A special mention to that-guy-in-the-chiton on tumblr for the creation of Declan McCool.
As the night wore on. Laurie found a moment to take Clare around to introduce her to her friends and some of the regulars. Everyone wished her a happy birthday. Clare couldn't help but smile as she was enthralled by the encouragement and well wishes that were showered upon her by members of her community. The influence of vodka and coke and sweet fruity cocktails began to take effect and she quickly stopped emphasizing she wasn't quite 18 yet. While Clare felt a familiar swanning feeling descend upon her, partly down to the amount of drinks she consumed, and hanging lovingly onto Laurie's arm. The song "I know where it's at" by All Saints pulsated through the club. Clare swayed merrily with Laurie on the dance area.
Michelle smirked triumphantly that her scheme had worked. She savoured the taste as she threw her drink back and danced near the happy couples. Erin and James were huddled together; the wee English fella felt mellow enough to bask in his girlfriend's beauty rather than catching the odd gaze from other fellas on the dance floor. Michelle shoulder shuffled to the music with Orla, who was extremely happy to find that the bar had a stock of Chupa Chups lollypops, and even more happy that they were free. The kooky member had two lollypops tucked inside her cheeks, the distinct flavours of cherry and orange mixing as she jocked between dancing with Michelle and Marco, who was now sporting purple and silver star makeup around his eyes. The crowd erupted as "Freed from Desire" by Gala started to play.
"THIS IS A FUCKING TUNE!!!!" Michelle cried to Orla as she cheered loudly with her. The pace quickened and soon there were more cheers as bubbles began cascading from above them.
"WOOOAHHHHH!!!!!! THAT IS SO CLASS!!!!!" Orla cried with approval as she gawked with amazement.
"AYE!!! IT'S MENTAL!!!" Erin shouted, looking up at the descending bubbles.
Erin couldn't help but collapse with laughter as she looked at James who was also sporting the same purple and silver glitter star makeup around his eyes. Throwing their drinks back, they jumped to the music. The atmosphere in the bar/ club was loud and merry. There was the odd person who wore striking, bold coloured outfits, while others wore more profound ones, sporting a tribute to Freddie Mercury, Boy George, and George Michael respectively. The music switched from current popular music, to dance remixes, to 80's classics by ABBA and Queen. "I want to break free" came on. The gang came away and sat on the sofa where they'd laid their coats upon. Clare opted to stay dancing with Laurie. It was now coming close to closing time.
"Alright, come on. Let's get one more round in before they call last orders!" Michelle ordered happily.
"Yeah!" Orla agreed happily.
"Oi! Wank Features! Get yer arse up there. Just get seven of the same drink!" Michelle ordered James.
"Why me?" James moaned.
"Cos the barman's been eyeing yous since you walked in! Now shift it!" Michelle shot. James sighed and made his way over to the bar.
"Catch yourself on! Are you pimping my James out just so you can get a quicker drink?" Erin shot.
"Don't be such a dose! the Barman's horny for 'im, just let 'im ogle James for a wee bit, what? ye worried he's gonna dump yer or something?" Michelle shot. Erin furrowed her eyes.
James had somehow managed to get himself to the front of the bar. He tried to get the barman's attention, but he appeared to be pre-occupied with some other fella, much to James' relief. While the other patrons eagerly waited to be served before last orders were called, Meat Loaf's "I'd do anything for love" began to play, freeing the bar somewhat as partners paired off. James turned and smiled as he spied Erin. Their eyes met, and she waved at him with her fingers, shooting a warm smile at her wee English fella. James smiled broadly at her. He then turned back to the matter in hand and try to get the barman's attention.
"Oooh, back again are ye, handsome? Can't keep away can yous?" The Barman teased James as he sauntered over. Causing James to shuffle awkwardly.
"Yeah... could I get 7 vodka and cokes again?" James called. "We got a tab for Clare's 18th?"
The Barman flashed his eyebrows at him before moving down to make the drinks. James started to look around the bar, taking in the atmosphere while he waited. He was then joined by the Barman again.
