Thanks To You

Chapter Three(Alex)

The night air was crisp as Zack and Alex strolled down the quiet streets, the remnants of their dinner date still lingering in the air. The city lights created a warm glow, but it was the stars above that captivated Alex's attention.

"Can I walk you home, or wait with you? I am assuming you rode earlier with Jack was it?" Alex asked, suddenly very aware that they didn't think of how to get home.

Zack nodded. "Yeah, Jack is long gone by now. You can walk me home. I don't live too far." Zack smiled softly.

Alex smiled back. "Lead the way handsome." Alex made a gesture to signify he wants Zack to guide them on their walk. Alex also wanted an excuse to look at Zack's butt again.

Zack blushed and a he started walking to the direction of his apartment, with Alex in tow. "The stars look beautiful." Zack whispered in awe.

Alex nodded. Also looking up at the stars."Did you know that some stars are so far away that their light takes millions of years to reach us?" Alex shared, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Zack chuckled, finding Alex's enthusiasm contagious. "Really? That's mind-blowing."

Alex shrugged. Suddenly worried he sounds like a nerd. "Sorry I am super into space. So I know far too many random facts. "

Zack smiled. "I think it's cute that you know random facts like that."

Alex blushed at Zack calling him cute. As they walked, Zack and Alex's hands brushed against each other subtly. Sensing that Zack wanted to hold his hand and also sensing Zack's hesitation, Alex took the plunge and gently intertwined their fingers. Zack glanced at him, a faint smile forming.

"You know, Zack," Alex began, "you're like a constellation of wonderful qualities. It's like I'm walking with a star tonight."

Zack blushed, grateful for the moonlight that hid his embarrassment. "You're too kind, Alex."

Zack and Alex continued their conversation,as they walked hand in hand. The night air filled with a comfortable vibe.

Zack grinned, "So, you're into pop punk and rock too?"

Alex nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! There's just something about the raw energy and lyrics that resonates with me. Favorite bands?"

Zack chuckled, "Blink-182, for sure. Can't beat their classics. You?"

"Green Day," Alex replied, "Dookie was a game-changer for me."

Zack smiles. "That is a good one!"

Alex smiled softly squeezing Zack's hand. "You know, I play open mic nights every Saturday night at this bar called Domino. You should come to my next one."Alex said bumping shoulders with Zack playfully.

Zack smirked at Alex. "Are you trying to serenade me Alex?" Zack said wistfully.

Alex grinned. Excited by the idea of singing to Zack. " oh, I would absolutely love to serenade you. What a beautiful muse you would be."

Zack blushed as They found another common interest in home restoration shows. "You ever watch those fixer-upper shows?" Zack asked.

"Obsessed," Alex admitted. "The satisfaction of transforming a space is oddly therapeutic."

Zack laughed, "Same here. We might be onto something."

As they continued walking, the conversation turned to their backgrounds. Zack mentioned being Baltimore born and raised.

"Really? I've always been fascinated by this city's history," Alex said.

Zack smiled, "It's got its charm. What about you?"

"England, actually," Alex shared. "Born and raised there until I was 7. Then moved to Baltimore, and been here since."

Zack raised an eyebrow playfully. "Really? I wish you still had that accent."

Alex laughed, "You know, some words still come out with a British flair when I'm excited or drinking with my mom and dad."

Zack grinned, "I'll have to make you excited more often, then." Zack winked.

Alex blushed, "Smooth, Zack."

They continued their walk, sharing laughter and discovering more about each other under the city lights.

They reached Zack's apartment building, and he playfully pulled them to a stop. "I had a fantastic time tonight," Zack admitted, his eyes locking with Alex's.

Alex smiled, feeling a surge of boldness. "How about a goodnight kiss?"

Without waiting for a response, Alex leaned in, capturing Zack's lips in a sweet and lingering kiss. As they pulled away, Zack stood there, pleasantly surprised.

"You're breathtaking in the moonlight," Alex whispered, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He turned to walk away, leaving Zack with a dazed smile, his heart dancing under the stars.