Daaron

After watching the more recent episodes, I decided to write this one-shot to fill in some gaps of moments between David and Aaron that should have happened on-screen.

Episode 7633 (at the park after Tom breaks up with David)

Those three words: 'Tom dumped me', rang in Aaron's head as David shed tears of heartbreak. Although Aaron was back in with a chance to be with the doctor again, he couldn't be happy about this situation. How anyone could hurt this sweet guy was beyond him, and watching David cry was one of the most agonising things Aaron had ever experienced.

"I'm really sorry, David" Aaron murmured as he continued to rub the other man's back comfortingly

David nodded, "So am I" he whispered tearfully

"Do you want to talk about it?" Aaron suggested

"There's nothing to talk about, is there?" David scoffed, "He just ended it"

"There must have been a reason" Aaron pointed out gently as he sat down properly on the grass next to the other man

David didn't want to admit that Tom was interested in someone else, since he felt bad enough about the break-up already without being reminded about being second best, "Apparently, I was more invested in the relationship than he was" he decided on

Aaron was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"He was making arrangements for us to go to a fancy restaurant together next month, and I thought that meant that he saw us being together long-term" David explained, "So, I suggested that he come with me to a conference in Auckland in September"

"That's still a while away" Aaron remarked cautiously

"That's the point" David replied sadly, "I was making these big plans for a future that I started thinking we could have together, but it was too much too soon I guess"

"Well, you only made a suggestion" Aaron pointed out, "It wasn't like you handed him the plane tickets there and then"

David nodded, "I tried to take it back, I told him that I could keep it casual but it was too late"

"Tom didn't even want to keep it casual?" Aaron asked, surprised that Tom was apparently so off-put by David's idea that he broke up with him instead of attempting to fix things.

David shook his head, "But neither did I, that's not what I want"

"You saw a future with him" Aaron realised resentfully

David shrugged, "I don't know, it was still early days, so maybe I was rushing things" he mused, "Or maybe I'm just a 'bigger picture' kind of guy"

Aaron glanced at David quizzically, so he elaborated, "You told me a few months ago that I should date other guys, figure out what I wanted"

Aaron nodded slowly, "That's what you've been doing" he remarked, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice

"But that's what I want" David began earnestly, "I don't want anything casual, not that there's anything wrong with casual. But I want someone who I can make big plans for the future with; something long-term, serious"

'So do I' Aaron thought, but realised that it wouldn't be an appropriate thing to say at this moment, "You just need to find someone who wants that as well" he muttered instead, hoping that David would still take the hint

"Well, not yet" David shrugged, "I think I should take some time to get over Tom first before I pursue another relationship"

Aaron wanted nothing more than to tell David exactly how he felt, but stopped himself, "That's probably for the best" he replied evenly instead as he removed his arm from around David's shoulder

David let out a deep breath before glancing at the lawnmower, "Oh, is that Rolly?"

Aaron nodded, "Yeah, you've never met him?"

David raised an eyebrow, "Are you anthropomorphising a lawnmower?" he asked teasingly

"Hey, it helps when I'm pitching it to potential investors" Aaron argued, "If I give Rolly human qualities, it makes it easier for people to connect with it - him"

David laughed at Aaron's mistake, "And how did that initial pitch go?" he asked expectantly

Aaron shifted uncomfortably, "I may or may not have injured my back" he mumbled, causing David to laugh more, "But it was worth it, I hope"

"I wouldn't doubt it, I've seen your moves and they're pretty impressive" David replied with a grin

Aaron smiled in return, "Thanks" he replied before looking suspicious, "Hang on, I never mentioned dancing"

David glanced away awkwardly, "Yeah, Mishti told me about the mix-up with Chantelle" he admitted, "Sorry about your injury"

Aaron shrugged, "Well, it's getting better" he replied, "And on the bright side, I'll hopefully never have to wear a pair of chaps or a surgical mask ever again"

"That's a weird combination" David joked, earning a playful nudge from Aaron in response

"Shut up" Aaron replied flippantly, "So, was there anything else that Mishti gossiped to you about me?"

