Man? More like baby. (Vin and Sean)

[Brendan James]

Brendan’s eyes were stinging once he had finally made his way out of that damned Valentine’s Day Dance. Right then he wouldn’t form a solid a thought. His mind was just filled with a range of emotions and foul words. It was all so confusing and angering! He could tell that he was mad. But the fact that he was hurt and was possibly masking that with anger hadn’t occurred to him yet. And it probably wouldn’t occur to him until much later.

But right now, storming away from the auditorium, all that was running through his head was ‘BASTARD! FUCKING BASTARD!’, thinking it so hard and so loud that it was giving him a headache. A throbbing headache. It was also probably the intensity to which he was feeling things right then.

As he went further down the hall and got further away from the dance, Brendan was more able to think clearer and form actually thoughts, upgrading to ‘VIN IS A FUCKING BASTARD!’ After which came: how the fuck was he at a high school dance and he, an almost THIRTY YEAR OLD MAN, was the one leaving the dance early almost in tears? It was sickening to him. Pathetic. And there was only one person responsible right then.

Vin. Why would Vin think that was ok? Why? To try and make him jealous? At a school event? Didn’t he see?! Didn’t he understand! Bren was risking everything! EVERYTHING! His career! His father’s respect! His reputation! And for what?! For a high school kid who liked to play games by groping and kissing other people in front of him?! A high school kid who treated him like this?! For Vin?!

Vin who was at the same dance with his date! You think Bren brought a date? No! He was considerate! He didn’t see any point in having his boyfriend watch as he bumped and grinded… ground?… Danced with so hot, scantly clad woman! Was Vin so considerate? Nooooo!

Of course, the fact that at some point a hot, scantly clad woman had found her way to Bren wasn’t of any concern. Because to him, that didn’t count. What? It didn’t! Vin had come with a date. Bren had simply found one. And only as pay back. Vin was the one who had started it in the first place.

Not being a violent person, at all, he was surprised by his overwhelming need to hit something. The fact in the matter of weeks, his need to be violent was rather high. Even if it had only been twice. That was still more often than he was used to. But that was completely lost on him. Because all he knew what the angry. The fact that both bursts of violence were brought on by Vin was also completely lost on him.

But he didn’t punch or kick or do anything. Nothing violent. And there was only one, very specific reason. Because punching a locker or wall in the middle of a high school while others were at a dance was just too cliché. Even for Brendan. Who secretly (not so secretly) loved everything cliché.

[Vincent Verax]

If Vincent had known just how upset Brendan really was due to his actions, he would have toned it down. But no, he hadn't gotten that hint. Especially not when Ella began hanging all over him and Bren didn't do anything to stop her. No, he'd definitely been encouraging, and so Vincent could only do what he did best in such a situation: up the ante. That was why he'd kissed Fifi.

It was hardly a spectacular kiss and it hadn't lasted very long. If it had, he might not have noticed how Brendan stormed out of the auditorium. But he did notice and it made him stop for a moment, looking at the door, then back at Fifi. There was little thought required as he untangled his arms from around her thin body, told her that he'd be back, and followed the same path he'd watched Brendan take.

Brendan was already some distance down the hall by that time and instead of calling after him (he was still too close to the auditorium, he didn't want to attract any unwanted attention) he just rushed down the hall, his heavy boots making loud thudding noises. Once he was sure there was enough space between them and the doors leading into the dance, Vincent spoke up. "Brendan?"

At this point, he didn't know what was wrong. He wasn't nearly smart enough to put two and two together and realize that it was his own insensitive actions that had caused such a reaction from the teacher. In his mind, Fifi was safe. She knew about them, she had to listen while Vincent babbled on nonstop about Brendan when he wasn't around, she even encouraged their relationship and acted like a big kid with them. Fifi wasn't a threat. So where was the harm in having a little fun with her? Vin owed her a lot, after all.

"Bren, s'wrong?" Vincent fidgeted, not sure what to expect. He hadn't ever seen Brendan act like this before and it worried him. It was Valentine's Day. There was a dance. It was supposed to be lighthearted and fun and silly and Brendan looked the total opposite of those things and he didn't get it.

Poor, dumb Vincent. You'll be enlightened soon enough.

