A Kam Story

Intro:
“I hate you.”

”You keep saying that, but...” Tam held up a notebook.

'''Keefe’s eyes went wide. “How did you get that!?” he demanded, snatching it from his hands.'''

'''Tam tugged on his hair. “Sophie showed me.”'''

”Wh-why did she have it?”

”We-we were looking for something.”

”In my room!?”

'''”That doesn’t matter right now! What matters is that you like me.”'''

'''Keefe’s face went red. “So?”'''

'''”So... you like me...”'''

”And you hate me,” mumbled Keefe, hurrying away.

'''Tam stared after him. “Keefe!” he called. But it was too late. Keefe had slammed the door behind him.'''

'''He pulled out his home crystal and leapt back to the Shores of Solace. Or, as Ro liked to call it, Waves of Wimpiness.'''

'''Ro looked at him. “So, Lord Hunkyhair, how was your little meeting with your boyfriend?”'''

”He knows,” said Keefe quietly.

'''Ro stood. “What?”'''

”He knows that I like him!”

“What did he say?”

'''”He didn’t say anything. I left.”'''

Part One
Tam looked at Linh expectantly.

'''Linh’s jaw fell. “I... well... do you like him back?”'''

'''Tam tugged on his bangs so hard that Linh winced. That has to hurt, she thought to herself. “I don’t know,” he murmured finally.'''

“You don’t know,” she repeated, slightly disappointed.

'''He threw his hands into the air. “I’ve never thought about it before!”'''

'''“Well, you’re thinking about it now,” she pointed out. “I think you do.”'''

“I...” He bit his lip and tugged his hair harder.

'''She winced. “Stop doing that. Doesn’t it hurt?”'''

'''“I think... I think you’re right...” he said quietly.'''

'''“Of course I’m right. If you keep pulling on your hair like that, you won’t have any hair left.”'''

'''“Not about that,” he said, rolling his eyes. “About... you know...”'''

'''She squealed. “Really!? You like him!?”'''

He shrugged and flushed pink.

'''Linh smiled. “You should tell him.”'''

'''He laughed. “No way! I can’t just... tell him!”'''

“I can tell him, if you want,” she suggested.

He shook his head.

'''Tiergan came into the room. “Hey, guys, what are you talking about?”'''

“Nothing—“ Tam tried to say.

'''Linh cut him off. “Tam is in love!”'''

'''Tiergan’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? With who? You... don’t have to say if you don’t want to...”'''

'''Tam looked slightly panicked. “Um... it’s probably not what you think...”'''

'''“What do you mean? I’m sure whoever she is, she’s—“'''

'''“It’s... not a she...” Tam stated quietly, reaching to tug on his bangs again.'''

'''Tiergan looked at him. “You mean... it’s a boy...”'''

Tam looked away.

'''Tiergan pulled him forward and hugged him. “Hey. There’s nothing wrong with that,” he promised.'''

'''Tam blinked, looking up at him. “Really? I thought you... I mean... I didn’t think you’d be...”'''

'''Tiergan smiled. “Guess what? I like someone, too. And he’s really nice, and—“'''

“Whoa, you’re...?”

'''“You can say the word, you know. Gay.”'''

'''Tam looked down. “I didn’t know you were gay...”'''

“There’s probably a lot about me you don’t know,” he admitted.

“So, who do you like?” asked Linh curiously.

'''Tiergan smiled. “It’s... embarrassing...”'''

“We won’t tell anyone,” she promised.

'''Tiergan thought for a moment, then he sighed. “Alright... it’s... Magnate Leto.”'''

'''They stare at him, eyes wide. Linh squeals, “Really!? That’s adorable!”'''

“You mean, Mr Forkle,” Tam said slowly.

Tiergan nods, smiling bashfully.

“I like Keefe,” Tam says quietly.

'''“Keefe Sencen?” Tiergan says with slight disbelief. “I thought you hated him.”'''

'''“I... did. But then I found out that he likes me... and I... I don’t know...”'''

'''Tiergan laughed lightly. “Well, today has been an interesting day, hasn’t it?”'''

Tam blew out a heavy breath and nodded in agreement.

Part Two
Keefe hid the notebook behind his back as Cassius attempted to take it from him.

“What is that?” he demanded.

'''Keefe tucked it into the folds of his cape. “It’s nothing!”'''

“Well, if you’re hiding it from me, then it’s probably something I should be worried about.”

'''“No, it isn’t. It’s personal.”'''

Ro gave Cassius a threatening look, and he sighed, stepping back.

“So, does he like you back?” asked Ro when they were alone in his room?

'''“I don’t think so,” he mumbled, staring at the notebook. “Why were Foster and Tam even in my room, anyways?”'''

“Maybe they were looking for something else, but found that instead.”

'''“But... what were they looking for?”'''

“I don’t know, Keefe!”

'''Keefe sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I hope they don’t think I ran off to join the Neverseen again or something...”'''

“You mean like Tam did?”

“Tam had a good reason to do that!” Keefe immediately fired back defensively.

'''“Hey, hey, no reason to get all protective over him. He isn’t even your boyfriend yet.”'''

'''Keefe snorted. “You say that like you know we’re going to be together.”'''

“You will be together,” she told him.

'''He sighed. “No we won’t...”'''

'''“Not with that attitude. You need to talk to him about it instead of running away like a scared little kid.”'''

'''“But I am scared! What if he hates me!?”'''

“He won’t hate you.”

“Yes he will...”

'''“Oh, shut up,” she mumbled. “Since when were you so negative?”'''

