Silent Night-8 
By Elsa Rose 
Plot Bunny by Amanda

“Brian, it’s Ronny.” Ronny Mah. Ronny held his cell phone to his ear as he watched Justin and Max walk into the loft building. Ronny often joined Justin when he went to class, but more often then not, he stood back and observed who else might be watching. It hadn’t taken him long to make the other ‘watcher’. 

“Did you find out who this guy is?” Brian asked. “Justin is coming here this weekend. I don’t want to have to worry about him traveling.”

“I’ll be with him, don’t worry.” Ronny though was worried., more worried than he wanted Brian to know. The guy following Justin at the moment was only one of three. He was under twenty four hour surveillance. Ronny had recognized the evening shift guy. He was bad news. “I know one of the ‘watchers’. Brian it isn’t good. We need to find out who’s hired them. I mean a job with three on the payroll, twenty four seven, isn’t a cheap job. Someone wants something from Justin and wants it damn bad.”

“I’ve hired the Georges to find out what they can.” Brian admitted. “They’ve been at it for three days and have found a few interesting bits of information, but nothing concrete.”

“Well if anyone can find it out, the Georges can. Damn those boys are good with computers.”

“I only wish I could tell them apart.” Brian laughed. 

“I heard that one of them is circumcised and the other one is uncut.” Ronny offered. “But that’s not something I’m going to be able to confirm.”

“I’m not touching that one either. I’m not sure the Georges ever bathe.” Brian laughed. “Though they may have a waterproof computer.”

“Brian, what do you know about Justin’s friend Max?” Ronny asked. “She hardly ever talks to me and when she does, she snarls.”

“That sounds like Max.” Brian sighed. “Max is going through some personal problems right now. But I think she’s basically a good kid. Why do you want to know?”

“I know she’s pregnant. I mean that part is obvious. But there’s something about her that’s kind of intriguing.”

“Well it must have flown over my head. She’s just a mixed up female from what I can tell. Though she’s very intelligent, one of the few around who can give Justin a run for his money.”

“Do you think that when I stop working for you and Justin, that she’d maybe go out with me?” 

“Fuck if I know Ronny, that’s something you have to find out on your own.” He looked up. Michael was standing at the door of Brian’s office. “I have to go Ronny, keep him close and I’ll call as soon as I know something.” Brian didn’t wait to hear what his friend said before he disconnected. He stared at Michael and said. “So Mikey, what can I do for you today? You do know that this is where I work?”

“Brian, I know you aren’t that busy. If you were you wouldn’t be talking to a trick on the phone. And since when do you talk to tricks on the phone?”

“Apparently it’s escaped your notice., but I’m a big boy now. And I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself.” Brian stood up and poured himself a coffee from the pot that was brewing on the credenza. “Want a coffee?” he asked his old friend.

“I called here yesterday.”

“I wasn’t here.” Brian sat back down, leaned back in his chair and put his feet on his desk. “So Mikey, what did you want yesterday?”

“I wanted to talk to you asshole.” Michael said as he sat in the chair in front of Brian’s desk. “Lindsay and I were at the loft the other day. The lock was changed.”

“Right, I was going to mention that.” Brian drank from his coffee mug. “I really don’t believe you or Lindsay need a key to the loft. I’m actually not sure why you both had one in the first place. If there is an emergency Cynthia has access to the place.”

“But what about Gus?” Michael asked.

“Gus can’t even walk. Why in hell would he need a key?” 

“You know what I mean. What if Lindsay needed you for Gus?”

“There is such a thing as a telephone Mikey. I have the land line as well as my cell phone. If I’m home I’ll answer that the one and if not, the other. It’s not that hard to figure out. “ Brian finished his coffee and put the empty mug on his desk. “Now why don’t you tell me why you and Lindsay decided to go to the loft when you knew I was out of town?” 

“I didn’t know you were out of town. The receptionist said you were with the other Mr. Kinney. Who the fuck is the other Mr. Kinney?” Michael demanded.

“Michael, if I wanted you and Lindsay to know, I’m sure I would have told you.”

“Briiiaan.” Michael started to whine. 

“Mikey, it’s none of your business.” Brian sat up straight in his chair, his feet back on the floor. “Tell Lindsay that you and she will be the first to know when I feel the time is right.” 

“You don’t have to be so mysterious. I mean, obviously this Mr. Kinney is a relative of some kind. It can’t be that big of a deal.”

“You’re right Mikey, it isn’t a big deal. So let’s drop the subject.”

“You know, I wanted to talk to you because I had someone asking questions about you the other day.”

“So what’s so unusual about that?” But Brian could feel his heart beginning to beat erratically.

“He looked like a cop.” Michael’s tone was smug.

“Well, was he a cop?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t ask. He wanted to know where you spent your time. And if you had a ‘special’ boyfriend. Stuff like that.”

“What did you tell him.”

“To ask you.” Michael looked at Brian. “then Ben and Hunter came in,and the guy left as soon as they walked in the door. I guess Ben must have made him nervous.”

