Life Forward

Part 3

"This is just like old times, well, not exactly 'cause now Justin's here too, which is great, honey, * fucking fantastic*!" Emmett was like a fucking energizer bunny on acid.

"What did you take?" Ted asked, always concerned after his brush with drugs not long ago.

"Just a little pink pick-me-up, Teddy," Emmett twirled before downing the rest of his drink. "Let's dance," he announced abruptly, freeing Justin from Brian's arms, pulling him toward the dance floor.

"Brian…" Justin pleaded.

"Go, have fun," Brian smiled, laughing at Justin's wide-eyed glare.

"Don't you just love this song?" Emmett shouted against the music.

"Um, sure." Justin watched Emmett dance, completely lost in his own world. The man's moves were inventive at the best of times, but when tripping they were absolutely over the top. Justin laughed and decided to let his body give in to the music, so he closed his eyes and let it flow through him.

"Brian, we're gonna go dance. Come on," Michael pulled Brian's arm.

Shaking his head, Brian said, "Go. I'm gonna finish my drink." Raising the half-full glass he took a small sip, leaning back against the bar.

"Brian," Michael whined.

"Come on, baby," Ben smiled, taking Michael's hand.

Michael disappeared into the crowd, a scowl on his face.

Brian's eyes locked on to Justin, watching him dance enticingly. He felt his cock pulse knowing he was his.

"Shit, he's beautiful."

Brian turned toward the voice.

"I'm gonna fuck *that* tonight."

Following the man's line of sight and his finger as he pointed out his prey to his friend, Brian's temper rose as Justin came into view.

"I think that's gotta be the hottest ass I've seen in years. I'm gonna make him scream my name over and over…"

"Fuck yeah," the friend agreed.

"Excuse me," Brian started, his voice tight. "I think you should watch who you're talking about." Brian heard himself and knew he sounded like a fucking lesbian, but he couldn't handle the way the guy was talking about *his* partner.

"What?"

"I said…" Brian rose to his full height, practically towering over the other man. "Shut the *fuck* up!"

"What's your problem? *This* is a club and *that* is a dance floor full of fresh, hot meat, so if your overly sensitive ears are too precious to hear such things, maybe you should've stayed home?"

Both men laughed, oblivious to the rage searing Brian's insides.

"You're right…"

The men nodded victoriously at one another, thinking they'd won. How foolish.

"This *is* a club full of fuckable men, but that hot guy you're planning on making scream is *my* *fucking* *partner*."

'Uh-oh.' The men's faces fell.

"And *this* club is also *mine*, so if you don't want to find your asses bounced the fuck out of here I suggest you move them as far away from me as humanly possible."

Wide-eyed both men gasped, realizing that who they'd just pissed off was *the* Brian Kinney, and they ran far, far away.

"What the hell happened?" Michael noticed the commotion and confronted Brian.

"Nothing. I just took care of some assholes."

"Brian?" Justin asked, coming back to the bar. He'd been watching from the dance floor and caught his lover's burst of anger.

"We're leaving," Brian announced, grabbing Justin's hand. He was pissed.

"What…why?" Michael glared.

"It's time to go."

"Brian, we just got here. I want you to stay. Let Justin leave if he wants."

'Oh shit,' Justin thought. Didn't Michael ever know when to shut up?

"Michael," Brian said calmly…too calmly. "Why the hell would Justin leave and not me?"

"He's a big boy. He can go home if he wants. You always do what *he* wants," Michael pouted like a child.

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Brian asked. He'd feared that his friends wouldn't understand him now and Michael had proven him right.

Michael just shrugged. He didn't care. He was tired of always trying to be supportive. He wanted a night with Brian and he didn't want Justin to ruin it. The thing is, if he had stopped for even a second to pull his head out of his ass he would've realized that Justin had nothing to do with it.

"I'm gonna say this one more time, Michael. We. Are. Leaving."

And without a backward glance Brian and Justin left Babylon.

"Brian, what…"

"Not now, Justin."

Justin gnawed at his bottom lip, watching the scenery go by outside his side window. He was silent…in the car…in the elevator…when they walked into the loft…

"I just can't believe that asshole. He had some fucking nerve…" Brian ranted, slamming his keys onto the kitchen counter.

"What did he say?"

Spinning around Brian stalked forward, glaring down at Justin. "He said that you were beautiful. He said he was gonna fuck your hot ass and make you scream." Brian was fuming, practically hissing in Justin's face.

"Brian…"

"NO!"

Startled, Justin moved a few steps backward.

Realizing what he was doing Brian reached out, pulling Justin against him, wrapping his arms tightly around him. Slowly he felt some of his anger melting away. "I just couldn't stand it. The things he was saying about you."

