This fanfic continues on from "The Day You Never Expect To Arrive" Hope you enjoy! As always, comments/feedback are welcome!

Disclaimer - I don't own emmerdale or any of the characters used.

"The First Meet"

Aaron was sat at one of the tables outside of the woolpack, staring into his lager. He had allowed his facial hair to grow quite bushy and really dark. His eyes were worn and tired; his face pale. It had been just over a week since Chas' funeral.

He didn't know where to place his feelings now, he had Paddy and talked to him about things if he needed too, but he never really did with Chas and now that feeling of missed chances and regret overshadowed his former self and to the others around him, worry was the only thing that came to mind when they thought of Aaron Livesy.

Diane walked out to collect some glasses; when she came to Aaron's table she immediately felt so sorry for him. She reached passed him and picked up the four pint glasses, and god knows whatever else he'd had previously.

"Another please Diane" he requested as she picked up the final glass.

She looked around and sighed. "Aaron love – I think you've had enough" she gently suggested.

"No..." he replied and shook his head, but his attention was soon diverted. "Alright..." he looked at Diane as he stood. "Alright..." he repeated this time, barely even a whisper as he got up and left.

The village was quite busy, a builder was working, workers were on their lunch breaks and people were going to and from the pub, but the only person Aaron saw in his tunnel vision was Carl King, Aaron had learned at the funeral, his mum stormed out after an argument with him.

Aaron whizzed past everyone and everything, running as fast as he could in his drunken stupor.

This caught people's attention.

Instantly Aaron's body impacted Carl as he was mindlessly walking to the shop. Both men fell to the ground hard and Aaron got up and began pounding his fists into Carl's face and chest, complete anger and viciousness filling his expression.

Carl tried to stop him but he couldn't, and no matter how much he disliked the kid he wasn't going to hit him. But then in the dark recesses of his mind he thought maybe he did actually deserve this attack as he lay there trying to defend himself.

In the distance, desperate shrieks and shouting could be heard. The builder working in the village had walked out to his van to get some more tools and equipment to help him with the job when the commotion caught his attention. He was thin but strong, very athletic and his body showed this through his white top. He frowned as he watched, trying to get a glimpse of what was going on and when he saw fighting he ran up to the scene as fast as he could. The only people there were in no shape or were able to stop this. Jackson Walsh never liked violence and he didn't care who he grabbed but he could see that the older of the two was defending himself.

"IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!" Aaron yelled as he was pulled off Carl, his fists were prepared as he swung around to see who had stopped his revenge. But when he saw deep brown eyes looking back at him he stopped. He didn't know why but he did. He lowered his fists and wiped his eyes. His breathing was hard and he struggled through the pain of his loss.

Carl stood, straightening himself; his looks to Aaron were nasty. "Why you so bothered now Aaron? It's not like you bothered with her when she was alive" he hit back, in the way that would not leave a physical bruise.

"Now that's enough" Pearl shot at Carl. "Come on everyone, let's leave them to it" she continued and the group of people began to diminish.

Aaron waited until the audience had left, all the while his blood pumping hard, his aggression uncontrollable and he lunged forward at Carl - but was stopped when he felt hands – big strong hands around his chest pulling him back.

Jackson now got the gist of what was happening here, it seemed that this Aaron he had now held in his arms was the son of that mans girlfriend and Aaron was blaming him for her death.

"Look! I don't know you two or anything but he's just a young lad" Jackson said to Carl.

Aaron was drunk and the adrenaline was now disappearing quickly and real life hit him again and the words the stranger was speaking weren't relevant - he just didn't care.

"And obviously grieving, I would think you were old enough to understand." Jackson continued and loosened his grip on the young man.

Aaron walked to the stranger's side and waited a second before walking away.

Carl shook his head and walked off. "You'll get yours Livesy"

But Aaron didn't hear, he was walking – walking anywhere and the place he came too was an open van. He sat in the back, the doors opened out at the side concealed him, and he lifted his feet so that he was sat with his knees inward to his chest. He sat rocking as tears slowly left his eyes.

Jackson couldn't find him, he looked around but he couldn't see him. He shook his head. "You're welcome" he muttered with a sigh as he decided to return to his van.

Upon walking to the back of his van, he was surprised at what he saw. The lad he'd just pulled away from beating someone up sitting there, his head rested against the shelving Jackson built up himself after acquiring the vehicle.

"Oh!" Aaron sat up startled, his equilibrium had gone completely and with each move it sent him dizzy, he closed his eyes until he adjusted. "Sorry, didn't realise this was yours, I'll move..."

Jackson watched him, a slight smile curled his lips and he shook his head. He was hot on first glance but now, after having a chance to properly look and see past the drunkenness, the young lad was really attractive, his eyes were a piercing blue and his body was rather built, his chest and arms could be seen through the grey jumper he was wearing. Stop perving he'll notice Jackson thought to himself. "No" he shook his head. "You don't have too, no" he replied. "How about if you come inside, the place isn't falling down now, or I could help you along home?" he asked.

Aaron moved toward the edge and put his legs over and they touched the floor. "God no, Paddy wouldn't be too happy"

"Paddy?" Jackson asked with a curious frown.

"Yeah my um..." Aaron smiled; it's all he could do. "My dad"

"Oh I see, but from what I've gathered, I'm sure he'd understand...are you coming in then? A coffee will do you the world of good"

Aaron nodded as he got out of the van and started walking to the house, Jackson followed closely behind...

To Be Continued...