Afternoon sunlight spilt through scattered clouds, casting dappled patterns over the heather and grass. The lodge nestled at the heart of Glen Nevis, surrounded by rugged peaks, embraced a verdant glen painted in the soft hues of summer. Its stone-and-wood façade blended seamlessly with the landscape, while vast windows framed the emerald slopes and the brilliant summer sky. A gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers, and the distant murmur of a stream completed the tranquillity.

The mid-sized SUV, perfect for Highlands' roads, rolled to a smooth stop in front of the lodge, its tyres crunching gently over the gravel driveway. Sean's gaze swept over the well-maintained grounds dotted with wildflowers and tall grasses, framing a well-trodden path winding toward the slopes of Ben Nevis. He could easily picture Jay taking it countless times, heading toward the mountain.

"I can see now why you come here anytime you can."

Jay looked at him curiously over the opened boot doors. "So, why do you think I come here?"

"It's freeing... perfectly secluded, just enough to let you be without worrying about anything."

He leaned on the car, looking at the mountain in front of them. "Pretty much spot on."

"I know," Sean chuckled lightly, helping him unload their luggage, which was mostly his, as Jay had only one leather duffel bag. "Only this?"

"Yeah, everything I need is already here."

"Makes sense."

As soon as they stepped inside, Sean stopped, floored by the contrast. From the outside, the lodge had a rugged, rustic charm, but the interior was sleek and modern yet still deeply connected to its surroundings. Warm oak floors, stone accents, and earthy tones created an inviting, elegant space.

The open-plan layout combined the kitchen, dining area, and living room, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the mountains and flooding the room with natural light. A stone fireplace stood at the heart of the living area, surrounded by plush grey and forest green seating. The dining table, crafted from reclaimed wood, overlooked the view, while the kitchen blended minimalist design with state-of-the-art appliances.

But what struck Sean most wasn't the design so different from the penthouse. It was Jay's presence in every detail. Framed photos from climbing trips, shelves lined with mountaineering books, and a curated vinyl collection gave the space a personal touch. Through a doorway at the back, Sean glimpsed the practical side of the lodge: a drying room and neatly organised climbing gear. Every element was thoughtful, polished, and unmistakably Jay.

Suddenly, something caught Sean's attention... something that didn't fit this Jay-like environment. "Is this the same coffee machine we have at home?"

"Yeah," Jay said casually. "I asked the management company to install it and stock your favourite coffee."

Sean narrowed his eyes, giving him a side-long glance. "Who are you, and what have you done with my boyfriend?"

"You do realise that the nearest coffee shop is about 8 miles away, right?"

Sean's suspicious expression did a 180° turn, shifting into pure admiration. "You are the best and most thoughtful boyfriend in the world."

Jay shook his head with amusement. "The things you would do for a coffee."

"It's still nothing compared to what I would do for you," he said softly, stepping closer and pausing millimetres from Jay's lips. "So, what is the first thing you do after arriving?"

Before Jay could respond, his mouth was sealed by a slow kiss. It started soft and playful, then deepened naturally, with a steady, familiar intensity that drew them closer without thought or effort.

"Not this," Jay responded, pulling Sean down on the sofa with him. "But now it seems like the perfect idea."

Sean collapsed on top of him, their bodies fitting together seamlessly as if drawn by gravity. He smiled into another kiss, his hand sliding beneath Jay's t-shirt, brushing over warm skin. The fabric bunched as his fingers travelled upward, lingering along the delicate lines of calligraphy on Jay's side.

He broke the kiss for just a moment to pull Jay's t-shirt off in one smooth motion, tossing it aside before leaning back down. His mouth moved over Jay's with a slow and sensual rhythm, a blend of passion and tenderness that never failed to ignite a need for more.

Suddenly, his hands stopped on the button of Jay's jeans. He glanced behind at the massive window and then shifted his heated gaze back to Jay.

"Feeling shy?" Jay teased him, sliding his hands inside the back of Sean's trousers and pulling him closer.

"I love how shameless you can be."

Jay loved this unquestionable challenge in Sean's dark eyes, followed by open-mouthed kisses trailing down his neck, leaving a line of heat that sent shivers down his spine. His hand gripped Sean's nape, pulling him closer with a low groan. He felt Sean's smile against his skin. Then, his trousers were gone, and muffled moans filled the living room.

The bedroom was bathed in the faintest glow of dawn, the soft grey-green walls catching the first light spilling through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, the peaks loomed like quiet sentinels against a pale, waking sky, their edges sharp in the stillness. A breathtaking view undisturbed by curtains or blinds, leaving the room open to the world beyond.

Jay leaned over Sean, his lips trailing slow and sensual kisses along his neck. "If you don't wake up now," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "I won't let you out of this bed for a week."

"I wouldn't mind," Sean responded, unwilling to open his eyes.

"C'mon, Càrn Mòr Dearg and Ben Nevis will take us around ten hours with your pace," Jay said, lightly biting his collarbone. "We need to leave within an hour, or you might have a hard time later if the weather changes."

"Give me fifteen minutes."

His lips moved slowly towards Sean's abdomen. "Impossible."

