Who: Justin Taylor, Billy Kaplan and Teddy Altman When: Backdated: A Week after Halloween Where: Justin & Billy's apartment What: Justin & Billy attempt to explain what happened on Halloween. Teddy doesn't believe them. Rating/Warnings: Mostly Family Friendly Status: Complete
The weekend of Halloween had been extremely interesting. First of all, Justin hadn’t been sure what to expect from Teddy seeing as he was Billy’s dream boyfriend, which in and of itself made Justin jealous. Then there was the fact that they became their costumes for the rest of the weekend. Dressed as The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz, Justin vaguely remembered approaching multiple girls dressed as Dorothy to try and find out if she was in fact their Dorothy. He wondered how many thought it amusing and how many thought they were being harassed, but he couldn’t really remember all of that clearly. Needless to say, it had been interesting the morning it had ended and they had had to try and figure out where they were and how to get home from there.
Now, about a week later, Billy had invited Teddy over for dinner and Justin was, once again, unsure of how this was going to go. He understood that Teddy was Billy’s boss more or less and that Teddy didn’t really have many, if any, friends in the area, but that didn’t stop Justin from being jealous. Teddy was famous and much fitter than Justin was. Normally Justin didn’t care that he had the typical twink physic, but he worried that the more Billy hung around Teddy, the more he’d become attracted to the other blond as a result of the dreams.
Billy knew Justin was jealous, despite there being no reason to be. Billy loved Justin and while he may find Teddy attractive he had to keep reminding himself that he only knew the Teddy in his dreams not this one. But he did feel sorry for him. Not only was he starting a new job in a new place but he didn’t know anybody. Which is what had led Billy to suggesting he joined them in their Halloween plans. Of course he hadn’t know that craziness would hit and they’d spend the weekend looking for Dorothy.
Moving over to Justin he wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him soundly, “Love you” he said as he pulled back, smiling at his boyfriend, “Now stop looking so worried. It’s just dinner with a friend, okay?”
Justin hadn’t been expecting the kiss, but Billy had been trying to reassure him all day, so it made sense that he’d use kisses at some point, which was appreciated. “I know. I love you too. I just can’t help but be a little worried.” He was pretty sure that part of it also had to do with his dreams where he loved Brian, but Brian continued to sleep around with other guys despite the fact that it was obvious that he loved Justin back, but wouldn’t admit it. “I’m sorry that I’m so jealous. I know it’s irrational.” At least he hoped it was.
He had been trying to reassure him and figured a few more tactile reassurances were needed right now, before Teddy arrived. “I get that you know. I was worried too remember,” he was referring to Brian making an appearance of course. “It’s okay, just try to remember I love and want you,” he said kissing him once more before the doorbell rang and he moved off to answer it.
Theodore wasn’t entirely sure why Billy had invited him to dinner, especially when he was ninety percent certain that Billy’s boyfriend hated him just for existing, which didn’t make sense, but he tried not to judge other people’s relationships. Still, Billy had seemed earnest--something about wanting to talk about what had happened Halloween weekend--so there didn’t seem to be any reason not to accept.
When Billy opened the door, Theodore waved a little and smiled, then handed over the bottle of wine he’d brought. “Thanks for inviting me over,” he added, because he’d been raised with manners.
“Anytime, glad you could come” he said, “Thanks for the wine,” he added before grinning, “Justin’s just in the living room, head on through while I grab some glasses from the kitchen then we’ll do the grand tour.”
Theodore nodded obediently and followed Billy’s directions to the living room, where Justin was. He waved again, slightly awkward. “Hey. Thanks for inviting me over,” he said again, and then gestured around him, unsure of what to do with himself. “...You guys have a nice place. How long have you lived here?”
