Days of Wine and Roses An Alternate Universe fic with Brian, Justin and the rest of the cast Disclaimer: the names are the same but the lives of Cowlips characters have been changed. Notes: For Margaret who handed over a tiny little blot bunny for me to grow and thanks to Susan for her quick beta. "I'm sorry about this Lindsey. I had no idea my mother was going to get together with yours and make you do this." Justin said as he walked beside Lindsey, her long legs covering the pathway with an astonishing speed. "It doesn't matter Justin. For some reason Mother doesn't realize that Country Club manners are more than a little passé here at the University. I know we've known each other since St. James Academy but I'm a senior and you're a junior. It just isn't done and she knows that." Lindsey didn't slow her pace even though she knew it was stressing the young blonde. "And I can't believe that you didn't pledge a fraternity. Wasn't your father pissed?" "Tough, I'm not my old man. He can't tell me how to live my life." "Is that why you're here and not at Dartmouth? I heard my mother telling Mrs. Hollings that you broke your father's heart by not going to his old University." "What a crock of shit that is. My father has no idea what I'm like, but one thing for sure I'm not going to sit in an office all day and turn gray following in dear old dad's footsteps." Justin said breathless. "Besides, I was talking to Daphne today and she heard that you have a serious crush on Leslie, the captain of the volleyball team. She said Becky caught you two feeling each other up in the showers." He grinned at her. "I bet your folks will pee in their designer tennis outfits when they find that out." "You keep your mouth shut Justin Taylor. I said I'd get you into this art class and I will. You don't have to resort to blackmail." "Who said anything about blackmail? I only mentioned what everyone in our circle is talking about Lindsey. You really think you could keep something like that a secret?" "How is Daphne?" Lindsey was doing her best to change the subject. "I heard that she was seen down on Liberty Avenue this summer. So you want to talk about queer think about that. At least I don't hang out there with all those kinds of people." "What kinds of people Lindsey - queers, like you? Or are you just too Country Club to be seen down there. You'd rather sneak around in the girls' locker room. That is just so Miss Chatelaine." Justin had managed to divert Lindsey's mind away from Daphne. The two of them had cruised Liberty Avenue twice this summer. They hadn't done anything other than look and Daphne had gone with him because he was too chicken to go by himself. They had been best friends since preschool and while they had tried once to make it more, it was soon apparent that she wasn't his type of sexual partner. He didn't hide his sexuality, but he also didn't flaunt it. In the upper class of Pittsburgh society, of Episcopalian WASP's, it was something that was known, the odd family having a fag, not so much closeted as just not discussed. It was generally thought that while you might 'be' that way, you were still expected to continue with the family business, go to the family church, produce 2.5 children on demand and keep your aberrations to the confines of your private bedroom. While he didn't really have a problem with most of what was expected of him. Justin had no intention of living a lie. He would not marry any of the girls that were regularly paraded in front of him. He was considering working in the family advertising business that was presently being run by his mother's brother Marty Ryder, but only if he could work in the art department. He had inherited the amazing head for business and marketing that seemed to have been passed down through the generations from both of his parents. This would be an asset for the management of his trust funds that he had inherited from his grandparents and would eventually inherit from his parents. His first love was his art. He'd carried pencils and a sketchbook with him since grade school. His parents position in society kept any of his peers from hassling him about his penchant for drawing anything that took his fancy also the fact that he was a fifth dan or Poomse Pyongwan black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It only took the jocks in St. James a few short lessons to discover that it wasn't cool to be on your back on the hallway floor, having been put there by a slight blonde artist. Each time he'd had to demonstrate his defensive abilities Justin had all he could do not to break into a grin as he gave silent thanks to his grandfather Taylor who, an artist himself, had insisted that Justin take both kinds of lessons since he was five. He'd known Lindsey and her family all his life. He knew for years that she was attracted to women, probably before she knew it herself. And like others of their class, he kept his observations to himself. After all he wouldn't want his lusting after guys common knowledge either. But he wanted into the senior 'life' drawing class and only Lindsey could intervene on his behalf. She had a special relationship with the teacher, something else he wasn't prepared to go into. Something Lindsey was babbling about caught his attention. "I finally managed to persuade Brian to model for the life class. Wait until you meet him. I could actually maybe settle for someone like him." "Brian who?" Justin asked intrigued. "Brian Kinney, you don't know him, he's majoring in marketing, wants to be in advertising, though gawd knows why, I could get Daddy to give him a job in his company if we were a couple." "Oh really?" Justin said. "What does Brian Kinney say about that considering your fondness for pussy?" "I haven't said anything to him yet. I haven't even told Daddy about him, I kind of have to break it to Mommy and Daddy gently, he's Irish, and well, you know, not really our kind." "What, he isn't one of your spoiled brat country club boys? Well gloooooory be, little Lindsey Peterson is slumming and Daddy dear has no idea." "Shut up Justin, you are still a little brat aren't you" Lindsey said as she hit him on the upper arm. "Ow, you dykes have a strong punch." "I'm not a dyke, I just like women." "Well, duh, I wonder what that makes you Linds? Could it be, no say it isn't, why yes, it makes you a damn muncher." He slapped her ass and started to run. Both of them giggling chased each other into the art building and into the life drawing studio. Lindsey continued over to her easel but Justin stood transfixed looking at the model up on the dais. Stretched out in all his glory was the most amazing man Justin had ever seen. He had to be more than six feet tall, well muscled, but with a swimmer's build, his hair was auburn silk, Justin could feel his fingers tingling with the desire to comb through it smoothing back the wisps that had fallen over his forehead. He could feel his cock stirring. Suddenly the man's eyes opened hazel eyes flecked with gold stared deeply into his. "Fuck" Justin thought, "so much for all my high minded resolutions, this man is mine." "Mr. Taylor, Mr. Taylor" the harsh gravel of the teacher's voice finally penetrated Justin's consciousness. "Mr. Taylor, you are here on invitation only, don't