Chapter Text
The heat from the late evening sunshine was so lovely on her face as she walked towards Taron’s house. Choosing to enjoy the weather, rather than spending money on a taxi, Robyn pulled her case behind her as she walked. It was such a difference compared to the cloudy rain she left in Dublin earlier but realised that she was running behind with her timing as she got distracted on the promenade, just watching the ocean as the waves rolled over the stones. She had been just standing at the bars taking in the fresh sea air and enjoying the heat that she forget herself for a moment and what she was actually supposed to be doing and quickly got back on track and crossed the road, making her way once again towards Taron’s home.
The weekend of Mari’s birthday had arrived quickly and Robyn had been run off her feet in work since Taron left her two weeks ago. The end of the school term even in a creche was hectic and they had a lot of children leaving to go to big school, organising the moves for the children from one room to the next and then all the new starts as some of the older children left for the summer. The service had been so busy with new children starting over the two weeks too and Robyn had met four new families and five new children, a set of twins finding it particularly hard to settle into the Toddler room and Robyn found herself using all of her tricks and tips to help the staff in the room to ease the children into their new environment and thankfully by the middle of the second week, they arrived into the building without a tear. Not only that but there was the preschool graduation plan to follow through with and organise and Robyn had forgotten that graduation was happening the day of Mari’s birthday and when she agreed to take a half day off work to come to Aberystwyth, she had completely blanked on one of the most important days in a childcare calendar year. She had to call Taron to tell her of her change in plans as she knew she would end up having to stay in work most of the morning to help the staff in Preschool with graduation and knowing the reputation the creche had around Kilcreen, Robyn wasn’t willing to risk not being there to be fully involved, no matter how much she was looking forward to her break away for the weekend. She booked an early afternoon flight, managing to leave half an hour early from work to run home, change and head to the airport with some time to spare before she had to board her flight.
That was on top of all of her usual day to day work bits and Robyn was more than happy to be strolling through the cute streets of Aberystwyth, so ready to enjoy the simpler things like a birthday party and Taron’s company. Her lips just naturally lifted in a smile all on their own any time she thought of Taron now. Her mind still constantly thought of how he had rushed to go to her, to support her, how wonderful that night’s sleep had been for both of them and the extra-long lie in the following morning. Not to mention the cookies they baked together before he had to get his ride back to Belfast.
Robyn happily sighed as the last of the beach breeze blew her hair over her shoulder, her footsteps leading her further away from the ocean but closer to Taron. Near eight in the evening, she did wish she could have been with him earlier but after speaking with him as she waited to board her flight, it seemed it had worked out for the best as Taron was on some serious party organisation duty and hadn’t even left his mam’s house after he arrived early that morning. Even though she knew most of the weekend was going to be spent with Taron’s family, rather than alone with him, she was so excited for it all.
To see Taron though, to give him a hug, that was what she was most looking forward too. One long squishy tight hug. Saying goodbye to him was hard, even though he was only two hours away and she had said goodbye to him many times before but for some reason this time having her strong support leave her with a kiss to her forehead and a handful of cookies, watching him go was more difficult than she remembered. They took turns in calling each other every day and they spoke for as long as they could, for as long as Taron’s breaks would allow, Robyn even accepting a very late video call from him as he couldn’t contain his excitement of completing one of his harder scenes so successfully and she was delighted with the giddiness on his face, his eyes so happy with his accomplishment.
Taron happily took her call as she sat in the car after her first appointment with Penny, the therapist, the call lasting nearly two hours as she spoke to him about how her session went, how already she felt lighter, that talking about what happened in Florida to someone who actually understood her feelings, aside from Taron, was refreshing and freeing. Her second session which Taron was included in was even better and both spoke together afterward for such a long time, just talking about Florida, about the CPR and everything else. Robyn had another session scheduled for the week coming and one more the following week but Penny was happy to leave it at four chats with Robyn, seeing such a difference in the young woman after the first, Robyn pouring her heart out the minute she walked in the door. Robyn finally felt like herself again and had accepted all the grief that came with the responsibility of the CPR that saved Taron and whereas before it used to scare her, now she could really understand the feelings that she had carried for so long and wasn’t afraid to share them with those she loved. What happened in Florida introduced her to Taron and having him in her life had changed everything for her.
