ON A PATHWAY TO YOU
On A Pathway To You
Chapter Two: Later Brian
Summary: Justin makes an appereance. Do I need to say more? Lol.
AN: Thanks to the betas Helen and Sunny. I hope you guys like it. Let me know.
Michael used his keys to get inside his mother's house. It was still early and he didn't want to wake anyone up; not that he wouldn't have used his keys at any other time of the day for that matter.
“Look who is here,” Vic said.
“You guys are all up?” Michael asked.
“We're celebrating,” Debbie told him.
“What's going on?” Michael asked.
“I woke up to watch the Power Puff Girls when I saw that I had mail from PIFA,” Jesse said. “I opened it and I almost died. I got accepted!” Jesse yelled.
“Oh my god!” Michael said and moved towards his brother. He hugged his little brother happy to hear the good news.
“My baby is going to be the next Picasso,” Debbie said.
Jesse frowned. “God, I hope not. I mean, yes to a wonderful artist.”
Michael and Vic laughed at that.
“Sit down,” Debbie said to Michael. “I'll prepare you a plate.”
“I could eat again,” Jesse pointed out.
“Jesus,” Vic said as he got up. “Where does he put it all?”
Michael and Jesse laughed at that. Debbie moved to make her boys breakfast. Vic said he was going to take a shower.
“I'm so happy for you, Jesse,” Michael said. “I told you, you were going to get in.”
Jesse smiled as he picked the letter up and read it again. He was so happy that he could bounce from the walls. He smiled as he thought of showing it to Lindsay. She had always supported him and believed in him. And Brian, he had definitely to show the brunet.
“So, have you talked to Brian?” Michael asked.
Jesse's smile died as he looked at his brother. “What?”
“Last time I went to Babylon I saw him,” Michael said thinking about that day. It had been like three weeks ago and it still bothered him. “He left when we got there and you left with him.”
The teen licked his lips. “Nah, I was just going home. He was going to the baths to find someone hot to fuck.”
“Oh,” Michael said looking down at the table.
"But he didn't," Jesse told him. "He brought me home and stayed with me, watching some movies."
Michael bit his lower lip. "How is he doing?"
Jesse shook his head. "Maybe you guys should talk."
The older man nodded slowly but he didn't think he was going to be calling Brian anytime soon. “I hope he doesn't go crazy,” Michael said. “I don't want anything bad happening to him.”
“You're saying that because you left him he's going to do something…bad,” Jesse said scared out of his mind.
“No,” Michael said. “At least I don't think so. I don't know. Brian sometimes does crazy things when things don't go his way.”
“What are you talking about?” Jesse asked.
“He starts drinking and using drugs and fucking everyone on sight just to prove to himself that nothing matters,” Michael said. “That he's still the same person he ever was and that he doesn't need anyone. He pushes everyone away no matter how much it hurts him.”
The teen frowned at that. "Is that what he did with you?"
"No," Michael said smiling sadly. "Brian would never do that to me."
“Stop worrying about Brian,” Debbie said from where she was standing with her back to them. “He's a big boy and he knows what he's doing. You have to keep focused on your life.”
The teen leaned towards his older brother. “Don't worry, Michael. I'll keep an eye on him. I promise.”
Michael smiled widely at that. “Thanks, Jay. You're the best brother ever.”
“What are you two planning?” Debbie asked not able to hear what they were talking about.
“Nothing,” both of them said at the same time.
The two brothers looked at each other and laughed.
***
Brian sighed as he sat at his desk waiting for Cynthia and Ted to get there. He felt like taking his things and going home. He didn't want to be there. He had too many things in his head at the moment. The brunet had been counting the days since Michael had left. He thought that the dark haired man would have cool off and come back to him. After all the time that had passed he was starting to think that it wasn’t happening. He always felt like calling his ex but he always stopped himself in time. He wasn’t going to go after Michael or beg him to come back.
Ted knocked on the door and then went inside. "Hey," he said smiling.
Cynthia was right after him.
“You're late,” Brian told him.
Ted looked at his watch and saw that it was only by a minute. He frowned and rolled his eyes before he sat down.
“Tip,” Cynthia said smiling. “If he tells you to be here at seven get here a few minutes before that.”
“Noted,” Ted quipped.
“And he's like those dogs that bark all the time,” Cynthia told Ted as she smiled. “He doesn't bite.”
Brian narrowed his eyes at Cynthia. “Are you done?”
Cynthia smirked and nodded. “Sure,” she told him.
“So,” Brian said and got up. “We have a lot of work to do. We have two accounts already that have to be done by yesterday.”
Ted raised his hand.
“This is not a classroom and I'm not your teacher,” Brian told him. “If you want to talk just do so.”
“That's the barking,” Cynthia murmured.
Ted did his best not to laugh at that. “Uh, why am I here? I thought I was going to be your accountant and nothing else.”
“You should learn about everything that goes in here,” Brian told him.
“In case he fires me or something,” Cynthia told him. “And you have to step in for me.” Ted frowned.
“He's done it before but he always asks me to come back,” Cynthia pointed out.
Brian sighed. “Why do I even bother with you?”
“I'm the best you ever had and would ever get,” she told him. “So tough.”
Ted laughed but stopped when Brian glared at him.
“This place is taking longer than we though to get fixed up,” Brian said and leaned back on his chair. His office was one of the many places that were half way finished. They still needed to work on a few more things and the only way to speed things up was if he paid more money which at that time wasn’t an option.
“Is that going to be a problem?” Cynthia asked.
“We’ll work our way around it,” Brian said. “I hope you guys don’t mind.”
“We’re good,” Ted assured his boss.
“And I think we need more people working for us,” Brian told him. “Can we afford that, Ted?”