make me regret my decision. Please take your place at the easel over there." The teacher indicated an empty easel not five feet away from the vision stretched out on the chaise in all his glory. Justin tore his eyes away from the mesmerizing stare of hazel mysteries but not before noticing the hint of a smirk flash across strawberry lips that begged to be kissed. The next two hours passed in a blur of sensation while Justin struggled to keep his emotions in check. His hand flew across the page, immortalizing every inch of the wonder before him. His tongue kept creeping past his lips, wanting to lick and taste the body that lay in abandon before him. Suddenly all the books he'd read about gay sex made complete sense. He could see himself doing all that he'd read and more with this man. He could see himself losing the battle to remain in the background with his sexuality. He would do anything to have this man at his side for the rest of his life. "Very good Mr. Taylor. You were actually only required to do one sketch of the subject. Is there a reason why you have a whole series?" The teacher stood back appraising Justin's work, a puzzled look on her face. "With such an amazing model, I felt one sketch couldn't possibly do him justice." Justin was aware that every eye in the class was on him, every ear tuned to his answer. He felt himself flush, a side effect of having such fair skin. "Yes, well Mr. Taylor, if you are to continue in my class, I suggest you follow the guidelines that are posted for each life subject and leave your 'artistic interpretations' for when you are working out of the classroom environment." She looked around. "That will be all everyone, see you on Thursday." Her eyes found Justin's "Please arrange with the Dean to add this course to your study schedule. I'm sure we will both benefit from your attendance." She said smiling. Justin nodded his acceptance of what she had said, while his eyes followed the movements on the dais. Brian stood up and stretched in spite of knowing full well the blue eyes of the blonde were trained on him. He allowed his semi erect cock to twitch and watched with amusement as the blonde twitched at the same time. He slowly bent down and pulled a towel out from behind the chaise and slowly wrapped it around his waist then in one smooth move stepped down off the dais. Two steps had him in front of the blonde. He moved to look at what had been sketched, not really knowing what to expect and was amazed at what he saw. This kid had definite talent. "Not bad kid," he said. He kept his voice from betraying the fact that if they'd been alone, that chaise would have seen some hard and fast use. Justin for once was unable to speak. He was about to attempt to say something when Lindsey materialized at his side. "Brian, you looked wonderful up there." She simpered. She looked at Justin and then at Brian, neither man had registered her presence. She recognized the look in both their eyes and knew immediately that any dreams she'd ever had about Brian would remain just that, dreams. "Brian I'd like you to meet my friend Justin. Justin this is Brian, you know the guy I was telling you about." Exasperated at the lack of acknowledgement from either of them Lindsey hit Justin on the back of his head. "You are one tough dyke Lindsey, stop hitting me," Justin said. "I know this is Brian. Hi Brian, I'm Justin, Lindsey's punching bag at least that's what she thinks." "Good to meet you Justin," Brian said. He looked at Lindsey. "I always knew you were a toughie," He smirked. "It's been a slice, guys but I'm late for class." He looked at Justin, "later." "Yeah, later" Justin said. He watched Brian stalk into the back to change, his walk as smooth as a panther's. He clutched the charcoal pencil in his and so tightly that it snapped in half. "So that's 'your' Brian," he said facing Lindsey "You probably should rethink that." He smiled, turning back to his sketch that he carefully placed in his leather portfolio. Now that he had seen Brian Kinney once, and boy had he seen him, Justin began to notice him more and more often. He hadn't modeled for any more life classes and from the look of him, the dark circles under his eyes Justin knew that he was working hard. He asked Lindsey finally what the scoop on Brian was. "Hey Lindsey, where's the love of your little Bi life, Kinney?" Justin asked one day while dancing with her at the Saturday night dinner their families had at the club. "He's always working and when he isn't working he's studying or going to class. He really isn't a lot of fun. For the last two weeks he keeps saying he has a headache. I think it's the fumes in the print shop where he works part time that's making his head ache." "I thought you said he worked in a coffee shop," Justin said as he whirled her around in an old fashioned waltz. "He does. He has a whole bunch of jobs. None of them pay much. I mean he has like no money at all. He shares an apartment with like a dozen other guys so we can't even go there to talk even if he did have time." "So, is he like not all that bright that he has to study so hard?" Justin couldn't imagine having to put in a lot of hours studying. His classes in both economics and art were effortless for him. "Oh he's bright enough all right. He won a full scholarship for the four years here. For some dumb reason he actually has two majors and he insists on graduating in the top five." She looked at Justin and said "I mean who really cares." "Why doesn't he live at home? That would help with his expenses." "His father's a drunken lout and I guess his mother isn't much better. She's Catholic you know," Lindsey said with a pout. "OOOOOH Catholic," Justin said smiling. "Scary stuff you little WASP princess." "Don't be such an ass Justin, I'm only telling you what I heard and I didn't hear it from Brian. He never says anything about his family." "My lips are sealed. Now what's this I hear about you moving in with Leslie?" He smiled at her. "Your mother seems to think it's so wonderful you and a girlfriend sharing an apartment. Did you tell mommy dearest that you only have one bed, one bedroom, but many dildos?" "Fuck you Justin Taylor, you're just jealous. I saw the look you gave Brian that day in life class." Later that evening Justin was alone at the dinner table with his Uncle Marty. They were sitting enjoying an after dinner brandy and watching the rest of the group on the dance floor. "Hey Uncle Marty, do you still have that program going where you have a university student work part time and then take them into the firm when they graduate?" "We didn't bother this year Justin. It was too much effort to find the right person and after that fiasco last year I thought I'd let it drop. Might do it in a couple of years though why?" "I know of a guy who would be perfect. He would be an asset to the family firm Uncle Marty. But if you aren't doing it now...... Justin let his voice trail off, pretending indifference. "Hey, Justin, you know me, I'm always wanting the company to be the best. I understand you'll be coming in as well in a couple of years." "Well, that's the plan, of course Mom and I have to convince Dad," Justin grinned at him. "If you want to interview this guy his name’s Brian Kinney and he's a senior. I'd snap him