Fic: One Day (Part 5)
September 15th 2019
11.00 am (UK)
‘Claire I can’t do this anymore’ Colin blurted out. Claire froze in the act of chopping up the vegetables for dinner and Colin thought he should probably have had this conversation when Claire didn’t have a knife in her hand.
‘What’s that Colin?’ Claire asked, her tone giving nothing away.
‘This. Us. I think we should think about a... a separation.’ Colin had been having some time off work recently, the argument with Bradley having rattled him more than he cared to admit. But the problem with time to yourself meant a lot of time for evaluating your life.
Claire stared at him with an inscrutable expression and then put the knife down, to his great relief, and folded her arms. ‘Why?’
‘Ok’ Colin tried to collect his thoughts. ‘I love you but I’m not in love with you. And I think it’s the same for you. We’re... comfortable. We’ve got settled into this routine but we do nothing but argue. We both put our careers first and we don’t even find it that hard that we don’t see each other very often. It shouldn’t be like that. I’ve been selfish. You deserve more than to be...’ Colin hesitated, knowing what he was about to say would hurt her feelings, ‘to be the woman I settled for.’ He paused again, waiting for a response but none was forth-coming. He abruptly remembered the words Bradley had said to him months before. ‘Everyone deserves a chance at true love, at happiness. Well here’s our chance.’
Claire stared at him for one long moment and then she smiled, her shoulders relaxing and relief clear on her face. ‘Thank you Colin’ she said sincerely and crossed over to him, giving him a quick kiss.
It had been easy after that. The flat was in his name so she said she would move in with one of her girlfriends nearby until they got everything sorted out. He had been happy for her to stay until she made better arrangements but she had just smiled and shook her head. As she reached the door with a bag full of some of her stuff she had turned to look at him and then smiled again.
‘Colin? Go get him.’
-
Colin woke with a start and had a brief moment of ‘oh my God where am I?’ panic before he remembered. He was on a plane to LA.
This was no doubt a terrible idea, ill thought out as he had only had the idea that morning. He had noticed the date with a start. The fifteenth of September. It reminded him of Bradley. How could it not when that one day held so much significance for them? The day they had met, the first time they had kissed, slept together and then the date of their huge argument. Colin had felt a sudden wave of longing pass through him. He wanted nothing more than to talk to Bradley but short of sending him a letter had no way of getting in touch with him. Then go find him a small reckless voice said in his head. Colin had stiffened where he was sat, rather taken by the idea. But then he dismissed it as foolish. Why not? the voice said. The divorce had gone through. You’re not working right now. What’s stopping you?.
‘He doesn’t want me. He’s cut me out of his life’ Colin said aloud and then realised he was arguing with himself which was ridiculous. It didn’t stop him answering himself though.
He did that because you hurt him. It’s your fault so you have to make it right. Go!
Colin had dithered around in indecision for some time. ‘I just need a sign’ he muttered to himself as he moved stuff around his desk in agitation. As if in answer a photo fell off the desk and landed face down on the floor. He picked it up and stared at it for a long moment. It was the one of him and Bradley at the Merlin leaving do. They were looking at each other, their faces each reflecting the others contentment and affection. The photo removed any doubts.
An hour later he was on the way to Heathrow airport.
Here on the plane though with nothing to do but think, all those doubts were coming back in full force.
‘Drink sir?’ a polite air hostess broke him out of his reverie.
‘Er yes please just water thanks. Umm how long until we get there?’
‘Another eight hours yet I’m afraid’ the air hostess replied.
‘Really? In that case make that a large red wine.’
*
1.30 pm (US)
Bradley had spent much of the day so far moping, something he had promised himself he wouldn’t do. But it was the fifteenth of September. His and Colin’s day, if people could have days and according to Bradley they could.
In the end he had called Logan and suggested lunch just to get him out of his apartment. He had been pretty good this year though, throwing away the three letters Colin had sent him without reading them. If Colin thought he could win him over with letters then he was sadly mistaken. It would take a bigger gesture than that. Like sky writing.
‘Yo dude what up?’ was how Logan greeted him where they met at the entrance to Bradley’s building.
‘Logan we’ve been through this. You’re not gangsta.’
‘Am too! Er wickedy wack’ Logan said and attempted the flick with his fingers. Bradley laughed and grabbed his hand to stop him doing it again.
‘I shall call you wangsta!’ Bradley warned and it was Logan’s turn to laugh. Wangsta had been born when Logan kept calling wannabe’s things like wav (wannabe chav) and wemo (wannabe emo). Bradley had told him if he didn’t stop he would have to call Logan a wangsta (wannabe gangsta).
‘Er excuse me but can you direct me to Crocker Street?’ A very familiar asked from the other side of the square. Bradley turned incredulously, sure he was hallucinating. There was Colin, talking to a young woman. Bradley took in the scene and then slapped himself hard across the face. It hurt quite a lot and Colin was still there so he could assume that he wasn’t dreaming. The slap had earned him a rather odd look from Logan though.
‘What’s this Bradley? Are you a sadist now?’ he asked in surprise. Colin spun too at the mention of Bradley’s name and they locked eyes from across the square. ‘Bradley?’ Logan said uncertainly and Bradley realised that he had just tightened the grip he had on Logan’s hand which he was still holding onto. He dropped it quickly.
‘Colin?’ he croaked in amazement. Logan turned to look so fast that he probably gave himself whiplash.
‘So this is Colin?’ Logan breathed. He was almost disappointed. Bradley had built him up to be this totally amazing and good-looking man and he was just a fairly ordinary looking bloke really. He supposed that was the love talking.
