#robronsummer

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Underwater Kiss

[howellobrien]

❤️❤️❤️

[stopthefeeling]

Nobody said it was easy                               It's such a shame for us to part              Nobody said it was easy                                               No one ever said it would be this hard

[robron-til-the-end-of-time]

Trying to get back into prompt writing... So something small.

“Marry me,” Aaron said.

“What, again?”

“Yeah,” Aaron said. “Why not?”

“People will stop coming to our weddings,” Robert said, smiling as he shifted his feet on the coffee table. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Aaron said. “I know we’re already married technically. Legally. But… we’ve been through a lot. It’s taken years to get here and… yeah. I wanna marry you again.”

“I never stopped,” Robert said. “Loving you. Even when I couldn’t be with you.”

“I know,” Aaron said. “I never stopped either. So? Are you going to keep me waiting?”

“Of course I’ll marry you,” Robert said, leaning across the sofa and kissing him very softly. “I don’t think we can ask for gifts this time, though.”

“Third time lucky?”

“100%,” Robert said, grinning. “God, I love you.” Aaron smiled.

“I wouldn’t change any of it. Not a thing.”

“No,” Robert said. “It got us here.”

[sugdenlovesdingle]

What we deserve (AO3)

A/N: Vic saying robron don’t deserve a baby really pissed me off... so I wrote this because I can just picture Rob constantly thinking back to that comment - and almost believing it.

---

“Come on, we have to get going or we’ll be late!” Robert yelled up the stairs just as Aaron was coming down them.

“I’m coming, I’m coming. The appointment is at two. We have plenty of time.” Aaron said while pulling on his jumper. “Do I look alright?”

“You know the baby can’t see you right?” Liv teased. “I’m no expert but I’m pretty sure sonograms don’t work that way.” She said, grinning at her brothers from her spot on the sofa.

Aaron glared at her and gave her the finger – which only made her laugh.

“Shut it you or we’ll have you on nappy duty in a few months.” Robert warned her.

“No way. It’s your kid, you can change nappies yourselves. I’m just the cool aunt. Just ask Seb.”

“Yeah speaking of which, Charity is picking him up from Liverpool with Moses and dropping him off at home. I think we’ll be back in time but if she’s early…”

“I’ll tell her you’re at the hospital with Natalie for the 20 week scan.”

“What? No! Liv!” Robert yelled.

“We talked about this! We don’t want the whole mad family to know yet!” Aaron told her.

“I know, I know. Relax. I’ll just tell her you’re at work or something.”

“No. Tell her I’m in a meeting and Aaron’s on a scrap run. We don’t want her stopping by the scrapyard and not finding us there.” Robert stressed.

“It’s Charity. I doubt she’ll care.” Liv shrugged.

“Just stick to the plan ok. Humour us.”

“Fine. When were you planning on telling everyone anyway? When the kid is born? I think people will notice if you just suddenly walk into the pub with a new-born.”

“We’ll tell them soon. If everything is ok today, we’ll tell them. “ Robert said, looking at Aaron who nodded.

“So you won’t have to keep the secret much longer.”

The drive to the hospital was an event in and on itself. Between road work and Robert insisting he knew a quicker way, they only just made it in time.

Natalie was waiting outside the main entrance for them and looked more than a little relieved to see them.

“Hi guys. I was getting worried that I’d have to do this alone. Or reschedule or something.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Aaron said and greeted her with a hug, before stepping aside and letting Robert do the same.

“They’re working on the road on our usual route.” Robert explained.

“Yeah and Robert thinks he knows the whole of England by heart and his quicker way took twice as long.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s just go in, yeah? Before they give away our spot.”

“I don’t think it works that way.” Natalie said laughingly as the three of them walked into the hospital.

They’d barely taken a seat in the waiting room when Natalie’s name was called and they made their way to the exam room.

“Sorry. Mum and dad only.” The sonographer said, looking expectantly at Robert and Aaron.

“We’re both the dad.” Robert said, annoyed.

“I’m their surrogate.” Natalie explained. “I’m having their baby.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry.” The sonographer said and quickly stepped aside to let the two men into the room. “Do you want me to make a note of it in your file? For the next appointment? So you won’t have to explain again?”

