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The kids had long ago been put to bed after a busy weekend apple picking and baking so Joe and Nicky were languidly kissing and contemplating whether either of them had enough energy for some lazy sex when a tentative knock sounded on their door. If they weren’t as engrossed in the trashy reality show they had been binge watching earlier and had already fallen asleep as planned they undoubtedly would’ve missed it, but as it was Joe launched out of bed to rip open the door, tense with concern. Years of therapy have helped him release his tight hold on his children but some trauma responses will probably always remain. Despite his quick reaction Basim had already turned away, shoulders up to his ears as he began the walk back to his room. “Basi? Wanna talk?” Joe whispered. They could all tell something was wrong over dinner but no amount of gentle cajoling could get Basim to share. He should’ve known that would’ve translated to difficulty sleeping.
Shoulders tensing impossibly further, Basim turned to face Joe, hands fidgeting in his worn shirt. He had hit another growth spurt over the summer and the 16 year old was now nearly as tall as Joe, Allah help him. It was definitely time for another round of clothes shopping. “Sorry Baba didn’t mean to wake you,” Basim said weakly, eyes downcast.
“Oh habibi, even if I was asleep you know you can always wake me,” Joe soothed, taking a few steps forward and wrapping his son in a hug. Basim buried his face in the crook of Joe’s neck and gripped him tightly. Taking a shaky breath Joe slid a hand under Basim’s bonnet to run soothing fingers through his neat curls. He hated seeing his child so lost without knowing how or if he could even fix it.
“Want to come in and talk passerotto?” Nicky asked from the doorway. Joe felt himself relax ever so slightly at the sound of Nicky’s voice, and even more at Basim’s silent nod. With a kiss to his temple Joe guided Basim into their room and after climbing into bed, opened his arms in an offer. Despite his usual elegance that came with being a talented dancer and runner, Basim clambered into it with the awkwardness of his younger years and curled up against Joe’s chest. Nicky slid in beside them, rubbing Basim’s back in soothing circles while Joe returned his ministrations to Basim’s hair. Now that they could sense their exile had ended, Topolina and Cow jumped up as well, making Joe wonder not for the first time if it was time to get a bigger bed.
“Whenever you’re ready to talk you can Basim. No rush,” Nicky murmured. Joe grimaced slightly. Well, as long as this was something Basim didn’t mind Amani interrupting. Those two still had a sixth sense surrounding each other, especially when one was upset. To this day if one ended up in Nicky and Joe’s bed, a rarer and rarer occurrence as time had gone by, the other wasn’t too far behind.
“How did you know?” Basim asked after several minutes had gone by, voice small and slightly muffled from where his face was still hidden. “That you liked boys?”
Joe and Nicky shot each other panicked looks. They had been waiting a few years for this conversation and while they’ve already had “the talk” with Amani and Basim neither twin had indicated any interest in their fellow peers yet. Despite the extended time to prepare Joe was not ready. Neither was Nicky if his facial expression was any indication. But bless that man, he charged forward despite the painful memories such a question undoubtedly brought up. “For me I first noticed in primary school. I couldn’t stop staring at a boy in my class. Thought he had the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. And realized I never looked at a girl twice. Unless she knew her way around a football,” he added with a self-deprecating chuckle. Joe reached over to squeeze Nicky’s hand and bring it up for a quick kiss. Nicky shot him a grateful look, some of the shadows brought on from discussing his past fading away. The children knew that Nicky’s history was complicated but though they were aware of some details there were others that they have yet to learn. Like why Nicky never approached the boy with the pretty eyes.
“For me it was from a show I used to watch with Auntie Fawzia. Both of us were in love with one of the female characters but then when we were introduced to the love interest I told her I wouldn’t know how to choose between the two! Coincidentally that’s how we came out to each other,” Joe laughed. He sobered quickly when Basim remained quiet. “Is there something you want to share Basi?” Joe asked gently. When they had “the talk” Joe and Nicky made it clear that Amani and Basim could be attracted to any gender or no gender and they would still be loved, but Joe was aware of how terrifying first love could be regardless of the support around you, especially if it was of the same gender.