Colin took in the scene. He knew the guy was Logan Lerman, the guy had worked on Cops with Bradley. He saw the way they were stood face to face, had heard their laughter and saw that they had been holding hands. He put two and two together and got five.
‘I’m too late’ he said quietly but his voice carried across the empty square. ‘I shouldn’t have come.’ He turned to go. ‘Thank you’ he added to the young woman that had been assisting him. Then he disappeared down a side street.
Bradley turned to look at Logan in horror.
‘What are you waiting for? Go!’ Logan yelled urgently and then they were both running. A whole series of alleyways connected up the streets behind the square and if Colin went down one of them it would be pretty hard to find him. Apparently Colin wasn’t expecting to be followed though because he was still on the main path and jumped violently at the sound of thudding footsteps behind him.
‘Colin!’ Bradley yelled, skidding to a stop beside him. ‘Logan’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend. Plus he’s as straight as a pirate’s leg.’ Panic was making him babble like a loon.
‘Are pirate’s legs more straight than other people’s then?’ Colin asked with a ghost of a smile.
‘Well you know they’re wooden and stuff...’ Bradley said awkwardly.
‘Well er I have... stuff to do and that so umm we’ll have to rain check lunch Bradley’ Logan said totally unsubtly. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!’ he said and then winked in a totally obvious way.
‘Sly Logan’ Bradley said sarcastically and Logan just grinned and waved before vanishing down one of the alleyways, leaving Colin and Bradley alone.
‘So...’ Colin said uncomfortably and it was reminiscent of when they first met when they didn’t know what to say to each other.
‘I don’t live on Crocker Street anymore’ Bradley said for lack of anything better to say. ‘I live just there’ he gestured back to the square. ‘Since last month.’
‘Lucky I ran into you then’ Colin said. ‘Your address was all I had left.’
There was another pause. ‘What are you doing here Colin?’ Bradley asked wearily. He wanted to add something like ‘don’t you think you’ve fucked me up enough’ but he bit his tongue.
‘I split up with Claire’ Colin blurted.
Bradley raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t been expecting that. ‘So?’ he asked. He wasn’t going to make it easy for Colin.
‘So you were right. I am selfish and a coward and I made all the wrong choices. I should have followed you here years ago. You had your big break here but nothing was stopping me from upping sticks. You were the most important thing in my life and I was stupid, settling for a woman I didn’t even love. And for what? Some twisted idea of what a perfect life should be. But I realise now that the only perfect life I could have is one with you in it. I love you. And I know this is years too late and that I’m a twat but will you please give me another chance?’ Colin said and looked at him hopefully.
‘You hurt me pretty badly Colin’ Bradley said slowly. ‘And you’ve already had so many chances.’
Colin looked at him desperately and then seemed struck by a sudden idea. ‘Look the past few years have been pretty fucked up for us yeah? So let’s just start again!’
Bradley looked at Colin doubtfully and watched as Colin’s face took on a slightly nervous and earnest expression.
‘Hi I’m Colin Morgan’ Colin had allowed his accent to become thicker, almost indecipherable to people that hadn’t heard it before. ‘This is all a bit surreal isn’t it?’
Bradley did a double take, playing along. ‘Ok sorry but you’re gonna have to repeat that because I swear you said something about cereal but I guess that’s not right.’
‘This is a bit surreal isn’t it?’ Colin repeated more slowly.
‘Oh surreal! Yes. Bradley and Colin meet for the first time. The start of a great destiny. Just think what could be happening a year from now. It hasn’t even started yet but I’m already excited about it aren’t you?’
‘Er yeah it’s great’ Colin seemed not entirely sure what he was agreeing to. Bradley didn’t seem to mind though. He just grinned in slight embarrassment and shrugged as if to say ‘yeah I talk a lot.’
‘So I know this great little restaurant just down the road from here. Wanna go get lunch?’ Colin asked.
‘That sounds perfect.’
It took them half an hour to find the restaurant. It turned out ‘just down the road’ was Colin-speak for ‘I have no fucking idea where I am.’
‘Day five on the quest for Luigi’s and our intrepid explorers now have no idea where they are’ Bradley said.
‘You’re the one with local knowledge!’ Colin complained. ‘Why didn’t you take over?’
‘Hey I used to live on the other side of town’ Bradley said reasonably. ‘And you said you passed it on your way here so you seemed to know what you were doing.’
‘Did I seem to know what I was doing when I took us past the wig shop for the fifth time?’ Colin exclaimed.
‘Oh wait wait!’ Bradley said, flailing excitedly. ‘I see it! There!’ He pointed and Colin saw with relief that it was just up the road from them. Bradley made a beeline for it when Colin stopped him.
‘We should ask directions!’ he said.
‘What?’ Bradley was understandably confused. ‘But it’s right there!’
‘Precisely and then it will be exactly like the first time we met.’
‘Hey we said we would never talk about that!’ Bradley said and Colin laughed. ‘Ok let’s do it!’ Bradley added with a grin. They went to stand right in front of it and Colin stopped the next person that walked past.
‘Excuse me could you direct us to Luigi’s please?’ Colin asked politely.
The man he had stopped looked at him for a long moment. ‘I’m sorry I don’t speak Swedish’ he said uncertainly. If anything Colin looked even more pissed than the first time that had happened and Bradley couldn’t hold his laugh in this time.
‘Don’t worry about him! We were just wondering if you could point us in the direction of Luigi’s?’
