A Better Ending


 

Emmett and George led the way out of the restaurant, followed by Michael and Ben, and Justin and Ted brought up the rear. Brian snubbed out his cigarette and slipped his arm around the teen’s waist as he walked past.
“Having a good time, Sunshine?”

“Brian!” the startled boy cried. “What are you doing here?”

Brian raised an eyebrow. “I thought I was invited.”

Justin blushed slightly and glanced at his friends who all had the decency to look as if they weren’t paying attention. The teen couldn’t look at Brian so he finally focused on a plant in the corner of the entrance. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left like that. I just--”

“I know.”

The boy looked up nervously. “You’re not mad?”

“I was,” Brian admitted.

“But?”

Brian pressed his forehead against Justin’s. “But I knew you had to be pretty mad yourself if you went on a date with Ted.”

“Hey,” an offended Ted yelped from the corner before Michael pushed him outside.

The rest of the group followed, leaving the two men alone in the entryway for a moment. Justin turned and wrapped his arms around Brian’s waist and sighed when the older man pulled him closer.

“I’m still sorry. I was selfish.”

Brian nodded. “What brought on your sudden remorse?”

“Michael. He yelled at me,” the embarrassed teen confessed. “I was complaining you blew me off for work and he told me I was an ungrateful shit. The reason you were behind at work was our party. At first, that made me angrier because I told you not go out of your way for that, but then he reminded me that everything you do reflects on your reputation and you never do anything halfway so there was no stopping you anyway. Then he told me I have to learn to deal with it, because it’s part of the package if I want to be with you. And he’s right,” the boy added reluctantly.

Brian looked into his eyes. “You’re okay with that?”

“I guess so.” Justin lowered his head to Brian’s chest. “I hate that Michael knows you better than I do…sometimes. I know it’s natural because he’s known you longer, but sometimes it makes me feel less important in your life. But I know he was just trying to help, so I should just accept it when he offers instead of being jealous. Otherwise we’ll keep having nights like this and I hate that even more.”

Brian knew the appropriate response was to tell Justin he was the most important thing in his life. He certainly felt that way, but when he opened his mouth he said, “I was talking about work.”

Justin looked up, hurt that Brian had dismissed his feelings, and suddenly saw the truth. The older man understood, but he was just being…Brian. “Of course I’m okay with that! You couldn’t afford to take me on anymore dates if you didn’t have a good job,” he ribbed.

Brian rolled his eyes. “Twat.”

The teen grinned. “But I’m your twat.”

Now the kid was just fishing. “You’re not Ted’s,” Brian hedged as pushed Justin out the door to meet their friends.

Everyone was milling around the limo when they walked up. “So, we ready to go?” Emmett asked.

Justin looked at Brian expectantly. They hadn’t talked about what they were going to do now.

“There’s plenty of room if you’d like to join us, Brian. I’ll send someone back for the jeep and have them drop it at Babylon,” George offered.

“I’m sure Ted wouldn’t mind driving it over,” Brian replied.

Ted glared at him. “Actually, I--” he started to complain, but saw Brian’s look and changed his mind, “wouldn’t mind at all.”

Brian smirked and put his arm around Ted’s shoulder as he walked the man over to the jeep.

“Poor Teddy. Who knew Brian would be so jealous,” Emmett giggled.

 

***
 

Babylon was packed to the rafters when the guests of honor arrived. The group of friends fought their way to the center bar where they planned to meet the rest of the gang. Debbie, Vic and Jennifer were already there.

Jennifer looked a bit overwhelmed. “You okay, mom?” Justin asked.

The woman nodded, gesturing to the crowd with her drink. “It’s been very…enlightening.”

“Here you go, Jen.” Vic took her empty glass and replaced it with another Rage-tini, “She’ll be fine,” he whispered to the teen with a wink.

Justin smiled gratefully and was about to slip past to look for Daphne when his mother caught his arm.

“I talked to your father today.”

“Oh?” the teen replied nervously. He knew his mom was worried his dad would stop giving him money for his living expenses if his dad found out he was with Brian again. Justin wanted to ask his mom not to say anything, but he knew it wasn’t right. He couldn’t put his mom in that position, and he wouldn’t hide his relationship with Brian.

Jennifer nodded. “I wanted to drop off a copy of the comic so he knows what you’ve been up to.”

Justin’s eyes widened. “You didn’t!” He knew his dad would go ballistic if he saw the drawings of Rage and J.T. having sex. The last thing he needed was his dad attacking Brian again.

Jennifer read his mind and shook her head. “I wanted to, but I didn’t. Although I’m very proud of you, we both know your father is …an ass. We talked about your tuition though.”

“And?” Justin asked hopefully.

“He didn’t say yes, but he didn’t say no,” she replied sadly.

“I guess it’s something. And he didn’t take away my expense money after you told him about Brian?”

“I didn’t tell him.”

“Why not?” the surprised teen asked.

“He didn’t ask, I didn’t volunteer,” she replied smugly.

