Bloom

12. Lotus

"Great people will always be mocked by those who feel smaller than them. A lion does not flinch at laughter coming from a hyena. A gorilla does not budge from a banana thrown at it by a monkey.
A nightingale does not stop singing its beautiful song at the intrusion of an annoying woodpecker. Whenever you should doubt your self-worth, remember the lotus flower. Even though it plunges to life from beneath the mud, it does not allow the dirt that surrounds it to affect its growth or beauty."

~Suzy Kassem~

•••

"So, there's been some backlash," Seb tells me as I hand his cup of coffee back to him.

     We're in an Uber headed to the airport. The past couple days have been relatively incredible, with minimal interference from fans, friends, family, and the general public. We've been met with open arms, acceptance, and so much support that it's mind-boggling. But, apparently there's been some criticism. It's news to me, even though I've been bracing for something like this since the beginning.

     I tuck my arm around his shoulders and pull him close to my side as he says, "Just some bigoted assholes on Instagram and Twitter and a few idiot talk show hosts."

     "What about it bothers you?" I ask gently.

      "They're making up nonsense," he tells me. "Claiming that it's just a publicity stunt." He looks at me. "It hurts."

      I press a kiss to his temple and squeeze his shoulders, hoping to reassure him.

      "It seems sudden, and in some ways it is," I calmly explain. "They don't know how else to react, so they're lashing out, thinking that they're going to cut us down, expose some hidden truth that is completely false." He leans into me, resting his head on my shoulder. "What they don't realize is that we are human, with human emotions and dreams, and that we've found a home with each other. They'll never understand as long as they keep attacking others."

     Relaxing into my side, he says, "Thank you, Chris."

     I smile softly as I press a kiss to the top of his head.

     "I've got you, babe," I tell him.

      He hums in agreement.

     "That, you do," he smiles.

     "So, are you ready for this? The next big steps we have to take?" I ask.

     "Honey, we don't have to take them," he smirks, "We chose them, willingly, because we're crazy like that."

     I grin, "You know it."

     "I feel ready, regardless of sanity," he tells me. "I've met most of your family before, and this is different, but I'm not worried about it. I'm more worried about my Mom, honestly."

     "Don't worry about her," I smile.

      He raises an eyebrow.

     "What did you do?" He asks.

     "She called last night when you went out for ice cream," I tell him. "Spent a good half hour talking to her, she's excited."