Justin had been waiting outside of Daphne's school for over an hour. He hoped he remembered her schedule. They had discussed her classes every time she called. He was sure he was at the right building. He had been searching the faces of the students filling out of the Social Science building when he spotted her. She was still as beautiful as he remembered. Her hair was loose and the wind was blowing the long reddish brown curls around her face. She was dressed in a khaki knee length coat to ward off the cold. A book satchel was slung over her shoulder. Her coat was open to reveal a figure fitting gold sweater, tight dark jeans that emphasize her slender figure and her thick-heeled boots that added a few inches to her height. She was talking animatedly to another female student. Justin started walking towards her. She was so engrossed in talking she didn't see him approach her. He waited until she literally bumped into him before speaking.

"Hey, hot stuff, wanna get together?"

Daphne turned toward the voice. Justin could tell from the expression on her face she was about to deliver one of her *famous, blistering, no holds barred* comments when she recognized him. Her squeal almost burst his eardrum and he wasn't prepared to have his arms filled with her petite form. He fell a few steps back before he regained his balance. He was just able to catch her as she jumped up in his arms wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. He twirled her around a few times. They had started to draw attention as students had to veer around them. Even her companion had stopped to stare at them.

"Taylor you, ass. Why didn't you call to tell me you were coming?" She asked as he stopped twirling her. She didn't give him a chance to answer. "How long are you visiting? It better be for longer than a day or two."

"I'm not visiting, Daph. I'm here to stay."

She squealed again. She finally eased off him but still remained hugging him. She had completely forgotten about the girl she was talking to. She hadn't even bothered to introduce her. "Are you staying with your Mom?"

"No."

"Then where are you staying?"

A wide grin spread across Justin's face, "With my *boyfriend.*"

Daphne frowned with displeasure, "So, Ethan is back from Europe?"

Justin's smile grew wider. "I wouldn't know. I haven't heard from Ethan since he left. I'm living with my *New* boyfriend."

Daphne squealed again. "Who?"

"Daph, his name is Brian Kinney and he has the face of a god."
------------------

They were sitting in Daphne's apartment. It was a small one-bedroom apartment near campus. Justin liked it. He was surprised to see Daphne had framed a lot of the pictures he'd drawn of her and the two of them and they were hanging on the walls. The apartment was filled with African art objects and posters.

The living room consisted of a futon, two wicker chairs and a wicker trunk that served as a coffee table. There wasn't a dining room but a breakfast bar served as the eating area. There was a small galley kitchen. The bedroom was in bright vibrant colors. The apartment looked like a *home.* It was infused with Daphne's personality. 

An empty pizza box sat between them. They were sitting on Daphne's futon sipping on soda. In the old days they would have been drinking beer and smoking but Justin had told Daphne that Brian was taking him to meet his son so they decided to wait until the weekend to get high together.

Justin finally came clean to Daphne about hustling. "He just left me, Daph, in a city where I didn't have any family or friends, without a second thought. The University stopped paying for his apartment and even working overtime I couldn't afford the rent. I was desperate. Then one day I walked in this bar and that's how I started hustling. It paid the bills."

Daphne scrunched her face into a *huh* expression, "What do you mean hustling?"

"As in selling my ass for money. Mostly, I just gave blowjobs or hand jobs."

Daphne jumped up from the futon, hands on her hips staring down angrily at him, "You did WHAT?"

"It's was the only way I knew how to survive," he explained softly.

She was upset and angry with him. "Why didn't you call me? You could have come back and lived with me while you looked for a job. Maybe even attended Junior college or something. Justin you could have been hurt! Prostitution is a dangerous profession!"

Justin thought about the few close calls he'd had. "I know, Daph. I guess my pride didn't want to admit that I'd been wrong about Ethan. I felt like such a fool to have believed his lies and followed him to New York. My parents didn't want me back and I felt like I had nowhere to go. I just decided to try to make the best of it. Anyway, that's how I met Brian. He paid me $1,000.00 to spend the night with him and it turned into something much more. Like fate, Daph. The night I met him was the one-year anniversary of my first trick. He was my last trick."

"I can't believe this. I'm angry with you for doing something so dangerous and STUPID as hustling but then...It's so romantic how you met Brian. It's so hard to believe."

"Believe it, Daph."

"Where do you live?"

"He--We live in this amazing loft on Tremont. Daph, it's like something out of decorator's digest. It's filled with glass and steel and Italian leather furniture. It has this state of the art kitchen and the bathroom is huge. The shower," he stopped to smile thinking about the shower, "two or more people can shower in there. The only thing it's sorta cold. You know? Like he hasn't added his personality to the place."

