Fragile

The smell of spice brought Gabriel tumbling over his heels, as he inhaled upon walking through the kitchen door. It smelled so rich, so herbal. The scent of cinnamon and berry was entangled, wrapping around his body in a flurry. He loved kitchens. They always seemed to be where he felt the most alive. He looked around the room, "Cozy." Marie turned a bit and smiled. Then she proceeded to open the refridgerator.
"Thank you. It's where I am most of the time, so I try to make it feel nice."
"I can see that. So, where are those treats?"
"I had a thought...why don't I make a fresh pie? Oh, don't give me that look, young man. It won't take long. I just think you'd perfer a freshly baked pie, instead of some cold cookies, yes?"
"I guess...Is there anything I can do? I mean...that is why I'm here, right?"
"I'll find something, just you wait." She chuckled lightly, pulling out a carton of eggs and a gable top of milk. She then moved to the counter, placing the items down.



Gabe rolled his eyes a bit and went back to looking around the room. There were mostly paintings of fruit on the walls. But one painting by the door stood out. "Is that Julian? And Faye?" He lifted his voice, not taking his eyes away.
"Yes. That picture was taken when the two of them were just young ones."
"Huh...cute."



"Julian's always had glasses?"
"Yes. That picture was taken actually a month after he got them. Poor thing. No one else had any vision problems. His brothers all teased him for weeks." Marie sighed sadly, a departure from the happy motherly sigh Gabe had heard before. He turned and looked at her. She slowly broke the eggs into a large bowl, placing the discarded shells aside. "Julian isn't like his brothers. You can tell that just by how he looks. He and Faye are the only blondes in our family. The last blonde was...my great-great-great grandmother, I do believe. The boys thought he looked strange...like a girl, with his long blonde hair. The rest of the boys wore their hair short. But Julian...He was afraid of getting it cut," Marie laughed. "Poor dear. He was so afraid that it wouldn't grow back. I had to hold his hand when we finally dragged him to the barbershop."



"I think he'd look weird with short hair."
"And he did, let me tell you. He didn't look like my little boy anymore. I am glad he grew it out again, though his father was quite displeased. 'Long hair is reserved for whores and queers!' He'd say."
"But you and Faye have long hair, Mrs. Beau..."
"Exactly." Gabe gulped and looked back at the picture. That was a line he didn't mean to cross.



He waited a moment before saying anything else. When he felt ready, Marie beat him to it. "Gabriel, dear...that is by far the most interesting outfit I've seen."
"It isn't too much, is it?" The woman turned and giggled, stirring the bater in the bowl in a gentle rhythm. She shook her head. "You sure? Ant gave me so much crap for it. Er...I mean..."
"No need to change how you speak in front of me, dear. I happen to think you look lovely. I admire your dedication...to wear such stockings, you must work hard to make your legs smooth."
"Oh yeah. It's killer." The two smiled at each other, both understanding the plight of hairy legs.



Gabe waited in the kitchen, despite Marie telling him he was free to return to the group. He wanted to talk more and wait for the pie and thus, they did. Marie shared embarressing stories about all three of her children, making Gabe promise himself to use them as blackmail at a later time. Wrapping up one tale about an incident involving Antoine and a coat rack, the timer on the stove sang out. "Ah, the pie is ready."
"It already smells delicious," Gabe grinned as he dangled his legs off the counter. Marie put on her oven mits and opened the door, carefully pulling out the pie. The warmth filled the room and Gabe felt himself melt a bit. "Mmm! It really does smell good! I bet it'll taste as good." Gabe then leaned out, making a reach for the steaming pie.
"Now now, control yourself. It must cool." Marie swatted his hands, causing him to whimper and nurse it. "It won't take too long. I'm sure you can wait."
"Fine..." Gabe grumbled as he slid off the counter and was about to walk out into the living room when Marie grabbed his arm. "Hm?"
"Hold one a minute...there is one more thing I wanted to tell you."



Then, placing her hand on his head, she gave Gabriel a firm look. His lips quivered with worry as his eyes pleaded. "What did I do?"
"No...no..." She said, patting his head faintly, "It's not that you did something. It's that I want you TO do something."
"Oh...what?"
"I want you to continue to keep an eye on my boy. Antoine has Dafne...Fayette has Kariudo...Julian has you. Please do take care of him, yes? That's all I ask. I have a good feeling about you two. The last two men he's had...they've broken his heart. Please do not break his heart."
"Uh..."



