A few weeks past and it was the day of Cain's birthday. Alyssa was at school and Robert was in the office whilst Aaron was at work. Robert had gotten more than two emails from Chrissie. They were all threating and they all had a picture of Aaron, when he was either a child or a teenager. Robert had called the police but they had just laughed and hung up. He sat back in his chair and thought about what he could do to protect his family. He then heard the front door open and shut.

"Robert?" Aaron called.

"I'm in here, babe!" Robert yelled to Aaron.

After a moment the door to the office opened, and Aaron walked in "What's wrong?"

"Hhmm? Nothing's wrong" Robert answered as he forced a smile.

Aaron walked over to Robert and he sat on the desk "You know... I hate it when you lie to me".

Robert looked up at Aaron "Two emails and some pictures of you. I called the police".

"What did the police say?" Aaron asked.

"The operator just laughed at me and hung up. We're on our own" Robert sighed.

Aaron opened Robert's laptop to read the emails, but Robert quickly grabbed his wrist. He looked at his husband and he saw concern in his eyes.

"Don't. They're horrible, you won't be able to handle it" Robert looked into Aaron's eyes.

"Gordon used to take pictures of me before and after every attack. I need to see what is scaring you" Aaron explained.

Robert did not let go of Aaron's arm, "Please, Aaron. Don't do that to yourself. Please" Robert begged.

Aaron lifted his other hand and he placed it on Robert's hand "I have to, Rob. I've already seen some of the pictures of me. I have to know. I know that I won't be able to handle it but I need to know".

Robert hesitated but he slowly let go of Aaron's wrist. He moved his hand and he held Aaron's hand "Okay. I'm here if you need me".

"Thank you" Aaron smiled at Robert and squeezed his hand.

Robert squeezed Aaron's hand to comfort him. Aaron opened the laptop and he clicked on the first email. However Aaron knew what the emails said and he knew exactly what the pictures were.

The first email: (Dear Robert, I have an email for Aaron. 'Hello little boy. Are you being good? I hope so for, your sake. I'll be out of here in a few years and then I'll come and find you. You should be a good boy because I'll know if you're naughty. I remember taking this picture, you were nearly eleven years old. You were such a good looking boy, no wander that you always made me want you. From Gordon' Watch your back, Aaron).

Robert noticed that Aaron had gone pale and that he was starting to cry. "Come'ere, baby".

Aaron looked at Robert and then he sat on Robert's lap. His husband wrapped his arms around him as Aaron read the email. Aaron clicked on the link and a picture of him came up. The picture showed Aaron at ten years of age. He had been badly beaten; there was bruises all over his body, he had a bloody nose and there was blood coming down his head.

Robert started to cry as he looked at the picture. He felt sick to the stomach as he looked at the photo of Aaron; Aaron's whole body was exposed and he had his knees up to hide himself, he was leant up against a wall, bloodied and bruised, his hands were tied behind his back. Robert could see the look of pure and utter fear on the ten year olds face. Robert could see the thick ropes restraining Aaron's wrists, and he could see that there was hand marks on Aaron's upper arms and his legs.

Aaron was shaking as he slowly exhaled before he clicked on the last email. Tears began to well up in Aaron's eyes as he read the second email from Chrissie and Gordon.

The second email: (Dear Robert, Gordon's been telling me all of these stories about Aaron. He sounds like a very naughty boy 'Hello son, I know that I me and you need to catch up. Why don't you come and visit me at some point? We could talk about what's happening with you, your husband Robert, life in the village, we could talk the Woolpack and me possibly buying into it. Won't it be great when me, you, Robert and your mum are all living under the same roof? You can't escape me little boy. I'll always be there, I'll haunt your dreams until the day you die because you're my property. I had you first. I took your virginity, I had you before anyone else. You're my son. I did it once, I can always do it again').

Aaron the tears were streaming down Aaron's face as he clicked on the link and the second picture came up. He cupped his hand over his mouth, when he saw the picture of himself; just twelve years old. He had a broken leg, he was covered in blood and scratches all down his face, his wrists were tied to the bedpost and he had a rope around his good leg and it was tied to the foot of the bed. Robert could see that Aaron was crying in the picture and that he was only wearing a shirt. Robert was almost sick when he saw how scared Aaron looked in the picture.

"I think that that's enough" Robert closed the lid of his laptop and then he sat back in the chair.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry" Aaron cried.

