LOGINShare
Chapter 19: Finding Solace with Luca
Last Updated:
2025-03-29 16:07:43Elliott
Later That Night After dinner, I drive to Luca’s apartment, needing the comfort of his presence. The minute I step inside, he pulls me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. “How did it go?” he asks softly, his voice filled with concern. I sigh, resting my head against his shoulder. “I talked to Emma. She was…she was amazing. So supportive. But at dinner…I couldn’t do it. I wanted to, but when I looked at my parents, I just…froze.” Luca pulls back slightly, looking into my eyes with a gentle smile. “Elliot, you don’t have to do it all at once. You took a big step today, telling your sister. That’s something to be proud of.” His words wash over me, soothing the sting of disappointment. I nod, a small smile forming as I lean into him, feeling the tension melt away. “I just want to be with you,” I whisper. “Without all this…fear.” He cups my face, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my cheek. “And you will be, Elliot. One day at a time. I’m here, every step of the way.” In that moment, I feel a quiet certainty—a sense of hope that, no matter how long it takes, we’ll find our way. Because with Luca by my side, the journey feels a little less daunting, a little more possible. Elliot That night, Luca and I fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, his steady heartbeat calming the lingering tremors of anxiety in my chest. Lying there in the quiet of his apartment, I feel that same sense of peace that I always do when I’m with him. The world outside doesn’t matter—just us, in our own little corner where the weight of everything else fades away. But as much as I want to freeze time, morning always comes, and reality always finds a way back in. When I wake up, Luca is already in the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint sound of music playing from his phone. I smile at the sight, taking in the way his hair falls messily over his forehead, the easy comfort he exudes even in the simplest of moments. It’s so ordinary, and yet it feels like something I never thought I’d be able to have. “Morning,” I say, slipping my arms around him from behind as he pours coffee into two mugs. He leans back into me, his head resting against mine. “Morning. Thought you could use some caffeine after last night.” “Thanks,” I murmur, taking the mug he hands me. “And…thank you for everything, really. For being there, for reminding me I don’t have to do it all at once.” Luca turns, his gaze meeting mine with that familiar, steady warmth. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Elliot. You don’t have to do any of this alone. I’m here for every part of it.” I nod, trying to let his words sink in, trying to believe that this isn’t something I have to keep shouldering on my own. But a part of me still feels trapped, tangled up in the expectations I’ve been carrying my whole life. After breakfast, Luca and I decide to spend the day together—something simple, something just for us. We wander through the park near his apartment, the autumn leaves crunching under our feet as we talk about everything and nothing. For a while, it’s easy to forget about the weight I carry, to just laugh and feel the warmth of his hand in mine as we walk. But even in moments like these, a quiet anxiety lingers in the back of my mind. I wonder how long we can keep this up, how long I can keep him hidden from the parts of my life that still feel off-limits. And I wonder how much longer I can keep hiding parts of myself from the people who are supposed to know me best. That Evening: Confiding in Emma Again That evening, after parting ways with Luca, I decide to call Emma. I’m not even sure what I want to say—I just know that, for the first time in a long time, I don’t want to carry this alone. She picks up on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar. “Hey, little brother. How are you feeling?” I hesitate, unsure how to put everything into words. “Honestly? I don’t know. I feel…better, in some ways. Telling you was a relief, more than I expected. But then, at dinner… Mom and Dad, they just have these expectations. I don’t know how to bridge the gap between what they want for me and what I actually want.” Emma sighs, and I can picture her sitting on her couch, her brow furrowed as she considers her response. “I get it, Elliot. They’ve always had this picture in their heads of what they want our lives to look like. But maybe they don’t realize that picture isn’t what makes us happy.” I close my eyes, her words hitting closer to home than she probably realizes. “I just… I don’t want to disappoint them. They’re good people, you know? They’ve always tried to do what they think is best.” Emma’s voice softens, understanding laced in her tone. “I know. But they’re not the ones living your life, Elliot. You are. And if Luca makes you happy, if he makes you feel seen and loved, then that’s what matters.” Her words hang in the air, settling into my mind, challenging the years of expectations and self-doubt that I’ve been carrying. It’s hard to let go of the idea that being true to myself could also mean losing people I love. But maybe, just maybe, Emma’s right. Maybe the people who truly care about me will find a way to understand, even if it takes time. And Elliott, I will be travelling “. Emma said, avoiding my eyes. Well I get it okay, but when are you coming back. I don't know yet, maybe till everything is fine over there, she replied in a low voice. I just hope you will come back before I father and mother about Luca. She just nodded. And that's the only reply I wanted.
