Summers & Starbucks - Chapter 47: Chapter 47

Kaiden
The atmosphere at my home remained amicable till the end of the Thanksgiving holidays. Dad's sisters kept him happy and my Mum's only brother's kids kept me and Kane distracted too.
When they left, it felt like the house had suddenly lost its life. Mum went back to her clinic hours and Kane is working from home for the next month until New Year's. I have one last day to spend at home.
Me and Kane are playing CoD with the volume on full blast, curses flying and eventually I lose. He's a wizard at video games.
"You're still a loser hm?" he teases, chucking a pillow at my face.
I flip him off, rolling my eyes.
"You wanna go out for dinner? My treat, let's go have some of the fancy sushi you like."
My mouth waters and I nod immediately.
"Invite Nathan too. I wanna know the guy."
I pause, looking up from my phone. A warmth spreads in my chest at his thoughtful expression.
"Really? Are you sure you're not just gonna badmouth him to dad for some brownie points?"
Kane genuinely looks offended and I raise my hands up quickly.
"I'm insulted you even thought that way. Is that what you think of me?" He huffs, crossing his arms.
"I'm sorry! It.. it was supposed to be funny. I'm actually still not over the fact that you stood up against Dad for me. I mean, we didn't exactly have the best relationship when you were here. You bullied me and pretended I didn't exist half the time."
He sighs, ruffling my hair.
"I'm sorry about that, Kai."
He fidgets a bit before sitting up straight.
"I'm trying to make it up to you. Staying that far away and seeing you grow up so beautifully made me realise a lot of things I did weren't exactly ideal. So I'm trying to improve on myself and well, give people a chance."
"Who are you and where is Kane?" I snicker, earning a glare. "Are you in love or something?"
"Eh I don't have time for a relationship, I barely have time to sleep there. I think there are girls interested in me but I don't know... I haven't really thought of seriously being with someone, not until I sort my career mess. But look at you though, you're already in love! How's that feel?"
My face grows hotter instantly and I fix my eyes on the floor.
"It's... a beautiful feeling."
"Aww, you're all blushy and mushy!" he pokes my side and I squirm.
"Stop right there!"
"Come on, I gotta tease you about this! I have the birthright. I totally didn't expect you to date a guy though, that was the biggest surprise ever."
"I'm bisexual. I did date a girl after you left for London and it ended awfully bad. I met Nathan after that breakup and he is just what I need."
"Does he play videogames?"
"Of course and he could easily annihilate you!"
"Call him over, let's test that out right now!"
"Dad's here."
"Don't tell me you haven't sneaked him in once in your five months of dating him? Seriously Kaiden, what's the use of having such a huge house if you can't manage to sneak your boyfriend!"
I blush red and he gives me a super creepy grin.
"Thought so. Now go call him."
"If Dad sees him, it's on you!"
"I'll deal with him, just like before okay?"
I dial Nathan and he picks up almost immediately.
"Hey babe, what's up?"
The nickname makes butterflies explode in my stomach. I love him so fucking much, it automatically brings a smile on my face.
"Fucking sap," Kane rolls his eyes, smiling.
"Hey Nate, where are you?"
"I'm at the Starbucks. My shift just ended. Why? Do you want me to get you a coffee?"
"I would love that! Oh um, could you like, come to my house right now? I mean, Kane is inviting you over for a CoD game."
"Are - are you serious? I told you your home was off limits till your dad left in the New Year, yeah?" he says quietly.
"It was but Kane wouldn't take a no. So uh, come. We'll try to avoid my father as much as possible."
A brief silence follows and I bite my lip. He's been reluctant to come here ever since the fiasco. We only hung out once in the whole week, at the Thanksgiving farmers market. I've been waiting for school to start so I can at least see him regularly.
"Fine, see you in twenty," he finally says.
"Okay, bye, see you!"
"Does he play FIFA or fortnite?"
"He plays every game there is."
Kane nods, putting on FIFA and adjusting some settings on there. I go downstairs to see if Dad is still watching TV in the living room but he isn't there. If Nathan's bringing coffee, he wouldn't be able to climb in the balcony. On second thoughts, maybe I shouldn't be having coffee if we're going out for sushi later.