“Ben is a big boy, he’d make anyone nervous.” Brian rubbed his shoulder where he’d been injured when Ben had thrown him into a locker a year or so before. Michael winced knowing what had happened. Ben had been going through a rough time.

“Brian, Lindsay said you were assembling a couple of cribs.” Michael’s voice was low. “I know she isn’t pregnant and Gus can only use one crib when he stays over. So what’s with the other one?” Michael had decided that the directdirect question approach was obviously the only one that was going to work.

“Mikey, Lindsay doesn’t know what she saw. She barged into the loft without knocking. I’m not responsible for her interpretation of anything that I was doing. Now if you don’t mind, I have work to do.” Brian opened his door inviting Michael to leave. 

“Maybe I should get Ma to ask you.” Michael threatened.

“You do that Mikey.” Brian grinned. He thought, ‘note to self, change my cell number.’

Michael knew it was an empty threat. Even he, as curious as he was about what was going on in Brian’s life, knew better than to sic his mother on Brian. She’d make both of their lives miserable until she found out all of Brian’s secrets. Ben would kill him if she started showing up at all hours demanding updates.

When Michael left, Brian sat back down and thought about what Ronny Mah had told him. He trusted Ronny’s judgment and knew that Justin was safe from whatever was out there. He needed to get the brothers George to put a rush on their part of the investigation before Justin headed to Pittsburgh for his birthday celebration.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It was late before Brian was able to get away from his office. He stopped at a convenience store and picked up some microwaveable hamburgers and a case of soda. Even touching the cold lumps of the paper wrapped burgers made him queasy. He couldn’t imagine what they would taste like. Getting into his car, Brian drove to a low rent district. The apartment buildings were dingy and looked uncared for. Sighing heavily at having to leave his car on the street, Brian took the food and drink and headed toward the worst building of the group. The windows of the upper floor were covered in tin foil. He glanced up as he walked toward the main door and shook his head at the sight, but continued on. Brian felt like he always did when he visited the Georges, like he was going to battle.

The two brothers were geniuses at computer hacking, but they were also a tad eccentric. The climb to the fourth floor went without incident though Brian felt like he was wading through molasses. It was strictly an illusion but one he had felt with each visit. The top floor showed four unmarked doors. Two on one side and two on the other. Brian knew that the Georges for all intents and purposes lived on the left side, combining two apartments into one and worked on the right side again combining two apartments into one. He’d never seen into their living quarters and he didn’t particularly want to. 

Brian didn’t bother knocking. He knew that they had watched his progress from the front of the building and while he walked up the stairs. The cameras were hidden in the dirt and grime of seemingly untouched corners near the ceiling. He’d never actually been able to spot them, though he often amused himself by trying when he’d come over. 

“Hey.” Brian said by way of greeting. He put the bag of cold hamburgers on a table near the microwave and set the case of pop on the floor. Considering the dinginess of the building, this room was almost sterile. The paint had faded over the years to a nothing greige. The floor was covered in linoleum that had been white and black at one time, but was now was faded without any hope of ever being shiny again, though it was immaculately clean. Brian wondered if it was the lack of light that pulled color from the large open room filled with computers and other electronic equipment that he couldn’t begin to name.

Two sets of eyes that were more black than brown stared at him. Hair that defied taming hung in what almost looked like dreadlocks, but was in actuality, unwashed matted red curls. “Brian.” They both said and turned back to the bank of monitors.

Brian again wondered why the cleanliness of the room when the funky odor that emanated from them both, told him that they themselves didn’t view hygiene as a necessity. “Did you find out what’s up?” He hated to ask, he knew they’d only talk when they were ready. He’d played this game before.

Silence broken only by the quiet click of fingers on keyboards filled the room. The smell of the bag of hamburgers competed with the smell of the brothers. Brian sat on a window ledge and waited.

While he waited he looked into himself and wondered exactly when that hated four letter word began to mean something other than dread and fear to him. He understood fuck and shit and piss and cunt and hell. He’d understood those words from his earliest memories. They were used often around his house of hell by his father. When he’d encountered that other four letter word ‘love’ Brian had had no idea what it was supposed to mean. He’d never experienced it and could only suppose it was a word that was even worse than the other four letter words he’d learned. 

People used it, their voices soft, sucking in whoever they whispered it too. Only to strike out and pull down the other person when the time was right. Love was an insidious four letter word. No one knew where you really stood when the word swept over you. A four letter word that Brian had learned to fear more than fear itself, because unlike the others, this word hurt to the very core of your being. When did he start to smile at the word? When did the word begin to filter into his brain at the thought of a blond with laughing blue eyes? Or the gurgling laughter of a boy who looked up at him from his arms with hazel eyes filled with trust. When did he begin to crave that four letter word, like a heroin to an addict? 

