Page 76 of It's Just You

“Then talk. I’m listening. Unless you want to yell at me again, then you can just open the door and walk right back out,” I told him. I wasn’t going to let him come at me in my own room.

“Nah.” He shook his head. “I wanna apologize for flying off the handle like I did. I was just mad because I felt like you stole my friend, and… It was too much, okay? I never expected the two of you to hook up, and—”

“We haven’t just been hooking up,” I interrupted him. “We’re together, Sam. Like together, together.”

Sam stared at me. “Well, okay. Then… congrats?” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’ve been an asshole, and I want to apologize. I was just mad, then the whole thing about Dad happened, and with everything coming out like it did, I felt so betrayed. I just… couldn’t deal with it.”

“Thank you. It means a lot to me. We never meant to hurt you, and I know Finn values your friendship a lot. We just… clicked, and we’re hoping it’ll stay, you know?”

Sam nodded. “I’m truly happy you’re building something lasting. I just still wish it wasn’t with him.”

“I know. But thank you.” I got up, opening my arms to him. “I appreciate your apology.”

He hugged me. “Thank you. I know I’m an ass sometimes, so…”

“Oh, I know. You don’t need to tell me.”

He slapped my arm but didn’t let me go. “Idiot.” Then he fell silent again and released me. “Now, things with Dad…”

I braced myself.

“That’s something completely different. I’m still so fucking mad at them for not telling me, and at you for taking on the burden all alone. That’s just… It’s so fucking wrong, and I want to make up for it,” he said fiercely.

“You—”

“I’m going to switch to online classes. Or rather, I already did, so no chances of talking me out of it. I want you to pick up your studies again. You deserve to have the same chances I had, and I’ll make sure you get it.”

I stared at him, speechless. My little brother had always been selfish, and for him to have taken such huge steps felt out of character for him.

“So, you need to figure out how to handle that, and if you want, how to move out. I can take care of Dad for the most part,” Sam said.

Now he was trying just a little too hard. “I appreciate it, but there’s this thing called money. Did you ever think about that? There’s a reason I just dropped out. I couldn’t do classes, work, and care for Dad at the same time. You wouldn’t be able to either.”

“Then… How about you take up classes again and keep working, and I care for Dad and do my own classes. We can switch that, but I figure you have a better salary than I can get.”

I stared at him, speechless.

“Not a good suggestion? Then maybe switch? I can work, and you care for Dad? I mean, I’m fine with either. I could also take a break from school so you can go back, or I’ll finish and work on the side to support you guys, and when I’m done, you can go back, and—”

“Sam. Breathe.” I finally found my voice again. “Hold on. I’m just sort of stunned. That’s why I didn’t answer at first. I never expected you to offer that. And Mom and Dad were absolutely against you messing with your education. That’s why they didn’t tell you at all. They won’t appreciate you doing this.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. You have the same rights as I do, the same choices. They had their chances to work this out before, and they royally fucked it up. So now we get to pick up the pieces and make it work for all of us. Means you’ll have to deal with my cooking, too, but well.” He shrugged, like his cooking was the biggest of our issues.

I knew both of our parents would blow up when they heard about his decisions, but on the other hand, I couldn’t even deny they’d screwed up. Sam was right. I should’ve told him long ago, and we should’ve figured this out together, like a family. Maybe it was time for the two of us to find a suitable solution and tell them what would happen instead of asking for their opinions.

“I’m sure Mom will appreciate you helping her cook, so that’s fine with me. And, well, I like work, so I could keep that up and take a few classes on the side. I don’t have to go back full time, then I can do whatever you can’t with Dad.”

“Dude, for being gay, you totally suck at household chores, so yes, I’m fine with that.”

I blinked at him. “What does being gay have to do with household chores? What do you think I am, a fucking housewife?”

He snorted.

“Besides, I’m not gay. I’m demisexual. Maybe that’s why, like you said, I’m bad at this household crap that I’ve been doing for the past two years without you around,” I said pointedly. “I don’t know whether to be insulted or glad that you’re finally accepting me.”

Rolling his eyes, he replied, “I accepted it without any issues, dude. It was the Finn part that threw me.” He paused for a split second before hurriedly adding, “And no jokes about Finn’s parts now!” he added before I could even take the breath to tease him.

“Wouldn’t even dream of it…” My lips twitched.

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