Not Just Another Love Story Author: Elsa Rose Plot bunny: Judy Chapter 2 AU – takes place after 202 “You’ve been here what, seven years?” Jim Ross sat back in his plush office chair and stared directly at Brian. “About that.” Brian replied, though he knew to the minute how long he’d been working in New York. Brian adjusted his pant leg and stared back at his boss. “We’re taking the company further that I ever thought possible. A good part of that reason is you and the hard work you’ve done.” “Thank you.” Brian was never one to waste words. He wondered what the fuck this guy wanted from him. “I have a proposition for you.” The man paused and looked at Brian. “I want to offer you a partnership here at what will be the home office.” Brian nodded. He had suspected as much, but truthfully, five years ago he would have been on top of the world, now, he just didn’t seem to give a fuck. “I’ll give you my answer tomorrow.” Brian’s voice was calm. “Perhaps I overestimated you. I was under the impression that this was something you’d been working for the past seven years.” “Seven years, two months, five days and six hours, but who’s counting.” Brian stood up. “The thing is Jim boy; I can call you Jim can’t I? The thing is I don’t really care about advertising any longer.” Brian all of a sudden felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “So I believe I’ll pass on your offer.” “Your days are numbered Mr. Kinney at this firm.” “Yes, yes they are. I’ll work my notice which I believe my contract says is one month. And then I’m out of here.” Brian turned to leave. “I’ll see you never work in advertising again. “ “Great, knock yourself out.” Brian laughed. Life was good again. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Charlie, Daphne and Justin were sitting at the dining room table in the California apartment. Charlie and Daphne kept giving each other heated glances and it was making Justin squirm, though he said nothing. They had been dancing around like this for most of the seven years that they had known each other. “Mom has agreed to go in on this project, but it’s really up to you guys. I want to do it, to make Ryder or in this case Kinnetic the best in the east. But I’ll need the both of you to help.” Justin looked back at them. “But if Marty Ryder has taken the company to this low point, what are the chances we can bail it out? I mean a new name isn’t going to mean much.” Charlie said. He looked down to study the financials from Ryder again. “I know it won’t be an easy ride. But when Brian worked there it was one of the best companies there was. Justin is as good if not better than Brian in advertising. Why not give it a try?” This was Daphne. Of course what she wasn’t saying, was come to the cold and dreary east coast away from the sun and fun, follow me. “Because it’s Pittsburgh?” Charlie answered. “Why can’t we do this out here?” “Duh, we are doing it out here.” Justin laughed. “I don’t know, I just have a feeling that it’s time to return to the Pitts and show them that they can’t beat Justin Taylor.” “Justin, you are rich and smart. I hardly think that the morons that you went to school with would think they had won in what ever game they were playing.” Charlie really didn’t want to leave California. “Charlie, I want to do this. I want to bring the company that Brian worked for so hard back to what it was and then some. It’ll be a whole new thing and I’m going to call it Kinnetic. I’ve already talked to mom about it and she and Molly said they would support me in any way they could. She’s even buying in as a silent partner for twenty percent of the company. Daphne is in for ten percent. I’m offering you ten percent as well, but it’s a one time offer.” Charlie looked from Daphne to Justin and back again. He didn’t want to lose the few chances to be with Daphne that he had. If she went in on Kinnetic with Justin and he moved to Pittsburgh, Charlie would never see her. “All right, I’m in for ten percent.” He held out his hand and they all shook on the deal. “Mom has set a few appointments for me with a real estate agent in the Pitts. Charlie, would you come with me while Daphne settles things here?” “I can do that.” Charlie was pleased that he’d been asked. “I want to look for a house as well.” Justin looked around his apartment. “I was hoping to find something larger than what I have here.” “Large enough for say some live in roomies?” Charlie asked. “No large enough for me to not run into anyone.” Justin laughed. “One of the houses I saw on the net had a two bedroom suite over the garage. It’s a fully contained apartment with no access from the house. If I buy the house, you’re welcome to it Charlie.” “What about me?” Daphne pretended to sulk. “You can stay with me.” Justin put his arm around her. “At least you’d be tidier than the hulk over there.” Justin nodded at Charlie. “Not to mention I wouldn’t need to have extra