Brandis Redemption - 6

The following story is entirely a work of fiction, and is not intended to imply anything about any real people. All of the characters in the story are fictional, and must not be confused with any real people. The characters in this story may have the same names as some real people, but the characters are in no way supposed to actually represent any real people.

A word from the Mac: I've decided to make this the last chapter instead of seven. Things are getting completely out of hand for me and I have no time to look at this story anymore. I'm leaving you with a mighty cliffhanger which is my way of promising that I will be back again to continue this story. I just don't know when. Sorry.

- Jonny Mac
ICQ: 27497085
AIM: Intelevore

Jared opened his eyes and yawned. He tried to stretch but couldn't because Jon was holding him tightly. Scenes from the night before came flooding back through Jared's mind. He smiled as he remembered how gentle Jon had been. Every kiss, every touch, every movement was driven by pure love. Jon had been so caring and sensual. When they had finished making love, Jon had snuggled up behind Jared and wrapped his arm around his chest, in the exact same position they were in now.

Jared took Jon's hand in his own and brushed it across his cheek. He kissed the back of Jon's hand, and Jon hooked his top leg over both of Jared's, pulling him in even tighter. Jared felt Jon's soft dick pressing against his tailbone and thought back to how it had brought them so much pleasure only nine hours ago.

Nine hours? Jared glanced at the alarm clock again. It showed two o'clock, just as it had three seconds before.

Wow, two in the afternoon. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. After making love for three and a half hours we were bound to be exhausted.

Jared turned over very slowly making sure he didn't wake Jon. He looked at the sleeping Angel beside him. His mouth was curled up into a little smile and his hair was sticking out all over the place making him look wild and adorably cute.

There was a loud growl that Jared recognized as his stomach. He couldn't remember the last time he ate. Well he had eaten only nine hours ago but he couldn't remember the last time he had something filling.

Jon's going to wake up hungry soon. I think I'll go downstairs and make him breakfast, that'll be a nice surprise to wake up to.

Jared let go of Jon's hand and slid his legs out from under the one Jon was holding him with. He looked around for a few seconds for his boxers. He went back to the bed and kissed Jon gently on the forehead. Jon mumbled something unintelligible in his sleep and pulled Jared's pillow to his body, hugging it tightly. Jared smiled. He finished getting dressed and went downstairs.

"First things first. Turn on the TV to break the silence." He picked up the remote and turned the TV to the local news channel. Turning it up so that it was just loud enough to hear in the kitchen but not loud enough to wake Jon, he walked into the kitchen and to the refrigerator.

"What has he got here that's suitable for breakfast? Bacon, eggs, and... yup, some bread. Good thing I talked him into buying that last week or he wouldn't be getting bacon and eggs with toast for breakfast heheh."

Jared took the bacon and bread from the refrigerator and placed them near the stove. When he took the egg carton out and closed the door, the news returned from commercial break. When he heard the story, he stopped dead in his tracks.

"Welcome back to the midday news. In the entertainment scene, last night's N Sync concert went off with great reviews from those in attendance. Many of the girls we spoke to told us that the guys were 'really cute and very hot.'

"There is a more serious story to come from the concert however. Several people reported seeing Jonathan Brandis at the concert with another young man, and the two appeared to be on a date. Although already dismissed by most as rumor and speculation, we here at midday news have obtained a picture of Jonathan and this other young man, who's name is reported as being 'Jared.'"

"Oh fuck!" Jared dropped the egg carton on the floor, smashing most of the contents. He ran to the TV. Sure enough, on the screen was a picture of Jon and him holding hands.

"At this time there has been no official word from Mr. Brandis or 'Jared,' but they were seen leaving together in a cab."

"This is not good. This is not good at all. Jon! Jon, get up, quick!" Jared dashed up the stairs and into Jon's bedroom.

"Jon, get up!"

Jon sat up quickly. "huh, what?"

"You need to come downstairs. There's something on the news that you need to see."

Jon jumped out of bed and ran naked down the stairs with Jared right behind him. He stopped in front of the TV. On the screen was a story about a tree planting campaign.

"This is what I needed to see?"

"No, just wait a second." Jared picked up the remote and started flicking through the channels. The tenth or eleventh channel he turned to was showing the picture of the two of them holding hands.

"The source of this picture also informed us that Jonathan and the young man, identified simply as Jared, were sitting together holding hands through the entire concert before heading backstage. We contacted N Sync, but their manager declined to comment. Jonathan and Jared also have yet to comment."

