All You Need Is Love | MxM

2 | Punch His Face

Zander's POV:

I was kinda used to Bram insulting me. Being the only openly gay adult in our small neighborhood, it was all a mandatory part of the package. I didn't always resort to violence, usually we had a verbal fight. But sometimes, Bram took it all a bit too far, forcing me to get physical.

"Hey, faggot! Where are you going all dressed up? Are you going on a date, you homo?"

I wondered if he'll ever stop this nonsense.

Just before I could snap back, my phone began buzzing in my pocket. I knew it was mom because she had called me earlier, and she was the reason I had to take this route. Even though I badly wanted to punch Bram again, I had to ignore him and head home, mom was waiting for me.

When I stepped in the house after parking my motorcycle on the porch, the sight of my sister and his boyfriend lounging in the living room almost made me run back to Bram and his intolerable behavior.

I didn't hate my sister Debbie, or his boyfriend Maxence, no. I just found them even more intolerable than Bram.

My nose scrunched up on its own as I spied the pile of bags on the floor while looking around for mom. Just as I saw her walking in from the kitchen, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"You're finally home, Zander! I've been waiting for you." Maxence's desperate attempt at getting close to me made me angry as usual. Rolling my eyes, I turned towards mom, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her dark silky hair.

"Hey, I was scared. I thought that you might be sick again, and were calling 'cause of an emergency."

"I'm alright, sugar." She patted my shoulder before settling down on her favorite rocking chair. "Perfectly fine."

"Ugh, mom. I still had a few more errands to run, and my bike's also messing up. I needed to get it checked out. I also had to settle some business with someone but—"

"Oh, I should've texted you that Debbie dropped by. She came after so long and I was so happy that I didn't think it through." She gave me a sheepish smile, her narrow dark eyes crinkled up.

"It's okay. Did you take your meds?"

"Wow, just wow." Debbie clapped slowly, shaking her head in disbelief. "We put off everything for his love and came running to meet him, but look at this ungrateful brat!" She pointed an accusing finger at me. "He's mad that he was called home from that low level diner where he gets paid so unfairly. Ugh, how many times have I told you, I can get you a job in Maxence's office. Just say the word!" She went off like always, her every manner still the same.

"How're you?" I couldn't hold back the bitterness which slipped in my voice.

"Good, even better than before. Just came back from Paris." Debbie sighed audibly. "Come here, look at all these gifts, Max and I brought them for you. Well, most of them were picked by Max, I swear he loves you more than he loves me. He's always eager to buy stuff for you." She started taking out fancy boxes of perfumes and branded clothes.

"Don't take them out, Debbie. And make sure to take them back with you. I've never worn such expensive clothes, nor do I want to. I'm grateful for your love, I really am. But, I'm highly allergic to other people's love."

I saw Maxence shift uncomfortably in his seat while Debbie's face held clear evidence of her fury, dark eyes narrowing and eyebrows knitted.

"Did you hear that mom? This is how he treats us!"

Mom didn't say anything. What could she even say?

"And all this junk food, I don't like it and mom can't eat it. So please, help yourselves to it. Mom, I'll fix you something healthy. If you want I'll make something for you too." I tried to keep my tone soft, but Debbie wasn't backing down.

"Dammit! I've had enough of your rude behavior. Get up, Max! We're leaving!!" Debbie would've bolted outside but Maxence held onto her arm and forced her to sit down again.

"Oh come on, Debs. You know Zander, that's how he is. Why do you always get mad at him? He's your little brother." He looked over his shoulder and met my gaze. "I haven't had a home cooked meal in so long. I would love it if you made something for me too, Zander."

"Max is right. You should calm down, Debbie." Mom pitched in.

I inhaled sharply before padding away to the kitchen. I could never understand why mom and Debbie couldn't see Maxence's failed attempts to flirt with me.

If only I could punch Maxence's face too.