In the Begining Part 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "That sucks." "How was I to know that Mom and Dad would side with Brian?" "Do you really have to actually live there?" "Dad says its part of my "Life Experience". You should see my room, Brian's bitchy little friend has the decorating style of a six year old, one with real bad taste." "Can't you redecorate?" "Why bother, I won't be staying all that long. I'll just pretend I'm in a 70's time warp thing." "Maybe you could stay at Brian's" "That's like rule number 8 in the Brian Kinney handbook - no almost boyfriends living with him" "He sure has a lot of rules." "You don't know the half of it." Justin sighs. "I haven't told you the other part of my "this is for your own good, it's not a punishment" thing." "There's more?" "You are talking to the new bus boy at the Liberty Diner. I have the pleasure of working both before and after school. The general consensus being that I had way too much time on my hands and it was time I did something to learn some humility." "That's mean, bus boys do all the shit stuff in restaurants." "Tell me about it." "Look at it this way Justin, Deb and Vic seem like real nice people and when the bitchy friend finds out where you're living it's going to piss him off big time. Irritating Mikey is sort of worth having to do this." "I never thought of the up side of this, thanks. I heard that Deb fainted at the diner the other night. Brian said it was because she's been working two shifts to help Vic pay off his medical bills." "Why doesn't Mikey help."? "I don't think he makes much money at the Big Q. Brian said he tried to get Michael to take some money to help Deb, but he wouldn't do it." "Maybe we could do something?" "Yeah, I'm gonna be paying board, and that should help, but I think I'll talk to Deb and Vic and see if we can come up with something else." Justin and Daphne spent the afternoon moving Justin's things into Debbie and Vic's house. Both of them were sitting at the kitchen table with Vic eating cookies and drinking milk. "How long have you known Brian?" "Somewhere around sixteen years, why Justin?" "Has he always had these weird rules that he keeps reminding me of?" "You have to understand, Brian's rules started slowly, as a means of surviving. If he didn't have rules and build walls around his feelings he never would have made it through childhood and then young adult hood. Finally they became a way of life for him, second nature. Look, guys, I can't talk about Brian, these are things you really should ask him." "But he won't talk to me about his past. I only get the odd little dribble." "Justin, you're twelve years younger than he is, you think he's the best thing that's ever happened to you. But you haven't lived long enough or experienced enough to really know one hundred percent what's right for you. Brian knows this, he knows that as you grow older you're going to move on and he doesn't want to get hurt. So try to enjoy what you can with Brian, if you break down all his walls and then hurt him, well Justin, that would be cruel." "I don't want to hurt Brian, Vic. I don't want to hurt anyone. But I really like him and he's different when we're together and no one else is around. I think I'm good for him, I make him see things differently, feel things differently than what he's used to." "Why don't you just take things slow in the love department and concentrate on getting to know Brian and letting him get to know you. I'm not saying not to have sex that's part of being a man, especially a gay man. Don't think of sex like Brian does as a means of relieving stress and tension, but rather think of it as fun, as entertainment, as a means of giving pleasure to someone you like as a person. Even Brian Kinney, will eventually figure out that sex with you is a lot more enjoyable than some anonymous blow job or fuck in the backroom of Babylon." "So you're saying let nature take it's course, get to know one another as friends and use sex as a friendly fun thing to do and true love will happen or it won't, but we'll still be friends." "You've got it Sunshine. And who knows, having Brian interacting with you and Daphne and your family just might let him lower his walls in a natural way and learn that life often brings hurts and disappointments along with the love and happiness. And that's what makes life so interesting." "Thanks Vic, I'm really glad we've talked. It's sort of what Mom and Dad told me but hearing it from you makes it real. Now, Daphne and I have a little proposition for you, I want you to know that this is something we really want to do, we can afford it, it will make us feel good, and it will give you a chance to help out Deb. What we're about to propose is between you and I and Daphne, no one else is ever to know." The next day at the diner, Justin was beginning his first shift. He had never done any kind of physical work and he quickly found out bussing at a busy restaurant was demanding work. He was about to have his break when Brian, Michael, Ted and Emmett walked in and took their favorite booth. Brian was the only one to see him and he flashed him his famous