The Detective and the Prosecutor
Part 2
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Brian hung up the phone, and stared at it. For a brief second, he wondered what had changed Justin's mind. Then he decided he didn't care. Fuck it, he didn't do dates or boyfriends anyway. That way you never got your emotions involved, and that was just how he liked it. Fucking tricks was so much easier, you took care of business, and moved on. Brian decided he needed to go out. He figured he would call Mikey and head out to Babylon.
An hour later, he was on the catwalk watching the beautiful men dance. This was his playground. Even though he didn't indulge as much as he used to, he still liked to prowl Babylon every once in awhile, especially after the rejection he had endured today. Mikey came up and handed Brian a beer.
"I'm glad you decided to come out tonight Bri."
"Yeah, me too Mikey," although Brian didn't sound very sincere.
"I thought you had plans tonight?"
"I decided this sounded like a better option," Brian flashed Michael one of his dazzling smiles. The smiles that always made Michael melt.
"Well I'm glad you called me."
"Me too Mikey, me too."
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Justin tried to concentrate on the case he was working on, but to no avail. All he could think about was Brian. He tried to push the man out of his thoughts, but he kept popping up. Justin decided to call Melanie, he thought she was pretty evasive when they had talked about Brian the weekend before.
"Melanie, hey it's Justin."
"Hey sweetie, what's up?"
I was just wondering if you were free for lunch or coffee today. I'd really like to talk to you."
"Ok, how about we meet at Liberty Coffee in an hour?"
"Sounds good." Justin hung up the phone after Mel had given him the directions.
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Brian woke up with a monster hangover. He looked over and found he was not alone. Last night's trick hadn't left yet. The man opened his eyes, they were deep blue.
"Good morning."
Shit, this kid was a talker. Oh well, better get it over with, "Look, you've got to go."
"What?"
Brian enunciated his words, "You … have … got … to … go …"
The man looked crushed, but Brian really didn't care. All he could think about was the young man it appeared that he couldn't have.
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Melanie looked at Justin intently, "So … what did you want to talk about?"
"I wanted to ask you about Brian."
"I figured."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I felt the sparks between the two of you at dinner last week. But I felt that I should keep my mouth shut."
"About what?"
"About Brian."
Justin looked properly shocked, "What do you mean?"
"Before I start, I want you to tell me what happened."
Justin hesitated before speaking. "Well he came to my office to discuss the Brower case. I thought he was pretty arrogant, but I was very intrigued."
Melanie snorted, "Arrogant doesn't begin to describe him."
Justin looked at her before continuing. "Anyways, I had decided to write him off, but then came that dinner at your place. We seemed to have some kind of connection, and he showed up at my office on Friday and wanted to take me to lunch. We had a really nice time and then he asked me out for last night."
"So what happened?"
"I was out shopping yesterday, and I went into a comic-book store. I started talking to the guy who worked there. I told him I had a date with a police detective that I had met. He seemed to know it was Brian right away."
"Captain Astro Comics?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"It's owned by Michael Novotny, Brian's best friend."
Suddenly something dawned on Justin, "His mom works at that diner!"
"You've met Debbie? Well you have gotten around."
"Anyways he told me that whatever I had, it wasn't a date with Brian. He told me that Brian didn't do dates, only one-night stands."
"Well it sounds kind of harsh, but what Michael told you was true. Brian doesn't do boyfriends. He's basically a 'fuck em and leave em' type of guy." Melanie could see her words were hurting Justin, but she didn't want to see the young man hurt.
"If that's true, why did he ask me out in the first place?"
"Sweetie, I don't pretend to understand what goes on in the mind of Brian Kinney. I only put up with him because he is Gus's father and Lindsey's best friend. I don't think very highly of the man. Never have, never will. I think you made the right decision canceling your date, or whatever it was."
"If I made the right decision, why does it feel so wrong?"
"I don't know kiddo, I don't know."
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Brian decided to grab some lunch at the diner. He wasn't much of a cook, so most of his meals were eaten out. Luckily the diner wasn't too crowded, at times like this, Brian hated crowds. Debbie was working, and she waved him over.
"Hey kiddo, what brings you out here?"
"Gee Debbie, I don't know, a massage?"
