An Unforgettable Meeting

Debbie Novotny chewed her gum enthusiastically as she watched the last of the crowd heading out, most heading over to Woody's until it was time for Babylon. She watched as Justin bussed the last of his tables, pocketing his tips before removing his apron after another busy night. "You can cut on out of here, Sunshine. I know you have tonight off at Babylon. Go out and find yourself a hot stud. You should be having a good time!"

"I go out some. Morning classes always come so early."

"It wouldn't seem like that if you didn't stay out half the night. I don't know how you keep up with your classes and close Babylon every night..." Debbie shook her head, wishing she had half the energy Justin had.

Justin laughed. "I'm okay once I get going. It's the waking up in the morning that's difficult. My roomie doesn't help much with that either."

"Hmmph. Emmett is up even later than you. It's a good thing most of his catering jobs come in the evening." She watched as Justin slipped into his coat, her eyes warm and interested as she asked, "How's it going with you and Emmett?"

Sitting down at the counter, Justin took in a deep breath, fully relaxing for the first time all night. "It's really great, Debbie. Meeting Emmett was just what I needed. I don't know where I'd be without him."

"Laying in that parking lot where you were so brutally attacked." Debbie shuddered with the memory, her teeth clenching in fury that the perpetrator had never been found.

"It's been nearly a year. So much has happened. I'm about to finish my first year at PIFA. As far as I'm concerned, all of that ugliness is behind me now."

Justin forced himself to shut out the events of that nearly fatal night. It could have been so much worse. He had been in and out of consciousness for weeks, the only visitors having been his mother and Emmett. His father and mother had divorced a couple years prior, and his dad had effectively disowned him when he'd come out. He tried not to let that bother him... but he'd be lying if he said it didn't. Justin knew he had always been far too sensitive for his own good. Craig Taylor had broken his heart when he'd so callously abandoned him. When he'd awakened from his comatose state to find that his father hadn't called or checked in on him once, Justin thought his heart would rip in two. It was then that he became harder inside. In part it was all bravado... but a part of him had died on that day. Justin doubted it would ever come to life again.

"It pisses me off that they never found who mugged you. Fucking bastard left you for dead. It's a miracle you didn't die!" Debbie's eyes darkened in fury. "God, if Emmett hadn't been passing that parking lot; your screams carrying over to him, it might have been too late."

"I probably would have died... and over a measly twenty-six dollars and change in my pocket." Justin couldn't forget Emmett's face when he'd awakened. Of course, he'd had no idea of who the flamboyant and teary-eyed man had been; all he knew was he could see Emmett's heart in his eyes. They had been the best of friends since.

Debbie frowned as she saw the color draining from Justin's face. She reached out, laying her hand heavily across his own, tears shimmering in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Sunshine. I know that ordeal is painful for you. I shouldn't have brought it up. It's just when I think I would have never known you... I get fucking angry!"

Justin gave her his bright smile – the one she had labeled as the 'Sunshine' smile, back on the first day they had met. It hadn't been long after he'd been released from the hospital that he began to spend some time with Emmett... in the process meeting his friends. They had all taken a liking to him... all except for one. Debbie's own son, Michael. He had never understood Michael's contempt for him, he didn't think he ever would; he only knew that he had an enemy in Michael Novotny. Biting his lip, uncertain if he should ask the question, but in this moment unable to resist. "Uhhhh Debbie, you don't have to answer this if you don't want... but I have to ask."

"What is it, Sweetie?" she asked, looking attentively at him.

"Why does Michael hate me?"

Debbie shifted uncomfortably for a long moment. "Honey, it's not that he hates you-"

"C'mon, Debbie. It's more than obvious." Justin stood to his feet, glancing briefly to the clock, deciding a drink or two at Woody's was in order. "I shouldn't have asked. That puts you in a bad position... and I don't want to do that."

A rare sigh fell from Debbie. "Michael is complex, Justin. It's really hard to explain. I don't excuse him for this... but he never had a father growing up. Vic helped me raised him, before he got sick." A hearty chuckle resulted. "Let me tell you – it wasn't always the most orthodox of child rearing."

"I'm sure not," Justin agreed. "You don't have to talk about it. I shouldn't have pushed."

"Nonsense. It's understandable that you would ask. Michael doesn't treat you right." Debbie looked at Justin closely, asking in interest, "What does Emmett say?"

Justin scrunched up his nose, Emmett's assessment very clear in his mind. "It's crazy really. Emmett thinks it all stems from Michael's obsession with Brian Kinney... a man that isn't even around. For some reason Emmett thinks if Brian got one look at me, he would abandon his on/off friendship with Michael and turn all his attention on me. Isn't that the craziest thing you've ever heard?"

"Actually it's not." Debbie shook her head almost despondently. "This thing with Brian is sick. It will never happen... and Michael has no chance at happiness until he realizes that too."

"So is Brian really all that Ted and Emmett say?" Justin asked, unable to resist letting his curiosity take over.