"Hey, hey sshhh. It's alright, you have nothing to be sorry for. You've done nothing wrong" Robert said in a soft voice as he wrapped his arms around Aaron.

"I'm sorry that you had to see those pictures. I'm sorry that I dragged you into that mess" Aaron sobbed.

Robert placed a hand on the back of Aaron's head and guided it to his shoulder "None of it's your fault. I needed to know what happened to you. But you've done nothing wrong".

"I bet that you couldn't recognise me. I looked horrible, those were all of the worst times" Aaron sobbed on Robert's shoulder.

"Were they before or after?" Robert asked.

"The first one's before the second one's after. He punched and kicked me a few times before he hurt me" Aaron explained.

Robert kissed Aaron's forehead and stroked his hair "I won't let him hurt you again. You don't belong go anyone, the only person who can call you theirs is me, because you're my beautiful Aaron".

"I love you" Aaron whispered as he kissed Robert shoulder.

"I love you too" Robert whispered and then he kissed Aaron's head.

After Aaron and Robert had stopped crying, they grabbed their jackets and drove to Dinglehead. Aaron and Robert went to Zak and Lisa's for Cain's birthday. They walked in and saw that Cain looked miserable.

"What's wrong with him?" Robert asked.

"He's down in the dumps because it's his birthday" Chas answered.

"Cheer up old man" Sam laughed.

"Is that meant to be funny?" Cain glared at Sam.

"What's it gonna take to cheer you up?" Moira asked.

"Nothing" Cain huffed.

"I've got an idea. Zak and Lisa... I need your help" Aaron smirked "Everyone go outside and wait for us".

Everyone walked outside but Robert stayed next to Aaron "So what's this big idea of yours?"

"You'll have to wait and find out. I'll be outside in a minute" Aaron kissed Robert "I love you".

Robert placed his hands on Aaron's hips "I love you too. See you in a minute". He then kissed Aaron again before walking outside.

"So what's the idea?" Zak asked.

"I need an apple, a few cans and every earmuffs or set of headphones in the house. Oh, and your shotgun, Zak". Aaron explained.

"Are you sure about this, Love?" Lisa asked.

"Nope. But he needs cheering up, and I don't fancy being punched or hit with a baseball bat". Aaron answered

"I'll get the gun. Lisa, you get the apple and the cans. You get the ear protection, Aaron". Zak smiled

Aaron ran upstairs to get the headphones and the earmuffs, whilst Lisa and Zak got the rest. After a few minutes they walked outside carrying some bags.

"Is this your great idea? Give me hypothermia on my birthday?" Cain asked.

"Give him the gun, Zak" Aaron said as he walked over to Robert "Kiss me".

Robert kissed Aaron, he looked into his eyes when their lips parted "What are you planning?"

Aaron smirked "Don't freak out" he then walked away and stood in front of everyone. He pulled some headphones out of his pocket and he plugged them into his phone. He turned the music on and then opened the bag at he was holding. Lisa handed everyone a pair of earmuffs or headphones as Zak loaded the shotgun before he handed it to Cain. "I need everyone to back up away from Cain, make sure that your ears are covered" Aaron said as he got an apple out of the bag.

Cain and the rest of the Dingle's realised what Aaron was doing and they all walked backwards a few steps. Robert backed up as well but he was confused. However he saw Aaron place the apple on his head.

"Wait... what are you doing, Aaron?" Robert asked.

"Stay where you are, Rob. And don't freak out. You'll make me nervous". Aaron then looked at Cain "You ready, Cain?"

"You sure about this?" Cain asked.

"Yeah. Just don't take my head off. And please don't miss" Aaron said as he put his headphones in and the apple on his head.

"Oh my god!" Robert cupped his hands over his eyes.

"I need you to shut up, Rob" Aaron slowly exhaled "When you're ready, Cain".

Cain took aim at the apple and a few seconds past before he fired. Aaron closed his eyes tightly as the apple flew off of his head when the bullet hit it.

"AAHH!" Robert shrieked.

Aaron breathed slowly, before he placed a can on his head. Cain took aim and fired again.

"I can't watch" Robert covered his eyes with his hands. But he separated his fingers.

