Right Next Door

Chapter 4

 


The sun was going down, the kids had gone home, and Justin was sitting in Brian’s yard like he owned the place, causing Brian to down his fifth shot of Beam. He thought he’d be free of the blond when he brought the children home earlier, but after several minutes of begging and pleading by Debbie, Lindsay, and Emmett, he agreed to return and hang out. Some friends they were. And what was worse, was that as the alcohol started affecting his brain, Brian began to lose some of the animosity he felt for Justin, and started seeing how hot he was. Okay, so he realized how hot he was when they first met, but now that he knew they both openly played for the same team, things were different.

On top of that, he’d spent the better part of the afternoon listening to people sing Justin’s praises, telling stories of the old days. If he had to listen to Debbie tell him how much he was missed one more time, Brian wouldn’t be held responsible for what he did. He growled at the thought and went to pour himself another drink when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

“Maybe it’s none of my business, but don’t you think you should slow down a little bit?”

Brian spun around and came face to face with the blond in question. “You’re right. It is none of your business.”

Justin sighed at the bitterness in Brian’s voice. “Fine, do what you want. I just thought I’d try to save you from a massive hangover tomorrow.”
“Why are you still here?” Brian asked after purposely pouring and downing another shot.

“Why do you hate me so much?” Justin threw back at him.

“You can’t answer a question with a question,” Brian stated, noticing a slight slur in his voice. Maybe he should slow down a bit.

“Fine, I’m here because your friends asked me to come back. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but they can be pretty persuasive when they want to be.”

“Tell me about it,” Brian replied dryly.

“Now it’s your turn. Why do you hate me so much?” Justin prodded.

“I don’t hate you,” Brian mumbled, making it hard to be heard.

“What was that?”

“I said I don’t hate you.” Brian spoke louder. “But we’re not friends. We’re just two people, who happen to live next door to each other. And since one of us happened to take away the great view the other one had, that means that we’ll never be friends.”

“What?” Justin asked in confusion. “Forget what I said before about slowing down. You should stop drinking all together. You’re not making any sense.”

“I’m making perfect sense. I was completely content being here by myself. I had a great house, a great view of the lake, and no one to bother me and prevent me from sitting outside and enjoying myself. I go away for a few months and come back to a rendition of the Cleavers, 2006 edition; complete with two kids, a pregnant Mom, and a fag acting as Dad,” Brian explained harshly.

“That’s what this is about?” Justin asked incredulously. “You’re pissed off because I had my house built on your block? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

“Did I mention the great view I had?”

“You know what? I’ve been sitting here for hours while everyone told me what a great guy you are underneath all your bullshit, thinking that maybe I misjudged you, but I didn’t. You are the most infuriating man I ever met and an asshole to boot. It looks like you’re getting your wish, because I’m out of here.”

Brian stood there speechless as he watched Justin go say goodbye to everyone and storm off, leaving everyone to glare at him with their famous ‘what did you do now’ looks. He didn’t care. He got what he wanted. Justin was gone. Maybe he’d finally learn to keep those kids in their own yard and Brian could go back to his peaceful life.

Justin stormed into the house, ignoring his sister’s look of confusion as he headed straight for his studio, locking the door behind him. He was fuming. The nerve of that man, getting pissed off because Justin had a house built next to his; like he owned the fucking street or something. He’d been having fun up until the moment when he realized that Brian was standing by the bar, drinking himself into a stupor. He foolishly thought it would be a good idea to go over there and try to get him to slow down. He wasn’t sure why he felt the need to watch out for the man, but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. He should’ve known his suggestion would’ve been met with disdain. Brian seemed to dislike everything about him, and all because of where his house was located. Well, fuck him. Justin was perfectly content to ignore his new neighbor for the duration of his life, if that’s what the man wanted. As he paced the room, trying to calm his raging emotions, he faintly recognized the sound of the doorbell, but ignored it until he heard a knock at his door.

“Justin?” Molly called. “Someone by the name of Emmett is here to see you.”

