ON A PATHWAY TO YOU
On A Pathway To You
Chapter Five: Do Something
Summary: Jesse realizes that it's time to stop trying to get Brian and Michael together and get someone else for the brunet. He wants his friend to be happy.
AN: I hope you guys like the story and how it's progressing. Thanks to my betas Helen and Sunny.
Justin came out of the shower and took his towel to dry up quickly. When he was done he put it around his waist and walked to the mirror. He cleared it up and tried to do something with his hair. The door opened and Brian walked in already dressed.
"I thought you had drowned," Brian told him.
The blond man smirked. He licked his lips as he saw Brian's appereance. He thought the man looked so hot and sexy. He finished getting ready and then left the bathroom. He then went to his carry on to pull out a pair of tight jeans and a red and black shirt. He knew he looked good in them.
After they had arrived in New York, Brian went to his meeting while Justin busied himself walking around the busy streets. He bought a few things for himself and some for his friends. He even bought something for the brunet but was thinking if he should give it to him. When Brian was done the man called him and they met at a restaurant for dinner. After that they made plans to go out clubbing and that's what they were getting ready for now.
"Mmm," Brian said when he came out of the bathroom where he'd been fixing his hair and putting cologne on. He liked how hot Justin looked in his club clothes. He sat on the bed to put his shoes on but he kept stealing glances at the younger man.
When they were ready they left the room. They took the elevator down to the hotel lobby and walked hand in hand to the exit. There they grabbed a taxi and told the man where they wanted to go. Once they were dropped off they stood in line.
"I wish I was at Babylon," Brian said.
"Why is that?" Justin asked and they moved forward.
"I wouldn´t have to be in this line," Brian told him.
Justin smirked. "It's moving pretty quick."
Brian nodded and in another fifteen minutes they were paying the fee to get inside. Once there they headed straight for the bar and Brian ordered them something to drink.
"It's pretty cool in here," Justin pointed out.
Brian shrugged as he handed the blond his beam. "It's alright."
They looked at the people dancing for a bit. Justin asked Brian if he wanted to dance and the brunet told him that not at that point. The Justin noticed a tall dark haired man staring at the brunet.
"He's checking you out," Justin said.
Brian licked his lips and looked from the trick to the blond. "I know," he said.
Justin smirked and nodded.
"You don't mind, if I go with him?" Brian asked once he had finished his drink.
"Why would I mind?" Justin asked. "We're not together, Brian."
The brunet smiled and bent down a bit to kiss Justin on the corner of his mouth. "I'll see you later."
Justin nodded and watched him go. He turned around and looked down at his drink. He finished it quickly before he moved to the dance floor where he had no problem getting someone to dance with him. He wondered why it was bothering him so much that the brunet had gone off to fuck someone else. They didn't mean anything to each other. They were just fuck buddies. He tried to forget about the other man and lost himself on dancing.
After a while of dancing with the same guy they headed for the backroom. They found a spot and the trick didn't lose anytime. He got on his knees and opened Justin's jeans. He sucked him for a while until the blond stopped him and made him get up. Justin pushed the trick against the wall and helped him get his pants down. He put on a lubed condom and pressed the tip of his cock against the man's entrance.
"Are you ready?" Justin asked in a husky voice.
The trick nodded and closed his eyes and Justin pushed inside. The blond waited, his hands gripped the man's hips tightly. Then he felt the man pushing towards him and he started fucking him. It was hard and fast and just what the blond needed to release his frustration. He had too many thoughts of Brian in his head. When they were done he grabbed his pants and pulled them up. He turned around to head to the restroom when he realized that Brian was across from him just looking at him. There was a trick on his knees sucking the older man. Brian grinned towards the blond and Justin smiled before he left.
After a few hours Justin had a couple of beers. He had talked to Brian again and they even danced on the floor for a while until Brian found another trick. Justin didn't know what was happening to him but he was pretty sure that he was jealous. He decided to forget about it and enjoy himself. He had another guy suck him in the backroom before he decided he wanted to leave. He tried to find the brunet but didn't so he left the club. He called a taxi and waited. He called Brian and left him a message saying that he was heading for the hotel.
When the blond got there he took the elevator and pulled out the copy of the key he had. When he was in front of the door he stopped when he heard voices. He pressed his ear against the door and heard Brian and someone talking. The blond moved back and bit his lower lip. Brian had a trick inside. He licked his lips and looked down at the key. He shook his head and turned around. He went back down to the reception desk and asked for another room.
The next morning when Brian woke up he stretched in bed before his eyes popped open and he sat up. "Justin," he gasped out and then quickly got out of the bed. He went to the bathroom but the man wasn't there. "Where the fuck is he?" he asked himself and reached for his cell phone. He heard the message that Justin left saying he was on his way. He was starting to think that something had happened to the man when there was a knock on the door.
"Justin," Brian said once he opened the door and let the man in. "Where the fucks were you?"
"You were the one that left," the blond pointed out and looked at the bed. He was happy to see that no one else was with the brunet.
The brunet licked his lips. "You looked like you were having fun. I didn't want to interrupt you."
"I got a room," Justin told him.
"Why the fuck?" Brian asked a bit put off. "You scared me. I thought something happened to you. I tried your phone last night but you weren't answering."
"I'm a big boy," Justin told him. Before he went to sleep he'd tunred his phone off.
The brunet narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man.
"I got another room because I didn't want to interrupt," Justin told him.
Brian arched a brow. "What do you mean?"
"You had company last night," Justin told him.
"They didn't stay the night," Brian said. "I don't sleep with tricks. Plus you could have joined us. I was actually waiting for you to do so and you never showed up."
Justin was happy that Brian never stayed the night with his tricks because there have been times when Brian had stayed over at his house until the next day. That meant he was more than a trick, but then what did he mean to the brunet? He had to stop thinking so much. "I'm sorry," Justin replied.
Brian sighed and walked over to him. "At least you're okay," the man said as he caressed Justin's face. The older man looked at the alarm clock on the night table. "We still have a few hours before our flight leaves."
"Yeah," Justin said.
"I'm going to take a shower," Brian said.
The blond nodded and watched him go. He already had taken a shower in his room but he got some fresh clothes to wear. As he changed he kept telling himself over and over that things were okay. That he had nothing to worry about but deep down he knew it wasn't true. He knew that he was falling in love with Brian and he didn't know what he should do. Maybe the best thing to do was walk away from their arrangement before it was too late to do so.
"So," Brian said as he came out of the bathroom dripping wet with only a towel around his waist. "Do you want to have breakfast?"
Justin licked his lips as he stared at Brian's body. "Sure," he said. He knew it wasn't going to happen. He wasn't going to walk away. He was a big boy after all. He would be with Brian for as long as he could until the brunet decided he was bored and moved on.
Brian looked at Justin and smiled a bit before he got dressed. When he was ready he took his wallet, his hotel room key card and walked over to the blond. "You know, I've been thinking that you and I could join the high mile club."
Justin laughed. "I think we can do that."
The older man smiled and put his arm around Justin's shoulder. "That's why I like you so much," he said and they walked together to get breakfast. "Your sense of adventure is just like mine."
The blond only chuckled.
***
Brian came into the diner and sat down in the booth next to the guys. Michael and Emmett stared at each other and then the taller one turned his upper body to look at Brian.
"Uh, do you want to sit with us," Emmett asked. Things between Brian and Michael had gotten better over the past few weeks. It was weird that Brian wasn't sitting with them.
"I'm fine here," Brian told him.
"Okay," Emmett said very slowly and turned to look at Michael. "What's wrong with him?" he asked very slowly.
"I can hear you," Brian said.
"What would it be?" Jesse asked as he stood next to Brian.
"Just coffee," the man answered.
The teen knew right away that something was wrong. "What's wrong with you?"
“My dad died,” Brian answered. "Can you hurry up and get what I asked for?"
Jesse opened his eyes wide.
"Oh my god, Brian," Michael said getting up and moving to Brian's booth. "When did it happen?"
