Brian pinched the bridge of his nose. “You’re not getting anything out of me.” “That’s not fair,” Cynthia protested. “How do you figure?” Brian asked. “Because,” Cynthia told him but that’s all she said. “You want to hear something?” Brian asked. Cynthia nodded eagerly. “I can always say you’re fired,” Brian gave her a fake smile. “Don’t be like that,” Cynthia pouted. “I just want to know how your vacation went.” “I told you it was none of your business,” Brian said. Cynthia got up. “I’m your secretary.” “Your point being?” Brian asked arching a brow. Cynthia smiled from ear to ear. “If I work for you it means I’m pretty good. So, I can find on my own what I need to know.” Brian smirked once she was gone. He was sure that she wasn’t lying. He worked the rest of the morning in his office. He was trying to come up with a few new ideas and not think about Justin. He had a great time with the blond and he wished they had stayed. “Hey,” Michael said standing in the doorway. “Mikey,” Brian said startled. “Cynthia wasn’t there,” Michael told him. “Come on in,” Brian told him. “Sit down.” “I wanted to talk to you about Melanie,” Michael said. “I think...I’m going to sign my rights to them.” Brian sighed and looked at his friend. “I wouldn’t if I was you.” “We aren’t the same, Brian,” Michael said. “Plus you did.” “It was a mistake,” Brian told him. Michael shook his head. “It’s the right thing,” he was sure. “I want them to be a family.” “What about when you want to see your kid?” Brian asked. “And they won’t let you.” “They would never do that to me,” Michael protested. They both stayed silent for a few seconds. “That’s not how I meant it,” Michael sighed. “Of course you did,” Brian said. “You’re a good guy Mikey. I’m nothing but an asshole why would they want me near my son.” Michael frowned not wanting to hear his friend talk like that. “That’s not true Brian.” “Look,” Brian said getting up and grabbing a file. “I have to get this to the art department,” he didn’t want to look at his friend. “I’ll talk to you later.” Michael got up and tried to talk but Brian wasn’t listening. Brian walked fast until he reached the art department. It was lunchtime and everyone was gone. He pinched the bridge of his nose and tried not to think about Gus or how stupid he had been. What hurt much more was that his friends believed that he wasn’t a good man and therefore he was a bad father. *** Justin rolled in bed and reached for the phone. “Hello?” he asked in a sleepy voice. “Hello, Sunshine,” Brian smiled. “Brian,” Justin rubbed his eyes. “What are you doing calling here?” “I called your cell and it was off,” Brian explained. “Then I had to call Joshua who told me that you were staying there and I had to ask for Maximilian Spencer.” “It’s my pseudo name,” Justin said. “I have a few of them so no one knows I’m here.” “I see,” Brian told him. “I just wanted to wish you good luck.” “Its no big deal,” Justin said. “As soon as is over I’m flying back home.” Brian smiled from ear to ear. He knew where home was; in each other. “I’ll be waiting for you,” Brian told him. Justin laughed. “Great. We have a date.” “I don’t do dates,” Brian protested. “Brian,” Justin told him. “Get serious. You’re mine and that’s it.” Brian stayed quiet for a few seconds. He raked his brain for something to say. “Later.” “Later,” Justin hung up and got up from bed. He went over to his suitcase and picked what he was going to wear for the night. He put it on the bed and then went to take a shower. “Justin!” Joshua called as he came inside the room. “I’m going to take a shower,” Justin called from the bathroom. “You’re up?” Joshua was surprised. “Brian, called,” Justin smiled. “That explains it,” Joshua grabbed a menu from the table. “He called earlier asking where the fuck where you.” Justin turned the knobs. “He told me.” “Do you want anything from downstairs?” Joshua asked. “I need my guitar,” Justin told him. “They can’t find it.” “I’ll go check what’s going on?” Joshua told him. Justin nodded and took his shower. By the time he came out Joshua was sitting on the bed. His guitar was in the case with the lid open. “You’re the best,” Justin smiled and put his towel around his waist. He went over to it and made sure everything was okay with it. “Can you get dressed?” Joshua asked. “You know you always take forever when you’re going to sing.” “I do not,” Justin told him. “Something always happens,” Joshua said. Justin sighed and went to put on his clothes. “Joshua.” “What?” Joshua asked looking at the menu. “I’m ordering us something.” “Where are my clothes?” Justin asked. “What?” Joshua looked at the luggage and pointed at it. Justin thought that Joshua had moved them there so went to check. But after looking everywhere inside his suitcase, he didn’t found them. “They aren’t here.” Joshua shrugged as he picked the phone up. “I put them on the bed,” Justin said getting mad. “They were right there.” Joshua frowned and hung up. “What the fuck are you talking about?” “Right there where you’re sitting,” Justin said. Joshua got up quickly. He looked around the room. He then