Firm knuckles tap against the brown wood of Levi's front door a week or so later; though this confuses him, as he is not expecting any visitors. He opens the door ajar, sneaking a peep at who's knocking. When he sees George stood before him, he widens the gap, looking at his lover, puzzled.

"What are you doing here?" he asks, bewildered.

George scratches the back of his neck shyly. "I thought I'd come and surprise you. I know I've not spoken to you much lately. Things have been pretty hectic with preparing for the baby."

"How did you know I wasn't at work today?" Levi questions, trying to seem distant because he's hurt by how much George has ignored him lately. "I could have been gone until the evening, and you'd have travelled all this way for nothing."

"I know your work schedule," George snaps back with a chuckle. "Am I allowed to come in?"

"Sure." Levi takes a step back from the doorway, to allow room for George to enter the house. "I didn't know you were coming, obviously, so all I can offer you is a drink and maybe a snack or something."

"I don't need anything right now," George declines politely. "I just want to catch up with you, now that I'm here, my darling."

"Not much to say," Levi informs him bluntly, taking a seat on the living room sofa. "Just been working and spending time at home."

"Right," George acknowledges, still stood up awkwardly. "Do I ... not get a hug? Or a kiss? Anything?"

Levi forces a smile, before standing up once again; he brings George into his embrace woodenly, then withdraws to see a very confused Greek. "What's the problem?"

"You seem a little ... off," George observes, finally settling on one of the sofa cushions. "As if you're annoyed with me or something. Have I done something to upset you?"

Levi halts a moment, to evaluate whether it's a good idea to initiate any kind of confrontation with George in this moment. Of course, he's a little hurt by the fact George has not been in contact recently; however, he doesn't want to make a big deal when he knows George is preparing for his first child. "I'm okay. I just didn't expect to see you for a while," he eventually speaks.

"I did think your reaction was rather underwhelming when you saw me," George chuckles. "Considering we've not really spoken in about a week."

"Closer to two weeks actually," Levi corrects him, although perhaps regretting it right after. "Not that I've counted."

"Alright, sorry," George apologises defensively, holding his arms up in surrender. "I've been busy. You know that, surely."

"One phone call was all I wanted," Levi confesses sadly. "I tried calling you over and over, and not once did you get the hint. I know you have a lot going on, George, but one phone call? Was that too much for you; to let me know you're alright?"

"I'm sorry," George repeats, feeling a little lost. "I-I thought coming to see you face-to-face would be a nice surprise for you. I didn't want to give anything away in a phone call by accident."

"It just feels like an excuse," Levi frowns; he never wanted to begin an argument with his lover, but alas, the conversation has naturally brought him to this. "A few minutes out of your life wouldn't have hurt at all. No amount of baby prep stops you from having five minutes to yourself."

"Because you're really a child expert, aren't you?" George retorts, under the impression that Levi is being unfair. "Until you have a baby for yourself, I don't think you really have the room to be telling me how planning and prepping works."

"Look — I didn't want to argue with you about this," Levi tells him. "I just wanted to tell you how I was feeling. I've just missed you this last couple of weeks. It's really felt as if you've forgotten about me."

"I didn't forget about you," George reassures him, leaning back into the padded bliss of the sofa behind him. "I've just been sidetracked, I told you. I've mainly been making sure his nursery is looking perfect for him. He deserves it."

"You're decorating your house as if you're not going to be moving out of it soon," Levi jeers, in disapproval. "It's almost as if you've changed your mind about telling her everything. As if you don't want to live here with me anymore."

"Don't be silly," George scoffs. "Stephanie will have nowhere to go once I've left her. I feel bad that I'll be leaving her and Alex alone, so I think I'm going to pay the rent for the house until she goes back to work again. And then I'll get the rental lease changed so that I'm taken off it."

"That's kind of you," Levi praises monotonously. "But that'll be a lot for you to cope with financially, won't it?"

"It's for my boy. It's worth every penny," George affirms softly. "I don't want him out on the streets. I don't want Steph on the streets either. Not after what I'm doing to her. I love and respect her too much for that."

"Love her?" Levi raises one brow at the choice of wording. "What do you mean, you love her?"

"I mean ... " George's expression becomes one of confusion. "I care about her, Levi. Regardless, she's the mother of my son. That alone makes me love her."

"You're a gay man, George. And that's only one reason why you don't love her. Try thinking about the fact that, if you loved her, you wouldn't have cheated on her to begin with." Levi's chest hurts a little at where the discussion has headed; for he isn't certain what George means by 'love'.

"She's the mother of my son, and I love her for that, Levi. I don't understand why you're getting so confused about what I'm saying." George laughs, his way of coping with the frustration that's building up inside him, at his partner's lack of comprehension.

"Have you heard yourself, George?" Levi cups George's cheeks with his hands — a desperate attempt at getting through to him. "Listen to me. You—are—gay. That's all there is to this. You don't love her; not even a single little bit. This is all in your head, because she's given you a baby. You're not in love with her — you're in love with the child she's carrying."

