AN: I own noooooothing! Nothing I tell you!

Chapter 3

The next morning Brian was completing his disguise. King of Babylon was alright, but Brian Kinney was not about to become the gossip of the town as bustboy. He wore a torn jeans he had found in the back of his closet from his college days. He put on a white longsleeve shirt and a White Sox cap he had laying around somewhere. He set the cap backwards on his head and grabbed the hypermodern and conveniently mirrorglassed sunglasses. Brian almost walked out of the door but at the last moment he remembered the finishing touch. He replaced the cowry-shell bracelet with a plain black leather band. He didn't dare to look in the mirror, but put his hands in his pockets and walked to the diner where Debbie didn't even notice him at first.

"What will you have?"

"That job you promised me yesterday."

"Brian?"

He set a finger to his lips and lowered his sunglasses.

"Don't tell anyone. Where do I start?"

"In the kitchen."

A half hour later Justin came in and Brian was doing the dishes.

"Who is he?"

"I hired him, he needed a job. He's a bit shy so be careful around him, okay?"

Justin nodded. He didn't remember seeing the guy around but there was something familiar about him. At that moment Ted, Emmett and Michael walked in. He went to pick up their orders.

"Hey Justin."

"Hey guys. Check out our new help in the kitchen."

They all looked to the kitchen, but no one was there. Michael said he'd go to the bathroom, but passed the kitchen first to talk to his mother. Suddenly someone laid a hand onto his shoulder and kissed him. He turned around to, or so he thought, the new guy.

"Do I know you?"

He took in the appearance in front of him.

"Oh Mikey, I'm hurt, really. But it's a good thing even you don't recognize me."

Michael pulled the cap of Brians head.

"Hey, watch the hair!"

"Brian? What are you doing here, working in the diner?"

"I'm. . . taking a chance, Mikey. Don't tell anyone, alright? I'm out of here in a few days."

"What about Justin? You hurt him, you know."

"I don't want to talk about it, Michael."

"And your job. Have you lost it?"

"I quit, okay?"

Michael didn't say anymore and returned to his friends at their table.

"Have you said hello to our new friend? You stayed away so long. Is he hot?"

"He's cute but really shy."

"Yeah, your mom mentioned something like that."

In the meantime Justin had entered the kitchen. He dropped a few dirty plates in the sink and hung around a little longer. When the guy emerged from the back of the room Justin held his breath. Damn, he was hot!

"Hi, I'm Justin."

He only got a nod, a sign the man had understood him.

"Debbie told me you are a bit shy."

Again a slight nod. Justin lightly laid a hand on the man's arm.

"That's okay, we're all friends here."

The man looked to the hand on his arm and smiled. A sweet smile that threw Justin completely. Was this man gay? If he was he would be too shy to show it. So he nodded, smiled and left the man alone. He didn't notice the big grin that lit up Brians face.

"Has anyone seen Brian?"

"Not since last night. He'll show up eventually."

Justin didn't say anything. He hated being away from Brian but he would not go back himself, not this time.

"What's everybody up to tonight?"

"Babylon. . . they say there's a hot new dancer."

"Worth checking out."

They agreed on Babylon when Justin had to get ready for class. They guy was still doing the dishes. He passed him to get his books but he didn't look up.

"What's your name?"

The guy jumped a little and hesitated to answer.

"William." He whispered.

"I'm Justin. Welcome to the diner."

"Thanks."

"Would you like to go out with us later?"

"Late shift."

"Too bad, maybe some other time?"

A nod.

"I've got class, I'll see you later."

When Justin had left Debbie entered the kitchen.

"I got to hand it to you, Brian, you are one hell of an actor. What are you trying to pull?"

"I don't know yet. I make it up as I go along."

"Just be careful."