03/06/2014 River City

I've been thinking about what you said about fostering.

I think I'm ready.

I got cold feet.

We're bound to be scared, we want to do a good job.

What if I can't?

Robbie wants this just as much as I do.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

Because you both have to want it for yourselves.

Seriously, you want to go for it?

There never will be a perfect moment for this, will there?

So why not now?

Did the message not say what it was about?

She just said that we had to get in touch ASAP.

You worry too much.

Come on. It'll be fine.

Thanks for coming in at such short notice.

There's not a problem, is there?

Well, depends how brave you're feeling.

The date for the next meeting of the fostering panel has been brought forward.

To when?

Friday.

-This Friday?

-I know,

but, on the other hand, it gives you less time to be nervous.

Are we ready, though?

You haven't finished the home study report, have you?

No, but I'm nearly there.

With a bit of extra work to push things through, I'm up for it,

if yous are.

It's short notice, but I reckon we should go for it.

I'll support you all the way.

So what do we have to do?

Well, I need to pick up some more references.

I thought we'd already done that?

We need to widen the net a bit.

We need some references from your workplaces.

OK.

I'm self employed, so there's only Kelly-Marie.

Can I put somebody else down?

Well, it's got to be someone that knows you pretty well.

How about Tatiana? She's a nurse.

She was with us the whole time we were looking after Will's dad.

She practically knows me inside out.

Yeah, that's a possibility.

In that case we definitely need someone from your workplace, Will.

I'm sure you'll have no shortage of volunteers.

This'll be mine, then, is it?

This is a nightmare. Who am I going to ask?

Well, who do you pal about with?

I'm a detective. I don't pal about with anyone.

I go to work, I do the job and I come home.

OK, well, who do you work most closely with?

-Donald.

-Oh.

Is there really nobody else?

Not now Grant's left, no.

Well, you've got a whole station to choose from.

-I'm sure you'll find someone.

-Yeah.

-I'll see you later.

-See you.

There's a spare slot at three o'clock tomorrow.

Dr Hunter can see you then.

In his dreams. Put me down for another doctor.

There isn't another one.

Hello, Molly. How are you? You're looking well.

Don't you try and sweet-talk me!

You might be able to charm the knickers off this one,

but I'm a very different proposition.

If you won't take an appointment with Dr Hunter,

then you'll have no option but to transfer to another surgery.

I hear that the practice at Moss Green is excellent.

Moss Green! I'm not trekking all the way over there.

It's a two-day camel ride. With my bunions!

Three o'clock tomorrow, then?

All right, I'll take it, but I'll not enjoy it!

I look forward to seeing you!

You're too nice to her.

Well, I did steal her daughter-in-law.

She's allowed to be a wee bit upset.

Mr Clark?

Hiya, have you got two minutes?

Sure, but I'm watching reception.

I've put you down as a reference.

What? For a job?

For me to be a foster carer.

Well, say something.

I don't understand.

Me and Will are going through the selection process.

You never said anything.

I've been meaning to catch up with you about it for ages.

But obviously you can't drag yourself away

from dishy Dr Dan for more than two minutes.

So, there's going to be a social worker going to be getting in touch.

Her name is Sandra Devlin.

Wait. Is there no-one else you could ask?

No! You're perfect!

You were there the whole time we were looking after Will's dad.

You've seen the best and the worst of us.

How we survived it all.

Yeah. It's just... Can I think about it?

Aye, of course. We'll catch up later.

Yes, I'm trying to chase up PC Griffiths.

Do you have an extension for him?

He left the force?

No, I didn't know that.

No bother, thanks for calling me back.

PHONE RINGS

Hi? How's it going?

'Hi! I told Tattie about the reference.'

We still have to talk about it later but I reckon it's in the bag.

Well, that's something at least.

How about you? Have you come up with anything yet?

I'm a bit stuck, to be honest.

I had a couple of hopefuls but they've both fallen through.

Don't worry, you'll come up with something.

OK, I'll speak to you later. Bye!

Problem?

No.

Actually, I was wondering if you could do us a favour.

Shoot.

Me and Robbie are thinking about fostering.

Well, we're not thinking - we're doing. Well, we're applying.

I know.

Oh. Right.

It's the talk of the station.

OK. What do you think?

I think you need your head seeing to.

The thing is, I need a character reference, and the social worker

said it would be good idea to get one from this place.

