Note to Readers: My computer crashed! I’m so sorry that it has taken me so long to get this chapter up. I appreciate all the reviews and emails offering me encouragement and support! I wanted to make up for all the long weeks of angst so this is two chapters in one. You guys deserve to be out of your misery. A big thanks to LOIS the AMAZING BETA and terrific friend!! Thanks for hanging in there. More to come….. Your Mouse >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian was almost asleep when the light knock jarred him awake. He glanced at the clock choosing to ignore whoever was at his door at this ungodly hour. “Brian.” Michael’s voice called. Brian sighed then pushed himself out of bed grabbing his robe. He threw back the door and was surprised to see Michael offering him a container of lemon squares. “Want one?” “Do you know what time it is?” Brian offered his voice hoarse with sleep. “Late.” Michael replied pushing past his friend. “Go home Michael. I have a big day tomorrow and you will need your sleep as well if you are going to party like it’s 1999.” Brian offered, gesturing to the still open door. Michael ignored him as he headed for the fridge and grabbed some water. “These bars always make me so thirsty. I remember one time Justin and I were working on Rage and we must have eaten twenty of these—“ “What do you want?” Brian asked clearly not in the mood to reminiscence. “Is he coming?” Michael asked setting the bars on the counter and turning to confront his friend. “Why would he come?” Brian deadpanned. “Because it’s a big night for you. Because he was there the night it was blown up. Because he loves you.” Michael’s voice grew louder with conviction with each reason. “Stop.” Brian shook his head. “Michael, it’s over. I told you that. He’s moved on.” Brian shook his head. “I’m trying to do the same, but I can’t if everyone keeps bringing him up all the fucking time.” “You miss him.” Michael observed. Brian sighed. He wasn’t sure if it was the late hour or age but he just didn’t have the energy to pretend anymore. “What do you think?” He asked softly moving to his stash to light up a joint. He needed something to relax him if he ever hoped to fall asleep now. “Then call him.” Michael encouraged. “Tell him.” “Why?’ Brian shot angrily. “So he can tell me how we love each other, how we’ll see each other all of the time, how we don’t need rings….” He paused then lit the joint and offered it to Michael. “You are so fucking stupid sometimes.” Michael observed. “I remember when I let Ben get away. I was miserable. No one had to tell me to go back after him. I just knew it. I knew the odds were against us. I know even now that every day I have with him is a gift.” His voice broke for a moment. Brian watched as Michael allowed his best friend to see how heavy that burden was for him. “But I won’t lose one fucking day because I’m afraid.” “I’m not afraid.” Brian offered with a smirk. “Sure you are.” Michael challenged. “Just like when you were sick. You’re afraid he’ll leave and not come back so you just make the choice for him. You preempt the pain.” “Michael, if I wanted to be analyzed I’d pay a professional.” Brian moved further away to the windows. Michael followed taking the joint and inhaling. “Besides, I’m just doing what is best for him.” “Who ever told you that you are some expert on what is best for people?” Michael laughed. “What makes you think you’re that smart?” “Smarter than you.” Brian teased trying to distract his friend. “That’s right but then I don’t go around telling people what’s best for them.” “So what exactly is this that you are doing now?” Brian challenged. “Trying to get you to see what the fuck you’re doing.” Michael spat angrily then softened. “You know I didn’t like Justin. I can still see him there standing on that corner. I knew it then.” He smirked taking another hit. Brian watched closely amazed by what Michael was telling him. “I hated him. I really did. I was so in love with you. I kept thinking…” He shook his head unwilling to continue. “I wasn’t very kind about him.” “No you weren’t.” Brian agreed. “Maybe you were right.” He took a hit himself and handed it back to his friend as he concentrated on the burn in his throat as he swallowed the smoke. “I was jealous.” Michael confessed. “But then when you two ended it I saw how much he really meant to you. When you had cancer, I watched how hard he struggled to be strong for you.” Michael handed the joint back to his friend refusing any more of