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An hour has passed since Mark’s funeral was held. The air was thick and the sky dark from the passing rain. The cemetery was to the east of Paul’s mansion, located in a large clearing at the front of the forest. The young boy was buried alongside his late parents and ancestors who rested in the ground. At the cemetery, family and friends of the Paul family gathered to mourn the life that was taken away too soon.
Way too soon.
Anthony took a seat on the bench under an oak tree. People were giving their final condolences as the service was ending. He appreciated them being here but right now, he just needed some time alone. He placed his elbows on his thighs and rested his head on the palm of his hands. Trying to process all that’s happened these past two weeks, it didn’t feel real. His parents were gone. Mark was gone. And for what?
Yet, even with all the frustration and grief within him, he couldn’t blame it all on his younger brother, Bobby. Though, it would be false if yurdebe and yurdebagala being didn’t make things more tense. But that wasn’t the thing making him most tense. It was him.
Brandon. His ex-husband came to pay respects at the funeral. But he didn’t miss the little glances Brandon would give and Anthony never showed that he saw them. That was.. until now.
“Anthony, can we talk?” Anthony froze. He knew this would happen. It was inevitable. Staring at the ground, he knew whose shoes those belonged to. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
Brandon chuckled. Anthony felt a shiver down his spine. He hated when Brandon chuckled. That same chuckle he’d make when Anthony wouldn't be cooperative.
“I just wanted to give my condolences personally,” Brandon replied, brushing a hand through his hair as he looked down at the blonde. “It’s a terrible thing, what happened to Mark. He was a good kid. And your parents.. mercilessly slaughtered.” He sighed, crossing his arms. “I can’t believe they let those two here even.”
Anthony scrunched his nose and stood up quickly. They crossed gazes for a moment before Anthony broke it off, looking towards the trees. “Yeah, well.. I think I should go now. My family needs me.” He turned to go when a forceful hand grabbed onto his arm. Anthony grew stiff and slowly turned. “What.. What are you doing?” Brandon stared at the bandages on his arms; his long, cold fingers gliding over the wraps. “I heard you were attacked during the battle. I had to come to see you were okay.” Anthony could feel his lips quivering and cold sweat ran down his forehead. Brandon stared with his dark, demanding eyes. Anthony couldn’t break away from it this time. Brandon pulled him closer and tilted his head towards his ear.
“I just hope none of the marks are permanent. You always had soft, nice skin,” he spoke, his lips curling into a nauseating grin. Anthony shook his head and pulled his arm away, letting out a breath. He glanced over to Brandon who rolled his eyes and then over to the crowd nearby and then to the trees. There he stood in the large, open cemetery but right now, he felt trapped in those tight pairs of eyes. He had to leave. Anywhere where he isn’t with Brandon.
Anthony turned on his heels and attempted to walk away again, hoping he would finally back off. Brandon huffed and began to follow only to get pulled back. Anthony turned and his eyes widened when he saw it was Steven who grabbed Brandon from the back.
Steven turned him around and glared right into his face, eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t know who the hell invited you here but you’re not welcomed. Especially not anywhere near my husband. So you can get the fuck out of here and if you even think of showing your face near Anthony or me again, I will kill you!”
Brandon tried to escape his grasp but Steven tightened it and fisted up his other hand, punching Brandon in the face and shoved him back. Brandon groaned as he stumbled and collapsed against a tree. He put a hand up to his face and touched the line of blood that trickled down from his nostril. He turned his glance to Anthony but Steven was in front of him and glared right back.
Brandon scoffed and got up, brushing off dirt from his clothes and walked over to the cemetery entrance to leave.
Steven turned to Anthony and hugged him but he noticed Anthony hesitated slightly to accept his touch before hugging him back. “Did he hurt you, sweetie??”
Anthony shook his head. “No, I’m alright.”
Steven caressed the back of his head, his fingers combing gently through his blonde strands. “I’m sorry for not coming sooner, your uncle caught me up in some talks.”
Anthony looked away. “It’s fine, really. I shouldn’t have to burden you with all of this-”
“Hey, hey, Anthony.. look at me.” Steven gently touches his cheeks and Anthony slowly looks back at his husband. “You’ll never be a burden to me. I’ll always be here for you, okay? Just call for me and I’ll come. Any thoughts you have, I’ll be there to listen. And if there’s any trouble you have, I’ll gladly be there to help.”
Anthony felt a slight smile tug on his lips. What did he ever do to deserve Steven? With tears welling up in his eyes, Anthony pulled his husband into a kiss. Steven brushed his thumb under his blue eyes, wiping away the tears that spilled. After what felt like forever, their lips finally parted and they gazed into each other.
None of this was over, in fact it was just beginning. Anthony didn’t know what the future held for him and he knew things wouldn’t be the same as they once were. But he did know for certain: Steven was his constant in this ever-changing world.
He loved Steven and Steven loved him.