QAF Fic: Drabble Roundup
Jul. 20th, 2008 08:20 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jule1122Here are several drabbles I have written recently. Most are for the drabble community at IJ. The last drabble was written for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
queerpittsburgh. Just to let you know many of my drabbles are gen or focus on couples other than Brian and Justin. I find Brian and Justin very difficult to write drabbles about although a few are about them.
Untitled
Note: This is for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
flashfly and xie_xie_xie
“Sorry I’m late, Brian. Moving is hell.” When Ted dropped his briefcase, it popped open spilling half the contents.
Brian eyed the assortment of files and random household items with distaste until he noticed the strip of studded black leather. Too small for a collar, large for what Brian envisioned, but not the biggest he’d seen.
“Theodore, I know that’s not yours so it must be Blake’s. You’re one lucky boy.” Brian stroked his finger over the leather and smiled suggestively.
“Brian!” Scandalized, Ted snatched the leather back and clutched it protectively. “It’s not a cock ring. It’s Lupe’s collar.”
Title: Unexpected Meeting
Notes: fortweedygal
Blake dreamed of Ted. Whether he was high and delirious or desperately trying to stay clean and fighting for his sanity, Ted was always there. Blake imagined seeing him at the opera, impressing him with how he turned his life around. He imagined Ted again finding him suffering and pathetic only this time too late; Ted’s grief tinged with relief that he had been spared watching Blake destroy himself. But never, not in his fantasies or nightmares, did he imagine Ted would be the one broken and alone. Blake went to greet him, determined not to fail Ted this time.
Title: Sleepover
Jennifer thought a best friend was something you gave up after junior high. She and Craig had acquaintances. They had business and community allies. They didn’t have friends. She learned that the hard way in the divorce.
Then she met Debbie. And once she got past the hair and the laugh and the language, she found a friend. They confided in each other and supported each other. They laughed and cried together. They talked about everything. Jennifer had never has so much fun. So at the age of fifty she found herself planning sleepovers, not for Molly, but for herself
Title: Friendship Bracelets
“Hey, we match again!” Debbie smiled brightly as Jennifer joined her in front of the PFLAG float. Debbie’s shirt had faded to lilac while Jennifer’s was still bright purple, but they both proudly proclaimed “I Love My Gay Son and His Husband.”
As they marched hand in hand, Jennifer noticed the bracelets they both wore. She remembered spending hours as a girl weaving strands of brightly colored thread into friendship bracelets. She and Debbie may not have made these themselves, but the simple message “Erase Hate” bound them together in love, understanding, and yes, blood, more tightly than ribbon could.
Title: Gesture
For all his skill with words, there were some things Brian never learned how to say. “I’m sorry” being one of the most important. Apologies were too direct for a man who made his living off double meanings and innuendo. No matter how much blame he privately took on, the actual words left him too vulnerable and open to rejection.
But if he was going to marry Justin, and he was, Brian needed a best man. It wasn’t the apology Michael wanted and, secretly Brian admitted might, deserve. Brian couldn’t give him those words, but he could give him this.
Title: Witness
Blake was the one to invite Emmett. “Ted’s speaking at the meeting tomorrow. It’s his five year anniversary, and I know he’d like you to be there.”
Emmett’s first instinct is to decline. Ted’s addiction, the consequences and the aftermath, opened wounds that healed badly. Forgiven, but not forgotten. But then he remembers another meeting when Ted reminded Emmett that both he and God loved Emmett exactly as he was. Ted helped Emmett get his pride back. Emmett might hate Ted’s addiction, but he was proud of his recovery. It was time to show him how much. “I’ll be there.”
Title: Father's Day
“Of all the things we were going to do together, I never thought fatherhood would be one of them.” Michael said with an easy smile.
Brian wanted to say something cynical about how he wouldn’t exactly call what they were doing fatherhood. But as they watched Gus and JR run through the sprinkler, he thought of Ben and Michael visiting JR as much as possible, and Michael proudly showing off her pictures. He thought of Gus yelling “Daddy,” and running to him with his arms open for a hug. He put his arm around Michael, and whispered, “Happy Father’s Day.”
