As they wandered the halls of the art gallery, silently taking in the sculptures and patrons, Brian's hand remained pressed to the small of Justin's back; trying to maintain some contact of any sort. That kiss jolted him. Once again Justin Taylor, patron saint of virginity and all things pleasant, made the first move. If the kiss hadn't been so good or if Brian hadn't found himself enjoying their time spent together, Justin would now be walking the Pennsylvania Parkway. For an instant Brian considered kicking him out. For an instant only...then he realized that no matter how frustrating Justin made him, he couldn't. Wouldn't. He wanted to spend time with the man even if half of it involved them arguing. And this was starting to trouble him.
Handing Justin a glass of wine they stood, still silent. Justin felt calmed by the feel of Brian's hand on his back. Calm that Brian chose not to speak...didn't want to discuss that slip up in the car. Yes, a slip up. All it was. As they stood there, Justin heard someone call out Brian's name as a man approached them with a younger man in tow.
"Brian."
"Michael? What the hell are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know I love to do my duty for the arts."
"Hi Brian!" Emmett squealed, sidling up to Brian's side. The action not unnoticed by Justin.
Pushing Emmett off of his side, "Emmett."
"Since when do you like Rodin, Michael?"
"About the same time as you it seems, Brian."
"Yeah, I bet."
"Funny you should mention the word bet...And, who is this here?"
Pained, Brian dropped his hand from Justin's back. "Justin Taylor this is Michael Novotny and Emmett Honeycutt."
"Honeycutt? Your mother is Danelle?"
Emmett, slurping on an umbrella laden drink, "Yep."
A little taken aback Brian asked, "You know Danelle Honeycutt?"
"Yes, my mother and she are great friends but I've never met Emmett." Extending his hand, "Hi, I'm Justin."
"You're Justin? The Justin? The one my mother raves about...compares me to?"
Laughing, "Wow. A role model too."
"What's that supposed to mean Michael?"
Suppressing his laughter, "Oh, nothing. I know all about Justin. Don't we all?"
Justin, looking between Brian and Michael and their subliminal conversation, "What does that mean?"
"Nothing. I don't know what he's talking about. Michael, obviously you've had too much to drink."
"Whatever. I was just kidding. Justin, it's very nice to meet you. I think that my office has some of your pieces displayed."
"Really? I'm flattered."
"Don't be...I just buy a stock of pictures that match my decor."
Emmett tried to sidle up next to Brian again, "When can I see you again?"
Whispering and pushing him away again, "You can see me in your dreams."
Justin took this moment to stand back, seeing how enamored Emmett was of Brian. Obviously Brian had been with Emmett. "I'm going to get another drink. I'll be right back."
Turning to Justin, "I'll come with you. Michael, Emmett..."
As Justin walked away, Michael leaned in, "Okay, see you later. Don't forget Wednesday night."
"What's Wednesday night?"
"Did you forget already? We have to discuss the plans for the hotel...you know, that precious land of yours that I so graciously informed you about? You do remember reading the fine print of the contract don't you?" Michael pressed, pulling forward a smiling Emmett to face Brian.
"Yeah. Right."
"See you two later."
Walking away, Brian caught up with Justin getting another glass of wine. "I said I was coming."
"You looked busy."
"Jealous?"
"Hardly."
"Well, it looks like you're jealous."
"I've nothing to be jealous about."
"Look, Michael and I are old friends."
"And Emmett?"
"Emmett is just a new friend."
"That you've fucked."
"Somebody is jealous."
"Last I heard, Emmett was dating Ben Bruckner. A good friend of mine."
"And?"
"And, I think it's highly unlikely that all of a sudden Emmett Honeycutt knows you. You saw the way he was looking at you."
"So?"
"I can't believe you!"
"Remember what I told you?"
"I saw it with my own eyes, Brian."
"As long as I'm not fucking you, it's none of your business. Right?"
Draining his glass and straightening himself, "You're right. We're not having sex."
"My God, you can't even say the word 'fuck' can you?"
"I can too. FUCK! See? How's that?"
"Jesus." Taking Justin's empty wine glass, "How many have you had?"
"Take me home."
"Fine."
Walking out to the car Brian kept ahold of Justin's arm. As Brian reached to open Justin's door for him Justin hesitated, blocking the lock. Standing face to face, Justin waited, bringing his hand up to Brian's face. "Thank you for bringing me here, I'm sorry I was such a twit back there."
