The Little Things Pt 818/? (Forever After Sequel)
Chapter 818
Flash Forward 2030
“You have the softest skin I've ever felt,” Gabe mused as he stroked Jacob's face with his fingertip. “How is it so soft?”
“I've had a skin care routine since I was five,” Jacob answered as he lay back with his head on Gabe's lap.
“Of course you have,” Gabe remarked dryly. “So I've been thinking.”
“Did it hurt?”
“I'm going to regret this,” Gabe sighed to himself.
“What have you been thinking?”
Gabe paused to stroke his fingertips over Jacob's lips before answering him. “I want you to come with me to meet my brothers.”
“You want what?” Jacob asked sitting up.
“My two older brothers are coming in to see me fight, and I want you to meet them,” Gabe said looking down at his hands.
“No you don't.”
“Yes I do,” Gabe frowned.
“You really don't,” Jacob sighed. “They're going to take one look at me and know we're dating.”
“And that's why I want them to meet you,” Gabe remarked. “Please?”
“Aren't your brothers like big football players?”
“And?”
“They're like... jocks.”
“And?”
“And most jocks I know don't like gay people,” Jacob said giving Gabe a look.
“I'm a jock,” Gabe remarked. “I like gay people.”
“You're not a jock,” Jacob laughed.
“Am too.”
“You are not,” Jacob laughed. “You're sweet.”
“Jocks can't be sweet?”
“Nope.”
“Your brothers a jock.”
“Oh he is not,” Jacob laughed.
“You don't think boxers are jocks?” Gabe asked with a raised eyebrow.
“You're not,” Jacob shrugged. “It must be all the hits to the head, but you guys are nice.”
“Well my brothers are nice,” Gabe mused.
“Do they know you're gay?”
“I don't think so,” Gabe sighed. “I told my parents, but I don't think they've told anyone else.”
“They're going to know we're a couple,” Jacob remarked. “I mean, you only have to look at us to see that.”
“We look like a couple?”
“My Papa says you look at me like you love me,” Jacob answered.
“I do love you.”
“And your brothers are going to see that,” Jacob said annoyed.
“So I'll tell them,” Gabe shrugged. “Now will you meet them?”
“Do I have to be there when you tell them?”
“Just meet my brothers,” Gabe sighed as he pulled Jacob into his arms. “You are so annoying at times.”
….....................................
“You have to listen to me,” Sebastian sighed as he followed his Papa into the bedroom.
“Why?”
“Because I know what I'm talking about.”
“You know what you're talking about when it comes to dancing?”
“I know fitness,” Sebastian argued. “If we get you into a routine now, it will make dancing so much easier for you.”
“I'm not going to the gym.”
“Just let me train you,” Sebastian sighed.
“You're not supposed to be training,” Adam pointed out. “You're supposed to be taking it easy.”
“That's why you'll be doing all the work,” Sebastian smirked.
“And that's why I'm saying no,” Adam remarked. “It's been a long time since I had a trainer.”
“Okay,” Sebastian sighed as he walked towards the bedroom door. “I just thought you would want to spend some time with me.”
“Sebastian?” Adam called out. “What are you talking about?”
Sebastian turned around to look at his Papa. “You have fashion with Jacob, and you and Elle have your little dates. I just thought we could have something.”
“We have things,” Adam said weakly. “We do plenty of things together.”
“Sure,” Sebastian shrugged. “We have dinner together, and if there's a good movie on TV we watch it, but there isn't anything we do together. Just you and me.”
“That's not true.”
“Tell me one thing we do that doesn't involve anyone else.”
Adam took a long look at his son before turning around to face the mirror. “I'll be ready in five minutes for the gym.”
“Thanks Papa,” Sebastian smiled wide as he walked over the give Adam a hug.
“You won't be thanking me later when you have to carry me home,” Adam remarked dryly.
…...............................
“What if they hate me?” Jacob asked as he followed Kris around the kitchen.
“They're not going to hate you,” Kris frowned. “Why would they hate you?”
“Because I'm gay,” Jacob answered. “And because I made their brother gay.”
“You made him gay?” Kris frowned. “I didn't know you held that talent.”
“I made him gay just like Papa made you gay,” Jacob sighed.
“Your Papa didn't make me gay,” Kris remarked with a laugh.
“You were twenty-four and didn't know you were gay,” Jacob pointed out. “Papa brought it out of you.”
“I knew I was gay before I met you Papa,” Kris sighed. “Your Papa just gave me the courage I needed to admit who I was. Just like you gave Gabe the courage to be himself.”
“Yeah well, I hope I have the courage to face his brothers,” Jacob grumbled. “I really hope they don't kick my ass.”
“You'll be fine,” Kris said patting Jacob's arm. “Gabe will be with you.”
