Brian decided that he was crazy. He'd lost his fucking mind. He found himself saying something he'd never thought he'd say. "Justin, you're right."

Justin looked up, his expression hopeful, excited, and a little terrified.

After a long pause, Brian continued, "I do want you. But…why don't we take things slow?"

Justin just stared at Brian. Brian was such a puzzle. Justin had thought he knew the type of man Brian was when they'd first met, when he'd first laid eyes on him. His sexy drawl, slick appearance, and player-like flirting and boldness had been incredibly misleading. None of that meshed with the Brian on whose lap Justin now sat. Justin comforted himself with the knowledge that at least Brian had admitted that he wanted Justin. Maybe their…whatever wasn't doomed never to happen after all.

Brian swallowed hard. Then he asked, a little hesitantly, "How about we go on another (he gritted his teeth) date? Tonight."

Justin's face exploded into a blindingly bright broad smile. Then he nodded and replied, a little shyly, "Okay." Justin was immensely pleased with this turn of events, but still, he couldn't help but lean in, nudge Brian's nose, and then place a tender kiss on Brian's lips. Brian's breath actually caught in his throat, which he promptly cleared the second Justin moved off his lap. Then he quickly tucked and buttoned his shirt. Still turned away from Justin, who was back at the drafting table, Brian sighed deeply and ran his fingers through his hair. What the fuck was he getting himself into? What the fuck was he becoming? He hadn't fucked anyone since he had met Justin, not even Justin. And that was unprecedented. After becoming sexually active at 14, he hadn't gone a day without fucking, not since he'd gotten the clap in college (the doctor had told him he needed to abstain for five days). Cynthia would laugh her ass of if she knew. Fuck, pretty much everyone he knew would have a field day with this. When Brian finally turned around, returning his attention to Johnson's ads, he couldn't stop himself from glancing at Justin. Justin was drawing, a huge grin on his face. Brian couldn't help but smile, too. He truly had lost his fucking mind.

Eight hours later, Brian found himself in the company car, a limo, pulling up to the ugliest building he'd ever seen (it had taken the driver ten minutes of navigating narrow one way streets to get here from the main road; Brian was quickly losing patience). Then he found himself walking (walking!) the three flights to Justin's apartment, dodging dog shit and puddles of piss (what, the dog couldn't make it the three flights to the street? Or was it the owner who was too lazy? In any case, if his shoes were ruined, there would be hell to pay). Brian wrinkled his nose and hopped the last two steps (past a substantial pile of fresh dog shit) and knocked on 12. A surprised Justin flung the door open a moment later. Brian entered immediately. He might have waited for an invitation, might have, but he didn't want to stand next to dog shit for even a second longer than he had to. As he stepped inside, Brian said, a little coldly (he was still a little pissed about the dog shit), "I hope you looked through the peephole first; the door downstairs is propped open; no telling what or who has access to your building."

Justin laughed a little uncomfortably, "Of yeah, some of my neighbors are a little lazy. They go out for something and don't want to use their key to get back in."

Brian sighed. "At the very least, you should have a better lock installed on this door. And don't open it until you know who it is."

Justin smiled. Brian was worried about his safety. "So, um, what brings you by? How did you even know where I lived?"

Brian rolled his eyes. "As your boss, a change Ryan was a little pissed about, I have access to your employment file."

Justin stiffened and asked nervously, "He was pissed?"

Brian nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Really made my evening."

Justin was immediately put at ease by Brian's nonchalance. So he found himself drawling, "And you're here in your capacity as my boss…making sure my apartment is locked up tight?"

"No. Did you forget about our…(Brian frowned) date?"

Justin smiled. He was suddenly flushed. "No, but I thought you had."

"Nope. So put on your best party dress, and let's get the fuck out of this hellhole."

Justin giggled, yes, he actually giggled, as he led Brian into the living room. "It's not that bad."

As Brian looked around at the chipping paint, low ceilings, and the frighteningly small living room/kitchen, onto which two tiny bedrooms opened, he shook his head. Way too small for one person, let alone two. "Yes, yes, it is." He frowned, and after a minute of debating, he sat down on the couch. It looked like they'd found it on the side of the road. He hoped to hell they had gotten it cleaned before bringing it inside, but he highly doubted that they had. He grimaced. He was probably sitting on dried cum and who knows what else. He'd have to have his overcoat dry cleaned. Twice.

Daphne bounded out of her room. "Brian!" she exclaimed. "What brings you here?" As she spoke, she started nudging Justin. Justin chuckled, but then cried, "Daph, please!" Then in a softer voice, he said, "Help me find something to wear."