Before I start, I just want to say... Thank You. The universe knows when I started this story and how many breaks I took, writing it. But you guys still pulled through and waited. Y'all have supported my stories so much & I've received so many messages about them that just touch my heart.

I'm 19. Turned 19 in August. (it's currently March 13,2022. Ya girl is definitely turning 20 and thinks she's grown lol)

& the one thing I tried to do on this app was grow in my writing. Of course there's still mistakes here and there and trust me, once all my books are complete I will be going back and correcting all of them. You might even find some in this final chapter but it's okay cause it's always crazy to think, how far I've come with this story.

People til this day, find my stories and leave comments like If I just uploaded the night before and it touches me everytime.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Now without further a due, the long & awaited The Last Piece Finale. It's going to be a long one cause i think after 3 years, it's time to put it to rest .

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Tobias' POV

Content - state of peaceful happiness.

I can't sit here and say I've never been happy, cause I'd be lying to you. God blessed me with accepting parents and for that I couldn't be happier.

   2 years ago, mustering up the courage to tell my parents that I played for more than one team, was way harder than I anticipated. It's laughable now but trust me, getting the courage to even say I was Bisexual, felt like my heart was falling into my stomach.

Yet the encounter in all, probably last a minute. The first thing my father did was hug me.

I didn't know it yet, but that was definitely a trigger for the waterfalls to start coming. In that moment, I couldn't do nothing but cry and hold my father. Then my mom came, tear filled eyes, and joined in on the moment.

   "You will always be our beautiful and courageous son." She whispered as we all kind of just. . . embraced each other.

    They treat Ethan like he's their own. They even send him to pick up Rocky's shit every once and a while, which never fails to make me laugh. He's found comfort in my home and I couldn't ask for anything more. I'm content. I'm happy. It's like all the pieces came together. After graduation, my day 1's and my lucky charm have been the best thing I could ever ask for.

But now it's back to business, cause it's Ethan and I's , 2 year anniversary and I've got to start planning.

    Ethans not stupid, he knows I've got a plan because every time he tries to mention our anniversary, I purposely sound uninterested. I thought it was a successful plan until he called me out on my shit this afternoon.

    "I know you're planning something so this whole bored act, drop it. I want my boyfriend to atleast look happy when I mention our anniversary." He says as he abruptly stops putting potatoes and puts the knife down. Okay, maybe I was being extra nonchalant, but definitely not bored.

    I crack a smile and put my phone down, since I was purposely using it to distract from giving any emotion.

     "Fine you caught me. But in my defense, I want to surprise you. Let me surprise you, you deserve it."

     "Oh I know." He said teasingly, "But if you're admitting right now you're planning something, I won't pry on the subject anymore." He says as he innocently goes back to cutting up potatoes.

I let out a laugh and hop up from the couch, making my way over to him. He's so perfect. I wrap my arms around him, planting a kiss on his shoulder, "Don't pry, I'm still just planning is all. I want it to be perfect."

     "Baby, we can plan together." And you know what, in the moment, he was right. The idea of me planning and setting everything up , sounded perfect. But I don't have a planning bone in my body. All my birthday's were planned for me. Ethan always planned Valentine's Day, and holidays we've spent with my family, so my mom usually planned it and dad brought the liquor. I wanted this to be my turn.

    "Fine, what we're you thinking?" I sigh in defeat.

    He squealed in excitement, "Finally! Okay, so there's this art shop Downtown that offers couples pottery lessons," he turns with puppy eyes, "we could try that."

   "You're the artistic one here, that literally only benefits you."

   "Ugh, you're right." He said far too quickly it almost offended me. He didn't have to agree but I guess. . .

"There is that new restaurant opening up, literally that Saturday before our anniversary. Sunday morning you can plan out whatever it is you have in mind, and at night we can dress up and go to dinner there?" He finishes.

    Not that bad. I have driven by the sign a couple times. It's a new Mediterranean restaurant. I'd be down to try something new.

