Silent Heartbeats - 1. Chapter 1: Jeremy and Ethan's unbreakable bond.

“Love makes the world go round,

Some folks are unlucky in love, but others…. others find it young. And when they do, it can be the best thing ever.”

And here they were, two handsome boys on the lively beach chasing each other, their laughter echoing across the sand. One, tall and muscular, ran with the confidence of someone who knew his strength. The other, beautiful with a radiant smile, was of average weight, but his spirit and energy made him seem larger than life.

Finally, the muscular one caught the other one, and they tumbled onto the sand, breathless and grinning. For a moment, they just lay there, the world around them fading away. Then, slowly, they leaned in and kissed, their love as natural as the ocean breeze.

“Those who have been in love since childhood are indeed lucky. Like Jeremy and Ethan, whose bond was a match made in heaven.”

Ethan and Jeremy had met when they were just kids. From the moment they shook each other’s hands and said ‘hi’ that fateful day, they had never looked back. Theirs was a bond stronger than any other, a friendship that grew into something deeper, more profound.

When love blossoms, it can never be stopped, and that was what Ethan and Jeremy’s love was—so strong that nothing could break it.

And here was our favorite couple on a secluded part of the beach, a special spot they fondly called their love nest. It was a little further from the rest of the beach, an isolated haven where they could truly be themselves. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the water.

Ethan had his arms wrapped around Jeremy, his gaze fixed on him with eyes that shone with pure love. Jeremy, with his strong arms around Ethan's waist, looked up at him, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“I love you so much,” Ethan said, his voice tender and full of emotion.

Jeremy's smile widened, his eyes mirroring the love he saw in Ethan's.

“I love you so much too,” he replied. He paused, his expression turning more serious yet infinitely loving. “I promise to love you not only for the rest of my life but for the rest of yours too, because you are my world.”

Ethan's eyes watered, a single tear escaping down his cheek as he smiled. The depth of Jeremy's words, the sincerity of his promise, touched him profoundly.

They leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was passionate and full of the promises they had made to each other. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the kiss, their hearts beating in unison. It was a moment of pure connection, of love so strong it felt like it could transcend time and space.

In their love nest, surrounded by the gentle lull of the waves and the golden hues of the setting sun, Ethan and Jeremy held each other close. They knew that no matter what challenges life might throw their way, their love would remain unshaken, a beacon of light guiding them through anything and everything.

***

Jeremy entered his home, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor as he hurriedly made his way inside. Dressed in a sleek black designer suit, he was the picture of sophistication and purpose. But as he stepped into the warmth of his living room, he found himself greeted by a sight that made him pause and his heart leap with joy.

There, seated on the floor, was Ethan, playing with their two babies. The twins, their laughter filling the room with a melody of innocence, were engrossed in a colorful array of toys. Ethan looked up, his pale face lighting up with a smile as he saw Jeremy. His beautiful sky-brown eyes, once vibrant, now seemed dimmer, and his inviting lips, though smiling, held a hint of fatigue.

Jeremy couldn't help but smile as he approached, the joy in his heart momentarily overshadowed by a pang of concern. Ethan, though still breathtakingly beautiful, looked slimmer and frailer than he remembered. His eyes, once lively and sparkling, seemed to have lost some of their light.

Ethan heard Jeremy's footsteps and rose to his feet, wrapping his arms around him and kissing him passionately. Jeremy felt a slight chill in Ethan's touch but cherished the kiss nonetheless.

“What are you doing?” Jeremy asked softly, his voice tinged with worry. “You’re supposed to be resting. Playing with the twins is only making you more tired.”

Ethan sighed, resting his head against Jeremy's chest. “I couldn't just sleep, Jeremy. I'm tired of it. I want to spend time with our children. Who knows how much time I have left?”

Jeremy's smile faltered, his heart clenching at Ethan's words. “Ethan, shut up. Don't talk like that,” he said, his voice firm but gentle.