As Billy went to answer the door, Justin took a deep breath and a ran a hand through his blond hair. He needed to get over this whole jealousy thing. This was real life; not the dreams. Billy might have been with Teddy in the dreams, but in real life he was with Justin. Hearing Billy and Teddy talking at the door, Justin got to his feet as the other blond came into the room, “Hey. It’s no problem. It was Billy’s idea,” Just like asking Teddy to join them on Halloween had been Billy’s idea, “I’ve lived here for a couple of years. Billy moved in a couple months ago.” They had only been living together for a couple of months now, but Justin was so used to Billy living there that it felt like forever.
Billy let Justin and Teddy have a moment together before he came out from the kitchen with glasses and the bottle. “Teddy brought wine,” he told Justin with a smile, “Dinner will be another twenty minutes, so let’s just sit and have a drink for a while,” he suggested before sitting on the sofa and leaning forward to pour them all a glass.
Of course it was Billy’s idea. Theodore was under no illusions that Justin wanted him here, which he still didn’t know how to handle. Maybe he should decline invitations, in the future. When Billy joined them it was a palpable relief, although he did that thing again--that thing that he wasn’t sure he should comment on, but felt he had to.
“I still don’t know why you call me Teddy,” he said, hesitantly. Not sure if he was supposed to sit down on the sofa or not, he stayed standing, and rubbed the back of his neck. “I go by Theodore, professionally, or Ted. The only person who called me Teddy was my mom.”
Justin glanced at Billy out of the corner of his eye as he took a sip of his wine; Teddy clearly hadn’t had any dreams yet, so he didn’t know that Billy already knew who he was and the reason behind the name he chose to call him. “It’s just such a common nickname for Theodore. Ya know? I’m sure Billy doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.” Justin wondered how Teddy would react if Billy told him what he knew and that was part of what worried Justin. Billy might not have feelings for Teddy since he and Justin had been together for so long now, but what would happen when Teddy started dreaming? Teddy didn’t have someone else to have feelings for like Billy did. Would his feelings for Billy from the dreams bleed over?
“Justin’s right I don’t,” Billy said, color rising in his face as he shot a grateful look to his boyfriend, “Sorry, I’ll try and make sure I don’t do it in future.” he promised though he knew it would be really hard. He’d never called Teddy anything else in the dreams, well apart from his superhero name or endearments. Luckily he’d never slipped up and called him one of those, not yet anyway.
Theodore nodded and shrugged, then reached down to pick up a glass of wine. “It was a condition of my naming,” he explained. “My dad...he’d only agree to name me Theodore if I didn’t go by Teddy. When my mom did it, it was like...a joke just between us, something we did when my dad wasn’t around.”
“That’s why I’m glad my parents named me Justin. No shortening or nicknames to worry about,” He said, taking a sip of wine, “But why didn’t your father want you going by Teddy?” Justin couldn’t help but be curious about that. He didn’t see anything wrong with the nickname so he wondered what the blond’s father had against it.
“I’ve always gone by Billy rather than William.” He’d just always preferred it, he’d never really felt like a William. It didn’t seem to suit him, even his parents called him Billy. He preferred Teddy too but it wasn’t up to him really. He looked at the boy in question after Justin asked him why. He was intrigued to know too.
“He never said, really, but I think it’s because that was the name my mom’s first husband went by,” Theodore replied, his tone wry. “They divorced before my mom and dad got together, but still. Awkward, I guess.”
“I can see how that’d be awkward.” Justin said, taking a sip of his wine. It was interesting that Teddy’s mother would have named him after her ex-husband instead of his actual father, but it sounded to Justin like she hadn’t been totally over him. “So, are you from around here or somewhere else?” Justin might have been worried about what would happen if and when Teddy started to dream, but he really didn’t want him to think that he hated him, so he figured the best way to do that was the ask questions about him.
Billy nodded he could see too. He’d try to make more of an effort to call him Ted or Theodore even if he didn’t think it would be very successful. He let Justin lead the conversation, happy to see him making an effort to be nice to Teddy. He’d be sure to thank him later, because he knew Justin found it hard. Even if Teddy didn’t know why yet.
