when in rome

“How could you not tell me?” Molly argues as she sits on Brian and Justin’s bed. “We didn’t want to worry you.” Justin reasons as he puts on his jacket. They had to return to Hirshhorn for the ‘Meet the Artist’ part of his exhibition. Justin hadn’t planning on answering any questions in a forum like some previous artists had done. He told Olga he would walk around and be available if anyone wanted to meet him or ask him a question personally. “Fuck you!” She argues. Brian, watching by the vanity, and remaining as close as Justin as possible while giving them both room to dress, comments, “Your brother loves you and wanted you to have a nice time here with your friends without going fuckin’ crazy, Molly. Cut him some slack. He’s alive. The fuckers are dead. And hopefully we don’t have to worry about this shit again.” The door knocks before anyone has time to respond. Sighing, Brian straightens up and opens the door. “Hey, Carl.” “Hey, Yourself,” Carl walks in, “Justin, how are you doing?” “Good.” And he was good. He was alive. Fuck that is a great feeling. “Do you have some news for us?” Brian asks as he walks back to his husband and protectively wraps his arms around him from behind. Justin smiles softly, pressing his back against his lover’s chest. Carl nods, “I do, and it’s big.” “What is it?” Molly asks. “Eddie is dead.” Carl replies. The room becomes as silent as silence itself. “That’s the dead boss’ son, right?” Molly clarifies. “The one and only.” Carl replies, knowing that the three people in front of him were trying to overcome an array of emotions, including shock and confusion. “Wait, how?” Justin stammers. “Seems that a lot of people felt that Eddie was nothing more than a hot head; very few agreed that he should send people out to DC to find you, and even less agreed to have him send out Tony, Rick and Charlie. Once word got out that they were killed, someone sought revenge and pulled the trigger on Eddie.” “Holy shit,” Justin leans against Brian as he knees buckle. Brian blinks slowly. “So it’s over?” Carl nods, “Vincent is the new boss and he wants nothing to do with the former boss’ old contracts.” “So it’s over?” Brian asks again. “It’s over.” “Oh my God!” Molly shrieks, covering her mouth with her hands. “Oh my God!” Justin closes his eyes, feeling the tears stream down his cheeks. Oh my God, it’s finally over. --------------------- 1-2 more chapters are on its way!