Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Chapter 67 – Dancing at Babylon
A Little Later…(Day 48)
“So now that you’ve danced with me, and got me all hot and hard, you think it’s time to dance with Jason again? Do you really think you can get away with that, Sunshine?” Brian teased Justin, as they were leaving the bathroom at Babylon.
“They’re our guests, Brian,” Justin pointed out, as if that should explain everything.
“And if I let you dance with Jason again, does this mean you’ll get back on track with my plan and scurry into your studio to paint, first thing in the morning?” Brian had to ask, trying to use whatever leverage he could think of, to get Justin to cooperate with his well-laid plans for the weekend.
“Maybe not first thing in the morning…” Justin protested with a smile. “I may have other plans.”
“Such as?” Brian demanded to know.
Justin leaned in to whisper something in Brian’s ear.
Brian smiled, obviously liking what he was hearing, “Well, maybe first thing in the morning was a bit harsh,” he finally said.
Justin couldn’t resist a smile, as they started walking toward the bar.
Paul and Jason met them on the way, carrying several bottles of water.
“Here,” Jason said, handing water to everyone.
“Thanks,” Brian and Justin in unison, as they gratefully accepted their drinks.
After finishing their water, Justin and Jason said their goodbyes as they once again headed for the dance floor.
“Why don’t you show me the new catwalk?” Paul suggested.
“Because you think we can keep an eye on our partners from up there?” Brian teased.
“Not to mention getting a birds-eye view of the dance floor,” Paul added. “I can’t believe how many people are here tonight.”
“It’s Saturday night in Pittsburgh, where else would they be?” Brian reminded him.
“You have to admit that this is still the hottest club in town,” Paul reminded him. “Where else does a fag have a chance to maybe catch a glimpse of the great Brian Kinney? What will gay PA do when you move to New York?”
“I’m sure that some new guy will eventually take over as the new Stud of Liberty Avenue. I can happily retire…knowing that all of gay PA will be well taken care of,” Brian confessed.
“That’s not true…let’s face it, there is only one legend…only one Brian Kinney,” Paul proclaimed.
“That’s true, a mighty legend brought low by a blond twink,” Brian said with a sigh. “And I couldn’t be happier,” he added with a laugh.
“I know, but from up here you can still safely survey your realm,” Paul reminded him with a smile.
“I must admit...It’s a great view! Look at our partners,” Brian said, nodding in their direction. “Where do they get the energy?”
“They have youth on their side,” Paul said with a laugh, “But you have to agree…they really are quite a pair. We’re so lucky, you and I.”
Brian thought about all the years he’d spent thus far with Justin.
‘Legal Partners…forever and ever has such a nice ring to it’, he thought to himself, definitely looking forward to all the years to come.
***
Meanwhile, Ted and Emmett were talking to Michael.
“Did you get a chance to spend a lot of time with JR?” Emmett asked.
“Not as much as I would have liked. I really miss her when she’s not here, and thanks to Brian, my day has been rather upsetting.”
“How is that?” Emmett had to ask, trying desperately to follow Michael’s line of logic.
“I heard you when you said that Mel and Linds were invited to lunch out to the mansion. I saw Brian earlier today, and he didn’t invite me too…his best friend. He never said a word about any thing special going on for him today. Linds was the one who told me about what had been going all day today at the mansion. I should have been invited too,” Michael pointed out. “Brian has a lot to apologize for,” he added.
“So have you finally worked through everything?” Emmett continued. “Are you finally ok with the news about Brian and Justin?”
Michael nodded yes. “Tomorrow, I’m going to wish Brian and Justin well,” he revealed.
“That’s wonderful, Michael,” Ted exclaimed. “After all, Brian is your best friend. I know you want him to be happy, and even you have to admit that Justin makes Brian happy. This is good news.”
“We both know that Justin will never make Brian truly happy. Everything will fall apart again…you’ll see. I’m just going to be there, waiting to take care of Brian… like Zephyr takes care of Rage. Everything will eventually be ok. Everyone knows that Brian needs me,” Michael pointed out with smugness and self-satisfaction. “Brian will never change…we all know that.”
