Lost 9

David was just coming out of his room when Brian reached the top of the stairs. 

“You mother fucker.” Brian growled. He was on the man before David knew what had happened. Michael had been coming out of their room as well and immediately started yelling for help as he tried to pull his best friend and lover apart. 

“Brian!” Deb yelled as she reached the top of the stairs. “Stop it you asshole!” Brian continued to wail on the older man. David was surprised by the other man’s strength. He continued to look for an opportunity to land a good blow. Michael helped provide that when he managed to pulled Brian’s hand back away from David’s neck. 

David’s fist connected with Brian’s jaw sending him back but the long abused boy knew how to take one from an evil bully and was back on his feet and coming in again before anyone could stop him. 

“Brian.” Michael pleaded. “Your hurting him.” He whined. 

“What the fuck are you doing?” Emmett managed to pull Brian back keeping his body between Brian and David so that the good doctor couldn’t manage any more cheap shots. 

“You’re an animal!” Deb declared squatting down next to David using her cup towel to wipe the blood from his lip and cheek. His eye was already swelling. Brian spit the blood from his own mouth into a nearby plant, his glare searing David where he sat. 

“Why the fuck did you do that?” Michael asked wondering if this had something to do with some hidden jealousy Brian felt knowing that he was now with David. 

“Ask your husband.” Brian spat. “Tell him, I know you’re dying to, go ahead.” He challenged David. David looked away suddenly feeling very small and ashamed. He tried to reason what had possessed him to act so rash and foolishly. He glanced over and realized that his need to hurt Brian had more than likely cost him Michael. He pushed up from the floor and rolled his split lip into his mouth tasting copper. 

“What David?” Vic asked standing next to Brian his hand on the man’s shoulder clearly drawing his line of support. 

“Nothing. I said something.” He muttered. Brian narrowed his eyes then looked to Michael knowing he had a choice to make. Michael had to know but to reveal David’s treachery would mean exposing Justin. As angry and betrayed as Brian felt he knew he could never willingly expose Justin’s secret. 

“Well say you’re sorry.” Deb groused irritated that the fight had indeed been provoked by her son-in-law. 

“I’m sorry Brian.” David muttered humbly glancing nervously around the crowd of faces then extending his hand. Brian stared at it then laughed. 

“Fuck You.” Brian ground out. “I wouldn’t touch that with Ted’s dick.” He turned and headed back down the stairs leaving the rest of the family looking to David for answers. 

********************************

Justin left the office rubbing his ass from the shot. He would never understand why they had insisted this one be in the hip instead of the arm but now that he saw how sore he was, he was starting to be relieved. 

He glanced around the waiting area for Brian but realized quickly that he wasn’t there. 

“Mr. Taylor.” The receptionist called. He turned and headed back hoping Brian had left a message. “That will be 150.00 for the office call, lab work and shot.” Justin smirked then nodded bitterly as he threw the money he’d gotten from Michael’s slimy boyfriend onto the counter. The woman handed him his change and he headed out to find the SUV in the parking lot. 

He figured that was Brian’s way of telling him that if he continued to earn his living with his ass he’d have to pay for it as well. He started in the direction that they had parked that morning but pulled up short when he realized that the vehicle was gone. He quickly searched the rest of the small lot. Feeling hurt and hating himself for it, he realized Brian had left him. 

He had no fucking idea how to get back to the cabin, fifty bucks in his pocket and just to make things more fun it began to snow. He looked up the long road and decided he wasn’t really in any hurry. He headed toward a restaurant he and Brian had passed two days before when they’d headed into the main city square. 

Entering, he moved to the counter and sat on the only available stool. 

“What can I get you?” The waitress asked as she snapped her gum. 

“A job?” He asked. 

“Just happen to have one.” She replied. “Dishwasher called in sick. What do you say?” She offered. Justin slid off the stool and headed to the back where he was handed an apron, gloves and cap. He accepted them and started working his way through the huge stack of dishes. It felt good to work. He truly had tried to make it in New York working in a couple of diners. The money hadn’t been enough and dish washers don’t get tips. 

“So Sweetie.” Justin glanced over one of the cooks was sitting on a crate taking a break. “What brings you to this humble little hole?” He smiled. He was cute, early twenties, dark hair, dark eyes, and obviously gay. 

“Guy bought me.” He replied without blinking. “But I guess he decided I wasn’t what he wanted after all.” He stacked another dish on the pile. 

“Now why would he decide that.” The cook stood up and moved closer to Justin. He made a point of brushing against Justin’s ass as he moved to the other side of the sink. 

