Something So Right

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Brian shifted but his arm wouldn't move. It felt pinned down and when he tried to shake it, he heard a soft laugh that instantly startled him awake.

"Wha?" he mumbled, blinking rapidly, trying to focus on the blurry face so close to his. And when his eyes finally adjusted, he found a pair of incredible blue eyes staring back at him. 'Right,' he thought…'Justin.'

"Hey," the blond said, his voice still husky from sleep.

"Hey. How long've you been up?"

Shaking his head slightly, Justin smiled and replied, "Not long."

But for some reason, Brian didn't buy it. The way the younger man's eyes seemed to bore into him so intensely made him feel vulnerable…something that he was definitely not used to. Especially in his own bed. He racked his brain, trying to remember the last time that he'd woken up to find someone beside him. And the answer came to him immediately…never.

But this…waking up with the blond so close to him…his arms still wrapped around the slender body felt right. And he couldn't help smiling, knowing that he probably looked like a fool, but truth be told, he didn't care.

"Um, I guess I'd better get going."

As soon as the words hit Brian's ears his smile faltered. He knew he was being silly…hell, they didn't even know each other…and Justin was a hustler…but he didn't want him to leave.

But before Brian could say anything Justin was already up, and the brunet's arms instantly felt cold and painfully empty. He watched the lithe body move swiftly as he gathered his discarded clothes off the floor then pulled them on. So, not really sure what to do, Brian found his jeans and put them on then stood and waited.

Justin slipped on his runners then turned and smiled a rather weak smile before he headed out of the bedroom, toward the large steel door.

"So, um, when…when can I see you again?" The words flew out of Brian's mouth without thinking and he knew they sounded almost desperate…or maybe that's just the way he felt. But he was afraid that if the blond walked out the door he might never see him again, and he didn't think that was something he could live with. 'Fuck, I think I've lost my mind.'

Justin turned, also unsure of what to do but the smile beaming off his face conveyed the happiness soaring through him at hearing Brian's words.

Brian couldn't resist. He leaned forward, brushing his lips sweetly over Justin's, his hand cupping the side of his face as he pulled back, his thumb brushing over the irresistibly soft skin and he said, "Sunshine."

If it were possible to take a little piece of heaven and claim if for yourself, that's how Brian felt as Justin's angelic face beamed so brightly that Brian felt his heart literally leap in his chest.

"Uh, what exactly do you mean by see me?" Justin didn't want to bring the subject up, but he wasn't sure what Brian meant. Did he want to hire him again, a thought that almost made his heart break. Or did he want to see him as in REALLY see him, which is the answer that he desperately hoped for.

"See you…like on a…" Brian stopped and cleared his throat. He wasn't sure if he could actually say the word. But the searching blue eyes that made him long for…something…gave him the strength. "Date." The word slid off his tongue much easier than anticipated…and he didn't feel nearly as nauseous as he thought he would.

"A date?" Justin almost shouted, his sparkling eyes so full of joy.

"Yeah, you know, a date. You have been on one before, haven't you?" Brian teased, wrapping his arms around Justin, pulling him close.

The blond's eyes flickered downward and when they came back up, the happiness that was brimming over just seconds before was replaced with such sadness that Brian felt his gut clench.

"No…no I haven't." Justin's voice was low and resigned, leaving Brian to wonder just what the hell the man'd had to endure in his short life.

"Well," Brian stated, strong and determined, "this'll be your first, and well, only my second, but I can guarantee that this one'll be much better than the last."

Smiling through a huff of laughter, his mood already greatly improved by Brian's show of confidence, Justin asked, "Oh yeah, and how can you be so sure about that?"

"Because I fucked the waiter last time around, and I can promise you that with you there, the thought won't even cross my mind."

Justin felt himself melting from the strong arms wrapped so firmly around him and the heartfelt words whispered so sweetly. "Where the hell did you come from?" he asked so softly, so full of awe, his eyes searching Brian's for a clue.

"I've been here all along. I guess I was just waiting for you."

And the men kissed, so warm and tender, neither one remembering the crumpled hundred dollar bill that lay tucked inside Brian's jeans pocket. Definitely earned, but no longer needed.

