The Former Marine

Chapter 30: Mutual Respect

Time passed, and the initial tensions between Travis and Derek began to stabilize. Travis gradually accepted that his relationship with Kylie was truly over and that she was happy with Derek. Although he didn't like the idea of ​​seeing her with another man, especially someone so present in his children's lives, he finally understood that he couldn't change the situation. Still, there was an underlying tension between the two men, a kind of silent rivalry.

One morning in June, Travis arrived at Kylie's house to pick up Stormi and Aire. Derek was in the backyard, playing ball with Stormi while Kylie was inside the house, packing the children's backpacks. Travis got out of the car and walked towards the backyard, where Stormi, upon seeing him, ran excitedly towards him.

"Daddy!" Stormi cried, hugging Travis.

Travis picked her up and smiled. "What's up, princess? Ready to spend the day with daddy?"

Stormi nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Are we going to the park today?"

"Sure thing," Travis replied, still holding his daughter.

At this point, Derek approached, keeping a neutral expression. He knew that interactions with Travis were inevitable, but he also knew there was no need to prolong the conversation any longer than necessary.

"Travis," Derek greeted, nodding.

"Derek," Travis replied, his tone subdued, still holding Stormi. The respect was mutual, but there was clearly an awkwardness in the air.

Kylie appeared in the doorway, holding Aire in her arms. "Hi, Travis. The kids' backpacks are packed. I'll put them in your car," she said, walking over to Travis' SUV.

While Kylie loaded the backpacks into the car, Travis and Derek stood in the backyard with the kids. Travis set Stormi down and looked at Derek, trying to break the silence.

"I heard you've been training some celebrities at your gym," Travis commented, crossing his arms.

Derek shrugged. "Yeah, some. But it's not a big deal. They want the same things as everyone else: to stay in shape and learn to defend themselves."

Travis nodded, though his tone was disinterested. "I get it."

There was a pause, the sound of Stormi's ball hitting the floor the only thing filling the uncomfortable silence. They both knew that even as they accepted the new family dynamic, the animosity between them still existed.

But Derek, ever practical, decided to address what really mattered.

"Look, Travis, I know you don't like me," Derek said, looking Travis straight in the eye. "And to be honest, I'm not your biggest fan either. But you're Stormi and Aire's dad. And I respect that."

Travis, visibly taken aback by Derek's bluntness, thought for a moment before answering.

"Yeah, I get it. It's not easy seeing another guy in my kids' lives, you know?"

Derek nodded, understanding completely. "I understand. But know that I will never try to take your place. They have a father, and that's you. I just want to make sure they're safe and happy when they're with me and Kylie."

Travis was silent for a moment, digesting Derek's words. He knew Derek was being honest, and even though he didn't like the situation, he could see that Derek was being sincere about his role with Stormi and Aire.

"I respect that," Travis finally replied, his tone less defensive. "And I know Kylie's happy with you... I just hope you take good care of them."

"That's the plan," Derek replied firmly.

At that moment, Kylie came back from the car, picking Aire up again and looking at the two men, sensing something was up. She walked over, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Everything okay?" she asked, looking from one to the other.

"Yeah," Travis replied, calmer. "I think we're just... working things out."

Kylie smiled, relieved to see that things between the two men, at least for now, seemed to be calmer.

"Great," she said. "Stormi and Aire are super excited to spend the day with you, Travis."

Travis smiled and took Stormi and Aire's hands. "Come on, kids. We have a big day ahead of us."

As they walked toward the car, Derek watched the scene with mixed feelings. While he knew Travis would always be a part of Kylie's life because of the kids, he also understood that in some ways they shared a common responsibility: Stormi and Aire's well-being.

Later that day, Derek and Kylie were sitting together on the couch, relaxing after a long day. Kylie leaned her head on Derek's shoulder and sighed deeply.

"Thank you for being so patient with Travis," she said, looking at him. "I know it's not easy for either of you."

Derek smiled softly. "I just want everything to be okay, Ky. I knew he was going to be a part of our lives, so I'd rather things be peaceful."

Kylie nodded. "Yeah, me too. And I think in time, Travis realize that you only want the best for Stormi and Aire, just like he does."

"I hope so," Derek replied. "But regardless, I'm here for you. And for them. Nothing will change that."

Kylie smiled, touched by Derek's commitment and dedication. "I know. And that's why I love you."

Derek kissed her softly, feeling the deep connection that bound them together. They knew the road ahead would still have its challenges, but they were ready to face them together.

That night, while Stormi and Aire were already at Travis's house, Derek and Kylie enjoyed a rare moment of peace, away from the media glare and daily obligations. They knew their relationship would always be closely scrutinized, both by the tabloids and by Travis, but the solid foundation they were building was unshakable.

"He's accepted it," Kylie said, looking at Derek with a smile. "I think that's the first time I've seen Travis admit that things have changed."

"That's a good sign," Derek replied, wrapping Kylie in a protective hug. "Now we just have to be respectful and make sure the kids get the best of both of us."

Kylie nodded, feeling relieved that they were finally at a point where Travis, while still not friends with Derek, respected his new role in their children's lives. And for Derek, that was enough. He didn't need complete approval, just space to continue doing what he'd always done: taking care of the woman he loved and protecting the children who were now part of his life.

Over time, Travis and Derek would learn to coexist, bonded by their shared bond with Stormi and Aire, even if the tensions never completely disappeared. Most importantly, their mutual respect grew, and that was a step in the right direction.

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