it. “That’s love Brian. When you heard that the bomb had gone off who came to your mind first? Me or Justin?” He waited. Brian started out at the skyline refusing to answer. “I bet you were out of your fucking mind until you had him in your arms again.” Brian met his gaze then turned back to the window. “It’s your life.” “Thanks for noticing.” Brian shot. Michael smiled then moved toward the door. He paused as he reached it. “Jansen was at the Diner when I picked up the lemon squares.” Michael offered. “You’re all he can talk about.” Brian remained silent. “I see the similarity but he’s not Justin. He never will be.” “Goodnight Michael.” Brian kept his back to his friend. “See ya tomorrow night.” Michael slid the door shut behind him. Brian stood staring out at the darkness long after his friend had left. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “So?” Justin stopped by Kate’s studio on his way out of the building. She rolled her eyes then moved out of her place pushing him back toward his own. He unlocked the door once more and ushered her inside. “Got any coffee?” She asked. “I was leaving.” He replied in return. “Plus I paint here. I don’t live here.” She looked around at the works in progress. “I like this one. Let me know when it’s done. I’ll buy it.” Justin nodded then leaned against one of the steel beams giving her a penetrating gaze. She shrugged then shook her head. “He’s gay.” “No shit.” Justin replied. “I’ve been eye fucked before.” “Yeah, he was pretty taken with you. I’m not sure but I think it was your name he cried out last night.” Justin looked away unsure of how to respond to that. “It’s okay. I mean it isn’t like I didn’t know.” “Then why?” Justin challenged. “Did you not realize who he is?” She crossed her arms defensively. “Yes, I realized, he’s an industrial magnet right? He’s a master of the universe?” Justin offered. “Exactly.” She smiled moving further into his work area. She picked up a couple of brushes and fingered their fine texture. “I always wanted to be an artist.” She confessed. “Then why didn’t you do it?” Justin followed her. “No talent.” She admitted. “You can write. That’s talent. You are an artist with words.” He offered. “Yeah but no one hangs words on a wall.” She spat sharply her disappointment clear. “I do. Your article is on my wall.” He smiled. She laughed as she replaced the brushes and moved to him. She stepped closer and they embraced. “It’s all fucked up. My father picked him. His father picked me.” She mumbled against his chest. “An arranged marriage.” Justin began. “How romantic.” “It’s never about romance when money is involved.” Kate declared. “So, are you going?” She asked giving him a mischievous smile. “Yep.” Justin replied giving her a nervous look. They both laughed. “We’re a mess.” She announced. “Must be why we became such instant friends.” Justin observed. “Must be.” She reached up and cupped his face. They were kissing before Justin had a chance to process what she was doing. He moved back out of her embrace. “Kate.” He offered. “I,” He sighed. “Don’t get your condoms in a twist. Just a moment of female weakness.” She excused, offering a forced laugh. She was attracted to Justin. She knew she was falling in love with him, just as she had fallen in love with Patrick a couple of years ago. It was an impossible situation, but she seemed powerless to stop how she was feeling. “Look, I have to get to the airport.” Justin offered. “I just wanted to see how you were.” “I’m good.” She made her voice strong. She smiled trying to reassure him. Justin bit his lip clearly concerned. “I’m okay. I just needed some comfort.” She excused. Justin stepped forward and held her for a long moment, waiting until she broke the contact. “I’ll be back late Sunday.” He offered. “Or if this goes the way I’m afraid it will, tonight.” She shook her head. ”It will go fine. Just don’t take any shit off of him. Tell him what you want and what you expect and fuck how he feels about it.” She encouraged. Justin laughed. “What?” She asked clearly confused. “I think you should take your own advice and go talk to Patrick.” He replied. “One drama at a time. You talk to yours then I might talk to mine.” She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Besides money can’t buy happiness but it does buy a shit load of Gucci.” She winked. “Gucci makes me happy.” Justin took her hand and walked her back to her door. “I’ll call when I get back.” He promised. “It will be okay.” She offered sensing his insecurity. How could anyone not love this man? She couldn’t imagine how Brian Kinney had allowed him to walk away. “See ya.” He kissed her cheek then headed for the stairs. She watched him go. He had just disappeared through the door when she felt Patrick standing behind her. She leaned back into his body. “Was that the artist?” He asked nuzzling her neck, his eyes trained on the door to the stairs. “That was him.” She confirmed feeling him grow hard against her. She sighed realizing that it wasn’t her body that her fiancé’ was reacting to. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “Which one?” Michael asked holding up two shirts. Ben glanced up from his book and motioned to the black one. Michael assessed his partner’s choice and decided to go with it. He quickly hung the red shirt up in his closet and slid the black one over his head. “What time did you want to go?” Ben asked. He’d been dreading this moment ever since Brian had announced that he was rebuilding Babylon. Ben took a deep breath trying to ignore the feeling of anxiety that was crawling up his throat. “Well it kicks off at ten.” Michael offered. “I think we should go early though just in case Brian needs something.” “What could he possibly need that we might offer?” Ben joked setting his manuscript aside and moving to his lover. “Probably not much.” Michael admitted falling into Ben’s strong embrace. “But it would be nice for him to know that we at least offered.” Michael smiled. “Okay, I’ll go grab a quick shower.” Ben announced. “Unless you want to come along and slow things down for me?” He teased. “No go. I need to make a call.” Michael pushed the man toward the bathroom. “Who are you calling? Deb?” Ben offered as he stripped. “Ted.” Michael grabbed his cell. He’d been trying to reach his friend all day. Ben gave him a quizzical look. “I want to see if Brian invited Justin.” He offered. “That’s none of our business.” Ben attempted then held up his hand to fend off the ‘best friend’ speech he knew Michael was about to offer. “My guess is that he didn’t invite him.” “Why not?” Michael asked in confusion. “Brian seems to be trying to move on. Inviting an ex-lover is not a good way to move on.” He concluded. “They aren’t ex-lovers. They are still partners.” Michael defended. “Are they? When were they ever partners?” Ben challenged. “They almost got married.” Michael offered. “Lots of people almost get married, then they find other people and marry them instead.” Ben wanted Michael to be realistic. Justin was in New York, Brian was in Pittsburgh, the wedding had been aborted, it was time to face some facts. “I know you hate to see Brian hurting and I’m sure Justin is suffering as well, but sometimes the best thing for everyone is just to move on.” Ben offered softly. He kissed his partner then moved into the bathroom. Michael waited until he heard the shower running before placing the call. “Ted.” Michael greeted. “Hey Michael.” Ted sounded slightly out of breath. “Everything okay?” “Sure.” Michael smiled. “And you?” “A few minor glitches but it’s all worked out now thanks to Emmett.” He offered. “I am a little busy though.” He admitted. “I’ll make this quick.” Michael assured him. “Did Brian invite Justin?” There was a long pause on the other end of the line causing Michael to furrow his brow. “Ted?” “Why do you ask?” Ted sounded suspicious. “I was just curious. I spoke to Brian last night and got the impression that—“ “I invited him, but if Brian finds out he’ll have my ass. He made a point of NOT inviting Justin. I’m not sure what their issue is but Em and I thought it wasn’t right for Justin to miss—“ Michael heard Brian’s voice yelling something in the background. “I have to go Michael.” Ted hastily offered then hung up. “You were right.” Michael announced dejectedly as Ben stepped out of the shower. “What about?” Ben ran a towel through his hair. “Brian didn’t invite Justin.” Michael tossed the phone onto the bed. “I’ll never understand why he does that.” “He thinks he is doing what is best for Justin.” Ben offered. “That’s bullshit. Justin’s not a 17 year old kid anymore. He’s an adult.” Michael spat. “He deserves better than this.” “Since when has it ever been about Justin getting what he deserves?” Ben offered as he moved to his own closet to pick out his clothes. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “Everything looks amazing.” Jansen cooed as he moved to the beat. There were so many bodies on the dance floor. The club was overflowing with people. Jansen scanned the room looking for Brian. He knew that the man was busy but surely he could manage one dance. He noticed Brian and his best friend Michael up on a platform. Both men were dancing. On the dance floor around them Jansen spotted Michael’s partner Ben, Brian’s friend’s Emmett and Ted with their boyfriends. He smiled and made his way to the group of men. This was where he wanted to be. He just needed to work on becoming a fixture then Brian would let go of his past and embrace their future. Tonight was the first step to making that come to pass. Jansen watched as Michael moved down to join Ben. The blond took advantage of the opening and moved up to dance with the sexy brunet. “Hey.” He greeted Brian grinding against him. “Have you checked out the backroom yet?” Jansen asked as they writhed together to the beat of the music. He noticed how distant Brian seemed. He was obviously on something, poppers or E. “Got some for me?” Jansen asked. Brian placed a small tab on his tongue then kissed the blond deeply slipping him the tab. Jansen glowed up at him as the kiss ended. He’d never seen Brian like this before. He was on something more than E but the younger man didn’t have the experience yet to recognize it. He figured it was part of Brian’s personal celebration. After all it had only been a few months since Babylon had merely been a bombed out shell of a building but now it was better than ever. It was by far the hottest club in Pittsburgh and if the grand opening crowd was any indication of what was to come Babylon was going to be an even bigger success than before. Jansen moved against the tall lean body. He was rewarded as Brian’s hands glided down his body then cupped his ass. Jansen smiled to himself. He’d watched Brian with his other blond before, the one that had left. Jansen and his friends had stood on the catwalk and speculated about what the two men did once they left together. Now Jansen knew. He knew now why Justin Taylor had tolerated Brian Kinney’s fucking around even when he’d done it right in the blond’s face. It was a sweet ride. A hot loft, a rich executive with impeccable taste, an extremely talented lover in bed, Jansen knew he’d hit it big. Rumor had it that Kinney had also footed the bill for Justin’s education. Jansen wondered how the other blond had managed to wrangle that out of the brunet? Jansen knew better than to push it. He’d give it a couple of months before he started hinting. Maybe Kinney would pick up on it and he wouldn’t have to ask for the money at all, Brian would merely offer it as a gift. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “Hey!” Daphne hugged her friend tight then pulled away. “You still look thin. Beautiful but thin.” She observed. “Thanks, you too.” Justin offered throwing a hip into his friend. “I’m so fucking nervous.” He admitted as they grabbed his other bag and headed out of the airport. “Don’t be.” Daphne tried to shore up his confidence. “Brian is going to be so surprised. He’ll realize he’s been acting like an idiot.” “Yeah, right.” Justin stared out the window as she pulled onto the freeway. “So do you want to run by my apartment or the loft?” The hesitancy in her voice seemed to deepen his insecurity. He thought about just taking his stuff to Daphne’s just in case Brian was really done with him. It would make things easier, but why? Why make things easier for Brian? After all he was the one that had changed the deal once Justin left town. Justin had made it clear that he would be back. He’d been the one that had called and emailed. It was Brian who had walked away. “Take me to the loft.” Justin’s voice was solid making Daphne smile as she changed lanes. It was going to be a very interesting night. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “Who is that?” Jennifer asked Debbie as the woman ordered her second drink. Deb glanced over at the raised platform where Brian was now all but fucking Jansen. “He’s the new waiter at the Diner.” She offered. Deb watched Jennifer’s profile and could feel the anger peeling off of the other woman. “Maybe we should dance.” Tucker offered trying to distract Jennifer. “I called Justin this week. He never returned my calls.” Jennifer turned back to Deb. “Wonder if he knows about him.” Deb glanced nervously at Brian then back at Jennifer. “It’s obvious don’t you think?” Deb offered. “I mean look at that kid. He could be Justin five years ago.” “But he isn’t Justin.” Jennifer held her gaze unwavering. “And that’s the