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"Hey, Bri, we missed you at Babylon last night. Too much work?"

Sliding into the booth, taking a seat across from Michael, Brian couldn't help the little smile that crept up on his face. "Uh, yeah, work…had some finishing touches to put on a campaign."

Michael noticed the grin and wondered just what the hell had gotten into Brian. But instead of asking, knowing that his friend would never give him a straight answer, he nodded and said, "Okay, well, tonight?"

"Nope, other plans tonight, Mikey."

And that was it. No explanation. Nothing.

So the nosey little man pushed. "Got a date?" he asked with a laugh, knowing that that would crack his friend up for sure.

Slightly startled, Brian looked into his friend's eyes and answered, "Actually, yes."

"WHAT?"

Half the diner's patrons turned abruptly, their eyes focusing on Michael and Brian, and just as quickly Brian shot them a 'mind your own fucking business' glare, causing the customer's heads to snap back so quickly that they swore they'd gotten whiplash.

Grinning at his friend, his patience for the man's questioning quickly dissolving, Brian stated in an even tone, letting Michael know that the discussion was over, "I have a date, Michael. Leave it alone."

"But…"

'God, he's even stupider than he looks.'

"Mikey," was Brian's final warning and he watched his friend's mouth open again as if ready to speak, then saw it shut, no words having come out. And Brian smiled just the slightest bit, happy that finally he'd gotten through. Until…

"What's this I hear about a date?"

"Oh, fuck," Brian groaned, looking up at Debbie standing at the end of the booth, hands on her hips, waiting for an answer.

"I'm outta here," Brian growled, sliding out of the booth and out the door, leaving a confused Michael and Debbie watching him go.

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"So, what're you doin' on your night off?" Jeffrey asked, blowing at the steaming cup of coffee right under his lip then taking a small sip.

"Actually, I have a date."

"What? A date? YOU have a fucking date?"

"Jeff, do you think you could be more shocked?" Justin asked, watching his friend's stunned face smile back at him.

"Sorry, Jus, it's just that…YOU?" Jeffrey couldn't help but laugh at the idea of his friend out on a date.

"What's wrong with me?" the blond asked, a little put off by his friend's reaction.

"Nothing…God, nothing, Jus. It's just that, well, you NEVER go out. Not ever."

Nodding, realizing that his friend was right, Justin couldn't help the smile that spread across his face at the thought of just why he was going this time and he said, "Well, it's different. This guy's different. I think…well, I don't know exactly what I think, but, Jeff, I can't wait."

And the genuine happiness that beamed from Justin's face, something that was so rare, made Jeffrey happy. Truly happy that maybe his friend had finally stumbled upon something good.

"Well then I'm happy for you…really, Jus. I hope you have a great time."

"Thanks. Now get the fuck out of here so I can get ready. I want to look my best."

Laughing, Jeffrey shook his head and said, "Justin, you couldn't look bad if you tried. Trust me…he'll love you."

And for some reason, those words shot straight to Justin's heart because maybe…just maybe…Brian could.

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"Hi," Justin said almost shyly when he answered the door, happy to see Brian on the other side.

"Hey," Brian returned, smiling at the incredibly beautiful man. "You look great."

"Thanks. You too."

Nodding, always aware that he looked amazing, but loving the fact that Justin thought so, Brian held out his hand, smiling when the blond took it and he asked, "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, just let me grab my keys." Justin disappeared inside the small apartment and was back in a flash, pulling the door shut behind him and locking it. "Oh, sorry, did you want to come it?" he asked, realizing a little too late that he hadn't asked before.

Shaking his head, Brian said, "No, maybe next time."

And Justin's face lit up, happy that there would be a next time.

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"Wow, this is a really cool car. Did you get it new?"

Brian wanted to laugh, considering it was a classic corvette from the seventies and even HE would have been too young to drive it then. But instead he just said, "No, it's a vintage car."

Nodding, feeling a little stupid the blond just shrugged his shoulders and grinned. But his grin quickly melted into a warm smile as Brian's hand patted his, which was resting on his knee then stayed there…a warm feeling washing over his entire body from the comforting gesture.

