Justin and Brian met Daphne at a café near PIFA. They didn’t want to attempt to pick her up at her apartment just in case reporters where there. When Brian pulled up to the curb Daphne was waiting out side. Brian got out and opened the back driver side door for her as she walked towards the jeep.  Daphne was impressed with his gallantry.  His beauty awed her.  Daphne’s eyes trailed down his long lean body admiring the leather jacket, the way the silk shirt clung to his shoulders and chest and the nice tight fit of his jeans.  Daphne licked her lips.  Justin called last night and told her Brian was good looking.  He forgot to add he was also gorgeous, long, lean and luscious.  
 
“Cool Jeep.” Daphne said as she got in, “I’m Daphne.”

“I sorta figured that,” Brian told her smiling.  “Nice to meet you.” 

Brian leaned in kissed Daphne on the cheek before closing the door and climbing back into the driver’s side.   A slight blush infused her cheeks.  If possible she was already in love with him.
 
Justin turned around and mouthed the words *Isn’t he hot* to Daphne as Brian started the car.  Brian put on his shades and pulled away from the curb.  Daphne’s bright smile lit up her face as she mouthed back.  *He’s to die for.*

They both started giggling.  Brian smiled.  It was good to see Justin smiling and giggling with his friend.  After last night’s episode he realized this outing was something Justin really needed.
 
“Daph, I’m so glad you were able to come today.   I need your input on what to do with this hair. “  Justin was sitting twisted in the passenger side seat so that he could look back at Daphne. 

“Brian is going to have his stylist take care of me,” he beamed.  

“Yeah Antoine is the best.  I won’t let anyone else touch my hair or Justin’s.”
Brain reached over and brushed Justin’s bangs back.  “Justin’s hair is much too beautiful to get it all chopped off.”

Justin blushed profusely from the compliment, “Thanks Brian.”

“No thanks are needed for the truth,” Brian told him.

Daphne was amazed to see Justin touch Brian’s arm affectionately before turning back around in the seat to face her.  She was certainly going to get him alone and ask him what was going on with him and his hunky bodyguard.

“Are we going to the salon first?” Daphne asked.

Brian answered, “Yeah, I made the appointment.  I figured Justin would get his hair cut first, then we’d get the shopping out of the way and have a late lunch.  Sound good to you?”

“Yes!  I’m always hungry after shopping,” Daphne told him.

“She’s always hungry,” Justin teased poking his tongue out at his friend.

She made a face at him playfully and they both giggled.  Brian shook his head at their antics.  He wondered if they were always like that.  He couldn’t remember being that silly with Mikey when they were that age. Brain had always been so serious, sarcastic and Mikey always accused him of having a warped sense of humor.  He could never remember feeling light hearted and carefree during his youth.  Just another side effect of being raised by Jack and Joan he thought bitterly.   He shrugged the thoughts away.  He wouldn’t allow them to intrude on his day and ruin the good mood he was in.

“So, where do you kids want to go to shop?”  Brian asked.

They both scrunched up their faces in annoyance at being called kids.  “I don’t know,” Justin shrugged.  “Some place that isn’t too…crowded.”

“I think we can arrange that.  What do you need?”  Brian asked.

“Just some pants, and shirts and maybe sneakers.  Nothing much.”

Brian was trying to think of a few places he could take Justin to shop.  He decided the mall was out of the question.  It was too congested with people.  He crossed shopping centers off his list also…too many people in a concentrated area.  It would probably be too much for Justin.  He decided on Liberty Avenue.  There were some great shops.  Not too busy and he knew the area well.
 
Brian drove to Liberty Avenue. As soon as they turned on the street Justin and Daphne were in awe over what they saw.   Brian watched in amusement as Daphne and Justin looked out the window their faces mirroring their excitement.  There were a lot of openly gay couples holding hands, hugging, kissing, shopping and just enjoying themselves. 

Justin thought to himself *this is what I have been missing out on.  This is where I belong.*  His excitement spilled into his speech.

“Brian this is amazing!  I’ve always known it would be great!  Can we stop and go to some of the street vendors?  They look like they have some really cool stuff.”

Brian gave it some thought.  He knew he wanted to protect Justin but he also wanted him to enjoy this outing.  It was early and a weekday.  There weren’t that many people milling around.  He glanced at the pleading look in those beautiful blue eyes.  He realized last night that it would be hard for him to deny Justin anything.

“Okay, we’ll check out a few of the vendors.  But, you-are--to-stay-as-close-to-me-as-possible,” he warned sternly. 

Justin’s eyes took on a warm radiant look, “I’ve been trying to do that since last night.”

