Chapter 30
Despite the anticipation, they take their time walking Zero. They cross the whole park, circling around the lake one time. While Zero goes sniffing left and right, marking territory if necessary, they just enjoy each others company. Today, they feel, that the issues are really resolved, that the last shadow of a doubt is finally lifted.
They just talk about everything and nothing, their eyes meeting every once in a while. At these times both smile warmly, enjoying the happiness it makes rush through their bodies.
After nearly an hour, when the sun starts to set, they once again see the park entrance.
"What are your plans for today? Would you accompany me to dinner?" Daniel asks.
Alex blushes, fidgeting in front of Daniel. "I am not really in the mood for restaurants. Why don't we just buy something and eat it at your place?" The shy sideways glance Alex gives with that while hiding his face, betrays his intention of hiding his real motives. Daniel smirks, but only says "As you wish, my love."
Alex' face colours red when he hears the endearment. He really has to get used to this first.
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They choose Japanese take-out and buy it on the way. Alex quickly stops at a convenience store, buying dog food for Zero. Daniel says nothing, but he notices that the amount is for more than one day. It might last the whole weekend.
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Finally arriving at Daniel's home, Daniel directly starts to set the table while he points out to Alex where he can find old cushions and blankets to make a comfortable resting place for Zero.
Alone with his dog, he readies Zero's bed, before he leans in close, whispering, "Zero, I am so nervous. I think today we might go all the way." He pushes his head in the dog's fur "I feel like I could die from happiness." Inhaling his dog's scent, calming himself down, he finally pushes himself in a standing position. In a serious, but low voice he commands, "Zero, stay here tonight. I will bring you your food. But I won't be able to play with you for the rest of the evening."
Zero, as if understanding this, lies down and searches for a comfortable position, giving the atmosphere of someone who does not intend to move for the next hours. Alex smiles. In moments like these he thinks his dog really understands him. He whispers "Thank you" before he quickly prepares the dog's food and finally joins Daniel in the kitchen.
"All set?" Daniel asks.
"Yes, he seems rather comfortable."
Daniel just smiles, focusing back on the food. He opened another bottle of red wine.
"Come, let's eat." He gestures towards the kitchen table. They start eating in silence. The atmosphere between them grew really comfortable in the last hours.
When his plate is nearly empty, Alex pauses. 'When I am finished, will we directly go to the bedroom?' He starts feeling nervous, tensing up. It will be his first time. He is totally inexperienced when it comes to being intimate with another person.
Daniel, seeing his boyfriend tensing up, can guess his thoughts. "After this, do you want to watch a movie?" He has to suppress a chuckle when he sees Alex visibly relaxing.
It seems like Alex just grabs for a rope to safe his life "Ah, yes." Then, he adds "But, I want to shower first."
Inwardly Daniel groans. Alex really is making it hard for him to restrain himself. He would love to go in the shower together with him. But he already decided to be patient, so he only says, "Of course, I will go search up some clothes and a towel for you."
Alex smiles thankfully and they finish their plates in silence.
"Across the hall, was it?" Alex asks for the bathroom directions. "Yes, give me a moment. I will provide the clothes." One minute later he hands Alex a plain shirt and comfortable pants, a towel on top. "Would you like to burrow my underwear? I don't have any new ones, though." Alex blushes, realizing what Daniel offered. He stutters "If... If you don't mind."
Daniel just nods and hands him a cleanly folded pair of tight fitting underwear he holds in his other hand. "I thought so. So please, take your time showering. I will ready the film."
Alex heads off to the bathroom.
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After he comes back out, Daniel inhales sharply. His hair is still wet, glistening in the light, only highlighting his beautiful eyes. The shirt he gave him hangs loosely on his shoulders, the pants seem to just wait to be yanked down. He forces his gaze away and finishes setting up the wine glasses on the couch table purposefully nonchalantly.
"Welcome back. I have everything ready. Please, have a seat." He motions on the couch beside him, while seating himself. He leaves enough space so Alex can choose the distance between them freely.
But he is soon surprised, when Alex sits directly next to him, leaning against him. "Is this okay?"
"Of course." Daniel wraps his arm around his lover's shoulders holding him close to his chest. With the other hand he starts the film with the remote control and afterwards picks up one glass of wine after another, handing the first one to Alex. He holds his glass in Alex direction "To us. I am very happy to have you here tonight." His voice only shows gentleness and warmth, not the desire he is trying hard to suppress.
"Me too." Alex smiles, then shifts his gaze towards the screen, sipping on his wine.
Like this they watch at least half of the film. But neither of them is really paying attention. Daniel is busy holding Alex close to him, leaning his chin on his lover's head. Meanwhile, Alex discovered that in this position he can listen to Daniel's heartbeat. He feels anticipation rising, when he notices, that it is a bit quicker than normal.
Daniel puts his glass back on the table. While he leans back, his hand slides down Alex' arm, resting on his hip. Startled by the movement, Alex looks up. Their eyes meet.
When Daniel sees Alex parting his lips slightly and his eyes already halfway closed, he can't suppress his desires anymore. He leans in and kisses his lover.