Daaron (2)

As a follow-up to the previous chapter, I've written another set of one-shots of moments that should have happened between David and Aaron on-screen.

Episode 7662 (after David offers to oversee Terese's treatment)

As David stood just outside the entrance of Lassiter's Hotel, he took a deep breath to calm himself down. He didn't like the somewhat deceitful thing he was doing to Terese, even if he justified it well enough to the family. David attempted to rationalise it in his own head, trying to convince himself that observing Nick treating Terese was a positive thing and that he was doing nothing wrong, but he couldn't help the niggling doubt in the back of his head.

His thoughts were interrupted by a pair of arms suddenly wrapping around him from behind in an embrace, "Hey handsome" David heard from his boyfriend, causing David to jump away in surprise.

"Sorry" Aaron gasped as he took a step back, "I didn't mean to scare you"

David shook his head, "No, it's ok" he assured him breathlessly, "I was just off in my own world, that's all"

Aaron frowned, "That doesn't sound like a good thing" he remarked before looking concerned, "Has something happened?"

David glanced around before leading Aaron over to a nearby bench, "Do you know who Nick Petrides is?"

Aaron thought about this, "The name rings a bell, why?"

"He's Terese's brother, an oncologist" David began as they sat down, "A couple of years ago he told Paul he had leukemia when he didn't, he put him through chemo, and then was arrested after the truth came out"

"Oh yeah" Aaron replied, "I remember Daniel telling me and Nate about that a while ago"

David was taken aback, "Oh, so you weren't around when it happened?"

"No, I think Nick had been sent to prison just before I came to town; I only found out about it a few months later" Aaron replied, "Why do you ask?"

"He's back in Erinsborough, helping with Terese's treatment" David responded

Aaron was astounded, "He's allowed to do that, after everything?" he questioned in disbelief

"Well, he's not allowed to treat her himself" David explained, "But he can give his advice"

"Wow" Aaron breathed, "And how does Paul feel about him being back?"

"Not great, unsurprisingly" David retorted wryly

"I can't say I blame him" Aaron murmured, "It must dredge up some really bad memories"

"You can say that again" David agreed, "He asked for mine and Leo's help"

Aaron was confused, "With what?"

"Stopping Nick from being released" David replied, "But we were too late to do anything, so we're resorting to Plan B"

"Which is?" Aaron prompted

"I've offered to assist Nick with Terese's treatment under the pretence that it's part of my training" David admitted grimly

Aaron raised an eyebrow, "You say that like you disapprove of the idea" he remarked, then suddenly realised, "As though it's someone else's idea"

David nodded, "Leo may or may not have suggested it" he confessed reluctantly

Aaron let out a breath, "Well, I know you guys had a falling out a while back, so I'm guessing you're not thrilled about him asking you to take advantage of your job to help out"

David shrugged, "There's a lot for me to lose by doing this, and Leo should know that"

"Then, why do it?" Aaron asked

"Because it's my family" David replied simply, "If it would help dad, I'd get Nick out of town myself, but I can't"

"So, this is the next best thing" Aaron finished

David nodded, "But it means breaking the confidentiality policy, which underpins everything I do"

"Yeah, I know" Aaron responded supportively, "But you do have a choice"

"Sometimes it feels like I don't, it's like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place" David admitted, "I can't please everyone, but I feel obligated to"

Aaron mulled this over, "Well, maybe you could look at it as the ends justifying the means"

"You're saying that breaching confidentiality is ok here because the outcome will help more people than harm them?" David asked

"Won't it?" Aaron questioned, "I'm not saying you should jeopardise your career for anyone, I know how hard you've worked to get here…" he assured him, "But you have your reasons for doing this, and the fact that you've already offered to do it suggests that you believe that this is the right thing to do"

"I guess so" David sighed, "I'm over-thinking this, aren't I?"

"A little bit" Aaron replied grudgingly, "It's one of the things I love most about you, but it's also one of the most frustrating things about you"

David blinked at him, "Thanks, I guess"

Aaron chuckled and took one of David's hands in one of his own, "Look, you're doing a good thing for Terese, she'll be safer and have more support with her treatment" he pointed out, "So, if you ever doubt yourself, just remember that"

David nodded, "I will, thanks" he replied thoughtfully before exhaling deeply, "I should probably do some research on breast cancer and swot up about it before the session then"

Aaron pulled a face, "And that's my cue to leave" he joked, "Good chat"

David laughed as they both stood up, then pulled Aaron towards him, "Hey" he called out before kissing him softly, "Thank you, you've always helped me to put things into perspective"

"It's what I do" Aaron replied jokily before rubbing his arms, "Just stay true to yourself and what you believe, ok? And I'll always have your back"

David smiled at him gratefully, "I love you"

"The feeling's mutual" Aaron smirked before kissing him again, "Anyway, I'll let you get on with your studies"

Before Aaron could move away, David pulled him back, "You know what? Studying can wait" he shrugged before leading Aaron back towards the hotel

"Are you seriously postponing studying?" Aaron gasped in mock disbelief, "Who are you and what have you done with the real David?"

