Midnight Whispers
QAF Brian and Justin Fanfiction

Brian stood watching the carousel as men and women stepped forward retrieving their luggage. He glanced to his right sure that Justin was watching for his luggage as well. Another announcement blared overhead. Brian listened to the words, irritated that he couldn’t understand a word of it. He knew the English version would soon follow but resented feeling out of his element. He wanted to ask Justin to translate but given the tension between them at the moment he thought better of it. More than likely it was the same insipid “Don’t leave your bags unattended” bullshit that ran ad nauseam in the American airports.

Spotting Justin’s bag, Brian stepped forward and retrieved it. He placed it beside the smaller man glancing up to check the level of estrangement between them. It was then that he realized how pale the blond had become. Justin was staring at the baggage conveyor but it was obvious he was seeing nothing.

“Justin?” Brian asked clearly alarmed. He reached out trying to give the younger man something to steady him.

“I don’t think I can do this.” The blond admitted his voice slightly shaky. He glanced up, panicked eyes searching the warm hazel gaze for something to cling to. The look reminded Brian of the aftermath of the bashing when Justin had suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and found it overwhelming to be touched by anyone.

Falling back on what he remembered, Brian turned from the luggage and steered the young blond to a chair. Luckily most of the passengers were concentrating on their luggage and therefore the far corner of the room was all but abandoned. Once Justin was seated Brian knelt down in front of him searching the troubled face before him.

“Look at me.” Brian’s voice was calm and soft. Justin complied. “Close your eyes and listen to my voice.” The blond did as he was instructed. It was so achingly familiar this connection, this ability that Brian had to override his fears and insecurities and make Justin feel safe.

It was no doubt a panic attack. Brian knew the noise and the chaos of the airport had more than likely triggered it but it was the emotional distress of the trip that was the underlying cause.

“Deep breath.” Brian continued. “Another one.” He watched as the blond complied. “One more.” Justin had visibly relaxed. He opened his eyes focusing only on Brian. He was touched by the concern and affection staring back at him.

“What can I do?” Brian asked feeling completely inadequate. Justin allowed his gaze to linger on the brunet’s kind and compelling hazel eyes. He loved those eyes and had missed the way they always went wider anytime Brian felt confident enough to be himself, his real self, the one he’d seen in the hospital the night Gus had been born, their first night together, so long ago.

Justin cleared his throat glancing around the luggage claim area resenting the nosy stares of the other passengers. He could tell they were mostly Americans. The French would never dare be so impolite.

“I just need some air.” Justin offered weakly. He took another deep breath this one stronger. Brian felt relieved to see that he was recovering so quickly.

“Stay here.” Brian ordered as he quickly moved back to the carousel to grab his own bag. Returning now with both of their luggage, Brian paused glanced around the area searching for an exit sign. “Why the fuck are they all in French?” He spat in frustration.

“Because we are in France?” Justin replied sarcastically then smiled to insure that Brian knew he wasn’t being vicious. Brian shrugged in surrender relieved that Justin seemed to be over whatever he’d experienced earlier. It was a vivid reminder to the older man that he would need to stay close to Justin throughout the trip.

“It’s this way.” Justin stood taking a moment to regain his bearings then led Brian out onto the street where several taxis were waiting. Reaching the nearest one, Justin spoke to the man behind the wheel who then helped the two men get their luggage into what had to be one of the smallest cars Brian had ever seen.

“Will it fit?” He asked softly causing the blond to roll his lips into his mouth to keep from laughing.

As they moved away from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Brian couldn’t help but find himself swept up in the idea that he was in France. He’d always wanted to travel to the City of Lights and yet never had a reason. He pressed his lips together realizing that his last thought hadn’t been completely true. He’d gone so far as to get flight information four years back when he’d realized that Justin had left the country after their break up.

He’d been shocked and skeptical when he’d first heard the rumor that Justin had left for France. It wasn’t until a few weeks had passed and Brian’s hadn’t spotted the blond at any of their old haunts that he’d accepted that Justin had moved on, without him. It was then that he’d seriously considered going after the younger man. It was against his personal policy to do so but since when had any of his personal policies applied to the man who was sitting next to him in the car.

Brian decided that it was time for an admission. He couldn’t seem to ever speak when Justin needed to hear it but perhaps the blond could learn to listen when Brian was able to speak.

