Massive THANK YOU to boriqua522 for beta'ing.
The drive to Brian's mansion in West Virginia should have only taken about half an hour but every time a cop car would drive past, Ted would turn a corner and drive for at least ten miles in the wrong direction. So, what should have been a relatively easy journey, ended up taking hours and hours. Not only that, Michael, Brian and Justin were squashed so tightly in the back seat that it was impossible to even breathe without accidentally hitting someone else and in Justin's case that meant enduring an angry glance from Brian or a furious death-ray glare from Michael. Understandably, he edged towards Brian; better the devil you know.
It didn't take long for the warmth of the car and the stress of the day to take its toll on the kid and soon his head was lolling against Brian's shoulder and, much to the other three in the car's surprise, Brian didn't push him away. Instead, he just let the kid sleep.
"Oh my god," Michael exclaimed in a hushed whisper, when he was sure Justin was dead to the world. "You fucked him."
"What or who I do in the privacy of my own loft is none of your business, Michael," Brian countered calmly.
"It's my business when you kidnap someone and make us go on the run just so you can fuck a nice ass."
"Brian's done a lot more to fuck a nice ass," Ted pointed out with a bit of a envious grin as he finally turned onto the long, dark country road that would take them to the house.
"Er, how about we turn on the CD player. Maybe a bit of music to lighten the mood?" Emmett asked brightly, anything to avoid an argument between Brian and Michael. After all, the last one ended with Brian shooting the wheels of Michael's car to pieces. "Have you got some Cher, Teddy? Or how about a bit of Madonna?" He began to sing off tune, "coz we are living in a material world and I am a material girl."
"I don't have Madonna," Ted said, pushing the on button for his CD and suddenly, thundering loud, scratchily high-pitched screeching entered the car, drowning out Emmett's rendition of Material Girl, startling Justin awake and causing both Brian and Michael to turn their anger on him.
"What the fuck is this?" Michael demanded.
"We're trying to keep a low profile Theodore, not let the whole of West Virginia know we've arrived," Brian growled as the so-called music ceased.
"It's 'La Traviata'," Ted explained as though that made any difference. "It's one of my favourite operas."
"Well, unless you want it to be the last thing you ever hear, I suggest you just drive … silently," Brian growled.
It was then that Justin piped up, with "are we there yet?"
"Fucking hell," Michael growled, digging his sharp elbow purposefully but subtly into the blonde asshole's side for taking up half of his space. "Who brought the fucking kid?"
Justin looked to Brian as though hoping for some kind of explanation but the older man shook his head slightly and Justin nodded and curled back up against Brian.
They were all silent for the remainder of the journey.
oOoOo
When the car drew up outside the mansion, it was already dark despite only being six o'clock. It was freezing cold too and just breathing was sending big puffs of steam all around them.
"Don't you just hate the winter," Emmett huffed, as he pulled his spotty, multicoloured carryall out of the trunk and wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck. "Chapped lips and frozen noses are never in fashion. I can't wait to get in that big warm house."
"Don't get too excited, Emmylou," Brian warned, pulling one of the bags Justin had packed and slipping it over his shoulders before tossing the other one to Justin. "That house is going to be just as cold as it is out here. We'll all be sleeping in our sweatshirts tonight."
"I'm sure you and Justin could come up with another way to keep warm," Michael snarled bitterly as Brian passed Justin the keys to the house.
"Yeah," Justin grinned with faux innocence and a cheeky undertone, "like lighting a fire."
Michael scowled so much his eyes were almost lost under his eyebrows. Brian just smirked as the kid followed Emmett, dangling the keys like a rattle as he rushed to open the door.
"I hope you know what you're fucking doing with this kid," Michael said as he pulled his own bag onto his shoulder and watched as Brian carefully lifted his 'laptop bag' onto his other shoulder.
"I wanted to leave him somewhere," Brian pointed out unhelpfully. "You were the one who insisted I take him back to my loft."
"You must have known what would happen, Michael," Ted said as he and Brian lifted a bag full of complicated computer equipment out of the car. "That's like throwing a gazelle to a hungry lion and expecting him not to eat it."
"What?" Michael asked, as Brian shoved a laptop into Michael's hands and told him to carry it carefully.
"What Theodore is trying to say," Brian said, checking the trunk to make sure they hadn't left anything behind before slamming it shut "is that me not fucking Justin last night in my loft would have been against nature." Brian and Ted then lifted the heaviest bag and took it carefully towards the front door.
