When Brian was certain that Justin, all tuckered out from a long night of fucking, had fallen into a deep sleep, he carefully extricated himself from the tangle of arms and legs they made. Just one in a long list of things Brian had never done before Justin. He'd never put himself in the position of needing to flee a trick's bed. Instead, Brian would tell the aforementioned trick that his services would never be needed again and coolly walk out the door. In point of fact, Brian had never actually held anyone (with the exception of Gus) in his arms before he met Justin. He wanted to be troubled by that, but he wasn't. He'd spent many long nights (once a week for a few years) losing himself in fictional love stories and even imagining that he'd one day meet someone who would make his heart skip a beat. What he did not imagine, what he could never have anticipated, was that when he did finally meet the aforesaid lover, he would suddenly, inexplicably want to be different, better. Perhaps the strangest part (and the irony) was that Justin liked him just as he was. He had no illusions about Brian, yet he also saw something in him that no one else, not even Brian, saw. Brian wanted desperately (another first) to deserve what he saw in Justin's eyes when they fell on him: desire, longing, unbridled joy, wonder, and something else. The way Justin looked at him was very different from the way Mikey looked at him. Mikey worshipped Brian, or the person Mikey thought Brian was. Mikey did not actually know him, and what he did know he spun into something else. The person Mikey wanted to possess did not even exist.

Brian left a note for Justin just in case he woke up before Brian returned and then headed over to Ian's apartment. Ian was still in the hospital, but would be released the next day. Brian didn't have much time to find the rest of the videos Ian had secretly made. Brian could tell that Ian was the 'brains' of the Ian/troll operation, so he needed to get the aforementioned troll alone and trick him into giving him the tapes (or, at least, letting it slip where they were). Brian assumed that he would be sleeping at Ian's now that 'the boyfriend' was out of the picture. And indeed he was (not just there but actually sleeping). Brian knocked five times before the troll opened the door. He was a sight. Hair sticking out all over the place and his shirt on backwards (Brian assumed that he had hastily thrown it on before answering the door, but he could simply be even more stupid than he'd seemed two days ago).

The troll stared at Brian for a long moment before he made the connection between Brian and the incident the other day. One might have expected him to slam the door in Brian's face, lock it, and then call the cops. But now that Ian wasn't around, Brian looked less like a thug and more like a man the troll would sell his soul for the pleasure of being fucked by. The hard-on he'd woken up with wasn't helping.

Brian smirked. This was going to be much easier than he'd expected. Maybe he could even get the kid to change his version of 'the assault.' That would save him a headache.

Meanwhile, back at the loft, Justin was pacing the living room and clenching and unclenching his fists. Even in sleep, Justin had felt the chill Brian's departure had brought. He clambered out of bed just a few minutes after Brian had set out for Ethan's and read Brian's note:

Sleeping Beauty,

Gone to find the troll while Ian's still laid up.

Back soon,

B

Justin couldn't help but worry that Brian would be arrested again. The one arrest was bad enough. Add to that charges of breaking and entering and theft and perhaps even assault again and Brian might be given jail time. Justin needed to be with Brian, to make sure nothing terrible happened. Part of him felt silly, but the other part was so desperately afraid that Justin couldn't stop himself from attempting to get to Ethan's.

Justin dressed quickly and made his way downstairs. He peeked out the door and saw quite a few cabs passing by. All he needed to do was walk the few feet to the curb and hail one. Just a few feet. Justin opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. He made it the ten steps to the side of the road and waved at a passing cab.

Just then, Justin heard footsteps behind him. He wheeled around and saw a tall burly man dressed all in black. He seemed to be heading toward him. Suddenly, Justin's entire body felt like it was burning with fever. He started sweating and trembling, and his vision started to swim. It took everything in him to turn back around and try hailing another cab. Just thinking about how vulnerable he was, how easily that man could hurt him, and how he would not even see it coming had him breathing in short gasps. If a cab didn't stop soon, he'd hyperventilate for sure.