David swallowed heavily, "Yeah, actually…" he began slowly, "She mentioned that you were feeling insecure about the whole dancing thing after 'Frigay'"

Aaron shrugged uncomfortably, "Yeah, well it was awkward for everyone, wasn't it?" he muttered, knowing that this wasn't the time or place to be telling David the truth about why he was feeling so insecure.

David nodded, "Just so you know, I really respect you, and what you do for a living"

Aaron glanced at him in bemusement, "You - a doctor, respect me - an exotic dancer?" he questioned incredulously

"Yeah, I wouldn't have the guts to perform in front of so many people" he replied, "Sure, I can deal with medical emergencies, but I'd never be able to do what you do"

"Ditto" Aaron replied before glancing down at the ground, "But I still don't see how someone like you could respect someone like me"

"It's easy, I've always respected you" David admitted

Aaron was taken aback, "You have?"

"Yeah, you've got so much optimism and confidence, in yourself and everyone else" David replied softly, "I sometimes wish I could be more like you"

Those words reminded Aaron of what David had said to him on Anzac Day about giving him hope, and seeing the best in everything and everyone. Gazing at him, Aaron secretly hoped that David would kiss him again, like he had done on that day three months earlier - though, minus the part where Aaron pushed him away.

However, David didn't kiss him, "You're better than you think you are, so you shouldn't put yourself down" he finished

Aaron smiled thoughtfully, "Thanks"

David scoffed, "I should be thanking you"

Aaron blinked at him, "What for?"

"For everything" David replied simply, "For talking to me, helping me feel better"

Aaron swallowed, "That's what friends are for, right?" he asked hesitantly

David nodded slowly, "Right" he whispered before standing up, "Anyway, I don't want to keep you from your work-"

Aaron shook his head, "It's not a problem, I'd be happy to keep talking if you wanted to"

"No, I'm ok actually" David replied honestly, "Like I said, I'm feeling better now thanks to you"

"Well, I'm glad I could help" Aaron responded awkwardly and attempted to stand up gracefully with the remote control in his hands.

David quickly noticed Aaron's struggle and stepped towards him, "Here" he breathed before wrapping his own hands around Aaron's wrists to help him up. Aaron stumbled and found himself briefly pressed against David's chest, but stopped himself from acting on impulse and kissing him. Instead, Aaron muttered his thanks and stepped away from David as he brushed himself down.

"Good luck with the Rolly stuff, by the way" David began, "Not that you'll need it"

Aaron smiled gratefully, "Thanks, I hope you're right"

"Well, it's got to happen sooner or later" David joked, "But with you at the helm, it's bound to be a success"

"Don't speak too soon, you might jinx it" Aaron chuckled before glancing at David solemnly, "But if you ever want to talk about anything, I'm always here, ok?"

David nodded, "I know, thank you" he whispered before clearing his throat, "Well, I guess I'll see you guys around then"

Aaron looked confused by David's use of 'you guys', so David gestured to the lawnmower, "You and Rolly" he explained

"Oh yeah, right" Aaron laughed before patting the mower, "Say goodbye, Rolly" he joked

David smiled at Aaron fondly and gave a brief wave, "Bye" he murmured before walking away. Aaron watched after him, conflicted about what he should do. He wanted to find Tom and make him pay for hurting David, or at least get an explanation for why he would let someone as special as David slip through his fingers, like Aaron had. He also really wanted to run after David and tell him the truth about his feelings for him, but Aaron knew that it was too late for that: he had lost his chance a long time ago.

Episode 7654 (after David kisses Aaron at The Waterhole)

Despite still being caught up in the romance of the situation, David and Aaron were vaguely aware of the audience's applause quietening down whilst they smiled at each other.

As they heard Aaron's song fading out, Aaron blinked at David, "So, did you do that just to shut me up?"