Brian glanced over amazed by how quickly Justin had once more retreated behind a mask of disinterest. Only those who knew him best would recognize the tell tale signs of struggle. Glancing through the front windshield, Brian wished he could slow things down. Not only the car, which was now in the process of scaring the shit out of him as it whizzed in and out of the impossible traffic, but also the speed at which Justin seemed to be slipping away from him.

Why had he thought it was necessary to bring Justin along? He reached out placing his hand on the blond’s arm relieved when Justin moved his hand up to cover it.

“I was coming here once.” Brian offered his voice seeming to have the same effect on the blond that it had in the airport. Justin relaxed and took a deep breath.

“You were. I don’t remember that.” Justin furrowed his brow trying to think about anything except the fact that each moment was bringing him closer and closer to Paris and the memories waiting for him there.

“That’s because you were already here.” Brian maintained his gaze holding the blond’s surprised blue eyes with his own, making it clear why he’d been coming to Paris.

“Why didn’t you come?” Justin asked unsure of how to take the admission.

“Talked myself out of it. Thought maybe you knew what you were doing by getting away from me.” Brian looked down then back up. “I’m not easy.” Brian admitted trying to explain.

“I never said I wanted easy.” Justin offered the honesty of his words leaving the brunet speechless for a moment. Brian forced himself to recover.

“What do you want now?” Brian asked trying not to sound too pathetic. Justin sighed looking away. He couldn’t answer that question, not now.

Justin voiced his reply silently to himself, “To be anywhere but Paris.”

The two men were silent as they moved deeper into the city, both trying to deal with a past that seemed destined to cost them more than they had left to give.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< “I don’t understand.” Brian demanded as he held up one key and looked to Justin. Justin immediately stepped in realizing that the Concierge had as much patience with the rude American as the rude American had with the Concierge.

“Pardonnez-moi mais notre réservation comprenait deux chambre et non une.” Justin patiently explained.

“What did you say?” Brian asked hating how vulnerable he felt. He glanced around the Costes K Hotel. Brian had read the article Cynthia had slipped him after making the reservations. There was something very simpatico between the handsome ad man and his new surroundings. The striking sycamore panels softening the brilliant white marble, it all sang of simple elegance. Brian had always found that minimalism worked best for him both in design but also in all areas of his life, that was until Justin had come along.

Brian glanced over as thoughts of the young blond took the place of his surroundings. Their eyes met and Brian noted the amused smirk on Justin’s face. The younger man no doubt reading his thoughts concerning the hotel, Brian wished Justin could see the rest of his thoughts. Those thoughts that seemed to dominate all the others, the desire to have Justin back in his life.

“Did you want me to explain what I just said, Mr. Kinney?” Justin asked and for a moment Brian noticed another glimpse of the old Justin in the manner in which the blond spoke.

“I’m listening.” Brian offered trying to decipher what it was that he was reading in Justin’s gaze. “I wouldn’t be a fag if I didn’t appreciate taste when I find it.” He excused then gestured for Justin to continue.

“I’m trying to explain to Jean, the Concierge, that Cynthia made reservations for two rooms not one.” Justin explained.

“And is Jean, the Concierge, going to get us another fucking room?” Brian’s sweet smile in no way diluted the acidic tone of his words. Justin turned back to the counter where the gentleman was searching at his terminal for any error.

Jean looked at the two Americans standing before him. They were certainly a study in contrast. The smaller one he liked, his French was very good, he’d no doubt lived in France for some time, but the taller brunet had the typical American edge where everything in the world revolved around him. Arrogance would get him nowhere at this hotel.

The Concierge called in another man who appeared from the office behind the reception counter. Jean began explaining the situation to his co-worker who then launched into a lengthy discourse before the two men broke into laughter. Justin sighed and lowered his head before turning back to explain what had happened to a bewildered Brian.

“What’s so fucking funny?” Brian growled softly. “Is it “Fuck an American Day”?”

“No,” Justin replied irritated by Brian’s attitude. “Try to remember just one of the things that I told you about the culture here. They do things differently.” His curt tone took Brian by surprise. He wondered what had upset Justin so quickly. “They think differently. Not wrong, just different.” Justin paused.

“So what happened?” Brian interrupted trying to reign in his frustration.

“Apparently Cynthia referred to me as your accompagon.” Justin began. “It’s not the correct word.” He shook his head again. “I’m sure her accent also added to the confusion.”