“‘Member Antonio?” Basim finally asked, tapping nervous fingers on the sheets. “He transferred this year? And he’s in the show?”
Joe and Nicky traded knowing looks. Though they hadn’t met this Antonio yet despite several suggestions to Basim to have him over, they’d heard about him nearly every day. Perhaps they should’ve expected this topic to be brought up. “Yes habibi. From what you said he seems like a very nice young man,” Joe replied gently.
Basim burrowed impossibly deeper into Joe’s chest. “Think I like him.”
Joe tightened his arms around Basim, trying to pour all his love into the gesture without spooking his reticent boy. “Thank you for telling us Basi,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to his head.
“We love you so much passerotto,” Nicky added with his own kiss.
Before Joe or Nicky could say more Amani came stumbling in with a yawn. “Basim in here?” she mumbled, scratching the back of her neck.
“You would know if you opened your eyes habibti,” Joe snorted. “But this might not be a good time.”
“Blech are you two having sex?!” Amani yelped, covering her eyes despite the fact that they were already closed.
Joe and Nicky blanched, exchanging rueful glances at the reminder of how close they were to Amani’s nightmare before their plans changed. “No Amani,” Basim groaned, lifting his head to roll his eyes at his sister despite the fact she couldn’t see. “I’m talking to Baba and Papà about something.”
“Is it about your embarrassing crush on Antonio?” Amani yawned as she climbed into bed and collapsed on top of Nicky while he let out an oomph.
“‘Mani!” Basim hissed.
“Like I said dunno what you see in him mostly ‘cuz I still think dating is kinda dumb but love is love etc etc,” she mumbled with a lazy wave in the air, pulling the blankets over herself and clearly planning on settling in. By now Basim was hiding his face in his hands and releasing a pained groan.
“Amani,” Nicky said with unending patience. “Basim was just telling us that he thinks he may like Antonio.”
Amani released a grunt that might have been a word if she wasn’t already half asleep. Which did remind Joe, it was quite late. “Do you need advice about Antonio Basim? Or did you just want to tell us how you’re feeling?” he asked gently.
Basim shrugged and buried his face back in Joe’s chest. “Dunno.”
“In that case, why don’t you try to sleep and we can talk more tomorrow if you’d like, sì?” Nicky suggested.
“K,” Basim sighed, already relaxing further against Joe.
“We love you Basim,” Nicky murmured.
“With all our hearts and souls,” Joe added with another fierce press of his lips to his son's head.
“And we’re so happy you told us.”
“Love y’too,” Basim mumbled, sounding halfway to sleep and releasing a satisfied sigh as Joe pulled the blankets over him. While the soft sounds of their children’s breathing filled the room, Joe and Nicky gazed silently at each other, trying to communicate wordlessly in the way all parents attempt. The basic messages sent- love, affection, gratitude, anxiety- both men settled against their pillows. And, resigning themselves to being trapped under a growing teenager for the rest of the night, they laced their fingers together and joined their family to sleep.
***
The next morning Basim was giving Amani the cold shoulder despite all her cajoling of “How did I know you hadn’t told them yet? You talk about him all the time!” Nicky had even cooked Basim’s favourite breakfast but the teenager was only picking at it half-heartedly.
“I really am sorry Basim,” Amani mumbled, her protestations finally dying down as she now picked at her meal too and fidgeted with one of her braids, looking chagrined.
“It’s fine Amani,” Basim mumbled, still not looking at any of them. When they all woke up still piled together Basim bolted out of the room and took a longer shower than usual before Nicky or Joe could get a word out and he had hardly spoken since despite their attempts. Releasing a sigh, Basim raked nervous fingers through the curls he worked so hard to style every morning and stared up at the ceiling with a scowl. “Dunno why I’m even agonising over this! Half the adults in my life including my parents are queer so it shouldn’t matter!”
