Sweet Devil [BL]

Chapter 104. Welcome Back to Hell

The house was quiet, maybe even too quiet.

The thought crossed his mind, and Gabriel unconsciously sneered as he tossed his pullover on the desk. Then, he sat on the edge of his bed. He had never minded the heavy silence before, but now, it gave rise to an odd feeling, agitating his heart. It was unsettling to not hear any noise, for he had grown used to the lively atmosphere permeating Masha's house.

Gabriel let out a self-mocking laugh. "It hasn't even been a day, and I'm already missing Misha's antics. That's a little pathetic."

Shaking his head, Gabriel chased the thought aside. He then lay on his back and replayed his discussion with Misha in his head.

Although he wouldn't say it aloud, he had difficulty imagining Masha committing suicide—that girl was beyond headstrong, always doing whatever she wanted. Even after becoming disabled, she recovered relatively quickly, mentally at least. But what if she had been working days and nights for years without rest? Anyone would become exhausted in the long run, even more so when bad news keeps on popping up.

Probably, Camille's way of breaking up had been the last straw. Gabriel was sure she didn't do it gently. On the contrary, he had a feeling she did it in the most painful way she could think of, using harsh words that would deeply hurt Masha. That girl was like this, destroying those she didn't need or didn't want anymore so that no one else could have them. It was something he had realized after meeting her again at the zoo. He knew her personality wasn't all sunshine, but he hadn't expected it to be so bad. It made him regret not having meddled with their relationship in its early stage or at least tried to stop it in the cradle.

An unfathomable emotion flashed across Gabriel's face, a shadow darkening his bright emerald eyes. Now, now, what should he do with that viper? Even if she wasn't the "same" person who had driven Masha to death in the first timeline, if he considered the second timeline, she was still intending on playing with Masha's heart until she broke down. He wouldn't allow it, not a second time—even if it meant incurring Masha's wrath.

Frowning, Gabriel let out a sigh. There was also another person he didn't know what to do with, making him feel conflicted.

Honestly, it was hard to imagine Alexey beating his son. Even if Misha downplayed it, Gabriel wasn't a fool. Considering how the boy was afraid of other people's touch and how he had frozen up when they went to pick up Stephan and his drunk father, it clearly hadn't been just a few "slaps on the wrist". But despite his misgivings, Gabriel didn't dig further into the matter, knowing that Misha wanted to avoid the subject.

Still, it didn't mean he wasn't angry on his behalf. Just what did Alexey do in their previous life to instill so much fear in Misha's heart? And why didn't he notice the abuse as soon as it started, stopping it before it crossed the line? If only he could have a little chat with his past self.... How could he let a child go through so much pain and do nothing? He deserved to be beaten to a pulp.

"I guess I have to make sure things don't go down the drain this time," Gabriel sighed to himself, taking a deep breath. "It's easier said than done, though."

Thanks to the butterfly effect, this timeline would surely differ from the two previous ones, and not just by a little. With this in mind, Misha would need someone to help him cope with the consequences of changing the past. That, Gabriel was sure of it.

After seeing Santa Claus's gentle but sad expression, he had a hunch hell awaited them, one way or another. But what kind of hell? It was hard to say, and it was unnerving not to know.

Mrs. Brown was alive, which would have an unknown but considerable impact on the current timeline. One small change could put the timeline upside down, so what would saving Gulnas bring about?