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Dancing With Our Hand's Tied (BOOK ONE)

Chapter 28: The Final Scene

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The following Saturday came, Alex had been excited for this all week, he woke up early, ate breakfast, and was in his shirt ready to leave. Greg laughed at how excited he got going to Chesham.

As they arrived at the football ground, Alex grinned like a child at Disneyland, he stepped out of the car and heard a familiar voice shout his name. Alex turned to see Tim and Mark standing there. Alex smiled as he embraced Mark. The smell of grilled sausages mingled with the scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant roar of the crowd was almost tangible. Alex glanced over at Greg, who was grinning from ear to ear, clearly excited about the day ahead.

"Ready for this?" Greg asked, squeezing Alex's hand gently.

Alex nodded, though a part of him was still processing the unexpected addition of Tim and Mark to their football outing. "Yeah, let's do it."

They made their way to their seats, where John was already waiting, looking bored out of his mind. As promised, Greg had positioned himself next to John, leaving Alex, Tim, and Mark to sit together pitchside. Alex couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious as he took his seat, aware that the three of them were being watched by a few curious glances from other fans. The match started, and Alex found himself getting caught up in the excitement. He cheered when the home team scored, feeling a rush of adrenaline as the crowd erupted around him. Tim and Mark were equally enthusiastic, high-fiving each other and sometimes Alex, adding to the overall energy of the experience.

Midway through the first half, just after another goal from the home team sent Alex into a frenzy of screaming and fist-pumping, John leaned across Greg to speak quietly but earnestly.

“So, this thing with you and Alex... Is there something going on? You two seem pretty close.” Greg glanced at Alex, who was still caught up in the game, then back at John. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. 
“No, nothing like that. We’re just friends, spending time together. Nothing more.” John raised an eyebrow, clearly not entirely convinced. 
“Really? Because sometimes it looks like there’s more than friendship between you two. Especially when he looks at you.” Greg chuckled softly, nudging John playfully. 
“Trust me, it’s just excitement over the game. We’ve both been looking forward to this for weeks. Besides, Alex is easily excitable.”

Despite Greg’s assurances, John continued to watch them closely, his mind buzzing with curiosity. Greg redirected his focus to the game, making a point to cheer loudly and clap enthusiastically, trying to divert any further suspicions.

Meanwhile, Alex had calmed down slightly, noticing the odd look exchanged between Greg and John. He turned to Tim and Mark, who were engrossed in their own conversation about tactics. Without missing a beat, Alex shifted back towards Greg, eyes narrowing as he caught sight of John’s lingering stare. He gave Greg a questioning glance but didn’t pursue it, choosing instead to get swept up in the next wave of cheers from the crowd as the match resumed its electrifying pace.

The final whistle blew, signalling the end of the match. The crowd began to disperse, and Alex found himself caught up in the post-game euphoria. They all headed to a nearby pub, where the atmosphere was just as lively. Greg, being the designated driver, opted for a soda while John nursed a beer. Tim, Mark, and Alex, however, dove headfirst into rounds of drinks, their laughter growing louder with each passing hour. As the night wore on, Alex's words became slurred, and his movements more exaggerated. He leaned heavily on Greg at one point, giggling uncontrollably. 

"You know what?" he slurred, his face inches from Greg's. 
"I don't want to wait until Christmas anymore." Greg raised an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face despite the alcohol-induced haze around them. 
"What are you talking about, Alex?" Alex's eyes sparkled with mischief. 
"I want to tell the world about us! About... everything!" He gestured wildly, nearly knocking over a glass on the table. Greg sighed, exchanging a knowing glance with John, who was watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and concern. 
"Alex, you're drunk. Let's get you home, okay?"

Eventually, they managed to shepherd the three inebriated friends out of the pub. Greg drove Tim and Mark back to their place first, ensuring they were safely inside before heading back to the car. As they pulled away, Alex, now slightly more coherent, turned to Greg with a serious expression.

"Greg, I mean it. I don't want to hide anymore. I want everyone to know how I feel about you." Greg's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his composure. 
"Alex, we'll talk about this when you're sober, alright? For now, let's just get you home."

As they drove through the quiet streets, the weight of Alex's words hung in the air, promising a conversation that neither of them could avoid much longer. As they pulled into their carpark, Greg parked the car and turned to face Alex, who was now sitting up straight, his earlier drunkenness slowly replaced by a quiet resolve.

"Greg," Alex began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, 
"I know I'm still a bit drunk but what I said... it's been on my mind for a while. I can't keep pretending everything is just about friendship when it's so much more."

Greg took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He had always known this moment might come, but he hadn't expected it to be tonight, under these circumstances.

"Alex, you need to understand something," he said softly, reaching out to take Alex's hand. "What we have is special, and I care about you deeply. But we also need to think about how others will react. Alex nodded, his eyes searching Greg's. 
"I get that. But hiding our feelings isn't fair to either of us. We deserve to be happy, and if that means taking a risk, then so be it." Greg squeezed Alex's hand gently, a small smile tugging at his lips. 
"You're right. We do deserve to be happy. Let's take things one step at a time, though. Tomorrow, when you're sober, we'll talk more about it. For now, let's enjoy the night and each other's company." Alex smiled back, relief washing over him. 
"Deal. One step at a time."
"Now you - into bed, you've drunk way too much" Greg said tucking Alex in before climbing in next to him.
"Goodnight, Alex. Sleep well."
"Goodnight, Greg," Alex replied, his voice warm and content.

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