“I guess,” Jacob sighed.
“So where's your Papa now?”
“He went to the gym with Sebastian.”
“But Sebastian isn't allowed to go to the gym,” Kris pointed out.
“He's taking Papa to work out.”
“But your Papa isn't allowed either,” Kris frowned.
“Why?”
“Because he comes home and bitches and moans,” Kris sighed. “Is he really away to workout?”
“That's what Sebastian said,” Jacob shrugged.
“Great,” Kris grumbled. “He's going to come home sore and miserable.”
…................................
“What?” Adam frowned as Sebastian stood in the locker room looking at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You don't have eye liner on.”
“And?”
“I've never seen you out of the house without eye liner.”
“I figured you wouldn't want me to wear any,” Adam shrugged.
“My boxer friends know you wear make up,” Sebastian remarked.
“I just figured I'd go fresh today.”
“I'm not ashamed of you, you know,” Sebastian remarked as he put on his gym clothes.
“I know,” Adam smiled softly.
“So are you ready to get fit?”
“No,” Adam answered honestly. “But I am ready to sweat for twenty minutes and then go to lunch.”
“Twenty minutes?” Sebastian laughed. “Twenty minutes won't even do the warm up.”
“How long do we have to be here for?”
“I booked us in for three hours,” Sebastian answered.
“Does the three hours include lunch?” Adam quizzed causing Sebastian to laugh.
“Come on, we'll start with some stretches.”
“Stretching is my workout,” Adam remarked as he followed Sebastian towards the gym.
…..................................
“I'm sweating from places I didn't know I had,” Adam groaned as he stood up from the weight bench.
“You're doing great, Papa,” Sebastian said wiping Adam's face with a towel. “Just another two-and-a-half hours to go.”
“I've only been doing this for thirty minutes?”
“You've only been weight lifting for twelve minutes,” Sebastian answered. “The first ten minutes was spent stretching.”
“That's only twenty-two minutes then.”
“There was the eight you spent bitching,” Sebastian shrugged. “Now, do you want to try some boxing?”
“Not a chance in hell,” Adam answered honestly. “I like my nose where it is.”
“I don't mean you're going to fight,” Sebastian sighed. “We'll just play around with the gloves.”
“Like dress up?”
“Not exactly.” Sebastian pulled Adam up from the bench to lead him towards the boxing ring.
“Hey Seb.” Adam looked into the ring to find two teenagers standing.
“Hey Todd, hey Ross.” Sebastian climbed into the ring while Adam stood looking up at his son. “This is my Papa.”
“Hey,” Adam smiled giving the boys a small wave.
“Hey Mr. Lambert.”
“Adam,” Adam corrected.
“He's going on tour soon, so we're just getting him in shape for it.”
“Cool,” Todd smiled. “My Dad would freak if I suggested he come to the gym.”
“Your Dad isn't the sports type?” Adam quizzed as he climbed up into the ring.
“He loves sports, but his beer belly might get in the way if he tried to get fit.”
“So, hows the injury?” Ross asked turning to look at Sebastian. “Coach said you're out for the next two months.”
“Yeah, and Gabe said you can't do the charity game with us now.”
“Charity game?” Adam quizzed looking at his son.
“The gym was preparing for a charity basketball game,” Sebastian shrugged. “But it's two months from now. I'm sure I can take part if I take things easy.”
“Hope so,” Ross remarked. “It was your idea after all.”
“What's the charity?” Adam quizzed looking at Ross.
“The Trevor Project,” Ross answered. “Its a charity for gay teens.”
“I know,” Adam smiled.
“Yeah, well I'm just going to spar with my Papa for a bit,” Sebastian said. “Teach him a few things.”
“Al right. See you around, Adam,” Ross said patting Adam's shoulder before climbing out of the ring.
“Your friends?” Adam quizzed once Ross and Todd were out of ear shot.
“Friends I punch every now and then,” Sebastian shrugged as he threw a pair of boxing gloves at Adam. “You know how to punch, don't you?”
“I used to beat your Uncle Neil up on a daily basis,” Adam shrugged as he put on the gloves. “So what's this about helping the Trevor Project?”
“I've been doing it for a while.” Sebastian explained. “You know, organizing events and things.”
“How long?”
“Since Jacob cut himself,” Sebastian answered without looking at Adam. “It was a weird time, and I just wanted to do something.”
“And why is this the first time I've heard about it?”
“You were busy,” Sebastian answered. “You know with Sophia being pregnant and Jacob and his trouble. I didn't want to bother you with my things.”
“You've been helping a charity for three years and I knew nothing about it,” Adam said with a frown. “You haven't told anyone?”
“The guys at the gym know,” Sebastian shrugged.
Adam nodded his head as he looked around the gym. “You spend a lot of time here, don't you?”
