Forever To Go [Brendan]

[Vincent Verax]

One year. Fifty-two weeks. Three hundred and sixty-five days. That's how long Brendan and Vincent had been together. And while it sounded like such a long time, it hadn't felt like that at all. It had been an eventful year, that was certain, what with Brendan losing his job and inviting a third into their relationship, but Vincent would have to say that it was probably the best year of his life.

They'd had plans to spend their anniversary in New York, but Vincent had a surprise that he'd somehow managed to hide from Brendan. Of course, he couldn't credit himself solely for the idea, because he'd had lots of help from Uncle Swag. Vin was currently barricaded in the hotel bathroom while he got ready, which was unusual enough considering he normally didn't care if Brendan walked through when he was getting dressed or doing his hair or makeup.

This time was different, however, as Vin was actually putting on a suit. Uncle Swag had helped him pick it out and reassured him by saying that Brendan would love it. He'd even spent painstaking hours with Vin, trying to teach him how to properly tie a tie. It took many attempts coupled with copious amounts of swearing before Vin finally got it right. Thankfully, he'd had enough foresight to start getting ready early, so they wouldn't miss out on their reservations at the restaurant.

Vincent still tousled his hair, though, and wore only a thin layer of eyeliner (he felt too naked without it.) He even briefly thought about taking out his liprings, but ultimately decided against it. He knew how much Brendan liked them.

When he eventually emerged from the bathroom in his pinstripe suit and red silk tie, he looked almost nervous. "Hey Bren? Uhhh... y'ready ta go?"

[Brendan James]

Vincent had essentially taken over the bathroom. It had confused Brendan, ‘Seriously? It’s not like we haven’t been in the bathroom together before.’ But Vin had banned him. It was ok. There was a mirror in the bedroom for him to use to make sure his short hair was just right. And his tie looked good. He even went so far as to have a red handkerchief folded nice in his chest pocket. Like a true gentleman. But he wanted everything to be perfect tonight, everything to be wonderful.

It was a special night, so he couldn’t really be blamed. They were here, in New York (where their adventure had first started), to celebrate one year together. One wonderful and amazing year together. And while Brendan thought in many ways the past year had been perfect, it was far from actually perfect. Like any couple, there were bumps and bruises along the way. But what made it special was the fact that they worked together to those hardships. They supported each other when they needed it. And, most importantly, they loved each other very much.

Brendan had been fussing over his tie when Vincent had spoken. Looking up into the mirror, Bren had caught the reflection of his boyfriend and smiled wide, chuckling. “So that’s why you wanted the bathroom.” He turned around to look at Vin dead on, not hiding the fact that he was ogling the younger man. “Well now…” Brendan walked over to Vin and smoothed his hand down the unusually dapper dressed man’s chest. “Don’t you clean up nicely, Mr. Verax.”

Actually, Bren had always suspected Vincent would look great in a suit. But it wasn’t his boyfriend’s style, so Brendan never tried to make him dress that way. It was wonderful to see that he was right though. The ex-teacher twisted his hands into Vin’s lapels, gripping them tight. “Come ‘ere.” He smirked and yanked Vincent forward, kissing him hard. Yes, this would be a good night for them.

[Vincent Verax]

The nerves, what little there were, melted away the instant that Vin saw Brendan's smile. Suddenly feeling a lot more comfortable in the suit, owed no doubt to his boyfriend's blatant ogling, Vin relaxed. He took a few steps closer to Bren as he made his way over, letting his hands rest on the other man's hips. "Yeah?" Well, he wouldn't be Vincent if he didn't try to get a few more compliments out of it.

But instead he got pulled into a kiss, which was just as good, if not better, than being told how great he looked. He slid his arms around Brendan's waist, keeping his lover close. It thrilled him that even a year later, kissing Brendan still filled him with the same electricity.

When they parted, Vincent smirked and spoke in a low voice, "Happy Annivers'ry." Playfully he bumped his forehead against Brendan's. "Y'can thank Uncle Swag fer th'suit. Was m'idea, but I don' know a damn thing 'bout 'em." The smirk on his face suddenly grew and he ran his hand down the small of Brendan's back. "'cept fer how ta take 'em off." He gave Bren's ass a cheeky little slap,

That, however, was for later. And while Vincent would have been perfectly content just to spend their anniversary holed up in the comfortable hotel room, the plans had already been made.

