Chapter Text
Robert looked up at the imposing building before him from the comfort of his Audi. ‘Thankful’ was the word Chrissie used when she booked four days in this very exclusive hotel, however he was more apprehensive than thankful. He hadn’t seen his sister for almost nine years although they had been exchanging texts for the past six months since Vic had managed to track him down from the Facebook page of the Mexican hotel where the wedding disaster took place earlier in the year. Vic hadn’t tried to call him and in some ways, he wished she’d made the first move, as he would’ve loved to hear her voice. He had missed her so much in his time away from Emmerdale.
So, when Chrissie announced a few days earlier that she’d booked a long weekend in a hotel for him along with his sister, her fiancé and his best friend, he was not best pleased. In fact, they’d had an argument, one of a growing number they’d had recently over her controlling ways. To top it off, Lawrence was constantly finding any excuse to have a go at him.
Their second attempt at a wedding was booked for the following weekend at the same hotel, so he was hoping there would be the opportunity to fit in a stag do in Amsterdam but Chrissie had made sure that wasn’t going to be happening by booking up his final weekend on his behalf. She couldn’t help herself by putting the boot in further by pointing out that he had no genuine friends to go with anyway and that his only friends were business associates of the Whites.
Victoria was stressed, they were running late as they always did. “Adam, can you put your foot down? I don’t want to be any later than we already are, but he was too pre-occupied with his banter with Aaron, who was sat in the back, laughing his head off.”
She rolled her eyes. “I sometimes wonder why you didn’t ask Aaron to marry you. You two can’t live without each other, that’s for sure.”
Adam turned his attention to her. “Babe, you know you’re the only one for me. I haven’t had the chance to spend time with my main man since I got out of prison last week. Anyway, we’re going to be having loads of fun at this hotel, at your brother’s expense.”
“I think it would’ve been better if I’d come alone.” She smiled as she kissed him, making Aaron make a pretend retching noise. “But Chrissie insisted that I had to bring you and a mate to make up the numbers. You two can have as much fun as you want while I get to know my brother again.”
Aaron piped up. “Well from what I hear constantly, he’s a complete muppet and now he’s got a rich bird, he’ll probably be a snobby muppet.” He laughed before Adam joined him.
“God help us. This is a posh hotel and you’re going to have to rein in your childish behaviour. You both know I don’t mind it normally but this is not the place. And Aaron, I would appreciate if you didn’t call my brother a muppet.” Vic reprimanded them.
“Ok, we promise…. honestly. What I don’t understand is why Andy and Katie weren’t invited.”
Adam said before sniggering.
She held her hands up. “I give up!”
Robert looked at his watch, they were thirty minutes late already so he decided to head into the hotel bar for a drink to calm his nerves.
“He’s in the bar, waiting for us. I can’t believe we’re an hour and a half late.” She dragged Aaron and Adam out of the car.
Robert smiled as he saw his sister approaching. He jumped up and hugged her. “Hi… I’ve missed you so much.”
“Me too.” She was in tears. “Don’t you ever run out on me again.” “I promise.” He smiled.
He looked over her shoulder and clocked the two men clowning around at the bar. “Please don’t tell me that’s Adam and his mate. They do know that type of behaviour isn’t appropriate her.” He announced sternly.
“I’ve tried to tell them, but when those two are together, there’s no telling what the outcome is going to be. I’ve go and get them.”
Adam spotted the look on Robert’s face. “I think we’re in trouble. That Robert looks like a bundle of fun, doesn’t he?” He giggled at Aaron.
“Well I did say he was a muppet and you know what…. I think we could have some fun winding
him up. He deserves it after the way he’s treated his brother and Katie, as well as half the village. All the Dingles hate him.”
Adam thought for a moment. “Ok, but let’s not go too far as I don’t want Vic hurt.” “No, you don’t want Vic on your case… more like.” Aaron laughed.
“Something like that, mate. Let’s go and introduce ourselves to the muppet.” Adam recomposed himself.
