Three Months Later – Taking The Next Step

"Move in with me."

Even as Jackson said the words he sensed it was too much too soon for Aaron although the nightmares and 'accidents' had stopped, but only recently.

They had been watching Rocky or at least Aaron had been attempting to, but Jackson had been fidgeting for the last hour and that had been distracting. He turned to face him, opening his mouth to speak, but all the words whirring around his head that he was desperate to say suddenly disappeared. Unable to physically express what he was thinking, Aaron stood up, calm as you like and walked out the front door. He bumped into someone on the doorstep and mumbled an incoherent apology before wandering dazedly towards the shops.

Thankfully there was no sign of Hazel, although Viv was bad enough, if she had been there he would have given the place a wide birth, she was okay in small doses.

"Roses? Someone's in trouble. Are they for that handsome boyfriend of yours?"

"What? No. Do you have any spare boxes?"

"Awww are you going somewhere? I'll miss your charming personality gracing my shop."

"Maybe."

"Jackson's not leaving you is he?"

"No. Not that it's any of your business, Aaron scowled, but he has asked me to move in with him."

"Bit soon isn't it?"

"No it isn't. Life is too short. I love him, so I am going to take the chance."

Viv smiled as a tear appeared in her eye.

"Well best of luck to the pair of you. Paddy would have been so proud."

"Thanks. The roses are for him."

"They're beautiful. Do me a favour and take one of the mixed bouquets. I don't do cemeteries."

"It is my first visit."

"I can understand why they help some folks but they have always given me the willies. But boxes I can do. How many do you want?"

"Just one or two for now."

"Right well that will be £3.99 for the roses and the box is free. Penny change. Thank you very much."

"Cheers. Bye."

Viv couldn't help but smile, for Aaron that had been positively pleasant.

Walking back towards Jackson's he felt almost giddy. He was glad to find him sat in the same position on the sofa with Rocky still muted but playing in the background.

"Jackson?"

"What? Did you expect me to leave too?"

"No. I mean I am glad you haven't."

"I get it okay. It's too soon after everything that's happened, but you could have just said no."

"I know."

"Just stop running away from me."

"I didn't or at least I never meant to. I just didn't know how to say-"

"No."

"No. I didn't know how to say yes."

Jackson's face lit up like all his Christmas's had come at once and the old sparkle returned to his eyes.

"I went to ask Viv for boxes. She has more."

"Oh My God. This is so amazing. I've found the perfect flat in town."

He was smiling like a Cheshire Cat and his enthusiasm was infectious as he threw his arms around Aaron's neck almost strangling him.

"I know a better one. Move in with me. Paddy left me the house and I have to keep the vets running."

"You're sure you want to stay there?"

Jackson asked already knowing the answer.

"Of course. It's my home."

"It's a good job I turned that other place down then isn't it?"

"Amazing. Aaron quipped. So when are you moving in?"

"How does tomorrow suit you?"

Jackson laughed.

"Great. Do you want a can to celebrate?"

"Yeah I could murder one."

"Just think tomorrow we will be doing this in our own house."

"Yeah with my mum in tow."

"She's not that bad to live with."

"Shhhh. She might hear you."

"Ey, I was being serious."

"So am I."

Aaron rolled his eyes.

"She said she's happy at the B n' B, so we'll see. But before you move in I was going to ask a favour. He held up the roses. Can you come to the grave with me tomorrow?"

"Course. It's a shame though. I thought they were for me."

"So did Viv. She asked if I was in trouble."

"And for a change you're not."

Jackson replied sarcastically.

"I know. It is a miracle. Aaron smiled. So are you sure about this?"

"I asked you first. Are you sure?"

"I guess. I mean I asked you to move into mine. Can I watch Rocky in peace?"

"I guess so."

They snuggled on the sofa, beer in hand celebrating their last night of freedom before taking the next giant step in their relationship and neither of them could have been happier.

"Shhhhh. This is the best bit."

Aaron whispered.