WARNING: THIS EPISODE DEALS WITH VIOLENCE AND RAPE. IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO THIS KIND OF TOPIC YOU SHOULD SKIP SCENE 16. QUEER AS FOLK EPISODE 6.06 – STANDING ON THE EDGE, LOOKING INTO THE ABYSS Original Posting date: 06-01-07 ORIGINAL SERIES CREATED BY RON COWEN & DANIEL LIPMAN WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY CLEVERDEVIL ========================== DISCLAIMER: ========================== “QUEER AS FOLK” and other related entities are owned, ™ and © by Cowlip Productions, SJ2 Entertainment, Tony Jonas Productions, QAF III Productions, Dufferin Gate Productions Inc. and Celebrity Public Relations in association with Showtime Networks Inc. All Rights Reserved. This fanfic is posted here without their permission, approval, authorization or endorsement. For Entertainment purposes only. No infringement intended. ========================== TRANSFICTIONSCRIPT: ========================== MAIN THEME: CUE THE PULSE TO BEGIN FADE IN: INT. HOLIDAY INN - ROOM 505 - NIGHT The camera pans over to the bed. Andy comes into view. He's lying on his stomach, his naked body half covered by the sheets. His eyes are closed and he's got a contentedly expression on his face. The camera rises over his shoulder and focuses on the foyer. The door to the bathroom opens and Michael steps out. Obviously he just took a shower. His dark hair is wet and water drops are running down his bare chest. He's wearing his trousers. As his gaze shifts to Andy's back, he bites his lower lip and looks quite unhappy. Quietly he reaches for his shirt, which is lying on the edge of the bed and puts it on. Carefully he picks up his shoes and his jacket from the floor, while he's anxiously watching Andy from the corner of his eye. He's just about to sneak out of the room, when Andy turns around to look at him. ANDY (having a stretch) Hey. Michael stops dead in his tracks and grimaces. Slowly, he turns to look at Andy. MICHAEL Hey… I took a shower. I hope you don't mind. ANDY (lifting himself up on his elbows) Why didn't you wake me? (with a seductive smile) I could have soaped your back. MICHAEL It's late. I have to go. He comes over and sits down on the edge of the bed. As far away from Andy as possible. ANDY (watching Michael, who's putting on his shoes) When will I see you again? MICHAEL (turns to look at him and takes a deep breath) Andy, I don't think it's a good idea if we meet again. ANDY (frowning) What is that suppose to mean? MICHAEL (unhappy) This shouldn't have happened in the first place. He bends down to tie his shoes. Andy moves over to the other side of the bed and comes to sit next to him. He's naked but his crotch is covered by the blanket. ANDY (bends over Michael - whispering) I know you felt something. (letting his fingers run along Michael's arm) Don't try to deny it. You wanted me as much as I wanted you. Michael straightens up, his eyes are level to Andy's. Their shoulders touch. MICHAEL (swallows - with a guilt-ridden expression on his face) It was wrong. We shouldn't have done that. ANDY (softly) But it felt right to me. As he tries to kiss him, Michael hastily gets up from the bed. MICHAEL (passing his hand through his damp hair) I have no idea how to tell Ben. ANDY (gets up from the bed - approaching him) Then don't. (He touches Michael's chest) He doesn't need to know. He lets go off the blanket. It drops to the floor, exposing the rest of his naked body. MICHAEL (retreats - angry) I don't want to cheat on him. ANDY Why did you do it then? MICHAEL (shouting) I don't know. He heads for the door, Andy at his heels. ANDY (almost pleading) Give me a chance, Michael. Please. I know I could make you happy. Michael takes hold of the door-handle, but Andy is faster. He presses his hand against it the door, so Michael isn't able to open it. MICHAEL (turns to look at him) I am happy. Andy stretches forth his hand and touches Michael's neck. ANDY (whispering) Don't go. Stay. Michael closes his eyes for a moment. Andy bends forward to kiss him, but Michael grabs his wrist and gently takes Andy's hand off his neck. MICHAEL (firmly) You can't carry on where you ended it fifteen years ago. You have to accept that, Andy. He opens the door. Andy doesn't show any intention of stopping him. Michael leaves the room without looking back. Andy stares at the door for a moment, then turns around and walks over to the bed. He lies down, his fingers are touching the mattress as he buries his head in the pillow and takes in the remained smell of their recent love-making. CUT TO: INT. NOVOTNY-BRUCKNER'S - NIGHT The house is dark except for the lights illuminating the living room. The camera pans over to Michael, who's standing on the sidewalk, hesitating to approach his home. He reaches in his pocket and takes out his keys, along with a small item. Wrinkling his brows he examines it in the moonlight. Close up of his palm. It's the Spiderman figure from the comic shop. MICHAEL (sighs) I guess, I'll have to fight this one on my own. He pockets the figure, takes a deep breath and approaches the front door. Focus on the door. We hear muffled voices, somebody is talking inside. Change to the living room. Hunter is standing in front of the staircase, arms crossed over his chest and angrily looking at Ben, who's sorting him out. BEN (close to shouting) I thought the times when we had to stay up late because you came home in the middle of the night were over. You have school tomorrow. What the hell were you thinking? HUNTER (grabs the handrail) I already said I was sorry. BEN (shaking his head) Sorry isn't enough. Why didn't you pick up your cell? I called five times within the last two hours. HUNTER (raising his voice) I didn't hear it ringing, okay?! I was occupied. BEN (putting his hands on his hips) Doing what? (His gaze shifts to Michael, who has just entered the room) Michael, where the hell have you been? Michael's standing next to the couch, still holding the key in his hand. MICHAEL (matter-of-factly) I just got fucked by the guy I dated after graduation. Focus on Michael. He didn't speak the last sentence. It just happened in his mind. MICHAEL (glancing at Hunter) I was (hesitating for a second) out. BEN (vitriolic) Guess what? You're not the only one. (pointing at Hunter) The lost son returned home at one in the morning. HUNTER (aggressive) I'm almost eighteen. (shouting) Don't fucking tell me what to do! BEN (furious) As long as you're living in this house you - MICHAEL (sharply) Ben! Surprised, he turns to look at Michael, who's coming over to them. Hunter uses the moment of distraction and practically flees upstairs. BEN (looking after him) Hey! He's about to follow him, but Michael holds him back. MICHAEL (touching Ben's arm - calm) Let him go. It won't do any good if you try talking to him right now. BEN (heaves a sight and nods) I'm sorry. When I came home and found the house empty, I was really worried. And none of you answered my calls. Ben sits down on the staircase and massages his temples. BEN (looking up to Michael) This was the hell of a day. First the meeting, then this. MICHAEL Right, the meeting. Sorry, I completely forgot. What did they tell you? He takes off his jacket and sits down next to Ben. BEN You remember last week, when I told you about the pipe that burst in West Wing dorm? (Michael nods) After the plumber fixed it, they hired a professional expert. It turned out the whole pipe system has to be replaced in three dormitories. MICHAEL How do they intend to accommodate the students if the building turns into a construction site? BEN (shrugs) They haven't decided yet. But whatever they do, it is certainly going to cost a lot of money. Money, the school planned for other things. They informed us, we have to tighten the belt. (gloomy) You know what that means. Reducing personnel costs and they won't go without the basic subjects. MICHAEL (wrinkling his brows) But doesn't Carnegie Mellon represents diversity and freedom of speech? They cannot cancel your lessons. And you have tenure, don't you? BEN I do, but under certain circumstances I could lose my job despite of it. MICHAEL Fuck. BEN That was my thought exactly. Anyway, there's nothing I could do right now. (He sighs) And… where have you been? Babylon? MICHAEL I - erm… (after a look in Ben's strained face) Yes. With Emmett. We danced. BEN (smiling weakly) Like the good old days, huh? At least one of us had a nice evening. (He puts his arm around Michael and gives him a peck on the cheek) Come on, let's go to bed. I'm really tired. Ben gets up and extends his hand to Michael, who takes it hesitantly. Suddenly we hear water running on the first floor. BEN (frowning) Why the hell is he taking a shower in the middle of the night? Change to the bathroom. Close up of the shower head. The camera widens up and Hunter comes into view. He steps under the jet of water, reaches for the soap and starts desperately scrubbing himself clean as if he's been covered with some sticky, invisible dirt. Suddenly he gasps and drops the soap, stretches out his arms and supports himself with both hands on the wall, while the water's running over