Face to Face

Part 15

Jackson had been the first to wake. The dawn chorus rudely disturbing his slumber. He hadn't been able to go back to sleep, there was just too much daylight invading the room.

He had thicker curtains on his bedroom windows, they blocked out all light. His flat overlooked the high street, the only birds roosting there, pigeons. Thankfully they were nowhere near as vocal as Emmerdale's feathered inhabitants! He supposed he'd get used to them though, if he stayed over often enough!

They'd have more privacy in his flat, and he knew Aaron would be more at ease there. But the logistics could prove difficult on work days. Aaron really needed some transport of his own.

Jackson laughed quietly to himself, it seemed he couldn't think ahead anymore without Aaron being a part of his plans!

The younger man shifted in his arms, turning towards him, allowing Jackson clear view of his face. He didn't look his eighteen years now, not when his features were softened by sleep. But all too soon he'd wake up and a wariness for the world around him would creep into his eyes. His face would harden, warning everyone to keep their distance, to not mess with him.

Jackson knew only too well the reasons Aaron had built those walls around him, but at least now he was beginning to take them down.

With Aaron showing more signs of waking Jackson began to wonder how he'd feel about last night. Would he have any regrets? No! Jackson didn't believe he would.

As the blue eyes finally flickered open, Jackson smiled down at them, "Hi!"

Aaron smiled back but as he moved trying to get still closer to the older man, he heard himself wince, certain sore and stiff areas suddenly making themselves known.

Jackson's smile faded, he knew he'd been none too gentle, he could have made it easier for Aaron but at the time and considering the way he'd been woken up well, he had just gone with the moment. He knew Aaron wouldn't want any fuss made so he said, "Why don't you take a shower. I'll make us a drink."

"That sounds like a good idea." Aaron replied leaning in to kiss the older man gently on the lips, the kiss deepening just a little before he pulled away and got out of bed. He could sense the older man's eyes on him and realised that that kind of hunger didn't scare him anymore.

Turning around so the older man got even more of an eyeful he slowly stepped out of the room.

Aaron might be in need of a hot shower but Jackson was suddenly in need of a cold one. He quickly got out of bed and after carefully pulling on his boxers, ran down stairs to the kitchen.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Aaron had decided to phone the hospital and check on Paddy before he did anything about his aches and pains. Retrieving his clothes from the older man's room, he searched through his pockets until he found the number the nurse had given him.

The night staff were still on duty and told him that Paddy had had a good night's rest and was doing well. He'd needed that reassurance badly. He was feeling more than a little guilty this morning, having forgotten all about the older man once he'd got into bed with Jackson.

A contented smile settled on his lips. He couldn't quite believe what he'd done, what they had done!

Not so long ago the thought of being with another man disgusted him. He'd told Paddy in one anger fuelled rant that he didn't want people looking at him like he was some kind of pervert, "like I do 'that' with other men!"

'That' The word he'd so hatefully used to describe the sex act. He'd said it with such revulsion. The very thought of it made him want to vomit at the time.

But one kiss from Jackson and all that changed. His disgust quickly turning to curiosity and then to a fear filled need.

When he'd woken in the early hours, felt Jackson's arms around him, his body next to his, it had all felt so right. He was no longer scared. A hunger burned inside and he knew there was only one way to satisfy it.

Jackson had satisfied that hunger and in doing so had given him back his life.

Moving to the bathroom Aaron stared into the shaving mirror. He'd always hated what he saw reflected there before. But not this morning. The face looking back at him didn't disgust him anymore.

Catching sight of the love bite on his neck, he fingered it pensively. Jackson had left his mark on him in more ways than one.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Jackson had switched the radio on and was singing along with Plan B as he slapped margarine over several slices of toast. He was just about to take it up to Aaron when he heard a knock on the front door. He didn't think twice about answering it but when he opened the door he instantly wished he hadn't.

Chas Dingle was standing there looking his half naked form up and down. "Hi" He said sounding a lot more composed than he felt. Well he had just slept with her son!

"Hiya ." Chas forced a smile, she couldn't quite hide her discomfort, lord knows what Jackson thought about her! "I saw the car; I thought it might be yours. I just wanted to see how Aaron was?"

"He's in the shower; he won't be long if you want to come in and ..."

