Readiness Is Near (1/?)
Title: Readiness Is Near (1/?)
Author: blushemphasises/tinydancer
Pairing: Brian/Justin
Timeline: AU of late S4
Rating: Mature
Warning: None
Words: 2,415
Summary: Brian doesn’t usually try new things. He doesn’t think life has much more to offer him anyway. He’s done it all and anything he hasn’t tried is surely a path to his demise. Even a certain blond barista can’t change this, no matter how much he might complicate things.
A/N: This was supposed to be a cute little barista/coffee shop AU, but apparently the words cute and Brian Kinney do not cooperate and neither does the word little because it turned into a chaptered fic. Ah well, hope you enjoy! On AO3
Throughout his life Brian Kinney has slowly but surely learnt an incredibly important lesson that he should never, ever rely on something or someone for anything. Because otherwise, he’s fucked - and never in a good way either.
However, despite all his efforts, there are a small number of things Brian has come to rely on so as to feel a little bit of stability, a sign that all is right in the world no matter how much things go to shit. For a long time, Number One of the Things He Relies On has been that, come rain or shine, Brian Kinney’s cock will always be up for the massive amount of fucking and sucking the world has to offer him. This idea was pretty damn solid - that is until Brian’s fun little visit to John Hopkins Hospital. Since then, he was forced to rule out Number One and Brian had to instead rely on Number Two for his stability. His reliance on Number Two is something he’d never admit to anyone, because if anything was a sign of Brian’s descent, it was his growing dependency on the Liberty Diner for a notion of fucking stability. Somehow, he had held onto the belief that the Liberty Diner will always be there to cater to his demanding orders, and that if he ever he craved a Turkey Sandwich - hold the mayo - he could drop by the Diner like he owns the place and then proceed to listen to the constant, pathetic ramblings of his alleged friends.
So when he heard from Michael, who heard from Debbie that the Liberty Diner was closing, something in Brian fucking snapped.
It’s admittedly lame, but Brian’s a creature of habit - he’s been eating breakfast at the Diner for years, and now he’s going have to find a new fucking place. Life had already fucked him over by rewarding him with the ever so spectacular testicular cancer. Maybe his lack of hard cock was turning him soft, because he had thought since he’s finally not having the urge to vomit up his insides every fucking minute, that his life was slowly retrieving back to a normal state - sans the very significant fact that he still can’t get it up, of course.
So Brian’s decidedly irritated when he steps into a café near work, some place called The Golden Gardenia, a café Brian had overheard one of his assistants raving on about. He figured that since this place is so close to Kinnetik, it’d be pretty damn convenient if the coffee turned out to be decent enough.
There’s already a crowd inside. Like Brian, most people are dropping by for a quick breakfast before work but there’s still a small line, which of course raises Brian’s irritation a notch.
When it’s finally Brian’s turn to order, it gets worse because the guy serving him is fucking hot. He’s all fresh-faced, high cheekbones and blond hair. Normally, Brian would be all over that - but fuck, it’s not like he can do anything about it.
“Hi, how can I help you?” The guy’s smile is all wide and flirty and his eyes curious.
Brian ignores the familiar proposition and briskly orders a triple non-fat latte to go. The guy’s smile doesn’t falter; he nods, asking Brian his name and then writes it on a cup.
As he’s waiting for his latte, Brian leans back and takes the chance to observe his surroundings. The café has a surprisingly cosy atmosphere considering the crowd, and true to its name, the wallpapers and furnishings are all golden hues and deep browns. Brian is willing to admit it’s a nice, stylish place, almost an exact opposite to the Diner. His eyes wander to the blond and again he feels a wave of frustration. Sure, Brian rarely used to trick this early in the day anyway, but the fact that he could if wanted to was a given. In his frustration, he snatches the cup off the table when his name is called and strides out without even a thank you.
Why waste manners on a twink he couldn’t even fuck?
*
The latte is fucking good. Brian goes to the café again the next morning and then the one after that. It turns out the food isn’t half-bad either, not that Brian actually gives a shit how things taste since eating crap at the Diner can considerably lower any standards he might have had. Apparently the hot blond (who according to his nametag is a Justin) works there most mornings and he seems to be a customer favourite. He occasionally attempts to strike up a conversation with Brian (“had a good morning?) and smiles at him with so much fucking radiance that on one occasion, Brian actually smiled back.