Theodore glanced between Justin and Billy and finally took a sip of wine. It was weird--he’d grown so used to everyone knowing about him and his family he forgot that there were people out there who didn’t give a shit. “I grew up in Malibu,” he replied, and shrugged a little. “After I graduated high school, I landed a part on a CW show, and lived in Vancouver for three years, and when that was cancelled, I moved to New York.” It’d been nice--the anonymity. He missed that, to some extent. “And then I got this part and moved back here, so...it’s nice to be back home, I guess. What about you two?”
Justin listened and waited until Teddy asked about them to respond, “I grew up in Beverly Hills. My dad runs his own company, so I was one of those obnoxious, rich Beverly Hills kids.” He smirked a little as he said it. Justin might have grown up wealthy, but he had never been a snob about it, “I came out when I was fifteen, went to art school, currently doing storyboarding for TV shows and movies and I also surf.” When he was finished, he glanced towards Billy so that he knew it was his turn.
“Uh yeah I umm grew up in Brooklyn, changed schools a few times. Took film and media classes at college then decided to move here to be close to all the movie action. Ended up working as a runner part time then one of the actresses on a film I was runner for asked me to be her PA. When she left the studio took me on as a supply PA and I get given to new actors until they complete their projects.” It was Billy’s dream job, he had access to everywhere and got to watch everything happen.
“I didn’t know we were adding our bios,” Theodore joked, awkwardly. He hadn’t meant to say more than just state where he was from, but even though he’d grown up here, this was the first time he’d been back since he’d left after high school. And the fact that Justin added that he’d come out as gay made him uncomfortable, since he wasn’t sure if Justin knew that he was closeted. He wouldn’t have chosen to come out to Justin, so if Justin knew, and was hinting, that was Billy’s doing, and that hurt a little. He’d thought he could trust Billy more than that.
Justin laughed a little and shrugged, “This whole night was about getting to know each other better, wasn’t it?” He asked, glancing from Justin to Teddy then back. Justin had no idea if Teddy was actually gay in real life, but considering what he knew about the dreams, he’d assumed he was; not that he was going to say anything to him about it. As for talking about his own sexuality, Justin was simply open about it. Not to mention, it should have been pretty obvious that he was gay, considering he and Billy were dating and all.
Billy nodded, “Exactly. You don’t mind learning a little about us right?” he grinned at Teddy. Of course he’d not said anything about Teddy’s sexuality but Justin did know about him in the dreams so it wasn’t too hard to suppose he was the same here. And neither Justin nor Billy were the type to hide who they were.
Theodore glanced at them both and then lifted his wine glass. “Is that what tonight’s about? I thought you guys were going to explain why we spent the entire weekend LARPing. So what’s the story? Rampaging hypnotist?”
Oh right, Teddy was still new to the whole Valar/OC craziness. “Right. That.” Justin glanced at Billy, trying to figure out the best way to explain that this sort of thing was completely normal and not to sweat it too much. Yeah, cause that would go over well. However, that was the truth of it, “Well, weird stuff like that kind of happens often.” He wondered if Billy had told Teddy about the dreams yet. Not theirs specifically, but in general.
“Yeah, you do kind of get used to it. Even though you might not think so,” Billy added, he’d not said much if anything. Hadn’t wanted to sound too crazy or anything especially not since Billy was supposed to be working for Teddy, he liked his job and hadn’t wanted to risk anything ruining that. But now Teddy had experienced it, it would be a lot easier to explain things. Well as much as they could.
Theodore’s expression was skeptical. “I grew up in Hollywood, and I lived in New York for two years. I’m used to weird. But I’m not sure I can just...write off whatever happened to us as random weirdness. I mean, it felt like I was the Cowardly Lion.” And it’d felt like he’d had friends. That part, he hadn’t minded so much. He fidgeted with his wineglass before setting it down on the table. “Was it not like that for you?”
