Chapter 87 - Is bad decisions the only way?

Notes:

- Sooooo.... we're kind of close to the ending of Nero/Leo. Just one more arc left ^.^ can't say I ever expected to reach this stage but holy shit here we are. It was technically meant to be two moreish arcs but I kind of cut one out, solely because this was getting too long and I think everyone is getting impatient... unless I'm wrong and no one here actually minds. Do let me know. Once again, I apologise for how slow burn this story actually is. It wasn't meant to be this way...

- Next chapter is back to those two btw

- I'm back after a very long time so here is a longish chapter. Now I have no idea when I'll be back as I'm busy with college/uni so I need to do that. So till next time and thanks for waiting :)))

- Yeah I also realised that I made these 4 completely emotionally incompetent and insecure as fuck for the Aiden/Nero duo. It wasn't meant to be like this I swear. It just happened

- also if this feels a bit clunky or awkward, it's probably because I wrote the second half months later and lowkey forgot what I was going to write initially. Hopefully, I didn't contradict anything

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POV: 3rd person

"I need to get laid."

"...what?"

"I'm going to get laid. Tonight."

"...where is this coming from?"

Aiden sigh's at his best friend's inability to keep up with Aiden's woes in life, contemplating whether he should hang up and be all gloomy by himself. But alas, he deems it necessary for the world to know of his sufferings and suffer along with him.

"You know where this is coming from Nero. Don't play stupid."

A sigh is released from the other side. "Aiden. You literally called me in the middle of break and said you needed to have sex without any context whatsoever and knowing your dramatic ass, reasons could range from just feeling horny to 'the world will end if I don't have sex'. So apologies if it seems I'm playing stupid, when I'm clearly stupefied."

Aiden thought it over and confirmed internally that Nero wasn't actually all that far off. So he just said one name and that answered all his questions. "Erwin."

"Ah. That's the reason."

"Yup." Emphasis on the 'p'.

"So you're finally gonna sit on his dick? Thank fuck. The sexual tensions were-"

Aiden interrupted with sputters of disbelief and reddened in embarrassment at Nero's words. "What?! No- who's dick am I sitting on?"

"Uh... Erwin?"

"What the fu- no you dumbass! I'm going to sex with anyone that's NOT him."

"Huh? Why?" Nero was genuinely lost. They both clearly wanted to bone each other.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHY?!" Aiden screeched. "I wanted to get laid because I'm horny which was evident by the fact that Erwin without a shirt has been on my mind and I've jerked off to it till my di-

"TM FUCKING I. NOT INTERESTED AIDEN. Jesus fucking Christ. Does this finally mean you acknowledge your feelings for him?"

Aiden blinked once. "What feelings?"

Nero groaned in exasperation and frustration. "Aiden you can't be serious..."

"Nero-"

"You're being extremely idiotic. Just how much longer are you going to be in denial?"

"...Till the fucking earth ends."

"But why? Erwin clearly likes you back in the romantic sense."

"No, he doesn't. That is where you're very wrong.

Nero sighed. "How so?"

"Because that man does not fall in love and he especially doesn't fall in love with someone like me."

"The fuck do you mean someone like-"

"ANYWAY ("stubborn asshole"), I'm not crashing at your place tonight as I will be going to the club. To get laid. You should come along and help me by playing wingman. Not that I need it but the company would be nice."

"Yeah, no thanks. Can you stop brushing this off? You're clearly just overwhelmed and talking it out would probably help in-"

"OK BYE BESTIE! SEE YOU PROBABLY TOMORROW!"

With that, Aiden hung up and laid his head back on the couch so he was staring at luminescent ceiling light of the staff lounge. He knew he was handling his emotions in a childish manner but he was stressed, overwhelmed and was actually horny to function like a proper adult.

So he'll stick with his childish antics until Erwin naked in his bed stops popping up in his mind every second of the day.

Speaking of which, the next segment playing in his brain was Erwin on the beach, laying on the towel and tanning stark naked.

Aiden grabbed the couch pillow, smashed his head into it and screamed.

