Chap 35: Birthday Date

Aiden was too busy at his work. He and Noah hardly had any time together, and Noah was unhappy about it.

" You are so busy these days," Noah said beside Aiden while cuddling on the bed.

" Work is busy. Lots of new projects."

" You have no time for me now," Noah pouted.

" It's been four years, Noah," Aiden chuckled. " You always say that."

" But previously, even if you were busy at least, I could see you studying in front of me, but now you come home so late every day."

" We will have time on weekends, " Aiden said, turning around and staring at Noah.

" Not this weekend."

" Why not?"

" Did you forget I have to go for the signing tour on Friday?"

" Oh... That totally slipped my mind. How many days?"

" A week at most," Noah said sadly.

" Why do you look so sad? It's just a matter of a week."

" But I will miss you."

" Well...I will miss you too, but we can talk on the phone."

" Before that, I need you to do something for me," Noah said.

" What is it?"

" I want you to come back home soon on Thursday and Friday."

" Why?" Aiden asked.

" Friday because I am leaving in the evening."

" Oh, Okay... I will be there. And Thursday?"

" It's your birthday, silly," Noah said, pinching Aiden on his nose. " How can you forget everything?"

" Have you planned something?" Aiden asked, raising his brow.

" It's a surprise."

" Not any longer. You are too obvious."

"I have planned something, but what I planned is a surprise."

" You don't have to do anything special for me, Noah. I am fine with celebrating at home."

" It's nothing special, just a normal dinner at the beach restaurant and ... S**t... It was supposed to be a surprise."

" That restaurant is too expensive, and you said you exhausted all your savings."

" I have a tiny bit left, and the book is still selling," Noah said proudly.

" But..."

" Your birthday doesn't come every day. Please let me do this for you. Pleaseeee..."

" Fine...!! I will come back soon."

" Thank you so much," Noah said excitedly and kissed Aiden on the lips.

On Thursday, Aiden finished his day's work earlier than expected and informed his team leader about leaving soon.

At lunchtime, Aiden got a call from Noah. " Can you come home by 4?"

" Why? You said the dinner is at 7."

" Please, sweetheart. It's your birthday, and I will be gone for a week."

"Okay. You don't have to be so dramatic."

" Thank you, Thank you... I love you," Noah said and hung up.

Aiden finished his work in record time and was at home by four, where Noah was desperately waiting for him.

" What's the emergency?" Aiden asked Noah, who was jumping in excitement.

" I will tell you on the way," Noah said and dragged Aiden towards the car.

" Tell me," Aiden looked at Noah from his passenger seat.

" Your favorite band..."

" Did you manage to get the tickets?" Aiden asked, crossing his fingers.

" Damn yes!!" Noah exclaimed.

Aiden was so happy he hugged and kissed Noah on the cheek.

Noah was in a daze for a few seconds as Aiden usually never voluntarily got touchy with him. " I am glad you are happy, but you can kiss me later, or else I might crash the car."

" How did you get the tickets for the concert?" Aiden asked. " Weren't they all sold out?"

" I got VIP passes from a fan," Noah said, feeling proud of himself.

" The fan must have given you thinking you would go with her," Aiden pouts.

" Aww...Are you jealous? Don't worry. My fans know that I have a boyfriend."

" Y-You told them?" Aiden asked, blushing.

" Of course!! But they don't know it's you."

" So, how far is this place?"

" Two hours drive."

" And the beach date is canceled?"

" Postponed."

" Huh?"

" We can't go today, so we will go some other time. I can't miss a date with you."

" You are too much," Aiden said, shaking his head.

" Just for you, baby," Noah said and blew a kiss at Aiden.

The stadium was filled with people holding banners and posters of the band. " Do you want one of these?" Noah asked Aiden.

" Are you kidding me?" Aiden said, and Noah chuckled at his expression.

Their VIP seat was at a spot where the stage was clearly visible. Aiden was too excited in anticipation that he would get to see the singers whose music soothed him at the times when he was at his lowest. Their songs helped him to cope and move on.