“It’s fine.” Aaron said quickly. “Let’s just…” He waved in the general direction of the exam table and the machine.

“Of course. Just hop on and we’ll take a look at this baby.” The sonographer said to Natalie who lay down and pulled up her top. She put the gel on her stomach and moved the probe around.

Aaron reached out and grabbed Robert’s hand, neither of them taking their eyes of the monitor. They’d talked about it in bed a lot. Chas and Paddy had found out about Grace’s condition at their 20 week scan and Aaron was terrified.  

Robert was too. Even though he was trying to be strong for Aaron.

Seconds later the sound of a beating heart filled the room.

“That’s it. Nice and strong. That’s how we like it.” The sonographer said with a smile and looked up from her screen.

“Is everything alright?” Aaron asked. “Can you tell?”

The sonographer turned back to her screen.

“Let me see… the size is what we expect at this stage. Even a little ahead of schedule.” She said happily. “Heart looks good, everything is developing nicely as far as I can tell.”

“What about the kidneys? Are the kidneys alright?”

“Ah yeah, they’re right here.” The sonographer said, pointing at the screen. “Two of them. All according to plan.”

“So everything is ok?” Robert asked.

“Everything is ok.” The sonographer confirmed. “Now. The big question. Do you want to know the sex of the baby?”

The two men looked at each other. They’d been so busy worrying about things that could be wrong with their baby, that they hadn’t even had time to discuss finding out the sex.

“I’d like to know… if that’s ok with you two.” Natalie said. “I like talking to them and I’d like to be able to say he or she. I won’t say anything if you don’t want to know.”

“I think I want to know.” Aaron decided. “You?” He asked Robert who nodded.

“Me too. I want to know everything.”

“Alright then, daddies, let’s see… looks like you’re having a little girl.” The sonographer announced happily as she printed off a few copies of the scan image and handed all three of them one.

“A girl. It’s a girl.” Aaron said, staring a the scan picture through the tears welling up in his eyes.

Robert smiled, looking back and forth between the picture and the monitor.

“That’s our daughter. Our little girl. Seb’s little sister.”

“I bet the grandmothers will be happy too.” Natalie suggested. “Another little girl to spoil.”

“They will when we tell them.” Aaron replied. “Nobody knows yet. Only Liv.”

“We wanted to enjoy it ourselves for a bit. Before the entire family goes crazy over it.” Robert explained. “Over her.”

They made the sonographer check and re-check everything twice before they were satisfied everything really was ok with their baby.

“So. A girl.” Natalie said when they walked back to their cars. “Are you happy?”

“Definitely.” Robert told her, dopey smile on his face.

“And relieved.” Aaron said. “My mum and Paddy found out about Grace’s condition at this scan… we were worried something might be wrong with our baby too.”

They’d told Natalie all about the unplanned but not unwanted baby boom in their family. Everything from Grace, to Vic’s little girl Jackie, and Chas and Paddy’s boy Luke.

“I understand.” Natalie told them. “I was a little nervous too. My mum was telling me all these horror stories the other day of people she knew whose babies had had some kind of scary birth defect that was discovered at 20 weeks.” She rubbed her stomach. “So I’m glad this little lady is all ok.”

“Do you want to come back to the village with us?” Robert asked. “Come for a drink in the pub while we tell the family.”

“Maybe some other time if you don’t mind. I didn’t sleep that well last night. I’m pretty tired.”

“Of course.” Robert hugged her. “Rest up. Both of you.”

Aaron waited his turn and pulled her into a hug too.

“And thank you again for doing this for us. You’ve made us so incredibly happy.”

Natalie smiled.

“It’s my pleasure. I know you’re going to be great parents.” She grabbed her keys from her purse. “We’ll keep in touch, alright?”

“Definitely. You should come to the village sometime to let everyone fuss over you when they all know.” Aaron suggested.

“Yeah maybe Bernice can give you some kind of beauty treatment. A facial or massage or something.” Robert added.

They said goodbye to Natalie and made their way over to their own car.

“You drive.” Aaron said, getting into the passenger’s seat and pulling out his phone. “I’m texting Liv to tell her the good news.”