*
3.12 pm (US)
‘Well I had a great time’ Colin said. He had walked Bradley back to his building with a lot less getting lost on the way back.
‘So...’ Bradley said. ‘Do you wanna come in for coffee?’
‘What kind of guy do you think I am?’ Colin asked pretending to be affronted. ‘I don’t have sex on a first date.’
‘How about a kiss?’ Bradley asked.
Colin answered by stepping forward with a mischievous grin, aiming a kiss at Bradley’s cheek. But Bradley twisted his head and caught him on the lips instead. The kiss was open mouthed and messy and Bradley relished that underlying sweet taste that was all Colin. He had missed that. The kiss was desperate and fierce, very different from anything they had shared before. And Colin’s hands were tugging roughly at Bradley’s shirt and Bradley was holding onto Colin so tightly that we as sure he was going to leave bruises. They may have stood on that doorstep for a long time necking like teenagers but the disapproving sound of a throat being cleared caused them to separate.
‘Sorry Mr Garcia’ Bradley said apologetically to the elderly man that passed them onto the street. Mr Garcia just sniffed and put his nose in the air and Bradley and Colin laughed as he walked away.
‘I’m serious though’ Bradley whispered against Colin’s lips once he was gone. ‘I’m guessing you haven’t thought ahead to where you’re going to stay tonight?’
‘I didn’t even think ahead enough to bring luggage’ Colin admitted and Bradley laughed.
‘Alright’ Bradley pulled back purposefully and rifled in his pockets for his keys. ‘I know you’ve had a bitch of a flight and are now on a messed up time so you go in and chill while I go grab you some essentials.’
Colin felt an irrational stab of panic at the thought of Bradley leaving him. After coming all this way he didn’t want to lose Bradley even for a moment. Something of this must have shown on his face because Bradley smiled softly and gave him another quick kiss.
‘I’ll be right back’ he said gently. ‘Until we meet...’ he started to say and then he stopped. He knew when he was going to see Colin again. ‘I’ll see you later’ he said instead and beamed at the thought.
‘I’ll be here’ Colin promised.
And he was.
*
Epilogue
September 15th 2019
‘What the hell is that?’ Bradley asked in horror.
‘It’s a painting’ Colin said.
‘I can see that. What’s with all the blood and... is that a brain?’ Bradley asked peering at the painting suspiciously. He felt quite queasy looking at it.
‘It’s art!’ Colin said defensively.
‘If you say so. But it’s not going in the bedroom.’
‘Wait is this room the bedroom? I thought it was going to be the spare room?’ Colin said.
‘Well either way no one wants that staring at them when they’re trying to sleep.’
‘Fine! What about the kitchen?’
‘Definitely not!’
‘I think this whole thing is moot anyway.’ Colin pointed out. ‘Seeing as we don’t even have a bed yet!’
‘Buying a bed together is a very big commitment’ Bradley said seriously.
‘Bigger than moving in together?’ Colin asked in exasperation. ‘And where are we going to sleep tonight.’
‘We’ll both bunk down on the sofa. It will be fun!’ Bradley said brightly.
‘I’m sure it will be!’
*
September 15th 2020
‘Colin Morgan will you marry me?’ Bradley asked.
Colin paused. ‘This isn’t very romantic’ he said.
‘What?’
‘You’re not even on one knee’ Colin said. Bradley rolled his eyes and then dropped to one knee.
‘Better?’ he asked huffily.
‘And we’re in an allotment’ Colin felt obligated to point out.
‘Well you like plants and things don’t you? You’re vegetarian’ Bradley said vaguely.
Colin rolled his eyes fondly. ‘Theoretically what would happen if I said no?’ Colin asked but his tone made it clear that he had no intention of doing so.
Bradley pretended to think about it. ‘Well I suppose I’d have to kill myself’ he said thoughtfully.
‘Then I suppose my hands are tied’ Colin said.
‘Obligation is all I ask for in my future spouse’ Bradley said seriously.
‘Good because that’s all you’re going to get’ Colin grinned and then let out a squawk of surprise as Bradley rugby tackled him from the floor and sent them both sprawling. They lay on the grass laughing breathlessly and Bradley took Colin’s hand.
‘So am I to take that as a yes?’ he said smiling at Colin.
‘Yes’ Colin beamed back at him. ‘Of course yes!’
*
September 15th 2021
Katie’s mother had always told her that at a wedding everyone always looked at the bride. But you should always spare at least a glance for the groom because the look on his face when he sees his wife to be for the first time is one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see.
Bradley and Colin didn’t have a traditional wedding of course. For one it was outside, in an allotment of all places. But they did have Bradley waiting at the front of the congregation for Colin to enter. With her mother’s advice in mind Katie was looking at Bradley when Colin first appeared. And her mother was right as always. Bradley’s whole face lit up when he saw Colin. He didn’t even smile as such but the joy just seemed to radiate from him, so that his whole face was alive with it. Katie glanced at Colin and saw that he was wearing a matching look of love and contentment. Colin walked down the aisle alone but when he joined Bradley at the front and took his hand Katie knew they would never be alone again.
‘Katie are you crying?’ Paul asked her in surprise.
‘No!’ Katie said fiercely. ‘I’ve just... got something in my eye.’
*
September 15th 2022
‘I’ve got a surprise for you!’ Bradley announced.
‘It’s not one of those weird massages again is it? Because my back still hasn’t recovered from last time.’
Bradley scowled. ‘No.’
‘Oh is it Shrek 10: This really honestly is the final one this time, no jokes?’ Colin asked.
