Chapter Text
At the end of the show they headed back to the hotel. They waited until most of the people had left and then made their way through the rest of them. Rayane held Jack firmly on his arm and with every person who pushed Jack away, he called out a loud “watch out!” to them. His voice was a little angry, but probably mixed with some worry in it. Jack trusted Rayane. He made him feel safe and he actually really liked the way he cared for him.
It was a short walk, their hands brushing against each other every now and then and while they shared shy smiles, Jack couldn’t think about anything else than about their closeness under the light of the fireworks. Slight touches of Rayane’s hands on his arm accompanied his thoughts as he could feel his heart beating just for one special person in this world.
When they got to the hotel both of them ended up soon laying in their beds, worn out of exhaustion. Jack could feel the soft fabric under his fingertips as he covered himself with his duvet. Each bed a little further apart and Jack was almost sad that they didn't share one. Being close all day had almost got him used to feeling Rayane's warmth on his skin.
Meanwhile it got dark in their room and Jack could smell the scent of shampoo in the air coming from the bathroom. Both had taken a shower, one after the other, and now they were just resting after having changed into their sleeping clothes, talking a little about casual things. Jack was tired, but the excitement about the past day spread through his heart and robbed him of his tiredness.
„It‘s soft and cozy.. I mean the beds..,“ Jack began as he stared at the ceiling. He was glad that Rayane probably couldn't see the redness on his cheek.
„It is true, but I always have trouble sleeping somewhere else than at home. No matter how comfortable the beds are,“ Rayane whispered as if sharing his truth loudly would be almost too painful for him.
„It‘s okay. I get it. I‘ll always prefer my own bed too.“ It was an attempt to drown the growing insecurity Rayane showed and make him feel less alone. It wasn’t a lie. Jack did prefer sleeping in his own bed, but he also could sleep somewhere else too. Rayane’s truth triggered something inside him. An understanding of how he feels. It was almost as if he could read his mind, as if they were deeply connected on some level.
„Good night, Jack,“ Rayane whispered into the small hotel room, leaving Jack on his own after saying goodnight too.
Jack tried to catch the outline of his body in the darkness but failed and soon focused on falling asleep after a day of pure joy. Tiredness quickly overcame him and both soon fell into the land of dreams
xxx.
A loud murmur suddenly woke Jack up in the middle of the night. It was like a scream that never escaped lips. A muffled sound that left him immediately with goosebumps on his skin. Jack could feel it in every part of his bones, but definitely not in a good way.
He opened his eyes, but all he saw was a deep darkness and with it the disadvantage of his still ongoing blindness. The rattling of deep breaths became louder and when he became a little more aware of his surroundings he could now also locate where the noises were coming from. It was Rayane. Probably a nightmare. A bad one. Jack felt the deep and familiar feeling of waking up from a nightmare himself after his accident with the plane crash. He had a lot of them after, but as time went by they got fewer.
A sudden twitch and a rustling of the covers pulled Jack out of his thoughts and he couldn't hold back any longer. He pushed the covers quickly with his fingers aside and stood up. With careful, dragging steps he crept over to Rayane's bed. He knew that shaking him suddenly and unannounced would only make it worse, so he carefully laid down next to him and slowly slid to Rayane's body. His mattress sank in a little under his weight and the slats creaked. He was careful with every movement while then slid his arm around Rayane and pressed himself against him.
Closeness was the only thing that helped himself after having nightmares and now the only thing he wanted was to be there for him. To care for him just like he did with him all day.
He squeezed Rayane a little harder as he moved and suddenly the mumbling stopped. His breathing slowed down as Jack laid his head on top of Rayane and hugged him tightly. Rayane probably woke up from his dream because he slowly moved closer to him. Jack now took his hand in his and ran his thumb over his fingers to make him aware of his presence. They were still curled up like that before Rayane's hoarse voice echoed seconds later through the room.
"Thank you!" Rayane whispered and it were just two words, but Jack knew how much it meant to him to speak them out loud. To feel Jack close after falling into a deep darkness of this nightmare.
Jack felt Rayane clinging onto him. He felt how his breath rapidly flowed in and out of his body. He felt the light sweat on Rayane's forehead that had formed from pure fear and he wiped it away with his thumbs in a smooth and caring movement. There was nothing funny about their closeness. Instead, there was a deep understanding between them. Knowing that they were there for each other, and not just because it was out of a normal friendship. Rather, it was a bond of intimacy that was nourished by the fact that they gave each other everything of themselves. A trust that runs deeper than everything Jack had ever felt.
A tension ran through Jack’s body. The feeling of Rayane being aware of his presence flooded through him. Rayane didn’t back away. Instead, he could feel Rayane’s fingers holding him firmly. His breathing quickened, as well as Jack’s. Not just friendship, Jack thought, it was more.
