28. Gathering of Hearts

Lucas was the first to fall asleep. Now that their love was out in the open, Kyle couldn't resist caressing Lucas's skin, even as he slept. A tingling sensation spread through his fingertips like sparks of electricity, warming Kyle wherever their skin met. The tension from the day slowly melted away.

Kyle's gaze fixed on Lucas's face, a faint smile playing on his lips. He pressed soft kisses on Lucas's bare shoulder, grinning as their breathing synced—slow, deep as if their bodies were instinctively in tune. Sleep slowly pulled him in, their shared rhythm lulling him to dreamland.

Kyle found himself in a forest, the cool air thick with pine needles and moss scent. A narrow trail lay ahead, barely visible through the undergrowth. His lips curled into a bittersweet smile—he remembered this path. It led to a small cabin hidden from the world.

The closer he got, the more the past bled into the present. The cabin appeared rustic yet warm like the one Lilith once called home. The porch creaked in the breeze, swaying two familiar rocking chairs. The scent of pine and smoke lingered in the air, comforting and familiar. Ages ago, a woman with stars in her eyes and two children had lived here, hiding from Heaven's wrath.

As Kyle approached, he noticed something odd: curtains in the windows—something Lilith had never had. Curious, he peered inside. Lucas sat with an old woman, her olive skin and white braids falling to her waist. The cabin's layout was eerily similar to Lilith's, with its stone fireplace, sturdy wooden table, and shelves filled with handmade trinkets. The details had changed—appliances like an old radio and metal pots stood out—but the essence was the same. Even the smell of freshly cut wood and wildflowers echoed the past.

It was uncanny, like a mirror of the life he once knew. Kyle could almost see Lilith moving through the room, the children's laughter trailing behind her. His chest tightened as memories flooded back, making it hard to breathe. Was this a coincidence or something more?

He was in Lucas's dream—or maybe their memories had blended. The woman had Lucas's gentle features but also something more familiar. Isabela, Kyle realized. His heart softened as he watched their easy conversation unfold.

"Do you remember what we discussed about food?" she asked, her voice warm.

"Balance?" Lucas offered, chopping vegetables.

"Exactly," she smiled. "A little salt and fat—just enough to bring out the richness. Too much is dangerous, but life would be too bland without it."

Lucas frowned. "But fat's not exactly healthy, Grandma."

Isabela chuckled. "Life's imperfections are what make it rich, darling. A little flaw now and then doesn't hurt."

As they prepared a meal, Kyle watched and listened to their words—words that seemed to reflect more than just food. Lucas was thinking about them and their relationship. Even Kyle's flaws and secrets somehow added depth to their bond.

Lucas's expression softened. "Grandma, do you think there's enough food for my boyfriend?"

Kyle froze. His muscles tensed. Boyfriend.

Isabela's eyes twinkled. "Boyfriend? You?"

Lucas hesitated, but his smile was genuine. "Yeah, he's... special."

Kyle's chest warmed, and the tension in his body eased. He'd never heard Lucas speak about him like this. He grinned, leaning against the doorframe, listening to the rest of their conversation.

But something nagged at him—a minor detail. A pair of muddy boots sat near the door, too small to belong to Lucas. A spear rested beside them. His frown deepened. Isabela couldn't use a spear, could she? He glanced at Lucas, happily chopping away, oblivious to the strangeness Kyle felt tightening in his chest.

Lucas turned to Isabela, his voice trembling. "Grandma, I'm sorry. I never told you I was gay. I wanted to, but... I was scared."

Isabela's smile softened, her hand reaching out to him. "Oh, my dear. I'm proud of you. And I look forward to meeting this boyfriend of yours."

Lucas's eyes watered as he leaned closer, the knot of guilt loosening in his chest. Maybe, even after death, he could find forgiveness. Lucas's heart raced, relief and apprehension swirling inside him. Admitting this to his grandmother felt like releasing a boulder he had carried for years, yet the weight of his past silence lingered. Why had it taken him so long to trust even the ones who loved him most?

Kyle's heart clenched as he watched this tender exchange, but suspicion gnawed at the edges of his mind. Was this really Lucas's memory, or was something else at play? He stepped forward, his senses heightened, and the air in the cabin suddenly thickened. Something wasn't right, but Lucas was smiling, caught in this moment of closure. Kyle's protective instinct flared. He had to decide—let Lucas have this, or intervene?

