Only Just Begun

Painted from Memory

Colin and Liam lay naked in the dim comfort of their bedroom, shadows and soft moonlight weaving around them. The air still carried the sweet, lingering scent of passion, mingled with a gentle breeze drifting through the half-open window. Colin's body trembled, echoing the intensity of the love they'd just shared. Liam's deep blue eyes searched his, brimming with tenderness and relief—a testament to how much they'd missed each other.

The days apart had felt brutal. New York and LA, with their bright lights and endless crowds, only deepened the emptiness left behind. Each interview and every Netflix promo served as a painful reminder: Liam wasn't there. He yearned for his touch, his laughter, the small rituals that made his life feel real. Meanwhile, Liam had stayed behind to care for Carol, torn between supporting her and aching for Colin. Nights alone amplified the quiet ache.

Now reunited, their intimacy was urgent—a fierce reclamation of what had been lost. Each kiss, each caress, each whispered sigh pledged that no matter the separation or challenges, their bond remained unbreakable.

Colin shifted, his fingertips tracing invisible patterns across Liam's warm skin.

— I missed you so much. — he murmured, voice thick with emotion, eyes glistening. — It was like a part of me was gone.

Liam pulled him in, bodies molded by familiarity and love.

— I missed you too. — he breathed. — Now we're together and that's everything.

Their room breathed with tranquility, a calm amidst the chaos of their lives. The walls held echoes of their passion, a reminder of what truly mattered. The future loomed uncertain, heavy with responsibilities, but in that moment, they had each other, and that was enough to face anything.

Colin closed his eyes, surrendering to the rhythm of Liam's breath. His presence soothed his weary soul. Yes, their careers would continue to test them—but the love they shared was strong enough to endure.

As night deepened, they remained entwined, the world beyond their window forgotten. In the stillness, they made a silent vow: never again would distance divide them. Their love was too precious to be kept apart by geography.

 — How are things here? How's Carol? — Colin asked quietly.

Liam hesitated, looking at the ceiling.

— Colin, I need to tell you something... and you may not like it.

— What is it? Tell me! — Colin urged.

— Carol slept with the yankee. — Liam said softly.

Colin bolted upright, hurt and disbelief in his voice.

— What?! How could this happen?

— I was with her, trying to protect her... but she's an adult, and I only learned afterward.

— And when did this happen? Did you speak to her?

— Yes. — Liam sighed. — She's falling for him. It could've been anyone... Jerry just happened to be there.

Colin paced, furious.

— Vulnerable? Confused? That's no excuse! Carol deserves better!

— Colin, she's vulnerable... and confused. — Liam answered, calm despite his own hurt. — Jerry helped her feel alive again. I haven't seen her this happy in a long time.

Colin ran a hand through his hair.

— You should've told me! I'm tired of being the last to know!

— I tried to protect you... you were working on your show. I didn't want to burden you.