In the Twist of Separation

A few more hours won't hurt anyone

When Robbie woke up (thanks to Oscar who was jumping on the bed) he realised he slept in, the kids where meant to spend the day with the gran (Robbies mum) "Oscar calm down mate" Robbie groaned opening his eyes and rubbing his face as he got up "hungry" Oscar said climbing off the bed and stood at Robbies feet in front of him "where's Taylor" Robbie asked him still half asleep "still sleeping...HUNGRY" he said again "okay okay right go downstairs wake your sister up first youse are going to grans today" Robbie sighed unable to deal with him right now and Oscar ran out the room hyper as anything, they love going to their grans they get away with so much more there. Robbie heard Oscar wake up Taylor, not politely, but woke her up nonetheless

Robbie scrambled to his feet catching his reflection in the mirror on the wardrobe, he looked dreadful and he felt even worse. He's barely been sleeping and when he has it's not been for long, he is always making sure the kids are okay and have everything they need. He's been putting him self last all the time and has forgot what it's like to have someone here with him, he feels like a single parent but who's still married to the other parent

Taylor wandered into Robbies room in her little pink dressing gown and onesie, Robbie wasn't aware she was there, he was so close to breaking. He'd got caught up in his thoughts and it's never a safe place for him to be, he's a self destructive man if he thinks for too long it can have a serious effect on him. He felt the emotion built up within him and he nearly burst into tears but his head snapped over his shoulder when the floorboards make a creak. The only girl who can make him smile was stood before him, he had to be strong for his kids. His emotions and problems with Gary come last. He took a deep breath, plastered on a smile and looked at the 5 year old

"Hey princess you okay" Robbie asked walking over to her kneeling down to her height "why are you upset" she asked softly, she's not daft this kid. She always knows when either Gary or Robbie are upset but it's not fair on her to feel the responsibility of looking after them "I'm fine darlin' why aren't you with your brother" Robbie asked moving her hair behind her ear "he's too noisy" she whispered, he's like a mini Robbie is Oscar, even though they aren't biologically father and son. They're the exact same, whereas Taylor, she's like Gary. Robbie put it down to them adopting them when they were on 6 months old so they've grown up around Gary and Robbie so they'll adapt and be like them to some extent

"When's dada home" Taylor asked and looked straight at Robbie wanting an immediate answer

There it is, Robbie thought, there's that bloody question again! He looked at her with sorry eyes and stroked her cheek "he's home soon sweetie...hopefully today I promise" Robbie smiled slightly. He couldn't feel any lower if he tried, he needs Gary they need Gary. It's evident she missed Gary, she'd never say it, but she's closer to him. She still loves Robbie of course she does but every kid has a favourite parent

"DADDDDDD" they both heard Oscar shout from downstairs clearly still very hungry, Robbie picked Taylor up getting her secured in his arms as he looked at her "how about we have a snuggling day here"

"Grans..."

"We can watch movies, eat junk food, cuddle, sleep" Robbie said as he walked downstairs with her still in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck resting her head on his shoulder. All he wants is his kids, he's changed his mind he doesn't want them with his mum today he wants them with him where he can keep them safe. He feels if he lets them go today he might just break down and that won't be good for anyone, especially the kids. When they're around he feels like he has a reason to be strong a reason to not show he's upset with how him and Gary are. He's their dad of course he's going to make out that their marriage is perfect to the kids. They're so young they wouldn't understand even if he did try and explain it. He doesn't want them knowing their dad sits alone every night waiting for Gary to come home only to fall asleep on the couch waiting, or he wakes up in bed with a note on the pillow with some reason he's out so early. The amount of times he's gone to drink the beer and wine in the basement is unreal, he knows he can't go back to his drinking ways but he's so close. When he drinks it all goes away. He doesn't want them knowing he's on the brink of a breakdown with all the stress from the album and the tour plus Gary

"So what's it to be then...grans or lazy day here with me" Robbie asked looking at Taylor still in his arms, head in his neck arms secured around his neck. Oscar on the other hand was thinking about it, for a 6 year old he really puts thought into everything, for that he's like Gary "can we watch cartoons" Oscar beamed making Robbie ruffle his hair getting Oscar giggling, god that giggle it makes Robbies life okay even just for a second. That's why he needs them today, he feels extremely sensitive and vulnerable and he can't bare it if he's alone.

"Yeah mate of course we can...go on go get your bed covers and we'll make a big comfy den in the living room"

"I love you" Oscar exclaimed hugging Robbie from his hips, he's small it's the place his arms can reach. Robbie looked down at the little human hugging him and who's just said 'I love you' he hasn't heard them three words for so long. He crouched down so he could hug him properly, Taylor still in his arms, his free arm going around Oscar bringing him into a tight loving hug "god I love you too...don't ever forget that" rob breathed into oscars hair

"Now go scram" he winked pushing him lightly to go get his covers and stuff

Oscar immediately ran off back up the stairs in a flash getting everything he wanted, Taylor was still clinging onto Robbie "don't want to watch cartoons" she mumbled, she's more of a Disney princess fan but has to watch cartoons because of her brother. Luckily for her Robbie loves Disney princesses too!

"Don't worry sweetie...we'll watch princess too" he chuckled in her hair putting her down on the kitchen worktop "now what does my angel want for breakfast" he kissed her on the nose making her giggle and smile "chocolate" she smiled at Robbie broadly

"Chocolate?" He asked amused smiling at her

"Okay chocolate" Robbie laughed walking off to the cupboard

In Manchester

"Gary when you heading home mate"

"Oh cheers lad really making me feel welcome" Gary joked back looking at his mate, josh.

"You know what I mean" josh laughed, gary checked his phone to see what time it was

11:30 am

He'd be back by 4/5 pm if he headed now he thought as he checked to see if Robbies text him, he hasn't. Gary feels something is wrong between them, however he's a proud man and won't bring it up with Robbie. Then he seen a twitter notification from Robbies account and his heart stopped for a second

Got my cuddle buddies with me...lazy days are the best RWxx

Was the tweet, with a attached photo of a selfie with him, and Oscar and Taylor cuddled into each side of Robbie on the couch. Gary being Gary thought it was incredibly cute and didn't noticed Robbies smile was fake, he didn't realise just how much damage he's not only doing to his kids by constantly being away but to Robbie too. All Gary seen was all three happily cuddled on a sofa having a lazy day, Robbie smiling and the kids cuddled up to him. So to Gary, they were fine without him today.

"Ah a few more hours won't hurt anyone...lets go shopping" Gary grabbed his coat as josh got his and they headed out into Manchester City centre

He didn't realise just how close Robbies is to breaking down