David pulled a face, "Partly" he admitted, "But mainly because I wanted to"

"Good, so did I" Aaron replied happily before glancing around, "And you've stopped everyone's ears from bleeding as well, so that's a plus"

"Come on, you weren't that bad" David argued

"Yeah, you were" Amy called out

David rolled his eyes, "Don't listen to her" he insisted, "I thought it was sweet"

"Well, your opinion is the only one that matters to me" Aaron responded, "But we should probably move so that someone else can sing, or at least try"

David nodded reluctantly – not really wanting to move from their spot – and Aaron led him back over to their table, where Elly was watching them with a grin, "Wow, that was a good show" she joked

"Hey, I told you I couldn't sing, so it's your loss" Aaron responded casually

"I wasn't talking about the singing" Elly retorted, "I was talking about your public pash"

"Well, there's nothing wrong with it, is there?" Aaron pointed out, receiving a casual shrug of agreement from Elly in response

"So, you've won me over with your big, romantic gesture…" David began, "What happens now?"

Aaron mulled this over, "How about a date?" he proposed, "A proper first date"

David smiled excitedly at the idea, but suddenly frowned, "Hang on, this is your event, you can't just bail on it"

"I'm sure Mishti won't mind, it's not like she's snowed under right now" Elly interjected before pointing between David and Aaron, "Besides, this is more important than a karaoke night which has nothing to do with fitness"

"You're not going to let that go, are you?" Aaron sighed

Elly rolled her eyes, "I just don't get it"

"Me neither" David agreed quietly, receiving a glare from Aaron in response

"Don't you start" Aaron warned him jokingly

"Sorry" David murmured, "Anyway, what do you have in mind for our date?" he asked in an attempt to change the subject

"We could get some food if you want" Aaron suggested before narrowing his eyes at Elly, "Somewhere where we won't have a cheering audience, or nosy friends"

"Harold's then?" David suggested predictably

Aaron nodded, "Sounds good to me"

"Aren't you going to say 'thank you'?" Elly interjected, "You still owe me"

David looked at Aaron, "Did you know about the broken wrist trick?"

"Yep, and I was not happy about it" Aaron replied wryly, "Especially the bit about the bone sticking out, which made no sense"

"Ok, so it wasn't my most convincing lie" Elly sighed, "But it worked, didn't it?"

Aaron let out a breath, "I can't believe it did, but thank you"

Elly smirked, "Well, you guys weren't going to resolve anything by just talking, were you?" she pointed out, "All you would have done was miscommunicate and end up more miserable than before"

"She does have a point" David agreed, "It feels like we've been going around in circles for months"

"Yeah, you have" Leo added as he joined them before squeezing David's shoulder, "It's about time, I'm happy for you both"

Aaron smiled, "I should probably thank you as well" he began, "If you hadn't told me that Louiz was David's personal trainer, I would have carried on thinking that they were dating and this wouldn't have happened"

"You're welcome" Leo replied before pointing to the door, "And Mishti said that she can hold the fort here, so you two should go and enjoy yourselves"

"We will" David nodded before glancing at his medical kit on the seat, "Oh, could you take this back to the apartment with you?"

"Sure" Leo nodded, "Though, could you let me know if you guys are coming back there later so that I can stay out of your way?"

Aaron noticed David's cheeks turning slightly pink, and he grabbed his arms, "Will do, see you!" he announced as he steered David out of The Waterhole.

xxx

"What a strange night" David began dreamily as he and Aaron made their way towards Harold's, "Half an hour ago, I was lying on the sofa in my dressing gown, watching some shopping programme, and now I'm on a date with the guy that I was losing hope of ever being with"

"Well, I didn't expect this to happen either" Aaron agreed, "I was moping about losing my chance with you again, then Elly suddenly calls you, and it was just chaos after that"

David nodded before glancing at him suspiciously, "You didn't happen to give her the idea for her fake injury, did you?"

Aaron shook his head, "No, I had nothing to do with it, why?"

"It's the fact she chose her wrist as the injured body part" David explained, "I mean, that first 'moment' we had at the hospital after you injured your wrist was the first time I knew I had feelings for you, so I thought that maybe that was her inspiration"

"Well, I don't think it was" Aaron began slowly before smiling at him, "But it's nice that you remembered that"

"How could I forget?" David scoffed, "I really wanted to kiss you back then, but I was so in denial about who I was and what I wanted, I was such a mess"

Aaron stopped walking and turned David to face him, "Hey, that was a long time ago; you've changed so much, we both have" he pointed out before biting his lip, "You know that I'm really proud of you, right?"