"Last night," Brian told him and shrugged.
Jesse swallowed and went to get the coffee that the brunet asked for.
"I'm sorry," Emmett told the man.
"I'm not," Brian told them.
Michael didn't know what to say. "Um, how is your mother doing?"
Brian chuckled. "She's probably using it as an excuse to drink, not that she needs any."
"Here you go," Jesse said as he turned the cup in front of Brian and started pouring. "Who's taking care of the arrangements?"
"I guess that will have to be me," Brian told the teen as he looked up. "Who else is going to? My mom doesn't have the money and my sister is falling apart."
"When is the burial?" Jesse asked.
"Tomorrow," Brian whispered and stared at his coffee. He felt his stomach turning.
“I’ll go with you,” Michael told him.
Brian bit his lower lip as he stared at Michael. "You don't have to."
"Jesse," Debbie yelled. "You're going to be late for school."
The teen sighed and went to put the pot of coffee back on its place. Then he took his apron off and went to get his school bag. He said goodbye to them as he passed them by. Brian got up as well and threw a twenty on the table before he was out of there. Michael followed the man. Emmett sighed as he stayed behind. He saw Debbie coming towards him and he knew that she wanted information as to what was going on.
"Jesse," Brian said once he was outside.
Jesse stopped and turned around. He smiled at the man. "What?" he asked.
"You want a ride?" Brian asked him.
"Sure," Jesse said and try to smile at him.
“Brian,” Michael said grabbing the man by the arm. "I meant it when I said I would go with you."
"I know," the brunet replied as he looked at his ex.
Jesse arched his brows as the two men stared at each other.
"Michael," Ben yelled from the entrance of the dinner. He was supposed to meet his boyfriend for breakfast. He was going inside when he spotted the dark haired man. He didn't know why Michael was talking to Brian so close. He knew they were still friends but he didn't have to like it.
Michael looked at Ben. "I'll be there in a minute."
Ben stared at them before he nodded and went inside.
"Jesse's going to be late for school," Brian said and pulled away from the older man.
Jesse stepped in front of his brother. “I can convince him to let you go with him.”
Michael bit his lower lip and shook his head. “He doesn’t want me there. I think he hates me, Jesse.”
“Don’t say that Mikey,” Jesse told him. “Brian would never hate you. You know he's talking to you and hanging with you."
"Only when everyone else is around, Jay," Michael said sadly. "He's trying to be civil."
"Brian," Jesse quipped and arched both of his brows. "Are you listening to yourself? Brian doesn't do anything he doesn't want to."
Michael sighed.
“Is everything okay?” Ben asked coming back out after seeing that Brian walked away. He had been watching through the diner window.
Jesse rolled his eyes and his head turned to look towards the Jeep when he heard Brian honking at him. “I should go. He’s giving me a ride.”
“Hey, why don’t you go with him?” Michael asked. “Please.”
“I'll try to convince him but you know him," Jesse told him. He knew that at times likes this Brian tended to close up and push everyone that would try to help him away.
Michael sighed and nodded; he felt much better then. He knew that Brian was going to need someone to lean on and Jesse was perfect for that. He just hoped that Brian took his little brother with him.
"Are you okay?" Jesse asked the brunet as he got in the Jeep.
"I'm fine," Brian told him.
Jesse bit his lower lip. "Look…"
"I don't want to hear it," Brian told him harshly. "I don't care what you think about me and your brother. We're not getting back together. He left me and I'm not going to fucking beg him to be back with me. He can go fuck himself. I don't need his fucking pity."
"You're mad at him," Jesse pointed out and realized that it was the first time that he saw the brunet like that. Brian had never been mad at his brother because of the breakup. He swallowed not sure what it meant. Did it mean that Brian was moving on, the teen wondered. "Okay," he said and nothing else. He knew it wasn't the time to talk to Brian about anything. "I wasn't going to talk about that anyways. And Michael is not giving you his pity; he's just trying to be a friend."
"I'm not mad," Brian told him and sighed. "I just, I don't want to hear anymore about it."
Jesse could only nod.
Brian looked at the teen and bit his lower lip. "What were you going to say?"
"That I could go with you if you wanted me to," Jesse said.
The older man nodded slowly. He was going to say yes but for some reason he didn't. "I'll think about it."
Jesse busied himself talking about other things to get Brian in a good mood. By the time Brian dropped him off at least the man gave him a smile before he drove away.
***
Brian looked at the casket and sighed. He shook his head and walked away from everyone else. Jesse had offered to come with him and at first he almost said yes, but he didn't. He looked to the man next to him and then back at the casket. Of all the people he thought that would be there with him, Justin never crossed his mind. It had been a last minute thing. He felt the need for the blond and Justin had been willing to be there for him. The older man sighed and moved away from everyone else.
“Are you okay?” Justin asked after following the man.
"Perfect," Brian answered as he pulled out a white handkerchief. When he opened it there was a rolled joint inside.
“Put that away,” Justin hissed. “Brian,” he said sternly. “I mean it.”
Brian looked at Justin. “I’m trying to cope here.”
“You can cope later,” the teen said.
The brunet glared at Justin.
"I will crush it," Justin said and looked behind him. "Have you lost your mind?" he asked as he looked at Brian again.
Brian rolled his eyes and put it away. They went back to stand with everyone else. Justin could see how tense Brian was and maybe he should have let the man smoke the weed. When the service was over they went back to their cars and drove to Joan's house. It all went downhill from there and Justin could have hooted with joy when they left the house.
"I have something to do," Brian told him. "Do you want to come with me?"
"Sure," Justin told him.
"You don't have any plans?" Brian asked.
"No," Justin assured him.
The brunet went back to the loft and he finally smoked his weed; Justin helped him. The brunet took a shower and changed his clothes. They went by the blonds house so he could change as well. Then he drove them to their destination.
"We're going to bowl?" Justin asked when they were inside the establishment.
Brian was in front of the counter asking for shoes for him and Justin. He had his father's bowling ball with him. "Well, what do you think we're doing here?"
"Oh man," Justin said. "I'm not high enough for this."
The brunet snorted. Justin shook his head and grabbed the shoes that Brian shoved into his chest before they walked away.
"You know," Brian said. "When I was a kid my father brought me here; my best friend Michael and his little brother Jesse."
Justin listened to the man. He sat down to change his shoes.
Brian was doing the same. "Well," the older man said. "I remember Jesse being so little that he could barely grab the bowling ball right."
The blond smirked as he listened to that. He never thought he would be listening to stories about Jesse Novotny.
"The only reason we brought him was because he started crying that he wanted to come with us," Brian explained and smiled at the memory.
"I remember how that night I got a strike and kissed Michael on the lips." Brian said. "Jack got so man about it," Brian said. "He called me a fucking fairy and slapped me in the face."
Justin looked down at the floor with a frown. He couldn't believe that had happened to the brunet. He was lucky enough to have parents that always supported him even when he came out to them.
The brunet chuckled. "I told him I was one before he died. I don't regret it."
Justin stared at the brunet and started understanding the man a bit more.
"So, ready to bowl?" Brian asked.
"No," Justin answered honestly.
"Come on," Brian said and got up.
They played a little at which Justin totally sucked. For that some guys started teasing them. They called him names and Brian was getting angry. When Brian got the strike he was looking for he pulled Justin to him and kissed him hard.
"Not so bad for a fairy," Brian said loudly so they could hear him.
"Are you trying to get us killed?" Justin asked as he stared at the guys. "Can we go, please?"
"Sure thing, Sunshine," Brian whispered.
Justin smiled a bit with the nickname and then they got out of there. Once they were in the Jeep, Brian told him that they were getting rid of his father's bowling ball. Justin was fine with that until the brunet told him what he was going to do. Then they got into an argument about the dangers of throwing a ball down a hill in the middle of the street at night. To which Brian only told him he was totally crazy and making no sense at all.
"I have a better idea," Justin said.
By the end of the night Brian was dumping the ball in the middle of the lake.
"You see the ripples," Justin whispered as they watched it.