After a week of consecutive visits to the café, Brian finds himself there on a Friday morning, feeling like shit and trying to ignore an impending headache. It’s not even nine am yet but he’s already feeling like this day’s gone to shit and is especially not looking forward to a lengthy ten am meeting with Remson Pharmaceuticals.
He orders his usual, this time ignoring Justin’s smile and sits at the nearest table. He leans back and delicately rubs the bridge of his nose. Fuck, the dull thud of his headache has apparently morphed into a heavy pounding and on top of that, he’s starting to feel fucking nauseous - Jesus Christ Brian had thought he was done with this shit.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Brian opens his eyes at the voice and looks up to see Justin, his expression concerned. “I’m fine,” Brian all but snaps back and Justin nods and then heads behind the counter. Or so Brian thought, because he’s back a few seconds later with a glass of water. Brian’s about to say thanks, but no thanks when he realises that his throat is too fucking dry so he nods and takes the glass.
Justin actually stands and watches Brian take a sip, as if to make sure he really drinks it. “Thanks,” Brian says after clearing his throat a little.
“Seemed like you needed it. You kind of look like shit.” Justin smiles easily. Brian finds himself a combination of both impressed and annoyed at his audacity. “You know, you look like you could use the day off. I’m sure your boss wouldn’t mind if you call in sick.”
Jesus, who did this kid think he was, Brian’s mother? Brian snorts. “Yeah, I’m sure my boss wouldn’t mind, seeing I’m my own boss,” he takes another sip of his water and raises his eyebrows when Justin somehow takes that as an invitation to sit down across him.
“Really? Do you own your own company?”
He sounds genuinely curious so Brian shrugs and answers, “Yeah. The advertising agency down the road.”
At this Justin laughs, “Wait so you’re Mr Kinney?”
“I didn’t realise I’d made a name for myself here,” Brian says, allowing a small smirk. “Although I’m not surprised.”
Justin grins, “Oh your employees come here on their lunch breaks. Let’s just say that you’ve driven the fear of God into them. They’re always worrying over deadlines.”
Brian smirks some more, pleased. “So they should.”
“I always pictured you as this old, wrinkly tyrant type guy though,” Justin says and then laughs when Brian frowns. “Don’t worry, it turns out you’re much more easy on the eyes.”
Before Brian can reply, Justin’s already standing up. “I better go. Seems like your order’s ready anyway.” He disappears behind the counter and comes back with Brian’s low-fat blueberry muffin and coffee. “Enjoy,” he says with a smile and Brian nods, watching his ass retreat with admiration.
It’s only when Brian’s walked halfway back to Kinnetik that he realises the headache had gone.
*
So Brian’s Friday turns out to be less shitty than expected. He managed to breeze through the meeting with Remson Pharmaceuticals with practised ease, but things started looking bleak when his fucking mother of all people showed up. Joan had wondered why she heard the good fucking news from that character Debbie Novotny instead of her own son.
Well, what did she expect? After years of nothing but contempt for her own family, did she think she deserves the same privilege as his surrogate mother?
“Only you can save yourself from God’s punishment,” Joan had said. Her tone had held that all-knowing and seemingly patient tone she adopts whenever she’s sharing her oh-so generous wisdom.
Well fuck that.
In any case, Brian’s not sure if God had actually heard his mocking prayers or what, because all of a sudden he has a lot to be thankful for. Jesus, who would have thought he’d end up being grateful for a visit from his mother?
*
Driving the familiar route to Babylon is much more pleasant when Brian has a guaranteed fuck well on the horizon. The number of times he’s recently left Babylon or the Baths unsatisfied is soon to become distant memories, thank fucking god.
He had considered calling to check if the rest of the boys were going to be in Babylon but then figured that he’d be too busy fucking to pay any sort of attention to them anyway. Not that that would have been different to any other usual night but Brian might as well spare his friends for one night.
He parks the jeep in its usual spot and is about to head for Babylon’s entrance when he recognises a familiar blond figure leaning against a nearby lamppost.
