Disclaimer: I do not own these wonderful characters. No infringement intended.

A/N: Thank you all that are reading, and commenting on this story. I am having so much fun writing it! This is a longer one, and not alot of Brian & Justin together in this one...but, we are moving in that direction! We just have some issues to resolve first before getting them there. Please continue to give me those comments...it keeps me motivated more than I can say! =)

Chapter 7

Later at Kinnetik

"Fucking incompetent!" Brian virtually hissed at his art team.

He eyed them with distaste not sparing a glance for Ted whom he had asked to sit in on the meeting.

Scowling he continued, "I just spend the last 3 hours of my valuable time trying to pitch this ridiculous design to MY client. Only to be forced to admit that these graphics are for SHIT. They had my ass for lunch! I was barely able to wine and dine them into giving me another chance, and I have until tomorrow to present a workable option."

The three of them looked at each other with growing unease. They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that their boss was beyond pissed. His senior art director began to stammer, "I...ummmmmmm, Mr. Kinney I am so sorry for this. I just don't know what to say."

"That's a very good place to start. Say nothing." Brian snapped back more than irritated with the pathetic worm of a man. "The incomprehensible being that it took you 2 days to come up with this rubbish...and my senior art directer signed off on it."

Ted watched with widening eyes knowing this was going to end badly. Brian was undoubtedly an ass much of the time...but generally very understanding with his staff...in his own way. Brian took great care with his business...a flawless reputation he had helped Brian to build; in the advertising world Brian was at the top of his game. That his own team compromised that image...someone would pay dearly.

"I apologize yet again, Sir. I thought the work was adequate for the image the client wanted to project." the man said gruffly foolishly challenging Brian with his very tone.

Brian rolled his eyes to the ceiling as if trying to delay for calm. Then his eyes slowly flickered down to once again settle upon the weasly man with ice forming in them. "Let me be very clear, Mr. Jackson. You have cost me invaluable time. You have made ME to look like a complete ass, and put my account with Brenton Sportswear at risk...not to mention the stain upon my business reputation. Let's see if you understand this...Mr. Jackson. You are FIRED."

"Fired? But, you can't. You need me, Mr. Kinney." the man stuttered stupidly.

Ted smirked momentarily grimacing when he seen Brian had noticed his slip, however seeming amused by Ted's sudden unprofessionalism. Watching Brian wield his power, and his incredible business skills never ceased to amaze him. No matter how much he provoked, pestered, and teased Ted on countless occasions he could not help but to greatly admire Brian. And, truth be known he was proud to be a part of the history Brian was making at Kinnetik. Brian was not being unreasonable or unjust. This team had nearly cost him dearly. Not only the account itself, which was in massive proportions...but, also the word of mouth that would have harmed him if the client had went elsewhere. He had not escaped that danger yet...but Ted had no doubt that Brian would pull together a miracle, and have the client eating out of his hand once again.

"You are quite wrong. I don't need you. Go to your office and collect your belongings...I stress-your belongings. Ted will cut your final check, and escort you out." Brian said with a nod to Ted.

"You will be sorry, Kinney. I will go to work for Vanguard...I have learnt alot in my time here, and about you. You will regret this." the man threatened him.

Brian laughed without humor. "That is supposed to scare me? By all means, go work for my competition...you will drive their business into the ground quicker than my own success has been doing. And...you know nothing about me other than what I have allowed you to know. Now...get the hell out of my office."

The man glared with hatred at Brian one last time before slamming out of the room.

Brian turned to Ted with a cocky smile. "You think he was upset? Follow him, Ted. Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

Ted smiled as he nodded. "Will do, boss. Are we giving him his severance package?"

Thinking for a moment Brian answered, "I really don't want to...he hardly qualifys or deserves it, but go ahead. I don't want his whiny ass bothering me again."

Once Ted left Brian's eyes once again fastened on the remaining two men that were virtually squirming in their seats. "Now...if you don't want to be next you will give me something that I can use by the end of the day."

They both stood up instantly as if they had been lit by fire as they made a beeline for the door. One escaped leaving the other holding the bag to answer. "We won't let you down, Mr. Kinney. I promise."

"See that you don't." Brian told him sternly dismissing him and focusing his eyes back upon his desk.

Brian pulled up the graphic on his notebook shaking his head as he veiwed it in all its high defenition glory. He was just as irritated with himself for attempting to pass off this ridiculous design as representing his company. This was beneath him. It was something they would come up with at Vanguard. Now, he was without a senior art director...neither of these two pups he had just sent on their way capable of handling the position. That was a problem he must remedy as soon as he got throught this crisis. And, he would get through it, of course. He was Brian fucking Kinney. The man always on top...in every way.

