Kings of Hawkings [bxb]

Chapter 39

As they were chatting and joking with each other, a large man with a rag slung over his shoulder approached their table. "Well, I'll be damned. Jonas Spencer knows how to laugh."

Jonas' face lit up, and he immediately slid out of the booth to hug the man. "Norm, it's great to see you again." He gestured to Hugh. "This is my boyfriend, Hugh."

Hugh was already on his feet, extending his hand in greeting. Norm shook it firmly, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Looks like you both got in the ring with Chuck," Norm said, nodding at the cuts on their faces. With his own background in fighting, he was no stranger to injuries.

Hugh rubbed the back of his neck. "Jo's one hell of a sparring partner."

"Looks like you gave him a run for his money. Good job. He needs someone to beat some common sense into him," Norm chided. He made them sit back down again. "Alright, boys, what are you having today?"

"You know me, Norm," Jonas said with a smile, his hand naturally finding Hugh's.

"I trust him, so I'll get what he orders," Hugh said with a smile.

Jonas and Hugh were grinning throughout their meal, their enjoyment palpable. Hugh couldn't help but swear a few times, playfully chastising Jonas for keeping this place to himself. "These burgers are the best I've ever had," Hugh declared, savoring every bite.

As they were leaving, several men from the pub stopped Jonas to chat, adding to the friendly buzz. Norm, moving towards Hugh, enveloped him in a heartfelt hug. "Thank you, Hugh. Jonas has had a tough road, and I've never seen this kind of light in him before. You bring something really good out of him."

Hugh chuckled, returning the embrace. "Chuck mentioned something similar. But honestly, Jonas brings out something good in me, too."

From across the room, Jonas watched the interaction with a soft smile. The moment was a quiet revelation for him. The realization that he wasn't entirely alone in the world last year settled in. Surrounded by a great family and a supportive group from the gym, he was now letting the man he cared about the most into that cherished circle.

Jonas insisted on driving, which Hugh easily acquiesced to. The engine roared to life, and they left the pub behind, heading toward the outskirts of the city. Hugh, nestled against Jonas' back, felt the familiar hum of the bike beneath them, but tonight, the ride felt different—there was an unspoken purpose behind Jonas' choice of direction.

As they wove through the quiet streets, the urban landscape gradually gave way to open spaces and winding roads. Jonas guided them up an elevated path that was unfamiliar to Hugh, a route that promised something new and uncharted. The cool night air rushed past them, and the city lights growing smaller and more distant with each passing mile.

Eventually, they reached the top of a hill, and Jonas slowed the bike, pulling over into a secluded resting area. Hugh looked around, intrigued. The spot was a hidden nook, a peaceful overlook that offered a breathtaking view of the entire city sprawled out below them, twinkling like a sea of stars.

Jonas killed the engine, and the sudden quiet felt almost sacred. He dismounted first, offering a hand to Hugh as he got off the bike. They stood together for a moment, taking in the panoramic view. With all its noise and chaos, the city seemed a world away from up here.

Jonas glanced at Hugh, his eyes reflecting the distant city lights. "I found this place a while ago," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "I come here when I need to think, to clear my head."

Hugh looked at him, sensing that there was more to this than just a scenic detour. "It's beautiful, Jonas," he murmured, stepping closer to him. "Why did you bring me here?"