“Of course it matters, Basim,” Nicky soothed. “This is the first person you feel attraction to, right?” When Basim gave a jerky nod Nicky reached over and squeezed his clenched fist gently. “It would be scary even if Antonio was a girl. But with the uncertainty of how some people react around queerness there is of course an added anxiety.”
Joe met Nicky’s eyes but his love quickly averted them. Noting to himself to check in with Nicky when the kids weren’t around he asked, “Has Antonio given any indication of what he thinks about the queer community?” He was in theatre so statistically Antonio might be more open-minded than other teenage boys but you never knew.
“I’ve mentioned my ‘dad’ once or twice but maybe he assumes I’m talking about the same person,” Basim mumbled, brows furrowed as he studied the well-loved table.
“So maybe start there,” Joe suggested. “Casually talk about your two fathers and see how he reacts.”
“And do it while I’m around so I can give you an objective opinion on his reaction,” Amani jumped in, eager to redeem herself.
“When are you ever near the theatre?” Basim asked with a roll of his eyes.
“I can find a reason,” Amani replied defensively.
The two twins stared at each other, one with wide puppy eyes and the other with a scowl before Basim sighed and visibly defrosted. Joe shot a wink at Nicky. The al-Kaysani eyes worked once again. Now it was Nicky’s turn for a fond roll of his eyes before stealing some food off of Joe’s plate despite his squawk of protest. “Fine, you can help. As long as you keep your mouth shut around Antonio,” Basim grumbled.
“Promise,” Amani beamed. And to Joe’s relief, the two teenagers began shoveling food in their mouths and chatting about the latest show they were into as if they hadn’t been at a stand off since they woke up. Siblings. Joe checked his watch and grimaced before following his children’s lead and speeding up his eating. They’ll be cutting it close to school but the conversation was important.
Despite the fact that Joe worked at the same school Amani and Basim now attended, he did his best to ensure their independence, and given the size of the school it was mostly doable. To the point that not all of Amani and Basim’s friends realised at first that Mr. A was their father until they saw the three of them together. (That had also led to some not so subtle attempts on Amani and Basim’s part to bribe Joe into giving their friends favourable grades.)
Joe still ran the GSA though and didn’t have an Antonio on his roster, though of course not every queer kid attended, whether because they were still figuring themselves out, weren’t interested, or had other conflicts. Joe sighed to himself. He was certain he could find out given the gossips the GSA members continued to be but that would be crossing several boundaries. He would have to just trust that his son had this handled. And that he wouldn’t get his heart broken in the process.
***
Then again, a little prying didn’t hurt.
“Hey Book, you got any Antonio in your class?” Joe casually asked over lunch later that day.
Booker arched an unimpressed brow, seeing right through him. “The same Antonio Basim won’t shut up about?”
Joe winced. “Maybe?”
Booker crossed his arms on the table and looked seriously at Joe. “You’re not meddling in your son’s love life right?”
“Of course not!” Joe exclaimed, grimacing when several curious heads turned his way. “Of course not,” he added in a whisper. “Just…he officially came out to us, kind of, last night, and made a plan to suss out whether Antonio even likes queer people so I was just curious!”
“He still hasn’t gone then?” Booker asked with a furrowed brow.
“Gone where?” Joe asked, greedy to learn anything.
But Booker held up his hands and leaned back. “Nothing, Basim will find out soon enough. Teacher-student confidentiality and all that.”
“Where was teacher-student confidentiality when you told me the latest relationship drama between Nina and Kev?” Joe demanded. As much as they pretended to be above it all teachers were nearly as bad at gossiping as the teenagers they taught.
“I don’t make the rules,” Booker shrugged, licking the final crumbs from his sandwich off his fingers before rising.
“But you just did!” Joe exclaimed as Booker walked out of the staff room before releasing an agonised groan. Looked like he was just going to have to wait. Fucking Booker and his fucking morals.