“So you’re going to wish Brian and Justin well, even though you don’t really mean it?” Ted asked, not believing his ears.
Michael simply nodded yes.
“Michael, sweetie, what makes you think you can pull this off?” Emmett had to ask.
“I have to. If I don’t wish Brian well, I could lose Ben. So I know that I have to find a way to do this.”
“Have to do what?” Ben asked as he rejoined them at the bar.
“I have to congratulate Brian and Justin first chance I get. It really is time,” Michael said with a forced smile.
“I’m so glad to hear that,” Ben said, leaning down to give Michael a kiss. “It’s the right thing to do. You’ll see that afterwards, things will be better between you and Brian.”
“I know,” Michael said, trying to sound reassuring.
Ted and Emmett couldn’t help looking at each other with some concern. They both suddenly understood the overprotective stance that Paul and Jason were taking where Brian was concerned.
After a few moments, Michael excused himself to go the bathroom, leaving Ben to talk with Emmett and Ted.
“I’m sorry…I bet this has been a long day for you, hasn’t it?” Emmett said to Ben. He wanted to be sure that Ben knew that he was being supportive.
Ben recognized the show of support. “Brian and Justin committing to each other has thrown Michael for a loop. I’m just glad that he is finally ready to wish his best friend well. He and Brian have been friends for so long that I hate to see a breach develop between them.” Ben continued. “But you know how strong childhood fantasies can be?”
“My childhood fantasy was to get out of Hazlehurst,” Emmett admitted. “Since I’m here in Pittsburgh, obviously I made that dream come true.”
Ben and Ted couldn’t help but smile at Emmett. Although they both had to wonder why Emmett had stopped in Pittsburgh, but they were both very glad that he did.
“It’s good to have dreams,” Ben reminded them. “Sometimes they’re the only things that keep you going…believe me I know.”
Everyone fell silent for a moment…simply nodding their agreement with Ben’s statement.
Deep down, Emmett and Ted understood that eventually a person had to grow up and learn the difference between their dreams and real life. They both understood that Michael wasn’t there yet.
Shaking away those thoughts, Emmett said, “Ok Ben, while Michael is away…how about a dance?”
“Why Emmett, you and I haven’t been dance partners in quite some time. I think that’s an excellent idea,” Ben said joyfully, as he reached out to take Emmett’s hand and led him to the dance floor.
A short time later, Michael returned to the bar, finding only Ted waiting for him. Michael took a moment to look around before he had to ask, “Where’s Ben?”
“Oh, Ben and Emmett are reliving the past,” Ted said casually. “They’re dancing. They both decided it had been too long since they’d danced together.”
“That’s true. Me and Ben have been so busy with our lives that I guess we haven’t spent much time here at Babylon,” Michael said sadly. “Where does the time go?” he added.
“Once we were all so innocent until we found our way here to Babylon,” Ted reminded him.
“Most of us were…except for Brian. I don’t think Brian was ever innocent,” Michael said, thinking back. “He seemed to always know exactly what he was doing…until now.”
“Michael…” Ted said, trying to interrupt Michael’s train of thought.
“I heard some guys talking, when I was in the bathroom,” Michael continue oblivious to the attempted interruption. “They said that Brian was here tonight. I guess Ben and I should find him in case we have to drive him home,” he continued.
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” Ted pointed out. “If Brian is here, I’m sure he’s not here alone.”
“I suppose not,” Michael said sadly, secretly hoping that Brian had left Justin at home.
“So tonight, he’s not going to need that ride home,” Ted gently reminded him.
“Was it business? Is he with clients?” Michael continued to question.
“No, Paul and Jason are here with him so you and Ben don’t have to worry,” Ted added for good measure. “I’m sure Brian has a safe way home.”
