Chapter Text
It was fucking freezing. Aidan always hated the cold. And a lot of other things. Like some of his shitty costumers. Or the fact that he had forgotten his beanie at home that morning. Or the not-so-subtle way James checked him out. No, he was really done with that. Just friendly smiles all over for the other Irishman.
Aidan sighed, James was even married. What was up with people? Even past-Aidan had more decency than that. And that was saying something.
After three years in London, you get attached. And never leave. At least that was what happened to him.
But he wasn’t a fool. He wasn’t going to deny he missed Adam and Dean like crazy.
He discovered it casually, that he loved him.
Aidan missed his morning messages with the smiley faces, which was utterly ridiculous for a man of 37 years old.
His little knowing smile over the rearwiever mirror, his smirk whenever Aidan bit his lip when he caught him staring.
‘Sorry. Looks like I can’t concentrate on the road.’ He always whispered, lowering his head and blushing.
That weird feeling when their lips met in secrecy, the smell that was only Dean.
Aidan sighed, a cloud left his lips when he did so. Today was his birthday.
Well, now it was over. He was never going to see Dean, Adam or Richard again. No use dwelling on it.
He was going to celebrate his new work with his mates at their usual place and that was all that mattered. Just he and Orlando, Lee and Luke. Like a true not-fucked-up adult.
Yeah, keep lying to yourself, Aidan.
~*~
“Get you ass up from that chair, Mr. O’ Gorman. We are going to celebrate.”
Dean merely arched an eyebrow and snorted.
“There is nothing to celebrate!”
He replied, shaking his head and fixing his photos for what must have been the fifth time.
“Dean, are you fucking kidding me? It’s the 1st of December. It’s your bloody birthday.”
The blond shrugged at Jared.
“I don’t really feel like it. Go with Fern, I know you fancy her.”
Jared rolled his eyes and tugged at Dean’s sleeve.
“Move it.”
The older groaned frustrated and shot a sad look at his work.
“Do I really have to? I mean, it’s not like I have no others birthdays to celebrate.”
This time was Jared’s turn to groan.
“Do you hear yourself? That Aidan guy really messed with your head.”
Dean suddenly stiffened.
“Don’t talk about him like that.”
“…And you’re still not over with it. And I think a pint or two might help.”
Dean sighed and grabbed his coat before turning off the lights.
“All right. You are going to buy, though. It’s my birthday, after all.”
Jared shot a smile in his direction and circled his arm around Dean’s shoulders.
“That’s the Kiwi I know.”
The two got in Jared’s car, laughing ad making fun of each other.
“You’re gonna love this place. Tim may give us a little extra.”
Dean’s smile, after that sentence lit up the whole car. Everybody loves free booze.
~*~
Aidan laughed when he saw how fucked up his mates were after only three pints.
“You guys can’t even stand beer!”
Orlando glared at him, making him laugh even more. With the glassy eyes and cheeks on fire he looked hilarious.
“Don’t do that, Orli. You’ll ruin your pretty face.”
Orlando rolled his eyes. Or, well, tried to.
Aidan laughed once more and leaned on the bar, catching the attention of the bartender, a guy named Tim.
Tim was a decent fellow, he was from New Zealand, just like Dean...no. He's not going to think about it.
“Don't give those guys more alcohol or you'll have to kick them out.”
Aidan smirked and so did Tim, nodding.
“Don't worry, I got it. I'll tell Emmett too.”
The Irishman thanked him and made his way outside the pub, patting his pockets in search of his packet of cigarettes.
There were a few smokers outside, most of them were in groups and were talking and laughing between drags of their cigarettes.
Aidain put a cig between his lips and lit it, taking a long drag.
He wondered what Dean was doing right now, maybe celebrating with his family and his fiancé. That left him with a sour taste in his mouth.
“Excuse me, do you have a light?”
a voice with a strange accent asked.
The Irishman searched his pocket distractedly and handed it to the stranger who asked without looking at him in the eyes.
“Here.”
“Thanks.”
Silence followed, the only sound was the guy lighting the cigarette and taking a drag.
“Do I know you from somewhere? I feel like I know you.”
Aidan snorted.
“Listen, mate. If you're trying to get some, you picked the wrong person. I'm not interested.”
The stranger with the weird accent started laughing and Aidan flinched. That laugh was familiar.
“No, I'm not trying to flirt with you, believe me. I truly feel like I already know you.”
The Irishman turned to him, slowly. What if it was just a trick of his mind? But no, here he was. Dean. Just a little older than he remembered him, the dimples were still there, like his fascinating blue orbs that could lit up a whole room.
“I believe you, Dean.”