Jared turned off the TV. "That's what I wanted you to see. Where'd they get that picture? I've seen it on two channels now."

"It must have been that little bitch sitting beside us. Just before we went backstage she took a picture and her flash blinded me for a second. She told me it was a picture of Justin and Lance but it must have been us she was trying to get."

"Well she did a great job by the looks of things. Now what do we do?"

Jon didn't respond, he was staring off into space.

"Jon? What do we do now?"

"We do nothing."

Jared was shocked. "Nothing? Jesus Christ Jon, do you realize what this could do to you?"

"Don't worry about it."

"How can you say that?"

"Look at it this way, there are two possibilities. One, people don't believe the story of some teenie-bopper girl, as is usually the case. Or two, people do believe it and everyone thinks I'm gay and we're together. And if that's the case then so be it. I already told you I don't care. As long as I have you I'm happy."

"What about your career?"

"What about it? Anne and Ellen came out and their careers are going great."

"You know people are more accepting of lesbians than they are gays."

"I know, but I still don't care. Besides, it'll save us the trouble of having to hide the way we feel for each other. Now I can show my love for you without having to worry about the press hounding me for a story."

"I, I guess so."

"OK. I told you it would work out for us and this seems like the thing that will do it. I'm going to go upstairs and get dressed. When I come down I'll cook you a nice breakfast. How does bacon and eggs sound? "

"Yeah, sounds great."

Jon went upstairs and got dressed. When he returned, Jared was putting on his coat.

"Uh, you want to go out to eat instead?"

"No. I'm going back to my place."

"Um, why?"

"Because I think it best we spend some time apart until this blows over."

"Blows over? Jared I said I didn't care what the outcome was. All I want is you."

"And I want you too."

"Then why are you leaving?"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

"Why!"

"Damn it Jon, because it is! I love you more than life itself. I'm just not as confident about this as you are. I keep seeing this whole thing going wrong and killing your career. I can't stand the idea of you being hurt and if people saw us together I'm afraid that's what would happen."

Jon started crying. "So you're leaving me?"

"No, god I could never leave you. I just think we need to be apart for a little while, to see how this is going to go. It'll only be a few days. A week at the most."

"A week? Jared I can't live without you for a week. How am I supposed to go that long without touching you? Without holding you? Without kissing you? Without... without making - "

"Please Jon," said Jared. The tears were now falling freely down his face as well. "Don't make this any harder than it already is."

They stood looking at each other for a few seconds. Jon wanted to run to Jared and take him in his arms, but knew Jared wouldn't let him. Jared was trying to leave, but couldn't bring himself to open the door.

"I, uh, I guess you'd better go."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"But only if you're sure this is for the best."

"I am."

"Promise me it'll only be a week."

"I promise. No longer than a week."

"You'd better call me first thing Sunday morning."

"Of course, First thing."

They went silent, staring at each other again. Both of their faces were wet with tears. Finally, Jared turned the handle and opened the door.

"I love you Jared."

"I love you too Jon. I always will." Jared stepped out through the door and began to pull it closed.

"Jared don't go, there's got to be another - " Too late, Jared closed the door. "- Way."

Jon hugged himself and started crying heavily. His legs went weak and he fell to the floor. He didn't try to get up, he just lay there, naked and sobbing heavily, for over an hour.

Jared held himself together for a longer time than Jon. He walked for fifteen minutes or so before flagging down a taxi. When he got to his apartment he went straight to the kitchen to cook something to eat. He kept his mind clear the entire time, focusing only on the task at hand. Jared knew that if he let himself think about what he had just done, he would be on his way back to Jon's house in a few minutes and that would not help the situation. They needed to be apart until people forgot about everything.

He'll understand eventually I'm sure. He has to know that I'm right. I can't let him throw away his career like that. Jon would end up resenting me if he did, no matter how much he said he loves me.

Jared felt a tear slide down his face and wiped it away quickly.

Come on Jared, don't let it get to you. Pay attention to your dinner. It's for the best, and besides, it's only a week.

"One week. I can go one week without any contact with Jon. Up until three weeks ago I didn't even know him. I can manage a week without touching him or... holding him. Without seeing that beautiful smile or hearing his... angelic voice."

Jared dropped his fork and ran to his bedroom. He fell on top of his bed and cried. He shed tears of eternal love. It was a love stronger than any he had ever imagined he could feel. Now he had to go without that love for what would feel like a lifetime.

