“Aidan,” with the final turn of the key Aidan spun around to meet Ben’s gaze. He was standing behind the register, holding a tray with the last few pastries that didn’t sell for the day. Between them the waiters working the evening shift were putting the chairs on the tables, wiping the counters and sweeping the floor. There was music playing, loud enough to almost drown out the chatter and laughter that were rolling around them freely, in an irregular rhythm that was somehow harmonious and uniform at the same time.

“You can head out. I’ll finish closing up.”

“It’s okay, I  don’t mind staying. We always do it together anyway.”

“You still haven’t finished packing, have you?” Ben huffed a short chuckle, the one that was always accompanied by a sweet smile and a tilt of his head. “It’s a while to Chris’ place, and knowing you you’ll probably be here earlier than you need to tomorrow. I’d rather you get enough sleep to at least not burn half our bread for the day.”

“That only happened once.”

Despite Aidan’s frown, Ben laughed again. This time it was a real one, the kind that rolled from his lips and curved them into a perfect crescent that lit up his face. Aidan couldn’t help but stop and stare. See? He wanted to tell him. I can make you laugh like this. I can make you happy.

“Really, I’ve got this,” Ben insisted when his laughter finally softened back into a smile. “You go give us the heirs reunion we’ve all been waiting for.”

“Oh you’re right,” he rolled his eyes. “That’s exactly the same. I’m sure I’m gonna blend right in.” 

This little joke was one Ben has been making since high school, no matter how many times Aidan reminded him there was just about nothing in common between his mother’s small cafe and the Hunts’ consulting business. Not that it mattered now, judging by the determination hidden in Ben’s soft expression. This time, it was merely a sign it was time to go. After a moment Aidan sighed and nodded, putting his keys in his pocket as he circled the counter to grab the rest of his stuff. He knew he was being melodramatic, that they were never ‘together’ that way and never will be, but some days just being around him like this was enough. Now it felt like they were drifting apart. He reached for his phone when Ben stopped him with a soft touch to his arm.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. The kindness in his eyes hurt even more than the heat of his fingers around his wrist.

“Of course.” Aidan smiled, swallowing the stinging lump in his throat. “What are best friends for?”

In the time it took him to return home and finish throwing the last few items he was taking with him into his suitcase, evening turned into night. The warm orange glow of the light he left on in their window never felt lonelier. Aidan bit his lip as he stared at it from the inside of the cab, the fingers of his right hand remained clenched around his left arm long after it disappeared from view. He always knew they’ll have to part one day, that he would have to leave his home behind and move on. He just never expected it to happen so soon.

In contrast, the dark glass windows of the tall building he stopped in front of seemed like a pitless abyss, leading him into the unknown. It reflected the still glimmer of the street lights and the even, passing flashes of the cars that drove by. A fortress, zealously protecting those who lived inside it while providing those on the outside with nothing but a dark reflection of themselves. An ever-changing mirror image of the outside world that transformed yet again when the cab’s door opened and Aidan got out, hauling his simple black suitcase out of the trunk and towards the doorman who, after verifying his identity, let him in.

It was only in the solitude of the elevator that exhaustion finally hit. Aidan sighed and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the cool metal of the cart. When he opened them again, he was once more met by his reflection a clearer, better lit version of the image he saw outside. Now he could see the dark shadows underneath his eyes and the new, strange emptiness that resided in them. He could see the slight pull of the corners of his mouth that didn’t make him look angry, but exhausted. Defeated. He felt like it too. At least there was one advantage to living with Chris, he thought as the numbers above his head ascended at a steady pace. At least here he won’t have to pretend.

When the elevator came to a stop with a soft ‘ding’, just before the doors opened, Aidan let out a sigh. He straightened his gaze and stepped out of it, suitcase in tow. Just as the doors behind him slid shut, the one in front of him swung open.

“You’re early.”

Despite what could have sounded like an accusation, Chris was smiling. He couldn’t have gotten there much earlier himself; he was still wearing a light blue button down, slightly crumpled and loosely tucked into his dark slacks, its sleeves pushed up to his elbows. His hair held the traces of being neatly styled, though a few rogue strands got loose and fell over one of his eyes, making his dimples which made an appearance shine even brighter.

“Have you been standing behind this door just waiting for me to get here?”

“Of course not. That’s what I have Albert for.”

“Albert?”

“The guy at the door. Nice smile, beautiful black eyes, hair the color of the sky on a rainy day?”

“I didn’t realize this was your type. But I guess he’s at least the right age for you.”

The way in which Chris snickered only made his dimples more prominent. He shook his head and took a step back, opening the door wider.

“If you don’t mind, we can continue discussing my dating preferences and old age inside. Unless you’re really fond of the hallway...”

Now it was Aidan’s turn to snort. He tightened his grip on his suitcase and brushed past Chris into the apartment. He didn’t take more than two steps in before freezing in place again.

“Why is it clean?”

“Pardon?”

“Your place. It looks like… it might actually be fit for humans to live in.”

“You make it sound like I’m the biggest slob alive,” Aidan turned at the sound of the door closing just in time to see Chris crossing his arms and leaning against it. 

“You are,” he replied with a deadpan expression. Chris was many things – smart, charismatic, funny, too handsome for his own good. He had so many things going for himself, but being organized was never one of them. At most he could craft the illusion he was, put up a good front when he wanted to create a good first impression in order to… 

Aidan’s eyes widened in realization before a slow, devious smirk appeared on his face.

“Wait, is this for me?” He turned again and looked around him, sauntering further into the apartment. “What’s the matter? Did you really want me to come this much?”

“Probably more.”

Aidan spun back so sharply that it took his eyes a moment to focus on Chris again. When they did, he was wearing a strange expression, one that matched the tone of his voice. It was translucent and opaque at the same time, and… was he imagining, or was it a little sad?

He opened his mouth to say something when a demanding trill pierced the air from somewhere near his ankles. Aidan didn’t need to look down – he could feel the black, furry monster rubbing against him. Still, he bent over so that he could hook a finger underneath his chin and give it a good scratch.

“Hello Hermann,” he cooed. The cat purred in delight, allowing his yellow eyes to close for a moment before opening ever so slightly. “Did you miss me too? I bet you’re glad someone’s going to be around to make sure you don’t get buried under a pile of dirty laundry.”

“I’m sorry, are you insinuating I’ll ever be neglectful with my child?” Chris closed the distance to him and scooped Hermann into his arms. When he straightened up again, whatever was there in his expression was gone, left behind in the shadows of the entryway.

“No, I’ll never do that. You know I won’t, right Hermi?” He tried nuzzling against his cheek. Hermann, in return, placed a very assertive paw over his nose. Chris sighed and arched a brow at the cat, who somehow returned a look that was no less disapproving. The loser of that staring contest was only natural.

“You’re lucky I love you.” Chris sneaked a quick smooch on the top of his head and put him down. Herman gave him an unimpressed glance before rubbing against Aidan’s leg one more time, then slinked towards the living room where he leaped onto the couch to begin his evening bath ritual.