Who: Adrian Battye and Jackson London with Narissa Smith When: Tuesday 17 November, after classes Where: Hospital Ward What: "Showering" and the aftermath Rating/Warnings: Bad-tempered Adrian, helpful Jackson, handjob Status: Closed/Complete Adrian was able to maintain consciousness for more than a few minutes at a time now, and he could tell that the ribs were healing. However as he was warned, his lung was not healing well, and breathing still hurt. He was not yet allowed out of the hospital ward, even to go to classes, although he was allowed at least to do some studying. And of course he was allowed to have visitors. It was still nearly impossible to get rid of them.
Those visitors largely came in shifts outside of when they were in classes- and right now was Jackson’s shift so to speak. He headed up with his books and Adrian’s, figuring the other boy could use his new notes to look over while he was stuck in the infirmary. He offered a small smile and bent to kiss his lover, brushing back his hair lightly. “How has today been?” He was concerned- he hated that he had to leave his boyfriend but he knew classes were necessary.
Adrian was at least in less pain now - not without pain, but in less pain - and didn't actively roll his eyes or glare at Jackson. Though he didn't smile at his boyfriend either, there was a subtle welcoming of the kiss. "It was possible to read an entire chapter before falling asleep." It wasn't directly and answer to the question, but spoke to the answer at least.
“Better then.” Jackson nodded and seated himself by Adrian’s side, setting books on the nightstand. “I brought by my notes for today so we can copy them. I even wrote neatly.” A tiny smirk, though he knew that Adrian would have been able to read his writing either way, since they had known each other for years. “Unless there's something else you want or need to do first?” Because helping Adrian out right now was what he considered his main job.
Adrian nodded acceptance. He wasn't completely surprised to see Molly's neat handwriting with herbology notes in addition to Jackson's DADA notes for the day. Not that it would help with the practical aspects of the class, but it was better than nothing. He shook his head in response to Jackson's question. "No. It's fine."
A nod and he started paging through the notes before setting an open book on Adrian’s lap. “We can work on the spells together when you're out of here, and I'm sure you can get into the greenhouses for study at some point. Carpenter seems to be willing to help you out with that.” Because the girl shared that class with Adrian. He kissed his boyfriend again and shrugged. “You'll get back out there soon.”
Again, the kiss was over before Adrian entirely was ready to react. "Whenever they decide the healing is adequate." Adrian agreed softly to the suggestion he would get out. It was not entirely clear yet what they were waiting for. Likely for him to be able to walk across the room without being winded or something like that. It felt like it would never happen, at the moment.
Jackson nodded. “It was a lot of trauma. It won't be long though.” He had a feeling about that. It would work out he was sure. It had to. He lightly stroked through Adrian’s hair and sighed. It was strange to see the other unshaven and somewhat tousled, but unless he asked there was nothing Jackson could do.
Adrian hated being dependent. He was unable to do anything without help, and he felt… useless. Like Wallace when she was drunk, or strung out on pain potions. "It was, apparently," Adrian agreed. "Is still, or it would be possible to walk across the room without being winded." Adrian admitted softly.
Jackson nodded. He knew how much it took for him to admit that. “But look on the bright side, Adrian. You've got me writing legibly to bring you notes and kisses.” A teasing smile, though there was still obvious concern in his eyes. “I'm here if you need me to grab anything for you or something. Until you're healed up. You helped me when I couldn't walk right, so it's the least I can do to be around if you want something.”
Adrian hated seeing the concern in Jackson's face. Concern for him. It wasn't right. Adrian wasn't worth… he might be an invalid but waiting on him was going to get old. "You are not obligated you know. There is not some… debt that needs to be repaid or… obligation." Adrian finished weakly.
“I know. There's no obligation. I care about you. I'm here because I want to be. You're important to me.” Because it was true. There was no one that was more so. He cared about Adrian deeply and there was nothing else to it.
Adrian shouldn't be important. He wasn't important. He knew he wasn't. "Then why bring up that this was the least you could do when you couldn't walk." It struck Adrian that Jackson wasn't limping anymore, at least not that he noticed.
Jackson rolled his eyes. “Because I know you. You don't want to be helped, you're independent. I'm simply reminding you that you're there for me and I'm there for you in the same way.” He smiled slightly and pushed back his hair from his face. “You're my boyfriend. It's permitted to let me do things for you sometimes.”