"Asshole, sit down and I'll put in your order. The usual?" Brian nodded, and Debbie went to put in his order.
After she was done, she came over to the booth that he occupied. "No offense, but you look like shit."
"Thanks Deb, blame your son. He's the one who dragged me out."
"Whatever," Deb sat down, "So who was that wet dream you were in here with the other day?"
Brian grimaced, "Geez Deb could you be anymore of a fag?"
"Ha ha, spill it."
"I told you when we were in here, we're working a case together."
"Mmm hmm."
"God I hate it when you do that."
"Of course you do, that's part of the fun!"
"Can I just get my lunch in peace please?"
"Whatever Mr. Wonderful."
As Brian ate his turkey sandwich, he thought about Justin Taylor. He didn't understand why he was so upset that the young lawyer rejected him. Sure he was good looking, but Brian had seen, and done, hotter. He had figured out a while ago that the lifestyle of his twenties had gotten old, but he wasn't making any huge changes. He still tricked, but nowhere near the way he did before, but he wasn't looking to become a monk. He just figured he needed to slow down, maybe become an adult. God, where did that idea come from?
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It was a long week for Justin. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop thinking about Brian. He knew he had to get the detective out of his thoughts. The problem was he hadn't felt like this about a man in a long time, but if what Michael and Melanie had told him was true, any thoughts he had about a relationship with man were pure fantasy.
By Friday, he had been able to get a lot of work done, and felt like taking the weekend off. He felt like going out, seeing what kind of scene Pittsburgh had. He remembered the man from Torso, Emmett Honeycutt. Emmett had given Justin his number, and he thought he would give him a call.
"Hello," Emmett's voice sing songed through the phone.
"Hi, Emmett, this is Justin,"
"The cute blonde from the store last weekend?"
"Well I don't know about cute, but yeah it's me."
"Well I call them as I see them! What's up?"
"I was just thinking about heading out this weekend, and I really don't know where to go."
Emmett shrieked through the phone, "Oh honey, I would love to be your Liberty Avenue tour guide! How about tomorrow night?"
Justin was suddenly a little apprehensive, "Umm, sure."
"Do you like to dance?"
Justin perked up about that, "I love to!"
"Well sweetie, then we are going to Babylon!!"
"What's Babylon?"
"Oh it's the hottest place for us young queers, and some old ones." Justin laughed at that one.
"Ok, Babylon it is."
"Let's meet at the Liberty Diner at 9."
"Ok, I'll see you there." Justin hung up the phone feeling better than he had all week.
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Brian didn't have any work to do Friday afternoon, so he decided to go see Lindsey and Gus.
"Hello."
"Hey Linds!"
"Hey Brian, what's up, shouldn't you be out solving murders?"
Brian laughed, "It's been a slow week. I thought I would stop by and see Gus this afternoon."
"Sure, come by after 2:00."
"Ok, I'll see you then."
A couple of hours later Brian was sitting on the floor in Lindsey and Melanie's living room putting together a Lego set with Gus. Lindsey watched the two of them. Despite what Melanie thought, Brian was really a good father to Gus. She knew he never planned to be a part of Gus's life, but life doesn't always work out as you planned. She was living proof of that.
After about an hour of Lego construction, Gus got bored, and went to play with his dog Abe in the backyard. Brian and Lindsey had some time to talk before Melanie got home. Lindsey knew that Brian and Melanie would never be friends, but over the years they had gone from acidic animosity to civil behavior. Lindsey was thankful for small miracles.
"So you want to tell me what's up?"
Brian cocked his eyebrow at Lindsey, "What are you talking about?"
"Brian, I have known you for what, over 15 years?" Brian grimaced at the age reminder, "So I ask again, what's up?"
Lindsey knew him too well, "Just stuff," he hoped Lindsey would buy it. He had no such luck.
"Give me a break."
Brian hesitated before speaking, but he trusted Lindsey, sometimes more than Michael. "It's Justin."
"Melanie's friend?"
"Yeah."
"So, what about him?"
"Well we met when I had to go see him about the Brower case. We didn't really hit it off, but then we had dinner over here, and I found myself intrigued by him."
"Wow, Brian, I don't think I've ever seen you interested in someone outside the back room."
"Gee Linds thanks."