[Brendan James]

“Oh yeah.” Brendan smirked devilishly. “You are so damn hot. If I didn’t like looking at you in a so much, I might just insist you change because you put me to shame.” It was true. Vincent was just… Bren had never seen him a suit and dear lord was he a site to see. Wrapping his arms around Vin’s shoulders, the older man smiled as their foreheads met. “Happy Anniversary, love of my life.” He chuckled quietly. Endearments like that weren’t often exchanged between them and when they were it was often met with teasing.

Brendan leaned in and kissed Vin again. He couldn’t get enough of it. He hadn’t gotten enough of it for the last year with him and he doubted he’d ever get enough of kissing the man he loved. And that thought maybe his heart flutter with excitement. Bren was positive, now more than ever, that Vincent was the person he was meant to be with.

“Hey, babe, I love you. Really, I do. But when we’re having a moment, do you think you could maybe not mention Swag? Kinda kills the mood and my wood.” Bren smiled and patted Vincent’s cheek, hard enough that it made a sound, but gentle enough for only the faintest of stings.

Laughing as he was groped, Brendan pushed lightly on Vin’s chest and stepped back. “Now now, I got myself all gussied up for you and our night. Don’t go giving me wrinkles.” Grabbing Vin’s hands, he tugged lightly on them. “Should we head out now then? Share our pretty with the city?”

[Vincent Verax]

If it hadn't been so time consuming to put on, or maybe if his pants were tighter, Vincent would have considered wearing suits as often as Brendan, just to get looked at like that. He'd never truly been in need of an ego boost before, but he still loved the feeling immensely. Especially coming from Brendan. "Nahhh." Vin said with only a hint of modesty. "Nobody coul' ever look better 'an you."

Vincent could only laugh at the swat on his cheek. He still found it amusing that on occasion Brendan actually seemed jealous of his uncle. Not that Stefan wasn't an attractive older gentleman, but Vincent was loyal to Brendan. "Don' worry. I know how ta fix that." He nipped at Bren's lower lip, giving his ass a little squeeze before his hand was pushed away. "But maybe that shoul' wait til after dinner."

Twisting his hands in Brendan's grip, he slid his fingers between his lover's own. "Yeah, I guess w'shoul." With that, he leaned in to give Brendan one last kiss. "But if anyone stares at ya fer too long, 'ma hafta punch 'em in th'face." He released one of Brendan's hands in order to snag his wallet off of the nightstand, check that the room key card was still in it, and then slip it into his pocket.

Without releasing Brendan's other hand, Vin led him over to the door and opened it for him, propping it open with his hip, only so that he could sneak a kiss onto Brendan's cheek when he walked past.

[Brendan James]

“Mmm, normally I’d agree with you. But damn, Vin, you look… Good enough to eat.” Brendan smirked darkly as he leaned in to tug gently at one of Vincent’s lip piercings with his teeth. “To damn bad you don’t wear suits more often. And that we’re short on time. Otherwise, I might take the time to do just that.” As he spoke, Bren’s fingers stroked the back of Vin’s neck and through his hair.

Yes, jealousy was an issue of Brendan’s. One that didn’t make much sense either considering he was the one who had made-out with another person. But… He was very much like a young child who didn’t know how to share his toys. Vincent and Sam snuggling left a pang in his stomach. Even sometimes Vincent and Fifi rubbed Bren the wrong way, which was ridiculous as they were dating her. But there was something about Stefan, something that made Brendan legitimately afraid Vin might wake up one day and decide he wanted Swag instead. With the nip of his lip, Bren shivered and leaned into Vincent, forgetting entirely about the fact that Uncle Swag had been mentioned. “You see, that’s not fair to tease like that.”

Kissing Vin back, Brendan smiled into it. “Good, ‘cause I don’t want them giving our reservation away.” As he spoke, Bren gave Vincent’s hand a soft squeeze before letting it go to retrieve is own wallet from the dresser. Along with a medium sized sketchbook that he would need for later. He hoped Vin wouldn’t notice, but figured he could just shrug it off as nothing. Worse come to worse, there were methods of distracting his boyfriend.