Grabbing Justin's hand, Brian brought it to his lips, kissing each fingertip. "Don't worry about it. And, you're welcome. The night's still young. We could still go for dinner."
"I don't think so."
Leaning in, faces a hair's breath apart, "You're not hungry?" Brian asked, swiping Justin's lips with his.
Opening his mouth to the kiss, Justin pushed his tongue further, touching Brian's, welcoming the touch. They stood together, Justin pressed against the car, kissing. Reaching down to pull Justin's shirt out of his pants, Brian's fingers grazed the soft skin, moving upward, pressing his lower body closer into Justin. Feeling Brian's hardness, Justin pushed closer, his hands widely reaching to touch Brian's skin as well.
Coming out the front door of the gallery, Emmett and Michael spied the two in the parking lot. Staring at the two men, both of them grew jealous for different reasons. Michael caught the quiet looks Brian gave to Justin, noticing his hand firmly in place always managing to maintain contact with the man. Saw how uncomfortable Brian grew upon seeing Michael. Yes, Brian Kinney was acting very strangely today. And, as he stood watching Brian and Justin make out by his car, Michael sensed trouble. He'd never seen this tenderness in Brian. Never saw Brian resort to schoolboy tactics of making out in a parking lot. Moving to his car, starting it up, Emmett asked, "Why is Brian with Justin Taylor?"
"No idea." Slowly driving by them, Michael blared his horn waving, startling them apart from their embrace.
Pulling apart, Brian begrudgingly moved past Justin to open his door, pushing him inside. Rounding the driver's side Brian tried to calm himself. He loved kissing Justin but the push and pull was driving him crazy. He wanted nothing more than to take him home, liquor him up since Justin's inhibitions weakened vastly with liquor, and fuck him senseless. But no. It wouldn't be this way. His plan all along would be for Justin to willingly, clearly and soberly, give himself up to Brian.
The drive back was quiet again, neither one of them talking much save for the small talk about the various sculptures. As they each retired to their own rooms Brian and Justin pondered just what exactly was going on. As Justin was saying goodnight, his mobile rang. "Hi," he spoke, waving to Brian while obviously speaking to his boyfriend.
"Yeah, I just got back."
"No, it's not too late. I'm glad you called."
"I miss you too. I love you too."
Listening, Brian shut his door.
The next few days Brian made himself scarce from the house. The more he was around Justin the more he thought about dismissing his plan. He was innocent. He was truly virtuous but he was also a man.
Letter 2
I’m writing to tell you that I heard the most upsetting rumor. I cannot believe it would be true but I’m telling you this nonetheless since I think you should know. It’s been rumored that you were with Brian Kinney the other night at a gallery showing. That you too were, well, very chummy, I heard. I’ll not even mention what else I was told because it’s just so preposterous. Now, I have no idea who would start such a rumor and I hope to God you listened to me, surely you wouldn’t have done such a thing. Defending your honor, I told the person as much. On top of all the repercussions and not to mention ridiculousness of it all, what would Ethan say? And, what would your mother say to all of this? Justin, we’ve been friends for a long time and I implore you to stay far away from him. See what has become of you even staying in that house? These vicious rumors will hurt you Justin. And they will hurt what you have with Ethan. You should come stay with me while you’re here as I think that would be best.
With Love,
L.P.
Having lunch with Michael on Wednesday, Brian fielded questions from him about Justin.
"I've decided to make the bet infinitely more interesting than before."
Perusing the menu and vaguely attentive, "Doubt it."
"We'll see about that."
"So? Tell me. I'm brimming with anticipation," Brian snidely remarked.
"You're totally gone over that guy."
Feigning ignorance, "What guy?"
"Christ, how ridiculous you are when you're in love."
Blanching, "Hardly."
"It was so sweet and touching seeing you with him Brian. You really are in love with him."
"What does the bet have to do with this line of bullshit you're spewing?"
"I thought that maybe I could get in on your little project."
"I got bored with it. I've moved on."
"Oh really? That's interesting. How so?"
"None of your fucking business, that's how so."
"Why Brian Kinney. I'm truly amazed. Why, what would they all say?"
"About what? And who is ‘they’?”"
"About how the mighty have fallen. Fallen and can't even get laid."
"I can get laid anytime and anywhere I want. You know that." To prove the notion, Brian signaled the waiter that had been cruising him with a nod.
"Except with Justin Taylor, am I right?"