“Still, I wonder where he is,” Michael couldn’t suppress the idea that if Brian was at Babylon, and they ran into each other, surely Brian would beg Michael’s forgiveness for the harsh words between them. But even more, Michael was also hoping that Brian would admit that he made a mistake committing legally to Justin. Then things would return to normal.
“Babylon is still a pretty big place, remember?” Ted reminded him, breaking Michael’s train of thought. “Brian could be anywhere.”
Michael reluctantly accepted what Ted was saying.
***
“Why thank you Mr. Ben for that dance,” Emmett cooed.
“You’re welcome, Em. It was my pleasure.” Ben responded. “Michael, did you know that Brian’s here?”
“I heard someone in the bathroom mention that he was here, but I haven’t seen him yet. Do you think he’s looking for me?” Michael eagerly asked.
“I don’t think he knows that you’re here. I thought I saw him talking to someone on the upper catwalk,” Ben pointed out
“Did you see Justin there too?” Michael asked, hoping he could have a moment alone with Brian.
“No, Brian appeared to be talking to someone else. I couldn’t see who it was. I also thought that I caught a glimpse of Justin dancing, but I was so far away I couldn’t be sure. A lot of people are here tonight. I couldn’t get close enough to Justin to even say hello,” Ben recounted.
“I wouldn’t worry,” Emmett interrupted. “You’ll see Brian and Justin at dinner tomorrow. So tonight…just enjoy the thumpa thumpa,” he suggested.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Ben agreed. “Let’s just take advantage of the curative powers of the dance.”
“So Em, now that you’ve had a chance to dance with Ben, how about you and I dancing together?” Michael insisted.
Emmett was a little surprised, but he managed to hide it. “Just give me a minute to catch my breath. Then, I think I’ll be up to another dance,” Emmett admitted, taking a moment to lean against the bar. “Its’ been a while since you’ve asked me to dance.”
“I know….” Michael confirmed with a smile.
***
While Michael and Emmett were dancing, Michael couldn’t resist constantly looking upwards, hoping to locate Brian. But with the crowd of people watching the dance floor from the catwalk railing, Michael never caught a glimpse of Brian.
Paul had seen Michael and Emmett approach the dance floor. He had also seen Michael constantly looking up in an attempt to locate Brian. So Paul had carefully maneuvered Brian out of the way so he couldn’t be seen from the dance floor.
As Paul watched Michael leave the dance floor, he decided that the crowds offered just the right shield for them, so he guided Brian to just the right spot on the dance floor to once again surprise Jason and Justin.
“I’m going up on the catwalk,” Michael announced, as he and Emmett were on their way back to the bar.
“No Michael, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Emmett argued.
“If Brian’s up there, I know he must be looking for me,” Michael professed. “This is his chance to make things right between us.”
“Michael, your plan was to see Brian tomorrow and congratulate HIM during dinner. Don’t you think that’s a better idea than talking to Brian here at Babylon,” Emmett suggested, “Besides Ben is waiting for you. How do you think that Ben is going to take your searching for Brian tonight?”
“Ben?” Michael asked.
“Yes, you remember…your partner…tall guy…rather good looking…very well built like a superhero…surely you remember him?” Emmett said, trying to jostle Michael’s memory.
Michael stopped to think for a moment. “Ben will understand,” he answered. “I’ll only be a minute.” Michael took off in the direction of the upper catwalk.
Emmett decided to follow Michael at a distance, just in case he was needed.
Michael searched the upper level. In fact, he was so intent on his search on the upper level that he failed to notice Brian and Justin dancing together on the main dance floor.
Emmett however noticed the Brian and Justin on the dance floor…but said nothing to Michael.
After failing in his quest, a saddened Michael slowly returned to the bar to rejoin Ben…followed immediately by Emmett.
***
Meanwhile, Brian and Justin were totally enjoying themselves on the dance floor.
Paul smiled to himself as he noticed Michael and Emmett on the upper catwalk, but he never said a word, as he and Jason continued to enjoy their dance.
Finally, the foursome decided they’d had a rather long, but totally enjoyable, day. They agreed to one more dance before heading back to the mansion.
