Free Web NovelChapter 263: _My Fourth Link
"So," Ambrose huffed through his mouth, forcing a not-so-friendly smile directed at Gabriel’s mother. "Anyone wants to address the elephant in the room or...?"
Sadly they hadn’t taken Adriana’s offer of having pie. They all just sat in the living room awkwardly—avoiding eye contact or pretending there was some groundbreaking shit on their phones.
They should’ve spent about five minutes doing that.
And he’d had about enough.
Mrs Silverstone’s disinterest in talking to him couldn’t be clearer. "What elephant?"
Although Ambrose was tempted to say ’I’m staring at one’ he held his breath for a couple of seconds before answering. "I think you know what I’m talking about, Mrs Silverstone."
"Do I?"
"Yes, you do." Ambrose straightened his sitting position, eyes narrowing on the older woman. "Why don’t we talk about how your entire mood changed faster than a chameleon’s when you found out I’m a damn fag?"
Gabriel’s eyes bulged.
Tristan nearly inhaled his beer through the wrong hole while Adriana placed a hand on her mouth.
Mrs Silverstone arched her brow. "Hmph. What? Can people say that now?"
"Just the people who it’s used against," Ambrose was quick with his responses. "You know... the same way black people reclaimed the ’n’ word."
"Ambrose—" Gabriel tried and failed to stop him.
"No, Gabriel. I was going to be silent, but you know what?" His silver eyes flitted to Gabriel for a moment before returning to his mother. "What grounds do you have to condemn people? Hm? In this day and age."
"You have no right to patronise me, young man."
"Oh, I feel I do. In the same way, you had a lot to say about me simply because I like men. Yes—I heard most of it while I was outside." A pause. "And I’ll be damned before I let prejudice like yours stand."
He rose off his couch, adjusting his clothes. "Homosexuals have existed as long as humanity, ma’am. The queers, gays... everyone of us are all around the world. We’re your neighbours. Your DL friends who married women to stay safe. Your co-workers. The kind woman taking her dog for a walk."
By the time he finished saying all that his chest was heavy.
"My faith tells me otherwise." She shot. "We were made man and woman—"
"I don’t expect your views on my kind to change magically," he lifted his chin, noticing the way something rare flashed in her eyes.
Guilt?
He wasn’t sure but he went on anyway, "but next time you see two men holding hands or two ladies kissing and immediately feel disgust... maybe ask yourself why. If your God exists I doubt he’ll be glad that you treat his own creations with such disdain."
[You tell em’, sweetheart!]
’Shh. I’m trying to have a moment here.’
Ambrose knew there was no point in saying anything else. So he gave the woman one last look before heading for the door.
"Gabriel, could you please open a portal for me?" He threw a glance over his shoulder.
The SS-Rank was petrified in his seat. There was anger visible on his face.
For a second Ambrose thought it was directed at him. But no.
Gabriel Silverstone shot up to his feet, barely sparing his mother a look. The woman blinked with betrayal.
"Gabriel? Don’t tell me you’re upset—"
"That you dehumanised my friend in my presence?" Gabriel found himself asking. "Oh, mother, I’m beyond upset. At you. And at myself for letting behaviour like this slide from you and dad for so long."
Ambrose’s lips curved with pride.
Mrs Silverstone shook her head, struggling to get up. "W–What are you—"
"Bye." He swiped a finger forward, ripping a hole through space.
Then he did something that utterly stunned Ambrose.
He walked to the Guide, grabbed his hand without an ounce of hesitation... then strode confidently past the bright white light from the portal ahead.
★★★★★
[ALERT: Permanent link creation process continued with the target.]
[25%... 28%... 31%...]
Ambrose watched the numbers change at a refreshingly fast rate as he and Gabriel appeared in his backyard. The Esper still hadn’t let go of his hand, instead angling his head to him.
"That was..." his throat constricted. Then freed up again. "Intense."
"You’re telling me."
They both chuckled.
With a wry smile, Gabriel pivoted until his body was facing the Guide completely. "I have to apologise for all that—"
"Gabriel, you don’t need to—"
"And I also have to thank you." Gabriel cut in, his grip on his hand tightening. "I can’t remember the last time I spoke to my mother that way. You gave me the courage I needed and honestly?"
He sighed, his teeth shining in a grin. "It felt absolutely freeing. So again, thank you."
Ambrose pursed his lips.
He should be happy about that.
But the permanent link creation progression glowing at the corner of his vision made him want to hide himself out of guilt.
Valentine was out there, probably feeling betrayed after finding out what he did. Yet here he was, about to lure in another man because of the system’s stupid deadlines.
His eyes fell as he reluctantly pulled away his fingers. "I," he shook his head. "I can’t do this."
[Permanent link creation halted.]
’Shut it down entirely.’ Ambrose held Gabriel’s gaze, watching the way a million questions flashed behind his eyes. "I’m sorry. I–I was about to go through with something just now and I just... can’t."
[Ambrose? Sweetheart, I know you’re feeling guilty but—]
’Aura? Do me a favour and hush.’
Gabriel appeared more confused. "I don’t understand. What are we talking about?"
Ambrose paused.
If he went through with this... he’d have to put all his trust in Gabriel. That no matter what he won’t reveal this particular secret to anyone.
And after everything they’ve been through? Well—
"I have the ability to create multiple permanent links with different Espers," Ambrose let the words out faster than an assault rifle. "I’ve linked with Devon. Viktor. Valentine... and I was about to do the same thing with you. Without your consent."
"Devon was originally my only fated Esper but I’ve far pushed beyond that." His chest caved in at the way Gabriel stared at him now.
Not with confusion anymore. No—this was something clearer.
"...You," he blinked repeatedly, "stopped... because you wanted my consent?"
