House on Devil’s Island ~ Part Six ~ Disillusion and Despair

[7wildwaysup]

Title: House on Devil’s Island…
Story Type: AU
Word Count: 4313
Warnings: Angst, Passion, Love, Supernatural…
Beta Queen: bigj52
EKG-Club October Challenge – Trick or Treat – House on Devil’s Island

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, plot, etc. are property of their respective owners, including, but not limited to Russell T. Davies, Cowlip, and Showtime. The author of this story is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended…

Summary: Brian struggles to accept what his life has become, enduring the impossible, finally resolving himself to the inevitable reality of his situation…

Chapter Summary: Feeling like he’s already lost Justin to the real world, Brian decides to leaves the island, ready to meet his maker.

This is a six-part series. I’ll be posting one chapter per day from Oct 27^th to Nov 1^st…

House on Devil’s Lake

Part Six ~ Disillusion and Despair


After they hang up, Brian feels like a piece of himself has died, and he wonders if Justin might not ever return. He calls Daphne, but things are definitely weird between them now, and it’s almost as hard to talk to her as it is to Justin. He mopes around the house, but he sees bits and pieces of Justin everywhere, and his pain is heartbreaking, becoming more than he can bear. He has spent decades here, and never felt the way he is feeling now. His life feels so empty, and he wonders how normal folk live with this kind of pain.

Justin and Ethan are spending most of their free time together, so much so that the local paper reports on the couple several times a week. Ethan loves the publicity of having Justin on his arm. Of course it’s assumed that they’re dating, and Ethan does nothing to discourage the rumors. Justin is too busy finishing the school year to even read the newspapers, so he has no idea what’s being printed, or that it’s being reported in the newspapers back home.

Justin hates how things are between him and Brian, and Ethan is trying to convince him that he’s worked so hard this last year, he should just relax and travel with him this summer. He still has another week before classes are over, so he tells Ethan he’ll think about it. Justin’s cleaning up the paint spatters covering his clothes and skin. Ethan lets himself in while Justin’s in the shower, answering Justin’s cell phone when it rings. It’s Brian, so Ethan tells him that Justin and him are now a couple. He lies to Brian, saying Justin has been avoiding him because he doesn’t know how to end things. Brian’s stunned; he suspected something might have happened, but now Ethan’s confirmed it.

Brian’s struggling emotionally, asking himself if he’s waited too long, or if they might have another chance someday. If he had just tried and ended up dying on the banks of the shore like Damien’s prophecy declares, then at least he would have tried. He now wishes that he had left the island and gone after Justin, because at this point, he feels like he’s already lost.

Finally he decides to call his new accountant, Ted Schmidt, who’s handling his finances. Brian’s ready to write up his will. Over the years his investments have grown handsomely, and then there’s his income from Random House, and his royalties. Ted comes out to the house, even though he’s apprehensive at first. Once he meets Brian and they have lunch together, he feels completely relaxed. He and Brian get along well, and he’s shocked to learn that he’s ‘that Brian Kinney’. Ted is a huge fan of his literature, and like Justin, is surprised that Brian is so young for someone so talented and famous, not to mention a multi-millionaire.

They spend hours going over all of Brian’s bequests; he wants to establish an endowment in Justin’s name at PIFA, providing a full scholarships each year. He also establishes an endowment in his name at his alma mater, Penn State, in English and Literature, providing yearly scholarships as well. He requests donations be made yearly to several universities in the arts and sciences programs. He’s always been a big supporter of medical research, so he makes donations to several universities and hospitals.

He sets up an account, so that all the expenses for the mansion will be paid for as long as James, Albert and Nora live there. He’s also set up trusts funds for each of them, so they’ll never need to worry about money for the rest of their lives. He has requested that the paintings Justin has given him be donated to The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Justin may be an unknown artist now, but Brian’s sure that he’ll become famous in his own right over time, and his painting will one day be priceless. His remaining estate he’s leaving to Justin, with the exception of half a million dollars going to Daphne Chanders.

The mansion has been his home for over a hundred years, and he’s finally reached his last night here. He wanders through the rooms, remembering all the different celebrations and friends he’s known throughout his long life, but it always comes back to Justin. Yes, Angelica had been right; he did indeed find someone to love and share his life with, someone he would be more than willing to commit to for eternity. He thinks it’s strange that he hasn’t seen or heard from Damien or Angelica for years, and he wonders if they’re even still interested him.