Brian couldn’t help but smile at Justin’s boldness.  He tweaked Justin’s nose, “Well today you get your chance.”

The exchange wasn’t lost of Daphne.  She was definitely going to ask her friend what was going on between him and his hunky bodyguard.  She slowly pulled her eyes away from the pair to watch a gorgeous guy walk pass her.  *This is where all the gorgeous guys are,* she thought.  Then another thought entered her mind, *Damn they are all Gay!*

 Justin and Daphne’s touristy behavior amused Brian. He was so used to the area that he could not imagine why this tiny piece of Pittsburgh would appear so amazing to them.

“Shut your mouth Daph before something flies in it,” Brian teased.  “You’re way too pretty to swallow a bug.”

Daphne laughed.  She realized quickly that she was really going to adore Brian.  And from the way Justin kept openly admiring him and blushing at his least little comment to him she was not alone in her adoration.
 
The first stop for the group was the hair salon. It was quick in and out. Brian introduced Justin to Antoine and he informed him that all Justin needed was a trim to the bangs and a clean up around the ears and collar. Brian stayed by Justin’s side the whole time Antoine worked on his hair. Daphne couldn’t help but noticed that every once and a while Justin would reach out to touch Brian’s hand or arm just to be sure he was there. They had such a familiarity between them that Daphne could not wait to get Justin alone to question him.
 
Brian, Justin, and Daphne were all in agreement that Antoine did an excellent job of Justin’s hair. Antoine wouldn’t take money for the haircut.  He recognized Justin from the news and he told him to consider it a gift. He also refused the tip Brian offered him.
 
“Oh, honey save your money…this time. I’ll collect my tip the next time I see you at the baths,” Antoine winked at Brian.
 
Brian smirked, “I’ll see you then.”

He headed out the salon with Justin and Daphne in tow. The next stop was a sports wear store.  Justin brought two pair of sneakers and some socks.  Brian then indulged Justin and Daphne and allowed them to stop at some of the street vendors.  He didn’t have to remind Justin to stay close to him.  Justin was practically glued to his side as he and Daphne *oohed and aahed* over every little trinket being sold at the vendor booths.  They stopped at a booth where a guy was selling friendship bracelets.  

Justin picked up a multi-colored leather braided bracelet.  “This is so cool Daph.  We should buy them.”  

Daph inspected the bracelets.  “They are just so GAY,” she teased.

“Oh, shut up,” Justin playfully slapped her arm.

‘Well if you insist,” Daphne finally gave in.

Justin picked up the two bracelets.  He tied one on Daph’s wrist and she tied the other on his wrist.  

Justin whispered in Daph’s ear,  “I don’t have any money and I don’t want Brian to buy these.”

Daph reached in her purse and pulled out some bills to pay the vendor.  That’s when Justin spotted the cowrie shell bracelet.  He ran his fingers over the shells.  He turned to look.  Brian was standing near him but his back was turned and he was talking on his cellular telephone.  Justin picked up the bracelet.

“We want this too,”  he told the vendor. 

Daph was confused but she paid for the extra bracelet.  “Why do you want that?”  She asked she handed another bill to the vendor.

He smiled and looked over at the tall handsome man.  “It’s for Brian.  Can you engrave it with the initials BK & JT and put it in a gift bag?”

“Sure can,”  the vendor told him.  It only took the vendor a few minutes to engrave two shells with the initials.  

Daph smiled, ‘Aah, someone has it bad.”

“If you only knew.”  Justin told her.

The vendor handed him the bracelet. He’d placed it in a small shiny blue gift bag.  Justin dropped it in the bag with his shoes so Brian wouldn’t notice it.  Their next stop was *Torso* where they were greeted by an effervescent salesman.   Brian checked out the store.  There weren’t many customers.   

Brian took charge, “Jack, we need a sales person that is totally assigned to us.”

“Brian I can do that.  Maurice can handle the rest of the customer’s.  I’m all yours,” he said flirtatiously.  

Brian gave him the sexy smile that had been making fags weak at the knees for years.  “Good.  These are my friends Daphne and Justin.  Actually, I’m shopping for Justin today.  Of course you know money is no object.”

Jack knew that.  Brian rarely shopped in Torso but when he did he only bought the most expensive items in the store.  Jack knew he’d earn a huge commission from this sale.  Brian’s next words assured that.

“We are going to need several pair of cargo pants, jeans, a few silk t-shirts, mostly in different shades of blue, some casual cotton t-shirts, some casual sweat pants and then something hot and sexy…but not cheap of trashy.  You know what I mean?”

Jack knew exactly what Brian wanted.  He looked at the twink with Brian.  He knew exactly what would look good on Justin without looking cheap and trashy.

