Gabriel barely noticed the damn thing at first.

It sat parallel to the mirror itself and showed him his reflection as the normal mirror would have, but something was off. He doesn’t even remember what it had been that raised the hairs at the back of his neck.

Had it been the way his eyes didn’t track right? Or the way it moved- the way it twisted and bent at the ends? He’d thought that the mirror was simply broken. Perhaps fake glass, simply a cheap piece of vinyl film that started fraying at the edges overtime.

Gabriel was invited out for drinks after work. He figured ‘Sure, why not? Been too long since I let my hair down and went out for a proper social interaction’ and it was _Jonathan _who asked him- Christ, how could he even try to say no to that face!?

The place had been some dimly lit and damn near rundown old pub that was hidden away between two other equally old buildings. One that had been refurbished into some kind of crappy overpriced antique shop and the other Gabriel hadn’t even bothered to glance at.. he wonders what it is now though. He wonders how long he’ll be stuck wondering. Wondering and remembering and wondering and remembering-

Jonathan was in that one light blue Henley, the one that compliments his eyes. God, he thinks he’ll miss that Henley the most. Wouldn’t have to miss it though if he hadn’t been a coward.

Jonathan, sweet Jonathan, had rested a hand on his knee as his face sported that same soft smile that always made Gabe feel safe. His first day on the job he’d nearly had a nervous breakdown in the bathroom until Jon found him with the softest smile and the sweetest voice that just floated through the enclosed room like cloud on the breeze.

Gabriel ran. Stood up without warning and gave some excuse about needing the restroom. He doesn’t know what Jon said as he pushed himself out of his seat, as he rushed to the bathroom without even a glance back at the man he’d left by the bar.

The door creaked loudly as he opened it. The general appearance nearly sent him away, but still he stepped in and still stood before the mirror as he threw water into his face.

Gabriel had simply reached to straighten it, the movement unthinking and almost instinctive. His damp hand barely grazed it before everything changed around him.

He doesn’t know how long he’s been here. He doesn’t know where he is. He doesn’t know what it is keeping him suspended in this blackened abyss. He doesn’t know if it even is a blackened abyss. He can’t tell if his eyes are open for he sees nothing, smells nothing, the only sensations still intact is the feeling of the clothes on his back and the sound of his own breathing in his ears. He can’t help but feel like he’s remembering less and less..

Gabriel barely noticed the damn thing at first.