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A/N: Y'know, even I'm wondering when this story might end to be honest with you all. Not that I'm bored with it, but I figured I'd feel that 'stop' moment like… four chapters back, man. I don't even know what happened four chapters back! Well, I'm hoping it won't pull into July. If it does, here's some advanced warning, I'll be away for a week. In the meantime, I usually freak over making sure I've got everything in order and everything but the kitchen sink packed (only with shoes… I have a problem and I can fully admit it. Lol). Sooooooo, yeah. Things might drag a little then.
But with this handy dandy lil netbook (which I highly recommend for the travelling sort, school sort or just the plain ole likes smaller versions of things sort) I should be able to take my work with me easily… now if I actually get to it… that's another story. ^.^
And now, onto the next chapter!
~SL
Chapter Nine
The hours flew by in Woody's that night. Justin didn't realize just how much he had missed it. The familiarity, the people, the fact that he didn't have an accent around here… all those little things really meant something. It didn't feel right anymore, not now after knowing so much more was out there, but he was glad to be able to enjoy this, not completely hate his home town. He was sure he'd be wishing for his own bed again before his week was up, though.
Conversation picked up around the pool table like he had never left. Watching Michael and Brian was distracting the whole night though. Not in a weird he wanted to see someone get thrown down on the table and fucked way, but in that odd way where everything wasn't how it seemed. Was this always how they had played pool? With Brian sliding up behind Michael, dragging a hand across the small of his back and Michael looking over his shoulder up at Brian, leaning on his stick, probably saying something taunting about the game as he let a hand rest on Brian's hip?
Did they always look at each other like that? Like they knew? Like they were… happy? Did anyone else even see this? The way Michael looked down when he smiled after something Brian said, glancing back up and letting his fingers trail over Brian's arm as they broke apart? Was anyone watching?!
It was hard to focus fully on the conversation with Ted and Emmett while watching the two best friends, but he managed. Halfheartedly fending off an onslaught of worried looks that he was here for Brian. Christ, even if he was, how could he compete against –dare he say it?– Michael? Not too long ago, he might've died laughing from that thought, but now… Christ. This felt like some weird crime against nature to have everyone ignore it. Maybe they were just used to ignoring oddly close antics of the two friends. He didn't know.
The game was getting heated as the three of them walked over to the table. It was just in time, Justin noticed, to see that Michael was losing (badly) and pissed about it. Brian was gloating (loudly) about his winning streak. Brian saw them coming over as Michael was lining up his shot. He leaned over to whisper something in Michael's ear just as he was about to shoot. Whatever he said caused Michael to spaz last minute knocking a ball clear off the table, letting Brian announce his win.
"Shit!" Michael yelled, thumping the end of his stick on the floor, face red.
"Whoa, Mikey, trying to kill everyone?" Brian laughed, standing up straight. "That makes game, and in my favor of course."
"You're an asshole, Kinney," Michael snapped sourly. "Rack 'em up again. I'll get you."
"I was hoping to get a round," Justin said, looking hopeful.
"Whatever, Boy Wonder," the shorter, flustered man said, passing his cue stick off. "He's a cheater anyways."
"Or maybe you're just a sore loser, Mikey," Brian said in a condescending manner. "Rack 'em, Sunshine."
"Let's see," Michael muttered, entering the house. He was making a mental list of what he needed. "Meds are in the kitchen. Brian? Could you grab those? They've got Hunter's name on them."
"Oh, no," Brian said, shaking his head, shutting the door as he came in behind Michael. "I was gonna grab all the wrong shit on purpose."
"Shut up and do it," Michael sighed. "I'm gonna grab clothes and stuff." He snapped his fingers. "Bag. And a bag."
Brian rolled his eyes watching Michael go as he wandered into the kitchen. Living alone, he usually kept what he needed in his daily supplement regime in the bathroom. He knew though, remembering from childhood days, that a family usually kept all their medical shit together in one cabinet. Thermometer, pills and all the rest. Brian could only imagine that it was so those things were readily available to everyone in the place or to monitor what needed to be watched.
First cabinet was dishes, the next was cups. Another was full of large bowls and mixing crap. God, this stuff was insane. Who used all of it? Did they even use half this shit? Brian wondered why anyone would need so much stuff like this. His cabinets were pretty much for show. He never put anything in them besides the basics. Some plates and crap. Someone had given him a set of mixing bowls or something when he moved in, but they were collecting dust if they were even there.
Damn, would he need all of this stuff when he and Michael got their own-
"Brian?" Michael asked, letting a large duffle bag fall to the floor at the entryway of the kitchen. It was full of some clothes and toiletries for Hunter and himself. Meds were going in next and then a few things he had around the house that he wanted with him in case Ben… well, he didn't want to think Ben would stoop so low, but he didn't want to take any risks with some things.
"Hm, yeah?" Brian replied, letting the cabinet door close on its own.
"Everything okay?" Michael ask cautiously. "The bowls aren't that interesting. They make for terrible conversation. The pots are better."
"You guys have a lot of shit," Brian commented casually as he opened another cabinet, finding all the medical supplies and picking out the bottles with Hunter's name on them. "You use all of it?"
"What, the plates? Well, what else should we eat off of?" Michael snorted. "If you mean the other stuff for cooking, Ben does most of it so it gets used."
"You can cook too," Brian said, recalling their own trial and errors in the kitchen growing up. "Don't you use it?"
Michael shrugged, checking over the bottles to make sure they were right before opening a door under the sink and bringing out a plastic bag to keep them together in and tossing that in the duffle bag. "Sometimes, sure. Cooking isn't rocket science, but it's a lot of work and I already had someone else willing to do it…"
Brian hummed bemusedly in response, shutting the cabinet door. He wasn't sure what to think, except… it'd be fun to cook if it was with Michael, like they used to when they would have sleepovers and they'd get the munchies. They should probably stop at a store on the way back to his place.
"You all set?" he asked, watching Michael look around the room.
So many things had taken place in this house, even in this kitchen. Michael was finding it hard to believe that now it didn't mean much of anything. It was just another place that Ben was in more often than not. Honestly, in all of this, Ben could keep the goddamn house. He wouldn't put up a fight for it. There would be another place in the future, he was sure of that much. Why fight for this place the wreaked with memories, some good and some bad, but all worth leaving behind right now.
"I, uh… have to get Hunter's school stuff," Michael said, a little dazed. Why had it all gone wrong? He wasn't wishing for Ben back, but what was it about himself that just made things take a turn for the worse?
If this… thing (he was too afraid to label it anything else) with Brian were to continue, would it end just as badly?
"You okay, Mikey?" Brian asked, watching his friend closely. "Michael? Hey, what's up?"
Michael shook his head. "I'm just… being stupid. Do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"In the closet in the living room, I've got a box of comics-"
Brian held up a hand. "Say no more. Any others?"
"None as important," Michael replied, smiling faintly. Brian closed the distance between himself and Michael, hugging the smaller man close. Michael held on tightly.
"What's going on?" Brian murmured into Michael's soft, dark hair.
Michael shook his head against Brian's chest. Brian rolled his eyes and rubbed Michael's back comfortingly. "C'mon, Mikey, it's me."
"That's the problem," Michael's muffled response came.
"The hell does that mean?"
Michael looked up at Brian. "What if it is me?" Because that would mean Brian would be next on his list of exes.
Michael's eyes barely left Justin when he handed over his pool stick to let him play against Brian. He didn't want to trust the blond. After all this time, all the excuses to stay in New York and never come home and now he does? Brian said that wasn't why he was here, and he wanted to believe it, but still… It was Justin. After how hard he worked to keep a constant place in Brian's bed, could he be blamed for thinking the worst?
Emmett and Ted had a hard time keeping Michael's attention, but they tried their best.
"So, how's Ben?" Ted asked. "I'm surprised he's not here."
Michael shrugged, eyes flickering over at Ted briefly before landing back on Justin as Brian stood on the opposite end of the table from the younger man, trying to distract him. With his crotch. Goddamnit.
"Sweetie, are you okay? It was just a game," Emmett said cautiously. He couldn't tell if Michael was angry or just someplace else tonight.
Michael scrubbed a hand over his face, sighing. "Yeah, I'm sorry. Things were just… disrupted before I left. He stayed in to grade papers."
Ted gave Emmett a knowing look. "Another moment ruined by Brian Kinney."
Emmett raised his glass, having gotten a Cosmo after he finished the beer. "Here, here."
"It was my fault," Michael snapped, interrupting their toast. "I knew when he was coming and I forgot about it."
"Honey, you probably thought he'd keep you waiting, like he always does. So, you take advantage of the free time," Emmett explained in a bored manner. "The one time you finally do instead of waiting on pins and needles for his highness' arrival, he shows up on time!"
"Em's right," Ted shrugged.
Michael played with his empty beer bottle and got off the stool. "I'm getting another beer."
"Michael, wait," Emmett said, finishing off his drink. "I'll come with."
Ted watched the two of them at the bar and the tension was visibly gone from Michael when they made their way back. Michael had actually calmed down quite a bit. He was close to blowing his top if he had to hear anymore inane chatter while Justin and Brian kept to themselves at the pool table. A shot or two with Emmett at the bar didn't hurt either.
Ted made the conversation in between and Justin enhanced it with stories from New York while Brian catered to everyone's drinking needs for the night, spicing up the conversation with his own style of liners that just seemed too smooth to not be practiced. All in all, when ten (or maybe it was eleven, they were all rolling with laughter as the drinks kept coming, giving up on pool at some point) rolled around, they made their way out of the bar and onto the still busy streets in the night.
"Oh, shit, wait," Michael said, fishing his phone out of his pocket to check the time. "Guys, I gotta go."
"Aw, honey, just a little longer," Emmett pleaded. "A few hours at the club won't kill you. When was the last time you've been?"
"But I promised Ben I'd-"
"Fuck Ben," Brian announced loudly to the street. A man walked by and offered to be whoever Ben was for him if he wanted.
"Brian," Justin said in a calming tone. "If Michael said he'd go home, he should go. Gimme your keys and I'll take him. I'm good."
"I don't want him to," Brian admitted, clearly intoxicated beyond the point of controlling himself. "He always goes home, Sunshine. I don't want him to."
"Bri, I think you've had too much drinky," Ted told his boss in a singsong voice. "He's got 'maritals' to take care of. You've got a club full of waiting men."
"Ted, I don't think-" Justin was cut off.
"Theodore," Brian said clearly, straightening up. Obviously the alcohol couldn't hide the hard look of command he had. "Why don't you shut the fuck up? If I want Michael, it's my business."
The group met Brian with resounding silence on the loud street. Each were trying to work their muddled way through the alcohol and figure out what Brian had said and how he meant it. Did that mean foregoing the 'waiting men', as Ted put it, for Michael? Was he just missing a few words to clear this up due to alcohol? Because it sounded like-
"Honey, just give Justin the keys," Emmett said and started walking off down the club. Ted gave Brian one last look and followed after. Michael was left staring at Brian, who was trying to clear his head.
"Sonny Boy," Brian said, passing Justin the keys. "Scratch it and I'll have your balls."
"They're not yours to have," Justin quipped, taking the keys. "C'mon, Michael. I wanted to see Ben anyway."
"Fuck Ben!" Brian shouted, stalking off in the direction of Ted and Emmett. Michael and Justin watched his hunched form disappear in the mingling crowds.
"He's drunk," Justin said.
"I don't know what to do," Michael replied.
The four men had stopped at a local grocery story before heading to Emmett's apartment. There was popcorn, candy and other goodies that didn't resemble a healthy meal stuffed into bags that were carried in by Paul and Hunter as Justin and Emmett chattered away about men, movies and everything in between.
The apartment was as brightly furnished as the placed he used to share with Michael, only without Michael's presence to curb the flair, it overflowed. Fuzzy pink lamps sat on the small tables on either side of the burnt orange couch. Thankfully, Emmett couldn't change the bland tan rug. Instead, he'd put down a smaller rug in the living room, an odd green and pink patterned thing with a table sitting atop it. The TV across from the couch was topped with a lovely arrangement of flowers and the other mismatched chairs had become things to hold clothing or magazines, books and whatever else didn't find its way back to the place it belong.
Emmett direct Paul and Hunter to the kitchen while he showed Justin around.
"It's a mess right now, but I'm barely here so," Emmett said, waving a hand at the living room. Justin followed him past to a bedroom, running a hand over a pink feathered boa rest on a nearby chair.
"Not enough time to decorate?" Justin asked as Emmett opened the door.
Emmett scoffed. "Honey, I just keep changing my mind every time. I'm too busy to sit down and work on it."
"Work's going that well?"
"Mmhm," the taller man hummed happily. "Once I found a fantastic new chef, buckled down on business, it really started movin'."
