Explosion of Colors

Tawny

"Hey, Mom," Mew greets as his mother picks up the call and responds with a cheerful hello in German. She always sticks to her native language when answering the phone, believing that everyone should understand its meaning.

"Mew!" Her excitement is evident in her voice, but he can't help but feel a pang of guilt. "Wie geht es dir?" (How are you doing?)

"I'm fine," he replies in English, despite his mother continuing to speak in German. The language holds painful memories for him, especially since it used to be a secret code between him and Leo.

"Ich setze dich auf lautsprecher" (I'm putting you on speaker) Mom announces. "Your father wants to say hi too."

"Hey, son."

"Hey, Dad." He gently runs his fingers through Gulf's hair. He's right there, a comforting presence on top of Mew, his hands resting on Mew's biceps and his head resting on his chest. It makes Mew feel safe, allowing him to let his guard down a little. The usual armor of anger and indifference starts to slip away, and the words begin to flow.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry for not returning your calls, for shutting everything out, for making you believe that I..." He doesn't finish the sentence. He doesn't want to, and he doesn't need to. "I'm sorry," he repeats instead. He wonders if that word still holds any meaning, considering how often he's had to say it.

There's a moment of silence between them. "We understand how difficult it is for you," Dad finally speaks up. "We know." His voice cracks ever so slightly. "You shouldn't have to go through this alone. Come back home for a while. Let us help."

But he can't. Home is where he and Leo grew up. Home is the place they could always return to for a comforting meal and movie nights, a place of safety where they could let go of their adult responsibilities and become mischievous, spoiled five-year-olds again, relying on their patient parents to take care of them, even if just for a few days.

Leo's hometown holds a bittersweet memory for Mew. It's been months since he last visited, and he doubts he'll ever return. Leo's grave rests there, a place Mew hasn't had the courage to face. He hopes no one has adorned it with flowers, knowing Leo's allergies would have made him miserable.

As Mew's hand rests on Gulf's shoulder, he feels a sense of comfort. Gulf gently removes it, intertwining their fingers and tenderly caressing Mew's knuckles.

The longing in Mew's heart is palpable when his mother tells him they miss him. His father echoes the sentiment with a soft affirmation. It's been far too long since he's seen them.

His mother's voice takes on a steely tone as she warns Mew about keeping in touch. The threat of their arrival if he fails to do so hangs in the air. Mew musters a small smile, aware of the consequences that await him if he doesn't comply. "Understood," he replies.

Gulf's name breaks the silence as Mew's father inquires about him. Gulf freezes, sensing the weight of the conversation.

Mew plants a gentle kiss on the top of Gulf's head, feeling the tension melt away. Gulf can see the change in Mew's expression and relaxes a bit, though he still watches Mew closely.

"He's right here," Mew announces with a smile, his eyes shining with affection. He realizes that Gulf is exactly where he wants to be, and it fills him with a sense of contentment.

His mother's disapproving tone catches Mew's attention, and he can sense the challenge in her words. She knows that Gulf has been in contact with them, and she's daring Mew to react negatively.

Mew chuckles softly, trying to find the right words to describe Gulf. He considers using the term "schatz," but decides against it. Gulf looks at him with curiosity, waiting for Mew to speak.