Aaron thought that leaving Jackson when he was asleep was hard, well leaving him now he was awake it was almost impossible, he'd stayed that first night his boyfriend was conscious laying beside him and sleeping so soundly that even the nurses coming to check on the builder hadn't disturbed his slumber, he was completely exhausted but happy because Jackson was going to be fine, he'd also stayed all the next day refusing to leave his partners side for a second but as evening drew in again the medical staff had insisted that he went home and rested fully before returning the next day, Jackson had agreed stating he was fine and not going anywhere but when it came time for Aaron to leave the tears appeared in the builders eyes that he couldn't disguise.

"That's it I'm staying" Aaron went to remove his jacket

"No, no go I'll be okay, it's just it'll be My first night alone" the builder tried to smile

Aaron lent down and kissed his boyfriend he let his tongue dance with Jackson's as he maintained eye contact throughout the kiss, he raised his head slightly before returning his lips to Jackson's and deepening the kiss this time closing his eyes and savouring the taste of his lips.

The door to Jackson's room opened and Aaron was almost frog marched out of it by the ward sister a fierce creature with a heart of gold she'd been watching the two of them for a couple of days, she didn't understand Gay culture but she recognised two people in love and that's what she saw in Jackson and Aaron, she knew she had to get Aaron to leave for his own good

"Come on young man visiting was over hours ago, Jackson needs to rest and so do you, now go home, sleep and come back tomorrow, but not until visiting, you both could do with some decent rest so I don't want you back until then, do you understand Me?".

"But" the mechanic began

The nurse looked at Aaron until he begrudgingly agreed, he walked to the door before turning one last time, he gave Jackson a little wave, disappeared through the door followed by the nurse.

Left alone Jackson kept thinking of the shooting, how could Brett have been released after what he'd done to them in the village?, after breaking into their house before that?, he needed to speak to the police as soon as possible to get the answers it just kept whirling around his brain until he'd given himself a headache, he buzzed for attention the sister returned again she was not happy he was still awake and when he mentioned the headache she went but came back almost immediately with an injection, as soon as it was administered Jackson fell into a deep healing sleep, the sister smiled.

Jackson had a steady stream of visitors once he was awake, Shirley and Ralph had visited from London, Jackson had wanted to talk Business with them but they'd both refused to talk whenever Premier Refurbishments was mentioned, Jackson eventually understood that they'd come to visit him so had kept to other subjects, they'd both arranged to stay for a few days so Jackson got to see quite a bit of them, they looked cosy together it got Jackson wondering.

Anna and Ben had visited everyday, Ben bringing a delicious meal for Jackson on every visit making sure he was regaining his strength, they'd brought Bean in to visit, that had made Jackson happy the little boy had changed so much in just those few days since he'd last seen him, Anna was concerned as her son had clambered all over his uncle she was worried that he'd hurt Jackson but when she'd gone to take him off the builder both Jackson's had clung to each other so she'd given in but kept a watchful eye on the older Jackson if he looked tired then she'd take her son for a walk around the hospital leaving Ben to visit for a few minutes.

Evening visiting was usually a crowded affair as the Students on Jackson's course would visit then, their conversations was always about the Barn as they'd continued to work on it whilst Jackson was in hospital it sounded as though things were progressing quickly, however, the intricate renovation of the beams and external walls was yet to start as they were waiting for Jackson to be fit so they could make those decisions as a group, everyone made sure they ended their visit allowing Aaron to have some private time with Jackson on his own, the mechanic was often frustrated at how little time they managed to be alone he wanted to be with Jackson 24/7

"God I thought they'd never leave" he said getting up out of those uncomfortable plastic chairs and sitting on the side of his boyfriends bed

"Be nice" Jackson smiled "It's good of everyone to visit me"

"But just once I'd like more than five minutes alone with you before Attila the nurse comes and throws Me out" he shook his head, he lent forward and placed a kiss on Jackson's lips

"Won't be long now before I'm home then we'll be alone a much as you like"

"You wish, we'll have all of Emmerdale dropping in making sure your okay, so they'll be no peace then either"

Jackson lay smiling at Aaron, he watched the mechanic scowl as he thought about Edna and Pearl trying to outdo each other and then there was his mam, oh god could he stand her popping round every two minutes checking they were alright.

"Come here" Jackson held out his arms to Aaron who climbed onto the bed nuzzled his face into Jackson's neck and sighed.

"God that feels so good" he mumbled without raising his head

Aaron felt Jackson stroking his hair, his hand gently rubbing his neck, lower onto his shoulders and the top of his back, he would've liked to stay there all night but a familiar voice shouted

"Right Ladies and Gents visiting time is over"

"Do you think if I hid under the bed she'd find Me" Aaron asked as he got off Jackson's bed

"I heard that young man"

"Busted"

Jackson laughed before kissing Aaron goodnight, he was feeling better all the time