"For taking fifteen years to come out of the closet?" David questioned quizzically

"It takes as long as it takes" Aaron shrugged, "And I understand why it took as long as it did, it was because of your dad"

David nodded, "I guess I needed his acceptance"

"I get that, and you have it" Aaron replied, "How do you think he'll feel about us?"

David pretended to think about this seriously, "Well, considering that he's wanted us to get together for the past three months, I'm guessing that he'll be ok with it"

"Yeah, that's true" Aaron chuckled, "I remember him getting involved on Anzac Day and all that stuff with Will, encouraging me to fight for you"

David looked slightly downcast and Aaron panicked, "That's not why I lashed out at Will-"

David shook his head, "No, I know it wasn't" he assured him, "I was an idiot back then, I was so naïve, no wonder I needed help"

Aaron rubbed David's arms, "You weren't an idiot and you didn't need help, I wasn't trying to play a knight in shining armour or anything" he explained, "Will just riled me up and I lashed out, and I might have been a bit jealous as well" he added quickly

David smiled slightly, "That's kind of what I thought" he teased, "But your advice about dating other guys was right, as strange as that is to say now"

Aaron shrugged, "I just needed to make sure that you knew what you wanted" he reminded him, "I didn't want you to jump straight into a relationship with me so soon after coming out and end up regretting it later"

"I know, and I appreciate you giving me time to figure that stuff out" David began, "But I wouldn't have regretted it; I never stopped wanting to be with you"

Aaron smiled, "Me neither" he agreed softly before kissing him tenderly, "I guess that when I told you to date other guys, I was always hoping that you'd come back to me someday" he admitted after he pulled away, "That sounds so selfish of me-"

David shook his head, "No, it doesn't" he argued, "I was always planning to come back to you as well, when the time was right"

"And that's now" Aaron pointed out

"Yeah, finally" David chuckled, then kissed him quickly before taking one of Aaron's hands in one of his own

When he noticed Aaron's surprised expression, David panicked, "Is this ok?"

Aaron nodded, "It's more than ok" he assured him before leading him towards Harold's for their first date.

Episode 7655 (after David and Aaron go to Aaron's bedroom)

Aaron held his bedroom door open for David to enter, "Well, that wasn't awkward at all" David commented sarcastically, referring to the conversation between them, Mark and Tyler just moments earlier.

"They could have been worse" Aaron pointed out as he closed the door behind them, "In fact, they have been worse"

David was alarmed, "Do I want to know?" he asked reluctantly

"I doubt it" Aaron replied, "Otherwise you'll probably never want to step foot inside this house ever again"

"Better not then" David agreed before sniggering, "Actually, I don't think I've ever been in this house before"

Aaron was surprised, "You haven't?"

David shook his head, "Well, I stood in the doorway once a few months ago, but that's it"

"Why were you standing in the…?" Aaron trailed off, then grimaced, "Oh, that was when I had the guy here, wasn't it?"

David nodded and Aaron sighed as he sat on the bed, "Sorry"

"Don't apologise" David insisted as he lowered himself down next to his boyfriend, "I wasn't even 'out' yet and I didn't expect you to wait for me, so you shouldn't feel bad about being with whoever you wanted to be with"

Aaron shrugged, "I wanted to be with you"

"So did I" David admitted, "And that's why I was here"

"What do you mean?" Aaron asked

"The reason I came over that night was because I was going to tell you that I wasn't the father of Paige's baby and that I wanted to be with you" David revealed

"Really?" Aaron questioned regretfully, to which David nodded apprehensively, "And then I drove you away" he recalled wistfully

"It wasn't your fault, that whole experience showed me that I wasn't ready for any of it yet" David assured him, then smiled softly, "But I am now" he concluded before kissing Aaron and guiding him down onto the mattress.

xxx

Lying with his head on Aaron's chest, David woke up the following morning to the sensation of Aaron running his fingers through his not-so quiffed hair, "Good morning" Aaron greeted gently as he sensed that David was stirring.

