soulmatejunkee: (bjlove)
Steffi ([personal profile] soulmatejunkee) wrote2011-01-22 10:58 am

1 wedding, 4 rings and 1 almost funeral (You & Me Series)

Title: 1 wedding, 4 rings and 1 almost funeral, Part 1/? (You & Me-Series)
Author: [livejournal.com profile] soulmatejunkee 
Fandom: Queer as Folk US
Pairing: Brian/Justin
Timeline: Post 5.13; POV's  
Word Count: 2.419
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything. It’s all CowLip and Showtime.
Beta: [livejournal.com profile] adoringaudience - thanks so much! If you still find any mistakes, you can keep them... I don't want them anymore *gg*.

(I also want to thank [livejournal.com profile] kinnetikdreams for her beta-offer! And of course [livejournal.com profile] qafkinnetic for all the beta that is already done for this story!)

This is the next part of the series. I have plans for it, so far I have no idea how to put them into it! Things are going to change with that story, moving forward - finally! I hope you still enjoy it. As always: Every comment is welcome. I Love to read what you think. Thanks!

1. Listen to me
2. Trust me
3. Babylon Part 1 | Part 2
4. Find a way Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
5. ...remember what's missing?
6. The Party
7. Thanksgiving 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
8. 1 wedding, 4 rings and 1 almost funeral





Justin's POV

Back in New York, reality hit me pretty fast. I needed another job. Chuck gave me back my job at the coffee shop, but that wasn’t enough money to pay for the rent and to keep myself alive. There were also the proceeds of the Rage stuff and with the next issue coming up, we already had a lot of advance booking. Christmas was save.

I went to the galleries Sidney told me about. Big galleries. I never liked the big ones, it always felt impersonal to me. Too many paintings and arts. I had five addresses, I got rejected at the first four, but the owners were way nicer while doing it.

It was the same – no agent, no show and no sales, no offer. But I had luck at the fifth gallery. Ryan, the owner, was kinda like Sidney. A father figure. Way nicer than Nadya. Unfortunately, the payment wasn’t as good as it was at Nadya’s gallery. But it was better than nothing and I finally had a job.

I thought about Daphne’s idea and also about Brian’s words and I knew they were right, it was business, but I just felt uncomfortable with lying about my sales. What would it change? If no one was willing to buy my stuff now, why would that change when I offered my stuff in a gallery?

So I decided to go with Daphne’s idea. It was easier to lie on the internet than to lie straight into someone’s face. I marked two of my works as SOLD on my website.

And so life kept going on as it was before. I was working at the gallery and at the coffee shop and the Rage stuff was selling pretty good and no one cared about the „SOLD“, no one bought any of my paintings.

I called Brian every night and I was happy to hear that Gus was calling him pretty often lately. He enjoyed that, even though he didn’t really say it. He seemed more relaxed when we talked. Of course it still sucked, because we missed each other. For some reason it was less humiliating not being as successful as I wanted to be when I was with him instead of so many miles away from him.

„So, how’s your project going?“ he asked one night.

„Nothing new. It still sucks.“ It was depressing.

„It just takes time.“

„How long?“ It was also depressing to talk to someone who seemed to be successful with everything he’s doing – all the time. Every time he wanted something, he got it. And all I wanted was a chance and I felt like a coward for not being able to get it.

„Maybe you should go out, you know, relax a little.“

Maybe he was right, but I didn’t want to go out. I wasn’t in the mood for dancing, fucking, drugging… I just wanted to wallow in my self-pity. „I miss you.“

„You’re just frustrated.“

„Yes, I am“, I admitted. „But I still miss you.“

„Like you said, it’s just a few weeks until Christmas.“

He didn’t sound happy, but somehow I didn’t like it that we kinda switched roles. I wanted him to say that he was coming to New York the next weekend, because he was missing me, too. Christmas was still three weeks away which seemed to be an eternity right now.

„Brian.“

„Hm?“

„Just say, I miss you, too, okay? I don’t want any positive answers, I want to feel bad and sad and I want you to take pity on me. Right now.“

He laughed. „That won’t help you.“

What happened to my complicated boyfriend, who couldn’t barely breathe without me? I rolled my eyes when I heard the doorbell. Noelle was with her boyfriend for the night. „Fuck. Wait, there’s someone at the door.“

„Yeah, listen, I have to go anyway.“

Huh? We hadn’t even started the phone sex yet. „Mh… to where?“

I got up and put my boxers on. Other than for Brian I wasn’t willing to show up naked at the door.

