For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 37: "Coming Out to Family"

Note:
"MWAAAAAA, my babiesss"

Warning:
N/A
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Chapter 37: "Coming Out to Family"

The dinner table was set, the soft glow of candlelight flickering across the room. The Evans family was gathered in the dining room, a rare occurrence these days with everyone's busy schedules. Ray, Skyler, and Avilian were seated at one end of the table, and even though the food was laid out in front of them, Ray felt a sense of nervous anticipation gnawing at him.

Tonight was the night. He had decided on it. He was going to tell his family about Matthew.

Skyler was talking animatedly about his latest case at the hospital, his face lighting up as he described the unexpected complications. Avilian, always patient, listened attentively, her eyes soft with admiration. Ray picked at his food absentmindedly, nodding here and there but not really hearing a word. His mind kept drifting back to the thought of telling them.

---

"You okay, Ray?"

Ray blinked and looked up to meet his older brother's gaze. Skyler's expression was casual, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

"I'm good," Ray said quickly, trying to brush off his nerves with a small smile.

Skyler raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You've barely touched your dinner."

Ray swallowed hard, his hands suddenly clammy. "I... I need to talk to you guys about something."

The sudden shift in his tone didn't go unnoticed. Avilian turned her attention from Skyler to Ray, her smile fading into a look of concern. Skyler leaned forward, the earlier excitement in his eyes replaced with a more serious look.

"What's going on, Ray?" Skyler asked, his voice soft.

Ray took a deep breath, then glanced over at Avilian. She gave him a reassuring nod, as if silently telling him it was okay to say it.

"It's about Matthew," Ray said, his heart pounding in his chest.

Skyler's brow furrowed. "Matthew?" he repeated, looking between Ray and Avilian.

Ray could feel the weight of his family's gaze on him, but he pressed on. "I've been spending a lot of time with him... and, well..." He hesitated, feeling the lump in his throat. This was harder than he thought it would be.

"You're not making sense, Ray," Skyler said gently, his voice a little confused. "What do you mean?"

Ray closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his nerves. "I... I'm dating Matthew. We're... together now."

There was a long pause at the table, the clinking of silverware and the soft hum of the refrigerator in the background somehow amplifying the silence that followed Ray's confession. Skyler's expression was unreadable, his eyes narrowing as he processed the words. Avilian, on the other hand, smiled softly at Ray, giving him the quiet encouragement he needed.

"Ray," Skyler said slowly, leaning back in his chair, his fingers tapping the edge of his glass. "I didn't expect that. But... if he makes you happy, that's all that matters."

Ray's heart skipped a beat at his brother's reaction, but Skyler's words, though simple, were a comfort.

Avilian reached over and placed a hand on Ray's. "It's true. As long as you're happy, Ray, that's what matters most to us."

Ray's chest tightened with a mixture of relief and emotion. His parents had never really been the type to ask him about his personal life, but Skyler's approval meant the world to him. He didn't need anything more than that.

"Thanks," Ray murmured, his voice thick. "I was really nervous about telling you guys."

Skyler reached over and ruffled his hair in that familiar, teasing way. "You've got nothing to be nervous about, bean. You've always been yourself, and that's what we love about you."

Avilian smiled warmly. "Your happiness means everything to us, Ray. I'm happy you found someone who makes you feel this way."

---

The Conversation Continues

The rest of the dinner continued with a more relaxed atmosphere, though Ray couldn't stop feeling the rush of emotions from his confession. His family's acceptance was overwhelming in the best way possible. He felt seen, understood, and most importantly, loved.

After dessert, Skyler leaned over and whispered to Ray, "So, when can I meet this Matthew?"

Ray chuckled softly, feeling a lightness in his chest. "Soon, I hope. I want you guys to meet him."

Skyler smiled. "I'm sure I'll like him. He's good enough for my little brother, after all."

Avilian playfully swatted Skyler's arm. "You're only his big brother by a couple of years, Skyler."

Skyler grinned, unbothered. "Still, I'm the older one. That means I get to approve of his boyfriends."

Ray laughed, feeling the warmth of his family around him. For the first time in a long while, everything seemed to fall into place.

As the night wound down and everyone began to leave the table, Ray lingered in the kitchen, washing the dishes. Skyler came up behind him, slipping an arm around his shoulder in a rare, quiet moment of affection.

"You're good, Ray. You've always had my back, and now I've got yours," Skyler said softly, his tone sincere.

Ray smiled, his heart full. "Thanks, Skyler. I love you."

"I love you too, little bean," Skyler replied, his voice was warm.

---

Later That Night

As Ray prepared for bed, his thoughts drifted back to Matthew. He hadn't expected things to feel so easy after telling his family, but it was a relief to know they had his back. With a deep breath, he grabbed his phone and texted Matthew, his fingers tapping the screen eagerly.

"Hey, I just told my family about us."

It didn't take long for Matthew to reply.

"How did it go?"

"They're okay with it. They're really supportive. I guess I was just scared for no reason."

"I'm happy for you, Ray. I'm glad it went well."

"Me too. I'm so glad you're in my life, Matt. You've made everything feel right."

Matthew's reply was immediate.

"You've made everything feel right, too. Can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Ray smiled, his heart swelling with a quiet happiness. He finally felt like he was on the right path, and for the first time in a long while, everything seemed to align.

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To Be Continued...