"Mama, why do you insist on threatening every one of my guests?"
"Julian! I'm not threatening him. Am I, Gabriel, dear?"
"Not at all. And uh...don't you worry, Mrs. Beau. I'll be sure to be gentle with it."
"Good. The pie is still cooling...Julian, why don't you show Gabriel the garden?"
"Mama, I-"
"Garden? I wanna see! Is it through this door?"
"Yes."
"Sweet! C'mon, Jules!" Gabriel happily grabbed Julian by the belt and pulled his pelvis along, outside.



Julian wasn't sure how Gabe knew there was a bench in the garden, but the painted boy led him to it and forced him to sit. Gabe sat beside him and curled up next to him, Julian giving him an odd look. "I do apologize if my mother threatened to castrate you and cook your genitals in a souffle."
"She's done that before?"
"She told that to one of Faye's boyfriends."
"And?"
"He got away with his package, but did leave behind a finger."
"Creepy."
"Mmhm...I was worried, you know."
"Worried?"
"My mom's never...met someone like you before. But it went well?"
"I dare say your mom loves me. But can you blame her? Everyone loves me."



"That they do. That they do."



"How do you think Aleera's doing without us?"
"I'm sure she's fine. She's probably just sleeping in, as usual."
"She's been sleeping alot lately, hasn't she?"



"That's what happens when you spend all night drinking, Gabe."

Honour

"Are they EVER going to stop arguing?" Faye growled in irritation, tapping her foot impatiently. Dafne looked at her with empathy. Then she turned her eyes to the parked car, shaking her head slightly. She let out a soft sigh. She had more patience than the blonde next to her but she had to admit, she too was becoming tired of it all. She, who knew her husband more than his own family did, could not comprehend his distain for the cross dresser in their midst. He was so angry when Julian told him Gabe was invited as well. He almost refused to come. But Dafne begged him to come. She loved it when they visited his mother. Antoine was hesitant but agreed. That didn't stop his need to showcase his less-than-cheery feelings, though.

"What the hell are you wearing? Have you no manly pride left?" Antoine hissed as his fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly.

"It's not like anything is showing. Just admit it, you're jealous because I look good." Julian just watched as his brother and Gabriel glared at each other, too weak to speak up for either side. The two of them were strong personalities, so it was no surprise to see them clash. Julian just wish they'd get along for once, especially on days such as this.

"Believe it or not, but you are indeed a male. What you do in your freetime is your own business but I expected you'd show me and my family a bit more respect and wear something decent."

"I was going to wear my lolita dress but I couldn't find it." Antoine reared around, glaring at Julian.

"Did you not suggest he wear some slacks!?"

"I...I did but...it's his choice, Antoine."

"Thank you, Julian. Now how about we get out of this stuffy car already? I'm looking forward to some...what did you call them, Jules? Calissons?"

"Fine but I'm watching you. I will not have you embarress myself nor Julian in front of Mother."

The boys left the car, much to the girls' relief. They began walking from the driveway to the front entrnace, Gabriel becoming further entranced by the row of sunflowers that led them. "They're so big..." Julian turned his head slightly and smiled at the curious look on Gabriel's face.

"Mother has a green thumb, you see. Gardening is one of her favorite things to do. Those flowers have been there since before I was born. I think she started planting them when she was pregnant with Gerard. Right, Antoine?"

"That's right," Antoine spoke softly as they reached the front door. He stepped in front of them and knocked. They waited until the faint voice beckoned.

"Come in!"

The group entered the house, finding themselves in a small living room of sorts. "I see they got a new rug," Faye said coldly. Julian looked at her. He knew she didn't have fond memories here. Neither did he but he was better at hiding it. Julian then looked at Gabriel, who's eyes lit up at the room. He seemed so amazed by the simplistic elegance. His attention was torn away when the door opened. Before them stood a woman who very much resembled Faye, her appearance small and doll-like. But the way she stood, Gabriel noticed, made him think of Julian or Dafne.

"Welcome!"

"I'm so glad you all made it," The woman spoke in a honey-silk voice, her tone motherly and gentle. Her accent reminded Gabriel of Julian, when they first met. His wasn't as thick as Faye's had been but it was there. Gabriel missed it, thinking about it now. The man had lost it, it seemed, in recent years. "I tried to get the others to come but...well. You know how your brothers can be. They're far too busy with their lives to come visit their mama."

"That's selfish of them," Julian said softly which caused Gabriel to raise a brow. Julian rarely said a hurtful word about his family, his father aside. "Antoine and I are busy as well but we still make time to come see you...or at least call."

