Thread: The Journal of a Boss [lulz]

He wasnt quite sure how he had gotten up there. His mother had asked him to bring some more ice-cubes and, somewhere along the way, he ended up taking a wrong turn and walked up the stairs. The funeral had been a normal affair, something Gabe had seen a thousand times on television. It was this fact that probably kept him from truly realizing that he was supposed to be a participant. Gabe knew he should have paid attention to all the kind words the priest was saying but the only thing he could really think of was the trip back home with Brady. It was Michael who had called to deliver the news. Their father had gone quickly and painlessly in the night. The family doctor wasnt surprised. Their father had a heart condition that only seemed to get worse with his age. Oh I guess I need to fly up there. That was his only reaction, a couple of numb words. Yeah, I should think so, Michael replied, the slightest hint of sarcasm in his voice. Mom will want you to be there You okay? Yeah, yeah. Ill ask off of work and Ill be up there soon. Ill call you. Ill let mom know youre coming. It had been quick and painless to ask off of work. Thomas and Illena came by his apartment to offer support and Brady well, Gabe had been hoping to casually bring up the topic with him and imply that he would be going by himself. Thinking back on it, he wondered why he ever thought that would work. Brady had been adamant on taking off of work and coming with him. Gabe didnt want to burden him but Bradys determination filled him with love for the blonde and, before Brady could finish speaking, he was kissing him and thanking him softly against his lips. Thank you thank you Gabe pressed his fingers against the cool glass of his bedroom window. The weather was beautiful and warm. It was strange to be back in his old childhood home. Gabe rarely visited after his fight with his father. Even though his mother called almost every week to invite him back, he knew that he would never feel like he belonged there ever again. There was just too much hurt and anger imbedded into the brick-walls of the house to make it feel like home. Hey Gabe turned and offered a small smile that didnt reach his grey-blue eyes at the sight of Brady. Hey, he said, quietly, not liking how choked his throat felt. Thought you might have gotten lost. Dont think youll find any ice-cubes up here, Brady said with that small smile of his as he gestured to the room. He was carefully leaning against his cane and Gabe suddenly felt a shock of guilt. Climbing the stairs must have been hard. Sorry I Yeah, I should get downstairs, he said and, to his shock, he could feel his face getting hot and his eyes stinging. He was he could feel the tears building up into what felt like a combustible force in his chest screaming to come out. Fuck, Im sorry, Gabe croaked, turning his face away quickly in shame, trying to focus on the trees outside even though they were becoming blurry. Dont know why Why the hell are you apologizing? Brady asked, carefully closing the distance between them. It hurt how Gabe turned away and closed his eyes and how the tears traced a silent path down the detectives face. He was so strong. He had said nothing on the trip or during the funeral. Gabe had just kept silent, his eyes telling Brady that he was far, far away. Its okay, you know Brady murmured softly. Gabriel its okay. Maybe it was the blondes gentle touch to his face or his words but Gabe suddenly felt his chest gasp as his tears began to fall down in earnest. He felt arms wrap around him but he kept his eyes closed as he pressed his wet cheek against messy, blonde hair. Gabe felt like he was five again, missing his father and worshipping the very ground he walked upon. There had been a time that he had been his everything. Everything he wanted to be and everything that he admired. His father he had died a broken man with a weakened heart. What had he thought of in his last moments? Was it his family? Was it him? For some reason, it was his mothers words that answered his desperate questions He loved you, Gabriel. I know it was never that easy between you and your father but he loved you. I promise Gabe pulled Brady harder against him and cried brokenheartedly as a young boy who had only wanted his father.