Chapter Text
As soon as Victor is through the door, his father stands and pulls him into a quick, tight hug. Victor is surprisingly happy to see him, but it angers him when he notices his father barely spares Benji a glance.
“How was school, mijo?” He asks, as though nothing is out of place.
Victor can feel everyone else in the room holding their breath. He doesn’t know what to do, doesn’t know if he can speak, and the only thing keeping him grounded is the warm steadiness of Benji’s hand.
“Uh, fine.” Victor says, finally looking his dad in the eye. He sees desperation, and that’s when Victor knows his father is trying to make things work “Dad, this is Benji. My boyfriend.”
“Benji!” Adrian says, running into the room and barrelling straight into Benji’s legs to hug him. Benji laughs, ruffling his hair, and the tension is momentarily broken.
Benji straightens from where he was leaning to greet Adrian. “It’s nice to meet you again, Mr. Salazar.”
Armando looks between them for a second before he smiles. It’s confused, and maybe slightly forced, but something tells Victor it isn’t fake.
“Nice to meet you too, Benji.” He extends his hand, and after a second of hesitation that Victor is sure he’s the only one to notice, Benji shakes it.
“Firm handshake! This one’s a keeper, Armando!” Isabel says, and Victor makes a conscious effort not to cringe, but he’s glad she’s trying to lighten the mood.
The room stills for a moment, before Pilar speaks up. “I’m hungry. Can we please get over this awkwardness and eat now?”
“Sure!” Her mother says. “I made some chicken, and it should be just about ready. Pilar, can you please set the table?”
“Why doesn’t Victor have to help set the table?” She grumbles, and Victor’s ready to jump in when his father interjects.
“Because your brother’s… guest is here. Adrian, go help your sister.” He says.
Victor grits his teeth, remembering the moment when he didn’t refer to Derek as Benji’s boyfriend, and now he knows how they must’ve felt. Benji grips Victor’s hand tighter, comforting both of them.
“It smells great, Mrs. Salazar.” Benji offers.
She smiles at him. “Thank you, Benji. Is it Benjamin?’
Victor laughs quietly. “Yeah, but he hates it when people call him that.”
Benji kicks his leg. “It’s really not a problem, but I usually just go by Benji.”
“Victor! Be nice!” Isabel says, walking into the kitchen.
When Victor looks back at his father, he’s surprised by the amount of pain he can see in his face. Armando looks slightly upset, but mainly… out of place. It’s jarring for Victor to think that Benji has become a more normal part of his life than his father.
Pilar sticks her head out of the kitchen. “The table’s set, you can all come sit down now.”
Victor leads Benji in, sitting next to him at the table.
“You’re going to have to let go of my hand if you want to let me eat.” Benji whispers, a hint of laughter in his eyes.
“Nope. No eating. Just keep holding onto me.” Victor responds, using his free right hand to pick up his fork and take a bite. “Mm, Mom, it’s really good.”
Benji shakes his head, smiling, and picks up his fork with his left hand. “I’m here for you, dork, at least let me eat.”
They all eat in silence for a while before Armando sits up in his chair, looking at Victor and Benji.
“So, how did you two... get... together?” He asks awkwardly, and Victor carefully pulls his hand free to set it on top of Benji’s.
“Well, we work together at Brasstown, and we go to school together. We’ve been friends for a while now, and at the dance, we both realized we had feelings for each other. After that, it just kind of happened.” Victor responds, trying not to let any anger seep into his voice.
He knows his dad is just trying to figure out how he and Benji got together, but it makes him much too angry that his own father doesn’t know the first thing about what’s happening in his life.
“Hm.” His father responds. “Benji, I thought you were with that other guy. Y’know, the one from Victor’s birthday party?”
“Dad.” Victor says, his voice cutting.
“No, it’s fine.” Benji says casually. “We actually broke up the night of the dance. Don’t worry, Mr. Salazar, I only have eyes for this one.” He nods toward Victor, prompting a smile from him.