"Are y'sick?" Because yes, that was the only conclusion that he could draw. And then he thought that maybe whatever was in the cup that Ella had given him was poison and he almost freaked out right then and there until he remembered that she hadn't gone running out of the dance like Bren. So what could possibly be wrong with his Brendan?

[Brendan James]

Being as… wrapped up as Brendan was in his emotions, it was surprising that with a kiss to Ella’s hand and a calm explanation that he ‘needed air’ he was able to extract himself from her side. But it was the way he nearly went running from the dance that would call attention to him. He should’ve known to exit at a normal speed. Not to do anything that would call attention to himself. Bren couldn’t afford to call attention to himself. Do nothing that screamed ‘Look at me!’ And that’s exactly what he’d done. Damn, was he stupid.

And because he really is honest to god stupid, he was surprised that Vin had followed him. He’d heard his boyfriend call his name, but continued walking in his hurried pace as if he hadn’t. ‘Where the fuck is your date?’ he thought bitterly to himself. Yes, it was a serious thought. Again, because he was so stupid, Brendan didn’t think that Vin would even be concerned about him what with Fifi on his arm for the evening. It wouldn’t occur to him until later, but… Bren didn’t really ever think of their age difference as an issue. Not until now that is. Vin could be with somebody his own age.

For the life of him, he didn’t understand what was going on. Why the hell was he so insecure? Why the hell was he acting like a teenage girl who just caught her boyfriend cheating on her? It was Fifi god damn it! She’d been keeping their secret. She’d been helping them! And Brendan knew he was acting like a huge tool. But how could Fifi not somehow be plotting to steal Vin?

Oh god… Now he was worried about his boyfriend being stolen?! The transition into a teenage girl was complete.

When Vin had caught up to him, Bren’s jaw immediately clenched in anger. “Nothing’s wrong. Go back to your date.” He hissed from between his teeth, extra emphasis on the word date. This was even too much for his normal jealousy. Usually, he’d sit in a corner and sulk, while sipping some hard drink. Generally it worked. His pouting. His girlfriends would usually come running, begging to know how they could bring a smile back to his face. And he’d push them away (figuratively of course). Push push push until he thought they felt as badly as he did.

“Yes Vin, as a matter of fact, I do feel sick!” He said, whirling to face the boy. “Sick to my stomach actually!” Bren wasn’t really yelling. He’d have to be actually talking loudly for that. But he once he started yelling, he wouldn’t be able to really contain the loudness that was his voice. So he’d have to settle for angrily hissing at Vin.

[Vincent Verax]

That Brendan didn't stop when he called after him only exacerbated his worries. He was sure that Bren had heard him, the halls were exponentially quieter than the auditorium, and they were empty save for the two of them. This lead Vincent to think that Brendan was either mad at him, or he was about to blow chunks and was rushing to the bathroom.

But Bren had never really been mad at him before. Unless you count the time that Vin had panicked and accused him of rape to Fifi.

So that left him with only one viable option. Brendan must not have been feeling good. Once he'd caught up to Brendan a little further down the hall, Vincent reached out and put his hand on his boyfriend's forearm, concern apparent on his face. He recoiled a little at the ferocity in Brendan's voice, but shook his head. "Somethin's wrong. An' Fifi's fine. Y'th'one who's worryin' me." He just didn't catch on.

And when Brendan admitted being sick to his stomach, Vin thought he had it all figured out. Although it didn't really make sense the way that Brendan was looking at him, or how he seemed so wound up. Maybe if he lived in a world where groping your roommate was not seen as usual behavior and maybe if Vincent had just a few more brain cells, he might have made the connection. As it were, he simply tilted his head and asked "D'ya need t'throw up?"

Yes, that's what all this had culminated in. It couldn't possibly be his rude attempts to make Brendan jealous.

"Cause s'okay if ya do." Vincent scratched at the back of his head. "An' w'can go home early, s'no big deal." If he had to, he'd take Bren home now and come back to get Fifi. And yes, he still doesn't have a clue.

[Brendan James]

The look on Bren’s face was completely expressionless, something that I’m sure before that moment had never happened. He was trying to figure out if Vin was being serious or just a HUUUGE dick. Was he honestly offering for them to leave early? And together no less? Bren didn’t even want to be this close to him now. And to be honest, he wasn’t sure how he was able to be. But having Vin be concerned about him (whether he actually was or he was faking it), just made Bren angrier.

