When they got home, Aiden was unusually quiet. The bounce in his step was gone, and his usual dramatic nagging about how much he hated libraries didn't come as Hunter was expecting. Instead, he slipped off his shoes and walked straight to the couch, sitting down with a lost look in his eyes.
"Hey?" Hunter furrowed his brows, locking the door behind him before turning to Aiden. "Are you okay?"
Aiden blinked out of his thoughts and turned to him with a smile that didn't quite convince Hunter.
"Huh? Yeah! I was just pretending. You know, to make an excuse in front of him so we could leave quickly. He talks too much, and my ears were about to bleed."
Hunter didn't look like he believed him. He walked over and sat beside Aiden, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. "Are you sure? You were really quiet after I came back with the phone. You're not like that unless something's bothering you. Did he do anything–"
"No!" Aiden yelled, making Hunter doubt him more. "H-He didn't do anything. I just don't want to be out there anymore."
Aiden knew Hunter already had enough on his plate with upcoming exams and part time jobs. He doesn't want to worry him with other useless things. What if he did tell Hunter. He'd definitely go and confront Liam right away. What if Liam went crazy on him next? Aiden don't want Hunter to get hurt.
So, he kept the truth to himself.
Hunter searched his eyes for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, but if something is wrong, you have to tell me, okay?"
Aiden smiled and gave him a little salute. "Yes, sir."
Hunter got up and glanced at the clock. "It's almost time for my shift. I should head out."
Aiden's heart skipped. Liam was still out there with his psycho smile. He wanted Hunter to stay back. If he makes an excuse of being sick. Hunter would definitely take a leave for him.
But then Hunter's pay would be cut. Aiden clutched the hem of his hoodie. No. I can't be selfish. He works so hard already…
Hunter returned from the kitchen. "I have prepared some snacks for you. Don't forget to eat them." He leaned down to kiss his forehead. "I'll be back around ten. Don't open the door for anyone, alright?"
Aiden nodded, trying to hold back the anxiety boiling in his chest. "Okay."
Hunter gave him an affectionate smile and turned to leave, but before he could reach for the door Aiden called out to him. "Hunter?!"
Hunter spun around. "Yeah?"
Aiden was frozen for a second thinking what he should, after a while he forced a smile. "Nothing. Go, don't be late."
Hunter tilted his head as he sensed something unsaid but he didn't push. Instead, he smiled warmly and full of that same kindness that made Aiden fall so hard for him and said. "Call me if you need anything. Even if it's just to complain about being bored."
Aiden nodded and watched him go. The moment the door shut behind him, Aiden's smile dropped. He set the snack box aside, curled up on the couch, and stared at the front door like it might open again any second and Liam might be behind it this time.
And for the first time he didn't feel safe in his own house.
◾◾◾
Liam sat at a corner booth with his one leg casually crossed over the other. His eyes were glued to Hunter like a hawk as he wondered whether Aiden had snitched to him.
He replayed the scene from earlier and how Aiden clearly looked disturbed. But now Hunter was acting normal. Liam was expecting Hunter to snap his neck the moment Hunter saw him.
But nothing like that happened much to his relief. Liam leaned back, eyes narrowing as Hunter passed by again with a tray of drinks. He remembered what Hunter did to those bullies a few weeks ago.
And now this is about his boyfriend. So why isn't Hunter breathing fire?
Liam decided to find out whether Hunter knew or not. He sat up straighter and forced a casual chuckle, waving at Hunter as he approached with a new order.
"Hey, so uh…what was up with Aiden earlier? He dragged you out like someone set him on fire."
Hunter didn't look up at him right away, just placed a plate of fries on a nearby table before turning back.
"He was tired. That's all," he let out casually.
"Tired?" Liam echoed again, testing the waters. "He didn't seem tired to me. More like pissed off."
Hunter just shrugged uninterestedly. "He gets cranky when he doesn't nap. That's normal for him."
