I'm still enjoying it Dotty.Nice touch with Darren and Frankie.

WOO HOO Dotty you've got a page 3!

quote:

Originally posted by mushy peas:
WOO HOO Dotty you've got a page 3!

yeah I do

whoop whoop!!!!


glad you're still enjoying this, hope I can continue to keep you entertained, thanks Mushy Peas

hey guys, I've been working on the next bit, and well, because it's two parts kinda interwoven it's getting really quite long, so I'm gonna post what I have so far now, sort of cut it in half I guess

anyway, here it is, hope you like it


Part 33

Fresh from the shower, Darren had thrown on a pair of jogging bottoms and a vest, and was now in the process of making himself a cuppa. Strangely enough, he had the flat to himself for once. So, with his cup of tea and a plateful of biscuits, Darren headed through to the living room and got himself settled. Switching on the television he began flicking from one channel to the next. Unable to find a film he liked the look of he finally decided on a double bill of Two and a Half Men. Sinking back into the cushions of the sofa got ready to take advantage of the peace and quiet on his night off, but almost as soon as he got comfortable, his eyelids started to feel heavy, and he began to doze off.

--------

Meanwhile, outside a club in Manchester, Spike was also preparing to enjoy his night off. He had been persuaded by friends to come out and let his hair down. As they hadn’t seen much of him since his split with John Paul, they were assuming that he had spent the last two weeks sat at home alone moping. Little did they know he’d actually been filling his time hanging around with his boss, who just so happened to be the stepbrother of the man he was dumped for. And Spike was certainly in no hurry to inform them that he had hardly thought of John Paul at all, as he was far too busy wondering what was underneath said boss’s garish attire. Just as Spike began to fall into yet another daydream on the matter, he heard his name being called.

“Yo, Spikey!” A girl, his friend Mazz, called over, “Come on hun, we’re on the guest list!”

“Sorry Mazz, I was in a world of my own.” Spike said as he jogged to catch up with his friends.

“Not still thinking about him, are you?” She asked, as he got nearer.

“Not exactly, no.” Spike said before quickly changing the subject, “So, how did you guys manage to get guest list here?”

“Pete knows someone here I guess, he sorted it.” She explained as they entered the club, “Hey Pete, who’s your connection here?”

“What?” Pete asked, as he turned round.

“Your mate who put us on the guest list, who is he?” Mazz reiterated.

“Oh, just a mate, he’s head of security here.” Pete responded, but Spike noticed his behaviour was a little shifty.

Then he realised why. Heading towards the three of them was a tall guy with olive skin and dirty blonde, shaggy, hair. Dressed all in black with an earpiece in, Spike recognised him instantaneously.

“Benji?” he whispered, inaudible to his friends, his breath catching in his throat as he spoke.

“Petey boy?” Benji called as he noticed Pete stood there, although he hadn’t yet noticed Spike, “You alright mate?”

“Alright Ben, how’s it going mate?” Pete replied, shaking his friends hand.

“Not too bad, you?” Benji said, before noticing Mazz stood behind him, “Alright Mazz, didn’t see you there!”

“Benjamin!” Mazz said, almost snarling, before turning to Spike, her back now facing Benji.

As Benji now noticed Spike for the first time, he sort of froze, the shock registered quite clearly on his face. Although he was just as shocked at being face to face with his ex, Spike wasn’t about to show it, smiling casually at Benji.

“Alright Benji, long time no see.” Spike said, “You’re looking well.”

“Yeah, thanks. You two!” Benji said, almost awe struck.

“How’s… erm, what was her name again?” He asked, “Cleo? Clara?”

“Chloe!” Benji corrected him, “And I wouldn’t know. We broke up!”

“Oh, shame.” Spike said, before turning back to Mazz, “I’m suddenly in the mood for dancing, you coming?”

Not waiting for an answer Spike headed off into the crowd, Mazz tottering after him in her heals.