Brian pauses. He doesn’t believe in fate or any of that shit, but he is willing to admit that maybe it’s a fucking coincidence that the one ass he was denied that morning is now out there waiting to be conquered the same night his cock is finally ready.
He strides over to Justin with purpose and Justin watches him with curious eyes, obviously recognising Brian.
“Brian Kinney,” Justin smiles as soon Brian reaches him. His eyelashes are casting long shadows over his cheekbones under the bright light; his lips look soft and pink even in the cold night.
“Hey,” Brian replies and steps a little closer. He can feel the heat radiating off Justin’s body and in their closeness, he can smell Justin’s scent. It’s something like clean soap and cigarettes, and maybe faintly of paint.
Brian wets his lips and asks, “Had a busy night?”
*
Justin doesn’t seem nervous on the drive to Brian’s loft. In fact, he’s the opposite of nervous, leaning back with the window rolled down, the cold night breeze tousling his hair.
Brian has his eyes on the road but can sense Justin staring at him, so he turns his head and raises his eyebrows. Sure, he’s used to people gawking at him in admiration but Justin’s gaze feels more curious.
Justin smirks at him. “I guess you’re feeling better after all. I’m glad,” he grins then. “It’s been a while since I’ve been fucked.”
Brian barks out a laugh at that. “Oh yeah? How long’s a while?”
Justin shrugs, “I don’t know? A week? Lately, I’m usually doing all the fucking.”
Oh the irony, the kid thinks a week is a while. Brian almost laughs out loud but instead he raises his eyebrows again, this time facing the road. “Oh, so you’re versatile then?”
He can sense Justin nod. “Hm, and ambidextrous.” His tone is nothing if not suggestive.
Fuck, Brian doesn’t know if Justin’s making all this shit up but he’s glad as they finally enter the parking garage.
When they reach Brian’s floor, Justin pauses at the entrance.
“I like your place. It’s very… aesthetically pleasing.” he says and takes a moment to look around. “Nice kitchen.”
Brian doesn’t bother to reply and starts peeling off his clothes, it’s not like they’re here to have a conversation - he’s actually proud of himself for holding out for so long and not fucking Justin in the jeep like he was tempted to.
He raises his eyebrows as he unzips his jeans and apparently Justin finally gets the message because he steps in, closing the door behind him and heading straight for Brian.
Brian pulls him closer and presses their bodies together. He can feel Justin’s hardening cock against his as he dives down for a kiss.
The kiss is long and deep and by the time Brian breaks free, Justin has enough time to mumble something like “bedroom?” before Brian’s pushing him onto the mattress and peeling off Justin’s remaining clothing until he’s completely bare. Justin’s skin is smooth and glorious under the blue tinged light, and Brian takes a moment to lube him up and place a condom on his own dick until he’s got those smooth, pale legs over his shoulders and he’s pressing into Justin’s entrance.
Fuck. He’s so fucking tight, Brian has to pause a moment to shut his eyes and just revel in the feeling. Holy fuck, he had missed this.
*
Sex with Justin turns out to be pretty damn good. Brian’s not sure if it’s only because the blond is his first fuck after so long but either way, there’s no doubting this kid’s stamina. He gives Brian as good as he gets, and then some. The night is spent with fucking and generous amounts of sucking until Brian’s sheets are filthy with come stains. After yet another round, Brian is so fucking tired that he collapses into sleep and forgets to kick Justin out.
*
Brian wakes up at around dawn to the sound of someone shuffling against the sheets. He opens his eyes blearily and wonders why the fuck anyone needs to be anywhere this early in the morning, especially on a Saturday.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to wake you.” a voice says and Brian remembers that its the hot blond from the café. What was his name? Justin. His first fuck in ages. “I’ve got an early shift at the café. Mind if I use your shower?” He asks.
Brian nods, still half asleep. “It’s through there,” he points somewhere that’s only vaguely in the direction of the bathroom. Whatever, Justin’s bound to find it without Brian’s help anyway. He can feel Justin shuffle around a little more in the bed and frowns slightly when he feels a quick kiss on his shoulder. “Thanks,” Justin says and then he climbs off the bed.
Later, Brian hears the loft door close in his half-asleep state.
