Chapter Text
Conrad: O.K fine, I cave. I’ll see you at six
Brad: What’re you caving to exactly?
Conrad: The obscure collection of Sci-Fi movies you’re always talking about. Movie marathon, tonight, I’ll get the drinks
Brad: I’m guessing you don’t have a date tonight
Conrad: No, I don’t
Conrad: But I’d rather hang out with you anyway. Six o’clock, don’t make me wait.
Brad: Your place?
Conrad: You can stay over, there’s more than enough space. I told you that before and the time before that and the time before that
Conrad: And the time before that
Brad: Fine. See you at six, but no beer this time
Conrad: Scared I’ll take advantage of you?
Conrad: Don’t worry, I won’t touch you
Conrad: I mean not unless you want me to
Brad: Very funny
Conrad: Is that a no?
Brad smiled, he could feel a flush begin to warm his cheeks as he stared at text on the glowing screen in his hands.
“Good news?”
Brad’s head snapped up and he felt himself flush even warmer at the soft smile on his cousin’s face. Matt was settling onto the couch right across from him, decked out in blue jeans and a shirt that looked a little loose for him. He’s always been good looking to Brad; Matt has always been cute. He could never understand it when Matt told him he wasn’t popular with girls. Warm brown eyes, a great smile, he played football for goodness sakes; if Brad was half as good looking maybe things wouldn’t be so… awkward for him.
“No. It’s just,” He shook his head, fiddling with his phone, “Just nothing, just a friend.”
“A friend huh?” Matt’s head gave a tilt, “This a new friend?”
“I guess.”
“You guess?”
“We met a few months ago, he’s more Alex’s friend really.”
Matt’s head fell the other way and then a grin spread right across his lips, “Does Alex know you’re into his friend?”
Brad blinked, “I’m not-“
“Sure you’re not, never seen you smile like that when one of your other friends texts you. So, how’d you meet him?”
Brad let out a sigh, “Alex introduced us.”
“Alex, actually hooked you up?”
“He wasn’t hooking me up with him…” Brad took a deep breath, “His name’s Conrad. He’s Julia’s brother.”
“Julia, Alex’s fiancé?” Matt blinked, “What seriously?”
After the trip they all took together Conrad had been calling him, texting, wanting to hang out. Brad… couldn’t say no. Conrad was confident. Conrad was fun. Conrad thought it was cool that he was kind of a nerd. So Brad didn’t say no whenever Conrad wanted to hangout, or text or call him or showed up at his door after a night of getting drunk on who knows what, who knows where.
But that’s only natural. After all they had a traumatic experience. It’s only natural that they’d all kind of attached to one another. Julia and Alex were closer than ever. Julia was always calling to check up on him and Fliss, well… Fliss kind of disappeared on them. Not surprising since she only went through everything she went through, because of them chartering her boat. It made sense for her to do all she could to never see them again, put it all in the past. Just like it made sense for him and Conrad to hang out and why Brad never turned him away.
Once Brad asked Conrad since he’d noticed that the other would show up whenever he didn’t have a date for the night. He’d moved into town after Julia and Alex officially got engaged. Brad asked if it wouldn’t be easier if he just went back to his own place to crash. Conrad said he still felt kind of weird being on his own after everything that happened. He said he felt better having another living breathing body nearby. He said he felt better having Brad nearby. Conrad kept suggesting that they move in together.
Brad wasn’t sure how he felt about that.
“I don’t like him, like that, we just talk sometimes.” Brad stuttered hopelessly while Matt gave him a sceptical look.
“Ohkay. Talk about what?”
“Diving, he likes diving and-and travelling and, I tell him about some of the research I do.”
“Diving, travelling and research.”
Matt arched a brow at him, a smirk started twitching at the corner of his lips. Brad huffed out a sigh at the look on his cousin’s face.
“Stop it.”
“Stop what?”
“I know that look.” Matt started to grin and Brad felt himself flush even more, “Stop it.”
“Holy shit.” Matt leaned forward with his elbows braced on his knees, “You really like this guy.”
“No, he’s just a friend.”
“I’m guessing Alex doesn’t know you have a thing for his brother in-law.”
“Firstly, I don’t like him like that-“
“Sure you don’t.”
“Second,” Brad said clearly, “No, Alex doesn’t know that we’ve been hanging out, but that doesn’t matter because I don’t need Alex’s permission to hang out with a friend.”
Alex was a walking contradiction to Brad sometimes. One second he was warning his brother not to embarrass him, the next he was internet stalking guys that Brad said he kind of liked because something was off about them. Things got worse after the situation with the Medan.
Brad didn’t talk to Alex much about his private life, as boring as it was. Especially now with Julia checking in with him as well, Brad had to be extra careful with what he told his future sister in-law for fear of her telling Alex and having Alex showing up and lecturing him for hours at a time. Brad’s not keeping his relationship with Conrad a secret but, Alex had a weird way of overreacting to things. Brad didn’t want him overreacting to Conrad, they’re just friends.
Matt frowned, “Does Alex not like him?”