Jackson was right. Adrian didn't want to be helped. He wanted to be independent. It was better that way. Better not to rely on something that wouldn't always be there. Arguing it though was useless, clearly. He'd been trying for days with no success. Instead he just sighed, just a little defeated and reached for his drink… immediately spilling it into his lap. Merlin. He couldn't even drink by himself.
Jackson let Adrian try, of course, and a small frown curved his lips at the spill. “Narissa brought you different clothes? We can clean this up and try and get you comfortable again… As much as possible anyway.” We really meant him, because he could not imagine much help from the injured boy, but he also knew that Adrian would prefer ‘help’ to Jackson doing everything with none of his input.
Adrian covered his face with his hand. It was too much. He didn't trust himself to speak, just nodded. He didn't want Jackson undressing him here, not for these reasons not… because he couldn't even drink without help. He preferred with Jackson undressed him so they were fooling around. Adrian pointed towards the small dresser next to his bed where his few things were.
Jackson nodded and went into the drawer, pulling out a clean shirt and pants for his lover. After he had pulled out some clothes he looked to Adrian, a small frown on his face. “Come on. We can get you cleaned up some in the bathroom and into fresh clothes.”
Adrian nodded again. He couldn't argue, not when he had been unable to even drink himself. He shifted to the edge of the bed, and let Jackson help him cross to the bathroom. He was afraid to fail again right now. He leaned against the sink once inside the bathroom and looked over to Jackson, though he didn't quite meet his eyes, keeping his own gaze just a little bit lower.
Jackson noted the aversion to eye contact and accepted it. Adrian was not happy with any of this and that was understandable. He was a Slytherin. Weakness down there was dangerous. He began, slowly, to start taking off his lover’s clothes, careful to not hurt him, as much as he could avoid it.
Adrian didn't want him to be careful. He didn't want Jackson to have to be careful. He wanted… it was stupid. As his clothing disappeared he just felt exposed, something he'd never felt with Jackson before. But Jackson wasn't looking at him with desire but pity, he knew. This was no doubt the beginning of the end of their relationship.
After he had finished removing Adrian’s clothes he rose and placed a kiss on his lover's cheek, then closer to his ear. “Shower or bath?” Because both could be done easily enough. It would just take different logistics for each depending on what Adrian felt more comfortable with.
Adrian wanted a shower, but wasn't sure he could support himself long enough. A bath seemed like more effort though, waiting for it to fill and trying to get into and out of the tub. "I can just… wipe off the juice here at the sink." Adrian murmured softly.
“Or you could get completely cleaned up and into fresh clothes.” Another kiss brushed softly over his cheek and he took Adrian’s hand. “Which? I will be with you either way, whichever you think is going to be easier on you.” Because he knew that Adrian would not be able to manage the entirety of washing and standing in the shower (if that was his choice) without some help.
"Neither." Adrian admitted. "Shower… would probably be faster." He finally offered. He wasn't sure how it would work though. "Might need a stool or something," he admitted softly. He just wanted to lean into Jackson though, and not even bother with anything else.
“You have a Jackson.” Jackson's voice was soft too as he looked at Adrian. “If that's okay?” Because he wouldn't get in with the other boy without permission. He kissed Adrian’s cheek gently and rested one hand on it after. “Just let me know. Which would you prefer?” He would conjure a stool, sure, but he would rather be in with his lover for the shower.
"There is no reason for you to get wet," Adrian protested. His memory though flashed to the summer, and the shower at his home when they first touched each other. His face got warm, flushing a little now at the memory. Stupid to be thinking about it. Jackson was just being helpful.
“I don't mind.” Jackson lightly tilted Adrian’s head so he could look into his eyes. “Do you want me in with you?” His voice was still soft, wanting to be sure that he was getting things right with his boyfriend. He wasn't always certain, since Adrian didn't always tell him what he wanted. But he wanted his lover comfortable.
Yes. He wanted Jackson close. "It's fine." Better to just… get this done and over. And he had to stop thinking about pulling off Jackson and getting pulled off in return. "It will be fine." He pushed his shorts off his hips and shuffled into the shower itself. Cold so he wouldn't completely embarrass himself with his lover.
Jackson examined him for a moment. “Will you let me wash you?” Because he wanted to show his lover that even with the injury, the love he felt was still there. And the desire, even though it was tempered by a desire to make sure Adrian was not injured worse.
Adrian nodded softly, turning off the water so that Jackson wouldn't get wet. The bruises were mostly green and yellow now, but Adrian still didn't have the ability to turn or twist to wash himself effectively. And Jackson would see that, so there was no point in arguing that he didn't need it. Now that he was wet and in the shower, he might as well finish getting properly clean.
