It felt like hours were passing as he waited for the sheriff to arrive. He was stood waiting at the window by the front door impatiently. Car by car passed and none were his. In reality it had been 5 minutes, but Mayor Jones struggled with the concept of time. At a young age he'd been diagnosed with anxiety, but it had progressively gotten worse over the years, especially when Fred came along. Why did he feel anxious about the sheriff coming over anyway? He wasn't even sure himself. Bronson came over most days to discuss business and new possible tourist attractions. But the more the sheriff came over, the closer they were becoming. It had even got to a point that if Mayor Jones was struggling or in need of confiding in someone, the sheriff would stay over in the spare bedroom. It was strange really. While Fred was growing up, Bronson was there a lot of the time. Mainly because Jones was going through a rough patch, but he was helping to take care of young Freddie while caring for his boss and managing the law. Perhaps having him there had felt almost like he had a partner. A work husband? He wasn't sure what to class him as. He had a lot of respect for Bronson. More respect for him than he'd ever had for anyone. Soon his thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, that must be him. He quickly fixed up his suit and rushed to the door, opening it. His eyes soon met with the Sheriff's. He always got a strange feeling when that happened, as if someone had punched him in the gut. The sheriff chuckled and glanced over at him
"You lost your voice or somethin Jones?" He asked with a sneer. Clearly the sheriff was referring to the long silence and stare that Mayor Jones was giving him.
"uh- no- no just come in" he laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck, stepping aside so the sheriff could enter. As he did so he cursed mentally. He couldn't make a complete fool of himself in front of the sheriff, he saw him as a strong and careless leader. Not as some hopeless guy who seemed shy and bashful around him.
"so what's the issue? I know you only call me over this early for business or for a good rant." He chuckled as he sat down on the leather couch.
"well...actually..." Jones froze up as he tried to find the words to say to his colleague. Normally he knew exactly what to say, he was like an open book! At least- that's the way it used to be. Where could he even begin? The fact that his son was letting him down? The fact that he felt like a failure of a father? He obviously couldn't tell him the truth about who he was and the past. All of these thoughts festered in his mind. They toyed with him. They tripped him up just when he was getting back on track with himself again. There was no escaping it. It was an endless maze of dread and remorse. He could feel his palms begin to sweat and his cheeks burn to the touch. Not because he was embarrassed, but he could feel himself starting to panic and stress. His palms were sticky with sweat and his eyebrows became furrowed. No. This couldn't be happening in front of the sheriff surely, this couldn't be real. Jones was diagnosed with anxiety at a very young age, only he'd never told anybody about it due to feeling like it was a weakness. That it would make him seem like less of a leader. He couldn't have that.
"Jones...what's going on?..." Bronson began as he noticed the sudden change in his boss' behaviour. He looked as though he might have a breakdown any second.
"Nothing's wrong I just-" he was finding it hard to breathe now. His chest tightened and his pupils shrank. He was turning pale. He started to tremble, noticeably in this knees and his hands. He had to sit down or he was afraid he might crumble in front of Bronson. All of his thoughts were clashing with one another, having a battle in his head that caused him far too much stress and worry. Then suddenly. The water works came. Floods upon floods of tears poured from Jones' eyes. He tried to keep his mouth closed tightly shut in order not to sob and make a fool of himself. He felt so ashamed. He stood with his head hung low as he crumbled apart before the Sheriff, who now looked concerned.
"Oh Jones..." he muttered under his breath. He'd never seen his boss like this. He wasn't sure what to say or do. Although his mother had always taught him, actions speak louder than words. So without hesitation, he pulled him slowly into a warm embrace. As he did so he rested his head on top of the Mayor's, his eyes closed as he gently stroked his back. "You can let it all out..I won't judge.." he whispered soothingly
"I'm a failure of a father Bronson...I try to bring out the best in Fred but all I seem to do is crush his spirits..I can't even hug him without feeling so foolish..." he whispered before his lip began to quiver. It became hard to breathe again. His breathing quickly shifted to hyperventilating as he buried his face deep into the Sheriff's chest, soaking his shirt with his painful tears. It was too much for him to handle. He was so overwhelmed he couldn't think straight. "All I do day in day out is try to make him into me..and he's not me...why can't it be easier?! Why can't I be like other dad's and buy him gifts, take him out places and make him laugh?!" He yelled out in a tone that could only be described as hurt. Bronson was speechless. But he wasn't prepared to give up on his boss. He gently ran circles around the mayor's back using his index finger, trying to calm him down as much as possible. As he did so he backed him up towards the couch, allowing him to sit down so he wasn't awkwardly stood. Upon sitting beside him there was then a long silence. For at least ten minutes. It began with Jones sobbing his heart out uncontrollably, wrapped in the sheriff's arms as he poured out his emotions. The sheriff just sat there, happy to be with him and reassure him. He would often gently stroke his arm or whisper little sayings to make him aware that he was safe and all was okay. After those ten minutes passed, Jones had his head rested on the sheriff's shoulder, eyes half open and bright red from crying.
