"Kian? Kian! KIAN!" Kian’s eyes flicked open, and he looked up at Shane. He was shaking and drenched in sweat and could feel the tears coming, again.

Shane scooped him into his lap and rocked him. ‘"hhhh… it was just a dream Kian… just a dream…"

Kian stopped sobbing in Shane’s safe embrace. Yes, he did feel safe there. He sniffed a little. The bed sheets were soaking with his sweat.

"Maybe you should move over to my bed," Shane offered as he looked at the wet bed.

"No, I mean, where would you sleep?" Kian looked up at Shane.

"In my bed," Shane replied calmly. "It’s big enough for two."

Kian was a bit shocked. He realised what a great friend Shane was. A few hours earlier, Shane had found out that he was gay, and he still didn’t seem to think twice about sleeping in the same bed as him.

Suddenly Kian realised why his stomach had been doing acrobatics at the pure thought of Shane lately. He must be falling in love…

Shane ushered Kian over to his bed and tucked him in. He went to the cupboard and found a spare duvet and pillow and lay down beside Kian. Kian saw his chance and snuggled up to Shane for comfort.

Shane put a protective arm around him. "Try to catch some more sleep, yeah?" Kian nodded and closed his eyes, slowly drifting off into a more peaceful sleep than before.

---

The next morning Kian was woken by the ringing of Shane’s mobile. Shane was sat on the sofa watching the TV and answered it.

"Hello, Shane speaking? John! Hey babe, how are you keeping?" Kian listened and felt happy and sad at once. It sounded like Shane was gay… and involved. Oh no.

"We’ll be in Amsterdam…" Shane looked questioning at Kian.

"Wednesday," Kian replied, while wondering how Shane could know he was awake without having looked at him before.

"We’ll be arriving Wednesday… yeah, hold on." He looked at Kian again "Do you know what time we get off?"

"About half seven."

Shane automatically added an hour for the delays "Around 8.30. So, about… 9? That’s ok with you? Ok, I’ll see you there then… yeah, nice speaking to you too, bye bye!"

Kian studied Shane as he put the phone down. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Was Shane gay? And involved with this… John bloke? He felt like crying, Again.

Chapter 3 >>