Brad blinked, “What-… of course he does, Alex likes him. They get along-“
“But Alex wouldn’t be happy to find out that you’re hanging out. You’re sure he’s a good guy?”
“Yeah.”
“Look I know Alex is kinda overprotective sometimes, but if he doesn’t want you around his future brother in law-“
“Conrad is harmless, Alex knows that. He’s just…” Brad sighed looking down at his hands. “He likes to party, he’s a bit of a flirt… but its fine, I don’t like him like that and he wouldn’t like me like that either.”
“He’s a flirt.” Matt’s eyes filled with concern, “Does he have a girlfriend?”
“No? I… I dunno maybe.” Brad said still not looking up.
He remembered Fliss. Remembered how Conrad had checked with Brad to make sure he wasn’t interested in her. Brad told him that he had no interest in Fliss, he didn’t tell Conrad that he was more Brad’s type than Fliss was. He remembers those times when Conrad showed up shitfaced at his door with lipstick on his face and perfume on his shirt.
That’s why he didn’t take it seriously whenever Conrad made a pass at him or flirted. He knew that Conrad was just kind of like that, like he didn’t really know how to turn it off and Brad just sort of got used to it. He didn’t take it seriously. There was no reason to. They’re just friends and Conrad would never think of him that way anyway. Conrad treats him more like a little brother anyway. And with Alex marrying his sister, he might as well be.
“Maybe. That’s not a good sign.” Matt sighed, “You know, my offer still stands.”
Brad looked up and frowned, “Offer?”
“My friend. Josh. I really think you’ll like him.”
“The same friend that trapped you and your other friends in a horror movie?” Brad asked in a deadpan voice. Matt shifted in his seat to lean in closer.
“He’s been doing so much better. He got a new doctor who put him on new meds – the right kind of meds – and, he’s smart and funny and protective. He’s a total movie nerd just like you. And I know he’d love all that research that you’re into-“
“He tortured you and your friends.”
“Josh is a great guy. He was just going through some stuff. But he got help and he’s better. We’ve all seen that and we’ve all forgiven him.”
Brad sighed, “What about that girl you told me about; Sam?”
“They didn’t work out and Josh had always been more into Chris anyway.”
“O.K so why isn’t he dating Chris?”
“Because Chris is ridiculously straight and dating Ashley.”
“I don’t get why you’re trying so hard for this.”
“Because Josh is my friend and you’re my favourite cousin.” Matt grinned and Brad scoffed before Matt’s smile softened. “You’re sweet and nice and normal. He could do with nice and normal. Josh is so protective and he pours all of his love into the people he cares about. I really think you’d be good for each other.”
Brad sighed, “I don’t know-“
“This guy, Conrad, what do you like about him?”
“I don’t like him like-“
“Yeah yeah, but what do you like about your new friend?”
Brad paused, “I-“
He wasn’t really sure.
Conrad was confident and loud, he was always the life of the party. Basically his total opposite. Brad liked that. Brad looked up at his cousin and realised that Matt would be less than impressed by that description. His hands clenched and he looked away for a brief moment, he felt the need to protect Conrad. Stand up for him. Sure he came off as a little bit of a douche sometimes but he wasn’t that bad once you got to know him.
“He’s smart and adventurous. He and Julia travel all the time. He’s-He’s really protective too and-“
“You like him.” Matt started, “But, are you really sure he’s good for you?”
Brad huffed out a sigh of frustration and opened his mouth to speak only to pause when they heard the door open.
“Matty I’m home! Your handsome dashing sexy knight in shining armour returns bearing takeout.” Mike came around the corner carrying a large paper bag in his hands, dropping his keys on the counter after kicking the door shut behind him. “I know I promised to cook tonight, but you promised to give me a reward for being patient while you finished your term paper and the Big Bad Wolf is ready to huff and puff and do other things if you catch my- Oh shit. Uh…”
Mike stopped right in his tracks when he turned around and saw the occupants in the living room, almost dropping the takeout on the floor.
“Oh hey, Brad. I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Brad shrugged, “I didn’t plan to I just stopped by for a bit. I’m sorry if I-“
“No. No, it’s cool.” Mike cleared his throat and tried for a smile even as he flushed, lifting the bag in his arms. “Are you staying for dinner? There’s more than enough.”
“No, it’s O.K, I already have other plans.”
“Right, so, I should put these in the kitchen.” Mike left the room and Brad looked back to Matt who’d suddenly gone completely silent. He smirked.
“Big Bad Wolf?”
He could almost feel Matt’s flush, his cousin ignored his comment though.
“You have plans with Conrad tonight?”
Brad rolled his eyes hard, “We’re just friends.”
“Brad-“
“And even if… Even if I liked him. Would it really be that bad?” Brad took in a deep breath and let it out, “Yeah, he’s a bit of a douche and he’s cocky and he’s a flirt. Is it really that bad if I like him?”
Matt sighed, “I’m not saying its wrong, I’m just saying that you could do better. I’m just looking out for you.”
“I’m older than you are you know?”