David laughed, "Since when was prioritising our relationship a bad thing?"

"I never said it was" Aaron countered, "It's just surprising, that's all"

David smirked, "Sometimes I like to be surprising"

"Well, I like it too" Aaron replied, "As long as you don't get into trouble"

"I'm still going to study…" David argued, "Later"

Aaron grinned and chased him into Lassiter's. Despite David's anxiety towards his plan regarding Nick and Terese, he knew that he had a great support system around him whenever he needed them, and he had the world's best boyfriend by his side.

Episode 7669 (after Aaron leaves the voicemail for Russell)

Aaron was exhausted. He couldn't remember the last time he had cried so much and had forgotten how draining it could be. Even when he had convinced himself that he was responsible for Tom's 'death', Aaron still didn't shed as many tears as he had just done over his estranged father. However, he found that leaving the voicemail was quite therapeutic for him, though it wasn't a particularly ideal situation. As he sat against the lockers at The Shed, Aaron's eyelids drooped and his whole body felt heavier, so he shut his eyes to rest them for what he thought was just a few minutes. However, he suddenly felt himself being gently shaken and could hear someone whispering his name. When Aaron gradually opened his eyes, he realised that he was now lying on his side and glanced up to see David gazing down at him worriedly.

"Hey" David breathed, stroking his hair, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine" Aaron croaked as he attempted to sit up from where he was laying, but found it painful to move, realising that he had probably been asleep in that position for a long time.

David guided him into an upright position, "You mean, apart from stiff and sore?" he questioned dubiously, knowing that Aaron couldn't possibly be 'fine' considering everything that had happened recently, but knew that he shouldn't push him to talk about it before he was ready.

Aaron nodded tiredly, "How did you know I was here?"

"I called you after my shift ended, but you didn't answer" David began, "So, I went to your house but you weren't there, and this was the next place I could think of"

Aaron let out a breath, "Sorry"

"You have nothing to apologise for; if you needed time on your own then that's fine" David assured him before adding, "Though maybe you should take your phone off silent, just in case"

Aaron smiled briefly, "Good idea" he muttered before turning the sound on his phone back on, "I called dad" he admitted spontaneously as he found himself staring at his call history, with Russell's number at the top of the list.

David glanced at him quizzically, "And what happened?"

"It went to voicemail – obviously – so I left him a message" Aaron replied quietly, "It wasn't like I expected him to answer or anything, but hearing it go straight to voicemail was like confirmation that he's actually gone"

David nodded, "Are you ok?"

Aaron shrugged, "I'm still in shock, I guess" he responded before looking down at his phone again and chuckling, "You know, dad wasn't really good with technology; he never figured out how to record a proper answerphone message, he used the automated one and just added his name to it"

David sniggered, "Sounds a bit like my mum" he agreed, "She used to ask me and Leo for help with even the most basic stuff on her phone, and she's never really gotten the hang of 'text-talk', so she usually just calls us instead"

"Not exactly tech savvy then" Aaron sniggered before letting out a shaky breath, "You know, when I heard dad say his name on that message, it was like the last 28 years of my life flashed before me, all my memories of him" he whispered, "I'm never going to be able to make any more memories with him, am I?"

David shook his head slowly before gazing at him, "Did you want to?" he asked tentatively

"I don't know" Aaron sighed, "I guess I took it for granted that I'd be able to one day, but now that choice has been taken away"

"That just the way it is sometimes, not getting the chance to say how you feel, to say goodbye" David pointed out gently, "But lots of people have been in this position, so you shouldn't feel guilty"

"I can't help it" Aaron murmured, "And it's not just guilt, there's so much going on in my head, and I don't know how to deal with it"

"I get it" David replied sympathetically before looking around The Shed, "But you're in a good place to try"

"You mean exercise?" Aaron questioned

David nodded, "Yeah, isn't that a good way to clear your head?"

"Usually, yeah" Aaron replied, "But I'm still pretty tired and tender from sleeping in that position just now"

"Ah, yeah" David agreed grimly, "It might not be such a good idea to work out then"

"Maybe tomorrow" Aaron mused

"In that case…" David began as he stood up, "I might have a better idea"

"I'm open to suggestions" Aaron replied as he held the hands that David was offering to help him stand up

"Well, I'm not a chiropractor… or a masseur" David began, "But how about I give you a backrub instead? It might help to relax you and take some of the pain away"

Aaron practically purred, "I think that might be the best idea you've ever had"

David scoffed, "I do have them occasionally" he retorted, "I'll see if Harold's has any massage oils on our way home, shall I?"

