The following is a work of fiction, which may contain profanity and references to gay sex. Any relation to similar events or persons, fiction or otherwise, is completely fortuitous. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without authority from the author. Write Bobby at thedelfinoplaza@gmail.com with your comments.


Taking Over Me 30

"This is nice," Trevor cooed, kissing the back of my neck. The two of us were lying on my bed with a movie playing in the background for white noise. Not a bad way to spend a Friday afternoon. "Looking forward to dinner, though. I have to admit I missed Tyler's cooking about as much as I missed you."

I chuckled at his dorkiness. "I'd probably feel the same way. Shame I can't pick up on that skill."

"You're not so bad."

"Not anywhere near his level, though."

"It just takes years of experience to get to his level of mastery. I remember the food you'd make me. It always tasted just fine."

"You're biased," I said humorously. "Though we should probably get up. Dinner is going to be done any minute."

"How do you know?"

"The smell. The stronger the smell the closer it is to being done. Trust me, I'm the son of an expert."

Trevor laughed. "What a weirdo."

"You know you love it." As soon as I said the "L" word I regretted it. Neither of us had even brought up love much less said the word. It would be dumb to say love wasn't festering between us . . . or that it ever even abandoned us. I think it is quite obvious that through all of the suffering brought upon me from the break-up I never stopped loving him. Wonder if he felt the same way?

"I do. I love you, Travers."

The end.

I melted.

End of the game.

My heart stopped.

I felt the sting of tears in my eyes, but I blinked, forcing them back. The feeling behind those words was incredible. I could almost physically sense them penetrating me, leeching into my core. The last time he said those words was months ago and . . . I just can't . . . I can't help but feel ready to explode from sheer giddiness.

"Love you, too." I couldn't contain my smile, and then walked out into the kitchen to find out about dinner.

Tyler, as gracefully as ever, was chopping herbs when I came in. He glanced up at me, but did a double-take when he saw how happy I seemed to be.

"You're damn near glowing," Jared said, beating Tyler. "God, did Trevor propose or something?"

"No!" I laughed. "Everything just feels perfect. Back to normal. This is normal. This is how it's supposed to be."

"No, what would be normal is if I had another drink in my hand, but my husband is telling me that I've had enough."

Tyler scoffed. "Christ, Jared, you've had three already. You've definitely had enough."

"Hey, it's Friday night! What's a Friday night without a few cocktails?"

"A Tuesday night. Or a Thursday night."

"Not true! I only have beer on those nights and only if I don't work the next day. I'm a responsible adult and want to indulge my adult tendencies with adult beverages."

Tyler shook his head in defeat. "It's like dealing with a freakin' child."

"Watch it, babe. If I'm a child that makes you a pervert."

Tyler suddenly held up his knife in an attack stance. Jared began laughing hysterically and ran back into the living shouting something about love.

"And Trevor thinks I'm a weirdo."

"He's seriously getting crazier every day," Tyler laughed. "I don't know what it is."

"Need any help?"

"No, I'm good. Dinner's about done, though. Real simple tonight." Tyler lowered his voice so only he and I could hear. "Trevor really didn't propose, right?"

"No, really!"

"Okay, just making sure. Not that it would be a bad thing." He went back to finishing the food.

Trevor wandered out of my room and began chatting Tyler up. It really did feel completely normal, as though the break-up never happened. I'm not sure why I ever hesitated welcoming him back in my life. I suppose it can be chalked up to self-preservation, but Trevor never really gave me a reason to feel so insecure with him. Although our separation came out of nowhere it wasn't like he left me for someone else. There was no storybook betrayal. He was going through a difficult time and became caught up in the temptation of speedy body transformation gimmicks. That's not to say he shouldn't be held responsible for his misdeeds, but I can look past them so long as he is back to his normal self now. He's Trevor 2.0.

Tyler called everyone in for dinner, and when he did every hair on my body bristled. A family dinner meant Keegan would be included. I slid next to Tyler and said in a whisper, "I don't want to eat with Keegan."