Ted nodded slowly. “But the pay won't be that great, at least not yet.”
“Oh,” Cynthia said. “We should hire students,” the woman said.
“Why?” Ted asked.
“They work for less,” the blonde informed them. “Then we can keep the really good ones and throw out the rest.”
“I like how you think,” Brian told her.
“You see,” Cynthia said smirking. “Best ever.”
“Whatever,” Brian replied.
Ted and Cynthia looked at each other and smiled a bit. Then they kept discussing everything they needed for their agency to make it succeed. All the time Brian tried his hardest to focus on what they were saying and not think about his ex. It wasn’t easy but he was doing it.
***
“Brian has been in a horrendous mood,” Emmett said a little after Brian left them standing by the bar.
“You don't have to tell me,” Ted told him. “You think I like hiding at work? Well, I don't.”
Emmett shook his head. “I feel so sorry for him. I hate what happened between him and Michael."
"I know right," Ted whispered. "It's crazy, who would have ever thought that Michael would be the one to walk out of that relationship."
“He's coming back," Emmett said.
The two men went back to being quiet.
“So, Brian,” Ted said. “It's back to your old tricks.”
Brian rolled his lips and shrugged. He grabbed the glass that was put in front of him and in one go drank it. “I don't know what I was thinking,” Brian said suddenly.
“Love makes us all blind?” Ted asked.
Emmett put his arm on Brian's shoulder. “You can use me if you need to. I'll be your little play thing until you feel better.”
“Fuck off,” Brian said as he laughed.
"Can I watch?" Ted asked more seriously than jokingly.
The brunet shook his head and walked away from them. He found a few guys to fuck. Each time he took them to the backroom and fucked them senseless. Then he would come back and have a drink. When Brian was tired of the same thing he decided to go home but Jesse who got there a bit later told him he was driving him home since he was in no condition to drive.
“So,” Jesse said once he was behind the Jeep. “Have you two talked?”
“What for?” Brian asked.
“Maybe, I don't know, you guys can fix things,” Jesse pointed out.
“He left me for another man," Brian said. "A better man."
"Don't say that, Brian," Jesse said. "That's not true."
“I don't chase after anyone,” Brian told him. “Remember? And it doesn't matter what your brother says. He did leave because he has something going on with Ben. I guess he was able to give him what I couldn't."
Jesse sighed as he listened to the brunet. "Maybe...I don't know. You can change that rule and then he will see that you're the man for him."
"Why would I?" Brian asked him.
"Because he's my brother," Jesse said.
"He knows me better than anyone you know," Brian said staring at Jesse.
Jesse smiled at that.
"And still he chose to walk away," Brian pointed out. "So, that tells you I'm not worth anyone's time."
The teen didn't know what to say. He was going in circles with the man. He knew it was better to just take Brian home now and then some other day he would try to convince the older man to try and talk to his brother.
***
Jesse knocked on the door and waited. When his brother opened the door to his apartment he went inside. He was happy when he found out that Emmett wasn't there.
"What brings you here bro?" Michael asked and then looked at his watch. "I have to go back to the store soon.”
"I know," Jesse said. "I just wanted to talk to you."
"Are you okay?" Michael asked. "Is everything okay? Do you need anything?"
The boy smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's...about Brian?"
"Is he okay?" Michael asked.
Jesse could see that his brother still cared about the man. "I was just wondering if you ever thought about going back with him? He needs you Michael. He loves you."
“I would ask you if he send you but I know he didn't,” Michael said. “I know him too well.”
“Apparently not enough,” Jesse said.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Michael asked.
“What the fuck are you doing Michael?” Jesse asked angry. “Brian was going to marry you. Do you know what that means? Do you?”
Michael crossed his arms. “Save it. Brian is not ready to get married. I don't think he'll ever be. He's not ready to share his life and give up control. Maybe he's not meant for it.”
“So, he's not ready,” Jesse said. “And you run away.”
Michael let his hands drop to his side and moved towards the window. “You don't understand.”
“Try me,” Jesse said.
“It's so hard being with him,” Michael said.
“Well, love is not supposed to be easy,” Jesse pointed out.
“I know that,” Michael said. “But…it's, I don't know. I just don't know anymore.”
“You know, you still have time to stop this madness,” Jesse told him.
“You guys don't have to get married if you feel like you're not ready but don't leave him.”
“So I'm the one that has to go after him?” Michael asked.
Jesse counted to ten before he answered. “You're the one that's leaving in the first place.”
“Oh that's nice,” Michael quipped. “Fuck it. I can't believe that you're here when it should be him. You know he always used to say to me that he never chases after anyone, no matter what. That no one was worth it."
Jesse swallowed as he listened to his brother.
"I thought I would be," Michael told him. "It shouldn't matter who is right and who is wrong. If he really didn't want me gone he would be fighting for me anyway and he's not and even if he does come after me, then what? I hated it when he was with me and other guys as well, Jesse. That hurt me."
"You said it didn't," Jesse said.
"I lied," Michael told him.
“So is this what that is about?” Jesse asked. “You want to change him completely. Hasn't he done enough?”
“Oh?” Michael asked sarcastically. “He does a few changes and I'm supposed to be jumping with happiness.”
Jesse sighed. He felt like beating the shit out of Michael for being such an idiot. “You know, I think this is for the best," he said to his brother. Sometimes he wondered if his brother and he were really related. "You're making a mistake and I hope you don't see that too late."
"You don't know about these things, Jesse," Michael informed him.
"And you do?" Jesse asked.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Michael asked.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Jesse asked not believing his brother sometimes. "You say you know Brian better than anyone."
"I do," Michael protested.
“Not when you know he has come a long way from who he used to be. Not when you know that it's hard for him to do some things and still you want him to do it at the drop of a hat. You're the one that's wrong, Michael. Brian is a great person and you should see that. You should be patient. That's what love is about and apparently you have none for him anymore."