Dark eyes slowly opened, taking in the softly lit room. Sean reached for his phone without thinking, seemingly unfazed by that sinful mouth still lingering below his waistline. The screen read 5:35 in the morning. He blinked, momentarily disoriented, before his eyes widened in shock. In an instant, he shot upright, nearly sending Jay tumbling off the bed.

"How in the world are you awake... and in rather harmless mood?" Sean squinted at him suspiciously.

His eyebrow raised questioningly, his gaze shifting to the phone Sean dropped on the duvet. "Actually, we are five minutes behind the schedule."

"No, no... unless it's for work, you never willingly wake up before nine. So how are you up and fresh as a daisy nearly four hours earlier?"

"Normally," Jay shrugged as if Sean's disbelief was completely unwarranted. "Mountains are temperamental, so if you want to make the most of your day, you need to start early."

"Huh... so climbing can get you out of bed at ungodly hour without any complaints, but I get death threats if I dare to touch you a few minutes before your alarm. How... lovely."

Jay rolled his eyes at the sarcasm in Sean's voice and pulled him out of the bed. "You will understand soon why."

In little over half an hour, they were on the path leading towards the mountain. The air was crisp and cool, and the sound of the stream echoed nearby as its clear water rushed over smooth stones. The world around them was still bathed in a muted grey blue, with the sun barely rising over the peaks.

Jay moved with ease, his well-packed hiking backpack sitting comfortably on his shoulders as he leapt from stone to stone across the stream, his movements fluid and confident. Sean followed more carefully, his eyes on the towering Ben Nevis ahead, his boots making a soft thud with each step.

"I have the impression you could do this blindfolded," Sean chuckled behind him, instinctively reaching for his hand.

Jay intertwined their fingers, matching his pace with Sean's, then leaned closer to his ear. "There are other things I would rather do blindfolded," he whispered, his husky voice blending with a gentle breeze.

Sean shivered, the grip of his hand tightened, and before he could react, he collided with Sean's sturdy chest. Smoky and spicy scent with fresh notes wrapped around him as if pulling him deeper into a person who truly flipped his world upside down. Then Sean's low voice filled the nonexistent space between them.

"You do realise I could simply lift you up and carry you back to bed?"

He didn't answer immediately as if unsure for a moment if he was being challenged, teased, or both. But he had no doubt that Sean would follow through. Yet, he wasn't one to back down.

"Are you sure? It adds about eighteen pounds," Jay asked, gesturing to the backpack. "Still, you wouldn't be able to catch up if I decided to make a run for it."

Sean shot him an amused glare, but he had to admit that Jay was faster and catching him would be a challenge, especially here. "Oh? Getting cocky now that we're in your element?"

"I have all reason to be, but I'm curious if you will be this smug when we hit the arête," he said teasingly. "Imagine walking on a knife's edge with loose stones for extra fun and nothing between you and a sheer drop to the valley."

"So you do have a death wish."

Jay laughed. "And here I was thinking we established that a long time ago."

"I so hate you sometimes," Sean groaned with mock exasperation. "Are you sure you don't want to split it into two backpacks or take turns?"

He shook his head. "It's your first time on a climb like this, and it's going to be tiring enough as it is. A backpack would just wear you out faster and make it harder to move freely on more challenging parts. So don't worry about it, and enjoy yourself."

"Aww, are you being nice?"

Jay rolled his eyes at Sean's playful tone. "I'm always nice."

Sean burst out laughing as if he had heard the best joke ever, while Jay only smiled faintly and pulled him along the path. Each step had a rhythm he knew well, but something felt different today, as if the landscape around him seemed to shift subtly. He had walked these trails countless times, but the way Sean looked around, soaking in the views, reminded him of the first time he had seen it all and the feeling when he realised that the box wasn't there anymore. It wasn't just about freedom anymore, but letting Sean into something that had always been his own.

By late morning, the climb towards Càrn Mòr Dearg summit grew steeper, the rocky path demanding more focus with each step. Soft sunlight filtered through streaks of high clouds, its warmth barely felt in the sharp, cold air, where every breath carried the faint tang of altitude.

Around them, the landscape unfolded in breathtaking silence. Ben Nevis loomed ahead, its immense northern face etched in stark, rugged lines, while the glens below stretched out in muted greens and greys. The final incline was relentless, loose stones skittering underfoot as they pressed onward. Sean paused briefly to steady himself, his gaze catching Jay's ahead calm, confident, unwavering figure against the open sky.

At last, they reached the summit, offering staggering views in every direction. The arête ahead rose like a daring blade's edge, linking them to the towering presence of Ben Nevis, its vast walls closer now, formidable and majestic. A perfect spot for a break.

Sean caught his breath as he sank onto the insulated mat beside him. "The view is incredible... it beats everything."

"I know, but it's even better on Ben Nevis," Jay responded, pulling out their late-morning snack from the backpack. "Hungry?"

He passed Sean a lunchbox filled with perfectly cut Japanese-style sandwiches. The soft, pillowy milk bread encased layers of vibrant fillings: creamy egg salad with a hint of sweetness, juicy slices of katsu coated in crispy panko, and fresh vegetables nestled in tangy mayonnaise. Each sandwich looked almost too pristine to eat.

