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

Moving In

Over a lunch hour date, spent at their respective workplaces, with Zack working days now and Pulse being further, they FaceTime on lunch breaks when they can.

Alex leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the screen as he broached the topic. "So, Zack, I've been thinking... have you thought about moving in with me and Everly?"

Zack paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he considered Alex's suggestion. "I mean, I've thought about it. I know you asked me before we broke up before.."

Alex was about to argue they never really broke up, just had several weeks where they weren't seeing eye to eye. But he decided it wasn't worth the fight. They loved each other. The timeline of how they got there didn't matter.

"But you know how I am with commitments and stuff. I'm on a month-to-month lease, so I can give 30 days' notice anytime." Zack reasoned.

Alex nodded, understanding Zack's hesitation but feeling a flutter of hope in his chest. "I get that. But Zack, I want you to know that you're more than just a roommate to me. You're family. My
Love of my life. Everly adores you, and clearly so do I."

Zack's eyes softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Alex, I... I would love to move in with you and Everly. It's just... it feels like coming home, you know?"

Alex's heart swelled with joy, his voice filled with emotion as he responded. "Yeah, Zack, I know. And I couldn't imagine it any other way. Welcome home."

Zack got a bit misty eyed. "Wherever you and Everly are is home baby."

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About a month later, the sun streamed through the windows of their cozy apartment, Alex and Everly bustled around, excitedly preparing for the arrival of their new(and hopefully permanent) roommate Zack.

There was a knock on the door. "I'll get it." Alex said excitedly running to the door.

"Movers are here!" Jack said with a laugh as he wheeled in a dolly cart full of boxes.

"Hey Jack." Alex said as he held the door open.

"Thank god the elevator is not broken. I would never be able to move Zack into the fifth floor on stairs.

"Quit whining!" Zack said playfully as his big strong arms carried 3 boxes at once.

"Babe. You don't need to carry so much! That use be heavy!"

Zack raised a brow as he put down the boxes. "Babe..  I bench more than those boxes weigh."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Ok...you don't need to brag."

Zack winked. "I don't see you complaining about my big strong arms." He said as he put the boxes down and picked Everly up. Settling her on his hip.

"No. I would never complain." Alex said playfully.

He was practically drooling over Zack every moment of every day. His body, his kindness, his special relationship with Everly, it all made Alex madly in love with him.

"Zacky! Daddy says you live with us now!" Everly shouted excitedly.

Zack nodded and put his forehead to Everly's. "I do Evie. I am so excited!"

Zack put her down and Jack ran over. "THE JACK AND ZACK MONSTERS ARE COMING TO TICKLE YOU." Jack yelled out

Everly giggled as Zack and Jack tickled her and she giggled and ran off into her room, Jack and Zack chasing after her.

Rian opened the door a few moments later. " I finally got a parking spot for my truck. I put all the stuff Zack didn't need in the storage locker he rented. There are a few things left in Zack's jeep I think? And I have a few boxes."

Alex smiled as Rian set down the boxes he was carrying. "Hi buddy."

Rian walked over and embraced Alex. "Hi bud."

Boxes cluttered the living room, awaiting unpacking, Alex looked around and sighed. Him and Zack had a lot of work to do. Alex was grateful Rian and Jack lent a helping hand. They all were weaving in and out of the chaos with ease.

"Hey honey. Everly is playing in her room for a bit." Zack said as Jack and him emerged from the 3 year olds bedroom.

Alex nodded. "Ok. I am glad she is doing ok in this chaos."

Rian sensed Alex wanted a moment alone with Zack. He stuck a hand out. "Zack can you hand me your keys? Jack and I will go grab everything that is left between my truck, and your jeep."

Zack nodded and Jack smiled supportively at Zack and he grabbed the dolly cart. Rian smiled supportively as well as they left out the door.

"I am glad we have the best friends we do." Zack sighed happily.

Zack ran his fingers through his hair. A bit overwhelmed by the chaos that was his new shared apartment. He took Alex's hand in his.

"I am glad to be here." Zack said softly as he kissed Alex's forehead

Alex found himself having a lump forming in his throat as he surveyed the scene before him. "Yeah, it's surreal. I can't believe we're finally doing this."

Zack smiled softly. "It feels right. It makes me feel complete to be under the same roof as you and our sweet girl."

Alex went wide eyed. "Ours? That's the first time you said ours."

Zack went wide eyed. Scared he said the wrong thing. "Ummm. I am sorry. I just love her as if she was my own. We have been together for over a year now and I just love her so much and..."

Zack was rambling but Alex cut him off by kissing  him. Zack's eyes fluttered shut. Enjoying the moment of bliss Amoungst the chaos.

"I love that you said ours. It makes me the happiest man alive. Knowing that someone loves her as much as I do. I love you. I am going to marry you someday." Alex whispered sweetly.

Zack raised a brow. "Oh really? Not if I ask you first someday."

Alex smiled. "We could argue about this forever."

As the afternoon stretched on, the apartment buzzed with activity as they unpacked boxes and settled Zack's belongings alongside Alex's. Rian and Jack helped out by taking boxes down to the recycling. And cleaning up the mess as they went along. They were also helpful by keeping Everly busy while they settled Zack in.

In the bathroom, Zack placed his toiletries next to Alex's, a small gesture that carried immense significance.

Alex watched silently, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "It's strange, isn't it? Seeing our lives merge like this."

Zack smiled, understanding glinting in his eyes. "Yeah, but it's also incredible. We've been dreaming of this for so long baby, And now, it's finally happening."

With Zack's words, Alex felt a surge of gratitude wash over him. This wasn't just about sharing a living space; it was about building a future together, one filled with love and shared dreams.

As the day drew to a close and they settled into their now shared bedroom, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Surrounded by the people he loved most, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. And for Alex, that was all he ever needed.