Michael is a little OOC in this story. Now that Justin isn't so hard on Brian, I need someone to have Justin unleash his wrath upon. Sorry Mikey.

Brian sat down on the cream colored couch in the small living room. The condo was nice, cozy, obviously not cheap. Justin sat down next to him and started going on about drawing or something. He was forced to pay attention to the boy when he shoved a sketch book under his nose. Brian took the book from Justin and flipped through it. He was shocked at what he saw.

Various doodles and sketches of dogs, cats and birds filled the pages, and Brian couldn’t believe that the boy had done them. The proportions were a little off but not by much. Justin seemed to have a natural talent for capturing whatever he was looking at.

He looked down at the boy who had started to talk again.

“I started with animals… they’re easy. Do you think they’re good Brian?” he asked and Brian rolled his eyes. Justin knew they were good the boy was fishing for compliments, but somehow Brian felt flattered that the boy wanted his approval.

“They’re amazing, Justin. You’ve got talent… you think you want to do something with your art one day?” he asked curiously and the boy frowned.

“Well, I always thought it would be cool to be an artist. People all over the world knowing my name, and doing something I love, but Dad wants me to be a business man. Like him.” Justin said sadly and Brian sighed.

“Don’t base your life on your parents. You are the one who is going to have to live with your choices, not them, so don’t let him bullshit you.” Brian said and the boy blinded him again with a smile.

“You have any homework?” he asked almost forgetting. It seemed Justin would have been a lot happier if he had. Brian couldn’t help but smirk when the boy mumbled out ‘a little’ before giving an over the top sigh and dragging his feet to his backpack. He came back and sat next to Brian as he pulled out some notebooks and got to work. After a few minutes of silence Justin stopped and looked up at the man.

“Did you like school?” he asked and Brian snorted.

“Hell no… I hated it. I’m just glad I had Mikey or I never would have made it.” he said an Justin frowned.

“Mikey?”

“He’s a friend of mine. We were outcasts at school so we sorta’ stuck together. We used to get in a bunch of trouble… like this one time in chem., we made this glue that looked like cu- er, mayo and put it all over the seniors bathroom’s toilet seats. They had to call some firemen to get these two jocks unstuck.” he said, chuckling at the memory. Justin giggled.

“That’s nothing.” he said and Brian raised an eyebrow. “Last Saturday, before I went to my dad’s, I swiped my mom’s blonde hair dye from her bathroom and mixed it with my dad’s shampoo.” Justin finished and Brian looked confused.

“But your dad is already blonde.” he pointed out and Justin smirked.

“I know, but a few years ago my started to get grey hairs and he freaked out. So my mom convinced him to try some of her hair dye and he did. He ended up having an allergic reaction to it and the doctor had to shave his head .” Justin said while giggling.

Brian’s eyes widened and he laughed. This boy really was evil. He would have to remind himself not to get on the boy’s bad side… again anyway.

“Won’t he know it was you?” Brian asked and the boy shrugged.

“Prolly’, but I don’t care. It’s what he gets for making my mom sad.” he said very seriously. Brian didn’t know whether Justin’s reasoning was a good or bad sign, but he shrugged it off. He couldn’t help agreeing with him. He wished his own mother had been like Mrs. Taylor. She did what was best for her family regardless of having to work harder and put her own needs aside to do so, whereas Brian’s mother only did what her precious God thought was best. Brian decided long ago that if God thought that a young boy needed to be beat into submission for punishment or just for the hell of it… he didn’t want anything to do with him.

“Brian?” Justin asked in a meek voice, wondering where the man had gone. Brian shook off his thoughts and looked down at the boy.

“The phone’s ringing.” Justin stated and Brian realized he was right. He got up quickly to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Brian! Hey, it‘s Jennifer.” she said quickly and he wondered if something was wrong.

“I expect everything went smoothly?” she asked and he assured her everything was fine.

“That’s good, but something came up. As much as I hate to ask you… do you think you can stay a little longer than we agreed? My boss is riding my ass today, and not in a good way.” she said, she sounded out of the breath.

Brian had to laugh at the last comment, and for a moment he was reminded of Debbie.

“So is that okay?” she asked worriedly. Brian took pity on the woman.

“Yeah, that’s okay. I’ve got nothing planned for tonight.” he said and she sighed deeply.

“Thank you so much for this Brian, I can’t pay you extra right now but I’ll pay you back I promise.”

The two talked for a few minutes before hanging up. He looked over at Justin who was listening in on the conversation. He seemed a little saddened that he wouldn’t be able to see his mom until later. Brian sighed.