his head and his shoulders. He's breathing in an irregular rhythm. We follow the flow of water over his body, down to the shower base and see it disappearing into the drain. CUT TO: INT. THE NEW YORK ASC - JUSTIN'S STUDIO/BEDROOM - DAY Close up of Brian's face. He's asleep, but suddenly his eyelids start to flicker and he moans. As he opens his eyes, the camera widens up. Justin's lying next to Brian. He's bent over his crotch and sucking him off. Half awake, Brian lifts his head to look at him. BRIAN (drowsy) Am I dreaming? Without breaking cock-mouth contact, Justin extends his hand and pinches Brian's right nipple. Brian flinches, then lets his head drop back on the pillow with a satisfied smile. His left hand grabs the sheets, the other one touches Justin's shoulder. Close up of Justin's fingers stroking Brian's chest. Wider angle. Brian plays with Justin's hair, who draws back his hand to take care of Brian's balls. He picks up the pace. Brian's getting close. Panting he lets go off Justin, his left hand grabs the edge of the mattress. Suddenly he gasps. We can't see what Justin's exactly doing, but obviously his finger found the way into Brian's ass. Brian writhes, trying to hold back a little bit longer, but Justin's next few movements of mouth and finger drive him over the edge. He comes with a lustful moan. As his body becomes limp, we hear a short cough and Justin appears from the left. He bends over Brian's heaving chest and lets the cum towel drop to the floor. JUSTIN (kneeling at Brian's side - smiling down at him) I'm feeling better. BRIAN (touching Justin's cheek) Me too. Justin bends down and kisses him. JUSTIN (straightens up - with a crooked grin) Sorry for finishing you off so quickly, but I was running short of breath. BRIAN That was… intense (narrowing his eyes) and a bit nasty. JUSTIN (touching Brian's chest - smiling) Can't wait for the punishment. Brian grabs his neck, pulls Justin down to him and claims his lips for another kiss. Justin puts his arm around Brian and rests his cheek on his chest, while Brian's right hand gently strokes Justin's shoulder. BRIAN So, what are your plans for today? JUSTIN (lifts his head to look at him) I didn't cancel the dinner with Simon and Austin yet. BRIAN (ironic) That's really something to look forward to. Spending the evening with two boring chicken hawks who will argue over who's first to get in your pants. JUSTIN (places a kiss on Brian's chest - serious) I'd like you to come. BRIAN (matter-of-factly) I just did. He smirks. Justin can't help but smile. He straightens up and lightly nudges Brian's ribs. JUSTIN As my partner. BRIAN (looks at him for a moment, then straightens up) Okay. (whispering in his ear) I'm going to protect you. (Justin smiles.) But I'm afraid we have to go shopping beforehand. (with pretended staginess) I wasn't prepared for such an important meeting. JUSTIN (amused) We're in New York City. I'm pretty sure, this problem can be solved. (letting his fingers travel down to Brian's navel without breaking eye contact) Anyway I have to lose some pounds to fit into my suit. (His hand vanishes under the sheets) I was hoping you could be of assistance. BRIAN (enjoying the sensation of Justin's fingers, rubbing his dick) Cardio workout, huh? JUSTIN (seductively) If you're up for it. He bends forward and slowly lets his tongue circle Brian's nipple. BRIAN (watching him) You know I'm always up for it. He puts his hand against Justin's shoulder and presses him gently down on the mattress, so he's lying on his back. While he's taking a condom out of a little box, which is sitting on the bedside table, Justin rolls onto his right and reaches for the lube. JUSTIN (coughs - holding out the tube to him) Could we go slow at first? BRIAN (puts on the condom - bending over him) I'm going to great length. JUSTIN (looking at Brian's erection) I can see that. Brian takes the lube, lifts Justin's legs and puts them on his shoulders. Justin doesn't even flinch as he lubes him up, brings his dick in position and slips it in. But instead of going the whole way, Brian stops, his cock half buried inside Justin's butt. JUSTIN (with a dissatisfied expression on his face) Stop teasing. Brian bends forward and licks his way from navel up to nipple. BRIAN (looking at him - undoubtedly enjoying the situation) This is punishment, remember? And didn't you say you wanted to go slow? He bites Justin's right nipple and pushes his cock a bit further inside. Justin grabs Brian's shoulders and moans. He's panting. Brian bends forward while we see his right hand moving between Justin's thighs, causing his dick to stand to attention. All his movements are painfully slow. Justin can't stand it any longer. He takes his legs off Brian's shoulders and places his hands underneath Brian's shoulder blades. JUSTIN Fuck slow. (He clasps his legs around Brian's waist and pushes him all the way in) Fuck me! Brian smirks, lifts himself up a bit and starts to fuck him in earnest now. Sighing with relief, Justin drops back on the mattress, rocked by Brian's deep, strong thrusts. CUT TO: INT. HAYWARD MANSION - EXT. SENATOR HAYWARD'S OFFICE - DAY Emmett is coming down the hallway, heading for Senator Hayward's office. He's wearing grey trousers and a light rose colored shirt. He approaches the office. The door's half opened. He reaches for the handle, but stops in the movement when he hears somebody talking inside. Change of angle. Through the space between door and frame we see Senator Hayward sitting behind his desk. Robert Carlyle is standing opposite him. ROBERT (handing the Senator a clipboard) The results of the latest poll, Sir. Obviously we were able to limit the losses a bit. SEN. HAYWARD (takes a quick, dissatisfied look at it - disapproving) Didn't you say hiring this queer guy from the news would calm down the voters, who were upset because of the bombing and show that we don't support such drastic measures? That we are able to interact with them and go about this in a civilized way? ROBERT That was the general idea. And it worked. Close up of Emmett's fingers. He's squeezing the door-handle so hard, that his knuckles turn white. SEN. HAYWARD (pointing at the papers) But that's not entirely enough. Since we support Proposition 14 and want to regain the trust of the voters, we have to do more. We won't get their vote if they're thinking we are sympathizing with bombers. There's only five days left, Robert. ROBERT (trying to sound optimistic) There's still your live interview on Channel Five the day after tomorrow. SEN. HAYWARD It has to be good. It's our last chance to win them over. (Robert turns to leave) By the way make sure that Mr. Honeycutt stays down in the kitchen and keep my son away from him. Emmett seethes with rage. He's just about to push open the door and burst into the room, as a hand comes up from the right side of the screen and pulls him back to keep him from entering. It's Alberta. Emmett's looking at her in surprise, while she drags him down the corridor into one of the conference rooms. EMMETT (annoyed) What did you do that for? ALBERTA (closing the door behind them) It wouldn't have been of anyone's use, if you came crashing in and gave them a piece of your mind right away. EMMETT (still stunned) Did you know about this? That they hired me just to polish up their image? ALBERTA (passing the long table and heading for a black leather couch, which is standing in the corner of the room, next to a small palm tree) First I thought it was Philip's way to show me I'm getting too old for the job, but then I realized he was so focused on the election, that he barely cared about anything else. She sits down on the couch and indicates him to come over. EMMETT (approaching - shaking his head) I can't believe I was so stupid. ALBERTA Robert's a sly fox. He knows how to persuade people. EMMETT (sits down next to her) I can't stand the thought that I might have helped them to get Proposition 14 to pass. I never would have thought they could be that devious. And doesn't he think of Rel? ALBERTA I've know Philip since he was thirteen. He's not a bad person. Even if you may not believe this. He loves his sons and he's convinced that he's doing the right thing. Philip has no idea how to be a father, because he never really had one of his own. You see the old Mr. Hayward owned a big company and was barely at home. EMMETT Well, we all have our cross to bear. (still angry) He's not entitled to fuck up the lives of others. ALBERTA He's not aware of this. For him it's all statistics and paragraphs. EMMETT (passionately) I won't let them use me to take away the rights the community fought so hard for. ALBERTA (looking him in the eye) You should tell him. (She puts her hand on Emmett's) Tell him what it means for the people beyond the papers. He may not understand but I'm sure he'll listen. She gives him a warm, encouraging smile. CUT TO: INT. NOVOTNY-BRUCKNER'S - BATHROOM - DAY We're greeted by the sight of Michael, who's standing in front of us and is brushing his teeth. He takes a sip of water from his toothbrush tumbler and gives his mouth a rinse. As he bends down