Hi there. This is my first story ever on this site, so I'm a bit nervous. Hope someone out there enjoys!
Based loosely on the song "Delilah" by the Dresden Dolls.
Control
“I can't make it tonight,” a young brunette male spoke into the phone. His name was Sidney and he was currently on break at the restaurant he worked for.
“What? But it's Gary's birthday,” Brandon, the man's best friend, said exasperated. He had light red hair (which he hated) and dark blue eyes. He was glad he at least had no freckles. He was in his office, feet propped up on his desk, as he avoided work for the moment.
“I know, I know. I wanted to go but...”
“Let me guess. Alex.”
“Yeah...he wants me to stay in today after work.”
“Tell him to piss off.”
“No. He's been working a lot lately and he's tired. One night in won't kill me.”
“Whatever. Gary's going to miss you.”
“Yeah. Look, I better get back to work. Talk to you later.”
“Yeah, bye.”
Brandon tossed his phone onto the desk and sat up. This always happened. Alex had the young man under his control. Sidney hadn't been his own person in almost seven years. It probably wasn't surprising, all things considered, but Brandon still hated Alex—and Sid too at times. No...that wasn't true. He grew frustrated often with the brunette but he could never hate him. They had been best friends since Brandon was thirteen, Sidney twelve. Fifteen years? That was more than half his life. Initially Alex had tried to cut Sidney off from Brandon but that was the one thing the older man couldn't get away with. Sidney would never drift from him, he couldn't. But that didn't mean it was enough for Brandon. The younger male needed to get away from that domineering blonde brute. But instead he had made himself meek and pathetic. Just the way Alexander liked him. It annoyed Brandon to no end. It also saddened him greatly, not that he would ever admit that.
…
“The birthday boy didn't make any plans?” Brandon asked.
“No way,” Gary answered. “What's there to celebrate? Becoming an ugly decrepit old man?”
He laughed. “You're thirty, not a hundred. You still have your youth...compared to my grandmother.”
“Oh, ha ha. Prick.”
Brandon smiled and bumped the other male's hip. “If you don't want to acknowledge it then why are you coming back to mine?”
Gary shrugged. “I'm always up for a free meal.”
“Ha, bastard.”
The redhead unlocked his door and led Gary in. As soon as he flicked on the lights, everyone shouted, “Surprise!”
The man's eyes widened before turning to Brandon. He laughed and smacked him. “You liar.”
The music turned on and the redhead smirked. “Come on, it's your fucking birthday. Time to party!” He grabbed Gary's hands and coaxed him into dance.
He grinned. “Thanks, Bran...”
“I had to. You would've depressed me too much otherwise.”
“And you say I'm the bastard?” He glanced around. “Did Sidney come?”
“Nah, he couldn't. Had to take another shift at the restaurant. Everything costs money you know.”
“Pity. I was hoping to see him today.”
“Yeah. He said to tell you happy birthday and sorry he couldn't make it.”
“Ah, well...I'll see him soon.”
Brandon nodded. Most of their friends knew that Alexander was a jerk but only Brandon actually knew just how awful the man was. Sidney would probably die if anyone else found out, that was why Brandon constantly made excuses for him to their friends.
The party went well into the night, everyone having a blast. But when it was finally over and Brandon flopped onto his bed, he thought of his own upcoming birthday. Exactly one month from Gary's, today being the third of March. He had enough money from his own job to buy anything he wanted. Except one thing. His birthday wish had been the same for seven years now, though he never voiced it to anyone. He could barely even admit it within his own mind, in the solitude of his own room for the night.
He yanked his mobile off the bedside table, held it for a minute, then placed it back down. There was no point in ringing Sidney. He wouldn't answer. Even if he was awake, Alex wouldn't let him take calls at this time. Brandon would just visit him tomorrow since he knew he worked from seven to 2:30.
…
“Serve me, I'm hungry!” Brandon shouted as he walked inside the restaurant.
Sidney appeared and smiled. “You didn't mention coming today,” he said.
“Surprise then.”
He smacked him then led the red-haired man to a table. “My shift's over in twenty minutes.”
“I know. You want to hang out after? If you can.”
Sid frowned. “I can...I'm not a prisoner, you know. I go where I like.”
“Where's Alex going to be?”
“He's working.”
“Til?”
“What's it matter?”
“Where's Alex going?”
The brunette gave an annoyed sigh. “Work til six then out with his friends tonight. He probably won't come home until two or three in the morning.” He waited for his friend to attack him but the verbal lashing never came.
“Sid, I'm hungry. I'll have a glass of water. With a straw.”
The younger of the pair didn't question it. The food where he worked was rubbish, they'd get real lunch once his shift ended.
“Your car parked here?” Brandon asked as they left the building.
“No, I took a cab today,” he answered quietly.
“Why?”
“Alex needed my car. His wouldn't start this morning.”