“Are you kidding me? Are you a completely idiot Vin?” He was at a loss for words. A complete loss. Never before had he been reduced to only making noises. But all he could muster was an exasperated ‘UGH!’ as he harshly rubbed his temples with the heels of his palms as he began walking away from Vin again.

But after only walking about a foot or two, he whipped back around. “First of all, I don’t give a flying fuck if Fifi’s ok.” That especially made him angry. After what Vin had just been putting on display, how could he possibly think that Bren would even want to hear her name right now? “Honestly, right now, I couldn’t give two shits about Fifi’s well being.” He’d regret saying anything of the sort about the girl later. Until now, Bren had come to think of her as a bit of a godsend. She’d given them Vincent’s home as a kind of sanctuary, no longer bound to it at certain hours. But in the heat of the moment, he forgot all about that.

“Second, I’m not going to be sick you nitwit!” Taking a deep breath, he tried desperately to calm himself. Getting angry wasn’t going to solve anything. But it was clear calm wasn’t an emotion that was going to be obtained easily. Especially now. “I’m pissed you asshole!”

And he honestly wanted to yell mean, horrible things at Vin for being so blind. ‘How does he not get this?!’ But even as angry as he was and as badly as he wanted Vin to hurt like he did, he couldn’t make himself say those mean, horrible things. Taking a step towards Vin, he spoke angrily, but quietly to him. “What in the hell would make you think it’s ok to touch and kiss Fifi like that? In front of me?! At a school dance?”

The moment the words were out of his mouth, Bren turned again, angrily walking away. ‘This is what I get for dating a high school kid’ he thought to himself. “You are… A complete tool!” He said over his shoulder.

[Vincent Verax]

If Vincent had been confused before, now he was completely and utterly lost. His eyebrows drew together when Brendan called him an idiot. It wasn't the first time he'd heard that before, not the first by a long shot, nor was it the first time he'd heard it in that tone of voice. It was, however, the first time Brendan had ever spoken to him like that, and for a while all Vincent could do was just stand there and stare. Even when Bren started walking away.

Not that he'd gone very far, but when he turned back and started talking about Fifi, Vin crossed his arms over his chest. Slowly the pieces were starting to come together in his tiny brain. He opened his mouth to say something in Fifi's defense - still not quite sure why Brendan was talking about her in such a manner. They always seemed to get on just fine before, so what was different now?

And then it all came out. Vincent blinked, holding his arms in closer to his chest, and spoke after Brendan even as he was still trying to walk away. "I wasn'... Y'were touchin' whats-her-face too! An' I didn'... it didn't mean nothin'." He sighed heavily, determinedly following Brendan. "I did it 'cause I couldn't t'you. An' if everyone saw m' with Fifi, then they wouldn' think 'bout us!" And that was partially true. He didn't yet bring up the part about wanting to make Brendan jealous. (Although if he'd known that this is what it would have earned him, he wouldn't have done it in the first place.)

He'd brought Fifi as his date because she was his friend and he wanted to have fun with her, but he'd also thought that if he had her on his arm, there'd be no suspicion that he might have a more inappropriate significant other. And the jealousy thing... well, it made Vin feel wanted. In a weird sort of way.

"Brendan!" Vincent's head was starting to hurt from processing thoughts and emotions all at the same time. And then trying to keep up with Bren who was still trying to get away was just too difficult. So he stopped. He just stood there in the hall, staring at Brendan's retreating back, not sure what to do or say. Dealing with these sorts of situations was not something he was comfortable nor familiar with. But worse than all of that...

Brendan was actually mad at him.

Vincent honestly had no clue how to process that. Making Brendan mad hadn't been his goal, never had been, never would be, but it had happened and even if he didn't understand exactly what he had done wrong, he wanted to take it all back.

[Brendan James]

Just for the record, Brendan will be haunted by the fact that he called Vin an idiot. He already hates himself a little for having said that, even if it was entirely out of anger. But again, he was much to concentrated on the matter at hand.

