63: Unraveled Feelings

Stephen looked at his reflection, nervously adjusting his watch with shaky hands. He was planning to go see Xavier, and he couldn’t help but want to look his best. The mere thought of seeing the man he loves again made butterflies erupt in his lower abdomen. He stood in front of the mirror for what felt like an eternity before he gathered the courage to pick his car keys and leave. He was prepared for the worst, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t afraid of rejection.

When he pulled up at Xavier’s gate, the security guy informed him that Xavier wasn’t home. Stephen remembered what Hilda had told him of Xavier's whereabouts, and he dreaded going to Theo’s because it meant everyone would be there. But he went, nonetheless, for he couldn’t leave without speaking to Xavier.

Theo, Alicia, and Xavier were basking in the balcony watching Vikings Valhalla when they had the doorbell ring. Since Theo hadn’t prohibited his security from letting Stephen in, the man was able to get in without Theo bei