♤♧♡♢

Aiden tossed back his shot and set down the glass on the bar top in an Aiden fashion, which was with a dramatic flair. The current mood for the man was angst due to the case of hopeless love. That being said, the man himself maintained a laid demeanour, looking as if he was just here to get laid because his active sex drive and not because he was heartbroken. He had a smug smirk with a light blush with made him look almost flirtatious.

Oh who was he kidding. Aiden high key looked like a college graduate who got their heart shattered by their unrequited crush of ten years. He looked absolutely miserable. Luckily, he didn't look miserable enough for people to avoid the depresso drunk but miserable enough for them to "help" him seek comfort instead.

Which was exactly what Aiden wanted. COMFORT ME, the man internally screamed. Except today happened to be the only day where the patrons apparently felt the need to go after the horny types and not the heartbroken type. Needless to say, the day wasn't working out for Aiden whatsoever.

First, he was distracted at work because of his stupid boss. Then he was even more distracted after his call with Nero, caused by his stupid boss. And then he came to the club to forget his stupid boss, only to fail to get anybody, leaving him to be still distracted by his stupid boss.

Stupid fucking boss.

As much of a dumbass as Aiden was acting, Aiden wasn't actually a dumbass. He knew he was deep in the pool of denial. Like DEEP deep. He wasn't emotionally stunted enough to not know that he had half fallen in love with that cold, handsome bastard but was emotionally fucked enough to accept the feelings and pursue after him.

Aiden believed he had valid reasons why he wouldn't date (all of which were debunked by his best friends but Aiden thinks he is wrong) Erwin. First of all, Erwin doesn't like him. I mean why would he? Sure, maybe he would've liked him before he was working under his company or even after the first time they met. But Aiden is a mess of a person with too many secrets and too much going on with his life. Erwin witnessed that breakdown he was never meant to witness, which means he knows how much of a broken mess he is.

He also, more or less, knows the family history and type of childhood he has and that's a whole shebang of its own. Considering the status of said family and how Erwin can't easily leave them, it would never work out. Plus, Aiden would hate it if a relationship were to be ruined because of him, even if he hates the other end.

Moreover, let's not get started on the fact that he's technically a criminal? Like yeah, they're doing justice and whatever but it's technically all illegal and the government is on the hunt for him and his best friend. Erwin getting involved with him would risk harm to not only his name but his company as well, which means hundreds of extra people. Like hell Aiden is going to chance that

That being said, it is plain obvious that Erwin at the very least is attracted to Aiden. Whether it be looks or power or work ethics (everyone doubts it's this, including Aiden himself). Nonetheless, Erwin possibly lusts for Aiden and as much of advocate Aiden is for one night stands or FWBs, Erwin is perhaps the only person where he REFUSES to let it only be lust and nothing more. Aiden couldn't and wouldn't do that to himself. It would kill him internally and the conclusions would not pretty.

Aiden's read fanfictions with FWBs tropes, where they all end happily in love but this ain't not fanfiction and Aiden is the least likely to get that happy ending.

And let's not get started on the fact that Aiden has the shittiest luck when it came to any form of romance. Every single he had dated where fucked in some form or another. From abusive to neglectful to cheating whores to gas lighters and manipulators. You name the traits, Aiden's dealt with all the fucked ones.

Now he's not saying Erwin is any of those. Aiden was full aware that he's probably a doting gentleman but the romantic relationship would probably end just as messily as the others where Erwin has to marry some chick for heirs or some other fucked up reason or worst of all, he just... falls out of love with Aiden. That's one that Aiden can't deal with because he fucking knows that Erwin is the end game for him.

Luck was also a skill and Aiden had not obtained it.

Aiden's self deprecating thoughts brought the mood down even lower, giving the aura of now 'don't approach or I will sob', which wasn't very one night stand friendly.

Aiden sighed out loud. Maybe getting laid won't actually help. I should go back home and- oh hell to the fucking no.

Just then, Aiden saw his reoccurring nightmare of the week gliding across the venue to sit on the other end of the bar. It seemed that Mr. Erwin fucking Fonzo had a similar idea to Aiden, if any of the clinging girls (and guys) meant anything. On his lap, was a bimbo knawing at his neck. Coincidentally, he just happened to come to this specific fucking club to catch his meal. While Erwin kind of looked bored out of his mind, he clearly wasn't pushing her off so he was definitely somewhat enjoying it.