Title: Surprise Visit
Note:happier_bunny sent me the idea for this drabble series.
“Cynthia, is there any way you can clear Brian’s schedule for this Wednesday?” Justin looked at calendar and realized it was the only day he had free.
“If you promise to keep him out of here for the entire day, I’ll blow any client that gives me a hard time.”
Justin burst out laughing. “You’ve been working with Brian for way too long. I know he’s been a pain to work with since you lost that big cosmetic account that’s why I want to surprise him.”
“He won’t hear about it from me. It’ll be out little secret.” Cynthia promised
“Michael, I need you to keep Brian out of the loft until after eight on Tuesday night. And don’t tell anyone, especially Brian, that I’m coming.”
“I don’t know Justin; Brian’s been spending all his time at work lately. He might not want to go out.”
“You can do it, Michael. I’m counting on you.” Justin knew he’d never pull this off without Michael’s help.
“Even if he goes with me, you know I can’t keep a secret.”
“Yes, you can. If you do this, I promise I’ll draw Zephyr having sex in the next issue.” Justin wasn’t above bribery.
“So, Mikey,” Brian said once they reached Woody’s, “What’s so important that you ambushed me at my car?”
“I just wanted to have a drink and talk.”
“About?” Brian gestured for him to continue.
“Well, you see. It’s just,” Michael looked around desperately, hoping an idea would come to him. “I think Ben’s having an affair,” he finally blurted out. “With Emmett.”
“They’re together all the time,” Michael said defensively when Brian laughed, realizing it was true.
“Mikey, you’re pathetic. They’re planning your surprise birthday party not fucking. I told them they’d never be able to keep it a secret.”
Michael’s crisis dealt with, Brian finally made it home. He was so focused on the shitload of work he had waiting that he didn’t notice anything was different until he found Justin in their bed fucking himself with a large dildo.
He stared for a moment before stripping off his clothes and replacing Justin’s hand on the dildo with his own. “Need some help?” He growled, twisting the dildo and leaning down to kiss Justin.
Several hours later, Brian collapsed on the bed next to Justin. “You didn’t tell me you were coming home.”
“Shh,” Justin whispered. “It’s a secret.”
Michael had just finished the new Rage display when his cell phone rang.
“Mikey, Justin told me you knew he was coming and didn’t tell me. I’m impressed.”
“Hey, I can keep a secret.” Michael tried to sound offended, but couldn’t help laughing. “Wait until I tell Justin that I kept my mouth shut, but you blabbed about the party Ben’s planning.”
“If you don’t act surprised, Ben and Emmett will be crushed, and the only secret I’ll be keeping is where I’ve hidden your balls after I ripped them off.”
Michael gulped and began mentally practicing his surprised face.
Title: Just One More Time
Blake fingered the vial in his pocket nervously. Just the feel of it helped him relax, but he had to be careful, or Ted would notice. He couldn’t let Ted find it. Ted would freak out, make a big deal out of it. But it wasn’t like Blake was really using again. He just needed a boost, something to get him through the stress of this job with Melanie. Everyone expected so much, and he couldn’t let Ted down. Once he proved himself, he wouldn’t need it any more. Then he’d stay clean for good.
Ted didn’t need to know.
Title: Blind Eye
Michael’s eyes widened when he realized what Brian was wearing. The scarf was covered in blood, in fucking Justin’s blood. He watched Brian’s fingers move reverently along it, watched him take off carefully and fold it as though it were still pure white, silky, and beautiful. But it wasn’t. It was covered in Justin’s fucking blood.
Michael wanted to run in there and ask Brian what the fuck he was doing. Why hadn’t he thrown it away, how could he touch it while it was still covered in Justin’s blood? But Michael always kept Brian’s secrets so he looked away.
Title: Don't Tell
Everyone was gathered around Debbie’s table passing dishes and filling glasses when Gus pulled on Justin’s sleeve. “Closer, Justin. It’s a secret.”