Liam blinked and then smirked. So he didn't tell him. Hah. The good little boyfriend sure knows how to keep his mouth shut.
He exhaled through his nose, nodding in mock understanding. "Right. Poor guy. You're lucky, you know? He's really loyal."
Hunter shot him a brief look. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hah, nothing deep." Liam laughed like a crazed man.
Hunter shook his head, he's too busy to pay attention.
Inside Liam's twisted head, Liam thought of the time he first saw Aiden.
From the moment Liam laid eyes on Aiden at school, he was obsessed. That first time was in the hallway when Aiden was laughing with his friends and his cardigan slipping off his shoulder. He looked so petite, soft-looking, and sexy in a way that made Liam's go blank. He just so happened to be Liam's type. Like a perfect little doll.
He tried to approach Aiden so many times but failed because Aidem would always be surrounded either by his loud friends or Hunter who protects him like a shield.
That cold bastard would always be glued to Aiden like a bodyguard and never let him alone or let anyone get close to him.
Liam had no chance. So he changed tactics. If he couldn't get to Aiden directly, he'd go through the wall. Become Hunter's "friend" and get close to Aiden.
That's why Liam joined to work here when in reality he came from a wealthy family. He just wants to find ways to get Hunter out of the way and move close to Aiden.
And now it's working. Aiden didn't tell Hunter and he was still clueless.
You'll be in my hands soon. Liam leaned back again and resumed watching Hunter work.
Hunter was practically glowing as he stepped out of the taxi with a bag of Aiden's favorite milkshakes. He couldn't wait to see Aiden's excitement. He reached the front door and rang the bell. But the moment the door creaked open, his expression froze in surprise.
Standing there were wasn't his little boyfriend but Mrs. Harvey.
"A-Ah…" Hunter blinked profusely, trying his best to hide his disappointment. "Good evening, Aunt. You're back…early?"
Mrs. Harvey smiled tiredly, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders. "Yes, we are. The court gave a new date, so the case was postponed. We figured there was no point staying away longer. Come inside first."
"Oh, I hope everything's okay," He followed her inside and found Aiden's dad plopped on the couch.
Mr. Harvey sighed and waved a dismissive hand. "Just the usual delays. But enough about that. Thank you, Hunter, for taking care of Aiden all this time. You've done more than we could've asked."
Hunter shifted the bag in his hand, forcing a small smile to cover the ache building in his chest.
They're back. Which means it's time to go.
"You don't have to thank me. I just wanted him to be okay while you were gone."
Mrs. Harvey nodded with a kind smile, then glanced at the stairs. "Speaking of him, he's upstairs. The idiot locked himself in his room and I don't even know why. He didn't even greet us properly. He has never reacted this way."
But Hunter already knew why. His chest tightened as he believed that Aiden must be upset just like him.
He forced another smile and lifted the milkshake bag. "I'll go give him these. Maybe he'll come out after drinking something sweet."
Mrs. Harvey touched his arm lightly. "Go ahead. He listens to you more than us, anyway."
As the couple disappeared down the hall toward their bedroom, Hunter quietly climbed the stairs but for some reason today each step was heavier than the last time.
Aiden's door was closed and Hunter stood in front of it for a long time. His hand hovered just inches from the wood.
After this…I might not get to stay here anymore. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before knocking.
"Aiden? It's me. I brought your favorite—" Suddenly, the door flew open, and before Hunter could react, he was yanked inside. The bag dropped with a soft thud. "Aiden—?"
Aiden flung himself into Hunter's chest with force, wrapping his arms around him and clinging so tight it knocked the wind out of Hunter. Hunter froze for a heartbeat, then slowly closed his arms around him. The door shut with a quiet thud behind Hunter, and he barely had time to blink before Aiden looked up at him with tears flowing down his cheeks.
"I'll not let y-you leave me," Aiden's voice trembled as he stared at Hunter like he was slipping through his fingers. "You're not g-going back to that…that cold and horrible place."
