Aaron was floating on a lilo in the pool at the villa, relaxing in the hot sun with his fingers skimming the cool water. They had only been in Lanzarote for two days but it felt much longer. Aaron had never felt so relaxed in all his life.

From the minute he had asked Jackson if he could join him on holiday, everything had gone their way. Jackson had called the travel agent to get the extra flight booked, which they had done with ease but the studio apartment he had booked was no longer available. They said it was 'unforeseen circumstances', more like double booking Hazel said. Jackson had stood his ground on the phone and next minute was offered a villa with a pool in the same resort. They had checked on Paddy's computer and it was twice the price that they had paid. Result!

They had packed in a hurry in the end, spending more time taking clothes off each other than putting them in the case, plus Jackson had to deliver some tools to a mate and fix Sugger's door. Hazel had taken them to the airport and Aaron had laughed when she totally embarrassed Jackson by enveloping him in a big hug and covering his face in a zillion kisses when they said bye. Not as much as Jackson had laughed though when she tried to do the same to Aaron!

When they had arrived, they had dumped their bags and had a quick look round to get their bearings before heading out for something to eat. They had talked and laughed so much over dinner, the village and Aaron's recent moods seemed a million miles away.

Walking back to the villa, Aaron had slipped his hand into Jackson's. He hadn't thought about doing it, it just felt natural. Jackson had looked at him and grinned. Why couldn't it always be like this Aaron thought?

"Oy"

Aaron opened his eyes and lifted his head off the inflatable. He took his hand out of the water and raised his sunglasses.

"You hollered?"

Jackson stood at the side of the pool, his hands and his swim shorts resting on his hips and accentuating his toned slender frame.

"You need to get some more lotion on, you're gonna fry else."

"Yes Paddy!" Aaron answered laughing.

"Don't come moaning to me when you have to spend the rest of the holiday in bed, flat on your back because of your sun burn" Jackson teased.

Aaron looked at him with a smirk. "Don't remember you being bothered about me being flat on my back last night!"

Jackson laughed. "Will you just come and get some cream on please."

"Yeah whatever" Aaron replied lowering his shades and his head to resume his comfortable position.

Suddenly he felt a splash, the cold water hitting his chest and making him jump and tipping him off the lilo. "What the…"

Jackson appeared from under the water, laughing. "That shifted you."

"Right you" Aaron challenged grabbing Jackson around the chest and lifting him in the water.

The play fighting, with them dunking and throwing each other around, soon turned into passionate kisses. What started under the water moved to the side of the pool, eventually making it on to dry land and into the villa.

In the end they wore each other out, one trying to pleasure the other even more than before, and had fallen asleep in the cool of the bedroom. Aaron had woken first, heading to the kitchen and bringing back two cold beers and a bottle opener to the bedroom. He rested his bottle down on the bedside table but gently placed the other on the back of Jackson's neck, rolling it down his back making him shiver.

"God that's nice." Jackson turned onto his back and looked at Aaron. "You ok? Been awake long?"

"No, not long. Just went and got these" gesturing to the beer bottles that he was opening.

Jackson took a long swig from the bottle. "Thirsty work this being on holiday, eh."

Aaron turned towards him, resting his head on his hand. He looked serious.

"What's up?" Jackson asked.

"If I say something, promise not to take the mick."

Jackson's heart began to pound in his chest. It was too soon for the L word, wasn't it? Jackson thought it could be, especially days like today, but he didn't think they were ready to vocalise it yet. He didn't want to freak Aaron out anymore than he had been.

He looked at Aaron's face, all vulnerable and awaiting his answer.

"I'll do my best but it depends"

"On what?"

"Are you going to be soppy?" Jackson teased, pulling a puppy dog face.

Aaron turned away, lying on his back. "Shan't bother then."

"Come on, Jackson said nudging his arm. "What were you going to say?"

Aaron took a deep breath. "I just wanted to say thanks for letting me come with you. If we were to go home now, it would still be the best holiday I've ever had." He stared at the beer bottle in his hand.

Jackson smiled and turned to put his bottle on the side before reaching for Aaron's. Once they were out of the way, Jackson turned his attention back to Aaron, straddling his legs and kissing his neck and down his chest.

"You know sometimes… you… are too cute for words" and with that, Jackson let his kisses do the talking for the rest of the afternoon.