Work Text:
Oh, no, we'll never stop believing, it's the journey of our lives
So, won't you help me pour some sugar on these memories tonight…
All things must come to an end. Endings are only beginnings in disguise. When one door closes, another opens…
Stan Switek stared at himself in the dressing room mirror, feeling the weight of the anniversary of Larry's death pressing on him. He’d almost decided not to perform tonight, as it was a day he usually spent drowning his sorrow at a bar. Things had changed now, though, and he figured it was time to make some new traditions. He was forging a new path and hoping to gain peace along with it.
The writing on the wall was in blood, and large enough that even Stan could see it. Sonny and Rico, Sonny and Rico! getting out was the final wake-up call for Stan. He’d hit the snooze button one too many times and couldn’t afford to fall back asleep.
It had been time to admit the gambling was out of control, and being a cop wasn’t conducive to recovery. They’d never quite trust him again, anyway, knowing he was an addict. Something had to give.
So, Stan packed it in and quit the police force.
Do what you love, he’d heard someone say. What did Stan love above all else, after Larry? Elvis. Okay, he had to pull up his big boy pants and admit that as an Elvis impersonator, he stunk. But when one of those first shows drew laughter instead of rotten tomatoes, an idea was born. Now he was a comedy act, centered on how bad he was. It didn’t always work, depending on the audience, but it was enough to keep him going. He’d moved in with Larry’s grandmother, who needed assistance due to her ailing health. Her granddaughters were all busy with their own lives, and it felt good to do something for his partner’s family. It was another step towards healing.
Larry was grinning down at him from above, face soft with affection and understanding. And maybe throwing a rotten tomato even as he laughed at the ridiculous act. Stan kissed the snow globe that was on the table in front of him, adjusted his wig, and rose.
With Larry’s smiling face in his mind, Stan headed to the stage.