Nightmares

That night Jack decided he'd use the spare bed to keep an eye on his dad and stepdad. Thankfully the hospital let him. Maddie informed him she wouldn't leave him and they could share the bed. She assured him she wouldn't try anything and he answered he knew she wouldn't he trusted her with his life and heart. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek making all the others smile.

He was surprised his father didn't fight him though secretly glad neither he or Spencer had. He wanted to keep an eye on him so he wouldn't cause himself any damage and he didn't want Spencer to cause himself any more damage either trying to take care of his boyfriend. He'd watch them both to relieve his mind and he didn't really want to let his dad out of his sight just yet. He was so thankful Maddie understood and was standing by him.

When everyone left and he'd seen both his father and his stepdad drift off he and Maddie climbed into the spare bed kicking off their shoes. They got in and he cuddled up to her. It had been such a long, eventful day and he just wanted the comfort of his girlfriend beside him. They'd shared a bed more than once since they started dating but hadn't slept together yet.

He looked over at his parents one last time and smiled to see them facing each other as they slept. Yes it was still strange that they were together but they had only just got together. It was a little strange to think of his dad being with another man when he'd only ever seen him with women; first his mum than Beth, but they just seemed to fit so right together.

He'd been aware of Spencer's true feelings for his dad for so long now that he'd prayed that when his dad returned they'd get together. He knew it would break his heart if his dad had chosen someone else to be his life partner and having become so close to Spencer Jack couldn't bear to see that so he was over the moon for them.

He just felt so sorry for them that they couldn't sleep together yet. He knew it would bring comfort to them both.

He suddenly heard thrashing and looked over to see his dad throwing himself about and kicking his leg repeatedly out of the bed. He knew instantly he was having a nightmare and got out of bed to calm him. If he carried on he could cause himself some serious damage.

He sat beside his dad and took his hand. He placed his other hand on his dad's cheek and said, "Dad, wake up..." Aaron opened his eyes and seeing his son tried to calm his breathing. "Dad, it was just a nightmare. You're safe now."

He nodded vulnerably. "I know, I know. I'm so sorry, buddy..."

"Dad, there is no need to say sorry. I know you used to have nightmares and you've been through so much these last seven years I wouldn't be surprised you're having them now."

He nodded. "I'm alright now."

"You sure?" He nodded. "Alright, I'm just in that bed over there with Maddie if you need me."

"Thanks buddy."

"No need to thank me dad. You used to do the same for me."

He smiled slightly and closed his eyes again.

Shortly after getting back in bed he heard his dad thrashing about again. He was about to get up again when he saw Spencer climb out of his bed. He looked up at him concerned.

"They're discharging me tomorrow," he assured knowing Jack was worried the both of them would cause themselves more damage.

He nodded and watched as Spencer climbed into bed with Aaron and held him close to him making sure he didn't cause himself more damage. He ran his hand through Aaron's long hair and placed his hands on his cheeks concerned.

"Darling, wake up. It's me. Spencer. You're home and you're safe. They can't hurt you anymore. They're gone," he assured gently.

Aaron woke up and held him closely being careful of his injuries. He held onto him as tight as he could while Spencer caressed him carefully and placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Honey, I'm not going anywhere if you don't want me to. We can sleep here if it makes you feel safer and chases the nightmares away," he added tenderly.

Aaron nodded and answered vulnerably, "Please sweetheart."

Spencer kissed his temple again and replied, "Then we will."

Aaron turned onto his side carefully and Spencer slipped in beside him carefully holding him close as they spooned up to each other. Jack smiled as he saw how Spencer's actions calmed his father down and was so happy they had found a true love with each other.