"I hope you like Italian," Brian said as they pulled up to a charming little restaurant and parked.

"Sure, I love it." Justin was nervous. He wasn't sure how to act and hoped that he didn't do something stupid to embarrass himself or Brian. Getting out of the car, he smiled as Brian was already on his way across to his side, wanting to open the door for him.

"Oh," Brian said, closing the door, missing the opportunity, but he made sure to get the door to the restaurant, holding it open for Justin to pass through, then followed him in.

"Mister Kinney, how wonderful to see you. I take it you have reservations this evening?"

"Yes, Marco, for two."

"Ah, bueno, please gentlemen, follow me."

Placing his palm on the small of Justin's back, Brian lead him ahead, following the matre'd to their table.

Justin's body almost melted from the feel of Brian's hand. And for the first time in a long time, Justin didn't feel like a hustler…he felt like a man…a man that was quickly falling in love.

"Thank you, Marco. Can we get a bottle of the red wine I had last time?"

"Si, Mr. Kinney, of course."

"Wow, you must come here a lot for that guy to remember the wine you had," Justin said, rather impressed.

"I come here on business a lot. And to tell you the truth, they only serve about four or five different red wines…and I'm always forgetting the name of the one I like."

Justin laughed, happy that the man wasn't pretentious, when he definitely could have been. "Well, still, thanks for bringing me here."

"You're welcome."

Looking around the slightly darkened but beautifully decorated room, Justin smiled mischievously as he glanced back at Brian. "Do I have to check out the waiter to make sure you're not gonna sneak away?"

Brian smiled so genuinely that Justin thought he might stop breathing…and he felt it even more so when the man reached across the table and took his hand, then whispered, "Not a chance."

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"So, tell me about yourself."

Justin's body instantly tensed. He knew that sooner or later he'd have to share his past, but he was hoping it would be later…much, much later."

"Justin, I won't judge you. I just wanna know about you."

The blond nodded, Brian's voice so calming and he took a deep breath, mustering a small smile.

"Well, I'm eighteen, I'll be nineteen next March, and uh, I live, well, you saw where I live. And, uh, I don't have any family, well, not really. My best friend's name is Jeffrey, and he's a really great guy. Oh, and I once had a dog…his name was Chester."

Brian smiled, his eyes open wide, waiting for more. But when no more was offered, he asked again, "What else? How exactly did you end up where you are?"

Justin knew it wouldn't be enough. He hadn't really offered anything REAL, but he was worried that if he did, it would make all the wonderful feelings that Brian had for him disappear and he'd find himself sitting in his little apartment…alone.

He'd had such a great time at dinner. The meal was excellent…the company exquisite, and he didn't want to ruin it now. He settled further back into the comfy sofa, his eyes meeting Brian's apprehensively.

"It's okay. Tell me."

Sighing heavily, Justin took a large sip of his wine then set the glass back down on the coffee table and began.

"When I was fifteen, my parents were killed in a car accident. Unfortunately, they didn't have any life insurance, so I was left with pretty much nothing."

Justin's blue eyes lit up for a moment and he whispered, "My parents were great. God, they were funny…so fucking funny…we laughed all the time. And my mom was so beautiful."

"That must be where you get it from."

It took a moment for Justin to even realize that Brian had spoken, and when he did, he smiled, his eyes watery with memories, a lone tear sliding down his cheek.

"But when they died…I was left alone. I went to live with my mother's sister for a while, but her husband…Craig…" The name dripped off of Justin's tongue along with the obvious distain he felt for the man.

Justin shook his head and swiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. He wanted to push all the memories back down, but the deep-hazel eyes staring back at him eagerly nudged him to go on.

"Craig, well, he was an asshole from day one. He must have known that I was gay, even though I'd never said anything, and made a point of letting me know how much I was NOT wanted there from the moment I arrived."

Justin took a deep breath and said, "His fists had a way of making sure that they came in contact with my body…any part of it really…whenever I was around."

"God, Justin, I'm so sorry." And Brian really was. He knew what it felt like growing up in an abusive household. But the difference was, that he'd never known anything more than that…and Justin…the way he described his parents…the look on his face let Brian know that he had. And he'd lost it all.

