QAF Fic - Learning To Breathe
OMFG, peeps, since I obviously have like no organizational skills AT ALL, I decided to just start posting whatever I have laying around on my hard drive, so here`s to hope that this journal of mine will once again slowly start showing some signs of life. *lol* Oh and once again, another of mine qaf_challenge fics. Hey, don`t you roll your eyes...I need a fucking goal and a deadline, therefore I`ve been trying to hold onto the qaf_challenges for dear life and I still kinda live in hope that the RL will take mercy on me soon, so... *headdesk*
Ok, ok, on with the freakin` show, right? *grins*
Title: LEARNING TO BREATHE
Written by: May
Timeline: Future
Rating: R/NC-17
Warnings: schmoop, OFC
Summary: Justin's little sister Molly isn't so little anymore and along with her years come much bigger problems. But will everyone handle the coming changes like they're supposed to?
Sunday 10 PM, Pittsburgh
Though tired and jet lagged like hell, Brian couldn't wipe away the smile off his face. Despite some unexpected setbacks at the beginning, mainly from his side, business wise, his New York weekend with Justin was a huge, fucking success. Of course, at Justin's insistence and very interesting way of persuasion, that involved handcuffs at some point, they ended up eating in some lezzy-owned restaurant called “Deborah” of all possible names. Naturally, Brian wouldn't usually be caught dead in such establishment, but his boy had a way with words (and some pretty flexible parts of his anatomy) and Brian silently capitulated. At the end of the day, he actually enjoyed himself there.
The dimmed lights in the restaurant reminded Brian a little of Babylon of all things, so he dealt with it pretty nicely. What's even more important, Justin seemed to be over the moon, when they crashed through the door of his little one-room apartment. So all in all, Brian was satisfied with the way things were going. Especially since it was pretty miraculous that after five years of living in different cities, they were still going on as strong as ever. Yeah, Brian missed having Justin around more than he'd ever admit to a living soul, but he would be damned if he made Justin sacrifice his life for him. God only knew, what he himself was ready to push to the back of his mind to keep Sunshine happy, but he'd do it without a second thought. There was close to nothing he wouldn't do to keep Justin smiling and there was no denying that after all these years. The cat was out of the bag on that particular issue.
His eyes slowly swept around the loft, as he closed the door and stepped inside the room. While his fingers already worked on untying the tie, that closed around his throat without mercy, he threw his bag on the sofa, already on his way to the kitchen. He pulled open the fridge door, blindly grabbed a water bottle and continued to the phone. One glance on the machine told him there were new messages and with another smile, his mind already jumping on Justin, he pressed play.
”You have three new messages.” *Beep*
”Brian, just calling to say that I hope you landed safely. You have no idea how I enjoyed this weekend. Because I know that Kinnetik is your sandbox and that's one more reason why I'm glad that we had the time to spend together, just the two of us. Anyway, call me when you get this message. I'll be home tonight. I already miss you...”
*Beep*
Brian stared silently out the window, a cigarette in his hand, as he glanced up at the sky. He wondered briefly how did the sky outside Justin's look like at the moment. God, it was times like these that Brian felt the brunt of how much this whole living apart thing stunk. It was like coming down from an incredible high, where his body still buzzed with energy and he almost felt like his full lungs would just jump out of his chest, leaving him breathlessly alive, regardless how unbelievable and ridiculous that sounded. Because when everything else fell apart, Justin was what made him want to wake up in the morning. Still, big part of him hated being dependent on someone like that, but in the middle of the night, when nobody else was around, he wished for all kinds of things.
Sure, their little group of friends was still alive and well, although their trips to Woody's and Babylon were rarer these days. Doing that once a week was all Brian really needed to stay in the loop. But all of that seemed to disappear, when he thought of Justin and more than ever, Brian was painfully aware of that fact. Also, it explained very nicely Kinnetik`s national success in the last five years or so, because when Brian missed Justin, he worked like the man possessed. It gave him the satisfaction of being a fucking success and simultaneously, it took a huge chunk of time he would otherwise spend brooding over his missing partner. After all, every cloud had to have a silver lining, right?
In the meantime, another message played that went right over his head. He thought he heard Mikey's voice and something about Babylon, but he wasn't sure anymore. He'll had to replay that one later. Suddenly, he glanced over his shoulder at the familiar voice. And just like that, his good mood evaporated. Despite how ofter he saw her, rarely they communicated through anything but his cell phone.
”Brian, I know it's late and I'm so sorry for calling you like this, but can you-” He heard Jen sniffle a little and it took all he had to continue breathing.
”Can you, please, call Justin and tell him to call me? I was trying to get his cell for the last two hours, but it's useless. I don't know how else to get to him. Brian relaxed slightly, knowing Justin's usual treatment of cell phones, but he still had absolutely no idea what was happening. He just knew he wouldn't like it one fucking bit, when he heard the way her voice trembled.
“Brian, it's Molly. She-” His throat closed, already thinking of the worst possible scenario.
”She was shot in the chest at some convenient store nearby and they called me to inform me that she was brought to the Allegheny OR.. I'm...I'm waiting here now and I've been trying to get Justin on the phone for hours, so he would know what happened. I...God, I just can't believe this is happening again...”
He heard her voice break over the line and felt a sudden tinge inside his chest, when the line went dead. How would he break the news to Justin? How would he tell him that his little sister was fighting for her life in the same hospital he almost died in? Plus, the simple truth was...he actually liked Molly Taylor very much.
The girl just turned 19 few months ago, when she started her education on a scholarship at the Penn State. At the time, Brian offered to pay for her college education, but Molly said no. She was set on getting through her higher education on her own terms. For a moment or two, Brian almost pouted at the rejection, but at the same time, he was so fucking proud of the young woman she became. Her warm hug, that followed the rejection told him how much she really appreciated the offer alone. The fact was that, for a kid, she was pretty alright. She didn't deserve what happened to her at all.
Silently, he dialed Justin's cell and waited. After about a minute, a very short-breathed Justin answered the phone.
“Hello?” Brian self-consciously cleared his throat, as he tried to piece in his mind what he'd say to Justin.
“Hey Sunshine...” He could almost feel on his skin the shiny warmth of the young man's smile, when he heard Brian's voice, which made this whole task even harder for Brian.
“Oh my God, Brian. It's so good to hear your voice! I thought I'd-” Brian hurried to cut him off as gently as possible.
“Justin, we don't have a lot of time. Just listen to me.” Justin's uncertain confusion almost radiated over the line.
“Are you listening?” He heard Justin swallow hard.
“Yeah, I'm listening.”
“Justin, something happened to Molly. She was in some store with her friend and she...she was shot in the chest. Your mom informed me, that she is in the Allegheny operating room at the moment. Justin, have you heard what I just said?” He didn't like the silence, that filled the distance between them. This wasn't the way Justin usually reacted, but then again, he never got news like this, now did he.
“Um, yeah, I did. I'll...I'll pack my bag and I'll be on the first plane home.”