I'll probably put mine in the fridge.
I scroll through my texts. Raven and Bella have texted saying they're hosting game night and we should join. I bail, seeing as I already have plans.
My phone rings in the middle of my Subway Surfers game and Nathan says he's arrived. I rush to open the door as it's cold outside. I take the bag of the coffees from him.
"Hey!" I squeak, a little breathlessly.
He looks amused as he enters, taking off his Doc Martens.
"Hello Chipmunk," he laughs, ruffling my hair quickly.
I want to kiss him so bad, every bone in my body is screaming to just pull him to my room and not tell Kane he's here till I'm satisfied. He looks even cuter right now, his nose red from the wind, his black woolen scarf around his neck.
"I missed you," I admit, lacing our fingers together.
"It's only been a week," he smiles, pressing a kiss to my forehead. I sigh at the little contact. I didn't realise a relationship would make me so horny and greedy for simple touches. I lead him upstairs to my room first. I'm gonna follow through with my plan.
"So, what got into your brother that he wants to hang out with me?"
"Don't ask, he's pretty impulsive like that."
I shut the door and place the coffees on my study. He has barely taken off his scarf and jacket when I grab his tshirt and crush my lips against his.
He gasps before melting into the kiss, hands around my waist. His hands gently caress my sides and I enjoy the minty taste of him, our lips in sync. He bites my lip and I moan, when his tongue slides in. I'm fucking putty in his hands.
We pull away for air and he smiles, pecking me quickly.
"I love you," he says, voice husky.
"I think I love you more. For the coffees too."
"Seriously? You're a fucking addict. It's just sugar you know that right."
"Well then, I'm your sugar baby," I wink at him, as I attempt to seductively put the green straw in my mouth. I fail and the straw almost ends up in my nose.
He facepalms, laughing. I flip him off.
"Such a tease Kaiden," he chuckles.
"Come on, Kane has planned FIFA and Fortnite with you. Beat his ass okay! He thinks he's a pro and he called me a loser!"
"Come on Kai, you really do suck at videogames!"
"You're supposed to be on my side here!" I pout.
He laughs, the beautiful sound filling the air before he pulls me into another blissful kiss. His hands wander under my shirt and pinch my already erect nipples. I jump and wrap my legs around him, as he presses me to the wall, never breaking the kiss.
I'm a gasping, moaning mess as his lips attach to my neck, his fingers still gently assaulting my torso. Eventually he pulls away, pupils blown from lust.
"How long can we keep your brother waiting?" he asks hoarsely, thumb running over my lower lip.
"He's already seen me with hickeys covering my neck."
"What? When!"
"Oh, um, after our first time. I borrowed the turtleneck but it slipped down a bit and trust me he took the piss out of me."
"I'm kinda looking forward to him teasing you but also, maybe not. Let's go before we end up ditching him completely."
"I'm half tempted. But then he won't take us out for sushi later!"
"We're going for dinner? You should have told me, I'd have worn some better clothes!"
"He offered! And hey, I'm not gonna decline free fine dine yeah? You can always borrow mine, you look hot in anything."
I knock on Kane's door and it opens creepily fast, a wide grin on my brother's face. I'm convinced he woke up and did several bong shots because this behaviour is weird.
"Hello Nathan! Ready to lose?"
It's priceless seeing my brother's expressions go from overconfident to absolutely devastated when he loses the sixth game in a row. I'm recording their playful banter and also insults, mostly from Kane. He even demanded to swap consoles as he's convinced Nathan is cheating.
"Admit it, you can't beat him," I snicker, enjoying the drama.
"He's cheating! You helped him rig the game didn't you!" Kane pouts.
"You've been sitting in front of the screen since morning and haven't moved an inch, when am I supposed to rig a whole ass game?" I roll my eyes. "You're just a sore loser."
Kane shrugs, finishing the coffee Nathan got.
"How did you meet this dumbass?" he asks Nathan, stretching on the beanbag.
"Uh, we met at summer camp. Then I transferred to their school."
"Nice. And why the hell do you like him? I mean, look at him! He's.... stupid! You're a whiz at games whereas he can't even aim right. You play soccer don't you? I've seen him trip over his own feet. I don't see how there's a compatibility!"