After the final dance, Brian and Justin were on their way to the bar to say goodbye to Emmett and Ted before leaving; however, Paul and Jason tried to convince them that if they stopped at the bar…they might find it difficult to easily reach the exit.
That was it. Brian had finally had enough. “Alright Paul, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Brian demanded to know.
“Nothing,” Paul insisted, keeping eye contact with Jason rather than looking up at Brian.
“Nothing, huh?” Brian grumbled. “You and Jason have managed to keep both Justin and me busy, the entire time that we’ve been here at the club. Jason’s antics don’t surprise me because he’s always a little over the top when he and Justin get together,” he added with a laugh. “ But you…you’ve been handling me all night. Now I want to know what’s going on…and I want to know it now!”
“Brian…” Justin tried to interrupt.
“Not now, Sunshine, Paul has some explaining to do, and I don’t want to miss a single syllable,” Brian said firmly. Brian didn’t move a single step, but firmly planted himself in place, forcing the crowds to move around them. And to make sure that Paul didn’t drift away in the passing crowd, Brian reached out and gently, but securely, held his shoulder as he said, “I’m waiting Paul.”
Paul sighed deeply as he contemplated his position. Secretly, he hoped for some sort of divine intervention that would make it unnecessary for him to say anything more, for he was well aware that Brian hated to be handled.
“I’m waiting Paul,” Brian repeated.
“All right Brian, you’re right. Michael is here at Babylon tonight. I didn’t want you two to run into each other,” Paul finally admitted.
“I can’t believe that you’ve done all this maneuvering, all night, just to keep me from seeing Michael? Why?” Brian asked, completely perplexed by the turn of events.
“He upset you earlier today, and I didn’t want to give him the opportunity to upset you again.” Paul revealed.
Brian laughed, as he released is friend.
“Ok, I’m sorry. I was just…” Paul started to say, looking for the right words not to make matters worse.
“Don’t worry about it. There’s nothing that I can do about how Michael feels about what Justin and I have done. I, also, have no intention of making it easier for Michael by avoiding him. This is Michael’s problem, and he’s going to have to deal with it,” Brian pointed out.
Paul and Jason simply nodded, admiring the way that Brian had chosen to handle things.
Brian smiled, sliding his arm around Justin’s waist. “Now we are going over to the bar to say goodbye to Emmett and Ted.”
“Ok, ” Paul said softly.
They had taken a few steps, when Jason suddenly interrupted things. “Wait a minute! What do you mean, Brian?”
“What?” Brian asked, trying to figure out was Jason was complaining about now.
“You didn’t think I was listening, did you? What do you mean ‘Jason’s antics don’t surprise me because he’s always a little over the top when he and Justin get together?’ Jason asked mockingly. “I’ll have you know that I’ve been on my best behavior,” he argued.
Brian couldn’t resist laughing at the outraged Jason.
“Jason, I know you love to dance. But you have held my partner hostage on the dance floor almost since our arrival. Sunshine may not find that unusual, but I have to say it’s quite suspect,” Brian reminded him. “I suppose that you have another explanation?”
Jason was about to plead his case, and then he happened to look over at Paul. Paul’s expression made it clear that Jason’s best strategy, at this point, was to simply agree with Brian.
“All right, Brian,” Jason finally said with a sigh. “When we first arrived, I really wanted to dance with Jus. But I’ll admit, I have been focused on keeping Justin on the dance floor so that Paul could keep you distracted and away from Michael.” Then Jason turned to Justin. “I’m sorry, Jus,” he said sincerely.
“That’s ok, Jason. At least now I understand, why I feel so tired,” Justin teased.
“Jason, you and Paul, had better hope that Justin’s energy returns quickly. Because I’ve made my usual promise to fuck him into the mattress tonight. And it’s no fun, if Sunshine falls asleep in the middle of things. Do I make myself clear?” Brian pointed out
Paul and Jason suddenly felt a moment of panic. Brian smiled at Justin as he watched the expressions on Paul and Jason’s face, but he said nothing, choosing instead, to let his friends squirm.