Bradley laughed. ‘No it’s not out yet and I’m trying to limit my illegal activity these days.’
‘Well then. I’m stumped. What is it?’
‘It’s a puppy!’ Bradley announced with a grin. ‘Happy anniversary!’ He opened the door and a small cocker spaniel pattered into the room looking faintly ridiculous with an overlarge bow around its neck.
‘Awwww’ Colin melted at the sight of it and scooped it up.
‘Such a girl’ Bradley shook his head in mock disgust. ‘His name is Percy. I knew you liked that name for a dog.’
‘Welcome to the family Percy!’ Colin announced and then cooed some more as Percy snuggled comfortably into his arms.
‘And good luck!’ Bradley added brightly. ‘You’re going to need it!’
*
September 15th 2023
‘You will know when you’ve got it. Nine letters’ Bradley said. He was doing the crossword with his feet up on Colin’s lap. Colin was trying to read. Trying being the operative word as Bradley was interrupting him every few seconds to help with his crossword.
‘Chlamydia?’ Colin suggested after a pause.
‘Ew’ Bradley laughed. ‘No it starts with E.’
‘Elephants?’ Colin tried. ‘Earphones. Erection...s.’
‘Get your mind out the gutter’ Bradley scolded him.
‘It’s hard when it’s been there almost my entire life’ Colin grinned.
‘The answer was erudition’ Bradley commented, ignoring him. ‘What the fuck does that mean?’
‘I don’t know why you bother with these words games. You know we’re shit at them.’
‘Which reminds me’ Bradley said. ‘It’s almost 3.25 so what’s it time for?’
‘Countdown!’ they chorused and flipped the TV on.
*
September 15th 2024
‘Steffy what have I told you about throwing your food around?’ Colin asked mock sternly.
Steffy just giggled. She was only three after all. Colin smiled at her fondly and Percy made himself busy mopping up the kitchen floor. They had adopted Steffy 8 months ago and things couldn’t be going better.
Bradley entered the kitchen then with a huge grin on his face. ‘Guess what?’ he said happily.
‘Oh I love this game’ Colin said. ‘Is it...’
‘Never mind!’ Bradley interrupted him. ‘We got him! We got Zach.’ Bradley was referring to the small boy they had applied to adopt. They had both always wanted one of each.
‘You hear that Steffy?’ Colin enthused. ‘You’re going to have a little brother!’
‘Oh’ Steffy said thoughtfully. ‘Daddy where do babies come from?’
‘I think your dad can cover that one’ Colin said and then made a dash for it leaving Bradley with an inquisitive three year old.
*
September 15th 2025
‘Happy Anniversary!’ Colin mumbled sleepily into Bradley’s cheek. ‘I haven’t got you a present.’
Bradley laughed. ‘I suppose I should just be grateful that you remembered it all!’
‘I could never forget the date. The fifteenth of September is our day. I’ve just been... busy. Look I’ll make it up to you’ Colin arched his eyebrows suggestively.
‘Oh really? I like the sound of that!’ Bradley chuckled. They kissed lazily and slowly both still sleep warm and pliable in each other’s arms. But then the kiss took on more of an edge and Colin allowed his hand to slip down and tease Bradley through his boxers. Bradley shuddered slightly and let out a soft moan.
‘Daddy?’ a small voice said from the doorway and Bradley let out a strangled noise and promptly fell off the bed.
‘Yes Steffy?’ Colin asked kindly, opening his arms out to his daughter.
‘I had a bad dream’ she said uncertainly. ‘What’s dad doing on the floor?’ she whispered.
‘Oh you know your dad, always messing about’ Colin said, suppressing a laugh.
‘He really is very silly sometimes’ Steffy agreed seriously clambering into the bed next to Colin.
‘Right I’m just going to have a shower then!’ Bradley said from the floor.
‘Yes we’ll finish this later’ Colin said and sealed the promise with a wink.
*
September 15th 2026
‘Colin what are you doing?’ Bradley asked curiously, watching Colin rearranging various bits of wood into piles.
‘I’m building a picket fence Bradley. Isn’t it obvious?’
It wasn’t but Bradley didn’t voice this thought. ‘Any particular reason? Or...’
‘Just thought it would be nice’ Colin shrugged and then paused and started muttering about hammers. Bradley took the moment to look at him. He was wearing an oversized t-shirt courtesy of Bradley and some old paint-stained jeans. Anyone that could look sexy wearing that complete with pencil behind the ear and glasses perched on the end of his nose was definitely a keeper in Bradley’s opinion.
‘Are you sure we shouldn’t ask a professional to do this?’ Bradley asked, hovering anxiously.
‘Don’t be silly. What’s the worst thing that could happen?’
*
September 15th 2027
‘Happy Anniversary!’ Bradley said as Colin walked into kitchen. ‘The kids are at school and I made you breakfast! Are you working today?’
‘I’ve got a night shoot tonight but until then I’m all yours’ Colin said with a grin.
‘Excellent!’ Bradley wrapped his arms around Colin’s waist and gave him a soft kiss. ‘I love you’ he said.
‘I love you too. Do you know its twenty years to the day that we met?’
‘And look what’s happened since!’ Bradley exclaimed.
Colin nodded his agreement. Someone had once told him that a picket fence life with a wife, 2.5 kids and a dog was the perfect way to live. And well... three out of four wasn’t bad.
‘What’s that smile for?’ Bradley asked him.
‘I was just thinking that perfection is distinctly overrated.’