Aaron nodded enthusiastically as he followed David out of The Shed, inwardly liking the fact that his boyfriend referred to 24 Ramsay Street as 'home' considering that he didn't even live there. That happy thought itself was enough to take Aaron's mind off his grief for a little while.

Episode 7670 (whilst Paige is talking to Elly about Mark)

Fortunately for David, the front door of 24 Ramsay Street was unlocked, so he was able to open it with little hassle. Aaron was slumped on the sofa, but wasn't so much focused on the television programme in front of him as he was thinking about his dad. He wasn't expecting David to show up so randomly, nor was he expecting David to wheel a pram into the house.

"Hey" David greeted as he closed the door behind him.

Aaron glanced behind him briefly but didn't notice the pram from the angle at which he was sitting, "Hey" he responded in confusion, "I thought you were at work"

"Yeah, I was. But some stuff happened with Nick" David replied uneasily as he put his shoulder bag on one of the chairs, "So, I was able to leave early and see how things were going here"

"What happened?" Aaron asked

"It's kind of complicated, plus the whole confidentiality thing" David pointed out awkwardly as he lifted Gabe out of the pram, "Anyway, how are you feeling?"

Aaron shrugged, "A bit better than I felt at The Shed last night"

"That's good to hear" David responded as he approached, "But anything I can do to help, you know I'd do it, right?"

"I know, thanks. But you've already done so much" Aaron assured David before looking up at him and noticing that he was holding the baby, "Hang on, what are you doing with Gabe?"

"I kidnapped him" David deadpanned, causing Aaron to roll his eyes and David to chuckle, "Nah, Paige had some stuff she needed to sort out, so I offered to take him off her hands for a bit" he explained

Aaron raised an eyebrow, "You wanted to look after her eleven-week old baby?"

David nodded, "I wanted us to look after him"

"'Us', Why?" Aaron asked

"Well, I asked myself, 'what's the best treatment for grief?'" David began as he sat down beside Aaron, "And the doctor side of me said 'antidepressants', but the other side of me said 'a puppy'"

Aaron glanced between them, "You do know Gabe isn't a puppy, right?" he queried slowly

"Yeah, I know, but I couldn't find one" David replied, "So, what's the next best thing? A cute baby"

"That's true" Aaron mused as he stroked Gabe's cheek, "And thanks for the gesture, it'll be nice to have a distraction"

David looked offended, "My surrogate son is not a 'gesture' or a 'distraction', thank you very much"

Aaron sniggered, "Oh yeah, I almost forgot you were going to pretend to be Gabe's dad"

"Yeah, though I don't think it would have worked" David remarked before holding Gabe so that they were cheek-to-cheek, "What do you think? Could we have passed for father and son?"

Aaron studied them, "Well, you both have brown hair and brown eyes, and you're both totally adorable-"

David smiled, "You could say that about Paige, though" he pointed out

"Good point" Aaron replied, "But no, he doesn't look remotely Japanese, which would have been a giveaway that you weren't his real dad"

"Well, genetics work in peculiar ways" David pointed out, "Trust me, I'm a doctor"

Aaron rolled his eyes, "What a line" he laughed, "Does it work on all the boys?"

David shrugged, "Well, I've only tried it on you" he replied, "So, apparently not, no"

Aaron smirked, "It might have worked if we'd only just met and we weren't talking about you pretending to be the father of your friend's baby" he remarked

"True" David muttered, "It kind of spoils the romance, doesn't it?"

"Oh yeah, because our actual first meeting was so romantic" Aaron retorted sarcastically

"What do you mean?" David asked, mock-offended, "My heart skipped a beat when I saw you approaching from across the crowded room-"

"You mean 'Harold's'" Aaron interjected

"-And I felt sparks when we first shook hands, even though you were too busy drooling over my brother to notice" David continued teasingly, "It was like something from an old movie"

Aaron scowled at him, "If you're just going to mock me, I don't think you deserve to hold this little guy anymore" he pouted before seizing Gabe from David's hands

David sniggered, "Well, it's your loss, because he needs changing" he replied as he sat back on the sofa

Aaron shook his head in disbelief, "Oh, you are so evil" he snarled jokingly

David shrugged smugly as Aaron stood up to find Gabe's nappy bag, pleased to have already been successful in cheering his boyfriend up.

xxx

David was surprised and impressed to see that Aaron had successfully changed Gabe's nappy on his first attempt, "Wow, where did you learn to do that?"

"I have cousins" Aaron shrugged, as though that explained everything

"And you changed their nappies?" David questioned dubiously as he wrapped the dirt nappy in a bag.

"Pretty much" Aaron replied as he redressed the baby, "I remember being practically hypnotised by how expertly my aunt and uncle managed to change them, so I asked if they could teach me, and they did" he glanced at David, "What about you? Where did you learn to do it?"

