"Okay, okay, okay, but when did you guys kiss?"

Tobi pursed his lips, annoyed at being interrupted by Mattias for the third time. "I'm getting there," he assured.

Mattias gave an apologetic smile and let Tobi finish telling the story.

"We ate at the café and when we left it began to rain. I'm not sure what happened, but then he kissed me."

"And did you like it?" Mattias asked.

Tobi gave a small smile and blushed lightly. "It was nice," he admitted.

"See? Aren't you glad I told you to go on that date?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Mattias was slightly surprised by how earnest Tobi sounded. "Do you guys have any upcoming plans?"

"Dinner at his house tonight," Tobi replied, his smile widening.

"How long do you need to get ready? Do you need to go?" Mattias teased.

Tobi gave him a scowl with no venom behind it. Tobi found himself feeling very grateful for the fire. From the ordeal, he'd gained a partner and a closer relationship with his brother. You don't notice how lonely you were until you have people, he thought. "The fire was the best thing to happen to me," Tobi mumbled.

Mattias nodded in understanding.

A thought occurred to Tobi. "Has reconstruction on the destroyed part of the church begun? I know you speak to the others more frequently than I do."

Mattias nodded. "It's nearly finished. For now, Father's not allowing anyone in the kitchen or dining room. We should go once it's done so we can see what's changed."

Tobi grimaced slightly and averted his gaze downwards. "Um, yes..."

"Oh!" Mattias exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with an idea. "You could bring Emilio!"

Tobi's heart skipped a beat. "Is that really such a good idea?" he asked.

"Why not? I'm sure he'd like to meet everyone."

"But what about Father? I don't think he'd be pleased with me being queer."

Mattias shrugged. "He'll have to get used to it if you're serious about Emilio."

Tobi considered this for a moment before saying, "Maybe. Once the church is repaired."

"You don't have to tell them he's your boyfriend," Mattias suggested.

"I'll consider it," Tobi promised.

"Great, because I want to meet him. I only got to see him that one time when he asked you out in the hospital parking lot."

Tobi considered the pros and cons of having Emilio meet his family. He had an easier time coming up with negatives, but there was still a large part of him that wanted it. He wanted to see his father's face upon introducing Emilio to him. How would he react? Tobi was stuck in a loop of wanting to cause chaos and wanting to disappear into the background.

He decided it would take further careful consideration.

"I'll think about it."

After spending an hour getting ready (most of it was spent choosing an outfit and trying to get his hair to cooperate), Tobi stood outside Emilio's house, rocking on the balls of his feet as he waited for Emilio to answer the door.

Emilio opened the door a moment later and smiled, placing a kiss to Tobi's lips in greeting. "Come in, I've almost finished cooking dinner," he said, waving to Tobi to follow him.

Tobi had never been inside the house before. He and Emilio had always gone out for dates. It was interesting how much Emilio's decor reflected his personality.

"Make yourself at home," Emilio said, hurting towards the kitchen. "The food will be finished in just a minute."

Tobi watched him go, a smile on his face as he noted the purple apron Emilio was wearing. He wandered around the house a bit, admiring Emilio's taste in interior design. One photograph in particular caught his eye.

It was a picture of Emilio and whom Tobi assumed was Vanessa. It was taken on Halloween or possibly before a costume party. Emilio— who looked to be around seventeen— held his baby sister, both of them dressed in cat costumes.

Tobi pulled out his phone and snapped a picture.

"What are you doing?"

Tobi whipped around to find Emilio standing in the doorway, an amused smirk on his face. Tobi's cheeks flared.

"I—"

"Dinner's ready."

Tobi nodded and followed Emilio into the dining room.

"How long had you been standing there?" Tobi asked, embarrassed.

"Long enough," Emilio replied, the grin evident in his voice.

The table was set with two plates across from each other, each with a generous serving of spaghetti.

It had been a while since Tobi had had a home-cooked meal. Between college and work, he found he rarely had time.

"Thank you for cooking," he said, taking the seat opposite of Emilio.

"It was no trouble."

It was quiet the first few minutes they ate, just enjoying each other's company. Tobi's eyes drifted to the cowlick in Emilio's hair, which stuck out and curled up. He smiled. Emilio frowned in confusion, then blushed, realizing what Tobi was looking at. He tried to smooth the hair down, muttering, "I can never manage to tame it." The cowlick sprung back up, persistently.

"I think it's endearing," Tobi admitted.

It was quiet again for a moment before Emilio said, "You tell your brother— Mattias, was it?— about our dates, correct?"

Tobi nodded.

"And what does he think? About them, about me?"

"He's like to meet you. He was the one who convinced me to accept the first date. He suggested I bring you to the church to meet everyone."

Emilio's eyes lit up. "I wouldn't mind that," he said, his voice downplaying his excitement.

"Well, I'm not sure..."

"Why is that?"

"Um, well, you know. They're very..." Tobi searched for the right word. "Very religious," he finished.

"Ah," Emilio said, understanding. "So they don't know?"

Tobi shook his head. "This is all new. I've had a few family members who suspected, but I haven't dated a man before this."

"You're going to have to tell them at some point," Emilio argued.

Tobi sighed quietly. "I suppose so. I told Mattias I would give it some thought. I'd like to wait until it seems as though introducing you won't do more harm than good."

Emilio nodded.

"We would have to wait until the church is finished being repaired," Tobi continued.

Emilio reached across the table and took Tobi's hand gently. "Introduce me when you're ready."

Tobi smiled gratefully.

"Have you updated your dream journal recently," Emilio asked.

Tobi nodded, happily going along with the subject change. "I add to it everyday."

"So you dream frequently?"

"Yes."

"I'd like to read it one day, if you'll allow me," Emilio said, looking pensive. "I'm curious about your writing style. It would also allow me to see further into your psyche."

"Maybe one day," Tobi dismissed.

They finished dinner, talking happily and gently nudging each other's feet under the table. Emilio stood to clear the plates and Tobi followed him.

"Do you have to leave?" Emilio asked.

"I'd rather not," Tobi admitted.

"We could watch a movie," Emilio suggested.

Tobi nodded and headed to the living room, holding Emilio's hand.

Some movie played in the background, but neither really paid attention. Tobi was more focused on Emilio's hand, which cupped his cheek as they kissed. A small part of his brain argued that he should get home— he had classes the next day.

Classes can be made up, he thought, carding his hands through Emilio's hair and deepening the kiss. 

A/N Happy Wednesday, everyone! Back to full-length chapters! I've been remarkably stress-free this week, but next week starts review for the APHG exam, so that's going out the window. I may have to postpone a few updates depending on my schedule, but they should never come out more than two days late, so don't worry. Title from "The Last of the Real Ones" by Fall Out Boy. TFW you accidentally write a chapter that sets up perfectly for a future chapter. Please, comment! They make my day.