A lot of the dialogue in this chapter comes from S1 Ep. 14. I don't own Queer as Folk... If I did, then Brian wouldn't be such a an ass towards Justin, and Ethan would have died in a tragic violin accident. Good news! I've got a beta, Sheila, who rocks by the way. So now you can read this chapter without those pesky grammatical errors and such! Okay, so enjoy!

Justin sighed, feeling bored. He was currently listening to the apartment manager drone on about how this was such a great place to live. Justin wasn't too impressed. Not to mention how throughout the whole tour she had sent him sultry looks and winks. She flirted with him shamelessly, even though by the looks of it she was about the same age as his mother. She led him into the master bedroom. "So, you see, there is plenty of space in here."

"Yeah," Justin agreed, "but you still haven't told me how much the rent is."

The manager seemed hesitant. "Well, this is a very nice apartment. Good area, nice neighbors, indoor pool, gym..."

"Miss," He interrupted, getting impatient, "I asked about the rent."

"Eight-hundred a month, but with all that is offered, that’s not bad."

"Sorry, ma'am," Justin said, shaking his head, "but I can't afford that." He turned and was about to walk out of the bedroom.

"Wait!" She stopped him. He faced her again. "If you ever have trouble with your rent..." She walked towards him, getting to close for comfort, "I'm sure we could work something out." She placed her hand on his chest, "what do you say?" She asked.

"I don't know..." Justin began, with a flirtatious tone. "Would you happen to have a cock?" He asked, smiling.

"Excuse me?" She gasped.

"Do you have a cock? A penis... a dick?" He repeated, enjoying the confused look on the woman's face.

"N-no!" She stuttered, "Of course not!"

"Well that's too bad, 'cause I just love cock." Justin said, and the woman removed her hand, stepping back quickly. "Like I said before," Justin continued, "this apartment isn't for me." He turned around and left the bedroom.

He reminded himself as he exited the apartment to call Ted and bitch him out about sending him to all of these snooty, over priced places.

~~~~~

Brian sat at a small table for two, at a ritzy restaurant, waiting for Melanie of all people. He had called her earlier, and explained the situation. She agreed to meet with him and give him some legal advice. He looked around the outside patio he was on, eyes landing on a blonde a few tables away, and his heart skipped a beat. It took him a few seconds to realize that he wasn't looking at Justin, and he leaned back in his chair.

His thoughts once again turned to the blonde, something that had been happening more often as of late. He kept seeing the kiss between Justin and Mikey. He scolded himself for caring, but it didn't help. How ironic. The ONLY guy he’d ever been even remotely interested in sleeping with again and Mikey snags him up first.

Mikey, the one who drives him home when he's too smashed to do it himself, the one who gets a trick maybe once a week while Brian gets an average of three a day.... and HE gets the beautiful blonde that stands up for himself. The blonde who got into a prestigious art school that only opens 70 slots a year. The blonde who is willing to dance in short shorts for a piece of shit, middle aged, asshole in order to pursue his dreams, the blonde who had beautiful crystal blue eyes and a smile that could light up a room.

He shook his head, disappointed in himself for sounding like such a lesbian. He heard a female clear her voice and realized Melanie had sat down across from him. 'Speaking of lesbian,' he thought, not bothering to sit up.

"So," she began, "You're in deep shit trouble, are you not?" She asked with a pleasant smile on her face.

"Seems so." He replied, just as pleasantly.

Melanie sighed, "To be honest with you Brian, I've never handled a case quite like this before..."

"Ah, so, homophobic corporate America wins again." Brian shot back, bitterly.

Melanie rolled her eyes, "Oh please. You could hang a sign on your office door saying 'Blow Jobs - five cents' and you'd still have it better than any woman or person of color because guess what. You're a white man. That still counts for something in this country." Melanie sat back, staring at Brian.

A moment passed and the tension got thicker. "I'll pay and everything." Brian mentioned, as if it would help Melanie make up her mind.

She sighed, "No, I’ll take the case pro-bono, after all the help you've given Gus financially..."She assured him.

"Yeah, well, that might be a problem if I lose this..."

"Why don't you start by telling me your side of the story," she suggested, ignoring his little pity party.

"He was there, and I fucked him," Brian said simply.

"That’s it?"

"That’s it."

"Okay," Melanie took a legal pad from her bag, and started to write, "Where?" she asked.

"In my office."

"Then what?"

"He wanted me to help him get him a job in the firm."

"What did you say?"

"I said no... That he wasn't ready." Brian took a sip from his ice water, and placed it back down on the table.

"How did he take it?" she asked, taking more notes.

He snorted "How do you think?"

Melanie paused and looked up at Brian, "How many tricks do you have a month?" she asked, placing the legal pad back in her bag.

Brian barely paused to think about it, "I don't know... 20... 30."

"Jesus..." Melanie laughed, "What a life."

"What does the number of guys I fuck have to do with it?" he asked, a little peeved at the woman's response.

"Well," she began, "for once the fact that you screw everything that moves is your finest quality and best defense." She continued when she saw the confused look on Brian's face, "You didn't have to abuse your position at work in order to get laid." Melanie finished, and took a drink of her water.

"The fuck defense?" Brian asked, tongue in cheek.

"We have to prove that when this kid didn't get what he wanted, he used the law to get even."

Brian sighed, "So you'll take the case?"

"I already said I would... but you have to do something for me."

"I won’t fuck you Melanie. I know pussy gets boring after awhile, but I won’t do that to Lindsey..."

"Pig," she shook her head, "Your libido is the reason why you’re in this mess, so I suggest you tone it down a bit."

Brian snorted as if the idea were preposterous.

"I don't want you to hurt Justin." Melanie stated, and laughed at the look on Brain's face, "I see the way he looks at you, and how you look at him for that matter. He's a good kid, and Gus adores him."

"Well you won’t have to worry about me breaking Sunshine's heart... He's dating Michael." Brian bit out, bitterly.

"I don't think so... at least not for long... call it woman's intuition."

Brian gave her and odd look, and leaned forward. "You're a woman?" he asked, whispering.

Melanie dipped her fingers in her water, and flung it at Brian. He wiped off his face with his napkin and glared. "Why do you care?" he asked, "You've only known him for like, a day."

"I like him," Melanie answered, "he doesn't put up with your shit... plus, do you know how hard it is to find a quality babysitter? I don't want him running off because you broke his heart."

"Ah, the selfless one," Brian retorted, smiling. For the first time in his life, he was glad he had Melanie apart of it.