Jackson quickly removed his own clothes, looking at his lover in confusion at the turned off water. He switched it back on and picked up the soap and a washrag. A small kiss was delivered again to his lover before he began to wash the other boy up, careful over his bruises but otherwise attentive to every part of his form.
Adrian kept his expression neutral as Jackson undressed, focusing his gaze elsewhere. Oh. Of course Jackson would… it was what they'd done when he was hurt. But there had been no other way to get Jackson into the tub with his immobilized leg. Adrian had been able to get in without help. He just struggled with the washing part. And of course Jackson had turned the water up too when he climbed in. The cold water had caused his breathing to tighten, Adrian admitted quietly to himself, but it had offered some protection too.
Jackson knelt and carefully continued to clean his lover, obviously more comfortable doing so than he had been in the past. His leg didn't tend to trouble him anymore aside from what he thought may have been phantom pains- pain that was so used to being there that his mind sometimes forgot it wasn't. He kissed each spot on Adrian's body as he washed and rinsed him, though he was not slow in his movements. He didn't want to make Adrian stand too long.
Adrian tensed subtly as Jackson knelt. Closing his eyes didn't help though, only serving to make him even more aware of Jackson's touch… and the kisses. "Hurry up," he murmured, worried it was already too late.
“Are you okay?” Jackson looked up, concerned, and frowned slightly. Adrian was tense, and growing hard. He could do something about that, yes, but he could not do it kneeling. He didn't want to risk the other’s strength giving out, and he rose, pulling his lover to his body carefully. One hand trailed down his side lightly and he kissed Adrian’s neck. “Let me touch you?”
Adrian wasn't okay, not really. He wanted this but worried to. Still, Adrian's body melted against Jackson's when the other boy pulled him close. He couldn't help himself, not when Jackson was close, not when he touched him. "You don't have to," Adrian offered weakly.
“I want to.” It was a simple statement of fact. Jackson wanted Adrian. It was a constant in his life and he imagined things would stay that way. He allowed his hand to stroke over his lover’s erection, teasing before he began to stroke him, placing soft kisses over his neck.
Adrian braced himself against the shower wall, trying and failing to support his own weight as Jackson's hand began to move - as his mouth moved along Adrian's neck… A soft sound, familiar but wheezier than before the accident.
“I've got you.” Because Jackson did. There was not even thought put into it. It was another thing that just was, as he continued to stroke his lover. He wanted to give pleasure. He wanted Adrian to have a moment of relaxation. The endorphins might even give him a few pain free moments, and hopefully the release and being clean and fresh would allow him a restful sleep.
Adrian didn't want to trust in Jackson's words. It wouldn't last. He couldn't fight this though. He wanted this… needed it more than he could admit too. He hurt, his breathing only made it worse, and even Adrian could hear the wheeze that only got worse as he got closer to release.
Jackson kissed his lover and murmured, “I've got you. Breathe, just relax…” Because the wheezing worried him even if he didn't want to stop, knowing that too would be unfair and uncomfortable for his lover. He had the feeling it would be misunderstood and so better to be sure Adrian was able to get off before tucking him back into bed.
Breathing was far easier said than it was done for Adrian at the moment. And relaxing wasn't possible either, not with Jackson's hand around him. And he wanted to touch Jackson too, but he was struggling to hold himself up, even when Jackson's help, so that it was beyond his capacity at the moment. Touching Jackson was a turn on for him, but so was the soft southern drawl that was accenting the other boy's speech. Adrian tried to hold onto that. Tried to pretend he wasn't broken. That Jackson wasn't doing any of this out of a sense of obligation. Adrian needed to come… before Jackson got tired of all of this. Focus on the water, warm and flowing over them, soothing his muscles. And on Jackson's body against him - solid, muscular. Really Jackson's body was brilliant. His touch was brilliant. Finally, Adrian came, the release causing him to unconsciously use Jackson to support his weight even more.
Jackson had no trouble at all bearing his lover’s weight and he smiled slightly, placing kisses on the back of his neck. “Feel better now?” He took the washrag again, wiping the other clean for a second time, lovingly caressing his thighs and stomach to be sure he was completely clean again. “Do you want to shave? Clean your hair?” He grabbed the shampoo before he got an answer, turning them so the water streamed over Adrian from behind carefully and started to massage shampoo into his scalp. Rinsing was also done carefully, making sure Adrian was physically supported.
