Philip used to hate those romance core stories for they didn't really resonate with his life mostly. He did have a family and a background where he came from.
He unlike most of the people under Stanley's management had a home to run back to if he so ever wished to 'change' his ways and become the son they always 'knew' but, he didn't even try.
Was it their fault that he grew up to be the way he is? At the end of the day? It's none of their concern. He is what he is. He chose what he chose. Life went on. He's thirty seven now.
Was that the best thing to do at that time? He's not sure anymore. Even though things changed with the society and all? They still feel the same to him. He's still unable to take risks, to say what's on his mind most of the time, he still craves for people to like him even when it's passersbys but, now?
Maybe he found someone who does it better than just liking him inside out. Someone who sees all the bullshit and still stayed. Or maybe he didn't catch on yet.
"Okay, I can't read that face" Started Aiden getting all defensive, "I know you said no to shopping but, I was already out and in the mall so..."
"I told you I'd wear yours though" Said Philip looking around speechless at the heaps in front of him after his shower, "You don't like me wearing your clothes?"
"Of course I don't" Replied Aiden like Philip was crazy and to make matters worse he left it there. Who does that?.
"That hurts" Said Philip dryly hiding his hurt. Like what the actual fuck?.
"Come, try on this one first" Said Aiden excitedly handing a pair of jeans and a knitted shirt which Philip accepted.
"Well okay, thanks for this" Said Philip before he went to the closet and get changed. And he must admit to himself, although they weren't his style he felt beautiful in them. Like he was this runway model, you can't miss on the streets. How rich was Aiden?
"I knew you were going to love this one best" Came Aiden's voice behind him before he felt his hands from the back to his stomach and settled for a behind-embrace. It was cozy, warm, it felt like home.Home!!
"I love it" Said Philip meaning the words before tip toeing to kiss Aiden who deepened it fervently.
"You are a drug my dear" Breathed Aiden the words not leaving Philip's side, "And your a sweet talker" Replied Philip breathlessly.
Philip loved that, the attention and affection he gets from Aiden. The adoration and worship. What would have happened if he didn't fight with Stanley that night? Would he let a guy like him just pass him by? Would he still be with Stanley at that moment? He didn't want to think all of that so, he chose to play with Aiden a little longer.
"Wait for me at the couch" Said Philip excitedly pushing Aiden to the couch.
"Are you...?" Trailed off Aiden with a smile and Philip answered him with a nod and a knowing smile.
In five minutes, the whole apartment became a runway hall with the music, the lights and the MC, the one person audience, the judge, sponsor... You name it. Philip was having so much fun that he forgot had Jake waiting for him.
Philip never had a feeling like that. He felt like he was acting childish and he loved that side of him when he gazed upon Aiden who was busy clapping and whistling by the couch. He looked goofy as hell.
"Okay, that's enough!" Said Philip catching his breath, Yes, it was fun but, also tiring. "You are going to be late to your appointment"
"Damn! It's already ten?" Asked Aiden to no one when he looked at the wall clock, "Grayson is gonna kill me!"
"Your phone" Said Philip handing Aiden his phone which he accepted before taking the car keys and rushing outside.
"You are not coming with? I can drop you off whatever you are going" Said Aiden when he returned again inside a second later
"I want to take my time choosing my outfit" Replied Philip, tired.
"A flower got to bloom, am I right?" Said Aiden simply before he walked to Philip and kissed him deeper and deeper.
"Give me your phone" Said Aiden to a stunned Philip. His phone? Why? Yes, he didn't have anything to hide or maybe he does? But, why would he want his phone for? Proving something? Did he not trust him and then again, why would he trust a stranger? That'd be weird.
"What's wrong with yours?" Asked Philip cautiously.
"Since physical keys and cards aren't your friends clearly, I decided to make you a key App to unlock the door by your phone" Explained Aiden, "I'm pretty sure you can't lose that"
Philip didn't know why he ever doubted him, It was Philip for heaven's sake. So, he gave him the phone.
"You don't have a password? That's not good" Said Aiden thinking aloud.
"I tend to forget my passwords everytime I put them on" Replied Philip dismissively. He was so tired. Should he just go back to sleep?
"What do you always do when banking then?" Asked Aiden surprised.
"I... I never... I..." Stuttered Philip not really knowing how to say it. The useless him.
"You never even use E-money systems?" Asked Aiden curiously.
"No" Replied Philip simply.
"How old are you?" Teased Aiden earning a playful slap from Philip. "That's rude!"
"So, you always get cash?" Asked Aiden for clarification.
"No, who does that in this era?" Replied Philip with a shrug.
"You do it" Retorted Aiden pointedly.
"Stanley is the one managing my money" Explained Philip putting it short.
"Stanley. Your manager and ex lover?" Mumbled Aiden, "Is he still your manager?"
"I hope so. He's a good manager" Said Philip with a scoff with the memory of firing Stanley dramatically yesterday.
"I'll miss you" Said Aiden handing the phone back to Philip who was having second thoughts. Did he say something bad? Was Aiden angry?.
"Not even a kiss goodbye?" Asked Philip confused. What the hell just happened?.
"I'm sorry" Said Aiden before a kiss on Philip's cheek and went out of the apartment for the final time.
How do people live with that feeling when they feel like they did something bad which they don't know what?. How can you even fix what you don't know is broken?.
Philip was never one in that predicament. He always played by others tune and expectations of him so, he never had that feeling that he made a mistake. Ever.
What was Aiden doing to him?. How was that fair? Leaving a person in suspense like that.