--------

Back at the flat above The Dog, Darren was woken by the sound of the door slamming, and what sounded like Craig shushing whoever was with him. With barely enough time to open his eyes before he was joined in the living room Darren didn’t notice what was now on the television. Until Craig and John Paul sat down and Craig noticed what he thought Darren was watching.

“Why are you watching Sex And The City?” Craig said as he sat down.

“What? I wasn’t! I was asleep until you got here!” Darren insisted.

“And we’re supposed to be the gay ones!” Craig laughed, ignoring Darren’s protests, “Awww, and look, he’s even got tea and biscuits. That’s beyond gay! Darren, I say this with love, but you’re turning into my mother!”

“Get lost! I was watching Two and a Half Men, I must have fallen asleep!” Darren cried, “And anyway, what’s it to you what I watch? Haven’t you two got anything better to do than bug me?”

“We rented some DVD’s. We were gonna watch them!” John Paul said, “If you don’t mind? You could watch them with us if you like!”

“Gee ta. How kind of you to offer to let me watch a film in my own living room!” Darren said sarcastically.

“You probably wouldn’t want to anyway!” Craig said casually, “I mean, we picked out some classic bloke movies, Reservoir Dogs, Fight Club and Taxi Driver! So, sorry, not a chick flick in sight!”

“You know what, that was so funny I forgot to laugh!” Darren said, standing up, “I’m going to bed!”

Darren headed for his room, leaving Craig and John Paul to their movie night. As soon as he had reached his room and closed the door, he threw himself on the bed, hoping to lull himself back into the peaceful sleep he had been enjoying on the sofa.

--------

“What kind of friend are you?” Mazz shouted, hitting Pete across the shoulder, “We’re supposed to be cheering him up after his break up, so what on earth would possess you to involve one of his ex’s in the process?”

“What, I knew he wanted to check this place out, so rather than queue outside for an hour, I figured I’d get us on Guest list!” Pete explained, “I don’t see the problem, it’s not like I fixed them up on a blind date!”

“You’re unbelievable!” She cried, “You seriously don’t see what you’ve done wrong?”

“Oh, for god’s sake!” Pete cried, exasperated, “You do realise, all this time you’ve spent telling me what a miserable excuse I am for a human being, neither of us has been cheering Spike up! Do you even know where he went? Coz I don’t!”

As the two of them looked over the balcony, scanning the dance floor for Spike, neither noticed him tucked away at the furthest point of the balcony. Benji however had spotted him, and took this opportunity to talk to him, with out Mazz’s interference.

“Spike?” Benji said softly as he approached him.

“What do you want?” Spike said, rolling his eyes. He’d done the whole talking it through thing with Benji when they’d split up. They’d tried to stay friends, mostly because they had so many friends in common, they didn’t want it to feel awkward, but their plastered on grins when ever they were forced to see each other, and the hollow platitudes they would exchange, only served to increase the discomfort between them, until eventually they had to admit defeat and avoid each other.

“Can we talk?” Benji said.

“What’s the point?” Spike sighed, “We’ve been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Why bother going over it all again?”

“I just wanted to say, I’m sorry!” Benji said, staring at his feet, “I should have talked to you before, told you I was confused, you shouldn’t have found out like that!”

“Yeah, well, I did. It’s done now!” Spike said, “I’m over it.”

Something about the way he spoke didn’t ring true, and Benji saw straight through his tough exterior. Having been as close as they once were, you get to know each other almost as well as you know yourself, and Benji knew that right now, Spike was putting up a front.

“You don’t have to do that!” Benji said reaching to touch Spike’s arm.

“Do what?” Spike said defiantly, moving slightly away.

“Spare my feelings. Pretend like what I did didn’t hurt you.” Benji said, “I was… well, I was an idiot! I don’t deserve your holding back.”

“What do you want me to say, Benji?” Spike said, his voice getting louder, “That I hate you? That walking into our bedroom and finding you in our bed with that girl was the worst day of my life? That I loved you so much, that in that instant you totally destroyed me? Well I‘ve got news for you, you don’t deserve that either!”