Gus’s version of whispering was loud enough to catch everyone’s attention, but they carefully pretended not to hear him.
Justin leaned down, his ear close to Gus’s mouth. “What is it?”
“Today is Daddy’s birthday; he’s really old. And there’s a cake.”
“I won’t tell if you won’t.” Justin gave Gus a high five and struggled to keep a straight face. He ignored the snorts of laughter and sounds of dropped utensils from the rest of the table.
Title: Sins of Omission
Debbie can’t keep a secret to save her life; everyone knows this. But when she catches Vic making out with Bobby Martinelli behind the bleachers, and he begs her not to tell anyone, she doesn’t. She never tells their parents, and week after week she goes to confession without ever telling the priest about the sin she witnessed or the lies she tells to cover it up. Debbie does her penance, but knows it is not enough. Lying to a priest must be a mortal sin, but still she remains silent. She’d rather go to Hell than betray her brother.
Title:Keeping Secrets
Note:Based on an idea fromhappier_bunny, but I don't think this is what she had in mind.
When the nurse first told Jennifer about the man sitting outside Justin’s room every night, she thought for a minute it might be Craig. But once she described him, Jennifer knew it was Brian.
Brian. Of course it was Brian, still playing games with Justin, still keeping his true feelings, whatever they might be, hidden. At first, he seemed so devastated by what happened; his pain strong enough to keep even her anger at bay. Then he’d vanished, abandoning Justin completely. But apparently he came back night after night, visiting in secret.
Jennifer had every intention of keeping his secret.
Title: Shattered Dreams
Jennifer’s dreams for Justin were they same as any mother’s. She wanted him to grow up to be successful and happy. She wanted to dance at his wedding and spoil his children.
When she found out Justin was gay, she hoped he would change his mind. But she learned to accept it, and she adjusted her dreams. Jennifer still wanted him to be successful and happy. She hoped one day he’d find love, maybe still have a family.
Her dreams never included holding his hand and praying that when, if, he opened his eyes, he would know who she was.
queerpittsburgh. Just to let you know many of my drabbles are gen or focus on couples other than Brian and Justin. I find Brian and Justin very difficult to write drabbles about although a few are about them.Untitled
Note: This is for
flashfly and xie_xie_xie“Sorry I’m late, Brian. Moving is hell.” When Ted dropped his briefcase, it popped open spilling half the contents.
Brian eyed the assortment of files and random household items with distaste until he noticed the strip of studded black leather. Too small for a collar, large for what Brian envisioned, but not the biggest he’d seen.
“Theodore, I know that’s not yours so it must be Blake’s. You’re one lucky boy.” Brian stroked his finger over the leather and smiled suggestively.
“Brian!” Scandalized, Ted snatched the leather back and clutched it protectively. “It’s not a cock ring. It’s Lupe’s collar.”
Title: Unexpected Meeting
Notes: for
tweedygalBlake dreamed of Ted. Whether he was high and delirious or desperately trying to stay clean and fighting for his sanity, Ted was always there. Blake imagined seeing him at the opera, impressing him with how he turned his life around. He imagined Ted again finding him suffering and pathetic only this time too late; Ted’s grief tinged with relief that he had been spared watching Blake destroy himself. But never, not in his fantasies or nightmares, did he imagine Ted would be the one broken and alone. Blake went to greet him, determined not to fail Ted this time.
Title: Sleepover
Jennifer thought a best friend was something you gave up after junior high. She and Craig had acquaintances. They had business and community allies. They didn’t have friends. She learned that the hard way in the divorce.
Then she met Debbie. And once she got past the hair and the laugh and the language, she found a friend. They confided in each other and supported each other. They laughed and cried together. They talked about everything. Jennifer had never has so much fun. So at the age of fifty she found herself planning sleepovers, not for Molly, but for herself
Title: Friendship Bracelets
“Hey, we match again!” Debbie smiled brightly as Jennifer joined her in front of the PFLAG float. Debbie’s shirt had faded to lilac while Jennifer’s was still bright purple, but they both proudly proclaimed “I Love My Gay Son and His Husband.”