David smirked, "You'd be surprised at what they teach you in med school"

"No way" Aaron began, "I could believe that they'd teach you to change bandages, but not nappies"

David shook his head, "No, I decided to join a childcare society to go alongside my studies" he explained before uncomfortably adding, "I guess I've always had an interest in paediatrics, more than in oncology "

Aaron studied him sadly, "I'd ask how it's all going with Terese and Nick, but I know you can't tell me"

"I just feel bad enough as it is" David sighed, "I don't want to make things worse by saying more about it than I have to"

"It's ok" Aaron assured him, "And you know that no matter what happens, I'll always support you with this, right?"

David nodded, then suddenly glanced at him in panic, "You think I'll get caught out?"

Aaron considered this, "I think it would be naïve to believe that you won't" he replied slowly, "Do you think you will?"

"I hope not" David responded anxiously, "But I've almost been caught out before and I'm not sure how many more times I'll be able to get away with doing dodgy things"

Aaron scoffed, "If you're anything like your dad, then it'll probably be a lot"

David smiled, "I hope you're right"

Aaron put his hand on David's knee, "Look, as long as you know that you're doing the right thing and can defend your decision, then you shouldn't feel bad about it"

"Yeah, thanks" David whispered, and watched as Aaron shook a rattle in front of a giggling Gabe's face, "You're a natural"

"I don't know about that" Aaron shrugged before murmuring, "But if I ever do become a dad, I'm going to do a way better job of it than mine did"

"I know we will" David replied, then noticed Aaron's shocked expression and realised what he had said before trying to backtrack, "I-I mean, you will"

"You said 'we'" Aaron pointed out in amusement, "Have you just started making plans for our future then?"

David shrugged, "I guess, accidentally"

"It wouldn't be the first time" Aaron remarked as he passed Gabe to David, "Remember that conversation we had a few months ago about having a family?"

David let out a breath as he held the baby, "Yeah, that feels like a whole other life"

Aaron nodded, "As sad as it sounds, I could almost imagine us having a family of our own, even back then"

"So could I, although I couldn't admit it at the time. To anyone, even myself" David murmured before glancing at Aaron apologetically, "Sorry I made you wait so long"

"It wasn't your fault, we both had a part to play in that; and we got there eventually" Aaron responded, "Besides, there's no point in regretting the past, is there? Life's too short"

David nodded, having heard those words many times before, "And what does that mean?" he asked cautiously

"Whatever we want it to" Aaron replied softly, then kissed Gabe's head before kissing David tenderly.

"Sounds good" David murmured as he gazed lovingly at his boyfriend

"So, how long do we have this little fella for?" Aaron asked as Gabe gripped one of his fingers

David shrugged, "I don't know" he admitted, "Paige said that she'll text me when she's sorted, and I'll meet her in the complex to hand him back"

Aaron tickled Gabe lightly, "In that case, we'd better make the most of the time we have with him before we return him to his mummy" he pointed out before murmuring, "Though I wonder what could be so important that she'd palm her kid off onto someone else for an indefinite amount of time"

David could tell that Aaron's own words were hitting close to home "She didn't 'palm him off', I offered to look after him" he reminded Aaron, trying to relieve the tension, "Paige is a good mum, she tries her best"

"Unlike some" Aaron muttered

"Are you talking about Faye?" David asked, "I thought you guys cleared all that stuff up"

"So did I, but the way she's been acting lately has really gotten to me" Aaron admitted desolately, "You know, she felt guilty and apologised for leaving us when we needed her, yet she's just gone and done it again, fifteen years later"

David shrugged, "Yeah, her taking off like that was a bit weird" he agreed, "Have you heard from her since?"

Aaron nodded, "Yeah, she called earlier to tell us that dad's funeral is in Port Lincoln on Monday"

"Wow, that's quick" David remarked in surprise

"There's no point in delaying it, is there?" Aaron pointed out, "The sooner this happens, the sooner we can put this all behind us and move on, especially Tyler"

David studied Aaron thoughtfully, "You know, I've heard you talk a lot about the effect that this is having on Tyler, but not yourself"

Aaron shrugged, "Because Tyler's been affected by this the most"

"Yeah, but Russell was your dad too, and I know you guys had a pretty strained relationship" David pointed out, then noticed how uncomfortable Aaron seemed, "Look, I just need you to know that you can talk to me – any time – about how you're feeling"

"I know I can" Aaron assured him before shrugging, "But I don't know how I'm feeling" he admitted, "I guess I'm all over the place right now. You know, I feel like I can't be upset about dad dying because of everything he put Tyler through, but I can't be relieved either because he was my dad and I shouldn't see his death as a positive thing"

"There's no right or wrong way to feel" David retorted, "And nobody should make you think that there is"

Well, I think there is" Aaron argued before shaking his head dismissively, "Once the funeral's over, I'll be able to sort out my feelings properly"

David covered one of Aaron's hands comfortingly with one of his own whilst holding Gabe against his chest with the other, "Well, I'd offer to go to the funeral with you, but I'm not sure I can get the time off at such short notice"