"Yeah," Brian whispered.
"You're father can't hurt you anymore, Bri," Justin said. "You're that lake now."
The brunet frowned and watched. In a few minutes the lake was unmoving. Brian smiled at that. He looked at Justin and pulled the man to him by the back of the neck. "Thanks," he whispered and kissed Justin on the forehead.
Justin smiled and hugged the brunet.
***
Brian knocked on the door and waited for someone to open the door. Vic opened the door and smiled at the man.
"Come on in," Vic said smiling.
The brunet did and arched a brow when he saw Francis already dressed up in a tux. "What's going on?"
"We're getting ready to go to my cousin’s birthday party," Francis said. "Emmett is helping Jesse upstairs and I'm about to go finish up as well."
The brunet smirked and headed up the stairs.
"What is he doing here?" Debbie asked Vic when her brother stood next to her.
Vic shrugged. "What? He's not welcome anymore? Were you serious about that? You got to let it go sis. We are the only family that Brian has now and has ever had."
"I didn't mean it like that," she protested. "Is the camera ready?"
Francis was smirking in the middle of the stairs. He was happy that things were getting back to normal. He knew that Jesse loved Brian like a brother and it hurt him when everyone attacked the brunet. He went inside the bathroom to inspect his hair.
Brian pushed the sleeves of his sweater up and walked over to Jesse's room. He knocked on the door and went inside. Jesse turned around and smiled widely at him. The brunet stopped walking and just stared at the teen. He looked stunning and there were bits of the kid that reminded him of Michael. It was something he didn't want.
"Doesn't he just look amazing?" Emmett asked.
"Yeah," Brian agreed.
The teen laughed at that. "This is crazy. I don't even want to go to this stupid thing.”
“Oh shut up,” Emmett told him. “You look great and you’re making your boyfriend really happy.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Jesse said. “We just…go out.”
"Right," Brian said.
"We should start taking pictures," Emmett said. "Let me go get the camera."
"Oh my god," Jesse said. "This night is never going to end."
Brian walked over to him and with his finger he traced Jesse's bow tie. "You look hot in a tux."
"Do I?" Jesse asked looking up at the brunet.
"You're going to be the center of attention tonight," Brian muttered.
Jesse smirked and licked his lips. "You think so."
Brian nodded. "I'm sure of that," he told the kid. He could see Jesse's green eyes shining with happiness. "Just have fun with him."
"Thank you Brian," Jesse said smiling.
"Oh Jesse," Debbie said coming into the room. "You look so beautiful."
Brian mouthed 'hot' to the teen and Jesse laughed.
"I should go," Brian said. He just had gone there to see if the kid wanted to do something. He had forgotten that Jesse had plans. "I'll see you Jesse."
Jesse wanted to protest but what could he say. He felt sad to see the brunet go and wondered how long he had to stay at the hotel before they could leave. He knew that if Brian was there the brunet was feeling lonely and wanted a friend around.
"Where is Francis?" Vic asked.
"In the bathroom probably messing with his hair," Emmett commented.
Jesse laughed at that because the teen was probably doing just that. "Jesus, he's going to take forever," he told them.
"Like you didn't," Vic teased.
Debbie took a picture without warning and Jesse covered his face.
"Ma!" Jesse yelled. "Are you trying to blind me?"
Vic and Emmett laughed at that.
"Don't be such a baby," Debbie told him.
Jesse groaned but at the end ended up letting her take as many pictures as she wanted. When he thought it was all over because she used the whole roll she claimed she had two more. Then Francis came out and she took pictures of the two of them and then Francis by himself and then the whole family. Jesse was ready to run away screaming for help. He didn’t know why everyone was making a big deal; it was just a stupid party.
When they got to the hotel everyone else was starting to arrive. Jesse hoped he would be able to get some alcohol. He danced with Francis a few times just to make him happy. He was bored out of his mind and made sure that he told him but Francis only laughed at that. He met some of the redhead’s family and felt out of place with them. Francis came from money while he didn’t.
"Do you want to go?" Francis asked.
Jesse arched a brow and sighed. He shook his head and put his hands on his pockets. He knew that he shouldn’t be such an ass.
"Good," Francis said. "Because, I'm having a great time. I know you don't like this kind of stuff but thank you."
Jesse caressed Francis face. "You're welcome," he said before pulling the redhead closer and kissing him hard.
"I love you," Francis said when they came apart.
Jesse stared at the other teen with an arched brow. He was surprised because Francis had never said that to him before. He smiled slowly and then answered. "I love you too, you dork."
"I know," Francis said before he left telling Jesse that he was getting them something to drink.
Jesse looked around and smiled. He grabbed his cell phone and tried calling the brunet but the man didn't pick it up. He shrugged knowing that the older man had probably found something to do like going to the baths. He made a note to make something about Brian's situation. His friend needed to find someone and he was going to help the brunet do so. He knew no one else was going to bother so he had to do something.
***
"Hey," Brian said.
Justin who had been sitting at the edge of the pool looked surprised. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
Brian shrugged. "I wanted to see what you were up to."
The blond smiled at that. "Couldn't be without me?"
"You know it," Brian said jokingly knowing that the blond had been joking too.
"How did you know I was here?" Justin asked as he put the pictures down next to him.
"I knocked but you didn't come out," Brian told him as he took off his shoes and started rolling his jeans up. "I knew you were here because I saw your car and then I came around back and I saw you sitting here."
Justin smiled as the brunet sat next to him and dipped his feet in the pool. He was happy that the brunet hadn't given up in his quest to find him.
"Mmm, that feels nice," Brian said talking about the water.
"I know," Justin agreed.
They talked a bit about what they had been doing which wasn't strange for them but this time they got into more details and they even talked a bit about their friends. Brian complained about getting up before his feet turned into prunes. When they went inside Justin was about to order something when his friend Daphne called him. He excused himself a moment and talked to her for a few minutes before he came back to the living room where Brian was still drying his feet.
"That was my best friend," Justin said.
Brian only nodded.
"I'm actually late to meet her," the blond said. "I kind of forgot."
"Oh," the brunet said. "I should go then."
"Yeah..." the blond said slowly. "Unless you want to come with me," the blond said. "I'm just going to have a few drinks and catch up and then come back here. Then you and I can have fun."
"Sounds like a good plan," Brian told him smirking.
"Good," Justin said. "I'll be right back. I'm going to go get my shoes and my keys."
"We can take the Jeep," Brian called after him.
"Sure," the blond answered back from the hallway.
"Do I have to go change?" the brunet asked him.
"No," Justin assured him. "We're just going out to this bar we used to sneak when we were teenagers. It's not a fancy place."
"Okay," Brian whispered to himself and started to put on his shoes.
Once Justin was in his room he went to the closet to get his shoes. He wondered what the hell was happening to him. He was starting to miss Brian way too much when the brunet wasn't there. He got way too happy when the brunet was there and he knew he was setting himself up for a downfall. He wanted to stop himself but he couldn't. There were times when he wanted to grab the phone and call Brian just because but knew that wasn't part of their deal. He wished he could go back on time and tell Brian he wanted something serious but he knew that if he had done that he would never have gotten as far as a kiss with the man.
"You ready?" Brian called from the living room.
"Yeah," Justin said making sure he had everything.
Right then and there Brian bent down and kissed the blond. He just felt like it out of the blue. Sometimes he was in his office and the only thing he could think about was kissing Justin's cherry lips.
"Mmm," Justin said. "Really good."
"That was only a preview. Just wait until tonight," Brian informed him as he put his arm around Justin's shoulders. "It's going to be great."
"I bet," Justin said and his trademark smile appeared.
***
As soon as Daphne saw Justin she got up from the table she was and went to hug the blond. She smiled at the man that was with her friend.
"Daphne, this is Brian," the blond said as he took off his jacket. "Brian this is my best friend Daphne."
"It's nice to meet you," Daphne said and held out her hand to Brian.
