Out of the Shadows

Book 1:  The Student  -  Chapter 6


“So … what happened to my real parents?” asked Brian and he saw the look that passed between Joan and Jack.

“Tell me … surely I have a right to know …”

“They weren’t very nice people,” stated Joan at last and Brian frowned. “What do you mean?” he asked them.

“Your Father … your birth Father … drank a lot and … he had a succession of jobs and would occasionally hit your Mother … “

“Did he hit me?” asked Brian. “Not exactly hit you,” replied Jack. “Not at that time … but as you got older … I think he would have”.

“Was it them … in the car accident I used to dream about?” asked Brian and Jack nodded. 

“But that’s all in the past … a long time ago. It’s the task we have ahead of us that’s important now.”

But all the same, Brian couldn’t help wondering about his birth parents. Mom and Dad; this Mom and Dad; the people who’d brought him up and loved him like he was truly theirs, had said his real parents weren’t very nice people and it sounded like his Dad had been a drunk not adverse to using his fists. Christ: he hoped he didn’t turn out like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jennifer Taylor turned the pages of her son’s sketchbook and her heart sank as she looked at the drawings of various male nudes and saw the name BRIAN written a dozen times on one page and then suddenly, she was aware of someone standing beside her.

“That’s private …” snapped Justin and the book was snatched from her hands. “Darling … I was only looking …” but Justin had quickly shoved the book inside his school bag and out of sight.

“They’re very good,” stated Jennifer: referring to what she’d seen. But what she’d seen also worried her.

“I didn’t realise you had life class at art club …” she continued, hoping Justin might open up and offer some information, but instead he just glanced at her.

She was scared for her son and desperately wanted to ask him about the pictures and the man whose name was in the sketchbook and wondered if it was the same man she’d seen bringing Justin home the other night: whether they were lovers.

If that was so and Craig found out there would be hell to pay and not only because Justin was so young, though he would be turning 18 very shortly. If her intuition was correct, then maybe she should consider getting Justin away; somewhere his Father couldn’t reach him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian was with his Father in the room at the top of the house and Jack smiled as he passed his hand over the crystal and the brilliant light filled the room. The teachings had begun.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slipping out of the house, Justin made his way to Liberty Avenue; on his own this time and headed to the place he’d met Brian. And, when he got there, he followed the sound of the music down the alley to the entrance of Babylon, where he showed his fake I.D. to the man on the door. He was scared shitless, but this had to be where Brian was coming from that night; it was the nearest club and if he had any hope of finding him, then this had to be the place to start.

That had been almost a week ago and Justin had badly wanted to come and find Brian, but it seemed his Mom hadn’t wanted to let him out of her sight in all that time and had something planned every night; this was the first chance he’d had to come looking for him.

Justin couldn’t see him from down on the dance floor; it was too crowded, so he made his way up to the gallery, hoping he’d spot the man from up there and it didn’t take too long to find him.

Brian and Michael were dancing together while Ben, Ted and Em stood at the bar having a drink. Ben waited patiently; “two dances” Michael had mouthed to him as Brian dragged him away; promising his boyfriend he’d come back after that or that Ben should come and intervene; Brian had to start realising he couldn’t spend so much time with him; not now he was in a relationship.

Brian leaned over to say something to Michael when suddenly he saw the blond kid from the other night heading down the stairs and making a beeline straight for them.

“Fuck” and Brian suddenly grabbed Michael and headed back to the bar. “What the hell’s the matter?” asked his friend as Brian rushed him through the crowd.

“I just wanna drink,” answered Brian, as they reached the others. “That was quick,” observed Ben and Michael shrugged his shoulders, totally confused as to what was going on in Brian’s head; but that wasn’t new these days.

Michael thought he knew his friend well, but over the last few days he’d hardly seen him or spoken to him and when he had he seemed distant; preoccupied and even hesitated when Michael asked about going to the club that night.

With Brian’s career blossoming, he’d just been promoted further and given his first advertising account to work on by himself, but could barely concentrate on it since the revelation from his parents and he was still trying to believe what they were telling him and what he was experiencing. But over the days since his birthday, he’d experienced and witnessed many things he could never before have imagined.

And that had started with Justin; the kid that was now pursuing him across the dance floor and the fact that he wanted; no needed time to think about what he was going to say to him, left Brian totally confused about his feelings for the young man, now that he’d seen him once more.

Watching Brian hurry off the dance floor, Justin followed him to the bar. “I’ll have a beer …” stated the blond over the noise of the music and the barman stared at him before an I.D. was produced, which was scrutinised closely, but from the expression on the barman’s face wasn’t believed for one moment; but Justin was served all the same.

Justin picked up his drink and made his way towards the group of men at the end of the bar and determined to speak with him, he moved in between Brian and Michael; the two men moving apart. Brian’s friends grinned, thinking how this young man had the nerve to try and blatantly hit on him and were surprised when he spoke.

