~ Rewritten Fates ~

Chapter 26 - When Fate Speaks

As they sit together by the lakeside, fingers interwined, the gentle sounds of water create a serene backdrop. Henry's gaze drifts out over the shimmering lake before he turns to Alex, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" Henry's voice is soft but thoughtful. Alex's eyes flicker over to him, attentive. "Of course." he replies.

Henry offers a shy smile, glancing down as he gathers his thoughts. "What made you choose me as your partner?" he pauses, his tone sincere. "I mean, why me.. out of all those hot, charming guys you could've had?"

Alex watches him, his expression softening as he reaches over, brushing a thumb gently over Henry's knuckles. "Because you're different, Henry." he answers, his voice steady and filled with warmth. "You're not just a face in the crowd, and you're not like everyone else." his gaze holds Henry's, an unspoken depth behind his words. "You're special."

In that moment, the weight of Alex's words lingers between them, weaving a quiet but profound bond, leaving Henry with a newfound realization of just how much he truly means to Alex.

Alex's voice shakes as he speaks, his words heavy with emotion. "I know it was unexpected what I did, but trust me, Hen. I can't wait to make you mine forever, only mine!" he pauses, and his eyes begin to glisten, tears threatening to fall. Henry gazes at him, his heart full of affection, feeling every word Alex speaks deeply.

"It's definitely not because we spent a night together." Alex continues, his voice softer now, as if vulnerable. "It's because, I... I'm truly in love with you, Henry." his breath catches in his throat, and the raw honesty of his confession seems to resonate between them.

"The first time I met you, I don't know why, but I felt like I found that missing piece of the puzzle I was trying to solve." Alex is overcome with emotion, his hands trembling slightly as he wipes away the tears that have escaped.

Henry's gaze softens, and his own heart aches, as he gently reaches up to brush Alex's tears away, unable to find the words to express what he feels. The silence between them is filled with an unspoken connection, a profound moment that feels almost too perfect, too fragile to last.

"I know you didn't expect me to give you a marriage proposal so soon, but... you know, that's how I am!" Alex chuckles softly, the warmth of his words lingering in the air.

Henry, his heart swelling, looks at Alex, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You have no idea, Alex. How long I waited for this moment." he whispers to himself, a flood of memories rushing through his mind. The laughter, the quiet moments, the struggles they overcame together - everything flashing before him like a beautiful dream.

"What? Did you say something?" Alex asks, his eyes curious, a playful smirk dancing across his face. Henry quickly shakes his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Uh... I mean, of course, when your boyfriend is Alex Claremont Diaz, you cannot expect normal things!" he jokes, trying to lighten the intensity of the moment.

Alex rolls his eyes but can't suppress his laughter. "Yeah, yeah, whatever." he teases back, his fingers brushing against Henry's gently, as if reassuring him that nothing will change.

>>>>>

The soft evening breeze rustles the leaves around them, the serene sky above offering a calm contrast to the intensity of their quiet exchange. Henry gently brushes his fingers through Alex's hair, his gaze lingering on him. Alex looks up at him, eyes filled with silent understanding and a touch of vulnerability. The peaceful moment seems suspended in time, as though nothing could disrupt the calm that surrounds them.

"We have to keep this private." Henry speaks, his voice barely a whisper. His words hang in the air, a subtle weight to them. Alex nods slowly, his hand reaching up to grasp Henry's, holding it firmly. "I know." he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.