Aaron continued to place five more cans on his head for Cain to shoot at the cans. Cain then handed the gun to Zak and Aaron put all the cans and the apple in the bag. When Aaron looked up everyone started to clap. Aaron took a bow and took his headphones out. Aaron then walked over to his family and Robert pulled him into a hug and kissed his head.

"Can you not squeeze me so tightly? I can't breathe, Rob". Aaron smirked.

"Sorry. You just scared the life out of me" Robert said as he loosened his hug with Aaron.

"Scaredy cat" Aaron chuckled.

Everyone laughed as they walked back into the house.

At 2:15pm Aaron stood up "I've got to go and pick Alyssa up from school".

"We're gonna go to the pub so we'll meet you there" Chas smiled.

"Alright. You guys need to give Alyssa space though, she still gets nervous around me and Robert" Aaron explained as he put his jacket on.

"Okay. But she needs to know that she's a Dingle" Zak pointed out.

"She's not just a Dingle though. She's a Sugden as well" Aaron smiled.

Robert stood up and walked over to Aaron "I'll see you in a bit".

"Okay. Love you" Aaron smiled at Robert.

"I love you too" Robert kissed his husband and then Aaron left.

At 3:31pm Aaron walked into the Woolpack with Alyssa at his side. He smiled when he saw Robert sat at the bar, he walked up to Robert and wrapped his arms around his chest.

Robert looked over his shoulder and he smiled when he saw Aaron smiling at him. "Hiya, Handsome" he kissed Aaron, then he looked at Alyssa as Aaron lifted her onto the stool next to him "How was school, Al?"

"It was okay. We're reading The Twits in literacy" Alyssa answered.

Aaron walked around the bar and he poured Alyssa a glass of lemonade. He placed the drink in front of Alyssa and then he got himself a drink of water. He then walked back around the bar and he sat next to Robert

Chas then walked up to Aaron and Robert "Hiya Alyssa. How are you?"

Alyssa did not answer. She just starred at her drink. After a while Aaron and Robert were talking to some people, whilst Alyssa was sat at the bar with a colouring book.

"Who are you?" Noah asked.

Alyssa looked at Noah and then back at her drawing.

"I'm talking to you!" Noah raised his voice.

Alyssa didn't answer so Noah pushed her and she fell off of the stool. The glass of lemonade smashed and everyone turned around. Alyssa quickly pulled the skirt of her dress over her knees and she moved away from the glass.

Alyssa started to cry "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry".

Aaron and Robert rushed over to Alyssa and crouched down next to her. "It's alright. It was just an accident" Robert smiled reassuringly at Alyssa.

Aaron looked up, he saw Noah stood there looking very guilty "It wasn't an accident" he whispered to Robert.

Robert looked at Aaron and then he saw Noah, he realised what had happened, he started to pick the glass up.

"I'm sorry" Alyssa sobbed.

"Hey, it's alright. Come on" Aaron picked Alyssa up "Sshh, it's okay" he cooed as he carried her into the backroom. Aaron sat Alyssa down on the sofa in the backroom, and he sat next to her "Did Noah push you?"

Alyssa nodded as she cried.

Aaron put one hand on Alyssa's back but she flinched "It's alright. I'm not angry at you. I'm not gonna hurt you".

Alyssa looked up at Aaron "You promise?"

"Aaron's heart melted when he saw Alyssa's big blue eyes "I promise".

Alyssa then hugged Aaron and he held her. He stroked her hair and kissed her head, just as Robert walked in. "Is she okay?" Robert asked.

Aaron looked at Robert "Yeah, she just doesn't want to be in trouble". Aaron said as Alyssa clung onto him as she cried. "Sshh it's okay, we're not angry at you" Aaron soothed.

"Do I have to call you Aaron?" Alyssa asked.

"You can call me anything you want" Aaron answered.

"Okay, Daddy" Alyssa said as her crying ceased.

Aaron began to cry happy tears and he smiled. He looked over at Robert and saw that he was smiling. "She called me daddy" Aaron mouthed.

Robert grinned and nodded. "I know" Robert mouthed.

Alyssa then looked at Robert "Can I call you dad?"

Robert walked over and he sat on the sofa "Yeah, if you want to".

Alyssa pulled back from Aaron and she hugged Robert "I'll call you dad".

Robert smiled as he looked at Aaron "Did you hear that?"

Aaron nodded and wiped away his tears "Yeah".

Alyssa then pulled away from her hug with Robert "Why are you crying?" she looked at Aaron.