"What about me?" Faye said, noticing how she was excluded.

"You're not busy. You're lazy. But you still call, so it's okay."

The three of them gathered around the woman, giving and recieving kisses. Antoine then cleared his throat. "Mama, you remember Dafne..." The brunette beamed when she laid her light blue eyes on the black-haired woman.

"Ah! Dafne! It is so good to see you."

"Likewise, Madam Beauvais et Bedeau."

"I just recieved a beautiful dress from my sister that would suit you well. You must come to the parlor later to try it on, yes?"

"Oh course." Julian bit his lip. Should he introduce Gabe now? Antoine waited but realizing his brother was still contemplating it, he decided to give him a hand.

"Mama, this is Gabriel Akamatseru. He's Julian's friend." Gabe turned around, becoming aware he was now being spoken of. "Gabriel...this is our mother, Marie." Gabriel walked past Julian, closer to Marie and the two of them stared at each other. Finally, he grinned and took her hand. He brought his lips to it.

"Pleasure to meet you, Madam." Marie's lips curled. She bent a little, giving a small curtsey.

"Charmed, Monsieur Gabriel."

After the greetings, the group settled down as Marie returned behind the door. She entered again, holding a large tray with a tea pot and several cups. She tenderly lifted the glass from the tray and arranged them on a small circular table, finally sitting herself once her task was complete. "I must ask for your patience and forgiveness. The desserts are still being prepared."

"I am sure they will be delicious," Dafne said cheerfully. This caused Marie's face to display a somewhat mischievious look as she looked at the woman intently.

"Ah, in the meantime..." Marie began delicately, "Dafne, my dear...how old are you again?"

"Um...27..."

"Yes, that's right. So...tell me...when can I expect some grandchildren? I do so miss the pitter-patter of little feet."

Antoine quickly looked away, trying to avoid the question as Dafne's cheeks became a thick rouge color. Faye let out a snort as Julian felt deep pity for his brother. Gabriel let his two cents be heard, "This'll be good..." Dafne thought for a moment, her eyes peering around as if to find her words.

"Um...well. That's...hm."

"It's been an idea," Antoine said softly though it was clear in his voice that he was...dare Julian say it? Nervous?

"Yes...um, we've talked about it. I mean...I would love to have a child. But it's just not in the near future for us yet."

"I see. A shame. I would really like some before I am too old."

"Well, Julian can always give you some." Antoine shrugged.

Julian shot him a look. "What?" Antoine asked threateningly, causing the blonde man to soften his gaze. "Mother wouldn't object to adopted children."

"Or you could do like that couple on Oprah," Gabe said thoughtfully. Julian looked at him, having never watched a show in his life. "You know...find yourself a tranny to bear your child. One who was biologically female but is a man now."

"That's..."

"Creepy," Both Antoine and Faye said with a shudder.

"Is not! It's perfectly natural. I mean, if seahorses can have kids..."

"You know what, Gabe? Be quiet. Sit there and look pretty."

Marie stared on as her children argued amongst themselves. Her gaze was fixed, however, one the one who was not related to her.

Holding up her hand caused the room to settle into a silence. Clearing her throat, Marie looked down at the teapot. "It would seem we've almost finished it. I have another pot waiting. Ooh, and the treats should be done now. But it will be awfully hard to carry it all. Gabriel! Won't you be a dear and come help me?"

"Uh..."

"Mama, why don't I help you?"

"Naw, it's cool, Jules. Sure, Mrs. Beau! Lead the way."

"Such a gentleman you are, Gabriel..."

"Anything for sweet little ol' ladies. And their sugary treats."

Slave

"Excuse me?"
"I SAID, how do I look?" Julian turned his head a bit to get a good look at Aleera. Her face really took away from whatever sense of beauty she was trying to portray, her scowl causing her painted lips to appear cracked. The heavy eyeliner also did her no favors, as her eyes narrowed in anger. It was like looking at an angry cat, really. But he just smiled.
"If I were a straight man, I daresay I'd feel some sort of attraction to you."
"Or if I had a penis attatched to the rest of me."
"That too," Julian turned back around. He was a bit uneasy about all this. It had been a few days since Aleera accepted Zackariah's proposal. Naturally, Gabriel knew nothing of it. When asked by the boy, Julian simply said she was out with Faye and Faye made sure to play along. He made sure Gabe was fast asleep when Aleera did return home and also grilled her for details. Surprisingly, she enjoyed herself and also had not drank a single spiked drink. This would be their third date, wouldn't it? "Don't tell me this is the date where you let him go all the way..."
"Nonsense!" Aleera spatted, as if heavily insulted. "...That's the fifth date, and only if he buys the top shelf stuff."



