Moonlight, Magic and Mystery – 16

Emmett didn’t need any kind of official notification of George’s death. He’d always known that there was something special about the man and the fact that he’d visited him the night he’d died, wasn’t so far fetched to Emmett Honeycutt of Mississippi. Raised as he was on tales of even stranger happenings. 

He didn’t begin reading the journals right away. First he called Torso and resigned, apologizing for not being able to give notice. And then he called his best friend Ted Schmidt at a time when he knew the man would be out of the house to leave a message that he was fine, that he knew of George’s death and that he’d be unavailable for a week or two. 

No, the first twenty-four hours Emmett walked through the house from the basement to the attic, seeing, touching and feeling the love his man had put into making the place perfect for him. Everything was as elegant as money would allow. Everything was the best of the best, far more than Emmett would have accepted had he known about the construction of the home. He could see George’s hand everywhere and every now and then he’d find a little handwritten note explaining why this was used instead of that. Or how George had matched something to Emmett’s eyes, or how his smile had inspired something else. 

It was a house that loved had built and it was Emmett Honeycutt’s. On the second day, a lawyer came to the door. Not the lawyer that George used for his company business, but one who had been a personal friend and one time lover of the man for the past fifty years. He assured Emmett that the house was indeed his and much more and that it would never be touched by any family, wives, or general money hungry vultures who where now flocking to pick the Schickle Estate clean. He left after having Emmett sign more papers than he thought possible. It had been a mind-altering afternoon. 

Emmett had to sit in the solarium at the back of the house for the rest of the afternoon, he held the small plastic covered passbook from a national bank. The small insignificant pieces of paper and plastic held a king’s ransom in the numbers on the pages and Emmett was stunned speechless. He’d never want for anything again. George had seen to that. His Georgie had loved him enough to protect him from the grave.  

He cried a few tears and smiled and laughed at things George left him. They’d had a short time together, but it had been a good for them both. On the third day after George’s death, Emmett began to read the journals. 

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

Justin and Brian were walking through the park on the way to visit Gus. For a Pittsburgh winter day, the weather was relatively mild. “I think that’s Lindsay and Gus.” Justin pointed toward the swing. 

“It’s a cold day for swinging.” Brian commented but began walking a bit faster. He enjoyed playing in the park with his son. “Hey Linds.” He shouted to get her attention. 

“Brian, Justin, how nice to see you two.” She smiled as she shook her hair from her face. “Look Gus, it’s daddy.” 

“Daddy, Daddy,” Gus shouted, waving his arms.

“He said Daddy not just Da.” Justin grinned. “How cool.” 

“That’s my Sonny Boy.” Brian beamed. “Little chilly to be out here on the swings, isn’t it Linds?” Brian asked. 

“We had to give Melanie some peace. Your son insists Melanie is pregnant with a girl.” She shook her head. “You know how superstitious Melanie is, we haven’t had a confirmation that she’s even pregnant. For the last few days, well ever since the night Justin donated, Gus has been happy as a clam with the upcoming birth of his sister.” She rolled her eyes. “I was sure we’d never discussed anything regarding getting pregnant in front of him. I don’t understand how he found out we were trying.”

“He’s always been smarter than the average bear.” Brian was smug. 

“Jus, Mama has baby growing in her uterus.” Gus patted his belly indicating where. 

“Uterus?” Brian mouthed at Lindsay who shrugged.

“He’s been like this for the last few days. It’s like he’s swallowed a dictionary.” She laughed. “It’s actually a tad unnerving.” 

Gus held his hands up for Justin to lift him out of the swing. “Up Jus, up.” He demanded. 

Justin pulled him out of the swing and twirled him around making Gus laugh. He walked a few feet away from Brian and Lindsay so that he could talk to Gus. “Gus, it’s nice you’re going to have a baby sister.” Justin began. “But your momma is human and she won’t know for sure for a few more days.”

“Human?” Gus asked and then thought for a moment. “Doug says dat too.” 

“You should listen to Dawg. That’s why you have a Wah cat, so that you have someone to talk to and guide you when your daddy or me aren’t around. You should do what the Wah cat says and not talk about the baby just yet.”

“But me like my baby.” Gus’ bottom lip quivered. “Baby like me, baby talks to me.” The last was said in a whisper with Gus looking over his shoulder at his mother. “Baby is growing and growing. Baby looks funny, but will be pretty one day.” 