At the restaurant, it was relatively busy. But that wasn’t to be unexpected as it was a nice restaurant in New York City. Thank goodness for reservations though. The first thing Bren did when they were seated was order a bottle of champagne for them. Well, first he actually pulled Vincent’s chair out for him to sit in. Then ordered the champagne. Tonight would be perfect, he’d see to it. But with the book lying on the table, he felt as if it were like a giant elephant in the room. It’s mere presence beside him made Brendan anxious.

Smiling across the table, Brendan chuckled and shook his head. "I don't know about you, but I vote for a looot of sex tonight. It being our one year anniversary and all."

[Vincent Verax]

Now that he thought about it, while Brendan was tugging on his liprings, perhaps he'd made the wrong decision in making dinner reservations. They could have just ordered room service and spent the whole night in bed, but no. Tonight they were going to something like a regular couple. Tonight was special. Still, it was with great effort that Vin had to pull away from his lover.

"Save it fer dessert, babe." Vin grunted, letting his hands linger around Brendan's hips for just a moment with the hopes that maybe Brendan would suggest dessert before dinner.

It was a little easier to restrain himself at the restaurant, though he did sling his arm around his lover as they were lead to their table. Half because he wanted everyone to know that Brendan was his and he liked to show off and half because he didn't like any space between them.

He snorted when Brendan pulled out his chair, but refused to comment. He thought it was kind of cute when his partner did things like that. It was cheesy, definitely, but also endearing; if Brendan stopped those silly little things, Vin would honestly be a little sad.

Whether he didn't notice the sketchbook or whether he didn't care to, Vincent didn't draw any attention to it, too busy admiring Brendan's face in the light of the restaurant. "Y'really don't know what I'd say ta that?" Vin joked, reaching across the table to catch his lover's hand. "I shoul' be upset." But instead he laughed and gave Brendan's fingers a squeeze.

There were certainly no doubts in Vincent's head that this night would be just as memorable as their first. (Well, perhaps not for Brendan, considering his memories of their first night together had been damaged by too much drinking.)

[Brendan James]

Brendan was sure that as they walked through the restaurant, Vin’s arm around him, that maybe a few people stared. Sure, they were both dressed in suits, but they still looked a bit of an odd pair. Vin still managed to look punk with his long hair and piercings. And Brendan looked as clean cut and dapper as hell as ever. But it didn’t bother Bren. Actually, if he had to admit it, he rather liked making people stare. He also liked that Vincent’s arm around his body meant that they all knew they were together. That Brendan would be going home with this man tonight and none of them would be. He would mock them if they knew what they were missing out on. Instead, he’d quietly mock them to Vin. “People are staring and ridiculously jealous because they know they don’t get to go home with you tonight. How childish would it be for me to go to each table and go ‘pbbbsssst’ at them all?” He chuckled quietly to Vincent.

When Vin snorted, it made the older man realize, yeah, perhaps he was being a bit corny. Vincent wasn’t a girl after all; something Vin was always reminding him. Like when Bren had been an ass and lied about having cancer? He’d gotten his boyfriend chocolates and flowers. But… sue him. This was his first boyfriend. He still wasn’t entirely sure how things worked. However, they did with the two of them.

“Oh, no, I know exactly what you’ll say. I’m just warning you. Because I plan on stopping on the way back to the hotel, getting myself about three shots of espresso, ‘cause I’m an old man and don’t wanna fall asleep on the… job,” Brendan took it upon himself to quirk his eyebrow and gave the man’s fingers a gentle squeeze back so that Vin would know exactly what kind of job he meant. But it’s Vin, so it was probably unnecessary. “and then I will keep you up all night. So the moment we’re in our room, be prepared to be attacked.”

It was sometimes unfortunate that they did not have more discretion in their conversations out in public. Mostly, it was unfortunate for people who happened to overhear their discussions. Such as the waiter who approached the table and caught the tail end of what Bren said. “Hi, yes, we’d like a bottle champagne, please. Whichever you’d recommend will be fine.” And because Brendan wasn’t quite over the fact that he wanted everybody to know they were together, despite the fact they were holding hands, he tacked on, “We’re celebrating. It’s our one year anniversary.” Bren lifted Vincent’s fingers up and gave them a little kiss.

The question came to mind again, as it had in the hotel room, again in the ride over, and again as they walked in, when should he give Vin his present? Should he do it now? During the entrée? Or wait until after dessert?