Brian shut his eyes and thought of Justin and Gus. He vowed again to himself that he would never use that word to mean betrayal and pain and hurt. He only hoped that they in turn would use it they way it was intended because he couldn’t stand the pain if they didn’t.

“This is the way it is.” The words issued in a harsh rasp by one of the Georges, pulled Brian from his thoughts. He stood up and walked toward them. “This dude Taylor, he’s an old guy, runs a company called Taylor Enterprises, like man what a lame ass name. Anyway, he’s a happy little camper running this place, like the little king he wants to be. One day, daddy king up and dies and leaves his kingdom to the dude’s son. Which is cool. But the dude’s son, he’s no where to be found. Seems daddy dearest put a beating on him one day when he found out that the kid was gay. Daddy dearest is no doubt a closet case. The kid disappeared., though we have discovered that he is now surprisingly enough going under the name Justin Taylor Kinney and is in fact your legal partner in this wild game called life.

Daddy dearest has also discovered this little piece of information. There was a codicil added to grandpa Taylor’s will the week before he died, when he couldn’t find the kid. If the kid dies before he reaches the age of nineteen, which, by the way is next week., then Craig the Asshole, gets the estate.”

“The will is being probated. Justin and I signed a bunch of stuff not that long ago.” Brian began. 

“That’s true. The will that Grandpa had filed with his lawyer and long time friend is being probated. The one daddy dearest has could very well be a forgery. But if it is, it’s a damn good one. And it’s dated after the one that is now being probated.” 

“Has he filed the one he has?” Brian asked, puzzled at what he was being told.

“Not yet, he’s biding his time in case an accident should happen to young Mr. Kinney. Who is rather hot I notice.”

“How the fuck do you know?” Brian looked at the computer screen behind the two Georges. Justin’s picture flashed across it, an enlarged version of his driver’s license. “Fuck boys, you’re into the DMV?”

“You know you need passwords for that.” Said one of the Georges who laughed a sinister laugh. He looked at Justin’s picture. Brian thought the blond looked impossibly young. “The police report from two weeks ago said that your new beau’s brakes were cut.”

“WHAT, GAWD DAMN IT.” Brian yelled. He began to pace. His hands clenched so tight his fingers dug into his palms leaving marks that wouldn’t vanish for hours. “Justin never said anything.” He muttered. “I can’t believe he’d keep it from me.”

“Frankly Kinney, you are intimidating at the best of times.” The other George said. “This young one has been through a lot in the last few months. If his work is any indication, he fancies himself in love with you. After disappointing his father and being beaten and thrown out of the man’s life, he probably made a decision not to tell you everything that happens.”

“How the fuck is having his brakes cut supposed to disappoint me?” Brian asked as he ran his hand through his hair, messing up his carefully styled locks. “For shit sake, I’m trying to keep him safe; I want him around for a long time.”

“Surely you must have been his age at one time?” the George by the microwave asked. “I mean, it was a long time ago, but there has to be some residual memory. The brain doesn’t work right when you’re in love. Don’t you remember?””

“Considering that I’ve never been in love, no I don’t fucking remember.” He turned and faced his two friends. “What are we going to do?” 

“Well, we can easily keep daddy dearest worried about other things. His kid’s birthday will be the last thing on his mind.” Both Georges laughed and turned to their individual monitors. “Oh look, daddy dearest has had all of his bank accounts frozen. Oops the reason is a line of gobbledygook. Too bad, it’s going to take awhile to straighten that out.”

“Oh no,” the other George said. “A repossession order has gone out for all three of Craig baby’s cars.” They both turned back to Brian. “Leave it with us Kinney, it’s a game we love to play and don’t often have an excuse.”

“Yes, Kinney, make sure Ronny is keeping real close to your paramour. Hee,hee,hee.” The other George giggled. 

“If you don’t mind boys, try not to wipe me out when you transfer your money from my account.” Brian wasn’t joking, he was always nervous around these two.

“Hey, Kinney, no problem, this one is on us. This is too much fun to charge you anything and besides your brought food.” 

Brian shook his head and left them. He could feel their eyes watching him all the way down to the bottom floor. Brian wondered if anyone in the neighborhood had any idea that it was only the two Georges who lived in the apartment building. Things always changed in the various apartments. They all looked lived in. But Brian knew that they were empty. It was yet another game the two Georges liked to play.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Justin lay stretched out on a floating raft in the pool. He figured he had so much sun screen on that he’d probably clog the pool drains. Max was sitting with Melinda under the lanai playing a game with the little girl and Ronny was going through his Tai Chi movements clad only in a small pair of white shorts. Both Justin and Max were keeping a close eye on the young Asian., b Both for the same reasons. Ronny was definitely made to be lusted after. Justin couldn’t believe that a man as beautiful as Ronny is could possibly be straight. Max couldn’t believe that a man as beautiful as Ronny is could ever be interested in her when she was the size of a baby elephant. 

