Chapter 21

After a few days, Kanan found himself back home. When last did he venture away from his familiar sanctuary for long?

His sore throat had subsided, releasing him from the discomfort it had caused. He was in the kitchen with Ayana, bustling about preparing dinner, while Kanan awaited the opportunity to get a taste before it was complete.

"Why did you have to call Mom and Dad? It wasn't anything serious. Now, they're rushing down here." Kanan said, a bit frustrated. He ventured to the living room. In his hand, he clutched a piece of tonight's dinner Ayana gave him after much convincing.

Kaelan asked him for a bite. Kanan couldn't help but sigh at the familiar sibling dynamic. Whatever belonged to him automatically became Kaelan's, whether clothes or food. With a sigh, he handed over a piece to him. "It was serious. You haven't had one in forever. I was worried." Kaelan said, concern evident in his voice.

"I have to agree," Ayana added softly, understanding Kaelan's concerns. "After everything that's happened, it's hard not to worry." She expressed, remembering the shared experience they carried together. As Kanan listened to their words, he felt gratitude towards them, one that he would always talk about proudly. Ayana had become a vital part of their family, seamlessly blending into their lives. Having grown up with her mother, she found a second family in them, and they embraced her wholeheartedly as her mother did to them. Her presence brought a sense of stability to Kaelan, something Kanan couldn't do despite their closeness.

Kanan understood that. He appreciated how worried they were over him. It showed how much they cared, but he hated to worry them. "I'm fine," Kanan kept reassuring them. "Still, it would be nice to see Mom and Dad, but not under the circumstances that they'll rush here in a panic." He hated the thought of causing his parents unnecessary distress, even if he missed them.

"It is what it is," Kaelan replied, acknowledging the situation for what it was. "How are things between you and Nathaniel after everything?"

"It's been going great," Kanan replied, a smile gracing his lips as he thought of Nathaniel. "We are deeply in love," He added, a soft chuckle escaping.

"Truly, madly deeply, I am," Kaelan began singing.

"Foolishly, completely falling," Ayana joined in.

"Cut it out," Kanan interjected playfully. Their impromptu duet brought a sense of lightness to the moment.

"We're happy for you," Ayana said sincerely, her eyes reflecting genuine happiness for him. "Shoot, I ran out of ketchup," She suddenly realized, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"I'll go get it," Kanan volunteered, seizing the opportunity to excuse himself from the teasing.

"I'll go," Kaelan stood up. "These last few days have been rough, haven't they? Stay put," He extended his hand. "Car keys,"

"Why do you need the car keys?" Kanan questioned, puzzled by Kaelan's request. All the stores were within walking distance, and a five-minute walk was all it took to reach them. There was no need for the car, as far as Kanan could see.

"I'm going to get ketchup," Kaelan responded, unfazed by Kanan's skepticism.

"At least try coming up with a better excuse," Kanan reluctantly handed him the keys. "Don't go causing any trouble. You've been surprisingly well-behaved during this incident." Kanan said, knowing his brother had a mischievous streak, but trusted him to behave responsibly.

"I won't take long. I'm no longer that hot-tempered kid," Kaelan assured Kanan with a grin. As he left, closing the door behind him, he couldn't resist adding, "Maybe,"

~~

The unexpected ring of the doorbell surprised Nathaniel. He wasn't anticipating any visitors. Opening the door, Nathaniel came face to face with Kaelan. He had half expected something like this to happen but never imagined Kaelan showing up at his house. "Can we talk?" His request hung in the air, signaling for them to talk outside. "It won't take long." With a nod, Nathaniel closed the door behind him, ready to hear what he had to say. "Where should I start?" Nathaniel felt a twinge of nervousness creeping in. Dealing with Kanan's family had been the most pleasant experience so far. Observing Kaelan's unwavering and swift defense of Kanan from Howard's aggressiveness spoke volumes and made him unsure of what to expect. "I'm sure you've wondered why I'm so protective of Kanan."

"I have, but I didn't think much about it," Nathaniel replied. It's usually the older sibling who assumes the protective role- that was how Nathaniel's views were, but this time, it was the younger sibling. Nathaniel recognized Kaelan's actions as a demonstration of their bond, much like he would for Emily. Despite being cousins, their relationship resembles that of siblings.

"Kanan's the lover, and I guess you could say I'm the fighter," Kaelan said. "But that doesn't mean he won't stand up for himself. We have different ways of handling things, but that doesn't mean I can't be peaceful and calm. Growing up, we learned to look out for each other." Kaelan could sense the tension radiating from Nathaniel as he spoke. "I'm not trying to make you uncomfortable or come off as hostile. It's been short, but I like you." Kaelan continued, his tone earnest. "But I want you to know where I'm coming from. I'm sure Kanan told you, but he suffered from severe panic attacks in the past, and it's been a long time since he had one. Not to mention him getting punched in the face."