The bedroom, thankfully, seemed sparse. It still had an Emmett touch, animal print bedspread with assorted matching pillows, but nothing that assaulted the eyes like the living room. Justin took a seat on the bed while Emmett rummaged through his closet.
"You want a pair of sweatpants?" he asked, tossing a faded grey pair at Justin anyway.
"Thanks. So, what do you think they're doing right now?" Justin asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Emmett laughed, finding a tan pair of pajama bottoms for himself with an adorable matching button up top to go with them. "What would you be doing in that situation?"
"Think they got in a fight when Ben was there?"
Emmett made a face, thinking about the answer. "Mm, I just don't know. Ben's all into that 'zen' stuff isn't he?"
Justin shrugged. "I dunno, Em. Brian was sleeping with his husband. I think anyone's allowed to get angry at that."
"I'm sure it worked out for the best. I just can't believe it, though," Emmett sighed, throwing the pajamas on the bed. "Brian and Michael after all this time… who would've thought?"
"You mean you never thought it could happen? Really?" Justin asked, still amazed. What did everyone else see that he didn't?
Emmett shook his head. "Honey, none of us thought it would. I always thought Michael was just following Brian around, like a little lovesick puppy, hoping. But Brian… look at him! He's the biggest manwhore in the city, doesn't give two shits for anyone but himself-"
"What about the good things he did?" Justin asked, curious now.
Emmett started unbuttoning the light blue shirt he was wearing, thinking about it. "You mean that whole mayor thing? Well, he got himself into that mess. He should've gotten himself out it."
"Hunter?"
"What about him?" Emmett tossed the shirt on the bed and took up the tan one, slipping his arms in.
"Emmett, when Hunter's mom came around trying to get him, Brian literally gave Michael the get away car," Justin clarified, toeing off his shoes and standing up to unbutton his jeans. "I was there."
"Oh, hm. I guess that, too," Emmett said, shrugging as he slipped off his own pants to put on the tan ones. "I don't know, Justin. I just can't imagine ever returning the same feelings for Michael that Michael always had. Doesn't matter if he was a good person or a bad one."
Justin let his own jeans pool to the floor and kicked them to the side, taking up the sweats. "But I'm saying he does care. Y'know, about something other than himself."
Emmett adjusted the waistline of his pants, not sure what to say. "Oh, sweetie… boxers, really?"
Justin looked down at the black boxers he was wearing. He'd had a hell of a morning, he didn't care what he had been wearing. The faded paint spattered shirt proved it. "What's wrong with them?"
"They're… boxers," Emmett said, wrinkling his nose. He went over to a dresser next to the closet and opened a drawer. "Come over here."
"Em, I know about other types of underwear… I don't need a lesson, it was just a bad morning," Justin explained, really not interested in seeing Emmett's wide variety to choose from.
Emmett sighed, closing the drawer. "Fine. But don't say I didn't try to help. Please tell me that's not the only kind you brought on this trip."
"It's not, I promise," Justin laughed, stooping over to pull on the sweatpants. "I packed for every type of occasion. Looking at it now, I have no idea why."
"It's always good to be prepared, sweetie," Emmett smiled.
"You sound like a boy scout," Justin replied, picking up his jeans to toss on the bed.
Emmett thought about it for a minute. "Cute little uniforms, but no."
"I think you just like uniforms."
Paul popped his head in the door, covering his eyes with a hand. "You guys want pizza?"
"It's safe to look, sweetie," Emmett said, laughing into his hand.
Paul split his fingers, an eye peeking through. "Didn't want to walk right in. Girly screams throw off my appetite."
Justin rolled his eyes. "Pizza would be fine, Paul. I'm sure Hunter knows a good place that delivers."
Paul straightened out, leaning against the door frame casually. "Hey, got anything in this place that's like New York pizza?"
"Every place does a 'New York' style," Justin said, thinking about it. "But… yeah, nothing's as good as actual New York pizza."
"Oh, well," Paul said, heaving a dramatic sigh. "I hoped, I tried! And yet, I fail."
Emmett snickered, laying a hand on Justin's shoulder. "I like him. Keep him."
"Oh, honeypie! Your friends like me!" Paul said, clapping his hands with a goofy grin on his face.
Justin covered his face with a hand and groaned loudly.
Babylon was pumping out the deep, reverberating beat. That Thumpa-Thumpa that crawled under your skin and found a home nestled between your ears, chest and hips, creating a sensation all its own and taking your body for a ride with it. Very few could fight it, even people crowding the bars and stairs could be seen bobbing their heads as they talked or rocking their hips while they leaned over the bar with a drink.
"Woo! Teddy, let's get out there," Emmett said, smiling wide as he threw his hands over his head.
"I dunno, Em," Ted replied, looking over his shoulder. "Maybe we should wait for Brian."
Emmett seemed to deflate in an instant. "He's just pouting because he didn't get what he wanted. He should get used to it."
"Seemed a little weird, didn't it?" Ted asked, watching the area behind him, wondering when Brian would walk through the chains.
Emmett made a disgusted noise. "If all you're gonna do is try to analyze Brian Kinney, I'm leaving you here."
"Okay, alright! Sorry," Ted apologized and gave one last look behind him before following Emmett into the throng of men on the floor.
Brian hadn't been too far behind, coming in just in time to watch Ted and Emmett disappear into the mass of glittering flesh. He would've rather been left alone for awhile anyways. He'd spent a few minutes talking to the bounce, Tony, out front. Checking in on things. He'd recently hired on another manager so both he and Ted could have a break. Between the three of them, the workload was lessened greatly. Brian still didn't want to give up his personal touch in running the club, not yet, but after a good amount of time running the place with Ted alone, he realized that if he wanted to stay sane, he needed the time away.
Running two flourishing businesses well was hard. It had been even hard to find Chris, their newest manager. He had great reference, a flawless resume and as long as Ted was the only one in charge of the books between the three of them, Brian was confident Babylon could only continue the way it had been going without fault. Still, while he was here, he should probably check in.
Bar first, then up to the office was how he played it. A beer for himself and a bottle of water for later. He had some pills in his pocket, thinking, hoping, that maybe Michael would be here. That maybe, just maybe, they could do what they used to do. Was it weird of him to want to relive their old lives and habits now that there was more between them? Was it weird to think it might be even better, something special?
When Brian was younger, he heard a mix of rumors about the plethora of party favors he took now. Especially about E. That was his favorite, yet his most monitored drug. Weed was quick and easy, and everyday thing. A little trail mix was for a boost to get him flying for a long night, but E…
When he first learned about it, really learned, it was in health class. The books explained what it was made of, what it was called and what it did to your body. Not very interesting. Then the teacher explained what some people 'thought' they felt (because it was a drug and it was bad, so nothing could be seen as good). A feeling of euphoria, ultimate peace, love. Curiosity was piqued, but dismissed.
During the first few months when he started going to Babylon, just before college, he'd picked up a trick that wanted to make a stop before going back to his place. That's when Brian met Anita. She wasn't a pleasant woman to look at (Brian could appreciate an attractive woman). Large, round with bad skin and stringy badly dyed black hair, she looked him over like he were a bone and she was a dog. That's when Brian saw Ecstasy in real life. A transfer of cash into Anita's fat hand and a baggie of pills, maybe three or four, put into the trick's.
He had kept Michael under tight rule to never to do drugs with anyone else but him, but Brian didn't listen to that rule much himself. Not back then. The trick offered Brian a pill, saying that he would never have sex like it again. That sold Brian, took him past the point of nervous fear and he willingly took the pill on the way to the trick's place.
The trick had set up a few bottles of water on the bedside table after pointing Brian towards it. "Need to stay hydrated," was all he said.
"It dehydrates you," Brian replied, happily remembering that silly book from school.
"Dehydrates the brain, actually," the trick said, giving Brian an 'aren't you so cute' smile and pat on the head. "Fucking'll only speed it up."
Brian pulled off his jacket, tossing it to the floor as he got off the bed and yanked the trick close. "Why's this gonna be so good?"
The trick grinned. "Feeling it?"
Brian's hands were unconsciously running over the smooth material of the skin tight shirt the other man was wearing. God, had it felt like this in the club? He liked it. He liked it a lot. He was warm, when did it get warm in here?
Hmm… guess he was. "Yeah," Brian replied, a smile tugging on his lips. "But I heard you shouldn't fuck on this shit."
The trick rolled his eyes. "They say sex without it'll never be the same." He gave Brian a shove and he fell back on the bed, taken by surprise, but laughing a bit. The trick climbed on top of him.
"Well?" Brian asked, eyebrow raised.
"Well what?"
"Are they right?"
The trick grinned. "You'll find out."
And he did, he was hooked. He could see why people might avoid sex on E. It was great, fantastic. Didn't matter who it was with, you didn't walk away unhappy. Secretly, he just felt so connected somehow with the other person. For once he was fucking without that deep rooted urge to fuck the other person up. It was amazing. Brian knew he could've easily fallen into that trap for the rest of his life and loved every minute of it.
But he had things in his life that needed to be done. It meant strict monitoring of when he took it. Never before a work day with meetings, before exams in school, etc. When Brian felt he had decent control over it, sure that he wouldn't do anything completely stupid (as he had seen happen), he made a usual trip to Anita, threatening the bitch that it had better have been the real shit, good shit or he'd be back and there would be fucking hell to pay.
He decided to share with Michael that night, and if Anita fucked him over with what she was pushing and it hurt his best friend, Brian knew he'd probably be doing jail time. Not that Anita didn't have good shit, she did. But she liked to fuck with the product more often than she admitted to her cliental. Always looking for a cheaper, quicker product for larger, faster money. The results weren't pretty when it was bad, but it was fucking beautiful when it was good.
That's when it started with Michael, dragging him off to Babylon, their safe zone to be who they were. That's when Brian pulled Michael to the dance floor, smiling softly as Michael chattered above the noise before calming down into quiet, looking at Brian. He adored Michael's eyes. They showed him everything. When Brian fished out a little pill, flashed it to Michael and took it, Michael's eyes widened, curious. Brian teasingly opened his mouth, showing off that it was all gone. Michael had laughed.
"What was it?" He asked loudly, leaning in close to Brian's ear.
A slow smile crept across Brian's looks. "Somethin' special. Wanna try?"
Michael was hesitant.
"C'mon, Mikey. Never do drugs without your friends. I'm here, though, right?"
There was a pause in their dancing as Michael thought it over. "Alright. Gonna watch out for me?"
"Always have," Brian said, taking out another pill, again showing it to Michael. "Always will."
Michael smiled and reached for the pill, but Brian pulled his hand back. "Ah, patience." He opened his mouth again, placing the pill on the tip of his tongue. Michael was warm, pressed up against him. He wrapped a hand around the back of Michael's next, thumb brushing against his cheek before pulling Michael in for a kiss, easily slipping Michael small tablet.
That night led to many more just like it. It almost drove Brian to addiction at that point. Being that close to Michael, holding him, dancing with him. He pressed up on all the right places and felt so fucking good that way. Not that they were never close before this, but he just felt so much closer to Michael, closer to figuring it all out. Being happy and the look on Michael's face every time… priceless.
Brian sighed, drinking from the beer bottle, sick of remembering stupid shit. He made his way back past the chains and up a tucked away set of stairs to the office. During renovations after the bombing, he had a more secluded work area set up. Soundproofed for his own sanity. He opened the door and found Chris behind a desk, tapping his pencil in a bored manner.
"What's up?" He asked, stopping the tapping on the desk.
Brian had been tempted to sleep with Chris when he first interviewed the man. Tall, lean build with dark brown hair more green than hazel eyes. He was attractive, smart and knew how to take a joke. But he'd rather have a good manager than a decent fuck.
Brian nudged the door shut with his hip, taking a seat on a soft worn couch he'd put up on the office. Some nights, he had liked a little more privacy with a trick than the backroom or VIP lounge. And couches were wonderfully versatile.
"Here with the boys," Brian replied, setting the water bottle down on the floor between his feet. "How're things?"
Chris shrugged. "It's self running at this point, Kinney. I get to sit here with my thumb up my ass."
"There's a dildo in the top drawer. It'd be better if you want something up there," Brian joked as Chris rolled his eyes.
"I'm serious, I can't figure out why you hired me… or at least haven't gotten rid of me," Chris shrugged.
Brian didn't want to say too much. "We still need someone here in charge if something happens. But you don't need to sit around up here all night. The DJ sounds great, there's a building full of hot guys and a backroom to take them to. As long as you come when called for something, you can do whatever you want in the meantime."
Chris sighed, slumping over the desk. "It gets old after awhile. You've never gotten tired of it?"
"I keep coming back, don't I?"
"You're frustrating," Chris groaned. "Aren't you missing something with all of this nonsense?"
Brian lifted an eyebrow. "Something you wanna get off your chest?"