Aaron looked uncomfortable and intertwined their fingers, "Look, I love you, so don't take this the wrong way…" he began hesitantly, "But I'm not sure I want you to be there anyway"

David nodded, "That's fine, this is a family thing, and I'm not family"

"Well, hopefully you will be one day" Aaron murmured, "But it's just that I probably won't be in a very good place emotionally, and I don't want you to have to see me like that"

"I get it" David assured him honestly, "And besides, it would be strange for me to go to the funeral of a guy that I'd never met, even if it was to support you"

"You've supported me so much already" Aaron assured him as he rested his head on his boyfriend's shoulder, "I don't know what I'd do without you"

"You've managed pretty well without me for the last 28 years" David remarked before sombrely adding, "But you don't need to worry, I'll be right here when you get back"

"Thanks" Aaron hummed before sitting up, "But you're not staying in this house while we're away" he remarked jokily

"Why not?" David complained, "I could house-sit for you"

"We don't need a house-sitter" Aaron retorted

David blinked at him, "Aaron, the front door was open for me to bring Gabe here without you even realising it" he reminded him, "Anyone could have come in"

"But I was sitting right here" Aaron argued

"What if I'd been a burglar or something?" David questioned

"Then I would have taken you down" Aaron replied theatrically as he raised his fists

"Actually, I can believe that" David muttered as he stared at Aaron's muscles, "But either way, there's a thing called 'locking the doors', you might want to try it"

"Thanks genius, I will" Aaron replied facetiously

David pulled a face at him, but glanced down at the coffee table as he heard his mobile vibrating against it. Aaron took Gabe from David's arms as David picked up his phone to read the message.

David sighed, "It's Paige, she's finished sorting out her dramas and wants her son back"

Aaron hugged Gabe close to him, "Too bad, we're keeping him" he joked, "She shouldn't have let him go in the first place if she wanted him back"

"You know he still cries through the night" David informed him, knowing that it would put Aaron off

He was proven right as Aaron handed him over, "Ok, you can take him back to his mother now"

David chuckled and stood up with Gabe in his arms, "Yeah, you can't sacrifice your beauty sleep - which you don't need, by the way" he smirked before studying Aaron, "But you do seem happier now than you did earlier"

Aaron nodded, "Because of you… and Gabe" he replied before standing up, "Thank you for coming over and bringing him with you, it was a lovely idea"

"Anytime" David replied, "Though I don't know if I can say the same for this little guy"

Aaron picked up the bag of Gabe's items, "It doesn't matter, just having you here is enough"

"I'm glad I could help" David murmured before kissing him tenderly.

Aaron followed David back to the pram and made sure that Gabe's bag was attached to it securely, whilst David laid the baby back down. Aaron couldn't help but let his imagination run wild at the sight of David taking care of a baby, even though he knew that it would be a long time until they could even start working towards having a family of their own. But the glimmer of hope alone was sufficient to keep Aaron feeling optimistic about their future together.

Episode 7673 (after Sheila reveals that one of the Brennan boys isn't Russell's son)

David was trying to focus on sorting through medical supplies, but was distracted by thinking about Aaron. He knew that the Brennan brothers were due back from Russell's funeral immanently, but he and Aaron had agreed to wait until David's shift at the hospital finished before meeting up, so David had to wait a few more hours until he could see his boyfriend again.

David was interrupted from his thoughts by a masculine voice calling out his name. Half expecting it to be Karl, David turned around slowly. However, just as his brain registered the fact that it was Aaron who was approaching, the other man had grabbed him by the face and was kissing him ferociously.

Eventually, David's body caught up with what was happening and he managed to pull away, "Hey" he gasped, "What's going on?"

"What does it look like?" Aaron shrugged before kissing him again and untucking David's shirt

Usually, David would enjoy this, but remembering that his boyfriend had just returned from his dad's funeral set off alarm bells in David's head.

"Hang on" David panted as he gently pushed Aaron away, "How was the funeral?"

Aaron stepped back defeatedly, "Wow, way to kill the mood" he murmured

"I'm sorry" David apologised reluctantly, realising that he had upset Aaron, "I have missed you, but considering where you've just been, I don't think this is the time or place for that"

Aaron nodded slowly, "Yeah, you're right" he sighed as he ran his fingers through his own hair, "Sorry, I wasn't thinking"

"It's ok" David assured him, reaching out to gently squeeze Aaron's arm, "You've had a really tough week"

"And it's just gotten worse" Aaron muttered

David was confused "What do you mean?"

