How to Fall in Love in Three Easy Steps

Chapter 13

Mornings had always been an enemy Jack, but today, he leapt out of bed, craving Alex. It was Sunday morning and the birds were chirping, the sun was covered by grey clouds, and the wind brought leaves down from the trees, all brilliant shades of gold, red, and brown. Right away, Jack began to walk towards the door, ready to make his way to Alex's room, when he stopped. Was he being to intrusive? Maybe he should just wait an hour or so before he barged in and started touching Alex.

And so, he sat down on his bed tapping his phone, waiting for the numbers on the clock to change. It only took him ten minutes to crack. He sprang up off his bed and ran out into the hall, sprinting to the bathroom. As he brushed his teeth, he tried not to do a half-assed job, knowing that Alex would taste him, the thought sending a shiver throughout him.

Then, he stood in front of Alex's door, wondering whether he should knock or just walk in. Gently, he tapped on the door, trying not to disturb anyone around them. After a minute, he turned the knob and pushed it open, careful to stop it from squeaking. He crept inside, tiptoeing across the carpeted floor. Alex was tangled in blankets on his bed, his back facing the ceiling. Dark blue boxers were the only article of clothing he was wearing. His head was tilted sideways, his mouth open slightly, little snoring noises escaping. He was out cold, and Jack began to feel uncomfortable for being here. Just as he was going to leave, Alex began to groan and flipped over, sitting up slightly.

"Jack?" he murmured.

"Hey," Jack almost whispered, padding over to Alex's side.

"What time is it?"

"It's 9:30."

"Jesus Christ, I overslept."

Alex tried to push himself out of bed, but it resulted in him just collapsing back into the bundle of warmth, closing his eyes once again.

"Just five more minutes, please," Alex whined.

With that, Alex was out cold again, and the light snoring began again. Jack stood by the door, somewhat awkwardly, as he wondered what he was to do. He most likely should've left Alex alone and let him sleep in, but instead, he sat down in Alex's bean bag chair in the corner, and starting scrolling through his phone. Every once in a while, he'd glance up at Alex, and laugh to himself. How was this his life? Had he somehow fallen into an alternate realm and really wasn't falling for a god damn gorgeous 17 year old boy?

Jack's eyes drifted around the room, resting on all the photos and posters that Alex had. He spotted a few pictures of Alex and his friends, either piss drunk, or just having a really good time. There were family photos as well, like ones of Alex and his whole family, including his brother and dad. It was odd to think that these people were no longer a part of his life, considering they were still important enough to be stuck on the wall of Alex's room, and not shoved behind a stack of books. Jack even saw a photo of Alex's dad and his partner, both of them trying to get Alex into the picture, the two of them trying to hold Alex in the middle as they all smiled. Even though Alex's face was blurry, it was still easy to make out a huge smile, like he was laughing at that moment.

Jack thought about leaving once more, worried that he was bothering Alex. He got up out of the chair and shuffled towards the door, trying not to wake Alex. As soon as he reached the door, he heard Alex croak, "Don't go."

"Ah, shit. I didn't mean to wake you." Jack said.

"Come lay down with me," Alex pleaded.

Jack felt himself walk over without even thinking. Alex grabbed his hand and pulled Jack down onto the bed.

"Is this going to be a daily thing now?" Jack whispered.

"I hope so," Alex said while wrapping his arms around Jack's waist.