Adam stormed away from Aaron. He couldn't believe that Aaron had lied to him. He thought they had no secrets but it seemed he was wrong, very wrong.

Aaron looked at the retreating back of his best friend and kind of boyfriend with a mixture of resignation that he was in major trouble and another unfamiliar feeling of ambivalence. He didn't want to be with Adam now that he'd gone on a date with Jackson. He was falling for the other boy and he needed to sort things out. Deciding that he needed to sort things out sooner rather then later he started to run after Adam.

'Adam, wait up. We need to talk' he shouted after his friend.

Stopping when he heard the dulcet tones of Aaron Adam turned to face him fully expecting remorse and anguish from the other guy.

'Adam, I don't know why your acting like this, I see you with Scarlett all the time and leave you to it. Why it is different rules for me? I've only gone on one date with Jackson but I think I want more. I'm not getting that from you. I don't want this' waving his hand between the two of them 'anymore. I'm sorry Adam but I want someone who wants to be with me and only me. I think we should just go back to being friends.' Aaron said feeling this was the right thing for them unfortunately Adam had other ideas.

'Oh, and does he know of our little arrangement? Eh, does he Aaron?' Adam spat back at him.

'No, but if you tell him I will tell Scarlett and don't think I wont.' Aaron replied venom dripping from every word.

'No you wouldn't' Adam scoffed back 'you wouldn't want to admit you were gay in front of people. We both know this is going to stay between us. Don't worry Aaron, I won' say anything to Jackson, your secret's safe' Adam stated not meaning a single word; if Adam couldn't have Aaron he wasn't going to let Jackson have him.

Walking to the bus stop neither of them said a word to each other. Aaron was thinking of Jackson while Adam was thinking of ways to get Aaron back to being his and only his.

oOo

The next morning Aaron woke with an unsettled feeling. All the way back on the bus Adam ha been quiet and Aaron was afraid that he wouldn't keep his word and stay away from Jackson.

Aaron decided that after work he'd meet up with Jackson and tell him the truth about himself and Adam and what had gone on between them.

oOo

Adam knew Jackson's name and knew that he had a construction company, looking him up in the phone book he got through to a receptionist who told him where to find Jackson. He decided that Aaron's new man needed to know all about them even if it took a while for Aaron to forgive him for it.

Walking towards the building site he caught a glimpse of Jackson standing by a mortar board. Hard hat and high vis jacket on, his back to Adam.

'Excuse me mate' Adam said with a cough.

'Yeah?' Jackson replied turning to look at the new arrival.

'Emm, I need to talk to you about Aaron.' Adam said without giving away what he was going to say.

'Oh? What about him? He ok?' Jackson replied worry creasing his brow.

'Can we talk somewhere quieter please?' Adam asked 'Don't want others hearing this to be honest'

'Come over here' Jackson replied walking away from the site towards his truck 'Hop in'

Getting in to the cab of the van Jackson turned to Adam.

'I met you in Bar West a while ago didn't I?' he asked finally clicking where he'd seen the younger man before.

'Yeah, you did. I was there with my boyfriend Aaron. I'd appreciate if you didn't kiss him again. I saw you the other night and I really didn't appreciate it. Aaron's annoyed at me for some reason but going out with you really was a low blow even for him. I'd appreciate it if you didn't do it again'

'I asked him if you two were together and he said no. why did he lie to me?' Jackson wondered aloud.

'he wants to get in your pants, simple as. Sorry, hope you didn't think he wanted a relationship or anything cos he's with me. Anyway I better go. He's waiting for me at home. Please don't tell him I spoke to you, I don't want him knowing I saw you two together. He'd feel bad.'

With that said Adam opened the door and got out of the van heading back to Emmerdale knowing for the look on Jackson's face that he was not going to go back to Aaron.

Smiling to himself he sauntered away with a spring in his step. Aaron was his again.

oOo

Aaron smiled as he rang Jackson's number. Waiting for the call to be picked up he was excited and apprehensive at the same time. He knew he needed to tell Jackson about himself and Adam but at the same time he didn't want to ruin what may be between them.

The phone rang and rang. Eventually the call went to voicemail and Aaron left a message 'Hey, it's Aaron. I need to talk to you, can you please give me a call when you get a chance'.

That was at five pm. When Jackson hadn't called him back by six he rang again, and then at seven and again at eight. Eventually Aaron was so worried he went to the phone book to see if there was an address to go with the number. Finding it he headed out to find Jackosn.

Arriving at Jackson's apartment twenty minutes later he rang the bell.

'Yeah? Who is it?' came Jackson's voice from the intercom.

'Oh so you are alive' was all Aaron could say relieved that there was nothing seriously wrong with him. 'I was worried about you. You didn't answer any of my calls, I was worried.'

'You don't need to be, your boyfriend told me all about you. Just stay away from me Aaron' with that the intercom went quiet.

Aaron buzzed and buzzed trying to get his attention. Not knowing whether his apartment was at the front or back of the building Aaron refrained from shouting but he kept buzzing until Jackson's exasperated voice came back on the intercom

'Aaron, please, please just leave me alone. I don't want to be the other man, I'm not interested.'

'Jackson, I'm so sorry. Please just let me explain.' Aaron begged into the intercom. Waiting patiently, not something Aaron was used to, he finally heard the buzz of the door.

'Flat 8' came the voice from the intercom.