TYLER
I groaned as I rolled over in bed, my dog, Jack, lazily wagging his tail as he looked up at me. It had been one of those lethargic days where time seemed to pass at a snail's pace and motivation was nowhere to be found. I had resigned myself to spending the rest of the day in bed when the shrill ring of my phone broke the monotony.
 
Without much enthusiasm, I picked up the call, expecting it to be another mundane conversation. Instead, to my surprise, it was Jackson, Miles' older brother. His voice crackled through the phone with a sense of urgency. "Hey, buddy, I need a huge favor. Can you do me a solid?"
 
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued by the sudden change of pace. "Of course, Jackson. What's up?"
 
He explained that his younger brother, Miles, had been attending a piano session at Caleb's house, but something had come up, preventing Jackson from picking him up. Understandably, he couldn't leave his prior commitments, and he desperately needed someone to pick Miles up and a place for Miles to crash for the night.
 
I hesitated, considering my day thus far. It wasn't as if I had anything important to do, but the idea of leaving the comfort of my bed felt like a major feat. However, a mixture of guilt and curiosity pushed me to agree. "Alright, Jackson. Where am I headed?"
 
Jackson instructed me to head towards Caleb's house, providing me with the exact address. After promising to make it up to me, he hung up, leaving me to get dressed and prepare for the unexpected task at hand.
 
As I approached Caleb's house, my curiosity grew. I parked in front of the beautiful, modern Victorian house that stood as a testament to Caleb's passion. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the mental energy to leave the comfort of my car.
 
Honestly, there's something about Caleb that always rubs me the wrong way. It wasn't that Caleb was a bad person per se; he just had an aura of mystery that made me uneasy. There was always a mischievous glint in his eyes and a sly smile that seemed to hint at hidden secrets. It made me question his intentions and wonder what he was up to when I was not around with Miles.
 
I had tried to express my concerns to Miles, but he was adamant that Caleb was a good guy. He believed in giving people the benefit of the doubt and encouraged me to do the same. Reluctantly, I agreed to trust his judgment, but deep down, my unease persisted.
 
Leaning against my car, I was patiently waiting for Miles outside Caleb's house after he hung up the phone, glancing at my watch eagerly. The breeze whispered through the trees as I watched Caleb's house for any sign of Miles.
 
Miles finally emerged from Caleb's house, his eyes glowing with excitement. Without hesitation, he started running towards me, his feet pounding against the pavement. I couldn't help but laugh at the sheer urgency in his movements.
 
As we embraced, I could feel his warmth. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me tight as if he never wanted to let go. It was moments like these that made me cherish our relationship even more.
 
"How was your practice?" I asked again, eager to hear how he had fared. He buried his face in my chest, weighed down by exhaustion.
 
"It was tiring," he replied, his voice muffled by the fabric of my shirt. Each word carried a heavy sigh, burdened with the weight of his struggles.
 
I gently wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer. "This feels nice," I murmured, my voice barely audible. I felt his hug tighten, seeking refuge and the reassurance of our relationship.
The scent of his cologne filled the air, creating an intoxicating mix of memories. For a moment, it felt as if time stood still. But as he released me from the hug, his gaze grew more intense. "Did Jackson tell you to pick me up?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity. His hazel eyes searched mine, almost imploringly.
 
I felt a wave of confusion wash over me. "Yes," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
 
"Guess I'll be staying with you tonight," he said, his voice laden with weariness.
 
A soft smile played on my lips as I responded, "You are, and that's a good thing because you'll get to see my dog, Jack. Remember him?" Miles' face immediately lit up with a mix of surprise and excitement.
 
He couldn't contain his enthusiasm, his wide smile stretching from ear to ear. "Really?! Oh my God, I cannot wait to see him!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with unrestrained joy.
 
"Then we better get going now." I nodded in agreement, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling within me. We both immediately went into the car and drove off.
The sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling cityscape as Miles and I embarked on our journey toward my place.
As we cruised along the highway, the fading sunlight danced on the surface of the road, creating an ethereal ambiance. The gentle breeze tousled our hair, carrying with it the scent of the promises of a tranquil evening ahead.
"Is it really okay for me to stay with you tonight?" he asked, his voice full of concern and vulnerability.
 
