Hi again! A massive thank you to everyone for your reviews on the previous chapter and also for your lovely comments; personally I genuinely didn't think the last chapter was up to scratch so the fact that you all liked it really made my day, you're the best!:)

Long chapter (sorry!)

Chapter 38

Aaron smiled drowsily as he heard the front door shut downstairs and tugged the duvet further around himself to keep the heat in. As his partner trudged into the room clad in an old pair of trackies and a hoodie, complete with hair sticking up at the back and dark-rimmed eyes Aaron smirked and batted his eyelids

"Someone's looking right sexy this morning!"

"Sod off." Jackson grunted as he removed the hoodie. They had long since stopped caring about their appearances in the morning when dropping Kay off to school, as had many of the parents at this stage. They'd seen women drop their sprogs off still in pyjama bottoms and curlers; no one was going to look down their noses at them or any of the other fathers for turning up looking like a walking advert for sports direct.

They'd just spent the past couple of weeks taking care of Kalum whose cold had manifested into the chicken pox; as if feeling sick wasn't bad enough he was now crazy with the itch. Aaron looked after him in the mornings while Jackson took over in the afternoons; poor Kay didn't have the energy to do anything during this time other than crawl onto the sofa and sleep when he wasn't frantically scratching despite the amount of lotion put on him. It made him feel a little better however when his loose tooth fell out during his illness and he found to his delight a five pound note under his pillow the morning after, his bright smile made all the more sweeter looking with a gap now between his bottom teeth.

Now he was back to his usual energetic self and was delighted to be going back to school, to see his friends again if nothing else. This Jackson commented on as he flumped back onto the bed beside Aaron, tired eyes shut.

"How the hell is he so chirpy in the morning?"

Aaron shrugged "No idea, he certainly doesn't take after either of us for being a morning person."

Jackson massaged his temples and yawned "He was telling me that Ryan told him they were learning about recycling in their class this week."

Aaron groaned, causing Jackson to open his eyes and grin "Not a tree-hugger then, I take it?"

"It's not that I don't care; I just don't want to be getting death stares off Kay every time I go to throw something in the bin!"

Jackson chuckled and the pair lay together in content silence for a while. Aaron didn't have work until that afternoon and Jackson had another couple of hours before he had to go. With everything that had happened over the past few weeks they'd had barely any time to themselves to spend together so they relished little moments like this.

Just then Jackson rolled on his side so that he was facing his husband. With a cheeky smirk he ran a tantalising finger down Aaron's neck "I know a better way to help save the planet." He murmured.

Aaron was very interested in hearing this theory "Oh?"

"Well we could help save a lot of water if we shared a shower; do wonders to reduce our carbon footprint." Jackson's eyes had that playful spark in them that made Aaron's pulse go just that little bit quicker. As he tried to think of a smart reply his own eyes took in the scruffy, unkempt figure of his husband; he may presently look like a filthy tramp but damn it if Aaron didn't think he looked so fucking sexy doing so. Clearly, Jackson was having similar thoughts about his sleepy-eyed partner.

He didn't get a chance to reply as he was cut off by Jackson giving him a quick passionate kiss which he melted into, his insides screaming in protest when Jay pulled away. Without so much as a second glance Jackson hopped off the bed and just before entering the en suite proceeded to strip off his bottoms and t-shirt. His quick, subtle little tongue flick across his bottom lip didn't go unnoticed by his partner as he removed his boxer shorts leaving him bare to the world as he sauntered into the bathroom, acting as though he was completely unaware of the effect he was having on his husband still lying in the bed.

Aaron's darkened eyes flickered from the door his other half had just disappeared through to the discarded underwear on the floor, his own having become suddenly rather tight. As he heard the sound of the water coming on he threw the covers back and followed his husbands' path, all the while of course thinking solely of the good of the planet.

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"Wow, that's amazing!"

It was break-time and Ryan was currently proudly showing off a white football that his dad had given him as a present. On it lots of signatures could be seen.