Related chapters
Against all odds Chapter 20: A Chance Encounter with His Mother
Elliott A few days later, I’m at a café near my office when I unexpectedly run into my mother. She’s sitting alone, reading a book, her tea steaming beside her. For a moment, I consider leaving before she sees me, but something in me tells me to stay. Maybe it’s the conversation I had with Emma, or the look of quiet peace on my mother’s face. I feel a tug of courage, an impulse to try and bridge the gap, even in a small way.“Mom?” I say, approaching her table.She looks up, her eyes lighting up in surprise. “Elliot! What a pleasant surprise. Are you free to join me?”I nod, pulling out the chair across from her. We talk about little things at first—work, family, memories from my childhood that make her smile. But underneath it all, I can feel the weight of the unspoken, the things I still can’t bring myself to say.After a pause, she reaches across the table, placing her hand over mine. “You seem…different lately,” she says, her voice gentle. “Is there something on your mind?”The q
Last Updated : 2025-03-29Against all odds The heir and the hustler
ElliotI’m not sure what it is about nights like this that make me want to disappear. Maybe it's the low hum of the city beneath me, the way the lights reflect off the glass and steel, creating a kind of illusion. Everything looks pristine and contained from this high up. Orderly. Perfect. But that’s not how it feels down there—at least, I don’t think it is.“Elliot, are you even listening?” My father’s voice cuts through my thoughts, sharp and insistent. I turn to face him, plastering on the polite smile I’ve perfected over years of family gatherings, charity events, and business dinners.“Yes, of course,” I say, nodding along even though I’ve tuned out his lecture about “responsibility” and “image” and “the importance of the Moreau name.” It’s always the same speech, with minor adjustments depending on the occasion. Tonight, it’s about the need to form alliances, to think about the family business. To solidify my place within it.As he drones on, I catch my reflection in the massive
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Against all odds Thread of fate
ElliotI watch him walk away, feeling oddly… disappointed. It’s strange, but part of me had wanted him to stick around a little longer, even if he clearly had better things to do. He seemed grounded in a way I rarely see in the people I usually spend time with. There was a simplicity to him, a clarity. He looked at me like he could see through all the layers of privilege and expectation that surround me, and it was both unsettling and comforting at the same time.I get back into my car, staring at the spot where he’d been standing. He didn’t even ask my name, and I didn’t ask his. It was just a random encounter, a brief collision of worlds that would never cross paths again. But as I start the engine and pull away, I find myself hoping, strangely, that maybe I’ll run into him again someday.As I drive back toward the lights and luxury that make up my world, his face lingers in my mind a reminder that somewhere out there, life exists beyond the polished surfaces and curated spaces I’ve
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Against all odds Thoughts
LucaWork at the diner is busy today, the morning rush filling every booth and table. The familiar clatter of plates and chatter of customers creates a rhythm I’m used to. I slip into the routine of taking orders, pouring coffee, and refilling drinks. It’s a welcome distraction from my thoughts, but every so often, my mind drifts back to that rich kid.“Luca! Table three needs their check!” my manager calls, pulling me out of my daydream. I nod and hustle over, jotting down the total and grabbing the plates to clear away.ElliotI’ve never been particularly good at small talk. It’s one of those skills you’re supposed to pick up when you grow up in a family like mine, but I always felt like an imposter, faking smiles and nodding along as though I cared about the latest stock prices or who just got a promotion.The meeting with the investors is nothing short of excruciating. I sit there, my father leading the discussion with his usual bravado, while I doodle on the notepad in front of m