“Since I found out I liked Tam.”

They both froze as a knock came on the door.

'''“Keefe? I want to talk to you...”'''

'''It was Tam’s voice. Keefe looked over at Ro, his mouth going dry. He wasn’t ready for this awkward conversation... he wasn’t ready to be humiliated and turned down by another one of his crushes.'''

It was Sophie Foster all over again...

Part Three
'''Tam looked at Keefe. He tugged hard on his hair, biting his lip nervously. “I want to talk to you.”'''

“You mean make fun of me?” mumbled Keefe.

'''Tam shook his head. “No.” He sat next to Keefe on his bed.'''

“Really?” He looked at Tam, his eyebrows scrunched together.

'''“Keefe, I... I think I... feel... the same way...”'''

'''Keefe froze. “You... like me back?”'''

'''Tam blushed lightly. “Well, I...” He trailed off, looking away. “Yeah.”'''

Keefe stared at him, not knowing what to say.

'''Ro smiled. “Not to say I told you so, but... I told you so.” She shrugged.'''

Keefe glared at her, then looked back at Tam.

'''Tam stared at the ground. “So, what now?”'''

'''Keefe imagined kissing him, then immediately rejected the idea. He didn’t know how Tam would react to something like that... And he didn’t want to handle the endless teasing from Ro. And, of course, there was the fear of Tam not liking the kiss and hating him for it.'''

'''Keefe pressed his lips together, thankful that Tam wasn’t a telepath. “I don’t know... if my dad finds out, he’ll kill me...”'''

“I won’t let him,” Tam said abruptly.

'''Keefe smirked a little. “Aw, Bangs Boy cares.”'''

'''Tam flushed pink, pulling his hair into his eyes and avoiding eye contact. “Hmph.”'''

“It means a lot to me that you care, Tammy.” Keefe silently noted how cute he was when he was blushing...

'''Tam looked back up at Keefe. “Do you think you’d like to... ? Um... I don’t know...”'''

“Go on a date...?” Keefe finished slowly, his eyes wide.

'''Tam looked down. “Yeah...”'''

'''“Yeah! That would be great!” Keefe said quickly. “I... yeah! As long as my dad doesn’t find out.”'''

Keefe thought about kissing him again, then quickly shook the thought away.

'''Tam smiled. Keefe smiled back. He noticed how rare Tam’s smile was, but he liked it a lot. He had two faint dimples on his cheeks. Keefe proceeded to think about how cute it was as Ro squinted at them and gave them cheesy smiles.'''

Keefe wanted to glare at her, but he also couldn’t keep his eyes off of Tam...

'''“So... tomorrow, then?” asked Tam.'''

'''Keefe nodded. “You should come at night while my dad’s asleep.”'''

Tam blushed at the thought of him and Keefe being alone all night together...

Keefe smirked.

Tam carefully took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, flooding Keefe’s mind with lots of tingly, warm emotions.

Tam dropped his hand, stood, and headed to the door, giving Keefe a small smile.

'''Right when Tam closed the door, Keefe looked over at Ro, smiling uncontrollably and blushing wildly. “I just got a date with Tam...” he said bashfully. “I can’t believe... Ro, he’s so cute...”'''

'''Ro laughed. “Alright, lover boy. Why don’t you tell him that?”'''

'''“Fine. I will.” Keefe threw open his door. Tam was on his way out. “Hey! Bangs boy!”'''

'''Tam whirled around. “What?”'''

'''Keefe suddenly noticed how sweaty his hands were and quickly rubbed them on his tunic. “I-I think you’re really cute!”'''

'''Tam’s face went red. “Wh... thanks... I think you’re really...” he trailed off, frantically searching for a way to compliment him back. He had to say something back, he had to! Why was he suddenly at a loss for words? Why weren’t his brain and his mouth cooperating?'''

'''Tam continued to stutter over his words. He wasn’t nearly as quick-witted as Keefe...'''

'''Keefe giggled. “It’s alright. You don’t have to say anything back.”'''

'''Tam shook his hair into his eyes, wishing he could hide. “I’m... not too good with compliments,” he admitted.'''

“I can tell,” Keefe told him, biting back a smile.

Seeing Keefe smile so much reminded Tam that he should smile more...

“See you tomorrow night,” Keefe whispered.

'''Tam nodded. “Tomorrow night.”'''

~Date Night~
'''Keefe looked into the mirror, sighing. “Do I look nice? Do you think he even cares whether or not I look nice? Did I go over-board with the hair?” Keefe patted the thickly spread gel on his head.'''

'''Ro sighed. “I hope you know that he likes your hair, and probably doesn’t want you to put all that gel in it.”'''

'''Keefe bit his lip. “You’re right... I gotta wash it out.”'''

'''Tam straightened his cape for the millionth time, and looked down at his Happy Shadow Thoughts shirt. “I’ve never been on a date before, Linh. I don’t know what to do...”'''

'''“Just be yourself. He was the one who liked you first, remember? And maybe try to smile a little. Also, Keefe is going to love your shirt.”'''

'''He sighed. “I can’t believe you’re making me wear this,” he mumbled.'''

“Come on, Tam, let me see that smile,” Linh said, smiling.

Tam forced a smile.

'''Linh winced. “Next time you smile, try to make it look less like you’re in pain.”'''

'''He gave her a look. “Alright... well, I gotta go. I don’t want to be late.”'''

'''She gave him a big hug. He gave a small smile and hugged back. “Go have fun,” she tells him, letting him go.'''

