Twins Redux

part 2

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Debbie's living room, September 1985

"Mom! Mom! Mom!…"

"What? Is the house on fire?…From that big grin on your face I'd say your first day of school was good."

"Good are you kidding? It was great."

"Great, huh? Why great?"

"There's 2 new boys in my class and they're both like me."

"You think they like you?"

"Yeah they like me at least one of them does. We had lunch together and he helped me with my math homework, but that's not what I said. I said that they are LIKE me…You know LIKE me and Uncle Vic…you know"

"Oh! You mean they're gay. Say it Michael they're gay like me."

Rolling his eyes and sounding put upon as only a teenage boy can. "Yeah ma… Anyway…"

No Michael, not anyway. Say it. 'Mom, they are gay like me.' Come on you can do it."

"Okay, Mom, they are gay like me. Anyway his name is Brian…"

"His name? I thought you said there were two boys."

"Yeah Aidan is the other one he's kind of stuck up. He pretends to be cool and tries real hard to sound bad and all, but he still sounds like what he is-a rich kid. His mom even picked him up from school in a big Benz… Anyway Brian…"

"What is a kid whose parent's drive a Mercedes doing at Franklin High. He should be at St. James of something…"

"MOM do you or don't you want to hear about my day at school or what?"

"Okay, I'll stop interrupting. Now tell me all about Brian."

"Well he's tall. I mean he's 6 feet tall well maybe not 6 feet, but at least 5'10 and slim, but muscular and he's got brown hair and hazel eyes. He swims the 500 meter medley and runs cross-country track. Mom he is SO cool!"

"How do you know he is gay?"

"That's the coolest thing of all. He just came right out and told me."

"What?"

"Well it was at lunch…"

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Earlier Franklin high school cafeteria

Brian walks into the cafeteria carrying the brown bag lunch that he knows is loaded with more food that he would every eat-2 bags of potato chips, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches on white bread, heavy on the mayonnaise and 4 Twinkies for dessert. His mother and Dr. Fitzpatrick are still trying to put weight on him. Little did they know that he usually only ate half of one sandwich after he scraped all the mayonnaise off and an apple or orange that he would sneak into his backpack before leaving for school.

Instantly he becomes the center of attention. Girls are dreaming of going to the homecoming dance on his arm and the boys are sizing up the new competition. The teachers are weighing his character-saint or sinner. The majority looks in his eyes and decides sinner.

Brian scans the room and decides to sit with the cute nerd with his nose in a comic book. "Hey, want some company?"

Looking around to make sure that he was the one that the new kid was talking to, Michael hesitantly says, "Ah...yeah…sure, but the jocks and cool kids sit over there."

"Well I'm a swimmer-1500 medley and a runner-cross-country which makes me a jock and I am definitely cool and I am sitting here so that's not true. Besides you are way cuter than any of them and since I'm into cute guys I'd…"

"What did you just say?"

"You want me to repeat the whole thing or just the last part?"

Hesitantly Michael croaks, "The last part."

Smiling Brian leans close to Michael, looks him in the eyes and slowly says, "I'm into cute guys."

In a near panic Michael responds, "Why are you telling me?"

"Because birds of a feather."

Shaking his head Michael begins to deny Brian's declaration, but Brian interrupts. "Hey, maybe I'm wrong. There's a first time for everything. Look I'll leave you to your comic book. Oh you can tell people if you want. Doesn't matter to me. Later."

"No wait. You're right."

"Knew it, but it ain't my place to out anybody."

"Hi, I'm Michael and you're Aidan right?"

Making the sound of a buzzer Brian smiles, "Wrong. I'm the other new fag-Brian."

Eyes wide with shock Michael whispers, "You mean…He's like us, too?"

"Yeah, but he also might be a head case or something. I get the feeling that he isn't quite right."

Ten minutes later the other "new fag" joins the table. Acknowledging Brian with a cocky smile and a head nod he begins to speak. "You probably don't remember me…"

The buzzer sound is heard again. "Wrong. I beat you in a spelling bee and we used to go to the some doctor." Pausing to look Aidan up and down Brian smiles, "You've lost a lot of weight. Looks good on you."