“Oh.”
“What?”
The older male lifted an eyebrow as they got in his car. “I didn't say anything. Just 'oh'.”
“It's the way you said it.”
“I didn't say it any 'way,'” Brandon huffed. “Someone's just paranoid.” Though he knew exactly what he was doing.
“Oh, shut it, Brandon. There's nothing to be paranoid about. I know you hate Alex but after seven years I wish you'd get over it.”
“Get over what? That my best friend insists on being with an overbearing, unloving, ignorant, abusive cunt?”
“I'm well-aware he can be a jerk sometimes but you're exaggerating. It's not like he fucking hits me.”
“There are more ways to abuse someone besides hitting them. He controls you completely and-”
“He does not. If he did then you'd have been gone long ago.”
“The only reason I'm still around is because
I wouldn't let him get rid of me. But damn if he didn't try. You know it's true, Sid. He's bad for you, always has been.”
“I'm not having this talk with you again. Just drop it.”
Brandon rolled his eyes but stayed quiet. They didn't speak until they reached another restaurant, that one actually suitable for eating. Just as Sidney was about to stalk out of the car, Brandon grabbed his wrist.
“You angry?” he asked.
The brunette yanked his arm away. “No,” he answered shortly.
“Then why are you acting like a twat?”
“I'm not.”
Brandon rolled his eyes and poked Sidney in the side. “Then come on. It's been forever since we had a day to ourselves. When was the last time? Hm?”
“Two weeks...”
“And you know I missed you.”
“...I missed you too.”
“I know.” He leaned over and tilted the other's face towards him. “So instead of getting angry with each other, let's enjoy the day...and night.”
He kissed Sidney before winking and exiting the car. The waiter just shook his head with the smallest of smiles as he followed.
That night found Brandon and Sidney in their usual club at the Village, the gayest one in the whole city. A few of their friends were around as well but the pair was currently dancing together.
“Heh, you sure you should be here with me?” Brandon asked.
“Why not?”
“Alexander isn't going to show up with his friends?”
“Hell no. They went to some straight pub.”
“He's still playing that act?”
He shrugged. “Not everyone's a loud and proud queer like you. People come out on their own time. He's just nervous.”
Brandon could've laughed outright. Nervous? That wasn't why Alex kept Sidney hidden for seven years. The redhead wouldn't say anything though, at least not at the moment.
“Then in that case...” He grabbed Sidney and pulled the man close. He crashed their lips together for a few seconds then pulled away and grinned.
Sidney smiled as well and continued to dance. He wrapped his arms around him and rested his head on the taller man's shoulder. “Love you.”
“Love you too, Sugar.”
He laughed and swatted him on the chest. “You know I hate that nickname, Strawberry.”
“Better than Strawberry. You're fruity, not me.”
“Ha! Brandon Scott, you are the biggest fruit I know. But whatever you need to tell yourself.”
Brandon just grinned and held him close. He loved moments like these, ones where it was just him and Sidney and no one else. Nothing in the world could get them during these times. They were short lived though. Soon the brunette would return to Alexander and sink back into his unhappy routines until the next opportunity he and Brandon had to get together. Alex made sure to keep them apart as often as possible.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. At Alex, at Sidney for staying, even at himself for sticking around the last seven years. When midnight struck, the brunette said he had to go home.
“So early?” Brandon lightly sneered.
“Yeah...Alex'll probably be back soon...”
“If he comes home at all.”
“He will.” He looked at his taller friend. “I'll catch a taxi.” He gasped when he was suddenly shoved against the wall.
Brandon pinned the man's wrists above his head and kissed him hard. Sidney easily returned it, feeling disappointed when the older male finally pulled away.
“Don't be daft,” Brandon whispered. “I'll drive you.”
His only response was a nod.
“Meet me outside then.”
He quickly walked out of the club and half-dazed green eyes stared for a few moments. Sidney unconsciously licked his lips as he hurried to follow his friend. Once Brandon finished a cigarette, they left. Sidney hoped that Alexander wasn't already home. He'd be upset that the brunette went out without saying anything. But as much as he hated to admit it, Brandon was right. The blonde thirty-three year old most likely wouldn't come home until the morning.
Alex would be too drunk to drive home, Sidney told himself. Same for his friends. They would just stay at someone's house for the night and sleep the booze off. It wasn't that Alex wanted to cheat on him. That was in the past. The blonde had promised that he wouldn't do it again. The brunette crossed his arms over his chest and stared out the window, not noticing that Brandon was watching him as they sat at a red light.
“Sidney,” he said.
“Hm?” the man hummed, turning to him.
“You can come to mine.”
“I told you I should get home-”
“I meant whenever. Doesn't matter the time.”
Sidney nodded. “Thanks.”
The older male knew he wouldn't though, even if he needed to.
…
Brandon wanted to kick the wall when he hung up with his newest client. His secretary smirked.
