Aiden [Book Two]

16

Lunch time was always the best part of the day for the group of old friends. Nothing compared to the joy of basking in the warm sun, enjoying a shared lunch, and having a great time.

The boys picked the same spot where they gathered first thing in the morning. Sitting at the top of the hill, looking down on the school field, the group chatted about meaningless teenage boy stuff.

Jasper was as excitable and energetic as ever. From the moment he arrived, the blonde-haired boy had been goofing off; mostly by annoying Matt.

The other's antics did not easily irritate the much larger boy, but played along anyway. He rolled his eyes when the smaller boy mocked him, snorted when he laughed hysterically, and didn't hesitate to shove Jasper down the bank when he started being physical.

Matt would have ignored the smaller boy completely if it weren't for the faint giggle emanating from not so far away.

Everyone knew how difficult things had been for Nathan and Aiden recently. The younger boy was becoming more agitated by the day and appeared fearfully withdrawn; unable to handle the continuous onslaught of traumatic memories.

The boys tried to help where they could, but ultimately their mute friend was the only person able to help the vulnerable group member, which was a heavy burden on him. Aiden's low mood and constant mental health struggles were proving a lot to handle.

Nathan told them about the extreme nightmares, the anger directed at the boy's parents, and the constant need for validation and approval.

The redhead barely engaged with his friends anymore, hardly smiled, and always seemed preoccupied with his thoughts. Which was why everyone was happy to hear him chuckling; the long forgotten sound acting like music.

When Aiden and Reid arrived after the class, they both drifted to their significant others, as was customary. Reid tackled Evan onto the grass, showering his face in kisses as the youngster squirmed and battled for freedom, horrified by the very public display of affection.

Aiden's arrival was a much quieter affair as he bee-lined for his boyfriend, who dozed on the floor. Nathan used his backpack as a wedge and leaned against it, his arms crossed over his chest and eyes closed.

Almost instinctually, he cracked an eye open when the younger approached and unravelled his arms, making space for the boy who needed to be loved.

The anxious boy lay himself in the grass beside the elder, and wrapped his arm around his waist, squeezing himself close and settling for a while.

It was obvious how worked up Aiden had been through the day because of the colour of his left hand. The dark bruising on his skin seemed worse than ever; the clean white tape around the fingers only exaggerated the damage. He looked worn out and run down. Although dressed well, the dishevelled teen looked as if he'd not slept well in a long time.

Matt couldn't help but worry about the newest member, and wanted to take away his pain, even if it was for only a few minutes. So whenever Jasper teased and poked at him, the larger boy reacted, drawing out the warm little chuckles.

Nathan seemed to notice the rare display of happiness, too.

The brunette was no longer wearing the restrictive sling, and had moved back to the freedom of the blue brace he wore after his last bout of sickness. With a small range of motion, the elder could finally wrap both arms around his boyfriend whenever he wanted.

His left arm thread around the slender body and clutched the damaged hand, rubbing the injured skin, whilst his right hand found its favourite place. The back pocket of Aiden's jeans.