Archive of Our Own

The silence inside the car was tense as they pulled up to the front of his house.

Nobody bothered to get out of the truck, instead sitting stiffly in the tense silence.

It was his aunt's birthday, and instead of inviting many of her friends and celebrating it with a big party like his uncle would do (Despite Strips Weathers' calm demeanor, he liked a big and loud party with his loved ones), his Aunt Lynda preferred to have a small crowd, mainly just her family, to celebrate her birthday with her. That mostly only consisted of him, his Uncle Strips, and Uncle Tex.

But for this particular birthday, his Aunt had asked him to invite his friends. Cal wasn't quite sure why, but he wasn't going to pass up on the chance to hang out with his friends and celebrate his aunt's birthday. It was a win-win situation in his books.

He had invited his main group of friends only. Dale, Brick, Bobby, and Lightning. The only ones who had been able to go were Bobby and Lightning, as Dale and Brick sadly had other plans. But they did send presents though.

The thing was, though, Bobby and Lightning weren't simply just his friends. They were his partners, both in crime and in love. Cheesy, he knows, he's been teased about it relentlessly by Lightning and Bobby, but it was true.

But that wasn't entirely the problem, no, no. It was the fact that only he and Lightning were the only ones in the relationship to be out in public. As far as everyone knows, Lightning McQueen and Cal Weathers were a couple, and Bobby Swift was their third-wheeling best friend, even though he and Bobby have been together for three years now, and they've only been with Lightning for two.

It had been an accident, really. All three had agreed to keep their relationship a secret for the time being. Not because they were ashamed. They just needed some time with each other to enjoy the peace before the public pestered them relentlessly about their relationship. Polyamorous wasn't exactly what society was ready to accept, much less tolerate, just yet.

So, their dates were easy to hide behind the pretense that it was just friendly hangouts between friends, and not actually a date. They were careful. They didn't hold hands. Didn't kiss each other. They didn't hold on or touch each other for long enough that it comes off as less friendly and more as "something else is going on here" touch.

In short, they were careful in public and kept up the act of being just friends perfectly.

And then Cal and Lightning had slipped up barely a year into their relationship.

Marigold had surprised him by visiting him in Florida, where he was attending an event, when, as far as he knew, she was supposed to be in Denver visiting Bobby.

Cal could barely remember why she had suddenly dropped by (vaguely, he remembers the words mother, family, arguments, and problems being said), but he hadn't minded all that much. It had been a while since they had a date with just the two of them.

Maybe that is what had caused them to slip up. The absolute joy of being in each other's company once more had caused them not to pay attention to their surroundings. Because the next thing they knew was that the morning after, the news of Dinoco's Prince and Rust-eze's Golden Girl being a couple was all over the internet and was making headlines after a fan had spotted them kissing right outside the hotel room that Cal was staying at. It had been a stupid move, but they had been so sure that no one was around, but they ended up being wrong.

And that was how Cal and Lightning ended up being a public couple while hiding the fact that they were also dating their best friend Bobby. In fact, Lightning had actually thought of the idea to also bring that information to the public, so that all three wouldn't have to be hiding their love anymore, but it had been Bobby who had refused. The older man wasn't ready and was too scared.

But despite the fact that they were hiding the entire details of their actual relationship from the public, there were some people in their lives who knew. Brick and Dale were the obvious ones. They were their best friends, and had covered up for them more than once. The other one had been Sheriff, and that was because the man had caught them and damn near blew a casket.

Not because Mari was in a relationship with two boys that were also in a relationship with each other. But it was because Mari was in a relationship still acting like she was 15 years old in his eyes. Her exact words, not his.

Sheriff Michael Hudson truly was a terrifying man when it came to his family.

He was getting off topic. The point was that their relationship wasn't fully a secret beyond those they trusted, which was their family and friends, and this was where the real problem started.

As much as Cal loved and trusted his family of three (And yes, Tex counted. That man had seen him grow up and therefore was family), he had still not come out as Bisexual and dating not just one of his best friends, but his two best friends.

His family had never shown any hatred towards the LGBTQ+ Community. They didn't say anything bad about it, nor show that they were highly against it. But despite that, Cal wasn't quite sure the exact stance they had about it, and it was the one main reason he was holding off on telling them.

Cal doesn't fully believe that they were homophobic, and truly believed that they would still continue loving and supporting him. But he had heard the stories. Of people coming out to their family, fully believing that they would support them, only for them to find out that their family was homophobic and hated them. Of many swearing up and down that the signs were never there, that they truly believed that their family would love them no matter what, and only for their world to crumble beneath their feet.

Cal doesn't fully believe his family could be homophobic, but the chances were never zero, and he was afraid. He didn't know what he would do if they turned their back on him just for who he was. Strip and Lynda were the closest thing he had to having parents, as they practically raised him since he was a toddler after his parents' untimely departure. Cal didn't know what he would do if Tex, the same man who supported his dreams of becoming a racer like his uncle, comforting him and letting him know that he was always proud of him despite not having many wins, would shout hateful things at him.

It was stupid, he knows, but he couldn't help it. It was an irrational fear that was becoming a problem in his relationship, mainly with Bobby.

It started last year. Bobby was spending Christmas Eve all the way to Thanksgiving with him at the Weathers’ Ranch. Mari wasn't with them as she was spending the holidays with her family in Radiator Springs, but they made sure to call each other every morning and night. 

That Christmas night, he and Bobby had been talking in the living room about whether The Nightmare Before Christmas was an actual Christmas movie or just a Halloween movie that somehow involved the Rise of the Guardians into the debate, if it was an Easter or Christmas movie, while his uncle helped his aunt clean up the table, and the job of picking the movie fell onto them. 

When he noticed that his boyfriend was leaning in a bit too close, he had flinched back.

“What are you doing?” He hissed at Bobby, keeping his voice low so as to not attract the attention of others.

The flash of confusion and hurt that appeared on Bobby's face had pained Cal, but the other man quickly gathered himself and covered it up with a nonchalant expression, like he didn’t nearly expose them right then and there. “What? Can't give my boyfriend a little smooch?” He shrugged, shooting him that infuriating little smirk that made Cal want to kiss it off his face.

Bobby's voice was a little too loud, and Cal noticed a few heads turning to look in their direction from the kitchen, but he was sure that they didn't hear the exact words that Bobby had said. Still, though, he felt his heart nearly stop, and he rushed to shush the taller man. 

“Bobby, keep it down!” He ordered, before getting up from his crouching position and pulling Bobby up to his feet with his sleeve in a deathgrip, and he led the two of them out of the living room into somewhere more private to talk.

Cal had dragged them to the nearest room, which was the bathroom, and once he was sure that they were safe enough from anyone nosy enough to eavesdrop, he lightly punched Bobby's arm. “I'm not sure if you forgot, but we're in public. Best friends don't exactly kiss each other.” He reminded him.

Bobby's thick dark brows furrowed, and he shot him a look as if Cal was the one being stupid. “Why would they think we're best friends? Didn't you tell them that we were dating?”

The look intensified even more as the silence stretched on. Bobby's mouth pulled down into a frown, narrowing his dark green eyes at him. “You did tell them, right, Cal?”

His pained, guilty expression and inability to look his boyfriend in the eyes was enough of an answer. “Cal!” Bobby bristled, disbelief coloring his tone. “You told me you were going to tell them a week ago!” 

He did, didn't he? Cal really did plan on telling them, but every time he tried, the words got stuck in his throat. Next time, he told himself, next time I'll tell them. However, when the next time came, it always ended up the same way, and the cycle repeated itself. Next time, next time, next time, I'll tell them.

Cal told himself that he had time. Enough time to tell his family. Now wasn't the right time. He can wait until the opportunity presents itself. Callum Weathers was a patient man.

But now, standing in the bathroom on Christmas day with his boyfriend and his family outside blissfully unaware, Cal suddenly felt he didn't have enough time.

He wetted his lips, suddenly finding them dry. “There wasn't a right time. I'll tell them soon, I promise.” Cal still did not dare look Bobby in the eyes, his gaze fixed on the sink.

“And when is it going to be the right time?” Bobby asked, desperate for a proper answer from the man he loved more than life itself. That familiar feeling of his stomach churning had made itself known then. A feeling that he associated with his lack of self-worth, but Bobby ignored it.

Like his therapist said, he wasn't going to let it control him. Not now.

Cal could feel his eyes practically digging a hole in his head. He squirmed and walked towards the door, his hand gripping tightly at the handle; it was practically white. “Soon.” He promises and leaves.

Ever since then, Bobby had started questioning him on if he had already told the Weathers. On when he planned to.

Cal didn't like to call it nagging, but god damnit it sure felt like one.

This has caused numerous arguments between the two, and Mari had become the mediator between them more often than not. Cal knew that this wasn't only affecting just him and Bobby, but Marigold as well. The two tried to keep the arguments from becoming a regular thing, but it only lasted for three weeks until it blew like a volcano one day during a date with all three of them.

Cal's fear of rejection and Bobby's self-worth issues, feelings of invalidation, and feeling less like an actual partner and more like a dirty secret that Cal was trying to hide were not a good combo.