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Against all odds Coffee conversation
LucaInstead, I push the thought aside and make my way to the construction site. I take a deep breath, shaking off the day’s fatigue. I’ve got a job to do, and I’m determined to give it my all.The site is buzzing with activity when I arrive. The familiar sounds of machinery and voices fill the air, creating a comforting sense of purpose. I slip into my work boots and get to it, lifting heavy materials and working alongside the crew.As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I feel the familiar rhythm of hard work wash over me. It’s grounding, and for a moment, I forget about everything else the stress, the worries, the weight of responsibility.But just as I’m starting to relax, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, surprised to see a text from an unknown number.“Hey, this is Elliot. From last night.”My heart skips a beat, and I can’t help but smile.I stare at the screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. What do I say? Do I play it cool, o
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Against all odds A fork in the road
LucaI watch Elliot walk away, a swirl of emotions battling inside me. Part of me is elated, buzzing from the day we spent together, but another part feels a pang of disappointment at the sudden end to our time. I wanted to ask him about more than just dinner, to explore this undeniable connection further, but I held back.The moment they called out to him felt like a jolt, pulling him back to the reality of his world. It’s not that I want him to abandon his friends, but I wish I could be part of that world he inhabits.I turn and head inside my apartment, the familiar surroundings grounding me. I throw my bag on the couch and sit down, my heart racing with thoughts of Elliot. The afternoon we spent together plays in my mind like a favorite movie—his laughter, the way he listened intently when I spoke about my dreams, the spark in his eyes that made me feel alive.But then the doubts creep back in. He lives in a different world than I do, one filled with expectations and responsibilit
Last Updated : 2024-11-09Against all odds Mixed feelings
As we finish our meals, the conversation continues to flow, each word building a bridge between our worlds. I find myself leaning in closer, captivated not just by what Luca is saying, but by the way he speaks, the passion in his voice, the way his eyes light up when he talks about his dreams. It’s infectious.“So, what’s your dream film about?” I ask, genuinely curious.He pauses for a moment, his fork hovering over his plate. “It’s about a kid who feels lost in the world, trapped in the expectations of his family and society. He discovers a hidden passion for art, and through that, he learns to break free and express himself.”“Wow, that sounds incredible,” I say, nodding enthusiastically. “That resonates with me. It’s like you’re telling your own story.”He smiles. “In a way, yes. I think a lot of us feel that pressure, don’t we?”“Definitely. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever find my own voice, or if I’m just meant to follow the path laid out for me,” I confess, feeling a wave of
Last Updated : 2024-11-21Against all odds chapter 7: My Family Is
Elliot povThe drive home feels different. Each mile stretches out before me, and my mind races with thoughts of Luca. Our conversations, our laughter, the way he made me feel, alive, understood, and hopeful.But alongside the excitement is a sense of fear. I’ve never allowed myself to get close to anyone like this before, and the thought of vulnerability terrifies me. I know that opening myself up means risking heartache, and that’s something I’ve tried to avoid for so long.When I finally pull into my driveway, I sit in the car for a moment, gathering my thoughts. The weight of my parents’ expectations looms over me, but in that moment, I feel a flicker of defiance. I don’t want to be trapped by their vision of my life anymore.As I step inside, I find my parents sitting in the living room, their voices mingling with the hum of the television. “Elliot! How was your night?” my mother asks, glancing up from her magazine.“Good,” I reply, forcing a smile. “I went out with a friend.”“A