“Three hours a day,” Sebastian answered.
“I've really neglected you, haven't I?” Adam asked in a sad tone.
“Papa...”
“Don't make excuses for me,” Adam interrupted. “There's a lot of stuff I don't know about you.”
“It's hard to follow Sophia and Jacob's drama,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I'm really sorry, son...”
“Don't start feeling like you haven't been there for me,” Sebastian warned. “I know you love me, and I know you are there when I need you.”
“But I should have took the time to get to know what you've been up to,” Adam sighed. “Here you are doing this amazing thing for gay teens and I knew nothing about it.”
“It's just a charity game,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I don't know any twelve-year-old that would do what you're doing.”
“Just because I'm straight doesn't mean that gay issues don't effect me,” Sebastian pointed out. “I'm just doing what everyone in American should be doing.”
“But convincing a bunch of boxers to get involved in anything to do with gay teens is pretty impressive.”
“Let's not gush over this,” Sebastian said giving Adam a look. “I'm just helping people that need it. Just like you and Dad raised me to.”
Adam nodded in agreement as he looked around the gym. “If we were anywhere else I would hug you right now.”
“You can hug me,” Sebastian laughed. “I told you I wasn't ashamed of you.”
Adam stepped forward to wrap his arms around Sebastian's shoulders. I can't believe I've raised a sensitive straight man,” Adam mused. “How the hell did I do that?”
“How about lunch?” Sebastian asked taking a step back. “My treat.”
“What about our workout?”
“I'm sure we can do more tomorrow,” Sebastian smiled. “I mean if you want to.”
“I want to,” Adam smiled. “I think coming here with you to workout would be good for me.”
“I could set up a fitness routine for you,” Sebastian smiled. “I could even get you a six pack.”
“Could we maybe start with a Packwood and see if I like it?” Adam quizzed as he followed Sebastian out of the ring.
…..............................................
“Stop fixing your hair,” Gabe whispered as he stood beside Jacob at his brothers hotel room door.
“I just want it to be perfect.”
“My brothers don't care about hair,” Gabe whispered. “And it is perfect.”
“I'm nervous.”
“It's all going to be okay,” Gabe whispered as he heard the door opening. “Just relax.”
“Fuck. Look at those muscles.” Jacob stood back and watched as Gabe's older brother Ethan hugged his brother. “Will, come and see how big our little brother is.”
“Okay, there's no need to embarrass me,” Gabe sighed as he pushed his way into the hotel room.
“Fuck,” Will cursed as he came out of the bathroom. “You on drugs or something?”
“I've been working hard,” Gabe answered as he looked towards Jacob. “This is Jake, he's...”
“The image of Adam Lambert,” Will answered as he looked Jacob over.
“Because he's Adam Lambert's son,” Gabe remarked.
“No fucking way,” Ethan laughed.
“His brother and I box together,” Gabe explained.
“So you're hanging out with celebrities here in LA?” Will laughed. “You met Lady Gaga yet?”
“Just once,” Gabe shrugged. “Jacob made a belt for her.”
“Are you serious?”
“I've known Jake and his family since we all lived in Conway,” Gabe explained. “They're sort of my family here.”
“So Jake here is your adoptive brother since you stopped coming home?” Will quizzed giving Jacob a look.
“Not exactly,” Gabe shrugged. “Jake's my... boyfriend.” Gabe moved to Jacob's side. “We've been dating for a while now, but we've had feelings for each other for a few years.”
“That's not funny, Gabe,” Will said taking a step back. “You know we don't find things like that funny.”
“I'm not being funny,” Gabe sighed. “I'm gay.”
“No you're not,” Ethan snapped. “Look, I don't know what you're playing at, but...”
“I'm not playing,” Gabe yelled causing Jacob to jump. “I'm just telling you what's going on with my life.”
“Well I don't want to know,” Ethan yelled back. “I don't want to know that you think you're some sort of queer.”
“This is why Mom and Dad have stopped talking to you,” Will remarked. “Do you know how much trouble you've caused back home? Mom and Dad are at each others throats all the time.”
“I just wanted you all to know what's going on with me,” Gabe explained as he tried to stay calm.
“Is this why you brought us out here?” Will snapped. “To rub your sick ideas in our faces?”
“I'm not rubbing anything in your faces,” Gabe sighed. “How many girlfriends of yours have I met? How many have Mom and Dad met? I just want you to meet my boyfriend.”
“Don't be so fucking disgusting,” Ethan snapped. “Why the fuck do you think we would want to meet him?”
“Because I've meet his family,” Gabe answered weakly. “I've been to his house. I've had dinner with them. I just wanted that too.”
“Well come back to us when you become a real man,” Ethan snapped, “and not some...queer.”