Brian listened to Justin's emotionless response and it worried the hell out of him, but hopefully, there would be more time later to address that issue. First they had to get four hundred miles between Pittsburgh and New York out of the way.
“Alright. Call me with the details and I'll come pick you up.”
“No, no. I'll grab a cab from the airport and meet you at the hospital. Just, uh...Brian, if you see or hear from my mom, could you tell her that I'm on my way, please? I'll be there as soon as I can, okay? I...I love you.” And the line disconnected, leaving Brian stunned and worried by the way the situation was evolving, but all he could do now was wait.
***
Four hours later, Allegheny Hospital
Jennifer tried to be calm, but it wasn't working at the moment. She had one child fighting for her life and another few hundred miles away, living his life on his own, trying to make something of himself with virtually no moral support. By her own experience, the world wasn't generally a very nice and welcoming place. She saw with her own eyes how life treated the people she loved.
She watched the people she was surrounded with. Her real family. The family that stood beside her in her hardest moments, trying to help her get through it. She almost couldn't believe that she nearly threw this away ten years ago.
“Jen, do you want something to drink? I could go and get you a soda or a cup of coffee?” Jennifer watched Lindsay's mouth move, the sound not really reaching her ear drums. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her mind.
“No, Lindsay, but thanks. I just can't...” Lindsay nodded silently with understanding. She squeezed her hand gently and joined Deb, Emmett and Melanie few feet away. For the last two years, the Petersen-Marcus family lived in Pittsburgh, where they returned from Canada after three years of trying to make it work there. But after they almost ended in a divorce once again, because they worked so many hours that they hardly saw each other, Lindsay decided to call it quits and admit the defeat. Carefully, Jen turned to her right, where Molly's best friend Toni was sitting. Poor girl couldn't stop crying from the moment the ambulance got to the hospital.
“Are you alright, hon?” The girl nodded softly. Her short, brown hair gave her face such warmth, bringing her lovely green eyes out in such a way, that she was a sight to see. Jen knew the girl very well. Molly and Toni were inseparable from the moment Toni moved with her newly divorced mother from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh in the freshman year of high school. Toni's grandmother lived in the area and after a messy divorce, Toni's mother decided to come home and recuperate. The girls went through it all together. The pajama parties, first crushes along with first heartbreaks, the inevitable fights, that usually ended up with both of them being miserable without the other for a week or so. After that, one of them would just pick up the phone and reestablish the flow of communication. To tell the truth, Jennifer was used by now to the entire drama, that usually surrounded her kids. It was most likely just genetics anyway. And if she was completely honest with herself, she sometimes enjoyed little drama herself. And some of those times, even Tucker joined in the fun. One thing was for sure. There was definitely never a boring moment in their home.
Since Molly started college, Jennifer thought she saw something deeper, more, something between her and Toni, but she wasn't sure. For what's it worth, it could be her overactive imagination that was playing tricks on her mind. After all, Molly never came out to her or mentioned that she was anything but straight. Then again, maybe she never thought that it was that important or maybe she still wasn't sure. One time, Jennifer almost cracked and asked Molly directly, but remembering how fabulously her coming out moment with Justin went, she decided to leave it to Molly. When she thought she had anything to share, Jennifer was certain she would do exactly that.
Also there was the whole problem of their homophobic fucker of a father. Jennifer sighed. When she thought about Craig, she couldn't believe how blind some people could actually be. Thank God, the communication either of them had with him was scarce at best, because after Molly really got how and why her father treated Justin and, consequentially. Brian the way he did, she had very little to say to him and it was really for the best. Craig didn't really deserve more than that anyway.
“Brian, I told you I'd take the cab. You didn't have to wait for me.”
Brian muttered something under his breath.
“Mom!” Jennifer looked up to see Justin hurrying down the hallway in her direction, Brian right behind him.
She felt her chest expand, as she got up and gathered her son in her embrace. She held him close for what seemed an eternity, trying to freeze the time in case life tried to play yet another joke on her and took Justin away from her. It was silly, but she ignored the sentiment. Justin returned her hug, as he tried to control his emotions. Slowly, he pushed out of her embrace and they looked at each other for couple of seconds. It felt like *we'll get through this...we're stronger than this.*, but they didn't know if everything would be alright. A lot of what was going on simply wasn't up to them. Justin nodded quietly and left to greet the rest of the group, while Brian stayed behind, watching him. Jennifer glanced a Justin and back at Brian, a silent question in her eyes. Brian shrugged helplessly, as she leaned in to kiss him on his cheek in a greeting.
Brian glanced around the waiting room and waved half-heartedly at the group, watching as Justin gathered in his arms a beautiful, young woman, who Brian recognized as Molly's friend simply because whenever there was a party or a dinner, where entire family was present, the girl was almost infallibly there.
“Any word yet?” Jennifer shook her head, her hand laying nervously over her heart. She noticed over his shoulder, as two men approached their little group.
“Good evening. I'm Officer Markovitz and this is my partner O'Brien. We would like to talk about what happened with the girl that witnessed the robbery.” Jennifer nodded and went to get Toni. Brian watched the girl's big green eyes get bigger, as she realized that the cops were here to interview her. Now, Brian might be many things, but he was no fool. Little Miss Toni was hiding something.
“Miss, can you tell us what happened there? We have the security tape, but there's no sound and as of yet, there isn't a clear and direct look at the suspects` face. So anything you could tell us would be great.” The girl swallowed and hugged herself, as if she was protecting her body from the cold.
“Well, Molly and I were finished with the homework for our Monday classes and we were hungry. So we parked in front of these 24 hours stores and got inside. Anyway, while we looked for what we wanted, we were goofing around and laughing, already planning to go to the movies in the evening. So when we finally got to the pay desk, two people were just finishing up in front of us. A boyfriend and a girlfriend, I think. All of a sudden, these two men crashed through the door and started shouting at us to freeze or they would start shooting, while they waited for the cashier to empty the register. And I...”
She bit her lower lip.
“Um, before I realized what was going on, I was pushed into the counter and out of the way, as I felt Molly leaning back at me. In all that chaos, I thought she stumbled or something and while I tried to hold her up, the men grabbed the cash and ran out of the store. And...and I tried to stop the bleeding, I really did,” she hiccuped, trying to hold it together “but it just kept coming and she watched me there from the floor, as I sat there helplessly. Oh my God, Mrs. Taylor, I let her die!” She broke down crying. Jennifer pulled the girl inside her embrace, trying to comfort her, even though he desperately needed the comfort herself. In the same time, Brian quietly watched Justin's behavior. The way he acted, all cool and distant...well, Brian just didn't like it at all. He just knew that his blond was gathering it all somewhere inside and sooner or later, the dam would break. He just hoped that the epilogue of that won't take any unnecessary victims along for a ride.
“Do you remember anything specific about them? Their voices, hair color, their height?” She glanced over at the cops again, sniffling into the handkerchief that Jennifer gave her.
