Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was Aaron, It was Aaron. Aaron was the one who turned him over to the police. Aaron Dingle broke one of the most important rules his family has. He called the police and ratted on someone he used to love. Images of them together flashed in Robert’s mind as he walked away from the visiting room. Moments of them as a family, of them fighting, of them tangled in each other's arms, all of it flew through Robert’s mind and he started to feel himself spiral. His chest began to tighten, and breathing became harder to do.

He needed help, he needed someone to ground him, distract him from his pain. So Robert stumbled to one of the free phones on the wall. His hand was trembling as he dialled the number that had become his lifeline the last few months. He tried to steady his breathing as the phone connected.

”Alright Robert, how was seeing dear old hubby?” A deep Scottish voice cheekily asked on the other end of the phone.

“It…was…Aaron.” Robert barely managed to say.

“What was Aaron Robert? What happened?” The humorous tone that was there moments ago was replaced with instant concern and worry.

“Aaron…..called the police ... on me,” Robert said in gasps as talking was becoming harder to do.

”Oh god Rob-“

”Talk to me.” Robert demanded cutting the voice off.

”About?”

”Anything, just distract me please.” Robert knew he sounded desperate, because he truly was. He felt himself crumbling and he needed anything to stop it, even for a few moments. “Bad things happen when I crumble.”

“Well.” The Scottish voice answered, racking his brain desperately trying to think of something.

”Oh! Chelsea and her man David just bought a house.”

”Are you happy about that?” Robert asked slightly, gasping like he was out of breath.

”I'm pleased for them though I know her mum would have preferred if he got her a ring instead.”

Robert let out a small laugh.

“But honestly Robert I feel like an old man now that my firstborn is a homeowner.”

”Isn't she 32? You are already an old man.”

”Shut it!” The voice replied, trying poorly to sound annoyed at the comment. Causing Robert to laugh again, it was working and the ground was becoming solid again.

”Lexi managed to make her sous chef call at work the other week. Mind you she's 27 and he was nearly your age but then again she is her mother’s daughter.”

”Robert laughed again, after hearing so many stories of his nieces, especially his youngest one, he wasn't surprised she could make a grown man cry. Cain might even shake in his boots if they ever met. He could feel his pulse slow down as Tom continued to talk. His view became less clouded and more focused once again. He was coming back from the edge of his spiral.

Tom took a breath as he knew the next thing he said was important. “And today I just finalised some papers so I’ll be renting a house in Emmerdale for however long my baby brother will need me.”

”Wait what?” Robert quickly asked, not sure if he heard Tom right.

“Yeah, I'm renting a house in Emmerdale. Robert I wasn't there for you for most of your life. I'm not going to miss the rest of it especially now. Tom’s voice was full of guilt, he wasn't a good big brother and he wanted to fix that.

”But you're in Edinburgh.”

”No, I'm currently in Hotten. I was going to come down later but after your recent reincarceration I moved up my plans. I’m in a hotel at the moment but I’ll get the keys to the house tomorrow.”

”Your business, you can't just walk away from that?” Robert couldn't believe what he was hearing.

”Wow you have been in there awhile. It's called working remotely, plus I was thinking of setting up a location here anay. So I need to get to know the area again last time I was here was the 70’s. Please don't make another comment about my age ok? I get it enough from the girls as is.”

“But,”

”Before you say anything about the girls.” Tom cut Robert off. “They are adults as they keep reminding me and they said they would love to meet their uncle once you're settled and they have their stuff sorted up there. Honestly David is a lovely guy but I think he's doing Chelsea’s head in with all the house design ideas. I think she might kill him if she has to hear about the deposit one more time. Shit! I shouldn't say that when the call is being recorded.” Tom laughed at his joke trying to lighten the mood. However, Robert remained silent.

“Please Robert let me be there for you. You can stay with Vic if you want, that's fine too. Just let me be there for you little brother, let me be in your corner -It's what mum would have wanted.” But the last part was left unsaid.

After a few moments, “ok” Robert replied, barely audibly stunned he was wanted so much.

”Great.” Tom said, trying not to reveal how emotional the conversation had made him. There was an awkward silence between the two brothers, they were still not totally used to sharing so much of themselves to one another yet.

