Chapter 13

Since then, Kanan and Nathaniel have been on many dates- from dinner outings to picnics and even game nights. Throughout the dates, they had grown increasingly closer. On this evening, they found themselves at Kanan's apartment, a departure from their usual rendezvous at Nathaniel's place. It was Kanan's idea, a change of scenery, that excited Nathaniel. In the back of his mind, Kanan worried that his apartment might not compare to Nathaniel's spacious house, but when Nathaniel expressed feeling more at home, Kanan felt happy.

With no specific plans for the evening, Nathaniel thoughtfully bought some nonalcoholic wine, mindful of Kanan's abstinence from alcohol. Snuggled up together on the couch, they appreciated the closeness they had developed. Conversation flowed easily as it always did, allowing them to deepen their understanding of each other and their relationship dynamics.

"I've always had this crazy thought before high school and even primary school events," Kanan chuckled, sharing a light-hearted memory. "My school had a uniform policy, and I'd occasionally worry when we had events that didn't require us to wear them that I'd show up and be the only one without my uniform. You've never experienced anything like that?"

"Never," Nathaniel confessed, his gaze occasionally drifting to the photos Kanan had up.

"Would you like to see some pictures?" Sensing his curiosity, Kanan made the offer. Retrieving a photo album, they began to flip through the pages, with Kanan providing context for each snapshot.

"A younger version of you," Nathaniel remarked, pointing to a picture of Kanan's brother.

"I don't see it," Kanan replied with a grin. "He used to joke that we were twins, that I just couldn't wait and decided to be born before him."

Nathaniel laughed, and as they turned another page, curiosity piqued by a recurring figure in Kanan's life. "Who's this?" He inquired.

"Remember when I mentioned someone who means a lot to me?" Kanan responded. "This is her, Maria, my best friend; we practically grew up together." Silence settled as Kanan continued. "She passed away unexpectedly in a car accident."

Nathaniel's shock was noticeable as he pieced together the puzzle. "The phone call," He murmured, understanding dawning on him.

"Yes," Kanan confirmed. "She tried to call me multiple times before the accident, but I missed her calls. I'll never know what she wanted to say, and that's something I'll always carry with me. If I had known it was the last time that I would hear her voice, I would have dropped everything to answer. But regrets won't change anything now."

Nathaniel listened intently. He reached out, gently taking Kanan's hand in his own, offering silent support through a physical touch. "I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you and her family," Nathaniel said softly. "Losing someone so close, unexpectedly, and under such circumstances."

Feeling Nathaniel's hand in his, Kanan found comfort in the gesture. "It's been tough," He admitted. "Having my family, meeting you, being able to talk about it... it helps more. It's the first I've spoken about it to anyone outside my family."

Nathaniel tightened his grip on Kanan's hand, "I'm here for you," He assured Kanan. "Whenever you need someone to listen or talk to."

Kanan found comfort in knowing Nathaniel would be there for him. "She's the inspiration behind "Life's Adventures: All or Nothing." We would always make plans and never fulfill them. We planned trips, but they never went past just talks. There was so much we wanted to do together." Kanan explained, his voice filled with nostalgia. The incident served as a harsh reminder of life's unpredictability. In the blink of an eye, everything could change.

They had always felt like they had all the time in the world, their plans exciting only in the realm of possibility. But now, faced with loss, Kanan realized how fleeting time can be. They had taken things too slowly, never embracing the urgency of their dreams. As he reflected on unfulfilled plans, Kanan felt a sense of purpose. Though he could no longer share those experiences with her, he was determined to honor her memory by living a life of action, not just words.

"All the more reason to help you complete them," Nathaniel said.

"I could use the extra company while doing some of them," Kanan replied. He found that the usual sadness that accompanied thoughts of her was gone. It wasn't the suffocating despair he often felt; it was like a gentle ache, a reminder of her absence and the memories they shared. Taking a sip of the wine resting on the coffee table, Kanan felt a sense of warmth wash over him. Nathaniel's willingness to help him was a comforting reminder that he didn't have to face life's challenges alone. With Nathaniel by his side, the journey seemed a little more manageable. He was grateful for Nathaniel. They raised their glasses in a silent toast to the adventures ahead.

"On another note, after sitting on these pictures for weeks." Nathaniel began, retrieving his phone after putting away the wine glasses. "I've been meaning to send them to you. Emily took these, by the way," With a few taps, he sent the pictures to Kanan, who eagerly scrolled through them. Among the images from Nathaniel's mother's birthday party and their beach trip, one photo stood out-it was from the day at the beach. Nathaniel looked at him with such affection as if the love he felt was in a single frame. No wonder Emily had teased them about flirting.

"When did you start liking me?" Kanan inquired, turning to face Nathaniel, eyes searching for answers.

"Around the time you went for your fitting with Ethan," Nathaniel admitted, surprising Kanan with the revelation. "Initially, I thought it was just physical attraction; you know, you're quite the eye candy." He smiled shyly. "Being with you at that party, I couldn't help but think how nice it would be to have you all to myself. And just being around you. It happened naturally."

Feeling a rush of emotions, Kanan realized how oblivious he had been. "I've been dense," He admitted. Nathaniel shook his head, dismissing Kanan's words. "Spending time with you has been incredible, the best," He continued, inching closer. "I can finally say it: I like you too." Caught up in the moment, Kanan took a leap of faith. "Can I kiss you?" He asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Definitely," Nathaniel replied, his eyes shining with excitement and anticipation.

