Note: Okay... no skating yet this chapter. But, the events of this chapter will quickly explain that. I promise the morning will arrive in the next chapter! I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading & supporting this story. I greatly appreciate it!
Chapter 7
Justin stared at his pasty reflection in the mirror, feeling as if his dreams were abruptly coming to an end. His eyes flickered to the clock seeing that it was now two a.m. For the past hour he'd been running constantly to the bathroom in bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. He groaned as he made his way back to the bed, the spasms in his stomach so painful he couldn't even stand up straight.
He was so frustrated he felt like crying, screaming, throwing something... anything to vent his rage at the injustice of it all. Tomorrow he was going to be skating in the hopes of fulfilling his dreams... and in front of his idol. Now, he wondered if it was all unraveling without any warning. How could he perform like this - when he couldn't even stand up straight? Justin debated on walking to the all night grocer and picking up some anti nausea and anti diarrhea medication. He just wasn't certain he could manage the walk... and if he did, would it enable him to get through the night... and more importantly, the day tomorrow?
How the fuck could he have developed the flu, he wondered. He had his flu shots, he took vitamins as well as maintained a healthy diet; such as the norm for anyone in athletic contention. He never got the flu. How... and why did this happen now? Feeling the piercing pain in his abdomen yet again, he rushed to the bathroom, sitting on the toilet to relieve himself as the next rush assailed him. Justin felt tears rolling down his face, in total pain and despair.
Rinsing out his mouth and cleaning up once again, Justin realized he had to do something. Opening the medicine cabinet he took out the thermometer hoping to determine precisely how sick he truly was... hoping this to be an extremely short term virus. A minute later when the thermometer beeped, Justin looked at it more confused than ever. He frowned looking at the results clearly printed - 98.6, meaning very simply - no fever present. What the hell was going on? And... more importantly, how long would this be lasting?
God, he wished Daphne was home. She had a knack of making sense of things. He could call her, but didn't want to disturb her at work. She was supposed to have tonight off, but when she asked for tomorrow off so she could attend the Nationals, her uncaring boss had insisted she work an extra shift to cover it. Then, he thought of his mom. He could call her... but in doing so at this late hour she would panic. Justin clutched at his stomach as he felt yet another wave assaulting him. Damn, this had to stop. At the rate he was losing fluids, he would be dehydrated in no time... not to mention how taxing his skate would be without the minimal of rest. Continuing to hold his stomach in agony, he tried to come up with a solution to his problem... so far failing miserably.
Brian sat in front of the 42 inch widescreen t.v. mindlessly flipping through the channels, unable to sleep, while having enough responsibility to his task tomorrow to know he couldn't still go out at this late hour. He shuddered as he thought of all the pathetic souls that went through this routine every night.
Infomercials... B movies... plotless skin flicks, all geared towards the breeders. Fuck, is anyone really this pathetic - to watch this crap night after night? Looking at the clock, seeing that it was just past two a.m., Brian reflected on exactly what he would be doing on a normal night.
He would still be at Babylon doing one of two things; having his dick sucked in the backroom... or en route to the loft to fuck some lucky twink's ass. If he was feeling overly energetic, which often was the case, he would bring home two or more to enjoy the incomparable experience of being had by Brian Kinney. Sadly, tonight was not the case. He had promised Lindsey he would behave until his judging was completed. Of course, he hadn't really acted in the appropriate decorum... but for him, Brian thought he had done damned well.
Initially, Brian thought Lindsey owed him big time for accepting this job. However, once he had laid eyes on the luscious Justin Taylor everything had changed. Now, all his thoughts revolved around getting through tomorrow's event... and begin the game which he was surpassed by none - the hunt. Oh yes, Brian thought to himself, as soon as the final score was entered... and the medal winners awarded... the hunt to possess that blond piece of perfection fully commenced.
Brian had never wanted to fuck another man as badly as he did Justin. He determined that this was the last night he would suffer before completing that goal. Then, his life could go back to the way it was... before that blond dynamo had crashed into his well ordered world.
Standing up with a long languid stretch, Brian walked towards his bed deciding to give sleep one last try. When he reached the bedside, he observed he had just missed a call. He picked it up, making sure it hadn't been Lindsey with a problem regarding Gus. He smiled when he observed who his late night caller had been. The number would remain frozen on the phone, until he clicked on the alert to erase it. Brian wasn't about to do that. He recognized this number quite well. It had been the last one he had dialed before laying down in bed to rub out a massive hard-on. One that had been a constant in his life almost from the first moment he had laid eyes on the blond.
Immediately without further thought, Brian pushed the dial button when he found that Justin hadn't left a voicemail message. He smiled thinking Justin must have lost his nerve. His cock began to half harden just thinking of how he would make that shy boy lose every one of his inhibitions. And if all went according to plan - it would be tomorrow.
Brian knew he probably should just let Justin find his way back to sleep, especially on this night. But he was not one to lose what was such a promising opportunity to make the inquisitive blond even more aware of him... and more importantly his lustful intentions.