“You can depend on me.”  Jack told Brian.

Brian turned to Justin and pointed to a set of chairs.  “I’ll be right over there if you need anything or feel a bit….freaky.”  He cupped the side of Justin’s face.  “Okay?”

Justin squeezed the fingers cupping his face.  “Thanks, Brian.”

Justin watched as Brian arranged his long frame in the guest chair.   Justin, Daphne and Jack picked out clothes.  Justin would show the items to Brian as and he’d either smile in approval or grimace in disapproval.  After Justin had more clothes than he, Daphne or Jack could hold in their hands he went to the dressing rooms to try them on.  He pulled Daphne in with him.  It was not a big thing to him.  They’d slept in the same bed, been each other’s first sexual experience and seen each other in naked countless times.

Daphne sat on the bench as she watched Justin trying on clothes.  “So, spill,” she told him.

Justin stopped admiring himself in the full-length mirror to turn around to face Daph.  “What do you mean,” he tried to play dumb.

Daph pursed her lips, “Justin you’ve been touching him and he’s been touching you all day.  Not once have you pulled away from him.  Add to that you’ve held my hand and touched me most of the day.  Something major must have happened.”

Justin burst out in a smile.  He couldn’t keep it in any longer.  “Oh, Daph I feel so safe around him!  AND last night after I had yet another nightmare he held me in his arms!”

Daphne was totally surprised.  “You didn’t freak?”

“No.  Actually I started it.  I sorta kissed him first.”

Daphne squealed and jumped up from the bench.  “Tell me more!”

Justin blushed a little, “I kissed him and he kissed me back it was so hot!  Daph he has this totally  amazing body!  All hard lines muscles.  His chest was bare and I was touching him and grinding my ass into his dick,”  He stopped and thought about Brian’s dick.  “And Daph I didn’t see it but I felt it and it is impressive!  I mean it’s long and thick!”

Daph was shocked.  She was almost speechless.  “So, did he fuck you?”

“No,” Justin pouted.  “He told me I was too young and he didn’t want to take advantage of me.  Oh, Daph.  I wanted him soooo bad.”

Daphne was totally shocked but happy about the development.  In one night Brian seemed to have done what Justin’s therapist and doctor’s couldn’t do.  Get him comfortable being touched in an intimate way.  He looked so forlorn.  He was probably just horny.  *Who wouldn’t be after so long, Daphne thought.*  She decided to help her friend get what he wanted.  She had more sexual experience than Justin.  She figured as his best friend it was up to her to help him get laid.

“Then get him.”

“How?”  Justin asked.

Daphne smiled.  This was something she could help him with.  “Seduce him.  I’ve watched how he looks at you.  He wants you as much as you want him.  So make it hard for him to resist you.”

“How do I do that?”

“Easy.  Sit close to him like you’ve been doing.  Touch him and pretend it’s by accident.  Just make it casual.  You know brush your hand against his thigh.  Smile at him.  While you’re talking to him lightly touch his chest and since you say it’s all about the ass with gay men when we leave here wear something tight that shows it off.  Make sure he notices how good you look in those pants.  And if that fails when the two of you are alone get him to relax by drinking, put on some sexy music.  Sit in his lap press your ass in his dick and kiss him, touch him.  Don’t give him a chance to think.”

Justin was shaking his head as he listened to Daphne’s advice.  It didn’t occur to him that he was taking the advice of a nineteen year old.  All he was thinking about was his friend with more sexual experience than he had was giving him what he felt was great advice.

“I’ll do it!”  Justin exclaimed.  He grabbed Daph’s hands and squeezed them affectionately.  “This time tomorrow Daph I’ll know what fucking is all about.”

Daph smiled at her friend.  “Honey from the looks of Brian he knows all about fucking.”

They both giggled and squealed.  Brian looked towards the dressing room.  That was the second time he’d heard Daphne squeal.  He wondered what the two of them could be talking about or doing that was causing her to squeal so loudly.  He shrugged.  It didn’t really matter as long as Justin was having a good time. 

Justin came out of the dressing room wearing a pair of jeans that hugged his slim waist and molded his bubble butt like a second skin.  He had on a light blue top  that hugged his lithe chest like a second skin.  It color of the shirt accentuated his blue eyes, blonde hair and porcelain coloring.  He looked hot.  Brian stood up and walked toward him.  He didn’t notice anyone but the beautiful sexy young man standing in front of him.  He had to swallow.  Justin looked good enough to eat and he wanted to eat him…all of him.  He leaned down and placed a kiss on Justin’s cheek and held his hand.  

“You look good.”

Justin beamed, “Thanks, Brian.”