Brian continued to smile as he led the way to the bar.
Ted and Emmett saw Brian and Justin approaching with Paul and Jason. Casting a look at Paul and Jason, Ted and Emmett realized that they could not prevent the inevitable…Michael and Brian were about to come face-to-face with each other.
“Brian…” Emmett said, causing Michael to finally look up.
“Well Em, I think it’s time that I take the blond home to bed,” Brian said with a smile. “Hi Ben, it’s good to see you.”
“How’s it going, Brian? Good to see you and Justin…and congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Brian said quietly.
Michael started to shuffle over toward Brian. “Briian,” he whined. “I heard that you were here. Were you looking for me?”
“Not really,” Brian said nonchalantly, giving Michael every indication to stay where he was.
Michael paid no attention and tried to reach out for Brian, who simply took a step backward, taking Justin with him.
“Michael, honey. Now is probably not a good time to hug Brian. After all, he’s been dancing the night away,” Emmett pointed out. “He’s probably all hot and sweaty.”
Michael stopped for a moment and noticed that Brian still stood with his arm around Justin. Michael couldn’t understand why Brian hadn’t released Justin and reached out for him.
“Brian?” Michael asked, hoping that Brian would say something to explain things.
Brian merely turned his attention back to Ted and Emmett. “And Ted, I’ll see you later. I trust that you’ll take of things here.”
“Of course, Bri,” Ted reassured him. “Paul…Jason…it’s been good to see you too. We’ll see each other at dinner tomorrow at Debbie’s.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Paul added, as he glanced at Michael and smiled.
“We’re going to say goodnight…we’ll see you tomorrow,” Justin said, trying to suppress a yawn. And with that Brian, Justin, Paul, and Jason headed out of the club.
A very surprised Michael couldn’t believe what just happened.
“He didn’t say anything to me; Brian wouldn’t even talk to me,” Michael complained. “He’s my best friend…how can he do this to me? I’ve got to go talk to him.”
“No!” Ben insisted. “You just heard Brian say that everyone was tired. Just leave him alone. You can try to talk to him tomorrow.”
“No, Brian needs me now,” Michael protested, as he tried to follows his best friend. Unfortunately, Brian and group seemed to quickly disappear from sight.
Michael tried to follow the departing group onto Liberty Avenue.
“I’m sorry Ben, but you know how Michael is?” Ted remarked quietly, but his eyes never left Ben, who had a strange look of exasperation in his eyes.
“I guess I do,” Ben said calmly, letting out a long sigh.
A few minutes later, Michael returned. “I don’t understand, Brian had to hear me calling him, but he paid no attention to me. He just drove off.”
“What did you expect, sweetie? Brian was tired and ready to simply go home. Ben was right; you’re going to have to wait until tomorrow to talk to Brian,” Emmett suggested.
“Maybe you’re right,” Michael quietly acknowledged. He waited a few moments to let the recent events settled in. “Ben, maybe it’s time for us to go home too,” Michael, then, suggested.
“You can go home if you like, Michael,” Ben announced with a strange sound to his voice. “But I need another dance with Emmett before I go. Emmett are you up for it?”
Emmett smiled and followed Ben to the dance floor, leaving a very startled Michael behind with Ted.
“What was that all about?” Michael asked. “Ben is behaving so strangely.”
“You may have pushed Ben too far this time,” Ted quietly suggested, hoping Michael would start to think about what he was doing.
“What did I do?” Michael whined, apparently completely oblivious to what was happening.
Ted simply shook his head and wondered if Michael would ever get a clue.
***
“In spite of everything, THIS was another great night at Babylon,” Paul admitted, as he pulled Jason closer to him in the car, on the ride back to Bri-tin.
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Brian said, as he reached for Justin’s hand, and gently kissed his wrist. “You’ll forgive me if I hurry home,” he added with a smile, “I still have a certain promise to keep before someone falls asleep.”
Justin couldn’t resist a smile.