taynew drabbles ﹆

you wouldn't be here otherwise

It had been nearly two weeks since Gemini left his university dorm and returned home. The semester break had arrived, and he longed for his Pa's comforting home-cooked meals. His friends had also went home to their respective hometowns, leaving him feeling lonely.

One afternoon, a gentle knock echoed through his room. The door swung open, revealing his dad, Tay. "Hey Gemgem," Tay greeted with a warm smile. Gemini wrinkled his nose at the nickname but couldn't help smiling back. In Tay's left hand, a plate of empanadas awaited. "You've been in your room all day," Tay said. "So your Pa and I decided to make your favorite food. Mind if I come in?"

Gem sat up, stretching his arms. "Yes, please."

As Tay set the plate of empanadas before him, Gem grabbed one and devoured it in no time. Tay watched with a smile as his son relished the familiar flavor of his comfort food.

"Everything okay, son?" Tay asked. "Getting bored at home?"

Gem, still chewing, shook his head. Swallowing, he replied, "Yeah, just a bit. I got used to doing too much school-related work. Not doing anything feels strange."

Tay chuckled, playfully ruffling Gem's hair. "How about the three of us watch a movie tonight? It's been a while. Not having you around whenever Pa and I watch movies felt empty."

Gemini finished off the last bite of his empanada. "I'd love that."

—

"Popcorn, with extra butter, just the way you like it," New said, settling down next to Gem as they prepared for their movie night. "Any movie preferences for tonight?"

Gem rested his head on his Pa's shoulder. "I'm in the mood for romance."

New glanced at his son's face. "Romance, huh? What happened to your action movie phase?" he chuckled softly.

"Just felt like a change," Gem replied, snuggling closer to his Pa. "Is Dad done yet? The popcorn might go stale."

New called out to Tay, urging him to hurry up. In no time, Tay arrived with his own bowl of BBQ-flavored popcorn.

They settled on watching 'My Girl'—a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama that catered to their preferences.

Halfway through the movie, New started dozing off. Tay adjusted his sitting position, allowing his husband to lean on him comfortably. Meanwhile, Gemini observed his parents, shifting his gaze between the screen and their peaceful faces. He decided to ask a question. "Dad?"

Tay looked at his son and made a shushing gesture, pointing at sleeping Pa. "What is it?" he whispered.

Gem leaned closer, with his Pa in the middle. "Weren't you and Pa best friends, just like Vada and Thomas J?" he motioned to the screen.

Tay smiled and nodded.

"Then, was Pa your first kiss too?"

Tay chuckled softly, glancing at New and then back at his son. "Your Pa was my first kiss, but I wasn't his."

Gem frowned, and Tay added, "But we're each other's first love."

"Do you two ever get tired of each other?" Gem asked. "Being together for most of your lives."

Tay's eyes shifted to the movie playing on the TV. "Sometimes, yes. We need our own space and time," he explained. "Your Pa and I communicate—we give each other room when needed. For example, in the morning, I'll visit your grandma's house, but at night, I'll return to your Pa. It's about balancing togetherness and independence."

Gem's eyes remained fixed on the TV screen, where Vada stood before Thomas J's coffin, tears streaming down her face. Gem's own expression tightened, a battle against tears. He glanced at his father, Tay, who noticed the stare. "Any more questions?" Tay asked.

Gem shook his head. "Just a statement," he murmured, leaning against his Pa's slumbering form. Together, they looked like massive boulders stacked on the couch. "I wouldn't even know how to function if the person closest to me were gone."

Tay's arm extended, gently stroking Gem's head. "Me neither, bud."

Gem met his father's gaze. "Would you ever love again? If the person you loved most were to pass away?"

Tay chuckled. "Gemini, are you trying to replace your Pa?" Gem shook his head, quick to clarify, "No! I'm just asking. You know I wouldn't trade Pa or you for anything." Tay's laughter filled the room. "I don't want to dwell on it, but attempting love again? No. And I know your Pa feels the same way."

Gem nodded. "The love you share is so strong."

"You wouldn't be here otherwise," Tay chuckled. He looked at his son warmly. "Why'd you ask? Is there anyone special in your life?"

Gem blushed. "Not yet."

"Come on, it's our little secret. I won't tell your Pa."

Gem remembered the person he admired from afar in his classes. Day by day, that admiration grew. "Just admiring someone," he confessed.

Tay playfully pinched his son's nose. "You're all grown up," he said. "But your Pa still loves to baby you."

"He'll be forever my baby," New murmured in Tay's chest, seemingly awoken by the father and son's conversation. He slowly shifted his position and leaned his back on Tay, arms open wide, inviting Gem to snuggle, which his son accepted.

Gem felt a sense of comfort and security in his Pa's embrace, a feeling he held close to his heart. Tay smiled, grateful for these moments with his son which he knew wouldn't last forever. "Just don't grow up too fast, son."

Gem chuckled, eyes twinkling at his fathers. "Tell the universe to stop then".