“Rob, this is my fiancé, Adam Barton and his best friend, Aaron Livesy.” Robert placed his hand out to shake Adam’s hand but he was suddenly pulled into a hug.
“Nice to finally meet you.” Adam grinned at him.
Robert eyed up Aaron, immediately noticing the intense blueness of his eyes. “Hello.”
A brief ‘Hi’ was his only response. Aaron took a seat and looked around the bar, his instant unease at being here was evident.
Adam took a seat next to his friend, and his mood changed within seconds, as their previous banter continued, much to the chagrin of Robert.
Victoria and her brother began to catch up on the last nine years…
“Rob, does our room have a games console? It says here in this brochure that some rooms do!” Adam interrupted his conversation with his sister.
“I don’t know. Chrissie booked them. Why don’t you go up and find out? You could take Aaron with you.” He announced, desperate to get rid of them for a while. He could see other guests looking over.
He handed two keys to Adam. “You and Vic are in a suite on the top floor and Aaron’s in one on the second floor although going by your closeness, maybe you two should share.” He smirked, but then wished he hadn’t.
Aaron came over and fronted up to him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Aaron, calm down. Rob was only joking.” Vic played peacemaker, trying to calm down the situation.
“Yeah mate, I was only joking.” He announced nervously.
The angry expression on Aaron’s face didn’t move. “You’re not my mate.” He grabbed the key and stormed off, closely followed by Adam.
Robert couldn’t believe Aaron had just done that… but what shocked him more was the fact he wasn’t angered by the confrontation, he was more turned on.
“What’s his problem? He seems very angry.”
“That’s just Aaron. He’s lovely underneath it all. He just doesn’t open up too many people and he comes across as grumpy and bad tempered.”
Robert was intrigued to say the least and felt himself wanting to know more, but for now he would observe from a distance.
They went to Aaron’s room first and were shocked as they opened the door. “This is mint. I can see the perks of staying in a hotel like this.” Adam announced as he flung himself on the bed.
Aaron smiled. “Do you see what I see?” He looked over at the mini-bar full of bottles of beer and spirits.
“Yeah, shall we?
“Robert Sudgen is so in love with himself, it’s unreal. Let’s run up an impressive room bill. I’m hungry, shall we order some room service?” He grabbed the menu and looked immediately at the steak section. “£34 for a fillet steak. Let’s get two.” He picked up the phone and pressed the number for reception.
They were soon tucking into their lunch, whilst playing on the Xbox. “I could get used to this.”
Aaron smiled as he looked up from the dessert menu. “Fancy some chocolate cake, £10 a piece.”
Adam giggled and nodded.
“£98 for lunch and guess what…. dinner looks even more expensive. We could run up quite a
bill by the end of Monday.” Aaron said with glee.
“We do have to be a bit careful, I don’t think it’s fair to spoil things too much for Vic.”
“Ok, we’ll not have dessert tonight.” He smirked, when they interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Adam… Aaron, are you in there?” Vic asked after no-one answered. “I know you are.”
Adam sighed. “Well, that’s our bromance over for this afternoon. Vic gets jealous.” He joked as he went to open the door. “Hi Babe.”
“This is nice!” Vic said as she entered the room. “What’s ours like?”
“I haven’t been up. We’ve been busy.” She looked at the empty plates and the game lighting up the TV screen.
“Looks like you have?”
“Let’s go and check it out.” Vic smiled before dragging Adam out of the room and towards the lift.
Minutes later, Robert came in the room without knocking. “How did you manage to spend almost £100 on lunch?” He handed over the bill that reception had just given him.
“Do you have a problem with that?” Aaron got up from the bed and walked over to him. He could see the instant effect he was having on the older man. Robert seemed unnerved by him, so he thought he’d take advantage of it. Years of being told by everyone how selfish his man was, made him feel it was justified.
“No… no problem.” Robert gulped. “Where’s Vic and Adam?”
“Probably christening every surface in their room.” He explained to Robert, knowing he wouldn’t want to hear that about his sister.
“That’s gross. Do you have a problem with me, Aaron?” Robert was almost right in his face, his heart pounding with excitement, the closer he got.
