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CHAPTER 10 – FIGHTING AND TALKING

 

DEBS’ HOUSE

 

BEN

 

“Oh fuck!  Be right back!”  I shout and leave Debs on the sofa and run to the door.

 

I see Carl dragging Michael towards the car even though he’s trying to get out of his grasp, he’s got no chance against a cop of over 20 years. Just as I’m about to call out to him, I feel Debs’ hand on my arm.

 

“No. She needs this.” She tells me firmly.  “Hey!  Unlock the car!”  Debs shouts at Carmine and he looks at me and I nod.

 

As soon as he does, Jennifer is out and the next thing I see is him crumpled on the ground so it doesn’t take a genius to work out where she nailed him this time.

 

CARL

 

Holy Christ that was one fuck of a kick!  I watch Jennifer straighten herself out and then head back into the house. Michael is still curled into a ball, whimpering.

 

“What am I doing now?!” The driver calls out.

 

Ben and Debs have a conversation before Ben walks to the car, steps over Michael and gets in.  “Can you take me home please?”

 

“What about him?”  He nods down at Michael.

 

“What about him?”  Ben replies coldly. “Home please.”

 

“Of course.”

 

With a small smile at me, he winds up the window and they drive away.

 

“Michael?”  Debs being by my side surprises me.  “Michael!”  She snaps and he looks up pitifully at her. “Do you have money for a hotel?”

 

“Ma…”  He croaks slowly, sitting up but keeping his knees close to his chest.

 

“Money for hotel?”  She repeats.

 

“Where am I going to stay?” He whines. His pitch is somewhat higher because, no doubt, of where his balls have been relocated to! Ouch!

 

“Don’t know and right now, I don’t care. Just know it is going to get cold out here and this jacket is not going to keep you very warm.” She drops it on his head and taking my hand leads me back to the house.

 

HEAVENLY RETREATS – MONDAY AFTERNOON

 

BRIAN & JUSTIN’S ROOM

 

JUSTIN

 

We both look at each other; the meeting went really well.  Really very well.  We start to grin and then he’s picks me up and spins me round the room.

 

“Stop! I’m gonna puke!” I giggle and we land on the bed.

 

“So…”  He kisses me on the nose.  “Are you going to do it?”

 

I frown briefly. “Just this show? Yeah I am.” He’s still smiling. “But I’m not sure about the other two.”

 

“Why not?” He looks puzzled. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime…”

 

“Brian, please will you fucking listen to me? Like I said to Lindsay, New York is not the opportunity of my lifetime, you are. New York will always be there but I want you as long as I can have you. I love you. How many times do I have to say it for you to believe me?” I can feel tears pooling and I blink them away.

 

He sits up and looks genuinely shocked and bewildered. “I’ve never heard it outside of my family and friends without the unspoken words after all we’ve done for you or if you loved me you would…”

 

“I don’t want anything from you but you!” I yell in frustration and throw my hands up for emphasis.

 

He lies back on top of me. “Calm down princess. I get it now, I do. I love you too. So am I your plus one for this shin…ouch no hitting the date!” He rubs his head and smiles. “Now before the beast starts to roar, let’s get some food.”

 

He gets up and heads to the door but I’m still on the bed astonished. “You just…”  I look at him.

 

“I know and my cock is still 9 and half cut.” He sticks his hands down his pants and feels around. “Yep definitely.” Sighing, he walks back to the bed and pulls me upright. Rolling his lips in, he looks like a little boy. “I might not always say it but I do.”

 

“Room service, definitely room service.” I pull him back towards the bed. “In about an hour.”  I start on his shirt but the beast has other ideas and he drags me out of the room.

 

ON THE WAY TO BEN & HUNTER’S HOUSE

 

MICHAEL

 

I was in absolute agony last night. I ended up in some grotty hotel but I’m sure that Ben has calmed down by now. Okay… So, I shouldn’t have said it but I was so cross at what he did and Brian let him walk on water for it. Again! I don’t care that they have an open relationship!

 

As the cab pulls up outside, I’m unsurprised to see Hunter loafing about. “What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be studying or something?”  I demand.

 

“Shouldn’t that be my question?” He retorts, standing in front of the closed door.

 

“What do you mean?” I snap and try to pass him but he blocks me. “Hunter, move out of the way! I’m cold, tired and bruised!”

 

“No. You don’t live here anymore.” He smirks. “You said bruised, where’s that? Also, I don’t know if you noticed but you seem to be missing a tooth, how did that happen?”

 

“None of your fucking business! Ben and I had a little row and both said things we didn’t mean!”