Aiden was pissed and boiling with envy, almost ready to puke from the sudden onset of nausea. Luckily for Aiden, the other man hadn't noticed him.

Oh fucking hell I can't do this. I can't deal with him. I am fucking cursed. Why must I run into him every single time I'm avoiding him?

Now any sane, normal person would just bolt out of the club in this scenario to avoid colliding with their demise. However, Aiden's first thoughts are: I need to get laid and I need to get laid fast.

Looking back on it in hindsight, Aiden has no clue how that would've been a good method of avoiding the man but Aiden wasn't always the smartest of the bunch. He had his moments.

The panicked man looked around the club for anyone who barely met his standards. He was desperate but not desperate enough to sleep with ANYONE. Whipping his head around the club, his eyes finally landed on someone that captured all of his attention.

Aiden remembered that the person had entered the club with his group of friends about half an hour ago. Although he doesn't remember by his face but rather the sleek, leather jacket he was wearing. The group of people ended up sitting in one of the booths found in the corner but the man was covered up by his surrounding friends.

Until now.

The man finally was facing the dancing (looking for someone), which meant he was facing Aiden, which meant he was facing Aiden and hello you DILF motherfucker.

That man could be in Leo and Erwin's league.

The man was tall and beefy but not overly beefy like gym junkies. He had short, brown hair with chocolate eyes and stubble that was just growing out. Long enough to give a good stubble burn His skin was probably tanned but difficult to tell under the disco lights but goddamn he looked delish. His eyebrow piercing and tight jeans were definitely helping his appeal by the minute (A/N you want a better description. Think of Dachi but DILF).

Funnily enough though, instead of the cold and overpowering aura his boss gave, this man actually gave a friendly vibe. Kind of like your friendly neighbour or neighbourhood coach that got along with all the grandmas in the town. He had a brilliant smile that could probably make everyone swoon.

Most of all, he definitely DID NOT look like the one night stand kind of guy. Just the wingman sort. But every wingman needs a chance and that chance was going to be Aiden. He swore it upon the Hendrix name.

His group of friends were mingling in the direction of where Erwin was seating, so Aiden quickly glanced at his infatuation and they happened to lock eyes with his widened ones. He noticed Aiden.

"Oh hell to the fucking no, I ain't doing this tonight." Aiden had a pang of guilt within, feeling as if he was somehow cheating on Erwin or at least on his feelings for him but that was quickly stomped down by the crushing reality that Erwin was just as guilty and also by the fact that it probably didn't matter to Erwin or bother him whether Aiden fucked around or not.

Knocking back the two shots of vodka that was lying in front of him, Aiden got out of his seat and fast walked to the man who was going to take him away from his demise.

He hadn't actually what he was going to say or how he was going to go about approaching his target but it was too late to go back. He knew Erwin was watching so his dignity was at stake.

By the time he reached the man, he still hadn't thought of a plan. So being tipsy-borderline drunk and all, he was just going to wing it and hope for the best.

The man noticed Aiden's approach almost halfway through the trek and curiously awaited his approval with an eyebrow up.

Once face to face, Aiden briefly appreciated the face from a closer distance in silence before wrapping his arms around the hot guy's neck. Tiptoeing, Aiden brought his lips next to his ears and came on as strong as he could.

"Let's fuck."

Aiden moved back to witness the widened shock and giggles escaped his lips.

"What...?" the man was puzzled and a bit amused by the sudden bluntness.

Woozy Aiden had no filter and blurted out everything, in hopes of getting what he wants.

"I came here to get laid to forget the guy that's been on my mind since like forever because I've like, half fallen in love with him? Anyway, said guy was currently there and he saw me and now I need to fuck someone to get away from him."

The man laughed out in pure amusement. "Couldn't you have just left the club and gone home to avoid him?"

Aiden hummed in deep thought before he smiled widely. "Damn you're smart as well. I guess I could've done that. But I'm kind of tipsy, drunk, whatever. Not enough to be taken advantage of by the way so you can still fuck me. That's not the point. What's the point? Oh yes, I'm not sober so I'm currently too dumb to think of such a smart plan. Plus, you're hot and I want to have sex with you."

