Apocrypha

Chapter 26

"Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

AFTER DINNER, Lysander and Gabriel were both in their room. Gabriel hadn't said anything. Lysander already felt guilty, but his ego prevented him from apologizing.

"Outside," Gabriel said.

"What?" Lysander asked.

"We're talking outside. The walls are too thin here."

Lysander didn't object. They put on their coats and shoes before exiting the house. Gabriel took the lead, and they walked through the trees. It was an even colder night tonight.

"You're in the wrong, by the way. So, apologize first." Gabriel said.

The other man cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Gabriel. I shouldn't have gotten upset at you earlier. I could've pulled you aside to a private room and told you my grievances without becoming irate." Lysander said.

Gabriel had a smirk that the other man couldn't see. His face turned back to a scornful look, and he decided to keep playing.

"What else?" Gabriel said.

"I'm sorry for infantilizing you and treating you like a child. You are a grown man who is allowed to make his own decision, which includes being allowed to talk to whoever you want." Lysander then said.

"And?" Gabriel asked. It was getting harder to hold in his laugh.

Lysander let out a defeated sigh. "I won't try to be jealous of others. Not everyone is vying for your heart. I know it belongs to me."

Gabriel was caught off guard when his lover pulled him in a hug. Lysander placed his head on Gabriel's shoulder.

"I truly am sorry, Gabriel. Forgive me and I promise to never make you upset."

Gabriel let out a chuckle as he patted the man's back. "I forgive you, Lysander."

"Then kiss me right now if you really do forgive me." Lysander told him. Gabriel pulled the man away until leaning in and connecting their lips.

Both lips were slightly chapped from the cold.

"That feels better." Lysander said. Gabriel wiped his lips.

"How come you were jealous of Sempronius but not others like Cassio or Horatio?" He asked.

"Because I trust those men. I've lived with them for years. But Sempronius is a stranger, and he isn't afraid to betray."

"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked.

"When he admitted to why he was here, did you notice that he didn't seem guilty, but proud? A man who is foolishly proud could never care for the ones here crushes in his path. And that man will not hesitate to do the same." Lysander explained.

"You definitely have a point. And he's also very clever with his words. Earlier when I spoke to him, it felt like I was having a genuine discussion with him. Maybe that's his way of trying to get us to trust him." Gabriel said.

Lysander grabbed the other man's hand to warm them up. "I think it's safe if we and the others make sure to stay away from him. And we should avoid conversing with him."

"Do you think it's wise to cut him off from human contact?" Gabriel asked with concern.

"A human like him does not deserve to trust another man." Lysander simply said.

"Got it." Gabriel muttered.

"Come here," Lysander said. Gabriel got closer and the two hugged for warmth. "I trust you, Gabriel. I trust you with my life. So, hold it close and don't hurt it."