Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 5

to me? Yeah, I'm talkin' to you."
    Oswald bowed his head over his notes and tried not to laugh at the crazy giant working next to him. Over the last several weeks, Aiden had proved to be a talented student and eager worker. His huge paws were surprisingly gentle with the equipment, and he was certainly entertaining. Aiden made coming to work fun, not that Oswald would ever admit it in a million years.
    "Oh, what do I see there?" Aiden pinched Oswald's cheek. "Is that a smile? Is the dour, sour Oswald Culpepper M.D. PhD MS BS PITA actually smiling?"
    Oswald turned his head away and buried his burning face into his shoulder. "Leave me alone. I'm trying to work."
    Aiden simply danced around Oswald. "I've finally done it. I've infected you with my silliness!"
    Oswald covered his mouth with his hand, muffling his laugh. "A scientist in an infectious disease laboratory should never joke about infection."
    "A smile and a laugh. This is a great day indeed!"
    Aiden grabbed Oswald's stool and easily spun it around until they were face to face. There they were again, those big chocolate eyes. They were Oswald's kryptonite, and their effects were growing stronger every day. A chill travelled Oswald's spine, and the shiver that followed was impossible to suppress.
    Aiden pulled back as a look of shock flashed on his face. His ever-present smile quickly returned. "So, I never did get to take you out to dinner to thank you for letting me crash at your place."
    Oswald shrugged. "It was no problem. It also wasn't exactly my choice." That the condo seemed unearthly quiet now was another thing Oswald wasn't about to admit.
    "Still, you were very hospitable, and I'd like to show you my appreciation."
    Turning back to his notes, Oswald scribbled away for several seconds. "Fine," he mumbled.
    Aiden returned to his station, humming happily. Oswald wanted to slap some sense into himself. Ever since Aiden entered his life, Oswald wasn't the same. He still liked having time to himself, but he often wished for company. Not just any company. Tall, brown-eyed, shaggy-haired company. His condo was too still, his bed too big, his body too untouched.
    Oswald shook his head. He was being stupid. Someone like Aiden -- towering, strong, outgoing -- would never give Oswald the control he needed and craved. And Oswald knew how ridiculous the relationship would look. He was middle aged, a respected researcher. Aiden was his twenty-four year-old apprentice, for Christ's sake. Could it be any more gauche?
    In his peripheral vision, Oswald could see Aiden staring at him. He was becoming a cliché, and he didn't know how to prevent it. He could only hope to maintain his dignity as he fell.
    "Is tomorrow night okay?"
    Oswald scribbled faster. "Hmm?"
    "Dinner," Aiden replied. "Since it'll be Saturday, we wouldn't feel rushed."
    Oswald waved him off. "Fine, whatever. Get back to work."
    STAGE 4: Uncoating
    Dinner had been wonderful, and Oswald had liberally imbibed, leaving him a bit unsteady. He was grateful to have Aiden guide him up the stairs and into the condo. After they entered, Aiden helped Oswald shed his heavy woolen coat. Aiden brushed his fingers down Oswald's arm, and Oswald retreated from the touch. He flopped down on the couch, and Aiden sat close at his side.
    "Why did you pull away from me?"
    Playing dumb wasn't his forte, but Oswald didn't know what else to do. "I have no idea what you mean."
    "Sure you don't." Aiden sighed. "You think I haven't seen the way you look at me? And how do I know? Because I stare at you a thousand times a day."
    Oswald shook his head. "Doesn't matter. Nothing is going to happen."
    "Why?" Aiden pressed his lips against Oswald's ear and laughed when Oswald shivered. "Don't use work as an excuse. You do anything you want in that lab, and you don't give a fuck what the dean or anyone else thinks."
    Goddamn, it had been so long since someone wanted him, and Oswald wanted Aiden in return. He had since the beginning. But he couldn't be anyone's bottom; he just wasn't made that way. Big, burly Aiden would never--
    "Don't think so hard, Ozzie. Just tell me what to do."
    It wasn't just the words that changed Oswald's mind. It was Aiden's soft voice, the way he let his head fall forward. For someone who prided himself on his keen observational skills, Oswald had, until this moment, been wrong about what Aiden wanted. And Oswald hated being wrong.
    Oswald patted his lap. "Come here."
    Aiden jumped up and quickly straddled