Gideon POV

Mew prepared a big mat for us to sit on the sand. It got a blanket on it and some snacks for us to eat. Mew is on the mat while I am sitting on his lap and leaning on his broad body. We decided to stay here at the seashore and let ourselves succumb to this calming view in front of us. I watch the calm waves sweep away the sand and small pebbles while he looks at the beautiful night sky. I feel so contented and relaxed being in his arms when Mew suddenly speaks, breaking the long silent moment between us.

"Ahh, babe, can I ask you something?" He asked, so I lifted my body and sat properly in front of him.

"Of course, babe. What is it?" I answered.

"Ahh, you said you loved me long ago, right?"

"Yes? Why?" I wasn't sure why he was suddenly asking me this.

"Ahh, I'm just curious when did you start to love me? Ahh, when did you become a..." It seems that he cannot continue his words. Looking at his face, I think I already know what he wants to ask me, so I continue for him.

"You want to know when I became gay?" I asked him. He shyly nodded his head; my Mew is cute.

"I've been gay since birth, Mew. I didn't change! You just didn't notice it, and I didn't bother to tell you, so it's understandable that you have no idea about my sexuality."

"Oh! I guess you're right, but I'm still stupid not to know my best friend's real identity. I should have known!" He became sad, judging by the sound of his voice.

"Yes, I'm gay, and I'm proud of it! I didn't bother telling you because maybe I'm nervous about your reaction and how you would see me after I tell you about me being gay. I only got a chance to tell others when I was already in college and with the support of my other friend, Sean. I'm not sure if you know him. He has convinced me to tell others about it, but I'm hesitant. For me, as long as I live a decent life and I'm not hurting anyone, I think it's okay for me not to tell people about that little secret of mine!" I said to him.

"Okay, I'm just shocked to know about It because you never show any mannerism of being gay. Also, why would you be afraid of my reaction about you being gay? Do you know me as someone who hates gay people?" Mew asked me. It made me smile a little. He has a point on that. Mew supports the LGBTQ community. He is never someone who would judge people based on their sexuality.

"Of course not! I don't know! I'm just not comfortable telling you about me being gay! I hope you forgive me for not telling you!" I said to him. He held my cheek and caressed it.

"I won't, baby! If you will promise me that you will never do that again! Never hide things from me, okay?" He sincerely asked me. I quickly nodded to him. It made him smile so wide.

"By the way, Baby! How about my first question? When did you start to love me?" He questioned me again. He seemed excited about my answer, looking at how wide his eyes were right now.

"Ahh, I don't remember exactly when I started to love you, but I know I have already admired you since I started recognizing faces. It developed into a liking when I was in 5th grade in elementary. Do you remember when you protect me from those kids who are bullying me in school?" I asked him.

"Yes?" He sounded so unsure about his answer. I know he doesn't remember it. He is just saying yes because he doesn't want to hurt me.

"That was when I realized that I already have feelings for you. I think I started to like you that time." Mew looked so shocked.

"Seriously? That long ago? You're what at that time? 10? 11?" His eyes are forming a big O, and he can't believe someone already knows how to love that time.

"Slight, I learned I already started to like you, hahaha. I don't know! Maybe it was because it was the first time someone stood up for me except for my parents. I remember they bullied me because someone told them I was gay or assumed it was because I always liked to be around girls. I never like to play with boys except you. They've been picking up on me for days that I cried every day. I hope that someday, someone will rescue me from them, then there you are!"

I held both of his cheeks.

"My superman without a cape came to rescue me. I still remember how the world suddenly became slow, and my heart was about to explode because of the overflowing happiness I felt at that time. You came at the right time when I thought no one would ever rescue me from those boys. You are the sunshine that freed me from the long period of darkness I was in that time!" I continued.

"So that time you realized that you already like me? What about when you started to love me?" He asked me again.

"Ahh, Love? I think it's when my mama and papa died. I was so devastated at that time. I don't have anyone. I'm an only child, so like my parent, I don't know any relatives besides your family. I'm all alone! Aside from being so sad, I'm also afraid. I'm just a kid! I don't know if I can survive living in this world alone. Yes! Auntie Vanessa and Uncle Luke were there for me, but still. I can't help feeling that way. But then again, do you remember what you said to me?"

Flashback

Gideon POV

I'm in my room, still crying over the death of my parents. It's been months since they left me, but the feeling of losing them is still like It was just happening today! I don't know what I will do now! I'm all alone!

I was shocked when I heard someone enter my room, and when I checked who is it. It was Mew. I saw how shocked his face was when he saw me crying beside my bed. He ran to me and hugged me tightly.

"Mew, I'm scared! Mom and dad left me. I don't know where I am going now! I'm all alone. Why do they have to leave me? I think they don't love me anymore. I think they are tired of taking care of me. That is why they left me here all alone. Mew, help! Please help me! "

I was crying so hard. All Mew did was caress my back while still hugging me tightly. He just let me cry in his arms. After a while, I stopped crying. Mew let go of me and started talking.

"Gulf, don't worry, I'm here. I will always be here for you. Do you remember when Brother Andrew left us? You told me that you will be my brother now and will always be here for me whenever I need you. Now! I'm the one who will tell you this. I will never leave your side, Gulf. I will be your brother, your friend, and your family. I will always do my best to be beside you and ensure that you will never be afraid again. Please don't say that Auntie Grace and Uncle Richard don't love you anymore because they do. They didn't leave you because they wanted to, but it's god's will, we may not understand the reason now, but someday we will. They love you even today, even though they are not here. They will be there somewhere, watching you and guiding you on your future. They love you, Gulf, so much, don't ever doubt them. Like them, we love you too. My mom, my dad, and even Elise love you! We love you! We are your family now. I am your family! You don't have to be afraid anymore because we are always here for you. We will take care of you as how your parent takes good care of you." While Mew is saying those assuring words to me. I can't help but cry again, not because of sadness but because I'm happy. Mew just hugged me again and continued to caress my back.

That was when I heard my heart starting to beat too loud and fast while he was hugging me. What is this? Why am I feeling this way?

End of Flashback

"That's when I started to feel that I'm starting to love you, and every day it grows bigger until this moment. It is still growing that I don't know if my heart can still contain how much I love you?"

"But why didn't you tell me, maybe...." He said after I removed my hands from his face.

"Tell you what? That I love you? Are you kidding me? Do you remember what kind of a man you are in the past? You are such a popular student then, not only in your school but also in mine. Do you know how many girls are so crazy about you? You have your Fan club at that time, right? What is it called again? ahhh. "Marcus's Angels" what do you think if I ever told you that I love you, then they will know about it, they will surely kill me and that time, I know you only think of me as your little brother, so tell me. If you are me? Would you be able to tell me that you love me?" I asked him. He just shook his head as an answer. I told you so!

"See?" I said, then I went back to lean on him and face the beautiful sea in front of us.

"It's funny, though, when you think about it!" I said to him.

"Yeah, we came a long way, baby, but I'm thankful we are together now. Destiny, do find ways to make the two-person meant for each other meet!" he said, then kissed my head.

"Yes, I think so too!" I answered him.

"I'm so grateful that you choose to love me, Gulf. Thank you for loving someone like me." He sounded so happy. I'm so glad too!

"Me too, Mew. Thank you for loving me. " I bend my face downwards to the left to face him. I saw him looking at me; the next thing I knew, we kissed each other passionately. After a few seconds, we go back to watch the sea and the stars. At the same time, Mew was hugging me from behind so tightly.

This is such a beautiful night for both of us! I don't ever want this to stop!

To be continued
WAANJAIMJORA