"Let go of me," George demands, agitated; he swipes Levi's hands off his face. "I know what I am. I know what I feel. I don't need you to be telling me any of that." Abruptly, he rises from the sofa, leaving the room without another word.

"George, wait!" Levi calls, quickly standing up as he watches George leave the house angrily. He sighs to himself, moving slowly towards the living room window; observing his boyfriend as he walks around the corner, in the direction of the village centre.

• • •

The serenity of the lake brings nothing but peace to George, as he sits and watches the world go by. It's always been one of his favourite parts about Goring — the tranquility, and the lovely sense of community that the residents share. His eyes flit to the ducklings who are learning to swim with their mother on the water; along with some passers-by walking their dogs. He inhales; letting the air go slowly as a soft exhalation to calm his mood. He cannot seem to grasp why Levi is giving him such a hard time — he is aware that he has spoken to him less recently, but that comes with being a father.

A pair of familiar-looking dogs approach him, giving him affection; it takes a second to realise that they are fluffy friends of his: Meggy and Maisie. He gives them some fuss in return, stroking their fur lovingly as not to seem threatening to them. As he spots their leads, his eyes glide to the individual who's holding onto them.

"I'm sorry, George," Levi murmurs, sitting down in the space next to George on the bench. "I know things are crazy at the moment. I knew what I signed up for when I realised I loved you."

"I'm sorry, too," George responds dejectedly. "I think my head is just ... struggling. Struggling to distinguish between love, and thankfulness ... isn't it? That's what it is, isn't it?"

"It is. You're mistaking the appreciation you feel towards Stephanie, with love for her that doesn't exist." Levi's eyes move down to the ground, as Meggy sits before him, wagging her tail. "But I understand. It's a crazy time. Your emotions are all over the place. I'm trying to be patient with it all."

"Patient?" George repeats, more for his own comprehensive benefit than Levi's. "I don't understand what you mean. I-I already told you my plan on how things will work."

"I know you did," Levi assures him. "It's just difficult having to stand back and watch you live the life I've always wanted to have, but with Stephanie. It's just hard for me because I know you and I can't do it together."

"Because of legalities?" George asks.

"Something like that, yeah. I guess I'm just jealous, when I shouldn't be. You deserve the happiness that Alexander is giving to you — without even being here yet. I just wish that I could share in the happiness, too. Does that make sense?"

"Maybe things will change one day. Maybe one day in the future, we can adopt or something."

"I don't just mean the children aspect though, George," Levi divulges, heartbroken. "I mean, everything. I just want to have a healthy, stable family in a happy home. I want the love of my life to come home from work every day; and then kiss me in greeting; and then our kids run up to him to give him a hug. I want to sit around a table with them all; and have dinner together; and talk and laugh and enjoy their company. I want to be married — I don't want to spend my life waiting for a day when I'm legally allowed to. It might not even happen in our lifetimes. I just want to have that nice, normal life that straight couples are blessed enough to have. Is that really too much to ask for?"

"I've wanted the same thing." George tries to be empathetic, but naïvely fails to realise he is closer to achieving this than Levi is.

"For the time being, you have that life," Levi reminds him, bluntness in his tone not necessarily aimed at George. "Until you tell Stephanie the truth about us, you do. I get why you're holding off, but ... it just feels ... unjust, that you can play happy families whenever you want to, and I'm stuck here in the same place I've always been."

"I'm sorry you feel that way," George breathes. "But I can't help the situation I'm in."

"Well, you can," Levi corrects him, trying to be cautious not to start another debate. "You can tell her the truth, and leave her. And you can arrange visitation for Alex. Maybe she'd be more understanding than you imagine."

"I'll tell her when I'm ready," George vows; the same fearful words he has to give day in, day out to the people who know about his situation. "I'm slowly telling people the truth, little by little. I told Melanie's partner, Martin, the other day. And Yioda knows, too. And mine and Andrew's mates — Brett and Leon — they know now, as well. I'm getting there, Levi."

"Just remember you need to tell your parents too," Levi pushes. "They're important to tell."

"I know. They'll be the last to know ... before Stephanie, though."

"And when will they find out?" Levi looks a little doubtful, as he finds himself observing George inconspicuously.

"The baby comes in three months' time," George explains. "I told you she'd know before Alex is born, so it won't be long."

"As long as you're sure. I don't mind being patient and waiting for you, George ... but you have to realise that I won't waste my entire life just because you won't be honest."

"I know that," George snickers, as his attention becomes divided between his partner, and the dogs at his feet. "She'll know eventually."

Levi nods, taking George's words into account; however, there's still a niggling feeling of apprehensiveness deep down in his chest. All he can really do, is wait for the time when George's declaration becomes a reality; but he questions to himself when that time will actually come.

• • •

How long will it be until George tells Stephanie the truth? Will he ever do it? Hope you enjoyed this chapter. xx