Brian wakes to pounding on the door rivaling the pounding in his head. He turns toward Justin spooning his naked body as he tries to share the space under the pillow covering his head to no avail. When the knocking only gets louder and more creative, Brian lunges from the bed and takes the steps all at once. Sliding on his bare feet, he flings the door open with a thunderous slam.
"What the fu..." Brian stops short when his eyes land on a slender teen with giant blue eyes contrasted against a narrow pointed chin.
"Hello, Cowboy Chicken" the boy smirks and gives Brian a quick peck on the lips as he pushes his way inside "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"He was disturbed long before you were even born, sweetie" Debbie steps through the door smacking Brian in the head then kissing his cheek.
Brian checks and finds Justin's modesty is preserved by the sheets and height of his bedroom. He pulls on a pair of what turn out to be Justin's jeans from the pile of discarded clothing on the floor to cover his own.
"Great look, Pop" Gus chuckles questioning the strength of the seams containing his muscular thighs.
"Really gives new meaning to getting into Justin's pants".
Brian and Debbie can't help laughing loudly startling Justin awake. He sits up wincing at the light filling his eyes and is immediately taken aback by the sight of Brian. He ambles down the steps wrapped in a sheet still feeling the effects of last night.
"Why in the..." Justin is suddenly aware of the presence of a minor and elders. "What are you doing to my jeans?"
"What...you don't like?" Brian turns bending over slightly to give Justin a better look "I think my ass looks pretty hot".
"Of course it does..." Justin gives him a good whack with his free hand "Your ass would look hot in anything...and nothing at all".
Brian grabs him trying to pull off the makeshift toga. Justin manages to keep it, but he is smothered in kisses.
"Oh gross..." Gus mocks gagging himself as they kick up the mush factor for his benefit. Then they turn their attention to him. Justin holds him while Brian kisses him all over the face then they switch until he takes cover behind Debbie.
"To what do I...we...owe this visit, Sonny Boy?" Brian waits for Horvath to clear the door before closing it "Are your mommies alright?"
"Yeah, they're fine" Gus tosses his backpack on the couch and helps himself to the fridge.
"I think what your dad means is it's such a pleasant surprise because we didn't expect you until the summer." Justin gives the young man a warm hug while he and Brian converse solely in confused glances over his head.
"We're just curious as to why you've made the trip by yourself."
"We already asked all those questions...everyone's fine and the girls know he's gone." Debbie butts in pointing to the floor next to the couch for her husband to set down Gus's suitcase.
"Carl and I just wanted to make sure he made it in safely" Debbie kisses Gus leaving lipstick on his forehead "We'll get out of your hair. I'm sure you have much to discuss". She makes her way to Justin pinching his cheeks as she kisses him on the lips.
"Expect to see you all at dinner Sunday. I'm making spaghetti with meatballs"
"You know I can never resist nice balls, Deb" Brian walks them out and again locks the door.
"I was just telling your dad how long it's been since I've seen you." Justin sits at the counter watching him reminded of the night he met Brian...how Mel and Linds let him-a complete stranger-name their baby. Now, he's almost a man.
"I guess..." Gus mutters half-heartedly as he sits next to Justin taking large gulps from his bottled water.
"You never really answered my question" Brian takes the bottle from him "What are you doing in Pittsburgh?" Gus reaches for it, but he pulls it away raising an eyebrow. Justin gets up to get dressed keeping an ear trained on their conversation.
"Some prom thing" he relents dropping his gaze.
"The Gay Prom for the GLC?" Justin pokes his head out as he pulls on a paint-splattered tee with old jeans.
"Emmett and I are in charge of planning" his smile is irrepressible at having one Kinney male attend the event.
"Yeah..." Gus watches as Brian moves for the bedroom and Justin returns to the kitchen.
"Mom and Mére insisted that I come to meet people my own age." Gus lets out an exasperated sigh "Apparently I'm spending too much time around the wrong element." He slides off the stool and walks to the couch flipping through an outdated copy of Vanity Fair's The Hollywood Issue.
"And you thought of your old man..." Brian marvels at the idea that he's actually anyone's idea of a positive influence.
"Actually I think it was because Justin is in town." Brian swats the boy over the head with a crumpled copy of Out as he joins Justin in the kitchen.
Justin steers the conversation back to the prom as he places a plate of cinnamon toast, Gus's favorite, on the bar.
"Thanks, Justin" Gus walks over and takes a slice back to the couch.
"Yeah, Justin" Brian plasters his face with a silly grin "You're the bestest mommy ever." Justin snatches the last slice before him eating it himself. Brian grabs him licking cinnamon sugar off his lips as they kiss.