Ethan chuckled softly, a bittersweet sound that made Jeremy's heart ache. “But it's the truth, Jeremy. We don't know how long I have left. I need to take advantage of every moment I have with them, with you.”

Jeremy tightened his embrace, his eyes closing as he pressed his forehead against Ethan's. "Ethan, I can't stand the thought of losing you," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Ethan cupped Jeremy's face in his hands, his touch gentle and filled with love. “I know, love. But we have to face reality. And right now, reality means making the most of every moment we have together.”

Jeremy held Ethan tighter, his voice filled with both love and urgency. “You have so much to live for, Ethan. There's me, your husband. We still have so many plans that are yet to be fulfilled.”

Ethan nodded, his gaze dropping to their children playing on the floor. “Being with you and our kids is already a huge fulfillment,” he said softly, his eyes filled with love and gratitude.

As he tried to lean towards the kids, Ethan suddenly felt a warm trickle down his nose. He touched it instinctively and saw the blood on his fingers. Panic flashed in his eyes as he quickly tried to find a way to hide it. He attempted to move, but his body betrayed him, and he staggered. Immediately, he felt Jeremy's strong arms wrapping around him, steadying him.

“Don't try to hide it, Ethan. I know you have a nosebleed,” Jeremy said, his voice gentle but firm.

Ethan used his long-sleeved shirt to wipe off the blood, forcing a smile. "I'm fine," he said, but the strain in his voice was evident.

Jeremy looked at him with eyes full of concern and sorrow. Ethan had been diagnosed with leukemia many months ago. He had tried to keep his sickness a secret, but eventually, the truth had come out. He had undergone all possible treatments, including chemotherapy, which had taken a toll on his body and caused him to lose his hair. Despite all efforts, nothing seemed to be working.

“Ethan, you don't have to put on a brave face all the time,” Jeremy said softly. “It's okay to lean on me. We're in this together, remember?”

Ethan nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. “I just don't want to be a burden, Jeremy.”

“You could never be a burden,” Jeremy replied, his voice breaking. “I love you. I need you. And so do our children. We need you to fight, Ethan. For us. For our future.”

Ethan leaned into Jeremy, letting the tears flow. “I'm trying, Jeremy. I'm trying so hard.”

Jeremy kissed the top of Ethan's head, holding him close. “I know you are. And I'm here with you, every step of the way. But you need to rest, my love, the kids are always here and you can hold them for as long as you want. But not just when you’re like this.”

Ethan tried to reassure Jeremy, his voice filled with determination. “I have all the strength in the world to play with our kids.”

But as he tried to lean down again, he nearly fell, his body betraying his words. Jeremy caught him just in time, concern etched deeply into his face.

“Ethan, you’re not okay,” he said firmly. He turned his head and called out loudly, “Mom!”

It wasn't long before a beautiful woman emerged from another room. Her dark hair flowed loosely around her shoulders, catching the light with a glossy sheen. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress that accentuated her graceful figure. Her smile was warm and inviting, radiating a nurturing aura that immediately brought a sense of calm.

Ethan's eyes widened in shock, quickly turning to anger. “Why did you call her, Jeremy? You know I was with the kids!” he snapped, his voice trembling with frustration.

Jeremy's expression softened, but he remained resolute. “I did it so you could rest.”

Ethan's face flushed with anger. “I hate how you always treat me like I'm incapable of doing anything!” He shook his head, his emotions boiling over as he started walking angrily toward their room.

Jeremy smiled apologetically at his mother, who nodded understandingly and moved to gather the children. He then hurried after Ethan, catching up just as he was entering their room.

“Ethan, I'm sorry,” Jeremy said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

Ethan turned to face him, his eyes filled with hurt. “It's unfair, Jeremy. It makes me feel useless. I can't just sit and sleep all the time. I need to be with our children, to be a part of their lives.”