"It certainly is" David hummed

Aaron grinned, "How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm in a dream" David replied blissfully

"Me too" Aaron replied quietly, "But it's very much real"

David smiled, "Good"

Aaron kissed the top of his head, "Did I ever tell you that I prefer your hair this length?"

"No, but your actions say it for you" David muttered

"Well, don't get me wrong, your hair has always looked fantastic" Aaron explained, "But this really suits you"

"Thanks, I prefer it shorter, it's easier to manage" David replied before sitting up to stretch, "Besides, I think the long hair is more Leo's style than it is mine"

Aaron nodded, admiring his boyfriend's body, "Yeah, it does suit him" he replied distantly

David smirked as he laid down next to Aaron, "Well, he sometimes looks like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards, but it works for Leo"

"True" Aaron agreed before rolling onto his side to properly face David, "But why are we talking about your brother's hair when there are more enjoyable things for us to be doing right now?"

"I have no idea" David shrugged before kissing him, "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this to happen for?" he whispered against Aaron's lips

Aaron considered this, "Ten months?"

David looked surprised as he pulled back, "That was supposed to be a rhetorical question" he responded, "And that was a very specific answer"

Aaron shrugged, "Well, we did meet ten months ago"

"Oh yeah" David realised before grinning, "But you assume that I've been waiting for this since the moment I met you?"

Aaron smirked, "Is it egotistical of me to hope so?"

David nodded, "Kind of, considering that I was in the closet and you had the hots for my brother when we first met"

Aaron looked offended, "Hey, he was the one who started it with all the flirting"

"He schmoozes everyone, regardless of gender" David reminded him

"Well, I know that now" Aaron sighed, "I just wish I'd known it back then and saved myself the embarrassment"

"If it helps, it was embarrassing for the rest of us to watch as well" David responded sympathetically

Aaron scoffed and prodded him in the shoulder, "Funnily enough, that doesn't help"

"Hey, it all worked out in the end, didn't it?" David pointed out, then considered this, "Well, ten months"

Aaron nodded, "So, when did you start wanting this to happen?"

"Probably back when we were filming Angus' music video" David recalled, "I think that was the first time I let myself want to be with you"

"Yeah, same" Aaron agreed, "Hey, did you ever get around to watching the video?"

David nodded slowly, "I'd only just gotten over the trauma of taking part in it in the first place, so I wasn't in any hurry to relive it" he joked, "But Leo forced me to"

Aaron laughed, "Come on, you loved it really"

David shrugged, "Only because I got to spend time with you" he muttered, earning a kiss from Aaron in response, "You know, I was kind of drunk and ended up blanking out most of that experience, but did I try to flirt with you by saying something about taking a bath?"

Aaron nodded, failing to hide a smile, "Yep, and it was one of the most adorable things that I'd ever seen or heard"

David looked sceptical, "You can't be serious"

"I am" Aaron replied, "That's when I realised that I really fancied you, gawkiness and all"

David let out a breath, "Well, I'd like to think that my flirting skills have improved since then" he began, "But if my attempts just before the Barby competition are anything to go by, I still suck at it"

"Why, because you said that I 'eat so well' and wear my clothes 'with such enthusiasm'?" Aaron teased

"Don't remind me, I still can't believe I said that" David groaned, "But at least I'll hopefully never have to try to flirt with anyone ever again"

"You'd better not" Aaron warned him jokily, "No-one apart from me should be on the receiving end of your oh-so eloquent words of seduction"

"Not a chance" David assured him, "After all we've been through to get here, I'm not going to do anything to mess it up"

Aaron nodded in agreement but suddenly looked coy, "Was it worth it?"

David was confused, "What do you mean?"

"This" Aaron began, gesturing to the bed, "Was it all you expected it to be?"

