Small Victories

23

As Zack's 21st birthday approached, he and Rian found themselves busily preparing for the celebration. The apartment was adorned with festive decorations, and Zack was in high spirits as he anticipated the gathering.

On the day of Zack's birthday, they welcomed guests into their new home, sharing laughter and good company. However, the guest list was notably short, consisting only of a few of Rian's close friends who Zack had grown close to over time, and Alex, who had remained a steadfast companion despite the past.

Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Rian took Zack aside for a moment, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Hey, Zack," Rian began, his voice warm and earnest. "I have something important to ask you."

Zack's curiosity piqued, he turned to Rian with a smile. "Sure, what is it?"

Rian took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. "Zack, these past few years with you have been the best of my life. You've brought so much joy and meaning into my days," he continued, his voice tinged with emotion. "I want us to continue this journey together, to build a future side by side. Zack Merrick, will you marry me?"

Zack's eyes widened in surprise, his heart swelling with happiness. "Oh, Rian," he breathed, overcome with emotion. "Yes, of course! I want to spend my life with you."

Amidst the cheers and congratulations of their friends, Rian slipped a ring onto Zack's finger, sealing their commitment with a promise of forever.

Later that evening, as the festivities winded down and the guests departed, Zack and Rian found a quiet moment together. Zack pulled Rian into a tender embrace, grateful for the love and support that had brought them to this milestone in their relationship.

Zack trailed his finger down Rian's cheek whispering in his ear "maybe we can celebrate our milestone alone in bed" Zack whispered against Rian's lips biting down on the lower lip.

As Zack's playful suggestion lingered in the air, Rian couldn't help but be drawn to his partner's alluring presence. He felt Zack's touch on his cheek, the whisper of anticipation in his ear, and the warmth of their shared desire.

"Oh, baby," Rian murmured, a mischievous glint in his eyes as Zack's lips brushed against his. He responded with a soft moan, his body responding to Zack's touch. "I would love to," he continued, his voice husky with desire, "but your friend is crashing here tonight, and we don't want to keep him up."

Rian nodded towards Alex, who was sprawled out on the breakfast bar, deep in slumber. Zack chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Rian with affection. "Fair enough," he conceded, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Together, they gently guided Alex to a makeshift bed on the couch, ensuring he was comfortable for the night. As they returned to their own space, Zack wrapped his arms around Rian, the warmth of their connection deepening with each passing moment.

"Another time," Zack whispered, his voice filled with promise and longing. Rian nodded in agreement, their hearts entwined in the anticipation of their shared future.

Zack closed his eyes slowly falling asleep on Rian's chest, holding his fiancés hand in his sleep.

—

As Zack and Rian immersed themselves in wedding planning, their shared excitement and anticipation filled the air. Sitting at their dining table surrounded by wedding magazines and browsing through websites, they delved into discussions about their vision for the big day.

Zack, with a penchant for intimacy and meaningful moments, envisioned a cozy ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. He leaned towards rustic elegance, imagining a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with personal touches. Rian, on the other hand, envisioned a grand affair, complete with a lavish reception and a lively dance floor. He was drawn to modern venues with sweeping views and chic décor.

As they flipped through magazines and scrolled through websites, they found common ground in their color scheme—a palette of soft neutrals with pops of greenery and hints of gold. They discussed potential venues, weighing the pros and cons of each option. Zack favored a garden wedding at a picturesque vineyard, while Rian was drawn to a contemporary hotel venue with panoramic city views.

Amidst their discussions, disagreements occasionally arose. Zack preferred a live band for the reception, while Rian leaned towards a DJ to keep the party going late into the night. They compromised by planning a live band for the ceremony and cocktail hour, transitioning to a DJ for the reception.

Throughout the planning process, they navigated challenges with grace, always mindful of their shared goal of creating a day that reflected their love story. They established a timeline, set a budget, and delegated tasks to ensure that everything would come together seamlessly.

As they made decisions together, Zack and Rian's excitement grew palpably. Each detail they settled on brought them closer to the realization of their dream wedding—a celebration that would mark the beginning of their new chapter together. Their collaboration and compromise were a testament to the strength of their relationship, underscoring the profound commitment they shared.

In the midst of wedding planning chaos, they found joy in envisioning their future as a married couple. Their dining table became a hub of creativity and anticipation, a place where their wedding dreams took shape and their love story unfolded in vivid detail.

——

Alex sat on Zack's side rubbing his best friends back softly, as Zack threw up the remains of his breakfast, this wasn't the first time this week, Zack had been overbearingly sick.

As Zack continued to struggle with bouts of sickness, Alex sat by his side, offering comfort and concern. It was clear that Zack's condition was more than just wedding stress.

"I don't think it's the wedding, Z," Alex murmured softly, his hand rubbing Zack's back in soothing circles. He had noticed Zack's increasingly frequent episodes of nausea and discomfort, and it was starting to worry him.

Zack straightened up slowly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, his expression troubled. "I know, Alex," he replied, his voice tinged with concern. "I've been feeling off for a while now. Maybe I should see a doctor."

Alex nodded, his brow furrowing in concern. "Yeah, maybe it's a good idea," he agreed. "Could be something else going on. It's better to get it checked out."

Zack sighed heavily, the weight of uncertainty settling over him. He knew he couldn't ignore his symptoms any longer. Deep down, he feared that something serious might be affecting his health.

After a moment of contemplation, Zack reached for his phone and made an appointment with his doctor. He hoped for answers that would alleviate his worries and allow him to focus on his upcoming wedding with Rian.

As Zack arrived at the doctors, they assessed him rather quickly before giving Zack his medical report. "It appears you're overdosing on all of your medications" the doctor said.

As Zack sat in the doctor's office, he listened intently to the diagnosis, his heart sinking at the unexpected news.

"It appears you're overdosing on all of your medications," the doctor explained, their tone serious. "Some of the symptoms you've been experiencing could be attributed to this."

Zack's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the information. Overdosing on medications? How could that be possible?

"I... I don't understand," Zack managed to say, his voice laced with confusion and concern.

The doctor explained that the combination of medications Zack was taking for various health issues, along with potential over-the-counter supplements, could lead to adverse effects when taken together or in excessive amounts. They emphasized the importance of following proper dosage instructions and avoiding interactions between medications.

Zack nodded, his mind reeling with questions and worries. He realized that he needed to make significant changes to his medication regimen and take better care of his health.

Leaving the doctor's office with a sense of urgency, Zack called Rian to share the news and discuss the necessary steps to address the issue. He knew that they needed to prioritize his health and well-being, especially with their wedding approaching.