By now, everyone knew that Justin and Brian had broken up... again. The gossips of Liberty Avenue were taking bets on when Justin and Brian would be back together. Debbie and Melanie were blaming Brian. Michael and Lindsay were trying to defend Brian, but also trying to get him to admit that he wanted Justin back. Ben, Emmett, and Ted were trying to stay neutral.
Jennifer had wanted Justin to stay with her and Molly at the condo, but Justin had declined. Debbie had also offered him Michael's old room, again, but he declined that offer too. He appreciated his mother's and Debbie's concern, but he decided to stay with Daphne.
Justin hadn't seen Brian since that last night at the lot. Justin had been avoiding Woody's and Babylon. And, Brian seemed to be avoiding the Diner whenever Justin was working. So, it was with a little surprise when Justin was working the dinner shift and Brian walked in, sitting down at the counter.
Trying to stop the nervous flutter in his stomach, from just the sight of Brian, he walked over to take his order. He still loved Brian, with all his heart, but he knew that he had to be strong. Brian had to see what he had done wrong.
"What can I can get ya?" Justin asked, relieved that his voice had sounded strong.
"Just a cup of coffee," answered Brian. Brian was looking good, but Justin could see that his hazel eyes were tired. Justin wondered if Brian was missing him so much that he was finding it hard to sleep, like he himself was.
Justin poured Brian his cup of coffee and started wiping off the counter. "Do you have to do that now?" demanded Brian.
"I guess it can wait," answered Justin.
"Good. Shouldn't you be waiting on some customers?"
Justin was hurt by how harsh Brian was being, but didn't say anything. He just sighed and walked away.
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As Brian sipped his coffee, he thought about how he had been talking to Justin. He didn't know why he was being the way he was being. Okay, he had to admit, his pride had something to do with it. Justin had walked out on him a week ago.
He couldn't believe how much he was missing the little twat. Missing going to Babylon and Woody's with him. Missing arriving home and finding him there. Shit, he even missed just having Justin next to him while he slept. Which he hadn't been doing much of lately.
He wondered if he should invite Justin to the loft to talk, but quickly dismissed the idea. 'No apologies, no regrets. Remember, Kinney?' he thought silently. He knew that Justin was staying with Daphne, but he also knew that it was only a matter of time until Justin returned to him. Wanting Brian to take him back. Sure, Justin would have to do a little groveling at first, but Brian would eventually take him back. Refusing to admit, even to himself, that he was miserable without Justin and that it was his own damn fault, Brian drained his coffee cup. Leaving the money on the counter, he left and headed for Babylon. He just wanted to drown in his favorite pain management technique; drugs, sex, and alcohol.