Chapter 59: Chapter Fifty-Nine

Omniscient Narrative

The grand estate of the Harris family loomed elegantly against the sprawling gardens, a beautiful blend of classic architecture and modern opulence. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting like a warm golden hue over the beautiful flowers that framed the long, stone path leading to the entrance. 

Standing at the entrance of the huge building, Von adjusted his cufflinks with a slight smirk playing on his lips. He was definitely a man built on confidence, every inch of him oozing a charismatic dominance that made him seem larger than life itself, something he got from his father.

Tonight was special, he had invited his boyfriends over to his parent's house to finally introduce them. He loved the two men and would love to have both sides that meant the world to him come together. 

Von might look and act like a cold hearted man but deep down he was a huge family man. He loved his family, he never hid it and he was never ashamed of it. His family were close. 

As he adjusted his tie, Von took a deep breath, the thrill of anticipation coursing through him. This wasn't just an introduction; it was like a promise to his boyfriends. 

He wanted his family to see the love he shared with Michael and Dylan. 

"'Are we ready?" Michael's teasing voice broke through Von's thoughts. The light skin man stretched his arms wide, a playful grin illuminating his face. His curls hair caught the glowing light, making him seem almost ethereal.

"Ready as we'll ever be," Von replied, feeling a swell of pride as he glanced at his partners. "Just keep your jokes somewhat appropriate, okay?" The dark skin dominant warned. Over the few months they've been going out with each other, he had learned that Micheal was what you'll call a comedian. A Chandler bing, a Jake peralta, Phil dumphy, it doesn't matter the place or time, Micheal would find a way to make a joke. 

Michael feigned a mock-salute, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Yes daddy." He said, a while grin on his face making Von groan. 

"Don't start what you can't finish princess" he gave Micheal a glare 

Dylan, ever the quieter of the two, glanced up with an encouraging smile, adjusting Micheal's glasses that were at the bridge of his nose. "I hope they like us." He nervously spoke 

"They'll love you little one" Von pressed a kiss on Dylan's forehead. "This one, on the other hand" he pointed to Micheal "I'm not too sure" 

"Heyyyy" Micheal asked slightly offended. 

With a light laugh from Von and Dylan, the dominant man led the way into his childhood home. As he pushed open the large oak door, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, he hadn't been here in months, his family lived far from the city so driving all the way to the family home required dedicating the whole day to them. 

The head was filled with memories, the laughter of his siblings, the warmth of family gatherings, and the love that lingered in every corner. Von lived a happy life. 

His eyes drifted across the familiar, ornate decor before landing on the grand staircase that spiraled elegantly to the upper levels of the mansion. 

"Mom! Dad! We're here!" Von called out as they stepped into the expansive living room, adorned with family portraits and plush furnishings, perfect for gatherings.

A moment later, his mother, Angela, appeared her face lighting up with delight. "Dayvon!" She rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him as if trying to absorb every inch of him. 

"Oh, it's so good to see you, sweetheart!" She held him back just long enough to glance over his shoulder. "And who are your handsome friends here?" She said eyeing the two awkward men who stood behind Von nervously-more so Dylan than Micheal-.

"Mom, this is Michael and Dylan," Von introduced, a sense of pride swelling in his chest as he gestured to each of them. "My boyfriends, the ones I told you about." He gave her a knowing look. 

Angela's eyes shimmered with joy as she approached Michael first, extending her arms. "I know, I just wanted to pull your leg Dayvon, it's wonderful to meet you, Michael! I've heard so much about you! You're an art student, right?" She warmly hugged him before pulling away a bit. 

Michael chuckled, glancing at Von. "Yes ma'am, I'm studying art, I want to be a famous photographer someday" Micheal said, a huge sense of pride taking over. 

Angela laughed heartily, clearly charmed by Michael's exuberance. "I can't wait to hear about how it's going for you sweetie, you must show me some of your work!" She cheered making the light skin man blush.

"Oop, he's turning redddd" she teased making Micheal shy away at her words

With Angela teasing Micheal, Von turned to Dylan, who was standing slightly back, clutching his bag like a shield. "And this is Dylan," he continued, tilting his head toward his shy partner. "He's an art teacher, and one of the most talented people I know." Von praised as he gave his shy partner a warm smile, his eyes glistening with pride. Both his partners were talented people.

Angela approached Dylan, her warmth enveloping him as she reached out for a hug. "Dylan, it's so nice to meet you! Teaching art must be so rewarding. What ages do you teach?" She was smiling hard at him, making the smaller man ease up a bit. 