“Tell her to meet us in the pub with Seb.” Robert said as he got behind the wheel and started the engine. “Your mum and Vic are both working I think. Paddy’s probably around too somewhere. We can tell them all right away.”

“You want to tell them all now?”

“You don’t? We know everything is ok now… so there is no reason why we shouldn’t.”

“Yeah alright.” Aaron said after a beat. “Let’s tell them.”

When they walked into the pub some time later Chas was behind the bar, arguing with Charity over something or other, and Liv had just come in with Seb.

“Hello mate.” Robert said, picking the little boy up and breathing him in for a few seconds. “We’ve missed you.” He kissed the top of his head and handed him to Aaron to let him have a cuddle too.

“Are Vic and Paddy around?” Aaron asked, sitting Seb down on the bar in between him and Robert, both of them holding him tightly.

“Vic’s in the kitchen and Paddy is still trying to get Luke to go to sleep. Why?” Chas asked.

“We just want to talk to you. We have news.”

“News? What kind of news? You’re not ill are you? Or leaving? Because this family has had enough of both of those things to last a lifetime.”

“Don’t worry Chas, it’s good news.” Liv told her.

“What? You know what’s going on?”

“Yep. And you’re going to like this news, I promise.”

“Can you just go get Vic and Paddy? We want to tell you all together.”

Chas looked back and forth between the two of them for a moment before giving in.

“Fine. I’ll get Paddy, you get Vic.” She told Charity, who surprisingly, didn’t kick up a fuss about being given orders.

A few minutes later the two of them were surrounded by their family.

“Alright. We’re all here. Now spill.” Charity ordered.

Robert and Aaron looked at each other for a moment before coming to a decision. Aaron held Seb as Robert reached into his pocket for the scan picture.

He put it face down on the bar and slid it over to Chas.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Have a look.”

Confused, she picked the picture up and glanced at it.

“A scan? Whose baby is this?”

“Baby Sugden-Dingle.” Charity, who was looking over Chas’ shoulder pointed out. “It’s theirs!”

“You’re having a baby?! Am I going to be a nana again?!”

“Yeah. We’ve just come back from the hospital. Natalie is a little over 20 weeks pregnant and everything is going great.” Robert explained happily.

“That’s your granddaughter mum.” Aaron told her. “We’re having a girl.”

Chas and Paddy as well as Vic took turns congratulating them while Charity opened a bottle of champagne and poured them all a glass.

“To baby Sugden-Dingle! To the next Dingle lady.”

More Dingles seemed to appear out of nowhere and Chas excitedly told them all the good news.

Amid the craziness that came with a pub full of Dingles, Robert managed to slip away to a quiet corner with Vic after asking her for a word.

Ever since the Lee debacle and Robert’s role in the aftermath of it all, the relationship between the two siblings had had its fair share of ups and downs. They’d barely been on speaking terms when Vic’s daughter had been born a few months earlier, but things were looking up again now.

“Congrats. I’m really happy for you both.” Vic said sincere.

“Yeah?” Robert asked quietly. “You don’t still think we don’t deserve a baby?”

Vic gave him a confused look before remembering her outburst. She’d had no idea her brother was still thinking about that.

“Of course not. I’m sorry I ever said that.” She said and hugged him. “You two deserve all the happiness in the world. That little girl is going to have the best daddies ever.”

Robert smiled.

“And the best auntie.”

[susieskinner93]

Happy Father’s Day 

Ao3

“And Vic was really fine with it?” - asked Aaron biting his lips as they got in the car. It was father's day, and they wanted to spend the whole day with Seb... which was a bit difficult under these circumstances. They both knew this, but they couldn't be away from their little boy on this day.

“I asked her at least 5 times. She said it was okay... that we should go. But you were there, you know this.”

“I know it's just... “

“Diane's gonna come over. I already spoke to her.”

“Okay then.” - he sighed. - “I can't wait to see his little face.” - smiled Aaron already thinking about all the mischief they're gonna get up to.

“I know me too. It was a great idea.” - said Robert already imagining themselves by the pool.

“He loves the water.” - mumbled Aaron. It was true, he really did. Last summer they went to the Hotten Pool more than they could count on both hands, just because Seb loved being in the pool.

"I can't wait to drink an ice cold beer.”