"Alright, I better get going," Aleera said bluntly as she walked over to the desk along the wall, her keys jingling as she lifted them up into her hands.
"Which excuse shall I use this time? The one where you're lingerie shopping with Faye or the one where you're attempting to get all the local homeless folk drunk?" Julian asked, amused, as he lowered the television volume. Aleera thought for a moment.
"Hm...the former sounds about right. Your sister really does need a new bra."



"Gabe should be back soon. He is usually only at the salon for an hour."
"Alright."
"Emergancy numbers are under the clutter in the kitchen. Don't open the door if it's any one I'm related to, Gabe aside. If the water heater breaks, there's a gay plummer downstairs. Just offer him somethin' somethin' and he'll fix it for you."
"You act as if I'm a child."
"Only looking out for your safety, skippy...see you later." With a pat of his head, Aleera slipped out the door. Julian rolled his eyes, turning his attention back to his program.



It must've been about an hour later that Julian heard the phone. He had dozed off, watching some talk show when the shrill cry of the ringer woke him. He groggily got up and straightened himself out before answering. "Akamatseru Residence. Julian speaking. May I ask who's calling?"
"Akamatseru? Julian, est que tu?"
"...Mama?"
"Ah! For a moment, I thought I had the wrong number."



"Mama..." Julian said loudly, before lowering his voice despite being the only one in the residence. "How did you get this number?"
"Ah...Fayette." Of course. Faye couldn't ever keep her mouth shut for long. "Julian Leon, why didn't you tell me you are homeless?! I've been worried sick! Are you getting enough to eat?"
"Shh...shh...Mama, I am fine. I'm not homeless. I am staying with friends. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't want you to worry."
"I'm your mother! It's my job to worry. Mon chou..."



"Why do you never visit?"
"Mama, you already know the reason."
"Is it your father, mon chou? Because he is gone for the week, to a business meeting."
"Mama..."
"Why don't you come? You, Fayette and Antoine. OH! Antoine simply must come with Dafne. I have the prettiest dress for her."
"Mama, I can tell Faye and Antoine that you wish to see them but I-"
"Ah, Fayette tells me you have a male companion. You must bring him too."
"Mama, it's not like that."
"Julian, you simply must. The house is so lonely now that all mon chou are gone. Please?"



Julian hesitated, hearing his mother's whimpers on the end of the line. Finally, he gave in. He loved his mother too much to deny her a simple request. "I will see what I can do, Mama." He held the phone away from his ear as she let out a joyous cry. After it died down, he pulled it back.
"Oh! Merci, mon chou! Let's make a tea time for this Sunday. I can't wait to meet my son-in-law."
"Mama, we're no-"
"Do wear something nice!" And with that, she was gone.



Julian shook his head, putting the handset back on the reciever. He leaned against the wall. A tea time with his mother was usually a peaceful, happy time. But Gabe wasn't the tea time sort of guy. "But I bet he owns something that would do well with sitting down for tea..."
"Talking about me?" Julian looked up to see Gabe, his face beaming.
"Ah, you're back."



"Did you mention tea? OH! Are we having a tea party!?" Then again...

Past

"Well, what do we have here?" Zackariah asked happily as he rose slowly from the bench. Aleera glared, smacking her lips in an annoyed fashion. He raised his eyes for a moment before they set low in a sultry way, his grin small but devious. "Good things really do come to those who wait."
"What the hell are you doing, loitering around my apartment?"
"I am using public services, Aleera, dear. I'm not loitering, though I am shocked you have that word in your vocabulary."
"Did you just call me stupid?" She growled, raising her hand and cracking her knuckles threateningly. Zackariah waved her off.
"Not at all, my sweet. So, what brings you out and about, my little butterfly?"
"I was going to get coffee for myself and Julian."
"Ah, yes. The free loader."
"He's not a free loader, you douchebag. He owns our apartment."
"That so? If he has so much money, then why doesn't he go off and buy himself a new place?"
"You worried he doesn't want you around?"
"A bit. He does threaten my plans."
"He only doesn't want you near Gabe. He could care less if you are near me."
"Really?" Zack said curiously as he took Aleera's hand in his, gliding his fingertips along her hand.