large beds and chairs.” “I can’t help it if I’m distinguished and tall.” Charlie preened. “You are giant sized, I know you can’t help it.” Daphne laughed. She jumped on Charlie’s lap and put her arms around his neck. “I love it when you let me sit on your lap. I feel like a little kid.” “Uh, Daph, I don’t think that’s the feeling Charlie is looking for.” Justin laughed. Charlie’s coffee colored skin flushed even darker. His arms tightened around Daphne holding her close. Justin watched him take a deep breath, breathing in the smell of the woman on his lap and he remembered when Brian used to do that with him. Brian hid it just as well as Charlie, but Justin had been on to his lover from the beginning. “You don’t mind do you Charlie?” Daphne asked as she snuggled in his protective arms. Charlie couldn’t speak; he could only shake his head no. Justin grinned at him though Daphne couldn’t see the grin. He got up and headed to the fridge. “I propose a toast” he rummaged for an opened bottle of wine.” “To the three musketeers and their new beginnings.” He said when they all had their glass of wine. “To Daphne and I for not killing Jus this past year.” Daphne and Charlie had worked for Justin and there had been some tense moments. “To me for not killing Daph and Chuck” Justin laughed. “To me for having to live with the two of you.” Daphne added. Soon the toast continued, becoming more and more elaborate as the bottle of wine emptied and another one began. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian lay on the sofa in his office. Something he’d never done before. And contemplated the triptych on the far wall. It was something he’d done two years before and while someone who knew him would be able to see familiar faces in the people that were depicted, others just thought it an interesting painting. “Brian” Cynthia tiptoed into his office. Even though the overhead light was off, there was enough other light to see her boss on the sofa. “Are you alright?” she asked. “Just peachy.” Brian said. He didn’t take his eyes off of the painting, preferring to look at the blond in the corner of it standing under a street lamp a thousand years ago. Or so it seemed. “Everyone is talking about you.” “So, what else is new?” Brian grinned to himself. This would feed the gossip mills for at least a few months or maybe even years. “Are you really leaving?” she asked. “I am” “Are you going to another company?” “Nope” “What are you going to do?” “Retire” “You’re too young to retire.” “There isn’t an age requirement Cynthia, just a money one.” He laughed “I made the cut.” “Are you staying in New York?” “I don’t think so. Gus is getting older now. He’s almost eight. I think it’s time he had a steady male influence in his life.” “He has Michael.” Brian snorted. “So you’re going back to Pittsburgh?” “I do believe I am.” “Are you going to stay in advertising, because I don’t think the boss is too happy with you leaving?” “No more advertising for me. I’m retired.” He looked over at her. “If it’s any consolation for you, I figure I’ll double my money that I paid for my condo. Add that to what I’ve put away in one form or another, and I really don’t have to worry about working.” “I do though; I’m going to miss you.” Cynthia sat in Brian’s office chair and twirled around. “I can give you a reference for my job.” Brian offered. “You do most of it anyway.” “Thanks Brian, but it wouldn’t be the same without you.” She looked at him. “Whatever you decide, maybe you could use an assistant.” “I told you I’m retired.” “Well, give me a call when you un retire. The way I look at it it’s only a matter of time.” “Bitch” Brian grinned “You say the nicest things boss.” She twirled in the chair again before getting up and leaving him to his contemplation. She knew what corner of the painting that he was looking at. It’s a wonder he hadn’t worn the paint of. Brian lay there for another ten minutes. He had a few things he needed to do to clear up his office files, but nothing pressing. Finally he got up and headed to his desk. He needed to find a place to live. It was time to check the real estate listings. He discovered a lot had happened to Pittsburgh in the last couple of years. Prices had remained stable; perhaps even less than when he left. But there were some interesting new developments and some very interesting new loft buildings. Though he had rather thought of himself as a homeowner complete with grass to mow and garbage to put out. Brian was about to give up; he was at the top of his price range when he scrolled into a building that was for sale. It had been a former bathhouse, one he vaguely remembered taking Justin too. He snickered to himself remembering Justin’s disgust at what was happening. The building was four stories. He could occupy the entire top floor, maybe open up the rooftop to allow for more light. It would be great for a studio. The third floor could