“Alright let us get there first.” - laughed Aaron. - “Do you think he's impatient?” - he asked referring to Seb.

“I hope so, I know I am.”

“That's because you're practically a child.”

“Thanks very much.” – he laughed – “You know how she said he was fussy in the past few days?” - he asked Aaron. Of course he remembered, they had to video call Rebecca at one point because Seb was crying for hours and he wouldn't want to settle for anyone. That was until he saw his daddies, and after a “pep talk” from daddy Aaron, he was good as gold. Nobody knew how he did it. Not even Aaron himself.

“He settled quickly though... after the call I mean.”

“Yeah, because you, husband, are a baby whisperer.” - smiled Robert.

“I'm not.” - blushed Aaron.

“Okay then, explain it to me. Explain it how you managed to get him to sleep within 2 minutes. Just accept the facts alright. You're his favorite.” - said Robert and he meant it. Aaron and Seb seemed to have a bond like no other. And he was grateful for that.

“He doesn't have a favorite Robert... “ - answered Aaron rolling his eyes.

“Alright, we'll see.” - he said smirking. He wasn't upset by it, on the contrary. He adored how much his son loved Aaron. It was something that could always make him smile.

They spent the bare minimum at the house, wanting to get to the pool as soon as possible, but they had to listen to Rebecca's rambling about how she hasn't slept a wink because of Seb. He was crying all night for days now, and of course, he didn't care if Rebecca and Ross wanted to have some sleep. Obviously, in the morning he was the perfect little angel, napping for hours, being adorable, but she never got to see this because of work. So she was really exhausted and didn't mind one bit when Robert called her to take Seb away for the whole day. Ross looked even worse, and he still had that bite on his hand that Seb gave him 4 days ago. Robert wanted to laugh in his face when he told them, but he resisted the urge... barely.

“Do you think.... forget it.” - said Aaron as they headed to Hotten with Seb happily mumbling away in the backseat.

“What?” - asked Robert taking his eyes off the road for a second to look at Aaron – “Think what?”

“It's just... it seems like Seb doesn't really like... Ross...” - it wasn't exactly what he wanted to say, but Robert's next words made his angst go away.

“Or his mum.” - chuckled Robert. And that was exactly what Aaron wanted to say, but he felt like he couldn't. - “I mean I'm not saying she's a bad mum, but... I noticed that she's struggling sometimes.” - Aaron didn't answer to that, just kept on looking at Robert. Robert felt his gaze and stole a look, confirming what he's already suspected – “You wanted to say this didn't ya? I mean for real.”

“Okay yeah...” - he sighed not even trying to deny it. Why would he? – “It's just... as you said, I noticed it too. I think he's missing us.”

“I know, but... with this whole thing with Vic... I just don't think it's a good idea for him to stay over for long.”

“I know... I know.” - he said as he turned to look at Seb – “I just miss him so much when he's not there.”

“Me too.” - said Robert patting Aaron's thigh.

“DADA!” - they heard Seb.

“Alright, buddy we're gonna be there soon.” - said Robert looking at his son in the rearview mirror. - “It's a bit hot, can you give him his sippy cup?” - he asked Aaron.

“Yeah sure.” - he said already searching for it. That's how they spent the whole car ride. Making sure Seb was happy and content, and just enjoying their time together.

“How's the water Sebby? You like it?” - asked Aaron as he watched his husband splashing water at Seb. The little boy laughed so much, mirroring his father's actions, trying to get some water in his face as well. It was adorable to see, and Aaron couldn't help the smile on his face. He sat there at the edge of the pool for a couple of minutes more, before he gave in to Robert's invite.

“Finally.” - he whispered when Aaron got there pulling him to his side. The water was chest-high, so Seb was in his little swim ring. He was sitting in it like a king, without a care in the world. The water was still fascinating for him, and when he noticed no more splashing from his dads, he took matters into his tiny hands, trying to cause a scene. Robert's lips barely touched Aaron's when they heard their son, wanting attention.

“Exactly like his daddy.” - smirked Aaron – “ ...always wanna be in the centre of attention.... don't ya?” - he laughed swinging him around.

“Having fun?” - asked Robert as he rested his chin on Aaron's shoulder, looking at Seb, making funny faces at him.