"Yeah, why not?" I replied, trying to convey a sense of reassurance.
"Well, I mean, your Dad will be there, right?" I chuckled because of how he sounded; he sounded worried and afraid at the same time.
 
"Is that what's troubling you?" I asked, taking a glance at him for a second before keeping my eyes back on the road.
 
"Yeah, I guess," he replied, fidgeting with his fingers. "I've never met him before, and what if he doesn't approve of us? What if he thinks I'm not good enough for you?"
 
I reached out and squeezed his hand gently and reassuringly. "Listen, my dad is a good man. He may come across as intimidating at first, but he has a big heart. He knows how much I love you, and he'll see that you make me happy."
 
He nodded, but the worry still lingered in his eyes. "I hope so."
 
"You don't have to worry about my Dad; he's cool," I said with a mischievous smile on my lips.
 
He furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?" He asked, worry laced in his voice.
 
"I told Dad you'd be staying over at our place, and he said that it would be great to have you—to keep me company for the night." I quickly glanced at him, catching his gaze, and in that fleeting moment, I saw his blush deepen, confirming that my feelings were not one-sided.
What was it that made him blush so fiercely and avoid me now?
 
I was caught up in my thoughts, and before they could register in my mind, I slammed my foot onto the brake pedal.
 
The tires screeched, leaving skid marks on the worn asphalt as the car skidded to a halt. With a jolt, both me and Miles were thrust forward, our seatbelts restraining us. Panic rushed through our veins as adrenaline coursed through our bodies.
 
Breathing heavily, I turned to Miles, the words stumbling out of my mouth in a hasty torrent: "I didn't mean it like that!" I stammered, blushing.
 
Miles' wide-eyed gaze met mine, a mixture of relief and astonishment dancing in his eyes. With all the chaos that had just unfolded, those hastily spoken words seemed almost comical.
 
"Ahh, I'm sorry; believe me, I didn't mean it like that. Besides, we're not ready for that, right?" I said, my voice tinged with embarrassment. He turned to me, still red as a tomato, and nodded in response.
 
"No, you're right," he finally said. His voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "We're not ready for that."
 
His cheeks grew even redder as he spoke, and I quickly regretted my words. In truth, I wasn't even certain what "that" meant. But his reaction made it clear that my innocent comment had touched a nerve.
 
"I'm sorry, Miles." I apologized sincerely, my heart aching at the sight of his discomfort. "I just meant that we should focus on our relationship as boyfriends and take things slowly. That's all."
 
He nodded again, his eyes avoiding direct contact with mine. I sensed his unease, but I didn't want our relationship to suffer because of a silly misunderstanding.
 
"Let's not force ourselves into doing things we're not yet ready to do; it can wait," he suggested, trying to ease the tension that lingered between us. "We've always had a special bond, and I don't want to lose that, Miles."
 
He finally met my gaze, a mixture of relief and gratitude shining through his eyes. "Neither do I," he replied, his voice gentle yet filled with vulnerability.
...
It was already dark when Miles and I arrived at my place. The weight of our somber conversation lingered heavily in the air, shrouding us in an uncomfortable silence. I tried to summon the courage to glance at Miles to assess the damage our conversation had wrought upon us, but a mysterious force held my gaze captive, staring instead at the ground beneath my feet.
 
"Ty!" He called out my name behind me, so I stopped walking and turned to face him.
 
"This is the entrance, right?" He asked, pointing his finger towards a black wooden door. It was then that I realized that I had been completely out of my mind the entire time we arrived. Fuck, I spaced out so much that I just passed through my door.
 
I looked at him; his brows furrowed in confusion, and a sense of embarrassment washed over me. How could I have been so absent-minded? I'd always prided myself on being organized and clear-headed, but this lapse in judgment left me dumbfounded.
 
"Yeah! Sorry, I spaced out," I said, and we both chuckled, but I noticed that Miles' cheeks were still as red as tomatoes.
 