 

“Well I mean this! Go the fuck away!” Ben’s voice startles me as he walks up the front porch steps. “But before you go we need an address to send your stuff to by the end of tomorrow.  That will give us time to pack for you.”

 

“Ben! You can’t do this!” I shout at him.

 

“Yes I can. Hunter wants you out, I want you out and so you are out.”

 

“No I am not! I am going in the house to have a bath and a nap and then we will discuss this.  Now get the fuck out of my way!”

 

Ben nods at him and he moves to the side and with a smirk, I step up and put the key in the door and nothing happens.

 

“What’s wrong with this door?” I demand as I hear Ben snort behind me.

 

“We’ve changed the locks to Hunter’s house.” Ben tells me and there is a gasp from Hunter.

 

“My house? What do you mean my house?

 

“The deed is in your name. Clearly Michael forgot that since, like you said on Sunday, if it doesn’t concern Brian or comics…”

 

“What the fuck are you talking about?!” I snap. “We’ve never discussed this! And I would prefer not to discuss this on the lawn in front of our neighbours!”

 

You’re the one yelling Mr Novotny.” Ben points out and I blush. “Now we did discuss this when we adopted Hunter. Remember, we agreed that he should have the house in his name so he’d always be able to come home.”

 

Fuck! I remember that now!

 

“Now you need to leave so we can get on with our lives…”

 

“Hope you find a pillow to put that tooth under if you still have it!”  Hunter snickers.

 

“I will be back!” I storm off, grabbing my phone and placing a call. “Brian! It’s me! You need to call me back immediately! Ben has thrown me out!” I hang up and manage to hail a cab and give them Lindsay’s address.

 

PITTSBURGH AIRPORT, ARRIVALS LOUNGE – EARLY EVENING

 

RUTH

 

Well just judging by the hand holding and dopey grins, I think that the weekend went well.

 

“Good evening gentlemen. The Loft?”

 

“Yes please.” Justin yawns.

 

When we get to the car, they just get in and within minutes Justin is asleep. More importantly, he’s asleep in Brian’s arms.

 

“So how was it?”  I ask quietly.

 

“Great... just great.”

 

“I’ll wake you when we’re there.” I wink at him as he just nods and closes his eyes.

 

When I try to take the turning onto Tremont, I find it closed off. I manage to get the attention of a cop. “What’s going on?”

 

“Gas leak. Still waiting for them to arrive so nobody goes down here.” He explains.

 

“Shit. Okay thanks.” I look in the back of the car and they are still asleep.  Reversing back, I head to the only other place I know to go.

 

MEL & LINDSAY’S HOUSE

 

LOUNGE

 

LINDSAY

 

I just can’t understand why Ben reacted this way to what Michael said. It wasn’t kind and Brian took it the wrong way but it was years ago. Mel is reading and Michael is in the bathroom, though he has been in there for a long time.

 

Brian still hasn’t called either of us back and I’m furious, if truth be told. Not only because he didn’t call me back but that he called Mel. Despite me asking why he contacted her, I don’t buy her answer that he just did.

 

The door knocks and I look at Mel and she shrugs. I open the door and am surprised to find Debs outside and I let her in. “I understand that Michael is here?” I nod and point towards the bathroom.

 

“Do you know what happened?” I ask. “He just said that he and Ben had a row about the party and he’s thrown him out over what he said.”

 

“Yes that’s about the gist of it. But that’s between them; I’m not getting involved. I just wanted to know that he’s here. Now I’m going to kiss my granddaughter goodnight and be on my way.  Carl and I have dinner plans.”

 

Debs not getting involved? Okay, what the fuck is going on?!

 

GARAGE OF RUTH’S CONDO – AN HOUR LATER

 

RUTH

 

Mercifully, they are still asleep. I dashed upstairs to get rid of the things that could scream Ruth lives here and go back downstairs. Taking a breath, I open the door and shake Brian’s shoulder.

 

“Guys? Guys wake up!”

 

Justin protests and burrows back under the blanket that Brian had covered him with.

 

“Come on guys, get out.” After a bit more protesting, he slides out of the car and looks around.

 

“Where are we?” Brian frowns.

 

“Friend’s place I’m house sitting for. Tremont has a gas leak so nobody in or out. You can use the spare bedroom for the night.”

 

“Oh okay. Lead the way.” Brian takes the cases out of the boot and they follow me up.

 

SECOND BEDROOM, RUTH’S CONDO

 

JUSTIN

 

This has got to be the second most comfortable bed ever, after the loft.  As we spoon together having had a lovely waterfall shower fuck, I kiss his hand and then frown.

 

“Shit! Messages!”  I exclaim and we both reach for our phones.

 

I have a couple from mom to say she needs to speak to me when I get back and one from Daphne telling me to tell her all about our time in New York.