End
11.00 am (UK)
‘Claire I can’t do this anymore’ Colin blurted out. Claire froze in the act of chopping up the vegetables for dinner and Colin thought he should probably have had this conversation when Claire didn’t have a knife in her hand.
‘What’s that Colin?’ Claire asked, her tone giving nothing away.
‘This. Us. I think we should think about a... a separation.’ Colin had been having some time off work recently, the argument with Bradley having rattled him more than he cared to admit. But the problem with time to yourself meant a lot of time for evaluating your life.
Claire stared at him with an inscrutable expression and then put the knife down, to his great relief, and folded her arms. ‘Why?’
‘Ok’ Colin tried to collect his thoughts. ‘I love you but I’m not in love with you. And I think it’s the same for you. We’re... comfortable. We’ve got settled into this routine but we do nothing but argue. We both put our careers first and we don’t even find it that hard that we don’t see each other very often. It shouldn’t be like that. I’ve been selfish. You deserve more than to be...’ Colin hesitated, knowing what he was about to say would hurt her feelings, ‘to be the woman I settled for.’ He paused again, waiting for a response but none was forth-coming. He abruptly remembered the words Bradley had said to him months before. ‘Everyone deserves a chance at true love, at happiness. Well here’s our chance.’
Claire stared at him for one long moment and then she smiled, her shoulders relaxing and relief clear on her face. ‘Thank you Colin’ she said sincerely and crossed over to him, giving him a quick kiss.
It had been easy after that. The flat was in his name so she said she would move in with one of her girlfriends nearby until they got everything sorted out. He had been happy for her to stay until she made better arrangements but she had just smiled and shook her head. As she reached the door with a bag full of some of her stuff she had turned to look at him and then smiled again.
‘Colin? Go get him.’
-
Colin woke with a start and had a brief moment of ‘oh my God where am I?’ panic before he remembered. He was on a plane to LA.
This was no doubt a terrible idea, ill thought out as he had only had the idea that morning. He had noticed the date with a start. The fifteenth of September. It reminded him of Bradley. How could it not when that one day held so much significance for them? The day they had met, the first time they had kissed, slept together and then the date of their huge argument. Colin had felt a sudden wave of longing pass through him. He wanted nothing more than to talk to Bradley but short of sending him a letter had no way of getting in touch with him. Then go find him a small reckless voice said in his head. Colin had stiffened where he was sat, rather taken by the idea. But then he dismissed it as foolish. Why not? the voice said. The divorce had gone through. You’re not working right now. What’s stopping you?.
‘He doesn’t want me. He’s cut me out of his life’ Colin said aloud and then realised he was arguing with himself which was ridiculous. It didn’t stop him answering himself though.
He did that because you hurt him. It’s your fault so you have to make it right. Go!
Colin had dithered around in indecision for some time. ‘I just need a sign’ he muttered to himself as he moved stuff around his desk in agitation. As if in answer a photo fell off the desk and landed face down on the floor. He picked it up and stared at it for a long moment. It was the one of him and Bradley at the Merlin leaving do. They were looking at each other, their faces each reflecting the others contentment and affection. The photo removed any doubts.
An hour later he was on the way to Heathrow airport.
Here on the plane though with nothing to do but think, all those doubts were coming back in full force.
‘Drink sir?’ a polite air hostess broke him out of his reverie.
‘Er yes please just water thanks. Umm how long until we get there?’
‘Another eight hours yet I’m afraid’ the air hostess replied.
‘Really? In that case make that a large red wine.’
*
1.30 pm (US)
Bradley had spent much of the day so far moping, something he had promised himself he wouldn’t do. But it was the fifteenth of September. His and Colin’s day, if people could have days and according to Bradley they could.
In the end he had called Logan and suggested lunch just to get him out of his apartment. He had been pretty good this year though, throwing away the three letters Colin had sent him without reading them. If Colin thought he could win him over with letters then he was sadly mistaken. It would take a bigger gesture than that. Like sky writing.
‘Yo dude what up?’ was how Logan greeted him where they met at the entrance to Bradley’s building.
‘Logan we’ve been through this. You’re not gangsta.’
‘Am too! Er wickedy wack’ Logan said and attempted the flick with his fingers. Bradley laughed and grabbed his hand to stop him doing it again.
‘I shall call you wangsta!’ Bradley warned and it was Logan’s turn to laugh. Wangsta had been born when Logan kept calling wannabe’s things like wav (wannabe chav) and wemo (wannabe emo). Bradley had told him if he didn’t stop he would have to call Logan a wangsta (wannabe gangsta).
‘Er excuse me but can you direct me to Crocker Street?’ A very familiar asked from the other side of the square. Bradley turned incredulously, sure he was hallucinating. There was Colin, talking to a young woman. Bradley took in the scene and then slapped himself hard across the face. It hurt quite a lot and Colin was still there so he could assume that he wasn’t dreaming. The slap had earned him a rather odd look from Logan though.
‘What’s this Bradley? Are you a sadist now?’ he asked in surprise. Colin spun too at the mention of Bradley’s name and they locked eyes from across the square. ‘Bradley?’ Logan said uncertainly and Bradley realised that he had just tightened the grip he had on Logan’s hand which he was still holding onto. He dropped it quickly.
‘Colin?’ he croaked in amazement. Logan turned to look so fast that he probably gave himself whiplash.
‘So this is Colin?’ Logan breathed. He was almost disappointed. Bradley had built him up to be this totally amazing and good-looking man and he was just a fairly ordinary looking bloke really. He supposed that was the love talking.