problem, don’t you think?” “Brian’s just hurting.” Deb defended. “Well fuck that, so is Justin.” Jennifer grabbed her wine and downed the glass. “I’m going over there.” “No you are not.” Tucker intercepted her. “Justin would be mortified. Trust me.” He offered his sincerity getting through to the woman. “Just dance with me.” “He’s going to hurt my son.” Jennifer admitted to the younger man. “Yes, he is.” Tucker agreed, “But all you can do is be his mother and help pick up the pieces when all of this is over.” Jennifer swallowed hard. Had it only been a few months ago that Justin had presented her with the invitation to his wedding? He had been so happy that day. He’d been so peaceful, so satisfied. Jennifer couldn’t remember ever seeing him that happy before. ‘Now,’ she thought as she glanced once more at Brian, ‘all of that was over. Justin would have to face the fact that New York really was his home.’ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Justin pushed the door open and disabled the alarm. Daphne followed. It had been a while since she’d been in the loft. She watched as Justin moved up the stairs putting his suitcases at the foot of the bed. She noticed that he moved to the far side of the room as if checking for something. “You okay?” She asked. Justin nodded as he returned. “What were you looking for?” “Condoms.” He offered then crossed to the kitchen and grabbed some water. “You want some?” Daphne shook her head keeping her eyes on her friend. “Well?” She finally asked. “Did you find any in the trash?” “None.” He offered. “That’s a good sign.” She smiled. “No, the cleaning lady came today.” Justin replied softly then moved to Brian desk looking at the notes there. “Justin.” Daphne furrowed her brow. “I just want to know who it is.” He offered then stepped toward his friend. “What the fuck am I doing?” He sighed in frustration. “This is my home. This is my partner’s home.” He seemed to be trying to convince himself as much as anyone else. “Do you think this guy is going to be at the opening?” She asked softly. Justin glanced up meeting her gaze. He hadn’t thought of that. Why hadn’t he thought of that? Maybe Ted had invited him because Brian really didn’t want him there but not for the reasons that Justin had suspected. Maybe Brian had moved on. Daphne read the emotions racing across her friend’s face. “Justin, let’s go before you lose your nerve.” She offered. “Maybe I shouldn’t.” He replied debating once more as to whether he needed to drop his stuff off at Daphne’s instead. “Fuck that!” She spat. “He owes you a face to face confession if he is moving on. You were engaged for fuck sake!” “Were.” Justin offered deflating her outrage. “Well, we can at least see if he’s there.” She dangled. “I know you want to see him and you do want to see Brian, right?” “I want to see Brian.” Justin confirmed. He really hoped the other guy wasn’t going to be there. He really had no desire to see his replacement. “Let’s go.” Daphne offered. “Yeah, let’s go.” Justin glanced around the loft one last time. It looked exactly as it had when he left and for some reason he found it comforting that something in his life hadn’t changed. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> “Let’s go to the backroom.” Jansen squirmed. He was so hard it was uncomfortable. He needed Brian more than he’d ever needed him before. Between the E, the beat of the music and the way Brian was touching him, he felt as though his skin was on fire. Brian kissed him pulling him close lost in past nights of holding another body much like this one. He writhed against the blond, fingers combing through silky locks, knowing there was something different about this mouth but refusing to focus on it. The beat of the music vibrated in the air surrounding the club. Justin and Daphne extended their invitations and were allowed to enter. Once they passed through the door they were both overwhelmed by the new look of the club. “It’s amazing!” Daphne turned to Justin her smile lighting up her young face. Justin huffed a sigh of approval and nodded. His eyes tried to take it all in but suddenly locked onto a single point of focus. It was as if some internal radar kicked back into play, seeking out the one person Justin was always searching for in this crowd. Up on a raised platform he found Brian, an obviously very high Brian, all but fucking a young, thin, blond. “Fuck me!” Justin spat. Daphne followed his gaze. She felt her own fury spike at what she saw. She turned back to