***
Amani was a great wingwoman. Okay fine so maybe she hadn’t had a chance to flex her wingwoman skills yet but that didn’t mean she wouldn't make a great wingwoman if given the opportunity. And this opportunity she was not about to fuck up.
After a long week of some boring and some surprisingly not boring classes, Amani stood grinning next to Basim as he formally introduced her to the boy he had been crushing on since the beginning of term. He was a couple inches taller than Basim with skin a shade closer to Auntie Nile’s than hers or Basim’s. His hair was in twists long enough that some partially covered his right eye. Most apparent, unlike nearly everyone else at school who slouched around in sweatpants, he wore jeans and a soft looking sweater. (Then again Basim was similarly dressed which he only ever did on days he knew he would see Antonio. Maybe there was some hope here.)
To be honest though Amani couldn’t exactly see the appeal. She supposed from a purely aesthetic stand point he was nice enough but no one really gave her that fluttering in the stomach Basim tried to describe to her a few weeks ago when he snuck into her room to confess what was on his mind. So maybe it’s just her. Amani wasn’t too bothered about it either way; during “the talk” that she was pretty sure every member of her family wished to erase from their memories Baba and Papà explained the whole spectrum of romance and sexuality including aro, ace, and demi identities. She didn’t know if any of those labels applied to her and she wasn’t in too much of a rush to find out. Amani was more concerned about whether they would win their next soccer game or Jenny would ever return her slides or whether Ms. Johnson or her parents were gonna notice that she might have snuck onto ChatGPT to help her write part of her latest paper. (Baba would absolutely notice which is why Amani was slightly grateful he would never be her teacher, though that could be kinda fun.)
“It’s nice to meet you,” Amani chirped as Antonio reached out to shake her hand like a fucking gentleman or some shit. “Basim has told me soooo-me things about you,” she added, changing the direction she was going after getting a subtle yet firm nudge to her ribs.
Antonio shot her a bemused smile before replying, “Basim has told me some things about you too.”
“None of it’s true!” Amani blurted out while Basim facepalmed beside her. Amani cringed with slight embarrassment. It was a bit of a knee jerk reaction with the years of blackmail material that have built up between the two of them.
Fortunately Antonio just released a huff of laughter. “Nothing bad, promise. You play soccer, right?”
Amani graciously didn’t comment on the fact that she was literally wearing a soccer jacket with her name and number on it for the sake of Basim and instead put her wingwoman skills to action. “Ugh yeah just don’t let either of our dads catch you calling it that,” she said, making a face. “Neither of them are from America so they are huge snobs about it being called ‘football,’” she explained with an exaggerated accent.
Antonio turned to Basim. “Neither. Of your dads?” he asked hesitantly. Amani bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from asking if Antonio took a Journalism elective or something. His voice was soft and deep just like that podcast guy she listened to to help her sleep sometimes and she could imagine him on an episode. But not the time Amani, she firmly reminded herself, proud when she was able to follow her own directions. (It was a close call.)
“Uh. Yeah.” Basim cleared his throat awkwardly and scuffed his pristine Nikes on the floor which he was absolutely gonna regret later. “Our mom died when we were young and our dad’s bisexual. Met Nicky, our other dad when we were six and he’s gay. I mean,” he released a nervous laugh. “Half of our family is queer to be honest.”
“Really more than half,” Amani added lightly while her eyes and jutted chin dared Antonio to say anything. She watched him with a sharp gaze and noticed however that his shoulders seemed to relax and his face opened up a bit more, brown eyes brightening.
“Um. That’s really cool,” he said before blanching. “I mean, not the dead mom! I’m really sorry about that! Fuck that came out wrong I’m sorry.” Antonio rubbed his face but Amani grinned. Aw he’s also an awkward bean! They were perfect for each other.
Basim reached out and touched Antonio lightly on the shoulder with a soft laugh. “It’s fine, I know what you meant.”