"Same here," Brian assured her as he shook hands with her. He looked around and arched both of his brows as he took the scenery in. He’s never been in a straight bar, leave it to the blond to make him do things he never did. The three of them walked to the table were Daphne had been sitting.
"So are you two together?" Daphne asked as she sat down. "Or are you just friends."
"A little bit of both," Brian said.
"I see," Daphne commented. "So, what do you guys want?"
"Let's start with beer," Justin told her as he put his jacket on the back of the chair where he was sitting down.
"I'll go get it," Brian said standing up.
"My god, Justin," Daphne said when they were alone. "He's fucking gorgeous."
"I know," Justin told her and smiled sadly.
"You like him a lot, don't you?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah, I do," Justin confessed. "But we're just fuck buddies and if I try for more I'll just mess everything up."
Daphne listened to that and then looked to were Brian was at the bar. "Well, maybe you should wait and let him come to you. Show him how happy he can be with you."
The blond sighed. "I don't know if that's going to work. I wasn't supposed to fall for him, Daphne. I was the one that told him that we should just be fuck buddies, you know. I never thought…he's such a beautiful man inside and out. I never thought I would fall for him."
"God, you have it bad," she said with a small grin.
The blond sighed.
"You can always make him jealous," Daphne said. "To a point where he would want you only for himself."
The blond laughed at what his friend was telling him. "I don't think Brian does jealousy," the man told her.
"You never know until you try it," she said to him. "You never know if the man is in love with you or not."
Justin licked his lips and thought about it.
"Justin," Daphne said. "If you like him that much you got to do something about it."
Brian came back and gave everyone a beer. He sat down and wondered what he could talk about.
"Oh," Daphne said. "You know who I saw the other days."
"Who?" Justin asked.
"Billy," she told him.
Justin looked at her like she was nuts. He looked at his beer trying to remember who the fuck Billy was.
"He was asking about you," she informed him. "You know I'm going to meet him on Thursday and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. I'm sure he will be very happy to see you."
At that point Justin knew that she was making everything up. He was going to stop her right then when Brian spoke.
"Who is that, Sunshine?" Brian asked not being able to hold it in. "An old boyfriend?”
"Billy always wanted Justin," Daphne said. "And Justin did like him at one point but it was always the wrong time."
"And it still is," Brian said and took a sip of his beer. "Justin and I have plans for Thursday. I guess you will have to go without him."
"Ah well," Daphne said. "I'll tell him you said hi."
"Yeah," Justin told her with a look that spoke volumes. "You do that."
"So, Brian," Daphne said. "What do you do for a living aside from looking so damn hot?"
The brunet smirked and took another sip of his beer. "I like your friend Justin."
Justin laughed at that. He was pretty sure the brunet liked anyone that boosted his ego.
***
"Oh my god," Brian groaned as he sat up. "What the fuck?!"
"Mmm," Jesse groaned.
"Jesse, get off of me," the brunet told him.
"Mmm mmphr," the teen grunted.
"What the hell?" Brian asked and started to tickle the teen knowing that Jesse would get up.
"Okay!" the teen hissed and moved away. "What are you doing?"
"My god," Brian groaned. "My back hurts like a motherfucker. Why the fuck did we stay to sleep here?"
"I don't know," Jesse said as he walked to the kitchen.
Brian got up and followed him. The night before Brian, Jesse and Francis had gone to Woody’s. They had drank and played pool before they went to Babylon where they kept drinking and then dancing the night away. The brunet remembered he had a great time with the guys.
"Good morning," Francis said smiling brightly.
"What's so good about it?" Brian asked. "Why didn't you tell me that sleeping on the sofa could be hazardous?"
The guy only grinned. "Hey, I fell asleep on the floor and no one informed me."
"Oh my god," Jesse said. "My head hurts," he complained as he sat down.
"You didn't drink that much," Brian pointed out. He hadn’t planned on staying there but apparently he was more tired that he thought. He had wanted to bring the blond but he wasn't sure that was a good idea. He didn't know how Jesse was going to react to him kind of being with his professor.
"He did," Francis said. "And you guys went to sleep really late. You guys were pretty much talking all night like a couple of school girls."
The brunet arched a brow. "What?"
"Were you that drunk as well?" Francis asked and laughed. He had fallen asleep on the floor with the TV on while they talked. When he got up they were still talking so he went to used the bathroom and to rest on the bed for a while but he had fallen asleep there.
"Mmm," Brian muttered remembering bits from it.
"Why do we have to talk so loud?" Jesse asked.
Francis shook his head.
"Where are my keys?" Brian asked.
"I don't know," Francis answered as he served juice in a cup.
The older man sat down and tried to remember what he did with them. "How come you look this great in the morning after the night we had?" the brunet asked.
Francis shrugged at that. "I don't know. I just don't get hangovers."
"Lucky you," Brian said dryly.
"I made breakfast!" he said looking at Jesse with a wicked smile.
"Shut up!" Jesse moaned and covered his ears. He let his head drop down on the table.
Brian opened his eyes wide and wondered if the teen was trying to knock himself out.
"Jesus," Francis said when he heard the thud. "Is he dead?"
"He wishes he was," Brian said leaning back on the chair. "If you come anywhere near me with that I will kill you."
Francis looked down at the plate of food. "You don't want breakfast? I made it with love," he teased with a smile.
"I'll take it," Jesse said as he lifted his head up.
"Weren't you trying to die seconds ago?" Brian asked. "Can you make me coffee?"
"You have two good hands and two good feet," he told him. "Get up and do it yourself."
The brunet glared at the redhead but he got up to do it.
Francis only smirked. "So what are you guys doing today?"
"I have an appointment with my bed," Brian said. He was going to go home and sleep forever, he thought.
"Yes, your bed is so great," Jesse mused.
The red head looked surprised. "You've been in Brian's bed. Wow, you never told me about that," he said feeling a bit jealous.
"God, not like that," Jesse said.
Brian looked towards Jesse. "Don't say it like it would be such a bad thing."
"No," Jesse quickly said. "I didn't mean it like that."
Francis started laughing at them. "You guys," he muttered with a smile. "I have to go take a shower."
"Mmm," Jesse commented when he heard that. "Maybe you should wait for me," he said getting up and grabbing Francis by the hips. He smiled and kissed him on the neck before biting his shoulder slightly.
"Get a room," Brian teased.
Francis chuckled at that and shook his head as he walked away. Jesse went to help the brunet because he wanted some coffee as well.
"Go eat your breakfast. I'll finish this," Brian assured Jesse who was getting the cups.
The teen put them on the counter and went to finish his breakfast. They were both quiet after that, each of them had their mind filled with different thoughts. When Francis came back a few minutes later he wondered why everyone was so quiet but didn't ask. He had a towel over his shoulder as well as some pants.
Jesse was thinking about how he could help Brian not to be so lonely anymore. He needed to find someone for the brunet because he knew that Michael was not an option anymore. His brother was playing house with Ben and on top of it all Brian didn't want to hear anything that had to do with Michael. He had tried his best to get them back together knowing that the two men had loved each other at one point. Now he was starting to see that the love they had for each other was gone.
"I'll wait for you as long as I can," Francis said to his boyfriend before he started walking away.
Jesse licked his lips and watched him go. A million things ran through his mind as he looked at Francis ass.
"Here," Brian said giving Jesse a cup of black coffee. "I put sugar in it."
Jesse thanked him and blew on it before he took a sip.
The brunet sat down with his own coffee. He leaned back and closed his eyes. He thought his bed sounded really good but then thought that Justin's bed would be much better. He smirked at that and opened his eyes to drink from his cup. "Oh shit," Brian said as he pulled the cup of coffee away from his mouth.
"You burned yourself?" Jesse asked raising both brows.
"No," the brunet said. "My keys are in the Jeep," he said putting the cup down and rushing to get them.
Jesse just started laughing and shook his head. Then he pulled the newspaper close to him and wondered if there were any ads of single gay man trying to meet people. He sighed knowing that Brian wouldn't go for that. It was going to be hard trying to get his friend to meet anyone new, but he would make it happen. Brian deserved to be happy.
