Healing (Zalex)

Chapter 17

Alex sat on the plane quietly, staring out of the window, Rian was sat beside him. "Hey we'll get to Zack" Rian said laying a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder.

"We have no idea where he lives Ri!" Alex snapped. "How do you think we'll find him?" Alex hissed as he pulled away from Rian's touch.

"Lex we won't go home til we have Zack" Jack said "or at least know he's 100% safe" Jack mumbled the last bit to himself.

"You're right, Jack. We're not leaving until we've found Zack and brought him home" Alex responded firmly. Alex was still a little on edge from the situation, but he tried to keep a calm and positive attitude.

As the plane flew over the ocean, Alex felt a sense of foreboding. The search for Zack had been going on for weeks already, and they still had no real idea where he was besides the UK. England to be more specific.

Alex had fell asleep at the window, his his head pressed against the window, his breath fogging up the window.

Alex slept for some time, his mind and body finally getting some rest after weeks of exhaustion. Jack remained awake, glancing occasionally at Alex every now and then. The plane rumbled softly as it soared high above the clouds and the ocean below.

It was just after midnight when Alex suddenly woke up with a jolt. His body was stiff and his arms ached from being in the cramped position for so long. He rolled over in his seat and rubbed his eyes, trying to adjust to the dim lighting of the plane.

"Morning sleepy head" Rian said softly noticing Alex waking up. "We have two hours until we land" Rian added.

Alex grumbled but nodded in response, his head falling on Rian's shoulder for some much needed comfort. Alex let out a soft sigh as he leaned into Rian's embrace. The warmth of his friend's body was comforting against his face, and he felt his tension slowly ease up.

"It's been so long" Alex whispered as he looked out the plane at the dim sky outside. "Will we really find Zack? What if we can't?"

"We have the details for the wedding, we can do some stupid spy shit and sneak in" Rian muttered "as a last resort" Rian replied trailing off.

"No I don't think that's possible " Jack said sighing "I think it'll be a highly secure event" Jack whispered. "Based on what's been put online"

***

Zack sit on the bed quietly as he scrolled twitter before tweeting. "Happy easter to everyone hope you're all enjoying yourself and have an impeccable day. Remember I love you all"

As the tweet went out, he layed back staring at the ceiling silently.

Zack's thoughts drifted to his friends, wondering if they were still searching for him. The room he was in felt cold and unfamiliar, a stark contrast to the warmth of the messages he used to exchange with Alex, Rian, and Jack.

***

Back on the plane, Alex, now more determined than ever, looked at his friends. "We need a solid plan. Sneaking in might not work, but we can gather intel discreetly," he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Rian and Jack nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened.

As the plane descended, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that they were closing in on Zack's location. The unknown challenges ahead fueled his determination to reunite with his friend, no matter the obstacles.

Once the plane landed, Alex Rian and Jack made their way of the plane, collecting their baggage, before they headed to the hotel they booked.