"Well, now that you are there you can add a few touches to warm it up."

"I want it to feel like this, Daph. I love your place. It screams you. Feels warm...like being home."

She smiled, "Thanks, Justin. I thought maybe it was too colorful. Too over the top."

Justin shook his head, "Oh, no. It's you, Daph. You're vibrant and a little over the top. That's who you are, don't change.

"Thanks, Justin. So, you picked up an application for PIFA. How are you going to afford that?"

"Brian's paying for me to go to PIFA."

"Wow, that's a lot of money! Are you sure he's not some old geezer?" Daphne asked in disbelief.

"Daph, he's really intelligent. He has this biting sarcastic wit that takes a little getting use to but it just hides a very caring guy. And he's far from old. He's young, he's beautiful, he has a killer body and," Justin gave her a lascivious grin, "a big cock."

Daphne laughed. "He sounds like a Gay man's dream. Hell, he sounds like my dream man. When do I get to meet him?" 

"Tonight. He's picking me up here."

"Great. I'll get to see this god like Brian Kinney. Hell, I like him already because he's not Ethan and he brought you back to Pittsburgh.”

Justin could only laugh. Daphne made no secret about her dislike of Ethan from the beginning.

"Are you going to see your Mom and Molly?"

Justin shrugged, "I want to see Molly. I just don't know how without alerting my parents. I certainly don't want to see them. I haven't seen or spoken to either of them in over a year and a half."

"Well," Daphne hesitated. She realized Justin didn't know about his parents. "Your Mom and Dad aren't together anymore."

Justin sat straight up, "What the fuck are you talking about!?"

"I don't know everything just the gossip and rumors I've heard. You know Chrissie, my friend you said had a horse face." She waited to see if Justin remembered. He gave a noncommittal shrugged. She continued. "Anyway, we heard her mother saying your Dad had cheated with his secretary---again and your Mom left him. Although, that's not the main reason she left. She and Molly live in that new set of condos."

"Why the hell didn't you tell me this?" Justin yelled at her.

"I don't know? Could it be that every time I mentioned your Mom and Dad you'd cut me off and end the call? Remember?" She asked scathingly.

Justin was contrite, "Yeah, sorry, Daph."

"PLUS, and I swear this is exactly what Chrissie’s mom said--she said that your Mom and Dad had argued one day about you during a dinner party they gave. Your Mom let it slip that she had contacted Ethan before you left for New York and asked him to tell you to call home. Your Dad was livid."

Justin looked confused, "Ethan never told me Mom had called."

"That figures. What an asshole," Daphne was incensed. "It's a good thing you two aren’t together. He was a real selfish, egotistical asshole. Anyway, it seems your Mom blamed your Dad for your leaving to New York. She wanted him to apologize to you. Chrissie’s mom said it was a nasty argument and your mom stormed off. Then he had the affair and your Mom left him. So, maybe you'll give some thought to calling your Mom. She may have acted badly when you first told her you were gay, but I think she wants to make amends. Do you?"

Justin was trying to take in everything Daphne had just told him. He loved his parents. Even after everything that had happened. Still just thinking of how they rejected him when he told them he was Gay hurt. He could still hear his father calling his lifestyle disgusting and ordering him to leave his home. His mom had just stood there silently crying as his Dad had put him out. He'd gone to live with Ethan. They had stayed in Pittsburgh for a little over a month before they left. 

Justin didn't know if he'd have left with Ethan if he knew his Mom was willing to make amends. It was just so much to contemplate right now. He didn't want to think on all the implications, the what if's. He let out a sigh and put it all in to perspective. Ethan had withheld his mother's call from him. He could only speculate on his motives. The bottom line was he left Pittsburgh. If nothing else he proved to himself that he could take care of himself. He also met Brian. That was worth all the hardship he had endured.

"Daphne will you take me to see my Mom tomorrow?"

A big smile spread over Daphne's features, "Yes."

-------------------
Justin was waiting for Brian when he pulled up to Daphne's apartment building. Daphne was standing by his side. It was the first time he'd seen Brian's car. Brian had told him to look for a vintage Corvette. Brian didn't tell him the car was a showpiece. It looked sleek and expensive. Just the type of car Brian would drive. Brian stepped out of the car. Justin was smiling from ear to ear. He walked over and kissed Brian. Brian leaned back against the car bringing Justin in to his body. They were in a heated kiss, in full make-out mode when they heard Daphne clearing her throat.

Justin pulled back from Brian and turned to his friend. "Sorry about that, Daph." His expression was anything but sorry. "Brian, I want you to meet, Daph."