Chris pushed himself back up into the chair and off the desk. "I'm just sick of it."
"Trouble at home?"
"You don't know the half of it," Chris said rolling his eyes. "Bryce, my roommate. I think you met him once. He's just like you. Won't stop doing what he's doing, and I'm tired of it."
"Are you two really just roommates?" Brian asked, taking a long swallow from his beer.
"I don't know. We've been screwing around for awhile now and I just… I just want him and it's pissing me off. Like talking to a brick wall."
Brian shrugged. "Hey, if I ever figure it out, I'll be sure to let you know. You need anything, I'll be good and coherent for… an hour."
Chris waved a hand. "Go. I doubt the place'll blow up."
Brian paused his motions in getting up, staring at Chris with shock plain in his features. Chris caught on and his eyes widened.
"Sorry," he muttered, looking down at the desk. Too soon wasn't even the half of it.
"Yeah… have fun," Brian said stiffly, taking his water bottle off the floor and leaving the office. He went to the dance floor, setting the now empty beer bottle on the bar and tucked himself in a corner as he took out the little baggie in his pocket and one of the pills. He washed it down with some water and spend the rest of the song playing watching the crowd as his eyes slowly dilated. He made his way onto the floor, continually sipping from the bottle as the DJ spun the next song.
I can't live with you
But I can't live without you
"Got everything?" Brian asked as Michael came back down with Hunter's backpack and any notebooks, school books and papers he saw laying around the room.
"Just a few things from the living room and I'm good," Michael said, setting the bag down next to the duffle bag and box of comics, taking up the duffle bag. Brian snagged his wrist, stopping him from going to the next room. "Brian, I need to-"
They hadn't touched in what felt like hours to Brian. He'd given up a clear path to the bedroom for a few hours to come do this… all he wanted was just something to get by. He pulled Michael close and looked down at the smaller man, just looking as he let his other arm wind around the trim waist, holding them together.
It wasn't that hard to kiss Michael, he knew that. It was hard to resist doing it, even now. It never got old and Brian never tired of seeing that look on Michael's face when he pulled away. If kissing Michael had been easy over the years, holding him was probably the easiest thing he could do. He fit so neatly up against Brian, even growing up, that it was hard not to hold him. Having those things taken away due to distraction annoyed him, but it had to be done.
Brian let him go. "Okay. What do you need?"
"What was that?" Michael asked, looking confused.
"Missed you."
I can't let you stay
Oh, but I can't live if you go away
The water was finished in minutes between dancing and shooing off men left and right. They all thought Kinney was just being picky for the night after long disappearing from the floor. His appearances had been rare lately, they knew that, but why was a mystery. If they thought hard enough, Michael hadn't been around in a long time either, and with all eyes on Brian, it was hard not to notice Michael with him at some point during the night.
Some thought that maybe they had become something more, disappearing together, Brian only coming in for work when needed, spending time when he wanted. Some scoffed, saying that it would never happen. They probably had a fight, or they weren't friends anymore and were both worried about running into one another at the club. The majority just didn't give a fuck in the long run, they wanted to see who Brian was going to pick for the night. He had to take someone, he was here after all.
A dark brunette tried his luck, and his timing was perfect. X-ed out fully, Brian was into that odd remixed beat of the song, not paying attention. He liked the heat rolling off the crowd, loved the way that music felt going over him and whoever was running his hands over his hips could keep doing that for all he cared. He wanted more. Looking over his shoulder, the brunette gave him a smile, lifting a curious eyebrow. Brian looked him over on instinct, but didn't care and turned to face him, pulling the other man close.
Contact. Touch. Feel. More. That was what he wanted.
All I know is I can't live with you
Michael had packed up a few of the action figures and toys he was more attached to and set them into the bag, zipping it up when he was done. Brian watched from the archway between the rooms. It was that same insane care Michael gave his favorite possessions that made Brian smile. He'd received the same care from the other man his entire life.
Would it all end badly? Was this the worst idea they could've had? Brian knew it was a little late to go back now. There was that slight fear of diving in head first, like he was scrambling to find purchase. A jumper that tried to grab back onto the ledge after going over. It stayed tight in his chest, and he felt ashamed to have it, but he had to consider it natural. He was making a lot of changes in a small amount of time. What bothered him was that he could, literally, be dragging Michael down with him.
But if he had to go down, he'd rather have Michael with him than at arms distance.
"That's the last of it," Michael sighed, looking around the room one last time.
"What about the Captain?" Brian asked, tilting his chin toward the huge cutout of Captain Astro on the wall.
Michael smiled sadly. "He'll have to wait until I've got a new place to put him."
"I've got room-"
"No, Brian. The more stuff I keep at your place, the harder it'll be to leave. Let's get out of here," Michael said, ending the conversation and walking by him. He slung the backpack over his shoulder and Brian hefted the box under an arm and followed Michael out the door.
Yeah, I'm having a hard time
I'm walking a fine line
Ben was sitting at the dining room table, yellow legal pad laid flat, pencil tapping away on it, making tiny specks. He'd opted for coffee instead of tea and while it kept him running, there wasn't much to run on. He was still stuck on Michael. Would he even come home tonight? They had parted ways much worse than tonight, but still… When Brian said jump, Michael asked 'how high'.
He sighed, leaning back in the chair, absently rubbing his eyes. If Justin was in town and Brian had known, it could be good news. Maybe the two would give marriage another shot. Maybe it would get Michael back to normal, they could continue on as normal more mature friends. That would be a nice change of pace. They could all do lunch together or something, as couples. No longer singled out because he couldn't 'fit in' to whatever they had. Brian was just a susceptible to love as any other person, maybe Justin was it and it took some time to realize it.
If only he had the answers now so he could stop thinking about it. It was driving him nuts trying to figure it all out when he barely had any idea what was going on. Bored, he decided to write down all of Michael's 'symptoms' on the clean sheet of paper;
-Quick to anger
-Nitpicks
-Out at all hours (but does take care of the house)
-Argues over everything
-Not clear on what he's so angry about
-Brian
Ben sat back and looked the list over. It ended with Brian. Everything revolved around that man. He didn't know what he had to do to get him out, but he was sure that if they learned how to live apart, Michael could be so much better. Instead, Brian was dragging him through his ups and downs. Why couldn't he just leave Michael alone?
He wondered briefly if Michael went through this when he had been on steroids, but it was a passing thought. His mood swings couldn't've been this bad.
After a moment's hesitation, he circled Brian's name and put a question mark next to it. Was he still overreacting or was there something he was missing? He added Justin's name next to the question mark. He really didn't want to think about any other possibilities, but they came anyway and his pencil was flying across the paper, even writing out different scenarios and possibilities. Somehow, this was more interesting than his current book.
By the time the coffee cooled, he barely heard a car door slam and distant chatter getting closer to the door.
Michael opened the door gently. Justin thought cautiously would better fit as he watched the man peek around it. They went inside and found Ben in a pair of sweats working over yellow legal pads with a cup of cool coffee on the table, glasses perched precariously on the tip of his nose.
"Hey, honey," Michael said, not wanting to disturb him, but they had a guest.
"Hey, baby, have a nice night?" Ben replied, not looking up.
"Well, if I'm not welcome, I can just go," Justin said with a smile. Ben looked up and grinned.
"Hey, Justin! Long time no see," Ben greeted, getting up and pulling the young man into a hug. "Look at you. First a comic book artist and now you're famous."
"Everyone keeps saying that," Justin brushed off, rolling his eyes. "I'm no Warhol."
"And I'm no Dan Brown," Ben said with a smile.
Justin pulled a face. "I hope not, have you seen the picture on his books?"
Ben ruffled Justin's hair, now grown out longer again, framing his face. "So, sit down. I'll get coffee."
Michael looked cautiously at the mug on the table. "Hon, when did you make that pot?"
"Oh, when I came down," his husband said offhandedly, going into the kitchen.
"When was that?"
"After you left. Why-"
Michael sighed. "Yeah. That's why. It's one in the morning. You want me to make a fresh pot?"
"No, I got it," Ben called from the kitchen. The coffee from hours ago had cooled and gotten thick and took a quick rinse before it was useable again. In the dining room, Michael took a seat next to Justin and covered a yawn behind his hand.
Well, if Justin was here, with Michael… things couldn't be that bad. He could cross that off his list. Which just left Brian on the list. Ben sat and waited in the kitchen while the coffee percolated. Maybe he was eves dropping, maybe he wasn't, but he couldn't help but catch snatches of conversation from Justin and Michael.
"Been awhile since you've been out?" The blond asked.
"You tell me," Michael said. "Brian must be keeping you up to date."
Maybe it was Brian after all. Apparently, Justin had been keeping in touch with the older man and it sounded like it still irked Michael.
"Still cranky when you're tired, I see," Justin commented. "How's Hunter?"
Ben was busying himself with coffee and thought about how late it was. "Baby, you want hot chocolate? I don't want you up all night."
"All of a sudden?" Michael teased. "Yeah, that's fine."
Ben smiled to himself, getting that ready for Michael while he waited on coffee. He might've missed the next part in the hushed conversation over the noise of the coffee maker if he hadn't been paying attention.
"You two okay, really?" Justin asked, keeping his voice low.
"I don't know. That's what makes it hard. Am I not trying hard enough or is there no point in trying?"
Ben hesitated. So he wasn't crazy, Michael was seeing something wrong here, too. He wasn't just blowing it off and going out to forget about it, like Ben thought. There was something wrong… now if they could just figure out what it was. Or if Michael would just agree to the weekend to work it out.
Maybe he'd get a little clue.
"You should go away with Ben."
Ben heard that and couldn't keep the relief out of his features. Maybe Michael would listen to his friends if not him. He could only hope.
Between hope and despair
You may think that I don't care
Emmett sniffled as the credits rolled on the TV, ending the movie. Paul and Hunter had quietly started amusing themselves by making jokes at the obvious 'chick flick' and Justin patted Emmett's back, telling him it had been a great movie. Good choice.
"Ugh, I just get so caught up in these things," Emmett sighed, wiping at his eyes. "But it's just a perfect romance."
"I know how you feel," Justin said, smiling. "What's next on the list?"
"Something with explosions?" Hunter asked, raising his hand. "Please?!"
"A little less… dramatic would be nice," Paul seconded.
Emmett made an annoyed noise. "Boys. Fine, pick something. I'm just going to clean up a little."
He got off the couch, picking up the empty pizza boxes and napkins, heading for the kitchen. Justin settled back into the couch as Paul and Hunter flipped through the movies available on TV.
"Horror?" Paul suggested.
"Anything good?" Hunter asked and Paul entered the menu looking through the list.
Paul passed off the remote to Hunter, letting him choose. They seemed to be on agreement for the most part on a movie. He turned his attention to Justin at this point.
"So, what's Michael like?" Paul asked. "Y'know, outside of this insane thing going on right now."
Justin shrugged. "Nice guy in general. This is really out of left field for… all of us, honestly. He's just a nice guy."
"Has to be," Hunter commented absently.
"Why's that?" Paul asked.
"Look at the shit he puts up with! You never met his mom, but she's a real winner sometimes. Then there's Ben and this guy over here," Hunter finished with jabbing a thumb in Justin's direction.
Paul looked confused. "So… you're the resident asshole?"
Justin rolled his eyes. "That's Brian. I'm just the annoying fuck that didn't go away. That seems to be everyone's hang up."
"Not everyone, sweetie," Emmett said, coming back with sodas. "I'm glad you stuck around, and I'm sure Michael and Brian are too. They're just confusing."
"Well, they've been best friends for how long and never made a move? They can't stay mad at you for trying," Paul said to Justin, taking a soda from Emmett. "And it's in the past, right?"
"Yeah," Justin sighed, taking his drink from Emmett when he took a seat next to him again.
"Uh oh," Emmett said, frowning at Justin. "I know that sigh. That look. Honey, don't."
"No, I wouldn't!" Justin said, shocked Emmett would think that. "I just can't help but be a little jealous. All the work I put in and Michael gets to enjoy it."
"Brian that good in bed?" Paul asked, popping the top to his can.
Justin groaned in annoyance. "Better than anything that's come my way in a long time."
Emmett patted Justin leg soothingly. "You'll find the right one, honey. It takes time."
"Hunter?" Paul asked, getting the young man's attention. He looked over at the rest of the group. "Why are you so quiet about this? You seem to have a little more at risk than these two."
"Paul, hon, that's not really a good subject right now," Emmett warned. "Hunter's already been through a lot."
"Hasn't every teenager?" Paul questioned, rolling his eyes. "C'mon, kid, spill it. What do you think's going to happen?"
"I think you should back the hell off," Hunter snapped, getting up and heading to the spare bedroom. "Tell me when Michael gets here."