Justin nodded. "I understand."

"But I don't."

Justin tensed. Brian ran his fingers along Justin's spine to calm him.

"I don't understand what you do to me, how you make me feel. I wanna fucking crush anyone who might harm you, even some piece of shit who's only talking about you."

Justin smiled. "That's what love is, Brian."

Brows furrowed, Brian asked, "It is?"

"Yep. Sometimes it makes you feel like crap, but still, in the end, it's all worth it."

Relaxing slightly, comforted with the knowledge that what he was experiencing was normal, Brian smiled. "I guess it is."

Pulling back, Justin met Brian's eyes and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "Now how 'bout I show you the other more pleasurable benefits of being in love?"

Letting Justin lead him toward the bedroom Brian nodded. Yeah, it was all worth it.

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

"Daph, I've gotta go. I've got so much left to do before the show tomorrow. Yeah, okay, I'll see you there." He laughed. "No I'm *not* going to wear that. Because. It's not artsy to wear a fucking bright-gold sharkskin suit just because. No, it's not. Daph…Daphne…I've gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll be the one in plain black. Yeah…" And he hung up the phone, Daphne's voice echoing 'asshole' as he did.

Shifting canvases around, making sure that everything that was supposed to be at the gallery already was, Justin jumped when he heard a loud knock at the door. Busy leafing through some papers he absently opened the door, startled once again when he heard his name.

"Dad?"

"How are you, Justin?"

"Um, fine."

"May I come in?"

"Uh…" Justin wanted to say no. Slam the door in his face, but… "Sure, I guess."

Craig Taylor walked into the spacious studio, sniffing slightly at the strong paint odor. "This is where you work?" he asked, moving further into the main room, taking a look around.

"Yeah, mostly."

Craig nodded, pleased with the pieces strewn about. "There aren't very many things to look at."

"I've got a show starting in a few days. Most of my recent work is there."

"And the others?"

Brows furrowed, Justin didn't really understand the question.

"The others are sold?" Craig asked.

Justin shrugged, not sure what to say.

Nodding Craig confessed. "I saw an ad in the New York Times about a show you had there not too long ago. It was quite the success it seems. As are all your shows, from what I gather."

"I've been lucky."

Tsking dismissively Craig added, "It's all about talent, Justin, not luck."

"Okay." Justin wasn't sure where his father was headed. He hadn't seen him in years, the last time providing him with more than enough pain to last a lifetime. And now he shows up, moving around his space, talking like nothing ever happened.

Nodding once again Craig turned toward Justin and smiled slimily, "I've never been one for small talk, Justin, so why don't I tell you why I'm here."

"That would be helpful."

"Since you're doing so well I thought you might be willing to give me some money. You see, business has been rough lately, and I am your father after all."

Justin was speechless.

Always one for impeccable timing, Brian chose *that* moment to walk through the door.

"Sunshine, I couldn't decide on which one, so we've got a mix of…" And he stopped, take-out bags in hand. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize…"

"Brian, this is Craig Taylor, my father. Dad, my partner, Brian Kinney."

Having heard just a little of what Craig had subjected Justin to Brian moved over to his partner's side, placing the take-out bags on a chair, wrapping his arm around Justin's waist.

"So, you're still gay. Thought you might outgrow that. The papers made no mention of it," Craig sneered

Brian felt Justin's body vibrate with anger.

"I guess your money's still green, so…" Craig waited expectantly.

Memories of growing up with his father, his harsh ways, his demand for perfection at any cost and the final blow from the last time he'd seen him all came to the surface and Justin lost it. He moved away from Brian, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

"You wanna know about *my* father, Brian?" Justin asked, and even though Brian knew it was a rhetorical question, Justin didn't leave him time to say a word, he just kept on going.

"You see Craig Taylor is such a fine, upstanding human being."

Craig glared, but Justin ignored it.

Nodding, a furious blush coloring his face Justin said, "I remember the day he left us. Me, my mom and my sister. He was only concerned with the slut he cheated on Mom with, leaving us all alone with no money, no child support, not a fucking thing!"

Justin was panting. Brian tried to touch him but he pulled away.

"And now here you are. I haven't heard from you in what, five years? And the last time I did I remember *exactly* what you said. You came to the condo when you'd heard I was gay…" Justin paused, the memory so painful. When he continued his voice was small, lost. "You said that *your* son wasn't a cock-sucking faggot and if that was the life I chose then I was dead to you. You had no son."

"Justin, you shouldn't talk about family business with *him* here," Craig hissed. He wanted to leave, bolt right out of there, but the money…

Justin laughed. "He *is* my family, Dad. You, you're just a sperm donor."