Surprised that Brian remembers him he covers with bravado and a practiced nonchalance. "Give the man a prize. Most people don't recognize me. How'd you do it?" Was it the name or what?"

"Nope. It's your eyes. I always thought they were nice. They haven't changed…By the way welcome to the fag table."

"Fag table huh…cool…but the name needs work. How about…The Winners Table, or Males Extraordinaire, or better yet Gods In Waiting."

Laughing Brian shakes his head slides the rest of his considerable lunch over to Michael who had been eyeing his chips and Twinkies and rising to leave. "Naw. It's Fag Table or nothing…see I'm a fag not some raging queen starting a garden club or coffee klatch. Picking up his books and heading for the door he calls without looking back. "Later."

Aidan finally turns his attention to the wide-eyed Michael who is staring after Brian with something akin to hero worship. "So who are you cutie?

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Back in Debbie's living room

"Mom he is so cute and smart and tall and…"

"I heard you the first time. Go up and wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

"What are we having? I'm not really that hungry. Brian gave me most of his lunch."

"Why? I made you lunch. Did that big kid…what's his name? Mark…Max…"

"Mitch."

"Yeah, Mitch, did that bastard take your lunch again?"

"No, but Brian's mom makes him enough food for 2 kids and he gave me half. It was something different."

"What do you mean something different?"

"Twinkies and chips."

"What kind of lunch is that? What mother gives a skinny kid more food that he wants or needs? Besides you have a treat in your lunch. You had 2 lemon bars. Go on get ready for dinner and it's lasagna." Debbie walks toward the kitchen with one all consuming thought. This Brian kid is going to be trouble. Big trouble.

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September 1986

A perky blond dressed in a cheerleader uniform with the name Maryanne embroidered over her left breast nudges her best friend-Charity in the ribs and says, "There they are."

The equally perky redhead next to her says, "Who?"

Maryanne answers, "The Adonis twins" "

Charity turns and looks across the gym to where the two tall, thin young men dressed totally in black are leaning casually against the bleachers and answers, "Oh you mean the Bookends."

The Adonis Twins, the Bookends, Stud A and B, and The Greek Gods, are just a few of the names that are used to describe the two handsome young men-Brian Kinney and Aidan Brady. Even though Brian and Aidan aren't related and don't really look alike most, students and faculty alike, refer to the two as "The Twins."

However, they do share certain physical similarities. Tall, thin, handsome and sexually charged, both have dark hair and eyes that defy color definition. Twin #1-Brian Kinney has eyes that go from hazel to smoky gray and Twin #2-Aidan Brady has brown eyes that can go from a dreamy butter cream chocolate to sable brown, but that is where for the most part the similarities end.

Charity again looks to where the schools most sought after "hunks" are holding court and says to Maryanne, "and here comes the book."

Charity and Maryanne are still observing what seems like three friends enjoying the pep rally. They like everyone else would be stunned to know that not only do "The Twins" vehemently dislike each other, but also that the objects of their affection are gay.

A lot has changed in the year since the three ate that first lunch together. Brian still thinks Michael is cute and that Aidan is a little off, but now Michael is his best friend and Aidan his biggest rival. Not by his choice, but by Aidan's. He has made it his business to go after everything that Brian does and almost without exception comes up short.

Brian thought that they were going to have to commit Aidan last year when he became the youngest winner of and record holder of the state cross country meet. Wonder how he's going to react when he finds out that I'm going to be in "Who's Who of American High School Students" for the second year in a row.

Across the gym a third boy who would be best described as "the cute-boy-next-door type" joins the object of the cheerleaders' scrutiny.

"About time you got here Michael."

"Aidan I know I'm late. I'm sorry, but I HAD to go by the comic book store first, the new Captain Astro came out today."

Aidan looks at Michael and says, "I wonder why I bother with you."

