A Fuckton of Polygrumps

Red Light: Named

Synopsis: Dan and Brian develop a plan and Mark is not pleased. 

Johns came and went. It felt like weeks since Dan had seen Brian. All he found were a few notes that Brian left along with wads of money.

"Remember to stay hydrated, love B~" 

"Eat more protein! Love, B~"

Dan racked his brain trying to think of what this guy's name was. He regretted never asking him since the mystery was only fun if Brian was left questioning. 

Dan pulled his hair back into a ponytail and walked towards the lobby of the hotel. He dug his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.

"Woah, woah, woah, hold on there, Def Leppard," Arin interjected, leaning over the front counter near the door. "Where the fuck do you think you're going?"

"I'm just going out to get something to eat. Is that okay with you?"

"That's fine."

Dan rolled his eyes and turned to leave before Arin grabbed his arm.

"There's another note for you here. Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No. It's just a john who's worried about me," Dan sighed, taking the note and shoving it into his pocket.

"He's paying, so I'm gonna trust you to keep your distance and do your job. You won't let daddy down, will you?"

"No, of course not."

"Then go on. Be back before the lunch rush, alright?"

"Sure thing, daddy."

Dan stepped out into the blinding light of day and walked down the street to a little cafe. He opened the door and inhaled the smell of pastries and cheap coffee. 

"Can I get a grande hot chocolate?"

The lady at the counter took his order and he sat down after paying. He did what he always did when he was bored and scanned the room for anything interesting. His eye caught sight of a man sitting in a corner near the window. The man was reading what looked to be Cosmos by Carl Sagan. Dan felt his body move towards the man and before he knew it, he was sitting across the table from him.

"You should stop giving me money to buy shitty hot chocolate," Dan finally said.

"Hi again. You told me to stop seeing you, but I figured-"

"I need to get out."

"I dunno, this is a nice little shop and-"

"No, I need to get out of...fucking people for money."

Brian put his book down and nodded as if he understood. Dan sighed and leaned back in his chair.

"I'll pack my shit up tonight or something..."

"Where will you go?"

"Fuckin'...I don't know. Somewhere far. I just need to get out one of these days."

They sat and talked, feeling safe in a cafe that they didn't know was crawling with pawns of a higher power. Ken sat a table away, listening keenly. 

"Anyway, I need to go...but first, what's your name," Dan asked.

"Hm? My name? It's...wait, no, fuck you. Your name first."

"Are you seriously doing this right now? I'm gonna be late."

"Then you better spit it out," Brian snorted with a defiant shrug. 

"Dan. My name is Dan. Are you happy now?"