Hot man's smile was wide and made him look hotter. Aiden sighed out loud in smitteness I could totally like this guy if I wasn't already falling in love with another. The guy wrapped his arms around Aiden's waist and brought him so they were in contact, chest to chest. Seems like he was down with Aiden's plans.

"Is the man you're half in love with the one that's brutally murdering me with their eyes?"

Aiden tilted his head and looked up at him in confusion. He refused to check Erwin's direction to confirm whether he was who the hot guy is referring to.

"I don't know. Maybe. I'm not going to look. If it's him, he's probably not murdering you with his eyes. He just looks grumpy all the time. It's his resting face."

"uhhh nope. He's definitely slashing me with a chainsaw over and over again in his mind."

Aiden waved it off. "Nah. You're drunk. Anyway, will you kiss me at the very least so I have my pride intact?"

Hot guy snorted but did what was asked for and captured Aiden's bottom lip. It was hot and passionate from the get-go, with tongues mingling with each other. Aiden was heating up and melted against the sturdy body. It felt so good and Aiden wanted more but the back of his head reminded him that it wasn't as good as the time in the office.

There was hooting and whistling in the background, presumedly from hot guy's friends but it was quickly drowned out by the music and the kissing.

Before the kiss could get any sloppier and Aiden suffocated to death, he backed up to meet the darkened brown eyes that were brimming with lust.

"So who's name am I screaming tonight?" This was the last chance for the mystery man to back out before Aiden devoured him (or vice versa... or both).

Ajax smirked, "Ajax," before dragging Aiden to the exit by the wrist. The hooting and whistling got louder and Ajax just flipped them off from behind, garnering laughter out of Aiden.

Before they exited the premise, Aiden looked back at where Erwin was sitting in sheer curiosity and was shocked to find the guy looking absolutely livid and distraught but more importantly, the hand that was previously holding a whiskey glass was now empty and red instead. Was he bleeding?

But the worry was quickly washed away when Ajax pushed Aiden into the alley wall and crushed his lips against the other.

♤♧♡♢

Aiden woke up with a tired groan and blinked away the tiredness. The unfamiliar room doesn't register initially but once the hangover hit and he was a bit more awake, the events from last night played back like a movie.

He and Ajax crashed through the front door and made out like dogs in heat. Aiden got pushed on the ground with Ajax crawling over him, heat pooling in Aiden's stomach. Clothes were thrown all over the place. Ajax getting down and... yeah you get the point. They had sex. Mr. neighbourhood nice guy wasn't as nice as perceived

Aiden flushed at all the times he was completely shameless and moaning like a godddamn whore. He really needed to hold himself back.

Aiden got up into a sitting on the bed and sought out any damages and yep, there were hickies everywhere. Not as much as expected but a decent amount.

He looked to the side to find Ajax lying next to him, apparently also just woken up. "Mornin'," he said in his deep, croaky voice. Aiden returned a small smile and greeted back.

After they had slept together, they cuddled and stayed awake, talking about their life and their woes. Ajax was a 27 year old man who worked as secretory for a pretty well known company. His boss is his childhood best friend and he apparently was also cursed with the falling-in-love-with-your-boss. Except his story was a lot sadder considering he had been in unrequited love for over a decade. He also wasn't planning to sleep with someone last night but felt bad for Aiden, being in a similar state as he was. Plus, he was hot. They had more small talk and by the end of it, they agreed to not sleep with each other anymore, became good friends and exchanged numbers before knocking out.

"Good sleep?" Ajax asked.

Aiden snorted. "Yes, very comfy bed. ten outta ten.

"Bed? You slept on top of me most of the night. I was fuckin' dying from the heat."

"Yet here I am, waking up on my side of the bed. Explain that."

"I pushed you away like three times, you clingy Koala."

Aiden stuck out his tongue in retaliation. "What's the time?" He asked while stretching out his arms.

"Eight forty five."

Aiden froze mid stretch. "What?"

"Eight forty five."

It took five seconds before chaos ensued. "FUCKING SHIT!" Aiden tossed away the blanket and got up but quickly dropped to his knee from the hangover and the soreness of his hips.

Ajax quickly came to his side and slowly got him standing, arms around him for support. "Woah there. Why the panic?"