“Hi Brian,” said Justin; ignoring the enquiring looks from the others and he smiled at him: just about the widest smile Brian had ever seen and Brian managed to smile back at him weakly but barely able to say the young man’s name. “Justin …”

“You two know each other?” asked Michael, but Brian just turned back to the bar and picked up his drink.

“We met the other night,” said Justin, turning to the gang. “Brian saved me from this creep who’d grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let me go …”

“Brian did what?” asked Teddy, leaning closer to hear the conversation and Justin spoke louder, over the music so they all could hear, while Brian took a swallow of his drink.

“This guy was hitting on me and wouldn’t take no for an answer … and then all of a sudden … Brian stepped in and saved me …”

“That’s Brian,” quipped Michael, grinning. “A regular hero … mild-mannered Ad. Exec. by day … by night …” 

“Will you shut the fuck up,” instructed Brian curtly and the guys looked at each other; trying to suppress their laughter and Ben slapped Brian on the back while the man of the moment forced a smile.

“Then he took me home …”

“Well that was very sweet of him … that was very sweet of you, Brian,” said Emmett; turning towards the man leaning on the bar trying to act as if he wasn’t really there and Brian turned back over his shoulder and made a face at him, but then Justin continued.

“To his place I mean …” and the gang all nodded and rolled their eyes. That sounded more like it; but even so, the kid was quite young, even for Brian.

“How old are you?” asked Ben; the teacher in him kicking in and this was a school night after all. 

“Old enough … “ came the defiant answer and Brian grinned to himself. The kid had balls; pitching up here to look for him and it sounded like he could generally hold his own, but he couldn’t allow him to think that the other night gave him certain rights.

“Wanna dance?” asked Justin and Brian shook his head and then leaned in closer so the young man could hear him over the music. “Look … just because you think I saved you doesn’t mean we’re blood brothers or anything … and just because we fucked doesn’t mean you can just turn up here …”

“I just wanna dance,” interrupted Justin, pulling back slightly and staring up at Brian. Brian blinked; the gang had fallen silent: trying to understand Brian’s reaction and now waiting for his response to Justin’s request. And, looking into those blue eyes, most people would have found it hard to refuse him.

“I .. don’t .. want .. to .. dance .. with .. you” said Brian firmly; emphasising every word and he picked up his drink and finished it off with one swallow. The gang saw the look of disappointment and embarrassment on Justin’s face and Emmett stepped forward and took the beer bottle from the young man’s hand and placed it on the bar.

“Well … I for one would love to dance … so come on honey … what say you and me shake our booty …” and Emmett led Justin onto the dance floor; the kid reluctant to go at first, but not wanting Brian to know just how much his words had hurt him, he followed Em. But all the same, he couldn’t help glancing back at Brian and for a moment, thought he saw a flicker of regret in the older man’s eyes.

“That was a little harsh …” “Mind your own fucking business,” snapped Brian back at Ted and he slammed his glass down on the counter. “I’m leaving,” he announced to no one in particular and without looking at anyone, Brian walked away.

“Well … that was a little odd don’t you think?” stated Ben as he watched him go. “Brian doesn’t usually let anyone get to him like that … and certainly not some kid … “ 

“Not unless that cute blond has managed to push certain buttons no one else has before …” suggested Teddy; his eyebrow raised and Ben shrugged in reply. 

Michael hadn’t said anything, but had just watched his friend’s interaction with the blond. Maybe Teddy was right; maybe the kid had got to Brian in some way no one else had ever managed to before; not even him; that would explain Brian’s reaction and a stab of jealousy suddenly shot through him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“He didn’t want to know me, Daph … what am I gonna do?” asked Justin and he lay down on the bed beside her. He’d danced with Emmett and they’d been joined by all the gang; all the gang that is except Brian and when he tried to act casual and asked where he was, he’d been told that he’d left. 

“Are you sure?” she asked him. “Or was he just saying that in front of his friends? You know … not wanting to admit he really liked you?” and Justin rolled over onto his stomach.

They were up in Justin’s room and Daphne was trying to console her best friend. She was the only person he’d ever talked to about being gay; the only person he knew he could trust and before his failure at Babylon to hook up with Brian again, was the only one who knew about Brian taking him home that night.


“That’s possible I suppose …” and he sighed. “But I really like him Daph … a lot and when we were together … the way he kissed me and looked at me … and fucked me ...” and he shot a glance at her and grinned. “I really thought he liked me too …”

“Well I guess he must do … he made sure you got home okay didn’t he?” she reminded him and Justin nodded. That was true. Brian could have made him walk or sent him off in a taxi. But instead he’d ended up staying the night and then Brian had brought him home.

“So what am I gonna do?” asked Justin and Daphne sat up. 

“Well … I guess you’re just going to have to be where he is … let him see you … let him know what he’s missing out on …”

“What … hang out at Babylon every night you mean?”

“No … not just Babylon” said Daphne. “You know where he lives don’t you?” “Yeah … I think I could find my way back there,” agreed Justin and Daphne continued.

“And didn’t you say one of the guys mentioned he was an Ad. Exec.?” and Justin nodded.