'''“I will,” Tam promises. He holds up a Leapmaster, taking a deep breath.'''

Keefe slid down the stairs to answer the door, smiling uncontrollably.

'''He threw open the door. “Tammy! You’re here!”'''

“Did you think I wouldn’t come?”

'''“Of course not. I just can’t believe this is happening... I mean, I’ve liked you for kind of a long time...” Keefe blushed a little, trailing off.'''

'''Tam blushed back. “So...”'''

“Do you wanna make mallowmelt?”

“I’m a terrible baker,” Tam warned.

'''Keefe smiled. “That’s okay.” He looked at Tam’s shirt and snickered. “Nice shirt, by the way.”'''

'''Tam sighed and glared at the shirt. “Thanks...”'''

'''“Hey, no need to get all grumpy. You look cute.”'''

'''Tam smiled bashfully. He looked at Keefe’s hair. “You’re hair looks amazing. I mean... it always looks amazing... I mean...” Tam stopped, staring at the floor. “I like your hair.”'''

'''Keefe smirked and led him into the kitchen. “I can show you how to bake.”'''

“You can?”

'''“Of course! I’ll let you measure out all the stuff first.”'''

“You mean, like, the flour?”

'''Keefe smirked. “Yes, Tam, the flour.” Keefe grabbed him an apron, then started tying his own. “I’ll stand right behind you. If you need help, just tell me.”'''

“You’re gonna make me do it all by myself?” Tam stammered, “I-I don’t think I can do that...”

“You’ll do fine, I promise.”

'''Keefe watched as Tam started to measure out the flour and sugar. He noticed that Tam had forgotten to tie the apron, and the strings were dangling at his sides. Keefe moved a little closer to him, reaching for the strings. It was at that moment that Tam stepped back to grab something off of the counter a few feet away, and tripped on Keefe’s shoe, falling right into his arms. Keefe’s face went red. Tam froze up, then slowly relaxed. Keefe continued to hold him, and neither of them moved, not wanting to break the moment.'''

“Wh-why were you standing so close to me?” Tam whispers after the long silence.

Keefe, with his arms still wrapped around Tam, whispers, “Your apron was untied.”

'''Tam blushed. “Oh.” He smiles a little.'''

'''Keefe gently pulls away and ties the strings on Tam’s apron. Tam leans back into his arms again.'''

'''Keefe closes his eyes. After a few moments, he gently turns Tam to face him.'''

Keefe takes note of every little fleck of silver in his eyes, leaning a little closer.

'''Tam flinches as he moves closer. He had a feeling Keefe was going to kiss him, and his mind immediately started spinning.'''

A split second before their lips could touch, they heard loud footsteps behind them.

'''Keefe whirls around, letting go of Tam. Tam blinks.'''

'''Ro is standing there. “Sorry to interrupt, but your dad is coming.”'''

'''Keefe strangles back the urge to scream. “Oh,” he says quietly. He turns to Tam with a pained expression.'''

'''Tam gives a half-hearted smile. “I’ll be back tomorrow night, okay?”'''

'''Keefe nods. “Alright...”'''

Tam leans forward and kisses his cheek.

Keefe’s face goes red, and he smiles uncontrollably as he watches Tam light-leap away.

Part Five
'''Tam stares at the chandelier on the ceiling, smiling. Linh comes into the room. "Hey, Tam!"'''

'''Tam sits up. "Hey."'''

'''"Did you have fun?" she asked, smiling.'''

'''Tam scratches the back of his head. "He almost kissed me."'''

"Aw! Wait. Why didn't the kiss happen?"

"His stupid dad..."

"Cassius saw you guys together!?"

"No! Don't worry. Ro came in and warned us beforehand."

"Oh, thank the lord..."

'''Tam half-smiled. "We never finished making mallowmelt..."'''

"He's teaching you how to bake?"

'''"Yeah." Tam tugs on his hair, blushing lightly. "He's... really romantic."'''

'''Linh squealed. "Oh my gosh! That's so cute!"'''

"Hmph."

'''Linh hugged him happily. "I'm so glad he ended up liking you back."'''

"Me, too."

Keefe stared at the mess of flour on the counter.

'''"What the heck, Keefe!? Why is this even happening!? It is one in the morning!" Cassius scolding, waving his arms at the mess in disbelief.'''

'''Keefe smirked. "You don't like mallowmelt at one in the morning?"'''

"No. No, I don't."

"Aw, well that's too bad."

"Go to your room, Keefe."

'''He sighed. "You're no fun." He started to wander back to his room.'''

'''Cassius hesitated. "Wait..."'''

"What?"

'''Cassius hesitated again. "Nevermind. Just go."'''

'''Keefe and Ro shared a look. "Whatever. Goodnight, Cassius."'''

He flinched.

'''Keefe smiled. "Do you not like when I call you by your first name?"'''

"I... just go to bed, Keefe. Please. I'm not in the mood for this."

'''Keefe squinted. "You mean, you're not going to yell at me?"'''

"Do you want me to?"

"Well..."

'''"Go to bed! For the love of..." Cassius pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry."'''

"What?"

"I'm sorry! Alright? Can't you just accept the apology?"

'''"Sorry for what?" Keefe said slowly.'''

Cassius grabbed Keefe's shoulders and steered him away.

"Hey! Wait a minute--"

'''Cassius pushed him into his room. "Goodnight, Keefe." He closed the door in Keefe's face.'''

'''Keefe stared at the closed door, shocked, but mostly confused. "Goodnight," he mumbled.'''