Hunter shut the door, leaving the three men in silence. Paul looked over at the other two and shrugged. "Touchy?"
"Hunter is adopted," Emmett explained.
Justin saw that Paul didn't see the big deal. "Ben and Michael found Hunter on their property one night hanging out with a bunch of hustlers."
"Like pool?" Paul asked.
"Like prostitutes, honey," Emmett clarified. "He was a kid being turned out on the street by his own mother. Ben and Michael took him in when they found out he had HIV."
"Well, fuck me," Paul sighed, leaning back into the couch.
"Not my type," Justin remarked offhandedly. "Anyway, it's been a battle to keep him ever since. They put in the adoption papers a few years back, but with Michael and Ben splitting up… well, it's hard enough. But Brian never wanted kids."
"To be fair, he said he never wanted a relationship either, but look what happened," Emmett argued. "And don't forget about Gus."
"And Gus is?" Paul asked.
"Brian's son," Justin explained. "He knew this lesbian from college, her and the wife wanted a kid, and since she was carrying, she picked Brian as the donor."
"Well, what's to worry about?" Paul couldn't figure it out. "It should go like any other divorce, shouldn't it? Parental visits, et cetera. Only Hunter has three daddies."
Emmett groaned. "Paul, it's hard. Hunter has a disease, Brian is… Brian. Michael wouldn't go without a fight for Hunter, but…"
"Well, none of us can say for sure if Brian wants a new addition to the family, so to speak," Justin finished. "Brian's the type that looks out for himself. Whatever gets him what he wants is the best way to get it done."
"So, Michael and Brian might call it quits over Hunter?"
"Oh, I don't know," Emmett sighed. "I would hope not, but it's not like taking in a little kid. He's pretty much an adult."
"Which means another person to deal with on a daily basis," Justin thought out loud. "Another personality he may not get along with. It's not as easy when they're already set in their ways."
"Like you were," Emmett said fondly, ruffling the blond hair on Justin's head.
"You think they're on their way here now?" Paul asked, staring at the TV.
"Mm, honey, if it was me I would take my time," Emmett laughed. "All those pent up years? Please."
"But I think Michael would be on his way here," Justin reasoned. "It's Hunter."
"You know Brian's powers of persuasion, though."
"Okay, I'm straight and I want to fuck this guy," Paul announced, sending the three of them into laughter. When it calmed down, Paul spoke up again. "How can one man be that good?"
Emmett shook his head. "I'm in the 'haven't been fucked' group. Sorry."
Justin shrugged. "It's just… he's got it."
"What?" Paul asked, dying to know.
"It! I don't know. Even on a bad night, he's great. Like how I was born with a talent for art and trained it into something people think is that good, Brian is the same way with sex. As if he was born with it as a talent and trained it," Justin said, hoping it made sense. "Only it really is that good."
Snickering, Emmett patted Justin on the shoulder. "Well said, honey. But your art really is that good."
"Art is open to interpretation. What's good to one is bad to another. But with Brian… well, have you ever heard anyone complain?"
"I hope they get here soon," Paul admitted. "I'm almost jealous I don't know these people."
But I travelled a long road
To get hold of my sorrow
It wasn't hard to dance up against the brunette. He wanted it, loved it. He want to be the 'one' for the night. Brian looked like he was more than willing to oblige. Better than thinking about Mikey going home to his husband, doing everything he didn't want to think about with him.
He smiled, nearly laughing. He couldn't be angry with Michael. Never. He would come back, he had to come back.
"You look good when you smile," the other man said. Brian felt like he had crawled into his ear and reverberated through him.
Brian didn't say anything. He just looked good. It was a fantastic night, everyone looked good. The music was great, that beat playing some of the best music. He couldn't help but feel the night was getting better and better. The more the guy leaned in, the less he thought about Michael. He'd consider it a good night. Why drown in things he couldn't fix right now? He'd see Mikey again later, but this guy… he wouldn't see him ever again.
Maybe it was just meant to happen. That made sense in a hazy sort of way. Michael left him for the night, maybe for good. He could never tell what would happen the next day after Michael left. Michael would leave him, because that's just how it would be, and then this guy showed up. Brian liked him, wanted him, borderline needed him in that weird way he always felt in strange times. What did Mikey call it? Pain management.
Had a nice ring to it.
"Why don't we move this somewhere else?" Brian asked over the music, hands tugging on the other man's hips. Goddamn, everything about him felt good. He was going to make Brian feel even better in a few a bit.
I tried to catch a dream
But nothing's what it seems
"You don't stop, do you?!" Greg shouted over the music at Ben, who was feeling great and flying high.
"Haven't been out like this in years!" Ben replied, flashing a smile. He hadn't wanted Greg to tagalong, but along he came anyways. He'd been a decent guy so far and as long as he wasn't looking past tonight, Ben could live with it.
Because right now there was a hot little blond by the bar. Ben zeroed in on him and excused himself for a drink, even offering one to Greg who shook his head to decline. He could be a nice guy like that. Sidling up to the bar, Ben found a spot not too close and not too far away from the blond he spotted earlier. Sipping at his beer, he eyed him up before moving in.
"Hey, having a good night?" Ben asked, leaning against the bar.
The blond almost wasn't sure he was being spoken to. "Uh, yeah. So far so good?"
Ben smiled. This was going to be really easy, even for him. "Been out on the floor yet?"
"Oh, no. It's just… my first time here," the blond confessed.
Brian gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder and a bit of advice. "Don't let that get around. They'll be all over you."
"Really?"
Ben tsk-ed. "We're men. We sniff out fresh meat like we'd die without it," Ben laughed. That's why he was here after all. "C'mon, finish up. I'll show you a good time."
The young man looked cautiously at Ben and then at the crowd on the floor.
"Just a dance," Ben said, holding up his hands. "Gotta get your feet wet sometime, right?"
"Alright… can't hurt," the blond admitted, finishing his drink.
Love is saying, "Baby, it's alright."
"Really?" Ben asked, looking up from his book in bed.
Michael slipped off his boxers, leaving them in a pile with the rest of his clothes as he climbed into bed. Seeing Justin had been a shock, but talking with him had reminded him of all the good times they eventually had together. He may be an adult now, and it was hard to see him that way, but it wasn't cause to throw out advice from a friend.
"Yeah," Michael nodded, smiling. "You're right, you have to work on your book sometime, and it's never interrupted us before, right?"
Ben grinned, pulling Michael into his arms. "Baby, you have no idea how happy I am."
He needed to thank Justin. Anything he wanted, Ben would get for him. Whatever he said to Michael worked.
"Because of the book or me?" Michael teased.
"You," Ben answered, kissing Michael. "You. Always you."
"It'll be good," the smaller man agreed, settling against his husband. "When did you want to go?"
"As soon as we plan it," Ben told Michael earnestly. "I'll start looking between my classes tomorrow."
Michael laughed. "I guess I can search the web at the shop while I wait for customers."
"I love you," Ben sighed, happy about the events.
"Mm, love you too," Michael replied.
Was a weekend really going to fix everything? Michael didn't know if he wanted it to or not anymore, honestly. He was just getting tired.
When deep inside you're really petrified
"You gonna wait here?" Michael asked Brian as they pulled up to Emmett's place.
Brian shut off the car, pulling out the keys. "Like I'd miss this for the world."
Oh yes, oh joy. Couldn't Michael tell that he was just overjoyed to be bombarded by the city's biggest gossip queen? Because he was. He was just oozing with excitement.
Brian got out of the car and grabbed the duffle bag, leaving Michael to carry Hunter's backpack as they made their way up to Emmett's apartment. Michael was more worried about how Hunter would be. After all this and leaving him with friends for the night? And for what, some personal time with Brian? He really wasn't feeling great about it.
They both heard laughing coming from behind Emmett's door and looked at each other before knocking. What the hell was going on in there?
Justin pulled open the door, stared at them and looked over his shoulder to yell out that Emmett would've owed him money if they had made a bet. Whatever it was, Justin apparently won.
"Um… can we come in?" Michael asked, confused.
"Oh, yeah, sure," Justin said, holding the door open. "Sorry, we've just been having fun."
"Well, we don't want to interrupt," Brian said, breezing through the door. "We'll just drop this off and be on our way so you gals can keep-"
"Brian Kinney," Emmett interrupted, a hand wrapped around a jutted hip as he stared down the other man. "You are in my house now. You shut the hell up and drop that bag."
Brian cocked an eyebrow, an amused smile touching the corners of his lips. He waited for the laughter, but when none came, he dropped the bag where he stood as Michael quietly entered behind him.
"Now," Emmett said, relaxing his stance. "What are you planning on doing with Michael?"
Michael turned red. "Em, no offense, but that's not your business."
"Honey, shush. I didn't mean tonight," Emmett explained. "Brian?"
"Why does Michael have to be manhandled?" Brian tossed back. "Does anyone realize that he's making all the decisions here? I'm not 'doing' anything with Michael. Michael and I are going to do things with each other in mind."
He hoped.
Emmett sat on that for a minute. "Good answer. So, what'd you bring?"
Michael kneeled down to unzip the duffle bag. "He's got some sweats, otherwise he'd sleep in his underwear and that'd be awkward, trust me. I've got all his meds right here, a change of clothes tomorrow, some bathroom stuff… and his books for school."
He pulled everything out, laying it on top of the backpack and stood up. "Is he still up?"
Emmett gave Michael a worried look. "He's in the spare room, sweetie. I'm sorry, we might've upset him."
"What happened?" Michael asked, rubbing a hand over his face.
"That would be my fault," Paul volunteered, leaning over the couch. "Hey, I'm Paul."
Michael wasn't in the mood. "Paul, what happened?"
"It wasn't anything serious," Justin said, trying to defend Paul without taking sides. "He just didn't know."
"Didn't know what?" Michael asked, frustrated.
"What a shitty childhood the kid had," Paul replied. "Until he met you. And that all of this is screwing with him, badly."
Michael sighed in relief. "That's it? Okay, that's not bad. It could be worse."
"Michael?"
Everyone turned towards the new voice in the conversation, all eyes on Hunter peeking out of the bedroom. He looked like he'd been crying, but no one said anything about it.
"Hey, kiddo," Michael said, softening immediately as he crossed the room to talk with Hunter. "How're you holding up?"
"They keep talkin' about you," Hunter muttered. "Like it's a game."
"I'm sorry," Michael apologized quietly. "It's just how they are. I know it's not a game. I'm not fucking with you on purpose, kid. Believe that."
"I know, I know," Hunter exhaled, rubbing at his eyes. "It sucks, man."
"It's gonna get better," Michael promised. "You trust me?"
"Yeah, but… what about…," Hunter glanced over at Brian with his eyes.
"I love him like hell and he knows what you mean to me," Michael assured his son. "But you come first and he knows that. He doesn't get final say, alright?"
"You sure?" Hunter felt better knowing that, but after Michael going through all the crap with Ben, now he gets Brian and then leaves Brian because of him? That would really suck.
"Never been more sure about anything," Michael said firmly. "Now, can I have a hug?"
Lover turns to hater
On this escalator
"Hey, Todd," Brian greeted the slim man being pounded into against the concrete wall. "How's it goin'?"
"Hey, guy- Fuck, Brian?" Todd exclaimed, distracted from his partner. "Where've ya been?"
Brian held a finger to his lips and winked. "Secret."
"How's Michael?" Todd asked, hips moving into the man behind him again.
Brian decided to take up space next to Todd. Back against the wall, the brunette knew what to do from there, getting to his knees.
"He's… Michael," Brian shrugged, making himself comfortable against the wall. "Why?"
"You two are always together," Todd panted. "You think I spend all my time back here?"
Brian laughed, letting a hand fall to rest on the brunette's shoulder. "Would you hate me if I did?"
Todd bit onto his bottom lip, grunting. "Guess not. Still, been awhile, hasn't it?"
Brian shrugged, lifting his hips off the wall so his trick could get them off his hips just enough. "Yeah. He's busy, busy, busy."
"Bet you're not makin' it… fuck! God, any easier," Todd replied.
"Not you too," Brian groaned, letting his head fall back against the wall as the trick went to work.
Todd flashed a smile. "Hey, call it like I see."
"He's just so… frustrating," Brian muttered, his hands finding their way to the sides of the brunette's head. "Wanna strangle him, but I can't."
"Shit! Do you know what you're doing back there?" Todd snapped over his shoulder. The larger man, in response, threaded a hand through the short hair on Todd's head and pulled back sharply. Todd shut his eyes, moaning. "Nn, go on… Brian."
This was officially the weirdest conversation Brian ever had. He knew that much, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
"He's just – easy on the teeth – not… here," Brian gasped. "Should be, though."
"Miss him?"
"Fuck… yes," Brian hissed, tightening up briefly. "Yeah."
"So – fuck, harder! – why're you here?"
