~*~ “I hope you have a very good reason for waking me up this fucking early.” Tommy slid the sugar bowl across the table to Brian. “I do if you want to hear a proposition that could quite possibly change your life.” Brian eyed him cautiously, but perked up enough to let Tommy know he was interested. “Okay. So you have it set in your head that Ryder is the only firm in town that would be willing to pay you a halfway decent salary while giving you the recognition you deserve, right?” Brian stirred his coffee slowly and acknowledged with a nod. “So?” “And now you have this Vance guy taking over and you don’t think you have a shot in hell at being a part of this company.” He shrugged. In truth, he’d already submitted his resume and had been politely told he wasn’t what they were looking for. From what he gathered, they wanted mediocre performers they could pay on a small scale. Brian definitely wasn’t small scale. “So here’s my question. Why work for someone else, Brian? You know advertising and you have a degree in marketing, a strong head for business... Why not work for yourself?” Brian closed his eyes and habitually pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is what you woke me up at Eight o’clock in the fucking morning for?” “You’re lucky I waited until eight. I’ve been up since six.” Brian cringed and sipped from his cup, wincing when the hot coffee hit the back of his throat. “And how exactly am I supposed to do this? My severance package wasn’t that generous and even my loft wouldn’t be enough collateral for financing…” “Ahh. Mere hurdles. What you do have is a friend interested in a partnership, whose corporation has enough cash flow to more than expedite the start up of a small business. Which, by the way, could turn into a large business given enough time and effort.” Brian’s brow rose. “You want to start an advertising agency?” “No. I want you to start an advertising agency. With Payne Information Systems, Inc. as a silent partner.” “Why?” Tommy shrugged. “Why not?” Brian thought of a thousand reasons why not, but settled for the one thing bothering him most. “This sounds like a pity offer. I don’t take fucking handouts.” Tommy shook his head and answered seriously, “This is a business offer. Plain and simple. All you need is an office to work out of, a good staff and some of that cocky arrogance I’m so fond of. I think you could make us both a lot of money.” “Don’t forget clients. Are you gonna supply those too?” “That’s the one thing I don’t need to do, Brian. You’re the reason I kept coming back to Marko and the reason your leaving forced me to pull my business out. You have what it takes to convince people you’re what they need. I still want you to handle my account.” “This is fucking impossible. You do realize that, right?” Brian waited for an answer, but surprisingly, didn’t get one. Instead, Tommy smiled and handed Brian a card from his wallet. “Nothing’s impossible. A real estate agent is meeting you tomorrow at 2 o’clock.” Brian took the card hesitantly. “I haven’t even said yes.” “You haven’t said no, either.” “Yet.” Tommy nodded and laughed. It was time to change the subject and let Brian mull it over for a while. “So Michael tells me I stirred up some old shit when I dragged you to Liaison. Care to share?” Brian stood up, throwing down a couple of bills. “Sorry. Sharing time is over.” He buttoned his coat and turned around to leave when Tommy grabbed his sleeve. “Look, if I’d known...” He sighed and then continued. “Michael says things ended bad with this guy and that it’s not the best idea for you to get involved with him again.” Brian pulled his arm away. “Michael needs to mind his own fucking business.” And then he made a point of adding, “And that goes for everyone else too.” He didn’t give Tommy time to answer before he walked away and disappeared out the door. ~*~ “What the fuck are you doing, Brian?” “Butt out, Mikey.” “But, Justin? Why would you want to start all that back up again? It took you long enough to get rid of him the first time.” “I said butt out.” Michael walked around Brian and blocked his view of the mirror, putting his hands on Brian’s shoulders. “I’m just looking out for you. Like we always do. I don’t want to see you do something stupid, that’s all.” Brian reached over to open the nightstand drawer and grabbed a few condoms, showing them to Michael before shoving them into his pocket. He smiled at Michael’s exasperated sigh. “That’s not what I mean and you know it.” Brian rolled his eyes and went back to primping himself in the mirror. Huffing, Michael moved out of his way. “Besides, it’s been almost a week and we haven’t even had a chance to really talk yet. You could stay here and tell me why you’re moving back to the Pitts.” “Tomorrow.” Annoyed, he changed tactics again. “You don’t find anything even halfway wrong with this?” Brian shrugged. “No.” Michael sighed and gave up, moving over to the bed. He plopped down on the edge and watched Brian change his shirt for the third time. “There are other twinks in Pittsburgh.” Brian grabbed his wallet off a