Makes Me Wonder
Oct. 10th, 2007 08:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
oh_ameliaTitle: Are You Ready For The Fallout?
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
hsbfc
Chapter: 24/30
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 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 | Chapter 23
“Whatever is going on between you and Michael needs to stop,” Deb said as she poured Brian his coffee. “He’s so upset that you won’t talk to him.”
“You mean no one’s told you why we’re not speaking?” Brian raised his eyebrow questioningly.
It’d been two weeks since Michael was confronted about talking to Ethan. Brian had gone over to his friend’s apartment later that night to talk. When he left, he was even more convinced that David and Justin were telling the truth. Michael never gave him a straight answer. All he would say was, ‘how can you ask me that?’ or ‘do you really think I’d lie to you?’ or, and this was Brian’s favorite, ‘I’m not even going to dignify that with a response’.
Lindsay had left several messages on his machine. Angry messages. But, he still made sure to go over as much as he could to spend time with his son. Each time he was there Lindsay either tried to convince him to talk to Michael, or she ignored him completely.
“I asked, but he wouldn’t tell me,” Deb said, obviously annoyed with being kept out of the loop. “Are you going to?”
“It’s not my place to tell you,” Brian said, sipping from his coffee.
“Fine, be that way,” Deb held her hands up in defeat. “But I expect both you and Justin at the family dinner tomorrow. It’s not the same without you there.”
“I’ll ask Justin.”
“You do that,” Deb said, pointing a finger at Brian. She went to the kitchen to put in his order. When she made her way back out into the diner she was surprised to see Justin sitting across from Brian, stealing a drink from his coffee. Brian raised an eyebrow at the blond and signaled for another cup. She grabbed the pot and a clean cup and made her way back to the table.
“There,” Brian said. “Now you can stop drinking all of mine.”
“I was gonna get my own cup anyway,” Justin said. “I actually like a little more coffee with my sugar.”
“Twat,” Brian teased.
“So, Justin, can I get you anything to eat?” Deb asked as she pulled out her pad.
“Actually,” Justin said, looking at the clock on the wall. “I should be getting to work. The boss hates it when we’re late.” He drank down the rest of his coffee and before he could take any money from his wallet Brian stopped him.
“I got it,” Brian said.
“Thanks.” Justin smiled. “Later, Deb. See you at work, boss.” He made his way out the door, nearly bumping into the people coming inside.
“He’s working for you now?” Debbie asked .
“Only over winter break. And then once the new semester starts he’s going to be interning.”
“That’s nice of you to help him out like that.”
“The kid is talented,” Brian said.
“No doubt,” Deb said as she went to check on Brian’s order.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Brian opened the door at Deb’s house and followed Justin into the kitchen. He was more surprised than he should have been when the only two available seats were next to Michael at one end, and Ted at the other. Ted and Emmett mouth silent apologies to the two men as they took their seats.
“Great, we’re all here.” Deb took the top off of the manicotti and started scooping some out. “You both know Ben, right?” She glanced between Brian and Justin.
“Yes, we’ve met,” Brian said as he poured a generous amount of wine into his glass.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduced,” Ben said to Justin. “I’ve heard tons about you though.”
“Same here.” Justin nodded.
“Ma what the hell is Justin doing here?” Michael whined. “I told you this night was important to me. This is Bens first family dinner.”
Ben rubbed Michael on the back in a reassuring manner. “Its okay, Michael. Calm down,” he said quietly. “We can deal with it together.”
“So, Ben, how do you like teaching?” Debbie asked. “Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?”
“Pretty much,” Ben answered. “I love that I’m able to pass my knowledge onto others, to help them understand something they might not have before.”
“I loved when I taught art,” Lindsay said. “So many emotions and connections can be forged through it.”
“Speaking of art,” Ben said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I think I saw some of your art work the other day, Justin.”
“Huh?” Justin asked, confused. “Where at?”
