Chapter 20

After dinner, they retreated to the bedroom, where they snuggled beneath the covers in each other embrace. Kanan gently traced his thumb along the bandage on Nathaniel's forehead, where he received a minor scrape in the accident. "Does it hurt?" He asked.

Nathaniel shook his head. "This is nothing compared to me letting you get hit," Nathaniel caressed Kanan's cheek. "I'm sorry," He apologized again.

Kanan ran his hand through Nathaniel's hair, his touch comforting. "If anyone is to blame, it's him for randomly hitting people," Kanan reassured him.

"Still,"

Kanan placed a kiss on his lips to silence him. "Today, when I heard you met in an accident. I realized how the thought of losing you would devastate me." He confessed. "These past few days made me realize how much I love you." For Kanan, falling in love with Nathaniel was a gradual process filled with joy, laughter, and vulnerability. It was small moments like these, whether spent cuddling together or having a simple conversation, that made his love blossom.

Nathaniel felt touched by Kanan's words, his heart swelling with emotion. Kanan could feel the rhythm of Nathaniel's heart pounding against him. "I love you too," Nathaniel said, leaning in for a kiss. Their eagerness radiated as they intertwined at the lips. Kanan parted his lips, allowing Nathaniel to deepen the kiss. Nathaniel's hand found its way underneath Kanan's shirt, tracing his body. Kanan enjoyed the tingling sensation of Nathaniel's fingers along his body. His hands went lower, caressing Kanan's waist. "Wait," Nathaniel said, breaking away from the passionate kiss, his breath labored. "Is this okay?"

"Yes," Kanan assured him. His body was eagerly responding to Nathaniel. His touch aroused him in ways he didn't think it could.

Nathaniel wasted no time acting to fulfill Kanan's needs and his own. Their lips met again as they hurriedly removed each other shirts. Nathaniel traced kisses along his neck, and his hand worked through the waist of Kanan's boxers. Under the soft glow of the lamplight, the sweet moans from Kanan's lips filled the room. Nathaniel looked at him, a mischievous smile on his lips, eyes that told Kanan he was enjoying the moment, the sounds and sensations that coursed through his body, and Nathaniel was the cause of it.

"I love the sounds you're making," Nathaniel whispered in his ears.

Kanan recalled every word Nathaniel said as he waited for this moment. Nathaniel surpassed his words, exceeding Kanan's expectations. Nathaniel embraced Kanan with a fiery passion. Each stroke made Kanan curl his toes and arch his back, unable to hold back the sounds of pleasure. Nathaniel was nothing to joke about. Kanan wondered where the gently Nathaniel was that towered over him-stroking him, kissing, and switching positions. With nothing between them panting heavily, beads of sweat on their bodies as they basked in the aftermath. They weren't only naked in the physical. They achieve a nakedness in their emotions, revealing the essence of who they are. They weren't always perfect, but with each other, they could accept their imperfections and grow, bridging the gaps between them. When Nathaniel felt he wasn't enough, that he was alone, Kanan would be his source of comfort. When Kanan feels scared and remembers the fragility of life, Nathaniel would be his source of security.

"I don't think I'll be able to move tomorrow," Kanan said with bated breaths. "What are you? How many times was that?"

Nathaniel chuckled, "I don't know," He replied. "But I enjoyed every moment of it." He gave Kanan a peck on the lips. "Should we go again?" Kanan gently pushed him away, Nathaniel smiling at the thought of being intimate with Kanan again.

~~

As the rays filtered through the curtains, Kanan stirred from his sleep, only to be greeted by a sharp, throbbing pain, a reminder of last night's events. He reached for the bottled water on the bedside table, hoping to soothe his throat. Dragging himself upright, Kanan couldn't shake the tiredness and soreness that settled over him. He stumbled to the bathroom upon hearing running water. Nathaniel stood before the mirror, turning off the tap when he saw Kanan.

"Did I wake you?" Nathaniel asked, hoping he wasn't too loud as he freshened up.

"Kanan shook his head. "Why didn't you wake me?" He took the opportunity to hug Nathaniel from behind, leaning into him.

"I wanted you to get as much rest as possible."

Kanan noticed the scratches on Nathaniel's back that was a product of the heat of the moment. Noticing the hickeys on his body as well. "Your back,"

Nathaniel turned to face him, leaning on the sink countertop. "You were clinging to me after all," He teased. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a beast ravished me. I wondered where my gentle Nathan went." Kanan chuckled. "I'm tired, and as you can hear,"

"Should I be gentle next time?" Nathaniel asked. "I could slowly intoxicate you. Make you slowly feel each touch, each kiss, each stroke," Nathaniel pulled him closer to his body, tracing Kanan's lips. "Whatever you want, Kanan. I'm flexible."

"Were you always this bold and sexy?"

"This side of me is only available to you," Nathaniel told him. "As much as I would love to do plenty of things besides talking. Your sore throat needs to heal, and you should rest."

Just then, Kanan heard his phone ringing from the bedroom. Nathaniel swept him in his arms, carried him to the bed, and handed the phone to Kanan. It was Kaelan calling. "Hey," Kanan answered the call, putting it on speaker.

"What's wrong with your voice?" Kaelan asked, noticing the grogginess in Kanan's voice.

"I have a sore throat,"

"You were fine yesterday," Kaelan said, puzzled by the news. He suddenly burst into a fit of laughter. This quick-witted punk Kanan thought, knowing Kaelan had jumped to conclusions. Kanan was well aware of the conclusion he was thinking of. Sometimes, Kanan wished they weren't this comfortable with each other. "Anyways, mom and dad said they'll be coming down to visit. Try healing your sore throat by then." He added, "Nathaniel,"

"Hey, Kaelan," Nathaniel answered, smiling at Kanan.