nearby table and slid it into his back pocket before leaning down to kiss him. “Don’t wait up.” ~*~ Brian was surprised how crowded Liaison was for a weeknight. A lot more crowded than it had been the two previous times he’d been there. He wasn’t sure how that affected personal requests, but he turned his in to the appropriate person and then sat down at a table to enjoy the show while he waited. Sure, Michael was right. There were other twinks in Pittsburgh. Many of them were right here, and he could probably have his pick of several who would be more than willing to go home with him. But that was far from what he wanted. Besides, it had been a very long time since he’d thought of Justin as just some twink. But what exactly did he want? He’d been asking himself that very question the last few days. He knew he wanted to make things right, and he was taking the first step in trying to make it happen. It might not have been the most conventional idea, but he knew Justin’s weakness. Unfortunately, it matched his own. He’d felt it both times they were together, even when he hadn’t realized it was Justin. The urge to touch each other, the need to experience the connection they’d had since that first night. So yeah, he was pretty sure the fucking would be inevitable once Justin gave in, if Justin gave in. But what then? He wasn’t going to think about that right then. He’d be lucky enough if Justin didn’t throw him out right away. Fortunately, he’d taken precautions to help alleviate that problem. He’d asked around and found out he could request something a little different. Something… not quite hands on, but hopefully it would still enable him to accomplish his goal. He was nursing his third beer when one of the ushers finally approached his table, letting him know they were ready for him. He was led down another long corridor, much as before, but this time, there was no bed and no annoying concierge in the room with him. The only furniture available was a cushioned chair placed in the center of the room with the usual complimentary table of toys within arm’s reach. Clean towels lay folded on a shelf to his left but most noticeably, he saw a wall made entirely of glass directly in front of him. He squinted, trying to see beyond the glass, but the room connected to his was bathed in complete darkness. Killing time, Brian moved across the room and eyed the various toys on display. Ticklers, sleeves, butt plugs and dildos of every size and color. He could only imagine where half the items had been. He shuddered, took a clean, white towel, and placed it across the table, covering the offending items. He paced the expanse of glass. In truth, he was a little nervous. If he was right about the way Justin felt, it would definitely work to his advantage. If not, Justin might never speak to him again. Either way, it was a chance he was willing to take. He decided to sit down and wait, wondering if Justin was already behind the glass. He wouldn't know, with the room so dark, he couldn’t see any movement, until finally... there was a barely discernable glow. It gradually increased to illuminate the room enough to make out the body slouched comfortably in a black, cushioned chair. Brian froze. Justin was fantasy personified, pure and simple. His blond hair was tussled in every direction, a few pieces tucked back easily behind his ear and he was wearing blue, silky boxers with a robe to match, opened just wide enough to expose his firm stomach. If Brian did jealous, he’d certainly hate the men who’d experienced this scene before he did. Justin’s finger ran slowly down the length of the robe, circling the slight bulge visible through the silk material of his shorts, before tracing his path back up again. There was nothing in his actions telling Brian that he didn’t want to be there. It didn’t look like he was going to bolt, so Brian relaxed, leaned back in the chair and waited for Justin to make the first move. Finally, in a soft, smooth tone came Justin’s voice. “So, you wanted a private show? Now that I'm here, what would you like to see?” Brian cocked an eyebrow. He was at a loss for what to say. He’d expected resistance. He was waiting for Justin to tell him to get the fuck out. Instead, Justin’s finger slipped beneath the robe and began sliding down his bare chest until he reached his lower stomach, where his hand turned to rest flat against the boxers, his thumb tucked in the waistband. “Are you going to make me guess?” he asked, looking straight into the glass through half-closed lids. “Or would you rather just watch?” Fuck. Brian sat back up, motioning his hand in front of the glass and received no reaction. Justin couldn’t see him. Suddenly, the tables turned and Brian grinned. “Do you really want me to answer that or are you just being polite?” Justin pulled his hand from his boxers and his body visibly tensed. “What are you doing here?” Brian smirked. “I’m beginning to think that’s the full extent of your vocabulary.” Justin sat up straighter and crossed his arms in defiance. It made Brian want him even more. “You shouldn’t be so surprised. I told you I’d see you.” “Okay. You’ve seen me. Now I’ll go make sure they give you your money back.” Brian replied coolly, “I’d rather have the service I paid for.