Title: Boi Zone By : Phoenix Ghost Rating: Adults Only Category: Fanfiction Characters: Justin Taylor, Daphne Chanders, Other Male Character(s), Brian Kinney, Debbie Novotny, Michael Novotny, Emmett Honeycutt, Ted Schmidt, Lindsay Peterson, Melanie Marcus, Gus, Vic Grassi, Cynthia, Other female Character(s), Jennifer Taylor, Craig Taylor, Molly Taylor, The Chanders, Chris Hobbs Genre: AU, Drama, General/Misc. Romance, Angst Warnings: AU, OOC, and this Chapter, tissue ALERT... Summary: Question, What if? Answer, Boi Zone. Because, "Love isn't always easy, it's the quest for it, that makes it seem so hard." Direct quote from the author of this fanfic Disclaimer: All Characters and situations from Queer as Folk are the properties of Russell T. Davies, Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, (Cowlip) Showtime, and others. No Copyright infringement has been intended by this author or this website. This story has been invented for entertainment purposes only and has been rated by the author, and not by any independent body. A/N: Please remember, this is an OOC AU. But, it's also a Brian and a Justin love story. And, there will be some heavy Het references, later on inside this fic, BUT it is NOT who you might think. ;) All mistakes are my own from now on. Song: Leaving On A Jet Plane Lyrics by: John Denver Performed by: Peter Paul and Mary Song: Wake Me Up When September Ends Lyrics by: Greenday ______________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER 7 Tucking the pink folder carefully up under her arm, she grabbed two drinks off of the tray sitting on the counter. Winking at Jennifer, she said, "You let me handle gramps, I left you money for the pizza on the counter. When it gets here, call me on the intercom, and me and Mr. grumpy puss will come back upstairs. Hey, on second thought Jen, make that Hawaiian an extra large, with extra pineapples and cheese too. You know that's Ben's favorite." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> "Benji, open the door honey." "Go away Judy. I just, I just need to be alone right now." "But Benj baby, I have something I'd really like to show you." "Honestly, Judy, how can you possibly think of sex at a time like this? GOOD GOD WOMAN!" Judy rolled her eyes, and thought, 'Good lord but the man was quite the drama queen when he chose to be!' "Benjamin Eric Chanders, YOU unlock and open this door, right this minute!" Moments later Judy hears the soft *snick* of a lock being slid over, then slowly the door cracks open. One long lashed brown eye peeks at her, then blinks, then the door opens wider to allow her entrance into the room. Handing her husband his cold drink, she bites her lip and tries to ignore the dry traces of his secret tears. ~~~~~~~~ "Oookay, so, what do we do now?" Justin asked Daphne, his eyes growing more confused as she put one slender finger to his lips, and then crooked her index finger, and motioned for him to follow her to her room. Once inside, she closed and locked the door. Turning to Justin, her pretty features grew serious as she said, "You NEED to tell Brian Kinney, Justin. Regardless of what you might think, because I know you still love him, and Brian has a right to know the truth about us, I mean about you me, and eventually our baby." Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. As she then slowly let it out, her stare penetrated him to his very soul as she softly told him, "Now, I've decided that I'll go to the prom with you like I've already promised you I would, but ONLY on one condition, you ask Brian to come too." As her verbal bomb hit, Justin blinked, pursed his lips then shook his head looking at Daphne, who was sitting on her bed, leaning back against the headboard with that stubborn glint in her topaz eyes. Shaking his blond head again he said, "No. No way. I, Daph, I can't, please, don't make me do that." But, Daphne, who was sick of the 'cat and mouse' game that Justin and Brian Kinney seemed to be content to play, had realized for Justin sake, and to ease her own guilty conscious, that he needed to make some changes, and the sooner the better. Perhaps if Justin saw how silly it would look for a 29 almost 30 year old man to show up at their Senior Prom, he just might realize that being with Brian and being in his life, wasn't in their best interest, and, instead of avoiding the inevitable, possibly this one more effort would shut the book on the unhealthy 'whateverthefuck' it was her best friend shared with the older man. Maybe the Prom, once and for all, could somehow make a difference in establishing any form of closure. Because, after September, things were going to change for them all anyway. Noticing Justin's droopy shoulders, Daphne could tell something was bothering him. He confirmed just what it was when he whispered in a small voice, "I can't because I already did, and, and he turned me down." Seeing that forlorn look on his sweet face, Daphne did what she always did whenever Justin was feeling blue. Opening her arms wide, she motioned for him to fall into her welcoming and comforting embrace. Holding him gently, cooing to him softly, as she was smoothing his long bangs away from his face, she tried very hard to keep her thoughts about Brian Kinney kind, and her opinions of the self centered older man, to herself. As much as she didn't want to see her best friend hurt, sometimes, she had gathered, you had to be cruel to be kind. Then, it hit her. By avoiding Justin, and basically not being as readily available to the teen as he had once been, wasn't in fact, Brian Kinney doing that very thing? Feeling her lids droop, Daphne sighed and turning a now already sleeping Justin on his side, pulled up the covers on her bed as she carefully spooned herself up behind him, nuzzling her nose at the sweet smelling nape of his neck. And as she felt herself slowly relax, she felt safe. Wrapping an arm protectively around him she held him, wanting to save him from the Brian Kinney's of the world, for he was HER Justin, and before and even after Prom night, Daphne was going to make sure the older man got her message, loud and clear. Brian Kinney had hurt her friend for the last time. Her other arm pillowed her cheek as she drifted away. With a small smile on her face as she dreamed about their future and the pizza that was soon on it's way. And this is how an hour later, Ben, Judy and Jennifer had found them. It really wasn't anything new to find them like this. Even as toddlers, the twosome would often play themselves to sleep, and could be found leaning up against each other, or curled around each other like kittens at the bottom of their crib or play pen, little jaws slack and drooling, as they slept the sleep, and dreamed the dreams of the innocent. Judy and Jennifer had