“Okay … how many advertising agencies can there be in Pittsburgh? You could ring them up and ask if he works there … and then see what else you can find out about him …” and Justin leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“You’re a genius,” he grinned at her and Daphne grinned back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daphne was right; there weren’t that many advertising agencies in Pittsburgh: well at least not too many to call in any case. But Justin was getting near the end of the list before he struck lucky.

“Good morning … Ryder Advertising … how may I help you?”

“Mr. Brian Kinney please,” asked Justin; his heart pounding and repeating the same words he’d been using all morning. Luckily he had some study time; giving him the opportunity to make the calls.

“One moment please,” came the reply and Justin’s heart skipped a beat. The Ryder Agency … had he found where Brian worked at last? And suddenly Justin panicked; what if he was put through to him; what was he going to say? 

He was sure he’d seen something in Brian’s look that night when he refused to dance with him; something that said he was sort of sorry he’d turned him down. Maybe Daphne was right; that he didn’t want to let on that he liked some kid in front of his friends, but then the receptionist came back to him and he was to be spared.

“I’m afraid Mr. Kinney is in a meeting … can I take a message?”

“No … no thanks … no message,” and with his heart beating fit to burst, Justin put down the phone.

Well, at least he’d found out where Brian worked, but what to do next? The need to see him; to try and find out exactly how Brian felt had just kept growing and growing and the following day, Justin made up his mind to go and find him and after classes, he summoned up all his courage and headed for the Ryder Advertising Agency.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He walked up and down the block for twenty minutes; not sure what the hell he was doing, but hoping that Brian might just come out. Then, deciding that was getting him absolutely nowhere and with his heart pounding in his ears, Justin pushed open the glass door and approached the receptionist and asked if Mr. Kinney might be available. Brian’s office was called but there was no answer, but at that moment, one of the secretaries walked by and the receptionist called out to her.

“Cynthia … is Brian around this afternoon … he’s got a visitor,” and Cynthia turned to face the young man nervously standing by the desk and looked him up and down.

Cynthia had started at Ryder’s around the same time as Brian and they had become friends: after she’d tried hitting on him a couple of times. But then he’d told her quietly that he was gay. It had been a bit of a surprise, but then she’d felt honoured that he trusted her. No one else knew; but then again, why should they.

Brian often joked about his conquests to Cynthia and now she looked over the cute blond with the bright blue eyes and button nose and she grinned: Brian had been a busy boy.

“You’re looking for Brian?” she asked him and Justin nodded. “Is he in? I have to see him,” but Cynthia shook her head. “I saw him going out about forty-five minutes ago … I don’t think he’ll be back today …” and she couldn’t miss the crestfallen look on Justin’s face and she took him by the arm and led him out of earshot of anyone else.

“Look … don’t let on I told you this … but after work he often grabs a bite to eat at the Liberty Diner or meets up with friends at Woody’s … that’s a bar on Liberty … before he hits the clubs …” and Justin let her have one of his most brilliant smiles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Have you heard the news?” asked Michael, as he and Ben walked into the diner and sat down in the booth opposite Ted and Emmett. “What news?” asked Debbie as she came over to take their orders.

“’Pecs’ was hit last night,” said Michael as he picked up the menu. “That’s the second gay bar this month that’s been the target of an arson attack,” informed Ben and he looked solemnly around at the gang.

“Are they sure it’s arson?” asked Debbie and Michael nodded. “Any ideas who did it?” asked his Mother, but before he could answer, another voice joined in the conversation.

“You need to ask Debs?” said Brian, having come into the diner unnoticed and he slid into an adjacent booth. “Straight people don’t like to see a successful gay business … they’re jealous of the amount of money available to spend in them for a start … that and they just don’t like to see prosperous fags”.

Michael could see the worried look on his Mother’s face and he got up to give her a peck on the cheek. “Don’t worry Mom … I’m sure this place is okay … but you will be careful … won’t you?” and Debbie nodded and tried to force a smile. But she was worried all the same and it took several rings of the bell from the kitchen to remind her there were meals ready to be delivered.

It was at that point that the new waiter appeared from the storeroom. Teddy and Em shared a smile; they had seen him when they arrived, but so far, no other member of their group had.

Hearing the bell ringing incessantly, Justin responded to it and picked up the meals; taking them to their hungry recipients.

“What’s he doing here?” asked Brian, directing his question at Debbie, who was grateful to be able to change the topic of conversation and she grinned at him. “Who? Sunshine? He came in earlier looking for a job … didn’t take me long to make up my mind to hire him … he’s a real cutie isn’t he … the customer’s love him … with that huge smile of his … and have you seen that bubble butt? I think his ass gets more compliments than the burgers” and she chuckled.

“That’s because his buns are fresh,” quipped Teddy and Debbie swiped his arm with her order pad.

Debbie had taken everyone’s orders and delivered their meals; all except Brian, who’d appeared not to be able to make up his mind what it was he wanted and a few minutes later, Debbie asked Justin to go over and see if the man had finally decided.