Aaron glanced away tearfully, and David could tell that he was overwhelmed about something, "Look, why don't you go outside and have a breather?" David suggested, "I'll finish up here and get us some drinks, then we can talk properly"

Aaron nodded before making a swift escape. David watched after him worriedly, wondering what could possibly have happened to cause that kind of reaction from Aaron.

xxx

As he took a deep breath of the fresh air, Aaron was grateful that David had suggested that he go outside; he didn't realise how much he needed it. Just being asked what had happened made Aaron emotional, let alone actually talking about it, and Aaron didn't want to talk about it. However, he knew that David would be expecting him to, especially considering Aaron's behaviour a few minutes earlier. It was so unlike him to act like that, and he hoped that he hadn't made things too awkward between them: it was the last thing he needed on top of everything else.

Inside, David had organised the medical supplies in record time, bought a couple of hot drinks and found some empty chairs for them to sit on before Aaron had come back inside. Anxiously, David wondered what had happened at Russell's funeral to have made Aaron behave in such an unusual way before. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait too long as Aaron returned and spotted David.

"Hey" Aaron greeted quietly

"Hey" David replied as he lifted the cups, "Take your pick, it's either herbal tea or herbal tea"

"I'll have the herbal tea then" Aaron sniggered, "Thanks" he breathed as he took the cup and sat down in the seat next to David, "Sorry about what happened before"

"Don't apologise" David murmured, "You've got a lot going on, of course you'd be emotional"

Aaron shrugged, "I can't remember ever doing anything like that before"

"Well, your dad's never died before, has he?" David pointed out, then sighed regretfully, "Wait, sorry, that sounded really insensitive"

Surprised by David's words, Aaron let out a chuckle, "Wow, I can't believe I'm laughing about someone's death"

"Well, laughter is the best medicine, apparently" David shrugged, receiving a small nod from Aaron. David took a sip of his tea, "How was the funeral?" he asked again, hoping for a better reaction

Aaron hesitated, "It was…tricky, especially for Tyler. But it was also a really fitting send-off for dad" he decided on, "Chloe couldn't make it, but we knew what she would have said if she had been there"

Aaron took a sip of his drink and David studied him carefully, "Did something happen?"

Aaron shook his head, "Though mum was acting weird around us" he admitted before muttering, "Now we know why"

"Why?" David asked in confusion, "What did she do?"

"She kept asking whether we'd spoken to Sheila since she left" Aaron began, "We assumed it was because mum thought she'd be at the funeral…"

"But it wasn't" David realised

Aaron shook his head, "No, it turns out that mum had told Sheila a secret before she left and wanted to know whether she'd spilled it to us"

"What secret?" David asked

Aaron took a deep breath, "According to Sheila, mum had an affair whilst she was married to dad" he revealed, "So, one of us isn't his kid"

David was stunned, "Are you serious?" he questioned in disbelief, then placed his drink down on the floor before he accidentally dropped it in shock

"Yep" Aaron replied shortly as he set his own drink down as well, "It's not Chloe, apparently, so that just leaves me, Mark or Tyler"

"But you don't know which of you it is?" David clarified

"No" Aaron replied grimly, "But I think it's me"

"Why?" David questioned

"He and I never really connected, we never had anything in common, we were so different from each other" Aaron explained, "He and Mark always had a spark, and he always seemed close to Tyler, until…" he trailed off

"Until the abuse" David finished

Aaron nodded sadly, "I never felt comfortable being myself around him" he began, "I was a mess for a long time, I was trying to figure out who I was and where I fit into everything"

"I know" David murmured

"Being his son didn't make it any easier" Aaron added

"It made you pretty hot though" David interjected in an attempt to lighten the mood

However, Aaron could barely muster a smile, "I thought I had it all worked out"

"You do" David assured him, "This doesn't have to change anything"

David smiled at him reassuringly, though Aaron wasn't so convinced, "But Mark and Tyler might not be my full brothers, and the man that raised me might not be my biological father" he pointed out, "This changes everything"

David sighed, "What I mean is that it doesn't have to"

"So, you finding out that Paul was your dad didn't change anything for you? Everything carried on as normal after that bombshell, did it?" Aaron questioned derisively, "I was there, remember? I stayed with you that whole night while you came to terms with that huge revelation"

David nodded, "I know" he whispered, "But that was just the initial shock"

"So, Paul had nothing to do with you coming to terms with who you are and coming out?" Aaron probed, "Your whole life changed the moment Paul told you that he was your dad. I know it did, so don't deny it"

"Ok, it did at first, but now it's like he's always been in my life" David replied, "You know, I'm glad it happened like that because otherwise I wouldn't be where I am now" he stroked Aaron's hair, "It could be the same for you, you just need to figure out how you're going to deal with whatever the outcome is"

Aaron let out a deep breath, "Yeah, maybe you're right" he responded, "Sorry, I didn't mean to bring up all of that stuff from your past"

"It's ok, our situations are kind of similar" David shrugged, "Although, I never doubted whether Leo was my full brother or not"

Aaron smiled briefly before looking more solemn, "But finding out all this stuff, it's made me question everything that I thought I knew…about my family, about myself" he mused, "Have I been wrong about everything this whole time?"