"No, no I uh..." Chas had a sudden urge to explain herself. Jackson had witnessed Aaron's feelings towards her, but he didn't know hers for her son, "We're not that close me and him and that's my fault I know. But I do care about him and I do love him whatever you might think."

"I know you do. He loves you too...whatever you might think!" Jackson knew Aaron and his mother had a lot of bridges to build, if he could help them out, he would.

Chas smiled, she'd really needed to hear that. Paddy had been right about this young man. "Thanks!"

"Jackson?"

Hearing her son's voice Chas stepped away from the door, "I'll let you go, but I'll see you again?"

"Yeah," Jackson nodded, feeling quite confident about that. He waited until Chas has turned around then closed the door. A towel clad Aaron was now standing at the top of the stairs, eyeing him questioningly.

"Who was that?"

"Your mum."

"What did she want?"

"She wanted to know if I'd had my wicked way with you!" Jackson teased.

"Yeah right!" Aaron grinned, although he wouldn't put it past his mother to come right out and ask Jackson that. It wouldn't be the first time she'd opened her gob before her brain was in gear! "Can I smell toast?"

"You can." Jackson said as he headed back to the kitchen.

Half an hour later the two young men were stepping through the front door, on the way to the hospital.

It had been dark when they'd got home last night. But now as he looked at the area outside the house Aaron could see where the police accident team had marked the road, he could also see tyre marks on the grass, it was all too plain where Paddy had been hit by the car. He felt his stomach roll and had to look away.

Jackson hadn't missed Aaron's reaction and quickly steered him over to his car. He was about to move off when Aaron said, "Wait" The older man put his foot on the brake and eyed the younger man expectantly.

"That wasn't there last night! Was it?"

Jackson looked in the direction Aaron was pointing. "I don't remember seeing it."

Aaron was now getting out the car and walking over to the object that had caught his attention. Jackson deciding he had no option but to follow.

The younger man nodded appreciatively, that was one cool car! So what was it doing in Paddy's drive?

"Whose is it?" Jackson asked noting Aaron's obvious interest.

Aaron shook his head, "No idea," he looked around the village to see if he could see anyone who might now, the place was deserted so for now at least it was just going to have to remain a mystery.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE

"You're looking better this morning!" Paddy said as Aaron sat down beside him.

Aaron rolled his eyes, "You're the one who's sick!"

"Are you alright for money? Have you got enough food in? I could ask Pearl to do a shop..."

"Paddy!" Aaron stared incredulously at the older man; here he was lying in Intensive Care worrying about him! "I'm fine. Please, for once will you stop worrying about me and think about yourself!"

Paddy smiled, moved by the young man's show of concern. "You're ok then?"

"Yes!" Aaron insisted.

"No Jackson this morning?"

"He just dropped me off, he's gone home to change but he'll be back."

"He stayed the night then?" Paddy asked quietly.

It sounded an innocent enough question but Aaron knew what Paddy was really getting at. He forced himself to maintain eye contact with the older man, although he couldn't stop the colour rushing to his cheeks. "Yeah."

Aaron's reaction confirmed Paddy's suspicions, but it didn't stop his concern. A very private personal matter it might be. But, after everything Aaron had shared with him. After what Aaron had tried to do. Paddy knew he wouldn't be doing right by the lad if he didn't make sure he had no regerts about taking such a momentous step, "And you're ok with it?"

Aaron thought he should be squirming right about now but he knew Paddy was asking him out of genuine concern, out of love for him and so, if he needed some reassurance, then the least he could do for the man who'd done so very much for him, was to give him some. So he smiled and said "Yeah,"

Paddy searched for any doubt in the younger man's eyes, seeing none he nodded and playfully punched the younger man in the arm, "Good!" Moving swiftly on he said, "How's Clyde?"

"He's moved in with Marlon. He fancied a change of scene!"

"He'll be back! He'll miss all the scraps he gets at our house."

Paddy's comment reminded Aaron about the car parked in their drive." Do you know who owns a blue Peugeot...?"

"Yes," Paddy grinned, he'd been looking forward to this moment, "I know who owns it!"

"Who?"

"You!"

"Me?"

Paddy nodded enthusiastically.

"You got me a car?"

TBC