Brian’s restless; he doesn’t sleep much as his thoughts often return to Justin, and again he finds himself questioning why he didn’t take the risk. Probably because he knew, that even though Justin loved him in his own way, he wasn’t really in love with him, the way Brian needed him to be. He thinks it’s best not to tell Alfred, James or Nora that he’s leaving the island, they’ll find out soon enough. But in the morning when he foregoes his normal breakfast, and asks for a bottle of their best champagne to be brought up from the cellar, they all know something’s going on. Just before noon Brian asks James if the speedboat is fueled, as he wants to take it for a ride around the island.

He dresses in his finest Armani suit, shirt, tie and shoes as he boards the boat. James is surprised when Brian insists he wants to be alone. Brian reassures him that everything is fine and then he wishes him the best of luck for the future. There is something so final about Brian’s good bye, but he’s already aboard the boat and heading away from the dock before James questions it.

Island Lake is large and beautiful, with deep blue and green water, depending upon how shallow the water is. Brian slowly coasts around the lake, really looking at the tall trees, wildflowers in the meadows, and the wildlife on the shore. The area is still undeveloped and the natural habitat has never been disturbed. Brian’s mind drifts to some of Justin’s paintings of the lake, and surrounding flora. He’s happy that he and Justin spent so much time, enjoying the island together.

For someone so sure he didn’t need, or want to fall in love, when the time was right it came naturally. He’s happy knowing he got to experience Justin’s love, even if it was only for a short time. He realizes he isn’t afraid to die, the closer he gets to the far shore. He’s actually looking forward to putting an end to his long and wasted life. He now realizes what a fool he had been back then, and briefly wonders what his life might have been like if he hadn’t accepted Damien’s offer, and had lived out his life naturally.

He cuts the motor on the boat, and lets it coast up to the dock. The water is calm with no wind on the lake, making it look like a solid piece of glass. He sits there a long time, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, as he accepts his fate before him. He stands and ties up the boat, then steps up onto the wooden dock. He isn’t sure what will happen or how long it will take. He turns and looks out over the water, seeing the outline of the mansion against the skyline, the ornate details of the architecture lost in the distance and shadows.

He must have stood there for an hour, taking in every detail of the natural beauty around him. Finally unsure what he should do, he goes and sits on the deck in the front of the boathouse. Relaxing in the chaise lounge, he watches the sun slowly set, casting orange and pink hues over the lake. His thoughts naturally go to Justin and how he’d want to paint this. He’s exhausted as his mind’s been working overtime, consumed with fear that he’s tried so hard to deny. He hasn’t eaten much today, and didn’t bring any food or drink with him; he never expected to need it. Once the sun sets and the evening starts to cast shadows around him, he finds he can’t keep his eyes open, and he slowly drifts off to sleep.

In the morning, he wakes to the sound of birds chirping, and the Sandhill cranes squawking, as they stand in the shallow water, fishing for their breakfast. Brian is fascinated by it all, but mostly he’s fascinated that he’s still sitting on the far shore of the lake, hungry and in need of a strong cup of coffee. For the first time in his life he realizes he’s free, free to go wherever he wants, and do whatever he pleases. He never thought this far ahead, always assuming he would simply cease to exist, or turn to dust and be lost in the wind.

Brian pulls out his cell phone to call Wertshafters; Ted’s surprised when he’s told that Mr. Kinney is on the phone for him. Ted quickly comes and picks Brian up, knowing what an important account this is, and he wants to make a good impression. Ted is shocked that Brian has challenged his fears, and left the island. Soon Ted becomes so much more than Brian’s accountant, as they build a strong friendship.

They spend the next week searching, and finally finding, a loft that Brian finds acceptable, selecting top-of-the-line furniture and appliances. Brian wants everything modern. If he’s going to continue to live, he wants everything to be different than before. Ted enlists Emmett’s help in setting up Brian’s wardrobe, although Brian isn’t sure he’s the right man for the job. They squabble at first, but in the end Brian winds up with a closet full of designer clothes, mostly casual and some business suits.

Brian likes to dress to the nines, and plans on reacquainting himself with Pittsburgh’s high society. Ted offers him several tickets to the opera Brian plans on attending, until he sees the performance is scheduled for his birthday. He sends them to Alfred, James and Nora, the opera is the last place he wants to celebrate his birthday.

Ted introduces him to Deb and Michael at the diner. Debbie’s impressed by his fame and talent, and Michael stumbles all over himself, totally in awe of Brian. He stammers as he tells Brian’s that he’s his biggest fan. Brian eyes Ted, who blushes, knowing he shouldn’t have told his friend’s ‘that Brian Kinney’ is a client of his.

 Brian looks at Michael, finding him a little odd. “So you’re my biggest fan? What’s your favorite book?”