Aleera tried to fight smiling but his touch was nice, she had to admit. "So...are you free tonight?" Aleera knew where he was going. But instead of interrupting him with a roundhouse kick to the face, she let him continue as a dull expression played on her face. "Because there is this adorable little bar downtown and I am sure an...accomplished drinker as yourself would appreciate their wares."



Aleera thought about it. The thought of being alone with him was frightening. He probably kept rohypnol on him at all times. Just one glance away from her glass and she'd wake up hours later, naked in the back of a dumpster because a freak like Zack probably would do the deed there. But the plan...she had to get it started, right?



"Alright."
"..W...What?" Zack asked, as if shocked. His eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly. Aleera forced a smile, causing him to step back slightly.
"I said alright. Why not? As long as you're willing to pay for my drinks." Zackariah was left speechless for a minute, chewing on his lip ring as he wait for it all to register. Then his grin returned.
"Great."



"I'll pick you up later then...when the boy is gone..."

Door

Julian wandered around the apartment for a bit after Aleera left. He attempted to tidy up but it was a battle he was not prepared to fight. After watching what he believed to be the supreme ruler of cockroachs bitch him out and scurry under a month-old US Weekly, he decided to just take a nap. He could always call around for real estate advice later. On his way to the guest room, he heard a rather hard bang on the door. He was hesitant before twisting the doorknob, finding it unlocked. "Lovely, she left it unlocked so he could come in here and get me out of the way. Guess she wanted to find me and my remains strewed about the house," Julian morbidly joked as he opened the door, "Nando? Gabe?" The young man was facing the slumped body that leaned against the wall, turning back to heavily catch his breath. He pushed some strands of loose hair behind his ear, taking in a deep breath.
"Can you help me with him? I just carried him up three flights of stairs."
"The elevators' broken? But it was working fine when I came home..."
"Then it must be my luck, huh? Just give me a hand."



The two of them managed to pick Gabe's semi-concious form up and carry him into his bedroom. Nans proceeded to battle with Gabe's stilettos while Julian helped him out of the dress and into his pajamas. "What happened?" He asked as he finished pulling up the pajamas, "Did he become too wild for you?"
"Mm?" Nans asked, somewhat distracted, "Oh, no. He wanted you." Julian looked at Nans very seriously. Was he joking? It didn't seem like it but he had to know.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously. He woke up a little after you left, actually. First thing out of his mouth was, 'Where's Jules?' It was sorta cute. Of course, it got less and less cute the more and more he wanted me to take him home."
"I'm sorry, I should have stayed."
"No, no. It's just he's gotten so heavy since he started eating Italian again."



"But he was pretty cute, just lying there and asking for you like you were some teddy bear. He wouldn't stay still when he found out you'd gone home. He tried leaving too, but he only wound up breaking a vase."
"I'm sorry, I can refurbish you."
"Oh, don't worry about it. It was tacky anyways. I'll just go hunt for another one tonight. But...can I ask you something?"
"Sure, since we are becoming such lovely friends."
"Gabe told me that you like him. That true?"
"Mm...yeah. You could say I'm fond of him...in love with him...enthralled with him...obsessed, to a point. It's a bit creepy, I'll admit. But I care alot about him.""I noticed."
"Why do you ask?"
"Curious."
"Curiousity killed the cat, you know."
"The cat had it coming. Curiousity just helped the process along."
"Haha! ...ah...want a drink?"



Seeing as how he was particularly thirsty after dragging Gabriel up three flight of stairs, Nans happily accepted Julian's offer. They both left Gabe to his own devices, taking their conversation into the kitchen. Nans took a seat on the counter top while Julian dug around the refridgerator. He poked his head back out, closing the door with his shoulder as he held two cans of knock-off brand soda. "Here you are," Julian said sweetly as he handed Nans his can.
"Why, thank you, noble sir." Nans smiled as he popped the can open, bringing it to his lips.
"I do apologize for dumping him on you, you know. I just have alot on plate right now so I really need to get started."
"Totally understandable. I haven't really seen him drunk off his ass before so I had no idea he was like a two-year-old. It's good blackmail, at least." Nans then slipped off the counter, "Mind if I drink and dash? I left the DJ in charge while I went out but I fear he might get distracted by some attractive fugitive or something."
"Oh, by all means. I don't want to keep you away more than you have to be."
"I'll just go say bye to Gabe then. See you, Julie. We should do this again."
"Of course."



