Love Across Time

Chapter 9

***August 2022

"You know, Marvin, I've often wondered what might have been if things had turned out differently for us," Zeke confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Marvin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he considered Zeke's words. "I've thought about that too, Zeke. But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and perhaps our journey needed to unfold the way it did to lead us to where we are now," he replied, his tone reflective.

Zeke smiled, a sense of peace washing over him as he looked at Marvin. "You're right, Marvin. Maybe this is exactly where we're meant to be," he agreed, his voice filled with conviction.

Zeke and Marvin found themselves drawn to a familiar spot they used to frequent during their college days—a quaint café tucked away in a corner of the city. The cozy ambiance and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee brought back a flood of memories, reminding them of the countless hours they had spent there lost in conversation and laughter.

As they settled into a corner booth, Zeke couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him. "It feels like we've come full circle, doesn't it?" he remarked, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Marvin nodded in agreement, a fond twinkle in his eyes. "Yeah, it's funny how life has a way of bringing us back to where we started," he mused, taking a sip of his coffee.

Their conversation meandered through topics old and new, weaving seamlessly between shared memories and future aspirations. They spoke of dreams yet to be realized and adventures waiting to be embarked upon, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation.

But amidst the laughter and lighthearted banter, there lingered an unspoken question—one that had been weighing on Zeke's mind since the moment they had reunited.

"Marvin, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," Zeke began, his voice soft but earnest.

Marvin looked at him expectantly, a curious expression on his face. "What is it, Zeke?" he asked, his gaze searching.

Marvin took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Do you ever wonder if we could... start again? If we could put the past behind us and build something new?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Zeke's heart skipped a beat at Marvin's words, a rush of emotions flooding his senses. He knew that their journey had been filled with twists and turns, but deep down, he had always held onto the hope that they would find their way back to each other.

"Marv... I've thought about that too," Zeke admitted, his voice filled with honesty. "And I believe that if we're willing to take a chance and open our hearts to each other again, anything is possible."

"I've missed you....so, so much, Zeke!" Marvin confessed, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes locked on Marvin's.

Zeke's heart swelled with emotion at Marvin's words, the sincerity shining in his eyes. "And I've missed you too, Marv...so much," he replied, his voice filled with a raw honesty that echoed through the depths of their connection.

With each passing moment, the barriers that had once separated them began to crumble, giving way to a newfound sense of vulnerability and authenticity. They spoke of the pain they had endured, the mistakes they had made, and the love that had never truly faded away.

"I've never stopped loving you, Marvin," Zeke confessed, his voice trembling with emotion. "Even when we were apart, you were always in my heart."

Marvin reached out, taking Zeke's hand in his own, their fingers intertwining in a silent pledge of solidarity and commitment. "And I've never stopped loving you either, Zeke. My heart still beats for you" he admitted, his voice filled with a sense of longing and longing.