Aaron could feel the other man’s breath on his face. “No problem, mate.”
Robert realised that he could be making a mistake as Aaron didn’t look gay although he could feel palpable tension between them. Was it driven by anger or something entirely different? He didn’t know but he was going to find out.
“That’s ok then.” He backed down as he put some distance between him. “I would hate to think that there was. I’d like us to get on.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re going to be spending the next four days together! Mates?” he put his hand out for Aaron to take but he didn’t.
“We’ll see.” If Robert wasn’t mistaken, he was sure that he saw some semblance of a smile appear on Aaron’s face.
“My room is just along the corridor – 204 - if you need anything.” He stated cryptically, leaving the ‘anything’ open to interpretation.
What the hell had just happened, Aaron asked himself as he threw himself on the bed. However much he hated to admit it, Robert was stunning… not his normal type and his attitude did him no
favours… but he was extremely attractive. He could feel his body responding every time Robert was up in his face, so he could see there was no option but to wind him up a bit further.
He got his chance when he headed out to wander the grounds. He noticed Robert was fiddling about with something in the boot of his Audi, so he decided to pop over to see what was happening.
“What’s up?”
“I don’t know… the boot keeps jamming. I’ll have to take it back to the dealer to get repaired but that won’t be until Tuesday.”
“I thought you used to work at the garage.” Aaron replied.
“I did… but that was years ago and I’ve not been near a car engine since. I pay people to do that these days.”
Aaron glared at him. “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?” Robert stopped what he was doing curious as to what he meant.
“Why do you have to highlight how much money you have at every opportunity? You did the same when you were chatting to Vic in the bar. You’re only rich because you snagged a rich bird.” He realised immediately that he’d hit a nerve as the rant began.
“Excuse me, you know nothing about me… or my life. I’ve worked my way up to where I am in the business. Last year, I increased sales by 37% but you know what... I get no thanks for it.”
Aaron put his hand up. “Calm down!”
“No, I’m not going to have you commenting on my life… when you know nothing about it. I get enough of that from Lawrence and from Chrissie. I’m fed up of no-one taking me seriously.”
“Sensitive much?” Aaron commented, inflaming the situation further.
“And what do you do? Don’t tell me, you run a multinational business that brings in millions each year. Tell me Aaron… what do you do?” Robert repeated.
“I work in a garage, but you know what… I don’t go round treating everyone as though I’ve just scraped them off the bottom of my shoe. You want some respect… earn it.” He then walked off leaving an exasperated Robert in his wake.
Robert realised his heart was pounding again. How could someone have this much effect on him?
“I’m sorry about before.” Robert commented sheepishly as he took a seat next to Aaron at the bar. “It’s just my default setting but I’m not always the stuck up prick I seem to be.”
“Just 90% of the time!” Aaron smirked. “Now if you don’t mind I’m on a date.” Robert looked around. “I don’t see anyone around.”
“I’m on a date with this very overpriced bottle of beer and we were doing just fine until you came and plopped your arrogant backside next to us.”
“yeah but it’s a very cute back side.”
Aaron was tipsy and couldn’t help himself. He moved back on his chair and eyed up his bum. “Yeah it is but that doesn’t change the fact I’d rather be alone.”
“So does that apply to Adam too? If he was the one sitting next to you, would you be telling him to leave.”
“No, because I can have fun with him.”
“Maybe you can have fun with me. I’m alright once you get to know me.” Robert found himself inexplicably flirting and enjoying it.
“I think I’ll pass, mate. I’m not really interested in what you have to offer.” He lied.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He took offence at Aaron’s comment.
“I just mean that you’re not really my type of mate, so why don’t you toddle off and sign a new business deal or something.”
Robert was red with anger. “You know what…. You don’t deserve anyone to bother with you.
I was trying with you and you throw it back in my face. You’re not exactly a little ray of sunshine, and you know what I’ve had a very lucky escape.” He could feel the tension between them again as he tried to work out what was going on.