Oh, yeah?

So...

You want me to do it?

That's what I was thinking, yeah.

Er, sorry.

All that...personal stuff, it's not really my area of expertise.

I know, but you're the person who knows me best round here.

Like I say, not my department.

Look, I'm not asking you to approve of my lifestyle

or anything like that. I know that's never going to happen.

Whoa, it's nothing to do with that. You people are so paranoid.

What's that supposed to mean?

Point proven.

How is HR not all over you?

See, this is exactly what I'm talking about!

The minute you start bringing personal stuff into work,

everything goes tits up.

Is that what you told DS Grant when you were at it over her desk?

You should probably ask someone else.

Oh, no, silly me. There's no-one else to ask, is there?

See - that's what happens when you don't take your turn bringing in doughnuts on a Friday.

No-one wants to be your pal.

OK, look, I'm sorry.

Me and Robbie really want to do this.

But we can't without a complete set of references.

And that means getting one from this place.

I know I can make a real difference by fostering.

Half the time these kids just need a bit of positive attention.

Or a spell in Polmont.

This is my chance to make things right for a kid.

I'd really appreciate it if you could help me do that.

There's a sight for sore eyes.

Me or your dinner?

Would it be bad to say both?

Hey, you OK? You haven't been yourself all afternoon. What's up?

Someone asked me to do something today. And I can't do it.

I don't know really know how to tell him.

Sounds very mysterious.

It's Robbie. He's applying to be a foster carer with Will,

and he asked for a reference.

Oh. OK.

I know, right?

So how do I tell him without hurting his feelings?

Tell him what? Just write the reference.

If it's a time thing, I can make sure you get a couple of hours off work to do it.

It's not about time. It's about...doing the right thing.

What?

Do you not think Will and Robbie would make good foster carers?

Whether they'd be good or not is irrelevant.

I don't follow.

I have my beliefs. Everyone else is welcome to theirs.

What beliefs? Help me out here.

It's no big deal.

I just don't think two men should be able to foster.

OK. Why not?

A child needs a woman around the place.

So you'd be fine with two women fostering?

No. Because a child also needs a father figure.

OK, how about a gay woman and a gay man fostering together?

When would that ever happen?

Let's just say that it did - that'd be OK with you, wouldn't it?

I mean, that ticks all the boxes -

a man and a woman bringing up a child together.

We need to eat this before it's spoilt.

And I need to understand what bit of this you've got a problem with.

Is it that Will and Robbie are two blokes,

or that they're two gay blokes?

If you're putting a child into a family,

then, at the very least, it should be a normal one.

Don't look at me like that.

I'm entitled to my opinion, aren't I?

I'm just surprised at it, that's all.

It's not a big deal. We don't have to agree on everything, do we?

I suppose not.

Good. So, let's eat, then.

What do you have to do to get a decent cup of coffee around here?

Make it yourself?

I kinda got used to not having to make my own coffee.

Well, look at all the new skills you're learning,

slumming it in here with us.

You heading home?

Nah. I might hang around here, see if anything turns up.

OK. See you tomorrow.

Yup.

I take it it's a no? For the reference?

Are you sure about this whole fostering thing?

It's a massive commitment you're making.

I've never been more certain of anything in my life.

OK, who do I speak to?

Ta.

So, I got your text. Do you want to chat things through today?

Is everything OK?

I told you I wanted to talk before being your reference.

I know.

And already this morning that social worker has left two messages on my phone!

I'm sorry.

Look, I'll phone her and I'll tell her to back off

just until we've had a chance to go through things.

I don't want to go through things.

I'm sorry, Robbie.

I can't be your reference.

Why not?

I really like you and Will,

and I'm sure you'd be great foster parents,

but...in my opinion,

a child needs a mum and a dad.

So it's two men fostering that you don't agree with?

I can't help what I believe.

Even when it's homophobic bollocks?

That's not fair. You know I have no prejudice.

But I do have principles and I can't go against them.

I hope you understand and that we can still be friends, yes?

Sure. Of course.

If you ever find yourself in the 21st century, look me up.

Kelly!

Not interested.

Look, two minutes.

I need to start my work.

I brought you these.

Oh, aye. The mini-market's finest.

It's worse than that. I got them from the petrol station.

But work with me here, eh?

-What do you want?

-A date.