"Did the whole Leeds team really sign it?" footie-mad Thomas was impressed.

"Yep, dad said it cost him loads of money as well!" Ryan replied happily. It didn't matter that Ryan himself couldn't care less about football, or that his father didn't even know this fact, he was just pleased that his dad had gotten him something so rare and valuable.

"Can I hold it?" Kalum asked eagerly. Ryan carefully passed it to him and stood beaming as Kalum looked in wonder at the many signatures that covered the ball, most of which none of them could read. Even sports neutral Joseph seemed in awe.

"You're really lucky!" Kalum said enviously as he handed it back.

"Well your dad said it's your birthday soon; I could ask my dad to get you one if you like." Ryan grinned, lightly tossing the ball towards him so Kalum could head it back to him.

However as he did it a second time the pass was intercepted by a hand shooting up and knocking it to the ground. As Ryan hurriedly went to pick it up before it got dirty Kalum was unpleasantly surprised to see Guy White-Bowne in front of him.

As a furious Ryan dusted off his precious football the snotty little figure, who gave the three other boys an unimpressed look-over, started speaking to Kalum

"Do you want me to carry your bag?"

"Hey!" Ryan snapped "Why don't you watch where you're going?"

Ignoring his indignant protest Guy continued haughtily "Well?"

Kalum was shocked almost to the point of being speechless. He didn't like this boy from day one and the feeling seemed mutual. As much as he wanted to tell him to sling his hook his parents had warned him to not be rude to someone unless they were rude to him first.

"No thanks." He mumbled awkwardly.

Guy looked unimpressed "I'll carry it anyway. My mum says I have to."

"He said he doesn't want your crummy hands carrying his bag so just get lost!" Thomas scowled; rudeness clearly not an issue for him.

"Not until he says sorry for nearly ruining my ball!" Ryan chipped in angrily, causing Guy to sneer "Why? Footballs are supposed to be on the ground."

"Not signed ones!" Ryan couldn't help boasting.

"But only the real league footballs get signed, that one's one of the balls they sell in the shop! It can't be real!

Ryan's face fell for a moment but he quickly recovered, shaking his head angrily "You're a liar."

Guy clearly couldn't be bothered with this conversation anymore and turned back to Kay with an unpleasant look "Mummy says I have to be nice to you because you can't walk and you don't have any family."

Kalum was stunned at this statement and Thomas reacted first in confusion "But he does! He has a dad. Two of them!"

"His mum's dead and none of them is his real daddy, stupid. Mummy told me that they let you live with them because they felt bad for you."

"Shut up!" Kalum snapped, the backs of his eyes starting to sting with furious tears.

"Why don't you just shove off?" the usually peaceful Joseph cut in angrily

Guy ignorantly didn't even look in his direction, causing Ryan to snap "You deaf? He's talking to you!"

At this point Guy decided to get really nasty "I'm not allowed to talk to him because his daddy's dangerous."

"You shut up about my dad, you liar!" Joseph roared

"My daddy said your daddy's a scumbag and he should go back to where he came from!" Guy yelled back, forgetting his fathers' warning and seemingly starting to enjoy the chaos he was causing.

"Your daddy's a stupid idiot!" Ryan came to his friend's rescue.

"You can't say that; my mum says your daddy doesn't even want you!"

Suddenly Kalum found himself holding Ryan's ball as the dark-haired youngster threw himself in a fit of rage at the surprised fair-haired boy, knocking them both to the ground. The other three could only stare in shock as they tussled furiously on the ground, Ryan managing to grip a handful of the blond strands and pulling hard on them while Guy furiously sent his fists flying trying to hit any part of his opponent that he could. The rest of the playground ceased their activities and watched on intrigued as the two seven year olds squabbled in the dirt.

