BJ Fic: The Last TIme - Chapter 5 of 8
Banner (and beta) by the ever wonderful such_a_steph
Title: The Last Time - Chapter 5 of 8
Characters: Brian/Justin, Daphne, reference to major & minor canon characters, original characters
Rating: NC-17 (language, sexual situations, sex)
Timeline: Post-513 - Year 2011
Warning: None
Disclaimer: All characters and situations from Queer As Folk are the property of Russell T. Davies, CowLip Productions, Tony Jonas Productions, Showtime Networks Inc. and others. No copyright infringement is intended.
Previous Chapters here:
Previous Chapters here:
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4
The Last Time - Chapter 5
Talk to Me
Summer 2011
While much of his first year of knowing Justin was spent trying to get him to shut up, it was ironic that Brian spent much of the summer ten years later trying to get Justin to speak to him again.
“How long do you think you can keep this up?”
Justin sighed. “I don’t know Daph. It’s been nearly four months. It all started as a bit of a joke. Use him for sex but ignore him otherwise.” Justin snorted a laugh. “Kind of reminds me a bit of when we first met.”
“Only this time you’re the one using him for sex.”
“Well, it started out that way, now it’s kind of a test of will.”
“I don’t know why Brian hasn’t just walked out - I would.”
“I think he was tempted a few times, but now I think he sees it as a challenge - which one of us will give up first. I know he’s sorry for not telling me about the building - but he’ll never say it. No apologies and all that. And I know I jumped to conclusions about him feeling the need to bail me out. What I can’t figure out is why he did it in the first place.”
On the other end of the line, Daphne rolled her eyes. Only Justin and Brian could be such a train wreck. She seriously needed to call Brian.
~>~>~>~>~>
The Dog Days of August
Summer 2011
“What to do you mean he moved out?”
“When I got in last night he wasn’t here. There was an envelope on the fridge with a note saying he’s moved into the penthouse at the Kinnetik New York building.”
“So, that’s kind of good… isn’t it?”
“There was a document with the letter. He’s offering for me to buy out his half of the co-op, otherwise, he plans to put it on the market in January. January!”
“January? I know, what’s he thinking? That’s an awful time to sell.”
“Daphne, focus, I’m going to lose him, and I don’t think there’s going to be a next time.”
“Okay, I have an idea, but it may take some time.”
“I don’t have time, I have four months.”
~>~>~>~>~>~>
See You in September
September 2011
“… and a Mr. Taylor from the studio space on five requested an appointment with you at 6pm.”
“Taylor?” Brian’s eyebrows rose slightly. Curious. “Go ahead and set it up Meagan.”
…
Brian was reading a report when Justin knocked on his door. Brian looked up to see him in a brown cashmere sweater he’d given him years ago. Paint covered cargo paints revealed that Justin had come from his studio. The sweater dressed up the work clothes including the non-descript black t-shirt displayed in the v-neck of the sweater.
“Taylor… come in… sit down,” Brian gestured to the chair in front of his desk. He closed his laptop. “You wanted to see me?”
Justin settled into the offered chair. “I gave it some thought - I decided you should take me back.”
“Oh?”
“Even though I have made a few mistakes, I think you’d be making an even bigger one not to give me a second chance.”
“I see”
“'Cause now I understand what it is you want of me… and I know what I can expect from you.”
Brian drew in a deep breath. “You also understand that you will be required to work long, hard hours sometimes deep into the night?”
“It’ll be a pleasure to work under you… sir.”
“Good… Well then…” Brian came around his desk and leaning back he looked down at Justin in the chair. “…you can start immediately.”
Justin rose to close the door, but Brian’s hand stayed the movement.
“I don’t believe you’ve seen the sixth floor.”
A smile tugged at Justin’s lips. Cooley he replied, “No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Brian grinned down at him. “When it comes to working long and hard into the night, I’m sure you’ll find it superior to my office.”
Justin quirked and eyebrow, “Really? Because your sofa looks pretty comfort…”
He was cut off as Brian pulled him closer by his belt, and swooped in for a heart-stopping kiss.
~>~>~>~>~>~>
Justin let Brian set the pace for this phase of their relationship. Any trepidation he had Justin vented in late night calls to Daphne on the few nights he and Brian spent apart.
“God you look hot.” Justin lay in the huge king sized bed that dominated the bedroom of the sixth floor penthouse. He was watching Brian dress for day.
“Why thank you, good sir.” Brian bent to kiss him.
Justin felt heat rise on his face. “Um, I didn’t mean to say that.”
“What?! I don’t look hot?” Brian cringed in mock horror.
“No!” Justin laughed. “Of course you look hot - you always look hot. I mean, I didn’t mean to say that out loud, I was thinking it.” He gave a huge yawn, which was followed by a rumbling of his stomach. “I’m just dead tired. I feel like I haven’t slept in days…”
“Well, pardon me for keeping you up.” Justin threw a pillow at Brian, which he easily dodged. “Hey, watch the suit.”