“I think we should go,” Jacob whispered as he tugged on Gabe's arm.
“I am a real man,” Gabe said through gritted teeth. “Being gay has nothing to do with my manhood.”
“Let's just go,” Jacob whispered as he tightened his grip on Gabe's arm.
“Listen to your girlfriend,” Ethan smirked.
“So that's it?” Gabe asked weakly. “I tell you I'm gay, and that I'm in love and you don't want to know?”
“All those knocks to the head have effected you,” Will remarked.
“You're my brother,” Gabe snapped. “Both of you.”
“We don't raise faggots in our family,” Ethan snapped.
“But I'm your brother,” Gabe sighed. “Your little brother. That doesn't count for anything?” Ethan shrugged his shoulder before turning away. “Okay,” Gabe said throwing his hands in the air. “Just remember that I tried.”
“Come on,” Jacob whispered as he tugged Gabe out of the hotel room door. “Are you okay?” Jacob asked once they got down the hallway.
“Yeah,” Gabe breathed out as he leaned back against the hotel wall.
“I'm sorry,” Jacob whispered. “I'm sorry it didn't turn out like you wanted it to.”
“I just wanted what you and Sebastian have,” Gabe said weakly. “I wanted my brothers to be proud of me.”
“I'm proud of you,” Jacob whispered as he reached out to stroke Gabe's cheek.
“Come on,” Gabe smiled. “Let's go back to your house.”
“Want me to give you Sebastian?” Jacob asked as he followed Gabe towards the elevator. “He's yours if you want him.”
….....................................
“What do you mean you're not doing the world tour?” Kris frowned. “I thought you were going to think about it.”
“I have thought about it,” Adam answered as he set the table. “I'm not doing it.”
“Why?” Kris sighed.
“Do you know that Sebastian has been helping the Trevor Project?”
“No,” Kris frowned. “Has he?”
“For three years now,” Adam explained. “Turns out our quiet kid has a lot of things going on we know nothing about.” Adam moved to sit down at the table. “I just realized today that I don't know a lot about him.”
“He's not neglected,” Kris pointed out. “Don't start feeling guilty about this.”
“That's what he said,” Adam sighed, “but it doesn't stop me thinking. He and I really don't have a lot in common. I spend so much time with Jacob talking about clothes, and with Elle talking about girly things, I don't spend that much time with Sebastian. We don't have alone time.”
“I spend a lot of alone time with him,” Kris pointed out. “We're always going to some sports event.”
“That's you,” Adam pointed out. “I don't go to any sporting events with him.”
“So you're not doing a world tour because you don't go to sporting events with your son?”
“There's a distance between me and Sebastian,” Adam explained. “I know there shouldn't be, but sometimes I don't understand him.”
“And I understand Jacob?”
“But at least you're here,” Adam sighed. “I go off working, but you're here every day. If I go on a world tour that distance between me and Sebastian will only grow. I don't want my son growing up and thinking that I didn't have time for him. That I put my career before him. I've done enough of that.”
“You haven't...”
“I have,” Adam interrupted. “There's been times I've missed things with the kids because I was off singing somewhere.”
“It's your job.”
“Maybe it's time I slow down.”
“Adam you're going on a tour in two months,” Kris pointed out. “How can you slow down?”
“After my tour I plan to be around a lot more.”
“And what about your career?” Kris asked. “You're releasing the biggest album of your career. You're just going to stop there?”
“I'm forty-eight,” Adam explained. “Two years off fifty. I've got three years before Jacob goes off to collage. Six with Sebastian and nine with Elle. That isn't a lot. Nine years and they're all going to be gone. I don't want to waste another minute of it.”
“Are you talking about giving up or slowing down?” Kris asked as he took a seat beside Adam.
“Slowing down,” Adam answered. “No more traveling unless we can all go.”
Kris turned to hear the front door open. “You know I'll follow you anywhere.”
“Yeah,” Adam smiled before turning to find Jacob and Gabe standing. “Hey.”
“Hi,” Jacob smiled.
“Where's your brothers?” Kris quizzed looking past Gabe.
“They aren't here,” Gabe sighed as he took a seat next to Adam.
“It didn't go well?” Adam asked softly.
“Apparently my family don't raise queers.”
“I'm sorry, Gabe,” Kris sighed. “You know you're part of our family though.”
“Yeah,” Adam smiled. “You're like a third son.”
“Thanks guys,” Gabe smiled sadly. “That means a lot.”
Jacob reached across the table to take hold of Gabe's hand. “Can Gabe stay for dinner?”
“Sure,” Kris said standing up.
“My third son,” Adam mused as he looked down at the table at Gabe and Jacob's hands. “My sons are dating. That's very white trash.”
“Shut up,” Jacob laughed causing Gabe to smile.