“I think one was dirty blond and the other was a brunet. Um, about Justin's height, I suppose.” Markovitz nodded, while officer O'Brien wrote it all down in his little book. It wasn't really as much information as they would like, but all they could do was to play with the cards they were dealt. As it was, they wouldn't be able to talk with the shooting victim for few days, at least, so they excused themselves and left. Justin's blue eyes met Brian's hazel ones across the room. Somehow, neither could shake off that stupid feeling, that something just wasn't being said. Without a single word, Brian took the empty seat and pulled Justin closer, touching his lips to Justin's warm temple. How fast their weekend of joy turned into this... But there was no point in wishing they could turn back time. All they could do was to move forward and hope for the best, while expecting the worst.
The worst never once disappointed them.
***
One hour later, Allegheny Hospital
“WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE?!?” Jennifer turned her head in the direction of the voice and sighed. Just what she needed, what all of them needed. Justin glared at him, still sitting by Brian's side. Quickly, Jennifer blocked his way and grabbed him by the hand with the intention of solving this a little less publicly, but to no avail. There was no stopping Craig. To make things worse, he actually had the face to bring along his latest “girlfriend”.
“Craig, don't make me call security. If you don't shut up, I swear I will do it!” It was as if that fired up Craig's anger and disbelief even more.
“How dare you? My daughter is in there fighting for her life and you invite this, this...this pervert?? Isn't it enough for you that your son is going against God?” And that was the line he shouldn't have crossed.
“Listen, you don't have to like us. Hell, you don't even have to be in the same room with us. Frankly, I don't fucking care. But I won't let you attack neither Jennifer nor Sunshine, because you simply don't have the right to do that! You lost it the moment you've thrown your own son out of the house!!!” Craig frowned at Deb's words.
“Listen, lady-” But it was too fucking late. She was already on the go.
“Don't you lady me, mister. And you call yourself a father? Trust me, Brian can be called a lot of things, but he's no pervert. If anyone is a pervert here, it's you, Mr. Taylor.”
Brian smirked at the speed at which Craig Taylor's face changed colors.
”You tell him, Mom,” Brian cheered on the inside.
Brian's hand still in his, Justin watched with amazement, while Debbie wiped the fucking floor with his father. Finally, Justin stood up and stopped in front of the man he once respected and loved, but who now was the most pathetic excuse for a human being.
“Dad, you can say what the fuck you want to me. I don't fucking care anymore. I left any hopes of you accepting me as the man that I am far in the past. You've seen to that long time ago. But despite all that, I know who I am and I'm damn well proud of it, of my life. And I won't let you talk like that about the man I love. So either you start acting like the father you so fervently claim to be and interest yourself about how Molly, your only daughter, is doing, or please, just leave. We don't need your hate here. We never did.” Justin finished and glanced at Brian, finding a very needed support in his partner's eyes, before he sat down again. Craig sputtered for few seconds in disbelief and suddenly left in a huff, his little friend running after him.
“Are you okay, Sunshine?” Brian whispered into his hair. Justin nodded, his face buried in Brian's chest. There was absolutely no other place he would rather be than here in this man's arms. This was where he belonged, where he felt loved.
Brian held him as close as it was humanely possible. There was nothing else he could've done and that was absolutely killing him, He knew that his direct confrontation with Craig would do Justin more damage than use, but the man just pissed him the fuck off without opening his mouth, so kicking his ass here would be out of the question anyway.
“I should`ve told him to fuck off.” Brian murmured. Justin shook his head. “No, it's better this way. Just forget about him. He's not worth it.” He whispered spent, his pain like a knife to Brian's heart. But you are, Sunshine.
“Mrs. Taylor?” Jennifer glanced at the surgeon, still just a little bit shaken up.
“Yeah, I'm Molly's mother. Is she alright?” The doctor nodded slowly.
“The surgery went without a single hitch. Of course, she's under heavy medication right now, but if first 24 hours go well, I don't see a reason why she wouldn't be alright.” It was as if a heavy curtain was lifted and everyone was finally able to breathe once again.
She was going to live
“Now, she will be moved to the ICU and I suggest that you all go home and get some rest. If anything else happens, we'll call you. After all, she won't wake up before tomorrow.”
One by one, everyone but Jennifer, Toni, Brian and Justin said their goodbyes and left to their respective homes.
“Honey, you two should go home. I'll stay here until she wakes up.” Jennifer insisted, already determined to be the first thing Molly sees when she opens her eyes.
“You too, Toni.” But the girl just shook her head in denial, refusing even the idea of leaving. When it was obvious that she wouldn't budge, Jennifer sighed and embraced the young girl. Yeah, some things you just can't choose, can you... Love seemed to be definitely one of those things, but when Jennifer glanced at the way Brian was smirking at Justin, she smiled. Those two were absolutely incorrigible and she wouldn't have it any other way.
***
Later that night in the loft
When they stumbled later that same night inside the loft, all they had the strength for was to undress and fall into bed. This was not the time for quickly getting off. All they really needed after everything that happened was to know that the other was there and with Brian's arms around his Sunshine, they fell asleep.
***
The first sign that told Brian that he was awake was a slow, liquid warmth around his cock. For couple of very enjoyable minutes, he just relaxed and reveled in the treatment Justin's tongue was giving him, his eyes closed tightly in ecstasy. He licked his dry lips, as his hand slid slowly down his stomach and threaded his fingers through Justin's soft hair. His body so in tune with the movements of Justin's tongue, it arched off the bed couple of times in such a ohmygodmore desperation, just needing to be touched. The blood beneath his skin rumbled and boiled, as if it was trying to get out, to leave his body and leave him completely empty. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Brian knew he was being played like a fine instrument, but he was too weak to protest. His mind was already drawing a blank, simply drowned in a sensory overload, every drop of his warm blood surging to his skin, setting him on fire from within.
His mind whispered wakeupwakeup, but it was too late, He was completely gone, as he floated on a cloud of anticipation, waiting to reach his peak. And then suddenly, he heard the opening of a condom. For a moment, the cold latex being rolled down his cock was like that wake up call, but before he had the time to think or react, he was buried inside the familiar, tight warmth, his welcome escape from the reality that was surrounding them each moment of their lives.
“Mmmm...godjustin...” He murmured in need, his heavy lungs trying to keep pumping the very much needed air in and out of his body. Justin moved slowly over him at first, each of his moves so clearly calculated, so masterfully performed...and controlled, that Brian should`ve cared, but this was Justin and Brian knew him. He knew when his boy was desperate enough to take this kind of charge, to take what he needed, what his body, his mind was forlornly crying for. Without a second thought, as Justin silently rode him, every pore of his body crying helpme, Brian gave up the control to the man he loved, just as he felt the muscles around his cock clenching, trying to hold him desperately inside forever. He felt every spurt of his come as it filled the condom inside Justin's ass, the warmth of it almost too much to bare on his oversensitive cock, but he didn't care. All he cared about was the young man in his embrace, the man he would do anything for.