Rising to meet the hot young waiter at the men’s room, "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Maybe so. But then, what's wrong with a friendly little bet between friends."
"Get to the point Michael."
"I bet you your Spider that you can't fuck him."
Stopping his stride, Brian paused. "It's a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Spider Corsa and no fucking way."
"Alright. If you're scared."
Waving the trick off, Brian sat down. "I'm not fucking scared! That's a stupid bet. Besides, it's not worth it."
"Oh, I thought that you were so interested in him...so ready to make him hurt."
"And what would I get when I win this hands down as well?"
"You can have my penthouse. Free and clear. I know you've admired it for a while. Besides, the odds are against you with Justin. And, well, it's just so cruel that I can't resist."
"What about all the other stuff? With Emmett?"
"That's still on."
"So. Your penthouse and the hotel? I'm starting to get bored thinking of the hotel. Sell me on it again.""
"Because it's the leading resort destination and you know it. Your father knows it too. Think of all the things you could do on top of all that we already offer? You could finally create your "Eden" concept. Slaves at your beck and call. And wouldn’t that please dear old pops."
Considering the offer, Brian had to admit that it was now very interesting. He did want that hotel and knew of its potential. And getting Michael's penthouse would be icing on the cake. He'd been trying to get a place in that tower for awhile but no vacancies kept him out.
Still, not that he didn't want to have Justin as he plagued his every thought. But now that he knew Justin a little more, Brian knew that he was personally involved. With this deal he could un-involve himself quite quickly. He'd have Justin out of his thoughts, thinking, rationalizing that the only reason that this all had become personal in the first place was that he was being denied. It's always been said that when told you can't have something it only incites you to want it more. This was all this whole thing was, nothing more. Brian tried to convince himself.
Never one to back down to Michael's bets or games, "Alright. It's a deal. Get ready to hand it all over. This week."
"I've always loved that car. It'll look good among my collection."
"Think again."
"Justin will be devastated. It's already apparent that he's falling for you."
Back into predator-slash-business mode, "He'll fall alright. Face first with his ass up."
"Then I guess we'll be meeting soon to draw up the paperwork, right?"
Grimacing, "Yeah, right. Of course."
"So, Emmett will see you tonight?"
"I said I'd be there. You know I always come when I say I'm going to," Brian replied, walking to the elevator. Waiting for the car, Brian pondered his next move. Get over it Kinney. He's just a fuck.
When Emmett arrived, Brian ushered him into the bedroom to get it over with. Bored quickly and wincing from the teeth marks that would invariably be on his dick, Brian tried to usher him back out after they'd fucked.
"Wait, I need your help."
"We've already covered Fucking 101."
"No, help with something else."
"Spit it out. Since you're so fond of doing that anyways."
"It's gross!"
"Get back to the matter at hand. What kind of help do you need?"
"There's a guy."
"Yes, Ben. I know."
"No, it's someone else. His name is Blake. Michael introduced us at the gallery the other night and now he's teaching me to dance."
"And?"
"And, well, I kinda like him. He's really sweet."
"What about Ben?"
"Michael says that I should experience all that I can, when I can. It'll only prepare me better for Ben."
"Michael said that did he?"
"No offense to you but he's nice to me. And well, you're not."
"I'm so wounded. So, what do you want my help for?"
"He wrote me a letter."
"And you can't read?"
"Yes! I can read silly. I just need your help replying to him."
"Okay, get a pen and paper."
"I thought I'd email him."
"Emmett, email is for geeks and pedophiles."
"Huh?"
"What's the problem?"
"My mother. She can't know about it. She keeps me under lock and key as it is."
"So?"
"I was hoping that you'd pass the letter along? Michael said that you would."
"Michael's saying a lot of shit isn't he?"
"Will you? Please?"
"Give it here."
"Oh, thank you, Brian!"
"Get off me. And, get out you've already made me late."
Knowing that he was going to be late for dinner at his aunt's Brian called to the house. Told that Justin had been a little sick lately, Brian was a bit concerned. Brian's aunt berated him, telling him that Justin seemed more lovesick than anything; Brian felt a pit in his stomach.
Making the stop by Michael's Brian heard laughter as the elevator rose to a stop. Pushing the door open he noticed the trail of clothing littering the path to the bedroom. Pushing the door open he saw Michael and Blake on the bed. Smiling, Brian moved to the chair, sitting down. Tapping his leg with the letter, Blake and Michael finally noticed Brian.
