Mission: Protect the Ex(2)

Sean took a deep breath and made his way through the small kitchen and hallway leading to the living room, past the stairs leading to the second floor where the bedrooms were. The wooden cabin hadn’t changed much since his high-school years. Same old furniture, lots of pictures of himself and Tom in the woods, even more of Tom and his brother, and the distinct smell of firewood and fresh air.

“Sean?” Aiden had just walked into the living room from the small bathroom next to it and he seemed frozen in place. His features quickly morphed from showing surprise to anger. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Sean shrugged and looked away, taken aback by the intensity of Aiden’s reaction. He almost never swore, except during sex. He’d have to be pretty mad to add “hell” to that question.

“Tom sent me.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. I am fine, you assholes,” Aiden said through gritted teeth and collapsed on the couch.

Sean took a close look at his ex-boyfriend. He didn’t look all that fine. Even through his loose T-shirt and sweats, Sean could tell he’d lost weight. Aiden was sporting some pretty dark circles under his eyes and he had a haunted look.

“Let me guess. He asked and you couldn’t say no?” Aiden’s lips were twisted in a vicious smirk that completely gutted Sean. He couldn’t believe how displeased his ex was to see him. Oh, well, it wasn’t as if he’d expected much, but that reaction hurt nonetheless.

“Something like that,” Sean said, surprised by how strong his voice sounded.

“And is there a particular reason you’re dressed like this?” Aiden’s eyes went up and down Sean’s body, making his stomach twist in an uncomfortable knot.

Sean couldn’t tell him exactly why, could he? Aiden didn’t know about the danger he was in and the man clearly needed a minute after the shock of being surprised by his ex. So Sean grunted instead and turned on his heel, retreating up the stairs. He went into the guest room and set up the rest of his gear. He left his gun upstairs for now, checked the sensors, and quickly changed. He gave himself a little pat on the back for bringing jeans and a couple of T-shirts. Apparently, Aiden had developed a dislike towards everything military since their breakup. No more roleplaying while Sean was in his parade uniform….

When he got back into the living room, he found Aiden pacing. It wasn’t a good sign when he got all restless and fidgety.

“I don’t know what my brother was thinking, but I’m leaving.”

That quiet voice was even worse than Aiden swearing. Sean rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath. “No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll leave.” It was still warm enough outside and he had a military grade sleeping bag. Sean wasn’t about to abandon Aiden there, unprotected. But he could do his job from the woods, he didn’t really need the comfort of the cabin.

Aiden snorted and turned to face him. “Do you think I am that much of an asshole? From the looks of it, you walked here from town. I drove. It’s easier.”

Shit, no, this couldn’t happen! “Aiden… It’s my fault. I knew you had no idea I was coming. Relax, enjoy your weekend here. I’ll be fine.”

“Sean, stop telling me what to do!” Okay, Aiden was shouting. Better now.

“I’m not, I am just fixing my mistake. I’ll be in town in a couple of hours. I have enough daylight and they had vacancies at the inn.” And if they hadn’t, Aiden wouldn’t find out if he stayed here.

Aiden let out a short, breathy laugh. “Oh, yes, soldier boy can march through these woods faster than anyone.”

Sean decided to ignore his obvious sarcasm and shrugged. “I’m not going to let you rush out of here just because I crashed the party, Aiden.” He straightened his body, clenching his fists and staring down his ex. Sean could be just as stubborn.

To his surprise, the anger in Aiden’s body language was gone in an instant. “You’re not going to change your mind.” A simple statement, Aiden knew him very well.

“Not likely, no.”

“Fine. Then we’ll both stay. I am sure we can survive it,” Aiden said, his words barely audible again. He went back to his earlier seat on the couch and struggled to relax.

Sean followed his example and sat on one of the armchairs facing the couch. “So, how have you been?”

“Really, Sean? Small talk?” Aiden asked, arching his perfectly plucked eyebrow.

Sean hadn’t seen the man in six months. He had no better idea, so he owned it. “Can’t hurt more than any other topic.”

“Let’s not pretend like Tom hasn’t given you a full report.” Aiden smirked again. It wasn’t that it was an unfamiliar sight to Sean, he simply hadn’t been the target of it, ever. And he’d never wanted to be in the shoes of those stabbed with it. Sure, he’d missed Aiden like crazy, but this cold welcome only made Sean miss him more. His Aiden was forever lost, and the realization froze his blood.

“No, actually. He called, told me to come here and stay with you. End of story.”

Aiden huffed and shook his head. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“I’ve never in my life lied to you, Aiden.” Sean was suddenly feeling very tired. Emotional exhaustion sucked big time.

“Yes, you did.”

“When exactly?”