her friend and realized that instead of being devastated as she had feared he would be, Justin was furious. “Justin?” She reached out taking his arm. His eyes never left the center of the room as he gentled removed his friend’s hand and headed toward his target. Michael was the first to spot him when he entered. “Fuck!” He spat causing Ben to follow his gaze. It was Justin, thinner, hair a little longer, but still the same Justin. His eyes were locked on the sight of Brian grinding with the twink on the platform. “What?” Blake asked then recognized the blond in the entry way. “Oh shit.” Em glanced nervously to the platform then to Ted. “I’m going to need to polish my resume.” Ted offered as he watched the blond steam toward his target. Justin stood for a moment then with a determined stride moved toward the platform. He climbed the stairs and stood waiting for Brian to look past the blond he was dry humping long enough to realize that his lover, ex-lover, ex-fiancé whatever the fuck he was standing a foot away. Jansen noticed him first, recognizing him immediately, he felt himself shrink for a moment, almost afraid of what the other blond would do. “Fuck off, you’re in my spot.” Justin ordered. Jansen began to move away then caught himself. “Brian wants me here.” He offered defiantly. Justin looked in Brian’s direction their eyes locking. “You want him here?” Justin angrily challenged the older man. Brian didn’t speak, didn’t look at Jansen, but instead reached out and grabbed Justin pulling him almost violently to him, kissing him deeply, passionately, devouring him completely. This was the mouth he’d wanted, this body, this man. Brian’s drug addled brain tried to register that this wasn’t a fantasy but reality. It didn’t seem real. How could Justin really be here? He was in New York. He had started his new life. He had moved on. It was over. He was never coming back and yet here he was, in Brian’s arm, body embraced to body, mouth hungrily devouring even as it was being devoured. Jansen shrunk away overwhelmed by his own naivety and the sight of the two men lost in one another. How had he ever thought he was starting to get to Kinney? He had been fooling himself. He tried to play if off but knew that any of his friends watching were enjoying his moment of humiliation a little too much. Justin met Brian move for move, the months of longing and need erupting in a desperate frenzy to be closer. “Why aren’t you inside me?” He asked as they pulled away struggling to breathe. “Good question.” Brian admitted as he grabbed the blond and headed in the opposite direction of the backroom. “You’re really here.” Brian paused reaching out to cup Justin’s chin. “I’m really here.” Justin confirmed. “I told you I’d be back.” “You’re really here.” Brian confirmed kissing him again. When they broke apart again Justin held Brian’s gaze. “Why didn’t you call me?” He demanded. “Why did you just let me go? And who the fuck was that? Is that the guy that you’re fucking? The guy I spoke to on the phone? Is that my replacement?” Justin demanded as his anger overtook his need. Brian shook his head slowly trying to process all that Justin was asking but too many hits made it impossible to explain. “Tomorrow.” He offered. “I’ll tell you—“ “No, today.” Justin demanded. “Tell me today.” And that was it. Brian laughed. He laughed for the first time in weeks, in months, in what felt like a hundred years. There it was, the man he’d fallen in love with, the one that pushed and pushed and never gave up and thank God for that. He grabbed Justin again kissing him with tender desperation. Nothing mattered but the fact that Justin was back. He’d come despite all Brian’s attempts to push him away. He’d come back even though he knew Brian was fucking someone else. He’d come back and he’d reclaimed what was his. “I love you.” Brian whispered as he embraced the smaller man. Justin allowed himself to be held. He was still upset but he’d sensed Brian’s desperation and knew that it mirrored his own. He couldn’t forget how Brian reacted to anything resembling rejection or abandonment. He knew how Brian thought. How he saw his own life and those who were a part of it. “Then act like it.” Justin challenged as they moved apart. Brian conceded a small nod. “We need to talk.” He volunteered which earned him another nod. “How about in my office.” Brian suggested. “There’s a desk in there that hasn’t been christened yet.” He smiled. Justin smiled back then kissed him lightly on the lips. Things