Kanan leaned in, feeling the warmth of Nathaniel's breath as their lips met in a soft, gentle touch. Closing his eyes, Kanan welcomed the sensation, his heart racing with anticipation. Sensing Nathaniel's response, he deepened the kiss, parting his lips to invite him closer. Their tongues intertwined in a dance of shared desire, tasting the lingering sweetness of the wine they had enjoyed earlier. With a gentle touch, Kanan cupped Nathaniel's cheeks, deepening the connection as they lost themselves in the passionate moment. As the kiss deepened, Kanan shifted, straddling Nathaniel as their lips continued to melt together. Nathaniel's hands found their way beneath Kanan's shirt, tracing his back and sending shivers down his spine. When they finally parted, breathless and flushed with desire, they exchanged smiles, soft laughter of excitement filling the room. Nathaniel's thumb traced Kanan's lips, a testament to the shared intimacy.

Their eyes spoke volumes where words fell short, conveying a shared desire that lingered after their first kiss. Moving into another tender embrace, they were startled at the voice that shattered the moment.

"Sorry to interrupt," Startled, Kanan and Nathaniel turned towards the entrance, embarrassed by the sudden intrusion. With a sign, Kanan removed himself from Nathaniel's embrace, both quickly composing themselves.

"Hey there," Another voice chimed in. It was Kaelan and Ayana. Kanan couldn't help but feel disappointed by their untimely arrival, wishing they hadn't stumbled upon such an intimate moment.

"Why are you here at this time of the night?" Kanan asked, trying to mask his embarrassment. He knew he had given his brother a spare key upon moving into the apartment, never imagining it would disrupt such a long-awaited and intimate moment.

"We left later than planned, and the traffic was a nightmare," Kaelan explained, leaving their luggage by the door as he approached the couch. "You sure turn the tables. And here I am, the one who planned to do the surprise. I didn't expect to catch you two making out," Kaelan said teasingly. "I never imagined my joke would come true," Kanan told Nathaniel how his brother had informed his parents about their relationship before it had even begun. He puzzled over how Kaelan had jumped to the conclusion, considering Kanan had only mentioned Nathaniel as an acquaintance. It was typical of Kaelan to make a playful joke centered around Kanan. And this time, it seemed he foresaw Kanan's and Nathaniel's relationship. Nathaniel's amused expression suggested he appreciated the irony of the situation, finding humor in Kaelan's unintentional accuracy.

"Kaelan, Ayana, this is Nathaniel, my boyfriend," Kanan explained. "This is my brother and his girlfriend."

"It's nice to meet you," Nathaniel said, extending his hand in greetings.

"Before we get ahead of ourselves," Kaelan said. "You do love my brother, right?" Kanan knew his brother's protective tendencies were beginning to show. "And your intentions are genuine?"

Nathaniel met Kaelan's gaze with sincerity. "I love your brother more than words can express. I can't imagine my life without him, and I promise my intentions are good. I swear on my life."

"Welcome to the family," Kaelan said, offering Nathaniel a friendly fist bump, his earlier skepticism replaced by acceptance. "Just don't do anything that requires a beat down. I can and I will. And if I can't, I will."

"Don't mind him-he's just being dramatic," Ayana spoke, pulling Kaelan's ears. Kanan's disbelief made him hit Kaelan a few times. "He's a great person, but that mouth of his. Anyway, it's nice to meet you despite the circumstances."

"Kanan just means that much to him," Nathaniel replied.

"He gets it. I think I like you even more now." Kaelan admitted. "I'll be sticking around for a few weeks. Let's get along."

"I've heard so much about you. It's like I already know you," Nathaniel said, hoping to build a connection with Kaelan and Ayana during their visit.

"I hope it's been good things," Kaelan said, glancing at Nathaniel.

Nathaniel and Kanan helped them move their luggage to the second bedroom. Kanan watched as Kaelan and Nathaniel engaged in conversation. He feared their differing personalities would clash, but to his surprise, they seemed to be getting along. As time went on, Kanan observed that they found common ground on various topics, laughing at each other jokes. Kanan's initial uncertainty had melted away, replaced by a warm relief. Seeing his brother and Nathaniel connecting effortlessly filled him with joy.

"They're hitting it off," Ayana observed.

"I'm glad. That's one more person he can add to his life." Though Kanan didn't say anything out loud, he realized that Emily was the only family member Nathan felt connected to. If Kanan's family could help fill that void in any way, he hoped Nathaniel would embrace it.

"Make that two," Ayana replied with a smile, grasping the unspoken sentiment.

"Kanan," Nathaniel said, his phone clutched in his hand, a subtle nod indicating the need for privacy. They stepped out into the cool night air. "I have to go now," Nathaniel's gaze flickered to his phone, a show of worry clouding his expression. Despite his efforts to mask his concern, the unease in his eyes betrayed him. "It's sudden, but Emily texted me,"

"Is everything okay?" Kanan asked, his worry mirroring Nathaniel's.

"I'm not sure," Nathaniel admitted. "But I need to go and check on her."

"Okay," Kanan gave a reassuring smile. "I'll tell Kaelan and Ayana that something urgent came up."

"I'll call you," He said, kissing Kanan's lips before hurrying off.

Kanan explained that Nathaniel had to leave due to an urgent matter, concealing the unsettling feeling in his stomach that cast a shadow over the remainder of the night.