“Maybe you have.” He said as Robert stomped off in a huff and took up a seat at the other side of the room.
Aaron sighed, knowing exactly why he was pushing the older man away. He could feel the attraction but he knew Robert wasn’t gay so keeping his distance was the best option. He finished his beer, but not without noticing Robert constantly looking over his magazine at him.
Just as he was going to leave, he noticed a blonde woman approaching Robert. Women weren’t his thing but she was stunning so he decided to watch the lothario in action. He’d heard enough stories from village to know what was going to happen next was a foregone conclusion.
“Hello!”
Robert looked up from his magazine to see a beautiful woman smiling down at him. “Hi.” Then he went back to reading.
“I don’t want to seem odd, but I’m supposed to meeting a friend here but she hasn’t turned up.
She said she’d only be an hour or so. I hate sitting by myself so could I join you for a drink. I’m buying.”
Aaron noticed a look of momentary annoyance on his face before he put on a false smile. “Yeah sure.”
The woman ushered the waiter to come over. “could I have two glasses of champagne brought over for me and my knight in shining armour.”
The waiter nodded and headed off.
“This is a lovely hotel.” She commented trying to make conversation.
“Yes, very nice. It’s my first time. I’m here with my sister.”
“Your sister. I thought you’d have a gorgeous wife on your arm. I’m Heather by the way and you are.”
“Robert. I will have a wife soon. I’m getting married next weekend. Here, as a matter of fact.”
“Good choice. I’ve been to wedding here before. So what are you doing with your sister rather than living it up on a stag weekend. Does your fiancée keep you on a tight leash or something?”
“Something like that!” He smiled, looking across at an engrossed Aaron sitting at the bar. “Can you give me a minute?”
He walked over to where the younger man was seated. “Aaron, I know you don’t like me much, but can you do me the biggest favour ever and help me get rid of this woman. She’s annoying.”
He smirked. “Ok, but the drinks are on you for the rest of night. Vic’s just texted to say they’ll see us in the morning. You’ll probably have the same text.”
“Ok… thanks! Just tell her that you’re one of my mates who’s come along to make this weekend a bit more fun.”
“We might have problems convincing her we’re mates but I’ll give it a try. I’ve got nothing else matter to do.”
“Even better, why don’t you ask her out? You could get her off my back.” “She’s not my type, mate.”
“You’re telling me you would kick her out of bed. She’s stunning and if I weren’t getting married, I’d be off with her now.”
“So you’ve been faithful to Chrissie, have you?”
“Well since we got engaged, I have.” He smiled. “You must be blind. Give it a go. Just because I have to be a saint, doesn’t mean you have to be.”
“Well I’ll remember that for when I stop being gay.” Those words stopped Robert in his tracks.
“You don’t seem gay.” He stuttered.
“Well, I’m sorry I’m not wearing the gay pride colours and ripping my top off.” He said as he grabbed his beer. “Are we going to do this?”
It didn’t take long for Heather to get the message that she didn’t stand a chance with either of them, so she scuttled off with her drink and headed for another victim in the corner.
“Thanks for your help. Another glass.” He asked Aaron.
to pay for it. She ordered it and didn’t offer to pay the bill.
bill.” Robert laughed.
“Might as well as it looks like I have It’ll go well with that room service
“So you’re gay. Well I never.”
“Does it bother you?”
“No, of course not! You’re still Aaron, aren’t you?”
“Yeah last time I checked.” He laughed back.
“So what is your problem with me?”
“It’s complicated but mainly because I don’t like arrogant people who think they’re better than everyone else.” Aaron explained.
“But you haven’t given me a chance to show you what I’m really like.” Robert replied with a hint of flirting. “I might surprise you.”
“I doubt that.”
“Even Chrissie doesn’t know everything about me.” He whispered in Aaron’s direction.
“Like what?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, and I thought you were suddenly going to get interesting.”
“Are you saying I’m not interesting? So you’re telling me that you wouldn’t jump into bed with me if you could?” He looked Aaron into his eyes.