up if I were you, you won't be sorry." He looked at his Uncle, "start him at twenty four hundred a month." His voice told Marty that he would expect no less from him than to hire Brian and make sure he was well paid. "Geeze Justin that's a pretty high rate of pay for an entry level position," Marty began to protest. "It is isn't it" Justin agreed. "But you see Uncle Marty, it's something that Mom and I want." Unspoken was the knowledge that between Justin and his Mother, they held the controlling interest in the firm. Justin continued to watch out for Brian from afar. He noticed the spring in his step that appeared a week after his little chat with his uncle. In another week he noticed the dark circles fading from under Brian's eyes. Brian didn't realize it but he was responsible for the hundreds of hours that Justin spent in his studio on Tremont Ave. The second floor studio in the loft building was full of paintings and sketches of the auburn haired love of Justin's life. He watched with amusement as Lindsey still continued to pursue Brian even when she was living with Leslie. Some women never give up. "Hey, Uncle Marty," Justin began. "How's Brian working out?" Justin knew full well how Brian was working out. He had a direct pipeline to the company, someone that would never reveal to Marty that Justin was interested in Brian Kinney. "Not bad Justin, not bad at all," Marty said into the phone. He'd been reviewing the first half of the fiscal year reports and was impressed with the increase in business that was the direct result of Brian's hard work. "I heard pretty darn good Uncle Marty. Brian is graduating in a couple of weeks have you offered him a full time position yet?" "Not yet Justin, I'm not so sure he would be what we want here at the Ryder Agency. His family background is a little iffy. His Father and Mother, well Justin they aren't our kind of people. Not to mention that it's been reported to me that he's, well he's a homosexual." "And either of these things affect the quality of his work how?" Justin asked. "Justin, I'm not saying his work isn't good. It's good, the best I've seen in a long time. I'm only saying that he wouldn't fit in with our company." "Really, Uncle Marty. I think Mr. Kinney would fit in just fine. As a matter of fact my Mother thinks the same way. She also feels that Brian should be given a twenty five percent increase and a bonus based on the revenue he generates." "That won't work this time Justin. I'm not having a homosexual shanty Irishman working in the firm full time. I let him work here for the school semesters and that was strictly as a personal favor to you and your mother. But no way am I having him here full time." "In addition to that raise and bonus system Uncle Marty. I would suggest you offer him the opportunity to purchase the loft apartment on Tremont. The firm can hold the mortgage at say four percent with the down payment waived." "Justin, you weren't listening to me...... Marty began. "No Uncle Marty, you weren't listening to me. Now you make those offers to Mr. Kinney before the week is out or I'll have Aunt Ruby presented with some wonderful pictures that were taken of you and the last four secretaries you had. I'm sure she would be interested in seeing how fetching you look in black lace and heels. And really Uncle Marty, a blue dildo up your butt isn't the best look for you. I would suggest a more natural color," Justin grinned to himself. "Now that we've spent so much time on the phone, I think maybe you should add the cost of whatever renovations Mr. Kinney might require to his new loft as a - say signing bonus for his five year contract," Justin hung the phone up gently. He could only imagine the look on his Uncle’s face. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^ Justin stood leaning against a tree, trying to avoid the harsh sunlight at the outdoor commencement. Ancestral good breeding and more money than God, allowed him to remain calm and cool dressed in his sapphire blue silk Armani suit while he watched Brian and Lindsey receive their diplomas. It was finally over and everyone was milling about. Justin stayed put, it was darn near the only shade available. His fair skin had taken on a slightly pink glow even with him standing in the shade. He didn't dare move. He blinked and then looked into smiling hazel eyes. "Mr. Taylor, what brings you here on this hot afternoon?" Brian asked. His smile was shy as he stood looking down at the blonde vision straight from the pages of GQ. "Happened to be in the neighborhood," Justin lied. Brian was close enough that Justin could smell his aftershave. Something spicy with a touch of citrus in it he thought. "Hey Justin, why that was so sweet of you to come and see me graduate," Lindsey gushed as she rushed up to join the two men under the tree. "Mommy and Daddy pointed you out or I might have missed you." She linked her arm through Brian's. "Did you know that Brian bought an apartment in the same building your studio is in?" she asked. "Is that so," Justin said. His eyes never left Brian's. "You have a studio on Tremont?" Brian asked. "Justin has a studio on the second floor and a Dojo on the main floor," Lindsey supplied this information to Brian. "And didn't your mom tell mommy that you made the third floor into an apartment as well?" "My Mother talks too much," Justin stated. "I guess Brian we can't pick our family though can we? We're pretty much stuck with them." Brian's eyes clouded over momentarily. "No we're stuck with our family that's for sure." He looked intently at Justin. "We'll be neighbors then." "Apparently," Justin said. He looked startled when a buxom red haired woman trailed by a tall older man and a shorter dark haired younger man suddenly arrived and threw her arms around Brian. "I can't fucking believe it. My darling Brian has graduated." She gushed as she kissed Brian on the cheek leaving a bright red lipstick imprint. "Hey Deb, Vic, Mikey I wasn't expecting you guys." Brian was slightly embarrassed at Debbie's exuberance but pleased that these people who meant so much to him growing up were here to see him receive his diploma. He turned to Justin and Lindsey to introduce them. "Justin and Lindsey, I'd like to introduce Debbie and Vic, they've been like parents to me for years and my friend Michael, the brother I never had. Justin grinned from ear to ear. Wait till his mom meets Debbie. She was obviously a kind woman but outrageous in her speech and dress. His mother would have a conniption. "Hi there Sunshine, it's nice to meet friends of Brian's. You have him bring you over for some real Italian cooking, you look like you would enjoy it," Debbie said to Justin. "You too honey," she added when she looked at Lindsey who was looking more than a little nonplussed. Michael nodded at Justin who didn't return the nod. Something about this shorter dark haired man rubbed Justin the wrong way. Maybe it was the way he seemed determined to pull Brian away from all of them. Justin watched him tug at Brian's arm trying to get him to move on. Brian stood rooted to the spot he been in since finding Justin under the tree. A shimmering blonde vision in the heat of the day, Justin looked cool as ice water though his eyes spoke of heat that hadn't been released