In the Grip of Jealousy (PondDunk)

Chapter 4

The key turned in the lock with a soft click, and Dunk stepped into Pond's house. The room was shrouded in twilight, save for the dim glow of a nightlight that cast eerie shadows.

Dunk felt a sense of peace, as if he had returned to a familiar harbor.

On the table, he spotted a sketchbook filled with drawings. Pond loved to sketch – faces, landscapes, dance movements, lyrics to his favorite songs.

Dunk leafed through the notebook, lingering over the sketches that pleased him most. His eyes fell upon a drawing of Parker seated by a window. A hastily scribbled note accompanied it. "Parker loves watching the birds," Dunk read aloud, a smile tugging at his lips. The puppy had been temporarily fostered by Pond's mother the previous week to alleviate the little one's loneliness in his owner's absence, and also because it was time for his scheduled vaccinations. Pond, with his hectic schedule, might not have found the time to take the pet to the vet.

Dunk continued to flip through the pages of the notebook when suddenly he noticed something unusual: between two drawings, the corner of a sheet of paper of a different color than the other pages was visible. He carefully pulled the sheet of paper out of the notebook and froze when his gaze skimmed the first line.

Dunk, you know that you're more than just a friend or a lover to me. You're the closest person to my heart, and the thought of losing you terrifies me. – Pond's handwriting was unmistakable – neat and legible. His words sounded not just like an emotional outburst, but like the result of long deliberations, as if he had weighed every word to fully express his feelings.

Lately, I've been missing your warmth and support so much, your presence beside me when we talk, laugh, or simply sit in silence. I don't want to lose the connection we have.

But now something has changed between us, and it scares me. We used to be inseparable, but now it feels like a wall has grown between us. I'm afraid we're losing the connection we've nurtured so carefully.

Remember how we sat on the rooftop and looked at the city? You said you felt as free as a bird. I felt the same way around you. But now, when you're not around, I feel like I'm locked in a cage, where even the most ordinary things seem dull and gray without you.

I know you have your own life, your own interests. And I don't want to limit you at all. I love you, Dunk. So let's talk honestly, without resentment or blame. I want to understand what's going on and find a solution together.

Dunk couldn't stop reading until he reached the end of the page. He hadn't realized Pond was so troubled. For a moment, Dunk wondered how long ago it had been written? But judging by the torn-out page in the notebook, it couldn't have been more than a few days.

Dunk's heart clenched as he contemplated the depth of Pond's suffering. He had been so self-absorbed, so oblivious to the signs that something was wrong. The guilt was almost unbearable. How could he have not noticed that his beloved was hurting? And to think that he might have made things worse through his own negligence.

Dunk left the letter on the table and, with a determined stride, climbed the stairs. He felt a surge of bravery as he realized he was about to do something truly meaningful. Rest was impossible until he had taken the first step toward reconciliation.

Stepping into Pond's room, he was met by the serene sight of his boyfriend asleep. Pond lay on his back, arms relaxed, and lips slightly parted. The dim nightlight cast a soft glow on his face, creating a serene atmosphere.

Dunk approached the bed cautiously and sat down softly. He gently stroked Pond's hair and whispered, "Forgive me." There was no doubt in his mind that he would do everything in his power to make their life better tomorrow and to remove all obstacles and misunderstandings.

Suddenly, Pond's eyelashes fluttered and he opened his eyes. It took him a few seconds to realize that this wasn't a dream. He looked at Dunk, and in his eyes, there was a mixture of surprise and hope.

"Dunk?" he said, taking his hand. "You're here."

"Yeah, sorry I didn't write. Filming ended late, and I didn't want to wake you."

Pond shook his head.

"I'm glad you're here."

"I read the letter," Dunk said, looking at Pond.

Pond felt awkward. He looked away and mumbled softly: "I didn't think you'd find it."

"I just took the notebook to look at your drawings," Dunk replied, trying to ease the tension. "And I saw..."

Pond didn't need to be told what Dunk had seen. He understood everything.

"I just wanted to get my thoughts in order," Pond admitted. "I never intended to give it back. I thought you'd think I was too sentimental."

Dunk smiled.

"Never. I just didn't realize how much it meant to you."

They were quiet for a moment, just holding hands. Dunk stroked his palm with his thumb.

"So?" Pond finally asked. "What do you think?"

"I think we should definitely solidify our relationship so thoughts like that never even cross your mind," Dunk smirked, pushing Pond onto the bed.

Pond required no further invitation. He drew Dunk into his embrace and kissed him.

The kiss was slow, deep, as if they were trying to merge into one. Their tongues danced a sensual ballet, their hearts beating as one. Dunk ran his hand through Pond's hair, his fingers tangling in the soft strands.

The kiss deepened, growing more and more passionate. Pond pulled Dunk closer, his arms tightening around his waist. Their breaths mingled, creating a melody of love. Dunk's hand slid down Pond's back, his fingers tracing the taut muscles beneath the skin. Dunk's clothes became a barrier they couldn't bear any longer. With a surge of urgency, Pond began to fumble with the buttons of Dunk's shirt. His trembling hands pulled it off his lover's shoulders, revealing warm skin. Dunk smiled through the kiss and helped Pond shed his own clothes.

Pond's fingers traced the warm contours of Dunk's skin, exploring every inch. He ran his hand across Dunk's chest, feeling his heart pounding. In response, Dunk wrapped his arms around Pond's neck, pulling him closer. The room was filled with heavy breathing, hushed whispers of love, and the tremor of intertwined bodies.

Moonlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on their naked forms. Dunk buried his fingers in Pond's soft hair as Pond tilted his head back in pleasure. It seemed as if the entire world had vanished around them. Dunk leaned in and gently touched Pond's lips. This kiss was no longer as passionate as the previous ones, but it was filled with tenderness and promise.

They fell asleep, still entwined. The night slowly faded away, taking with it all their doubts and fears.