“ “You can’t expect me to do this with you.” Brian intended to argue until Justin saw reason. “It’s not like you can see me. I could be anyone.” “But you’re not.” Lowering his voice, leaving no doubt as to what he wanted, he replied, “Do you know how fucking hot you look? How bad I want to touch you right now?” The arms came uncrossed but Brian still sensed Justin's indecision. All it would take was just a little nudge. Something he wouldn’t be able to resist. “I’ve always loved watching you. Even when you didn’t know I was doing it.” Justin sat still for just a few moments and Brian watched as the inner debate played out across his face. Had he said the right thing? Or would it just piss him off more? When Justin eased back into the chair, shifting his body with a subtle shimmy that sent his robe sliding off his shoulders, exposing just enough skin to be considered teasing, Brian smiled. “All those times in the shower, when you were all wet and soapy, waiting for me to come in and fuck you…” Justin’s hands returned to his stomach, sliding down, brushing lightly over his skin, stroking the blue silk of the boxers then stretching the material tight against the thick hardness beneath. He licked his lips and tilted his head back, rubbing directly over the concealed bulge. Brian moaned. He needed so much more. He wanted to feel Justin against his skin. He pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it to the side and then he leaned back, stretched his legs out in front of him and unsnapped his jeans. His hands roamed his torso, barely there touches that wisped against his body. “I watched while you fisted your cock until it was hard and ready…glistening with suds.” Justin’s chest rose and fell, his mouth partially open. A whispered name left his lips as he gave himself over to the moment, “Brian…” Justin closed his eyes, leaning his head against the back of the chair. “What were you thinking when you were getting yourself off?” Justin wet his lips and let his hips raise enough to push the boxers down, sliding them off over his feet. He gripped the shorts and wrapped the material around his cock with one hand, slowly stroking his shaft up and down with the silk. Brian’s hand moved inside his jeans firmly palming his own cock. “Talk to me, Justin.” Justin looked downward as an unmistakable blush colored his cheeks. After a long pause, he finally answered. “I was thinking about fucking you.” His voice low and intense, Brian asked, “You fantasized about fucking me?” After a nod, he smiled. “Tell me what it felt like. Describe it.” Justin sucked in a breath and looked up again, his eyes roaming the glass. “It was hot. So fucking hot.” Brian pushed the confining denim down, low enough to allow him to spread his legs comfortably. His fingers closed around his cock, pulsing a few times, afraid to move any more than that. Justin was driving him crazy. If he rubbed or stroked, the friction would be too much. This had to last as long as he intended it to. “Did you really want to fuck me, Justin?” “Yes,” Justin answered, dropping the boxers to the floor, gripping his naked cock. “Push your cock inside my tight hole? Come inside me?” “Yes.” Brian forced his eyes open though all he wanted to do was close them and lose himself in the fantasy. But he couldn’t. Not when Justin was splayed in front of him like this. Not when Justin shifted and opened his legs, letting Brian see his balls and just a hint of the curve of his ass. But then Justin’s voice surprised him. “I knew you’d never let me, but just the thought of it… that maybe, someday…” Brian groaned at the heat in Justin’s voice. The blatant lust he could hear so clearly. “So that’s what made you so hard. You were always so fucking horny by the time I joined you. Pushing your ass against me, sliding your slippery crack along my cock… begging for it.” “I never begged.” Brian half grinned. “I remember differently.” Justin smiled and then teasingly rubbed his hand through his pubic hair. “Are you hard, Brian? Right now? Are you touching your cock?” If he was going through with this, he needed to take control. “Yes…” Justin cupped his balls and traced a finger down his ass, lifting his legs enough so Brian could watch him circle his hole. “Do you want to fuck me? Feel my ass around you?” Brian let out a loud breath. “I always want to fuck you.” Justin nodded. “There’s lube on the shelf beside you. I want you to use it.” Brian rose up, eyeing the silver tube. He used his feet to pull his jeans the rest of the way off, letting them pool to the floor beneath him and then grabbed the lube. He turned his attention back to the room in front of him and felt the excitement ripple through his body when he saw the black dildo Justin was stroking. The black dildo slick with wetness, at least ten inches long or more and an inch and a half in diameter. “I'm ready for you, Brian.” He blinked, trying