"You're sure you're okay with waiting in the car?" Brian asked, glancing over at the man sitting beside him in the back of the cab.
Brock nodded, "They wanted to talk to you alone, right?"
"I guess?" The Irishman shrugged. "But you're part of my life now, Brock, okay? They need to realize this." The exhaust of the vehicle echoed in the background of the conversation as they waited outside of Brian's parent's house. It was late in the day, and they had to catch their flight soon, because Brian had put this little chat with his mom and dad off for as long as he could. If he were being honest with himself, he didn't want to be anywhere near him. Sure, his mother wasn't so bad... But still, she was letting it all happen, and he kind of resented her for it. But as soon as he got done talking with them, he and Brock would be on a flight back to the states, and more importantly, back to Utah. That was what he was looking forward to most.
"Just go," Brock got out, squeezing his boyfriend's hand. "I'll give you guys some privacy." His eyes were sad, and his heart was fast, because the simple fact was that he was nervous for the younger man. Brock wanted nothing more than to be able to go in there with Brian and listen to what his parents had to say to him. But that was the thing, they were his parents, and unfortunately, there was nothing he could do about the situation at hand. He was nothing but a bystander, nothing but a piece in the scheme of things. And he couldn't help but to think that this trip would have been better if Brian would have came alone. But he knew better, he knew that the Irishman was tired of keeping secrets.
"I'll try to hurry," Brian said as he opened the car door. He kissed Brock before climbing out and making his way down the sidewalk to the house. This trip had been hell. He regretted it; no, he was sure that regret wasn't the right word for it. He loved showing his boyfriend around Dublin, and he loved them being able to spend more time together... But his parents had been the key piece to his misery. Of course, they didn't know how much Brian and Brock had already been through, and just when Brian thought things were going to finally be normal, they were turned upside down all over again. Would he and the older man ever have a normal relationship? Or would there always be something keeping them from being happy? Brian didn't like to think like that. He liked to stay optimistic.
With an exhale, he turned to look at Brock one more time, the older man giving him a thumbs up, before knocking on the front door of his parent's house. He stood there for a few moments, switching his weight from one foot to the other, before his mother had finally answered. "Brian!" She smiled when she saw him standing there, but Brian didn't feel like smiling. How could she be happy when she knew her own son and husband were feuding with each other? It wasn't a time to smile, or be joyous, and the younger man envied her for that. He just had too much negativity to deal with all of this right now. "It's late... I was starting to think you wouldn't show," She continued as she let her son into the house.
Brian sighed as he sat down on one of the couches, looking away as he heard his mom shut the door. "Yeah, well, Brock's in the car and we have a flight to catch soon, so we need to hurry." His voice was void of any emotion, and he was surprised at himself for keeping his calm and cool composure for so long already. But he knew, whatever his parents, or father really, had to say, he had to be strong, and he couldn't let it get to him. Plus, he had to remind himself that he had Brock to fall back on, and that the older man would be there for him no matter what. But still, that comforting aspect didn't calm his racing heartbeat, or stop his palms from sweating profusely. He was anxious, and there was no other way to put it.
But as soon as the Irishman had said those words, his dad came slowly down the stairs. "Don't worry, I'll keep it short and simple." He interrupted sternly.
Brian couldn't help but to give a glare, "Good."
His father finally made it down the stairs, and sat on the couch across from his son. "There was a reason your mother and I invited you over here... And no, it wasn't so we could meet Brock." He continued, and Brian didn't say anything yet, he only listened, confused, wondering just what his dad was getting at.
His mother sighed, "Just get out with it." Clearly, she was in a rush as well.
"Now Brian... You're a good kid, don't get me wrong..." He began to trail off and Brian tuned out if only for a moment. He didn't want to be here, he wanted to be with Brock, he wanted to be on the plane back home already. This was not important; whatever his parents had to fucking say couldn't be too important, especially not after what his father had done the previous day. But his blue eyes drifted to his mother, who was standing in the doorway of the kitchen with an imminent frown on her face. Her matching eyes were sad, and Brian was still confused. However, his father's voice brought him back from his thoughts. "...I didn't want to say anything with your boyfriend around, but you're getting married." He revealed, and nothing but silence lingered in the air.
"What?"
"You heard me, Brian, you're getting married." His father repeated.
Hell, it took him a moment to process. "Dad, Brock and I haven't-" But his eyes widened in realization as he finally figured out just what exactly his father was talking about. It was her. All this time it was her and Brian was blind and immune to it. He stood up, visibly angry now, "No... No... You can't... Are you serious?" He questioned, sending accusing glares to both of his parents. His mother was quiet, sad, letting everything happen and unfold in front of her. "You can't make me marry her!" He yelled, hoping that Brock couldn't hear him out in the car.
"I can, and I will." The older man said simply.
"I love Brock, if I'm marrying anybody it's going to be him." His eyes began to water, and his hands began to shake. It was too much. Arranged marriage? In this day and age? It was practically unheard of. And he would be damned if he had to break Brock's heart again. He couldn't even imagine... He didn't even want to think of that right now. But his chest heaved and he felt like he was going to be sick at any given moment.
"Brian, we are your parents, and you will do as we say." His father was monotone now, it was clear he was trying not to get angry.
"I'm an adult!"
His father shook his head, "Doesn't matter."
The Irishman looked at his mother who hadn't moved from her spot from the kitchen doorway, "You're just going to let this happen!?" He couldn't control the tone of his voice, he was borderline screaming now. "What happened to you being on my team? Supporting me? This is fucking bullshit!" His breathing was erratic, his lungs felt full, and that drowning feeling lingered overtop of him. And finally, he broke. Brian sat back down on the couch, burying his face in his hands. He didn't want to cry in front of his parents, he had wanted to remain strong... But right now? He was sobbing, and his chest ached. "You can't ask me to do that Brock again... I already hurt him once... I just, you can't." His body shook as he let the waves consume him; tears leaking down his face. "Please." His voice was breaking, hoarse.
"Everything's already set up. It's not a choice."
It was silent again, Brian still trying to control his weeping. But finally, after a few moments, he looked back up, both of his parents still in the same spot. "How much time?" His voice was still broken, goddamn, his heart was broken. Brock's heart would be broken. Everything was messed up, everything was falling apart... And from that moment, the Irishman began to wonder if he and Brock just weren't meant to be happy together. There was always something working against them. He hated it, and he hated himself because the majority of their problems were his fault.
"A week to get rid of Brock."
"Get rid of him?" He questioned, tears still coming. "Do you even hear yourself right now?" Didn't his parents know what it was like to be in love? Didn't his parents care about his happiness at all? They were being so selfish and Brian couldn't believe it. At that moment, he wanted to just tell them to not bother with him. But they were his parents... Weren't your parents supposed to love you unconditionally no matter what? Brian knew the answer to that question already; only one person loved him unconditionally, and it wasn't the girl that his mom and dad wanted him to marry.
"You know what I mean," His dad got out. "And I'm serious Brian, you're going to go through with this, I don't care if you like it or not."
Another sob shook through him, "Dad..." He shook his head. "Why can't I-"
"It's not a choice."