“Hey, why don’t you finish your homework and we’ll go out for dinner. I know a great diner on Liberty Avenue.” Brian said in his best enthusiastic voice he usually saved for Mikey. Justin smiled widely and nodded.

~~~~~

Brian pulled up to the diner with a particularly bouncy boy in the passenger seat. Justin had told him that he was excited ‘cause he had never been to Liberty Ave., but had heard a lot from Daphne who’s Mom got her china from a specific store on the street. Brian leaned over and unbuckled the suddenly hyper ball of energy that was Justin. He got out of the car and made his way to the other side, letting the blonde out as well. The boy instantly clamped onto his hand as he looked around.

Brian started to walk towards the entry to the diner when Justin stopped him. He looked down at the boy who was staring wide eyed at a couple making out on the side walk. Brian chuckled and had to admit it was probably a lot to take in for the young, sheltered country club brat he had become so fond of. Justin looked up at him.

“They’re eating each other!” he hissed and Brian laughed.

“They’re not eating each other… that’s just kissing. Eating someone is where you…” he stopped himself, scolding himself for how many times he would forget he was talking to an eight year old. He looked down at the curious face the boy was sporting now.

“What does it mean, Brian?” he asked. Brian sighed.

“You’ll figure it out when you’re older.” he replied in a tone which allowed no room for argument. Justin shrugged his shoulders and followed the older man into the diner. Brian sighed. He saw that not only was Debbie working today, but Michael, Emmett and Ted were sitting in their usual booth. He led the boy over to the table and cleared his throat. Three pairs of eyes looked at him curiously… well, looked at Justin curiously.

“Hey Brian,” Emmett broke the ice first, “and who’s this cutie-pie?” he asked the blonde, who had blushed and moved behind Brian’s leg, as if hiding. Ted and Emmett ‘aww’-ed. Michael just glared at the boy. Emmett scooted over in the booth and patted the spot next to him, inviting the boy to sit.

Justin looked up at Brian as if asking if this man was okay. Brian nodded.

Justin jumped up on the booth and scooted over for Brian to sit.

“So what’s your name, sugar?” Emmett asked Justin who blushed again. He wasn’t used to grown-up’s being so nice to him.

“Justin.” he replied, straightening up a bit. Michael snorted.

“So this is the brat you baby-sit?” Michael asked Brian, obviously not caring if Justin heard him or not. The boy flinched.

“Michael!” Brian hissed. “Be nice!” he ordered with a tight smile, and the shorter man sat back in the seat, and pouted.

Brian rolled his eyes at his dramatic friend.

“Guys this is Justin, Justin this is Emmett…”

Emmett smiled and flipped his non-existent hair for the boy. He giggled.

“this is Ted…”

Ted nodded at the blonde.

“and this is Mikey, my friend that I was telling you about.” Brian finished and winced when he heard another voice interrupt.

“And what about me, you little asshole!” Debbie demanded now standing beside the booth with her hands on her hips.

“This is Debbie, Justin, Michael’s mom.” he introduced reluctantly. Justin seemed entranced by the large, loud woman who smiled at him.

“Well you are just fucking adorable!” she exclaimed and Justin smiled widely, deciding that he liked the woman.

“And that smile! I’m calling you Sunshine from now on, cutie, and I don’t want to hear one word against it!” she demanded and he nodded vigorously, not wanting to cross the red-head.

“Okay, so what can I get you all?” she asked, more directing the question to Justin. Michael didn’t pick up on this.

“Ill have…” he started but she cut him off with a glare.

“Sunshine has never been here before, show some manners Michael!” she shouted and Brian snorted a laughed.

She turned back to the boy with a smile.

“What’ll you have, baby?” she asked.

“Umm… may I have a cheeseburger?” he asked shyly, as if he we’re afraid to ask. Brian had noted how different he acted towards people he didn‘t know.

“Of course you can, Sunshine. I’ll put some fries and a milkshake on top of that as well. You need to eat, you’re a growing boy!” she said and took the other’s orders and went to put them in.

Michael started to talk about one thing or another and Justin seemed quiet as he looked at the various customers in the small diner. Brian watched him with a small smile on his face, happy he was able to introduce the boy into a world where his father’s beliefs didn’t matter. He continued to look around in awe and stopped when he turned to see a large man in leather sitting in the booth behind them. He got on his knees and faced the man.

“What does ‘eating someone’ mean?” he asked the stranger who looked surprised at the question. Brian dropped his head into his hands and sighed. Ted and Emmett laughed, and Michael looked a little annoyed that the attention was no longer on him.

“I asked Brian but he wouldn’t tell me.” he said and the leather clad man laughed.

“Well, you’re a curious one aren’t you? What‘s your name?” he asked, and Brian didn’t know if he liked the man talking to Justin, but he seemed harmless enough. Sometimes the brutal looking ones are the most gentle.

“Justin. What’s your name?” the boy asked curiously.