"Sorry love. That's tab's been used up!" He said. "It's gonna cost ye another £25." He informed James, who was taken back by the amount.
"25 quid? Are you serious?" James stressed.
"Well, ye can always pay me in kind, if ye catch my drift?" The Barman tilted his head and winked suggestively to James. The wee English fella stood aghast.
"It's alright. I'll get it for him." A woman's voice said.
The Barman's eyes furrowed as James turned to find himself staring at a long, curly dark-haired woman, she was slim and about the same height as Erin but was clearly much older. Old enough to be his mum. She had striking green eyes, and fair pale skin. James couldn't help but regard the tight short black dress she was wearing. The woman shot him a warm smile.
"Uh.... Are you sure?" James asked, clearly puzzled.
"Of course, not a problem." She smiled at him again as she slid the money across the bar top. "So, what's your name?" Her accent was not a Derry accent.
"Uh... uh... James." He stuttered.
"It's a nice name. Nice to meet you, James. I'm Siobhan." The woman purred. Her eyes didn't leave his as she extended her hand. James felt a strange, awkward tension burn in his chest as he accepted the handshake.
".... Yeah. Nice to... meet you too. Thank you for sorting it out." James answered, remembering his manners.
"You're welcome. Maybe I'll see yer around sometime, James?" Siobhan said softly as she walked away. James stood dumbstruck by the woman.
"Uh, I think that belongs to me, stud!" The Barman shot annoyingly, snatching the money out of James' hand.
"..... Sorry." James said, he turned to look for Siobhan.
"You alright, Mate?" Marco then joined him. James turned back towards him.
"Uh yeah! The tab's used up!" James spoke up into Marco's ear.
"Oh bollocks! How'd you manage to pay for these then?" Marco asked.
"A woman just paid for them." James answered, still confused.
"Oh result! What woman?" Marco asked, glancing around.
"Well, she's just the-"James turned to point her out but she was gone. "She's gone!"
"Alright, never mind." Marco shrugged.
"Oi! Got some advice for you, sweetheart! Keep both eyes on your partner 'ere. He's got wandering eyes. So, he has.." The Barman interjected, huffing at James as he walked down the line of calling customers. James huffed himself and walked off. Marco turned to see James walk away, he took the tray over to the girls.
"About fucking time! I was starting to sober up! Where's Dicko going?" Michelle moaned.
"I dunno. I'm gonna go talk to him." Marco said.
"Hold on, I'm come with yer." Michelle swigged her drink back and followed Marco.
Erin, Orla and Clare cheered loudly as the Spice Girls "Who do you think you are" came on. They sang along to their favourite girl power ballad, remembering their dance steps. Erin spun and tripped backwards, bumping into another person on the dance floor. She straightened herself up to see the man who was wearing a dirty blue coloured suit. Erin's jaw dropped to the floor with utter shock.
"DECLAN?"
"ERIN? WEE ERIN?"
Marco and Michelle found James sitting atop a wooden table outside the front of the bar. The evening had turned fresh, and the Spice Girls could still be heard pumping from outside.
"Oi James! You alright mate?" Marco asked.
"What's the matter? The Barman didn't give yer a hard on, did he?" Michelle chuckled.
"No, just wanted to get some air. Needed to clear my head." But James' frown wasn't fooling them. Although they were tipsy, they couldn't fail but notice that James had something on his mind. Michelle and Marco moved to sit atop of the table next to James.
"Alright, what's wrong?" Marco asked.
"Nothing..... It's stupid." James shrugged. "This shouldn't be bothering me this much, but it's.... awkward."
Marco took a deep breath. "You need to let it go, James. This whole thing with your stepdad.... You can't let it affect you."
"Aye, he's right James. You got one more year of A-levels. That's what you need to fucking focus on. Fuck that prick! You got all of us around you, and that's all you need, aye?." Michelle snapped.
"I think she's trying to say we're all here for you, mate. And don't think I'm saying this just cos I'm all decked up with this makeup, or where we are.... But I fucking luv ya!" Marco shoulder barged him playfully.
James spurted out a laugh. "Well, that's always nice to hear.... But that's not what I'm thinking about." James corrected them.
