into the future

 "You know, he's got a drinking problem," the way Reese said it, Brandon imagined Declan sloshing himself with a drink and it dripping from his eyes, yet he knew what Reese meant.

Yes, Reese showed up while Brandon had some time alone in the apartment. He was cleaning the kitchen as if it needed to be scrubbed before he could use it.

"Um," Brandon managed with a nod. He didn't know what Reese wanted. After all, he'd avoided him like an unnecessary illness until now.

"He's a bit of a wild card, you know," Reese sighed. He hadn't brought groceries. In fact, he hadn't brought anything but his time and he looked at Brando as if he better make use of this time. Brandon put away the dishcloth in the sink. 

"What do you want?" Brandon finally asked.

"This is really not like Declan," Reese shook his head. "What did you do to him?"

Brandon cleared his throat. Was it necessary for Reese to know?

"You know, I've been all he's needed since he graduated high school," Reese hugged himself. "I've navigated him through college, the university. I found him his first job."

"He respects you," Brandon told him. He knew he should respect him too. 

"I just don't know if he can make it on his own," Reese looked around the apartment. Of course, he was in a suit and tie. It was as if the interior decorator had arrived.

"It shouldn't be that bad," Brandon then said. "I'm confident, he'll do fine."

"Are you sure you care about him?" Reese looked at him as if Reese wouldn't hire him for the job if he'd had a chance. "You're nothing like that other fellow he was so gaga over." He pressed his lips tight as if Brandon would not do.

"Well, you are right. I don't have any money to spare, but maybe he won't need to drink so much anymore, either." Brandon didn't want to say it, but they didn't even have any liquor in the apartment. It just hadn't happened. Actually, he hadn't even realized it until now. They'd had other things to consider. Evidently.

"Just let me know what you need," Reese said. "I am the family he has. And I want to help if you'll let me." Reese talked about how Declan had nowhere to go, once upon a time. Not all families were thrilled to have a gay son. There was a time when Declan was less than zero. Although, Brandon hated to hear Reese speak of him that way.

Brandon thanked him for coming by, but he wanted to forget this conversation. It was the past. This was the present.