“That old man sure is daft,” Jerry commented.
“More like completely off his rocker. It's like he forgets that
he came to us, not the other way around.” He yawned then growled when his phone rang again. “What?”
“Damn, nevermind. I won't come then.”
“Sorry, Sidney. Thought you were another one of my annoying clients. Anyway, what you want?”
“Wondering if I could swing by the office. Or are you too busy?”
He checked the time. “I thought you didn't get off until four today.”
“They let me go a couple hours early. Completely dead today. I'll bring lunch.”
“Fine, come on down. I'll be in my office the rest of the day.”
“Kay, see you in a few.”
“Yeah.” He hung up and Jerry spoke.
“Oh, how's Sidney? He hasn't come around in a long time.”
“He's fine, busy. With work, Alex, you know.”
He nodded then gathered the papers. “I'll go copy these. Be back soon.”
…
A knock sounded and Brandon looked up to see his best friend walking through the door. Both of their days instantly brightened.
“Hi there,” Sidney said.
“How's it going?” Brandon asked as he cleared off some of his desk.
“Better now.” He put a few food containers down before sitting. “How's work?”
He rolled his eyes.
The brunette chuckled. “Nothing brilliant then?”
“Some twat's just giving me a hard time.” He nodded towards a few drawings. “What about you? Why are they cutting your hours?”
He shrugged. “I told you. It was dead, I was bored, so I asked to leave.”
“You didn't mention that last bit. You never skip out.”
“Heh, guess I'm just tired from last night.”
“You old dog.”
“Younger than you.”
“Barely. So was Alex already home when you arrived?”
“Nah. I was sleeping by the time he did. Then he left early for work, carpooled with some bloke.”
Brandon knew he was lying. He could tell by the way Sidney stared down as he ate and occasionally played with his short hair. “Then you have your car today?”
“Mhm.”
“That's good. Bit cold to be walking round.”
“Yeah. Say, you don't mind me staying a while, do you? I promise not to bother since you have work to finish.”
“It's fine.”
Around 3:30, Brandon finally looked up from his sketches. He had been so absorbed in work and Sidney had been so quiet that he forgot he wasn't alone. Now he knew why the man was silent. The brunette was curled up on an armchair by the window fast asleep. He shook his head and laughed as he looked back down at the papers. He was nearly done, tomorrow he'd draft the final copy. Some time later a phone rang. Brandon reached for the one on his desk but then recognised the tone to be Sidney's. The young man almost unnaturally came to and answered quickly.
“Hi, Alex.”
Brandon put down his things and listened to the one-sided conversation. “No, I...they let me off a little early. I was just getting something to eat. Yeah, sure. What do you want? Okay...be home in a few.” He hung up and rattled something off to the older male. “I need to go. Sorry about falling asleep. Guess I didn't realise how tired I was.”
“It's okay. I've been working on this anyways.”
“Oh, did you finish?”
“Almost.” He stretched and stood. “Let me walk you out.”
The pair stepped onto the lift and that was where the redhead confronted him.
“This'll be the first you see of Alex since yesterday morning, huh?”
“What? No, I told you what happened,” Sidney said sounding offended.
Brandon gave a short mirthless laugh. “You were lying. Maybe you can get away with that stuff with the others...but Sidney, I know you better than you know yourself.”
The doors opened. Brandon smiled at his friend before exiting onto the ground floor. Sidney followed, staring incredulously at the other man's back. Once they were outside, the green-eyed man snapped.
“You think you're so clever, don't you? We've been best friends for a long time but that doesn't mean you know a damn thing about me!”
Brandon suddenly pushed his friend against the man's own car. “I know everything about you, Sid. I know your favourite music, clothing...how to make you mad, how to laugh, your favourite position in bed...I also know what makes you happy.” He leaned close enough to whisper. “But the one thing I don't know is
why? Why the fuck do you like making yourself so unhappy?” He stared at Sidney. Then he pressed their lips together harshly before shoving off him. “Now go home to that beastly man of yours and don't question where he's been because we both know the answer to that. Then after he bangs you and makes you hate yourself...remember that you got exactly what you deserve.”
He walked away without another word. He listened to Sidney angrily get in his car and speed away. The blue-eyed man hummed to himself all the way back to the office.
…
Sidney burned with rage and self-hatred as he drove. Brandon could be an absolute bastard sometimes. The man didn't know anything. He just liked to control Sidney and grew scathing when he couldn't. The brunette wished he would just get over his hatred for Alex and leave him alone about it.
If Sidney...wanted...to stay with Alexander then it was his choice and none of Brandon's business. He had no right to say those things to him. Tears stung his eyes as he drove through to get Alex his dinner. But he refused to let them fall. Doing that meant Brandon won. What Sidney didn't acknowledge though was that there was no competition between them. And despite that, for seven years Sidney was still always the one who lost.