That… was a very good question. Brian looked down at the dark head of hair going back and forth.
I can't live with you – Yeah!
But I can't live without you
"Mikey," Brian said, putting a hand on Michael's shoulder gently, interrupting the hug. "Can I?"
"Hunter?" Michael asked, pulling away to look at his son.
Hunter looked Brian over. "Yeah."
"You mind a little privacy?" Brian asked, looking over his shoulder. "Don't need to give them anymore fuel."
"Yeah, dude, whatever," Hunter said, trying to brush it off and disappeared into the room. Brian followed after, giving Michael's shoulder a squeeze.
"Just a few minutes," Brian promised, shutting the door behind him.
"Michael?" Justin asked. "You wanna sit?"
"Yeah," Michael sighed, torn between wanting to be in that room and wanted to just leave.
Inside the bedroom, Hunter took a seat on the bed while Brian took a look around it. It was nearly bare, which was pleasing to the eye in comparison to the living room. Brian wasn't sure how to do any of this, but he said he would and he was going to.
"We didn't get off on the right foot," Brian said awkwardly. "But I'm willing to try again."
Hunter snorted. "Whatever."
"If that's how it's gonna be, then fuck it," Brian shrugged. "No point in trying if you won't."
"What the hell am I supposed to say?" Hunter asked. "Thanks for being such a great friend to Michael that my entire life is fucked up now?"
"Hey, kid, listen," Brian sighed. "Have things been right with Ben and Michael to begin with?"
Hunter rubbed at his arm anxiously. "Not really."
"This is a good chance for something better, unless you wanted things to stay how they were," Brian explained. "I'm not making Michael do anything. He wants to get his own place with you, we're not making any big plans or anything. He won't let me."
"Let you?" Hunter asked, chuckling. "Michael won't let you?"
Brian rolled his eyes. "Believe me. When Michael says no he means no. I've offered my place, he says no."
"It's really not made for three, dude," Hunter rationalized.
"I know," Brian said, clearly frustrated. "But it's better than worrying about you two."
"Both of us?" Hunter asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You two are a package deal, I get that," Brian nodded. "And if something happens to you, Michael loses it, which makes me worry. It's a chain reaction, but only because I don't know you. Yet."
"So… what's the deal?" Hunter questioned, clearly curious as to where this was going.
Brian raised a hand to his mouth, reflexively biting down on his thumb as he looked at Hunter cautiously. This could be a good chance to start a bond with the teen. Or it could ruin everything ahead of time. Hunter looked at Brian expectantly, a little worry filling his eyes as the silence grew.
Finally, Brian spoke. "How well can you keep a secret from Michael?"
I can't breathe if you stay
But I can't bear you to go away
The next day left Justin with little to do. He forgot how boring it could be after a day back home. Everyone was working and he was the only one on vacation. He debated on going to Kinnetik and bothering the crap out of Brian from sheer boredom and was getting out of the shower when his phone rang. He was actually surprised to find that it was Michael.
"Hey, Justin?" Michael asked. Justin thought he sounded a little depressed.
"What's going on?" Justin asked, sitting on the edge of the bed to pull on socks.
"Absolutely nothing," Michael sighed. "Wanna get lunch?"
"Seriously? I was just thinking that," Justin smiled, threading his legs through a pair of boxer briefs and standing up to yank them on, letting the towel around his waist fall to the floor. "I've had nothing to do all day. What were you thinking?"
"Diner sound good?" Michael suggested. "It's close by."
"No, that's perfect. I'll be there in half an hour," Justin said, digging through his suitcase for a shirt and pants.
"Alright, see ya," Michael said and ended the call. Justin tossed his phone on the bed, heading back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
Michael left the shop, having called Justin and agreeing to something to eat at the diner. The blond had sounded relieved to have something to do with someone else as it was, which made Michael question why he was even here. It wasn't a holiday it wasn't any special sort of week, was it? Obviously the blond had to know everyone would still be working, especially since both Justin and Brian decided to have the drop in be a surprise.
What could they be up to?
In the room, Justin got distracted with a call to Brian. It didn't feel like something overly important to tell him, that Justin was going out to lunch with Michael, but it was something involving Michael. Since it was still early for lunch, he didn't want Brian to call either of them asking them to lunch. It would be better that way. Less confusion.
Phone tucked between his shoulder and ear, Justin listened to the ring as he carefully applied a little product to his hair. It was getting long again, just past the tips of his ears.
"Kinnetik Advertising, Brian Kinney's office, Cynthia speaking," Cynthia answered on the other end.
Justin smiled. "Hey, Cynthia, it's Justin. Is he busy?"
"Justin!" Cynthia exclaimed. "Been awhile since I've heard from you. How's things?"
"Eh, could be better. I'm a little bored all holed up here," Justin sighed, rinsing his hands in the sink.
"So, looking to see if the boss man is free for lunch, then?"
"No, just wanted to see if he could get on the line for a few minutes.
Cynthia rolled her eyes. "Alright, he's just finishing up a meeting. Hold on."
The hold music was nondescript noise to Justin as he packed away his dirty clothes back into the suitcase. He was humming along absently, zipping the bag back up and heard a click on the other end.
"What?" Brian demanded, voice clearly indicating that it had not been a good meeting.
"Hello to you too," Justin replied, overly cheery. "How'd that meeting go, champ?"
"Fuck you and fuck all the goddamn interns that keep getting sent here!"Brian shouted the last part. Justin heard papers scattering over the line and a thunk. Must've thrown a folder at the door.
"You should calm down."
"How the hell can I calm down?" Brian raged. "I almost lost a huge account, you're calling me and Michael isn't, this day fucking sucks."
"I guess you didn't have a good time at the club last night," Justin commented, just wanting to get off the phone at this point. He was running late.
Justin noticed the eerie silence on the other end of the phone and put two and two together. "Brian, you didn't."
Brian sighed loudly. "No, but I've got the worst case of blue balls because of it."
"What the hell happened?"
"Found some trick, hit the backroom," Brian shrugged. "Ran into Todd while I was there and got to talking."
Justin snickered. "While the trick was…?"
"Yeah. Actually, it was a little hot when I think about it," Brian commented. "Anyway, we talked, I knocked the trick on his ass and went home for the night."
"You didn't take care of yourself?" Justin asked, starting to laugh in earnest.
"I did, but sometimes that doesn't really help. I was annoyed to begin with, Michael was supposed to be there and I just…"
"You wanted Michael."
"Still do," Brian said. "This is completely pathetic. Whatever, enough bitching, what do you want?"
"Just wanted to let you know I'm meeting Michael at the diner for lunch," the blond replied casually.
"Deb working today?"
Shit. "I forgot to ask. What should I do?"
"Judgment call is in your hands."
"Alright. Wanna do dinner when you're off work?" Justin asked.
Brian heaved a sigh. "Sunshine, I'll be lucky if I make it out of here alive."
"Well, I'll call and ask again," Justin chirped.
"You and that damn persistence thing. Whatever. Call my cell," Brian said, meaning he might be here after Cynthia left for the day.
"Not a problem."
I don't know what time it is
All I know is I can't live with you
"So, we didn't expect you until later," Emmett commented, trying to be nonchalant and failing.
"Hunter needed his meds first," Michael replied, eyes still on the bedroom door. "What do you think they're talking about?"
"Honey, don't worry about it. Be happy they're talking," Emmett soothed.
Paul spoke up. "Weren't you and Hunter arguing over who could've fucked Brian," he asked Justin.
Justin slapped a hand over his eyes. "Paul, shut up. That's not what they're doing."
Michael's hands were fidgeting nervously in his lap. Hunter was straight… kind of. For now? He wasn't sure, but he had a girlfriend. Loved her even (for a teenager). That wasn't the problem, he knew it. Brian wasn't going to. Even if there had been a passing thought about it years back, there couldn't be any now. He was smart enough to know that.
"I just want things to end for the better. For once," Michael admitted, wishing for a distraction. "So, Paul… what the hell?"
"What?" Paul asked, looking confused. "Is it my hair? Damnit, I told her that I couldn't pull it off."
Michael tried to fight a smile. "No, no. I mean, do you randomly follow around people you've met on a plane?"
"Oh, man, only every chance I get," Paul exclaimed. "No, honestly. I'm not that weird. Maybe. I just thought it'd be a great idea to launch off my own business."
"But… why Rage?" Michael asked, still too nervous to really care.
"I liked the comic book, my whole office did at my old place," Paul said. "I can get a little obsessed when I like something. Have you ever checked the web after you put the comic out?"
"Just sales," Justin shrugged. "Why?"
"There are fansites dedicated to Rage and Zephyr, or Rage and J.T.! Hell, even Zephyr and J.T.," Paul said, making a face.
Michael and Justin looked at each other with wide eyes before each of them gave an involuntary shiver. "Yeah, okay… but that doesn't explain much."
"You've still got a fanbase, Mike," Paul explained. "A lot of places are still active, there are forums online, there's artwork, there are stories. Really… really disturbing stories."
There was a long pause as Paul seemingly tried to rid himself of the imagery. "Anyways, Mike, this is still a big thing. People want more, they want it done right and they want you."
"We'll talk more later, Paul," Brian interrupted, emerging from the bedroom with Hunter following behind, looking decidedly happier than before. "I don't need you fast talking Mikey on me."
"Well, I'll be damned," Paul said, getting up to take a good look at Brian. "It really is Rage."
Brian stuck out a hand. "Brian Kinney, Kinnetik Advertising."
Paul broke out into a grin, shaking the offered hand. "And that's why you know your shit, my man. Cute name."
"Wasn't my idea," Brian said rolling his eyes, releasing Paul from his grip.
"Well, it works. You've got my info, right?" Paul asked, hands sliding into his pockets.
"Wrote it down myself," Brian nodded. "We will be in touch, don't look so much like one of those little nervous dogs."
"Oh, I love those little things," Emmett commented. "They're so cute! But a fluffy one."
"Thank you, Auntie Em," Brian said, calling it a night. "Well, if you'll excuse us, we'll be calling it a night. Mikey?"
Michael got up off the couch. "Thank you so much guys. Hunter, we'll be here in the morning to take you to school."
Hunter sighed. "Do I really have to go?"
"You got today off, you're going," Michael said firmly. "Play nice, okay?"
"Fine," Hunter said. "I could help with the shop instead, y'know."
"Kid, call it a night," Brian warned with a slight smile. "When he says no, he means no, remember?"
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Alright, fine. Have fun you two!"
Brian grabbed Michael by the wrist and didn't give him time to say anything else, pulling him towards the front door, making neat work of scooping up the duffle bag that now held only Michael's things on the way out. Brian had nothing to say to anyone else, this wasn't happy fun group time or some bullshit like that. It was the first time he got to have Michael to himself for an entire night since they started this mess.
He was going to do it right.
We're stuck in a bad place
We're trapped in a rat race
"I dunno, sweetie," Emmett sighed into his headset. He was busy setting up for a sweet sixteen party he had helped plan and cater. So far the girl had been nothing but a diva, even taking to ordering Emmett's own employees around. Little missy was asking for it. In the meantime, Ted had called while he was working. "Sounds like he's just having a bad day."
"Em, he threw everything," Ted said, trying to get his friend to understand how dire this situation seemed. "Posters, papers, contracts. All of it! He just threw it at the wall of his office. He's pissed."
Emmett rolled his eyes, pointing towards a table when someone came up with a huge bouquet of flowers. "Well, what happened?"
"I heard a meeting with a huge client turned out awful. Some new kid fucked it up," Ted replied in a hushed tone, as if he was being listened to.
"There ya go, Teddy," Emmett said in a manner that suggested a 'duh' was hanging at the end of it. "Of course he'd be upset about that. Anything else?"
"He's been miserable all morning, since he came in. It was building up."
"Has he ever been pleasant, I never noticed."
Ted leaned over his desk, as if trying to hide. "There's something else," he whispered.
Emmett mimicked his whisper in asking him what it was.
"Justin called. I overheard Cynthia talking to him."
"Honey, you know I love gossip," Emmett said, motioning towards the movers bringing in some ice sculpture for the center of the buffet table. "But that's nothing new. Justin's in town. Remember? He mentioned that seeing all of us was going to be a surprise."
"I dunno… I think something's up," Ted murmured, sitting up straight. "He's just been so weird, and what he said the other night after Woody's…"
"He was drunk. Besides, when was the last time any of us saw Michael?"
Talking to Emmett was frustrating at the moment. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Woody's tonight?"
"Mmhm," Emmett agreed, snapping his fingers at the caterers and ushering them over to the long table. "Hopefully I can be ready by ten. That good?"
"I'll be waiting, my dear," Ted joked before ending the call.
"Schmidt!" Brian yelled, storming down the hall. "Schmidt, you had better have work on the fucking computer!"
