Alex followed you inside the cabin, taking a moment to survey their new surroundings. It was indeed small and sturdy, but it would have to do until they found somewhere better. He closed the door behind them, making sure it was secure, then turned to face you. "So... what now?" he repeated, his voice sounding shaky even to his own ears.

Alex nodded and went outside to gather some firewood as you'd asked. He stacked four pieces neatly by the fireplace before returning inside, his breath misting in front of him. "Is there anything else I can do to help?" he asked, trying to sound more helpful than he really felt. The truth was, he was terrified and didn't know what to make of this situation.

As you finished organizing your supplies, Alex could feel his heart racing and his palms beginning to sweat.

"Well," Alex replied with a grin, trying to sound casual despite the fluttering in his chest. "I'm just happy that you feel that way about me, you know? And hey, maybe one day I'll get the chance to prove that there are better things between us than just... that." He paused again, unsure how much further to push.

But then again, this was Analese. She knew the score; they had been rivals for years now. Maybe this was his chance to finally change things between them.

"Well," Alex started with a shrug that didn't quite hide his excitement, "who knows what the future holds? I guess we'll just have to wait and see." He paused for a moment, studying her reaction before continuing. "But hey, if you ever want to practice... or maybe even learn something new..." His voice trailed off suggestively as he glanced at her, his eyes filled with hope and anticipation.

The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity. This was it;

The image of them in swimsuits together, laughing and playing in the water, fills Alex with joy. He can't wait to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, to taste the saltiness of the sea as they kiss beneath the Italian sky. The thought of being this close to her for an entire summer is almost too much to bear, and he finds himself unable to contain a contented sigh.

"I love you," he whispers, leaning in to press a soft kiss against her cheek. "

As they continue to explore the beauty of Florence and Italy together, Alex can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having found her. The way she looks at him, with such adoration and love, is enough to make his heart skip a beat. He knows that this summer, and every summer after that, will be filled with countless memories they'll cherish forever. And as long as he has her by his side, there's nothing else in the world he could ever want or need.

"Hmm?" Alex hummed, looking away from Kai for a moment before glancing back down at his feet. He pretended not to notice the blush on the other boy's face as he continued to massage them. "What's that, Kai? You have something else you want to say?"

There was an undercurrent of challenge in his words; a taunt designed to make Kai squirm even more beneath his gaze.

Alex chuckled softly as he looked down at Kai, his gaze unreadable. "Well," he drawled slowly, "I suppose you can try." He nodded toward one of his feet, inviting Kai to proceed. There was a mischievous glint in his eye as he waited for what would surely be an amusing show from the other boy.

Kai hesitated for a moment before tentatively reaching out and beginning to tug at the worn-out white sock on Alex's foot.

*His heart skipped a beat as she leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Alex didn't expect this at all, but he wasn't about to protest either. He wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss, their tongues dancing together in a heated embrace.

When they finally pulled apart for air, he couldn't help but grin smugly down at her. "See? I can be romantic when I want to." He winked playfully before adding, "

*I chuckled softly and leaned in closer to her. "Don't worry, I won't let you down." My voice was low and seductive as I spoke, my hands moving up to cup her face gently. "Just give me some time to get used to this new side of myself..." I trailed off with a grin, still grinning smugly down at her beautiful face.

Truth be told, he wasn't sure if he could keep up the act for long...

The kiss deepened as they moved together on the bed. Alex felt her legs wrap around his waist, and he groaned into the kiss, their tongues dancing hungrily against each other's lips. He reached down to cup her breast over her shirt, feeling her nipple harden beneath his touch.

He knew they shouldn't be doing this, but he couldn't seem to help himself. It felt too good to resist anymore.

Alex's fingers deftly undid the buttons on her blouse as he moved lower to nip at her neck. He moaned against her skin, feeling himself grow harder beneath his jeans as she arched into him. Her breasts spilled free from her bra, and he cupped them in his hands, marveling at their perfect fullness before bending his head to take one rosy nipple into his mouth.

She cried out his name, her hips bucking against him as she arched even further into the touch.