Just as a cab started to pull over, Justin felt something touch his shoulder. He jumped. He ran toward the cab, so fast that he nearly tripped over his own feet, and tried to open the door. Unfortunately, his hands were so sweaty that his fingers kept slipping off of the cool metal. He couldn't get a grip on the handle. Finally, the cab driver leaned over the seat and opened it for him. Just as Justin was about to get in, he heard breathing behind him. Maybe a foot away. Justin's eyes widened, and he scrambled into the cab, his heart pounding so hard in his chest that that's all he could hear.

Once inside, he locked the door. He mumbled the address and thrust his head between his knees. When he'd sufficiently regulated his breathing, he sat up and looked out the window, glancing back just in time to see the man who'd frightened him so much getting on a bus. He nearly burst into tears. He'd never felt more pathetic.

As the minutes passed, Justin relaxed and actually started smiling. Despite the circumstances, he couldn't help it. Every second drew him nearer to Brian. Justin had the fare and the tip ready long before they reached Ethan's apartment building, so the second the cab stopped, Justin handed the money over and jumped out. He'd asked the driver to pull right up to the front, so he reached the door in just a few seconds (of course, he did run). Once inside, he made his way up to the apartment quickly and barreled in. Brian didn't even have time to turn his head before Justin was in his arms (he'd literally jumped into them), wrapping both his arms and legs around the man and burying his face in Brian's neck.

Brian laughed softly and exclaimed, "Well, hello to you, too, Sunshine!"

Brian was very happy, and surprised, to see Justin, even though Justin had quickly and effectively put the kibosh on his plan. But when Justin nudged Brian's nose gently, brushed his lips against Brian's, and thrust his tongue into Brian's mouth, kissing him passionately, and more and more deeply, he couldn't bring himself to care. There would be other opportunities to stop Ian and retrieve the tapes.

******************************

This was Brian's first day going to work after meeting Buttercup in person (he'd actually taken two personal days to spend time with him, something Brian never did). Brian was suddenly experiencing feelings he was unaccustomed to having. For the first time in his adult life, he had someone to come home to. And he was actually excited about it. Just the thought of his beautiful, sexy, shy, and intriguing new boyfriend being at the loft, sitting at his desk writing…maybe cooking in his never used kitchen...or showering in his bathroom (well, their desk, kitchen, and bathroom now) thrilled him. He wondered what Justin was doing. He tried to imagine how the boy would greet him when he returned home (right after work, for the first time in a long time). A shy smile? An intense longing look that took his breath away? A passionate kiss? Twenty minutes after he left Ryder, if traffic wasn't too bad, instead of combing Liberty Avenue for a halfway decent trick, he'd be fucking Justin in their new bed. Oddly enough, he'd never been as attracted to or turned on by anyone else. Ever. Justin was not only talented and hot but also shy, the latter being a quality Brian could rarely stand, let alone relish. Justin also cared about Brian (if nothing else, last night's hijinks had proven that. Justin had prevented Brian from locating the other sex tapes, so worried about Brian that he no longer cared whether they were ever found, no longer cared whether Ian made Justin an unwilling porn star). Brian never imagined that caring could form part of his attraction for anyone. Mikey was madly in love with Brian, but that did absolutely nothing for him. But then again, comparing Mikey and Justin was like comparing Kool-Aid and the finest wine.

******************************

Justin was so excited. In just twelve hours, he'd received fifty responses to his new installment of Innocence. His fans adored James's fantasy about James and Aidan meeting in high school. Justin had been afraid that the fantasy was too complex, detracting from the larger story, but, apparently, this was not the case. So far, everyone wanted desperately to learn how the love story progressed, asking Justin whether Aidan would break up with Susie, whether Aidan would realize he's gay (or, at the very least, bisexual), whether Aidan and James would start dating, and, if so, what reaction they would receive from fellow students, particularly Aidan's teammates. Justin didn't mind the idea of continuing to tell their story; in fact, the prospect of future 'brainstorming sessions' with Brian put a huge smile on his face and a nearly painful erection in his jeans.

******************************

A few hours after Brian arrived at Ryder, Mikey showed up. Brian decided that now was as good a time as any to have the serious talk he'd been planning.

