Jackson sat up in his bed.

He wasn't dreaming now, this was real...it had worked.

Bill: 'Excellent Jackson, looks like we're back on track. Now can you bend to the side for me, left then right.'

He could.

Bill: 'Now...how about below the waist, any sensations there.?

The euphoria left his face as Jackson quietly replied, 'No.'

Bill: 'Not to worry, we're only half way through the treatment after all. This is the best we can expect at this stage.
The important thing now is monitoring your infection and making sure it doesn't interfere with next week's injection.
Jackson joked: 'Great so that means lots of drugs?
Bill: 'Well no more than's good for you, it's not time to celebrate just yet.'
Jackson: 'When will be?'
Bill: 'I don't see why this won't all work out as we've planned. After the third treatment we would hope to see signs of sensations in the lower limbs, gradually leading to movement. Then the final injection will increase the already restored mobility. Relax Jackson..it's looking good.
Jackson: 'So can I get outa here today, go to Disneyland?
Bill: 'Maybe not just yet, we'll need you to stay here tonight for some intense physio on your torso.'
Jackson: 'Well if you insist...just send me in a fit male therapist alright.'
Bill: 'I don't think your young gentleman would like that very much now would he?
Jackson: 'A few months ago he'd have decked him...but now...I duno...he seems to have grown up a bit.'
Bill: 'Well he's come all this way to be with you so that means something.'
Jackson: 'Yea...yea it does.'

Although confined to the hospital for today, Jackson was allowed to move to his chair and give Aaron the guided tour of Southwest General. Their activity gave Hazel the chance to visit the administration staff to settle her bill. Aaron had come through for her son and she still couldn't quite believe it. He told her Cain had gotten him the money and she wondered how she would pay him pack, but she would, eventually. But it was worth every penny, to see her son sit up, move his body, to see his face light up the dark place she had lived in for the past three months. And that wasn't even the extent of it...they were only half way through...was it too soon to hope, to plan for a full recovery. Hazel stopped herself, berated herself for being ungrateful, wanting more. She made her way to the hospital chapel and sat and thanked whoever it was up there who had brought her son back to her.

Aaron didn't want to kept secrets from Jackson, they had been through too much now, he knew it had to be all or nothing.
So, that night, in his hospital room, he told him about Gary MacFarlane, his stupid plan to help him and how Cain had stopped him from making the biggest mistake of his life.

Jackson: 'So if Cain hadn't shown up what would you have done?
Aaron: 'I duno...I hope I would have come to my senses in time.'
Jackson: 'Aaron you have to understand how close you came to throwing everything away.'
Aaron: I know...but it was for you, you needed the money.'
Jackson: 'I didn't want it if it meant you getting locked up or killed, don't you get that.'
Aaron: 'That wouldn't have happened, I'd have got out as soon as I'd made what you needed.'
Jackson: 'Aaron...it's not that easy, you'd be in that world and I want no part of it.'
Aaron: 'So..what are you saying...if Cain hadn't stopped me...if I'd done it you'd have dumped me...even though it was for you.'
Jackson: 'No...I should do...but no...I don't think I could now...no matter what stupid thing you do.'
Aaron: 'There won't be any more I promise ya.'
Jackson: 'Hey let's not get carried away now...this is you we're talking about after all.'
Aaron: 'Cheeky sod...budge up and let me in.'

Aaron took his place alongside Jackson on the bed, it was a balmy night so they lay above the covers, both of them on their sides now, facing each other.
Aaron: 'So how does it feel...being able to move again?
Jackson: 'Still feel like I'm dreaming.'
Aaron: 'Earlier...when you came round, had you been dreaming then?
Jackson: 'Yea and it was pretty intense to tell you the truth'
Aaron: 'Intense good or bad.'
Jackson: 'Bit of both really...then you shouting didn't add to the relaxing atmosphere.'
Aaron: 'Sorry, I could see your eyes flickering and then the heart monitor went crazy...what was happening in the dream then?'
Jackson: 'You were there, talking to me'
Aaron: 'Oh yea..saying something annoying was I?
Jackson: 'No, quite the opposite in fact.'
Aaron: 'Was it something that you've been needing to hear, something that I've wanted to say.?
Jackson: 'Maybe...yea.'
Aaron touched Jackson's jaw, ran his finger across his mouth, softly kissed him and then looked into his eyes.
Aaron: 'I love you Jackson...I do.'
Jackson: 'I know...I love you too.'
Aaron: 'I'm sorry for not saying it before, for ever making you doubt it, I'll never do that again, I'll tell you every day if I have to.'
Jackson: 'No I don't want you to.'
Aaron: 'What?'
Jackson: 'Tell me, you don't have to tell me, I was an idiot before, thinking you had to say it for it to be true. I know now that it is, I've known ever since Christmas Eve. You showed me by coming to get me, by being there for me, standing by me, by coming all the way over here...even by almost getting yourself arrested. I'd rather you show me than tell me.'
Aaron joked: 'Well I would but we're in a hospital Jackson'
Jackson: 'Funny...you know what I mean'

Aaron pulled Jackson closer to him so he could breathe in his scent. He smelt like home. Soft slow kisses gave way to longer more passionate ones and soon the lovers were light headed with desire. They removed each other t-shirts and let their hands and tongues re-discover every inch of their arms, chests and necks. Aaron soon forgot where he was and slid his hand down Jackson's boxers. His slightest touch sent shivers up through Jackson's chest, reigniting all the sensations that had been dead to him. Carried away by Jackson's reaction, Aaron grabbed hold of his leg, grinding it against his own hardening erection, running his hand further down his thigh.

Jackson: 'Aaron...stop'
Aaron: 'Oh..sorry, what have I done...did I hurt you.'
Jackson: 'No...it's not that...I..I..can feel your hand.'

The End

a/n thank you all so much for the lovely comments and support, you made it such a pleasure writing this for you, hope you enjoyed the ending. Happy Christmas and lets hope 2011 is a good year for Aaron and Jackson!XXX