The Happy Ending

Part Eighteen: Mine Forever

JAE: SEVEN YEARS LATER
Jae was exhausted, not that it bothered him. He had just returned home from the high school, where he works as a counselor. Sometimes, it's difficult to hear some of the things that his students go through because they go through the same issues and problems that he did at that age. Sometimes, things never change.

It saddened him to know that people still suffer the way he did, but that was why he worked hard at summer school to finally complete high school, and then worked even harder when he went further with a higher education in psychology. He could have made more money if he had pursued a business degree and opened his own practice, but he actively sought out a counselor's position at the very place where he suffered. He wanted to be there and help kids who needed it in a place where looks and reputations ranked higher than learning and maintaining one's mental health. He hoped to, one day, change that; help inspire others to be kind to others and encourage a safe and positive environment. And, of course, he also wanted to be seen as someone that the students can go to if they needed to reach out to someone. Let's face it... It's just not healthy to be catfishing someone on the internet just to have someone to talk to, like he did.

All throughout his college days, he himself sought help from a therapist to help him overcome the effects from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his parents, as well as his peers, who almost destroyed completely his self-esteem and his will to live. It was not easy, but he eventually came to terms with his own abusive behavior toward others, which was a part of the abusive cycle that started at home with his parents. He was lucky he was strong enough to break that cycle because he wants to be a dad, one day, and he doesn't want any child of his to go through what he did. If he were to run into them, John and Meredith Porter, on the streets or at a store, though, he's still not sure if he would be completely alright. But that hasn't happened, yet, and he's grateful.

His mind was still lingering on one student in particular that had been spending more and more time in his office. A boy who was struggling with his feelings for another boy because his parents did not believe that boys are allowed to date boys. Thomas, or Tom, was his name. And Tom reminded him of himself and his struggles. It was situations like this that brought him to where he is, now.

Walking in the front door, immediately the smell of something absolutely tasty and of the seafood variety invaded his nostrils. His mouth watered, and his feet carried him to the kitchen. He stood in the doorway separating the kitchen from the dining room and took in the sight before him.

The first thing Jae took note of was that his boyfriend was at the stove cooking. That man's cooking never fails to amaze him. The second thing Jae noticed was how sharply his boyfriend was dressed. Short, styled hair, cream colored button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and tucked in to black dress pants that accentuated his perfect ass, and even nice black dress shoes to complete the outfit. Jae wondered what special occasion promoted him to go all out.

Jae couldn't resist, anymore. He walked up behind Marius and placed his hands on his hips, leaning in to kiss the side of his neck.

"It's a little early for dinner," Jae mused.

Marius turned off the stove before turning around to embrace Jae. His arms immediately went behind Jae's neck to pull him in for a hug with a grin on his face.

"What's the special occasion?" Jae inquired, still holding him.

"No special occasion, just wanted to spoil you," Marius replied happily.

Jae leaned in for a kiss, tightening his grip on Marius' hips. Marius hummed contentedly into the kiss and pulled away, too soon for Jae's liking.

"Don't get too handsy. The food is ready, and I really don't want it to go to waste," Marius scolded.

Jae chuckled at that and helped set the table. Marius brought the cooked shrimp alfredo to the table, and they both sat and made their plates. They talked while eating.