USA owns Covert Affairs and all the characters, etc. Not me.
Warning: This chapter is short but sad.
After the Funeral
xXx March, 1998 xXx
The house was quiet as the five brothers entered, shaking droplets off their jackets as they hung them on the hooks. A damp mist had clung desperately to all of the attendees through the service and burial, although the rain the sky seemed to threaten had never fallen. Wordlessly, all five of the young men trooped into the living room and collapsed onto the long couch. Although they all faced the TV, none moved to pick up the remote.
Eventually, Asher broke the silence. "I can't believe she's gone," he croaked.
Aaron lightly brushed his hand across Asher's back, his eyes still staring at something unseen, and Auggie shifted in his seat, but Aidan remained listlessly slumped with his head bowed, and Alan remained as stiff and still as stone.
When they heard the sound of the front door opening again, only Aaron moved, getting up and walking slowly into the entryway. A tall man was shrugging off his coat and hanging it on a hook beside the boys'. His handsome face looked drawn, and his eyes were red-rimmed.
"John," Aaron said tonelessly when he recognized his mother's boyfriend.
John looked up, then walked over to Aaron and wordlessly embraced him. When they parted, he kept one hand on the young man's shoulder.
"How are you holding up?" he asked, his tone genuine.
Aaron shrugged in reply, looking lost and unsure.
"Listen, I know there are only a few months until the twins graduate, but if you need anything, please let me know. I think you probably suspected it, but your mother and I were only waiting for Aidan and Auggie to be out of the house before officially announcing our engagement." He met Aaron's eyes. "I see you boys as practically my stepsons. I wanted you to be my stepsons. I know Asher never really warmed up to me-"
"-Ash just doesn't really know you," Aaron mumbled.
"-And I know you can take care of them just fine," John continued, the only sign he had heard Aaron's comment a tiny smile. "But you're only 24, and you're youngest brothers are only 18. All adults in the eyes of the law, and you make enough to support them, especially since Asher is supporting himself now and Alan is ROTC. But you've only been out of college yourself for two years, and I know losing your grandmother last fall was a blow to all of you. So, seriously, if you need anything. Advice, money, a paid vacation, a new job, help around the house, someone to co-sign your brothers' educational loans- anything. Please ask."
Aaron nodded. "Thanks, John," he whispered.
John gave him a tight smile. "I heard the church ladies left your freezer full of meals. Now I know none of you probably feel hungry, I know I don't, but you have to eat. What say you to some homemade mac 'n' cheese?"
"Sounds good. I'll tell them you're staying for dinner." Aaron turned and headed back to the living room, his shoulders just slightly straighter.
xxXxx
"Why is he here?" Asher hissed at Aaron as they were putting the dinner dishes into the half-full dishwasher.
Aaron sighed deeply. "He loves-" he winced, "loved Mom. Give it a rest."
"They weren't married," Asher grumbled.
"They were together for two years."
"But he shouldn't... He's here like he's a... Like he's our..."
"Like what?" Aaron snapped, turning to face Asher. "Like he's her husband? Like he's our stepfather?"
"He's not our father," Asher whispered.
Aaron's voice grew softer. "He's not trying to replace Dad. But Dad has been gone a long time. And John loved Mom- differently from us, but just as deeply. And he wants to be there for us. And frankly, Asher, we could use the help."
"We'll be fine," Asher scoffed. "We can take care of ourselves."
"Ash," Aaron resumed rinsing dishes. "If the twins were much younger, they probably would've put them in foster care."
"What- why?"
"Ash, I'm 24. You're 23. We've just begun our careers, just moved out of the house. We're not- I'm not ready for this kind of responsibility. I'm taking it on because I have to and because I want to keep this family together, but I will take any help I can get."
