Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Eighteen: A Promise for the Future

Ethan tightened his grip around Alex, who was still perched on his lap, and murmured softly, "I'm really going to say it. I think—no, I’m definitely sure—that I love you. You are the one I want to spend my time with, the one I want to see every morning when I wake up, and the one I want to fall asleep with every night." He paused, then gently kissed Alex on the forehead. "I don’t know what the future holds, but I want you by my side. I promise I will find a way to fully become human and live with you forever."

Alex was caught off guard by Ethan's sudden and heartfelt confession. He had feelings for Ethan, too, but the intensity and certainty in Ethan's words left him momentarily speechless. Sensing Alex's hesitation, Ethan continued, "Take your time to settle things and tell me how you truly feel about me." With that, Ethan started to get up from the couch to give Alex some space.

But before Ethan could fully rise, Alex grabbed his shirt from behind and gently pulled him back. "I love you too," Alex admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "But we don't know what our future holds. Why don’t we figure it out together?" With those words, Alex leaned in and planted a tender kiss on Ethan’s cheek.

Ethan was overwhelmed by Alex's sudden response. For a moment, he didn’t know what to do, but then he wrapped Alex in his arms and gave him a tight, warm hug. They stayed like that for a while, savoring the closeness and the newfound understanding between them. Eventually, they realized the rain had stopped and it was already night.

Ethan offered to make dinner for both of them. Alex nodded and went to the bathroom to wash his face. Ethan, now more comfortable using modern appliances, entered the kitchen and decided to make pasta with a simple but delicious marinara sauce. He boiled the pasta, prepared the sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil, and sprinkled some grated parmesan on top.

Alex set the table, and soon they sat down to eat. Ethan reached across the table, took one of Alex’s hands, and started rubbing it gently. Alex felt a comforting warmth in Ethan's touch.Alex was truly happy to have someone who makes him feel loved."I'll wash the dishes since you made dinner," Alex said after they finished eating. Ethan agreed and offered to cut some fruit for dessert.

While Alex was washing the dishes, Ethan came up behind him, locking his hands around Alex’s waist. Alex paused for a moment but then continued washing. Ethan bent down slightly and rested his head on Alex’s shoulder. "Need a hand?" he asked softly.

Alex chuckled. "I'm fine, really."

But Ethan didn’t let go. Alex turned around, their faces inches apart, and lightly kissed Ethan on the lips. "Let go of me so I can finish these," he said, smiling.

Ethan nodded obediently and went to cut the fruit. When he was done, he brought the fruit to the couch and placed his head on Alex’s lap, looking up at him in a resting position. Alex started eating the fruit, enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. Ethan looked up and said, "I want one too."

Alex told him to take one himself, but Ethan refused. Alex placed a piece of fruit in his mouth, and Ethan, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, suddenly grabbed the fruit from Alex's mouth with his own. "Delicious," Ethan smirked.

Alex was too stunned to speak for a moment. Then he laughed, the sound light and joyous, filling the room with warmth. They shared the fruit, talking and laughing, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

As the evening drew to a close, they made their way to the bedroom. Alex got on the bed first, and Ethan quickly followed, pulling Alex closer and making him rest in his arms. Alex felt incredibly comfortable and warm in Ethan’s embrace and soon drifted off to sleep. Ethan watched him for a while, his heart swelling with affection, and placed a gentle kiss on Alex's head before falling asleep himself.

They slept peacefully, wrapped in each other's arms, unaware of the challenges the future might hold or the obstacles they would have to overcome. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.