After leaving Ryder’s, Justin had made his way to Liberty Avenue and to the diner and when he saw the Help Wanted notice in the window he saw his opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. His Mom probably wouldn’t approve; saying he had too much schoolwork to do, but his Dad definitely would. Craig was a self-made man who admired hard work and people taking every opportunity. The fact that Justin didn’t need to work but had gone out on his own to earn extra money, would definitely earn him points with his Father. Besides, Justin decided, having access to cash of his own couldn’t be a bad thing.

And now he stood patiently while Brian continued to read the menu; the older man hardly daring to look at him; feeling those blue eyes boring into him. Eventually, Brian decided on his meal and a coffee, which Justin brought to him while waiting for his order. 

While Justin was concentrating on pouring the coffee, Brian took the opportunity to look up at him. He wasn’t just cute; he was beautiful; there was no doubt about that and then Justin looked up and met his gaze and smiled at him. Brian couldn’t stop himself and smiled back. Damn it; he didn’t want the kid to think he was encouraging any attention, but his heart skipped a beat as Justin continued to smile as he turned his back on him and went to put the coffee pot back on the hot plate; their last encounter at Babylon apparently forgotten.

And then Brian turned his attention back to the table, only to discover the gang was watching him. He scowled at them and without a word; everyone quickly resumed eating their meals. However, it was pretty obvious there was more than a spark of interest between Brian and the young man, regardless of the fact that Brian purposely ignored him while he ate his meal; or maybe that was the giveaway.

The gang decided to go on to Woody’s and then on to Babylon. Justin had overheard the conversation, but his shift wouldn’t end yet for a while. Still, it would finish in good time for him to go to the club and put the next part of his plan into action.

Debbie had noticed that Brian ignored Justin, whereas normally he would take every opportunity to hit on a new guy: especially one as cute as the blond and despite the fact that Justin had watched Brian at every opportunity and not exactly hidden the fact. She also saw the kid’s face as the gang left and she sighed. Brian had quite a reputation for fucking ‘em and leaving ‘em and it looked like he was leaving another broken heart in his wake.

“Sweetheart,” said Debbie, as Justin collected his jacket at the end of his shift. “I hope you’re not heading where I think you are … 'cos if you are … then the only thing you’re heading for … is a fall,” and she went around the counter to join him.

“I don’t know what you mean,” answered Justin, averting his eyes from her gaze and Debbie put her hand on his arm. “Yes you do … Brian Kinney … God’s gift to gay PA,” and Justin glanced at her before looking away again.

“I thought so,” and she put her hand under his chin and brought him around to face her. “Take a tip from someone who’s known Brian longer than most and save yourself a lot of heartache … don’t get involved …”

“I’m not … I’m only going dancing, Debbie … I don’t expect Brian to fall in love with me or anything …” but Debbie could hear the hope in his voice and she sighed. “Honey … there’s lots of gorgeous guys out there your own age … go and find one and have some fun … but be careful …” and she pointed at him and then walked back around the counter and reached underneath and produced a handful of condoms, which she handed to him and Justin smiled and took them from her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This time it was Brian standing on the gallery and he quickly spotted Justin dancing with a guy just a couple of years older than the blond and couldn’t explain the tightness in his chest when the guy put his arms around the younger man’s waist and pulled him in close and kissed him. 

Although it wasn’t Brian, Justin was enjoying the attention and the guy was hot and when he suggested going to the back room, it didn’t take much to figure out what he was meaning. Justin didn’t hesitate before following him: besides, if he were more experienced then Brian might take more of an interest in him.

The guy produced a condom and lube, which Justin swiftly took from him and ignoring the man’s initial reluctance; turned him around to face the wall: determined not to bottom for anyone else. Reaching around, Justin unzipped the guy’s pants and pulled them down and then quickly sheathed himself and applied the lube; smiling to himself when the man gasped at the coldness. “It’ll heat up,” whispered Justin in his ear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the next couple of weeks it seemed wherever Brian went, so did Justin. If he wasn’t running in to him at the diner, then he’d show up at Woody’s and Babylon and it was becoming a source of amusement to everyone around him.

With everything that was going on in Brian’s life, having some lovesick kid following him around was the last thing he needed and Brian had tried to forget everything from time to time and find a trick for an anonymous and uncomplicated fuck. 

But when he did go to the back room at Babylon, he’d often find Justin already there and there were times when they realised they were watching each other, but neither of them saying a word.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hi Dad …” Justin had seen his Father go into his study and followed him in. It was Sunday morning and one of the few times the man wasn’t working and he needed to discuss something with him.

“Hello Justin … haven’t seen much of you lately … but I’ve heard how good your grades are … I’m really proud of you son …” and Craig patted him on the shoulder.

“You’ll have to start thinking about what you want to do after you leave St. James’ soon … I still have contacts at Dartmouth … “ “Well … actually Dad … that’s what I want to talk to you about …” but Craig had wandered over to his desk and had started to sort through his papers and Justin stopped. Maybe this wasn’t the time to be talking to his Dad about going to art school instead of taking a business degree at Dartmouth.