"Get a room!" Gus protests shielding his eyes.
Charged with the task of entertaining a teenager, Justin takes Gus with him to Buzzy's so he and Michael work on the upcoming Rage issue. Hunter is doing inventory and takes over running the register so that Michael can go upstairs to brainstorm.
"Hey, Hunter" Gus tries to look nonchalant flipping a recent copy of "The Flash".
"Hey, Gus" Hunter climbs off the ladder to check out a waiting customer. Gus's eyes light up and his stomach does little flips as he follows him to the counter still holding the comic book.
"What's different about you?" he makes change and hands it to the hurried man along with his receipt inside the bag.
"I've been working out?" Gus flexes a skinny bicep trying to force a muscle. The customer, unable to keep a straight face, flees the store as if their stigma will attach if he gives even an inch.
"Well, clearly..." Hunter gives his arm an obligatory squeeze "but there's something else I can't quite put my finger on."
Gus follows as Hunter returns to his post on the ladder and weakly tries holding it steady.
"You can put your fingers anywhere you want, honey" Gus flirts with Hunter causing them both to laugh so hard the ladder might topple over and Hunter with it.
"I heard my dads talking about you last night" Hunter pauses to make a note on his clipboard before moving to the next task "Everyone thinks you ran away from home."
"We've known each other a long time, right?"
"Yeah" Hunter stops giving Gus his full attention.
"I might as well tell you...as my oldest and dearest friend...It's really no big deal" Gus pauses looking up at Hunter as he runs a hand through his thick hair with a shy little grin.
"Come on, dude, just tell me."
"There's really no easy way to say it so I'll just say it..." he enjoys watching his friend squirm "I'm...attending the Gay Prom on my moms' behalf."
"That's all?! I thought you were dying or something "
"Lame, right?" Gus puts "The Flash" back on its shelf and walks back to the front window where he plops down with a thump. Hunter climbs off the ladder once again and makes some adjustments to the display cases.
"Nah...I'll be there without my dads. Maybe we could go stag together...unless you have a date" Hunter teases shoulder-checking Gus.
"No, I was hoping you'd ask. Otherwise, I think Justin was going to make me be his date."
"That's almost as bad as going with your dad...or your moms".
"Don't remind me. Remember your dads' anniversary party? Ma mère made me dance with her in front of everyone" Gus inches closer to him looking over his shoulder "I love her and she's pretty cool most of the time, but that was hella embarrassing".
"Try having your grandma make you dance with her..." Hunter fails at covering a snort. They both share a hearty laugh at the expense of all the old people in their lives.
Justin and Michael poke their heads out periodically to check on them briefly before returning to their work. Somehow Ben sneaks past the boys and makes his way upstairs causing Michael's face to light up.
"Sorry to interrupt" he grabs his husband around the waist kissing him sincerely then gestures ambiguously in the other direction "Justin... I was going to take the guys for pizza or something since it's almost closing time"
"That sounds like a great idea" Justin goes for his wallet.
"No, no...It's on me. I figured you guys could use some real time to work without eavesdropping on the young and the restless down there." Ben gives Justin a strange look he can't decipher then leaves calling to the boys before he reaches the landing.
"GUYS...LET'S GO!"
"When did you get here, Papa Bear?"
"Not long ago, I went up to see your dad first" he pulls Hunter into a big hug "You guys wanna go grab some pizza and catch a movie?"
"Uncle Ben, can we see something with mindless violence and bad language?" Gus bats his big blue eyes at him while he hugs his arm like a small child.
"I was really hoping to catch that new documentary on Proust, but if you guys had rather seen filth" Ben lifts his arm dragging Gus forward "I guess I'll catch it on DVD."
"We'd rather see filth that rots our brains" Hunter speaks up as he starts shutting everything down for Michael.
Brian spends all day prepping his presentation for Calvin Klein while Ted and Cynthia handle the rest of the day's scheduled meetings. He tries calling Justin and Gus both multiple times to see what's going on.
"This is Justin. I'm probably being ravished by Brian right now. Leave a message after the beep and I'll call you when my strength returns."
"Justin, this is the third time today. Where have you and my son run off to? Cute message, by the way."
Justin's phone vibrates inside his messenger bag as he and Michael brainstorm about ideas to pitch to Cartoon Network for their upcoming animated series.
"They have to like one of these ideas, right?"
"Justin, look at your hand!" Michael leans over him "We just need to give them the general idea...you've drawn out a whole season".