"Emily filled us in on what happened," Kaelan stated, his voice filled with disbelief and frustration. "And it was hard wrapping my head around how some people can be so f*cked up. No one deserves that, not even my worst enemy. You've both been through a lot." Nathaniel nodded in agreement to the sentiment. "The situation was so messy and sensitive. The backstory was such a series of tragic events, and I didn't want to add to that situation by making a fuss about Kanan getting punched because it paled in comparison. You know, when you're on the outside looking in, you see a different perspective. When I look at you and Emily, I'd never imagine the challenges that you've faced. You seem so happy when you're with Kanan. And Kanan has been so happy lately. After the accident, he'd always insist he was fine, but you could tell something was missing. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I suppose I owe you a thanks."

Nathaniel was happy, knowing he had an impact on Kanan as much as Kanan had impacted him. "Trust me, if you had met me earlier, despair would have been all over my face. Kanan has been a real source of happiness in my life, and that influence has spread to Emily. Thank you for taking care of her these last few days. I owe you and Ayana one."

"You don't have to thank me for doing what was right," Kaelan told him. "You can repay us by continuing to be good to Kanan and living happily from here on out."

Nathaniel was genuinely amazed. He couldn't help but wonder how differently things would've been if Richard was anything like Kaelan. Thoughts of Johnathan crossed his mind, wondering how he was doing and if he would ever have the chance to see him again. Nathaniel chuckled softly. "I will,"

"Also," Kaelan recalled. "I know we can't control what happens on the road with all the reckless drivers, but try to keep safe. Kanan's deeply in love with you," Nathaniel couldn't hide his grin. "I have a ketchup I need to deliver to my future wife." He paused on his way to the car. "Our parents are visiting. You should stop by for dinner and bring Emily to meet the rest of the family."

"Sure," Nathaniel replied. "Thanks again,"

Nathaniel entered the house. Honestly, he thought of Kaelan as someone he wanted to get along with in his quest to fully become a part of Kanan's life because he spoke about him a lot. It didn't mean that if Kaelan hated him, it would spell the end of his relationship with Kanan. It would just be something that he would have to accept and move on. Still, it was nice that they were getting along. However, meeting Kanan's parents was a scenario he wasn't ready for.

Nathaniel picked up his phone off the coffee table, his fingers hovering over Gina's name in his contacts. Despite his growing confidence, there was still a lingering hesitation. As he contemplated whether to make the call, his heart raced. Taking a deep breath, he summoned the courage to press the call button. The phone rang, and a familiar voice answered, "Hello," Nathaniel hesitated, mouth open, but nothing came out. "Nathaniel?" She spoke again.

"Hey, it's me," Nathaniel finally spoke, his voice shaking. "How have you been?" He wondered if he was even qualified to ask that question after everything.

"I've been better. Just taking things a day at a time," She replied. Nathaniel sighed in relief. "And you? How have you been?"

"I'm doing okay," Nathaniel replied. "I'm sorry it took me so long to reach out after you left. I thought I would remind you of what happened since I was the one who invited you." Despite his previous apologies, Nathaniel still wanted to express his remorse. He realized his shortcomings and knew he should have called her often after she left. That he shouldn't have lost contact, but he let the fear and guilt consume him.

"I hate you so much that hearing your voice reminds me of how much I want you to suffer," Gina said. A heavy silence followed, weighing down Nathaniel's heart. "Is that what you wanted to hear?" Nathaniel was puzzled. "I'm sure Emily passed on my messages since you couldn't talk to me. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't mine, and it wasn't Emily's. It was all that bastard's fault. If there's anyone I hate, it's him. I know how hard you tried to help me," Gina continued, her voice tinged with bitterness. Her anger and resentment were directed solely at Howard. "I'm doing better. I'm trying to live life without being tormented by it every moment. Of course, I'm still angry that he's walking around living life as if he didn't do what he did." Gina admitted, her voice dripping with anger. "So stop acting like a sore loser, and let's get along like we used to."

"I'm glad you're okay," Nathaniel said, feeling a lump in his throat and the tears threatening to fall. "This sore loser will take anything you throw at him, whether it's disappointment, anger, frustration, or sadness. I'll take it all."

Nathaniel settled on the couch as they spoke about various topics, absorbing every word Gina said. Her voice revealed her resilience and vulnerability, painting a picture of the challenges she faced after they last spoke. She explained how her family had planned on moving, and with everything that happened, the timing was perfect for her to embark on healing. Nathaniel found himself admiring her strength. Nathaniel hesitated before telling her of the recent events, unsure how Gina would feel. With a deep breath, he opened up about the altercation with Howard, the rush of emotions that fueled his actions, and the aftermath that followed. He even mentioned Kanan and how their relationship bloomed into something incredible. Earth's Harmony, a project they had once dreamed of together, Gina was happy to hear it was doing well.

Nathaniel realized how communication acts as a bridge for building trust and understanding-dissolving barriers to help heal and nurture relationships. They actively listened to each other, going beyond the surface. Nathaniel was glad he pressed that call button, rekindling his friendship with Gina, hoping to continue to bridge that gap between them.

"We should meet up," Nathaniel took the initiative of suggesting to meet.

"Let's do that,"