Together, we retraced our steps, making our way back toward the door that I had unknowingly passed. As I approached, I examined its intricate carvings and the deep black paint. It was a beautiful entrance, one that I had grown accustomed to seeing every day, yet somehow I had managed to overlook it.
 
Placing my hand on the doorknob, I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what lay beyond. The moment the door swung open, a wave of familiarity washed over me. The warm glow of the familiar hallway greeted me.
 
As I unlocked the front door and stepped inside, I could hear the pitter-patter of paws eagerly approaching me. "Jack, my boy!" I called out with joy, prompting him to race toward the sound of my voice.
 
I sank to my knees, ready to shower my beloved furry friend with hugs, kisses, and belly rubs. Jack, his golden fur shimmering under the soft glow of the hallway lamp, bounded into my arms, his tail wagging furiously as if it were on a mission of its own.
 
As I nuzzled my face into his soft fur, I couldn't help but marvel at the unconditional love that radiated from this gentle creature. Jack had been by my side through thick and thin, his unwavering loyalty providing solace during the most challenging moments of my life.
 
"Did you eat yet?" I asked Jack, expecting his usual excited response. Instead, he barked at me gently, his tail wagging with anticipation.
 
"Oh, Dad didn't feed you yet?" I added, chuckling at our routine. Jack let out another joyful bark as if confirming my suspicion.
 
"Dad's a bit grumpy again tonight, isn't he?" I whispered to my beloved golden retriever, Jack. Jack whimpered softly, sensing the tension in the air. Suddenly, Jack turned his gaze behind me, tilting his head to the left with curiosity drawn across his face. I turned around, following his line of sight, and found myself staring at Miles.
 
"Oh, do you know who that is?" I asked my golden retriever dog, Jack. His tail wagged with excitement, and his ears perked up, indicating familiarity with the person behind me. Jack hasn't met Miles yet, but I told him a lot of things about Miles.
 
With a warm smile, Miles reached out his hand towards Jack's head. Sensing his friendly intentions, Jack obediently shuffled closer to Miles, allowing him to gently pat his head.
"Miles, this is Jack, my dog, and Jack, this is Miles, a special friend of mine, a very special one," I said, smiling as I introduced my two companions. Jack shifted his weight eagerly from paw to paw, his tail wagging with excitement.
 
Miles gave me a puzzled look before extending his hand for a handshake. However, he was taken aback when Jack, with an unexpected gesture, offered his left front leg towards Miles instead.
 
Chuckling softly, I reassured Miles, "Oh, that's just Jack being himself. He has this quirky habit of offering his paw for a handshake instead of his hand as most dogs do."
 
Miles, intrigued by this unconventional greeting, tentatively reached out to shake Jack's paw. As his hand met Jack's soft, furry leg, Jack let out a contented huff, his eyes brimming with delight. Miles couldn't help but chuckle too, realizing the unique bond he had stumbled upon.
 
"I think he likes you," I said enthusiastically. Miles glanced at me, his eyes wide with disbelief.
 
"You think so?" Miles replied, a hint of skepticism in his voice. Jack, sensing the conversation, plopped down on the ground and rolled onto his back, exposing his fluffy belly to Miles.
 
Chuckling, I nodded in response. "Oh! It's like nature's grand symphony, playing a melody with every rustle and whisper."
 
Miles crouched down and began rubbing Jack's belly, providing him with the attention he loved. "You know, sometimes I think you talk in riddles," he said playfully. "But I guess I can see what you mean. It's pretty special out here."
"Oh, you're here already." Miles and I both turn our gazes to where that deep voice came from. Standing a few feet away from us, we see a tall, imposing figure.
 
"Dad, I thought you'd come home late tonight?" I asked as soon as I saw Hanz, my Dad, standing right at the entrance to the kitchen. His hand rested on his gray sweatpants, and it was evident that he had just returned from his routine jog. His hooded gray sweatshirt clung to his body, damp with perspiration.
 
"Oh yeah, I canceled some of my appointments today so I could get home as early as possible," Dad replied, then started to make his way toward us.
 
I watched as my Dad approached, a glimmer of excitement evident in his eyes. It had been a while since he canceled anything for the sake of spending more time with me. I couldn't help but wonder what he had in mind.
 