“I’m Benny, but I think your food is here, so maybe we can finish this conversation later.” he said in an amused tone and Justin nodded, turning in his seat. Debbie placed a plate with a large burger and a hefty side of fries. She placed a large chocolate milkshake in front of him as well. Justin looked on in wonder at the amount of food. His parents never let him eat in places like this and he was enjoying every minute of it.

“Jesus Deb, the kid is eight. What are you trying to do, fatten him up?” Brian asked looking at the pile of food in front of Justin.

“It couldn’t hurt!” she said defensively, while passing out the other meals. “The boy is too skinny, no offence honey.”

Justin didn’t seem too offended; in fact he backed the woman up.

“I’m a growing boy, Brian!” he said with a happy smile on his face and Brian rolled his eyes. Debbie laughed.

They all began to eat. Brian had to help Justin cut his burger in half so he could get some to his mouth. Justin didn’t seem to mind but Michael looked a little peeved.

“He can do it himself, Brian.” he said snidely and Brian ignored him, continuing with his task.

“So Justin,” Ted started, getting the boy’s attention, “Brian has said that you attend St. James.” he said and Justin nodded.

“Big deal, it’s just a school.” Michael said and Brian had to roll his eyes at how childish he was acting.

“Actually, Michael, St. James is a very prestigious school… it’s very hard to get in, even at kindergarten. You have to take a test in order to be considered. You must be very smart.” he said to Justin and Michael snorted. Justin blushed a little, ignoring Michael.

“Really Teddy? Is it that difficult?” Emmett asked a little surprised.

“Oh yes, most kids have a reading level of a sixth grader by their third or fourth year there. It’s very demanding.” he said and Emmett gasped.

“You must be smart, then. Can you spell alphabetical?” he asked and Justin swallowed.

“A-L-P-H-A-B-E-T-I-C-A-L.” Justin spelled effortlessly and Brian smiled.

“How about… influential.” he continued.

“That one’s easy. I-N-F-L-U-E-N-T-I-A-L.” he spelled again and Brian shook his head, grinning.

“How about ambidextrous.” Ted joined in.

“A-M-B-I-D-E-X-T-R-O-U-S. I like that one, cause I am ambidextrous!” he said happily and Brian looked surprised.

“Well, isn’t he just a boy wonder, huh?” Michael said, making Justin sink a little.

“Mikey, I said be nice.” Brian warned again and Michael huffed, ignoring his friend.

“What else can The Boy Wonder do?” he asked. Justin smirked at the man, deciding to play his game. Brian knew Michael had messed with the wrong eight year old.

“I can speak French, Spanish and I am learning Greek and German.” he said defiantly and Michael snorted disbelievingly

“Yeah, right, prove it.” he said and Brian sighed. He was wondering at what time he would have to remind Michael that he was arguing with a CHILD.

"No sé porqué Brian es amigos con usted," the boy said in Spanish.?

"Tu est tout à fait drôle," he continued in French.?

"Sie haben einen grossen Kopf, aber einen kleinen Körper!" he finished in German and Brian nearly spit out his drink laughing. He could only understand a bit of the German from working with the boy, and the Spanish from eighth grade. Either way, it was safe to say that Justin had just completely insulted Michael. Brian would feel more inclined to defend Michael, who was looking particularly confused as to what the boy said, if he hadn’t been so rude to Justin in the first place.

Ted chuckled, understanding as well and Michael and Emmett looked confused.

“What did he say?” Michael asked and Ted shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it Mikey.” Ted told him. He looked towards Emmett and mouthed ‘I’ll tell you later.’ Emmett didn’t object.

Justin ate about half of his burger and fries before he looks up a Brian who was sifting through his salad.

“I don’t think I can eat anymore.” he said with a worried look on his face. Brian looked confused.

“That’s okay; I didn’t really think you would anyway. I mean, I surprised you got that far.” he joked. Justin frowned.

“But Dad says that its bad manners to not eat all that’s on your plate.” he said worriedly and Brian rolled his eyes.

“This is a diner, Justin, not the country club. We’ll just get a doggy bag to take the rest with you.” he said softly, reassuring the boy that he wasn’t being rude. The table had gone quiet, surprised at how ‘Big Bad Brian Kinney’ was with Justin. Emmett bit his lip. He suddenly had a vision of an older Justin and Brian together and he smiled.

The two got up from the table and said their goodbyes to everyone. Justin ended up saying goodbye to the whole diner including Benny, and it seemed the place fell in the love with the blonde little angel. Emmett looked at the other two at the table when the couple left.

“Those two are going to end up together.” he stated confidently. Ted and Michael choked on their food.

“Em, that’s sick, he’s eight!” he exclaimed, with Michael nodding in agreement. Emmett rolled his eyes.

“Not now, you pervs! I mean later in life when Sunshine is all grown up! It’s the perfect love story.” he said wooingly. The other two men at the table shook their heads.

“You’re insane Emmett.” Michael said. Emmett huffed.

“You’ll see… give it ten, twelve years and those two will be completely head over heals. I can see it.”