smile. Seeing Michael sitting in the end seat, Justin couldn't resist bugging him. Coming up behind Michael he leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Hi Mikey, you're looking specially lovely this fine morning." Justin cooed. "What the fuck are you doing here?" Michael was brushing his cheek and looking wildly around. "I wanted to see you as much as possible, so I asked your Mom for a job." "That's enough Justin, remember what I told you about being a brat, it's not becoming." Justin stuck his tongue out at Brian. "I'm just a kid, I like to tease the big boys." As Justin turned to go into the back, Brian gave him a swat on the ass. "If you're a good little boy, I'll give you a ride to school when I'm done breakfast." "Can I listen to my music?" "No" "I let you listen to yours when we went on our date." "What did I tell you Sonny Boy?" Justin leaned over and kissed Brian quickly, flicking his tongue between Brian's lips. "I'll be good, I'll be a very very very good bunny." Emmett had been mesmerized with the play between Brian and Justin. "Brian, sweetie, what's that all about? You and Justin seem to know each other real well." "Yeah, Brian, what's with all the buddy buddy stuff with the Boy Wonder?" Michael demanded. "Don't worry about it boys. But you can expect to see Justin around more than usual, he's gaining some life experiences." That said, Brian began reading the morning paper and ignoring the questions the others posed. Later that day at the Ryder Agency, Brian was packing together some of his things. He was barely holding his temper in. That little asshole Kip Thomas had the nerve to sue for sexual harassment. Now that fucking Marty, was sending Brian home like some bad schoolboy. Reason number one why you shouldn't fuck someone you know and twice. Two fucking rules broken and look where it gets him. Kip Thomas should consider himself damn lucky he'd been fucked by Brian Kinney. To make this day extra special he was going to have to get Mel involved if he wanted to keep his job. Michael, Emmett and Ted weren't all that sympathetic the next night at Woodies. Ted in fact was cutting in his remarks. Both Emmett and Michael, understood immediately that he had hardly needed to fuck that little asshole, it had just been a minor diversion that had gone badly. He knew better why in hell did he do it? It wasn't the first time that Brian regretted letting his dick get the better of him, not that he'd ever admit it. "Let's go to Babylon boys and see what we can pick up." Brian was in the mellow stage of beer drinking even after listening to Ted for the past hour. "I can't Ma wants me to stop over at the house, says she has some good news. Vic made some kind of fancy dessert. Why don't you guys come too, then I won't have to take the leftovers home" After a few minutes of arguing about eating sweets after seven pm. They all agreed to go over to Debs and then go to Babylon. They walked in the door and something seemed not quite right. Brian knew what it was immediately, but figured he hadn't had much to keep him amused lately, so he'd just sit back and watch the fun. "Deb, I love what you've done with this room. No more wallpaper, this deep coral shade always gives a girl a healthy glow, don't you think." Emmett as usual couldn't keep his mouth shut. "Isn't that one of Justin's paintings? Where's the old black velvet one? I'm going to miss him" Michael had been turning in circles, looking at the newly painted walls, the open concept of Debbie's home had been updated with several shades of coral on the walls and the butter yellow walls in the kitchen and up the stairwell added to the artistic drama. "Ma what did you do? Where's my picture? Michael wailed gesturing towards the new painting that replaced the old one done on velvet. "You, both of you, what have you done." Michael looked menacingly towards the duo coming down the stairs. "Twining again today are you?" Brian said calmly Daphne and Justin were once again dressed alike, the two of them wearing white painter's overalls, sparkly white t-shirts and sporting white painter's hat's tilted at a jaunty angle. They both had their fair share of coral and yellow paint splashes on their faces and clothes. "Now that I'm the boy of the house, Deb said I could help decorate it. Wait till you see my room Brian. Think Arabian Nights, think Harem, think hot steamy sex in the dessert, think---" "Shut the fuck up" Michael yelled. "Ma, Vic what's going on? What's he doing here? What room?" "Take a pill Mikey, it was just some room with crappy motorcycle wallpaper and shit on it. Once I threw out the old comic books and got rid of the paper, it's actually a nice looking room." Michael pushed past Justin and Daphne and raced up the stairs. "What did I tell you about teasing Mikey, Sunshine? Brian had seen the neatly boxed and labeled comic books and other things that had been in Michael's room. "Don't be mean to Mikey, he can't help it if he's a little ----" Justin was reciting "Sunshine---" Brian said warningly "But Brian, it's so much fun and it works every single time - first he turns that terrific shade of purple and then he yells" "I