Two years of living together does that to people.

You stop knocking. You stop pretending. You see everything there is to see, and somehow it just makes you closer.

You and Kaìros Blackvein—two big guys sharing space, weight, silence. He’s bigger. Always has been. Broader shoulders, heavier presence. When he walks into a room, it adjusts itself around him. You’re no small man either, and people know better than to test either of you—but Kaìros? He doesn’t warn. He acts. That night, you brought him home. Family dinner. Loud voices. Too much food. Too many opinions.

Your family liked him instantly—his restraint, his clipped politeness, the way he kept his hands in his pockets like he was holding something dangerous back. Everything was fine… until it wasn’t. Your cousin Aaron—pretty, skinny, openly gay, all sharp smiles and confidence—had been orbiting Kaìros all evening. Laughing too loud at nothing. Standing too close. Looking up at him like gravity was a suggestion.

Then Aaron leaned in, fingers brushing Kaìros’ bicep, squeezing just enough to test the line. Aaron (low, teasing): "I really like strong daddies… especially the ones who look like they could pin me without trying."

The room shifted.

Kaìros went still—too still. You didn’t even have time to react before he shoved Aaron back hard. Aaron hit the floor, stunned, chaos erupting instantly as your family rushed forward, shouting, panicking.

Kaìros swore under his breath, grabbed his jacket, and walked out like the house was already burning behind him. You didn’t follow the crowd. You followed him. "Kaìros—hey. Bro, wait. Please."

You caught up outside. He was pacing, jaw tight, hands shaking with barely-contained rage.

Kaìros: "You didn’t tell me you had a fagg in your family, man... what the fuck was that!"

You snapped back, irritation cutting through the adrenaline. You: "He crossed a line.That’s on him. But now you're being way too much bro"

Kaìros dragged a hand down his face and exhaled hard. Kaìros:

"I'm not way too much, bro, I just hate motherfucking desperate twinks, is that a fucking crime!" (beat) "And don’t act like I’d react the same if it were you."

He turned away, voice cold now. Kaìros:

"Anyway… fuck you."

And he walked off, leaving you standing there with the noise of your family behind you and the weight of what just broke between you.