started searching the rest of the suite. They couldn’t find them anywhere. “Put something else on,” Joshua told him and reached for his cell. “Hey, Francis, get Lucas and Thomas here, now,” he hung up. “It’s going to be okay.” “It’s not okay,” Justin hissed as he grabbed something else. “Someone was here!” “Maybe one of the cleaning ladies,” Joshua told him. “They wouldn’t steal,” Justin told him dryly. “You’re Justin Taylor,” Joshua was trying to make Justin relax, no matter who had taken his clothes. “They couldn’t resist.” Justin looked at his cousin and glared at him. “I’ll look into it,” Joshua said as he stayed with Justin. In just a couple of minutes the three men were in Justin’s room. Joshua explained the situation and Justin wasn’t left alone for the rest of the night. *** Brian heard steps coming in his direction. He waited patiently and then Justin appeared. They smiled at each other. Brian got up and went to hug and kiss the blond. “It’s late,” Justin said. “You didn’t have to wait for me.” “I said I would,” Brian pointed out. “You look tired.” “I am,” Justin told him. “Come on,” Brian said pulling the blond to the bed. Justin crawled in the bed truly exhausted. They smiled at each other and came as close as they could. “How was it?” Brian asked. “Crazy,” Justin muttered and buried his face on Brian’s neck. “You smell so good.” Brian kissed him very slowly. “You’re making me horny,” Justin protested. Brian chuckled and caressed Justin’s face. He watched as the blond fell asleep. “I love you.” “I love you too, Brian,” Justin told him. Brian paralyzed and sat up. “Brian,” Justin opened his eyes slowly. “Come here.” Brian stared at the blond. His world was threatening to get away from him. His heartbeat was anything but normal at that moment. “Come on,” Justin waited until Brian was lying back again. “I promise I won’t tell anyone.” “Justin,” Brian didn’t even know what to say. “I don’t know where the fuck that came from.” “How about here?” Justin asked touching Brian’s chest. Brian stayed silent. “You don’t have anything to worry about,” Justin assured him. “I love you as well.” Brian nodded slowly. “Night,” Justin muttered and yawned. Brian watched him fall asleep, this time the blond was really sleeping. Brian relaxed and went to sleep too. In the morning when Brian woke up Justin wasn’t there. For a moment he thought he had dreamed everything but he was sure of what had happened. He got up and found Justin in the kitchen. “Morning,” Justin said. “What are you doing up?” Brian asked. “I was preparing some breakfast,” Justin told him. “You have to go to work.” “Yeah,” Brian went over to him and kissed him. “You didn’t have to.” “I wanted to,” Justin said. “I’m making muffins.” “You’re something else,” Brian whispered. “And here’s some coffee,” Justin told him. Brian took the cup. “Oh,” Justin said. “I brought you something. Wait here.” Brian watched him go and smiled. He felt good knowing things hadn’t change between them. Justin was still the same impulsive guy. “Can you make me a cup of coffee?” Francis asked coming into the kitchen. Brian took a step back scared out of his mind. “Fuck!” he hissed once he recognized the man in front of him. “You’re that guy from the store.” Francis arched a brow. “Francis,” Brian said. “What the fuck are you doing here?” “Justin didn’t tell you?” Francis asked. “No,” Brian said. “Then I guess you don’t need to know,” Francis told him. Brian glared at him and put his cup down. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Francis smirked. “I have been here longer than you. You’ll be gone with time. He’ll get tired of you sooner or later,” Francis was used to Justin changing bed partners all the time. Brian wanted to punch the man but he controlled himself. “Francis!” Justin hissed. Francis turned around to look at Justin. “Call Lucas and tell him to come here,” Justin was so mad. “You can go for the rest of the day.” Francis nodded. “I’m going back to bed, Brian,” Justin said with something in his hand. Brian grabbed his cup to follow Justin. He stopped in front of Francis first. “Now it looks like I will stay longer.” Francis stayed there shocked out of his mind. It looked like Justin was really in love this time. *** “Dinner was great,” Lindsay said getting up with her plate. “Yeah, no doubt,” Ben said. “I think it’s time for dessert,” Vic informed them. “What is it?” Hunter asked. “Help Debbie with the plates,” Ben said to Hunter. Gus quickly got down from his chair. He reached for something on the table and pulled a plate. “I will help you Grandma Debbie!” “Put that down!” Melanie yelled at Gus. Gus got scared and dropped the plate on the floor. The plate shattered and Gus’s eyes watered. “Look what you did,” Melanie told him. “He didn’t do shit,” Brian said picking his son up quickly when he saw Gus about to pick the pieces up. “You were the one yelling at him.” Melanie glared at Brian. “Don’t tell me how to take care of my son.” “He’s my son too,” Brian told him. “You signed your rights over to me,” Melanie told him. “Remember?” “Piss me off and I will be taking them