Too Close For Comfort

Chapter Seven: More Than Enough

Sasha ordered dessert for them, choosing two different options for variety. As the plates arrived, they traded bites, each sampling the other's choice. Between spoonfuls of rich chocolate mousse and tangy citrus tart, they laughed, their conversation flowing easily as they delved into bits of each other's lives, favorite books, and even a few guilty pleasures.

When they finally finished, Otto seamlessly appeared at their table, ready to accompany them as they left the restaurant. Outside, the cool breeze carried a faint scent of the sea, adding to the surreal feeling of the afternoon.

Back in the car, Nico leaned back, still savoring the lingering taste of dessert. He looked over at Sasha, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you... for all of this. I really enjoyed it."

Sasha returned the smile, a rare warmth in his eyes. "Glad to hear it," he replied simply, like it was a given that Nico would enjoy himself.

Nico glanced out the window, wondering what was next, but the uncertainty didn't bother him. Wherever they were headed, he was in good company, and for once, he felt at ease.

___

As the car rolled smoothly away from the restaurant, Nico felt a rare calm settle over him. It was a strange contrast to the past few days of stress and uncertainty. Sasha sat beside him, his presence steady and reassuring in a way that both grounded and intrigued Nico.

They drove along the coastline, passing cliffs that tumbled down to the ocean, the waves shimmering under the afternoon sun. For a while, they were quiet, the only sounds the soft hum of the engine and the rhythmic crash of waves through the open windows.

Eventually, Sasha broke the silence. "There's somewhere else I'd like to show you," he said, glancing at Nico with a slight smirk. "If you're up for it."

Nico raised an eyebrow, curious. "Am I going to get a hint?"

Sasha only chuckled, looking out the window as he spoke. "You'll see soon enough."

They drove for another few minutes before the car pulled into a gated driveway, winding up to a private estate that overlooked the ocean. The house was modern but inviting, with expansive glass windows and a terrace that stretched toward the horizon.

Nico blinked, taking in the view. "This...is yours?" he asked, a mix of awe and hesitation in his voice.

Sasha nodded, unbothered by the grandeur of it all. "One of them," he said casually, then gestured for Nico to follow him as they stepped out of the car and onto the terrace. The view was breathtaking-a seemingly endless expanse of water and sky, where the line between the two barely existed.

"Thought it might be a good change of scenery for you," Sasha said, watching Nico as he took it all in.

Nico stepped toward the railing, resting his hands on it as he gazed out, letting the peace of the place sink in. "It's... incredible." The sea stretched endlessly, the waves glinting in the sunlight. For the first time in days, Nico felt a genuine sense of calm.

Sasha joined him, standing close enough that Nico could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," Sasha murmured. "Just... take this in."

Nico nodded, letting the silence between them settle. It felt natural, as if Sasha understood exactly what he needed without asking. The breeze played with Nico's hair as he stood there, savoring a rare moment of tranquility in Sasha's presence.