"Don't worry. Jared and I had a long talk with him. He'll be good. It's time you two buried the hatchet. He did something horrible, but wants to make things right."

"You don't seem to understand, Tyler. I don't want to make things right with him. I don't want him around me or Trevor for that matter."

"Come on. He's your brother. He's young and dumb. I'm certainly not excusing his behavior, but we all make mistakes. Family has to stick together."

"I can't believe you're saying this. He betrayed me. I'm never forgiving him." I stormed away from Tyler and sat next to Trevor at the dining room table. He glanced at me with concern, but continued on with his conversation with Torry.

The food was brought to the table and we all dug in. Keegan still hadn't come downstairs, but his plate was made so obviously he really was expected. My anxiety was boiling over. I just wanted him to get down here so we can get this crap over with. Tyler is certifiably insane if he thinks I'm going to break bread with my piece of shit brother. So help me if he even looks at Trevor. But I wasn't the only one anxious. I could feel Trevor's anxiety as well. He kept a calm composure, but it was obvious to me he was uncomfortable with the idea of having dinner with Keegan.

"Babe, this is without a doubt the most incredible, delicious, moist chicken I have ever eaten." Jared said dramatically. He only does that when he wants something, though.

"Well, thank you," Tyler replied, grinning sarcastically. He knew.

"Yeah, it's just perfect. But there's just one thing that would make this the perfect meal."

"What's that?"

"A good cocktail!"

Tyler rolled his eyes, glaring at his husband. "If you must."

"I must!" Jared practically bolted out of his seat. He returned a few seconds later with a fresh drink. Before he sat down he tenderly kissed Tyler on the cheek. "Last one, babe. I promise." His voice was soft, like he only wanted Tyler to hear it.

The humorous moment was disturbed when Keegan finally made his entrance. He did a double-take at Trevor, obviously not knowing we were getting back together nor knowing he was even here. A wicked little grin suddenly curled his lips and a sick feeling came to the fiber of my being. Whatever evil spirit has hijacked my brother sure knows how to raise tension without even uttering a word.

"You guys are almost done with your classes, right?" Tyler asked as he cut into his chicken breast.

"Yeah," Trevor answered. "This semester has really flown by, but I'm looking forward to the summer off. Well maybe. I haven't decided if I'm taking summer classes, but the deadline to register is coming up. I'll have to make a decision very quickly."

"I completely forgot about summer school." The distraction from Keegan was a relief. "I guess I should look at the schedule, see what's still open. This late I can't imagine the classes I need are still available."

"What classes? Science? Yeah, I know they don't have anything, like, specific. Just general science stuff, but double check." Trevor squeezed my thigh and smiled. He knew the tension was melting away.

I nodded. "Right after we eat."

"Well, I think now is as good a time as any," Jared spoke up. "Tyler and I wanted to surprise you guys tomorrow, but we have found a house to rent and we're going to see it in the morning."

"A house?" Torry said. "Like, we're moving already?"

"Not immediately, if we even like the place. But it is a start in the process. It has four bedrooms and two and a half baths. A pool. It's a pretty nice house."

Tyler cut in, "It's much smaller than this one, but it is also much cheaper than our mortgage now."

For a moment, Torry, Keegan, and I looked at each other in solidarity. This was it. Our time in the house was really coming to an end. I'm not sure how they felt about it, but I know I was mixed between apprehension and excitement for a fresh start. Jared and Tyler shared a look between them, probably unsure of what the sudden silence meant.

"I'm sure it'll be great," Torry said happily.

"Yeah," Keegan also agreed, though less enthusiastically.

"We'll make it work," I concurred as well. "And, hey, if it has a pool it can't be that bad."