yet. "Sunshine's a good name for you," he said, his voice quiet. "Brian, good I'm glad to find you still here." Marty Ryder was puffing from the exertion of walking in the hot sun across the grass. He looked at Justin and Lindsey. "Hey, Justin, saw your mom and dad over by the refreshment tent. Lindsey congratulations my dear, I understand you managed to get a pretty good teaching position for the fall." "Hi Uncle Marty," the two blondes chorused. "What are you doing here?" Lindsey asked. "I'm here to see Brian," he said. "Brian works for the firm. He's one of my better decisions of the past year or so," he joked looking at Justin. "Really Uncle Marty, I didn't know that," Justin said. He looked over at Brian. "Uncle Marty is my mother's brother and he's Lindsey's godfather," he said as way of explanation. "What can I do for you Mr. Ryder," Brian asked. He wasn't sure what to make of the development that Marty Ryder and Justin and Lindsey were all part of the same group. "Call my Marty, Brian. You're one of us now. Full time and all that, I have a little something for you. Forgot all about it yesterday, you left too fast for me." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. "Company car my boy. We like our up and coming sales executives to drive in style," he looked at Justin again, who quickly looked away. "I did some research and was told that this is the kind of thing you might like. It's all right if you want to change it; we have two weeks to make the final decision. Two year lease." He pointed to the black BMW sports model parked at the bottom of the hill "there she is, sleek little beauty, wouldn't mind one myself." "But," Brian began. "Hey, part of the contract you signed. We provide you with a car. Should read the fine print boy." Marty grinned and headed back down the hill. Justin was as surprised as Brian. Old Uncle Marty must have more to hide than he realized Justin thought to do this. "Hey cool car Brian. That's some job you have." "The rest of the gang won't fucking believe this," Debbie said. She stared at the shiny black car in disbelief. "This makes no sense," Brian said. He looked at the keys in his hand and back down to the car. "Brian, if I know my Uncle Marty, you'll earn every bit of that car. He's a real asshole and will expect everything from you times ten," Justin laughed. "Just watch your back around him." "Thanks for the advice Sunshine." Brian looked at Michael who was standing beside him looking bewildered. "Let's test drive that beast Mikey." He put his arm around the smaller man and gave him a hug then looked into Justin's blue eyes. "Later," he said his voice full of promise. "Later," Justin replied. Debbie and Vic drifted back down the hill talking animatedly to each other leaving Lindsey and Justin under the tree. "Why do I think you've had a hand in some of Brian's good fortune?" Lindsey asked. "I have no idea what you're talking about Linds," Justin laughed. He put his arm through Lindsey's and began to walk her down the hill toward the parents and friends milling around the reception tent. "Now where's that little honey of yours, going to introduce her to Mommy and Daddy?" Justin began. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian stood in the dark street outside the building on Tremont watching the young blonde through the window go through the intricate Tae Kwon Do ritual exercises. His white gi glowed in the soft lights of the large room. It didn't look all that difficult to do Brian thought as he crossed the street and entered the building. He was about to go up the stairs, his own form of exercise when the compelling beat of music that drifted out through the partially closed door of Justin's dojo drew him forward to look through and watch. It was almost like a dance what Justin was doing. He moved through the rituals smoothly, his kicks higher than Brian's head, his black belt contrasting with the white of his gi. Brian could see the sweat soaking the black band he had tied around his forehead. "Hey Sunshine, you forgot to close your door" he said. He'd raised his voice to be heard over the music. "There's only me and you in the building Brian. You planning on coming in and kicking my ass?" he turned and grinned at Brian but continued with his ritual moves. Brian didn't dare answer. It wasn't that he didn't want the blonde's ass; he just didn't want to kick it. "What exactly are you doing Sunshine," was how he chose to answer. "Tae Kwon Do" Justin said. He finished the movements he had been doing and bowed then walked off the padded floor toward Brian. "I started when I was five about the same time I began art instruction. It was a compromise that I made with my parents who thought I wasn't getting enough 'play' time. If you want to learn I'd be glad to teach you. It's a better workout than you'll get at the gym. But if you prefer the old standbys," he indicated a corner of the vast room. I have most exercise equipment over there behind those screens. You're welcome to use it anytime. I don't lock the door." He picked a towel off a rack on the wall, "follow me I'll show you around." He walked away, confident that Brian would follow. "This is the all the standard stuff." Brian stared at the room full of top of the line gym equipment. The walls lined in mirrors. "Over here is the bathroom and shower and through that door is the hot tub and sauna," he looked at Brian flashing him his sunshine smile. "There you have it. Feel free to use it when ever you want." "Are you for real?" Brian asked. "You have a whole damn gym just for yourself." "What else was I supposed to put here?" Justin asked reasonably. "I mean, my hours are erratic at best. I go to school and work in my studio. I'd never be able to stick to a gym schedule. I asked my dad and he said he thought it would be a good idea. It keeps me off the streets, I'm not the biggest guy on the block and I don't like trouble. When I graduate I'll have to work in one of the family businesses and I'll have even less time, the way I eat I figured I better establish an exercise regime early." "Pardon me all to hell Sonny Boy for presuming that having your own floor full of exercise stuff was a little over the top. I forgot just who I was dealing with here." "Whatever, Kinney" Justin said exasperated. He turned and walked past Brian out the door and ran up to the third floor. Brian could hear the slam of the heavy metal door. "Well that went just peachy," Brian said to the air. He looked around the room. One wall was covered in framed certificates. He wandered over to read them. "Geeze the kid has dozens of the damn things. After working his way down the wall he began to realize just how much training and discipline had gone in to the black belt that Justin had tied his gi with. Not only that he could see that his black belt was a fifth dan whatever that meant. He walked up the stairs past the closed studio door and on to the third floor. Justin's apartment door was closed; he started past it but came back. He had to apologize. He had no reason to act the way he had. Justin seemed like a nice kid and the fact he came from money - well he couldn't help that any more than Brian could help coming from a dysfunctional family. He knocked twice and was about to leave, continue to his