"Well, am I lying?"
God, she knew him too well, "Anyways, we went out to lunch last week, and I asked him out."
"On a date?" Brian nodded, "Wow, so how did it go?"
"That's just it, he called and cancelled at the last minute, and when I called him to reschedule, and he said we shouldn't see each other socially."
Lindsey could tell Brian was hurt by this, "I'm sorry Brian."
"Yeah, but I can't get him out of my mind."
"Why don't you try calling him?"
"Sorry Linds, I'm not going to pursue anything when he is so obviously not interested. I mean, sure I like him, but I'm not a lovesick dyke, I'll get over it."
Lindsey kept quiet, she knew she had no words.
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Justin was finishing up some paperwork. He saw the Brower file, and realized he had come up with some additional questions for Brian. Shit! He really didn't want to have to see Brian, but he had to do his job. He bit the bullet, and called his office at the precinct.
"Detective Kinney's office."
"Hello, is Detective Kinney available?"
"I'm sorry, he's gone for the weekend. This is his partner Cynthia, can I help you?"
"This is Justin Taylor from the Prosecutor's office. I had some additional questions for Detective Kinney about the Brower case, and needed to schedule a meeting."
"Well Brian doesn't mind if I schedule things for him, let me get his calendar. Can you hold?"
"Sure," Justin waited until Cynthia came back on the phone.
"It looks like he's available after noon on Tuesday."
Justin looked at his own calendar, "1:30 looks good for me."
"Ok, I'll put it down."
"Thank you."
Justin hung up the phone, feeling very uneasy about Tuesday's meeting. He buzzed his assistant Daphne, "Daphne I'm getting ready to leave for the day, do you have anything for me?"
"No Mr. Taylor."
"Ok thanks," he wasn't ready to go home, "Daphne would you like to go out for a drink?"
"Umm sure"
Twenty minutes later they were sitting at the bar across the street from their office. Justin could tell Daphne felt uncomfortable.
"Daphne, I hope you don't think I asked you here to hit on you. I just wanted to have a drink with a friend."
Daphne looked visibly relieved, "Well I did wonder."
"Well you don't have to worry, I'm gay, so you are free from any sexual harassment when you're working for me. I just don't have very many friends here in Pittsburgh."
Daphne laughed, "So how many hot guys have you done?"
Justin laughed, and the friendship began.
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Brian left as soon as Melanie got home. After dinner, and after getting Gus to bed, the two women sat down to unwind.
"So what was the asshole doing here?"
"Mel, would you lay off Brian?" Lindsey's voice was harsher than she intended.
"Linds, what's wrong?"
"Did Justin talk to you about Brian?"
"Yeah, when we went out for coffee last weekend."
"What did he tell you?"
"Just that Brian had asked him out, but then he was shopping on Liberty Avenue and met Michael. When Justin let out that Brian was taking him out, Michael gave him a rundown on our dear Mr. Kinney."
So Michael was involved. It was no secret to anyone how Michael felt about Brian. "So what did you tell him?"
"That what Michael told him was true."
"Jesus Mel, why would you do that?"
"Because Justin is my friend, and I care about him. I don't want Brian to hurt him."
"Mel, in the seven years you have known Brian, has he ever asked anyone out on a date?"
"No, that's why I wanted to warn Justin."
"Don't you think that if all Brian wanted was a one night stand he didn't need to ask someone out on a date?"
"I guess." Melanie began to see how wrong she was. She knew that Brian had changed a lot from the man he had been when she first met him, but her first concern was for her friend.
"Brian was really hurt by Justin's rejection."
"I guess I really fucked up huh?"
Lindsey stood up from the couch, "Yeah, you did," and she turned and walked upstairs.
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Justin sat in his apartment. He was really bored, but figured he should rest up for tomorrow night. He decided to call his mom.
"Taylor Realty," Jennifer Taylor was a sought out realtor in Manhattan.
"Hi mom."
"Hey sweetie! How are you doing?"
"Pretty good, it's been a long week."
"Has that case gone to trial yet?"
"No, it will probably be a few more weeks."
"Well I'm sure you'll be great." Jennifer was so proud of Justin. After his attack, she wasn't so sure if he would ever get his life back together.