”Right I better go.” Robert said, feeling a bit self-conscious.

”Of course, can't let you miss your yard time.” Tom answered back to his jokey self which Robert appreciated.

”Actually I have a visitor this afternoon, my other half-brother.”

”You're fucking joking!”

”Nope.” A smile had returned to Robert's face now.

”Well you’ll need to call me after and tell me all about it so that I can tell the girls. Seriously they said listening to your stories is better than watching a soap.”

”I will and thank you Tommy.”

“No problem Rob.”

When Robert was back in his cell after his little chat with John. he had loved wiping that smug smile off the dickhead’s face. He couldn't help but feel something burning within him. He wasn't sure what it was but he knew part of it was the fact he now had Tom totally in his corner. He knew with his Big brother’s (which was weird to think he had someone looking out for him for once) help he would find out what John was hiding as he knew a monster when he saw one. Even if Aaron didn't want to be with him he would help him.

And the reason Robert knew John was a monster? was the fact he had a look in his eyes the same one Robert saw whenever he looked in a mirror. That man had blood on his hands and Robert was going to find out whose.

Chapter Text

The next couple of days flew by faster than he expected, for the last six years Robert wanted to go home and now facing the reality that he was, he was terrified to leave. It wasn't the same life he knew before Liv was gone, Seb didn't know him anymore and Aaron wouldn't be there or even happy to see him. No one would. Well, Tom and Vic but two out of the whole village weren't great. So he didn't like his odds that his welcome would be a warm one. Tom had offered to pick him up but Robert had already made arrangements with Vic, though he was regretting that decision as he sat in her car on their way home. She was trying her best to fill him in on everything he had missed as if he had simply been living abroad and not rotting inside for manslaughter.

”So.” Vic started to ask. “Did you make any friends?”

“Did I make any friends? Robert repeated back like he was unclear of what he was asked. “It was a prison Vic, not a holiday camp. Yeah, I made lots of mates. They even decided to sign my face with their fists as a leaving gift to remember them by.” Robert snapped he knew she was only meaning well but he just wanted her to stop mothering him like she always did. After that, they just drove in silence which Robert was really happy about. It was only when they passed the Emmerdale sign did he start to feel anxious.

Tom had gotten to the village a day early but hadn't ventured any further than the cottage he was renting. He wanted to get it all sorted in case Robert chose to stay with him which he hoped he would. Tom felt like he was very much in the red when it came to being an older brother. He looked at his watch and knew Robert would be arriving in a few hours depending on the traffic so it seemed like now was a better time than any to check out the village that once had been his home. However he needed to make a pilgrimage first before he could have a noisy around the places Robert had told him about.

The graveyard was empty when he entered so he had the place to himself.

“Hi Mum.” Tom said as he stared at the gray granite with the name “Patrica Ruth Sugden” etched into the cold stone.

“I'm sorry it's taken me a while, well years to visit but I think about you everyday.” Tom had to stop for a minute as he could feel himself choking up, still he needed to continue.

“You're a grandma now mum, I have two girls and damn I see you in them all the time. Robert even has a wee boy too mum sadly I don't know if Sandie had anymore after Louise we lost touch some years ago but I wish her well nevertheless.” Tom stopped briefly to catch his breath; he didn't think this was going to be as hard as it was . “I’m sorry it shouldn't have taken me 53 years to visit my mother’s grave or even decades to find my baby brother.”

Tom was repeating an argument he had been having with himself a few times in his head the last year.

”But I'm here now mum and I'm going to take care of Robert. Hes hurting, he trys to hide it like I do but I can see it. I’m going to be there for him now mum. Not just for his sake but for mine and yours too.” His voice was breaking now. “I love you mum.” A tear fell down his face as he kissed the tips of his fingers then set them on the top of the stone wishing it was his mother’s cheek.

Robert could feel sick start to raise in his throat the closer to the village they got. When Vic finally parked her car outside her house Robert thought he was going to be sick all over the dashboard.

”Well here we are home sweet home.” Vic exclaimed cheerfully.

”Here we are.” Robert thought, his whole body was tense like he was still in prison at any second about to be jumped. And given the amount of people who hated him just living in the village he was sure that was highly likely to happen, soon.