Michael just shook his head. He was furious at Brian for getting them into this stupid fucking situation but more than that he was furious at the kid. If only everyone had let him shoot him last week none of this would have happened. And now, to top it all off, the kid had to live with them and Brian had fucked him. Brian had always made it a rule not to fuck the people in the gang but now the kid had become an accidental member. Michael was so angry he could explode but he kept it together as best he could.
oOoOo
Brian and Ted shuffled carefully into the main sitting room with the large bag, which held the security equipment. Emmett had already lit the fire in there but despite the huge dancing flames, the warmth was minimal.
"We should get this set up tonight," Brian said firmly, indicating the masses of camera's and sensors that made up the security system. "It's unlikely anyone would find us this quickly but we need to be sure."
"I agree," Ted nodded. "It shouldn't take more than an hour once all the sensors are in place."
"Okay," Brian said, chewing his thumb as he decided on a plan of action. "Michael and I will start putting the sensors and the camera's in place. Emmett, you help Ted set up the computer and," he looked all around him before throwing his head back and yelling, "Justin!"
It was just seconds before the kid came hurtling around the corner, his cheeks were flushed with excitement and his eyes were bright.
"Have you seen the size of this place," he gabbled. "It's like a palace!"
"Well," Brian drawled, "every palace needs a wench. Go into the kitchen and see what you can cobble together for dinner."
"Okay," Justin replied brightly. Then looking around at all the wires and impressive looking boxes and technological bits and bobs, he asked, "what are you guys doing?"
"None of your business," Brian snapped back and Justin just shrugged before running off to the kitchen.
There was barely anything useful or tasty in the kitchen. Every cupboard he opened just had shelf after shelf of tinned food. It was clear Brian had only ever had one use for this place. It was a hideout, an escape pod for when things went wrong. He'd been expecting something to go wrong for a while it seemed but, as with all good con men Justin had seen on TV, Brian had prepared for it. There was nothing that really grabbed Justin as interesting but eventually he decided that he could probably scrabble together a tinned version of Fish Pie. He had to use tinned potatoes and tinned tuna and mackerel but he decided it was better than nothing. He got to work straight away, warming up all the state of the art appliances. It was obvious everything in this kitchen, everything in this house in fact, was brand new. Even the rustic look dining table and old fashioned wine rack was sparkling. The whole house was gorgeous, starting with the idyllic log fire in the sitting room and the shag-carpet rug and the huge comfy sofa's right up to the four bathrooms, beautifully done out and the six bedrooms, completed to perfection. Everything was clearly Brian's design too. It looked like the loft, simplistic, with sharp angles and modern decoration but it was homely and inviting at the same time. Expensive, elegant and beautiful; just like Brian, Justin thought.
By the time Justin had finished making the pie, he was fairly happy with the result. And the gang didn't seem to mind when he went out to the main sitting area and asked if they were hungry. Ted and Brian were pouring over some screen, whilst Emmett was altering various lamps claiming,
"not everything has to be perfectly centred you know. We'll have to improve the chi in this house."
Michael was just sat looking out of the window like a sullen child. He was last to move, when Justin told them dinner was ready, he was first to leave the table when they'd all finished and he didn't say a word whilst he was there.
As soon as he'd gone, Brian shook his head.
"He's acting like a spoilt brat," he said. "Go and get me some more wine, Justin."
The kid leapt to his feet and went to get a second bottle and uncork it.
"He's probably just tired," Emmett said calmly, holding out his own glass for a top up of wine too. Justin poured it like an expert. The gentile country club upbringing showing it's worth. "I wouldn't blame him, you know. I'd be pissed off too about having to come all the way out here if I didn't find the idea of being on the run, totally Thelma and Louise." He took a sip of his wine and giggled, "maybe Brad Pitt will turn up and show us his rippling torso."
"Well, if he does," Brian said, "don't be surprised if I shoot him."
"Would that be before or after you turned him gay and fucked him?" Ted asked, pouring some more wine into his own glass.
"After, obviously," Brian smiled.
"Come on Teddy," Emmett cooed, "we all know Brian's fussy like that. He must have a cock and a pulse, isn't that right Brian?"
Brian just shook his head and stood up in a way that showed he clearly thought he was above this. He placed his dishes carefully in the dish washer and announced he'd had enough of their inane conversation and was going to bed.