“Fuck you, Jesse!” Michael yelled. “It's my problem with Brian. Get the fuck out of here!”
“Gladly,” Jesse spat out before he turned around and left the apartment.
From outside Brian sat in his Jeep. He was smoking when he saw Jesse leave the building. He smirked knowing that if Jesse was there it was because he was trying to talk to Michael for the man to go back with him. Leave it to the kid to always try and fight his battles. He sat there for a while not sure what he would say if he went inside and talked to Michael. He'd been thinking about it for a while now and that wasn't the first time he would sit in his Jeep outside Michael's apartment in the middle of the afternoon or after coming out of the office.
A few minutes later he watched as Michael came out as well and started walking in the direction of the comic store. Brian thought of many things he could do to get to talk to Michael. He could go by him and offer him a ride and then they could talk on the way, but he didn't want to do that. That would still mean he was the one doing the running after his ex. He just started the car and drove home. If Michael didn't want him, then so be it.
***
Jesse was smiling like a fool as he sat down on his seat. He looked out the window and then back at Brian. They were on the plane back home sitting on first class. Brian wouldn't travel any other way. They had gone to the shoot and Jesse had gotten to meet the pop start sensation. He had even gotten an autograph from the man.
“God, Brian,” Jesse said. “He was so sexy,” the teen said.
Brian laughed.
“It's a shame he doesn't play for our team,” Jesse said and laughed.
“Like he would have gone with you with me there,” Brian pointed out.
Jesse laughed. “But you would have been nice to me and step out, right?”
“No,” Brian told him.
That reply made the younger man of the two, laugh his heart out. “You're something else Brian.”
Brian grinned at Jesse. “Did you have fun?”
“Tons,” Jesse assured him.
“What did we talk about?” Brian asked arching a brow.
“We never went out of the hotel except to the photo shoot,” Jesse said smiling widely.
“Try not to look so happy about doing nothing,” Brian told him.
The kid laughed at that. “I'm smiling because I got to meet J.T.”
“Yeah, and the fact that you went with a guy to his room last night has nothing to do with it,” Brian said sarcastically.
“He wasn't that great,” Jesse told him. “He had a small dick.”
“I could have told you that,” Brian told him.
“Why didn't you?” Jesse asked frowning.
“Live and learn,” Brian told him.
Jesse smiled and looked at Brian. He knew that the man had gone back to his room with two guys and probably had lots of fun, but when he looked at the man he didn't like how lonely the brunet looked.
“Do you miss him?” Jesse asked.
Brian kept looking down at his lap. He knew what the teen was talking about and he wished that Jesse hadn't brought it up.
“Maybe,” Jesse whispered and sighed. Maybe he'll come back to you, Brian. I mean, maybe this is a test, you know. And it will be bad at first but it will get better. Then you will be back on the road to finding love again,” Jesse said. “With him.”
“If I already had him why do I have to find him again?” Brian asked.
Jesse frowned. “To see what you had and lost and then gained?”
“That’s a bunch of bullshit,” Brian told him.
Jesse sighed as he rolled his eyes.
“Let's just talk about something else,” Brian told him.
“Okay,” the teen muttered. He looked at Brian and wished he could make the brunet smile like before.
The rest of the flight Jesse busied himself with drawing while Brian read some papers he had from work. None of them spoke about Michael or the situation anymore.
***
Justin ran a hand over his hair and smiled knowing he had to get a haircut pretty soon. He looked at his watch and knew that he had an hour before his students started filling the classroom. He was excited to see new faces that year. He knew that he probably got a lot of new students at his class. He gave three different subjects and the students were always looking for him to be their professor because he was cool with them or so they said.
The blond was one of the youngest people to be working at that school. He'd just started two years priors; as soon as he graduated from PIFA he was offered a job. He took it and still had time to paint on his own time. He already had three different shows in those two years. He couldn't be happier about how his life was going.
He sat at his desk a bit nervous; he was still getting used to having new people look up at him. It was fun but at the same time it was scary. He looked up away from his desk when someone knocked at the open door in his office.
"Hello," Jennifer said sporting a big smile. "Can I come in Professor Taylor?"
Justin laughed at that and nodded. "What are you doing here mom?"
"I just came to wish you good luck," she informed him.
"I don't need luck," Justin told her. "Maybe patience and a lot of it. Sit down, please."
She laughed and sat down. She put her purse at the edge of the desk. "Remember two years ago," she said. "I was here to see you taking hold on the reins."
"I know," Justin said smirking. "How's dad?"
"He's good," his mom said. "He told me that he would call you later. He's very proud of you, Justin."
The blond smiled at that. "I know mom."
"I'm very proud of you too," she informed him.
The blond smiled widely.
"Anyways I just thought that we should have lunch today," she told him. "I'm showing a few houses around this area and if you're able to get away for an hour or so, it's my treat."
"That will be great," he told her. "I'll call you around one if that's okay?"
She nodded and looked at her watch. "Well, I should go then. I don't want the kids to see that you let your mom anywhere near you at your age."
The man laughed at that and got up just like she did. "Let me walk you to your car. I'm not afraid of being seen with my mother."
Jennifer smiled as she heard that. She grabbed her purse and walk in front of her son.
"Plus if they look at me weird or make any comments I'm the professor," Justin said. "I can give them a bad grade."
They both laughed at that as they left his office.
***
Jesse came into the diner to have breakfast before he left for PIFA. He couldn't wait to be there. He had gone with Lindsay the day they had orientation and it was fun. They got to meet a few professors, they got to see different works of arts from students that went there and they got to see the place. He smiled when he saw his brother with Emmett and Ted but frowned when he saw that Brian was sitting at the end of the counter all by himself. He didn't even hesitate when he walked up to the brunet.
