Constantly - A Milex One-Shot

Constantly

Somewhere within a flat in Bethnal Green, London...

There's a quaint library area; cream-coloured walls, a large cheetah-printed rug. The window is adorned with maroon curtains. On the opposite side of the room, the grandeur of the built-in vintage-style mahogany bookshelves. The rich, deep colour of the shelves were adorned with decorative carvings. The shelf itself had a woody, musty in book-way and a vague "old world" sort of smell to it. It seemed almost colossal in height compared to the smaller stature of Alex Turner. And then like a butter pushing on a bookshelf, Alex stretches up on his tippy-toes to reach the highest shelf where he gently slides a paperback free from its resting place. Its pages are yellowing and its cover is creasing in places and even its spine looks tattered and cracked making Alex wonder how it hasn't already fallen completely apart yet. Regardless, he lifts it to his nose and breathes in that all too familiar musty book smell he's well all too familiar with. The smell of books, companioning with the atmosphere exuding a feeling of cosiness and warm invitation, making it practically a perfect paradise for getting lost in the pages of a good book.

As Alex traipses from the library space to the living area; the sound of soft soothing pants and the gentle tap-taping of footsteps arrests his attention. He gazes down to see the little furry form of Max, his canine son trailing after him. The sight of Max's devoted presence brings an unconscious smile to Alex's face, filling the atmosphere with an extra touch of warmth and contentment.

"Hey, Maxie!" Miles cooes out, his voice filled with velvety warmth as he settles into the soft, plush cushions of his opulent, leopard-printed couch. The little dog, brimming with energy, bounds over to Miles in one swift and graceful motion, eliciting a heartfelt grin from the man. Reluctantly tearing his eyes away from the joyful pup an interval later, Miles' gaze mees Alex's. "I made some tea," he utters, lifting two sizeable, steaming mugs and extending one in Alex's direction. "Just the way you like it." The aroma of the freshly brewed tea fills the room, mixing with the warmth of the late afternoon sunlight that is pouring in through the large windows, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Alex carefully approached Miles to receive the mug, being particularly cautious not to spill any of its contents on the book cradled in the crook of his arm. He also made sure to avoid scalding his hand from the heat of the mug. "Thank you," he said gratefully bringing said mug up to his face just so he could drink in and feel the pleasurable steam hit him- as well as the familiar tea smell he favoured.

Miles pats a space on the couch beside him, Alex graciously takes a seat there. As he settled onto the couch, he appreciated the slightly familiar and comfortable sink of the cushion and the reassuring presence of Miles beside him. It felt as if Miles was a sturdy cornerstone, anchoring him in place.

The walls in the living room were cream coloured here too, a soft chocolate brown rug under the cheetah-printed sofa, a single brown poof supplemented as a coffee table, and opposite the couch against the wall the TV stand for the large flatscreen that sits upon it. The window is adorned with maroon curtains also.

Alex felt a warm sense of comfort as he properly looked at the mug Miles had used to make his tea. It was one of the two mugs that Alex frequented, and this simple gesture made him smile fondly. As he turned to glance at Miles, he noticed Max, their beloved dog, had settled himself comfortably between them, wagging his tail and panting in that endearing way dogs do. Alex couldn't help but smile at the sight of Max, and he reached down to affectionately pet him.

"What are ya reading?" Miles asked as he switched on the television, the channels flickering until he found one to his liking. Alex showed him the book's tattered cover. "The Picture Of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. May I see the back?" Miles scanned the blurb on the back, his eyes lighting up with interest as he anticipated what the book had in store. After reading, he handed the book back to Alex. "Let me know how it goes. Sounds boss!"

"I'll be sure to!" Alex replied with a smile.

A comfortable silence fell between them, with Miles watching Italian football on TV while Alex delved into his book. The room was filled with the occasional sound of clinking mugs as they took sips of their teas, and the soothing rhythm of Max's contented presence as Alex and Miles took turns rubbing the sleepy Max.

The minutes drifted by as Alex remained engrossed in his book, the only interruption being Miles' sporadic exclamations at the telly match occasionally. Despite his annoyance, Alex is too enamoured by Miles to say a thing. However, Alex's focus is broken when he hears what seems like snoring. Puzzled, he turned his attention to Miles, who is very much still wide awake absorbed in the telly activity. Alex looks to Max. The snores do resonate from him.

"Hey, Miles!" Alex whispers loud enough to be heard.

Miles turns to Alex. "Hm?"

Alex nods towards Max, who is sleeping peacefully between them. Miles looks down at the dog and takes in the heartwarming sight. He whispers, "Aww!" and smiles affectionately. "Look at our son, fast asleep next to us. Such a good boy!" Miles muses with a fond grin.

Alex's face breaks into a warm, affectionate grin as he lovingly remarks, "You did great, baby." He sets his book carefully down on the side away from Max and Miles, before tenderly placing his head upon Miles' shoulder. As he does so, he revels in the subtle, rhythmic motion of Miles' shoulder rising and falling with each tranquil inhale and exhale of breath, mingled with the faint but familiar aroma of cigarettes, tea, and mint that he cherishes of Miles presence.

In response, Miles envelops Alex's upper back and shoulder with a comforting embrace, leaning in to rest his head gently beside Alex's. Enjoying the sense of peace and contentment, Alex snuggles into the crook of Miles's arm, savouring the sweet moment without disturbing Maxie.

As the two boys lock eyes, a palpable sense of affection fills the air between them. They share a meaningful gaze, each conveying a depth of emotion that words cannot capture.

Alex's hands move with a graceful and deliberate touch, gliding along the contours of Mile's face before coming to rest on the side of his cheeks. With a soft and deliberate movement, Alex draws Mile's face towards his own. their breath mingling as their lips meet in a tender and affectionate kiss. The moment lingers, each second feeling like an eternity as their noses nuzzle and their foreheads press together. Their connection feeling as fragile and yet as perfectly fitting as meticulously crafted pottery fragments.

As they come together for another kiss, their smiles mirror each other's. Alex's arms wrap around Miles's neck, while Miles reciprocates, encircling Alex's neck with his own arms.

Deep within the recesses of his soul, a fire rages, filling Alex with a comforting warmth and a sense of security. In this moment, they silently reach an unspoken agreement to drink in every ounce of affection from each other.

Over and out xx