“Yeah, we really do.” - answered Aaron as he bumped Seb's nose, letting him catch his hand in the process. Robert noticed how at ease was Aaron, and it was relieving. He kept his shirt on, but he wasn't the only one, and nobody seemed to be bothered about it. Robert was worried they might get some dirty looks because no matter how open-minded people were these days, there were always one or two arseholes wanting to ruin their fun. Not today it seemed.

Seb was pouting when they removed him from the pool. He was in it for hours, he needed to get out. They wanted to grab a bite, and maybe he didn't feel it now, but Seb needed his nap. Aaron dried him off, ruffling his hair with the towel, making him giggle. Then they agreed to eat something. They even got ice cream afterwards, and watching Seb trying to eat ice cream was one of the funniest things in the world. He looked like a little monster.

“Wait a second.” - said Robert to Aaron before he jumped up from his seat, only to return minutes later with a lemon.

“What's that?”

“Come on Aaron... it's a lemon. You should know.” - he laughed.

“No you idiot, I know what it is, I don't know why you got it.”

“Remember all those videos we watched like months ago? Where babies were eating lemon for the first time? It was so funny.”

“No.” - he said shaking his head. - “You're not gonna give that to him.” - he chuckled.

“Why not? Come on. It's gonna be funny, you can take a video.”

“Robert, I mean it, you can't do that to him.” - said Aaron laughing already, as he reached out to stroke Seb's little hand. He was unaware of this whole show, he just kept looking at his dads, not knowing what was going on.

“You wanna try this right Seb?” - asked Robert as he sat down next to the high chair. His tone was too convincing for a little kid, so Seb obviously started nodding. - “See? He wanna try it.”

“He's gonna cry.”

“It's a good thing I have the baby whisperer here with me then.” - he winked. Aaron only rolled his eyes, licking his ice cream.

“Go on then.” - he sighed finally.

“Here, just make sure to get it all on camera.” - grinned Robert as he tossed his phone over the table.

“The things I do for ya.” - mumbled Aaron, but Robert heard it.

“Ready?”

“Yeah, go for it.” - he smiled as he shook his head again. It's gonna end in tears... at least he was convinced about it.

Robert prepared the lemon before he slowly reached it out to Seb. - “Come on try it.” - he said with the biggest smirk on his face. Seb took it from him, then licked it, and as soon as he had that sour taste in his mouth, his little face started twitching. That was before he started coughing a bit, but he still kept on licking it. - “I think he likes it.” - laughed Robert.

“And I think that's enough.” - said Aaron, but he still hasn't stopped recording. - “Come on get it away from him.”

“Alright, alright.” - said Robert trying to get the lemon back from his son. It took a couple of minutes before he could achieve that because Seb seemed to like it. In fact, he liked it so much they had to buy a lemon ice cream afterwards, just to prevent the crying.

“I can't believe it.” - laughed Aaron, rewatching the video.

“I honestly thought he's gonna hate it.”

“Then why did ya give it to him?” - asked Aaron shoving Robert away from his side.

“Ouch. It was fun wasn't it?” - he smiled.

“You're lucky he loved it.”

“I think someone wants to go back to the pool.” - said Robert nodding at Seb.

“I think he needs to have at least a little nap first. He's gonna fall asleep any minute, look at his face.” - true enough they were both right. Seb wanted to get back, but he was too tired to keep his eyes open. - “Come here, buddy.” - said Aaron taking him into his arms. - “We're gonna go back, but first, you gotta rest a bit, coz you can't go in there with a full stomach.” - he kept on talking and Robert kept on looking at them. He rested his chin on his hand, looking like a lovesick teenager as he was listening to his husband's soft voice.

“Robert? Robert?” - called Aaron, trying to not speak too loud.

“Yeah... what?” - he said shaking his head to get out of his daydream.

“He's nodded off.” - he whispered, looking at his lap. Seb was holding onto Aaron, his face buried in his chest, as he slept.

“Stay there, don't move.” - said Robert before he took a picture. Aaron wanted to protest but he was too late. - “There. My new background picture.” - smiled Robert showing it to him.

“It's cute.” - admitted Aaron. - “Happy father's day.” - he said reaching out with his free hand.

