Nathaniel's POV

"Mom?"

"Well," she repeated, her hand darting towards the bun. "I would not call it utterly disgusting, Sarah, just unsettling. What do you think, George?"

"It's unnatural, that's what it is. I am a rational man..."

"Of course you are a rational man, George," Aunt Sarah interrupted, "you are a geologist."

"Yes, as I was saying," my dad fixed his thin rim glasses to stay more firmly on his nose, "I am a rational man and I realize that some... deviation are present in all areas of life, but let's look at nature, shall we? Animals don't pair up in same-sex couples; a male and a female team up to raise an offspring and assure the survival of their species. From an evolutionary point of view, gay couples are obsolete."

I wanted to object but when you looked at the issue at that angle, dad was correct.

"What about good old-fashioned fun?" My twin butted in. "What's wrong with having fun or even falling in love with someone from your own gender? I mean, gay couples could still raise a child."

"Val is right," I commented, glad that we could discuss the matter from another perspective. "There are numerous examples of gay couples adopting and successfully raising a child. The only uncomfortable situations that child might be put in come not from the family, but from the straight people who judge them. If a child feels loved, it wouldn't care if it has two moms or two dads; that would only turn into a problem when other people point it out and declare it wrong."

"My God, Nathaniel," Aunt Sarah had placed her chubby hand over her abundant chest. "I would never think you of people could say something like this. You are such a rational boy. I must admit I am rather disappointed in you."

The proper reply would be to lower my head and apologize; it was expected of me as I was not one to upset a family member, be it one I disliked. But even though my pulse was drumming in my head and I put a lot of effort in my attempts to breathe at a normal pace, no words of regret left my lips. On the contrary, I kept on talking.

"There are many gay or bisexual influential historical figures. As a matter of fact," I went on, thinking of her love of classical literature, "Oscar Wilde is said to have had male lovers. Even people who are not fond of the books produced at his time cannot claim he has no talent." Aunt Sarah was growing considerably crimson, her eyes enlarging as she puffed more and more and she seemed to inflate with words of unspoken fury and judgment. "I believe sexual orientation has nothing to do with someone's personality or abilities or their morals. I believe..."

"Nathaniel!" Mom whispered harshly, pulling on my hand. "Stop it! Now!" I opened my mouth to protest but she turned to the rest of the family and with a quick "Excuse us" and dragged me out and into the kitchen.

"What do you think you are doing?" She demanded to know in a low but firm voice. She went on before I'd had a chance to reply. "Are you purposely trying to upset Aunt Sarah?"

"I..."

"I expected something like this from your sister, but from you?" She shook her head and I swallowed loudly as I saw a look she'd never given me before. Anger and disappointment flamed in her blue eyes.

"I-I'm sorry, mom," I muttered, lowering my gaze. I couldn't face her now; I couldn't deal with not living up to her standards.

"Don't apologize to me; go say you are sorry to your Aunt Sarah."

I hesitated. I wasn't actually sorry about what I'd said.

"Go!"

Her voice trembled and I willed my feet to move. I'd gotten to the hallway but before I entered the living room, I rushed back into the kitchen with the intent to hug her and apologize again.

"What are you doing?" I asked, the sight of my mother gulping on several pills at once rooting me at the door.

"Migraine," she explained flatly.

"And you carry the pills with you?" I noted as she put the container in her the pocket of her skirt.

"I thought I should be prepared for when your sister gives me a headache, but this time it was you," she blurted out impatiently but then tried to smile. "Look, sweetie, mommy is under a lot of stress with your Aunt coming over. You know she makes generous donations for the research faculty in your dad's firm," she placed a hand on each of my shoulders. "We need to make Aunt Sarah happy no matter what it takes."

"But..."

"Whatever it takes. Do it for me, will you?" She removed one of her hands to smooth my hair. "With your daddy being so busy and your sister being... well, your sister, you are sometimes the only person I can rely on. You are my perfect boy, Nathaniel; such a wonderful boy! And I know you'd grow into a wonderful man and choose a wonderful woman to help you raise your wonderful children. And then I'll shamelessly brag about them to my friends the way I brag about you now. You are such a sweet, dependable boy; you won't ever let me down, will you, Nathaniel?"

"No, mom," I replied quietly.

"Good," she pushed me slightly towards the door. "Now let's go apologize to your Aunt Sarah and then I'll try to get her mind off the topic by talking about something else."

Silence fell into the living room the moment we walked in. My sister was smiling encouragingly and my cousin must've been told about the conversation we'd had in his absence since a malicious grin was spread on his lips; my dad cleared his throat and pretended to be busy with pouring himself another cup of tea; Great Aunt Sarah was sitting stiffly on the couch, patting her dog, her back straight and her chin up. I sat on the same spot I'd done before with my mother by my side.

"I..." I took a deep breath. "I apologize if I'd upset you with my words, Aunt Sarah. I assure you that was not my intention."

A victorious smirk formed on her face as she took a sip of her tea.

