My Home From Home (ManxMan)

Chapter 10

Glancing down on his watch on his wrist he immediately noted that the time was off; not only had he forgotten to wind it, but he'd also neglected to change it since he'd got to Québec. On the train there was someone constantly reminding him of the time that he'd never seen the need to do so, though now he felt it rather foolish that he'd spent the better part of his first day in Alberta prancing about his room unpacking and never once keeping track of the time.

A slight smile crept over Henry's handsome face, his deep blue eyes brightening ever so slightly as an idea swept across his mind; though he wasn't sure if it was a brilliant or foolish idea. He hopped up from the wooden chair he was sitting in and straightened out his waistcoat and trousers before he stalked over towards the looking glass to get a quick look at the state of himself. Running his hands through his messy dark hair to push it up out of his face. He bit his lower lip thoughtlessly as he glanced his reflection up and down, turning this way and that to examine his trousers and waistcoat before leaning in to check his face.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out with a huff, he stood tall and turned on his heels towards the door; keeping his gait confident and concerted as he stepped out into the hallway and marched up towards the closed door at the end of the long corridor. What are you doing... Henry asked himself, grimacing conflictedly as he stood there for a second with his hand hovering over the doorknob. He wasn't one to have these little crushes that left him blushing like a shy schoolboy; yet here he was looking for an excuse as ridiculous as asking for the time as a means to talk more with the handsome Mountie.

You need to know the time, Henry reasoned with himself in his head; It's not a terribly odd query to ask of someone. He nodded to himself, having successfully convinced his very conflicted mind as he went on and opened the door just enough to slip through, though he made no effort to close it back. A part of him thinking it best that he leave the door open. As he tiptoed down the hallway as the floorboards creaked under his leather shoes; he could feel his heart pounding within his chest; his heartbeat gradually rising in speed and intensity to the point at which had he not known better he might've reckoned it to be audible to others around him.

Most of the doors on that side were shut barring a few through which spilt a bit daylight into the otherwise dark corridor; he knew he ought to call out for the man, but when he parted his lips to do so, no sound seemed to come out. He continued down the way before stopping right at the door frame to one of the open rooms and took yet another deep breath.

Alright, all you've got to do is ask him what time it is? That's simple enough, is it not? Go on then! Get on with it. Henry closed his eyes and talked himself down, fluttering his lashes open with yet another cleansing exhale as he took the final step forward in good faith; but just as he did he felt another body collide against his. A stronger taller body. Before he could even register what had transpired he felt his back slam against the floor, blinking away the daze of sudden confusion he looked up to see none other than Thomas on top of him.

Henry stared up at the handsome bond with wide eyes and a heaving chest as he felt his cheeks heating up. Thomas' honey brown eyes fixated on his face as they stayed like that for what felt like a small eternity; though to be fair it was likely mere seconds before they realised they were in a rather compromising position. Henry could feel Thomas' hands breath on his lightly parted lips, granted that their faces were a mere inch apart from one another. 

"Oh um. S-so sorry. I didn't see you there." Thomas shook the perplexed look off his face and pushed himself up off of Henry's slender body; standing up and brushing off his pristine white vest that left his bulging muscular arms exposed his deltoids and biceps; meticulously tucked into his well fitted khaki trousers which were held up by black braces that ran over his wide, built shoulders.