Look at him, already relieving some of my stress. I'm telling you, he's perfect.

    "That doesn't sound too bad. Mediterranean right?" I already knew what type of food it was but just watch this...

    "Yes ! Isn't that so cool. Y'know. . ." He says in a little high pitch tone like he usually does right before he goes on a rant, "Now that I've been in this town for like 2 years , I can actually say this, But the food options are Trash! Like the best thing around here is the coffee shops and that maybe that one Italian spot. But it's only that one ! Have you tried the other one? It's terrible." Crazy, being with someone for as long as I have, you learn the in and out's of how they work. He's complained about the food options here for so long, I knew he'd go on a rant. 

     "Yea baby, I remember you telling me... three times the day you ate it."

     "Ugh I'm just pissing myself off all over again." He huffs as he grabs all the cut potatoes and puts it in a bowl.

I'm starting to think he hangs with Angie too much.

    +

     2 days before our anniversary and I just finished getting the last of my gifts for him. The mall was rather dead but it didn't bother me since the lines were quick. I successfully managed to hit everything on my list. Each thing I'd been saving to get him since they each came with a meaning behind it, even down to his favorite candy.

     Gummy worms. But specifically the 711 kind because they, and I quote — "are the elite of all gummy worms." Which I made sure to add a sticky note, saying exactly that. Then, new black vans because what felt like our 100th date back in June, we went dirt riding. I specifically told him to wear an outfit he didn't mind getting dirty, but to him that didn't apply to shoes so technically I owe him some.

Then I got a couple of medium sized canvases since recently his artistic mind has been flowing and I noticed the other day he only has 2 left sitting in his room. I even bought a couple of colors I noticed he was running out of. And finally, a bracelet. It's very minimal and silver , with two T and E charms. He'll have me wherever he goes, even though it's already a real life thing, but metaphorically it's beautiful, and I know he'll love it.

      I had just finished organizing everything in a big gift bag, and added the wrapping paper on top to hide the gifts. Like clock work the front door opens right when I finish, and in walks Tracy; arriving home from school.

"Ooooo, for me?" she cooes and she makes her way into the kitchen.

"For Ethan, but I do need you to hide it in your room, since he never stays out of mine."

She made a bummed face but grabbed the bag anyway and peeped in the bag. "Awe, I remember when you brought him to my birthday party and he gifted me art supplies." A smile on my face appeared without me even noticing. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I lied saying my friends couldn't come just so he could say yes. Sneaky, yes. Do I regret it ? Of course not. "Not you being fruity, thinking about him," She called me out. "Y'know I couldn't even use the water colors on my canvas, I learned that day you're not supposed to use it. I had to Google it!" She explains dramatically.

I burst into laughter cause I still remember him randomly mentioning it to me a little while after, how dumb he felt about that. He went on a whole rant to say how can a person who loves to paint and draw, forget that simple rule.

"Hey, cut him some slack, he was just excited to get you started on your art journey."

She smiled and grabbed her school bag , "I know, that's why he will forever be my favorite person you've dated. Anyways, Let me use the bathroom first then I'll take the bag up."

"Thank you!" I shout as I watch her walk away.

I can't help but notice how big she's getting. I always catch myself forgetting how I'm not the only person growing up. Everyone around me is, so when I catch a glimpse of her I always think of how beautiful she's becoming. Soon she'll be in high school, and I'll feel like I'm actually an adult.

I laughed at my thoughts and grabbed the shopping bag of clothes on the dining table.

Since I was already out shopping for his gifts, I just ending up buying outfits for us to wear the night of our dinner. The outfit is technically his first gift but he'll see it sooner than the rest since he obviously has to put it on.

Right as I finished my thought, the door bell rang. Clearly not my parents, because they have a key?

I make my way to the front door, and I get face to face with the man of the hour. Ethan.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?" I question like a deer caught in headlights, quickly putting the bag of clothes behind my back. Fuck the gift bag is on the kitchen counter. The bag of clothes is behind my back. This cannot be happening. I wasn't supposed to see him today, he told me he had something to do with his parents.

