Brian licked Justin’s neck from base to top before he started nibbling on Justin’s chin. His hands roamed Justin’s back and then went lower until he was squeezing Justin’s ass. Justin had one arm wrapped around the brunet’s waist and the other slowly making his way to Brian’s crotch. “Do you see what I’m seeing?” Emmett asked smirking. “Yes,” Ben said. “They look different,” Emmett pointed out. “I could tell the minute they arrived,” Michael said. “They don’t,” Ted disagreed. “Oh yes,” Ben said smirking. “They do.” “They can’t keep their hands off each other,” Emmett said. “Ted, have you thought about forgetting this whole thing?” Michael asked. “What are you talking about?” Ted asked. “Tell him that you think he’s going to win and you don’t have the money,” Michael said. “Fuck the whole thing and let Brian be happy with Justin.” “Oh that would be so great,” Emmett said happily. “It would be like a dream come true!” “This is not a freaking fairy tale, Em,” Ted snapped. “So, I don’t think so.” “That won’t work,” Ben pointed out. “You have to let him believe he’s still playing this farce. If you end it now Brian will only break up with Justin sooner. Besides Michael, since when do you care? First you want to break them up and now you’re helping again,” Ben said shaking his head. “Can you make up your mind?” “You were the one that said not to break them up,” Michael pointed out. “You said that there was potential,” he said. Michael had tried to make Brian and Justin fight so Justin wouldn’t end up getting hurt badly at the end. Nothing he had tried worked in separating the couple. Then Ben suggested that maybe the couple was meant to be together for more than just one year. So, Michael thought about it and decided that Brian should be as happy as they are and Justin was perfect for the job. “Potential?” Ted asked. “Have you all lost your minds?” “It could happen,” Emmett said thinking about it. “So, we’re not stopping the bet,” Michael said as he looked at his partner. He smirked knowing that Brian had surely gotten himself into something bigger than he thought. Emmett put his hand on his chest. “They surely are acting strange, almost like they’re in a real relationship. They look so beautiful!” “Could that be because Justin thinks he’s in a real relationship,” Ted said harshly. He was getting tired of all the talk about Brian being in love. It was nothing else than Brian being such a good actor in front of them that he had them fooled. “And Brian is acting up for us, so that we’ll think he’s the greatest boyfriend that there ever was.” Emmett frowned not sure what to think. It could be that Ted was right. That it looked so wonderful because that’s what Brian wanted it to look like and because Justin thought it was all real. “Plus,” Ben said. “If Ted backs away...” “Which I’m not,” Ted quipped. Ben gave him a glare and Emmett thought weirder things had never happened before. Ben was usually calm and collected but he definitely was not Zen Ben when it came to the bet that Ted and Brian had made. If he didn’t know any better he would have assumed that Ben had a stake in the outcome of Brian’s relationship. “Anyway,” Ben said. “If you did, Brian would suspect something. He knows you want to win as much as he does.” “So, you want him to get deeper into this so it will be harder to pull away,” Emmett pointed out. “You’re pretty conniving for a person that complains so much about us setting up such deceitful plans,” Michael said smiling. Ben shrugged with a smile and kissed Michael. “I think you’re all nuts,” Ted said. “This is Brian Kinney we’re talking about.” “They’re coming our way,” Emmett muttered and waved at Brian and Justin. “Hey, baby.” Justin smiled at the taller man. “How are you doing?” “By the looks of it,” Emmett said wrapping his arms around Justin’s shoulders. “Not as good as you.” “Move away,” Brian said as he pulled the blond into his arms and pushed Emmett away. Emmett laughed. “Jealous are we?” “I don’t do jealousy,” Brian informed them as he moved to the bar. “Want a beer?” Justin nodded. “You guys looked like you’re having a good time,” Michael pointed out. “Oh yeah,” Justin said smiling widely. Then he grabbed the beer that Brian was giving him. “Thanks,” he said and took a sip. “I’m going to go,” Ted said angrily. “What’s with him?” Justin asked as he wrapped his arm around Brian’s waist. Emmett shrugged. “Don’t worry about him. Let’s go dance.” Justin took another sip of the beer before he put it on the bar and pulled Brian with him. Ben and Michael accompanied them onto the dance floor. They dance for a while and then Ben and Emmett went to the bar for a while. Then Michael left Justin and Brian dancing and went to his partner. Emmett joined the hot couple at the dance floor after a drink. Brian left Justin with Emmett but not before shooting Emmett a warning look. “So,” Michael said smiling. Brian frowned as he asked for a drink. “What?” “Nothing,” Michael told his friend but couldn’t stop grinning. “Did the professor promise he was going to fuck you into oblivion?” Brian asked sarcastically. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Ben laughed as he pulled Michael into his arms. “Why are you so jumpy, Brian?” “Fuck off,” Brian hissed. He frowned not sure what the hell was going on. The guys were definitely acting strangely around him. “Well,” Emmett said. “Justin surely knows how to attract them.” Brian frowned as he looked at Emmett then visually searched for Justin on the dance floor. “That guy is slick,” Emmett said. “And hot too. I don’t know how but he maneuvered us until he was dancing with Justin.” Brian grunted something. Michael turned around in Ben’s arm and tried not to laugh. He had never seen Brian act like that before. He could tell his friend was jealous. “He’s so hot,” Emmett said. “So yummy!” Brian drank his shot of J.B. quickly and banged the empty glass on the bar. He stalked to where Justin was dancing. When he reached the blond he glared at the trick and proceeded to take the blond into his arms where they continued dancing. Emmett smirked. “It’s a good thing Brian Kinney doesn’t do jealousy. For a minute I thought Brian might kill the messenger when I mentioned the trick that was dancing with Justin. You’re right Ben. Well gentleman,” he said happily. “I believe we have operation BJ set and ready to go. Count in me for anything,” he said before he moved to dance. Ben and Michael only laughed. They didn’t know the bet was going to turn into a mission to make Brian happy but so be it. *** Justin looked around the store trying to decide what to buy. He needed new clothes but felt like making a change in his life. He didn’t think that the cargo pants and shirts he was wearing would do any longer. He was soon going to be twenty five and should dress accordingly. “Hey,” Daphne said. “What do you think of this?” she asked as she held a white shirt that said ‘Want to play with my nuts?’ and had a squirrel holding a nut. “I don’t think so,” Justin told her. “What about this?” Daphne frowned as she looked at the dark blue button silk shirt. “That’s so...serious. It’s so not you.” “I need a change,” Justin told her. “Since when?” Daphne asked him. Justin shrugged. “So,” Daphne said hanging the shirt she had selected next to a rack of shirts that were half price. “How are things with you and Brian?” “They’re okay,” Justin assured her. “So, things are working?” Daphne asked wanting Justin to tell her everything. She wondered why he was holding back. “I never said they weren’t,” Justin pointed out. He sighed and kept on looking for something to buy. “You said he didn’t love you,” Daphne reminded him. “I thought you guys were going your separate ways. I mean, something must have changed if you’re still with him.” “Right,” Justin answered but he was getting anxious. “Justin,” Daphne said. “Tell me what’s going on.” “Nothing is going on,” Justin told her. “Let’s get out of here.” “Where are we going?” Daphne asked. “I need a drink,” Justin told her. He grabbed her hand and they started walking out of the store. “What?” Daphne asked as she walked with him. “It’s not even noon.” Justin didn’t stop until Daphne pulled her hand away. He turned to look at her with a raised brow. “What’s going on?” Daphne asked. “You only get drunk when something is wrong.” “I only want one drink,” Justin said pushing his hands in his jeans. “It’s no big deal.” “Justin,” Daphne said crossing her arms. “I have known you all my life. Therefore, I know when you’re hiding something from me. Now start talking!” Justin sighed. “Daphne, it’s complicated.” Daphne walked over to him and hugged him. “You always could tell me everything.” “I know,” Justin whispered as he held her. He could feel himself crumbling. “I don’t know what I’m doing, Daph. I’m in so deep now but I don’t want to get out.” “What are you talking about?” Daphne asked pulling back. “He’s perfect,” Justin told her. “He’s the most amazing man