The breaking point

Morning came with coffee and cautious optimism.

Kai made breakfast while Ethan sat at the small kitchen table, watching him move around the space like he belonged there. Easy. Comfortable. Everything Ethan had never let himself have.

"You're staring again," Kai said, sliding eggs onto a plate.

"Can't help it."

Kai smiled, setting the plate in front of him. "Eat. You need your strength for job hunting."

The words were light, but they landed heavy. Job hunting. Reality. The future neither of them wanted to talk about yet.

Ethan's phone sat face down on the table. He hadn't mentioned the text from Richard Chen. Wasn't sure why. Maybe because saying it out loud would make it real, would force him to decide what it meant.

"You okay?" Kai asked, sitting across from him.

"Yeah. Just thinking."

"About?"

"What comes next."

Kai reached across the table, laced their fingers together. "We'll figure it out."

The "we" made Ethan's chest tight in the best way.

His phone buzzed. They both looked at it.

Kai pulled his hand back. "You should check that."

Ethan flipped it over. Lucas.

Meeting at noon? I have information you need to hear.

Ethan showed Kai the message.

"Go," Kai said. "I have a shoot this afternoon anyway. We can meet up after?"

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Kai stood, kissed the top of his head. "But Ethan? Whatever this is, whatever Lucas tells you, just remember you don't have to do anything alone anymore."

The words followed Ethan all the way to the restaurant where Lucas was waiting.

His friend looked exhausted, tie loosened, briefcase beside him like he'd come straight from the office.

"You look like hell," Ethan said, sliding into the booth.

"Back at you." Lucas pushed a folder across the table. "I did some digging. About your termination."

Ethan opened it. Legal documents, emails, internal memos. His chest tightened as he skimmed them.

"They're claiming moral turpitude," Lucas said. "Conduct unbecoming. Basically, they're arguing that your relationship with Kai compromised your professional judgment."

"That's insane."

"That's legal cover. But here's the thing." Lucas leaned forward. "They're terrified you're going to sue. Caroline's report was full of personal opinions, nothing concrete. If you wanted to fight this, you'd have a case."

Ethan closed the folder. "I don't want to fight them."

"Ethan—"

"I'm done, Lucas. I don't want to spend the next year in court battles proving I'm worthy of a job I don't even want anymore."

Lucas sat back, studying him. "So what do you want?"

"I don't know yet."

"Well, you better figure it out fast. Because your severance only lasts three months, and word's already spreading. People are talking."

"Let them talk."

"You say that now. Wait until it's been six months and you can't get an interview because every firm in the city knows you're the guy who chose his boyfriend over his career."

The words stung because they were true.

"There might be another option," Ethan said slowly.

He told Lucas about Richard Chen's message.

Lucas's expression darkened. "Chen & Associates? Ethan, that's a boutique firm. Discrimination cases, employment law. You'd be going from corporate law to basically being an activist."

"So?"

"So that's not you. You're strategic, calculated. Not some crusader fighting for the little guy."

"Maybe that's exactly what I need to be."

Lucas shook his head. "Or maybe you're romanticizing this because you're in love and everything feels possible. But reality's going to hit, Ethan. Bills. Rent. The fact that Chen probably pays a third of what you were making."

"I know."

"Do you? Because from where I'm sitting, you're making decisions based on emotion instead of logic."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing, if you can afford it. But you can't. Not long term." Lucas softened slightly. "I'm not trying to be harsh. I'm trying to be realistic. You've been with Kai what, a few weeks? And you've already lost your job, your reputation, your financial security. What happens when the honeymoon phase ends?"

"This isn't a phase."

"How do you know? How does anyone know in the beginning?"

The question hung between them, unanswerable.

Ethan stood. "I should go."

"Ethan, wait." Lucas grabbed his arm. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to see you destroy yourself for something that might not last."

"And I don't want to live a life where I'm only valuable if I'm miserable."

He left before Lucas could respond.

The photography studio was in an old warehouse building, all exposed brick and natural light. Ethan had never been to one of Kai's shoots before. Hadn't been invited.

But he needed to see him. Needed to remember why he was doing this.

He found Kai on the third floor, camera to his eye, directing a model against a backdrop of draped fabric. He looked completely in his element. Confident. Alive.

