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 Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:02 pm
It had been a long time since Laurence had been back to his parent’s house, and if he had known things were going to end up like this, he would have stayed away for longer. There was a family gathering tonight—one of a few they usually had, where all the relatives came together to boast of their good fortune and praise each other for existing.
It was a fancy dinner, and Laurence had the evening off; his mother had badgered him enough that he still showed up, despite how boring and humiliating the last dinner had been.
Tonight was a lot of intrusive questions, underhanded comments, and general dismissiveness. Most of his family had married into money or were fortunate enough to have inherited their status. Technically, he had too, but he’d also worked for it.
Not that it mattered, apparently, because he spent the evening hearing about how he should have majored in something else—despite being happy with his career and making a decent salary, apparently he was still in the wrong.
And Tobias, perpetual underachiever, was the star of the evening.
As always.
Laurence had little enthusiasm for these events because they all went the same way; he was a shadow, barely a guest, and he lurked for just long enough to be polite. Talking with his family was always a struggle because they were never on the same page—and they loved to gossip.
And he knew how little enthusiasm his parents had for anything he did. If they even had their facts straight, they always seemed to make him sound like he was a screw up.
Tonight’s final straw was at dinner, when an aunt began fussing over Tobias and prying into his love life. It wasn’t a secret that he’d just recently started dating someone, but no one had harassed him about Tobias dating a boy. At least, not as much as Laurence had expected. For once, he would have rather the conversation stayed on Tobias. Instead, somehow it got turned around on him and how he still wasn’t bringing home anyone for the family to meet. Which then turned into a conversation about his eligibility as a bachelor, which then turned into a criticism of his love life and dating style—by people who had barely knew him.
Laurence had tolerated everything, until and uncle made an offhand comment about how his money was guaranteed to attract someone. His father’s response had been as ignorant and Laurence should have come to expect—‘If he’s got any left after he pays off his student loans.’
They all had a good laugh, at Laurence’s expense.
Laurence, who graduated early, with honors. Laurence, who graduated with a full scholarships and multiple grants.
Laurence, who had no debt, because he had worked as hard as he possibly could, all in an effort to please his parents.
He’d been disinterested in his food at that point and simply pushed the food around on his plate until people began to excuse themselves for a post dinner smoke or drink. It was the perfect opportunity to sneak away. He didn’t bother with goodbyes; there wasn’t anyone he cared enough about to say goodbye to. He went to the door and fished his coat off of the coat rack. Even as he slid his arms through the sleeves and smoothed out his collar, he could hear everyone chatting, laughing, from down the hall.
Vaguely, in the back of his mind, he wondered how long it would take for anyone to notice if he was gone. He wondered if he’d get an angry phone call from his mother late tonight or tomorrow, or if she’d just forget that he was there.
He tried to tell himself that next time would go better—maybe he’d have more awards or recognition by then—but Laurence knew how the next meeting was going to go, even if he hoped it would be different.
It would be the same as every other dinner, though, so he was already trying to come up with excuses to get out of it.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:03 pm
Truth be told, Tobias had never really enjoyed the big family dinners either. They were loud, and most of his family was so obnoxious that sometimes he couldn’t really believe that such people existed outside in the world. Rich people were so…
Crazy.
At one point, he had liked these dinners. He remembered being much younger and sitting with Laurence, laughing and making fun of some of the aunts and uncles, especially the ones with the strange array of facial hair. Their Aunt Flora being the best example of this particular milk out of nose laugh event.
But, there came a point where the two brothers no longer sat together and laughed…and dinners became a thing to be endured, rather than enjoyed.
If Tobias had his way, he would have spent the night curled up in Evan’s bed, eating Evan’s cooking…it would have been better than this crap by a lot. And speaking of Evan…he still hadn’t quite been sure how the topic of his boyfriend got brought up, but somehow it had, and now everyone was asking to meet him…but thankfully Tobias knew how to shoot people down without being too rude.
This was no place for Evan. No place at all.
He was about to join the others in the sitting room for dessert and drinks when he noticed Laurie slip away and, curious, Tobias followed.
As he watched his brother get his stuff together, he frowned slightly and after a moment, the frown left, replaced by a grin. “Hey. You want to go and get fast food, Laurie? I noticed you weren’t really eating much, and I thought everything kind of tasted like cardboard, and honestly, a burger sounds pretty good to me right now.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:03 pm
Laurence tilted his head and glanced over his shoulder when he heard his brother. His immediate response was to raise a brow and secretly he was trying to figure out if this was some prank or not. You couldn’t tell with Tobias, and the two brothers hadn’t had such a sparkling relationship for quite some time.