'''Ro was standing in the corner. "It seems like there was some epic daddy-son time happening just now."'''

'''"I... I have no idea what just happened. But I'm tired." He took off his shirt and crawled into bed.'''

"Goodnight, Lord Hunkyhair."

"Hm."

Keefe slowly drifted off to sleep, thinking about Tam, and about his weird father.

Part Six
'''Keefe pried his eyes open. "Hm..." Sunlight blinded him from his window. Ro was standing about a foot away, smiling.'''

"Hey, Lord Hunkyhair. You have a visitor."

'''"Is it my dad?" he mumbled, covering his face with his pillow.'''

"Nope," He could here the smile in Ro's voice as she told him, "It's your boyfriend."

Keefe jolted upright, looking at the open doorway, his eyes wide.

'''Tam was standing there. His face was red.'''

Keefe suddenly realized that he wasn't wearing a shirt.

'''Tam cleared his throat. He looked kinda look like he'd been crying, but Keefe couldn't quite tell since he'd never seen him cry before.'''

'''Keefe sat up straighter. "Tam? Wh-what are you doing here? Are you okay?"'''

Tam shrugged, blinking hard.

Keefe searched his eyes for a few moments.

'''Linh suddenly appeared behind Tam. She smiled shakily, but it was clear she'd been crying, too.'''

'''Keefe looked at both of them, confused. "Are you guys okay?"'''

"Yeah. It's just been a rough morning."

"How rough exactly?"

"Just... my stupid parents."

"What did they do?"

'''"It's... they don't like that... well... they... they found out. About us." He was trembling a little.'''

'''Keefe's eyes widened. His heart was doing weird things. He hated seeing Tam like this, and his heart just felt... weird. He slowly got out of bed and pulled on a random shirt laying by his notebook.'''

"Tam, I... don't know what to say. How did they find out?"

"Cassius told them," he whispered.

'''Keefe froze. "My dad knows...?"'''

"He didn't talk to you?"

"No..."

'''Cassius suddenly stormed into the room. His teeth were clenched and he was out of breath. His perfectly gelled hair was out of place, and his icy eyes latched onto Keefe's. Keefe's face went pale. "Dad..."'''

'''"Keefe, we need to talk," he said firmly. He looked at Tam, and his jaw got tighter. "And you... get out."'''

"No," Keefe said quietly.

'''Cassius stared at him. "Excuse me?"'''

"I... I said no. He gets to stay here."

'''Cassius's hands clenched. "Very well. When were you gonna tell me?"'''

Keefe shrugged.

"No, I don't want you to shrug, I want an answer."

'''Keefe looked up at Cassius. He couldn't think of any witty comments or jokes. He just felt small in his father's glare.'''

'''"Say something!" Cassius demanded.'''

"I... d-don't know what to say."

'''"You better figure out something to say in a minute or else I swear--!" Cassius cut himself off. "Fine. Fine! You know what, Keefe, I don't care anymore."'''

"You never did care," Keefe grumbled under his breath.

Cassius grabbed his shoulder and--

'''Ro pulled her sword. "If you lay a finger on him, your entire arm will be on the floor."'''

'''Cassius slowly released Keefe, who gulped. Cassius stepped back. "Like mother, like son, I suppose. Going out to sabotage our family name."'''

"Our family name never had anything good to it in the first place. You're a terrible person!"

"Someday you'll realize that I'm doing this for you, Keefe."

"What exactly are you doing for me!? Making me miserable!? Forcing me to dress a certain way and act a certain way because you think it's right!? Well it's not right for me! You've never once thought about me! I like Tam! I don't like to plaster my hair to my head! I don't like being 'reserved' and pretend to be an emotionless snob! I hate this house, and I hate the way you look at me, and I... I HATE YOU!"

Cassius stormed out.

'''Keefe suddenly realized that there were tears streaming down his face. He rubbed his eyes, sniffling.'''

'''Tam and Linh came over and hugged him. Keefe only cried harder.'''

Part Seven
'''Cassius sat in his office. He tore his hands through his hair, messing it up, but for the first time in a while, he didn't care. He kept thinking about his son...'''

'''How could that have happened? Why was he... like that?'''

'''He thought about Tam. He didn't like the Song family that much. Maybe Linh was okay, but Tam? Out of all the people in the world... Cassius just didn't understand it. A boy?'''

'''Cassius thought for a moment. A boy...'''

'''His son was in love with a... boy.'''

He thought about it some more.

'''His eyes swelled with tears as he thought about the words Keefe had thrown at him that morning. "I HATE YOU!"'''

"He hates me."

It took a moment for him to realize he'd said it out loud.

'''Well, of course Keefe hated him! He'd just ridiculed his own son of being like his mother in front of his boyfriend.'''

'''Cassius didn't like that word. "Boyfriend."'''

'''He snorted. He felt like he was going insane. Could this really be happening? Could his son really have a... a boyfriend?'''

And more importantly, why had he gotten so mad?

'''Cassius covered his face with his hands. He felt bad about the way he'd acted, but, of course, he wasn't going to tell Keefe that.'''

'''Just tell him your sorry. It's not that hard.'''

Yes, it is.

'''No, it's not. I love him. He's my son. I'm supposed to be... supportive.'''

'''"Supportive." Cassius gulped.'''

'''He sat up straight. "Keefe, I'm sorry I acted the way I did this morning. It was wrong."'''

He practiced saying it over and over again, even scolded himself a bit for yelling at him like that...

'''Sure, he's yelled at Keefe lots of times, but this... felt different.'''

