This chapter is a flashback, I hope it lets a little light in about the alternative lives of this Aaron and Jackson. There will be a couple more flashbacks in this story just to give an insight into their early years together.

As always - Emmerdale and it's characters belong to ITV, not me!

#Flashback#

3 years previous…

Aaron looked at his watch, it was 10am, he and Adam had been working all night and they were now at their desks completing some well overdue paperwork when his phone rang. "Yeah," he said pissed off that the was being interrupted.

"Aaron, it's Pete."

Aaron perked up. "Hey mate, how ya doing?" Pete was a traffic cop and a good friend of him and his partner, Adam.

"Aaron, I've just arrived at a traffic accident and…."

Aaron heard Pete pause and he immediately knew that something was wrong, he stood up and Adam who as sat at the desk opposite him looked up at his partner with concern.

"Tell me Pete."

"It's…it's your parents."

Aaron looked at Adam who got up and walked round the desk to his partner. "Are they alright?"

"They're on their way to Leeds General, I don't know their condition."

"Thanks for letting me know Pete, I owe you."

"That's okay mate, I hope everything is alright."

Aaron ended the call and slowly put the phone down. "Aaron what is it?" asked Adam.

"My mum and dad have been in a car accident, they've been taken to hospital. I've got to go," he said as he grabbed his jacket off the back of his chair.

"I'll drive ya mate," said Adam following his partner out.

When they were in the car, Aaron was on the phone trying to contact Jackson, the phone rang for a while before it was answered. "Hey Aaron."

Aaron got straight to the point. "Jackson, mum and dad have been in an accident and they're on their way to your place."

"You what!"

"They're injured Jackson."

"How far are they out?"

"Not sure, but can you.."

"I'll be there when they get brought in."

"Thanks, I won't be long."

"Okay…Aaron."

"Yeah."

"I love you."

"Me too," Aaron clicked off the phone.

"I take it Jackson's working today," said Adam as he drove through Leeds city centre.

"Yeah."

"What about Sam?"

Aaron shook his head. "He's at school, I'm not going to worry him until I know what's happening." Adam nodded.

A&J

Jackson was in A&E when Paddy and Sarah were brought in , he knew he couldn't work on them as he was classed as family, and to be honest he wouldn't want to, he would be too emotional. He stood back as he watched his colleagues work on his in-laws. He watched them wheel Sarah away with some urgency, he knew she was in a critical condition, Paddy was unconscious. "How is he?" he asked Tim, one of the A&E doctors.

"He's got a broken arm, a few cracked ribs and a bang to the head…but he's going to be fine Jack," he said turning to him.

"Thanks Tim, Aaron will be relieved."

It wasn't long before Aaron and Adam came running into A&E, they went straight to reception but before Aaron could ask anything, Adam saw Jackson coming towards them. "Aaron," he said turning his mate, "Jackson's here." Aaron looked at the face of his husband as he walked towards him, he knew things weren't good.

Aaron and Jackson gave each other a quick hug. "How are they?"

"Your dad's just through there, he's got some broken bones and concussion, but the doctor said he'll be fine."

"What about mum?"

"She's been taken to surgery, I don't know anything yet." Aaron dropped his head. "Hey," said Jackson, "don't lose hope, your mum's a strong person." Aaron looked up and smiled. "I know."

"Come on," said Jackson, "I'll take you to your dad." Aaron looked at Adam. "I'll get back to work mate," he said, "finish off the paperwork."

"Thanks for driving me here Adam," Aaron said squeezing his shoulder.

"No problem, if you need anything just give me a ring," said Adam who smiled at Jackson then turned.

"I will," Aaron said as he watched Adam walk away then followed Jackson down the corridor.

"He's still unconscious," Jackson said, "but that's mainly because of the strong painkillers they've given him, so don't expect much," as he stopped outside a curtain, "he's in here till they get him allocated to a ward." Aaron paused then looked at Jackson who could see Aaron was hesitating, he reached out his hand, "come on," Aaron looked down at the hand at gratefully took it.

The sight of his big strong father, laid with tubes sticking out of him and a large pot on his arm brought tears to his eye's. With the support of Jackson, he walked up to his dad's side and laid his hand on his arm. "I'm here dad."

A&J

After seeing his dad, Aaron needed some air and a cigarette so he had gone round the back of the hospital leaving Jackson to find out anything about his mum and that's where Jackson found him.

"Aaron," he said softly touching his back.

Aaron put the cigarette out and turned around. "Any news?" he asked.

"Come over here," said Jackson taking Aaron's hand and gently walking him to one side.

"Jackson, tell me," said Aaron feeling his stomach turning.