"I guess we just got on a roll" Justin smiles cranking his wrist as he stretches his fingers.
"Ever the Boy Wonder" Michael takes the boards and puts them into the protective case "I really like this one where Zephyr saves Rage".
"We'll save that one for sweeps" Justin laughs digging through his bag for his phone. He sees three missed calls.
"Brian called" he types in his password and listens to voicemail "He was checking on Gus".
"Since Ben has them out for the night" Michael slips on his coat "Call Brian and have him meet us at Woody's for a drink"
Justin finishes the third message and snorts at Brian's reaction to his most recent message. He hangs up and dials Brian's phone.
"Finally...where are you?"
"Michael and I are still at the comic book store."
"It would have been nice for someone to return my calls" Brian stands on the curb lighting a cigarette then runs a hand through his freshly coiffed brown hair.
"Sorry, we were really on a roll" Justin follows Michael down the stairs waiting while he locks up "Ben took Gus and Hunter out for pizza. Is something wrong?"
"Just come outside" he waits for Justin to turn and waves him out.
"We were just going to suggest you meet us at Woody's for some beers, but you're here..." Justin jumps into his arms causing him to drop his garment bag. They share a deep nauseating kiss while Michael walks down the street toward the diner.
"Can't..." Brian breaks long enough for the word before they touch noses and kiss again. Justin pulls away noticing the pile of luggage around them.
"Are you going somewhere?"
"Calvin Klein moved up the meeting and I have to leave tonight" Brian sets him back on the ground and looks down the street at Michael who is still holding the door to the diner for them. They walk very briskly to catch up to him hurrying inside together.
"Thanks, Mikey" Brian pinches his cheeks as hard as he can until his fingers are pried loose. Brian and Justin stash the luggage in the far corner behind the counter where Kiki agrees to keep an eye on it.
"I take it Woody's is off" Michael slides into a booth fingering a sticky menu.
"Not for you" Brian hands Justin a menu before grabbing one for himself "Please get out and enjoy yourselves like young, single lads."
"We could..." Justin shrugs looking to Michael for approval "...beats sitting home alone".
"I don't know..."
"What else are you going to do, Mikey...go home and wash your hair?"
"I was going to say 'I don't know why not', smartass" Michael throws his spoon at Brian hitting him in the chest.
"What'll you have?" Kiki appears dressed like Lucy Ricardo.
"Egg white omelette with turkey bacon and a bowl seasonal fruit".
"I'll have the same" Brian shakes off a surprised look and slides both of their menus behind the napkin dispenser.
"Three eggs over easy...hash browns with cheese...sausage...and large orange juice" Michael orders confidently.
"Are you sure about that?" Kiki counters "A man your age should really watch his cholesterol."
"And at such a late hour" Emmet appears in the booth behind him reaching over to squeeze his sides "Looks like you're already developing looove handles".
"Fuck you" he laughs fighting off his attacker.
"I'm lucky to have the same metabolism I had when I was 18" Justin is smug taking a sip of his coffee "Yoga helps, too"
"Not to mention a steady diet of organic protein followed by brisk physical activity". Emmett adds forcing his way into the booth next to Michael.
"I have dropped a pants size since I've decided extend my to stay"
"Well, there you go" Brian kisses the top of Justin's head "Another satisfied customer."
Kiki returns with the food and leaves their checks on the edge of the table.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, can I get you something?"
"Just some hot lemon water" Emmett takes one of Michael's sausage links "I have my big meeting at the bank tomorrow and anything more will cause bloat...and possible vomiting"
"It's not a beauty pageant, Em" Michael slides his plate away "You do know they don't award business loans based on appearance, right?"
"I know that..." he places the remainder between his lips and sucks it into his mouth "but if I look good, I'll feel good."
Kiki returns with a cup of steaming water and a small bowl of lemon wedges.
Brian and Justin finish first and collect his luggage from Kiki before stopping at the table to kiss everyone goodbye.
"Umm, Bri...what's with the suitcases?"
"I have a meeting with Calvin Klein first thing in the morning."
"What about my meeting at the bank? What if I need your special brand of persuasion?" Emmett's eyes grow wide as he starts to stutter "Why didn't you say something...I'm doomed."
Brian dips his fingers into a water glass and flicks it in Emmett's face.
"Relax, Blanche...you'll be fine" he wipes his hand on a napkin and picks up the brown duffel at this feet.
"I have asked you repeatedly to stop calling me that" Emmett dabs his face careful not to smudge his makeup.
"Ted walked you through your presentation and helped with your prospectus, right?"