“What the fuck is an accompagon?” Brian asked the time he’d spent learning the French toasts with Justin helping the word to flow over his lips.

“They interpreted it to mean that I was your partner.” The two men stood for a moment realizing that at one time they had both used that word to describe the other. It stood between them, the elephant that had always been in the middle of the room but now could no longer be ignored. Justin did his best to stare around it. “There are no other rooms. It looks like we are stuck with each other.” Brian tried not to let Justin’s obvious displeasure over that fact impact him but he couldn’t help but realize how much had changed over the last few years.

The truth was that they had been partners. Not idyllic partners, not the way Justin envisioned it, but Brian knew that he had been committed to the blond in a way that he’d never felt committed to anyone else in his life.

The man behind the counter began to speak once more. Justin turned his attention back to the man, listening then launched into a lengthy response. Brian tried to pick up a word or two hoping that he might understand but is was no use. He finally gave up realizing that once Justin finished, the blond would translate. He couldn’t imagine getting through this without Justin.

“They have volunteered to help us find another room in another hotel.” Justin finally summarized.

“No!” Brian practically yelled causing all the occupants of the small lobby to turn his way. Justin seemed surprised by the outburst as well. He then repeated himself in a more subtle voice. “No, I don’t want us to be separated.” Justin furrowed his brow.

“This place is obviously perfect for you. I’ll go to the other hotel.” Justin offered as the idea of being with Brian, while at the same time trying to ride out the roller coaster of emotions he was feeling, strangled him.

“No, it isn’t the place, though it is fabulous.” Brian gazed around the hotel before meeting Justin’s eyes. “I don’t want us to be apart.” His eyes telling Justin all the words he didn’t trust himself to say.

“I’m fine.” Justin was touched by the concern Brian was expressing.

“Well I’m not.” Brian admitted searching for logical reasons to keep the blond close. “I can’t speak the language, I have no idea how to make a fucking phone call, I have no idea where you are going. Stay with me.” Justin wanted to call the man on the obvious line of bullshit that he was selling but found Brian’s willingness to make it about his vulnerability instead of Justin’s a pleasant and unexpected move. Justin declined the offer of assistance.

“Well that’s settled.” Brian offered. He glanced down at his key and started for the elevator.

The room was small by Brian’s standards but luxurious by Justin’s. Brian walked to the window and threw the drapes open.

“Great view.” Brian observed then stepped back to show it to Justin. Justin seemed unimpressed. “It’s the Eiffel Tower.” Brian encouraged in the face of Justin’s disinterest.

“Yeah, I’ve seen it.” Justin’s voice was both soft and distant. Justin didn’t want to think about how many nights he’d stared out of a window, his eyes fixed on the Tower, as he listened to Andy’s labored breathing behind him. Brian furrowed his brow feeling as though he was seeing something more obvious than the Eiffel Tower but had no idea how he could possibly get Justin to explain all that he was feeling.

Eventually the two men unpacked in silence, neither commenting on the fact that there was one bed in the room, a bed that they would soon be sharing. Something neither man had expected nor knew exactly how to handle.

Justin was the first to take a shower feeling the need to get some distance from Brian. He knew he was being watched by the older man and chose to fall apart without the benefit of an audience. Turning on the water he stood under the spray his mind racing through the images of so many lost days.

“I thought we were partners.” He heard his own voice ask, wanting to help Brian with the mounting bills in the face of his recent unemployment.

“We are.” It was the simple truth, nonchalantly spoken and received at least on the surface. Justin could still feel the happy twist in his stomach at hearing Brian utter those words.

Justin moved further under the stream of water trying to wash the sorrow away. Instead he found himself hearing another man’s voice.

“These! Sell These!” Andy’s voice demanded.

“I won’t.” Justin’s response was quiet but confident.

“You’d rather starve than give him up!” Andy yelled. “Is that it Justin? You’d rather us starve?”

“Andy, give them to me. They’re mine. I’ll decide which sketches to sell.” Justin calmly extended his hand trying not to lend to his lover’s outrage. “I have other sketches.”

“We’re partners Justin!” Andy demanded. “We are one in all things!”

“Being my partner does NOT give you the right to take MY sketches and do whatever the fuck you want with them! I’ll decide which ones that I want to sell, not you!” He spat.

“You know you can’t have him, right?” Andy seethed. “Poor Justin still pining for the man who never really loved you!”

“That’s not true!” Justin demanded hating how defensive he sounded.

