Aiden [Book Two]

35

Nathan sighed as he woke with a warm, familiar weight still resting against his arm.

Many hours after falling asleep, the couple were still in the same position they nodded off in. And for the first time in months, Aiden didn't wake in fright.

It was the perfect end of the perfect day.

After meeting at Jago's restaurant, everyone could see the positive change in the smaller boy. He engaged with the group, giggled, chatted with their friends, and couldn't stop smiling.

Aiden was incredible, and the contagious happiness enthralled Nathan.

He was a new person.

The boy couldn't stop talking, almost like all the things he suppressed and conversations he couldn't join burst out of him. He wanted to talk about everything and anything that came to mind, almost dominating every topic of conversation so nobody else could speak.

Nobody minded. The small group of friends simply sat and listened, enjoying the sound of Aiden's laughter and happiness.

After the long period of silence, stress, and fear, they would let the orange boy do whatever he wanted.

On the way home, Aiden remained as giggly and excitable as he had in the restaurant.

With the evening pulling in, it started becoming dark again. Even so, the smaller boy seemed undeterred. He sank closer to his lover, squeezing the long hand as they walked down the street, but he didn't become worried like he would have a few days before.

Nathan was astounded by the rapid change in behaviour, and wondered if Matt had something to do with it.

Had the pair been running the whole time they were together? Or did the large boy have words of wisdom to share, like usual?

Whatever it was, didn't matter. They rolled with it.

Aiden chatted as he climbed the stairs, looking back down at his boyfriend throughout. When he reached the bedroom, all he could do was gush about how fit Matt was. How kind and understanding he'd been during their run; stopping for breaks and keeping him away from the streams of strangers passing by.

Entertained by the enthusiasm, Nathan chuckled, rolling his eyes as he bundled the orange-haired boy into the bathroom, telling him that he stank and needed to shower.

It wasn't true, but the younger boy still needed to freshen up, and taking a hot shower usually helped his overactive mind and body prepare for sleep. They had to keep this relaxed, easygoing atmosphere in hopes it would help him rest.

When Aiden came back out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, he couldn't fight the adoring smile as he looked at his lover.

Buried under the duvet, Nathan was already dozing, left hand behind his head, right arm keeping the covers flush against his body. His brushed hair had been ruffled into wild fluffiness. It was amusing to see how quickly Nathan could fall asleep anywhere.

The younger boy focused on redressing when he heard the faint childlike whine from behind him. He couldn't help but laugh when the dark-haired boy held out his arms, pouting and scrunching up his face like a toddler in need of attention.

"Hold on, I'm coming. I just need a shirt. It's cold." Aiden said, turning back to the wardrobe to straighten his shorts and grab a t-shirt, only to be distracted by the babyish whining again.

The younger boy rolled his eyes, giggling the whole time as he hopped from foot to foot, diving into the bed to avoid the chilly nip in the air, wearing nothing but his underwear.