Adrian was spent. He hadn't been upright this long since he'd been taken to the hospital ward. Even though it had been just a hand job and Jackson had done most of the work - including helping keep him upright - it still strenuous. His breathing was still labored. He wasn't able to argue when Jackson asked him about his hair. It was all he could do to just let Jackson wash it. He finally managed, "It's supposed to be okay not to shave this month."
Jackson nodded at the comment, noticing but not commenting on how winded Adrian was. He turned off the water, one arm holding his friend up while he murmured a drying charm. After that though the stool seemed like a good idea and he eased his lover onto it so he could dress him again, careful again to not touch the damaged areas. He didn't want to embarrass the other boy, but he was relatively certain he wouldn't make it back to the bed without collapsing at this point, and so he lifted him into a bridal style carry, a smirk on his face- if he could make it funny hopefully Adrian wouldn't realize that he knew the level of weakness. “Aren't we supposed to do this before messing around? My timing needs some work I guess.”
Adrian tensed immediately and tried to push back when Jackson picked him up. Lack of control was not something Adrian did well with. And being picked up? Was a complete lack of control. "Put me down," Adrian couldn't hide the hint of panic in his voice.
“Adrian, it's just me,” Jackson murmured, though he did set the other boy down. A small frown curved his lips though, concern still obvious in his eyes. “I…” How could he word it to make the slytherin’s pride be somewhat assuaged? “I was just playing around, that's all. Come. Let's get you back to bed?” Because that was the plan, no matter how long it took to walk him there.
Adrian didn't actually move away from Jackson once his feet were back on the ground. He couldn't. His weight was still entirely supported by Jackson. He pressed his face into Jackson's shoulder. Finally, he admitted. "I can't."
“I'm going to lift you again. Same way. I promise I won't drop you.” Jackson spoke softly, hoping to reassure the other boy as he did. He lifted Adrian from his feet again and held him, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. “I'm here. Just me.” Because he knew that at reassurance was important and hopefully one day Adrian would believe it. He carried the other to the bed, settling him into it gently- noting the fresh sheets that had been laid in their absence.
Adrian didn't look up, didn't relax either. It wasn't a conscious fear that Jackson would drop him, but the fear of not being in control of himself. He melted into the bed once he was placed on it. He was embarrassed and ashamed. He was supposed to be an athlete too… and yet he hadn't been able to manage a shower. He couldn't even manage to breathe.
Jackson lightly stroked back Adrian’s hair and kissed his forehead again, then brushed his lips over the other boy's. He didn't kiss for long, knowing that his lover was winded still, but took his hand and kissed that next, trying to show the love he felt for the other in his actions instead of using words, which had proven rather useless.
It hurt. Everything hurt. And the kisses reminded Adrian that Jackson hadn't… but he hadn't even gotten excited in the shower. Adrian wasn't that attractive right now clearly. "You don't have to stay…. I'm going to sleep."
“I'll stay.” Because he wanted to be with Adrian even if he was asleep. “Rest.” His eyes moved to meet Adrian's again and he touched his cheek lightly. “You need to heal.” Which was fact. Jackson wanted him back to healthy, or as close as he would get. He was worried almost constantly lately.
Adrian didn't argue. He couldn't. He couldn't keep his eyes open either, any more than he could breathe without pain right now. It wasn't a deep sleep, but an exhausted one. When he woke more fully again, Jackson had been replaced with Narissa. "He left." It was somehow a question and a statement.
Narissa shifted slightly and looked at the cot next to them. “Ran away, yes. Super far away.” She looked back to her brother and raised an eyebrow slightly. “What did you do to him? He was practically ready to handcuff himself to the bed or something when I told him to go eat.”
"He doesn't want me anymore… because of this… weakness," Adrian murmured softly. "He helped me wash up… but it was… too much and he had to carry me back here…" Adrian sighed, the sound louder because of his more labored breathing.
“Yes. That's totally fact. That's why he refused to leave and practically passed out on that bed there.” She shifted in her seat and motioned over, assuming her brother had not seen his boyfriend there yet. “Darling brother, for such a smart boy you can be really freaking dense sometimes.”
Adrian didn't see Jackson, at least not until she pointed him out. Still, Adrian frowned. "No but it wasn't…" He didn't want to tell his sister about the shower, about not being able to walk back to the bed. "You weren't there," he finally finished weakly.
