(Dys)functional [BoyxBoy]

✎ Chapter 4 ✎

(Dys)functional
"Chapter 4"

✎
Toby

I stare at my reflection in the mirror of a bathroom at an ice cream parlor. Rubbing my face, I feel myself deflate. Tonight was the night that I was supposed to meet with my date, but he didn't show. It's been two hours and I don't think I can wait any longer.

What was I thinking, using a shady dating app?

Done feeling sorry for myself, I wash my hands and exit the bathroom, running into a familiar face in the hallway that connects the bathrooms.

"Sara?" I ask, my eyes landing on light colored hair.

She looks up at me with big, glassy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "Mr. Love, am I a curse?"

My eyes widen and I pick the child up and wipe her eyes. "Shh, you're perfect. Let's go find your father."

Sara nods and motions to the direction they're sitting before burying her face in my neck. My eyes lock on the table and I walk over and clear my throat. "U-Uh, Mr. Díez..."

"Toby," he looks up, startled, "What are you doing here?"

"At this table or in the parlor?"

"Uh, both." He stands up and reaches out for Sara. "What's going on?"

"I'm here because my date stood me up. I'm with Sara because she was crying while leaving the bathroom."

She reaches for her father quietly.

Something dark flashes in Mr. Díez's eyes at the mention of a date, but it's gone instantly, replaced by concern for Sara. "Crying?" He takes her from me. "What happened?"

The child sniffles. "A mean old lady... she s-said that I'm a curse. I told her you were my daddy and she said you weren't."

"She's a bitch." Mr. Díez says. "You're not a curse and I am your daddy. I've got the proof. It's okay that you don't look exactly like me. It's not your fault."

Sara nods. "Why do I look different?"

Mr. Díez sits down with her. "You have a mutation inside your little body that takes away the stuff that makes Daddy's skin so dark." He explains.

She wipes her eyes. "Is it why I wear a bunch of sunscreen and you don't?"

"Mhm. Your skin is more sensitive."

"Do I look weird to you?"

"I think you look super pretty," I comment, hoping it helps.

"Really?" She asks.

"Mhm, you look like a snow fairy."

"Yeah." Mr. Díez agrees.

"You look like Goldilocks." She giggles, resting her head against her dad.

I quirk an eyebrow. "Do I?"

"Maybe a little." Mr. Díez chuckles.

"Thanks." I chuckle.

"Much prettier though." He adds, then seems to realize what he said and looks away.

"Thank you." I poke him.

"You should get married," Sara says.

"Sara, I don't even know his name."

Mr. Díez blushes. "It's Tony."

I giggle. "Tony and Toby."

"Fucking hilarious." He rolls his eyes amusingly.

"It's cute." I shrug with a grin.