"Thank goodness you brought it up. I wasn't sure how I was going to." His expression relaxed, cracking a lopsided grin before returning back to a serious straight line. "Then I guess let me start. Last night was... heavenly... for lack of a better word. At least for me, which I hope you experienced the same or better. But considering that... what are we?"
What are we. Three words nine letters. Overall a short phrase but one that hold a lot of weight. Weight I was not sure I fully processed. In the rush of the morning I was just running on pure autopilot. So I needed to think of this situation as I would anything else. To at least get over logically what I should answer. Emotionally... well that was a different bull to wrangle.
To be honest. I was not sure. Do I regret last night? No. I would make the same decision again. Was Dean someone I can view as a man? Yes. 100%. I can truthfully say that I find him very attractive. Do I think he can make a good partner? Yes. But do I view a future with him? That was what was holding me back.
Dean has always been someone reliable to me. Sure his antics are not super favorable but that is something we can discuss. The future for me is someone who I will marry and we will be together until death do us part. However, he is a Cortez and I a D'Angelo. I could say I want to marry him but there are rules in place to prevent that. People in place to prevent that. Unlike with Dante for example or even Felix, those were allowed. This is not.
"Its complicated. I like you, I can say with confidence I do. Every moment leading to last night confirms it. But, our identities is an issue. Would I like to date you yes but unlike other guys dating you is not simple. For starters lets say we decide to get married, there is that law in place which prevents that."
I fiddled around with my jacket, tugging at the sleeves. I turned to face Dean but his eyes were on the road. Based on his body language and what I could see in his side profile, he did not seem upset but rather lost in thought.
"Ahh thats right, that old law." Our families had built our city from the ground up. Economically growing it and developing it to the power it has now. It was not like we were politically involved as a monarchy but rather our financial power gave us political power by backing certain people into office who would be most beneficial for us.
However, doing so also inadvertently created enemies and that later backfired on us.
The details are fuzzy in our personal family records. Even in historical text there is no clear answer as to why the law is in place but based on what my father has told me and what his father had told him and so forth, back then our ancestors had once considered marrying one another to secure the wealth and further deepen our seats in society. But there was great opposition.
The common folk and other up and coming wealthy families did not want that. It was too unequal in terms of power and money. If we made one giant conglomerate what exactly would separate us from being a monarchy. We were already too influential in political figures and decisions. We would own everything leaving no room for other families to grow in wealth.
It could create distrust and further divide the classes, between each other and also among one another. Those who would fight to marry in and those who would fight against.
Before any alleged marriage negotiations could occur, a law that year was introduced and passed. That earners above a specific threshold tax bracket or within that same threshold tax bracket must file the marriage and be approved by the courts. The tax brackets are updated every year automatically after financial reports are collected and audited.
What exactly was that tax bracket. Well in easy terms it was the curve set by our families. Meaning only the Cortez and D'Angelo family would be impacted by this law because we are the only ones in the country to be of equal income. It was not like we could appeal it either, because if we did we would then 'prove' what everyone feared. So to keep the peace and keep each family member safe it stayed.
Anyone could marry in no problem because they would be in different brackets. And it only applies to current citizens, meaning that even though Dante and I are of somewhat equal status, our marriage would have not required legal approval.
So since then no marriage has ever been done between our families and its instilled in every generation to not even consider it. So over time our families grew distant to not provoke nasty rumors. It was only until recently that our families were more cordial. Thanks in part to our mothers who were friends prior to getting married.
"So thats the only thing holding you back? That law?" He seemed finished with his train of thought. But I could not see what conclusion he came to. "More or less, I also would like my parents approval. I know I don't really need their 'permission' but I respect them and love them. Marriage is not just people marrying people. It would bring our families together so I would like for them to like their son-in-law."
He laughed a bit. "I see, well, I will be honest with you. I don't care about the law. Or others opinion for that matter besides yours. It would be my greatest wish and honor if I get the chance to date you formally."
My face must have matched my hair by how hard I blushed. Dean has always been straight forward but I did not anticipate his confession to be like that. "Here is what I am thinking and let me know if you have a better solution. If you are cool with it, why don't we date but keep it on the down low. Just until either you or I can figure out a way to get rid of that law. Because I know damn well that I will not allow some old judge to say no."
I contemplated his proposal deeply. I did not want to hide my relationship with my family or friends but I had no choice if I wanted this. "By down low I mean just keep it to relevant parties. I know you would not want to hide this from your friends or family. But keep in mind who will be better at keeping it secret. Trust me I would love to shout to the world that we are together, but I need to keep you safe. And ensure the future you want is yours if I can have a hand in it."