You'll be lucky!

As a rule, I'm quite a lucky guy.

You don't give up, do you?

That's what makes me lucky. Tonight. The Tall Ship.

Let me buy you a drink.

What - so you can get more info out of me?

No. So I can have the pleasure of your company.

The other week, it was a...misunderstanding, I swear.

Right. You want my company? Pick me up from work, tomorrow night.

But not for a drink.

We'll maybe go for a walk or something?

A walk?

OK. That's...different.

It's that or nothing.

I'll see you tomorrow, then.

Hey!

These don't even smell of anything.

Check they're not fake.

There's a lot of that going about just now.

You all right?

You think you know somebody...

Who are we talking about here?

Tattie. I've bought her rounds of drinks in the pub.

I've sat there all night listening to her problems -

problems which, by the way, are beyond dull,

and she's sitting there, judging me and my lifestyle the whole time!

-What do you mean?

-Me and Will are going to be foster carers.

-We asked her for a reference but she's turned us down.

-Right.

And before you stick your oar in - aye, we know what we're doing.

So if you're warming up to give me a lecture on my personal life,

don't bother, cos I've had enough the day.

I wasn't. It's just...fostering. You never mentioned it before.

Oh, I'm sorry if I forgot to put a poster up!

It was a surprise. That's all.

Listen, you and Will have just got back together.

Aye, well, it feels like the right thing to do.

Right. Well, good luck.

Are you being sarcastic?

No. Oh, no, I think fostering's a great idea,

as long as the social services think that you're suitable.

Which they do.

Well, like I said...good luck.

There's my client.

All right.

Well, we'll talk about it later. Don't worry.

Sandra?

Oh, hi.

What are you doing here?

Well, I'm here to interview DI Donald, who's going to supply your reference.

Right. But I thought I'd have a bit more time to...

Time to what - coach him in his answers?

-No. No.

-If it makes you feel any better, I suspect he's uncoachable.

There's no time to mess about, Will,

and on that note, I left a message for a Tatiana O'Hara.

She's not got back to me yet.

Right, well, the surgery is always busy.

Maybe she's not the right person to ask after all.

No?

-Ms Devlin.

-Oh. Hi.

-Nice to see you again.

Shall we?

Thanks. See you later.

-Is this the complete forensic report?

-Yeah.

Oh, just...excuse me for a sec.

What took so long? You've been with Sandra for ages!

Not really. She left half an hour ago.

You could have told me! I've been sat here worried sick.

Sorry. I went to the canteen to get some lunch.

They've finally seen sense and put the corned beef back on.

So?

What?

How did it go? What did you tell her?

Sorry. It's confidential.

Oh!

You are loving this, aren't you?

Just doing things properly.

Come on, you can give us a clue!

This is not a game, Cooper.

A reference like this - it's a serious business.

Six months down the line, once you've screwed it all up

and you're having to arrest your own foster kid for God knows what,

this reference could come back to bite me.

-I'm not going to screw it up.

-Course not.

No-one goes into something like this thinking they're going to make a mess of it.

Doesn't stop it happening.

I quite like this one, but I think this one's a bit more natural.

Will you excuse me just a moment?

-Hi.

-Hi. So, what happened?

So it turns out our Tattie is a woman of principles,

AKA not a fan of gay dads.

What? Where does that leave her own daughter?

Let's not even go there.

Makes you think, though, who else is judging us?

Well, you can add Donald to the list.

I reckon he's ballsed up my reference.

Fabulous. What did he say?

I couldn't get much out of him, but...

In other news, I've told Kelly-Marie that we're fostering.

Right. How did that go?

She didn't exactly want to hang out the bunting,

but I think she gets why we want to do it.

Oh! Well, that's something.

If she can get her head around it, there's hope for everyone else.

Still, leaves you without a reference, though...doesn't it?

-You can't have fishfingers again.

-Why not?

Because you'll turn into one. You'll go all orange...

Kelly-Marie!

-All right?

-Have you got two minutes?

Right. Here.

Can you take Mummy's shopping up the stairs for her?

That's a good boy.

Would you give me a reference for fostering?

Are you serious?

You'd only have to do meet with the social worker for ten minutes. It's no big deal.

I... No, I don't know...

If there was anybody else I could ask, I would.

But I need to face facts - you're my best pal around here,

for better or worse.

Thanks.