"Justin!" Craig shouted.

Justin moved in dangerously close to his father and said, "And now you're here for money and suddenly I'm your son again? Well I'll tell you what, *Dad*." Justin left his final word hanging in the air, knowing that it would be the last time he ever called Craig Taylor that. Taking a deep breath he finished what he had to say. "If you think I'm gonna give you a fucking cent then you're just as stupid as I always figured you were."

Craig growled, moving forward quickly, his hand raised to slap Justin across the face, but Brian was too fast for him. He twisted Craig's arm around his back, pulling upward sharply. Craig moaned in pain.

"Brian!" Justin shouted. "Stop!"

Tossing Craig's arm carelessly away as he let go Brian moved to Justin, taking him in his arms.

With his sore arm cradled against his body Craig looked at Justin ensconced in another man's arms and felt the anger bubbling inside him. He took a step toward them but froze as Brian's glare landed on him, his eyes burning with contempt and loathing and a fierce warning. Craig had no question, that if he tried anything with his son, this Brian would make sure it was the last thing he did.

A sense of loss came over Craig. Not for the loss of a son but for the loss of the money that he'd been counting on. So with a defeated frown he turned and left Justin's studio, washing his hands of Justin once and for all.

"I'm so sorry, Justin."

Justin sniffed, pulling back to wipe at his eyes. He shrugged, not trusting his voice.

"He's an asshole. It's his loss, not yours."

Justin nodded. Craig Taylor was dead to him. And even though he'd been an absentee father for years, Justin couldn't help but feel the overwhelming grief.

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

"Is he okay?"

"He took it hard."

"He always hoped, you know, that maybe his father would show up one day and everything would be alright."

"Once an asshole always an asshole," Brian stated.

"Yeah, I guess." Daphne felt Justin's pain and hated Craig even more for causing it.

"Do you guys need anything?"

Brian smiled, glad that Justin had such a wonderful friend. "No, thanks, I think we're okay. I'll tell him you called when he wakes up."

"Good. Take care of him, and yourself. Oh, and tell him I love him." Daphne added before hanging up.

Heading into the bedroom Brian lay down on the bed. Justin, still half asleep, moved instinctively against him, his back warm against Brian's chest. Draping his long arm around Justin he laid it reassuringly on his stomach, pulling him as close as possible before closing his eyes.

"Do you ever think I'll be a father?" Justin asked quietly.

Rubbing his hand soothingly along Justin's firm belly Brian sighed. "I think that if you want to be one you should make it happen."

"Do…do you think I'd be any good?" Justin sounded so small.

Pressing a loving kiss to Justin's shoulder Brian whispered, "You'd be incredible."

Justin nodded, several layers of pain and anger that had been stifling him instantly melting away from Brian's overwhelming confidence.

"I love you, Brian."

"I love you, too, Sunshine."

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

"Damn, he's really good." Michael sounded astonished.

"I had no idea," Ted confirmed.

"Well, the princess certainly is a hit. Look at all these people." Emmett gazed around the packed room, thrilled for Justin's turnout and hoping that he might just find himself a tasty morsel in the throng of people as well.

"Boys," Brian greeted his friends, still rather pissed at Michael's behavior at Babylon the week before.

"Brian, you look great," Michael admonished, trying to lighten things.

"Of course I do. And you three are…" Brian searched for the right word. Finding it he smirked, "Passable."

Just then Ben walked up. "Hey, Brian, Justin's work is wonderful."

Nodding, Brian took a sip of his wine. "I know."

"I can't believe the critics that are here. I'd give *anything* to have this, have a show like this and such talent. It's remarkable." Lindsay was practically breathless, holding securely onto Melanie's arm.

"Justin, thank you for inviting us. Every piece is beautiful," Melanie smiled, kissing Justin's cheek.

Brian cringed at the thought of Melanie's lips *anywhere* on Justin.

"You're another fucking Picasso, Sunshine," Debbie said exuberantly, Carl nodding by her side.

"Thanks for coming you guys. It means a lot to have friends here."

Brian glanced at Michael.

"I, ah, I'm really glad we came. You're so great." Michael caught Brian's look and knew he had to try and smooth things out with Justin.

"Um, thanks, Michael." Still hurting a little from his father's appearance, Justin was willing to try and take away any sting Brian had with his best friend. Hopefully Michael had learned his lesson.

"How about a personal tour of your work?" Lindsay asked.

Justin smiled. "Everyone follow me."

"Another success, Justin," Mark said, catching the group as they made their way around the room.

"Mark, this is…" And Justin named off the members of Brian's makeshift family.

