Chapter 14

Nathaniel's heart raced as he sped home, his mind consumed with worry for Emily. The ten-minute drive felt like an eternity, with each passing second fueling his anxiety. He knew that Emily's absence could only mean one thing: her father interfering again. Despite his urge to rush to her side, past experiences had taught him that her father was as stubborn as a mule. The knowledge that her father harbored a deep-seated hatred for him was the root of the problem. Nathaniel returned the sentiment. There had been an unspoken animosity between them, fueled by months of resentment and bitterness.

As he pulled into his driveway, he restlessly parked the car. The sight of Emily sitting on the couch curled into herself shattered his heart. Gone was the sparkle in her eyes, replaced by sadness. Without a word, Nathaniel embraced her, his arms offering what comfort they could amidst the storm of emotions raging in her. Emily's tears flowed silently in their expression of pain. As they embraced each other, Nathaniel vowed to be her rock.

What troubled Nathaniel more than the disdain felt for Emily's father was how his presence cast a dark shadow over their relationship. He hated how her father's words and actions wounded her, leaving scars that ran deep beneath the surface. And most of all, he hated himself for being unable to protect her from the pain inflicted on her. In moments like these, Nathaniel couldn't help but turn inward, fighting with a familiar sense of guilt that weighed heavily on his shoulders whenever Emily endured her father's wrath. As much as he entertained the endless "what ifs." Nathaniel ultimately knew that the blame lay with Emily's father. He found himself in a constant loop of self-blame, wondering if perhaps they hadn't crossed paths, she wouldn't have been subjected to the pain inflicted upon her or Emily going through this. But no amount of hypothetical scenarios could erase the reality that her father's actions were unforgivable. He couldn't change the past nor undo the harm, but Nathaniel vowed to change the present.

"Were you with Kanan?" Emily asked, her voice shaking. Nathaniel responded with a soft hmm. "Too bad I interrupted your date."

"We're cousins. You're my only real family. I'd run to you in a heartbeat," Nathaniel assured her, his voice filled with sincerity. It was the text containing the code word "Birds." that had Nathaniel running. It was a code they used in times of urgent need.

"He'd probably be jealous if he heard you say that," Emily remarked with a faint chuckle, a glimmer of light in the moment.

"Kanan would understand," Nathaniel replied. It was clear that Kanan was family-oriented. How he valued the people in his life and the close bonds he shared with them, something Nathaniel admired about him. "And I'd do the same for him."

Emily pulled away, wiping her tears, a small smile presenting itself. Nathaniel caught sight of her broken phone screen lying beside her. He called and texted her more times than he could count. "What happened?" He finally asked, filled with concern.

She looked away, reluctant to delve into the details. "We had an agrument," Emily replied with a sigh. Nathaniel understood what that meant. It had been so long since it happened, and it was his mistake for taking their recent carefree demeanor lightly. "Should we run away?" She suddenly asked. "This family doesn't need us, and we don't need them. You know, protect our inner peace."

Nathaniel's thoughts drifted to their strained relationship. There was little contact-no visits, no phone calls. He rarely, if ever, interacts with his family. The recent birthday party was only because of his mother's insistence. And even then, all he did was argue with his brother and conversed with his mother on a topic they had discussed, and he denied it multiple times. His father remained silent, lacking the audacity to acknowledge his presence, while the rest of the family acted like he wasn't there. Despite the physical distance he created, they still had an emotional hold bound to him he struggled to sever. For Emily, the situation was even more precarious. Being in her teenage years and beholden by her parent's authority, she felt trapped in a cycle of control and manipulation. Nathaniel knew that as much as she tried to appear strong, there were moments of vulnerability when her facade cracked, revealing the depth of her struggles.

As they sat in the quiet of Nathaniel's house, he knew these fleeting moments could only last for a limited time before the inevitable cycle resumed. Emily's father would only become agitated by her absence and launch into a furious fit to keep her away. "I'm not going back," Emily declared firmly. "Not this time."

"Emily-"

She cut him off, determination evident in her voice. "I don't care what happens. It can't get worse than this. Shit is about to hit the fan, so I'll apologize in advance for what you may experience."

Nathaniel sigh. With Emily so determined, ready to fight against her father, he couldn't refuse her. It was time he cast away his cowardice and faced the situation at hand. Nathaniel knew he had to brace himself for the storm that was brewing. "What's life without battles," Nathaniel said. Perhaps it was because he met Kanan and was able to experience a kind of happiness that made him feel alive that Nathaniel wanted nothing more than for Emily to experience a genuine joy of her own. He was no longer fearful about the journey but excited about what lay at the end of it.

"Have you eaten yet?" Nathaniel asked.

"I'll grab something later," Emily replied. "For now, how are things between you and Kanan?"

Nathaniel's smile widened. "They're going well. I just met his brother and his girlfriend." The conversation shifted. Talks of what's to come lingered at the back of their minds. For now, they wanted to forget it all.

~~

Kanan's worry didn't diminish overnight. He woke up hoping for news from Nathaniel about Emily, yet his phone remained silent. He sat on the couch, his eyes constantly looking at his phone. He understood that maybe Nathaniel hadn't had the opportunity to get in touch, which made him increasingly anxious.

"Morning," Kaelan greeted, joining him on the couch. "What's got you so worried first thing in the morning?"