tears brimming in their eyes, and Ben's voice was a rough whisper as he commented, "I still say she's not keeping it." Both women just looked at each other, smirked, then patting his arm rather condescendingly, as they watched his face not match his words. Walking quietly out of the door, they left the man to stare at their future. A few minutes later, Ben found them in the kitchen enjoying slices of pizza. Pulling out a chair, he sat down, accepting the paper plate loaded with 3 slices of his favorite pizza that Judy passed to him. Telling Jennifer "thank you" as she handed him a fresh glass of iced tea, he took a drink, and slowly sat his glass down. Picking up a heavy slice, he took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. Fixing Jennifer with a familiar stare, around another bite of pizza, this one a bit bigger than the last, Ben mumbled, "Okay Taylor, spill it. Just what IS your back up plan anyway?" Jennifer swallowed her bite, and then carefully sat her slice of pizza back down onto her lavender tulip printed plate. Picking up her rose colored napkin, she slowly wiped at her greasy finger tips, and then blotted daintily at the corners of her mouth. Both Chanders patiently waited as the slender woman next took a dainty sip of her drink before replying, her blue eyes sparkling, "Well, I have this cousin in N.Y." Ben and Judy were both spellbound as they quickly became caught up in her shocking tale of her husbands betrayal. Finally, as she revealed her 'back up plan' listening patiently to her suggestions for their children's current predicament, soon Ben and Judy were nodding their dark heads in agreement and even adding their own thoughts into the mix, as the futures of the slumbering teenagers and their unborn child in the next room were being carefully mapped out. >>>>>>>>> Forty-five minutes later, twins growls of "HEY! Where's the pizza, we're starving!" Combined with twin whines of, "Why didn't you wake us up?!" Complete with tousled bed heads and pouts brought the guilty parties planning to an abrupt halt as both mothers quickly got up from the table, fixed tall iced drinks of lemonade and heated up slices of pizza, several sticks of cheese bread with marinara sauce for dipping as well as some hot wings for their 'grumpy' teens. Soon Justin and Daphne were happily munching on a platter of 'everything but the kitchen sink' pizza, and stuffing themselves with gooey hot wings dipped in blue cheese as they nibbled on slim slices of crisp celery sticks, waving them about and talking animatedly to their parents in between bites and sips. With the earlier fussy behaviour of the moody teens now forgotten and forgiven by their doting mothers' Benjamin Chanders snorted at their antics as he reached for another thick pizza slice. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The next two weeks had just flown by, and before they knew it, Justin and Daphne's Prom was only two days away. Daphne and her mom and Jennifer had enjoyed shopping for Daphne's prom dress, and all three of them had made quite a fuss of it. Much to the dismay of Justin, who had been quilted along on the 'hen trip' as he had dubbed it in his mind and Ben Chanders had snorted and teased him about it to his face. Poor Justin! He had been forced to sit through what he was certain was a dress change that belonged in the Guinness Book of World Records, for the amount of times Daphne had tried them on, and for himself, for having to sit and endure it all. Of course running into Emmett 'the mouth' Honeycutt had been the icing on the fucking cake! And he had rolled his eyes and wanted to scream when the older man had squealed, putting his hands into a prayer fashion as he had pleaded, "OH Honey! I want to help! PLEASE let me help!" Turning to both shocked and then pleased moms he had winked and patted Daphne's arm as he had shared with a hip bump which she had grinned and then saucily returned when he stated sagely, "I AM a professional you know!" Nearly bored to tears, Justin groaned as he watched Daphne primp and act all goofy. Hearing her happy chatter as she mowed through frilly dress after dress, soon he found himself wondering just where in the hell his little tomboy Daphne Chanders had disappeared to. As he heard the snap of Honeycutt's cell phone and then the older man's excited babbling about something to someone, Justin slapped his forehead and moaned in frustration. 'Great, now everyone will know! Just great!' >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ~The day before the Prom~ As Justin stood in front of Brian's building arguing with himself mentally, he about jumped 10 feet when Brian's sexy voice inquired, "Aren't you a little ways from home Sunshine?" Turning, his smart assed reply stuck in his throat as he drank in Brian's beauty. Biting down hard on his bottom lip before replying, "I needed to see you." Justin looked up at Brian and hated himself for resorting to even begging the older man for even a minute of his time, so eager was he to be alone with him. Rolling his lips into his mouth, it seemed to Justin that Brian too had things he wanted to say as well, to him. Opening the door, Brian motioned him inside. They took the stairs with Justin leading the way, and he could feel Brian's eyes on his ass. Smirking to himself, Justin put a bit more wiggle into his hips as he finished climbing the stars to Brian's loft. Brian smirked at his boy's obvious flirting, then shook his head as he reminded himself of the serious 'chat' he needed to have with the kid. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian sighed, and then wiped his hands down over his face as he attempted for the umpteenth time to get Justin to see it his way. Justin felt numb with grief. This wasn't going anywhere toward what he had planned. The disappointment he felt at Brian's refusal to his suggestion was raw. With tear-filled blue eyes, he finally got up from the couch and stumbled his way past Brian as he attempted to put as much distance between them as he quickly could. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> No matter what he had been told, Brian just couldn't let his boy leave this way. His arm snaked out to snatch Justin, and as he held the smaller trembling body closer to him, he felt his own tears well. Closing his eyes, he pressed his face into the soft silky blond strands of Justin’s angel hair. The innocent scent of his pure love tickled Brian's senses as his mind battled with his emotions. Knowing he should just shove the boy away, and push him out of his loft as well as his life, Brian struggled with the recent information that Mikey had been more than happy to share with him. Brian snorted softly to himself as he recalled a crowing Debbie, a smug Ted, and worried Emmett. He almost didn't believe it, all of those rumors about his boy until little Daphne Chanders herself had phoned him to confirm it. 