Makes Me Wonder
Aug. 25th, 2007 11:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
oh_ameliaTitle: Tell Me More
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
hsbfc
Chapter: 12/?
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: language, sex
Summary: Totally AU. Justin asks Brian for his help after Ethan won’t leave him alone. How far will Brian go to help the blond? And how far will Ethan go to make sure Justin is his?
Disclaimer: QUEER AS FOLK is property of COWLIP and SHOWTIME. I own nothing.
Author’s Notes: The title was inspired by Maroon 5’s song MAKES ME WONDER, but has nothing else to do with the song. And I want to say thanks to my wonderful betaelyxer. You rock! Without your encouragement I would not be writing. THANKS and I love ya!
PREVIOUS CHAPTERS: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11
Justin got off the bus, and ran the distance to Kinnetik. He paused to catch his breath, and then pushed open the door to the offices. It looked nothing like he’d thought it would. When Brian had told him that he’d turned an old bathhouse into Kinnetik, he was a little more than surprised. However, once he’d gotten to know more about Brian, he’d realized that it was the perfect place for him. He couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else.
“Can I help you?” A slim blonde woman in a perfectly tailored skirt and jacket came up to him and smiled.
“Is Brian available?” Justin asked.
“He’s in a meeting right now,” she said, still smiling. “Would you like to wait?”
“Yes, please,” Justin said as he sat down on the leather couch.
“Can I get your name?” She asked as she reached behind the desk for a pen and pad.
“Justin,” he answered.
“You have a last name, Justin?” Cynthia winked.
“Taylor,” mumbled Justin as his cheeks turned a little pink. He really was rattled if he couldn’t remember how to give his name.
“Okay, Justin Taylor. I’ll make sure to tell him you’re out here when he’s finished,” she said before making her way toward the back.
“Thanks,” he called out, taking off his messenger bag and leaning back against the cushions on the couch, hoping that Ethan hadn’t trailed him here. He could feel the receptionist staring at him as she robotically answered the phone and typed on the computer.
He glanced at the clock on the wall, and noticed that it was barely past 10:00. It was going to be a long day, he thought, as he closed his eyes. He was jolted awake when he felt the couch dip next to him. It was the blonde woman from before.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” she said as she put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“You didn’t,” he said, shaking his head. “I was just surprised. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“I’m not sure how much longer Brian will be,” she said. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come back?”
“I’m sure.” Justin nodded. “I’d rather just wait. If that’s okay, I mean.”
“It’s fine,” she answered. “So, how do you know Brian?”
“Uh…he—”
“Cynthia,” Brian’s voice came from the hallway. “How nice of you to keep Justin entertained.”
“Brian,” Cynthia said, standing up and straightening her skirt. “Good. You’re out of your meeting.”
“Looks that way” Brian said. “C’mon back, Justin.”
Cynthia watched as Brian placed a hand on the small of Justin’s back and led him to his office. She was just about the leave to go to her own office, when Brian suddenly reappeared by her side. “Shit, Brian,” she gasped.
“I want to make sure that everyone here knows that when Justin calls or comes in, to always put him through,” he told Cynthia and the receptionist.
“Boyfriend, boss?” Cynthia asked once they were out of earshot.
“Please,” Brian said with scoff. He straightened his tie and dusted imaginary lint off of his suit jacket.
“Well, with what little I have to go on…”
“This stays between us?” Brian asked as he ushered them into Cynthia’s office.
“Of course.”
“There’s this guy who is harassing him. He bumped into me at the diner and asked me for help.”
“How long have you known him?”
“A couple weeks or so,” Brian answered with a shrug. “Give or take.”
“Wow,” Cynthia breathed. She nodded, a sly smile on her face.
“The guy, Ethan, showed up outside the loft. He had been waiting there all night for Justin to come out.”
“So you let him spend the night? Interesting.”
“Cynthia,” Brian said in a warning tone.
“Okay, okay,” she said, putting her hands up in surrender.
He finished telling her as much as he could without revealing too much about what was happening. Basically, he told her that if a greasy chin rat carrying a violin showed up, to make sure to kick him out of the building.
He made his way to his office, and found Justin sitting on the couch, his head leaned back.
“So, what brought on this surprise visit?”Brian asked as he sat down next to Justin.
“I just needed to get someplace where Ethan couldn’t follow me,” Justin answered. “And the loft was too far away. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not.” Brian shook his head. “I told Cynthia that until she hears different, to just let you come on back.”