Aiden's thoughts were interrupted when he heard a woman speak to Noah.

" Are you Mr. Noah Wright, the best-selling author?"

" Yes," Noah said in his professional voice.

" I didn't expect to see you here. I am a big fan. I even attended your last signing event."

" Thank you. I am glad you like my book."

" Can I have your autograph?"

" Didn't you get it at the signing event?

" I did, but I would be happy to get your autograph again."

" Do you have a book and a pen?" Noah asked impatiently as he didn't want anyone to interrupt his quality time with his love.

" No," the woman's face dropped, and the host announced the band's arrival in a few minutes.

" Sorry, next time," Noah said with a smile, and the woman left sadly.

" My boyfriend is popular," Aiden remarked. " What if you get snatched away?"

" Impossible."

" Why?"

" Because I can't live without you," Noah said sternly. " If at all, I must be scared."

" Why would you be scared? Nobody's interested in me," Aiden asked, confused.

" I wish that was true," Noah muttered.

" Sorry?"

" You are not even aware of the attention you get," Noah said, shaking his head.

" Attention?"

" Forget it. The band's here."

The show went on for 3 hours, and Aiden was glued to the stage the entire time. Noah was happy seeing a genuine smile on Aiden's face.

" This was the best birthday ever," Aiden said while they were driving back home.

" I knew you would like it."

" Perks of having a famous boyfriend," Aiden said and winked at Noah.

" Don't behave so cute. You are distracting me," Noah said, staring at the road to clear his mind.

As soon as they were home, Noah jumped on Aiden and kissed him until he was out of breath.

" Couldn't you wait until we got to the room?" Aiden asked huskily.

" No, you look so hot today. I want you now. Let's celebrate your birthday with chocolate," Noah said seductively and carried Aiden to the room.

The next morning, Noah was in a foul mood.

" Why do you look so gloomy?" Aiden asked.

" I don't want to go."

" But it's only for a week."

" You seem unfazed that I am going. You don't love me at all," Noah said, pouting.

" It's not that I won't miss you," Aiden whispered. " I am just not good at showing it."

" Is it?" Noah asked, pulling Aiden towards him.

" Hmmm," Aiden said and gave Noah a peck on his lips.

" Shall we do it again?" Noah asked hopefully.

" No, I am getting late for the office."

Aiden was back home in the evening from the office and found Noah looking even more distraught with his luggage packed beside him.

" You can call me anytime," Aiden said, trying to lighten the mood.

" Hmphf!!" Noah scoffed. " Shall I call my Manager and ask him to postpone the tour?"

" You have been to many such tours. Why are you so worked up this time?"

"I don't know," Noah said, looking lost. " I feel like you are going far away from me. I feel uneasy. I really don't want to leave you."

" I will be right here waiting for you like always," Aiden assured him. " You can't ignore your work, Noah."

" I know, but..."

Aiden suddenly hugged Noah and said, " I love you, Noah. So trust me and go with a clear mind."

Noah felt and little better after Aiden's assurance and got out of the house with his luggage. The cab had already arrived. After loading the bags, he got inside the cab and said, " Take care of yourself, Aiden. Call me if you have any problems."

" You too, take care of yourself. Have your meals on time."

" I love you, Aiden."

" I love you too," Aiden replied.

The cab was about to leave, but Noah suddenly got out of the car and kissed Aiden passionately. " I will see you next week," Noah said and got inside the car before he could change his decision.

Aiden stared at the cab leaving his driveway and felt empty. He was already missing Noah. When the car was out of sight, he turned around and walked home feeling lonely.

As soon as he had closed the door, someone knocked on it.

' Did Noah forget something?' Aiden thought and opened the door expecting to see him but was shocked when he saw it was Dylan.

"W-What are you doing here?" Aiden stuttered.

Dylan didn't respond; instead, he glared at Aiden. His eyes were red with anger, and Aiden backed away in fear.

The next moment, Aiden was pushed towards the wall with great force, and his back hurt at the impact.

" What the f**k was that?" Dylan roared.