"I've just spoken to the surgeon who was working on Sarah," he paused as he was finding it hard to tell Aaron what he had to say, "I'm so sorry Aaron, but there was too much internal damage….your mum died." Aaron stared at Jackson whose eyes were teary, not quite taking in what he had said. "What?"

"Your mum died Aaron, I'm so sorry babe," he pulled Aaron into a hug and he waited for the reaction that he knew would come. Aaron was numb, Jackson had said that his mum was dead…oh god his mum, he held onto Jackson and started to sob uncontrollably. "My mum," he choked out as he cried into his husbands shoulder. Jackson was crying as well, he had also lost a woman who for the past twenty years had been a second mum to him.

"She can't be dead," said Aaron not wanting to believe it, Jackson rubbed Aaron's back just letting him know he was there for him. "Does dad know?" he asked as he released himself from Jackson's hold. Jackson shook his head, "I thought we should tell him together," Aaron nodded and turned.

"Aaron," Aaron turned back round, "I'm here for you…don't shut me out." Aaron took a step towards Jackson and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I love you Jay," he said as he took his hand, "come on, I need you so much right now."

"You've got me."

A&J

Paddy took the news badly, he and Sarah had been married for nearly thirty five years and to be told that you will never see that person again was hard for him to take. Aaron had hugged him and told him that everything would be alright, but he knew his dad would take along time to get over this. He and Jackson had sat with him till he had fallen asleep.

"Sam!" said Aaron suddenly.

"I'll collect him from school and take him home," Jackson said not wanting Aaron to have to go through the hardship of telling their son that his beloved nana was dead.

Aaron shook his head. "No, Jackson. We'll tell him together, we always do things together and we're not going to stop now."

Jackson nodded, knowing he wasn't going to change Aaron's mind. "What about Charlie?"

Aaron flung his head back, how the hell was he going to tell his little brother that their mother was dead. "I'm going to have to ring him aren't I?" Aaron said, Charlie was ten years younger than him and he was a vet just like their dad. He'd been working down in Shropshire for the last year and it had been a couple of months since they had seen each other. How do you ring your younger sibling and tell them that one of your parents is dead. "I wish I could tell him face to face," said Aaron, "but he'll know something's wrong when I ring him and tell him to come home." Jackson lovingly put his hand in Aaron's and gently pulled him to his feet. "Come on, your dad's resting comfortably, let's go and pick up our son."

Jackson drove them in his car as Aaron was still in no state to drive, he sat with his head resting against the cars headrest, he closed his eyes but opened them straight away because all he could see was his mum's face laughing with that infectious laugh that she had. "I can't believe she's gone," Aaron said.

Jackson took his hand off the wheel for a second and squeezed Aaron's leg. "I know, but we'll get through this."

"Sam's going to be devastated."

A&J

Sam was in English class when he was called to go to the school office, as he walked there he was trying to think of what he had done wrong, but all that went out of his head when he walked in and saw his dad's stood waiting for him.

They managed to get home without telling Sam what had happened, but Sam knew something was wrong, he could tell his dad, Aaron, had been crying. They walked into Dale Head in silence then Jackson told Sam to sit down. "What is it? Tell me please, your both scaring me," said Sam.

Jackson sat down beside him. "We're sorry son, but your dad and I wanted you home when we told you." Jackson put his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Tell me what?" he asked looking between his dads.

"There's been an accident involving your Nana and Granddad," Aaron said, who had done this speech many times before, but to people whom he didn't love.

"What! Are they alright?" Sam asked.

"Your Granddad is doing fine," Aaron said, "but…." Aaron looked down.

"But what, is Nana okay?" asked Sam dreading the answer.

Aaron put his head in his hands and tried to stop himself from crying. Sam looked at him waiting for the answer but he didn't get one so he turned to Jackson. "Dad?"

Jackson put his hand lightly on the side of Sam's face. "Your Nana's injuries where too extensive and she died, I'm so sorry son," he said pulling Sam towards him and holding him as he sobbed into his chest. Aaron was now crying as well, he looked at his son and husband comforting each other, he hated seeing Sam so upset. Sam sensing his dad looking at him let go of Jackson and looked at Aaron with tears flowing down his face. He got up and moved towards his other dad and put his arms around his waist, Aaron returned his son's embrace gratefully and leant down and kissed the top of his head. "I love you kiddo," he said. "I love you too daddy," Sam said crying. Jackson got up and put his arms around both his boys, he knew he had to be the strong one for both of them.

A&J

After they had got Sam to go and have a lie down, Aaron had phoned his brother. It was a hard call to make and Charlie had broken down on the other end of the phone. "I don't want you driving up here today Charlie, your in no state," Aaron said with concern for his brother.