Chapter Five: Do Something
Summary: Jesse realizes that it's time to stop trying to get Brian and Michael together and get someone else for the brunet. He wants his friend to be happy.
AN: I hope you guys like the story and how it's progressing. Thanks to my betas Helen and Sunny.
Justin came out of the shower and took his towel to dry up quickly. When he was done he put it around his waist and walked to the mirror. He cleared it up and tried to do something with his hair. The door opened and Brian walked in already dressed.
"I thought you had drowned," Brian told him.
The blond man smirked. He licked his lips as he saw Brian's appereance. He thought the man looked so hot and sexy. He finished getting ready and then left the bathroom. He then went to his carry on to pull out a pair of tight jeans and a red and black shirt. He knew he looked good in them.
After they had arrived in New York, Brian went to his meeting while Justin busied himself walking around the busy streets. He bought a few things for himself and some for his friends. He even bought something for the brunet but was thinking if he should give it to him. When Brian was done the man called him and they met at a restaurant for dinner. After that they made plans to go out clubbing and that's what they were getting ready for now.
"Mmm," Brian said when he came out of the bathroom where he'd been fixing his hair and putting cologne on. He liked how hot Justin looked in his club clothes. He sat on the bed to put his shoes on but he kept stealing glances at the younger man.
When they were ready they left the room. They took the elevator down to the hotel lobby and walked hand in hand to the exit. There they grabbed a taxi and told the man where they wanted to go. Once they were dropped off they stood in line.
"I wish I was at Babylon," Brian said.
"Why is that?" Justin asked and they moved forward.
"I wouldn´t have to be in this line," Brian told him.
Justin smirked. "It's moving pretty quick."
Brian nodded and in another fifteen minutes they were paying the fee to get inside. Once there they headed straight for the bar and Brian ordered them something to drink.
"It's pretty cool in here," Justin pointed out.
Brian shrugged as he handed the blond his beam. "It's alright."
They looked at the people dancing for a bit. Justin asked Brian if he wanted to dance and the brunet told him that not at that point. The Justin noticed a tall dark haired man staring at the brunet.
"He's checking you out," Justin said.
Brian licked his lips and looked from the trick to the blond. "I know," he said.
Justin smirked and nodded.
"You don't mind, if I go with him?" Brian asked once he had finished his drink.
"Why would I mind?" Justin asked. "We're not together, Brian."
The brunet smiled and bent down a bit to kiss Justin on the corner of his mouth. "I'll see you later."
Justin nodded and watched him go. He turned around and looked down at his drink. He finished it quickly before he moved to the dance floor where he had no problem getting someone to dance with him. He wondered why it was bothering him so much that the brunet had gone off to fuck someone else. They didn't mean anything to each other. They were just fuck buddies. He tried to forget about the other man and lost himself on dancing.
After a while of dancing with the same guy they headed for the backroom. They found a spot and the trick didn't lose anytime. He got on his knees and opened Justin's jeans. He sucked him for a while until the blond stopped him and made him get up. Justin pushed the trick against the wall and helped him get his pants down. He put on a lubed condom and pressed the tip of his cock against the man's entrance.
"Are you ready?" Justin asked in a husky voice.
The trick nodded and closed his eyes and Justin pushed inside. The blond waited, his hands gripped the man's hips tightly. Then he felt the man pushing towards him and he started fucking him. It was hard and fast and just what the blond needed to release his frustration. He had too many thoughts of Brian in his head. When they were done he grabbed his pants and pulled them up. He turned around to head to the restroom when he realized that Brian was across from him just looking at him. There was a trick on his knees sucking the older man. Brian grinned towards the blond and Justin smiled before he left.
After a few hours Justin had a couple of beers. He had talked to Brian again and they even danced on the floor for a while until Brian found another trick. Justin didn't know what was happening to him but he was pretty sure that he was jealous. He decided to forget about it and enjoy himself. He had another guy suck him in the backroom before he decided he wanted to leave. He tried to find the brunet but didn't so he left the club. He called a taxi and waited. He called Brian and left him a message saying that he was heading for the hotel.
When the blond got there he took the elevator and pulled out the copy of the key he had. When he was in front of the door he stopped when he heard voices. He pressed his ear against the door and heard Brian and someone talking. The blond moved back and bit his lower lip. Brian had a trick inside. He licked his lips and looked down at the key. He shook his head and turned around. He went back down to the reception desk and asked for another room.
The next morning when Brian woke up he stretched in bed before his eyes popped open and he sat up. "Justin," he gasped out and then quickly got out of the bed. He went to the bathroom but the man wasn't there. "Where the fuck is he?" he asked himself and reached for his cell phone. He heard the message that Justin left saying he was on his way. He was starting to think that something had happened to the man when there was a knock on the door.
"Justin," Brian said once he opened the door and let the man in. "Where the fucks were you?"
"You were the one that left," the blond pointed out and looked at the bed. He was happy to see that no one else was with the brunet.
The brunet licked his lips. "You looked like you were having fun. I didn't want to interrupt you."
"I got a room," Justin told him.
"Why the fuck?" Brian asked a bit put off. "You scared me. I thought something happened to you. I tried your phone last night but you weren't answering."
"I'm a big boy," Justin told him. Before he went to sleep he'd tunred his phone off.
The brunet narrowed his eyes as he looked at the man.
"I got another room because I didn't want to interrupt," Justin told him.
Brian arched a brow. "What do you mean?"
"You had company last night," Justin told him.
"They didn't stay the night," Brian said. "I don't sleep with tricks. Plus you could have joined us. I was actually waiting for you to do so and you never showed up."
Justin was happy that Brian never stayed the night with his tricks because there have been times when Brian had stayed over at his house until the next day. That meant he was more than a trick, but then what did he mean to the brunet? He had to stop thinking so much. "I'm sorry," Justin replied.
Brian sighed and walked over to him. "At least you're okay," the man said as he caressed Justin's face. The older man looked at the alarm clock on the night table. "We still have a few hours before our flight leaves."
"Yeah," Justin said.
"I'm going to take a shower," Brian said.
The blond nodded and watched him go. He already had taken a shower in his room but he got some fresh clothes to wear. As he changed he kept telling himself over and over that things were okay. That he had nothing to worry about but deep down he knew it wasn't true. He knew that he was falling in love with Brian and he didn't know what he should do. Maybe the best thing to do was walk away from their arrangement before it was too late to do so.
"So," Brian said as he came out of the bathroom dripping wet with only a towel around his waist. "Do you want to have breakfast?"
Justin licked his lips as he stared at Brian's body. "Sure," he said. He knew it wasn't going to happen. He wasn't going to walk away. He was a big boy after all. He would be with Brian for as long as he could until the brunet decided he was bored and moved on.
Brian looked at Justin and smiled a bit before he got dressed. When he was ready he took his wallet, his hotel room key card and walked over to the blond. "You know, I've been thinking that you and I could join the high mile club."
Justin laughed. "I think we can do that."
The older man smiled and put his arm around Justin's shoulder. "That's why I like you so much," he said and they walked together to get breakfast. "Your sense of adventure is just like mine."
The blond only chuckled.
***
Brian came into the diner and sat down in the booth next to the guys. Michael and Emmett stared at each other and then the taller one turned his upper body to look at Brian.
"Uh, do you want to sit with us," Emmett asked. Things between Brian and Michael had gotten better over the past few weeks. It was weird that Brian wasn't sitting with them.
"I'm fine here," Brian told him.
"Okay," Emmett said very slowly and turned to look at Michael. "What's wrong with him?" he asked very slowly.
"I can hear you," Brian said.
"What would it be?" Jesse asked as he stood next to Brian.
"Just coffee," the man answered.
The teen knew right away that something was wrong. "What's wrong with you?"
“My dad died,” Brian answered. "Can you hurry up and get what I asked for?"
Jesse opened his eyes wide.
"Oh my god, Brian," Michael said getting up and moving to Brian's booth. "When did it happen?"
"Last night," Brian told him and shrugged.