~~~~~

Brian waited for the elevator to get to his floor. He grunted when it stopped, “finally,” he stepped out and walked to the large metal door. He placed his key in the hole and turned it, surprised to find it was already unlocked. He slid the door open and jumped when he saw Michael on the other end, inside his loft, with is hands on his hips.

"Where the hell were you?" he asked, and Brian couldn't help but find a striking resemblance to Debbie.

"I'm sorry honey, but I had to work late in the office." he replied in a false, hi-pitched voice. Michael ignored him.

"I called your cell phone like eight times."

"If I didn't answer the first two times, what made you think I'm going to answer the next six?" Brian asked, walking around Michael and setting his stuff on his couch. "I really need to get my locks changed." he said quietly.

Michael gave him an odd look, "Are you mad at me? What did I do?" he asked.

"God, don't you have to go, I don't know, be with your boyfriend or something?!" he snapped, not wanting to be around Michael at the moment.

"Boyfriend?" he asked, confused, "What boyfriend?"

"Oh I'm sorry," Brian said sarcastically, "Do you and Justin prefer the term 'domestic partners'?" He glared at Michael, who gave him a funny look.

"Brian... What makes you think Justin and I are together?" he asked.

"I saw you two kissing last night at Debbie's."

Michael furrowed his eyebrows, and then laughed at Brian, who was glaring at him. "Brian, we kissed, yes, but it was the most awkward kiss of my life, and that includes Jasmine Barker in the 9th grade. I'm sure Justin wouldn't disagree either."

Brian looked at Michael, and knew he wasn't lying.

"In fact... I think he kind of has a thing for you." Michael quipped, enjoying the light blush that spread over his friend’s face.

"I don't really give a shit!" Brian straightened up.

"Uh-huh..." Michael replied, disbelievingly.

"Plus... I’ve got bigger things to worry about. This fucker at work is suing me for sexual harassment."

"What?" Michael yelled, causing Brian to cringe.

"Kip Thomas... He's an intern I fucked; now he's suing me. He's saying that I told him that if he didn't let me fuck him, that I would fire him..."

"Holy shit." Michael whispered.

"Yeah... Melanie’s representing me pro-bono."

"Well that’s nice of her..." Michael said, "Considering your guys' history."