“How do you know what the baby looks like?” Justin asked, rather curious. He’d had no idea about Molly when she’d been conceived. 

“Books.” Gus laughed. “Mamma’s books on table.” He clapped his hands. “Big books, don’t touch Gus, books.” He giggled. “Gus touch.” 

“Books are a good way to learn things. Justin agreed. “I used to read my parent’s books all the time.” Justin kissed the boy’s forehead. “Just don’t believe everything you read. What you are reading are the ideas of the author who wrote the book. It’s up to you to form your own ideas.” 

Gus looked at Justin and then leaned forward and kissed Justin’s forehead. Justin smothered a grin. “Okay Jus, Gus knows that.” He snuggled into Justin, tucking his head under Justin’s chin. “Me sleepy.” 

“Justin, let’s walk Lindsay and Gus home.” Brian suggested. “I want to see Melanie.” 

“You do?” Justin asked, eyebrows raised. “Okay.” 

Brian and Lindsay walked ahead of Justin and Gus. Lindsay pushed the empty stroller and Justin carried the now sleeping Gus. He was heavy but he wasn’t, in that special way someone you love becomes weightless at times such as these. Of course having Wahjee strength also helped. 

The park was barely a block from their home so it didn’t take them long to arrive. Doug was waiting patiently at the door for Gus to return, merrorowing in her quiet indoor voice when she saw her person was asleep. “I’ll take him up to bed.” Justin whispered. 

While Justin was putting Gus in his crib, Brian sat in an easy chair, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “Hey Melanie.” He said when she appeared in the kitchen doorway. “How are you feeling?” 

“Why do you ask?” she looked at him with suspicion. 

“It’s conversation, small talk, the kind of thing friends do.” He explained with a shake of his head. 

“That might work if we were friends, but we aren’t.” she turned and headed back to the kitchen. But Brian knew, he could see the aura of Wahjee life that surrounded the small woman. Justin and Gus were both right, she was pregnant. Not that he’d doubted them, but it was nice to know for sure. He stood up, following her into the kitchen. Placing his hand on her belly he said. “Any sign of a baby Justin in there?” 

Melanie slapped his hand away, not sure if he’d meant to give her a small shock or if it was an accident. Either way, she didn’t want Brian Kinney’s hands on her. Brian turned away. It had only been a second or two, but it was enough. He’d branded the new life with his mark of protection, a small star shape that would appear as a birthmark in the same way Justin’s mark had appeared on Gus. Only this time, the baby would be under his protection from here on in. He knew that he needed to offer this safeguard now and not wait for the child to be born. 

“Ready to go?” Brian asked Justin when he walked down the stairs.

“Go?” Justin looked confused. “Didn’t we just get here?” 

“Yep. Now it’s time to go. Gus is sleeping.” Brian took Justin’s hand and pulled him to the door. “Later Linds, Mel.” He said, disappearing out the door. 

“What in hell was that all about?” Justin glared at Brian, barely able to keep up with his long strides. 

“The kid, the baby, it’s barely three days old, barely more than a fingertip full of cells. But she’s strong, she’s powerful. Justin, for fuck sake I think you performed Xyndaix. You’ve made a pure Wahjee with your sperm, there’s nothing of Melanie in that baby. She’s all yours, each and every cell. Fuck Justin, there’s going to be hell to pay when the High Council finds out. She’ll be put down like a fucking injured dog. Why did you do it? You know it’s forbidden; it’s like ten times forbidden. It’s so forbidden no one even knows anyone who’d ever done it or if it’s just a fucking legend.” Brian was terrified for Justin and his daughter. 

“Are finished with your rant?” Justin’s voice was quiet. 

“No.” Brian glared.

“Brian, think about Gus, come on, really think about him. He’s Xyndaix too. I knew it, your mother knows it. Why the fuck didn’t you know it. I thought you realized that’s what we were doing. I mean, there is no such thing as a half breed Wahjee.” He took a breath. “I don’t suppose you ever gave it any thought as to why Gus is a perfect miniature of you. Of why there is nothing of his mother in him.”

“He’s a baby, how should I know what babies look like.” 

“You seem to have some idea about mine.” 

“That’s different, you’re different, I l.., I care for you.” 

“You know for someone with strong Wahjee control over the force of life, you’re kind of stupid.” Justin shook his head. 