be made into two large or four smaller apartments, the same with the second floor. Brian wondered if he would be able to stand being a landlord. Hell wasn’t that what management companies were for?” Three quarters of the ground floor could be rented out as office space with the other quarter kept as a private gym. He would even see if the pool could be resurrected. Gus might like that idea. If the building proved stable enough, he could make a decent roof top patio garden. The rents from the three floors would provide him with a decent income and he could paint forever even if he never sold one. For that’s what Brian had decided to do. He decided to paint. Art had always been his secret passion as he grew up. But he’d put it to the back of his mind. Money and earning it had been his first priority. But now, at the age of thirty-seven, he needed to focus on himself for a change and do what pleased him. Calling his lawyer at this time of day didn’t bother Brian in the least. “Al, glad you were in. I’m emailing you a real estate listing in Pittsburgh. I’d like to buy the building outright. Use the name Jai Gee Inc. on anything that has to show who the owner is.” “Breathe, Brian, breathe.” His friend Al said. “I always use Jai Gee Inc.” “I know, but just in case you have a memory lapse.” Brian laughed. “I don’t want anyone in the Pitts to know who owns the building.” “I’ll continue to use the address here. I’ll let you know when you have possession of the place.” He paused. “You mind telling me what you’re going to do with an old bath house?” Al had received the address and was now viewing the pictures on the net. “I’m an older queer, what do you think?” Brian said and laughed. “I’ll be by to sign any papers you need. Oh and Al, list my place here in New York. I’m heading back to the Pitts. I’ll fill you in on what’s up when I come into your office. “ Brian relented, he didn’t really want to be mysterious to his friend. “So you’re going to retire are you?” Al laughed. “I give you three months before you start working at something. You’re a workaholic Brian.” “Of course I’ll be working” Brian huffed. “I’m going to renovate that building. It’s already zoned for multi family development as well as commercial. I think Liberty Avenue could use a top end apartment building with commercial space on the bottom floor.” “Brian Kinney with a hammer in his hand, I’d pay good money to see that.” Al all but giggled. “You know Brian that work clothes aren’t generally made by Armani?” “Fuck you Al” Brian said with a laugh as he hung up. Finally he had something to interest him. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “What do you mean the building was sold?” Justin demanded from Charlie. “I told you to put in an offer on it three weeks ago.” “Sorry Jus, but I forgot. I figured no one else would buy it. It’s been on the market for five years. How was I to know it would be bought last week?” Justin sighed deeply and mentally counted to ten. His mother hadn’t wanted him to buy the damn building anyway, but it was the principal of the thing. “The new owner, maybe I can talk to him.” “It was bought by Jai Gee Inc. a company whose head office is in New York.” Charlie said reading from a computer printout. “I called the number at the listed address and it was a law firm. They wouldn’t give me any answers other than the building was being renovated and three quarters of the bottom floor was available for lease. The new owner would renovate to suite the tenant if the tenant would sign a five-year lease. The space available is more than the ten thousand square feet that we need.” “What about the other quarter of the ground floor?” “It’s being made into a private gym complete with pool for the use of the tenants in the building.” Charlie looked at the computerized layout that he’d received. He passed the paper to Justin. Justin looked over the papers he was given. “It looks like this company is planning on making luxury apartments out of the other three floors.” “Two floors actually, the owner of Jai Gee Inc. is keeping the top floor for himself. The guy I talked to at the lawyer’s office said that he’s even putting in a roof garden.” Charlie looked at Justin. “The guys place is going to be enormous, what in hell does he need with all that room?” “Maybe he likes his privacy. Maybe he’s got a dozen kids and needs the room. How the fuck do I know what he wants with the entire top floor.” Justin was getting pissed again. He had really wanted to buy this building no matter what his mother said. “I’m going to have my lawyer arrange for a five year lease on the ground floor. I’ll draw up what I want the layout to be and find an architect that I like.” “Jus, since there are going to be apartments in the building. I was thinking that maybe we could get one of them.” “No thanks, I’m buying a house, but you and Daphne are welcome to grab one of the units, maybe