This Year's Going His Way

Chapter 3

The game was going really well. Jack's team quickly scored two goals, having come a long way from when they first started out.

Aaron and Dave were watching from the sideline, occasionally cheering on the kids.

Their thoughts, however, were somewhere else entirely.

"You're a coward, Dave," Aaron suddenly said, before he could stop himself.

He kept staring ahead onto the field, where Jack was currently kicking the ball, missing the goal only by centimeters.

"Good job, Buddy!" He praised his son, who was smiling widely at him.

"I know," Dave answered his question.

Another few moments of silence passed.

"I'm sorry, Aaron."

"You should be," Aaron said shortly.

More silence.

"What the fuck is going on with you? Do you really think ignoring me is solving whatever problem you have with me?" Aaron burst out.

"It has always worked before," Dave shrugged.

"As three failed marriages have clearly shown," Aaron retorted sarcastically.

"Aaron-"

The crowd cheered at Jack's team scoring another goal, pulling the two men from their thoughts and conversation.

"Yeah!" They belatedly chimed in, high-fiving with the kids running over to them.

"I don't have a problem with you, Aaron," Dave said as the game continued.

"Could have fooled me."

"That night…I…"

He didn't finish the sentence but lowered his head and looked down on the ground.

"You, what, Dave?" Aaron bit out impatiently.

"I kissed you, okay? And you kissed me back. And that made me so damn horny. I don't think I've ever had to bring up that much self-control before. All I wanted was to fuck you and make you mine. But we were both too drunk, and I couldn't take advantage of you like that. I thought maybe when we were both sober again, we could… I don't know, talk about doing it again. But then you didn't even remember anything and I was so embarrassed, and…"

Dave stopped mid-rant, breathless.

He hadn't spoken loud enough for anyone to hear, with all the noise and cheering around them, but he still glanced around to see if anyone was watching them. Glad that this didn't seem to be the case, he turned to Aaron again.

The younger man was staring at him, stunned into temporary silence.

"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked finally.

Dave looked away again.

"I don't know. I mean, you're my best friend and… I guess I was afraid to make a fool of myself. You were drunk, Aaron, and you obviously didn't know what you were doing."

"You were just as drunk, Dave," Aaron reminded him.

"I know, but-" Dave stopped before finishing his sentence again.

"But what?" Aaron probed. It was now or never to bring the older man next to him to admit having feelings Aaron hoped he had.

"I knew exactly what I was doing. I wanted you. Want you. I've wanted you for so long, and with that much alcohol in my blood, well, I just went for it."

That was what he wanted to hear. Aaron grinned contently.

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" He said.

Surprised by this reaction, Dave glanced at him.

"You knew?"

"No, I didn't. Not for sure." Aaron shook his head. "But I've hoped."

His eyes softened as he looked at Dave.

"I didn't think you'd run away from me like a coward."

"I'm really sorry, Aaron."

Aaron nodded.

Their eyes met and they smiled softly at each other, and from one second to the next the deep understanding that had always been between them had returned.

Of course, Aaron knew they'd still have to talk about how to go on from there, but a start was made.

A loud whistle finally brought their attention back to the soccer game.

Jack and the other kids of the team were running excitedly towards them, the other parents were getting up from their seats, applauding and cheering enthusiastically.

"We won!" Jack screamed happily, his voice toppling over. "We won, Dad! Uncle Dave!"

"Yeah, I saw it!" Aaron lied, hoping Jack wouldn't notice.

He felt guilty for lying and for missing practically the whole game, but he didn't want to diminish his son's joy.

They made their usual tunnel for the kids and cheered and celebrated with them.

After some brief conversations with the other parents, and goodbyes to the opposing team, the three made their way back to the car.

"How about a barbecue at my place tonight?" Dave suggested.

"Yay!" Jack immediately agreed, bouncing up and down in excitement.

"Sounds good," Aaron agreed, too, his smile wide, happy and full of hope of everything that was still to come.

Jack took Mudgie from the leash and together they ran the last few meters to the car.

Aaron and Dave followed at a slower pace.

"You know, I want at least a goodnight kiss tonight," Aaron told Dave.

"I'll give you anything you want, Aaron." The grin on Dave's face said it all. Now that it was clear they both wanted the same thing, he was back to being his usual, confident self.

"You should." He leaned into Dave and whispered in his ear, "so far, everything has been going my way this year. I don't plan on changing that anytime soon."

Dave's eyes followed him as he walked around the car to the driver's side and got in.

"We'll see," Dave muttered to himself, his smirk reaching from one ear to the other as his formed a plan in his head of what he would do to Aaron once Jack was asleep tonight.

In the end, they both got exactly what they wanted and much, much more.

.~.~.~.

The End

A/N: Many, many thanks for all the wonderful reviews again! I've greatly appreciated all of your comments! I'm glad you've all enjoyed the story! Hope you liked this last chapter, too! Thanks for reading!