The visible relief that came to our parents' faces was obvious. Obviously they had been dreading telling us the news, but all for not. I've been prepping myself for the inevitable. Moving is just a small blip on my radar and I'm looking forward to just getting it over with. Hopefully everything goes smoothly with the new place. Besides the pool, the best thing about the house so far is that I won't have to share a bedroom with either of my brothers. I've actually been most concerned about that, but I knew Tyler and Jared wouldn't force that on any of us.

The awkward tension was slowly slipping away from us, Keegan has been mostly quiet, only speaking when spoken to. Torry, on the other hand, made up for his brother's silence. He seemed much more animated than normal. I was enjoying his energy, though, as it really boosted the energy of the room. Trevor appeared to be having a good time as well. It was comforting watching him animatedly talk with my brother. Some sort of video game strategy, I don't know. I've never been a gamer so they can nerd out all they want to. I ate in silence along with Tyler and Jared.

"This is good chicken, dad," Keegan said oddly. I glanced at him quickly.

"Thanks, Keegan," Tyler responded with a smile.

"Yeah, it's great, Tyler," Trevor also said.

"These pieces are just so big." The spawn of Satan grinned evilly. "And thick." This time he stared right at me. "I don't know if I'll be able to eat it all."

"Well, just eat what you can. It's no big deal." Tyler likely wasn't catching the underlying meanings like I was. And I was not happy about them.

"Every time I touch it the juices just flow out. It's so moist." I set my fork down and glared at Keegan. I knew exactly what he was doing now. "This is without a doubt the best I've ever had."

Tyler may or may not have finally figured it out, but he gave Keegan a weird look. "Thank you. I, uh, didn't really do anything different this—"

"I know what you're doing, you little shit!" I suddenly shouted, standing up so forcefully my chair fell backwards.

Keegan smiled. "What are you talking about, brother?"

"Don't fucking play games!"

"Travers!" Jared scolded. "We are trying to have a nice dinner."

"Bullshit! He's baiting me!"

"I don't know what you're—"

"I should kick your ass again," I seethed.

Keegan finally stood up. "Then do it! Come on!"

Trevor grabbed my wrist, but I shook him off.

"Both of you shut up and sit down!" Jared ordered. "There will be no more fighting. None."

"You know what, you two," I said, pointing at my parents, "may be too blind or stupid to see what he's doing, but I'm not. I fucking hate him. I will never be at peace with him. He's obviously getting off to my misery, and neither one of you are helping."

"Don't you dare talk to us—"

"Save it, Tyler. I'm leaving."

I stormed out of the dining room, grabbed my keys and slammed the front door on my way out. I heard no one follow me nor calling after me. The rage that I felt was indescribable. Knowing that my parents were so delusional as to not pick up the torturous innuendo that Keegan was spitting out made the pain that much more unbearable. It's almost as though they're taking his side over mine and nothing they could do could hurt more than that.

I didn't really want to leave, at least not drive anywhere. I just had to exit the house of horrors. In hindsight I regret acting the way I did. I should have just ignored Keegan and his attempt to flare my weakness. With Trevor and me working on our relationship it made my skin crawl knowing my little brother has not only seen Trevor's dick, but tasted it as well.

"Travers," The voice startled me. I hadn't heard anyone come outside much less walk over to where I was.

"I'm not going back in there."

Trevor frowned, nodding his head sadly. "I . . . I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. This is all my fault." He stayed apart from me, giving me my comfort space.

"It is, but you know what hurts almost as badly? Tyler and Jared not doing more to punish him. Did you hear what they were saying in there? It was almost like they were ignoring what he was saying to me. Did you understand what he was doing?"

"I knew," he sighed, sitting down on the curb. "But what was I supposed to say? Stop talking about my dick at the dinner table?"

I chuckled, mostly in defeat knowing that I'll never have a good relationship with Keegan ever again. Sometimes all you can do is laugh.

"I don't know. I don't know anymore."

"Look, tomorrow will be better. Everyone will wake up refreshed and you'll go see the new house with your family and—"

"I'm sure as hell not going now."

"Yes, you have to. It could be your new house."