“Happy father's day.” - smiled back Robert, taking his hand in his, just for a moment before they got lost in watching Seb sleeping soundly.

[scrapyardboyfriends]

‘We match Daddy!’

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Skinny Dipping - Aaron doesn’t know how he let Robert talk him into this

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Summer BBQ

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Robron Rodeo - I couldn’t not

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Relaxing at the pool

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Ice Cream on the Beach - what Robron were doing in off screen land today

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Starting off the summer with some sunscreen

[scrapyardboyfriends]

Water Balloon Fun!

[howellobrien]

Summer Sunset

[sugdenlovesdingle]

Best Man (AO3) A/N: So this is a little (or a lot) self indulgent but hopefully someone other than me will enjoy it too. I just really want this to happen but since Ryan has to have ambitions and wants a new challenge or whatever this will *probably* never happen :( also Sam might be a little OOC because I really struggled writing him but I’m fed up with tinkering with it

---

“Alright Sam, how’s the wedding planning going?” Aaron said as he slowed down and fell into step beside Sam. He was on his way home from a run and he was feeling good.

He had given himself the day off, the weather was nice, and his family was waiting for him at home. Secretly he hoped Robert was still in bed and Liv had gotten Seb up for some auntie nephew bonding time.

“Oh erm alright I suppose. Lydia’s got it all under control I think.”

Aaron nodded.

“That’s good. But you shouldn’t let her go too crazy, you know. It’s your wedding too. When Rob and I got married… the second time… my mum went mad. If she’d had her way we’d have had a full on acrobatics show during the ceremony.” He said with a chuckle.

“Ah yeah that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What? Acrobatics? Or our wedding?”

“Yes. No. I mean. I was looking for your Robert. Is he at Mill?”

“Should be. He’s probably trying to convince Seb to eat his breakfast.” Aaron said, turning off the music on his phone and taking out his earbuds. “The terrible twos have come early.”

“Oh. You have your little lad. Never mind then. I’ll talk to him some other time.”

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. If you have to wait until Seb is gone, you’re going to have to wait a long time.”

“Eh?” Sam asked, confused.

“Seb is back with us permanently. I thought my mum would’ve told the whole village by now.”

“Maybe she has…” Sam started. “But I haven’t heard owt. I’ve been up at home farm. Kim keeps me busy, you know. But I’ll ask Lydia if she’s heard anything. She always knows these things. Or Belle. She talks to Liv a lot, she’ll know.”

“Ross and Rebecca split up. He left for Scotland I think. She couldn’t cope on her own with Seb so we all decided he was better off living with us.” Aaron explained, maybe sounding a little too happy. “What did you want to talk to Robert about?” He asked, changing the subject.

“Oh erm… it’s nothing. Forget it. You two enjoy your little lad. He’ll be grown up in no time.”

“Tell me about it.” Aaron said with a smile. “I can’t believe he’s turning two in just a few weeks.”

They’d walked up to the beginning of the Mill’s drive and Aaron dug his keys out of his pocket.

“You sure you don’t want to come in for a cuppa? I’m sure Rob won’t mind talking about something other than Peppa Pig for a few minutes.

“Oh alright then. Suppose a few minutes won’t hurt.” Sam agreed and followed Aaron into the house.

When they walked through the door they saw Liv sitting on the sofa, watching tv, with Seb in her lap.

“Oh hey Sam.” She said, looking up for the tv for a second.

“Hi Liv. And erm baby Sebastian. Only he’s not a baby anymore, is he? I should call him something else.”

“I don’t think he minds, Sam.” Aaron told him, amused. “And don’t I get a hello anymore?” he asked Liv.

“I see you every day.” Liv argued. “I saw you before you went for your run.”

Aaron sighed and rolled his eyes as he picked Seb up off her lap.

“Hello mate. At least you’re happy to see me aren’t you?”  He said and kissed the top of Seb’s head before pulling a funny face at him to make him laugh. “Where’s your other daddy? Where did you put him?”

“Upstairs. Shower.” Liv told him. “The porridge monster didn’t feel like porridge for breakfast today. He threw the entire bowl at Rob in the end.” She explained laughingly and showed him a picture on her phone of Seb laughing at his dad covered in porridge.  