"Thanks mom. How's Molly?" Justin's little sister was a successful model.
"Oh she's in Milan modeling Versace's new collection."
"Breaking hearts along the way I'm sure." Molly had left a trail of suitors around the world.
"Actually she and Chad are still hot and heavy."
"Really?" Molly's relationships rarely lasted more than a week, this one had been going on for over six months.
"Yeah, he's not impressed with her success and refuses to chase her, so I think that keeps her on a tight leash."
Justin laughed at that thought, Molly Taylor being the pursuer, that was a sight to be seen.
"So how about you, any hot guys in your life?"
"Geez mom," Jennifer had been great since he came out, even if she did try to match him up with ever society queer she could find. He debated telling her about Brian, but since that wasn't going anywhere he decided not to.
"I have a new client, he's a gallery owner, I think you would really like him."
"Mom, I think I can find my own dates."
"Well, I can't help but try."
"I know mom, and I love you for it. I'd better get going, it's late."
"Goodnight sweetheart, thanks for calling. I love you."
"Goodnight mom."
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Brian was having lunch with Michael at the Liberty Diner. Michael was droning on about some new comic book series that had been published. Brian wondered if Michael would ever grow up. He hadn't changed much since they were fourteen, and many times Brian felt that he had outgrown Michael. Although he always remembered how Michael and his family had taken care of him when his own, destructive, family had hurt him. The bell above the door signaled a new arrival. Brian looked over and saw Emmett and his boyfriend, Ted, walk in.
"Hey guys, mind if we join you?" Brian gestured to the booth, and the two men sat down.
Ted spoke first, "So are you guys planning to prowl Babylon tonight?" Ever since he and Emmett had hooked up about a year ago, Ted loved taking pot shots at Michael and Brian.
Michael spoke up, "You bet we are!"
Brian remained silent. He still liked going to Babylon, but wondered if he wasn't outgrowing that too. "I take it we'll see you there?"
"Oh yes!" Emmett drawled, "I'm playing tour guide to a new twinkie in town! Tonight's his first excursion to Babylon."
Brian wondered if Ted and Emmett's relationship wasn't as secure as they led everyone to believe. "Ted are you sure you don't mind your boyfriend guiding new twinks around?"
"Hey, I don't mind where he gets his appetite, as long as he eats at home."
Brian rolled his eyes at that comment, and decided to play the predator he once was. "So Emmett, tell me about the new twink?"
"Oh Brian he is just gorgeous! Blonde hair, blue eyes, and the hottest ass you've ever seen."
Was he talking about Justin? Justin was coming to Babylon tonight? "Well you'll have to introduce me."
"But Brian, I thought you didn't do names?" was Ted's comment. The whole table laughed.
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Justin was going through his closet. He had no idea what to wear. He figured his club clothes from New York would be good. He chose a pair of fitted black, silk slacks and a royal blue fitted shirt that brought out his eyes. Around 8:30 he headed out.
"Well hello Sunshine!" Debbie called out from behind the counter.
"Hi Deb."
"Don't you look hot tonight, cruising?"
Justin couldn't believe how open this woman was. "Actually I'm meeting a friend."
"Oh, a friend." Debbie smiled knowingly.
At that moment Emmett walked in. He was dressed over the top. He had on skin tight hot pink leather pants and a see through black mesh shirt. Justin just shook his head. Emmett rushed over and hugged Justin. "So are you ready to tempt the boys at Babylon?"
Justin just chuckled as Emmett led him out the door.
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The music was loud and the men were hot as Brian danced in the center of the dance floor. He kept eyeing the door, looking for Justin. He really hoped Justin was the "Twink" that Emmett was bringing tonight. Maybe on his own turf he would be able to convince Justin to give him another chance. He saw the two of them walk in. You could never miss Emmett and tonight was no exception. The man's personal style was outrageous, but he was a really good person and Brian liked him a lot. He also liked Ted, although he couldn't understand how the relationship worked. Ted was an accountant, and handled Brian's financial interests.
He saw Justin come in behind Emmett. God, the attorney looked beautiful. The shirt made his eyes even bluer, and those pants showed off his perfect ass. How he would love to bury himself in that ass. But that would come in time, of this Brian had no doubt. No one could resist him, even if he didn't circulate as much as he used to. Brian always had his pick of the men. However, right now there was only one that he wanted.