Aaron paused for a second taking in his bluey/green eyes. It was if time had stood still. “Maybe I would.”
Robert gulped nervously. “Well, what are we waiting for? Your room or mine?” Aaron couldn’t break his eye contact. “Nice one, mate. I nearly fell for it.”
“I’m not having you on. Look I’m going to my room, if you want to join me, you’re welcome. You know as well as I do that there’s something between us and I’d like to find out what it is.” With those words, Robert got up and left.
He didn’t have to turn around to know Aaron was hot on his heels as he strided towards the lift…
No words were said in the lift as Robert stood at one side and Aaron leant against the wall opposite. Their eyes were doing all the talking. Aaron kept praying the moment wouldn’t be broken by the time they made it up to the second floor. He wasn’t some naïve 18 year old, he knew exactly what was happening, he’s heard plenty of stories about men like Robert.
It was so obvious. He was curious about being with a man so he decided to scratch his itch before he was married. Aaron just wondered how far Robert would take it, would they even make it into bed. He would just take what he could get. He’d been lonely since his return from France and he wasn’t going to turn down such a tempting offer.
Robert walked out of the lift, not even looking back to see if Aaron was still following him. His heart was pounding with excitement about where this was going to end up. You could’ve cut the sexual tension between them with a knife and it took all the resolve he had not to jump on the younger man in the lift.
He swiped the card to his room, and opened the door. Aaron wandered in behind him, shutting the door behind him. Robert could see the puzzled look on his face so he decided to make his intentions clear as he forcefully pushed Aaron back against the door, whilst pushing his lips onto the younger man’s. The response was immediate and mind-blowing.
Aaron’s head was spinning, trying to process what was happening. The anticipated timid kiss he had expected was anything but. He was struggling to match the ferocity of Robert’s lips as they continued their assault on his own. He knew instantly that far from being an experimental experience for the older man, this was just an expression of pent up need being released.
Robert’s lust and passion didn’t let up for a second over the next few hours until they were left in a tangled mess of limbs on the bed.
“So were you impressed or what?” Robert asked arrogantly as they both lay on their backs staring at the ceiling.
“I wasn’t expecting that, if that’s what you mean. It’s pretty clear that you’ve done this before.”
“Yeah a few times but they were just one night stands.” He announced before he realised he’d mistakenly implied that this was going to be a more long term arrangement.
“Well, this is a one-night stand, isn’t it although it still isn’t midnight so maybe technically it isn’t.” Aaron commented with a smile. “Anyway, as much as I’d like to stay and analyse your performance for you, I’ll be off.”
Robert turned on his side, looking at the younger man. “You don’t need to rush off, do you? Since you’re here anyway…. You might as well as stay for the rest of the night. I’m sure Vic and
Adam won’t be out their room tonight. I’ll order us some room service, maybe we could just stay in bed and watch a movie or something.”
Aaron shook his head. “Robert, we’ve just had sex, now you want to turn it into a date night. Do I have to ask your parents permission?” He joked before realising his mistake.
“Well you could, if they were still around.”
“So how long have you known you’re gay?” Aaron asked, not expecting the response he got.
“I’m not gay. I’m straight. Remember I’m getting married in a week.”
“Well the last few hours make that quite difficult to believe, both about being straight and the happy ever after you’re trying to portray.” Aaron smirked but it became immediately obvious that he’d hit a raw nerve.
Robert climbed out of his bed, grabbing his bath robe. “This was a mistake, so why don’t you leave. I’ll see you in the morning or even better why don’t we just stay out of each other’s way.”
Aaron grabbed his jeans and t-shirt. “So that’s it, is it?” “Yeah that’s it.”
“Don’t kid yourself, Robert. You’ll be back for more… I guarantee it.” He smiled before heading out the door, slamming it with annoyance on his way out.
Aaron headed down to breakfast, still annoyed at himself, for turning down the chance of more fun with Robert because he couldn’t keep his smart-ass comments to himself. He knew Robert wouldn’t stay away for long, so he decided to keep the pressure on him. He spent the breakfast staring across the breakfast table at him, when Vic and Adam weren’t looking. It was working with the older man doing everything he could to avoid making eye contact. He could see how uncomfortable Robert was becoming, shifting about in his seat, wishing he was somewhere else.
