Beside me | ONESHOTs

It was always the same—same time waking up, same time having breakfast, same time going to work—just the same. Or it would be, if it were any other day. But today was different. How different?The bad kind, Aiden thought as he woke up with an unsettling feeling in his stomach, like something bad had happened. His gut was always right, especially when he found himself in an unfamiliar bed, in a hotel room. And next to him was... who?Just a kid! Shit, Aiden, what have you done?! he screamed in his head, panic freezing him in place. He didn't dare to move or breathe as he stared at the boy beside him. The kid was lying on his stomach, dark hair a messy tangle like a bird's nest. He looked peaceful, angelic even, if not for the bright red marks scattered across his neck, shoulders, and bare back—clear evidence of what had happened last night.How could Aiden not remember? How did he end up with this boy? Was he some kind of pedophile monster? No, he wasn't that old, and the kid seemed at least of age, but still...The last thing he clearly remembered was drinking with his best friend, Kaine. Kaine was the type who had one-night stands regularly, always finding his target at bars. Aiden never found joy in such places, but it was Kaine's way of celebrating his promotion, so Aiden had made an exception.He was drinking. Kaine was talking his ear off, hyping him up to drink more. Then... Kaine vanished the moment he spotted someone of his type. And Aiden? He had stayed at the bar, chatting with the bartender, drinking more than usual. Eventually, a group of guys—barely in their twenties—pulled him onto the dance floor. That's where everything became a blur, and his head throbbed as he tried to piece together the missing details.What now? Aiden had never had a one-night stand. He had always been too busy with work, studying, Kaine, and taking care of his handicapped younger sister. He didn't like being touched by strangers, so forming relationships had always been difficult. But maybe... maybe they hadn't gone that far? He clung to the hope that his first time hadn't happened when he was drunk, with someone he barely knew.Moving quietly, Aiden slid out of the oversized bed, careful not to wake the boy. He didn't smell of sweat. Instead, his skin had a faint scent of fresh soap and... that intoxicating fragrance. Was it the boy's?He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He needed a shower, to gather his composure. He wasn't the kind of person to just leave without knowing the boy's name, age, or what had actually happened. And to be honest, the boy was exactly his type. Small, dark-haired, and with that scent that made Aiden feel safe, comfortable even. It wasn't sweet or floral—it was just... right.As cold water cascaded over his skin, his mind started to clear. Panic faded. If this kid woke up next to someone ten years older, not remembering how he got there, he'd be scared too. Aiden would take responsibility if needed, though he had no idea how to handle this.Stepping out of the shower, he found his clothes scattered around the bed and carefully folded the boy's jeans and T-shirt on the bedside table. He poured a glass of water and left it beside the clothes before sitting on a small couch, waiting for the boy to wake up. His phone buzzed. Several missed calls from Kaine, along with messages:"Dude, where are you?""Hey, u OK?""Reply.""Shit, Den, I'm starting to worry.""And that mean it's really bad""hey, bro!""don't tell me someone kidnapped you""or killed you""REPLY!!!"Aiden sighed, feeling guilty for making Kaine worry. Normally, they'd leave together after Kaine's quickie."I'm okay. Just woke up. Sorry for worrying you," he texted back, deciding not to mention what had happened. Kaine would only want to hear the dirty details, and that didn't feel right.It was 8 AM. Not too early, not too late. Aiden glanced at the boy—at his small, cute face, love bites marking his soft skin, his messy hair. His swollen lips. They must've kissed. What did those lips taste like? He wanted to know.He regretted drinking so much. Their night could've been something sweet. The boy's peaceful breathing was sweet, too.Then Aiden noticed something beneath the bed. A prosthetic?Before he could think further, the boy stirred, taking a deep breath as he woke. Aiden straightened instinctively, his heart racing as the boy rubbed his eyes, yawned, and then winced, clearly in discomfort.With a sharp inhale, the boy sat up, groaning in pain, his hand instinctively going to his back. Not just his back—his... his ass.That was all Aiden needed to confirm it. They had slept together.He was about to speak when the boy glanced at the empty side of the bed and paled."No," the boy whispered, panic in his voice. "This can't be... no, no, no."Aiden felt a wave of guilt wash over him. Had he taken advantage of someone so young and innocent?Clearing his throat, Aiden tried to break the tension. The boy flinched, his tear-filled eyes meeting Aiden's. Then, to his shock, the boy burst into tears—heart-wrenching sobs, full of pain but also... relief?Now what? Aiden was terrible at handling emotional people, but he couldn't just sit there.He awkwardly moved to the boy's side and pulled him into a gentle hug. "It's okay. I'm sorry if I scared you."The boy didn't pull away. Instead, he clung to Aiden, burying his face in his shoulder. He still cried, but now it was soft, almost sweet, like a child's whimper."Is that better?" Aiden asked after a moment.The boy nodded."So, why were you crying? Was it because of what we did? To be honest... I don't remember anything." It wasn't the most comforting thing to say, but it was the truth.The boy looked up at him, his expression a mixture of nostalgia, joy, and something else Aiden couldn't quite place. Whatever it was, it made his heart race."No, I wasn't crying because of that. I thought you had left me here. I thought I'd never see you again. I'm so glad you stayed... brother," the boy whispered, the last word hitting Aiden like a punch.Brother?Aiden's mind raced. Did they know each other? He stared at the boy in disbelief."You... have we met before?"The boy nodded, his tears slowing. "Yes. Don't you remember? I'm Noah. Noah Lee. Do you remember me now, senior?"Aiden blinked, trying to process what Noah had just