Nans leaned into Gabriel's room, "Gabe? You asleep?"
"Mm...not anymore...my head hurts."
"I know, sweetie..." Nans said softly as he sat his can on a nearby end table before approaching Gabe. Their eyes met and they understood the situation. "Hangover?"
"What the hell did I drink? I feel like I just got gangraped by giant pink invisible unicorns..."
"Some sort of absinthe mix. Poor thing."
"Where's Julian?"
"He's in the kitchen. You should probably sit still, though. I don't think he's going to be going anywhere. I just came by to see how you were. I better be going back, though. Don't worry about coming in tomorrow. I'll give you the day off, mkay? Something tells me you need the rest."



"Oh, before I go..." Nans spoke softer, as if trying to tell a secret. He scooted closer to the semi-concious man. "I don't know why you aren't tearing Julian's pants off. He's awesome."
"Whaa?"
"You said that he likes you and it's obvious he does. So why aren't you taking advantage of it? He's the perfect guy. He's polite, has a job, and is pretty cute!"
"Nans..."
"Fine, I'm leaving. I'll call you later to make sure you haven't vomitted on any of the dresses I let you borrow."



Julian heard the door close, knowing Nans had left. He figured Gabe was asleep by now. That left him some time to kick back and relax until Aleera returned with his coffee. He sat at the kitchen counter after finding a newer newspaper and looked through the real estate offers. But he couldn't wait for his coffee.



He just hoped it wasn't too cold by the time she got back.

Past

Julian left Koushi feeling somewhat guilty. After all, he did say he'd stay with Gabriel as he slept. He knew the boy never did like sleeping when no one else was around. But Nando was with him. He didn't have to worry so much, he supposed. He was sure Gabe was in good hands. Good pretty hands. "...Why do transvestites turn me on so much!?" Julian chuckled to himself. What made them so attractive? They were virtually women, but with male anatomy. Did that technically make him bisexual? Whatever it was, it amused and confused Julian to great lengths.



"Something funny, french boy?" A familiar voice came along. Julian paused and looked down at a nearby bench, his eyes glaring as he spotted the voice's body.
"What are you doing here?" Julian tried to mind his manners, keeping his voice from breaking due to contempt. Zackariah shrugged, flipping a page of his newspaper.
"I felt like getting out. Is that so wrong?"
"It's just...this isn't exactly your part of town, is it?"
"Not really. I'm not made for this high class crap but hey, I can still enjoy the public service of benches, can't I?"
"Mmhm...I suppose..."
"Can I help that I happen to choose the bench closest to sweet ol' Gabe and lovely Aleera?"
"No...I don't suppose so..."
"That's right. It's just luck."



"I'll be seeing you then," Julian started to walk away, but stopping as Zack spoke once more.
"Hey hey...why the rush?"
"I have work to do."
"Dressed like that?"
"This is the only thing, pajama pants aside, that I own now. Well...technically not own, so much as borrowing but you get the picture."
"Oh, right. I heard about that...your apartment complex was the one that caught fire, right?"
"I wasn't aware news spread so quickly to the ghetto."
"You'd be surprised. So where are you staying? Don't tell me...."
"Yes. I'm staying with Aleera and Gabriel," Julian said with a cunning smile. He could see Zackariah's slight disappointment but it was quickly covered with an equally devious smile.
"That's kind of them, inviting you to stay...how long will you be with them? Surely you have enough big bucks to buy your own place, right?"
"I don't know. I like living without carpet or heating, while dodging flying bottles of rum and trying to sleep through moaning Swedish pop. It could be several months...a year, even. Well, I ought to go and make sure Aleera hasn't tried feeding the television whiskey again. Oh and...one more thing. That newspaper? It's outdated by a month." Zackariah looked back at the paper as the blonde man slipped away around the corner, satisifed.



Julian had knocked on the door, which was securly locked, for about ten minutes before he simply used a pen he had in his pocket to pick the lock. He wondered if Aleera was out, which would explain the locked door but the moment he entered, he heard the loud roar of, "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!" followed by some mediocre sound effects. He knew she must've been home. He followed the sound to the living room, finding a clothed Aleera laying lazily on the couch with a remote in her hands. Aleera noticed him, looking over her shoulder."You back already? Where's the dork?"
"He...had a bit of a spill so he's resting up back at Koushi. Nando told me to come home, though."
"Ah...wanna sit?"
"I would like to. My feet are feeling rather sore. I unfortunately lost my comfy shoes in the fire." Aleera grumbled as she slowly pushed herself up, making room for Julian to sit at the end of the couch. Julian squirmed as he sat. The couch was very uncomfortable.
"We got it out of the trash for free so don't complain," Aleera scolded as she saw his discomfort.



