there for you ; tracob

twenty

"Fuck!" I yelped, shaking my burnt hand in the air, trying and failing to relieve the pain. Only a small spot touched the pan, so I assumed I was fine.

I finished cooking the fish with the vegetables, then threw them onto a platter I had set out. The mahi mahi fish was now beautifully plated with cilantro leaves sprinkled on top, and colored with sautéed red cabbage. My father would be pleased. I carefully set the tortillas next to the fish, adding to the appeal.

I gave a final huff, swiping the sweat from my forehead while admiring my work. It looked superb, and just the smell was making my hunger worsen. Thankfully, seconds later, my doorbell rang. I rushed over to answer it, swinging it wide open.

"Dad, I made-" I cut myself off realizing it wasn't my mum and dad, whom I'd expected. Rather the tall frame of Jacob stood rigid in my hallway.

"I mean, I personally don't have a daddy kink, but if you do I'll put up with it," he smirked. Letting himself in, brushing past me hurriedly.

"Oh, shut up. My mum and dad are coming over for dinner, you have to leave. Also, how the fuck did you find out where I live?" I asked, overly confused.

"I have my people," he said in a mock-creepy voice. "Just kidding, I used white pages, also you have your location sharing on."

"Fuck," I huffed, quickly pulling out my phone, turning off all my location services, "can you leave now, please? They'll be here any minute."

He paced slowly in front of me looking me over, his lips curling into a smile. He then inched closer to me slowly, looking straight into my eyes. He hummed, "embarrassed of me?"

"Mhm, that's it," I assured. "Now," I pushed him away from me, and placed my hands on his shoulders to turn him around, facing the door, I pushed him forward gently, "leave."

He groaned and sluggishly moved towards the door. "Wait," he stopped, turning quickly on his heels, "goodbye kiss?"

My heart fluttered and I could feel myself blushing, but I played it off as though I didn't care. "No! Jacob, go!" He chuckled lightly and was about to leave. Seconds before he turned the knob, he whipped round and pecked me lightly on the cheek. I could feel my face turning beet red instantly.

"Bye, babe," he turned the knob and flung the door open. Behind it lingered the shocked faces of my parents, my mums hand was held high, as if knocking on an invisible door. She cleared her throat.

"Hello, dear," my mum greeted, "who's this handsome man?" She smiled, patting Jacob's shoulder.

"Mum and dad, Jacob," I introduced, my fathers face began to look skeptical. Despite that, he stretched his hand out, telling him how nice it was to meet him. Jacob said the same.

"Well, can we come in?" My father asked, an already irritated tone in his voice. I opened the door wider, allowing my parents to enter.

"Jacob was just leaving," I pointed out. He sighed, once again making his way out. He slyly placed his hand onto the small of my back while making his way out. My heart nearly flew out my chest.

"No, no! He's welcome to stay!" My mum insisted. I groaned audibly.

"That's truly not necessary," I reassured. My palms beginning to sweat because of nerves. "Also, the food's nearly cold! Can we just eat!" I whined, getting quite angry.

"Yes, let's eat! Jacob, join us," my father added, smiling wide.

"Thank you, Mr. Mellet," Jacob grinned, making his way back inside. I threw my head back, groaning loudly. Jacob chuckled loudly while filling his plate, clearly amused by my distress.

•

My parents proceeded to spend nearly the whole dinner chatting about Jacob, how we met, and so on. I was still determined to open up to them about my sexuality tonight, with Jacob present or not. I cleared my throat loudly, gaining their attention.

"Okay, so there's something I've been meaning to tell you both," I announced, less than happily.

"Oh! Did you get promoted? I knew you would!" My mum yelped, clapping her hands excitedly.

I laughed deeply, but it had no true humor within it. "No, I wish," I sighed, trying to compose myself. My palms were clammy and I kept rubbing them on my thighs gently, trying to distract myself. I took a long deep breath, relaxing my muscles as much as possible.

"Fuck, son. Out with it," my dad pressed, very obviously impatient. He's always been quite hotheaded, which made my nerves escalate even quicker.

"Well, it's a bit of a long story, but I'll try to keep it short. I will admit, I'm not super sure this is true but, as of now it is," I inhale deeply, once again attempting to compose myself. Almost as if my mind was read, I feel a hand snatch my right hand in theirs, rubbing their thumb gently across my hand. I look over to see Jacob, smiling kindly at me. I suddenly feel at ease.

"I-I'm pretty sure I'm gay," I stuttered, spitting it out as quickly as possible looking into my parents eyes. My dad's remained empty, blank, impossible to read. My mum's were full of pity.

"The fuck? No fucking way," my father begins, as expected.

"Shaun, please," Mum pleads, grabbing his hand swiftly. He quickly pulls his hand from hers, standing up almost too quick.

"I will not have a motherfucking faggot for a son," he shouts, and I swear my whole building can hear, "come speak with me again when you choose to be straight again, poofter."

He throws his chair to the floor, stomping to the door and leaving faster than you could ever imagine. I sat rigid in my chair, my face lacking expression, I was far too scared to move.

My mum stood up as well, but instead she made her way towards me, then hugged me ever so tight. "I will always love you with all my heart, Troye. I hope you can find a man you love like that, whatever makes you happy, my love," she pecked my cheek lightly, then chased after my dad, closing the door behind her.

"Well, fuck," Jacob sighs gently, "I'm really sorry, Troye."

"It's okay, I'm not surprised," I say, completely monotone. Within seconds, I feel a tears begin to fall down my face, slowly, then all at once. Before I can recognize it, I'm sobbing uncontrollably. Jacob took me into his arms, holding me tight, reassuring me that I'm okay. I finally regained a slight control over my emotions after about ten minutes, and looked up at Jacob.

"Thank you," I said lightly, my hands resting on his chest. "I'm sorry I ruined your night."

"As long as I'm with you, there's no way my night could be ruined," he mumbled softly.

Butterflies.

I smiled up at him, tears still falling down my face, but slowing down by the minute.

Jacob simply brushed my hair out of my face, then leaned down. He planted a gentle kiss on my forehead, holding me like he never wanted to let go.