“Why are you sitting all the way over here?” Jesse asked.
Brian shrugged and grabbed his cup of coffee. "I'm just having breakfast," he said
"Why aren’t you sitting with the guys?" Jesse asked sitting next to the man. "Ma, I need food here."
"I'll be there in a minute, sweetie," the woman yelled back.
"Jesus," Brian said shaking his head. "This is not a park you know. Why does it always have to be a screaming competition with you people?"
The teen smiled. "So," he said letting the word hang.
"So," Brian repeated, very curtly at that.
"They are still your friends, you know," Jesse told him.
"They were his friends before they were mine," Brian pointed out.
"You guys are acting like you got a divorce or something," Jesse pointed out. "What, he stayed with the children? Do you ever get to see them?"
The brunet laughed a bit. "Shut up."
"Well, you can always sit with me," Jesse told him and smiled.
Debbie stood in front of them with a bowl of oatmeal. "Start with this."
"Ah damn," Jesse whispered.
"Eat it," Debbie shouted as she walked away.
Brain was amused at the whole thing. The teen did eat his meal and then managed to get a BLT sandwich to take to school for lunch. He got up from the stool ready to leave.
"Do you need a ride?" Brian asked him.
“That will be cool," Jesse said.
"Okay," Brian said and got his wallet out. He paid for his breakfast and Jesse’s even though the teen didn't have to and also left a generous tip.
"Hey guys," Jesse said as he went pass the guys.
When they were outside and in front of Brian's Jeep, the teen put his foot on the tire and then jumped inside the Jeep.
"Can you act a little bit more civilized than this and open the door?" Brian asked.
"This way is more fun," Jesse assured him.
Brian shook his head and got in. While he drove Jesse to school the teen kept messing with his radio.
"Could you stop that?" Brian asked. "I was listening to that."
"Sorry," Jesse told him. "Hey, are you going to Babylon tonight?"
"Maybe," Brian answered.
"I'll be there," Jesse said and smiled.
The brunet frowned but didn't say anything. He stopped in front of PIFA and then turned to look at Jesse with a smile. "Are you nervous?"
"No," Jesse told him and after a while smiled a bit as he said something else. "Okay, maybe a little," the teen admitted. "I don't know anyone here."
"You have a charming personality," Brian told him. "I'm sure you will be okay. Do you want me to pick you up?"
"Yeah," Jesse said. "I get out at three."
The older man nodded. "Call me," Brian told him.
Jesse jumped out of the Jeep and waved goodbye. Then he took a deep breath before he started walking towards the main building.
***
Jesse was smiling as he waited for the brunet to pick him up. He had one hell of a day. He had learned so many things and had talked to a few people that he liked. He even met a guy and wow, the red head was hot. He couldn't wait to see him again maybe next time he would ask the guy for his number. He thought about telling Francis about having a good time with the guy but it was best if that didn’t happen. Francis tended to get too jealous sometimes.
"Hey," Justin said and stopped next to Jesse. "You're in my class, right?"
Jesse nodded at his professor. "Yeah, I'm Jesse Novotny. You're Professor Taylor."
"Please," Justin said shaking his head. "Call me Justin."
Jesse smiled and nodded.
“Are you okay getting home?” the blond asked.
“Oh yes,” Jesse said. “I called my friend. He was supposed to be here a while back.”
"That's not good," Justin said. “Are you sure he’s coming?”
"Yes. He doesn't mean bad from it," Jesse explained. "Brian is just...Brian."
Justin laughed at that. "I know what you mean. Some of my friends are just...well, they're my friends. So I got you.”
The teen smirked and nodded. "I really like your class so far. And you said everyone had an A that we just had to keep it at that."
"That's right," Justin told him.
Jesse looked up when he heard tires screeching and smiled when he saw the Jeep. Brian stopped right in front of the teen and smirked. He arched a brow and his grin left him when he saw the blond. His cock reacted right away to the piercing blue eyes looking at him.
"This is my ride, Justin," Jesse told him.
"Okay then," Justin told him. “You have a good day.”
Jesse opened the door and smiled. "You're late," he said and quickly got in before throwing his things on the backseat.
"I'm never late," Brian told him. "Does your friend need a ride?"
"I'm good," Justin said before anyone else could talk. "Thanks anyway, Brian,” then he grinned. He wondered if the guy was with Jesse. Brian was definitely a hot number.
The brunet arched a brow.
"I'll see you Jesse. Later, Brian,” he said and smiled before he walked away towards the staff parking lot.
Brian looked at the man through the rearview mirror. "How does he know my name?"
"I told him," Jesse said. "He was keeping me company while you got here."
"He's hot," Brian pointed out as he drove out of there.
"I know," Jesse said.
"You like him?" Brian asked.
"No," Jesse said.
The brunet grinned. "Yeah right."
"No, I mean," Jesse said as he put on his seatbelt. "Yeah he’s hot and if he was anybody else I would probably beg him to fuck me but he's my teacher, dude.”
"He is?" Brian asked. "He's a T.A."
"No," Jesse said. "He's my professor. I know he looks mad young and dresses just like us but he’s older. He's cool though."
"What's his name?" the older man asked.
"Justin," the teen answered. "Prof. Justin Taylor."
Brian stored the name for later. He knew that he wanted to fuck the man. From the moment he saw him his cock had reacted to the blond. One way or another he was going to make that happen.
"Why you ask?" Jesse asked.
The brunet shrugged. "I just thought I should know his name since he knows mine."
Jesse nodded and didn't even think about it any longer. The rest of the way to Debbie's house Brian just asked Jesse if he had a good day and the boy started telling him everything about his first day at PIFA.