"Damn, you can even make a sandwich look like a piece of art," Sean said, taking a bite of katsu sandwich. His eyes widened slightly in delight as he chewed. "And it tastes like one too. Seriously, who makes hiking food this good?"

"Well, I need to make sure you will have the energy to deal with this," he responded to the arête.

Sean's gaze followed the direction of Jay's finger, landing on the arête ahead. For a moment, he simply stared at a narrow, unforgiving, and impossibly dramatic path. The sheer drop on either side made his stomach flip, but there was no denying its raw beauty.

"That's... something," Sean muttered, a mix of awe and trepidation in his voice. His eyes flicked back to Jay as if to check that he wasn't joking. "Are you sure about this?"

"It's the best part, but we don't need to go there if you don't feel it."

Sean seemed to hesitate only for a brief moment before allowing his innate stubbornness to resurface. "And miss watching you show off on that thing? Not a chance."

He gave him a worried look. "Okay, but last warning... once we are committed, there is no turning back."

"I never planned on looking back," Sean said, his tone soft as if he no longer talked about the hike. "I told you that the best part of being your boyfriend is trying all these things you love, and this is the most important one, so even if it scares the shit out of me, I want to give it a try. Besides, you will be with me, right?"

Jay looked at him with surprise, maybe even confusion, showing he still wasn't entirely used to it, and then the habitual indifference in his expression vanished, replaced by something much more tender.

"Of course," he reassured Sean. "You will be perfectly fine, but if you want, we can rope together for an extra safety net."

Taking advantage of the fact that they were temporarily alone at the summit, Sean leaned in and kissed him. "I very much like the idea of being tied to you... or by you in any other situation."

"If you'll have energy left for anything other than soaking in a hot tub by the end of the day, then why not?" Jay chuckled lightly.

The arête stretched before them like a sharp and narrow bridge suspended between peaks. The rope connecting them swayed gently with each step. Jay moved steadily in front like the uneven rocks were an old, familiar friend. Every now and then, he turned to check on Sean or point out tricky parts.

Sean started cautiously, his boots testing each foothold as his gaze darted between the dizzying drops on either side. At an incredibly narrow point, his breath quickened, and he stopped involuntarily, gripping the rope with tense fingers.

"Doing okay?" Jay asked, offering him a bottle of water.

Sean nodded, swallowing hard before meeting Jay's carefree smile. "How you're not scared at all is beyond me."

Jay walked to his side and covered Sean's eyes. "It's only scary if you tell yourself it is," he murmured, his voice steady and soothing as he tilted Sean's chin upward. "Now, is it scary?" Jay asked, removing his hand.

Sean blinked against the sudden brightness, his eyes adjusting to the scene before him. The endless stretch of the Scottish Highlands unfurled in every direction – rolling green and rugged peaks kissed by the soft light of midday. It wasn't just breathtaking. It was grounding, vast and untamed.

"No... it's magnificent, and I understand now," Sean said, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "It's absolutely worth waking up four hours earlier."

Jay's smile carried a silent I told you so.

Sean shook his head with amusement. "You were right. The fact that we could die at any moment really puts things into perspective."

"I know," Jay sighed softly. "It almost makes you believe you are free to do anything you want."

Sean reached out and laced their fingers together. He could imagine thirteen-year-old Jay standing in a place like this, searching for something the world around him couldn't give. Freedom... or at least a brief respite with overbearing expectations.

Now, standing beside him, Sean understood it more clearly than ever. Jay wasn't just fearless. He had spent years learning how to step onto life's edges, balancing between risk and control, because that's where he felt alive. And as Sean looked at him now – steady, sure, utterly at ease – he realised how much he grew to admire him.

"Jay?"

"Hmm?"

Sean turned away from the view and met a pair of brown eyes. They were much softer than usual as if their gaze held the whole world. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing over Jay's jaw as he leaned in and kissed him. It was slow, unhurried.

"I love you," Sean whispered against Jay's lips.

A quiet, almost involuntary "why?" slipped out before Jay could stop himself. It was, unlike him, this brief lapse in control, but it had been happening more often lately around Sean. A bit unsettling, yet oddly natural, as if his guard lowered without permission, yet he couldn't bring himself to mind.

Sean smiled, completely forgetting they were in the middle of arête and his discomfort as his whole attention focused on Jay. "No specific reason. I just do."

Jay froze briefly, and his expression turned unreadable. It was as if Sean's words had struck something he wasn't ready to face. Then, almost imperceptibly, his lips twitched, a hint of a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes before he glanced away towards the path ahead.

"We should keep moving," Jay said quietly, already stepping forward.

Sean watched as Jay moved ahead, a faint smile crossing his face. It was easy to notice that moments like this were becoming less frequent, and Jay's reaction was no longer instantaneous. There was a hesitation now, as if withdrawal wasn't his default response anymore, though he hadn't yet found a new way to handle it. But Sean didn't mind. He had enough patience and stubbornness to wait for him to sort it out at his own pace.