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Aaron was in his living room having a chat with Adam who had called round for a bit. Poor Adam seemed to be doing this a lot lately having called it a day with Emma a couple of months beforehand after not being able to work through their differences. The first couple of months without her had been tough but he was over the worst now and only the sense of loneliness remained. He figured the best thing he could do now was try and get back out on the field for which he decided to seek guidance off Aaron, much to his best mate's amusement.

Time seemed to have made Adam pickier as they discussed the possible candidates of single women

"What about that one who does the accounts for your dad's farm? Jenna or whatever her name is?"

Adam gave him a withering look. "What?"

"Mate, have you seen her teeth? If someone happy-slapped her they'd lose their fingers!"

Aaron rolled his eyes as he tried again "Or the one that lives in the same apartment block as Hannah? She said you had a nice rear that time you were helping Hannah move in?"

"Give me a break Aaron! A sniper wouldn't take her out!"

"Alright then, what about Holly's mate? The girl with the tongue piercing and the multi-coloured hair?" Aaron had his tongue firmly in his cheek with this one.

"If that one had pedals, I still wouldn't ride her. She's as easy as Sunday morning."

Aaron sighed exasperatingly and stretched out on the sofa "A right proper prince Charming you are, Barton! Such a way with words! How women are not just falling at your feet I will never know."

"Look, I've spent enough time messing around. Call me sappy but I'm just looking for something lasting this time!"

"Well you never know, the girl with the rainbow hair might just have an amazing personality that you never knew about!" Aaron teased.

"Ok, but I'd still prefer it if Ms Right was a looker!"

To Aaron's amused snort he shot back playfully "So you're telling me that it wouldn't have bothered you if Jackson was a minger?"

"Jackson happens to be kind, loving, thoughtful and caring, which is what I love about him… the fact that he's also quite easy on the eye just happens to be a bonus." Aaron smirked with a wink, causing them both to chuckle.

Aaron smiled supportively "Don't worry mate, you'll find someone."

"Hope so." Adam sighed mournfully, not looking too confident as he took another gulp of his coffee.

Just then Aaron's phone rang. Looking at the caller I.D he smiled, which Adam noticed.

"I'll get going then, wouldn't like to eavesdrop on you and the hubby's private "chat"." He smirked suggestively as he got up, gaining a flipped finger in response.

"Hey baby, what's up?"

He was thrown slightly by Jackson's solemn tone

"You're not going to believe this…"

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Aaron and Jackson arrived outside the office to find Anthony and Colleen Conlon, Robert and Michaela Brook and Carla already seated by the door, waiting to be admitted. All offered them a friendly nod as they too took a seat.

After a few minutes the office door opened and they were called in. On one side of the desk sat a stern looking woman with a strong sense of authority about her and on the other side sat four rather scared looking faces, their looks of worry only increasing as their parents entered the room.

"Thank you all for coming." She greeted them as they took their seats before looking sharply at the guilty faced boys in front of her "I take it you all understand why you were called in? Nothing's unclear?"

They nodded and Anthony grunted "Where's young White-Bowne?"

"Guy White-Bowne is currently in the nurse's office with a bleeding nose. His father will be joining us presently."

As if by magic the door reopened and in stepped a man in a sharp suit. The man had blond hair slicked back, a tall stature and the air of someone who was important and knew it. He shot them all a disapproving look, particularly Anthony, who gave back as good as he got, and sat down at the furthest point possible away from them.

"Thank you for coming Mr White-Bowne; now we can begin. I have already spoken to the five boys both together and individually. From what I can gather from Guy White-Bowne they allegedly spontaneously attacked him out in the schoolyard for accidently causing Ryan Caulfield to drop his football…"

"He's lying!"

"Ryan, be quiet! You're in enough trouble as it is!" Carla snapped, causing him to slump sulkily in his seat.

"Thank you." The principal nodded at her before continuing "He says Ryan Caulfield tackled him to the ground after being encouraged by Kalum Walsh and before being helped in the attack by his other friends Thomas Brook and Joseph Conlon."

