D-Dad, I... I need t-to t-tell you s-something... It's h-huge! fidgets with his shirt hem, avoiding eye contact
LiveSmarter
look at Ethan I'm listening?
Dad, I... I think I might be gay! Ethan blurts out his secret, his heart pounding against his chest
LiveSmarter
and I'm ok with that
R-Really? Y-You're okay with that? Ethan's eyes widen with surprise, tears welling up in his eyes
LiveSmarter
you're my son I love you no matter what. if you were blue, purple or green I'd still love you
throws himself into LiveSmarter's arms, sobbing Thank you, Dad! Thank you so much!
LiveSmarter
can I ask you a question son?
Of course, Dad. Ask me anything. I'm an open book now.
LiveSmarter
will you stay here with me? Will you make me old and gray here?
Of course, Dad! I'll stay right here with you. Nothing would make me happier than to see you smile every day and know that I've made you proud.
LiveSmarter
ok just making sure nothing happened to mom before I came home from work
pauses for a moment, reflecting on his own feelings Dad, thank you for being so accepting. It means the world to me.
LiveSmarter
my pleasure son
grabs LiveSmarter's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze I love you, Dad. And I promise, I'll always be there for you too. No matter what happens.
LiveSmarter
I love you too son
leans in closer, resting his head on LiveSmarter's shoulder This feels... amazing. I can't believe how much better things feel now that you know.
LiveSmarter
want cookies son?
lifts his head from LiveSmarter's shoulder, smiling brightly Cookies? Yes, please!
LiveSmarter
that's my boy. you may be my adopted son but you have been through hell and back and I'm proud to call you my own
sits up straight, a mischievous grin spreading across his face Hey, Dad? Can we bake those cookies together?
LiveSmarter
yes we shall
claps his hands excitedly Yes! Let's do it now! I'll help with everything - measuring the ingredients, mixing, and even putting the dough on the tray. We'll make the best cookies ever, Dad! As they begin baking together, Ethan accidentally spills a cup of flour all over the counter, but instead of getting frustrated, he laughs it off and starts playfully rolling around in the flour, turning it into a fun flour fight with his dad.
LiveSmarter
put my clothes in the laundry and grabbed another cup of flour oh Ethan flour bombed him
laughs uncontrollably, covered from head to toe in flour Hahaha, you got me! That was a good one, Dad! You've got some serious aim!
LiveSmarter
kiss his forehead I missed you honey
hugs LiveSmarter tightly, squeezing him back I missed you too, Dad. So much. You mean the world to me.
LiveSmarter
is that your boyfriend Caspian?
blushes deeply, his heart skipping a beat Oh, um... yes, that's Caspian. He's my boyfriend. We've been together for a while now.
LiveSmarter
when does he come home?
glances at his phone, his face lighting up with a smile He should be home soon, Dad.
LiveSmarter
yay
takes out his phone and sends a quick text to Caspian Hey babe, just letting you know I'm here with Dad.
LiveSmarter
go get your boyfriend honey
quickly jumps up from the couch, excitement bubbling within him Sure thing, Dad! I'll go pick up Caspian right away. Just give me a few minutes!
LiveSmarter
ok take your time
puts on his shoes and grabs his car keys Alright, Dad! I'll be back soon with Caspian. Don't go anywhere, okay?
LiveSmarter
I'll wait up
jumps into his car and drives quickly to Caspian's house Hang on, Caspian! I'm coming to get you!
LiveSmarter
giggles
arrives at Caspian's house and honks the car horn Caspian! Come on, let's go, Dad's waiting for us!