a coke.”The boys ate in relative silence as Craig laid his head on the table to try and stop the loud banging he was hearing and feeling. Just as they finished eating Katie arrived, also looking as though she had not over indulged, however she had slept in longer.
“So are we ready guys?”
“Yeah sure. What film did you pick?”
“You’ll see.”
“No come on Katie I think I need some warning.”
“Awww Justin don’t you trust her judgement?”
“Not in the slightest mate, not in the slightest.”
“Can I just go back to bed, please?”
“Nope we arranged to see a film and that’s what you are doing.”
“You’ll like it Craig it has some very sexy women in it and a sexy guy.”
“Thanx for that Katie.”
“Ohhh is it…the one we agreed on?”
“Yeah I found it eventually.”
“Yes. Colin Firth in a wet shirt again, here I come!”
“Colin who?”
“Firth, Colin Firth he was in Bridget Jones and Pride and Prejudice. He always wears white and seems to end up in water. You have to know who he is.”
“He does John-Paul or at least he will when he sees him.”
“My God don’t scare me like that.”
“I even know who that is. You’ve sold it to me, come on lets go.”Three hours later Katie and the guys left the cinema all satisfied they had seen a good film.
“Wouldn’t you love it if our school was like that?”
“Yeah could you just imagine seeing Colin Firth everyday?”
“I was more thinking of that head girl. Man she was hot, but I do take your point.”
“Wow imagine it Colin Firth in a wet shirt everyday John-Paul? No one would want to leave school.”
“Okay you’ve made your point. Drinks at the Dog?”
“I’ve not really been home since you know…”
“You’ll be fine. She may have calmed down by now.”
“Who?”
“His mum. She didn’t take the whole me and him thing very well. She assumes when he goes to Trinity after the Summer we will split up.”
“And that isn’t going to happen John-Paul.”
“I know. I believe you. Honest.”Katie linked his arm and whispered softly into his ear
“Do you?” John-Paul turned and looked her straight in the face and said
“For now”.
~*~The Dog was packed but Frankie who was serving behind the bar stopped and stared at Craig as he entered leaving two pints to overflow.
“Can we have a word?”
“Sure. Jack?!”
“What love?”
“Can you just take over I need to speak to our Craig.”
“Sure. (whispers) Frankie please think before you say anything?”
“I will I promise.”The group walked passed tables of sniggering people and finally Jake who was sat at the end of the bar.
“Come upstairs please Jake?”
“I’ve nothing to say to you.”
“Your not doing this for me it’s for him. You know your brother.”
“Fine but make it quick.”
“We will.”They all sat round the dining room table as though they were in a business conference, none of them were willing to make eye contact or speak first.
“Mum. I don’t know what you want me to do. I love you and need you so much, but I love John-Paul.” Craig couldn’t control the tears he had been holding back since he left the day he came out.
“Tut.”
“Jake you are in no fit state to judge. Let’s just hear him out.”
“Thank you mum. I haven’t changed. I’m still me. I am still your youngest and I always will be. I am going to Trinity in a fortnight and I don’t want to leave on bad terms.”
“What about him?”
“We haven’t discussed it yet, but I was going to ask him to come with me.”
“Are you going to go?”
“I’d like to but I have a lot to consider.”
“Do you…love him?”
“Yes I do.”
“Then you don’t have that much to consider. I want my baby to be happy and if you make him happy he should be with you.”
“But mum it’s disgusting.”
“He’s my son Jake and I may not agree with his decisions all the time, but if he wants this then I am not going to loose him over it.”
“Jake?”
“What?”
“Will you try and accept us? I can’t go to Dublin knowing you hate me.”
“Craig I don’t agree with the whole gay thing but I could never hate you. It will just take a little time for me to get used to this is all. Give me a hug you plank.”
“I better go I haven’t seen my lot in a while. I’ll see you later ba…Craig.”Craig walked over to him and held his hand, he whispered thank you into his ear before pulling him into a loving kiss.
John-Paul walked back downstairs and into the bar area. He said his goodbyes to Justin and Katie and made it roughly as far as the end of the decking before he collapsed in tears. Sensing something wasn’t right; Katie had left the table without a word and followed him.
“John-Paul. Wait up.”
“What do I do Katie?”
“About what?”
“Going to Ireland. That was his dream not mine. I’ve enrolled at HCC to do teaching and I have my DJ job and family and friends here. I can’t just up and leave on his say so.”
“You could if you love him.”
“It’s not about love it’s more about…”
“Trust.”
“Yeah, trust. I don’t think he is ready to be a proper couple and settle down. Going to Ireland he will probably find a girl he is really into and I will be totally forgotten.”
“He wouldn’t do that to you. He has risked so much all ready.”
“Yeah but he isn’t gay. Is he?”
“Does a label really matter? He loves you. That much is obvious to everyone.”
“It matters this time. I am basing the rest of my life on him and his dreams. What about me and doing what is right? I need to let him make the proper decision.”
“He’s chosen you John-Paul. You’re just setting him up to fail.”
“Well maybe I want him too. Maybe I’m not ready.”
“You are you’re just being daft now. Come on. Back to mine. We’re going to have a natter and a girly afternoon in. I’ve got loads of films you haven’t seen yet.”
“I should be talking to Craig.”
“No you need to sort your head first. Let me just run this past Justin and then it’s more Colin Firth for us.”
“Okay you win. Don’t twist my arm too far will you? 
”