don't take little boys who tease others with me to Babylon" Daphne and Justin ran over to Brian and threw their arms around him. "Please, Brian please we'll be a good little boy and girl." Both of them were grinning ear to ear. "You Sonny Boy, maybe, but you Miss, not a chance." Brian was still pissed at Daphne's last unexpected visit to Babylon. "I said I was sorry Brian" and then the two of them blew it when they both yelled "One two three - Rule number four - Sorry is bullshit" and they collapsed in a heap on the floor giggling. Brian, Ted and Emmett all had to struggle to keep a straight face at the antics of the two young friends. " I don't think they have the proper respect for their elders that they should have" Ted said to Emmett "Apparently not" replied Emmett. Michael walked slowly down the stairs, he was devastated all his comics and toys gone. Years of saving and building his collection. He was so upset he couldn't speak. He looked over at Brian for comfort. Brian just looked at him shaking his head and indicated the neatly packed and stacked boxes. "Justin, was just teasing you. Think younger brother Mikey." "Justin, what do you say to Mikey?" "Sucks to be you Mikey, but your room is now my room, your Mom is my sort of Mom and your Uncle Vic is my new Uncle Vic. I'm the new and improved Mikey." "Justin" "OK, Brian. I am very sorry that I packed your books and shit up without telling you and then teased you." Justin recited mechanically, eyes raised to the heavens. Deb and Vic were watching all these antics in silence. Vic looked at Deb "remind you of anyone?" "Oh Vic, baby, they're us thirty five years ago." Both of them were smiling fondly at Justin and Michael. Pointedly ignoring Justin and Daphne, Michael stalked into the kitchen and sat at the table. "OK Ma, feed us and tell us why we are here. It better not have anything to do with them." Michael indicated Justin and Daphne. The rest of them walked over and took their places at the table, Justin giving Michael a poke as he walked past. Brian just shook his head and whispered to Justin, "Babylon is for big boys Sonny Boy, remember that." As Deb began putting plates of rum cake down in front of each of them she started. "I wanted all you boys and indicating Daphne, and girl, here because I know that you were all worried about me after last weeks little episode." She started to tear up. "Vic you tell them, I'm just so happy I could cry." And she sniffed into her tissue. "You all know that I lived in New York years ago, well, I made some good friends there and unfortunately one of them died, but fortunately, he left me enough money to pay off our debts and the mortgage on the house. Deb doesn't have to work so hard now and you boys don't have to worry about her any more." There was a flurry of questions and congratulations from all of them except Brian and Justin. Justin because this was hardly news and because he was busy running his hand up the back of Brian's shirt and tracing whispery patterns on his back. Brian because he was well aware that there is no such thing as luck or sudden good fortune looking down at Justin, he reached over and tilted Justin's head up until he was looking into his eyes. "Know anything about this Sonny Boy? He whispered" Justin, taking the path of least resistance that most teens use answered "Know anything about what?" and he blew a kiss up at Brian. Daphne took this opportunity, to walk behind Brian's chair and wrap her arms around his neck and whisper. "I am really really sorry Brian, but I was desperate." Brian melting, just a bit, replied "I know you are honey." And turned and smiled his special Kinney smile at her. Unfortunately for Brian the topic of conversation was now him and his work problem with Kip Thomas. Justin, hearing Brian's name was instantly alert. "We have to do something to help" he stated loudly. "Don't worry about it Sonny Boy, I'm handling it with Mel's help. It's bullshit anyway, I'll be back at work in no time." For all Brian's bravado, Justin tuned as he was to Brian's moods, knew that he was worried. His mind going a mile a minute looking for a solution to Brian's problem, Justin tuned out the rest of the visit with the friends. Brian and the boys left for Babylon, Justin and Daphne standing on Deb's porch waving at them as they drove down the street were just a little too innocent for his peace of mind. It didn't take long for Brian to lose himself in the hedonistic Babylon pulse. He never noticed that Mouse and George were always following, keeping their distance but making sure that he was OK. Justin had called Mouse, as soon as the Jeep had disappeared around the corner. Brian had been too quiet, and introverted that evening and Justin was concerned for him. Mouse and George agreed to make sure he made it to loft OK and then they were to call Justin. He had tried to stay awake, but working at the diner and then painting with Deb and Vic and Daphne had completely tired him out. When the phone rang finally at two thirty in the morning Justin had a hard time waking up. "Uh" "Justin, is that you?" Mouse's voice was distinctive enough that Justin instantly was