Owen's heart was racing, his mind spinning with possibilities. Hayden's words hung in the air, his eyes locked on Owen's, filled with a deep intensity.
Owen felt a mix of emotions, his thoughts torn between Blake and the man standing in front of him. He didn't know what to say, didn't know how to process the feelings swirling inside him.
Hayden took a step closer, his voice low and gentle. "Owen, I-"
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them. Hayden's eyes flicked to the door, his expression frustrated.
"Come in," he called out, his voice a bit rough.
The door opened, and Blake walked in, a charming smile on his face. His eyes met Owen's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Hayden's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want, Blake?" he asked, his voice icy.
Blake's gaze didn't waver, his smile never faltering. "Just checking in on Owen, doc," he said, his eyes locked on Owen's.
Owen felt a flutter in his chest, his heart pounding in his ears.
The air was thick with tension as Blake's eyes locked onto Owen's, his smile never wavering. Hayden's gaze narrowed, his expression cold and calculating.
"What do you want, Blake?" Hayden repeated, his voice dripping with annoyance.
Blake's gaze didn't waver, his eyes still fixed on Owen. "Just thought I'd check in on Owen, make sure he's doing okay," he said, his voice smooth.
Owen felt like he was caught in the middle, his heart racing with uncertainty. He glanced at Hayden, then back at Blake, unsure of what to do.
Hayden's expression turned darker, his eyes flashing with anger. "Owen's fine," he said, his voice cold. "You can leave now."
Blake's smile never faltered, but his eyes flicked to Hayden, a hint of warning in their depths. "I think I'll stay, doc," he said, his voice casual. "Owen and I have plans."
Owen's heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening in surprise. Hayden's face turned red with anger, his fists clenched at his sides
Hayden's anger boiled over, and he took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. "You think you can just wade in here and take what you want, Blake?" he growled.
Blake's smile never wavered, but his eyes glinted with a hint of challenge. "I'm not taking anything, doc," he said, his voice smooth. "Owen's a grown man, he can make his own decisions."
Owen felt like he was caught in the middle of a storm, his heart racing with anxiety. He opened his mouth to intervene, but before he could say anything, Hayden spoke up.
"Get out, Blake," Hayden said, his voice cold and commanding. "Now."
Blake's eyes flicked to Owen, a hint of apology in their depths. "Sorry, Owen," he said, his voice low. "Looks like you've got a situation here."
With that, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Owen and Hayden staring at each other
Hayden's eyes burned with intensity as he pinned Owen to the spot, his voice low and husky. "Why do you like him?" he asked, his breath whispering against Owen's skin.
Owen's eyes widened, his mind racing with thoughts. He was speechless, unsure of how to respond.
Hayden took another step closer, his voice a gentle command. "I just asked you a question, Owen."
Owen looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I just like him."
Hayden's fingers gently grasped Owen's chin, tilting his head up. "Then what about me?" he asked, his eyes searching Owen's face.
Owen's eyes met Hayden's, his expression shocked. He was taken aback by the question, unsure of how to respond... pardon?
Hayden's gaze was piercing, his voice low and husky. "You heard me, what am I to you?"
Owen's voice was barely audible, his eyes dropping to the floor. "I... I don't know"
Hayden's expression was intense, his eyes burning with emotion. "Tell me," he commanded, his voice low and husky.
Owen took a deep breath, his heart racing with uncertainty. "You're...you're my friend," he said, his voice shaking slightly.
Hayden's eyes seemed to flash with disappointment, but his expression remained intense. "Is that all?" he asked, his voice low and rough.
Owen's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with thoughts. He didn't know what to say, didn't know what Hayden wanted to hear before he could say another word he felt something beyond his expectations
Owen's eyes widened in shock as Hayden's lips met his, the kiss sending a wave of emotions crashing through him. His arms, weak and uncertain, rested on Hayden's chest, unsure of how to react.
For a moment, Owen was frozen, his mind racing with thoughts. But as Hayden's kiss deepened, something inside him stirred, and he began to kiss back, his lips moving hesitantly against Hayden's
He gasps, feeling Hayden hands going down to his waist, his eyes widen and quickly pull away
Owen's expression changed, a mix of guilt and sadness crossing his face. "Hayden, I'm sorry," he said, his voice laced with regret. "But I can't return those feelings. I love someone else, and it's...it's Blake, not you."
Hayden's face fell, his eyes clouding with disappointment. He took a step back, his expression neutral. "It's okay, I won't force you," he said, his voice low and resigned. "You can go back to work."
Owen nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. He turned and walked out of Hayden's office, leaving Hayden standing there, looking defeated.
The moment the door closed, Hayden's composure broke. He slammed his fist on the wall, a growl of frustration escaping his lips. "Damnit, why is this always happening?" he muttered, his eyes closing in disappointment.
Owen walked back to the nurse's department, his feet heavy with the weight of his emotions. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face pale. Emily, who was chatting with a colleague, immediately noticed Owen's distress and rushed to his side.
"Oh my god, Owen, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "Did Hayden do something to you?"
Owen shook his head, trying to compose himself, but the tears were already welling up in his eyes. He took a deep breath and began to explain, his voice cracking with emotion.
"He...he told me he loves me," Owen said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He kissed me, and I...I didn't know what to do."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise, but she remained silent, letting Owen continue.
"I told him I love Blake, not him," Owen said, his voice breaking. "He was so understanding, but...but it hurts, Emily. It hurts so much."
As Owen finished speaking, he lost control, bursting into tears. Emily immediately wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Shh, it's okay, Owen," she whispered, holding him close. "It's going to be okay."
Owen sobbed, his body shaking with grief. He felt like he was losing control, like his emotions were drowning him. Emily held him, letting him cry, her own eyes welling up with tears.
"Why does it have to be so hard?" Owen whispered, his voice muffled against Emily's shoulder. "Why can't I just love one person?"
Emily stroked his hair, her touch gentle. "Love isn't something we can control, Owen," she said, her voice soft. "It's messy and complicated, but it's worth it. You're worth it."
Owen cried for what felt like an eternity, letting out all his emotions, his fears, and his doubts. Emily held him, a constant presence, a reminder that he wasn't alone.
As the tears finally began to subside, Owen pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy. "I'm sorry," he whispered, feeling embarrassed.
Emily smiled, her eyes kind. "Don't apologize, Owen," she said. "You're allowed to feel, to hurt, and to cry. You're human."
Owen nodded, feeling a small sense of comfort. He knew he was lucky to have Emily, to have someone who cared about him, who understood him.
As they pulled apart, Emily asked, "Do you want to talk more about it?"
Owen shook his head, feeling exhausted. "No, I just...I need a minute, okay?"
Emily nodded, her expression understanding. "Take all the time you need, Owen. I'm here for you."