As if Rayane could hear his thoughts, he suddenly sat up straight. Jack’s body fell off him and he soon cleared his throat to say something.
„I’m sorry I woke you up, it clearly wasn’t my intention..“ Rayane said nervous and as Jack tried to straighten himself up too, he inadvertently grabbed into Rayane’s chest and felt the stuffed Stitch animal in his hands. A little smile crept onto his lips. He kept it close and Jack found it cute. But as soon he remembered why he did it the smile disappeared. He must’ve had a pretty bad dream and probably cuddled the stuffed animal Jack gave him out of pure horror, to have something to hold on to.
Jack didn't want to inquire about what the nightmare was about. Rayane would tell him if he wanted to. He instead just leaned his torso on the edge of the bed next to Rayane who did the same. Their shoulders touched and Jack's gaze shifted into the darkness in front of him.
„It’s okay.. really.. I decided to stay up myself.. so it’s not a big deal for me,“ Jack quickly said back to him. His shoulder nudged his to show him his sympathy.
„I.. It’s just.. I had this nightmare a few times already. Should’ve warned you,“ he breathed softly. Jack could feel how stressed out he was because of it. His irregular breathing and the nervous movements of his body let him read him without even needing his eyes.
Jack couldn’t hold himself back anymore and cautiously reached for Rayane's hand to take it in his. He gently stroked the palm of it with his thumb. It was to give him the warmth of his, to tell him he‘ll listen if he ever wanted to talk, but mostly because Jack really wanted to do it. It was like his skin was magnetic and every time Jack was near he could feel the electricity and the attraction to it.
„You don’t need to tell me, Rayane. It’s okay either way.. I had some bad nightmares myself, after.. after my accident..“ Jack began to speak, but it came out more like a whisper. He sank a little into himself as memories played through him.
„You did? What did you do to make them disappear?“ he asked curiously. His voice was a little drowned by exhaustion and suddenly he sounded so young and vulnerable. Jack felt a little burn in his chest.
„I.. you can do nothing. You just need to move on..“ Jack answered his question. Deep down he wished he could give him a better answer, but nothing in life would just go the easy and simple way.
„I understand,“ he sighed and Jack could hear how his head fell slightly on the back of the bed and left a muffled sound echoing through the dark room.
„Hey. I‘ll be there for you, okay?“ Jack assured him. His head fell back on top of Rayane’s. He didn’t think about the sudden touch before it happened, he just naturally gave in to it.
„I know. It‘s just a lot to take in.. it‘s.. it’s a dream about my father and.. it’s a bad one. Like living through the death of him again,“ he sounded deeply hurt and Jack could feel his own heart break just by the thought of what Rayane must’ve been through in life. He wanted to protect him, but of course he couldn’t protect him from his own past.
„I can’t imagine how it must be for you. To go through that again. But you need to know that I‘m here for you if you need to talk or.. even if you just need a hand. I‘ll be there!“ Jack announced. His heart was pounding a bit with his own words as he reached for his hand again, brushing it slowly and taking in Rayane’s scent while his head laid on his curly one for comfort.
„Thank you.. for being there. I really appreciate your words.. and your closeness,“ Rayane breathed and Jack could feel his body freeing from his touch to reach for his face instead.
He got a little startled when Rayane’s warm hand gently touched his skin. The pounding in his chest increased. It wasn’t just the sympathy of the moment. It was more like the hot tension in the air Jack suddenly felt. He doesn’t want to feel it. It wasn’t right for him to take advantage of him when he was his most vulnerable self, but when Rayane began to slowly brush over his face to stroke a strand of his curly hair out of it, he soon forgot all about it. It was more than just a touch to thank him for his words. Jack could feel the tickling in his body. With every touch Rayane moved something inside him.
„Can I touch your face?“ Rayane asked and Jack took in a deep breath while he could feel the tension washing over him. In a way it would be a very dumb question for him because he was kind of already doing it, but Jack liked the way he was reassuring himself by asking about his consent.
„Yes!“ Jack breathed out. He was sure his voice would be a mess right now so he doesn’t even try to use more of it. It was an intimate moment and with it the pounding in his chest increased even more.
Rayane carefully brushed his hand over his face. He left light touches on his way and Jack had to close his eyes to endure the closeness. He was glad to see nothing more of him at that moment. No shadow and no outline. He probably wouldn't be able to hold back any longer if he did. His emotions were jumbled and at the same time never been more in its place than right now.
He leaned in to the touch. Goosebumps all over his body as Rayane’s hand were on his cheek. The intimacy of the moment in his heart. But the insight came quickly. It wasn't Jack who needed that touch, it was Rayane.
He opened his closed eyes to search the outlines of the darkness for Rayane's eyes.
„Can I touch your face?“ Jack asked hesitantly. A bit of fear simmered with his words as he spoke them out loud. Fear that he misinterpreted the situation and went too far with his question, but Rayane quickly took it away.