alert. "Brian OK?" Justin asked. "He was pretty drunk, but he made it home. You want George and me to stay here? We're parked outside the loft." "You guys go home, I'll meet you in the morning in front of St. James. We'll discuss the plan then. And Mouse, thanks for tonight and thank George for me." A few minutes later, Justin, dressed in cat burglar basic black, including a black watch cap, snuck out of the house and around the corner where he'd hidden Daphne's car. The no car rule that Brian had made his parents agree too was a pain in the ass but luckily Daphne was such a good friend. Arriving at the loft, Justin checked the windows for light - not even the glow of the blue neon was showing. Mentally thanking his grandfather for passing on his lock picking skills, Justin was by the sliding door in no time. He couldn't hear any sounds from the loft and Mouse had assured him that Brian had come home alone so holding his breath Justin quickly unlocked the door and entered keying in the alarm code immediately. He took a chance and only pulled the door almost closed, he reasoned that at that time of the night it was unlikely that Brian would be having company other than Justin of course. Justin knew it was dumb, but he needed to see for himself that this independent stubborn man was alright. He took off his shoes and padded across the hardwood in silent stocking feet. The sight of Brian, spread out on the big bed naked gave Justin a warm feeling inside and he had to smile, this stoic man looked so much like Gus did when asleep, innocent - and he wasn't sure Brian had ever been innocent - and soft. Well parts of him were soft. Brian started to toss and turn and Justin realized he was dreaming, he thought he heard his name, Brian was smiling to himself. Watching Brian's cock stand at attention, Justin couldn't resist, he pulled off his cat burglar outfit. Brian, was just drunk enough and asleep enough that Justin throwing caution to the winds crawled onto the bed and with all the pent up passion, that only a teenage boy can have after spending days dreaming of his lover began to kiss Brian, devouring his lips, holding his head in place with his hands threaded through the Brian's hair, kissing and licking down his neck to his nipples. Brian's breathing was harsh and erratic and the groans of ecstasy louder than Brian usually allowed himself. Suddenly Justin realized that Brian was still sleeping, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Grabbing a condom and lube from under the pillow - Brian must have been a Boy Scout - passed through Justin's mind - and continuing his rough, but sensual kisses, Justin slipped on the condom, and applied lube to both him and Brian. Brian's dream was obviously heating up his ass was wriggling from Justin's ministrations and he had begun a mantra of "fuck me - fuck me - Justin - please ------ Justin was mentally going through the checklist of how to top your much taller than you lover that he had spent hours fantasizing about --- at the same time trying to keep a desperate to be fucked Brian from bucking him off onto the floor --- mentally closed his eyes and began his first experience at rough and ready sex as a top. Figuring with Brian sleeping, sort of fuck sleeping, much like sleep walking, that he didn't have to be too fancy. Maybe next time he'd work on his smooth moves that he'd been planning for ages. It was over in minutes, Brian's orgasm that began as soon as Justin hit his prostrate milked Justin's cock at the same time. Brian collapsed after cumming and right away slipped into a deep and peaceful sleep. Justin was somewhat in the predicament of having to withdraw from Brian and try to clean the both of them up without waking him up. He was pretty sure that Brian would not be a happy camper once he figured out what had gone on. The resilience of youth on his side, Justin tidied up as best he could, having only the street light shining in the window for illumination. Brian had thrown the duvet to the bottom of the bed when he'd got home so Justin gently tucked him in and planted a kiss on his forehead. It was hard to resist crawling in with him when he saw the contented smile on Brian's sleeping face. Dressing and leaving as quickly as he came, carefully resetting the alarm and relocking the door, Justin beat a hasty retreat. None the worse for wear after the nights activities, Justin was in the diner cheerfully working when Brian and the boys came in for breakfast. He all but skipped over to Brian's table. "Good morning gentlemen" and he looked at all of them, "A tip from me to all of you, smoking and drinking and not enough sleep will age your skin to the point when a good plastic surgeon's fees will have to part of your savings plan well before you guys are forty." He leaned over and gave Brian a kiss and at the same time pretended to rub wrinkles away from his eyes. "Fuck off Boy Wonder" "Considering you're almost thirty, you really should try and expand your vocabulary Mikey. I can recommend a couple of books that might help, of course they don't have pictures but I'm sure Ted or Emmett will help with the big words." And he patted