When he felt the wetness on his chest, he opened his eyes and glanced at Justin.
“Sunshine?” Brian murmured. He felt as the wet on his chest spread, followed by a soft kiss on the same spot. Justin shook his head slowly, as if in denial.
“Oh Sunshine...” Brian whispered, his arms tightening around Justin's trembling shoulders, trying to offer him support that he so obviously needed at the moment. Doing it was easy. He was always very good at showing physically how he felt . It was the talking part, that still pretty much made him want to run out of the room, made him absolutely fucking speechless. It was just heartbreaking, that Justin needed comforting words and he was coming up short again.
“She could've died, Brian. I mean, I was out there, living my life and my sister could've died.” Brian caressed Justin's back lightly, his fingers trying to set his lover's mind at ease.
“Sunshine, don't do this. This isn't your fault. It's your God given right to live a full and happy life. Plus, I'm the one that does control and goes on endless guilt trips, remember?” Brian grinned a little, grateful when he heard Justin's subdued laugh.
“You think she'll pull through? I mean, I don't think I could-” Justin closed his eyes, unable to even imagine losing someone he cared so much about.
“You Taylors are a feisty bunch. All fighters, every single one of you. I very much doubt she would allow you to be better than her at something, Sunshine. Man, talk about competition...” When he felt Justin's elbow hit his side, he knew things were looking up. Somehow, things would work themselves out.
***
Two Weeks Later
At the hospital, Molly's whining seemed to be the thing of legends already.
“Mom, if you don't make the doctors to let me go home soon, I swear I'll escape.”
“Oh Sunshine, lookie,” Brian paused, faking awe “it looks like you aren't the biggest drama princess in the Taylor family after all.” He singsonged, his arm around Justin's shoulders. When Justin backhanded him lightly, everyone in the room laughed, Molly included. After two weeks of being in bed non-stop, she was more than ready to be set free.
“Brian, will you be my partner in crime and break me out of this place?” Brian grinned, pulling Justin closer.
“Oh I'm sorry, dear, but I already have one partner. One more and I'm afraid my head would explode.” When he received another backhanded hit from Justin, he couldn't help himself. His lips covered Justin's in a sweet, but completely x-rated kiss. To the rest of the family,this was nothing new, so everyone simply choose to tune them out. After all, Molly was going home in a few days and their days of worrying would be coming to an end. Everyone chose to focus on that instead.
The nurse entered the room, the doctor following her in.
“Okay, everyone, the visiting hours are over and the doctor would like to exam her patient.”
Not waiting to be told twice, everyone but Toni left the room. She was whispering something to Molly for couple of seconds and just as Justin and Brian were about to close the door behind, she leaned in and kissed Molly. On her lips. In that exact moment, Molly looked up and her eyes met Justin's. Oh oh. It seemed someone would have some `splaining to do.
Outside, Justin was reeling from surprise. In all the years he knew his sister, he never fucking got an inkling that something like this was in the works. Finally, Toni exited Molly's room and parked herself as far as she could from Justin, because from her own experience of being Molly's best friend for years, she knew that she...they were caught. What's worse, Justin Taylor never left any stones unturned. He whispered something to Brian, who smirked at the news, which earned him yet another hit. Sometimes Justin was just too easy and it amused Brian to no end, Justin turned to Toni and called her over to join them, but she looked like the deer in the headlights just from the invitation alone. Still, she walked over and tried to smile.
“Does mom know?” That was all Justin really wanted to know.
“I don't know what you're talking about, Justin.” She frowned.
“Toni, I'm with Brian. Hello! I'm the last one who will have anything against you two being together. Although, I didn't know about this either. I guess Molly and I aren't as close as I thought we were, huh...” Justin sighed disappointedly, glancing up at Brian.
“No, it's not as if she was holding something from you. She just...she knew what an ass your dad was when you came out and she was afraid. She just wanted to be sure who she was, that's all. And it's not like this was going on for years or something. I mean, things between us changed only few months ago, when we started college. Plus, you know she wasn't one for big words. She just said once : *Toni, I'll simply walk in with you on my arm and they'll get it. It's not that big of a deal.*”
“So she's a lesbian?” Toni shook her head.
“Nah, she goes both ways. “ Brian smirked at the words and got a nasty glare from Justin. “I'm the single-minded one in this relationship.” She grinned at them.
“So...mom?” She shook her head. “No, not yet, but I think she had suspected something for some time now.” Brian couldn't help but laugh.
“Sunshine, I guess her experience with the drama princess like you helped her out a lot.” Justin glared at him again.
“You know what? One more word from you and I'm never, ever letting you fuck me again.” Brian blanched a little and held his arms up in surrender, making Toni smile.
“The thing is...I think this was my fault. Why Molly got shot.” Justin rose an eyebrow in confusion.
“See, everything happened so fast and I was scared shitless. I mean, hide under your bed
scared. And when those men started shouting and waving their guns, I think I grabbed Molly's hand and pulled her closer. See, I...God, I wanted to pull her out of their shooting range, but I guess they saw it differently and shot in our direction, hitting Molly in the chest. “ The girl looked shattered, as she confessed what was on her mind since that day.
“It wasn't your fault, Toni. You tried to make her safe. She knows that and doesn't hold it against you. I'm sure of it.” Justin explained patiently, glancing at Brian. Despite the bashing being thing of the past, Justin had a sinking feeling that Brian never really believed, that bashing wasn't his fault. Perhaps this would make him understand and accept it as the truth it was, is and always would be.
***
EPILOGUE :
The Loft
Two days later, Horvath called the loft and informed them, that they apprehended the suspects for the shooting. It seemed, that the forensics did their job very well this time and that the inspection of the security tape gave some very good results. Finally, Carl gave them another good news. Both Molly and Toni positively identified the suspects and it seemed that this whole nightmare was closing to an end. The only thing that Brian dreaded now was another of Justin's expected departures, despite being torn up himself about whether Justin should stay NYC or come home.
“So, when is your plane leaving?” Brian broke the subject, preparing himself mentally for the answer. Justin glanced at him from the kitchen, as he finished up the sandwich for him and Brian.
“Um, it's not. I mean, the plane is leaving, but I won't be on it this time.”
“What? I thought we agreed-” Brian began.
“Do you trust my judgement?” Justin walked towards Brian, laying his hands on Brian's shoulders. Brian nodded silently.
“Brian, I've spent these last five years miles away from waking every morning by your side, without me touching you like this every time I wanted to...without you fucking me every chance you got.” Brian smirked slightly.
“And now, it's time for a change. Because I don't think I want to spend half of my life away from you. Okay?” Brian watched him quietly for few moments.
“So this is basically all for you, right?” Justin nodded, letting a big smile transform his face.
“Okay then. I guess I can deal with that.” Brian grinned, pulling Justin in a deep kiss. Events that happened later in their bedroom showed just how over the discussion about New York really was.
