Rain

A/N: Well this is my first slash novel length anyhting :D I'm pretty sure I know where this is going but I could be wrong. Hope you enjoy :D. Kay~





The sky was a mass of swirling grey and thunder rumbled faintly in the distance. It was raining. It had been raining for the past three days in a row- much to Gabriel’s displeasure. It’s soothing and calming qualities always failed to encourage feelings of tranquility in him like it did many others, so he closed his eyes for the entire journey.

The sleek, black car pulled up slowly to the parking lot at the train station. The young man inside stared miserably at the rain drops rolling down the tinted car window and sighed. The dark windows could not hide it. They never could. Looking out, he could see that large puddles had already begun to cover the ground.

The driver made no attempt to move, so they sat for minutes in silence, broken only by the patter of the rain on the metal roof.

“We could use a charm to get you on the train. All the muggles seem to be sheltering or distracted by it. I’m sure no one will notice,” the driver offered.

Gabriel sighed. “It’s much too risky, but thank you for offering. The umbrella will just have to do.”

The boy pressed his eyes with the palms of his hands and inhaled, leaning forward until his long black hair covered his eyes when his hands fell to his knees.

“Gabriel…”

“I’ll be alright, Artemis,” he whispered to the tired, blue eyes surveying him in the mirror. They scrutinized him for one second more before closing in surrender.

Gabriel ran his fingers through his hair and tugged at the cuffs of his shirt idly, dreading having to leave the familiar warmth to brave the chill and pouring water outside.

The gleaming door at the front opened with a click and out stepped an aged man, holding an unusually large, black umbrella.

He promptly opened the door at the rear for the young man. A well polished black, leather shoe is seen first, before long fingers slide out and grip the sides for support. The tall boy emerged and stepped precisely under the umbrella that the man was holding.

He brushed off his fine silk shirt and looked around with distaste.

“Thank you, Artemis.” He took the umbrella from the man as he started pulling his contents from the trunk of the car.

Pursing his lips, he carefully tip-toed over the puddles to stand by the man called Artemis. The man handed him his belongings and looked at him proudly.

“Good luck sir,” he said, placing a hand on his shoulder and checking is amber eyes for any sign of panic.

Gabriel gave him a small smile. “How many times have I told you not to call me sir?”

“About as many times as I’ve called you it, sir,” Artemis replied smiling.

“You know how I feel about that,” he groused quietly.

“Yes I know young master but-”

Artemis suddenly stopped talking and began coughing violently. Gabriel dropped his trunk and was at his guardian’s side in an instant.

“Artemis! Are you all right?” He had one trembling hand across the man’s chest for support but the other clutched the umbrella ever firmly.

“Quite fine,” he wheezed, “just a cough.”

“Are you sure?” Gabriel asked in a broken voice, offering the older man his handkerchief.

“Yes, yes. Nothing to fuss over.” Artemis took it gratefully and muffled another cough.

Gabriel reluctantly let go of him when he moved to stand but studied his face.

“Are you absolutely certain it’s nothing?”

“Yes. I’m afraid I’ve been out in the rain too long,” he lied.

Artemis smiled reassuringly until Gabriel seemed satisfied and turned away.

Gabriel quickly acquired a trolley from the stack and though he protested avidly against it, Artemis helped him.

“Will you be returning home for the holidays?” He asked as Gabriel was ready to go.

Gabriel smiled halfheartedly.

“Yes. I will…see you at Christmas,” he said quietly, studying the white cloth that hung from between his closed hand.

Before he could protest, Artemis closed the gap between them and pulled him into a tight hug. He was shocked by the man’s sudden show of affection, as he had never done it before. He tensed up slightly but he retuned it fully with understanding.

“Good bye, Master Gabriel,” he whispered into his ear.

Gabriel nearly flinched at the sound of his name; the name that Artemis had never once used before. It stabbed him like a knife to his heart to hear it whispered now.

It took all his strength to fight back the quiver on his lips. Nothing good ever came when it rained. “Goodbye, Artemis.”

When he pulled away, he could not bring himself to look the man in the eye. He knew he would regret it but he was never good in situations like this. He turned his back and walked away slowly, not daring to look back.

“Don’t worry sir! I’m sure the rain will stop soon!” He heard Artemis yell behind him. He raised a hand with a quick and last glance over his shoulder.

Artemis waved at the boy that he had raised from a child and smiled. He couldn’t help the swelling feeling that rose in his chest. His boy had grown up, and even though he wasn't his son, he loved him like it.

He looked forlornly at the white handkerchief and frowned. He carefully folded it and pocketed it, hiding away the red stain that would tear them apart.