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“No. They’ll stay after I leave. They’re here to watch over you,” I explain.

He frowns as he unlocks the door. “I don’t know how I feel about that. On one hand, it’s nice to feel safe, but something about people watching me is incredibly creepy.”

“I’d rather you be creeped out than blown into a million fucking pieces, Ethan,” I grumble.

He sighs as I follow him in, and then he closes and locks the door. I double check that it’s locked.

“You’re right, but it still feels strange.”

I take my shoes and coat off, then step in front of him.

“Stay here. Lemme check things out first.” I put a hand on his chest before he can step farther into the apartment.

After I make sure the apartment is clear, I head back out to him. “All good,” I tell him.

Ethan sighs softly. “No one hiding in my closet?” he asks with a soft chuckle.

“They’d be dead if they were,” I reply.

The complete and utter seriousness in my voice causes him to flush deeply.

“Anyway. Have you eaten dinner yet?” Ethan asks.

I shake my head. “No. I’m not sure I can eat.” I plop down on the couch as I run my hand through my hair.

“You could at least try. I’ll make us something,” he tells me as he walks into the small kitchen.

I don’t object. After all, if he’s cooking then he can’t ask me more about my family or my father. I’m not ready to vent to him about it all yet, especially the part about how I may very well get my ass kicked and handed back to me.

“There, I put some water on to boil and chicken is defrosting. Tell me about what happened yesterday morning,” Ethan says as he walks out and sits down right beside me.

Well, fuck.

I lean back and rest my head against the couch. “You really wanna know? It might ruin the night.”

Ethan scoots closer to me. “Since when do you care about that? You’re the brutally honest asshole of the two of us.”

“Maybe I’m gettin’ soft,” I mumble with a snort, and turn my head to look at him. He’s leaning against the couch as well, with an arm bent and his head resting on his hand.

“What’s going on? If we’re going to do this, I need to know.” His brow furrows.

“This?” I ask. “Being boyfriends, you mean?”

He nods slowly. “Obviously. This has all happened really fucking quick, but I want to do it right. I held so much in and lied to myself and Lena when I was with her. I don’t want to do that again. Even if you are an incredibly dangerous man who all of my friends are going to be suspicious of forever.”

I laugh. “Can’t say I blame you, or them.”

Ethan just stares at me. “Please. This is all so much. I’m still trying to come to terms with my sexuality, much less your family. You sharing with me helps.”

I take a deep breath. “Fine, fine. Fuck you for caring so much,” I mumble. “Speaking of friends and not approving…my father doesn’t exactly approve of you.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Ethan says. “Continue.”

“You know, when you’re not trying to figure out what the fuck you want and fighting your faggot urges, you’re real bossy,” I tell him.

Ethan places his other hand on my arm. “You’re the one who decided to stalk and rescue an honor student who insists on being in charge of every group assignment.”

“Oh, God.” I throw my head back mockingly. “Oh, the fucking horror. I’m fucking a nerd.”