'The bitch.' 'Wow, his little Justin, just might soon be a married man. Who would of thunk it?' And his mind refused to wrap around this fact, as he mused this startling revelation over and over. But, just minutes ago, Justin himself had confessed, and had shattered every one of Brian's hopes to it all NOT being true and even his self arguments to the contrary paled in comparison. The facts were crystal clear. And, although it made no sense and it broke his heart, Brian had decided that he would make this as painless as possible for his younger lover. Tilting up Justin's tear streaked face, Brian bit his lip as he stared down into Justin's beautiful sad eyes. "Sunshine, " He softly whispered, "I'll give you what you want, and then we'll close our book, agreed?" At Justin's choked, "Agreed." Brian pulled the slender trembling body so close to him, that no light could be seen between their bodies. After holding his lover for a moment or a lifetime more, Brian gently moved away from the trembling teen as Justin had said, "Tomorrow then." Not trusting himself to speak another word, Brian then nodded as Justin quickly left the loft. >>>>>>>>>>> ~Prom Night~ "Justin, Daphne, the Limousine is finally here!" Yelled Ben Chanders as he snapped yet another photograph of the blushing young couple as they come around the corner. Looking at the cute couple he fished out his wallet opened it up and then pulling out several bills, he motioned for Justin to come near him. Looking into the boy's proud blue eyes he mumbled, "Here, I know you don't want it, but take it anyway." he said firmly as he pushed the wad of money into Justin's palm. Looking Ben Chanders in the eyes, he softly said his thanks. Gruffly the older man replied, "Is everything out front ready to be loaded then?" Justin nodded and watched as Ben went outside to help the driver with their things. "Honey, please, just one more?" Giving a tight lipped smile as he watched his mother lift her own camera, Justin said, "Mom, don't you think you have enough already?" Daphne snickered as she felt herself being positioned by her own mother yet again for the 'just one more shot.' Watching the three adults fussing over her and Justin in the 'age old' Prom ritual, Daphne is filled with a sense of happiness. Looking up at him she realizes that her happiness is now complete. Smugly she recalled her last 'chat' with Brian Kinney. Holding out her hand toward Justin, she blew a kiss with her other hand toward her family new and old, as both young teens met the warm Spring night air. Once safely inside the vehicle, Daphne turns to Justin and softly presses her mouth against his. Justin tried not to flinch as he felt her warm moist mouth cover his. And he tried to not think about another set of silky lips that fit his own perfectly. After the brief kiss, he carefully buckled her into her seat belt. His hands trembled as he deftly snapped his own in place. Forcing his mind and heart to be with her and not Brian Kinney, Justin places a fake plastic smile on his face as he listened to her babble about the Prom and their 'possible' nuptials. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian felt stupid. Looking down at the lovely cream colored silk scarf, he frowned lightly. But, as her smug words washed over his memory, he finds himself picking up the garment with shaking yet determined finger tips. Within minutes, he is now driving toward Justin and Daphne's Prom. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The entire room of teenagers enjoying their Prom went slack jawed as the tall elegantly dressed man seemed to glide into the room. Brian Kinney was a man on a mission as his dark green gaze scanned the area for a familiar blond head. Finally spotting them, he walked over to stand, patiently waiting his turn as they finished their dance. Daphne felt her breath catch in her throat as the tall and handsome brunet picked up her left hand and looked silently down at her. She watched intently, but his face showed no emotion as he kissed it palm up, his dark green eyes trained on Justin as softly he was congratulating them both. After complimenting her on her attire, he then was soon sweeping Justin off of his feet, and out of her embrace. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brian felt a perverse wave of pleasure as he was thrilled while Justin matched him step for step and smouldering look for look as they both danced to the oldie but goodie, 'Save The Last dance For Me.' Brian wasn't surprised that Justin had been telling the truth when he had bragged that his mom had made him take years of dance lessons. After his confession that dance steps of all kinds had been shown to him so that he would be prepared for any Country Club social event, the two had snickered as Brian had dubbed it the 'WASP' dance. And Justin's puzzled look had been replaced by mirth as he and Brian had taken turns in dissing his social training. But, as the music swelled and the crowd gasped at the forbidden open closeness of two men, Brian felt himself smirk as he spun his younger lover quickly around, then suddenly dipping the boy down into his arms in a lovers tilt. Capturing those inviting blue eyes now darkened with lust with his own, Brian's mouth can't help but accept the lush pouting pink invitation that follows as he shows the entire class AND Daphne Chanders JUST to whom Justin Taylor belonged to. Would always belong to...HIM. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Daphne feels something tighten in her gut as she watches the room stare in awe at the two well dressed men practically fucking on the dance floor. Turning, she flees the room. But, as she is heading toward the exit to search out the limousine, her sharp ears pick out a thready conversation. Her brows furrow in confusion and then rise in incredulation as she not only recognizes the voice, but it's deadly intent. >>>>>>>> "Yeah, I agree, that fag has GOT to go! Huh? Why did I agree to this? I told you, Taylor had been a thorn in my side since day one I laid eyes on the little faggot! The girl? Naw, leave it allll up to me, I have a plan and I promise not to harm one hair on her nappy head. Huh? Of course I've got it covered! I have the PERFECT cover! Now, I gotta go, k, see you soon, bye Mr. OH! Sorry, I almost said you name! Yeah, I understand, no one can know. No problem. By this time tomorrow, BOTH of those fags will be nothing but a stain on the concrete and a bad memory! I promise! Now, about the money you promised me..." Daphne felt faint and then she felt a blood lust cross her vision as she listened to that animal barter and bargain over two lives as if they were nothing, and talking about her as if she too was insignificant. She HAD to stop him! 