"I suppose we can attribute your behavior on your youth and inexperience," she condescended. "But in the future do not argue with people who have a clearer view than you. Now, Lydia, my dear," she turned to my parent, "You spoke to me on the phone about some charity event you took part in. That is very commendable; I wish to hear more."

My mother's relief was evident as she relaxed in her sofa and gladly took up the new topic and I let out a slow breath as the tension in the room seemed to decrease. Dad, caring little about the subject, got up to look through the window. Bernard was now glaring in my direction, his fist balled; he would've never gotten off so easily had he had the courage to disagree with our large relation. I snuck a glance towards Vallery and saw her displaying her disapproval of me giving up by shaking her head.

I sighed.

It seemed that no matter what I did, there would always be someone I'd displease.

*****

Skype beeped shortly again, signaling I had another message.

I'm sorry you had to go through this.

Irene had been very understanding allowing me to rant through our chat. I stretched without getting off my chair before replying:

And I'm sorry I complained so much.

She took no time in writing:

It's understandable. We all have at least one family member we don't get on with. With me, that's one of my female cousins. She makes visiting relatives in Spain not so much of a pleasant experience.

"Bro, dinner's served," Val shouted through the closed door of my bedroom.

I have to go now, I typed. I might not be able to chat later because my cousin is sleeping in my room.

I frowned as I looked at the sleeping bag on the floor. I'd gladly let Bernard have my bed and spend the night at Vallery's room but my parents had decided us boys should share. They would of course use the unfolding couch in the living room and Aunt Sarah would take their bedroom to share with Poopster.

I need to talk with you about something, was what I got as a reply. It might not be the best time since your Aunt is here, but can I come over after she's gone on Sunday afternoon?

Sure. What's it about?

I'd rather tell you then.

Okay. Bye.

Bye.

I turned off my laptop and got out of my room. Val was waiting for me by the door.

"You know you don't have to listen to Satan and the others, right?" She asked. "Just be who you want to be, bro."

"What if I end up disappointing them?"

"You'll end up disappointing yourself otherwise."

"Every now and then you actually say something wise," I noted with a small smile and she grinned.

"Yeah, and I totally sound like you. I guess you are contagious, bro." She pushed herself off the wall. "Just be who you want to be," she repeated, putting a hand over my shoulder. "And be with who you want to be."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You and Hunter. If you want to be with him, don't care about what mom and dad think."

"He's a guy," I shot out.

"And that seems to be the only objection you have against him," she commented, her hand slipping off my shoulder. "Come on; let's try to survive through dinner."

*****

The rest of the weekend went by slowly. Painfully so.

I tried to be on my best behavior mostly because of mom. I'd never seen her so stressed out as she was on the first day Aunt Sarah got here. Thank God our relation was about to leave in less than an hour...

"Where is he?"

The cry came from down stairs and I jumped off my bed and ran towards the first storey.

"What's going on?" I asked my twin since mom and dad were busy trying to soothe a heavily breathing and red-faced Lady Satan. Bernard was crawling on the floor, peaking under the furniture.

"Poopster has gone missing," a calm – no, make that amused, Vallery replied. "Poor, poop Poopie; where could you be?"

"Stop laughing, Val," I reprimanded, going on my knees to look under the couch. "Help us find him!"

"Where is he? Where is HE?" Satan was almost out of breath and mom rushed to bring her a glass of water while dad helped her sit down on a sofa.

"Aren't you worried?" I asked my sister, moving to look under another sofa even though I'd already seen Bernard check there. "How can you be so calm when..." I gasped as I thought of one possible reply to my question. "You didn't..." I murmured in a low tone and her face lit up. "You did?" I whisper shouted and got off my feet to pull her into the hallway, almost pushing my mom into the door frame and spilling the glass she was carrying. Our parent ignored us and hurried to bring the water to our distressed visitor.

"Vallery, please tell me you had nothing to do with Poopster's disappearance," I begged once we were in the hallway and out of earshot.

"I thought our beloved Aunt deserved a proper sendoff," she giggled merrily.

"Are you out of..." I took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I should've seen this coming. How did I not see this coming? You were far too quiet throughout her stay..."

"Relax, bro," she slung her arm over my shoulders. "Poopie is safe and sound and will miraculously return just as she is about to leave."

"But where is he?" I wanted to scream the question as my Great Aunt had done but whispered it instead.

"Hunter has him in their tool shed."

"Hunter?" I repeated. "Of course, Hunter! The two of you are pretty much inseparable lately."

"Are you jealous?" She wriggled her eyebrows and I frowned. "The boy wanted some revenge for Lady Satan insulting Betty so..."

"So you decided to kidnap Satan's dog? What's with you and kidnapping animals?" I wanted shout again. "First it was Raphael, now Sarah's pooping machine... Just go and bring the dog. Now."

"I'll bring him when she's about to leave..." My sister began but was cut off by our guest's bellow:

"It was that low-class American... It was your neighbor! She took him! She took my precious Poofie..."

"On second thought I better get Poopster now," Val commented, darting to the door but not before she ordered: "Keep Satan busy."