Michael on the cheek. "Justin, do I have to repeat myself" warned Brian. "Why are you so damn chipper this morning?" "Unlike all of you, I slept the sleep of youth and innocence dreaming of my true love and our future together. How did you sleep, did you have sweet dreams, if you did they wouldn't be innocent?" Justin smiled at Brian, all but purring. "I don't remember" but Brian did remember, it wasn't a dream that he would be telling Justin that's for sure. The Brat had enough ideas without giving him more. He'd never had a dream so real that his lips felt bruised not to mention how his ass felt. No never going to tell about this one. "I just bet you don't remember" Justin thought. "Brian, would you give me ride to school after your breakfast? I'll be good" he flashed Michael a smirk. "I'm just having coffee, toast and Tylenol this morning, but I suppose I could give you a ride. Just keep your hands off my god damn radio." Later as they were driving to St James Academy Brian was mentally counting down how long it would be before Justin could stand it and would start to talk. He glanced over at Justin just as his mouth started to open. He quickly checked his watch and added another win to his mental score card. "Brian, if you'd let me come over once in a while we could have some friendly sex and it would save you the time and trouble of having to trick." "It doesn't take much time and it's no trouble." "We could get to know one another, sex partners learn from each other every time they're together, thus increasing the pleasure they can give each other" "What is this Sex Ed 101?" "Common sense, Brian, you have heard the term haven't you?" "It's just fucking Justin, nothing more." "But it could be" "I --- but Justin interrupted "Don't say it, I already know it, I'm writing a manual. Is "I don't do relationships " part A or part B of rule number eleven. Part B of course being "I don't do boyfriends."? Silence reigned for the rest of the drive to school. Brian blamed his hangover for not being able to come up with a reply to Justin's smart-ass comment. Arriving at the school, Justin leaned over and gave Brian a quick kiss, patting his hand he said "It's OK Brian, I understand, we'll give it a bit more time." Flashing his smile, Justin got out of the Jeep leaving Brian to drive off wondering just exactly who won that verbal skirmish. Mouse and George arrived a few minutes after Brian had disappeared down the street. Daphne was close behind. The four of them went over their "Kip Thomas gets screwed plan" and agreed to meet later that evening to bring it to conclusion. Kip left the office at four thirty, he followed his usual routine of walking to the Starbuck's across from his apartment building. He bought a paper at the vendor outside and went in for his nightly double double. His eyes were drawn to the blonde young man, sitting forlornly at a table just outside the door. He looked so unhappy, a partially drunk coffee in front of him. Kip continued inside, noting sad boy's black leather pants molded to his young body and the soft drape of the sapphire blue silk shirt. As Kip left the store, a solitary tear began to spill over. That was it, Kip had to see if he was OK. "Excuse me, are you alright?" Kip let his hand fall on Justin's shoulder Justin, looked up, allowing more tears to spill over. "I'm Ok" and he gave a shudder. Kip pulled up a chair beside Justin and keeping his hand on Justin's arm "I can see you're not OK, nothing can be that bad. Tell me about it and maybe I can help." Justin looked around, as if someone was looking for him. "It's my two brothers and my sister. They just won't let me be me. I can't stand it, all I want is to know for sure, well I sort of know, but they say I can get over it." "What do you mean?" Justin whispering shyly and looking at Kip from lowered eyes "I think I'm gay. I wanted to go to Liberty Ave and find out for sure. You know let someone pick me up and maybe"--- he hesitated "maybe do it. Then I'd know for sure. But they always find me before I can meet someone." Another tear rolled down his cheek. Now Kip was looking over his shoulder, he couldn't see anyone looking like they were interested in what this kid was up to. "Look kid, I'm gay and you didn't have to go the Avenue. I live in that building across the street, I'm going to be busy later, but if you want to come to my place now, I suppose we could find out for sure if you're gay or not." Kip could hardly believe his luck, first a fuck you to Kinney and now some sweet cherry sex. "Wow, you'd do that for me mister? That is just totally awesome." Justin, brightening up, stood up and allowed Kip to lead him across the street to his apartment. Kip, was completely taken with this little twink in his black leather pants and shirt the color of his eyes. He never noticed Daphne, Mouse and George, all standing in the shadow of the building which was odd because the three of them were dressed in black leather pants and sapphire blue silk shirts a sort of united family look was what the group were going for. As Kip and Justin entered the apartment and Kip locked the door, Justin was able to slip the lock