Ethan stayed by the door, watching.

"Little to the left," Kai called out. "Perfect. Now give me something raw. Like you just heard the worst news of your life but you're trying to hold it together."

The model's expression shifted. Vulnerable. Beautiful.

Kai clicked the shutter. "Yes. Exactly like that."

He lowered the camera, reviewed the shots, nodded. "That's it. We're done. These are perfect."

The model left. The assistant started breaking down equipment.

That's when Kai saw him.

His face lit up. "Hey. I didn't know you were coming."

"I wasn't planning to. I just..." Ethan trailed off.

Kai crossed to him, concern replacing the smile. "What happened?"

"Lucas thinks I'm making a mistake. With you. With everything."

"Oh."

The single word was heavy.

"He's probably right," Ethan continued. "I'm unemployed. Running out of money. Burning bridges. And I barely know what I'm doing."

Kai's expression shuttered. "So you're here to..."

"No." Ethan stepped closer. "I'm here because watching you work just now, seeing how good you are at what you do, how passionate... I realized something."

"What?"

"I've never had that. I've been good at my job, successful even, but I've never loved it the way you love this." Ethan gestured around the studio. "And maybe that's what I'm supposed to be finding. Not just you. But myself."

Kai's eyes softened. "That's terrifying."

"Yeah."

"And expensive."

"Also yeah."

They stood there, the studio empty around them, late afternoon light painting everything gold.

"I got a job offer," Ethan said. "Chen & Associates. Employment law, discrimination cases."

"That's amazing."

"It pays half what I was making."

Kai's smile faltered. "Oh."

"I haven't called them back yet. I don't know if I should."

"Why not?"

"Because taking it feels like admitting the other door is closed forever. And not taking it feels like giving up."

Kai sat on the edge of the set, pulled Ethan down beside him. "What do you want to do?"

"I want to not have to choose between stability and happiness."

"That's not how life works."

"I know." Ethan leaned against him. "But I'm tired of choosing wrong."

They sat in silence for a moment.

"My mom wants to meet you," Kai said suddenly.

Ethan's head snapped up. "What?"

"I told her about you this morning. Like you said." Kai smiled slightly. "She asked when she could meet the man who made me brave enough to try again."

"I didn't make you brave. You've always been brave."

"Not about this. Not about letting someone in after James." Kai turned to face him. "But you make me want to risk it."

Ethan's throat tightened. "When does she want to meet?"

"Friday. Dinner at her place." Kai hesitated. "It's okay if you're not ready."

"I'm ready."

"You sure? Because she's going to ask you about your intentions and your job and probably embarrass me with baby photos."

"I'm sure."

Kai kissed him, soft and sweet. "Okay. Then Friday."

The rest of the week passed in a blur of interviews and uncertainty.

Ethan met with Richard Chen on Wednesday. The office was small, cluttered, nothing like the sleek glass towers he was used to. But Richard was passionate, brilliant, believed in the work.

"I'll be honest," Richard said, leaning back in his chair. "We can't match your old salary. And the hours can be brutal. But the cases matter. We actually help people instead of just protecting corporate interests."

"How did you know I wanted that?"

Richard smiled. "Because people who are happy protecting corporate interests don't get fired for having a boyfriend."

The bluntness was refreshing.

"I need to think about it," Ethan said.

"Take your time. But not too much. I need an answer by Monday."

That night, Ethan lay awake in his apartment, staring at the ceiling.

The math was simple. His savings would last four months, maybe five if he was careful. Chen's offer would cover rent and basics, but not much else. And there was no guarantee it would lead anywhere.

The smart choice was obvious. Find another corporate firm, one that didn't care about his personal life, rebuild his career from a position of strength.

But the thought of going back to that world made him want to throw up.

His phone buzzed. Kai: *Still awake?*

Yeah

Thinking too loud

Something like that.

*Come over.*

Ethan stared at the message. It was past midnight. He should stay home, get sleep, be responsible.

He grabbed his keys.

Kai was waiting at the door when he arrived, hair messy, wearing an old t-shirt and pajama pants. He looked perfect.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Ethan asked.

"Nope. Too busy worrying about you worrying."

They settled on the couch, Kai curled against Ethan's side.