"Trevor, I'm not going anywhere with that little turd."

He smiled. "God, you're stubborn. What if I go with you?"

I sat next to him. The night air was crisp and invigorating, but being so close to Trevor kept me warm, calm. "Let me be as clear as I can. I don't want to be around Keegan. I don't want you to be around Keegan."

A momentary silence came between us. While he may have been thinking of another way to convince me to go tomorrow, I was thinking of ways to kill my brother without setting foot in prison. After watching so many Law & Order episodes I should be an expert.

"I'm to blame, too, you know? I shouldn't have done what I did. I should have stopped. If you can forgive me, then you can forgive your brother. You're supposed to have a stronger bond with him. He's blood."

"Blood doesn't mean anything."

"Yes, it does. It means everything. You are bonded with him like no one else is. Brothers are supposed to always have each other's back."

"This might sound rude, it's not meant to be, but you wouldn't understand a sibling relationship."

Trevor shrugged, but wasn't fazed. "I wouldn't, but I do know—"

"Trevor, please! I don't care about him. I don't want to make things right. He obviously feels no remorse. This is pointless. I shouldn't have moved out of Dan's apartment. That was a massive mistake on my part."

Draping an arm over my shoulders, he said, "Whatever you decide I'll be here for you."


No one was really speaking to each other. It was actually quite awkward and I felt partially responsible. Even the normally amicable Trevor was remaining relatively silent. The real estate agent was the only person not affected by the silence. She gave us all a tour of the house and went over the finer points with Tyler and Jared specifically. I had to admit it was a nice house. My bedroom was considerably smaller than I was used to, but as long as I had my own I couldn't really complain.

In the backyard the pool glistened in the midday sun. I was looking forward to having a pool outside. While it was nice having a pool indoors that was enjoyable all year long, having the sun beating down on you is something that cannot be forgotten. Trevor noted that it wasn't heated, though, so the swimming season would certainly be reduced to the summer.

Torry wandered out back to where Trevor and I were. His mood had noticeably improved and for that I was grateful. The poor kid is caught in the crossfire between all of us. He doesn't deserve to go through it all, but there's really nothing I can do. This family animosity is Keegan's doing.

"How do you like the house?"

Torry was all smiles. "I think it's nice. I hope we live here. I'm excited to have the pool outside!"

I chuckled with indifference. "Yeah, now you can work on that alabaster body you have."

"Shut up!" Torry blushed. "What does alabaster mean?"

"White," I said.

"Mega white," Trevor added. "See-through."

"You guys suck."

"Not yet," Trevor winked. It was my turn to blush.

"Gross!" Torry cried. "And I'm not even white. I'm Mexican!"

"Oh, please, I know you used to press your ear to my door." I was totally lying, but it's fun riling him up. He gets so defensive.

"I never did! You're such a liar!"

"If I'm such a liar, then why are you turning so red?"

"Wait, did he really listen in on us?"

"Oh, yeah."

Torry was at a loss for words. His face was beet red now and he looked ready to kick my ass. I was beginning to think he actually did listen to us sometimes, not that I'd mind. More power to the little virgin.

"Well, it's not like you guys were being very quiet!"

My eyes widened. "Oh, my God, you actually did listen to us?"

"You were joking?" Trevor asked.

"I was, but obviously I was still right."

Both Trevor and I broke down in hysterics. The mood lightened enough to where even the embarrassed Torry joined in the laughter. I couldn't believe he actually listened to us. I mean, while we never remained completely silent we weren't, like, screaming or anything. Sex noises are hot and we both made them.

The three of us calmed down and just talked about random things. Eventually Tyler called out to us that we were leaving. Trevor was hungry so I invited Torry with us to grab lunch. He told the parentals that he was going with us and that was that. A local burger place was agreed upon so I drove the three of us over.

"Did Tyler or Jared say anything last night? Like, after I went to bed?"