“And you’re very sweet together.” Isabel says, shooting a warning look at her husband.
Adrian looks between his mother and father. “Benji let me paint on his legs the other day.” He says, trying to ease the tension.
“It was pretty funny when we realized it wasn’t washable.” Pilar remarks, speaking for the first time that dinner.
“Took Victor like, three hours to get it off.” Benji says, causing everyone to laugh.
Victor smiles at him. “Your poor towels.”
“So where do you live, Benji?” Armando asks, resting both of his elbows on the table, and Victor wants to glare at his father. Everything he’s saying is only making things more tense.
Victor just catches the tiny quiver in Benji’s voice as he responds. “Uh, a little further east. About fifteen minutes away. It’s not much of a drive.”
“Do you two hang out there a lot?” Armando asks, and Victor silently clenches a fist under the table.
Benji gently works his fingers back into Victor’s. “Sometimes. My dad works from home, so he’s there most of the time.”
Victor notices how he pointedly doesn’t mention how that job often takes his dad away on trips, leaving them with the house to themselves for hours at a time.
Armando nods once, seemingly thinking about something. “Do your parents know about… this?”
Benji swallows, and Victor jumps in. “Yes, his parents know about us, and you can say the word gay, Dad.”
“No, I know.” Armando says, looking slightly frantic. “I’m just still not sure what to call it, y’know, between you two.”
“He’s my boyfriend” He says flatly. “It’s really not that complicated.”
Benji traces calming patterns on his hand, feeling how tightly Victor’s fingers are wrapped in his.
Armando doesn’t say anything else, and they eat the rest of the meal in relative silence. Occasionally, Isabel tries to tell a story from her work, or Adrian says something that brings a little laughter from everyone, but they can all feel the tension in the air.
Finally, Pilar tries to get Victor some time alone with their father, after complaining about having to clear the plates. “Adrian, do you want to help me put makeup on Benji?”
“Yes! I want to be like James Charles!” He responds, and Victor has to stifle a laugh, the smile dropping from his face when he sees his father’s expression.
“Come on.” Pilar says, looking at Benji. “Let’s get away from this shitshow.” She mutters, grabbing her little brother by the hand.
“I’ll see you in a bit?” Benji questions.
“Yeah,” Victor responds. “Have fun.”
Benji squeezes his hand, standing. “Dinner was great, Mrs. Salazar. I’m a little scared to see what Adrian does to my face, but I’ll take one for the team.”
“Thank you. And you should be more scared of Pilar. Those brushes are like weapons in her hands.” She laughs, watching him be led away by Adrian.
She then looks from her husband to her son. “I’ll leave you two alone.” She says quietly, slipping out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Armando sighs, putting his head in his hands. “I’m really trying, mijo-”
Victor laughs sharply. “Really, you call that trying?”
“I’ve been reading up on this new part of you, I swear.” He pleads.
“I’m gay, Dad, not trying a new sport. It sounds like you have a lot more reading to do.” Victor says, throwing his napkin down and moving to walk out of the kitchen.
“I don’t know how you expect things to get any better if you won’t talk to me about this!” His father calls after him angrily.
Something sparks inside Victor. Anger he’s been holding in for months. Shame that he knows is irrational, but it’s been there all the same. And he’s fucking tired of letting it consume him while he sits idly by.
“I’m the one who didn’t want to talk about it? You and Mom decided to drop a bomb on us after a fucking school dance and then you walked out when you couldn’t handle the fact that I like guys!”
He’s full-on yelling now, screaming at his own father, and he can’t stop.
“I had to go through everything by myself while my family was literally falling apart and I had no idea how to fix any of it! All I’ve ever done is try to keep everyone happy, and then you just disappeared on us, and Mom didn’t even tell us she knew where you were!”
Armando takes a step back, clearly shocked. “Victor, I had to wrap my head around this. You’re my son, and I love you. I just don’t know anything about this choice of yours.”
