Thanks To You

Chapter Twenty Three(Alex)

Alex was sitting in his office at work. Eating his lunch. Casually scrolling through social media. He broke out into a grin when he saw that Zack was calling him.

"Hello my love. You caught me at a great time! I was just eating my lunch in my office. How's the packing going? I know you said you had the one CrossFit class this morning, but how did that go?"

On the other end of the phone, Zack sat amidst the sea of boxes in his now chaotic apartment, feeling the weight of uncertainty press heavily on his shoulders. The impending eviction had thrown his plans into disarray, and his mind raced with possibilities. Zach was instantly calmed by the sound of his boyfriend's voice. Alex asking about his day really really helped. At this point, Alex knows how to handle Zack, asking him about his routines, and what he's doing throughout the day keeps Zack calm. And Alex knew that.

"The class went good! I had two people in it up their weight levels, which I know really doesn't mean anything to you, but it means they moved from like one weight class lifting to the next weight class in  lifting. So I was pretty excited for them. One of these days I'm gonna get you to take my class." Zack said playfully, putting aside his initial fears as to why he called Alex to just enjoy the moment with him.

"Do I get a discount on the classes by dating the teacher? I mean I also might be a little bit distracted... Seeing you when you are hot and sweaty doing a CrossFit class. I probably wouldn't be able to pay attention and I'd drop a weight on my foot or something. I'll stick with my cardio at the gym." Alex teased. The images of Zack shirtless, sweaty at the gym, filling his mind. He'd seen it before, but that didn't make him love it any less than more he saw it. Alex knew his boyfriend was hot.

Suddenly, the conversation did take a bit of a turn, when Alex heard Zack take a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "Hey baby... you ok?" Alex asked sweetly,trying to calm his boyfriend.

Zack's voice trembled with stress and frustration. "Alex, I don't know where I am going to live. I've thought about crashing on Jack's couch or moving back in with my parents, but that's so far away, and I don't want to drive that much. Everything feels like a mess."

Alex's calming voice resonated through the phone. "Hey, it's going to be okay baby. Take a deep breath. We'll figure this out together. Have you thought about what you want to do?"

Zach sighed, his uncertainty evident. "I'm not sure. I just want to find a place where I can feel settled, you know?"

Alex reassured him, "I understand.Why don't I come over and help you pack after I get off work?We can talk through your options. You don't have to face this alone."

Zack took a calming breath. "I would really like that babe. You're 100% my person, and you make me feel the calmest out of anybody in my life. Even Jack. I want nothing more than just cuddle up with you and talk through my problems."

On the other end of the phone, Alex smiled. "Fuck I love you. You say like just the perfect things. Like somehow, this conversation started with me comforting you, but yet at the end of this conversation, you did nothing but make me feel better." Alex said honestly.

Zack laughed a little bit through his fears. " I love you too babe. I'll see you later?"

Alex smiled.  " You absolutely will. I'll bring over some food. I know you'll probably be hungry."

Zach laughed. "I'm always hungry. You know that..."

With A laugh Alex hung up.

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As Alex arrived at Zack's apartment, the two began sorting through the chaos. Amidst the packing, Alex held tight onto his secret plan. Alex walked into Zack's apartment today knowing that he wanted to ask Zack to come move in with him.

As Zach and Alex delved into packing up Zack's apartment, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Amidst the cardboard boxes and scattered belongings, they decided to take a break, treating themselves to a well-deserved pizza feast.

Zack, taking a cheesy bite of his slice, couldn't contain a mischievous grin. "You know, Alex, I think I might be better at eating pizza than packing boxes."

Alex chuckled, watching his boyfriend with amusement. "Well, it's a good thing I'm here to supervise babe. Let me see if you can handle a pizza without making a mess."

Just as Zack was about to boast about his pizza-eating prowess, a stray piece of cheese found its way to his cheek. Alex's eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned in, gently licking the cheese off Zack's face.

Zach's eyes widened, a surprised gasp escaping him. "Alex, what are you doing?"

Alex smirked, his voice low and flirtatious. "Just helping you out, babe. Wouldn't want you to miss any of the deliciousness."

The playful moment sparked a fire between them, and without another word, their lips met in a heated kiss. The taste of pizza lingered as their embrace intensified, a sweet and savory combination that fueled the passion between them. The boxes and packing momentarily forgotten, Zack and Alex found a different kind of packing—an exchange of emotions and desires that left them breathless and eager for more.

As the heated make out continued, Alex pulled away for a brief moment, to get some air. He rested his forehead against Zack's,  Alex took the moment to share his thoughts, and he whispered. "Baby... move in with me."

Zack gasped, pulling back. "What? Alex...."

Alex took Zack's hand. "Babe... I know this is unconventional, but why can't you just you move in with me? It'll take a lot of stress off of you. Because I know all of these emotions, and all of the stress is making you exhausted. And I hate seeing how it is affecting you. I love you so much. I just want you to be happy."

Zack looked up, surprise and gratitude reflected in his eyes. "Move in with you? Alex, I... I never expected that, but it sounds amazing."

Alex smiled, taking a deep breath. "We practically spend all our time together anyway, and with your flexible work schedule, it would be nice to have some help around the apartment. You know how messy I am. You spend a lot of time cleaning my apartment every time you come over, we might as well make it our space and not just mine. I believe this will make us stronger. Besides, Munchkin has been complaining when you leave. She wants you to move in."

Tears welled in Zack's eyes as he realized the depth of Alex's gesture. "I love you, Alex. Thank you for being my sanctuary in all this chaos. And Munchkin may replace you as my new cuddle buddy. She is the cutest little cat."

Alex gently wiped away Zack's tears, their lips meeting in a sweet and reassuring kiss. "She is adorable, but I will be damned if she replaces me. That damn cat is not stealing my boyfriend."

Zack laughed. "Fine. But she sleeps in the bed now. I know you always kick her out of the bedroom when I stay over."

Alex rolled his eyes. "Fine. Munchkin can sleep in bed."

As they embraced, Zack couldn't help but express his overwhelming feelings. "I love you so much, Alex. Moving in with you—it's the best decision we've ever made." Together, they faced the uncertainty of the future, finding strength and solace in each other's arms.