Antonio grimaced. “Sorry again. It’s just-” he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck, eyes darting nervously around the empty theatre. “I…I don’t really know any other members of the queer community. At least not since I moved here. Mr. le Livre suggested I go to GSA but it keeps conflicting with rehearsal.”
“Other members?” Basim squeaked while Amani mouthed "Mr. le Livre" to herself with a grin. It was always funny hearing kids refer to her baba or uncle so formally. When Antonio only nodded, face growing anxious at the extended silence Amani tuned back in and gladly took her turn to be the nudger. “Oh. That’s cool!” Basim rushed to say. “I mean. Me too. I think. I’m still figuring it out. I mean. Like. I never really liked girls that way,” he stuttered out.
Antonio relaxed once more, a relieved smile crossing his face. “Yeah, never really got the appeal myself.”
“Well, look at the time!” Amani loudly announced when the two of them continued to stare at each other. “I gotta go practice. Y’know, soccer. Or football,” she added with a roll of her eyes. “Toodles!” And with a wave to Antonio and a mouthed get your man paired with a thumbs up to Basim, Amani flounced off.
As Amani whirled away, Basim was left with a familiar feeling of exasperation and love for his sister, especially when he saw her soccer bag lying by his feet. “Sorry if she was a lot,” he said awkwardly, gesturing towards the door and picking up the bag to give her once she realised she left it. “She’s really amazing, just has a bit of a big personality.”
"Yeah I don’t think I would’ve guessed you were twins if I hadn’t already known,” Antonio laughed. “But she seems nice if slightly…energetic.” As if on cue Amani came running back in shouting if Basim had seen her soccer bag before skidding to a stop in front of him, her braids flapping against her shoulder. Beaming and snatching it from his hands, Amani spun around and raced back out, calling out behind her, “You’re the best!”
Basim grinned after her. “Yeah, she’s great,” he said softly before dipping her head. “We’ve…gone through a lot together.”
Antonio’s eyes softened. “I can imagine.”
Basim looked back up and the two of them stood staring at each other for several more seconds. When he noted with a hint of panic that other members of their cast were starting to trickle in Basim stuttered out, “Do you wanna maybe get coffee or tea or a milkshake or something at some point?” He winced. “Maybe. After rehearsal?”
Antonio bit his lip. “Like a date?”
“It doesn’t have to be!” Basim rushed out, hands raised in a panic. “Only if you want it to be. I know you said you haven’t met any other queer people and maybe you just wanna be friends and I’d be okay with that but I just think you’re really nice and cool and funny and talented and I’m gonna shut up now,” Basim finished, hiding his face in his hands.
After a brief moment during which Basim contemplated whether Baba and Papà would be willing to move back to the Netherlands, soft fingers wrapped gently around his wrists and lowered his hands. He stared mutely up into that bright smile and those warm brown eyes that had Basim entranced since the moment he saw Antonio on the first day of rehearsal. “I’d love to go on a date with you, Basim,” Antonio said softly.
“Oh. I mean. Cool! I mean. Great! I mean, uh. Tonight?” he croaked.
Antonio squeezed his hands, smile widening. “Tonight sounds perfect.”
***
It took a full the week for Basim to fully process with Nicky and Joe what he was feeling and then the efforts of Nicky, Joe, and Amani combined to pump him up enough to try approaching Antonio. But today was the day. When Joe and Nicky received a text from Amani filled with emojis and exclamation marks that were barely legible as a message they figured the testing of the waters was successful. Despite Amani’s confidence however they both waited anxiously until it was confirmed five minutes later.
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato Baba and Papà is it okay if I’m a bit late to dinner?
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato Antonio and I are gonna go out just for coffee or milkshakes or something
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato as a date
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato if that’s alright?
Oh dear. Basim hardly ever sent multiple texts back to back; he always complained that it was more efficient to say everything at once. Their poor boy must be a bit of a mess.
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato Of course habibi! Will you need us to pick you up to/after or is it walking distance?