“What? Being gay? Which isn’t a choice, by the way, or do you mean being with Benji?” Victor throws his hands over his head, trying to cool down, and failing.
“This… boy. I don’t trust him. I mean, Victor, you’re not stupid.” Armando says, anger building in his own voice. “He was clearly with someone else at your party. You can’t trust someone like that.”
Victor turns to his father, an incredulous look on his face. “Are you serious? What, do you think gay people can’t be in relationships? That they just look for someone new to mess around with every week?”
“Look at the facts, Victor, it’s just not realistic. I mean, I know you were with Mia, but that was different, because you were, well, the way you are-”
“I love him.” Victor says. His voice isn’t like it was before. Now, it’s angry in a deeper, more raw way. He’s furious. It comes out in the low tones of his voice, something he’s never heard from himself before.
“I love him,” he says carefully. “And you don’t get to decide if that’s okay. This is my life. You can be happy for me or you can stop being a part of it, it’s your choice.”
Armando steps back as if he’s been physically hit. “You’re… in love?”
“Dad, I love him more than anything.” Victor says, and suddenly he’s crying in front of his father.
Victor sees a mix of emotions flit across his father’s face. He watches carefully as Armando takes in the full extent of what he’s done.
“Oh… God. Son, I’m so sorry.” Armando says, looking pitiful in a way Victor has never seen. “I was so worried about fixing things with your mom that I didn’t even realise how much I was hurting you.”
He stands a bit taller, as if he’s shucking off the layers of hatred and ignorance that he previously wore with pride, exchanging them for newfound learning.
“I know I walked out on this family once, but I won’t do it again. Not when I know I have so much to make up for.”
That makes Victor start to cry for real, angry sobs wracking his body.
“I can’t even… mijo, I’m so sorry.” His father walks across the room and pulls him into a tight hug. “It’s your life. You’ve become such a smart, and kind, and respectful young man. Of course you can make your own decisions. I’m sorry I tried to take that away from you.”
“It’s okay.” Victor chokes out, and he’s shocked at himself for saying and believing it. “I forgive you.”
“Oh, Victor, I love you. And I’m so proud of you.” His father’s voice is slightly muffled, and Victor realizes he’s crying.
Victor takes a moment to think about everything that’s happened to him. His life has been insane recently, and he has no idea how he’d have gotten through it without Benji.
“I love you too.” He says in response, and when his father lets him go, both of their eyes are red.
His father pauses for a moment, as if he’s contemplating whether or not he should say something. “I’m happy you’re happy. Whoever that may be with.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Victor says, but he knows there’s something else. “Are you going to come back home?”
“For tonight, at least. Your mother and I have some talking to do. Pilar’s going to a friend’s after she drops Adrian off at a sleepover, so we were hoping to have some time with as few children as possible.”
Victor thinks for a moment. “Well, we’d all be happy if you did.” He says, walking out of the kitchen and into the living room, where he promptly freezes in his tracks.
Pilar is standing in the living room, looking slightly shocked and more than a little concerned, and Benji is standing next to her, his face fresh scrubbed and still a slightly glittery.
“Benji, I-” Victor starts, unsure of what he’s even going to say.
He’s cut off when Benji kisses him suddenly, hungry and searing. Victor stumbles back in surprise, but Benji holds him tight, and even though it only lasts a second, Victor is flushed when he pulls away.
“I love you too.” Benji says, beaming. “I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you.” Victor breathes, leaning in to kiss the corner of his mouth. “I really love you.”
Their lips meet again, sweet and affectionate, and Victor’s so happy he can finally say the word, and hear Benji say it back. Love.
Pilar clears her throat. “This is cute and all, but I kinda have to walk Adrian to a birthday party, and y’all are making out in front of the shoe rack.”
Victor laughs. “Deal with it.” He leans in to kiss Benji again.
“Let the poor girl get her shoes.” Benji says, putting one hand on Victor’s chest.
He gestures for Pilar to walk through, and though she rolls her eyes at them, they both catch the edges of her fond smile as she walks away.