"Aaron I need to come home…I need to see dad."

"I know you do kid, but I don't want you driving like this."

"I want to be with you and dad today, I'm coming home," said Charlie.

Aaron could tell with the tone of his voice that he wasn't going to change his brother's mind. "Okay…okay, just drive steady, I don't want to have to worry about you too."

"I'll be home soon."

"Okay kid…I love you."

"Love you too big brother."

Aaron put the phone down and turned to find Jackson stood behind him. "He's coming home today, I tried to put him off, but.."

"But he's like you…stubborn."

Aaron smiled and let himself be pulled over to the sofa where they sat down and Jackson lovingly put his arm around him. "You don't have to do everything on your own you know. I'm here, I'll always be here." Aaron leaned into him, even after fifteen years together, their relationship was as fresh as it had always been.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," said Aaron. Jackson smiled and kissed the top of Aaron's head. They sat together talking about Sarah, remembering all the good times, and there where a lot of them. Aaron had phoned the hospital to check on his dad and he had been told that they had kept him sedated and he was still resting comfortably. Aaron knew he should be with his dad, but he had his son to think about as well, also with Charlie coming up he wanted to be home when he arrived, it was about a three hour drive from where he was staying in Shropshire so he should be home soon. He was still worried about his brother driving, he should have insisted that he either stay where he was or get the train home, but it was too late now. Jackson had been upstairs with Sam as he had woken up earlier and didn't want to be alone, so Jackson had volunteered to go and sit with him. Aaron had offered but Jackson knew that Aaron could do with some time to himself, it had been a long day and he knew his partner was finding it hard. Jackson knew Aaron better than anyone, he could tell when Aaron was getting stressed and sometimes the right thing to do was leave him alone.

"Dad."

Aaron nearly jumped out his skin, he turned around to see his son stood at the bottom of the stairs. "Sam, where's your dad?" It had been two hours since Jackson had gone upstairs to keep their son company.

Sam smiled and sat down on the chair opposite his dad. "He fell asleep, he's always tired," Sam said with regret. He knew his dad's had hard jobs and that Jackson worked some really long hours, but they always had time for him, he had never felt neglected and he could say he was brought up in a house full of love. There had been bad times, like when his dad, Aaron, had been injured while on duty and his other dad had been hospitalised when he had caught a very dangerous bug at work. During these times he had been young and his Nana and Granddad and his Nana Hazel had been around to help out. Sam loved his family and he never felt he was missing anything by not having a mum around. "Are you alright?" he asked his dad.

"I'm fine."

"No your not," said Sam.

"Sam…"

"Dad, I'm not a little kid, I'm fifteen years old."

Aaron smiled, his kid was old beyond his years. "Okay, I don't know what I'm feeling at the moment, my mum's dead and my dad's in hospital," he said sitting up and putting his head in his hands. Sam got up and sat next to his dad. "Me and dad will help you," he said. Aaron turned and looked at his son who had his blue eyes. "I know."

"When can I see Granddad?"

"Your Uncle Charlie is on his way up, he should be here any minute. We'll go and see your Granddad then."

"I can't believe that I won't see Nana Sarah again," said Sam leaning into his dad who put his arm around his son, that's when they heard the car pull up outside. They both stood up and went to the window. "Go wake your dad for me," Aaron said to Sam. Sam ran upstairs and Aaron walked out to meet his brother. Charlie had just opened the gate when Aaron stepped outside, the two brothers walked towards each other and hugged. Charlie was crying and Aaron was trying to be strong for his kid brother. "I can't believe it," Charlie said as he looked at his brother then up towards the house where he and Aaron had grew up. "Should I take my bags up to the house?" he asked.

"No, you can stay with us in the spare room, I don't think it would be good for you to stay in the house on your own," said Aaron who turned around when he heard movement behind him, Jackson and Sam where coming out of the house.

"Uncle Charlie," said Sam running towards his uncle and they hugged. "Hey squirt, how are you?"

Sam shrugged and looked at Aaron. "He's going to be okay," Aaron said putting his arm around his son. Jackson walked up to Charlie and hugged him as well. "Hello Charlie." "Jackson, hope your looking after my brother here," Sam said. "Always," said Jackson, "how are you?"

"It's the longest drive I've ever done, it was so hard." Jackson put his arm around him, "come, let's get your stuff inside, then we'll go and see your dad." Aaron went and got one of Charlie's bags and Charlie got the other, then all four of them went into the house.

"You've decorated," Charlie said as he put his bag down in the living room, "it looks good."