Justin looked at the door in shock. What was Emmett doing there? He walked over and unlocked the door, opening it to find both Emmett and Molly looking at him cautiously.

“Hey Emmett, what’re you doing here?” he asked.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Molly said as she walked away, her curiosity peaking.

“Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting anything. I saw you and Brian exchange words before you made your quick get away and I wanted to make sure you’re alright,” Emmett explained.

“I’m fine,” Justin assured him with a smile. “That man is just so aggravating. I don’t even know why I bother talking to him. I learned my lesson this time, though. As far as I’m concerned, he can stay on his property and I’ll stay on mine. But thanks for coming to check on me. I appreciate it. Especially considering he’s a friend of yours.”

“Yeah, he is. But that doesn’t mean I can excuse his rude behavior. I’m not sure what happened between you two just now, but I’m sure it was his fault. He doesn’t mean it, you know.”

“He doesn’t mean what? To be an asshole? That’s pretty scary, if he can be such an asshole without meaning to be.” Justin saw Emmett wince at his words and immediately felt bad for saying anything. “Sorry about that. He’s your friend and I have no right to say things like that.”

“It’s okay,” Emmett replied. “There’s something that I think you need to know if you’re going to live next to Mr. Kinney. He really isn’t as bad as he seems. He tries to be, and I think it has something to do with his parents and the shitty childhood he had, but anyone who really knows him knows that he’s a good friend and would do anything for those around him. I don’t know his history too well. Only the little bits and pieces I’ve picked up through the years. He’s been friends with Michael since they were fourteen and practically grew up with Debbie, because his own parents were less than perfect. In fact, I didn’t see him shed a single tear when his dad died, and his mother; well, let’s just say that the term ice queen could’ve been invented for her. I think that’s why he’s so harsh and never really lets anyone get close to him. I shouldn’t even be telling you this. He’d have my balls for breakfast if he knew. I just thought that if you knew, it would make it easier for you to understand why he is like he is.”

Justin listened to Emmett’s explanation for Brian’s behavior with mixed emotions. A part of him didn’t care what his reasons were. It didn’t excuse the way he treated people. At his age, he was old enough to know right from wrong. But the other part of him felt bad for the little boy who grew up in what sounded like a cold and scary house. Justin’s childhood was filled with lots of hugs, kisses, and love. His mother was the complete opposite of cold in every way imaginable. They’d obviously never be friends, but maybe with the new found information, he could find a way to at least not hate the man.

“Well, thanks for the information. At least now I know that it’s not me. He just doesn’t like most people in general.”

“Exactly,” Emmett laughed. “So Baby, what do you say about meeting me at Babylon next weekend? Say Friday night? We can have a couple of drinks and shake our tail feathers all night.”

“I don’t know, Em. I hate the thought of leaving Molly here all by herself.”

“Oh, come on. I’m sure she’ll be fine for one night and I think you could use the break. I’ll meet you out front around ten,” Emmett insisted.

Justin smiled at Emmett’s persistence. “Oh, I guess you’re right. I’ll meet you outside Babylon at ten.”

“Yay!” Emmett exclaimed, clapping his hands happily. “I’d better get back, but I’ll see you next week.”

“Okay, and thanks again for coming over.”

“Hey, what are friends for?”

Justin smiled as he watched his ‘friend’ leave, actually looking forward to a night out. After Emmett was gone, Justin sat down with Molly and explained what had happened to put him in such a bad mood, as well as sharing the story that Emmett had told him. By the time he was finished, he really did feel much better.

“If what Emmett said was right, I guess it explains a lot. Besides, he can be all that bad. Look at the way he is with the kids. He obviously has a heart in there somewhere. Those two can be quite a handful for me, and I love them. Brian doesn’t even know them; he obviously has a problem with kids in general, and seems to have a lot of patience with them. That says a lot about his character, don’t you think?” Molly asked, watching her brother closely for his reaction.