"Well, what are you thinking about?" Marco asked.
"..... I've gotta knock football on the head, Marco. I mean, you're both right, I have got a lot on my plate this year with A-levels, and I've gotta start building up my portfolio if I'm gonna do film studies. I've been meaning to tell you, but I've not been able to find the right moment, sorry mate." James frowned.
"Ach for fuck sake! Is that what's been so glum about? Jesus fucking wept. I take back what I said. God, you are such a dick, James!" Michelle groaned.
"You're not annoyed are you?" James asked Marco, ignoring Michelle.
"Of course I'm not annoyed yer twat!" He laughed.
"Really?" James asked again. Marco nodded emphatically.
"Thank God!" James sighed with relief.
"James. You gotta do what you gotta do, mate. Tell the truth, I've gotta knock it on the 'ead as well. The apprenticeship's getting heavy now." Marco revealed. "So, I need to focus as well."
"Guess we're in the same boat, right?" James admitted.
"Yeah, just on different decks." Marco agreed.
"Aye, different decks but yer both dicks!" Michelle shot. "You two should just ride and get it over with." She chuckled.
"Uh excuse me?" Michelle looked to find a butch looking woman with short hair walk up to her. "I've seen you around tonight. Yer looking grand so ye are. Here. Call me sometime." She handed Michelle a piece of paper and walked away. The feisty Mallon stood dumbstruck.
"Well, that was awkward." James said.
"You think THAT'S awkward? She's the sixth one that's come to me tonight. Look at this!" Michelle pulled a handful of papers out from her jeans.
"Are you sure you're not a fan of the fantango, Michelle?" Marco snickered.
"You can fuck right off!" Michelle fired. Making him laugh.
Orla suddenly jumped in between them all, throwing her arms around them, hugging them happily. James and Marco chuckled as she staggered between them.
"Hiiiiyyyaaa Laaaaadsssss Whatcha doin?" Orla slurred.
"Fuck me! Is she pished?" Michelle laughed.
"You alright, Orla? Having a good time?" James smiled.
"This is just the best night eeeeeveerrrr!" Orla slurred happily. She then turned and smiled at Marco with hungry eyes. "I've been looking for you" She said slowly. Feeling a familiar burn inside her chest.
"Have you?" Marco smirked, speaking slowly. His chest also feeling the same burn.
"Aye.... I just wanted to see those pretty eyes of yers." Orla leant in and put her lips next to his ear. "I really fancy ye right now." She whispered. James shuffled awkwardly away.
"Do you wanna ride?" Orla asked suddenly, smiling.
"Fucking Hell, Orla!" Michelle snickered.
"Uh, I don't think this is the most appropriate place for that, Orla!" James pressed.
"Well, no offence, James. But I was asking Marco..... Jesus but it's hot in there!" She puffed. Undeterred, Orla unzipped her hoodie.
"Jesus Christ Orla! Is that Marco's Arsenal shirt you're wearing?" James stressed; his eyes popped out of his head.
"Shut the fuck up James!" Michelle shot.
"Do ye two mind? I'm a wee bit busy here!" Orla moaned.
"Oh! Excuse us." Michelle smirked.
Before James could excuse himself, Michelle shoved him off the table and back towards the door. Leaving them alone. Marco chuckled as he regarded Orla in his football shirt. Their lips met. Her hands wandered under his shirt with a reckless abandonment. Marco mirrored her wandering hands.
"You know, I've been looking for this." He panted, pulling on the shirt.
"Do ye want me to take it off?" Orla asked.
"I wouldn't if I were you. You're not wearing a bra." Marco quipped. Orla started to laugh. "How come you're wearing it?" Marco snickered.
"Well, it was over in Aunt Mary's ironing pile a few days back; I needed a shirt, and it was there. Ye got a problem with that?" Orla challenged him.
"No. Not really. It looks good on you" Marco flashed his eyebrows. "Are you wearing anything else of mine?" He asked jokingly.
"Actually...... I'm wearing a pair of your cacks." Orla giggled. She pulled on the elastic from inside her jeans, and showed she was wearing a pair of Marco's boxer briefs.
