Disclaimer: The characters and overreaching plot belongs to ITV Studios and associated persons. I gain no money from this. I'm not in any way associated with the show. No copyright infringement intended. The original plot in this short story belongs to me as well as any original characters (OCs).

Author notes: I'm aware it was some time since I updated this and I apologize for it. I do have a storyline thought out; I have simply not had time to write. I'll try to update more often.

A new day arrived to the little village in northern England. In his room in Smithy Cottage Aaron woke up by the sunshine, which entered his eyes through the lazily closed curtains. He sat up and rubbed his eyes before he looked around the room with a slight scowl on his face. Next to him laid Jackson whom stirred slightly in his sleep. After a brief glance at the sleeping man beside him he swung his legs over the bed. While he was stretching his back a little he heard the bed squeak as Jackson sat up.

"Uhm what time is it?" the other man asked sleepily.

"Half past 10," Aaron responded before turning to face his boyfriend.

"That much?" Jackson asked again while simultaneously trying to stop a yawn. He failed. Aaron gave him a half smile.

"Time to get up lazy ass," he teased and got out of the bed. Jackson just shook his head at that and got out of the bed as well. Meanwhile Aaron had made his way over to the closet and was looked through it after clothes to wear. He chose a blue t-shirt and his grey hoodie and yesterday's trackiebottoms. They were still clean so why pick out a new one, he reasoned. He then glanced back at Jackson whom was busy picking up yesterday clothes from the floor. Aaron couldn't help to observe his boyfriend. He really did want him around as it didn't feel right without him. Aaron had never thought he would get so attached to anyone, even less another man. But he was content with it. Suddenly Jackson turned around and looked at Aaron. He blushed a little at being caught with staring at the fit man in front of him. Jackson was butt naked and only his picked up clothes kept his decency intact. He then fired off a cheeky smile at the young mechanic.

"Seeing something you like?" he asked with cheekiness in his voice.

"Get dressed you," Aaron groaned and threw a pair of briefs over at him. Jackson caught the piece of clothing and chuckled as he put it on. He did so almost seducing by giving Aaron a nice view of his manhood. Aaron rolled his eyes and turned his back to the other man and tended to his own clothing process. He tried to ignore his awakened member, knowing that if he gave in they wouldn't get out any time soon. Jackson however was in a naughty mood and sneaked over the bed and up to Aaron. He went up to the other man and pressed his body against his back. Aaron froze a little at the sudden contact but Jackson ignored his discomfort. He then ran his hands over Aaron's partially dressed person and breathed heavily into his neck. That sent warm shivers down Aaron's body. With a moan Aaron quickly turned around and pushed Jackson down onto the bed where he pinned him under him. Jackson smirk said it all. He had gotten what he wanted and he knew that.

"You're such a horny bastard," Aaron growled and pressed their bodies together. He then attacked Jackson's neck with hot and desperate kisses.

"I'm not the only one…" Jackson teased as he enjoyed the sudden passion and closeness.

Aaron let out a small chuckle before he quickly dispatched Jackson only piece of clothing, thoughts of getting dressed all but gone.

ooOOoo

Later on, after the sudden session of hot love making, Aaron and Jackson finally made their way downstairs. The clock was almost 11 by now. Not that either of them minded much. It was Sunday after all and none of them was much for going to church. When they entered the kitchen they met Paddy who was standing by the counter. He smiled at the lads and Aaron felt a little bit uncomfortable. He knew Paddy was OK with him having Jackson here and… doing… stuff but it still felt a bit weird.

"You took your time to get up from bed, didn't you," Paddy lightly teased. Aaron rolled his eyes at it while Jackson couldn't help himself and chuckled a little.

"We got distracted," Jackson then said. Aaron sent him a glare at that. He did not want to discuss his love life with Paddy or anyone for that matter.

"Well, yeah…" Paddy begun and cleared his throat a little. He had heard some noises and he knew far too well what was going on upstairs, just like Aaron probably knew what he and Rhona got up to at times. "It's just good. I-I am just glad you're enjoying yourself," he stammered.

"Paddy. Don't," Aaron said and gave him a look.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry," Paddy apologized and went quiet. Jackson snorted a little with a small smile on his face. He might enjoy a bit of a laugh at times but talking about personal stuff like that is not something he enjoy either, although he's more open with it. Aaron then made his way over to the counter and picked out some bread to toast and some marmalade. Paddy protested however, telling him that it soon was lunch. Aaron whined a little at being hungry and Paddy gave in. After he had won that argument he gladly put the bread into the roaster before turning to Jackson.

"You want one too?" he asked. At the request Jackson went wide-eyed and blinked an extra time. Aaron didn't ask him about stuff often so this was a change, a good one though.

"Yeah sure," he finally spoke. Meanwhile Paddy watched with happiness inside his chest. It was sweet how much Aaron had changed in such a short time.

ooOOoo

The rest of day went on without much happening. After their "breakfast" the couple had mostly slouched on the couch watching some telly while Paddy prepared lunch. Neither Jackson nor Aaron were good cooks and therefore they let Paddy cook. Of course Jackson could cook as he had been living alone for longer than Aaron. However right now he just wanted to enjoy the company of his boyfriend.