Kyle's muscles tightened, his heart pounding in his chest. The dream shifted; the wind started to swirl around the cabin. Was this Isabela? Or something else? Either way, Kyle had to face it. Summoning his strength, he crossed the threshold, ready to confront whatever lay inside.

Lucas's eyes widened when Kyle bolted into the cabin, but Kyle didn't give him time to say anything. He seared his mouth with a kiss. "Sorry it took me so long to arrive. Is she your grandma?"

Lucas nodded, still trying to process how Kyle had arrived there. "Kyle, I want to introduce you to my grandmother, Isabela."

Lucas leaned toward Isabela with the biggest grin and announced, "Grandma, this is the man I love, Kyle."

Kyle's pupils sparkled involuntarily; Lucas had just said out loud, "The man I love." His heart raced, not only from worry but also from the pure joy of being loved. He shook hands with Isabela, assessing what was before him. She was an old soul, sweet and kind, with the strength of a vibrant ancient song dancing through the Andes.

Kyle relaxed; she wasn't the dangerous threat he had feared. Isabela was a magic user, attuned to the trade winds of the Andes. Her spirit remained intact after death, a testament to her connection with the elemental forces that swirled around them.

"Isabela," he said, his voice steady, "it's an honor to meet you. Lucas has told me so much about you."

Isabela's eyes twinkled with warmth and mischief as if the winds whispered secrets. "Ah, Kyle, the one who has captured my grandson's heart. You must be quite extraordinary."

"He is." A singing voice came from behind them. Kyle turned to see a woman with dark skin and black curly hair standing in the doorframe. She was wearing a simple dress and an even more giant grin. The stars in her eyes twinkled with joy. Selene exclaimed, "Dad! I am so happy to see you again!"

The woman jumped and embraced Kyle. He buried his head in her shoulders, his voice trembling. "Selene, my baby, it has been so many years. How have you been?"

Selene exchanged a knowing glance with Kyle. "Fine, Dad, I have been busy; Lucien's been busy too. These days, you can't trust just anyone in the Underworld."

Kyle's chest swelled with joy as things started to make sense. "So, you brought us to Elysium Forest?"

Selene's head was also buried in Kyle's shoulder; her voice was barely a whisper. "Not really, no, but our hearts are connected, and that connection is even deeper in dreams. One of you must have wished to see us."

Kyle played a small smile, "I see." Kyle started to puzzle about what had happened.

"I guess I wanted answers and to talk to Grandma once again," Lucas said while fidgeting with his buttons.

Figured.

Lucas turned around. "Grandma, all the things you told me about plants and ghosts weren't just legends, right?"

Isabela nodded, her voice shaking. "My boy, I was so sad to see how your dad stripped you of all that knowledge. He wanted you to be just like any other kid. He didn't want you to get injured or repudiated by society. He didn't want you to be an outcast."

Lucas shrieked, hands trembling, "but he did more damage than good in that way."

Lucas felt his blood boil and his chest tighten. He was about to curse his dad and his entire family, but a gentle hand touched him. He looked around to find Kyle's worried golden orbs.

"What you forgot, you can relearn; we will do it together," Kyle's eyes were filled with determination.

"So he is the one mom predicted?" Selene intervened. She strolled around, examining Lucas. "Not bad at all."

Kyle nodded and gave her a small smile; Lilith had indeed said he would find someone for whom he would willingly give everything. He turned to Lucas, and with a mutual gaze, they silently decided to hold hands. As if on cue, they spoke simultaneously.

"May I have your permission to date Lucas, madam?" Kyle asked Isabela.

"It's not a problem if I date your dad?" Lucas asked Selene.

The four looked at each other, dumbfounded, before bursting into laughter.

Lucas felt a strange sense of peace watching Kyle interact with his grandmother. This man—this being—was far more than just his boyfriend. He was powerful and ancient, yet he tenderly held his hand and spoke respectfully to Isabela. Lucas's mind spun. How did they even get to this dream space where his family and love life converged in the most surreal way? Could he navigate this world alongside Kyle? Could he genuinely accept all of him? Can they survive being together, or should they separate to prevent their deaths?