“There is someone inside who is excited to see you.” Vic tried to make the day positive but Robert was feeling depressed and would have rather crawled into bed and pretend he didn't exist. Nevertheless Robert still followed her inside like a lost puppy. He had a small hope that it was Aaron waiting for him in Vic’s living room except Aaron had made his feelings very clear. He didn't want anything to do with Robert, even asked him to stay away. Yet hope was still there like ember in the dark.

So he was only slightly sadden and more confused to see Matty waiting for them. Still Robert went along with it anyway. He found out the hard way it was best not to ask questions. He just stood in the doorway as Vic and Matty talked amongst themselves. It was only when Matty started to go past him did he say anything.

”Matty, Vic told me about Amy. I’m sorry for your loss.”

Matty looked a little taken aback by the expression of remorse, quickly though he composed himself and replied. “Thanks Robert and I’m sorry about Liv. I know how much she meant to you.”

Robert felt grateful that someone actually remembered that he had lost Liv too. Robert didn't say anything, he just nodded before Matty then continced out the door. In that small space of time Vic was able to collect someone Robert wasn't ready to meet yet.

“Harry this is your uncle Robert, Robert this Harry.”

“Hi” Harry shyly said hidding most of himself behind Vic unsure of the stranger in front of him. Robert was faring any better, he was grounded in place. It was nothing against the little boy Robert just couldn't handle surprises. Surprises were never a thing of joy in prison, he had the scars to prove that.

”Robert, are you going to say Hi?” Vic nervously asked unsure why her brother wasn't saying something, anything to her son. Robert just seemed frozen, yet in his mind he was screaming.

”Robert?” Vic asked, concerned by his stillness.

”I need some air.” Robert managed to choke out as he scrambled out the living room. He was in the street but Vic could utter a reply. He needed to get out of the house, he felt like the walls were closing in, he needed air and space. He felt like he was somehow drowning on dry land.

“I’m here and I’m safe.” Robert recited to himself over and over as he tired to calm himself. Sadly it was one of the many new habits he picked up inside.

“Robert?” He heard a voice shout in the distance, he was still getting his bearings s o he wasn't sure who the voice belonged to. How his day was going he would put money on John or Cain. Either could add to his collection of bruises and scars that littered his body.

”Robert.” The voice said again eventually Robert turned towards the voice ready to meet an angry glare but instead was met with a lopsided smile.

”Bobby” The muscular framed Scottish man stood there in front of him; he was just a bit taller than him, with greenish blue eyes that matched his own and short dark brown hair.

”I've told you Tommy I hate when you call me that.” Robert replied, feeling himself settle down. In seconds the two men were enveloped in a huge hug. After a moment they let one another go and stood in the street taking one another in.

”Shit, your mates on the inside gave you one hell of a going away gift.” Tom said, taking in the state of Robert’s face.

”Yeah they were all out of friendship bracelets at the prison gift shop.”

”Are you doing ok?” Tom asked, having noticed the state Robert was in mere moments ago.

”All just got too much.”

Tom just nodded understanding without needing to push for more info.

”How about a wander? I'm basically new to this village and need a tour guide.” Tom asked and implied that they began moving down the road.

”I'm not sure, I've been MIA the last six years so I'm a bit rusty. Robert said as he followed his brother not needing any convincing.

“I think I’ll take my chances.”Tom said laughing. As the two brothers walked down the street they had been unaware of John standing not too far away from them seething with anger at the sight of Robert back in John’s village.

Chapter Text

John watched till Robert was further. He was down the road with his friend before John rushed into Vic’s. He was boiling with rage already at the fact Robert kissed Aaaron and that then Aaaron kept it secret but the asshole had now decided to come to his village. And probably try to steal everything John had built. John was not going to let that happen.

”VIC!” John called out as he attempted to simmer his rage. “Was that who I thought it was outside?”

Vic didn’t respond as she was already feeling defeated about the situation with Robert. She believed Robert couldn’t look at Harry without thinking about Lee.

“Yes John, that was Robert. He is here because this is home and we are his family.”

John couldn’t believe what he was hearing Robert wasn’t his family he was a mistake that should be left in prison and forgotten about. “You can’t be serious? He’s dangerous Vic, He’s a killer. He’s not someone you should have around Harry!”