Aaron looked at Alyssa "I'm just happy".

"Do you want to meet everyone, Al?" Robert asked.

Alyssa nodded "Yeah".

They stood up and walked to the door, but Alyssa stopped and she tugged the sleeve of Aaron's hoodie. Aaron looked at Alyssa and he crouched down in front of her "What is it, Alyssa?"

"What if they don't like me?" Alyssa asked.

"They're gonna love you. Do you want me to carry you?" Aaron asked.

Alyssa nodded "Yes please".

Aaron smiled and he picked Alyssa up. "Let's do this".

Alyssa wrapped her arms around Aaron's neck "Yeah!"

"Yeah" Aaron smiled.

Robert smiled and walked into the pub. He saw Noah sat down with Cain and Chas yelling at him. "What did I just walk into?"

Chas looked at Robert "Noah keeps denying that he pushed Alyssa".

Robert looked at Noah "I know that you're lying, Noah".

"I haven't done anything" Noah did not look at Robert.

Robert walked over and he crouched down in front of Noah "You're a very bad liar".

"I haven't done anything" Noah argued.

"He clearly hasn't pushed that kid. Back off of him" Charity protested.

"I know that you pushed my daughter just now. She was in the backroom crying her eyes out just now, because she thought that she was in trouble. She thought that me and Aaron were angry at her" Robert stated.

"A bit of a wimp. Has she never been told off before?" Belle scoffed.

Robert looked at Belle "She's scared of being told off, because her mum and her mum's boyfriend used to beat her. That's why Aaron is so understanding about why she was crying. And she's seven for god's sake. No kid like's to be shouted at" He explained and everyone went quiet.

"I didn't push her" Noah mumbled.

Robert looked at Noah and smirked "Aaron! Can you come in here please, babe?" he called.

After a few seconds Aaron walked in carrying Alyssa. Chas cupped her hands over her mouth and Cain smiled when he saw his nephew smiling. Everyone looked on in surprise as Robert straightened up and he walked over to Aaron.

Robert smiled and kissed Aaron on the cheek "I love you, beautiful" he then looked at Alyssa "I love you, Al".

"I love you too, dad" Alyssa smiled.

"Everyone... this is Alyssa. Mine and Robert's daughter" Aaron smiled.

"Hi" Alyssa waved at Aaron and Robert's family.

Chas walked over "Hiya, Alyssa. My name's Chas".

"Are you daddy's mummy?" Alyssa asked.

Chas smiled "Yeah. I'm your daddy's mummy".

"Can I call you Nanna?" Alyssa asked.

"Of course you can, sweetheart". Chas smiled.

"Do you want me to introduce you to everyone?" Aaron asked.

Alyssa nodded "Yes please".

Aaron pointed at Cain "That's my uncle Cain and Moira" he then pointed at Zak and Lisa "Those are my granddad and grandmother. Zak and Lisa". Aaron then pointed at Marlon and Carly "That's Marlon and Carly".

Alyssa waved and they waved back.

Aaron then pointed at Belle and Noah "That's Belle and Noah." He then pointed at Charity and Sam "That's Charity and Sam" he then pointed at Debbie "That's my cousin, Debbie and her children, Sarah and Jack". Aaron then looked at April and Leo "They're April and Leo and that Rhona who is stood behind Leo".

Paddy then walked over to Aaron.

"Who's that?" Alyssa asked.

"That's my daddy. His name's Paddy" Aaron answered.

"Hello" Alyssa waved.

"Hello, Alyssa. You're a very pretty little girl" Paddy smiled.

Alyssa smiled and hid her face in Aaron's shoulder. Aaron looked at Robert and he smiled before he turned back to Alyssa and kissed her head. "Have you gone shy?"

"A little" Alyssa answered.

"Aww, she's so cute" Lisa, Chas, Debbie, Carly, Moira, Victoria, Belle, Charity and Rhona said in unison.

Alyssa looked up and giggled "They like me".

"Of course they like you" Robert smiled. He then pointed at Victoria, Andy, Diana and Doug "That's my sister, Victoria. That's my brother, Andy. And that's my stepmom Diana and her partner Doug".

"Hello" Alyssa smiled at Robert's family and they smiled at her.

"Oi! What about me!" Adam exclaimed.

"And that's my best friend, Adam. He's an idiot" Aaron muttered.