So? What do you think?

It's not you I've got the problem with...

It's Will.

It's the two of you together - it's the whole set-up.

Honestly, Kel, we're so good together.

We wouldn't even consider fostering if we weren't solid.

Please, please, please, please, please, please.

I suppose if the social work think you can be trusted...

They do. Absolutely.

And you wouldn't have got this far in the process

if they didn't think Will had got over his problems.

Right.

So, what have they said about all that stuff?

No-one's got any issues with it.

What?

You haven't told them!

-It's not an issue!

-For who?!

-It's in the past!

-That's for them to decide and not you!

You're asking them to trust you with a vulnerable kid,

-and you've only told them half the information!

-Kelly, please...

No, I'm not going to be part of your cover-up.

And see another thing -

either you tell them what Will is, or I'm gonnae.

Fostering?

Aye, can you believe it?

There must be a demand for it.

They're always advertising on the bus.

Aye, for stable homes.

That's not what I'd call Will and Robbie's.

Have they not sorted themselves out?

So they say. But how'd you get back from something like that?

They know what they're doing. They're both grown-ups.

Ma, so were you and Paddy.

See when I was younger, and I used to sit on the stairs,

and listen to him beat you up, I was terrified he was going to kill you.

And then I was terrified he was going to kill me if he heard me greetin'.

Sweetheart, I will never not regret what he put us through,

but this isn't the same.

The social are dead strict about these things.

They're not going to give weans to just anybody.

By the time they're finished with Will and Robbie,

-there'll be nothing they don't know about them.

-Aye,

but how will they know if nobody tells them?

Hi. Pizza. Wine.

For one night only, we're going to forget all about fostering, OK,

try and relax.

Not possible.

How do you mean?

Will, I've totally messed everything up, I'm so sorry.

Why - what's happened?

I've asked Kelly-Marie to be my reference.

-Because I don't have anybody else to ask.

-OK.

But she sussed out we haven't told the social about you hitting me.

She's totally lost the plot.

She says if we don't tell them then she will.

What? She can't do that!

All she has to do is pick up the phone.

I'll talk to her. Make her see sense.

No! If she thinks that you're trying to force her hand,

-that'll just make things worse.

-How could it get any worse?!

If she tells Sandra about me, it's over!

They'll never give us a kid to look after.

Not necessarily.

The most important thing is that we're honest.

We'll just explain to her what happened, that you got help.

That won't matter to them!

All they'll see is some kind of thug.

No, that's not you.

Yes, it is!

No, it isn't. I trust you.

If I didn't, I wouldn't even consider fostering with you.

Listen to me - nothing has to change.

Sandra's still coming to do the assessment tomorrow.

We'll just tell her then.

What if I don't want to tell her?

We don't have a choice.

It's me.

Take off your coat and sit down. Dinner's ready.

Is Zinnie not in?

She's got a shift at the pub, so we have the place to ourselves.

You said you liked pork, so I made this stew -

it's an old family recipe.

Looks great.

Look, we need to talk.

The food won't keep.

Neither will this conversation.

It's about Robbie again, isn't it?

I keep going over it in my head, but I can't quite get it straight.

It's not complicated.

What about Christina?

If you follow your stance through,

you're denying her the chance to have kids,

for you to be a grandmother.

It's exactly my experience with Christina that makes me feel this way.

I brought her up single-handed - look at the problems we had.

Maybe things might have been different

if only she'd had a mother and a father who were together.

You think she would have turned out straight?

Don't patronise me. I mean she would have been happier, more stable.

Did you marry Bob

because you thought you could create some kind of normal family?

I married him because I loved him.

If you say so.

You can talk! A divorce and a child you never see!

I'm not proud of that. But I've seen enough not to judge other people's choices!

-Why are you being like this?

-Because you are bang out of order.

For having principles?

They're not principles - they're prejudices!

What is wrong with wanting things to be right and proper?

If that makes me prejudiced, then so be it.

I won't be ashamed of my views.

I don't know how they do things in the Ukraine,

but here, tolerance is considered a pretty big thing.

How dare you try to make this about my country!

-I have to make it about something, otherwise I'm left with the fact that it's you!

-It is!

It is me! Why would you give a child to two men

when there are normal families out there?

OK.

Where are you going?

To get some fresh air. I'll probably be late.

Don't be like this.