"No," Torry shook his head. "We finished dinner really quiet and then I just went to my room and played games." Even with a mouthful of burger, the poor kid sounded so miserable when he said that. I instantly felt guilty for putting him through this family drama.

"I'm sorry that you're stuck in the middle. I wish it didn't have to be like that, but the only other route is to get along with Keegan and that just can't happen."

"No, it's cool."

"No, it's not cool. It's probably miserable and lonely. Don't ever feel like you have to stay on my side or defend me. If Keegan talks shit about me let him. I don't care. Whatever changes he's gone through are his own issues."

Torry shrugged passively. "Thanks."

"I'm serious. Don't ever feel obligated."

"Okay, okay," Torry sighed dramatically.

I frowned. "I'm just looking out for you."

"No, I know. It's just . . . I have defended you before. A lot, actually."

That perked my interest. How much shit-talking has been going on behind my back? Trevor even gave a curious look.

"From Keegan?"

"Mostly."

"Mostly?"

Torry set his burger down and looked very awkward all of a sudden.

"Last night I stood up for you when you were outside. Tyler and Jared were pretty pissed when you threatened Keegan." I shrugged, secretly hurt that neither of them were competent enough to gauge what was really going on last night.

"Wait," I shook my head, "you said they didn't say anything last night."

"Well, I wasn't going to tell you, Travers. I knew it would upset you so why bother? You've been through enough pain with Keegan."

He was right. I really didn't want to hear any more about how Tyler and Jared were apparently bashing me last night. I don't know what has them against me all of a sudden.

"Okay, so," Trevor spoke up, defying the awkwardness, "we should study for Sylvester's test coming up. I have to admit I haven't paid much attention in class the last couple of weeks so I'm rusty."

"Yeah, I'll catch you up. I feel like it's mostly going to be about animal classifications and anatomical questions." I appreciated his diversion, but I couldn't shake the betrayal looming overhead.

The three of us finished eating relatively quickly and headed home. Not wanting to talk with either Tyler or Jared, I went straight to my room and shut the door. Trevor collapsed onto my bed and put his hands behind his head. He looked very sexy in that position. His biceps were bulging out of his sleeves and were practically asking to be licked. He finally looked at me and grinned.

"What?"

I casually licked my lips. "You look so sexy like that."

"Do I?" He stretched his legs out. "Come here."

I kicked my shoes off, then gently laid next to him, putting my head on his shoulder. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me in closer. His cologne was doing things to me that I didn't know a cologne could do. The fragrance matched him perfectly. But beneath the layer of cologne I could smell the faintest scent of lime; he still uses the same body wash. A bevy of memories came flashing through my mind, but none of them really mattered. Here, now, mattered most. Trevor and I were mending broken fences relatively well and with haste. Spooning next to his warm body reminded me of just how much I love him. Just being in his presence again is incredibly soothing on a spiritual level.

With our bodies pressed together I began to feel aroused. My hardening dick poked against Trevor's leg. He massaged my back gently with one hand. His pants had a bulge in them and I knew he was just as horny as I was. We still haven't actually had sex since he apologized, nor have we even done oral. I know he wants to have sex. I want to have sex. The opportunity just hasn't presented itself for us to enjoy ourselves versus having a quickie.

"I want to feel your cock inside of me," I said in a submissive tone. I rolled on top of him and stared into his eyes. Our erections smashed against each other, pulsating with anticipation.

"Do you deserve it?" Trevor said, reaching for my groin.

"Yes," I whimpered as he squeezed me. "I do deserve—"

"Travers." A knock came at my door completely shattering the mood. I felt more irritated than disappointed that Tyler would choose this moment to speak to me.

I opened the door to find Tyler with a very sheepish look on his face.

"What?" I tried to sound as irritated as possible, but it probably sounded whinier than anything.

"Can you come into the kitchen, please? Jared and I have something we want to say to you."

"I'm a little busy."

"Come on, don't be like that. We want to talk to you."

I rolled my eyes. Trevor snuck up behind me, startling me.

