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Chapter 17 - A PLACE AWAY FROM THE WORLD

Michael stood in the small sitting room of his house, shifting his weight nervously from one foot to the other.

His mother was in the kitchen, arranging plates after dinner. The warm smell of stew still filled the house.

"Mama," Michael began carefully, "I need to go somewhere for a few days."

His mother looked up immediately.

"Go where?"

"It's… something important. Just three days."

Her eyes narrowed. "Three days? No. That is not necessary. You just came home from the seminary."

Michael felt his heart tighten, but he didn't back down.

"It's something I really need to do," he said quietly.

His mother shook her head. "No. You are staying here."

The conversation ended there.

But that night, after everyone had gone to their rooms, Michael heard his parents talking quietly in the sitting room.

His father's voice was calm.

"The boy rarely asks for anything. Maybe we should let him go."

His mother sighed heavily.

"I just worry about him."

"He'll be fine," his father replied. "Let him go."

The next morning, Michael woke to his mother standing at his door.

"You can go," she said simply. "But only for three days."

Michael's face lit up instantly.

"Thank you, Mama."

Later that day he found his sister in the backyard.

"I'm meeting Lucas," he told her quietly.

Her eyes widened before a huge smile spread across her face.

"So it's finally happening?"

Michael laughed nervously. "Yes."

She nudged his arm playfully.

"Good. You deserve to be happy."

Then she lowered her voice.

"Just be careful."

Michael nodded.

The journey felt longer than usual.

But when the vehicle finally stopped near the meeting point, Michael stepped out and saw the place Lucas had described.

It was beautiful.

Tall green hills rolled into the distance.

Wildflowers covered the fields in soft colors.

A narrow river flowed gently nearby, the water shining under the sunlight.

He noticed the van immediately.

It stood beneath the shade of two tall trees, its dark blue body reflecting the soft afternoon sunlight. At first glance it looked simple from the outside, but something about it felt warm and inviting.

Lucas leaned casually against the side of it, holding his camera.

The moment their eyes met, both of them smiled.

Lucas walked toward him quickly.

"You made it."

Michael nodded.

"I almost didn't."

Lucas laughed softly before pulling him into a tight embrace.

For a long moment neither of them moved.

Being together again felt unreal.

When he saw Michael staring at the vehicle, he smiled.

"Come see it," Lucas said.

Michael walked closer, curiosity growing with each step.

Lucas slid the side door open with a soft metallic sound.

The moment Michael looked inside, he stopped.

"Lucas… this is incredible."

The inside of the van had been transformed into a small traveling home.

Soft cream-colored cushions lined the back, forming a comfortable bed that stretched across the width of the van. A thick blanket was folded neatly at one corner, along with two pillows that looked inviting enough to fall asleep on instantly.

Above the bed, small wooden shelves had been carefully installed along the walls. On them sat simple things that made the space feel alive — a small lantern, a few books, and a tiny potted plant that gently swayed with the breeze drifting through the open door.

Warm string lights were hung along the ceiling, their tiny bulbs glowing softly even in the daylight. They created a cozy feeling that made the whole van feel less like a vehicle and more like a hidden retreat.

Near the front seats was a compact wooden counter. On it rested a small portable stove, a kettle, and two metal mugs.

Lucas stepped inside first and turned slightly, watching Michael's reaction.

Michael slowly climbed in after him.

The wooden floor beneath his feet was smooth and clean, and the soft scent of fresh pine filled the air, probably from the wooden panels lining the interior walls.

At the back of the van, the rear doors were slightly open, revealing the view outside.

Through them, Michael could see the rolling hills, the wildflowers dancing in the wind, and the narrow river shining under the sunlight.

It looked like a painting.

Lucas sat down on the cushioned bed and stretched his legs.

"Well?" he asked.

Michael looked around one more time, his eyes filled with amazement.

"You planned all this?"

Lucas shrugged with a small smile.

"I wanted it to be special."

Michael slowly sat beside him, running his hand across the soft blanket.

For a moment he said nothing, simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the little van, the quiet hills outside, and the feeling that this small space had somehow become their own private world.

Finally he looked at Lucas and smiled.

"You did good."

They spent the afternoon exploring the area.

Lucas took photos of everything.

The hills.

The flowers.

And especially Michael.

"Stop moving," Lucas said while adjusting his camera.

Michael laughed.

"You've taken like twenty pictures already."

"And I'm taking twenty more."

That evening they sat beside the river, the sky slowly turning orange with sunset.