“So all that talk about half Wahjee, half human was what, talk?” Brian walked backwards; the better to see Justin’s face. 

“Brian, I had to know. I had to know what you knew. This stuff that’s happening. The babies, it’s all been foretold. You know the legends as well as I do. I had to really know what you were thinking. Our lives depend on it, the lives of our children, and our children’s children.”

“I thought you knew me. I thought you said you could read me.”

“I do and I can, but not all at once Brian, not all at once.” Justin looked miserable. “And we never really talk. I mean we talk but not really. You know what I mean.”

“No Justin, no I don’t know what you mean.” Brian was pissed. He’d thought Justin loved him, trusted him, knew him. He thought he’d finally found a man who could see through his brash ways to what he was inside.

Snow was beginning to fall; the night skies had chased away the hazy winter daylight when the men entered the deserted park. 

“Brian, stop.” Justin called to Brian’s back. 

Brian heard him but didn’t stop. He needed to think, to reconsider his relationship with Justin.

“BRIAN, STOP.” Justin called out and this time a ring of small dancing flames sprung around the taller man. 

Brian brushed them away, not caring if they stung. Justin was powerful, but he was too. He prepared to move when suddenly Justin stood in front of him larger than life, his skin blazing with a glow so warm, Brian could feel the heat melt the snow that had landed on his shoulders. “Brian, I love you. I would never do anything to jeopardize that love.” Justin put a hand out to touch Brian’s cheek, but Brian pulled away. “You are my heart, my breath, my life.” He whispered. “I thought you knew Gus was Xyndaix. I thought it was just something we wouldn’t talk about because it was dangerous. I didn’t have any idea you didn’t know. I mean fuck, you made him. If you think about it, you’ll know I’m right, you’ll know you performed the ritual just like I did the other night. You said nothing then. I thought you were part of it. YOU FUCKING NEVER SAID YOU DIDN’T KNOW.” Justin cried out, tears washing over his face. 

Brian shut his eyes, he couldn’t look at Justin knowing the blond was in pain because of him. He didn’t know what to say or how to act. This was all new to him. He needed to talk to his mother. Now that was something he’d never thought he say or do. “I need to talk to my mother.” Brian’s voice was quiet. 

“I know you do. I need to talk to mine too.” Both women were powerful in their own way. Both women would protect their children and their grandchildren with everything they had. 

“Justin,” Brian said, this time looking deep into Justin’s eyes. He needed to see into the other man’s soul. “What have we done?”

“We’ve loved.” Justin’s voice was quiet. “Wasn’t that part of the Legends of Wah, that two powerful Wahjee would come together in love. In a love so powerful it would transcend time. Didn’t you ever wonder why the legends said they would make Xyndaix children when it was forbidden? The legends say that the Xyndaix children will mate and become rulers of the planet and the planet will prosper in peace and health for many generations. The black arts will perish and be forgotten and those practicing them will be banished, stripped of their abilities.”

“I didn’t listen to that shit.” Brian admitted. “I was too busy keeping away from my father’s fists and when I was older, too busy making money.” 

“Well, wake up Brian. The legends have a basis of truth. You and I are it. There’s no such thing as either you or I becoming pregnant, but we can make Xyndaix and we have.” He looked gloomy for a moment. “I think maybe we should have actually given it more thought.” 

“No fucking shit.” Brian slumped in his jacket, looking vulnerable and almost scared. 
Something that was foreign to his nature. Justin let himself drift into the welcome embrace of the older man. “I guess we need to talk more Witch Boy.” 

“I think that’s going to be a reoccurring theme in our lives.” Justin smiled into Brian’s chest. 

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

Marcie was actually enjoying having Frances and Ethan six inches tall. Well Ethan wasn’t quite that tall. For one thing, while Frances had been a great husband, he still had expected her to be the dutiful wife and pretty much agree to everything he said. It was a Wahjee thing she figured. She couldn’t imagine human women thinking subjugation was a good idea. 

Ethan on the other hand, while interesting in that he at least gave Frances some company while she was working, was a little bit irritating. For one thing he whined a lot and then there was his incessant violin playing. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out that his violin had been magiqued. No doubt to do something to Justin, though she wasn’t sure what. He was human which meant that there had to be a Wahjee out there who had done the deed with the violin. It wasn’t a good thing to mix human and Wahjee badness. 