Colin took in the scene. He knew the guy was Logan Lerman, the guy had worked on Cops with Bradley. He saw the way they were stood face to face, had heard their laughter and saw that they had been holding hands. He put two and two together and got five.
‘I’m too late’ he said quietly but his voice carried across the empty square. ‘I shouldn’t have come.’ He turned to go. ‘Thank you’ he added to the young woman that had been assisting him. Then he disappeared down a side street.
Bradley turned to look at Logan in horror.
‘What are you waiting for? Go!’ Logan yelled urgently and then they were both running. A whole series of alleyways connected up the streets behind the square and if Colin went down one of them it would be pretty hard to find him. Apparently Colin wasn’t expecting to be followed though because he was still on the main path and jumped violently at the sound of thudding footsteps behind him.
‘Colin!’ Bradley yelled, skidding to a stop beside him. ‘Logan’s not my boyfriend. He’s just a friend. Plus he’s as straight as a pirate’s leg.’ Panic was making him babble like a loon.
‘Are pirate’s legs more straight than other people’s then?’ Colin asked with a ghost of a smile.
‘Well you know they’re wooden and stuff...’ Bradley said awkwardly.
‘Well er I have... stuff to do and that so umm we’ll have to rain check lunch Bradley’ Logan said totally unsubtly. ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!’ he said and then winked in a totally obvious way.
‘Sly Logan’ Bradley said sarcastically and Logan just grinned and waved before vanishing down one of the alleyways, leaving Colin and Bradley alone.
‘So...’ Colin said uncomfortably and it was reminiscent of when they first met when they didn’t know what to say to each other.
‘I don’t live on Crocker Street anymore’ Bradley said for lack of anything better to say. ‘I live just there’ he gestured back to the square. ‘Since last month.’
‘Lucky I ran into you then’ Colin said. ‘Your address was all I had left.’
There was another pause. ‘What are you doing here Colin?’ Bradley asked wearily. He wanted to add something like ‘don’t you think you’ve fucked me up enough’ but he bit his tongue.
‘I split up with Claire’ Colin blurted.
Bradley raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t been expecting that. ‘So?’ he asked. He wasn’t going to make it easy for Colin.
‘So you were right. I am selfish and a coward and I made all the wrong choices. I should have followed you here years ago. You had your big break here but nothing was stopping me from upping sticks. You were the most important thing in my life and I was stupid, settling for a woman I didn’t even love. And for what? Some twisted idea of what a perfect life should be. But I realise now that the only perfect life I could have is one with you in it. I love you. And I know this is years too late and that I’m a twat but will you please give me another chance?’ Colin said and looked at him hopefully.
‘You hurt me pretty badly Colin’ Bradley said slowly. ‘And you’ve already had so many chances.’
Colin looked at him desperately and then seemed struck by a sudden idea. ‘Look the past few years have been pretty fucked up for us yeah? So let’s just start again!’
Bradley looked at Colin doubtfully and watched as Colin’s face took on a slightly nervous and earnest expression.
‘Hi I’m Colin Morgan’ Colin had allowed his accent to become thicker, almost indecipherable to people that hadn’t heard it before. ‘This is all a bit surreal isn’t it?’
Bradley did a double take, playing along. ‘Ok sorry but you’re gonna have to repeat that because I swear you said something about cereal but I guess that’s not right.’
‘This is a bit surreal isn’t it?’ Colin repeated more slowly.
‘Oh surreal! Yes. Bradley and Colin meet for the first time. The start of a great destiny. Just think what could be happening a year from now. It hasn’t even started yet but I’m already excited about it aren’t you?’
‘Er yeah it’s great’ Colin seemed not entirely sure what he was agreeing to. Bradley didn’t seem to mind though. He just grinned in slight embarrassment and shrugged as if to say ‘yeah I talk a lot.’
‘So I know this great little restaurant just down the road from here. Wanna go get lunch?’ Colin asked.
‘That sounds perfect.’
It took them half an hour to find the restaurant. It turned out ‘just down the road’ was Colin-speak for ‘I have no fucking idea where I am.’
‘Day five on the quest for Luigi’s and our intrepid explorers now have no idea where they are’ Bradley said.
‘You’re the one with local knowledge!’ Colin complained. ‘Why didn’t you take over?’
‘Hey I used to live on the other side of town’ Bradley said reasonably. ‘And you said you passed it on your way here so you seemed to know what you were doing.’
‘Did I seem to know what I was doing when I took us past the wig shop for the fifth time?’ Colin exclaimed.
‘Oh wait wait!’ Bradley said, flailing excitedly. ‘I see it! There!’ He pointed and Colin saw with relief that it was just up the road from them. Bradley made a beeline for it when Colin stopped him.
‘We should ask directions!’ he said.
‘What?’ Bradley was understandably confused. ‘But it’s right there!’
‘Precisely and then it will be exactly like the first time we met.’
‘Hey we said we would never talk about that!’ Bradley said and Colin laughed. ‘Ok let’s do it!’ Bradley added with a grin. They went to stand right in front of it and Colin stopped the next person that walked past.
‘Excuse me could you direct us to Luigi’s please?’ Colin asked politely.
The man he had stopped looked at him for a long moment. ‘I’m sorry I don’t speak Swedish’ he said uncertainly. If anything Colin looked even more pissed than the first time that had happened and Bradley couldn’t hold his laugh in this time.
‘Don’t worry about him! We were just wondering if you could point us in the direction of Luigi’s?’
