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Adrian

A small smile forms on my face as I drive into my father's neighborhood. It's been a while since I've last seen him. I slowly drive down the street until I pull up in front of a familiar yellow house. As soon as I park my car into the driveway, the front door swings open and Dakota runs out. "Baby brother!" she smiles, tackling me in a hug.

"Hi, Dakota," I groan as I feel her crushing my ribs. After a few minutes, I pry her off of me and make my way toward the house. "Who's over here?" I ask as we head up the steps to the porch.

"Everyone," she replies and opens the door. And she is not lying. As she opens the door, I see Naomi on the couch playing with my niece and nephew as my stepbrother watches a football game on the television.

My stepbrother, David, looks over and smiles when he sees me. "Adrian! Long time, no see, man!" he exclaims as he comes over to give me a handshake. My niece, Ava, runs over to me with a large smile on her face as she hugs my torso.

"Uncle Adri!" she squeals.

I pick her up and spin her around as she giggles. "You're so big now! How old are you?"

"I'm almost five years old!" Ava grins. "My birthday is next week! Are you coming to my party?"

"Of course I'm coming to your birthday party," I say as I place her back on the ground. She squeals and dances around before going back to what she was doing before. Before I know it, my nephew, Logan, is running over to me. I bend down and hold my hand out for a high five. "What's up, little man?" He shakes his head and goes back over to playing with his toys. I chuckle and stand up, grabbing a pillow to whack Naomi.

She looks at me with a blank face. "I'm gonna beat you up." I laugh loudly and make my way into the large kitchen. I'm instantly hit with the smell of food as I spot my step mother, Belle, standing over the stove as she cooks. Belle is my father's wife of 15 years who is the sweetest woman I know. When my sister and I moved in with my dad, she would always take care of us and support us when my dad was overseas. She was also the woman who inspired me to graduate early and start my company due to the success of her own. Belle owns a successful company that provides toys and clothes for unfortunate children. While our businesses are completely different, Belle was my original inspiration to start up Hafler, inc. Belle's curly hair is pulled up into a large puffball that compliments her dark skin. She is sporting a light blue apron over a grey t shirt and blue jeans. I walk over to her and wrap my arms around her, causing her to jump. I softly kiss her cheek and pull away. She looks up at me confused before letting a white smile form across her face.

"Aw look who came to visit!" she says as she pulls me into a hug. "I've missed you, Adrian!"

"I missed you too, mama," I reply, peeking into the pot to see what she was cooking. Before I can get a could look, she smacks me in the shoulder with an oven mitt.

"No peeking in my pot, boy!"

"Okay okay I'm sorry!" I laugh, backing away. "It smells good!"

"That's because I'm cooking it," she smirks. "When is the last time you had a home-cooked meal?"

"Uh..." I look up as I think about when was the last time Luna cooked for me. "Monday night, I think? Earlier this week, for sure."

Belle's eyes widen when she hears my response. "Oh really? Who's been cooking for you?" she asks as she turns around to stir whatever is in the pot.

"Don't worry. You'll find out eventually," I wink at her. As I respond, I hear heavy footsteps coming down the stairs before my father enters the kitchen. His black and grey hair was slicked back in a way that was similar to mine. His tan skin is glowing as he is obviously happy about something. His grey sweater clings to his muscular body along with a pair of black jeans.

"Oh, Adrian! I didn't even know you were coming," he gives me a bright smile as he comes to hug me.

"What's up, pops?"

"Nothing much, kiddo. How's everything going with your company?"

"Honestly, amazing. I was pretty stressed a couple of weeks ago but things have gotten much better," I respond with a slight shrug of the shoulders.

"Adrian has a boyfriend," Belle tells him.

"I didn't even say that!" I laugh.

"It's obvious, Adrian. I could tell something was up before you even started talking."

"Yeah whatever," I playfully roll my eyes. "You caught me."

They stare at me for a while, with a hopeful look on their face. I raise my eyebrow before my dad opens his mouth to say, "We expect to meet him."

