“I’m so proud of my little brother,” Vik says with a cheeky grin.
“Not that little.”Taz hovers his hand in the air, indicating the massive height difference between him and the older-but-smaller Vik.Everyone laughs as Vik rolls his eyes.
“You’ll always be my little brother, Tazmania,” he says in a challenging tone.
My smile falls, and Taz scratches the back of his neck.“Wait, what?”
His face turns red comically quickly.Before he can reply, Mom hugs him.“Congratulations, new wizard cop.”
Taz kisses her on the cheek.“Thanks, Mrs.Westbrook.”
“Hey, let’s get a move on, kids,” Mom replies.“Dinner is on us.Well, my husband.”
Everyone laughs, and Dad approaches Taz.“Happy to treat you all back in Cosmo.”His smile falls, and he pulls Taz close.“I know we’ve been through a lot, but…you’ve come a long way.And you make my son happy.”Dad looks between us, and it all seems so momentous.“I hope to keep seeing great things from you in the future, Mr.Devries.”
Taz blinks at him, then smiles.“Of course.”
Dad pats his shoulder again.“Alright.So, dinner back at Cosmo?”
“Definitely,” Vik says.“Girish, you coming?”
Girish pushes up his glasses.“Um…I wasn’t sure if…”
“You are so invited,” Taz says, poking Girish in the shoulder.
Why is Gear acting more nervous than usual?“Awesome!A reunion!”Max says, and we all laugh.
Max walks hand-in-hand with Necia as I stroll in the back with my arm linked with my boyfriend.“I’m also very proud of you,” I say quietly.With the bustle of all the family photos around us, no one can hear me.
“You have to say that.You’re the guy I’m shagging,” he says with a grin.
“No,” I reply, and we both laugh.
“Seriously, Luther.You’ve given me more than enough support.”
“Well, get used to it.You’re one of us.No take-backs.”
I laugh, but he studies me solemnly.“I’m…really glad to be here.”
The warmth on my face is almost embarrassing.Taz always finds a way to make me feel off-center.I go for a more jocular approach.“So, like…why is your nickname Tazmania?”
He cringes as we walk into the HQ building.“No,” I whisper gravely.
Taz nods.“Yup.”
“That is…quite a name,” I murmur.
“Hey, you said no take-backs.”
We both crack up as we approach the portals.“Still true…Tazmania,” I whisper.
He groans, and I can’t help but laugh.
Hours later, we’re finishing up our long celebratory meal at Brew-Ha.It was a great time with all my friends, near and far.Mom kept fawning over Taz, and I think she likes him more than she likes me, now.Lisbeth was more than happy to serve us, and the rest of her coven, including Seb and Kai, showed up to meet and congratulate my boyfriend.
But now, as the night is winding down, I’m getting ready to hand him my present.I walk him to my car and ask him to sit on the hood.After procuring the gift bag, my pulse rises.
When I sit next to him, I hand him the gift, and he eagerly pulls it out.Why am I so nervous?Oh yeah, because I’m about as good at gift-giving as I am at talking about my feelings.But Taz is so worth it.
