Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Nineteen: A Morning of Love and Discovery

The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Ethan stirred and slowly opened his eyes, finding Alex nestled peacefully in his arms. A warm feeling of contentment spread through him as he watched Alex's serene face, the rise and fall of his chest matching the rhythm of his own breathing.

With a tender smile, Ethan brushed aside a few strands of hair covering Alex's forehead. Leaning down, he placed a delicate kiss there, causing Alex to stir slightly. Alex's eyes fluttered open momentarily, a sleepy murmur escaping his lips.

“Sleep some more, it’s still early,” Ethan whispered.

“Mmm,” Alex responded, his eyes closing again as he nestled deeper into the blankets.

Ethan gently tucked the blanket around Alex’s shoulders and shifted closer, savoring the warmth and the quiet intimacy of the moment. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love, knowing that Alex was here with him.

After some time, they both woke up. Alex, still groggy, wrapped his arms around Ethan and whispered, “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” Ethan replied, matching Alex's energy with a hug.

Ethan went to freshen up first while Alex slowly got out of bed, tidying up the sheets. When Ethan returned, droplets of water still clinging to his hair, he couldn’t resist a playful moment. He walked up to Alex and shook his head, sending a shower of droplets over Alex’s face.

“Ethan!” Alex laughed, trying to dodge the water. “Stop it!”

Ethan grinned mischievously. “Oh, come on, it's just water.”

In his haste to escape, Alex tripped over his own feet. Before he could fall, Ethan’s arm shot out, catching him by the waist and pulling him close.

“Gotcha,” Ethan said, his voice low and teasing.

“Thanks,” Alex muttered, feeling his cheeks heat up.

Ethan’s grip on Alex’s waist tightened, pulling him even closer. There was almost no space left between them. Ethan leaned in, his face inches from Alex’s, his breath warm against Alex’s skin. “Where do you think you’re going?” he whispered.

Alex's heart raced. “I need to freshen up,” he managed to say, trying to keep his voice steady.

Ethan smirked. “I’ll continue this after you’re done.”

Blushing furiously, Alex extricated himself from Ethan’s hold and darted into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Inside, he leaned against the door, his heart pounding. He felt a rush of happiness and shyness, thinking about how lucky he was to have found someone who truly loved him.

After a quick shower, Alex opened the bathroom door, only to find Ethan standing right outside. Alex’s wet hair clung to his face, and he had only a towel wrapped around his waist, exposing his bare upper body. Ethan’s eyes darkened with desire, and he wasted no time. He grabbed Alex by the waist and began planting kisses on his forehead, moving down to his eyes, his nose, and finally his lips.

Ethan’s tongue found its way into Alex’s mouth, gently coaxing Alex’s tongue to dance with his. The kiss deepened, growing more passionate with each passing second. Ethan's hands roamed down to Alex’s buttocks, kneading them as he kissed him. They kissed until they were breathless, their bodies pressed tightly together.

Ethan moved his lips to Alex’s neck, leaving a trail of kisses and nipping at his ear. “Ouch,” Alex whispered, a shiver running down his spine.

Ethan grinned, more encouraged, and left a hickey on Alex’s neck. When he moved to grab Alex’s towel, Alex caught his hand.

“Ethan, aren’t we going too fast? I’m not ready for this yet. I want to start our relationship with hugs and kisses,” Alex said hesitantly.

Ethan smiled warmly. “I can wait until you’re ready. I promise.”

Relieved, Alex locked his arms around Ethan’s neck and gave him a light kiss. Then he went to dress up while Ethan watched him with a loving gaze.

They made breakfast together, deciding on pancakes and scrambled eggs. Ethan mixed the batter while Alex prepared the eggs. They worked side by side, stealing glances and smiles at each other. Ethan poured the batter onto the griddle, flipping the pancakes with a flourish, making Alex laugh.

As they sat down to eat, Ethan reached across the table and held Alex’s hand, rubbing it gently. “I’m so glad we’re doing this together,” he said softly.

“Me too,” Alex replied, squeezing Ethan’s hand.

After breakfast, they discussed their plans to search for clues. “I just hope we find something useful today,” Alex said, sipping his coffee.

“Me too. But even if we don’t, we’ll figure it out together,” Ethan reassured him.

They left the cottage, greeting the elders they encountered on their way to the abandoned tracks. When they reached the train, they began their search, carefully examining every nook and cranny. Despite their efforts, they found nothing of note.

Frustrated but determined, they entered the driver's cabin. As they continued their search, Alex accidentally pressed a button. Suddenly, the engine roared to life.

Alex and Ethan exchanged wide-eyed looks of disbelief. “Is this really happening?” Alex whispered.

“I think it is,” Ethan replied, equally shocked.

The train began to move, slowly at first, then picking up speed as it headed deeper into the cave. They were stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening.

“I can’t believe this,” Alex said, his voice trembling with excitement and fear.

“Neither can I,” Ethan replied, gripping Alex’s hand tightly. “But whatever happens, we’re in this together.”

As the train sped through the darkness, they held on to each other, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The shock and surprise of the moving train left them both breathless, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

The cave around them seemed to blur as the train moved faster, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels echoing through the cavernous space. They could see faint lights ahead, growing brighter as they neared. The train’s sudden movement had jolted them into a new reality, one filled with unexpected possibilities and hidden secrets.

Alex and Ethan clung to each other, their earlier tender moments lending them strength and resolve. They were ready to face the unknown, their bond solidified by the morning's shared intimacy. The moving train felt like a metaphor for their journey together—full of surprises, challenges, and the promise of something extraordinary.

As they hurtled deeper into the cave, Alex and Ethan knew that whatever lay ahead, they would face it together, their love and determination guiding them through the darkness and into the light.