Connected To Him (ManxMan) ✔️

Part 1: Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Love Language - Kehlani

The crunch of snow created a chaotic rhythm, filling the silence between Ethan and Chris. The first snowfall of the year had been light, barely coming up to Ethan's toe, but it still left the air filled with a thick chill. Chris glanced down at Ethan, noting the redness of his cheeks and nose. Instinctively, he reached his gloved hand out to grab Ethan's, even if their skin was kept apart by the fabric.

"You cold?" Chris asked.

Ethan's left brow raised, an incredulous expression on his face.

"Is the sky blue?" Ethan asked in turn. Instead of seeming bashful, Chris tilted his head up to look at the sky, squinting his eyes in careful observation.

"I don't know. It looks pretty gray right now."

Ethan pushed his left shoulder into Chris's body, pulling a laugh out of the taller man. The carefree Ethan wearing winter boots and a too big winter jacket seemed completely different from the Ethan of a week earlier. Chris hadn't forgotten when Ethan accused him of cheating. It was a painful image that had created a home in the forefront of his mind. Yet when he compared these two versions of his boyfriend, there was no reconciliation or clear explanation for the change. The two seemed worlds apart but they were undeniably the same person. Maybe their current state of peace had come too quickly, too easily. Ethan never did explain the meaning of his words and despite Chris's questions, never spoke about that moment again. When his boyfriend greeted him with that same smile and outspread arms every day, it seemed futile to dwell.

That's why such a perfect date could occur so soon after their fight. It wasn't anything special, just a slow walk through a snowy park, but the crunching snow and warm company made sense.

Ethan wove his gloved fingers through Chris's, taking comfort in the physical connection between them.

"So, is there anything you want us to do during winter break? My parents might get suspicious if you just sleep over the entire time but you could still come over during the day."

Ethan tried to speak as if he wasn't stuck on any one plan, but he had high hopes for the break. He imagined spending most days with Chris, going ice skating, sledding, or just lazing the day away on the couch with some hot chocolate.

"Actually, I'm flying to Georgia on Sunday."

If snapping his head up to stare at Chris didn't make his surprise clear, then the way his mouth fell open would have done the trick.

"We always spend Christmas at my grandparents' house." Chris had explained. "It's tradition. I would have to be living on my own if I wanted to skip it."

"No, it's okay. They're family. It makes sense that you would want to see them." Ethan replied. He tried to look unaffected but failed in hiding the disappointment behind a smile.

Chris' eyes had softened at the expression on Ethan's face. His downcast eyes and small frown were akin to a sad puppy, and they pulled at Chris's heartstrings with a firm tug. Chris reached out with his left arm, felted thumb softly stroking the skin on Ethan's cheek. He began to close the distance between them and in the next second, had dropped his forehead against Ethan's.

"Why don't I come over tomorrow," Chris whispered. "I can sleep over and leave Saturday night. Is that good?"

As he spoke, Chris's breath acted as a gentle caress, grazing the skin on Ethan's face. His hands wrapped around Ethan's back, bringing their bodies flush together. Ethan was completely encompassed in Chris's warmth and felt his eyes fluttering close. Remembering his question, Ethan nodded softly before tilting his chin up to connect his lips with Chris's.