Michael hesitated before asking quietly,

"Lucas… tell me more about your family."

Lucas looked down at the water.

For a long time he said nothing.

Then he spoke softly.

"My mother died when I was young."

Michael's expression softened.

"A few years later my father married again," Lucas continued. "My stepmother never liked me."

He picked up a small stone and tossed it into the river.

"Life became… difficult."

Michael listened carefully.

"That's one of the reasons I chose the seminary," Lucas admitted. "It felt like the only place where I could breathe and run away from marriage." 

Michael finally understood.

"And all those times I asked why your family never visited…"

Lucas gave a small, sad smile.

"I lied."

Michael reached out and held his hand.

"You don't have to lie to me."

Lucas squeezed his hand gently.

"I know."

The small kitchen space inside the van was warm and filled with the soft sound of music playing from Lucas's phone. The melody was slow and gentle, blending perfectly with the peaceful atmosphere outside.

Michael stood near the small counter, focused on the pan in front of him. The scent of garlic and butter filled the air as he stirred the pasta carefully. On another side of the stove, pieces of chicken sizzled in a frying pan, turning golden brown.

He was so focused on cooking that he didn't notice Lucas approaching from behind.

Quietly, Lucas stepped closer.

Then his arms slowly wrapped around Michael's waist.

Michael jumped slightly before relaxing with a soft laugh.

Lucas leaned closer and pressed a gentle kiss against the side of Michael's neck.

"What are you cooking?" he asked softly, his voice warm against Michael's ear.

Michael smiled, still stirring the pasta.

"Pasta and chicken," he said. "And I'm making a small dessert later… maybe fruit and cream. Plus a few appetizers."

Lucas rested his chin lightly on Michael's shoulder, swaying gently with him to the rhythm of the music.

"That smells amazing," Lucas murmured.

Michael laughed quietly.

"Just wait until it's ready."

Lucas watched him for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "You know… I hope you teach me how to cook one day."

Michael turned slightly, smiling at him.

"Of course. Anytime."

They continued moving slowly to the rhythm of the music, Lucas still holding him loosely around the waist.

Suddenly Lucas reached forward and grabbed a piece of freshly fried chicken from the pan.

Michael quickly turned.

"Hey!" he said in a playful tone. "Can't you wait?"

Lucas grinned and took a quick bite anyway.

"Too late."

Michael shook his head, laughing.

"You're impossible."

A few minutes later, everything was finally ready.

Michael carefully placed the food onto two plates and set them on the small table inside the van.

Lucas sat down eagerly.

Michael placed the plate in front of him.

Before Lucas touched the food, he leaned forward and kissed Michael gently on the chin.

"Thank you," he said warmly.

Michael smiled and sat beside him.

Lucas picked up his fork and took his first bite.

For a moment he didn't say anything.

Then his eyes widened slightly.

"Wow."

Michael raised an eyebrow.

"Is that good or bad?"

Lucas shook his head quickly.

"This is really good, Michael."

Michael relaxed and laughed softly.

"I'm glad you like it."

Lucas took another bite, clearly enjoying the meal.

"So where did you learn how to cook like this?" he asked.

Michael smiled fondly.

"My mum," he said. "She always says every male child in the family must know how to cook. Even my cousins had to learn."

Lucas laughed.

"That's actually smart."

Michael nudged him lightly.

"So why can't you cook?"

Lucas shrugged with a sheepish smile.

"Well… remember, the seminary has basically been my home since I was twelve."

Michael laughed.

"Fair point."

The two of them continued eating, laughing and talking as the soft music played in the background, the small van glowing warmly under the evening light.

That night the air felt cool and peaceful.

Inside the small cabin they had rented, the quiet between them felt warm instead of awkward.

Lucas looked at Michael carefully.

"I missed you," he said softly.

Michael smiled.

"I know."

Lucas stepped closer.

The room had grown quiet after Micheal finished speaking.

For a long moment, Michael didn't say anything.

He just looked at Lucas, seeing him in a different way now — not just the confident boy who sang in the choir or laughed easily during their walks, but someone who had carried pain for many years.

Michael slowly reached for his hand.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," he said softly.

Lucas tried to smile, but his eyes were tired.

"It's fine," he murmured. "I got used to it."

Michael shook his head gently.

"No one should get used to feeling unwanted."

The words hung in the air between them.

Lucas looked at him again, searching his face, as if trying to understand why Michael cared so much.

"Why do you always look at me like that?" Lucas asked quietly.