"Oh.." I chuckle and clear my throat. "I'm sure you will. I'm always with him."

"We better," Belle laughs. "Now go set my table," she orders.

The rest of the night passes by quickly as my family and I enjoy a delicious dinner. The dinner is eaten as we engage in a few conversations about our personal lives. Of course, my dad and Belle bring up Luna a couple of times which results in teasing from my siblings. After we're finished eating, we stuff our faces with a slice of pie that my dad had prepared for us. Once everything is cleaned up, we enjoy each other's company and play some games.

"I think I'm gonna head out," I yawn as I stand up from my position on the couch. "It's getting kinda late."

"It was nice seeing you, son," my dad says, gently ruffling my hair.

"It was nice seeing you too, pops," I grin. "I'll be sure to come around more often."

"Good! And bring that boyfriend of yours."

"Of course," I laugh and give them all hugs. "See you later, guys," I wave and walk out of the house with a smile on my face. I get inside of my car and head home for a long night of rest.

***

"And please do not forget that our company anniversary party is a month from today," I announce as I stand in front of all of my employees. "It is our 7th anniversary so it is mandatory that you come. If you can't make it, come talk to me with a valid reason and you will be excused."

"Also, please dress in appropriate clothing," Tia adds on. "The dress code is black and white formal attire."

"Is that everything?" I look to her. She looks down her check list before giving me a smile and a nod. "Okay, that's all everyone. You all may leave and I'll see you on Monday."

As I'm watching the employees pack up their things and leave the conference room, Tia turns to look at me. "You know where Josh was?"

"He sent me an email. His uncle is sick so he has to take care of him," I shrug and grab my laptop from the table. We turn off the lights and exit the room, heading over to the elevator to go to my office. "I'll let him know about everything when he comes back."

Once we arrive in my office, Tia grabs her jacket from the corner of the room and packs up all of her stuff. "Have a nice night, Mr. Hafler," she smiles at me as she prepares to leave.

"Bye, Tia," I wave at her. For a few minutes after she is gone, I check some emails and make sure that everything is up to date for work on Monday. I shut my computer down and pack up my stuff before heading out of my office. As I arrive at my car, I realize that I didn't fill up Riot's bowl this morning. This instantly sends me into a frenzy and causes me to race home, passing by the store that I need to visit. It takes about fifteen minutes for me to arrive home. I park the car in my driveway, knowing that I have to go out again, and head into the house. As I unlock the door, I hear the television playing causing my heart to race. After pausing for a bit, I head further into the house to see that the television in the living room was playing an old comedy movie. A soft giggle bounces throughout the room as I recognize the culprit of my break-in. I head over to the couch and look to see Luna laying down with Riot in his arms. When I approach, Luna's eyes shift from the television to me as a grin forms on his face. "Baby...you scared the crap out of me..." I sigh.

Luna sits up and leans back against the couch. "Sorry..." he frowns. I wrap my arms around him and softly kiss his cheek. "I was trying to surprise you."

"I was definitely surprised," I chuckle. "Did you feed Riot?"

"Yes because somebody didn't put food in his bowl and he looked so helpless when I got here."

I look at Riot who is cuddled into Luna's lap. "Sorry, bud," I rub his back gently before looking back at Luna. "Wanna come to Target with me?"

"Yes please!" he jumps up from the couch, letting his blanket fall to the floor. As he's wearing a pair of shorts, I spot something peeking from under them, on his thigh.

"Babe, whats that?" I say, pointing to it. He looks down at his leg.

"Gio and I went to get tattoos this morning," he raises his shorts so I can see the large flower tattoo that goes to his hip. "Isn't it pretty?"

"It's gorgeous," I admit, gently running my fingers over it. Luna grins and kisses my cheek before heading up the stairs. It isn't long before he returns in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. We leave the house and quickly make our way to the store, screaming song lyrics and laughing all the way there. When we arrive, Luna grabs a cart and begins to push it around. "I have a long list of things to get."

"Oh I have a few items to get myself," he tells me. "How about I go get what I need and then I'll meet up with you after?"