to concentrate. “Wait.” As he flipped the lid and eased enough liquid to fill his cupped hand, his eyes never left the sight of the object in Justin’s hand. Sure, they’d played with toys before, but he’d never seen Justin take that much. The thought of watching him now… He reclined the chair slightly, lying back against the cushion. “Okay.” “I want you to feel it. Imagine what it would be like to slide inside me.” Brian tightened his grip, slicking his shaft, trying to control his raging hard-on. “I don’t have to imagine. I remember.” Justin smiled a slow, wicked grin and rose up onto his knees, spreading his legs. He positioned himself over the dildo, holding it with one hand, while spreading his ass with the other. “Fill me, Brian. Slowly… a little at a time.” He pushed down and the tip of the cock slid inside. “Oh fuck,” Brian squeezed the head of his cock firmly, applying just enough pressure to imitate the clenching of Justin’s ass around him. “A little more,” Justin begged, taking another inch… and then another. “I need it.” “Yesss,” Brian hissed. Three inches in his hand, so warm… so wet. “It’s so fucking big,” Justin rasped, squeezing his eyes shut. “I don’t know if I can take it all.” “Oh yes you can.” Brian’s eyes shifted, watching the penetration. Watching the stretch, the acceptance of Justin’s hole around the large object. He could feel it. He wanted it. He needed it to be him. “Fuck, Justin. Can’t we…” Justin stopped him. “Don’t. Just… enjoy this.” Brian took a deep breath and focused. Focused on what was in front of him. Justin, on his knees, his back arched slightly, head bent enough to expose the long stretch of his neck, his eyes closed, mouth open, concentrating on filling his ass with the rest of the dildo. Brian sucked in a breath as the last inch disappeared and Justin let out a low, gutteral moan. He fucked his left hand, pushing it down to the base, and then let his right join in, covering the rest of his shaft. As Justin rose up, so did Brian’s hands. He could almost imagine it. Justin astride his hips, his ass pulling Brian’s cock deeper and deeper inside… that snug fit that was always so perfect. “I love your cock, Brian. I love when you let me take control… when you let me decide how fast… how hard… how fucking deep.” “Fuck me, Justin. Ride me. You know just how to make me come.” Justin moaned as he slid all the way down and then slowly pulled back, rolling his hips before pushing down again in a steady motion. Brian imitated his movements, jacking himself in time to Justin’s hips. Speeding up, the thrusts becoming shorter- quicker. “I’m gonna come, Brian. Can I come now?” He grabbed his cock with his free hand, circling it, fucking it, even before he'd finished his plea. “Almost… fuck, I’m almost there.” His hips bucked forward, his dick pushed into his fist and he groaned when he came, long ropes of wetness spurting onto his stomach and chest. He stared as Justin’s body shuddered with his own orgasm, the dildo still buried deep inside him. It took a few minutes before Justin moved, but Brian couldn’t say that he minded. He was still trying to gain his own composure. Christ, even virtual sex with Justin was more intense and satisfying than the actual fucking he did with countless tricks. He'd also missed the unmistakable look of bliss that radiated from Justin when he was completely satiated. Slowly, carefully, Justin finally rose up and removed the dildo, placing it inside a towel beside the chair. He slid his fingers through his hair, grimacing when he felt how sticky they were with lube and come. Getting to his feet, he pulled his robe back up over his shoulders, unsure of what to do next. “Meet me later.” It was out before Brian could stop it, pleading tone and all. Justin shook his head. “No.” “We really should talk.” As he was tying his robe in place, Justin tilted his head. “Do you really think I’m that gullible? I know your methods of communication, and talking is definitely not one of them.” Brian was relieved Justin couldn’t see his face. Though comments like that usually wouldn’t bother him, somehow, that one really did. “Times change Justin. I’ll be at the diner by two. Safe, neutral territory. I’ll even throw in breakfast to sweeten the deal.” “I don’t get off until two.” “Well then I guess I’ll be waiting a while.” “You’re serious? You really only want to talk? ” “No, I really want to fuck you. But I suppose I’ll just have to make do.” Justin smiled; an easy genuine smile, the likes of which Brian hadn't seen in a very long time. Even as he watched Justin walk out, he knew he’d be there. Brian had never felt more anxious. Now, if he could only figure out just what the fuck he was going to say to him. As he dressed to leave, he thought of Tommy’s offer. A new beginning with a brand new company might not be such a bad idea after all. He needed a shift in perspective, to focus on where he was going, instead of where he’d been. Now was the time to do it if he was going to change things. But it could only happen if he included that resolve in every aspect of his life.