Don't wait up. I'll sleep on the sofa.

I need to see Alan Lindsay.

Boss, someone to see you.

-Hey, what's up?

-I need some breakfast.

Well, get something out the fridge.

There's nothing in it. Nobody's been shopping.

Don't look at me like that. I can't do everything.

I could go to the supermarket, do a shop.

You wouldn't know what to get.

Get Angus to sort it if he can drag himself away from his X-box.

Any sign of him job hunting?

Don't know.

One of these days, one of my kids is actually going to do

something to make me feel proud. Here.

PHONE RINGS

It doesn't grow on trees, you know.

Thanks.

Boss. Phone.

I didn't hear you leave this morning.

I left early.

You're disappointed in me, aren't you?

No. I'm just surprised, that's all.

I thought we felt the same way about most things.

We're not so far apart. Not really.

You think?

I understand your argument. Of course I do.

And I wish Robbie and Will all the luck in the world.

But right now, I find it hard to accept.

I'm trying, but... Maybe I need to try harder.

I thought with Christina being gay that...

That I'd be cool with it?

That I'd be like you - so politically correct?

If by that you mean I'm tolerant...

It's not what I wanted for my daughter.

Life is hard enough without adding another layer of difficulty.

The only difficulty is people's prejudice.

Yes, but the prejudice is real.

It's fine for you to be so open-minded,

but it's not your child who will be spat at in the street

for daring to hold her partner's hand,

it's not your child who will have to fight battles

that no straight person ever will.

Things are changing.

Not fast enough.

Not fast enough.

What Robbie and Will are doing,

that's going to make change come faster.

You don't think people will laugh at them? Or be cruel?

No, I don't.

I think people will see it for what it is -

a decent and caring couple doing a good thing.

I hope you're right and I'm wrong.

Either way, I've lost a good friend over it.

Speak to Robbie. Be honest.

Explain to him like you've explained to me. He'll understand.

Maybe.

Come here.

I never want to fight like that again.

Me neither.

Are we going to be OK?

Sure.

-Grab a seat.

-Thanks.

-Nice job with the spare room.

-Oh, ta.

We didn't want to do too much with it.

We want whoever moves in to make their own mark.

It's lovely.

Thanks. It's been a bit like a make-over show round here lately.

Right. References.

I understand that Tatiana is not an option, right?

No. Sorry about that. Turns out she's got issues.

OK, so we'll go with Kelly-Marie?

Yeah, to be honest, I'm not sure that's going to work out either.

Right.

What are you not telling me?

OK, here it is. There is something that happened in the past.

Go on.

I used to take drugs.

Right, well, is that why Kelly-Marie won't give you a reference?

It was nothing heavy. Just recreational.

When I was clubbing.

When was the last time?

A few years ago.

And nothing since?

No. And you couldn't even pay me to go back there.

I didn't even enjoy it at the time.

OK.

Right, well, I think we can forget about it.

All we need to know is a child that's placed is safe.

You know, we don't expect our carers never to have made a mistake.

I mean, if we did that, we wouldn't have any volunteers.

So... What's past is past?

Yeah, well, as long as it stays that way.

I'm more worried about getting a reference in such little time.

-Am I all right to get in contact with Kelly-Marie?

-Sure.

-Why did you bottle it?

-I don't know.

There's a way that people look at you

when you tell them you've been hit by your partner.

It just makes you feel so stupid.

I didn't want her looking at me like that, judging me,

judging us.

So what now?

I don't know.

Nothing's changed. We're still going to have to tell Sandra

before Kelly-Marie does, only now we're going to look like

even bigger idiots for not coming clean when we had the chance.

Don't turn this on me - you could have still said something!

How come it's down to me to make the big confession?

None of this is my fault!

All right. Calm down.

No! I won't.

I just want to move on and have a future that doesn't hang on what you did.

But it's like we're never going to be able to put this behind us.

Are we? "Domestic violence. It's the gift that keeps on giving!"

I'm sorry.

So am I.

I just need some space.

A job?

Just a few hours. I need the money.

OK, gimme one good reason why I should take you on?

I made a mistake. I'm not a thief.

No. That's not what I'm saying.

I mean - what makes you better than anybody else that

walks through that door wanting hours?

Sorry. I thought you'd heard about me.

I have.

But I've been on the wrong side of gossip often enough

-not to pay attention to it.