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Justin followed Emmett into the club and was bombarded with the loud music and hedonistic display before him. Babylon looked like a lot of the clubs in New York. Justin had tried a few of them, but it was never really his scene. However, he was determined to have a good time tonight.
Emmett led them over to the bar where two men were standing. One was a boring looking older guy and the other was, oh shit, Michael Novotny. That meant Brian was probably here. Justin began to feel very uncomfortable. Emmett started the introductions.
"Justin, this is my boyfriend Ted," Emmett indicated the boring looking guy, "and this is Michael."
Justin acknowledged the introductions, and noticed Michael glaring at him. Justin couldn't understand why the man regarded him with such animosity. He immediately reached out to shake hands with the men, "Hi, it's nice to meet you."
Ted was very friendly, but Michael still regarded him with disdain.
"So Justin," Ted began, "Emmett tells us you're new in town."
"Yeah, I just started working in the prosecutor's office."
"As what, a clerk," this came from Michael.
Justin immediately went into his cool, society persona, "No, actually, I'm a prosecutor."
"What, they let kids try cases now?"
"Actually Michael, I'm 30, but I'll take that as a compliment."
Michael just rolled his eyes. Ted and Emmett sensed the hostility that was brewing between the two men, and wondered what was going on.
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Brian saw Emmett lead Justin to where Ted and Michael were standing. He decided to wait a while before going over. He was certainly not about to appear desperate to see the young man. He continued dancing with his partner, but kept his eyes locked over at the bar. At one point, Justin looked up and their eyes met.
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Justin felt a pair of eyes on him, and looked up. He immediately found his gaze locked with Brian's. He felt an unusual sensation, the onslaught of a panic attack. He hadn't had one of those since the attack at his prom, twelve years ago. He knew he had to leave.
"Umm, I'm sorry guys, but I really need to go." He turned and hurried out of the club. Ted and Emmett exchanged glances and immediately followed the blonde. Michael just rolled his eyes, happy the see the little bastard leave. He was glad Jason, or whatever the fuck his name was left before Brian came over.
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Brian watched the blonde hurry out of the club. He wondered what had happened. He began to wonder if Justin truly did not like him, and didn't even want to be in the same place as him. Well if that was the case, fuck him. He continued to dance with his partner.
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Emmett and Ted caught up with Justin just outside the door. "Justin, wait!"
Justin turned, and looked at the two men, he didn't even realize they were following him.
"Sweetie, what's wrong? You're as pale as a ghost?" Emmett touched his arm.
"Hey, I'm sorry. I don't do real well in crowds. It's a long story, I'm sorry."
"Well that's ok, why don't we go to the diner and talk?"
Justin regarded to two men who were looking at him with genuine concern. He immediately felt humbled. These men, who he barely knew, seemed to really be concerned about him, and Justin decided it was time to make some friends, "Sure, that sounds good."
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Brian danced for a few more songs after he watched Justin leave, followed by Ted and Emmett. He saw Mikey standing at the bar by himself, and decided to head over. Michael was nursing a beer, and his expression brightened when he saw Brian heading over.
"Hey Brian, those guys looked pretty hot! Why didn't you take them to the back room?"
Brian ignored that comment, "What happened to Emmett and Ted?"
"Oh Emmett brought that 'new friend' of his over. What an asshole. All of sudden he freaked out and ran out. Ted and Emmett followed him."
Brian was surprised by Michael's harsh tone regarding Justin. "Jesus Mikey, you just met the guy, why would you say he's an asshole?"
Michael stared at Brian for a moment, "Did you fuck him?"
Brian was surprised by Michael's question, "Why would you say that?"
"I met him last weekend, he came into the store. Started mooning about having a date with you. I figured you fucked him, and then he was deciding you had some kind of relationship. He actually tried to tell us he's some kind of lawyer. If you ask me, he's an arrogant little shit."
Brian couldn't believe what he was hearing, "What did you say to him?"
"I set him straight Brian. I know you don't do dates or relationships, so I told him as much. You fuck em and leave him. I didn't want you having some kid following you around."
Brian was trying to control his anger, he glared at Mikey, "You did what?"
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