When Paddy was done with lunch they joined Paddy and Rhona for it. Her belly was beginning to get noticed by now, something Aaron had to stop himself from mentioning. Not to be mean or anything but merely as a laugh. After lunch time the couple had watched some more telly and gone out for a walk. It was something Jackson had noticed that Aaron enjoyed. However he often avoided places he had gone with Clyde because of the too painful memories. After some time they had came to the bridge, which went over the nearby river. The couple leaned against the railing and watched in silence as the melt water poured down the waterfall.

"I like it here," Aaron then commented. "I often went here as a kid to sit down and think," he added and pointed out a spot some yards down the river.

"It's nice," Jackson responded and placed his arm around Aaron. To his surprise Aaron didn't pull back but instead leaned into it. It made Jackson happy. He had been thinking hard on if he could handle Aaron reculance to PDA. He was happy the other man had changed his mind. They stood there in silence for a few minutes before they continued their stroll.

ooOOoo

"No way. I am not going!" Aaron shouted at Chas.

"Oh c'mon love. It's not everyday Lisa and Zak has a Sunday dinner for the family!" Chas responded with her temper wearing thin. She had approached Aaron earlier with an invite from her uncle and aunt. They had recently won a large sum of money from a lottery ticket and they just wanted to celebrate it by throwing a dinner party. She knew Aaron might be reculant to it as he wasn't much for family parties but she hadn't expected him to be this much against it.

Aaron shook his head angrily and crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't want to. When will that go through that thick head of yours?" he spat.

"Oi! Watch that attitude of yours!" Chas spat back.

Their high voices had attracted the attention of Jackson who was quick to come over from the sitting room. He quickly crossed the space and gave his difficult boyfriend a harsh look.

"What's your problem Aaron? It's just a dinner! It's not like you're forced to go to the dentist like some kid," Jackson complained. Aaron flinched slightly at Jackson's appearance. He hadn't expected him to come by. He probably should have though.

"Yeah, listen to your boyfriend," Chas told Aaron before she looked over to Jackson. "Will you try to make him see some sense? He's too stubborn for his own good," she asked with a glance at Aaron whom was still fuming.

"It is a problem!" Aaron yelled. He then took a deep breath to get his flaring temper back under control. Only Jackson could do that to him and maybe Paddy too, sometimes. "Look, I just wanted the night off so that I could…" he begun but hesitated.

"And?" Jackson asked while tapping his arm.

"I wanted the night off so that I could take you out on a date…" Aaron finally admitted. Chas suddenly feelt embarrassed of herself. But she's was still angry with him. He could have said something instead of shouting at her.

"Awh babe," Jackson said with a smile spreading over his face and pulled them closer. "That's sweet. Where did you plan us to go?" he then asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Love, I am so sorry. But you should have said something instead of going off on one, like you always do!" Chas apologized.

"Wanted it to be a surprise, innit. I couldn't have known what you wanted, could I?" Aaron spat back although with less sharpness to it. He then looked back at Jackson. "I hadn't exactly made any plans yet… I just decided a few hours ago," he then admitted.

"Well then if you hadn't decided… " Chas begun.

"No," Aaron responded with a shake of his head.

"Oh c'mon love it'll be fun! Lisa and Zak would love to have you and Jackson there!" she tried to persuade him.

"C'mon…" Jackson then added.

With a dramatic roll of his eyes and deep sigh Aaron finally agreed to come to the dinner.

ooOOoo

Later on Jackson drove his blue van up to Wishing Well Cottage with Aaron sulking next to him. He wanted to go on a date with Jackson, just the two of them on their own. But as Jackson had said dates could be any night, celebrations one time only. When the vehicle came to a stop they stepped out. After a few moments they entered through the door and into the small house. They noticed that most of the family was already there. Lisa greeted them as they walked in and they took a seat by the table. Not long after Debbie arrived as she had closed up the garage first. The family then started eating the meal, exchanging pleasantries and congratulations. Aaron was in his usual bad mood. Jackson however made up for his sulky boyfriend's mood with jokes and smiles all over. He even sent a few Aaron's way which actually caused the other bloke to lighten a little briefly. Lisa observed their interaction with interest. She knew what kind of lad Aaron was and the fact that Jackson succeeded where many others failed pleased her. Perhaps there was a chance that he might turn into a good man after all.

After the dinner Aaron made his way outside for a smoke. He was soon joined by Cain which was odd considering his uncle rarely smoked. The older man leaned against the wall next to him and Aaron shot him a look.

"What?" he asked.

"Just taking a breather," Cain responded with a shrug. Aaron gave him a suspicious glance but didn't comment further, waiting for the other man's response. He didn't have to wait long until Cain turned to him with a mischievous look at his face.

"Aaron… how do you feel about a job? I could use your help to acquire some parts," Cain spoke.

"Thought we already have all the parts we needed?" Aaron questioned.

"This is a special case of sort which will bring in a load of cash, both for you and me," Cain continued.

"One of those Debbie is better off not knowing about?"

"There's no reason for her to know. Are you in?"

"What are you playing at Cain?"

"Alright if you're not interested… shame though, you'll lose a lot of possible cash income."

"Didn't say that. I'll think of it."

"Good. Remember that it's a limited offer only. Oh and don't dare telling Debbie about it. She doesn't need to know and you'll be sorry if you do grass me up," Cain threatened.

"Got it," Aaron responded. With a nod Cain headed back to the house while Aaron bit his lip in thought. Cash would be nice to have and doing Cain a favor could be good for the future. But then it was Jackson he had to consider. He strongly suspected that Cain was up to no good and he was unsure about how that might affect his boyfriend. It was a tough choice.