Chapter Text
His mum thought it was a terrible idea. Though, Aaron Dingle was never one to listen to his mother.
Signing up to become a carer wasn't even his idea at first - it was Edna's. He'd struck up a friendship of sorts with the old lady down the street, apparently bonding over being gay and having a gay husband is a thing. Aaron had to admit he's felt he'd deserved a little more sympathy from the woman than he received but she'd been more blunt than anyone else he'd encountered - Jackson's gone, you have to move on or be miserable forever. Maybe make the experience into something good, use it to help others. And Aaron thought that was a damn good idea.
So that's how he found himself stood in the reception of Janice's Care Home for the Disabled. Aaron had tried to make an effort for his first day, shirt and tie, shoes polished. Cain had even joked if he was off to court and hadn't told him. Nobody in little old Emmerdale would probably be surprised - a Dingle in court was almost a weekly tradition.
"Ah, Aaron," With friendly smile Janice makes her way over to him, holding out her hand for Aaron to shake, "Lovely to see you again."
"You too Janice."
"Follow me, sweetheart." The greying lady leads him into the common area. He observes the room around him, there were people of all ages, both men and women. Some in wheelchairs, some resting on the sofas. He felt a nervous buzz rush through him, as his entrance caused a few looks and stares around the room.
"For your first day, I thought it would be best for you to be in here - meeting the patients and getting to know some of them. Maybe play some games or just talk - whatever they'd prefer." Aaron bites down on his bottom lip, nodding along with Janice's words. He searches the room for the sweetest looking old lady he could find, only to be disappointed to find the only old lady scowling at him. Janice places a hand on his arm, leading him around, before introducing him to a man sat by the television.
"Simon - this is Aaron." The man gives him a nod, "it's his first day, maybe you could help him out." He just grunts at Janice. Aaron figures Janice must bring all the new people to meet Simon first, like standard protocol.
"Sit." Simon demands, looking at the seat beside him, Janice pats Aaron's back as he moves to follow Simon's instructions. The lady smiles, giving Aaron a 'you can do this' encouraging look. Aaron grins back, but her smile falters as her gaze catches something behind him.
"That is the fucking ugliest tie I have ever seen." A voice behind him grabs his attention. His mouth gapes as he looks at the man who interrupted them - he was gorgeous. Blonde hair, blue eyes and pouted pink lips. His blue shirt was pressed, and tucked into his black trousers. His sleek black wheelchair was probably worth more than most of Aaron's possessions.
"Aaron - this is Robert."