The door creaked open, revealing Lilith distressed, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead as she nervously darted a look on each one of us.
"Lilith!!" Caily yelled out in pure shock and excitement, engulfing Lilith into a tight embrace. Though still in shock, Lilith softly wrapped her arms around her. "We thought something bad happened to you guys.." her voice shivered, releasing from the hug. Lilith looked troubled, and I wanted to flood her with questions about what happened though I was quickly reminded of him.
"Aiden..?" Lilith and Caily made way for me as I stepped forward into the room, approaching Aiden who was frozen still sitting in the corner. His distraught eyes followed my approach, I crouched before him.
My eyes softened in empathy as I looked at him. "You okay, big guy?" my tone soft and gentle, as to give comfort to his heavy panicked breaths, he was having a panic attack. I gently reached for his back, as he leaned closer, I finally pulled him for a hug with one arm, his head burying on my chest.
There he quietly sobbed in my sweater, my heart shattering to pieces listening to his cries, as I caressed his back. I gave a troubled look to the others, who stood still watching us, gloom painted on their faces. My mind was overwhelmed with fleeting questions my heart was about to lose it, what could've had happened? Is something lurking around us that I don't know about? The thought sent chills through my spine, but also surfacing my anger.
He loosened from my hug, muffling his snot with the hem of his shirt. I ran my fingers through his fluffy hair with tender and caring touch as to fix it, his forehead and hair wet with sweat. He let out loud hiccups from crying as I wiped his sweat off with his shirt. "What's wrong, Aiden?" I finally asked, exhaling as a chuckle, "You have booger on your face." I picked it up with the shirt.
The others soon came forward, they copied me as I quietly sat on the floor with Aiden. He was slowly regaining composure, his eyes glancing at everyone.
We waited patiently for him to get comfortable, offering soft smiles in an effort to reassure him. Once he stopped sniffing Keane spoke up, "You good? You need anything? A hug, a kiss?" his tone playful but caring. I let out a sigh of relief mixed with laugh. The bromance is breaking free and I'm here for it.
Aiden giggled. "No, thank you." he replied quietly, avoiding our gazes.
"I mean, we can't offer much but Charlotte here," he held her arm lightly, "could give you a kiss if you wa-"
She raised her voice, quickly retorting, "What?! No, I can't.." even though refusing, her tone carried a hint of hesitation as she glanced at Aiden. I flared my nostrils in disappointment, I thought he was gonna give him the kiss not her.
"Charlotte, you're really gonna refuse even if Aiden needs it?" Caily's voice was soft and quiet though it gave Charlotte a sense of guilt, her expression pouting and looking down.
"Fine," she conceded, burying her face in her knees, "but only cheeks. Only cheeks." she emphasized her condition as she stared at the floor, her voice was so serious it made us all break into chuckles, especially Aiden, who cackled loudly. I smiled softly, exhaling as I stared at Aiden. He knew he was safe now, and I was glad.
She looked up, her forehead wrinkled in confusion and scowling. "What?!" surprise and embarrass displayed in her exclamation, making everybody laugh even louder than before.
Charlotte's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, causing her to bury her face into her hands, whining with her legs stomping at the ground nonstop. This is my favorite amusement that I can only get from time to time, and I WAS NOT gonna waste it.
I finished my wheeze with a loud final cackle, "Alright, alright," everybody else had calmed down before Charlotte could slap the shit out of each one of them.
