On The Other Side

Chapter 24 - Stars

GEORGE
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After showering, Clay and I tried to take a nap in his room, but I couldn't fall asleep. So, I decided to step out onto the balcony to look at the stars and clear my head.

I finally understand why I've always felt such a strong connection to him. It's almost unbelievable that, after all these years, we've found our way back to each other. He was the only person who truly listened and understood me back then. I always felt safe in his presence, and that feeling remains just as strong today.

"Can't sleep?" Clay's voice pierces through my thoughts, and I shake my head, returning to the present moment.

He sits down beside me, leaning against the wall. "Can I tell you something?" he asks and I smile, nodding.

When we were little he always asked if he could tell me something instead of just saying it and I always found it amusing.

"When we were kids, I always looked up to you," he admits. "You never saw the bad side of people, and you were always so positive."

As he talks, memories of our childhood come flooding back, and I can't help but smile at the memories of our adventures and the trouble we got into.

His words warm my heart, and I'm touched by what he's saying. "You're the nicest person I've ever met," he goes on, "and I never told you this, but you taught me how to belong. You were, and still are, my safe place, my healer."

A slight pout forms on my face, and my eyes well up with tears. Today has been a whirlwind of emotions, but this one, right now, is undoubtedly the best of them all.

He looks deep into my eyes "You're my home, Georgie." he says in a whisper.

My throat feels like it's being squeezed, and I'm left speechless. My heart thumps loudly in my ears, and I can feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. I don't know what to say or do.

I'm looking at how the moonlight bathes his features in a soft glow, and my breath catches as I take in the sight of him. For a fleeting moment, time seems to slow, the world narrowing down to just the two of us. The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze provides a soothing backdrop to the moment.

Our fingers brush against each other, sending a shockwave of sensations through me. I sense that Clay's heartbeat matches the rapid rhythm of my own, a shared anticipation that binds us together.

Clay turns fully toward me, his hand finding mine. We've held hands before, but it never felt as magical. His touch is warm and reassuring, igniting a warmth within me that eclipses the night's cool air. Our fingers intertwine.

His eyes seem to hold a thousand unspoken words. I can feel the warmth of his presence beside me, his proximity intensifying the flutter of emotions that have been building within me.

My breath catches as Clay's movements become deliberate, he leans toward me slowly. Every heartbeat feels like an echo of my unspoken desires, and as he inches closer, the world around us fades into a blur of shadows.

My mind races, a flood of thoughts and sensations that merge into a single, breathtaking moment. The sensation of his breath on my skin is electrifying. A mixture of longing and vulnerability dances in his eyes.

And then, his lips touch mine, soft and gentle, and a jolt of excitement courses through my entire being. It's as if time stops entirely, and the only reality that exists is the beautiful feeling of his lips against mine. In that instant, every doubt and fear I've had evaporates, replaced by a profound sense of connection.

With each passing second, I feel myself surrendering to the moment, allowing myself to be enveloped by the warmth of his touch. The world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a timeless embrace.

As Clay's kiss deepens, I find myself responding instinctively, my fingers tightening their grip on his hand. Our hearts now beating in harmony. In this stolen moment, under the glow of twinkling stars, everything I've ever felt for Clay culminates in a single, perfect kiss, a kiss that bridges the gap between our unspoken emotions and sets free the love that has been waiting to be acknowledged.

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