Time with Gus

[wheatencrown]

Demeter opens the door out into her garden where the moon's out and its starting to get hot and humid.

Everywhere something is blooming and the scents fill the air as Demeter smiles and leads Gus to a table set out in a little grove of trees.

Comments

[thesupersmeller]

He won't argue that, he's made at least one good friend in the goddess - even if that's also how he sort of may have caused his own eternal damnation in ways he doesn't want to think about.

"We'll see." He leans into the hug, tentative at first and then he catches the sweet and earthy smell of her and can't help but wrap his arms around her waist and pull her closer.

[wheatencrown]

"I'll help you as much I can, Gus, I promise. I've seen a lot of mortals in my time and you are wonderful."

[thesupersmeller]

He's not good at accepting genuine praise, so he merely rests his chin on her shoulder and replies; "I know... I just feel kind of lost right now."

Over the last five years he's gotten used to falling in that same childhood position as Shawn's best friend - now that he doesn't need one, he sort of feels like the baby bird that got pushed out of the nest and told to figure it out. So far, not doing so hot.

[wheatencrown]

"Shh, I know. Just be here with me for now and I'll help you figure out what's next."

[thesupersmeller]

Gus sniffs back a tear, telling himself he's really just enjoying the familiar scent clinging to her.

"Okay," he replies softly, his voice still wary despite feeling safer with her than anyone he's met before. "I can do that."

[wheatencrown]

"I know you can and even more, but for tonight just be here,"

She strokes her head and hugs him tighter.

[thesupersmeller]

Part of him just wants to melt against her and let it all out, to air the knot of everything that's happened in the last year that just keeps getting bigger the more he tries to bury it under sweats in work.

Instead, he swallows hard and nods against her shoulder, squeezing even tighter at the gentle caress of her touch. "Just me and you."

[wheatencrown]

"Yes, whenever you want me, Gus, know I'm here,"

She's not going to let him go.

[thesupersmeller]

Letting out a soft sigh, he squeezes her tight.

Unable to get his conversation with Professor X (Charles, he forces himself to remember... Professor X might not ever exist in his timeline) out of his mind, he quietly asks; "Why?"

[wheatencrown]

"You're willing to give so much of yourself to others, you have a wonderful way of approaching life with joy and enthusiasm, you're handsome and intelligent. You also happen to be a wonderful lover as well."

[thesupersmeller]

The praise is almost overwhelming, and spilling from the lips of goddess no less. His cheeks flush hot and at the last thought, a small embarrassed laugh slips out as he nuzzles closer against her neck - letting himself kiss her throat.

"That's..." he sighs, "...that's not what I see at all."

[wheatencrown]

"I know, Gus but its true," She hugs him to her.

[thesupersmeller]

Slowly, steadily, he lets himself relax in the embrace.

After a long moment, his arms wrap around her and he whispers; "I'm sorry. She's... She..." His voice catches and he knows it's safe for her to feel the genuine tears stinging his eyes as he tries to swallow them back.

"She needed me... Nobody's ever needed me."

[wheatencrown]

"Oh, Gus, Shawn needs you and I want you. She might need you but she's not treating you well,"

She starts to quietly sing to him in Greek as she rubs his back and hair.

[thesupersmeller]

Letting himself fall easily under the spell of her soft voice and gentle touch, he sighs; "Shawn doesn't need me. He has Juliet now. Soon enough they'll be married and having kids and I'll have nothing."

It's petty, and he knows it is. He likes Jules and even their relationship, but part of him had always assumed it'd be just him and Shawn a while longer.

[wheatencrown]

"I don't believe that will happen. You've kept together through all of your lives, you'll find your way through this together."

[thesupersmeller]

He only sighs again and wipes his eyes against her shoulder. After a long moment of silence, he sighs and pulls back from her.

"It's sad, any more I've got more in common with Shawn's dad than my best friends. He's gone even longer without a date than I have."

[wheatencrown]

"Gus, I'm certain its not that bad. Though you should perhaps speak to Shawn about how you feel. I know he's worried about you as is Juliet."

[thesupersmeller]

He sits back even further, distancing himself as he fishes a bag of Skittles from his pocket and eats a generous handful.

"Shawn wouldn't get it, I mean ... You know him. If it doesn't directly affect him he tunes out and if he feels guilty he ends up doing something stupid. I'll just deal with it, I guess."

He sighs and shrugs; "I just gotta keep trying. Maybe if I fall on my face long enough, someone will cut me a break."

[wheatencrown]

"I think you underestimate just how much he cares for you and worries about you. You're not as alone as you think you are, Gus."

[thesupersmeller]

Gus frowns and shakes his head; "It's different now, everything feels different."

[wheatencrown]

"Then he needs to know that, Gus and your friendship needs to grow."

[thesupersmeller]

"What am I supposed to do, tell him that I'm jealous he fell in love with someone amazing and that everytime a girl turns me down I'm a little closer to being the most pathetic loser ever? I'm pretty sure he's picked up on that."

He crosses his arms across his chest; "I'm shocked he hasn't started trying to set me up."

[wheatencrown]

"No, start by telling him you miss him and are trying to figure out what's happening to your friendship. You're not pathetic, Gus. I won't have you say that about yourself."

[thesupersmeller]

He shrugs again and looks away, blinking back further frustrated tears. He sure as hell feels pathetic, whether she thinks so or not.

"I don't him to feel bad, this isn't his fault. I'm just... I don't know. I am the way I am."