Dylan's cheeks flushed but due to his dark skin it was noticeable, he relaxed into the embrace. "Thank you, Mrs. Harris. I teach college art, but I am trying to be more diverse, maybe middle school or high school art. Though they can be challenging, they could also incredibly creative, so I'd like to give them a chance. I enjoy introducing students to different art styles and techniques." He said "sorry i talk too much whenever I'm nervous" he awkwardly said 

"Call me Angela sweetie!" she insisted with a friendly smile. "Or mom" she playfully looked at him"And nonsense, don't apologize, I'd love to hear more about what you all teach them"

Soon, they were enveloped by the warmth of the Harris household, with laughter and chatter flowing freely. Von's father, Carlton, entered the room, dapper and dignified. He took a moment to observe the scene.

"Ah, if it isn't my son that has completely forgotten about me!" he declared with a playful glare. "And these must be my sons in laws? ! Welcome to our home, Michael and Dylan. It's a pleasure to finally meet you both." He gave them a smile the minute his eyes landed on them, completely pushing his son to the side as he walked up to the two me 

"Thank you, Mr. Harris," Michael replied with a playful bow, eliciting another round of laughter, a louder one from Carlton. "We feel very welcome, though I do have a condition of entry..." 

"Condition?" Carlton raised an eyebrow, intrigue sparkling in his eyes as he stared at the light skin man who had a large grin on his face. 

"You must share embarrassing stories of Von tonight," Michael declared, preparing for the enthusiastic groans of disapproval from Von, who shook his head, holding back a smile. "And pictures" he turned to Angela who eagerly nodded her head.

"I have so manyyyy" she sang as she watched the four men with twinkle in her eyes.

Dylan chuckled softly, temporarily finding solace in the gentle humor weaving through the initial tension. Von felt a sense of ease in knowing that Michael's personality would draw everyone in rather than push them away, that was one thing he loved about the other man. Though it wasn't the same for him when they first met. 

As dinner drew near, the family took a moment to mingle sharing spirited conversations. Von's sister, Hilary, who was the first born, she got married when she turned 22 after graduating, she sauntered into the room, her vibrant energy immediately captivating everyone. "You guys are even prettier in person, you could be models" she cooed, eyes sparkling as she stared at the two new faces.

"Guilty as charged," Michael declared with a cheeky grin. "But be warned-if you're looking for the next Naomi Campbell, you might be disappointed, I eat a lot" he said motioning to his body. 

"Are you sure? Because at first glance I thought I thought you were here" Hillary teased back, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "But that's good, I'm a chef and I love to feed those I love" she playfully raised her brows making Micheal laugh. 

"Now you cutie" she said pointing over to Dylan "can be my Anok Yai" she smiled at the smaller dark skin man. 

Dylan just stared at her, his face warm and his stomach flutter at the compliment given. 

"That's t-" he was cut off.

"Don't argue with me cutie" she playfully warned. "Now tell me what you like to eat" and with that they got into a conversation about pastries and desserts. 

Von's heart swelled at the acceptance and immediate rapport forming among them. He knew this would happen but having it ACTUALLY happen felt like a dream come true. 

As the evening continued, both Michael and Dylan effortlessly connected with each family member, making jokes, sharing stories, and shyly discussing their artistic inspirations.

"Dude, I deadass had to peel Von away from me, like he was attached to my hips" his sister Ashley said as they walked into the dinning room. They had met her when they were walking towards the room, she was fighting off her niece and nephew who were climbing her like monkeys and then Von decided to make a joke about it, which brought that conversation up. 

"For real?" Micheal laughed as he walked beside her, "I can't imagine Von being clingy" he teased the larger man. 

"At one point I thought he was just a sculpture come to life" he joked making the family and Dylan laugh and his sisters tease him continuously about how he was always in their business, especially Ashley's and their father. 

The carefully arranged dinner table was set, creating a picturesque scene with flickering candlelight complementing the family heirlooms that adorned the table. 

Von sat at the head of the table with Michael on one side and Dylan on the other opposite his parents, his father sat on the other head of the table, his wife on one side and the rest of the family scattered around the table. The atmosphere was imbued with warmth, laughter, and delightful chatter.

Once seated, Carlton raised his glass, signaling for attention. "To family," he began, his voice steady, "and to the bonds we create through love that can transcend any boundary. Let's welcome our sons' partners into the fold and encourage them in their pursuits." He gave a toast 

"Cringee" Ashely, Von and their cousin Ty said making the family erupt into laughter.

"Wha-" his father started as he looked over to his wife who gave him a closed smile, rubbing her hand over his hand in a sympathetic manner, trying to contain her own laugh.

"Whatever" he rolled his eyes and pouted, looking at his food in an interesting manner.

"We're sorry Daddy" Hilary said reaching for her father's hand, her laugh dying down.

"Guys stop it, daddy was just trying to be welcoming" she glared at her siblings and cousin.

"You're right Hil" their cousin Ty said "sorry unc" he apologized, secretly handshaking Ashley under the table. 

"Cheers" Von raised his glass, making the others do the same.

"Cheers!!" Was heard around the room.