Lost in Time

Chapter 10: A Different Kind of Hero

Jeff muttered something through clenched teeth, his words muffled by the embrace of his brother Charlie. When Charlie finally released him, Jeff spun around abruptly, his gaze fixing accusatorily on Alan. "This is all your fault!" His voice cracked with anger before he turned away, striding purposefully back towards his car.

"Wait! Jeff, where are you going?" Alan hurried after him, desperation tingling in his voice. "To save them," Jeff replied tersely, his steps unwavering as Charlie and Babe trailed behind, casting worried glances at each other. The tension hung heavy in the air, the weight of unspoken fears palpable as they moved towards their uncertain destination.

"How? By getting yourself killed?" Alan's voice cut through the tension, edged with concern. He couldn't let Jeff face this alone, not after everything they had witnessed together. He knew the kid had a penchant for diving headfirst into danger, but this time was different. This time, Alan was here. "If that's what it takes," Jeff finally murmured, his voice tinged with resolve.

"Charlie, say something!" Alan's voice was urgent, pleading with the younger brother who stood bewildered amidst the unfolding drama. Jeff's determination was palpable, his mind already set on his course of action despite Alan's attempts to intervene. "Charlie?" Jeff realizes something amid chaos.

"Jeff...let me explain," Charlie managed to say, his voice tinged with uncertainty as he struggled to find the right words. The tension between the three of them was thick, charged with unspoken truths and the weight of decisions made.

"So that's how you knew so much about me," Jeff's accusation was sharp, his gaze narrowing on Alan, demanding answers he wasn't ready to hear. "Wait, Jeff, listen," Alan interjected, his tone desperate yet measured, trying to bridge the gap between them. Alan's attempt to calm the situation only seemed to escalate Jeff's defiance. Jeff's hand moved toward the car door, his resolve firm until Alan halted him; Alan's palm on the door, closing it again.

"Kiss me," Alan's unexpected request hung in the air, his eyes locking with Jeff's in a mix of determination and a plea for understanding. Jeff's disbelief was evident, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What?" Jeff's voice was incredulous, his mind racing to grasp Alan's rationale amidst the chaos. Alan persisted, his words rushing as he sought to explain.

"It's the only way to save your friends," Alan reasoned, hoping against hope that Jeff would see reason, that he would trust him just this once but Jeff's patience had worn thin, his frustration boiling over.

"Get out of my way!" Jeff's yell sliced through the tension, his shove against Alan resolute as he brushed past, determined to confront whatever lay ahead alone.

"You said you'd never go back to that cave because of me, because you loved me, Jeff. I'm your true love." Alan pleaded as Jeff yanked open the car door, only to slam it shut again. He turned back, his expression a mix of courage and fury, eyes ablaze with conflict.

He marched to Alan, his expression unchanged. Alan watched him with confusion, but his resolve for the kiss remained steadfast. Jeff halts in front of Alan, seizing his collar and pressing his lips forcefully against Alan. Alan closed his eyes, feeling the world snap into place as those familiar, soft lips met his own, reminiscent of their first kiss.

For a brief moment, everything felt right.

After a few seconds, Jeff abruptly let go. Alan opened his eyes, only to find himself back in the harsh reality, staring into Jeff's furious and infuriated gaze. He aggressively wipes his lips with the back of his hands as he glares at Alan.

"I-I don't understand. This doesn't make any sense. True love's kiss was supposed to fix everything!" Alan stammered, confusion clouding his features as he struggled to comprehend the shattered reality before him.