Chapter 4:

A week after Aaron was admitted to intensive care, he was still in a coma. Chas and Paddy, who had been holding a bedside vigil for the teen had gone to the cafeteria to get some more black coffee, and had left Jackson sitting beside Aaron. The second Paddy and Chas were out of sight the builder took Aarons hand in his own and brushed the fingers of his free hand down the younger mans cheek. Stopping to run a finger along the mechanic's soft red lips every so often.

"Wake up babe," pleaded Jackson into Aarons ear. Aaron listened to the plea as his eyes flickered open, causing Jackson to gasp in delight. This however was short lived as the nurse ushered the builder out of the room to examine Aaron.

Jackson hoped the nurse would be finished in time for him to have a private talk with Aaron before Paddy and Chas got back and it felt like a lifetime. He walked over to Aaron and sat down beside him on the edge of the bed. Aaron sat up slowly to pull Jackson into a passionate embrace, lowering the builder into a lust filled kiss as one of Jacksons hands made its way to the younger mans waist and the other used to push Aaron back to lay on the bed. Jackson leant forward to claim his lovers mouth with his own, repositioning himself so that he was now kneeling on the bed, straddling Aarons hips as he began to kiss down his neck. Jackson pushed the covers from the bed and tossed them on the floor so that they were out of the way. He then pulled back to take in the sight before him, Aaron in a hospital gown. Aaron looked from Jackson, down at himself and back to his lover, causing both men to fall about laughing. After composing himself Aaron pulled Jackson closer and kissed him with such passion that Jackson thought he would come right there and then. The older man pulled Aaron into a sitting position to untie the string of the hospital gown he then pushed Aaron back to lie down as he slid the gown from his toned muscular shoulders and stopped at the mechanic's waist. Jackson ran his fingers over the bare chest infront of him, lowering himself he took Aarons nipple in his mouth whilst rubbing the other. Now lying flat ontop of Aaron, he could feel the younger man erect penis straining against his leg. Aaron sat up and wrapped his arms around Jacksons waist, pulling him in for a quick kiss before removing his shirt and pulling him back ontop of him. Whilst kissing his lover Jackson reached down to lower the gown, ripping it from his lover, tossing it aside Jackson lowered his eyes to see...

"JACKSON!" yelled Chas, "What's going on in there?" she asked pointing to Aarons room.

"He's awake, the nurse is examining him now," replied a flustered Jackson as he tried to hide the bulge in his jeans.

"How did he look when you saw him wake up?" quizzed Chas.

"I only saw him for a few seconds but he looked fine to me," replied Jackson happily, causing Chas and Paddy to grin with joy a few minutes later a nurse came out of Aarons room to tell them that he was okay and they could go in and see him, but only one at a time.

Aaron saw his Mum enter the room casusing him to roll his eyes at her presence. She meant well but he was tired enough without having an argument with her. "How you feeling she asked when she was beside Aarons bed.

"Been better," the teen replied. This was followed by a minute long awkward silence.

"Why?" asked a concerned Chas.

"Why what," questioned Aaron, knowing exactly what his Mum was refering to.

"Why did you do this to yourself?" she pushed.

"Why d'ya think," was Aarons reply, "you wouldn't wanna be one."

"One of what?" said Chas frowning.

"A QUEER!" yelled Aaron, " that's not the worst bit, I had nearly dealt with that, having people knowing makes me feel sick."

"Everyone supports you, they all hate Carl for what he did." Chas informed her son.

"And you?" asked Aaron.

"Me and Carl," Chas paused, "well there isn't a me and Carl, I finished with him."

"Sorry, I know you liked him," said Aaron.

"You were right all along, I should have listened. You've nothing to be sorry for." Chas comforted the teen.

"If you say so." came the reply.

"No one cares Aaron," Chas said.

"I CARE!" yelled Aaron as tears filled his eyes, he couldn't let her see him cry, "GET OUT!" screamed as Chas left the room. She was almost in tears herself at the sight of her sons self loathing.

Once back in the corridor Chas broke down in tears as Paddy comforted the distraught mother. Aaron had also released the tears and turned in the bed to face away from the window to avoid being seen. Paddy stayed with Chas until she had calmed down and then left her with Jackson whilst he went in to see Aaron. Paddy walked over to the teens bed and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"You holding up alright mate?" asked Paddy.

"Not bad considering," came Aarons reply as he attempted a smile.

Paddy sat talking to Aaron for a good 30 minutes and the teen was enjoying their conversation because Paddy wasn't constantly questioning him.

"I better let Jackson have you for a bit, see you later," smiled Paddy as he stood up and headed for the door.

"Paddy!" Aaronn called after the older man, "not now, i'm too tired," he lied as Paddy gavehim an understanding nod.

Aaron wanted time to think. He'd managed to avoid Jackson this time but he couldn't forever. He would have to find other ways to avoid him. He tried subtle ways in the following days but Jackson clocked on to this. It had been almost a week since Aaron had come round and he still hadn't had a proper conversation with Jackson.

Jackson sat down beside Aarons bed, "Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.

"I'm not," replied Aaron looking slightly embarrassed at the fact that he couldn't hide anything from Jackson.

"Sorry to interupt," said the nurse, "I need to speak with Mr. Livesy, could you please leave for a couple of minutes," she finished, causing Jackson to sigh in annoyance.

"I could come back later if it doesn't suit," she added.

"Suits him fine," grimaced Jackson glancing at Aaron as he left the room calling back, "See ya later."

When Chas arrived at the hospital she was shocked to find Aaron getting ready to leave.

"Where do you think you're going?" asked Chas.

"Home," replied Aaron, "They said I can leave."

"Have you seen the time, can't you stay until the morning?" questioned Chas.

"That's what the nurse said but I just wanna get home," said Aaron, "It's not even that late,"finished Aaron as he left to meet Paddy in the car park.