own apartment when the heavy door slid open and two watery blue eyes looked into his. "Justin, I'm sorry I was such an ass" Brian said. He looked down, Justin had only a towel around his waist. The rest of him was naked. "Sorry is bullshit Brian," Justin said. He left the door open and walked deeper into his apartment. "Actually sorry is what you say when you want to apologize for being an idiot Justin," Brian said stepping through the door. He looked around amazed. "I see you must have just moved in." The whole floor was empty except for a mattress in a corner and what appeared to be a toilet and sink behind a partition and judging from Justin's condition maybe a shower. Clothes were everywhere. Not to mention dozens of take out containers in large garbage can flowing onto the floor. "I've lived here two years Brian, why?" Justin asked. He dropped his towel and stepped behind the partition. Brian caught a fleeting glimpse of a perfect ass then heard the water of a shower. He could see steam rising above the partition and the smell of a herbal soap drift out. In a few minutes a wet Justin stepped back around the partition, bent over and grabbed the towel. He dried off his hair quickly then tied the towel back around his waist. "Sorry, had to wash off the sweat, couldn't stand the smell any longer." He looked at Brian, "hungry, there's a phone around here somewhere, I could phone for some Thai." "No offense Justin, but your apartment leaves a lot to be desired." He looked around in dismay, "I can't believe you live like this." Justin looked around he walked to the center of the room and turned in circles. "It's only a place to sleep Brian. I probably don't even spend six hours a day here. Mom sends someone in once a week to take away the dirty clothes and replace them with clean, change the bed and stuff. I mean I'm in my studio or at school or the dojo. I don't have time to fix up the place." He looked at Brian from under his lashes. "If you're a good boy I might show you my studio someday. But right now I'm starved so do you want to eat or not?" Justin picked up a sweater to reveal his phone. He walked to a wall where various menus were tacked up. "Last call" he said and began to dial. "Fine, order me something but have it delivered to my place. We can eat there like civilized human beings." Justin laughed at him but did as he said. He was about to head out the door when, "Not a chance Sunshine, put some clothes on," Brian said. He put his back against the door in case Justin had other ideas. "Wow, now that you're out of school, you sure are bossy," Justin teased. He went to a wall and pulled back a panel to reveal a closet full of clothes on hangers and in recessed drawers. In no time at all he'd found a pair of slubbed silk black trousers that he topped off with a white silk knit sweater, the neckline falling provocatively off Justin's shoulder. He went to another wall and pulled open a drawer "You want white wine or red?" he asked. When Brian didn't answer fast enough he said "Too slow, we're having red." Justin's hand wrapped around the bottle neck, he pulled it out, grabbed his wallet off the floor by the phone, took one last look around the messy room and headed for Brian and the door. "Hey Irish," he said. "Take me to civilization." As he past Brian in the doorway, their hands accidentally brushed. Neither one said a word, but both of them were sure that the bolt of electricity they felt had left a burn. "Don't call me Irish," Brian growled as he followed him up the stairs. "Why not, you are aren't you?" Justin asked reasonably. He took the stairs two at a time. Brian followed closely. The door was reached at the same time. Seeing Justin's grin that said he was teasing him, seeing the blue eyes looking into his with affection was almost too much for Brian. He wanted him now. He wanted to let his lips follow the shoulder of that soft sweater, kissing and tasting the honey white skin. Instead he inserted the key pulling open the heavy door. "This is civilization Sunshine," He said. Justin walked into the room and looked around. "I'm impressed Mr. Kinney. For owning the place such a short time you've done wonders with it." He took in the Italian furniture, sleek hard lines, the chrome and leather. He gazed at the highly polished hardwood. He looked at Brian, "Can I?" He was asking permission to continue his tour of the loft. Brian nodded amused at the look on the young man's face. He walked up the few steps to what was the bedroom. The bed was large and inviting covered in a luxurious deep blue duvet. A series of blue lights over the bed, he continued into the bathroom. The shower was definitely built for two. "I guess I know where to go when I want a group shower," he giggled. "You know, water conservation and all that." He moved back down into the main part of the loft. "You must be in Advertising," he said as he observed Brian setting the table. "Presentation is Everything," he looked at Brian and grinned. "For a spoiled country club kid you sure don't know much about good manners," Brian grumbled. "Hey Irish, I brought wine didn't I?" Justin said. The buzzer went off and Justin went over and answered. "Hey Philippe is that you," he asked. "Yeah man, hurry up, the stuff is getting cold. I better get a good tip this time." The words spoken with a thick accent squawked over the intercom. "Fuck you Philippe," Justin answered. "I'll be right down." He looked at Brian. I'm going to go down and get it. I want to pick up something in my studio." he grinned at Brian. "It’s ok Philippe is in one of my Tae Kwon Do classes, he's just joking around. Why don't you open the wine? I'll be right back." He left Brian standing in his own kitchen, fumbling with the cork in the bottle of wine and wondering where he'd lost control of the evening. Brian was pouring the wine into crystal goblets when Justin burst back through the door. He was juggling two large pictures as well as a brown bag. He looked at Brian and grinned again. He was definitely living up to Deb's nickname. Each time he smiled those perfect teeth and dancing eyes made the room a bit brighter. "What have you got there Sunshine?" he asked walking over and taking the bag from Justin's hand. "You don't have any pictures up here Brian. Don't naked walls drive you absolutely wild? Doesn't it make you want to get the crayons out and do something?" "No" Brian answered truthfully. "Besides, I don't want Big Q art on the walls or one of those velvet Elvis's. I want something with meaning." "Well, Irish, this is your lucky day. Cause I'm giving you two of my paintings." He walked over to the empty wall and propped up the two paintings he'd done, faces to the wall. "Consider it a house warming gift from me to you." "Gee Justin, let my heart stop going pitty pat, but brown paper just doesn't do a thing for me." "Twat, I haven't shown you what they are yet. I'm starved, I need to eat before I do the presentation." Brian thought about it and decided; maybe he'd better eat. If the paintings were god awful he'd need all the diplomacy he could muster not to hurt the kids feelings. "Dinner is served Sonny Boy." He looked at Justin and sat down at the table. "Wow, Irish, candles and everything, I'm impressed," Justin said as he sat down. "Well