A/N: If you have music handy, I wrote this chapter to The Fray's "Never Say Never." If you can listen to the song as you read this chapter, it may be mushier. This chapter is the plea hearing. It bounces between Gordon and the boys. I hope it makes sense to you. It took me a bit to write because I wanted to make it as good as possible. I didn't want to mess it up. I wanted to focus on Aaron and at the same time, stay as true to the characters as possible. And thank you again for all the wonderful reviews! I truly appreciate them!


"On the first count, how do you plead?" The magistrate asks Gordon Livesy.

"Not guilty." He answers back confidently.

Aaron tenses in his seat and Robert wraps his arms around his back as Aaron lays his head on Robert's shoulder. "It will be ok Aaron. I promise." Robert says and nuzzles his nose against Aaron's cheek. Aaron takes a deep breath and holds tightly to Robert, reveling in the comfort being offered. "Take a deep breath and focus on me."

"On the second count, how do you plead?" The magistrate asks the pitiful man standing in front of them.

"Not guilty." Gordon smugly answers yet again. He turns to look up at the family gathered around Aaron and gives a small snide snicker and turns back to the magistrate.

A few tears escape down Aaron's face and Robert leans in to kiss them away. "Look at me, yeah?" Aaron nods and looks into Robert's eyes. "He will never hurt you again. I swear on my life, he will never hurt you again." Aaron gives a slight nod, trying to believe what Robert said, but not sure if he can.

"On the third count, how do you plead?" Aaron vaguely is registering what'e being said. He's trying to focus on the arms wrapped tightly around him and the voice whispering sweet things in his ear.

"Not guilty." Gordon answers a third time.

"That son of a..." Aaron starts to stand up and scream, only to be gripped tighter by Robert and pulled back into his seat.

"Don't let him Wind ya up, love. That's what he wants." Chas leans over and whispers. She rubs his shoulder a bit and then returns her hand to her lap.

"It's ok Aaron. I've got you." Robert tightens his hold and slowly cradles Aaron's head with one hand while rubbing circles up and down Aaron's back with the other hand. Still keeping a tight hold on the other man. He's quietly "shushing" the other man while rocking back and forth.

Aaron begins to shake as he hears a fourth "Not guilty" come from his father's lips.

"I can't breathe," he slowly says, "It's my worst nightmare." He jumps up and runs out of the courtroom, with his family right on his tail. "I didn't want any of this!" He screams running out of the second set of double doors.

Robert catches him first, running down the stairs of the courthouse. "Aaron!" He shouts. "Aaron! Wait!"

Aaron stops in his tracks and lets the older man wrap his arms around him in a tight tight hug.

"He'll be free. They're going to believe him and he'll go free. What about Liv? When he gets out, he'll go after her." Aaron sobs into Robert's collar.

Chas and Paddy catch up to the duo, "It's ok, love." Chas whispers.

"It's not ok. It will NEVER be ok." Aaron shouts still cocooned into the warmth of Robert's arms.

"I can't do this mum." He whispers, turning slightly to look at her, but refusing to leave Robert's safety.

"You can," Robert whispers into his ear. "You are not alone. You won't ever be alone again." Robert gives a short peck on Aaron's temple. "I'm here. Always."

"Please don't ever leave me." Aaron breaks down on the steps. Robert slowly sits them down on the step that they're standing on. Robert turns Aaron's head towards his and leans his forehead against his.

"Never Aaron." He whispers.

Aaron's flood gates open and he beings crying uncontrollably in Robert's arms. Robert begins to whisper consolations into his ear until he calms himself.

Robert leans back, placing one hand on Aaron's cheek, "What was that for, huh?" He asks.

"I'm a bit relieved." He wipes a few tear streaks off of his cheeks. He's starting to feel a little embarrassed at the revelation.

"Yeah?" Robert leans his forehead against Aaron's, "Never again. I will never leave you. He will never hurt you again. As long as there's breath in my body, you have my word, no one will hurt you again."

Aaron gives a small smile, "I feel the same. Even though I can't say it just yet." He pulls Robert back into a bone crushing hug.

"I love you Aaron." Robert whispers, kissing Aaron lightly in the crook of the other man's neck.

Chas and Paddy are quietly watching the interaction between the two, concern and relief both showing on their faces. "Do you trust him?" Chas asks.

"No, but Aaron seems to." He answers.

"What if he breaks his heart again?" Chas turns to Paddy. "He's already been hurt so much, I can't stand the thought of him being hurt again."

Paddy looks from the duo sitting on the steps to Chas, "We'll just have to trust Aaron." He answered.

"Easier said than done." Chas says turning to walk to her car. She turns back to the duo, "Robert? I can trust that you can get Aaron home safely?"

Robert looks up from Aaron's shoulder, "Yes." He says with a smile.

Chas nods and her and Paddy head out.

"That was odd." Robert says.

"She's trying to trust you. Don't break the olive branch she's handing you." Aaron smiles into Robert's neck. "She just may ram it down your throat if you do."

Robert laughs. He didn't know what was going to happen in the trial. All he knew was that Aaron was safe and secure in his arms. That's all he needed.