As they marched hand in hand, Jennifer noticed the bracelets they both wore. She remembered spending hours as a girl weaving strands of brightly colored thread into friendship bracelets. She and Debbie may not have made these themselves, but the simple message “Erase Hate” bound them together in love, understanding, and yes, blood, more tightly than ribbon could.
Title: Gesture
For all his skill with words, there were some things Brian never learned how to say. “I’m sorry” being one of the most important. Apologies were too direct for a man who made his living off double meanings and innuendo. No matter how much blame he privately took on, the actual words left him too vulnerable and open to rejection.
But if he was going to marry Justin, and he was, Brian needed a best man. It wasn’t the apology Michael wanted and, secretly Brian admitted might, deserve. Brian couldn’t give him those words, but he could give him this.
Title: Witness
Blake was the one to invite Emmett. “Ted’s speaking at the meeting tomorrow. It’s his five year anniversary, and I know he’d like you to be there.”
Emmett’s first instinct is to decline. Ted’s addiction, the consequences and the aftermath, opened wounds that healed badly. Forgiven, but not forgotten. But then he remembers another meeting when Ted reminded Emmett that both he and God loved Emmett exactly as he was. Ted helped Emmett get his pride back. Emmett might hate Ted’s addiction, but he was proud of his recovery. It was time to show him how much. “I’ll be there.”
Title: Father's Day
“Of all the things we were going to do together, I never thought fatherhood would be one of them.” Michael said with an easy smile.
Brian wanted to say something cynical about how he wouldn’t exactly call what they were doing fatherhood. But as they watched Gus and JR run through the sprinkler, he thought of Ben and Michael visiting JR as much as possible, and Michael proudly showing off her pictures. He thought of Gus yelling “Daddy,” and running to him with his arms open for a hug. He put his arm around Michael, and whispered, “Happy Father’s Day.”
Title: Surprise Visit
Note:
happier_bunny sent me the idea for this drabble series. “Cynthia, is there any way you can clear Brian’s schedule for this Wednesday?” Justin looked at calendar and realized it was the only day he had free.
“If you promise to keep him out of here for the entire day, I’ll blow any client that gives me a hard time.”
Justin burst out laughing. “You’ve been working with Brian for way too long. I know he’s been a pain to work with since you lost that big cosmetic account that’s why I want to surprise him.”
“He won’t hear about it from me. It’ll be out little secret.” Cynthia promised
“Michael, I need you to keep Brian out of the loft until after eight on Tuesday night. And don’t tell anyone, especially Brian, that I’m coming.”
“I don’t know Justin; Brian’s been spending all his time at work lately. He might not want to go out.”
“You can do it, Michael. I’m counting on you.” Justin knew he’d never pull this off without Michael’s help.
“Even if he goes with me, you know I can’t keep a secret.”
“Yes, you can. If you do this, I promise I’ll draw Zephyr having sex in the next issue.” Justin wasn’t above bribery.
“So, Mikey,” Brian said once they reached Woody’s, “What’s so important that you ambushed me at my car?”
“I just wanted to have a drink and talk.”
“About?” Brian gestured for him to continue.
“Well, you see. It’s just,” Michael looked around desperately, hoping an idea would come to him. “I think Ben’s having an affair,” he finally blurted out. “With Emmett.”
“They’re together all the time,” Michael said defensively when Brian laughed, realizing it was true.
“Mikey, you’re pathetic. They’re planning your surprise birthday party not fucking. I told them they’d never be able to keep it a secret.”
Michael’s crisis dealt with, Brian finally made it home. He was so focused on the shitload of work he had waiting that he didn’t notice anything was different until he found Justin in their bed fucking himself with a large dildo.
He stared for a moment before stripping off his clothes and replacing Justin’s hand on the dildo with his own. “Need some help?” He growled, twisting the dildo and leaning down to kiss Justin.
