Chapter 2: Alvins Last Male Suck

As soon as Aaron was out of the bathroom, Ian had his shower and just as he rejoined them, the food arrived. Aaron helped dish it up and a few minutes later they were sitting at the table eating, a glass of white wine by each of them.

They asked Aaron if he was looking forward to next Sunday’s hike. ‘Yes, I can’t stop thinking about it,’ he said, ‘I’ve been out walking many times, but when I walked round the park with Ian recently, it was the first time I had ever had anyone walking with me.’

‘Walking with a friend was so much better than doing it alone.’ Aaron said, looking so happy at the thought. Then he added as he smiled at each of them, ‘Spending an evening with friends is also better than spending an evening alone.’ They finished their eclairs in double quick time, then they cleared away and washed up.

‘Now, before we have a coffee,’ Alvin said, ‘I want you both to come with me for a moment.’ He led them into his bedroom, then turned round and told them, ‘You two have a hug first.’ Aaron and Ian went into each other’s arms, and they had a hug. Aaron was delighted with getting an unexpected one.

Aaron was clearly content to stay in Ian’s arms, so Ian had to step back. He looked at Aaron smiling and asked, ‘Can you tell me what you have just done?’ Aaron looked puzzled, then said, ‘Had a hug with my friend?’ he sounded very puzzled.

‘Not quite,’ Ian said unable to stop grinning, ‘You have just had your first hug in your own bedroom, with your friend who is now also your landlord.’ It took a moment to sink in as he looked from one to the other still unsure.

‘It’s true,’ Alvin assured him. ‘We had a visit from social services yesterday evening. When you go back to the home tonight there should be official confirmation waiting for you.’ Aaron threw himself at Ian and hugged him.

Alvin watched them for a few moments, then he moved over and put an arm round each of them. Aaron was crying his eyes out on Ian’s shoulder. Ian and Alvin had wet eyes too. ‘Not only do I now have friends,’ Aaron said between sobs, ‘I’ve got a home, a real home. I’m so happy.’ and he burst into tears again.

Ian just kept hold of him until his sobs subsided. Alvin had gone back to put the kettle on. ‘Go and rinse your face, then come back in here.’ Ian told him. He sat on the side of the bed and waited. When Aaron returned looking so happy, Ian stood up and told him to lie down on his bed.

Aaron couldn’t stop smiling as he lay there. ‘On Friday after work, instead of getting the bus to Travina’s,’ Ian told him, ‘She is coming here to pick him up. He will take all his things away with him and leave. As you know, I’ve had the flat to myself for the past few weekends, so my girlfriend has spent the evening here with me.’

‘On Friday after Alvin has gone, I’d like to have one last evening alone with her here. So, if you don’t mind, would you move in on Saturday, not Friday?’ ‘Of course,’ Aaron told him, ‘When isn’t half as important as knowing I can.’

‘Thank you.’ Ian said holding his arms out. Aaron sat up and they hugged. ‘Welcome to your new home,’ Ian told him and kissed his cheek. Aaron was far too excited to answer so he just returned the kiss. ‘Let’s go out to Alvin.’ Ian said as he stood up.

As soon as they went into the lounge Aaron rushed over and hugged Alvin. Then they all went and sat at the table where Alvin had put their coffees. ‘Aaron, how much stuff have you got to move?’ Ian asked, ‘Would it fit in an average car, plus a driver and the two of us?’

‘Easily, Aaron told him. ‘Ok, if you get all your things ready for ten o’clock on Saturday morning,’ Ian told him, ‘I’ll come round with Hugh in his car and collect you. Hugh will be on the hike with us on Sunday and has volunteered to help you move, so it’ll be good for you to meet him beforehand.’

‘That’s kind of him,’ Aaron said. ‘He and Nicola are keen to meet you and make friends with you,’ Ian told him. ‘As is Christine and her mum and dad.’ ‘Travina’s looking forward to meeting you too,’ Alvin told him. ‘Coming here is not only going to mean having a proper home, but it’s going to be like having a family too.’ Aaron said with his eyes full of tears. But he had a big smile on his face as well.