Chasing Shadows

Chapter Eighty-One: A Moment of Quiet

The lights were off in Ethan’s apartment, save for the faint glow of the lamp beside the couch, casting shadows across the room. Zane stood in the living room, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed. Rascal, the tiny furball of mischief, was growling softly at Zane, his little teeth bared as he bit down on Zane’s shoe for what felt like the fifth time that evening.

“Rascal, I swear if you don’t stop biting my foot, I’m going to… I don’t know… buy you an entire bag of chew toys or something,” Zane grumbled, trying to shake his foot free without hurting the pup.

Rascal, unimpressed by the threat, only tightened his grip. Zane sighed, feeling slightly ridiculous. He could go toe-to-toe with the city’s strongest heroes, yet here he was, being held hostage by a tiny dog.

The sound of keys jingling at the door made Zane look up. Ethan stepped inside, his posture slumped, and his eyes downcast. He looked… off. Sad. Tired.

Zane tried to put on a smile. “Hey, Ethan. Rough day?” He gestured down at Rascal, who had finally released his grip and was now sniffing the air excitedly at the sight of Ethan. “Your little menace here has been trying to amputate my foot all evening.”

Normally, that would have gotten at least a smile out of Ethan, or a soft laugh. But tonight, Ethan just gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, dropping his bag by the door and making his way to the couch in silence.

Zane’s smile faltered, concern knitting his brows. He pushed himself off the counter, taking a few tentative steps toward Ethan. “Hey, what’s going on?” he asked gently, his voice losing its teasing edge. “You look like someone drained the life out of you.”

Ethan remained silent, sinking into the couch and staring blankly at the dark television screen. Zane tried again, his voice a little more insistent this time. “Ethan, talk to me. Did something happen? Did you get into it with Asher again, or was it something else?”

Ethan’s only response was a slow blink, his gaze still distant.

Frustration mingled with Zane’s worry. He sat down next to Ethan, close enough that their knees touched. “Come on, Ethan. You’re not usually like this. You can tell me what’s bothering you. Or, if you don’t want to talk, at least let me know if you’re okay.”

But there was nothing. Just that heavy silence that seemed to wrap itself around Ethan like a shroud. Zane’s jaw tightened. He hated seeing Ethan like this—so closed off, so… lost. It was almost as if the lively, sarcastic Ethan he knew had been replaced by a hollow version of himself.

“Fine,” Zane sighed, his voice softer now, resigned. “I’ll stop asking. But just… know that I’m here, okay? You don’t have to go through whatever this is alone.” He shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against Ethan’s. “I’ll be here, even if you don’t want to say anything.”

Ethan didn’t respond, but his eyes closed briefly, almost as if he were acknowledging Zane’s words. And that was enough—for now.

The night stretched on, and Ethan stayed in that same silence, his body tense and unmoving. Zane stayed true to his word, never leaving his side. He would occasionally glance at Ethan, trying to gauge what was going on behind those closed eyes, but each time he found himself coming up empty.

Hours passed, and eventually, Zane felt the urge to step outside. He glanced at Ethan. “I’m going to step out onto the balcony for a bit. Need some fresh air,” he said softly, not really expecting a response.

When he stood up, Ethan shifted slightly, but didn’t say a word. Zane sighed again, then headed for the balcony, sliding the glass door open and stepping out into the cool night air. He pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick of his lighter.

A few minutes later, he heard the faint sound of footsteps behind him. Ethan stepped out onto the balcony, his expression still unreadable. Without a word, he leaned against the railing next to Zane, his gaze fixed on the city lights below.

Zane exhaled slowly, a thin stream of smoke curling into the night sky. He glanced at Ethan out of the corner of his eye, then chuckled softly. “You know, you’ve got this look you always get when you’re staring at me smoke,” he teased lightly. “Like you’re trying to figure out why I keep doing something so stupid.”

Ethan’s lips twitched, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Come on, say something,” Zane murmured, his voice almost pleading now. “Even if it’s to tell me how bad smoking is for my health. I won’t even argue this time.”

There was a long pause. And then, finally, Ethan spoke, his voice barely a whisper. “I don’t like watching you smoke.”

Zane raised an eyebrow, but there was a softness in his gaze. “Oh? And why’s that?”

Ethan shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away. “I don’t know… it’s just… I don’t like it.”

“Not exactly a convincing argument,” Zane chuckled, trying to coax a reaction out of him. “But noted. I’ll try to cut back, for your sake.”

Ethan looked at him then, his eyes still clouded with whatever weight he was carrying. “I don’t want you to change for me.”

Zane stared at him for a long moment, then let out a soft laugh. “I’d change anything for you if it meant making you smile,” he admitted quietly, leaning in closer. “But I guess I’m just selfish like that.”

Ethan blinked, his face flushing slightly, and Zane’s grin widened.

“Ah, there it is. That cute little embarrassed look of yours,” he teased, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. “I’ve missed that.”

Without warning, he leaned in, capturing Ethan’s lips in a gentle kiss. Ethan’s breath hitched, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he seemed to melt into the kiss, his shoulders losing some of their tension.

When Zane finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against Ethan’s, his eyes searching his lover’s face. “I don’t know what happened today, but whatever it was… you’re going to be okay. We’ll be okay. Just… let me in when you’re ready, alright?”

Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes fluttering shut. For the first time that night, he looked a little less burdened, a little less alone.

Zane smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from Ethan’s face. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

And with that, they stayed there, standing together on the balcony, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. The city buzzed around them, but for a moment, everything felt calm—like the world had shrunk down to just the two of them.