Mothering Aaron

David Rossi turned the key to his front door and kicked it open in one swift movement, dropping the go bag on the inside as he did so. Before doing anything else he turned around and grasped the arm of his friend guiding him through the now open door.

"I'm not taking no for an answer Aaron." He practically ordered as he guided the younger man to the sofa. "You heard what the hospital said; you need some support right now." He watched as Aaron sat down on the sofa holding an arm across his chest in obvious discomfort.

"Dave I'm fine and I would still be fine at my apartment."

"Tough. I'm putting my foot down. If you went home what would you do..? Ah... Don't interrupt me. You'd try and repair the wall, clean the carpet. Well I'm not taking the chance. You're staying with me."

With Aaron now on the sofa, Dave turned away from him signalling an end to the discussion. He picked up the go bag full of Aarons clothes and dropped it in the spare room, getting a few things out to make it easier for Aaron to get them. Once he was satisfied he went through to the kitchen and started fussing around some pans. The noise got Aarons and attention and he made a move to get up to see what was going on.

"Don't you dare Aaron? Stay put."

"I only wanted to see what…" Aaron tried to explain but was cut off mid sentence.

"You'll see what in a second. Now watch some TV or something."

"TV… Right. Like that's gonna solve everything." Aaron mumbled quietly to himself.

"Quit moaning. I think I've seen young Jack behave better than you." Dave smirked as he continued in the kitchen. It didn't take long before he emerged in the living room with a bowl of soup on a tray and a bread roll. He stood in front of Aaron holding the tray out.

"What's this…?" Aaron struggled into a more upright position

"Soup Aaron. You know food. Better than you've been eating in that hospital lately." He put the tray down and watched as Aaron took a few sips and seeming to enjoy it ate more.

"You don't have to supervise you know. I can eat unattended."

"Just making sure that's all. So I got some movies we can watch, or maybe a little friendly poker."

"Actually Dave I was thinking of just going for a lie down."

"Really? You okay? You need anything?" Dave frowned concerned.

"I'm fine I'm just… beat." Aaron nodded reassuring the other man as he ate as much of the soup as he could before putting the tray to one side.

"Well I'll clear this up you go lie down. I put some of your things out to make it easier on you. There's everything in there I think you'll need and if you need anything else just give me a shout." He leaned forward and helped Aaron to his feet.

"Thanks Dave. You'll make some one an excellent mother one day you know that?" Aaron added with a small smile at his friend's constant mothering, and the apron he still wore and obviously hadn't realised.

"Thanks Aar… Hey!"

FIN