But, he remembered his conversation with Karone and struggled for a few seconds as he decided whether or not to tell Tobias to ******** off or not.
Finally, he relented, and shrugged his shoulders. “Are you just bumming a ride off of me?” he asked, and almost sound like he might have been teasing. It wasn’t quite an answer, so to make sure Tobias knew he wasn’t blowing him off, he added, “Put on a jacket, it’s cold outside.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:04 pm
“Of course I am.” Tobias grabbed his jacket from the closet and threw it over his shoulders, zipping it with ease. “You got a new car, right? I want to see it and make sure it’s as nice as you say it is.” He grinned at his older brother and walked closer, shoving his hands into his pockets.
He was quiet for a long moment, then shrugged. “Sorry they got so caught up on me back there. It was kind of getting a little vulgar, to be honest…I’m not sure why they’re all so obsessed with me and my relationship…it’s none of their damn business.”
Glancing at his brother, Tobias finally offered another small smile. “So…burgers, yeah? I tell you, if my boyfriend found out what I was eating, he would never forgive me. He hates it when I eat fast food.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:05 pm
Laurence grunted in response. He opened the door and held it so Tobias could slip outside first. Instinctively, Laurence’s eyes drifted down the hallway, as if he were standing guard in case anyone saw them leaving.
“I’m sure they’re just excited about the prospect of you succeeding in life. I didn’t know you were dating someone. Sort of figured you were the sort of guy who kept trying to upgrade models and never settled for any one person for very long. But I guess, good job finding someone to put up with you. I heard you saying he was a good cook?”
Despite how annoyed Laurence was at all of the attention Tobias always seemed to get, he still paid attention. Even if he was gruff about it, even if he didn’t want to admit it, he did still care about what his little brother was getting into. “I’ll bet mom’s happy you aren’t eating all that junk food then, if he’s so strict about your diet.”
They stepped through the door and Laurence closed it quietly behind them, keen on disappearing into the night silently. He nodded towards a silver car parked off to the side. “…The car’s just a car,” he confessed after a few seconds. “It’s probably no better than the one you got, but I got tired of dad ragging on me for driving the ’07 still. But it’s got a lot of new features, and it drives really smooth. Great gas mileage. And the air flows great. I got used to it taking ten minutes for the heat to kick in on the old car, but this pushes out warm air almost as soon as you turn it on. And seat warmers.”
There were things he genuinely liked about his car, but it wasn’t like Tobias wasn’t going to see it for exactly what it was—and he knew Tobias’ car was the same year as his, so they probably weren’t so very different, anyway. He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to be competing with Tobias right now, but he withdrew his keys and unlocked the car as they approached.
It was in meticulous shape, just like everything Laurence owned. It was clean, probably regular taken through the car wash, and it still had a new car smell. The only indication that anyone even owned the car was Laurence’s briefcase in the back seat; there didn’t even seem to be any dust or dirt marring the inside of the car.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:06 pm
Tobais took a quick walk around the car, nodding as his eyes took in the shining paint. “It’s beautiful. Heated seats too? Shoot. Wish my car had that. It’s sporty, but not really practical.” Giving compliments had been something that being with Evan had really taught him. Not that Tobias really was aware of such a thing…but still. Having a friend turned boyfriend who cooked like a master chef and who got flustered easier than a rabbit meant you had to learn how to give a real, sincere compliment. So he did.
When he was settled in the car, after taking a deep breath of that ‘new car’ smell that he loved, Tobias grinned again at his brother. “Yeah…Evan…he’s kind of special. It sort of started as a joke…Laurie, he’s not the type of guy you would ever really imagine me with, I don’t think. He’s mousy and timid and…damn I really…I really love him. He’s the best cook…one day you’ll have to come over and he’ll make us something to eat, because I want you to meet him, and I legit need you to taste his cooking. It will ruin you forever. Nothing will be as good. Not ever again.”
When he spoke of Evan, Tobias’ whole face lit up and there was a softness to his voice, almost as though he figured whatever words were spoken would eventually get back to the boy he cared so deeply about. With a sigh, he glanced out of the window once more. “So…there’s not anyone that you’re interested in? I hope you find someone soon, Laurie. You’re a great guy.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:06 pm
Before Laurence started driving, he glanced at Tobias. The sincerity of his words surprised him, and stunned him into silence for a good few seconds. He cleared his throat and put the car into drive before he responded.
