The Morning After

Paddy slouched down the stairs, rubbing his eyes from having just woken up and also bein tired due to the fact he only came in at about 4, after a 'wild' night with Marlon and Rhona. The first thing he noticed was the huge collection of dirty dishes Aaron had left piled in the sink and around it. Paddy became flustered and immediately began mumbling nonsence while charging back up the stairs.

"If he thinks I'm gunna be his slave he has another thing coming . . cheeky git . . . I'll give 'im a piece of my mind!", he continued mumbling.

Charging through Aaron's door he exclaimed "Oi, you, you better get downst-". He stopped mid sentence as he was clearly taken aback by the situation. Jackson, a man Paddy knew very little about, but at the same time knew Aaron's feelings towards him, was now lying wrapped in Aaron's arms. The pair were 'spponing', and Aaron was the big spoon at this moment, however both were still asleep. Sure they had been getting a bit close in the pub but Paddy never expected them to even share a kiss last night, let alone walk in on them both presumably naked the next day. Although Paddy could only see from the middle of their chests up. They both looked so peaceful, smiles on both of their faces, and Paddy's face turned from anger to awe, still with a hint of shock and confusion though.

Only a few seconds had actually passed since Paddy charged through the door and Jackson slowly came around. His eyes flickered before opening immediately at the sight of a burly silhouette standing in front of him. He was taken aback and flung his head back in panic, ultimately whacking Aaron's forehead with the back of his head. Aaron now woke up immediately to see a panicked Jackson and a stunned Paddy. Paddy still hadn't made any effort to move. Aaron was confused first but he turned to anger and embarassment when he realised Paddy had just walked in on him and Jacskon naked under the covers cuddling.

"What the flippin' 'eck are ya doin in 'ere!", the mechanic shouted, "and cheers for the headbutt there, mate".

"Don't blame me!" the builder retorted, "I opened my eyes to see Paddy standin' there perving on us, how was I supposed to react.

"Yeah Paddeh, ya still 'aven't answered my question. What you even doin' in 'ere?"

"W-w-well I was just h-h-here to to to give out, cause you, you . . and . . the kitchen . .and I was . . ". Paddy realised this wasn't going anywhere. He stopped suddenly, then just walked out of the room closing the door behind him. Jackson chuckled, "He's so cute when he stutters". "Yeah, more like he's so pervy." the mechanic corrected, and he placed his head back on the pillow resuming the initial position him and Jackson were in before Paddy interreupted.

They were cuddling for about an hour, not really talking, except to comment on how amazing the night before was, which was accompanied by a few kisses here and there. Both of them were now fully dressed and ready to start their day - Aaron with community payback followed by work, and Jackson with building Declan's house while trying not to acknowledge the surprising amout of touchin between Declan and Natasha at their "meetings". The lads skipped down the stairs, both obviously in good moods. Jackson opened the door, turned around to face Aaron and said: "Text ya later yeah?", to which Aaron confirmed with a smile. Jackson gave him a quick kiss on the lips which Aaron returned before the builder rushed out of the house before he was late. Aaron stayed momentarily at the door after Jackson left, placing his forehead against the wooden frame, then turned around to see Paddy in the kitchen slurping on his bowl of Wheetabix.

"Well if it isn't peeping Tom getting up to his old tricks again eh?", Aaron teased.

"Shut up, I didn't mean to walk in on y- well . . I didn't know he would be in there. I only wanted to give out at you for that bloody mess you left there last night, which by the way I'm still not cleaning up."

Aaron attended to the dirty dishes while Paddy continue to press the teen for answers. It was hard to tell how Aaron was feeling from his point of view.

"So you alright?"

"Yeah, why wouldnt I be?"

"Dunno .. just cause. . . I dunno. . ."

"Look, I know what your thinkin' Paddeh but its fine. Honest. It was bound to happen at some point and I don't regret it."

"Still a bit too soon though, don't ya think?"

"Nah not really. It just felt . . . right? yano?"

Paddy did know what Aaron meant and the smile on the young lad's face clarified that. He was happy for them. Especially for Aaron, because aaron deserved to finally be happy.

Aaron had finished his community payback and was now half way into his shift at the garage. Only he and Ryan were there.

"Oi, muppet, want a brew? I'm putting one on", Ryan asked.

"Na your ah-right"

"Well good, cause we're out of milk anyway. Best go down and get some then."

"Na you stay here I'll go get it", Aaron offered. Ryan had noticed Aaron had been smiling the whole day, which was a rare sight to see!

"You've been awfully chirpy today. Finally hit puberty or somethin'?", Ryan continued to tease.

"Ha ha aren't you funny. But no. Don't ask questions, just enjoy the good mood", he smiled and walked off. His face dropped a little when he heard a loud shriek of a voice and then noticed his mother coming towards him.

"Ello Aaron, 'eard you've been in a right good mood today. Can I get in on that?"

"Leave it will ya"

"Take that as a no then. Has it got summat to do with that Jackson. You'se were quite close yesterday"

"And you'se were quite pervy yesterday, now drop it". Aaron picked up the pace to avoid this conversation with his mother but she kept up the speed too. He stopped when his phone rang and instantly blushed when he saw who was calling: Jackson.

"Eh yeah I gotta take this, talk t'ya later . . ". Aaron walked-ran away from Chas, finally answering the phone when he felt he secured enough distance.

"Bout time, thought you were gunna start ignoring me again.", the husky voice said through the phone.

"No, never. . eh . . I mean no. Eh, heya". They both chuckled. Aaron blushed but Jackson continued the conversation naturally.

"So you busy tonight then?" Aaron's voice quivered as he asked this, still nervous about asking Jackson on a date but anxious to see what he would say.

"Aww can't mate sorry. Promised a friend I'ld go with her to some reunion party. Sorry again", Jackson sounded very apologetic and also very sad he couldn't spend time with Aaron, but of course they wouldn't see each other every day anyway.

"Alright yeah, no bother I guess. So eh, why d'ya call me then like . . ?"

"Dunno, to chat or somethin'?", Jackson laughed, "Is that okay?

"Yeah yeah, thats . .great." Aaron leaned against the wall of a building, a smile now deepening on his face. Jackson was calling just to talk to him. He had texted him and stuff before, but this seemed so sweet. He couldn't see, but Jackson was smiling on the other end too.

"If your not busy with work and payback tomorrow, maybe we can watch a movie or something. Got that Dog Day Afternoon one here in me flat, if ya want to come and watch it with me?"

"Eh. . .", Aaron paused, the smile on his face deepening even further and he couldn't help it. " Yeah that sounds great mate, cya then."

TBC