“I was talking with a colleague the other day,” Ben answered, ignoring the glare Michael was shooting him. “And I noticed a painting he had framed behind his desk. When I asked him where he got it from, he told me it was from a student art show at PIFA last year.”
“Oh, yeah.” Justin nodded, figuring out what Ben was talking about. “I remember that now. Mr. Jansen was my only sale that day.”
“It was so full of power and emotion,” Ben commented. “I was really blown away by it.”
“Thanks.” Justin smiled.
“If you liked that, you should see some of his stuff now,” Ted added. “He started this new thing, where he incorporates—”
“Enough,” Michael exclaimed. “This night is not about Justin and the little drawings that he does. This night is about me and Ben.”
“Michael,” Debbie scolded.
“What?” Michael threw his hands in the air. “This night is supposed to be about my boyfriend having dinner with me and my family. I shouldn’t have to sit here and listen to a conversation about something I clearly have no interest in. Why is he even here?”
Justin wiped stray crumbs off his mouth and set his napkin on the table. He took a deep breath and turned to face Michael. “I’m here because I was invited,” he said. “But if you really don’t want me here, I’ll leave.”
“Good,” Michael said. When he told his mom that he really wanted Brian at this dinner, he had no idea that he would bring Justin. Before when Brian talked to him he felt ambushed. He didn’t know what to say; but now, he was prepared for any questions that Brian would ask.
“No,” Brian said. “You shouldn’t have to leave.”
Justin looked at him and then at Ted and Emmett who nodded in agreement. “Fine, I won’t leave.”
“I can’t believe you guys!” Michael cried. “You’re supposed to be my friends. My friends.”
“We are your friend, sweetie,” Emmett said. “But Justin is our friend, too.”
“After the lies he’s told about me?” Michael frowned. “I can’t…I just…”
“I’m sorry, Ben. You shouldn’t have to listen to this,” Deb said, patting his hand.
“That’s alright, Debbie. Michael explained everything to me.”
“I’m sure he did,” Justin snorted. He drained his wine glass and set it on the table.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Michael glared at Justin with a scowl on his face.
“You told him everything everything?” Justin asked, pouring more wine in his glass. “Or your version of everything?”
“I told him the truth,” Michael growled.
“Now was it the truth truth? Or your version—”
“That’s enough,” Deb said, pointing her finger at Justin and Michael. “Now someone better tell me what the fuck is going on here.”
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of silence, Michael finally spoke up. “Justin is accusing me of talking to this guy that’s been following him around. Which is crazy. There’s no reason why I would be. He’s just trying to turn Brian against me.”
“That is such bullshit!” Justin exclaimed. “I couldn’t care less if Brian was friends with you or not. I don’t try to dictate who he does or doesn’t have in his life.”
“And you’re saying I do?”
“If the shoe fits.”
“Justin, what makes you think that Michael was talking to this other guy?” Ben asked.
“A friend of mine told me he saw Michael with him,” Justin answered.
“A ‘friend’ who happens to be a guy I went on two dates with,” Michael added.
“Michael is under the impression that David still wants him and is mad with jealously because they aren’t together.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Michael shot at Justin.
“What could David possibly have to gain by telling me that? Nothing. He doesn’t even know that I know Ethan.”
“I don’t know!” Michael exclaimed. “But I do know that I have no desire to hang around teenagers. The last time I did, I was one.”
A memory flashed in Ben’s mind and he sat up a bit straighter. He held the wine glass in his hand, but made no indication that he was going to move it. “What does the guy look like?”
“Why does that matter?” Michael asked.
“Just curious,” Ben answered, straining to smile.
“He’s about my height, greasy looking dark hair,” Justin said, describing Ethan. “He has a patch of hair under his lip and he is always carrying his—”
“Violin case,” Ben finished.
“Yeah.” Justin nodded. “How’d you know that?”
“I’ve seen him before,” Ben answered.