"Yeah, well, sorry's bullshit."

Brian startled. That was his line. But he realized, maybe for the first time, that sometimes sorry really wasn't bullshit. Sometimes it was real.

"So, after he'd pretty much beaten anything good that I had left over from my childhood…one night, he went wild. I…I ended up in the hospital with a black eye, two broken ribs, a concussion and bruising so fucking bad that I didn't think it'd ever fade."

"And what happened?" Brian gasped, his fists just begging to find the fucker and give him a taste of his own medicine.

"Nothing. Not a fucking thing. My aunt told the doctor's that I'd been in a fight at school and they believed her. God, I know it's her husband, but I…I had nothing…no one and she just let him get away with it."

"Fuck, Justin…"

"Yeah, well, when I got released I snuck back into the house, grabbed all my stuff and left. There's no way I was gonna let him do that to me again."

"Where'd you go?" Brian's mouth was hanging open in awe.

Justin shrugged, "Here and there. I stayed a night or two with a friend I'd made at school, but then his parents started asking questions. I made due. Finally, I got a job as a waiter in at Big Red's. You know the place?"

Brian shook his head. He'd never heard of it.

"Well, it was okay. I lied my ass off on the application, but I figured I'm a people person, so…"

Brian nodded in understanding, waiting for the man to continue.

"Anyway, the job was great at first. I rented a small room at this crappy hotel near by and made pretty good tips. That's where I met Jeff." Justin's eyes lit up a little with the last bit of information and Brian was glad that he'd finally found someone.

"And I got an apartment…a real apartment that I shared with this guy Bill. But, one day Bill just split…I have no idea what the hell happened but he was gone, and even with double shifts I couldn't make the rent. I hated the idea of moving back into that one room slum, and that's when I met Gary."

Brian recognized the name. Gary was the guy who ran the service that Brian'd used to get Justin from.

"He was really nice, came in to the restaurant all the time. So, he asked me to try it…and I felt like I didn't really have a choice. So, I did." Justin's voice got really quiet and he continued. "I let this guy fuck me and when he left, I broke down. I couldn't believe what I'd done. And I thought about my parents, and what they would have thought. I just…I didn't have any other choice. You see that, don't you?"

Justin's teary eyes met Brian's and the older man's heart broke for the poor lost kid that felt like he didn't have anywhere else to turn. His arms came out instantly, pulling the smaller body tightly against his and he whispered soothingly, "Shhh, it's alright. It's gonna be alright. Shhhhh."

And Justin cried, letting all the hurt and anger and loneliness that he'd felt so desperately pour out of him…safe in the warmth of Brian's embrace.

A few minutes later Justin sniffed loudly and straightened up, pulling back slightly so that he could see Brian's face. He wiped at his tear stained face with is sleeve and rubbed his eyes.

"Better?"

"Yeah, thanks. Sorry to lay all that on you, but…well, you asked," Justin chuckled, most of it getting caught in his tight throat.

"And I'm glad you told me. Justin," Brian said, tilting the man's chin up so that their eyes met. "I'm not sure what's ahead for us, but I…I really want to get to know you better. I feel things when you're with me that…well…that I really don't understand…but I like it. And you have to know that…well, I don't say those things lightly. In fact, I don't think I've ever said anything like that before…not ever."

Justin was speechless. He'd just poured out his heart…letting Brian know the whole miserable truth of his not so pleasant past and still…he wanted to be with him. He couldn't contain the smile that beamed across his face and sighed happily when Brian whispered…

"Sunshine."

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"So, how was your date?" Jeffrey asked, sitting on one of the chairs at Justin's small kitchen table.

"It was…perfect."

"That good, huh? Wow, maybe I should try it. I don't think I've ever been out on a date."

"Well I would recommend it highly. Although I can't promise that it'll go as wonderfully as mine did. You'd have to find the most amazingly handsome and exceptionally perfect man first."

"There's that word again…perfect. I hope this guy's all he's cracked up to be," Jeffrey said with a smile, but in truth, he hoped that his friend wasn't setting himself up for heartache.

"He is…I just know he is."

And Justin had never felt more sure of anything in his life.

Brian was perfect.

And Justin was in love.

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