„I have to meet someone.“

„Who?“ Okay, when exactly did I become the neurotic one? The doorbell was ringing again. I sighed. „I’m coming!“

„That’s a good thing“, he said. „Bye.“

Huh? „Brian…?“ He hung up on me. I stared at my cellphone. „What the fuck.“ The doorbell again. Whoever it was, I would kill him. I went to the door and opened it.

Brian's POV

It had been one week since Justin had left again. One week, seven days, 179 hours. I got three calls from my son that week, two new clients, four blow jobs at the Babylon backroom – one of them was pretty good, the rest just sucked -, seven coffees at the diner, three Thai food deliveries and seven calls from Justin.

„I’m coming!“ he yelled.

„That’s a good thing“, I said and nodded. „Bye.“ I just hung up. I never did that before and I knew he was really pissed, angry and probably disappointed, even though he should know that I would never do anything that wasn’t for his best. Okay, sometimes what I thought was for his best, wasn’t, but this time I was sure about it.

I pushed the button again and leaned against the doorframe when he opened the door. I looked at him and frowned. „What took you so long?“

„Asshole“, he answered, grabbed my tie and pulled me into the apartment. He kissed me – or I kissed him – and we fell against the closed door. He took off my jacket, removed my tie and started to unbutton my shirt. „Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming?“

I loved it when he was breathless. „It was a short-dated…“

„Whatever“, he interrupted and kissed me again. „I’m so glad you’re here.“

„Me too.“

We walked to his room, fell onto his bed, without losing body contact for a second. Just one week, it felt like forever. How could this happen? Every time I thought about it, I wondered how this would go on. What if he became successful? There wasn’t an „if“ in that anyway; one day he would be successful, he was meant to be. And the second he was, he would love to live here, he would start living. Success was like a drug, nobody knew that better than me. And when that happened, this would end, we would end.

„Don’t think“, he whispered while his fingertips were touching my lips. I didn’t even realize that we stopped kissing. „Just don’t…“

And he knew how to make me stop thinking at all. With my dick in his mouth my brain was totally out of order.

„How long can you stay?“ he asked after we fucked and sucked and kissed. His bed was pretty small.

„My flight is tomorrow morning.“

„Hm.“ He tried to smile. „So I’ll have you the entire night?“

„Where’s Nicole?“

„Noelle… is with her boyfriend.“ He shrugged. „They’re like bunnies, I’m glad they’re not here to fuck. It’s weird to listen to hetero sex… somehow… mh. It’s depressing.“

„I know what you mean“, I answered. „It’s disgusting.“

He slapped me and laughed. „I miss you.“

„You’re just frus…“

„Frustrated, I know. I am. Somehow I thought something would change when I come back. I don’t know. Nothing changed, I’m still a nobody, no one wants my art, no one cares. And yes, that is frustrating. I know that there are thousands of talented artists around here who want to have a chance and that I’m nothing special, but… really, why exactly am I here? It’s like you always said, in Pittsburgh I was someone, in New York I’m no one.“

I frowned. „When did I say that?“

„You once said it, not to me, but there was something or someone you said it to. Guess you’re happy now that you never moved to New York.“

Not really, why would I be? I always dreamed about New York, it’s the City, the big City, everyone wants to live here, especially when Pittsburgh is the other option. „Why?“

„You wouldn’t be happy here“, he said. „You love to be the best, the number one, and you are – in Pittsburgh. No one’s better than you. But here… you would be just one in a million. That wouldn’t make you happy.“

„Thanks.“ Fucker, I would rock New York!

„You know what I mean.“

I sighed. „You have to stop that. It’s one thing that you’re frustrated, but it’s another when you start to frustrate me. Get your ass up and start playing the game. It’s just New York, it’s just a city. You cannot expect it to give you something. The city doesn’t owe you anything, you have to take it. Always. People don’t wait for you, especially not when there are thousands of others knocking on their doors.“

„What am I supposed to do? Put my stuff on the street?“

„Why not?“ I asked. Of course I didn’t want him to become a street artist, but he had to start somewhere. „Or ask the guy you’re working for about contacts, you said he’s nice, so why not? Start doing advertising for your stuff, you have to sell it. I could help you.“ Right… me helping him was a no go, I forgot. I rolled my eyes. „Or I can give you names and numbers.“

He just looked at me and then looked down, as if he was ashamed. „I did advertising. I still do. It doesn’t help. I’m sorry.“

It happened, he started to give up, just as I expected. I have to admit New York didn’t treat him well, he was all alone and he was very ambitious, but so far nothing came out of it. It had been almost nine months so far, nine months for nothing and that was frustrating, I could understand that. But giving up was not an option, he would regret it, I knew that.