I have ever met.” “That’s a good thing,” Daphne replied. “Or at least it’s supposed to be.” Justin scrunched up his nose. “I don’t know. I’m just...don’t mind me. I’m crazy.” “Yeah,” Daphne agreed. “You’re not making sense at all.” “Want a cup of coffee?” Justin asked and then nodded towards a little café at the corner. Daphne interlaced her arm with his and they walked to the shop. They ordered and then sat down with their purchases. “Justin,” Daphne whispered. “I want you to know that I’m here for you no matter what. I want you to be able to trust me...if Brian is doing something to you.” “He’s not Cameron,” Justin told her. “God.” “Sorry,” Daphne said and grabbed her cup of cappuccino. She knew that Justin hated talking about Cameron. “Brian is a good man,” Justin said and looked across the street. “You don’t have to worry about anything,” he assured her. He knew that when it was all over she would be there to help him pick up the pieces. “I don’t want to talk about it any longer.” Daphne nodded and knew that there was something that Justin wasn’t saying and she was going to find out what it was. She had vowed that if it was in her power to be able to protect the blond she would no matter what. She didn’t think that Justin would survive the Cameron fiasco but he eventually did. She sure as hell didn’t want to take any more risks where Justin was concerned. *** “I brought some of my things,” Justin said as he entered the loft. He took his jacket off and put it on the sofa. “I mean like things I can leave lying around so that the guys think I stay here from time to time,” he said as he pointed at the duffel bag he had left by the doorway. He went to get it and closed the door. Brian nodded from the kitchen. He frowned when he looked at the food he was preparing. It looked like someone had chewed it, swallowed it and then puked it. “What are you doing?” Justin asked. “Dinner,” Brian informed him. “But it’s not really working.” Justin arched a brow. “Why?” “I don’t know how to cook,” Brian answered and turned off the stove. “No,” Justin said and chuckled. “I meant why are you cooking dinner?” “The guys are coming,” Brian said as he walked over to his desk and grabbed the cell phone. “It’s going to be Michael and Ben with Ted and Emmett along for the ride because I had to cook a romantic dinner for you.” “If it’s a romantic dinner why are they going to be here?” Justin asked. Brian shrugged. “They just want to keep their eyes on me. Make sure I’m following all of their rules. Hold on a minute,” he said and placed an order for six to be brought to his loft from a well known restaurant that he knew delivered. “Well, that’s that. You have to help me set it up and swear that you saw me cooking it all.” Justin shook his head. “Brian you’re brilliant but even I don’t think you’re going to be able to pull that off.” “Ye of little faith,” Brian muttered. “Whatever, as long as you keep smiling I don’t care.” Justin smiled widely. “That way,” Brian said and his stomach tightened seeing the smile. “You know, so they think I’m doing a great job.” Justin’s smile disappeared and then he nodded turning away. “Okay,” he said and then started removing a few things from his bag like books, sketches, shirts, shoes, etc. He started placing them strategically in various places around the loft. “I’m going to take a shower,” Brian told him. “Do I look okay?” Justin said. “I didn’t know we were going to have guests,” Justin pointed out as he ran a hand over his sweater. “It doesn’t matter,” Brian told him taking off his jeans. “You’re going to leave before they get here and come to the loft and act surprised. Oh, and get rid of that horrendous thing I prepared.” Justin nodded slowly as he put a pair of tennis shoes by the bed and hung two shirts in the closet. He was going to move to the kitchen when Brian wrapped his arms behind him. “Plus,” Brian muttered. “You always look hot,” he said and left to the bathroom once again. Justin couldn’t stop smiling as he went to the kitchen. He got rid of everything and cleaned the place. By the time he was done Brian was coming out of the shower. “I’m going to go. Call me when you need me. I’m going to take a walk.” “Be careful,” Brian told him as he took out a black shirt. “And remember to look surprised.” Justin smiled a bit. He thought it was crazy what they were doing and wondered if they would ever get caught. “You know, I think is crazy,” Justin said when Brian threw the black silk shirt on