Mark smiled, nodding at everyone…especially Emmett.

"You are adorable," Emmett said, taking Mark's arm, pulling him away for his own private tour, one that provided him with a few more intimate features. Mark looked back at Justin mouthing 'thank you' as he was dragged away.

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

"We get to take Gus tomorrow afternoon."

"That's great," Justin called from the bathroom after rinsing the toothpaste from his mouth. "He's such an amazing kid."

Smiling as his lover crawled up on the bed, Brian said, "Of course he is. He's mine."

Justin moved closer, spreading himself out on top of Brian like a warm, blond blanket. "Does that mean that I'm amazing?"

Brian nodded. "Absolutely. After all, *you're* mine too."

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

"I'm exhausted," Brian sighed, flopping back on the bed.

Justin mimicked Brian and sighed. "I can't believe one kid can drain you so fast. I could sleep for a year."

"Sounds good to me," Brian yawned, turning onto his side, face buried in Justin's hair.

"Brian, we can't."

Whining, "Why not?"

Justin laughed. He loved Brian's childish side. "We have to go to Emmett's."

"Mmm, you go and tell me all about it when you get home. You can wake me with a nice, slow blowjob."

"Brian," Justin nudged Brian with his elbow.

"Okay, how 'bout…" Brian shot up, hovering over Justin, his grin feral.

"Brian," Justin whispered, his adrenaline pumping.

"How 'bout I blow you now." Brian breathed, mouth against Justin's, his tongue playing over his full, lower lip, smiling when Justin moaned.

"We'll be late," Justin panted, trying to sound convincing.

Brian shrugged, his hand sliding downward, brushing lightly along Justin's erection, feeling it pulse against his jeans. "I think you need this."

"Brian." Justin arched as Brian's hand slid inside, teasing the heated skin.

"Mmm, you feel so good." Desperately Brian opened Justin's jeans and pulled them off, along with his underwear, Justin's pliant body making his work easy. Leaning down he rubbed his fully clothed body against Justin's, intently focused on his lover's face as the rough denim of his pants rubbed against him.

"Can I taste you?" Brian rasped, his own cock throbbing.

"Fuck, please. Brian, *please*."

Slinking down his body, nipping and kissing along the smooth, taut skin Brian had Justin writhing beneath him, and he loved it.

When he got to the golden pubes he inhaled deeply, his dick leaking from the musky scent. With a growl he slipped the wet head of Justin's cock into his mouth, forming a tight ring around it, sucking hard.

"Christ!" Justin moaned, arching sharply.

Releasing some of the pressure Brian slid his mouth downward, taking Justin in inch by inch, slowly, torturously, until Justin was begging…

"Brian, shit, suck me off, make me come."

Pulling back…"Uh, uh, uh. Not so fast."

"Brian!" Justin growled, grabbing a fistful of Brian's hair, yanking hard, smiling breathlessly at the look of pure lust coloring his features.

"You ready, Sunshine?"

"Fuck, yeah, I'm dying here."

With a wicked grin Brian lapped teasingly at Justin's slit, gathering the dripping precum greedily before fully engulfing his throbbing cock.

"Christ!" Justin screamed, bucking upward, forcing himself impossibly further down Brian's tightened throat, causing a chain reaction as the constricting muscles ripped his orgasm out of him, his balls pulsing, shooting his load almost painfully hard down Brian's throat.

Gently prodding every drop out of Justin's still trembling dick, Brian let him slip from his mouth, licking his lips as he moved upward, resting fully on top of him. "Good?"

"Fuck, delicious."

Brian smiled, ignoring the pulse of his own cock leaking in his jeans.

"Your turn," Justin sleepily offered.

Shaking his head, desperately wanting to get off, but even more desperate to stay exactly where he was, Brian let his eyes roam Justin's beautiful face…his cheeks warm and pink…his lips swollen and slick…his eyes bright and glassy.

A sudden clench in Brian's chest spread overwhelmingly outward through his body and he felt himself melting into Justin. "Thank you," he whispered, his two simple words brimming with meaning well beyond them.

With a radiant smile so grateful and inviting, Justin ran his hand slowly along the side of Brian's face. "You're welcome."

Drifting off, warm and secure, both Brian and Justin's minds flashed to the cufflinks that lay tucked away in the top drawer of Brian's dresser, the symbol for 'eternity' etched so flawlessly on them. And deep inside their hearts, now beating against each other in perfect synch, they felt as if the word had also been permanently inscribed.

And they smiled.

Knowing that they were definitely gonna be late for Emmett's.

But as Justin wrapped his arms just the tiniest bit tighter around Brian's back, neither one really cared.

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