“And you weren't up to watch him fighting me on leaving.” Narissa raised one eyebrow slightly as she looked from her brother to his boyfriend. “I don't think you understand how all this works, Adi. The people that are here are people that aren't leaving.” She lightly touched his cheek and looked into his eyes. “He cares about you. You're stuck with both of us, you know.”
Adrian shook his head. He might not have seen the fight, but he knew… "He's not attracted to me now," Adrian tried again to convince his sister. Caring was one thing, but they had that as friends. The boyfriend required… other things too.
“So you're telling me he has self control and isn't trying to hurt you worse. Good to know.” Narissa looked over at Jackson again and shook her head. “There isn't much point in me arguing with you, so I'll let you think whatever you're gonna think til he proves you wrong. But then I get to laugh and laugh and say I told you so.”
Adrian frowned at his sister. It was as much his fear as anything else. "But if this is… forever…" Adrian shook his head. "Breathing… hurts… He's not going to want… he already doesn't want me, Sissy. It was just taking care of me."
Narissa opened her mouth to answer, but before she got a word out Jackson’s Cajun-noted speech rang out. “Your sister’s right, Adrian. You are kind of dense sometimes.” He rose and walked to the bed, seating himself on the end and looking to the blonde for a second. “Run and get me some tea from that table while I talk to your brother, cher?”
Narissa smirked faintly, nodding in acquiescence to the request. She had a feeling that whatever her brother and his boyfriend were going to discuss, some of it would be more than she wanted to hear by far.
Adrian flushed and looked to his… entirely unsympathetic sister who was leaving him. He looked at his hands folded in his lap. "You're awake… sorry you overheard."
Jackson sighed and shook his head. “I know no matter what I say, you're not going to believe I'm not going anywhere.” His eyes met Adrian’s and he shrugged one shoulder faintly. “I do know that there is nothing in the world that would make you not attractive to me. Just because I didn't get off in the shower doesn't mean I wasn't so hard for you it hurt. It just means that I didn't want to take any more energy from your healing…”
"But you didn't…" Adrian looked up, meeting the blue eyes. If Jackson said he was, Adrian wasn't going to argue even if he didn't notice. Was he in that much pain to miss it? It made it worse to Adrian, but made it his fault. Jackson wouldn't stay if Adrian couldn't… didn't… Adrian looked away again. "Sorry."
“There's nothing to be sorry for.” Jackson kissed his lover, gently but firmly, almost claiming him in this way. He wanted people to know Adrian was his. The kiss wasn't long, but it was firm and possessive, almost greedy. Adrian was his. There was nothing to it but that, and anyone who tried to take him away? They would regret it.
Adrian started to reach up to touch Jackson… but the kiss was over though and he let his hand drop uselessly. "There is," Adrian murmured softly. He wanted Jackson to not hurt either… to not have to go without because Adrian couldn't stand up for more than a few minutes, or breath properly or not pass out from exhaustion because everything hurt.
“No. There isn't. Would you not say this very same thing if I was the one hurt?” Jackson looked at Adrian seriously and touched his cheek, mesmerized by the other boy. He always was though. He knew that. It wasn't something that would or could change. It was permanent.
"You were," Adrian pointed out. And even when he was, Jackson didn't screw up. He would… And it was frustrating. Adrian wanted to touch Jackson, not just be helped by him. He didn't want his help. He wanted. It was stupid.
“And you did what you could to make it easier on me.” It was true. His fingers moved to caress along Adrian’s cheek again. “You stayed with me. Washed me. Laid with me. I… I want to be that person for you too. The one that just… Is there. No matter what.” He bent again to kiss Adrian, this time shifting closer. He wanted to be close to his lover.
Adrian let his eyes meet Jackson's again, briefly. Then shifted away. "You didn't not... " It was another pointless discussion. His hand again started to reach for Jackson, as he started to lean in again stopping short. Jackson was just going to end things before he got comfortable anyway.
“Can I…” He motioned to the empty space on the bed, his eyes moving to Adrian’s. “I mean, if you think I can without messing up and hurting you, I'd like to lay with you for a bit.” Just so they could rest together. Not that Jackson really slept well normally, but he did a bit better with Adrian near him.
Adrian gave a barely perceptible nod. "It's breathing now… not so much touching," Adrian tried to explain. The external bruises were healed, but the bones were still a problem. And breathing made everything that wasn't healed move - causing more pain.
Jackson smiled slightly and nodded before climbing into the bed with Adrian. His arms wrapped around the other boy and he placed a soft kiss on his cheek, pulling him close gently. “I've still got you.” His voice was quiet, but still firm, telling Adrian that it was something that was a constant in the other’s mind even if he didn't think it'd last.
