“Mm, but don’t you think it’s a little cruel to be going out with him after breaking up with Jenna.” Aiden pauses his weightlifting. “It’s not an official date.”
“Yeah, but you seem pretty happy about it.”
“I am happy and I want to continue being happy, I haven’t forgotten about Jenna, but I can’t do anything when she doesn’t want to see me.” Aiden places the weights on the ground and heads towards the showers. He hurries out of his clothes and turns the water to warm. He steps under the shower head and closes his eyes lifting his head up to the ceiling. The water splatters onto his face and hits the back of his eyelids, he lets out a slow sigh and begins to drift away into the dream he had last night. It wasn’t as vivid as the others, but it revolved around sense and sensation. When Kael got near him he could smell him; it was a subtle scent like sand by the ocean and rose petals. Aiden clamps a hand around his neck, pressing the tension away. In the dream Kael never said anything, he’d kind of just smile and take Aiden’s hands. He’d caresses the knuckles on Aiden’s fingers and their eyes would meet. Aiden’s hand drops from his neck and then to his own stomach where he traces his fingers in little circles around his navel. In the dream he’d kiss Kael’s nose, his forehead, each finger on his hand and then his lips where their tongues would entangle. Goosebumps prickle up and down his spine and his eyes snap open when there’s a sudden spring between his legs.
“Oh hell no, not again.” He quickly switches the water to cold and shoves his ashen bangs out of his eyes. He thinks about the assignment that was due tomorrow and about the recipe he could never quite get right. Gradually he calms down; Aiden places his palms against the shower wall and takes a deep breath. “I can’t think like that.” The water pierces his skin in cold bullets and his shoulder blades move with his hands.
~
The nightlife of Melia was a quiet way of life, with late night lounges open to young adults and couples looking for fun. There was also the shopping and food district in which Aiden and Kael were currently walking.
Kael was walking beside Aiden, a corndog between his lips. “I’ve never ate something like this.” Aiden’s eyes widen. “You can’t be serious.” Kael nods. “I’d have chefs sent to my room and they’d make everything.” Aiden scoffs. “Are you some sort of Prince from India?” He jokes and Kael laughs bitterly. “Maybe I am….” Aiden looks to him and stares at him, he stops walking but Kael walks a few feet further before glancing back. “What’s wrong?” Aiden’s eyebrows furrow and he starts off slowly. “Kael…you…you never talk about your parents.”
“Should I?”
“No, I mean…you never tell me anything.” Kael tilts his head. “I do.”
“Yeah, but it’s all superficial, who are you. Your background, what you hate, your weaknesses.”
“You already know my weaknesses.” Aiden thinks it over. “Your panic attacks?” Kael nods. “Yes, but.”
“Why do you want to know me anyways? Isn’t it fine like this?” Kael gestures to the space between them. “If we’re like this—friends—neither of us risk getting hurt.”
“But what if it’s too late and we’ve already been hurt?” Aiden questions and Kael can only stare back at him, his expression falling. “What…exactly do want this to become Aiden?” Kael asks taking a step towards him. Aiden continues to stare into Kael’s eyes and he takes a step closer to him. “I want…” Kael brings the corndog away from his lips and earnestly listens to Aiden. “You want to be close to me, but you’re afraid of what will happen once we get close, isn’t that right?” Kael asks, Aiden shakes his head. “No, no that’s not it. I’m not afraid, I want to be near you.” Kael shakes his head and takes a step back. “No, don’t say that.”
“Kael, I think I’m beginning to—”
“Don’t!” Kael shouts, Aiden stares at him. “Kael….”
“That night, when you were drunk, I kissed you.” Kael confesses. “I kissed you because I realized that I liked you and I was fine with liking you from a distance because then,” Kael takes a deep breath. “I wouldn’t hurt you anymore than I already have.”