Michael blinked. "Like what?"

"Like I matter."

Michael didn't answer with words.

Instead, he leaned closer.

Their foreheads touched first, the way they often did when neither of them knew what to say. The soft warmth of Lucas's breath brushed against Michael's lips.

For a second, neither moved.

Then Lucas closed the distance.

The kiss started gently — slow, careful, almost hesitant.

But the longer it lasted, the deeper it became.

Michael's hands slid up to Lucas's shoulders, pulling him closer. Lucas responded instantly, wrapping his arms around Michael's waist and holding him tightly, as if afraid he might disappear.

They stumbled slightly against the bed,

 Michael laid on Lucas laughing breathlessly before the laughter faded back into another kiss.

Lucas hand moved into Micheal shirt, moving slowly through his six packs and chest.

For a moment Micheal felt like butterflies were flying inside of him.

Suddenly Michael lowered his hands to Lucas waist touching his belt slowly,

Micheal raised his head unto Lucas, their eyes looking into each other.

"Can I" he said softly 

"Yes" – Lucas said with a smile 

Michael slowly loosen the belt still looking into Lucas eyes.

He slowly pulled down his trousers and saw something huge,thick and long with veins all over it.

Micheal smiles grabbing his dick and slowly massaging it with his right hand.

Looking into Lucas' eyes. 

Micheal suddenly inserted the dick into his mouth, it tasted like a huge, strong, thick candy.

Lucas raised his head immediately,his mouth open, eyes closed and the room felt warm immediately.

Michael head moving too and fro while sucking Lucas dick, Lucas place his right hand on Michael head supporting the process.

The room felt warm, filled with quiet energy and the soft sounds of their breathing.

"Fuck", Lucas said,

Releasing his sperm into Micheal's mouth.

Micheal stood up slowly looking into Lucas eyes, their lips met and a deep kiss was exchanged.

For the first time they had a rainbow kiss.

After some moments Michael stood up and headed straight to the toilet to wash himself.

Lucas in the room put on some new clothes and rested on the bed waiting for Micheal.

Michael walked in with changed clothes and smiled towards Lucas.

"You are good on bed", Lucas said with a smile 

Michael smiled,resting his head against Lucas' chest,while Lucas gently traced circles on his arm.

Neither of them spoke.

They didn't need to.

The next morning sunlight poured into the room.

"Wake up," Michael said with a grin.

Lucas groaned.

"Too early."

"You promised to learn how to cook."

Lucas sighed dramatically.

"Fine. But if the food is terrible, it's your fault."

The kitchen quickly became a mess of laughter and spilled ingredients.

Lucas struggled with simple things, making Michael laugh repeatedly.

But by the end, they managed to cook something edible.

"See?" Lucas said proudly. "Future chef."

Michael shook his head.

"Not yet."

The second day became their true vacation.

They went horse riding across the hills.

Lucas took dozens of photos with his camera.

They walked through flower fields and explored nearby trails.

Later they visited a small art house where visitors could paint.

"Draw each other," the instructor suggested.

Lucas studied Michael carefully before beginning his sketch.

When he finished, Michael stared at the drawing in disbelief.

It looked exactly like him.

"You're incredible," Michael said quietly.

His own drawing looked… much less impressive.

Lucas laughed and pulled him into a hug.

"I still love it."

That evening they called Michael's sister.

The three of them laughed together on video.

She teased Lucas.

"Take good care of my brother."

Lucas smiled.

"I will."

After the call ended, the room grew quiet again.

They fell asleep side by side, arms wrapped around each other.

On the third morning Michael woke to the smell of food.

He walked into the kitchen and froze.

Lucas was cooking.

"You're joking," Michael said.

Lucas grinned proudly.

"Chef Lucas, remember?"

Michael tasted the food.

His eyes widened.

"It's actually good."

Lucas bowed dramatically.

They spent their final hours walking near the river again.

Everything felt peaceful.

Then Michael's phone rang.

He answered.

Within seconds the color drained from his face.

"What happened?" Lucas asked immediately.

Michael lowered the phone slowly.

"My sister… She's in the hospital."

Fear filled his voice.

"I have to go home."

Lucas nodded quickly.

"Of course."

Michael packed his things in a hurry.

Lucas watched silently, worry growing in his chest.

Within an hour Michael was gone.

The hills were still beautiful.

The river still flowed quietly.

But suddenly the place felt empty.

And Lucas stood alone, wondering what had just changed between them — and what would happen next.

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