The next few days were busier than ever, what with everyone flying to Dublin and what not. Brian was the first to arrive, because after all, it was his wedding. He arrived just ten hours later after he left, and he couldn't help the sour taste in his mouth as his parent's house came into view. The feeling of nausea arose in his gut, and he wanted so desperately for Brock to be here with him, holding his hand, calming him. But as much as he wanted it, he knew he would never get it; it would never come to be. Brian shook his head as he grabbed his bags from the cab and headed up the sidewalk. If he played his cards right these next few days, he would never see this damned house ever again.

Because of the wedding, Brian was staying with his parents, and she was staying with hers. They hadn't flown together because of some stupid wedding tradition, hell, Brian wasn't sure what it was. It didn't matter though, none of it ever mattered. Especially at this moment in time because the Irishman had decided back at home, in the closet, that he was not going through with this wedding. So, without anymore second thought, he changed his demeanor as he walked into that house, deciding that his parents were not going to see him upset, his parents were not going to see him distraught. His parents were going to see him confident, angry, and then on the day of the wedding, not at all.

When he did knock on the door, his mother answered it immediately. "Oh Brian! I'm so glad your flight made it here safely." She embraced her son with open arms. It was getting late in the evening, so it was almost time for dinner, as well as bed. "Supper will be done shortly, why don't you go settle into your room?" It was funny how she was acting completely normal; like all of this was okay. But Brian only nodded as he observed the house. It was the same as the last time he was here, and where was his father? Nevertheless, he took his bags and headed upstairs, shutting the door behind him. The wedding was in one more day, he'd only have to endure this hell for one more day.

Brian didn't bother unpacking. He left everything in his bags and decided to rest before dinner was finished. Laying on the bed, he couldn't help but to think of Brock. Mostly because the last time he was in this room, the older man was with him. They'd made love on this bed, and the sheets still smelled like him... Brian's heart nearly faltered in his chest. One more day... That was his mantra to get through this period of unrest, this period of darkness that had him so down and depressed. And no, he didn't have a plan, in fact, he wasn't sure what he was going to do to get out of this wedding... This mess. All he knew was that he was in fact, getting the hell out of it.

When dinner was all done and ready, his mother called him downstairs, and there was still no sight of his father. It wasn't unusual, but still, the man was mostly always home before supper. He sat down at the table and waited for his mom to bring the food before he asked, "Where's dad at?" There was confusion clear in his voice. But of course, he sort of already had an idea of where the older man was. It didn't surprise him, in fact, it brought him relief to know that his father wouldn't be staying here the same time as himself.

His mother sat down at the table as well before she spoke, "He's decided to stay somewhere else until the wedding." She admitted with hurt in her eyes.

In that moment, Brian scoffed, learning that he had predicted the outcome, "Oh, I see."

"Brian, it's not your fault."

"Isn't it?" He shot right back, trying his best not to get angry. It was his fault, and he had to remind himself that it wasn't his mother's fault, but in a way, it was. She could have stopped this, she could have persuaded his father that this was not the right thing to do. But instead, she didn't. She was a bystander in the big scheme of things who didn't take responsibility when it was her turn. "Is he really that pissed at me? About..." He couldn't bring himself to say it. So, he took a breath, swallowed, and tried again. "About loving Brock?" His name burned his tongue when he spoke, it triggered something inside him.

"Of course not," His mom shook her head. "You just... We all know how your father can be sometimes." And there she was, making excuses for his hateful behavior and Brian couldn't stand it. But she was right, his dad had always been that way; a bigot. A person who couldn't accept something that was outside the norm, or something they couldn't understand. Brian merely shook his head and the silence consumed them while they ate their dinner. There was no use in trying to convince his mother anymore when clearly, she was being shadowed by his dad. They were a team, and essentially, whatever his father said, that was what was followed. It was the way it had always been. Brian hated it. Maybe he wouldn't be so affected if his parents weren't in his life anymore...

Amidst the quiet, he decided to speak. "I'm not getting married. I hope you know that."

"Brian-" His mother was shocked, but he cut her off.

With a deep breath, he spoke. "If you know your son well enough, you know that I'm not going to just give in." He was busy looking down at his plate because he didn't want to see his mom's reaction. He didn't want to see her face because he needed to get this out. "And if I can do things right this time, then I pray to god that Brock will take me back again after you and dad have fucked things up for me." Brian was monotone, and then, he finally looked up. "Don't you want to see your son happy?" His mother had tears in her eyes when he got done ranting.

She shook her head, "You do what you need to do Brian... But just know, your father is unforgiving. And if you can live with that... Then, just, do it."

"I can." He nodded, and finally, he had a plan.

"Okay." His mother replied with a sad nod, and they continued to eat their dinner. Suddenly, Brian felt like a weight had been relieved from his shoulders. He felt like he could breathe again. Hell, he felt like he could live again. This was it, he knew what he was going to do. He was finally going to get his happy ending.

When the day of the wedding arrived, Brock overslept, and then when he did finally wake up, he didn't get out of bed. It was like there was this power, this force, holding him there, keeping him prisoner. The guys had sent him texts, telling him that they hoped he was okay, and that if he needed anything to give them a call. Of course, they were all going to the wedding; despite everything, Brian was their friend, and they were still going to be there, in that church, supporting him... Even if Brock was still suffering a broken heart. But he laid in bed, counting down the hours, the minutes, until this dreadful day would be over.

When the day of the wedding arrived, Brian's father finally came back home. The younger man dressed in his suit to put on the façade that he was going to the wedding, even though he wasn't. His mother cried all morning because she knew; she knew what was about to happen, and she knew the day's events were not going to be so kind. And once everyone was dressed and ready, Brian's father had decided to head to the church one final time to make sure everything was in place. This was it. Once he left, Brian sought out his mother to give her the note he had written last night. "When I don't show up, when everyone's wondering what's going on, I want you to read this, okay? Can you do that for me?" He inquired, giving her the folded up piece of paper.

After all, he wanted his guests, his family to have closure, so, he left that responsibility to his mother. "I can." She agreed, before pulling Brian into her arms. "Now go... Be happy." Brian didn't say anything, he only took his bags, got in the cab, and was on his way to the airport with a ticket to Utah. Meanwhile, his mother headed to the church with a smile on her face. She hoped and prayed everything would work out for her son, and she knew everything was going to be okay, despite his angry father. He would get over it eventually. All that was left was to read the note, the note that would end it all, for good.

I can't do it.
I need to be with Brock.
I hope you can all understand that.

-Brian