Michael just stares at him. “Well I haven’t actually read any of your books, but I know I’ll love them when I do.”

Brian just raises his eyebrows, thinking this guy is a complete idiot. Then he motions for Ted to continue showing him around town, so he can become familiar with his new surroundings. Liberty Avenue is so much different than when he used to come here. It’s still the queer section of town, but he just never expected it to be so openly gay.

Brian absolutely loves Babylon, and is pretty much crowned king the moment he walks through the doors. Brian needs something to do with his time besides writing. So when the opportunity to purchase Babylon comes up, Ted suggests it as a perfect niche for Brian. He’s back in his old hometown and he’s on top of his game, but his heart is still lonely and he misses Justin desperately.

He tries calling Justin, but his cell phone always rolls over to voice mail. When Brian calls Daphne, he finds out that Justin is spending the summer traveling with Ethan. Brian expected as much but it still hurts. He finds himself living a similar lifestyle to the one he had so long ago. Out until the early hours of the morning, drinking, dancing and picking up young men to bed. He thought it was funny; the more things change, the more they stay the same. It doesn’t take long for Brian to grow bored with his life once again, and the final straw comes when he reads in the newspaper about Justin’s engagement to the famous violinist. Brian is devastated and angry, his old self-destructive habits soon reclaiming him.

Justin and Ethan are planning on returning to Pittsburgh in a few weeks. Brian calls Anita, whom he befriended at Babylon shortly after purchasing the nightclub. He stocks up on every kind of drug she sells, and stocks his liquor cabinet with the finest scotch, vodka and gin. Then he sets out to obliterate his senses until he is completely numb.