“No, I know what you mean. It felt like that for me too. Well, it felt like I was the Scarecrow.” Justin said, taking a sip of his wine, “But, I guess that since I’ve been around this sort of thing for over a year, it’s not as strange. I mean, it’s still really fucking strange. Don’t get me wrong. I just mean, I’m a little more used to it.” Then there was the part where he’d sustained a brain injury as a result of the dreams, but he didn’t want to scare Teddy completely.
Billy nodded, "Yeah for a while I was the Tin Man but it's like Justin said we've been here so long I guess we're a bit sort of numb to a lot of the weird stuff. It's a survival technique I think," he added with a smile though there was some truth to it.
"...okay," Theodore said slowly.
The "explanation" made next to no sense, but it was becoming clear that neither Justin nor Billy were willing to talk about what had actually happened, which meant that he had no idea why he was here, really, nor was he any closer to understanding what had happened to him. And that was both disappointing and frustrating. He'd come to Billy and Justin's for help, but they had none to give, apparently.
"Well. Whatever is cooking smells delicious, and I hate to skip out, but I should probably just go," Theodore announced, poorly masking his irritation. "Thanks for the invitation--you guys seem like a nice couple, really--but I was hoping to get some answers about what happened, and I feel like I'm being vetted for a threesome," he added, laughing slightly, because the situation just felt absurd. "Which...I'm not saying no, necessarily, but it wasn't really in my plans tonight."
Justin was afraid Teddy might react that way, but he didn't think there was any other way to convince him until he started dreaming or something else, unexplainable happened. At the threesome comment, Justin quirked a brow at the blond, but didn't say anything in response to that. Instead, he simply say up a little straighter, "Why don't you tell us what you think happened. How else would you explain us thinking we were Wizard of OZ characters for a whole fucking weekend?"
“Oh stop being so ridiculous. You’re staying for dinner since that was why we invited you round. Sorry to burst your bubble but we aren’t after your body for any kind of threesome. Congratulations on outing yourself by the way,” he added, annoyed himself at Teddy’s behaviour. “Honestly, what did you expect? Things like Halloween happen a lot around here and nobody knows why. You either just accept it or drive yourself crazy trying to work out why. Like Justin said, what exactly do you think happened?”
“I’m being ridiculous?” Theodore’s eyes narrowed at Billy. “You and your boyfriend and I spend the entire weekend in costume trying to find Dorothy--not a person we actually know, but the character from The Wizard of Oz--and you tell me I’m just supposed to accept it. That things like this just happen and you’re like, so totally over it,” he added, sarcastically mocking. He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “You both know more than you’re saying, and, no offense, but I’ve grown up around actors, and you’re not that good of an actor.”
Justin has been glad when Billy spoke, glad to see that he wasn't going to coddle Teddy or anything like that. He couldn't help but laugh as Billy spoke and he set his wine glass down on the coffee table so that he wouldn't accidentally spill it. "You think we're not being truthful? Okay. One, weird shit happens and no one knows why," Justin held up one finger as he spoke then held up a second, "Two, I've seen volcanic ash fall from the sky. Orcs roaming the streets and heard about aliens that invaded Las Vegas last summer." He knew there had been a public coverup on that, but he'd still heard people mention the aliens. "And three, if that's all not enough, just wait till the dreams start."
Billy was very annoyed, “We aren’t liars. We’re trying to be your friends,” he said somewhat coldly. He didn’t like being accused of lying, it had never sat well with him. He let Justin talk staying quiet this time and letting his boyfriend take the lead. He didn’t know what else to do, they couldn’t tell Teddy why they’d turned into characters from the Wizard of Oz because he didn’t know. Nobody did.
“I didn’t call you liars,” Theodore retorted. “I said you know more than you’re saying--and you do, you both do, so if you pretend that you don’t, or tell me unbelievable stories about volcanos and aliens--that’s lying.”