“Wow, I really do not want to let go of you right now.” Victor says, pushing Benji’s hair back.
“My parents aren’t home.” Benji responds cheekily.
Victor’s eyebrows shoot up. “Is that an invitation?”
Benji smiles at him. “If you want it to be.”
“I literally cannot think of anything else I’d rather do.” Victor grins.
Isabel looks shocked. “Spend the night? Victor, I don’t-”
“Let him, Isa.” Victor’s father says, giving them both a smile. “Victor’s responsible enough to handle himself, and he’s going to be an adult soon. We have to start letting him make his own decisions.”
She looks from the boys to her husband, throwing her hands up in the air. “Okay, then. Have fun, and please, be safe.”
Benji coughs quietly in the background as Victor grins.
In the car, Benji’s humming softly to himself when Victor’s phone buzzes.
“Oh, crap, I haven’t responded to Simon in like two weeks.”
Benji raises one eyebrow. “Really? What’s he saying?”
@simonspiersays sent a post.
Yo, Victor, what the hell??
“He’s exclaiming loudly at the picture of us on my Instagram.” Victor responds, shaking his head and laughing.
ARE YOU GUYS OUT OF THE CLOSET BECAUSE THIS SEEMS PRETTY GAY
He thumbs out a response, reading it aloud to Benji as he writes.
Yes :)
Justin is crying. You’re probably going to get spammed with heart eye emojis in the comments
On cue, the emojis come in, and Victor laughs out loud.
Thanks for the warning
We’re all so proud of you, kid
“Y’know, it’s pretty insane that you got Simon Spier to be your gay mentor by yelling at him.” Benji says, driving onto his street.
Victor scrunches his face. “You make it sound like he gave me a sex talk or something.”
Benji laughs, pulling into his driveway. “Come on.”
Ms. Albright looks at the clock with a sigh. She turns her gaze back to her computer, where an email alerts her of a new post on CreekSecrets.
“Oh, great. What am I gonna have to deal with today…” she mumbles under her breath.
Are Victor Salazar and Benji Campbell actually dating? See for yourself, because yes, they are, and it couldn’t be more adorable:
“Hmm, what’s this…” she trails off, unsure what she’s seeing until the first picture loads.
Sophomore Victor Salazar has been receiving advice from Creekwood legend Simon Spier for months, and he says Simon is “the reason he’s coming out.” How cute!
She holds a hand to her heart, remembering Victor’s first day of school when she detailed Simon’s journey to him. She had no idea how connected they would become, but she silently congratulates herself for a job well done.
Ms. Albright could feel the tears start to build up and she let out a small cheer for Victor, happy that he was able to be himself and have a great love story.
Benji leads Victor through the empty house and to his room by the hand. They sit on his bed, and he starts rubbing Victor’s shoulders.
“Mm. I can’t believe you heard me yell at my dad that I love you.” Victor says, leaning back into Benji’s touch.
“I was hoping it would be a little more romantic.” Benji confesses.
“Really? What didn’t you like about overhearing the unpacking of deep seated family issues?” Victor quips.
“I was going to take you to the spring carnival, go on the ferris wheel like Simon and Bram.” Benji starts, and Victor loves the soothing sound of his voice. “We could be that grossly cute couple that lives out clichés on purpose.”
Victor turns around, leaning in close. “We already are.” He says softly, leaning in to kiss Benji.
They tumble onto the bed, sharing breath, sharing space, sharing hearts, and when Victor sits up to pull off his shirt, Benji’s eyes are shining.
“I love you.” He breathes.
Victor thinks his heart is going to burst.
“I love you, too.” He responds, leaning back to kiss Benji, and it becomes more urgent, two people desperately professing their love for one another.
When they fall back onto the bed, sweaty and breathing hard, Victor finds Benji’s hand in the moonlight. Holding on to each other tightly, Victor presses a kiss to Benji’s head and thinks that he’s ready for anything the world has to throw at him.