"He's all that and more." A faraway look entered her eyes. "Everyone wants Brian... and no one ever has him. Brian Kinney is a free spirit. He takes his pleasure, then breaks their hearts. He never stays in one place for long. I've never quite understood why. I guess he just doesn't form attachments of any kind."

That was something they both had in common. "We sound a bit alike. I don't move around, but I don't do relationships either."

"No, you're not like him, Justin. You have a loving heart. I've never found anything but coldness in him." She gave Justin a fierce look, before she told him, "If he ever returns, keep your distance. For your own sake... keep far away from him."

"In the event that he comes back, I don't see that being a problem. I've met his type countless times. They don't impress me." Justin leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "Goodnight, Debbie. I'll see you tomorrow."

She smiled at him, her hand reaching up to ruffle his hair. "Goodnight, Sunshine." Debbie watched as Justin left the diner, shaking her head as she thought about their conversation. She didn't have a doubt that Emmett was right on the mark concerning Michael's disdain for Justin. She wasn't certain it was centered in hate... but it wasn't a pleasant vibe. It was her hope that time would make it better. Debbie was realistic. This obsession had gone on for years now. There seemed to be no end for it. The only thing that could end it was if Brian made the effort to show Michael that nothing would ever happen between them. Justin could definitely be in a bad position if Brian returned. He would be in the middle for certain. Emmett had this one called perfectly. One look at Justin and Brian would be hunting. At that point, civility for Justin would be impossible for Michael. She could only hope that Justin and Brian never crossed paths. Debbie had a feeling that someday fate would decide otherwise. She hoped it wouldn't be disastrous... for any of them.

Brian slid his hands deep into his pockets, his footsteps carrying him idly down Liberty Avenue, his eyes looking around in what was nothing more than minimal interest. He watched as the other bodies strolled along, everyone looking for their pick of the night; a couple hours too early for Babylon yet... but that didn't stop the queers from seeking a potential hook-up to pass away the time. His eyes flickered over the campy, the desperate, along with a few that were reasonably fuckable, yet surprisingly he found himself not interested. For some reason, Brian sensed something better was awaiting him tonight. Brian hadn't utilized any form of magic to deduce that fact. It was simply one he knew to be true.

As he continued to walk, far from oblivious to all the whistles and sighs that came his way, Brian realized even though he hadn't visited Pittsburgh in a couple of years... the essence of Liberty Avenue hadn't changed at all. He glanced towards the diner that was the daily hang-out of many, in his recollection the food not being that terrible for diner fare – yet not up to standards he had become accustomed to enjoying. Brian bypassed the diner, knowing it was now late enough that all the action would be at Woody's... a preliminary to what they all expected to be a more full experience at Babylon later. Stepping inside, Brian observed the bar was in full swing, shaking his head in derision at how mundane this truly was in comparison to some of the bars he had frequented in the past two years.

He spotted his club manager seated at the bar, chatting intently with Michael; otherwise known as his stalker each time he had been in this berg. Rolling his eyes, Brian hoped that would have changed. If it didn't this time, he might have to use magic to ensure that it did. As much as he hated using the means of magic to control his - sort of friends - he realized in the case of the formerly smitten Michael Novotny, it might become necessary. His voice was bored when he spoke, "Good evening boys..."

Ted and Michael both turned, gasping simultaneously at the sight neither of them had expected to find on this night. Groaning as he looked at the dreamy expression on Michael's face, Ted realized he would need to be first to speak. "Brian... I don't believe it. I didn't expect you tonight. If you would have let me know you were coming, I would have met you at the airport."

"I'm always coming, Theodore. You should know that..." Brian drolly responded, his eyes resting only briefly on Michael's rapt expression. He nodded to the bartender, telling him, "Beam. Make it a double." His eyes turned back to his club manager, his demeanor suddenly more serious. "I notice that this berg hasn't changed... even if my revenue has increased enormously."

The mere mention of Babylon's growing popularity caused Michael to cringe, effectively bringing him out of his stupor. He smiled at his hero adoringly, determined to get Brian's attention firmly on him... and away from any events at Babylon. "It's great to have you home, Brian. How long are you staying?"

Brian paid for his drink, thanking the bartender with a nod, before he took a slow sip, his eyes sweeping around the crowded bar, as always his gaze taking in everything in one penetrating glance. "I haven't decided yet, Michael."

Ted jumped in quickly, knowing it would become more and more difficult to do so. Michael would become more chatty with Brian... and undoubtedly, Brian would find some trick to capture his interest. It was an unending cycle... and one he could never win. "We've had a good few months. Business has been booming."

"The increase has been very impressive." Brian looked at Ted curiously. "What's the reason behind it?"

Michael laid his hand on Brian's arm. "Dance with me, Brian. It's been so long."

Brian flicked a disinterested glance at Michael. "Not now, Mikey. I'm discussing business now."

"Since when are you so interested in business?" Michael virtually pouted.