“And you’ll always be my baby cousin. I don’t want you to get hurt and I don’t want Alex going to jail for breaking his brother in-law’s arms.” Matt joked and Brad couldn’t help but scoff despite himself. “Look if you really like this guy that much then... I’ll back off and I won’t tell Alex either.”
“Thanks-“
“I still think you can do better.”
“Matt-“
“But I’ll back off.”
“That’s something, I guess.” Brad sighed looking down to his phone to check the time when he suddenly got up. “I should get going.”
“O.K, you’ll call me later right?” Matt said as he got up as well.
“Before or after you’ve huffed and puffed with the Big Bad Wolf?”
Matt flushed and glared at his cousin, “You’re hilarious. Just call me.”
He walked Brad out and shut the door behind him before making his way over to the kitchen to find Mike leaning against the counter.
“You have the best timing.” Matt joked and Mike rolled his eyes.
“Yeah well, a little heads up would’ve been nice.”
Matt rolled his eyes as he walked over to open the takeout bag and started setting everything out on the counter.
“So, Brad has a boyfriend?”
Matt looked up and Mike arched a brow at him, he looked away.
“He says they’re just friends, but I know him well enough to know when he’s got it bad.”
“But you don’t like the guy.”
“Never met him. But Brad’s keeping him a secret from Alex and from the way he talks…” Matt sighed, “Brad’s really sweet you know. I don’t want him getting caught up with some guy that’s just going to mess with him.”
“You don’t know that he’s going to mess with Brad.”
“Brad says he’s a flirt.”
“Being a flirt doesn’t automatically make you a bad guy.”
“It’s a red flag.”
“I think you’re forgetting exactly how I managed to land you Matty.” Mike reasoned as he moved closer wrapping his arms around Matt from behind.
“You’re different.”
“Of course I’m different. I’m a total catch.” Matt rolled his eyes as Mike continued, “You should give this guy a chance before deciding that he’s the devil incarnate and not worthy of licking the ground Brad works on.”
“Really?”
“Seriously, if he wasn’t your cousin I’d be worried about you two. I mean, unless I got to watch but-Ow!“
Matt elbowed him, “Shut up.”
“My point is, like you said; you’ve never even met him. And Brad says they’re friends. Just wait until something actually happens before you start an intervention.”
“You’re right.”
“Yes. Yes I am.”
Matt rolled his eyes again, “You know, you make it really hard trying to remember why I put up with you.”
“I know.” Mike said and Matt paused as he was turned around to face the other, he blinked at the look on Mike’s face, the guilt that almost glowed in his eyes. “After everything that happened with Emily and Jess, don’t think for a second that I don’t know you could do better too.”
Matt sighed, “Emily’s the one that cheated on me not you.”
“She cheated on you with me-“
“We talked about that. I already forgave you.”
“I know. But I’m still glad you gave me a chance. I know Josh is happy we gave him another chance after everything on Blackwood Mountain. Maybe you should let Brad give this guy a chance.”
Matt let his head fall forward against Mike’s shoulder, “His name is Conrad, he’s Julia’s brother.”
“Julia? His brother’s fiancé? So Conrad is Brad’s brother in-law.”
“Yeah.”
“Kinky.”
“Stop it.” Matt laughed and Mike’s head gave a tilt.
“So what, the incest bothers you?”
“It’s not incest but, things are going really good with Julia. I don’t want it getting screwed up cause Alex killed his brother in-law for breaking Brad’s heart.”
“Look if you’re really that worried then you should just meet Conrad for yourself. Invite him and Brad over, I’ll be here, it’ll be like a double date.”
“Brad doesn’t like him like that.”
“O.K, so just call them over to hang out. You’re about to be in-laws. He should know how close you and Brad are by now.”
Matt paused in thought, “It’s actually not a bad idea.”
“It’s a great idea.”
Matt rolled his eyes again, “You’re right. I am too good for you.”
Mike laughed, “That’s why I always make sure I get your favourite.” He said reaching around Matt to take the last Styrofoam containers from the bag to put on the counter.
“You promised you’d cook.”
“I promised food. You promised me something way more fun.”
Matt scoffed as he turned to grab the plates. “Food first.”
“Of course,” Mike said leaning in to started kissing along Matt’s neck before pressing closer against his back, “We feed Wolfy first, work up an appetite and then we eat.”
“I’m hungry now. Wolfy will just have to wait.”
“Or! Or, we do the other thing now.”
“Or we eat first.”
“Or not.”
“Mike, I’m hungry.”
“Matt, Wolfy is starved.” Mike said as he spun the other around and leaned in to seal their lips in a kiss only for Matt to swat him on the forehead with a plastic spoon. “Ow-“
“Down boy.”, Matt said barely managing to hold back his laughter at the dumbfounded look on Mike’s face as he grabbed a hand full of napkins and shoving them at the other’s chest, “Wolfy is going to wait his turn or else Wolfy is going hungry for another week.”
Mike almost gaped as the other slipped away to the other side of the kitchen before he started to pout. “Matty-“
“Food first Monroe.”