the guy who owns the building will let you have some input into what they’ll look like.” “Jus, I was kind of thinking that maybe Daphne and I, maybe we could share an apartment.” “Whatever Charlie, you’ll have to talk to Daphne about that but she’s a big girl, she might want to live on her own.” “Jus, I meant as a couple.” “Oh” Justin looked at Charlie and then thought of all the times Daphne and Charlie had been together. They were friends, but did Daphne think of him as a kid or as a possible partner? “Well kid, good luck with that. But I don’t want it to affect your working relationship with her. Daphne’s coming aboard as my right hand man. Don’t fuck that up.” “I’m not seventeen anymore Jus. I know what I want.” “I’ve heard this before Charlie. I’ve seen you in the throws of love more times than I can count. How do you know what you are feeling for Daphne is any more real than all those other times?” Justin shook his head. He’d never felt anything for anyone he’d been with the same way he’d felt for Brian. But Charlie, Charlie just couldn’t seem to settle on anyone. “Maybe I should just go with you to the house. Daphne is coming too isn’t she?” “I don’t think so Charlie. Daphne needs her own space. You’ll never win her over if you try and cramp her style.” Justin knew his friend well in that regard. He’d have to talk to her about Charlie. He didn’t want to see either one of them hurt. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian couldn’t stop grinning when he received the papers from his lawyer. He’d already had an offer for the first floor lease and by Justin no less. It seems his old lover was going to move back to the Pitts and open some kind of business. How about that. He read over the papers. Justin wanted first right of purchase should the building be offered for sale. Well that he could do. He wanted a five-year lease with an addition five years at the same rent. Brian laughed, sure, why not. Brian signed the papers and put them all back in the envelope to go back to his lawyer. He made sure that his signature was enough of a scrawl that it wouldn’t be easily recognized by Justin, though he wasn’t sure if the blond had ever actually seen his signature. Brian didn’t want to take a chance though. “Hey Daphne” Brian said when his young friend answered. “How are you liking sunny California? Met any surfer studs yet?” “Hey Brian, I love the sun, but sadly I do believe I’ll be moving back closer to you.” “That’s nothing to be sad about. We made a striking couple when you took me out.” “Asshole” she laughed. “I didn’t mean back to New York.” “Good, because truthfully, I don’t think I’m going to be here long. I put the loft up for sale yesterday.” “No shit.” “Yes I’m going to retire.” “What and sit on the beach at Palm Springs?” “I’m not that old.” “Actually, that’s good Brian. I worried about you. You worked such killer hours and I haven’t been there the last year or so to take care of you. You never told me how your last check up went. It was okay wasn’t it?” “Yes mother.” Brian laughed. “I’m fit as a fiddle. I even had a tattoo done over the scar. Now I look extra butch.” “Wow take a picture of it. I want to see it.” “You still want into my pants don’t you? I told you Daphne, you aren’t my type. But just for you, I froze some of my sperm before the surgery, so if you ever need your biological clock stopped, come and see me.” “I know you did, I was there you jerk.” Daphne laughed. “I thought Linds had dibs on all your little wigglers.” “I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy.” Brian laughed. “So Daphne, where are you moving and why?” “I was getting to that. Justin and Charlie want to start up their own advertising firm. They bought out Ryder and will attempt to resurrect what he didn’t fuck up. Justin has some kind of new office space in mind. He said he wanted it for sentimental reasons but he wouldn’t say why. I’m going to work with the two of them.” “Justin is still on this advertising kick?” Brian shook his head. “I thought you were trying to steer him away from that. I though you didn’t want him to turn out as big an asshole as me.” “Apparently he already is. You must have infected him with the virus years ago and it lay dormant.” She chuckled. “He could kick your ass in the advertising game.” “Good thing I retired when I did.” Brian smirked and Daphne could hear the smirk through the phone line. “So are you going to paint?” Daphne asked. She was one of the few who knew of Brian’s talent and his hobby. “Yes, my dear, I do believe I will. I’ll paint big eyed cats and little children.” “Yeah, right, big dicks maybe.” She grinned to herself. “Hey maybe I can meet some of your models. I like them straight though.” “I don’t do straight sweetness. But you’re welcome to meet my models. I called to let you know that I’m going to be hard to reach for awhile. I have some things to do that will take me away from a land line but you can always reach me on my cell.” “Will you stop off in Pittsburgh long enough to say high?” she asked. “I just might do that sweetness. Later.” Brian hung up. He sat for a few minutes staring into the distance wondering if there was any chance that Justin still had even a small amount of feeling left toward him. Or if he just downright hated him after slamming the loft door in his face all those years ago. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “It’s looking good.” Justin observed. He’d walked into the construction zone of what was going to be the new offices of Kinnetic. “Have you talked to the our absentee landlord at all yet?” He asked Charlie. “No, he has an assistant who tells me yes or no to any questions. But I do know that there’s been a lot of construction work going on upstairs. I see the guys who are working there coming off shift when I’m heading over to the diner for breakfast.” “They work during the night?” Justin asked. “Is this guy a vampire or something?” “I asked the foreman yesterday and he said that it was part of the contract. They work from eight in the evening until eight in the morning. Twelve hour shifts. They even have the material delivered during those hours.” “I suppose it doesn’t really matter. It’s not like the noise is going to bother us at night.” “That’s what I figured. Maybe the guy is just being nice. I mean we’re almost finished here. We’ll be moved in at the end of next month. It would be a pain in the ass if we had to listen to construction going on all day.” Charlie looked over the job site, please with the work that had been done so far. “Mom said that you had found a place. You know you might have mentioned it.” “Charlie, I don’t know myself if I’ll take the house. Why in hell would I mention it?” “Well after that last house you found that turned out to be such a flea trap, I would have thought that you could use some advice.” “As if you know any more about houses that I do.” Justin laughed. “Just because you’re straight doesn’t mean you come with a set of carpenter tools and a level.” Charlie tried to look insulted, but only succeeded in looking silly. “I found that crack in the foundation of the last place Jus, not you.” “Would you two stop fighting.” Daphne bounced in the door. She gave Justin a quick hug and then Charlie was treated to a longer one. “I finished the interviews at Ryder.” She handed Justin a folder. “I’ve made my recommendations. Everything is in here.” “Thanks Daphne, I appreciate it.” Justin smiled at her. “I think I might have found a house.” “Again” she rolled her eyes remembering the last one. “I was kind of getting used to living with my parents again. NOT” she giggled. “Well you don’t have to sleep on their lumpy sofa in the basement.” Charlie grumbled. “I still don’t see why I can’t have the guest room.” “That’s because it’s next to my room you bonehead. They think we have something going between us and want me to keep my distance from your wandering during the nighttime. They have to keep their baby girl’s virginity.” Justin snorted. “I don’t suppose you ever told Charlie how you lost yours?” he enquired. “No,” Daphne blushed. “I detect a story.” Charlie sat down on a sawhorse. “Come and sit on daddy’s knee little girl and tell him a story.” He patted his leg. Daphne skipped over and sat on Charlie’s lap. “It happened this way daddy. This boy next door insisted that I be his first girl.” “Tell the truth Daphne or your nose will grow.” Justin said with a laugh. Charlie looked from Daphne to Justin and back again. “You guys are kidding right? I mean Jus is like uber gay.” “I am not.” Justin made a muscle. “I’m a manly man.” “Riiiiight.” Charlie snickered. “Anyway, Jus and I did the deed.” Daphne smiled remembering. “It was kind of weird. And then we were kind of weird for a while. But …. .” her voice trailed off as she remembered why they got back together. It had been the prom.” She looked at Justin. “Sorry Jus, I didn’t mean…” “Daphne, don’t worry about it. I’ve paid lots of hard earned dollars to my shrink just so I could think of the Prom without freaking.” “Yeah, mom told me what happened.” Charlie’s voice was serious. “I’m sorry you had such a sucky time Jus.” “I didn’t, I had the best time in the world.” Justin shut his eyes for a moment as he relived the instant he’d seen Brian striding across the ballroom floor in his direction. He felt that surge of joy and elation he’d felt knowing that Brian really did love him enough to come to his prom. For that was the best part of all of his years of therapy, the gift of remembering the prom. There wasn’t enough money in the world to compensate for those memories. “But” “That was after, the prom was amazing.” Justin smiled. He could smell the heady scent of Brian’s cologne. He could taste cinnamon and cigarettes and feel the pressure of his lips when they kissed. But most of all