Ronny, though he appeared to his audience to be immersed in the ritual exercise, was actually watching both Justin and Max. Justin because that was his job, though because they were in a private pool, Ronny felt Justin was safe. But he watched Max because he thought she was the most interesting young woman he’d ever met, especially in her pregnancy. 

Justin drifted, his hands trailing in the water and he fantasized about his visit in a few days with Brian in Pittsburgh. He was going to be nineteen. And best of all he was going to be with Brian. A cloud crossed in front of the sun making the bright warmth disappear. Justin shivered, his eyes opened wider, surprised to see two men in business suits walking through the gate of Raj’s home. The gate had been locked. They walked deliberately toward Ronny who had become still. Justin rolled off of the blow up raft and slipped into the water. He was at the deep end of the pool and he knew that he’d better stay right where he was. 

“Justin Taylor, get out of the pool.” One of the men called out.

“You’re on private property. I’d suggest you leave.” It was Ronny talking; he’d walked up to the men. Justin could see that Ronny was considerably smaller than the two men. He could also see the sneer that passed between them when they looked at Ronny’s small stature and almost naked body.

They turned their back on Ronny. “Taylor get out of the pool. You’re coming with us.”

Justin stayed where he was. There wasn’t a chance in hell he’d be getting out of the pool as long as these two were there. “Why?” he asked. “Why should I get out of the pool?” 

“We’re taking you to your father.” 

“I’m not going anywhere near my father. Sorry guys. He made himself clear when he threw me out on the lawn. I’m no longer his son. Therefore it stands to reason that he’s no longer my father.” Justin could see that Max had taken Melinda’s hand and slowly walked with her into the house. Because they were partially obscured by low hanging vines on the lanai, they hadn’t been noticed by the men.

One of the men reached into his jacket and came out with a small black gun. He pointed it at Justin and said. “Get the fuck out of the water Taylor. I don’t really care if you go back to your father with a bullet in your arm.”

“Apparently you don’t know. My name isn’t Taylor, it’s Kinney.” Justin said, though he made no move toward the pool steps.

The man fired a shot into the pool. It echoed in the confines of the enclosed yard. Justin heard Will begin to cry. The shot had awakened the baby. The next part was a blur. Ronny’s foot shot up. A crack was heard when it came into contact with the arm that held the gun. The gun landed in the pool and the man who had been holding it grabbed his broken arm, falling to his knees. The other one turned around, his hand reaching into his jacket, but with two kicks so swift Justin barely saw them, the other man was also on the ground holding his jaw. The twist of his face told Justin the man’s jaw was broken.

A police siren was heard approaching the house. Max must have called them. By the time Raj and Josh were back from the mall, the ambulance had taken away the men. And the police were interviewing Justin, Max and Ronny. All of whom expressed innocence as to why the armed men were even in the yard.

Brian had warned Justin that his father was out to get him, but he hadn’t taken the older man seriously. After all, Craig Taylor was his father despite their differences. “Jus, are you okay?” Max asked quietly. They were sitting at the picnic table waiting for Ronny to return from being interviewed. 

“Why do you think they wanted to take me to my father?” Justin asked.

“I don’t know.” Max shook her head. “I wonder if that’s what they really were going to do. There’s a lot of empty desert out there.”

Justin’s laugh was bitter. “You read too many bad detective novels.” He managed to say.

“Jus, you have to be more careful. Brian told you too and now I’m scared.” Max shivered despite the heat of the day. “Those guys weren’t fooling around.”

“No shit. “ Justin said remembering the guns. “Brian isn’t going to be impressed.” He looked at Max. “It has to be about my inheritance. I mean why else would they want me? It’s not like my father has suddenly become a PFLAG member or anything.” 

Max giggled, her giggle slightly hysterical. Soon Justin joined her and that’s how Ronny found the two of them when he came out of the guest house where the police were interviewing everyone. 

“Having fun?” Ronny drawled. He’d put on his white cotton pants, though his chest was bare and gleamed in the sun from the mist of lotion that Ronny had put on earlier. “Jus, I want to leave early for Pittsburgh. We can’t afford to wait for the flight we booked.”

“I have an assignment due in on Friday.” Justin protested. “Nothing is going to happen in a couple of days.”

Ronny glared at his client who had become his friend. He was joined in the pointed stare by Max as well. “I would think that this afternoon would have made it apparent that your father means business.” The words hung in the air and Justin winced with the pain they inflicted though he’d been sure that by now, nothing about his father would hurt. 

“But…” he began not really sure what he was going to say. 

Max stood up awkwardly. “Justin, think about ….” She patted her stomach. “And think about Brian. He just found you.”

“He found me a long time ago.” Justin was being literal though he knew exactly what Ronny was talking about. “We’ve been together as partners, well really good friends.”

“Don’t be a jerk.” Max punched Justin in the arm. “You know what I’m talking about. Brian is going to livid when he finds out about today. We could have been killed. You could have been killed.”

“They didn’t want me dead.” Justin face had paled at the suggestion she’d made.