“Don’t get any ideas Cookie.” Justin teased. “You can’t afford me.” 

“Are you serious?” The cook wasn’t sure if the boy was or not. He was cute enough to be a professional but he seemed awfully young. 

“Totally. Unless you’ve got half a ‘G’, I suggest you go back to your pots and pans and your little right hand.” Justin kept working. Cookie thought about being insulted but honestly liked the guy too much to let his attitude bother him too much. There had to be a reason, besides it did seem that he was more jesting than jousting. 

“I’m Mark.” The cook extended his hand. Justin looked at it then sized up the man. 

“I’m Taylor.” He nodded at the hand his own still gloved and soapy. Mark smiled. 

“So any chance of getting some credit or financing, Soapy?” He asked making Justin smile in spite of his shit morning. 

“Sorry, cash only and in advance.” He stated firmly still resenting the way David had played him. 

“So where you staying?” Mark asked. 

“Get back to work.” A big fat hairy man moved out of an office at the far end of the kitchen area. Mark nodded in the direction of the human equivalent of sasquatch and Justin returned to his dishes. 

“So where are you staying?” Mark asked once more as he pulled two orders off the turnstile.

“Not sure.” Justin replied continuing with his task. 

“I have room in my bed.” Mark whispered as he returned to the griddle making sure to brush the other man’s ass with his hand as he past. 

“No thanks.” Justin replied wearily. Mark wasn’t sure what he had said but the blond never uttered another word.

***************************************

Brian rushed into the Clinic waiting room and wasn’t surprised to find that Justin wasn’t there. It had been a stupid vain hope but the only one Brian had. He walked to the receptionist and inquired after Justin but she informed him that Mr. Taylor had left right after settling his account. Brian raked his hand over his face groaning inwardly. In the process of storming out not only had he left Justin but he’d also stuck the blond with the bill he had agreed to pay. 

Brian thanked the disinterested woman and headed back to the parking lot. He surveyed the area. He’d half hoped he would have seen Justin on the road coming back to the clinic. The fact that he hadn’t made him surmise that Justin might still be in the area. He jumped back in the SUV and headed down into the main square where they had shopped two days before. 

Brian clenched and unclenched his right hand wondering if it was broken. He considered having the doctor look at it but knew he would never be able to sit still long enough until he was sure that Justin was safe. 

He’d gone through every store that he and Justin had hit shopping for Deb and Vic. The clerks remembered the blond man but none had seen him since. As one hour gave way to two Brian began to wonder if Justin had found a way back to the train station and then back to New York.

Feeling defeated, he pulled up in front of the diner on the main street and headed inside. The bell jangled over the door causing him to clench his jaw as a heavy set blond greeted him then informed him that it was seat yourself. 

Brian slowly walked to the counter and sat down. He wasn’t hungry, but he found himself staring at the menu anyway. 

“Find what you’re hungry for?” The waitress pulled up smacking her gum. Brian smirked. He wondered how liberal the town really was. 

“No, actually I didn’t. I’m looking for a man.” He paused. She leaned back slightly appraising him. “He’s young, handsome.” 

“Well hell aren’t we all?” The woman replied laughing. Brian had to laugh as well. Even though the gum smacking was irritating he found her likeable. 

“He’s blond, blue eyed, slender.” Brian persisted hoping perhaps to ring some bells.

“You just described our new dish washer.” She glanced over her shoulder through the order window. She could see the back of his head as he continued to work. “I don’t think he’s on the menu though.” She teased. Brian followed her gaze and felt his heart quicken as he realized it was Justin. 

Brian stood so that he could get a better look. He watched the man work. There was a huge pile of dishes already washed. He seemed to have a method. Brian realized then that the younger man had obviously done this before in New York. His hard work just hadn’t been enough to keep him off of the streets. 

“How long has he been here?” Brian asked.

“Since this morning. He’s real quiet, but he’s a hard worker. Pleasant guy, he’s just not very friendly.” Brian nodded. “So since you can’t have our dishwasher, how about...” 

“Some coffee.” Brian finished her statement for her. “What time will his shift end?” 

“Oh, I don’t know.” She glanced at the clock. “Next guy comes in for his shift in about an hour.” She filled his cup. Brian drank slowly sitting so that he could keep his eye on the familiar blond head. 

An hour later Justin left the diner with twenty-five dollars in his pocket and a job offer if he wanted to return the next day and continue where he’d left off. He felt the two bills in his pocket knowing they plus the fifty were no where near what he would need to get back to the city. 

“Hey.” Brian voice startled him. 

“What do you want? Forget something?” Justin asked harshly. 