*
3.12 pm (US)
‘Well I had a great time’ Colin said. He had walked Bradley back to his building with a lot less getting lost on the way back.
‘So...’ Bradley said. ‘Do you wanna come in for coffee?’
‘What kind of guy do you think I am?’ Colin asked pretending to be affronted. ‘I don’t have sex on a first date.’
‘How about a kiss?’ Bradley asked.
Colin answered by stepping forward with a mischievous grin, aiming a kiss at Bradley’s cheek. But Bradley twisted his head and caught him on the lips instead. The kiss was open mouthed and messy and Bradley relished that underlying sweet taste that was all Colin. He had missed that. The kiss was desperate and fierce, very different from anything they had shared before. And Colin’s hands were tugging roughly at Bradley’s shirt and Bradley was holding onto Colin so tightly that we as sure he was going to leave bruises. They may have stood on that doorstep for a long time necking like teenagers but the disapproving sound of a throat being cleared caused them to separate.
‘Sorry Mr Garcia’ Bradley said apologetically to the elderly man that passed them onto the street. Mr Garcia just sniffed and put his nose in the air and Bradley and Colin laughed as he walked away.
‘I’m serious though’ Bradley whispered against Colin’s lips once he was gone. ‘I’m guessing you haven’t thought ahead to where you’re going to stay tonight?’
‘I didn’t even think ahead enough to bring luggage’ Colin admitted and Bradley laughed.
‘Alright’ Bradley pulled back purposefully and rifled in his pockets for his keys. ‘I know you’ve had a bitch of a flight and are now on a messed up time so you go in and chill while I go grab you some essentials.’
Colin felt an irrational stab of panic at the thought of Bradley leaving him. After coming all this way he didn’t want to lose Bradley even for a moment. Something of this must have shown on his face because Bradley smiled softly and gave him another quick kiss.
‘I’ll be right back’ he said gently. ‘Until we meet...’ he started to say and then he stopped. He knew when he was going to see Colin again. ‘I’ll see you later’ he said instead and beamed at the thought.
‘I’ll be here’ Colin promised.
And he was.
*
Epilogue
September 15th 2019
‘What the hell is that?’ Bradley asked in horror.
‘It’s a painting’ Colin said.
‘I can see that. What’s with all the blood and... is that a brain?’ Bradley asked peering at the painting suspiciously. He felt quite queasy looking at it.
‘It’s art!’ Colin said defensively.
‘If you say so. But it’s not going in the bedroom.’
‘Wait is this room the bedroom? I thought it was going to be the spare room?’ Colin said.
‘Well either way no one wants that staring at them when they’re trying to sleep.’
‘Fine! What about the kitchen?’
‘Definitely not!’
‘I think this whole thing is moot anyway.’ Colin pointed out. ‘Seeing as we don’t even have a bed yet!’
‘Buying a bed together is a very big commitment’ Bradley said seriously.
‘Bigger than moving in together?’ Colin asked in exasperation. ‘And where are we going to sleep tonight.’
‘We’ll both bunk down on the sofa. It will be fun!’ Bradley said brightly.
‘I’m sure it will be!’
*
September 15th 2020
‘Colin Morgan will you marry me?’ Bradley asked.
Colin paused. ‘This isn’t very romantic’ he said.
‘What?’
‘You’re not even on one knee’ Colin said. Bradley rolled his eyes and then dropped to one knee.
‘Better?’ he asked huffily.
‘And we’re in an allotment’ Colin felt obligated to point out.
‘Well you like plants and things don’t you? You’re vegetarian’ Bradley said vaguely.
Colin rolled his eyes fondly. ‘Theoretically what would happen if I said no?’ Colin asked but his tone made it clear that he had no intention of doing so.
Bradley pretended to think about it. ‘Well I suppose I’d have to kill myself’ he said thoughtfully.
‘Then I suppose my hands are tied’ Colin said.
‘Obligation is all I ask for in my future spouse’ Bradley said seriously.
‘Good because that’s all you’re going to get’ Colin grinned and then let out a squawk of surprise as Bradley rugby tackled him from the floor and sent them both sprawling. They lay on the grass laughing breathlessly and Bradley took Colin’s hand.
‘So am I to take that as a yes?’ he said smiling at Colin.
‘Yes’ Colin beamed back at him. ‘Of course yes!’
*
September 15th 2021
Katie’s mother had always told her that at a wedding everyone always looked at the bride. But you should always spare at least a glance for the groom because the look on his face when he sees his wife to be for the first time is one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever see.
Bradley and Colin didn’t have a traditional wedding of course. For one it was outside, in an allotment of all places. But they did have Bradley waiting at the front of the congregation for Colin to enter. With her mother’s advice in mind Katie was looking at Bradley when Colin first appeared. And her mother was right as always. Bradley’s whole face lit up when he saw Colin. He didn’t even smile as such but the joy just seemed to radiate from him, so that his whole face was alive with it. Katie glanced at Colin and saw that he was wearing a matching look of love and contentment. Colin walked down the aisle alone but when he joined Bradley at the front and took his hand Katie knew they would never be alone again.
‘Katie are you crying?’ Paul asked her in surprise.
‘No!’ Katie said fiercely. ‘I’ve just... got something in my eye.’
*
September 15th 2022
‘I’ve got a surprise for you!’ Bradley announced.
‘It’s not one of those weird massages again is it? Because my back still hasn’t recovered from last time.’
Bradley scowled. ‘No.’
‘Oh is it Shrek 10: This really honestly is the final one this time, no jokes?’ Colin asked.
