Their Connected Worlds

Meeting

"Are you sweethearts here for your honeymoon?"

Eujae lets out a soft chuckle, giving the beautiful older couple in front of them a cheeky look. He throws a glance to his side and takes note of the blush that lays stress on the cuteness of his lover.

Because of the question, Apollo has stopped sipping on his chocolate milkshake, only to cast his wide, incredulous eyes at the woman.

Before traveling here in this town, Eujae had already assured Poll that there was nothing to be nervous about this lunch date, since his parents were updated about their relationship by now. And that, in fact, the Castillo couple had been happy about it.

Yet, as he remembers how he felt when they talked to Poll's mother as lovers for the first time, Eujae understands it may not also be easy for his boyfriend to keep his worries down despite the older Castillo woman being casual with her inquiries.

"We're here to meet you," the male twin begins in an anxious tone, the redness of his cheeks becoming more prominent, "Because we want to tell you officially and in person about... about me and Eujae. We're sorry we could not visit you sooner because we only get enough breaks from school this weekend. And, uhm, can I call you Auntie Elaine and Uncle Neil?"

The woman clasps her hands excitedly, ever carrying the energy of a theater actress, while her husband peers through his cup of glass, his eyes glinting with something akin to fascination.

Elaine Castillo beams. "I said this the last time we got the chance to briefly talk, but you're really such a darling. We were hoping our Eujae could bring you home last holidays, but it was a shame our schedules didn't match. So I'm just happy to meet you again now. And of course, honey, you can even call us Ma and Pa since you're part of the family now."

"I–I'll call you Auntie and Uncle for now," Poll says in a small voice and lowers his head to resume drinking his milkshake and eating fries, no doubt to hide his bashful expression.

Eujae grins as he focuses on the last two words of his adorable lover's statement. For now.

He reaches to hold Poll's face, drawing the male twin's attention to him. With a loving stare, he rubs his thumb against the smaller man's left cheek, as if to wipe off the rosy tint off his skin. Eujae does not take his eyes away from Poll, even when he addresses his mother. "Look at how you made my baby blush, Ma. This cute little bean can get shy really fast, so be careful you don't dazzle him. Although, I find this part of him one of his loveliest charms too."

The male twin makes a subtle pout and scowl, and Eujae figures it is to quietly share his disagreement. Apollo turns his head away, leaving his taller boyfriend's touch, and goes back to feigning interest in the food.

If they were not in front of his parents, Eujae imagines Poll would have buried his flush face against his chest or neck by now. Still smiling, he gives an affectionate pat on the side of his lover's head.

He picks up a piece of spicy beef empanada and places it on the smaller man's plate. "You should try this. It's good."

Poll mumbles a thank you and takes a bite of the meat-stuffed turnover.

"Honey, you're the one who's dazzling him and making him even redder with your sweet nothings."

"It seems like our youngling has really grown, Elaine," Neil says, the corner of his mouth quirking up, a hint of laughter lacing his words, "And he's learned to become a certified smooth talker."

Mirroring the older Castillo man's expression, Eujae smirks. Never let it be said he didn't get this part from his father. Even though people often say he looks a lot more like his mother.