Several hours later, Brian collapsed on the bed next to Justin. “You didn’t tell me you were coming home.”
“Shh,” Justin whispered. “It’s a secret.”
Michael had just finished the new Rage display when his cell phone rang.
“Mikey, Justin told me you knew he was coming and didn’t tell me. I’m impressed.”
“Hey, I can keep a secret.” Michael tried to sound offended, but couldn’t help laughing. “Wait until I tell Justin that I kept my mouth shut, but you blabbed about the party Ben’s planning.”
“If you don’t act surprised, Ben and Emmett will be crushed, and the only secret I’ll be keeping is where I’ve hidden your balls after I ripped them off.”
Michael gulped and began mentally practicing his surprised face.
Title: Just One More Time
Blake fingered the vial in his pocket nervously. Just the feel of it helped him relax, but he had to be careful, or Ted would notice. He couldn’t let Ted find it. Ted would freak out, make a big deal out of it. But it wasn’t like Blake was really using again. He just needed a boost, something to get him through the stress of this job with Melanie. Everyone expected so much, and he couldn’t let Ted down. Once he proved himself, he wouldn’t need it any more. Then he’d stay clean for good.
Ted didn’t need to know.
Title: Blind Eye
Michael’s eyes widened when he realized what Brian was wearing. The scarf was covered in blood, in fucking Justin’s blood. He watched Brian’s fingers move reverently along it, watched him take off carefully and fold it as though it were still pure white, silky, and beautiful. But it wasn’t. It was covered in Justin’s fucking blood.
Michael wanted to run in there and ask Brian what the fuck he was doing. Why hadn’t he thrown it away, how could he touch it while it was still covered in Justin’s blood? But Michael always kept Brian’s secrets so he looked away.
Title: Don't Tell
Everyone was gathered around Debbie’s table passing dishes and filling glasses when Gus pulled on Justin’s sleeve. “Closer, Justin. It’s a secret.”
Gus’s version of whispering was loud enough to catch everyone’s attention, but they carefully pretended not to hear him.
Justin leaned down, his ear close to Gus’s mouth. “What is it?”
“Today is Daddy’s birthday; he’s really old. And there’s a cake.”
“I won’t tell if you won’t.” Justin gave Gus a high five and struggled to keep a straight face. He ignored the snorts of laughter and sounds of dropped utensils from the rest of the table.
Title: Sins of Omission
Debbie can’t keep a secret to save her life; everyone knows this. But when she catches Vic making out with Bobby Martinelli behind the bleachers, and he begs her not to tell anyone, she doesn’t. She never tells their parents, and week after week she goes to confession without ever telling the priest about the sin she witnessed or the lies she tells to cover it up. Debbie does her penance, but knows it is not enough. Lying to a priest must be a mortal sin, but still she remains silent. She’d rather go to Hell than betray her brother.
Title:Keeping Secrets
Note:Based on an idea from
happier_bunny, but I don't think this is what she had in mind.When the nurse first told Jennifer about the man sitting outside Justin’s room every night, she thought for a minute it might be Craig. But once she described him, Jennifer knew it was Brian.
Brian. Of course it was Brian, still playing games with Justin, still keeping his true feelings, whatever they might be, hidden. At first, he seemed so devastated by what happened; his pain strong enough to keep even her anger at bay. Then he’d vanished, abandoning Justin completely. But apparently he came back night after night, visiting in secret.
Jennifer had every intention of keeping his secret.
Title: Shattered Dreams
Jennifer’s dreams for Justin were they same as any mother’s. She wanted him to grow up to be successful and happy. She wanted to dance at his wedding and spoil his children.
When she found out Justin was gay, she hoped he would change his mind. But she learned to accept it, and she adjusted her dreams. Jennifer still wanted him to be successful and happy. She hoped one day he’d find love, maybe still have a family.
Her dreams never included holding his hand and praying that when, if, he opened his eyes, he would know who she was.
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Date: 2008-07-21 10:56 pm (UTC)