Justin thought about that for a moment, before realizing that Molly was right. He was good with the children, despite his constant complaining about them. They’d been to his house almost every day since he returned home from his trip, and never once had a really bad word to say about him. “I guess you’re right. He and I obviously won’t be friends anytime soon, but I’m glad he’s got a soft spot for Jared and Hailey. They really seem to like him. Although I do think we need to try and keep them away from him as much as possible. For his sake, at least.”

“Good luck with that,” Molly laughed. “Now I’m going up to bed. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted.”

“Mol, how’re doing? I mean, other than your inability to get a good night’s sleep, you haven’t really said much.”

“I’m okay. I feel pretty good this time, although that might have something to do with only having one this time around. I have another appointment on Tuesday, but Dr. Collins is happy with everything so far,” she assured him. “Mom’s taking me, but would you mind keeping the kids? I normally take them with me and she watches over them while I’m inside, but I’d really like to get out for a couple of hours without them for once.”

“Of course I’ll keep them. You don’t even have to ask,” Justin replied without hesitation. “I’ll just tie them up and stuff them in a closet if they get on my nerves.”

Molly laughed, knowing that Justin would never consider doing such a thing. “Have I mentioned lately how much I love you and how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for us since Steven died?”

“You mention it every day, and I’ll say it again. I love you and I’m going to be here for you for as long as you need me,” Justin replied as he pulled Molly into a fierce hug. “Now go try and get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, Justin.”

“Good night,” Justin said and then watched as his sister waddled up the stairs. Once she was gone, he turned on the TV and let himself get lost in mindless entertainment, refusing to give Brian Kinney any more thought.

*****

Brian woke up to a massive pounding in his head, so strong that he had to think twice before opening his eyes. He was surprised when he looked at the clock and saw it was almost noon. He’d missed his morning work-out, but knew that even if he’d been up, he wouldn’t have made it down to the basement. He knew better than to drink himself stupid, but the resentment he felt towards Justin, however unreasonable it was, pushed him to over-indulge like he hadn’t done in years.

Ever since buying the club, drinking didn’t hold the fun that it used to, leaving him to stay at home more often, working on his novel. At first everyone gave him a hard time, throwing age jokes around like they were water, but they eventually gave up trying to rile him up and got lives of their own, and things just continued on from there. He still went to Babylon a couple times a week, but it was usually to check on things and write his orders; and after training Ted to fill in for him while he was away, he didn’t even need to do that if he didn’t want to. It was amazing how much his life had changed in the last few years.

After lying still for a few minutes, letting his head and stomach settle, Brian got out of bed and went right into the bathroom. He took a piss and brushed his teeth before jumping into the shower in hopes of reviving himself. It didn’t do the wonders he’d hope for, but he did feel a little better once he got out. Dressing in a pair of shorts and a wife beater, he made himself a piece of whole grain toast, by-passed the coffee for a little ginger ale, and went out to the deck. He just wanted to relax and enjoy his last day off before retuning to Kinnetik full-time. He should’ve known his peace and quiet wouldn’t last long.

“Hey Brian,” Jared called out as he and his sister appeared in front of him, with Mo not too far behind.

“What do you want now?” Brian mumbled more to himself than the kids.

“My mom said we should thank you again for letting us come to your party,” Hailey explained as she took a seat at the table. She obviously planned on staying for awhile. “We had fun.”

“Well, I’m glad I could entertain you,” Brian replied dryly.

“You don’t look good,” Jared blurted out.

“Why thank you for pointing that out for me,” Brian huffed.

“Maybe you should go to the doctor,” Hailey suggested. “When me or Jared doesn’t feel good, Mommy always takes us to the doctor.”

“I’ll be fine as long as I have quiet time to rest,” Brian said, giving what he hoped was a not so subtle hint. Again, he should’ve known better.

“Okay, we’ll be quiet,” Hailey whispered.

“You know, if you went back to your house, you wouldn’t have to be quiet,” Brian mentioned.

“That’s okay, we don’t mind,” Jared assured him.

“Great,” Brian replied sarcastically. He closed his eyes, realizing that he’d started petting the puppy unknowingly. He was becoming soft in his old…older age.