"How am I supposed to go that long without him? Why did this have to happen now? Why can't people mind their own fucking business!?"

Jared started crying even harder. He was shaking and his breathing became labored. He wanted to be holding Jon at this very moment more than he wanted to live. He became nauseous and dizzy. The room seemed to be spinning around him. To keep from getting sick he laid his head in his arms and closed his eyes. His breathing became easier and slower as he cried himself to sleep. He dreamt of his first night making love to Jon.

Jared woke up to the sound of a ringing phone. He didn't react, he just stayed in the same position he had been in for god only knows how long. He looked at the alarm clock to check the time.

Seven. I've been here for three hours. Feels like I've been awake for three days.

The phone went silent on the fifth ring, signaling that his voice mail would take the message.

Probably mom anyway. I really don't want to talk to her tonight. Maybe it's Rob with another of his weekend conquest stories. Don't need to hear that either. But what if it's Jon? No, he knows he's not supposed to do that. Then again, what if he has more news on our situation. It could be important that I hear that message as soon as possible.

Jared slowly got off his bed and walked to the living room. He picked up the phone and put it to his ear. Sure enough, there was a message for him. He dialed in to his mailbox and listened to the recording.

"Hi Jared, it's me Jon. I know I wasn't supposed to call but there is something you need to know. The producer of my new movie called my agent. My agent called me and he said that the producer was loving the attention that I was getting from this, but he wanted me to make a statement denying the claim. I think he just wanted to keep the focus on me. I told my agent I wouldn't do it but he kept yelling about how it could be damaging. I told him to take care of it himself because I all out refuse. Anyway, there should be a statement from my agent on the news soon. I hope this clears everything up so that you come back to me. I love you Jared and I miss you already. Bye."

Jared deleted the message and put the phone down. He turned on the TV and searched for the story on the various news programs. When he found it he turned up the volume, making sure he didn't miss a single word.

"About twenty minutes ago Jonathan Brandis' agent released a statement. In it he says, 'Jonathan and Jared were not on a date. Jared is the cousin of N Sync's manager and Jonathan had brought Jared to the concert to surprise his cousin. The picture showing them holding hands actually shows Jonathan pulling Jared up out of his seat, as anyone would see if they actually bothered to looked at the picture.' As for the report that they were holding hands: 'it is a complete and utter lie, and now that this person has had their fifteen minutes of fame, can we all just move on? Jonathan has a movie coming to theaters soon and doesn't need to have to deal with this now.'

"We called N Sync's manager and he confirmed that Jared was indeed his cousin and he adds, 'it was a nice surprise to see him after so long. I thank Jonathan for bringing him.'

"In other entertainment news, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael - "

Jared turned off the TV and sat back on the sofa.

Well I guess with Smiley's statement it should be pretty much cleared up. Thank god. At least Jon's career is safe. I still think we should stay apart for a few days just to be sure. I've got to remember to thank Jon's agent if I ever meet him. He's saved us a lot of trouble I think.

Jared had a weird feeling though, almost like disappointment. But disappointment towards what? Surely not that they had lied about the fact they were together. Wasn't that what Jared had wanted?

Do I regret that they did that? No, not possible, that's what had to be done. But... it would have been nice to be able to show my true feelings for Jon in public. No! No, Jared you know that can't happen.

He sighed. "Sure would be nice though."

Jared sat for a while contemplating his feelings on the situation. Did he want to keep it a secret, or did he really care who knew about them? He thought back to what Jon had said to him: 'I already told you that I don't care. As long as I have you I'm happy.'

"All I need to be happy is you too Jon. And I don't care who knows either. I finally see it now. I was just as worried about me as I was Jon's career. But my love for him is so much more important than people's opinions of me. I can't stay away from Jon for a week. How crazy was I?"

Jared picked up the phone again and dialed Jon's number. After several rings the answering machine cut in. Jared waited for the tone and left his message.

"Jon, I love you and I don't care who knows it! I'll see you at lunch tomorrow, same time, same place. I miss you too much already. Bye babe!"

Jared put the phone down. He found it strange that Jon was gone so fast after calling him. A thought crept into his mind that scared him.

"Oh fuck! Please god, don't let him be out drinking tonight. Not again, and not now after all of this."

"Bartender, gimmie another one." Jon pushed yet another empty bottle away. As Jared had feared, Jon was drinking. However, he wasn't just having a few beer. Jon was bingeing.

He had arrived at the club just shortly after eight and now, at only nine o'clock, he was on his twelfth beer.