Nathan chuckles.
"Well, we're probably personality opposites but we click emotionally. He's good for me and I think I get him out of his head most times."
I nod, intertwining my fingers with his.
"You're studying to be a doctor? Why? I mean that profession is miserable, no holidays, no flexible work hours, you gotta rush everywhere unless you have helpers."
"My dad is a doctor. It's pretty much genetic. I'm good at biology more than technical things so yeah... it's the easiest decision in my life. Aren't you studying medicine?"
"Yeah so that I can deal drugs with a license!"
Both of us stare at him. He huffs and rolls his eyes for the tenth time since we've been here.
"Chill you babies, it's a joke!"
"Could've fooled me," I mutter and get a pillow smacked on my face again.
"Brat!"
"Come on, let's go get ready. It's getting late and we might not find a table if we're any later," Kane says, jumping up.
Me and Nathan leave the room to go back to mine.
"He's..."
"Weird? Hyper? Trying too hard?" I supply and Nathan laughs.
"No.. I mean well yes kinda. But he's making an effort. I'm glad it's just your dad against us. I wouldn't be able to handle another Sam situation. I love your family Kai and it would be nice to be accepted by everyone. I value you too much to put you at odds with your own kin either."
I lean up and kiss him, forgetting we're on the landing and not in my room. He cups my face, angling. I grip his ass and he gasps, smiling into the kiss.
"Ahem."
We fly apart like we've been electrocuted.
"D-Dad, hi. Uh we were going out for dinner with Kane. You shouldn't wait for us," I stutter, gripping Nathan's hand tightly.
He raises a brow, looking between us.
"Where are you going?"
"Uh, to eat sushi?" I mumble.
"I'm coming with."
With that he's downstairs again. I heave a huge breath, almost falling to my knees.
"Did he just invite himself?!"
I end up on Nathan's motorcycle. The tension in the car would have suffocated us so we opted to join them directly at the venue.
"I can't fucking believe we're going to dinner with your Father! I hope I don't end up in the ER with a chopstick in my eye because I was looking at you!"
I laugh despite myself. I'm almost shitting bricks but Nathan's nerves are worse than mine. I just hope he doesn't have a panic attack. He parks the bike and I hug him immediately.
"No matter what, I'm here for you okay? I love you."
"I love you too Kai Pie."
Soon we're seated opposite Kane and Dad. Nathan's hand never leaves mine under the table. Kane orders for all of us and also orders wine, earning a subtle glare from Dad who shrugs it off.
The wine arrives and I'm trying hard to not gulp it down to ease my nerves. It's so painfully silent, I'm tempted to leave.
"Nice music hm? Really adds to the Asian vibe," Kane says, swirling the wine. "London doesn't have much of Asian cuisine surprisingly. Or maybe I haven't been around much yet."
"London is rainy as they say?" Nathan asks. I'm so damn proud of him for doing this, being okay and not running. He is willing to put himself through this just so he can be with me. It means so much.
"Oh yes, the weather there is silly. It rarely snows but there's always waterlogging somewhere or the other. The pretty parts are pretty though! I enjoy walking along the riverside, it has the best activities."
"Sounds nice! Did you get an appointment with the Queen yet?" I chuckle, taking a hearty sip of the wine.
"Sure, I mean if the Queen wants some free drugs, I can arrange it for her!" Kane laughs. Nathan joins him.
Dad doesn't look too pleased. His eyes flit between the three of us. I wonder what his intent was in joining us, he's barely said a word.
We look at the giant pond filled with Koi fish to our left. The restaurant is designed like a Japanese garden but fancy. I look around, seeing the posh people in suits talking mostly business.
Our food arrives and we dig into it, glad to have a distraction rather than staring at each other awkwardly.
"When will your colleges write back to you?" Dad asks.
"February or March. We sent in our applications earlier than expected so we'll probably hear sooner."
"Did you apply abroad? Their windows end in December and January," he asks. I nod. My counselor was a great help in that.
"I can't believe you're gonna graduate in May! It feels like a dream that there's only five months left!" Kane sighs. "I was there five years ago, damn. And Nathan you're dead set on New York it seems?"
He nods, looking a bit miffed. I squeeze his hand and he gives me a quick smile but I know something is bothering him.