“Jus, you might as well face it. I’m calling Brian so if I were you, I’d pack now. I’m going to make another flight reservation.” Ronny turned and headed for the guest house where they’d left their clothes. 

Justin turned to Max. “I guess I’m going to Pittsburgh sooner rather than later.” He sighed. “Max what in hell is going to happen?”

“I don’t know, but it’s scaring me.” Max admitted. “I’ll be so damn glad not to be carrying this.” She touched her protruding belly. “I feel like I’m chained to the ground and can’t move. And now we have assholes shooting guns. Justin, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can hang with you much anymore. I don’t feel safe.”

“I don’t blame you for wanting to bail.” Justin said. He had tears in his eyes and he turned away ashamed of his weakness. “I’ll talk to Brian; he’ll make sure you’re safe.”

“I’m not saying that you and Brian can’t see me.” She began. “I just don’t want to be around any guns.” Max sighed. “I’m just learning to walk without falling on my face. What if I got shot?”

Justin walked over to his friend and put his arm around her. “I can’t promise you that you’ll be safe. But I can promise you I’ll do my best to see to it that you are.”

“I know you will Justin. I’m going to call mom to come and get me. I don’t want to wait around.”

Justin had to agree with Max that retreating was the best course of action for her. She was heavy with child and awkward at the best of times. He wasn’t surprised when Ronny handed him a phone. He knew that Brian would want to reassure himself that Justin was okay. “Hey old man.” Justin said with a forced smile on his face.

“Justin are you alright?” Brian asked, ignoring Justin’s attempt at humor. “Is Max okay?”

“Brian everyone is just fine.”Justin sat down on the cold tile floor, his back to the wall. Suddenly his knees didn’t seem to work well. “The kids are still kicking and Max is still bitching.”

“Put your head between your knees.” Brian ordered.

“How did you know I was feeling like shit?” Justin mumbled as he did what Brian said.

“It’s a gift.” Brian smirked. “Now make sure that you stick close to Ronny. I’ve arranged for the two of you to leave in two hours on Liberty Air flight 812.”

“Brian, I’m not even close to being ready to go to Pittsburgh. Tomorrow maybe, but not in two hours.” Justin protested though he knew it was futile. Brian was like the Borg.

“I’m not even going to comment.” Brian’s voice sounded tired and Justin was sorry that he tried to tease him. “Justin, stay safe please.”

“I’ll stick close to Ronny, so close that he’ll wish he batted for our team.” 

“Listen to Ronny Justin; he knows what he’s doing. He’ll get you here in one piece. You’ll love the loft and the changes I’ve been making.” Brian was attempting to change the subject.

“As long as there’s a bed and lots of food, I’ll be happy.” 

“I have a bed and the food, well, I’ll get some in.” Brian sighed. “Justin, I was going to take you out for dinner on your birthday. But now I don’t think it would be wise to leave the loft.”

Justin winced in disappointment, glad that Brian couldn’t see him. “I’ll live without going out.” He said trying to sound upbeat. 

“Later” Brian whispered before hanging up the phone. Hearing Justin’s voice had somewhat quelled the fear that had washed over him when Ronny had related what had happened. But still the cold wash of fear had felt like a knife in his heart, and still hovered over him. If this was love, it fucking hurt like hell.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Brian chased out the workmen early. The loft renovations were almost complete and it wouldn’t hurt for the workers to have an early day and a short week. They wouldn’t be back until Monday. He’d had sent one of his interns to the market to stock the cupboards in his kitchen. Making a grocery list with Justin in mind had kept him occupied for more than an hour. Brian had never had to think about such things as grocery lists. He’d spent years ordering out with only the bare necessities in his cupboards. But Justin loved to cook and Brian loved to watch the young blond create. He could sit for hours watching Justin’s hands deftly chopping and assembling dinner. He loved the look of concentration and the kissable crinkle in Justin’s forehead when he was studying a recipe book. And Brian found himself daydreaming while the grocery list sat unwritten. It had been a long process.

He was startled when the buzzer announcing the arrival of his groceries rang out.
“Come on up” he called into the intercom before unlocking his heavy door. It took two trips for the groceries to be brought up and Brian wondered where he was going to stash everything. He stood alone in the kitchen staring at the bags of food unsure of where to start.

“Brian?” it was Michael. He peered around the open loft door and Brian silently cursed himself for not shutting it and locking up after the intern had left.

“Hey Mikey.” Brian said as he began to empty the bags that sat on the floor and on his counter top. “What’s new?” he asked studying a box he’d unpacked. Had he really ordered Oreo cookies?

“That’s a lot of food.” Michael observed as he strolled over to see what Brian was doing. “Are you having a party or something?” 

“It’s just grocery day Mikey, I’m sure you shop occasionally yourself.” Brian turned his back and started to place cartons of milk and juice in the refrigerator. 

“Like Brian Kinney shops for food.” Michael snorted. “You never eat fucking cheerios.” He lifted the box up in his hand and glared at his friend.