without attracting Kips attention. "Come on in kid, make yourself comfortable." Kip was taking off his clothes." "It's kind of embarrassing undressing right here" Justin allowed himself to blush, something he had perfected to win points with Brian, when he had been specially bratty. Being the alpha male, Kip strode over to Justin and quickly undid his pants, pushing them down over his bubble butt and began licking and kissing down Justin's belly towards his main goal. Justin was thankful that at seventeen he only had to have someone hint at sex and his cock would respond even a jerk like Kip. Luckily cocks can't think. Kip, naked and on his knees was about to show the kid the art of a blow job, when the apartment door crashed in and a short black girl, dressed in black leather and blue silk walked in the door immediately followed by two giants, one black and one white who stood on either side of her--- even Kip couldn't help but notice the similar clothing. Justin let out a yelp and burst into hysterical tears "Bob, Rob, Bobbi, how did you find me?" He threw himself in their general direction and Daphne wrapped her arms around him, glaring at Kip "Your dick is dripping on my pants, totally gross." She whispered in his ear. "What in hell is going on here Robbi? Demanded Mouse/Bob. "We can see what this pervert was doing to our baby brother" bellowed George/Rob "Sixteen years old, hey Bob, did that other guy get out of jail yet?" "Christ, kid, you're only sixteen? And who the fuck are these people?" Kip wasn't at his best on his knees and naked. "He'll be there for at least five more years, and you know what happens to child molesting perverts in jail don't you asshole" Daphne was indignant. "I'm his sister and these guys are our two big brothers." "There, there, it's OK baby brother." Mouse/Bob was patting Justin's shoulder, "What can we do to make it all better." Justin, tearfully, turned and looked at Kip. "If Kip does something for a friend of mine, will you guys be good and not hurt him or anything?" "How do we know he'll do it?" "We'll wait right here until he does and if it's alright with my two big brothers, could you check on him tomorrow and make sure that it sticks." "What am I supposed to do?" Kip was sullen but not stupid enough to take his eyes off the two giants. "I want you to call your lawyer and drop all charges pending against Brian Kinney." Keeping the giants in sight, Kip didn't even bother to argue, Kinney wasn't worth the hassle that this very odd family could cause. He made the call. "Remember, punk, we'll be watching you." The four of them prepared to leave. "I don't believe you guys are brothers and sister" Kip was getting back his bravado as the group was almost out the door. "What do you mean?" George's face was flushed and his red hair standing straight up. "Our mom can't even tell us apart and she sees us every day." The group drove to the diner, they all agreed that the evening had been successful and sustenance was required. Brian, Mikey, Emmett and Ted were in their regular booth having supper before hitting the clubs. "Justin, what have you and your little friends been up to?" Brian asked as the four of them walked past. "Oh, hi guys, I didn't notice you sitting there" Justin was doing the innocent kid thing. "Love the look boys and girl" cooed Emmett. "Mouse and I are double dating with Daphne and George. We just did a play and now it's time for something to eat." Justin and Daphne hugged their respective dates and said together "Our little love bugs are just soooooo cuddly." "Cut the crap Boy Wonder-what the fuck are you guys up to?" "Oh Brian, your bestest friend is always so sweet, just how do you stand it?" Justin patted Michael on the cheek. Michael started to get up but Mouse's hand on his shoulder changed his mind. "Justin, exactly what part of "don't tease Michael", don't you understand?" "You did get 1500 on your SAT's?" "Sorry, Brian." Justin tried to look contrite but the four of them silently mouthing "Sorry is bullshit" in unison kind of took the meaning away. "Hey Brian, are you going to Babylon tomorrow night? Deb said I could have a sleep over." "We'll see, I could be busy." "Yes, but would he be as much fun?" "I said, We'll see." "I have strawberry cream." "Fuck no, I can't even look at chocolate now let alone eat any. Don't kill strawberries too." Ted looked at Emmett and they both shrugged. The four unlikely family members spent the next hour feeding each other and acting silly, entertaining the diner patrons all except Brian and company who finally, couldn't stand it any longer and left shaking their heads. Brian, couldn't contain his curiosity and finally broke down and phoned Justin the next afternoon. "No, I don't know why Kip dropped the law suit." "It's a mystery. I'll be eighteen soon" "What do you want for your birthday Sonny Boy" "I don't celebrate birthdays, just accomplishments. You picking me up tonight?" "Sure, be ready by eight, we'll go somewhere and eat first. Try not to wear anything too weird." Justin was thinking as he hung up later. "Now I have an accomplishment to celebrate, Brian Kinney's taking me out on a date."