“You have?” Michael asked with a mouth full of garlic bread. He washed it down with his wine and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Yes, I have.” Ben turned to face Michael. “He was with you.”
Everyone at the table leaned forward in rapt attention.
“What do you mean you saw him with me?” Michael asked, hoping that his voice wouldn’t betray him.
“It was at a coffee shop about a week or so before Thanksgiving.”
“Michael, is this true?” Lindsay asked.
“Yes, it’s true,” he answered when everyone’s gaze became too intense for him. “I admit it.”
“But why?”Ted asked.
“Because he wanted Justin, and I wanted Justin out of our lives,” Michael answered.
“What for?” Emmett asked. “Justin’s never done anything to you.”
“He’s taken my best friend away from me,” Michael said. “He’s turned him into someone I can hardly recognize.”
“So let me get this straight,” Ben said as he cleared his throat. “You’re upset because Brian is growing up and acting like an adult?”
“Hey!” Brian exclaimed in mock resentment.
“Or are you upset that he’s not doing it with you?”
“No.” Michael shook his head unconvincingly.
“Then what is it?” Ben asked.
“I don’t know,” Michael sighed. “I don’t know.”
“I think I should leave.” Ben set his napkin on the table and pushed his chair back.
“No, Ben, please don’t go,” Michael pleaded, grabbing Ben’s arm.
“I have to, Michael.”
“Well, then I’ll come with you.”
Ben shook his head. “No, can’t do that either.”
“Why not?” Michael asked, his stomach twisting in knots.
“I don’t think we should see each other anymore. I’m sorry.” Ben shook his head. “I just can’t be with someone I can’t trust to be honest with me.”
“Ben,” Michael pleaded. “Please don’t do this.”
“I’m sorry, I really am,” Ben said sincerely. “Thanks for dinner, Deb. It was delicious. Good-bye, everyone.”
Michael watched Ben until he closed the door behind him. He turned back to his friends and waited for them to reassure him not to worry, Ben would be back.
The reassurances never came.
Chapter 23 | Chapter 25
Author:
hsbfcChapter: 24/30
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 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 | Chapter 23
“Whatever is going on between you and Michael needs to stop,” Deb said as she poured Brian his coffee. “He’s so upset that you won’t talk to him.”
“You mean no one’s told you why we’re not speaking?” Brian raised his eyebrow questioningly.
It’d been two weeks since Michael was confronted about talking to Ethan. Brian had gone over to his friend’s apartment later that night to talk. When he left, he was even more convinced that David and Justin were telling the truth. Michael never gave him a straight answer. All he would say was, ‘how can you ask me that?’ or ‘do you really think I’d lie to you?’ or, and this was Brian’s favorite, ‘I’m not even going to dignify that with a response’.
Lindsay had left several messages on his machine. Angry messages. But, he still made sure to go over as much as he could to spend time with his son. Each time he was there Lindsay either tried to convince him to talk to Michael, or she ignored him completely.
“I asked, but he wouldn’t tell me,” Deb said, obviously annoyed with being kept out of the loop. “Are you going to?”
“It’s not my place to tell you,” Brian said, sipping from his coffee.
“Fine, be that way,” Deb held her hands up in defeat. “But I expect both you and Justin at the family dinner tomorrow. It’s not the same without you there.”
“I’ll ask Justin.”
“You do that,” Deb said, pointing a finger at Brian. She went to the kitchen to put in his order. When she made her way back out into the diner she was surprised to see Justin sitting across from Brian, stealing a drink from his coffee. Brian raised an eyebrow at the blond and signaled for another cup. She grabbed the pot and a clean cup and made her way back to the table.
“There,” Brian said. “Now you can stop drinking all of mine.”
“I was gonna get my own cup anyway,” Justin said. “I actually like a little more coffee with my sugar.”
“Twat,” Brian teased.
“So, Justin, can I get you anything to eat?” Deb asked as she pulled out her pad.