"I'm just worried about Nathan,"

"Did something happen? He left in a hurry last night," Kaelan inquired.

"I'm not sure," Kanan admitted. "His family situation is a bit complicated. He had to leave because something happened to his cousin."

"I hope everything's okay," Kaelan said, resting his head on Kanan's shoulder. "Anyway, how long has it been since we've last seen each other? Months? Did you miss me?" Kanan playfully responded with a quick "no." "Well, I did," Kaelan said.

Kanan remembered when he and Kaelan seemed to be worlds apart, constantly at odds with each other. Growing up, they bickered over toys, argued about TV shows, and often retreated to their own space to avoid confrontation. It was especially the case for Kanan. There was a period of Kaelan's life when he mirrored everything Kanan did, which grated his nerves. Their mother would remind him of the significant influence on Kaelan, urging him to set a positive example. But as they grew older, something shifted. They began to appreciate each other company. Their bond strengthening with each passing year. Despite occasional disagreements and sibling fights, they could always count on each other.

"Not only did you get a boyfriend, but you're also engaged," Kaelan exclaimed, reaching for Kanan's hand to look at the ring Nathaniel gave him. "I don't appreciate being left in the dark."

"Stop jumping the gun," Kanan responded, withdrawing his hand. "It's a Happiness Ring," He clarified, noting Kaelan's puzzled look. "It symbolizes our wishes for each other happiness."

"Talk about head over heels," Kaelan remarked. "I see the way you two look at each other. You love him, don't you?"

"That's why you shouldn't say stuff like you'll beat him up," Kanan pinched his younger brother, remembering the words he said the day before.

"I was only joking," Kaelan said in his defense, rubbing the spot where Kanan pinched him. "Or not."

"Should we beat him up instead?" Ayana joked, joining the conversation as she kissed Kaelan when passing the couch and headed to the kitchen.

"Morning babe," Kaelan said. "You two teaming up as always."

"Shall we?" Kanan teased.

The conversation shifted to what they had planned for the day after unpacking the items Kanan's parents sent for him. He was eager for Kaelan and Ayana to experience The Royal Brew Café. They got ready, Kanan opting for a simple black graphic t-shirt and jeans with his favorite white sneakers. They arrived at The View and parked outside of the cafe. Kaelan and Ayana marveled at the luxury interior. Despite being Kanan's second visit, he still couldn't get used to the cafe's grandeur. Despite their initial shock at the prices, Kaelan and Ayana sighed in relief upon learning it was Kanan's treat, promising not to go overboard. As they placed their order, Kanan's thoughts drifted to Nathaniel, deciding to reach out first.

"Is everything okay?" He texted.

While taking photos to remember the moment, they discussed the taste of newly discovered drinks and savory pastries, how long they planned to stay, and activities for the weeks ahead. Ayana showcased the necklace Kaelan got her after winning the bet.

Kanan's phone rang mid-conversation. It was Nathaniel. "Hello," He greeted.

"Sorry for not calling sooner. I've been trying to figure things out," Nathaniel explained.

"That's okay. Is Emily okay?" Kanan inquired.

"She's fine," Nathaniel assured him. "I miss you,"

Kanan smiled, longing for Nathaniel's presence after their interrupted evening together. "I miss you too."

"Where are you?"

"I'm at The Royal Brew Cafe with Kaelan and Ayana," Kanan replied.

"I happen to be nearby. I just finished what I had to do." Nathaniel hinted.

Kaelan, picking up on the details of the conversation, chimed in, "You can have him," Kaelan said loud enough for Nathaniel to hear. "As an apology for interrupting you last night."

Nathaniel chuckled, "You heard him. I'll be waiting in my car."

Handing his car keys to his brother, Kaelan joked, "Be home by 10, and remember always use-" Ayana playfully covered his mouth, urging for Kanan to leave. As he walked away, he couldn't help but appreciate the lively presence of his brother and Ayana's gentle presence.

Kanan's heart raced with anticipation as he hurried to Earth's Harmony. It had only been a few hours, but he longed to see Nathaniel. He didn't know he could get like this-having such strong feelings. He spotted Nathaniel's car in the parking lot, and his pace quickened. The door swung open just as he reached the car, revealing Nathaniel inside with a smile.

"Hey," Kanan said, returning the smile as he climbed into the car and closed the door behind him. "You're wearing a hat today," Kanan noticed.

"Messy hair," Nathaniel replied, adjusting his hat slightly.

Kanan reached and gently removed Nathaniel's hat, revealing his tousled hair underneath. He ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the slight curls between his fingers. Kanan's hand trailed down Nathaniel's neck to his shoulders. "It suits you," Kanan commented, handing him back his hat. "The hat."

Nathaniel chuckled, feeling ignited by Kanan's touch. Nathaniel looked him in the eyes. Kanan felt a sensation coursing through him as Nathaniel stared. Their eyes communicated what they desired as Nathaniel leaned in for a kiss. Kanan met him halfway, their lips touching in a soft, tender embrace.

"You smell like cinnamon," Kanan chuckled. He had come to love the subtle scents that followed Nathaniel whenever he worked amongst spices at the store. "Now I'm craving cinnamon rolls."

Nathaniel placed his hat on Kanan's head, planting a quick kiss on his lips before leaving the parking lot. "Let's go get you some,"