‘Considering the last “date” you had was in high school? Yeah, I think we can count this as a date.’
Okay, there’s no need to be rude.
Did his brain have to sass him about everything? Maybe it was good practice for when Madison entered her teen years.
If anything, Tobias hoped this experience would show Madison how she should be treated on a date. When he arrived, Chase gave Madison a little bouquet of bright carnations in every color of the rainbow. Tobias felt a little left out until Chase pulled out a single red rose for him, and Tobias hoped his cheeks didn’t match the petals. His blush was no match for Chase’s charm.
Tobias drove them into the city, since he needed the booster seat for Madison in his car, and they spent the drive talking about their favorite movies and music. Chase was familiar with plenty of Disney movies and songs, further endearing him to Madison. He also enjoyed classic rock, especially Queen, which led to them introducing Madison to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” making her giggle as they sang along.
By the time they got off the highway, Tobias was desperate to touch Chase. Keeping one hand on thewheel, he reached over the center console with his other and settled it on top of Chase’s. Chase smiled and turned over his hand, intertwining their fingers.
Tobias felt a little silly at the adrenaline that flowed through him from Chase’s touch. They’d already shared orgasms together, but holding his hand somehow felt like so much more. It felt right. He was grateful Chase had the guts to ask him out.
Thanks to their flexible schedules, the three of them were able to visit Otherworld on a weekday, and they had most of the place to themselves. It helped that it was bitter cold out and few people were willing to leave the warmth of their homes to visit a… Well, it waskind ofa museum.
It turned out Otherworld was appropriately named. Tobias felt like he’d left Philly completely as they went from room to room. There was a giant Valentine’s Day heart display meant for photos, and Chase got an employee to take their picture in front of it, like they were a happy little family. Tobias tried not to hope too much that they could have this for real one day.
The entire experience was trippy and fun. Some rooms featured projections of light and wild designs shifting on the walls and floor. Others were filled with whimsical creatures big and small, some taking up entire rooms on their own. He freaked out a little in the room filled with colorful hair. Literally every inch of space onthe walls was filled with strands of hair from every color of the rainbow. Even the ceiling was covered in hanging tresses.
Madison especially loved the room where she could pretend to be a DJ, controlling music from a giant display, the lights in the room reacting to her changes in tempo.
Chase had a blast helping her and explaining the mechanics of a properbeat drop.
Tobias tried not to be discomfited by the two-story-tall beings in white robes standing over the room. The place could be a nightmare factory for some people, but he loved how much Madison enjoyed it.
In one room, they had to walk through a maze of nets separated by dangling neon straps. For whatever reason, Madison made herself happy running back and forth through the maze and its dizzying colors, and Chase and Tobias enjoyed a moment of not having to chase after her.
Finally, he got a chance to talk, something he never thought he’d say. Tobias was desperate to get to know Chase better, especially after he’d dealt with all of Tobias’ problems. Time to be an adult and have an actual conversation.
22
CHASE SPENT HIS ENTIRE morning rushing around his apartment to expel his nerves. He got so antsy he had to roll out his yoga mat to do some calming movements and deep breathing.
It wasn’t like he didn’t have experience dating. He knew his way around dating apps and had his fair share of fails, but this was his first time on a date with a man and his niece.
Even so, he was a bit freaked out that this was the best date he’d been on in years. Maybe it was too soon to think about, but he couldn’t help picturing a future where Chase and Tobias walked along with their own little one to keep them entertained.
Tobias may have struggled with his social anxiety, but he was an amazing uncle to Madison and Chase knew he would be just as incredible with his own child.Chase figured Tobias was nervous because he cared so much, and that endeared him to Chase more than his hockey career, his muscles or his drop-dead gorgeous looks. Although, those sure didn’t hurt.
From his spot next to Chase, Tobias cleared his throat, drawing Chase’s attention.
Now that they had a minute to themselves while Madison entertained herself, Tobias seemed nervous again, so Chase wasn’t sure what to expect.
“So, uh, you mentioned some stuff with your dad. What happened with him? If you’re okay talking about it, that is. I mean, you don’t need to talk about anything you don’t want to talk about. I just figured… I mean, you know so much about me, and we never talk about you.” Tobias paused to take a deep breath and huffed out a laugh when he looked at Chase. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be super awkward. It comes naturally.”
Chase chuckled, and turned to watch Madison as he thought about how best to answer the question.
“I don’t mind talking about me. It’s just a hard topic I don’t like to dwell on,” Chase said, and continued quickly when he noticed Tobias about to say something. “I do want to tell you. I’ve been enjoying getting to know you better, and I want you to know me too.”
He took a deep breath as he organized his thoughts, keeping his eyes on Madison so he wouldn’t have to see any judgment, sympathy or pity from Tobias.
“My dad is a raging homophobe, and I learned pretty quickly to hide that part of myself from him and the rest of my family. My mom wasn’t like my dad, but she didn’t really stand up to him either. Any time he said something offensive, she kinda just rolled her eyes at him. My brother, Shawn…” Chase paused to take a breath. “He was a lot like my dad and believed everything he preached about the Bible, and the sins of homosexuals, and how we’d all end up in hell one day. It disappointed me how ignorant they were, and their logic didn’t even make sense half the time. Anyway, apart from his hatred of our community, he was otherwise an okay dad. We watched hockey together and he came to all my soccer games and supported me. I did everything I could to be the best son ever, hoping if he ever found out about me, he would forgive me for not wanting to ever end up with a woman.
“When I was sixteen, Shawn walked in on me and Cole fooling around in my room. He said awful things, accused Cole of ‘turning me toward evil’ and then decided it would be a great idea to out me to my parents when they got home. My dad flipped out, said all the horrible things you worry about hearing someone say, and I thought I was going to get kicked out of my house.”
Chase paused for a moment, doing everything he could to keep himself from crying in the middle of a giant art exhibit.
Tobias’ hand squeezed his shoulder, and it gave him the strength to keep going.