“They’ve reduced the sugar and they contain all kinds of nutrients.” Brian smirked as he took the box and put it in the cupboard. “At least it isn’t fucking Captain Crunch like you eat.”

“Brian, what’s going on?” Michael climbed up on a stool and tried to ignore the bags filled with groceries he was sure Brian would never eat.

“Mikey, a friend is coming to visit this weekend. I though he might want to eat. That is when I let him out of the bedroom.” Brian’s smirk and smiling eyes told Michael that whoever was coming to visit meant a lot to Brian.

“I never knew you to give a shit if you fed your tricks.” Michael looked down at the counter unable to meet Brian’s eyes.

“Justin isn’t a trick” Brian’s quiet voice made Michael look up. “He’s special to me. There’s something about him that grabbed me from the first.” Brian turned back to finish putting away the food. He didn’t want Michael to see just how thinking of Justin softened him. He shut his eyes knowing that blue eyes filled with love would appear for a moment. It was his favorite hallucination, much better than anything Anita could devise.

“Tell me about him.” Michael wanted to know what he was facing. “Can I have a beer?” 

“Get it yourself; you know where the beer is.”

Michael stood up and walked to the refrigerator, he opened it and then seeing some produce on the counter, placed it inside before taking a beer. “You know I could get Ma to make something for you. You could feed your Justin for a week on her lasagna.”

“He won’t be here for a week. He has school. He’s here because it’s his birthday and I wanted to make it special.” Brian admitted. 

“So he’s a kid.”

“Not really, he’s attending University. It’s his nineteenth birthday.” 

“He sounds kind of young for you.” Michael looked closely at his best friend, not sure what to say or do.

“Not quite twelve years difference in our ages.” Brian admitted as he folded up the empty the bags the groceries had come in. “Michael, don’t look into it too deeply. Justin and I, well we don’t know for sure what’s happening between us. We need time to work it out. So Mikey as my friend, give us the time to find out.”

“You’re really serious about this kid.” The words were spoken in wonder with a hitch in his voice that told Brian his best friend still had unspoken feelings for him.

“Mikey, leave it.” Brian didn’t want to discuss Justin with anyone. What he and Justin had between them was just that, between the two of them. It was too new, too frightening, and too wonderful to share with the world. “Sorry to kick you out Mikey, but I have a few things to do before I go to the airport.” Brian walked over to the loft door and pulled it open. Note to self, keep the fucking door lock at all times.

Reluctantly Michael stood up and walked to the door. He was determined to meet this Justin who had stolen Brian’s heart, for he’d known his friend too long to think anything else, no matter how much it hurt. 

“Don’t Mikey, I know what you’re thinking, that you’ll stop by and meet Justin. It won’t happen this weekend. We aren’t home to any of the gang or anyone else for that matter.” Brian put his hands on Michael’s shoulders and rested his forehead against the smaller man’s. “If you love me Mikey, you’ll give me this chance to be happy.” He whispered before kissing his friend and gently shoving him through the open door.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“I tell you Ma something’s not right.” Michael took a bit of the pasta his mother had put in front of him when he came in. 

“Oh honey, Brian could use someone to love. I wonder….” Debbie thought back to the night Brian had gone out to look for Justin, one of her ‘lost boys’. “Did you say that this friend of his name is Justin?” 

“That’s what Brian said, and I’ve heard him talking about this guy before but I’m pretty sure he called him Justin Kinney.”

“Really?” Deb refrained from her usual comments as she thought back over the last months. Brian had been calmer somehow, more at ease and definitely happier. It had been a gradual change and until now she’d not really noticed. But now, with what Michael had told her, everything began to fall into place. 

“Yeah, this kid is visiting because it’s his birthday. I still don’t think that he’s someone Brian is actually interested in. I mean as a boyfriend. The kid is only turning nineteen and Brian’s well you know.”

“So it’s Justin’s birthday.” Debbie muttered. “Is Brian taking him out somewhere?” 

“How the fuck should I know Ma.” Michael all but shouted. He didn’t like where this conversation was going one damn bit.

“Emmett” Debbie called to the young man walking in the door. “Just who I wanted to see, what are you doing on Saturday night?”

“I thought I might give myself a pedicure and then when my tootsies are all nice and soft and smooth, I’d head on over to Babylon and dance the night away.” Emmett twirled around, his hands over his head.

Michael rolled his eyes and continued eating. 

“Well, I want you and Ted to put together some of your yummy snacks for Saturday night. I think we should welcome Brian’s friend into our family and what better time to do it than his birthday.” 

“Ma, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Michael began. “Brian doesn’t want anyone to interfere with what he’s got planned. He was pretty insistent.” Michael was regretting saying anything. His mother was like a runaway freight train once she got started.

“I can deal with Brian honey,” she patted Michael’s cheek. “Don’t you worry.”

