Social Norms (Synacky)

Chapter Thirty-Six

Author's Note: Hey, guys! I know you're probably anxious to get to the chapter, but I have a question for you. How would you feel about a chapter or two from Zacky's perspective?

Okay, that's all I've got to say for now, enjoy this one! Comment, vote, give me your feedback because I love seeing what you guys think of this story!

-foREVerADeathbat

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Brian fretted about nervously as he checked the table for the millionth time. Everything was in order, Suzy was cooking something that smelled great, it looked like everything was just about ready. He went to the kitchen and stood anxiously next to Suzy, watching her stir a pot of rice.

"Is everything almost done?" he asked, "What can I do to help?"

Suzy chuckled, and Brian caught her roll her eyes. "Everything's just about ready, Bri. You can go ahead and put the chicken out on the table." She motioned to a bowl with her spoon. "And then you can toss the salad."

Brian glanced at the clock as he did all these things. It was 5:56. Zacky should be arriving any-

The sound of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts and Brian shot out of the dining room. "I got it!" he shouted, pausing before the door so he could smooth his hair and take a breath, before opening it.

Zacky was wearing a smart button-up black shirt and a clean pair of jeans, and had taken out his piercings. Great, not too dressy, not too plain. He actually looked sharp. "Hey." Brian smiled, opening the door for Zacky to step inside, "You look handsome."

Zacky blushed slightly, stepping over the threshold and kissing Brian's cheek. "So do you." He replied, "You also look nervous."

"I just hope you like my parents and they like you, that's all." Brian scuffed his feet on the carpet. He took Zacky's hand and took a deep breath. "Let's do this."

They stepped into the kitchen, where Suzy was pouring drink into a pitcher. "Um, Suzy, this is Zacky." Brian said, and she turned around.

"Oh, hello, Zacky!" she smiled, "It's good to finally meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mrs. Haner." Zacky stuck out his left hand to shake, then quickly righted himself, and Suzy shook his hand. "I noticed you have zinnias growing out front. They're absolutely beautiful."

"Oh, you noticed!" Suzy beamed, "I planted them a few months ago and you're the first person to say anything about them."

"My sister's name is Zina, and they sorta sound the same, so I try and keep an eye out for them. Yours are a really pretty color, I don't know if I've seen any that vibrant before." Zacky smiled sweetly, and Brian almost rolled his eyes. Suck up.

"Well, thank you, sweetheart! Does your mother grow flowers?"

Zacky opened his mouth to respond, but Brian grabbed his arm. "Actually we're going to go sit down at the table."

"Oh, that's a good idea. I'll go get your father and Brent. Can you get McKenna? She's in the living room."

"Sure." Brian nodded for Zacky, and they went into the living room, where McKenna was playing with her Sing-With-Me Puppy.

"Hey, Kenna." Brian picked her up, and she frowned down at her toy. "Look. Do you remember who that is?"

She didn't reply, but she waved shyly at Zacky, before burying her face in Brian's shoulder. "Hey, don't be shy, it's just Zacky. Remember Zacky?"

She nodded slightly, and Brian chuckled, bringing her into the dining room.

~*~

"So, Zacky, Brian tells me he's been teaching you guitar." Brian's dad said as he put some salad on his plate.

"Yes, sir. He's really a good teacher, I've learned a lot since he began. I used to be absolutely horrible, now I'm only a little horrible." Zacky replied, a joking tone in his voice as he cut his chicken into tiny pieces.

They continued to speak, Zacky telling them about baseball and the beach at his dad's bidding, but Brian didn't pay much attention. He just watched Zacky eat. It might have been weird, but Brian couldn't get over the way Zacky poised his silverware between his fingers, the delicate way he chewed, and never spoke with food in his mouth. He wondered if this was just a show for his parents or if he actually ate like this. He was so polite, and he wiped his mouth with the corner of his napkin neatly before placing it back in his lap. What a gentleman.

His thoughts eventually wandered back to the conversation, just in time to hear Brent ask, "So were you born gay or did you catch it? Is it more like a gene mutation or a disease? I'm thinking disease, because you gave it to Brian..."

Zacky blushed, and Suzy rebuked, "Brent!"

Brian frowned, kicking Brent's shin harshly under the table.

"Um, I uh..."

"You don't have to answer that, Zack, Brent's just being an asshole." Brian muttered through gritted teeth.

"Uh, actually, I don't mind." Zacky gave a tight smile to Brent before saying, "No, it isn't a genetic mutation, nor is it a disease. I was born with it, or at least, I realized at an early age. But genetically, there isn't really that much of a difference between you and me. Our genes are 98% the same, and that other two percent works out things like our appearances and personal preferences. One of my preferences happens to be guys over girls. It's not really anything science can actually determine, and it isn't something anyone can 'catch.'"

"So what about Brian?"

"I think Brian... he falls in love with the soul, not the physical aspects of the person. Physical appearance doesn't make us who we are, it's what we do with our lives that defines us. That's the noblest way to find love, I believe, even though I'm not like that. And I guess I've done what is, in his eyes, things that set me apart as an individual." He looked over at Brian and asked, "Right?"

And just like that, Zacky answered every question Brian would ever have about his personal sexuality. It was his turn to blush as he nodded, "Yeah, I guess so."

"You know what, Zacky?" Brian's dad looked at Zacky in the strange way that Brian recognized instantly, "I like you. There's just... something about you, kid. I think you'll be real good for my boy."

"Um, thank you, sir." Zacky replied, diverting his eyes and looking down at his plate. "I'll sure do my best with him." He glanced over at Brian and winked discreetly, and Brian mentally checked off this meal as a success.