All four boys in the front row looked like they were trembling with indignant rage but they still kept their mouths shut, fear getting the better of them.

Then White-Bowne spoke in a booming voice "Well? How are they going to be punished?"

She raised an eyebrow "I have only told one side so far, Mr White-Bowne. It must be said that the other boys' firmly deny that this was the case."

"Of course they would! The little pack of lying thugs would deny everything!"

This caused fury amongst the other parents "Don't you flaming call my son a thug!" Aaron snarled at the ponce in the suit.

"People, please." The principal said calmly but firmly, forcing them into a reluctant silence. Her eyes flickered over a sulking Ryan "Mr Caulfield does not deny that he attacked your son in the yard or that the other three boys were present. However his story carries a different version of events."

"How surprising!" White-Bowne drawled sarcastically.

"Listen mate your sprog is no damn angel himself…" Carla growled.

"Mr White-Bowne, Miss Flint, please." She shot a stern look in particular at the cocky creep in the corner "If I were you, sir, I'd take this a bit more seriously and with a bit more decorum. Your son has allegedly committed a few serious offences in this situation also."

"Such as?" he sniffed.

She scanned her notes "Based on what Ryan has told me; your son made several hurtful personal remarks to both him and Kalum Walsh as well as comments of a racist nature towards Joseph Conlon. The other boys' have backed this allegation up."

There was a tense silence in the room as she rested her eyes on a clearly less-arrogant looking White-Bowne with her chin resting on clasped hands

"We do not condone violence for whatever reason in this school, Mr White-Bowne. But neither do we condone racism or verbal bullying. For that, your son will also be punished."

"Hold on, you actually believe his story?" he looked disgusted.

She cocked an eyebrow "Ryan is only seven years old, sir; I doubt he would have the cunning or the knowledge of such aspects of his friends' lives to make up such a wild tale. A child would not know about cultural or familial differences unless he was told, wouldn't you agree?"

There was a hint of warning in her voice that wasn't missed by the rest of the parents who gained great satisfaction in seeing him start to fidget uncomfortably in his seat.

Then she went on "One flaw in Ryan's story compared to the other three boy's interpretations is that he claims young Brook, Walsh and Conlon didn't have any involvement in the fight. However, none of the three denied their involvement."

Ryan once again broke the shocked silence "But they didn't do anything! Tell her!"

But the three boys kept their heads down and remained mute, like they were ashamed.

"Very loyal of you to take the blame Ryan but I'm afraid all five of you will have to be punished. I think two weeks of no playtime will suffice, with an added week for Mr Caulfield."

"That's not fair!" Thomas piped up unexpectedly.

"Thomas!" his mother hissed him into silence.

The principal nodded "Unless anyone has any objections to this, I bid you all good day." She went to open the door.

"Damn right I object!" White-Bowne burst out furiously "My son gets savagely battered for no reason and his attackers are sentenced to one lousy fortnight of sitting out at lunchtime? They deserve no less than expulsion!"

With a frown she replied "I think "savagely battered" is a bit extreme. Your son received nothing more serious than a small nose-bleed in a minor playground scuffle that was over in seconds. Please remember that they are all only around the age of seven."

When he started to bristle she silenced him with a firm "Also keep in mind that extreme verbal bullying is also worthy of expulsion in the school rules. If you insist that the other four despite their age are liable for expulsion then so too is your son."

White-Bowne's face was beetroot with rage, but even he knew a stalemate when he saw one. Nodding, he got to his feet and stormed out the door before the other parents even had time to stand up.

It was only as they crossed the car park that Kalum attempted to break the stony silence "Daddy, I…."

"I don't want to hear it, Kalum." Jackson cut across him solemnly as he unlocked the car "We're going to have a talk when we go home."

Kalum spent the journey gazing dismally out the window. He looked so miserable that Aaron desperately wanted to say something to make things better, but didn't. As much as he hated seeing him like this he knew Kalum had done wrong and there had to be consequences. He was just thankful that he had to go to work when they returned; Jackson would have to do the difficult job of giving the telling-off.