That night, Brian watched Justin sleep. The way he breathed, the cute way his forehead wrinkled in a frown, the way he licked his lips in his sleep... To Brian, he was absolutely beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that Brian never wanted to look away. That was the best way Brian ever spent one of his sleepless nights and in the end, words didn't really matter.
Sunshine was home. That's all Brian needed to know.
The End
Ok, ok, on with the freakin` show, right? *grins*
Title: LEARNING TO BREATHE
Written by: May
Timeline: Future
Rating: R/NC-17
Warnings: schmoop, OFC
Summary: Justin's little sister Molly isn't so little anymore and along with her years come much bigger problems. But will everyone handle the coming changes like they're supposed to?
Sunday 10 PM, Pittsburgh
Though tired and jet lagged like hell, Brian couldn't wipe away the smile off his face. Despite some unexpected setbacks at the beginning, mainly from his side, business wise, his New York weekend with Justin was a huge, fucking success. Of course, at Justin's insistence and very interesting way of persuasion, that involved handcuffs at some point, they ended up eating in some lezzy-owned restaurant called “Deborah” of all possible names. Naturally, Brian wouldn't usually be caught dead in such establishment, but his boy had a way with words (and some pretty flexible parts of his anatomy) and Brian silently capitulated. At the end of the day, he actually enjoyed himself there.
The dimmed lights in the restaurant reminded Brian a little of Babylon of all things, so he dealt with it pretty nicely. What's even more important, Justin seemed to be over the moon, when they crashed through the door of his little one-room apartment. So all in all, Brian was satisfied with the way things were going. Especially since it was pretty miraculous that after five years of living in different cities, they were still going on as strong as ever. Yeah, Brian missed having Justin around more than he'd ever admit to a living soul, but he would be damned if he made Justin sacrifice his life for him. God only knew, what he himself was ready to push to the back of his mind to keep Sunshine happy, but he'd do it without a second thought. There was close to nothing he wouldn't do to keep Justin smiling and there was no denying that after all these years. The cat was out of the bag on that particular issue.
His eyes slowly swept around the loft, as he closed the door and stepped inside the room. While his fingers already worked on untying the tie, that closed around his throat without mercy, he threw his bag on the sofa, already on his way to the kitchen. He pulled open the fridge door, blindly grabbed a water bottle and continued to the phone. One glance on the machine told him there were new messages and with another smile, his mind already jumping on Justin, he pressed play.
”You have three new messages.” *Beep*
”Brian, just calling to say that I hope you landed safely. You have no idea how I enjoyed this weekend. Because I know that Kinnetik is your sandbox and that's one more reason why I'm glad that we had the time to spend together, just the two of us. Anyway, call me when you get this message. I'll be home tonight. I already miss you...”
*Beep*
Brian stared silently out the window, a cigarette in his hand, as he glanced up at the sky. He wondered briefly how did the sky outside Justin's look like at the moment. God, it was times like these that Brian felt the brunt of how much this whole living apart thing stunk. It was like coming down from an incredible high, where his body still buzzed with energy and he almost felt like his full lungs would just jump out of his chest, leaving him breathlessly alive, regardless how unbelievable and ridiculous that sounded. Because when everything else fell apart, Justin was what made him want to wake up in the morning. Still, big part of him hated being dependent on someone like that, but in the middle of the night, when nobody else was around, he wished for all kinds of things.
Sure, their little group of friends was still alive and well, although their trips to Woody's and Babylon were rarer these days. Doing that once a week was all Brian really needed to stay in the loop. But all of that seemed to disappear, when he thought of Justin and more than ever, Brian was painfully aware of that fact. Also, it explained very nicely Kinnetik`s national success in the last five years or so, because when Brian missed Justin, he worked like the man possessed. It gave him the satisfaction of being a fucking success and simultaneously, it took a huge chunk of time he would otherwise spend brooding over his missing partner. After all, every cloud had to have a silver lining, right?
In the meantime, another message played that went right over his head. He thought he heard Mikey's voice and something about Babylon, but he wasn't sure anymore. He'll had to replay that one later. Suddenly, he glanced over his shoulder at the familiar voice. And just like that, his good mood evaporated. Despite how ofter he saw her, rarely they communicated through anything but his cell phone.
”Brian, I know it's late and I'm so sorry for calling you like this, but can you-” He heard Jen sniffle a little and it took all he had to continue breathing.
”Can you, please, call Justin and tell him to call me? I was trying to get his cell for the last two hours, but it's useless. I don't know how else to get to him. Brian relaxed slightly, knowing Justin's usual treatment of cell phones, but he still had absolutely no idea what was happening. He just knew he wouldn't like it one fucking bit, when he heard the way her voice trembled.
“Brian, it's Molly. She-” His throat closed, already thinking of the worst possible scenario.
”She was shot in the chest at some convenient store nearby and they called me to inform me that she was brought to the Allegheny OR.. I'm...I'm waiting here now and I've been trying to get Justin on the phone for hours, so he would know what happened. I...God, I just can't believe this is happening again...”
He heard her voice break over the line and felt a sudden tinge inside his chest, when the line went dead. How would he break the news to Justin? How would he tell him that his little sister was fighting for her life in the same hospital he almost died in? Plus, the simple truth was...he actually liked Molly Taylor very much.
The girl just turned 19 few months ago, when she started her education on a scholarship at the Penn State. At the time, Brian offered to pay for her college education, but Molly said no. She was set on getting through her higher education on her own terms. For a moment or two, Brian almost pouted at the rejection, but at the same time, he was so fucking proud of the young woman she became. Her warm hug, that followed the rejection told him how much she really appreciated the offer alone. The fact was that, for a kid, she was pretty alright. She didn't deserve what happened to her at all.
Silently, he dialed Justin's cell and waited. After about a minute, a very short-breathed Justin answered the phone.
“Hello?” Brian self-consciously cleared his throat, as he tried to piece in his mind what he'd say to Justin.
“Hey Sunshine...” He could almost feel on his skin the shiny warmth of the young man's smile, when he heard Brian's voice, which made this whole task even harder for Brian.
“Oh my God, Brian. It's so good to hear your voice! I thought I'd-” Brian hurried to cut him off as gently as possible.
“Justin, we don't have a lot of time. Just listen to me.” Justin's uncertain confusion almost radiated over the line.
“Are you listening?” He heard Justin swallow hard.
“Yeah, I'm listening.”
“Justin, something happened to Molly. She was in some store with her friend and she...she was shot in the chest. Your mom informed me, that she is in the Allegheny operating room at the moment. Justin, have you heard what I just said?” He didn't like the silence, that filled the distance between them. This wasn't the way Justin usually reacted, but then again, he never got news like this, now did he.
“Um, yeah, I did. I'll...I'll pack my bag and I'll be on the first plane home.”
Brian listened to Justin's emotionless response and it worried the hell out of him, but hopefully, there would be more time later to address that issue. First they had to get four hundred miles between Pittsburgh and New York out of the way.
“Alright. Call me with the details and I'll come pick you up.”