And oh yeah… He had been touching and flirting with Ella, hadn’t he? But did that deter his anger? Nope. Not one bit. Because there was a specific reason. “Jesus Christ Vin! I was only touching her because you did it to Fifi first!” And it was then that he stomped his foot. Actually stomped his foot. Like a child who was told that they couldn’t have the toy they want from the store. Because he’s really mature like that.

Then when Bren started laughing… It was obviously thick with sarcasm. “Oh, my mistake. You were touching and kissing somebody else because you couldn’t do that to me? Oh my damn, I’m a moron. Of course that’s what you were doing.” Then he stopped laughing, and looked at him, with earnest eyes. “You don’t think I wanted to be your date? You don’t think I wanted to be holding your hand and kissing you while we were in there?” Why? Whyyyy didn’t Vin understand this? “Of course I did!”

“But we can’t. You know that. What I don’t know is why you think I’d want to see my boyfriend touching and kissing somebody else?” He hissed at him again. “And yeah, maybe it’ll distract everybody from the fact that you might have a relationship with somebody else. But I’ll have to hear teenagers gossiping, day in and day out about how my boyfriend and that girl make such a cute couple. I can’t even correct them Vin! I can’t tell them you’re mine!”

Because he was. Vin was Brendan’s. And he didn’t care if his student had any objections to that whatsoever. Because as much as Vin was his, he was just as much Vin’s. “There’s something you probably don’t know about me, but I’m going to tell you now. I don’t simply sit by and watch while what’s mine is played with.” Of course, comparing Vin to a toy wasn’t the best analogy. But I think we should cut him a little slack.

After storming away, he heard Vin call his name. But this time he didn’t ignore it. He stopped and turned around, looking at him. “I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with you. I love you and you’re acting like a dick.” Yes. He said it. Just said it. Not in anger. Just as if it were something he’d always been saying and would always be saying. Of course, now he felt sick to his stomach. As if he might actually be physically ill.

But still he stood there, making no move for the bathroom. He knew he wouldn’t actually throw up. It was just his nerves at what he said. Bren had only said it in one previous relationship before. And they’d dated just over a year before he said it. With Vin everything was different though. And Brendan found he was holding his breath while he waited for Vin’s response.

[Vincent Verax]

It took some time for Brendan's words to sink in. Of course he didn't want to see Vin's hands all over Fifi, of course Vincent should have actually thought before he acted, and with that in mind it should have been obvious that Vin's poor decisions would lead to disaster. And during that time, Vincent couldn't look at Brendan, knowing that what he'd done had hurt him. So he just stared at the floor with his arms still crossed over his chest, trying to think of some way, any way he could make it better.

Unease settled in the pit of Vincent's stomach as he realized that this wasn't the first time he'd upset someone he cared about because he couldn't keep his hands to himself or because he couldn't, for once in his life, think things through. But as awful as he felt right now, we all know that the possibility of him changing is rather slim.

He rubbed at his arms, almost as if he were cold, though in reality he just needed something to do with his hands. Standing still had never been easy for him. Least of all when he was being chastised. And yet, in spite of the reprimanding, when Brendan said that Vincent was his, he couldn't help but to feel a little flutter in his chest. He rather liked the sound of that.

But above even that, his head snapped up and stared at Brendan with wide eyes. He wondered briefly if he'd just heard that, if he'd just imagined Bren saying I love you. But no, Brendan's face suggested even he was shocked that he'd said it. Vin bit his lip, blinking rapidly as he tried to process. It was unceremonious, it had just happened, much like the majority of their relationship. It wasn't special, it was followed with an insult, but it couldn't have been more perfect.

"m'sorry. Really, really, really, really sorry." Vin finally croaked, letting his arms fall to his sides. He doubted there was anything else that really needed to be said. Well, besides one thing. And he slowly closed the distance between them in the hall, waiting til he was standing right in front of Brendan and looking at him eye-to-eye.

If Vincent were smarter, he could have said something poignant and meaningful. He might have been able to explain his motives and smooth this all over. But he wasn't smart and he wasn't good with words and he certainly wasn't good at handling his own emotions. He sighed then reached out to grasp the lapels of Brendan's jacket, not liking the space between them. "I love ya too." And it was low and mumbled and somewhat apologetic, but that was all Vincent knew how to say right then. And he hoped it was enough.

