The black SUV rolled to a gentle stop in a quiet parking lot right by the ocean. The engine went silent, and suddenly the only sounds were the soft crash of waves against the sand and the faint whisper of wind through the palm trees. Moonlight spilled across the water like silver paint, making the whole beach glow. No one else was around...just empty sand stretching out, a few distant lights from houses up on the cliffs, and the endless dark sea.
Alex turned off the headlights and leaned back in his seat for a second. His hands loosened on the wheel. The adrenaline from the escape still buzzed in his veins, but it was fading now, replaced by a calm that only the ocean could bring. He glanced over at Ethan, who sat staring out the windshield, chest rising and falling slower than before.
"You good?" Alex asked softly.
Ethan nodded, letting out a long breath. "Yeah...yeah, I think so. That was insane. I've never run that fast in my life."
Alex chuckled low, the sound warm in the quiet car. "You moved pretty good for a dentist. Most people would've frozen."
Ethan smiled for the first time since the shots started. It was small, but real. "Guess fear is a good motivator."
They sat there a minute longer, letting the peace sink in. The windows were cracked open, and cool salty air drifted in. Ethan could smell the ocean mixed with Alex's cologne...something clean and spicy that fit him perfectly.
Alex broke the silence. "Come on. Let's get out. Fresh air will help."
He opened his door and stepped onto the pavement. Ethan followed, closing the door softly behind him. The night felt cooler here, the breeze gentle on their skin. Alex walked to the front of the SUV and leaned against the warm hood, crossing his arms. Ethan joined him, standing close enough that their shoulders almost touched.
For a while, neither spoke. They just looked at the water. Waves rolled in steady, white foam glowing under the moon. Stars dotted the sky clear and bright...no city lights to hide them out here.
"This place always calms me down," Alex said finally. "After tough games or bad days, I come here. Just sit and listen to the waves. Clears my head."
Ethan turned to look at him. Moonlight lit up Alex's face...strong jaw, full lips, those deep brown eyes that seemed to see everything. "I can see why. It's beautiful. Peaceful. I don't get out here enough."
"What do you do to relax?" Alex asked. "When you're not fixing teeth all day?"
Ethan laughed quietly. "Honestly? Work more. Read dental journals. Plan new equipment for the clinic. Not exactly exciting."
Alex shook his head, smiling. "Nah, that's dedication. Takes a lot to build something like that. I saw your clinic name online once...Hayes Dental Care. People say you're the best in LA."
Ethan felt his cheeks warm a little. "They exaggerate. I just care about doing it right. Making people feel confident when they smile...it means something."
"I get that," Alex said. "On the court, when I hit a big shot or lead the team to a win...it's not just about the points. It's about giving people something to believe in. Even if it's just for a night."
Ethan looked at him closer. "You talk like someone who's been through a lot."
Alex shrugged, eyes back on the ocean. "Grew up in East LA. Rough blocks. Gangs everywhere. Friends I lost to stupid stuff. Basketball was my way out. Had to fight for every chance."
Ethan listened, feeling the weight of it. "I grew up the opposite. Quiet suburb. Good schools. Parents who pushed college. Never worried about guns or danger...until tonight."
Alex turned to him fully now. "Tonight scared you bad, huh?"
Ethan nodded. "Terrified. I kept thinking...what if I didn't make it to your car? What if one of those bullets..."
"Hey," Alex said gently, reaching out and touching his arm. "You did make it. You're here. Safe."
The touch was light, but it sent a spark through Ethan. Alex's hand was warm, strong from years of gripping basketballs. Ethan didn't pull away. Instead, he looked up into Alex's eyes. They were closer now...close enough to feel each other's breath.
"Thank you again," Ethan whispered. "For saving me."
Alex's gaze dropped to Ethan's lips for a second. "Anytime."
The air between them changed. Thickened. The fear from earlier mixed with something new...something hot and pulling. Ethan felt his heart speed up again, but not from danger this time.
Alex leaned in slow, giving Ethan time to move away. But Ethan didn't. Their lips met soft at first...just a brush, testing. Then deeper. Alex's hand moved to the back of Ethan's neck, pulling him closer. Ethan kissed back, hands finding Alex's waist under the hoodie.