'But how?' She wondered as she chewed on her thumbnail. Turning around, she spied her answer. Carefully picking up the unusual weapon, she moved swiftly over the bent body as it was rummaging under the trunk lid and arguing with someone about money. Slipping off her shawl, she wrapped it around the object. With a loud yell and a mighty swing, she solved her problem. Not checking or caring to see if he was dead or alive, after dropping the bloody apparatus next to the still body, daintily she dusted off her hands, unwrapped her thin wrap and quickly tossed it into the garbage chute. Grimly smiling, she then flounced back toward the dance, no one the wiser. Turning the corner, she's just in time to see Justin and Brian hand in hand, singing loudly as they were laughing and dancing their way toward Brian's Jeep. Shamelessly she hid as she listened and watched as they exchanged nonsense words, and soft kisses and nuzzles. Turning away, she spies the waiting limousine. As she got inside, she directed the driver to go to the place her and Justin had decided to meet at. After agreeing with their parents about their futures, the teens had come up with a plan and her daddy had been easily manipulated into renting the special car for the entire night and into next morning. Since they had already said their goodbyes to them she wasn't worried about worrying them with not leaving on time. In fact, both of her parents had been acting strangely ever since Jennifer Taylor had obviously spoken to them. Directing the driver toward one of her favorite places for a late night snack, she smiled. 'Yes,' she thought smugly as she settled down into the buttery softness of the dark leather interior, 'after tonight, everything, from now on, would be going HER way.' >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Justin was nervous as he and Brian drove toward the loft. Although he had mixed feelings about this, he knew if he and Brian didn't make love just one more time, he'd have to live for the rest of his life with that regret. And, he refused to do that. As the metal loft door shuts with a bang, Justin felt the deja vu hit as he recalls another time the slamming of that door had made him jump. And jump he had, into his own private Heaven that had all too soon had become his own private Hell. No words were spoken as he feels Brian’s hands slowly slip off his tux jacket. Closing his eyes, he quivers in anticipation as those silky lips, hot breath and horny tongue traced a wet line down his throat. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Justin bit his swollen lips as he carefully penned out the last communication from himself to Brian Kinney. Brian’s soft sleep noises made him smile as he felt the double edged sword of love penetrate his resolve to leave. Because he DID love Brian and he would always love the older man. But, Daphne had made it very clear that in order for them to make it as a couple, as a family he had to let go of the ties of his past. Tears slip slowly down his face as he quickly finished his note to his one true love. With a final kiss on Brian's sleeping mouth, Justin quickly walked out of the door of Brian's loft and down the stairs and out of Brian's life. As he made his way to where he had promised to meet her, he noticed that daybreak was forming. His artistic eye ignored his personal heartbreak as he began forming ideas to paint the sky. Finally reaching his destination, he allows the driver to open his door. Wordlessly he slips into the vehicle. Ignoring Daphne's grasping hands he places his seat belt in place, announcing to the driver to take them to the airport. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As she sat there watching Justin settle back into his seat and close his blue eyes, Daphne feels a small thrill as she mulls around her much awaited answer that she is about to share with him. "Justin." She softly says as she watches his tired blue eyes focus on her. "Yeah?" he mumbled as he fights back a small yawn. Looking shyly down at her hands in her lap, she then leans over to him, affirmative words poised on her lips. But as the cool sexy unique scent of Brian Kinney teases her nose, she sharply turns her head and briskly replies, "Nothing, just, just never mind." She snaps. >>>>>>> Remembering Ben Chanders baffling 'man to man' chat all about women and pregnant ones to boot, putting it all down to hormones and her just being a girl, Justin shrugs his shoulders and then again closes his eyes. But, when he hears her muttering to herself, his eyes open and he now finds himself rummaging through his back pack for his graduation gift from his mom. Ignoring her, he slips the ear plugs into his ears, then pushes a button on the slim apparatus. But the Ipod almost falls from his frozen slender fingers as he hears a pretty soulful song that feels like it looked into his mind and read his thoughts. The words touched him to his core as more than one voice harmonized singing. >>>>>>>>>>>>> All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go I'm standing here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye But the dawn is breakin' its early morn The taxi's waiting, he's blowing his horn Already I'm so lonesome I could cry. I could cry... So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go. Oh, oohhh. Oh, I'm... I'm leavin' on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh babe, I hate to go. There's so many times I've let you down I've let you down... So many times I've played around played around... I tell you now, they don't mean a thing they...don't mean a thing... Every place I go, I think of you every place... Every song I sing, I sing for you every song... When I come back, I'll wear your wedding ring I'll wear your ring... So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go Oh, oooh, ohhh... I'm leavin' on a jet plane leavin'... I don't know when I'll be back again leavin'... Oh babe, I hate... to go... Now the time has come to leave you One more time let me kiss you Then close your eyes, I'll be on my way I'll be on my way... Dream about the days to come about the days... When I won't have to leave alone About the times, I won't have to say, I won't...say... So kiss me and smile for me... smile for me... Tell me that you'll wait for me... for me... Hold me like you'll never let me go... Oh ohh ohhh... Oh I'm leavin' on a jet plane, leavin'... I don't know when I'll be back again... leavin'... Oh, babe... I hate... to...go... Harsh tears fell as the last words and melody melted away. As Daphne touched his arm to let him know they had arrived at the airport, it was only then at her puzzled frown that he realized that his