Ted glanced at his screen just in case, not that Brian would've really cared, but he was on a tear again. He spun his chair to face the entrance of his office just as Brian came in, throwing paperwork in his lap. Ted glanced down, they were the numbers he had crunched for the recent account.
"Ballpark, how much do I stand to lose because of this little shit?" Brian nearly snarled.
Ted was comfortable with numbers, the nervous edge left when he looked over the papers. "A good million, at least."
Brian slammed a fist against the wall. "That shit is fired! That's too much-"
"Bri, what happened in there?" Ted asked. Brian was protective of his business, but this was going a step too far. He liked keeping the new guys on to see them grow and turn into something decent, not drop them at the first mistake.
Brian sighed. "This kid, the new one, he cut me off mid-pitch to go on his own spiel, taking the whole project back to where they started before coming to us. They wanted to break out of the same crap the last company's been feeding them. And now I look like I can't keep my own goddamn staff in line!"
"It's probably not that bad," Ted commented, organizing the paperwork neatly in his lap.
"Not that bad?" Brian scoffed. "Theodore, may I remind you that I sign your checks. I get the money for your checks from people like that!" He pointed at the paperwork as if it was proof. "And that right there, was the boost I needed, Schmidt. A million right down the fucking shitter… Christ!"
"Got some big plans?"
Brian remembered who he was talking to. "Wouldn't you like to know? I have strings to pull and promises to make. God, I have to fucking grovel at this point."
Ted tried to cheer him up. "On the plus side, you get to fire someone."
Brian smiled for a minute as he looked at Ted. Sometimes the sheer audacity of Ted took him by surprise.
Thinking he was in the clear, he stood up and handed the papers back to Brian. "Em and I are hitting Woody's tonight. You wanna round up the rest?"
"Theodore, I don't have time to play tonight," Brian muttered, flipping through the paperwork absently. "Besides, I made dinner plans already. Another time."
"Who with?" Ted asked casually. "Client?"
"None of your fucking business," Brian said pleasantly, slapping Ted in the chest with the paperwork. "Thanks, Schmidt."
"Anytime, Bri," Ted replied, but Brian had already left down the hall.
Ted snorted, taking his seat again. Nothing going on his ass.
And we can't escape
"Did you have to drag me out of there?" Michael asked, but there was no heat behind the words.
"Did you want to spend all night there?" Brian shot back, climbing into the car after tossing the duffle back into the trunk.
"Point," Michael said, getting into the car, smiling. They drove in an amicable silence between them, the radio softly filling in the blanks. Michael couldn't help but feel a little nervous, wondering if this was going too fast. If it was a good idea at all, really.
It almost felt like any other night, honestly. Spending some time with friends, Brian ending his night, as usual. They were even going back to Brian places, like they used to do on nights out. True, mostly so Michael could take care of Brian, but still. The only thing different was that instead of just hanging out, or tucking Brian in, they were…
They were going to do it.
IT.
It amused Michael because, really, they already had. Again and again and again. For a year. Brian hadn't gotten tired of him in over a year. But it wasn't the same. He'd never been able to stay the night, to wake up next to Brian and stick around. Instead of Brian having to kick him out of bed to get ready for work, Michael was usually running out the door to get home before Ben or Hunter, make sure everything was in order. He didn't have to do any of that tonight.
There was time, and that scared him. What was always a great, intense reaction of want for each other could easily be ruined and be found out to be nothing more than a flash in the pan with time. Michael had to admit, despite how horrible it was of him, the sneaking around, the hidden rendezvous, frantic tearing and groping… it was hot. No one could deny that at all.
What if it was just that, though? They would get to the Loft and find that this was just too awkward under normal circumstances. It wouldn't be as good as it was without all the guilt and trouble and rush. It wouldn't be worth the effort of actually finding that compatibility with each other.
Michael looked over at Brian, who was gently tapping his fingers on the steering wheel in time with the music on the radio. He looked as if there was nothing else he'd rather be doing.
Was that still his Brian?
Maybe there's been some mistake
Justin hated running late when he had to be somewhere, unless it was for a good reason. While calming Brian out of his rage seemed like a good reason, it wasn't one he could tell Michael to excuse himself with. He figured that if he did, Michael would get into a panic over it and rush to Brian, which would honestly be counterproductive. Brian had work to do, he knew that much, and as much as he knew seeing or hearing from Michael would make his day, it wouldn't help him finish the work.
Well, if the two of them liked to 'help' each other like he and Brian had way back when.
Justin made his way to the diner, bells ringing over his head. He paused to look around for Michael, spotting him at a booth at the far end. Before he could make his way over to him, he was stopped in his tracks.
"Oh, shit! Sunshine!" Debbie cawed, and he was smothered in her embrace.
"Hey, Debbie!" Justin laughed, trying to pry himself away.
"My little artist came home," she announced, letting go and looking around the diner.
At this point, Justin wanted a hole to open up and swallow him. This was causing more of a scene than he wanted. How did Michael put up with it all the time? And now that she actually was here, what was he going to do? Ask about the dinner or not? Brian had said it was up to him, but that was after being in a fairly decent mood. Who knew how he'd feel about it later.
A man at another table snorted. "Yeah, fan-fucking-tastic! Get we get some fucking service?"
Debbie smiled politely. "Of course, honey. You'll have the 'shut the hell up' with a side of 'mind your goddamn manners' cause my baby is home!"
"Deb, c'mon, enough," the blond said, nudging her away from the table. "Is Michael here yet?"
"You're the one he's meeting? That little shit," Debbie snapped. "Michael, why didn't you say something?"
Michael looked at a loss for words. What should he have said? Brian and Justin made it seem like it was such a big secret!
"Ma, last night he said that-"
"Last night?!" She turned on Justin. "Why didn't you tell me you were here?"
"I was trying to surprise you?" the blond shrugged, smiling.
Debbie smiled, pulling him into a hug. "Asshole. You surprised me alright. Go! Sit, I'll get you a sundae."
"No, Debbie, seriously," Justin said sitting across from Michael. "I'd like some real food."
Debbie rolled her eyes. "Well, la-de-dah. Can't even get my baby fucking ice cream! Alright, fine. What'll ya have?"
"Waffles, bacon, two scrambled eggs," Justin listed off. "Whole wheat toast with butter and a milkshake. There, that's like ice cream."
"Well, good enough," Debbie scribbled. "You could stand to put on a few, Sunshine. You need to get some protein off a plate, y'know."
"Oh, Christ, Ma," Michael groaned. "Give it a rest. He just got here."
"No he didn't," Debbie said stubbornly. "Because my son didn't even tell me he was here."
Michael rested his head in a hand perched on the table. "Can I just get pancakes, please?"
Debbie gave an annoyed noise in response to her pen scribbling across the pad. "Fine." She leaned over and patted Justin on the cheek. "Baby, your order'll be right out."
Really? Did she have to make it seem like he needed coddling or special treatment? He was a grown man for crying out loud! And Michael was looking more and more like the forgotten stepchild or… something equally depressing.
"No rush," Justin said, shifting uncomfortably. "Really, it's a full house."
By the time Debbie left, Michael had crossed his arms on the table and laid his head down on top of them. She was ridiculous and it was pointless to get angry at her pouring favor on the 'Prodigal Son' as it were. Chalk it up to lowered expectations, but Michael hadn't expected anything less.
"Didn't think she'd be working today when you suggested here," Justin told Michael, clearing his throat.
"Does it matter?" Michael's muffled voice asked. "You needed to talk to her anyways."
"Well, yeah, but Brian and I were going to-"
Michael looked up. "What the fuck are you two planning?"
We're trying to make a high score
We're walking through a closed door
"So?" Justin asked, looking expectantly at Paul, who had been watching the next movie on TV. Both Emmett and Justin had been expecting more from Paul after all the talking he did about Michael and Brian with them, wanting to meet them, do business… he finally did and then he goes quiet?
"So, what?" Paul asked, dipping his hand into the popcorn bowl.
"What did you think of Brian and Michael?" Emmett asked, frustrated.
Paul shrugged. "They don't seem as wild and crazy as I expected. They're nice, I like them."
Emmett and Justin looked at each other. "And Brian?" Emmett asked.
"Good business man, cares a lot. I like that. Completely dependant on Michael, though," Paul commented around a mouthful of popcorn.
"Dependant on… honey, no," Emmett sighed. "Michael's dependant on Brian. Other way around."
"I didn't see Michael dragging Brian out the door, or speaking up for him when you attacked him at the door."
Justin thought about it. It was entirely possible that their relationship was as co-dependant as any other, but right off the bat he said Brian was attached to Michael. And after all the calls and emails, Justin knew Paul was right. Emmett was having a hard time believing it.
"Oh my," Emmett said, thinking that Paul just wouldn't get it. "If you say so, honey."
"What do you think Brian and Hunter talked about?" Justin asked, changing gears. The teen had gone to bed soon after Michael and Brian left. Emotionally worn out and at the same time excited with what Brian had trusted him with, he had called it a night.
"Probably just trying to pull the whole 'good stepdad' routine," Paul snorted, rolling his eyes.
"I take it you've got experience," Justin commented, looking at Paul questioningly.
Paul smiled faintly. "Listen, squirt, it's not easy to deal with another man in your life. Especially one that just shows up and decides you owe him all this respect and to follow his rules and he changes the way your life has run since you were a kid and demands things that this… completely stranger shouldn't."
Justin and Emmett never had to deal with it, Justin never living at home past eighteen to deal with his mother's new romantic interests and Emmett's parents staying together until he had left. It was hard to wrap their minds around the concept, since they had never lived it.
"Was it really that bad?" Emmett asked.
"We got along after I moved out," Paul said. "Don't get me wrong, he's good guy. Took care of my mom and my brothers and stuff, but I was the oldest and I still love my dad to death… it's hard to explain. It's confusing, like… when someone you love passes on and you find yourself on a day, maybe years later, and you realize you've stopped thinking about them every day like you used to. That you're still laughing, that you've got more people to love and things to do. It sucks, but we move on, y'know?"
Justin nodded, thinking on it. "I can see that. So you think Brian tried sweet talking Hunter, then?"
Paul shrugged. "It was either a 'lay down the rules' talk or a 'hey, I'm not here to be your dad' talk. And they both suck."
"You might be a little jaded," Emmett reminded gently, before getting up and stretching out with his arms over his head. "But, either way, I have to call it a night, boys. The couch folds out, pillows and blankets in the closet."
"Night, Em," Justin said, not ready for bed yet. "Thanks, by the way."
"Yeah, thank you," Paul repeated, smiling up at Emmett.
"Not a problem, just be prepared for an early wake up call. I've got a wedding in the morning," Emmett sighed, not looking forward to it at all. "Have a good night."
"Night," both Paul and Justin droned, watching the TV again.
And nobody's winning
Ted was meeting Blake for lunch today, for once they were both able to schedule it. Not that their jobs were overly demanding, but usually they both opted not to fight any noontime business. Ted had a little more leeway with his job, he knew that, so when they could meet for lunch he could go pick up Blake at the rehab center rather than have Blake too far away too make it back to work on time.
Ted made his way up to the counter, chatting pleasantly with the nurse on the clock until Blake made it out to meet him. He should've been finishing up his last group session for the afternoon. Then off to lunch and back to counseling and sessions.
"You two are so cute together," the nurse commented watching Ted smile.
"Thanks, he's just… everything," Ted replied, perking up when he saw Blake coming down the hallway. "Hey, you ready to go?"
Blake smiled, patting down his pockets to make sure he had everything. "Yeah, all good. We'll see you later, Brenda."
The nurse waved at them as they left the building hand in hand. There was a little café place about a block from the center, that's where they would usually do lunch together. Ted couldn't help but let his mind wander back past the recent events over as they walked, not really listening to Blake as he made conversation… or tried to.
"Ted?" Blake asked, tugging gently on his lover's hand.
Ted looked up, having been caught staring at the sidewalk. "Hm, yeah?"
"Something wrong, hon?" Blake asked, looking a little worried.
"Oh, no. No," Ted said shaking his head. "I'm sorry, just work stuff bogging me down."
Blake smiled. "Ted, you know we talk about everything. What's going on at work?"
Ted sighed. He really didn't want to keep Blake in the dark. "It's Brian."
Blake and Brian never had any problems personally. Hell, Blake barely knew him, just knew of him really. He was just happy that all of Ted's friends had been willing to take him back after rehab and Brian… well, he sort of held Brian in a higher regard. He was the one to really boost Ted back up again after the whole mess. Gave him a job, got him back out (even if it had been less than subtle). Needless to say, Blake liked Brian even if they weren't friends.
They continued walking as Blake listened attentively to Ted.
"So, Justin shows up, remember him?" Ted asked, Blake nodded.
"The one that left for New York. He just showed up out of the blue?"