Jeremy stepped closer, his eyes searching Ethan's. “I understand, and I'm sorry. But that's not what I'm trying to do.”

Ethan crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. “Then what are you trying to do?”

Jeremy took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. “I'm trying to make sure you don’t overexert yourself. I want you to be able to enjoy time with our kids, but also take care of yourself.”

Ethan's eyes softened, the anger slowly melting away. "I know you mean well, Jeremy. But I need to feel like I can still do things, like I'm still a part of this family."

Jeremy reached out, gently taking Ethan's hands in his. “You are the heart of this family, Ethan. I'm just scared. Scared of losing you, scared of seeing you in pain. But I promise, I'll do better. I'll trust you more and support you in any way I can.”

Ethan sighed, squeezing Jeremy's hands. “I just want to feel normal, even if it's just for a little while.”

Jeremy looked into Ethan's eyes, his heart aching with love and concern. “Ethan, you are normal despite your illness,” he said softly.

Ethan chuckled, a bittersweet sound. “Even you don't believe that.”

Jeremy moved closer, cupping Ethan's cheeks gently, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I mean every word,” he insisted, staring deep into those beloved eyes.

Ethan sighed, his gaze softening. “Then make love to me,” he whispered, his voice both a plea and a command.

Jeremy's face turned incredulous; his shock evident. “Ethan, I don't think you're fit enough for that.”

Ethan gently moved Jeremy's hands away, his expression determined.

“We haven't made love in months because you're constantly worried about my health. I'm tired of it, Jeremy. I need to feel close to you again.”

Jeremy shook his head, the memory of the doctor's warning echoing in his mind. “The doctor said you might bleed, Ethan. I don't want to hurt you.”

Ethan's eyes shone with a mixture of frustration and longing. “I'm fine, Jeremy. I just want to feel my husband again, to hold you, to moan your name. Please,” he said, putting his hands together in a pleading gesture.

Jeremy felt a pang of guilt, unable to bear seeing Ethan like this. He knew how much it meant to him, how much it meant to both of them. After what felt like hours of inner turmoil, he finally nodded.

Ethan's face lit up with a relieved smile, and he reached out to pull Jeremy closer.

“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Jeremy kissed Ethan gently, his lips conveying all the love and care he felt.

“I love you so much,” he murmured against Ethan's lips.

“I love you too,” Ethan replied, his hands moving to unbutton Jeremy's shirt.

They moved together slowly, deliberately, each touch a reaffirmation of their bond. Jeremy was careful, mindful of Ethan's fragility, yet passionate, pouring all his love and desire into every kiss, every caress.

In the intimate embrace of their bedroom, Jeremy and Ethan lay entwined, their fingers delicately interlaced as they surrendered to the sweet rhythm of their love. Jeremy moved with gentle precision, his every touch a testament to his devotion and care for his husband. His eyes remained locked on Ethan's, a silent promise of love and tenderness.

Their bodies moved as one, a dance of desire and longing, as Jeremy made love to Ethan with a slow, deliberate passion. Each thrust was a symphony of sensations, igniting fireworks of pleasure that coursed through their veins. Their moans mingled in the air, filling the room with a melody of ecstasy.

Their love-making was nothing short of magical, each moment etched into their memories as a testament to the depth of their bond. It was passionate, memorable, beautiful, and utterly charming, a celebration of their love that transcended any physical limitations.

Jeremy was careful, mindful of Ethan's delicate state, yet he found himself lost in the intoxicating pleasure of their union. The warmth of Ethan's body beneath his, the softness of his skin against his own, it was a sensation he had craved for so long, a reminder of the deep connection they shared.

As they moved together in perfect harmony, the intensity of their desire grew with each passing moment. It had been far too long since they had felt this close, this connected, and it didn't take long before they reached the peak of their passion, their bodies trembling with the force of their release.