'''He took a deep breath, attempting to smooth his hair down again, but there were still stray hairs sticking out everywhere. It just made him look more like his son...'''

'''He shook his head and walked out of his office and to Keefe's room. He knocked on the door softly. "Keefe?"'''

'''He heard a sniffle. He heard some rustling around, then Tam's voice.'''

'''Oh, no, Tam's still in there? I have to apologize in front of Tam--'''

'''He pushed his thoughts aside as the door swung open. Keefe looked up at him, then scowled. "What do you want?"'''

"I... want to talk to you."

'''Keefe studied him for a moment. He looked at his disheveled hair, and the way Cassius was biting his lip nervously. "Make it quick," he mumbled, wiping his eyes.'''

'''He'd been crying. I made him cry. Cassius felt a little sick to his stomach now...'''

'''"I came to say that I... I just..." Come on, spit it out. He's waiting. "I'm sorry."'''

Part Eight
'''Keefe gave his father a look of disbelief. Tam was standing behind him.'''

"What?"

"I... I said I'm sorry," Cassius repeated.

'''They stared at him. Keefe blinked. "You... are?"'''

"Yes."

"I don't believe you."

'''"What do you mean!?" He tore his hands through his hair. "I'm sorry! I know I'm not the best father in the world, but at least I'm trying!"'''

'''Keefe snorted. "You're trying."'''

'''"Yes! You--! You're... you're my son. And while I still don't agree with... this," he mumbled, glancing at Tam, "I know you... like him... and... I just want you to know, that no matter what, I still... l-love... you." The word "love" was forced out, and sounded as if he was speaking a foreign language.'''

'''Keefe blinked again. "Love?"'''

"Y... yes."

Keefe laughed.

Cassius stormed away before he could humiliate himself further.

'''Tam put a hand on Keefe's shoulder. "Keefe?" he said quietly, his eyes wide with concern.'''

'''Keefe shook his head. "I'm fine. That... was ridiculous. I can't believe..." He trailed off. "Do you think my dad actually...?"'''

'''Tam shrugged. "It really seemed like he meant it."'''

"Hm."

"I don't think so. I mean, what if your father did something like that."

"I'd... probably laugh, too..."

"Exactly," Keefe mumbled.

"Well. Even if he doesn't love you, I do," Tam said quietly.

'''Keefe bit his lip hard, staring at Tam. "You... do?"'''

Tam blushed and shrugged, hiding his eyes with his silver hair.

'''Keefe wrapped his arms around himself, staring at nothing. "I don't think anyone has ever... loved me before," he said softly, "I mean, my mom said she did, but... sh-she lied..."'''

'''Tam reached over and grabbed his hand. "I'd never lie to you, Keefe."'''

There was a short silence before Keefe said, "I love you, too."

They looked at each other, both blushing.

There was another short silence before Keefe suddenly leaned forward and kissed him, then quickly pulled away.

'''Tam's eyes went wide. He didn't say anything.'''

'''Keefe made a face. "I-I'm sorry..."'''

'''Tam shook his head, pulling him closer. "Don't be sorry."'''

Part Nine
'''Cassius sat in his library, absent-mindedly flipping through a book he'd randomly plucked off a shelf. There was a timid knock on the door, almost too faint to have noticed. He managed to hear it in the dead silence of the room and abruptly stood, hurrying over to the door and throwing it open, his eyes wide. Though he knew who would be at the other side of the door, he was still surprised to see his son standing there, looking at the floor and shuffling his feet awkwardly. Cassius blinked a few times before actually opening the door wide enough to let him inside. "Keefe," he finally acknowledged after a moment of silence.'''

'''Keefe plopped himself down in one of the cushioned seats by his desk. He looked nervous.'''

'''Cassius was equally nervous. He knew what Keefe was here to talk about, but neither of them seemed to know how to start the conversation.'''

"So," Keefe began slowly, fidgeting with the edges of his cape, "do you really mean what you said earlier?"

Cassius nodded, trying to make eye-contact, but Keefe was looking anywhere but at him.

"Yes. I meant it, Keefe. I care about you."

"I just don't understand why it took you so long to tell me that," he whispered, his fists curling and uncurling.

"I... I know I haven't necessarily been the best father..."

'''Keefe snorted. "Understatement of the century."'''

'''He frowned. "I'm serious, Keefe. I'm trying to make it up to you."'''

"Make it up to me? Make it up to me!? After everything you put me through!? Every horrible thing you've ever said to me!? You expect me to just... forgive you!?"

"No, I don't."

'''Keefe glared at the desk, pulling so hard at his cape it looked sure to tear. "Okay... so... what do you want from me?"'''

"Nothing."

'''"Why now? After all those years, why pick now? Is it because you found out I like guys?" Keefe spat.'''

"No! That isn't why..."

"Then why!?"

'''"I don't know!" Cassius shouted, tearing his hands through his hair and messing it up. He sat next to Keefe in another one of the chairs by his desk. Cassius sighed. "Is Tam still here?"'''

"No. He left."

'''"Alright..." Cassius hesitated. He moved his arm in a way that seemed like he was reaching for Keefe, but then awkwardly pulled his hand back at the last second, folding his hands in his lap.'''

'''Keefe looked away. "So. What, now?"'''

"I... I'm not sure."

There was a few more beats of silence before Keefe asked quietly, "What do you think about Tam?"

'''Cassius blinked, biting his lip. "He's okay," Cassius said carefully.'''