Author: blushemphasises/tinydancer
Pairing: Brian/Justin
Timeline: AU of late S4
Rating: Mature
Warning: None
Words: 2,415
Summary: Brian doesn’t usually try new things. He doesn’t think life has much more to offer him anyway. He’s done it all and anything he hasn’t tried is surely a path to his demise. Even a certain blond barista can’t change this, no matter how much he might complicate things.
A/N: This was supposed to be a cute little barista/coffee shop AU, but apparently the words cute and Brian Kinney do not cooperate and neither does the word little because it turned into a chaptered fic. Ah well, hope you enjoy! On AO3
Throughout his life Brian Kinney has slowly but surely learnt an incredibly important lesson that he should never, ever rely on something or someone for anything. Because otherwise, he’s fucked - and never in a good way either.
However, despite all his efforts, there are a small number of things Brian has come to rely on so as to feel a little bit of stability, a sign that all is right in the world no matter how much things go to shit. For a long time, Number One of the Things He Relies On has been that, come rain or shine, Brian Kinney’s cock will always be up for the massive amount of fucking and sucking the world has to offer him. This idea was pretty damn solid - that is until Brian’s fun little visit to John Hopkins Hospital. Since then, he was forced to rule out Number One and Brian had to instead rely on Number Two for his stability. His reliance on Number Two is something he’d never admit to anyone, because if anything was a sign of Brian’s descent, it was his growing dependency on the Liberty Diner for a notion of fucking stability. Somehow, he had held onto the belief that the Liberty Diner will always be there to cater to his demanding orders, and that if he ever he craved a Turkey Sandwich - hold the mayo - he could drop by the Diner like he owns the place and then proceed to listen to the constant, pathetic ramblings of his alleged friends.
So when he heard from Michael, who heard from Debbie that the Liberty Diner was closing, something in Brian fucking snapped.
It’s admittedly lame, but Brian’s a creature of habit - he’s been eating breakfast at the Diner for years, and now he’s going have to find a new fucking place. Life had already fucked him over by rewarding him with the ever so spectacular testicular cancer. Maybe his lack of hard cock was turning him soft, because he had thought since he’s finally not having the urge to vomit up his insides every fucking minute, that his life was slowly retrieving back to a normal state - sans the very significant fact that he still can’t get it up, of course.
So Brian’s decidedly irritated when he steps into a café near work, some place called The Golden Gardenia, a café Brian had overheard one of his assistants raving on about. He figured that since this place is so close to Kinnetik, it’d be pretty damn convenient if the coffee turned out to be decent enough.
There’s already a crowd inside. Like Brian, most people are dropping by for a quick breakfast before work but there’s still a small line, which of course raises Brian’s irritation a notch.
When it’s finally Brian’s turn to order, it gets worse because the guy serving him is fucking hot. He’s all fresh-faced, high cheekbones and blond hair. Normally, Brian would be all over that - but fuck, it’s not like he can do anything about it.
“Hi, how can I help you?” The guy’s smile is all wide and flirty and his eyes curious.
Brian ignores the familiar proposition and briskly orders a triple non-fat latte to go. The guy’s smile doesn’t falter; he nods, asking Brian his name and then writes it on a cup.
As he’s waiting for his latte, Brian leans back and takes the chance to observe his surroundings. The café has a surprisingly cosy atmosphere considering the crowd, and true to its name, the wallpapers and furnishings are all golden hues and deep browns. Brian is willing to admit it’s a nice, stylish place, almost an exact opposite to the Diner. His eyes wander to the blond and again he feels a wave of frustration. Sure, Brian rarely used to trick this early in the day anyway, but the fact that he could if wanted to was a given. In his frustration, he snatches the cup off the table when his name is called and strides out without even a thank you.
Why waste manners on a twink he couldn’t even fuck?
*
The latte is fucking good. Brian goes to the café again the next morning and then the one after that. It turns out the food isn’t half-bad either, not that Brian actually gives a shit how things taste since eating crap at the Diner can considerably lower any standards he might have had. Apparently the hot blond (who according to his nametag is a Justin) works there most mornings and he seems to be a customer favourite. He occasionally attempts to strike up a conversation with Brian (“had a good morning?) and smiles at him with so much fucking radiance that on one occasion, Brian actually smiled back.