own face was wet. As he hastily wiped his shaking hand across his face, one look at her and he knew he couldn't do this. He shouldn't hide who he was, and go back into his closet. It took all of his will not to just run back to the safety of his arms and beg Brian to make things go back to the way they once were. But, as he gazed down at the small swell of her stomach, he knew, that he had do that very thing. Hide who and what he was. For her, for them and for their unborn child. Before climbing out of the large limo, he reached deep into his pocket and then palm up handed her the little black velvet box. Since he had already made a fool of himself at Debbie's in Mikey's old bedroom what with the down on bended knee crap, he sure as HELL wasn't about to do THAT again in THIS or any other lifetime! Looking deep into her eyes, he raised a brow, awaiting her answer. And, as he patiently awaited the verbal one, her obvious non verbal answer came as he nervously watched while she snatched it up, then flipping open the tiny lid with a *crack* silently she stared at it for a moment or a lifetime before slipping the beautiful one of a kind ring onto 'the' finger of her left hand. Feeling his heart constricting painfully as if it were gift wrapped and tied into a barbed wire bow, as he heard her whisper one word, "Yes." Justin released the breath he had been holding as he thought about the baby who would now not be born a bastard child. Smiling a tiny grin, he opened the door and stepped out, then turning, he held out his hand to his future wife and helped her out as well. He found for some reason he couldn't let go and together, nervous hands clasped, they stood there waiting patiently as the driver unloaded their bags and steered them and their sparse luggage toward the airport. Once they were boarded, and on first class no less, feeling a bit strange as the mantra, 'HOLY FUCK, SHE SAID YES! WE'RE GETTING MARRIED AND HAVING A BABY!' stomped merrily around and around his brain, Justin ignored Daphne and her attempts at small talk. He knew he was pissing her off, but he couldn't explain this sudden shyness he felt toward her, especially when she opened up her carry on bag and pulled out a few thick magazines. All of them with wedding titles. Bravely he had gone through them cover to cover, as he tried to "Ohh, and Aww" at the correct time. Especially as she pointed at it with one slim brown finger. He wanted to be supportive of her wedding night undergarment choices. But, the honest truth was, he was scared. The word embarrassment didn't even touch, was not even in the same dictionary when Ben Chanders took aside his possible soon to be Son-In-Law and gave him, 'The Honeymoon Talk.' And the grim look on the older mans face, the stubborn set of his jaw line after Justin squeaked out the fact that they had only touched that one time, and the result of that coupling she now wore in the front of her like a burgeoning badge of honor. And the determination in the mans eyes when he snarled that Justin had better "learn to please his little girl, and keep her happy, and should even one tear drop in sorrow due to his bad treatment of her ever fall, he'd be to NY in a skinny minute, and, 'gladly straighten him out!’ Looking now at the twinkling ring on her finger as a diamond noose around his throat, he suddenly found it difficult to breathe. After a few sips of the bottle of water she magically found in her bag, he then quickly capped it, handed it back to her, gave her a light peck on her cheek, then quietly told her his stomach was a bit upset and he wanted to rest. She offered him a cracker from the package of them that she was nibbling on. They were Ritz bits with cheese, and his favorite snack. Right up there with Oreos. Instead, he chose to play his Ipod once again. Turning his head and now facing the tiny window, closing his eyes, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop the sudden sweet rush of his now forbidden memories as thoughts of Brian, and touching Brian, and tasting Brian, made him bite back a hard moan. And then the mantra was back, in full throttle. Looking over at Daphne, his guilty gaze clashed with her annoyed knowing one as he suddenly moved to excuse himself to the restroom, claiming it was the turbulence. They had yet to taxi down the tarmac and hit the friendly skies. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Summer has come and passed The innocent can never last Wake me up when September ends Like my father's come to pass Seven years has gone so fast Wake me up when September ends Here comes the rain again Falling from the stars Drenched in my pain again Becoming who we are As my memory rests But never forgets what I lost Wake me up when September ends Summer has come and passed The innocent can never last Wake me up when September ends Ring out the bells again Like we did when Spring began Wake me up when September ends Here comes the rain again Falling from the stars Drenched in my pain again Becoming who we are As my memory rests but never forgets what I lost Wake me up when September ends... Summer has come and passed, the innocent can never last... Wake me up when September ends Like my father's come to pass, twenty years has gone so fast Wake me up when September ends Wake me up...When September ends... >>>>>>>>>> "JUSTIN! JUSTIN CRAIG TAYLOR YOU LITTLE SHIT I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME! Turn off that fucking Ipod, get your ASS down here and HELP ME!" Screamed Daphne Taylor his, *shudder* wife of one year. Setting down his slim charcoal pencil and pushing away from the small drafting table, 19 year old Justin Taylor angrily ran his hands through his long blond bangs as he wondered 'just what in the FUCK she was pissed about NOW?' He knew 'THAT' voice. Having known her for as long as he had, and now living under the same roof with the girl, Justin couldn't help but pick up on the rolling emotions she was throwing around like live hand grenades. When they were little, THAT voice, although not as eloquent in it's cursing knowledge yet was just as scary. It had been THAT voice that had threatened Chris Hobbs back when they were small. And, hadn't he heard a rumour that the big fellow had been found knocked out in the trunk of his car on Prom night? 