Julian noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He turned and saw four pictures on the wall, three of them singular and one group photo. Automatically, he recognized a very young Aleera and Gabriel. Gabe was as adorable then as he was now, he thought. But the third picture was of someone he had not seen before. "Aleera..." He spoke up, "Who is that woman in that picture there?" He remembered seeing another picture of the woman in Gabriel's room but he had never asked who she was. Aleera turned the TV off before answering him.
"Hm? Oh...that's Freja Rose. She was our mom for a while." Julian looked at her, slightly confused.
"Excuse me?"



"See, when we were kids...like...really little kids, our mom didn't want us anymore so she just dumped us off at some church. We lived there for a while and it was fun. But then the church burned down so we had to go someplace else. Luckily, one of the church's patrons liked us enough to take us in. So we lived with Miss Freja up until we were like...10. Then Mom wanted us back and probably sucked off some judge to let her take us back. And then...well, you know the rest, dontcha? I ran off, Gabe started wearing girl clothes and being more of a mom to Morticia than Mom was..."
"I see. That's news to me. Could explain why Gabe is always in awe of my family life, despite its problems."
"Yeah. Compared to us, your family is perfect. At least both your parents raised you. Dad doesn't care about anyone but himself and Mom's too busy gambling away Morticia's child support. I feel bad, you know...not staying when I oughta've, for Morticia's sake...but she had Gabriel. And now she has Ryu and Morrigan, so she's fine."



"But I remember it was so hard...living on couches without my brother by my side. Sure, this life has sucked but at least I always had him waddling behind me, begging me to slow down for him so he could catch up. But I was at the point where he couldn't keep up anymore and it scared me, you know?"
"The bonds of twins are strong, I hear."
"They are...I really missed him. I went five months without seeing him, because he could never make enough time to meet me at places and I didn't want to see my mom. It sucked. Thankfully, your sister fell into my lap around that time so at least I had someone to talk to. Granted, she wasn't exactly fluent in English at the point so conversation did sorta suck."



"I know exactly what you mean. Living away from home, it gets lonely. I suppose I was lucky...my family has always kept in close distance to me. Antoine and Faye both moved here with me and Mother visits at least once a month with Edouard."
"Have you even told your parents about the fire yet?"
"Haven't had the chance. I'm going to wait to tell them..."
"Until?""Until I have a new place, a new boyfriend and am fifty."
"Nice."



Aleera yawned for a moment before getting up. "Where are you going?" Julian asked. Aleera stood there, rocking her head from side to side as her bones cracked.
"Mmm...I think I'm going to go get some coffee from Starbucks. You want some?"
"Yes, please. Extra cream and sugar, if you will."
"Alright, sugarfreak..."
"Aleera, wait a minute."
"Hm?"
"Beaware. A certain gentleman, and I use the term loosely, is around the corner."
"Oh, goodie. See, this is what I told you. He's going to stalk me now and it is only a matter of time before he winds up sneaking in to steal my panties. If he takes my favorite pair of black panties, I'm kicking Gabe's ass and taking his pair instead."
"...Alright then." That was information best left unsaid. They really shared everything, didn't they?

Regret

It was happening all too fast for Julian. A moment ago, he was holding onto Gabriel's hand and leading him to the bathroom like a child. Now, he was having his tonsils rubbed by a very powerful oral organ. It wasn't that he hadn't imagined this moment in his head before. Quite the contrary. He had played this little scene in his head many times. It was just different than the real thing. For one, they weren't in a unisex bathroom and Gabriel also wasn't the instigator. Oh, how reality strayed so far from fantasy.



He was frozen for a moment, lost in his own thoughts. But then the little voice in his head gave him a quick smack back into the present. Julian fumbled, pushing Gabriel off slightly. The drunken man tumbled back slightly, tripping over his own feet, causing Julian to grab onto him tightly. "Careful, careful...you'll twist your legs in those heels..." Julian mused as he helped Gabriel balance himself.
"What's wrong?" Gabriel asked softly as he wobbled back and forth. Julian kept a gentle hand on his side, trying to keep him steady. "You don't want me to kiss you?" Julian opened his mouth to respond but closed it moments later. He stood back slightly, his hands slipping from Gabriel.