David snorted, "We're not in some chick-flick, you know" he replied, "And it's not like it was my first time either"

Aaron shrugged, "I know, but it was our first time and I just wanted it to be special"

"It was, it was perfect" David assured him softly, "Apart from anything else, it's you and me, that's what made it special" he explained before kissing him tenderly

Aaron hummed in affirmation before pulling away and stroking his cheek, "So, do you have any plans for today?" he asked before smirking, "Apart from the obvious"

David grinned, "Well, I was going to meet up with dad later, tell him about us - if he doesn't already know, and maybe play some chess with him"

"'Chess'?" Aaron repeated teasingly before pinching David's cheek affectionately, "You're such a dork"

"Says the guy who sang 'Livin' on Love' in front of everyone in The Waterhole for me" David retorted

"Yeah, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat" Aaron replied, "Although I hope I'll never have to"

David shook his head, "Not if I have anything to do with it"

Aaron laced his fingers with David's, "You know why I did it though?"

"Because you're really into me?" David quipped

"Well, yeah" Aaron began as though it were obvious, "But it was also to prove publicly, without any doubt, that I want to be with you, not Luiz or anyone else"

"Yeah, I know" David sighed, "And I can't even begin to describe how incredible that was"

Aaron quirked an eyebrow, "My singing?"

David pulled a face, "Well, I meant the whole gesture"

"That's what I thought" Aaron chuckled, "And, by the way, I deleted Luiz's number, I never wanted it anyway"

David nodded uncomfortably, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have jumped to that conclusion" he began, "But I really thought you were interested in him, or at least guys like him"

"I'm not, I never was" Aaron reminded him, "I should have articulated myself better yesterday, but it's you that I'm interested in, it always has been"

David smiled unconvincingly, "I know" he whispered as he unlinked their fingers

Aaron studied him thoughtfully, "Do you still feel self-conscious about how you look?" he asked cautiously

David avoided his gaze and Aaron sighed, "David, you have nothing to worry about, you're gorgeous inside and out" he assured him, "Besides, you've got a great body. Trust me, I've had a good look"

David couldn't help laughing but was still feeling anxious, "It's nothing compared to yours though" he muttered

"Why does it matter?" Aaron asked worriedly, "I don't even care about that stuff"

David scoffed as he sat up, "Have you looked in a mirror?" he asked cynically, "I mean, you run a gym"

"So? It's not what I look for in a partner" Aaron replied, "You could be skeletal, or you could have a beer gut, and I'd still be crazy about you"

David looked down at his stomach dubiously, "Really?"

Aaron nodded and David sighed, "Well, I'd convinced myself that I wasn't 'ripped' enough for you" he admitted

"That doesn't matter to me" Aaron told him before putting one of his hands over David's heart, "It's what's in here that's important. And, like I said yesterday, you shouldn't change yourself for anyone"

David stroked Aaron's fingers, "Not even you?"

"Especially not me" Aaron replied quietly before pulling his hand away, causing David to stare at him in confusion, "I've actually spent the last few months thinking that I wasn't smart enough for you"

David was dismayed, "You have?"

Aaron nodded, "I thought that you just saw me as a 'muscle-head' or something, not good enough to be with a successful doctor"

David grabbed his hand again, "That's not what I think at all, you are so much more than that" he insisted

Aaron shrugged awkwardly, "Well, that's how I've been feeling"

David let out a breath, "We really need to start communicating properly, and stop thinking that we're not good enough for each other, because we are"

Aaron nodded in agreement, "If only we'd done it sooner, we could have saved a lot of time and angst"

David contemplated this, "But then I wouldn't have heard you sing"

"Exactly my point" Aaron retorted

David sniggered, "You know, it was the most romantic thing I've ever seen anyone do"

"'Romantic'?" Aaron repeated doubtfully, still unsure how his out of tune performance could have been 'romantic'.

"Yeah" David replied firmly, "The fact that you were willing to go to those lengths, just so that I'd know how you really felt about me, that was romantic" he pointed out

Aaron pulled a face, "I was kind of terrified that you'd reject me again, in front of everyone"

"But I didn't" David reminded him, "I was so touched by what you did, I loved it"

"Really?" Aaron asked softly

David nodded, "Well, it worked, didn't it?"

