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"Unbelievable" Jackson said heading for the door.
Aaron thought about going after him, thinking he was heading for the front door but soon heard Jackson trudging up the stairs, taking his mood out on every step. He'll calm down Aaron thought. Give him ten minutes and things will be back to normal.
He stayed leaning against the worktop. He hadn't expected that when he walked in the door but it seemed like everyone wanted to have their say about Mickey. Even Terry and Rodney had stuck their oar in.
It had unnerved Aaron how everyone was worried about this weirdo but he wasn't about to let on. Plus Cain had said to front up to him and he'd dealt with loads of blokes like Mickey in his time so Aaron had took his advice and toughed it out. He'd told him no refunds, looked him straight in the eye. No, Mickey had got the message he wouldn't be back… would he?
He turned and grabbed the orange juice carton out of the fridge taking a long swig from the container as he thought about what Jackson had said. Was he trying to be Cain? They were related so bound to be some similarities between them. Well, there are worse people to be like. He's got a nice house, own business, some cash in his pocket, a criminal record…
Aaron rolled his eyes as if to dismiss the thoughts from his mind. Now who was sounding like an old woman! Jackson was just over reacting, being dramatic as usual. Did he really think Mickey was going to do something to Hazel thinking back to his comment? Crikey his money would be on Hazel if her and Mickey ever went toe to toe.
He cocked his head, listening for movement upstairs but couldn't hear anything. Bet he's lying on the bed brooding Aaron thought. He checked his watch. It had been nearly 20 minutes since he stormed off. Time to go and make peace…
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Jackson had got upstairs and sat on the end of the bed. He had wanted to leave, to go for a walk to blow off some steam, but he knew his mum would be back soon and he didn't like the thought of leaving her in the house on her own with that nutter knowing where they lived. Aaron was right; his mum could handle herself but she shouldn't have to. Aaron shouldn't have put any of them in this position.
As much as he tried, Jackson didn't understand why Aaron got himself in these situations and why he didn't listen to those who were only trying to look out for him. No, that was too easy for Aaron. He had to take advice from Cain.
If he hadn't butted in, Jackson was sure he could have persuaded Aaron to give Mickey a refund but Aaron had dug his heels in now, pride and wanting to save face taking over as usual. This was what stuck in Jackson's throat most. Aaron's need to be the hard man, to show people he wasn't scared, to intimidate people rather than try and get along with them. He'd never understand why how Aaron looked to everybody else was so important to him rather than doing the right thing.
And that wasn't something that stemmed from him being gay. That was just the way he was built. With the influences and upbringing in his life, Jackson could see why he was like that. What Jackson couldn't get his head around was that Aaron didn't want to change, didn't see why he didn't have to be like that anymore; not guarded and on the defensive all the time.
It was when Aaron dropped his guard that Jackson loved him most; the vulnerable and caring side that he'd only show when they were alone. It was that side that had stopped Jackson walking away time and time again. It was that side that he'd spent two wonderful weeks with on holiday, a holiday that now seemed a long time ago.
However indestructible Aaron thought he may be Jackson knew he wasn't and he was seriously worried that things with Mickey would get worse before they got better.
Jackson sat messing with the cross that hung on a chain around his neck, something he did when he was thinking. It was a comfort thing that he had done ever since he'd been given the necklace but he'd never used it in its proper capacity before until now. He prayed that Mickey would leave them alone and stay away from Aaron for good.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Aaron got to the top of the stairs and leant against the frame of the open bedroom door watching Jackson as he sat on the bed.
"You going to sit up here all night? Aaron asked softly.
Jackson turned his head towards Aaron's voice but stayed sitting on the bed. He didn't answer him, not really sure what to say.
Aaron couldn't stand the silence, the distance between them. He moved towards the end of the bed. "Come on, Jay…"
"Oh it's Jay now is it!" Jackson sighed. "This week I've been your mate, I've been the 'old woman' but never once have you thought to listen to me as your boyfriend. The one that has your back... always, the one that doesn't want to see you hurt and the one who cares about you most!"
Aaron could see from the look in his beautiful big brown eyes how upset and genuinely worried Jackson was but he still didn't get it. Hadn't Jackson realised that he could look after himself. He was used to it; he didn't know any different or any better.
"I don't know what you are getting to wound up about. I've told him straight where he stands so he knows there is no messing. Please Jay, let's not argue." Aaron placed his hand on Jackson's shoulder.
Jackson shrugged Aaron's hand away which surprised the teenager. That had never happened before. Normally Aaron would say sorry in his own way, Jackson would look at him with his puppy dog eyes and then they would tumble on the bed and make up.
But tonight there was no making up, no tumble onto the bed. Tonight it was different. Tonight when they barely spoke all evening and Jackson went straight to sleep without so much as a goodnight kiss, Aaron knew it would take a lot more to get his boyfriend back on side.
