This one scene between Joel and Ryan was fuelled by some really random gay sexual tension and I’m here for it.

25 Days of Sleighpairs: Joel Dexter x Ryan Knight (Hollyoaks) + “Dinner”

'What are you doing here?'

Joel looked up to find Ryan approaching him, arms spread. He wasn't smiling but he wasn't not smiling, either. It was that obnoxious, crooked smirk of his.

Tucking his phone back into his pocket, Joel smiled and rolled his eyes. He put a hand up to quickly stop him from flying off the handle like he knew he was about to.

'Look, I had to see my dad, okay? He was asking around about me, and I wanted to know why,' he explained. 'And, it's Christmas, so, I thought we might as well sit down to hash it all out over dinner. You know, like a normal family.'

Ryan's eyes widened at that. 'Have you-?'

'No, I haven't told him,' he said immediately. 'I don't plan to, either. My dad might claim to be a changed man, but I'm not stupid enough to think that Warren Fox would be cool with having a queer son.'

At that, Ryan's expression softened. He reached out to touch his arm, seemingly uncaring that they were just outside the pub in the car park and could be spotted by anyone who walked by. He gave his hand a squeeze and sported a genuine smile.

'Never mind the fact that I'm seeing a copper,' Joel tacked on, his mouth quirking upwards. 'I don't know what he'd have more of a problem with, to be honest with you.'

'Well, personally, I think he'd be more hung up on the me of it all. I really pissed him off while I was questioning him.'

Joel shook his head. 'Doesn't matter. He won't be finding out. I'm not letting him spoil anything else in my life.'

'Do you want me to come in with you?' Ryan asked gently, ducking his head, searching his face. 'I told him we're old mates, so, he wouldn't question it if he saw us together.'

It was an incredibly tempting offer, but he knew that it would only sour the afternoon. His dad had been on his best behaviour so far, and while he knew it was at least mostly an act, he still didn't want to be proven right.

'Nah, it's fine. You go back to work.'

'You sure?'

'Yes. I promise.'

'Okay,' Ryan said. ‘I'll see you back at the flat, yeah?'

'Course. I just need to head over to the prison to see Brendan, and I still need to ring Cheryl and Mitzeee, but then I'll be right home.'

Ryan smiled again. He gave the car park a cautious glance, but they were completely alone, leaving him totally free to lean in and kiss him without worry. It had been two years and yet his heart still skipped like it was the first time.

His dad would have a heart attack if he could see him now.

Whether or not he had the same thought, Ryan pulled back but only an inch or two. His lips curved into a grin as he muttered, 'See you soon, pretty boy.'

Five words was all it had taken to ignite something in Joel back then, and it still had the same effect. Chuckling, he shoved Ryan back with a hand on his chest and raised his eyebrows.

'Off you go.'