"Night girls," he called as he traipsed up the stairs. Ted decided he was going to call it a night too and then it was just Justin and Emmett.
oOoOo
Although it hadn't been officially worked out, the gang had worked out quite quickly the bedroom they were supposed to take. Brian, of course had the largest master bedroom, with the biggest en suite bathroom and the best TV and largest wardrobe. Michael took the room to Brian's left. It was joint second largest and had a view over the back of the house. The room opposite Brian's was reserved for Ted. His computer security system and monitors were already set up there and it had a view of the front of the house so he could always be on the lookout. The only other room with an en suite had gone to Emmett. This room, although smaller than the other three, had the largest mirror and shower and was decorated with throw pillows and other pointless little ornaments that Emmett said would improve the chi. This left Justin with the choice of two small rooms, right down the other end of the corridor. They felt miles from anyone else and they were both dark with windows that were covered horribly by a large tree. They were freezing cold because they both had two external walls but they also felt bland and sterile like a hospital room or a prison cell. Eventually, Justin had chosen the bedroom on the right for no other reason than because eenie meenie miney moe is a cruel game and because that room was on the same side as the toilet so it would be easier to find in the middle of the night. He'd unpacked his bag earlier on but now, sat with Emmett around the dinning table, he was planning to do anything he could to avoid going to that tiny, freezing cell.
"You okay baby?" Emmett asked as he too went to clear his plate and place it in the dishwasher.
"Yeah," Justin nodded. "Just tired I suppose."
"Maybe you should get some sleep then."
"No!" Justin almost shouted. "I mean … er, I'm tired but I'm still buzzing too much to sleep."
"I always feel like that after a long day too," Emmett nodded. "But as soon as my head hits the pillow, I'm out like a light. My aunt Lula used to say putting my head on a pillow was like turning off a radio; I immediately stopped talking and went to sleep."
"Tell me about your Aunt Lula," Justin said, desperately playing for time. He was delighted when he saw Emmett sit down in one of the dinning chairs. They were both wrapped up in thick sweatshirts and scarves to fend off the cold and nothing was more inviting right now that a warm duvet and cosy bed but Justin could not go to that room; not until he was sure he would fall asleep straight away.
"Well," Emmett said with a reminiscing smile on his face, "she was the only member of my family who ever took any notice of me … and bythat I mean she didn't throw matches at me or spit at me or worst of all try to get me interested in boxing." He shuddered. "She used to take me out to these fields behind our trailer and help me pick blueberries and raspberries all day and then at night we'd bake them into the most delicious pies. I always had to close my eyes when she put in the secret ingredient. I still don't know what that is," Emmett admitted wistfully, "she took that with her to her grave. It was after she died that I decided to get out of Hazlehurst and see the world." Emmett sighed heavily and then sat up a bit and looked at Justin with a smile, "of course I only got as far as Pittsburgh but that's where I met my Georgie."
"Who's Georgie?" Justin asked, sensing another story and another chance to stay up.
"Ah," Emmett smiled sadly. "That's another story for another time. Now," he got to his feet, "come on baby, it's time for you to go to bed."
Justin tried to start another conversation but Emmett wasn't having it. He just gave Justin a bit of a tug to get him on his feet and then guided him up the stairs. They parted ways as they reached the landing.
"Night baby," Emmett smiled, kissing Justin gently on the cheek as he disappeared towards his room.
"Night," Justin whispered back, looking after the taller man. From that end of the corridor he could hear the soft hum of a television and the strange glowing blue light creeping under the door and illuminating the corridor a little. He could also hear the soft steady rumble of soft snores and a general sense of life. Then, he turned his back on all this and looked to his own end of the corridor. It was pitch black. There was no light at all and Justin had to feel his way along the wall. He almost pulled a picture off the wall as he traced his fingers along until he found the bathroom.
He slipped inside and turned on the light. He washed his face, brushed his teeth and took a piss. Then, he took a deep breath before turning the light off and legging it to his bedroom in record time. As soon as he was inside, he turned on the bedside lamp and got undressed. Of course, he hadn't taken any of his own clothes when Brian had 'kidnapped' him. So he'd stolen one of Brian's shirts to wear in bed and a sweater to keep him warm. It didn't work, as soon as Justin stripped off his jeans he began to shiver violently. Even diving into his tiny bed didn't help. The sheets were frozen and stiff from having not been moved in such a long time. He tucked the duvet in around him and led looking at the swirling patterns broken only by the old beams set in the ceiling. It was comforting or cosy; just cold and lonely.
He shivered a little and a tear began to leak down his cheek. How had it come to this? A few weeks ago, he'd been celebrating his SAT score with his family. He'd been considering applying to Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts, though his dad was insisting he become a business major at Dartmouth. He'd had parents who cared for him, who loved him and would do anything for him. He'd had friends and his art and a bright future ahead of him.