Chapter Two: Later Brian
Summary: Justin makes an appereance. Do I need to say more? Lol.
AN: Thanks to the betas Helen and Sunny. I hope you guys like it. Let me know.
Michael used his keys to get inside his mother's house. It was still early and he didn't want to wake anyone up; not that he wouldn't have used his keys at any other time of the day for that matter.
“Look who is here,” Vic said.
“You guys are all up?” Michael asked.
“We're celebrating,” Debbie told him.
“What's going on?” Michael asked.
“I woke up to watch the Power Puff Girls when I saw that I had mail from PIFA,” Jesse said. “I opened it and I almost died. I got accepted!” Jesse yelled.
“Oh my god!” Michael said and moved towards his brother. He hugged his little brother happy to hear the good news.
“My baby is going to be the next Picasso,” Debbie said.
Jesse frowned. “God, I hope not. I mean, yes to a wonderful artist.”
Michael and Vic laughed at that.
“Sit down,” Debbie said to Michael. “I'll prepare you a plate.”
“I could eat again,” Jesse pointed out.
“Jesus,” Vic said as he got up. “Where does he put it all?”
Michael and Jesse laughed at that. Debbie moved to make her boys breakfast. Vic said he was going to take a shower.
“I'm so happy for you, Jesse,” Michael said. “I told you, you were going to get in.”
Jesse smiled as he picked the letter up and read it again. He was so happy that he could bounce from the walls. He smiled as he thought of showing it to Lindsay. She had always supported him and believed in him. And Brian, he had definitely to show the brunet.
“So, have you talked to Brian?” Michael asked.
Jesse's smile died as he looked at his brother. “What?”
“Last time I went to Babylon I saw him,” Michael said thinking about that day. It had been like three weeks ago and it still bothered him. “He left when we got there and you left with him.”
The teen licked his lips. “Nah, I was just going home. He was going to the baths to find someone hot to fuck.”
“Oh,” Michael said looking down at the table.
"But he didn't," Jesse told him. "He brought me home and stayed with me, watching some movies."
Michael bit his lower lip. "How is he doing?"
Jesse shook his head. "Maybe you guys should talk."
The older man nodded slowly but he didn't think he was going to be calling Brian anytime soon. “I hope he doesn't go crazy,” Michael said. “I don't want anything bad happening to him.”
“You're saying that because you left him he's going to do something…bad,” Jesse said scared out of his mind.
“No,” Michael said. “At least I don't think so. I don't know. Brian sometimes does crazy things when things don't go his way.”
“What are you talking about?” Jesse asked.
“He starts drinking and using drugs and fucking everyone on sight just to prove to himself that nothing matters,” Michael said. “That he's still the same person he ever was and that he doesn't need anyone. He pushes everyone away no matter how much it hurts him.”
The teen frowned at that. "Is that what he did with you?"
"No," Michael said smiling sadly. "Brian would never do that to me."
“Stop worrying about Brian,” Debbie said from where she was standing with her back to them. “He's a big boy and he knows what he's doing. You have to keep focused on your life.”
The teen leaned towards his older brother. “Don't worry, Michael. I'll keep an eye on him. I promise.”
Michael smiled widely at that. “Thanks, Jay. You're the best brother ever.”
“What are you two planning?” Debbie asked not able to hear what they were talking about.
“Nothing,” both of them said at the same time.
The two brothers looked at each other and laughed.
***
Brian sighed as he sat at his desk waiting for Cynthia and Ted to get there. He felt like taking his things and going home. He didn't want to be there. He had too many things in his head at the moment. The brunet had been counting the days since Michael had left. He thought that the dark haired man would have cool off and come back to him. After all the time that had passed he was starting to think that it wasn’t happening. He always felt like calling his ex but he always stopped himself in time. He wasn’t going to go after Michael or beg him to come back.
Ted knocked on the door and then went inside. "Hey," he said smiling.
Cynthia was right after him.
“You're late,” Brian told him.
Ted looked at his watch and saw that it was only by a minute. He frowned and rolled his eyes before he sat down.
“Tip,” Cynthia said smiling. “If he tells you to be here at seven get here a few minutes before that.”
“Noted,” Ted quipped.
“And he's like those dogs that bark all the time,” Cynthia told Ted as she smiled. “He doesn't bite.”
Brian narrowed his eyes at Cynthia. “Are you done?”
Cynthia smirked and nodded. “Sure,” she told him.
“So,” Brian said and got up. “We have a lot of work to do. We have two accounts already that have to be done by yesterday.”
Ted raised his hand.
“This is not a classroom and I'm not your teacher,” Brian told him. “If you want to talk just do so.”
“That's the barking,” Cynthia murmured.
Ted did his best not to laugh at that. “Uh, why am I here? I thought I was going to be your accountant and nothing else.”
“You should learn about everything that goes in here,” Brian told him.
“In case he fires me or something,” Cynthia told him. “And you have to step in for me.” Ted frowned.
“He's done it before but he always asks me to come back,” Cynthia pointed out.
Brian sighed. “Why do I even bother with you?”
“I'm the best you ever had and would ever get,” she told him. “So tough.”
Ted laughed but stopped when Brian glared at him.
“This place is taking longer than we though to get fixed up,” Brian said and leaned back on his chair. His office was one of the many places that were half way finished. They still needed to work on a few more things and the only way to speed things up was if he paid more money which at that time wasn’t an option.
“Is that going to be a problem?” Cynthia asked.
“We’ll work our way around it,” Brian said. “I hope you guys don’t mind.”
“We’re good,” Ted assured his boss.
“And I think we need more people working for us,” Brian told him. “Can we afford that, Ted?”
Ted nodded slowly. “But the pay won't be that great, at least not yet.”