End of Flash Forward 2030
Flash Forward 2030
“You have the softest skin I've ever felt,” Gabe mused as he stroked Jacob's face with his fingertip. “How is it so soft?”
“I've had a skin care routine since I was five,” Jacob answered as he lay back with his head on Gabe's lap.
“Of course you have,” Gabe remarked dryly. “So I've been thinking.”
“Did it hurt?”
“I'm going to regret this,” Gabe sighed to himself.
“What have you been thinking?”
Gabe paused to stroke his fingertips over Jacob's lips before answering him. “I want you to come with me to meet my brothers.”
“You want what?” Jacob asked sitting up.
“My two older brothers are coming in to see me fight, and I want you to meet them,” Gabe said looking down at his hands.
“No you don't.”
“Yes I do,” Gabe frowned.
“You really don't,” Jacob sighed. “They're going to take one look at me and know we're dating.”
“And that's why I want them to meet you,” Gabe remarked. “Please?”
“Aren't your brothers like big football players?”
“And?”
“They're like... jocks.”
“And?”
“And most jocks I know don't like gay people,” Jacob said giving Gabe a look.
“I'm a jock,” Gabe remarked. “I like gay people.”
“You're not a jock,” Jacob laughed.
“Am too.”
“You are not,” Jacob laughed. “You're sweet.”
“Jocks can't be sweet?”
“Nope.”
“Your brothers a jock.”
“Oh he is not,” Jacob laughed.
“You don't think boxers are jocks?” Gabe asked with a raised eyebrow.
“You're not,” Jacob shrugged. “It must be all the hits to the head, but you guys are nice.”
“Well my brothers are nice,” Gabe mused.
“Do they know you're gay?”
“I don't think so,” Gabe sighed. “I told my parents, but I don't think they've told anyone else.”
“They're going to know we're a couple,” Jacob remarked. “I mean, you only have to look at us to see that.”
“We look like a couple?”
“My Papa says you look at me like you love me,” Jacob answered.
“I do love you.”
“And your brothers are going to see that,” Jacob said annoyed.
“So I'll tell them,” Gabe shrugged. “Now will you meet them?”
“Do I have to be there when you tell them?”
“Just meet my brothers,” Gabe sighed as he pulled Jacob into his arms. “You are so annoying at times.”
….....................................
“You have to listen to me,” Sebastian sighed as he followed his Papa into the bedroom.
“Why?”
“Because I know what I'm talking about.”
“You know what you're talking about when it comes to dancing?”
“I know fitness,” Sebastian argued. “If we get you into a routine now, it will make dancing so much easier for you.”
“I'm not going to the gym.”
“Just let me train you,” Sebastian sighed.
“You're not supposed to be training,” Adam pointed out. “You're supposed to be taking it easy.”
“That's why you'll be doing all the work,” Sebastian smirked.
“And that's why I'm saying no,” Adam remarked. “It's been a long time since I had a trainer.”
“Okay,” Sebastian sighed as he walked towards the bedroom door. “I just thought you would want to spend some time with me.”
“Sebastian?” Adam called out. “What are you talking about?”
Sebastian turned around to look at his Papa. “You have fashion with Jacob, and you and Elle have your little dates. I just thought we could have something.”
“We have things,” Adam said weakly. “We do plenty of things together.”
“Sure,” Sebastian shrugged. “We have dinner together, and if there's a good movie on TV we watch it, but there isn't anything we do together. Just you and me.”
“That's not true.”
“Tell me one thing we do that doesn't involve anyone else.”
Adam took a long look at his son before turning around to face the mirror. “I'll be ready in five minutes for the gym.”
“Thanks Papa,” Sebastian smiled wide as he walked over the give Adam a hug.
“You won't be thanking me later when you have to carry me home,” Adam remarked dryly.
…...............................
“What if they hate me?” Jacob asked as he followed Kris around the kitchen.
“They're not going to hate you,” Kris frowned. “Why would they hate you?”
“Because I'm gay,” Jacob answered. “And because I made their brother gay.”
“You made him gay?” Kris frowned. “I didn't know you held that talent.”
“I made him gay just like Papa made you gay,” Jacob sighed.
“Your Papa didn't make me gay,” Kris remarked with a laugh.
“You were twenty-four and didn't know you were gay,” Jacob pointed out. “Papa brought it out of you.”
“I knew I was gay before I met you Papa,” Kris sighed. “Your Papa just gave me the courage I needed to admit who I was. Just like you gave Gabe the courage to be himself.”
“Yeah well, I hope I have the courage to face his brothers,” Jacob grumbled. “I really hope they don't kick my ass.”
“You'll be fine,” Kris said patting Jacob's arm. “Gabe will be with you.”
“I guess,” Jacob sighed.