"Mum did it," said Aaron as he walked by his brother and put his other bag down. Sam had gone and put the kettle on and started to make a drink. Aaron and Charlie sat talking for a few minutes when Jackson had excused himself and gone upstairs. Twenty minutes had gone by before Sam asked where his dad was, Aaron looked in the living room then went upstairs.

"Jackson," he said as he got to the top of the stairs, no answer. He opened the door to their bedroom and was relieved when he saw Jackson sat on the edge of the bed. "Jackson?" Jackson looked up and Aaron could tell that he'd been crying. "I've just been speaking to mum, I told her about Sarah, she's devastated and she's coming home straight away," Aaron smiled then watched as Jackson put his head in his hands and started to sob, "it just hit me Aaron, Sarah's really gone," he looked up at Aaron, "I loved her too you know."

Aaron moved quickly over to Jackson and took him in his arms. "I know you did and mum loved you too, she was always boasting about having the best son-in-law that she could ever have," he said kissing Jackson tenderly on the lips.

Jackson smiled. "Mum's always saying that about you too." They sat together in each others arms before Aaron moved and stood up, he held out his hand. "Come on, let's go and see dad."

A&J

When they entered the hospital Sam was anxious to see his granddad. "Come on dad's, hurry up," he said starting to run.

"Sam," said Jackson sternly, "no running in the hospital, your granddads not going anywhere, now walk with us."

"Sorry," said Sam sheepishly as he fell into step with his dad's and uncle. Aaron put his arm round him and ruffled his hair. Quiet a few people said hello to Jackson as they walked the corridors of Leeds General, all colleagues of his and every time someone spoke to him Sam asked him who it was. Sam loved being in the hospital and he had shown great interest in going into some form of medicine when he was older, he often asked if he could to work with his dad and see what he does.

When they arrived outside the door to Paddy's room, Aaron turned to Sam. "Your granddad might be a bit groggy and he's very upset about your nana, so don't be too boisterous."

"I won't dad," Sam said. Aaron nodded then looked at his brother. "Are you okay?"

"I will be when I see dad." Aaron patted him on the arm. "Come on then." Aaron opened the door to his dad's room and they all walked in. It shocked Sam to see his granddad look so frail and he put his arms around Jackson's waist. "It's okay kiddo, your granddads going to be fine." Sam nodded but he didn't let go of his dad. "Can I hug him?" he asked.

"Yes, you can," Paddy said as he opened his eyes.

Sam smiled widely. "Granddad," he said letting go of Jackson and hugging his granddad. Paddy put his arm around his grandson and kissed the top of his head. He looked up and saw his two son's and son-in-law stood looking at him. Charlie leaned down and kissed his dad on the cheek. "I'm so sorry dad, I wish I could have been here quicker."

Paddy looked at his youngest son. "That's okay son, you're here now, that's what matters," he said still with Sam in his arms. "Have you been to see your mum?"

"No," said Aaron, "Sam and Charlie wanted to come and see you."

"I'm just going to pop out a minute," said Jackson looking at Aaron, "I won't be long." Aaron looked at Jackson wondering where he was going but he didn't question him, instead when Jackson left he walked round to the other side of the bed to be near Sam. "Come on son, your granddads still a bit sore," Sam released his granddad and stood up next to his dad. "Sorry if I hurt you granddad."

"You didn't," Paddy said smiling at his grandson, "your hug made me feel better, you always do." Sam smiled at him then up at his dad feeling happy that he could make his granddad feel better.

"Sam," said Aaron, "why don't you go and get your granddad a cup of tea from the vending machine," he said getting some change out of his pocket. Sam looked at his dad, then his granddad knowing that Aaron was just giving him something to do. "Okay dad," he said taking the money and leaving the room.

"How is he?" asked Paddy when he had gone.

"He's upset, he misses his nana…we all do."

"What are we gonna do dad?" asked Charlie.

"I don't know son," said Paddy with tears starting to flow again, "for most of my life I've had your mum by my side, supporting me and now…" Charlie and Aaron who were stood on opposite sides of their dad's bed each took one of his hands, "if I didn't have you two and Sam and Jackson, well, I don't know what I would do."

"We are always going to be here for you dad," said Aaron, "always."

Jackson came back into the room. "Aaron," he said, motioning for him to come outside, Aaron let go of his dads hand and followed Jackson outside.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I've been to see Keri," said Jackson. Aaron knew that Keri was a friend of Jackson's who worked in the morgue. "She said you can go and see your mum if you want, or you can leave it while tomorrow."

Aaron dropped his head and leaned it against Jackson's shoulder, Jackson put his hand on the back of Aaron's neck and gently rubbed it. They stood like that for a few seconds before they were interrupted.