Jesse swallowed and went to get the coffee that the brunet asked for.
"I'm sorry," Emmett told the man.
"I'm not," Brian told them.
Michael didn't know what to say. "Um, how is your mother doing?"
Brian chuckled. "She's probably using it as an excuse to drink, not that she needs any."
"Here you go," Jesse said as he turned the cup in front of Brian and started pouring. "Who's taking care of the arrangements?"
"I guess that will have to be me," Brian told the teen as he looked up. "Who else is going to? My mom doesn't have the money and my sister is falling apart."
"When is the burial?" Jesse asked.
"Tomorrow," Brian whispered and stared at his coffee. He felt his stomach turning.
“I’ll go with you,” Michael told him.
Brian bit his lower lip as he stared at Michael. "You don't have to."
"Jesse," Debbie yelled. "You're going to be late for school."
The teen sighed and went to put the pot of coffee back on its place. Then he took his apron off and went to get his school bag. He said goodbye to them as he passed them by. Brian got up as well and threw a twenty on the table before he was out of there. Michael followed the man. Emmett sighed as he stayed behind. He saw Debbie coming towards him and he knew that she wanted information as to what was going on.
"Jesse," Brian said once he was outside.
Jesse stopped and turned around. He smiled at the man. "What?" he asked.
"You want a ride?" Brian asked him.
"Sure," Jesse said and try to smile at him.
“Brian,” Michael said grabbing the man by the arm. "I meant it when I said I would go with you."
"I know," the brunet replied as he looked at his ex.
Jesse arched his brows as the two men stared at each other.
"Michael," Ben yelled from the entrance of the dinner. He was supposed to meet his boyfriend for breakfast. He was going inside when he spotted the dark haired man. He didn't know why Michael was talking to Brian so close. He knew they were still friends but he didn't have to like it.
Michael looked at Ben. "I'll be there in a minute."
Ben stared at them before he nodded and went inside.
"Jesse's going to be late for school," Brian said and pulled away from the older man.
Jesse stepped in front of his brother. “I can convince him to let you go with him.”
Michael bit his lower lip and shook his head. “He doesn’t want me there. I think he hates me, Jesse.”
“Don’t say that Mikey,” Jesse told him. “Brian would never hate you. You know he's talking to you and hanging with you."
"Only when everyone else is around, Jay," Michael said sadly. "He's trying to be civil."
"Brian," Jesse quipped and arched both of his brows. "Are you listening to yourself? Brian doesn't do anything he doesn't want to."
Michael sighed.
“Is everything okay?” Ben asked coming back out after seeing that Brian walked away. He had been watching through the diner window.
Jesse rolled his eyes and his head turned to look towards the Jeep when he heard Brian honking at him. “I should go. He’s giving me a ride.”
“Hey, why don’t you go with him?” Michael asked. “Please.”
“I'll try to convince him but you know him," Jesse told him. He knew that at times likes this Brian tended to close up and push everyone that would try to help him away.
Michael sighed and nodded; he felt much better then. He knew that Brian was going to need someone to lean on and Jesse was perfect for that. He just hoped that Brian took his little brother with him.
"Are you okay?" Jesse asked the brunet as he got in the Jeep.
"I'm fine," Brian told him.
Jesse bit his lower lip. "Look…"
"I don't want to hear it," Brian told him harshly. "I don't care what you think about me and your brother. We're not getting back together. He left me and I'm not going to fucking beg him to be back with me. He can go fuck himself. I don't need his fucking pity."
"You're mad at him," Jesse pointed out and realized that it was the first time that he saw the brunet like that. Brian had never been mad at his brother because of the breakup. He swallowed not sure what it meant. Did it mean that Brian was moving on, the teen wondered. "Okay," he said and nothing else. He knew it wasn't the time to talk to Brian about anything. "I wasn't going to talk about that anyways. And Michael is not giving you his pity; he's just trying to be a friend."
"I'm not mad," Brian told him and sighed. "I just, I don't want to hear anymore about it."
Jesse could only nod.
Brian looked at the teen and bit his lower lip. "What were you going to say?"
"That I could go with you if you wanted me to," Jesse said.
The older man nodded slowly. He was going to say yes but for some reason he didn't. "I'll think about it."
Jesse busied himself talking about other things to get Brian in a good mood. By the time Brian dropped him off at least the man gave him a smile before he drove away.
***
Brian looked at the casket and sighed. He shook his head and walked away from everyone else. Jesse had offered to come with him and at first he almost said yes, but he didn't. He looked to the man next to him and then back at the casket. Of all the people he thought that would be there with him, Justin never crossed his mind. It had been a last minute thing. He felt the need for the blond and Justin had been willing to be there for him. The older man sighed and moved away from everyone else.
“Are you okay?” Justin asked after following the man.
"Perfect," Brian answered as he pulled out a white handkerchief. When he opened it there was a rolled joint inside.
“Put that away,” Justin hissed. “Brian,” he said sternly. “I mean it.”
Brian looked at Justin. “I’m trying to cope here.”
“You can cope later,” the teen said.
The brunet glared at Justin.
"I will crush it," Justin said and looked behind him. "Have you lost your mind?" he asked as he looked at Brian again.
Brian rolled his eyes and put it away. They went back to stand with everyone else. Justin could see how tense Brian was and maybe he should have let the man smoke the weed. When the service was over they went back to their cars and drove to Joan's house. It all went downhill from there and Justin could have hooted with joy when they left the house.
"I have something to do," Brian told him. "Do you want to come with me?"
"Sure," Justin told him.
"You don't have any plans?" Brian asked.
"No," Justin assured him.
The brunet went back to the loft and he finally smoked his weed; Justin helped him. The brunet took a shower and changed his clothes. They went by the blonds house so he could change as well. Then he drove them to their destination.
"We're going to bowl?" Justin asked when they were inside the establishment.
Brian was in front of the counter asking for shoes for him and Justin. He had his father's bowling ball with him. "Well, what do you think we're doing here?"
"Oh man," Justin said. "I'm not high enough for this."
The brunet snorted. Justin shook his head and grabbed the shoes that Brian shoved into his chest before they walked away.
"You know," Brian said. "When I was a kid my father brought me here; my best friend Michael and his little brother Jesse."
Justin listened to the man. He sat down to change his shoes.
Brian was doing the same. "Well," the older man said. "I remember Jesse being so little that he could barely grab the bowling ball right."
The blond smirked as he listened to that. He never thought he would be listening to stories about Jesse Novotny.
"The only reason we brought him was because he started crying that he wanted to come with us," Brian explained and smiled at the memory.
"I remember how that night I got a strike and kissed Michael on the lips." Brian said. "Jack got so man about it," Brian said. "He called me a fucking fairy and slapped me in the face."
Justin looked down at the floor with a frown. He couldn't believe that had happened to the brunet. He was lucky enough to have parents that always supported him even when he came out to them.
The brunet chuckled. "I told him I was one before he died. I don't regret it."
Justin stared at the brunet and started understanding the man a bit more.
"So, ready to bowl?" Brian asked.
"No," Justin answered honestly.
"Come on," Brian said and got up.
They played a little at which Justin totally sucked. For that some guys started teasing them. They called him names and Brian was getting angry. When Brian got the strike he was looking for he pulled Justin to him and kissed him hard.
"Not so bad for a fairy," Brian said loudly so they could hear him.
"Are you trying to get us killed?" Justin asked as he stared at the guys. "Can we go, please?"
"Sure thing, Sunshine," Brian whispered.
Justin smiled a bit with the nickname and then they got out of there. Once they were in the Jeep, Brian told him that they were getting rid of his father's bowling ball. Justin was fine with that until the brunet told him what he was going to do. Then they got into an argument about the dangers of throwing a ball down a hill in the middle of the street at night. To which Brian only told him he was totally crazy and making no sense at all.
"I have a better idea," Justin said.
By the end of the night Brian was dumping the ball in the middle of the lake.
"You see the ripples," Justin whispered as they watched it.
"Yeah," Brian whispered.