Bobby knew that Cal did not see him in such a way. He knew that he wasn't that type of person. But there was a part of him, one he's tried hard to move past with help from his loved ones and therapy, that had reared its ugly head once more and wouldn't stop whispering such things in his ear. 

Insecurities did not care about truths, only about what it wants to see. 

The arguments continued for months, and now here they were. March sixth, Lynda Weathers’ birthday, and the three of them parked right outside his house, in suffocating silence.

Before this, Mari and Bobby had flown in together, and Cal had decided that he was going to pick them up himself instead of them having to drive or get an Uber to drive them to the ranch.

Cal had been excited to see them again. It had been way too long since they saw each other in person. Texting, calling each other, or being on FaceTime wasn't the same as actually having your lovers right in front of you in the flesh. 

Considering that many veterans like him and Bobby had returned to racing and had to get their affairs in order, it was to be expected. 

A few were able to work with their old sponsors once more, like Cal. Though that was only because the racers like him weren't forced out of the sport. Many racers like Brick and Bobby were fired by their sponsors to make room for the rookies. And not a single one had been kind about it. So, a lot of them had gone out in search of new sponsors, refusing to go back to their old ones, and rightfully so, with how they treated them when they ended their careers. 

Rust-Eze had welcomed both Brick and Bobby with open arms when they first approached them, and the two genuinely seemed to enjoy being the company's new racers.

Of course, there was also more to that than just getting new sponsors after getting back into racing, but Cal didn't even want to think about it. It was a headache-inducing procedure, and he refused to stress about it when he was resting from all that.

On the brighter side, Bobby and Brick had gotten new crew chiefs in the form of River Scott and Midnight Moon, respectively, the first black men in Piston Cup history. Those two had been over the moon to have the men they looked up to as their mentors, though that didn't exactly last long as the elderly men immediately put them through ‘hellish training,’ as Brick had called it.

Marigold happily told them that they were too used to crew chiefs who were too light on them in training. Cal silently agreed.

In summary, all three were busy and barely had time together, and this occasion was something they were looking forward to. Being able to be in each other's presence, to hold and touch each other after being apart for months, and to celebrate Lynda's birthday? Christmas must've come early.

The car ride had been pleasant enough. Bobby regaling them with stories of his time with River, Mari complaining about how she was having a hard time finding a new perfect design for her car and firesuit (Despite being a Dinoco racer now, Marigold was adamant on still keeping her signature red and pairing it with Dinoco blue), and Cal soaking up every smile and every laugh. 

Heck, he only smiled at them like a lovesick fool when they teased him, instead of throwing a witty (or shitty as many would happily inform him) comeback at them. Nothing could ruin this, he was sure.

And then Bobby just had to ask that dreaded question again.

“Have you told them already?”

The moment those words left his mouth, the car suddenly felt colder. 

Mari squirmed in her seat, eyes flickering between Cal beside her and Bobby's figure at the rearview mirror. She knew this dance by heart now, unfortunately. Cal would deflect, Bobby would push until Cal, who never lasted more than four seconds (Yes, she’s counted), would give in and say no, and then they would start fighting. Bobby would question if Cal was ashamed of him, if that was the reason he was taking so long. And Cal would say no, that he loved him, but he just couldn't find the right time. 

And so on and so forth until Marigold stepped in to stop the argument and tried her best to calm them both down. And every time, that same suffocating silence would hover over them like a dark, storming cloud. 

One of them would storm out to some fresh air and time to think, and Mari would be left with the other one to comfort them. Then, hours later, the two would say sorry to each other with a hug and a kiss and a quiet “I love you,” but they never sat down and talked about this properly like the adults that they were. Which was something Marigold kept advising them to do every single time.

One of the worst things about being in a car, Mari realized, was that when people would get into an argument, there was no way of escaping the tension when you're in a moving car. You would be stuck there, forced to think about your own actions and alone with your own thoughts, until you arrived at your destination.

She never thought she'd hate being in a car ever again, not since the World Grand Prix, but here she was. Quiet in the tense aftermath of another argument, and wishing she were anywhere else but here.

Marigold hated that this had become a daily occurrence. But what she hated more was seeing the boys she loved being hurt.

Before any of them could open their mouths, Lynda Weathers walked out to greet them, her husband trailing behind her.

Bobby scoffed and looked off his seat belt. “Forget it,” he grumbled, opening the door to get out. “Let’s stop talking about this. I don't want to ruin Mrs. Weathers’ day.”

“Bobby-” Cal didn't even finish calling out his name before the man slammed the car door shut and made his way to greet the couple with a smile, like he wasn't angry minutes earlier.

Cal sighed, rubbing his face hard. He didn't know what he has to do to prove to Bobby that he loved him truly and wasn't ashamed of him. Perhaps telling him why he was so scared of telling his family might wash away his fears and have him finally understand why he can't do it.

But he just couldn't do it. Whatever he did, it seemed liked it was the wrong thing.

Jesus, he couldn't do anything right, could he?

“Don't say that,” Mari’s voice startled him out of his thoughts and he whipped his head around to stare at her with wide eyes. Did he say that out loud? How embarrassing.

Mari softly laughed and nodded. “Yeah, you did, silly.” Cal felt his face burn even hotter. He sent a prayer to whoever was listening to swallow this car whole with him in it to end his suffering. 

Mari’s expression melted into a serious one however, and she looked at him with the most concerned but determined look in her blue eyes, like she was going to validate his feelings but also give him an alphabetized list of reasons as to why his fears were something he shouldn't listen to because it was stupid, that he immediately straightened up. 

He wasn't sure if he wanted to listen to whatever she was going to say, or beg her not to say a single word. Marigold could be brutal when she was honest, no matter if it was to a stranger or her friends.

Alas, Cal could not control Mari and she could say whatever the hell she wanted to him as was her right as his girlfriend. Whether it be sugar coated lies or hard truths, he would have to listen.

“Don't think like that, okay? Bobby's just…” She trailed off, trying to find the right words. “He's just going through a tough time too. And this isn't helping either. But this isn't any of your faults, got it?” Cal nodded at that. He knew it, and Bobby knew it too (or at least he hoped so), and he would never blame Bobby for any of this. 

Mari hummed in satisfaction at his answer. Her hand reached out to grab his, squeezing it softly. Cal squeezed back three times, and she flashed him a brilliant, infectious smile. “Just give him some time, and he'll calm down. You know how he can get.” 

“I do. He's a hothead but we still love him.”

“Our hotheaded boyfriend.” They both laughed at that. Mari shook her head, realizing they were getting off topic and she should wrap this up soon. “And don't be so hard on yourself. You don't have to force yourself to tell them. You have a lot of time, but that doesn't mean you should keep on holding it off.”

Cal winced at the warning glare sent his way, but he nodded. “You're right. I'm sorry, I'm just... I'm just trying to find the right time to tell them. We've just been so busy lately.”

It was clear Mari didn't believe a single word he said, but she didn't call him out on it thankfully beside a sigh. “It's fine. Just… you two really need to talk. Like, actually talk. This isn't doing anything good for us.”

Cal just gave her a reassuring smile, reaching a hand to brush a lock of brown hair behind her hair. It was still a bit weird seeing her with her natural hair color instead of her usual golden blonde, but he had to admit, her brown hair suited her more than the dyed blonde. “I will. We're really sorry that you're getting caught up into all of this, babe.” 

She scoffed at him, completely offended that he was apologizing for something so stupid. “Stop apologizing,” Mari chided. “I'm your girlfriend and I'm a part of this relationship. I'll always be involved in any problem you boys have, one way or another. One's problem in a relationship is everyone's problem. You boys would do the same for me.” 

Did she read that somewhere in a guide book or something? She must have, because there was no way Marigold McQueen became so well-versed in being emotionally aware in a relationship.

Cal only laughed, bringing the hand in his to his lips to press a gentle kiss to her knuckles. Thank you. “You're right, again, surprisingly.” 

His laughter only grew louder as she practically pulled her hand free from his grip violently, a scowl appearing in her pretty face. She was so easy to rile up. 

“Here I am, trying to be a good girlfriend and giving my dumb boyfriend good advice and all I get is mockery.” Mari bemoaned, her glare intensifying as he laughed harder. But he could see that her glossy lips were twitching upwards. 

“But seriously. Actually take my words this time, okay? I'll talk to Bobby later.”

Marigold leaned over, and he closed his eyes with a smile as he felt her give him a kiss on his cheek. The softness of her lips was replaced with the gentle touch of her fingers not long after, caressing him. 

“There's a lipstick mark, sorry.” Was her sheepish reply at his questioning gaze. Cal grins before taking notice of his family through the window. Bobby was chatting with Lynda with a huge smile on his face despite the earlier tensions, and he caught his uncle's questioning eyes. Cal only gave him a reassuring smile and a nod.

Cal promised himself that he would try. For Mari and Bobby's sakes.