Justin hugged her. “Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” She returned the hug and smiled at Brian who was hovering a few feet away with Michael. Although she couldn’t say she had been happy when Justin told her he was back together with Brian, they had a long talk and she felt a little more optimistic. All she wanted was for her son to be happy, and she’d never seen him happier than now. She just hoped it would last.

 

***
 

Brian handed Michael a drink. “Thanks, Mikey.”

“For what?”

Brian looked over at the happy teen. “For being a good friend. And for talking to Justin.”

Michael shrugged. “I didn’t want him whining all night and ruining the party.”

“Looks like you’ve got that covered yourself,” Brian replied, cocking his head toward Ben. “What’s the matter now? I thought things were all paradise with the professor.” He noticed Michael and Ben weren’t their nauseatingly cuddly selves during the ride over.

Michael looked at his lover who was talking to his mom. Outwardly, they had been forcing themselves to look like a happy couple, and he wanted to be happy. He really loved Ben, but they obviously still had a lot of issues to work out. “He’s pissed I intervened, assuming I had some hidden agenda. No matter what I say or do, I don’t think he’s ever going to trust me. Like it’s my fault!”

Brian arched an eyebrow.

“Shut up, asshole,” Michael scowled. “I know I cheated on him, but at least I’m willing to admit I was wrong, and I’m trying to make up for it. He’s the one who bailed when he found out he was sick. He didn’t trust me enough to tell me. And I’m afraid he’ll do it again if things get worse. Why should I be busting my ass for him to forgive me if he’s just going to give up whenever things get hard?”

“Sounds like you’re each to blame. Call it a draw and start fresh,” Brian advised.

Michael gaped at him. “Like I’m going to take relationship advice from you? Are you out of your fucking mind?” he laughed harshly.

Brian smirked. “Fine. Don’t listen to me. What do I know? Oh, except I do know my boyfriend’s not mad at me.”

“Yeah, thanks to me,” Michael shouted to his friend’s back as the other man went to greet Lindsay and Melanie.

Michael watched Justin meet Brian halfway and mold himself to Brian’s side as they moved towards their friends. Then he looked at Ben, standing so far away from him. Although it was really only a few feet, it felt like miles and he desperately wanted to close the gap so he decided to take Brian’s advice anyway. He didn’t have anything to lose, except his loneliness.

 

***
 

“This is really great,” Lindsay gushed as she kissed each man.

“Yeah, it is,” Melanie grudgingly agreed.

Brian ordered three Zephyr-politans for the ‘girls’ and a Beam on the rocks for himself. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some last minute arrangements to make before the show starts.” He quickly kissed Justin before disappearing into the crowd.

“What show?” Lindsay asked.

Justin shook his head. “I don’t know, it’s a surprise.”

“That can’t be good.” Melanie sighed. Brian’s surprises were never good.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Lindsay replied.

“I know it is,” Justin confirmed before excusing himself.

 

***
 

Ted was pushing his way up the steps to the door, getting jostled and cursed at. He couldn’t believe Brian made him drive the jeep, just because the man was pissed he had dinner with Justin, and four other people! Why didn’t Brian tattoo his name on Justin’s ass and get it over with? And because he had to search for a fucking parking spot, he was still outside while everyone was having a good time. He couldn’t believe the crowd that was waiting to get inside. There was hardly any space in the stairwell for him to get through. He stepped on someone’s foot and felt himself tip backwards until a large hand shot out and grabbed his wrist, jerking him upright.

“Careful, mate.”

“Thanks,” Ted said as he steadied himself against he wall. He looked at the man who rescued him and thought he recognized him. “Are you the guy we found with Justin? At Sap’s party?”

The other man stared at him for a moment then nodded. “You’re a friend of that Brian chap.”

“Ted,” he answered, offering his hand.

“Derek,” the Englishman replied as they shook.

Ted thought the man held onto his hand a little longer than necessary. He smiled and Derek smiled back.

“How are they?”

Ted thought back to the drama after dinner. “The same.” He noticed an opening ahead and moved into it. “Actually, Brian’s the one throwing the party tonight, for a comic book Justin and Michael created. Michael’s the other guy that was there that night. Anyway, tonight’s the big kick-off. If you’d like, I can get you in as my guest. If I can get through this crowd.”

Derek’s smile widened. “Appreciate it, mate. I’ll owe you a drink then.”

“Deal,” Ted happily replied as he led the man up to the bouncer. Tony crossed them off Brian’s VIP guest list and let them in. As Derek took his arm and led him to the bar, Ted had never been so happy to know Brian Kinney.

 

***
 

The rest of the evening flew by. As Michael and Justin posed for photographs and granted interviews, their friends danced and mingled and Brian made sure everything was running smoothly. Just before ten, Brian gathered everyone at the front of the stage for his surprise.

The music stopped, the lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd as the emcee directed everyone’s attention to the stage. The curtain was drawn back and the backdrop of Gayopolis was revealed. Fog rolled across the dark street as a blonde teenager rushed onto the stage.

Justin gasped in surprise and felt Brian’s arms wind around his waist and pull him tight to his chest. The teen’s heart pounded against his ribs as he realized it was a reenactment of the comic, of the bashing.