Aaron smiled, "So, no regrets?"

"None" David murmured before pulling Aaron into another kiss. They both knew that they would have to face the real world at some point, so they were happy to make the most of their time alone together before that time came.

Episode 7656 (after Aaron tells David about Faye leaving him)

David had barely let go of Aaron's hand since they had been at the apartment. Even as they reached the front door of 24 Ramsay Street, Aaron's fingers were still entwined with David's, and he loved that feeling, despite the seriousness of the situation. He glanced at Aaron, who was staring at the door anxiously and trembling slightly. Aaron wasn't entirely sure what he would face on the other side, so he took a deep breath to psyche himself up.

David gently squeezed his hand, "It's going to be ok" he assured him quietly, "I'm right here"

Aaron nodded, "I know" he whispered before chuckling, "This is ridiculous, why am I so nervous?"

"Because you're confronting your mum about the past, it's heavy stuff" David suggested

Aaron shrugged, "I just don't want to make things worse"

"I get that, but you won't" David replied, "Clearing the air can only make things better, even if it's just for your state of mind"

"But what about mum's state of mind?" Aaron questioned, "I don't want her to beat herself up more than she already has"

"Look, there's no point in trying to second-guess her reaction, you'll just drive yourself crazy" David pointed out, "We won't know how she feels or what she'll do until you talk to her"

Aaron considered this before nodding, "Yeah, I guess you're right" he agreed, then glanced at him, "Ok, I think I'm ready" he whispered before opening the front door.

Immediately, Tyler held it open for them and breathed a sigh of relief, "Hey, bro. I was wondering where you'd got to" he began, "I went down to The Shed, but you weren't there"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you" Aaron apologised, "I was at David's place"

"Ah, right" Tyler nodded before muttering, "I don't know why I didn't think of that"

Faye approached them cautiously, "Aaron, is everything ok?"

Aaron shook his head, "Not really" he breathed, "There's something I need to talk to you about"

Faye nodded eagerly, "Sure, whatever you want"

David released his hand from Aaron's before placing it on his back, "You two should sit down, I'll put the kettle on"

Aaron smiled gratefully at him before glancing at his mum, "Oh, wait, before we do…" he began as he stopped David from moving too far away, "Mum, this is my boyfriend, David. David, this is my mum, Faye"

Faye smiled politely and shook David's hand, "It's nice to meet you"

"You too" he agreed, inwardly jumping for joy at Aaron referring to him as his 'boyfriend', "I've heard a lot about you"

Faye's smile faded, "I won't ask what" she muttered before clearing her throat, "So, how long have you two been together?"

Aaron sniggered, "Since last night"

Faye grinned, "Ah, new love" she sighed, "There's nothing like it"

"No, there isn't" Aaron agreed quietly as he shared a smile with David before the doctor moved towards the kitchen area with Tyler.

Faye studied Aaron thoughtfully, "I'm glad you're happy" she told him, "That's all I've ever wanted for my kids"

"I know, and I am" Aaron replied honestly, though it was more in reference to David than anything else. He could still feel the tension in the air and knew that he had to get his feelings out in the open as quickly as possible.

xxx

Carrying a couple of mugs of tea, David followed Aaron and Faye over to the sofa before placing the mugs down on the coffee table.

Aaron took a deep breath as he and Faye sat down opposite each other, "I don't want to hurt you, mum" he began as he gripped her hands in his own, "But I need to get this out in the open"

"Whatever it is, we can deal with it" Faye assured him

Aaron nodded, praying that she was right and that this conversation would help them, "Do you remember how old I was when I came out to you?"

Faye considered this, "About seventeen, right?"

Aaron nodded, "But do you know how old I was when I realised that I was gay?"