"Fuck me! you really are a bit of both, aren't you?" Marco snickered.
"Aye.... and you love me for it..... Don't ya?" Orla furrowed her eyes, now looking slightly worried.
"Yeah. You know I love you." Marco answered.
Orla smiled at warmly at him. "Oh! I just remembered why I came out looking for yous. There's someone you need to meet. Come on!"
Orla eagerly took a hand and lead him back into the bar. Making their way past the departing party goers. The music was still playing but the main lights had now been turned on, signalling the end of the evening. They caught up with James and Michelle and looked over towards the sofa where they'd been sitting. The boys saw Erin speaking with excitement to the man she bumped into. He had a mop of dark blonde hair that was parted in the middle. The man appeared to be in his mid-20's. He looked tallish with a broad build. The man appeared to know Erin. Orla rushed over to the sofa, warmly greeting the unknown man. James and Marco tilted their heads and scrunched his eyes together. The man looked familiar, very familiar, but they weren't sure why.
"Alright lads?!" Clare shouted jubilantly. "I just wanna say Thanks for a grand night! I love each.... And every one of you motherfuckers." She cried happily. Making Michelle crease.
"You're welcome, Clare." They both snickered.
The wee lesbian was now covered in a multitude of multi coloured beads, feather boas, and a tiara; looking more like she was out on her hen night than an 18th birthday. Clare's face was also covered with glitter and stars as she swayed happily, wooing as she spun around, relishing the former festivities, also steaming from all the drinks that the other girls in the club had bought her. Her state hadn't gone unnoticed by Laurie who motioned to Michelle from behind the bar to keep an eye on her.
"Steaming a wee bit, are ye, Clare?" Michelle laughed.
"I'm fucking pished and I don't give a shite!" Clare screamed happily. Michelle and Marco exploded with laughter, but James spotted the woman he'd met earlier walking towards the exit. She shot another smirk.
"Oi look! that's her!" James suddenly pointed out.
"Who?" Marco asked.
"The woman who paid for the drinks, she's right..... there?" James turned to point her out, but she was gone again. Marco stared in the same direction but saw no one.
"Is she a ride?" Clare turned to look.
"Oi! What you playing at perving over some other woman while yer girlfriend's right there?!" Michelle barked.
"I was only curious!" Clare argued.
"I didn't mean you, Clare. I was talking to Dick face here?" Michelle replied.
"Oh Aye! Fucking English pervs! Can't keep it in your cacks for five fucking minutes!" Clare shot.
"Alright. Easy Clare." Marco said.
"Never mind." James sighed. "Michelle, who is that?" James pointed.
"Are we gonna get another round in?!" Clare called out drunkenly.
"Oi, George Best, pipe down!" Michelle shot.
"Coming from you that's saying something!" Marco joked.
"Michelle, who is that talking to Erin and Orla?" James asked again.
"Fuck a doodle doo! It's Declan!" Michelle cried.
"OK..... Who's Declan?" Marco asked.
"That's Declan! Aare ye fucking blind, James?" Clare slurred. They looked confused.
"Well, he's actually Mary and Sarah's cousin. He's their Uncle Colm's wain. Left Derry a while back when he was 18. Dunno why though." Michelle explained.
"Hold on! You're only just telling me now that Uncle Colm has a son?" James stressed.
"Jesus Christ! You're telling me Colm actually managed to get his leg over? How'd he manage that? Talk the woman into a coma?" Marco stressed comically; Michelle snickered.
"Huh! She was either pished as shite, deaf or fucking insane.... Or maybe it's a McCool thing, ye know? They're attracted to mental people?" Clare drunkenly decreed. Michelle was gobsmacked, even for her.
Orla was now draped over the sofa, talking to Declan. She pointed over towards the group. Declan stared curiously, almost suspiciously at the two boys. Erin beckoned them to come over. Clare stumbled over first. She went to sit on the sofa but missed the seat completely. Finding herself sitting on the floor, the group threw their heads back with laughter.