"Brian?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting something?"
"Jesus!" Blake exclaimed, covering up.
Waving the letter, "I've got something marked 'special delivery' for Blake."
Smiling, moving to get the letter from Brian, Brian held it out of his reach. "Nuh uh uh." Tsking, "Why what would Emmett say?"
Rising from the bed, Michael spat, "Shut up Brian."
Relenting, Brian tossed the letter to Blake who joyfully snapped it up, ripping open the envelope to get to the letter. Lost in the words, Michael rolled his eyes and reached for his robe as Blake was oblivious to them both.
"Nice, Michael."
"What?"
"Nothing. I've got to go."
Arriving around ten, he stopped by Justin's room before dropping his things off in his room. Knocking softly and hearing no reply, Brian opened the door, walking in. Seeing Justin in a fetal position on the bed, crying, he quietly approached. Reaching out, he caressed Justin's tear stained face. "What's wrong?"
"It's Ethan. We broke up."
Staying quiet, Brian waited for him to finish.
"I called him today and someone, some guy answered the phone telling me to call back later because Ethan was in the shower. The guy had the nerve to ask me who I was? Can you believe that?"
"Yes."
"Jesus! Can you have some feelings for once?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"I don't want you to say anything! I don't want anything from you. I'm sure you'd laugh at me anyways...being such a silly little lovelorn faggot."
"I never said that."
"But you thought it, right?"
Brian couldn't deny it and he was nothing if not honest. "I'm sorry that you're hurt."
"That's life right? I mean, my manifesto is for shit. No matter who I'm with or what they say, it all comes down to getting your dick sucked and fucking a nice ass."
"Better to learn now."
"I expected a modicum of decency. Honesty and a fucking commitment is what I expected! Why is that so hard?"
"Some people can't give you what you want. No matter how they try or even if they want to. Not everyone is made like you Justin."
“Maybe I deserve this. Yeah, maybe this is my punishment for what’s happened between you and I.”
“And what is that?”
Looking away, Justin whispered, "At least you were honest with me. From the start I knew what you wanted from me."
Not knowing how to reply, Brian thought it best to remain mostly mum. "You just want to have sex with me, to fuck me right?"
"Justin."
"No, it's okay. I know that it doesn't matter anymore.” Moving to sit up, Justin pulled his shirt off then moved to remove his pants.
"What are you doing?"
"Giving you what you want."
"Justin, no..."
Standing now, Justin shimmied his pants down, reaching for Brian's hands. Placing them on his chest, Justin leaned in, kissing Brian. Propping himself up in Brian's lap, Justin's hands reached for Brian's shirt. Their tongues swiping over each other, Justin moaned, pulling on Brian's hair. Gripping tightly to Justin's hips, rocking his ass over his crotch, grinding, Brian longed to be inside him. His hands skimmed over the soft, smooth skin off Justin's back. Snaking his hand inside his underwear, Brian felt his hot cock, pulsing in his hand. Kissing Brian's ears, licking along his jaw line, Justin whispered, "Just go slow okay?"
Hearing the man's soft, raspy words, Brian was instantly brought back to reality. Pulling his face back, Brian looked at Justin's tear stained face, tearfully smiling.
Extricating Justin's arms from around his neck, Brian pushed him off his lap. Standing around to face Justin, "I can't."
Shocked, "What?"
"It's not you."
Salt poured on his already oozing wound, "I cannot believe this. Is this all just a game to you? You get me where you want me and then when I'm ready, you don't want it? You're just toying with me you fucking asshole!"
"Justin, please."
"Get out. Get the fuck out!"
Rising, Brian leaned in to whisper, "I'm sorry."
As he closed the door, Brian could hear once again the young man's sobs.
Rising the next morning, Brian walked down to have breakfast. Noticing Justin's absence, he inquired to his whereabouts from his aunt.
Terse, "He left."
"Left? Where?"
"He's staying with a friend in the city."
Taken aback, "Did he say why?"
"He was very apologetic and sad. He just informed me that he thought it would be better if he spent time with a friend."
Appetite lost, Brian rose from the table, returning to his room. Grabbing his phone he called the only person who he thought would know where Justin might be. Hearing from Emmett that Justin was now staying with Lindsey Peterson, Brian put two and two together. Lindsey must be the one who was filling Justin's ears with all the gossip about him. Rushing to the train station hoping to catch Justin, Brian searched the arrival and departure boards for the next train to Pittsburgh. Finding the platform number, Brian ran to catch Justin. Seeing him coming down the escalator, Brian stood waiting. Seeing Brian standing below, Justin winced. When he reached the bottom, juggling his bags, Brian came to him.