“Which part? That you’re pining or that he didn’t love you?” Andy shot back feeling hurt and frustrated. He’d always known there was someone. He’d just assumed in time Justin would move on but the longer they were together the more he found himself confronted by the reality that some broken hearts never mend.

“Don’t do this.” Justin attempted to end the battle before they went too far.

“Do what? Sit here while you try to figure out how to get him back?” Andy offered.

“Andy it isn’t like that --” Justin tried to reason, his voice sounding unconvincing to his own ears.

“That’s exactly how it is. I’m your fucking consolation prize!” Andy shouted. He felt it was an overstatement but he was trying to make a point. Justin was being ridiculous. He’d never balked at selling the sketches of his family or friends, only these few of his ex-lover.

“Andy--” Justin attempted trying to hide his apprehension. Andy stared down at the pages in his hand, the phantom lover’s eyes staring up at him, mocking him, reminding him that he could never be Brian Kinney.

“How much are they worth Justin?” The sandy blond glanced up meeting Justin’s wary eyes then back down at the crumpled pages in his hand. “How much?”

“You’re damaging them.” Justin warned reaching for them once more, a new urgency in his manner. “You’re lowering their value.” He argued unconvincingly.

“Are they worth losing me?” Andy challenged. “Am I worth three fucking sketches to you? Are we worth it?” Andy’s voice was thin and pained, afraid to hear what Justin might say.

“They’re just sketches.” Justin tried to relieve the tension in his lover.

“Then sell them.” Andy flippantly remarked, challenging the blond. Justin rolled his lips into his mouth, knowing that his lack of response was in fact stating his refusal. The air was split by the sound of paper tearing. Justin moved quickly but was too late as Andy threw the works to the floor. “There, that settles it. You don’t have to sell them.” There was something harsh and arrogant in Andy’s tone even as he fought to hide his growing sense of insecurity that he’d been feeling.

“Fuck you!” Justin yelled moving to the floor to retrieve the torn and crumpled drawings. He gently worked to straighten them out, his desperation to restore them evident in his manner and care. Andy watched as his own arrogance faded away, slowly replaced by sorrow at the sight of his lover struggling with the last few precious images that remained of the Great Brian Kinney.

“He’s gone Justin. He’s gone. Let him go. Stop holding on to someone who isn’t there anymore.” Andy reasoned his anger slipping away replaced instead by a feeling of shame when faced with Justin’s despair.

“Fuck off Andy!” Justin glared up at him. Andy felt his heart ache as the realization of Justin undying devotion to Brian Kinney was finally driven home. He’d spoken the words out of anger but now realized he’d hit far closer to the mark than he’d expected. Andy was the consolation prize, always would be, as long as Brian Kinney was alive, there would be no other to take his place.

“You want him?” Andy ground out his jaw clenched tight as his shame gave way to a renewed sense of rage. “Fine. Go get him.” Andy grabbed his coat from the chair. “I don’t need you! I can have anyone I want!” Justin looked up making it clear that at the moment he wanted nothing to do with Andy. Andy stormed toward the door. “You’re a fucking liar, Justin. A no good fucking liar!”

“Drop dead!” Justin seethed.

“Don’t be here when I get back!” Andy warned. Justin looked up from the floor once more just as the door slammed shut.

Justin jumped, jarred back by a loud knock on the bathroom door.

“You’ve been in there forever.” Brian’s voice called. Justin closed his eyes wishing he’d ignored Brian and accepted the offer of assistance in securing another room.

Turning off the water, which had now gone cold, he waited until his breathing was back under control before he ventured out grabbing a towel as he did so.

Opening the door he moved past the brunet without a word. Brian watched as the blond moved to the bed, the hotel towel wrapped around his waist. He seemed tense and strained. Justin flipped on the television and began watching some French movie that was playing.

“Justin.” Brian called. The blond kept his eyes glued to the screen. “Everything okay?”

“No.” Justin quietly dismissed the other man. Brian ground his teeth as he turned and entered the bathroom feeling out of his depth.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< When Brian finished his quick shower he found the blond asleep. Seizing the opportunity Brian dressed then headed down to the bar. Through broken English he managed to order two shots. He needed time to think. It was obvious that Justin wasn’t handling his return to France well. Brian now had to decide if it was time to order the man back to America. He had hoped that being back would provide Justin with a much needed opportunity for closure, but instead it seemed to be driving the man deeper into the depression he’d been in for the last few months.