"Aiden…" Hunter started with a tight chest and pained heart but Aiden suddenly darted in front of the door and locked it with shaking hands. Then he pressed his back against it, arms outstretched like a barrier to Hunter from walking out.
"I won't let you! I won't! You're not going back there. I know I said I loved being with you there but I hate that place!" His words cracked into sobs. His small frame trembled violently as he clutched the doorknob behind him, eyes wide and desperate, cheeks already blotchy and wet. "Y-You promised you'd never leave me. Don't break it. D-Don't go…"
Hunter's heart ached so fiercely it felt like it might split in half. He exhaled slowly and walked forward with gentle steps. When he reached Aiden, he raised a hand and wiped the tears from his flushed cheeks with his thumb.
"Look at you," he murmured with a soft bittersweet smile. "You're crying so much, your nose's all red."
He leaned in and pressed a deep kiss to Aiden's lips. He planned just for a sweet peck but Aiden didn't let him pull back and dragged him closer. But even while kissing Hunter, his sobs didn't stop.
Without breaking the kiss, Hunter scooped him up effortlessly, one arm under his knees, the other around his back. Aiden hungerily moved his wet lips against Hunter's desperate ones, breathing in shaky gasps as his fingers clutched his shirt.
Hunter carried him gently to the bed, laying him down with the care of someone handling glass. Their kisses were messy and tear-streaked, but full of all the words Aiden couldn't say out loud. All the fears. All the love.
When Hunter finally pulled back, Aiden's eyes were glassy and swollen. His face was streaked with drying tears, his lashes were wet and trembling. His lower lip quivered as he stared up at Hunter with such vulnerability, the sight might have turned him on if the situation was different.
"You look so adorable I can just eat you up," Hunter whispered while brushing away damp strands of hair from Aiden's forehead. He began pressing kisses across Aiden's face, his temples, his puffy cheeks, the corner of his mouth, and the tip of his red nose. "My little crybaby."
Aiden sniffled and more tears slipped free. "P-Please don't g-go…"
Hunter cupped his face and kissed his forehead before pulling him into his chest. "I have to…for now."
But Aiden started to panic again, his breaths growing shallow and fast. "I-I won't let you, what if something happens to you there? That place is not safe at all! What if you catch a c-cold Hunter!"
"Shh….breath. Just breathe baby," Hunter soothed him and stroked his back. While rocking him gently, he pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. "What kind of boyfriend am I if I can't even afford my own decent place yet, huh?"
Aiden hiccuped. "I don't c-care—"
"I do," Hunter smiled, brushing the tears from his chin. "Because you deserve more than some falling-apart room with a creaky floor and broken bed. I want to give you the best. I'm working hard so that one day, I can bring you to a warm place with a big window and a soft bed you never want to leave."
He hugged Aiden again, pressing kisses into his shoulder. "So please…be strong for me. You're my strength, Aiden. When you cry like this, it makes me weak too. And I need to be strong right now for us."
Aiden didn't say anything anymore. He didn't want to be the reason for making Hunter weak when Hunter is suffering so much for both of them.
"I'll miss y-you." He gazed at Hunter's smiling face.
Hunter kissed the tears from his cheeks, his own eyes damp. "I'll miss you even more."
Hunter sighed and planted a kiss on his forehead, they stayed curled up together on the bed, the room was quiet except for Aiden's soft breathing but it gradually slowed down. Hunter whispered soothing things in his ear and held him until Aiden's body finally relaxed, his breathing evening out and soon sleep took over him.
Hunter looked down at the sleeping boy in his arms, still clutching his shirt even in sleep. Hunter smiled faintly. He kissed Aiden's forehead one last time and lingered there for a moment.
"Very soon I'll come back for you. And I'll take you somewhere better. Somewhere you'll never have to cry like this again."
With that, Hunter carefully tucked the blanket around him, not letting go until the last possible moment until the stars outside were high. He pulled away and left.
But his heart stayed behind, curled up in the warmth of Aiden's arms.