The first thing she had to do was provide some kind of toilet facilities for the two of them. She was damned if she was cleaning up shit no matter how good a husband Frances had been. It was then she discovered a wonderful store in New York that catered to miniature everything for elaborate doll houses that functioned as well as full sized ones. 

Since money wasn’t really a problem, Marcie bought an already constructed mansion that was delivered intact. She loved it. It was everything a woman who was a kid at heart could want. Connecting the plumbing and electric took a bit of ingenuity and a touch of her powers, but it was soon done. 

“Moving days my sweet little birdies.” She cooed when everything was set up in the spare bedroom.  She wondered if maybe she should get a train set and some of those cute little cars for them. 

“What are you talking about?” Frances muttered. He was heartily sick of living in the birdcage with banjo boy. 

Ethan said nothing; he was in funk because his magiqued violin seemed to be out of order. He didn’t realize it was tuned to Justin Taylor, no one else. Even Chris Hobbes and his father weren’t stupid enough to have Ethan Gold be some kind of pied piper with a violin. It was enough they’d tried to fix Justin. 

“Smile violin boy, you’ll have a whole house to sulk in soon. With running water and everything.” 

“Fuck off.” Ethan mumbled. His whole life was ruined because of Justin Taylor. He was missing competitions and school. He was never going to graduate and he was going to be forgotten in the music world. He fucking hated Justin Taylor.

“Marcie, I want you to contact the High Council. I know Craig Taylor would never condone my treatment. Everyone is entitled to a mistake. I made one and now I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry Frances, but unless Auntie Jen says it’s okay, I’m not going to talk to anyone in the High Council. I still can’t believe you’d try and hurt your own cousin.” She turned and stomped out of the room. 

“Hey, what about moving day? What about a new house?” Frances yelled.

“Forget it man, even I can tell when a woman is pissed. The next time you might at least wait until she moves us before you piss her off.” Ethan looked at his violin and sighed. He wasn’t even in the mood to play. 

“But she’s my wife.” Frances protested. 

“Actually you’re her <i>Ken</i> doll.” Ethan snickered. “And even Ken was at least eleven inches tall. I don’t think you’re much more than half that. Hell, I’ve seen cocks larger than you.” Ethan snickered at his joke. Frances glared at him. 

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

“I just wanted to relax, to dance, to have a fucking beer.” Brian fumed as he paced in front of yet another club with a closed sign on the front door. “What the fuck is happening here?”

“That guy you helped to elect is closing the queer community down.” Ted replied in his dry way that pissed Brian off even more. “I’m going to a friend’s place.” 

“Oh, how is Emmett doing?” Justin asked. 

“I don’t know, he hasn’t called.”

“I thought that’s where you were going.” Justin looked away.

“Emmett isn’t my only friend.” Ted said as he turned and left. 

“Brian, do you want to come with Ben and I, we’re going back to my place.”

“No, I don’t think so. It’s time to have a little chat with Jim Stockwell.” Brian put his arm around Justin’s shoulder. “Justin’s coming with me.” 

“What are we going to do Brian?” Justin asked as they walked back to the car. 

“I’m not sure, but I think maybe Jim Stockwell needs to spend at least a week as an out and proud nelly queen.” 

“But he’s married with kids.” Justin laughed. “I don’t think it would work.”

“Sucks to be him. He won’t be the first gay man stuck in a miserable hetero relationship.” Brian’s step was light as he worked out the spell that would effectively change Jim Stockwell’s life for a week. 

Brian knew he had a meeting with Jim Stockwell in the morning. He’d place the spell then. It was Monday, a great time to start a new life. The thought of a gay Stockwell was making him horny. “I want to fuck you.” He said in a lust filled voice.

“It’s damn cold, let’s go home, we’ll fuck there.” Justin was shivering in the car despite the heater blasting full on. 

“Can’t wait,” Brian said as he pulled Justin in for an icy embrace. “Fuck, your nose is cold and wet.”

“It is not wet.” Justin laughed and wiped it on Brian’s shirt.  “I told you it would be better at the loft.” 

“Pucker up Witch Boy, let’s see what those cold lips can do for my big warm cock.” 