“Yeah, you.” Brian replied softly. Justin sighed angrily then continued to walk down the alley.

“Justin!” Brian called after him. He hurried to catch up with the younger man. 

“Fuck off, Brian.” Justin pulled free of the man as Brian grabbed for his arm. 

“Stop for a minute.” Brian demanded. Justin pulled up short realizing Brian wasn’t going to go away until he said whatever the hell it was he wanted to say. 

“Fine, go ahead. Tell me I’m an ungrateful shit. Tell me I’m fucking pathetic, a whore whatever the fuck you need to then just go. I have to find a place to sleep.” Justin glared at the man. Brian was taken aback by Justin’s anger and resignation. 

“I just want to know what happened? I just want to know why?” Brian asked. Justin looked away then back at the man. 

“He was going to tell them. He was going to expose me and YOU. He fucking hates you. He would have turned them against you. You said that they already blamed you for my running away, what the hell would they have said if they’d known what really became of me? Not to mention the fact that I was protecting my own ass. You think I want their looks of condemnation and pity?” Justin swallowed the lump now in his throat as he thought of David and how he had been used. “It was whatever he wanted or else.” Justin’s eyes bore into Brian telling the man all he needed to know. 

“Justin..” Brian began.

“I can’t go back there.” Justin stated. 

“Neither can I.” Brian replied. Justin furrowed his brow. Brian shrugged. “I kicked his ass.” Justin laughed at that.

“What?” 

“I said I kicked his fucking ass. I suspected and he gave it away with one too many smug looks. So I just beat the shit out of him and then came looking for you.” Brian replied. He watched as Justin stared at him indifferently. “It was wrong for me to just take off like that. I just thought—“

“He’s a whore, he wanted some money, he fucked one of my friends.” Justin finished for him. Brian shook his head even though he knew there was some truth to it. 

“I’m just trying here Justin. I’m really trying to get it right this time and I felt...”

“Betrayed.” Justin replied softly. 

“Yeah.” Brian nodded. “I should have let you explain. I should have at least heard you out.” 

“He offered me a thousand dollars.” Justin looked up as Brian narrowed his eyes digesting the information. Justin pressed on. “I’m not making anything this week.” He reasoned. “Hamilton’s discount well, its my rent money. I have to make my rent or I’ll have to move back into one of his rooms. I can’t do that.” There was something desperate underlying the determined note in his voice. Brian nodded wondering when Justin was finally going to accept that that part of his life was over. 

“You don’t have to make rent money.” Brian stepped closer. “You’re done with all of that.” 

“Really?” Justin smirked bitterly. “What? Are you Richard Gere and I’m Julia Roberts? You pulling up in a limo and whisking me away?” He continued to stare angrily at Brian. 

“No.” Brian replied. “I’m better looking than Richard Gere and I’d never in a million years want to fuck Julia Roberts, too many teeth.” Brian teased causing Justin to laugh in spite of his anger. 

“You just have this nasty habit of throwing me away.” Justin finally replied his sorrow sobering the moment. Brian couldn’t deny the accusation. It was true. He had no defense, but perhaps admitting that would show the younger man how sincere he was about trying to make things work this time. 

“Help me.” Brian softly pleaded. Justin furrowed his brow warily sizing up Brian. “Help me.” He repeated. 

“What can I do to help you? I have nothing to offer.” Justin replied wearily. 

“Bullshit.” Brian replied pulling the man closer. “We both know better. You know where we were headed when I blew it before.” Justin eyebrows shot up as he considered what Brian was saying. Brian slowly lowered his head until his lips were mere inches from Justin’s lips. The blond was still searching the older man’s eyes, a mixture of fear and skepticism warring in his clear baby blues. 

Brian hesitated for a brief moment before drawing the man into a soft, tender kiss. When he pulled back he noticed that Justin was still watching him warily. Brian gave him a reassuring smile, his face open and expressive as he offered the younger man what few ever really saw. Justin seemed to sense the change in the man as he tentatively reached up pulling Brian’s mouth to his own once more. 

Brian felt the blonde’s lips play over his own. He was encouraged as he realized that this wasn’t the kiss of a heartless hustler but instead felt like the ones given long ago by a young inexperienced young man, who had nothing to give but his love. Brian deepened it slightly and was encouraged when Justin responded a soft moan coming from deep in the other man’s chest. 

When the pulled back there were tears in Justin’s eyes as he reached up cupping Brian’s jaw. His voice was soft but his need obvious. “Don’t hurt me Brian. Please,” His eyes conveying his fear and desperation. “Don’t hurt me again.” Brian rolled his lips into his mouth as he nodded. 