he could remember the words Brian had whispered in his ear while they danced. He would always remember the trembling confession of love. “Not that I’m trying to change the subject Justin, but I have set up appointments with three new prospects for next week. So if you could find yourself somewhere more permanent to live then the Plaza that would be cool.” Daphne batted her eyelashes at him and blew a kiss. “Thanks Daphne. I look at the house again tomorrow with a house inspector. If it passes, then I’m putting an offer in right away. It’s smaller than I was thinking of but not bad. So you two, you’ll need to find your own living accommodations.” “Actually, we were going to talk to you about that.” Charlie began. “There’s a place we like but it won’t be available for six months. It’s just being built. Soooo, we were kind of hoping to bunk in with you until it’s ready.” “We as in the both of you?” Justin asked. Daphne giggled “You got it. If he’s housebroken, I’m keeping him.” “Are you getting married?” Justin looked at his two friends. “Not until you do, we’ll have a double wedding.” Daphne laughed and Charlie joined in. “Or until we live together and see if it works.” “Oooookkkkkaaaay” Justin shook his head. “I guess I’ll be having two roomies for a few months.” He laughed. “I’m never getting married by the way, so I guess that means neither will the two of you.” “I bet Brian still loves you.” Daphne dared to voice the thought that had been in her mind for years. “We had an agreement Daphne, we don’t discuss Brian ever.” Justin turned away angry that his friend had brought up Brian’s name. The memories that he shared with Brian had taken on sacred proportions over the years. They were his and not for sharing. “Brian is your old boyfriend isn’t he?” Charlie asked feeling brave now that Daphne had said the sacred name. “Brian and I were never boyfriends. He didn’t do boyfriends.” Justin’s voice was bitter. “Is that why you never date any one more than once?” Charlie asked. “Cause I always thought that was kind of weird.” “Since when did this become quiz Justin time?” Justin turned away from both of his friends. “I’m going to check out the house.” He left the two of them sitting there, not wanting to listen to his heart breaking any longer. Because that’s what happened each and every time he was reminded of that day in the hallway in front of Brian’s loft door. It was why he needed to live in a house, never in a loft. He needed the stability of land and trees and flowers. For a fleeting moment Justin let himself wonder if Brian was happy in New York and if he once in awhile thought of him. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Hey Brian.” Daphne was stretched on her bed at her parents. “How are things in New York?” “Just peachy” Brian answered, though he was on the top floor of the bathhouse building in Pittsburgh. “How are things with you?” “Good, Justin is looking at house. He won’t let Charlie see it until he buys it. Or me for that matter.” She laughed. “He thinks he has to do everything himself or it won’t be right.” “He has a point.” Brian grabbed a beer from the temporary fridge he had set up. “So Justin brought Charlie with him did he?” “Brian, they’re a team, they’ve been together since Charlie was sixteen. That’s a long time.” “I suppose, but I never took Sunshine for the kind of guy that liked chicken.” Daphne burst out laughing. “I guess you didn’t take a good look at the picture of Charlie and Justin I showed you. Charlie is taller than you and definitely more muscular. He’s been working out for years.” “Yeah, well juvie will do that for you.” Brian drawled. “Asshole, you know Charlie has never been in juvie.” “How would I know that?” Brian swallowed the last of the beer. “Because you and I have been friends since they met and I would have mentioned it?” Daphne drew the words out wondering what Brian was up to. He never seemed to mind when she talked about Justin. In fact there were times when she almost thought he led the conversation to her blond friend. “Sorry sweetness, teasing you.” Brian laughed. He knew when to retreat. “So are you and the boy advertising wonder all settled in yet?” “Justin has been working at Ryder for weeks. Charlie and I haven’t been here that long. He sure didn’t make himself very popular, Justin I mean. He slashed and burned to say the least, hardly any of Ryder’s old people are left.” “So they were fooled by his innocent sunshine smile and his boyish good looks.” Brian laughed imagining all the assholes at Ryder being knocked on their asses. “I almost wish I’d been there.” “If you’d been there, Ryder wouldn’t have been in such a mess.” Daphne chuckled. “You know you and Justin would make a terrific team in the advertising world.” “Yadda, yadda” Brian snorted. “I’m retired, I’m painting small animals and wild nudes.” “Bull shit, remember, I’ve seen your work.” Daphne reached over