Chapter 5 Justin was so elated and felt so free after Robert's news that he would be out of town for four days, that he slept like the dead through the night. This was the first time he had actually fallen asleep and stayed that way. The nightmare only started during the mid-morning hours. He could see his sister and himself standing at the window, watching outside as their mother is being led away in handcuffs. He can hear himself pounding on the window and shouting mommy, mommy. Justin wakes with a start, still hearing the pounding, realizing that someone was at the front door making one hell of a racket. Justin stumbles to the front door, still in his jeans and sweatshirt from the night before. He opens the door to see Brian standing there, and gets a goofy grin on his still sleep-wrinkled face. All Brian can think is when does this kid ever look bad? My God, how I want to take him into the bedroom right now, but I can't. I have to go to Chicago for the Brown Athletics account. "So, Sunshine, I see we've had our beauty sleep. Don't you think it's about time you get up?" Just tries to stifle his yawn, but through it asks, "What the hell time is it, anyway?" "Well, Sleeping Beauty, you have managed to make it to 11:00. I certainly hope you don't have any appointments you should have made earlier, because you've certainly missed them." "No. I have nothing booked for four days. I was hoping I could reciprocate and have you over for dinner tonight." Brian just stares at Justin and wishes it could happen. "Not tonight, Justin. I'm on my way to the airport," as Brian gestures towards his carry-on bag. "How long will you be gone?" "I should be back on Saturday, Sunday at the latest. I can't miss the family dinner at Deb's. She'd serve my balls with her spaghetti. And speaking of Deb's Sunday dinners, she wanted me to tell you she expects to see you there. This is not a polite invitation, it is a summons. If you don't show, she'll track you down and you will live to regret it, believe me." "That should be fine," Justin responds. "By the way, what's with all of this Sunshine shit?" "Debbie believes with that lovely blonde hair and that brilliant smile, you are her little ray of sunhine. I tend to agree with her," Brian says with a smile. "I just wanted to let you know I'll be gone so you could keep an eye on the place for me, pick up the paper." "Sure. No problem. I'm just disappointed with me having these days off, you won't be here so we could get to know one another a little better." With that, Brian grabs Justin around the waist and pulls him into a deep kiss. Justin snakes his hand around Brian's neck and pulls him in deeper. Damn, his lips are so soft, Brian thinks. I could lose myself in those lips. Oh, shit, instant wood. Wonderful. As the kiss deepens, Justin can feel Brian harden against his thigh. I'll have to do something about that, Justin thinks. "What time does your plane leave?" Wondering if the kid is thinking what Brian hopes he's thinking, he looks at his watch and says, "I can spare 15 minutes." With that, Justin runs his hands down Brian's shirt and stops at his belt buckle. He undoes his buckle, all the while looking Brian in the eye. He never breaks eye contact. Ever so slowly he unzips the zipper and reaches in for Brian's hard cock. "Oh, my, look what I found, Brian." Justin lowers himself onto his knees and slowly slides his tongue down the shaft, taking in Brian's balls one by one. Knowing Brian has a time limit here, Justin decides to forego too much preparation and deep throats Brian in one motion. Brian moans in pleasure. Shit, this boy is talented. He's taking it all. Before Brian knows it, and much to his dismay, he shoots into Justin's mouth, Justin taking it all in. As Justin finishes licking Brian clean, he carefully makes Brian presentable and stands in front of him and pulls him in to a deep kiss. Brian can taste himself on Justin's tongue. "Now you should be okay for that plane ride, not sporting any wood, big boy." "My, my, aren't we the talented little twink," Brian muses. "Well, I'm only being neighborly." "Listen, I've got to catch that flight. I'll check in with you when I get back. Wish me luck. If I land this account, it will mean a big bonus." "Good luck, Brian. See you when you get back." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- By the time Justin has gotten himself together it is already late afternoon. As he looks out the window, he can see Charlie in the Mercedes parked on the corner. Yeah, just like I thought; being watched. Robert won't trust me to be alone while he's gone. Charlie will report every move I make. As it turns into early evening, Justin can feel the walls closing in on him. I have to get out of here. He takes a glance out the window and sees that Charlie has never left his parking spot. Doesn't this guy ever have to take a leak? Justin forms a plan of attack in his brain. He leaves the TV on, a couple of lights, and makes his way out of the loft, slipping out the back utility door. He carefully makes his way down the alley and ends up on the street behind the Mercedes and an ever-vigilant Charlie. Slowly going down the street, he keeps to the shadows to not attract any attention. Where exactly do I think I'm going? At that moment his stomach starts to growl and a destination comes to mind. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Justin walks into the diner, he can hear the ever-present chatter of Debbie. He actually finds it comforting. As soon as Debbie sees Justin, the air is filled with "Oh, shit, it's Sunshine." Justin ducks his head as every face in the diner turns in his direction. "Hi, Debbie." "Well, hey, honey. I didn't expect to see you again so soon. What can I get you?" "Well, I was thinking some dinner." At that moment Justin sees Michael sitting with his boyfriend Ben in the booth that Debbie had been hovering over. Justin starts to head in the direction of the counter, when Ben waves Justin over to sit with them, garnering a glare from Michael. This was their private time together, and now Ben was inviting over the twink who lived upstairs from Brian; although he had to admit the kid had good taste in that he likes comic book art. "So, Justin," Ben said, "did you have a good time last night?" "Sure did. That's a nice group of friends you have." After having placed his order with Debbie, engaging in some small-talk with Ben and Michael, and then eating his dinner, Michael decides to broach a subject with Justin that had been running through his head since last night after seeing Justin's artwork. "Justin, I was wondering if I could talk to you about a possible business venture," Michael states. "What do you have in mind?" "Well, the idea for a new comic book hero has been running through my head. I haven't really had any idea who could do the artwork, but after seeing your picture last night I thought I would talk to you about it. It's a gay superhero." "That really sounds interesting -- not to mention original -- Michael; but i've never done comic book art. There's a whole other dimension to that kind of art. I don't know if I would do it justice." "Look, let's get out of here. We'll go by the store and I'll give you some stuff so you can look it over and see how the art is done and get some ideas." "It really sounds like a challenge. I would like to give it a try." -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After getting the comic books from Michael, Justin makes his way back to the loft. Justin sees no sign of Charlie, but still doesn't feel safe walking in the front door. He sneaks down the alley the way he came out and makes his way back to the loft. The next couple of days Justin devotes himself to looking at the comic books that Michael has given him and practicing many different styles. He gets so engrossed in it all, it is a wonder he remembers to eat anything. Before he knows it, he has filled one sketch book and has started on a second. Comic books and sketch books are spread over the kitchen breakfast bar. The one picture that he can never seem to get enough of drawing, though, is Brian. This man has really gotten into my head. Would I ever be able to tell him about my situation, confide in him? Would he understand why I stayed? Would he understand why I even went with Robert in the first place? Jesus, what would he think of my little video collection? Sunday finally rolls around and all Justin can think about is seeing Brian again. He didn't come home Saturday like he was hoping he would, but Brian had promised he would be home by Sunday. Apparently the wrath of Debbie was a big incentive to not miss the Sunday dinners. The only thing Justin couldn't figure out was how he was going to get out of the building without Charlie seeing him. Everyday, when he looked out the window, there sat Charlie on the corner in the car, keeping his watch over Robert's property. It's about 1:00 in the afternoon when Brian finally calls. He has just arrived at the airport and has to swing by the office, get home and then freshen up. He tells Justin to be ready to roll by 5:00. Justin can't stop pacing around the loft. His mind is trying to figure some way to either get out of the dinner or get out of the building. He really wants to go, but what excuse can he make to get Brian to pick him up in the back alley. It's going on 4:30, and Justin takes another look out the window. No Charlie. What the fuck? Maybe he finally had to take a leak. Maybe Robert's wife needs him for something. Right now Justin doesn't really care. All he knows, he's going to the dinner, and he's going to have a good time; and I'm leaving by the front door, damn it. Brian knocks on the door promptly at 5:00, just as Justin is gathering his things together into his backpack. He has a few sketches to show to Michael, but leaves behind the book that has the pictures he has done of Brian. Justin has also gone into Robert's private stock of wine and picked out a very nice bottle; at least he hopes so. I know nothing about wine, he thinks, but this looks nice. Geez, if it's packed in its own crate with straw around it, it's got to be good, right? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Justin walks into Debbie's house, followed by Brian, he is overwhelmed by the smells, the people, and just the wonderful memories that get conjured up in his mind's eye. This is what a home is. He had forgotten just how good that felt. He just stands there for a moment, taking it all in, when Brian's hand lands on his lower back and lightly pushes him into the room. Don't rush me, Brian. I'm savoring here. Justin is almost on the verge of tears. "Hey there, Sunshine," Debbie shreaks. "Hi, Debbie. I brought this. I hope it's all right. I really don't know much about wine." "Holy shit, Justin. Modeling must pay good. This is some vintage stuff. I'll say this is all right," Brian exclaims. "Well, dinner is ready. Brian, pop the cork on that 'vintage stuff' as you call it." Brian's remarks start to worry Justin. He knew the botttle was probably good, but not that good. He just hopes Robert won't miss it from his private stock. After having enjoyed a fine meal and good company, everyone settles in the living room. Justin brings out his backpack and opens it, bringing out his sketch book. "Michael, I've done some preliminary things. I thought you might like to take a look at some of them," Justin says as he hands over his sketch book to Michael. "Wow, Justin, these are great. I can't believe you came up with some of this stuff in the last two days." "When I get inspired, I like to work while the iron is hot, so to speak." Brian stands and looks over Michael's shoulder, a big grin spreading over his face. "Justin," Brian starts, "does this superhero of yours resemble anyone we all know and love?" At that comment Justin turns a bright shade of red. He had hoped no one would notice the resemblance. "Oh, my, God, Brian, that's you," Debbie shouts. Everyone has a good laugh as Justin buries his face in his hands. He thought he was being made fun of, but soon realized that everyone is very impressed with his renditions and starts to relax. The rest of the evening finds Justin and Michael so engrossed in the talk of the comic book that Brian actually starts to get annoyed. Ben notices this and walks into the kitchen to talk with Brian. "You know, Brian, the creative process can be quite exciting. Look at those two. Frankly, I don't think Michael has ever looked sexier than right now while he and Justin are collaborating." "I know they're excited. I was just hoping I would have a little more time to spend with Justin." "Get used to it if this thing takes off. They're going to be spending a lot of time together." ------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Brian pulls up in front of the loft, Justin notices right away that Charlie is parked by the front door. Charlie only parks there when Robert is here. God, please don't let him be back. I've got to get upstairs quick. I hope Brian won't suspect anything, Justin thinks. Charlie sees Justin getting out of the Jeep with another man. This is going to be an interesting night. The boy is definitely going to get a licking from Robert. When did he leave, anyway? Jesus, would Robert have a few choice words -- or worse yet, a few choice fists -- for Charlie when he found out Justin had given him the slip. Charlie watches as Justin walks into the building, nervously looking over his shoulder at Charlie. As they climb into the elevator, Brian wraps his arms around Justin from behind and pulls him into an embrace, resting his chin on Justin's shoulder. Brian can feel Justin tense up, knows something is slightly off kilter, but decides to ignore it for now. "So, Justin, do you want to come to my place for a bit of that get-to-know-each-other time?" "I can't think of anything I'd love to do more, Brian, but I really have to get upstairs. I'm expecting a call from my agent, and I need to get back to him tonight. Maybe after that I can come down, but don't count on it." Justin hoped and prayed that this lame explanation would have the effect he wanted. Brian took it as a brush-off and just shrugged his shoulders. Hey, if the kid was going to be that fickle, fuck him. "Whatever you say, Sunshine," Brian said as he got off on his floor and turned his back. As Justin puts his key in the door, he knows Robert is there. For one thing, the door is not locked. For another, he can hear the stereo softly playing. He knows he didn't leave the stereo on. Suck it up, Justin; meet this head-on. When Robert got back from his trip early, the last thing