„Yes!“ Rayane whispered quickly. The warmth of his hands left Jack’s face as he probably waited for Jack to do his next steps.
Jack reached out for his outlines in the dark and carefully began to brush some of his curls. Carefully. Just a slight and delicate touch of his fingers moved over his hair as if he could break something when he would use more of his strength. Jack could feel Rayane instantly leaning into his touch. Increasing the feeling of their intimacy to a further level.
Jack felt the excitement in his heart. It was strange. A wild ride of his feelings. The desire to feel more of Rayane led him further into his face. First his forehead, over his shallow eyebrows, to the small wrinkles next to his eyes that formed because he was probably smiling. He felt every imperfection on his presumably perfect face. Every mole and every hair that took up room on it.
Jack felt his heart pounding wildly with every move he made. It felt almost surreal. The realization that this was really happening. That they were so close. That yesterday couldn't have been better and that tonight with its memories would probably be burned deep into Jack's memory for eternity.
Jack knew the next step would take a lot of courage, but he couldn't stop himself. While Rayane tenderly leaned into his touch, he gave Jack the courage to continue. The fire in him blazed and while he inwardly welcomed the thousands of fireworks, he only allowed a small and tender smile on his lips.
His hand trembled a little with excitement as he stroked from Rayane's cheek to his lips. First about the sides. A slight smile accompanied the small outlines on Rayane's mouth and Jack's heart leapt with joy. Rayane didn't pull his head back as Jack gently ran his thumb over his lips. The smile faded and pure excitement sat deep in Jack's pounding chest. He closed his eyes when he suddenly felt Rayane's finger on his cheek again. The heat in his body was unbearable.
„Can I.. can I kiss you, Jack?“ Rayane breathed barely audibly against his lips and Jack barely heard him speak as his heart threatened to leap out of his chest. He was so close.
Jack hesitated. Not because he didn't want to, much more because he wanted to consider taking advantage of the situation too much if he agreed, but when Jack removed his hand from his lips and placed it on Rayane's chest, he felt his heart beating fast. And he suddenly felt like dreaming. As if suddenly everything was possible. Life had given him another chance to prove himself with Rayane. To prove that he was worthy of being loved and loved back with everything he had. He closed his eyes and breathed his approval into the air between them as he waited to see what Rayane would taste like. How his lips felt on his.
Their bodies leaned towards one another. Jack's hand wandered to Rayane's pounding heart as Jack felt the puff of his breath coming closer to his lips. The feeling that Jack felt at that moment was indescribable and he soon felt the soft outlines that he had felt moments ago with his fingertips finally on his lips. A deep warmth went through him as if something enveloped him. The fluttering of his eyelids accompanied the flaring movement of their lips.
Soft and delicate movements at first, leaving his body burning with desire, but when Rayane put his hand around his neck to pull him closer, a storm of emotions threw them both into a deep ocean of lust. Devoted and above all passionate the kiss ignited after a moment as their lips parted. Rayane asked for entrance for his tongue and Jack granted it quickly and impatiently. While their tongues now danced for dominance, their bodies intertwined. Dull sounds of their lips touching and stifled moans hang in the air.
Both of them were breathing harder and harder between kisses and Jack suddenly felt a ruse in him that he had never known before. The heat in his body was unbearable while he enjoyed every touch from Rayane. The dance of their tongues. The pounding of his heart against his own chest and also the slight tug on Jack's hair when they gave themselves fully to each other. A deep bond of love and passion that increased with every touch.
Rayane slipped his hand under Jack's shirt and caressed his muscles underneath. With every touch Jack’s head got lighter and suddenly he felt dizzy with lust. Jack stopped his movements. His hand back on Rayane's chest to stop him for a moment. His lips close and his breathing heavy.
"Wait, I.. I need a moment. it's getting too.. hot. I need some time to adjust.. I'm sorry!" Jack said. His voice was somewhat uncertain with the sudden interruption and his breathing got heavy.
„Hey, it‘s okay. Don’t be sorry. We can stop if you want?“ Rayane asked. His voice deep and husky, unlocking something inside Jack. The need of feeling him closer ran through him.
„No.. no.. I really don’t want you to stop. Can we just.. slow down a bit?“ Jack smiled slightly. It wasn’t because he was comfortable with his own answer but more because he was feeling bad because he needed to stop this beautiful moment.
„Whatever feels right for you..“ Rayane whispered and leaned in to kiss him, slow and deliberate.
Jack took in the feeling. The tickling in his chest increased with the slow movements of their lips and with every touch of it Jack could feel himself wanting more. His own hands soon explored Rayane’s body with delicate touches. His fingers brushed over his skin and muscles while he felt the hot pounding mess in his chest. Without the need of saying it out loud Rayane made Jack feel loved deeply. With every touch he laid on Jack, his body filled with love and every slight brush on Jack‘s skin made him wince for more.
