Ever since they had come back from the holiday, Aaron felt that he had been neglecting Jackson slightly.
On holiday he had been so content to be with Jackson that any inhibitions that he had vanished as soon as he stepped off the plane.
There had even been a slight difference in Jackson, he was alot more laid back, and not worrying if he had overstepped the mark when it came to showing him some affection in public. No nervous jumps when he brushed his inner thigh. No checking around to see who was looking when he wanted to put him arms around Aaron's waist at the bar and breathe in his scent, and no sneaking behind walls when he wanted to kiss him.
They both had the weekend off, and with the money from the sale of the car Aaron decided to book them a long weekend away somewhere. He decided against Manchester - fearing any comments about Canal Street being brought up at the garage - thats still not something he was quite so ready to joke about with Cain and Ryan.
He decided on Blackpool eventually. Cheap and tacky, yes. But ultimately he just wanted to go away with Jackson again. He felt so different when it was just the two of them. Safe, contented and most of all, secure. A feeling he had never really had before.
He hoped that if he spent enough time with him away from the village, that when they did actually return it would feel more normal to act like a couple than it would keeping him at arms length in public. Even he felt awkward treating Jackson like he would Ryan or Adam, and he was worrying that Jackson was noticing it too. He admired his patience with him, there was never any pressure - but still he felt it was time to take a small step forward. He decided he wanted to risk the jibes from the locals just to see the smile that he only ever saw when they were in bed, completely stripped, breathing heavily on each other's bodies.
Jackson was stunned at Aarons little gesture, the best he'd hoped for was for him to buy him a pint in the Woolie on Friday night.
''So yeah i thought we could leave Friday morning. Ive cleared it with Cain, it shouldnt be a problem clearing it with Declan should it? You've only just started the barn conversions so i didnt think it would be a big deal'' Aaron said, trying not to make a big deal of Jackson sitting there a little bit stunned.
''Err yeah. That sounds great'' Jackson replied, his face breaking out into a little smile.
''Nice one, ive packed us some stuff already so let me know when you've done here and we can set off'' came the reply, as Aaron strutted back off to the Garage spinning a windscreen wiper in his fingers.
Packed 'us' some stuff Jackson thought to himself. His smile did not go unnoticed all day, just the smallest thing like Aaron thinking what he was going to wear that weekend (or in Aarons mind rip off) was actually quite touching.
Jackson realised as Aaron sloped off back to the garage that he loved that Aaron wasn't one for words. He was never the sort to fill an awkward silence. Completely the opposite of himself, living with Hazel all of his life had given Jackson the confidence to talk to just about anyone.
They were polar opposites in certain ways. Aaron had a bravado, always made out that nothing bothered him, but deep deep down he sought approval from just about everyone he came into contact with. He had been hurt so many times in his short life that he struggled to let people in. Paddy was just about the only person who he had a connection with. Not really surprising after everything he had been through.
He loved that there was this air of confidence about him whenever he walked into a room, like he couldn't care less about what anyone thought. But in actual fact he sought approval off just about everyone. Jackson loved that he was one of the only people to see that side of him. It made him feel like he had a piece of Aaron that belonged to him. Only him.
They left Paddy a note on the kitchen table, it saved any awkward questions about times, places and money - all the things Paddy was likely to ask about. Bundling their stuff into the back of Jacksons van Aaron caught a glimpse of his man, his tight khaki t-shirt showing off his impressively toned arms whilst he lugged some tools about in the back to make room. His toned tanned triceps were hypnotic. He hid behind the van doors. Seeing Jackson jump out he flashed him a quick smile, one that said ''im so glad your mine''. He gently brushed his lips against his lover's feeling the rough stubble rasp on his lips. ''What was that for?'' Jackson quizzed, nicely surprised.
''You want to see whats to come'', he responded jumping into the front, no eye contact to give any hint of his plans for their weekend.
As they sloped off into Jacksons van, every mile they drove would feel like a little weight being lifted off the shoulders of the couple.
Contently hurling up the motorway Jackson placed the van into gear and slowly rubbed and squeezed Aaron's thigh, gently moving upwards.
''You should be concentrating on the road. But seen as we've missed rush-hour...'', Aaron hinted, slowly resting his head on the drivers lap
TBC