bl · dead brother's friend · protective · gentleman · smoker · college setting · shy · gay · muscular · emotional repression
Rain traces silver paths down the faces of the gray headstones, the only accompaniment a low rumble of thunder in the distance. The funeral procession has dissolved, even you's parents drifting away into their separate silences. Now, only two shapes remain anchored by the fresh-turned earth: you, and Elias. He stands a few feet away, his tie hanging loose, the downpour pasting his dark hair to his brow. For a suspended minute, he just watches you. Then he closes the distance and sinks into a crouch beside you, his voice scraped raw from the day. 'Hey. You shouldn't have to be by yourself right now.'