"You're father can't hurt you anymore, Bri," Justin said. "You're that lake now."
The brunet frowned and watched. In a few minutes the lake was unmoving. Brian smiled at that. He looked at Justin and pulled the man to him by the back of the neck. "Thanks," he whispered and kissed Justin on the forehead.
Justin smiled and hugged the brunet.
***
Brian knocked on the door and waited for someone to open the door. Vic opened the door and smiled at the man.
"Come on in," Vic said smiling.
The brunet did and arched a brow when he saw Francis already dressed up in a tux. "What's going on?"
"We're getting ready to go to my cousin’s birthday party," Francis said. "Emmett is helping Jesse upstairs and I'm about to go finish up as well."
The brunet smirked and headed up the stairs.
"What is he doing here?" Debbie asked Vic when her brother stood next to her.
Vic shrugged. "What? He's not welcome anymore? Were you serious about that? You got to let it go sis. We are the only family that Brian has now and has ever had."
"I didn't mean it like that," she protested. "Is the camera ready?"
Francis was smirking in the middle of the stairs. He was happy that things were getting back to normal. He knew that Jesse loved Brian like a brother and it hurt him when everyone attacked the brunet. He went inside the bathroom to inspect his hair.
Brian pushed the sleeves of his sweater up and walked over to Jesse's room. He knocked on the door and went inside. Jesse turned around and smiled widely at him. The brunet stopped walking and just stared at the teen. He looked stunning and there were bits of the kid that reminded him of Michael. It was something he didn't want.
"Doesn't he just look amazing?" Emmett asked.
"Yeah," Brian agreed.
The teen laughed at that. "This is crazy. I don't even want to go to this stupid thing.”
“Oh shut up,” Emmett told him. “You look great and you’re making your boyfriend really happy.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Jesse said. “We just…go out.”
"Right," Brian said.
"We should start taking pictures," Emmett said. "Let me go get the camera."
"Oh my god," Jesse said. "This night is never going to end."
Brian walked over to him and with his finger he traced Jesse's bow tie. "You look hot in a tux."
"Do I?" Jesse asked looking up at the brunet.
"You're going to be the center of attention tonight," Brian muttered.
Jesse smirked and licked his lips. "You think so."
Brian nodded. "I'm sure of that," he told the kid. He could see Jesse's green eyes shining with happiness. "Just have fun with him."
"Thank you Brian," Jesse said smiling.
"Oh Jesse," Debbie said coming into the room. "You look so beautiful."
Brian mouthed 'hot' to the teen and Jesse laughed.
"I should go," Brian said. He just had gone there to see if the kid wanted to do something. He had forgotten that Jesse had plans. "I'll see you Jesse."
Jesse wanted to protest but what could he say. He felt sad to see the brunet go and wondered how long he had to stay at the hotel before they could leave. He knew that if Brian was there the brunet was feeling lonely and wanted a friend around.
"Where is Francis?" Vic asked.
"In the bathroom probably messing with his hair," Emmett commented.
Jesse laughed at that because the teen was probably doing just that. "Jesus, he's going to take forever," he told them.
"Like you didn't," Vic teased.
Debbie took a picture without warning and Jesse covered his face.
"Ma!" Jesse yelled. "Are you trying to blind me?"
Vic and Emmett laughed at that.
"Don't be such a baby," Debbie told him.
Jesse groaned but at the end ended up letting her take as many pictures as she wanted. When he thought it was all over because she used the whole roll she claimed she had two more. Then Francis came out and she took pictures of the two of them and then Francis by himself and then the whole family. Jesse was ready to run away screaming for help. He didn’t know why everyone was making a big deal; it was just a stupid party.
When they got to the hotel everyone else was starting to arrive. Jesse hoped he would be able to get some alcohol. He danced with Francis a few times just to make him happy. He was bored out of his mind and made sure that he told him but Francis only laughed at that. He met some of the redhead’s family and felt out of place with them. Francis came from money while he didn’t.
"Do you want to go?" Francis asked.
Jesse arched a brow and sighed. He shook his head and put his hands on his pockets. He knew that he shouldn’t be such an ass.
"Good," Francis said. "Because, I'm having a great time. I know you don't like this kind of stuff but thank you."
Jesse caressed Francis face. "You're welcome," he said before pulling the redhead closer and kissing him hard.
"I love you," Francis said when they came apart.
Jesse stared at the other teen with an arched brow. He was surprised because Francis had never said that to him before. He smiled slowly and then answered. "I love you too, you dork."
"I know," Francis said before he left telling Jesse that he was getting them something to drink.
Jesse looked around and smiled. He grabbed his cell phone and tried calling the brunet but the man didn't pick it up. He shrugged knowing that the older man had probably found something to do like going to the baths. He made a note to make something about Brian's situation. His friend needed to find someone and he was going to help the brunet do so. He knew no one else was going to bother so he had to do something.
***
"Hey," Brian said.
Justin who had been sitting at the edge of the pool looked surprised. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
Brian shrugged. "I wanted to see what you were up to."
The blond smiled at that. "Couldn't be without me?"
"You know it," Brian said jokingly knowing that the blond had been joking too.
"How did you know I was here?" Justin asked as he put the pictures down next to him.
"I knocked but you didn't come out," Brian told him as he took off his shoes and started rolling his jeans up. "I knew you were here because I saw your car and then I came around back and I saw you sitting here."
Justin smiled as the brunet sat next to him and dipped his feet in the pool. He was happy that the brunet hadn't given up in his quest to find him.
"Mmm, that feels nice," Brian said talking about the water.
"I know," Justin agreed.
They talked a bit about what they had been doing which wasn't strange for them but this time they got into more details and they even talked a bit about their friends. Brian complained about getting up before his feet turned into prunes. When they went inside Justin was about to order something when his friend Daphne called him. He excused himself a moment and talked to her for a few minutes before he came back to the living room where Brian was still drying his feet.
"That was my best friend," Justin said.
Brian only nodded.
"I'm actually late to meet her," the blond said. "I kind of forgot."
"Oh," the brunet said. "I should go then."
"Yeah..." the blond said slowly. "Unless you want to come with me," the blond said. "I'm just going to have a few drinks and catch up and then come back here. Then you and I can have fun."
"Sounds like a good plan," Brian told him smirking.
"Good," Justin said. "I'll be right back. I'm going to go get my shoes and my keys."
"We can take the Jeep," Brian called after him.
"Sure," the blond answered back from the hallway.
"Do I have to go change?" the brunet asked him.
"No," Justin assured him. "We're just going out to this bar we used to sneak when we were teenagers. It's not a fancy place."
"Okay," Brian whispered to himself and started to put on his shoes.
Once Justin was in his room he went to the closet to get his shoes. He wondered what the hell was happening to him. He was starting to miss Brian way too much when the brunet wasn't there. He got way too happy when the brunet was there and he knew he was setting himself up for a downfall. He wanted to stop himself but he couldn't. There were times when he wanted to grab the phone and call Brian just because but knew that wasn't part of their deal. He wished he could go back on time and tell Brian he wanted something serious but he knew that if he had done that he would never have gotten as far as a kiss with the man.
"You ready?" Brian called from the living room.
"Yeah," Justin said making sure he had everything.
Right then and there Brian bent down and kissed the blond. He just felt like it out of the blue. Sometimes he was in his office and the only thing he could think about was kissing Justin's cherry lips.
"Mmm," Justin said. "Really good."
"That was only a preview. Just wait until tonight," Brian informed him as he put his arm around Justin's shoulders. "It's going to be great."
"I bet," Justin said and his trademark smile appeared.
***
As soon as Daphne saw Justin she got up from the table she was and went to hug the blond. She smiled at the man that was with her friend.
"Daphne, this is Brian," the blond said as he took off his jacket. "Brian this is my best friend Daphne."
"It's nice to meet you," Daphne said and held out her hand to Brian.
"Same here," Brian assured her as he shook hands with her. He looked around and arched both of his brows as he took the scenery in. He’s never been in a straight bar, leave it to the blond to make him do things he never did. The three of them walked to the table were Daphne had been sitting.