Jack’s tongue was soon begging for entrance as he continued to explore Rayane’s body further, the explosion of feelings in his chest almost too painful.
With each passing second, perhaps minutes, Jack felt more secure. Rayane was caring. He had been careful with every slight movement, not wanting to push Jack into anything. It was exactly what Jack had wanted, what he needed. Someone in his life who would give him everything he wished for, but wasn’t perfect. Someone, who was understanding, but at the same time had a fire inside that drew himself to him. And most likely someone, who felt the pain and cruelty of life, but wanted to live through it.
No words were needed between them to describe their attraction and there was no need to label their relationship at this moment. Just touches and slow kisses while time flew by. Just being their true selves. Being Jack and Rayane. Natural. No facade. No wall to push someone away. Just deeply sharing their feelings without words hanging in the air.
Jack felt something in his body shift. The feeling of being ready for whatever might come next. Jack put his hands back on Rayane's cheeks and leaned in for another kiss. A slow kiss. Almost in slow motion their lips touched. It felt like rain on a hot day, which finally brought the longed-for cooling. It felt like a longing that sat deep in Jack’s chest. Rayane’s lips so soft that he lacked the strength to think of anything but the feeling that sat inside him.
Jack's hands moved from his cheek to his chest almost automatically. As if his body knew exactly what he wanted. Their tongues danced with each other. Wet, uncontrolled and yet they gave Jack the feeling of finally having control over something he so often lacked during his blindness.
His hand trembled slightly as it moved under Rayane's shirt. He felt his muscles and how they stretched over his upper body. He brushed his fingertips carefully over them and at the same time he felt his rapid heartbeat. It made him a little nervous. He knew Rayane's heart was beating for him, because of his touches, because of his kisses. But he didn't even know what Rayane looked like, what his eye color was, or if he’ll ever know for sure. For a brief moment he stopped his movement. Was it too soon? Was he ready?
He felt a sudden touch on his hand. It was Rayane’s, who closed his hand over his and interrupted the kiss to place his forehead on Jack’s. Curls fell into both their faces and Jack smelled the freshly washed scent of his hair. Rayane's thumb gently stroked the palm of his hand. A gesture to show him that it was okay no matter what Jack wanted and no matter how far he wanted to go.
"I love you!" Jack whispered, never thinking he would ever say those words to him. That he would ever be so close to him. But that night everything was different. Something had changed between them. Jack had known for a long time that he loved him, but there was no moment in which he felt it more than in this one. Vulnerability hung in the air above them as Jack listened to the rapid beating of their hearts. Rayane's hand still on his and their foreheads touching.
"I love you too, Jack!" he breathed hoarsely, and it didn't need more for Jack's lips to land on his again. The nervousness faded and security returned to his chest, making him feel confident.
Their kiss was passionate. Deep and sloppy. Jack's hands lifted Rayane's shirt over his head in quick and demanding strokes. Shortly after, he felt Rayane do the same, impatiently lifting the shirt over his head. In one move, the clothes were on the floor next to the small bed.
Their torsos touched while their lips barely parted. The rapid beating of his heart rushed in Jack's ears but much more he heard the loud and deep breathing that filled the room with the muffled sounds of their demanding kisses. In the background he could hear the bed squeaking with every movement on it.
Rayane pulled away from his lips and gently kissed each spot down to his chest in small strokes. Every spot he left burned up for a brief moment and then left behind a tingling cold that was almost unbearable for Jack the closer he got to his groin. Once there, he impatiently started to take off Jack's jogging pants and judging by the noise he did the same with his. With a short "Hmph" the pants landed on the floor, leaving Jack for a short moment all cold without any heat from Rayane.
Goosebumps covered him when Rayane approached him again. He placed himself sideways next to Jack and let his hand slide carefully over his body. Jack now took the chance to regain some control and pressed himself close to Rayane's body. The fireworks in his body spread as their lips met again.
Jack felt the heat creeping up his body and the room as well. Every touch burned into his skin. A desire shot through him and he felt the sudden excitement as Rayane kissed a sensitive spot on his neck. He wrapped himself even tighter around Rayane. Soon after, he felt Rayane's hardened length on his thigh, giving him a brief sense of joy at what he could do with him. Jack smiled into the kiss. He was proud of himself. Of how secure he was. How brave he was and how he could trust Rayane blindly, even in this vulnerable moment.
They continued to kiss, longingly and passionately. And soon Rayane moved his hand to his underwear. No one had ever touched him there before.
