Full Circle Theory (My vision)
Visualize: From Robert & Aaron’s reunion up until the ONS, we the fans & GA were rooting for Robron. We were treated to many lovely, fluffy, and domestic scenes. There was a bit of a rocky patch with the introduction of Rebecca that played on Aaron’s insecurities. Robert repeatedly attempted to assuage Aaron’s feelings (even though he exacerbated the problem w/ Rebecca for Aaron). The viewers/fans/GA were forgiving of this part only because Robert continued to love Aaron and wouldn’t give up.
*The ring removal in January was to show Robert that by giving up over Aaron’s insecurities he would lose him for GBH/Prison.
All of the previous making us love and root for Robert & Aaron was necessary to make the one night stand feel even more painful for the viewer. Robert didn’t only betray and let down Aaron, but he betrayed and let the fans/viewers down as well. Robert wanting to come clean about it the day after with Aaron was to give us a glimmer of hope showing Robert’s dedication to Aaron (even though he made an awful, unforgivable mistake). Robert continued to support Aaron through counselling, Mauritius, etc was to continue the narrative that we shouldn’t give up on Robert.
Only, when Aaron gives up on Robert in July we are to feel the pain again from the ONS and not necessarily give up on Robert, but not root for him and Aaron at this point. Robert reverting to the “bad boy”, scheming and pursuing revenge against the White’s is a distraction for him and reason for Aaron to not want to be involved with Robert because he is NOT proving he is a better person for Aaron (one of the vows he made to Aaron during their faux Wedding).
And just as we were pulled in completely from 15-April until 16-Mar/25-May/14-Jul (depending on your individual POV/perspective), we will continue to be pushed away by Robert’s manipulation/revenge/scheming because that is how Aaron feels even though he truly does want to be with Robert. The GA/fans just like Aaron are receiving their confirmation that Aaron has made the right decision by binning Robert.
And to continue with the “Full Circle” idea, we need Aaron to have his version of Robert’s Rebecca. Introducing Dr. Alex Mason, or Dr.DoMe, Dr. Random, Dr. Rebound, Dr. IT AINT HAPPENING!. I do NOT think Aaron/Alex will get physical. Robert had told Aaron he would be beside himself if Aaron ever had someone/something like what was happening w/ Rebecca before the incident in question. (just after the kiss in November). Now, we can explore how Robert will handle the flip side to the situation albeit separated from Aaron. My guess, he will remove his ring and redouble his efforts to destroy the Whites.
And Robert/Aaron being committed soulmates and for me I felt like I ran head first into a brick wall when the ONS happened, it will be similar in reverse as the circle completes (maybe not during October SSW, but December – Marchish). Aaron & Robert will slowly drift back together, and then we the fans/viewers/GA will hit that brick wall, forgive Robert and root for them again.