to spit it into the washbasin, Ben enters the room. He's wearing a tracksuit and is soaked in sweat. Michael straightens up and startles as Ben embraces him from behind. BEN (kisses him on his neck) I didn't know you were that jumpy in the morning. MICHAEL (evasive) I guess I'm still half asleep. I didn't hear you getting up. Change of angle. Ben lets Michael go and takes off his sweater. BEN (with a muffled voice) I couldn't sleep so I decided to go for a run. I needed to clear my thoughts. (He drops the sweater into the dirty linen box) By the way, you were tossing and turning the whole night. MICHAEL (alarmed) Did I say something? BEN No, you just moaned. (jokingly) Who did you fuck? He doesn't notice the guilty expression on Michael's face, because he bends down to take off his socks. MICHAEL (braces himself and takes a step in Ben's direction) Ben, there's something I – As he starts talking, Ben straightens up. Quick flash to the hallway. BEN (frowning) Hey! Change of angle. Hunter just sneaked out of his room and is heading for the stairs. He stops for a moment and stares over to them, then turns away and hurries downstairs. BEN (leaving the bathroom - irritated) Hunter! (He bends over the handrail - shouting after him) It's almost half past eight. You should be at school! HUNTER (already out of the picture - but shouting back) I can't talk to you. I'm late! Michael steps next to Ben, who's shaking his head in disbelief. We hear the back door slam shut. BEN (looking at Michael - at a loss) What was that? The Great Escape? MICHAEL (shrugs) I doubt that he ever watched the movie and it's not like he's held prisoner. BEN (sighs) Anyway, he can't avoid us for the rest of the day. We have to talk to him about last night. He walks back into the bathroom. Michael screws up his face. MICHAEL (following him) Speaking of last night. (Ben takes off his trousers) There's something I didn't tell you. BEN (turns around) Could we talk about this later? I need to take a shower and I don't want to be late for class. Especially in the current situation. (He kisses him on the lips - Michael's looking as if he's having a déjà-vu) Thanks. He watches Ben with a helpless expression on his face, when the phone starts ringing downstairs. Ben turns on the water. Change to Michael, who enters the kitchen and takes the call. MICHAEL Yes? Horizontal Split Screen. Andy appears above Michael. He's lying on the hotel bed, just wearing a bathrobe. ANDY (smiling) Hey, Michael. MICHAEL (stunned) Andy. (angry) You can't just call here. He takes a look over his shoulder as if he's afraid somebody might overhear the conversation. ANDY (playing with the cable of the telephone) Why not? Did your husband threatened to kill me? MICHAEL (with an quick and uncomfortable look upstairs) There hasn't been the opportunity to tell him yet. But I'm going to do it. ANDY (pleased) Of course. (He lets go of the cable and hugs the pillow next to him tightly) I couldn't sleep, you know? I was thinking of you the whole night. MICHAEL (desperately) Please, Andy. I told you it was a one-time thing. Why can't you accept that? ANDY (straightens up - in a serious tone) Because I love you. He gets up from the bed and picks up something from the bedside table. MICHAEL (leans against the wall and closes his eyes for a moment) Your boyfriend broke up with you. You're just confused. Andy's looking at a picture of him and Michael, taken in spring of '89 during their last days together before Andy left for college. ANDY (firmly) I know what I want. You. MICHAEL (swallows - trying to keep his voice steady) I won't leave Ben. (almost pleading) So, if you really like me Andy, then fly home. Andy's staring at the picture and doesn't answer. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. ANDY (failing to hide his disappointment) Alright. I'll go if you want me to, but I'd like to see you one more time. MICHAEL (hastily) No. ANDY Why not? Are you afraid you might lose control again? The water on the first floor is turned off. BEN (shouting downstairs) Michael, can you get me a towel, please? MICHAEL (relieved to end the conversation) I have to go. He hangs up and heaves a sigh. Cut to Ben. He's standing in the opened door of the shower. Water drops are running down his naked body. Change of angle. Michael enters the bathroom. BEN Who was it? MICHAEL (extending the towel) Wrong number. CUT TO: INT. KINNETIK - TED'S DESK - DAY Ted is sitting behind his desk, staring at his computer screen with a fixed and empty gaze. Change of angle, so we can see what he's looking at. It's a website of a rehab center in Pittsburgh. CYNTHIA Ted?... Ted! The camera slowly rises up. Cynthia comes into view. She's standing behind the computer screen. She's wearing a short, black dress and is looking at him expectantly. Change of angle. TED (looking up at her - still absent-minded) Sorry, what did you say? CYNTHIA I asked you about the check from Home Design. Has it been covered? TED (vaguely) I think so. CYNTHIA (getting impatient) Would you mind to check? Brian told me to book a four colored page at Domino for them, provided that they paid their last invoice. TED (massages his forehead and sighs) I'll take a look at our bank account. CYNTHIA (vitriolic) That's a great idea. Right now would be the perfect time. TED (with a dismissive movement of his hand) I have to make a phone call. I'll tell you in a minute. She leaves with a last disapproving look at him in the direction of her desk. Ted picks up the receiver and dials. Somebody takes the call. FEMALE VOICE (politely) Detox Medical Center. Rhonda Fisher. TED (hesitates for a moment, then clears his throat) My name's Jim Miller. I'm looking for a friend of mine. His name's Jonathan Thayer. MRS. FISHER One moment, Sir. I'm going to check our computer. Ted opens the top drawer and stares at a small casket. He reaches over and opens the lid. It contains the ampoule he bought last night along with a syringe. He's staring at it with a gloomy face. MRS. FISHER (back on the phone) He's on Ward 5, but at the current state of treatment he isn't allowed to see any visitors or have telephone conversations. Do you want me to write down a message? TED (in a disturbing cold voice) No thanks. This one has to be delivered in person. He hangs up, closes the casket and shuts the drawer. Cynthia notices that he ended his call and comes over to his desk. CYNTHIA (with an enquiring look) And? Did we get the money? TED Erm… Yes. CYNTHIA Great. Satisfied with the answer, she turns around and walks out of the picture. The camera focuses on Ted, who's looking after her, then slowly pans over to the closed drawer. CUT TO: STARTING AT FIFTH AVENUE - NEW YORK - DAY Music: Dandy Warhols - Everyday should be a holiday We see various people walking down the avenue. The sun is shining and it seems to be a surprisingly warm day for late autumn, because they're wearing only light or no jackets. Focus on Brian and Justin, floating down the sidewalk with the stream of people. They're both clad in jeans and wearing sunglasses. Justin's left arm is wrapped around Brian's waist, who's right arm is resting casually on Justin's shoulders. As they pass a shop window, Justin points at a male mannequin, which is wearing a tux and says something. Brian stops to take a closer look, whispers something in Justin's ear and gives him a slap on the butt. Justin laughs. Change of location. They're inside a department store. Brian's looking at some shirts hanging on a rack. He takes out a hideous striped one and screws up his face in disgust. Justin comes up from behind and puts a black cowboy hat on Brian's head. Brian turns around and smirks, pulling the hat deeper in his face. Cut to Justin, standing in front of a changing stall. He's modeling a grey cotton shirt and a black jacket to Brian, who's sitting on chair and watches him. He points at the jacket and nods his approval. Inside a perfumery. A female sales assistant sprays a few drops of perfume on Brian's wrist. He holds his hand out to Justin, so he can have a sniff. Justin nods and says something, which causes Brian to smirk and the sales assistant to blush. Change to the bedroom department of a furniture store. They're strolling through a section with various double beds. Obviously their shopping trip has been crowned with success so far. They're both carrying some shopping bags. The music begins to fade as Brian comes to a halt. BRIAN (pointing at a medium sized bed) What do you think of this one? It's not too big for your room. JUSTIN It's great, but we're just taking a look around remember? You know I don't have the money right now. I have to wait till Rage is on sale. (Brian puts his bags down) What are you doing? BRIAN (drops onto the mattress - satisfied) Silent coil springs. I say we should take it. JUSTIN I told you - BRIAN Give it a try. He grabs Justin's hand and pulls him onto the mattress. They're lying on their backs now, shoulder to shoulder. BRIAN (turns to look at Justin) What do you think. JUSTIN The mattress is pretty hard. BRIAN (takes Justin's hand and guides it to his crotch) Just like me. JUSTIN (impressed) Wow. What a boner. BRIAN (with a meaningful look) Maybe we should test the bed right now. JUSTIN And get ourselves arrested for public indecency. BRIAN Could be hot. We never did it in a prison cell before. He leans forward to kiss Justin on the lips, but suddenly hesitates. JUSTN (wrinkling his brows) What's wrong? BRIAN (in a low voice) Don't turn around. Somebody is watching us. JUSTIN Maybe the store detective? BRIAN (slightly shaking his head) Too hot. It's a brunette guy with a beard. (He gets up, extends his hand and pulls Justin up from the bed) Let's split up. You turn left. The camera focuses on them from a considerable distance. Justin picks up the shopping bags and takes the left aisle, while Brian disappears behind a wardrobe to his right. The camera hesitates for a moment, than decides to follow Justin. Change of angle. The brunette guy from the other night comes into view. He's keeping a safe distance, careful not to get noticed by Justin, who stops and pretends to inspect another double bed. The guy tries to hide himself behind a wardrobe, where Brian's already waiting for him. BRIAN (casually leaning against the rear of the wardrobe) What exactly are you looking for? Maybe I can be of assistance. GUY Fuck. He turns on his heels and starts running. Brian leaps forward and tries to take hold of him, but he's just able to grab the pocket of his jacket. The seam can't hold the pressure and gives way. The guy escapes. Brian bends down to pick up the shred of material, along with two other items. Justin steps next to Brian. JUSTIN (looking at the things in Brian's palm) An old chewing gum and a receipt for a coffee and scrambled eggs with bacon. What's your conclusion, Mr. Holmes? BRIAN (pockets the receipt) Your stalker seems to be an accountant. (holding out the chewing gum to Justin) Hungry, Watson? JUSTIN (ignoring the gum) What are we going to do about him? Tell the police? BRIAN What do you want to tell them? There's a guy who wants to fuck me? (He embraces him from behind and brings his lips to Justin's ear) Well, Sunshine. (pressing his hard-on against his ass) I'm afraid he's not the only one. CUT TO: INT. HAYWARD MANSION - SENATOR HAYWARD'S OFFICE - DAY The senator is sitting behind his desk, hunched over some papers. There's a knock on the door. He lifts up his head. SEN. HAYWARD Yes? Focus on the door. Emmett pokes his head inside. EMMETT I'd like to talk to you, Mr. Hayward. SEN. HAYWARD (definitely not thrilled) Come in. Emmett enters the room and closes the door behind him. SEN. HAYWARD (sighs - pointing at the chair in front of his desk) Have a seat. EMMETT (cool) Thanks. I prefer to stand. SEN. HAYWARD (annoyed) Well? What's the reason for your visit? EMMETT This morning I came to apologize for what I said last night, but then I overheard your little talk with Mr. Carlyle. SEN. HAYWARD (frowning at him) It's rude to listen to other people's conversations. EMMETT (crosses his arms over his chest - vitriolic) It's also rude to use people for gaining votes and getting a certain Proposition to pass. SEN. HAYWARD (shrugging - unmoved) It's nothing personal, Mr. Honeycutt. It's just politics. EMMETT (furious) You intend to deprive homosexuals of the few rights our people fought so hard for over the past years. People who were spit at by the postman. Who were harassed and called abnormal perverts. People who dreamed that one day they would be accepted and respected the way they are. And then somebody like you comes along, who tries to take all that away and says it's nothing personal, it's just politics? Let me tell you, this is personal! SEN. HAYWARD (defensive) It's not that simple. Domestic partnerships. Marriage. I just don't get it. I don't care what you guys do in your bedrooms, but why the hell do you want to get married? EMMETT (looking him in the eye) Why did you want to get married, Mr. Hayward? (The senator avoids his gaze and doesn't answer.) You see? It's that simple. (The senator still seems reluctant to see Emmett's point) Have you ever thought about the effects on people's lives if Proposition 14 passes? They could lose their houses, their health insurance, maybe even the right to see their kids. SEN. HAYWARD (leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest - shaking his head) I'm sorry, but you can't hold me responsible for that. EMMETT (disgusted) Does being a politician mean to sacrifice humanity? SEN. HAYWARD (sounding nonchalant) Sometimes you have to put aside personal feelings. Emmett snorts and shakes his head in disbelief. For a moment it seems he's about to give up, but then his fighting spirit returns. EMMETT (bends forward - supporting himself with his hands on the table top) What about Rel? Your son's gay, if you like it or not and Proposition 14 could affect his life as well. What if he finds a man who he wants to spend the rest of his life with? How are you going to explain to him that he doesn't have the same rights as a straight man does? (He throws an envelope onto the tabletop - looking at the senator) You already lost one son, don't lose the other. The last sentence has it's effect. The senator's looking as if Emmett slapped his face. Emmett turns around and walks out of the room, head up high. After he's gone, the senator takes a look at the envelope. It says: I am proud to be a faggot. The senator rips open the slip with his letter opener and unfolds the paper. It's Emmett's notice. CUT TO: INT. STAIRWELL OF THE NEW YORK ASC - DAY Justin and Brian are climbing up the stairs. JUSTIN (taking out his keys) For a moment I thought the taxi driver would kick us out. BRIAN (amused) He almost hit a hydrant as you started to blow me. As they approach the door, we hear a steady banging and somebody shouting inside. JUSTIN (putting the key into the lock) What the hell is going on in there? BRIAN (pretending to be offended) A SM party and we weren't invited. That's rude. Justin hastily opens and they enter the apartment. Quick flash to the bathroom. Somebody is banging against the closed door from the inside. VINCE (screaming at the top of his lounges) Let me out! Lou!! You can't do that! JUSTIN (heading for the bathroom) Vince! What's going on? The banging stops. Justin puts his hands on the door. VINCE Justin? (sighing with relief) Finally. I thought I had to spend the night on the bath mat. BRIAN (steps next to Justin) What did he do? Locked the door and flushed the key? VINCE Lou's out of her mind. She pushed me in here and locked me up. (desperately) Tell her to let me out… Please, Justin. JUSTIN (starts looking for her) Lou? Change to the kitchen. Lou's sitting on the bench and has just finished eating a salad as the boys enter the room. JUSTIN (pointing over to the hallway) What's Vince doing in the bathroom? LOU (factually) I came home early because I had to prepare for a business dinner and Vincent was just about to leave in order to see his sadistic boyfriend. I decided it was the perfect time for a change of plans. He needed a little time-out. BRIAN (matter-of-factly) Obviously he's not enjoying himself. LOU (shrugs) He's got running water and a toilet. I don't think there's a reason to complain. JUSTIN (softly) Come on, Lou. Let him out. LOU No, I won't! (She gets up - pointing in the direction of the bathroom) This asshole has beaten him again last night. He can barely move his arm. JUSTIN (surprised) But he was fine when he came home. LOU (bitter) Obviously he's a skilled actor. BRIAN (cuts in - extending his hand) Give me the key. (Lou crosses her arms over her chest and shakes her head) Nothing you say or do will make him see reason. The harder you push the more you'll drive him away. The boys are both looking at her. Slowly her resistance seems to fade. LOU (desperately) What if he ends up in hospital? What if he beats him to death? BRIAN You can't help him as long as he refuses to accept any help. JUSTIN (touching her shoulder) He's the only one who can put an end to this. Reluctantly she hands Brian the key. Change to Vince. He's given up and is sitting on the toilet lid, his face buried in his hands. He lifts his head as the key turns in the lock. The door opens. Justin and Brian are standing in the hallway. VINCE (getting up from the toilet) Thank you guys. (He spots Lou, who's pressing herself against the doorframe of the kitchen, watching him in silence) You are totally nuts! Stay away from me! BRIAN (frowning at him) She was just trying to protect you, you silly twat. VINCE (vitriolic) I can look after myself. Brian grabs his arm, causing Vince to howl in pain. BRIAN (matter-of-factly) Obviously you did a bad job. Vince glares at him and stalks furiously into his room, holding his aching arm with his other hand. He slams the door shut. CUT TO: EXT. RED CAPE COMICS - DAY We see Michael from behind. He's about to unlock the entrance door of the comic book store, when suddenly a hand comes up from behind and touches his shoulder. He turns around with a start. Change of angle. Andy is standing in front of Michael, hands in his pockets. MICHAEL (slowly recovering from the shock) Jesus, Andy. You scared the shit out of