“Thanks,” Justin said as he leaned forward. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It’s nothing,” Brian said. “So, do you have any more classes today?”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to go back to campus today,” Justin answered. “I can always get notes from a friend.”
“Wanna take a look at the art department?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” Justin perked up. “If you’re not busy, that is.”
“Not at the moment,” Brian answered.
He led Justin down the hall and opened the door to the art department. The room became quiet all of a sudden. Probably because (most the time,) the only time the boss came down was to berate someone for their incompetent work.
“You can all relax,” he said with a smirk. “I’m just here to show Justin around.”
The atmosphere in the room steadily returned to normal.
“Interesting.” Justin crooked an eyebrow at Brian questioningly.
“Carson.” Brian waved over a man with color smudges covering his fingers. “This is Justin Taylor. He’s a student at PIFA.”
“Nice to meet you, Justin. I would shake your hand but…” he said, holding his hands up.
“That’s fine. I’m the same way,” Justin chuckled. “Almost everything I used to own was marked by my art.”
“Signs of a true artist, I say. So are you looking for an internship?” Carson asked as he led Justin further into the room.
“I am. I’m just not sure where I want to apply,” Justin answered. “I was thinking about Vanguard, but—”
“But, he realized that his time would be much better spent here,” Brian finished for him.
“Very true, “Carson agreed. “Kinnetik is the best.”
A tall brunette with a board came up to Carson and pulled his attention away.
“Your company is amazing,” Justin said once they were back in Brian’s office. “It’d be incredible to work in a place like this one day.”
“So I take it you’re feeling better?” Brian asked, noting the change in Justin’s demeanor.
“Yeah,” Justin agreed. “A lot better.”
“Do you wanna help me break in my new office shower?” Brian asked with a mischievous grin.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Oh, My God,” Cynthia grumbled as she heard the noises coming from Brian’s office. She grabbed her purse from under her desk and decided to take an early lunch. She was digging through her purse for her keys when she bumped into someone. “Michael,” she said once she looked up.
“Hey, Cynthia. Is Brian in?” Michael asked.
“He is,” she answered slowly. “But he’s not available right now.”
“Is he with a client?” Michael asked. “I can just wait in his office for him,” he said as he tried to sidestep Cynthia.
“Actually, Michael,” she said, grabbing his arms. “He’s using his office.”
“Do you know how long he’ll be?”
“Nope.” Cynthia shook her head.
“Can you buzz him and let him know I’m here?” Michael was getting agitated, but he wasn’t going to leave without getting a straight answer.
“I don’t think he wants to be disturbed,” Cynthia said, becoming quite agitated herself.
“C’mon, Cynthia, cut the bullshit,” Michael said.
“Excuse me.” Cynthia raised her perfectly shaped brow, and placed her hand on her hip. “What did you just say?”
“I…uh…” Michael stammered. “I’m sorry, Cynthia. I’m just so concerned about Brian lately. He hasn’t been acting like himself. I don’t know what to do.”
Cynthia smiled wickedly. “It’s fine, Michael. I’m actually a little worried, too. I’m not so sure he’s going to be able to keep up with Justin.”
“How the hell do you know Justin?” Michael gasped.
“He came in today. In fact, he’s in there with Brian now.”
“Justin’s here?” Michael tried to remain calm. “In Brian’s office?”
“Yeah.” Cynthia smiled. “That’s one reason I’m cutting out early for lunch. He really should invest in soundproofing.”
“Brian is…with Justin…I,” Michael stammered. “I’m gonna go now.” He turned on his heels and made his way out the door. He kept walking, not really paying attention to where he was going. When he ended up at Ethan’s, he wasn’t as surprised as he thought he would be.
He made his way up the dark, dingy hallway and as he got closer to Ethan’s apartment, the louder the racket got.
“What is that?” Michael scrunched up his face. He knocked on the door, and the noise stopped.
“What are you doing here?” Ethan asked, clearly annoyed. “I’m busy.”
“What are you doing to your cat?” Michael asked as the gray scrawny cat rubbed up against his legs. “It sounded horrible.”
“Huh? What the fuck are you talking about?”
“That noise,” Michael said as he pushed his way into the apartment. “It sounded like you’re torturing a cat.”
“I’d never hurt Wolfram,” Ethan exclaimed as he set down his violin and picked up his cat, scratching it under the chin. “Damn it,” he said when the cat clawed at him as it tried to escape.
“Then what the fuck were you doing?”
“I’m breaking in my violin,” Ethan sneered as he picked the instrument back up. “I have a recital this Saturday, and Mischa got stolen. I had to buy a new one.”
“Mischa?” Michael laughed.