Bronson stared down at him. He still had no words, but in a different sense. That even after crying, after sobbing uncontrollably and hysterically, Jones still looked as handsome as always. Was he noticing this more now? Of course he couldn't deny that his boss had the looks, but did it mean something more to him? He knew Jones was full of secrets but, so was he. And that secret was...he was undeniably in love with the Mayor. He had been from day one. The bond they had formed over the years couldn't just be passed off as great pals, for heavens sake he became like a second parent to Fred. They were together 24/7, they never left one another's side. They were inseparable. Bronson always thought the notion of being inseparable from someone made him look silly, ridiculous even. But now he saw why. He was inseparable from the mayor, he never left his side even when things seemed too difficult. It felt like true love, at least in his eyes. But he wasn't sure if he was being rational with his feelings.
"I'm so sorry you had to see that..." Jones began, his tone full of embarrassment. Bronson paused for a moment before speaking
"oh god don't be..how long have you been keeping that in for?" He questioned as he placed an arm around the weary Mayor. Jones sighed and looked away
"Wouldn't you like to know..honestly it's been a long time since I've cried..showing emotion is just..weak." He grumbled and stared down "I'm supposed to be a leader, not a wimp. Imagine the town saw me this way, what would they think of me then Bronson? I'd be a sad excuse of a mayor if you ask me."
"Well." Bronson started as he looked down at Jones. He slowly reached his hand out and cupped the Mayor's tear stained cheek, tilting his head up so their eyes met "I think they'd think that it makes you human. Being a man doesn't mean you have to be big and strong and tough. That's a stereotype. You have to be you. And if I'm honest Mayor, sometimes the real you comes out, and he's one heck of a guy...not the guy who constantly thinks about his job and the future..the guy who lives in the present, knows how to have a laugh..and really knows how to brighten someone's day.." he whispered, that part of course referring to himself. Jones glanced up at him with a dumbfounded look. He'd never heard this side of Bronson before, this charming, loving and gentle side. It was rather endearing, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't like it.
"But...what about Fred...I'm constantly putting him down for my own goddamn insecurities...I've made mistakes before..not good ones...and I'm scared to...to lose him because of that-" he gulped, his bottom lip trembling again. He stopped himself there, too much detail would be dreadful. Bronson sighed and pulled him closer, gently taking hold of his hands
"If there's one thing I'm sure of Mayor...it's that the kid loves you...he loves you more than traps..he constantly tries to impress you, to brighten your day and help anyway he can. I know he can be challenging, heck I should know, I always see him behind bars..but he's a son with a whole lot of love for his dad behind that meddling kid. And my god he would do anything to make you happy..." he whispered, his own eyes widening when he said that, clearly he felt the same. Bronson would do anything to make sure Jones was safe and content. It was his one wish.
"Truth be told..I was always afraid that...after having parents that didn't really care much about me...I'd grow up unloved...and never find someone who truly cared...it gets so...so lonely Bronson...and on days like this I worry...if anyone out there really does love me..and why would they if they did?..." he sighed and closed his eyes. Bronson wouldn't have this
"You take that back right now Jones." He huffed and tilted his head up "You have to be the most inspiring, most perseverant, most wonderful man I know. You never back away from a challenge, you constantly put others before you when making decisions for the town. You're an amazing person. And it kills me that you don't see that. Because if you saw yourself the way that I see you...you'd see no flaws..." he whispered "You never have to be afraid of nobody loving you..." he cooed softly as he leant closer, their faces inches from each other now. "Because no matter what everyone else thinks...I'll always love you Mayor Jones.." The mayor was gobsmacked, but at the same time his questions had been answered. Maybe Bronson did feel the same. He slowly shifted his gaze to Bronson's eyes. Oh how he could stare into them for hours. He slowly leant closer, his eyes starting to close
"Oh Bronson...you're the only person to truly understand me...you have no idea how much I love you..." he cooed, his lips practically about to touch the sheriff's.
"Yeah well...like I said...when it comes to you Mayor...I'd do anything..." He'd say in a loving tone, ready to plant a kiss on his lips before flinching as his phone started to ring. "Convenient...I'm sorry about this-" he muttered as he answered "Sheriff Bronson stone." He grumbled. Jones was so caught up in the moment he'd thought it was all a dream. But no, this was real, he'd almost had his chance to kiss the guy of his dreams. But as per usual something was in the way. After a while Bronson put down the phone and rolled his eyes
"You wont believe who's not in school." He'd say, shaking his head. Mayor Jones knew instantly
"That boy." He sighed and shook his head "mind heading out there to see what the fuss is about sheriff?" He questioned.
"Well I planned to anyways so, I'll be off." He chuckled and got to his feet, dusting himself off "need anything else before I go?" He asked. Jones Just shook his head and smiled
"No. But thank you for this, it means a lot to me.." Jones whispered before leaning forward and pressing his lips against the sheriff's cheek. He pulled away slowly with bright red cheeks "And do NOT tell anyone about that-" he gulped "In fact just pretend it never happened!!" He laughed in a flustered stage.
Bronson approached the door with a chuckle, his own cheeks red too "Don't worry Mayor. Your secret is safe with me." He cooed before walking out, leaving Jones alone once more.