Love in the Chaos

Chapter 17

Aaron picked Rune up in a bridal style, carrying him back to the house. As they arrived, Rune’s family quickly surrounded them, sighs of relief echoing around the room at the sight of their precious boy back safely.

"Keep quiet, he’s sleeping," Aaron said irritably, shielding Rune from the commotion. "Where’s his room?"

Rune’s sister led the way, and Aaron gently carried him upstairs. As he laid Rune on the bed, the boy whimpered when Aaron began to pull away.

"Shh, Bambi, I’m right here," Aaron whispered, settling down next to him. He kissed Rune’s forehead softly, filled with nothing but love and care. "I love you, Bambi," he murmured, his eyes reflecting the depth of his affection. With Rune cradled in his arms, Aaron drifted off into the most peaceful sleep he’d had in days.

***

The next morning, Aaron woke up first and gazed at the peaceful sight beside him. Rune was sleeping soundly, looking so angelic that Aaron couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss his forehead. Quietly, he slipped out of bed and went to freshen up.

Rune stirred awake a few minutes later, feeling disoriented and suddenly panicking at the empty bed. "Grumpy?" he called out, his voice trembling. For a moment, he feared everything had been a dream, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Aaron emerged with only a towel wrapped around his waist, his muscular chest and abs on full display. Rune's face instantly turned crimson, and he shyly looked away, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Bambi, what’s wrong?" Aaron asked, concerned. Rune couldn’t meet his eyes, feeling shy under the intense gaze of his boyfriend's strong, sculpted body.

"Do you have a fever?" Aaron asked, placing a hand on Rune’s face, confused by his sudden change in behavior. "You're burning up, baby."

Rune didn’t say a word. Instead, he poked Aaron’s chest shyly, still looking down, too embarrassed to speak. Aaron immediately understood and chuckled softly.

"Oh, I see. My little Bambi is shy, huh?" he teased, his grin wide.

Rune whined softly, burying his face in the pillow to hide his embarrassment. Aaron found him absolutely adorable and couldn’t resist pulling him into a tight hug, peppering his face with light kisses. Rune started laughing, the kisses tickling his skin.

Their playful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Aaron groaned in frustration and gave Rune a final peck on the lips before standing up to answer.

"Get dressed, baby. I’ll handle it," Aaron said.

"Grumpyyy..." Rune whined again, peeking out from under the covers.

"What is it, baby?" Aaron asked, confused.

"Put something on first!" Rune said shyly, before running off to the bathroom. Aaron laughed as he quickly dressed himself.

When Aaron opened the door, his irritation was clear. "What?" he asked sharply, glaring at the person standing there.

Shyla flinched but kept her composure. "Where’s Rune?"

"He’s in the bathroom," Aaron replied.

"Breakfast is ready. Come downstairs when you’re done," Shyla said, before leaving quickly, trying to avoid Aaron’s cold gaze.

After some time, Rune and Aaron made their way downstairs for breakfast. They sat at the table, but the atmosphere was thick with awkward silence. Only the clinking of utensils could be heard as everyone ate in quiet tension.

Once breakfast was over, the family gathered in the living room. Rune sat nervously, feeling the weight of everyone’s stares. Aaron, sensing his anxiety, discreetly placed a comforting hand on his waist, holding him protectively.

Breaking the silence, Rune’s grandfather spoke up. "Why did you run away last night?"

Rune swallowed hard, taking a deep breath. "Grandpa, I—"

"Speak clearly, boy!" his grandfather interrupted sternly. "Why did you run after finding your mate? Do you have any idea how hurt she is by your actions?"

Rune flinched at the harshness of his grandfather’s words, but what shook him more was the tension he felt from Aaron. Aaron’s fists were clenched tightly, his body stiff as he processed what Rune’s grandfather had just said.

"Mate?" Aaron whispered, his voice low, but the single word was heavy with emotion.

Rune’s heart sank. He was terrified that Aaron would leave him now, that the word 'mate' would change everything. Tears welled up in his eyes as he grabbed onto Aaron’s hand, his voice trembling. "I don’t want a mate, Aaron. Please... don’t leave me."

"What?!" his grandfather shouted, his voice booming across the room.