me. ANDY (looking sad) I just came to say goodbye. I booked a flight back to New York. MICHAEL (relieved) I'm glad to hear that. ANDY I thought about what you said this morning and maybe you had a point. I've been with Juan for almost five years and I do miss him. But that's not the reason I want to be with you. MICHAEL (with a helpless expression on his face) Andy, please. I thought you understood. ANDY It wasn't just sex and you felt it too. But you asked me to leave and I will. He takes a step in Michael's direction, who moves backwards until he's standing with his back against the door. Andy bends forward - Michael closes his eyes - and kisses him softly on the lips. ANDY (whispering) I'll be seeing you again. Slowly Michael opens his eyes. They share one last intense look, then Andy turns away and walks over to the taxi, which is waiting next to the sidewalk. Michael is looking after him. Andy gets in the backseat and the driver starts the engine. He's staring at Michael until the car is out of sight. Michael leans his head against the shop door and sighs. CUT TO: INT. ALLEGHENY HIGH - CORRIDOR - DAY Two teachers are walking down the corridor. The man is holding a paper cup of coffee in his hand. The woman is carrying two rolled up maps for Geography. FEMALE TEACHER It's quite warm considering it's almost November. MALE TEACHER The weather is great. We're going to spend the weekend with the kids out in the country. (They turn around the corner) That means if Bridget - He doesn't get any further, because they spot a bunch of students in the center of the corridor, standing in a circle and cheering at something or somebody in the middle. The male teacher immediately presses the paper cup into the hand of his colleague and approaches the crowd. MALE TEACHER (forcing his way through the outer ring) What's going on here? Quick flash to the center. Hunter and a black-haired boy are having a fight. The boy has him in a headlock, but Hunter rams his elbow into the other ones ribs, who gasps and lets him go. Snorting with rage he prepares for another attack, just when the teacher steps in between and separates them. TEACHER (holding them by their arms) Stop it! Both of you! Panting and hatefully glaring at each other the boys obey and he lets them go. TEACHER You two. Principal's office. Now! BOY (pointing at Hunter) But he started it. Lilly is standing next to him. Unnoticed, her elbow hits exactly the same spot as Hunter's did before. The boy gasps for breath. LILLY (hissing) Shut up, Lewis. MR. ANDERSON (angry) I don't care who started it. I'm going to call your parents. Come with me. HUNTER (shocked) Fuck. Mr. Anderson is driving the boys down the corridor. The crowd disperses. Focus on Lilly. The takes out her cell phone and dials a number. LILLY Hey, it's me. (looking after Hunter) I need your help. It's an emergency. Change to the principal's office. Hunter's sitting on a chair in front of the desk, opposite Mr. Logan, who's on the phone. PRINCIPAL LOGAN (nodding) I see. Thanks, Ma'am. (He hangs up) Mr. Bruckner's in a meeting right now. HUNTER (relieved) He's pretty busy. He's almost arisen from the chair, when the principal indicates him to sit down again. PRINCIPAL LOGAN (with a faked smiled) There's still Mr. Novotny, right? Hunter drops back on the chair. Mr. Logan picks up the receiver. At the same moment there's a knock on the door and Stuart barges into the room. STUART (out of breath) I'm sorry I'm late. I came to pick up Hunter. PRINCIPAL LOGAN (puts down the receiver - raising his brows) And who are you? STUART I'm his uncle. He takes a confused Hunter by the arm and drags him over to the door. PRINCIPAL LOGAN (taken by surprise) But we have to talk about his behavior, Mr. (trying to recall) Sorry, what's your name again? STUART (puts his hand around Hunter's shoulder) He deeply regrets what he's done, (looking at him) don't you boy? HUNTER (nods - quickly) I won't do it again. PRINCIPAL LOGAN (wrinkling his brows - scrutinizing Stuart) Didn't you just enroll your daughter a few weeks ago? STUART (pushing Hunter out of the room - with a broad smile) We're a big, happy family. With the closing of the door, his smile vanishes. HUNTER (grateful) Thanks for saving me. STUART (with a grim expression on his face) Come with me and don't try to escape. It won't do you any good. Hunter swallows, staring at him in shock. CUT TO: INT. INPATIANT DETOX MEDICAL CENTER - WARD FIVE - EVENING Two women are sitting behind the reception desk, chatting and drinking coffee. NURSE 1 He said he wanted a cup. NURSE 2 (looking at her expectantly) Did you make some? NURSE 1 (with a meaningful glance) Yes, but I accidentally added two more spoons of powder. He never asked me for a coffee again. They let out a loud guffaw, as a man with a red baseball cap passes the desk. He's carrying four cardboard boxes and is hardly able to see what lies ahead. CAP GUY (with a muffled voice) Hey, girls. NURSES (in unison) Hey, Danny. One of them presses the buzzer for opening the door, then goes back to gossip about the male doctors. As Danny leans against the door to push it open with the weight of his body, one of the smaller cartons drops to the floor. Danny groans. Focus on the box. A hand appears from the right and picks it up. The camera widens up. It's Ted. TED (with a friendly smile) Looks like you could use another hand. DANNY (grateful) Thank you. TED No problem. They're carrying the boxes inside. Danny heads for a storeroom on the right side of the corridor. DANNY I don't know why they never carry the stuff upstairs by themselves. (He puts down the boxes and takes out a bunch of keys. Opening the door) I mean it's called a delivery service and we pay for that. (carrying the boxes inside) But no. Good old Dannie has to take care of this. (He puts down the box. Stepping back into the corridor) Don't you think that's – He's standing next to the remained boxes, looking up and down the corridor. Ted's gone. Danny frowns, then shrugs and carries the last boxes into the storeroom. Change to one of the rooms. The furnishing is dreary. A chest of drawers, a white plastic chair and a low table next to the bed. No mirror, no TV - just white walls and dark curtains. It's really depressing. Jonathan's lying in bed, his back's turned towards us. He seems to be asleep. The camera pans over to the door, which slowly opens itself. Ted enters the room and closes the door, but doesn't approach. He's just staring at Jonathan with a hateful look. His hand slide into his pocket and he takes out the small ampoule and the syringe. Hesitantly Ted's looking at the two items, his gaze shifts to Jonathan again. Quick flash to Blake, lying on the floor, Jonathan is above him, keeping him down to the ground. Blake tries to get rid of him, but Jonathan is stronger. He screams in agony as Jonathan drives the syringe into his flesh. The vision fades with a quick flash back to Ted. He walks over the bed, when suddenly Jonathan turns around and looks at him. He's pale and his eyes are glassy. JONATHAN (with a raspy voice) Who are you? How did you get in here? Ted doesn't answer. Jonathan frowns and lifts himself from the mattress. He's wearing a grey striped pajama. From the look on his face you can tell he's not in full possession of his faculties. JONATHAN Are you the new nurse? (He extends his hand and grabs Ted's arm) Give me something. I don't care what. Ted wrinkles his brows, his fingers are clenching the ampoule. Jonathan lets Ted go and comes to kneel on the bed. JONATHAN (holding his head with both hands) Please, I can't stand the pain anymore. Make it stop. (whimpering) I'm dying and they all just watch. (grabbing Ted's arm again) Give me something. Please. Please. He's looking at Ted with pleading eyes. Shocked Ted takes a step back, so Jonathan has to let him go. Wider angle. We see them both staring at each other in the dim and surreal light of the room. Focus on Ted. He's breathing heavily, looking at the ampoule and the syringe. Only now he seems to realize what he was about to do. Shaking his head, he stuffs the items back into his pocket. TED (firmly) I can't help you. JONATHAN (weary) I'm tired. I'm terribly tired. He coils up on the mattress. With a last look of sympathy Ted turns around and walks back to the door. As he reaches for the doorknob, Jonathan speaks again. JONATHAN (with a clearer voice) Wait. Slowly Ted turns around. Jonathan is sitting upright on the bed, wrinkling his brows. Suddenly he seems to be in a better state of mind. JONATHAN I know you. You're Billy Crystal. (Ted doesn't answer) You're back? (triumphantly) See, I told you so. TED (calm) I'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm not a patient. JONATHAN What the hell are you doing here then? TED (almost talking to himself) I was looking for a white whale. JONATHAN (raising his brows) Here? (ironic) Did you try 'Seaworld'? TED (shakes his head) I just realized it's my own fault I lost the leg. JONATHAN (pointing at him) I knew you're on a trip. TED I was, but it's over now. I don't want my ship to sink. He leaves the room, without looking back. The