Cruel Laughter [Sequel To "Because He Lived."]

{Chapter 17} Together

When they kissed, it was something new. Sure, they had both been kissed before, but not like this. Not with such passion, not with the kind of passion that numbed their minds. Now they were both kissing like their lives depended on it, both of them lost in the happiness it was bringing.

When James pulled away, his eyes were wide with surprise. "Why?"

Alexander laughed, bittersweetly. "Because I love you."

James nearly choked. "W-what?"

"I love you," he started, "I've always loved you. If you asked me why I couldn't marry Martha it was because of you, even after you doing all of those horrible things I still loved you. Even though you'd been missing for a while then, I still loved you. For some reason, I couldn't stop loving you."

James stared at him wide-eyed, tears spilling from the edges of his eyes. Even though he could hear the words coming from Alexander, part of him couldn't believe it. There would always be that part of him that doubted everything, no matter what he did.

Alexander continued when James didn't say anything. "And when I heard you were back, my heart damn nearly exploded with happiness. It had been so long since I'd seen you, but I could tell I still loved you. There was no doubt in my mind. And then I heard what was happening to you, and my heart broke again. I'd just gotten you back and now you'd be torn from me again. That's why I decided to look after you for this year. I want to make this year as special as possible. But now everything's falling apart quicker than it should. You got hurt, and you're still suffering..."

James tentatively reached for Alexanders hand, and held it tightly when he held his hand out for him. "I'll be okay... and I know you don't want me saying this, but I deserve it. Think of it as karma. And who knows, maybe I'll get out of it. Maybe things will be okay. For now... let's focus on just right now." James could hear the tiny voice of doubt in the back of his mind, but he chose to ignore it this time.

Alexander nodded and cupped James' face with his free hand, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. "Whatever you say, love."

*

That day, they spent their whole afternoon tangled up in the thin sheets on Alexanders bed, exchanging secrets and words that had stayed unsaid for a long time.

James' insecurities seemed to disappear as they laid there, and they both seemed to forget why James was there in the first place. Right then, it was just them.

It was Garroth who interrupted their time together. He came knocking on the door, furiously. Reluctantly Alexander slid out of bed, leaving James with a lingering kiss.

Alexander fixed his hair and he walked and yawned. He opened the door with a sheepish smile, and it grew even wider when he saw Garroth stood there.

"Good afternoon, Alexander. Have you just woken up? It's almost five in the evening." Garroths tone was light, a hint of amusement laying underneath.

"No... I've just been laying in bed for a while. Reading. Yes... reading." Alexander struggled for a good excuse, one that didn't include the fact that he was practically making-out with James all day.

"Hmm... reading." Garroth's grin grew wider. "Or have you got someone with you in there."

Alexanders face grew red, and he as he tried to explain,  someone cut him off.

"Alexander? Come back, I'm getting bored, it can't possibly take that long to answer the door," James whined, exiting the safety of Alexanders room, wrapped up in a blanket. "I wanna kiss... oh. Um... hi, Garroth."

Garroth quirked a brow and glanced between the two. "What's this I hear about kissing?"

James let out a squeak that didn't quite sound human and scurried back into Alexanders room. Alexander groaned at the prospect of having to face his father alone and then faced Garroth with a unsure smile.

Garroth folded his arms over his chest, and smirked. "Go on. Explain."

"It's just--I just--we just... and ya know... and things just..." Alexander groaned buried his burning face in his hands.

Garroth laughed and shook his head. "Relax, I'm not mad... just surprised. Never would have guessed that he's the person you'd end up with." Garroth peered over Alexanders shoulder to see James in the door frame of Alexanders room, a fearful expression on his face. "How about I let you get back to whatever you were doing. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone." Garroth smiled and turned away, preparing to leave.

Alexander stopped him, grabbing his arm. "Wait, why did you come here in the first place."

Garroth glanced back at James sadly, noticing an expression that Garroth hadn't seen James ever wear, and sighed. "It was nothing... I don't want to ruin the mood. Go have fun Alexander. Don't worry about it." Alexander released Garroth, a sinking feeling in his stomach.

Garrroth disappeared after that, leaving Alexander with a million possibilities in his head. He was snapped out of his thoughts, when he heard feet shuffling behind him.

"He's gone?" James asked, peering over his shoulder.

Alexander nodded and turned around to face James. "Yeah... now we can go back to what we were doing." James blushed and squeaked again. Alexander laughed, pulling him in for hug. James soon joined in on the laughter, and they both were filling the house with the sound of their laughter.

It died down and Alexander looked down at James, smiling happily.

James was quick to stand on his toes and press his lips to Alexanders.

And for the millionth time that day, their lips moved together in some sort of melody, symphonies exploding in both of their heads.