"I wish god could take my genetic code and switch it, It pisses me off that I have to share the same genes as them. Their homophobic ass genes, fuck them!" He shouts as he brushes past me, not even acknowledging my question. "You'd think after being in a healthy relationship for 2 fucking years, they'd 'see the light at the end of the tunnel' but fuck the tunnel, I hope it collapses on them."

"Babe!" I shout, to bring him his attention back to me, after subtly dropping the shopping bag next to the staircase, praying internally he didn't notice. "What happened?" I asked calmly, grabbing his shoulders and focusing his attention on me.

His eyes begin to water before he falls into me ,
"They're never going to accept me. No matter how hard I try" he cries into my chest. "I literally made time for them today, because they didn't want to be the only parents there without their kids, but I still manage to get shitted on and talked about ."

"What did they say?" I asked seriously.

I held him tighter as he cried.

"M-my dad, he was talking to one of his colleagues while I lingered around the drink table, a-and when they asked him how I've been, he said "I don't keep up with that black sheep." He called me a fucking black sheep." He said in anger and he pulled away from me. This isn't the first time he's cried to me about his parents. It probably won't be the last time either and just thinking about that, starts to make my body temperature rise.

How can they be so cruel to him. How can you not see that all your child wants is acceptance. The audacity to look at your child and see that all he wants is your love and you give him not even an ounce of it.

I can see him start to get anger all over again.

"Who says that so confidently? Oh! And don't get me started on the best part." He laughs slickly, "The best part was when a chuckle left my mother's mouth." I knew it wasn't his favorite part. It's what broke him.

"Ethan" I sighed as I put him into my arms again. I know all he needs right now is love and comfort, and I'm here to give it to him.

We stood in silence as I kept him in my embrace. If I'm being honest, I never know what to say anymore. Just cause, in the beginning, I used to try to encourage him and say they'll come around some day. 2 years later, even I don't believe they'll come around, so what's the point in lying? I lean back, and plant a kiss on his forehead.

    "You don't need them. I need you to look into my eyes and know that you're safe and accepted here. My family is yours." I say as I keep his undivided attention. His beautiful eyes look into mine. "You've brought out the best in me and I'll forever repay you, even if it means making sure you know you feel loved every minute of the day."

He began to tear up more. Partially because of his parents but I knew it was also because of what I said. We stayed there for like 3 minutes before he sniffed his tears back and wiped away the tears on his face.

"Yknow. . . I really love you. I really have no idea where I'd be if I hadn't met you. I know I put my baggage with my parents on you—"

"You don't." I cut off.

"— I know, but I'm just saying, If it wasn't for your support I feel like I wouldn't be on this earth right now. They never fail to make me feel so. . . So. . . low about myself." He wipes his falling tear and takes a deep sigh, "yknow. . . Sometimes I think about how I probably wouldn't have made it to graduation if I just eventually believe every disgusting thing they've said. So thank you, for loving me."

Suddenly my eyes were watery. God, this kid is everything to me, I can't imagine if he wasn't on here with me right now.

"I'll love you more." I said, right before Tracy came walking in. I noticed right when she looked up and noticed the emotional scene going on.

Her eyes opened in shock as she made eye contact with me and Ethan hugging. I motioned my eyes to the kitchen until she got the memo that the gift was still on the counter. Then she rushed into the kitchen , finally getting the point.

Suddenly I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled  away from Ethan and grabbed my phone out my back pocket. RONNIE popped up on my screen. I look up at Ethan to see he's just wiping the last of his tears before he nods and says to answer.

"Hey man ! You done shopping for Ethan ? The boys and I are playing FIFA, coke through " He shouts and I instantly begin to lower the volume on my phone praying Ethan didn't hear the first part.

"I'm actually with him right now." Dickhead. "But yea we can swing by."