“Actually,” Justin said, looking at the clock on the wall. “I should be getting to work. The boss hates it when we’re late.” He drank down the rest of his coffee and before he could take any money from his wallet Brian stopped him.
“I got it,” Brian said.
“Thanks.” Justin smiled. “Later, Deb. See you at work, boss.” He made his way out the door, nearly bumping into the people coming inside.
“He’s working for you now?” Debbie asked .
“Only over winter break. And then once the new semester starts he’s going to be interning.”
“That’s nice of you to help him out like that.”
“The kid is talented,” Brian said.
“No doubt,” Deb said as she went to check on Brian’s order.
Brian opened the door at Deb’s house and followed Justin into the kitchen. He was more surprised than he should have been when the only two available seats were next to Michael at one end, and Ted at the other. Ted and Emmett mouth silent apologies to the two men as they took their seats.
“Great, we’re all here.” Deb took the top off of the manicotti and started scooping some out. “You both know Ben, right?” She glanced between Brian and Justin.
“Yes, we’ve met,” Brian said as he poured a generous amount of wine into his glass.
“I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduced,” Ben said to Justin. “I’ve heard tons about you though.”
“Same here.” Justin nodded.
“Ma what the hell is Justin doing here?” Michael whined. “I told you this night was important to me. This is Bens first family dinner.”
Ben rubbed Michael on the back in a reassuring manner. “Its okay, Michael. Calm down,” he said quietly. “We can deal with it together.”
“So, Ben, how do you like teaching?” Debbie asked. “Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?”
“Pretty much,” Ben answered. “I love that I’m able to pass my knowledge onto others, to help them understand something they might not have before.”
“I loved when I taught art,” Lindsay said. “So many emotions and connections can be forged through it.”
“Speaking of art,” Ben said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I think I saw some of your art work the other day, Justin.”
“Huh?” Justin asked, confused. “Where at?”
“I was talking with a colleague the other day,” Ben answered, ignoring the glare Michael was shooting him. “And I noticed a painting he had framed behind his desk. When I asked him where he got it from, he told me it was from a student art show at PIFA last year.”
“Oh, yeah.” Justin nodded, figuring out what Ben was talking about. “I remember that now. Mr. Jansen was my only sale that day.”
“It was so full of power and emotion,” Ben commented. “I was really blown away by it.”
“Thanks.” Justin smiled.
“If you liked that, you should see some of his stuff now,” Ted added. “He started this new thing, where he incorporates—”
“Enough,” Michael exclaimed. “This night is not about Justin and the little drawings that he does. This night is about me and Ben.”
“Michael,” Debbie scolded.
“What?” Michael threw his hands in the air. “This night is supposed to be about my boyfriend having dinner with me and my family. I shouldn’t have to sit here and listen to a conversation about something I clearly have no interest in. Why is he even here?”
Justin wiped stray crumbs off his mouth and set his napkin on the table. He took a deep breath and turned to face Michael. “I’m here because I was invited,” he said. “But if you really don’t want me here, I’ll leave.”
“Good,” Michael said. When he told his mom that he really wanted Brian at this dinner, he had no idea that he would bring Justin. Before when Brian talked to him he felt ambushed. He didn’t know what to say; but now, he was prepared for any questions that Brian would ask.
“No,” Brian said. “You shouldn’t have to leave.”
Justin looked at him and then at Ted and Emmett who nodded in agreement. “Fine, I won’t leave.”
“I can’t believe you guys!” Michael cried. “You’re supposed to be my friends. My friends.”
“We are your friend, sweetie,” Emmett said. “But Justin is our friend, too.”
“After the lies he’s told about me?” Michael frowned. “I can’t…I just…”
“I’m sorry, Ben. You shouldn’t have to listen to this,” Deb said, patting his hand.
“That’s alright, Debbie. Michael explained everything to me.”