"Leaving so soon?"
"What are you doing here Brian?"
"Will you give me another chance?"
“For what? A chance to do what?”
“I just want to be with you. To talk, that’s all. Please?”
Crumbling at the forlorn expression on Brian’s face, his disheveled look and the way he kneaded his hands, Justin couldn’t say no to him anymore. About anything.
Handing his bags over, Brian and Justin left the train station, driving back to the estate. Driving back to the house, Brian was on his best behavior. As ridiculous as it sounded, he felt bad for Justin. He'd never had a boyfriend nor even wanted one but sometimes he caught himself pondering the notion. And with Justin's heartbroken demeanor the other night it somewhat solidified for him why he never would. People inevitably hurt each other. There's always some one who's more invested in the relationship and in turn, get hurt. Justin, for the most part, tried talking again to Brian. Yes, Ethan had hurt him. Yes, Brian had hurt him too but he knew that maybe he expected too much. Not wanting to say goodbye again, Justin let himself go. Let it all go.
When they arrived back at the house, the men were mostly quiet again as they put Justin's bags in his room and sat on the bed. Getting up to leave, give Justin time to himself, Justin beckoned Brian back. "Please stay."
"Justin, if I stay here with you then..."
"It's okay."
Getting up, Justin moved to stand between Brian's legs then kneeled down between them. Grasping Brian's hands, Justin brought them to his lips, kissing each knuckle then finger. Brian's hands caressed Justin's face and he pulled the man to him. Hugging him tight to his chest, Brian rubbed circles on his back. "It'll be alright Justin. Trust me."
"I'm ready."
“You don’t have to. That’s not why I’m here with you.”
Pushing Justin from him, Brian looked at Justin, gauging his meaning. When he saw him smile and nod Brian realized he had a mere second or two to decide.
Softly kissing Justin, Brian began to unbutton his shirt, then Justin's. Taking care to strip the boy gently so as not to rush the moment, Brian kept his arousal at bay. This of course was not the way he pictured it when he fantasized about being with Justin but was equally good surprisingly. When they were both naked, Brian moved over to lay Justin down on the bed as he loomed over him. "Are you sure?"
"Just go slow okay?"
Nodding, Brian leaned down to kiss Justin. Moving his lips from his face, down his jaw, neck, chest, all over. Brian took his time, wanting Justin to experience the pleasure and realized that he was experiencing the pleasure as well. Justin looked on at Brian adoringly, so sure of this. Wanting this. Not afraid of it anymore. When Brian took his cock in his mouth, Justin's body jerked from the feelings being elicited. Hot breath and tongue slid ever so slowly up and down him. Sucking tightly and then all the way down his throat Brian couldn't get enough. So natural and so good. Talking, telling Brian how much he thought he could love him, how afraid he was of it all, Brian listened and took it all in. He wanted to make Justin feel good. He wanted to be 'made of' what Justin was...wanted him so much. He was afraid of it all too. Making Justin come, wanting him to come, Brian pulled out every trick he could think of. Justin shot down his throat with voracity and a few expletives, shockingly enough.
Wanting Brian to experience what he was, Justin tried to give him the pleasure as well. Instructing as asked, Brian told him what to do and how to do it.
Justin was a fast learner. Not the best blow job ever but serious potential lay in the boy. Brian thought that he'd never experienced someone touching him so much. Taking so much time on his body, on him. And when it was time, he still questioned what he was doing with all this.
When Brian first put Justin's legs upon his shoulders, caressing his thighs, Brian told him it would hurt. "I'll stop if you want me to."
"No, don't stop."
Smiling, "We haven't even started yet."
"Somehow I know I won't want you to stop."
Reaching out to caress Justin's face, Brian's fingers softly traced Justin's lips. Feeling Justin's tongue poking out, Brian watched as his fingers were sucked and felt the hot grip of Justin's hand on his hip. "Do it, please."
Seeing Justin shake beneath him, whispering to him, wanting to take such care to not hurt him physically or emotionally it struck him that he did care about Justin. He might even love him.