In that moment of shared ecstasy, as they lay wrapped in each other's arms, Jeremy and Ethan felt a sense of completeness wash over them. It was a reminder of the power of their love, a love that knew no bounds, no obstacles that could stand in its way.

As they lay there, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Jeremy pressed a tender kiss to Ethan's lips, his heart overflowing with love.

“Are you okay?” Jeremy asked softly, his voice filled with concern and love.

Ethan smiled, his eyes shining with tears of happiness. “I'm more than okay, Jeremy. That was... perfect. Thank you.”

Jeremy kissed Ethan's forehead, his heart swelling with love. “Anything for you, my Ethan. Always.”

In that quiet moment, they found solace in each other, their love a beacon of hope and strength. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, they knew they would face them together, their bond unbreakable and their love eternal.

***

As the days passed, Ethan's condition continued to deteriorate, each hour seemingly worse than the last. He woke up feeling weak, vomiting, and experiencing prolonged nosebleeds. Simple tasks became impossible without assistance, and everyone around him was filled with worry and concern for their beloved Ethan.

Despite their apprehension, Ethan refused to return to the hospital, insisting on staying at home. The doctor came to review his condition regularly, but it was clear that Ethan's health was rapidly declining.

Despite his worsening condition, Ethan made one request—to be taken to their beach house, where he wanted to spend some quiet time alone with Jeremy. Reluctantly, Jeremy agreed, knowing that it was important to Ethan.

Once they arrived at the beach house, Jeremy stayed by Ethan's side constantly, providing whatever care and comfort he could. Despite Ethan's weakened state, they still managed to take short walks on the beach, holding hands and reminiscing about their journey together. They laughed and shared stories, trying to hold onto the precious moments they had left.

But as the days went by, Ethan's condition continued to deteriorate. He lost the ability to walk on his own, his speech slowed, and Jeremy had to lift him everywhere he needed to go. Jeremy was filled with fear and sadness, watching the love of his life slip away before his eyes.

He watched helplessly as Ethan's condition worsened, his heart breaking with every moment. He tried to be strong for Ethan, to provide comfort and support, but inside, he was consumed with fear and grief. He knew he had to be there for Ethan, to lift him, to carry him through this final journey, but the weight of it all threatened to crush him.

Despite the darkness that loomed over them, Jeremy found moments of solace in Ethan's presence. He cherished every smile, every touch, every whispered word, knowing that their time together was slipping away. And as he held Ethan close, he vowed to be there for him until the very end, to love him, to support him, and to never let go.

***

Ethan lay on Jeremy's lap, his body weak and trembling, his arms tightly wrapped around his love. He tried to muster a smile, despite the tears in his eyes and the fear that gripped his heart. His breath came in short, ragged gasps, his heartbeat racing as he felt his strength slipping away with each passing moment.

He looked up at Jeremy, his voice barely a whisper as he weakly told him not to cry, assuring him that he would be fine. Jeremy nodded, sniffling as he wiped his eyes, insisting that he wasn't crying, just sweating. Ethan chuckled softly, his voice barely audible.

“You were always a bad liar,” he said, a hint of fondness in his weakened tone. “But that's what made you unique. I could always tell when you were lying.”

Jeremy's eyes filled with tears as he gazed down at Ethan, his heart breaking at the sight of his beloved husband in pain.

“I don't need to lie, Ethan. I love you so much, and I would willingly sacrifice everything for you.”

They fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their shared sorrow hanging between them like a dark cloud. After what felt like hours, Ethan weakly broke the silence, his voice barely audible above the gentle lapping of the waves.

“Do you remember...?” he began, his words trailing off as he struggled to catch his breath.

Jeremy leaned in closer, his heart aching with every labored breath Ethan took. “Remember what, love?” he asked softly, brushing a stray tear from Ethan's cheek.

Ethan's gaze drifted to the horizon, a wistful smile playing on his lips. “Do you remember... that it was on this beach... where we shared our first kiss? Where we made love for the first time?”