Robert couldn’t get the events of the previous evening out of mind, as he tried to avoid the stares. Whatever happened between them, Aaron had managed to get under skin and he was still managing to even now. Normally he’d have slept with someone, got it out of his system and moved on, but this was different…. so, different it scared him. Their tryst had made him want Aaron more and he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would have him again.
“What’s with the glares?” Victoria asked when he noticed the atmosphere between her brother and her friend.
“Nothing.” Aaron muttered. “I just think your brother is a muppet.”
“Aaron, is there any need for that.” Vic dressed him down. “What’s he even done to you?”
“It’s his whole ‘look at me’ attitude. Well guess what… it doesn’t impress me.” Aaron replied before heading out the restaurant, closely followed by Adam.
“Aaron, wait up. What’s just gone on in there?”
“It just does my head in, having to look at him. He’s so…. I don’t know… smug and I’d love to
knock that look off his face.”
“Look Aaron, I know you two will never be mates but this really means the world to Vic. I know we acted stupid yesterday but we need to tolerate him for a few more days and then you won’t have to see him again. “
Aaron knew he had to agree. “Ok, but I’ll be staying out of his way as much as possible. I
noticed one of those pubs in town were showing the match at lunchtime and they had pool
tables. Why don’t we leave Vic and Robert to their catching up and we’ll go to the pub. Bit like
the old times.”
Adam nodded. “That’s a great idea, mate and I’m sure Vic would love to have us out of her hair for the day.”
Vic was thrilled when she found out that the boys were going to keep themselves busy. “That sounds like the best idea ever. From what Rob tells me, you and him are never going to be friends.” She directed that comment at Aaron.
“You could be right.”
Robert and Vic headed for some lunch in the hotel while the two lads took off in a taxi for town.
“So you and Adam seem happy?” he asked.
“Yeah, we are although we’re not normally this clingy with each other. It’s just with Adam just getting out of prison, we’ve missed each other. Although sometimes I think Adam misses Aaron more. Those two would die for each other. Aaron only fled to France so he could protect Adam and take the blame for the arson attack.”
“Sounds like he’d be a good mate to have. I don’t think we’ll ever see eye to eye.” He replied.
“Probably not! Aaron has this almost impenetrable emotional wall and it takes a lot to get through to him, but once you do, he’s so loyal and loving. What most people see is what you’ll have noticed – the grumpy, unfriendly lad.”
“Yeah I had noticed that.” Robert smiled. “Well I guess I won’t get the chance to know the real Aaron.”
“He’s had a rough time.”
“Tell me about it?” Robert asked in a soft tone as though he was genuinely interested. He felt he had to explain himself. “I just thought if I understood where he was coming from, I might be able to make more of an effort with him. It would certainly make the next three days more bearable.”
She told her brother about Jackson and the assisted suicide. He didn’t react on the outside but he couldn’t help but feel his emotions being tugged at. Aaron had clearly been through so much in his short life. He felt a sudden need to talk to him.
“Vic, why don’t we head down to that pub and I’ll apologise to him for my behaviour.”
“That would be really nice.” Vic smiled, impressed how understanding her brother was being towards someone he had just met.
The taxi pulled up outside and they headed in to surprise the boys. Vic spotted Adam playing pool with a stranger.
“Hi babe.” He said as he walked over to them. “What are you doing here?”
“We got bored so thought we’d come for a drink. Robert said he’d make an effort with Aaron.” Vic explained.
“I don’t think he’s that bothered to be honest. He’s a bit caught up with his new friend over there. I don’t think he’ll be coming back to the hotel.” Adam nodded over to the corner where nestled away Aaron was making out with a blond guy.
Robert struggled to contain his jealousy and anger as he noticed the other man’s hands wandering all over Aaron. Consumed by his overwhelming feelings, he knew he needed to put a stop to this blossoming romance…