“I’m sure he did,” Justin snorted. He drained his wine glass and set it on the table.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Michael glared at Justin with a scowl on his face.
“You told him everything everything?” Justin asked, pouring more wine in his glass. “Or your version of everything?”
“I told him the truth,” Michael growled.
“Now was it the truth truth? Or your version—”
“That’s enough,” Deb said, pointing her finger at Justin and Michael. “Now someone better tell me what the fuck is going on here.”
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of silence, Michael finally spoke up. “Justin is accusing me of talking to this guy that’s been following him around. Which is crazy. There’s no reason why I would be. He’s just trying to turn Brian against me.”
“That is such bullshit!” Justin exclaimed. “I couldn’t care less if Brian was friends with you or not. I don’t try to dictate who he does or doesn’t have in his life.”
“And you’re saying I do?”
“If the shoe fits.”
“Justin, what makes you think that Michael was talking to this other guy?” Ben asked.
“A friend of mine told me he saw Michael with him,” Justin answered.
“A ‘friend’ who happens to be a guy I went on two dates with,” Michael added.
“Michael is under the impression that David still wants him and is mad with jealously because they aren’t together.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Michael shot at Justin.
“What could David possibly have to gain by telling me that? Nothing. He doesn’t even know that I know Ethan.”
“I don’t know!” Michael exclaimed. “But I do know that I have no desire to hang around teenagers. The last time I did, I was one.”
A memory flashed in Ben’s mind and he sat up a bit straighter. He held the wine glass in his hand, but made no indication that he was going to move it. “What does the guy look like?”
“Why does that matter?” Michael asked.
“Just curious,” Ben answered, straining to smile.
“He’s about my height, greasy looking dark hair,” Justin said, describing Ethan. “He has a patch of hair under his lip and he is always carrying his—”
“Violin case,” Ben finished.
“Yeah.” Justin nodded. “How’d you know that?”
“I’ve seen him before,” Ben answered.
“You have?” Michael asked with a mouth full of garlic bread. He washed it down with his wine and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Yes, I have.” Ben turned to face Michael. “He was with you.”
Everyone at the table leaned forward in rapt attention.
“What do you mean you saw him with me?” Michael asked, hoping that his voice wouldn’t betray him.
“It was at a coffee shop about a week or so before Thanksgiving.”
“Michael, is this true?” Lindsay asked.
“Yes, it’s true,” he answered when everyone’s gaze became too intense for him. “I admit it.”
“But why?”Ted asked.
“Because he wanted Justin, and I wanted Justin out of our lives,” Michael answered.
“What for?” Emmett asked. “Justin’s never done anything to you.”
“He’s taken my best friend away from me,” Michael said. “He’s turned him into someone I can hardly recognize.”
“So let me get this straight,” Ben said as he cleared his throat. “You’re upset because Brian is growing up and acting like an adult?”
“Hey!” Brian exclaimed in mock resentment.
“Or are you upset that he’s not doing it with you?”
“No.” Michael shook his head unconvincingly.
“Then what is it?” Ben asked.
“I don’t know,” Michael sighed. “I don’t know.”
“I think I should leave.” Ben set his napkin on the table and pushed his chair back.
“No, Ben, please don’t go,” Michael pleaded, grabbing Ben’s arm.
“I have to, Michael.”
“Well, then I’ll come with you.”
Ben shook his head. “No, can’t do that either.”
“Why not?” Michael asked, his stomach twisting in knots.
“I don’t think we should see each other anymore. I’m sorry.” Ben shook his head. “I just can’t be with someone I can’t trust to be honest with me.”
“Ben,” Michael pleaded. “Please don’t do this.”
“I’m sorry, I really am,” Ben said sincerely. “Thanks for dinner, Deb. It was delicious. Good-bye, everyone.”
Michael watched Ben until he closed the door behind him. He turned back to his friends and waited for them to reassure him not to worry, Ben would be back.
The reassurances never came.