-Thanks.

Right, come on. Sell yourself.

Why should I take a chance on you?

I make really good poached eggs.

You awake?

No.

You're right.

We're not going to be able to put this behind us.

What are you saying?

We can't wipe the slate, can we?

What I did to you was brutal.

I try and put it out my mind, but it's fact.

Kelly-Marie's right - somebody like me should not be allowed to foster.

No, don't say that!

It's what we're both thinking, isn't it?

That's why you couldn't tell Sandra the truth in there,

because once it's out, this whole thing's over.

No-one in their right mind will trust me with a kid,

let alone a vulnerable one.

I'd trust you.

Thanks. But your opinion isn't the one that counts.

Well, it should be. It should be the only one that counts.

I know you.

I know how hard you've worked to sort your head out, to change!

If I can trust you, anyone can.

But what if that trust is misplaced?

What if that violence is still in there somewhere?

Shut up and listen to me.

You are the best man I know.

I know how hard you've worked to change.

I see that change every single day.

You've got to stop beating yourself up

so that we can move on and live our lives.

How are you getting on in there?

I burnt the toast.

Cremated it, more like. The eggs are all right, though.

Really?

Aye. Took me months to do a decent poached egg.

My mum taught me.

So, are you on study leave the now, aye?

Yeah, until the beginning of next week.

Why don't you come in tomorrow and do a couple of hours for me?

You're offering me a job?

Let's just call it a paid trial.

I don't really have much hours to give out,

but I could do with cover once in a while.

Brilliant. I'm sick of asking my dad for money.

Well, now you can tell him you're earning your own.

-All three quid an hour.

-I don't care. At least I'm doing something.

Away you go and take a seat and eat that before it gets cold.

I can't afford to buy it.

And I can't afford to give it to a customer, not with the state of that toast.

All right?

No, not really. Thanks to your and your wee blackmail stunt.

Do you know how long it took for me and Will to get our lives back on track,

just for you to come in and take it all away again!

I'm not the baddie here. Talk to your husband.

He's the one that left boot marks across your back.

You have to let this go!

I was there, Robbie. I saw how bad it was.

I know. And I did the right thing. I walked away.

-Aye, you walked right back in again.

-Because he's changed!

Do you know, I'm glad you never had to get assessed

before you could have Cal.

I would love to read the home study on you lot!

Prospective mother comes from a family of petty criminals.

That is not fair!

And don't even get me started on doting grandad Lenny Murdoch!

I wonder how his biography would go down with the social services!

What Lenny does in his spare time has nothing to do with my ability to look after my kid!

So it's one rule for you and another for me?

It's not you I've got the problem with. It's Will.

-It's him being around a kid.

-Just like Lenny is with Cal?

Lenny's a gangster and a criminal!

Lenny would never hit Cal.

Just like Will wouldn't hit a kid. It just would not happen.

You don't get to decide my life for me.

I know what's best for me and Will,

and for any kid that's lucky enough to come into our home.

Right, Robbie, you think what you like.

But I'm not going to take any chances.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

'Hi, is that Kelly-Marie Adams?'

Who is this?

My name's Sandra Devlin. I'm from Children and Families.

I'm trying to chase up a reference for a Robbie Fraser?

Hello?

Large red wine, please.

One of them days?

Aye.

-Want to talk about it?

-No.

One large red coming up.

PHONE RINGS

Voila.

Impressive. That must've taken you all day.

"That" used to be your favourite.

Did it?

Why are you not eating?

I had my tea at the cafe.

-Where did you get the money for that?

-It was on the house.

I didn't steal it. Stella gave me it for nothing.

Why?

I got a job there. Starting tomorrow.

-Good on you!

-Thanks.

-You're going to school tomorrow.

-But you said...

I said you could take a few days to get your head straight.

You're all right to work, you're all right for school.

-What about her job?

-What time do you start?

11.

You go. Make her apologies, take her shift.

You're the one that needs a job, not her.

See you when I catch you!

KNOCKING

I'll get it.

Hi.

You have to understand - he has changed.

I know he can be a bit of a screw-up,

but that's what makes him a perfect foster carer.

He can see right through these troubled weans,

and he knows exactly what to do to help.

Underneath it all, he has got a good heart.

That's what my ma used to say about Paddy.

Just because he couldn't change doesn't mean to say that Will can't.