”No! It’s he who doesn’t want to be around Harry!” Vic cried out, sounding more like a little girl than a grown woman.

”What?” John questioned, confused however before he could get any further Vic broke down in tears.

“Robert just ran out. He took one look at Harry and ran.” Vic cried. John pulled her into a hug letting her cry it out. All while the gears in his mind churned, thinking of how to use this to his advantage.

Robert and Tom had been walking in comfortable silences till they reached a fence that overlooked the old Sugden farmland.

“So this is the old homestead?’ Tom quipped as he took a packet from his jacket pocket and started fiddling with something.

”Yup.” Robert answered memories good and bad flashing through his mind as he looked out at the land he hadn’t seen in what felt like a lifetime but was in his dreams some nights when he wasn’t dreaming about Aaron. When he got out of his head and turned to Tom he saw what Tom was doing.

”I didn’t know you smoked.” Robert exclaimed as he rested on the fence. Tom was still rolling his tobacco just right. “Yeah it's one of my vices I picked up from the army, Nancy and Chelsea hated it unfortunately Lexie took after me and picked up the habit too.”

Robert nodded, pondered for a moment then asked. “Can I have one?” Tom’s eyebrows rose slightly, Robert didn’t look like a smoker but who was he to judge? “Sure.” He replied then licked the edge of the paper sealing the cigarette then passed it to Robert. He then reached into his pocket for his lighter.

”Where did you pick up this lovely habit, not that I can judge.”

“Prison,” Robert answered bluntly as he put the cigarette to his lips.

”Oh right.” Tom kicked himself for not already guessing that. Swiftly he found his lighter, sparked it alight. Robert inhaled the dry tobacco leaves. It was of a better quality than he was used to inside.

“Really out of all the things I could have smoked in prison tobacco was the safest option.”

“I bet but maybe the most addictive,” Tom replied immediately, rolling a cigarette for himself. The two brothers just leaned on a fence letting the sweet and deadly nicotine fill their lungs, the only sound between them was the wind. Till Robert spoke again.

“So are you going to push and ask me what happened there all this time?”

“No,” Tom said matter-of-factly, flicking the ash off his cigarette.

“No?” Robert asked, confused looking at Tom. He was so used to people in his life, his family pushing him to reveal all that this was honestly a first. Tom could see at a glance the confusion on Robert’s face so he turned to look at him more directly.

”No, Robert I’m not going to ask because I couldn’t imagine what your life has been like the last six years. But I do know that pushing you won't help. You need to feel ready to talk about it yourself before I ever attempt to make you.”

“Are you secretly a therapist and this is me just finding out? You're going to charge me for this session, Dr. Merrick?” Robert tried to joke feeling weirdly exposed.

”Alas no I’m just a war vet who sadly knows a thing or two about PTSD.”

“I don’t-“ Robert tried to argue but Tom cut him off.

”Robert, I only know some of what you are going through because I’ve gone through it myself. It doesn’t matter if it was overseas or inside you and me, we have both been hurt physically and psychologically. So please if I can help in any way, let me.”

Robert just nodded as he took one last drag of his cigarette before he threw it into the dirt. Tom copied him then in unspoken agreement the two carried on with their walk. It wasn’t till they were closer to the village that Robert spoke up again.

“I noticed that you don’t talk about your time in the army.” Robert only really knew at all because Tom mentioned a few times in the past but Robert pressed for more info till now.

”It’s hard, I was in the Royal Military Police. I enjoyed my job but would end up bringing home the bad stuff I saw. Even when I eventually left it didn’t get better. It took my ex-wife Nancy taking the girls for me to see how much I was really struggling and finally get the help I needed. Sadly I still couldn’t save my marriage but I’m thankful every minute I still have the girls in my life. Robert-” Tom stopped, Robert stopped too. “I don’t want you to think that you need or have to go through this alone. I want you to know you have someone totally in your corner.”

Tom then pulled Robert into a bear hug to almost emphasise his point as well as make up for all the years. Robert, while still sore from his recent beating at that moment, didn't feel any pain. Just love, something he hadn’t felt in years. Following some time Tom finally let his little brother go. “Now.” He said, wiping his eyes trying to regain some of his composure. “I don’t know about you but I need a pint, my shout.”