he expected to find when he got to the loft was an empty loft. He shouted for Justin a few times, but no answer. Then he noticed the sketch book, the comic books, and the empty wine crate. What the hell does this boy think he's up to? As he scanned the pictures in the sketch book, he realizes that he's going to have to show Justin, again, just who he belongs to. Just who the fuck does he think he is? His ass is mine. Justin tries to put on a nonchalant facade, make Robert think nothing has been going on. As he walks in, he can see Robert sitting at the breakfast bar nursing a scotch, the bottle being half empty at this point. Not good, Justin thinks to himself. He also notices that Robert has opened one of his sketch books and it is open to a picture of Brian; the comic books are in a pile next to the sketch book; and Robert is fingering the straw that the wine bottle was packed in. "You should have told me, Justin." "Told you what?" "That you're a connoisseur of fine wine." "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about." "That was vintage wine. Where did you take it?" "I'm sorry," Justin says as he leans against the beam, crossing his arms. "I didn't realize it was an expensive one" "That's all right," Robert says rubbing his finger against his chin. "It's only grapes." The softness in Robert's voice and calmness of his demeanor was beginning to worry Justin. "So where did you go," Robert whispers. "The new downstairs neighbor invited me to a family dinner. I went there with him." "Is it the same 'him' who you've drawn so nicely in your sketch book? What does the neighbor think of having such a nice piece of ass living upstairs? Does he know you're a whore? Does he know that you're mine?" Justin breathes in a heavy sigh and pushes away from the beam. "I'm not going to fight. I'm tired and I'm going to bed." As Justin walks into the bedroom, Robert takes another drink of scotch and follows. "I love watching you take your clothes off," Robert says. Justin can only turn his back as he continues to unbutton his shirt and slide it off his body. Robert walks up behind Justin and rubs his hands up and down his thighs and over his firm butt, unbuttoning and unzipping Justin's pants as he lets his hands wander over Justin's body. "Here, let me help you." "Baby, I just want to get to bed. I'm tired." "You're Robert's, and you best remember that now," Robert whispers in Justin's ear as he starts to kiss the back of Justin's neck and rub his hands on Justin's chest. "I know, baby. Just not tonight. I'm tired. Just let me go, please." "I told you I would never let you go." With that last statement, Robert takes both of Justin's wrists in his hands and pulls them behind his back. Reaching behind him, Robert pulls open a dresser drawer, pulling out a length of rope and tying Justin's hands behind him. "Please, no. Just one night, please. Just let me be one night." "No. I need you. I need for you to know that you're Robert's." As Robert utters those last words, he pushes Justin down onto the side of the bed, pulling his pants down. "No, please, don't." "I need you, baby. Now just shut the fuck up." "No, I don't want to. Just leave me alone for one night." "Shut the fuck up I said." Justin's mind is screaming no, no, no when he feels Robert push into him. As he starts to scream, all Robert keeps saying is shut up, shut up. The more he struggles, the tighter the rope becomes and starts to bite into Justin's skin. He can feel the blood start to trickle down his wrists. I will not take this anymore, is the only thing that keeps going through Justin's mind. With all of his effort, Justin throws his head back, knocking Robert in the chin. The force of the blow sends Robert falling backwards, striking his forehead on the dresser. As Justin stands up, he relaxes his arms to loosen the rope and pulls up his pants. All Justin can do is stand there and look at Robert on the floor. He isn't breathing, is the first thought that goes through his head. His eyes are open. Is he dead? To be sure, Justin kicks at the outstretched arm of Robert. There is no movement, no chest moving up and down, and definitely no blinking. Something snaps in Justin's mind, and he takes his foot and kicks Robert's body in the midsection. That felt good, he thinks. Before he knows it, he's kicking and stomping Robert's dead body. Without realizing it, as he kicks and stomps at Robert's body, blood starts to spray over Justn's torso and face. He finally stops when he's gasping for breath after all of the exertion. What have I done? Justin sits on the floor, knees drawn up to his chest, rocking slowly back and forth. As he sees the pool of blood move closer to his feet, he keeps inching back trying to put as much space as he can between himself and the blood. The only thought that keeps going through his mind is what do I do now? What the fuck do I do?