25 stitches to his head, and as far as Justin knew, he was STILL in a coma. But, naw, his little 'Daffy girl' couldn't of done such a thing, or could she? "JUSTIN! I SWEAR TO GOD AND ALL THAT IS AND IS NOT HOLY, GET YOUR FAT BUBBLE ASS DOWN HERE NOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! OR. ELSE." Frowning as he heard the increase in her volume of anger, wearily he got up from his comfortable black leather chair and walked out of the door, shutting it behind him. Taking the steep stairs two at a time, he then crossed the hall, carefully side stepping the large tattered stuffed Cookie Monster toy staring up at him with big dark eyes as if to plead, “HIDE ME MAN!" Peering around the corner and looking over a his 'wife' he sighed heavily. ‘Good god but she could be SUCH a bossy bitch!' He grumbled to himself as he opened his mouth to ask her what in the hell she wanted now. >>>>>>>> He had been working on a very important project for his Sophomore College Art course, and since this was the fifth interruption he had had from her this morning, the other two being a brief call from his mom, asking when they were coming home for another visit, and prattling on and on about something cutsie that Molly had done, and thanking him for the recent photos he and Daphne had had done. Then a longer call, this time from Emmett Honeycutt, also thanking him for the photos, and then asking him to design a new website for his upcoming business, the 'Temptest Teapot', a gay tea house that actually served 'tea and light sandwiches.' He had not meant to snap at the man, but, thanks to Daph, he really was not in one of the sweetest moods. After hanging up, Justin had grabbed his hair and pulled, hard. Groaning like a man 25 years his age, as his head had hit the desk with a hard, *thunk* he found himself starting to wonder if the damn project that was almost half of his damn grade was EVER going to get finished! >>>>>>>>>>>> Closing his eyes warily, he braced himself for her latest tongue lashing. Because even before she had the excuse of post natal bitch disease, Daphne had NEVER pulled any of her punches. Yesterday, she had spent at least 30 minutes lecturing him on the dangers of wet towels on the floor. The day before that was an hour long bitch session all about leaving the door open that led to the stairs up to his art room. Then there was the not giving Chance sweets. As the baby only had a few teeth, and she didn't want them ruined! >>>>>>>> Since the baby's birth, and now her even more heavy class load, Daphne had become SUCH a grouch! He was very proud of her, and all that she was trying to accomplish, and he knew that things wouldn't be easy for them. It was just sometimes, he found himself longing for the past. Back to when things were so much easier for the both of them. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Ever since a year ago, when they had both stepped off of the plane from Pittsburgh and had been greeted by his mother's cousin Cara and her husband James and their adopted daughter Shandra, things had been set in motion. A week after their arrival at The Southmier's home, he and Daphne had been married in a small Chapel. The reception had been held back at 'Southmyre, the Southmier's mansion/castle in the Gardens. The castle it's self had been brought over from Scotland stone by stone and reconstructed over a Century ago. With most of it now modernized, it was an amazing place to live. Along with Cara, James and their daughter, his mom and Daphne's parents had been the only 'family' in attendance. The other 500 or so guests had been friends of the family and well wishers that had been invited by 'invitation only' status. Justin's snobby father had refused to let Molly go with her mother, even knowing Justin was marrying a 'girl' and NOT that fag Brian Kinney. Still, in Craig's eyes, she wasn't what he would of wanted for his only son. And, the fact that she was already pregnant, well he didn't want Molly influenced by Daphne's loose behaviour. >>>>>>>>> Emmett, at Daphne's insistence had put the whole Wedding thing together, even the Reception, and although the affair had been a challenging one, it had been lovely. The colors had been ripe peach and soft cream. Daphne had worn a knee length, off the shoulder style sun dress of chantilly lace and taffeta, and her hair had been done up in a French knot, with sprigs of baby’s breath and tiny spring flowers entwined into a halo around her head. Little long cinnamon brown curls had been styled to frame her elfin face perfectly. Her shoes had been ballerina style slippers, and they matched her dress. Looking like a little fairy princess, her beauty alone had stole his breath as he watched her prance down the isle. 'Who on earth was she looking for?' he wondered as he watched her narrow her beautiful eyes, scanning the pews. >>>>> Looking for that familiar head of thick chestnut hair, Daphne was miffed that he didn't even have the balls to show. Well, she had sent him an invitation...'The chicken shit.' 'Oh well, too bad Kinney.' She smirked to herself as she practically danced down the isle toward her man. 'You snoozed, so YOU loose! Hee!' >>>>>> She had worn her great grandmothers single strand cream pearl necklace, and it had been a fitting companion to the engagement ring and wedding band from Justin and his mother. He had worn a cream tux with tails at her nagging insistence and his boutonniere had been a peach rose bud, with leather leaf and baby's breath sprigs. His black Prada shoes had been so buffed, he could see his reflection in them. That night, after the five tiered lemon and butter cream frosting cake decorated with tiny sugar peach colored tea roses had been cut, the toasts had been made, and the exquisite dinner of snow crab and steak and salad and honey rolls and a large selection of puffy and creamy hors d'oeuvre and champagne and wine had been served...After everyone had left, and it was just them alone in their own private wing of his mother's cousin's huge mansion, Justin caught a glimpse of what his life would now become... And, he really didn't like what he saw. Slowly rolling off of her obviously unsatisfied body, he felt a tear slip down his face. It could of been because she was pregnant, but, he really doubted it. Turning back, he reached for her. "Daph...I, um." He bit his lip when she rolled away from him saying softly, "Justin, look, um, I don't feel so good. Ya know, with the baby kicking and all, I guess the ceremony wore me out some too. Maybe I ate too much, ya know?" Lowering her lashes, she added quietly, "And you KNOW you're not the quietest sleeper, so would you mind too much if I asked you to go to the couch so I can get some rest?" He had just nodded as a keen sense of regret and sadness spread from his stomach to his heart. Grabbing up his pillow and a spare sheet, he had walked into the living room and angrily fixed himself a bed. As he lay there, he found himself tossing and turning. With a frustrated growl, he got up and stomped off to the kitchen. Looking inside the freezer the life like replica statuette of himself and Daphne on top of their Wedding Cake, made him want to hurl it out of his bedroom window, and watch as it went 'splat' below... Half a bag