Looking at the time seeing it was nearing two o'clock he smiled as his thoughts trailed to the delicious Justin Taylor. He didn't pause to think that his attention had strayed to the boy more than he even realized in recent days. Just the mere thought of the twink made him hard just thinking of finally getting his hands on him...alone. He needed to fuck that boy soon, and get his undivided attention back on business. That scrumptious blonde had him so frustrated he continued to lose his focus. That was something Brian Kinney did not accept in his own staff, and most certainly not in himself.

Eyes scanning over to the plush couch in his office he eyed it with determination, and much anticipation. He would give Justin one more hour to call, or he would contact him. Stroking his lip with a forefinger he mused silently, Come to me, little blonde boy. I have a hunger only you can feed...and feed it you will-today!

Meanwhile at PIFA

Justin just stepped outside the art building when he seen his mom flagging him with a wave in the distance. He groaned wondering what was wrong now. His classes had been endless...he was scolded by his one of his instructor's for the inability to concentrate while in a still life class. A class he was not partial to...at all. He could blame one person for his state of unrest. One maddening, beautiful...yet predatory Brian Kinney.

One thing Justin knew for sure. He was irrisistibly drawn to the sexy brunette. Much as he didn't want to be another notch on the Kinney belt he didn't think he could hold him off much longer...especially if he was alone with him. He flushed just thinking of what he had done in the diner. Despite Emmett's warnings Justin had little to no doubt he was on the verge of doing one thing...leaping straight into the fire. And, he couldn't seem to stop himself, or even want to pull back.

He smiled as he heard his mom shouting out, "Justin, over here."

Justin returned her warm embrace as he asked her with concern, "Is everything okay, Mom? Nothing wrong with Molly?"

"No, Justin...nothing like that. But...tomorrow is your birthday, and things as they are now I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you. And, there is something we need to discuss." she said with a slight frown. "Is there somewhere we can go?"

Nodding he pointed off to the small building. "Sure, let's go in the coffee shop. I am done for the day."

"Yes, I know. Don't forget I am your mother. I know your class schedule." she needlessly reminded him.

"Well, for long as I am able to remain here." he responded.

She frowned before giving him another quick hug. "Let's not talk about that right now, Justin. It will all work out, you will see."

Taking a small table centered in the room they were silent before their coffee arrived. Justin looked at her inquiringly as he asked, "So...what brings you here other than my birthday?"

"I would think that would be enough, and while we are on that subject I have something for you. And, Molly made you a picture. Much to your father's dismay she is trying to mimic her older brother with her own version of art. Although, I don't think she has your talent." Jennifer Taylor said with a laugh.

Scowling at the mention of his father he took the picture smiling at the rather crude imitation of himself with his sister. Tears misted his eyes as he saw the little girl looking up at her older brother with an smile of adoration. Much as they fought as brothers and sisters always do...the love was always present. It was a scene of them walking with her attempting to draw them holding hands. It was sweet, and it nearly broke his heart.

Justin wiped a lone tear that fell from his eyes and whispered with a smile, "This is perfect. Tell Molly thank you."

"I will. Now open mine. This one is a bit more practical." she told him.

He opened the card. First there was an appointment card with the insurance company for tomorrow afternoon. Looking further he found a paid receipt for his cell phone bill paying it forward for the next three months.

"Mom? This is too much...you just gave me 500 dollars." he stumbled out touched by her love and generosity more than mere words could convey. "And...what is the insurance card about?"

"Nonsense, it's not too much. I have decided to return to work, and, regardless...we can afford it. Thankfully, the cell phone was placed in your name when you turned 18. At the time, it was your father giving you a head start in building your own credit file...so, all you need to do with that is to supply them with your updated address...also, something your mother would like to know too." she in part scolded him. "And, the insurance card...I have made an appointment with them for tomorrow, I can go with you if you would like. Your car has always been in your name. I am so glad I insisted on that when we bought it for you, but your father has informed me he is dropping you from the insurance plan when it renews which is next month. I am paying your premium for 6 months. We can look at it again later, and see where you are then."

Justin's lip quivered as he could no longer hold back tears escaping. "He really does hate me. He intends to totally erase me from the family, and his life. But, what you are doing is too much, Mom. I can't accept it."

"You can, and you will, Justin. It's my gift to you...a fresh start, and one you need having these changes thrown at you without any warning. It's my hope in time your father will come around, and accept things as they are now. In any event, you will be 20...it's past time this was in your name, anyways. I am just giving you a start in that direction." she said firmly showing her determination to do this for him.

"I have my doubts that Dad will ever come around. I will accept this being that it means so much to you, and that tomorrow is my birthday...but, it needs to end with this. You have to let me find my own way. I am going to be just fine." Justin said feeling for the first time that he actually believed it.