"Yeah, it was really weird. Not that we didn't think he'd ever come back, but that he just… showed up! And Brian planned the whole thing," Ted commented, thinking about it. "Brian and Michael were late-"
"How's Michael?" Blake interrupted. Ted had been worried when Michael had stopped hanging out as much with the group. Blake had calmed him down about it, assuring him he was just busy in with his family, possibly even leaving the whole club scene behind.
"He looked okay, not happy, but Brian apparently showed up and interrupted him an' Ben," Ted smiled. "But, like he always does, he defended Brian to the end. So, we left Woody's then, right?"
"Hold on, honey," Blake said, slowing him down as they entered the little café. "So, Michael actually showed up?"
"Well, yeah, it was for Justin apparently," Ted shrugged.
"But they didn't… they tolerated each other, right?"
"Mm, I guess you could call it that. Michael can't hate anyone, though. He likes you," Ted said fondly as they waited on line. "He's just like that."
Blake smiled at Ted. "He is a very good friend. Okay, so Michael actually showed up, wasn't angry about Brian, you guys leave Woody's… and then what?"
They shuffled up the line. "Then, I mean he was drunk, but he said the weirdest thing. Starts going off about how he doesn't want Michael to go home, that he always goes home. It was really out of character."
"Well, he was drunk," Blake conceded. "But do you think they've been hanging out?
"Without the rest of us?" Ted asked, thinking it nearly impossible.
"They are best friends, honey," Blake smiled. "Anyway, did anything else happen?"
"The only thing I can think of is today," Ted shrugged. "I mean, he flipped out, some meeting got messed up, and then Justin called. I was walking past when I heard Cynthia talking to him. He came to my office a little later, random business stuff, and said he had dinner plans for the night."
Blake looked thoughtful, but nothing was really making sense. "It's probably with Justin."
"Yeah, I know that, but why?" Ted asked, clearly confused. "I mean, Justin is just here for a week. Emmett asked if he was, y'know, still into Brian, but he said no."
"Oh, how many times did they get back together?" Blake rolled his eyes.
"Okay, yeah, true. But Brian's got his business here. You don't think they really would, do you?"
"Could be why Michael is really in such a bad way. Defending Brian even when he was annoyed," Blake suggested. "But it doesn't explain Brian's outburst like that. Are you sure there's nothing else?"
Ted thought about it. "Well, when he said that stuff about Michael, he said it to Justin, like he should know all about it. Actually, Justin said some weird things, too. I don't know, Blake. Things are just… I don't have words for it."
"Maybe you're not supposed to," Blake offered, letting go of Ted's hand to rub his back gently. "If you really think something is going on, then you need to let it work itself out. They'd ask you for help if they needed it. So, if they do, just help, but pushing your way in before that might make it worse."
Ted sighed. "I guess you're right."
It didn't feel right though. He felt like he was missing out on something and it was something big, he just couldn't place his finger on whatever it was. It was driving him nuts, honestly. Especially since no one else could see it either.
"How about we go out tonight?" Blake offered, trying to cheer Ted up.
"Well, I made plans with Emmett and now Brian and Justin are busy… you wanna join us?" Ted asked. For some reason, Blake never wanted to be around Emmett too long.
Blake tried not to make a face. "Well, I wanted you all to myself."
"Well," Ted drawled, as if weighing the options. "I think Emmett could understand…"
We're just sinning against ourselves
Hold on baby tell me it's alright
"What are we doing?" Michael asked as Brian pulled into a parking lot of a grocery store.
Shutting the engine off he said, "I was thinking I'd fuck you in the car like we were kids."
"I-" Michael's mouth hung open. What? Seriously, that was just… why? He couldn't even form a sentence before he noticed Brian was snickering to himself.
"Mikey, calm down," Brian chuckled, unbuckling his seatbelt. "I don't have shit at my place, you know that. Figured we'd pick some stuff up."
"You're an asshole," Michael muttered, getting out of the car. He loved a jerk. It wasn't fair that he couldn't help it and Brian was an ass. He slammed his door shut and started walking towards the store. He heard Brian jogging to catch up to him.
"Mikey, hold on," Brian laughed, catching up. "C'mon, don't pout."
"I'm not pouting," Michael huffed.
Brian rolled his eyes and took Michael's hand in his. "I was just kidding. You think I'd do that to you?"
"I dunno, you make it sound like you never have before," Michael said, annoyed.
"Oh, Christ. Really, Michael?" Brian asked, taking offense. "We're grown men and the 'vette is way too small. I was thinking when I get my next car, I can go for something with a little more room."
Michael looked over at Brian, who looked right back with raised eyebrows and a quirky smile. Michael slapped him in the chest with his free hand. "Jerk. Why are you thinking of getting yet another new car?"
"Well, I need room for Gus on visits. Something safer," Brian said with a shrug as they entered through the automatic doors of the store.
"Yeah," Michael agreed and then remembered something. "Hey, I called Mel earlier today-"
"What'd you do that for?" Brian asked stiffly.
Michael looked at his friend as if he'd grown two heads. "Because she's a lawyer and I might need one, and to check in on Hunter's paperwork. She said something about you when we spoke."
"Really now?" Brian asked in a bored manner, letting Michael's hand go to closely inspect the aisle.
"Yes, really. She said you called Lindsey earlier. Something about getting a place in Canada?" Michael questioned, trying to be just as casual as Brian. In turn, Brian wandered down the aisle without making a sound.
Anger's breaking from the hurt inside
Brian had made an early escape from work. Not that there weren't things to do, but he was going to go nuts if he stayed there. He needed an escape, a friendly face and something to eat. He railed out that new kid all through lunch, but didn't have the heart to fire him. He looked like he nearly pissed himself in Brian's office. Have a scared kid running around might put everyone else straight anyway.
He gave Justin a call on his way out, letting him know he was going over to pick him up. Didn't care that he was still in work attire, looked like he was run ragged and just annoyed. He needed to vent and Justin had willingly decided to be the person to vent to.
When he got there, he took the elevators to the second floor, making his way to Justin's room. He knocked on the door 212 and Justin held it open. Justin thought he looked about ready to break, but instead Brian walked in and sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, hunched over.
"Long day?" Justin asked, shutting the door.
Brian loosened his tie and undid a few buttons on his shirt. "You have no fucking idea. How was lunch?"
Justin shrugged. "Wasn't bad, but what's going on with you?"
"I don't know if I should keep doing this," Brian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I mean, all this work and what if Michael stays with Ben?"
"But you don't know if you don't try," Justin offered. He really didn't want to admit that he had told Michael to go on the weekend. And… that he was actually going.
"Sunshine, this is just bullshit!" Brian snapped. "I've been stuck in this position for a year. A fucking year, and what do I get from it? A few hours with this… this fucking stranger in my bed and my best friend is just gone! I don't even know what to do anymore. Fuck."
"Hey, don't give up," the blond said. "This is the first time I've seen you want something, Brian. There has to be-"
"No, I'm done," Brian said, shaking his head with finality.
"What? Maybe you're just having a really bad day," Justin nearly begged. Fuck.
"No, well, yeah. Today sucked, but what makes me think this is really gonna change?"
"That's it?!"
Brian sighed, lacing his fingers together. "Can we not do this now?" The whole freaking out part. He didn't want to deal with it.
"You're just ending this now? Giving up, the end! What about Saturday?" Justin demanded.
Brian gave Justin a long hard look. Deb had been there. Fuck. He knew that he told Justin to make his own decision, but he regretted letting him make it. "Why the fuck did you go and make the plans? I fucking told you we'd do it together!" he snapped.
Justin had enough. "Fuck you, I was there with Michael and Deb just happened to be there!" Like he said she might be and asked Brian what he should do. Picky asshole.
"Oh, I'm sure he felt great about himself after that run in," Brian told Justin, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't you put this on me," Justin argued, pointing a finger at Brian. "It's not my fault that she-"
Brian rolled his eyes. "Sunshine, she worships the fucking ground you come on and you know it."
"It's nice to know someone else can fucking see it."
Brian and Justin fell silent and stared at the door. Oh shit, it was Michael. What should they do? How much did he hear? Brian didn't think he could be so worried about one single moment in his entire life, and that was how he knew that he couldn't give up. Not yet.
"Yeah, it's me," Michael said. They could hear the roll of his eyes in that tone.
Justin looked at Brian who just waved him to the door. He pulled it open, shocked, and found Michael on the other side. This was such bad fucking timing, he didn't even know it.
"Mike, what are you-"
The bag of lemon bars were shoved against the younger man's chest. "You left these at the store and I was looking to kill time before going home." He peered around Justin's body. Brian was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking like he came straight from work, tie loosened around his neck, hair mussed and shirt almost unbuttoned. "Figured."
That shot right through Brian. Figured? Michael 'figured'? Oh, what, like his plan all along was to come here straight from work and fuck…
Oh, fuck Michael.
"Well, don't just stand there, Sonny Boy," Brian said loudly, shaking Justin out of his shock with his condescending manner. "Be polite and ask him in. Sorry, Mikey, you know he needs work on his manners."
"I'm not staying," Michael said stubbornly, shaking his head.
Brian got off the bed, leaning in the doorframe next to Justin, smiling down at Michael. "C'mon, Mikey, we were just talking about you."
Let's see how much Michael had heard.
"And how pathetic I am, I'm sure," the shorter man said gruffly, fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. "Anyways, I just wanted to drop those off. You two… have fun."
Well, on the plus side, Brian decided, Michael hadn't heard that he had wanted to give up. Although, with what he was suggesting, Brian didn't really care at this point if he had. He had told Michael he wasn't leaving him for Justin and, what, his word meant nothing now? Needless to say, Brian wasn't sad to see his best friend go.
Michael turned and started to walk away. "Wait!"
Justin had pushed the half empty bag into Brian, who held it automatically. The blond was coming down the hall to meet him. Michael stopped him with a raised hand, taking an obvious breath to keep his mouth and temper in check as Justin deflated, keeping his distance.
Why was Michael acting like this right off the bat? Justin couldn't figure it out. Brian wasn't happy about it, that much was sure. He could feel hazel eyes burning a hole into his back, as if trying to figure out what he would say next.
"Justin, whatever. Okay? You two… just whatever," Michael fumbled, lowering his hand. "I'll tell Ma you two are calling the dinner off, but it's up to you to tell her why. I don't even want to know what's been going on."
Brian's eyes went wide. That little shit, he really did think he and Justin were going at it. A part of him hoped that he was just upset with Justin from lunch or annoyed that Brian hadn't called him and instead went running to the blond, but this… It hurt. Brian could admit that it hurt. Michael didn't trust him.
The one statement rang loudly through his head.
Michael didn't trust him. After all the shit they had been through, the ups and downs over the years… all the times Michael had been the only one to stand by him! And he didn't trust him with Justin.
"Mikey-"
"No, Brian," Michael cut off. "Fuck it, right? I've got Ben."
Justin looked back at Brian hanging in the doorway and then back at Michael. "You're going away for the weekend, aren't you?" Brian asked, but he already knew the answer. The Weekend. If he wasn't allowed to clear up this situation, he could at least know the truth about Michael's. It wouldn't comfort him, but it was something he needed to know.
"Yeah," Michael laughed. "Boy Wonder really wants me to make a go of my marriage. Who would've thought?"
Justin cringed. It sounded as bad as he thought it would, especially in this position they had all found themselves in. He hadn't wanted Brian to know he'd been telling Michael to try with Ben, make it worthwhile. And Brian wrath right now might come down on him for it. What kind of a friend did he sound like when it obviously made him look like he was playing both sides to his advantage?
Brian snorted. "Ah, we all knew deep down, no matter how he acted, Justin would always keep us apart, wouldn't he?"
Michael and Justin stared at Brian in complete shock. Brian had set the bag down somewhere in the room nearby, buttoned up his shirt slowly, leaving the two other men gaping and straightened his tie securely around his neck. He tugged at the sleeves of his suit jacket, combed a hand through his hair and stepped into the hallway. He looked at Justin and then Michael.
"Brian, what the fuck are you talking about?" Justin demanded when he found his voice. Was he trying to lose Michael completely by playing into this idiocy? He wasn't here to get Brian back, fuck it! Michael could have him and all of his mood swings and his mind fuck games. This was going to drive him nuts before he left.
The taller man wrapped an arm around Justin's shoulders, pulling him close. "Come now, Sunshine, why keep Mikey out of the loop? He's going with Ben, we don't need the dinner to tell everyone now."
"Are you shitting me?" Michael asked, incredulous, eyes on Brian alone, missing the complete look of confused horror on Justin's face. "I… I thought, but…"
Brian released Justin from his grip, smile falling. "No, Michael. It's not what you've been thinking and fuck you." The taller man breeze by and Michael thought his exit would be stalled by waiting for the elevator, but as usual Brian had disappeared down the short extension of the hallway that led to the ice machine… and the stairs.