A loud groan suddenly escaped Jack as he touched his length. It was an unfamiliar feeling and he could hear Rayane chuckle in a really hot way that made him roll his eyes backwards. As he continued to stroke it, while he carefully slid under his pants, Jack moaned. He couldn’t hold himself back anymore.The whole foreplay with the many kisses had lasted far too long and all the lust had accumulated in Jack, which now spread into electrifying and pulsating flows in his body with every touch of Rayane. As they continued to kiss in between the strokes, Jack could feel already getting close. He stopped Rayane's hand and now ran his other hand to his underpants instead.
He was inexperienced and didn't know exactly what he was doing. But he could feel every move with his hand pushing Rayane further into the mattress while his hips stretched out towards him. Jack kissed his lips gently but demandingly and during his kiss he felt deep breaths on his lips as he continued to move his hand up and down in quick strokes. Rayane moaned deeply and Jack forgot to breathe for a moment. With every deep and husky moan he felt the build up electricity in himself. Rapid breathing rhythmically accompanied his continuing movements when Rayane suddenly stopped his hands.
“I’m close..” Rayane announced, leaving Jack feeling flattered of his impact only with his hands on his body.
Jack released his hand and they just kissed for a moment. Slowly and passionately. Every kiss left a warm feeling in his chest. The feeling of having arrived. At the right moment, with the right person.
“Do you..?” Rayane started, but Jack knew immediately what he wanted to ask him.
“Yes.. I.. I just need a moment.” Jack agreed and they both put their foreheads together again. Their loud breathing synchronized while Jack felt some of the electricity leave his body and let him think a little more clearly.
“You’re so hot.. I can’t deal with it.. You should.. you should know I adore you,” Rayane said while he now started to kiss his cheek. “You are beautiful,.. just the way you are,” he said and kissed his nose.
Jack closed his eyes again. He let the words sink deep inside his body. He needed it. The confirmation of his insecurities just being ghosts in his own head.
“I think you're the most beautiful person I've ever met,” Jack brushed now over Rayane’s cheek. “..I can't see your outside, but I feel like I see your inside clearer than anyone else.. You are the most caring person in this world, Rayane, and I.. I just feel so whole with you!” Jack whispered the last part against Rayane’s lips.
From two strangers, lost in this world, to two lovers that were deeply connected in a bond of love. This is what being loved back feels like, Jack thought, he was lucky because he found his soulmate in a world with millions of people in it and he didn’t even need to look out for it.
They kissed again. It was almost as if Jack would explode when he felt Rayane’s hand touching his throbbing length again. But this time he didn’t continue, he just grabbed the remaining piece of clothing and impatiently pulled it off his body. Jack was completely naked now, but he couldn’t care less. The only thing he cared about was to rip off the remaining piece of clothing on Rayane, which he did in a really unattractive and funny way that made both of them chuckle. His fingers were already too sweaty to find grip on it so he needed a few attempts to push it down. With Rayane’s help he made it and while Jack got nervous, both of them just laughed it off afterwards. Being their silly and relatable selves for a moment. Soon after, Rayane leans back in to kiss him with a smile on his lips.
The momentary passion quickly reignited as they deepened the kiss and Jack again felt the tingling in his stomach spreading throughout his body. Their bodies moved against each other and Jack could feel the desire to feel more of Rayane. He probably felt the same way, because he quickly grabbed something with his hand and Jack could hear it crackling after. His breath stuttered.
If he wasn't so impatient he would have asked why Rayane had brought condoms with him while they went to Disneyland in Paris, but he really didn't want to know the answer. Everything in his head was now about living up to the feeling in his chest and giving in to the excitement and pleasure that comes with it.
He felt Rayane stop for a moment, unsure if Jack really wanted to go further, but Jack quickly took the condom from his hand and thus took his presumed question out of his mind in order to put it over Rayane’s length. He was proud of his sudden self-confidence he had won over the intimacy they created. Rayane gasped as he touched him, but soon found himself steady again. They kissed each other passionately, longingly, and Rayane touched Jack with his hands in preparation of what was to come.
Jack moaned as Rayane touched him. His eyes fluttered and he grabbed Rayane’s arm as he continued to make Jack feel loved with every touch on his sensitive skin. When Rayane pulled his fingers away Jack suddenly felt the emptiness, but it wasn’t long because Rayane placed himself over Jack’s body and finally let himself sink slowly into him as he got the confirmation of Jack to do so. Jack could feel the strong and uncomfortable pulling inside him, but as Rayane moved a little more, he felt a little more pleasure in what he was doing.
Rayane kissed Jack’s chest and with every thrust of his hip Jack felt the electricity increasing in his stomach, preparing him of being showered by a storm of feelings that was to come. Jack pulled on Rayane’s hair, making clear that he was close and while he concentrated on the feeling inside him, he could hear Rayane’s moans and the gasping for air with every time Jack digged his hands in his soft skin.