"I've got work in fifteen minutes."

"Can't you go in late? Also, why'd you go to get hammered when you've got work the next day?"

"Not today. Meeting with some important people and I'm one of the people leading it. And I was a heartbroken dude! Leave me and bad life choices alone."

Ajax snickered. "Ooft that's rough. But you can't exactly make it on time now can you?"

Aiden sighed. "No, I can... but you've gotta keep what you see a secret and not rat me out, ok?"

"Oh?"

"Lemme borrow a sweater of yours." Ajax was a bit lost but gave Aiden a black sweater. Aiden quickly gathered up his own clothes and grimaced as he wore his soiled boxers and chucked on the sweater (which reached mid thigh).

"I could give you a clean pair, you know."

"Nah, it's fine. Wouldn't fit anyway and I wouldn't want them to fall off mid-air."

"Mid-air?"

"Mhm."

"What?"

Aiden smiled at Ajax's confusion. "You'll see what I mean. Anyway, thank you for last night. Not just for the sex but for the aftermath of that as well."

"Yeah, no wor- why the flippin' fuck are you on my window ledge?"

"I'm going to jump out."

"WHAT? You do realise we're in an apartment on the ninth floor? Oh my god did I sleep with someone suicidal? Please don't do this. Your life means more than that damn bastard of a-"

Aiden burst out laughing, clutching at his stomach. "Oh god, you're making me late for work! I'm not suicidal I swear. I've got grudges to pay. Trust me when I say this is the fastest way to get back home, change and go to work. Anyway, enjoy the rest of your day and keep what you see a secret~. Bye~"

Aiden jumped out and flew at the speed of lightning back home.

Ajax looked out the window with widened shock, jaw hanging low. "Holy shit, did I just­- I totally just- I slept with an Oddity user... Guess I can check that off my non-existent bucket list."

♤♧♡♢

Aiden managed to make it work on time and he hadn't even run into his demise. He really thought that it was truly his day and things were looking up for him.

Except lunch break happened and... yeah let's just say the day was initially trolling him and it actually happened to be one of Aiden's most hated days.

Man was just chilling on the ground floor, chatting with his co-workers about anything that wasn't work and completely minding numbing when two unexpected things happened.

The first thing was Aiden's one night stand had walked into the building, clearly looking for someone. The man also looked very dashing while doing it, with his brown hair shinning from the sunlight beaming through the windows and his biceps flexing with every step he takes, emphasised by his tight, black shirt. Let's not even talk about the black jeans shaping his legs very well.

All in all, Ajax looked very good but at the time, Aiden had not noticed as he was freaking out about how the man found him in the first place. He didn't remember dropping names of his company or his boss. Did I accidentally fuck with a stalker? Again? Aiden couldn't help but ruminate that over and over again.

Ajax managed to find his target and headed towards Aiden with a friendly neighbourhood smile. While the smile had pacifying effects, it wasn't enough to get Aiden off edge.

"I was just going to go to the front desk but how lucky. You happened to be downstairs and make my job a whole lot easier."

Aiden let out a nervous chuckle in response and kept up his calm façade in front of his very curious and nosy co-workers. "I guess fate is on your side. How'd you find me and why are you here? I am asking in the nicest way possible and I am very much not low key creeped out."

Ajax's grin widened to amused laughter and Aiden was slightly irked. "Did you think I stalked you here?"

"Whhhaaattttt? Nooooo? I would never accuse you of such a thing! ... did you though?"

Even though Aiden was accusing him of something relatively serious, Ajax's amused smile remained on his lips. "Relax," he placated, "I didn't stalk you. I came to drop off something that would probably be considered a high priority item that can't be lost from the owner for a long time. Considering your reaction though, you probably don't consider this item much of a necessity."

Ajax then pulled out Aiden's phone from his pockets and handed it back. Aiden gasped and subconsciously checked his own pockets to realise that yes, he apparently hadn't had his phone the entire day and didn't even realise it. Which is EXTREMELY out of character for a hacker.

"What the fuck? I left my phone at your place? I didn't realise I left my phone at your place? I don't actually which of those two realisations is more shocking."

