Aaron dropped down on his bed, his hands covering his face. How embarrassing. He knew that Shawn was a jerk, and he had no idea why he was ever with him in the first place. Sometimes it seemed like the only type of guys Aaron could attract were lousy cheaters and assholes.
His hands slid from his face. He really hoped Daniel wouldn’t say anything to Jacob. The last thing he needed was another lecture from his brother about being more cautious of guys.
Sitting up, Aaron moved over to his desk and opened his laptop. Had he been too harsh with Daniel? He hadn’t meant to get angry, he had just been so embarrassed.
Aaron tried to focus on the words on his screen. He scrolled through his graphs, trying to remember where he had left off. He sat back with a sigh.
He couldn’t believe Shawn had shown up at his house! He thought he had made it clear that it was over between them.
He and Shawn had been together for six months. Aaron just wanted to move on and focus on his research.
Looking back at his computer, Aaron decided he wasn’t going to get much done. He shoved his laptop in his bag and threw on a light jacket. If he couldn’t work here, he might as well head to campus early.
He quietly opened the door and glanced around the living room. Daniel’s bags were gone and his bedroom door was closed.
He pulled the door shut behind him and made his way to the front door. He really didn’t want to talk to Daniel right now. Aaron sighed a little as he trudged down the stairs. He wasn’t necessarily angry at him, he was just….
Aaron paused at the bottom of the staircase. Why had he gotten so upset? Was it just because he didn’t want his brother to know about this?
Maybe. Or was it because he didn’t want Daniel to know about his bad history with relationships…
Aaron glanced up at the apartment window as he made his way down the street. He had had fun with Daniel this morning. He had regretted not tagging along with Daniel to the store. Aaron’s lips twisted into a wry smile. If he had done that, he probably would have missed Shawn too.
Had he made things awkward with Daniel? He hadn’t meant to snap at him.
“...you could do better..” Aaron muttered under his breath. How could Daniel possibly know that? Was he just trying to be nice, or was he just assuming because he was friends with Jacob?
His university was only a ten-minute walk away. He dodged around other students and pulled open the library door.
He quickly found a quiet corner and sat down to work.
Just as he was settling into his paper, his phone buzzed.
How are things going with Daniel??
Aaron shook his head. It had only been a few hours! What was Jacob expecting?
Fine. Why didn’t you tell me you were best friends with my favorite author?!?
He didn’t have to wait long for his brother’s reply…
I didn’t want you fangirling all over my best friend
Aaron snorted. Jacob was probably right about that. Rolling his eyes, he sent a quick reply and focused back on his paper.
His phone buzzed again, Aaron glanced down expecting another text from his brother.
So you’re slutting around now? How quick did you jump on that dick?
His stomach twisted. An unknown number. This would be the third number that Shawn had used to text him this week. Aaron's fingers shook a little as he blocked it.
How did he get involved with guys like Shawn? Sighing, he rested his forehead on his hands. Shawn was by far the worst guy he’d ever dated. He couldn’t believe it took catching him cheating to leave. Aaron groaned a little at the thought of Jacob finding out about the texts and showing up at his apartment. Maybe it was a good thing that Shawn thought he and Daniel were a thing. Maybe he’ll just give up now.
Aaron rubbed his fingers over his eyes as he sat back up. He knew that was just wishful thinking. Maybe he should tell his brother about this…
Trying to shake off his unease, Aaron turned his focus back to his work. He would give Jacob a call tonight.
***
Aaron stifled a yawn as he unlocked his front door. After a day of research, class, and grading papers all he wanted was a hot shower and a pair of sweats.
Aaron’s mouth began watering the moment he walked through the door. How long had it been since he came home to the smell of dinner? He slung his bag onto the couch and glanced toward the kitchen. There were two places set on the island and Daniel was standing over something at the stove.
“Welcome home!” Daniel grinned as he wiped his hands on the borrowed apron he was wearing. “I hope you don’t mind, I thought I’d make dinner...though don’t get used to it unless you want to eat the same thing every day!”
“Thanks, I’m starving” Aaron smiled, happy that instant noodles were no longer on the menu. He sat down at the island and leaned back. When was the last time someone had cooked for him?
“Food will be ready in just a minute,” Daniel gave the pot on the stove another stir, “do you drink wine?”
Aaron nodded, happily moving the glass in front of him forward. Daniel poured a generous glass of red.
“How was your day?”
Aaron took a moment to enjoy a sip of wine before answering. “It was alright, busy,” he took another sip enjoying the body of the wine Daniel had picked out, “yours?”
“Oh just work,” Daniel lifted one of the pots on the stove and poured it into a colander, “I have a deadline coming up soon.”
“You’re working on a new book?” Aaron perked up.
“Yep,” Daniel scooped thick red sauce out of a pot, smothering a plateful of noodles, “and no, you can’t read it yet.”