of Oreos and two cups of cocoa later, after cleaning up his mess, he soon found himself at the door of, 'the room.' His hand on the knob was trembling as he twisted it and let himself inside. Flipping the fuzzy blue character shaped switch and then walking over to the lovely mahogany crib, he carefully touched it. Peering inside, and then all around him, he smiled at the cute little blue character that adorned the mobile. It had been Daph and his favorite Sesame Street Character as well. The blanket had the same theme, as did the sheets set, and the bumper, and the stuffed animals, the walls, the mahogany changing table, the matching dresser, and the toy chest. Even the rug, and good god! Someone sure had a Cookie Monster fetish! Noticing the small mahogany twin bunk beds across the large room, also decked out in the big blue guy's style, he chose one and crawled into it, pulling the primary bright ABC sheets and blanket down and fell asleep. After that night, they never slept together again. That next day, his Aunt Cara (she had asked them to call her 'aunt' and to call her husband James 'uncle' as cousin was a bit strange for them because they were SO much older.) had not even batted a sandy lash at his request for another bedroom set to be added to the small spare room in the upstairs part of their three bedroom suite. Nor had she doubted his word when he had told her, "It's perfect for my Art, what with the huge picture windows and all. I need the light to work, and I really need the quiet too." >>>>>>> Luckily for him, instead of being angry at the new and sudden changes, Daphne had seemed almost relieved. It wasn't too long after that, then one stormy September day, their son, Chance Benjamin-Adian Taylor was born. Justin had been hell bent to name his son that, and Daphne had been exhausted and in no mood to argue the fact that her husband had named their child not only after her father, but after his first lover. 7 pounds and 6 ounces of bouncing baby boy with a full head of dark blond curly hair and dark blue eyes, dimpled cheeks and pouty cupids bow lips, Chance was the most beautiful baby! And he quickly had everyone under his spell. The nurses had nicknamed him 'Prince Chance.' Grandpa Ben was thrilled. As were Grandmas Jennifer and Judy. And honorary DR. Granny Jules was tickled pink too! After all, she had flown to NY to deliver him! >>>>>>>>> Justin and Daphne had discussed it and felt it was in their small families best interest that no one knew the 'real' reasons behind the room upstairs, and Justin kept a lock on the outside and inside door, just in case anyone got nosy. Only he and Daphne had a key. >>>>>> As the months of Chance's new life flew by, so many things had passed. Like the first time he watched his lovely wife nurse their beautiful son. He had sprinted for his sketch pad and pencils because, DAMN! He just had to sketch that! So he did. It amazed him that DAMN! Her tits had gotten HUGE! Breasts that were once cute and perky, were now just big pillows of baby milk. He himself hadn't been interested in them other than as a food source for his son, but, even if he had, he didn't think he could of gotten his hand around even one of them. But, seeing his baby boy greedily sucking from the fat nipples, he had to laugh. And then draw it. Chance had a determined look in his dark blue eyes as he nursed on one tit and clung possessively to the other, daring anyone to remove it from his iron baby grasp. The one time Justin had tried, teasing the baby, Chance had growled at him! Then, there was Chance's first real smile. It had been at THAT moment in time, that he finally got just why Debbie had once called him Sunshine. But, he was sure that had Debbie Novotnany met his son, Chance would then have the nickname passed onto him. And that time Chance pissed in Daphne's shocked face, Justin had laughed SO damn hard, he started hiccupping. Then, there was the first time the baby had removed his diaper and made an 'yucky' face. Daphne and Justin had been too busy playing 'rock-paper-scissors to see who was gonna be the lucky 'rent' and change the poopy mess. After Chance went "MEH!" flinging the crappy diaper at them both giggling with evil glee sparkling in those bratty dark eyes, they quickly learned the art of you, then me, then you, then me... The first time Chance's tiny fingers curled into and felt the silky soft fur of a kitten, or the wet tickle of a puppies playful tongue, that had been too sweet. They had taken the little baby to Central Park to watch the kites and other children at play. A childless young gay couple had gushed and giggled over the plump cherubic dark blond baby rolling around on the large blanket nestled on the soft green grasses, and had let Daphne and Justin introduce him to 'their' 'babies' too, named 'Toodles' a four month Husky puppy, and Bear-Bare the kitten. At Justin and Daphne's inquires as to the unusual names, both men had blushed prettily before explaining how their 4 year old niece Clara had named them. A belly laugh was had by the adults. Especially when Chance had quirked a sandy brown brow at the silly adults, and then loudly blew raspberries at them all. And now it was one year later, and today their son turns a year old. Against his advice, Daphne had been hell bent to leather, and insisted on dressing Chance early for his 'special day' party. It had been the cutest little dark blue baby suit. Justin had snickered at this, knowing his nosy and messy little boy QUITE well by now. Chance hated anything too tight, or too fancy. He had puked up or stained most every Prada baby or Gucci baby item that his mommy or anyone had bought for him. Daphne knew this but still she was determined to dress her son in the style that which they now lived. Sure enough, before 10am that morning, Chance had managed to crawl or pull up into several messes. First, Daphne had left her expensive and extensive makeup kit on the bed. Instead of leaving it on top of her dresser, as she was deciding on just what shade would best compliment the new chartreuse silk dress she and Cara and Shandra had found for her. Her high pitched scream had brought him almost tumbling down the damn stairs sideways as ran into 'her' bedroom eyes wild, heart pounding demanding to know as he shouted, "WHERE WAS CHANCE? AND, what in the FUCK was wrong THIS time!?" And then he had spied their little boy, powder thrown everywhere, especially on her new dress, one tiny fist in said garment, sporting a big sunshine grin and calmly gnawing on his mommy's open and smashed lipsticks, his other little fingers digging into her multi colored eye shadows and blushes.. After her second set of shouting, Justin had firmly shut and locked the door, dug out his trusty Ipod, and tried to drown her