“Hmm?” asked Craig, rather preoccupied and Justin walked closer to the desk in order to see what was holding his Father’s interest.

“What’s that?” he asked him and his Father looked up at him. Only a few people knew of these plans so far, but what harm would it do to talk to his son about them.

“These are plans for a new shopping mall … “ “But it looks huge,” stated Justin and his Father nodded. “It certainly is … it’ll be the biggest in the state … not just in Pittsburgh … “ and Justin studied the plans further.

“Isn’t that Liberty Avenue?” asked Justin and his Father looked up at him in alarm and quickly covered over the plans. “It’s pretty much all in the early stages … but I wouldn’t want it getting out now … there’s a lot of competition out there … so you’ll forget what you’ve seen here won’t you, Justin?” and his son nodded.

“You know, Dad … you’ve never talked to me about your business …” stated Justin. There was something in his Father’s reaction to his curiosity about the proposed shopping mall that puzzled Justin; he was obviously warning him to keep quiet about it. 

He knew his Father had many business contacts and often wined and dined them; at home from time to time as well as at expensive restaurants and often took his wife and son with him: a real family man. But Justin wasn’t dumb enough to think that from time to time his Dad might have cut a few corners or made a few enemies in order to become as successful as he was.

Craig sat back in his chair and looked at him and he smiled; to have his son on board after graduation would be his dream; and he could picture the name on the company letterhead; Taylor and Son: maybe it wasn’t too soon to start involving him in things.

“You should come into the office with me … see how things are done …” and so it was agreed and as Justin had a free period the following day, he accompanied his Dad into work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Justin had met his Dad’s PA, Barbara, before on several occasions, but he had to wonder why it was he’d never been to these offices before; surely it would have been the natural thing for someone as successful as Craig to proudly show them off to his son: they were very prestigious and in a very upmarket business section of the city.

Craig Taylor had recently acquired; at rock-bottom dollar, a chain of supermarkets that had been losing value rapidly owing to an internal power struggle; he’d stepped in and bought the business out from under them. But their previous loyal customers had disappeared in droves and he needed to pull them back in.

“We’re going to have to mount a damn good campaign to bring them back,” admitted his Father, “but for the price I paid … it’ll be worth it.”

Justin slowly turned over the pages of the company’s financial report; trying to show interest; an idea forming in his mind. 

“You know … I heard the Ryder Advertising Agency is pretty much up there when it comes to knowing customer base … and they do pretty cutting edge stuff …” offered Justin casually; trying to dredge up from his memory all boring business conversations he’d been party to at various dinners and his Father looked at him in amazement; maybe his son had taken even more interest than he first thought.

“Ryder … yeah … I know them … I’ve heard they’re pretty good … ” acknowledged Craig.

“Well … you know David Latimer at school?“ continued Justin. “His Dad’s the guy who owns the drugstore chain …” and his Father nodded. “They used them recently … “ and Justin took a deep breath and mentally crossed his fingers. “And apparently they have this new hot account exec … Brian something … yeah … Brian Kinney … I think that was the name”, and Justin had wandered over to the coffee table in his Father’s office and picked up a glossy magazine. 

He hadn’t lied; David’s Dad had recently used the Ryder Agency and they certainly did have a hot new ad. exec.; it just wasn’t Brian Kinney who they’d used: he wasn’t deemed experienced enough to mount such an important campaign.

“Brian Kinney …” repeated his Father and he jotted the name down on his notepad; maybe he’d get in touch and see what he had to offer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When the telephone call came, no one could have been more surprised than Brian himself. 

Craig Taylor had apparently heard he was one of Ryder’s youngest and hottest ad. people, which in actual fact was no lie, with Brian’s reputation and account list building slowly week by week. But Taylor Holdings was a whole new ball game and one where the initial meeting found Brian affording Craig the courtesy of meeting him at his offices instead of Taylor coming down to Ryder’s; taking Mark from the art department with him as support and someone who would understand the technical aspects discussed. 

The name Taylor had, of course, rung a bell with Brian, but he hadn’t been expecting any link between the hard-nosed businessman that sat at the large desk in front of him with the cute blond twink that had occupied his bed. That is until he saw the family photograph on Craig’s desk.

Though the photograph was a couple of years old, the blond kid sitting next to his little sister; with his Mom’s arm around his shoulders, was unmistakably Justin and Brian’s mouth suddenly went dry when Craig mentioned his son’s name.

“Believe it or not … it was Justin … my son who actually put me on to you …” said Craig and Brian had nodded. Christ; he hoped Justin hadn’t told his Father exactly how it was they knew each other, but Craig obviously had no idea that his son already had personal knowledge of Brian Kinney.