Spike didn’t wait for a response; he just stormed off towards the bar. Settling himself down on a stool he ordered another drink.

hey dots, remember me?

quote:

Originally posted by Louise1:
hey dots, remember me?

LOUIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

how could I not remember you?? you're probably the most famous Fanfic-er in all of hollyficland :P

how are you hunni??

long time no chat!!!

just been back to catch up! You really are taking this story into a different direction than I'd expected - and it's fantastic!!!

Will definately try to keep up!
R

quote:

Originally posted by reynsi:
just been back to catch up! You really are taking this story into a different direction than I'd expected - and it's fantastic!!!

Will definately try to keep up!
R

hey reynsi, how's it going hun??

I'm really taking this story in a different direction to what I expected too, Blame the FH-ers, it was their comments that gave me the idea

fab - i'm just happy, and so glad to hear that craigy is coming back....

I'm happy he's coming back too, but I'll reserve my excitement until I see how they deal with him and JP and the priest


anyhooo, here's my latest part, hope you like it


Part 34

Spike had been sat alone at the bar drinking for well over two hours now. Mazz and Pete had found him there but he had insisted they go and have fun, leaving him alone in the process. Signalling to the bartender that he was ready for another, he was most disgruntled when he heard a burly voice from behind him.

“I think you’ve had enough mate!” the bouncer said, indicating to the barman not to serve him.

Spike new he was right, as he was struggling to focus on the three of him dancing in front of his eyes. But when you’re in the mood that Spike was in, too much is simply not enough.

“I’ll say when I’ve had enough thank you!” Spike stated, “And right now, I’d like another drink!”

“Right, come on mate, time for a taxi, eh?” the bouncer insisted, helping Spike to his feet and motioning him towards the door.

“Whatever!” Spike said, releasing himself from the mans grip, “I can walk by myself you know!”

As the two of them approached the door, Benji saw Spike being escorted off the premises and darted over to see what was going on.

“Steve?” Benji said as he got to them, “What’s going on? What’s he done?”

“Alright boss?” Steve, the bouncer who currently had hold of Spike said, “Not done anything, just had a bit too much, though it might be an idea if he went home and slept it off.”

“Right, well, I’ll take it from here, you get back to what you were doing.” Benji said, taking Spikes arm, “Thanks Steve.”

Steve smiled his response and headed back into the throng. Spike shrugged Benji off of him as he pushed his way through the door, but as soon as the fresh air hit him, so did the alcohol, and he doubled over as the contents of his stomach emptied onto the pavement. Benji instinctively ran to his aid, only to be pushed away, as Spike attempted to regain his composure.

“Leave me alone!” Spike snapped.

“Look, Spike, I’m sorry.” Benji said again, “About everything. Mazz told me what happened, with your new bloke. I didn’t know! If I had I would have stayed out of your way!”

“Yeah, well you know now, so why are you still here?” Spike spat at him.

“Spike, I’m worried about you.” Benji said, “This isn’t like you. You don’t do the whole, drinking yourself stupid thing, it’s just not you!”

“Don’t assume to know anything about me!” Spike cried, “I haven’t seen you for almost two years. And don’t give me that I’m worried about you crap. You gave up that right when you decided to sleep with some girl behind my back!”

“I know. And I really am sorry about that.” Benji said, his voice almost pleading, “But Spike, look at the state of you. Just let me help you, please.”

“I don’t need your help!” Spike said, although his unsteadiness on his feet told another story, “I just need to let Mazz and Pete know what’s going on!”

“Look, I…” Benji started, but seemed to hesitate.

“You what?” Spike said as he struggled to focus on his phone, trying to send a text to his friends.

“My flat is just down the road.” Benji said, “Why don’t we just get you cleaned up, maybe get you a coffee, then when you’re feeling better, we’ll come and find Pete and Mazz, yeah?”