“You…kissed me…” Aiden’s eyes glaze over and he brings a finger to his lips. “You’re saying…you like me…”
“Forget it Aiden.” Kael brushes past him, but Aiden grips his wrist. “This time…I don’t want to forget, I can’t continue being ‘just’ friends with you.” Kael looks over his shoulder at Aiden and sighs. “Don’t you feel wrong for clinging onto me after breaking up with Jenna?” Kael asks with a glare, Aiden looks to him and slowly he shakes his head. “You see…that’s why I’m cruel. I don’t feel wrong at all.” Aiden pulls Kael into him and wraps him in his arms. “I close my eyes and I see your face.” He blurts, Kael’s expression remains blank. “When I dream…I touch you.” Aiden watches as the pupils in Kael’s eyes expand. “I kiss you and caress you.” Aiden brings a hand to Kael’s cheek. “Kind of like this and a little like this.” His hand drops to Kael’s hips, the younger stares at Aiden in shock. “Let’s not run away from this anymore Kael.” Aiden cups his face; people pass them and point and whisper to each other. Kael begins to panic, glancing over Aiden’s shoulder for his father’s little spies. Would they report what they saw to his father? If so…what would happen to Aiden? Kael breaks out of his grip and bites his bottom lip. “Ignore it, Aiden.” He commands. “I can’t just ignore you!” Aiden exclaims throwing his hands in the air. “You appear out of nowhere and since the beginning you’ve been a complete mystery to me.” Aiden points to Kael, his eyes shaking with emotions. “You’ve captivated me.” Kael looks away, his heart aching. This? Didn’t you want this? A confession from the person whom you’ve grown close to.
“You’ll have to distance yourself if you don’t want to hurt him.” Janus’s words reappear and Kael shoves a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to do that, to tear himself away from Aiden after establishing a connection with him. Kael thought about all the times Aiden saved him from his panic attacks. The first time Aiden was bewildered, his almond-like eyes flicking across Kael’s face to make sure he was alright and then he said those simple words: “I’m here. Breathe.” That was the beginning, when Kael’s heart began to change. “I’m here for you, Kael.”
There was a warmth wrapped around his palm, Kael looks down—Aiden was holding his hand. “I get it, you’re still new to dating, so don’t think of it as dating…just think of it as being with me.” Even though he was smiling there was an underlying tone of sadness in his voice. “We can continue to hang out like we always do, but only now…you know how I feel.” Aiden smiles sheepishly as he tugs Kael down the sidewalk with him. “Didn’t you say you wanted to go shopping?” Aiden glances back at Kael and smiles for all that he’s worth. “You’re really stubborn.” Kael mumbles, Aiden shrugs. “Everyone who’s close to me tells me that.” He laughs obnoxiously. “It’s something I’m used to.” He winks, taking the corndog from Kael and eating what was left. He chews and chews, his cheeks filling up and Kael laughs at the image. “You’re being really cheeky right now.” Kael cracks and Aiden laughs spewing corndog all over the place. “Ew.”
“That was really lame, Stale Kael.” Aiden says, casually slipping in the nickname he had given Kael. They walk down the sidewalk, hand in hand, their shoulders bobbing with laughter and their hearts soaring with a temporary joy. Aiden looks to Kael and his eyes melt as the brunette points to different styles of the same shirts. His eyes fall into a tender gaze, his fingers squeezing around Kael’s hand just a little bit tighter. “You wear too much black.” Kael says and Aiden rolls his eyes. “You should start wearing less color.”
“No way, I’m not blending into the background like you.” Kael slips his hand out of Aiden’s and bounces about the racks. Aiden lags behind crossing his arms over his chest and watching Kael. The Prince didn’t get out much, so this was an opportunity—two birds with one stone—shopping, exploring and Aiden.
Yes, Aiden Kim.
> The bodyguard that has always been by Kael’s side, protecting him and serving him without even knowing it.