The kiss grew hungry fast. All the adrenaline from the night poured into it. Ethan tasted salt air and something sweet on Alex's lips. Alex made a low sound in his throat that made Ethan's stomach flip. They pressed together against the hood of the car, bodies fitting like they belonged.
Alex's hands slid down Ethan's back, strong and sure. Ethan gripped the soft fabric of Alex's hoodie, pulling him in. Heat built between them...lips moving together, tongues touching, breaths mixing. Ethan felt Alex hard against his thigh and felt his own body answer the same way.
They broke for air, foreheads resting together.
"Damn," Alex breathed, voice rough. "Didn't plan that."
Ethan laughed softly, still catching his breath. "Me neither. But...I'm not complaining."
Alex smiled, thumb brushing Ethan's cheek. "You're beautiful, you know that?"
Ethan felt his face heat again. No one had ever said it like that...simple and real. He leaned in and kissed Alex again, slower this time. Hands wandered more...under shirts, over skin. Alex's body was hard muscle, warm and solid. Ethan traced the lines of his abs, feeling Alex shiver.
They moved together like they had done this before. Alex turned Ethan so his back was against the hood, lifting him easily to sit on it. Ethan wrapped his legs around Alex's waist, pulling him close. Kisses trailed down Ethan's neck...hot, open-mouthed. Ethan tilted his head back, moaning quietly as Alex sucked gently at his skin.
Hands slipped lower. Alex palmed Ethan through his pants, making him gasp. Ethan returned the touch, feeling Alex thick and ready. They rocked together, friction building fast. The ocean waves crashed louder, like they matched the rhythm of their bodies.
"Want you," Alex murmured against his ear.
"Here?" Ethan whispered, half laughing, half serious.
Alex pulled back just enough to look at him. Eyes dark with want. "Back seat?"
Ethan nodded fast. They moved quick...doors opening and closing, climbing into the spacious back of the SUV. Windows tinted dark, hiding them from the world.
Clothes came off in a rush...shirts first, then pants pushed down. Skin on skin felt electric. Alex kissed every inch he uncovered...Ethan's chest, stomach, thighs. Ethan arched into it, fingers tangled in Alex's curls.
When Alex took him in his mouth, Ethan nearly came right then. The heat, the wetness, the way Alex looked up at him...it was too much and perfect. Ethan returned the favor, tasting Alex slow and deep, loving every sound he pulled out.
They didn't go all the way...not here, not tonight...but hands and mouths brought them both over the edge. Pleasure crashed through them like the waves outside. Ethan came first, crying out softly into Alex's shoulder. Alex followed seconds later, groaning Ethan's name.
After, they lay tangled together on the soft leather seat, breathing hard. Alex pulled a blanket from the back and covered them. Ethan rested his head on Alex's chest, listening to his heartbeat slow down.
"That was...wow," Ethan said quietly.
Alex laughed, arms tight around him. "Yeah. Wow is right."
They stayed like that a long time...talking soft, sharing little stories, stealing kisses. The moon moved across the sky. Eventually reality crept back in.
"I should get you home," Alex said, though he didn't move.
Ethan nodded against his chest. "Yeah. Early patients tomorrow."
They dressed slow, stealing more touches. Before getting out, Alex cupped Ethan's face and kissed him deep and sweet.
"This doesn't have to be just tonight," Alex said.
Ethan smiled. "I hope not."
But they didn't exchange numbers. No promises. Just one more kiss and a long look before Ethan got into the passenger seat again.
Alex drove him home through quiet streets. They talked easy...about favorite foods, music, little things. When they pulled up to Ethan's building, the goodbye felt heavy.
"Take care, Ethan," Alex said.
"You too, Alex. Thank you...for everything."
Ethan watched the SUV drive away, tail lights disappearing around the corner.
He walked inside feeling different. Lighter. Warmer.
Neither knew it would be three years before they saw each other again.
But that night by the ocean...that moment in the moonlight....A surreal experience.