Left Behind

Bed

As the group of friends returned from their snowy excursion, their cheeks rosy from the cold and their laughter echoing through the chalet, they were greeted by the sight of Max and Charles lounging in the living room, surrounded by an array of takeout containers.

Carlos was the first to speak up, a teasing grin spreading across his face as he observed the scene. "Looks like we were right to doubt Charles' cooking skills," he remarked with a chuckle, earning a playful nudge from Lando beside him.

Pierre joined in, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "I guess we'll have to settle for takeout tonight," he quipped, reaching for a container and digging in with enthusiasm.

Max and Charles exchanged amused glances, their lips quirking up in shared amusement at their friends' good-natured ribbing. "Hey, at least we won't set the kitchen on fire this time," Max retorted, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Despite the lighthearted banter, there was an underlying warmth and camaraderie among them, a sense of closeness that came from years of friendship and shared experiences. And so they settled in for the evening, content in each other's company.

After dinner, they settled into the cozy living room of the chalet, the group decided to make the most of their evening indoors. With the fireplace crackling warmly in the background, they gathered around the coffee table, each armed with their preferred choice of board game or card game.

Max and Charles found themselves teamed up for a competitive round of charades, their shared glances and subtle gestures speaking volumes as they effortlessly guessed each other's clues. Despite their attempts to keep their interactions friendly and platonic in front of their friends, there was an undeniable spark between them that couldn't be concealed.

As the evening wore on and laughter filled the air, Daniel discreetly pulled Max aside for a quiet conversation, casting a knowing glance in Charles' direction. "You seem happier than I've seen you in a long time, Max," he remarked, his tone filled with genuine warmth.

Max nodded, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, things have been... good lately. Really good," he admitted, his gaze drifting back to where Charles was engaged in a lively debate over the rules of the game with Lando.

Daniel's eyes sparkled with understanding as he clapped Max on the shoulder in a supportive gesture. "I'm happy for you, mate. Just remember to take things slow and enjoy the moment," he advised before returning to the group, leaving Max to ponder his words.

As the night drew to a close and the games wound down, Max found himself stealing glances at Charles whenever he thought no one was looking. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a shared connection that transcended words.

And as they bid farewell to their friends and retreated to their respective rooms for the night, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Whatever the future held, he knew one thing for certain: with Charles by his side, he was ready to face it head-on, one moment at a time.

____________

Max tiptoed down the hallway, the floorboards creaking softly beneath his weight as he made his way to Charles' room. His mind was restless, thoughts swirling in an endless whirlwind that refused to let him find solace in sleep.

Pushing open the door with a gentle creak, Max peered inside to find Charles lying in bed, the soft glow of his phone illuminating his features in the dimly lit room. Charles glanced up at Max's arrival, a faint smile gracing his lips as he set his phone aside.

"What are you doing here, Max?" Charles asked softly, his voice a quiet murmur in the stillness of the night.

Max offered a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I couldn't sleep," he admitted, shrugging slightly. "Thought I'd see if you were awake."