Saviours – Chapter 4

DISCLAIMER: I am not connected to Emmerdale and its characters, which belong to ITV

"...seventeen...eighteen...nineteen..." Jackson was concentrating hard as he lifted the dumbbells to his shoulders, making his biceps bulge as he pumped iron.

Aaron entered, wearing his overalls as he was on a short break from working at the garage next door, "Wow! Look at you; Mr Muscle!" he quipped.

Jackson relaxed and smirked at Aaron, "Turning you on, am I?"

Aaron crossed the room to kiss his boyfriend, but then wrinkled his nose, "Not smelling like that you're not! You're all sweaty! Didn't you shower this morning?"

"Doh! I've been working out, you div! I'm hardly going to stay deodorant-fresh, am I?"

"Where's Joe, anyway?" Aaron enquired.

"He slipped out on an errand."

"Are you sure you should be exercising if he's not here to supervise? You haven't even got Hazel here to keep an eye on you as she's not back until tomorrow."

"I'm only lifting these," Jackson held up the dumbbells to show Aaron; "I'm not doing a full gym workout! Anyway, he said it would be OK as long as I don't overdo it."

"Well," Aaron wore a concerned frown, "just make sure you don't; I know what you're like!"

"Yes coach!" replied Jackson, cheekily.

"That looks like thirsty work! Fancy the pub later?"

"Yeah; as long as you're buying!"

"Tightwad!" Aaron kissed Jackson as he prepared to return to work, "And make sure you hit the shower before you come out with me, or I'll have to disown you!"

"Awww...you love me really," Jackson fluttered his eyelashes, making Aaron smile; he loved it when his boyfriend was in a playful mood.

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The Woolpack was busy that evening. Aaron had been hoping to have a quiet chat with his boyfriend, but there was very little chance of that happening with Paddy, Rhona, Pearl, Adam and Chas, among others, all wanting to know how Jackson was progressing with his recovery. Like Aaron, Jackson just wanted to chill with his partner; but he was touched that so many people were genuinely concerned for his welfare and he counted himself fortunate that he had so many friends in the village.

After a couple of hours, when all the fuss had died down, the couple finally managed to get some time to themselves.

"Are you staying tonight then?" asked Jackson, already knowing the response he would get from his boyfriend.

"Yeah, of course! I just wish we could share the same bed."

"I know. But my single bed isn't ideal for two, plus that mattress on the floor can't be as comfortable as your own bed; are you sure you wouldn't rather be at home?"

"No way!" Aaron looked slightly taken aback by Jackson's suggestion, "You know I want to be with you."

"I know, babe; and I want to be with you too. Shall we head back now?"

"Are you tired?" Aaron was concerned that Jackson was feeling alright.

"Well, I am a bit, to be honest."

"Let's get you home," Aaron pushed Jackson's chair towards the door as all their friends bid them goodnight.

As they made their way back to Dale Head, they could feel the cool evening breeze wafting over them.

"It's your birthday next week," Aaron said, "Any idea what you want?"

"A private jet, a Rolls Royce and; oh yes, a diamond-encrusted watch!" Jackson said with a glint in his eye.

"I'm being serious!" Aaron chastised him, "I don't know what to get you."

They stopped outside Dale Head and Aaron moved in front of Jackson.

"I don't really want anything!" Jackson replied, looking straight at his boyfriend, "I've got everything I want...he's standing right in front of me."

Aaron bent down to kiss Jackson on the lips. Jackson was surprised at Aaron's display of affection, being in the open air; not that there was anyone around to witness it.

"What was that for?" Jackson asked.

"Because I love ya!" Aaron smiled, "Can't I give my boyfriend a quick snog when I feel like it?"

"Don't worry, I'm not complaining," Jackson licked his lips, "Why don't we continue this indoors? I know the moonlight is very romantic, but it will be a bit warmer in there!"

"Come on then, Grandad!" Aaron giggled, breaking the mood.

Once inside Jackson's bedroom, Aaron pulled the blinds to shut out the gathering gloom of evening.

"Shall I help you to bed...Jackson!" Aaron turned and suddenly froze as he could see that his boyfriend was in distress; pain was etched across his face.

"My back!" yelped Jackson, "God! I've never felt anything like it! Aaarrgg!"

As quick as a flash, Aaron phoned for an ambulance.

"They're on their way, babe," Aaron crouched and put his hands on Jackson's legs, wishing there was something he could do to take the discomfort away; but he knew that all he could do was wait for professional help.

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"Aaron?" Jackson said softly, as he came round in a hospital bed, with his worried boyfriend sitting beside him.

"I'm right here, babe," Aaron squeezed Jackson's hand tenderly.

"What happened?" asked Jackson.

"Seems the muscles in your back went into some sort of spasm; they did say what it was called but I can't remember; anyway, you've been sedated to ease the pain. Does it still hurt?"

"Not so much," Jackson reassured his lover, "It feels like I've been trampled by several horses, but it's not as bad as before. I'm sorry if I scared you!"

"Don't be daft!" Aaron pulled Jackson's hand to his lips and kissed it, "It's not your fault; I'm just relieved that you are safe!"

"I've got a funny sensation in my legs; like pins and needles!" Jackson's tone was a mixture of amazement and delight, "Oh God! I've got feeling down there Aaron!"

