We Go Together Or We Don't Go Down At All

Reconciliation

Alex stared at his phone, the screen illuminated with missed calls and unresponded messages from Zack. Each notification felt like a punch to the gut, to both men.

For Alex,reading the messages was reopening wounds he thought were healing. The feelings made him unable to respond. He couldn't bring himself to respond, not when the hurt was still fresh.

For Zack, the lack of response was a stark reminder of his faults. And he lost hope that he had lost Alex and Everly forever.

Every attempt Zack made to reach out only deepened Alex's anguish. He knew from the texts and messages from Zack, that Zack was trying to align their schedules, and he got a a promotion at work, he was so unavailable before because he was working extra hours to prove himself. The fact that Zack was working harder was not the cause for Alex's anger and anguish.

He was hurt that Zack never shared this information before. The silent struggle on Zack's end about his struggles cut deep. It felt like a betrayal of trust. He was hurt Zack didn't trust him enough to tell him.

Then, one day, there was a persistent knock on Alex's door. Alex hesitated, but his best friend Rian, understanding the turmoil, let Zack in.

"He is vulnerable and hurt Zack. Don't fuck this up again Zack. I am giving you a lifeline here. Use it. Don't sink. I will not do it again." Rian warned.

Zack nodded. "Understood. I just want to talk to him."

As Zack entered further into the apartment, he found Alex Sitting on the couch.

Zack sat and looked at the man who he found to be the most beautiful in the world. Zack's eyes pleaded for understanding as he poured out his heart. Zach took a deep breath, steeling himself to open up about something he had kept hidden for so long.

"Alex, I am not even sure where to start. I have so mich to say to you. Let me start here, I need to tell you something. I have extreme ADHD, and I have been out of meds for about a month or so now, they finally replenished at my pharmacy and I just got them yesterday actually. It's been a lifelong struggle for me." Zack locked eyes with Alex as he spoke.

Alex's eyebrows furrowed in surprise, but he listened intently. "I had no idea, Zack. I always thought you had troubles with ADHD, and neurodivergent thinking issues, something I can relate to."

Zach nodded, his gaze downcast. "I was embarrassed to tell you. I didn't want you to see me differently or think less of me."

"I wish you had told me," Alex confessed softly.

"I'd rather have awkward conversations than be left in the dark ... It's not just about your struggles Zack. It's about feeling abandoned and alone because you didn't communicate with me. I felt like I wasn't a priority." Alex admitted.

Zach's eyes welled up with regret. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I never meant to make you feel that way. I promise to do better. You and Everly mean everything to me."

Zack reached out to take Alex's hand but he hesitated as he was about too grasp it, retracting and settling his hands in his lap.

Alex sighed, the weight of their conversation lifting slightly. "I love you, Zack. But I need you to understand how much you hurt me. Communication is key, and I need to feel like we're in this together."

Zach nodded fervently. "I understand. I've been in complete anguish without you both. I want to make things right, to show you both how important you are to me."

With tears in their eyes, Alex and Zack just looked at each other for a moment. Alex took some initiative and grasped Zack's hand softly.

Zack's heart weighed heavy with remorse as he opened up to Alex, expressing his deep regret and willingness to mend their relationship. Through tearful eyes, Zack vows to do whatever it takes to make things right, seeking forgiveness and understanding from Alex.

Zack sobbed l as he spoke. "I'm so sorry, Alex. I now I've messed up, but I'll do anything to make things right between us. I want us to be a family again.

Alex sighed as he continued to hold Zack's hand gently. He sighed and tried not to cry ."It's okay, Zack. I understand. We just need to communicate better and work through this together."

Zack sobs some more as Alex is being understanding. Zack wasn't expecting that

"Thank you for being so understanding. I want to be serious about us, Alex." Zack said truthfully.

Alex smiled a little as he spoke. "I want that too, Zack. I'm glad you're ready to take this seriously. Let's work on building a stronger relationship together."

In a moment of vulnerability, Alex embraces Zack, offering comfort and reassurance, emphasizing the importance of improved communication between them. Alex's sincerity shines through as he expresses his commitment to their relationship, grateful that Zack is now ready to take their bond seriously. Together, they decided to embark on a journey towards healing and stronger connection, guided by honesty and mutual respect.

Alex listened to Zack, the bitterness giving way to empathy. He understood Zack's challenges but wished he had confided in him sooner.Alex admitted, it was nice to have Zack back. Then weight of unspoken words lifting as they both embraced the chance to communicate openly.

"I love you Alex. Please. Give me another chance. I promise to communicate more when I am struggling." Zack pleaded.

Alex nodded. "Of course. would you like to start with a cup of coffee? I just brewed a pot before you showed up, and since Rian snuck out when you left so it's not all gone." Alex chuckled.

"Oh there is that laugh I love. I missed it." Zack said with a gentle smile.

Alex blushes at the compliment. "I missed you too Zack."

Zack smiles and looks around a bit. " I noticed that Everly is not here. Is She OK?"

Alex nodded as he sipped his coffee. "She's good, actually. Spending the day with my mom, so it is a perfect chance to catch up with you. There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about..."

Zack raised a brow. "Oh? What's on your mind?"

Alex took a deep breath. "I was thinking we could go out on a date soon, just the two of us. And... I'd really like Everly to come with us. I want us to spend the day together, like the family I know we can be."

Zack started smiling "Yeah, I'd love that. Let's make it happen."

Alex smiled. "Good. I want to seduce you all over again. And Everly would love to tell you how much she missed you."

Zack was grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you for another chance."