After a week of consecutive visits to the café, Brian finds himself there on a Friday morning, feeling like shit and trying to ignore an impending headache. It’s not even nine am yet but he’s already feeling like this day’s gone to shit and is especially not looking forward to a lengthy ten am meeting with Remson Pharmaceuticals.
He orders his usual, this time ignoring Justin’s smile and sits at the nearest table. He leans back and delicately rubs the bridge of his nose. Fuck, the dull thud of his headache has apparently morphed into a heavy pounding and on top of that, he’s starting to feel fucking nauseous - Jesus Christ Brian had thought he was done with this shit.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Brian opens his eyes at the voice and looks up to see Justin, his expression concerned. “I’m fine,” Brian all but snaps back and Justin nods and then heads behind the counter. Or so Brian thought, because he’s back a few seconds later with a glass of water. Brian’s about to say thanks, but no thanks when he realises that his throat is too fucking dry so he nods and takes the glass.
Justin actually stands and watches Brian take a sip, as if to make sure he really drinks it. “Thanks,” Brian says after clearing his throat a little.
“Seemed like you needed it. You kind of look like shit.” Justin smiles easily. Brian finds himself a combination of both impressed and annoyed at his audacity. “You know, you look like you could use the day off. I’m sure your boss wouldn’t mind if you call in sick.”
Jesus, who did this kid think he was, Brian’s mother? Brian snorts. “Yeah, I’m sure my boss wouldn’t mind, seeing I’m my own boss,” he takes another sip of his water and raises his eyebrows when Justin somehow takes that as an invitation to sit down across him.
“Really? Do you own your own company?”
He sounds genuinely curious so Brian shrugs and answers, “Yeah. The advertising agency down the road.”
At this Justin laughs, “Wait so you’re Mr Kinney?”
“I didn’t realise I’d made a name for myself here,” Brian says, allowing a small smirk. “Although I’m not surprised.”
Justin grins, “Oh your employees come here on their lunch breaks. Let’s just say that you’ve driven the fear of God into them. They’re always worrying over deadlines.”
Brian smirks some more, pleased. “So they should.”
“I always pictured you as this old, wrinkly tyrant type guy though,” Justin says and then laughs when Brian frowns. “Don’t worry, it turns out you’re much more easy on the eyes.”
Before Brian can reply, Justin’s already standing up. “I better go. Seems like your order’s ready anyway.” He disappears behind the counter and comes back with Brian’s low-fat blueberry muffin and coffee. “Enjoy,” he says with a smile and Brian nods, watching his ass retreat with admiration.
It’s only when Brian’s walked halfway back to Kinnetik that he realises the headache had gone.
*
So Brian’s Friday turns out to be less shitty than expected. He managed to breeze through the meeting with Remson Pharmaceuticals with practised ease, but things started looking bleak when his fucking mother of all people showed up. Joan had wondered why she heard the good fucking news from that character Debbie Novotny instead of her own son.
Well, what did she expect? After years of nothing but contempt for her own family, did she think she deserves the same privilege as his surrogate mother?
“Only you can save yourself from God’s punishment,” Joan had said. Her tone had held that all-knowing and seemingly patient tone she adopts whenever she’s sharing her oh-so generous wisdom.
Well fuck that.
In any case, Brian’s not sure if God had actually heard his mocking prayers or what, because all of a sudden he has a lot to be thankful for. Jesus, who would have thought he’d end up being grateful for a visit from his mother?
*
Driving the familiar route to Babylon is much more pleasant when Brian has a guaranteed fuck well on the horizon. The number of times he’s recently left Babylon or the Baths unsatisfied is soon to become distant memories, thank fucking god.
He had considered calling to check if the rest of the boys were going to be in Babylon but then figured that he’d be too busy fucking to pay any sort of attention to them anyway. Not that that would have been different to any other usual night but Brian might as well spare his friends for one night.
He parks the jeep in its usual spot and is about to head for Babylon’s entrance when he recognises a familiar blond figure leaning against a nearby lamppost.
