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- I can’t believe that I let you drag me here. This is not how I wanted to spend my night in New York!
- Oh, come on. Now you are just being grumpy. It’s our third night here. We did whatever you wanted the first two nights and, you promised me that I would get to choose our destination for our third one. And you made that promise long before we left Pittsburg. Besides, we’ll have time to do wherever you want afterwards. We’ll be done by midnight.
- Well, when I was making that promise, it never crossed my mind that you would want this! And if I am not mistaken, you loved the places I chose for us to go. You can’t claim the same with your choice. Why didn’t you ask Ted to come with us? I would gladly let you two come here while I’d be out partying.
- Partying? That’s how we call it now?
- Would you prefer me saying fucking? Brian said lowering his voice. I am trying to blend in with all these snobs around here, as you asked me to. So, here I am, blending in. I am sure that their vocabulary doesn’t include the word “fuck” and its derivatives, thus it would shock them if they hear it. Hypocrites.
- You are really overreacting.
- Not at all. At least, now I get why you insisted that I should pack a suit. Even though I should have guessed what you had in mind. Especially since you, of all people, packed one as well. You had it all planned, didn’t you? Just so you know, you owe me like a hundred blowjobs for this.
Justin was trying really hard not to laugh. He was expecting Brian’s outburst over this but, he really wanted to visit The Metropolitan Opera of New York and watch a play there. Sure Ted would love it but, it’s Brian he wanted to come with. Seeing though how mad he was at the moment, he was starting to regret it. He was praying for a really good play, otherwise he would hear about it forever. Just like the latest movie he chose for them to watch three months ago. Brian was still not letting it go.
- You know what? You should be happy I managed to find tickets for La Traviata. It’s only here for one play and it was sold out really fast. And I mean, really fast.
- Oh, I should be happy you say? Right now I would be happy only if I won’t fall asleep.
- Will you stop it already! I am sure you will love it.
- Don’t bet on it. And, what do you mean it was sold out really fast? How long ago have you been planning this?
- Well, for a while… I bought the tickets just a minute after they went on sale… About six months ago…
- Six months ago!? That’s why you drove me crazy to travel this specific weekend? You are un-fucking-believable.
- Maybe I am, but I know you love me, Justin said and smiled at him really sweet, while Brian raised his eyebrow.
- I hope I will survive this, he said and sighed.
- For God’s sake Brian! It’s only three hours! Don’t act like it’s the end of the world!
- Well, now that I am thinking of it, since I have survived Ted-wanna-be-Pavarotti singing on that hideous restaurant, I am sure I can survive three hours at the famous Metropolitan Opera. At least the singers here are professionals.
- There you go! That’s the spirit!
- Justin!? Is that you?
A voice that sounded somewhat familiar reached out to Brian’s ears. Taking a look at Justin, he noticed that Justin didn’t look less surprised than him. “Is that voice…? Is he who I think he is…? Did I speak too soon about surviving the night…?” Brian thought. It’s been a few years – six to be exact – since he last heard that voice but, it was not a voice he could forget; neither the violin music that was drilling into his brain and was always coming along with it. Both sounds were making his stomach sick. How worse could this night become?
- Ethan!? Justin said surprised when he finally turned his head and saw him. He really didn’t expect to see him after all these years and, he didn’t know how to react. Having Brian right next to him was making the whole encounter even more awkward.
- Oh my, I thought it was you. There was no way I would mistake you for someone else! Ethan said as he was getting nearer, looking really excited.
Brian, seeing him getting closer to Justin reaching out for a hug, he reflexively covered the tiny distance between him and Justin and put his hand around Justin’s waist, pulling him towards him. His gaze towards Ethan was murderous and a faint, hostile smile appeared on his face. His whole body was screaming: “Don’t get any closer, I bite.” Justin could feel Brian’s energy and he couldn’t blame him for his reaction. How could he? Even though they had never talked again about Ethan after their historic reunification in Brian’s office, he knew pretty well how much he had hurt him back then and Brian’s feelings for Ethan. Ethan picked up Brian’s energy as well and, he didn’t take any step further, keeping a safe distance from Justin.
- Yep, it’s me, you didn’t mistake me, Justin said as casual as he could, trying to smile. We, I mean Brian and I, have tickets for the play. You remember Brian, don’t you? “What the hell? Why did I ask that? Of course he remembers him!”