"Dad."

They both looked round and saw their son stood next to them with a hot cup of tea in his hand. "Are you okay," he asked looking at both of them.

"We're fine Sam, take the tea into your granddad and tell you Uncle Charlie that I want to speak to him." Sam for all of his thirteen years, knew that his dad's didn't want him to know something, and he also knew that they would only be protecting him form hurt. "Okay."

A&J

Jackson moved his hand to Aaron's and linked their fingers. "Are you alright?"

"I don't know, " Aaron said, "your coming in with me, aren't you?" he asked as he looked at Jackson.

Jackson nodded then looked at Charlie. "You alright kid?" he asked noticing that his brother-in-law looked as if he was about to throw up. Aaron put his arm around his younger brother. "Come on, let's go and see mum."

They walked into the room and Keri, Jackson's friend, was stood waiting for them. "Hi Aaron, sorry to be seeing you again under these circumstances."

Aaron acknowledged her. "Keri, this is my brother Charlie," he said motioning towards his brother next to him. Charlie wasn't looking though, his full attention was on the bed with the white sheet covering it.

"Ready?" asked Jackson.

Aaron couldn't believe he was doing this, how many times had he taken someone into a room like this to identify a relative who had died. Aaron nodded at Keri and she carefully pulled the cover back off of Sarah, the three of them looked at her and couldn't believe how peaceful she looked, it was as if she was just sleeping. Aaron let go of Jackson's hand and moved closer to his mum, he put his hand on her head and leaned down and kissed her. "I love you," he said as a few tears fell. Jackson put his hand on his shoulder and squeezed to let him know he was there, Aaron took one last look at his mum and moved to one side so Charlie could say his goodbye's. Charlie was sobbing as he moved next to his beloved mother, he looked onto the face of the woman who had loved him and been so supportive of everything he had done, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, and it was scary at how cold she felt. "I love you mum." He moved back and Jackson who had been comforting Aaron moved forward. "I'll take care of Aaron," he whispered and he kissed her also. He looked at Keri when he had finished, and nodded. She smiled and pulled the cover back over Sarah.

A&J

Later that night after they had got Sam to bed, the three adults had sat and talked about what they should do next regarding Sarah's funeral and their dad.

"I'll take over the practice till dad's well enough," said Charlie taking a drink of coffee.

"Charlie."

"It's okay Aaron, it will give me something to do, I need to keep my mind occupied."

Aaron looked at Jackson, who shrugged, then back to his brother. "Okay, but the surgery stays shut for a few days, I don't want you working yet." Sam nodded then yawned. "I'm going to head up," he said standing up. Aaron stood up and pulled his brother into a hug. "Everything's going to be okay you know." Charlie nodded against his brothers shoulder then pulled away. "Night….night Jackson," he said looking at his brothers husband still sat on the sofa. "Night Charlie."

Aaron watched his brother leave the room then sat back down next to Jackson. "God I want this day to end," he said leaning his head on the back of the sofa and closing his eyes.

"Come on," said Jackson getting up and pulling Aaron with him, "let's go to bed," they gave each other a quick hug before heading upstairs.

Laying together in each others arms, Jackson was talking comfortingly as Aaron had cried, the days events finally getting too much for him. "Everything's going to be okay," said Jackson kissing Aaron's head as he held his husband tightly, "I'm always going to be here for you."

"Promise me something Jackson," asked Aaron between sobs.

"Anything babe."

"Don't die before me, I don't think I could handle it."

"Aaron!"

Aaron turned so he was looking up at Jackson. "I love you Jackson," he said moving up and kissing him.

"I love you too," said Jackson against Aaron's mouth, "so much, and I promise okay." Aaron kissed him again then laid his head back on Jackson's chest and closed his eyes. Jackson didn't slacken his hold, he thought about what Aaron had said and it made his chest hurt with the thought of Aaron dying and leaving him alone, but if it would give his husband some comfort, if just for tonight, then he would tell him what he wanted to hear.

#flashback over#

"I'm really sorry dad, I should have remembered, but I've been so busy. Have you spoke to Charlie?"

Paddy nodded. "Yeah, he rang me earlier, wished he could be here but you know what the jobs like."

"Well," said Aaron standing up," why don't I go to the shop and get some beers in, the pizza's on it's way, we can have a night in."

"What about Jackson?"

"He's pulling an all nighter, so it's just me and you," Aaron said as he took his wallet off the side and went out the front door.

Paddy smiled, it would be nice to spend some time with his eldest son

TBC

Sorry if this chapter was a bit long, but I'm just building up the story.

Please review whether you like it or hate it. An honest opinion is always welcome.