In the Heart of a Musician

Side lugged his case to the front door of his friends house. His parents were travelling back to their hometown in Albania and said that they couldn't trust their son to stay at home on his own. Side had tried to put up a fight, saying he was old and mature enough to be left but they would have none of it. Luckily for him, his friend and fellow Crew member Shadow had offered him a place to stay for the week.

The idea had excited him. He never really got the chance to spend quality time with Shadow, mainly due to Shadow not really liking him, but this time, things were going to be great. His excitement had him knocking on Shadow's door enthusiastically. A large grin broke out on his face as the door opened and there stood a hoodie clad Shadow, holding a purring Ally in his arms.

"Hey Shadow!" He moved in to give the man the hug, and thank god wasn't pushed away but brought in to a one armed embrace, careful to not squish the cat.

"How's it going Side. Come in, all the heats getting out." Shadow ushered the younger man inside, closing the door behind them both and letting his cat run free. He watch in awe as she made a beeline for Side, who immediately scooped her up and cuddled her.

"And how is my favorite kitty?" Side was burying his face into her soft fur, Ally's purrs increasing. He smiled up at Shadow and whispered dramatically into the cats ear. "Now, don't you go telling Speedy I said that." And with a little scratch behind the ear, he let her go. He straightened back up, still holding his case by the handle. 

"Where can I put this Shed? I don't want it getting in the way." God, does he ever stop smiling?  Shadow asked himself as he offered a smile back. In case you weren't aware, lets do a little catch up. Shadow was deeply in love with Side. No one knew. Well, G18 kind of did, but he only knew Shadow was in love with a guy, not who said guy was. Now Shadow being Shadow, has hidden his feelings for the cute guy in front of him for sometime and it had helped that he didn't get to see him much.

But now, with Side standing in his apartment, right in front of him, in all his adorable glory, Shadow was at a slight loss of what to do. Now, Side had recently come out to the Crew via Skype call but that didn't mean he would be interested in Shadow. Not at all. Shadow could only hope. He reached for Side's case and went about settling the other man in.

----------------------------------------------------------------

After helping Side unpack and giving him a quick tour of his apartment, Shadow and Side were relaxing on the couch, Ally sitting between them, playing Xbox. They had ordered in for dinner, making things easier and with the promise that Shadow would cook tomorrow night. That's right, Shadow could cook, and really well too! 

They were currently playing on an old Minecraft world, chatting happily and catching up when Side paused the game. Shadow glanced over at his friend, confused. Side looked kind of nervous.

"So, erm, I guess I should really thank you for letting me stay with you Shadow." He smiled shyly at the older man, causing Shadow to almost choke on a breath. God, he is so beautiful. There goes Shadow's inner monologue again, making things harder as usual.

"It's no problem Side. You're my friend. I love having you here." And I love you too.  His mind added in which Shadow mentally shushed himself. His eyes widened slightly as Side shuffled closer, the movement causing Ally to jump down from the couch and wander off. 

"You're a really great guy Shadow." Side voice was soft, his eyes gentle as he looked into Shadow's own. 

"I think you are pretty great too Side." Shadow's own voice had dropped to a calm, sensual tone. His hand moving on its own accord to grasp at Side's shoulder, his thumb moving in a caressing manner. It slowly slid to Side's neck, his finger tips brushing the soft skin. Shadow watched as Side's eyes closed, a smile lingering on his face as he leaned into the contact.