Locking himself away in his loft, turning off his phone, he proceeds to get shit-faced drunk. Laying on his bed, close to passing out, he eyes a stack of packages from his latest shopping spree. It’s then he remembers the beautiful white silk scarf he purchased because he loved the feel of the silky fabric, as it flowed across his fingers.

~~~

Justin is helping Ethan pack his suitcases; he’s been trying to find a way to tell Ethan that he’s decided to go home. He misses Daphne and, of course, he still loves Brian. He moves several of Ethan’s shirts to make room, when he sees some familiar envelopes. He blinks his eyes, because he made this stationery in one of his art classes. He pulls them out from the pocket to see there’s a least a dozen letters he’s written to Brian, but they’ve never been mailed.

He calls out to Ethan, but receives no answer. Walking into the living room, he sees Ethan reading the newspaper. Angrily he pulls the newspaper from his hands, about to throw it on the floor, when he reads the headline, “Ethan Gold announces his engagement to his artist boyfriend Justin Taylor.”

“What the fuck is this? And what the fuck are you doing with my letters for Brian?”

“Justin, calm down. I meant to talk to you about this.”

“How the fuck can you be announcing our engagement when we’re not even dating?”

“Justin. You know how I feel about you, and you know how the newspaper has made some assumptions.”

“Ethan! What the fuck!”

“Justin, at first my manager thought it was good publicity, and I kind of liked everyone thinking we were together. Look at that picture. Don’t we look beautiful as the golden celebrity couple?”

“Ethan, we are not a couple! I have a boyfriend, and I’m going home to him!”

“Justin, you don’t really love him anymore, do you?”

“Yes, I do! Now I want to know why you stole all my letters to Brian. You told me you mailed them!”

“I thought you just needed time. Please give us a chance. Don’t you love me even a little bit?”

“No! I don’t even know you. We only met a couple of months ago.”

Justin starts to storm out of the apartment as Ethan grabs at his arm, but Justin shakes him off and slams the door behind him. Running down the stairs, he calls Brian but his cell just rolls over to voicemail. So he calls the house, and James tells him Brian isn’t there. Confused, he asks if he’s sleeping. James takes a deep breath, and tells him that Brian is no longer living on the island. He doesn’t understand. Brian left the island?

“Can you tell me how I can find him?”

“I wish I could… Is there anything I can do to help out? Anything at all.”

“No. I really need to talk to Brian.”

“Maybe if you leave a message on his phone, he’ll return your call.”

Justin’s still stunned by the news, but he knows Brian won’t return his call, because he hasn’t returned any of his calls for the last month. James feels bad. Brian notified him where he was living after he moved into the loft. He asked that they provide Justin with anything he needs, but under no circumstances was he to tell Justin how to find him. Brian felt it was best to make a clean break. Besides, there really isn’t anything to say anymore. Justin’s moving on with his life, just like he should. Even if it breaks Brian’s heart, knowing that they’ll never have another chance.

Out on the street he calls Daphne, asking her what’s going on. She’s not very receptive, angry with Justin and feeling sick to her stomach.

“Daphne, please, tell me what’s going on? Did you know that Brian left the island?”

“Yes.”

“Yes? Is that’s all you’re going to say?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Maybe because you’ve been acting like a pompous ass! Never returning our phone calls and gallivanting around Europe with your famous fiancé!”

“What? How do you know about that?”

“You and your musician boyfriend are always splashed across the front of the newspapers, and tonight I read that you’re engaged to be married! Obviously Brian and I mean nothing to you anymore.”

“No! That’s not true! I love you. You’re my best friend and I love Brian more than anything! Ethan’s not my boyfriend, and we’re not engaged! This is all a huge lie! Daph, you have to believe me! Yes, I was angry with both of you, and I didn’t handle it very well. I should have come straight home when classes ended, but Ethan convinced me that I needed some time off, after working so hard trying to impress the art world.”

“Well, you’ve certainly made an impression!”

“Daphne, I have to talk to Brian. He’s not answering his cell phone. Do you know where he lives?”

“Maybe. But I don’t know if I should tell you or not. Besides, I don’t feel well. I’m really sick to my stomach.”

“Daphne, please. Please go and make sure he’s alright. Please tell him it’s all a bunch of lies. Tell him I’m coming home to him. Please?”

“Justin! I’m not sure he wants to see you right now.”

“Please, Daph! I really need to make him see that I still love him, that I’ve always loved him. Daphne, please just do this for me.”

“Okay, fine. But I need a few minutes to pull myself together and get dressed.”

“Thank you, Daphne! I love you. You really are the best!”

Angelica senses things aren’t right with Brian, and she knows Damien’s up to something, so she decides to confront him. Both of them are furious at each other, and all their anger is being released into the atmosphere surrounding Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is experiencing some of the worst weather in the city’s history.  The storm came up out of nowhere, lightning is striking across the sky, and thunder is shaking buildings, breaking many windows of nearby businesses and houses. It’s raining so hard you can’t see the road in front of you, and a flood is threatening to spill over the river banks. All the cars on the road have pulled over for fear of being washed away, or smashed into a heap of twisted metal.

Brian has another shot of whiskey and smokes a joint; he’s practically wasted and can barely stand. He keeps tossing his beautiful silk scarf up in the air, over and over again. Tripping on his own feet, he falls, almost breaking his neck.

The storm is getting worse, and then lightning strikes the mansion, starting a fire. Thankfully Alfred, James and Nora left right after Justin called, but now they’re sitting on the side of the highway, waiting for the rain to let up and hoping they don’t miss the opera.

Justin’s fuming, he can’t believe everything he’s learned today. How could Ethan lie to him about everything? How could Ethan think he could love him? Now it makes more sense. Brian never got his letters, so it’s no wonder he never answers his phone when Justin calls. Justin’s so upset he takes off running until he’s out of breath. Reaching the park, he sits down on a bench and cries, he’s so distraught.

Angelica instinctually feels Justin‘s pain and her heart goes out to him.

The Pittsburgh skies have darkened to pitch black; the only light in the sky are the flames shooting from the top of the mansion, now completely engulfed by fire.