Being left with little choice but to deny the truth upset him. Jon hated having to play the Hollywood denial game. He wanted people to know he was gay. That way he could be affectionate towards Jared any time not just at one of their homes. Now he was just another phony.

Jared's not answering the phone didn't make him feel any better either. Now he felt he had been abandoned by the person he loved most in the world. Jon knew Jared was home when he called, and he also knew that he intentionally hadn't answered the phone. Sure they weren't supposed to be together, Jon could accept that (as if Jared had given him a choice in the matter), but not even talking to each other just didn't seem right to him. No one knew they were talking so what difference did it make?

So, feeling like a sellout and feeling abandoned, Jon did what he always did when he had a problem: he drank.

"Bartender? Jon you must really be drunk if you can't remember my name. All the times you've been in here and all the times you've been drunk, you have never called be bartender, not since you found out my name. Maybe you should call it a night."

"I said give me another!"

"I'm sorry man, I can't do that. This whole concert thing must be hard on you, eh?"

"I'm not in the mood to talk about it. Just give me another damned beer!"

"Whoa, calm down there Jon. This club has a strict policy on supplying those who are too drunk, and you are definitely too drunk."

"I am not too drunk, I'm just right. Besides I can handle it, I can take care of myself."

"Oh really? So you can leave here and manage to get yourself home with no trouble?"

"Yes I can!"

"Sorry, not buying it. I think the best thing I can do is call a cab for you."

"No fucking way!"

"Now you listen up!"

"It's OK Brad, I'll take care of him. Hi Jon."

Jon turned around expecting to see Jared standing there. He was too drunk to recognize any voices. What he expected was not what he got.

"Tatyanna?"

"Yes it is. Who's this?"

"It's me, Jared."

"Jared. How are you?"

"Not all that great."

"I figured as much. You and Jon have been having a bad day I see."

"Yeah, you could say that."

"Think that statement Jon's agent released will clear it all up?"

"Along with the statement by N Sync's manager I think it will. At least I hope it does. But right now I have another problem to deal with."

"Oh? What's wrong?"

"I can't find Jon. Is he at your place?"

"No. He's not at home?"

"All I get is his machine."

"Weird. Where can he be?"

"I... have a theory."

"Oh no. You don't think he's gone drinking do you?"

"Actually that is what I'm thinking. I'm afraid that with all the stress from his agent and our separation he - "

"Separation!"

Damn it Jared, why'd you have to bring Tatyanna into this? "Yeah. I felt it best we take some time apart until all this blew over. But that was before his agent made that statement and now I can't find him to apologize and get back together. I'm afraid the stress got to him and if he's drinking and drinks too much and some asshole from the media sees him - "

"OK, OK, just calm down. I'll go to his house and check see if he's there. Jon has a favorite bar that he goes to, so I think you should check there. It's down on - "

"I know it. I've met him there a few times. I'm gonna leave now, I'll call you as soon as I can."

"OK, bye."

"Bye Tatyanna, and thanks." Jared hung up the phone, grabbed his wallet and headed out.

"Joey? What are you doing here?"

"I'm allowed in here. And it looks like I'm the one making sure you get home."

"Like hell you are. I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Joey are you sure you can handle him?"

"Yeah sure, don't worry about it." Brad walked away to serve the other customers.

Joey sat on the stool next to Jon. "I see you've had it pretty rough today."

"We're not talking about this!"

"OK, I can respect that." They sat in silence for a while. Jon didn't want to talk to Joey, and Joey didn't know how to start a decent conversation.

"I take it Jared isn't worth being brought out of the proverbial closet."

"I said we are not fucking talking about this! Take the hint!" For someone as drunk as he was, his speech was remarkably clear.

"I'll take that as a no."

Jon spun around and gave Joey the death stare. "If you must know, Jared is worth coming out for. I love him with my entire being. I would give up everything for him. Does that answer your question?"

"Yeah it does. I'm happy for you, I really am."

"Yeah sure. Why aren't you with your boyfriend?"

Joey looked down at the floor. "We decided to break it off. It just wasn't working between us."

Jon laughed making Joey look up. "So that's why you're here. The guy you dumped me for wasn't good enough so you've decided to come crawling back. Well that's too bad because I have Jared and even though we are spending a week apart I still love him with all my heart and soul and he feels the same for me too."

"Jon... that's not why I'm here. I'm happy that you have Jared, I truly am. I was just hoping that we could still be friends."

"Ha!"