The two of them quickly got out of the car, with Marigold making her way straight to the couple and Bobby with a bright smile. “Mrs. Weathers! Happy birthday!” She greeted, giving the woman a hug. Meanwhile, Cal focused on getting their things out of the car, the conversation between his partners and family becoming faint background noises (“Oh just call me Lynda, dear. Both of you.” “If you say so, Mrs. Lynda.” Was Bobby's cheeky reply.) It wasn't much really. Just three suitcases and a bag as they were only going to stay here for a few days. 

Cal had also gotten his aunt's birthday cake, an ube bloom cake, which sat in a Red Ribbon’s box. It was something Lynda had always wanted to try ever since she found out about the cake. She had fallen in love with ube flavored foods, thanks to Doc Hud.

He startled a bit as he noticed someone appear beside him. A quick glance calmed his racing heart at the sight of his uncle.

“Didn't scare ya, now did I?” Strip questioned, helping him with the baggage. 

Cal huffed out a laugh, swinging Bobby's bag over his shoulder, and his other hand holding the box as his uncle took the other two suitcases with ease despite the heaviness of it. The same man who would complain about his aching knees when carrying boxes, all in the name of annoying Tex when the other man asked for his help. 

His uncle could be a serious and wise man, but unbeknownst to the public, the man could be a menace to the people he held dear just because he could. 

“Kind of. Aunt Lyn should really put a bell on you if you keep doing that.”

“Doing what?” His uncle asked, feigning obliviousness. Menace.

“Sneaking up on people unnoticed. Some poor soul might get a heart attack one day.” Cal admitted.

“Ah. Sorry bucko, I'll try my best to prevent that.” The grin on his uncle's face was enough to let him know that no, Strip Weathers had no plans on stopping. In fact, he might up his antics a bit.

See? Menace.

He only shook his head exasperatedly. There was no point in stopping him, and all he could do was accept the fact that he had someone like Strip Weathers for an uncle. Tex has tried. Lynda has tried. Both failed and continued being victims to his antics.

But those two were just as bad as Uncle Strips. If not worse, he thought in amusement.

Lynda perks up as she notices her two boys making their way to them. “Oh, there's my sweet Cali! I’ve missed you!” 

Cal was quick to maneuver the cake out of the way before his aunt pulled him into a hug. “Aunt Lyn, I was only gone for a few hours.” He chuckled, returning the hug with one arm.

The woman only shot him a playful scolding look once the hug ended. “Is a woman not allowed to miss her nephew every now and then?”

Strip clapped Cal's shoulder with a heavy hand and a laugh. “Don't try arguing with her, sonny. You already know the outcome. Especially during her birthday.” He reminded him, shooting a teasing look at his wife.

“Damn right!” Lynda laughed, before she started gesturing for all of them to go inside. “Come in, come in all of you. Cali, dear, you can put those gifts at the living room and the cake at the dining table. I’m still busy in the kitchen.” She fussed, going into what Cal had always liked to secretly call worker bee mode, watching his aunt with a fond smile as she made a beeline to the kitchen.

While many people prefer not to do anything on their birthdays and let other people handle it, his aunt had always preferred doing everything by herself. Food, decorations, games, everything she did on her own. It was hard to convince her to let others to at least share some of the burden. 

“I can help you in the kitchen, Mrs. Weathers.” Mari chimed in, already making her way to the kitchen, deflecting the older woman’s refusal.

“You boys wanna come join me and Tex at the barn?” His uncle offered, settling the suitcase down.

Cal lightly frowned. He wanted to decline. He wanted to drag Bobby off to somewhere private and finally sit down and talk like the adults they were, something that Mari had pestered them about for months on doing.

Before he could open his mouth, Bobby beat him to it.

“No thanks, Mr. Weathers.” He smiled that dazzling smile, the one that he used on reporters when he was letting them down but didn’t want them to know, and so he would use that frustrating charming smile of his on them. “I’m going to bring our stuff upstairs and help the ladies out in the kitchen.”

He felt his stomach drop. He knew the reason why his boyfriend refused. He didn’t want to be anywhere near Cal at the moment.

Cal managed to put up a smile, albeit a strained one, before any of them could notice the pained look on his face. “Well, guess it’s just going to be the three of us, Uncle.

His uncle only patted Bobby’s shoulder in response. “Have fun with the ladies, kid. We’ll be out in the barn if you ever change your  mind.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Bah,” Strip waved a hand, as if smelling something foul. “None of that sir business. You’ve been friends with my son for long enough to start calling me Strip, didn’t I already tell you?”

Bobby only grinned, a mischievous glint in his dark eyes. “Whatever you say, Mr. Weathers.”

The feeling he felt lightened at the laughter shared between the two of the most important men in his life.

“Don’t even bother, Uncle. Both he and Lightning are as stubborn as a mule.” He joked, joining in on the laughter.

“Ah, well,” Strip finally calmed down, giving Bobby a smile. “We’ll be off then.”

Cal trailed behind his uncle, but paused. He turned to look at Bobby with an uncertain look. Should he say something?

Once again, Bobby Swift beat him to it. His boyfriend smiled at him, so soft and loving that it made his heart clench with the guilt of putting him through all of this nonsense. “See ya, Cal. Have fun with the old people.” Bobby joked.

Cal only smiled back. Later, he decided, he’ll talk to Bobby later.

Marigold hummed a song that her Uncle Michael had become obsessed with lately and would play at any chance he could get. Cleaning the house, making dinner, trying to fill in the silence at the precinct, chilling in his police car.

It reminded him of Paul and him, he had told her, and she couldn’t bring herself to tell him to stop after that. It didn’t take long for her to grow to love the song as well.

She took a quick glance at her watch to check the time. Seeing that it has only been six minutes, she turned back to chopping hotdogs into small pieces so that she could put it in the bowl that had the banana sauce already, leaving the spaghetti boiling for another minute or so. 

Mari had decided that she was going to make spaghetti for Lynda's birthday, Filipino style as Doc had liked to call it. She didn't need to check online or look through his old cookbooks to see if she was doing it right. She remembered some bits and pieces to make it, enough to make it taste good, but nowhere near Doc's spaghetti. She preferred it that way, really.

She could hear Lynda muttering under her breath behind her, busying herself with making her signature blueberry pie at the kitchen countertop. Mari only smiled, finding herself relaxing at the familiar movements of cooking.

“Nice humming. What's the song?” Mari let out a startled yelp, turning around to find that Bobby had slid into her space without her noticing.

“Bobby! Don't do that!” Mari hissed, putting a hand at her chest, feeling how fast it was beating at the scare. “Jesus, Bob. I could've cut myself!” She waved the knife to show him.

Her boyfriend only laughed at her, turning his attention to what she was making. “Nah, you're too good with a knife to accidentally cut yourself.”

Mari scowled at him, pointing the knife at him threateningly. “I'll show you how good I really am with a knife if you do that again, Swift.” Bobby only laughed at her threat again, raising his hands up in the universal sign of defeat. “Alright, alright! I admit defeat. I swear to never do such an awful thing ever again, with Lynda Weathers as my witness.” 

Lynda only let out a laugh, not even looking up from what she was doing. “Now don't drag me into whatever you youngsters are doin’. I'm just making my pie in peace.”

“Yeah Bobby, stop being a nuisance.” She shot back.

It was a bad comeback, she knew, but the peacefulness in the kitchen had gotten to her that she didn't even bother.

“Nice one, Mar.” Bobby teased, before settling his attention back to her cooking. “What’cha making?”

Mari only hummed, gingerly grabbing the fully cut hotdogs and placing it on the pot, moving it this way and that. “Spaghetti. Doc's specialty.”

“Ah.” Bobby nodded in understanding. “Need any help?”

“Mmhmm,” Mari thought it over, before nodding at the pot where the spaghetti was being boiled. “Take those out when it’s done boiling and strain ‘em. It’s already seven minutes, we need to at least leave them boiling for like, eight or ten.”

Bobby hummed out an affirmative, going to stand over at the pot and stare at it intently, as if though it would make the minutes fly faster. “Anything else?”

This time, Mari didn’t even have to think about it. “Yeah, grate some cheese over it and put banana sauce on it, I bought one with me, it might be on the counter, and talk to Cal.”

Bobby only nodded, and continued looking at the pot. A second later, the last words finally hit him, and he whipped around to look at her. “Mari.” He hissed, dark eyes flickering between her and Lynda. Clearly, he didn’t want the other woman to know what was going on, but said woman was now acting like she wasn’t eavesdropping the moment her nephew’s name was mentioned so he couldn’t really do anything about it.

Mari only scowled at him. “What? You know I’m right.” 

“Mari,” Bobby groaned, rubbing at his face in frustration. “Can we not? I don’t wanna talk about this right now.” He wanted to spend time with his girlfriend, not get scolded by her.

“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Mari finally turned to look at him. Back straight, hands on her waist, and an equally frustrated yet determined expression. She wasn’t going to back down on it, and she’s going to make damn sure that Bobby finally listened to her goddamnit.

He let out another louder groan, realizing that there was no way out of this.

