The night melted away in the warmth of Ryan's penthouse, with Alex waking up nestled in Ryan's arms. As the morning light seeped through the curtains, Alex gently untangled himself, leaving soft kisses on Ryan's forehead before slipping out of the bedroom.
The city below was coming to life, and Alex headed to Daniel's place, the morning air brisk against his skin. Daniel greeted him at the door, a sleepy grin on his face, inviting Alex in.
"Morning, dude," Daniel yawned, leading Alex to the cozy living room where the aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air.
Sitting down, Alex couldn't shake off the events from Cam's party. "Man, I can't stop replaying that mess at the party in my head. I feel kinda bad about what went down, you know? With your friends and my family..."
Daniel interrupted with a reassuring grin. "Chill, Alex. You're my best bud, and you've got zero things to apologize for. We're a team, remember?"
Alex sighed, the tension easing. "But, Daniel, it's like... Ryan and I are from different planets, socially. I'm worried about what people might do or say."
Daniel leaned in, giving Alex's shoulder a playful nudge. "Dude, love doesn't care about social rankings or what society thinks. Ryan's crazy about you, and that's all that matters. Forget about what other people think. Be you, man."
Feeling a weight lift, Alex chuckled. "Thanks, Daniel. I needed to hear that."
"Oh, and, check this out," Daniel grinned mischievously. "This morning, some babes and Cam followed me on Instagram. Seems like they're ready to move on from the party drama. Cam even sent an apology."
Laughter filled the room as they shared a moment of relief. As Alex's phone buzzed with a message from Ryan, the excitement for the day ahead bubbled up.
"Hey, you guys finished? Lily's waiting in the car. Mind if I swing by to pick you both up? I have some surprises for you guys." Ryan's message read.
Alex grinned, typing back, "Surprise?!"
A short while later, Alex and Daniel headed outside, spotting Lily sitting in the back of Ryan's car, waving to them. Alex slid into the car next to Ryan, giving Ryan a quick kiss before asking, "What's the surprise?"
Lily chimed in before Ryan could answer, "Oh, it's something big!"
Ryan just grinned and said, "You'll see," as they embarked on the drive to a fancy and renowned brunch place in Vancouver. The anticipation in the car was palpable, and when they arrived, they were ushered to a table with a stunning view of the city.
As the food and drinks arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Then, with a gleam in his eye, Ryan made the big announcement. "So, here's the surprise, guys. I've planned a trip to Paris and London for you, Alex, Daniel, and Lily!"
Alex's eyes widened in surprise, and Daniel and Lily exchanged incredulous glances. Ryan continued, "Next year is going to be your last year in school. Once you graduate, life is going to get crazy with new jobs and tying up loose ends. I thought it would be the perfect time for us to take a break and relax before the whirlwind hits."
Alex was stunned, and Daniel and Lily were visibly taken aback. "Ryan, that's incredible, but it's too much," Daniel protested.
Lily nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it's amazing, but we can't let you—"
Ryan cut them off with a warm smile, "No buts, guys. Consider it your graduation gift to all of us. Trust me; it'll be a trip of a lifetime. Now, go on, tell your parents, get their permission. We're doing this!"
The table erupted in cheers and laughter, the clinking of coffee cups joining the celebration. The prospect of an unforgettable adventure had the friends bubbling with excitement, savoring the joyous moment and the anticipation of the incredible journey that awaited them.
As the car pulled away from dropping Lily and Daniel, the excitement in the air was palpable. Ryan glanced at Alex, a content smile playing on his lips.
Ryan: "You seem happy about the trip, Alex."
Alex: " Happy is an understatement, Ryan. This is beyond amazing. But, I gotta admit, it's a bit... overwhelming."
Ryan smirking: "Overwhelming? Alex, you know I want to give you the world. "
Alex: "Yeah, but the world includes Paris and London now? I feel like I should start planning my gift to match this level."
Ryan: "Oh, you can plan that later. For now, just enjoy the ride."
Alex: "Easy for you to say. You're the one driving this excitement train."
Ryan: "Well, if there's anyone who can handle it, it's you, Alex."
Alex: "Handling a trip that involves navigating two foreign cities? I think you're overestimating me, Ryan."
Ryan: " Oh, I have complete faith in you. Besides, I'm sure I'll be there to help you every step of the way."
Alex: "You're starting to sound like my personal superhero."
Ryan: "Yes, I'm. I'm your superhero, baby. "
Alex: "Careful there, Ryan. Last time you unleashed your powers, I almost fell off a cliff in Whistler."
Ryan: " You wound me, Alex. It was just a little adventure."
Alex: " Yeah, an adventure with me almost ending up in the hospital. I think I'll need a serious conversation with my parents about this one."
Ryan: " How about we have that conversation together? I'll come with you."
Alex: "Seriously?"
Ryan: " Seriously. Let's face the parental inquisition together."
As they bantered back and forth, Alex's laughter suddenly turned into a small cough. Ryan immediately noticed.
Ryan: "Hey, what's up? You okay?"
Alex: " Just... wore too little this morning. Might've caught a cold."
Ryan: "You need to take care of yourself, Alex."
Alex: "Don't worry, superhero. I've got it under control."
The car continued its journey, the conversation lightening the atmosphere. They arrived at Alex's parents' restaurant on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Only a few patrons occupied the tables. Mrs. Chen noticed their arrival and greeted them with a warm smile.
Mrs. Chen: "Ryan, come to work with us again? I'll pay with a free meal if you agree."
Ryan chuckled, "As tempting as that sounds, Mrs. Chen, I actually came here for a different reason. I wanted to ask you for permission to take Alex on a trip, but this time, to somewhere a bit farther away."