"Talk to me," Kai said.

"I don't know what to do about Chen's offer."

"What does your gut say?"

"That I should take it. That it's the right move."

"Then what's the problem?"

"Money. Stability. The fact that I'm basing major life decisions on feelings instead of logic."

Kai was quiet for a moment. "Can I tell you something?"

"Yeah."

"When James left, I thought about giving up photography. Going back to school for something practical, something that made sense financially." Kai's voice was soft. "My mom thought it was a good idea. Said art was a hobby, not a career."

"What changed your mind?"

"I realized that some things are worth being poor for. Worth struggling for." Kai looked up at him. "And some people are too."

Ethan's chest ached. "That's not fair."

"What's not fair?"

"Saying things like that when I'm trying to be logical."

Kai smiled. "Who said love was logical?"

The word hung between them. Love. Neither of them had said it before.

"Is that what this is?" Ethan asked quietly.

"I don't know. Maybe." Kai's hand found his. "Is that terrifying?"

"Absolutely."

"Good. Me too."

They kissed, slow and deep, everything unspoken pouring into it.

When they pulled apart, Kai rested his forehead against Ethan's. "Whatever you decide about the job, I'm here. We'll figure it out."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

That night, sleeping in Kai's bed, Ethan felt something settle. Not certainty exactly. But peace.

He'd call Richard Chen Monday morning. Take the job. Take the risk.

Take the chance that maybe, just maybe, choosing happiness wasn't the same as choosing wrong.

Friday came faster than Ethan expected.

He stood outside Kai's mother's house, dressed too formally, holding flowers that suddenly seemed ridiculous.

Kai squeezed his hand. "Relax. She's going to love you."

"How do you know?"

"Because I love you."

The words were casual, thrown out like they hadn't just changed everything.

Ethan stopped walking. "What?"

Kai turned, realized what he'd said. His eyes went wide. "I... that wasn't how I wanted to say it."

"Say it again."

"Ethan—"

"Say it again. On purpose this time."

Kai stepped closer, cupped his face. "I love you. And I'm terrified. And I have no idea if this is going to work. But I love you anyway."

Ethan kissed him, right there on his mother's front lawn, flowers crushed between them.

"I love you too," he said against Kai's mouth.

They were both grinning like idiots when the front door opened.

"Are you two going to stand out there all night, or are you coming in?"

Kai's mother stood in the doorway, small and elegant, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Hi Mom," Kai said, not letting go of Ethan's hand.

"Hi sweetheart. And you must be Ethan." She smiled warmly. "Come in. Dinner's almost ready."

They stepped inside. The house was cozy, filled with photographs and warmth and the smell of something delicious cooking.

"Can I help with anything, Mrs. Rivera?" Ethan asked.

"Call me Carmen. And yes, you can help by telling me how my son finally convinced someone as put-together as you to fall for his chaotic artist routine."

Kai groaned. "Mom."

"What? I'm curious."

Ethan smiled, some of the tension easing. "Actually, the chaos is what I fell for first."

Carmen's expression softened. "Good answer."

Dinner was easier than Ethan expected. Carmen asked questions but not invasive ones. She told embarrassing stories about Kai's childhood. She made Ethan feel welcome without making him feel examined.

Halfway through dessert, she set down her fork and looked at Ethan directly.

"Kai told me you lost your job. Because of him."

The shift in tone was subtle but clear.

"Mom—" Kai started.

"It's okay," Ethan said. He met Carmen's gaze. "Yes. I did."

"And do you resent him for it?"

"No."

"Will you? Eventually?"

The question was sharp. Fair.

"I don't know," Ethan said honestly. "I hope not. But I can't promise the future won't be hard."

Carmen studied him. "At least you're honest."

"I'm trying to be."

"Good. Because my son has already had his heart broken by someone who wasn't." She reached across the table, covered Kai's hand with hers. "I won't watch that happen again."

"I understand."

"Do you? Because loving someone like Kai, someone who lives out loud and refuses to hide, it requires courage. Every single day."

"I know."

"And some days you're going to want to run. To choose the easier path. To protect yourself."

"I know that too."

"Then what makes you different from the last one?"

Ethan glanced at Kai, saw the vulnerability there, the fear that his mother was right.