Aaron felt his face flush, “how did you…”
Daniel smiled, “people always ask.”
He sat next to Aaron, setting down two plates of pasta.
“Mmmm, thank you!” he twirled his fork in the noodles and noodles and took a big bite, “this is really good!” he said after swallowing.
“I’m glad!” the older man took a sip of his wine.
Aaron dug into his food. Maybe living with his brother’s best friend wouldn’t be all that bad.
Aaron finished drying the last dish and poured himself another glass of wine.
“You didn't have to do the dishes” Daniel was still sipping his first glass.
“No, you cooked, so I clean, that’s the rule.”
“That was always Jacob's rule too,” Daniel took a sip “I can’t tell you how many times he has invited me over to dinner then made me do the dishes.”
Aaron laughed, “ya that sounds like my brother.” he pushed away from the counter he was leaning against, “speaking of my brother, I have to go call him.” He gulped down the rest of his wine and took a deep breath trying to mentally prepare for the lecture he was about to get.
“Tell him I say hi” Aaron nodded as he grabbed his phone and headed for his bedroom. After closing the door, he tapped his brother’s icon on his phone and held it up to his ear. He squeezed his eyes shut as it rang.
“Hey, little bro! How’s life with a roomie?” Jacob’s cheery voice boomed out of the phone.
“It’s good...he made dinner…” he said lamely.
“I knew you two would get along!”
Aaron rolled his eyes, “Jacob it has only been a day, we’ll see how it goes.” He took a deep breath, “Jacob, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about…it's important…”
“Oh?” His brother’s voice was tinged with concern.
“Umm well, you see...I was dating this guy...and well, we broke up…a few weeks ago.” Aaron paused to steady his breath, “Since we broke up, he’s kind of been following me and texting me nonstop…and I’m not really sure what to do…”
“......”
Aaron bit his lip, waiting for his brother to say something.
“......”
“Umm….Jacob?”
“...Seriously Aaron?” Jacob's voice boomed from the phone, “where do you even find these guys?!?”
“I don't know,” Aaron said quietly.
“He’s following you? How often? Have you talked to the police?”
Aaron swallowed, his throat suddenly dry, “Ya, he showed up here this morning. I asked him to leave me alone, but he’s been calling and texting from different numbers,” he fiddled with the edge of a blanket, his stomach twisting with nerves, “I haven’t talked to the police, should I?”
“I mean ya, if he is stalking you, of course you should go to the police” Aaron winced at the exasperation in his brother’s voice, “fuck, Aaron, it’s not normal to follow someone around after you break up. I mean who is this guy? Is he dangerous?”
“N-no I don’t think he would do anything. I think he’s just mad that I dumped him.” Shawn may have been a jerk, but he wasn’t violent.
“I think you need to talk to the police and file a restraining order.”
“What? Seriously? Don’t you think that’s a little drastic?”
“Drastic!?! The guy is following you and using burner phones to harass you. Trust me, a restraining order is not drastic. Me hunting this guy down and beating the shit out of him wouldn’t even be drastic!” Jacob’s voice growled out of the phone.
“Okay, okay. I’ll go file a restraining order tomorrow,” Aaron licked his lips, “it’s just that…”
“I know,” Jacob’s voice softened, “I’ll come with you. I promise nothing bad will happen.”
Aaron felt a little guilty for relying on his brother so much, but he was relieved that Jacob would be going with him.
“I’m sorry, Jacob.”
“You don’t have anything to be sorry about. This guy is the problem, not you.” Jacob paused, “but seriously, the next time you want to date a guy, bring him to meet me first. You really have shitty taste in men.”
Aaron forced out a laugh, “Ya, I will.”
“I’m not joking Aaron,” Jacob’s voice sounded strained, “I really worry about you. This happens way too often. Why do you keep dating guys like this?”
“I don’t know, Jacob. It’s not like I do it on purpose,” Aaron sighed, “I just...I don’t know how I end up with these guys.”
“Well, now I’m really glad that Daniel is staying with you. He’s a decent guy, he’ll keep an eye on you.”
“Ugh, Jacob, seriously. I don’t want him to keep an eye on me. He already had to scare Shawn off once, I don’t think I could handle any more embarrassment.”
“He scared him off huh? Good!”
Aaron smiled a little, “so what time works for you tomorrow?”
“You don’t have classes tomorrow, right?” Aaron grunted in agreement. “Should I pick you up at 9 then?”
“Ya,” Aaron paused, “thank you, Jacob, really.”
“Of course Aaron, you’re my little brother.”
Aaron tossed his phone aside after saying goodbye to his brother. Jacob had been more understanding than he thought he would be.
That probably wouldn’t last once Jacob saw some of the texts…
Aaron kicked off his pants and crawled into bed. Today had been a rough day. Between Daniel moving in and Shawn’s surprise visit he was exhausted.
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