Bradley laughed. ‘No it’s not out yet and I’m trying to limit my illegal activity these days.’
‘Well then. I’m stumped. What is it?’
‘It’s a puppy!’ Bradley announced with a grin. ‘Happy anniversary!’ He opened the door and a small cocker spaniel pattered into the room looking faintly ridiculous with an overlarge bow around its neck.
‘Awwww’ Colin melted at the sight of it and scooped it up.
‘Such a girl’ Bradley shook his head in mock disgust. ‘His name is Percy. I knew you liked that name for a dog.’
‘Welcome to the family Percy!’ Colin announced and then cooed some more as Percy snuggled comfortably into his arms.
‘And good luck!’ Bradley added brightly. ‘You’re going to need it!’
*
September 15th 2023
‘You will know when you’ve got it. Nine letters’ Bradley said. He was doing the crossword with his feet up on Colin’s lap. Colin was trying to read. Trying being the operative word as Bradley was interrupting him every few seconds to help with his crossword.
‘Chlamydia?’ Colin suggested after a pause.
‘Ew’ Bradley laughed. ‘No it starts with E.’
‘Elephants?’ Colin tried. ‘Earphones. Erection...s.’
‘Get your mind out the gutter’ Bradley scolded him.
‘It’s hard when it’s been there almost my entire life’ Colin grinned.
‘The answer was erudition’ Bradley commented, ignoring him. ‘What the fuck does that mean?’
‘I don’t know why you bother with these words games. You know we’re shit at them.’
‘Which reminds me’ Bradley said. ‘It’s almost 3.25 so what’s it time for?’
‘Countdown!’ they chorused and flipped the TV on.
*
September 15th 2024
‘Steffy what have I told you about throwing your food around?’ Colin asked mock sternly.
Steffy just giggled. She was only three after all. Colin smiled at her fondly and Percy made himself busy mopping up the kitchen floor. They had adopted Steffy 8 months ago and things couldn’t be going better.
Bradley entered the kitchen then with a huge grin on his face. ‘Guess what?’ he said happily.
‘Oh I love this game’ Colin said. ‘Is it...’
‘Never mind!’ Bradley interrupted him. ‘We got him! We got Zach.’ Bradley was referring to the small boy they had applied to adopt. They had both always wanted one of each.
‘You hear that Steffy?’ Colin enthused. ‘You’re going to have a little brother!’
‘Oh’ Steffy said thoughtfully. ‘Daddy where do babies come from?’
‘I think your dad can cover that one’ Colin said and then made a dash for it leaving Bradley with an inquisitive three year old.
*
September 15th 2025
‘Happy Anniversary!’ Colin mumbled sleepily into Bradley’s cheek. ‘I haven’t got you a present.’
Bradley laughed. ‘I suppose I should just be grateful that you remembered it all!’
‘I could never forget the date. The fifteenth of September is our day. I’ve just been... busy. Look I’ll make it up to you’ Colin arched his eyebrows suggestively.
‘Oh really? I like the sound of that!’ Bradley chuckled. They kissed lazily and slowly both still sleep warm and pliable in each other’s arms. But then the kiss took on more of an edge and Colin allowed his hand to slip down and tease Bradley through his boxers. Bradley shuddered slightly and let out a soft moan.
‘Daddy?’ a small voice said from the doorway and Bradley let out a strangled noise and promptly fell off the bed.
‘Yes Steffy?’ Colin asked kindly, opening his arms out to his daughter.
‘I had a bad dream’ she said uncertainly. ‘What’s dad doing on the floor?’ she whispered.
‘Oh you know your dad, always messing about’ Colin said, suppressing a laugh.
‘He really is very silly sometimes’ Steffy agreed seriously clambering into the bed next to Colin.
‘Right I’m just going to have a shower then!’ Bradley said from the floor.
‘Yes we’ll finish this later’ Colin said and sealed the promise with a wink.
*
September 15th 2026
‘Colin what are you doing?’ Bradley asked curiously, watching Colin rearranging various bits of wood into piles.
‘I’m building a picket fence Bradley. Isn’t it obvious?’
It wasn’t but Bradley didn’t voice this thought. ‘Any particular reason? Or...’
‘Just thought it would be nice’ Colin shrugged and then paused and started muttering about hammers. Bradley took the moment to look at him. He was wearing an oversized t-shirt courtesy of Bradley and some old paint-stained jeans. Anyone that could look sexy wearing that complete with pencil behind the ear and glasses perched on the end of his nose was definitely a keeper in Bradley’s opinion.
‘Are you sure we shouldn’t ask a professional to do this?’ Bradley asked, hovering anxiously.
‘Don’t be silly. What’s the worst thing that could happen?’
*
September 15th 2027
‘Happy Anniversary!’ Bradley said as Colin walked into kitchen. ‘The kids are at school and I made you breakfast! Are you working today?’
‘I’ve got a night shoot tonight but until then I’m all yours’ Colin said with a grin.
‘Excellent!’ Bradley wrapped his arms around Colin’s waist and gave him a soft kiss. ‘I love you’ he said.
‘I love you too. Do you know its twenty years to the day that we met?’
‘And look what’s happened since!’ Bradley exclaimed.
Colin nodded his agreement. Someone had once told him that a picket fence life with a wife, 2.5 kids and a dog was the perfect way to live. And well... three out of four wasn’t bad.
‘What’s that smile for?’ Bradley asked him.
‘I was just thinking that perfection is distinctly overrated.’
End