“Oh,” Cynthia said. “We should hire students,” the woman said.
“Why?” Ted asked.
“They work for less,” the blonde informed them. “Then we can keep the really good ones and throw out the rest.”
“I like how you think,” Brian told her.
“You see,” Cynthia said smirking. “Best ever.”
“Whatever,” Brian replied.
Ted and Cynthia looked at each other and smiled a bit. Then they kept discussing everything they needed for their agency to make it succeed. All the time Brian tried his hardest to focus on what they were saying and not think about his ex. It wasn’t easy but he was doing it.
***
“Brian has been in a horrendous mood,” Emmett said a little after Brian left them standing by the bar.
“You don't have to tell me,” Ted told him. “You think I like hiding at work? Well, I don't.”
Emmett shook his head. “I feel so sorry for him. I hate what happened between him and Michael."
"I know right," Ted whispered. "It's crazy, who would have ever thought that Michael would be the one to walk out of that relationship."
“He's coming back," Emmett said.
The two men went back to being quiet.
“So, Brian,” Ted said. “It's back to your old tricks.”
Brian rolled his lips and shrugged. He grabbed the glass that was put in front of him and in one go drank it. “I don't know what I was thinking,” Brian said suddenly.
“Love makes us all blind?” Ted asked.
Emmett put his arm on Brian's shoulder. “You can use me if you need to. I'll be your little play thing until you feel better.”
“Fuck off,” Brian said as he laughed.
"Can I watch?" Ted asked more seriously than jokingly.
The brunet shook his head and walked away from them. He found a few guys to fuck. Each time he took them to the backroom and fucked them senseless. Then he would come back and have a drink. When Brian was tired of the same thing he decided to go home but Jesse who got there a bit later told him he was driving him home since he was in no condition to drive.
“So,” Jesse said once he was behind the Jeep. “Have you two talked?”
“What for?” Brian asked.
“Maybe, I don't know, you guys can fix things,” Jesse pointed out.
“He left me for another man," Brian said. "A better man."
"Don't say that, Brian," Jesse said. "That's not true."
“I don't chase after anyone,” Brian told him. “Remember? And it doesn't matter what your brother says. He did leave because he has something going on with Ben. I guess he was able to give him what I couldn't."
Jesse sighed as he listened to the brunet. "Maybe...I don't know. You can change that rule and then he will see that you're the man for him."
"Why would I?" Brian asked him.
"Because he's my brother," Jesse said.
"He knows me better than anyone you know," Brian said staring at Jesse.
Jesse smiled at that.
"And still he chose to walk away," Brian pointed out. "So, that tells you I'm not worth anyone's time."
The teen didn't know what to say. He was going in circles with the man. He knew it was better to just take Brian home now and then some other day he would try to convince the older man to try and talk to his brother.
***
Jesse knocked on the door and waited. When his brother opened the door to his apartment he went inside. He was happy when he found out that Emmett wasn't there.
"What brings you here bro?" Michael asked and then looked at his watch. "I have to go back to the store soon.”
"I know," Jesse said. "I just wanted to talk to you."
"Are you okay?" Michael asked. "Is everything okay? Do you need anything?"
The boy smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's...about Brian?"
"Is he okay?" Michael asked.
Jesse could see that his brother still cared about the man. "I was just wondering if you ever thought about going back with him? He needs you Michael. He loves you."
“I would ask you if he send you but I know he didn't,” Michael said. “I know him too well.”
“Apparently not enough,” Jesse said.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Michael asked.
“What the fuck are you doing Michael?” Jesse asked angry. “Brian was going to marry you. Do you know what that means? Do you?”
Michael crossed his arms. “Save it. Brian is not ready to get married. I don't think he'll ever be. He's not ready to share his life and give up control. Maybe he's not meant for it.”
“So, he's not ready,” Jesse said. “And you run away.”
Michael let his hands drop to his side and moved towards the window. “You don't understand.”
“Try me,” Jesse said.
“It's so hard being with him,” Michael said.
“Well, love is not supposed to be easy,” Jesse pointed out.
“I know that,” Michael said. “But…it's, I don't know. I just don't know anymore.”
“You know, you still have time to stop this madness,” Jesse told him.
“You guys don't have to get married if you feel like you're not ready but don't leave him.”
“So I'm the one that has to go after him?” Michael asked.
Jesse counted to ten before he answered. “You're the one that's leaving in the first place.”
“Oh that's nice,” Michael quipped. “Fuck it. I can't believe that you're here when it should be him. You know he always used to say to me that he never chases after anyone, no matter what. That no one was worth it."
Jesse swallowed as he listened to his brother.
"I thought I would be," Michael told him. "It shouldn't matter who is right and who is wrong. If he really didn't want me gone he would be fighting for me anyway and he's not and even if he does come after me, then what? I hated it when he was with me and other guys as well, Jesse. That hurt me."
"You said it didn't," Jesse said.
"I lied," Michael told him.
“So is this what that is about?” Jesse asked. “You want to change him completely. Hasn't he done enough?”
“Oh?” Michael asked sarcastically. “He does a few changes and I'm supposed to be jumping with happiness.”
Jesse sighed. He felt like beating the shit out of Michael for being such an idiot. “You know, I think this is for the best," he said to his brother. Sometimes he wondered if his brother and he were really related. "You're making a mistake and I hope you don't see that too late."
"You don't know about these things, Jesse," Michael informed him.
"And you do?" Jesse asked.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Michael asked.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Jesse asked not believing his brother sometimes. "You say you know Brian better than anyone."
"I do," Michael protested.
“Not when you know he has come a long way from who he used to be. Not when you know that it's hard for him to do some things and still you want him to do it at the drop of a hat. You're the one that's wrong, Michael. Brian is a great person and you should see that. You should be patient. That's what love is about and apparently you have none for him anymore."