“I guess this guy must have really had some sort of impact on your life. Didn’t realize that you going steady with someone was going to put you in such a good mood. It’s been a while since you said something nice to me. And you’re inviting me over for dinner?” he chanced; that surprised him more than Tobias having anything nice to say. He was suspicious, wondering if Tobias was planning to put a laxative in the food—or maybe he was fibbing this whole time and Evan’s food was terrible, so he planned on subjecting Laurence to a whole meal he couldn’t resist without insulting some timid little mousy boy.
Regardless of whatever Tobias’ intentions were, Laurence got the very distinct impression that he wasn’t lying about Evan and he could see how much Tobias glowed when he was talking about him.
It was cute—not that he was going to say as much. Not while he was still so unsure of what was going on between them, at least.
“Sounds like you’ve changed a lot in the past year,” he mused. “…But, no. I don’t have anyone. I spend most of my time at work.” Bitterly, he added, “Gotta pay off those student loans, you know.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:07 pm
“I thought you had so many scholarships that they paid you to go to school.” Tobias frowned slightly at the bitterness in his brother’s voice and sighed. “I was proud of you when you told me that. You know.” He gave a sheepish grin, turning the button for the heated seats on and relaxing. “I tried to do the same, but my grades sucked. I don’t have the work ethic that you do, Laurie.”
The seat began to heat up and it felt…wonderful. When he got himself a new car…something more sedate. More upgraded…less flashy so that Evan would enjoy it too…he would have heated seats.
“Of course I’m inviting you to dinner. I think you should meet my boyfriend. I want you to approve of him. Not that I don’t think you will…he’s perfect.”
He grinned once more, pleased at how well this interaction was going, but turned to his brother again. “Though if you tell him you and I went to get fast food, I swear I will punch you in your d**k.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:07 pm
Once more, Laurence glanced at Tobias out of the corner of his eye. He scoffed when Tobias threatened him, but it wasn’t a real threat. Probably. It wasn’t one that made him upset, or made him want to push Tobias out of his car.
He tapped his fingers on the wheel of his car as he drove. “Are you being nice to me because you know how stressed out I get after these things? I hate family dinners. I hate coming home. I hate being compared to you. No offense,” he added quickly, because he really wasn’t trying to offend him. This time.
“But, yeah. I got paid to go to school. I got good grades. I have a strong work ethic. I’m proactive. I worked my a** off. And I feel like my parents don’t even know me. And I don’t get it, because you could literally get away with murder. And worse, they’d blame me for it, I’d bet.”
He was bitter still, but it wasn’t directed at Tobias. Karone’s conversation echoed in his mind and he gripped the wheel of the car harder as he tried to focus on what he wanted to say.
“…It’s just been frustrating,” he said, softer. “I hate how they always seem to pit me against you. I always get mad at you when they’re around. And sometimes because you’re kind of a d**k, and you have a huge ego. No offense,” he repeated. “But this is honestly the first time I haven’t gotten pissed off because you were picking on me, too. And if it’s your boyfriend that’s gotten you to soften up, yeah, I want to meet him. I mean, you and I, we used to be really close. I was thinking about it, the other day. And, I don’t know.” He paused, swallowed, and then added, “I sort of missed it. But every time we wind up alone, we wind up fighting, so I wasn’t going to tell you. But,” he shrugged, “You’re being nice. Even though I’m pretty sure you didn’t bring a wallet, so I’m buying your dinner and you know it.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:08 pm
Tobias shrugged. “I mean. The only reason I act so cocky is because I know I’ll never actually be as good as you, so I figure if I act better…nobody will notice. And so far it’s worked, but hey…I’ll tone it down if you’re really bothered by it. I guess I never really…” He shrugged again. “You seriously have it all. The great job, the fancy apartment, the new car that you worked hard for. And here’s me, sure I have a lot of money, but it doesn’t take skill to do what I do. I took mom and dad’s money and invested it in stuff. Ebay, stocks. Whatever. Sure I’ve tripled what they gave me several times over but…I don’t know. You’re a success, and I’m just…a slacker with a huge ego.”
He grew quiet and then let out a soft laugh. “All during dinner I kept remembering when we were young and we would sit together and laugh at how awful our family was…and at Aunt Flora’s moustache…and how it got bigger every year…I…when I saw you leaving…I don’t know. I didn’t want you to just slip away without talking to you.”
After another moment, Tobias pulled a wallet from the pocket of his coat. “Nah. Dinner’s on me. You drove. I’ll pay. Though, you better be satisfied with the dollar menu.” He winked, then gave another grin.