camera focuses on the closed door. CUT TO: INT. ZEN PALACE - NEW YORK - LATE EVENING Close up of two bamboo plants. The camera widens up and starts circling around a table, which is set with Asian food and drinks. It moves from Austin to Simon, then to Brian and Justin and comes to an halt as we reach Austin again. AUSTIN (laughs - looking at Simon) What was the original wording again? (turning to Brian and Justin) He called her new works the pathetic attempt to create something entirely different. He said she would successfully bore the observer to death. And that the drawings of his six year old niece had more expressiveness than her paintings, which were a waste of canvas and paint. SIMON (shrugs) I was just being honest. JUSTIN (takes his glass - amused) I guess, Meredith didn't take it so well. SIMON (with a meaningful glance) It was the beginning of a wonderful enmity. (He laughs, then turns to Brian) So, you're the one, who supported Justin's career. BRIAN (smirking) Well, I love to give and I received a lot in return. Justin's taking a sip from his drink and nudges Brian knee, in order to shut him up. Simon raises a brow. AUSTIN (unaware of the ambiguity of Brian's remark) The partner often has his share in an artist's success. (turning to Justin) Speaking of success, I already told you that I love your pictures. I presented the photos that I took at your studio to my bosses yesterday. (emphasizing the last word) They were thrilled. JUSTIN (happily) They approved? SIMON (puts his hand on Justin's - excited) Of course they did. I told you you're talented. He's patting the back of Justin's hand, which causes Brian to frown at Simon. He bends over to Justin, grabs his neck and kisses him on the lips. Justin draws back his hand from the table to touch Brian's shoulder. BRIAN (eyes fixed on Justin - smiling) Congratulations, Picasso. Simon seems to be slightly disappointed, unlike Austin, who raises his glass. AUSTIN (cheery) Let's drink to the fine arts. No matter if it's graphic or abstract. BRIAN (to Justin - in a low voice) I definitely prefer graphic. JUSTIN You don't say. They raise their glasses and as they're taking a sip, Justin's cell phone rings. Justin puts down his glass. JUSTIN (taking out his cell) Sorry. (getting up) I'll be back in a second. He walks over to a low wall with some sort of wooden blinds. In the background we see the table. Brian is talking to Austin, while Simon seems to pout. JUSTIN (answering the call) Yes? We hear someone breathing heavily. VINCE (with a mixture of panic and fear in his voice) Justin? JUSTIN (alarmed) Vince, what's wrong? VINCE (obviously crying) I didn't mean to. You have to believe me. I said no, but he wouldn't listen. JUSTIN (seriously worried) What happened? Where are you? VINCE I told him to stop. (his voice breaks) I told him. JUSTIN (almost shouting) Vincent! Where are you?! Change to the table. Austin touches Brian's shoulder as if they were old friends. Brian frowns at him, but Austin doesn't notice. AUSTIN How did the two of you met? I'm such a sucker for romantic love stories. He lets go of Brian's shoulder and leans back in his chair in anticipation to hear some sappy love story. BRIAN (with an innocent look) Well, I met him on Liberty Avenue, about four years ago. I took him home, gave him a rim job and fucked his brains out. Simon rolls his eyes and shakes his head. AUSTIN (irritated) Oh, erm… What an interesting first encounter. (smiling again) Anyway, it's great that you appreciate his remarkable talent. BRIAN (definitely thinking of some other talent) I do indeed. I wouldn't want to miss it anymore. SIMON (scornful) Do you know something about art, Mr. Kinney? BRIAN (with a smug smile) Define art. Simon gives him an angry glare, just as Justin steps next to the table. JUSTIN (addressing Brian) We have to go. (to Simon and Austin) I'm really sorry, but there's a family emergency. Brian gets up from his chair, narrowing his brows. AUSTIN (full of sympathy) Is somebody hurt? JUSTIN (nervously) I'm afraid that's possible. Thanks for the invitation and sorry again. He turns around with a half-hearted smile and hastily heads for the cloakroom, Brian at his side. BRIAN (slightly worried) What the fuck's going on? JUSTIN Vince called. Brian takes him by the arm and forces him to stop. BRIAN (staring at him in disbelief) You've just left a business dinner for this little fucker? JUSTIN (deadly serious) He thinks he killed Shane. BRIAN Shit. Come on. Let's go. Hastily they walk out of the picture. CUT TO: FRICK PARK - PARKING LOT - NIGHT Stuart's car, an old dark blue Mercedes Benz, rolls into the picture and stops on the deserted parking lot. The engine dies. Change to the inside. Hunter's sitting in the passenger's seat, uneasily watching his surroundings. He swallows as Stuart turns around in the driver's seat and looks at him. Hunter's fingers clasp around the door-handle. STUART (with a menacing undertone) Don't even think about it. HUNTER (pressing himself against the door) Why did you bring me here? STUART (with a weird grin) It's the perfect place. Nobody will hear you scream. Hunter's staring at him wide-eyed. He's close to panic, when Stuart shakes his head and turns to look through the windscreen. The expression on his face softens. STUART (serious) Have you ever thought that you might pick up the wrong guy one day? HUNTER (relaxes a bit - still confused) What are you talking about? STUART (turns to look at him) I saw you last night. With Gregory Mills. He provides Babylon with spirits and he came to pick up the new order, but obviously he also picked up some other things. HUNTER (mistrustful) Is this the moment you tell me to stay away from your daughter? STUART She had to look after herself as soon as she was able to walk. She did a better job than I ever could. You know, I'm not exactly father of the year. I did a lot of things I'm not very proud of, so who am I to judge? But believe me you have to pay a high price for easy money. For a moment they watch the dark trees and bushes in front of them. HUNTER (silently) I did it a thousand times. My mother forced me to, so I did it and somehow I grew accustomed to it. It was what I had to do to get money. (looking at Stuart again) But it's different now. I never felt this way before. I even had to throw up afterwards. STUART (sympathetic) Things change with sleeping in real beds and clean linen and a filled fridge downstairs. And with people who care for us. Like your fathers. HUNTER I don't want them to know. They're my first real family and they did so much for me. I don't want to disappoint them. STUART (softly) Then don't do it again. HUNTER I won't. STUART (sounding honest) If you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me. HUNTER (grateful) Thanks. STUART By the way, Lilly told me you defended her honor today, when this boy insulted her. HUNTER (getting angry by the mere thought of Lewis) He deserved something worse than a black eye for what he said. STUART (disapproving) It was a very foolish reaction. (laughing) I'm not surprised my daughter likes you. Come on, I'll drive you home. He gives Hunter a smile and turns the key to start the engine. CUT TO: INT. BRUCKNER-NOVOTNY'S - BATHROOM - NIGHT Music: Wham! - Wake me up before you go go The room is filled with steam. We hear water running, accompanied by Michael's interpretation of the song. He's singing in a high pitched voice and very off key. The camera approaches the doors. They glide open and we see the back of a naked Michael. He's holding the shower head in one hand and turns the spray towards his face, still singing passionately and soaping the rest of his body with the other hand. Change of angle. Ben's standing in front of the shower. BEN Michael. There's no reaction from Michael. Ben taps him on the shoulder. Michael turns around with a start and accidentally directs the shower head towards Ben. BEN (jumps aside, but gets wet nevertheless) Hey! Look out. MICHAEL Sorry. (He hastily turns off the water) I didn't hear you coming home. Ben bends down and turns the radio off. BEN (straightens up) I had a meeting with some colleagues. (taking off his wet shirt) The secretary informed me that Hunter's principal called. When I called him back, he told me our son had a fight and his uncle came to pick him up. Are there any relatives you didn't tell me about? MICHAEL (reaching for the towel) I used to save money to buy myself a brother, when I was a little boy. Believe me, I would know. BEN (sitting down on the toilet lid) I could really use some good news right now, instead of another catastrophe. (looking at Michael, who's drying himself) Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me this morning? MICHAEL (swallows - getting out of the shower) I erm… Well, it wasn't really important. Forget about it. The doorbell rings. Change to the front door. Hunter and Stuart are standing on the doorstep. HUNTER I've got a key. STUART (putting his hand on his shoulder) And hopefully some guts. It's better to face them openly, instead of just sneaking in. The door opens. Ben, still shirtless, comes into view. Michael's