Brian leaned away from the car. Justin and Daphne probably expected him to shake her hand. Both were surprised when he kissed her on the cheek. Daphne blushed.

"Justin never told me how beautiful you were."

Daphne was pleased with the flattery. "Well, he certainly told me you were and he definitely didn't lie."

Brian chuckled, "Thank you, Daphne."

Daphne got a good vibe from Brian. She hoped he was everything Justin wanted him to be. At least Justin was back in Pittsburgh where she could keep and eye on him. For now she'd go with her initial feeling for Brian. She turned to Justin and mouthed, "He's fucking gorgeous."

Justin smirked wrapping his arm around Brian's waist. "I know."

Brian tapped the packet in Justin's hands. "What’s that?"

"The information from PIFA. I only have two weeks to get this back to them."

"Then we'll work on it this weekend. We need to get going. We have a lot to do." Brian turned to Daphne. "Daphne, I hope to see you soon."

Daphne crossed her arms over her chest and smiled, "You better believe it."

Justin hugged Daphne, "Call me tomorrow. Now, hurry back in the building so we can leave."

Daphne pursed her lips and cut her eyes at Justin. He was doing the protector thing she'd had to put up with from elementary school straight through high school. "Yes, Daddy," she quipped as she flounced away.

Brian laughed at her antics. He could see how much they loved each other. It was written in their every gesture. Justin and Brian got in the car once she was safely in the building. Brian pulled away from the curb. 

"This is a really cool car."

"Glad you like it. I like Daphne. You love her a lot, huh?"

"Yeah, I do. We've known each other since elementary school. When I first came out Daph was the only one that didn't treat me differently. Her love never faltered. She even went with me the first time I went to Liberty Avenue."

Brian took his eyes off the road for a second, "Is there more?"

"I was her first. You know the first guy she had sex with. She was mine, too. She approached me...about sex. We were seventeen years old. Probably the oldest virgins in our school. She was afraid but she was ready. I didn't know a thing about sex--gay or hetero. I went on the internet and got all this information." He laughed remembering how nervous and afraid he was but how he refused to admit it to Daphne. "I just didn't want her first time to be with some asshole that wouldn't care about her or her feelings. Or one of the guys at school that would fuck her and brag about it to all the guys at school. I wanted her first time to be special. So, I tried to make it special for her. Afterwards it got a little weird and confusing but we worked it out."

"It's good to have a friend that accepts you for who you are."

Justin laced his fingers through Brian's as he gripped the stick shift. "It's also good to have someone to care about you."

Brian squeezed his fingers, "Yes, it is."

"I'm going to see my Mom tomorrow," Justin blurted out.

He expected Brian to act surprised but he didn't. Instead he asked, "Do you need a lift?"

"No, Daph is picking me up and taking me there. I just found out my parents aren't together anymore. I don't know how things will go, but I'm willing to give it a chance, if she is. An added incentive, I'll get a chance to see Molly."

Brian squeezed Justin's fingers. "All you can do is try. If it doesn't work out, you'll know you gave it your best shot."

Brian was right. Justin was a little apprehensive about tomorrow but he had to do it. If he admitted it to himself, and he did, he missed his Mom. He missed his sister. He even missed his homophobic Dad. If there was a chance to establishing a relationship with his Mom he had to pursue it.
----------------

Justin looked around the neighborhood as Brian pulled up to the curb. It was a quiet well kept area. As they walked to the door Justin came to the conclusion that it looked like a great place to raise a family. They stood on Lindsey and Melanie's porch. Brian rung the doorbell. Justin stood next to him fidgeting. 

"Do I look okay?" Justin asked nervously. Brian looked at him. Hell, he looked good enough to fuck, but then he always did. Justin had on a navy blue wool coat, a navy blue sweater that hugged his lithe upper body and a pair of faded jeans that emphasized his slim waist and perfect bubble ass.

Brian cut his eyes at him. "You look fine. Now be still. I'm not taking you to your executioner. We're just visiting my son and his mommies." Before Justin could respond. The door was opened. A tall, beautiful, blonde woman stood in front of them. 

Lindsey was a little shocked. The man standing next to Brian was more of a boy than a man. He looked like he should still be in school not in a relationship with the Stud of Liberty Avenue. Lindsey had seen some of Brian's tricks. They all had the same characteristics; about his age, tall, lean, with dark hair. The beautiful boy in front of her was far from Brian's usual. First he was young. Very young. He was medium height, slightly built, long honey blonde hair, sky blue eyes and the face of an angel. He was absolutely gorgeous. He and Brian made a striking couple. 

Lindsey stopped staring and remembered her manners. "Hello, Bri," she greeted before turning her attention to Justin. "And you must be Justin. I'm Lindsey, Gus' mom."

