Fractured Fragments Pt.1 (BoyXBoy)

16: Bound by Starlight

*Tyler POV*

I dashed inside, rushing straight to my room, clutching the bag of clothes tightly. As I stepped into my sanctuary, I couldn't help but notice the chaos that had overtaken the space. It looked like a tornado had swept through, leaving clothes scattered everywhere. With an adrenaline-fueled determination, I darted around the room like a madman, snatching up dirty laundry and tossing them into the hamper, while disposing of trash in the nearby can. Once the clutter was cleared, I quickly made my bed, ensuring it was perfectly neat. Finally, I reached for my favorite candle, the scent of apple pumpkin spice filling the air and casting a warm, comforting glow in my room. My room, though smaller than Chris's, had its own charm, a reflection of my athletic pursuits as a lacrosse player. It boasted a compact en-suite bathroom with a small standing shower, adding a touch of convenience. The overall ambiance was slightly dim, lending an intimate atmosphere that matched my persona.

I couldn't contain my excitement as I anxiously waited for Chris to arrive. The anticipation coursed through my veins, making me feel restless. Suddenly, I heard the familiar sound of the doorbell, and without a moment's hesitation, I dashed downstairs. Racing to the door, I peered through the glass, and there he stood, Chris, wearing his usual attire-his beloved Vans hoodie and black skinny jeans. A sense of familiarity washed over me as I swung the door open, greeting him with a warm smile. "Hi again," I said, my voice laced with enthusiasm. Chris appeared slightly nervous, offering a timid wave in response. Gesturing for him to come inside, I closed the door behind him, sealing us within the walls of my home. With a hint of eagerness in my voice, I asked, "Are you ready?" Our eyes met, and I could sense his uncertainty. But he mustered a small nod, meeting my gaze, and replied, "Yeah, I think so."

Chris and I walked side by side, heading towards the living room where my parents were engrossed in watching TV. I felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, knowing that this was the moment for them to meet Chris. "Hey, Mom, Dad, this is Chris," I introduced him, my voice filled with a hint of pride. Both of my parents turned their attention towards us, acknowledging Chris's presence. "Hey, Chris, nice to meet you," my dad greeted him warmly, while my mom added a playful wink, a gesture of approval. After a slightly awkward pause, I decided to break the silence. "We're gonna be upstairs hanging out if that's alright," I announced, seeking their consent. My dad waved us off nonchalantly, allowing us to continue our journey. Silently, we left the living room and made our way up the stairs, navigating through the familiar spaces of my home. As we passed by the kitchen, I paused to ask Chris if he was hungry or needed anything, but he shook his head in response, indicating that he was fine. Resuming our ascent, we walked past my brother's room, where the sound of generic pop music blared a little too loudly from behind the closed door. Even with the barrier, the lyrics were clearly audible, causing us to exchange a brief smile at the shared annoyance. Finally, we reached my room, and as we entered, the delightful scent of the candle enveloped us, reminiscent of my favorite time of year-Christmas.

As I entered my room, I noticed that Chris had paused near the door. Concerned, I turned towards him and asked, "Everything okay?" He shook his head slightly and replied, "Uh yeah, I'm fine," taking hesitant steps forward. Wanting him to feel comfortable, I gestured towards the bed and reassured him, "You can sit on the bed, don't be shy."

Chris found a spot near the corner of the bed, settling in cautiously. A moment of silence hung in the air, and aware that silence tended to make him uneasy, I decided to break it by turning on some music, hoping it would help him relax. As the melodies filled the room, I could sense his tension easing.

Breaking the silence, I rubbed my neck and asked, "So, what do you want to do?"

Chris looked up from his lap, meeting my gaze, and replied, "Oh, I'm fine with anything."