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After the scolding Kalum had been sent to his room with no TV and no X-Box for the rest of the week. Jackson remained melancholically on the sofa, rubbing a frustrated hand over his closed eyes. He hated this part of being a parent. He hated having to punish Kalum, hated seeing his little face so fearful and upset and he especially hated the thought that he would remain miserable for the rest of the day.

But Jackson knew he couldn't just let this slide. Kalum had not denied that he was involved in attacking Guy White-Bowne. As beastly a child as he was Jackson did not condone violence in any form, and he wasn't about to let Kalum grow up thinking it was ok.

Still, something niggled at him. It didn't seem to be all false heroics when Ryan had protested that the other boys had no involvement. After all, Ryan may be a decent kid but at age seven what child would happily take the full blame for an attack involving several others? It just made no sense.

Mulling it over to the point where his head hurt, he sighed heavily and got to his feet. Maybe he was about to make a big mistake against the unwritten code of parenting, but he just needed to get the facts straight from the horses mouth before his mind could settle.

Rapping his knuckles softly on Kalum's door he entered the room slowly.

Kalum was sitting up on his bed, arms crossed on his chest, head bowed and sniffling miserably. He looked up sharply as he heard his door open and once he saw Jackson enter he quickly buried his tear-streaked face in his hands, fearing another telling-off.

Jackson tried to keep a firm hold of his emotions as he calmly approached the bed, his face and tone of voice neutral as he muttered "Hey."

Kalum raised his head a tiny fraction in response, timid eyes meekly looking at Jackson in a way that nearly broke his heart. It wasn't as though Kalum hadn't been told-off before, of course like all children he had, but never as bad as he had received an hour earlier.

Jackson softened his tone slightly "I'm not here to give out to you again Kalum, if that's what you're worried about. We just need to sort out a couple of things, ok?"

Kalum still didn't look too enthusiastic about this but he let himself partly relax as he realised that Jackson wasn't here for another scolding. He slowly brought his hands down from his face to rest on his lap but also lowered his eyes, unable to look his father in the face, still sniffling.

A pained Jackson forced himself to be firm as he asked "Firstly Kalum I want you to tell me this truthfully; did you tell Ryan to attack Guy, like he said you did? If you tell me the truth I won't get mad."

Kalum froze momentarily before slowly shaking his head in defeat.

"Ok, did you touch Guy at all in that fight? Did you tell the other two boys to help Ryan? Were they even involved in the fight at all?"

Kalum answered in the negative to all, brown eyes dangerously starting to become moist once more, this time more with guilt than sorrow.

Jackson stared at him in disbelief "But Kalum, why didn't you say so back in the office? Why didn't Thomas and Joseph say anything?"

"Because Ryan only hit him because he said a lot of mean stuff to all of us." Kalum mumbled, voice starting to wobble. "We didn't want him to get in trouble on his own. It's not fair. I'm sorry for lying, daddy, I'm really sorry!" At this the tears started spilling again.

Jackson couldn't stand it any longer and found himself pulling his son onto his lap for a hug. Kalum was surprised but grateful and buried his face into Jay's chest, sobbing.

"Shh mate, it's ok. It's alright. But for goodness sake baby why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to get angrier at me." Kalum whimpered before looking up at him with wet eyes "Do you still hate me, daddy?"

Jackson was shocked "Of course I don't hate you, you silly sod!" he wound his arms more tightly around his son before muttering soothingly "You'd have to do a hell of a lot worse than a silly fight in the playground before I'd hate you, sweetheart. I love you to pieces, you know that."

"But you were so mad earlier…"

"I was mad because I thought you were fighting in school, and you know I don't like fighting. But just because I tell you off doesn't mean I don't love you anymore, far from it. Sometimes me and dad might fight but that doesn't mean I hate him, does it? We're always friends again later on, aren't we?"

