Chapter 5:

After the truth came out.

Paddy was in hospital overnight. Mild concussion, low level blood loss due to a small cut to the forehead, well it was a one inch long cut which needed stitches so it wasn't really that small. He'd been lucky. If Aaron hadn't been there it could have been a lot worse, or at least that's what all the medical staff kept telling Aaron as he waited to hear news on the only man he truly counted as a father figure. Once Paddy regained consciousness Aaron begged forgiveness. He had been crying while waiting for Paddy to wake up and Paddy could see the pain, fear and regret in his eyes.

'It's ok Aaron, really. You didn't mean to put me in hospital. It was just one of those things. I lost my footing when you pushed me and hit the door at an awkward angle. I forgive you so don't worry please son, it's fine.'

Those words were all Aaron needed to hear before bursting into tears again. He'd never regretted anything more in his entire life. Paddy didn't deserve to end up in hospital because of him. He'd do everything in his power to make it up to him.

Paddy was discharged later on the next day with strict instructions to take it easy for the next day or two. Aaron promised to mind him and with that they headed home in a taxi. Once home Aaron fussed around Paddy so much that he was starting to drive him a bit mad.

'Aaron, seriously, stop fussing. I'm fine. Now sit down, I want to talk to you' he said with a tone of voice that didn't brook disagreement.

Sitting down Aaron thought this might have something to do with his confession the day before.

'Yeah, Paddy. What's up?' he asked slightly worried as to what might come next.

'I want to know what's going on with you and Adam and you can't go off on one cos I'm injured' Paddy decided to pull out the injury card to try to guilt some info out of Aaron. He felt bad for doing it but if it worked he'd get over it quick enough.

'I don't know Paddy, I honestly don't' Aaron sighed as he said this 'I want more but he's not willing to give it. I'm getting frustrated and I don't know what to do. Lately I've been wondering what the hell I'm doing.' Aaron was finally being honest with himself and he didn't like the feelings he was having as a result of saying it out loud.

'Maybe you should talk to Adam about how you are feeling. Maybe he feels similar. You won't know unless you talk to him.' Paddy stated, sometimes Aaron couldn't see the wood for the trees and needed some help.

'Yeah Paddy, you're probably right. Anyway that's enough girly talk do you need anything else?' Aaron said as he got up and headed into the kitchen.

'Cup of tea wouldn't go astray' Paddy shouted after him.

'No probs' replied Aaron already deep in thought as to what to do about Adam. Maybe he should take Paddy's advice and just talk to him, tell him what he wanted. He didn't know how to go about it though. Then he remembered the pub he and Eli had ended up outside after being kicked out of a couple of pubs in Hotten. It was a gay bar called Bar West, maybe they could go there. No one from Emmerdale should be there unless there are more closet cases no one knew about. Sure he'd say it to Adam and see what he said. Maybe he wouldn't have to say anything, it might just work out. Well, he thought, stranger things could happen!

oOo

Aaron was in his room that night when he decided to text Adam and see if he felt like going to Bar West the next night. Waiting for the reply he expected to get a resounding NO, however the reply was surprising and annoying at the same time.

OK Scar wit Lexi 2mrw neway. C u woolie 7.30, head in frm der

Aaron was annoyed that the only reason he was going out with him was because Scarlett wasn't going to be around but at the same time at least he'd be alone with him in a gay bar where they could do what they wanted without worrying about being caught. Aaron was kinda looking forward to it.

Getting ready for bed he was in better form then he had been in a few weeks, possibly even months if he was totally honest with himself. He was going to have a night out with Adam without any prying eyes or the fear that someone would find them and out them to everyone. He might even talk to him about things if he got up the nerve.

Waking up the next morning Aaron was excited about the night out ahead. Getting ready for work he headed out with a spring in his step. Work passed quickly and before he knew it, it was home time and he was off back up the road to smithy to get ready for his night out with Adam. This was going to be their first time in a gay pub and even though he was excited he was slightly nervous at the same time. What if it was wall to wall drag queens or really, really gay people.

By 7 he was ready and headed down to the kitchen to talk to Paddy. He was still supposed to be taking it easy but Paddy being Paddy he wouldn't stop. He was paying for it a bit now.

'You look nice, new shirt?' Paddy said as Aaron entered the kitchen.

'Eh yeah, only got it last week. Not too much is it? Don't want to look like…..well ya know, like I'm trying too hard.' Aaron said his face going slightly pink as he stared at the floor as if it had all the answers.

'No, you look very nice. When you heading out?' Paddy asked wondering if Aaron had spoken to Adam yet or if tonight was the night.

'Meeting in the Woolie at half 7, then on to a pub in town.' Aaron replied vaguely hoping Paddy would leave it at that. No such luck though as Paddy questioned further.

Paddy's interest was piqued now that Aaron was being vague, 'Oh what pub you going to? Do I know it?'

Laughing to himself Aaron replied 'I wouldn't think so. It's a gay one, just gonna go see what it's like. It's not a date or anything' Aaron hastened to add.

'Oh right, didn't think it was, just two guys who mess around with each other out for a night on the tiles. Why would I think it might be a date?' Paddy asked smirking as he said it.

Slightly stunned at what Paddy had just said and realising that it was true Aaron's face flushed with mild embarrassment. How did Paddy know exactly what to say to make him think properly when it came to him and Adam. Aaron had kind of decided that if tonight was a blow out then he was going to end whatever this was between himself and Adam. He didn't want a half hearted relationship of sorts. With that thought firmly in his mind Aaron began heading for the kitchen door.

'Anyway, best be off. You ok for everything before I head? Don't want you hurting yourself while I'm out.' Aaron enquired before heading out.

'No, I'm fine. Enjoy yourself, don't get up to any mischief now Aaron!' Paddy said laughing at Aaron's facial expressions as he said this.

Aaron waved bye as he left Smithy cottage to meet Adam before embarking on a night out neither would forget quickly but for very different reasons.