„Why do you treat New York so differently?“ I asked. I knew the risk that he would be pissed at me sooner or later was very big, but I had to do something, right?

„What do you mean?“

„You never gave up at home. They wanted to kick you out of school, you found another way, remember? There’s no difference. They don’t want to give you a chance, look out for another. There’s always a way.“

„What do you think I’m doing here every day?“

„Working and waiting“, I answered. I got him, he got angry, very angry. He practically jumped out of the bed.

„What do you know? You’re not here. This is the first time in months that you’re here! I have to work, otherwise I can’t live here! New York is expensive! That might be nothing special for someone who’s rich, but it’s a big problem for someone who doesn’t have tons of money!“

„Bullshit!“ I sat up. „I know that Rage is a success and that you get some money out of it and that it would be enough to pay for the rent. How much does this sinkhole cost? 200 Dollars? So you don’t have to work at the coffee shop, you’re just doing it to have an excuse!“

„350 Dollars“, he answered. „And it might surprise you but it doesn’ end with paying the rent! I have to eat something and, occasionally, I need some new art supplies! And if I ever want to have an agent, I need money to pay him, they don’t work for free! So I need to save as much money as possible!“

„Then let me help you! I could help you, you know that! There’s nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it!“

He closed his eyes and shook his head. Then he looked at me again. „Did you ask someone for help… ever?“

„That’s not the same“, I said.

„Why not? Because it’s you?“

„Justin…“, I closed my eyes and sighed. „I had 1390 at my SATs, my parents were poor enough for me to get a scholarship, I worked at three different advertising agencies during college and I was lucky that I got a job right after college. I lived at the campus and later I had a small apartment near Liberty Avenue where I lived for four years before I became successful with advertising and made enough money to buy the loft. And I would still live in that small shithole if I wouldn’t have knocked out the guy who was supposed to get the client that made me the new star of the agency. I never would’ve become a partner at Vanguard if I wouldn’t have…“ Okay, bad memory, bad example.

„Cancelled Vermont?“ he said.

I closed my eyes briefly and cleared my throat. „And I wouldn’t be successful right now if I wouldn’t have taken the risk. All I want to say is, it doesn’t happen when you’re not taking your chances.“

He shrugged. „Maybe I’m not as strong as you are.“

That was almost funny. „Bullshit!“

„Then what?“ He asked. „Tell me!“

„I don’t know, like you said, I’m not here! I just know that as long as you don’t do anything, nothing’s gonna happen! Start looking out for other options, don’t give up, don’t wait.“

He sat down on the bed again, his back to me and looked down. I knew he felt like a failure, as if he had done nothing right so far, as if it was all his fault. I knew that feeling. I moved a little closer to him.

„What if it was a mistake to come here?“ he asked. „Actually, I think it was very naive to think that one good review in a magazine would help me to become successful here. Maybe I should’ve tried to become more successful in Pittsburgh.“

„Maybe you should stop trying to be successful and start trying to start anything. Success comes with chances. There must be more than just painting.“

He turned around and looked at me as if I said something magical. Whatever it was, it brought back his ambition and his passion – for me. He practically jumped on me and kissed me.

„That’s why you’re the best“, he said and laughed while he hugged me. I still had no idea what I said that had completely changed his mood, but I was glad that I obviously found the right words. It was about time that he moved on. Even though it probably meant moving away from me.


TBC

[identity profile] sexy-pumpkin.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 11:27 am (UTC)(link)
Wonderful start babe to another series:)

I love how Brian just showed up in NYC, it was so cute & I also love how he constantly pushes Justin to become the best he can be, even though he'd love him to come home to the Pitts, he's a wonderful partner, yet he doesn't know it.

Great chpt babe, & yay for the beta,,can't wait for more in this series, they are getting "better" together lol,,hugs Jx

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 02:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Happy to read that you like it so far :)

I agree, Brian's a good partner, he just has to learn to accept that. Brian showing up at NY was a very spontaneous idea tbh. But it worked.

