The Bodyguard's Duty ✅

Chapter 29 - Valentine's Day

*Extended chapter

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The rest of the camping trip was mostly uneventful. With minimal contact from the outside world, the 4 of them enjoyed spending quality time with each other, as old and new friends reconnected.

It was another birthday trip for Javier where he loved spending time with his son. Javier noticed that Ethan had been a little stranger than usual, but Javier couldn't be sure because he was too busy spending time with Giles.

Thomas was better at hiding his emotions as Giles thought that Thomas was unchanged - except from his fall injuries. After spending so many weeks drifting away from his son, due to work circumstances, Giles was glad he could have this time and spend it with the most important person in his world.

With Ethan and Thomas, on the surface everything was as normal as best friends could be. But independently the both of them felt like they had to act as if they were standing on egg shells around each other.

Thomas heard Ethan tell him that he had feelings for someone, a woman that made him feel everything he wanted and deserved. But when Ethan never pointed out who it was, Thomas felt like he had to walk the Earth and watch Ethan fall for someone that wasn't him.

Ethan was reflecting on the camping trip as he was driving to the Shelton Manor for breakfast. Ethan thought that Thomas could never see him more than as a friend. He didn't want to jeopardise the only true friendship he has ever had with someone in such a long time. If Ethan had a choice, he rather have Thomas as his social support, instead of having Thomas hate and reject him.

Parking his car, Ethan let himself into the Manor as he joined his family for breakfast. Taking the last remaining seat at the table, Ethan watched the glass in front of him fill up with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Kristen was looking behind Ethan, and couldn't see anyone with him. "No Thomas?"

Ethan was shaking his head as he arrived at the Manor alone. "His dad has to fly home early for some business thingy. So they are both making the most of Giles' leftover time, by spending the day together and then driving to the airport afterwards."

"How was the camping trip anyway?" Harrison asked. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it this year, but Kristen needed me at home."

Javier was smiling as he reminisced over the fond memories they created on the trip. "It was really lovely. I'm so glad that I got to have a catch up with Giles." Javier then turned to Ethan and asked him, "Maybe we should do it again sometime?"

"Maybe." Ethan steered the conversation away from the camping trip because he wanted to talk about something else. "What are you and Harrison doing today?"

Kristen had love in her eyes as she turned to Harrison, and put her hand on top of his. "For Valentine's Day, Harrison is taking us back to our first date by the seaside."

"We're driving down there after breakfast," Harrison informed the group. "So we can spend the day at the carnival, eating fish and chips by the water, and sit on the sand as the night goes by."

Ethan looked at his phone and saw the date. "It's Valentine's Day?"

"You never were a romantic, were you?" Camilla laughed as she pointed out Ethan's oblivious attitude. "You better leave a good impression on your date later."