On the third ring, Justin answered in a soft, yet weak voice. Brian assumed it was just hazy from sleep.
"Hello, skater boy," Brian purred. "It appears I just missed your call. I do hope that means you were thinking of me."
"B-Brian? I, ahhh, sorry if I woke you. I didn't know what to do," Justin answered back shakily.
"Didn't know what to do? Oh, I could help you out with that... if I could get my hands on you right now," Brian growled, almost beside himself in a lustful frenzy with the thoughts of Justin laying in his bed.
Justin half-heartedly chuckled, before he gasped in pain, responding in a barely audible whisper, "Not that, Brian. I... I'm sick. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid I will lose everything."
Instantly alert to the fact that something was very wrong, Brian said, "Talk to me, Justin. What's wrong?"
"I've been in the bathroom sick for the past hour. After we spoke, I went to sleep to wake up to severe stomach cramping."
"Okay, Justin. First of all, you need to calm down. Stress is not going to help your cramping. Tell me about your symptoms... body aches, chills, any fever?"
"None of those. I assumed it was the flu, but I have no fever or chills... only stomach cramping and constant vomiting and diarrhea."
Frowning, Brian said thoughtfully, "That's strange. With the flu you should have at least one if not all of those symptoms. Have you had a flu shot?"
"Yes I have. I also take vitamins daily... and maintain a very healthy diet," Justin answered.
Brian smiled and nodded, saying, "Of course you do."
"I'm really scared, Brian. If this doesn't stop by morning... my entire dream dissolves into nothing," he whispered despondently.
Gritting his teeth, having a strong suspicion regarding Justin's ailment, he probed, "Justin, tell me what you ate today? Where did you have dinner?"
"Uhhh, for breakfast just some cereal. A salad and fruit for lunch."
"And for supper?" Brian continued.
"Oh, there was a dinner given by Mr. Levinsky. All the primary contenders were invited. I had fish and scallops... but I didn't... " Justin broke off abruptly, dropping the phone to run into the bathroom, his heaving heard clearly across the line.
"Fucking bastards," Brian hissed, as he waited for Justin to return. He moved about the loft, sliding into his jeans, dressing as quickly as possible. He knew exactly what had befallen Justin... and he was determined he would fix it. This was one of the oldest forms of sabotage. In fact, he had been a victim, once upon a time. Brian knew he could get him back on his feet in time... weak but functioning. However, they needed to act quickly.
When Justin breathlessly came back on the line, apologizing in embarrassment, Brian immediately cut him off. "There's no time for that, Justin. We need to act fast... that is, if you still want to skate tomorrow."
"Yes, of course. You know I do."
"Good boy," Brian clipped out. "First I need your address... and next I need to know if you are allergic to any medications."
Justin rattled off the address, before giving him a list of medications he was allergic to - including Tylenol. Brian chuckled in disbelief as he said, "Tylenol? No one's allergic to Tylenol."
"Trust me... I am. I was going to go to the hospital... but wasn't sure that was the best of ideas," Justin said, voicing his earlier thoughts aloud.
"No, you are correct. It would have held you up for too long. We need to get this medicine in you now... not hours from now after they run their battery of tests. Okay, I'm going to stop at the 24 hour pharmacy, run these allergies past the pharmacist and see what they say. I have a good idea what to give you... but we don't want any mistakes. Try to take it easy. I will be there soon, Justin," Brian answered in what he hoped to be a reassuring tone.
"I'll try, Brian... and thank you."
Brian smiled, as he answered, "No problem, skater boy. I'll just add it on your bill."
Justin forced a smile as they ended the call, realizing he hadn't asked Brian what his suspicions were regarding his illness... but he knew one thing for certain - if Brian was helping him - he was in capable hands.
Nearly thirty minutes had passed when Justin heard the harsh tapping on his door. Slowly, he stumbled towards the sound, opening the door wide to greet his visitor.
"Brian, come in," Justin whispered, shyly averting his eyes, knowing what a horrid mess he would appear to be.
"Fuck, Justin. You look like hell," Brian harshly exclaimed, uncaring of his words, yet his concern showing clearly in his penetrating gaze.
"Not nearly as bad as I feel," Justin echoed weakly, as he returned to the couch, feeling as if it were miles instead of mere steps.
Tongue in cheek, Brian replied, "Well now... let Dr. Kinney get you all fixed up."
"Dr. Kinney? Is that one of your fetishes?" Justin boldly teased, feeling safe to do so now.
Quirking a brow, Brian answered, "I will be more than happy to show you, each and every one of my fetishes when you are fully recovered."
"Of that I have no doubt," Justin laughed, clutching his stomach when the laughter erupted.
Frowning in concern, Brian removed the medications from the bags. He measured out first the anti-nausea liquid, extending it towards Justin. As if talking to his son, he prompted, "Now, open up wide, sonny boy. If you're good and take all your medicine, once you are better Daddy will give you some candy."