Turning onto Taron’s road, her pace increased a little and she hoped he had managed to somehow escape the birthday plans and got a chance to get home. Last she had been speaking to him, Mari had changed her mind five times already on the way she wanted her party layout to go and as much as he adored his sister, there were only so many times he could help his step-father change the gazebo in the garden, the heat of the sun beating down on them. She could hear a slight crankiness in his voice which she was sure was from tiredness but also from being told what to do by his little sister and was sure he needed the break away from party central.
She rolled her suitcase in through his gate, closing it behind her and walked to his front door and before she had even reached the door, it opened and a red-faced Taron appeared, his hair wet, his smile wide.
“Hello chicken!”
Taron had been trying very hard to keep his patience as he helped his parents prepare for Mari’s party and when she arrived home from school, she was using the ‘but it’s my birthday’ as a reason for every change she made for her day. The gazebo was heavy and the sun hot and he was sweating through his black shirt as himself and Guy moved it around the garden, each position not quite right for Mari’s vision. Stripped to his jeans, Taron moved the gazebo for the fifth time in the blazing heat to a different part of the garden along with all the furniture inside and it was a calming hand on his shoulder and a glass of cold water from his mam, that helped to keep his composure, Tina telling her youngest that that tent was staying where it was. So glad of his mother’s stern words, Taron downed another two cold glasses of water, rolling his back and shoulders, both aching from lifting the heavy bars with Guy around the garden. Hanging the decorations was a little easier, especially when Tina put her foot down the first time when Mari complained the birthday sign was in the wrong place and he was so happy to be told he could go when he told his mother Robyn was going to be arriving in the next hour and he still needed to sort his house out and shower to be ready for her.
So thrilled to be back home and under the coldest setting of his shower, Taron’s thoughts were constantly on Robyn and their last two weeks. He had spoken to her more over the last fourteen days, then he ever remembered doing and it was amazing to hear her voice change every day, to hear her spirit lifting. He knew he could sense a change in Robyn the moment she poured her heart out to him on her couch and it was such a positive difference, even more so after her first therapy session. Their phone conversation had caused a two-hour delay on set and when Matthew came looking for him, he had to scribble a quick note on some paper to try to explain to him why he couldn’t hang up the phone, why he wouldn’t and was worried Matthew was going to yell at him for delaying filming but he was so understanding when he went to his trailer to apologise once he was finished speaking with Robyn.
His own session with Robyn and Penny was badly needed and he didn’t realise how much fear he had been carrying until they spoke about it together and while Robyn felt nearly a year’s worth of worry leave her, Taron’s own insecurities were healed too. He didn’t realise how loaded his own shoulders were, how he really hadn’t come to terms with how he had nearly died and after one session with Penny, his thoughts were clearer and those niggling thoughts he pushed to the back of his mind about how his family nearly lost him gone.
Lifting his face to the water, he let the stream cool heated cheeks that he was sure were lightly sun burnt, then turned around to let it beat on his tired back muscles. He winced a little as it pounded on his shoulders and glancing to his left, saw a red tinge to this skin. It seemed it wasn’t just his face that had gotten too much sun. He moved forward a little so the water worked his lower back instead and turned his thoughts to the weekend ahead. He could easily get used to seeing Robyn every two weeks and even though the majority of his weekend was going to be spent with his family, having Robyn there too was going to make a kids birthday party a lot more fun. Even with the busy days, his had his evenings free to spend with her and he was very hopeful for lounging on the couch, watching TV, Robyn by his side, snuggled deeply into his chest. The image made him smile a lot and he let his head move under the heavy flow of the water again, running his hands over his short hair.
He had only just pulled a white tank top on over his jeans and was rubbing his hair dry as he walked past his sitting room window, when he saw Robyn walking down his front garden path and his whole body jumped with excitement and he ran for his front door, pulling it open, and running down the path to meet her. Her smile was just as big as his was and he opened his arms for her, laughing as she dropped her case and ran into them.