 

“Holy shit!” Brian sighs rubbing his face.

 

“What?”

 

“Ben’s thrown Michael out.”

 

“Fuck! What for?” I can’t actually believe that Ben has grown a pair to do that!

 

“Says it’s a misunderstanding but he is staying with the munchers for now.”

 

“For now? What does that mean?” I ask warily.

 

“Don’t know and quite frankly I don’t care…”  His kiss leaves me licking my bruised lips, he tastes so good!  “Wanna try from behind again?” My cock twitches in his hand. “Remember that we both need to adjust...”

 

“Shut up and turn over.”  I demand.

 

MEL & LINDSAY’S HOUSE – TUESDAY MID-MORNING

 

KITCHEN

 

MICHAEL

 

I dunk a cookie in the milk and brush the crumbs on the floor, earning a glare from Mel. She hands me the dustpan and brush. I roll my eyes as I clean it up.

 

I hear Lindsay opening the front door and saying Brian’s name. Finally for fuck sake!

 

He comes in carrying Gus and Boy Wonder follows him, like some lap dog as usual!

 

“Hey Brian! Didn’t you get my messages?” I pout.

 

“I didn’t check my messages until last night, Michael. I had a busy weekend.”

 

“Too busy to come and see your sick son?” Lindsay interjects.

 

“He had gas Lindsay, not gastroenteritis.” Mel shakes her head. “He was fine and made you cookies Justin.”

 

“Yes!” Boy Wonder whoops and I curl my lip in annoyance. I had wondered why Gus didn’t want me to have any, he even took the tin with him to his room when I managed to take one.

 

“Brian, what am I going to do?” I try again. “I have nowhere to go and I can’t stay here with the girls…”

 

“Have you tried talking to Ben?” He puts Gus down but when I go to sit next to him, Mel takes the seat and he pulls Boy Wonder into his lap.

 

“He just won’t listen, especially with Hunter dripping poison in his ear.”

 

“Hunter?” Mel asks, looking confused at me and inside, I wince. “You didn’t say Hunter was back.”

 

“Oh great! I wonder if he’d want to help at Britin.”  Boy Wonder looks at Brian and he shrugs.

 

“No harm in asking. He’s got a good eye.”

 

“Okay, I’ll call him when we get home after we go to see mom.”

 

“So Hunter, who doesn’t have any vested interest in Britin, gets to help and we don’t?”  Lindsay snipes and I smirk.

 

“Yes, that’s exactly why he gets to help if he wants.” Boy Wonder retorts. “Who helps me in my house is my choice. And…”

 

“So Brian…”  I just talk over him as usual. “I was thinking that I could move into the loft with you guys, now that you have more room and…”

 

“No. Because we don’t have more room now Michael. Justin will have his studio in the loft below and hopefully a showcase area. There won’t be any sleeping quarters. Well I don’t think there will be?” He looks at Boy Wonder, who of course, shakes his head!

 

“What about the apartment above the store? Surely you can move in there temporarily until Ben cools down?” Mel asks.

 

“That has my inventory in it.” I point out.

 

“But you can put them in storage and move in there. You’re right Michael. You can’t stay here; it’s just not doable and you can’t sleep on the sofa.”

 

“But…”

 

“Michael, you’re our friend. We care for you and know you are having a tough time. But you need to find either a hotel or move to the apartment over the store, by Thursday. It’s your choice where you want to be but you can’t be here any longer than that.” Mel tells me and Lindsay nods in agreement! We will be having a talk about this!

 

“So how was New York?” Lindsay looks at Boy Wonder and he smiles.

 

Are you kidding me?! You mean we’ve done it?!

 

“It was great.  Even though I wasn’t happy with going, I’m going to do the show but just the one. I’m not going to do all three of them.”

 

“What? By why not?!” Lindsay is incredulous.

 

“I don’t want to. The Rathman faction understood and are fine with it. Once again, Lindsay, it is my choice what I do with my career.” He glares at her.

 

“And speaking of choice...  Gus, can you come here a minute?!”  Brian calls out.

 

“Yes daddy.” Gus comes running in.

 

“I need to ask you something. Remember when Jussin, I mean Justin and I were getting married and didn’t?”

 

“Yes daddy. I was sad about that.”

 

He must have been the only one!

 

“Well do you remember what it was you were supposed to do?”

 

“Yes daddy.”

 

“Good. Because you need to remember for when we get married in a couple of months’ time.”

 

You have got to be fucking kidding me!

 

“You asked him again?!” Lindsay gasps, when she notices I can’t actually speak. I’m too shocked.

 

“No, he asked me and I said yes.” Brian grins around the room.