Justin's eyes widened at Brian's words, unable to stop his mind from projecting visual images of what candy from Brian could entail. Shaking his head, Justin forced himself to concentrate on the matter at hand. Getting through this ordeal should be his only concern. Tomorrow morning is when he'd be concerned that this illness wouldn't destroy his dreams of gold. Justin watched as Brian opened the other liquid, a thick green substance that he assumed was to control the diarrhea. Taking the dose, he watched as Brian withdrew two packages of pills that appeared to be identical to the liquid, simply in pill form.
Watching his hero and apparent savior, Justin said once again, "I can't thank you enough for this, Brian. I didn't know what to do. I only hope it will work. Uhhh, how much do I owe you for all of this?"
"Not a damn thing, except taking it religiously... and it will work, Justin. You just need to keep this medicine in you for at least the next 24 hours. You won't feel good for a couple of days... but the symptoms will be controlled and you will be able to function," Brian told him, matter-of-factly. "I got you the liquid, for now. The pharmacist seemed to think it would hit your system quicker... the pills you can take with you to the arena and keep the effects of your condition at bay."
"You say this like you know what is wrong with me... "
With a nod, Brian answered, "This is not the flu, Justin. I know the signs. I've been there myself. You were poisoned... and I would hazard a guess by someone connected to the competition."
"Food poisoning... really? I suppose it makes sense with all the missing flu symptoms... but I can't believe they would do this to me," Justin gasped out in bewilderment.
"You are in the big leagues now, Justin. Some of these people get vicious in their bid for success, not to mention unadulterated jealousy. None of them can touch your talent... and they know it. The only way for any of them to hope for Olympic selection was to eliminate you from the running. The only way that could happen is if you can't skate tomorrow. Although a low score would most likely still get you on the team."
"I just can't believe people would stoop to this level. It's very late... you should probably go home as we should both be sleeping."
Brian smiled at Justin, reaching up to tousle his blond hair. "You should be sleeping, yes. However, on a normal night I would just be finding my way home. I will be just fine, but I will have to leave in a bit. It wouldn't look good if anyone were to see me leaving your apartment, at least not until after the final judging."
"Who would have thought it? Brian Kinney - Florence Nightingale - and the model of decorum... all in one swoop," Justin chuckled teasingly.
Arching a knowing brow, Brian growled, "Feeling safe to tease me, skater boy? Try that in a couple days time and see exactly where it lands you."
"Seriously though... I'm really scared, Brian. What if I go out there and collapse?" Justin whispered shakily.
"You won't, Justin. You are a natural born champion. Tomorrow, or I should now say - later today, you will go out there and give the one who tried to thwart you a big fuck you. Most importantly, you will leave that arena with your head held high... and a gold emblem around your neck. Nothing less is acceptable," Brian stated emphatically.
Smiling, Justin answered, "I do hope you're right. Guess I will rethink slipping that quad into my performance."
"Quad?" Brian asked dubiously.
"Uhhh, yeah. I've been working on it, finally had it perfected to my satisfaction; although my coach doesn't approve and says I don't need it. But, it's something I've always wanted to execute."
Looking at him thoughtfully, he answered, "I tend to agree that you don't need it... however, that being said what better way to drive the point of your excellence home. I would say only do it if you are certain you are capable of nailing it. You want to finish strong... give yourself that boost as a headliner going into the Olympics. Don't decide now... when you take the ice you will know what to do."
Justin reached inside the bag, opening the bottle of lemon lime soda Brian had brought him, taking a small sip. Satisfied that it was going down and staying down, at least so far, he couldn't hold back a yawn from escaping. As much as he hated to have this time with Brian come to an end, he really needed to rest.
"Okay, little boy... into bed with you. I'm relieved to see your color has returned a slight bit... although, you have a long ways to go yet. Now, further instructions... only clear beverages for you, and try to get enough in you for rehydration. Absolutely no solid foods, caffeine or dairy products."
Moving towards his bedroom, Justin asked, "Will you stay until I fall asleep?"
Curling his lip under while deliberating, Brian looked at him... nodding his head, agreeing. "Yes, Justin. I am assuming your roommate isn't home?"
Sliding under the covers, Justin smiled up at Brian sleepily, "No, she had to work tonight in order to be off tomorrow. She should be home in a couple of hours. Brian, I can't thank you enough."
Sitting on the edge of the bed, gently running his fingers through Justin's hair, Brian said, "Sure you can, skater boy. Tomorrow you will go out there and show the world how amazing you are. I have every confidence in you, Justin. Don't let me down."
Shaking his head, Justin vowed, "I won't let you down, Brian. Uhhh, goodnight then. I guess I will see you tomorrow."
"Count on it," Brian said with a smile as he watched Justin's eyes flickering closed.
Brian's eyes trailed over Justin's face searchingly, pleased that the medicine seemed to be working. Getting through his performance wouldn't be easy, but Brian knew Justin would do it. This boy was a fighter... and a true champion, in every sense of the word. Before standing, Brian placed a soft kiss on Justin's brow, whispering heatedly, "Sleep well, skater boy. Soon your dreams will come to fruition... and then it will be capped off with a celebration to end all others. Today, Justin Taylor, is only your beginning..."
TBC