“No, that isn’t what I mean. Between finishing up that huge commission, spending nights here, and running back and forth between here and the apartment to get clothes and such, I’m a bit worn out.” As if to emphasize the fact, a huge yawn overtook him. Justin wrapped the sheet tighter around himself and burrowed under the covers. “I had planned on spending the day in bed,” he said in a sleepy voice.
“There is nothing I would like better than to spend the day in bed with you…”
“I…” Another huge yawn, “didn’t exactly mean it that way.” Yawn. “I meant I want to spend the day in bed sleeping.” Justin made a half-hearted attempt to leave his warm cocoon.
Brian crossed to him and kissed him then gently shoved him back down on the bed. “Stay. Sleep.”
Justin yawned and rubbed at his eyes. “Really?”
“Really.” Brian pulled on his jacket and leaned down to kiss Justin on the forehead. “Later.”
“Mmm, later.” Justin murmured already half asleep.
~>~>~>~>~>
The next time Justin awoke the sun was shining. He panicked momentarily before remembering he was at the penthouse. He got up and took a shower, brushed his teeth. He wished he’d had some clean clothes to wear. Instead, he opted for wearing Brian’s silk robe. The soft fabric felt great against his skin.
Justin padded to the kitchen to see if there was anything in the fridge. He wasn’t surprised that the state of the art refrigerator boasted little in terms of contents - some things never changed. There was the familiar Guava Juice, low-fat milk and a couple of yogurts. There were the requisite pieces of fruit - some apples, a couple pears and an orange. And staples like coffee, sugar, chocolate syrup and a can of Redi-Whip. Hmm, that could prove fun for later.
What was surprising to Justin was what he found in the cupboards - all his favorites. Double stuff Oreos, Captain Crunch, Macadamia nuts, Leonidas Chocolates, Hungry Jack Pancake & Waffle mix, and real maple syrup.
“Aw man, I could really go for a waffle.” He decided to look in the freezer. Jackpot! Sweet! Frozen waffles - multi-grain. Justin frowned, healthy frozen waffles? Not when he got through with them. He looked around for a toaster, but resigned himself to using the Cuisinart toaster oven.
Justin surprisingly found butter when he rummaged around further and continued to explore the kitchen as he happily munched on his waffle. Once finished he cleaned up and rinsed his hands.
Justin hadn’t spent much time at the penthouse anywhere else than the master bedroom, and he had certainly never been alone in Brian’s new home. It was reminiscent of the loft in Pittsburgh with its open floor plan and sleek modern furniture. Yet, it seemed like much more of a home that the loft - the fuckpad vibe was missing.
The east side contained the dining and entertaining space, which spilled into the central living space. A freestanding wall between two building columns created a hall along the north side hiding rooms he had yet to explore. The wall also provided storage for a media and entertainment center, and showcased a few strategically placed artworks. A large flat screen TV was cleverly disguised behind an equally large canvas that shifted up to allow for viewing. Brian had stated he’d much rather look at art than a blank TV, and since it was one of Justin’s works, he’d been flattered.
Justin crossed the room, drawn to one particular small sculpture - a work in smooth and highly polished white marble and black onyx. Though abstract in design, it reminded Justin of himself and Brian. He wondered if Brian was reminded of them as well when he saw the piece. Justin turned it over and wasn’t overly surprised when he saw Dale’s signature.
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Justin ventured into the northern hallway and tried the first door. The room was obviously for Gus. A bedroom decorated with a younger person in mind, furnished to appeal to a boy, with a modest bathroom attached.
The second door revealed a small gym. There were basic weights and a bench, a couple of mats, a balance ball, a treadmill and stationary bike, as well as a compact four-sided weight training unit. Fuck, Brian wouldn’t have to go out to a gym with all this. That had to put a crimp into his tricking. Except, there had been no evidence of Brian tricking the whole time they’d been together this year. Justin was sure it happened - Brian was a highly sexual individual. While the times they were together Justin was sure he was satisfied, there were several long stretches this year when they weren’t together. Plus, there was all the time Brian was spending in Pittsburgh - fuck, he owned Babylon, guys probably stilled lined up for the opportunity in the back room with the Stud of Liberty Avenue. Justin backed out of the room and shut the door.
The next room was similar to what Justin now thought of as “Brian’s room” at the apartment. It was evident that this was Brian’s home office come library. He’d installed a wall unit similar to the one at the apartment, but this one was less traditional - more modern. Justin tested a cabinet door to see if, as he suspected, Brian had included the Murphy bed. He had.