- Well, of course. How are you, Brian? Nice to see you, too, Ethan said trying to be polite but, the smirk on his face was giving him away.
- Fine, Brian replied sharply, not taking away his hand from Justin’s waist not even for a split second.
- So, what are you doing here? Are you also watching the play? Justin went on, breaking the awkward silence.
“What the fuck Justin? I hope you won’t ask him to sit with us! That would be the last drop for the night!” Brian thought.
- Well, I was in the town for an audition and, a friend had invitations for the play. But, I don’t see him around just yet. So, you two are still together… he added and his tone was indicating half a question and half a statement.
- I bet you were hoping for the opposite, right?
- Brian! Justin turned his head and, lowering his voice, added through his teeth. You don’t have to be rude.
- It’s OK Justin, I know and remember Brian’s attitude, no worries.
- That’s true, I am unforgettable. Mainly for reasons that you won’t ever have the honor to enjoy.
Justin closed his eyes and bit his lip, taking a deep breath. “Oh my God, please make this stop. And I promise I won’t ask for anything ever again,” Justin thought. At the same moment, Brian’s thoughts were slightly different. “My attitude!? Little twat! Who does he think he is? Believe me, you haven’t seen anything of my attitude yet!”
- And no, I was not hoping for that, Ethan kept talking, ignoring Brian. To be honest, I was sure you would end up together again after Justin and I had broken up. Justin tends to always forgiving you, for literally anything.
- Let’s not do this. It belongs to the past, Justin said as calm as he could, trying to keep the situation under control even though he was starting to get mad at Ethan as well. But as angry as he might have been, he was also feeling that Brian was really close of losing it and it was the last thing he needed at the moment. Ethan was a red flag for him and he knew it. “Damn, why did this have to happen tonight of all nights?”
- I agree, we both have moved on, Ethan said. Well, at least I did… he added and looked unfriendly at Brian.
“Oh my, Ethan, really!? I am really trying here…! Would you help me out!? Don’t push your luck! For your sake, please, don’t say anything more!”
- Well, my friend just arrived, Ethan said before Brian gets the chance to answer. Justin was so relieved hearing that and his only thought was “Thank God!”
- Let’s not keeping you then, Brian said with a grin on his face.
- Oh don’t say that. You are not keeping me at all. But, I don’t want to make him wait. Bye Justin, it was nice seeing you again and, maybe we can hang out a little if you are staying around for a few more days. You can call me if you want, here is my number, Ethan said and gave Justin a tiny card with his name and number on it. Bye Brian. Enjoy the play.
The moment Ethan walked away and Brian was sure that he could not see them anymore, he grabbed the card from Justin’s hand and crushed it into his, shoving it down his pocket. He was going to throw it away the first chance he would get.
- That twat bastard! he said.
- Brian, please, don’t make a scene, Justin said putting his hands on Brian’s chest, trying to calm him down.
- Scene!? Oh please! What do you think I am? A dyke!?
- Of course not. But, can you please calm down? It doesn’t worth it.
- Did you see him? His audacity!? He even gave you his number! And why does he even have a card! What for? To give it to the passers-by when they are tossing him coins in the street?
- He was provoking you and you know it. And if you keep talking like that, it would mean that he has accomplished his mission. I am sure you don’t want that. Unless you think that I would call him or anything…! As I said, it doesn’t worth it. Let’s forget about it and just enjoy our night, OK? If you prefer we can go someplace else, it will be fine by me. You didn’t want to watch the play in the first place anyway.
- Someplace else!? Of course not! We are not going anywhere! We won’t let him have the pleasure to believe that he made us run away. We are watching the play that you were so much looking forward to till the end. Period. For his sake though, I hope he won’t be sitting near us.
At that moment, the entrance to the theater opened and they were allowed to get in. The usherette led them to their sits. Brian was still furious with the incident but, he was determined to enjoy the play. Having Justin right next to him the whole time was really helpful, especially since he was checking on him to see if he was trying to spot Ethan’s place, which he was not.
Soon after they sat, Justin started talking about Verdi and La Traviata, trying to explain the story to Brian, even though he knew pretty well that Brian was already familiar with it. But he needed to talk about something. Anything. Brian also didn’t mind at all listening to him talking about the story again. Right now, his voice had a sedative effect on him.