"You're not wrong about who you are" David assured him

Aaron scoffed, "How can you say that? I don't even know who my real dad is"

"I get how important it is to know your past" David began, "But at least you know your future, you've found your path, and you have me by your side"

Aaron smiled at him briefly, "And I'm so lucky to have you" he whispered as he ran his fingers through David's fringe, "But how can I focus on my future when I don't know my past anymore because it's apparently full of lies?"

"You said it yourself before you left, life's too short to get hung up on the past" David reminded him, "And until you know which one of you isn't Russell's son, you shouldn't torture yourself about it"

"I can't help it" Aaron whined, "No matter who it turns out to be, I get the feeling that things are never going to be the same for any of us ever again"

David shrugged, "It depends on what you guys decide to do about it"

"I don't want it to change things, but I can tell that even Mark and Tyler are doubting everything about our family" Aaron began, "Tyler was convinced that he's the one who's not Russell's son because he's the youngest, but I don't think it's that simple" he shook his head, "Nothing about this situation is simple"

"That's why you need to find out which one of you isn't Russell's son as soon as you can" David pointed out, "So you can stop driving yourself crazy wondering whether it's you"

"Well, I've always felt like the odd one out in the family, and I think I know why" Aaron murmured, "Maybe I was never a Brennan in the first place"

"Hey, don't say that" David began, gently turning Aaron's head so that he was looking straight at him, "You always were and always will be a Brennan, no matter what. Nobody can take that away from you, or Mark or Tyler"

Aaron gazed into his dark eyes for a few moments before kissing him deeply. He didn't care that they were in public, but suspected that David might be uncomfortable with it considering that it was his workplace, so he made sure to pull away quite quickly. However, the disappointed sound that came from David when he broke the kiss almost made him laugh.

"Sorry" Aaron whispered sheepishly, "That was even more inappropriate than before"

"Hey, I didn't mind… until you backed off" David chuckled before stroking his cheek pensively, "I've missed you like crazy, even though we were only apart for a few days"

"I've missed you too" Aaron agreed quietly, "And I don't care how pathetic that makes us sound"

"I think we're allowed to be a bit 'pathetic' considering the circumstances" David pointed out before holding Aaron's hand, "But never forget that we're in this together, ok? No matter what"

Aaron nodded and moved to kiss him again, but was interrupted by his mobile phone buzzing.

Aaron sighed as he reached into his pocket for it, "Another mood-killer" he grumbled before staring at the screen blankly, "It's a message from Mark"

"What does he want?" David asked

"Apparently, he called mum, and now he wants me and Ty to come home" Aaron replied before standing up and returning the phone to his pocket, "I should probably go and find out what's going on"

"Yeah, of course" David responded as he stood up, "Let me know what happens, ok?"

"I will" Aaron murmured before kissing him quickly, "I love you"

"I love you too" David replied before letting go of Aaron and watching him walk away in concern. Although he had been in a similar situation to the Brennan brothers, David still couldn't fully understand what they were going through, and he sincerely hoped that whatever happened, the family could work through it together.

Episode 7674 (after Faye reveals that Tyler isn't Russell's son)

As he sat on the wall outside 24 Ramsay Street, David was filled with dread. Fortunately, having Piper and Elly with him helped to ease the feeling slightly because they were friends and he knew that they were all in the same situation. When he saw Aaron standing on the balcony, David's heart sank as he remembered the conversation he'd had with his boyfriend earlier and how much the news of his paternity was affecting him already. The idea of having Aaron's life ripped apart by this bombshell – having experienced something similar himself – was devastating to think about. The seconds stretched out for ages until Aaron admitted that Tyler needed Piper to come in, confirming that it was the youngest Brennan who wasn't Russell's son. As Piper had ascended the stairs, Aaron held David's gaze almost apologetically before following her inside, leaving David and Elly sitting together on the wall alone.

Eventually, David broke the silence, "Poor Tyler" he whispered

Elly nodded, "This must be awful for him" she mused, "Imagine finding out that the guy who raised you – who abused you – wasn't actually your dad"

David remembered Aaron saying something similar earlier, though he had been referring to himself at the time, "Yeah, it must be really upsetting" he agreed quietly

"I wonder how Mark and Aaron are feeling" Elly murmured

"Well, Aaron thought he was the one who wasn't Russell's son, so I'm guessing he'd be pretty shocked by this" David muttered

"And I could tell that Mark was just putting on a brave face when we were talking earlier, to cover up how anxious he really was about it" Elly replied

David nodded, "I tried to reassure Aaron that things didn't need to change between him and his brothers, but I'm not so sure anymore" he admitted, "Let's hope they can find a way to deal with this"

Elly nodded in agreement, then sighed, "Wow, I think I need a strong drink after all that"

David sniggered at the predictability of her idea, but realised that he felt the same, "Yeah, me too"

"Want to head to my place?" Elly suggested, "I think everyone's out so we won't have anyone judging us about drinking so early in the day"

David shrugged, "I wouldn't care if they did"

"Good" Elly replied before linking one of her arms through one of his, "To the liquor stash!"