“Let’s go.” Brian offered. 

“Where?” Justin asked as he felt the man pull him into his side. 

“Back into the lion’s den.” Brian rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t think—“

“You’ve done nothing wrong.” Brian stopped bent and kissed him lightly on the lips. 

“They won’t see it that way.” Justin looked everywhere refusing to meet the other man’s gaze. 

“Justin, it’s over, the past, history.” He sensed the uncertainty in the other man and knew it would take a long time for the blond to truly trust that he wouldn’t wind up back on the streets. 

“What about Hamilton?” Justin asked his tone serious and his posture taking on a defensive stance. 

“What about him?” Brian shrugged.

“He owns me. He won’t let me go. I’ve got regulars. He’ll…” 

“He won’t do shit Justin. He’s a bully. Bullies always back down when you stand up to him.” Justin wasn’t sure about that but wanted to believe Brian’s words, just like he wanted to believe the kiss and the hand now resting on the small of his back. He considered Brian’s actions. He’d abandoned Justin at the clinic but then fought for his honor at the cabin. As long as he lived, Justin somehow believed he would never fully understand the enigma walking beside him. 

**********************************

“I made a mistake.” David’s voice was soft and apologetic as he held the bag of ice to his swollen eye. Michael was silent. “I was jealous.” The man lied realizing he had to play this one just right or he would lose Michael. 

“Jealous?” Michael asked his voice filled with disbelief. 

“Yes, jealous.” David confirmed. “You were out with Brian. You know how I feel about the way he treats you. He comes on to you…”

“That’s just Brian’s way.” Michael replied trying to reassure his lover. “He would never...” Michael faltered.

“Wouldn’t he?” David asked. “I think he would.” He knew it was what Michael wanted to hear and sometimes even though David felt fairly certain that Brian would never fuck Michael, he still had some lingering doubts. 

“So what happened?” Michael asked his dark eyes pleading for some reasonable answer to why David had slept with Justin. Just the thought of the spoiled little asshole filled Michael with rage. 

“I was here, in our room, he came to me. He played on my fears.” David looked up. “He’s smart like that. He seems to know how to play people, to use what he knows about them to get his way.” Michael narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw resenting the hell out of Brian’s one night trick that never left. 

“So what happened?” Michael forced his voice to be soft and compassionate for the hurting man. He knew David hadn’t meant to hurt him. David would never hurt anyone. 

“He came in, said what he wanted to say, then started seducing me.” David looked away as though the memory was too shameful to remember. “I tried to resist. I did.” He pleaded, “But he’s a professional.” 

“What do you mean?” Michael asked sounding confused. 

“He’s a hustler. That’s what he told me anyway.” Michael’s eyes went wide. 

“He lied to Brian, to all of us.” He announced. He couldn’t wait to tell Brian how wrong he’d been about Justin and how right Michael. had been all along.

“I fucked him.” David let emotion break his voice then buried his head in his hands. He felt Michael wrap an arm around him for support and knew he had succeeded. “Then he asked me for money. Said if I didn’t give it to him he’d tell you.” 

“That mother fucker!” Michael spat jumping to his feet. 

“He wanted a thousand, but I only had two hundred.” David paused. “ I gave it to him. I’m sorry Michael. I’m so fucking sorry.” He lowered his head once more and worked up the tears he needed to conclude the performance. 

“Well I’m not happy about this.” Michael replied softly. “But you aren’t the only man that little shit has conned. He seems to go after all the men in my life. What the fuck did I ever do to him?” Michael demanded. David seized the opportunity. 

“He hates you.” David looked up seeing a surprised expression on his lover’s face. “He blames you for Brian throwing him out.” 

“I went with him to look for that little piece for crap. I can’t fucking believe that son-of-a-bitch! I’m going to fucking kill him when I see him again.” He shouted. 

David had never seen Michael so incensed. He found it amusing and provocative. 

“He’s determined to get Brian back. He wants his money. He’ll say or do anything to get it. He’ll try to come between you and Brian. Brian will be forced to take his side.” David stated softly. “And I know how much that will hurt you.”

“Brian would never take that fuckers side over me. I’m his best friend.” Michael announced it was as though it were the mantra of his life. 

“Well I’m glad you know the truth now. At least Justin won’t be able to con you like he did me and like he is no doubt conning Brian right now.” Michael glanced down at his lover considering his words. 

“I have to find Brian. I have to warn him.” Michael began moving out of the room. David watched him go. As soon as the door was closed he leaned back, hands behind his head, enjoying his position. He laughed softly then whispered. 

“Check Mate.”

**********************************