“Better yet, let’s see what you can do for mine.” Justin laughed as he wiggled around, placing Brian’s hand on his tenting jeans. Brian put his head back and laughed. Justin beamed because of the free and happy sound. It wasn’t often Brian was relaxed enough inside himself to make such a contented noise. “We’ll go home.” He nuzzled Justin’s neck. 

Monday morning, Brian uncharacteristically made a coffee for Jim Stockwell, smiling to himself as the other man sat at the conference table and drank it. Dressed as he usually was in a tightly buttoned collar and a no nonsense business suit or an undetermined color, Brian couldn’t wait to see the man loosen up. 

Gardner Vance came into the room, followed by two men from the art department and Cynthia. “I see you two have started without us.” Gardner nodded toward the now empty coffee cups. 

“Brian, the wonderful man makes amaaaazing coffee.” Jim lisped as he waved his limp wristed hand in the air.

Everyone stared at him, the room was silent.

“Yes, well,” Gardner looked around. “Shall we begin?” he handed Jim a folder that contained their latest campaign.

“Oh dear,” Jim said as he leafed through the pages. “This is a just a tad harsh, isn’t it.” He looked at Brian. “Brian, dear boy, we can’t close down all of the night clubs on Liberty and not close the ones in the rest of the city. Besides, it’s not like it’s the 20’s and prohibition is the law. These are just people trying to relax after a hard day.” 

Their meeting lasted into the afternoon, with Gardner and Cynthia becoming more and more confused the longer Jim Stockwell was in the room with them. Brian pretended to notice nothing. As Stockwell was being ushered from the conference room toward the elevator later, he leaned in to Brian. “Brian, why don’t you take a break for the day. I understand there is a rather nice place near here that should be quiet in the afternoon. We can discuss my campaign.”

“I’ll have Cynthia clear my calendar.” Brian said. “Where are we going?” 

“A place called Woodys. I’m sure I heard mention of it somewhere, I’m not sure where, but I understand it has a wonderful ambiance. Do you know it?” he asked. 

“I’ve been there a time or two.” Brian admitted. “It should be quiet this time of day.” 

“Wonderful, I’ll have my driver take us there.” Stockwell beamed. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Two weeks later, Justin was lying on the floor of the loft watching television with Daphne who stretched out on the sofa. Ty lay full length on Daphne and Killer was cuddled close to Justin. It was one of those winter days that held a hint of spring in the sunlight that played with dust molecules in room. The phone rang and Justin reached for it lazily. “Hey.” He purred into the receiver.

“Justin, is that you?” Lindsay asked.

“Oh, hi Lindsay, sorry.” Justin’s attention was still on the movie.

“Congratulations Justin, you’re going to be a father.” Lindsay all but shouted.

“Cool. Thanks for telling me. Do you want to call Brian or should I?” Justin asked. He wasn’t all that excited, after all he’d known from the cell division. 

“I’ll call Brian.” Lindsay hung up, rather disappointed with Justin’s attitude. She didn’t know what she was expecting, but she figured he should have been a little more enthused. 

“Who was that?” Daphne asked.

“Lindsay, Brian’s friend.” Justin reached for a handful of popcorn.

“What did she want?” Daphne was a female and curiosity abounded. 

“Oh, she just wanted me to know that Melanie was pregnant with my baby.” Justin put all the popcorn in his hand in his mouth. “This needs more butter.”

“WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAY?” Daphne shouted, jumping up from the sofa, dumping a slightly pissed off Ty to the floor and barely missing Killer’s tail. “YOU MADE A BABY WITH MELANIE?” she burst into hysterical tears. 

That’s when Brian walked in. “Uh, what’s up?” he asked Justin, who shrugged. “Linds called, Melanie is pregnant.”

“Duh, rah, rah.” Brian said as he pulled off his jacket. “Thank gawd that part’s over with. I was beginning to think Gus was going to bust a gut keeping his mouth shut after your little chat.” He nodded at Daphne. “And this affects your cheering section how?” 

“Beats me.” Justin tried to put his arm around Daphne who pulled away from him, glaring daggers in his direction. 

“IF YOU WANTED A BABY, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ME WHO GAVE YOU AND BRIAN ONE, NOT THAT DYKE BITCH.” She screamed and sobbed, barely making herself understood.