“No, no. I'll grab a cab from the airport and meet you at the hospital. Just, uh...Brian, if you see or hear from my mom, could you tell her that I'm on my way, please? I'll be there as soon as I can, okay? I...I love you.” And the line disconnected, leaving Brian stunned and worried by the way the situation was evolving, but all he could do now was wait.
***
Four hours later, Allegheny Hospital
Jennifer tried to be calm, but it wasn't working at the moment. She had one child fighting for her life and another few hundred miles away, living his life on his own, trying to make something of himself with virtually no moral support. By her own experience, the world wasn't generally a very nice and welcoming place. She saw with her own eyes how life treated the people she loved.
She watched the people she was surrounded with. Her real family. The family that stood beside her in her hardest moments, trying to help her get through it. She almost couldn't believe that she nearly threw this away ten years ago.
“Jen, do you want something to drink? I could go and get you a soda or a cup of coffee?” Jennifer watched Lindsay's mouth move, the sound not really reaching her ear drums. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear her mind.
“No, Lindsay, but thanks. I just can't...” Lindsay nodded silently with understanding. She squeezed her hand gently and joined Deb, Emmett and Melanie few feet away. For the last two years, the Petersen-Marcus family lived in Pittsburgh, where they returned from Canada after three years of trying to make it work there. But after they almost ended in a divorce once again, because they worked so many hours that they hardly saw each other, Lindsay decided to call it quits and admit the defeat. Carefully, Jen turned to her right, where Molly's best friend Toni was sitting. Poor girl couldn't stop crying from the moment the ambulance got to the hospital.
“Are you alright, hon?” The girl nodded softly. Her short, brown hair gave her face such warmth, bringing her lovely green eyes out in such a way, that she was a sight to see. Jen knew the girl very well. Molly and Toni were inseparable from the moment Toni moved with her newly divorced mother from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh in the freshman year of high school. Toni's grandmother lived in the area and after a messy divorce, Toni's mother decided to come home and recuperate. The girls went through it all together. The pajama parties, first crushes along with first heartbreaks, the inevitable fights, that usually ended up with both of them being miserable without the other for a week or so. After that, one of them would just pick up the phone and reestablish the flow of communication. To tell the truth, Jennifer was used by now to the entire drama, that usually surrounded her kids. It was most likely just genetics anyway. And if she was completely honest with herself, she sometimes enjoyed little drama herself. And some of those times, even Tucker joined in the fun. One thing was for sure. There was definitely never a boring moment in their home.
Since Molly started college, Jennifer thought she saw something deeper, more, something between her and Toni, but she wasn't sure. For what's it worth, it could be her overactive imagination that was playing tricks on her mind. After all, Molly never came out to her or mentioned that she was anything but straight. Then again, maybe she never thought that it was that important or maybe she still wasn't sure. One time, Jennifer almost cracked and asked Molly directly, but remembering how fabulously her coming out moment with Justin went, she decided to leave it to Molly. When she thought she had anything to share, Jennifer was certain she would do exactly that.
Also there was the whole problem of their homophobic fucker of a father. Jennifer sighed. When she thought about Craig, she couldn't believe how blind some people could actually be. Thank God, the communication either of them had with him was scarce at best, because after Molly really got how and why her father treated Justin and, consequentially. Brian the way he did, she had very little to say to him and it was really for the best. Craig didn't really deserve more than that anyway.
“Brian, I told you I'd take the cab. You didn't have to wait for me.”
Brian muttered something under his breath.
“Mom!” Jennifer looked up to see Justin hurrying down the hallway in her direction, Brian right behind him.
She felt her chest expand, as she got up and gathered her son in her embrace. She held him close for what seemed an eternity, trying to freeze the time in case life tried to play yet another joke on her and took Justin away from her. It was silly, but she ignored the sentiment. Justin returned her hug, as he tried to control his emotions. Slowly, he pushed out of her embrace and they looked at each other for couple of seconds. It felt like *we'll get through this...we're stronger than this.*, but they didn't know if everything would be alright. A lot of what was going on simply wasn't up to them. Justin nodded quietly and left to greet the rest of the group, while Brian stayed behind, watching him. Jennifer glanced a Justin and back at Brian, a silent question in her eyes. Brian shrugged helplessly, as she leaned in to kiss him on his cheek in a greeting.
Brian glanced around the waiting room and waved half-heartedly at the group, watching as Justin gathered in his arms a beautiful, young woman, who Brian recognized as Molly's friend simply because whenever there was a party or a dinner, where entire family was present, the girl was almost infallibly there.
“Any word yet?” Jennifer shook her head, her hand laying nervously over her heart. She noticed over his shoulder, as two men approached their little group.
“Good evening. I'm Officer Markovitz and this is my partner O'Brien. We would like to talk about what happened with the girl that witnessed the robbery.” Jennifer nodded and went to get Toni. Brian watched the girl's big green eyes get bigger, as she realized that the cops were here to interview her. Now, Brian might be many things, but he was no fool. Little Miss Toni was hiding something.
“Miss, can you tell us what happened there? We have the security tape, but there's no sound and as of yet, there isn't a clear and direct look at the suspects` face. So anything you could tell us would be great.” The girl swallowed and hugged herself, as if she was protecting her body from the cold.
“Well, Molly and I were finished with the homework for our Monday classes and we were hungry. So we parked in front of these 24 hours stores and got inside. Anyway, while we looked for what we wanted, we were goofing around and laughing, already planning to go to the movies in the evening. So when we finally got to the pay desk, two people were just finishing up in front of us. A boyfriend and a girlfriend, I think. All of a sudden, these two men crashed through the door and started shouting at us to freeze or they would start shooting, while they waited for the cashier to empty the register. And I...”
She bit her lower lip.
“Um, before I realized what was going on, I was pushed into the counter and out of the way, as I felt Molly leaning back at me. In all that chaos, I thought she stumbled or something and while I tried to hold her up, the men grabbed the cash and ran out of the store. And...and I tried to stop the bleeding, I really did,” she hiccuped, trying to hold it together “but it just kept coming and she watched me there from the floor, as I sat there helplessly. Oh my God, Mrs. Taylor, I let her die!” She broke down crying. Jennifer pulled the girl inside her embrace, trying to comfort her, even though he desperately needed the comfort herself. In the same time, Brian quietly watched Justin's behavior. The way he acted, all cool and distant...well, Brian just didn't like it at all. He just knew that his blond was gathering it all somewhere inside and sooner or later, the dam would break. He just hoped that the epilogue of that won't take any unnecessary victims along for a ride.
“Do you remember anything specific about them? Their voices, hair color, their height?” She glanced over at the cops again, sniffling into the handkerchief that Jennifer gave her.
