To 'I did like', I wasn't insulted at all, sorry I couldn't say that before now. I just felt after all the wonderful support I've had with Face to Face that if the readers wanted more chapters then the least I could do was give them some -) I might even start taking requests lol.

Face to Face

Part 33

He'd looked in the bin and it wasn't there. That had been the deciding factor, he definitely wasn't going. Then Paddy had appeared seemingly out of nowhere and said, "Are you looking for this?"

Paddy had the visiting order in his hand and hating the fact the older man had known he was looking for it, Aaron had snapped, "No!" He'd gone to work then and had been in bad mood all day. Cain eventually sending him home early so he could sort whatever was bothering him out.

His mood wasn't any better when he got home, it got worse in fact. He'd gone straight to his room and there on his unmade bed was the offending object.

After glaring at it for a while then ignoring it for an equal amount of time he finally picked it up. He really didn't want to go but some nagging little voice inside of him told him he should.

Paddy and Jackson had both offered to go with him, and wait in the car. But this was something he wanted to do alone. They hadn't been happy about that, especially Jackson. He had a problem where his father was concerned, he'd had to stop him lamping him one on several occasions. He'd told Jackson the man wasn't worth it and he'd meant it. He still meant it. Paddy was everything his father wasn't and even if he still had feelings for the man; they didn't come close to what he felt for Paddy.

That was part of the reason he didn't want to go, a big part. He felt he was betraying Paddy and all he'd done for him. Then there was the fact his dad had run Paddy down, almost killing him in the process. The very reason he was in jail.

Paddy didn't seem to bear him any ill will but Aaron knew that was because of him, as always he was protecting him, whether he needed protecting or not. He supposed he could forgive his dad for throwing him out, he'd been nothing but trouble back then and he'd asked for it. He could even forgive him for smacking him around; his mouth was always getting him into trouble, even now. But he would never forgive him for hurting Paddy; he'd always hate him for that!

The day of the visit had finally arrived, he'd not slept much, and he couldn't really blame Jackson for that. He'd spent the night and like every night that he stayed over they'd made love, last night it was the fast and furious kind. Jackson had fallen asleep before him for once which meant he could just lie there and think about today. He'd eventually dozed off and when he woke, just before the alarm he found Jackson was awake too. A kiss had turned into the slow and tender lovemaking their relationship now thrived on.

He knew he couldn't love anyone more than he loved Jackson.

Staring into the bathroom mirror he saw the tell tale sign of passion on his neck. Jackson had put that there last night and he hadn't complained at the time but suddenly he wished it gone. No! No he didn't care what his father thought. Let him see it. He wasn't ashamed of being gay now and he couldn't let the old fears overwhelm him.

Paddy and Jackson were already by the breakfast table, he usually just sat and listened to them talk in the mornings. He liked that they got on so well. But they were quite this morning, and he knew why. They were worried about him.

"What time you leaving?" Paddy asked over his mug of tea.

"Half one."

"Well if you change your mind about me or Jackson coming...

"I won't. Look there's no need. It means one of you taking time off work..."

"That doesn't matter." Jackson said.

"It does to me."

Another uncomfortable silence fell around the table and Aaron felt responsible, "I'll phone you both as soon as I come out, ok?"

Both men seemed happy about that but they remained quiet and Aaron decided to leave for work early, telling them he was making up a little of the time he'd lose that afternoon.

Paddy had remained seated but had told him he hoped everything went alright in the afternoon, Jackson had walked with him to the door, kissing him before reminding him to phone him.

He'd heaved a sigh of relief when he got out into the cool autumn air, As much as he loved both men he struggled with their concern at times.

Now all he needed for a hat trick was his mother! She'd no doubt be putting in an appearance before he left too. Or before even...he could see her now! She was walking up the hill towards him, waving and smiling and now shouting his name like he was in the next county.

"Mam?"

"Hiya. You ok?"

"Yeah."

"Good. About this afternoon..."

"What about it?"

"I thought I could maybe tag along and..."

"No!" If he wasn't prepared to let Jackson or Paddy come he certainly wasn't going to have her there.

"It's not going to be easy..."

"It's no big deal! I'm going to enjoy seeing him behind bars, where he belongs."

"No you're not. It's going to hurt..."

"No." Aaron was certain about that. "Look I'll give you a ring as soon as I come out."

"Yeah." Chas forced a smile, she's have to settle for that.

He'd made for the garage then leaving his mother standing there. She could be so stupid at times, of course it wasn't going to hurt!

Ryan and Cain were chattier than usual this morning, and the jokes were flowing freely. He knew what they were doing and he was grateful to them. But when the time came he didn't tell them he was going, he just snuck off when they weren't looking, he didn't want them saying anything supportive, he might just snap at them and they deserved better than that.

He had thought about going in his work overalls, make it look like he'd fitted the visit in around work. Then he'd changed his mind and showered and changed, arriving at the prison with little time to spare to think about what would happen when he got inside.

He got out of his car and then joined a queue of people making their way in. Zak had told him what to expect once inside and what to take with him. He'd taken his driving licence as proof of identity. After leaving his property in a locker and being searched he was finally being led to the visiting area. Up until now he'd been calm, unbothered by it all but suddenly he was very nervous. His heart was thundering in his chest and the palms of his hands sweaty. Once in the room he looked around hoping against foolish hope that his father wouldn't be there. But right at the back in the corner he saw a familiar face. Now all he had to do was walk over to him and sit down. He could do this, he told himself, as much as he didn't want to!

TBC