“I know you’re going through shit, ok? And I understand, I really do.” Mari lowered her voice, so that Lynda couldn’t hear. “But Cal is too, and I don’t know exactly what, but I can see he’s struggling, and it’s not fair that you’re taking it out on him. Yes, I know it’s frustrating-”

“He’s being a coward.” Bobby cut her off, eyes narrowed angrily at her. “He’s scared.” She snapped back. Bobby blinked, as if though he didn’t even imagine that could be the case. He scoffed, though he wasn’t being mean about it. “Of what? He’s got it better than me.”


“Bobby, don’t you dare fucking say that.” He flinched at her harsh tone. Mari sighed, moving past him to get to the pot. She pulled out the strainer and started pouring the spaghetti onto it over the sink. She needed something to keep herself busy, or else she might punch someone. “Stop being an asshole, and listen, okay? Just cause he might have it “better,” doesn’t mean he still can’t be scared.”

Bobby shifted on his feet uncomfortably. His eyes flickered to Lynda, before going back to Mari immediately, guilt churning in his gut. “I know. I’m sorry.” He murmured. 

“I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.”

“You’re serious. Now?”

“Yes, now.”

“But-” Mari turned around, and put a finger to his lips, shutting him up entirely. “No buts, Swift. You’re just as bad at Cal, delaying shit like this. Talk to him now or else.”

The man grumbled, but complied, shuffling out of the kitchen to go look for Cal, accepting defeat. He could never win against his girlfriend, not when she was this determined.

“Tell the boys that dinner’s gonna be ready soon!” Lynda shouted at his back, and Bobby nodded and threw a thumbs up.

She let out a satisfied hum seeing his retreating figure, before turning her attention back to the plate of spaghetti. She grabbed the bowl that already had the cooked hotdogs and tomato sauce, slowly pouring it on to the spaghetti. 

She could feel Lynda’s gaze fixed on her, clearly curious about what the conversation was all about. She didn’t bother looking up, focusing on the task at hand, and waiting for Lynda to speak up.

“They havin’ problems, your boys?” Lynda finally asked, and Mari only smiled. “Just some misunderstanding. They'll be fine.”

The older woman just hummed, putting the pie into the oven. “They're lucky, those two, to have a woman like you in their corner to put ‘em straight. Cali even more so.”

Mari laughed. Lynda was right, those two were really lucky she was here. Either as a friend, or their lover.

The walk to the barn was quiet, aside from his footsteps, the faint bird calls he could hear in the distance, and crickets hiding in the grass. It gave him time to think. About what Mari said.

“He's being a coward.”

“He's scared.”

“He's got it better than me.”

“Just cause he might have it “better,” doesn’t mean he still can’t be scared.”

Scared, scared, scared, scared, scared, scared, scared, scaredscaredscaredscaredscaredsca-

Those words kept repeating in his mind so much that it made his mind spin. That the words didn't even make sense anymore, like they'd weren't even real words at all.

Cal? Callum Weathers? Their Cal? His Cal? Scared?

Sure, Bobby's seen Cal worried and nervous about many things. What being the nephew of The King would do to his career, what the media thinks, trying to reach everyone's unbelievably high expectations, proving that he wasn't a fraud, that he was more than a nepo baby. What to get him and Mari for Valentine's, planning out dates, if he said I love you to his loved ones today.

Bobby has seen him in all sorts of situations. But scared? Not really.

Well. He had. A few times really. So few that he could count it on one hand.

His uncle's crash. Bobby being admitted to the hospital. When they found out that Mari got targeted by an international criminal organization in the World Grand Prix. The New Gen appearing and what this would mean to every racer, their friends, to themselves. Mari's crash.

Five times he's seen him scared. So few, that he forgot that Cal Weathers could be scared too, despite his kind smile and gentle eyes. His Cal, that was always so kind and respectful to everyone, who loved his family and friends with all his heart.

That Cal being scared wasn't something he could imagine, not when he's seen that man face every obstacle with a determined face set on his handsome face.

And yet, he had been. And he was now. But what was he so afraid of?

The words “He's got it better than me,” haunted him. Mari was right. He shouldn't have said that, nor continuously pushed Cal about it, or thrown his anger at him due to problems he was not aware of. It wasn't fair, and he felt even more guilty.

But still, while he held immense guilt for his comments, he was still confused on what Cal would be scared of that he wasn't telling his aunt and uncle and Tex, practically his parents, the truth.

None of them were homophobic or anything, as far as he knows. They never made comments of other racers sexuality or gender. They were never cruel, and Bobby can't even force himself to imagine a world where they are. So that being the reason Cal was scared about was checked off the list.

Could it be that he was scared they'd be angry at him for keeping it a secret for years? If so, he'd take the brunt of the blame. He was the one who told Cal to keep it secret those early days of their relationship, still plagued by his troubles, even though Cal wanted to. He was the one who continued to insist to hide it a secret even after they finally got the girl of their dreams, and after those two idiots somehow got caught. He was the one who made them hide their relationship, until now. He would take the blame for them. He always would.

But these were all just guesses and theories. Not actual truths. Bobby supposed he could get those by talking to Cal, and he dreaded it.

He thought of turning around, walking back to the house and facing Mari's anger and disappointment. Or take his stuff and a car and leave. But that would ruin Lynda's birthday, and he couldn't bring himself to do that to her or anyone else in the ranch.

So, talking to Cal it was.

Bobby sighed. He really, really didn't want to, but he had no choice.

He raised his head at hearing a noise. There, Cal, Tex, and The King were in a rather large pen, riding horses. He rested his arms atop the fences, leaning into it, ignoring how it pressed tightly into his skin, and watches.

He wasn't sure if they were racing or not, but all he knew was that Cal was smiling and happy. It made him smile too, just hearing that sweet laughter.

He didn't know how long he was there, leaning against the fence and watching the three ride their horses around the pen, breathing in the smell of nature and letting the wind rustle his locks. But eventually, they came to a halt, and he startled upon seeing that Cal was making his way towards him.

Cal stopped just a few get away. Close enough, but not too close. 

They stared at each other, waiting for one of them to speak. A minute passed. They stared some more. Waiting. It was getting kind of awkward, just… staring and waiting, even though Bobby would never get tired of seeing his boyfriend's beautiful face.

More staring. More waiting. Two minutes.

Until finally, Cal broke the silence. 

“Hey.”

"Hi.”

They stared some more. This time though, a stupid grin was making its way to both of their faces.

Bobby tried to fight it, but he guessed it only made him look like he's having a seizure, based on Cal's grin. He grins back, losing the fight, just by seeing that stupid grin.

“Hi. You come here often?” Bobby asked, wiggling his brows. He grinned even more at the laughter he got.

“‘Course I do. It's my home.” Cal said, after recovering. “How about you? You trespassin’, stranger?” 

Bobby shrugged, leaning closer. “Saw some pretty little thing around these parts and thought I'd sneak in to say hi, cowboy.”

The curly haired man placed a hand to his chest, batting his lashes at him and sticking his lip out dramatically. “Aw shucks. No need to be committing crimes to see me, hot stuff.” Cal winked.

He snorted, reaching a hand out to cover Cal's face with his hand and shoving his head away playfully. “Not you white boy. Him.” With his boyfriend out of the way, he raised a hand to greet the approaching figure. “Yo, Tex!”

Bobby cackled out loud at seeing Cal's betrayed look, whipping around to look at Tex and then Bobby. “What?” Bobby shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets with a sly smirk. “Tex is hot.”

“I don't shoot my shot with youngster's like you, boy, but thanks.” Tex finally came up to them, an amused smile on his face. Bobby smiled back, quirking a brow up in amusement. “I’d be worried if you did.”

“You’re disgusting, Bobby.” Was all Cal could say, his face scrunched up as if though he ate something bitter. Bobby regretted that he left his phone in his bag. That expression was a perfect picture for his lockscreen. “Jealous, blondie?” Cal snorted, turning away, like Bobby couldn’t see that his lips were twitching upwards. “Shut up.”

Tex laughed at the two’s banter, adjusting his hat. “You finally changed your mind and decided to hang out with us cowboys in the wild, bud?”

Bobby shooked his head, suddenly feeling nervous. “No, sir. Just wanted to fetch Cal over here for a talk.” Cal looked surprised at being mentioned, looking at him with both a hopeful and nervous look. “And also to say that dinner’s going to be ready soon.”

The older man nodded at him in gratitude. “Thanks, Bobby. Me and Strip over here will go get the horses back to the stables. You kiddo’s can have your talk.” With that, Tex tipped his hat at them and turned to go to where Strip was, leaving the two of them standing there in silence. It wasn’t the comfortable silence before, but an awkward, tense one.

Cal looked nervous, not knowing what Bobby wanted to talk about, and Bobby didn’t even know how to start this long-awaited conversation.

“So, uh…” Cal started, rubbing the back of his neck. A nervous tick of his. “You wanna… talk?”

Bobby nodded, stuttering out a, “Uh, y-yeah.” Cal eyed him warily, and damn it, did he really expect the conversation to be about Bobby pestering him to tell his family about them, again? He felt terrible about it once more. “Uhm. Can we…. Can we talk about this somewhere private? In the house?”