“So where's your Papa now?”
“He went to the gym with Sebastian.”
“But Sebastian isn't allowed to go to the gym,” Kris pointed out.
“He's taking Papa to work out.”
“But your Papa isn't allowed either,” Kris frowned.
“Why?”
“Because he comes home and bitches and moans,” Kris sighed. “Is he really away to workout?”
“That's what Sebastian said,” Jacob shrugged.
“Great,” Kris grumbled. “He's going to come home sore and miserable.”
…................................
“What?” Adam frowned as Sebastian stood in the locker room looking at him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You don't have eye liner on.”
“And?”
“I've never seen you out of the house without eye liner.”
“I figured you wouldn't want me to wear any,” Adam shrugged.
“My boxer friends know you wear make up,” Sebastian remarked.
“I just figured I'd go fresh today.”
“I'm not ashamed of you, you know,” Sebastian remarked as he put on his gym clothes.
“I know,” Adam smiled softly.
“So are you ready to get fit?”
“No,” Adam answered honestly. “But I am ready to sweat for twenty minutes and then go to lunch.”
“Twenty minutes?” Sebastian laughed. “Twenty minutes won't even do the warm up.”
“How long do we have to be here for?”
“I booked us in for three hours,” Sebastian answered.
“Does the three hours include lunch?” Adam quizzed causing Sebastian to laugh.
“Come on, we'll start with some stretches.”
“Stretching is my workout,” Adam remarked as he followed Sebastian towards the gym.
…..................................
“I'm sweating from places I didn't know I had,” Adam groaned as he stood up from the weight bench.
“You're doing great, Papa,” Sebastian said wiping Adam's face with a towel. “Just another two-and-a-half hours to go.”
“I've only been doing this for thirty minutes?”
“You've only been weight lifting for twelve minutes,” Sebastian answered. “The first ten minutes was spent stretching.”
“That's only twenty-two minutes then.”
“There was the eight you spent bitching,” Sebastian shrugged. “Now, do you want to try some boxing?”
“Not a chance in hell,” Adam answered honestly. “I like my nose where it is.”
“I don't mean you're going to fight,” Sebastian sighed. “We'll just play around with the gloves.”
“Like dress up?”
“Not exactly.” Sebastian pulled Adam up from the bench to lead him towards the boxing ring.
“Hey Seb.” Adam looked into the ring to find two teenagers standing.
“Hey Todd, hey Ross.” Sebastian climbed into the ring while Adam stood looking up at his son. “This is my Papa.”
“Hey,” Adam smiled giving the boys a small wave.
“Hey Mr. Lambert.”
“Adam,” Adam corrected.
“He's going on tour soon, so we're just getting him in shape for it.”
“Cool,” Todd smiled. “My Dad would freak if I suggested he come to the gym.”
“Your Dad isn't the sports type?” Adam quizzed as he climbed up into the ring.
“He loves sports, but his beer belly might get in the way if he tried to get fit.”
“So, hows the injury?” Ross asked turning to look at Sebastian. “Coach said you're out for the next two months.”
“Yeah, and Gabe said you can't do the charity game with us now.”
“Charity game?” Adam quizzed looking at his son.
“The gym was preparing for a charity basketball game,” Sebastian shrugged. “But it's two months from now. I'm sure I can take part if I take things easy.”
“Hope so,” Ross remarked. “It was your idea after all.”
“What's the charity?” Adam quizzed looking at Ross.
“The Trevor Project,” Ross answered. “Its a charity for gay teens.”
“I know,” Adam smiled.
“Yeah, well I'm just going to spar with my Papa for a bit,” Sebastian said. “Teach him a few things.”
“Al right. See you around, Adam,” Ross said patting Adam's shoulder before climbing out of the ring.
“Your friends?” Adam quizzed once Ross and Todd were out of ear shot.
“Friends I punch every now and then,” Sebastian shrugged as he threw a pair of boxing gloves at Adam. “You know how to punch, don't you?”
“I used to beat your Uncle Neil up on a daily basis,” Adam shrugged as he put on the gloves. “So what's this about helping the Trevor Project?”
“I've been doing it for a while.” Sebastian explained. “You know, organizing events and things.”
“How long?”
“Since Jacob cut himself,” Sebastian answered without looking at Adam. “It was a weird time, and I just wanted to do something.”
“And why is this the first time I've heard about it?”
“You were busy,” Sebastian answered. “You know with Sophia being pregnant and Jacob and his trouble. I didn't want to bother you with my things.”
“You've been helping a charity for three years and I knew nothing about it,” Adam said with a frown. “You haven't told anyone?”
“The guys at the gym know,” Sebastian shrugged.
Adam nodded his head as he looked around the gym. “You spend a lot of time here, don't you?”