"I actually need to head home. So, I'll call you later, okay?"

"Okay," sadly, I replied. I was nowhere near ready for him to leave. Trevor kissed my cheek and quietly walked away. Tyler didn't even say anything to him. My attention turned back to the parental figure in front of me. "Fine. I guess I can listen now."

In the kitchen, Jared was sitting at the island with, surprise, a sweating bottle of beer. The bottle was nearly empty and I could tell he was ready for another.

"So, um, we just wanted to apologize to you about last night. It wasn't fair to yell at you like I did, especially in front of your company." Jared started. I detected a hint of insincerity, but it may have just been my indignation towards him.

"But you can't threaten your brother like that. And yelling at us is unacceptable." Tyler threw in. They were both staring at me, expecting . . . something?

"Well he deserved it. He was purposely antagonizing with me."

"Travers, he was enjoying his dinner and then you came out of nowhere with your craziness."

"My craziness? Did you two miss what he was saying?" I was growing more and more agitated as the seconds slowly ticked by. "When was the last freakin' time he complimented anything anyone of us has done?"

Jared defended the seed of Chucky. "So he came out of his shell last night. Big deal. Regardless of what he said it gave you no right to act like that."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They were actually mad at me instead of Keegan for being an asshole. I started to wonder if I was in the Twilight Zone all of a sudden.

"You know, Keegan told me a while back that when he was blowing my ex-boyfriend that he told him it was the best he's ever had. Does that sound familiar to either of you?" Embarrassment doesn't quite explain how I felt confessing that, but it had to be said. Hopefully they'll put the puzzle together on their own, but with the empty looks I was being given it was obvious they were getting it. "That's exactly how he explained the food last night! Hello!"

"That doesn't mean he was referring to that," Tyler argued. "He has apologized. He feels bad. You should have seen him last night, close to tears because he knows you hate him so much."

My jaw dropped. "This is unbelievable. I can't believe that you two are trying to pin all of this on me."

"Since you and Trevor made up you seem more agitated. On edge all the time. Perhaps you two getting back together isn't the best thing right now." Jared, with a straight face, took the final swig from his beer and then continued. "Sometimes old flames get in the way of more important things."

I turned on my heel and stormed into my room. Pulling my shoes on and grabbing my keys I made a decision. A permanent decision to save my sanity. As I walked out of my room, Tyler called after me.

"Where do you think you're going? We're trying to talk to you!" I ignored him. "Oh, nice. Yeah, just walk out, Travers. Real mature and adult-like. That'll show us!"

Every word scratched at my feelings, but the only thing I was truly focused on was leaving.

Forever.


"Travers!" Sandy screamed, charging towards me with open arms. "I've missed you!" Having her affectionately squeeze the life out of me honestly made me feel a million times better. I haven't seen her in months, since before Trevor broke up with me.

I returned her hug, remembering all the times she made me feel as big a part of her family as Trevor was. "I missed you too." I laughed.

She stepped back, but kept her hands planted on my shoulders. "I think you got more handsome since the last time I saw you!" She kissed my cheek. "God, I was so thrilled when Trevor told us you two were getting back together. I always told him what a fool—"

"Okay, mom," Trevor groaned, embarrassed by his adopted mom's words.

"You have to see my garden. I added a few plants. My radishes are producing like crazy still." Sandy had a green thumb and was focused on healthier, homegrown eating that I found wonderful. She was actually the influence on my healthier lifestyle. "I had no idea you were gonna be here for dinner. I wish Trevor would have told me!"

"No, no, I actually just came over to visit. I don't want to intrude." I put my hands up in defeat. She didn't seem the least bit imposed, though. She never really does.

"It's no problem," she smiled, putting her hands on her hips. "I just had no idea. It'll be good to have you over again. I was just going to order pizza, but I'll whip something up now."

"Sandy, really, I don't want to—"

"Travers, you're getting dinner!"