Daphne had chosen the ensemble for him.  He would have to give his friend credit.  She said he would have Brian salivating and she was right.  Brian’s eyes practically stripped him down and ate him up.  He turned to look at his friend.  She gave him her patented *told you so look.*  This time he didn’t mind.  She was right.  He smiled his gratitude.

Brian looked at all the clothes.  “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.  I hope I didn’t buy too much.”

“Of course not.  This isn’t half of what you need but this will do for now.”

Justin was amazed at the number of bags that he had.  He was even more shocked at the $1200.00 plus bill for the clothing.  

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know I’d bought so much.”

Brian handed over his platinum Visa.  “Justin I spend more than this on a shirt and a tie.  Don’t worry about it.  If it all looks as good on you as what you are wearing now it is definitely my pleasure.”

Justin blushed.  He was more determined than ever to seduce Brian tonight.   They left Torso and spent another hour browsing in the other various clothing boutiques along the streets of Liberty Ave.   Daphne fell in love with a sheer sparkling gold blouse.  Brian bought it for her.  Daphne professed her love to him.  Brian told her if he was straight she’d be his girl.  They all laughed over that. Justin couldn’t remember the last time he had so much fun shopping. After a while hunger began to set in on the trio and Brian suggested they head over to the diner.  They put Justin’s purchases in the jeep and walked to the diner.

The little bell over the door alerted every one of their arrival. All eyes were on them as they looked for a booth. Justin felt a little uncomfortable when they entered he could feel all the people staring at him.   He moved in closer to Brian as they headed for a booth in the back of the diner.  Brian found a booth that allowed him to see everyone coming and leaving the diner as well as give him a view of the entire diner.   

“Brian why is every one watching our every move?  Do you think they recognize me from the papers?” Justin asked Brian as they slid into the booth. Brian and Justin sat on one side and Daphne sat on the other.  Justin was on the inside.
 
“Justin they may recognize you from the papers, but I don’t think that’s why they were staring at you. Actually I think they are staring at me.  If you look over there you will see why.”
 
Brian pointed towards the lunch counter.  Sitting on one of the stools gossiping with a couple of guys was none other than Emmett Honeycutt. Of course there was his side kick drab Ted and everyone’s favorite fuck Todd.  Brian almost didn’t recognized Todd.  He was used to seeing Todd naked, against the wall in the Backroom of Babylon with a dick up his ass. 

Emmett’s hand  was gesturing wildly and his mouth was moving a mile a minute.  He was so caught up in passing his gossip that he didn’t realize the topic of his gossip had walked through the door.

He was in such a hurry to start the gossip mill going that he rushed over to the diner right after his shift ended.  He didn't even bother to change from his work clothes. He did take off the blinding fuscia lab coat.  Brian had to at least give him credit for doing that.
 
Emmett must have felt Brian’s eyes burning into his back. On queue Emmett looked up and locked eyes with Brian. He looked like the deer caught in the headlights.  Brian’s almost laughed at the comical expression on Emmett’s face at getting caught gossiping.  Emmett jumped up from his stool and pranced over to the table. 
 
“Guys I didn’t know you were coming here today. I would have made plans for lunch.”

“Good thing you didn’t since we didn’t invite you.  Besides it would have been a little difficult to spread gossip about me while I was sitting with you,” Brian said sarcastically.

“Gossip? Oh, Brian you are just too much. There are other things to talk about than the legendary Stud of Liberty Avenue, Brian Kinney.”
 
Justin’s ears perked up when he heard the words *Legendary Stud of Liberty Avenue.*   He was definitely going to have to ask Brian about that.  As Emmett denied spreading gossip Todd walked over to the table.
 
“Hey Todd how’s it going?” Brian asked.  “I almost didn’t know you standing up straight.  I’m so used to seeing you bent over with a dick up your ass.”

Daphne and Justin burst out laughing.  Todd’s face suffused with color.  He tried to play it off.
 
“Fine, but not as good as you.”

“Not many are as fine as I am,” Brian smirked.

Todd turned to Emmett, “So, is this the twink you were talking about?” He asked looking at Justin.
 
Justin blushed. Ted sauntered over and joined the group.  Daphne was sitting in awe at the whole exchange and Emmett was so flustered he did not know what to do.  

Emmett’s hands started fluttering nervously,  “Todd what twink? I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“The Twink you said had Brian’s nose wide open.  You do remember telling us that don’t you?”  Ted mocked.

“I said no such thing!”  Emmett said defending himself.  “I only told you that Brian was seeing one of my patients.  That’s all I said.”

Ted laughed at Emmett’s blatant lie.  He held out his hand.  “Hi, I’m Ted.  Nice to meet you.”

