River City - 20/04/2010

When his latest one-night stand Victor is keen to see him again, Robbie's keen to keep him at arm's length. He's not interested in a relationship. Unhappy that Robbie has been ignoring his calls, Victor persuades a reluctant Robbie to go for dinner with him: nothing serious; just a casual dinner. Shamelessly, Robbie arranges to meet Victor later that evening. But when they sit down to dinner in Brochan Lom the conversation is stilted, with Robbie's lack of enthusiasm apparent. And Victor's demeanour isn't quite as flattering as it was earlier. He starts making snide remarks about how Robbie's anger with the world. Robbie's patience wears thin and he finally snaps when he's presented with a gift - an envelope containing seeds. Pine seeds. As a woodland ranger Victor is passionate about trees and enthuses about the glory of the majestic pine. Robbie couldn't care less about the trees and exits. But Victor has a point to make and follows Robbie back to Just Gordon where he accuses Robbie of being an empty vessel who doesn't care about anyone or anything. Robbie points out that Victor knows nothing about him. Victor continues to chastise the way Robbie lives his life. Robbie eventually admits that he doesn't want anyone to get close to him in case he hurts them. He tells the story of Clare, his best friend from school. Their relationship helped Robbie realise he was gay. But when he found out Clare was pregnant he avoided her, even when she asked him for help. Rumours of a miscarriage left him relieved and ever since Robbie has been disgusted with himself, masking it with bravado and the thrill of no-strings sex. Vulnerable after opening up, Robbie expects understanding from Victor but he tells Robbie he needs to face up to things, and grow as a person. Taking out the seeds, Victor points out that without the right conditions they're a waste of life. The implication is clear. Victor drops the seed envelope into Robbie's lap, and leaves. An emotional Robbie pauses before discarding the seeds - Victor might have a point, but he's not ready to face up to it. Meanwhile, Beth puts pressure on Innes to tell Charlie that he's planning to move out and live with Beth. Innes worries that Charlie is going to react badly. The longer Innes procrastinates the more frustrated Beth becomes. With pressure mounting, Innes organises a day of manly fun with Charlie in the hope of raising his spirits so that he can break the news gently. However, every time Innes senses an opportunity to come clean during their bonding time he bottles it. Back at the flat Beth pops round to check up on whether or not Innes has told Charlie. She confides in Jen. Later that evening Charlie arrives back at the flat to wait for Innes. Jen misreads her brother's mood and assumes Innes has told him. She offers him some comforting words but Charlie is non-plussed. Realising her mistake, Jen is forced to explain, Charlie is taken aback but covers his initial sadness. He's amused, however, when Jen explains that Innes has been trying to tell him but can't bring himself to do it. Charlie decides to have a bit of fun with Innes and starts waxing lyrical about how much he loves living with him. It makes Innes feel terrible until he susses out what Charlie is up to. Charlie claims he's cool with Innes moving out. As Innes prepares to leave he apologises to Jen for the way he's treated her. As the threesome say their goodbyes Charlie maintains his brave face. Back in the flat we see how sad he is that Innes has left. Elsewhere, Ruth is delighted when Scott makes an unexpected return to Shieldinch. She wastes no time in sharing her latest woes with him - she and Gordon still haven't had sex yet and it's becoming an issue. Scott advises her not to think about it too much. He offers to babysit the following night so that Ruth and Gordon can have a night alone together without Eilidh. So Ruth invites Gordon round for a romantic meal. Initially nervous, they begin to relax and eventually head through to the bedroom. But the pressure of the situation gets to them both and it all proves a little too much for mortified Gordon. Ruth does her best to be reassuring but a prickly Gordon inadvertently suggests it's her fault. An argument ensues and Gordon storms out. Ruth calls Scott and tells him to bring Eilidh home so he can be freed up for the evening. Scott discerns that Ruth has never been clear with Gordon about how she feels about him. He is forever showering her with compliments but Ruth has never returned the favour. Scott points out to her that men need to hear good things too. He leaves Ruth to call Gordon. Gordon makes a point of apologising for the earlier argument. In return Ruth makes an awkward statement about how much she cares about him and how happy he makes her. They kiss. Later Ruth leaves a message on Scott's phone thanking him for the best advice she's ever been given. She hangs up before heading back to the bedroom with a smile...