'''Keefe didn't say anything. Instead, he stood up, the chair scraping against the floor as he did so, and walked out.'''

'''Cassius sighed. This was no doubt going to be one of the most difficult things he'd ever done.'''

Part Ten
'''Linh knocked on the door. "Tam? What are you doing in there?"'''

'''Tam blushed, setting the eye-liner down on the counter by the bathroom sink. "Um, nothing. I'll be right out."'''

'''She sighed. "Alright."'''

Tam waited a few more moments until he was sure she'd walked away before slowly opening the door.

Linh gasped.

'''Tam blushed. "Linh! I-I thought-"'''

"You thought I left..."

Tam covered his face with his hands.

'''Ling carefully pulled his hands away from his face, studying his eyes. "Tam..."'''

'''"What?" he mumbled.'''

"The left side is a little crooked."

'''He gave her a look of surprise. "What?"'''

"Let me help you fix it."

'''He blushed. "Okay..."'''

'''She smiled. "You wanna look good for Keefe, don't you?"'''

'''"What? No... I just..." He looked down. "Maybe."'''

"You know Keefe loves you even if you don't wear this stuff, right?"

"Yeah... I just... I wanted to wear it..."

'''"You should've asked me for help!" She grabbed the eye-liner back off the counter. "Close your eyes and hold still. Did you think I'd make fun of you?"'''

"No."

"Stop fidgeting!"

'''He smiled. "Thanks, Linh."'''

"No problem."

'''There was a beat of silence as Linh carefully re-applied the eye-liner to his left eye. "Okay... now open."'''

He opened his eyes.

'''She smiled broadly. "You look amazing."'''

'''Keefe's jaw fell. For a moment, he was tempted to make a joke, but instead, he was speechless. He felt his face heating up. "You look nice," he managed to mumble.'''

'''Tam stared at his hands as color slowly rose to his cheeks. "Thanks."'''

'''"I'm serious. You look amazing." Keefe patted the seat next to him.'''

'''He was sitting on one of the cushioned seats on the porch, watching the ocean. Tam hopped up next to him, causing the swing to rock gently. Keefe took his hand, and they sat in silence for a moment. It was just about getting dark, a sunset hitting the surface of the water. Keefe watched the colours reflect off the water, illuminating everything around them with a colourful glow, including Tam's face. Keefe stared at him. Tam leaned a little closer, until his head was leaned on his shoulder.'''

Keefe hesitated before wrapping an arm around him.

'''Cassius peeked out the window. He saw his son wrap his arm around the boy. He sighed, but he didn't dare go out there and ruin the moment. He walked away from the window and into the kitchen. He noticed a few small bits of flour on the counter, and remembered that it was from the night Keefe and Tam had decided to bake mallowmelt. He realized they never got to finish making it. Cassius thought for a few moments. He tore his hands through his hair. "Ugh, I can't believe I'm doing this..." He reached into the'''

cupboard and pulled the flour out.

~45 minutes later~
'''Tam had fallen asleep snuggled against Keefe, his cheek pressing on Keefe's shoulder. Keefe swept his silver bangs out of his eyes, smirking. He was so adorable...'''

'''That was when Cassius slowly shuffled outside. He was holding two plates of freshly baked mallowmelt. "Hey," he said quietly.'''

'''Keefe glanced at him. Cassius placed the plates next to him. "Um, you never got to make mallowmelt a couple days ago... so... um... I made it for you."'''

"Thanks," he said softly.

'''Cassius's lips twitched with a small smile. He hurried away.'''

'''"Wait," Keefe said, quiet enough to not wake up Tam, but loud enough for his father to hear. "Dad?"'''

"Yeah?"

"You... can stay out here if you want."

'''Cassius froze. He wasn't quite sure where to move for a moment, and his limbs felt frozen in place. He managed to take a small step forward, then another one, then stiffly ease himself onto the swing-chair.'''

'''Cassius looked up at the stars and gulped. He could feel everything Keefe was feeling. Anxious. Nervous. A little confused. A pinch of sadness. Awkward. Tense.'''

'''It was weird feeling all of those emotions, especially because Cassius was feeling the exact same way. On the outside, Keefe looked perfectly calm. He looked at his boyfriend, smiling softly. He looked at Cassius.'''

Cassius noticed that he was still smiling a little bit, and smiled back shakily.

Part Eleven
'''Tam took a bite of the mallowmelt. "Wow... your dad is a really good baker."'''

'''Keefe snorted. "He's full of surprises, I guess."'''

"Hey, Keefe?"

"Yeah?"

"Your dad hates me, doesn't he?"

'"What? No, he doesn't hate you... maybe he doesn't love'' you, but-- Why do you care?" Keefe gave him a look.'''

"I don't know, I feel like I should care. He's your dad... and he's... he's getting better, right?"

"Right. I mean, he's always gonna be kind of a jerk, but... you know. Anyways, it's not like your parents love me, either."

Tam looked away, his jaw clenching slightly.

"Sorry..."

"I can't believe my parents did that! They wanted so badly for me to come back to them, and live with them, and pretend nothing bad happened, and now they won't even look at me! But they're still being all nice and mushy around Linh, and it's terrible."

"Well, my mom still tries to be 'nice' to me, and that's kind of creepy, I guess, since she's a murderer."

'''Tam sighed heavily. "I... I have to go. I'm taking this mallowmelt with me. Tell your dad I said thanks." Tam stood abruptly, holding the plate of cake.'''

"Wait a second, you can't just leave!"

Tam blinked, looking at him.