“Fuck you, Jesse!” Michael yelled. “It's my problem with Brian. Get the fuck out of here!”
“Gladly,” Jesse spat out before he turned around and left the apartment.
From outside Brian sat in his Jeep. He was smoking when he saw Jesse leave the building. He smirked knowing that if Jesse was there it was because he was trying to talk to Michael for the man to go back with him. Leave it to the kid to always try and fight his battles. He sat there for a while not sure what he would say if he went inside and talked to Michael. He'd been thinking about it for a while now and that wasn't the first time he would sit in his Jeep outside Michael's apartment in the middle of the afternoon or after coming out of the office.
A few minutes later he watched as Michael came out as well and started walking in the direction of the comic store. Brian thought of many things he could do to get to talk to Michael. He could go by him and offer him a ride and then they could talk on the way, but he didn't want to do that. That would still mean he was the one doing the running after his ex. He just started the car and drove home. If Michael didn't want him, then so be it.
***
Jesse was smiling like a fool as he sat down on his seat. He looked out the window and then back at Brian. They were on the plane back home sitting on first class. Brian wouldn't travel any other way. They had gone to the shoot and Jesse had gotten to meet the pop start sensation. He had even gotten an autograph from the man.
“God, Brian,” Jesse said. “He was so sexy,” the teen said.
Brian laughed.
“It's a shame he doesn't play for our team,” Jesse said and laughed.
“Like he would have gone with you with me there,” Brian pointed out.
Jesse laughed. “But you would have been nice to me and step out, right?”
“No,” Brian told him.
That reply made the younger man of the two, laugh his heart out. “You're something else Brian.”
Brian grinned at Jesse. “Did you have fun?”
“Tons,” Jesse assured him.
“What did we talk about?” Brian asked arching a brow.
“We never went out of the hotel except to the photo shoot,” Jesse said smiling widely.
“Try not to look so happy about doing nothing,” Brian told him.
The kid laughed at that. “I'm smiling because I got to meet J.T.”
“Yeah, and the fact that you went with a guy to his room last night has nothing to do with it,” Brian said sarcastically.
“He wasn't that great,” Jesse told him. “He had a small dick.”
“I could have told you that,” Brian told him.
“Why didn't you?” Jesse asked frowning.
“Live and learn,” Brian told him.
Jesse smiled and looked at Brian. He knew that the man had gone back to his room with two guys and probably had lots of fun, but when he looked at the man he didn't like how lonely the brunet looked.
“Do you miss him?” Jesse asked.
Brian kept looking down at his lap. He knew what the teen was talking about and he wished that Jesse hadn't brought it up.
“Maybe,” Jesse whispered and sighed. Maybe he'll come back to you, Brian. I mean, maybe this is a test, you know. And it will be bad at first but it will get better. Then you will be back on the road to finding love again,” Jesse said. “With him.”
“If I already had him why do I have to find him again?” Brian asked.
Jesse frowned. “To see what you had and lost and then gained?”
“That’s a bunch of bullshit,” Brian told him.
Jesse sighed as he rolled his eyes.
“Let's just talk about something else,” Brian told him.
“Okay,” the teen muttered. He looked at Brian and wished he could make the brunet smile like before.
The rest of the flight Jesse busied himself with drawing while Brian read some papers he had from work. None of them spoke about Michael or the situation anymore.
***
Justin ran a hand over his hair and smiled knowing he had to get a haircut pretty soon. He looked at his watch and knew that he had an hour before his students started filling the classroom. He was excited to see new faces that year. He knew that he probably got a lot of new students at his class. He gave three different subjects and the students were always looking for him to be their professor because he was cool with them or so they said.
The blond was one of the youngest people to be working at that school. He'd just started two years priors; as soon as he graduated from PIFA he was offered a job. He took it and still had time to paint on his own time. He already had three different shows in those two years. He couldn't be happier about how his life was going.
He sat at his desk a bit nervous; he was still getting used to having new people look up at him. It was fun but at the same time it was scary. He looked up away from his desk when someone knocked at the open door in his office.
"Hello," Jennifer said sporting a big smile. "Can I come in Professor Taylor?"
Justin laughed at that and nodded. "What are you doing here mom?"
"I just came to wish you good luck," she informed him.
"I don't need luck," Justin told her. "Maybe patience and a lot of it. Sit down, please."
She laughed and sat down. She put her purse at the edge of the desk. "Remember two years ago," she said. "I was here to see you taking hold on the reins."
"I know," Justin said smirking. "How's dad?"
"He's good," his mom said. "He told me that he would call you later. He's very proud of you, Justin."
The blond smiled at that. "I know mom."
"I'm very proud of you too," she informed him.
The blond smiled widely.
"Anyways I just thought that we should have lunch today," she told him. "I'm showing a few houses around this area and if you're able to get away for an hour or so, it's my treat."
"That will be great," he told her. "I'll call you around one if that's okay?"
She nodded and looked at her watch. "Well, I should go then. I don't want the kids to see that you let your mom anywhere near you at your age."
The man laughed at that and got up just like she did. "Let me walk you to your car. I'm not afraid of being seen with my mother."
Jennifer smiled as she heard that. She grabbed her purse and walk in front of her son.
"Plus if they look at me weird or make any comments I'm the professor," Justin said. "I can give them a bad grade."
They both laughed at that as they left his office.
***
Jesse came into the diner to have breakfast before he left for PIFA. He couldn't wait to be there. He had gone with Lindsay the day they had orientation and it was fun. They got to meet a few professors, they got to see different works of arts from students that went there and they got to see the place. He smiled when he saw his brother with Emmett and Ted but frowned when he saw that Brian was sitting at the end of the counter all by himself. He didn't even hesitate when he walked up to the brunet.