the bed. “What is?” Brian asked reaching for a pair of pants. “The fact that they’re trying to force you to have the type of relationship they would have,” Justin explain. Brian frowned and stared at Justin. He grabbed the towel around his waist and threw it on the floor. “I mean,” Justin said trying to control the urge to jump Brian right there. “Knowing you if you ever had a boyfriend I think your relationship would be anything but normal.” “Why do you say that?” Brian asked thinking about what Justin was saying. “Well, he would meet you and fall in love with you,” Justin started. “And if he really loved you he wouldn’t try to change you.” “Right,” Brian said as he moved towards the blond. “That would mean that you could still trick and there wouldn’t be any romantic bullshit and no presents,” Justin said and shrugged. “That’s how I picture you having a relationship.” Brian licked his lips. “I’m a complicated person and I know where I stand. I don’t go after anyone and I won’t change for that person. Like you said, I don’t do presents or birthdays or any of that bullshit,” Brian said and grinned a bit but it could have been a sad smile as he looked away from the blond. “Do you think there is anyone out there that would put up with me the way I really am?” Justin swallowed. “Maybe.” Brian’s head snapped to look at the blond. He moved closer but immediately stopped when there was a buzz signaling that someone was outside of the building wanting to get in. “That must be the food.” Justin nodded never more disappointed at having a conversation end so abruptly. He went to open the door and tell the guy which floor they were on. When the man reached their floor he took the food as Brian came out of the bedroom with the towel back on. He paid the guy and then closed the door. “I’ll set this up,” Brian assured him. “Go, Mikey has a tendency of getting here early.” Justin walked over to the brunet and kissed him. On his way out he grabbed his jacket and put it on. He took the stairs and inhaled deeply when he reached the streets. He crossed the street and started walking while he thought about Brian and their unconventional arrangement. He couldn’t get the man out of his head. He wondered what would have happened between them if the delivery guy hadn’t arrived. He pushed such thoughts away not wanting to torment himself further. Justin knew that Brian was not for him. He wondered why he had such bad luck with men. He thought about Ron momentarily; apparently he had bad timing as well. Justin had ignored the man’s calls until they stopped. He wondered if he had made the biggest mistake of his life; after all Ron could have been the one. The man was smart, hot, talented, and successful and to add to that he had wanted Justin. “You’re an idiot, Taylor,” he said to himself. Justin walked around for almost an hour before Brian was calling him on the phone. When he went back he was preparing himself to look surprised. Fortunately, he didn’t have to fake it because when he entered the loft it resembled nothing to what it had previously looked. The lights were dimmed and there were candles at the table. Justin looked at Brian as if he was from another universe. “Oh,” Emmett said clapping his hand. “I think he likes it.” “He’s flabbergasted,” Ben pointed out. “What?” Michael said looking at Ben. “Shocked,” Ben replied. “I know that,” Michael said grinning like a little kid. Ben smiled as he looked from Justin to Brian. There was no doubt people would get hurt if things got out of hand but now it didn’t look like Justin was the only person that could get wounded. “We should eat.” Justin closed the door and walked to the table. He kissed Brian and smiled widely. “You look great and so does this.” Brian grinned and shrugged. “He didn’t cook it himself,” Ted said as he looked at the table and then at Brian. “You couldn’t have.” “I don’t care,” Justin said. He looked up at Brian and kissed him. When he pulled back he actually giggled. “The thought is what counts.” Brian kissed Justin again and the guys protested. “Let’s sit down to eat,” Emmett said. “Yeah,” Michael told them. “You guys can fuck later.” Brian smiled and took Justin to his chair. He pulled the chair for the blond to sit down. That night the plan had been to impress everyone into thinking that he was the best boyfriend ever. But he barely talked; all he did was stared at the blond wondering if Justin was the guy that ‘maybe’ could put up with the real Brian Kinney.