Recapture me

Squinting from the sun- rays, Justin forced himself to wake up. He didn’t want to go in to work today. He could hear Ethan getting out of the shower. Sitting up, he groggily rubbed his tired eyes. Maybe I could just call in sick? He didn’t return to the apartment until close to three in the morning. He had spent most of it walking in the park or sitting on the bench thinking about Brian. He hated what Brian was doing to him. This is his fault. But at the same time… he wanted to be near him. He needed to know what was going on in Brian’s mind. It was driving him nuts.

Ethan exits the bathroom, “Good morning!” Justin smiles, wishing he had the same energy, “’morning.” He had wished in a way that Ethan knew he had been up all night. But then again, he didn’t want him to worry. Ethan has done enough for me as it is… he deserves so much better. Ethan, still smiling, walks over and softly kisses his lips, “So when are you going to quit working at the diner?” Justin frowns, “What?” “Are you going to tell Debbie today?” Justin shakes his head, wondering if he was more tired than he originally thought, “What are you talking about?” Ethan sighs, beginning to get dressed, “Darling, you only work there once a week, and each time you return home stressed because of those people who pretend to be your friends.” “That’s not true.. and they are my friends…” he trails off, I think they are.. well, kind of… they are kind of my friends… maybe… Ethan tries not to roll his eyes, “If that makes you feel comfortable to believe that, Justin, then do. However we both know the truth.” “I can’t just quit working at the diner.” “And why not? You miss having Brian humiliate you THAT much?” Justin purses his lips, Why must we argue about this now? “Ethan…” Ethan isn’t finished, as he continues in his calm manner, “You only work there once a week. You’re doing fine working with Michael on the comic book every other week, plus you work in the gallery here on campus twice a week… why on earth would you want to continue going out of your way to the diner once a week to serve people who mean shit to you?” Justin sucks in his breath, then smiles teasingly, wanting to finish the conversation, “Good tips.” Ethan stops getting dressed, “What?” Justin simply laughs, which only irritates Ethan as he persists, “What is that suppose to mean?” Justin shakes his head, “I’m kidding! (laughing) It was a joke… only a joke… I’m sorry.” Walking over to him, he lightly kisses his lips, apologizing again with a smile, “I’m sorry, Ethan. It was just a joke.” Ethan frowns, “Not funny, Justin.” Justin continues to smile, liking the reaction. “Okay. I’m going to take a quick shower before heading out.” “You mean you’re going to go in to work?” “Of course.” “But you’re going to quit, right?” Justin shakes his head, “No, Ethan, I don’t think I’m going to quit… we’ll see, okay? I just.. I just don’t want to leave Deb hanging like that….” “That’s bullshit, and you know it.” Justin takes his clothing into the bathroom, “Ethan…” Ethan’s voice becomes tense, “Don’t lie to me, Justin.” Hurt, “What did I say?” “It was what you were ABOUT to say. I don’t want to hear it.” Justin bites his lower lip, What was I going to say? I don’t even know what I was about to say then… how would he know? Ethan walks into the bathroom, wrapping his arms around Justin’s waist from behind, “Just tell me you’ll quit. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” “I’m not going to get hurt, Ethan.” Ethan kisses the back of his neck, softly whispering, “Just promise me that you’ll think about it.” Justin nods, feeling chills down his back from Ethan’s lips. Ethan certainly knew how to be persuasive. Ethan smiles, seeing the aroused effect he was having on Justin. He continues to nuzzle and whisper in his ear, “Thank you, Justin Taylor…” Justin blushed, he loved the way Ethan said his full name. It made him feel important. Ethan lightly kisses his neck one last time before taking a step back, “As much as I would love to stay and watch you shower, my love, I have a my recital to attend.” Justin laughs, shaking his head. Turning around to face Ethan, he tenderly kisses his lips, “Will you miss me?” Ethan grins, “Dearly.” Justin giggles, convincing himself This is what a real relationship should feel like. He felt terrible that he had to miss Ethan's recital today, I have to make this up to him. Ethan kisses him one last time, “I’ll see you tonight?” Justin nods, “Maybe we can order Chinese food?” Ethan laughs, “Sounds like a plan. Have a great day, Justin… remember what I said.” Justin nods again, “I will.” He watches Ethan leave the apartment. I will… Maybe he should quit. But first he had to know why Brian wanted a drawing of his, and what was the real reason behind last night’s kiss.