Robert laughed at his brother’s poor attempt at manliness. “I’d like that, but I think we should go back to Vic’s. She’ll be worried and I’d like to explain why I ran out.”

”No problem, lead the way, little brother.”

After Vic calmed down and John put Harry back in his room to play with his toys Vic told him everything that happened in the brief time Robert was in the house. It wasn’t much to work with yet John had done more with less before.

“He’s dangerous Vic,” John said, trying his hardest to sound like a concerned brother.

”No he’s not, he didn’t do anything, honestly I think I'm blowing this way out of proportion.” Vic replied feeling silly that she even got upset in the first place.

“No, you’re not Vic. Yeah now he didn’t do anything but what if you weren’t here?”

“Robert wouldn’t hurt Harry,” Vic shouted appalled that John would even suggest Robert was capable of hurting a child.

“He’s not the same person you knew Vic. Though the person he was before wasn’t any better.” John left the last part to himself as he knew it wouldn’t help his case and Vic would only defend Robert. “He could have frozen because he saw Lee in Harry and was angry. Do you want that type of person around your son?”

Vic didn’t say anything but John could see that he had planted seeds of doubt. Annoyingly before he really could put the finishing nail in the coffin of his plan his phone pinged. Quickly irked he couldn’t finish but it was Aaron asking where he was.

“Look I need to go, but please Vic think about what I said. Do you want a man with so much hate around your son?”

Vic didn’t say anything she just took in what he said. As he left he thought he had gotten her on side and smiled. Though Vic could see John was just trying to look out for her he didn’t know Robert, not like her. Robert is my brother and he could never hurt my son.”

“So does Vic know about me?’ Tom asked but he already knew that answer and Robert’s face turned red confirming it. “No,” Robert said sheepishly, knowing that Tom found that funny and that he was about to get an earful from Vic for keeping it from her. But he didn’t know how to bring it up in the limited correspondence they shared. “Hey Vic you know how you found another brother so did I.”

“She's single?” Tom asked not seriously but he didn’t want to pass on the chance to mess with Robert.

“Ew you’re my brother and she’s my sister.”

”Yes but we’re not related. Think about it, we could be one big happy family.” Tom replied with a wicked smile on his face.

”You’re gross.” Robert responded laughing, pushing Tom not noticing they were passing the mill that once was his home with Aaron standing just outside it watching him.

Aaron had just sent John a text asking where he was as he was leaving to go to the shop when he heard a familiar sound. He thought he must have imagined it at first. He had asked Robert to stay away however he would have known Robert would say one thing and do another like he always did. Now there he was back in the village laughing with someone Aaron didn’t know, looking happy. Aaron didn't want to feel how he was feeling. He was happy with John still looking at Robert with someone else he felt jealous.

Chapter Text

When Robert and Tom returned to Vic’s house, Robert couldn’t help but be apprehensive about what awaited him. However, when Robert entered the living room with Tom just behind, he found her just where he had left her. Now, sitting with her head in her hands, with no Harry in sight, Robert could tell that she had been crying, which made Robert hate himself a little bit more.

”Vic?” Robert said softly, moving closer to her. Tom stood in the doorway not wanting to disturb a sensitive family moment.

“Robert!” Vic exclaimed as she jumped to her feet. She moved in to hug Robert but the quick movement caused Robert to tense up. He saw a look of hurt flash across Vic’s face which was the last thing Robert wanted. So promptly he swooped in and hugged Vic tightly as he could mumbling “Sorry” into her soft hair after which he kissed the top of her head.

”No, Robert I’m sorry I should have known seeing Harry would be triggering. I didn’t think about how you would feel seeing that I’m Robert. I understand if you don’t want to stay here. But please don’t cut us off again. I want my son to know his uncle.”

Robert could see Vic was working herself up and it hurt that he caused his sister for a moment to think he didn’t love Harry. He did love the little boy with all his heart. Whenever he looked at the pictures sent to him all he could see was his baby sister. It was only in that moment of surprise did Lee even pop into his mind.

“Vic,” Robert said calmly again. “I’m sorry I ran away, it had nothing to do with you or Harry. I just don’t handle surprises as well as I used to. But let me assure you when I look at Harry I just see his beautiful mum.”