[Brendan James]

No no no! Because the fact that he didn’t think before he acted was one of Bren’s favorite things about Vin. He just did thinks. Forget the consequences, just do! Go! If his options were between not thing and just doing or over analyzing everything, Bren would always pick the first.

And seeing Vin, standing there, looking at the floor and his arms still over his chest… Brendan couldn’t remember why exactly he’d been so hell bent on making the boy feel as bad as he had. Because looking at him made him feel like a complete asshole. And in the pit of his stomach, he felt like there was a gaping hole there. He wondered exactly what kind of power Vin had over him. If he were to have a fight like this in a previous relationship, Bren would’ve almost immediately lost interest and ended things.

Vin though… With Vin he found himself craving, needing to clear the air. Make things right between them again. Because this stiff and hostile air (that he had caused thank you), wasn’t something he really enjoyed. Not at all actually. Things needed to become ok between them. Brendan wouldn’t rest until they were. It had to be ok. All this… All this sneaking around and lying to people, it couldn’t have been for nothing. And for a moment, he wondered if Vin would be able to forgive him for his temper tantrum.

(Possibly) Worse than all that though, was the look on Vin’s face when he heard Bren’s words. And he didn’t say anything. His eyes had grown wide, so he’d obviously heard. But he said nothing. It actually made the teacher’s heart sink. He didn’t feel the same way, did he? Rocking back onto his heels, Bren looked away, his eyes settling on the lockers against the wall. For Bren, it was actually a real concern. His power… Well it muddled his grasp on reality. And for the first time, he cursed the fact that he was Meta and had to worry about what was real and what was imagined.

‘Sorry’… Well that was a start. Of course, Bren was hoping to hear something else. But for right then he could settle for sorry. And closing the distance between them. He’d only kept at a distance because he hadn’t been entirely sure he wouldn’t hit something. He wasn’t afraid it’d be Vin. More he didn’t want the boy to see him that angry. They’d formed this perfect little bubble of happiness. And wasn’t ready for that bubble to be COMPLETELY busted. But he suspected he’d managed to push it the limits.

Feeling Vin’s hold on his lapels, Bren looked Vin’s hands while his own hands found their way to his boyfriend’s waist. And there it was. It brought a satisfied, happy smile to his face. Looking down the hall behind Vin, then over his own shoulders. Only he was sure they were in the clear did Bren brush his lips from the corner of Vin’s mouth to his cheek, then wrapped his arms entirely around the boy’s waist. Yes, it was probably risky, but right then he didn’t care.

But he wasn’t quiet ready to let Vin off the hook just yet. He was Brendan after all. And he needed to be absolutely certain that something like this wouldn’t happen again. Laying his own cheek against Vin’s, he spoke quietly, his breath riding along his skin. “Just promise you won’t do it again. Not if I can’t grab you and kiss so everybody knows you’re mine.”

[Vincent Verax]

Vin sighed as if a huge weight had finally been removed from his chest when he saw Brendan's smile. It had been torture to see the looks of hurt and anger on Brendan's face, especially knowing that he was the reason for them. When it came to conflict, Vincent's go-to solution was violence. If it couldn't be solved by punching someone in the face, then he really floundered. As if his previous failures hadn't made that obvious.

With Brendan's arms around him, Vincent relaxed. He seemed to forget that they were on school property at all, that if anyone were to catch them like this just standing in the hall, that it would be all over. No, all he cared about was that he was as close to Bren as he possibly could be. The touch of Brendan's lips earned a smile from the boy, a combination of relief and of sheer euphoria. Knowing that Brendan cared that much about him... well, that was all he needed to know.

"Promise." Vincent nodded just a little, his hands slipping down as he leaned his head against Brendan's shoulder. He closed his eyes, savoring this moment of forbidden intimacy for what it was. Vinnie even laughed softly as Brendan's breath tickled his ear, silently vowing to never do anything that would upset Bren like that ever again.

After a few minutes of just enjoying the teacher's embrace, Vin leaned back in his arms, his usual smirk back on his face. And he made it very apparent that he was staring at Brendan's lips. "Ya coul' do that righ' now, if ya wanted." So there may not have been anyone in the hall to prove it to (at least Vin didn't think so, he was too wrapped up in Brendan to really look), but Vincent wasn't exactly going to squander this chance. Valentine's Day only came once a year, after all, and if they couldn't be together for the dance, at least they could be together out here.