"Whoa! I'm alright! I'm alright!" Clare cried. "Can one of you 12 help us up?" She threw an arm up.
"Here, let me help you up, wain." Declan chuckled. Clare snickered as he helped her up.
"Fuck a doodle do! That was a classic, Clare." Michelle shouted, bumping her while James and Marco hurled with laughter.
"Dec! Dec! come 'ere!" Erin called excitedly. "James, this is our cousin, Dec. Dec, this is my boyfriend, James." She said proudly, holding onto James's arm.
"Hi Declan, nice to meet you." James said.
"Ach, so you're English are ye now? Fucking arseholes coming over here and taking advantage of Irish girls, ye make me sick!" Declan shot angrily.
Erin and James stood dumbstruck. "..... I'm sorry?" James panicked.
"Hahahahaha! Just having a wee craic with yer, pal. Bet I had ye shitting yer cacks just then. Nice to meet yer James!" Declan put his hand out, James huffed a nervous chuckle as they shook hands.
"Dec, this is my Bear!" Orla said, pulling Marco over by the arm.
"Bear? That's your name? Christ, what'd ye do? Pay someone for that name?" Declan quipped.
"Yeah, got it from the same place you bought that suit." Marco shot back. Declan stared blankly. He then started to laugh.
"Oh, I like this one! He's got a sense of humour." Declan laughed.
"I gave it to him!" Orla said proudly. "Well, not the sense of humour, I just gave him the name. But his real name's Marco. He does have a cracking sense of humour as well."
"Ach, well. Nice to meet yer, Bear." Declan joked.
"Yeah, you too Dec." Marco shucked, shaking his hand.
The crowd was almost gone as the group reclined back to the sofa to speak with Declan. As he spoke, the distinguishes were uncanny, and scaringly similar. Declan almost looked like a younger Uncle Colm but had a mannerism like Granda Joe. Truly, the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree. As Declan spoke, James tilted his head again.
"Are you hearing what I'm hearing?" James asked.
"It's like he's a clone of Uncle Colm, just more..... intriguing." Marco nodded.
"I can't believe it's really been 6 years Dec!" Erin exclaimed as they sat down.
"I know. Mad isn't it?" Declan agreed. "Last time I saw all you girls, yer were no more than 11 or something? I imagine yer still giving yer mammies Hell, Aye?"
"Oh God, yes." James shot.
"Piss off, Dickhead!" Michelle shot back.
"So, you've been away all this time. How come ye left Derry? Our mammies never really told us." Erin asked.
Declan sighed. "Ach, well truth is. I never really got round to telling them I was leaving. I just had to get out of here! Too many issues. Aunt Marie and Mammy passing within a few months of each other pretty much did it."
"That' desperate." Clare frowned, clearly steaming.
"Aye, it was. Granda was sad for quite a while." Orla frowned. "He's really missed ye, Deccy."
"Aye. I've really missed Uncle Joe. I just had to get out and be who I really was. I remember thinking to myself, I thought, Dec.... Ye never gonna be the real you in this place. Too many arseholes judging yer. I said to meself says I..... Dec, ye need to follow that wee yellow brick road. So, I packed my bags and ended up in Liverpool. Went from place to place, so I did. Manchester, Glasgow, York, finally made my way to London." He explained.
"Huh, Aye. Wizard of Oz was always Granny's favourite film." Erin reminisced.
"Oh, I loved the flying monkeys!" Orla exclaimed. Marco flashed his eyebrows at James.
"Aye. Always had it on. Christ, I miss her." Dec choked up.
"We've really missed you too, Deccy." Orla leant over and hugged him.
"Aw... I've missed yer too, wee Orla." Declan smiled, returning the hug. "I've definitely missed yer wee hugs."
"What do you mean, Dec? You said ye had to be your true self?" Erin asked.
Clare lifted her head up and shot. "Wise up, Erin! It's obvious! He's Gay! But he knew he'd get shit for it, so he moved away. Right Dec?" Clare then flopped her head back.