“I think one was dirty blond and the other was a brunet. Um, about Justin's height, I suppose.” Markovitz nodded, while officer O'Brien wrote it all down in his little book. It wasn't really as much information as they would like, but all they could do was to play with the cards they were dealt. As it was, they wouldn't be able to talk with the shooting victim for few days, at least, so they excused themselves and left. Justin's blue eyes met Brian's hazel ones across the room. Somehow, neither could shake off that stupid feeling, that something just wasn't being said. Without a single word, Brian took the empty seat and pulled Justin closer, touching his lips to Justin's warm temple. How fast their weekend of joy turned into this... But there was no point in wishing they could turn back time. All they could do was to move forward and hope for the best, while expecting the worst.
The worst never once disappointed them.
***
One hour later, Allegheny Hospital
“WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING HERE?!?” Jennifer turned her head in the direction of the voice and sighed. Just what she needed, what all of them needed. Justin glared at him, still sitting by Brian's side. Quickly, Jennifer blocked his way and grabbed him by the hand with the intention of solving this a little less publicly, but to no avail. There was no stopping Craig. To make things worse, he actually had the face to bring along his latest “girlfriend”.
“Craig, don't make me call security. If you don't shut up, I swear I will do it!” It was as if that fired up Craig's anger and disbelief even more.
“How dare you? My daughter is in there fighting for her life and you invite this, this...this pervert?? Isn't it enough for you that your son is going against God?” And that was the line he shouldn't have crossed.
“Listen, you don't have to like us. Hell, you don't even have to be in the same room with us. Frankly, I don't fucking care. But I won't let you attack neither Jennifer nor Sunshine, because you simply don't have the right to do that! You lost it the moment you've thrown your own son out of the house!!!” Craig frowned at Deb's words.
“Listen, lady-” But it was too fucking late. She was already on the go.
“Don't you lady me, mister. And you call yourself a father? Trust me, Brian can be called a lot of things, but he's no pervert. If anyone is a pervert here, it's you, Mr. Taylor.”
Brian smirked at the speed at which Craig Taylor's face changed colors.
”You tell him, Mom,” Brian cheered on the inside.
Brian's hand still in his, Justin watched with amazement, while Debbie wiped the fucking floor with his father. Finally, Justin stood up and stopped in front of the man he once respected and loved, but who now was the most pathetic excuse for a human being.
“Dad, you can say what the fuck you want to me. I don't fucking care anymore. I left any hopes of you accepting me as the man that I am far in the past. You've seen to that long time ago. But despite all that, I know who I am and I'm damn well proud of it, of my life. And I won't let you talk like that about the man I love. So either you start acting like the father you so fervently claim to be and interest yourself about how Molly, your only daughter, is doing, or please, just leave. We don't need your hate here. We never did.” Justin finished and glanced at Brian, finding a very needed support in his partner's eyes, before he sat down again. Craig sputtered for few seconds in disbelief and suddenly left in a huff, his little friend running after him.
“Are you okay, Sunshine?” Brian whispered into his hair. Justin nodded, his face buried in Brian's chest. There was absolutely no other place he would rather be than here in this man's arms. This was where he belonged, where he felt loved.
Brian held him as close as it was humanely possible. There was nothing else he could've done and that was absolutely killing him, He knew that his direct confrontation with Craig would do Justin more damage than use, but the man just pissed him the fuck off without opening his mouth, so kicking his ass here would be out of the question anyway.
“I should`ve told him to fuck off.” Brian murmured. Justin shook his head. “No, it's better this way. Just forget about him. He's not worth it.” He whispered spent, his pain like a knife to Brian's heart. But you are, Sunshine.
“Mrs. Taylor?” Jennifer glanced at the surgeon, still just a little bit shaken up.
“Yeah, I'm Molly's mother. Is she alright?” The doctor nodded slowly.
“The surgery went without a single hitch. Of course, she's under heavy medication right now, but if first 24 hours go well, I don't see a reason why she wouldn't be alright.” It was as if a heavy curtain was lifted and everyone was finally able to breathe once again.
She was going to live
“Now, she will be moved to the ICU and I suggest that you all go home and get some rest. If anything else happens, we'll call you. After all, she won't wake up before tomorrow.”
One by one, everyone but Jennifer, Toni, Brian and Justin said their goodbyes and left to their respective homes.
“Honey, you two should go home. I'll stay here until she wakes up.” Jennifer insisted, already determined to be the first thing Molly sees when she opens her eyes.
“You too, Toni.” But the girl just shook her head in denial, refusing even the idea of leaving. When it was obvious that she wouldn't budge, Jennifer sighed and embraced the young girl. Yeah, some things you just can't choose, can you... Love seemed to be definitely one of those things, but when Jennifer glanced at the way Brian was smirking at Justin, she smiled. Those two were absolutely incorrigible and she wouldn't have it any other way.
***
Later that night in the loft
When they stumbled later that same night inside the loft, all they had the strength for was to undress and fall into bed. This was not the time for quickly getting off. All they really needed after everything that happened was to know that the other was there and with Brian's arms around his Sunshine, they fell asleep.
***
The first sign that told Brian that he was awake was a slow, liquid warmth around his cock. For couple of very enjoyable minutes, he just relaxed and reveled in the treatment Justin's tongue was giving him, his eyes closed tightly in ecstasy. He licked his dry lips, as his hand slid slowly down his stomach and threaded his fingers through Justin's soft hair. His body so in tune with the movements of Justin's tongue, it arched off the bed couple of times in such a ohmygodmore desperation, just needing to be touched. The blood beneath his skin rumbled and boiled, as if it was trying to get out, to leave his body and leave him completely empty. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Brian knew he was being played like a fine instrument, but he was too weak to protest. His mind was already drawing a blank, simply drowned in a sensory overload, every drop of his warm blood surging to his skin, setting him on fire from within.
His mind whispered wakeupwakeup, but it was too late, He was completely gone, as he floated on a cloud of anticipation, waiting to reach his peak. And then suddenly, he heard the opening of a condom. For a moment, the cold latex being rolled down his cock was like that wake up call, but before he had the time to think or react, he was buried inside the familiar, tight warmth, his welcome escape from the reality that was surrounding them each moment of their lives.
“Mmmm...godjustin...” He murmured in need, his heavy lungs trying to keep pumping the very much needed air in and out of his body. Justin moved slowly over him at first, each of his moves so clearly calculated, so masterfully performed...and controlled, that Brian should`ve cared, but this was Justin and Brian knew him. He knew when his boy was desperate enough to take this kind of charge, to take what he needed, what his body, his mind was forlornly crying for. Without a second thought, as Justin silently rode him, every pore of his body crying helpme, Brian gave up the control to the man he loved, just as he felt the muscles around his cock clenching, trying to hold him desperately inside forever. He felt every spurt of his come as it filled the condom inside Justin's ass, the warmth of it almost too much to bare on his oversensitive cock, but he didn't care. All he cared about was the young man in his embrace, the man he would do anything for.
When he felt the wetness on his chest, he opened his eyes and glanced at Justin.
“Sunshine?” Brian murmured. He felt as the wet on his chest spread, followed by a soft kiss on the same spot. Justin shook his head slowly, as if in denial.