“Hey rocketman!”
Their hug was tight and both laughed as Taron spun her around in a circle, carefully dropping her to her feet, keeping his arms around her.
“Someone is in a good mood!” Robyn laughed as Taron kissed both her cheeks.
“I am home, I have seen my family, the sun is shining and my best friend is here.”
“A little later than planned.”
“It kinda worked out for the better.” Taron said to her as he dropped his arms from around her. “I have been my sister’s slave all afternoon.”
“Been outside the whole afternoon?” She asked as she tapped his nose.
“Putting up that gazebo. Had to move it so many different times until Mari was happy. Why?”
“I see some freckles.” Robyn ran her right thumb over his left cheek. “And some sunburn.”
Taron smiled under her touch. “I thought I felt a bit warmer than usual.”
“Weather is different here than in Belfast.” Robyn replied with a smile. Even though she knew it was sunburn, the redness of his cheeks was adorable and the very light and new dusting of freckles on his skin was beautiful.
“So different. I was sweating in the garden.”
“You should have put some sun cream on.”
“I didn’t know Mari was going to be so particular about where she wanted her party tent.” Taron moved past her to pick up her case. “That thing is heavy and Guy and I had to pitch so many times in so many different places. It is probably just redness from being so warm.”
“I really don’t think so.” Robyn followed him and once he had turned to face her, gently pressed her finger into his cheek, the skin underneath turning white before she took her finger away, his cheek immediately changing back to red. “Definitely sunburn.”
“Guy and I were out in the garden all afternoon setting up her party.” Taron rubbed his own cheek. “I definitely do feel warmer than normal.”
“Let’s head inside them. Before you over heat.”
“You bring your aircon with you?” He asked letting her lead the way into his house.
“No. You never asked.”
“Ugh.” Taron closed the front door behind him. “Guess I will just have to shed some clothes then. This heat is killing me.”
Robyn turned to him, unable to tell if his cheeks blushed at his words, the redness from his afternoon in the sun hiding it if he did. “Well don’t let me stop you.” She replied. “You really don’t like the heat, do you?”
Taron shrugged a little. “I do like it just not having to work so hard in it. I know you like the heat.”
“I think it’s because I have the air con at home that I like it so much but I do love a good sun holiday. Just sitting on the beach, on a sun lounger, letting the sun hit my skin, falling sleep. Heaven.”
“You do know that won’t be happening at all this weekend, right?”
“Oh, I know.” She agreed. “I am looking forward to it all.”
“I am going to ask you on Monday, if you still feel that way after the weekend.” Taron said. “Want me to put your case in my room?” He looked to the large suitcase she had brought with her, wondering what on earth she needed the large case for but knew better than to ask her.
“Nah it can wait.”
“Is cwtch in there?”
“Nope. Sitting in your corner.”
Taron’s face lit up as she said his corner. “And don’t you forget it. So, what would you like to do? Can I get you a drink?”
“Actually, you up for a walk?”
“A walk?” He asked.
“Only if you are not too tired. I know work has been mental for you and it sounds like you had a busy day.”
“You have been busy too and a walk?”
“Just down to the beach. It is so beautiful and nice out. Only if you are feeling it, the heat of the day is pretty much gone but I would love to take advantage of the nice weather before I go home.”
Taron’s face smiled. “I would love that. I haven’t had a chance to head for the beach yet with all the birthday preparations.”
“Can you give me five minutes to change? Airplane clothes.” She tugged at her t-shirt.
“Sure. Guess you will need your case in my room then.”
Taron wheeled her case, following her to his room and left her to change, picking up the towel he had dropped on the floor, throwing it into his washing machine. Even though it was getting late and inside he had hoped Robyn would have wanted to just chill on the couch and watch a movie, he didn’t really mind her suggestion of a walk. His day has been busy, loud and a nice quiet walk with Robyn by the beach, actually sounded perfect. Looking down to his clothes, he wasn’t going to bother to change when Robyn was finished. Though the evening was still warm and he was comfortable in his jeans and sleeveless top, cosy converse on his feet. He was pouring himself some water from the jug he had in his fridge when Robyn walked into the kitchen.
