Episode 6.01 - Part TWO (revised)
A day later and 2700 miles away, Justin is sitting in Brett’s office and looks out of the window.
He is happy to be here. He really is. Of course, there are places he’d rather be than L.A., but since his ultimate happy place is no option, he decides on making the best of it. Los Angeles seems to be the perfect environment for himself trying to cut loose. He’s spent enough time here to not feel like a complete stranger while simultaneously having a change of scenery and being able to keep busy through working. In his well calculated master plan there are just a few unknown quantities, just as “how to get over Brian when basically having to draw him all day long” or “how to deal with the all-present fact that this time he won’t be coming home to him after the work here is done”. He somehow has been managing to block these thoughts out because another part of himself was just glad to be out of New York for some time. That would have to do for now. He finds himself in the lucky position of having Brett to distract him with all his crazy ideas and ambitions, fancy parties and all the wannabe-Hollywood fuss.
Justin is ripped from his thoughts when Brett comes in and pulls him into a hug. “Justin! I’m so glad you decided to come! I’m sorry I missed you yesterday and this morning again, I’ve been insanely busy, you know.” He settles down behind his desk and proceeds enthusiastically, “You look great! So… the situation is, that I’ve got this big producers on the hook and I want you to help me bring ‘em in finally!”
Justin’s reaction is only modestly enthusiastic given the fact that he isn’t completely clear of Brett’s intentions. “Right. And as you said on the phone, you want me to go over some storyboards…”
Brett claps his hands together. “Exactly!”
Justin can’t help but think of Brett like some hyperactive ten year old who just figured out how to make his Matchbox cars take higher loops. Trying to word his reasonable concerns, he says, “But you know, the story is Michael’s thing. I’m just the visualizer.”
“I’m aware of that and that’s exactly why I brought you here. I need you to do some modifications regarding a couple of locations and characters if necessary.”
Justin’s alarm goes off full blast. “The characters? But Brett -“
“- No no, don’t worry! It won’t have any effect on the story, trust me! I just need it to be a little more… you know… customized! You understand, don’t you? Just to ease the new producers in.”
“I guess,” Justin answers, still a little hesitant.
“So what do you say? Shall we get started?!” Brett stands enthusiastically and leads Justin out of the office. The two of them head down the corridors while Brett keeps talking. “I even did a whole new arrangement on your working space! Okay, I actually had someone do it, but I think you’re going to like it. Furthermore, you’ll meet the same crew and the same things. Just like then! I instructed Tammy - you remember Tammy, don’t you?” Brett inquires. Justin does something distantly resembling a nod and Brett goes on without much of a pause. “Anyhow, I instructed her to inform you about the changes and everything, basically you’ll get an update. Ah and there’s a little party at one of the producers-to-be’s place tonight. Would be the perfect occasion to introduce you to our new friends.” They come to a halt in front of the art department. Turning to leave already, Brett talks over his shoulder. “Have a good time! Just like then!”
Justin takes a deep breath and puts his hand on the doorknob. “Just like then.” With that he opens the door and walks in.
As he goes to work after an introduction to the team - which by the way happens to absolutely not consist of the same people “like then” - he is in the zone. He happily takes advantage of the raw concept and dives into work like a madman.
He doesn’t even notice time flying by and is a little startled when Brett walks in after what seems like 30 minutes, in fact is four hours.
“Hey there. How’s it going? Everything all right? Need anything? Something to eat? To drink? To fuck? After all, it is Hollywood, you know?”
Justin smiles. “Thanks, Brett. I’m fine.”
Brett grins in return and slaps Justin’s shoulder. “Good to hear. Now how are the storyboards coming? Work climate ok?”
“Just like you said: same cool work, same great hype...” Justin drifts a little. “…unfortunately also the same reminders everywhere.”
Brett sits down on Justin’s desk and studies his expression intently. “Care to fill me in?”
After a glance at Brett’s face, who seems to be genuinely interested, Justin decides to relent. “You remember the last time I was here? It was pretty exactly a year ago. I was here for about four months and I had this cool working space - just like now - and the outlines everywhere… you know, the look we wanted Rage to have and everything? I thought of Brian practically the whole time and I missed him. And now I’m sitting here, doing basically the same and I miss him even more.”
“I thought that thing was over. You’re not together anymore, are you?” Brett inquires.
“We aren’t, I guess. But anyway, that’s not really keeping me from missing him and thinking about him all the time!” Justin sighs dejectedly and flops down on his chair.
“Well then, have you told him? Talked things through? You never know, maybe the feeling’s mutual.” Brett tries to sound reasonable.