weren’t mended or resolved but now he knew they were salvageable. As they moved past their friends Justin took a moment to say hello before being pulled away and manhandled toward the back of the club. He didn’t mind it this time. He knew what was coming and he was as anxious as Brian for it to happen. “Well, that was interesting.” Ben noted. Michael nodded giving him a knowing look. “Looks like you get to keep your job.” Em offered Ted who had his arms around Blake taking a cue from the other couple. “You know I think we’re going to head home.” Ted offered as he and Blake all but ran toward the exit. “I am feeling a bit inspired myself.” Ben admitted. Michael agreed as he kissed his husband and allowed him to maneuver them to the exit. “Well?” Daphne turned to Emmett. “I don’t suppose you have a dick in there?” He indicated her jeans. She laughed and shook her head. ”That’s okay.” Emmett smiled. “We can still cut a rug together.” They moved out onto the new and improved dance floor ready to dance the night away. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian slammed the door to his office then pinned the blond against it assaulting his mouth as his hands made little work of Justin’s clothing. In no time flat Justin was naked and pressed against the wooden surface, his legs wrapped around Brian’s waist. Brian entered him hard and fast knowing he wasn’t going to last very long. Months of abstinence threw Justin over the cliff long before Brian reached it. “It’s been a while.” Justin explained slightly embarrassed. Brian smiled and captured his mouth aroused further by the thought that Justin had waited for him. Brian carried him to the desk. With one swipe of his arm he sent all the objects littering it crashing to the floor as he laid the blond down and continued to pound into him. It was so good, so right. Nothing felt like this. It wasn’t the same with anyone else. No one could make him feel this say, so alive, so hard. “Brian.” It was only a whisper but it was the right voice this time, it was the right body, the right face looking up at him, the right blue eyes piercing into his. Brian came with a shout then collapsed kissing Justin deeply, unwilling to break the connection now that they were together again. “Brian.” Justin called once more but this time it was accompanied by a hand lightly pushing on his chest. Brian pushed off of the blond meeting Justin’s gaze. “My back is killing me.” Justin offered. Brian immediately stood up allowing Justin’s legs to lower as he slipped free of the warm body beneath him. “I needed that.” Justin huffed a laugh as he continued to catch his breath. “Obviously.” Brian raised one eyebrow. “Don’t go there or I’ll bring up your little friend again.” Justin warned silencing the other man. Brian didn’t want to talk about Jansen. He knew now what that had been about and it was over. “So you got your invitation.” Brian reached for his pants and picked up Justin’s as well. “Yes, thanks to Ted, I suspect.” Brian laughed softly and nodded. “You are so fucking impossible sometimes. I don’t know why I bother.” Justin grumbled. “Why do you?” Brian challenged. “Because I love you, you asshole!” Justin shouted emphatically. “Good, and don’t call me asshole.” Brian warned. “Don’t be one and I promise I won’t.” Justin gingerly scooted off the edge of the desk. “My ass is going to kill me tomorrow.” He observed. “Yes it is Sunshine.” Brian pulled him into his arms. “Because we aren’t even close to being done yet.” “Unless you want me to fuck you, yes, we are.” Justin teased. “You can fuck me. Then I’m going to fuck you again.” Brian kissed him already moving his hands down to grasp Justin’s new erection. “Let’s go to the loft.” Justin suggested taking a step back. “As comfortable as that desk looks,” He gestured. “The bed is better.” Brian laughed buttoning up his shirt as he grabbed his boots. “Fine.” He conceded. “Let me just make sure Ted is still around to handle things.” Justin nodded. He needed to thank Ted anyway for risking Brian’s wrath for his sake, as well as apologize for calling him a liar. Brian opened the door then stopped as he felt Justin’s hand on the small of his back. He looked back just as Justin’s leaned up claiming his mouth. “Don’t push me away again.” Justin whispered as they parted. “You should know by now, that strategy doesn’t work on me. You might want to try another one.” Brian smiled as he reached back pulling the blond along behind him as he headed out in search of Ted.