“The Father of one of the kid’s at his school owns the Latimer Drugstore chain …” continued Craig and Brian smiled with relief. “Yeah … I actually didn’t work on that one … but it’s been a very good campaign …”

Their meeting took up the next couple of hours and Brian came away with a good idea of what was needed to bring the lost customers back into the fold and he smiled. Getting in with Craig Taylor’s companies and exploiting potential contacts through him could be very lucrative indeed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian was at Woody’s with the gang when Justin next caught up with him. His Dad hadn’t mentioned whether or not he’d taken up his suggestion of contacting Ryder’s and Justin hadn’t wanted to seem too interested by asking him and wondered whether Brian would say anything. But when Brian made a point of telling him they’d be moving on to Babylon later, Justin looked at him; was that an invitation to go along with him? It sure sounded like it; though he would never ask him directly, Justin was sure of that.

And though it sort of started out with them all dancing in a group, it suddenly seemed that they’d split into couples and though not together in that sense, Emmett and Teddy were dancing together and so were Michael and Ben; with Ben holding his partner close. And that left Brian and Justin dancing together and Brian smiled and moved in and put his arms around the blond’s waist.

“You didn’t tell me your Dad was such a hotshot businessman …” shouted Brian into Justin’s ear and the younger man smiled; so his Dad had contacted him and this was Brian’s way of saying thank you. 

They danced together for quite a while and gradually, Justin had moved in closer, but the mood didn’t last nearly long enough as a good looking guy around Brian’s own age gave him the nod and suddenly, Brian removed himself from Justin’s hold and disappeared to the back room. But he wasn’t gone long and soon returned to find Justin drinking on his own at the bar.

Being abandoned in the middle of the dance floor had been a humiliating experience for Justin and he watched Brian go in disbelief before making his way to the bar and ordering a drink; catching the eye of a young man standing at the end of the bar who smiled at him as he approached and Justin smiled weakly in return. But very soon, Brian was back and standing by his side.

“So how was he?” asked Justin flatly, but Brian only shrugged. “The product didn’t live up to the packaging …” he answered him. “And I guess you’d know all about that …” said Justin and the man looked at him briefly before turning back to the barman and ordering a drink.

“Now with me on the other hand …” said Justin and he reached across and slowly ran his fingers along Brian’s arm, “what you see … is what you get”. 

The young man’s touch sent a shiver running down Brian’s spine and he watched the fingers caressing his forearm and then looked up to meet the blond’s gaze; the longing in the young man’s eyes unmistakable and Brian’s heart missed a beat.

“What say we get out of here?” asked Brian; a tingling sensation now beginning in his groin and the voice in Justin’s head said, “Yes … yes … yes”, but the young man had grown tired of always doing the running; hanging on for a crumb of recognition or acknowledgement from this man. Maybe it was time for the shoe to be on the other foot; for Brian to know that Justin was too proud to allow himself to be used just for this man’s pleasure.

Yes, he’d developed feelings for Brian: deep feelings. The man was beautiful; hot in fact and articulate and intelligent, but Justin had his self-respect; he wasn’t just some boy-toy. And so Justin glanced over Brian’s shoulder to the young man still standing at the end of the bar.

“Sorry … I’ve got plans” and moving away from Brian, Justin walked to the end of the bar and slipped his arm around the waist of the young man who looked at him and smiled before putting his arm around Justin’s shoulders. They finished their drinks and Brian watched as the two young men headed for the dance floor, but it wasn’t long before he saw them disappearing in the direction of the back room.

Moving down the gloomy corridor until they found a space along the wall, Justin turned the young man around to face the bricks. Producing condom and lube, Justin tore the packet open with his teeth and then sheathed himself.

The young man moaned and braced himself against the wall as the blond entered him and if Justin hadn’t had his eyes closed and become lost in the pleasure coursing through him, he might just have noticed the tall, slim man standing in the shadows watching him; the man with an unaccountable hurt in his eyes and pain in his chest.

Over the next couple of weeks, Brian saw Justin several times with other young men at Babylon and he tried desperately not to look as if he was taking any interest in him or was in the least bit bothered every time the blond disappeared into the back room. But the truth was the more he saw him with other guys the more it hurt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian needed to meet with Craig to finalise the supermarket campaign and arranged for him to come into Ryder’s and everything was set. But what he wasn’t prepared for was for Taylor to bring his son with him to their meeting.

Craig greeted Brian warmly. “Brian … good to see you again. Hope you don’t mind … I’ve brought Justin … my son with me … I want him to start to get a feel for the business …” and Brian looked passed Craig to see Justin standing there; the blond stepped forward and held out his hand. “Mr. Kinney …” and trying not to show any emotion, Brian reached out. Thankfully, Craig had moved into the conference room and didn’t see how long the two of them held each other’s gaze as they shook hands.

Justin took a seat at the table next to his Father with Brian and Marty Ryder opposite them. Marty was pretty impressed that Brian had landed such an important client and someone of Craig Taylor’s standing deserved to have the boss in attendance.

Giving his presentation with Justin watching his every move was proving unnerving, even for someone normally as self-assured as Brian. But Brian Kinney on an off day was twenty times more accomplished than any of the other and more experienced ad. men and, as usual, Brian had his client eating out of his hand; Until:

“Are you sure about the font colour?” asked Justin. “Only I would have thought it should be bolder … something more eye-catching …” and Brian tapped his pen on the table and stared at the blond but said nothing.