standing next to him, a towel draped around his loins. STUART (smiling) Are we interrupting something? BEN (frowning at him) Let me guess. Uncle Stuart. Becoming part of the family happened a bit quicker than I expected. STUART Hunter needed a lift. I just thought you wouldn't want him to walk home all by himself. MICHAEL Thanks. STUART (turns to leave) Well, I'll have to go. I'm expected at the club. He walks down the path back to his car. Ben frowns, then motions Hunter to get inside. They enter the living room. HUNTER Before you say something, I'm sorry. For last night and everything else. It won't happen again. BEN (pleased) I'm glad to hear that. HUNTER (sitting down on the couch) I'd like to make up for it. Maybe we could spend some time together. Play basketball or something like that. MICHAEL (unenthusiastic) Great. You're playing and I'm just running after the ball. BEN (puts his arm around Michael's shoulder) Every successful team needs a good ball-boy. Somebody as reliable and honest as you. He doesn't notice the guilty expression on Michael's face, because he's smiling at Hunter. CUT TO: EXT. SHANE'S STUDIO - NEW YORK - NIGHT A shady stairwell, Justin and Brian are hastening upstairs. The camera follows Justin, who stops in front of a big iron double door and starts banging against it with his fist. JUSTIN (screaming) Vincent! It's us! Open up! Brian grabs the doorknob and pushes. The door moves a bit. BRIAN (shaking it) It's stuck somewhere. They push together, ramming the door with their shoulders. After the second try it gives way and nearly causes them to stumble into the studio. It's a high and spacious room. Various backgrounds leaning on the walls, there are different cameras and spotlights, even some shackles, which are hanging from the ceiling. On the left is a kitchenette and there's a rumpled up bed in the middle of the room. Shane's lying unconscious on the floor in front of it. His jeans are halfway down his butt. The angle changes. Brian and Justin are standing in the doorway, taking a look around. BRIAN (spotting Shane) Look for Vincent. The camera follows him as he hastily walks over to the motionless body. Shane's head's resting in a small pool of blood, he's got a wound behind his left temple. Pieces of a broken bottle are covering the floor. As Brian kneels down, the camera pans over to Justin. JUSTIN (taking a look behind a screen) Vince? Where are you? There's a noise in the kitchen. Justin turns around and quickly approaches. As he looks behind the sink, we see Vince, sitting on the floor. He's a mess. His t-shirt is torn, his jeans unbuttoned. He's hugging his knees. JUSTIN (crouches next to him - touching his shoulder) Vince, it's me. (Vince looks up. His face is reddened from crying, but probably also from a slap) What happened? VINCE (with tears in his voice) He drank too much. Flashback: We see Vince, sitting on the bed. Shane approaches, drinking from a bottle. He's only wearing a pair of jeans and opens the button. He throws the empty bottle on the mattress. VINCE [VO] He wanted to do it raw. Flash to Vince lying on his back, holding out a condom. Shane bends down and whispers something in Vince's ear. VINCE [VO] I said no. Shane is looking down at him, Vince shakes his head and says something. VINCE [VO] He got really angry. He said I was unfaithful and called me an ungrateful slut. Vince is sitting on the mattress, staring at Shane in shock, who's angrily shouting at him. Shane takes a swing and slaps him in the face. Quick flash back to present. VINCE (swallows) It was my fault. I should've been faithful to him. JUSTIN (grabs Vince's chin - looking him in the eyes) It wasn't your fault, Vincent. You did the right thing by saying no. VINCE (presses his lips together - a tear's running down his face) He said he had to punish me for my disrespect. Another flashback. Shane is kneeling on the bed, holding up the bottle with a nasty grin. Vince panics. He almost tumbles from the bed and tries to run, but Shane is faster. He wrestles Vince to the ground, ripping his shirt while doing so. VINCE [VO] I told him to let go of me, but he was too strong. Vince is able to kick Shane in the stomach, but he's lost his bearings and stumbles into the direction of the bed. Only a heartbeat later Shane grabs him by the waistband, presses him down on the mattress and violently pulls down Vince's jeans. VINCE [VO] I had to do something. I had no choice. Shane's busy with his zipper, but still holding Vince with one hand by the neck, pressing his face down on the mattress. Vince's fingers are desperately groping for something to defend himself. He touches the bottle. Shane grabs his left shoulder and uses the other hand to guide his cock into Vince's ass, who uses the moment of distraction and spins around. Before the bottle hits Shane's head we're back to reality with a flash. VINCE (looking up at Justin - desperately) I didn't mean to kill him. The camera pans over to Brian, who's gets to his feet. BRIAN (addressing Justin) I checked his pulse. He's alive. Obviously it's just a laceration. (taking out his cell phone) I'm going to call an ambulance. JUSTIN (helping Vince on his feet) Did you hear that? He's not going to die. (They walk over to Brian) You didn't kill him. Brian is about to dial, when Shane suddenly lets out a groan and starts to move. Brian pockets his cell and watches him. Shane slowly regains consciousness. Holding his head and still groaning he comes in a sitting position. Vince begins to shiver. Justin puts his arms around him to calm him down. BRIAN (addressing Shane) Hey, are you okay? SHANE (looking up to him - dizzy) Who the fuck are you? (He scrambles to his feet and pulls up his pants) What the hell… are you doing in my studio? Slightly shaking, he touches the back of his head. Noticing the blood on his finger, he turns to look at Vince. SHANE (furious) You little shit. He takes a menacing step in Vince's direction, who's staring at him, unable to move and close to panicking. Brian steps between them. BRIAN (warning) Leave him alone. SHANE (shouting at Brian, while pointing at Vince) This jack-off knocked me out with the whiskey bottle. I feel like I was hit by a bus. JUSTIN (angry) Serves you right, asshole. SHANE (with a hateful glare at Justin) What did you say?! He leaps forward, ready to attack Justin, but Brian grabs his shoulders and blocks him in the same instant. BRIAN (growling in a low, threatening voice) Don't touch him. (He pushes him away and turns to Justin) Come on. Let's get out of here. SHANE (nearly bursting with rage) I'll call the police. I'll report you for attempted murder. BRIAN (turning around) Call them. I bet they'll be thrilled to search this whole place. Shane snorts, but doesn't say anything. The boys leave the studio. SHANE (shouting after them) I don't want to see any of you ever again! CUT TO: INT. THE NEW YORK ASC - JUSTIN'S STUDIO/BEDROOM - NIGHT Focus on Brian. He's lying on the bed, looking through Justin's drafts for the next Rage issue. He lifts his head, as Justin enters the room. BRIAN Did you tuck the boy in his bed. JUSTIN (sits down on the bed and sighs) He's calmer now. He asked about Lou, but I don't know when she's going to be home. If the client's cute, her dinner might take a bit longer. BRIAN (shaking his head) He should report him. This piece of shit was going to rape him. JUSTIN I doubt Vince has the strength right now. I'm afraid it was a bit too much. (shaking his head) You're supposed to be safe with your boyfriend. In every respect. Brian's looking at him. Suddenly Justin moves over and kisses softly him on the lips. Their faces are close to each other. BRIAN (surprised) What was that one for? JUSTIN (quietly) I love you. Brian opens his mouth to answer, but Justin touches Brian's lips with his index finger and shakes his head. JUSTIN (whispering) Don't say anything. Since he's not allowed to utter words, Brian finds another way to express his feelings, by kissing Justin passionately. The paper rustles as Justin supports himself on the mattress. He breaks the kiss. JUSTIN (looking at his drawings) They're not finished yet. BRIAN I like them. (passing his hand through Justin's hair) A lot of fucking. JUSTIN (shrugs - gathering the loose sheets) Well, it's the honeymoon issue. Having sex is what a honeymoon is all about, isn't it? He puts the drafts on the bedside table and turns to look at Brian. BRIAN (touching his chest) We don't need an excuse to fuck. Never have, never will. They kiss, until Brian breaks it and starts kissing his way down to Justin's crotch. Justin moans as Brian guides his cock into his mouth and starts to suck him off, slowly and with feeling. While his head's moving up and down, his hand searches Justin's. Their fingers lock. Brian pauses for a moment. JUSTIN (touching Brian's hair) Don't stop. BRIAN I thought about flying back tomorrow. JUSTIN (looking at him in shock) You said you would stay the whole weekend. Brian doesn't answer and resumes the blowjob instead. Justin drops back on the mattress with a moan. Brian picks up the pace for a few seconds. Justin grabs his hair