"Yes, I am. It's good to meet you," Justin said extending his hand to shake Lindsey's.

Next to him Brian rolled his eyes at his WASP manners. "Can we come in? It's a little cold out here."

"Of course," Lindsey stepped to the side to let them past. “Come in let me take your coats.”

As they cleared the door, and gave Lindsey their coats, a little whirlwind in blue plush pajamas rushed to Brian. "Dada, Dada. I was waitin' for you," he said as he reached up for his father to pick him up.

Justin was right. The little boy was the spitting image of Brian. He had Brian's chestnut hair, golden complexion and full strawberry lips. He even had Brian's hazel eyes although, Gus's eyes were more brown and gold than his father's green and gold. He was a beautiful little boy.

"Hey, there Sonnyboy," Brian said affectionately mussing Gus' hair. "Dada missed you."

"Me missed you, too." Gus pointed at Justin. "Who's dat?"

"That's my friend, Justin. He's going to be living with me. Now when you come over to stay he'll be there. You can draw with him. Justin likes to draw.

That caught Gus' attention. "Can you draw a train?" Gus asked.

"Yes, I can."

"Will you draw me a train?"

"I'd love to."

"Come on in, Justin. I want to introduce you to my wife, Melanie."

They walked in and sat on the sofa. Brian was holding Gus, Justin sat beside him and Lindz took a chair facing the sofa. A beautiful, petite woman with dark hair walked in the room. Justin reasoned it was Melanie. He stood up to greet her.

"Melanie this is, Justin. Brian's *boyfriend.*” Lindsey lifted her eyes expressively.

Melanie extended her hand. "What does a young, beautiful, sweet, man like yourself want with this old curmudgeon?"

Justin defended Brian. "Brian is a great person once you get to know him."

Brian was taken back. He wasn't used to anyone defending him against Melanie. He could tell that he had a staunch supporter and defender in his young lover. Although he could hold his own with Melanie it was a good feeling knowing that he had someone to back him up if needed.

Mel shook her head, "Sweetie, I've been trying for years."

Justin looked over at Brian. "Brian is easy to love."

"Sweetie, I'll take your word for it."

Melanie could tell by the besotted expression on Justin's face he was over his head in love with Brian. And by the look Brian was giving him Melanie was almost willing to admit that cold-hearted Brian might actually have some feelings for Justin. She smiled inwardly. There was such a thing as miracles if Kinney could actually care about something more than getting his dick sucked.

Justin sat back down next to Brian and Gus. "You have a beautiful home. It's very warm and inviting."

Melanie gave Justin one of her rare and genuine smiles, "Thank you, Justin." She turned to Brian, "How were you lucky enough to find Justin? What are you doing now, trolling the school yards?"

Brian was about to cut into Melanie with one of his biting sarcastic remarks when Justin answered Mel. "I think I was the lucky one when I met Brian. And, I 'm not as young as I look. I'll be twenty in a few months."

“You look sixteen. Brian’s going to catch hell getting you into Babylon’s and Woody’s.”

Justin turned to Brian, “What’s Babylon and Woody’s?”

Melanie leaned back in her chair, “It’s Friday night. I’m surprised Brian hasn’t taken you to listen to the thumpa, thumpa of Babylon.” 

Lindsey answered Justin’s question, “Woody’s is a popular Gay Bar and Babylon is the primo Gay night spot. The reigning Stud of Liberty Avenue is always in attendance on the weekend.”

Brian locked eyes with Lindsey, “Not this weekend. This weekend the Stud has other things to do?” 

“Who is the Stud of Liberty Avenue,” Justin asked.

Melanie let out a snicker, “What? Hasn’t Brian told you about his reputation? He’s the Stud of Liberty Avenue.”

Justin turned wide eyes to Brian, “Wow! I didn’t know that. Will our relationship change that?”

Brian brushed off his concern, “Our relationship changes everything.” Brian didn’t expound further. He wasn’t sure what impact their relationship would make on his reputation on Liberty Avenue. He wasn’t even sure if he cared about his reputation on Liberty Avenue anymore. For the time being he just wanted to take one day at a time. He’d face the problems as the arose. Until then he didn’t intend to waste time thinking about them. “We will talk about it when we get home. Okay?”

“’kay,” Justin agreed leaning over to kiss Brian again. 

Gus interrupted the adults. He had more important things to talk about. "Jus'n is goin' to draw me a train?"

Justin turned to smile at Gus. "Yes, I am."

Lindsey leaned forwarded in her chair. "How long have you been drawing?"