“We’re willing to discuss any changes,” offered Marty; slightly perturbed at Brian’s silence. “If you want different colouring that wouldn’t be a problem … would it Brian?” and Brian shook his head. “Whatever the customer wants …” and he forced a smile.

Craig patted Justin’s shoulder. “Justin’s got an eye for that sort of thing … he’s a pretty good artist … I can’t wait for him to start working with me … we’ll be one helluva team …” and he grinned at his son.

The changes were agreed and the contracts were signed and Marty offered Craig a drink a little stronger than the coffee they’d been consuming and the two of them relocated to his office; Justin stayed, saying he wanted to talk to Brian about the campaign.

Now alone, it was several moments before either of them spoke and then it was Brian; relieved the table between them acted as a barrier and an excuse for his keeping a distance. He wanted to be annoyed with the blond, but if he was too close to him then that might not be possible. 

“What the hell do you think you were doing … coming here?” asked Brian and Justin shrugged. “Dad asked me if I’d like to come with him … I was going to say no … but the more I thought about watching you operate the more I liked the idea …” and the blond smiled at him; the thought of meeting Brian on his territory and how he might react to him was too good to pass up.

“But to criticise the fucking lettering …” 

“What’s the matter, Brian …” interrupted Justin. “Don’t you like it when things don’t go your way … when they don’t quite go to plan … or when people challenge you?” and he stuck out his chin; a defiant look in his eyes; a look that Brian actually found quite amusing; or he would have if he wasn’t quite so mad.

So, the kid thought he could turn up here and use the occasion to assert himself or maybe just show off in front of his Father; show what a big man he was.

“I just didn’t realise what an artist you are?” said Brian sarcastically; obviously unaware of just how talented Justin was and the young man looked down at his hands and sighed; he hadn’t meant to, but he hadn’t been able to prevent it.

“What’s up?” asked Brian, curious about Justin’s response and the blond looked up at him.

“My Dad wants me to go to Dartmouth … like he did … when I actually want to go to the I.F.A.”

“The I.F.A.?” repeated Brian. “Wow … you must be good … but what about your business degree … so that you can join Daddy’s company?” but Justin shook his head.

“I’ll never be a businessman like he wants me to be,” he admitted and Brian got up from his chair and went to sit on the table: just a foot away from Justin. He could hear the sadness in the young man’s voice; here was a son who’d been used to pleasing his Father and making him proud. 

But what would Craig say if he learned his kid didn’t want to follow in his footsteps, and not only that but was a queer who wanted to study art. Brian had heard that Craig Taylor had a reputation for being a tough and, from time to time, an unscrupulous businessman; having a gay son was something Brian couldn’t imagine him ever accepting.

“Then don’t you think you ought to tell him?” asked Brian and for a moment his tone softened. Here in front of him wasn’t a big man; here was a young man who was trying hard to please his Father and do what he wanted to at the same time. 

Big mistake. You can usually do one of two things; please others or please yourself. The two rarely go together and Justin had every right to be who he wanted to be.

Before Justin could speak, the door opened and his Father looked in. “You ready to leave, Justin?” he asked him and Justin nodded and got up from his chair.

“Thanks, Brian,” said Craig and he reached out to shake the man’s hand and Brian got up off the table and moved towards him. “I’m sure we’ll be in touch soon …” and ushering his son out of the room, Craig and Justin left: the young blond offering a weak smile in Brian’s direction as they went.

After Justin had left, Brian thought about his own parents and how relatively easy it had been to come out to them. Given that they already knew, but he hadn’t been aware of that and somehow he thought the same couldn’t be said for Justin and his parents; Craig Taylor was pretty hardnosed, but his business enemies would have a field day once discovering the man had a faggot for a son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brian didn’t know the man’s name, but there was nothing new in that and rather than just move to the back room for a quick fuck, Brian fancied something a little more intense and so took him home.

They’d only just entered the apartment when there was a knock on the door and opening it, Brian couldn’t help but show his surprise to find the blond standing there; he’d only been there the once, but obviously Justin had found his way back.

“Who the fuck’s this?” asked Brian’s trick and Brian glared at him as he let Justin in.

“I … I’m sorry … I shouldn’t have just come over like this …” said Justin; noticing the man who’d removed his tee and was waiting impatiently for Brian.

“Fuck off kid … I was here first,” he snapped and he made a grab for Brian, who fended him off.

“You fuck off … this is my place and I say who comes … and who goes …” and Brian picked up the man’s tee from the floor and shoved it at him and grabbing him by the elbow, he propelled him roughly out the door.

“Sorry,” apologised Justin. “I didn’t mean to cause any problem …” and Brian went over to the kitchen counter and poured himself a shot of Beam. “You didn’t … to be honest, he was a bit of an asshole … bored me stiff all the way here …” and he shot a glance at Justin, “but not like that,” he grinned at him and Justin smiled back.