When we close our Eyes Pt. 3
Date to meet the Prince: 8/26/15
Current date: 8/23/15
Aiden stares at the dates on his calendar and picks up his pillow and throws it. For the rest of this week he wouldn’t be able to see much of Kael. His free time would be spent studying and training and later talking with his parents. Janus would call them in more often and they’d train out in a secluded field to practice their shooting a little bit more. He rolls off of his bed and lies face down on the floor. He kicks his feet in a mini tantrum. He just wanted to see Kael and not train to protect some lousy Prince. He probably doesn’t even know how to be royal. Aiden groans, rolling onto his back. He stares at the ceiling and chews on his bottom lip. “I wonder what Kael thinks of the Prince?” He questions aloud, his fingers teasing the roots of his ashen locks. Aiden thought about it for a moment; if Kael knows that I’m a bodyguard maybe I can express to him all my worries and lean on him just a little bit more. The thought had Aiden smiling and jumping to his feet happily. Jenna had yet to text him or call him or even pass by his house. But that was alright, she’d appear in front of him when she’s ready. He grabs his gray hoodie but stops before putting it on. “You wear too much black.” Remembering Kael’s words, Aiden places his hoodie back and slips into the bright red one Kael had bought for him last night. “You seriously don’t have to buy this for me.” Kael shakes his head. “Think of it as borrowing. I’m buying this jacket for me and just lending it to you for the time being.” Aiden stares at Kael and then he laughs, his eyes twinkling. The jacket was soft against his arms and the zipper was golden. He steps out into the hallway running into his mother. “Aiden, good morning.” She reaches over and ruffles his hair, he smiles under her touch. She takes a step back and eyes him up and down. “New jacket?”
“A friend bought it for me.” Her eyebrows raise. “Wow…you never wear what I buy you or what Jenna…” She clamps a hand over her mouth, Aiden laughs softly. “It’s okay to talk about her.”
“Are you sure?” Aiden nods. “I still care about her, she’ll always remain my special teddy bear.” Aiden had given her such a nickname when they were younger. It happened in their first year of middle school. Aiden was being picked on by a few upperclassmen, he told Jenna that he could handle them and he did, but it was only when they were walking home together did he break down. He’d grip her arm and hold onto her tightly. Since then he started calling her teddy bear, but he didn’t use the nickname as frequently anymore. His mother smiles at him and pinches his cheek between her fingers. “You’re growing up.” Aiden laughs.
“I’ve always been this way.” She shakes her head.
“No, you’re changing…Jenna changed you once…so I wonder who’s changing you now.” She pats his cheek before walking past him. Aiden turns around and stares after his mother. He contemplates her words and then shrugs them off. He’s thought about telling his parents about Kael and how close they had become, but he would refrain from doing so until after he met the Prince and got settled into his new position. When he first started training he didn’t try to get close to the other trainees.
…..
Aiden was standing distractedly, picking at his nails and pushing his bangs back. Janus was pacing up and down the row of young men, sizing them up with his eyes. He stops in front of Aiden and tilts his head. “Did you not hear my orders?” Janus asks softly. Aiden smacks his lips and continues picking at his nails as though he hadn’t heard Janus. Janus looks to the other young men making sure they weren’t questioning his authority. He leans towards Aiden and whispers, “At least try to act as though you’re listening to me.” Janus looks back and pulls a pleading half smile. Micah leans forward on his toes to get a better look at the two. Aiden rolls his eyes and reluctantly straightens up, his hands stiffly placed at his sides. Janus lets out a breath and nods before walking past Aiden and towards the other men. There were twelve in total, the King and Queen didn’t ask for an entire brigade, just a dozen that could properly protect their son and guard the castle. They started off with basic training and stamina build up.
They jogged in place and around the floor of the building. During the second week Janus ordered them to run up and down the entire length of the staircase. Aiden was breathless, sweat staining his shirt as he ran. He had clipped his bangs to the side and loosened two buttons on his top. “Get used to wearing suits like these, you don’t only protect the Prince, but you protect his image.” Janus had said. “Don’t appear in front of them in rag-tag clothing, you’ll be quickly dismissed as though you’ve sinned against the royal crown.” Complete bullshit, Aiden thought. Aiden slows his pace to gather his breath and Micah quickly catches up to him.
The dark haired male slaps a hand onto his back and greets him with a smile. “I’m Micah, you probably see me in the halls at school.” Aiden looks up and squints at him. Micah smiles. “You’re Aiden, right?” Micah asks heartily, Aiden says nothing. “Come on, it’s good to have someone who’s got your back in this type of workplace.” Aiden knocks Micah’s hand off of his back and takes off into a sprint. Micah wastes no time in catching up to him, he continues the conversation. “I heard about your sister, Skye, were you forced to join?” Aiden ignores him, but that doesn’t faze Micah. “I’m sorry for your loss…but are you going through with this in hope of getting revenge?” Aiden stops running and turns to look at Micah, he grips the front of his shirt and pushes him up against a wall. Micah doesn’t seem the least bit caught off guard by Aiden’s sudden actions, it’s almost as though he was expecting it. “If I am? Are you going to tattle and run your little mouth to the King and Queen?” He grits, Micah stares down at him and shakes his head. “You’ve got me all wrong.” Micah easily slips out of Aiden’s grip. A few other recruits jog past them. “We all hate the Lennon family, they’re a bunch of royal asses, their son included.” Aiden continues to squint at him as he spoke. “And you blame the Prince for your sister’s death, it was him who started the fire, right?” Aiden hesitates before nodding. “You aren’t planning to kill him, are you?”