"Aidan. I said I'm sorry, but it's Captain Astro."

"Yeah and I told you what time to be here. When I tell you something..."

Brian interrupts Aidan and says, "Lay off of him. You know how he is about Captain Astro and those other comic book heroes."

"Stay out of this Brian. This is between MY boyfriend and me. It's not any of your business."

In a very quiet and menacing voice Brian answers, "Well he may be YOUR boyfriend, but he's still MY best friend and that makes it my business and I said lay off."

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December 31, 1986-Brian's bedroom

Brian looks at Michael's damaged face, a split lip and bruised cheek, and demands to know what happened. Even though he knows the answer before he asks the question, "Mikey, what the fuck happened?"

Michael looking down at his feet says, "He had too much to drink. He didn't mean it. He said he was sorry."

Brian grabs Michael by the chin and forces him to look him in the eye and says, "How many times do I have to tell you saying I'm sorry is bullshit. Aidan isn't going to change. He's going to keep hurting you. He gets off on it."

Michael tries to defend Aidan, "Brian he's only like this when he drinks too much and..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Did he have too much to drink when he ripped up your comic books last week, or when he pushed you into that door frame the week before that, or when he bit your ear and drew blood?"

Repulsed, Brian walks from his room into the bathroom and comes back with a cold compress for Michael's cheek.

Michael holding the cold compress to his check once again tries to defend Aidan, "Brian he said he was sorry. He replaced the comic books and..."

"Look Mikey you are going to have to break it off with him before he really hurts you."

"Brian I'm not like you. Guys aren't throwing themselves at my feet. I'll never find another guy like Aidan who thinks I'm hot and wants me."

"Michael how many times do I have to tell you? YOU are hot and a lot of guys think so, but as long as you are with Aidan no ones going to come near you. Add to that he's a selfish, heartless, sadistic asshole and even if you never have another boyfriend in your life you'll be better off without him."

"Brian, I'm not like you..."

"Mikey no one expects you to be like me, but you have got to get away from Aidan."

Deciding that he's never going to change Brian's mind about Aidan, Michael changes the subject. "Brian. Can I stay here tonight? My mother's going to freak when she sees my face. I don't know what I'm going to tell her."

"Yeah... call her and tell her we're going to watch some videos to ring in the New Year. Then in the morning when she sees your face tell her I got you drunk again and you fell. After that afternoon at your house she'll believe it, but Mikey this is the last time. I'm not going to cover for that asshole again."

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Two weeks later-A boys bathroom somewhere in the high school

"Brian you here?"

"Who wants to know?" comes from the stall at the far end of the room.

"Chuck."

"Look I told you..."

"Yeah, I know. No boyfriends. That's not why I'm here. It's Michael. He needs you."

Brian walks hurriedly out of the stall zipping his chinos. "Where is he?"

Ignoring Brian, Chuck looks at the All-City running back that follows Brian out of the stall also zipping his pants and distractedly answers, "The nurses office."

As Brian approaches the nurse's office he hears the last thing he wants to hear, Michael's mother.

"Michael, don't give me any bull about falling down or walking into a door or tripping. Who did this to you? I want the bastard's name and I want it now."

"Look mom, I tripped. That's all."

Brian walks in planning to rescue Mikey from Deb's wrath, but as soon as he sees Michael's face he too wants blood. Yet, unlike Debbie Brian knows whose blood he wants.

Brain looks at Debbie and then Michael and very quietly asks, "Where is he?"

Michael starts to talk, "Brian it's no big..."

"Where?"

"It's his free period. He's probably sneaking a smoke in the stadium, but Brian leave it alone. It was my fault. I'm okay."

Brian doesn't hear anything beyond "in the stadium" because he is out the door and headed towards what he knows will be a knock down drag out fight.

Brian quickly reaches Aidan as he runs from the school to the stadium.

Aidan's heart begins to race as he sees Brian running toward him, but he quickly calms as he remembers that Brian is all mouth and no muscle. Bracing for another of Brian's threat filled lectures, he is stunned when instead of talking Brian lashes out with a powerful right jab.

