A Chance Encounter (Chris Hemsworth X OMC)

Coming Out

The moment Chris departed from the airplane he could feel the sense of renewal that being back in Australia always gave him. That initial big breath of air was like a balm for his spirit. He knew that living in the United States was more conducive to his work, but every time he came home he couldn't help but think some day I'm coming back here to stay.

Thinking about living in Australia, of course, made him think of Wyatt. The relationship they shared was a compartmentalized one that he hoped to broaden more, especially during this visit. But how would the relationship be affected if he were to eventually move back to Australia? Surely Wyatt would want to remain in The States? This thought process threatened his good mood so he shook it off and told himself the same thing he and Wyatt had said many times so far: one day at a time.

The drive home to Byron Bay was breathtaking for him. It was as if he were experiencing it for the first time. It was his paradise and he couldn't wait for Wyatt to see it as well. Having just gotten off the phone with him, he smiled over the conversation they'd had. To be truthful, he was feeling a pretty big amount of nervousness about telling his parents and Luke. Knowing that Wyatt was with him went a long way to increase his courage. A few minutes before he arrived at his parents' house he dialed Wyatt again.

"Hey, is everything alright?" Wyatt asked when he picked up.

"Yeah," Chris said. "I'm almost home. I just wanted to hear your voice again."

Wyatt, who was in the car with Miley and headed out to dinner, smiled softly as a surge of emotion built up within him. "You're so brave for this, Chris."

"I don't feel it right now," Chris confessed. "To be honest, I'm a bit scared. Isn't that funny? Me, being scared?"

"I don't think so. Why can't you be scared?"

Chris chuckled. "Well, you know."

Wyatt did know. Damn those societal expectations, he though to himself. They shackled people like Chris, made them feel they could they couldn't appear vulnerable. "I do know," Wyatt said. "But I know that you're allowed to feel things. You're not a machine, Chris. What you're about to do is a hard thing. It takes courage and it's okay to be afraid."

"You don't think it makes me less able to protect you?" Chris asked with a smile on his voice.

"Why do you always think I need to be protected? Maybe sometimes you need that."

"Fair enough. You know that's just who I am with the people I love."

"I know. And I love that. I love you."

"I love you too."

"I know I can't physically be there with you right now. But I am still with you."

"I know. I'm not backing out of this. I want this. And nothing worth having is easy, right?"

Wyatt smiled at Chris's memory of his words. "Right."

"I'm here now," Chris said with a sigh. "I'll call you as soon as I can, okay? Have fun with Miley and don't let her get you into too much trouble."

"Miley and I will be fine," Wyatt assured him

"I'll take good care of him!" Miley called out.

"I love you, Guppy."

"I love you too."

Chris carried Wyatt's words of love and support with him as he got out of the car and walked into the house. The fanfare that awaited him was heartwarming, further adding to the feelings he was carrying from talking to Wyatt. His parents were overjoyed to see him, as it had been quite a while since his last visit.