Justin huffs slightly amused. “Ah you don’t know Brian. He’s not the kind of guy who shows his feelings or even admits them to himself. It has taken him almost four years and a bomb to tell me he loves me, which by the way he never cared to repeat, but instead bought me a house on the country and proposed twice.” Justin smiles and shakes his head at the memories. “See what I mean? He needs other ways to express his feelings. Those few who know him - well actually, you do know him. I mean, he does have a lot of common with Rage. Only, the superpowers he develops at night aren’t quite for the use of saving innocent citizens.”
After a chuckle from both of them, Brett concludes while slapping Justin’s shoulder, “Well then, my little lovesick fellow! Keep on doing what you’re doing, because you’re …” He picks up a few storyboard and looks at them. “… daaaamn good at it! And I hope you get to sort your things out.” Brett winks at Justin and heads out. “See ya!”
□□□
A week later, Brian’s non-stop working is interrupted by Cynthia rushing into his office. “Brian, you have t-“
Brian cuts her off shouting angrily, “- WHEN EXACTLY have we crossed the line of not knocking before barging into your boss’s office?”
Cynthia, knowing her boss and his moods (far more noticeably low ever since Justin’s departure) acts unimpressed. “Grrrr, aren’t we in a mood again!” She walks towards his desk while proceeding. “I need you to sign these forms and I also came to remind you of your meeting with Endovir in about an hour and Brown at 2pm. They just called and brought it forward.” Brian covers his face in his hands and exhales forcefully. Cynthia snickers. ”Somebody had a few last night, huh?”
Without much thinking, Brian answers, “I just don’t sleep well anymore. Even if I drink myself into exhaustion.” Realizing what he’s given away unconsciously, he quickly switches back to angry. “But anyway, it’s none of your business, now is it? So why don’t you do what you do best and get me a coffee?” He gives her a faux grin.
“Not until you sign these. I have to forward them instantly.” She puts the papers on Brian’s desk.
Brian is signing the papers reluctantly when there’s a knock on the door.
Mikey sticks his head in. “I’m sorry, am I interrupting?”
Brian, thankful for the interruption, advises Cynthia, “See? That’s how it’s done!”
He shifts his attention back to his best friend. “Mikey! Come on in! Cynthia was just about to make fresh coffee!” Cynthia heads out after granting her boss with a glare and the two men sit down on the couch.
“How’s it going, Mikey? How’s business?”
“You uh… really want to know?” Mikey hesitates, unconvinced of Brian’s interest.
“I asked, didn’t I?”
“Well okay. I just got the latest issue of “Mourning for Captain Astro” in and guess what?”
Brian sighs. “What?”
“They’re bringing him back! You know how depressed I was when they let him die? I really thought he was gone for good but now they’re planning on picking up the storyline where it left off and doing new issues! This is like, like Christmas!” Mikey beams.
“Yeah, I know, Mikey. Now that we’ve talked the important things through, let’s skip to the reason you’re paying me a visit.”
Mikey is slightly offended. “Hey, you asked me to tell you about -“
“- Yes, I did! Just didn’t think you would make me regret it that quickly. So, how may I help you?”
“I was wondering if you would do me a favour,” Mikey begins carefully.
“Anything for you. Shoot.”
“You know the benefit against Prop14 Ben and I’ve been organizing?” He waits for Brian’s nod before going on. “Well, it seems like we forgot to include the location in our considerations and now - since it should take place in two weeks already - we can’t find a fitting place on such short notice. And now I was thinking, that maybe…-“
“- You could throw your little party at my club?”
“Something like that, yes.”
“Phew! Well, I’ve always had a heart for you little idealists!”
That earns him a hug. “Thanks, Brian! Thank you!” After settling down again, Mikey examines Brian worriedly. “Now tell me, how are you doing? Last time I saw you, you weren’t exactly on the highest of emotions. I oughtta say, you look like shit.”
“You know you can always get me with compliments!” He tries to muster up a grin but soon realizes that Mikey isn’t buying it. Relenting, he says, “It’s just that I can’t fucking sleep at night. …can’t seem to get any rest.”
“Is this about Justin?”
Brian leans back on the couch and touches the bridge of his nose. “Fuck, Michael. Stop turning me into a teen drama princess!”
“I’m not! I just want to help you! You miss Justin, why can’t you just admit it for God’s sake, instead of always playing it cool? Maybe he’s as miserable as you!”
Brian gets up, angry at the last statement. “Of course he’s not, dammit!” He walks towards his desk and stares at the wall. “He’s enjoying his new way of life! He’s probably the rising star of New York’s art scene by now There’s no need for him to look back.” He forces himself to get a grip and sits down at his desk, doing a poor imitation of cleaning up the space. “I should get back to work, Mikey.”
