Aaron had lots of time to think on his journey north. He could play this true to form, barge in fists first but he knew that would only push Jackson further away. No, he would have to play this Mark at his own game, if he was trying to get Jackson for himself; Aaron wasn't going to make it easy for him.
When he reached the city, Aaron sent Jackson a text, just a general message to ascertain where he was at that moment, not revealing his own location.
His response informed him that he was just about to finish college and head home, giving Aaron the perfect opportunity to surprise him. He parked the car in front of the Metropolitan and waited. As soon as he saw Jackson exit the building he got out of the car and rested himself against it, arms folded.
It took Jackson a few seconds to register just who it was, he looked first, then away before a quick second glance confirmed it was him.

Jackson: 'Aaron?
Aaron: 'Hey, you alright?
Jackson: 'What the...this is a surprise'
Aaron: 'A good one I hope.'
Jackson: 'Course it is, can't believe you're here.'

Jackson grabbed him and kissed him passionately there on the footpath, his fellow students all round him.
In his embrace, Aaron felt safe again, foolish even for ever doubting him.

Jackson: 'So are you going to tell me what this is about, this sudden act of spontaneity?'
Aaron: 'Do I need a reason, just missed ya so I came up, no big deal.'
Jackson: 'Yea it is, I'm really glad you did, so do you want a tour of the city or go get a bite to eat.'
Aaron: 'I'd rather just go home...to your place, if that's ok.'
Jackson: 'You don't have to ask me twice, c'mon then.'

During the short drive to Mingarry Street, Aaron kept his left hand on Jackson's thigh, slowly circling it, revealing his intentions. By the time they reached the apartment both of them were heady with desire for each other and as the place was dark and empty they didn't have to make any excuses on their way to Jackson's bedroom. The hours passed unknown to them as they reacquainted their bodies, the week apart seeming like an eternity. As he held him after, Jackson soon fell asleep in Aaron's arms. Sleep wasn't so prevalent to Aaron; he knew he had more important things to deal with first. As he lay there in the dark, his silence was ended by a bang of the front door and the buzz of the TV. Slipping out his arm from under Jackson, Aaron put his cotton boxers on and headed for the door, the creak alerting his entrance.

Mark had his back to the door, learning over the sink preparing his dinner.
Mark: 'Oh there you are, you lazy sod, come on I've got us a nice bit of steak for dinner. You have to keep your strength up, got us a DVD as well.'
Aaron: 'Hope it's a violent one.'
The strange voice caused Mark to jump out of his skin and quickly turn to face where it came from. He had a knife in his hand and perhaps unwillingly it was pointed at Aaron.
Mark: 'Jesus...Aaron?
Aaron: 'No need for the knife Mark...didn't mean to scare you.'
Mark: 'No, course not...sorry...just wasn't expecting you.'

Aaron eyed the components of the evening Mark had planned with his boyfriend, food, wine, a DVD, all very romantic.
Aaron: 'So I see...mind if I just knock up something quick for me and Jackson..he's a bit too tired to make it himself.'
Mark: 'Yea...work away...I'll just keep these steaks for tomorrow.'
Aaron: 'No need, we'll buy our own thanks.'
Mark: 'You planning on hanging around then Aaron'
Aaron: 'Was thinking about it yea.'
Mark: 'Jackson never mentioned it.'
Aaron: 'That's cos he didn't know.'
Mark: 'He's very busy this week, has he told you he has his first assignment, there's a lot of pressure on.'
Aaron: 'I'm sure I can entertain myself so.'
Mark: 'He really shouldn't have any distractions, suppose you wouldn't understand and of course he'd never say it...'

Aaron slammed down the knife he had been using to cut some sandwiches, no longer able to keep up his pretence. He moved right into Mark's space, forcing him to back up against the wall.
Aaron: 'Oh I understand alright...stay the hell away from my boyfriend.'
Mark: 'Ah here we go, Jackson did warn me about your violent nature...tell me Aaron, is that how you usually show a bloke you're interested, by decking him...how very caveman.'
Aaron tried to hide the disappointment from his face..Jackson had told this creep everything; did he still hold that against him, would he always see him as that thug?
He stepped back from his target, just held him by the shoulders in a menacing masquerading as friendly grip.
Aaron: 'It's just a bit of advice Mark...no one needs to get hurt.'
Mark: 'As far as I can see that's usually Jackson so if it means getting him away from you, go on hit me.'
Aaron: 'You'd like that wouldn't ya.'
Mark: 'Love it'
Aaron: 'Not gona happen mate..just like you and Jackson are never gona happen...alright'
Mark: 'We'll see...just a matter of time mate, you're a chav...he's way out of your league and he'll see that sooner or later.'
Aaron: 'You just keep telling yourself that when you're alone in your room tonight...now if you don't mind I'm going back to my boyfriend, we still have some catching up to do...hope we don't keep you awake. Night mate.'

With that Aaron patted Mark's arm, smiled his crooked smiled and made his way back to Jackson's room, leaving a furious Mark watching him as he walked away...now even more determined that this wouldn't be the last time he saw the back of him.

A/N thanks for reviews, hope you're enjoying it!