Huge thanks to Becky, my incredible beta! You are amazing babe!:)
Chapter 21-------------------------------
“Thy noble shape is but a form of wax, Digressing from the valour of a man; Thy dear love sworn but hollow perjury, Killing that love which thou hast vow’d to cherish.”
Ethan stormed through the corridor with desperation, leaving a bushed and speechless Mark behind. There was only one thing the violinist could think of; he had to find Justin so that he could ask him a few embarrassing and uneasy questions. ‘Did he think he could get away with this? That I wouldn’t find out about his little secret?’ Even if they weren’t boyfriends anymore, Ethan thought he had the right to know the truth. Justin and Brian? It seemed so surreal. Who would have thought? Though, as he recalled it now, he remembered how much he’d hated to see them together, the way they’d been just standing beside each other at the bar. He couldn’t tell what had bothered him then, he’d just known he hated the sight. And now…all his suspicions had been confirmed. If Ethan was honest with himself, it wasn’t really the loss of Justin that hurt him the most, though he’d been trying hard to get him back; no, it was the fact that he’d been deluded by the blond. That Justin had made him seem ridiculous and pathetic. Ethan’s paranoid mind could almost see the two men laughing at him behind his back. He hated to think of how Justin had told Brian everything about their relationship; that maybe the actor knew more by now than Ethan would have liked him to know. Well, maybe if the violinist would have known his ex-boyfriend better, he shouldn’t have been worried about such a thing. He didn’t know where to find Justin; he opened the changing room door and peeked in, but he didn’t see anyone. He looked in the auditorium but there were only a few actors sitting on the edge of the stage, talking. Justin was nowhere to be seen. As he turned around to go behind stage he almost bumped into Ted. Ethan forced a fake smile on his face, but Ted didn’t seem to be impressed by it. Ethan knew the man was pretty mad at him for not showing up. “Why, look who’s here. What a surprise.” Ted said in a sarcastic tone. “Oh, Ted. Hi.” Ethan tried to give his best innocent smile. “What brought you here?” Ted sounded unusually serious. “Oh I’m…sorry about not calling you back…but…” Ethan tried to look helpless and miserable, so that it would make Ted feel sorry for him. Ted didn’t reply, just looked at Ethan questioningly, waiting to be given an explanation. So the violinist went on, “My life’s been a disaster lately…I’m pretty depressed right now, things have gotten too frustrating.” Ethan complained in a weak, shaky voice. He knew that Ted had always been moved by emotions. “Yeah, I heard you and Justin broke up.” Ted said in a bit softer voice and went on when he could see the violinist frowning, “Justin told me, and I’m sorry to hear that.” Ethan smiled with relief, realizing that Ted wasn’t so very pissed after all. But his smile faded slowly as he could hear the director speaking again, “But still, it can’t be an excuse for letting us down Ethan. Even if you have problems in your private life, you can’t forget that you bear the responsibility of your job. Especially when other people’s work depends on yours.” Ted said in a calm voice. “You’re absolutely right Ted. I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.” Ethan looked deep into Ted’s eyes to convince him. Ted sighed and stopped for a moment to look for the right words. He hated this, but he had to do what was best for the theatre. “I know it won’t.” He said with a nod, but before letting Ethan’s smile getting too wide he added, “Because we won’t need your help in the future.” “What?” Ethan asked, raising his voice. “You heard me. I’m sorry, but I need someone I can count on.” Ted replied. “But…I deserve a second chance.” Ethan stated angrily. “Since you refused to cooperate I had to find someone else, and he’s doing a great job.” Ted’s voice still sounded calm. “Who is it?” Ethan asked accusingly. “I don’t think it makes any difference Ethan; but he’s a great violinist, that’s what really matters.” Ted started to get tired of the conversation. “I bet he’s not half as good as me.” Ethan blurted out. “You may be brilliant; but you’re definitely not irreplaceable. Next time you better think of that before you decide to keep others waiting for you.” Ted was polite but a bit stern at the same time. “Whatever. I think I know who suggested firing me anyway.” Ethan said with a knowing look. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. No one told me anything, it was my own decision. It was me who gave you the job, therefore I’m the one who can take it back. No one has to do anything with it.” Then he added suggestively, “Not even Justin.” “It’s not him I was referring to.” Ethan said sharply. “In that case I really don’t know whom you’re talking about, but I don’t even care. It’s my decision. Period.” Ted said a bit impatiently, and Ethan hated to admit that the man definitely seemed sincere. Ted added, “Well, you did make one performance though, and if you’ll follow me to the office I’ll give you your payment.” Ethan nodded but then he thought better of it, “I’ll have to talk to Justin first. Where is he?” Ethan asked, trying to look casual. Ted didn’t know why, but he felt it wasn’t a really good idea. Since the man didn’t reply, Ethan asked again, “I know he’s here, so don’t even try to deny it. I just need to talk to him for a few minutes.” Ethan smiled innocently, so Ted sighed and said reluctantly, “I think he’s in