Social Norms (Synacky)

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Happy birthday, Brian!”

For the twentieth time that evening, Brian smiled and said “Thank you.” He went to the kitchen, grabbing a beer and cracking the cap off. He didn’t know most of the people here, and the few he did know were well on their way to getting drunk. And so was Brian.

“Happy birthday, Brian.”

Brian turned around, smiling as Zacky stepped into the room. He spread out his arms for his boyfriend, “Hola, mi beautiful zapato.”

“Someone’s a little tipsy.” Zacky grinned, “I’ve never been called a shoe before.”

“You get what I meant.” Brian stepped towards Zacky. “C’mere and kiss the birthday boy.”

Zacky rolled his eyes, kissing Brian’s cheek. “I got you something.”

“What is it?” Brian asked, “Something sexy?”

Zacky handed Brian a gift bag. “I can’t wrap to save my life, so I found some tissue paper and stuff.”

Brian took the gift, pulling out the paper. A hat. He took it out, setting the bag aside. “A hat?”

“It’s a fedora. I don’t know, you said you wanted something you wouldn’t expect, and I thought it’d look nice on you. If you don’t like it I can take it back…”

“I love it.” Brian put it on, smirking at his boyfriend. “Does it make me look sexy?”

“You already were.” Zacky smiled, reaching up to adjust it. “But it does suit you a lot, I think.”

“Thank you, Zee.” Brian snaked his arms around Zacky, pulling him closer, “And to demonstrate my thanks…” he pressed his lips against Zacky’s jaw, nibbling slightly as he worked his way up to his lips.

“Brian, no.” Zacky pulled away. “Do you want people to see us?”

“There’s no one in here, come on, Zacky.”

“All the beer is in here. They're bound to come in sooner or-“

“You coming out here or what?” Jimmy poked his head into the kitchen, and Zacky nearly jumped out of his skin, causing Brian to chuckle.

“Yeah, yeah. Look at the hat Zacky got me.”

“Shit, yeah, gifts. We’re gonna go see Maiden in October for your birthday from me, alright? The tickets are in the mail.”

“Seriously?” Brian asked, and when Jimmy nodded, he launched himself at the drummer, hugging him tight. “Fuck yeah! A concert, baby! It’s gonna be so sweet, who are they touring with?”

“Clutch and Monster Magnet. It’s going to be so epic. Pit tickets, too.”

“No fucking way. Thanks, man, you’re the best.”

“I know I am.” Jimmy laughed, “Now come on, all these people are here for your birthday, at least come talk to them for a little bit.”

~*~

As the night wore on, Brian had more and more to drink. He staggered up behind Zacky, who was on his first beer, watching Jimmy trying to teach some guys how to walk on their hands. “Hey, baby,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around Zacky’s waist, “Let’s go someplace quieter.”

Zacky turned around in Brian’s arms. “Let go of me, you’re drunk.”

“Come on, Zee…” Brian ran his hands down Zacky’s arms. “I wanna kiss you properly. It is my birthday party, after all…”

Zacky sighed. “Brian…”

“Please? We can go to Jimmy’s room, no one will know. They’re all shitfaced anyway.”

“You’re pretty pissed yourself…”

“Come on.” Brian turned and headed to the stairs, nearly tripping twice as he stumbled up them. He opened Jimmy’s door and Zacky followed him inside, closing it behind them.

As soon as the door was closed, Brian pressed Zacky up against it, kissing him roughly. Zacky chuckled, draping his arms around Brian’s neck.

“You know what, Zacky?” Brian murmured, kissing down Zacky’s neck to suck at his pulse point.

“What?” Zacky breathed, fingers curling in Brian’s hair.

“You are so. Fucking. Sexy.” He pulled away to look at Zacky before kissing him again. “It just blows my mind.”

He pulled Zacky away from the door, and they continued to kiss as he backed his boyfriend up to Jimmy’s bed. Zacky’s knees buckled against it and he fell back onto the duvet, Brian crawling on top of him.

“C’mon, baby…” Brian murmured, lips lingering centimeters above Zacky’s. “I’ve been waiting a long time…”

“W-What do you mean?” Zacky asked, confusion flitting across his features as he pressed his lips to the corner of Brian’s mouth.

Brian hooked his fingers under the fabric of Zacky’s shirt, pulling it off of him in one smooth motion.

“B-Brian, no.” Zacky whispered, “What the hell are you doing?”

“I know you want me.” Brian’s voice dropped low as he looked over the porcelain chest of his boyfriend, fingers flitting over smooth, flawless skin. “We could do it right now…”

“No, Brian, I said no.” Zacky’s eyes were wide as he looked up at him. “I don’t want to do this.”

Brian frowned, sitting back on his haunches, and Zacky scrambled out from under him. “You don’t want me?” he asked, eyes searching Zacky’s features. He was met with fear.

Zacky swallowed, shaking his head. “No, no, I do want you, Brian-“

“Then why not now? Nothing’s stopping us…”

“You’re drunk. You’re not thinking straight.” Zacky reached out hesitantly and took his shirt from Brian. “Look, I’m going to go now.”

“Zacky, wait. We don’t have to do anything, I’m sorry. Just stay with me, please?”

“No, Bri, I’m going to go home.”

Brian watched Zacky, “Are we done?” he whispered, “Do you hate me now?”

Zacky chuckled a little, “No, Brian, of course not. I’m just… I just want to let you sober up. We can go get coffee tomorrow, okay? I’ll call you in the afternoon and pick you up. Deal?”

Brian watched Zacky’s hands shake as he put his shirt on, emerald eyes on him warily. Zacky wasn’t just scared. He was terrified.

“Did I scare you?” Brian whispered.

“No, I’m fine. I’ll see you tomorrow, Brian.” Zacky kissed Brian’s cheek gently, and then he was gone, leaving Brian blinking stupidly in Jimmy’s bed.