"I thought it was when you were seventeen" Faye replied uncertainly

Aaron shook his head, "Well, I always knew deep down, and I thought that you did as well-"

"Yeah, I did" Faye replied as she rubbed his arm comfortingly, "In fact, that's exactly what I said to you when you came out to me"

"And it was a huge weight off my shoulders" Aaron replied, "But it shouldn't have had to be, and it should have happened a lot sooner"

"What do you mean?" Faye asked

"I was actually going to come out when I was thirteen, that's when I admitted it to myself" Aaron revealed, "I was all set to tell you, but then you left with Chloe"

Faye's face dropped and Aaron grabbed her hands, "I'm not putting the blame on you" he assured her quickly, "But I didn't feel like I could talk to anyone about it, so I didn't; I kept it to myself for the next four years"

"But what about your brothers?" Faye asked

"Well, I told them eventually" Aaron admitted, "But at the time, Tyler was only ten, he probably wouldn't have understood it. And Mark was busy with his own life, and I guess I wasn't sure how he would react. And I just couldn't tell dad because…" he trailed off

"Because you thought he'd take it badly" Faye realised

Aaron nodded, "And he did" he replied flatly

"What happened?" she asked

Aaron looked confused, "He never told you?"

"I don't think so" Faye responded, "We've barely spoken in fifteen years, I think the last time we had a proper conversation was when Mark 'died' in witness protection"

Aaron nodded glumly, remembering that horrific time in his life when the whole family believed that Mark was dead for over two years, only for it to turn out that it had been a cover-up whilst he was in witness protection. They had spent so much time grieving for someone who was actually still alive, and it had been really difficult for all of them to get over. It was something that, even now, the family didn't like to think or talk about, so they didn't.

Aaron swallowed heavily to end that train of thought and return to the subject at hand, "Well, I thought I could live some sort of double-life" he began, "Out and proud in public, but 'straight' at home"

"But you couldn't" Faye whispered

Aaron shook his head, "Dad had gone out one night with some of his mates" he explained, "There was this guy I'd been dating at the time, and I invited him back to the house, thinking that we'd have the place to ourselves for a few hours, but dad came home early"

Both Faye and David could imagine where this story was going, "Did he catch you guys together?" Faye asked tentatively

Aaron nodded, "It was one of the most humiliating moments of my life" he murmured before jokingly adding, "And I've danced half-naked with a lawnmower and sung karaoke, so that's saying something"

David sniggered whilst Faye gave him a bemused look, "You've done what?"

"It's not important" Aaron replied dismissively, "Anyway, dad flipped out and we got into a massive argument about it"

"What did he say?" Faye asked fearfully

Aaron sighed, "I'd rather not repeat the words, but let's just say that he made it perfectly clear what he thought of me and my 'lifestyle', so I packed my bags and moved out"

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that" Faye replied sadly, "No wonder Russel never mentioned anything to me, he should be ashamed of himself"

Aaron shook his head, "Look, it turned out that it was kind of a misunderstanding, and we cleared the air when he came to visit a couple of years ago" he explained, "So, even though I haven't spoken to him since we learnt what he did to Tyler, we did manage to sort out the stuff between us"

"But still, if I hadn't left – or if I'd have been more available – then you wouldn't have felt so alone or hid it for so long" Faye argued tearfully, "I could have supported you and you wouldn't have had to hide who you are"

"But it was thanks to you that I was even able to try" Aaron contested, "The fact that I could live as a gay man at all was because you raised me to be true to myself"

Faye kissed his cheek, "And I'm so proud of you, I always have been and always will be" she assured him, "But I still should have been around"

Aaron mulled this over, "Look, the divorce was tricky, I'm not going to hold that against you" he started, "But I guess I wouldn't have spent those years feeling like there was no-one I could talk to if you and Chloe had been there"

"And I will always regret that we weren't" Faye replied as Tyler approached with a box of tissues, "For lots of reasons"

Aaron nodded as he watched his mum dab her eyes. He hated that he had made her cry; it was the last thing he wanted to do. However, she reminded him that although it might be hard for him to forgive her, all she wanted was to make things right again, which is exactly what Aaron wanted as well. He found it easy to hug and kiss his mum and tell her that he loved her for the first time in years, whilst David watched them, hoping that this would be a fresh start for the family.

Thanks for reading! If anyone has any ideas for one-shots, then please let me know. In the meantime, reviews are always welcome!