"Hm...it's...just that you're drunk. You don't know what you're doing, dear. That's all. I don't want you to wake up and really remember any of this. Not that you probably would anyways."
"But I thought...where are we again?"
"We're in a bathroom, dear. Now let's get you someplace with more...plush." Satisfied with the explanation, Gabriel didn't continue on his previous thought trail and allowed Julian to lead him out of the bathroom and down the hall. Julian opened various doors until he came across a small room with a bed.



He helped Gabriel remove his shoes and dress, tucking them under the bed as Gabriel slide under the covers. Gabe stood with his back against the headboard for a moment, staring at Julian. Julian started growing uncomfortable, wondering why he was being watched so carefully. "Yes?"
"You staying in here?"
"Do you want me to?"
"Mhm."
"Then I will. Go on and sleep. I might run out and get you something for the hangover you are sure to have later, though. I'll have Nans keep an eye on you then, okay?"
"Mmhm..." Gabriel drifted off as his body slid down and soon, he was victim to a drunken slumber. Julian tucked the blankets in gently, while also trying to scrub off what make up he could.



As Gabriel's snores grew louder, Julian wandered over to the small bookshelf in the room and picked up a book. It was interesting, to say the least. But it didn't put a dapper on his thoughts of the kiss. Gabriel had such soft lips. He already knew that, though. He had placed many an index finger against those lips, hushing the words his companion spoke so vigorously. And his skillful tongue, well...that was a surprise. Julian lifted a page with an eyebrow raised at his thoughts.
"Oh dear, you're actually reading that junk?"



"Ah? Nando..." Julian mumbled as he looked up to see him standing with the door opened. Nans looked from Julian to the sleeping figure of Gabriel.
"He go quietly?"
"...Somewhat." Nans snorted, amused.
"Good. He's dead to the world now. Which means he has no chance of hurting himself..."
"Just what did he drink?"
"Some sort of mixture...mostly absinthe, though. Gabi's usually careful about what he drinks but that's something we just got in so he was probably testing it. Guess this means we have to start making our customers either crash here or have a cute gentleman like you around them if they order it."
"I don't think everyone is that lucky."
"True. Gentlemen are hard to find. Gotta go to...where you from?"
"Originally? Marseille."
"Gotta to go to Marseille to find them, then."



"Are you going to stay here the entire time he's napping?" Nans asked curiously as he crossed his arms. "It'd be awfully boring..."
"Well, he wants me to so...I suppose I should. But I do want to get him some Alka Seltzer or something."
"Ah, right. That'd be wise. I bet he'll have a nasty hangover once he's awake. But we have some of that in one of the storage rooms, I'm sure. So if you want, you can always head on home."
"Do you need any help out there, though?"
"Hm? Oh, no. I'm a good multitasker. I can handle it just fine, sweetie."
"I still can't just leave him...plus, I don't even have a ride home."



"Hm..." Nans pondered as Julian sighed, returning his book to the shelf. He stood before it, scanning the rows. He didn't mind staying with Gabe. He did it all the time. Whether it was staying while Gabe slept, or while Faye bathed, he had no problems with sticking around if someone asked him to. But he did have alot to do, didn't he? He was more than welcomed to stay with the twins but living on his own, being his own rock...that was why he left his childhood home in the first place. Well, that and to avoid being forced into some chastity belt to prevent any "urges" from occurring. He probably did need to return to the apartment and begin his house hunt. But it was true, he didn't have a ride and wasn't feeling all that brave to call Aleera up for a ride. "I can always call someone to come get ya, you know." Julian turned to look at Nans. "I mean..I can call Aleera to come get you."
"Oh god, no. And face her wrath? Aleera has too good a throwing arm to mess with."
"Then...um...a family member or something?"
"Mm...well, only two of my relatives live around here and one of them is at work and the other doesn't have a car..."
"Uh..."
"It's fine. I can walk. I could use the exercise." Julian smiled, "Thank you anyways."



"Alright then," Nans said as he walked out of the room, calling back, "I'll keep a good eye on Gabi for you."
"Thank you," Julian spoke appreciatively as he turned back to Gabe. He leaned in, moving a part of his hair back. Gabriel’s chest rose and fell, his snores softening as his face twitched. Julian slid his finger gently across his cheek, as he placed the strand of hair gently to cup his jawline. "I’m going to go home now, okay? I have stuff to do...Nans will take good care of you for me," He whispered gently as he hesitated, staring at Gabe’s smoothed, slightly bronzed skin. He could do it now, return the gift bestowed upon him.

But he was too much of a gentleman for that. Rising, Julian left to venture home.