The following day, George finds himself alone at home. Stephanie has decided to go for a catch-up with her girlfriends in London city centre, so this gives George the perfect opportunity to do all the things he has been unable to do for the last few days. He heads over to the telephone, dialling Levi's number quickly; he feels guilty that he missed his call yesterday, but hopes that he can make amends today. The phone rings a couple of times; Levi must be keen to answer, as he speaks almost the moment George puts the phone to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Levi, it's me."

"Oh. Hey, George."

"Hey. I'm so sorry for not being able to answer your call yesterday," George apologises sincerely. "I feel really bad about it. I hope what you needed to say to me, wasn't too important."

"Oh, not at all." Levi frowns to himself, grateful that George cannot see his expression at this moment. "I just wondered if you're free today. I'd like to talk to you face-to-face, that's all."

"You've stricken lucky," George chuckles. "Steph's gone out with her friends today, so I'm available all day. Did you want me to come over to you?"

"If you didn't mind," Levi responds honestly. "I'd prefer to be able to talk to you if you're here, rather than over there."

"Okay, that's fine," George agrees. "I'll leave a note for Steph, and then I'll get the next train."

• • •

As George's train starts to pull into Goring and Streatley station, he can't help but wonder what Levi wishes to discuss with him. He didn't sound too distressed over the phone, so George's logic remains that it can't be anything too serious. This doesn't prevent him feeling a little anxious over it, though. As the train comes to a halt, George alights, stepping onto the platform with the typical, natural swagger he has when walking sometimes. He doesn't often become self-aware of it; however, he evaluates that it is his subconscious trying to help him appear more 'macho' — his way of passing as heterosexual until he's ready to come out. George makes his way out of the station premises, scanning his surroundings to find Levi's unmistakable car parked in its normal spot on the roadside. Levi must spot George among the small crowd of people exiting the station; as he gets out of his car to greet his lover.

"Long time, no see," Levi comments; his tone is a sad combination of sarcasm and relief that he is finally able to see George.

"I know. My fault," George answers, bringing Levi in for a hug; such with Levi being a couple of inches taller, George leans his chin against Levi's shoulder. "I've missed you, though."

"Well, you won't have to miss me, soon enough." Levi forces some laughter; this is his first subtle hint at what the conversation is going to be about once they arrive at Levi's home. "Anyway; let's go and see the dogs."

The pair get inside the vehicle; after fastening their seatbelts, Levi pulls out from his parking space, before driving down to the village centre. The journey is brief as always; soon, George and Levi find themselves at the front door of the house. Levi unlocks it with his key, opening it wide enough for his partner to enter first. Once they're both inside, Meggy and Maisie come bounding over to see the humans who have turned up; they give the men endless affection, which they take in good spirit.

"Such a gorgeous girl," George gushes, his voice taking on a higher register for no apparent reason. "Both of you are!"

"Anyway," Levi intervenes, in an attempt to bring the conversation back to where he wants it. "Should we go into the living room to talk?"

"Oh, yeah, 'course." George allows his chuckles to subside, before following Levi into the next room to sit down. "So," George starts, slapping his hands against his knees; keeping them there to support his position. "What are you wanting to talk about?"

"I just ... wanted to talk about us," Levi introduces softly, wanting to avoid conflict unlike last time they saw one another. "Our future, and everything surrounding it, really. May I go first?"

"Be my guest." George gestures with his hand, for him to continue speaking.

"Well, first of all, I just want to remind you how much you mean to me." Levi takes George's hand in his own, rubbing at the Greek's knuckles with his thumb lovingly. "I want to remind you how much I love you, George. I'm not sure if that could ever change. However, there are some things we need to ... get out in the open, I suppose you could say."

"Oh?" George furrows his brows, genuinely interested in what his partner is telling him.

"Yeah. So—I mean, I hate to feel like I have to have this conversation with you," Levi continues. "Because of just how much I do love you. But I've realised that I need to set boundaries, for my own well-being. I need to set standards, I guess. I was really hoping we'd never end up at this stage; but at the same time, perhaps I should have seen it coming."

"You're not leaving me, are you?" George gives him an apprehensive look. "That's not what you're saying, is it?"

"No," Levi assures him shortly. "That's not what I'm saying yet—"

"Yet?" George interrupts, concern visible in his eyes. "What do you mean, "yet"?"

"I mean, George, that I need to start thinking about the future. Our future. My future," Levi explains; though, feeling the need to elaborate, he continues. "You make me the happiest I've ever been in my life, you know? I couldn't imagine my life without you in it, anymore. But obviously, there's the obstacle of you hiding who you are from Stephanie. And I told you I'd be patient with you about it all; because I'm willing to fight for you ... because I love you. But there will come a time, when I won't be able to keep fighting anymore — because I've lived long enough hiding who I love; so have you. In fact, if anything, you've waited so much longer. And I really don't know how you do it." He raises his arms in surrender, trying hard to maintain a civil air about the way he speaks. "I want to be able to walk around knowing that your family is aware I'm more than just a friend. I know you've said most of them know ... but until everyone is aware, I'm still stuck in this rut."