"I won' tell." He chuckled, leaning up and pressing his lips against Brendan's. And it was like suddenly everything was better. Bren wasn't mad at him anymore, they were together just like they always should have been, and Vincent was back in his comfort zone. Expressing himself through words had always been a difficult feat for him to accomplish, but when things were like this, he didn't need to say anything. He just needed to touch.

Vincent's palms, which had been pressed flat against Brendan's chest, moved up to his shoulders, and kept just a little bit of space between them. Just enough that only his piercings grazed against Brendan's lips as he admitted "This 's what I've been wantin' t'do all nigh'."

[Brendan James]

This is how it was supposed to be. The two of them relaxed together. Neither of them storming away in anger. Just comfortable together. And it was their closeness that pushed Brendan’s well-hidden insecurities back into the deepest part of his mind. Because at the moment, he had nothing to be insecure about. In fact, he actually had every reason in the world to be elated right then.

His boyfriend had just said he loved him. And the nastiness from only moments ago was almost completely forgotten. But that was the affect Vin had on Bren. Vin could make any of Bren’s ill feelings melt away. And he didn’t mind it one bit. He also didn’t mind that he had no idea what exactly he was doing in this relationship because it was so unlike any of his others. Or that Vin was completely unpredictable. Or that Vin was rather… insane. And he especially didn’t mind that simply being close to Vin sent his own heart racing, made his skin tingle to touch Vin’s, and that electricity that ran through his veins when they did touch.

No. Thinking about Vin and how he made Brendan feel, the teacher knew he’d risk anything for it. “Thank you.” He whispered again as he laid his head against Vin’s. It wasn’t fair to him that they couldn’t be like this at any given time. So close. So intimate. But they couldn’t be. Not that Bren would ever quit his job… It was fun to daydream though. Being able to walk through downtown, holding hands and kissing, without worrying who saw them. Not having to drive to New York when they wanted to do that. Daydreams though. Like I said, he’d never quit Hammel.

When the boy leaned back in Bren’s arm, the teacher smiled softly at him and allowed his fingers to stroke patterns into his back. Realizing Vin’s eyes were locked on his lips, Bren couldn’t help but giggle. Though, that’s where his eyes feel quickly too. And he remembered, yet again, just how fond he was of Vin’s piercings.

“Hmmm…” He was pretending to contemplate. Of course he’d accept the kiss. But only after his eyes darted around to be sure the halls were clear. “Well if you promise, then I suppose.” He said with smirk as one hand made it’s way to lay on the side on Vin’s neck, Bren’s thumb stroking gently along the boy’s cheek. His other arm was still wrapped around his student’s waist, unwilling to allow too much space between them.

After the kiss broke, the older man laid his forehead against the younger man’s, smiling happily. This was how the night should’ve been all along. And for a moment, Brendan was upset with himself for his ugliness. On the other hand though, without it, this would’ve had to wait until later. And just like that, he forgave himself.

While he may have chuckled at what the boy said, Bren completely agreed. Having him this close was what had been on his mind for the better part of the evening. After kissing Vin’s piercings, Brendan caught one in his mouth and gave it very gentle tug, then released it, allowing it to pop back into place. “Really? Because all I’ve been wanting to do all night is dance with you.”

Which was quickly followed by a tight smile. “Ok… Maybe not just dance.” It was all too easy for Brendan to completely forget that they were still at the school.

[Vincent Verax]

It was weird to Vincent how quickly things in his life had been changing. For so many years it had been static, he knew what to expect out of every day, he hung around with the same people, he was going to end up hurting himself at some point, and he was probably going to get in trouble for cutting class or doing-slash-saying something rude and offensive. When he'd met Moe for the first time, things changed. He'd never been in a long-term relationship before Moe (unless the time that he and Emma had tried and failed miserably counted) and that had been an entirely new experience for him.

Getting engaged had been another. At that point in time, he really did picture himself spending the rest of his life with Moe. But it changed, just like everything else. When Moe had gone, he'd been a wreck, but he'd had his friends to help him out. And then there was Brendan. In no way was Brendan a replacement for what he'd lost, no, he was some entirely new discovery that fascinated Vincent, captivated him, and so much more.