And now? Now, he had nothing of his own except the clothes in a pile on his floor and the gun Brian had given him. He was on the run with wanted men, one of whom had shot his dad and who'd taken Justin's virginity. He was miles from any city, in a huge mansion that was freezing cold and all he could think about was how the police were coming to get them. He cried some more until turning over and hoping eventually he'd be able to sleep but he felt more and more awake as the tears burnt at his eyes. The noises of the animals outside seemed to get louder and louder; coughing, screaming and scratching and the fear in his stomach was bubbling up inside him until he was huddled in the centre of his bed with tears running down his face, like a paranoid mess. And that's when he decided he'd had enough of this. He pushed himself up out of the bed and walked to the door. He swung it open and peered down the other end of the corridor. He could spot Brian's bedroom immediately, it was the one with the television light shining from the gap underneath. He concentrated hard on the spooky light and made for it quickly.
He knocked softly on the door and opened it. Brian was there, lyingin the bed with the duvet wrapped around him. He was sitting up a bit, his was facing the TV but his eyes slid to look at Justin stood wearing Brian's own clothes, shivering violently in his doorway.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Brian demanded. Justin didn't answer. He didn't know what to say. He felt stupid now, especially when Brian leant over to flick on the lamp and fully reveal what a mess Justin was. He felt like a foolish child and that just made him sob even harder.
"Christ," Brian scorned, pushing himself up so he was sitting upright. "What's wrong?"
"I can't sleep down there on my own," Justin whispered. "What if the police come?"
Even to his own ears he sounded like a pathetic faggot but he couldn't help it. He was tired and it was late. He was emotional and it was all pouring out of him like water from a feelings faucet.
Brian sighed heavily, running a hand down his face slowly as he considered what to do. He looked at the shaking blob of terrified blonde boy by his door and his mind was set. He pulled back the duvet and whispered,
"get over here."
Justin moved slowly over to the bed and got in. This bed wasn't quite as cold as the one in his room. It was radiating warmth from where Brian had been lying and the bed sheets were a little crumpled. The room felt lived in, it felt safe. Brian put the duvet around Justin and then shuffled away a few inches. He didn't trust himself to touch the kid without fucking his brains out. Even sniffing, miserable and pathetic, Brian thought Justin was kind of beautiful and definitely fuckable.
"It's okay," the older man whispered in a way he hoped was soothing. "Whatever happens, you'll be fine."
"But the police are coming, aren't they?"
"Yes," Brian said honestly, his fingers moving to Justin's blonde hair, playing with it soothingly. "But when they do, Ted will know and give us enough time to escape."
"You have a way of escaping?" Justin sniffed, drying his cheeks with the sleeve of the shirt he was wearing. Just being in this bed and talking with Brian was making him feel safe and protected.
"This is a custom built safe house," Brian smirked. "An escape route was the first thing I installed. But you don't need to worry anyway," he reassured the kid, "even if the cops do get in, they won't do anything to you. As far as they're concerned, you're the victim in all of this. They'll put us four in prison and you'll be taken home."
"But that's what I'm most scared of," Justin sniffled. "I don't have a home and I can't go back and live with my parents. What would I do?"
Brian shrugged. "You'd work something out, find a new home" he said yawning. It was really late now and he was really tired but it didn't stop him asking, "where feels like home to you?"
"Here," Justin answered immediately and honestly. "In this bed, with you."
"Christ, how lesbionic," scorned Brian and Justin chuckled a little. "Great, you're obviously feeling better," Brian said. "I think you should go back to your own room now."
"No!" He pleaded. "Please don't make me go. It's freezing in that room."
Brian considered this for a second before conceding, "fine. You can stay here … for one night. But as soon as the house warms up, you go back to your own room."
"Deal," Justin grinned, settling into the bed and wriggling closer to the older man, resting his cheek on his perfect chest. Heat seemed to be radiating from Brian like a boiler or an electric blanket. He didn't think he'd ever need central heating again as long as he was near Brian. He was just drifting into a heavenly sleep when he heard Brian mutter;
"oh, and Justin."
"Mm?"
He felt a tug on the over-sized shirt he was wearing as Brian whispered, "steal my fucking clothes again and you're dead."
Justin gulped and his eyes flew open. Brian was looking at him but his expression wasn't entirely angry.
"Maybe I could pay you back somehow," Justin suggested, pressing his lips carefully to the bit of Brian's chest his head had rested on.
"Oh?" Brian asked, raising his eyebrows. He was definitely interested in any ideas the kid had to pay him back.
"Mm-hmm," Justin hummed as his kissed began to way downwards over Brian's prefect stomach and straight for his cock. "Maybe it'll warm us up a bit too. Kill two birds with one stone, as it were."
And then the time for talking was over and it was all just touching, feeling, humming and sensation; wonderful, glorious sensation.