I nod my head and lean down to peck his lips. Luna hands me the cart and skips away to one of the aisles. I start to do my own shopping, zipping through the aisles as I pick up some groceries. It isn't long before I'm close to being done with my shopping. I make my way to the pet section to grab a few toys and treats for Riot. "Bacon or beef?" I mutter to myself as I pick up two different types of treats.

"I would suggest bacon," I hear a voice say. I turn to see a familiar blonde haired boy standing behind me.

"Oh...hi, Josh," I smile at him. He holds a handful of medicines and tissues as he fidgets in his position.

"Hi, Mr. Hafler," he finally responds. "Uh...I didn't really mean to impose on your shopping trip...it's just that my dog really enjoys the bacon treats.."

"It's okay, Josh," I give him a small smile. "Thanks for the help. Uh..how's your uncle?"

"He's doing alright. He was really sick earlier but he's resting now," Josh replies.

"That's good," I nod my head. "You missed a meeting today."

Josh nods his head slowly and looks down at the ground. "I'm sorry. Was it really important?"

"No not really," I respond and prepare to walk away. "Well, I'll see you on Mond-"

"Wait!" he calls. I turn back to look at him again. "Uh...I was wondering if you would like to hang out again? Just as friends...I know you don't like me in that way.."

"Hang out?" I repeat, softly.

"Yeah...it could even be in a public place if that makes you feel better. I think you're a cool person and I would like if we could be friends..."

I take a moment to think about what he says. Hang out with him? I suppose he has gotten better than before. And as long as he understands that I don't like him, everything should be fine. "I'll have get back-"

I'm interrupted as Luna walks up to me holding two boxes of fruit snacks in his hand. "Hey babe, should I get Pokemon or Scooby-" he stops himself when his eyes land on Josh who is staring back at him. "Oh..am I interrupting something?"

I clear my throat and shake my head. "Uh, no...Josh, this is Luna. Luna, this is Josh, one of the employees at the company."

"Oh you're the guy with the cupcakes," Josh gives him a small smile. "Those were good."

"Thank you," Luna replies, softly.

I look back at Josh. "Um...yeah...like I was saying, I'll have to get back to you on that."

Josh nods his head and starts to walk away. "Bye, guys." I watch him walk all the way down and out of the aisle before I feel Luna's hand under my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Right..." I cough and try to change the subject. "I would go with Scooby-Doo.."

Luna places the box of fruit snacks in the cart and begins to push it down the aisle. "What was that about?"

"Something with work..." I say and look away to avoid problems. Luna makes me look at him again, this time searching my eyes with a curious expression on his face. "Stop..." I gently push his hand away.

"You're lying to me. What was it really about?"

"He just asked if we could hang out..." I shrug my shoulders. "No big deal."

"Isn't that the guy that has a crush on you?" Luna crosses his arms over his chest.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean anything. I could still hang out with him, as friends."

Luna sighs and shakes his head, starting to push the cart again. "I don't know, Adrian. I'm not really comfortable with that.."

"Why not? You think I'm going to cheat on you or something?"

Luna continues on his path, not looking at me as he begins to speak. "I didn't say that."

"Do you not trust me?"

"I didn't say that either. Don't try to put words in my mouth. I just said I'm not comfortable with it."

I roll my eyes, annoyed with the lack of detail in his response. "Well I didn't ask if you were, anyway," I mumble.

"Adrian..." Luna sighs again, softly rubbing his temples. "Please don't start acting like a jerk."

"Well I'm just saying. It seems like you don't trust me."

"Can we please not talk about this in public? I'm really not up for it."

Ignoring his statement, I continue to speak. "You don't want me to have male friends or something?"

"Adrian!" Luna snaps, finally looking at me. "I said I don't want to talk about this in public so just stop!" he rolls his eyes. I watch as he continues to push the cart away, a bit startled by his response. The rest of our shopping trip goes by silently, the only conversation being about which brand of eggs we should buy. As we make our way to the register, I brace myself for the long conversation we will have on our way home.

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Happy new year, everyone! I hope your holidays went well!