Sempiterno VI (AlanxJeff)

Red Flags

Jeff

I had been nervous all day, preparing everything with Charlie, making sure nothing was missing. This time, I wanted to be the one to surprise him. Alan was always bringing me things, always finding some way to make me feel special, but this time, I wanted to do it for him. I wanted to see that expression on his face when he discovered what I had prepared for him. With Charlie's help, and thanks to some discreet research with Babe, we found out that his favorite dishes included sautéed basil and, for dessert, chocolate truffles. I wanted this dinner to be perfect.

The rain was pouring outside, and for a moment, I thought we might have to cancel our date. The drops beat against the windows with fury, creating a heavy atmosphere filled with the smell of wet earth. My thoughts drifted, imagining how hard it would be to wait another week to see him. Just the thought of it filled me with an anxiety I could barely control. I missed him. I missed him so much that in the days between our meetings, I felt like something essential was missing from me.

Alan, however, had thought of everything. He made sure to prepare one of the old apartments in this abandoned building, knowing that winter was approaching. The place was perfect, more private than our usual rooftop spot. There were no prying eyes here, no shared smiles from Charlie or Babe. It was just the sound of the rain on the windows and the promise of a quiet, intimate moment between us.

Alan sat at the table, his face beaming like an excited child discovering an unexpected gift. His eyes sparkled with that light that always made me smile, and when his lips curled into that smile I loved so much, I felt my heart race.

As we started eating, I realized I couldn't stop looking at him. Every time he lifted his fork, every time his lips touched the food, I watched him in silence, memorizing every expression. I knew that when we weren't together, it would be these little moments that would keep me going.

Alan, unaware of my scrutiny, enjoyed each bite with a smile, but then I noticed something. A small wrinkle appeared on his forehead, barely noticeable, but it was there.

I frowned, confused. There was something more, something he wasn't telling me. Even though we didn't know each other that well, it felt like I could read every little gesture of his, as if some part of me was tuned into him in a way I had never experienced before.

"Didn't you like it?" I asked, worried about his reaction.

"What? Of course, I did!" he replied quickly. "It's delicious."

"Are you... lying?" I asked cautiously, trying not to sound accusatory.

His eyes widened in surprise before a mischievous smile curved his lips.

"You caught me..." he murmured in a playful tone that completely disarmed me. "I really liked it, I did... it's just..."

"Just what?" I insisted, a mix of curiosity and concern.

Alan looked away for a second, as if debating with himself, before his voice came out in a whisper, almost as if he were embarrassed.

"I don't like carrots..." he confessed, glancing at me as if it were a secret he had kept for years.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly. His confession was so... adorable. It was amazing how at ease I could feel with him, so free to joke around.

"You're not a kid!" I said with a smile, my tone teasing, though deep down, all I felt was overwhelming tenderness for him.

Alan brought a hand to his face, clearly embarrassed.

"I know, I know..." he laughed. "But I can't help it. I just don't like them. But, please, don't tell anyone, okay?" he added in a conspiratorial tone, his eyes twinkling with mischief.