Pushing in, he knew. The tightness struck him, feeling constricted. Overwhelmingly so yet something drove him onward. Justin's warm breath against his face, turning Brian to face him at times when he'd usually bury his face into the person's neck. Facing Justin, looking at each other while he pushed in and pulled out. Feeling words tumble out of his mouth, reciprocating soft words and promises. Rising up, pulling Justin with him so he could maintain the full body contact as well as a line of vision to Justin's, Brian was so gentle. Exaggerating all his movements to make Justin feel it all. Feel him inside, feel his body encompassing his. And with all the words exchanged, the pleas and demands for 'more', 'there', 'harder', Brian fell into him. Pushing deeper, manhandling Justin almost, Brian couldn't get enough. Biting hard into Justin's neck to suppress his moans, hiking Justin's legs higher onto his shoulders to go deeper, hearing Justin groan as he pushed.
The feeling was incredible, rubbing their bodies against each other, as Justin gripped hard leaving marks upon Brian's hips and he continued to drive faster.
Holding Brian's face in his hands, wiping the sweat from his brow, Justin couldn't believe how incredible this all was. Yes, he'd wanted it to be special, all along he'd had some notion or fantasy of how his first time would be...and everything besides the face he saw in front of him, the face kissing him and staring into him, had all been accurate. Never would he have ever imagined that Brian Kinney would be the one. The one that took from him his chasteness. As shocked as he was during these acts that they performed together and on one another, Justin couldn't imagine it being anyone else. The fullness he felt, the heat and softness and firmness of Brian inside him...and as he came it was like magic. He yelled Brian's name and begged for more, held on for dear life to the arms that engulfed him. And that was just the first time.
The next few were a bit more wild and unbridled, against the armoire and in the shower, feeling Brian pounding relentlessly into him. Biting his ears, sucking his neck, hands gripped firmly around his hips. The incessant pounding that he begged for and relished. A different Brian came out as well, playful, hopeful, nasty and extremely horny. Again and again they fucked and neither could stay away from each other.
Afterwards, near dawn, as they lay there, Brian continued kissing and touching Justin, not getting enough. As it grew lighter outside, they never moved from the bed save to relieve themselves. Into the early day they fucked, made love, all that they could, with a sense of urgency again and again. With Brian, it felt as if he knew that he may never get the chance again and with Justin it was more of making up for lost time.
As the day progressed, Brian and Justin spent more time together in bed and out. The next week flew by while Justin fielded Ethan's calls and Brian fielded Michael's.
Tired of being put off, Michael came out to the house. Spying Brian and Justin by the pool, he walked out to join them. Clearing his throat, they were alerted to his presence and Brian gently lifted himself off the chaise they shared.
"Isn't this cozy?"
"Michael, what are you doing here?"
"Hello Michael."
"I seem to be interrupting a most intimate moment."
"What do you want Michael?"
"Well, since you've been avoiding my calls I thought I'd make a little trip out to the country to see what you boys have been up to."
"I've been busy."
"I can see that."
"Justin, why don't you go into the house while Michael and I discuss business."
Rising, "Okay. It was nice to see you Michael."
Watching Justin walk away, Michael grinned, "Is he for real?"
"Yes he is but let's cut the shit Michael. What the fuck do you want?"
"You know what I want. While you've been out here fucking around, you're being derelict in your duties of tutelage with Emmett."
"Yeah well, Emmett is well taken care of."
"What does that mean?"
"It means that Emmett is spending some time with Blake. You know, Blake the guy you've been fucking on the side?"
"Oh, that was nothing really."
Nonplussed, “Then you shouldn’t be upset that Blake is in it for Emmett, right?”
"Okay, so what?"
"And you know Ben's coming back into town next week."
"Yes, I do."
"Kinda puts a damper in your plan that both of the men you have, sorry, had, are now with Emmett."
"What?"
"Yeah, don't act innocent Michael, it doesn't become you."
"Well, don't act so in love. It's making me sick."
"Whatever, Michael. Seriously, what do you want?"
"I see that I've come just in time...before you do something drastic."
"Michael?"
"So, this is it huh? You've really fallen for the little cherub. Too bad that eventually he’ll see what you really are. He does know doesn’t he?"
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, you actually think that Justin Taylor would take up with the likes of Brian Kinney? He’s probably just using you as his tutor. I hardly think his family would welcome you into the fold. They’d run screaming Brian. You don’t think that you measure up to what Justin’s looking for do you?”