Vic didn’t say anything, she just pulled Robert into another hug.

”And I would love to stay here if you’ll have me.” He added.

“Of course, oh god you’re going to have me in tears again.” Vic squeezed Robert a little tighter like he might disappear if she didn't.

“I never meant to have you in tears in the first place.”

As lovely as this moment was, Tom couldn’t help but feel so out of place and like he shouldn’t even be watching. So he coughed faintly to make his presence known to the others.

”Oh!” Vic blurted out letting Robert go, shocked that a stranger was standing in her living room doorway.

“Oh yeah,” Robert said, shaking, having forgotten Tom was just behind him for a moment. “This is Tom.”

Vic quickly wiped her face as she tried to make herself more presentable.

”Oh hell-“ She tried to greet Tom but Robert cut her off with a bit of info she didn't know.

“My Brother.”

”WHAT?”

John knew that though he hadn’t taken care of the Robert problem completely, having Vic on his side still felt like a big win. Soon Robert would get the message he wasn’t wanted and he would no longer be a dark shadow over their lives.

He was buzzing when he entered his and Aaron’s flat. It was almost the same sort of buzz he got when he saved lives, when he was a hero. And he knew exactly how he wanted to celebrate. He came in like a storm he didn't even notice the disheartened state Aaron was in. After seeing his ex who days ago had sworn that he wanted to be with Aaron. Laughing and looking so carefree with someone else.

“Where have-“ Before Aaron could finish what he was saying John’s lips collided against his. John’s hands were already undoing his belt when Aaron grabbed his hands, stopping John.

“What brought this on?” Aaron tried to say lightly like he was turned on but wasn't in the mood.

“I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you as my husband,” John said, his eyes full of lust. Aaron knew he should be feeling the same she should be happy he had this great man who loved him but all he could think about was the man who broke his heart so many times.

”Oh yeah?” Aaron replied with a flirty smile trying to get himself in the mood.

“Yeah, so why don’t we take this to the bedroom Mr. Sugden?” John suggested as he kissed Aaron’s neck which was a good thing too as he missed a flicker of horror in Aaron’s eyes as another face appeared in his mind with blue-green eyes and golden hair. Horror because Aaron started getting turned on the more he pictured Robert’s face.
”Whatever you say, Mr. Dingle.” Not able to trust himself to say the right husband’s name.

“Brother? What do you mean brother? Vic kept looking between the two men as if they had each grown an extra head.

”How? What?” Vic asked, unable to picture Jack having another love child that he didn't know about.

”My birth mum Pat. She had three kids before me and one was Tom.” Robert explained

”Tom Merrick” Tom said, reaching out his hand but Vic didn't take it.

“Yeah hi.” She replied rather dismissively however Tom didn't take it to heart as he understood Vic was just trying to wrap her head around everything. This was all new information plus he was enjoying the glimpse it gave him into what Robert and Vic’s relationship was like before prison.

“How long have you known or been in contact with one another?”

“Oh shit.” Robert thought as he knew Vic was not going to like the answer. Tom just continued to enjoy the show.

”How long would you say it's been now, Bobby?”

Robert looked at him as if he was trying to will him through the wall with his mind, which only made Tom’s smile widen.

”Tom got in contact with me a couple of years after I moved to the Isle of Wight.”

”How many is a couple?” Vic was pushing knowing her brother was only giving her half of the truth

“Three years ago.”

”THREE YEARS!” Vic cried, slapping Robert’s arm causing him to flinch but not too badly as he was half expecting it.

”When I found out about John I told you straight away.”

“Yeah and look how well that turned out,” Robert mumbled.

”Don’t!” Vic scolded before a thought crossed her mind. “Wait, does Aaron know?” She asked.

”Vic I didn't tell anyone.” Robert replied with sadness in his eyes. That softened Vic a bit since Robert had chosen self-isolation from everyone who loved him as another way to punish himself.

”Listen, why don’t we all go to the pub, you can ask as many questions as you want Vic.: Tom interjected thinking Robert had suffered enough. Vic paused for a second thinking about it. “OK let me just get Harry ready.”

And with that, she disappeared into the back room, the two brothers stood quietly together but Tom leaned over to Robert.