When the lights went off, Justin reached out for Brian’s hand and held it in his own. To his surprise, Brian didn’t pull it back. Twenty minutes later, they were both lost into the first act of the play, as the acting and the singing were simply amazing. About two hours later, the lights went back on for the intermission. Justin looked ecstatic.
- Oh my God! It’s even better than I imagined! Don’t say that you didn’t like it because it would be a lie!
- All right, I won’t say it. I admit it, it’s better than I thought. But don’t take it that as a sign that we will start attending the opera every once in a while! Once is more than enough.
- OK, OK, we will see about that.
- No, we won’t. If you want to attend again, you can take Ted with you, Brian said and immediately regretted it, while Justin was getting up. Where are you going? Brian asked.
- To the bathroom, may I?
- No. You may not.
- Excuse me? Justin asked puzzled.
- I mean, you can go, of course. But, I am coming with you. I am not letting you go alone.
- Why? Is someone going to kidnap me?
- No, I didn’t say that.
- Jeez Brian, the thing you are thinking, get it out of your head. We are not partying at the Metropolitan Opera’s bathroom.
- Who said anything about that? I just…I need to go too. Am I not allowed?
- Fine, let’s go then. Otherwise we won’t be back on time.
Justin was not convinced that Brian really wanted to use the bathroom. But, as they were both walking towards the restroom, he realized the reason he was not letting him go alone, and smiled. He didn’t say anything though and kept acting like everything was perfectly normal. They returned to their sits just a moment before the third and final act started. It was as amazing as the rest of the play and when it was done, the whole crowd was on its feet, clapping enthusiastically.
Walking slowly towards the exit, Brian’s guard was full on, trying to spot Ethan. He didn’t want to have another encounter with him and he was trying to spot him, so they could go the opposite direction. Justin was walking by his side, talking non-stop about the play. Brian was listening to him and nodding to everything he was saying but, he was not talking.
- You are uncommonly quiet, I thought you liked it. Are you even listening to me or am I talking alone?
- Hmm? Of course I am listening. I told you already that it was nice. I am just letting you do all the commentary. I know you love doing it.
- But I want to hear your thoughts as well. If I am going to talk alone, maybe I will follow your advice and come with Ted the next time. He will sure be more talkative.
- What!? There won’t be a next time! And if there is, you are not coming alone.
- Are you deaf? I just said that I will follow your advice and come with Ted. That means, I won’t be alone.
- Sometimes I wonder why I am opening my mouth, Brian said and signed. Like there is any chance letting you come with Ted. He won’t be able to do anything if needed.
- Do anything if needed? What do you mean? What should he do?
- Nothing. Forget it. Next time, which won’t be anytime soon – or maybe never – I am coming with you. Don’t you want me to accompany you?
- Of course, Justin said and, realizing again that Brian was still thinking about Ethan, he added calmly. Brian, just because it happened to run into E…
- Don’t! Don’t even say his name!
- OK, just because it happened to run into him, it doesn’t mean that it will happen every time we attend the opera.
- First, I don’t know why you are so sure that there will be a next time. And second, who can tell me for sure that he won’t be here? I am not discussing it…I am coming with you. End of story.
- Well, that’s fine by me. I want you to come with me anyway, not Ted. So, it’s a win-win for me. The fact that you don’t trust me though, I am not sure how it makes me feel.
- I do trust you. It’s him I don’t! And I don’t want him anywhere around you.
- Have I ever told you how sweet you are when you are jealous?
- I-don’t-do-jealous!
- Yes, yes, I know, jealous is for lesbians. Either way, it’s sweet, Justin said and kissed him softly on the lips. So, where are we going now Mr. Kinney? Still wanna go clubbing?
- Nah, we should better head to the hotel. We can party there alone all night long. And you can also start paying me off. You owe me lots of blowjobs. Many more than a hundred after all these. Maybe two hundred…?
- Any chance for you to take pity on me? A hundred blowjobs are already too many…
- Nope. Nothing can save you after what you made me go through tonight. Here is our taxi, pop in before I raise the debt.
- Fine, fine! Let’s go! Justin said laughing while opening the taxi's door.
The two men got into the taxi smiling and went straight to the hotel, where no one would interrupt their private party on their last night in New York…until the next one.