Lead The Way (BL)

THIRTY SIX

Chapter Thirty-six

(unedited)

Gene stepped away from the stage dripping sweat.

For 6 hours, he was forced to participate in a variety of activities, from co-operative dancing to reading out live scripts. He had started the day off feeling refreshed yet came out at the end looking like broken goods. He wasn't the only one, even that kid Sasha looked shattered.

But seeing his manager's face red with exhaustion lessoned Gene's irritation a little. It was rather satisfying seeing the people who bossed you around looking worse off than you. At least, for Gene, it felt wonderful. He couldn't lose the lingering smile.

"Cia, are you gonna hit the pool with us?"

Ace called out as he walked over. Right now, he looked like any other man rather than an idol. Splotchy-red face and sweat-matted hair. If he had gone out on the street looking like he did, no one would recognize him unless they took a really close look.

Gene shook his head and said, "No, I'll pass."

"No...nah?" Ace repeated.

Gene nodded and ace laughed.

"Dude, we have to work on your slang. No one would believe you are only 21 with the way you talk."

"The way I talk?" Gene asked, genuinely confused. Was there a problem with the way he talks?

"How do I talk exactly?"

"Like an old man." Came a deeper reply.

Gene watched as Ash walked by.

The young man didn't smile nor did he greet them but Gene was used to this cold attitude of his and didn't think much of it. If it had of been in the past, he would have demanded respect from his son. But things were different now. Priorities are different and the lives are definitely different.

Like an old man...how funny.

When Ash had left the tent, Ace crept over and whispered, "I've been wondering..."

Gene eyed the young man lingering too close for comfort.

"What is it?"

Not bothering to beat around the bush, Ace asked, "Do you and ash have a history with each other?"

History? Does being his father count, gene scoffed inwardly.

However, he couldn't say that to Ace. It would sound insane no matter how well he explained it. Of course, gene knows Ace is referring specifically to Cia and Ashton.

Do they have a history?

Gene has also been wondering the same thing for a while now as he found Ashton's attitude towards Cia a little too cold. He was told the two were strangers to each other. The only time they should have seen each other was in passing or through a news cover. He heard this from Rose, who knew everyone to a degree.

But then again, with Cia's tendencies who knows if what people have seen is actually true.

Gene also thought, maybe, Ashton doesn't like Cia due to the accident that led to his (gene's) death. He really wants to believe that is the case, however, even he finds it hard to believe.

First of all, Gene is half responsible for Cia's death - they both were highly intoxicated that night and they both had lost control of their cars at the same time.

Gene had never outright questioned it - things like fate or coincidences - and he never outright questioned how he was able to become someone else...though he does wonder.