Aiden [Book Two]

37

"Fuck. I'm gonna throw up, again." Aiden mumbled, tipping his head back, fighting the urge as it tried taking over.

The small, anxious boy had already vomited several times that morning, despite having nothing left to give, and couldn't shift the nausea.

His body trembled and even under the thick layer of bronze make-up, his skin appeared deathly pale. He really wasn't coping well.

Despite the powerful sleep medication, Aiden had been awake throughout the night, desperately clutching his lover's side, trying not to lose himself.

He was terrified of what might happen, and it was obvious to the parents that morning.

Grace didn't want her son to leave the house that morning because she was so worried about his mental health. She didn't want him to breakdown on his first day back.

Aiden would have happily stayed home for the rest of his school life, never setting foot back in the building, but Chris and Nathan wouldn't allow it.

They knew the frightened boy needed to face his ultimate fear and see that the world didn't want to hurt him. Not everyone in the world wanted to inflict pain.

"It's okay. Deep breaths." Nathan replied, running his fingers through the tangerine strands to ease the suffering.

Breathing became more difficult with every gasp, even with the techniques Miss Vance shared and Nathan rubbing at his back.

The nauseous sensation swirled in his stomach, forcing Aiden's fingers to dig into his boyfriend's sides unintentionally. Without meaning to, he injured his boyfriend and was oblivious until his hands were removed.

He wanted to apologise, but the words stuck in his throat, lodging themselves in the thick knot. It was too much.

If it wasn't for the brunette's sturdy grip, the younger boy probably would have run away. Fleeing back into the safety of his bedroom instead of standing on the street waiting for their ride.

Jago's kindness shone through last night when he texted the group chat, asking if Nathan needed help in the morning.

Everybody knew how rough it was going to be for their fragile friend, and they wanted to make it as easy as possible. So the oldest member offered to pick them up and drive them to school, so that the journey would be less arduous.

The brown-haired boy accepted immediately. Anything to get Aiden to school and end this entire ordeal.

"There they are..."

Jago's little silver car pulled into the street, much to Nathan's relief, and calmly pulled up in front of the young couple.

Aiden couldn't look in the driver's seat as he tried to keep from crying out. He was overwhelmed and struggling to hold it together.

He heard the door open and whimpered as his eyes watered, and nostrils flared. There was no danger in Jago but he couldn't help it; his body tensed in fear.

"I'm just going to take your bags and put them in the car. That's all."

The tall boy was gentle as he slid the backpack down his friend's arms, stepping away as soon as he had it in his grasp. He wanted to help, but didn't want to add to his suffering.

Nathan gladly handed his over and pulled the rear passenger door open, guiding his lover to get in.

He resisted at first, unable to summon the will to move, but eventually gave in, shuffling into the car just to be met with two more friendly faces.

Reid and Evan wanted to be there for Aiden in his most traumatic moments, and volunteered to join the car ride and act as further support for both boys involved.