Hearing the words come from his friend's mouth, seeing Justin wave to him from the veranda...something inside Brian clicked. "Ha! You're so gullible Mikey. Just like him," Brian rose from his chair, waving in Justin's direction.
"Okay, now you're in love and certifiable. Jesus, what's happened to you Brian?"
"It was unprecedented."
"What are you talking about?"
"Taking Justin. Having him repeatedly."
"Really? Do tell."
"It had a kind of charm that I'd never experienced before. Once he had surrendered he behaved with perfect candor, total mutual delirium which for the first time ever with me outlasted the pleasure itself. He was absolutely astonishing...eager...wanton. So much so that I ended by falling on my knees pledging my eternal love and do you know that at that time and for several hours afterwards I might have actually meant it?"
His heart beating rapidly, Michael couldn't really contain his displeasure, "I see."
"It's extraordinary isn't it?"
"Is it? It sounds perfectly ludicrous and commonplace, Brian."
Looking back towards Justin, Brian brought his drink to his lips. In thought he weakly replied, "Yes. Yeah, I guess it is."
Seeing Brian like he was, Michael decided to take his leave seeing as his plan was working. He saw how relaxed and dare he say it, happy, Brian was with Justin. How comfortable and open he seemed to spending time with one person. Hell, Michael had been trying to reach him for a few days and found out from Emmett how Brian had called him in a mad rush, begging almost Emmett had said, begging to find out where Justin was.
When Emmett relayed all this to Michael it cut right to the quick. Yes, he'd always had a love lust for Brian. The competition that had begun in youth as Michael thought if he couldn't have Brian he'd keep up with him. All he ever wanted was to be as Brian was and now, he'd brought his friend to the brink. Was about to bring him to the precipice. Yes or no? Do or don't. Fall or step back...what would Brian do. Michael had no doubt what his friend would do-Brian wouldn't disappoint Michael in all this. Yes, Brian wasn't the solid steel impenetrable force he made himself out to be, that others said he was. No, he was just as weak as the rest of us. And now he was in love.
"So I'll see you later tonight?"
"I'll be there." And with that, Michael took his leave but not before waving goodbye to Justin.
When Michael was gone Justin joined Brian back poolside. Coming to stand behind him, Justin wrapped his arms around his waist, laying his head against Brian's back. "Are you okay?"
Moving forward out of Justin's touch, "Fine. I'm fine."
Seeing and feeling Brian's distance, "Okay. Well, what do you want to do tonight?"
Turning around, "I'm going out."
If it weren't 80 something degrees outside with the sun beating down Justin was sure that a northern had blown in. Brian held his drink, stood facing him as if in challenge.
"Okay. Maybe I'll see you later tonight?"
"Maybe. Don't wait up," Brian replied, not looking at Justin as he walked back to the house leaving Justin alone to ponder exactly what was going on. Ten minutes ago they were lying in each other's arms on a chaise next to the pool sipping their drinks. Touching and playing around. And now, it's like they barely knew each other.
Justin waited a few minutes before gathering up their things and returning to the house. Standing outside Brian's door Justin was wondering if he should go in, maybe talk to Brian and see what was wrong. Had he done something wrong or had Michael angered him in some way? Thinking better of it, he retreated to his room. While getting ready to take a shower he heard Brian's door open and shut and then nothing. Looking outside his window, he watched the man that he'd spent the last week with leave him behind without a word. Picking up the phone he decided to call someone.
"...I cannot believe you did that Justin!"
"Will you calm down?"
"No, I will not calm down. What the hell is the matter with you? What about Ethan?"
"Don't even mention his name to me! He's been cheating on me for God knows how long."
"How do you know? Are you certain?"
"Positive."
"So you just decide to sleep with the biggest whore in North America? You know he doesn't give a shit about you. He can't."
"He does. You don't know how it was. I mean, he was so sweet and we spent the last week together. I could really love him and I think..."
"So where is he now?"
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"No, he left. Said he was going out."
"Justin."
"It's not like that. Can't you be my friend for once?"
"I am your friend and I warned you. I told you this was going to happen. Brian Kinney isn't like any other guys. Jesus, he's not even human Justin."
"I don't care what you say, I'm going to see him. I'm going to be with him."
"He's going to hurt you Justin. Do you think that you and he are going to be a couple now? How stupid can you be?"
"I love him and he told me he loved me!"
"Well, so did Ethan."
"Don't say that."
"Justin, honey...he's only going to hurt you."