As he was sitting sipping the familiar amber liquid, a handsome man joined him at the bar. Brian could feel the man cruising him. The man smiled when their eyes met. Brian knew the look. He didn’t need to speak French to understand the international ‘wanna fuck’ look.

“Vous venez souventi ici?” *Do you come here often?* The dark-eyed stranger inquired as he leaned invitingly against the bar.

Brian shrugged which was obviously only an encouragement to the other man who gave him a shrug in reply. Brian shook his head deciding to clear up the situation.

“I’m an American.” Brian offered. The man nodded leaning in a little more. “I’m not interested.” Brian stated flatly. The trick leaned back his eyebrows raised in surprise. “I know.” Brian admitted as though still contemplating his situation. “I’m as surprised as you are. I mean you are my type and I fuck a lot of guys, or I use to.” He paused. The realization hit him hard. He’d stopped. He’d completely stopped as of late, but why?

Brian knew the answer but was reluctant to admit it even to himself. He knew it was because of Justin. Brian knew that he could go with this handsome French man, get his dick sucked, maybe even fuck the guy, but it wouldn’t mean anything. Brian was tired of meaningless sex. He was tired of experiencing everything on a purely physical level. He wanted more. He’d thought that he’d lost that chance four years ago. He’d thought that chance had slipped away, but now it was back.

“What the fuck am I doing down here?” He asked throwing a few Euros on the bar. “Au revoir.” Brian offered his admirer as he tossed a few euros on the bar.

The man watched the attractive American move out of the bar then turned back to his left moving on to the next man at the bar.

Justin was standing staring out at the Eiffel Tower when Brian entered their room.

“I thought you were bored with the sights.” Brian offered trying to break the ice. Things had been tense ever since their argument on the flight.

“It’s weird how different it looks now.” Justin admitted softly. “When I first saw it I remember being a little awestruck.” He glanced back, his eyes inviting Brian to join him at the window. Grateful for the invitation, Brian moved up to stand next to the blond.

“Yeah, it’s surreal staring at something that I’ve seen all of my life but never imagined being so close to.” Brian admitted.

“Exactly.” Justin whispered. “That’s how it was. It was also like this promise of a new life. A promise of something different, so different I wouldn’t miss what I’d had.” Brian stared down at the younger man. Justin kept his eyes fixed on the Tower.

“Well? Did you get what you came for?” Brian asked watching the tale tell signs of sorrow creep onto the face he longed to kiss.

“Not really.” Justin admitted.

“You wanted love, commitment.” Brian offered, his bar room revelation giving him the courage to be bold.

“Yeah.” Justin agreed his voice barely above a whisper.

“So you did get what you were looking for.” Brian argued.

“Nope,” Justin bit his lip, unshed tears now bringing a prism of light to his blue eyes. He continued to stare at the tower. “I got what I thought I wanted. Sometimes you don’t know what you really want until you don’t have it anymore.”

“Justin?” Brian reached for him but the blond pulled away.

“It feels like cheating.” Justin looked up clearing his throat trying to make his voice stronger. “Here in his city, our city.” Justin’s struggle was evident. Brian remained patient. “I keep expecting him to show up. It’s so fucking ridiculous, but I do.” Justin explained his voice sounding as lost as he seemed. “I mean he was sick for so long and yet it wasn’t until we landed today that it really hit me that I couldn’t see him anymore.” Justin’s grief was palpable. Brian reached for him pulling Justin into his arms.

The brightly lit tower loomed before Brian as he held Justin through the soft sobs now wracking the lithe body. Brian found in that moment that he too was looking at the tower feeling the promise of a new life.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< “So they’re in Paris?” Emmett asked as they moved into the Woody’s. Michael nodded. Emmett threw Ted a worried look. The look was returned.

“Brian seemed almost as anxious as Justin.” Ted mumbled. “I’d call but I forgot to pick up the hotel number.”

“It’s seven hours later over there right?” Michael offered trying to remember what Brian had told him earlier in the week.

“Something like that, five or seven.” Ted motioned for a beer.

“I’m sure they are fine.” Emmett tried to reassure them.

“I don’t know.” Michael took a drag off of his beer. “I saw Justin a week ago and he looked--”

“Pensive.” Ted finished his thought. Michael nodded. “He was there but not there all week.” Ted offered. “I can’t believe Brian had him go over there.”