and closes his eyes, but lets his hands sink as Brian stops again. BRIAN I'd like you to come. JUSTIN (surprised) Now? BRIAN (chuckles) Hold back the load, tiger. I meant to Pittsburgh. If you can find someone to take over your shifts, you could stay a few days. Visit your friends and your family. JUSTIN (looking at him - affectionately) I'd love to come with you. BRIAN (more than pleased with the answer) Well, in that case… He positions himself on the bed so they're both face to crotch. Justin licks his lips and off we go. The camera slowly retreats and we see them working each others dicks in precise unison. CUT TO: INT. HAYWARD MANSION - KITCHEN - NIGHT We see Emmett putting back the last pan into one of the wall-cupboards. He turns around and smiles at Alberta, who's standing next to the entrance of the corridor. EMMETT (sounding a bit melancholy) That was the last one. ALBERTA (sincere) You did a great job. Thank you. EMMETT That means a lot, coming from you. ALBERTA I just want you to know that I don't think like Philip. I may not be entirely comfortable with seeing two men or two women together, but first and foremost we're all just people, aren't we? I really hope that this proposition won't pass. I'm going to vote 'No'. EMMETT That's wonderful, Alberta. (He gives her a hug) I just wish I could've done more. Emmett lets her go. Alberta looks down the corridor, which leads to the hallway. ALBERTA (pointing at something) Maybe you already did. Emmett steps next to her. Rel's sitting on one of the lower steps of the stairwell and staring down at the floor. Senator Hayward's is slowly coming down the stairs. He sits down next to his son. Music sets in. Rebecca Lavelle - The Siren's Song. The senator starts talking to Rel, who seems to be a bit reluctant at first, but finally looks at his father and answers. Emmett and Alberta exchange a smile. Change to Michael's and Ben's bedroom. Michael's leaning with his back against the bedpost. Ben turns the covers aside and gets into the bed. He switches off the light of his bedside table, gives Michael a peck on the mouth and snuggles under the blankets. Michael's watching him with an unhappy expression on his face. Finally he also lies down and switches off the light. Darkness falls. Change to the Susquehanna. We see the reflection of the moon on the surface of the water. Everything seems to be quiet and peaceful, illuminated by the silver moonlight. Focus on Ted. He's walking down the pavement, hands in his pockets. He approaches a bridge. He's comes to stand next to the parapet and looks down. After a moment he takes out the little casket, looks at it one last time and throws it into the river. It's carried by the water for a moment, before it vanishes in the dark depth. Everything's silent and the moon will never tell. FADE TO BLACK Rebecca Lavelle - The Siren's Song […] You can hold the darkness from you If the will is very strong But that whisper Always haunts you Cannot change that Siren's song In the daylight, it seems simple Simple choices, black and white But it's hard, to face the shadow That's the fear that walks the night You can hold that darkness from you If the will is very strong But that whisper Always haunts you Cannot change that Siren's song… Directed by CleverDevil Story by CleverDevil Developed by Ron Cowen & Daniel Lipman Based on the British Series Created by Russell T Davies Starring (in alphabetical order) Robert Gant Randy Harrison Gale Harold Scott Lovell Peter Paige Hal Sparks and Sharon Gless as Debbie Guest Starring Harris Allan Dean Armstrong Executive Story Editor galefan4ever Music Supervision CleverDevil Additional Cast (in order of appearance) Jonathan - Jake Simons Simon Caswell - Channing Mitchell **** Queer as Folk and all its characters (despite the few I created) are property of CowLip and Showtime. The character of Andrew Stark was taken from the novels Every nine seconds and Never tear us apart by Joseph and Quinn Brockton. No copyright infringement is intended. Author's note: Prop 14 - First of all I'm not into politics, but since CowLip brought up Proposition 14 I had to deal with it. I assume the bombing was carried out by some homophobic fanatics who want Prop 14 to pass. The senator is also supporting Prop 14, but of course he doesn't sympathize with the attackers. According to my theory some people, who intended to vote YES were shocked because of the bombing and changed their minds about the proposition. The senator didn't want to lose votes for his re-election and his party. In order to show that he's got nothing to do with the bombers he hired Emmett to demonstrate he's able to interact with homosexuals in a peaceful way and still supports Prop 14. Maybe it's completely unrealistic, but hey, this is fiction. It doesn't have to be perfect - even if I'd like it to be. In case you were just as confused as Jonathan because of Ted's remark concerning the lost leg. He's referring to Capt. Ahab in Moby Dick, who lost his leg to the whale and was possessed by the wish to kill him afterwards. Ted lost Blake and Jonathan is the one who's responsible for Blake's infection which led to the break-up, but Ted finally realized it wasn't Jonathan's fault that he lost Blake, but his own. Hunter has hustled again - I figured living with a real family would change him. He came to realize it as he hustled again. He didn't understand it at first, he was angry and confused, but the conversation with Stuart helped him understanding that he became another person. TRAILER EPISODE 6.07 Music - Exhale slowly by Bootsy Mc Queen queer as folk Justin and Brian are sitting on Deb's couch. Justin spots an anti Prop 14 poster lying on the table. Addressing Debbie: "The election is on Thursday, right? Do you know where we're standing at the moment?" Change to Carl, sitting opposite Brian. Brian: "We'd need a miracle this time." Babylon. Brian and Michael at the bar. Michael: "I slept with Andy." Brian: "Which part of 'You should tell Ben' didn't you understand?" Emmett and Ted are in the back alley of Babylon. Ted: "I'm fabulous. Everything's just perfect. It couldn't be any better." Emmett, matter-of-factly: "You're missing Blake." Babylon. Dancers in slow motion. Brian, who's still standing in front of the bar, is staring over to Brandon, who gives him a wink and leads Justin from the dance floor. Brian and Justin at the Loft. Justin is standing next to the couch, Brian a few steps away from him. Justin: "What is it with you and this guy? What's so special about him? Tell me. I just like to understand. Why the hell is he that important to you?" Emmett is sitting on Deb's couch, watching an interview with Senator Hayward on Channel 5. Sen. Hayward: "We're civilized human beings and we should talk to each other." Emmett lifts up the remote control to skip to another channel: "And you're an expert when it comes to talking, aren't you Philip?" Sen. Hayward turns to look in camera 1. "Well, it's not only about talking but also about listening to each other. That's why I hope you'll listen to me now." Justin is sitting on the bed of the Loft. He's on the phone, talking to Brett Keller. Brett: "Listen, I got a call from eColor. It's a studio in France. They expressed their interest in the film rights for Rage." The kitchen of Bruckner/Novotny's. Michael is walking over to the fridge. "Let's have dessert. By the way I got fucked by my ex three days ago." He takes a look at the gooey fruit salad. "I can't serve it to him like this." Blake's apartment. Blake is heading for the kitchen: "Do you want some tea?" Ted: "I want a second chance." Ted is standing at the door, holding the door handle in his hand and looking at Blake. Blake: "We just have to take one step at a time." Novotny/Bruckner's. Bedroom. Ben's sitting on the bed. Michael wraps his arms around him from behind, whispering in his ear: "Sleep with me." He begins to rub Ben's dick. Ben: "I'm sorry, Michael. I'm not -" Michael: "Forget everything. It's just you and me. Please. I need you inside me now." Emmett and Darren are sitting at the counter of the diner. Somebody wearing a hooded sweater, a baseball cap and sunglasses darts into the picture. The guy's desperate and out of breath: "Hide me!" Emmett: "What?" "Quick!" A restaurant. Lilly and Hunter are sitting at a table, looking at two plates with calamari and caviar. Lilly sticks her spoon into the caviar. "Is this still alive?" Hunter: "I don't know, but I don't want to find out." Justin is sitting on the edge of a half-pipe. Ty's crouching next to him. In the background we see Daphne on inline-skates. Ty: "By the way I'm sorry for thinking you were his nephew or something. I believed he was with the guy from the other night." Justin: "What guy?" Ty points at something that Justin is holding in his hands. It's a cover containing a VCD. "The one from the video. Well, I'm not gay but wow that kiss was pretty hot." Kinnetik. Brian is sitting at his desk, Ted's standing near the door. Ted: "Have you ever tried balancing on a brick wall?" queer as folk Adult content, graphic language, nudity, strong sexual content SHOWTIME - NO LIMITS