Page 9 of Tumbling Hearts

“For sure.” Ray nods sheepishly. “Let’s sing the chorus again, and then if you wanna keep up changing chords, we can work out a verse.”

“Alright.”

Gene picks up right where they left off, as if nothing else had happened. Maybe nothing would have, seeing as it probably would be a stupid idea to kiss right out in the open, with the possibility of any of the other motel guests walking around at any given moment. Doing such a thing is much too risky. But it gives Ray hope that, whenever they retire to the room for the night, that they can continue what they started. To finally kiss—and maybe even more…

They figure out some lyrics for the verses, and Ray writes them down in his little pocket notebook. But soon, it gets too dark to see the pages. They remain outside still for a while, looking out toward the water, watching as fireworks are launched from boats and decorate the night sky above.

After watching some fireworks, Gene and Ray retire to their motel room. Gene is glad they wrote a new song—a great one at that. He can already tell that ‘Golden Sunset’ is going to be a hit. Likely the A-side on a new single. With their close proximity, jamming to the groove, Gene could feel his connection to Ray through the music. Every time they write, somehow, it’s there—getting stronger with each new song. He can tell Ray must feel the same, with how they got so close…

But he’s worried about Ray holding himself back. Sure, they’re here alone, but what if Ray is still too afraid to do anything romantic? They haven’t actually discussed being romantic for this trip. The only thing they made sure of was the plan of writing music. But then again, Gene was nervous to talk about it in general, worried that if he said something, Ray would back out of the whole trip. He knows he shouldn’t be so worried—and honestly, maybe he shouldn’t be thinking these thoughts about Ray in the first place. Ray is still tied to Carol. But if he were allowed to, he’d want to give in. Being alone here together, this should be a safe space, right?

Ray must want it, too. We almost kissed…

Even if it’s only temporary, even if it’s only for the duration of this trip, Gene hopes Ray will open up.

But Gene’s hopes are a little dimmed when he announces he’s going to take a shower, and Ray doesn’t suggest joining him. They’ve only ever taken a shower together once, and Gene thought maybe they could again. Though if Ray doesn’t bring it up, he doesn’t want to push it. Or maybe, Ray is thinking something else. Maybe if he wants to do something with me, he’d rather do it on the bed, and not be cramped up in the shower…

And Gene thinks he might be right on that, how after he grabs some pajamas from the suitcase, and he unbuttons his shirt and throws it on the floor, Ray stares at him with such longing eyes, his face turning red.

“What is it?” Gene says with a smirk, resting his hand on the waistband of his shorts.

“Oh, uh…” Ray shakes his head a little. “You’re just, uh, nice to look at.”

“I am, am I?” Gene chuckles.

“Yeah. That’s—that’s simply a fact.”

“Alright. Well, if I’m gonna shower, I’ll need to take these off.” He tugs on his shorts, unbuttoning the top button, and Ray’s face flushes even redder. It’s silly, teasing Ray like this. It makes Gene’s heart race. Even if they aren’t showering together, he figures there’s no harm in being a little flirtatious.

“By all means, uh, go ahead.” Ray smiles, sitting down on the edge of the bed. It’s sort of funny, how during that night in Vegas, Ray was the flirty one—and now the tables have turned. But Gene supposes Ray had allowed himself to let loose then because of how drunk he was. Now, they’re completely sober.

But even when they’re sober, Ray’s cute, tender expression is as honest as can be.

The towels are in the bathroom, and Gene will grab one once he goes in. But he needs to get naked first, so he unzips his fly, pulling his shorts completely off and kicking them and his underwear off his legs. He’s quick to notice Ray’s reaction—if he thought he was red before, he’s surely bright crimson now. Gene giggles at that.

“I’ll be right out, and then it’s your turn,” Gene says.

“Alright.” He can hear Ray audibly gulp.

Gene heads into the bathroom, shutting the door and turning the water on. He wants to make it rather quick, as to not make Ray wait. Hell, he knows he doesn’t really want to wait either. Ray said I’m nice to look at, but talk about himself. Ray is gorgeous. His sandy blond hair, his sparkling blue eyes, plump lips, and that’s not even mentioning his lithe body—slim and toned, with a little muscle definition from all that dancing on stage.

Ray is right outside the door, waiting for me.

No one else but me.

He finishes up, turning off the water and drying himself with the towel. He’d left his pajamas out in the main room, so he ties the towel around his waist. After brushing his teeth at the sink, he heads out of the bathroom.

Ray is lying down on the bed, watching the television that’s on top of the dresser. It looks like he grabbed some pajamas to change into too, as they’re situated on the bed next to the ones Gene picked out. Either pair could be theirs, as they have often gotten in the habit of sharing clothes. Ray perks up once he notices Gene.

“Oh, hey,” Ray says, still blushing.

“Your turn now, baby.” Gene smiles, watching Ray bite down on his bottom lip.

“Alright. I won’t be long.”

And so, Ray stands up, and pulls off his T-shirt. As each piece of clothing comes off his body, it becomes harder and harder for Gene to compose himself. Gene sits down on the bed, hoping his stiffening cock isn’t making too obvious of a bulge underneath the towel. But he needs to let Ray wash up. He can stay calm until then.

Ray turns around, facing the wall and his back to Gene. It’s rather adorable how shy he can get around Gene sometimes, when to others, he’s usually so loud and outgoing. That’s not to say he’s never like that too with Gene, but it must depend on the situation and mood. Such as right now, when uncertainty is hanging in the air—an unbearable tension floating between them.