Well, Justin had made this trip to have Michael make a move of some sort… but, this wasn't the movement he wanted if the look on Brian's face had anything to say about it. Shit.
Passions screaming hotter
Doin' what we gotta do – Yeah!
"Okay, this… is weird," Paul admitted in a hushed tone in the dark.
Paul and Justin had gone to bed after the last movie, Emmett shutting his door for the night and leaving the two of them to their own devices. They had moved some things around and Paul unfolded the bed in the couch while Justin grabbed sheets and pillows from a small closet. Justin was not giving up the bed to even think of making Paul more comfortable. That asshole trailed him around the state and wormed his way in with his friends and then Michael. He deserved to be uncomfortable for a little bit.
"It's not my fault you were too lazy to go get some pajamas from your car," Justin murmured, turned on his side away from Paul, who was on his back. "You made it weird."
"As long as nothing pokes me, I'll be fine," Paul said. A long moment of silence filled the air. "You're not gonna poke me, are you?"
"Jesus Christ, Paul, go to sleep!"
"Soo… that's a no? Why not? I'm not good looking enough?" Paul asked, preventing Justin from resting.
Justin rolled over to face Paul, who glanced over at Justin, a cheeky smile on his face. "I hate you so much. Go. To. Sleep."
Another long pause stretched out between them. "Y'know, you're really no fun. This is a sleepover."
Justin groaned in frustration, shoving his head under the pillow. "And now it's time to sleep!"
"So, like, who do you have a crush on?" Paul whispered, giggling.
Justin peeked out from under the pillow. "Right now… I'm wishing I could make your head explode."
"Baby, why are you so cold to me?" Paul asked, sounding hurt.
"You're on crack. No more drugs for you," Justin's muffled voice came from under the pillow.
Another long silence. "Hey… Paul?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really want Rage to make a comeback?" Justin asked, getting out from under the pillow.
"I wouldn't've gone through this much trouble if I didn't," Paul said. "Why?"
"Because… When Mike and I started working on it," Justin explained carefully. "That's… sort of when we became friends. When we finally had something to do together. It's kind of special, even if I fucked that up, too."
"Like I said, squirt, let me take of your baby," Paul murmured, closing his eyes. "Now go to sleep."
I can't live with you
I can't live with you
I can't live – I can't live
I can't – I can't live with you
"What… the fuck just happened?" Michael asked, still staring in the direction Brian had walked off in.
Justin sighed. "You weren't… Michael, I don't know if I should help you anymore. I think I fucked everything up enough."
"What?" the shorter man asked. "Was it never supposed to cross my mind that two ex-lovers just might get back together?!"
The blond shook his head. "No… but you were supposed to trust him. You were the only one that ever did."
Justin was right. Michael knew he was, but it never crossed his mind that he was… the he disappointed Brian. They were… Fuck! This was too hard. Honestly, Michael just wanted to tuck his tail between his legs, go home and forget this happened. Watching Brian's face when he walked by had left Michael feeling like he needed to crawl back to his best friend and apologize profusely. He felt like he ruined what made them… them. The Brian and Mikey show. Dynamic Duo. Them against the world!
But to do that… they had relied on a strong, if seemingly unequal balance, between them over the years. Michael backed Brian up at every turn, even when Brian shut him out. Brian pushed Michael forward, even when Michael wanted to hang on forever. There was a subtlety to them and how they worked that made it interesting to watch. No one could say how they lived was right or wrong… it just was. They might've made bad decisions in their lives, but they made them together, supporting each other and never questioning what the other was doing. They never needed to, because the one thing they had, the one thing Michael didn't give to Brian this time, was a completely loyal sense of trust that both of them thought would always be there.
And Michael just broke it.
But, baby, I'll never ever leave you
"Brian," Michael said, trailing after him up and down the aisles with a cart he had grabbed after he realized Brian was literally restocking everything in his place. "Brian, you never answered me."
"Carrots or corn?" Brian asked, holding a can of vegetables in each hand. He was okay with both, but he wanted to know what Michael wanted. "For tonight."
"Corn," Michael answered, still determined to get his answer. "Are you going to answer me?"
"About what?" Brian sighed, tossing a few cans into the cart. "Mel's nuts, it was just an idea."
"You can't do things like that, then," Michael argued. "Gus was probably excited as hell to think he'd get to see his dad more often and to send that house into a mess was-"
"Alright!" Brian snapped. As if he didn't feel bad enough as it was. "Fine, I'm sorry. I thought I'd be able to do it, but there's other things that have to get done first."
"What happened in the span of a few hours?"
Brian rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. "Theodore ran the numbers for me. If everything works out within the next year, then I can get a place out there, but for now it has to go on hold. I'll just visit to make up for it."
Michael didn't like that answer. "Did something happen?"
Why wouldn't he let it go? "Few days back I had a bad meeting with a client. Stood to lose around a million, a drop in the bucket compared to what the company brings in almost daily, but it was just that extra edge I really wanted to have."
"The client cancelled?" Michael asked.
"No, not yet," Brian said. "I have to meet with them tomorrow afternoon, beg, grovel and apologize. I might get them back, but even then it's a maybe."
"I can help, Brian," Michael offered, but his friend shook his head. "Why not?"
"Because, Mikey… just, don't worry about it," Brian said with finality. "There's other plans first. There's more time."
Michael and Brian looked at each other, Michael ready to argue it, Brian ready to shoot him down.
"Alright," Michael sighed. "But if you want… I'll help."
"I know, Mikey," Brian said, smiling faintly. "But it's getting late. Think we've got everything?"
"If you're feeding an army," Michael rolled his eyes.
"Just you, so it's pretty much the same thing."
"Asshole!"
I can't live with you
But I can't live without you
Cause I'm in love with you
Oh and everything about you
"I guess that's it then," Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. His hand fell to his sighed and he laughed, shrugging. It just wasn't going to work out, obviously. This whole situation was driving them both nuts, fraying already nervous edges. So, what else could he do?
Just what he wanted to. He was going to go back home, love his family and never show his face again. It would be hard, of course. Somehow, he felt… ruined. Ruined for his husband, ruined for any man (should the marriage end) after. Because what was once a barely hidden, but safely protected open wound, was now just a gaping hole that everyone could see, he was sure of it. What everyone else just saw as Michael following Brian around hoping, was ten times worse now that he'd had his chance and lost it.
It was nearly impossible to get over first loves. Nothing compared to that very first time you were completely knocked off your feet by a single person. Even if things ended badly in life with that person, time could melt away those horrible moments and leave the memories rose tinted, if you let it. From then on, even if you were in a sense, over them, they rested in the back of your mind, in that special place in your heart. Whether you loved them still or hated them forever, you would think about them at least once a day. You couldn't forget or wouldn't forget, and everyone was in some way compared to that person. They didn't talk the same, but they liked the same movie. Or how they liked the same foods, but it was just so weird that the new person was nothing like the old one.
Brian had been his first love. Michael had never been able to give all of himself to any one person because a large part of him was always with Brian. They would still hang out, go out, he would still kiss Michael and need him. That wound never got to heal because Brian never gave it a chance to. It was so easy to blame it all on Brian, and Michael wanted to.
But it wasn't his fault that Michael had… used him the way he had. And it wasn't his fault that Michael was overwhelmed with guilt and nerves at this point, heightened by Justin's appearance, had made him explosive.
"Michael, c'mon," Justin pleaded. "Let him have some space and-"
Michael shook his head. "I said I'd go on the weekend. I guess that's choice enough, right?"
"You know how much I want to see a gay marriage make it," Justin said. "You know that you're probably the only person I could think that highly of to make a marriage like that work. But… did you see Brian? Did you look at him? What is he going to do without you?"
"What I did for years," Michael shrugged. How did Brian pull off being so uncaring? It was hard. "Boy Wonder, don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong."
I can't live with you
No, I just can't live – I just can't live
I can't live with you
That nervous tension was settling in again as Michael and Brian checked out. Brian was pretty sure that he was going to throw up. On the cashier. His stomach felt like it was in his throat and he'd be shaking right now if he'd let himself. This was going to drive him up a wall. What if he wasn't good enough for Michael? What if he didn't like it?
Oh, God, what if Michael thought Ben was better?
He was stalling, he knew his was. He'd never had to before, not with the same intent. Usually he would stall for more time to get into the mood. Have another drink, pop another pill, anything. Brian wasn't sure what to do with himself once the time would actually come. It was ridiculous to even think that he was having a hard time coming around to the idea of actually having sex, but here he was, handing over a few bills to the cashier with a slight tremble at the thought of getting Michael home and in bed.
Why was this going to be so hard?
Somehow it felt more defining than the first time they shared together. Which would make no sense. Still, loading up the car, his hands brushing up against Michael's as he handed him the bags, he realized that there was honestly no one else he'd rather be here with, nervous or not. Brian just wondered how his friend could look so calm. Wasn't he worried at all?
Yeah and I can't live without you
Through the madness through the tears
We've still got each other
For a million years – Yeah
Justin had been thinking about Michael the rest of the day. This whole thing went to shit and he couldn't help but think it had been his fault. He really couldn't. Then again, if he hadn't shown up, what would've happened? They would never know and it was stupid to think it would all work out anyways in the end. He called Emmett, who invited him along out with him and Ted, now that his dinner plans were cancelled, he needed something to do. He'd been getting ready for a night out when his phone rang.
"Sunshine?"
"Brian?" Justin asked into the phone.
"Yeah, I need a favor," Brian replied.
"What the fuck, Brian?" Justin snapped. "Where the hell did you go?"
"Tha's what the favor is," Brian said, trying to hold back any sign of being intoxicated and failing slightly. "Need you to come get me."
Justin groaned. "Where are you?"
Oh yeah
Yeah - I can't live without you – Yeah, yeah
I can't live without you
Yeah, yeah oh, oh, oh
"Now that we've bought out an entire grocery store," Michael grunted shifting the bags in his arms while Brian unlocked the door to his place. "What did you want for dinner?"
Brian pulled the heavy metal door open, letting Michael go first, following in after. "Didn't really think about it, honestly. What do you feel like?"
If Michael let himself admit to his nerves, he'd say everything, but that wouldn't get them anywhere. Setting the bags on the counter next to the fridge, he started unloading the groceries.
"Well, are you really hungry or not?"
"I could eat," Brian shrugged, setting his bag with the rest next to Michael's. But considering how tense he was, not much.
Michael opened the fridge putting things away. "What about chicken then? Some veggies and that should be good."
"'Kay," Brian said simply, helping Michael load up the fridge.
Things were quiet. Insanely quiet considering they had done this before a few times, when Michael went all 'parent' on him and demanded he keep food in his place. The thought made him smile. How many time had Michael gone for a beer and found the stupid metal thing devoid of anything besides beer, water and drugs and then gone on a rant?
"You look happy," Michael commented, taking out the package of chicken and setting it off to the side.
"Am I not supposed to be?" Brian asked. He knew they were tiptoeing around the subject.
"No, it's… just nice to see," Michael admitted, smiling at his best friend.
"It's because of you," Brian said gently, stopping Michael in his actions. "You know that, right?"
Shocked would be the only word to describe Michael's face. He dropped the can of corn he'd been holding and it rolled towards the other unpacked goods on the counter. Turning red, Michael tried to find the right words. Not that Brian would never be frank with him, but they never went down this route before. Michael didn't know if he could handle it if this would be a daily thing.
Brian chuckled, letting the backs of his fingers brush against Michael's hot cheek. "You nervous too?"
Michael exhaled loudly. "You have no idea."
Michael started laughing, unable to help himself. He wasn't fucking alone in this, was he? Brian hugged him close and started laughing too. Michael's laugh was infectious, coupled with the nerves, it was bound to happen. They were less nervous of what was to come, but it was still there nonetheless.
But they couldn't imagine anyone else they'd rather be this insane with than each other.
I can't live without you
I can't live without you
I can't live without you
Oh, oh I can't live without you baby, baby, baby
Without you
I can't live without you
A/N: Today's song is I Can't Live With You again by Queen. YAY! I brought them back! So, it this it? Is this the end? HAVE I FINALLY FINISHED THIS LONG ASS STORY?!
No, silly readers, not by a long shot. There is more to this untold story, my friends. Loose ends that are gonna be tied up and more silliness to ensue. For all my half baked ideas and worried about plot holes, I think they're all turning out nicely.
Also, I really like Paul. He is beyond silly. Lol
I brought Blake in, for a bit anyways, I'd like to bring him in more along with Ted… but I'm just not sure how. I'll figure something out, I'm positive. I like Ted!
Anyhoo, now it's time for work. ^.^
Feel free to leave a review!
~SL