At the loft, Brian was throwing on his coat and silently cursing the fates that demanded his presence at Kinnetik right now. Justin’s plane was due in an hour and there was no way he’d be able to meet it. He’d have to remember to phone when Justin was on the ground. 

Racing out of the loft, he didn’t notice the heavy set man loitering on the corner or the car that pulled out shortly after his.

Justin sat watching through the window of the Liberty Air jet as the large plane landed. He’d managed to get on an earlier flight and thought he and Ronny could save Brian the trouble of driving from the airport. The first thing he did when the Captain allowed the use of cell phones was to call Brian.

“Hey handsome.” He giggled. “I’m here.” 

“What do you mean, you’re here?” Brian was pulling into the parking slot that had recently been vacated in front of Kinnetik. His heart was pounding, this wasn’t going as planned.

“Don’t worry, Ronny is with me. We got an earlier flight and it just landed. I haven’t even gotten off the plane.” Justin smiled at the concern in Brian’s voice. It was nice having someone care about him.

“There’s an emergency at Kinnetik, take a cab and head over to the loft. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Aren’t you going to say that you missed me and that you’re happy I’m here earlier and you can’t wait to see me?”

“You’re very pushy.” Brian joked. “I will admit to having to buy a rather large teddy bear to wrap myself around in bed. You do come in handy for some things.”

“You shit; you’re saying I’m as soft and furry as a bear?” Justin laughed at the absurdity of Brian in bed with a bear.

“Well maybe not as much fur as a bear.” Brian laughed. Maybe he had gone insane. This can’t be Brian Kinney talking such nonsense.

“Ronny and I will take a cab to the loft, but I want to stop off for some food. I’m starved and all they gave me to eat was a bunch of snack mix.” 

“Stick close to Ronny and make sure that any restaurant the two of you go in has lots of people in it. I don’t think anyone will try anything when you’re surrounded by people.”

“Yes daddy.” Justin squeaked in a small child’s voice.

“Asshole.” Brian muttered though he was grinning when he hung up the phone.

“Brian says we should go straight to the loft, but I told him I need food first.” Justin said as he turned to Ronny.

“I heard.” Ronny’s voice was grim. He wanted Justin under the protection of Brian’s roof as soon as possible. He didn’t like the idea of being in Pittsburgh where Justin’s father had so much influence.

“Just a diner Ronny, I know where one is that’s always got lots of people in it. The waitress there is nice. She used to feed me when I didn’t have any money and she even gave me a warm coat once.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea Justin.” Ronny protested. They took their carry on bags down from the overhead bins and began to deplane. 

“Ronny, nothing is going to happen. Besides, don’t you want to have lunch with a bunch of fags?” 

“Not particularly.” Ronny’s tone was dry. “Did you talk to Max before you left?” 

“No, why should I, we were together a couple of hours before.” Justin looked at him puzzled.

“I thought maybe she would want to know that we, I mean you, were going to be away for the weekend.” Ronny flushed under Justin’s gaze.

“Hey, you know her number, give her a call and let her know.” Justin handed him his cell phone.

“I have my own phone.” Ronny grumbled. There wasn’t a chance that he’d telephone Max. She would think he was nuts. She barely noticed him and when she did, it was only as an extension of Justin.

They stepped out of the airport and hailed a cab. Justin gave the driver the address to the diner not caring that Ronny was glaring at him. He was hungry and he wasn’t sure if Brian had any food at his place.

The ride in from the airport went quickly. Justin enjoyed the sunshine and seeing his old home town. He’d missed Pittsburgh despite the bad memories he had. After all it was in Pittsburgh that he’d met Brian. He coughed and quickly choked it back. Brian wouldn’t be pleased if he knew that the air in the Pitts, was already affecting his damaged lungs. He’d assured Brian that he was doing okay, but he knew that he couldn’t stay and would have to get back to the warm dry air in Arizona. He remembered the painful breathing of asthma attacks as a child and he didn’t want to repeat them now that he was a man.

“There it is.” Justin said with excitement. He pointed toward the brightly decorated windows of the Liberty Diner.

“Fuck Justin.” Ronny said. The place was busy though and the sidewalks full. Ronny couldn’t see anyone suspicious. The cab stopped and they both got out. Justin didn’t wait but headed toward the diner door and stepped through, Ronny right behind him. When he stepped through the door his entrance heralded by the clanging of the bell over the door, heads turned to see the vision that stood inside. Justin didn’t look like the emaciated waif who had been given food and a cast off coat. He stood there with sun bronzed skin and sun bleached hair, his blue eyes flashing with laughter as his eyes adjusted to the inside light.

He looked toward the red wigged woman who stood there watching. “Hey Debbie, it’s me Justin Kinney.” He said as he walked over and hugged her, not noticing the astonishment on her face. “I wanted to say thanks for all of your kindness.”

“Well fuck me, it’s Sunshine.” Debbie said as she held Justin at arms length. “And who is this handsome devil with you?” she asked. Ronny, stoic and hard, his black eyes taking everything in, stood close to Justin.