Cal nodded, and opened the gate, coming to stand by him. “My room?” Bobby hummed in response, walking side by side with his boyfriend in silence as they made their way to the house. They nodded and waved at Mari and Lynda, letting them know that Strip and Tex were going to come inside soon, and the two of them had something to do for a second. Mari sent them a look, one that screamed “Play nice,” but she had a small, encouraging smile on her face. That eased his nervousness a bit, and he could see it had the same effect on Cal’s too.

The silence was still tense by the time they entered Cal’s room, and Bobby looked around, trying to figure out what to say. The room didn’t change much the last time he was here. Unlike Mari’s freakishly clean room and Bobby’s mess, Cal was in between of the spectrum. Organized chaos. The only thing that changed was the bookshelf in the corner, only half filled with books. Cal had taken to reading as a hobby since he retired, and it looked to be one he enjoyed. Bobby wasn’t one to read books. Yes, he’d read some, and he had some favorites, but he wasn’t a book guy. Unless it was about architecture and music.

Cal cleared his throat, drawing Bobby’s attention back to him. “What do you wanna talk about?” He could only nervously chuckle. “Right, yeah….Uh, the talk. Um.” He started to drum his fingers against his thigh, and his foot was tapping lightly on the carpet, like he was trying to find some beat. Drumming his fingers was an obvious of his that he was thinking deeply about something, or trying to. The tapping of his foot was a nervous tick.

Cal noticed. Of course he did. He always noticed. He gave him a soft, understanding that he felt like he didn’t deserve, and came up to gently guide him to the bed. “Let’s sit, yeah? Everything alright?”

“Mhmm. Yeah. I’m just…” He let out an incredulous laugh, getting more nervous. “Jesus, I’m just trying to figure out how to say this. Don’t worry about it, cupcake.” He sat down on the soft bed, finding that his legs were shaking and weak. Yeah, Cal was right about sitting down. He was pretty sure he might’ve collapsed right then and there with how nervous he was.

Finally, he blurted out the closest thought in reach. “I’m sorry.”

Cal blinked, not expecting that at all. “What?” The look of surprise was soon replaced by confusion and, damn it, concern. He didn’t deserve that. “For what? There’s nothing you have to be sorry for.”

Bobby snorted at that. Fucking bullshit. “I have plenty to be sorry for, Cal.” Cal raised a brow with a challenging look. “Oh yeah? Do tell.”

At that, he straightened up and looked at the man beside him straight in the eyes. “For the fight earlier. And like, all the arguments we’ve been having for the last year. I shouldn’t- God, Cal, I shouldn’t have done.”

Cal gaped at him. This was what he was sorry for? “Bo-Bobby. That’s, that’s not something you should be sorry for, okay? You did nothing wrong.” He reached out to grab a hand, running a thumb to soothe his clenched fist in comfort.

Bobby felt the urge to yank his hand away, not feeling like he deserved such comfort after being such an asshole. But he felt his fist loosening, and he drank in Cal’s touch, warm and calloused, speaking of years of work. “It’s definitely something I should be sorry for.” He argued back. 

“No, absolutely not.” Cal frowned, glaring at him. “You were right. I should’ve told them already. I was being a coward. I should be the one who’s sorry.”

It was Bobby’s turn to look at Cal in shock, not believing his words. This wasn’t how he imagined this conversation to go. Maybe Cal, always so understanding, would nod and smile at him. Forgive him, and they’d hug. Maybe a kiss. And then they’d go downstairs and eat dinner, sharing stories and laughter, and that’d be it. Not-not this. Whatever it was.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go, and Bobby felt stumped.

“Cal-no. No, listen to me, alright? You are not a fucking coward. Never.” He repeated, hoping that Cal would believe his words. Instead, he shook his head, and Bobby felt like tearing his hair out. “No, Cali, baby. Come on-"

“Bobby, no. Just, just fucking listen, okay.”

Bobby wanted to argue. To grab his shoulders and shake him, telling him that he wasn’t a coward, that he wasn’t at fault, that he shouldn’t be saying sorry and that all the blame was all on Bobby’s. Never Cal’s. But he could hear Mari’s voice.

“Just listen for once, Bobby.” The Mari voice told him. “Calm down and listen. Breathe.” Aaand that his therapist’s voice. He was sure hearing voices wasn’t normal, but considering these voices were giving out good advice, he decided to listen.

Inhale. Exhale. Then a nod at Cal. “Okay. Okay. I’ll listen.” Bobby turned his hand, intertwining their fingers, and giving his hand an encouraging squeeze. Cal gave him a small, strained smile. “Thank you.” 

He sighed, trying to gather his thoughts, and Bobby waited. Finally, Cal seemed to know what to say, as he let out another deep, weary sigh. “The reason why I’ve been, uh, delaying on telling my family about. Us. It’s-it’s a pretty stupid fucking reason, Bob.” He chuckled wetly.

Bobby snorted, shaking his head at that. “Doubt that.Can’t be as stupid as mine, babe.”

“Are we turning this into a competition?”

“Shut up and just talk.”

Cal giggled, poking at Bobby’s side with his free hand. “I don’t think I can do both, love.”

He groaned, resisting the urge to throttle him. “Oh my god, bro, you know what I mean.”

The blonde finally relented, letting the moment go and settling back to the seriousness of it all. “Alright. But you gotta promise you’re not gonna laugh, okay?”

Bobby gave him a look. “Babe, it can’t be that bad.”

“Bobby,” Cal groaned, squeezing his hand tightly at the laugh he got in response. “This is serious, come on! Just promise me.”

“Want me to pinky swear it?”

“Bobby.”

Said man sighed dejectedly, before raising his other hand and said, in an obnoxious voice, “I, Bobby Swift, promise to not laugh at whatever Callum Weathers may say, even though it’d be funny too.” With that, he grinned at his boyfriend, delighting at the unamused look on his face. “There, happy?” 

“You’re the worst. But yes, I suppose so.” He admitted, refusing to let him know that he found it funny. “Ok. Serious mode on.”

Bobby nodded, and they finally got serious.

Cal released a breath, as if though he was trying to expel the nervousness out of him. “So. The reason I’ve been avoiding the whole, you know, telling them about us thing. It’s because, uh. They don’t really know that I’m, uh, bi? And uhm. It’s more than that.” He trailed off, trying to figure out his next words. Bobby waited patiently, giving another squeeze. 

“Ok, so. The main reason is because… I’m scared.” Bobby blinked. Marigold was right. But what was he scared about?

“About what?”

Cal winced, looking anywhere but Bobby. “I’m scared of them being… well. I don’t know how to say this nicely but… homophobic.”

Silence.

Complete and absolute silence.

Bobby stared at Cal with an unreadable face. Cal refuses to look at him, instead looking at the carpet. It was a pretty shade of blue. It reminded him of Mari’s eyes. Was that weird? To have a carpet that has the same color as your girlfriend’s eyes? He hopes not.

More silence. More staring.

Finally, Bobby broke the silence. “Baby, I mean this in the most respectful way. But that is the most stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” He couldn’t believe that one of his theories were right and he fucking hated it. “You know they’re not like that, right?” 

“I know, but what if?” Cal insisted, finally turning to look at him with such a broken look it hurt his heart. “They never said or shown anything, but… Bobby, what if they are?”

Bobby finally gave in to his urges and grabbed Cal’s shoulders, staring him dead in the eyes to make his point cross. “Cal, baby, we both know they’re nothing like those bastards. Absolutely nothing. What even makes you think that?”

At that question, Cal look embarrassed and a bit ashamed. “I’ve, uh. I’ve heard some stories.” Bobby blinked, tilting his head. “Stories?”

“Yeah. People that uh. They came out to their families, and some came out fine. But some….” Cal trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish his words. Bobby already knew. “They said that their family didn’t show the signs. That they hated queer people or anything like that. So, yeah. They came out because they thought they were safe, and they weren't, apparently.”

Bobby closed his eyes, the subject hitting too close for comfort. He focused back to Cal. “Cal… That’s… Gods, I don’t know what to say.” He tugged at his locks lightly. Cal dryly chuckled, no emotion in them, but didn’t reply.  

They sat there for a while, trying to gather their thoughts.

Cal buried his face in his hands. “Fuck. Bobby, I don’t know what to do.” His shoulders shook, and Bobby worried he was crying, but Cal didn’t raise his head from his hands. He was trying to hide from the world, from his problems, and he just needed the world to make sense. “I love them. I really do. They’re my parents and they love me. They never showed anything but if I’m wrong?” At that, he finally looked up. He wasn’t crying, but he was close to it. His brown eyes were teary, and looked ready to spill. “That’s gonna fucking destroy me.”

Bobby’s breath hitch, immediately wrapping his arms around Cal and bringing him close to his chest. He hated to admit it, but he had a point. But still… “Cali, it ain’t gonna happen. Trust me, alright? Yeah, it’s fair to think that way, but listen to me. It’s the fucking paranoia talking.” 