"The one and only" Adam smiled.

"You're daft" Alyssa giggled.

Everyone laughed as they all began to talk. Aaron and Robert sat down with Alyssa in the middle of them and they began to talk to Cain and Moira.

"Do you like living here, Alyssa?" Moira asked.

"Yes. I like living in a big house. It's the size of a castle" Alyssa answered.

Aaron and Robert smiled at their daughter. Robert lifted one arm and he used it to stroke Aaron's cheek. Aaron looked at Robert with loving eyes and his husbands smile grew as he looked at Aaron with loving eyes as well.

"Aaron's been spoiling her". Robert smiled.

"Nothing wrong with that" Aaron crossed his arms.

They talked for a while and Alyssa got to know everyone. Zak shook her hand and welcomed her to the family and Lisa told her some funny stories about Shadrach. Aaron, Robert and Alyssa then drove home and Alyssa ran into the living room.

"That was unexpected" Robert smiled.

"Yeah. But it was a nice surprise" Aaron smiled and he walked into the kitchen.

Robert followed Aaron and he sat down on one of the stools. "The second best surprise ever".

"What was the first?" Aaron asked as he made himself a cup of coffee.

"You saying that you love me. We were sat in a forest and I was crying, when you said that you loved me and that you never stopped loving me. That was the best surprise ever" Robert smiled.

Aaron smiled and he walked over to Robert "I meant every word of it. I love you so much".

Robert smiled "Come'ere you big softy".

Aaron hugged Robert and his husband hugged him back. Robert kissed Aaron's chest. Aaron kissed Robert's head and he stroked his hair.

"So that was the best surprise ever?" Aaron smirked.

"Yes, but... so was what you did you did to me on the first night of our honeymoon." Robert whispered.

Aaron smirked "I remember that night. You made a lot of loud noises".

"You were on fire that night" Robert said as he pulled back from Aaron.

"I gathered that. You were saying my name a lot and you were also gasping a lot" Aaron smirked as he crossed his arms.

"That's because you were completely inside of me and you were in control. I loved every second of it" Robert smirked.

"You also surprised me that night" Aaron admitted.

Robert stood up "Is that true?" he grabbed Aaron's hoodie and pulled him close.

"Yeah, you were very good" Aaron whispered in a husky voice.

"I figured that out quickly, you were moaning, and saying my name a lot. I also recall that you were holding onto the headboard" Robert wrapped his arms around Aaron's waist and held him close to his body.

"That's because you were fucking me so hard. I thought that I would hit my head. But it was amazing, it felt so good" Aaron chuckled.

Robert loved to make Aaron feel good because he knew that he was self-conscious "Maybe when we don't have Alyssa here. I could do exactly what I did to you that night. I like making you feel good" Robert suggested.

"I doubt that she'll want to stay at someone else's house for a while yet. We'll have to wait. I already feel good, it makes me feel good when you hold me or kiss me" Aaron smiled.

"I can wait. I could wait forever to have you again" Robert smirked.

"You have something to look forward to then" Aaron said before he kissed Robert.

Suddenly they heard a guttural scream that made them jump "AAAHHH! DADDY!"

Aaron and Robert recognised that Alyssa was screaming. "Alyssa!" they both called as they ran out of the kitchen.

"What's wrong, Al?" Robert asked.

"They're at the window" Alyssa answered.

Aaron walked over and he picked Alyssa up "Who, Princess? Who's at the window?"

Alyssa was shaking as she pointed at the window "My mum and her boyfriend".

Aaron and Robert looked at the window, and they saw a man and a woman looking in at them. The woman had black hair, and she looked very angry when she saw Aaron holding Alyssa. However the man... he was well built and he looked like he was about to punch someone.

"Aaron, take Alyssa upstairs" Robert said as he placed a hand on his husband's shoulder.

"If they don't have the police or Julia with them... don't let them in and call the police" Aaron said before he turned around.

"Alright. Do you reckon that you could take that guy?" Robert asked though he did not take his eyes off of the window.

Aaron looked at the man. He took a moment to take in the man's facial expressions "I don't know. But I probably could. Yell for me if you need me".

"Okay, I will. Take her upstairs and make sure that she stays there" Robert said before he kissed Aaron.

"I love you, Rob" Aaron said before he walked to the door.

"I love you too, Beautiful" Robert said before Aaron walked out of the room.