Daphne’s shivering as she leans out her car window, and pukes up tonight’s dinner.

Craig is coming home from his rendezvous with his girlfriend, as Jennifer keeps checking dinner, hoping it doesn’t burn. She can’t imagine what’s taking Craig so long to get home from work, and she’s now worried about the weather.

Brian finally gets his beautiful scarf over one of the beams in his loft, but he can’t reach it. He needs a chair to stand on. He questions for the first time if this scarfing thing is really worth the impending orgasm that’s supposed to be the ultimate sexual experience.

Damien is laughing, telling Angelica that she should just give up, she’s already lost. There’s no way she can be in two places at once. No matter what happens at this point, someone is going to die!

Then the sky is besieged again with lightning bolts as more house and businesses catch fire. You can hear the police sirens wailing, as the fire trucks speed down the road, unable to see with so much rain pouring down.

Brian can barely keep his balance standing on the chair, and he’s getting dizzy from looking up over his head, trying to tie the scarf.

The bridge is flooding, and the fire truck is weaving around all the stopped cars. Some idiot in too big of a hurry decides to pull out into traffic, just at that moment. The crash is louder than the thunder in the sky, as the firetruck plows into Craig’s car, t-boning it. He’s killed upon impact, as the car slides off the bridge into the cold water below.

Justin finally pulls himself together, and calls the airport to book the next flight home. He hears shouting behind him, but he doesn’t realize they’re yelling at him.

“You think you’re so special! You think you can just walk away from me! But I won’t let that happen! There’s no way I’m going to let you go back to Brian!”

In a flash, Angelica abandons her fight with Damien, sensing Justin’s in real danger. But she’s too late. Just as she starts swooping down to him, his head is shattered by a baseball bat. She catches him as he falls. Cradling him in her arms, she kisses his bleeding forehead, then his spirit is released and ascends to heaven.

She cries out in anger, as rage seizes her. She resumes her fight with Damien, furious at knowing he’s behind Justin’s death. Then suddenly she’s consumed with dread, realizing that Brian’s in imminent danger. Damien’s laughs echo through the sky as he watches her panic, realizing he’s very much in control of everything that’s happening.

At that exact moment, Daphne finally makes it to parking garage at the loft. She leans against the side of the building momentarily, before she starts up the stairs. She pounds on the door, but there’s no answer. After several tries, she just pulls on the door handle and it opens. She runs inside to see Brian grasping at the scarf around his neck, as he swings uncontrollably from the beam, trying hard to stop from choking.

There’s an angry flash and the room lights up, as Angelica and Damien are in a fierce fight for control. Things are swirling around the room and crashing into the walls; it’s like hell on earth, making you feel like you’re inside a tornado. Suddenly the room is illuminated by the brightest lights that have ever shone. Colors in every shade in of the rainbow engulf the space, hypnotizing everyone. They’re all frozen in place, as they watch the most beautiful angel wrap his arms around Brian. As Brian takes his last breath, he whispers, “I love you, Sunshine. I always have.”

Justin turns, looking over his shoulder at Daphne, Angelica and Damien. Then he holds Brian in his arms as they ascend to heaven, destined to be together for all eternity…

*************************************************************************************
Epilogue ~ Love Transcends Time…

Summary: Daphne refuses to let Brian and Justin’s memories fade away…

Daphne holds her daughters’ hands as they step out of the boat and onto the dock. The mansion burnt to the ground that night, and the only thing that remains is the huge stone fireplace from Brian’s study, and the stone wall, surrounding the rose garden. It’s still beautiful, growing strong, with roses blooming in every color of the rainbow.

Daphne was surprised when Ted informed her of her inheritance from Brian, but she was even more shocked when he handed her an envelope, that had been delivered to his office anonymously. Inside was the deed to the island, and surrounding property at Island Lake. The only stipulation was that Brian and Justin be buried in the rose garden, and the island be renamed as Angel Island.

She and the girls lay flowers at Brian and Justin’s grave, just as they have for the last ten years. She misses them terribly, but she always senses their presence nearby. She makes a point of telling them about their fathers, and how beautiful their love was. She’s determined to never let their memory die, and she considers Justin their father, just as much as Brian. She’s just sorry they never got a chance to know them.

Brianna and Justine Chanders-Kinney-Taylor

The End…

Okay I know, I know, I know… You’re all screaming at me… I’m sorry.
I know that I should have put a warning on my fic, hypocrite that I am. Because as most of you know I never, ever read death fics…
Then I surprised myself by writing one.

Comments

[rulisteningbj.livejournal.com]

I just read all 6 chapters. What a wonderful story. You should be ashamed of yourself writing a death fic. LOL. I am OK with it since it was the end of the story and we know they are together.

Dee Dee

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

Thanks Dee Dee,

I really needed to hear someone say that they didn't hate the ending. It is a real departure from my normal writing, and I was afraid that everyone would hate it...

It's good to see you out here on LJ, I hope all is going good for you...

Hugs Sweetheart ~ Kathleen

[blossomlegs.livejournal.com]

Damn, I saw your warning at the end, before I read chap. 6. Still it didn't prevent me from crying. Beautifully written, even with the overwhelming angst. They are truly together forever and both have namesakes to carry on.
Love your pic that highlite your script.
Still love you and your writing!
JoAnn

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

I have to tell you I cried when I wrote this, sometimes my fingers have a mind of their own...

I haven't had very many reviews on this chapter, and I'm sure I shocked some of my readers. But in someways it just seemed like the natural thing to happen, at least they'll have each other for all eternity...

The pics really do add so much to the fics, and Daphne's twins are just adorable...

That's for being supportive...

Hugs Darling ~ Kathleen

♥

[hikinggirl70.livejournal.com]

Wow that was an exciting ending. Thanks for at least letting Brian and Justin be together in heaven.

Re: ♥

[7wildwaysup.livejournal.com]

This fic was a little out of the norm for me, but I though I'd explore the supernatural... I'm glad you enjoyed it, most readers weren't that happy with my ending...

Later Sweetheart ~ Kathleen