Jeremy's breath caught in his throat, memories flooding back with a tidal wave of emotion.

“How could I ever forget?” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “It was one of the most precious moments of my life.”

Ethan turned his gaze back to Jeremy, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and sorrow.

“You're the most handsome man I've ever known,” he said weakly, his voice barely more than a whisper. “And I'm so grateful... so happy... that I got to spend the rest of my life with you… You fulfilled your promise… You gave me a lifetime of love, and I'll cherish every moment forever.”

Jeremy stared at Ethan, doing his best to maintain his composure, but deep inside, his heart was breaking. The pain he felt was beyond anything he had ever experienced, a searing agony that consumed his entire being. It was as if his heart was being torn apart, each tear a reminder of the precious time slipping away.

“We still have so much to explore,” Jeremy said, his voice trembling. “We still need to grow old together.”

Ethan's tears streamed down his cheeks, and he weakly smiled.

“It would be good to grow old together,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “To see you with white hair...” He chuckled softly, but the sound quickly turned into a weak cough, sending a wave of fear through Jeremy. The tears in Jeremy's eyes burned like chili, a fiery sting that only added to his sorrow.

“Do you remember the first time we met?” Ethan asked, his voice a fragile thread.

Jeremy nodded, sniffling. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You and your family had just moved in next door. When I saw you, I thought you were the most handsome boy I had ever seen. And you know what? I still think the same.”

Ethan's tears flowed freely as he listened, his breaths becoming more labored.

“We've been through so much,” he said, his voice trembling. “But we've made it. We're married, and we have beautiful kids.”

Jeremy," Ethan sobbed, his voice growing fainter with each word. “I love you so much. I'm so grateful for every moment we've had together.”

“I love you too, Ethan,” Jeremy whispered, his voice choked with tears. “More than anything in this world.”

An unspoken and painful silence settled between them, the weight of unuttered words hanging heavily in the air. Ethan, with great effort, raised his hand and caressed Jeremy's face, his fingers trembling as they traced the tear that slid down Jeremy's cheek. His voice, barely more than a whisper, broke the silence.

“Jeremy, I need you to continue living,” Ethan said weakly. “You have to move on and be happy.”

Jeremy sobbed uncontrollably, the tears streaming down his face. “Why are you talking like that?” he cried, his voice choked with anguish.

Ethan's eyes were filled with a sorrowful determination. “Promise me, Jeremy. Promise me you'll find happiness. I need to know that you'll be okay.”

Jeremy shook his head vehemently, his heart breaking. “I can't, Ethan. I've loved you all my life. I can't love anyone else. You’re still around and we can fight this together.”

Ethan's breaths came in short, labored gasps. “I've lived the best life with you, but our journey is ending. Please, Jeremy, promise me.”

“No, Ethan,” Jeremy cried, his voice filled with desperation. “We are each other's lives. I can't bear to hear you talk like this.”

Ethan's weak smile was filled with love and resignation. “I love you so much, Jeremy. My last wish is to see you happy again. It's the only way I'll rest in peace.”

Jeremy shook his head, tears blurring his vision as he clung to Ethan. “I can't, Ethan. I can't.”

Ethan's eyes grew heavy, his strength fading rapidly. “I love you so much,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“I love you too,” Jeremy replied, his voice breaking.

With a final, faint whisper, Ethan said, “You have to move on.” And then, with a peaceful sigh, he took his last breath.

Jeremy's world shattered. The agony that tore through him was unlike anything he had ever felt, a pain so intense it felt as if his very soul was being ripped apart. He cried out in despair, his sobs echoing over the quiet beach. He clutched Ethan's lifeless body to his chest, rocking back and forth, his tears soaking Ethan's pale skin.

“Please, Ethan,” he sobbed, his voice raw and broken. “Please don't leave me. I can't do this without you.”