Hope you'll enjoy the rest, too.

[identity profile] toto-too514.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 12:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Great installment!

Fun to see that Justin can read Brian's mind... able to pull him out of his deep thoughts and into something much more important! LOL! Brian seriously needs to stop w/ the self doubt where Justin is concerned!

Hope Justin's new idea works!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 02:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks for reading.
I'm glad you like the new beginning.

Yeah, I hope it works out for Justin :)

[identity profile] iyesism.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 01:06 pm (UTC)(link)
brian did great n surprising justin there..but i hope he would stop thnkng of justin leaving him soon and going on with his life coz i dont thnk justin would do that. Nice update and be waiting.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 02:24 pm (UTC)(link)
No, I also don't think that Justin would do that.

Thanks for reading and for your comment.

[identity profile] guavejuice.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 01:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"that's why you're the best"
I think it goes for you too,my dear Steffi. I absolutly love It when Brian showes up on Justin's door step.he clearly wants what best for him.I hope Justin wouldn't move too far away from Brian this time,though *sigh*
can't wait for the next chapter
*hugs you*
V.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 02:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks V. :)
Glad you like it so far.
Lets see what's gonna happen. *gg*

[identity profile] lemondrop34.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 03:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, Brian! You're kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilling me with your thoughts that Justin will leave you once he becomes successful. Gah! I just hope you don't do anything stupid to make him want to leave you when it does happen. Justin loves you, you big dummie!

As always, FABULOUS chapter!!!!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot :)
Brian will get it, sooner or later ;)

[identity profile] pet0511.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:00 pm (UTC)(link)
After sooo many times waiting for a new one :-) I jumped into this chap and I loved it and now I really! don't! want! to! wait! one! more! second! for the next one.
Shit!
You made a turn here, right? It' s different to your earlier chaps, the tone and tension is different and so are BJ. It seems as if the time of the big silent mutual broodling was left behind, at least for now, and both of them are more open, more demanding, more honest, more accepting.
Ok, Brian coming to NYC, it has been a big good moment not only for Justin but for all of us as well. Even when he has the same fears like ever, I love him for trying to make Justin see and react. For once giving own past experiences into the talk, that's good and helpful and makes him more human and this does it make easier for Justin to open up by himself. All the frustration Justin feels....like we all know it often helps to get it out to clear up. And he must have gotten an idea...even if I haven't any clue about it. But I hope you'll help me and the other readers and Brian out of our miseries and will post a new soulmate pretty pretty pretty soon!
Happy Saturday and thanks dear soulmate! Pet

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Hm, weiß nicht, hab ich so viel verändert? Eigentlich hat Brian auch in "Thanksgiving" schon gesagt, was Justin tun sollte, damit's endlich rund läuft, aber okay :)

Ja, es wird sich in der Story jetzt was tun, weil wir müssen ja irgendwann man voran kommen. Abwarten, ob's allen gefällt.

Thank you very much - as always - for your lovely comment.

[identity profile] sjmarv.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 05:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Had the same sense of this chapter as you've stated, Pet.

Enjoyed this new chapter, Soulmate, and looking forward to the "wedding, rings and almost funeral."

Susan

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 06:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot :)

[identity profile] petulant2u.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Another great chapter. Brian unwittingly, just gave Justin his opening. Got him thinking outside the box.

I so hate Brian's insecurities. *sigh* Though he's probably right, once Justin gets successful, and he will, he'll love NY. But maybe, like Brian told Justin, 'his personal' success might be found outside his box. Maybe he should move to NY and take a risk on expanding his business, and in the process, take a risk on love!
Did I mention how much I LOVE this story?

Gina

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sure you mentioned it before, but hey... that doesn't mean you have to stop, because I LOVE to read it :)

Thank you very much.

[identity profile] galehot.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:38 pm (UTC)(link)
You have no idea how happy Iam right now!!

I love the unexpected visit of Brian and the conversation between them, it looks like Justin had reliced that yes, there is a way.

Thank you

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 04:46 pm (UTC)(link)
He has :)

Thanks for reading, I'm glad you liked it.

[identity profile] methylethyl.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
This is great! How did I miss this story? Your characterizations are great, especially Justin. And Brian, being so Brian and thinking that he'll to sacrifice Justin if Justin finally succeeds. Silly boy.