“My violin,” Ethan said through clenched teeth.
“Pretty expensive, aren’t they?” Michael asked as he peered around the apartment. “How’d you ever afford that?”
“I make good tips,” “Ethan said tightly, knowing exactly what Michael was thinking. “Some people appreciate good music.”
“I’m sure you do,” Michael said sarcastically.
“You can leave now,” Ethan said as he stalked to the door and opened it widely.
“Wait,” Michael said, stopping in the doorway. “I actually came here for a reason.”
“What?” Ethan asked, his impatience growing.
”You need to lay off for a while,” Michael answered. “Back down some.”
“Why?”
“Because, Justin needs to feel safe. With you constantly bothering him all the time, it’s just gonna drive him further away and closer to Brian.”
“Okay,” Ethan said slowly. He had to admit, some of the things Michael was saying made sense.
“Just back off for a while, “Michael said.
“Fine,” Ethan agreed reluctantly.
“And once Justin least expects it,” Michael said with a smile. “You can make your move.”
Chapter 11 | Chapter 13
Author:
hsbfcChapter: 12/?
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: language, sex
Summary: Totally AU. Justin asks Brian for his help after Ethan won’t leave him alone. How far will Brian go to help the blond? And how far will Ethan go to make sure Justin is his?
Disclaimer: QUEER AS FOLK is property of COWLIP and SHOWTIME. I own nothing.
Author’s Notes: The title was inspired by Maroon 5’s song MAKES ME WONDER, but has nothing else to do with the song. And I want to say thanks to my wonderful beta
elyxer. You rock! Without your encouragement I would not be writing. THANKS and I love ya! PREVIOUS CHAPTERS: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11
Justin got off the bus, and ran the distance to Kinnetik. He paused to catch his breath, and then pushed open the door to the offices. It looked nothing like he’d thought it would. When Brian had told him that he’d turned an old bathhouse into Kinnetik, he was a little more than surprised. However, once he’d gotten to know more about Brian, he’d realized that it was the perfect place for him. He couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else.
“Can I help you?” A slim blonde woman in a perfectly tailored skirt and jacket came up to him and smiled.
“Is Brian available?” Justin asked.
“He’s in a meeting right now,” she said, still smiling. “Would you like to wait?”
“Yes, please,” Justin said as he sat down on the leather couch.
“Can I get your name?” She asked as she reached behind the desk for a pen and pad.
“Justin,” he answered.
“You have a last name, Justin?” Cynthia winked.
“Taylor,” mumbled Justin as his cheeks turned a little pink. He really was rattled if he couldn’t remember how to give his name.
“Okay, Justin Taylor. I’ll make sure to tell him you’re out here when he’s finished,” she said before making her way toward the back.
“Thanks,” he called out, taking off his messenger bag and leaning back against the cushions on the couch, hoping that Ethan hadn’t trailed him here. He could feel the receptionist staring at him as she robotically answered the phone and typed on the computer.
He glanced at the clock on the wall, and noticed that it was barely past 10:00. It was going to be a long day, he thought, as he closed his eyes. He was jolted awake when he felt the couch dip next to him. It was the blonde woman from before.
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” she said as she put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“You didn’t,” he said, shaking his head. “I was just surprised. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“I’m not sure how much longer Brian will be,” she said. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come back?”
“I’m sure.” Justin nodded. “I’d rather just wait. If that’s okay, I mean.”
“It’s fine,” she answered. “So, how do you know Brian?”
“Uh…he—”
“Cynthia,” Brian’s voice came from the hallway. “How nice of you to keep Justin entertained.”
“Brian,” Cynthia said, standing up and straightening her skirt. “Good. You’re out of your meeting.”
“Looks that way” Brian said. “C’mon back, Justin.”
Cynthia watched as Brian placed a hand on the small of Justin’s back and led him to his office. She was just about the leave to go to her own office, when Brian suddenly reappeared by her side. “Shit, Brian,” she gasped.
“I want to make sure that everyone here knows that when Justin calls or comes in, to always put him through,” he told Cynthia and the receptionist.
“Boyfriend, boss?” Cynthia asked once they were out of earshot.
“Please,” Brian said with scoff. He straightened his tie and dusted imaginary lint off of his suit jacket.
“Well, with what little I have to go on…”
“This stays between us?” Brian asked as he ushered them into Cynthia’s office.
“Of course.”
“There’s this guy who is harassing him. He bumped into me at the diner and asked me for help.”
“How long have you known him?”
“A couple weeks or so,” Brian answered with a shrug. “Give or take.”