“So … what did you want?” asked Brian and he turned back to face him: the young man shuffling nervously from one foot to the other. “I … I wanted to apologise … for turning up without notice today … and for criticising … I shouldn’t have done that … everything looked great … it didn’t really need any changing … I was … I was …”

“You were trying to say you had an opinion … that you had every right to be listened to and not ignored …” said Brian and Justin smiled at him. 

“Despite what you might think of me … I’m not a kid, Brian. I do have opinions … if nothing else, Mom and Dad taught me that … to speak out … to say what I think … that I have every right to be treated with respect and that in spite of my age I have the right to be heard … and treated like an equal …” and Brian nodded.

Justin was right. He wasn’t a kid; he was a bright and extremely intelligent young man who deserved to be respected as such. He wasn’t just a one nightstand: a quick fuck who could be discarded or used for amusement; someone who thought he wasn’t worth anything more than that. Justin was strong: mentally and emotionally and regarded himself as anyone’s equal.

Brian admired Justin’s strength and sense of who he was. True, he still had to come out to his parents and Brian could sense the inner conflicts the young man was going through; trying to make his parents proud of him but accept him for who he was.

“Do you think I’m treating you like a kid? ‘Cos if you do you’re wrong … I’m treating you no different to anyone else …” said Brian and Justin nodded.

“You mean you treat everyone like shit …” chuckled Justin and Brian smiled. “Sometimes,” he admitted. “I … I’m not always the most patient of people … I know that …but I do admire persistence …” and he moved towards Justin and placed his hand at the back of the young man’s neck. Justin resisted, but only for a moment, before he moved into the man and leaning down, Brian kissed him. There was only one reason Justin had gone to Brian’s apartment and that wasn’t really to offer an apology and they both knew it.

At last yielding to his feelings, Brian kissed Justin with a passion he’d never felt before: not even the first time with this young man. That time, even though he’d felt a connection, it had really been all about sex. But this time it was something different. 

Having watched Justin with other men, Brian had at last admitted to himself he’d been jealous; a little green-eyed monster had surfaced and awakened feelings he never thought himself capable of. The kid had touched his heart and though the feeling scared him shitless, Brian couldn’t prevent himself from falling.

Eventually pulling apart, Brian whispered in the blond’s ear: “Remember when we last did this … I said you had a lot to learn?” and Justin nodded. He could remember everything about that time: how incredible Brian had made him feel and how it was to have this man inside him.

“Then I’m about to start your education …” and Brian took Justin by the hand and led him to the bed.

Slowly, Brian undressed the young man and then instructed Justin to do the same to him; Justin’s hands shaking slightly as he undid the button fly on Brian’s jeans, even though he’d had plenty of practice lately in separating guys from their clothing. 

Running his fingers through the blond hair, Brian leaned forward and kissed him; and then pushed him back onto the bed; licking down into his throat and proceeding further: heading towards his goal.

Brian grinned up at him and moistened his lips before returning his attention to his task and then started to lick the head of Justin’s cock in a round circular motion. Justin moaned; closed his eyes and clung to the sheet: arching his back.

Opening his mouth wider, Brian took in the head and started to move back and forwards; allowing Justin’s cock to slide in and out of his mouth; the action causing friction and sending Justin into a frenzy of pleasure and then he paused before turning his attention to the underside of the shaft and then used his tongue to gently massage and lick the young man’s balls; almost sending Justin over the edge. But again, Brian paused; he didn’t want the blond to come too early.

Brian guessed that Justin had no idea of what was going to happen next and, breathing through his nose, the older man resumed; holding Justin at the hips to try and keep him still and going down a little bit further on the young man’s cock with every downward stroke. 

After a few times, Brian felt Justin’s member hit the back of his mouth and he opened up his throat to accommodate him and then he felt Justin’s fingers thread through his hair; holding on tightly.

Justin’s was being taken on the roller coaster ride of his life; every downwards stroke taking him further and further towards the edge of the abyss and unable and unwilling to stop it. And then he felt Brian’s throat close around him as the man swallowed: the sensation taking his breath away and his hands fell limply to his sides; all power of movement gone as Brian took control of his mind and body.

Feeling Justin first holding him and then letting go; Brian knew exactly what he was doing to the young man and he swallowed again and then reached up to gently play with the blond’s balls. Justin had reached fever pitch and the last swallowing action was enough to make him feel as if his head was exploding and he came: sending spurts of cum down Brian’s throat.

Swallowing his seed, Brian licked Justin’s shaft one last time before moving up the young man’s body and he kissed him; the action bringing Justin back to reality as the blond could taste himself on his lover’s lips.

And Justin opened his eyes and looked at him and then, finally able to move, reached up to caress Brian’s face.

Brian couldn’t mistake the look in the young man’s eyes; eyes filled with love, tenderness and longing and Brian wondered if he was capable of letting the young man become part of his life; he was already residing in his heart and he asked himself why he’d resorted to so many tricks when Justin had been there all the time.

But Brian knew it wouldn’t be easy to let Justin in: not just to allow this young man to love him, but to return his love unconditionally.

Brian had no idea what his future might bring, but keeping Justin at arms length could prove difficult: even if he wanted to.

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