"Yeah, but..."
"Then you're ready..." Brian drops money to cover the whole table.
"All you have to do is walk in there and take their money." Michael chimes in before popping the end of a sausage link into his mouth.
Brian and Justin leave bumping into Ben with the boys outside. He grabs Gus by the shoulders and hugs him tight.
"You and Justin finally taking that long-awaited honeymoon, Pop?
Justin waves over the Town Car and helps load the luggage into the trunk. Ben helps then goes inside with Hunter.
"His meeting with Calvin Klein was moved up" he gives Gus a little nudge "Kiss your dad goodbye so he can catch his flight."
Brian catches his son's face in his hands and lowers his lips close to his ear.
He whispers something then kisses his cheek. He walks over to Justin and gives him the X-rated version of the same kiss before getting into the black Lincoln then departs.
Justin and Gus go inside the diner where the teens say hello before congregating at the counter while Justin joins the grownups back at the booth.
"So...are we still on for Woody's?"
"I...I just assumed you'd want to spend time together since the boys are back."
"Hunter can entertain Gus for a couple of hours..."
"Actually, I have papers to grade so I can't go either, babe" Ben hugs Michael close kissing his neck.
"In that case..." Justin stands and walks over to Gus "You have my cell number, right? You need anything, just call."
"You're worse than my moms" the boy continues looking down at his plate of fries prompting Justin to spin him on his stool.
"I need eye contact so I know that you heard what I said" he nudges the teen's chin.
"I got it" Gus looks up long enough to speak then spins himself back.
"Good boy" Justin kisses the back of his head before Emmett pulls him away "I wuv you, Fussy Gussy!"
"Oh my god..." the boy pulls up the hood on his sweatshirt and turns his face toward the wall.
"I love you, Hunter! Be sure to put on your footie pajamas and have Papa make you boys some cocoa with the little marshmallows." Everyone in the diner turns to look at them laughing while Justin, Emmett, and Michael take off down the street.
"How are you not dying of embarrassment right now?" Gus whispers through his hood leaning into Hunter "I wish the floor would swallow me whole right now."
"Two words… Debbie Horvath" Hunter takes a sip of his Mountain Dew "because of my grandma, I am a Jedi master at this stuff. Plus, that's old people show their love." He slaps Gus on the back and pulls him close. Gus just barely manages to control his elation.
"Ready to go fellas?" Ben walks up and slaps cash on the counter as he tucks a festive tin under his arm and heads for the door. Hunter and Gus follow him still scuffling like cubs as they squeeze through the door. Ben and Hunter retrieve their bikes and walk them down Liberty Avenue. Once they are clear, Ben rides off while Hunter waits for Gus.
"Handlebar or bitch?"
"What did you call me?" Gus flashes the Kinney smirk, his bright blue eyes twinkle in the streetlights.
"Which do you prefer?" Hunter straddles the bike and holds it between his legs.
"Excuse you, James Hunter Novo-Bruckner." Gus puts a hand on his hip while enunciating with the other "Last time I rode on your handlebars, you flipped into the ditch and destroyed a perfectly good pair of capris."
"Bitch it is...load to the back, your highness" Hunter slides forward to give his friend room to slide into the seat behind him then offers him his helmet. "No thanks..." Gus pushes it away with an eyeroll. Hunter shrugs and gives him time to settle in then they're off...fast...trying to catch up to Ben. The faster he goes, whipping around corners and clear down the middle of the empty streets, the tighter Gus holds onto his flapping jeans. The younger boy lets out a howl as they hop the curb outside the house. Ben is standing on the porch with a big smile as he clocks the finish.
"You shaved ten seconds off your all-time best...and with a passenger" he opens the door and walks inside. Hunter puts his bike away then he and Gus follow him. They make a snack then go upstairs to Hunter's room. Gus tours the room eating half a sandwich while Hunter hangs up their coats.
"You're taking a pretty heavy course load for Creative Writing..." Gus picks up the books from his desk "College Algebra, European History...Intro to Women's Studies?"
"Those were all required classes for freshmen...well, not Women's Studies. That one was just for fun." Hunter takes the books from his hands and puts them back on the desk.
"Eww...what did you talk about?" Gus walks over dropping himself on the bed.
"It was actually a very enlightening experience" Hunter searches for the remote then sits next to him "Reproductive rights, Gay rights, Rape culture...which wasn't terribly fun considering all the other guys skipped that day". Hunter sets the tv for XBox and starts a saved game.
"Sounds scary" Gus looks to him for the appropriate response.