Spike eyed him suspiciously, but he was in no fit state to get home on his own, and he really didn’t want to ruin his friends’ night. Reluctantly he agreed, and Benji directed him towards his flat.

--------

Darren lay, fidgeting, on his bed. Sleep evading him as he twisted into yet another position, in his vain attempt to get comfortable. It was always the way though, wasn’t it; you fall asleep on the couch and it’s all good, until someone wakes you up, then you just can’t get back to sleep, no matter how hard you try!
Darren decided to get himself a drink. So, lazily swinging his legs round off the bed he stood up and headed towards the kitchen. As he approached the living room he could hear the TV, and the sounds of Craig and John Paul chatting away.

“The first rule of fight club is” Came the voice from the TV.

“You don’t talk about Fight Club!” Craig chanted.

“You’re so sad, you know that right?” John Paul laughed.

“Ya-huh.” Craig grinned, “That’s why you love me!”

“If you say so.” John Paul said, rolling his eyes slightly, before turning to give his boyfriend a gentle kiss.

“Don’t mind me.” Darren said as he walked into the living room on his way to the kitchen.

“Darren!” Craig cried, shuffling nervously in his seat, “I thought you went to bed.”

“I couldn’t sleep.” Darren replied, “Don’t worry, I’m just getting a drink, I wont be long, then you two can get back to what ever it is you were doing!”

Darren opened the fridge and grabbed the milk, filling a mug before putting replacing the carton. Sticking the mug in the microwave he let it heat up. Standing with his back to the microwave, leaning against the worktop, he noticed the way Craig and John Paul were together when they thought no one was watching. The subtle little differences between the way they interacted just as friends, and now as lovers, almost invisible to the naked eye, but if you really looked you could see; the way they sat slightly closer together, the tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, touches, and the way they looked at each other. He saw how happy they seemed, even when Craig felt like his whole family hated him, still in his eyes there was this happiness, like a light that just refused to go out. Darren wanted that. He wanted someone to make him feel as though nothing else mattered. As the Microwave beeped, indicating his drink was ready, Darren turned, retrieved the mug of now warm milk and headed back to his room.

--------

“Thanks.” Spike said as Benji handed him a coffee mug.

“You feeling any better?” Benji asked as he sat down beside him on the black leather sofa.

“A bit, thanks.” Spike said, taking a sip from his cup. A small smile formed on his lips, which didn’t go unnoticed by Benji.

“What? Is it the coffee?” Benji said, “I did get it right didn’t I? Milk, three sugars, right?”

“Yeah, you got it right.” Spike said, “I just can’t believe you remembered after all this time.”

“Of course I remembered.” Benji said, reaching to touch Spikes face, “How could I forget anything about you?”

“Nice place you’ve got here.” Spike said, jumping to his feet

Spike surveyed his surroundings for the first time since arriving. The stark white walls bathed in awkward shadows cast by the light of the solitary desk lamp beside the sofa. The black leather seating offset by chrome and glass furniture, all pointed towards the large flat screen TV. In fact the whole feel of the place was like some kind of stereotype of the modern bachelor pad. Spike actually found it quite amusing, until he noticed something that looked slightly out of place against the all high-tech gadgets and brushed steel and chrome. On a shelf above the TV, almost hidden amongst the DVDs he spotted the small wooden photo frame. Tentatively picking it up he remembered back to the day that he had bought it, dragging Mazz around the shopping centre trying to find the perfect gift for Benji.
Spike was surprised to see that it still held the same photo he had put in it over three years ago. The picture itself wasn’t particularly romantic, just a photo of the two of them on a night out, pulling faces at whoever had taken the photo. Spike had always hated that picture, saying that the face he was pulling made him look like some sort of demonic freak, but Benji would always laugh saying he looked cute, and he may look like a demonic freak, but he was his demonic freak.

“I still think you look cute in that picture.” Benji said, standing right behind Spike, sliding his hands on to Spike’s hips. “But then, you always looked good to me!”