Justin’s eyes grew wide. “Holy shit.” He muttered looking helpless.
“Daphne, Princess.” Brian wrapped the smaller woman in his arms and she melted into his body. He had that effect on anyone he held. “This baby isn’t for Justin and me, it’s for Melanie and Linds. Justin didn’t even want to do it. I had to talk him into it. If the day ever comes when we want to raise a child, we would be honored if you were the mother. I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d want. You’re cute and funny and not too damn bad looking for a female.” 

“Really?” she sobbed, though her sobs were less. 

“Really.” Brian said, biting his lips when Justin rolled his eyes and threw himself on the sofa. Ty and Killer both jumped on the blond. They hated women’s tears. It made them nervous. 

Daphne leaned over and punched Justin’s arm. “Sorry, but I always have wanted your baby, ever since I was four.” 

“Four?” Justin laughed. “Fuck, at four babies were the last thing in my mind.”

“You aren’t a girl.”

“Thank gawd for that.” Brian laughed. “They have pointy knuckles when they punch. You realize Justin will have a bruise for days.” He let go of the girl and stepped back. He was afraid she was beginning to like being in his arms. 

“So you really didn’t want to do it?” Daphne asked. “Did you do it in a cup like Brian?” Justin had discussed Brian’s attempts at fatherhood at length with Daphne. 

“Nope, I fucked Brian and gave them the condoms.” Justin grinned, laughing outright when he saw Brian’s face flush bright red. “Six times.” He held up fingers and counted them off, just to make the point. 

“Ewwwwe.” Daphne was impressed but she knew better than to let Brian know it. “I hope it’s a girl.” She looked at Justin, her head cocked to the side. “You’d make a cute girl.” 

“Thanks I think.” Justin wasn’t liking the way the conversation was going. He’d had enough teasing from Brian the night before.


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

Ted was lost and he knew it. Which made him lost even more. He’d lost his job, not that he’d liked it, but still he was well trained. He’d lost his business due to a sting that really wasn’t his fault. And he’d lost himself with crystal, something he still couldn’t believe, but also couldn’t leave alone. It was killing him slowly, inside and out. He knew it. He couldn’t stop. And he wanted to die. So he continued to kill himself slowly in the embrace of the whore crystal. And that’s how Justin found him one night. At the bottom of the bottom of crystal’s toilet bowl. 

“Ted, is that you?” Justin asked. Ted was sitting on the curb, his head between his legs leaning against a light pole. They were in a rather dark end of town; Justin had just delivered a painting when he’d spotted Ted in an unlikely spot.

“Justin?” Ted looked up, he was vibrating he was shaking so bad. His eyes were sunken, black circles outline red irritated orbs.  “Hey Justin, what’s up?” he tried for bravado.

“Apparently not you.” Justin sat down beside him. “Ted, I know I shouldn’t really interfere, but I think you’ve got a problem. “ He wasn’t supposed to interfere in human dramas, but there were times when that rule had to be ignored. This was one of them. 

“Ahh, young Justin, yes I have a problem, but it’s a problem that once started can’t really be fixed. I suppose if I really wanted to fix it, I might, but there’s no reason to.” His eyes were dead with despair. “Everyone I’ve ever loved is gone, Michael, Emmett, Blake. No one loves me and no one wants me. I’ve lost my business and I’m heading for broke.” He shrugged. “I’m a joke.”

“Not a good one.” Justin stood up and held out his hand. “Come on Ted. I think it’s time you checked into rehab.”

“Rehab?” Ted shook his head. “I can’t do rehab.” He looked at Justin. “I just don’t have it in me Justin, I’m sorry.”

“Of course you have it in you. Fuck Ted, you’re an amazing accountant and a good friend. You’ve kind of slipped off track a bit, but that’s nothing. It can be fixed. Hell, as long as you’re still breathing, you can fix it.”

“Do you really think so?” There was a glimmer of hope in Ted’s voice. 

“Of course I do. We’ll go there together.”

“Don’t tell anyone.” Ted began, “I don’t want anyone to know.”

“I have to tell Brian. I don’t keep secrets from him.”

Ted looked down at his feet. “I understand.” He hated having Brian Kinney know how far he’d fallen. Brian’s opinion of him was important. 

“It’ll be okay.” Justin put his arm around Ted, lending him a tiny bit of Wahjee strength.

Ted wasn’t surprised when Brian met them at the door of the rehab center. “Hey Ted, you can do it. Justin and I have your back.” Brian held the door for the two of them.