The answer lay in Kyle's smile as he glanced at Lucas: pure, unadulterated love. Lucas sighed; he couldn't escape. It was too late for them. They were both so in love that separating would end up in their deaths anyway. They felt the same warmth spreading, easing the tension and the same desire to be together despite the errors in the past and the consequences. Recalling Kyle's words from a few hours ago, Lucas had to accept that he just wanted a normal life with Kyle, where simple acts like preparing dinner together or a simple hug were everything that they needed to be content.

The rest of the evening was chill; Lucas prepared more food while Kyle helped with some roof repairings, and Selene went to help. While replacing some wooden beans, Kyle finally asked, "So level up with me, Selene; why is Lucas's grandma here? She should have ascended to Heaven already. What's going on?"

Selene sighed, "She landed in a grey area."

Kyle frowned, "What's the charge?"

Selene shrugged. "A potion went wrong. Nobody died, but someone's boyfriend had nightmares about clowns for decades. It would be easy to solve before, but in the current administration, unless you know someone that knows someone, you are screwed in waiting lists that are too long."

Kyle listened intently, "How did you find her?"

Selene chuckled, "Lucien found her; he didn't explain me much."

Kyle sighed. Uriel told him he had double agents in the Underworld, but he didn't mention whom. Kyle scratched his head, his body slumped in defeat. "It will take some time, but I have a plan. Please, stay out of it and take care of Isabela."

Selene leaned into Kyle. "We need to be ready for when things get worse. They won't stay this calm for long."

Lucas came out, interrupting the conversation. "Hey, food is ready. Who wants some?"

Kyle and Selene joined the feast. There was laughter and joy, embarrassing stories, and love. Kyle and Lucas bid farewell to the ladies and walked through the forest. It was dark and cold already; shadows danced around the forest but didn't feel threatening. Kyle led the way through the path, and Lucas gradually adjusted to the shifting darkness. The rustling leaves blended with the wind, and Lucas could feel his heartbeat syncing with the steady rhythm of the forest around them.

Kyle was swirling with mixed emotions. He hadn't expected Lucas to stand by him so soon, not after everything they'd gone through. His relief came in waves—swift and decisive. Lilith's words echoed in the back of his mind. A sense of determination solidified within him. He would protect Lucas. He would fight for this relationship, for them.

As they moved forward, the shadows gave way to a clearing. A pale light, soft and gentle, spread through the trees, enveloping them as if the forest itself had granted them safe passage.

Then, Lucas woke up in bed, his body warm beneath the covers. Beside him, Kyle stirred, his lashes fluttering as the last rays of sunlight filtered into the room, painting them in ethereal hues of gold and orange. Kyle reached for Lucas, intending to press a kiss to his lips, but instead felt a pinch on his shoulder.

"Ouch, what was that for?" Kyle winced, touching the spot where Lucas had pinched him.

"You laced my sandwiches with potions, didn't you?" Lucas narrowed his eyes.

Kyle blinked innocently. "It was just a healing potion." He shrugged slightly, but the corner of his mouth twitched with a guilty smile.

Lucas scowled and pounced on Kyle, pinning him to the bed. His weight pressed down, grounding them both, and Kyle felt a familiar warmth spreading through him. Their breaths were synchronized but slightly quickened, their eyes locked—dark meeting gold.

"And maybe there was something to restore your strength in the coffee," Kyle added sheepishly, watching Lucas's reaction closely.

Lucas sighed, letting more of his weight settle on Kyle's body, his fingers tracing Kyle's collarbone lazily. "If you do things like that again without telling me, I will punish you so hard."

Kyle blinked, surprise flickering in his eyes. His chest tightened, not with fear, but with joy so fierce it left him momentarily breathless. "He's not leaving me," the realization was sharp, almost disorienting in its clarity. Kyle's usual self-control unraveled for a brief moment, and a purring sound slipped from his throat, unbidden, as if he were a contented cat. The sound surprised him, and he furrowed his brows, bewildered by his own body's reaction.

"What was that?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk pulling at his lips.

Kyle opened his mouth to bluff his way out of it, but the truth was, he couldn't help it. His entire body had relaxed, muscles unwinding beneath the warmth of Lucas's presence, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt safe. Entirely and utterly safe.

Realization came in on Lucas a little bit too late. "Why do I have the feeling you are going to like some discipline?"

They both laughed, the tension dissolving between them, replaced with something softer, something real. Kyle's chest felt lighter, and for the first time, the fear of abandonment didn't loom over him. Instead, there was only Lucas, warm and real, not going anywhere.