“He did it because Boy Wonder speaks French and Brian needs a French interpreter.” Michael took another draw. Emmett and Ted exchanged knowing looks having discussed Mr. Kinney’s motives in greater detail a week prior.

“Well they’ll be home in a few days and no doubt have fabulous stories.” Emmett attempted to lighten the mood.

“Right.” His friends agreed all three wishing they could sound more convincing.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

“Sorry.” Justin whispered pulling back.

“Why? Because you care? Because someone you loved died? That you miss him?” Brian asked trying to convince his ex-lover that it was all normal and in fact a part of the process of moving on.

“Yeah some or all of what you just said.” Justin stepped away. Brian felt he needed to take advantage of the opportunity and so pressed forward.

“I stopped going to Babylon for a while after you left and the Diner too.” Brian kept his eyes on the tower.

“Really?” Justin asked finding this information curious.

“I went a few times but,” Brian hesitated realizing he was standing on the edge of a cliff. He quickly decided to go over the edge. “I just kept expecting to see you there.” Brian admitted rolling his lips into his mouth.

Justin wasn’t sure what to say. He’d wondered how Brian had handled his leaving. He’d even fantasized about the man showing up in Paris and sweeping Justin off of his feet and back to the Pitts. Justin’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Brian’s voice.

“But then I’d always remember that you were gone. That I’d lost you.” Brian looked up meeting guarded blue eyes. “I’m not comparing my loss to yours Justin. I’m just trying to tell you that I know old haunts are hard to revisit when you’ve lost the person you use to like sharing them with.” Justin huffed a soft laugh, nodding.

“Wow Brian I think that’s the most revealing thing you have ever said to me.” He laughed a little louder.

“You think it’s funny?” Brian asked in confusion.

“No, I think it’s wonderful.” Justin admitted. The two men grew quiet, falling into a comfortable silence as they both turned back to enjoy the beauty of Paris. “So, it’s your first time here.” Justin began clearing his throat. “What do you want to see?”

“I don’t know really. There is so much and we only have a day.” Brian offered. “And I’m beat.” Justin sighed and stretched as if agreeing.

Justin glanced at the bed then back to Brian. “There are a few things you have to see.” Justin offered around a second yawn. He turned and made his way to the bed. Brian followed his lead. Justin left his briefs on as he slipped into bed. Without a thought Brian stripped.

Brian was careful not to invade Justin’s space and he soon realized Justin was making a similar effort.

“It’s a little bed.” Brian groused.

“Try to appreciate their culture. They don’t have to have a huge fucking bed where you can sleep with the person you love and not even know that they’re there.” Justin offered as he lay on his back staring up into the darkness thinking of the small thin mattress he and Andy had shared. It was small and lumpy. He’d never really slept comfortably on it and yet for some reason Justin found himself wishing he were back on it whispering into the darkness waiting for Andy’s soft replies.

He felt Brian’s hand reach for him and pull him against his chest. Justin thought about resisting but knew he didn’t want to feel alone, not tonight. The sounds of Paris filtered in through the window bringing with it vague flickers of days gone by.

“What are you doing?” Justin asked incredulously as Brian cuddled him closer.

“Embracing my surroundings.” Brian offered tongue in cheek. Justin smirked pushing his thoughts of Andy and lost days safely away.

“You are the king of the one-liners. Did you know that?” Justin asked trying to recover from the brief brush with his grief. He felt Brian’s lips kiss the top of his head as the man pulled him even closer.

“I’m the King of a lot of things Sunshine. I can’t be expected to keep them all straight.” Brian sighed enjoying the feel of Justin in his arms. He would have to find a way to reward Cynthia for her inadequacies as a travel agent.

“Tomorrow I’ll show you the fashion district. I was only there a couple of times.” Justin offered softly into the darkness.

“Really?” Brian asked with mock surprise. Justin slapped him playfully in defense. It was such a simple gesture and one that he’d done a hundred times in the past when Brian would say or do something that he felt was either touching or mocking. It was an act of affection and they both knew it. It had come so naturally. Justin found himself wondering about it long after Brian’s breathing had lengthened into sleep.

Staring out into the darkness, Justin found himself lost in the irony of being in Paris with Brian trying not to dwell on Andy after all those long nights he’d spent in Paris with Andy trying not to think of Brian.

Chapter End Notes:
TBC
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