Stumbling backwards Aidan feels the pain of eight more punishing blows before he can even raise his hands to protect his rapidly swelling and bruising face. He never gets the opportunity to throw a punch before 4 members of the football team pull Brian off the cowering Aidan.

"If you ever so much as look at Michael again…there won't be enough football players in the world to pull me off of you. You understand me Brady?…Do you?"

Aidan holding his broken and profusely bleeding nose simply nods his agreement. You'll pay for this Brian. You'll pay for this.

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Three weeks later-Michael's Bedroom

"Damn him! He's done it again, Mikey!"

"Calm down Brian. Who's done it again?…What are you talking about?"

"Mikey…There's something I've been keeping from you. Aidan's been going after the guys I've been sleeping with and beating the crap out of them…Well last night he beat up Lee Harris…"

"You mean the quiet red head in the physics club with the green eyes?…You slept with him? He's a nerd?

"Yeah on, both accounts and he's not a nerd he's really smart and smart is sexy."

"I still don't get it? Why has he been beating up your lovers?"

"TRICKS, Mikey. TRICKS not lovers. And he's been doing it to get back at me for what happened in the stadium after he beat you…Well he went too far this time. Lee's in the hospital. The son-of-a-bitch ruptured Lee's spleen and bruised his kidney."

"Come on Brian. Aidan loses control sometimes, but rupturing someone's spleen and…"

"Mikey! Don't try to defend that sick fucker to me. There's more that I haven't told you about. Aidan and I have had 2 more fights since the stadium. One was after he jumped out of an alley and tried to cut me with a knife. He'd beat up one of my tricks after each fight. Yesterday it was Lee, before that it was Eric and Juan, but no more fights. I've got to stop this fucker once and for all." Brian grabs his jacket and turns to leave.

"Wait Brian, what are you going to do? Brian answer me?"

Michael's questions go unanswered as Brian runs down the stairs and slams the front door.

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One week later-Mr. Winslow's Homeroom

"Hey Michael, have you heard about Aidan?"

Stiffening, Michael cautiously asks, "What about Aidan?"

"He's in the hospital. He got mugged last night. They say he really got the shit beat out of him."

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The night before-Liberty Diner

A well dressed college frat boy approaches the table where Aidan is slowly savoring his weekly indulgence of a bacon cheeseburger, French fries and chocolate shake.

"Um..mind some company? I hate eating alone. Besides nothing makes a meal taste better that eating it with a hunky dish. So how about it?"

In the 4 months that Aidan has been coming here this is the first time that anyone has ever made a pass at him, it felt good. "Sure have a seat."

One hour and lots of flirting later, Aidan agrees to go with "Four" to his dorm over at U of Pitt for his first collegiate sex. Instead he finds himself lying on the floor of an abandoned warehouse battered and bruised. One of the three guys, who had told him that they were a gift from an interested party, must have called the police after they dumped him on the side of the road about 2 miles outside of the city limits. Less that 20 minutes later they found him and took him to the hospital.

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The next day after school-Michael's Bedroom

"Brian what did you do?"

Brian does what is fast becoming his trademark expression-tongue pressing his cheek out and raised eyebrows, but remains silent.

"Brian he could have died."

Thinking of a pale and very frail looking Lee Harris hooked up to IV's and monitors Brian smiles, "Yeah and nobody knows that better than Lee Harris. Mikey, I've got to go. I've got a part-time job over at Lindstom's Menswear."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you working after school?"

Knocking on Michael's head, "Hello, is anyone home? I'm trying to save for a car remember?"

"Brian answer me!"

Hating to lie especially to Mikey Brian leaves the room and shouts over his shoulder, "Later, Mikey."

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One week later-Franklin High School

Aidan enters school expecting to be welcomed back as a wounded hero. He has spent the last week thinking up a appropriately heroic story to relay to his adoring fans. Instead he is met with either silence or snickers of derision. He is totally bewildered by everyone's reactions until he is called to the counselor's office during first period.