"You must be Miles?" Dad said, extending his hand towards him. Miles, slightly surprised at the friendly gesture, quickly got to his feet and wiped his hands once more before accepting Dad's outstretched hand.
 
"Yeah, I am Miles; it's nice meeting you, Mr. Waldorf," Miles said, extending his hand toward the tall, distinguished man in front of him. But Dad just chuckled, his warm eyes crinkling at the corners.
 
"No need to be so formal, Miles; just call me Hanz," Dad said in his most humble voice, shaking Miles' hand with affectionate strength.
"Dad, I think you should change into something more decent; you look like a mess!" I said, wrinkling my nose as I glanced at my Dad's disheveled appearance.
 
With a sigh, Dad looked down at his rumpled clothes and ran his fingers through his unruly hair before chuckling. "Oh yeah! I apologize. I'll just go take a quick shower and change. I'll see you guys at dinner," he said, mustering a smile before walking away toward his room.
 
"Your dad looks so young; is he even human?" Miles blurted out with innocence. I burst into laughter, struck by the absurdity of his question.
 
"What?" He managed to say. Trying to stifle my amusement, Miles' innocent voice and serious expression only made it funnier. "Nothing!" I finally choked out.
"C'mon, let's go to my room," I said to Miles, beckoning him with a grin. He followed me across the hallway and into my sanctuary. The walls of my room were adorned with vibrant posters showcasing my favorite Marvel heroes, such as Spider-Man and Thor.
 
As we stepped inside, Miles inhaled sharply, taking in the stunning sight before him. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the evening light, inviting warmth into every corner. It was a beautifully decorated space, with furnishings that exuded sophistication and style. The glass wall framed a breathtaking view of the city skyline, where countless buildings sparkled like diamonds against the darkening sky. It was a room that anyone would find enviable.
 
"I wish I had a room this nice," he said softly, his eyes filled with wonder as he gazed out towards the city of lights.
 
"Is something bothering you?" I asked softly, stepping closer and wrapping my arms around his waist from behind. I nestled my chin into his shoulder, hoping to provide him with some comfort.
 
Miles sighed, his body leaning slightly into mine. His voice was laden with a mix of vulnerability and exhaustion as he finally spoke, "I don't know... I guess... I just have a lot on my mind lately." I felt his warm palm caress my face, gently brushing away my worries. The touch was comforting and reassuring. I knew what he was thinking right now; I could see the turmoil written across his deep brown eyes. He was thinking about what had happened back at their home.
Jackson, Miles' older brother, had confided in me earlier about the fight that had taken place between their father and him. Their home had become a battleground, filled with lingering anger and despair. Worried for Miles' safety, Jackson had asked me to keep him away from that toxic environment for the night.
Miles and I stayed in that position for a while until he turned to me only to stare into my eyes with a reverent gaze. At that moment, time seemed suspended as we searched for solace and understanding amidst the chaos that surrounded him.
 "Thank you, Ty," Miles whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and vulnerability. His gaze never wavered as he leaned in, capturing my gaze with his own. Our breath intertwined, mingling in the space between us.
 
At that moment, time seemed to hold its breath, allowing our connection to deepen. I closed my eyes, savoring the intensity of the emotion surging within me. As Miles gently pressed his lips against mine, our souls intertwined.
 
The kiss was tender and pure, evoking a warmth that spread through our bodies like wildfire. Every touch and every movement spoke volumes of the love we shared. With each passing second, the weight of the world lightened, leaving only the profound connection between us.
 
We remained locked in that embrace, our lips pressed against each other, swaying to the rhythm of our love. In that hidden haven, time ceased to exist as we lost ourselves in the tenderness of our affection. The sounds of nature seemed to harmonize with the beat of our hearts, creating a symphony of love that echoed through the room.
 
Eventually, we broke the kiss, our foreheads gently resting against each other's. In the hazy glow of moonlight, we both smiled, our souls intertwining more deeply than ever before. No words were needed to express what we felt; our connection transcended language.
 
"Can I borrow some clothes? I need to take a quick shower," he asked, his voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and mild embarrassment. I nodded in response, quickly realizing the intimacy of the moment.