Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Seventeen: Hearts Entwined

Alex hummed quietly to himself as he moved around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. He stretched up to reach the top shelf of the cupboard, fingers just grazing the edge of the sauce bottle. Frustration crept in as he realized he couldn't reach it and thought of using a stool. He glanced around but couldn’t find it anywhere.

Determined, Alex stood on his toes, reaching again. Just as his fingertips brushed the bottle, he felt a warm hand on his waist, steadying him. Startled, he turned his head to find Ethan standing behind him, his other hand effortlessly retrieving the sauce.

"Need a hand?" Ethan asked, his breath warm against Alex's ear.

Alex's heart raced as he turned fully to face Ethan, who still held him by the waist. Their faces were incredibly close, and Alex could feel the tension crackling between them like a live wire. Ethan's grip tightened, pulling Alex even closer until their noses almost touched. Alex could see his own reflection in Ethan's eyes.

Without thinking, Alex lifted himself slightly onto his toes, aiming to bridge the gap between their lips. Ethan bent down, closing the distance. Just as their lips were about to meet, a faint smell of something burning invaded their senses.

"Ah! The breakfast!" Alex exclaimed, snapping back to reality. He quickly turned away to tend to the stove, leaving Ethan standing there, a bit shy.

"I'll set the table," Ethan mumbled, his face a little red as he retreated to the dining area.

They sat opposite each other at the table, the awkward tension from the kitchen still lingering. Ethan couldn’t stop staring at Alex's lips, the almost-kiss replaying in his mind.

"Eat your breakfast before it gets cold," Alex said, trying to break the silence.

Ethan nodded, but as he ate, a bit of food stuck to his lips. Alex reached over instinctively, using his fingers to wipe it away. Ethan blushed hard, and Alex, with a mischievous glint in his eye, licked the fingers that had touched Ethan's lips. Ethan gulped, feeling a strange warmth spread through him.

"Why don't we buy a new bed?" Alex suggested suddenly, trying to change the subject. "We don’t know how long it’ll take to sort things out."

Ethan, startled by the question, replied, "I'm actually okay with sleeping on the same bed with you." He gave a slight smile, staring into Alex's eyes.

Alex, who was drinking water, choked a little. "I'm fine," he said quickly when Ethan asked if he was alright.

After breakfast, they were ready to search for clues at the abandoned tracks. Just as they were about to leave, it started raining heavily.

"Guess we'll have to wait until the rain settles down," Alex said, sounding a bit frustrated. "Why does something always obstruct our plans to search for clues?"

"It's fine," Ethan reassured him. "I'm not in a hurry."

They sat on the couch, listening to the rain patter against the windows. The sound was soothing, and Alex, perhaps still tired from the previous day's events, began to doze off. Ethan noticed and gently moved closer, catching Alex's head and placing it properly on his shoulder.

An hour passed, and the rain slowed to a drizzle. Alex showed no signs of waking up. Ethan carefully moved him, laying his head on his lap. As Alex slept peacefully, Ethan found himself lost in thought, his eyes tracing the contours of Alex's face.

When did it all start? he wondered. When did I start loving him?

Ethan's fingers gently caressed Alex's hair, moving down to his peaceful face. He felt a sense of warmth and contentment. When his gaze reached Alex's lips, he felt an overwhelming urge to kiss them. Slowly, he leaned down, giving Alex a light peck on the cheek instead. Coming back to his senses, he felt a pang of guilt but also an undeniable affection.

As he was lost in his thoughts, Alex stirred and woke up. Before Ethan could react, Alex leaned in and gave him a light peck on the lips. Alex quickly retreated, but Ethan, realizing what just happened, held Alex in his lap, pulling him closer.

Ethan's lips met Alex's in a deep, passionate kiss. Their lips moved together in a perfect rhythm, and Alex's hands found their way to Ethan's neck. Ethan's grip tightened as he deepened the kiss, feeling a rush of emotions he couldn't quite name.

When they finally pulled away, gasping for air, Ethan didn’t let go of Alex. He hugged him tightly, whispering into his ear, "Should I say it now?"

"Say what?" Alex asked,  his heart pounding in his chest.