Kalum nodded, feeling a bit better as Jackson gently brushed his tears away. To help cheer him up a bit Jackson told him the story of how one time when he and Aaron were having a row Aaron had stormed out of the room and slammed the door so hard behind him that the entire doorframe came loose and crashed down on the floor, causing a startled Aaron to poke his head back around the door to see what had happened. Both out of shock started giggling and eventually were flat-out laughing at the ridiculousness of it all and made up quickly.

Kalum laughed at this, the tears now stopped even though the eyes were bright red from crying. Jackson ruffled his hair affectionately

"For the record I think what you and the boys did for Ryan was very brave; not a lot of people would do that for their mates. But next time please just be honest, Kay." He gave him a smile and a wink "You know I don't like punishing my best boy, especially if he hasn't done anything wrong!"

Kalum nodded, smiling. Jackson gave him another hug and mumbled into his hair "And you know all that horrible stuff that little brat said to you was just a load of bull, yeah? Don't tell him I said this, but you have more of a proper family than that poor little git ever will."

Kalum didn't fully interpret the meaning behind Jackson's words but he was just happy to see that his daddy was on his side. Giving him a kiss on the forehead Jackson said "Right, the footie's on in the living room if you care to keep me company?"

Kalum frowned "But you said-" Then he stopped, remembering that he wasn't in trouble anymore.

Jackson smiled "If you want you can tell the boys tomorrow that I was completely horrible and you're still being punished for what happened. They don't have to know you told me."

Kalum looked a bit downhearted as he mumbled "I probably won't get to talk to them anyway. The teacher says she's going to put us at different tables for a while and we're going to be split up at lunchtime when we have to sit out."

"Heavier sentences haven't been seen since the days of Alcatraz." Jay chuckled. Seeing that Kay still looked gloomy he added reassuringly "Don't worry; you'll be back together before long. It'll be tough, but you will."

It was indeed tough the next day at school when the four were separated as ordered, each to a different table. Even worse was lunchtime when all were motioned to a different part of the yard to sit out in, which not only made it boring but very lonely.

They were ordered not to speak to Guy, which they had no qualms over whatsoever. Kalum noticed that Ryan looked very satisfied with his handy-work when the little ratbag entered the classroom with a plaster across his nose, glaring hatefully at all four of them. Not that Kay was bothered by him in the least; he had been more worried that Ryan would be furious with them for what the three had done the day before, but a quick fleeting smile across the classroom when Ms McCann wasn't looking cleared things up. No hard feelings, still best mates.

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Aaron was fiddling with the engine of a Hyundai at work. It was a minor problem, one he had seen and fixed so many times that he was able to let his mind wander while his hands did the work automatically.

His thoughts drifted back to yesterdays events. He had been surprised albeit admittedly relieved to have come home yesterday to find both Jackson and their son sitting together quite contentedly watching a film. He had been on the receiving end of Jackson's wrath many times before and knew that Jay, excuse the pun, pulled no punches, particularly on the subject of violence. Once Jay had explained the real story to him he was admittedly very impressed. He and Jackson had fathered one very brave, clever little boy.

He hoped there would be no more drama today, when all five of them would still be angry and bitter. Although he wouldn't dare mention it to Jackson in all honesty he was quite impressed with the little scuffle; he had been in quite a few fights at school in his time but never in the infants class!

His phone started vibrating against his leg and he hesitated, half-thinking that he'd jinxed it. However upon taking it out he realised that he didn't know the number.

Presuming it to be a customer he cleared his throat "Hello?"

"Hi." It was a woman's voice on the other end.

"Can I help you?"

"Aaron, it's me!"

Aaron frowned, not recognising the voice which was rather stern and lufty.

Before he could ask he heard the impatient voice go on "There's something I have to let you know…."