"At first...then the girls explained how they are afraid when they walked across campus alone at night...or anywhere really. It was very enlightening...especially when I told them about my days on the street."
"I'm glad uncle Mike and uncle Ben adopted you so that you're safe." Gus puts his arm around Hunter and gives him a big kiss on the cheek. Just as he's about to go for the lips, Ben knocks and opens the door.
"Sorry to interrupt, guys...I'm done grading papers and turning in for the night. Try to stay out of trouble and don't stay up too late." Ben closes the door and waits outside for a beat before closing himself in the master bedroom. Once he hears the sounds of animated violence, he sneaks back downstairs to retrieve the mysterious tin he received at work. Upon closer inspection, he sees that it's from Brian.
"To: Zen Ben… Happy Half Birthday..." Why didn't he just give it to me when we saw each other tonight?
Ben removes the lid and finds homemade brownies inside.
Brian doesn't bake and he isn't the kind of guy who sends baked goods to loved ones… Hmph, "loved ones".
Ben pinches off a piece and takes a bite...then another...and on until the whole brownie is gone. Only then does he notice that the occasional tiny green fleck and starts to feel "funny". He makes his way back upstairs and lays down on the bed to ride it out.
Michael and Justin watch in amazement as Emmett takes on Donna Summers on the karaoke stage. He's working the crowd relishing their cheers and the intermittent ass grab from his loyal fans. Justin feels his phone vibrate against his leg and steps outside to take the call.
"Were you sleeping?"
"Hello?" Justin plugs his left ear with his finger straining to hear.
"Did I wake you?"
"Yeah...I fell asleep reading the Great Gatsby" he smiles at the familiar rasp on the other end "What about you...What wickedness have you gotten yourself into this evening?"
"You know me" Brian takes a sip of his Gentleman Jack on the rocks "Just having a nightcap at the hotel bar while I scout the local talent."
"I expect nothing less" Justin smiles as a tallish stud with big green eyes gives him the look. He diverts his eyes for just a second then reconnects as he leans back against the wall.
"Any star material?"
"Aside from some pretty obvious plastic surgery, not bad" Brian makes a connection of his own as he accepts a drink from a silver fox across the bar. "The worst looking guys in LA are still more fabulous than the hottest guys in Pittsburgh."
"Your words are hurtful" Justin leads his prey into the last stall and unzips.
"Obviously you're the exception, mon amour" Brian sends up a toast to his benefactor and drinks it down then slides the glass across the bar and gestures for the bartender to bring his bill.
"What time is your presentation?" Justin breathes into the phone as his cock disappears into the other man's mouth.
"It's been awhile since I've read The Great Gatsby, but I don't recall it being so steamy" Brian quips signing his bill and circling his room number.
"Ah, yeah...it's intensely erotic" Justin moans looking down at the source of his satisfaction imagining Brian's face in its place. Just as he's about to blow his load, Michael bangs on the door.
"JUSTIN...ARE YOU IN THERE?!"
Justin ignores him.
"I'll bet he's getting his dick sucked" Emmett giggles leaning on Michael sipping from Justin's abandoned glass.
"I thought this part of my life was over" Michael takes a long gulp of his beer "Waiting around outside bathrooms...and backrooms...and bathhouses..." "SWEETIE?" Emmett cuts him off "We're going to Babylon. We'll meet you there." He finishes the Jameson and leaves the glass on the bar on their way out.
"Fuck!" Justin winces and taps his companion on the top of the head. When that doesn't work he grabs him by his thick luxurious curls which has the opposite effect.
"Something wrong, dear?" Brian checks all his pockets for his room key.
"You're done..." Justin manages to free himself without injury, zips up, and leaves the taller man on his knees in the bathroom. He hurries out to the street and catches up to his friends.
"Is that Brian?" Michael takes the phone.
"Hi, Brian!" Emmett yells to be heard in the phone.
"Miss me, Mikey?"
"How could I when you've made the Boy Wonder in your image?"
"He has turned into a rather fine homosexual, hasn't he?" Brian lets himself in and lays the key on the minibar to pour himself a glass of Pellegrino.
Justin takes back the phone and hands over the party favors while he seeks details about Brian's plans for the night.
"We're on our way to Babylon"
"What happened to Fitzgerald?" Brian hisses realizing he's slightly more inebriated than originally thought "That was always your problem, Sunshine...no follow through."
"I have plenty of follow through...wore you down, didn't I?" Justin smiles lighting a cigarette "You were my Everest."
"Well, then, Sir Hillary...I look forward to being peaked several times once I get back."