Spike took a step forward, releasing himself from Benji’s grip, and returned the photo to the shelf. But Benji simply followed him, snaking his hands around Spike’s waist. Spike closed his eyes, feeling Benji’s breath on the back of his neck, as Benji moved his lips towards the sensitive skin there, before placing gentle kisses on Spike’s neck and along his jaw line.

“Benji don’t.” Spike whispered his protest, but his body language contradicted his words as he leaned into Benji’s kisses.

“If you really want me to stop I will.” Benji said, between kisses, “But I don’t think you do. Not really!”

Although his head was screaming at him that he should go, that this was a bad idea and he should just leave, Spike found himself turning around, his lips crashing to meet Benji’s in a heated clinch. As their tongues fought for supremacy, their hands pulled at clothing, freeing T-shirts from waistbands, unbuttoning trousers. Their mouths parted momentarily as they each removed their tops, before hungrily diving back into the kiss, as Benji manoeuvred them towards the bedroom.

--------

Darren lay on his bed, having finished his drink. Now slightly sleepy, he gently rubbed his eyes and got himself comfortable. As much as he was still confused about his feelings, he was now certain that whatever fate had in store for him, he had no control in the matter. But he was determined not to let his little crush, if you could call it that, get the better of him. He liked Spike, had fun hanging out with him, and he wasn’t going to let this thing, probably born of morbid curiosity, ruin the closest thing he’d had to a proper friendship in ages. So this weekend, when Spike came in for his shift, he would do everything he normally did. He’d say hi when he got there, he’d take him over a drink at some point, and should the two of them end up outside at the same time, he’d make idle chitchat. Everything would be fine!
Satisfied that all was now well, Darren settled into a gentle sleep.

--------

Spike woke up slightly groggy, the alcohol he had consumed the night before still working it’s way out of his system. For a split second he wondered where he was, until last night began flooding back to him and he remembered exactly who he had gone home with. Taking great care not to wake the sleeping figure beside him, Spike slowly slid out of the bed, quickly pulling on his boxers and picking up the rest of his discarded clothes as he snuck out of the bedroom. As soon as he was dressed, Spike left, quietly pulling closed the door before running down the street as fast as he could and hailing himself a taxi. Throughout the entire ride home Spike held his head in his hands, wishing he could go back and undo the previous night.

Well, Spike shouldn't be feeling all that guilty - if anyone had a need for a drunken roll in the hey it was him! And once more, a fab chapter!!!

thanks for reading hun, I'm glad you enjoyed that part. was a we bit concerned that I might get in trouble with the readers for having Spikey sleeping with an ex, but I think I got away with it


thanks for reading

Just caught up on last couple of chapters
great stuff dotty
I'm loving it!!
Hope Darren becomes happy!!!
x

Awww lil Darren going to bed with a mug of hot milk how sweet.

thanks for your comments guys.

here's the next bit.

if you're interested, the song that I was listening to when writing this bit was You Know I'm No Good ~ Arctic Monkeys (or Amy Winehouse)



Part 35

“Hiya Spike.” Steph beamed as she spotted the DJ heading towards the bar, “You’re early. Is something up?”

“Everything’s fine.” Spike replied half-heartedly, “Listen, is Darren about? Or Jack? Either way.”

“Yeah, hang on, I think Darren’s upstairs.” Steph smiled, “I’ll go give him a shout.”

Steph headed towards the door to the flat and hollered up the stairs, calling out to Darren.

“Darren?” Steph cried up the stairs, “Darren, I need you down here!”

“What is it?” came Darren’s reply, “I’m busy!”

“Spike wants you!” She called, “Just hurry up and get down here!”

Steph didn’t wait for an answer, closing the door and heading back towards the bar. She smiled to Spike as she arrived back in front of him.

“He shouldn’t be too long.” She said, “But then, this is Darren we’re talking about, god knows what he’s doing up there.”

“It’s ok, I can wait.” Spike replied.