Brian moved to sit on the edge of his desk, facing Mikey, and informed him, in a tone suggesting that his mind was made up, "I'm changing the locks and the security code to the loft, but I'm not going to give you a key."

Mikey's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Why not?"

"Uh…because you had my boyfriend arrested for being where he was supposed to be, where I had invited him, in his new home."

"It was an honest mistake."

Brian quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Justin said that you didn't even try to call me before calling the cops."

Mikey looked down at the floor and started removing lint from his pants. Finally, he looked back up and stated, as evenly as he could, "Oh…yeah. I guess I must have been too shocked to think straight.

And then in a concerned voice, he said, "I was so worried he'd hurt you."

Brian stared at Mikey incredulously. "Justin?"

"Uh yeah."

Brian pointed out, amusement evident in his voice, "I've got several inches on him…"

Mikey suggested indignantly, "Well, uh…he could have held a gun on you."

Brian sighed and asked, "Why were you even there?"

"Oh…well…I was hoping you were home and that we could go see a movie or something."

Brian nodded slowly, but then inquired, "If you thought I'd be home, why didn't you ring the buzzer?"

"Oh, um…"

"Yeah. That's what I thought. Key privilege revoked."

Mikey whined, "But, but, what if you lose your key?"

Brian answered coolly, "Justin will have a copy."

"But you barely know him."

"I know him well enough."

Mikey moaned, "I can't believe you trust a stranger more than you trust your best friend of 15 years."

Suddenly, Brian heard the ping of an IM being sent to him. It could only be Justin. Brian smiled softly and started pushing Mikey out of his office.

Mikey protested, "Brian!"

But Brian barely heard him. He pushed him out into the hall, said, "Bye Mikey," and then shut and locked the door.

******************************

Buttercup1983 (12:00:05): Hi!

Enigma69 (12:00:10): Hey there, stranger…looking for a good time?

Buttercup1983 (12:00:25): Sorry.I have a boyfriend, and we're monogamous.

Enigma69 (12:01:01): (frowns) Don't you find monogamy boring? I mean, after you've fucked, sucked, and rimmed each other, what's left?

Buttercup1983 (12:02:20): Well, we are just starting out, but no, I don't. First of all, I can't imagine ever finding fucking, sucking, and rimming boring. Not with him. But there are many other ways two people can have fun…

Enigma69 (12:02:23): Such as…

Buttercup1983 (12:03:30): Withsex toys, role play,…

Enigma69 (12:04:20): That's kind of vague…but I'll let you off the hook. Just give me one example, something you are dying to try…

Buttercup1983 (12:05:39): This may sound like a copout, but what I really want is to be my boyfriend's dream come true, his most erotic fantasy come to life. I want to please him like no one else can, for him to want me more than he's ever wanted anyone.

Enigma69 (12:06:20): (swallowing hard)What makes youthink that's not already true?

Buttercup1983 (12:07:00): I'm not very experienced. How can I be his fantasy when I don't even know whether I'm doing something right half the time…most of the time?

Enigma69 (12:07:30): Maybe he finds your lack of experience, among many other things, a turn on…

Buttercup1983 (12:07:40): How could that be?

Enigma69 (12:09:00): Maybe he likes teaching you things, watching you experience things for the first time, and experiencing many of his own firsts with you…maybe he's looking forward to experiencing many more…

Buttercup1983 (12:10:02): …

Enigma69 (12:10:10): (smiles) I didn't quite catch that

Buttercup1983 (12:10:30): Sorry, I stopped breathing for a moment…


Enigma69 (12:11:10): That's another big turn on, I'll bet (if my rock hard cock is any indication)


Buttercup1983 (12:11:30): (blushing and smiling bright)

Buttercup1983 (12:11:45): Uh…What is?

Enigma69 (12:12:10): You're so intense and honest. Open.Do you really want to be his dream come true?

Buttercup1983 (12:12:20): Yes. Very much.

Enigma69 (12:13:05): Play to your strengths. There are millions of men out there, but he chose you, right?