Last Updated : 2025-03-12
Latest chapter
Against all odds Chapter 20: A Chance Encounter with His Mother
Elliott A few days later, I’m at a café near my office when I unexpectedly run into my mother. She’s sitting alone, reading a book, her tea steaming beside her. For a moment, I consider leaving before she sees me, but something in me tells me to stay. Maybe it’s the conversation I had with Emma, or the look of quiet peace on my mother’s face. I feel a tug of courage, an impulse to try and bridge the gap, even in a small way.“Mom?” I say, approaching her table.She looks up, her eyes lighting up in surprise. “Elliot! What a pleasant surprise. Are you free to join me?”I nod, pulling out the chair across from her. We talk about little things at first—work, family, memories from my childhood that make her smile. But underneath it all, I can feel the weight of the unspoken, the things I still can’t bring myself to say.After a pause, she reaches across the table, placing her hand over mine. “You seem…different lately,” she says, her voice gentle. “Is there something on your mind?”The q
Against all odds Chapter 19: Finding Solace with Luca
Elliott Later That NightAfter dinner, I drive to Luca’s apartment, needing the comfort of his presence. The minute I step inside, he pulls me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me like a protective cocoon.“How did it go?” he asks softly, his voice filled with concern.I sigh, resting my head against his shoulder. “I talked to Emma. She was…she was amazing. So supportive. But at dinner…I couldn’t do it. I wanted to, but when I looked at my parents, I just…froze.”Luca pulls back slightly, looking into my eyes with a gentle smile. “Elliot, you don’t have to do it all at once. You took a big step today, telling your sister. That’s something to be proud of.”His words wash over me, soothing the sting of disappointment. I nod, a small smile forming as I lean into him, feeling the tension melt away.“I just want to be with you,” I whisper. “Without all this…fear.”He cups my face, his thumb tracing gentle circles on my cheek. “And you will be, Elliot. One day at a time. I’m here, every
Against all odds Chapter 18: Baby step
ElliotI spend the morning trying to calm my nerves, repeating Luca’s words in my mind like a mantra: “Baby steps.” I want to believe that’s all I need, but it’s hard to shake the weight of years spent keeping everything about myself locked away.By the time I reach my sister Emma’s apartment, my heart is pounding, and my hands are clammy. I clench and unclench my fists, trying to steady myself. Emma’s always been the one I’m closest to. Growing up, she was my confidante, the one person I felt understood me without needing an explanation. If there’s anyone I can start with, it’s her.I ring the doorbell, taking a steadying breath. After a moment, the door swings open, and there she is—my older sister, with the same warm smile and the glint of curiosity that’s always made me feel like I could share anything with her.“Elliot!” she says, pulling me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I was starting to think you were avoiding me.”I laugh, though it comes out a little shaky. “Never. Ju
Against all odds Chapter 17: No president or judgment
ElliotBeing in Luca’s apartment, just the two of us, feels like a sanctuary, a place where I can finally let my guard down. There’s no pressure, no judgment—only the quiet understanding that somehow, he sees me in a way no one else ever has.As I sit there, sipping my tea, I find myself opening up to him in ways I never thought possible. I tell him about my family, about the weight of their expectations, the pressure to live up to an image that never quite fit. I tell him about the fear that’s kept me silent, the longing to break free, to live a life that feels true.He listens without interrupting, his gaze steady, his hand warm on my shoulder. And as I talk, I feel a sense of relief, as if a weight is slowly being lifted from my chest.“I don’t know how to change things,” I admit finally, my voice barely a whisper. “But I want to. I want to find a way to be…me.”Luca reaches out, taking my hand, and his touch is like an anchor, grounding me in the present moment. “You will, Elliot.