Transportation was still a source of anxiety for Joe, which was a problem since Amani and Basim were technically at the age where they could begin driving and all their friends were getting permits and licenses. (As far as Joe knew) they still followed the rule that they were not to get in a car if their friends were behind the wheel however. Joe hardly trusted their friends’ parents if he didn’t know them well like Zahra and Ahmed, let alone someone still learning to drive.
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato we can walk there but you can pick me up after
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato as long as you don’t do anything embarrassing
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato i’ll send you the address soon
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato Sounds good 👍
Nicky to 2 runners and a couch potato We’re both so happy for you Basim!
Nicky to 2 runners and a couch potato and don’t worry I’ll make sure to give your baba a pep talk before we pull up
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato I resent your implication
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato and whoever changed the group name again
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato I GO TO THE GYM
Joe to 2 runners and a couch potato SOMETIMES
Basim to 2 runners and a couch potato Sure Baba
Nicky to 2 runners and a couch potato of course amore mio
Joe changed the group name to 2 bullies and a suffering father
Nicky to 2 bullies and a suffering father my ridiculous man 💗
Nicky to 2 bullies and a suffering father your ridiculous man you love 😉
Basim to 2 bullies and a suffering father gross
Basim to 2 bullies and a suffering father (I love you guys)
Nicky to 2 bullies and a suffering father we love you too passerotto
Joe to 2 bullies and a suffering father and we’re SO proud of you
Basim changed the group name to 2 dads and their gay(?) son
Joe to 2 dads and their gay(?) son ❤️
Nicky to 2 dads and their gay(?) son ❤️
Basim to 2 dads and their gay(?) son ❤️
***
Joe our little boy is all grown up 😭
Nicky are you crying at your desk?
Joe …maybe
Nicky come home
Joe why?
Nicky b/c I’m getting Topolina’s fur wet and she just had a bath
Joe omw
***
“Remember ya amar, stay calm,” Nicky reminded Joe as they pulled up to the cafe Basim and Antonio met at.
“I’m king of calm!” Joe pronounced as he gripped the wheel for dear life. “Look at how calm I can be!”
Amani leaned forward from the backseat to peer at Joe’s face then turned to Nicky with an arched brow. Nicky resisted the grin he could feel tugging at his lips. “Of course tesoro,” Nicky soothed, gently extricating Joe’s fingers from the wheel and lacing their hands together. “But perhaps we should practice some breathing hm?”
“How can you be so calm!” Joe exclaimed, lifting his hands to undoubtedly rake them through his already crazed hair before remembering they were currently being held hostage. “Our son is on his first date.”
“One of us needs to hold it together and I already had my turn to break down at home, remember?” Nicky laughed. The truth was Nicky was not calm but he got a lot of his crying out earlier and he and Joe agreed that he’ll schedule a therapy session for next week to process some of the painful memories this had brought up. Hyatt will probably have a field day.
“You two are a mess,” Amani observed with a pop of her gum as she broke into one of the take out containers despite Nicky asking her to wait until they got home. It was rare for them to order take out since between Nicky’s flexible work schedule and love of cooking he was always willing to brew something up but Joe and Nicky were both too emotionally compromised today to be trusted around flames.
“Pass me a spring roll habibti I need to stress eat,” Joe sighed dramatically.
And that was probably why Amani disregarded Nicky’s request. Nicky let out a quiet chuckle and shook his head. His impossible ridiculous man. When Joe cocked his head in question mid chew Nicky just squeezed his hand. “I love you,” he said simply, soaking up the wide smile that broke out across Joe’s face in response.
“Gross,” Amani mildly observed, voice muffled as she attempted to eat lo mein with her fingers, lord or someone help him. Before Nicky could remind Amani that there were chopsticks she could easily be using, Basim emerged from the coffee shop holding hands with a boy looking down at him with soft affection in his eyes. Nicky’s heart ached as a buried memory flashed through his mind before he pushed it down to be handled later. This will be different. He will be different. The two boys talked quietly to each other until Basim gestured to their car and Antonio nodded and gestured to a car parked in front of them with two people in it, presumably his parents. Nicky and Joe both strained their necks to try to get a peak, missing the mischievous grin that crossed Amani’s face before she rolled down her window and shouted, “Hey Antonio! Fancy seeing you again!”