“Oh Sunshine...” Brian whispered, his arms tightening around Justin's trembling shoulders, trying to offer him support that he so obviously needed at the moment. Doing it was easy. He was always very good at showing physically how he felt . It was the talking part, that still pretty much made him want to run out of the room, made him absolutely fucking speechless. It was just heartbreaking, that Justin needed comforting words and he was coming up short again.
“She could've died, Brian. I mean, I was out there, living my life and my sister could've died.” Brian caressed Justin's back lightly, his fingers trying to set his lover's mind at ease.
“Sunshine, don't do this. This isn't your fault. It's your God given right to live a full and happy life. Plus, I'm the one that does control and goes on endless guilt trips, remember?” Brian grinned a little, grateful when he heard Justin's subdued laugh.
“You think she'll pull through? I mean, I don't think I could-” Justin closed his eyes, unable to even imagine losing someone he cared so much about.
“You Taylors are a feisty bunch. All fighters, every single one of you. I very much doubt she would allow you to be better than her at something, Sunshine. Man, talk about competition...” When he felt Justin's elbow hit his side, he knew things were looking up. Somehow, things would work themselves out.
***
Two Weeks Later
At the hospital, Molly's whining seemed to be the thing of legends already.
“Mom, if you don't make the doctors to let me go home soon, I swear I'll escape.”
“Oh Sunshine, lookie,” Brian paused, faking awe “it looks like you aren't the biggest drama princess in the Taylor family after all.” He singsonged, his arm around Justin's shoulders. When Justin backhanded him lightly, everyone in the room laughed, Molly included. After two weeks of being in bed non-stop, she was more than ready to be set free.
“Brian, will you be my partner in crime and break me out of this place?” Brian grinned, pulling Justin closer.
“Oh I'm sorry, dear, but I already have one partner. One more and I'm afraid my head would explode.” When he received another backhanded hit from Justin, he couldn't help himself. His lips covered Justin's in a sweet, but completely x-rated kiss. To the rest of the family,this was nothing new, so everyone simply choose to tune them out. After all, Molly was going home in a few days and their days of worrying would be coming to an end. Everyone chose to focus on that instead.
The nurse entered the room, the doctor following her in.
“Okay, everyone, the visiting hours are over and the doctor would like to exam her patient.”
Not waiting to be told twice, everyone but Toni left the room. She was whispering something to Molly for couple of seconds and just as Justin and Brian were about to close the door behind, she leaned in and kissed Molly. On her lips. In that exact moment, Molly looked up and her eyes met Justin's. Oh oh. It seemed someone would have some `splaining to do.
Outside, Justin was reeling from surprise. In all the years he knew his sister, he never fucking got an inkling that something like this was in the works. Finally, Toni exited Molly's room and parked herself as far as she could from Justin, because from her own experience of being Molly's best friend for years, she knew that she...they were caught. What's worse, Justin Taylor never left any stones unturned. He whispered something to Brian, who smirked at the news, which earned him yet another hit. Sometimes Justin was just too easy and it amused Brian to no end, Justin turned to Toni and called her over to join them, but she looked like the deer in the headlights just from the invitation alone. Still, she walked over and tried to smile.
“Does mom know?” That was all Justin really wanted to know.
“I don't know what you're talking about, Justin.” She frowned.
“Toni, I'm with Brian. Hello! I'm the last one who will have anything against you two being together. Although, I didn't know about this either. I guess Molly and I aren't as close as I thought we were, huh...” Justin sighed disappointedly, glancing up at Brian.
“No, it's not as if she was holding something from you. She just...she knew what an ass your dad was when you came out and she was afraid. She just wanted to be sure who she was, that's all. And it's not like this was going on for years or something. I mean, things between us changed only few months ago, when we started college. Plus, you know she wasn't one for big words. She just said once : *Toni, I'll simply walk in with you on my arm and they'll get it. It's not that big of a deal.*”
“So she's a lesbian?” Toni shook her head.
“Nah, she goes both ways. “ Brian smirked at the words and got a nasty glare from Justin. “I'm the single-minded one in this relationship.” She grinned at them.
“So...mom?” She shook her head. “No, not yet, but I think she had suspected something for some time now.” Brian couldn't help but laugh.
“Sunshine, I guess her experience with the drama princess like you helped her out a lot.” Justin glared at him again.
“You know what? One more word from you and I'm never, ever letting you fuck me again.” Brian blanched a little and held his arms up in surrender, making Toni smile.
“The thing is...I think this was my fault. Why Molly got shot.” Justin rose an eyebrow in confusion.
“See, everything happened so fast and I was scared shitless. I mean, hide under your bed
scared. And when those men started shouting and waving their guns, I think I grabbed Molly's hand and pulled her closer. See, I...God, I wanted to pull her out of their shooting range, but I guess they saw it differently and shot in our direction, hitting Molly in the chest. “ The girl looked shattered, as she confessed what was on her mind since that day.
“It wasn't your fault, Toni. You tried to make her safe. She knows that and doesn't hold it against you. I'm sure of it.” Justin explained patiently, glancing at Brian. Despite the bashing being thing of the past, Justin had a sinking feeling that Brian never really believed, that bashing wasn't his fault. Perhaps this would make him understand and accept it as the truth it was, is and always would be.
***
EPILOGUE :
The Loft
Two days later, Horvath called the loft and informed them, that they apprehended the suspects for the shooting. It seemed, that the forensics did their job very well this time and that the inspection of the security tape gave some very good results. Finally, Carl gave them another good news. Both Molly and Toni positively identified the suspects and it seemed that this whole nightmare was closing to an end. The only thing that Brian dreaded now was another of Justin's expected departures, despite being torn up himself about whether Justin should stay NYC or come home.
“So, when is your plane leaving?” Brian broke the subject, preparing himself mentally for the answer. Justin glanced at him from the kitchen, as he finished up the sandwich for him and Brian.
“Um, it's not. I mean, the plane is leaving, but I won't be on it this time.”
“What? I thought we agreed-” Brian began.
“Do you trust my judgement?” Justin walked towards Brian, laying his hands on Brian's shoulders. Brian nodded silently.
“Brian, I've spent these last five years miles away from waking every morning by your side, without me touching you like this every time I wanted to...without you fucking me every chance you got.” Brian smirked slightly.
“And now, it's time for a change. Because I don't think I want to spend half of my life away from you. Okay?” Brian watched him quietly for few moments.
“So this is basically all for you, right?” Justin nodded, letting a big smile transform his face.
“Okay then. I guess I can deal with that.” Brian grinned, pulling Justin in a deep kiss. Events that happened later in their bedroom showed just how over the discussion about New York really was.
That night, Brian watched Justin sleep. The way he breathed, the cute way his forehead wrinkled in a frown, the way he licked his lips in his sleep... To Brian, he was absolutely beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that Brian never wanted to look away. That was the best way Brian ever spent one of his sleepless nights and in the end, words didn't really matter.
Sunshine was home. That's all Brian needed to know.
The End