“That’s Ronny Mah, he’s my,” Justin didn’t want to say bodyguard. “He’s my good friend.” 

“Pleased to meet you.” Ronny said politely. “Time to eat Justin.” He took his friend by the arm and steered him to a nearby booth.

“Ronny, I was talking.” Justin hissed as he sat down. 

“My, my, my aren’t you the handsome young thing. Michael tells me you’re a friend of Brian’s.” Ronny and Justin both looked startled as a tall flamboyantly dressed man sat down beside Justin. “I’m Emmett Honeycutt.” The man said with a grin.

“Hi, I’m Justin Kinney and this is my friend Ronny Mah.” Justin replied. “I think Brian has mentioned you. He said you did party planning and I wasn’t supposed to ask you for advice on clothes or decorating because he wouldn’t like it.” Justin giggled. “But that’s okay, I do what I want, I can always get Brian to come around.”

“You can?” Emmett said astonished, “I would love to see that.” He sighed not sure how to word his next question. “I couldn’t help but notice that you introduced yourself as Justin Kinney. How are you related to Brian or is the name just one of those stranger than fiction coincidences?” 

“Brian’s my partner, why do you ask?” Justin looked bewildered at the question. “He said I could take his name. I kind of like it and I didn’t like my own.” 

“What’ll you have Sunshine?” Debbie asked. Everyone turned and looked at her.

“I’m going to have a bacon cheese burger, fries and a coke. Ronny do you want the same thing?” Justin asked.

“Sure make that two.” Ronny answered. Brian was not going to like Justin telling everyone about the two of them. He considered dragging the younger man out of the diner, but thought Justin would protest too much.

“I’ll have a salad with sliced chicken on top.” Emmett said. He patted his chest. “I have to watch my girlish figure. So Justin, are you staying at Brian’s?”

“Yes.” Justin answered. “It’s my birthday this weekend, but I’m only staying until Sunday. I have to get back to school and the Pittsburgh air isn’t good for my lungs. I’ve already had use my inhaler twice. But don’t tell Brian. He’d have my ass back on the plane before I could get out of the cab at the loft.”

Emmett laughed out loud. “Oh honey, you do know our Brian. He is such a worry wart, but he’d never admit to it. Not in a million years.”

“I know, that’s one of the things that make me love him so much. He’s so kind and caring and he always puts everyone else ahead of his own feelings and needs.”

“Honey, you are talking about Brian Kinney aren’t you?” Emmett said with a tinkling laugh. “I mean the man has a good heart, but as for putting everyone ahead of his own feelings, well he’s kept that side of him VERY well hidden.”

“You don’t know him like I do.” Justin’s voice was soft but firm enough that Emmett knew to back off. “Brian is what the word gentleman is all about. He is a gentle man with the kindest heart of any man in the world.”

The three men sat at the table and ate their late lunch in almost complete silence from that point on. Emmett wasn’t sure what to say in the presence of such adoration. Justin didn’t want to hear anyone talking down about Brian. And Ronny just wanted to get the hell out of there and to the loft. He felt that Justin was too vulnerable in the diner. He had an uneasy feeling that they were being watched. He couldn’t see anyone, but he could feel it between his shoulder blades.

“I have to use the rest room.” Justin said. Emmett got up and let him out of the booth. Ronny looked uneasy. “Don’t worry; it’s only through that door.” Justin said. “It’s not as if I’m going to disappear.”

Ronny nodded his head in acknowledgment of the truth of that statement and let Justin go. He peered after him watching him as he entered the grimy door.

“Justin seems like a big boy. I’m sure he can pee without you worrying.” Emmett said. “You look familiar, have I met you at Babylon?” Emmett batted his eyes at Ronny who resisted rolling his.

“I’ve never been to that club.” Ronny said. He turned back and stared at the door to the restroom. He started to get up.

“Honey, he’s only been in there a minute. He’ll be right out.” Emmett put his hand on Ronny’s arm.

Ronny shook it off and got out of the booth. He could feel it deep in his bones that something wasn’t right. He felt like he was walking through a fog. The diner was full and people were laughing and eating. Yet he was walking through a fog that muffled their voices. Was the door only ten feet away or a hundred? 

“Justin, Justin.” He called pounding on the door. There was no answer. He hit the door harder. The bangs loud in the sudden silence that fell over the crowd in the dining room thudded heavily in the quiet. All eyes were turned toward him and he could feel the bile rise in his throat before he leaned back and with one harsh kick by the door knob, Ronny kicked the locked door in.

Debbie and Joe the cook began to shout and ran toward Ronny who stood inside the small bathroom. No one was there, and the window that looked to have been painted shut at one time, was wide open, noise from the street whispering through the opening. Brian was going to fucking kill him, ran through Ronny’s brain as he took in the fact that Justin was missing. Justin’s wallet lay where it had been kicked under the urinal. Justin hadn’t disappeared willingly.