“Three hours a day,” Sebastian answered.
“I've really neglected you, haven't I?” Adam asked in a sad tone.
“Papa...”
“Don't make excuses for me,” Adam interrupted. “There's a lot of stuff I don't know about you.”
“It's hard to follow Sophia and Jacob's drama,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I'm really sorry, son...”
“Don't start feeling like you haven't been there for me,” Sebastian warned. “I know you love me, and I know you are there when I need you.”
“But I should have took the time to get to know what you've been up to,” Adam sighed. “Here you are doing this amazing thing for gay teens and I knew nothing about it.”
“It's just a charity game,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I don't know any twelve-year-old that would do what you're doing.”
“Just because I'm straight doesn't mean that gay issues don't effect me,” Sebastian pointed out. “I'm just doing what everyone in American should be doing.”
“But convincing a bunch of boxers to get involved in anything to do with gay teens is pretty impressive.”
“Let's not gush over this,” Sebastian said giving Adam a look. “I'm just helping people that need it. Just like you and Dad raised me to.”
Adam nodded in agreement as he looked around the gym. “If we were anywhere else I would hug you right now.”
“You can hug me,” Sebastian laughed. “I told you I wasn't ashamed of you.”
Adam stepped forward to wrap his arms around Sebastian's shoulders. I can't believe I've raised a sensitive straight man,” Adam mused. “How the hell did I do that?”
“How about lunch?” Sebastian asked taking a step back. “My treat.”
“What about our workout?”
“I'm sure we can do more tomorrow,” Sebastian smiled. “I mean if you want to.”
“I want to,” Adam smiled. “I think coming here with you to workout would be good for me.”
“I could set up a fitness routine for you,” Sebastian smiled. “I could even get you a six pack.”
“Could we maybe start with a Packwood and see if I like it?” Adam quizzed as he followed Sebastian out of the ring.
…..............................................
“Stop fixing your hair,” Gabe whispered as he stood beside Jacob at his brothers hotel room door.
“I just want it to be perfect.”
“My brothers don't care about hair,” Gabe whispered. “And it is perfect.”
“I'm nervous.”
“It's all going to be okay,” Gabe whispered as he heard the door opening. “Just relax.”
“Fuck. Look at those muscles.” Jacob stood back and watched as Gabe's older brother Ethan hugged his brother. “Will, come and see how big our little brother is.”
“Okay, there's no need to embarrass me,” Gabe sighed as he pushed his way into the hotel room.
“Fuck,” Will cursed as he came out of the bathroom. “You on drugs or something?”
“I've been working hard,” Gabe answered as he looked towards Jacob. “This is Jake, he's...”
“The image of Adam Lambert,” Will answered as he looked Jacob over.
“Because he's Adam Lambert's son,” Gabe remarked.
“No fucking way,” Ethan laughed.
“His brother and I box together,” Gabe explained.
“So you're hanging out with celebrities here in LA?” Will laughed. “You met Lady Gaga yet?”
“Just once,” Gabe shrugged. “Jacob made a belt for her.”
“Are you serious?”
“I've known Jake and his family since we all lived in Conway,” Gabe explained. “They're sort of my family here.”
“So Jake here is your adoptive brother since you stopped coming home?” Will quizzed giving Jacob a look.
“Not exactly,” Gabe shrugged. “Jake's my... boyfriend.” Gabe moved to Jacob's side. “We've been dating for a while now, but we've had feelings for each other for a few years.”
“That's not funny, Gabe,” Will said taking a step back. “You know we don't find things like that funny.”
“I'm not being funny,” Gabe sighed. “I'm gay.”
“No you're not,” Ethan snapped. “Look, I don't know what you're playing at, but...”
“I'm not playing,” Gabe yelled causing Jacob to jump. “I'm just telling you what's going on with my life.”
“Well I don't want to know,” Ethan yelled back. “I don't want to know that you think you're some sort of queer.”
“This is why Mom and Dad have stopped talking to you,” Will remarked. “Do you know how much trouble you've caused back home? Mom and Dad are at each others throats all the time.”
“I just wanted you all to know what's going on with me,” Gabe explained as he tried to stay calm.
“Is this why you brought us out here?” Will snapped. “To rub your sick ideas in our faces?”
“I'm not rubbing anything in your faces,” Gabe sighed. “How many girlfriends of yours have I met? How many have Mom and Dad met? I just want you to meet my boyfriend.”
“Don't be so fucking disgusting,” Ethan snapped. “Why the fuck do you think we would want to meet him?”
“Because I've meet his family,” Gabe answered weakly. “I've been to his house. I've had dinner with them. I just wanted that too.”
“Well come back to us when you become a real man,” Ethan snapped, “and not some...queer.”
“I think we should go,” Jacob whispered as he tugged on Gabe's arm.
