Now And Always.(Sequel to Acceptance)

Talk and Early arrival.

     Ryan was currently in the kitchen trying to prepare a quick and simple dinner for himself,  his husband and their guest.
  Few days back his husband had told him he had contacted Calvin and begged for a talk with him and his husband. Fortunately, he agreed and the date was set for tonight. It would be an understatement to say he wasn't nervous and apprehensive but he needed to this for all of them and not just for himself.
 
   He placed his hands on his heavy waist and inhaled deeply. He smiled in content as he examined his work laying on the dinning table and could not wait for his husband and their guest to come. To be honest,  he wanted and hoped for their discussion to go smoothly and amicably.
    Just then, he heard the front door opened. He didn't rush to greet his husband and asked about his day like usual. Instead he removed his hands from his waist, corrected his stance, ran a hand through his hair and waited with baited breaths.
Quinn soon came into the kitchen with their guest who looked handsome in his navy blue suit. Fortunately, he wore a calm expression and didn't look like he wanted to bolt out any time soon. It was better than nothing.
Quinn walked to the table and kissed his husband full on his lips. He pulled away and when Ryan looked into his eyes, the young man looked extremely worried.
The older man gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. They didn't need words to convey their thoughts.
Quinn pulled away and Ryan walked towards their guest.

" We didn't get to introduce ourselves properly the first time we met. I'm Ryan Macomb." he said bringing out his arm for a handshake.

Calvin hesitated for a bit with a puzzled frown. " Calvin O'Brien ", he replied, taking the man's hand.

" I'm grateful to you for having made time for this dinner and being here. We got off on a wrong foot last time. I'd like us to start anew", he continued in a sonorous tone and smiling face.

Calvin shifted his gaze to Quinn. The man wore a pleading expression as if to say "please, don't hurt him". He was touched deeply. Even if he had wanted to make a trouble or two when he got here, he couldn't. Their pleasant treatment made him feel guilty.

He smiled at the man. " I'd like that too".

When they sat down for dinner, it felt like he was part of their little circle. Part of something big like he had always wanted.
Looking at these two, he had expected to feel jealous and envious of their relationship but what he felt was admiration and wonder. He would have known if they were faking it like some couples do but they weren't. He could tell from the way they looked at each other as if the other was the very air they breathe.

" I'm sorry about the last time I was here", he found himself apologizing and didn't regret it one bit.

They both held his gaze.

" Just think of me being an Asshole and an egoistical jerk", he added.

" I would lie if I say it didn't hurt because it did. But, it's in the past and I'm glad you apologized ", Ryan said.

" Thanks for being here,  Calvin". Quinn added.

Calvin nodded a smile at them both.
" I'm glad I didn't allow my pride and arrogance gets in the way of eating this delicious meal", he more of teased.

Ryan laughed and Quinn smiled.
" I like you. Even if you had come across as an Asshole and egoistical jerk, your words. I'd like for us to get to know each other. Maybe combine business ideas".

Calvin laughed. It was pure and genuine. " It sounds great. I'd like that too.

" Am I supposed to be worried? ", Quinn said with a feigned frown.

Ryan rolled his eyes and Calvin smirked.

" Nobody could love Quinn better than you, Ryan. And it's rare seeing couples that are so different and yet compatible these days. Age doesn't count when it comes to love,  what matters is the personality and the person. I'm really happy for you guys" their guest said again after a few seconds silence.

Ryan couldn't stop the tears from welling in his eyes. He reached over, took Calvin's hand and smiled up at him.
" It means a lot,  Calvin. Thanks".

Calvin nodded back a smile at him when Ryan withdrew his hand and smiled at Quinn.

" This went better than I thought" Quinn grinned.

" That's because deep down Cal's a good person.", Ryan intervened and suddenly winced when he felt a sharp pain in his stomach.

" What's wrong? ", Quinn asked in a worried tone.
Calvin looked concerned too.
Ryan wanted to shrug it off when another one pierced through his pelvis.
Quinn was suddenly up, pushing the chair aside.

" I think the babies are coming ", Ryan said through gritted teeth.
Quinn cussed and helped him up. It wasn't easy because Ryan was leaning his whole weight on him as another contraction hit him.
Calvin walked over to them. He was confused.
" Could you help me hold him while I go grab my keys and some necessary things", Quinn pleadingly asked his guest.
Calvin nodded. " Sure. Hurry up though".
Quinn dashed away while Ryan's groans and grunts of pains reverberated in the dinning room.
He was suddenly sweating bullets and the area felt like he was suffocating. His eyes clenched in pain as he gripped onto Calvin's suit jacket.

Quinn finally arrived with a duffle  bag slung over his arm and together, they helped Ryan into the back seat of the car. The older man wouldn't let Quinn leave his side. Calvin seeing this, offered to be the designated driver.
Quinn sat at the back seat with his husband who was going through labour pains and tried to make the situation less painful.  Although he was scared of what their future would hold for them, he tried to be strong for them both. Earlier he had called Dr Reynolds to inform her of Ryan's sudden labour pains. He wasn't supposed to give birth until two weeks time and no matter how hard he tried to keep a strong facade, one could tell he was scared shitless from the look in his eyes.