Denial is the Way

Entering the month of March was not only hitting the seven-month mark for Ender, but Nevan's birthday is tomorrow. 

 

Today is March 5th, and tomorrow Nevan will be turning twenty-seven. 

 

"I already told you I don't want to go home," Nevan repeated for the thousandth time to his sisters, "why would they want to see me? I can already hear the judging." 

 

He did not want to see his parents, but they have asked his sisters to try to get him to come home. He hasn't even told his family about Ender or the twins. 

 

Nevan has been so busy with Ender, getting prepared for the babies, Ender's family, and work, that it never crossed his mind to tell them. 

 

"Please, big brother. It has been a while. Mom and dad said they would tone it down. The last time the whole family was together was years ago." His little sister begged over the phone. 

 

Ender shuffled into the room, holding his stomach as he cursed. He used his free hand to hold the couch's handle for a second. But then, he sneezed, making a disgusted face right after. 

 

"Fuck, I peed myself a little once again," Ender muttered before he turned back around and left the room so that he could change his underwear. 

 

Nevan internally chuckled, feeling the tightness in his chest leave when he watched Ender. He thought about how cute the man is. 

 

"Nevan, just come down. You can leave if everything becomes too much. We all want to have a family dinner, even if it is just this once." His other sister pitched in. 

 

Hearing her voice brought Nevan back to reality. He frowned as his lips formed a tight thin line, causing his piercing to dig into his upper lip. 

 

He closed his eyes, counting down for a few seconds. Maybe he should go. Plus, he could bring Ender with him and finally tell his family about him and the pregnancy. 

 

"Fine, but I’m bringing someone with me." Nevan finally responded. 

 

His older and little sister jumped with joy. Nevan ignored it, telling them goodbye as he hung up the phone. Once he did, Ender entered the room again. 

 

Ender had on an oversized sweater to fit over his stomach because his sweatpants did a terrible job. He started cursing in his head again about how he is ready for the babies to come out. He is not enjoying pregnancy at all. 

 

"Do you want me to help?" Nevan asked, watching Ender from the couch he sat on. 

 

Ender shook his head, "No. I got this. The real question is, what's wrong with you?" 

 

Ender could tell that there is something on Nevan's mind. He was going to go to the kitchen but decided to make his way over to Nevan. He sat down next to him, sinking into the couch, once he reached him. 

 

Resting his head on the top of the couch, Nevan answered, "I've been busy with other things; I never told my family about the pregnancy or us. Plus, my sisters want me to come home and have a family dinner with my parents included. 

 

"I don't want to, but I agreed to go so that I can finally tell them about you. Do you want to go with me? It is okay if you want to stay here." 

 

Ender grabbed Nevan's hand, playing with the man's fingers, "You met my family, so it is only right that I meet yours. Plus, I can be there to support you. I also want you to spend your birthday with me, but I don't mind having others in the mix." 

 

"So spoiled." Nevan smiled. 

 

Ender playfully smirked, "I know." 

 

---

 

Today is Nevan's birthday as the family group chat blew up with birthday wishes for him: 

 

Liam, "Don't forget to continue with exercise; an old body brings weak bones." 

 

Kay, "Birthday wishes from my minions and me." 

 

Hana, "Happy birthday, Nevan." 

 

George, "Birthday wishes from my wife and me!" 

 

Yan, "Happy birthday from Nan, Kori, and me." 

 

Thana, "It must suck that you cannot have birthday sex." 

 

Mother, "Happy birthday, son!" 

 

Father, "Have a good birthday." 

 

Then came their friends wishing Neban a happy birthday on their group chat: 

 

Fe, "Happy birthday!" 

 

Tia, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear old man, happy birthday to you." 

 

Kori, "You already heard my wishes from Yan." 

 

Ender laughed at everyone's message, although he ignored Thana's. "Aw, look how everyone loves you." 

 

Nevan hummed, throwing a shirt at Ender before buttoning up his. "I would love to hear one from someone special." 

 

Catching the shirt, Ender saw that the top was a big long-sleeve one. He put the shirt on, grabbing a pair of maternity pants, "Hmm, let me think about it." 

 

Once he finished dressing, Ender walked over to Nevan, who was zipping up his pants. He kissed Nevan's cheek before whispering, "Happy birthday, Nevan." 

 

Nevan smiled, "Thank you." 

 

"Now hurry up so that we can get on the road. I already know you don't want to do this." Ender responded. 

 

"I don't, but might as well get it over with." 

 

Once they finished getting ready, Ender and Nevan left the house. They got into the car, entering the road as Nevan drove to his family's home. 

 

The car ride was long and quiet as Nevan tried to get himself into a good mindset to deal with his parents. Ender, on the other hand, instantly fell asleep. He has been feeling more and more tired lately. 

 

When they got closer to Nevan's family home, Nevan woke Ender up. Ender rubbed his eyes, slowly opening them as he yawned. He stretched his arms, making his shirt lift a bit. 

 

"We are almost there," Nevan mentioned. 

 

"Hmm, is there anything I should know or watch out for?" Ender asked. 

 

Nevan thought for a second before answering, "I do not have much to say about my sisters, but my parents are judgmental and old-fashioned. If they weren't such in their ways, our relationship would have been better with barely any fights." 

 

"Okay. Will your parents have a problem with a pregnant male?" 

 

"A bit, but the main thing I know they will complain about is that we are not married. My parents have major problems with people having sex before marriage and especially having a baby out of wedlock." 

 

"Ah, I see we are in for a ride then," Ender commented, already feeling a headache coming on. 

 

Nevan nodded, his hand tightening on the wheel. They started to turn white when his family home came into view. "If they start, I am only staying for an hour then leaving." 

 

"Okay." 

 

They pulled into the driveway as Nevan parked his car behind his older sister's car. He turned off the car, taking a deep breath. 

 

Ender grabbed Nevan's shoulder, squeezing it to ground him, "I'm here. We got this." 

 

Nevan steeled himself, pushing away his negative emotions as he pats Ender's hand, "Okay, I'm ready."