“Wow,” Cynthia breathed. She nodded, a sly smile on her face.
“The guy, Ethan, showed up outside the loft. He had been waiting there all night for Justin to come out.”
“So you let him spend the night? Interesting.”
“Cynthia,” Brian said in a warning tone.
“Okay, okay,” she said, putting her hands up in surrender.
He finished telling her as much as he could without revealing too much about what was happening. Basically, he told her that if a greasy chin rat carrying a violin showed up, to make sure to kick him out of the building.
He made his way to his office, and found Justin sitting on the couch, his head leaned back.
“So, what brought on this surprise visit?”Brian asked as he sat down next to Justin.
“I just needed to get someplace where Ethan couldn’t follow me,” Justin answered. “And the loft was too far away. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not.” Brian shook his head. “I told Cynthia that until she hears different, to just let you come on back.”
“Thanks,” Justin said as he leaned forward. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“It’s nothing,” Brian said. “So, do you have any more classes today?”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to go back to campus today,” Justin answered. “I can always get notes from a friend.”
“Wanna take a look at the art department?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.” Justin perked up. “If you’re not busy, that is.”
“Not at the moment,” Brian answered.
He led Justin down the hall and opened the door to the art department. The room became quiet all of a sudden. Probably because (most the time,) the only time the boss came down was to berate someone for their incompetent work.
“You can all relax,” he said with a smirk. “I’m just here to show Justin around.”
The atmosphere in the room steadily returned to normal.
“Interesting.” Justin crooked an eyebrow at Brian questioningly.
“Carson.” Brian waved over a man with color smudges covering his fingers. “This is Justin Taylor. He’s a student at PIFA.”
“Nice to meet you, Justin. I would shake your hand but…” he said, holding his hands up.
“That’s fine. I’m the same way,” Justin chuckled. “Almost everything I used to own was marked by my art.”
“Signs of a true artist, I say. So are you looking for an internship?” Carson asked as he led Justin further into the room.
“I am. I’m just not sure where I want to apply,” Justin answered. “I was thinking about Vanguard, but—”
“But, he realized that his time would be much better spent here,” Brian finished for him.
“Very true, “Carson agreed. “Kinnetik is the best.”
A tall brunette with a board came up to Carson and pulled his attention away.
“Your company is amazing,” Justin said once they were back in Brian’s office. “It’d be incredible to work in a place like this one day.”
“So I take it you’re feeling better?” Brian asked, noting the change in Justin’s demeanor.
“Yeah,” Justin agreed. “A lot better.”
“Do you wanna help me break in my new office shower?” Brian asked with a mischievous grin.
“Oh, My God,” Cynthia grumbled as she heard the noises coming from Brian’s office. She grabbed her purse from under her desk and decided to take an early lunch. She was digging through her purse for her keys when she bumped into someone. “Michael,” she said once she looked up.
“Hey, Cynthia. Is Brian in?” Michael asked.
“He is,” she answered slowly. “But he’s not available right now.”
“Is he with a client?” Michael asked. “I can just wait in his office for him,” he said as he tried to sidestep Cynthia.
“Actually, Michael,” she said, grabbing his arms. “He’s using his office.”
“Do you know how long he’ll be?”
“Nope.” Cynthia shook her head.
“Can you buzz him and let him know I’m here?” Michael was getting agitated, but he wasn’t going to leave without getting a straight answer.
“I don’t think he wants to be disturbed,” Cynthia said, becoming quite agitated herself.
“C’mon, Cynthia, cut the bullshit,” Michael said.
“Excuse me.” Cynthia raised her perfectly shaped brow, and placed her hand on her hip. “What did you just say?”
“I…uh…” Michael stammered. “I’m sorry, Cynthia. I’m just so concerned about Brian lately. He hasn’t been acting like himself. I don’t know what to do.”
Cynthia smiled wickedly. “It’s fine, Michael. I’m actually a little worried, too. I’m not so sure he’s going to be able to keep up with Justin.”
“How the hell do you know Justin?” Michael gasped.
“He came in today. In fact, he’s in there with Brian now.”
“Justin’s here?” Michael tried to remain calm. “In Brian’s office?”
“Yeah.” Cynthia smiled. “That’s one reason I’m cutting out early for lunch. He really should invest in soundproofing.”
“Brian is…with Justin…I,” Michael stammered. “I’m gonna go now.” He turned on his heels and made his way out the door. He kept walking, not really paying attention to where he was going. When he ended up at Ethan’s, he wasn’t as surprised as he thought he would be.