"Tell me about it... Fuck Mikey, I could lose everything..." He sighed, letting some of his walls come down. Michael walked over and hugged him. Brian hugged him back, wishing it would all go away.

~~~~~

Justin stood in the kitchen of Debbie's house, talking to Vic. He had come over after his unsuccessful apartment search. Debbie was at the diner, and Vic was entertaining him with stories of his youth.

He really liked Vic. In-fact if Vic had been 20 years younger... or if he was 20 years older, he was sure they would be married within a month.

He was laughing at something Vic said when they heard the front door open. They looked over and saw Michael walk in.

"Hey, Michael!" Vic greeted, "Come join us... we're swapping dirty stories!" he said enthusiastically, and Justin laughed. Michael smiled a bit, but shook his head. "I have to go make sure Brian doesn't drink himself to an early grave..."

"What's wrong?" Justin asked quietly.

Michael smirked at the worried look on Justin's face, but it quickly disappeared, "Some guy at his work is suing him for sexual harassment... He's in some deep shit, he could lose everything!" he finished.

"Who's the guy?" Justin growled.

"His name is Kip Thomas... he's an intern." Michael sighed, and walked over the fridge. "I'm going to take him some food, try to keep his mind off of the situation for now. Justin, you should come." he suggested, but Justin declined.

"I have to do something tonight. I might show up later..." Justin grabbed his coat off the back of one of the chairs, "It was nice talking to you Vic, see you later Michael." he said before making a b-line to the front door. He walked outside and towards Ted's car, which he had borrowed, and got inside. He started the engine, not bothering to put on his seat-belt before backing out of the drive way.

He wasn't sure what he was going to do... but he knew it had to be something. Michael would be distracting Brian tonight, and... Well he'd just have to skip work this time. "Kip Thomas," He whispered, "your ass is mine."

~~~~~

Emmett was busy hanging the new shipment of leather pants in the window when he saw Justin park Teddy's car in-front of the store. He waved vigorously at the blonde, who smiled at him. He saw Justin walk towards the entrance and he got on his feet to greet him. "Hey baby!" Emmett called when Justin stepped into the small store, and moved forward to hug him. Justin hugged him back.

"Hey Em'" Justin began, "listen, you know about clothes and stuff..."

"Honey, I know ALL about clothes!"

"That’s good, ‘cause I need to look a good five years younger." Justin said, and Emmett frowned.

"But sweetie, you already look twelve..."

"I do not look twelve!" Justin shouted, offended, and Emmett laughed.

"Okay, okay... I can do that, but may I ask why you need this fountain of youth...?"

Justin smiled, "I just... need a little boost for tonight..." He said mysteriously.

Emmett looked confused, but didn't question further. "I'm sure I can find you something. Follow me!" Emmett turned on his head and headed towards the back of the store. Justin shook his head and followed.

~~~~~

Kip Thomas smiled into his drink... he really didn't want things to come to this, but he had warned Brian. He had his chance to fix this. Kip looked around Woody's, sighing when he didn't find anything that caught his interest. His lawyer advised him not to go out until the hearing was over, considering Brian had quite a name for himself around here. Kip ignored him, confident that Brian Kinney's "friends" were few and far between... 'The guy's an asshole, how COULD he have any friends?' He thought.

His eyes were drawn to a young blond twink across the bar. He was wearing an orange, long sleeved Henley with the number '76' printed on the front. He had on some tight khaki pants, and a pair of Converse shoes. He looked really young but... hot none the less. He stood up and walked over to the boy.

"Hey," He began, getting the boy's attention. "I'm Kip; can I buy you a drink?"

~~~~~

Justin was frustrated. He had gone to Babylon, Boi-Toi, Poppers, and even Meat Hook looking for Kip Thomas. Finally he gave up after only getting about 25 phone numbers, a few quick blow jobs, and a sore ass from all the slaps and pinches he had gotten (Mostly at Meat Hook) but no Kip. He sat at the bar in Woody's, and was about to order a drink when he felt someone next to him.

"Hey," he heard, "I'm Kip; can I buy you a drink?"

Justin looked over to see a man slightly taller than he, but not by much, with dark brown eyes and dark hair. He was shocked, 'It couldn't be...'

Kip must have taken Justin's shocked silence as a yes, because he turned to the bartender, "Get me a beer, and put it on my tab. Name's Kip Thomas..."

'What are the fucking odds?' Justin thought to himself, as he looked the other man over. He raised an eyebrow, 'Brian actually fucked this guy?' he thought, 'he must have been desperate!'

Kip handed him a beer and Justin put on his best fake smile. "Thanks," He said, "I'm..." He stopped, figuring that he shouldn't use his real name, "Jake." he finished, and Kip smiled. "Nice to meet you Jake." Kip sipped his own beer and leaned against the bar. He gave Justin what Kip must have thought to be a sexy look; Justin had to fight from gagging. "So how old are you?" he asked.

"Eighteen," Justin replied and smiled. Kip didn't waste any time, "You want to go back to my place?" he asked, and Justin nodded.

"I have my car with me... How about I follow you?" Justin said.