it beats sitting on the floor at your place and digging it out with our fingers," Brian said. "Hey we could sit on the bed and I have lots of plastic forks somewhere down there," he sighed. "I'm going to build a kitchen if I ever get the time." He looked at Brian's kitchen. "Yours isn't bad. I could do some awesome cooking in there. Hey Irish, want to trade, you can use the 'over the top' gym downstairs and I can use your kitchen. I'll even cook enough for you so you can have something to work off in my little den of overindulgence." "We might be able to work something out," Brian said. "At least until the rest of the tenants move into the building." "The rest of the tenants?" Justin asked as he reached for the wine. "There is really only the two of us Brian." He looked at Brian seriously. "My mom has been bugging me for ages to sell this loft. She was nervous about me living in the building all by myself. Like having someone on the top floor was really going to do something should some made burglar break in. She told Uncle Marty to find a buyer for this place or she was going to find a buyer for the whole building. Not that she really could sell it out from under me. I mean my Grandpa Taylor left it to me. But she could probably nag me to a slow painful death so I didn't mind Uncle Marty selling the top loft. I'm glad it was you that bought it. At least you're kind of hot looking." "You're telling me that it's just you and I living here?" Brian sighed; his fingers pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm supposed to be here as some kind of babysitter? For gawd's sake Justin I just fucking don't believe this." "Hey Irish, don't get your panties in a twist. I have no intention of encroaching on your busy little life. If I recall it was you who stepped into my dojo tonight. I was perfectly happy working out. I would have done what I've done every night for the last year or so. Worked out, had a shower, ordered in some food, gone to my studio, worked until I was sleepy, maybe talked to my friend Daphne on the phone while I painted, the usual stuff. Which by the way I've been doing every night since you moved in. I never even bitched about all the damn noise your construction guys made. I thought I was a great neighbor. I was happy, you were happy and my mom was off my back. So what are you whining about?" Brian looked thoughtful. Justin did have a point. He was the one who made contact tonight. "Sorry" he started and held up his hand to stop Justin from making 'sorry is bullshit' reply. "I had no idea who owned what with the building. Marty offered me a sweet deal and I jumped at it. I should have known there'd be strings attached." "Do you see strings Irish?" Justin stood up and turned around. "Nada, nope, niet, no strings of any kind. No apologies, no regrets that's my motto. You do your thing and I'll do mine." Brian grinned at him. "I'll stop bitching if you'll stop with the Irish" "Can't," Justin said and he took a sip of wine. "What do you mean you can't?" Brian asked bristling once again. "I look at you with an artist's eye. I see Irish" he smiled. "I'm sure I'll be able to explain it to you someday." He jumped up, "you finished? It's time for your viewing of your new artwork." He bounced over to the paintings leaning up against the wall. He slowly turned the largest one around, suddenly shy. "It's alright if you don't like it," he said. Brian sat back in his chair and looked at the painting. He realized immediately the depth of the talent that had gone into the swirls of color. The brilliant reds and charcoals would look amazing with the severe lines of his furniture. He looked away and then back again and realized suddenly that it was a painting of him. His eyes were looking back at him, yet when he looked at it again it was once again a swirl of color. "Justin that's amazing. How did you do that? You painted me and yet it's not me." He looked over at Justin who was blushing with pleasure. "So this one's a keeper?" he asked the man he'd been in love with from the moment he'd first laid eyes on him. "Oh yes Justin, it's a keeper, I'm not letting that one go," Brian smiled. "The next one is just a kind of fantasy picture Brian. It would look good in your bedroom." Justin turned around the second picture and Brian found himself staring at two men sleeping entwined with each other. The smaller blonde had his head on the chest of the taller dark haired man. They were both naked and you could tell from the satisfied look on their sleeping faces that they had recently made love." Justin blushed crimson as Brian stared at it. "I hope you don't mind Brian. It was a fantasy of mine. Look maybe I should tell you this now, I'm gay." He looked away waiting for Brian to say something. Brian got up from the table and walked over to the young artist. "I love that painting Justin. Thank you." He put his hand on Justin's shoulder and turned him toward him. "I know you're gay. I didn't think that hard on you had when we first met was for Lindsey or the dyke teacher." He bent and kissed Justin's forehead. Justin backed away. "Whew, that's a relief, I was afraid you wouldn't want anything more to do with me once you knew." He looked at Brian. "We don't really talk about stuff like that where I come from. I mean my Mom knows I'm gay and so does my Dad but it's never discussed at least not with me. I think they figure I'll grow out of it." Brian had to laugh. "Well I've never told my parents that I'm gay and I don't intend to. My sexuality is my own business. I am who I am. I don't hide it but I don't announce it either." "I don't hide it either Irish, I just haven't actually done anything about it." He looked at Brian trying to judge his reaction. "I mean my friend Daphne and I went down to Liberty Avenue a couple of times in the summer. But we didn't actually go into any of the clubs. Just looked around you know." "How old are you anyway?" Brian asked. "You look about twelve." "Thanks a bunch. I'm twenty and you're what twenty two, twenty three." "So you're telling me you're still a virgin?" Brian smirked. "Technically I am I guess. Daphne and I had sex when we were seventeen. She wanted to do it with a friend first so I'm not a virgin with girls but seeing as I don't particularly like girls I guess I'm a fag virgin." "How was it?" Brian was curious. "Kind of weird, girls are hard to understand not to mention waaaaay to wet." "I don't even want to go there. Lindsey's been bugging me to try it with her but I'm not that dumb. She'd have me marching down the aisle so fast." "You got that right. Linds has a major crush on you Irish." "Look you little shit, stop calling me that." Brian swatted him on the ass. "You must have at least had a hand job." Justin wiggled his fingers in Brian's face. "Irish, say hello to my favorite toy." He giggled when Brian's face got red every time he called him Irish. "I'll have sex when I find the right guy. No way am I just doing it for the sake of saying I did." He looked at his watch. "Gotta go Irish, early day for me tomorrow." "Schools out brat, it's me that has to go to work tomorrow and all the rest of the tomorrows like forever." He smiled "what do you have on - an early tennis lesson at the 'club', getting your nails done, or maybe you want