"You can count on it" Justin kisses into the phone audibly "I've gotta go. We're at Babylon."
"Later."
"Later" Justin hangs up and crosses the velvet rope.
Brian takes off his jacket and tie laying them across a chair then lays on the bed. He's just about to drift off when there's a knock at the door. Brian gets up expecting some young stud delivering room service, but finds a silver fox instead.
"Good evening...Mr. Kinney?"
"Do I know you?" Brian rests his arm on the door.
"We met downstairs in the bar. I sent you a drink."
"I'm sorry, did I not thank you?" Brian goes to slam the door but the older gentleman stops it with his foot.
"Quinton Charles" he holds out his hand for Brian to shake it.
"I'm not interested, Quinton Charles" Brian declines the gesture "Get your foot out of my door."
"Don't be that way. I'm sure we can reach some kind of mutually-beneficial agreement, Mr. Kinney."
"What could you possibly have that I would want, Mr. Charles?"
He reaches into the inner pocket of his black custom-made suit and pulls out a business card.
"Quinton Charles..." Brian reads aloud "Chief Buyer Calvin Klein"
"Care to reconsider?"
"Once again, I must apologize" Brian opens the door and leans against the frame "I have given you the impression that I moonlight as a hustler." He pockets the card and reaches out to adjust the older man's tie.
"I meant no offense" Quinton half smiles reaching for Brian's face to brush his cheek "I've heard stories about the infamous Brian Kinney and wanted the experience for myself."
"You know, Quinton, I am every bit as good as they say...and you are very hot for a guy your age" Brian catches him by the wrist ".. but Kinnetic doesn't acquire new accounts through lewd tactics."
"That's your final answer?"
"Good night, Quinton Charles" Brian slams the door once again this time successfully.
"Ahh, Mr. Taylor...Mr. Thibodeaux said if you came in tonight to escort your party to the VIP lounge."
"That depends" Emmett takes the thin man by the hand speaking into his ear to be heard over the thumpa-thumpa "Will the drinks flow...free-ly?"
"Of course, Mr Honeycutt. You are special guests of Mr. Thibodeaux." He lowers his headset to his lips and speaks to someone elsewhere in the club then leads them upstairs.
Justin and Emmett follow while Michael splits off to answer a phone call. Virgil is securing the entrance tonight and Emmett can't help himself not to grab onto him as they walk past him into the dimmed lighting.
"Hello, again" he hooks his arm around the massive man's thick neck and dials up that naughty accent of his "Forgive me, chocolate thunder...I seem to have come over all woozy. Give a lady a hand?"
Virgil lifts Emmett right up and carries him over to the couch where he seats him gently next to Justin. Emmett leans over whispering into his young friend's ear.
"Honey, I could get used to this."
Justin just smiles big and gestures for the attendant to come over.
Usually, there are others in the lounge, but tonight they have it all to themselves. Justin orders a double of Jameson on the rocks for himself and the still absent Michael. Emmett orders two Grand Marnier Cosmos.
"Both of those drinks aren't for me...one is for Michael."
"Yeah, well...free drinks, like nelly bottoms, must always be double-fisted."
"I'll keep that in mind" Justin snorts into his glass as he sips the smooth Irish whiskey inside.
Hunter and Gus take a break from playing Call of Duty to grab a snack. They are extra quiet in the hall and on the stairs as to not disturb Ben. Gus examines the festive tin on the counter while Hunter buries his head in the refrigerator.
"Ooh, brownies" Gus takes one and crams the whole thing in his mouth.
"Damn, boy, I think I just fell in love." Hunter's eyes grow wide as he watches Gus's puffed out cheeks work the chocolate confection into nothing. He picks up the tin and reads the address.
"This is addressed to my Papa..." he takes a closer look "from your dad. Why would your dad send my dad brownies?" Gus shrugs and walks to the fridge to pour himself a glass of milk. Hunter takes one a brownie and looks it over then pops a bite into his mouth. Gus grabs another and they head upstairs with organic corn chips and fresh homemade mango salsa.
"Hey, Ben" Michael smiles "it's so sweet you couldn't last a whole night without hearing my voice."
"Michael...I just..." Ben fumbles "I just called to, um, to say...to say I love you."
"Aww, I love you too, Ben" Michael steps back outside and around the corner of the club.
"When...When, uh...are you... coming home?"
"You sound funny. Is something wrong?"
"Noo...just, uh, can't wait to see my...loving...husband and...make love to his tight, tight little.."