Justin ran a hand through his hair, frustratedly before speaking, "They are unbelievable. I'll be the first one to admit it, but they're the fucking truth. Ask almost anyone else around here and they'll tell you the exact same thing." He knew it sounded unbelievable, but honestly, what did Teddy think had happened? "But if you want to be stubborn and not believe us, then that's fine with me. You'll realize, eventually, that we're telling the truth."
“Exactly. Think we’re liars, don’t believe us just be prepared to apologise,” Billy agreed feeling in a mood now. They’d been all set to have a nice evening and now he and Justin were being accused of lying and keeping secrets that they didn’t even have. He picked up his wine and began to drink it, leaning into Justin more, seeking comfort.
Theodore exhaled, frustrated. He got it. They were a united front, which was fine, but what they were saying was impossible to believe, so he didn’t know what point they were trying to prove. “Fine. I guess I should go, then.” He wasn’t going to stay where he wasn’t welcome, and it was clear that he wasn’t welcome anymore, just because he’d wanted answers. Whatever. He’d drop the subject, and they could keep their secrets.
Justin sighed as he brought his hand around to rest on the small of Billy’s back and rubbed gently, “Eventually you’re going to realize that we’re telling the truth. We have no reason to lie to you. Unless you think we drugged you or hypnotized you or something. Is that what you think we’re keeping from you?” Honestly, what reason would either of them have to lie to Teddy? If he was anyone else, they’d be telling him that they must have been drugged or something, but Teddy would dream eventually. Eventually some insane event would happen and there would be no denying that something strange was going on.
“Go if you want to but remember you’re the one who chose to. We were all prepared and ready to have a nice evening and get to know each other better. Help you settle in to the area and all that kind of thing but you’re the one who seems to think we’re keeping some big conspiracy or something from you,” Billy said, “What exactly is it you think we know that we haven’t told you? What great secret are we keeping, Ted? Please enlighten us as to what you’re thinking.”
“You know...I came out to have a good time, and I’m honestly feeling a little attacked right now.”
Theodore was glad he’d never sat down. Apparently asking someone to explain what had happened to you was now in the realm of politics or religion. “I never accused you of hiding a conspiracy or giant secret. I never called you liars. I said you’re not telling me the whole truth, which you’re not, and you’re avoiding admitting to that by accusing me of calling you things I never called you. So...yeah. I’ll be going. Thanks for your ‘warm welcome’ that was apparently conditional on me swallowing some bullshit story without argument. That really helps me feel like you had no ulterior motive in asking me here,” he added, dryly. “And by the way--you don’t have to be gay to have a threesome, so I didn’t ‘out’ myself, but you did, and that is so off the table now.”
Justin seriously couldn't believe how this night had turned out. He was pissed off that Teddy would accuse them of not telling the truth when that was all they were doing. He wanted to tell the actor not to let the door hit him on the ass on the way out, but Billy still had to work for him and he didn't want Billy to get fired. Then again, after this, Teddy might just request a new assistant regardless. "It was nice to meet you then. I'm sure you can find your way out." Right now Justin just wanted the other man out of his apartment.
“Not telling the truth is lying and we aren’t avoiding anything, you’re just choosing to believe that because you don’t want to believe what we have told you. All I wanted was for us to have a nice ‘normal’ time together after the craziness of Halloween” Billy said, his voice flat and his eyes sad, “And if you’re a guy suggesting a threesome with two other guys odds are you aren’t straight but just for the record I never said anything about you. To anyone,” he added, before getting up and heading to the kitchen to sort out what would now be his and Justin’s dinner.
Justin might be pissed, and Billy might be disappointed, but Theodore felt betrayed. "The world isn't black and white--truth or lies. And I never accused you of lying by omission," Theodore said to Billy's back, then shot Justin an unimpressed look. "I'll just show myself out. See you at work," he added, dryly. He guessed he would be driving himself around for awhile. Good thing he'd rented a car this week. Maybe it was time to buy.