to reserve your spot at the pool, you are a bit pale." Justin was almost out of the large loft door. "It's a mystery Irish." He grinned and walked down to his apartment. Two hours later Justin was still awake. Hazel eyes with flecks of gold in them looked into his every time he shut his eyes. He could smell the musky scent of him. He could still feel the spots on his upper arms where Brian's hands had held him. He jerked off three times and he still got hard as his thoughts touched on the man lying in bed on the floor above him. Shit this was hard. But he knew that if he chased Brian then Brian would run away as fast as he could. He had to let him know that he was interested and hopefully Brian would make the first move. Knowing that directly below him lay the man of his dreams hazel eyes stared into the darkness at the picture that was now hanging on the wall at the end of his bed. It was dark and yet he already had every inch of it memorized. It was like he'd already been there done that with the blonde downstairs. "And bought the fucking tee shirt" he said out loud as he rolled over once again. There was no way the two of them were ever going to be together. Talk about the wrong side of the tracks Kinney he thought. Justin's blonde WASP good looks, perfected during generations of impeccable breeding were never going to be hitched to his Irish ancestry. He could just imagine his old man and his mother meeting Justin's folks. What a laugh and a half that would be. He pulled the extra pillow down and wrapped his arms around it. Wishing it was Justin. He finally was able to drift off to sleep. It was seven o'clock the next morning when Brian, dressed impeccably in a summer weight suit headed down the stairs. He had time to stop by the diner for breakfast. He hadn't seen Mikey for a few days and he was sure to be there. He reached Justin's landing when the door slid open and Justin stepped out. He was dressed casually, but still perfectly groomed in well-pressed Dockers and a soft blue shirt. His hair was still wet from his shower. "Hey Irish, you're out bright and early," he said grinning. "Justin, don't start, you make my head ache," Brian said and continued down the stairs. "Want to go for coffee or breakfast or anything?" Justin asked almost running to catch up. "I'm going to the Liberty Diner for breakfast you can join me if you want," Brian said. "I'll drive you there or you can meet me." "Wow, I've never been in there. I'll go with you," Justin said. He stood beside Brian's new car waiting to be let in. Brian unlocked the door and held it open for him. Justin smiled to himself at Brian's manners. He was such a sweetie. "Do you go there often?" Justin asked Brian. The car seemed to suit the good- looking Irishman. "Deb works there and Mikey hangs out there a lot. I practically grew up in the place. Mikey and I have been friends since we were fourteen." "Ever fuck him?" "Boy are you ever rude" "Well?" "He's my friend, I don't fuck friends. It leads to too many complications." "Well he sure wants you to." "Like you know this from a two minute meeting." "I'm an artist, we notice things. It's what we do best." "Well, we're here now, try not to be such a rude little country club brat, these people are my friends." "No problem Irish, I'm housebroken." The two young men walked through the door of the diner, and silence fell. Brian, a regular there for years had never before come with any one else other than Michael or Ted. To see him open the door for another man, wait while he walked through then, with his hand on his elbow steer him toward the back booth that had become his, was mind-boggling. "Hey, Sunshine, nice to see you again," Debbie called while she served one of the tables. "You too Brian." "Deb, you look beautiful this morning," Justin said while he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Brian was astonished when Deb blushed with Justin's kiss. "Hey, Jim, Peter, Alex, how's it going?" he said to a group sitting by the window. "Not bad Justin, we'll be at the dojo at four thirty today if that's alright." "I'll be there." Justin linked his arm with Brian, "We sitting with your sulky friend?" he whispered and nodded toward Michael and Ted who were watching the entire new drama take place. Brian didn't bother to answer with anything other than what would in later years become the almost patented 'Kinney' glare. He moved the few feet to the booth and slid in beside Michael. Justin slid in beside Ted. He turned to Ted and said by way of explanation "Hi, I'm Justin, Brian and I live in the same building." "Thought you'd never been here before," Brian said to Justin. "You seem pretty familiar with the regulars over there." "Irish, just because I've never been in this diner before doesn't mean I've lived under a rock for the last twenty years. Get a grip boy," Justin grinned at him. "Those guys are in one of the classes I teach." He reached over and patted Brian's hand. "I'm not just a pretty face Irish, I do have a life." When Justin's hand touched his Brian felt the touch deep in his groin. He definitely had to get a grip on reality. There was no way he was getting involved with this spoiled little rich kid. "Don't call Brian, Irish" Michael growled. Justin looked at him like he'd only just realized that someone else was sitting at the table. "Oh, sorry, didn't see you there. You're Mickey, Irish's little buddy," Justin said and turned back to Ted. "So, you guys meet here for breakfast often?" he asked. "My name is Michael, not Mickey," Michael said. "Riiiiight, sorry, I was thinking mouse, and Mickey slipped out. Well, Michael, unless you can show me your badge that makes you the 'name police' I guess I'll call Irish what I want." He looked at Brian and winked, then ran his tongue provocatively over his lips. "Justin, I did mention to you about manners didn't I? That was you in the car with me? Or was it some other country club brat?" Brian smirked. Justin smiled at Brian and tried to look chagrined. He was saved from saying anything by Ted's question "So Justin, what do you teach?" "I teach Tae Kwon Do, but only do a few classes. I limit my students to at least green belt level and then only if they are serious. I don't have the time for anything more." He looked at Brian, "but I have been known to take on 'special' students for more personalized instruction even at a beginner level." His blue eyes held Brian's. Not flinching from the blue gaze Brian said, "Justin is a busy little country club bee, I can't imagine that much personalized instruction would actually happen if he did manage to snag a 'special' student." His hazel eyes spoke volumes that only blue eyes could interpret. The moment was interrupted by a whine from the corner. "Brian, are you going to Babylon with us tonight? You haven't been for ages." "Sure Mikey, I'll meet you there at ten." Deb arrived and began to put food down in front of each of them. "I didn't want to interrupt so I made the hard decisions for all of you." She placed full breakfast plates in front of everyone except Brian. For Brian she put a poached egg on dry whole-wheat toast and a glass of juice. "Hey, Deb, is that all Irish gets?" Justin asked. "I'll be lucky if he eats that much" Debbie said. "Brian never was a big eater. He