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The harsh scent of beer could be smelt on a very intoxicated Mason. Gabriel knew it, and so did the rest of Jaxon's guests that were seated around the fire in his backyard. They could see him struggling to keep his balance, and Mason knew he was struggling to keep it. It was like Gabriel was having some sort of outer body experience, as a six pack of beer and a whole lot of ignorance started talking through Mason's mouth.<br/>
<br/>
Gabriel  released a slow controlled breath and attempted to loosen his muscles. He was sitting in his seat like he was primed for a fight, and it was not going to be a physical one but a war of words. After releasing a verbal smackdown, Gabriel rotated his shoulders a little and lolled his head in a circle, allowing the tension he felt from Mason's comments to slacken his muscles back to a casual level of relaxation. <br/>
<br/>
It was a decent effort on his part, and perhaps it was enough to fool the casual observers, like the other men sitting around him. But for the onlooker with a keen eye like Jaxon Pierce, Gabe was a walking advertisement for tension. His brown eyes moved with the alertness that came from experiencing chronic stress, his hands remaining clenched by a subconscious demand for action.<br/>
<br/>
The tension was also diffused by David's witty comment that he wasn't in the mood for a ball and chain either, and by Jaxon casting a level of shame in Mason's direction.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"Fair enough, David."</b> Gabriel released a soft chuckle.<br/>
<br/>
For Mason, it would<i> never </i>be enough.<br/>
<br/>
It had become quite apparent as the night dragged on that the alcohol in his system only made Mason's mouth fire off more random insults directed at those around him, and his legs weren't working the way his brain was telling them to. Neither were his hands or his fists, Mason displaying a poor lack of judgement as he swung at Jaxon and missed. Somewhere deep inside, Gabriel knew Mason's brain had to be sending signals telling him it was time to stop drinking, to shut the hell up, stop starting shit with his friends and hand his keys over to Jaxon so he could get a cab ride home.<br/>
<br/>
Poor Jaxon. He had to deal with Mason's obnoxious, drunken behavior while Gabriel remained a quiet observer. He could have just up and left in a great big, offended huff. Or retreated to his car on the curb, in tears after being called out like that. Gabriel was really trying to recover, and not slip into some of his old habits of sucking down his hurt in return for another to crush him and his feelings. Something about Jaxon, left him feeling stronger and more empowered to stand up for himself and because of that he defended himself without fleeing the party.<br/>
<br/>
Kiv was barking and upset because Jaxon clearly wasn't happy dealing with his drunken friend. Thinking it might be a long shot, Gabriel called Kiv over with the intention of giving him a reassuring pat, and a few calming rubs behind his ears while Jaxon and his friends tried to get Mason settled down, and on his way home safely without killing himself or someone else on the road. It took a few moments but soon Kiv left the group of men, and sat down next to Gabriel's chair. He stroked the dog's back gently, Kiv calming down more now that the noisy atmosphere had dissipated.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"It's okay Kiv. Jaxon's okay. It's Jaxon's idiotic, homophobic friend that doesn't have an off switch when drinking beer."</b> Gabriel whispered to Jaxon's dog.<br/>
<br/>
One by one, Jaxon's friends headed for home, Gabriel wished them all a good night, happy to have met them. Soon, Gabriel was the only guest left.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"I should probably get going soon. I'm sorry that I had to set your friend straight. I just don't like being put on the spot like that. He pissed me off. Your other friends were pretty cool. Especially David."</b> Gabriel admitted.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"Here, Jaxon. Let me help you with breaking down all of this. No sense in you doing it all by yourself, especially after dealing with all of that dysfunction."</b> Gabriel rose from his seat, giving Jaxon a reassuring pat on the shoulder.<br/>
<br/>
Gabriel started collecting the red party cups and paper plates that needed to be thrown away that were left on the tables, placing them into a large, black plastic garbage bag. He stepped around the cornhole boards, and picked up one of the beanbags, giving one last toss that got him ten points.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"Booyah! Ten point shot. I could have used it earlier playing with you," </b>his laughter sounding like bells.<br/>
<br/>
<b>"I've been thinking about something. Maybe we can go see some dogs at the shelter tomorrow? You said you knew a place I could adopt a dog. I think having one might help me a little. You know, relieve some stress. Plus, I can hang out with you a little bit. I really enjoyed tonight even if Mason had foot in mouth disorder."</b><br/>
<br/>
When Gabriel had finished helping Jaxon clean up after the party, he showed his gratitude. <b>"Jaxon, Thanks for inviting me. We'll have to have a cornhole rematch soon! And um...what time would you like to go look at dogs? Just call me, okay? Maybe we can do dinner at my place." </b>Gabriel replied, making the sign for phone next to his ear.<br/>
<br/>
After exchanging goodnights with Jaxon, Gabriel left for home.<br/>
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