Justin shook his hand, “I’m Justin,” he pointed to Daphne.  “This is my friend Daphne.”

Ted inclined his head to Daph.  “Nice meeting both of you.  As much as I’d like to stick around my extended lunch is over.  I need to get back to work and hope I still have a job.  I hope to see you at Woody’s or Babylon’s one night.”

“Thanks.  Maybe I can get Brian to take me,” Justin tilted his head towards Brian and gave him a faux innocent smile.

“We’ll see, Sunshine.”

Ted gave Brian a little smirk.  Brian knew the next time he saw Ted he’d make a lot of little jabs about his blonde *boy toy* or maybe Ted would call Justin his *twink.*  Ted walked away from the booth.  Brian turned his penetrating glaze on Emmett.

“Well what do you know.  Look at the time.  I have to go,” Emmett said.  He quickly turned and left the diner with Todd in tow.
 
Justin and Daphne broke out in a fit of giggles and Brian gave his patented tongue and cheek smirk. 

“Wow!  And they say women gossip,” Daphne said in a fit of giggles.

Brian was too old for giggling but he did smile.  “No one can out gossip a Fag,” he told her.

Justin and Daphne were so busy giggling about what had occurred they didn’t see Debbie Novotny approaching their table.  Brian had spotted her before she even rounded the counter.  He braced himself for the encounter.  Deb came to stand in front of him her hands braced on her wide hips.
 
“Brian Kinney you little asshole!  You were supposed to come over for dinner last night. I made your favorite putanesca.”

“Sorry Deb something came up.”

Deb pursed her lips.  “Something or someone. I just hope you’re practicing safe sex.   And who are these young cuties with you?” Debbie said finally acknowledging the other occupants at the table.
 
“Hi, I’m Justin and this is my friend Daphne,” Justin said as he was taking in the uniqueness that was Debbie Novotny. He wondered for quick moment if she was Emmett’s mom. 
 
“Oh, hey sweetie.  I know you. You are that poor little darling that was attacked a while ago. I’ve been following your story.  They’ll catch that asshole that did that to you,” she promised vehemently.   “Don’t you worry your beautiful little head about that.”
 
“Thank you for you concern, “Justin answered using the country club manners he grew up with.  “I hope you’re right ma'am.”
 
“MA'AM!  Okay you may be as cute as a button but nobody calls me ma'am. I’ll let you get away with it once but don’t try it again. The name's Deb to you precious.”  

“Yes, Ma---I mean Deb.”

“Good.”  She turned back to Brian.  “I expect you at dinner Sunday.  Bring these two precious ones with ya.  I’ll make lasagna, garlic bread, salad and that chocolate cake you like so much.”

Brian’s mouth was already watering just thinking of the lasagna and cake.  He did grimace thinking about all the calories from the carbs still he couldn’t resist.  “I’ll be there and I’ll make sure to bring *the two precious ones,* he mocked.

Justin smiled and licked his tongue at him.  On impulse Brian lean forward and quickly licked his lips.   Justin blushed at the public display and Brian smirked at Justin’s surprise.

“Remember that the next time you stick that out at me in public,” Brian teased.  He tweaked Justin’s nose.

“Enough of that you two.  Brian give the kid a rest.  He needs to eat.  Now what can I get you kids to eat?”  She took out her pad,  “Because all of you are way too skinny.”
 
Deb took their orders. Daphne and Justin both ordered the cheeseburger plate and milkshakes. Brian ordered his usual turkey on wheat with no mayo and coffee. After Deb left to place their orders Daphne asked about her. 

Daphne leaned across the table,  “Wow! I’ve never met anyone like her before.  Who is she?” She asked Brian.
 
“Debbie Novotny.  She is like my surrogate mother.  She’s the mother of my best friend.  I spent a lot of time at her house when I was a kid,” he let out a quick laugh.  “Hell, I still do.”

“She’s nice but she seems a little…odd,” Daphne said.

“Deb’s a little loud and flamboyant but she’s a friend to everyone that hangs on Liberty Avenue.  She’s also the president of our PFLAG group.  She’s really an amazing woman.  Once you get to know her you will see what I mean.”

“I’ll take your word for it,” Daph said.

Brian turned to Justin, “What do you think about Deb?”

Justin remembered what little Brian told him about his childhood and his mother.  He grasped Brian’s hand, “I’m glad you had her while you were growing up.”

Brian heard the sincerity in his voice.  His thumb rubbed across his knuckles, “So am I.”

Daphne wasn’t sure what they were sharing but she knew it was special.  Justin sat back in his seat and watched the people come and go as he waited for his food. He really liked it here.  A place where he could be himself.  A place where Gay men and women could feel safe.  He hoped he could get Brian to bring him back again. 
 