I resigned to staying for dinner. There's no point in arguing with someone as hospitable as Sandy. I could protest until I'm dead and she'd still make sure my glass was refilled.

"Okay, I'll stay, but you don't need to cook. I'm perfectly fine with pizza."

"Great!" Sandy left the bedroom and Trevor shut the door. I fell onto his bed as though I'd never been away from it. But I noticed that everything smelt differently. Normally his room had a distinct smell to it, not unlike, I don't know, however a normal room smells. Now it has a pleasant, clean smell to it. I scanned his room for the source and discovered a scent plug-in near his bed. Mental note: buy one.

"Sorry to drop by all random."

"No, it's fine. I didn't really want to leave earlier, but I could tell Tyler wanted me to."

I shook my head sadly, eyes downcast. "Something weird is going on. Tyler and Jared totally blasted me after you left."

"What do you mean?" Trevor sat next to me. A look of concern molded his face.

"They basically blamed me for everything last night. They apologized for yelling at me in front of you, but then said that us getting back together is changing me. I seem agitated and edgy all the time." In a mocking tone, I said, 'Oh, your brother was sorry. He was almost crying because I hate him so much.' If he was so fucking sorry, then he should have apologized to me, not them. I don't know what they're thinking."

I knew telling Trevor anything about the tensions between myself and my family was a bad idea because it really stemmed from what he did with my brother. I don't want him to think I think any less of him because of it. People make mistakes, sometimes god damn big ones. Any other person in this situation probably wouldn't think twice about completely removing their ex from their life if they fooled around with a family member. But I love him too much, and I know he loves me too. He didn't make that mistake with the intention of hurting me much less wanting to do it at all. I have an immensely strong suspicion, now in hindsight, that Keegan had more to do with it than I previously thought.

Trevor, as expected, suddenly looked quite glum. We stared into each other's eyes for several seconds before he attempted to speak, but I interrupted him.

"I know. I know you are, but my family has nothing to do with what happened . . . kind of. Tyler and Jared for whatever reason are acting very strangely. It's probably stress that has been accumulating for so long from the house and such. I don't blame you, Trevor."

"I should have had more control."

"My brother should never have even thought to do what he did."

"But all of this comes back to me. And now your parents don't seem to care for me. Out of nowhere, I might add. This is all just fucked up."

"Well, I want to run something by you." I sat up and crossed my legs. "I don't want to go back there. I can't. I can't live with Keegan and now I feel like a complete enemy in my own house. So I'm thinking about hitting Dan up and moving back in with him. It's going to kill me because I'll have to up my hours again, but it'll be worth it to not have to go back to hell."

Trevor seemed slightly uncomfortable all of a sudden.

"I can see if you can stay here for a while. I know my parents won't mind. Hello, my mom loves you probably more than me, and she loves me quite a bit."

I laughed, then leaned in to kiss him. "You're very sweet for that, but I don't want to impose on your family. Plus, I don't know if it would be wise for us to live together, you know? At least not yet."

Trevor slumped his shoulders and laid down. He pulled me down next to him and held me in his thick arms. "You're right."

"I'm honestly not that upset about moving in with Dan, if he lets me. I did it before so I can do it again."

"Would it be wrong of me to admit just the thought of you living with another man makes me jealous?"

I chuckled at the reality that Dan is apparently flexible with his sexuality. "No, it wouldn't be wrong, but you have no reason to worry. He's straight and works all day. I go to school and will be boosting my hours, so there would be no time at all for us to practice aerobics."

"Such a dork."

We continued to talk about lighter fare. Neither of us wanted to dwell on negativity and ruin the moment that was blossoming. Lying with him, being in his embrace was enough to keep me calm and almost hypnotized. Although not light, the topic of school came up. With the end of the semester approaching relatively soon we would need to figure out our plans for fall. The schedule of classes should be released within the next couple of weeks, but with me finally having chosen my major the classes I'll need will be different than what Trevor needs. And we still need to see if there are any summer classes open.