Brian glared at Michael, his earlier thought returning. Magic might definitely be needed to rid himself of this nuisance – once and for all. "I don't like unanswered questions... and surprises even less. There is a reason for everything, and I intend to learn it."

Ted ignored Michael, feeling a mixture of annoyance and sympathy for his friend. Brian had really never done anything to encourage this sort of attachment... outside of the fact of being fucking beautiful. He glanced over to the far side of the room, a smile curving his lips as he viewed Justin at his best... second best, he amended to himself. Justin at his best was undoubtedly his pole dance that was timed and performed to perfection. Not far behind that was watching him in action. He was much like Brian in one respect – everyone wanted him, and he generally had anyone he wanted. "The answer is right over there..."

Brian placed his drink on the bar, his head turning to follow the direction of Ted's gaze. His breath momentarily caught in his throat as he viewed the tightly clad denim ass that lightly thrust against the trim body of the faceless twink that the blond had pressed into the wall. Fuck. That was the hottest ass he'd seen in a long time. If ever. He wanted to see it naked... with his cock pounding into it. Brian couldn't imagine the reality living up to the fantasy... but he had a feeling in this case it definitely would. Brian spoke aloud without being fully cognizant of the fact. "Fuck. The face couldn't possibly match that ass-"

Michael's eyes began to shoot daggers in Justin's direction, the insult tumbling easily from his mouth. "Both are overrated... if you ask me."

"No one did," Brian growled, his eyes crawling over the backside of the blond; without implementing magic, willing him to release the lips of the twink he had pinned and give him the opportunity to look at his face. A satisfied smile curved his lips as his wish was partially granted. Magic wasn't always necessary. One thing was for certain... if he had to use it in order to nail this blond-headed hottie, Brian would definitely use it. That was a surprising thought in itself. He had never used magic to lure a trick. There had never been any need. The unparalleled charm of Brian Kinney was always more than enough. He watched as the blond whispered something in his trick's ear, his head turning slightly to the side as he listened to his response. Brian only had a side view of the blond... but it was more than enough. There was no way the blond was leaving with who was an undeserving man in his eyes. "Who is he?" Brian barely breathed.

"He works for you." Ted smirked, realizing Emmett had been correct in his predictions. Brian was as captivated by Justin as every man that watched him dance. It was a rare sight to see. In fact, it was almost magical. Ted had never given much thought to such things... but that was the exact reaction Justin generally elicited within his captive audience. Not even performing, that was exactly what he was doing with Brian now too.

Michael gritted his teeth, his worse nightmare soaring vibrantly to life. "C'mon, Brian. I haven't seen you for so long. Let's go do something... the three of us." Michael looked towards Ted for support. "Doesn't that sound great, Ted?"

"Sure does... but I need to head over to Babylon." He stared at Michael sadly... seeing his friend was heading quickly into heartbreak – again. "My job... remember?"

Brian watched as the blond's trick moved away to slide into his coat. He needed to stop this departure. "Works for me how?" he clipped out, his eyes following the twink that would soon be having a change of heart. He began casting a spell mentally, willing the twink to look at him, smiling to himself at how easy it was with these humans. His spell would resolve the blond's plans quickly. Brian realized only magic could do this. There was no other way the trick's desire could dissipate for the blond so quickly. Brian mentally cast a spell that would render the most revolting images into the trick's mind. Going home with the blond would be the last thing the twink would think of doing now.

"He's one of your pole dancers... and the reason for your increased revenue. He captivates the entire audience. On the nights that Justin performs, Babylon is filled to capacity."

Justin. He closed his eyes briefly, committing the name to memory. "I can hardly wait to see his performance." Brian's attention was riveted when the blond fully turned, their eyes meeting across the room. Hazel clashed with blue in one short, unguarded moment; a connection that neither of them realized was immediately being formed. Swallowing deeply, Brian asked, "Does he work tonight?"

"Fuck this. I'm not watching this!" Michael's pout returned full force. "Call me when you get up tomorrow, Brian. We'll do something..."

Brian watched as the twink spoke in agitation to the blond... his spell having the exact result he desired. Smiling as Justin watched in confusion as his trick left him behind, Brian mumbled to Michael, "Sure, I'll call you tomorrow. Maybe we can all have lunch. For now, though... I have definite plans..." He didn't wait to hear Ted or Michael respond, his footsteps carrying him to his delicious prey. He took in a deep breath when he was just behind the oblivious blond, his arm snaking around his waist to pull him back against him... his cock tenting his pants, more than ready to pound his perfect ass.

Justin tensed, having a feeling it would be the man he had been watching from across the room, instinctively knowing this wasn't a man to toy with. He looked over his shoulder, his breath lodging in his throat when he looked into those smoldering and lust filled eyes. "Who the fuck are you?"

Brian smiled, his tongue stroking across his lips, knowing he was going to devour every inch of this gorgeous blond. "Who am I? That's a good question... and a simple one to answer. I'm the man that is going to fuck the hell out of you tonight."

TBC