I wish me and Will had a different story. Something less...messy.

But this is the only story we've got and I've got to run with it.

Hey, you!

Look, all I'm asking is that you don't deny me

everything that you take for granted.

See you later.

-Bye.

-Aye. Come on, you.

Thanks for meeting me.

I can't stay out too long.

Have you got to get back for Callum?

No. It's not that. It's just there's something on the telly.

PHONE RINGS

Oh, for...

Problem?

No. It's just someone keeps calling me.

Have I got competition?

It's a social worker. A friend of mine wants to foster.

Long story.

I hate second dates. You kinda know someone. You kinda don't.

You've used all your best lines.

Is that what this is? Second date?

Well, I...

You sure you wouldn't rather be doing this in the pub?

So you can get me drunk again?

Don't recall you putting up much of a fight the last time.

I don't get out much, so I take it where I can get it.

Look...

..what is it you want from me?

Haven't really thought about it.

Apart from the obvious, obviously. And you?

Haven't really thought about it, either.

Then we're on the same page.

Look, as lovely as this, and it is,

I'm not really the walking kind of guy.

You sure you don't want a drink?

I'm still trying to decide whether to trust you or not.

Do you always play this hard to get?

PHONE RINGS

Sure you don't want to take that?

-There you go.

-Cheers.

Thanks for getting back. I was beginning to give up hope.

See, to be honest, I'm not sure how much help I can be.

Well, you can start by telling me why such a lovely guy like Robbie's

having problems getting a character reference.

I don't know what's going on with Tatiana.

I mean, you know her own daughter's gay!

Well, it's your reluctance I'm more interested in.

Oh, right.

So - what's the story?

OK, I'll start with an easy one.

How long have you worked with Robbie?

Well, he gave me a job when I really needed one.

I'd been away for a couple of years and had a kid and came back.

Callum, his dad, well, he's no longer here.

Long story, messy situation.

Look, I think Robbie didn't ask me for a reference because

he thinks that I would judge him on things that happened in the past.

What kind of things?

There was times I thought that he and Will were better off apart than together.

OK, look, if a child or a young person were to be

placed in that home, would they be looked after properly?

Would they be safe?

I need to go to work. I'm on the late shift again.

Just because your dad was a rubbish parent

doesn't mean to say that you're going to be one too.

Go back to the beginning.

Remember why you wanted to be a foster carer in the first place?

Why are we doing this?

Because we can make a massive difference to some wean's life.

But we can only do that if you stop trying to sabotage yourself

because you're on some kind of guilt trip about who you used to be.

What about Kelly-Marie?

I can't control what she does.

But I'm not giving up without putting up a fight.

We'll talk about it tomorrow.

No, we won't. Tomorrow I'm going to be at the fostering panel.

You're not serious!

Oh, I am. I'm going ahead with this.

I won't have my future dictated to me - not by Kelly-Marie, not by you.

We've done everything we can to prove that we are foster carers,

and I'm not going to throw all that hard work away.

Where does that leave me?

All you have to do is show up.

The rest we'll take from there.

It's your choice.

-School.

-No-one will be back off study leave.

I'll be the only one there.

I'm sure they'll find you something to do.

It is a school, isn't it?

Look, all the information is in the report.

My point is that we should have had more time to study this.

Sorry to interrupt. Have you got five minutes before the hearing?

Sure, yeah. Come into my office.

-Leslie, this is Will.

-Hi.

Leslie's a volunteer in the Moss Green Youth Project.

Yeah, and fellow panel member.

Though what we've to make of this application, I've no idea.

I'm going to stop you right there.

Will is not on the panel. He's one of the applicants.

Oh!

You know what? I'll come back later.

No, no, no. It's fine.

Leslie, why don't you take some time before the hearing

and reread the report?

Excuse me.

Sorry about that. She's a bit of a live one.

Actually, it doesn't matter any more.

What do you mean?

You're going to have to cancel the hearing.

Why? What's happened?

When we started the assessments,

I talked to you about my anger management issues.

I led you to believe that my aggression was directed toward my father.

It wasn't. I used to hit Robbie.

I knew you were keeping something from me.

I heard what you said to Petey.

-I'm sorry. I should have told you.

-Yeah.

You should.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Right, let's do this.

I thought you weren't coming.

I nearly didn't.

OK. Let's get this show on the road.