“Can I get you a drink while you’re waiting?” Steph asked.

“Erm, I’ll just get a coke, thanks.” Spike said.

“Just a coke? Sure you don’t want something stronger? Pint maybe?” Steph said, “On the house.”

“Nah, just a coke.” Spike said, “I’m never touching alcohol ever again!”

“Sound’s intriguing.” Steph said with a knowing smile, “Come on, spill! What happened?”

“Nothing really.” Spike lied, “Just had a bit too much to drink on a night out, had the worst hangover ever on Wednesday!”

“No, come on.” Steph said, “The truth. What happened?”

“Urgh.” Spike groaned as Steph picked up a glass and began to pour his drink, “Have you ever done something that, even though you know it’s a bad idea, and you’ll only regret it in the morning, you just can’t stop yourself?”

“Always!” Steph laughed as she placed Spike’s drink in front of him, “Why? What did you do?”

“Not so much of a what.” Spike said, taking a sip of his drink.

“Huh?” Steph said looking baffled.

“More of a who!” Spike revealed.

“No?” Steph cried, “Who was it?”

Neither of them noticed the door to the flat opening. Both too busy chatting to see that Darren was now within earshot. Realising what they were talking about Darren held back slightly.

“My ex, Benji!” Spike said covering his face with his hands.

“You slept with your ex?” Steph repeated, as if needing clarification, “Why?”

“I don’t know!” Spike said, “I was drunk, he was there, I was lonely, it just kind of happened.”

“So are you gonna see him again?” Steph said, revelling in the break from the monotony of her day.

“Doubtful.” Spike admitted, “I kind of snuck out the next morning while he was sleeping.”

“What?” Steph cried, “Why?”

“To be honest, the whole time I was with him, well…” Spike trailed off.

“What?” Steph asked impatiently, growing more excited with each new piece of information.

“Well, the whole time I was with him that night, I was kind of, thinking about somebody else.” Spike confessed.

“No?” Steph gasped, “Who?”

Darren chose this point to make himself known. It was weird enough hearing Spike confessing to a one-night-stand with an ex, but to hear him admit that he was thinking of John Paul all the while, that would be too much. And Darren was certain that would be the next confession. Stepping out towards the bar he tried his best to put on a happy face.

“Spike, what’s up?” Darren said as he bowled over to them.

“Darren?” Spike almost choked, almost forgetting why he was here, “Sorry, erm, I needed to have a chat with you. About next week!”

“What about it?” Darren asked.

“I just wanted to check that I’m still ok not to work.” Spike said, “Only, when I arranged to have the time off, John Paul had said he’d cover for me, but things being as they are, I wasn’t sure if he’d still do it!”

“That’s my problem, not yours!” Darren said, “If you’ve got time off booked, then you’ve got time off booked. Whatever it is you’re up to, have fun! I’ll have a word with John Paul about if he’s still covering.”

“Cheers.” Spike said.

“That all?” Darren asked, “Only I was kind of in the middle of something.”

“Yeah, that’s all.” Spike smiled, “I guess I’ll see you down here later then.”

“I’ll be here, so I guess so.” Darren replied, “So, I’ll see you later then.”

Darren hesitated slightly before turning and heading back upstairs. Spike just watched him walk away, oblivious to the fact that Steph was still standing at the bar.

“So, what are you up to?” She stated.

“Yeah. Sorry, what?” Spike said, suddenly snapping back to reality, “Up to? I’m not up to anything!”

“So why’d you need next week off?” Steph said.

“Oh that!” Spike said, visibly relieved, “Just got some work in Manchester that’s all.”

“Oh right.” Steph said, “Why? What did you think I meant?”

“Nothing.” Spike said, “Nothing at all.”

Nobody readed my chapter

I did
I just forgot to comment
but it was brilliant
well done
xx

thank you Rebecca

glad you liked it, hopefully I'll have more up soon

I did too. This is still my favourite fic. I love Darren and I think you write him really well Dotty.Just keep going! x