said. Noah? The freshman he'd mentored back in college? He remembered now—the quiet, sweet kid who'd followed him around for a while, asking questions about classes and the campus. Aiden had been swamped with exams and job hunting at the time, so he hadn't thought much about Noah, beyond his responsibility as a mentor. But then Noah had disappeared, just as suddenly as he'd arrived.Aiden only found out later that Noah had been in a car accident. It had been the talk of the campus for a few days, but with everything going on in Aiden's life, he hadn't had time to follow up. He never imagined the kid had gone through something so devastating—or that they would meet again like this.And now, Noah was here, sitting in front of him, no longer that shy freshman, but a man who had clearly been through more than Aiden could have ever imagined."I—I didn't realize," Aiden stammered. "You were... gone. I heard about the accident, but I didn't know what happened after."Noah's eyes softened, though they still shimmered with unshed tears. "Yeah, it was rough for a while. I lost... well, you saw." He gestured towards the prosthetic leg lying on the floor beside the bed.Aiden felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He hadn't been there. He hadn't checked in. He'd just... moved on. But Noah, this boy—no, this man—had clearly remembered him. Enough to look for him, enough to find him again after all these years. And now, after everything, Aiden couldn't help but feel drawn to him."Why didn't you say anything before?" Aiden asked softly, still trying to wrap his mind around the situation. "You should've told me who you were from the start."Noah gave a small, embarrassed laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wasn't sure if you'd even remember me. And, honestly, last night... I wasn't planning on it going like this. I just wanted to see you again and didn't expect you'd be there. I'm sorry. I seduced you last night. I was just so happy to finally find you, I couldn't help myself. Are you mad?"Aiden didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He did neither. Instead, he rested his chin on Noah's shoulder. "I'm not mad. I was just scared. I don't remember how we ended up here, and this was... my first time."Noah's heart raced against his chest. "Your first time? Really?"Aiden nodded. "Yeah. You?"Noah's face lit up. "It was my first time too! Not many people want to be with someone like me, you know... without a leg. But I feel like last night was the most amazing thing I've ever done."Noah's happiness was contagious, and Aiden found himself smiling back. This wasn't what he had expected, but Noah was adorable, and Aiden couldn't deny the warmth growing in his chest.For a moment, neither of them said anything. But then Aiden spoke, his voice softer now, more sure."So, what now?" he asked, his heart racing slightly as he gazed into Noah's deep, dark eyes. "Do you want to try being in a relationship? Because, if I'm being honest, I don't intend to let you go so easily, especially after... last night." A playful smile curved on Aiden's lips as he gently touched Noah's cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his fingers. He suddenly chuckled, pinching Noah's soft cheek.Noah pouted, looking like a small, cute rabbit. Aiden couldn't help himself; he pressed a soft kiss to Noah's lips. And then again, as he found Noah's lips to be so velvety, so comfortable to the touch, he lingered a moment longer, savoring the feeling.Noah laughed, pushing Aiden playfully. "You took my virginity too, so you're responsible for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"Aiden blinked, stunned, but then he laughed. Oh my God. Noah was perfect.Aiden chuckled softly at Noah's playful question. "When are we going to get married? And where do you want to go for the honeymoon?" His heart melted even more at Noah's laughing face. It was only now that he registered Noah was still naked, his body marked with evidence of their night together, and despite everything, still sporting a morning boner.Noah realized Aiden had noticed. His cheeks flushed a deep red from embarrassment. "Sorry," he whimpered, covering his face with his hands.Aiden felt warmth bloom in his chest, a sensation he wasn't familiar with. Was this what people called love? Amorousness? Could he have fallen in love in such a short time?It certainly seemed possible.He gently grabbed Noah's hands and pulled them away from his face. "Hey," Aiden said tenderly, "is that something to be shy about?" He pressed Noah's palm against his crotch so he could feel his half-erection. "This isn't just a morning boner, Noah. It's because I'm aroused by you."Noah's eyes widened in surprise, his lips parting in a small, adorable "O" as he stammered, "W-What?"Aiden smiled and pulled Noah onto his lap, taking in his entire form—his soft, pale, rosy skin marked with bites and love marks. His gaze drifted to Noah's leg, where part of it was missing from the knee down. Instead of being repelled, Aiden was captivated. That scar was a testament to Noah's survival, a sign of strength. It only made him more beautiful in Aiden's eyes.He reached out to touch the scar gently, his admiration clear in his voice. "You're so beautiful, Noah. I've never seen anyone more stunning. And I doubt I ever will. Not that I'd want to." He pushed Noah gently to the center of the bed and leaned over him. "How about we remind ourselves of what we were doing last night... by doing it again?" he teased, his voice became thick with desire.Noah's breath hitched, and he let out a soft, soundless moan in response. "You," he whispered reproachfully, already blushing again. "I didn't know you were this... insatiable. Aren't you too old to be this horny? My ass still hurts."Aiden laughed, shaking his head. "Don't worry—I'll make sure it won't hurt this time. You'll love it. Wanna bet?"He couldn't believe how much of a tease he'd become, but it didn't matter now."Is this finally making love?" Noah asked, wrapping his leg around Aiden's waist to pull him closer. "To celebrate that we're a couple now?""Yeah," Aiden murmured as their bodies pressed together, their breaths mingling. "It's the official sealing of our relationship as boyfriends."Noah's laughter rang out, filling the room with warmth and happiness. "Okay, Mr. Boyfriend."