“Ohh, can I grab one of those?” She asked, stretching past him to get a glass from his press.
“Sure.” Taron started to pour some water into her glass and his eyes naturally glanced over her. She had tied her hair up into a high ponytail and changed out of her jeans and into a short demin skirt, her usual chosen footwear of converse on her feet, this time a plain white pair. Her t-shirt was a pale pink V-neck one and as she took a drink from the glass, he could see on her wrist the bracelet he had given her. Her outfit was simple and he didn’t think his eyes were going to get used to seeing her in such a short skirt. It was the second time she had willingly worn one, the first during his visit last St Patrick’s Day and with that one, there was tights. With this one, Robyn was bare legged and he could feel heart increased in beats.
“Thanks.” Robyn placed her glass in the sink. “That was needed. You ok?”
“Yep.” Taron quickly found his senses and put his glass in the sink too. “So, a walk?”
“Only if you feel up…”
“Let me grab my phone and keys and we can head out.”
It took them two minutes to collect their belongings, Taron throwing a pair of sunglasses on his face and they left his house, heading towards the beach. They walked side by side, their arms touching as they strolled along.
“So busy day for you then?” Robyn asked as she felt the sea breeze on her skin the closer they got to the beach. It still held a little bit of the days heat but at the same time was cooling. “I am sure it was nice to be home though, even with the party planning.”
“It was wonderful to be home, to see my family. It has been such a long time.”
“Bet your mam got a good hug in.”
Taron smiled. “She did. Be prepared for one tomorrow.”
The stopped at the crossing opposite the beach, waiting for the cars to stop, before heading over the to the promenade, joining in with those who also were taking advantage of the brighter evenings, enjoying a walk by the sea.
“Your sisters happy too?” Robyn asked as they walked.
“Yes.” Taron chuckled. “After I was hugged to death, it was all about the birthday.”
“She’s a little girl. It is her right.” Robyn nudged him a little. “Tomorrow is going to be hell for you, isn’t it?”
Without him thinking twice, Taron took Robyn’s hand to hold it. He had been avoiding it, though desperately wanting to have that close connection of their hands touching, he was a little worried of sneaky photographers, ones that always seemed to be lurking around his home town, concerned them holding hands and walking together would just start rumours but as he felt Robyn quickly settle her hand in his, he took it as sign that it was ok by her and continued to walk, keeping her close to him, finally answering her question.
“It won’t be hell at all. Mari is so excited for her party, for her friends to come over, to dress up, for Robyn to come.” He laughed. “She is just over excited at the moment, not really listening, giving back some cheek to mam. She is just trying even my mam’s patience a little bit. She had to put her foot down earlier with regard to party decorations in the garden.”
“And you didn’t give your man cheek as a young boy?” Robyn teased.
“Oh, I gave her plenty. I know tomorrow will be great and everyone will have a good time. Mam just wants it to be perfect for Mari.”
“Tina knows I am willing to help out in any way I can, right? I don’t mind dishing out things, or tiding up or entertaining the party guests a bit.”
“You think my mam is going to let you do that?” Asked Taron as he gave her hand a pull and led her down the ramp that headed for the beach.
“No of course not, but if she needs an extra pair of hands, I can help.”
“You are a guest at the party. There will be none of that now.” Taron stopped them as they came to the water’s edge. “Swim?” He asked with a giggle, feeling her pull him away from the shore.
“No thank you. Not today. Let’s save it for Sunday.” Robyn closed her eyes and listened to the waves. Peaceful and soothing, the sound of the ocean was always one that helped to clear her mind. “Can we sit?” She asked Taron.
“Sure.”
Easing themselves onto the small shingles at the shore, Robyn smiled, her head leaning on Taron’s bare shoulder, her right arm wrapped around his left tightly. The sun was quickly setting on the horizon and other people were walking the beach around them but they kept their eyes forward.
“I love it here.” Robyn said quietly. “I wish I lived by the ocean and not miles away.”