"I can't believe it!" Aaron's tears welled up and he squeezed Jackson's thigh, "Can you feel that?"

"Yes, Oh God, Aaron, yes!"

"I'll call a nurse!"

A short while later, Hazel found Aaron sitting on a seat in the corridor, outside Jackson's room. She sat on the seat beside him.

"I got your message; I got here as soon as I could!" Hazel sounded breathless as if she had run all the way from Emmerdale to Hotten, "How is he? Why are you out here?"

"They're just doing some tests, so they asked me to wait outside," Aaron looked at Hazel; he could not wait to tell her the good news, "Jackson's getting the feeling back in his legs!"

"What? Oh my God!" Hazel put her hands to her face and started to cry.

"That's why they're looking at him now. I think they want to know if he's got any movement. Before I came outside, they were asking him if he could wiggle his toes."

"...and could he?"

"Well, I saw his big toe move; I wouldn't call it a wiggle, but the way Jackson shouted I thought he'd just won a marathon!"

"Oh, he must be so relieved, bless him!" Hazel tears were still flowing, "We've all been praying for a miracle; it looks as if our prayers have been answered!"

"Don't get your hopes up too much," Aaron was being cautious now, "We don't know how much he can do yet."

"But this is just the incentive he needs; I know my boy, if there's a chance he can get back on his feet, he'll fight tooth and nail to achieve it," Hazel used a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, "Look at the state of me, Jackson will tease me something rotten if he sees me like this!"

"I'm sure he'll make allowances, just this once!" Aaron smiled.

"You're a good kid at heart, Aaron," Hazel looked at her son's boyfriend fondly, "I can see why Jackson loves you."

"Shut up!" said Aaron, looking bashful.

"No...credit where credit's due; I've always been quick to criticize you in the past, but you've come a long way; I'm really rather proud of you, you know!"

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A few days later, Jackson was once more back in his home at Dale Head. He was overjoyed that the feeling was returning, slowly, to all his limbs and body. He still found movement difficult and had been told by the doctors that he should not expect to run before he could walk; but now he had hope that he might, one day, return to his old self. Aaron was almost bursting with happiness that his boyfriend seemed to be on the mend; and Jackson was so in love with the young mechanic that he sometimes thought that he would be able to fly, let alone walk! He was also more than happy that he was getting sensation back in his loins; and was looking forward to resuming intimate relations with his lover.

It was Tuesday evening; two days before Jackson's birthday, and Aaron had just helped Jackson into bed. He made a move to climb onto the mattress on the floor, but Jackson stopped him. "Why don't you join me...in here?"

Aaron looked at Jackson steadily, "You know why; it's not very comfortable for two people!"

"Please, Aaron, I want to hold you and make love to you!"

"What?" Aaron could not believe his ears, "You mean..."

"Yeah!" Jackson replied with a big grin on his face, "I've got sensation down there too! Come on."

Aaron did not need asking twice; he pulled back the top sheet and climbed into bed with his boyfriend. "Let's go carefully; I don't want to hurt you!"

"You're so beautiful, Aaron, I love you so much!"

"I love you too, babe!" Aaron kissed Jackson passionately and put his hand down to his partner's crotch and immediately felt the evidence of Jackson's arousal.

"I've waited so long for this!" Jackson sighed.

"Me too!" Aaron replied, as he nuzzled Jackson's neck.

After all the months of waiting and longing; their sex was off the scale. They kissed, caressed and fondled each other, hour after hour; long into the night. They were finally able to demonstrate their passionate love for one and other in the most intimate way possible and it brought them both untold joy.

They eventually fell asleep in a tight embrace. Aaron was first to slip into unconsciousness as Jackson gently stroked his cropped head. Aaron slept like a baby in Jackson's arms. Jackson gave his boyfriend some little, feather-light kisses on his head as he slept; then snuggled down to drift off to sleep himself. He had never been as happy as he was at that moment.

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The next morning, they were eating breakfast when Aaron decided to make an announcement, "Keep your weekend free," he said, with a grin.

"Well, it's not like I've got a very packed social calendar!" replied Jackson, "Why, anyway?"

"We're going away for the weekend!" Aaron stated, matter-of-factly.

"Where?" Jackson was intrigued.

"A little cottage in the lakes; it's all booked!"

"But..." Jackson was about to make enquiries about wheelchair access.

"No buts," Aaron cut in, "If you're worried about the chair; then don't be! It's adapted for wheelchairs. This is my treat, for your birthday!"

"Oh Aaron," Jackson was welling up, "You are so thoughtful sometimes."

"Well, I didn't know what to get for your birthday...plus, it's a celebration, isn't it. You're getting better!"

Jackson had another question, "But how are we going to get there?"

"Cain's letting me borrow a car."

"But, Aaron, this is all too much; you can't afford it!"

"Yes, I can. I've saved up a bit these past few months; and I want to make this birthday special for you. I really let you down last year and I want to make it up to you."

"Come here!" Jackson said, taking Aaron in his arms, "You've more than made it up to me these past few months. You don't have to do all this!"

"But I want to; I'd do anything for you...anything!"

Jackson kissed Aaron passionately. His boyfriend had finally turned into the wonderful young man that he always knew he could be; and it filled him with love and pride.