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:09 pm
Laurence couldn’t help but laugh, even if it was something soft and reserved. “She’s grown a hairy little forest, hasn’t she? I almost feel bad for making fun of her, but…”
No, he didn’t. He still got a laugh out of it. “Our family sucks. But I guess, maybe you didn’t come out so bad. Maybe. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. Or, after I taste your boyfriend’s cooking.”
He pulled into the drive through; even at this hour they had a small line. Which was good, since it gave him a few more minutes with Tobias before they were distracted with food. “I’m glad you’re doing well for yourself, don’t get me wrong. I’m glad that mom and dad like you and support you and want you to succeed. I guess I just wonder what I did to make them so much more obnoxious about everything I do, but I am really happy they don’t give you the same hard time. Have you introduced your boyfriend to them, yet? –You sure he can handle being introduced to our family?”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:11 pm
“No, I think they’ll scare him away and I’ll never see him again to be honest. I was trying to keep him secret for a little while longer but…I seriously don’t know how the conversation even got brought up…” He scoffed. “Mom just can’t keep her mouth shut about anything. I only have Evan at the house when they’re gone…I think it might be time for me to move out, which…lets be real, that might put me on the same playing field as you, Laur. If I’m not their sweet little baby Tobias anymore…how are they going to love me?”
Shaking his head, Tobias chuckled again. “In all seriousness though, the only one I’m excited for Evan to meet is you. I’ll start warming him up to the idea…and we’ll plan it for when mom and dad go back to Europe in a few weeks, sound good?”
It wasn’t that he didn’t want his parents to get to know his boyfriend…he just didn’t want them scaring Evan off. They were still new to the whole dating thing…and he was afraid to push for too much. “I really want…him and I to work. So I know he has to meet the family at some point…but…later. Much later. Like after him and I are married so he can’t run away.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:13 pm
Laurence raised a brow. “Marriage?” he blurted, a bit more surprised at that than at Tobias being nice to him. “Okay, wow, so I guess you really are serious about this kid. I guess, now I really want to meet him. But. Yeah, keeping him away from Mom and Dad for as long as possible sounds like the wisest plan. They can be a little…”
He shrugged. “Judgmental. So if he’s got anything he’s sensitive about, anything he’s vulnerable to criticism…you know they’ll find it, and you know they’ll find some way to make some snide comment about it at some point.”
But, Tobias wanted him to meet his boyfriend. Wanted Laurence to be a part of his life, where his parents weren’t involved. There were strange butterflies in Laurence’s stomach—something hopeful, he realized.
He glanced at his brother once more. “Are you serious about the moving out thing, though? You might break mom’s heart.” He was quiet for a second and then mused, “She might even be so lonely she has another kid. Her favorite, ever, to replace both of us.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:14 pm
“He doesn’t really have much self esteem at all.” Tobias sighed. “So, please be nice. Praise his food, not that you need me to even ask that…but make a big deal about it…not like over the top big, but he’ll be worried if you don’t say something after the first bite…unless you take another bite quickly and inhale it. I’ve done that a few times, and he still looks worried but the expression fades when I ask for seconds…”
Shaking his head Tobias grumbled. “And yeah. Mom and dad would destroy him…so…that isn’t happening.
He paused, glancing at Laurence. “Dude, do you really think mom and dad have the time or the effort or the…” Pausing again, the male grimaced. “…Working parts to have another kid? Nah. It’s you and me bro, and I’ll always be their favorite.” He reached over and gave his brother a light punch on the shoulder. “…But you’ll always be my favorite so. It evens out.”
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Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 5:14 pm
Seeing Tobias be so considerate made up Laurence’s mind on the matter. A grin formed on his face, but he scowled and muttered, “a*****e,” when Laurence punched him. He returned it with a playful shove, and the smile returned to his face shortly afterwards.
Was it really that easy to fix things? They hadn’t had a good talk in so long, he was trying to figure out what he’d done during all the other talks. If they could have resolved their issues so easily, could they have done it before?
…And what was he supposed to say about the whole Negaverse thing, now.
The cogs in his mind came to a screeching halt and he faltered. Though only a few seconds, it felt like a whole minute dragged on. The car in front of them began to pull forward, leaving the microphone to order free for them.
He slowly began to move forward, greeted by a woman’s voice as she asked what they’d like to order.
Tonight wasn’t the night for Negaverse talks. He should be happy that they’d made enough progress here, now. They’d established a decent foundation, and for the first time he was excited to spend time with Tobias. He wanted to meet Evan. Wanted to see Tobias and him interact. Wanted to see his brother happy.
Wanted to feel like he had a brother again.
And so far, they were off to a good start.
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