David laughed as Elly lead him to number 28, trying to subdue the guilt that he felt about essentially abandoning Aaron at such a crucial time. However, he knew that the family needed their space, and Aaron would contact him if he needed to.

xxx

David wouldn't necessarily consider himself a lightweight, but he tended to avoid drinking too much alcohol in order to keep his head as clear as possible. It wasn't until a few hours after he and Elly had left number 24 that David heard from Aaron again.

"Uh, sorry to leave so abruptly" David began as he stood up and held up his mobile phone, "But Aaron just texted me, he's outside and I'm guessing he wants to talk"

Elly shrugged, "That's ok" she replied, "Give the family my best"

David raised an eyebrow, "You don't want to come with? Mark might want someone to talk to as well"

Elly shook her head, "I'm not sure it's the right time, it's still early days for us" she responded, "And besides, I'd rather be a little less inebriated before I try to help him"

David nodded in understanding, "I get it, you don't want to run the risk of saying the wrong thing and making the situation worse"

"Exactly" Elly replied before pointing to the front door, "Go, be with your man"

David sniggered, "I will" he responded, "And thanks for the drinks, I didn't realise how much I needed this"

"No problem" Elly answered, "We should do it again sometime"

"Yeah, we should" David agreed, "Though hopefully under better circumstances"

"Yeah, good point" Elly chuckled, "See you soon"

"Yeah, see you" David replied as he gave her a brief wave and left number 28. He had only taken a couple of steps out of the door when he saw Mark and Aaron trudging down the driveway of number 24. Aaron spotted David traipsing down the path towards them and quickened his own pace. Meeting in the middle, an upset Aaron threw his arms around David, and David held him tightly.

"Hey" David whispered, "How's everything going?"

Aaron buried his face in David's neck, and Mark sighed, "Not well"

David pulled away, but kept Aaron at arm's length, "How are you guys feeling?"

Aaron let out a breath, "Overwhelmed"

Mark nodded, "Yeah, I'm still kind of shaken by it as well"

"That's understandable" David replied sympathetically, "Is there anything I can do?"

Aaron shrugged, "Thanks, but I don't think there's anything that anyone can do"

"Unless you've got a TARDIS so that we can travel in time and fix this mess" Mark mumbled

David was used to Mark's obsession with Doctor Who occasionally rearing its head – even at inappropriate moments – but he shook his own, "Sorry, no TARDIS" he apologised, "But I could look into counselling, if you want"

"For Tyler?" Aaron questioned

"For all of you" David suggested, "But only if you feel like you need it"

"Thanks for the thought, but I don't really need counselling" Mark replied dismissively

"Come on, we've all been affected by what's happened" Aaron argued, "You know, dad's death, finding out about the affair and that Tyler wasn't dad's son. So, maybe it would be a good idea to talk to someone outside of the family about how we're feeling"

"But would Tyler be up for that?" Mark countered, "I can't imagine him wanting to talk about this any time soon"

Aaron shrugged, "Maybe not right now, but we can suggest it to him at a later point if we think he might need it"

Mark mulled this over, "I guess it can't hurt to keep our options open"

"Well, just let me know what you decide, and I'll enquire about it at the hospital" David offered

"Thank you" Aaron murmured before kissing him gently and stepping away, "Hey, Mark and I are going to The Waterhole, do you want to come with us?"

David shook his head, "Thanks for the offer, but I've already had a few drinks and I don't want to risk waking up with a hangover tomorrow"

Aaron was confused, "When did you…?" he began, then realised, "Oh, Elly"

"Got it in one" David smirked, "The girl likes her wine"

"She does" Mark agreed, "I was going to call her so that we could talk, but I don't really know what to say"

"I don't think she does either" David admitted, "You might want to wait a little while anyway, now's not exactly the best time to contact her"

"Thanks for the tip" Mark replied before nudging Aaron, "Well, we should get going. We need to talk to mum, and then drown our sorrows"

Aaron scoffed, "Good plan" he retorted before offering a hand to David, "I know you're not coming to The Waterhole with us, but we can walk you back home if you want"

David nodded, "Thanks" he whispered before taking Aaron's hand. The three men plodded out of Ramsay Street together, the two Brennan's knowing that their lives had changed forever but not knowing how to deal with it. David was determined to do whatever he could to help the family, even if it was as simple as just holding their hands.

Thanks for reading! A lot of this seemed obvious to include in the show itself, so I'm not sure why so many important moments were missing from the storyline. Anyway, if anyone has any ideas for one-shots, then please let me know. In the meantime, reviews are always welcome!