The pain in his heart was unbearable, a searing agony that consumed him. It felt as if his heart had died along with Ethan, leaving a hollow, aching void in its place. He cried until he had no more tears left, his body wracked with uncontrollable sobs.

Jeremy pressed his face against Ethan's cold cheek, whispering words of love and sorrow, his tears mingling with the sand beneath them. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach, but Jeremy's world had gone dark. The love of his life, his soulmate, was gone, and with him, a part of Jeremy had died too.

In that moment, Jeremy felt utterly alone, the weight of his grief pressing down on him with an unbearable force. He held Ethan's lifeless body close, wishing he could somehow breathe life back into him, but knowing that it was impossible. The pain, the loss, the unbearable emptiness, it all crashed down on him in relentless waves, and he cried out into the fading light, his heart broken beyond repair.

As the night enveloped the beach, Jeremy lay beside Ethan, his hand still clutching his husband's, his body trembling with sobs. He knew he would carry this pain with him forever, a constant reminder of the love he had lost. And though he had promised Ethan he would try to find happiness again, in that moment, it felt like an impossible task. All he could do was hold on to the memories, the love they had shared, and hope that someday, somehow, he would find a way to live without the man who had been his everything.

***

The day of Ethan's wake was somber and filled with an overwhelming sense of loss. Friends, family, and loved ones gathered, dressed in black, their faces etched with grief. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as they mourned the death of someone taken far too soon. Ethan's casket was open, revealing his peaceful, handsome face. He looked calm, as if he were simply sleeping, and those who saw him struggled to believe that he was truly gone.

As people moved through the room, offering their condolences and sharing memories, Ethan's voice began to echo softly, as if carried on the wind, reading a letter he had written to his beloved husband:

"Dearest Jeremy,

If you're hearing this, it means I'm no longer with you. I want to start by thanking you for giving me the most beautiful life I could have ever imagined. Every moment with you was a treasure, every day a gift.

Please, take care of yourself. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I know it's going to be hard to find joy without me by your side, but promise me you'll try.

On the day of my burial, I don't want you to be there. Instead, visit all the places where we shared our happiest memories. Let those moments fill your heart and remind you of the love that will always be with you.

Jeremy, you are my everything. I loved you with all that I am, and I will continue to love you from wherever I am now. Our love was a rare and beautiful thing, and I am so grateful for every second of it. I know it's going to be difficult to accept this reality, but you need to, for your sake and for the sake of our children.

Live your life, my love. Be happy. Find peace. That is my last wish for you.

Forever yours, Ethan."

Jeremy was seated on the floor in a dark room, dressed in black, tears streaming down his face. The twins, unaware of the tragedy that had befallen their family, slept peacefully on the bed nearby. Ethan's voice, filled with love and a quiet strength, continued to speak to him, urging him to find a way to move forward.

“I love you so much, Jeremy,” the voice said softly. “I know it's going to be hard for you to accept the reality of my absence, but you need to. For me, for our children, for yourself. You need to live.”

Jeremy clutched the letter to his chest, his sobs shaking his entire body. The pain of Ethan's loss was unbearable, a wound that seemed like it would never heal. But as he listened to Ethan's words, he knew he had to try. He had to honor Ethan's final wish and find a way to live on, to keep their memories alive in his heart and to find a new kind of happiness, even in the midst of his sorrow.

As the wake continued and people shared their stories and memories of Ethan, Jeremy sat in the dark room, grappling with his grief and the enormity of his loss. But deep inside, he felt a glimmer of the love that Ethan had left behind, a small, bright flame that he knew he needed to nurture and protect.

He looked over at the twins, their innocent faces serene in sleep, and knew that he had to be strong for them.

From that day forward, Jeremy knew he would never be the same. A part of him had died with Ethan, leaving a void that could never be filled. But he also knew that Ethan's love would continue to guide him, giving him the strength to move forward, to find moments of joy amidst the sorrow, and to honor the beautiful life they had built together.

To be continued…