Cal snorted at that, not bothering to get out of his boyfriend’s hold. “It probably is. But fuck, it’s messing me up. And every time I try, and believe me, I’ve tried plenty of times, I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

Bobby stayed silent, thinking. He heard his therapist in his head once more. “Meet him halfway through. Tell your side, he tells you his. Maybe this will help both of you understand each other. That there’s more to this problem than what it seems on the surface.” It was something his therapist had told him months ago, when he had complained to them about his problems with Cal again. He should’ve listened sooner. But he will, now.

“Wanna know why I kept forcing you to tell them?” Cal blinked, looking up in confusion at the sudden change of subject. But he’d take anything right now to move on from this one. He sniffled, wiping away his tears and sitting up properly, mourning the warmth and safety that he felt in Bobby’s arms. “If you’re comfortable about it, sure.”

“‘Course I am. I offered, didn’t I?” Bobby snorted. “Silly white boy.” Cal scowled at him, but let it go.

Bobby started fiddling with the edge of the blanket, needing something to keep his hands busy. He wanted to hold Cal’s hand again, but he might crush it with how hard he’d squeeze it, trying to turn it into a stress relief ball. “Remember a year and a half ago? When you and Mari got found out?” Cal’s eyes furrowed, confused but nodded. “Did Mari ever told you why she came to visit you when she was supposed to be with me in Denver?”

At that, he shook his head. He couldn’t fully remember it, but he knew that she said something. “Just bits and pieces. Something about… your family, I think. I don’t think she said much.” Bobby didn’t seem surprised at that. “Yeah, I figured. I told her not to tell you the full truth. I don’t know why anymore, maybe I didn't want you to worry.” Cal gave him a concerned look. Shit, was it that bad? He knew that Bobby had a rocky relationship with his family. He should’ve asked, should’ve pushed. “Booby, what happened?”

Bobby lowered his head, not wanting to look at Cal as he told him the truth. “Don’t cut me off ‘til I’m done, okay?” At Cal’s nod, he continued. “I was going to tell them. About us. Actually, I was only gonna tell my sister and my dad, but…” He shrugged, gripping the blanket tightly. “I should’ve learned my lesson by now. She can’t keep her mouth shut around the family if it’s good gossip, and she ended up blabbering to them. Mom got really angry and dad didn’t do shit, like usual. Got into a huge fight. I don’t think my mom cared that I was dating a girl who was already in a relationship. I think she just hated the fact that I was also dating said girl’s boyfriend too.”

He snorted, though there wasn't any humor in it. “She’s homophobic as shit, you know? It’s why I didn’t tell her in the first place. I decided to stay for a while, had to straighten things out with the family, and that’s why I told Mari to go to you. I didn’t want her to get caught in the crossfire.” 

Cal could only stare at Bobby in disbelief, the guilt intensifying. But also confusion. How did this correlate to him arguing with Cal to tell his family? Bobby noticed his confused expression and knew what he was thinking about. He smiled at him, reaching out to pat his knee. “That’s the reason why I cut off ties with them permanently, and I moved out of Denver and moved in with Brick in DC. I couldn’t stay in the same place as them anymore.”

“That’s understandable.” Cal comforted him. “We were all relieved, you know? When you finally left them. Brick never told you this, but he always believed that you should’ve left them years ago.” Bobby only chuckled, believing his words about their friend. “He told it to my face actually, when he offered to let me stay with him.” The Mexican always let his opinion known to anyone, even if it offended them. It was why he and Mari got along so well.

“So, how does this relate to all… this?” Cal questioned, and Bobby sighed. “Babe, I’m gonna be honest. I think my reasoning is much more stupider than yours.” He didn’t want to tell him, now that he knew how stupid it sounded. But Cal placed a gentle hand on his cheek, making him look at him. He smiled, and Bobby felt his nervousness fade. 

And so, he squared his shoulders, and finally tells him the truth. “After the whole thing with my family, I started to become… insecure. Thought that you and Mari started to keep me as a secret more and more because you were ashamed, and didn't want me anymore. Not that you guys were respecting my choices. It’s stupid, and I really tried to get over it. I talked to my therapist, talked to Brick. I didn’t tell you two because, well, I didn’t want you to worry. Or prove my insecurities to be right. It was stupid, I know. And I was… I was getting better, I guess. But then that Christmas, it got worse, and I just… I started to put all my problems onto you because you were the easiest target.”

Immediately, Cal sat up straight, not quite sure if he had heard it right. Shit. Bobby was going through all this, and he hadn’t known? Yes, Bobby hadn't told him not Mari, but he had noticed something was off, and yet he hadn't asked him, fully believing that Bobby would tell him. 

But Cal didn't beat himself up over it for long. Instead, he focused back onto his boyfriend, deadset on comforting him and letting him know how dead wrong he was about all of this.

“Bobby, look at me.” He didn't.

“Darling, please. I'm not gonna talk unless you look at me.” Still, Bobby did not look.

Cal waited for a moment, giving him time. When seconds passed, he sighed. He was sure he had to force him to look, but, finally, Bobby lifted his head and looked at him.

His dark eyes looked tired, and only now did he notice there were slight bags under them. He’ll have to ask later if he was sleeping well.

“I'm so sorry that we made you feel that way baby.” Bobby immediately tried to open his mouth to say something, but Cal shook his head, grabbing his hands and squeezing them tightly. “No, listen. I know we didn't do anything to make you feel like that. But the fact you still thought that way means we might've done something, and I don't know what, but I am sorry. I love you, Bobby. And so does Mari. We love you so fucking much, okay? We were never ashamed of you, love. You're so perfect, and I'm so proud that you tried to get through this.” 

By this point, his sight was starting to get a bit blurry. And, if he squinted a bit, he could see that Bobby's were too, based on how his eyes were shimmering. 

“Second of all, your feelings are not stupid. If my reasoning is valid, then yours are too.” Cal pressed a kiss to his cheeks, smiling as Bobby laughed wetly. “Shit, don't use my words against me now, Cali.”

“No can do, honey.”

They took a minute to recover, wiping away their tears and catching their breaths. A comfortable silence fell over them.

Bobby chuckled, and Cal looked at him curiously. “What?”

“Nothing, nothing. Just.. didn't expect this to turn out the way it did.”

Cal laughed at that as well, catching on to what he meant. “Us crying like babies?”

“I was mostly thinking about how I was the only one who was supposed to explain and say sorry, but yeah. That too.”

Cal frowned, lifting his head from its spot at Bobby's shoulder to glare at him. “Bobby, you're not the only one who's at fault here. I am too, so stop placing all the blame on yourself.”

“But-”

“No, stop.” He straightened up, covering his mouth. He didn't remove his hand even when Bobby, the disgusting bastard he was, licked his palm. “Nice try. Anyways, listen. I am at fault. I should've told my Aunt and Uncle's the first time I told you I would've. I was being a coward postponing it just because of my fears.”

Bobby finally manages to rip his hand off his mouth with sheer anger. “You're not a fucking coward!” He snapped, the grip he had on Cal's wrist tightening. Not enough to bruise or to hurt, of course. “Yeah it's a fucking stupid thing to worry about, considering we're talking about the absolute kindest and best people in the world that we don't fucking deserve them. But you were also right in feeling that way, no matter how much stupid it is.”

“So… you're not angry that I keep postponing it?”

“Oh, no. I'm still kinda angry. Just a teeny tiny bit. But I understand now and I don't blame you.”

Alright, fair enough. Cal sighed heavily. “I know. You were valid too. Remember that.”

Bobby knew that now, but it was still hard for him to accept it as a fact. He might keep blaming himself for it, and he knew Cal would do the same thing as well, but he also knew that they'd both get through this together.

“What do we do now?” He asked, breaking the silence that fell over them for a moment. 

Cal considered that, thinking about their next moves. It was obvious what they needed to do. He was going to tell his family the truth. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow. But he swore to himself, right then and now, that he would tell them sometime this week.

“Well, first off. I'm going to tell them. Maybe not now, but I will. This week.” He had to give himself a deadline, lest he postpones again. No more finding the “right time.” Not when it came to his lovers. 

Bobby frowned at him in concern. Yes, he had wanted Cal to tell his family, and he still does. But knowing the reason now, he wasn't going to force him anymore and let him do it at his own pace. “You sure? You don't have to worry about it. I can wait.”

“Exactly. You've been waiting for three years Bobby. That's too long.” He argued back, not backing down on this decision. “You deserve better, and I'm done hiding you away. You're not going to wait much longer, baby. I promise.”

Said man groaned, but relented. He knew he couldn't win this. Yes, he was happy, but also concerned for Cal. “If you're sure.”

“A hundred percent. Secondly, you're gonna tell Mari about all… this. Actually, we'll tell her about everything.”

Bobby nodded, seeing the logic in that. It was understandable. Mari had been in the middle of this all and remained patient and loved them through it all. She deserved to know the full truth, and not just scraps or theories of it. Now that he was thinking about it….

