Codes & Numbers

Chapter Fifteen(Red-Fisting)

The last of the boxes were stacked neatly in the living room, surrounded by the jumble of furniture, chairs, and a few disassembled shelves.

Zack took a deep breath, hands resting on his hips as he glanced around the room that was soon to be his home. He couldn't believe it- he was finally moving with Alex after he asked months ago. It finally worked out. Zack couldn't be happier to call it their home.

The thought still sent a pleasant thrill through him.He gets to be in Alex's orbit everyday. More so than before.

He was building a life with the man he loved.

"Okay, that's the last of it," Rian announced, brushing his hands off dramatically as if he'd just conquered a mountain.

He leaned against the doorframe, flashing Zack a teasing grin.

"I hope you don't have some hidden storage unit we need to deal with."Jack teased.

"Nope, that's everything," Zack laughed.

His eyes swept over the slightly chaotic but promising scene. Most of his stuff had found temporary places for now, but it was clear they had their work cut out for them getting it all set up.

Zack was grateful his best friend and his sister and her husband came and helped.

Alex was also grateful his best friends was there- supportive of him and Zack. Always.

"Thanks for the help, Jack and Rian. Couldn't have done it without you." Zack praised.

Jack waved off the gratitude, his grin softening.

"Anything for you two lovebirds." Jack smiled.

From the other side of the room, Alex caught Zack's gaze and winked.

Zack winked back.

Alex  was holding a stack of old vinyl records, probably already imagining the best place to display them. He wanted to make sure Zack felt like all of his things had a place here.

Zack admired the love of his life as His dark hair was slightly tousled, and there was a happy flush across his cheeks. Seeing Alex so content and at ease made Zack's heart swell.

Lilly, Zack's sister, came down the hallway with Brent following close behind.

"If I see one more box, I swear I'll lose it," she groaned dramatically, before breaking into a broad smile. "But seriously, Zack, it's perfect. I'm so happy for you." Lilly gushed.

Zack pulled her into a hug.

"Thanks, Lil. I can't wait for you to come over once it's all set up. Alex and I are so excited to decorate together. Aren't we babe?" Zack asked.

Alex nodded.

"Why do you see me hyper focusing on your records. I want to display them with mine." Alex said excitedly.

Jack went over and started "ohhhhing and ahhhing" over Zack's collection with Alex.

"I'll hold you to that," Lilly teased, then glanced over at her husband.

"You did say there was a reward for all this manual labor, right?" Brent asked.

"Food, of course. How about some Mexican? We're all starving, right?" Zack asked.

"Yes!" Lilly clapped her hands, eyes brightening. "Margaritas too! To celebrate your first night in your home together."

There was unanimous agreement Amoungst them all.

Zack felt Alex's hand slip into his. He squeezed it gently, smiling softly at his boyfriend.

"What do you think? Margaritas to kick off this new chapter?" Alex asked warmly.