How was I supposed to do that?

Lady Satan was already in the hallway and wobbling towards the door.

Hurry up, Val, I silently begged.

"Aunt Sarah, I think I heard barking from the kitchen," I lied and either I was getting good at it or everyone was too worried to pay attention to the giveaway signs. They all rushed to that room and to look under the isles and counters, even under the fridge – how did they think a dog could fit in there? – all, but for Aunt Sarah whose physique made it impossible for her to bend that low so she impatiently waited, leaning on a stool.

"Lookie who I found outside," Val chirped, grasping the small dog in her outstretched hands, as far away from her body as possible.

"Poofie!" My Aunt squealed – something I did not think she was capable of – and snatched the animal out of my sister's hands. "Oh, my sweet, little Poofie... Where have you been?" She cried out, assaulting her pet with kisses. "I was so worried about you. You!" She then shouted, her eyes bulging as she pointed at my cousin. "You were supposed to watch him. What were you doing?"

"I-I-I-I w-was prep-paring the luggage as you t-told me, Aunt Sarah," he tried to defend himself, his voice thin and trembling.

"No excuses!" Satan shouted and we all jumped, except for Val who was washing her hands. "I need to sit down," she said and my mom accompanied her to the living room, followed by dad and Bernard.

"This couldn't have gone better," Val commented once we were alone. "Sarah was on the verge of a mental breakdown, I had fun, Hunter had his revenge and now Bernard is getting blamed for all this."

"You are really proud of yourself, aren't you," I shook my head.

"Yep and I plan to celebrate with drinks in the yard with Hunter."

*****

Vallery's POV

The sun wasn't shining brightly and no birds were singing but Satan & Co. were gone and all was right into the world of men.

I sipped on my soda before placing it back on the round table in our yard. My brother who was sitting to my right was drinking the same and Hunter – the lucky bastard who could pass for older than he was – was enjoying a beer. Nothing could've ruined my good mood - not even Nat pouting like a child over us kidnapping Poopie – or so I thought. But as a familiar face entered our yard and my brother got up to greet her I frowned; I didn't have anything against Irene but I'd rather it be just the three of us.

"So what did you want to talk about?" My brother asked the newcomer after offering her a drink.

"Maybe we should go inside," she began glancing towards Hunt and me. "Then again..." She took a deep breath and shot out: "Do you want to go to the Halloween ball with me?"

"Sorry, what?" My brother asked about half a minute later.

"You and me, to the ball," Irene muttered, looking at her feet. "You know a boy and a girl... as a couple."

"On a date?" Nat questioned after another long silence.

"Yes?" She murmured.

"I..." He glanced at Hunter who was staring at the fence and then over to the kitchen where we could see through the window mom and dad speaking.

Don't think about what they might think, bro, I chanted in my mind. Do what you want to do...

"Yes," he cleared his throat. "Yes, I'd go with you."

"Really?" She asked surprised, her eyes back on him. "I was afraid you'd say no. Actually, I only build up the courage to ask you because of something Val told me last week."

Oh, no, don't pin this one on me...

"She said," the girl went on, oblivious to my thoughts, "that you got upset when you thought I was avoiding you and that you wouldn't be upset if you didn't... if you weren't interested in me."

"She did?" My brother raised an eyebrow and Irene nodded in reply.

A door slammed and I realized Hunter had gone home. I got off the chair, jumped over the low white fence and ran into his house. I saw him sprawled on the couch, aimlessly switching the TV channels.

"Hunter, I didn't mean for..." I stood in front of the screen but he pushed me to the side. "She looked upset and I wanted to make her feel better. I didn't think she'd actually ask Nat out. I'm sorry! I didn't..."

"Why are you making excuses?" He asked coolly. "I'm nothing to your brother."

"Actually, I think he likes you but mom and dad..."

"It doesn't matter, okay?" He interrupted impatiently. "I don't want to talk about it. If you are going to watch TV with me, stay; if you are going to talk about... them, go."

I hesitated wondering how I could explain to him that I didn't mean for Nat and Irene to get together; I'd rather see my twin with Hunter. I sighed, accepting the fact that there was no way this boy would speak about that now. Without a word, I dragged myself out, wondering how things could have gotten so wrong in such a short time.

*****

A/N: So many questions I want to ask you about this chapter but the most important one is: what's to come?

Do you think Nat will decide the date with Irene is a mistake?

Do you think Hunt will try to sabotage it?

Or maybe he'll give the male twin the cold shoulder?

Also, in your opinion, if Nat's parents were more accepting towards the gay society, would he even consider going out with Irene?

Don't forget to vote! Oh, and I've got a treat for you: next chapter will be from Hunter's POV.

Now for the answers of the Halloween Special question of who had turned into what:

Hunt – vampire

Val and Lyn – witches

Irene – Frankenstein's Bride

Kaylyn and Karen – ghosts

Mathew – a priest

Dustin – werewolf

Neighbors and Colin – zombies

Raphael – well, Raphael but from TMNT ;)