and grabbed a joint out of her purse. She listened to see if your parents had returned home. Not hearing anything, she lit up. “I know that sound sweetness, you’re smoking up and you didn’t invite me.” Brian tried to sound pouty. “I am too, and it’s part of your stash that I swiped the last time I was at your place.” Daphne giggled. “You’d better open the window in your room or you will be soooo busted.” “You’ll save me won’t you?” “I not into saving damsels “ Brian laughed. “Have you stopped in to see Gus since you returned to the Pitts?” “Sure I have. Lindsay thinks I’m a good influence.” Daphne took a drag. “If only she could see you now?” “Yeah, well, since I’m stuck here in my old room, there isn’t much chance of that. Why’d you go and sell the loft? It would have been cool staying there.” “I knew you wanted in that bed.” Daphne giggled. “Up yours.” “Now, now sweetness, you always get potty mouth when you smoke up.” Brian paused. “So why did you call?” “I just wanted you to know that Justin was buying a house. Maybe he’d be able to put you up in the guest room if you ever come to visit” “That’ll be the day.” Brian snorted. “I took Gus to the diner yesterday, Mikey and the gang said that they hadn’t heard from you in weeks and that you weren’t answering their calls.” “I’ve been busy.” “You answered when I called.” “Always will sweetness. You were there for me when I needed you. I told you I would return the favor.” “Brian Kinney admitting that he needed me.” Daphne teased. “I guess we all have to grow up eventually.” Brian sighed. “I’ve got to go sweetness, I have some delivery guys arriving with some marble for my new bathroom.” “Cool, you’re renovating. Invite me over when you’re done. I don’t mind a weekend in New York.” “I’ll do that.” Brian sighed. “Later.” He hung up the phone and sat back. The deliver guys should be there any moment. Brian thought of Justin and how he’d looked earlier today. He’d been about to step out of the stairwell to check the mail when he’d felt Justin nearby. It was like the old days. That familiar tingle deep inside when Justin was near. He stopped in time to see Justin walk into his offices that were being remodeled. The beauty of the younger man actually took his breath away for a moment. He’d forgotten the shine to his blond hair that felt like the finest silk. But he had never forgotten Justin’s smile that could blind an angel. He watched him smile at the man inside. It had to be Charlie. The taller man picked Justin up and swung him around. Both of them were laughing. Brian could honestly say that he could feel his heart damn near break. He’d thought he’d be able to take Justin and this Charlie. After all they had been together for seven years. It wasn’t as if Brian hadn’t had time to get used to it. Daphne had kept him informed of Charlie’s hold on Justin’s life over the years. Yet he could still hear Justin’s breathless profession of love that had been whispered in his ear the night of the prom. And he could hear his own voice whispering back that the love was returned. If only Justin had remembered. If only Hobbes hadn’t happened. He threw his empty bottle across the room sick of playing the ‘if only’ game again. A game he’d promised himself he wouldn’t play anymore. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Daphne and Charlie were sitting in the diner eating lunch. The place was busy as usual and Debbie hadn’t done anymore than say a quick hello, which was fine with Daphne. “Hey” Justin stood beside the table. He bent over and kissed Charlie and then Daphne on the cheek. “I finally found the house. I put a bid on it and it was accepted.” He slid in beside Charlie. “Hey boy wonder.” Justin looked up to see Michael standing beside the table. “Long time no see.” “Hey Michael.” Justin stood up and gave Michael a hug. “Why don’t you join us for lunch?” “I just finished lunch, but I’ll have a coffee with you guys.” Michael slid in beside Daphne. “Hey Daphne, long time no see.” “This is Charlie.” Justin nudged Charlie with his shoulder. “I was just telling Daphne and Charlie that I found a house.” “Cool, Mom told me you were back in town. She said you bought the company Brian used to work for.” “Ahh, the gay gossip mills at work.” Justin laughed. “Now you can add the part about the house.” “Daffy, Daffy.” Everyone looked over at the seven-year-old boy who had rushed to the table. “I didn’t know you were eating here today.” “Gus, my man.” Daphne said with a laugh. “Great to see you here. Where’s your moms?” “They walk really, really slow.” Gus said he looked at Justin and Charlie and then at Michael. “Hey Uncle Mikey.” He said. “Hey munchkin.” Mikey ruffled Gus’s hair. “This is Justin and his friend Charlie. Do you remember Justin? He used to baby-sit you.” Gus shook his head no. “Justin is daddy’s boyfriend that we aren’t supposed to talk about. Are you that Justin?” Gus asked. Before Justin