“So, Daphne how do you like being in the center of the gay community?” Justin asked.

“It’s like the coolest!  But it is a little disappointing.  I see all these fine gorgeous guys and I realize I will never get to sample any.”  She let out a long dramatic sigh, “Oh, it’s so depressing for a straight girl.”

Justin and Brian both laughed at her Drama Princess moment.   “Daphne, stop.  You want Brian to think you are a tramp?”

“I’d never think that about Daphne.  With a list as long as mine I couldn’t call anyone a tramp.”
 
That made them all laugh.  The bell over the diner door rung to indicate that someone had entered. Brian looked up.  Michael looked solemn when he entered the diner, until he saw Brian and his face lit up. He didn’t even notice that Brian wasn’t sitting alone. 

Brian saw Michael heading towards him. He was not in the mood to deal with his best friend today. He really cared about Michael, but sometimes he could be a little needy and very demanding of his attention. Right now Brian’s main focus was Justin.  He really didn’t have the time to hang out with Mikey.

 “Hey, Bri.  I’ve been calling you all day.  Where have you been?” Michael asked as he stood looking at Brian.

“Hey Mikey.  I saw your number on my cell. I was caught up today.  I couldn’t really talk.”

“Yeah sure.  What was his name?”  Michael laughed at his little joke that only he found funny.   He finally acknowledged the other people in the booth.  He looked from Justin to Daphne and introduced himself.

“Hi I’m Michael. I’m Brian’s best friend.”

Justin and Daphne exchanged looks at the way Michael introduced himself.  It was as if he was laying claim to Brian and wanted them to know it.  

“I’m Justin and this is my friend Daphne.   We are Brian’s *new* friends.  Would you like to join us for lunch?”
 
Justin figured that Michael could be a fountain of information concerning Brian considering they grew up together.  He also realized Michael seemed to be very possessive of Brian.  Still Justin hoped Michael could give him a little insight about Brian.  When Debbie brought out their food she was excited to see her son sitting there. 

“Hi, Sweetheart.”  She leaned in pinched and kissed his cheek.

“Ma!” he whined rubbing his cheeks.

“Are you going to eat with Brian and his friends?”

“Yeah.  Bring me a cheeseburger plate and a root beer.”

“You got it.”  She went back into the kitchen and brought him out the special. 

“So, how did you meet Brian?”  Michael asked as he bit into his burger.

Brian answered, “Uncle Carl introduced us.  We sorta hit it off.  Then I stopped at his house yesterday and the reporters were swarming so I invited Justin to stay with me for awhile.”

Mikey almost choked on his food, “H-he’s staying with you?  For how long?”

Brian shrugged nonchalantly, “I don’t know.  A few days, weeks, months.  It’s really up to Justin.”

Justin’s smile blinded him.  “If that’s the case I’m staying forever.”

The response didn’t seem to bother Brian.  Mikey looked from Brian to Justin.  He didn’t miss the look that passed between the two.  Mikey had never seen Brian look at anyone like that before.  It wouldn’t take a genius to know Justin was more than a passing fuck to Brian.

The four sat at the diner talking, laughing and having an enjoyable time. Brian hadn’t realized they had been at the diner for over two hours.  Brian noticed that Justin was much quieter than he had been earlier. He figured he was probably tired.  He’d had a long day.  He looked out the windows.  It would be dark in an hour or so.
 
“Okay guys,” Brian said, “I guess we’ll be heading out.”

“Brian you’re leaving already?” Michael whined.

“Yeah, Mikey it has been a long day and I am little tired,” Brian responded.

“Why don’t I come back to the loft and we can hang out for a while.  I don’t need to open the comic book store again. It was a little slow today.”
 
*I knew this was going to happen,* Brian thought to himself.

“No Mikey I am really tired.  Plus Justin and I want to spend a little time alone.  We’ll get together later in the week. Okay?”

Mikey pouted but agreed.  “Alright.” 

Michael stood up to leave money on the table to pay for his food.  Brian stopped him.

“Mikey this is on me.  It was good to see you.  You know how much I enjoy being with you.”

The remark served its purpose.  It wiped the pout off Mikey’s face.  He beamed at Brian.

“Thanks, Bri.“ He leaned in and kissed Brian on the lips.  “I’ll call you tomorrow.  If Justin isn’t busy maybe you can bring Justin to the comic book store.”

Brian didn’t commit, “Maybe.  We’ll see how the day progresses.”

Michael turned and walked towards the entrance.  He stopped and kissed his mother good-bye as she was taking an order from one of the front tables.  Brian stood up and placed money on the table.  He waited for Daphne and Justin to slide out of the booth.   Justin looked up at Brian after he stood up.

