While Chan and Evan are visiting Chan's family, Chan accidentally lets slip their new living arrangements. Will everything go sideways now? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
Evan thought Chan’s family was great. Warm and
welcoming, and very down-to-earth. He was very glad they’d come, even though
meeting a significant other’s family didn’t exactly fall within his wheelhouse.
Only because he’d never dated anyone
long enough to have a significant other. He was touched that Chan wanted them
to meet him, even if the meeting had been brought about by circumstances beyond
their control. Everything had turned out well, even so. Although he had to
admit he felt a little tension drain after they’d eaten and the children had
all dispersed to their own activities. He didn’t dislike children, and
certainly not Chan’s siblings. He just wasn’t very comfortable around them. He
hadn’t been able to handle other children even when he was a child. He pushed
the thought away, focusing on the present.
The present where Chan had just let slip that they
were going to be living together.
Well, that cat was certainly out of the bag, wasn’t
it? Although they hadn’t discussed it, he’d assumed that Chan would want to
tell his family at some point. He was glad that their living arrangements were
already out in the open. He didn’t like deception, whether by lying or by sins
of omission. But now the question was… how would Chan’s parents take the news?
Apparently Evan’s concerns were for nothing. He
watched Aarti carefully, looking for signs that she was upset or unnerved, or
whatever mothers became when their sons tell them they’re moving in with
another man who just happens to be his boyfriend. Now live-in boyfriend.
Never missing a beat, Aarti leaned across the space
that separated them and patted Evan’s hand. “Welcome to the family, Evan,” she
said. Her smile was both warm and welcoming.
Balji was bolder than his wife. Seated on the other
side of Chan, he gave Chan an immediate high five, followed by, “Way to go,
Chan! Congrats!”
Evan noticed Chan’s adorable blush, but he never
stopped smiling and returned Balji’s high five without hesitation. They’d
accepted Evan without hesitation. That had to be a good sign, right?
They’d stayed a little longer, but finally had to
go. The next day was a work day for both of them, and they had things to do
before they could retire for the night. Including a practical discussion of
ending Chan’s lease, and the disposition of both their furniture. Evan would
never assume that Chan should get rid of his furniture just because his was
already in place. If they were to have an equal relationship, there needed to
be give-and-take, and discussions. This was a new world for both of them, he
knew.
“Do you mind if well the children of your new
situation?” Aarti asked her son.
Chan and Evan exchanged glances. Naturally, this had
not been discussed between them.
“What do you think would be best?” Evan was quite
willing to defer to Chan’s opinion.
Chan seemed unsure of himself. Evan reached for his
hand and gently squeezed, offering his reassurance.
“That would be fine, of course,” Chan said. “Tell
them if they have any questions, I’m only a phone call away.”
“Of course,”
Aarti said. “Don’t worry. They’ll be fine with it.”
Evan wondered how she knew that, but he didn’t
question her judgment. He and Chan helped to clear away the tea things for
Chan’s mother, then washed the delicate dishes despite Aarti’s protests that
they were guests.
“Not guests, family,” Evan echoed her own words, and
she had to laugh.
Finally, Chan’s parents walked them to the door and
they bid their final farewells.
The ride home was a very comfortable one. They maintained
a companionable silence until they pulled into the parking space in front of
their new home. Once Chan had put the car into drive and removed the key from
the ignition, he turned toward Evan and laid his hand on Evan’s thigh. It
seemed as though he wanted to say something. Finally, he said, “Thank you.”
“For what?” Evan was baffled.
Chan didn’t answer immediately. “For everything,” he
said. “For being a part of my life and allowing me to be a part of yours. For
the way you made my mother love you instantly and she did not freak out that
we’ll be living together.”
Evan felt his cheeks warm at Chan’s praise. “I love
you, Chan. You’re very special to me. I’ve never felt this way before.” He
raised Chan’s hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. “I would do anything for
you.”
“And I you.”
Evan could hear the sincerity in Chan’s voice. They
came together for a heartfelt kiss before they exited the car to enter their
home.
to be continued
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