"Daddy" Alyssa started as Aaron carried her up the stairs.

"What is it, princess?" Aaron asked.

"You and Dad won't let them hurt me, right?" Alyssa asked.

"I won't give them the chance. Just stay with me, your dad will look after us. And I promise that I'll keep you both safe" Aaron opened the door to Alyssa's bedroom and they walked in. Aaron put Alyssa down and she ran over to her desk as he shut the door.

Meanwhile downstairs... Robert was still starring at the window as the visitors starred back at him. The man and the woman then walked away and Robert heard a knock at the door. Robert walked to the door and he looked through the peephole. He sighed when he saw Julia but the man and the woman were behind her.

Robert opened the door and he looked at Julia. "Hi, Julia. What can I do for you?"

"Hiya, Robert. Is your husband around?" Julia asked.

"He's with Alyssa. Who's that behind you?" Robert asked.

"This is Alyssa's mother, Rebecca Rodgers. May we come in?" Julia asked.

Robert thought about it for a second but he opened the door and Julia walked in with Alyssa's mother and boyfriend behind her. They walked into the kitchen and they sat around the island. Julia sat down and put her folders on the marble surface.

"Can I ask what this is about?" Robert looked at Julia.

"I want my daughter back" the woman stated.

"I'm here to discuss a care and visiting plan for Alyssa. Can you call Aaron and Alyssa please?" Julia asked as she got some papers out.

Robert stood up "Aaron! We've got visitors! Bring Al down with you" he called.

After a few seconds, Aaron walked into the kitchen and he was carrying Alyssa on his hip. Robert walked over to his husband and he placed one hand on his shoulder.

"What's going on?" Aaron asked.

"Hi, Pumpkin. How are you?" the woman smiled.

Alyssa did not say anything, she just hugged Aaron tightly and buried her face in his shoulder "What is she doing here, daddy?"

Aaron placed one hand on the back of Alyssa's head "I don't know, Princess. You'll be alright. Me and your dad are here and we'll look after you".

"We need to discuss a care plan for Alyssa" Julia stated.

"What does that mean?" Alyssa asked.

Robert looked at Alyssa "It means that we're going to talk about how we're gonna look after you".

"I want to be able to visit my daughter" The woman said bluntly.

"Huh, no chance" Robert scoffed.

"I have the right to see my own kid!" The woman shouted.

"You lost that right when you hit her. You have no right to see her anymore" Aaron said in a cold voice.

"I want full custody. She's mine!" The woman yelled.

"No" Robert said as he sat down.

Aaron put Alyssa down and he sat down next to Robert. Alyssa was about to walk out of the kitchen.

"Alyssa, can you stay in here with us? You need to be here for this" Julia said as she placed some papers in front of Robert.

Alyssa looked at Aaron and Robert, they both nodded, Alyssa walked over and sat next to Aaron.

"What's this about?" Robert asked.

"I want full custody of my daughter" The woman answered.

"No chance in hell" Aaron scoffed.

"She's my daughter! I have the right to keep her!" The woman shouted.

"Alyssa has been recently adopted by Mr Dingle and Mr Sugden. You can't have custody of her but we can discuss any possibility of visiting her" Julia explained.

"But I've changed. I want to take her home!" The woman yelled.

"This is her home now. She's our daughter now" Robert coldly said.

"She's mine!" The woman grabbed Alyssa's wrist "You're coming home with me!".

Aaron grabbed the woman's hand and he pulled Alyssa's arm out of her grasp. "Go to your room, Princess".

Alyssa jumped off of the stool and she ran to her bedroom.

Julia gathered up her papers "I am sorry for disturbing you, mr Sugden and mr Dingle. I hope that Alyssa is not upset and by what I have seen I am sure that she is happy here".

Aaron shook Julia's hand "It's alright. Goodbye, Julia".

Robert showed Julia and Alyssa's biological mother out. The man stood behind the woman as Julia drove away and Robert stepped outside.

"You should leave" Robert said firmly.

"I want my daughter back! She's my property!" The woman shouted.

Aaron remembered that Gordon would call him his property. He held down his anger as he stood next to Robert "She doesn't belong to you. You've lost your right to be a mother."

"You gay bastard!" The woman shouted.

"That's original. Got anything else that you can throw at me?" Aaron scoffed.

"Freak on earth. I bet that your dad has the decency disown an unnatural thing like you" The woman scoffed.