The home office was larger than the apartment bedroom, allowing for a small couch and some comfortable side chairs. The two remaining walls were bookcases housing a fairly substantial library, pieces of sculpture and other art.
The next door revealed a utility room, including a washer and dryer, sink, storage and seasonal items, including two Cervélo touring bikes, and a smaller bike for Gus. He smiled as he noted the neatly lined up Louis-Vuitton collection gracing lined shelving high overhead.
The final room was sizable with a very nice bath attached, but was otherwise empty. It seemed odd, the rest of the rooms were fully furnished, why leave this one bare? Justin closed the door.
While he wanted to explore further, Justin’s stomach rumbled, sending him back to the kitchen. He grabbed a glass of milk, and glancing at the clock on the microwave - 4:42pm - decided it was a perfectly reasonable time for cookies. He opened the bag of Oreos and counted out 4. He tested several drawers before finding a zip bag large enough to store the open bag of cookies.
Snacks in hand, he continued his self-guided tour, passing through the small alcove along the south wall which led to a hall where the elevator and stairwell could be accessed. Beyond the alcove was a wall of windows looking out to the rooftop terrace and to downtown. Justin was excited to finally see these in the light of day.
It was obvious some thought had been put into the window wall. The tall wall was made of thick pivoting glass that could be opened up during good weather, and locked tightly in place during poor. Beyond the window wall was a three-season room area with a fireplace, dining table, as well as comfortable chairs and a chaise. A sloped roof and another wall of glass gave the room a “porch” feel.
The terrace had a small wall fountain and basin on the east wall to help diffuse the noise of traffic. Trees that would certainly grow larger in coming years were planted in large planters and strategically placed along the slate flagstones. Other box planters lined the south wall creating a barrier to any who might lean over too far. All-weather wrought iron chairs and benches peppered the area, and adjacent to the west side of the building was a hot tub Justin had failed to notice in his previous visits.
Interesting! Justin smiled - something else to explore tonight. An unexpected wind whipped up and fluttered the silk robe Justin wore, reminding him that fall had come to New York. He returned into the penthouse, making sure to secure both sets of doors behind him. He crossed to the sink and rinsed his glass before returning to the bedroom.
His day old clothes, sweat and paint stained, looked no more inviting now than when he’d finished his shower. He picked up his clothes and took them to the utility room. He was sure Brian wouldn’t mind him using the washing machine.
Laundry started, he went to Brian’s huge walk-in closet. He’d never been inside. The impressive line of Brian’s suits from his vantage point on the bed was enough to put Justin off from exploring Brian’s ode to labels. But now he had a reason - he needed clothes. Surely Brian had some sweats and an old T-shirt he could borrow, at least until his clothes dried.
Aside from the row of suits that rivaled any shop on Saville Row, there were silk shirts arranged by color and dry cleaned shirts neatly folded lining a shelf. More casual shirts and jeans were arranged in a double hung section and along the floor was Brian’s extensive collection of Prada and Gucci footwear. Along the back wall was clear storage for sweaters arranged by color and weight. Beneath the sweater storage were built in drawers - Justin headed there, he was sure that socks, underwear and workout gear had to be stored there.
Justin was halfway to the built in drawers when he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Something wasn’t right. He raised his hand to smooth along the back of his neck and his eyes took in the other half of the closet. It was empty.
…
“What do you think it means, Daph?”
Daphne shook her head - some days she wondered how the boy scored 1500 on his SATs. “Duh, he’s saving the space for someone.”
“Yeah, but who?”
“Tell me you aren’t this dense! You!”
“Oh, I don’t think so.”
“Justin, do you really think Brian’s involved with anyone else?”
“Well, no, but…”
“No buts! We continue with our plan - granted it won’t be as easy to hide your bringing your shit to his place without being able to blend it with his stuff - WAIT! The spare room! You can just start stowing stuff in there.”
“I don’t know, Daph…”
“Think about it - I bet Brian never even goes in there. You said you’ve never seen him go in Gus’ room.”
“That’s different.”
“Look, you have three months left before he puts the co-op on the market…”
“Actually, there’s less time than that.”
“What?! He’s throwing you out?”
“No, I’m sub-letting it. I’m going to buy Brian out. Mom’s helping me with the paperwork for the mortgage. Since I’m a first time homeowner, there’s a bunch of tax breaks, and despite Brian thinking I’m a destitute artist, I actually have a fair amount saved up - at least enough for a down payment. Cara and Dale are going to rent it from me - it will cover the maintenance and a portion of the mortgage. They got engaged over Labor Day Weekend.”
“Who get’s engaged for Labor Day?”
“Daph! Anyway, I have it worked out, I should be moved in here by the end of October, Thanksgiving at the latest.”
“So what were you queening out about then?”
“Well, it just isn’t going to be as easy as we planned.”
~>~>~>~>~>~>
TBC
Chapter 6