Chapter 20

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A few months had passed and the foursome had made their way safely to Iceland, Helen and Mark had been re-arrested along with each boy granted a restraining order against the two. Things were starting to look up for Zack. 

Alex looked up from his notebook as Zack collapsed on their shared bed letting out a deep sigh. "you know" Zack started.

"what do I know?" Alex asked.

"that I love you" Zack responded earning a soft chuckle from Alex in response. 

"yeah I know that you love me, and I love you too" Alex responded a small smile playing on his lips. 

Zack couldn't help but grin at Alex's response. The weight of the past seemed to be lifting, and a newfound sense of relief settled in the room.
 "I never thought we'd make it through all that," Zack confessed, his gaze locked with Alex's. "But here we are, in Iceland, with a fresh start ahead of us."

Alex closed his notebook, setting it aside, and moved closer to Zack. "We've been through hell, Z. But we made it. And I wouldn't want to go through it with anyone else."

Zack cupped Alex's cheek gently, a tender expression on his face. "You've been my rock through all of this. I can't imagine facing it without you."

Alex leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Zack's lips. "We're a team, remember? Through thick and thin."

The room was filled with a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the chaos they had endured. The restraining orders and the re-arrests of Helen and Marcus finally provided a semblance of security. As they embraced the love that had weathered the storm, the future looked promising.

"We should do something to celebrate," Jack suggested, entering the room with Rian. "I mean, we're in Iceland! How about exploring the beautiful landscapes or maybe trying some local cuisine?"

Rian nodded in agreement. "I'm up for an adventure. Let's make some positive memories."The friends shared a collective smile, ready to turn the page on the dark chapter of their lives. As they ventured into the Icelandic landscape, the beauty around them mirrored the newfound peace within. It was a journey of healing, resilience, and the enduring strength of friendship and love.

Alex scowled as he pulled away from Zack's embrace. "you two know how to ruin a romantic moment don't you?" Alex questioned. 

Jack rolled his eyes, a slight look of jealousy in his eyes but spoke "Come on, we can finally relax" Jack responded "Enjoy ourselves" 

Zack chuckled at Alex's playful scowl, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. "Don't worry, Lex, there'll be plenty of romantic moments for us in Iceland. Let's just enjoy the journey and the beautiful landscapes."

As the four friends set out to explore Iceland, they discovered its breathtaking natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls to majestic glaciers. The vibrant local culture and cuisine added flavor to their adventure, making each day a new and cherished memory.

Amid the laughter and camaraderie, Alex couldn't help but notice Jack's occasional glances in his and Zack's direction. Sensing the unspoken tension, Rian decided to address it.

"Jack, everything okay?" Rian asked quietly as they walked along a black sand beach.Jack sighed, glancing at Alex and Zack ahead of them. "Yeah, it's just... seeing them so happy makes me miss having someone special, you know?"

Rian nodded in understanding. "Hey, we've all been through a lot. You'll find someone when the time is right. For now, let's focus on enjoying the present."

Throughout their Icelandic adventure, the friends forged even stronger bonds, finding solace in the shared moments of joy and the serenity of the landscape. The memories created in Iceland became a symbol of their resilience, a testament to the power of friendship and love in overcoming the darkest of times.

As they returned to their hotel after a day of exploration, Jack flashed a mischievous smile. "How about we have a cosy night in? We can order some Icelandic delicacies and have a movie marathon."

The suggestion was met with unanimous agreement, and the friends settled into a night of laughter, comfort, and the warmth of newfound hope. 

Zack laid his head on Alex's lap "I refuse to leave without seeing the northern lights" Zack whispered as he held Alex's hand. 

Alex smiled as he looked at his boyfriend threading his fingers through Zack's hair. "I agree, I've always wanted to see the lights" Alex mumbled.

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