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Inferno | Chapter 2

GABRIEL HADN'T FELT THIS content in a very long time. The two shared a long, wholesome conversation, even though they were being constantly interrupted by over-excited kids or grateful citizens praising Gabriel's heroism. As time ticked by, the crowd slowly dispersed, the two finding a great rhythm between painting children's faces and keeping their conversation flowing.

"So, it seems like you're a celebrity here," Nathaniel pointed out as Gabriel put the finishing touches on a kid's butterfly face paint. "Should I get in line for a photograph?"

Gabriel found himself laughing as he quickly snapped a selfie with the butterfly kid's family, sending them on their way. "Oh God, no. I've helped these families over the years in so many ways; they treat me well in return. I think at some point I've helped out every family at this fundraiser in some shape or form. It's nothing, really."

Nathaniel smiled. "It's not nothing. I was having a chat with one of the kids' mother and she dubbed you a hero. You've got quite the reputation, Gabriel."

Gabriel didn't know how to respond to that, so he just smiled and chuckled to himself.

Nathaniel added the finishing touches of crimson to a ladybug on a little girl's cheek. "I cannot wait until I'm as popular as you are. My dream is to save someone from a burning building, just like in the movies, with the building collapsing in the background with explosions and stuff. That'd be great."

"What about painting? You seem great at it."

Nathaniel turned to Gabriel. "Oh, this? Painting is great, but nothing is better than saving a life."

Gabriel nodded. "I'm assuming that's what made you want to become a firefighter?"

Nathaniel warmly smiled. "Yeah. Saving people is something I love doing, no matter what situation they're in."

Gabriel went to speak, but a squealing child cut him off, asking Nathaniel in a falsetto voice if he could paint a superhero mask on his face.

"Sure thing, kid. What colour mask would you like?"

The kid made her choice, and Nathaniel started painting. Gabriel went to say something, but a booming voice echoed across the courtyard.

"Mr. Velasques!" shouted Chief Emery, smiling brightly. "Come over here--we're going to take a few photos of the fundraiser for the local paper and I would love you in it!"

Gabriel waved to Chief Emery. "Sure! I'll be there in a second."

He turned to Nathaniel with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Nathan. I'm needed elsewhere."

Nathaniel frowned, finishing the edging of the superhero mask before turning to Gabriel. "That's fine. I wish you could stay longer. Before you go though, could you do me a favour?"

Gabriel quirked an eyebrow but nodded anyway. "Sure. What do you need?"

"Reach into my back pocket."

Gabriel's eyes widened. "What?"

"My phone's in there. I'd grab it myself but my hands are completely covered with paint."

"Okay..." Gabriel mumbled, trying to hide his giddy at the idea of him subtly touching Nathaniel's butt. After Nathaniel waved off the superhero kid, he stood up and angled himself toward's Gabriel.

"Left pocket. Thanks."

Gabriel slipped his hand into the pocket, fishing out the phone and brushing him in one swift motion. Electric bolts raced through his fingers, up his arms and into his chest. Gabriel's cheeks were once again blazing red.

"Thanks," Nathaniel said. Gabriel extended the phone to Nathaniel.

"Here--where do you want me to put it?"

"Oh, it's in the right spot for now," Nathaniel said, smiling. "Punch your phone number into my contacts."

Gabriel furrowed his eyebrows. His stomach filled with butterflies. "W-why?"

Nathaniel sheepishly smiled before dropping his voice to a whisper. "You're great to talk to, and plus... you're cute. When you're done, slip it back in my pocket."

Gabriel froze. Nathaniel just called him cute, which means he definitely finds him attractive and that he definitely is attracted to men. Also, Nathaniel gave him a second opportunity to touch his butt, which was the icing on the cake.

Despite Gabriel's conflicting opinions on his own appearance, he couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you."

He put in his phone number. Just as Gabriel went to slide it back in his pocket, a sudden gust of wind whipped past them, sending one of Nathaniel's idle paintbrushes flying across Gabriel's face. A large line of pink paint streaked across his skin.

"Oh shit, let me get that," Nathaniel said, and, with the most tender of wipes, brushed his thumb against the paint stains. The warmth of Nathaniel's hand against Gabriel's stubbly cheek sent fireworks exploding in Gabriel's mind.

The pair stayed like that for the briefest of moments, before the Chief shouted Gabriel's name. Gabriel dropped the phone in his pocket and took a step back, a small smile on his face. "T-thank you, Nathan. I guess I'll see you around."

"No worries. You sure damn will."

Gabriel smiled, before turning away towards the Chief. The ring in his pocket seemed to weigh more and more with every step he took.

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And, that's the end of the free previews for Inferno. Interested to see what happens next? What happens between Gabriel and Nathaniel? What his wife is like? How their relationship progresses? To see what happens, you can find the content over on my Patreon. 

I hope to see you there soon!

- J. S xx