"Nothing," Ethan said quietly. "Except that I'm choosing to stay anyway."

Silence fell.

Then Carmen smiled. "Okay then."

"Okay?"

"Okay. You can keep dating my son." She stood, started clearing plates. "But hurt him and I know where you live."

Kai laughed, relief flooding his face. "She's serious. She's terrifying when she's angry."

"I believe it," Ethan said.

Later, walking back to Kai's car, Kai laced their fingers together.

"That went well," he said.

"Your mom threatened my life."

"She liked you. That was her approval."

Ethan shook his head, smiling. Then his phone rang.

Unknown number. Again.

He almost ignored it. But something made him answer.

"Hello?"

"Ethan Blackwood?" A woman's voice. Professional. Cold.

"Yes?"

"This is Jennifer Morrison from Hartwell & Associates. We represent your former firm. We're calling to inform you that if you accept the position at Chen & Associates, we'll be filing a non-compete violation."

Ethan's blood went cold. "What?"

"Your contract included a non-compete clause. Employment law falls under restricted practice areas. If you take that job, we'll sue."

"That's insane. The non-compete was for client conflicts, not—"

"Nevertheless. Consider this your formal warning. We'll be in touch."

The line went dead.

Ethan stood frozen, phone still pressed to his ear.

"Ethan?" Kai's voice was distant. "What's wrong?"

He lowered the phone slowly, looked at Kai. "They're going to sue me if I take the job."

"What? They can't—"

"They can. And they will." Ethan's hands were shaking. "The non-compete. I forgot about the non-compete."

"There has to be a loophole. A way around it."

"There isn't. Not one I can afford to fight." Ethan laughed, hollow. "I can't take the job, Kai. I can't take any job in employment law. Which means..."

He didn't finish. Didn't need to.

Kai pulled him close. "We'll figure something out."

"What? There's nothing to figure out. I'm blacklisted from the only industry I know, sued if I try something different, and running out of money." Ethan pulled away. "This was a mistake. All of it."

"Don't say that."

"Why not? It's true. I threw away everything for a relationship that's barely a month old. What was I thinking?"

"You were thinking you deserved to be happy."

"Well I was wrong!" The words came out sharp, angry. "Happiness doesn't pay rent. It doesn't build a future. It's just a feeling that goes away when reality hits."

Kai flinched. "So what are you saying?"

Ethan ran his hands through his hair, panic rising. "I don't know. I don't know anything anymore."

"Ethan, look at me."

He couldn't. If he looked at Kai, saw the hurt there, he'd break completely.

"I need space," he said instead. "I need to think."

"Space." Kai's voice was flat. "Right."

"Kai—"

"No. You know what? Fine. Take your space. But while you're thinking, remember this." Kai stepped closer, voice shaking. "I didn't ask you to give up anything. You chose that. So if you're going to blame this relationship for ruining your life, at least have the honesty to admit you're looking for an excuse to run."

The words hit like a slap.

"That's not fair," Ethan said.

"Neither is this." Kai turned, started walking away.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. To give you the space you asked for."

"Kai, wait—"

But he was already getting in his car, pulling away, leaving Ethan standing alone in the parking lot.

Ethan's phone buzzed. A text from Richard Chen: Heard about the non-compete threat. I'm sorry, Ethan. I can't hire you if it means getting sued. I hope you understand.

Another door closing.

Ethan stood there as it started to rain, phone in hand, watching Kai's taillights disappear.

And for the first time since tearing up that contract, he wondered if everyone had been right.

If choosing love over logic had been the biggest mistake of his life.

His phone buzzed again.

Not Kai. Not Richard Chen.

Marcus:We need to talk. There might be a way back. But only if you're willing to make the right choice.

Ethan stared at the message as rain soaked through his clothes.

The right choice.

Back to the firm. Back to safety. Back to a life where he fit.

All he had to do was let Kai go.

His thumb hovered over the call button.

In his mind, he could see Kai's face. The hurt. The disappointment. The fear that he'd been right all along.

That Ethan was just another James.

Another person who couldn't handle the cost.

The rain came down harder.

And Ethan stood there, phone in hand, at the edge of the biggest choice of his life.

Not knowing which way to fall.