"Is that so?" Michael's party mood changes "Give me about 30 minutes and I'll be right there." He hangs up the phone and walks back inside climbing the stairs to VIP unescorted.
"Everything ok?" Emmett sets his drink on the table before him.
"Great...but I'm going to have to leave."
"We just got here" Justin finishes his drink "I ordered you a drink. You have to at least stay and finish it." Justin stands forcing the imperfect glass into his hand.
"Fine" Michael takes the glass and drains it in one gulp then hands it back to Justin. He takes the time to kiss them both before making a run for the door.
"I know that look...someone's gonna get laid" Emmett chuckles as he elbows Justin suggestively.
"What? I have no idea what you're talking about" Michael blushes.
"Your pants are on fire" Justin and Emmett crumble in laughter.
"In more ways than one" they both roar again.
"See you guys later" he mutters before disappearing into the crowd below.
Justin and Emmett have another drink and take turns trying to make Virgil uncomfortable until Brandon appears.
"How is everything? I hope my staff have treated you will."
"Oh your staff has most pleasant" Emmett crosses his legs in the direction of their conversation "especially Virgil there. I may need his help getting home safely."
"That is entirely up to Virgil" Brandon grins looking at the burly man in black "but I don't think you're his type."
"Oh, I'm everyone's type..." Emmet lays waste to another Cosmo "Plus, I think we had a bit of a connection before."
"What about you, Mr. Taylor" Brandon gets so close their faces almost touch "Are your needs being met?"
Justin blushes remembering the flirtation they had a few weeks ago wondering how much of it is just talk.
"Well, I have gotten everything for which I have asked."
"Anything you want that you're too shy to ask?"
"Nothing so far, but I'll be sure to let you know if anything comes up." Justin strokes his shirt feeling the silk under his palm. Emmett rolls his eyes and does his best to break their connection.
"My glass seems to have gotten empty" Emmett stands taking Justin by the arm "Let's get a refill and hit the dancefloor?"
Justin follows but maintains eye contact with Brandon until they reach the top of the stairs.
"Why don't I join you?" Brandon places his hand on Justin's shoulder "I think I feel like dancing too."
"You know, Brian was never this attentive" Emmett perks up conflicted about his friends' relationship and the company of a super hot blonde.
"He was" Justin corrects "We just weren't the focus of it."
"Well, I'm happy to oblige" Brandon takes Emmett's hand kissing the back of his wrist before ushering them both to the floor keeping Justin firmly in front of him while Emmett holds him loosely around the shoulders, but still keeping an eye on Virgil who is now keeping watch from the catwalk.
"Seems I misjudged Virgil's tastes" Brandon changes direction positioning Justin behind him so that he can be heard.
"Perhaps you're right" Emmett continues dancing at full speed pulling Justin back into the fold so that he is sandwiched between them.
Michael arrives home and hears mellow music playing upstairs. He follows it expecting it to lead to his bedroom, but finds Hunter and Gus sprawled out on the bed staring at the ceiling. Both boys are giggling as they point at a spot of light that keeps moving.
"James Hunter Novotny-Bruckner!" Michael slams the door.
"Uh oh, dude...you're in trouble" Gus rolls over looking at Michael.
"Fuck...he looks kissed" Hunter sits up trying to keep a straight face.
"What the fuck are you thinking?!"
"Hey, hey..." Ben comes up behind Michael wrapping his arms around his waist "What's with all the yelling?"
"They're high!"
"Not cool, guys" Ben scolds moving an arm around his husband's shoulders squeezing him tighter.
"What...What did you take...and where did you get it?"
"We didn't take anything, uncle Mike, I swear" Gus speaks up trying to take the focus off Hunter.
"Yeah...we just ate a couple of Papa'a brownies."
"Brownies...What brownies?"
Ben starts pawing at Michael's clothes and breathing on his neck. Michael manages to turn around and look him the eyes. They're a little bloodshot and sleepy.
"Brian sent brownies to my office at the university."
"Bri...Brian Kinney? Brian Kinney sent you brownies?"
"So thoughtful, right? It's my half birthday" Ben goes in for another kiss, but Michael stops him.
"Why don't you go wait for me in bed and I'll be in there in a bit" Michael turns him and points him toward their bedroom. Once Ben is back in their room, he goes down to the kitchen and looks for the package from Brian.
"Zen Ben?" Michael takes a brownie from the tin and sniffs it then takes a bite and puts the rest somewhere the boys can't get to them. Back upstairs, Ben is in the shower singing "Hot Blooded" at the top of his lungs. Michael dials Brian's phone, but it goes to voicemail. He would have left a message if Ben hadn't called him into the bathroom.
