For Him, I Stayed

Note:
"My chaps are getting shorter these days, I published 2 chapters, soo... YEAHHH"

Warning:
N/A
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Chapter 41: "The Secret is Out"

The morning sunlight poured through the windows of the Evans household as the family gathered for breakfast. Ray sat beside Matthew, their chairs closer than usual, though neither seemed to mind. Across the table, Skyler and Avilian exchanged knowing glances, while Mr. Evans sipped his coffee, blissfully unaware of the quiet tension brewing in the air.

“So,” Skyler began, his voice carrying a teasing edge, “anything new you’d like to share, little brother?”

Ray nearly choked on his toast, his face heating up instantly. “W-What? No, nothing.”

Skyler raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Really? Because you’ve been acting… different lately.”

Avilian nudged Skyler, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “Stop teasing him.”

Matthew cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Ray shot him a glance, silently pleading for him to stay quiet. But Skyler wasn’t about to let the moment pass.

“Oh, come on,” Skyler said, leaning back in his chair with a smug grin. “It’s obvious. You two are—”

“Skyler,” Avilian interrupted, her tone warning but playful.

Ray groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Can we not do this right now?”

“Do what?” Mr. Evans asked, finally looking up from his coffee. He glanced between his sons, confusion etched on his face.

Ray hesitated, his pulse racing. This wasn’t how he’d planned to tell his dad—if he’d even planned it at all. But there was no escaping it now, not with Skyler smirking like a cat that had caught the canary.

Taking a deep breath, Ray sat up straighter, his gaze meeting his father’s. “Dad… Matthew and I are dating.”

The room fell silent, the only sound the faint clinking of Skyler’s spoon as he stirred his coffee with exaggerated nonchalance. Mr. Evans blinked, his expression unreadable.

“Dating,” Mr. Evans repeated slowly, as if testing the word.

Ray nodded, his heart pounding. “Yes. We’re together.”

For a moment, Mr. Evans said nothing, his gaze shifting to Matthew, who looked like he wanted to disappear into his seat. Then, to Ray’s surprise, a small smile tugged at the corners of his father’s mouth.

“Well, it’s about time,” Mr. Evans said, setting his cup down. “I was starting to think you’d never figure it out.”

Ray’s jaw dropped. “You—what?”

Skyler burst out laughing, nearly spilling his coffee. “Oh, man, your face! Priceless.”

“Wait, you knew?” Ray asked, looking between his father and Skyler in disbelief.

Mr. Evans shrugged. “I had my suspicions. I may be old, but I’m not blind.”

Ray groaned again, this time out of sheer embarrassment. Matthew, on the other hand, looked more relieved than anything.

“So… you’re okay with it?” Matthew asked cautiously.

Mr. Evans smiled warmly. “Of course I am. All I’ve ever wanted is for my boys to be happy. And if you make each other happy, then that’s all that matters to me.”

Ray felt a weight lift off his shoulders, his chest filling with a mixture of relief and gratitude. “Thanks, Dad.”

Skyler leaned forward, his grin widening. “You know, I think this calls for a celebration.”

“Don’t push it,” Ray muttered, though he couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at his lips.

---

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ray and Matthew found themselves alone in the backyard. The air was cool, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink.

“You okay?” Matthew asked, his hand brushing against Ray’s.

Ray nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Yeah. I just… I didn’t expect him to be so accepting. I thought it’d be harder.”

Matthew smiled softly. “Your dad’s a good man. He just wants the best for you.”

Ray turned to him, his eyes searching Matthew’s face. “And you think you’re the best for me?”

Matthew smirked, leaning closer. “I don’t think. I know.”

Ray rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped him. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you love it.”

Ray didn’t respond—not with words, anyway. Instead, he closed the distance between them, his lips capturing Matthew’s in a kiss that spoke of everything they couldn’t put into words.

For once, Ray felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

---

To Be Continued...