Basim whipped around to glare at Amani while Nicky turned to Amani with a chastising look. Her grin faded and she shrunk slightly under his stern expression. “Be kind to your brother Amani. This is a big step for him.”
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
Nicky sighed while Joe added, “We know you’re excited for him Amani but he’s nervous enough without you calling attention to it.”
“Okay but I didn’t tell Antonio that he would sound good on a podcast even though I wanted to! That was good right?” she asked, eyes hopeful.
Nicky and Joe exchanged slightly bemused looks. Even without the context they could assume what Amani was trying to say was that she was able to hold onto an impulsive thought without blurting it out which was an accomplishment and something they and her school counselor and special educator had been working on with her. (Shrey had retired after Basim and Amani graduated but he still kept in touch with them.) “That’s very good Amani,” Nicky reassured her, softening when she shot him a relieved smile. “We know how hard you’ve been working.”
Now Amani seemed to falter and bit her lip. “Baba,” she said hesitantly. Joe turned with a frown at the tone of her voice and Nicky also grew more serious as she avoided their gaze. “Um. Y’know that essay I had for English? On that dumb book?”
“You think most books are dumb Amani but yes I remember,” Joe said gently.
“If I used ChatGPT, not to write the paper!” She rushed to clarify when Joe’s frown deepened. “But just to help me understand one of the things that happened in the book. Am I in trouble?”
Nicky turned to Joe, allowing him to take the lead. Joe sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Amani, you know you have several adults you could’ve gone to if you were confused, including me or Nicky.”
“I knooowww but I forgot about it and then it was due the next day and Nicky Mouse had a shift at the bar and you were cooking and Basi was at rehearsal and I panicked,” she groaned, slumping in her seat, her lo mein forgotten. Despite the seriousness of the moment Nicky’s heart squeezed at their old childhood nickname that still made an appearance occasionally, especially when Amani and Basim were feeling particularly vulnerable (or wanted something from him.)
But while Nicky could feel his resolve weakening Joe stood his ground, which was a shock since it was usually the opposite. “You know we never expect perfection but we expect honesty, habibti. You still could have told me even if I was busy,” he said firmly. When Amani simply stared down at her lap, fidgeting with the take out box Joe sighed. “But thank you for telling us. I know it was probably tempting to try to just get away with it.”
“So am I in trouble?” Amani asked, voice small.
Joe glanced at Nicky who shrugged and nodded towards Joe, letting him decide as the parent Amani approached (and the education expert.) “Since you told us and used it just to help you understand part of the book and not as a replacement for reading or to write the actual essay, no. But next time I expect you to reach out for help, even if I’m busy or it’s last minute, yes?” Joe leaned over the console to squeeze Amani’s clenched fist.
“Okay Baba,” Amani said, shoulders slumping with relief as she squeezed back.
“We see how difficult school can be for you Amani and we’re so proud of how hard you’re trying,” Nicky said, giving Amani a reassuring squeeze of his own. "You don't need to struggle alone."
“I like school sometimes,” Amani shrugged, looking up at them for the first time since the conversation began. She opened her mouth to say something more before her eyes caught on movement outside the window and her face broke into a delighted grin.
Nicky followed her gaze to witness Antonio leaning down to peck Basim’s cheek before mumbling something and hurrying away.
Basim stood there, looking dumbfounded, before walking over to them with glazed eyes. He buckled himself in wordlessly and didn’t even react when Amani hovered a spring roll in front of his face. “Guys, I think Basim is broken,” Amani declared gravely, clearly already recovered from their earlier conversation. “I better text Antonio to tell him he doesn’t have a boyfriend after all.”