Feeling the boy’s tension, Brian suddenly wondered if it was such a good idea. He was about to pull Justin away when Rage appeared on stage and he felt the teen relax. As Rage protected the blonde from the attackers Justin entwined his fingers through Brian’s and squeezed his hand.

 

***
 

After the skit, the crowd drifted back to the dance floor or bar, while the friends hovered nearby, but didn’t intrude on the couple that was oblivious to anything around them.

“Do you think Justin’s okay?” Jennifer finally asked. “That was so…real.”

Debbie squeezed her hand. “He looks okay to me.”

“Brian’ll take care of him,” Daphne chimed in and Lindsay nodded.

Derek looked around at the somber group of friends. “Did I miss something?” he whispered to Ted.

“Well…um,” Ted cleared his throat. “The characters in the comic are actually Brian and Justin and Michael. It sort of really happened last year. Justin was bashed and Brian saved him.”

“Oh.”

“Except Rage’s justice was more fitting than reality,” Emmett added.

“Oh?”

“The kid who bashed Justin got off with community service.”

“What?” Derek shook his head. “That explains why Brian’s so protective of him,” he replied, absently rubbing his jaw at the memory.

“Oh, honey, you don’t know the half of it!” Emmett exclaimed. “Brian’s been galloping to the Princess’ rescue more times than I can remember anymore. It’s very romantic. They’re the queer Cinderella and Prince Charming.”

 

***
 

Once the lights were back up and everyone moved away, Justin turned in Brian’s arms. The older man leaned back a little and looked into his eyes. “Are you okay, baby?”

Justin nodded. “Yeah. I was startled at first. I know I drew it, but actually seeing it come to life was…intense.” He looked at Brian’s face and could tell there was something else the man was hiding. “What about you?”

Brian just looked away. He didn’t know what he expected, but this wasn’t it.

Justin cupped his cheek and turned his face back to him. “It was like a second chance. And a much better ending. Thank you.”

“I wish it was real,” Brian whispered before he could stop himself.

Justin smiled. “I don’t. If anything that’s happened since we met changed, I don’t know where we would be now, and I wouldn’t trade this for anything else in the world. We’re good, aren’t we?”

Brian couldn’t help but smile back. “Yeah, we are,” he murmured as he leaned down for a kiss.

 

***
 

Brian shut the loft door behind them and barely got it locked and the alarm set before the teen was attacking his mouth again. They stumbled toward the bedroom that way, lips locked together while hands fumbled with clothing. Somehow, they managed to navigate up the stairs and to the bed without breaking their necks or separating from each other.

The last few hours of the party had been excruciatingly painful. They forced themselves to stay as late as necessary, all the while longing to be alone. At one point Justin begged Brian just to fuck him in the backroom but the older man refused. He most definitely didn’t feel like sharing tonight. And knowing Justin was that desperate really made him selfish. Everything the boy had to offer was his alone. All his.

Brian positioned himself at the tight opening and slowly sank into the slick heat. Justin welcomed him willingly, moaning his pleasure as he was filled. The older man rocked back onto his haunches and pulled the teen against his chest. Justin sighed as he settled down on his lover’s lap, grinding the thick shaft deeper inside.

The teen turned his head, seeking another kiss. Brian dipped his head and let his tongue delve inside the warm softness. He let his hands roam over the boy’s creamy flesh, hungrily swallowing each moan that escaped his lips. Finally, Justin pulled away. “Brian,” he whimpered with need.

The older man kissed his jaw, and neck, and shoulder. “Tell me what you want.”

“Love me.”

“I do, baby,” Brian whispered. “I’m gonna show you how much.”

“Oh,” Justin sighed as he was lowered down to the mattress.

Brian leaned over the boy and kissed his back, pumping his hips in long smooth strokes. He groaned as Justin began moving with him, slamming back into him, then squeezing his muscles as the cock withdrew.

Justin rocked back and forth from the force of Brian’s quickening thrusts. His sweat-soaked body was sliding on the sheets so he pushed his palms against the wall in front of him for leverage. With his knees no longer slipping from beneath him, he lifted his hips and was rewarded with a deep lunge that jabbed his prostate. “Yes,” he cried as Brian withdrew and plunged again. “Oh god…more!”

Brian knew he was nearing the end and doubled his effort with shorter thrusts that pounded the sensitive gland. He reached beneath the teen and stroked his cock in a matching rhythm until Justin exploded, the force of his orgasm setting off Brian’s as well.

Finally sated, they collapsed on the bed, Brian rolling onto his back and pulling the boy close to him. Justin nestled against Brian’s side, settling his head on the man’s shoulder.

The teen kissed his neck. “Thank you,” he murmured sleepily.

“Huh?” Brian grunted.

“Best night…ever…”

The older man’s eyes flew open, wondering if he imagined it. Fear gripped him as the memories threatened to flood in.

Justin stirred again for a moment, entwining their arms and legs before finally drifting off. “…love you.”

The boy’s contentment washed over him, pushing away any remnants of that other night. Brian relaxed and let his eyes fall shut. Justin was right. This was their second chance, and a better ending.