”Your sister is cute when she yells.” Thinking this was winding Robert up yet that was not the case.

”She is two years younger than Chelsea. You know your oldest child.” Robert replied blankly not even bothering to look at Tom. However, he did hear the noise Tom made like he had been hit in the gut.

”I’ll stop with the jokes about me and Vic.” Tom said, looking a bit pale.

”You better, dirty old man.” Robert answered with a smug smile on his face.

John left the bedroom satisfied and still buzzing, Aaron less so. He had enjoyed it yes, but only because he had to imagine himself with Robert rather than John.

”I don't know about you but I don't feel like cooking. How about lunch at the pub?” John asked, wrapping his arms around Aaron.

”Spoiling me today, aren't you? Sure, let me just run to the loo first.” Aaron answered as he gave John a quick kiss.

He then dashed to the bathroom. He needed to splash water on his face. Hoping the coldness might shake Robert out of his head. Nevertheless when he looked in the mirror it was Robert looking back at him.

”You know I’m the only one who can make you moan like that.”

“Shut it.” Aaron hissed at the imaginary Robert. It wasn't the first time he had envisioned Robert being there. Ever since the kiss on the bridge he had wormed himself under Aaron’s skin and in his mind. Aaron had hoped seeing Robert with someone else would help rid him of Robert sadly that wasn't the case.

”You know John can't even come close to me in bed.” The imaginary Robert purred in Aaron’s ear. Aaron splashed water on his face again to calm his racing heart. When he looked back in the mirror again and thankfully it was just his reflection looking back.

“I need to pull myself together. I’m with John and I'm happy now.” Aaron said to himself though he didn't sound convincing.

”Aaron we going to the pub or not?” John asked through the door.

”One minute.” Aaron called back. “I'm happy, I'm happy,” Aaron repeated to himself in the mirror hoping that if he said it enough times it would be true. Yet as he left the bathroom the doubt was still there.

Before everyone left for the pub Robert reintroduced himself to Harry who gave him a small hug. Which almost caused Vic to start crying again thankfully she didn't. As they left Vic was chatting away about the latest news of the village however Robert wasn't listening. As they got closer to the pub, Robert could feel his pulse start to quicken and it was becoming harder to breathe then he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

Tom could see Robert was starting to spiral so he placed his hand on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. He could see Robert calm at once, he appreciated Tom stopping him from freaking out. It was nice having more than just Vic in his corner. But he still took a deep breath before stepping inside as he knew a warm welcome was not waiting for him.

“Hey Vic.” Chas happily greeted her before her face soured.”What is he doing here?” She asked angrily when she saw Robert. Before Vic could say anything Tom jumped in.

“He has been lovely enough to show me around the village. Now what is everyone drinking? Robert pint?” Robert nodded then he headed to the booth furthest away.

”I’ll have an orange juice.” Vic said with a smile. Tom kneeled down to Harry’s level. “What about you wee man, a whiskey?” Tom asked tickling Harry, the little boy giggled. “No chocolate milk.”

“Ok, so one orange juice, two pints and chocolate milk for the hardman if you please,” Tom said as he winked at Harry making him giggle once again. The little boy then followed Vic to the booth.

Vic waited till Tom was busy at the bar before she leaned close across the table to Robert.”I still can't believe you didn't tell me about Tom till now.”

“I know and I’m sorry. But it was nice having someone who knew my side of things and was not connected to the village.”

“I get that Robert but are you sure he’s really related to you, like did you get a test?” Vic quietly asked so only Robert could hear her. She only asked as she was worried that Tom could be a scam artist and get Robert back into prison.

”Did you get a test with John?” Robert retorted, hating that his sister could think he could so easily be played. Vic couldn't really answer back as she hadn't got a test of course. As soon as John said his last name was Sugden and that Jack was his dad she believed him without a doubt.

”Yes we got a test and yes we are half-siblings.”

Vic began to say sorry when Tom came to the drinks and sat down next to Robert almost acting as a wall protecting him from the rest of the pub.

”I'm sure the barmaid thinks we are an item she hinted you're trouble.” Tom stated that before he took a sip of his pint,

”No surprise there, that's Chas Aaron’s mum.” Robert replied.

”That I like trouble.” Tom replied with a wink to Robert who rolled his eyes.