"Indeed my friend. I was at a bit of a loss of how to find you when conveniently, your friend Nemo or Nero or whatever called you. I explained the situation and he gave me your workplace. He also told me to tell you that quote on quote, 'you're a fucking idiot and out of the two of you, you're definitely that is the emotionally stunted twat'."

Aiden groaned and dragged both his hands down his face. His co-workers snickered in the background and Aiden sent them a mean glare. "You told him that we slept together?" Now the crowd gasped and Aiden already knew that the news will be gossiped to everyone by the end of the day, not that he ever cared. He always craved attention after all.

"I had to. How else was I meant to explain how I got your phone?"

"I don't know? Maybe say you picked it up from the pavement or something?"

"He sounded scary! The greeting itself was seething with anger and viciousness. I don't what you did but you're fucked. I pray for your survival." Ajax gave a mock salute, which was dorky of him in Aiden's opinion.

Aiden whined like a child. "Fine. I don't blame you anymore. I get why you did what you did. Still doesn't make my circumstance any better. Now I have to go home to get roasted by my best friend like he's my mother who caught sixteen year old me trying to have underaged sex with the hottest jock from school in my bedroom."

"That's an oddly specific example..." Ajax mumbled to himself.

"You know what? You're right. I'm going to call him Nemo from now on. That bitch, never understanding my pain and the reasons for my bad actions and reactions to things."

"Wait hold on. I never told you to..." Ajax and Aiden continued to bicker like an old married couple, entertaining the people around them. They had only stopped when the second most unexpected thing happened, which happened to make Aiden's good day into Aiden's worst day.

Erwin came out of the elevator onto the ground floor, gathering the attention of the crowd as per usual. However, this time they were bewildered by the sight next to him. Only Aiden wasn't bewildered and was along lines of frozen shock.

It was the fucking bimbo from the club. The one that was basically biting chunks out of his neck. Aiden glanced at said necked and noticed many, many band-aids plastered all over. Someone clearly had a GREAT time.

While Erwin had a popular reputation, the reputation wasn't brought on because he bought his meal of the night to work every time. He had a VERY strict rule of separating business and pleasure, so surprise surprise when his plastic bimbo turned up plastered to his arms, drooling in day broad light over the man.

Erwin still maintained his cool demeanour but this time, anyone can tell he kind of wanted to hack her into pieces. No one knows the story but everyone probably agreed he somehow got blackmailed or coerced into bringing her here.

The room went several degrees cooler as well when Erwin happened to recognise who Ajax was and his cool aura went into an arctic state. He was on the verge of cracking and probably blowing something. The uninvolved public regretted not purchasing a company popcorn machine for rare moments like these.

But this wasn't about him or them. This was about Aiden and his feelings.

The bimbo was enough for Aiden's heart to crack a bit further and his hands clenched until they were shaking. It was at this point that Aiden could finally admit he was an emotional mess when it came to his boss. Erwin had walked in with a shameless one night stand and it was enough for him to break internally. He was Aiden fucking Hendrix and sights like this with any other person wouldn't have any sort of effects on him. Sure he'd be hurt but he could put up a nonchalant exterior. However, just the sheer presence of those two was enough for Aiden to blank out. Her blatantly clinging to him caused a surge of envy, confusion, and despair all at once. He knew internally that those two would never be a thing of any sort. Erwin was way out of her league. But seeing Erwin with anyone that wasn't him was too much for him. It also helped reiterate that Erwin Fonzo was once again out of Aiden's league as well because Aiden was basically her, just with a bit more personality. Ok, a lot more personality.

Aiden could finally admit that he was in love with his boss but he just happened to be out of reach.

Ajax noticed his friend's reaction and was going to express his concerns, putting his hand on Aiden's shoulder as a gesture of comfort, when Aiden gently pushed it off and looked down to the ground.

"I need to go and finish up. I'll... text you soon," Aiden announced dispiritedly and rushed off. He probably could've stayed a bit longer but as soon as he saw Erwin's usual cold poker face shift into something that matches with concern as he stared at the blue haired, Aiden already knew that his façade had cracked and he was expressing his true emotion.

His heartbreak.

No one tried to stop him and as he walked away from the crowd, a single tear drop ran down his cheek.