Alone Together -Jay

It had been a few days since we'd arrived at the ski resort, and while the whole trip had been fun, something felt off. Being around the group all the time was wearing on me. Everyone was so loud and energetic, and I wasn't used to being in such a constant whirlwind. Sam and I hadn't really had any time to ourselves since we got here, and honestly, I was starting to feel a little suffocated.

It was like every time we thought we were alone, my fingers would touch the back of his paw only to whip away again as someone rounded a corner, it was like the universe was stopping us from really being together

The only time we could steal a kiss together was in front of our close friends, but that was getting more and more difficult.

I loved being around my friends, don't get me wrong, but sometimes, all I wanted was to just be with Sam, to have him all to myself for a little while. The constant noise, the chatter, the people pulling us in all directions—it was starting to get to me. I needed a break.

That's when I turned to Sam.

I found him sitting with Alex and Tara by the fire pit outside the lodge, laughing about something. The cold air nipped at my face, but I didn't feel it much. My focus was on Sam, his eyes shining in the light, his laughter ringing in my ears. he looked up, his expression softening as he noticed me standing there.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked, his voice a little quieter than usual, like he could feel my discomfort.

I hesitated, my fingers twitching in my pockets. "Yeah, just... I don't know. I think I need a break from all of this," I said, waving my hand vaguely at the group. "I don't think I can take another round of group activities tonight."

"not with you guys" I waved at Alex and Tara, "its more them lot in there" I gestured towards the lobby where Ben, Kyle and the others were.

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing that I needed something more than just a distraction. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and considerate. "Do you want to just go back to the room and hang out?"

I shook my head. "No, I was thinking maybe we could go out... just the two of us. Maybe grab something to eat, away from everyone else. I don't know. Just... a break from all this noise."

A soft smile spread across Sam's face. He nodded almost immediately. "Yeah. That sounds perfect. We can go somewhere quiet, just you and me."

That was exactly what I needed. To be alone with him. To talk, to laugh, to be together without the pressure of everyone else, so we could kiss in the beautiful place out of sight from the others!

Thankfully Tara and Alex agreed, they too had been feeling the pressures of being in the spotlight now they were openly a couple, it wasn't the same of course as everyone knew about them and it had all calmed down now, but still I got the sense they both understood.

We slipped away from the group, and after a short walk through the snow, we found a cozy little restaurant off the main path. It wasn't fancy, just a small place with warm lights and a relaxed atmosphere. It felt like the perfect escape. We sat in a booth by the window, the snowflakes falling outside adding to the peaceful vibe of the evening.

We ordered food—simple, hearty dishes—and spent the next hour just enjoying each other's company. We talked about everything and nothing: school, the trip, stupid memories we shared, and all the little things we loved. Sam's paw brushed mine across the table, and I didn't move it away i didn't need to no one was watching us here.

I felt like I could breathe again.

Everything was going so well, the world narrowing down to just the two of us, and I could see in Sam's eyes that he was enjoying the time alone too. He wasn't worried about what the group was doing, wasn't caught up in the constant noise and distractions. It was just me and him, and I could finally relax.

But as we left the restaurant, walking back through the snow, something shifted.

I saw him before Sam did—Ben, standing by the front of the lodge. His arms were crossed, and his expression was cold, like he'd been waiting for us. I felt a jolt of anxiety run through me, and Sam must have noticed, because his hand immediately found mine, squeezing it gently.

"Jay?" Sam asked quietly, his voice laced with concern.

"its ok I got this" I say squaring up to Ben, I wasn't sure what he wanted to say but this needed to stop.

"Jay," Ben called, stepping toward us. His voice was sharp, but there was an edge of something else. Maybe desperation. "Can we talk?"

I stopped walking, my maw tightening. Sam stayed by my side, though I could tell he was getting uncomfortable too.

"No," I said, my voice firm. "We don't need to talk. Not now, not ever. You need to leave me alone, Ben."

Ben's eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer, his tone shifting. "I know about you and Sam," he said, his words biting through the cold air. "And I'm not going to let this happen. You're just using him, Jay. I know Sams been messing with your head and how you're both still trying to hide from everyone."

My blood went cold. I could feel Sam stiffen beside me, it felt rich coming from someone who was hiding himself too, someone who spent the entire time we were together, if that was even a thing, telling me I needed to hide myself, and I wasn't good enough to even talk to him in front of others.

"I'm not hiding from anyone," I shot back, stepping closer to Ben. "And if you think you have the right to tell me what I can and can't do with Sam, you're wrong."

Ben scoffed, shaking his head. "You think he's better than me, don't you? You think you can just push me out, you never gave me a chance to come out, why Sam, why does Sam get all the time in the world?"

My stomach churned. I didn't want to hear this, didn't want to deal with him. But Ben was relentless, pressing closer, trying to get under my skin.

"you know what maybe I should tell everyone about you two, yeah" Bed sneered

"Guess what, Ben?" I said, stepping forward until we were face to face. "If you keep pushing me, I'll tell everyone the truth about you. About how you kissed me, how you begged for me when you thought no one would find out. I'll tell them everything, all the messages"

Ben's face went pale, for the first time ever he was speechless, and I felt powerful for once, like he had no control over me anymore.

"And stop fucking texting me." I said with my newfound confidence.

Ben stared at me for a long, tense moment, his ears flat and low, submissive, I watched him disappear into the distance, my heart pounding in my chest.

Sam finally spoke, his voice small. "Jay..." he grabbed my paw I turned to him, feeling my heart swell, maybe it was finally over