“I am very lucky.” He agreed. “Though Winter in Aberystwyth, not so much fun. Summer is pretty great.”
“And at my home, it is pissing rain and cold. I will gladly soak up all the sun I can this weekend.”
They sat until the sun had gone right behind the sea, dusk filling the sky all around them. She could feel the hot heat from his shoulder as she rested her cheek on his skin and lifting her head to take a little look to him, saw the same red twinge that was on his cheeks on his shoulders. It was so obvious to her that he had really spent too much time in the sun that afternoon and her mind was wandering to him shirtless walking around his mam’s garden prepping his sisters party in the sun. Even though the temperature wasn’t too cold, Robyn shivered a little, wrapping her right arm around Taron’s a little more.
“Cold?” He asked her. He had felt her shiver. “Want to head back?”
“Not cold but sure let’s head back. I am sure you are going to need a decent night’s sleep to prepare you for tomorrow.”
Taron stood up and helped Robyn to her feet, picking up his sunglasses from the stones. He let one of the arms of his glasses slip into the neck of his tank top, not needing them now that the sun had gone down. “You too. I really don’t think you know what you are getting yourself into.”
“I helped organise a graduation party for thirty-three children and sixty odd parents which was held this morning. I think I will be ok at a much smaller party.”
Taron laughed at her words as they made their walk back to the beach footpath. “Graduation go well then?”
“It was perfect. The rain stayed away for the morning so we got to have it outside in the end. Knackered though.” Robyn admitted. “We are so busy with the lead up for an hour’s party and then done. Clean up is always a bitch afterwards.”
“Surely as supervisor, you don’t have to do all that part.”
“I like to dig in, help the girls. I was one of them once, watching as management sat back and never helped. It just further solidifies that team spirit and I find the staffs respect changes when you show you can muck in and help with the shittier jobs. I know I would have very much appreciated the help when I was in a room.”
“You are such a good person Robyn.”
“It’s my job.” She shrugged.
Taron wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they walked. “But still, being in management should mean you don’t have to do the shitty jobs but you still do.”
Robyn shrugged under his arm. “You show respect, you get it back.”
The kiss to her temple was just Taron being Taron and his usual affectionate self and Robyn loved the gesture and didn’t miss the sweet looks they got from people passing by and as Taron moved to hold her hand again, she happily linked their fingers together. The fresh air was lovely, the walk was nice and the company perfect as they strolled along. After being stuck inside in an airport and then on an aeroplane, it was nice to be out and she hoped the unexpected walk helped clear Taron’s busy mind after his day with his family. She knew he loved them but could see that although was so happy to help out at home, found the demands of his younger siblings a little harder to attend to with the heat and a tired body.
“Well, well, well, what do you have here!”
Taron looked up, his face turning a new shade of red as Deian and Rachel walked towards them. His eyes cast down to his and Robyn’s entwined hands and then back to his friend’s face who was grinning widely at him.
“Hello mate, see you got back home alright then?”
Taron had to let go of Robyn’s hand to step forward and give his best male friend a tight hug and pat on the back, as well as a pinch after he whispered something very dirty in his ear.
“Yesterday evening.” He informed his friend as he stood back beside Robyn. “Home for Mari’s birthday. Remember I text you to tell you? It’s tomorrow but I was back a day early to help mam prepare.”
Deian desperately wanted to make a face at Taron but had to hold back as he saw the Irish woman looking his way. “Hi Robyn.”
“Deian, Rachel, nice to see you both again.” Robyn had stood back and watched the interaction between the two men, knowing well a very smart remark was made as she saw Taron’s neck turn red and made a mental note to ask Taron what exactly Deian had said when they got back to his.
“You too Robyn.”
The hug from Taron’s friend surprised her but she hugged him back and gave a similar one to Rachel too.
“So back for visit then?” Deian asked her with a wink.
“Mari invited me to her birthday party.” Robyn replied, making sure she stood next to Taron, immediately taking his hand. “I couldn’t say no.”
“Mari invited you?” Deian asked raising an eyebrow.