".... Pretty much what she said." Declan nodded. "Back when I was your age. Being Gay wasn't as accepted as it is these days. I mean it's not grand, but it's a lot better than it was. But I couldn't do that to the auld man. I love me Da. And I love Uncle Joe.... But, also, I don't think they'd take too kindly to one of their own being Gay." He said sadly.
"Catch yourself on, Dec. They wouldn't have judged yer." Erin protested.
"Well, you're one to talk!" Clare spoke up, her head still flopped back.
"Will someone stick an apple in her mouth?" Erin shot.
"That is so class, Deccy!" Orla shook with excitement.
"Aww, thanks Orla love." Declan smiled.
"Does Uncle Colm know that you're gay?" Erin asked.
"Aye, but I'm not sure how he took it. Well, not at first anyway." Declan said.
"What d'ya mean?" Michelle asked.
"Well..... I came back over in January for a visit, so I did. It'd been a while since I saw the auld man. I said to meself, I said, Dec, ye can't hide it no more. Lord behold, I get home and I walk into a right awkward situation to say the least!..... Does the name STEVENSON mean anything to any of yous?" He asked quizzically. The group turned and looked knowingly at each other.
"We might have... heard that name somewhere, sometime." Erin answered, contorting her face awkwardly.
"Jesus! Ye still make those funny faces, Erin?" Declan laughed. "Ye could never tell her a secret." He said, turning to the others. "As soon she made that face, it was always a dead giveaway she was hiding something."
"I don't make a face!" Erin protested.
"Yeah you do." Orla and Marco said together. "Jinx!" Orla laughed.
"I do NOT!" Erin stressed, pulling the face.
"Oi, ask her about her and Dicko, Dec." Michelle spoke up.
"Shut up, Michelle!" James cried.
"Oh aye, what am I missing? I mean besides you lot being here even though yer not over 18?" Declan asked knowingly.
"Nothing, Declan!" Erin shot, the face appeared again. Declan narrowed his eyes and glanced curiously between Erin and James. Who was just as nervous.
"Alright..... I won't ask." He said sternly. "Anyway.... There I am with my Da. It was just after dinner, and we were sitting down to watch Family Fortunes.... So it goes into the adverts, and I said to meself says I, Dec, it's now or never....." he said. The group hung on his every word. "And I've literally just told him about me...."
"Being Gay!" Orla interrupted.
"Aye.... He sits there..... absolutely dead pan as you can imagine..... He then proceeds to ignore what I've said and starts to tell me this wild story about him working undercover with the RUC.... Some kind of fraud business involving a certain.... Patrick O'Driscoll?"
"WHAAAAAAT?!" The group's faces were aghast.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that, Declan?" James asked, flabbergasted. "Your Dad was working for the RUC?"
"True as I'm sitting here.... I'm trying to come out to my Da, and he tells me that the RUC reached out to him to help them to incriminate some School council fella who was on the thieve. After all that, he asked me to go and wash the dishes. It's like it went in one ear and out the other." Declan frowned sadly.
"He didn't say anything?" Marco asked.
"Well.... I was still reeling from what he said, then the phone rang. I pick up and I hear this fella ranting and raging on the other end of the phone, so he was. Turns out to be this Patrick O'Driscoll character."
"Fuck me sideways! What did ye do?" Michelle asked.
"Did ye wash the dishes like Uncle Colm asked?" Orla asked.
"Fuck the fecking dishes, Orla!" Erin snapped.
"Well, I had to think on my feet! I was a wee bit worried he clocked that I wasn't who he thought I was. Before I knew it, I just went along with it. Da had to fill me in on what was going on. Had to go down the Poilce Station, before I knew it, I was part of it. Operation Spider they called it." Declan said.
"So, let me get this straight. The RUC recruited Uncle Colm.... OUR Uncle Colm.... AND YOU..... as some sort of James Bond type spies so they could catch Mr O'Driscoll in the act of committing fraud?" Erin quizzed.
"Not just any Fraud. Insurance Fraud, Money Embezzlement, Theft of public funds, Suspicion of laundering money to Provo groups. The list went on. This bastard's been on their radar for years. They just couldn't catch him in the act. That is, until he went for your school." Declan revealed.