“You didn’t have to cover for me.  You could have told him I needed to rest. It would have been better for him to be upset with me than you.”

“Don’t worry about Mikey.  He’ll get over it.  For now we’re going to get you back to the loft and in bed.”

Justin inched closer to him.  Taking Daphne’s advice he lightly touched Brian’s chest.  He let his fingers linger over the silk shirt.  “It would be hot if you would join me in that bed.”

Justin saw the look of lust that came in Brian’s eyes.  He got the response he wanted.  He decided not to push for more.  Before Brian could respond Justin stepped away.   The three headed for the exit. Brian also stopped to kiss Deb before he left.  He promised he would make it to Sunday dinner and bring Justin and Daphne with him.  They were walking towards the car and were about to cross the street when Daphne realized she had forgotten her purse. 

Daphne stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, “Shit.  I left my purse in the booth.  I’ll be right back.”

“We’ll wait for you over there,”  Brian pointed to a bench on the other side of the street.

“Okay,” Daphne took off in a sprint back towards the diner.
 
Brian watched until Daphne was safely inside the Liberty Diner.  Justin continued to  walk and was a few paces ahead of Brian.  He wasn’t really paying attention.  He stepped off the curb just as Brian turned around from assuring Daphne was safely in the diner.  

It seemed to happen in a blur.  Brian spotted the car as it sped down the street.  His brain instantly registered the dark blue four-door sedan.    Justin must have realized something was amiss.  He looked up only to see the car barreling towards him.  Brian reacted instantly.  Before Justin could react he felt himself being grabbed around the waist, pulled up and out of the street against a solid hard body.  One of Brian’s arms was wrapped tightly around his chest.  He looked down and saw Brian’s other hand wrapped around his gun.  He held it tightly against his thigh.

Brian knew he had a clear shot at the car.  If they would have been in a less congested area he’d have taken the shot.  Maybe taken out one of the tires or fired shots into the windshield.  Of course that would have meant that the driver would have lost control of the car.  Brian didn’t want an innocent by stander to get hurt.  So he stood fuming, missing the perfect shot.  He leaned his head down to nuzzle the blonde shivering in his arms.

“Are you alright? “  He whispered in Justin’s ear.

Justin couldn’t speak.  He nodded his head.

“Don’t’ freak out on me, Sunshine.  Everything’s going to be okay.  Just take a deep breath.”

Justin did as he was told.  He slowly began to relax against the solidness and safety of Brian’s chest.  Trying to hold the panic attack at bay.

“Hey, is everything all right?”  A young red haired girl asked.  “That car almost hit you.”

Justin glanced at her.  She had a spiked haircut and a pierced eyebrow and nose.  Brian answered, “We’re fine thanks for the concern.”  Brian returned his gun to the holster and turned Justin around to face him.  “It’s okay.  You’re safe with me.”  

He took the trembling youth in his arms and against his better judgment he leaned down and parted Justin’s lips with his tongue and sunk his said tongue into the sweet waiting mouth.  He just wanted to assure himself Justin was safe.  He felt Justin respond to the kiss and throw his arms around his neck.  They both kissed and held on to each other.  It was more a kiss of support than and interlude to fucking.

“Justin, Justin!  Are you okay?” Justin realized Daphne was beside him.   He broke off the kiss with Brian to turn towards his friend.  She had come out of the diner after getting her purse. “That girl said a car almost hit you!”

“I’m---I’m…” Justin realized he was more traumatized from the events than he thought.  He was beginning to get that spacey feeling right before he had a major panic attack. 

Brian looked in Justin’s eyes and realized he was heading to a melt down.  Justin was still a little shaky and unsteady so Brian lifted him up in his arms and carried him to the car with Daphne following helplessly behind them.  Justin laid his head on Brian’s shoulder.
 
“Brian that wasn’t an accident was it?  He was coming at me wasn’t he?” Justin asked this is voice so low that Brian could barely hear him.

Brian started to lie and tell Justin it was an accident but he knew Justin wouldn’t appreciate being lied to.  He told him the truth.  “No Sunshine I don’t think that was an accident.”
 
Once they reached the jeep Brian told Daphne to sit in the back seat with Justin.   Daphne cradled Justin’s head in her lap.  He was shivering.  

She stroked his hair, “Everything will be fine.  I promise to personally  help you bitch slap anyone that tries to hurt you again.  Plus you have Brian.  He’ll never let anyone hurt you.  NEVER!”

Brian smiled at how vehemently Daph was willing protect Justin and he was awed at how much she already trusted in his ability to protect Justin.  Brian dropped Daphne off back at the PIFA café.