Their breathing laid hot in the air as Rayane pulled out of Jack and went for kissing him instead. He stroked Jack‘s length while Jack did the same with his. Their limbs quivered as they shuddered out of pleasure. It didn’t need long and both came in each other's hands. Making a mess all over. Rayane let himself fall on Jack’s body as he breathed out the hot air that was left in his lungs while he needed to hold it in, probably to concentrate on his feelings, just like Jack did.
Jack held Rayane close. He was his first time and even if it wasn’t the perfect picture he had out of movies, it was perfect for him. He took in the moment. The realization that Rayane loved him back. He wasn’t surprised at all as he said the words back to him, but he never expected him to actually feel it. Every touch of him the past weeks, maybe months, replayed in his head. He should’ve known. Rayane wasn’t good at hiding his feelings, as well as Jack wasn’t good at hiding his own.
Rayane took a little towel out of their hotel bathroom and cleaned both of them up. They lay intertwined in bed after, and let their breaths calm down slowly. The night was well advanced by now and after being interrupted so abruptly and unpleasantly, Jack now greeted it with a whole new feeling in his body. The feeling of being loved back by Rayane. His first real love. Slowly peace returned and the night made its way through the darkness.
xxx
Warm rays of sunshine on Jack's face woke him up early in the morning. He felt a little tired because of the short night. The memories of it returned slowly. Muffled screams escaping from Rayane’s lips and Jack felt the pain of hearing it all over again.
He slowly opened his eyes and got used to the brightness. Small shapes and colors ran through the small room. Beside him he felt Rayane move a little, but he seemed still asleep. Jack stayed with him and didn't go back to his bed after they spent the night together.
Just the thought of spending the night in a room with Rayane drove him crazy. Let alone the thought of everything that had happened that night. The excitement. Tiredness. The worry. The touches. Tenderness. All of that had been a part of last night and would probably be burned into Jack's memory forever, like indentations in stone from earlier eras of time.
Jack lay close to Rayane. His back against his chest and Rayane's head snuggled deep into his neck. He had to admit that it felt pretty good to be close to him, but even though he had enjoyed the night he wondered what that would mean for the two of them. How would Rayane greet him when he wakes up? Would he even want Jack in his bed? The questions in his head piled up and the comfort of feeling Rayane's warmth on him developed into the uncomfortable feeling of having forced himself on him.
Jack was insecure. He always had been, but now he wished once more that he was braver, that his thoughts were braver, just like last night. Soon he decided to give in to his thoughts and tried to move away from Rayane. Carefully, as not to wake him up, but as Jack tried to move his head he could soon hear the mumbling behind him.
„Don‘t,“ Rayane’s raspy voice demanded. The sleepiness deep in it took over as he grabbed Jack‘s body and pulled him back.
A feeling of validation he needed to finally let the right side win in the battle between his mind and his heart. The side that made him happy.
He closed his eyes when he felt Rayane’s hand on his waist, reminding him of all the places it had been. Rayane pulled him close again and laid his head on Jack's. His hands closed tightly around his while he sighed deeply.
"I need more sleep!" Rayane growled. His voice was deep and sleepy while he cuddled himself closer to Jack.
Jack giggled and relaxed his body a little. The closeness made him calm down again after being anxious about what happened last night.
“Are you okay?” Jack asked him. He needed to know, after having nightmares himself, it was important to him to make sure Rayane wasn’t taking it too hard on himself.
He could feel Rayane tense a little, but he soon released it by squeezing Jack’s hand. “I’ll be fine.. I have you!” Rayane whispered next to his ear and it made him shiver. Goosebumps spread all over his body.
For a while, they lay snuggled up in each other. Rayane's body against Jack's, while his head burrowed into his hair and he could feel his breath on his sensitive skin, making him think of unspeakable things they did last night.
Jack didn't want to take advantage of the newfound feeling of passion and lust with Rayane, so he decided to go for a little distraction instead.
“Our train does not leave until evening. We could go and visit the city of Paris?” Jack asked him. His voice radiated his anticipation and he could feel the smile building up on Rayane’s lips as he breathed against his neck.
“We could!” Rayane giggled and finally lifted his head a little to slowly move out of bed. The slatted frame squeaked as he moved his body away from Jack.
"I haven't been to Paris in a long time. Even though I grew up near here, I've never been ON the Eiffel Tower!" Jack admitted and now straightened up as well.
"Then we definitely need to catch up," Rayane smiled, Jack could hear it in his voice and the happy flailing of his arms, which he had also noticed through the moving outline. "I'm going to take a shower... you could keep me company if you want?" Rayane asked. His voice was a little softer and his body still focused on Jack.
Jack felt the sudden blush on his cheek. "Yeah, no, I think that's a bad idea. It looks good in movies, but this shower is way too small and with any luck I'll slip and fall." Jack laughed and Rayane laughed with him. It was an honest and natural one and Jack was mesmerized by it. He just couldn’t believe he had done some really dirty stuff with him just hours ago and now they were just joking around with it.
