Chapter 38

When the credits start, the light goes on in the movie theatre. After blinking a few times, to adjust to the brightness, suddenly a voice from behind exclaims "Alexander?"

Daniel looks first at Alex, seeing him tensing up. Then he searches for the voice. It belongs to a tall, dark-haired young man in his early-to-mid-twenties who watches Alex incredulous. But what is even more concerning is that he is located directly next to the person who commented on them during the movie.

Daniel stands up, forcing his threatening presence on the two men behind them, blocking them from seeing his boyfriend. But before he can act any more than this, he hears Alex speak in a surprised and a little fearful voice "Christian."

It wasn't a question. Alex already recognized the speaker. Alex turns around and stands next to Daniel. Daniel can see that it takes all of his willpower to straighten his back, fighting his urge to run away. He clearly realized that the person next to 'Christian' is the one who insulted them prior.

"I am sorry for my behaviour earlier. I didn't want to inconvenience you and your friend."

Daniel nearly chokes on his own breath when he hears his lover say this. "What are you talking about? Who is this person? They were the ones insulting us for no reason." The man named Christian arches an eyebrow. "You consider it proper to openly show displays of affection in public, especially if you two are in an unusual relationship?"

Daniel only snorts, "'Unusual relationship'? Are you a kid? Society already evolved. Grow up."

"Grow up?" The man named Christian asks incredulous. "I wanted to watch a movie I liked since childhood. Please excuse me for being distracted by an openly flirting couple and for not being comfortable with shown intimacy of same-sex couples. You can do everything you want in private, but please leave the normal citizens out of it.", his voice is overflowing with sarcasm.

"'Normal citizens'? So you think gays are not normal?" Daniel is incredulous at such an openly close-minded person.

"Yes, it is different from the majority, thus it is not normal. And you realize this state values the freedom of mind and opinion very highly? I am entitled to have an opinion different from you. As long as I don't forbid you from doing it in your home, I should not be forced to witness it in my free time."

"Alex. Let us leave before I try to persuade him in my own way." The hidden threat was clearly received by both opposing men.

Alex nods and they start to walk out of the movie theatre. Alex speaks over his shoulder, "Christian, I am sorry. We will see each other next month." Christian just nods as Alex went out of sight.

While walking, Daniel asks "So, who is this jerk Christian? You seem to know him?"

Alex smiles sadly, "Yes. He is my brother."

Daniel jerks to a halt. "Your brother?"

Suddenly, everything made sense. Why Alex was so cautious about hiding his sexuality, so cautious about displaying affection openly and why he would differentiate between someone accepting his sexuality and totally rejecting seeing him act on it. If his brother was like this, his parents are probably similar.

"Come, love. We will get take-out and will spend the rest of night on your couch, okay?"

"Okay." Daniel fights the urge to hug him when he hears his defeated tone. That jerk of a brother will get to know him sooner or later.

_______________________

Back at home, Daniel places a bottle of wine and Chinese take-out on the couch table. They switch on a CD and start eating. The sun quickly descends, leaving the room dimly lit, turning to dark. Daniel starts to place some candles on the table and windowsill. They manage to illuminate the scene beautifully, but it also shows the still sad look on Alex face. He only nibbles at his food, not really enjoying it or having an appetite.

"Love, do you want to tell me about it?", Daniel tries. But Alex only shakes his head.

"Okay, then I will do my best to console you." He pulls Alex back against his chest, wrapping his legs around his hips. He fishes for the food and forces Alex to lean back in his embrace. "Open your mouth, love." He picked up a piece of meat with chopsticks and presents it to Alex. Obediently, he opens his mouth and eats.

Daniel feels relieve. With this, he can coax his lover back to a good mood using food. He continues feeding Alex this way, tightly holding him with everything his body provides, having him as close as possible. When the plate is finally empty, Alex lies back against Daniel's chest, leaning the back of his head on his lover's shoulder. Daniel places the plate on the table and wraps his arms around his boyfriend's chest, leaning his chin on his shoulder. Feeling the warmth and security of his lover's embrace, Alex' head nods to his chest. This silent acceptance is such a stark contrast to the harsh rejection in his brother's voice. He feels his throat clench as a tear starts to form in his eye. Afraid his boyfriend might see it from the side he turns around, hiding his face on his chest. Daniel was so strong when he faced his brother, talking back to him without fear. He stood tall in spite of the ugly words, in front of the eyes of society. He has a loving sister that accepts him for who he is.

He feels Daniel's hands running up and down his back, soothing him. He wanted to also have this strength of Daniel, to stand tall and tell everyone he is happy and that the reason he is happy is that wonderful man at his side. But in his mind the shocked eyes of his father show up, next to his brother's rejecting voice from earlier and his mother' worried face when he packed, showing pity for him he never wanted her to feel.

The images break him. On his lover's chest he starts weeping, sobbing ugly tears. Today, he is not strong enough to face all of this. But Daniel's tight embrace and soothing voice make him hope, that maybe - just maybe, there will be a day when he is.