“No…not really.”
“Mm, well if you ever think to, let me know and I’ll jump ship with ya.” Aiden nods, a small smile slipping onto his lips. “Alright.” Micah takes a step ahead of him and says. “Let’s finish this together and everything else, lets finish it all together.” Micah thrusts his hand out. “I can’t die before you and you can’t die before me, got it?” Aiden takes Micah’s hand. “Got it.” And they shake.
….
Since then Aiden only grew closer to Micah and they developed some sort of brotherly relationship. Micah was still oblivious to a few things, like the relationship he and Janus have together. But now that relationship was on edge. Did Jenna tell Janus? He hadn’t gotten a text from Janus or from Francis. He swallows nervously. Francis was probably pissed off and purposely ignoring him. Aiden is struck with an idea and takes a detour to the gas station in which Francis worked telling himself that Janus wouldn’t be upset if he were a few minutes late.
~*~
Francis was standing outside helping a customer fill up her car with gas. She tried to make light conversation, her hand magically finding its way to his shoulder. “Your hair is really nice.” Francis grips her fingers before they touch his head. “Don’t touch me.” He throws her hand to the side and finishes filling up her car. She looks to him both flustered and shocked, she crosses her arms over her chest and turns away from him. Aiden approaches Francis from behind and calls his name. “Francis!” Francis spins around and locks gazes with Aiden. He was wearing a bright red jacket, his hands waving side to side enthusiastically. He places the pump back where it belongs, bows to the woman and hurries over to Aiden. “Are you ignoring me too?” He asks, Francis doesn’t back down from Aiden’s gaze. “Jenna told me.” The smile on Aiden’s face falls and he asks Fra
ncis when his next break is. “I can take one right now.” He takes off his work hat and follows Aiden to the burger shop beside the gas station. Aiden orders two burgers, a large fry and a bottle of orange juice. Francis devours his burgers noisily, Aiden waits patiently for him to finish. The burger shop was full of smoke and was quite hot, but it balanced the chilly air that was outside. People were talking around them, some louder than others and every now and then a baby would wail and a drunk man would babble about some story when he was in high-school. Francis wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and finally he starts speaking. “We ate at the restaurant where you celebrated your 15th birthday with us.”
“Was the food still the same?” Aiden asks, Francis nods. “She cried Aiden.”
“I’m sorry.” Francis shakes his head. “You said you’d never hurt her…” Francis’s voice was stern, but Aiden could hear a faint tinge of hurt and broken trust beneath his words. “She protected you and looked after you when Skye died.”
“I know…”
“What happened? Was it because of Kael?” Aiden’s head snaps up and Francis scoffs. “You fell for another man?”
“I—yes—I do like him.”
“Oh my god…” Francis exhales, jabbing a finger at Aiden. “Do you even know who he is?”
“No….but I’m learning.” Francis laughs at Aiden’s reply. “You’re learning?!”
“I’m willing to take the time to learn about him.” Francis reaches over the table and knocks Aiden in his chest. “You’re so oblivious.” Aiden rubs the spot where Francis had hit him. “I hope you hurt and I hope Kael hurts too.” Francis’s expression transforms into an evil sneer. “If I have to…I’ll make him hurt.” He threatens, Aiden’s eyes widen. “Francis, you wouldn’t.” Francis leans back and shrugs. “Who knows…you hurt the person most dearly to me.” Jenna watched over Francis when he was younger, since Francis lost his parents, Jenna was there and replaced both of them. She’d balance school and her studies with Francis and she never seemed to mind. “Don’t come looking for her.” Francis says, rising to his feet.
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