the set-studio. Do you know where that is?” Ethan nodded quickly and turned to leave when Ted’s voice stopped him, “And Ethan.” The violinist turned around, “Yeah?” “Drama scenes are performed on the stage and on the stage only.” Ted sent Ethan a suggestive look. Ethan shrugged absent-mindedly, like he didn’t know what the man was trying to say, “Sure.” He said and headed toward the studio Justin was working in. He was almost running; he couldn’t wait to get to the studio and confront the blond with everything he’d heard. He couldn’t wait to see Justin become embarrassed and he couldn’t think of anything else but how much he would enjoy seeing the total shame on the boy’s face. When he got to the studio’s door he found it opened and he looked inside carefully. He found Justin there with his back on him, incredibly engrossed in sketching something. No matter how pissed Ethan was at the blond, he had to admit that Justin was a painfully beautiful sight with his lean and fragile body, golden hair and ethereal semi-profile. Ethan watched him for a while then it suddenly occurred to him why he’d come here so he said in his best ironic tone, “If I didn’t know you better Jus, I’d say you’re an angel.” Justin didn’t have to turn around to know who the unexpected visitor was, and he wasn’t very impressed to hear that smug voice again. His heart began to beat faster but he knew he had to be strong and powerful; that was his only chance, since apparently Ethan had come here for a reason. So he turned around slowly, acting like he wasn’t really surprised and returned the greeting politely, “Ethan. Hi.” “I hear you have a new job.” Ethan smiled, but his eyes weren’t smiling at all. “Um…yeah. Ted asked me to help with the set. And I said yes.” Justin answered calmly, and he reminded himself not to say a word about Brian. “That’s fantastic Jus! Congratulations!” Ethan sounded a bit too eager and Justin could feel that something just wasn’t right. “Thanks.” Justin answered shortly, and turned around to take a look at his work. He wished Ethan would leave very soon. “What a coincidence, isn’t it Jus?” Ethan asked as he stepped closer to the boy. “What are you talking about?” Justin murmured while examining his sketch. “Getting a job…right here.” Ethan said slowly. Justin moved away as he could feel Ethan getting closer and looked at him with a frown, “What?” “I mean…getting a job…in return for a blowjob.” He said sarcastically. “What the fuck are you talking about?” Justin asked, feeling pretty impatient and nervous now. “Let’s cut it short Jus. We both know why you’re here. Because Brian fucked you.” Ethan stopped to see the reaction on Justin’s face. Justin seemed to turn white for an instant, but he quickly regained control and looked at Ethan challengingly. “And your point is?” Justin asked as if they were talking about the weather and not about some serious impeachment. That answer surprised Ethan, and he definitely didn’t like the perky look on that gorgeous face; this was not the reaction he’d expected. What happened to the embarrassment and the blushing? Where were the nervousness, the stammering and the excuses? Justin was holding Ethan’s gaze without the slightest sign of shame. “Don’t you think there’s something we should talk about?” Ethan said, trying to sound threatening. “I think there’s nothing we should talk about.” Justin answered, ignoring the tone of his ex-boyfriend’s voice. “You were lying the whole time. You said there wasn’t anyone else, but you had Brian.” Ethan said accusingly. “And you had Darren and God only knows who else, so I guess we’re now even.” Justin said with an annoyingly reassured smile. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Ethan raised his voice. Justin shrugged and his smile disappeared; he was looking at the violinist with a piercing gaze, “Because I didn’t want to.” “You think you’re so much better than me, don’t you Jus? At least I told you the truth when you asked me. Look at you! You call yourself a self-respecting artist? You make a spring at someone and let him fuck you just because you’ve gotten sick of smelling the greasy foods in the diner?” Ethan finished his sentence triumphantly. A confident smile crossed Justin’s face. He knew his words were going to hurt Ethan, but he didn’t care. This seemed to be the only solution to get this conversation over with quickly. “Firstly,” Justin started as he crossed his arms, “you didn’t tell me anything because I didn’t let you. I got tired of your excuses Ethan, and we both know that it would have just been another lie.” Ethan opened his mouth to cut in, but Justin was determined to add another sentence, “And secondly; I let him fuck me because I wanted him to fuck me. And God, it was hot.” Ethan didn’t want to hear more about it, so he changed the subject, “And the job?” “What about it?” Justin asked with a shrug, “I didn’t ask for it, but it’s certainly a nice bonus. I would have let him fuck me without this offer anyway.” “So, you’re trying to tell me that all you wanted from him was sex?” Ethan asked in disbelief. “Yeah, that’s pretty much the point.” “If you wanted sex then why didn’t you let me touch you?” Ethan knew how ridiculous it sounded. “Come on Ethan, you don’t want me to make a list of all the differences between you and him, do you? You wouldn’t like it, trust me. And as for not letting you touch me; let me remind you that it was you who tried to avoid having sex with me.” The blond answered, still acting nonchalant. “That’s not true.” The violinist tried to protest. “Really?” Justin stared back questioningly. “I was just…pretty