We'll also be looking to integrate

any resident child into our local community.

It's a fairly vibrant place to live, with a lot to offer a child.

You both plan to keep working?

That's going to be a bit difficult, isn't it?

There'll be meetings to attend...

I'm self-employed, so I can juggle things.

Honestly, we've thought of everything. Haven't we, Will?

I think I'll move this on.

I still have a few questions.

Fire away.

Well, we can all be very modern,

but the fact remains that any child placed in this home

will be raised by two men.

What is your point, Leslie?

Well, Mr Fraser and Mr Cooper will face challenges,

and attitudes that other foster carers won't encounter.

Such as?

Well, how do you plan to respond to the criticism that you might

be grooming any child placed with you?

Grooming for what?

What are you suggesting exactly?

Well, I'm not suggesting anything, Mr Cooper, but others may.

So how would you respond to that accusation?

By informing the idiot making it that we're fully CRB and police checked!

Was there anything else?

Yes, actually.

Some, not me, might argue that the partnership of two men does not

provide the same stability as a heterosexual married relationship.

Now, how do you think that might affect a vulnerable child?

OK, there's a lot of ignorant assumptions flying around this room.

I just hope the rest of you on the panel can see it for what it is - homophobic nonsense.

Hear, hear.

Let me make one thing very clear.

There is nothing unstable about mine and Robbie's relationship.

We've been through more challenges in the last couple of years

than most heterosexual marriages face in a lifetime.

We've nursed my terminally ill father, faced problems

with my job, and serious personal challenges in our relationship.

And at every turn, we've worked things through

and become stronger as a couple.

And whatever else gets thrown at us, we'll keep getting stronger.

We're a team. Nothing can break that.

That's why we're ready to foster.

Mr Fraser?

What he said.

Thank you.

Someone should put in a complaint about that woman.

She was out of order.

Yeah, well, I think we set her straight.

Annihilated her, more like. You were amazing.

There's no way they're not going to let us foster after that speech.

I'm not so sure.

How do you mean?

I told Sandra.

You were right.

I should have told her from the start.

I was ashamed.

What did she say?

Nothing much. She needs to check it out.

Talk to my counsellor.

Course.

I'm sorry if it causes problems for us.

I'm proud of you.

What for?

For telling the truth.

Even if it potentially messes everything up?

It wouldn't be right to start off on a lie.

At least now they've got the full picture.

It's not a very pretty one, is it?

No!

But it's a work-in-progress.

You can say that again.

I love you.

I love you, too.

KNOCKING

-Who's that?

-I'll get it.

-Oh, hiya.

-Hi.

Come in.

Look who it is.

-Sandra.

-Hi.

Just to let you know, I've had a call from the panel...

..and you were approved.

Oh, my God!

Really? You sure?

Romeo's looking over again.

Aye.

Good for him.

I thought you fancied him?

Maybe I've changed my mind.

Guys with fat wallets don't grow on trees, you know.

What do you think I am?

A skint single mammy knocking on a bit.

Do you know, I just love coming out with you.

You make me feel so much better about myself.

Lighten up. Go and talk to him.

Nah, I'm going to go up the road.

Oh, here we go.

Oh-oh.

We just wanted to say thank you.

We got approved.

Sandra, our social worker, said it came down to you in the end.

So if you hadn't given us those references,

well, we don't want to think about it, do we?

You've no idea how much that means to us.

Aye, well, she reckoned that there's worse daddies than yous guys in the world.

Don't prove her wrong.

-We won't.

-We won't.

If the two of you so much as argue, you know I'm going to be on yous.

Absolutely.

You won't regret this. I promise.

Better not.

C'mere, you.

Give the guy a break.

Right, you've got one more chance, so don't blow it.

Technically, I didn't blow it the first time.

Do you know what? You can quit while you're ahead.

-So does this mean I've pulled?

-In your dreams. But you can buy me a drink.

Do you know what this is?

What?

The start of everything.

Yeah. Yeah, it is. Come on.

The case is pretty slim. All we need is a reasonable doubt.

I don't like leaving things to chance.

If there's anything I can do when I'm out, just let me know.

Everybody knows, Kennedy killed Malick.

Aye, but knowing it and proving it, two different things.

You're the only one that can put Billy away for good.

You don't take the stand, Jimmy, Billy's gonnae walk.

He's gonnae get away with it.