It wasn't a thought to Adrian. It was a certainty. It wouldn't last. It couldn't last. He knew this… and he shouldn't let Jackson get as comfortable about all of this as he was. He shouldn't… let them both keep pretending this was something real. He couldn't budge Jackson now, but when he was better… when Jackson could let go without feeling like a cad.
Jackson didn't know what his lover was thinking, obviously, but he would have refuted the thoughts. Not that it would have any effect really but the fact was still there. As it was though he shifted slightly to hold Adrian, one hand rubbing soft circles on his back. “We’re going to get through this, and you're going to get healed up. It's going to be okay. Narissa and I are both here and there's no way that's changing.”
Adrian just nodded. It wasn't okay. He hurt constantly. He could feel the temptation… the pull of the pain potions - the easy solution to make all the pain go away for a few minutes. But there were concerns he wasn't going to heal entirely, and he couldn't, wouldn't be his biological mother. And Adrian was too tired to argue with Jackson. Jackson wouldn't hear it anyway. It was easier now to just agree… to let Jackson rub his back and try not to focus on the pain.
Jackson kissed his forehead and smiled slightly. The fact that Adrian didn't believe him was something he knew, because he knew his friend. It didn't matter. He was there. That was all that mattered at the moment. His hand cupped Adrian’s cheek and drew him into a series of soft kisses, sharing breath and allowing Adrian the ability to pull back whenever he needed to to breathe.
Adrian again hesitantly reached to touch Jackson, waiting for Jackson to pull back again like he'd been doing as soon as Adrian started to kiss back. Obviously though they couldn't kiss properly - Jackson was probably afraid after the way he'd been breathing from a little hand job in the shower.
Jackson didn't pull back, simply cupped his lover's cheek with one hand. The other slipped into his pocket, pulling out the small trinket he had put there before going to classes that day. He spoke next against Adrian’s lips quietly. “I have something for you.”
Adrian frowned, not sure what Jackson had, but worried anyway. This wasn't the time, the place for gifts. "Now is not good." He tried, hoping he could deter the Gryffindor boy, but knowing he was likely to fail in that goal.
“I think now is.” He opened his hand in view of his lover’s face, letting him see the tiny silver ring in it. He wanted it to be something Adrian had. It had been his sister’s but he felt that it would be a good symbol of tying them together. He hoped anyway.
Adrian couldn't keep his expression neutral - his eyes widening at the silver ring. Jackson's sister wore that ring. "I can't." Adrian said, the panic rising. Rings… nevermind Jackson's sister's ring...
“It's a gift. She…” A small frown, pain evident in his eyes for a moment before he looked away for a second to compose himself. “She didn't get through her accident. I think though… Maybe she'll watch over you and this will be the luck you need?” Jackson shrugged one shoulder faintly, his eyes finally meeting his lover’s again.
"No," Adrian repeated. "It's not… I can't…" Adrian's fear was obvious. This was not something the normally composed boy could hide. Jackson didn't understand… didn't think… but when things ended between them, it would be awkward, giving back the ring, and it would taint his sister's memory. "It's hers… yours."
Jackson saw the fear in Adrian’s eyes and his frown returned as he studied his friend. “I… Yeah. I'm sorry.” He pushed back the hurt at the refusal, tamping it down. It wasn't the time to show that. He didn't need to show his friend anything like that. He looked at the ring once again before tucking it away, pulling Adrian close to him.
Adrian closed his eyes, hiding his face as Jackson pulled him close. He didn't resist that, although he hoped that he could hide the tears… that Jackson wouldn't see, know. He didn't want to hurt Jackson, but it was the right thing to do. He couldn't take the ring - nothing of Jess's. It meant too much. And he knew this wasn't going to last.
Jackson placed a kiss on the top of Adrian’s head and held him closer, wanting him to feel secure for at least a little bit. He loved the boy. There was no denying that. He wanted things to be right between them. “Just rest, Adrian. Sleep. Heal.” He kissed the other on his hair again and began to hum a lullaby softly, attempting to provide comfort.
It was not right, nor comfortable. But constant pain and poor breathing was exhausting. Adrian wasn't tired, but exhaustion meant he couldn't stay awake for long periods yet.
When Jackson was certain his lover was asleep, he shifted to hold the other more securely and closed his own eyes. “I love you,” he murmured into the other boy’s hair, hoping that the comfort of his arms and those words would give Adrian some measure of peace in his dreams.