"Fucking hell! I think Uncle Colm just became a legend." Marco laughed.
"Provo groups? Fuck a doodle doo!" Michelle gasped.
"Did your dad say anything about.... You?" Marco asked again.
"At first, he didn't say anything. Well, at least until a week ago. I've been coming and going with my job, so I have."
"Aye. That's what I wanted to tell yous. Deccy's the new dance instructor down the leisure centre." Orla piped up.
"Oh, is that what you do Dec? You're a dance teacher?" James asked.
"Aye, so I am." Declan smiled.
"What did Uncle Colm say?" Erin asked.
"Well, we just finished watching Noel's House Party...."
"Oh! I loooove Mr blobby!!!!" Orla beamed.
"Shut up Orla!" Erin whispered. Declan reflected as he explained the gist of how the conversation went with his Uncle Colm.
"Am I right in saying that ye fancy fellas now, do ye Declan?"
".... Aye."
"Huh.... Have ye only started now, or has it been a while?"
"Well, quite a while, da."
"Ach, Fair enough."
"..... Fair enough? Is that it? What? Yer not upset, Da?"
".... Am I supposed to be, son?"
"Well... it's a wee bit frowned upon amongst Catholics. Is it not?"
"Aye, I suppose that's true, so it is."
"But, ye're ok with it?"
Well, I won't pretend I fully grasp the concept, Son. I mean... I can't stand to be around certain fellas a lot of the time. Your cousin Eammon being one of them, mostly because of how dull he can be. But ye seem pretty sure of yerself, Declan, so ye do. So.... If this is what makes ye happy, then all the power to ye son."
"..... Thanks, Da."
"Anytime, son. Now, get on with those dishes. Not gonna wash themselves, they're not."
The flashback brought a warm smile on Declan's face. Erin and Orla regarded Declan's contentment and snuggled up to him.
"That is really nice." Erin smiled.
"Aye, it really is, Deccy. I always said Uncle Colm was class. Plus, ye got us to support yer. I mean we got a girl lesbian, and now we got a fella lesbian." Orla exclaimed.
"Well, to be fair. What we have is a passed-out girl lesbian." Michelle pointed out. They all turned to see Clare snoring away with her head tilted back.
"Jesus Christ! How we gonna explain this to her mammy?" Erin stressed.
"It's alright girls. I already rang Geraldine. I told her Clare's staying round my place." Laurie said.
"Hmmm. No Fantango fanny fun for you tonight, aye Laurie?" Michelle joked.
"Well, from what I've heard, ye've been having them lined up all night, Michelle. Maybe you and me could have a wee craic at it?" Laurie purred.
"WHAT?" Michelle cried.
"HA! GOT YA!" Laurie shot. Michelle's face was as a white as a sheet. The others creased at the sight of Michelle's shocked look.
"Piss off yer fuckers! I'M NOT GAY!" Michelle exclaimed loudly.
"Keep telling yerself that, love!" A voice called.
"FUCK OFF!" Michelle shot. The group fell over laughing. "What are you laughing at ball bag?" She shot at James.
"Now you know how I feel every time you say it to me." James shot back.
"Oh really? If there's anyone in our family that's gay, it's certainly you!" Michelle snapped.
"There's nothing Gay about James, Michelle! He is STRAIGHT AS A FECKING ARROW! I can CERTAINLY vouch for that!" Erin shot.
"Well, given that ye slept together with no clothes on, that does sort of answer the question, Erin." Orla said.
"ORLA!" Erin cried.
"I knew it." Declan said with composure.
"Put your guard up, she might swing." Marco said.
Laurie covered her mouth to hide her smirk. "You're in for a right craic with this lot, Dec. I can tell ye as much." She laughed.
"Aye, I think yer right...." Declan nodded. He smiled at the nervous looks on Erin's face. "Don't worry. Yer secret's safe with me. You two lads just make sure ye treat these girls the way they deserve to be treated. Cos Gay or not, either of yous treat them wrong, I'll kick both yer arses!" Declan said affirmingly to the boys.