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Kalum was in bed by the time Aaron solemnly returned home, which was a good thing. As he sat down heavily on the sofa and propped his thought-filled head against a fist he barely noticed Jackson come in from the kitchen

"Hey babe your tea's nearly ready so if you want to wash up…" Jackson paused, seeing that Aaron was miles away. He took a seat beside him and carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, causing a startled Aaron's head to dart around. He relaxed upon seeing who it was. "Sorry." He grunted "I was far off."

Jackson nodded before giving his shoulder a squeeze "Everything ok?"

"Yeah…kinda… I don't know." Aaron mumbled with his head dipped, hands clasping and unclasping on his lap like his nerves were at him.

Jackson put his arm fully around his shoulders, giving him time to find the words. Aaron couldn't think of any other way to put it so he kept it blunt:

"Gordon's dead."

This news shocked Jackson to the core and rendered him without words. Strangely, although Aaron too seemed affected in some way by it he was for the most part cool, calm and collected.

"H-how?" Jackson stuttered, amazed.

"Sandra says it was a brain tumour." Aaron mumbled "He's had it this past year or so. She was only told by his doctor today that it'd been diagnosed as terminal some six months ago."

Jackson didn't know what to say as it finally dawned on him as to why Gordon had come looking for Aaron after so many years apart. Clearly realisation had also hit Aaron not too long beforehand.

"I might have seen it coming, Jay…" he bit his lip "It all makes sense; the doctors appointments, the migraines… hell even the fact that he wanted another chance with me should've been a tip-off that something wasn't right with him!"

Jackson rubbed his back soothingly "There was nothing you could have done, babe. I'm so sorry."

Aaron shook his head "Don't be. I'm fine, really. I don't know if that makes me a bad person; my father dying and me being totally fine with it…. It's just a shock, you know?"

"I know." Jackson pulled him in for a hug all the same. "And believe me it doesn't make you a bad person at all. Not to speak ill of the dead, but he wasn't exactly the nicest person to you in life so no one can blame you for not being completely tore up about his death."

"I wasn't always the nicest to him though either."

Jackson held Aarons shoulders so that he was facing him "Don't go there, Aaron! Yes, you may have been a bit of high maintenance as a kid but so were loads of other people and their parents didn't give up on them! Not many would have been let down as much as you were and not many would have given their parent as many chances only to be shot down every time. You owe Gordon Livesy nothing, babe."

After a minute Aaron nodded and took hold of Jackson's hand, clasping it tightly "Thanks Jay."

Jackson lay back on the couch and brought Aaron with him so that he was lying across his chest, putting his arms around him. Aaron could hear the steady drumming of Jackson's heart and it helped settle him a bit.

He spoke "I'm not sad as such; I'm just a bit unsettled. I know we never really got on but all the same I don't think I ever in all seriousness wished him dead."

Jackson remained quiet and carded his hand comfortingly through his partners hair, massaging the scalp.

"The best I can say is that I'm glad it was peaceful. They found him in bed; reckon he passed in his sleep. I have to attend something tomorrow regarding the will, and I'll probably show my face at the funeral."

Jackson was surprised "He actually included you in the will?"

Aaron chuckled drily "Yeah, I was shocked too. It's not a huge amount but at least it's something. But I'm not going to keep it. I don't want or need anything from him. He didn't look after me in life, there's no point in trying when he's dead."

"So what are you going to do with it?"

Aaron sighed before propping himself up to look Jay in the face "Call me ridiculous, but I was thinking of giving it to a charity for disadvantaged youths. You never know, might just stop them going down the same road I was. In a way it's almost like making up for his mistakes."

Noticing the look Jackson was giving him he asked "What?"

Jackson smiled and shook his head fondly "You're just amazing."

Aaron grinned "You're not so bad yourself."

Jackson pulled Aaron's head in for a kiss. "Love you."

"Love you too."

….TBC

Apologies for long chapter but it may be a couple of weeks before I update; so many assignments for college to do! Until then, thanks for your patience and hoped you liked the chapter.

PS to Shawnyola: … clever you, figuring out that Gordon was terminally ill! :) Hats off to you sir! x