”So I assume you have lots of questions, so hit me.” Tom declared to Vic ready for a grilling.

“Where have you been all these years? Why didn't you try to get in touch with Robert sooner?” Vic asked her face very seriously.

“Wow, two big ones out of the gate.” Tom shifted a bit; he knew the questions would be hard but damn.

“When my mum first left Emmerdale she decided it would be best for me to stay with my dad’s brother and wife in Midlothian near Edinburgh. Which turned out good for me as my dad wasn't the greatest person to be around.” Bad dads, something Tom and Robert bonded over when Tom first got in contact.

“And why didn't you get in touch? Did you not know about Robert until a few years ago?” Vic asked. Tom looked uncomfortable, not because it was hard to answer but because he was ashamed of his answer.

“I knew about Robert, my mum had told me she was pregnant and I was jealous. I felt like she had abandoned then replaced me. Then when she died I moved these feelings to Robert. Blaming him for something he had no control over rather than hating the dead. I can say now that I'm really ashamed and will likely regret that for the rest of my life.” Robert put his hand on Tom’s shoulder and squeezed it. Much like Tom did for him outside. It was Robert’s way of saying it was ok.

“What changed? Why get in touch now?” Vic pushed for more answers.

”My girls inspired me.”Tom answered with a small smile.

”You have kids?”

“And an ex wife too but yes two girls well they are grown women now. Chelsea(32) and Lexi(27).” Tom pulled out his phone to show Vic a picture. When she looked she saw they had the same eyes as Tom, as Robert.

”Anyway my eldest Chelsea was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

“Oh, that's horrible.” Vic gasped.

”Yeah she’s in remission now and doing fine. But seeing the way Lexi stepped up to help and just being there for Chelsea made me so proud. And when I saw how close they became just made me realise all the hate I carried for a brother I didn't know was pointless. So I went looking for Robert and found him.”

”I tried to push him away like I did with everyone here Vic.” Robert explained.

”But I was persistent and looked at where we are now.” Tom said proudly as he slid off his jacket, revealing a tattoo of an eagle fighting a snake on his forearm.

“That's an interesting tattoo.” Vic tried to say it nicely.

“I got it when I was 18 after I joined the army.”

”Oh our brother, John was in the army too.” Vic exclaimed Robert just rolled his eyes, which Vic saw. “Maybe you can teach this letting go philosophy to Robert.”

”Whatever.” Robert mumbled like a sulking teenager. Tom laughed.

”Robert mentioned that John was in the army.” He also said John was stealing his life but Tom thought it was best not to mention that part.

”Yeah he was a medic, maybe you know him?” Vic asked eagerly.

”I will say the name does sound familiar but-“

”What about Aidan Moore?” She added that Tom made a face like something about that name was important. Like the name flagged something deep in his mind.

”Now that name-“

”What the hell Vic!” John shouted he had entered the pub moments ago in a great mood but that quickly vanished when he saw Vic sitting with Harry in a booth with a stranger and Robert of all people. He couldn't believe after everything he said Robert was sitting there like he could do no wrong.

”Robert and I had a good chat when he came back to the house he cleared up everything.” Vic tried to explain but John wasn't having it.

”He's dangerous Vic, don't be stupid.” John shouted Robert was about to say something but Tom beat him to the punch.

“Don't shout at Vic like that. She's just being a good sister.” Tom said as he stood up, he towered over John a bit but John wasn't backing down.

”This is a family matter, it doesn't concern you.” John sneered at Tom

“Seeing that I’m Robert’s older brother I guess it does.” Tom rebuttal with a smile on his face but he was daring John to do something with his eyes. “Please try something, I dare you.” Tom thought.

“You're what?” Aaron challenged as he stood next to John breaking the stare down between the two men.

”I'm Tom Merrick, Pat Sudgen’s son and Robert’s older brother.” Tom announced to the pub who were all staring at the commotion John started. Frustrated John stormed out of the pub, annoyed that things hadn't gone his way and not even realising he left Aaron behind. Aaron just stood dumbfounded at what he heard. He looked from Tom to Robert but Robert didn't look at him.

”Aaron.” Chas called out causing him to turn to look. She signalled for him to chase after John. His husband, the man he chose maybe by mistake.