Being with Brendan made him happy, no matter how hard he had to work just to keep his fat mouth shut. He made Vin feel things he'd never felt before and he just couldn't get enough. He wished that moments like this, moments spent in Brendan's embrace, could last forever. And though their relationship might have been complicated and unorthodox, it was more than worth the effort it took and the scrutiny it would earn were anyone to find out.

As if the argument from only a few minutes ago had never happened, Vincent was trying to hold back a smile as he kissed his boyfriend. Not that he restrained it long, because it spread over his face mere milliseconds after their lips parted. His arms formed a loop around Brendan's neck, that grin refusing to budge. "I didn' get a chance t'say it... but y'look fuckin' hot." Vincent laughed, though it dissolved into a much more throaty noise when Bren tugged on one of his lip rings. He loved when Brendan did that.

"I think... that coul' b'arranged." Vincent really wanted to give Bren the night that he deserved. Maybe it wouldn't be exactly right, but that was just one of the compromises they'd have to make for everything to stay just the way it was. If that meant dancing in the hallway with Brendan, well, Vin would do it without a second thought. Bren wanted it, Bren got it. For the most part, that's how things turned out.

Smirking like the devious little bastard he is, Vincent pushed his body flush up against Brendan's. "Mmm, that too." He moved his eyebrows suggestively, his fingers burying into the back of Brendan's hair as he pulled him in for another kiss, this time not even sparing a thought to their surroundings. Maybe somewhere in the back of his head, he thought that if someone found them, he'd just punch them into a coma, or maybe he was just getting frustrated from being so close to Brendan and trying not to take advantage of their position or (assumed) solitude.

[Brendan James]

That was something Brendan had never had the courage to do. Get engaged. Actually, it was probably better to say he’d never felt the need to. He’d come close to it. Once. Sarah. And he was never happier than he was right now that he hadn’t listened to his friends who tried to encourage him to propose all those years ago. ‘You’ll never find another girl like her Bren!’ But he knew even she was temporary.

He had liked her well enough. And she was beautiful. Of course, by ‘beautiful’ I mean well stacked. And she encouraged Brendan’s ridiculous antics, but very rarely actually participated. She also called him on his bullshit. And forced him to finish the projects he started, but often immediately lost interest in. Despite that though, he grew bored of her. She was predictable. He knew she’d always encourage the ridiculous things he’d do, but would never join. And she’d encourage him to finish his own projects, but would never start her own. Basically, she was boring.

And then there was Vin. Vin who not only encouraged, but took part in his stupid, ridiculous, not always legal activities. Bren could never say for certain what his boyfriend would do. You would think that it might be easy to, since they were so alike. But the teacher never even knew what his own reactions would be, he just… reacted. So trying to predict anything the boy would do was pointless.

A smile formed on Bren face. And I dare say even a light shade of blush colored his cheeks. He may have been one to dress up for almost no reason at all, but Bren would be lying if he said he didn’t dress up specifically to draw Vin’s attention to him. “Mmm… Well I must say Mr. Verax…” Yes, there was a hint of teasing in his voice and smirk on his face. “You don’t look half bad yourself.” Then he carefully looked up and down Vin’s body. “But… there is one thing you’re missing.” Bren took the fedora off his own head, and placed it on top of Vin’s. The boy was already forming a collection of his teacher’s clothes. So not add a hat to it. Smiling, Bren adjusted so it sat properly on his head. “You make it look better than I could.”

Fight? What fight? Had they even had fight? Wait… How did they end up in the hall? Honestly, as far as Brendan was concerned, there hadn’t even been one. Mostly thanks to Vin’s sounds when he had tugged on his lip. It wasn’t exactly… unpleasant. Quite the opposite actually. And Bren already wanted to hear it again, but he’d settle for kissing the boy’s bottom lip.

It pleased Bren that Vin hadn’t simply laughed off the idea of dancing in the hall. Yeah, he knew it was kind of lame. Mushy. Corny even. But who didn’t love that kind of stuff? Brendan tried to make it at least semi-regular habit to do Lame, mushy, and corny things. So dancing there with the music drifting out into the hall would’ve been perfection.