“Brian, you don’t like Uncle Justin, do you?”

He opened his eyes and looked towards Hailey, surprised by her question. “I don’t even know him,” he offered.

“Yeah, but you don’t like him, do you? You kept looking at him funny at the party, like you didn’t want him here? How come? Everyone likes Uncle Justin,” Jared added.

Brian sighed. “It’s not that I don’t like him. I don’t even know him. We have nothing in common. And I wasn’t looking at him funny. I barely noticed he was there.”

“My grandma said that he needs to find a boyfriend so that he can be happy. Maybe you could get to know him and then be his boyfriend,” Hailey suggested.

“Yeah, then you wouldn’t have to look at him funny and you can be our uncle, too!” Jared exclaimed, obviously happy with his sister’s suggestion.

“Unless,” Hailey said, not giving Brian a moment to respond, “You like girls instead of boys, like Daddy did.”

“What do you know about all this?” Brian couldn’t help but ask. He knew he would regret it, but he was curious as to how much a couple of five year olds knew about being gay or straight.

“We know that some boys like girls and some boys like other boys. Grandma said it has to do with a person’s jeans, although I don’t get that. What does a pair of jeans have to do with who someone likes?” Jared asked innocently.

“She meant genes, not jeans. There’s a difference. It means that people are born differently,” Brian explained, wondering how he found himself sitting in his back yard on a Sunday afternoon, with a hangover, explaining the laws of sexuality to two children.

“So, do you like boys or girls?” Hailey asked patiently.

“I like boys,” Brian admitted, slightly amused.

“Then will you be Uncle Justin’s boyfriend? I bet he’d be a real good boyfriend,” Jared said.

Brian was saved by answering when he saw Justin walking across his yard, looking none too pleased.

“Alright you two, that’s it. I told you to leave Brian alone today. Is it that hard to do what you’re told for once?”

“But Uncle Justin, Brian likes when we come and visit, don’t you?” Hailey replied. “Besides, he’s going to be our uncle, too. Right Brian?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Justin laughed. “Brian can’t be your uncle. He’s not even related to you.”

“Yes he can. He’s going to be your boyfriend and that makes him our uncle. Just like Billy. His Aunt Sharon has a boyfriend and Billy calls him uncle,” Jared explained

Justin looked horrified and Brian couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on his face. “Don’t look at me. It was their suggestion, not mine.”

“You two have five seconds to get Mo and go home before you go to bed without lunch or dinner,” Justin replied sternly.

“Fine, let’s go Mocha,” Jared mumbled as he and his sister got up and headed home. “Bye Brian.”

“Yeah, bye Brian,” Hailey mimicked her brother as she trudged alongside him.

Justin waited until they were out of earshot before focusing on Brian. “Sorry about that. Usually they do what they’re told, but for some reason, when it comes to you, they just don’t listen.”

“Must be my undeniable charm,” Brian joked.

“I doubt that,” Justin huffed. “Anyway, aside from coming to get them, I wanted to apologize to you. I had no business telling you to slow down last night. You were right; it’s none of my business what you do. I guess I just have a habit of trying to look out for those around me. You were nice enough to let me stay and catch up with Debbie and Lindsay, and I shouldn’t have stuck my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” Brian agreed. “But don’t worry about it. I probably shouldn’t have been as…harsh as I was. I was having a bad night.”

Justin was surprised by the slight apology. He didn’t expect it. “Look, it’s obvious that we’re never going to be real neighborly, but since I can’t seem to keep the kids in their own yard, and you can’t seem to either, we might as well try to get along enough that we’re not at each other’s throats.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“Okay, well I guess I’ll see you around,” Justin said as he turned and started walking away. He was half way to his own yard when he turned back and added. “Oh, and I’m sorry I ruined you’re view. It wasn’t intentional.”

Brian didn’t respond as he watched the blond walk away, wondering how long their truce would last. He had to admit that having Justin for a neighbor wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. He may have lost his great view of the lake, but Justin’s ass was a damn good replacement.


End of part 4
08/29/06

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