New Beginnings

Chapter 18

The brown-eyed man slept over on Marley's couch. When the sun rose, he lay still, looking at his surroundings. He was happy to wake up at his friend's house. 

It was the day of the concert, and Marley was thrilled to go. He woke up early that day with excitement. The show began at seven, meaning he had the whole day to think about it.

"Good morning!" Marley beamed as he walked into the lounge with Shai. 

His friend's smile made Alexander's heartbeat with warmth. "Good morning," he replied, getting up from the couch. 

The three reached the kitchen and looked in the cupboards for food. "Hm, what do you feel like, Xander?"

Alexander pondered for a brief moment. "Why don't you prepare for today, and I'll make you two something?"

"You sure?" Marley tilted his head.

The brown-haired man smiled. "Of course," he turned to the pantry. "Go choose your outfit for the concert or something."

Marley grinned. "Thank you, Xander." He walked towards his bedroom. "I'll choose the perfect clothes!"

The brown-eyed man made the three their breakfast whilst Marley and Shai bathed and dressed. Not long after, the food was reading and plated in the dining room. "Wow!" Marley exclaimed as he walked into the room. Shai was in his arms, babbling excitedly. "It smells incredible." He rocked Shai gently. "Look what Papa made us," Marley smiled.

They all took a seat and began to dig in. Marley was glad to see his friend eating. It comforted him, knowing there was food in his body. 

"What time will we leave for the concert?" Alexander asked, taking another mouthful of food.

"Around six, maybe a bit before. We have tickets for the admission floor, so we don't want to get there too late."

Alexander nodded in response. "What's happening with Shai?"

"Oh, Amara and Carter said they'd be willing to babysit."

"Are they, you know, a thing?"

Marley smiled. "Why's that?"

The dark-haired man swallowed his food. "Well, I saw them dancing on your birthday, and it didn't look like just two friends."

The blue-eyed man chuckled, staring into the distance for a brief second. "I don't know. They haven't told me anything."

"I must have interpreted it wrong then." Alexander took another mouthful of his breakfast. "I-Is there someone you've got your eye on?" the man nervously asked.

Marley's eyes sparkled. He looked down at his almost empty plate, smiling sweetly. "You could say that."

The golden-haired man's eyes met his friend's, but Alexander shifted his eyes to his plate shortly after. His face flushed just by looking at Marley. He said he likes someone. That means...

"What about you?" Marley beamed. "Is there a girl you like?"

I have no chance. "Not exactly," he murmured.

Marley looked Alexander in the eyes, smiling his usual sweet smile. "You'll find someone, I'm sure."

Alexander's heart almost exploded as he looked into his friend's ocean eyes. His face grew redder by the second. "Right!" The dark-haired man stood up, collecting the plates. "Let's get ready for the day," he continued, changing the conversation.

 Marley washed up whilst Alexander showered and changed into some of Marley's clothes. After they had both finished, they decided to go to the park, where there was a playground for Shai.