Rayane took his fresh clothes out of his bag and went to take a shower while Jack fell back into bed and took in all the events of the last day and night. He felt the pounding of his heart against his chest and heard the patter of water from the room next door.
He had not expected their trip to be like this. He didn't expect them to confess their love in a deep moment of intimacy. But as Jack continued to think about it, the future frightened him.
«What did it mean for the two of them? Were they a couple now? Was it just a one-time thing?»
The questions spread through Jack's mind and made the shallow thumping in his heart become an uncomfortable one. The lumb in his throat burned a little. It was the unspoken words of last night that had brought them together and the spoken words, they promised each other, that had united them. But was it enough to actually have a future? Was that what Rayane wanted, a future together with him?
Jack didn't want to think about it any further. It made him uneasy and broke his good mood. He wanted to spend the day with Rayane, forgetting everything that their daily life in Sète brought. He just wanted to be happy a little longer.
Jack had apparently not heard how the water of the shower had stopped seconds ago and he startled a little when Rayane suddenly opened the door of the bathroom with a loud creak. The light in the room was bright and Jack could see the outline of his body very well. The different colors in his field of vision hinted that he was dressed only in a white towel around his waist. Something on his torso sparkled and Jack guessed that there was moisture from the shower on his torso.
"I forgot something..." Rayane's sweet voice greeted him sheepishly and he soon rummaged something out of his bag, making sure he brushed Jack’s skin slightly with his soaked naked body, and then turned around again. The brush made Jack feel like he was doing it on purpose. That he wanted Jack to feel him. The muscles that graced his body and that Jack desired so much. Something twisted inside him. A new feeling of pleasure and passion deep in his stomach, just waiting for it to be released again.
Jack shook his head. It was unnecessary, but it made him feel like he was getting rid of his thoughts in his mind. He couldn't sit there all day and drool over Rayane. He wanted to play the game. He wanted back the confidence he’d won last night with every touch Rayane laid on his body.
Jack stood up and slowly made his way to the bathroom. He heard Rayane standing next to him as he heard the rustling sound of his towel, but he decided to ignore it. He just turned away from him and slowly undressed.
"What.. what are you doing?" Rayane stuttered a little. The confidence he had just shown with his walk across the room was almost forgotten again, making Jack’s confidence go up the roof with every uncertain word coming out of his mouth.
Jack smiled a little. "Oh, I thought you were already done. I was getting ready too. I feel a little dirty.." he grinned, and as he spoke the last word he heard Rayane's deep swallow.
It apparently worked. But as Jack was about to take off his underpants, he stumbled a bit. His sense of balance wasn’t yet fully back and the ongoing near-blindness left its mark. The gained self-confidence immediately passed as he felt Rayane’s fingers on his body to keep him steady.
“You okay?” Rayane asked, a little worry in his voice. His fingers lightly stroked his skin, suppressing the uncomfortable feeling that was trying to spread through his chest.
“Yeah. Yes, I’m okay!” He smiled at Rayane, a little unsure if he just wanted to keep up his game or if he lost it already.
“I can help with that!” Rayane offered and stepped a little closer to him. Jack immediately felt the heat rise up in his cheeks as he pulled down his underpants. The realization came quickly to Jack,.. he lost the game.
The electricity spread through him with every second Rayane‘s hands laid on his skin. “We should try out the shower.. I take back what I said. The shower will be fitting for both of us,” Jack said impatiently to him. His voice was needy, just like his body felt the aching for contact. His eyes closed while he finally felt the touch of his fingers on his skin.
A tingling sensation spread as he heard the towel fall from Rayane's waist. Jack got into the shower and turned on the water. He let it splash a little on him as Rayane followed him.
Jack felt Rayane press against his back and he gasped as he immediately felt the wet kisses on his neck. The lust spread through his body like a fire blazing inside him. Fast and hot breathing was in the air as Rayane explored his body. Every touch left a burning sensation that made Jack's heart beat faster. Only for Rayane. The hot water ran down on both of them, leaving their bodys wet and Jack couldn’t hold himself still as he nestled himself against his body. An intimate moment of passion ignited when a knock on the door rudely interrupted their moment of love and trust.
"Shit.. I'll go!" Rayane cursed and detached himself from his body to quickly wrap a towel around his hip and head for the door.
Jack, meanwhile, was left alone under the hot water. He was still breathing heavily while he heard the conversation quietly from outside. After he heard the door closing he quickly showered off and then stepped out of the shower to dress himself with a towel.
It didn't take long and Rayane stepped back into the bathroom with fast steps.
"We missed the check-out time. We should’ve checked out 10 minutes ago!" Rayane now laughed, a surprise in his voice that left Jack giggling a bit. His breathing uneven, just like Rayane‘s.