Aaron laughed.

“Seb, that wasn’t very nice. You better be extra good for daddy today to make up for it.” He put Seb back down on the sofa. “Has he actually had breakfast or did it all end up on Rob?”

“We shared my toast.” Liv replied.

“Right, I think we’re done with porridge for now. I don’t fancy a repeat of this every day.” Robert said, coming down the stairs in just jeans and a t shirt and drying his hair with a towel.

“I don’t know… If I get to come home to this every day… maybe we should just let him have his fun.” Aaron said and pulled his husband close for a quick kiss.

“Yeah? You’re on breakfast duty tomorrow then. See how you like it.” Robert said and kissed Aaron before stepping around him to get himself some tea. “Oh hey Sam.” He said when he noticed the other man, hovering near the flat’s door.

“Hiya.”

“I ran into Sam on the way back, he wanted to talk to you about something.” Aaron explained.

“No, it’s fine. I can see you’re busy. I’ll come back some other time.”

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. Things are always this way around here in the mornings. What did you want to talk to me about? Is it about Seb’s party? I thought I emailed Lydia everything? Did something go wrong?”

“Oh err I don’t know. She didn’t say… I’ll ask her when I see her at home.”

“Right... so what’s the problem then?”

“No, there’s no problem. I just wanted to ask you something… You know me and Lydia are getting married in a few months, right?”

“Of course. But what does that have to do with anything?”

“Well you erm need people to help you when you’re getting married, you know. Lydia is asking our Belle to be her maid of honour.”

“That’s nice…” Robert said, still unsure where Sam was going with his story.

“And I need someone to be my best man”

“Yeah… And?”

“Oh my God Robert you idiot!” Liv yelled exasperated. “He’s asking you to be his best man!”

“Yes! Yes! What Liv said.” Sam said happily.

“What? Me? Are you sure?“ Robert asked. "Wouldn’t you rather ask Cain or Zak? Family?”

Sam frowned, confused.

“You’re married to our Aaron, you are family.”

“Exactly.” Aaron said, coming to stand next to him and wrapping an arm around his waist. “Mister Sugden-Dingle.”

Robert gave him a small smile before turning back to Sam.

“But why me? Of all people?”

“You’re a good man and a good mate.” Sam said right away. “And Lydia and I talked about it and you two are the strongest couple we know. You’re doing alright with this marriage thing so I… we reckon we could learn a thing or two from you. You’re an example on how to do it right.”

“I’m not sure you should be looking at us for advice.. Let alone me…”

“I am.” Liv interrupted “You two have been through hell but you made it and you’re still together. Still disgustingly loved up and great dads to the little monkey. You’re that couple everyone hopes they will be one day. ”

“Right. Exactly. What she said. She’s smart that one.” Sam said pointing at Liv. “If Lydia and I get to be as happy as you are, we’ll be lucky.”

Robert was quiet for a moment, not sure what to say. He supposed Sam and Liv were right, he and Aaron were happy and their marriage better than it had ever been, and as far as he could tell, Seb was happy living with them.

And after the summer from hell, they’d slowly started looking to the future again. He thought about the meeting at the surrogacy group they were going to next week and the hopes they had to be able to add to their little family soon.

“Rob! Aren’t you going to say anything?” Aaron snapped him out of his thoughts

“What? Sorry… I think I zoned out a bit.”

“Are you up for being my best man?” Sam asked again. “You don’t have to make a speech or owt if you don’t want to.”

Robert smiled.

“Making a speech is part of the job isn’t it?”

“And you know how much he loves to hear himself talk.” Liv said and grinned at her brother.

“Funny.” Robert said before turning to Sam “If you’re sure it’s me you want standing next to you on your big day, I’d be honoured to be your best man.”

“Yeah? Brilliant!” Sam said and surprised everyone by pulling Robert forward and in for a hug. “I’ll go tell Lydia. She’ll probably want your measurements for your suit. She wants to make our outfits herself. So it’ll be something we can wear again.”

“Right. Of course… No problem.”

Sam happily patted Robert’s shoulder again before turning to leave.

“Hey Sam” Aaron called out after him. “Tell Lydia he looks good in blue.”