Buttercup1983 (12:13:10): Yes…

Enigma69 (12:13:55): Give him something no one else can or that no one else would.

Buttercup1983 (12:14:20): hmmm…

Enigma69 (12:14:35): Fuck

Buttercup1983 (12:14:45): What's wrong?

Enigma69 (12:15:20): I have a call. I have to take it (frowns)


Buttercup1983 (12:15:45): (smiles)Well, you are at work…that's to be expected

Enigma69 (12:23:10): I'll be home right after work...

Buttercup1983 (12:24:20): I can't wait (smiles a million-watt smile)

Enigma69 (12:25:35): Me, either. Maybe I'll skip out early…Later

Buttercup1983 (12:26:20): Later

********

Justin was incredibly nervous. Brian had said that to be his fantasy come to life he should give Brian what no one else could, what no one else would. Justin had pondered Brian's words for a good thirty minutes before a crazy idea popped into his head. At first, he'd been excited, ordering the paint and making the 'scenery,' but now that Brian was due home any minute, he was suddenly nervous, panicky even. What if Brian thought his idea was stupid? What if he didn't remember the words? When he heard footsteps outside the door, he swallowed hard and whispered, "Oh God." But then, he got ahold of himself and took his position.

When Brian entered the loft, he was surprised to find it dark. Justin had covered the windows. A feeling of dread washed over him. Had something happened to Justin? Brian was one second away from tearing through the loft in search of him when he saw a glint of something shiny. Brian focused on the wall where he'd seen the brief flash of light and smiled when he saw that Justin had painted and hung several pieces of what appeared to be poster board to look like a lake at night, all black and silvery. As Brian drew nearer, he saw a brightly shining full moon hanging in the "sky" and heard sounds very like the soft murmur of waves lapping the shore. Finally, he saw Justin. He was lying on the bed (sideways) naked. He appeared to be damp, from a shower…or a swim. A moonlight swim. In that moment, everything finally clicked. Justin had recreated a scene from Innocence. Brian set his briefcase down on the floor and quickly shed his clothing. Then, he moved in, in slow circles, watching Justin.

Justin breathed, "Aidan" and started touching his cock, first just running a finger over the head lightly but then grasping it firmly and sliding a hand up and down the shaft. Slowly. Justin's eyes were half-lidded with desire, and his mouth was open slightly. Brian was so caught up in the moment, it was as though he were really seeing Justin naked on the bank of a lake, the full moon shining down on him, giving his skin an otherworldly glow. Brian's breath caught in his throat. He'd never seen anything so beautiful.

Justin, hearing a creak of wood, sat up quickly. Then, he stood and started walking toward the noise. He cried out uneasily, "Is someone here?" He jumped when he heard another creak and leaned against a "tree," looking about anxiously. A moment later, Brian's body was pressed against his. Justin's gasp was silenced by Brian's lips. Brian kissed him passionately, almost violently. After a few moments, Justin pushed Brian away, out of breath and glaring at him with wild eyes.

Brian laughed and inquired, "Didn't you call for me?" Then he drawled, "Ask and you shall receive…"

Justin snapped, "I assumed you'd be off having an orgy with the waiters."

Brian responded incredulously, "Why would I when I could be here with you?"

Justin retorted bluntly, "I'll never fuck you. You're wasting your time."

"It's mine to waste."

Justin shrugged and sat on the floor facing the "lake" under the bright full moon. "Suit yourself."

Amusement evident in his voice, Brian offered, "You do the same. Feel free to go back to what you were doing before I arrived."

Justin pulled his knees up and rested his head on them (sideways). He muttered, "You shouldn't spy on other people. It's rude."

Brian sat next to Justin and replied softly, "You shouldn't jerk off outside if you don't want people to watch. But…"

Justin replied defensively, "But what?"

Even more softly, Brian added, "Maybe you wanted me to see. Maybe you were trying to tease me…"

Justin harrumphed.

Brian chuckled, but then continued, "…to get me to take what you so desperately want to give…"

Justin lifted his head up and declared hotly, "I don't want to give you anything! Nothing!"

