Justin wiped the tears out of his eyes and splashed water on his face. He didn't want Brian to see that he'd been crying. When Brian asked if he should come over, he'd wanted to say so much that he could never actually say.
"I'm scared to leave on my own. I can barely walk across the parking lot by myself."
Justin was so relieved that Brian had guessed about Ethan. He'd wanted to tell him, but he'd had no idea how. Should he pack? That he could do…it would take his mind off of what was to come. He turned his laptop off and packed it away. Then, he took out his messenger bag and put his sketch books and pencils in it. He set them on the floor near the door, and, then, he crept into the bedroom and started grabbing clothes out of his drawers, tossing them into a backpack. He froze when he heard a knock on the door. He shut the last drawer and went back out into the living room. He set his backpack by his computer and went to the door, pulling it open after a moment's hesitation.
Despite everything, he couldn't help but flash Brian a million-watt smile when he saw him standing there holding a latte and a coffee…and muffins. How could he be so cool about everything? Justin wished he had that presence of mind. Brian kissed Justin gently on the lips and walked in, setting everything on the kitchen table.
Brian sat down and motioned Justin to join him. Once Justin was seated, Brian asked calmly (he even smiled), "So what are we doing?"
Justin's eyes widened. He wasn't sure what Brian meant.
"Huh?"
Brian chuckled softly. "Not as articulate in the morning, are we? Well, have some coffee. That ought to help."
He handed him a cup. Justin smiled and took it.
Brian watched the blond sipping his coffee for a minute, smiling again, and, then, looked around. He expected to see Justin everywhere, but there was no hint of his presence. He saw a violin (a violinist? Fuck, Sunshine, have some taste! Violin music sounded like dying cats). Sheet music was strewn around the living room and music books lined the bookshelves. Not even one sketch or painting, Justin's or anyone else's. Brian was starting to get pissed. Then, he saw three bags sitting on the floor. Was that everything the boy owned? Now, he was livid.
Brian turned back to Justin. "So, Sunshine, are you ready to go?"
Justin looked up at Brian shyly. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest, and his hands were shaking a little. He took a deep breath and answered, as evenly as he could manage, "Yes."
Brian smiled, stood up, grabbed Justin's bags, and walked toward the door. Justin followed but, then, turned back to grab the muffins. He loved muffins, and he was starving. Brian chuckled. Could he be more fucking adorable?
Justin walked toward the door but, then, froze.
Grimacing, he said, "I have to write him a note, at the very least."
"Or you could just tell him. Who the fuck is he?"
Brian and Justin both looked up in surprise. Justin paled.
"I…"
Brian plastered a fake smile on his face as he set the bags down and walked closer to Ethan extending his hand. Ethan was so surprised that he took it.
Brian's eyes darkened as he said, "Brian Kinney, Justin's new boyfriend. You must be the ex. Ian, was it?"
Ethan stared at Brian for a moment before turning to Justin.
"What the fuck is he talking about, Justin?"
Justin started trembling, but he managed to respond, "Ethan, I…don't love you anymore. I haven't been happy in a couple of years, and I want our relationship to…to end."
Brian looked at Justin and smiled. Again, Justin couldn't help but smile back. Looking into Brian's warm hazel eyes, Justin's heart leapt.