**Chapter 1: A New Beginning**

The crisp autumn air filled the streets of New York City as Rufus stepped out of the taxi and onto the sidewalk. He adjusted his backpack and took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Today was the day he would meet Mateo's dad, Teo Torrez, for the first time. Rufus had heard so much about Teo, and he couldn't wait to finally meet the man who had been Mateo's rock for so long. Rufus and Mateo had been together for two years, and he had become a regular fixture in the Torrez family's life, except for one major exception: Teo. The patriarch of the Torrez family had been in a coma for two months, and Rufus had been worried sick about Mateo and his family. But a week ago, Teo had finally woken up, and Mateo had been eager for Rufus to meet him. Rufus paid the taxi driver and grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. He took a moment to collect himself before walking up to the apartment building where Mateo lived with his dad. As he stepped into the elevator, he felt a flutter in his chest. What would Teo be like? Would they get along? The elevator doors opened on the fifth floor, and Rufus walked down the hall to Mateo's apartment. He knocked on the door, and Mateo answered with a bright smile. "Hey, babe!" Mateo exclaimed, pulling Rufus into a warm kiss. Rufus felt his heart skip a beat as he kissed Mateo back. He had missed him all morning. Mateo stepped back, and Rufus took in his appearance. Mateo's dark hair was messy, and his bright brown eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hey, come on in," Mateo said, stepping aside to let Rufus into the apartment. As Rufus entered, he was greeted by the familiar sight of the Torrez apartment. The same colorful artwork adorned the walls, and the same worn couch sat in the living room. But today, there was a new presence in the room. Teo Torrez, Mateo's dad, sat in a hospital bed, propped up by pillows. Rufus's eyes met Teo's, and he felt a jolt of surprise. Teo was even more handsome than Rufus had imagined. His dark hair was flecked with gray, and his brown eyes seemed to hold a deep wisdom. Rufus felt a blush rise to his cheeks as Teo smiled at him. "Ah, Rufus, it's so nice to finally meet you," Teo said, his voice low and smooth. Rufus smiled back, trying to play it cool. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Torrez," he replied. Teo chuckled. "Please, call me Teo. And you're a very handsome young man, Rufus. I'm sure you get told that often." Rufus raised an eyebrow, feeling a little self-conscious. "Yes, I do," he admitted. Teo laughed. "I'm sure you do. Mateo, why don't you show Rufus around the apartment while I get settled?" Mateo nodded, taking Rufus's hand. "Let's grab some coffee, and I'll catch you up on everything." As they walked into the kitchen, Rufus couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He was about to get to know Teo Torrez, and he had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.