Brian whispered, "Don't you mean everything?" His question met with silence. "You did call my name…"

Justin stated simply, "You need to get your hearing checked. I don't think I can be any clearer. I, unlike every other fag in a thousand-mile radius, will never be a fuck du jour, not yours, not anyone's."

Brian quirked an eyebrow. "Determined to be special to me?"

Justin huffed. "Whatever."

Softly, Brian suggested, "Maybe you already are…"

Justin stiffened. His eyes widened, and, for a moment, he seemed to take Brian's words seriously, but then, he shook his head, as if to clear it. He sighed, and his eyes lost focus. A heartbeat later, he pierced Brian with a sharp look, but then glanced away and stated softly, "The moment I give you what you want, you'll leave. Just like everyone else."

Brian inquired carefully, "Are you sure you even know what I want?"

Justin snapped his head around. "How could I not? You've been here just one week, and, in that time, you've fucked your way through Saranac's entire gay population.

Brian quirked an eyebrow. "Don't you think that that's a bit of an exaggeration?"

Justin couldn't help but laugh. He conceded, "Maybe, but not too much of one."

Brian chuckled. "Fair enough."

After a long pause, Brian continued, "Maybe you're different."

Justin just stared at Brian.

Brian looked away, out over the "water." "What you said the night we met…"

Justin furrowed his brow in confusion.

Brian explained, "After you bumped your head, I carried you back to your room. As I was laying you in bed, you called me your prince. Your knight in shining armor. Then…"

Justin's eyes had widened considerably at this point. "Then, I kissed…that was you? I…I thought I was dreaming…But wait, that means you stayed with me all night…"

Brian shrugged. "I figured that anyone who would call me his prince probably had a concussion."

Justin was observing Brian closely now.

Brian cleared his throat.

"No one's ever been in a bed with me and kissed me chastely…no one's ever looked at me as any kind of hero…not even in a moment of confusion in the dark…"

Brian was expecting it, but still found himself surprised when Justin flung himself at him, toppling him to the ground and straddling him. Brian was smiling until he saw the look on Justin's face. His eyes were dark with desire and his face flushed. Brian's breath caught in his throat. He sat up slowly, his eyes never leaving Justin's face. He was about to plant one on him, but Justin beat him to it. He suddenly grabbed Brian's face with both hands and sent his lips crashing down onto Brian's and with such force that Brian was quickly flat on his back again.

Despite the onslaught, and because of it, with its abruptness and intensity, Brian smiled a little (as much as one can with a very horny, very determined young man attached to one's lips), and his eyes danced. Soon, within but a few seconds, Brian was lost in those plump, cherry-red lips.

Justin continued to kiss Brian passionately, even desperately, his tongue exploring every inch of Brian's mouth. Brian slid his hands over Justin's ass and squeezed his ass cheeks gently before pushing up against Justin, grinding their cocks together. The moment they made contact, Justin moaned into Brian's mouth. Then he pulled back a little and nudged Brian's nose gently, slowly, with his own. For a few moments, they were breathing the same air and looking deep into each other's eyes.

Justin whispered, "I knew it was you. The night we met. I knew it wasn't a dream."

Then Justin went off script…way, way, way off script. But Brian didn't yet know it. When Justin started to tremble, Brian was concerned and touched, but not surprised. When Justin kissed him again, with a passion Brian had not yet felt from the blond, he was more turned on than he'd ever been in his life. But when he felt Justin's lubed fingers enter him, soon replaced with Justin's sheathed cock, so hard that Brian could feel it throbbing inside him, he was astonished, and, when Justin broke their kiss and rubbed his cheek against Brian's as he breathed, "Brian Kinney, I'm so in love with you that it actually hurts," Brian was hit so hard that he couldn't breathe, and his heart stopped beating.

But it wasn't until a moment later that he received the biggest shock of his life. He replied in a whisper, "I love you, too, Sunshine" and pushed back against Justin. Then he moaned, "Christ! Fuck me harder!"