“We should also talk with her if she has problems too. Just us three, sitting down and talk. We hadn't been paying much attention to her lately, with everything that's going on. She might have some problems too that we didn't notice.” He proposed and Cal cursed. He was right, holy shit. Mari might've been more affected by this problem than they thought, or had a different issue altogether and they never noticed.

“Yeah, you're right. We should definitely do that soon.” With that over with, Cal flopped onto his bed, covering his face with a loud, muffled groan. “Holy shit, this is exhausting.” He was absolutely emotionally drained, like he had cried all his energy out of him.

“Yeah. Probably worse than my talks with Allie.” Bobby laughed, looking down at his boyfriend with a soft look. “But hey. We got through all of that much more better than I thought.”

“Think that dinner isn't ready yet?”

“Heck no. Your aunt and Mari were nearly finished before I went out to get you.” Cal groaned at that. He wasn't sure how much time had passed. It felt like eternity, sitting here in his room and finally coming clean and fixing their problem together.

“Crud. Okay, just… give me a few seconds, Bob. I was emotionally unprepared for that.”

Bobby grinned, laying down beside Cal, poking him lightly. “Bro, imagine me earlier. Mari ambushed me in the kitchen while your aunt was there.”

Cal looked at him mortified. When Marigold had said she was going to talk to Bobby, he hadn't imagined that. “Seriously?”

“Yeah! I almost had a heart attack.”

But even so, they were both grateful for it. If Mari hadn't done that, they may not be here now. They would've continued arguing and suffering in silence for who knows how long.

They should get her something nice. As thanks. Mari deserved it.

Comfortable silence settles over them once more, and they remained lying there on the bed for a while.

They could hear the others downstairs moving around. Voices talking but they couldn't make out the exact words. No doubt they were already setting up the dinner table and waiting for them. 

Cal decided that they can wait for a little while longer. He needed this.

A minute passed by, and he speaks up. “Did you know Uncle Strip asked me when I was gonna ask Mar the big question?”

“No fucking way.” Bobby gasped, looking at him with wide eyes.

Cal hummed, not looking at him. “Yeah. Dunno why he asked that though. Said that we were together long enough. He was gonna give me my mom's ring when I proposed.”

“Holy shit dude.” It was all Bobby could say, his mind drawing blank. Wow. Just…. Wow. His mind managed to create a thought and he almost choked on his spit. “Are you?"

At that, Cal let out a wheeze, startled by the question. “No! Dude, what?! No! We got a lot of shit to go through first before I even think of proposing to you guys.” He explained, waving his hands wildly that it reminded Bobby of what Mari had called that exact same animated hand gesture while talking. The Italian hands. The memory made him snicker, as well as at the panicked expression Cal had.

The only thing he could compare it to was a teenager being told that the girl he slept with got knocked up and he was the daddy. It was fucking hilarious.

“Alright, alright. I believe you, princey.” Bobby finally comforted the poor man, reaching a hand out to stop Cal's wild motions. “Besides, you're right. Too many problems to address before marriage.” He shrugged. “Who knows, maybe we'll get married sometime next year or the year after that.”

“How optimistic.” Cal teased. 

“Yeah, well.” Bobby shrugged once more, not knowing what to say after that. A while later, he remembered something 

“Hey, Cal. Wanna know the other reason why I don't think your parents are homophobic?” 

The blonde man turned to look at him once more, brows furrowed in confusion. “Bobby, the fuck are you talking about?”

“Come onnnn,” He whined. He considered kicking his legs, but decided not to. “Humor your boyfriend a bit. Please?”

“Fine.” Came Cal's long suffering sigh, and Bobby pumped up a fist in victory. 

“I doubt they'd be homophobic considering everyone is like, convinced Strip and Tex got something going on.”

Jesus Christ, Cal knew where this was headed and he was a dumbass not to stop it. He let out a groan, covering his ears in vain to drown out Bobby's voicemail. “Of course I know that, stupid. I grew up hearing those rumors.” 

Bobby stuck out a tongue at him, and Cal rolled his eyes back. “Besides, I'm not taking that into account considering they're, you know, just rumors.”

Bobby finally sat up, raising a hand in surrender. “Hey, just saying. Rumors gotta come from somewhere. Also, I'm pretty sure you're Aunt is also in on that and they're all in their own poly relationship too.”

He grinned at the high pitched yelp “Bobby!” he got. He raised his arms to shield himself from the pillow attack he received from his boyfriend. “Come on! You had to have seen how they look at each other!”

“Shut up!” Cal demanded, hitting him once more. “They're literally like my parents! I don't wanna hear that!”

Finally, the assault stopped and they got up to get themselves look less like a crying mess and more proper functioning men of society. 

“You ready?” Cal asked, turning to look at Bobby. 

He shook his head. “No. I think I need a moment. I'll come down in a minute though.”

“Alright, I'll save you a seat.” With that, Cal walked out of his room and to the dining room downstairs, heart lighter than it was this afternoon.

He seated himself beside Mari, saving the seat at his left for Bobby. “Hey, sweetheart.” He greeted, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Marigold smiled back at him, but frowned at seeing his slightly red eyes in concern. “You okay? Did the talk go well?”

He only smiled back at her, bright and comforting. “Yeah, just got a little emotional, is all. We should've listened to you sooner.”

“Damn right.” He only chuckled at that, before turning to his other side when he felt someone settle down at the seat at his left.

Cal grinned at Bobby, and Bobby grinned back. He waved at Mari. “Hey. We're good now.”

She only grinned, looking pleased with herself. “As I've heard.”

Before they could talk more, Strip came out of the kitchen with the cake in hand and a candle lit, approaching his wife with a bright grin.

“Happy birthday to you…”

The rest of the night had gone well enough. After cleaning up dinner, they had spent the rest of the night playing board games, and ended the night with a movie.

And now Cal was waking up to the early rays of sunlight assaulting his eyes. He let out a groan, turning around so that the light would meet his back instead of his face. He blinked his eyes open groggily, feeling some crust in his lashes. Ugh. Lazily, he wiped it away, blinking away the blurriness as he tried to look at his clock. 

6:30.

Cal laid there for a while, just taking in the peacefulness of the early morning and savoring the warmth of his bed. He listened to the soft breaths of his lovers beside him, to the birds singing outside, and to the distant mooing of cows and bleating of sheeps in the pasture. 

By the time it was 6:50 and the roosters started to crow, Cal decided it was time to get up and face the day. He sighed, reluctant to leave the comfort of his bed and his lovers’ side, but alas.

When he took the blanket off him and sat up, rotating his neck this way and that, Bobby let out a groan. Cal looked down, seeing that Bobby was blinking awake too.

“Morning.” He greeted, and Bobby groaned even louder, burrowing his face into Mari’s hair. “Bro… It’s too early for this…” He whined lowly, so as to not wake her up.

Cal only chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss to Bobby’s hair, and then to Mari. “I’m going to get breakfast. You want some?”

“Whatever…” Was Bobby’s mumbled reply, bringing Mari even closer and falling back to sleep. He chuckled again. He made the right decision, dragging Bobby to his room to sleep with him and Mari. It might be the best sleep he had in a while, with his lovers in reach.

After a quick trip to the bathroom to brush his teeth and change out of his sleep clothes, he made his way downstairs and to the kitchen. He debated if he wanted juice or coffee, as he put cheese on his bread. He ended up with orange juice and found himself at the back porch with his breakfast, like he always did when he awoke to a peaceful, quiet early morning. 

It was nice, just sitting outside, eating his breakfast, reading a book and occasionally watching the animals roaming around, with just the noise of nature itself around him.

He was halfway through his second bread when he heard the door open and close. He looked up and smiled, seeing his Aunt Lynda.

“Morning ma.” He greeted, the parental name slipping out of his lips. 

Lynda smiled back at him, taking a seat at the chair across from him. “Morning, sugar. Strip and Tex are in the kitchen right now, getting coffee and their breakfast ready.” She had a plate of the ube cake, a leftover from last night, on a plate with her. “They’ll come join us soon.”


Cal only nodded, smiling in amusement as his aunt took a bite from the cake. He wasn’t sure if eating something so sweet for the first meal of the day was healthy, but he shouldn’t talk really. He took a sip of his orange juice.

“Where’s Mari and Bobby?” He hummed, putting the cup down. “They’re sleeping in. But I’ll wake them up before we go horse riding.” With that, they settled into a comfortable silence, sometimes having small conversations once Tex and Strip had come out with coffees and heated leftover spaghetti’s.

Cal loved moments like these. Enjoying the peacefulness and quiet of nature in the early morning, inhaling the fresh air as the sun lights up the once darkened sky, and sharing this moment with his family. 

It’d be even better if Mari and Bobby were here with him as well, taking in the beautiful scenery with his family.

The image caught him off guard. His eyes flickered to the empty chairs. He could see Mari and Bobby there. Could imagine Strip and Tex asking how she was adjusting to being a Dinoco racer. Could see Marigold bringing out her phone with ideas for a design for her car and firesuit, all three of them falling into a conversation about the racing world and giving her tips and advice with smiles on their faces.