They stood in the bathroom for a few seconds to recollect themselves, the make-out session under the running water had left them pretty exhausted. They didn’t talk. They just leaned themselves on each other's body, caressing each other with slight brushes of their fingertips to make up for their interruption.
After they got dressed and packed up their belongings they checked out of the hotel and took the train into the city of Paris. The moment of passion and lust now buried deep in the back of their minds as they went about their usual everyday quips.
“So.. this hot make-out has made me hungry.. Are you hungry too?” Rayane asked when the train arrived at the station. His hand grabbing Jack’s arm to underline his request, mostly to make sure he meant it while he was actually using his joking voice for the words.
“We can go and grab something from the train station!” Jack suggested and smiled at him. He liked the way this was going. It felt good to act normal after what happened. It was clear to him that they needed to talk about what happened, but before that he just took in the feeling of simply being with him.
They grabbed something to eat on their way to the Eiffel tower and rambled about their childhood because both grew up near Paris. No words about Rayane’s father as in to keep the mood going while they walked side to side.
“We should’ve met when I was younger. You would’ve liked me.” Rayane smiled at him before biting into his croissant Jack bought him at a small bakery near the station.
“Why do you think that? Were you a bookworm with nerd glasses and spots on your face?" Jack laughed.
"Noo... but are you telling me you looked like that when YOU were younger?" Rayane chuckled at his own comment and Jack's heart gave a little jump. He really liked his natural laugh.
"Of course not. I was totally cool when I was younger!" Jack remarked, stopping short to wave his arms in affirmation of his words.
"Yeah. I can tell when someone's lying.." Rayane joked, nudging him in the side with his arm.
The playfulness of the moment caught Jack right there. "Oh, so you think I'm the one lying? We should exchange pictures."
"If I showed you pictures, you'd know that you probably would have been the one with a crush on me," Rayane said confidently.
"Who knows, maybe we've met before, but I thought you were not cool enough and I just kept walking away from you!" Jack said, chuckling, as they arrived at the line to buy tickets for the lift at the Eiffel Tower.
“You would’ve never.. You are deeply in love with me now, you would’ve fallen for me despite how I looked like as a kid for sure,” Rayane assured him and Jack stopped smiling for a short moment.
Deeply in love? He probably was, but it was weird. Not to know how the person you love looked like. Not knowing more of his childhood rather than that he lived near him. Jack wanted to know more of him. Rather, he wanted to know the Rayane who tried to bury himself deep and not be discovered by others. The one, Jack wanted to dig up again to show him that it was worth showing all of him. That he loved every side of him, no matter how dark it was. But it was a long way until then. One, that was worth to be walked.
“I am. You should come to my place after we’re back! I will show you pictures, but only if you soon show me yours!” Jack's smile grew again. He needed to give him some time.
“Deal!” Rayane said to him and took his hand for a short handshake.
The wait for the lift wasn’t that long and soon both of them took in the view of the whole city of Paris.They leaned against the railing and Jack felt the hand on his hip that Rayane had casually placed there while his gaze slid towards Paris, his body close. The wind rustled in his ears while Rayane's hair tickled him a little.
“I definitely don’t remember it being this amazing,” Rayane breathed and leaned his head on Jack’s. He could hear some other people walking behind him to take in the view too.
Jack felt protected in his arms and leaned himself against his chest. He enjoyed the closeness and listened to Rayane's beating heart while they just stood there for a while. His mind soon flooded with questions again, but now he just couldn‘t hold them in anymore.
„Are we a couple?“ Jack blurted out without being able to stop the words. "I'm sorry. I take it back. I didn't mean to..." he began to take what he had said from his lips. Without success, because Rayane interrupted him rudely.
"I don't know. Is that what you want?" he asked suddenly. He let the hand that wrapped his waist fall from his body and straightened up to look at Jack.
"I.. I don't know. I think so. We're a great team!" Jack said, looking at him expectantly. He wished he could read Rayane's emotions because all he heard was a deep breath in the air.
"Then we must be a couple." Rayane stated and grabbed Jack's waist again to hug him.
The feeling of insecurity washed away, instead the feeling of happiness took place in Jack‘s body. A smile played on his lips as he snuggled closer to Rayane and kept looking at Paris, or rather the many shapes and colors he saw of it, but it was enough to know that he was where he always wanted to be.
"That simple?" Jack asked to reassure himself that this was all real.
"That simple!" Rayane replied, laying his head on Jack's. His curly hair tickled him, but he felt the warmth he only felt when Rayane was with him.
It was the moment Jack‘s dream came true in some way. His life was never near like being perfect, but with Rayane by his side it felt like it was better than any Disney movie could ever be. It wasn‘t about a princess and his prince. It was more like a prince fighting for every step he took in life. A prince that was worthy of being loved. A prince that loved back with all he had.
It was his story. His story of finding his own prince in real life. With every up and down of being in it. It was about Jack finding his Rayane.