out. That present from his mother had not only been a thoughtful one, loading songs she had once enjoyed at his age, as well as ALL of his favorites and even several he had never heard of before, it had also kept him out of jail. Because many was the night, before and after his son's birth, that he could of happily strangled her with his Ipod's ear piece cords! Even though this was beginning to feel like 'one of those times' as Justin watched his frustrated little wife wrestle their baby fish in the tub, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her. But, that 'fish' part, he blamed strictly on 'Auntie Shandie.' Who insisted that Chance take newborn baby swim lessons as they had done her son a world of good. He had even gone on to be swim captain of his team throughout his school years. She never spoke much about him, but they could tell he was very loved by the small close-knit family. He was away over seas at some fancy boarding Grad school College. It had been at least a year since he had been home, and his family missed him dearly. >>>>>>>> The boy was very bright. Genius level actually, but his mom didn't like to brag. His second mother and his father however had NO such qualms about singing Shayden's numerous praises. And there were several walls and shelves proclaiming his specialness too, filled with certificates and trophies. Along with even more pictures. From the boy as a tiny baby, not much older than Chance, up to a curious and grinning toddler with a big mop of dark blond curls, all the way to a profiled smirk of a young dark blond teen with short hair, piercing aqua-blue eyes, and a sultry pink pout, Shayden was a very good looking boy. It was through the Southmier's that they learned he had entered school at 2, and then by age 5 had finished the 2nd grade. After quickly plucking him out of public school and moving him to more challenging things, and a more in depth environment, by age 9 he was in 7th grade. Entering a private all boys High School by age 11, by age 13 he had graduated with honors, and then began College. Soon Shayden was Graduating in his first four years by age 16. And now at 17, the boy wonder was just starting his second year of residency and finishing up grad school in England. Several of his 'older' friends and fellow residents had been given a golden offer to study and live in Europe for the next four years. And after much begging and pleading on his part, all three of his parents had agreed to let him attend the once-in-a-lifetime experience as well. So far his colleagues only spoke highly of him, his grades were perfect, as well as above par, and he was a shoo in for a new very coveted teaching spot back in the states. Hours later, Daphne and Justin had felt their eyes glaze over... >>>>>>> A deep bratty giggle knocked him out of his wool gathering as he was now listening to his frustrated wife moan on and on about how this was the child's third bath. "Oh Chancy! Shame shame on you! Poor POOR Mommy! All of her pretty make up is now ruined! Bad baby bad! Oh, Mommy is Sooo sad! Oh boo hoo!" The moment his mommy had shut her eyes to bemoan her plight, Chance just grinned up at his daddy like the little devil he was. >>>>> As he bit back the urge to stroke Daph's dark head in sympathy, Justin didn't have the heart to tell her much because it probably was his fault anyway, but Chance seemed to have a 'bath' fetish. Yep, the little fella really, really loved his baths. And, he wasn't shy about it, nope. But, he knew from experience, the more he ever tried to defend his little angel-baby, the rude tone of her high pitched bitchy voice scolding their son rose even higher. No matter how upset he felt at the time, just at the sound of that soft giggle, and he couldn't keep that frown on his face, nor stop the impending grin from spreading as he opened his eyes and his gaze fell on his angelic little baby boy. In the middle of the tub, surrounded by big fat pearlecent bubbles sat his beautiful son who was currently getting his mop of dark blond curls scrubbed and then rinsed by his bent over mother and ignoring her scolding tirade, he leaned up and planted a big wet open mouthed sloppy kiss on her cheek as a tiny handful of bubbles and a good bit of the soapy water was smacked into her open and surprised mouth. Losing her balance, she pitched face forward into the sudsy water with a surprised yelp. "Aww, that's mommy's little man! Good boy Chance! *whap* OH! OH GOD, BLECK! ACK! *sputter, gag*CHOKE *cough* cough* *cough* Jus,*Cough* Gag* JUSTIN! DO something with YOUR DEVIL spawn! *Cough* sputter*" Justin bit down hard on the inside of his mouth when Chance's full belly laugh filled the room, as he watched his wet mommy roll her eyes and make silly gagging noises. >>>>> Justin just smirked. Hmm, well, now how did that credit card slogan go? Oh, yeah, NOW that was, THAT was just...'priceless... Grabbing a big fluffy dark blue towel that matched his little cherubs dark blue eyes, Justin bit back a giggle when her sarcastic glare kicked up several notches as he ducked and wisely escaped the swift bubbly 'fist of doom' and instead did a counter attack on the smooth tiny tummy as he picked up his shrieking and giggling wet baby and quickly blew a raspberry before he wrapped the little guy snug. Pulling out one small fisted paw, he mock waved at her dripping form on the bathroom floor. "Say bye-bye to mommy Chance." Daphne ground her back teeth hard as she heard their son sweetly and obediently loudly chant, 'BYE-BYE MAMMA!" Rubbing his own nose playfully against the minute button one, Justin praised his little angel as he said, "Good BOY! That's Da da's good baby! My sweetest sweet! I love you little guy!" Kicking his tiny feet and almost wiggling out of his towel, Chance grinned a big Sunny grin at his daddy as he said, "Love YOU too Da DA!" Peering around at his mommy, making sure he had her attention, Chance lovingly cupped his daddy’s face with both tiny hands as he kissed his daddy's nose and sweetly said, "Yets get dwessed Dad da, it's MY partee day, k?! Wanna wa r Tookie and deens!" Knowing that meant the boy's brand new Cookie Monster tee and his favorite pair of jeans, quickly Justin got them both out of her line of fire as he heard a loud crash behind them and a shouted, "AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! STUPID MEN! BRATTY LITTLE BOYS! GAH!" After drying the birthday boy off, then changing and then dressing Chance, Justin and his son exchanged a long look as they could still here her ranting and yelling. Chance blinked his long sandy brown lashes solemnly at his daddy and then said, "Da da, she needs times out huh?" Hearing the loud *crash* and then more cursing, Justin nodded his head, agreeing with the wise one year old.