Undetermined Identity - 16. Chapter 16...Epilogue/Conclusion

“When you're a beautiful person on the inside, there is nothing in the world that can change that about you. Jealousy is the result of one's lack of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-acceptance. The Lesson: If you can't accept yourself, then certainly no one else will.”

~Sasha Azevedo~

~*~*~*~*~Epilogue/conclusion~*~*~*

Nick looked down at his watch and sighed. “Danny, hurry up already! We're going to be late.” He yelled at Danny, who was in the bathroom giving himself a once over.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Danny replied, running his fingers through his blond hair. He had just gotten a haircut, and even though his bangs were still slightly longer then he liked, it was acceptable. Danny sighed, turned off the light, and made his way down the hall to meet an anxious Nick.

"It’s about time, damn Danny! I’m going to need you to work on that.” He laughed, kissing Danny on the cheek.

“I just want to look good for you baby.” Danny grinned while picking up a gift that was perfectly wrapped in Transformers wrapping paper with a big red bow to top it off.

“You always look good to me Danny, you know that.” Nick said as he closed and locked the door.

Danny and Nick had been together four years now, and they had bought a three bedroom flat near downtown Chicago. One of the extra bedrooms was Jake’s. Danny had the room decorated in a sports theme, namely basketball since lil' Jake was a diehard Lakers’ fan - just like his dad. The other room was Danny and Nick’s office, where they spent most Sunday afternoons, with Nick getting ready for Monday’s show and Danny working on ideas for his foundation. Danny was a full time executive at the foundation, along with being a writer, since he had graduated college.

They pulled up to Lisa's house. “I’ll be right back.” Nick promised, getting out of his truck and making his was up to the door. He rang the door bell and stepped back to give the door room to open.

“Hey Nick.” Antonio opened the door and greeted him.

“Tony, how’s it going man?” Nick extended his hand to greet Antonio’s.

“It’s great - I can’t complain. Hey, come on in. Jake, your dad is here!” Anthony called over his shoulder, stepping aside allowing Nick to enter. Lisa and Antonio had been dating for about three years. Lisa finally called one of the numbers on the card two weeks after they met, and it turned out to be the best decision she had ever made since they were perfect for each other. They both loved to travel, and Antonio had taken Lisa to Italy twice. Both times, Jake stayed with his father and Danny, aside from their regular visits. The patter of little feet could be heard racing down the hall; Nick smiled and tried to brace himself for impact.

“DADDY, DADDY!” Jake turned the corner, running as fast as his feet could guide him. In one swift move, Jake jumped, flying through mid-air and landing on Nick’s chest. Nick grabbed Jake laughing while taking a few steps back to keep himself from falling.

“Hey boy!” Nick held him up, trying to look in his sapphire eyes. Jake was kicking his feet in the air, trying to hold on to his daddy’s neck, giggling with excitement. Jake was slightly taller than most three year olds and he was the spitting image of his father. His piercing blue eyes could burn a hole in anyone’s heart, his jet-black hair was a combination of his mother and father’s - silky yet very curly. He had the cutest dimples when he smiled.

“Uncle Danny in da truck, got da candy? Jake asked in wonder, trying to look around Nick as he lowered him down to the floor.

“Yes, yes.” Nick laughed. “Uncle Danny is waiting in the truck, but shhh about the candy, you don’t want to make you mother mad, do you?” Nick raised one of his eyebrows, placing his finger to his lips. Jake giggled, placing his finger to his lips too.

“Shhh.” Jake repeated, about to bolt out the door.

“Hold on little man.” Lisa laughed, coming around the corner, looking beautiful as usual. “Don’t I get a hug?” She squatted, extending her arms and motioning Jake to come to her. Jake ran over, giving Lisa a hug and kissing her on the cheek.

“Mwah.” He grabbed his overnight bag from her shoulder and ran toward the door. “Bye Tony!” He yelled as he dashed by his dad. Lisa just shook her head and smiled.

“Hey Nick, how’s everything going?” She asked, giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Going well, you guys all packed?”

“Yes, I think so. What you think honey, are we ready?” Lisa asked as she wrapped her arms around Antonio’s waist.

"Hum, I think so baby.” He answered, rubbing his chin in thought. They were on their way to a seven-day Cruise of the Caribbean.

“Well you guys have fun, and we will see you when you get back.” Nick gave Lisa another hug and shook Antonio’s hand.

“Okay. And Nick, tell Danny hello for me and to be easy on the gummie bears.” She laughed. Oh and before I forget.” She reached on the table and handed Nick a gift bag. “Give this to Cody, it’s from Tony and I, tell him we said happy birthday.”

“Will do.” Nick took the bag and headed out the door. Today was Cody’s sixth birthday, and Tyler and Ashley had went all out; they had gotten a moonwalk for the kids to jump around in, and had a clown was on order to entertain and do magic tricks. Tyler continued to make bets with Ashley - he was becoming a professional gambler where they were concerned. They were expecting their second child, and Tyler had bet Ashley it was going to be a girl.

Jake ran down the walkway right into Danny’s arms.

“Uncle Danny, Uncle Danny!” Jake ran full force to Danny.

“Hey dude.” Danny laughed, swinging Jake around before setting him down. “Ready to go?” He asked putting him into the car.

“Ya! Got da candy?” Jake asked, looking around as Danny buckled him into his car seat.

“Yes, yes.” Danny laughed and pointed over the bag filled with gummie bears and an assortment of other candy. Jake grabbed a handful and shoved them in his mouth, grinning. Danny just shook his head. Nick got in as well and started the truck.

“Okay guys! Lets hit it.” Nick said, looking over to Danny and then into the backseat at Jake, his two favorite guys in the world.

“YAY!" They both laughed, Danny turned and gave Jake a high-five.

"Hey, don’t forget we need to stop by Marshall’s after we leave Cody’s party. We don’t have to stay long, but I promised we would meet his new boyfriend Matt.” Danny smiled. Matt and Marshall met at a Jazz concert, they both went alone and ending up spending the evening together.

“It’s cool.” Nick said nonchalantly. He and Marshall had become pretty good friends, and got together to play chest once a month. Nick was much more of a challenge than Danny was although he was getting better with Nick's help.

Everyone was going through life and accepting life on life’s terms. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor, along with Nick’s parents, were accepting Nick and Danny’s relationship, the men had to work a little harder at it, but they were really trying.

Lee was no longer working at the Coffee House; she had graduated from nursing School and was a nurse practitioner for one of the doctors at Chicago Memorial, she and Danny would meet at the Coffee House to catch up on whos zooming who. Lee was so excited for Danny and Nick and she had to finally admit her "gaydar" was off where Nick was concerned.

Nick smiled as he drove down the street, reflecting over his life. Looking back at his past, he understood that life was not black and white - there were going to be some grey areas. He understood the life he chooses to live would not be accepted by everyone, and it didn't have to be. Life was a matter of choice, of his choice… He was finally happy.

He looked over to Danny, who was in the middle of a gummie bear war with Jake. They were throwing some and eating some laughing hysterically. Nick shook his head smiling in his heart at his gorgeous and silly boyfriend. Yes, Danny was one of the most influential people in his life, both his best friend and lover. Danny had taken him to a place, a place called free. The choice to go with Danny had been Nick’s to make. He made his choice - will you live your life as you see fit, and Determine your own Identity?

Thank You,