I can't wait for the next installment. Great job!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 06:24 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much :)
I'm happy to read that you like the story.

[identity profile] sjmpets.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
brian knew when justin needed him most.

i too have no idea what brian said that changed justin but whatever the reason yay.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 06:37 pm (UTC)(link)
You will find out.

[identity profile] shenova.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Nice to see a other part in this series starting again. Brian is missing Justin but he wants him to do well in NY so he will push him in the right direction he won't let him give up. Justin will find a way I am sure of that and Brian is trying to tell him the same thing. Brilliant start.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 07:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you :)

[identity profile] anno53.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I just read your whole series and I love it all. I like the struggle. Nothing comes easily ... relationships or careers. You have captured it all beautifully, soulmate!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot :=)

[identity profile] rulisteningbj.livejournal.com 2011-01-22 11:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Excited for the new series. I so knew that it was Brian at the door. Hopefully this little visit was a success.

Dee Dee

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 10:28 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks Dee Dee!

[identity profile] altair65.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
" "Don't think",...And he knew how to make me stop thinking at all...[]
I still had no idea what I said that had completely changed his mood, but I was glad that I obviously found the right words. It was about time that he moved on. Even though it probably meant moving away from me."
These two lines set the tone of the growing symphony to me!
It's so impressive the way you managed to head those two characters to move on and develop their skills to live and love! I feel like this is also the way the former producers meant to.
Best compliments! Can't wait to read the sequel!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 10:28 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot, very nice comment :)
I'm happy you liked it.

[identity profile] bidyke73.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I almost missed this part! Just saw a comment of yours and wanted to look if there's something new. Well, and there was. I love, love, love when Brian goes after Justin. Makes me melt a little bit every time. However, the almost funeral makes me feel the angst. Well, it says almost, so let's hope for the best.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 10:29 am (UTC)(link)
Don't worry :)
Thanks for reading and for your comment.

[identity profile] rainbow1907.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 02:21 am (UTC)(link)
This was a really wonderful new chapter. I feel a new dynamic, it's moving forward, getting... not faster... but more. I don't know how to properly describe it but I like it a lot. Brian is opening up and gets more active in their relationship. The surprise visit was a lovely idea. And it seems as if he managed to rouse Justin from his lethargy and pessimism. Superb! Many thanks and happy hugs, Rena :)

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 10:30 am (UTC)(link)
It's about time that something good happens for Justin (and Brian), isn't it?

Thanks for reading :)

[identity profile] sfscarlet.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
so happy to see an update. I love this series and the characters feel so real. update soon.

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-23 10:30 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot :)

[identity profile] paoloqaf.livejournal.com 2011-01-24 12:08 am (UTC)(link)
Wonderful... I really loved Brian going to NY surprising Justin... I'm sure this story will give me many others special emotions... thank you and hugs ^^!!!

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-24 09:26 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks Paolo :)

[identity profile] pam81.livejournal.com 2011-01-24 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah for the beginning of this new serie \o/
First, I have to say that I've loved this update soooo much.

We have Brian that is spontaneous, and he made an amazing surprise. It was a great and sweet moment to read about Justin's reactions when he opened the door.

So glad also to know that Gus is calling =)

And now Justin... I can understand his feelings. It must be hard to see that nothing is going the way he wants.
But Brian is right.. he can't give up. He needs to find another way, and the success will come...

Well done hon! Beautiful as always, thank you ♥

[identity profile] soulmatejunkee.livejournal.com 2011-01-24 03:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks a lot for your lovely comment :)
I'm glad you liked the new beginning.
Lets hope it'll stay that way.

[identity profile] bknjt.livejournal.com 2011-02-01 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
I am sooo glad that Brian showed up in NY and got Justin out of the mood he was in... I just wish I knew exactly what he said to make him so happy... It was nice seeing an update.. I really love this fic...Thanks...

[identity profile] marny1.livejournal.com 2011-02-08 08:25 am (UTC)(link)
this story is so good, thanks

* runs to the next chapter *

[identity profile] moonbrightnites.livejournal.com 2011-11-10 02:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Actually, I think it was very naive to think that one good review in a magazine would help me to become successful here. Maybe I should’ve tried to become more successful in Pittsburgh."

Yeah, MAYBE. Stupid show writers.

BTW, what is up with first quote mark of every paragraph being upside down? Is it a LJ glitch?