"I know I hurt you when I left like that, but it wasn't going to work between us. I knew it and you might as well admit that you knew it too."

"I had some doubts, I'll admit that much. But even if it wouldn't have worked, there were better ways to handle it than just leaving me to go fuck another guy!"

"I know. I'm sorry. I handled that completely wrong and I admit it. I'm deeply, deeply sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me - "

"Good 'cause I can't!"

"But I would still like the chance to be your friend again. We were great friends Jon even if we weren't a great couple."

Jon considered Joey's words. "OK, we were good friends. But I can't trust you anymore!"

"I realize that too and I admit that, again, it's my fault. But I was hoping to start earning some of that trust back."

"How?" Whether it was the alcohol speaking or he actually was interested in being Joey's friend, Jon had to know what Joey had in mind.

"I was hoping that by helping you home I could show my good intentions."

"I don't know about that Joey."

"I'm just going to help you get a cab and get the driver to take you to your house, that's all."

"Well... I guess I should go home."

"OK, then. Let's go outside and find a cab."

"Yeah... OK" Jon stood up. The full effects of the beer hit him and his legs buckled under him. Before he hit the floor Joey caught him. Jon regained his balance and shrugged off Joey's hands. They slowly walked outside to the road, Jon staggering wildly and Joey ready to catch him and keep him from falling.

They got a cab almost immediately. Joey opened the door and helped Jon inside. He told the driver where to go and decided to get in the cab himself. When Joey closed the door the driver started going.

"Jon I'm just going to make sure you get inside your house and I'll take the cab back to my place, OK?"

He got no answer.

"Jon?" Joey looked over at Jon and saw that he had passed out against the other door.

"I can't leave you alone in this condition. But I can't stay at your place and risk Jared or anyone else finding me. Driver, change of direction."

Jared walked into the club and looked around. He didn't see Jon anywhere so he went to the bar to ask Brad.

"Have you seen Jon Brandis tonight?"

"Yeah I did. He was extremely drunk, and when he demanded more I had to cut him off."

"So where is he now?"

"He left about ten minutes ago with a friend of his. The guy was going to make sure Jon got home safely."

"OK, thank you." Jared left the club and hailed a cab. He gave the driver his home address. He wasn't in the mood to deal with a drunken Jon.

"Tatyanna?"

"Hi Jared, you find him?"

"No, he left before I got there. A friend of his took him home. Loaded drunk."

"No surprise. I just got back from his house, strange I didn't see them."

"You probably just missed them, no big deal. Anyway, it's late and I have to work tomorrow morning."

"Me too. I'm going back on tour tomorrow."

"Excellent. I hope you have fun and I already know you'll do great. Thanks for helping me tonight."

"Anytime Jared. I'll talk to you later."

"OK, sure. Bye."

""Bye."

Jared hung up the phone and went to bed.

Jon opened his eyes and looked around the room. As soon as his eyes and his brain focused he realized that he wasn't in his own bedroom. At first he thought he had somehow ended up at Jared's, but after a quick examination of the room's contents things started to look familiar.

"Oh god, I'm at Joey's. How did I get here?"

"I brought you here."

Jon snapped his head to his left to see Joey walking into the room with only a towel around his waist.

"You did?"

"Yup. How are you feeling this morning?"

"I've got a headache and I'm a bit queasy, standard hangover. Now back to this you brought me here thing. Why did you bring me to your place?"

"You were drunk, I was going to take you home. You passed out so I brought you here instead."

Jon's heart began to race from fear. He looked under the covers and saw he was naked.

"You bastard! You brought me here to take advantage of me!"

"I did not take advantage of you."

"Then why am I naked in your bed?"

"You took your own clothes off."

"What?"

"Oh yeah. And you basically ripped mine off too."

"No! No way, not possible. Me and you did not... we couldn't have..."

"Had sex?"

"Exactly."

"No, we didn't."

"I knew it."

"What we did last night was way better than sex. It was magnificent. It had to be the best time we ever did it."

"Not possible. I did not sleep with you! I could never do that to Jared, not in a million years."

"You better reset your counter than because we had sex last night."

"No!"

"If you don't believe me just look on the nightstand on the other side of you."

Jon slowly looked to his right. There on the nightstand were two empty condom wrappers and a used condom.

"Oh no."

"Oh yes. Face it Jon, we slept together and according to what you were moaning and screaming last night you really enjoyed it. I know I did."

Jon looked back at Joey who was standing just inside the bedroom with a towel around his waist and smiling.