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Robert puts his and Aaron’s suitcases in the taxi as Victoria and Adam walk over. “Are you leaving already?” Look over at them both. “Wanna get a early start; it's gonna be like 9 hours on a train.” Adam shakes his head; “did you guys get good seats at least?” Robert nods. “Of course; 9 hours on a train is hell already; no reason we should suffer.” Vic nods; “Did you tell mom?” Robert shakes his head; “Nope, was gonna text her on the train.” Vic rolls her eyes. “Such a great son, you are.” “I know.” Robert smiles as he hugs Vic; who after a beat hugs him back.
“Have fun mate.” “Yeah I will. Oi; keep your hands clean while I’m gone, yeah?” Adam rolls his eyes, shaking his head. “I always do!” Aaron scoffs as he hugs Vic then gets into the taxi. “Take care of him, yeah?” Robert looks at Adam. “Always.” Robert gets into the taxi; closing the door as the driver starts driving. Both boys wave bye as the car heads towards the exit of the village and Robert looks at Aaron. “We can get coffee when we get to the train station.” “good.” Aaron nods as Robert smiles.
A while later, the boys get to the train station; they get their tickets and walk in. “Our train doesn’t leave for at least 2 hours so we have time to eat something.” Aaron nods, “Good.” Robert finds the little coffee shop and they stand in line; Aaron lets out a yawn as Robert also does. “Thank god for the good seats; we can nap.” Aaron nods. “Thank god.” he says softly as Robert chuckles.
2 hours later; the boys finally boarded the train and got their seats. Aaron looks around; “Nice job on getting first class tickets.” Robert smiles. “Might not be such a big difference but 9 hours will feel like it.” Aaron chuckles. “We could have just flown to Dublin.” Robert shakes his head; “Nah; this way is nicer.” Aaron watches as Robert looks out the window, the way his brow is raised and his lips parted a bit. He’s excited to be traveling by train. “Does it help? With the writing.” Robert looks at him, “what?” “Seeing the..scenery pass by, does it help with the writing?” Robert nods. “Yeah; I put on some music and I don’t know..traveling this way has just always helped. I usually get pretty far with the writing.”
Aaron nods. “I hope you are able to write and not fall asleep once we start moving.” Robert chuckles, “I might fall asleep.” Aaron smiles.
Sarah walks over to the mill when she sees Chas; “Hi.” Chas looks at her; “you looking for your son?” “Yes..” Sarah looks at her confused. “Vic and Adam said they left already.” Sarah’s face falls. “Rude. Didn’t even say bye or have me wish a good holiday.” Chas nods. “Same here.” Let out a breath. “Guess I gotta tell Charity I can
work today.” Sarah looks at her. “Wanna go for a drink?” Chas now looks confused. “What?” “Come on. I’ll buy you a coffee.” Chas rubs her lips together as she nods. “Alright.” The two women both walk towards the cafe.
Walking in and walking over to the counter; Chas puts it in her order and so does Sarah who also asks for two English breakfasts. The two sit down in a corner table as they both stare at each other. Sarah takes off her jacket as she lets out a breath, “So; are boys huh?” Chas smiles softly. “I didn’t see it coming if I’m being honest.” Sarah nods. “Same here. Figured he met some girl or something. Didn’t even think Robert might be interested in..men.” Chas nods.
“Robert has surprised me.” Sarah looks at her as Brenda brings them their coffees and walks away; Sarah wraps her hands around her mug as she takes a sip as does Chas. “How so?” Chas puts her mug down but stays holding it. “I thought he was here to start trouble..y’know Katie and Andy..” Sarah nods. “I’m familiar.” Chas continues. “Then when he started hanging around Aaron; I admit I got a bit..protective.” “I seem to remember an argument in the pub.” Chas nods. “yes.” She moves some of her hair from her face. “But he surprised me. I have to admit I think Robert showed up at the right time.”
Sarah smiles. “I was gonna say the same thing about Aaron.” Chas ends up ordering herself a pastry as Sarah orders herself a bacon butty with brown sauce. “So has Robert gotten far in the rebuilding of the loft?” Sarah shakes her head. “Not from what I've heard. Andy said he paid Sarah and Jack some money to help clean but I guess a lot of damage from that fire hit the other loft pretty badly.” Chas nods as she sips her coffee. “Robert hired anyone”? Sarah nods. “Yeah; I’m not sure when they are starting.” “hmm..” Brenda comes around with their food which the women thank her for.
Aaron had woken up suddenly. ‘Wait. when had he fallen asleep?’ he thinks as blinks , opens his eyes and looks around. “Nice nap?” He looks over at Robert; who’s drinking what he thinks is coffee. “When did I fall asleep?” he sits up from leaning against the window. “Just a few hours.” Robert had set his drink down as he started typing on his laptop. “How’s the writing?” “Good..further than I was before we boarded.” Aaron smiles before yawning. “That’s good.” Robert nods; his eyes on the screen as he keeps writing.
Aaron wasn’t sure how nine hours went by on a train but they did and suddenly he found himself in Dublin. Robert had put his laptop away, gathering his stuff as he sits up and stretches. “Uh god; alright you ready?” Aaron nods as he stands up and copies Robert. “God yes.”
They got off the train with their luggage and Robert had gotten a car to take them to the hotel and for when traveling around the city. Aaron looks out the window as the city passes by as Robert drives, his hand holding Aaron’s as Aaron can’t help but feel warm and full. He twists the ring around as he licks his lips. “It's nice here.” Robert smiles a bit. “Yeah it is. I can’t wait to show you around.” Aaron smiles.
“Me too.”
They get to their hotel; after parking, checking in they finally walk inside. It was a typical hotel. White walls with gold trimming. A few pictures of the landscape of Dublin and a huge king size bed, also a nice bathroom. Shower and tub separate as Aaron puts his stuff down as Robert puts his stuff down and flops down on the bed. “Oh that's nice” he groans. Aaron smiles as he lays down on the bed next to him, stretching out his back as he nods. “Oh yeah.” Robert smiles as he turns his head to look at Aaron, he reaches over and runs his hand through his hair. Aaron smiles and closes his eyes, leaning into the touch.
“Are you hungry?” Robert asks softly, Aaron nods. “That train food didn’t fill me up.” Robert nods. “I’ll order us something.” “Hmm..”
The boys changed into sleepwear and Robert ordered from a small Italian place down the street that's open 24/7 as Aaron ate some garlic bread. “This is good.” “Yeah it is.” Robert wipes his face as Aaron lets out a breath. “Thank you.” “Welcome.” “For the holiday. We just got here but this is nice.” Robert moves a few boxes out of the way and leans in; “You are welcome.” Aaron Smiles and closes the small gap between them. Kissing him back softly.