But dancing was quickly forgotten. He felt every line, every curve of Vin’s body against his. And that was the kind of thing that could that could stir a man from a coma. His arms locked around the boy’s waist, holding him tight against his own form. It was all too easy for him to forget where exactly they were. Who exactly they were even. All he knew what that he had somebody he loved in his arms, kissing him. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with that in his eyes.

His arms tightened around Vin’s waist as he began kissing back. And the electrical current that made him feel so alive returned.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

In the midst of chaperoning, drinking punch, and having a conversation with Josh, Sean’s cell phone rang. After checking the number and seeing that it was Ryan, Sean politely excused himself and asked his partner to keep an eye on the punch bowl until he returned. With that, the psychiatrist exited the auditorium and stepped into the hallway.

Ryan was safe, which was his primary concern. Ryan also hadn’t been arrested and neither had Shiya. Kathleen and Colin were safe and healthy. In fact, his nephew only required a short bit of advice regarding job etiquette. The call only lasted a couple of minutes, and ended with Sean promising that he and Josh would visit Boston within the next couple of weeks, hoping to catch his nephew while he was in the city.

However, before the telepath could return to the auditorium, movement at the end of the hall caught his attention. Years of exposure to Vincent Verax allowed him to recognize the young man upon sight. Additionally the absolutely unique mental signature usually caught his attention when he wasn’t shielding heavily; not many people had the combination of vanity and near-emptiness which composed Vincent’s mind.

The young man shouldn’t be wandering the halls, since he didn’t actually live at the school.

Moreover, it was obvious that he was attempting, with some moderate success, to get lucky. Fifi was inside, however; Sean had seen her right before his cell phone rang. He was also well-familiar with what had become of Misato, as well as the encounter with Sam two years ago, and nearly everyone else Vincent had bedded or attempted to bed. Valentine’s Day dance or not, this was neither the appropriate time or nor the appropriate place.

As such, the psychiatrist walked quickly down the hallway, long legs covering the distance easily. “Break it up,” he started, and then he frowned heavily, getting a sense for who Vincent’s companion was.

Brendan James.

A line had been crossed, and Sean bore witness to it. Where some people's stomachs might turn, Sean instead felt a headache begain at his temples.

“Mister James,” he said formally, his tone otherwise devoid of emotion, as he reigned himself in. “I won’t demean us both by asking what you think you are doing, but stop this instant.”

[Vincent Verax]

Vincent's eyes rolled up as the fedora was place on his head, as if doing so would allow him to see the hat better. Obviously, it didn't work, but it did provide Brendan a rather comical image of Vincent's face, even as his head tilted backwards as though that might help. When he finally gave up, his smirk returned, Brendan's compliments fueling the ever-burning fire that was his ego. "I look good in everythin'. An' nothin'." He practically purred, lifting a finger to run along the brim of the fedora.

But his focus was quick to return to the teacher, especially his lips, and he was so wound up that he didn't hear the faint voice at the other end of the hall. He also didn't hear the approaching footsteps. No, in his blissfully happy little world, he and Brendan were alone and safe and nothing could ruin this moment.

But something did.

Vincent immediately froze when he heard the voice, recognizing it without having to turn around. He'd been on the receiving end of too many lectures and punishments from Sean not to recognize it. For a moment, Vincent just wanted to shut his eyes tight, bury his face against Brendan's shoulder, and pretend that this wasn't happening, pretend that it was only a figment of his imagination, that Sean was not really behind them, about to ruin everything they'd worked so hard for. But the moment was fleeting and Vincent was left with only one other thought. Oh shit.

This was so much worse than when Fifi had caught them. Not only because when Fifi had barged in on them, they'd been doing nothing extremely incriminating (unless you count her panties on Vin's head), but because this was Sean. It wasn't Sammy or Evan or Fifi or Robbie or Levi. It wasn't anyone that he could bribe or bully into keeping the secret. It was one of the very people it should have been kept from, the very person who Vin was most worried about finding out.

Turning to face Sean was more difficult than it should have been, considering how reluctant Vincent was to accept that this was happening and how reluctant he was to let go of Brendan. "Uhh... hiya Dr. N." Vincent mumbled, his fingers clutching onto Brendan's sleeve like it was a lifeline. There was no use in lying, Vin realized, because Sean had caught them mid-liplock, red-handed, but even so, he was going to try. "S'not... what it looks like?" The guilt was written plainly on Vincent's face.