Lucas gulped. His heart clenched with both fear and excitement. What scared him most wasn't the magic or Kyle's powers but the depth of his feelings. This love was more than he'd ever imagined, and the weight of it settled on his chest like a warm, inevitable truth. Summoning his strength, he asked, "Listen, I had meant to ask you something. If Ahmed, Fatima, and Lilian are supernatural, are the ingredients of the empanadas supernatural, too?"

Kyle gulped, thinking for a bit, "Yeah, elemental magic. The type depends on the ingredients, though. But it is meant to free humans from chaos influences."

"Will we have to fight people like Teufel again?" Lucas asked.

Kyle paused, weighting the answer. "I don't know, but it won't be easy."

Lucas pondered momentarily, "I guess I will need those potions then. But can I ask you something?"

Kyle's heart beat faster. He expected something grave, like Lucas already deciding to leave or getting angry again, but he looked so beautiful above him. He nodded and held his breath.

Lucas frowned. "Please don't put aphrodisiacs on it. It is already excruciating. Deal?"

Kyle seared Lucas's lips with a kiss; it was deep, wet, and hot. "I promise."

They both rested in each other's arms as the afternoon died down.

Lucas chuckled softly, still half-asleep. "What were you doing? Sneaking into my dream and going all heroic."

Kyle raised an eyebrow, amused. "I am unsure if it was me trying to reach out to you or you dragging me there. At this point, it could have been both. At least your grandma approved of me."

Lucas smirked, turning to face Kyle fully. "You think you're smooth, huh? Fixing roofs and winning over my family."

Kyle shrugged, his golden eyes twinkling with playful innocence. "What can I say? I'm a man of many talents."

A warm silence settled between them as Lucas thought about the dream. His fingers traced absentminded patterns on Kyle's chest, the weight of the surreal night lingering in his mind. Everything had felt so real. He could still smell the fresh wood and hear the distant laughter that filled the cabin. But more than that, he could still feel the profound sense of closure he'd experienced as if the dream had given him a glimpse of healing that he'd never quite managed in waking life.

"I never expected..." Lucas began, his voice quiet, trailing off.

Kyle propped himself up on one elbow, his expression softening. "What is it?"

"I never expected to feel... this much peace." Lucas paused, his hand resting over Kyle's heart. "I never told my grandmother I was gay before she passed. And in that dream, I did. I felt like... like she accepted me. Maybe it's silly, but it mattered."

Kyle's smile faded into something more tender, understanding the weight of those words. "It's not silly at all, Lucas. Even with supernatural elements involved, it was your way of finding the closure you've sought."

Lucas nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just... I feel like I waited too long. Why did I think they, you, would stop loving me? Why did I hide my true self?"

Kyle felt his throat close in. "Why so many secrets?" Kyle's voice broke. "I can't judge you since I hid so many things from you. I thought you would consider me a monster and leave me. I was terrified you would..."

Kyle gently cupped Lucas's face, brushing away a tear with his thumb. "It's okay now. It's never too late. We are still here. And for what it's worth, your grandmother would be proud of you. Anyone who sees how much you've grown would be."

Lucas closed his eyes, leaning into Kyle's touch. The emotions swirling inside him for so long—guilt, fear, and longing for acceptance—seemed to settle, finally leaving a deep sense of relief behind. Kyle's presence, his unwavering support, felt like a balm to old wounds.

Kyle was still overwhelmed by the tenderness of Lucas's embrace after everything he had put Lucas through. His skin felt tickling, burning with desire and affection. Lucas's forgiveness and acceptance gave him hope. Perhaps Lucas's love was his salvation.

"I love you," Lucas whispered, the words carrying more weight than ever. It wasn't just an admission of love; it was an acknowledgment of the man standing beside him, who, although through flawed methods, had fought for him, protected him, and given him the courage to face his deepest fears.

Kyle's soft and genuine smile returned. "I love you too, Lucas. And I always will." He pulled Lucas closer and gently kissed his forehead, his lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary. He would give everything he had to protect Lucas and their home, a small piece of paradise.

As they lay together, bathed in the silver moonlight rays, Lucas felt something shift within him. For the first time in years, he felt seen, accepted, and loved—for everything he was, flaws and all. The weight of the past no longer held him down, and the uncertain future no longer scared him as much.

They had each other, and that was enough.