Mrs. Chen's eyes lit up with curiosity, and Mr. Chen joined in with an amused grin.
Mrs. Chen: " A trip, huh? Where are you planning to whisk my son away to this time?"
Ryan: "Paris and London."
Mrs. Chen and Mr. Chen exchanged surprised glances, and then Mrs. Chen burst into laughter.
Mrs. Chen: "Well, that's quite the upgrade from Whistler! But seriously, Ryan, you know Alex means the world to us. We trust you. Just take good care of him."
Ryan: "Thank you, Mrs. Chen. I promise I'll bring him back in one piece."
The conversation took a more serious turn as Ryan explained the details of the trip, emphasizing the significance of the timing and the chance for the three friends to enjoy some time together before their busy lives unfolded.
Meanwhile, as they discussed, Alex couldn't shake off the tickle in his throat. A small cough escaped his lips, drawing concerned looks from his parents and Ryan.
Mrs. Chen: "Alex, are you feeling okay?"
Alex: "Just a minor cough. Nothing to worry about."
Mr. Chen: "You need to take care of yourself, especially if you're going on a trip."
Mrs Chen: "My boy, you already got sick just hearing about the trip?!"
Ryan laughed and nodded: "Alex. I just promised your parents to take care of you."
Mrs. Chen: "Well, if you're going on a trip, you better take extra care of yourself. I don't want to visit you in the hospital in Paris, even though that sounds wonderful."
Alex: " I know!! I just caught the cold!! Don't be dramatic, please!"
The conversation continued with reassurances and a mixture of excitement and concern. In the end, Alex's parents, despite their initial surprise, agreed to let him go on the trip.
After the family dinner at the restaurant, Alex's parents, concerned about his health, urged him to leave, not wanting him to potentially spread any illness to their customers. Before they departed, Alex's parents took a moment to address Ryan.
Mrs. Chen: "Ryan, take good care of our Alex, okay?"
Mr. Chen: " We trust you with him. Make sure he stays healthy."
Ryan: " I promise, Mr. and Mrs. Chen. I'll take great care of him."
As they left the restaurant, the cool evening breeze welcomed them outside. Upon reaching Ryan's penthouse, the fatigue from the day started to weigh on Alex.
Ryan couldn't contain his affection, and as they entered the apartment, he found himself unable to resist kissing Alex.
Ryan: "I can't stop thinking about kissing you, Alex."
Alex: "Ryan, I don't want you to get sick too. "
Ryan: "I can't help it. It's all I've been thinking about all day."
Their lips met, and the kiss lingered for longer than either of them had anticipated.
Eventually, Ryan gently pulled away, said: " You should get some rest or take a nap, Alex. I'll take care of a few things for tomorrow. Also, I have to leave for New York for a meeting next week. You should stay here and maybe ask Lily and Daniel to come over. So, you're not alone."
Alex hesitated, not wanting to impose " Ryan, I don't want you to go through all that trouble."
Ryan: "It's not trouble, Alex. I want to make sure you're taken care of. I'll send people over to drive you to school, make dinner, and bring you any medication you might need. Plus, you three can plan what you want to do in Paris and London. "
Despite his initial reluctance, Alex could see the genuine concern in Ryan's eyes. He nodded, appreciating the effort Ryan was making to ensure his well-being.
Alex: " Okay, Ryan. If you're sure."
Ryan: " I'm sure. Now, go get some rest, and I'll take care of everything."
Alex couldn't refuse Ryan's proposition. He could see the love in Ryan's blue eyes, and he felt deeply captivated by it. Alex gave Ryan another kiss and melted into Ryan's arms. He yearned to press himself against Ryan to feel more of the warmth emanating from his body. Ryan, always the gentleman, held Alex firmly yet gently. The sensation of being in Ryan's embrace made Alex question if all of this could be real.
The soft glow of the morning sun bathed Ryan's penthouse in a warm embrace. Ryan gently picked him up, cradling him in his arms like a precious treasure. He laid Alex down on the couch, ensuring he was comfortable, and draped a cozy blanket over him.
Ryan: " There you go, love. All snug and warm."
Alex smiled appreciatively, his eyes meeting Ryan's with a warmth that spoke of unspoken gratitude. Ryan leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on Alex's forehead before heading off to his office.
Ryan: " I'll be in the office for a bit. Rest up, okay? And let me know if you need anything."
As Ryan disappeared into his workspace, Alex took a moment to soak in the quiet ambiance of the penthouse. The feeling of being cared for and cherished lingered in the air. Moments later, Ryan returned, a steaming cup of hot tea in hand.
Ryan: "Thought you might need something to warm you up."
He handed the cup to Alex, their fingers brushing lightly, sending a comforting tingle through both of them.
Alex: "Thanks, Baby."
Ryan leaning down for a kiss on Alex's head: "Anything for you."
As the hot tea warmed Alex from the inside, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. The trip to Paris and London, the concern from his parents, and now the tender care from Ryan—it all seemed surreal. In the midst of these thoughts, a deep sense of gratitude swelled within Alex's heart.
Sipping the tea, he let the warmth of the moment envelop him. The love he felt from Ryan was palpable, and the genuine concern for his well-being touched him deeply.
As the day unfolded, Alex settled into a reflective state, basking in the affectionate ambiance of Ryan's penthouse. The journey ahead, both in terms of their relationship and the upcoming adventure abroad, seemed promising and filled with love. With a contented sigh, Alex closed his eyes, allowing the tranquility of the moment to wash over him.