And as she reached over to dig for Basim’s phone in his pocket he shook out of his stupor to hiss, “Don’t you fucking dare.”
“Language,” Joe and Nicky said tiredly, knowing full well that that battle was lost long ago.
“So how did it go?” Nicky prompted while Joe began the drive home.
Basim bit his lip and ducked his head. Nicky began to worry that things hadn’t gone as well as it appeared when the silence dragged on before Basim looked back up with shining eyes and a bright smile. “He’s. Amazing. We were hoping to go out again this weekend? If that’s cool?”
Nicky relaxed and saw out of the corner of his eyes how Joe’s shoulders lowered from where they had tensed during the silence. He reached over to squeeze Basim’s hand and sent him a soft smile. “Absolutely.”
***
Joe was counting how many people had made it to GSA today to determine groups for one of their activities when Basim and Antonio walked in, holding hands. He immediately lost count and hurried over to them, beaming. It had been a few weeks since the two had started dating and the show they were both in had come and gone. (Basim had been remarkable again of course and Antonio was quite talented himself.) Joe and Nicky were relieved to see that this didn’t seem to be a “showmance” however and the two boys were still going steady weeks later. He had wondered if he would be seeing either of them at GSA now that they didn’t have a conflict but although Basim had popped by a few times with Amani, this was the first time Antonio had tagged along too. “Antonio! It’s wonderful for you to join us!” Joe enthused, Nicky’s voice in his head reminding him not to act too excited.
“Hi Mr. al-Kaysani,” Antonio greeted with a small smile. (Despite Joe’s insistence that he could call him by his first name Antonio had been persistent with staying formal. Joe would wear him down eventually, he was sure.)
“Come on in, Basim can give you the tour. Welcome to the GSA!” Joe announced, spreading out his arms. Antonio looked around Joe’s brightly decorated room, glancing briefly at the desk that was overflowing with papers as always before gravitating towards the bookshelf. “Feel free to peruse and borrow any book that catches your eye. I’ll know how to track you down if you don’t give it back,” Joe said with a wink.
“Baaabbaaaa,” Basim groaned, hurrying after Antonio even as the other boy shot Joe a wider smile.
“Never fear I am here!” Amani announced, strolling into the room with aplomb and beelining towards her group of friends before chirping, “You can start now.”
Joe shook his head with a soft smile. “Well now that we’ve been given permission, suppose we should dive right in, yes?”
***
That night after dropping Antonio off and waving to his mother, the three of them made it home to the smell of something delicious cooking on the stove. “Welcome home!” Nicky called from the kitchen as Topolina greeted them enthusiastically and Cow rubbed against each of their ankles with a satisfied meow.
“What’s cookin good lookin?” Joe asked, entering the kitchen and going in for a kiss that was quickly dodged.
Nicky swatted him with his towel. “I refuse to kiss the lips of a man who would say such a cheesy line to me,” he declared, sticking his nose in the air.
“Aww, hayati what can I do to make up for it?” Joe crooned, wrapping his arms around Nicky’s waist while his love’s eyes glittered up at him with mirth.
“Hmmm,” Nicky pretended to think before throwing the towel over Joe’s shoulders. “You can do the dishes.”
Biting back his groan Joe executed a deep bow. “As my prince requests,” he declared regally.
“Perhaps my knight will earn a reward if he follows my command,” Nicky teased with a wink. And suddenly doing dishes was much more appealing.
While Joe and Nicky worked side by side in the kitchen and caught each other up on their days, the familiar bickering and laughter of their children filtered in from the living room as they pulled out their homework. Joe closed his eyes, allowing the sounds of his family to flow through him. His children were growing up. They were facing new challenges, new dramas, and new discoveries. But he knew with this man by his side he and his family could face what came next. They’ve nearly made it through puberty. First love, driving, and getting through high school should be a cinch after that. Joe winced as a crash sounded through the house followed by twin shouts of “I didn’t do it!” ...Probably.