“Sure did. Hand written invitation.” She added.
“Mari?”
“Mari.” Taron confirmed.
“And you both out for a stroll?” He nodded to the beach. “Nice evening for a swim.” He added with an afterthought and smirk.
“Sure is but we thought we might wait until tomorrow when we can actually see each other and it isn’t dark. Where is the fun in a swim in the dark?” She gave Deian a wink in return, Taron’s hand a squeeze. “Plus, we are wearing way too many clothes for a swim right now. More fun with less on.”
The surprise was evident on Taron’s friend’s face but his eyes quickly crinkled, his grin widened. “I forgot I need to watch myself around you.”
Robyn laughed, so glad to hear Taron chuckling too.
“So how are you Taron? Robyn?” He asked, his voice genuine, the joking tone gone.
“Good.” Taron answered. “Really good.”
“Me too thanks.” Robyn said too.
“Just over for the weekend?” Rachel asked.
“Mari’s birthday.” Robyn said again. “And it is nice to get away from the rain. Aberystwyth is so beautiful in the sun.”
“Yes it is.” Deian agreed. “Quick visit then again.” He looked to Taron, a little hope on his face.
“Yeah mate. Like I said in the text, it is really only for Mari’s birthday. Family picnic on Sunday and then I have an early flight back to Belfast Monday. Sorry mate.”
“Nah it’s ok. I understand. Next time.” His eyes flicked down to Robyn and Taron’s enclosed hands. “So, you two still mates then yeah? Robyn’s rights to brag not gotten in the way?”
Robyn grinned. She loved the banter with Taron’s friends, even though she could feel the tension rising in his body. “Like he has a choice to walk away.” She answered Deian. “And very much mates. Sorry Deian, I hate to be the one to tell you this but me and Taron are friends for life and I kind of like having him around to be honest.”
Deian smiled. “Really? Bit of pain sometimes?”
Robyn shook her head. “Never.”
“Hogs all the sheets?”
“We don’t need sheets. Bed is always too warm.”
Taron’s whole body shivered and thankfully his friends were too busy laughing to see him trying very hard to control his rising heat which wasn’t from sunburn.
“And on that note, I think we should head back to mine. Been a long day prepping for Mari and I know Robyn had a busy day at work too.” Taron tried to keep his voice calm as he spoke, gripping Robyn’s hand a little tighter, hoping she would pick up on his need to go.
“I am knackered.” She agreed. “But it was nice to see you both again. Hopefully we can meet up soon and actually have a proper sit down and chat.”
“I would very much like that Robyn.” Deian agreed. “And Taron, mate don’t be worrying. I know how busy you are.”
With some more hugs exchanged, they parted ways, Robyn and Taron crossing the street, making their way back to his home.
“You could have had a drink with Deian if you wanted.” Robyn said as she lightly swung their hands between them. “I wouldn’t have minded.”
“I know chicken and I can’t wait for when I can sit and have a pint and chat with my mates but I want it to be longer than hour. I can feel the tiredness in my bones and I know tomorrow is going to be mental. It is nearly ten and I can guarantee a trip to the pub would last more than an hour. Deian understands and I know he would want a proper night out too.”
“It has to be hard for you.” Robyn said as she stopped their swinging hands, stepping a little closer to him. “Being home and not seeing your friends.”
“Yeah it can be.” He agreed. “But I will be home again for a proper lad’s night out.”
“What time is Mari’s party tomorrow?”
“Eleven.”
“Surely you could have a few drinks with your friends. Not stay too late and still get some decent sleep.”
“My mother will kill me if arrive to Mari’s party with a hangover, even if it is just a light one. Thank you for thinking about it but I am sure I will be back soon enough and can have a meet up with all my mates. Plus, I like getting to spend my time with you.”
Robyn smiled, giving him a little nudge. “I like spending time with you too but don’t want you to be missing out.”
“I am missing out on nothing. I promise. I wouldn’t be too much fun anyway. I am feeling kind of tired.”
They continued on their walk back to Taron’s, both walking together in a happy silence, enjoying the slight decrease in temperature.