Codes & Numbers

Chapter Twelve- (Grey-Bondage)

Zack and Alex stood hand in hand, talking amoungst themselves in the hotel lobby, waiting for the rest of Zack's family to join them for their day doing all of the typical "touristy" things.

Behind them, Zack's family exited the elevator, and chatted excitedly, ready for a day packed with adventure.

"Alright, first stop, Chichen Itza!" Zack's mom declared, waving the brochure with a picture of the ancient Mayan pyramid.

Alex squeezed Zack's hand, leaning in to whisper, "Ever climb a pyramid before?"

Zack grinned. "Only in video games. Always wanted to! Think you can keep up?"

Alex chuckled, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'll race you to the top. Loser buys dinner."

Zack laughed. "Baby. I work out all the time. Cardio like that is light work. Don't do this to yourself. You know how this ends."

"I said what I said." Alex said with a defiant tone.

Zack rolled his eyes playfully at Alex's challenge.

Zack's dad chimed in, overhearing their banter. "Better pace yourselves, boys. It's a long way up!"

The family boarded the tour bus, the anticipation palpable. As they neared Chichen Itza, the grandeur of the ancient city became apparent. The massive pyramid, El Castillo, loomed ahead, its stone steps beckoning.

"I can't believe we're actually here," Zack said, awe in his voice.

"Believe it," Alex replied, giving Zack a quick peck on the cheek. "Ready to lose?"

With a laugh, they started their climb, the sun hot on their backs. The ascent was steep, each step a challenge. Alex's breath came in steady puffs, but Zack, ever the athlete, seemed unfazed.

"Come on, slowpoke!" Zack teased, looking back at Alex with a playful smirk.

"Just... pacing myself," Alex shot back, wiping sweat from his brow. Despite the teasing, Zack reached out, offering a hand to help Alex up the final few steps.

They stood at the top, breathless and triumphant.

"Look at this view," Zack said, pulling Alex close. "Worth every step."

Alex nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Absolutely. Thanks for the motivation."

"Anytime," Zack replied, pressing his forehead against Alex's.

"I'll always be here to lift you up." Zack said sweetly.

After rejoining the family, they headed to their next destination: a cenote, one of the many natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water.

Zack's older sister, Lilly, was already buzzing with excitement.

"Can we jump in?" she asked, her eyes wide.

"Let's do it babe!" Brent ,her husband, said, taking her hand and they jumped in together.

The cool, refreshing water of the cenote was a welcome relief from the heat.

Zack and Alex held hands, following Brent and Lilly's lead- and the leapt into the water together with a splash that drew cheers from the onlookers.

Underwater, Zack felt Alex's hand slip to his waist, pulling him close. They surfaced, laughing.

"Guess I won't need to buy dinner after all," Alex teased.

"Not so fast," Zack replied, splashing him playfully. "Race you to that ledge."

The rest of the afternoon was a blur of fun. They explored the bustling markets, their senses overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and mouthwatering scents of street food.