"So are you two together?" Daphne asked as she sat down. "Or are you just friends."
"A little bit of both," Brian said.
"I see," Daphne commented. "So, what do you guys want?"
"Let's start with beer," Justin told her as he put his jacket on the back of the chair where he was sitting down.
"I'll go get it," Brian said standing up.
"My god, Justin," Daphne said when they were alone. "He's fucking gorgeous."
"I know," Justin told her and smiled sadly.
"You like him a lot, don't you?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah, I do," Justin confessed. "But we're just fuck buddies and if I try for more I'll just mess everything up."
Daphne listened to that and then looked to were Brian was at the bar. "Well, maybe you should wait and let him come to you. Show him how happy he can be with you."
The blond sighed. "I don't know if that's going to work. I wasn't supposed to fall for him, Daphne. I was the one that told him that we should just be fuck buddies, you know. I never thought…he's such a beautiful man inside and out. I never thought I would fall for him."
"God, you have it bad," she said with a small grin.
The blond sighed.
"You can always make him jealous," Daphne said. "To a point where he would want you only for himself."
The blond laughed at what his friend was telling him. "I don't think Brian does jealousy," the man told her.
"You never know until you try it," she said to him. "You never know if the man is in love with you or not."
Justin licked his lips and thought about it.
"Justin," Daphne said. "If you like him that much you got to do something about it."
Brian came back and gave everyone a beer. He sat down and wondered what he could talk about.
"Oh," Daphne said. "You know who I saw the other days."
"Who?" Justin asked.
"Billy," she told him.
Justin looked at her like she was nuts. He looked at his beer trying to remember who the fuck Billy was.
"He was asking about you," she informed him. "You know I'm going to meet him on Thursday and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me. I'm sure he will be very happy to see you."
At that point Justin knew that she was making everything up. He was going to stop her right then when Brian spoke.
"Who is that, Sunshine?" Brian asked not being able to hold it in. "An old boyfriend?”
"Billy always wanted Justin," Daphne said. "And Justin did like him at one point but it was always the wrong time."
"And it still is," Brian said and took a sip of his beer. "Justin and I have plans for Thursday. I guess you will have to go without him."
"Ah well," Daphne said. "I'll tell him you said hi."
"Yeah," Justin told her with a look that spoke volumes. "You do that."
"So, Brian," Daphne said. "What do you do for a living aside from looking so damn hot?"
The brunet smirked and took another sip of his beer. "I like your friend Justin."
Justin laughed at that. He was pretty sure the brunet liked anyone that boosted his ego.
***
"Oh my god," Brian groaned as he sat up. "What the fuck?!"
"Mmm," Jesse groaned.
"Jesse, get off of me," the brunet told him.
"Mmm mmphr," the teen grunted.
"What the hell?" Brian asked and started to tickle the teen knowing that Jesse would get up.
"Okay!" the teen hissed and moved away. "What are you doing?"
"My god," Brian groaned. "My back hurts like a motherfucker. Why the fuck did we stay to sleep here?"
"I don't know," Jesse said as he walked to the kitchen.
Brian got up and followed him. The night before Brian, Jesse and Francis had gone to Woody’s. They had drank and played pool before they went to Babylon where they kept drinking and then dancing the night away. The brunet remembered he had a great time with the guys.
"Good morning," Francis said smiling brightly.
"What's so good about it?" Brian asked. "Why didn't you tell me that sleeping on the sofa could be hazardous?"
The guy only grinned. "Hey, I fell asleep on the floor and no one informed me."
"Oh my god," Jesse said. "My head hurts," he complained as he sat down.
"You didn't drink that much," Brian pointed out. He hadn’t planned on staying there but apparently he was more tired that he thought. He had wanted to bring the blond but he wasn't sure that was a good idea. He didn't know how Jesse was going to react to him kind of being with his professor.
"He did," Francis said. "And you guys went to sleep really late. You guys were pretty much talking all night like a couple of school girls."
The brunet arched a brow. "What?"
"Were you that drunk as well?" Francis asked and laughed. He had fallen asleep on the floor with the TV on while they talked. When he got up they were still talking so he went to used the bathroom and to rest on the bed for a while but he had fallen asleep there.
"Mmm," Brian muttered remembering bits from it.
"Why do we have to talk so loud?" Jesse asked.
Francis shook his head.
"Where are my keys?" Brian asked.
"I don't know," Francis answered as he served juice in a cup.
The older man sat down and tried to remember what he did with them. "How come you look this great in the morning after the night we had?" the brunet asked.
Francis shrugged at that. "I don't know. I just don't get hangovers."
"Lucky you," Brian said dryly.
"I made breakfast!" he said looking at Jesse with a wicked smile.
"Shut up!" Jesse moaned and covered his ears. He let his head drop down on the table.
Brian opened his eyes wide and wondered if the teen was trying to knock himself out.
"Jesus," Francis said when he heard the thud. "Is he dead?"
"He wishes he was," Brian said leaning back on the chair. "If you come anywhere near me with that I will kill you."
Francis looked down at the plate of food. "You don't want breakfast? I made it with love," he teased with a smile.
"I'll take it," Jesse said as he lifted his head up.
"Weren't you trying to die seconds ago?" Brian asked. "Can you make me coffee?"
"You have two good hands and two good feet," he told him. "Get up and do it yourself."
The brunet glared at the redhead but he got up to do it.
Francis only smirked. "So what are you guys doing today?"
"I have an appointment with my bed," Brian said. He was going to go home and sleep forever, he thought.
"Yes, your bed is so great," Jesse mused.
The red head looked surprised. "You've been in Brian's bed. Wow, you never told me about that," he said feeling a bit jealous.
"God, not like that," Jesse said.
Brian looked towards Jesse. "Don't say it like it would be such a bad thing."
"No," Jesse quickly said. "I didn't mean it like that."
Francis started laughing at them. "You guys," he muttered with a smile. "I have to go take a shower."
"Mmm," Jesse commented when he heard that. "Maybe you should wait for me," he said getting up and grabbing Francis by the hips. He smiled and kissed him on the neck before biting his shoulder slightly.
"Get a room," Brian teased.
Francis chuckled at that and shook his head as he walked away. Jesse went to help the brunet because he wanted some coffee as well.
"Go eat your breakfast. I'll finish this," Brian assured Jesse who was getting the cups.
The teen put them on the counter and went to finish his breakfast. They were both quiet after that, each of them had their mind filled with different thoughts. When Francis came back a few minutes later he wondered why everyone was so quiet but didn't ask. He had a towel over his shoulder as well as some pants.
Jesse was thinking about how he could help Brian not to be so lonely anymore. He needed to find someone for the brunet because he knew that Michael was not an option anymore. His brother was playing house with Ben and on top of it all Brian didn't want to hear anything that had to do with Michael. He had tried his best to get them back together knowing that the two men had loved each other at one point. Now he was starting to see that the love they had for each other was gone.
"I'll wait for you as long as I can," Francis said to his boyfriend before he started walking away.
Jesse licked his lips and watched him go. A million things ran through his mind as he looked at Francis ass.
"Here," Brian said giving Jesse a cup of black coffee. "I put sugar in it."
Jesse thanked him and blew on it before he took a sip.
The brunet sat down with his own coffee. He leaned back and closed his eyes. He thought his bed sounded really good but then thought that Justin's bed would be much better. He smirked at that and opened his eyes to drink from his cup. "Oh shit," Brian said as he pulled the cup of coffee away from his mouth.
"You burned yourself?" Jesse asked raising both brows.
"No," the brunet said. "My keys are in the Jeep," he said putting the cup down and rushing to get them.
Jesse just started laughing and shook his head. Then he pulled the newspaper close to him and wondered if there were any ads of single gay man trying to meet people. He sighed knowing that Brian wouldn't go for that. It was going to be hard trying to get his friend to meet anyone new, but he would make it happen. Brian deserved to be happy.