CHAPTER SEVEN

One morning, as Zeke sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea, he hesitantly broached the subject with Amun. "I hate to ask, but I need to grab some clothes from my father's house," he began, his voice tinged with reluctance. "Wearing the same outfit every day isn't really ideal."

Amun nodded sympathetically, understanding the predicament. "I'll come with you," he offered without hesitation, a reassuring smile accompanying his words. "No one should have to face that alone."

Grateful for the solidarity, Zeke nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Amun," he replied, relief washing over him at the thought of not having to confront his father solo.

With their plan set, Zeke and Amun embarked on the journey to Zeke's childhood home, each step weighed down by a sense of anticipation. As they traversed the familiar path, Zeke's unease grew, a knot tightening in his stomach. What would he find upon their arrival? And what secrets lay dormant within the walls of his father's house?

Approaching the modest structure, Zeke's heart quickened its pace, an involuntary response to the flood of memories that threatened to engulf him. Following Amun up the front steps and through the entryway, Zeke entered the domain of his past, the air heavy with the scent of nostalgia and regret.

Navigating the silent halls, Zeke made his way to his former bedroom, a pang of nostalgia tugging at his heartstrings. But the serenity was short-lived as they encountered Zeke's father, Adam, whose presence ignited a storm of anger and hostility.

Inside the house, tension hung thick in the air, suffocating Zeke with every breath. Adam's voice echoed through the halls, a venomous tirade of insults and accusations aimed squarely at his son.

"You worthless piece of garbage!" Adam's voice boomed, the words laced with malice as he advanced towards Zeke, his fists clenched in fury. "You think you can just waltz in here whenever you please, demanding things from me? You're nothing but a burden, a waste of space!"

Zeke recoiled at the onslaught, his heart pounding in his chest as he braced himself for the inevitable onslaught. "I-I just need to grab some clothes," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll be out of your hair before you know it."

But Adam was relentless, his anger unyielding as he continued his relentless assault. "You're a disgrace, Zeke!" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're lucky I even let you back into this house after what you pulled. You don't deserve a damn thing from me!"

Amun, ever the stalwart protector, stepped forward, a barrier between Zeke and his abusive father. "That's enough, Adam!" he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "You have no right to speak to Zeke like that. He's done nothing wrong."

Adam's eyes narrowed, his gaze burning with rage as he turned his fury towards Amun. "And who the hell are you to tell me how to speak to my own son?" he snarled, his voice a guttural growl of anger.

But Amun stood his ground, his resolve unshakeable. "I'm someone who cares about Zeke," he replied calmly, his voice unwavering. "And I won't stand by and watch you tear him down anymore. He deserves better than this."

With a final, contemptuous glare, Adam stormed out of the room, leaving Zeke and Amun alone in the suffocating silence of the house. As the echoes of Adam's rage faded into the distance, Zeke collapsed into Amun's arms, his body wracked with sobs of relief and exhaustion.

"It's okay, Zeke," Amun murmured, his voice a gentle whisper of comfort. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

And as Zeke clung to Amun, his sobs gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of peace and security he hadn't felt in years. With Amun by his side, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with courage and determination.

Amun wasted no time in gathering some clothes for Zeke, stuffing them hastily into a bag before guiding him out of the suffocating atmosphere of his father's house. With a reassuring hand on Zeke's shoulder, Amun led the way, his steady presence a source of comfort amidst the chaos of their emotions.

As they climbed into Amun's car, the tension that had plagued them inside began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of freedom and relief. With each passing mile, the weight of their troubles seemed to lighten, the open road stretching out before them like a promise of better days to come.

As they drove in silence, Zeke stole glances at Amun, marveling at the strength and compassion he exuded. "Thank you," Zeke whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of the engine. "For everything."

Amun glanced over at him, a soft smile gracing his lips. "You don't have to thank me, Zeke," he replied gently, his eyes filled with understanding. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

As they reached the outskirts of town, Amun parked the car and led Zeke down a winding path that led to his secret spot—a secluded clearing nestled amidst the trees. The air was cool and crisp, the soft rustle of leaves a soothing melody to their ears.

"This is where I come to clear my head," Amun explained, his voice a gentle whisper of reverence. "A place where I can be myself, away from the chaos of the world."

Zeke nodded in understanding, taking in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings. "It's beautiful," he murmured, his heart swelling with gratitude for Amun's willingness to share this intimate part of himself.

As they settled onto a patch of soft grass, Amun pulled Zeke into his arms, holding him close as they gazed up at the starlit sky above. In the stillness of the night, their breaths mingled, their hearts beating in unison as they surrendered to the undeniable pull between them.

And then, with a soft sigh, their lips met in a tender kiss—a fleeting moment of passion and vulnerability that left them both reeling with emotion. But as they pulled away, uncertainty clouded their expressions, their hearts racing with conflicting desires and fears.

"We should probably head back," Amun said softly, his voice tinged with regret as he broke the silence between them. "It's getting late."

Zeke nodded in agreement, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and longing. "Yeah," he replied quietly, his voice betraying the tumult of emotions raging within him.

And so, with heavy hearts and minds clouded with uncertainty, they made their way back to the car, the weight of their unspoken desires hanging heavy in the air between them. As they drove home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, they couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them—uncertain of where their newfound connection would lead, but determined to face it together, no matter what.