Aaron went quiet and he gulped. Gordon did hate him for being homosexual, and he had bullied him about it when he had called Aaron and Robert. "Get off of my property. Alyssa doesn't want to see you" Aaron stern voice.

"She doesn't know what he wants! She's a stupid kid!" The man shouted.

"You and your girlfriend made that child's life a living hell! She's just a kid! That seven year old girl knows exactly what she wants and who she wants to be her parents. And get this... she chose me and my husband to be her dad's!" Robert shouted.

The man smirked and he popped his knuckles. Without warning he punched Robert around the face and he fell into Aaron.

"Robert!" Aaron caught his husband and he held him up. "Are you okay, Rob?"

Robert stumbled but he gained his balance and looked up at Aaron "Why am I always the one who gets punched?"

Aaron helped Robert stood up but he saw the cut on his cheek. Aaron looked at the man and he noticed that he was holding something sharp and shiny in his hand. The man lunged at Robert again, but Aaron grabbed his wrist and he forced it behind his back. He twisted the man's wrist and he let go of the weapon. Robert saw the small pocket knife and he picked it up. Robert watched as Aaron kicked the man's leg and it caused him to fall.

Aaron then pushed the man forward "That's what you get for hurting my husband! And for trying to stab him!". Aaron growled, he was unaware as the woman lunged at him from his right, bringing her pink, fake fingernails down like claws to slash at Aaron's face. "Ah!" Aaron hissed in pain as the women scratched him.

"Aaron!" Robert pulled Aaron away from the woman and he looked at Aaron's cheek. He saw three deep scratches on his husband's face and they were bleeding.

"Oi! Who the hell are you?" Cain shouted as he ran over to.

"My name's Becks. I'm Alyssa's mother. I'm here to collect my kid but these two freaks won't let me!" Becks shouted.

"What happened, Sugden?" Cain asked as he looked at Robert.

"Her boyfriend punched me and he tried to stab me but Aaron stopped him. She attacked him" Robert explained.

Cain saw that Aaron had cuts on his cheek and that Robert had a mark on his cheek. He turned to Becks and he threw her over his shoulder. "You bitch!" Cain carried Becks over to her car and he put her down just as her boyfriend stood up and ran at him.

"Cain!" Aaron ran to stop Becks' boyfriend from attacking Cain.

Aaron grabbed the man but he was thrown off backwards. Becks got into the car and Cain turned around just as the man turned to face Aaron. Aaron knew that he stood no chance against Becks' boyfriend so he backed up. However the man walked up to Aaron with balled fists. Alyssa's mum got out of the car and she ran at the house, Cain caught her and held her back. Robert looked at Cain and then he looked at Aaron.

"You've made a big mistake" The man snarled at Aaron.

"And what would that be?" Aaron scoffed.

"You didn't do what we wanted" The man grabbed Aaron and brought his knee up into Aaron's stomach.

"Argh!" Aaron grunted but he was punched around the face.

"Aaron!" Robert yelled as he started to run over to help Aaron.

The man then backhanded Aaron across the face, and he spun around before he fell to the ground. The man and Becks quickly got into their car and they sped off.

"Aaron!" Robert skidded on the ground as he kneeled down next to Aaron.

Aaron groaned as he slowly rolled onto his back "Yeah".

"Are you okay?" Robert asked as Aaron sat up a bit.

"No. I hit my head and my stomach hurts" Aaron answered.

"Who was that?" Cain asked as Robert helped Aaron up.

"Alyssa's mum and her boyfriend" Aaron winced when he felt a pain in his head.

"Can you walk?" Robert asked.

"No, I feel dizzy" Aaron answered as he stumbled back a little.

"Alright, come on" Robert lifted Aaron's arm and put it over his shoulders and helped him walk back to the house. Robert helped Aaron walk into the house and Cain followed. Robert took Aaron into the kitchen and he helped him sit down on a stool. Robert then looked at Aaron's cheek. "Does that hurt?"

"A little. Are you alright though?" Aaron asked as he placed a hand on Robert's scratched cheek.

"Yeah, I'm alright. How does your head feel?" Robert asked.

"Hurts a lot" Aaron winced.

Robert stroked back Aaron's hair and he saw blood "Christ, you're bleeding" Robert looked at Aaron head and he saw a cut "Can you pass me the first aid box please, Cain?"