Against all odds Chapter 16: Imagine a future
ElliotThe beach is quiet now, the sun’s last light fading into darkness as stars begin to dot the sky. Beside me, Luca is a steady, comforting presence. I can feel his warmth as he holds my hand, grounding me in a way I’ve never known. And for the first time, I find myself daring to imagine a future where this, where we could be my reality, a life I no longer have to keep in the shadows.I look over at him, studying his profile as he gazes out at the water, his expression soft, peaceful. There's something so reassuring about Luca’s calm strength, his unspoken promise that he’ll be here no matter what. It makes me want to be braver, to start breaking down the walls I’ve spent so long building.“Thank you,” I murmur, my voice barely more than a whisper. “For being patient with me.”He glances over, a gentle smile spreading across his face. “Elliot, you don’t have to thank me. I want to be here. I’m in this with you.”I swallow, feeling a lump form in my throat. No one has ever said any
Against all odds Chapter 15: Hidden Truths
LucaBeing with Elliot feels like a dream, one that I never want to wake up from. Every moment we spend together, every laugh, every shared glance—it all feels right, like I’ve finally found my place in the world. But I can sense the weight he’s carrying, the struggle he faces with his family’s expectations, and it kills me that there’s nothing I can do to fix it.I want to be there for him, to show him that he doesn’t have to go through this alone. But I also know that this is his journey, his battle to fight. All I can do is stand by him, offering whatever support he needs, hoping that he’ll find the strength to be true to himself.A few days later, I decide to invite him over to my place. It’s small and far from fancy, but it’s mine, and I want him to feel at home here. As he steps inside, I catch a glimpse of the tension in his shoulders, the weight he’s been carrying around. I wish I could take it from him, even just for a little while.“Make yourself at home,” I say, giving him
Against all odds Chapter 14: Can Create a future
LucaThe next morning, as I walk to work, I can’t shake the memory of last night. Every detail, every word, every glance between us plays on repeat in my mind, filling me with a quiet joy that I’ve never felt before. For the first time, I feel like I’m truly moving toward something real, something that matters.When I arrive at the diner, I’m greeted by the usual chaos of breakfast rush, but even that can’t dampen my mood. As I go through the motions, my thoughts keep drifting back to Elliot, to the way he looked at me, the way he made me feel like I could finally be myself.By the time my shift ends, I’m practically counting down the minutes until I can see him again. We’ve made plans to meet at a park after his classes, and the thought of being with him, even just for a few hours, fills me with a sense of excitement I can’t explain.When I finally see him, sitting on a bench with his notebook open, I can’t help but smile. He looks up as I approach, his face lighting up in a way that
Against all odds Chapter 13: Over for Dinner
LucaThe next time Elliot and I meet, the atmosphere between us is charged with something unspoken, something deeper than friendship. I keep telling myself to stay focused on the film, on the project that’s brought us together. But it’s impossible to ignore the way my pulse quickens when I’m around him, or how I find myself looking forward to every message, every meeting, every chance to see his smile.Tonight, we’ve decided to work at his place again. He invited me over for dinner first, and I can’t help but feel like it’s become something more than just a work session. As I walk up to his door, I tell myself to stay calm, to act normal. But the butterflies in my stomach are impossible to ignore.Elliot opens the door, a warm smile on his face, and my heart skips a beat. He’s dressed casually, but there’s something about him tonight, something that makes him seem even more magnetic than usual.“Hey,” he says, stepping aside to let me in. “I hope you’re hungry. I might have gone a lit
Against all odds Chapter 12: Sacrifice
ElliotSaturday arrives, and the morning sun filters through my curtains, casting warm rays across my room. I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and glance at my phone.A message from Luca brightens my mood. “Excited for today! What do you have planned?I grin, typing back with enthusiasm. “Meet me at the park at noon? I have a surprise!I spend the morning pacing around my room, trying to figure out how to make this day special. I want to show Luca that I’m more than just my family’s legacy. I want him to see the real me, the part that’s been buried under expectations and responsibilities.When I finally arrive at the park, my heart races with anticipation. I spot Luca sitting on a bench, his expression brightening as I approach.“Hey!” he says, his smile infectious.“Hey! Ready for the surprise?“Absolutely,” he replies, leaning forward with excitement.I gesture for him to follow me as we walk deeper into the park. The morning air is crisp, and the trees sway gently in the bre