"No problem," he replied, "Come on."

~~~~~

Brian heard someone knocking on the door, he groaned before getting up and walking over to the sliding door. He slid the door open; Michael was on the other side, bags of food in his hands and an odd smile on his face.

"Hey Brian! Can I come in?" Michael asked.

"Why didn't you just use your key?"

"I thought you might want a little privacy...." Michael readjusted the bags.

"It's never stopped you before." Brian stated, and stepped to the side to let Michael in. He walked to the kitchen and dumped the load on the counter.

"Michael what the fuck is this?" Brian asked feeling tired.

"Food! You need to eat." He replied, not looking up at the man.

"Michael... you don't need to do this. I'm fine, this will all blow over and even if it doesn't, I don't need charity..."

Michael snorted, "Ya know Brian that little speech might have worked three or four years ago when you had me wrapped around your finger. Not now though. You're my friend and whether you want to admit it or not, this is what friends do for each-other when times get tough..."

"What?" he asked, interrupting him. "Force feeding?"

Michael gave him a look, and continued to unpack food. Brian sighed, "Look, you can just leave, okay? I don't need..."

"Justin might come later."

Brian stopped, and shook his head before heading to the couch, "Whatever."

He could hear Michael laughing from the kitchen.

~~~~~

Justin felt Kip's hands on his ass, as they made out, stumbling into the apartment. Kip pushed him over to the couch, and laid him down before attacking his neck. Justin rolled his eyes, trying to get into it so Kip wouldn't get suspicious. He reached under his orange henley and started playing with his nipples and Justin let out a fake moan. Kip smirked against his neck and grabbed the bottom of Justin's shirt before pulling it over his head. Kip began kissing down his chest, and Justin started to panic.

He didn't really want it to go too far... but it had to be far enough for Kip to feel as if he was doing something wrong. He also had to make this seem believable as possible, and even though Justin was confident in his acting abilities, he was still nervous. He felt Kip start to undo his button fly, 'just a little further, you creep.' he thought as Kip pulled the khaki's down to his knees. He was about to pull down his briefs as well, but Justin interrupted him.

"You should hurry..." He whispered.

"What's the rush?" Kip asked, smiling up at him.

"I have a stupid curfew, can you believe it? My Dad wants me home by midnight..." Justin stopped himself and pretended to cringe... as if he reviled something he shouldn't have.

"You live with your parents?" he asked, a little confused.

Justin bit his lip, 'so for so good.' he sighed, "Okay... I lied, I'm 16..."

Kip looked surprised, but not turned off. "How do you get into bars?" He asked.

"Duh," Justin laughed, "like a fake ID." he said, and Kip laughed. "I don't tell my dad though... he's a complete psycho. He lost it when he found out I was gay..." Justin trailed off.

"He lost it? Like how?" He asked.

Justin rolled his eyes, "He went after the guy I was fucking at the time, he was like, 25, I don't know. Anyway, he beat the shit out of him, and then turned him into the police." Justin had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the look on Kip's face, "He'll be out in ten years..." Justin added.

Kip seemed to hesitate before he began kissing Justin's stomach again. Justin began to laugh, causing the man to look up at him once more.

"I'm sorry," He said, "It’s just... if he knew I were here..." He shook his head, letting the sentence hang. Kip look considerably more nervous.

"There's no way he would know though... right?" He asked.

"Oh no..." Justin assured, and Kip sighed. "Not unless I told him," he finished.

"You wouldn't though... right?" He asked.

Justin laughed, "I would never to anything like that..."

Kip smiled and nodded.

"...Provided you do something for me," he finished, and smirked when Kip looked up, with a worried look on his face.

~~~~~

Justin walked into Ted's apartment, and placed his keys on the table by the door. Ted was sitting at the bar in the kitchen, with an annoyed look on his face. "Ya know Justin..." He began, not bothering with a greeting. "When I said you could borrow my car to go apartment searching, I figured you would... I don't know, come pick me up from work." Ted said and Justin blushed.

"Sorry Theo... I needed it a little longer."

"I can see that. It's midnight Justin, where were you and aren’t you supposed to be at work?" he asked, sounding more and more like his mother.

"I had to take care of something, and I took the night off... I'm sorry Theo." he said walking down the hall and disappearing into the bathroom.

"Hey! Aren’t you going to tell me where you went?" Ted asked, and Justin poked his head out of the door.

"Nope!" he said happily, and shut the door again.

Ted sighed and shook his head. Sometimes he didn't know why he put up with his cousin.

He heard Justin start the shower, and began singing loudly, "Myyyyyyy bologna has a first name! It’s O-S-C-A-R... My bologna has a second name it’s M-A-Y-E-R! Iiiii love to eat it everyday, and if you ask me why i'll saaaaay, thaaaat.... Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A!"

Ted laughed as Justin sung the short song again. 'That’s why.' He thought, shaking his head.