"I have never doubted that, Justin. Now...where are you staying?" she asked him.

"I am staying with Emmett for now. His former roommate had moved out a short while ago, so he had the extra room." he answered her.

She nodded before bluntly asking, "Are the two of you...ummmmm a couple?"

Laughing thinking as much as he loved Emmett that was totally outrageous. "No, it's not like that for us. He is my best friend. I love him, but never anything like that."

"I don't pretend to understand any of this, Justin. I only want you to be happy, and safe." she told him squeezing his hand tightly.

"I am, Mom. Thank you for everything you have done. It means more to me that I can tell you." he told her as they both stood coming together in a tight hug.

"It's my pleasure, Justin." she said kissing him warmly on the cheek before looking at her watch. "I need to go and get your sister, do you want me to go with you tomorrow?"

"No, Mom. I can handle it. Give Molly my love...I do miss you both." he told her his eyes echoing his sadness.

"No more than we miss you. Call me if you need anything, Justin...and, I mean anything." she told him.

Justin smiled as he watched her leaving happy beyond words that she accepted him as he was, yet saddened for the former life with his family that he had lost. He hated what his father had done to their family with his narrow minded views, yet couldn't find it in himself to be uncaring towards him. He shared his mom's hope that someday his father would come to terms with his life, although he didn't believe it would ever happen. For now, all he could do was take one day at a time moving forward to send his life in the right direction.

Walking towards his car he pulled out his wallet placing the card his mom gave him inside, and as he did he seen the other card firmly tucked in the slot. Kinnetik Enterprises with the number, and address. Justin smiled with the thought of what he was going to do. He had promised Brian he would give him a call, but maybe he would just stop by instead. He was going to live his life whether he made an unwise decision or not. As Justin pulled out onto the road heading towards his destination on Liberty Avenue he knew he was taking a huge risk going alone into Brian's domain, but felt drawn to go as if by some divining force. Then reassuring himself that nothing too unseemly could possibly happen at Brian's office he made the turn into the drive that would bring them together once again unknowing of how much his life was about to change even further.

Kinnetik

Brian stepped away from yet another heated meeting with what remained of his art department pissed beyond belief. Raking his hands through his hair in complete exasperation he remained uncertain of how he was going to effectively resolve this crisis. The two of them were completely clueless. His assistant looked up at him with a quirked brow before she teased him, "The dynamic duo making some miraculous progress or have they sunk into regression?"

"I am not in the mood, Cynthia." Brian snapped his eyes full of anger once again before pulling his focus to the soft opening of the outer door.

His anger soon dissolving at the sudden appearance of his current obsession. An obsession he refused to admit far surpassed any he had ever known. He wet his lips in anticipation as he hungrily watched the slow, hesitant approach of his blonde prey. Oh yes, come to me, sweet boy. This day has suddenly brightened immensely.

Cynthia as always guarding his office with a fierce diligence moved to intercept Justin, but was immediately forestalled by her boss. Without taking his eyes off of the luscious body he ached to possess...intended to have very soon Brian told her firmly, "Go back to what you were doing, Cynthia. I got this."

She looked to him with surprise. Brian never seen anyone without an appointment. She nodded as she watched Brian move up to greet Justin.

"Justin...I have been thinking about you. Let's take this to my office." he said with a wink that was more of a bold promise of things to come. Looking back over his shoulder he smiled and said, "I am not to be disturbed under any circumstances."

Eyes widening Justin preceded him into the huge office that was quite literally an artist's dream. He instantly surmised that Brian must have designed it himself. It just had the stamp of Brian Kinney all over it. He gasped when Brian not only closed the door behind them, but locked it as well.

He turned around in a rush finding himself pushed backwards against the door. Brian grasped both of Justin's hands as he pinned them upwards against the door as he pressed his body tightly up against his own. He twisted expertly until he found the position that had their quickly hardening cocks growing alongside each other. Brian released one of Justin's hands to twist them tightly into his blonde hair angling his head in the desired position he felt he had been craving forever. Eyes flashing with a deep lustful hunger that Brian fully intended on satisfying with this man.

"This is exactly what I needed today, sweetness. I have been waiting for this kiss, and nothing is going to stop me from having it now." Brian purred in a low husky growl that sent shivers down Justin's spine just as Brian fulfilled his promise smashing his lips hotly against Justin's.

His tongue instantly demanding and recieving an open invitation into Justin's mouth Brian groaned into Justin's mouth his body on fire for this boy. The thoughts coming unbidden to his mind: Nothing has ever tasted as good as him. I must have him, and rid myself of this obsession. Then I can have control of my mind, and body once again. Never once accepting or realizing this was just the beginning of big changes not only for Justin but for the stud of Liberty Avenue as well.

TBC