[Vincent Verax]

It was no secret that Vincent enjoyed attention. It didn't matter whether it was good attention or bad attention, whether he was getting praised or getting scolded, or if the people that were looking at them in the restaurant were only doing so because they were trying to figure out how such an odd looking couple ended up together. It was all attention and he ate it up.

He giggled to himself at Brendan's comment. He would certainly have believed that to be true on any occasion, but this time he decided to turn it around. "Nah, I shoul' be th'one makin' fun-a them 'cause they don't got you." Vin smiled his usual crooked smile, then leaned over and gave Brendan a kiss on the cheek. Just to rub it in a little more.

Once seated, Vincent quickly slipped into his normal slouching posture, elbows on the table and all, as he smirked at his partner. It was kind of funny, if he thought about it for a moment, that he was even here at all. It was a fancy restaurant, he was wearing a suit, and most absurd of all: he was celebrating a year anniversary with a man who had formerly been his art teacher. It was so ridiculous that Vincent himself never would have even thought it possible.

But he loved it and there was nowhere else that he'd rather have been.

As Brendan detailed his plans for the evening, Vincent shook his head. Not as a manner of saying he didn't agree with them, oh no, because any plans involving Brendan and sex were great plans he wanted to be a part of, but because... oh, I'll let him tell you himself.

"Soooo... y'think some coffee 's gunna keep ya up better 'an me, huh?" He raised an eyebrow, but he was unable to wipe the cocky grin off his face. "I shoul' be hurt."

Vin had to laugh at the somewhat uncomfortable expression on the waiter's face as he walked into the ass-end of their conversation, although he didn't regret a moment of what was said. Nor did he regret how he tried to pinch Brendan's lip between his knuckles when his fingers were kissed. And as the waiter walked away, Vincent chortled, "Dude, he's so fuckin' jealous."

[Brendan James]

Brendan was no stranger to enjoying the limelight either. While it might, on occasion, be disconcerting when a person is dating a man who used to be a student, it was no longer a concern of Bren’s as he and their relationship was out in the open for all to see. “Mmm, see, you’re wrong. They aren’t jealous of you because you have me. I’m old. Worn out. Sloppy seconds. You though? You’re young. Vital. Limber.” A predatory smirk crept onto Bren’s face. “Bendy. You’re the one they really want. But you’re mine.” He lifted their hands, giving the inside of Vincent’s wrist a tiny, yet sharp, nip.

It would be comical seeing these two on a date. Vincent slouched and elbows on the table. But Brendan sat as one would expect a man dressed so nicely to sit, his back straight the chair, his forearms rested comfortably on the edge, legs neatly tucked under the tablecloth, and napkin immediately unfolded and draped across his lap. Then again, both man were seated in ways that made them both comfortable.

“Oh no, I’m not doubting your abilities to keep up. I’m sure even after I pass out exhausted, you’d be able to keep me up. But I want to be awake and conscious for our activities. But I do have some things planned after dinner, but before sex. So the espresso is just a bit on insurance to make sure I am able to fully experience every minute.”

Chuckling at Vincent’s assumption, Bren couldn’t help but to shake his head. “Oh yeah, he’s incredibly jealous. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that he walked up at just the right moment in our conversation when I was informing you that I plan on attacking you and having sex with you all night until we have no choice but to sleep all day tomorrow. It has nothing whatsoever to do with that.” As he spoke, Brendan’s smile grew ten-fold, basking in the thought that he’d found somebody he was able to completely and utterly be just himself around.

When their champagne arrived and was poured, the set designer took a deep breath and licked his lips. Enough was enough. He was already incredibly nervous, but somehow managing to hide it. “So, I know this is supposed to be just a fun trip to New York, just about us… But there’s actually a discussion we need to have. An important one.” Often having a flare for the dramatics, he expected some kind of negative reaction from his boyfriend. Something that perhaps hinted at the fact that whatever the conversation might be, Vin assumed it would be negative and therefore didn’t wanna have it.

[Vincent Verax]

Vincent snorted loudly when Brendan said "sloppy seconds", loud enough to cause the couple ad the table nearest them to shoot him a dirty look. He didn't notice and even if he had, he wouldn't have cared. (Actually he probably would have just flipped them off, so it's better he didn't see it.) "If yer sloppy seconds, I'd hate ta know what I am." Vin chortled and lightly flicked Brendan's nose.