back,” Brian threatened her. “Guys,” Debbie said from the kitchen. “Stop it.” “Oh, Deb,” Lindsay said. “Don’t worry. They’re always fighting.” Brian walked away with Gus who was shaking. “I’ll clean it,” Emmett offered. “You don’t have to honey,” Debbie assured him but the man did anyway. “I think it’s time to go,” Hunter said. “Shut up and sit down,” Michael told him. “But we already ate,” Hunter complained, “and it’s just vanilla ice cream and this is so boring.” Ben shook his head. ‘Sit down’ he mouthed to Hunter. Hunter knew when his adoptive parents were getting mad. He just sat down and hoped they would leave soon. “Kids,” Debbie said shaking her head. “I was helping,” Gus said. “I know you were,” Brian told him as he check to make sure that Gus hadn’t cut himself. “You’re okay.” “I’m sorry,” Gus said. “It’s okay,” Brian told him. “Next time you want to help Grandma I will help you.” “Mr. Justin lets me help,” Gus said. “I know that,” Brian said and looked at Vic who was looking at them with a questioning look. “Long story.” “I have time,” Vic told him. Brian grabbed Gus and put him on the floor. “I don’t.” “I want to see Mich!” Gus yelled happily. “Who is that?” Michael asked. “He’s imaginary friend,” Melanie told them. “My daddy’s doggie!” Gus said. “But I can play with him. They let me.” “He’s been talking about that for days now,” Lindsay said. “Try weeks,” Melanie said putting some glasses on the sink. “I want to go with Daddy!” Gus shouted. “Can I Daddy?” “You have a dog?” Vic asked Brian. “Of course not,” Melanie said. “I can get you a real dog, Gus.” Gus bit his lower lip. “But I want to see Mich. I love him. He sooo soft!” “Where did he get the idea that you have a dog?” Michael asked. “I have a dog,” Brian told them. “What?” Lindsay asked. “What?” “You heard me,” Brian told her as he picked Gus again. “I’m taking him for the night.” “Excuse me,” Melanie crossed her arms. “Thank you, Daddy!” Gus wrapped his tiny arms around Brian’s neck for dear life. He wasn’t going to let his father forget about him when he left for home. “Lindsay,” Melanie hissed. She was beyond pissed that Brian just decided to take Gus without asking her. “Brian,” Lindsay got up. “Gus has to go to daycare tomorrow.” “I’ll take him,” Brian told her. “I have clothes and food and anything he would need.” “Look,” Melanie said. “He’s my son,” Brian said dryly. “He’s coming with me and that’s final.” Everyone was watching the whole scene in total silence. Brian picked the toy car that Gus had brought with him and left Debbie’s house. “He wants me mad,” Melanie hissed. “He got me.” Lindsay frowned not sure what Melanie was going to do but she knew it wasn’t going to turn good. *** Justin and Francis came out of the office. The man was apologizing to the blond for the way he had behaved towards Brian. Justin told him it was okay but that he also had to talk with Brian and Francis agreed. “Justin,” Joshua said. “We updated the system. The latest in the market.” “Good,” Justin said. “So we have everything covered,” Thomas told them. “Tonight Lucas will stay with you.” “Is Brian coming?” Joshua asked. “I don’t know,” Justin said. “I haven’t talk to him. He’s been busy and so have I.” “We have to get a picture of him,” Joshua said. “What for?” Justin asked. “We have new people working for us,” Lucas explained. “They need to see who Brian is.” “Fuck off!” They heard Brian from the distant. “What the hell is going on?” Justin asked and took off running. Everyone else was behind him. “What is going on?” Justin asked once he reached the entrance of the house. Brian was holding his shirt and looking really pissed. “He was trying to get inside the house,” Peter, one of the new bodyguards said. “I caught him coming through the back.” “You’re a fucking moron!” Brian yelled. “He ripped my shirt. This is fucking Armani!” “Jesus,” Lucas said. “Peter, come here.” Peter sighed and knew that he had made a mistake when his ‘felon’ was more worried about clothes than the mess he was in. “I’ll pay for it,” Justin told him. “Don’t worry about it.” Brian looked at the shirt like he was about to cry. “I’m sorry,” Peter said. He cleared his throat. “I thought you were the guy that wanted to kill Justin.” Brian looked from Peter to Justin. “You said it was only a stalker. What the fuck is going on?” They could see how mad Brian was and they knew it had nothing to do with his shirt. “Don’t you guys have things to do?” Joshua asked. Everyone nodded and disappeared from view. “He called today,” Joshua said. “He told one of the guys that if he couldn’t see Justin things would get ugly.” Brian looked at Justin and felt his world crumbling down. He was scared like never before for his man. “What are we going to do?” “Nothing, Brian,” Justin said. “We’re going to let Joshua handle it.” Brian sighed. “I want to help.” “We got it,” Joshua said. “We got the best guys in the job. One of them almost killed you. Good thing they’re good guys or you’d be dead.” Justin shook with the thought. Brian was pretty sure that Justin was safe but still he felt anxious about the whole thing.