busy and tired. And you were just unable to understand me.” Ethan said bitterly. “Is that so? Well, in that case it’s just another reason why we had to break up.” Justin retorted. “Besides, you’ve always said that sex wasn’t important to you.” “And?” Ethan asked in surprise; he didn’t really see this one coming. “Well, it is to me.” Justin said confidently, and the violinist realized that he’d never seen the blond like this before. Ethan decided to change tactics and he said gloatingly, “And now what? If you left me because of him you fucked up. I hear he doesn’t do repeats, but you obviously didn’t know that.” “Then why do you think he wants me here? And let me tell you, he’s already broken his ‘no repeats’ rule in my case.” Justin smiled somewhat viciously, “Again and again…” “He’s going to throw you away, I’m sure of that. But don’t even dream about me taking you back. You’ll get what you deserve and I won’t feel sorry for you. Not a bit. The only thing I regret is that I trusted you, thinking that we’re meant for each other. I loved you so much Jus; I wouldn’t have thought that you’d leave me for a fuck just because we had a few problems.” Ethan stated. Before Justin could say anything they heard someone clapping. They turned to the door where the sound had been coming from and they could see Brian, leaning against the door frame lazily, with a sarcastic smile on his face. “Brilliant performance, maestro!” He said, still clapping his hands stolidly, “Good old William would be fucking proud of you! So much emotions and passion in one little monologue.” “Fuck you.” Ethan hissed. “And an extraordinary range of expression too.” Brian gave Ethan a tongue-in-cheek smirk. “What do you want? You came here to protect him?” Ethan asked with a sarcastic expression, pointing at Justin. “Well, from here it looks like you’re the one who needs protection.” Brian answered with a bored face. “Leave us alone, it’s none of your business.” Ethan barked at him. “I’d love to, but…” Brian said while holding up his left hand to examine his nails casually, “Ted sent me after you. He wants to give you the money so that you can get the fuck out of here.” Brian smiled innocently. Justin smiled at the actor; though Brian said the blond had needed no protection, the boy knew that he wouldn’t leave as long as Ethan was there. And hopefully, not even after that. Ethan looked back and forth between Brian and Justin nervously, then he turned to the blond, “We’re not finished yet.” And with that he stormed out of the studio, trying to ignore Brian’s threatening look. There’s no way he’d let them win; he’d get the blond when that asshole wasn’t around. Someone had to pay for this humiliation. “So…” Brian said as he was watching the leaving violinist’s back, “I take it he found out about your little secret.” Justin shrugged and tried to act casual, but truth be told he’d been very nervous all the while, though he’d managed to hide it perfectly. “I don’t give a shit. It doesn’t matter anymore.” He looked at Brian, but couldn’t fool him; the man could see that despite his words, Justin did feel bad about it. “He’s a major asshole.” Brian stated. “I know.” Justin answered and suddenly decided that it was the perfect opportunity to clear things up, so he went on, “Would you…would you fuck him? I mean if you didn’t know what he was like?” “What the fuck are you talking about?” Brian looked at the blond uncomprehendingly. “I’m just curious to know. Would you find him attractive? Would he turn you on?” Justin gave his brightest smile; he just had to know the answer. Brian snorted in response, “No fucking way.” “Really?” The boy asked again. “Really. But why do you care?” Brian watched Justin suspiciously. “Um…I heard people say he looks great and I just wanted to hear an expert’s opinion.” Justin smiled while watching Brian’s face; he knew the man wouldn’t lie. “Don’t insult me.” Brian looked at him disapprovingly. “What?” Justin asked, not understanding what the man was saying. “Even if I had a thousand cocks, sure as hell I wouldn’t let him get close to any of them.” Justin chuckled at this comment and Brian kept on talking, “He comes short of my expectations you know. Actually, he tried to convince me of his amazing fucking skills, but I didn’t feel like giving it a shot.” “You mean…he tried to make a move on you?” Justin asked, looking confused. “Yeah, but I told him that the only thing I’d shove up his ass is his fucking fiddlestick.” Brian stated matter-of-factly. Justin smiled, feeling relieved that he’d left Ethan after all. He shouldn’t have been surprised at the things Brian was saying, but he couldn’t help it, and he just couldn’t understand why he had ever fallen for Ethan in the first place. Brian slowly stepped forward, caressed the boy’s waist gently and pulled him close. His tender touch and the warmth of his body made Justin feel weak and shiver to the bone. The man slowly leaned down and whispered into the blond’s ear while licking his earlobe softly, “Any plans for tonight?” Justin shook his head lightly with his eyes closed; he was unable to form a single word so Brian spoke again, “Want to come over to my place?” Justin gasped, enjoying the tender strokes of the man’s tongue, then nodded eagerly. “Good.” Brian whispered, “We started something a few hours ago…and I think we should finish it. But this time,” He stopped as he placed a soft kiss on the boy’s neck, “I don’t want any interruptions.”
Quote: W.Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet Lots of thanks to you guys for all your support and reviews! It's always appreciated!:)