They did make an odd-looking couple, even Vincent would agree, but there was something about that which made him smile. Maybe it was all the heads that turned whenever they were together, the strange looks shot their way, or the whispered comments that Vin would occasionally catch. And there were the stories that flew around Hammel about him and Brendan, which he loved to hear. He'd always enjoyed making a splash and even being the butt of rumors and jokes.

His eyes narrowed slightly, evaluating Brendan while he clarified himself. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, turning his nose in the air as if he might have been offended. "Yeahhhh suuuuuurrreee!" But soon after, he chuckled and fell back into usual posture. "Wait, whaddaya mean 'before sex'?"" He was looking forward to making a beeline for the hotel after dinner, this was throwing a wrench in the plans.

Gesturing aimlessly with his hands, Vincent launched into a poorly thought out explanation. (Anything he says or does is poorly thought out, for that matter.) "Well, duuuuh, that's th'exact reason he's fuckin' jealous, ain't it? He cooooul' be bangin' you but instead he's here servin' all these prissy bitches. An' us. We're th'bes' part of his night." He stuck his tongue out at Brendan playfully. "Duuuuuuh!"

Sometimes I don't know why anyone puts up with him at all.

With the champagne poured, Vincent lifted his glass, tilted it towards Brendan, then took quite a large drink. After which he promptly belched and giggled. Said giggling died down when Brendan began to speak again, although this time he seemed to have taken on a different tone. And when he went on about important discussions that needed to be had, Vincent edged his chair back.

"Hey hey wha'ss this? We're s'posed ta be havin' fun and celebratin' an' shit, what's so importan' that we need ta talk about it now 'stead of talkin' bout yer glorious ass?" Vincent was making a rather unattractive face at the prospect of discussions and Brendan's serious manner.

[Brendan James]

Vincent might not have noticed, but Brendan sure as hell did. It didn’t bother him though. Ok, well, maybe it did a little. But not enough for to spoil his time. And certainly not enough to divert his attention away from Vin. Bren smiled, scrunching his face as his nose was flicked. “What? You don’t want to know that you’re amazing? And sexy as hell?”

Chuckling, the older man was pleased with the obvious fact that Vin had been counting on sex right after dinner. He’d kept his plans secret for a reason. “Well, there are just a few things I’d like to do. They’re a surprise though, so I won’t be telling you. But there’s another thing I want to do now. But it’s entirely your own fault because you wore a suit. And it’s still not sex.” Bren was going to enjoy this, dragging out what he had planned for the evening. And not telling Vincent what those plans were.

“Oh, well, of course we’re the best part of his night. We’re hot and flirty bastards. And if everything goes well, I’ll be giving him a big ass tip tonight.” ‘Everything’ being more than the service. Not that if things went sour Brendan would tip less. He’d just play it by ear then.

Bren copied Vin’s movements, raising his glass and tilting it towards the other. Though Brendan sipped his. And didn’t belch. “…… Classy, Vincent. Come on. We’re in a nice place and you’re in a suit aaand it’s our anniversary. Can we at least pretend we’re kinda mature?” Never mind the fact that belching contests between them was often how evenings at home were spent, a favorite past time. Yeah, forget about that part of their relationship entirely.

Just as Brendan had expected, Vin was hesitant. And even tried to change the subject. It made Bren smile, but it didn’t deter him. “Come on now, Vin. Just… It’s not bad. I mean, I don’t think it. I really hope you won’t either. But, well, I think you just might even like it.”

Grabbing his sketchbook, Brendan stroking the spine nervously. “You know that I love you. More than you know, really. I can’t imagine not spending every day for the rest of my life without you. It’s silly actually. Just how captivated I am by you.” Bren smiled, knowing that he sounded ridiculous and that Vin might mock him for being so emotional. But he didn’t care.

“I waking up and going to sleep with you beside me are the best parts of my day. And there’s so much meaning in the fact that I know that’s how it’ll always be, for the rest of my life. And I love knowing that.” He cracked open the sketchpad, fingering through the pages. “Now, I know it’s not traditional, but neither are we.” Brendan stopped on a page, turned it around, and laid it on the table in front of Vin.

On one of the pages, a ring design was drawn. And among the pattern, the word ‘Ignition’ was hidden. At the top of the page was ‘Vincent’s Engagement Tattoo’. “Vincent Verax, will you marry me?”