To Mikey it’s frightening how convinced Brian seems of the supposed fact that Justin would cut him out of his life just like that, but these last weeks have taught Mikey that there is absolutely no point in confronting Brian about this.
“Sure. I gotta get going anyway.” Mikey gets up. “See you!”
Mikey is just about out the door when Brian’s voice stops him.
“You know how these corny songs always tell about feeling alone at night when no one’s lying beside you?” He lets out a little contemptuous laugh but then looks up at Mikey sincere. “I was thinking about that after waking up. The weirder part? It’s actually true.”
Mikey waits for the obligatory snarky follow-up comment. When nothing comes, he gasps slightly.
Brian meanwhile has returned his attention to the stack of paperwork. “Bye, Mikey.”
Michael steps out of the office in shock. He completely ignores Cynthia’s “Bye, Michael!” as he passes her desk, trying to compose himself.
Coming to a decision, he turns on the spot and heads straight back to Brian’s office.
As Mikey bursts into Brian’s office (this time without knocking), he fumes. “This is fucking bullshit! I can’t stand it anymore!” Brian stares at him blankly. “Justin is - He’s in L.A.!”
Brian tries to act unimpressed. “What’s he doing there? Already bored from conquering The Big Apple?”
“He went to L.A. because he couldn’t stand it in New York any longer! He couldn’t draw, paint, whatever and he couldn’t get anything right!” Michael takes a few deep breaths to calm down. “So he took on Brett’s offer to come to L.A. and work on “Rage” again, just so he gets a little distracted from being miserable all the time!”
Brian blinks, sincerely surprised. “You mean -”
“You love him, he loves you, you miss each other, you’re both miserable and you should be together for Christ’s sake!”
Brian shrugs and tries to get his thoughts in order. “Well, we kind of had this silent agreement.”
Michael gets angry again. “Fuck the agreement! And fuck Marilyn!”
“Wh-?” Brian’s distracted by the Marilyn remark but decides to try and get this clear. “And did he actually tell you this or are you just playing psychoanalyst and this is some vast summing up?”
“Brian!”
Brian stands and screams back. “What? Tell me!”
“He fucking told me, okay? Enough with this “I miss him so much but don’t tell him”-game you’re both playing! I’m about to develop some kind of stomach ulcer if this doesn’t stop!” Mikey is still raging but decides that it is time to go. “Now, bye! And… Thank you… for the club… dammit!” He rushes out.
Brian stares after Michael for a while, thinking about what he has just been told. Making a decision, he presses a key on the intercom. “Cynthia, spare yourself the trip to Starbucks and get in here! It’s something that can’t wait!” He sits down and a huge smile starts spreading across his face.
10 minutes after passing his instructions to Cynthia, during which his mind and emotions worked overtime, Brian is still unable to wipe the grin off his face.
When said employee enters his office, she’s a little - but positively - surprised by Brian’s obvious state of mood. Maintaining a casual and neutral tone, she says, “I’ve got the ticket here. I just need to fill in the passenger’s name. Who’s it for?” She pulls out a pen and looks expectantly at Brian.
“I’ll spell it for you.” Brian leans forward and acts all business-like. It’s for Mis-ter… got that?”
“Well yes, I am capable of spelling “Mister”!”
“Sorry. Okay, Mister…. K - I - N - N - E -“
Cynthia’s head shoots up. “What? For you? Where are you going?!”
“You just booked the flight!”
Cynthia gets hit by realization. “You’re going to Los Angeles? Why? What are you doing?”
Brian leans back in his chair again. The grin is smoothly plastered back on his face. “Something I should’ve done a long time ago.”
“You can’t leave for L.A. now! You’ve got client meetings, a whole company to run, I mean -“
“- I can! One of the benefits of being the boss!” Brian winks at her and tucks the ticket away after filling in the still missing “Y” in the name field. “Now relax, you’ll do just fine without me. I’ll be back in three, four days tops.” Brian starts gathering his things. “Ted is going to handle Brown, he knows the account. Well, I gotta rush. Plane doesn’t wait, not even for me!”
He smiles broadly and intends walking out when Cynthia stops him. “Br- Brian, wait! What about Endovir? Meeting in about 40, remember?”
Brian seems to think it over for a moment before pointing his finger at her. “You’ll do it! Be just as charming as always!” He kisses her on the cheek. “Just maybe don’t serve them any of your self-made coffee! Later!” He walks out.
Ted comes in in time to see Brian passing him with a happy face. Astonished, he turns to Cynthia. “Wow. Haven’t seen him smiling like that in a long time. Where’s he headed?”