Brian pauses. He doesn’t believe in fate or any of that shit, but he is willing to admit that maybe it’s a fucking coincidence that the one ass he was denied that morning is now out there waiting to be conquered the same night his cock is finally ready.
He strides over to Justin with purpose and Justin watches him with curious eyes, obviously recognising Brian.
“Brian Kinney,” Justin smiles as soon Brian reaches him. His eyelashes are casting long shadows over his cheekbones under the bright light; his lips look soft and pink even in the cold night.
“Hey,” Brian replies and steps a little closer. He can feel the heat radiating off Justin’s body and in their closeness, he can smell Justin’s scent. It’s something like clean soap and cigarettes, and maybe faintly of paint.
Brian wets his lips and asks, “Had a busy night?”
*
Justin doesn’t seem nervous on the drive to Brian’s loft. In fact, he’s the opposite of nervous, leaning back with the window rolled down, the cold night breeze tousling his hair.
Brian has his eyes on the road but can sense Justin staring at him, so he turns his head and raises his eyebrows. Sure, he’s used to people gawking at him in admiration but Justin’s gaze feels more curious.
Justin smirks at him. “I guess you’re feeling better after all. I’m glad,” he grins then. “It’s been a while since I’ve been fucked.”
Brian barks out a laugh at that. “Oh yeah? How long’s a while?”
Justin shrugs, “I don’t know? A week? Lately, I’m usually doing all the fucking.”
Oh the irony, the kid thinks a week is a while. Brian almost laughs out loud but instead he raises his eyebrows again, this time facing the road. “Oh, so you’re versatile then?”
He can sense Justin nod. “Hm, and ambidextrous.” His tone is nothing if not suggestive.
Fuck, Brian doesn’t know if Justin’s making all this shit up but he’s glad as they finally enter the parking garage.
When they reach Brian’s floor, Justin pauses at the entrance.
“I like your place. It’s very… aesthetically pleasing.” he says and takes a moment to look around. “Nice kitchen.”
Brian doesn’t bother to reply and starts peeling off his clothes, it’s not like they’re here to have a conversation - he’s actually proud of himself for holding out for so long and not fucking Justin in the jeep like he was tempted to.
He raises his eyebrows as he unzips his jeans and apparently Justin finally gets the message because he steps in, closing the door behind him and heading straight for Brian.
Brian pulls him closer and presses their bodies together. He can feel Justin’s hardening cock against his as he dives down for a kiss.
The kiss is long and deep and by the time Brian breaks free, Justin has enough time to mumble something like “bedroom?” before Brian’s pushing him onto the mattress and peeling off Justin’s remaining clothing until he’s completely bare. Justin’s skin is smooth and glorious under the blue tinged light, and Brian takes a moment to lube him up and place a condom on his own dick until he’s got those smooth, pale legs over his shoulders and he’s pressing into Justin’s entrance.
Fuck. He’s so fucking tight, Brian has to pause a moment to shut his eyes and just revel in the feeling. Holy fuck, he had missed this.
*
Sex with Justin turns out to be pretty damn good. Brian’s not sure if it’s only because the blond is his first fuck after so long but either way, there’s no doubting this kid’s stamina. He gives Brian as good as he gets, and then some. The night is spent with fucking and generous amounts of sucking until Brian’s sheets are filthy with come stains. After yet another round, Brian is so fucking tired that he collapses into sleep and forgets to kick Justin out.
*
Brian wakes up at around dawn to the sound of someone shuffling against the sheets. He opens his eyes blearily and wonders why the fuck anyone needs to be anywhere this early in the morning, especially on a Saturday.
“Hey, I didn’t mean to wake you.” a voice says and Brian remembers that its the hot blond from the café. What was his name? Justin. His first fuck in ages. “I’ve got an early shift at the café. Mind if I use your shower?” He asks.
Brian nods, still half asleep. “It’s through there,” he points somewhere that’s only vaguely in the direction of the bathroom. Whatever, Justin’s bound to find it without Brian’s help anyway. He can feel Justin shuffle around a little more in the bed and frowns slightly when he feels a quick kiss on his shoulder. “Thanks,” Justin says and then he climbs off the bed.
Later, Brian hears the loft door close in his half-asleep state.