could answer, Melanie and Lindsay came into the diner with their daughter. In the ensuing greetings with Justin, Gus’ question was forgotten by everyone except Justin. When Daphne and Charlie were walking back to their parked cars beside Justin, he turned and asked. “Why does Gus know you so well Daphne?” “I’m not allowed to talk about it.” She answered. Daphne had wondered how long it would take for Justin to ask. “I want to know.” “Well, you know I was going to school in New York.” She looked at her friend. Keeping this secret for seven years had almost killed her at times. Time and time again she’d almost told him everything. “Get on with it Daphne.” Justin’s voice was harsh. “Well Brian lived there and I lived there and we were both kind of lonely so one thing led to another and we kind of became friends. I used to go with him and Gus places.” “Like the little family you always wanted. “ his voice was bitter. He was jealous of the time Daphne had been able to spend with Brian, the man had loved. It should have been him with Brian. It should have been him with Gus going to the zoo. “Justin, I tried to tell you. I really did.” She sounded upset and Charlie wrapped his arm around her shoulder and glared at Justin. “Look Justin, you wouldn’t let anyone talk about Brian. I heard you time and time again when ever Daphne would say the name or ask you about the pictures you’re always painting of him. I know it was Brian. I’ve always known.” Justin looked at his two friends. His heart was aching from the loss as if it had been yesterday. He could hear Brian’s words over and over in his mind and he started to run. “JUSTIN” Daphne yelled. “What happened?” Michael asked. He’d just come out of the diner. He could see Justin running, his Versace suit glistening in the evening misty rain as he disappeared around a corner. “Justin just found out that Brian and I are friends.” Daphne turned and buried her face in Charlie’s chest. “Oh” was all Michael could think of to say. He knew how Justin must feel. He’d been in Justin’s place seven years before. “Brian and I, well we needed each other. We were both lonely and in New York.” “But Brian, he never said he was lonely.” Michael looked at Daphne. Daphne turned her head from Charlie’s chest and gave Michael a look that spoke volumes. “Hey Daphne, I understand how Justin feels. He kind of feels betrayed. He loved Brian, maybe he still does. When you love someone, you don’t think rationally.” He reached out and rubbed her shoulder. “Justin will be okay once he thinks about it.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Mr. Kinney?” Brian looked up from his painting at one of the carpenters. “Yes” “The alarm was tripped for the offices downstairs. I thought you should know.” “Did you call the police?” “No, I think it’s the blond guy who owns the company. But he seems pretty drunk.” He shrugged. “I didn’t get a look at him.” “Thanks for telling me. I’ll look after it.” Brian slowly and systematically cleaned his brushes and sealed off the studio section. He needed to keep the construction dust away from the painting he was doing. His mind was whirling with the thought that Justin was only three floors below him and drunk. Justin knew he shouldn’t drink to excess; it only aggravated his tendency to migraines. Daphne had told him that. He picked up a blanket and then walked down the stairs. The door to Kinnetic was ajar. Every time he saw the name Kinnetic it made him smile. Brian walked inside. He could hear Justin moaning in pain. The sound was coming from the back where Brian figured Justin’s office was. He quietly walked into the dark office. He could see Justin huddled on a sofa and definitely in the throws of a migraine. Not sure if he would find them, Brian walked to the desk and opened the top drawer. Justin had always kept his medication handy because he had so many allergies and sure enough the small bottle was there. Brian shook out two tablets. A half finished bottle of water was on the desk. He took the pills and the water over to where Justin was huddled in a mass of pain and tears. He reeked of alcohol and vomit. “Ah Sunshine.” Brian smoothed the blond hair back from Justin’s sweaty forehead. “Here take this.” He slipped the pills between Justin’s lips and offered him the water. “Can’t take drugs from strangers.” Justin slurred. “Brian said.” “Brian said these were okay.” He unfolded the blanket he’d brought and put it over Justin’s shoulders. “Do you know Brian?” Justin asked and he tried to peer into the dark shadows at the person helping him. “I know him.” Close your eyes and let the meds work. “Don’t go.” “I’ll sit here until you’re sleeping.” Brian agreed. Justin obediently shut his eyes and soon he was asleep. Brian sat and watched him until the light coming in through the windows told him that daylight was near. It was time for him to go back to his own piece of Pittsburgh.