“I am a real man,” Gabe said through gritted teeth. “Being gay has nothing to do with my manhood.”
“Let's just go,” Jacob whispered as he tightened his grip on Gabe's arm.
“Listen to your girlfriend,” Ethan smirked.
“So that's it?” Gabe asked weakly. “I tell you I'm gay, and that I'm in love and you don't want to know?”
“All those knocks to the head have effected you,” Will remarked.
“You're my brother,” Gabe snapped. “Both of you.”
“We don't raise faggots in our family,” Ethan snapped.
“But I'm your brother,” Gabe sighed. “Your little brother. That doesn't count for anything?” Ethan shrugged his shoulder before turning away. “Okay,” Gabe said throwing his hands in the air. “Just remember that I tried.”
“Come on,” Jacob whispered as he tugged Gabe out of the hotel room door. “Are you okay?” Jacob asked once they got down the hallway.
“Yeah,” Gabe breathed out as he leaned back against the hotel wall.
“I'm sorry,” Jacob whispered. “I'm sorry it didn't turn out like you wanted it to.”
“I just wanted what you and Sebastian have,” Gabe said weakly. “I wanted my brothers to be proud of me.”
“I'm proud of you,” Jacob whispered as he reached out to stroke Gabe's cheek.
“Come on,” Gabe smiled. “Let's go back to your house.”
“Want me to give you Sebastian?” Jacob asked as he followed Gabe towards the elevator. “He's yours if you want him.”
….....................................
“What do you mean you're not doing the world tour?” Kris frowned. “I thought you were going to think about it.”
“I have thought about it,” Adam answered as he set the table. “I'm not doing it.”
“Why?” Kris sighed.
“Do you know that Sebastian has been helping the Trevor Project?”
“No,” Kris frowned. “Has he?”
“For three years now,” Adam explained. “Turns out our quiet kid has a lot of things going on we know nothing about.” Adam moved to sit down at the table. “I just realized today that I don't know a lot about him.”
“He's not neglected,” Kris pointed out. “Don't start feeling guilty about this.”
“That's what he said,” Adam sighed, “but it doesn't stop me thinking. He and I really don't have a lot in common. I spend so much time with Jacob talking about clothes, and with Elle talking about girly things, I don't spend that much time with Sebastian. We don't have alone time.”
“I spend a lot of alone time with him,” Kris pointed out. “We're always going to some sports event.”
“That's you,” Adam pointed out. “I don't go to any sporting events with him.”
“So you're not doing a world tour because you don't go to sporting events with your son?”
“There's a distance between me and Sebastian,” Adam explained. “I know there shouldn't be, but sometimes I don't understand him.”
“And I understand Jacob?”
“But at least you're here,” Adam sighed. “I go off working, but you're here every day. If I go on a world tour that distance between me and Sebastian will only grow. I don't want my son growing up and thinking that I didn't have time for him. That I put my career before him. I've done enough of that.”
“You haven't...”
“I have,” Adam interrupted. “There's been times I've missed things with the kids because I was off singing somewhere.”
“It's your job.”
“Maybe it's time I slow down.”
“Adam you're going on a tour in two months,” Kris pointed out. “How can you slow down?”
“After my tour I plan to be around a lot more.”
“And what about your career?” Kris asked. “You're releasing the biggest album of your career. You're just going to stop there?”
“I'm forty-eight,” Adam explained. “Two years off fifty. I've got three years before Jacob goes off to collage. Six with Sebastian and nine with Elle. That isn't a lot. Nine years and they're all going to be gone. I don't want to waste another minute of it.”
“Are you talking about giving up or slowing down?” Kris asked as he took a seat beside Adam.
“Slowing down,” Adam answered. “No more traveling unless we can all go.”
Kris turned to hear the front door open. “You know I'll follow you anywhere.”
“Yeah,” Adam smiled before turning to find Jacob and Gabe standing. “Hey.”
“Hi,” Jacob smiled.
“Where's your brothers?” Kris quizzed looking past Gabe.
“They aren't here,” Gabe sighed as he took a seat next to Adam.
“It didn't go well?” Adam asked softly.
“Apparently my family don't raise queers.”
“I'm sorry, Gabe,” Kris sighed. “You know you're part of our family though.”
“Yeah,” Adam smiled. “You're like a third son.”
“Thanks guys,” Gabe smiled sadly. “That means a lot.”
Jacob reached across the table to take hold of Gabe's hand. “Can Gabe stay for dinner?”
“Sure,” Kris said standing up.
“My third son,” Adam mused as he looked down at the table at Gabe and Jacob's hands. “My sons are dating. That's very white trash.”
“Shut up,” Jacob laughed causing Gabe to smile.
End of Flash Forward 2030