Chapter 2:

What do we do now?

Sunday started even worse then Saturday night had left off. He hadn't heard from Adam all day. He'd texted him first thing to see how he was and it was now four hours later and he still hadn't heard anything. This was already getting frustrating.

Aaron was up and about and pacing around Smithy. He was driving Paddy mad.

'Will ye head off and meet Adam in the pub or something lad, your pacing like a caged animal.' Paddy remarked

'He hasn't answered me text yet so I don't know what he's up to. He might be with Scarlett.' Aaron replied sullenly.

'ah Jesus come on, we'll head to the pub then if just to get you out of the bloody house before you burn a hole in me carpet from all the pacing'

The two men grabbed their coats and headed out to the pub for a few pints and some food cos neither could be bothered to cook, well if truth be told Aaron could burn water and Paddy didn't feel like cooking again.

Walking slowly down to the pub Aaron was lost in thought. So much so that he almost walked smack into Adam who was just coming out of the pub door holding a smiling Scarlett's hand.

'Alright mate?' Adam asked with a smile on his face.

'Yeah, fine. Did you get me text?' he asked before nodding hello to Scarlett.

'Yeah, no credit though. Off to the shops to get some, sure I'll see you back in here in twenty.' He said gesturing to the pub with the gesture of his head. 'Just got to walk Scar home'

'Ok, see you later' Aaron replied, a small smile tugging the corner of his mouth. Maybe everything would be ok, there didn't seem to be any weirdness between them but then they weren't alone.

Walking into the pub after Paddy Aaron felt lighter now that he'd at least seen Adam.

'I'll get these Pads, two pints please Bob.' Aaron said smiling at the barman as he placed the order.

'I'll grab a table and some menus. Bring the pints over.' Paddy said as he walked to the back of the pub to grab a table in the snug.

Aaron paid for the pints and headed over to Paddy.

'You look happier already. And you were civil to Bob which is odd cos you're never civil to anyone!' Paddy said laughing at the sentiment.

'I'm not that bad Paddy, am I?' Aaron queried, knowing he was exactly that bad but hoping Paddy would be nice to him.

'Eh why don't we just order dinner, yeah?' Paddy said avoiding the question totally.

They sat in silence as they waited for their food to arrive. Neither minded, this was how it was sometimes between them. They liked it. It felt normal in a family full of crazy.

Food arrived and they began eating, Aaron keeping an eye on the door waiting for Adam to return. Eventually after half an hour he'd given up and decided that he wasn't coming back and that they were not good.

Aaron descended into a bit of a sulk and Paddy couldn't for the life of him figure out why.

'Aaron, what's up? Your mood's up and down like a yoyo. If you need to talk just come to me, ya know ya always can, about anything too.'

'Yeah pads, I know. 'Preciate it, just don't wanna talk about it yet.' Aaron replied sullenly.

Just then Adam sauntered into the pub, it was like a light switch was turned in Aaron's face even though he was trying to hide it.

'Hey Aaron, drink? Paddy?' Adam asked clam as you like as if nothing had happened between them only the night before.

'Not for me, I'm off home' Paddy replied as he stood up to go 'Don't stay out too late, you've work in the morning' this last part was directed at Aaron who just nodded.

'I'll have a coke, thanks.' Aaron finally replied.

He looked at Adam standing at the bar admiring the farmers arse before he reigned himself in and shouted at himself in his head. Get a grip!

Placing the drink in front of Aaron Adam sat directly across from him.

'We need to talk about last night' Adam said without preamble. Aaron nearly choked on the drink.

'Eh what?' Aaron spat out.

'I said, we need' Adam began again.

'I heard what you said' interrupted Aaron 'but can we not talk about it in here especially since you're girlfriends family are sitting over there' he pointed in the direction of Carl and Jimmy King, Scarlett's brothers.

'Alright, drink up and we'll head to the cricket pavilion, no one should be out there.' Adam said with a glint in his eye.

Once their drinks were gone they headed out of the pub towards the cricket pavilion. Once there they sat down in the wicker chairs facing each other. Aaron couldn't quite meet Adam's gaze but eventually Adam forced him to talk.

'So, what do you want to do about this?' Aaron asked quietly

'What 'this' do you mean?' Adam asked with a slight grin.

'You know what 'this' I mean Adam, stop being cute!' Aaron replied quickly.

'Well, I can't help it.' Adam said smiling and winking at Aaron.

'Adam, stop it. We need to talk properly and you know I hate this.' Aaron said

Adam stopped Aaron in his tracks by kissing him. Aaron couldn't believe it, the farmers lips were so soft and the kiss was filled with passion. Adam's hands moved up Aaron's back. Aaron pulled back.

'Stop Adam, I can't do this. I don't want to be the 'other man'.' Aaron said with feeling.

'I don't know what to do Aaron, I never thought about you in that way before but since last night. Well everything's changed. I can't stop thinking about you but I love Scarlett, I really do. I just don't know what to do! What should I do? Tell me what to do and I'll do it. I swear I will.' Adam's face was completely open as he said this, he meant every word and that just confused Aaron even more.

'I can't Adam, I can't' Aaron said as he began to stand up to move away from the farmer.

Adam grabbed his hand to stop him. 'Please Aaron, don't make me choose. I can't stay away from you and I don't think you want to stay away from me. Do you?'

'No' Aaron's voice was so low Adam had to strain to hear him. Pulling the mechanic towards him Adam kissed him softly on the lips before breaking away from the only boy he'd ever felt like this for.

'It's up to you mate. I'll go with whatever you want me to do.' Adam sighed as he stood up and walked towards the pub and his quad bike. He hoped Aaron decided that they could be together in whatever capacity that would be but he'd let Aaron go if that's what he wanted. He cared about him too much not to.