Chapter 8- First comes love, then comes their new life.
This is the final chapter of the Brother to Brother series. I would like to thank all of you for supporting my story and falling in love with the Carter and Aiden as I have. Stay posted for the continuation of The Chase. Also, I will be writing a new series based on a character from one of my other stories, so look out for that. Thanks for your support and feedback.
CARTER
Aiden looked at me like I had gone insane, "Whoa, slow down Carter. Now tell it to me again."
I took a deep breath then repeated myself, "Well I've been thinking a lot about how you're going to college, I'm starting my internship and how our time is running down. And then it hit me, why don't we move in together?"
He shook his head, "Because it's not that simple! We can't just move in together like some modern-day couple. It's crazy! Carter, you know that I love you, but even you know that this will never work!"
I grabbed his arm and reassured him, "And why wouldn't it? I already have an apartment and I'm signing the lease next week. You've seen the pictures, it's beautiful and more than enough space for me! I even looked up your school and it's a few blocks from my place. "
He shook his head once more, "And what do we tell people? That we're a pair of brothers who are shacking up? And what about rent? A place that beautiful has to come with a hefty price tag! I-I just..."
I rubbed his arms and looked into his eyes, "We won't have to tell anyone! As far as they know, we're just two brothers living together...that's it! Mom and dad would be happy that you're living with, your brother and not some stranger. And as for rent, I already called up the landlord and when I told him that my brother was moving in with me, he was thrilled! Turns out he's a big family man and he even lowered the rent a little because of you! Look Aiden, you can try and find as many reasons as you want that tell you this wouldn't work...or you can get on board with the idea and with me."
Aiden looked at me, flashed me his famous smile, then leaned in for a kiss. He ran his fingers through my hair and spoke, "Okay. I'm on board. You seem to have this whole thing figured out and I believe in you...I believe in us."
I hugged him tight, not able to contain my joy. I kissed him on the cheek and exclaimed, "I'm so happy you're agreeing to this...Now all that's left is to talk to mom and dad."
AIDEN
Our parents arrived shortly after Carter and I finished talking. We greeted them, exchanged small talk and asked how things were this weekend. Just then my mom looked over at me and asked, "Aiden, you look like you have something on your mind? What is it honey?"
Mom always knew when something was up. I took a deep breath and confessed, "Well mom and dad, I have some news. I decided that I'm going to accept the admission for that Art school in the city and I'll be starting there in the fall."
A smile appeared on my father's face as he rested his hand on my shoulder and spoke, "Congratulations son. Your mother and I, and your big brother over there sure are proud of you."
Mom chimed in, "Yes we are sweetie. We always knew you had a talent and we're just happy to see you pursuing your dreams!" She then looked over at dad and admitted, "Geez honey, what are we going to do? Pretty soon both our boys will be leaving and we'll have an empty nest!"
Just then Carter spoke up, "Well mom, that's actually what I wanted to bring up to you two. See Aiden's school is only a couple blocks from my work and the apartment I'm renting. And so, I came up with the idea of Aiden moving in with me. I mean that way he won't be alone in the big city by himself and I can take some of the ease off." I looked to see our parents nodding as he continued, "Plus, you'll be saving a couple grand every year that you'd put towards getting him a dorm room. This way he'll be staying with family and he'll be able to save up."
I interrupted, "And once I start making some money of my own, I'll help Carter with the rent, groceries and other expenses."
Dad broke his silence and agreed, "That would be a significant savings. Now Carter, have you talked to your landlord about all this?"
Carter nodded and explained, "Yes sir, I have. He was thrilled to have two brother's living in the unit, being the family man that he is. He even lowered the rent a little!"
Dad shook his head in agreement then replied, "Well. It looks like you two have really thought this through. We trust you, both of you. And Carter, I know that you'll take care of your little brother here."
Carter and I had huge smiles plastered on our faces when my mom chimed in a last time and asked, "Aiden, honey. You're sure about this?"
I took a little time to think to myself about whether or not I actually wanted to go through with this. And as I looked over to Carter who had the biggest smile on his face, I knew that yes, I was sure about all of this. I looked over to my mom and confidently said, "Yes ma'am, I'm sure."
Dad stood up and placed himself between me and Carter, putting his arms around us and asking, "Honey, when did our boys grow up? It seems like just yesterday they were playing the backyard. Now they're going to be living together: Carter's going to be interning at this law firm, Aiden's going to be a Art school. The time sure does fly!"
Our mom joined the embrace and noted, "Well we did raise them right. I trust my boys."
We shared a hug, kissed our mom on the cheek and went upstairs. We stood in the hallway, still in disbelief at how everything was turning out. I looked around, saw that no one was there and gently pushed me against the wall, giving me a sweet kiss.
He pulled away, making sure that it went unseen and commented, "And think, next week, when we're moved in, we won't have to worry about anyone seeing us. The place will be ours: no interruptions, no distractions. Just you and me."