'''"Not without a goodbye kiss." Keefe smirked when Tam's face went red. He leaned over and kissed his cheek. "There. Now you can go."'''

'''Tam tugged on his bangs. "Bye... I-I love you," he mumbled.'''

"I love you, too, Tammy. I'll just call you Tammy from now on."

'''Tam rolled his eyes. "Okay..."'''

''' Cassius sat up when Keefe entered the room. "Keefe!" He quickly cleared his desk and stood up.'''

"Hey, Dad..."

There was an awkward silence.

'''Cassius cleared his throat. "So... you wanted to talk to me?"'''

"Yeah. It's... about Mom."

'''"Oh." Cassius looked away.'''

"I just... do you ever think about her?"

"I try not to."

'''"Oh..." Keefe looked down. "I just... I think about her sometimes. If she wasn't a murderer, she might've been a good mom... and I just... I miss... I mean, I don't miss her, but I miss... feeling... normal." The words seemed to deflate him a bit. He looked down. "Being a some-what-normal family."'''

'''Cassius gulped. "I think about her, too. I really did love her, Keefe. I never thought..." He trailed off.'''

'''Keefe blinked back tears. "Never thought she'd be doing experiments on her family."'''

'''Cassius cleared his throat again. "Yeah... She... what she did was terrible... but she... I-" Cassius tore his hands through his hair messing it up. He wasn't used to talking about his feelings...'''

"I know. She sucks," Keefe mumbled.

"That's... one way of putting it."

'''Keefe smirked, but it faded quickly. He still had tears in his eyes. "I really thought she... loved me. I thought... you know what, I don't know what I thought, I just-"'''

Cassius pulled him forward and hugged him.

'''Keefe flinched. There was a moment of shock before Keefe slowly hugged back.'''

'''Cassius almost pulled away. "I. I'm sorry. I-"'''

'''"No, no... don't be sorry..." Keefe said quietly. "It was... nice." Keefe wiped his eyes roughly to get rid of the tears.'''

Cassius also wiped his eyes.

'''Keefe hugged tighter. "Are you crying?" he asked quietly.'''

"No," he grumbled.

'''Keefe smirked. "You totally are..."'''

~A Few Months Later~
'''

"Is that new eye-liner?" Keefe asked.'''

"You can tell?"

"Of course I can. I've become an expert on the kind of make-up you like."

'''Tam blushed, trying to hide his surprise. "I'm glad you pay attention to that kind of stuff," he said quietly.'''

'''Keefe smirked. "And since when were you into glitter?"'''

"What do you mean?"

"The lip gloss. It's glittery. Is today special or something?"

"Well, no..."

"You look adorable."

"I wish you'd stop calling me that."

'''"But it's true!" Keefe winked. "I gotta admit, glitter looks good on you."'''

Tam rolled his eyes.

'''Footsteps were heard coming through the doorway behind them, and they both turned to see Cassius standing there. "Hello, Tam."'''

'''Tam gave a small smile. "Hey, Cassius."'''

"Ugh, I still have to get used to you and my dad being on a first-name basis."

"Keefe has an important question to ask you, Tam--"

'''Keefe elbowed Cassius. "Hey! Don't!" Keefe's face was burning.'''

'''Tam watched Cassius bite back a smile. "What is it, Keefe?"'''

"It's... there's a dance at school? And I know you don't want people to know that we're together, but will you go to the dance with me? Even if we have to pretend we're just going as friends?"

'''Tam hesitated. He really didn't want to take any chances, but he just couldn't say no. And it seemed really important to Keefe. If it was important to Keefe, then it was important to him, too. He bit his lip. "Okay... but you realize that if we're going as friends, you're not allowed to, like... hold my hand... or kiss me..."'''

'''"Not even when no one's looking?" Keefe smiled.'''

'''Tam's face reddened slightly. "Not even when no one's looking."'''

"Are you going to wear that dress?"

"Probably not--"

"I know you want to wear it, though. I think you look beautiful in it."

"Other people wouldn't think so," Tam mumbled.

'''Keefe rolled his eyes. "Who cares what they think? They'd just be jealous at how amazing you look."'''

"Or they'll be horrified."

'''"Or maybe more people will start feeling more confident about the way that they dress if they see you being all confident and amazing-looking!" Keefe was obviously trying to stick to the positives.'''

"I do want to wear the dress," Tam quietly admitted.

"Then do it!"

"But what if people... laugh?"

"Then I will fight them. I will fight anyone who laughs at you."

'''Tam snorted. "Really?"'''

"Of course!"

 

~time skip~
 

~Day of the Dance~
'''

"Are you ready?"'''

'''Tam shook his head, looking at Keefe nervously. Keefe looked as handsome as ever in his new pale pink tunic, and matching pants. Not to mention his hair, which was practically defying gravity. His hair was messier than ever, and it somehow made him look even more amazing. Tam was wearing a thin, black, shimmery dress. He wasn't a fan of bigger poofy dresses, but this one was nice. It was one he had been wanting to wear ever since Keefe had bought it for him a week ago. He decided that since he was already wearing a dress, he wouldn't go too over-the-top with his make-up. Just some eye-liner and lip-gloss. He even clipped his hair back, but only because Linh asked him to. Keefe insisted that he looked stunning, and was glad he could finally see Tam's eyes.'''

'''Keefe looked at Tam expectantly. He was standing by the Leapmaster, holding out his hand. "You look beautiful, I promise," Keefe assured him quietly, smiling.'''