"You okay?"
"Could you wash my back?"
"Gladly..." Michael undressed quickly and slides in behind him "Don't wanna get my clothes all wet." Ben turns around and braces himself against the wall as Michael rubs soap onto his tanned muscular back massaging as he lathers.
"I think those were pot brownies" Ben finally breaks the silence as he turns pulling Michael under the water with him. They exchange a brief kiss then Ben takes the soap and starts cleaning his partner's chest and shoulders.
"Yeah..." Michael raises his arms letting Ben's hands travel freely over his creamy skin.
"I'm sorry I didn't keep a better eye on the boys" Ben grabs Michael's wrists in one hand and backs him into the wall.
"You didn't know" he gasps as Ben's lips brush his neck and travel up to his ear.
"I had my suspicions..." he gently catches Michael's earlobe between his teeth "but I didn't care...because everyone sees me a certain way."
"Baby, you are so much more than what people on the outside" Michael hugs Ben close feeling him getting hard as they press their bodies together. Ben pushes him away pinning him against the wall and holding him by his shoulders. He slides to his knees admiring how fit he still is after all these years. He trails kisses along Michael's tight abs down to his semi-erect penis. Ben strokes him pointedly before taking it into his mouth. Michael pushes back against the wall stifling his groans as Ben works him over. He runs his fingers through Ben's hair holding onto him hoping to keep his balance.
Hunter splits the last of his brownie with Gus and they watch The Wizard of Oz.
"Do you hear that?" Gus sits up on the side of the bed.
"What?" Hunter mutes the tv and listens carefully "Oh my parents are fucking."
"They don't sound anything like my dad and Justin."
"That's because they think they're being quiet...like you've never heard it before."
"Turn the volume back up to drown them out" Gus lays back down cuddling a pillow as the second brownie kicks in "That could kill my buzz."
Closing time at Babylon. Justin and Brandon are back up in the VIP lounge talking and sharing a joint while Emmett convinces Virgil to give him one more dance by promising to help him clean.
"I have a confession" Brandon turns his body toward Justin.
"Let me guess..." Justin passes to him "You have wanted to fuck me since we first met."
"Well, yes...but that's not what I was going to say."
"Oh?" Justin slides closer leaning in for shotgun. They exhale at the same time and Justin kisses Brandon softly before returning to the opposite end of the couch. It takes a moment or two before Brandon's train of thought returns.
"I watched you two that night...in here."
"No big deal" Justin declines the last hit and lights a cigarillo exhaling the sweet smell of tobacco into the air "The first thing I lost after my virginity was my shame about sex in public. Brian's insatiable and he's at his best when he performs for an audience."
"You're at your best, too" Brandon reaches for the cigarillo "Most guys make ugly faces when their getting fucked, but you just look hotter."
"His long were you watching us?"
"About fifteen minutes...maybe twenty."
"Wow...aren't we a pervy weirdo?" Emmett appears before them as if out of thin air. Justin can't contain his laughter.
"What can I say? I was spellbound."
"Why didn't you join us?" Justin passes the cigarillo to his friend and slides over making room for him.
"Because I didn't want to feel like more of a freak."
"In for a penny, in for a pound I always say" Emmet pipes in looking from Brandon to Justin and back.
"Is it because you didn't want me to figure out that you've fucked him before?" Justin takes a last drag and stumps out the butt in a nearby ashtray.
"How did you...?" Brandon's eyes grow wide.
"I was guessing..." Justin stands then pulls Emmett by the hand "...from the way he behaved when I flirted with you. It's the first time I've seen him genuinely jealous. So, thank you for that."
"I think that's my cue" Emmett stands and walks to the entryway "I think you for your hospitality, but I really should sleep of the off the effects of all the alcohol before my meeting at the bank tomorrow morning.
"Wait...I'm coming with" Justin follows Emmett out and down the winding staircase.
"Actually, Virgil is going to see me home" Emmett whispers into Justin's ear as they approach the cocoa-skinned bouncer now wearing a huge smile.
"No worries" Justin stops and turns his friend facing him "I just needed to get out of there. Have a good night" Justin kisses him and they have a quick squeeze "You...make sure he gets all the way inside before you leave."
"Don't worry, I will" Emmett giggles impishly "You take care of yourself, baby" Emmett hooks his arm through Virgil's as they all exit together. Justin walks down the street a ways then climbs into the classic Corvette making a mental note to return the seat to Brian's height when he gets home. As he starts up, there's a tap on the window.
"Ethan?" He rolls down the window.
