Chapter 19
“Dylan? Gabriel? Are you boys okay down there?” Merrin’s voice was strained. “The door just opened.”
Gabe’s eyes flew open. He jumped back, his cheeks red. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.
Dylan stood there. His body felt weak. He tried to speak, but no words came out. He wasn’t sure what had just happened. Not entirely, at least. Gabriel had kissed him.
“Shit. I’ve fucked everything up now.” Gabriel turned to leave, but Dylan grabbed his arm gently.
“We’re okay, mom. We’ll be up in a minute,” he yelled. He closed his eyes and licked his lips. He cleared his throat, trying to soften his voice from the panic racing through his mind. “Why did you kiss me?”
Gabriel’s blush deepened. “Because if I was going to die, I was going to die happy. You were talking like you were giving up, and I’ve wanted to do that since I saw you kiss my brother. I said I’m sorry, okay?”
Dylan’s heart thudded in his chest. He loosened his grip and let his hand slide down to Gabriel’s. “You like me?”
Gabriel smirked. “Are you that dense? Of course I do. I’ve been trying to flirt with you since I saw you at the store.”
Dylan cleared his throat, his eyebrows arched. “I’m the one who should apologize to you. All this shit with Derek’s got me in my own little world. Thank you.” He felt his cheeks burn. “I always thought you were the cuter brother, but back then, the few years between us felt like centuries.” He shrugged. “Now though…” his voice trailed off.
“Now what?” Gabriel said softly, stepping closer.
“Now, it doesn’t seem like a big deal,” Dylan sighed. “But even being my friend puts you in danger until we figure this shit out.”
Gabriel stared into his eyes. It felt as if he was peering into Dylan’s soul. “I think I’m in danger anyway, if Homer’s notes are right.”
Dylan raised an eyebrow. “Gabe, you touched the wall first. You said it felt weird. It felt normal to me. What were you thinking about?”
Gabriel coughed. “Umm. Nothing.”
“Then why do you look like you’re going to die of embarrassment?”
Gabriel swallowed. “I-I was thinking about how cute you are, and how I bet you’re a good kisser.”
A smile crept onto Dylan’s face. He squeezed Gabriel’s hand and yelled. “Step back Mom. I’m going to try something. The door might lock again.”
Gabriel’s jaw dropped. Before he could say anything, Dylan touched the wall. He heard his mother’s voice but didn’t hear what he assumed was her protestations before the room sealed off again.
Gabriel stared at him. It wasn’t a glare, more like shock. Dylan flashed a sly smile. “Don’t think you’re going to get out that easily. We’re stuck here, and no one can interrupt us.” He cleared his throat. “You were right. It did feel weird.”
Gabriel sputtered and stammered.
Dylan chuckled. “Look, I know I’ve been wrapped up in my own shit since I got back to town.” He shrugged. “And I know I can be oblivious even without unknown things from different dimensions trying to kill me for God knows what reason. From what I can piece together, Derek was cheating on me for a long time, and I didn’t notice any signs of it.”
Gabriel sighed. “I’m sorry.”
Dylan laughed. “What are you sorry for? You didn’t do anything wrong. If anything, I should be apologizing to you.”
Gabriel scoffed. “For what?”
Dylan stepped closer, his voice barely a whisper. “For not seeing you from the beginning.”
Gabriel didn’t respond. He stared into Dylan’s eyes with such intensity, it felt as if he were probing into his soul.
“Gabe?”
Gabriel smiled and shook his head. “I thought you were rejecting me.”
Dylan dropped his head. “No. I’m afraid of what might happen. That I might put you in danger.”
Gabriel kissed him, and this time it felt different. Before, it had been timid and shy, but now it was full of emotion and… something Dylan couldn’t quite identify. Was it love? He’d loved Derek, but this was different. Stronger. Right.
Gabriel slowly broke the kiss and stepped back. “Do you see me now?”
Dylan nodded, incapable of speech.
“I’m not pushing you. I know you’ve just gotten over a breakup, and that sucks. So, I’m just letting you know I’m here, and I’m not afraid. We can’t know what happens tomorrow, but I’m going to stand by you as long as I can. We do this… whatever it is, together. If you don’t feel the same way about me, I understand. Just don’t patronize me and make it about the danger. I’m not a kid anymore.”
Dylan smiled, and his cheeks burned. “I see you, Gabe.” He closed his eyes. “When I saw that… thing … hurting you, it was like a switch flipped in my head. I wanted to stop it. To save you. To keep you safe.” He sighed. “But you’re right. When we figure out what we need to do and how to do it, we’ll be stronger if we stand together.” He sighed. “But I won’t pretend like I’m not scared, because I am.”
Gabriel smirked. “Is that so?”
“God yes. Didn’t you catch any of what my mamaw said about her sight? About what happened? I saw you die and was powerless to stop it.”
Gabriel took his hand. “Try to show me. The way you showed her.”
Dylan chewed on his lips. “I-I can try. That was one of those reflexive things. I’ve not tried to control it yet.”
Gabriel smiled at him. It was a soft smile. “Try. Please. For me? So I can know what to expect.”
Dylan took his other hand, noticing how nice it felt to be standing in front of Gabriel, locked hand in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes. He felt his cheeks burning and closed his eyes. He let his mind drift, focusing on the future.
The room brightened. He opened his eyes. It was as if they were soaring above the clouds. He couldn’t see Gabriel, but he could still feel him and hear him in his mind.
“What the…” Gabriel’s voice was far away. Dylan squeezed his hands, determined not to let go.