"KIM"

Chapter 22

Dreams and Realities

Weeks had passed since Jeff and Vegas rekindled their relationship. Despite their complicated history, they found solace in each other’s presence, slowly building a new future together. Vegas spent weekends at Jeff's apartment, and while Jeff was thrilled, Nat was having a harder time adjusting.

One Saturday morning, Nat woke up to the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen. He sleepily walked down the hall and found Jeff and Vegas making breakfast together. Jeff was flipping pancakes while Vegas prepared the coffee, their ease with each other evident in their light-hearted banter.

“Morning, buddy!” Jeff greeted as he spotted Nat.

“Morning, Papa,” Nat replied, his eyes shifting to Vegas. “Morning, Mr. Kornwit.”

Vegas smiled warmly. “Good morning, Nat. Are you hungry? We’re making your favorite – blueberry pancakes.”

Nat nodded but didn’t share the same enthusiasm. As they sat down to eat, he kept a close eye on the two men, feeling a strange knot in his stomach whenever they exchanged smiles or gentle touches.

After breakfast, Nat tugged at Jeff’s sleeve. “Papa, can we go to the park today?”

Jeff looked at Vegas, who nodded in agreement. “Of course, Nat. Let’s all go together,” Jeff said.

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At the park, Jeff and Vegas watched Nat play on the swings, but the boy’s usual joy seemed dampened. Jeff noticed and approached Nat, who was now sitting alone on a bench.

“Hey, buddy. What’s wrong?” Jeff asked, concerned.

Nat hesitated, then looked up at Jeff with a serious expression. “Papa, why is Mr. Kornwit always here on weekends?”

Jeff knelt down to be at eye level with Nat. “Nat, Vegas and I are together now. He makes me very happy.”

Nat frowned deeply. “But sometimes, I don’t like it. You and Mr. Kornwit are too close. It feels weird.”

Vegas, who had been giving them space, walked over and sat next to Nat. “Nat, I know this is new and different. It’s okay to feel confused. I care about you and your papa very much.”

Nat’s face twisted in anger. “I don’t like it. Why is he here all the time?”

Jeff took a deep breath. “Nat, Vegas and I are in a relationship. We love each other.”

Nat’s eyes widened in shock and disgust. “No! I don’t like it!” he shouted. “I don’t want Mr. Kornwit near you!”

The outburst startled Jeff and Vegas. “Nat, why do you feel this way?” Jeff asked gently.

Tears welled up in Nat’s eyes as he remembered his past. “Because my dad was like you, and he loved another man. My mom caught them, and they fought all the time. Every night, they fought, and my mom cried because Dad didn’t love us. I don’t want that to happen again!”

Jeff felt his heart break at Nat’s words. “Oh, Nat…” he whispered, reaching out to comfort him.

Nat pulled away, his voice rising. “I don’t like it! I don’t want you to be like my dad! I don’t want Mr. Kornwit near you!”

Vegas, feeling the sting of Nat’s rejection, looked at Jeff, his eyes full of hurt. “Jeff, I…”

Jeff held up a hand, trying to calm the situation. “Nat, Vegas and I are different. We care about you so much. We don’t want to hurt you.”

Nat shook his head, backing away. “No! I don’t want to hear it!” he screamed before running off.

Jeff stood up, ready to follow him, but Vegas gently held his arm. “Give him some time,” Vegas said softly. “He’s hurting, and he needs to process this.”

Jeff nodded, tears in his eyes. “I just want him to understand.”

Vegas pulled Jeff into a comforting hug. “He will, Jeff. It’s just going to take some time.”

That evening, Jeff sat on the edge of Nat’s bed, watching his son as he lay there, his back turned. “Nat, can we talk?” Jeff asked softly.

Nat sniffled but didn’t respond. Jeff took a deep breath and continued. “I know this is hard for you. I know you’re scared because of what happened with your dad and mom. But Vegas and I, we love you, and we want to make this work.”

Nat turned to face Jeff, his eyes red from crying. “I don’t want things to change. I don’t want to lose you.”

Jeff’s heart ached as he reached out to stroke Nat’s hair. “You won’t lose me, Nat. You’re my son, and I love you more than anything.”

Nat sat up, tears streaming down his face. “But what if it’s like before? What if Mr. Kornwit makes you stop loving me?”

Jeff hugged Nat tightly. “That will never happen. You’re my world, Nat. I promise you that.”

A few days later, Nat was coming home from school when he saw something that made his heart sink. As he approached the apartment, he saw Vegas and Jeff in the living room. Vegas was leaning in, and then he kissed Jeff gently on the lips. Nat’s stomach turned, and he felt a wave of disgust wash over him.

Later that night, after Vegas had left, Nat confronted Jeff. “Papa, why did you let Mr. Kornwit kiss you?”

Jeff sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. “Nat, Vegas and I love each other. It’s normal for people who love each other to kiss.”

Nat’s face twisted in anger and hurt. “I don’t like it! I want a new mother, not… this!” He gestured between Jeff and where Vegas had been standing.

Jeff felt a pang of sadness. “Nat, families come in all shapes and sizes. I know this is different, but it doesn’t mean it’s bad.”

Nat shook his head vehemently. “I don’t want this! I don’t want Mr. Kornwit near you!”

Jeff knelt down, trying to reach his son’s level. “Nat, please try to understand. I love you, and I love Vegas. We can all be a family.”

Nat backed away, tears streaming down his face. “No! I don’t want that! I want a real family!”

Jeff’s heart broke seeing his son in so much pain. He reached out, but Nat turned and ran to his room, slamming the door behind him.

That night, Jeff lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing. He knew this transition would be difficult, but he hadn’t anticipated how deeply Nat’s past would affect him. Turning to his side, he made a silent promise to his son. “I’ll make this work, Nat. I won’t let you down.”

Beside him, Vegas sensed Jeff’s turmoil and reached out to hold him. “We’ll get through this, Jeff. Nat just needs time.”Jeff nodded, feeling the tears welling up.

“I hope so. It hurts to see him like this.”Vegas pulled Jeff closer, offering silent support as Jeff finally let the tears flow. The night passed slowly, with both men clinging to the hope that time and love would eventually heal Nat’s wounds.