seems to live on coffee and cum," she laughed as she walked away. Brian gave his tongue in cheek smirk to Justin while he drank his juice. "I don't have a plump little bubble butt I have to keep in shape," he said. "I didn't think you noticed Irish, was it when I dropped my towel?" he smiled at Brian. "I thought that move was too subtle for an Irishman." "You fucked him?" Michael whined. "None of your business Mikey." But he smiled at Justin. "But country club boy was trying to impress me." "Were you impressed?" Justin said, his voice soft with promise. "Takes a lot to impress an Irishman Sunshine," Brian smirked. He opened his mouth automatically when Justin approached with a forkful of blueberry pancake. Their eyes were locked once again. Ted and Michael sat speechless while Justin fed Brian every other bite. Even Debbie paused when she refilled their coffee cups. She walked away smiling to herself. Brian Kinney might not realize it but he was now off the market. She could hardly wait to tell Vic. Brian dropped Justin off at Tremont. He drove to work smiling to himself something he didn't even realize he was doing. He'd even decided that he might drop by and use Justin's gym equipment. Maybe the kid needed a friend to work out with. He'd have something to tell his mother when she asked about the tenant in the top floor loft. It was the least he could do. He was in the middle of a report for Liberty Air when he heard a commotion outside of his office. "Move the desk here. She has to be close to Brian's office. No, the filing credenza goes behind the desk." He could hear furniture being moved and then a hushed conversation. He lasted ten more minutes before curiosity drove him to look out of his office door. "Eh em," he said. Two pair of blue eyes turned to look at him. "Hey, Irish, meet Cynthia your new Executive Assistant." "Hello Mr. Kinney. Justin means secretary, he likes to exaggerate." Cynthia walked over to Brian her hand out to shake his. "I've noticed that about Sunshine." Brian said, "now what's this about a secretary or whatever the fuck you are? I use the pool in the main office." "That was before Irish, you're an up and coming Executive now. Uncle Marty was telling us that you needed a secretary of your own and I knew Cynthia was looking for work. And better yet I knew she would be able to put with you." "You can't even begin to know what I'm like Justin." Brian said. "Now that's where you're wrong, I soooo know you," Justin said. "I'll leave you two to work out your job duties." He gave Cynthia a hug. "His bark is far worse than his bite hun, I have that on good authority," he whispered to her. When he reached the bank of elevators he turned to look at Brian. He was sure that the hazel eyes were following his every move and they were, he winked and blew a kiss as he stepped through the elevator doors. Brian stood silent for a moment, doing his best to process what had just happened when Marty Ryder strode down the hall. "Oh Brian, I see you've met Cynthia, you fill her in on what you expect of her and then send her to payroll, they'll have some forms for her to fill in." he looked at Cynthia "Welcome aboard Cynthia, don't let our star employee work you too hard. Between you and me I figure he's after my job," he laughed to himself as he continued on down the hall. "Asshole," Brian muttered under his breath. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It was almost five thirty when Brian walked into the building on Tremont. The pulsing beat of music drifting from the door down the hallway was interspersed with loud sharp shouts. He was on the first set of stairs when he decided to turn back and see what was happening. He looked in the open doorway watching for a moment as Justin, white gi and black belt led a group of six men through the series of ritual movements, walking through them, correcting arm movements, helping to shape hand movements, demonstrating kicks. It was interesting enough that the stress of the day fell away and he decided to change into his workout gear and use the gym equipment so he could watch the lesson. When he walked through the door to Justin's dojo fifteen minutes later. Justin flashed him a brilliant smile but continued with his lesson his eyes following Brian to the exercise equipment in the far corner. Brian climbed on the treadmill after moving the screens so he would have a clear view of Justin and his class. He watched as each class member bowed low to Justin and called him 'sensei' when the group broke up. One by one they drifted past him to the changing area. Now he understood why Justin had such a large shower down here. Once the last of the men disappeared into the shower area, laughing and joking with each other. Justin began to work through a far more intricate series of ritual moves at first slowly then with lightning fast speed. Brian watched the blonde’s face gradually become serene even thought the speed of the moves should be anything but calming. He found himself pausing in his own workout to watch the amazing performance. "He's pretty good, isn't he?" one of the men had come out of the change room and stood beside Brian. "What's he doing, it seems choreographed?" Brian asked. "It is more or less, for each dan or level of black belt there is a series of moves called poomse . What the sensei is doing is practice for his sixth dan, the highest level that can be achieved. He needs to be perfect because he'll be tested in Korea by some of the finest masters in the world. "Looks dangerous," Brian said. Justin's speed had increased until he was making Brian's head ache just watching him. "It would be if you got in his way I suppose. But it brings you in tune with the universe, calms your soul." He looked back at Justin. "See how calm his face is? He's slowing down now, he'll do some cool down moves for another five minutes before he's ready to stop." Brian and the other man watched until Justin stopped. He bowed to the east, and then walked to where Brian was standing. "Hey Irish, you'll never work off that breakfast standing there." He grinned and headed into the shower room. With determination in his step, Brian began once more to run on the treadmill. There was no way he was going to let a spoiled brat show him up. He was so lost in his thoughts that he never noticed when Justin, freshly showered walked past him heading out the door. An hour later he headed for the showers himself. He stood under the warm spray and let his imagination run wild. Soaping his hard cock while he pictured the blonde's bubble butt in the shower with him soon had him on the brink of orgasm it only took the vision of those luscious lips and how they would look as they closed over the head of his cock to make him shoot his load. He looked around, making sure that no one was in the room with him. He'd groaned Justin's name as he came and wanted to make sure that the little blonde brat hadn't heard him. As he went up the stairs to the loft he realized that for the first time in a long time he was actually hungry. He was startled to see his door open and delicious smells coming out of his loft. He walked in and saw Justin in his kitchen busy doing something at the stove. "Hey Irish, suppers almost ready. Put some clothes on and open the wine."