He made his way up the dark, dingy hallway and as he got closer to Ethan’s apartment, the louder the racket got.
“What is that?” Michael scrunched up his face. He knocked on the door, and the noise stopped.
“What are you doing here?” Ethan asked, clearly annoyed. “I’m busy.”
“What are you doing to your cat?” Michael asked as the gray scrawny cat rubbed up against his legs. “It sounded horrible.”
“Huh? What the fuck are you talking about?”
“That noise,” Michael said as he pushed his way into the apartment. “It sounded like you’re torturing a cat.”
“I’d never hurt Wolfram,” Ethan exclaimed as he set down his violin and picked up his cat, scratching it under the chin. “Damn it,” he said when the cat clawed at him as it tried to escape.
“Then what the fuck were you doing?”
“I’m breaking in my violin,” Ethan sneered as he picked the instrument back up. “I have a recital this Saturday, and Mischa got stolen. I had to buy a new one.”
“Mischa?” Michael laughed.
“My violin,” Ethan said through clenched teeth.
“Pretty expensive, aren’t they?” Michael asked as he peered around the apartment. “How’d you ever afford that?”
“I make good tips,” “Ethan said tightly, knowing exactly what Michael was thinking. “Some people appreciate good music.”
“I’m sure you do,” Michael said sarcastically.
“You can leave now,” Ethan said as he stalked to the door and opened it widely.
“Wait,” Michael said, stopping in the doorway. “I actually came here for a reason.”
“What?” Ethan asked, his impatience growing.
”You need to lay off for a while,” Michael answered. “Back down some.”
“Why?”
“Because, Justin needs to feel safe. With you constantly bothering him all the time, it’s just gonna drive him further away and closer to Brian.”
“Okay,” Ethan said slowly. He had to admit, some of the things Michael was saying made sense.
“Just back off for a while, “Michael said.
“Fine,” Ethan agreed reluctantly.
“And once Justin least expects it,” Michael said with a smile. “You can make your move.”
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 06:02 am (UTC)I'm impressed... Michael is using his brain... just not for the right thing. Idiot!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:07 am (UTC)Thanks so much for commenting. I should be posting a new chapter very soon.
no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 06:18 am (UTC)I wanted to say that this is really interesting. Very rarely will I find a piece that invokes an emotion in me. Right now, I'm pissed off at Michael and Ethan for being such twats.
Never stop writing.
yay a new chappy!!!
Date: 2007-08-26 07:14 am (UTC)Re: yay a new chappy!!!
Date: 2007-09-01 03:09 am (UTC)I should be posting v v soon.
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 07:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:11 am (UTC)A new chapter will be up soon!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 05:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 10:05 am (UTC)And Ethan, lord, what can I say. That is damn sad when your own cat doesn't like you, lol.
Great chapter!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:12 am (UTC)Thanks so much for commenting! A new chapter will be posted soon!
no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 12:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 07:33 pm (UTC)Can't wait for more!
Hugs,
Arlad
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:15 am (UTC)Thanks so much for commenting! I'm gonna be posting again v v soon!
no subject
Date: 2007-08-26 07:38 pm (UTC)And yeah...Michael is an ass. That is all.
Great chapter!
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:17 am (UTC)Yep. Can't wait when they realize it for themselves!
And yeah...Michael is an ass
Truer words have never been spoken.
no subject
Date: 2007-08-27 06:24 am (UTC)Damnit! Michael still hasn't fallen down that elevator shaft yet?
Great read today! Keep it up.
Chelle
no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:18 am (UTC)Thanks so much for commenting!
no subject
Date: 2007-08-28 04:46 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-09-01 03:19 am (UTC)I should be posting again v v soon!
grrrrr
Date: 2007-08-29 02:28 am (UTC)Re: grrrrr
Date: 2007-09-01 03:20 am (UTC)WHY IS MICHAEL HELPING ETHAN!!???
He's an idiot?
no subject
Date: 2008-10-05 06:49 pm (UTC)“That noise,” Michael said as he pushed his way into the apartment. “It sounded like you’re torturing a cat.”
“I’d never hurt Wolfram,” Ethan exclaimed as he set down his violin and picked up his cat, scratching it under the chin. “Damn it,” he said when the cat clawed at him as it tried to escape.
bahahahahaha.
good wolfram!
i want to kill michael. think CowLip would be angry with me?
no subject
Date: 2009-04-19 10:17 pm (UTC)Ian did it!
WHO THE HELL DID IT?!
loves Cynthia - soundproofing is a good improvement and Ted could probably figure out a way to write it off...