He could see Bobby listening to Lynda, bonding over their shared love for music and talking about their favorite songs and artists. Could see Bobby having a much healthier mother-and-son bond with Lynda, one he never got to have with his own mother.

He could see himself looking at his family with a smile, grinning like a fool at seeing his lovers get along so well with his parents. Could see himself reach out to hold Bobby’s hand, giving him a kiss to his cheek like a lover would in front of his family. Could see Mari getting up to get more peanut butter sandwiches and giving Bobby and him a kiss on the way inside.

And, funnily enough, he could see his mother’s ring on Marigold’s finger, and his father’s on Bobby’s, in this almost dream-like scenario. 

No fear, no rejection, no disgust. Just freedom and safety and love. 

And Cal wants that.

He looks at his family once more, and he could see that want becoming a reality. This right here, was the so called “right time” he’s been waiting for all these months.

“I have to tell you guys something.” The words left his mouth before he could even think about it. His stomach churned with nerves as his parents looks at him, giving him their full attention. 

But he does not back out, like all those times. No. He made a promise to Bobby, and he wanted that scenario he had imagined to be real and not just one he could only experience in dreams. 

Cal wanted everyone to know just how much he loved Marigold McQueen and Bobby Swift that it was almost pathetic, like a story straight from those old legends of lovers.

“What is it, Cali?” His pa’s voice, so soft and gentle, brought him back from his thoughts. Probably noticed how nervous he looked, and used that voice, the one he always used when he was a little boy, whether it be soothing him after a nightmare, a small scrap on the knee, or a fever, or when he worried if he’d be just as good as his uncle, his father, the legendary Strip Weathers in his first race.

Cal smiled and nodded, feeling his nerves fade away slightly. It was still there, buzzing under his skin, but it was more like background noise.


“Yeah. I just… It’s really important.”

All three of his parental figures looked at one another, and then back to him. They gave him a gentle smile, giving him their full attention. 

Tex put his coffee down, leaning over. He planted his elbows on top of the table and intertwined his fingers together under his chin. “Alright, sonny. We’re all ears.”

Seeing them watch him, so curious and concerned about what he has to say, made him smile even more.

He took a breath in, and exhaled. And then he told them what he has been scared to tell them for months, finding strength in their patience and the promise of what could be with his partners. “I’ve been keeping this a secret from you all for years now, and I’m sorry. But I'm telling you now. I’m… I’m bisexual. I like girls and boys, and no, it’s not a-a phase or a disease. It’s who I am. And also, I’m also dating Bobby. We’ve been dating for three years now, and we’re dating Mari too. We’re all dating each other and we love each other so much and it’s called a polyamorous relationship.”

Cal sucked in another breath, feeling breathless after all that. He closed his eyes and counted. When he counted to ten, he dared to open his eyes. His family looked at him with an expression he couldn’t read. It didn’t seem like they were angry or disgusted, so. That was good, right? It was more like they were trying to understand what he had just said.

He waited, his body tense and stiff, for their reaction. His eyes flickered between all three, biting his lip nervously. 

Tex and Lynda were looking at each other, almost like they were having a psychic conversation. Strip, meanwhile, looked as though someone had given him the answer to the universe as he gaped at his wife and best friend. 

Finally, his uncle recovered and looked at him. “You’ve been hiding this from us, kid? Why?” He looked heartbroken, but held a sad understanding in his mismatched eyes. Cal’s own heart just by seeing that.

Cal shrugged, rubbing his neck. “I was- I was scared. Of how you’d react. If you’d…. You know. Hate me.” His dad looked even more pained at that and he winced at the gasp he heard from his ma.

Strip got up from his seat and crouched before him, looking at him with a pained yet loving look that Cal hoped he didn’t cry like a baby from whatever his pa was going to say to him like last night with Bobby. God, he really, really hoped he didn’t cry. That sting behind his eyes was just the wind, he was sure.

“Cali, baby,” His pa started, placing a larger, scarred hand on top of his. “We would never hate you, sweetheart. We love you so much I don’t think we’re capable of such a thing.” Strip chuckled at Tex’s small “Yep,” before continuing. “We’re sad you didn’t tell us this from the start. But we are not angry, nor will we hate you for who you love.”

“Really…?” Was all he could say, his throat tightening and he furiously blinked away the tears that weren’t there. “You mean that?”

“Of course, honey.” His ma chimed in, switching to the seat next to him to place a gentle hand on his cheek. He leaned against her touch as she gently wiped away the tears. “I’m so sorry that we made you feel that way, honeybee. We never felt that way towards you or the community. Remember that, alright?” Cal only nodded, afraid that if he spoke, he might start sobbing.

It was Tex’s turn to speak up, smiling at him with so much love and happiness, his eyes bright. “And thank you for tellin’ us, bucko. I know it must’ve been scary, but I’m proud of ya.”

Strip nodded, finally sitting on the chair between him and Tex instead of just crouching down, taking mercy on his old man bones with a sigh. “What he said. I still don’t know what, uh, poly-amor-ous means, but so long as you three are happy, then that’s fine with me.”

Shit. Now he felt guilty for thinking that his aunt and uncles, his family, his parents would hate him for something like this. Bobby was right, Lynda and Strip Weathers and Tex Dinoco were not those kind of people. They were too good for that. And he felt ashamed for even thinking such a thing.

Still, he felt his heart ache with how much love and acceptance he was getting. He laughed, wiping away the tears furiously. “Jesus. Thanks, you guys. I love you guys too."

Lynda gave him a soft kiss to his cheek, her hand ruffling his fluffy curls. She grinned at his affronted yelp. “We love you too, Cali. But still, I can’t believe you managed to hide this from us for years. You can’t even hide a dirty magazine properly.”

“Maaaaa!” The table laughed at his whining, and soon they started asking him about his relationship with Bobby and Mari, how things were doing with all three of them, if they were happy.

Throughout all this, he noticed that the three of them would sneak glances at each other, as if though they finally found an answer to something they’ve been searching for. He thought back to Bobby’s words, to those rumors. Maybe he was right. Rumors have got to somewhere for it to exist.

Mari and Bobby were in for a surprise when they woke up later.

Months later, in June, Cal found himself with his boyfriend and girlfriend in a pride parade in Florida, having just won a race two days ago, and it was a beautiful day. The sun was out, bright and stunning, and the streets were filled with people and flags of all colors and noise and laughter.

Mari, who had painted the pansexual flag on her cheek, placed a bisexual flag on his shoulders, and Bobby, with a custom made shirt that said “I ♡ MY GF AND BF” with the heart in the color of the bi flag and a picture of all three of them, quickly went to tie it like a cape, and Cal could only grin as he placed a kiss to his lips. 

By the end of May, he, Bobby, and Mari soon brought their relationship to life, and could now enjoy going out in proper dates with each other without having to keep it a secret. Mari loved being able to hold Bobby’s hand and kiss him in public, and Bobby wouldn’t stop bragging about his boyfriend and girlfriend to anyone that asked. Cal just loved that they didn’t have to hide their love anymore.

All three of them were here with his family and Brick, Dale, and Mater. Last he saw the last three, Mater had saw something in the distance and quickly dragged Brick with them, their agender flag flowing behind them, and Dale had walked calmly after to keep an eye on the two troublemakers, holding a gay and asexual flag on his hands with Brick’s cupioromantic flag. He’s seen other racers in the crowds as well, such as the New Gen’s like Jackson and Cruz together, surprisingly enough.

His eyes flickered to where his parents were and he smiled at seeing how happy they were. Tex’s cowboy hat and tie proudly wore the colors of the asexual flag, and Lynda and Strip were no doubt making fun of him for his taste in fashion, like they’ve always done when it came to his wardrobe.

“It suits me!” Tex defended, slapping away Strip hand that tried to steal his hat away. Strip and Lynda only laughed louder.

“Tex, honey,” Lynda breathed, wiping a tear away. “The colors don’t match.” And with that, Strip and Lynda were a wheezing mess as Tex fumed and walked away.

“Ya’ll suck!” He hollered.

“No, Tex, come back!” Strip pleaded through his laughter.

Cal grinned. Maybe there was something going on there after all. He might have to place some money on the betting pool. No way in hell was he letting someone else win in a topic concerning his parents.

“What’re you grinning at, pretty boy?” Mari asked, snapping him back to reality.

He turned his grin towards them, seeing Bobby and Mari stand side by side, holding each other’s hands. “Just thinking how lucky I am to get you two in my life.” He batted his lashes at them, pressing a kiss to their lips.

Bobby snorted, rolling his eyes at his answer. “You’re a sap, y’know that?”

“A sap for you.”

“Oh my god,” Bobby groaned, turning away from them as Mari laughed. “Is it too late to break up with you.”

“Nope,” Cal snickered, taking both their hands to lead them down the street.

His mind wanders to the two little velvet boxes in his drawer, with the rings safely tucked inside that his pa gave him.

He won’t do it today nor today or next week. He needs to find the right moment for that. 

For now, he gets to enjoy being in his lovers’ presence, and being able to hold and kiss and tell them that he loves them out in the open, enjoying the freedom.

What a beautiful day, indeed.