She leaned in the window, “Call me if you need me.  It doesn’t matter what time.  If you need me I’ll come.  I promise.” Daphne wanted to hug Justin but she was afraid what it would do to him in his current state of mind.  She was really pissed at whoever had done this.  Justin had been so happy and upbeat today.  Like he used to be before this happened and in a few seconds some asshole had stolen their great day from them.

Daphne kissed Brian on the cheek.  She was amazed at how comfortable she was with him so soon.  “Call me if you need me.  Promise.”

“I promise,” he told her.

Brian waited for Daphne to get in her car and drive off before he headed back to the loft.  When they reached the loft Brian carried Justin upstairs and placed him on his bed.  He went and got one of Justin’s pills and made him take it.  He did not bother placing Justin in the other apartment.  He stripped him down to his silk boxers and tucked him under the covers.  He sat with Justin until he was assured he’d fallen asleep.  Brian flicked on the blue lights over the bed.  He didn’t want Justin to wake up in a dark room.  

Brian shrugged off his jacket and shirt, kicked off his shoes, took off his holster, poured himself a drink and walked to his office area.  He cut on his computer and pulled up his file on Justin’s attack.  He’d been gathering information on his own since the story broke almost two years ago.  He added everything his uncle had sent him on the case.  He looked over the information.  He felt like he was missing something obvious.  Then it jumped out at him--the dark four-door sedan.  It kept coming up.  But there was something more.  Something more sinister was hiding in the pages.  He read over the reports again and again.  His eyes were continuously drawn to all of Stockwell’s accounts of the attack and the interviews he’d done.  Something about Stockwell attempts to pin the attack on the ex-boyfriend even when there was no evidence bothered him.  

Brian had eliminated Ethan immediately.  Although he was the obvious suspect there was nothing to connect him to the crime.  Even if Ethan had the motive, which Stockwell claimed, he lacked the strength and opportunity.  Ethan was a short, weak flabby little guy.  There was no way he could wield a plank that size and weight with that much force.  Plus he had a floor of other residents placing him in his apartment when the crime occurred.  Ethan was definitely not the culprit.  Which again led him to question why Stockwell was so eager to pin the rap on Ethan.  Brian knew Stockwell was a big homophobe and an asshole but it was more than that.  It was as if Stockwell didn’t want Carl or anyone else to look further into the attack.   The question was WHY.  The implications were chilling.   Brian picked up the telephone and called his uncle.

“Horvath,” came the tired reply.

Brian didn’t waste time on pleasantries.  “We have a problem.  Someone made another attempt.”

“What?  When?  What happened? “ Carl asked shocked by the news.

“We were on Liberty Avenue leaving the diner and someone in a dark sedan tried to run him over.”

“Are you sure it was an attempt on his life and not a reckless driver.”

“I’m positive.  The car came straight for him.”

“Did you get any other details on the car?” 

“Looked like the same sedan I saw leaving his Mom’s community.  The same one Daphne described on the night he was first attacked.  It was a dark sedan, the type of cars undercover cops drive. That’s why they never catch any criminal because the cars are too fucking obvious. Carl I think you may need to concentrate your investigation a little closer to home.”

“That's a pretty large leap!  Just because the car was an undercover cop style you think the perp is a cop?” Carl didn’t want to believe Brian’s theory.

“Carl, I have worked for you on many assignments.  You know I don’t just sprout something out without giving it a lot of thought.  I have a hunch.   I’m just asking you to be open to it.  I can feel this in my bones. I think the first place to start would be your fag hating partner.”


“Brian that’s quite a big accusation,” Carl warned.  “Stockwell maybe a Fag hater but as far as I know he’s honest to a fault.   AND he’s well connected with the higher Brass.  Pointing fingers at him could be dangerous.”

“You don’t have to confront him or make any claims about his innocence or guilt.  Just do a little quiet checking into his background.  If I’m wrong fine.  I’ve been wrong before.  What can it hurt to ask a few innocent questions?  Like where he was about the time Justin was attacked the first time and these last two attempts?  If you are discrete he’ll never know you’re asking questions.”

Brian could hear the loud sigh Carl released.  “I’ll do a little checking.  Just to prove to you that you’re heading in the wrong directions with your suspicions.”
 
In Brian’s bedroom Justin was having another of his nightmares and he started calling for Brian in his sleep.
 
“Carl that’s all I’m asking.  Listen I have to go Justin is waking up.”

“Hey, wait a minute.  You two will need to come into the station and file a police report.”

Justin started yelling louder for Brian. 

“Only if he wants to.  Carl, I’ll talk to your tomorrow,” Brian disconnected the call as he headed towards his bedroom to soothe Justin’s cries.