"I guess since I was Gus’ age. I’ve always loved drawing. I want to be an animator. When I graduated from high school I was accepted in to Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts, but I didn't get a chance to attend. I'm applying again and hope I can get back in."

"So, do you have a portfolio?"

"Yes, I have one."

"I'd like to see it. The GLC is having an art show next Sunday. If you'd like you can enter some of your drawings in the show. It would be great exposure for you."

"What's the GLC?"

"It's the Gay and Lesbian Center. The place where fags go that can't get laid," Brian answered tongue and cheek.

Gus giggled next to him. "Dada funny."

"That would be so cool!" Justin exclaimed. "I'd love to!"

"Maybe you can bring your portfolio to dinner Sunday. I'd love to see your drawings," Lindsey told him.

"Lindsey is an art teacher," Melanie said proudly. "Maybe she can give you a recommendation letter for PIFA."

"You’re an art teacher? That must be awesome." 

Lindsey smiled fondly, "It has it's moments."

Gus pulled on Justin's shirt to get his attention. "You ready to draw my train?"

Justin nodded. "When ever you are."

"C’mon all my colors in here." Gus pointed to the dining room.

Justin looked at Lindsey and Melanie for permission to follow Gus. After they nodded their heads he stood up. He leaned over and kissed Brian on the cheek. 

"I'll be right back."

"I'll be waiting."

Gus giggled and mimicked Justin. He kissed Brian on the cheek. "I like to kiss Dada too." He told Justin. He jumped down off Brian's lap, grabbed Justin's hand and pulled him in the dining room where his crayons and coloring pencils were all laid out. Brian watched as Justin sat down on the floor and began drawing with Gus.

"He's sweet, Bri," Lindsey told him. 

"Too bad he's with you," Melanie quipped.

Brian arched his eyebrow, "I say the same thing about you to Lindsey every day."

Melanie scowled. He ignored her. Lindsey tried to break the tension between them.

"Have you talked to Mikey yet?"

Melanie scoffed, "Yeah, I liked to see you explain Justin."

Brian bristled, "I don't explain myself to anyone. I've called Michael and asked him to meet me at the diner for breakfast. I'll tell him about Justin then. It's not a big deal. Michael and I are best friends not lovers.

Melanie wouldn’t let it go, "The big deal is you and I both know if Michael could he'd have it the other way around." 

"Well, it's not going to be like that and it never was like that. End of story. Mikey has the professor now and I have Justin. I'm happy for Mikey and I know he'll be happy for me."

Melanie and Lindsey both passed a look between them but bit their tongue. Brian was blind when it came to Mikey's unrequited romantic feelings. As much as they liked Justin, and could see that Brian actually cared for the young man, they knew Mikey was going to be less than happy with the development. 

It really did amaze Lindsey. She could actually see a change in Brian. In his open affection to Justin. The way his eyes followed him. The soft expression on his face when he looked at him. He didn't have that sarcastic smirk on his face when he looked at Justin and his words lack the bite when he spoke to him. Lindsey was actually willing to admit that Brian cared for Justin. Lindsey managed to turn the conversation to everyday topics until Justin and Gus came back with the drawing of the train. Gus showed it to Lindsey.

"See Mommy, Jus'n draw it for me."

Lindsey was impressed with the drawing. Even using crayons, cheap colored pencils and paper, Justin had produced a very detailed drawing.

"Can I hang it on my wall?" Gus inquired.

"Yes, you can. It's a very good picture," Lindsey said to Justin.

Justin blushed from the praise, "Thanks. It's not my best work but, Gus liked it."

"Me and Jus'n are gon' kick it one day."

Justin hurried to explain, "I told Gus that when he spent the night with Brian he and I could hang out together and draw more pictures. That is if it is alright with you and Melanie," he turned to Brian, "and of course, you."

"Sounds good. I'd like you two to get to know each other better." Brian pulled him in a hug. Justin smiled up at him. Brian released Justin and picked up Gus. "Isn't it someone's bedtime?"

Gus pouted, "Do I haf to?"

Melanie answered, "Yes, you do young man. Brian's going to put you to bed."

Gus bargained, "Can Jus'n help?"

"That's up to Justin," Lindsey told him.

Justin smiled and ruffled Gus' hair. "Gus and I are pals. I'd love to help Brian tuck him in bed."

Gus clapped, "Yay, Jus'n help Dada tuck me in."

Brian walked up the stairs, "Sonnyboy, after I tuck you in, I'm going to take Justin home and tuck him in bed."

"Promises, Promises," Justin mumbled behind him.

Brian turned his lustful gaze on Justin, "This is a promise I guarantee to keep."

Justin followed Brian upstairs to put Gus to bed a smile on his face.