"Yea for sure, bring him too, let me know when y'all are outside." He says before he hangs up, completely oblivious to the fact that he just spilled the beans.

I hang up and look up Ethan, watching as he looks at me with his adorable confused eyes.

"You went shopping for me?" He asks so innocently. So innocently , it makes me wanna — DAMN IT, his eyes are making eye contact with the shopping bag, "Is that what that is ? I noticed you put it behind your back when you opened the door but I didn't think—" as he walks over to the bag, I rush before him to get it.

"No! This bag isn't for you."

"Liar." He argues.

"Maybe, but you don't get to see til tomorrow."

"Toby! I just cried my eyes out, a-and y-you're g-gonna" he acts like he's about to fake cry but I see right through it.

"Okay! okay. . . I might've went shopping for our outfits Sunday night." I say as I put the bag in front of him to take. I watched as a grin grows on his face, like a kid on Christmas Day. He opens the bag and starts taking each piece out, falling more and more in love with the pieces.

     "Toby!" He cooed, "We're gonna look hot."

      I throw my head back in laughter before grabbing the clothes and the bag, putting them away.

     "Okay, I'm gonna go put them in my room and you grab your keys so we can go to Ron's."

He agrees, and we're off.

The ride to Ron's was nothing we weren't used to, Ethan slowly became one of the bro's amongst the group so now it's rare to see us not all be together.

   +

After pulling in, we made our way inside where Ronnie and Cameron were. They were in the middle of a game so Ethan and I both just sat down on the couch.

"Oh hey, y'all came just in time to watch me make Cameron my son."

"Shut your ass up, he's siced cause he's up one." Cameron said defensively.

"Trust me, he was talking all that shit before y'all got here, now he's doubling back." Ronnie argued back in a snarky laugh. Just a regular day in the household.

"Hey, I didn't know y'all were here, y'all want anything to drink?"

Ethan and I both snapped our heads to the left, to see Dylan on the other side of the room where the kitchen was.

"Hey, I'm good for now thanks." Ethan says politely.

"Yeah, thanks man I'm good too." I agree and then we focus back on the game.

With Dylan, things progressively got to a place we were at now. After the kiss situation, out of respect for my relationship with Ethan , I stopped being friends with Dylan. I finally got to a place where I knew what I wanted, and although it hurt me to stop being friends with Dylan, it had to be done.

     I don't regret it either. It was what was best. Although it was hard on our friends, Ronnie and Cameron, they understood where I was coming from. Ethan got to a point where he trusted me again and we were flourishing.

    Until, Ronnie came to us one day. He came over to my house and vouched up a speech for Dylan.

        >Flashback <

      "Look I'm not saying he's right but for a second put yourself in his shoes. He had a crush on you, and hide it for years thinking you were straight. Man, everyone thought you were straight, even you ! And I get it, cute boy came into your life, but you gotta understand how that could hurt him."

   "But he kissed me ! Knowing I had a boyfriend, knowing what that would cause."

    "Technically he wasn't your boyfriend when this happened." He shot back. "But even then that's not the point... honestly I'm just rambling. In reality , this was back in high school. Don't you think we should leave it in high school? He still til this day says how the ball is in your court. He knows what he did was fucked up and it took him some time to process everything and let go. Still, even after letting everything go, he still has that love for you. Platonic love. . . Just to be clear." he emphasizes as he finishes his little speech.

     I look over at Ethan who's just as equally listening to Ronnie speak. He gives me a long look before he looks back to Ronnie.

     "I mean. . . You're right."

      "What?" He says, almost surprised those words came out of Ethan's mouth. Not going to lie, I was just as shocked.

      "I said. . . You're right."

      "Uh, y-yeah I am!" He says with more confidence in his tone. "See, even your boyfriend agrees ! Now you're the only one being weird."

     "Well, he's not being weird, he's being realistic. He was just staying away from the problem. But you're right, this was in high school. Even though we graduated a year ago, a lot has happened since. I'm confident in