Cain searched though the cupboards until he found the little green box "Here you go" he passed it to Robert.

"Thanks" Robert then opened the box and he grab the cleansing wipes "This'll sting a little" Robert placed the wipe on the cut.

Aaron tensed up as soon as he felt the stinging "Ahh" he hissed in pain.

"Are you okay?" Robert asked as he lifted away the cleansing wipe.

"Yeah, I'm alright" Aaron answered.

Robert then placed some tissue on the cut to stop the bleeding "Hold that on the cut please".

Aaron lifted his hand and he held the tissue on the cut as Robert cleaned the scratches on his cheek. Once he had cleaned the scratches Robert threw the wipes away. And Cain put the first aid box away.

"Has the bleeding stopped?" Robert asked.

Aaron lifted away the tissue "Yeah".

Robert threw away the tissue and then he walked back over to Aaron "Why did you have to fight that guy?" he sighed.

"I was looking after you and Cain. That guy would've stabbed you" Aaron answered as he looked into Robert's eyes.

"Come ere, Aaron" Robert hugged Aaron and his husband hugged him back "Thank you" Robert kissed Aaron's head and stroked his hair.

"Where's Alyssa?" Cain asked.

"She's upstairs. I better go and check on her" Aaron pulled away from Robert and he stood up.

Aaron walked upstairs as Robert sat down and Cain leaned against one of the counter tops in the kitchen. Aaron walked up to Alyssa's bedroom and he knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Alyssa asked.

"It's me, Princess. Can I come in?" Aaron asked.

The door opened and Aaron walked in. Alyssa walked over and she sat on her bed as her dad walked over.

"Are you and dad giving me back to my mum?" Alyssa asked.

Aaron sat next to Alyssa "Why would we do that?"

"She said that she was going to take me home. I don't want to go with her, I want to stay here. Can I stay here please?" Alyssa looked at Aaron with sad eyes.

"You're going nowhere. This is your home now. Me and your dad will look aver you" Aaron answered.

"Forever and ever?" Alyssa asked.

Aaron smiled kindly at his daughter "Forever and ever".

Alyssa hugged Aaron and he hugged her back. Robert then walked in and Aaron looked at him. Robert saw the look in Aaron's eyes that told him that something was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Robert asked as he walked over and sat next to Aaron.

"She wants to stay here with us. She's a bit scared that Becks will take her away" Aaron answered as he stroked Alyssa's hair.

"Cain's downstairs. He wanted to see if you're okay, Al. He's got something for you" Robert said in a soft voice.

Alyssa pulled back from Aaron and she looked at Robert "Really?"

"Yeah, he's in the kitchen." Robert smiled.

Alyssa stood up and she ran downstairs to see Cain. Aaron cupped his hands over his mouth and he thought about what had happened with Becks and her boyfriend. Robert noticed that Aaron looked worried so he put one arm around him.

"What is it, babe?" Robert asked.

"Am I doing the right thing?" Aaron asked.

Robert pulled Aaron close and kissed the top of his head "You're doing the right thing. You're a brilliant dad, Alyssa adores you."

"Then why do I feel like I've done something wrong?" Aaron asked.

Robert thought about Aaron's question and he realised that at Aaron felt like he had done something wrong because Gordon would punish him and call him a bad kid when would act up "I think that you feel that way because Gordon hurt you for doing what kids always do. It's just what you're used too, you've done nothing wrong".

"Am I messed up?" Aaron asked in an innocent voice.

"No, baby. You're not messed up, there's nothing wrong with you" Robert kissed Aaron's head twice and stroked his hair.

Robert held Aaron for a bit and he cooed loving nothings in his husband's ear to comfort him. Robert knew that Aaron was more sensitive to things, because of what he had gone through. He was very understanding of how Aaron was. He knew that Aaron would make himself look like he was tough, however he knew that Aaron was more fragile than he appeared to be. Robert could always see when Aaron was holding back his feelings and he always knew when something was wrong or if he need to cry. Aaron would often bolt up how he feels, so Robert knew that he had to hold Aaron and comfort him whenever he cried because he was scared after he has a nightmare or something brings back bad memories or if everything got too much for him. He also knew that Aaron would rarely let anyone else see him upset or cry, because he thought that it made him look weak and vulnerable. But no matter how much he tried to hide it... Robert always knew and he always understood why.