'''Tam's face reddened slightly as he took Keefe's hand. "You have to let go of my hand right when we get onto campus. I don't want anyone seeing..."'''

"I know! We're just friends tonight."

"Linh is going to meet us there?"

"That's what she said, yes."

"And Sophie--"

"Is going to pretend to be my date. She's waiting with Linh."

"And--"

'''Keefe cut him off. "Stop stalling, Bangs Boy! We have to go!"'''

Tam sighed, squeezing his hand as they leapt away.

'''

~Foxfire~'''

'''

Tam didn't want to let go of Keefe's hand, but he did. It felt strange to be wearing a dress at Foxfire. He felt like he needed someone to hold onto. He heard a few people around them gasp loudly, and even though he was staring at the floor, he could tell everyone's eyes were on him. Suddenly, Linh rushed over and linked her arm in his. "Tam! Oh my gosh, you look amazing!" She lowered her voice and added, "You and Keefe look really good together."'''

'''Sophie wasn't too far behind. She gasped. "Oh, wow! Tam, that dress is gorgeous!"'''

"Thanks," Tam mumbled, crumpling the side of the dress in his hand.

'''Linh nudged his arm. "Don't do that, you'll wrinkle the fabric. Now, what do you guys want to do first? Dex and Fitz are already on the dance floor."'''

"Oh, yeah," Sophie chimed in, "The were rocking out to the music a couple minutes ago."

'''"I came here to dance, didn't I?" Keefe said with a smirk.'''

'''Sophie grabbed his hand. "Indeed you did."'''

'''They started to make their way over to the dance floor, but then froze when they saw Dex and Fitz. Dex had his head leaned on Fitz's chest and they were slow-dancing together. Fitz's face was bright red, and Dex's eyes were closed. And everyone was watching them. Nobody else was dancing. Linh rolled her eyes. "It's like these people have never seen a couple dancing before," she grumbled. She grabbed Sophie's hand. "Come dance with me, Sophie."'''

"Okay!"

'''Sophie and Linh went up beside Fitz and Dex. Dex opened his eyes. When he saw Sophie and Linh standing there, he jolted away from Fitz, blushing wildly. "H-hey, Sophie..."'''

"I see you two are having fun."

'''Fitz tore a hand through his hair anxiously. He didn't know what to say, so he just looked at Dex.'''

'''Sophie took Dex and Fitz's hands and started dancing as a new song started to play. Dex smiled a little and went along with it. Fitz saw Dex dancing with Sophie, and sighed, smiling shakily. He also went back to dancing. Eventually, Linh, Sophie, Fitz, Keefe, and Dex were all dancing together. The other prodigies saw them dancing and started to ease up a bit, and the dance went back to normal.'''

'''Tam stood off to the side, watching. Keefe saw him standing there. "Hey, Tammy, get over here and dance with us!"'''

"Um, no thanks. I don't really dance. And everyone's kind of watching me..."

"Dance with me!"

"I--"

'''Keefe held out his hand. "Dex and Fitz did it. Please? Dance with me?"'''

'''Tam blinked, staring at his outstretched hand. "I don't..." He blushed, looking down. "Keefe..."'''

"What? Come on, Tam, just this once?"

'''Tam closed his eyes, inhaling. "Fine." He carefully took Keefe's hand.'''

'''Keefe pulled him forward abruptly, and Tam stumbled up against him. They both blushed. "I didn't mean to do that," Keefe giggled.'''

'''Tam sighed. "You're the most frustrating person in the world."'''

"Aw, thanks."

'''Tam shook his head, biting back a smile. "I love you."'''

'''Keefe gulped. "I love you, too."'''

Tam pulled him closer and kissed him on the lips.

A muffled curse word came from Keefe before he kissed back.

'''Tam pulled away. "S-sorry--"'''

'''Keefe stammered for a moment. "I-I just wasn't expecting it." He smiled.'''

'''Tam smiled back. "So much for us being 'just friends' here, huh?"'''

'''Keefe snorted. "I think we both knew that wasn't gonna work."'''

'''While Keefe and Tam were having their little moment, Fitz and Dex had gone back to slow dancing, Linh had gone off to find Marella, and Sophie was eating mallowmelt. Keefe knew everyone at Foxfire would be talking about them. And honestly? That was okay.'''

'''

Maybe things were still weird between him and his father, and maybe Fitz and Dex were a thing now, which would take some getting used to, but they were a nice couple. Maybe everything was falling apart, or maybe it was falling into place. You can never really know for sure. Over the next few days, the school began talking. Then the debates started. People were taking sides. The prodigies wanted to know what was right and what was wrong when it came to gay and lesbian relationships. Were they a bad match? Would they get different match lists depending on sexuality? Some people thought it was wrong, or weird, or they just didn't understand it. Some people embraced it. A lot of people tried to ask Keefe and Tam about their relationship. So. Many. People. And sometimes, Keefe didn't know what to say. Tam obviously didn't like all of the attention. It got to a point where he got so overwhelmed that he just broke down.'''

'''Even most of the teachers were divided on how to handle these changes going on in Foxfire. Magnate Leto seemed to be neutral on the matter. A lot of the teachers didn't seem to care, but there were a few that would come to Keefe, Fitz, Dex, or Tam's rescue if one of them was getting picked on. One of those few was Elwin. He was always standing up for them.'''

'''Keefe started to wonder if it would be this way forever, if people would always be bombarding them with questions, if Elwin would always have to come to their rescue. Keefe didn't know what was going to happen to the school after those first couple of days, but he did know that he would be taking on all of it with Tam by his side.'''