"Message received." James gulped nervously, heeding the warning.
"No worries there Dec." Marco agreed.
"Aye, No worries there, Deccy. These lads are solid, so they are." Orla nodded, wrapping her arms firmly around James and Marco.
"Aye. That they are, Dec. They might be English pricks, but they're the good kind. Surely you've had yer fair share of good pricks in your time, aye?" Michelle joked, flashing her eyebrows. James and Marco shook their heads in disbelief.
"Aye, very funny, Mouth!" Declan chuckled.
"Can we tell our mammies and Granda that yer back, Deccy?" Orla asked.
"..... Not quite yet Orla. I just need some time to come round and see them myself, especially Uncle Joe. Ye understand, aye?" Declan said.
".... Aye. I think I understand." Orla nodded, furrowing her eyes.
"We won't say anything, Dec. But it's grand to have yer back." Erin said assuringly.
"Grand. Thanks girls. It's class to be back." Declan smiled.
"Declan. I've got our coats." The wains looked to see a woman standing over them.
"Ach girls. This is Siobhan. She's my flat mate. Siobhan, these are my cousins." Declan announced. The group greeted her politely.
"Hello, nice to meet you all. Oh, hello again." Siobhan made eye contact with James and smiled at him again.
"Hi. Again." James replied politely.
"Ye two know each other?" Erin furrowed her eyes at James.
"Uh. Yes. We had a wee chat at the bar earlier, right James?" Siobhan asked.
"Yeah, Siobhan bought the last round of drinks for us." James explained.
"Ach, class. Thanks Siobhan." Michelle claimed happily.
"Ye had a wee chat of he did ye now?" Erin shot a look at James, which didn't go unnoticed.
"Well, the taxi's outside Declan. Shall we go?" Siobhan asked.
"Yeah, girls. We need to get going too." Marco pointed out that Clare and Orla both had their eyes closed.
"Right. Wains. Love yous. See yer around, aye?" Declan said his goodbyes to them all. "Oi, you get them home alright lads?" Declan asked the boys. They nodded assumingly.
Laurie managed to wake Clare up. The wee lesbian was too dazed to want to make a quick dash for the nearby chippy. Word of going over to the competition would also undoubtedly raise eyebrows and make its way back to Fionnula. Tucking Clare into the front passenger seat, Laurie said good night to everyone. At 12:03am, Saturday night was now Sunday morning. The wains made their way home. Erin seemed to be preoccupied with something as they made their way back. Marco had hug carried Orla the whole way home, smirking as he heard her snoring slightly. They soon came to the gate.
"Isn't she heavy, Marco?" James shivered.
"No, besides it's good for the arms. I think it is. You can always swap if you want." Marco quipped.
"No, I'm good thanks." James chuckled. He then turned to Erin. "Night Erin." He said.
"Aye.... Night." Erin pecked his cheek, but she seemed annoyed.
"Oi, what's got up your hole?" Michelle asked. Just then. The front door swung open. Erin felt her skin turn pale.
"Erin Quinn! Orla McCool! Where in God's name have ye been?!" Mary bellowed. "Ye know what? I don't wanna hear it! Just get yourselves in before I launch ye both to the moon with the wooden spoon!" She gave a sterner look before marching indoors. Coco Pops then bounded outside to greet them.
"Oi, Erin. I told my Ma I was gonna stay at yours. I think I'll just stay over with the lads instead." Michelle suggested, beginning to sway with exhaustion. She picked up Coco Pops and made her way across the road.
"Right, I'm gonna get Orla upstairs." Marco held his breath and marched up to the front door.
"You alright, Erin?" James asked.
"Yeah.... Aye I'm fine. Night James." She gave a half smile; she moved in to kiss him good night.
"ERIN!" Mary's voice stopped her. Quickly pecking him again. Erin ran past Marco and went in. Marco breathed out, walking away from the tension. The lads made their way across the road and quietly made their way upstairs. They walked into the bedroom and found Michelle sprawled out over the bed.
"Oh, just so you know. We've been handed a week ban from seeing the girls." Marco informed James. The wee English fella rolled his eyes.