Secrets and Things (MxM)

Chapter 95 - Are you messing with him?

A/N

- Hiiiii I'm baccckkkkk. lol I'm not gonna give you empty promises and say that I know when the next part will be posted but I feel like I will eventually finish this story... just at my own pace and when I feel motivated to write.

- I also moved so things have changed in my life, and I'm still tryna settle in so once again, I'm sorry for my inconistency and I love each and every one of you for giving me your support regardless. You guys are my drive to keep updating this even after years and years.

- This chapter is shorter than my usual length and no Aiden this time but we will soon be getting to the exciting stuff, do not worry 

- also happy 275k+ words HAHAHAHAH

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POV: Third person

Nero's footsteps thumped across the carpeted floor, his agitation filling every corner of Leonardo's sleek, glass-walled office as he paces around. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the room, glinting off the books, photographs and showpieces on the shelves. Leo, elegant in a tailored suit (as per usual), watched his boyfriend's restless pacing with a mixture of concern and affectionate exasperation.

"Nero, sweetheart, love of my life, baby, if you keep this up, you'll wear a groove into the floor," Leonardo said, attempting a soothing tone as he closed his laptop. He found that his boyfriend's troubles were troubling him in return and couldn't find it in himself to concentrate on the paperwork in front of him.

Nero whirled around, eyes blazing but cheeks and ears slowly turning red. They may have been together for about a month or so but the onslaught of pet names still gets to him. He's sensitive ok? Leo clearly picked up on the fluster and gave Nero a smug smirk, which was ignored by the latter as he vented.

"Leo, I'm serious. This isn't just one of Aiden's little dramas. He's in real trouble and he didn't tell me. Not a word! I had to find out from his bloody brother, of all people. THE BROTHER HE APPARENTLY MADE UP WITH?! Hello? When was this? Where was I when this happened?" He ran a hand through his hair, making it stand up even more wildly. "An arranged marriage? Blackmail? He's been dodging my calls, ignoring my messages— does he not trust me anymore? I thought we were best friends? Brother from another mother?" Nero was spiralling.

Leonardo crossed the room and gently caught Nero's arm, stilling him. "He's probably scared, love. Or ashamed. You know Aiden—he keeps everything locked up inside until he's practically bursting. From what you told me at least; he seems like the type to take on the world for everyone else but refuses to do so when he is in the exact same position. He just doesn't want to trouble you or anyone."

Nero's shoulders slumped, the fight momentarily draining out of him. "He shouldn't have to go through this alone. I should have noticed something was wrong. He should've relied on me. Why is this man so hard to corner all of a sudden?" He took a shaky breath, then straightened, resolve hardening his features. "Call Erwin. Now. Tell him to come up here. I need to talk to him. Properly."

Leo felt chills down his spine at Nero's dark tone and nodded, pulling out his phone. "Alright. But try not to bite his head off, will you?" He dialled quickly, murmured a few words, then hung up. "He'll be here in five." Both of them knew that they had a falling out of sorts and both of them knew those two were being completely idiotic about the whole situation, especially since they knew both sides of the story but obviously, it was not their place to do anything about it. That being said, Leo knew how loyal Nero is to Aiden, so even if his best friend is also in the wrong, he would not hesitate to shred Leo's best friend apart.