"Hey, you still haven't chosen a major have you?" I asked him.

"Nope," he said softly. "I was kind of thinking about business, though. Seems like a marketable degree. Or maybe even something in finance. Did you finally choose one?"

"Environmental science."

The bed shook from Trevor's laughter. "Perfect for you."

A knock sounded from the door.

Sandy spoke loudly. "Travers, come see my plants!"

So, I reluctantly tore myself away from Trevor's comforting arms and went to see the Garden of Sandy in the backyard. She was right; her radishes were producing like rabbits. While I used to help her often I always thought it would be nice to have my own, seeing as how she doesn't have some plants that I want. Tyler and Jared would've allowed me to have my own, but the space in the backyard was limited. Everything already had a place so it would've required a few modifications that I didn't feel were fair. I could wait until I had a house of my own and tinker with Sandy's in the meantime.

Although I was thrilled to see his family again, I wanted nothing more than to just be back in Trevor's arms. I'm craving his affection, which is exactly the mindset I do not want to be in. That's how our relationship used to be. I constantly craved affection from him even though we saw each other every single day. I cannot become dependent on him again. That would be a disservice to our budding (no pun intended) relationship. But damn if his arms aren't incredibly sexy.

The pizza arrived shortly after our garden venture. We sat outside on the patio and talked about things, caught up. It felt like the break-up never happened. Sandy and Vic genuinely acted happy that I was back over. Vic and I weren't what someone would call close, not like Sandy and I, but he was good conversation nonetheless. He works at a railroad company and has plenty of stories to tell from back in the day, which I thoroughly enjoy hearing about.

Later on in the night, around one in the morning, Trevor walked me out to my car. The temperature had dropped considerably and made me extra grateful that Trevor was always so warm.

"I'm glad you came over tonight. You're sure you don't want to stay?" Trevor asked, kissing the side of my head while squeezing me tightly.

"I really want to," I replied, shivering gently. "I just . . . I should've asked your parents first."

"Travers," he chuckled, "literally nothing is different than before. They won't care if you stay the night."

"You're right," I sighed.

"It kills me how considerate you are even when you know what to expect."

"Part of my charm."

"Very much so, which is why I love you."

"I love you, too." We shared a quick kiss. "Tonight was great."

"It doesn't have to end," he reminded me.

I smiled. "Tell you what. I'll run home and grab a change of clothes, then we can see how long the night will last."

"Yes!" We kissed again. This time was more meaningful than the last. Trevor pulled away suddenly, excitedly. "There's something I want to tell you. Something I used to think about a lot that now has more relevance than ever. I don't expect an answer right away, so if you have to think about it you can." He took a deep breath and stared into my eyes. "Marry me."

I gasped. He was grinning like a schoolboy. Our eyes didn't disconnect. With the warmth from his body or the power of the statement I felt tremendously hot all of a sudden. And without overthinking, or even any thinking, I already had an answer for him.

"I will."


Almost five and a half years of this story. It has been an incredible journey and if you've stuck around for this long I extend my sincerest gratitude. Fear not, for there will be a follow up story sometime in the future, but for now I will be focusing on new adventures. I have a lot of plans for upcoming stories and am excited to share them. I cannot say when I will be posting a new one, only that you must keep your eyes on my website, Delfino Plaza, which is where the news will be first, as well as, my Twitter.

Please write me and let me know what you thought of this chapter and the story overall. Your messages are what keeps writers like me going. I am guilty of not writing authors of my favorites, but I honestly try to amend that issue. Your messages are our only form of payment and we look forward to hearing from each and every single one of you. Serious writers also enjoy hearing criticism of their work, so bring it. My email is thedelfinoplaza@gmail.com and my Twitter is thedelfinoplaza. Also, without Nifty I would not be able to share these stories. Please consider donating to the website so that you can continue reading, not only my stories, but the stories of anyone who is willing to write them.

Thank you again for being a faithful reader. I look forward to hearing from you!

Bobby