After catching her breath she answers, “The bastard’s taking off to L.A.!”
Ted whips his head around to face her. “WHAT? He can’t just - well, actually he can. And don’t call him bastard, he’s always been very good to us. Any idea what he’s doing there?”
Cynthia shakes her head no.
“Well, whatever it is, it makes him happier than hell! …Wait, what about Brown Athletics? Did he say anything about -“ Cynthia smiles broadly at him. “He did not! …Fucking bastard!”
□□□
At Pittsburgh International, Brian is sitting in the boarding area, not even bothering to hide his ever present smile.
People have been looking strangely at him the whole time but he couldn’t care less. It’s actually funny when you think of it. People get freaked out when you’re smiling but it is perfectly normal when everybody (and Brian’s got to know) has the constant piss off-look on their face.
“Passengers of flight #105 to Los Angeles LAX please note, that the plane will take off 12 minutes later than planned. I repeat: flight #105 is delayed 12 minutes. Please do not leave the area in case there are further changes. Thank you for your understanding.”
Brian sighs and curses. “Shit!” Though only 12 minutes, for Brian that’s exactly 12 minutes too much. Suddenly something comes to his mind. “On the other side…” He stands up and reaches for his cell. He rushes out of the boarding area while dialling.
“Hey, Mikey! Remember that cookie Justin has that crush on? He said you could only get them in Pittsburgh. What are they called? Smash-something?”
“You mean “Smackeetos”?”
“Right! That’s probably the most ridiculous name I ever heard. Sounds like something Scooby Doo would eat.” He hurries down the hall. “Now where’s that fucking overpriced grocery store?”
“Brian, are you alright?” Mikey’s worried voice comes over the phone.
Brian smiles broadly again. “Never been better, Mikey. Ah finally!” He barges into the store and points at a teenage temp who looks around scared. “You there! Get me two packets of …what’re they called again?”
Mikey - who could blame him - still doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. “Uh “Smackeetos”?”
“Right!” The next thing is directed to the temp again. “Get me two packets of “Smackeetos”! Wait, make that five!” The young man stares at Brian motionless. “Pronto!” Brian barks at the poor guy who scampers away immediately.
“Brian, do you want to meet somewhere to talk?” Mikey inquires cautiously.
“Sorry, Mikey. No can do! I’ll hopefully be leaving town in the next 20 minutes.”
The speakers announce, ”Flight #105 is now ready for boarding…”
“Shit, I gotta rush…”
“Are you at the airport? Brian!? Where are you going?”
“City of Angels.” Brian grins, this time mostly because of how cheesy that sounded.
“Seattle? No, wait, that’s “sleepless” something…”
“L.A., Michael!” The young shop assistant brings him the “ordered” cookies. Michael is squealing on the phone and Brian has to hold it away while inquiring, “How much?” He pays and attempts stuffing all the packets into his bag while taking the phone to his ear again. “Calm down already?”
Brian hurries back towards the boarding area with Michael still talking on the phone. “I knew it! Oh my God! I’m so happy for you! And for Justin of course! He’ll go completely out of his mind when you show up there!”
Brian answers out of breath. “Hopefully in a good way. Only of course if you didn’t fucking lie to me and he really wants to see me! So if you got anything to say, now would be the perfect time to tell me and keep me from doing something incredibly stupid!”
“What? No! It’s true, Brian, don’t worry! I’m so excited for you! You have to call me and tell me how he reacted!”
Brian finally reaches the boarding area and sees the line in front of the gate. “Will do. Now I just have to somehow get these goddamn cookies into my bag! Bye, Mikey. And thanks… not only for the cookie name.”
“Yeah, I get it.” Remembering something, he asks, “Do you think Justin will be pissed with me for telling you?”
“Hopefully not when I’m done with him!” Brian laughs while moving forward in the line.
“Wait, what’s your plan?”
Brian shrugs. “I don’t exactly have one. I’ll figure it out.”
“Right.. Then err, don’t fuck it up!”
“I’ll try! See you, Mikey!” Brian hangs up, switches off his phone and takes a deep breath before walking down the terminal determinedly.
□□□
A/N: As you probably figured, with "Something I should've done a long time ago." Brian is referring to previous L.A. visiting plans. I was so disappointed when he didn't go there in Ep.501 after all and for some reason it bugs me to this day. So I decided on picking this piece of plot up, in order to find a way to make Brian go to L.A., his motivation being Justin. Additionally, I find it even more meaningful now because of the L.A. back story.
Please review people, I need the rush! =)
-> 6.01/part 3