"My dad finished his medical degree from there so it only makes sense."
"You'd wanna go into osteo department too?" Dad asks, looking straight at him.
"No, maybe. I don't know. I guess I'll figure out the specifics as I proceed with the degree. It takes a lot of time anyway."
Dad looks satisfied with his answer.
"Then I wish you good luck. Becoming a doctor is no small feat. I would know, being married to one. It takes a lot of determination and hard work. Especially while raising a family too."
I almost choke on the sushi at the unexpected turn in conversation. Nathan listens with rapt attention.
"Madison was a genius. With me being away on ships half the year, she raised both of you and even managed her residency. I'm so proud of her you know? I may have done a shit job at being a dad but I'm so glad you both turned out as strong men."
Kane and me exchange quick glances, equally surprised.
"She was the one who had so much empathy. Even for her patients and for me and for our kids. I tried my best to be with you both whenever I was on land. But sometimes I turn controlling and forget that I need to allow you to grow into your own persons."
Kane places a hand on Dad's, nodding for him to continue.
"Just understand that it is only because of my need to protect you, protect my family. But seeing you both so fiercely sure of your choices, of your need to put yourself out there and come out strong despite all odds, makes me proud too."
He gulps the wine hastily, asking for a refill.
I have a giant lump in my throat, tears making my vision blurry. Nathan rubs soothing circles on my thigh.
"So uh," Dad clears his throat. "I'm saying is... I'm okay with uh, you being together. I'm still trying to come to terms with how this would work out but I think I will learn. It's never too late to learn, is what my lovely wife always says."
By now the tears are freely running down my face and I wipe them hastily, heart squeezing in happiness. Nathan looks emotional too.
"I'm sorry for being shitty to you earlier Nathan. You're a person and just a kid. I am supposed to be the adult and you were more mature about everything here. I hope you can forgive me."
Nathan just nods. He probably doesn't trust himself to speak.
"And my baby Kai! You have taught me more about love than anything else. I hope you know how proud I am of you."
Speechless, I stand up and fling my arms around my old man, in the seventh heaven. He chuckles, patting my back. Kane joins the hug, laughing at how sappy we both are.
My whole being is flooding with warmth and love as tears still stream down my face. Any kid wants only one thing from his parents - acceptance for them, their way of thinking and being supportive of their choices.
Nathan clicks a picture quickly, eyes moist and bloodshot.
I sit back down, relief coursing through me. I had expected the evening to go downhill but it had surprised me in more ways than one.
It is silent again but this time, it is the comfortable kind. Nathan's hand is still in mine.
I am ecstatic right now.
We finish our food and dad orders the dango for dessert. The conversation resumes, going to more light-hearted topics.
An idea suddenly strikes me.
"Um Dad? I'm... well, I have a request."
"I hope it's not outrageous like a private jet for a graduation gift or something."
I roll my eyes as Kane looks offended.
"You didn't offer me a jet Dad! That's just unfair! Is it because he's the youngest!"
Dad chuckles.
"No nothing like that. Is it okay if me and Nathan go visit Kane after graduation? In London? and then have a small trip around Europe, visiting my universities?"
"You should probably wait for acceptance first then decide."
"Actually, about that. I have applied abroad but I know where I'm going."
"Hm?"
"I'm going to New York."
Kane chuckles.
"Should have seen that one coming."
Nathan's head whips to me, eyes wide. I kiss his cheek, making him blush a firetruck red.
Dad sighs but eventually nods.
"Fine. If you realise what you're missing on the trip, you can always change your mind about going to Europe for your degree," Dad says.
I smile, knowing very well that New York itself is going to be a big change for me. After all, I would be living with my boyfriend. A lot of things can change after.
We leave the restaurant, stomachs full but also our hearts.
Nathan pulls me to his chest as Kane drives off.
"I love you so much! I can't believe you told your dad you're coming with me!" he gushes, crushing me into a hug.
I laugh as he spins us around.
"There is no way I'm letting you go Kai Pie. Not anymore, not ever. You're the best thing that has happened to me. I promise to love and cherish you for as long as we both shall live!"
"Woah there, are those wedding vows?"
"Of course. Someday yeah?"
"Someday."