"Are you trying to force me out?" George interrogates, frightened. "Because I've told you I'm getting there slowly."

"When was the last time you came out to anybody?" Levi quizzes.

"I'm not sure," George responds. "It's been a little while. But I've only got my parents, and Steph to tell now."

"And when do you plan to tell them?" Levi follows up.

"I-I don't know," George stammers; he never expected the conversation to go the way that it has so far. "When I'm ready to, I guess."

"So, when do you plan to leave Steph, then?"

"Same answer," George tells him. "When I'm ready to. I don't know."

"How about I make this easier for you?" Levi offers; the inflections in his voice suggest that he is trying to help George — however, it is more for his own benefit in the short run. "How about, I set those boundaries that I mentioned earlier? That way, both of us know what to expect, and when. Both of us will know exactly where we stand with one another."

"Boundaries, such as what?" By now, George is almost weary of discussing this; alas, he knows that he has no choice in the matter.

"You seem to be stuck in this never-ending loop of fear about telling Stephanie the truth," Levi points out. "And that's why you don't know when you'll tell her about me. Or even, why you won't break up with her. You don't have to give her a reason that even closely suggests you're gay — not if you don't want to," he informs him, trying his best to think practically. "But it's been seven months since we began this affair, George, and even I'm starting to become impatient with waiting for you now."

"So you are leaving me?" George knits his brows together, feeling extremely hurt about the situation at hand. "You said you weren't."

"And I won't," Levi assures him. "But only if something changes. Something has to give at some point. I told you at the start, that I didn't mind waiting for you to be ready to confess to her. But I expected perhaps a couple of months; a few at the most. The way you're going, it won't ever happen. And ... I understand why. You don't want to risk losing your son. I get it. But ... perhaps, if Stephanie doesn't give you the ultimatum, then I may have to."

"I can't believe this," George gasps, laughing out of shock rather than amusement; he clasps his hands together, bowing his head to avoid eye contact. "You're going to make me choose, aren't you?"

"I have no choice, my darling. I need to protect myself, too," Levi reasons with him gently. "So this is how it's going to work. I don't expect you to go to her tonight and tell her the truth, because that wouldn't be fair. I'm willing to wait a little longer." Levi takes a hold of George's hand once more, to try and keep some peace between them. "You told me that Steph is due to give birth at the end of June; the start of July. Somewhere around there. I also know your birthday is coming up next month. But you told me that Steph would know about everything before the baby is born — by at least a couple of weeks."

"Did you think that was a lie?" George scowls, uncertain of how to approach what Levi is saying.

"I've never commented either way," Levi replies briefly. "But that's not the point. The point is, whether you wish to prove it's the truth. I hate to have to do this, George; and I'm sorry. I can't keep spending my life waiting for somebody else. That's why I'm doing this." He looks directly at George, who has since lifted his head to look back at Levi. "I'm giving you until the twenty-first of June, to leave Stephanie. I don't care whether you come out to her or not. I don't care what you have to tell her. But as long as you walk out the door before it hits midnight on the twenty-second of June, then we'll move on with our lives; and start the next chapter together."

"And what if I don't?" George challenges, more out of curiosity than malice.

"Then I'll have to put myself first," Levi explains. "And I'll have no choice but to assume you're no longer willing to fight for me, the way I'm willing to fight for you. I'll have to assume that the fear was worth more than the long-term happiness. And I'll have to assume that keeping Stephanie sweet was more valuable to you than finding the love of your life."

"So if I don't tell Steph the truth by the time it gets to the twenty-second of June," George repeats, more for his own comprehension. "You're going to leave me?"

"I don't want to have to do it," Levi reassures him, bringing his hands to George's face; he caresses his lover's jawline adoringly, not wishing to cause any tension. "I want things to work out for us. I want to start the rest of our lives together. And if you want the same, then you'll do this. For us."

"It's just difficult," George admits forlornly, ensuring he doesn't take for granted, the sweet touch of his partner's fingers against his face. "I want to make you proud. I want to make myself proud. I would love to go home right now and tell Steph that I'm gay. I'd love to tell her I've never loved her, and that I'm starting a new life without her. But then my head reminds me of so many reasons why I've held off for so long. She's never done me wrong; she's never deserved the pain that I've put her through. Fuck, she's carrying my son."

"Well ... you need to stop thinking about others, and start thinking of yourself," Levi states. "Because your only fear is how others will respond. You're saving them from heartache. But what about your own? You've been dying inside slowly every day for almost a decade. Does that mean nothing to you, George?"

"I just don't want to hurt her."

"But if you refuse to hurt her, then you're only going to continue hurting yourself. And one day, that'll all come back to bite you; and it won't be enjoyable." Levi heaves a light sigh, wanting to conclude the slightly-melancholy atmosphere this topic has evoked within the room. "The bottom line is, you've got your deadline now. By the end of next month, you'll know where your future lays. It's still plenty of time. Until the twenty-first, George. The twenty-first of June."

• • •

Do we think George will confess by the deadline? Hope you're still enjoying. xx