 

“Oh honey, that’s fucking fantastic!” Mel squeals, embracing them both at once. “Flower girl, please let her be a flower girl?!”

 

“She can be a flower girl and we have to call Emmy to cater it.”  Boy Wonder grins.

 

“Oh for the record, twat, no golden gardenias!”

 

“Deal!” Boy Wonder grins then kisses him.

 

No way! No fucking way is this going to happen! There is no fucking way my world is going to disintegrate like this!

 

“By the way Michael, what happened to your tooth?” Justin asks.

 

Double fuck! How am I going to explain this?!

 

“It was loose and I managed to knock it out.”  I declare and he just shrugs...fucking shrugs.

 

“So since I can’t have golden gardenias, can we have an evening reception, as in the cake then, which means carbs after seven?”

 

I roll my eyes and wait for Brian to smack him down. He doesn’t do carbs after seven.

 

“The things I do for you... Okay, evening reception it is.” Brian taps him on his fat ass and he stands up. He looks at Brian and smirks before sitting back down. I want to punch him and vomit all at the same time. Where the fuck has my Brian gone?!

 

“Sending the text to Emmy now.  I’m not looking forward to answering the phone when he calls…”

 

“Why not?”  Mel looks confused and then she grins.  “Aaah, the squealing will reach epic levels.”

 

“Just a tad.” He giggles. He fucking giggles! So fucking annoying! And I’ve had e-fucking-nough!

 

Brian’s focus should be on me! In fact, everyone’s focus should be on me and my problems with Ben. Pussyboy Wonder should just be GONE since this is all his fault for surviving and sticking around in the first place!

 

“Well thanks again Justin. Really sensitively handled, as per usual!”  I snarl and the room blissfully goes quiet of wedding chatter.

 

“Michael what…?”

 

“My marriage is falling apart and you take great pleasure in announcing your second attempt at getting married in front of me!”

 

“Michael, I’m sorry that you are going through a tough time with Ben but…”  Justin begins.

 

“Hang on a second.”  Brian interrupts him and I feel good about it. Here comes the smackdown. You would think Justin would learn to shut the fuck up when grown people are talking. Well he’ll learn right now, won’t he? I try to hide the smile threatening to burst forth when Brian turns to me. Finally!  “Michael, Justin didn’t announce our marriage, I did.  As much as you are hurting, life for other people goes on. This is not Justin’s fault.”

 

What the hell?! That was so not what was supposed to happen! Again where the fuck has Brian gone? What the hell has Justin been slipping Brian for him to disregard and ignore me like this? This… this Pod person before me is someone I don’t know. He isn’t predictable anymore! HELP!

 

He taps Boy Wonder Fat Ass again and this time, then bends down to kiss Mel on the cheek.  Since when the fuck does he kiss Mel on the cheek?! And repeats the same action to Lindsay then walks out without a word to me.

 

BRIAN

 

As we head to the front door, I stop Justin.  “Has he always spoken to you like that?” He shrugs. “Justin? Has Michael always spoken to you like that?”

 

“Only when he thinks I’m taking up too much of your time…”

 

I blink a couple of times. “Come with me.” I take his hand and we head back to the kitchen.

 

“Oh so you remembered to say goodbye to me then?” Michael pouts.

 

“No. I’ve come to tell you that I didn’t like the way you spoke to Justin then. Cut that shit out!”

 

I smile at the stunned expression on Justin’s face and lead him easily back to the car.

 

“I can’t believe you just did that.” He still looks surprised.

 

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me…”  He goes to say something. “But I can understand why you didn’t.  So in a much gentler tone, ‘cut that shit out’ and tell me when he upsets you.  How can I defend you if I don’t know that I have to?”

 

“Okay, shit is cut out.”  He kisses me sweetly, rests his head on my shoulder and closes his eyes.

 

I wait a few minutes before reaching for the tin Gus gave me.

 

“Don’t even think about it!”  He orders and I retract my hand with a smile.

 

KITCHEN

 

MEL

 

Well if that don’t beat all! I look at Lindsay and Michael.  “Isn’t that great news? Okay not great timing, considering your circumstances, but that can’t be helped.”

 

“You think this is a good thing?!” Lindsay has finally regained the power of speech.

 

“Of course! But why don’t you?” I ask.

 

“Didn’t you hear him? He’s going to New York…”  Michael points out.

 

“For one show.” I retort.

 

“But he needs to go for all three of them to propel his career forward.” Is her haughty response.

 

“For two people who are Brian’s best friends, you don’t seem very happy for him. This is the same man who arranged our marriage Lindsay and your reception Michael.  As the man said just now, cut that shit out!”

 

 

Chapter End Notes:

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