"I'm hanging up now,"

"I'll go make us breakfast," Nathaniel said. "You just freshen up and relax." He gave Kanan a peck on the lips.

~~

Nathaniel entered the room, a wide grin adorning his face as he balanced a tray filled with breakfast delights. The sight before Kanan was a feast for the eyes- a colorful array of freshly sliced fruits, sandwiches, and a steaming cup of tea. Kanan noticed that Nathaniel had a variety of tea leaves in his kitchen, a departure from the mainstream morning coffee. Not that Kanan minded. He grew up drinking tea courtesy of his grandmother. Nathaniel placed the tray on the small table near the window, surrounded by two chairs, offering a great view.

"Breakfast has arrived, my love," Nathaniel said, his voice filled with affection. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes of Nathaniel's thoughtfulness and care. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Kanan reached for a slice of fruit.

"How did it go?" Kanan asked after a few bites. He's been meaning to ask Nathaniel how the meeting with his family went. He wanted to take his current enthusiasm as a sign that everything was okay.

"Just as I expected," Nathaniel confessed. "They spouted a bunch of bullshit. I ended it all. They'll never see me again, and vice versa. They won't make a fuss about the altercation. As for Emily, I'll have to talk to her." Nathaniel met Kanan's gaze, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Kanan, I'm grateful for the genuine love I've experienced through you. I love you so much that sometimes I feel like I'm not enough. I'm constantly wondering how to show you how much you mean to me." He confessed.

"I had a panic attack when I heard about your accident," Kanan admitted. "After Maria's death, I would constantly have them. I couldn't even drive. It's been so long since the last one, Nathan. That was how scared I was," He paused, gathering his thoughts. "What I'm trying to say is that I'll love you until it overflows. I'll give you the love your family failed to give you and more. There will be times when we come up short, and I hope we can continue to meet each other in the middle. And that we continue to communicate like this."

"I'm one lucky guy to have someone like you," Nathaniel said.

Kanan grew up surrounded by the warmth of family love. Despite his parents' divorce, he was old enough to understand that not all love lasted for a lifetime, and witnessing Nathaniel's disconnection from his family was heartbreaking, yet an act for his inner peace. It was like seeing a void waiting for unconditional love and support left empty. It was difficult for Kanan to understand Nathaniel's pain. Yet, he wanted him to find solace in other relationships- their relationship. He hoped Nathaniel could heal from his fractured family relationship. Kanan wanted their love to be a healing balm soothing the wounds from the past, remembering that these moments weren't a sign of weakness but a reminder of the battles fought and overcome.

"Would you like a back massage?" Nathaniel asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"I thought you'd never ask,"

~~

The long-awaited conversation with Emily had arrived. They found themselves seated in the backyard, their gaze fixed on the tranquil scenery. "Don't worry about beating him up," Emily spoke first, her tone calm. "I mean, I was shocked and scared. I didn't expect you to react like that. But let's be honest, he had it coming." She continued her words mixed with understanding. "I should apologize to Kanan."

"I think he's tired of the apologies," Nathaniel chuckled.

"Another one won't kill him," Emily said. She believed she was somewhat to blame for what happened. Kanan didn't deserve what happened to him. Emily sought to genuinely set things right, alleviating the persistent ache in her heart. "I'm kind of jealous," Emily confessed. "Maybe more than sort of. Those brothers are lucky, aren't they? They have such a great relationship. Kaelan has Ayana, who is like a godsend. I'm glad I met her. Kanan has them, and I'm sure their parents are great people." Nathaniel listened attentively, acknowledging her words with a nod. "And then there's you." Emily continued, her gaze softening as she looked at Nathaniel. "You have Kanan. I have to say, I'm thankful that you met him. You've become happier and bolder."

"You have me," Nathaniel reassured her, his voice gentle. "You'll always have me. And now you have Ayana, Kaelan, and Kanan. We're both going to be happier from here on out." Emily couldn't help but tear up at Nathaniel's words. "With that, you're staying with me,"

Charlotte was against Emily staying with him, saying Emily was a minor and would take legal action if necessary. In a surprising turn of events, Victoria made an offer, a whisper that made Charlotte back down. Victoria wasn't the most reliable figure in Nathaniel's life, but she was always different towards Emily. She excluded an air of self-importance and fickleness that left him wary. Knowing that anywhere outside Emily's family home would be better, Nathaniel was thankful Emily got to stay with him and not temporarily.

Emily was a few months shy of her eighteen birthday. She yearned for the freedom to leave her rough family life behind, never looking back. The idea of moving out and forging her path filled her with excitement. She knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but she was determined to take control.

"I've been crying a lot these days." Emily wiped her tears. As long as Emily had the comforting presence of those who cared about her, she could endure anything, as their love provided the extra courage and determination she needed. Emily settled in the chair, her eyes drifting to the area she carefully prepared for her photoshoot. "I guess some things just don't work out," It was Emily's second attempt at the photoshoot. The first time, the idea never came to fruition because of the awful incident. With newfound enthusiasm, she set forth once more, only to be met with disappointment once more.

"You'll have the opportunity to do even greater things. I'll make sure of it," Nathaniel promised. "I'll have Kanan send the pictures he took."

As if serving as a silent promise of support and understanding, they hugged each other. "Thank you," Emily replied.