Apocrypha

Chapter 34

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
Proverbs 16: 18

JUNE 1ST had arrived. This was a special day for Gabriel. For today, he officially turned 28.

"Guess what?" Gabriel asked. Lysander had just opened his eyes and saw Gabriel smiling at him.

"Did you do something illegal?" Lysander asked.

"No, silly. It's my birthday!"

Lysander looked at him before shrugging. "Okay. Happy birthday."

He got off the bed and stretched his arms and legs.

"Come. We have to clean the car today." Lysander placed a kiss on Gabriel's forehead.

Gabriel was shocked and watched his lover act like today wasn't a special day.

"But, aren't we going to do something today? I'm turning 28. That's a huge deal." Gabriel replied. Lysander stopped changing to let out a chuckle.

"Right," He muttered. "Birthdays aren't a big thing for the rest of us folks. We were told from a young age that the only birthdays that matter are the First Family and Jesus Christ."

Gabriel furrowed his eyebrows. "Wait, so you've never celebrated your birthday?" He asked.

"Nope." Lysander replied. "I turned 30 in January."

"That's- That's insane!" Gabriel said. "You could've at least told me! I would've gotten you something! Even a pastry from town!"

"Calm down, Gabriel." Lysander sat back on the bed. "I don't mind not celebrating my birthday. It's never been a big deal for us. But, if you want, we can celebrate yours today."

Gabriel shook his head. "It's... fine. I have to get used to it."

The two finished dressing and left for the kitchen. Breakfast had been laid out.

"Is Horatio gone already?" Gabriel asked.

"Yep." Kari replied.

"The least that young man could do is clean up his dishes." Timon mentioned. "Every morning, I find dirty plates in the sink that I have to clean."

"Is he eating before sunrise?" Lysander asked.

"Well, he hasn't been eating with us recently." Gabriel replied.

Cassio visibly became upset. The topic was changed to something else for the day.

"Anyone want to come to town with me?" Virgilia asked.

"I'm good." Gabriel replied.

"You, Lysander?" She asked him.

"Uh, no thank you." He said. Then, he had an idea. "Actually, yes. I have an errand to run."

"You do?" Gabriel asked.

"Mhm. Could you go get my wallet for me? It's in my coat pocket on your hanger." Lysander said. His lover nodded and left the kitchen table.

Once Gabriel left the kitchen. Lysander leaned in with his idea.

"It's Gabriel's birthday today." He said.

"So?" Kari replied.

"Look, for him, as a person who was part of the First Family, birthdays are a huge deal. I know we don't celebrate them, but I want to do something for him. Even just a small party would be nice."

No one said anything.

Then, Mamillius spoke up. "Will there be cake?" He asked.

"Yes. I'll buy the cake." Lysander replied.