Part One

Even before his backside had hit the carpet at least twelve calls had been made to the police reporting an assault. Paddy forcefully removed Aaron from the pub, Jackson jumped to his feet and chased him, screaming at him.

"What was that?"

"Leave me alone."

"Not until you explain what the hell that was."

Struggling to breath, Aaron sank to the floor, clutching his chest.

"Just move back a bit. Give him some room. He stood in front of Aaron, hands on his shoulders, speaking softly, but firmly. Remember look at me. That's it. Slowly. Deep breaths in and out. In and out."

"What's the matter? Is he okay? Aaron I'm sorry."

Jackson paced up and down the pavement, pale as a ghost, shaking. Aaron managed to regulate his breathing.

"I'm not pregnant Paddy. What you sorry for anyway? I hit you."

He managed to clamber into a sitting position on the curb.

"I know. Jackson regained his composure. And it hurts like hell."

His eye was watering and stinging, the mark of what would be a smasher of a bruise in the morning.

"You want some ice for that?"

Paddy decided to give them some space.

"No it's okay. I could do with a drink though."

"Don't make me laugh."

Aaron managed a smile, but a sharp pain surged through his chest.

"Can you get up okay?"

"I don't know we'll find out in a minuet. Why are you still here?"

"Honestly? I don't know. A second ago I was all for hitting you back, but you scared me. I know why you hit me Aaron, but I didn't even really touch you."

"I know. I just freaked out. People were looking at me."

"Yeah, when you punched me. Before that they were busy doing their own thing."

"It was…I can't explain. Can you help me up?"

"I'll try."

"Hang on I'll give you a lift."

Paddy offered, luckily Smithy Cottage happened to be just over the road as Aaron was no lightweight.

"Come back to mine for a brew and a chat. I promise to stay at least a meter away from you at all times."

"Or I'll referee."

Paddy quipped.

"I'm not scared of you Aaron. I just want to understand. I've been where you are and I want to help you."

"So do I." Paddy concurred. You just have to let us."

Once they had settled Aaron on the couch, Jackson offered to make the tea, whilst Paddy made his lame excuses about paperwork and went to the surgery leaving them to it.

"Sugar."

Aaron shouted through from the lounge.

"Awwww I didn't think you cared. Jackson immediately regretted his little joke. Sorry. I didn't mean…"

"I know. I take two. Aaron reassured him. Please don't be apologizing for everything. I feel bad enough as it is."

"I'll stop apologizing if you do. Just explain it to me."

"What?"

Tea in hand, Jackson seated himself next to Aaron on the sofa.

"Why did you freak out?"

Aaron couldn't help feeling embarrassed by his actions. He knew the reasons were going to sound pathetic, but he believed he owed Jackson an explanation, after all he was still here.

"You remember our kiss at Bar West last week?"

"Yeah, I mean how could I forget? What about it?"

Jackson tried not to sound too concerned.

"For the first time I felt…happy and complete. I felt normal."

"But…"

"I turned to leave and Adam was stood over the road."

"He saw us?"

"It was like I knew in that moment I thought that everyone in the village would find out. And I…I couldn't cope with that."

"It was too much for you. So when I came into the pub you assumed everyone was looking and talking."

"I guess. It sounds stupid when you say it like that, but it scared me to death."

"No. I can understand that. Jackson smiled sympathetically. As I said I've been where you are. My own dad couldn't accept me being gay and he walked out on us after thumping me. He was paranoid that everyone was judging him, because of me."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. We got over it. My mum has been great. She's really stuck by me through everything and I am going to do that for you."

"But I don't deserve…"

"It's not about what you deserve. It's about what you need and what I want."

"You want to help me? Still?"

"I know. I must be crazy. But there is something about you Aaron and I want to know what it is. That's if you don't mind me hanging around for a while."

"People don't usually do that."

He mumbled.

"I do. I promise I will be here for as long as you need me. I like you Aaron."

"I…"

"It doesn't matter. You don't have to say anything."

Jackson squeezed his hand encouragingly and to his surprise and delight Aaron returned the pressure.

"I like you too. I really like you."

"Can I stay with you then?" No funny business I promise.

"You want to?"

"Well it's nearer for work. I am at Declan's tomorrow."

Jackson teased.

"Course. You want to watch a DVD and order some food?"

"I think it's the safest bet. We should probably give the pub a miss for tonight."

"Do you want a drink? I make a mean hot chocolate float with marshmallows."

"Oooo sounds great. You definitely know the way to a man's heart."

"What's that then?"

Aaron asked confusedly.

"Through his stomach. Have you never heard that?"

"No. So, all I have to do is keep feeding you and you'll go out with me?"

Aaron winked none too subtly.

"Something like that."

"Great. What we eating?"