Chapter Text
Anyway...
Walking barefoot through his apartment with the lights off, São Paulo capital opened the refrigerator door and stared at it for a few seconds, deciding which would be his victim at three in the morning.
“Yes, I understood what you meant… No ‘meo, don’t worry, I was still awake anyway.” He balanced the phone on his shoulder, taking a sip of gatorade before setting it down, peering into the kitchen doorway. “I'm worried about you, calling me at this time in a crying voice because of a one night stand.”
His victim was the piece of tapioca cake from the supermarket, taking the entire tray and placing it on the counter, fork ready to attack.
"It was a night with a woman, not a sentence to the guillotine." Júnior chuckled softly, in light teasing as he listened to the concerned voice on the cell phone.
2022: the city of São Paulo enters the Guinness Book with the largest LGBT Parade in the world . He had finally found peace in the satisfaction of self-knowledge (now it was other matters that kept him up at night). Everyone knew what his position and opinions were, and he was glad to see the relief in finding the safe harbor of his worries in himself.
"But do you think anyone saw you?" He chewed, looking at the yellowed and "wet" cake on the tip of the fork that accompanied him in the gossip of the night. "And even if you did, what's the problem? You're old enough to mind your own business between four walls. Come on, repeat that after me."
This country is still far from the protective and tolerant paradise it was preached to be, oh how he knew that. There were twelve million people under his skin, but every now and then he still misses those familiar faces that graced him on his nights out. And if only his ugly face could scare away the imbeciles who still underestimated him for his sexuality.
Ah, how he missed his days of bandeirante, where he commanded and punched any soul under his power in any way he saw fit, with direct blows… A real pity.
"Sister, since the world began, people have been talking and believe me, calling you a sinner is the kindest thing they can do." Even with the candy still in his mouth, the paulista felt the bitterness in the back of his tongue. Dropping the fork, he rubbed his eyes, brows rising in resignation. "I know, I know it hurts. But you need to understand that there's nothing wrong with you in the first place. I swear by everything on this earth… There's nothing wrong with you."
There was nothing wrong with him - the phrase which he wished, for a long time, to console his ears, and which he now repeated, continually and indiscriminately, to all who needed it.
Unconsciously, he brought his right hand to his face, lips touching the gold band on his ring finger.
Júnior had finally opened his heart to his State, throwing the truths of his existence into its lap in a bitter, drunken voice, daring it to turn his back on him. Would he be by his side, after learning of yet another of his coincidences, the affection for his equal? Or else would he upbraid him, for joining him in such vile acts?
He wouldn't be able to face him anymore if he rejected him.
But Paulo, eloquent as he always was, just reached out and squeezed his shoulder, not looking away. He didn't utter a single word, but the fingers squeezing his flesh brought him once more to the ground, the depth of coffee irises saying all he needed to.
"I already knew, boy."
"No, I would never condemn you for that."
"You will always have my protection."
"You need to be more cautious."
"I do care about you."
"You're getting soft, you know? " He repeated the single sentence his father had told him, a smile on his face at the memory of decades ago. Behind him, shuffling slippered footsteps announced a second presence, sleepy and nodding his head asking what he was doing up at that hour.
"In the end, it's only up to you to find out who it is. I don't have any mind-reading powers yet, unfortunately." He just gestured, talk for another time. With a smile fixed on his face, he didn't even have to look when he saw Santos move slowly towards the fridge, hearing the irritated "tsk" as he picked up his half-empty bottle of gatorade.
"Huh, sweet tooth as hell."
"And if things get really tense… I mean, even if they don't, and you need a break, my house is open. And I mean that." São Paulo city softened his voice, in the firm and welcoming tone he used on rare occasions, assuming the role of older brother to so many six hundred. "Call me if you need me, I may take a while to answer but I'll do everything to listen to you. Maybe a few days in the capital will cool your head."
He hung up, and when he turned around, he was alone again. Cell phone in hand, he sat in the dark for minutes, only the soft beeping of appliances accompanying him as he stood there, staring into space.
He still had a lot to do. And how it tired him, he could only protect with promises those who asked him for help.
Júnior made his last trip through the kitchen, throwing the fork and tray into the sink before heading back to his own room, crawling across the mattress until he lay down beside his brother, facing João's back. The older one turned, opening his arms and cradling him against his chest as he laid his head there, his fingers in his locks.
"Where is it, that turn you off?" São Paulo chuckled, tangling his fingers in the hair on the elder city's chest.
"Aren't you going to ask who it was?"
"Tomorrow." In response, he lifted his face and met him halfway in a chaste kiss, before bringing Santos' right hand to his lips, kissing the twin ring on his finger. His boyfriend.
"Thanks for accepting me." He whispered against the warm phalanges.
"That doesn't pay for my gatorade, you know?" Junior chuckled, feeling João's stubble on his forehead as he kissed him. "But I think I can take it."