YOUTH GONE WILD ↝ Chloe Decker

↳ CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

RUTT AND TUKE gave Kai the strength he needed to take on the rest of the week with confidence and reassurance. Getting to cuddle his boys all the while rewinding the great lengths Chloe had gone just to cheer him up, guaranteed a good night's sleep, and by next morning, he was thoroughly invigorated and determined to fully claim his place in L.A. He had worked so hard to make it feel like home — backtracking on all that progress just wasn't an option.

"Hey, dad", he was taking the earliest opportunity to call Frank, happily lounging on the couch with Rutt and Tuke by each side, whereas Mateo was smiling proudly at the man's initiative from the kitchen. "I'm just calling to say that things are kind of working out for me here now, so I don't think I'm gonna come back for some time. Actually, uh, you could come to me, instead", he explained, not surprised to hear his father being taken aback by the sudden change of heart.

As much as they appreciated one another, they were very different people. Frank was the quiet, solemn type whereas Kai had never hesitated to forge his own path and step beyond the boundaries — why stop now?

Once the two Nolan men had agreed to settle the details at a later date, he was bidding his farewells and ending the call. It felt good to be back on top of things, sparking a satisfied grin on his lips as he hopped up from the couch and headed for the kitchen counter where Mateo was already sliding eggs and bacon to a plate.

"I take it your pity party is over now?" the Ruiz questioned, all in good nature, though he earned a disapproving look from Kai, nonetheless. "Hey, I'm just saying! You have a lot to be happy about. You have your dogs, you've recently come out as bisexual, you live with the best roommate imaginable...", he began listing, both of them chuckling while sharing their breakfast together.

"I'll admit, I had a few gloomy days but I'm back to being optimistic. I'm ready to handle whatever the world throws my way. You're right", he nodded in agreement, sneaking a coy smile at Mateo as he tilted his head to the side and sighed, "especially about the last part." He would surely never forget that while Chloe had done all the hard work, it was essentially thanks to Mateo that he had been reunited with his dogs, both now keening at his feet.

"Wham bam, thank you, ma'am", the man made a lavish bow at Kai before finishing his side of the plate and then rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "So, what's next? Work as usual?"

Humming in thought, Kai chewed on the question that had invaded his mind long before Mateo had asked it. While he was ready to take on the world, he couldn't go back to how things had been — not after realizing that beneath a workaholic, uptight detective, Chloe was a kind, caring woman who knew just how to tug on his heartstrings. She had done something amazing for him, not only with Rutt and Tuke, but by including him in her cases, and the more he dwelled on the memories, the harder his heart began pounding.

"Alright, don't lose your marbles, but—", Kai cleared his throat, only for Mateo to cut in with a gasp before he could finish.

"Oh, my God, are you finally confessing to liking Decker?" he breathed out in amazement, eyes wide open only to grimace at his own lack of filter immediately. Fortunately for him, the way he clamped his hand over his mouth and proceeded to mutter only amused Kai. "Sorry. Proceed. I'm cool", he coughed up the remnants of his dignity, a sheepish smile crawling to his lips as he watched Kai shrug.