Love You More

Chapter 14: Honor Thy Father

Disclaimer:
This is purely a work of fiction. The names of persons, places, and organizations used in this chapter are for creative purposes only and in no way reflect real-life interactions and connections. All characters used in this chapter are fictional, and any similarities to anyone living or otherwise are coincidental. Everything written in this chapter is just a product of the author's penchant for the dramatic and the creative.

"I never expected that you would go this far, Darwin," Edwin, the esteemed patriarch of the Tuazon clan said sternly after Win and Claire pressed their foreheads against the back of his hand one after the other.

"Edwin, please. This is supposed to be a happy reunion," Clara tugged at her husband's sleeve as she pleads for civility.

"It's supposed to be, but your son ruined it by bringing this faggot with him," Edwin said in a low tone as he nudged his head toward Wright.

"He has a name, Pa. And we are both faggots if you want to go by that label," Win shot back angrily as he clutched at Wright's arm protectively.

"There is no place for him here," Edwin crossed his arms over his chest as he pinned Wright with an intimidating glare.

"How old are you anyway? And how dare you corrupt my youngest brother like that?" Erwin sneered in question. He opted to come unaccompanied to their parent's house to greet the newcomers.

"I was corrupted even before I met him so lay off him, Kuya Erwin!" Win spat out furiously at his older brother's insinuations.

"Can we at least be civil, Kuya Erwin?! You don't get to tell anyone what to do, we are all adults here," Claire fumed at her elder brother as she stepped forward to somewhat announce her presence.

"That's just so typical of Erwin to boss everybody around as if he is the most perfect man on this side of town," Charm, the eldest of the brood scoffed in disdain as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry, it was I who forced Darwin and Claire to let me come with them. It was all my fault, please don't take it against them. I was the one who overstepped my boundaries. If I had known that this would happen...I could still leave," Wright said evenly even if his insides are in turmoil.

"No!" Win almost shouted as he held fast to Wright's forearm.

"It's okay, Win. I don't want to ruin your father's birthday," Wright tried to reassure Win with a tentative smirk but Win shook his head vehemently.

"It's already ruined," Edwin said in an exasperated tone and Wright bowed his head in shame as he felt his cheeks heat up. Darwin stayed close as he stepped forward so he could use his wide body to shield Wright from his father and brother's hostile gazes.

"We should at least eat. The food is getting cold," Clara interjected as she gestured toward the laden table.

"I lost my appetite already," Edwin quipped as he turned on his heels to go to his room.

"Then, I'll just bring some food for my husband and kids at home, it's a good thing I had them stay at home because I knew this would happen and I do not want them witnessing how narrow-minded their uncle and grandfather are," Charm huffed even as Clara started placing food into sturdy plastic containers.

"And is this okay for you, Ate Charm? How would you feel if your son takes after his uncle Darwin?" Erwin asked indignantly as he cocked his head toward Win and Wright who are standing beside each other like gladiators ready for battle.

"It's his call, Erwin. Darwin doesn't have anything to do with my son's future decisions," Charm raised a well-shaped eyebrow as she answered the question impassively.