nothing_rhymes_with_ianto

A tiny gapfiller for 3.07, when Emmett came to Vanguard to talk to Brian about helping Ted. It was mainly inspired by the look in Brian's eyes when Emmett is talking to him, the things Emmett says about "you pretend not to give a shit, but deep down, you really do care about us," and the fact that Brian looks down and away at the end of the scene.

Brian glanced downward, away from Emmett’s pleading eyes. He knew it was true, what Emmett said. He really did care about all of them, although he tried to shove the affection down and away, and he never, ever would have admitted something like that to anyone. And he really did like Emmett a lot, more than Theodore or Mel and sometimes even more than Mikey.

It also scared him. He’d only really cared about himself recently, dismissing his friends’ problems with a wave of his hand, because he had an important account or five that he needed to work on, or a couple of guys he wanted to fuck, or a few beers he wanted to drink. He shuddered inwardly. When the hell had he become Jack, only caring about himself and his physical needs and nothing else? Brian knew he was known for helping out his friends and never asking for or even accepting thanks. When had he stopped doing that? He didn’t want to be his father. He wasn’t his father.

He looked up at Emmett, who was staring at him with watery blue eyes. Brian breathed in through his nose, and nodded slowly. Emmett exhaled roughly, blinking back tears. He nodded, kissed his cheek and left without a word. Brian stayed where he was beside the open door, eyes glassy, and stared at his desk.