“Why are you sitting all the way over here?” Jesse asked.
Brian shrugged and grabbed his cup of coffee. "I'm just having breakfast," he said
"Why aren’t you sitting with the guys?" Jesse asked sitting next to the man. "Ma, I need food here."
"I'll be there in a minute, sweetie," the woman yelled back.
"Jesus," Brian said shaking his head. "This is not a park you know. Why does it always have to be a screaming competition with you people?"
The teen smiled. "So," he said letting the word hang.
"So," Brian repeated, very curtly at that.
"They are still your friends, you know," Jesse told him.
"They were his friends before they were mine," Brian pointed out.
"You guys are acting like you got a divorce or something," Jesse pointed out. "What, he stayed with the children? Do you ever get to see them?"
The brunet laughed a bit. "Shut up."
"Well, you can always sit with me," Jesse told him and smiled.
Debbie stood in front of them with a bowl of oatmeal. "Start with this."
"Ah damn," Jesse whispered.
"Eat it," Debbie shouted as she walked away.
Brain was amused at the whole thing. The teen did eat his meal and then managed to get a BLT sandwich to take to school for lunch. He got up from the stool ready to leave.
"Do you need a ride?" Brian asked him.
“That will be cool," Jesse said.
"Okay," Brian said and got his wallet out. He paid for his breakfast and Jesse’s even though the teen didn't have to and also left a generous tip.
"Hey guys," Jesse said as he went pass the guys.
When they were outside and in front of Brian's Jeep, the teen put his foot on the tire and then jumped inside the Jeep.
"Can you act a little bit more civilized than this and open the door?" Brian asked.
"This way is more fun," Jesse assured him.
Brian shook his head and got in. While he drove Jesse to school the teen kept messing with his radio.
"Could you stop that?" Brian asked. "I was listening to that."
"Sorry," Jesse told him. "Hey, are you going to Babylon tonight?"
"Maybe," Brian answered.
"I'll be there," Jesse said and smiled.
The brunet frowned but didn't say anything. He stopped in front of PIFA and then turned to look at Jesse with a smile. "Are you nervous?"
"No," Jesse told him and after a while smiled a bit as he said something else. "Okay, maybe a little," the teen admitted. "I don't know anyone here."
"You have a charming personality," Brian told him. "I'm sure you will be okay. Do you want me to pick you up?"
"Yeah," Jesse said. "I get out at three."
The older man nodded. "Call me," Brian told him.
Jesse jumped out of the Jeep and waved goodbye. Then he took a deep breath before he started walking towards the main building.
***
Jesse was smiling as he waited for the brunet to pick him up. He had one hell of a day. He had learned so many things and had talked to a few people that he liked. He even met a guy and wow, the red head was hot. He couldn't wait to see him again maybe next time he would ask the guy for his number. He thought about telling Francis about having a good time with the guy but it was best if that didn’t happen. Francis tended to get too jealous sometimes.
"Hey," Justin said and stopped next to Jesse. "You're in my class, right?"
Jesse nodded at his professor. "Yeah, I'm Jesse Novotny. You're Professor Taylor."
"Please," Justin said shaking his head. "Call me Justin."
Jesse smiled and nodded.
“Are you okay getting home?” the blond asked.
“Oh yes,” Jesse said. “I called my friend. He was supposed to be here a while back.”
"That's not good," Justin said. “Are you sure he’s coming?”
"Yes. He doesn't mean bad from it," Jesse explained. "Brian is just...Brian."
Justin laughed at that. "I know what you mean. Some of my friends are just...well, they're my friends. So I got you.”
The teen smirked and nodded. "I really like your class so far. And you said everyone had an A that we just had to keep it at that."
"That's right," Justin told him.
Jesse looked up when he heard tires screeching and smiled when he saw the Jeep. Brian stopped right in front of the teen and smirked. He arched a brow and his grin left him when he saw the blond. His cock reacted right away to the piercing blue eyes looking at him.
"This is my ride, Justin," Jesse told him.
"Okay then," Justin told him. “You have a good day.”
Jesse opened the door and smiled. "You're late," he said and quickly got in before throwing his things on the backseat.
"I'm never late," Brian told him. "Does your friend need a ride?"
"I'm good," Justin said before anyone else could talk. "Thanks anyway, Brian,” then he grinned. He wondered if the guy was with Jesse. Brian was definitely a hot number.
The brunet arched a brow.
"I'll see you Jesse. Later, Brian,” he said and smiled before he walked away towards the staff parking lot.
Brian looked at the man through the rearview mirror. "How does he know my name?"
"I told him," Jesse said. "He was keeping me company while you got here."
"He's hot," Brian pointed out as he drove out of there.
"I know," Jesse said.
"You like him?" Brian asked.
"No," Jesse said.
The brunet grinned. "Yeah right."
"No, I mean," Jesse said as he put on his seatbelt. "Yeah he’s hot and if he was anybody else I would probably beg him to fuck me but he's my teacher, dude.”
"He is?" Brian asked. "He's a T.A."
"No," Jesse said. "He's my professor. I know he looks mad young and dresses just like us but he’s older. He's cool though."
"What's his name?" the older man asked.
"Justin," the teen answered. "Prof. Justin Taylor."
Brian stored the name for later. He knew that he wanted to fuck the man. From the moment he saw him his cock had reacted to the blond. One way or another he was going to make that happen.
"Why you ask?" Jesse asked.
The brunet shrugged. "I just thought I should know his name since he knows mine."
Jesse nodded and didn't even think about it any longer. The rest of the way to Debbie's house Brian just asked Jesse if he had a good day and the boy started telling him everything about his first day at PIFA.