~~~~~

Brian was driving Justin home when the boy started to question him.

“Why doesn’t Michael like me?” he asked. Brian paused.

“Michael can be a little protective around me… even towards little boys.” he said, smirking at the blonde. Justin rolled his eyes.

“I’m not THAT little.” he argued but Brian had to disagree. The boy was small for his age, and very fair. He guessed that once puberty was over he would be the hottest thing on Liberty Avenue since… well, him. Brian shook his head, he wasn’t sure where that thought came from.

“I think he likes you.” Justin said meekly, referring to Michael. Brian nodded.

“Yeah, I know.”

“Do you like him?” Justin asked the question cautiously as if he were afraid of the answer.

“Yes, but not like that. He’s my friend, that’s it.” Brian replied. “Why so curious?” he asked the boy who blushed several shades of red. Brian thought that maybe Mikey wasn’t the only one who liked him. They pulled into the driveway and he killed the engine. Brian saw that Jennifer’s car was in the driveway as well. Justin didn’t notice. In fact Justin just seemed eager to get out of the car but Brian stopped him.

“Why so curious?” he asked again and Justin avoided his gaze.

The boy shrugged his shoulders and made a noise somewhat like ‘I dunno’ and got out of the car. Brian shook his head. He wasn’t sure why he saw Michael’s crush as annoying but Justin’s as cute. He decided to go easy on the boy, not wanted to embarrass him too much. He followed Justin to the condo and opened the door. They climbed the stairs to the first level and saw Jennifer on the couch, reading a magazine. Brian hoped she wasn’t mad. She looked up at the pair and smiled. Justin ran towards the woman and hugged her. She stood up.

“Hey honey, turns out my boss isn’t so mean after all.” she said and looked towards Brian.

“Change his mind, did you?” Brian asked while throwing her a wink. She gasped and hit him in the arm. Justin looked confused.

“I took Justin for dinner, I hope you don’t mind.” he said, with a small amount of worry in his voice. She smiled at him.

“Not at all, Brian, I trust you… but a little warning next time would be nice.” she said, hugging Justin closer. Justin didn’t seem to mind.

He nodded.

“So, where did you two go?” she asked Justin smiled.

“We went to the Liberty Diner, Mom! It was cool.” he said enthusiastically, and she smiled.

Brian was a little worried at how the woman would react to him taking her son to Pittsburgh’s gay district.

“The Liberty Diner.” she sighed. “Well that brings back memories.” she said and Brian’s eyes widened a little.

“You’ve been?” he asked, confused. “Is there something I need to know Jennifer?” he joked and she laughed.

“It was college. My friends and I loved to go to the clubs down there. They always had the best DJ’s, not to mention the hottest guys.” she said. Brian smirked when Justin made a face. “We would party ‘til three or four in the mourning, then go the Liberty Diner, It never seized to amaze me how the food would suddenly taste so good after five hours of partying.” she said and Brian laughed.

“It was when I met Craig that I stopped. Needless to say he wasn’t fond of the places I hung out… and the people who I hung out with.” she shook her head, “I still can’t believe how I used to let that man manipulate me so much.” she said sadly, but smiled when Justin hugged her tighter.

Brian watched mother and son and felt a longing he hadn’t felt since he was at least ten. He brushed it off.

“Ill have to take you to Babylon, refresh your memory.” he said and she laughed.

“Are you hitting on me Brian?” Jennifer joked and Brian snorted.

“Oh yeah, it wasn’t ‘til now that I see you all sweaty and unkempt that I realize that I am actually straight, and completely in love with you.” he shot back and she laughed.

Justin didn’t seem to catch the joke. He looked frightened between his mother and his babysitter. Jennifer laughed.

“Honey, he was joking.” she said while Brian laughed harder. Justin’s face turned red and he nodded.

“I have to go to the bathroom.” he said quickly, and took off.

Brian was sure of it now… the boy liked him. He looked towards the direction the boy took off to, and wondered what the next ten years were going to hold.

~~~~~

‘Those two are going to end up together…’ Jennifer thought and stopped. She was shocked that she would think such a thing. She knew she wouldn’t have a problem if her son turned out to be gay, and certainly wouldn’t discourage him… but with Brian? She looked at the man who looked after her son with love. A platonic love of course but she couldn’t shake the feeling that someday it might be more.

She shook her head and picked up the doggy bad Brian had placed on the coffee table. She walked towards the kitchen to put it away.

She couldn’t help but wonder what the next ten years were going to hold.

(AN)I don't know French or German (only a little bit of Spanish) so those parts are used with a translator. What Justin says goes roughly like this.

"I don't why Brian is friends with you, you're quite funny looking, you have a big head, but a small body!"