"Come in Aidan. Have a seat."

Aidan shows his usual disdain for anyone he feels is inferior and, in Aidan's eyes, Mr. Beck would have to improve by at least 4 score to reach inferior. Short, balding, myopic, overweight with a major case of halitosis and a Big Q wardrobe were actually Mr. Beck's better qualities. What really made the counselor a sub-human in Aidan's eyes is the fact that he is a "raging queen" and to Aidan that is the lowest form of human. Liking man to man sex didn't mean being a fag. It just meant that you were a man's man.

Instead of taking the proffered seat, Aidan with his back to the counselor turns to leave and speaks. "Look Mr. Beck. I've told you before. My father and I have my future already mapped out. We neither need nor want your help. Goodbye."

"Aidan. AIDAN! WAIT! This has nothing to do with your future. It's about your present."

Curiosity piqued Aidan turns toward the counselor and takes a seat.

"Okay. What about my present?"

"How's everyone treating you, today?"

"Get to the point."

Blunt Motherfucker. "All right, right to the point. They know."

"They know what?"

"That you're gay and that you like rough sex…Although I'm a surprised to find out that you are a submissive…"

For several minutes Aidan simply stares in disbelief then he erupts. "WHAT! I'm not gay and I'm certainly not a damned submissive."

"Aidan cut the crap. As the old saying goes, 'it takes one to know one.' Although I figured the submissive part was pure bull…"

Aidan begins to interrupt again. Mr. Beck holds his hand up to stop him. "This was not an official visit. I just wanted to warn you. You know 'brother to brother.' Here's a pass to your first period class. Good luck."

Snatching the pass, Aidan goes to his Honors English class. The quiet classroom becomes deafeningly silent when he enters. Ordinarily, Aidan revels in being the center of attention, but this time the pressure caused by the collective stares of his classmates is unnerving.

Aidan doesn't make it through the entire day. By fifth period he is in the nurses office with a black eye, split lip and several broken ribs. He's first day back is also his last and he knows who he has to blame for his plight-Brian Kinney."

In the 10 days that it takes for his father to enroll him in a boarding school near Philadelphia, 2 dogs and 6 tropical fish have died and Brian has gotten a new name-The Winner.

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November 2000- Logan International Airport

"Hello Justin…Oh hi Michael…No I'm not disappointed that it's you…No I didn't look at the caller ID. I'm walking through the airport with my hands full of luggage…No I'm not in the Pitts. I'm in Boston…Michael, I didn't tell you about the trip last night because I didn't know then. Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber fucked up the Liberty Air shoot and kickoff event and now I've got to see if I can salvage it and make the client happy again…What?…Yes Justin knows…Michael he knows because he was with me when I got the call… Michael…Michael I'm almost to the taxis and I'm going to need both my hands so why did you call…Well now you know why I wasn't at breakfast…I should be back by Friday night Saturday at the latest…Yeah, I'll call when I get back…What?…No Justin has my Jeep and is going to pick me up from the airport…I'm at the taxis. Bye Mikey."

No sooner had Brian hung up the phone with Michael that it rang again. This time Brian did look at the caller ID

"Hey Justin…No, I'm trying to find the damned taxis. I hate this fucking airport…Yeah, Mikey did call…He's probably going to be extra Mikey-like until I get back…Justin that's not nice. Michael is not that bad…Yes he whines…Okay he's also kind of helpless…Justin, my best friend is not emotionally and functionally impaired…he's just a little nieve…no I will not compromise and agree that he is slow-whited…Is that Debbie yelling for you…Yeah I know you love me, what's not to love…I'll call tonight for some serious phone sex so be at the loft and have the lube and towels ready…Later Sunshine."

Okay where are the fucking taxis. I hate lying to Mikey, but Jesus I couldn't take anymore of his whining about why Justin knew and he didn't. He probably needs oxygen now that he knows that Justin has the Jeep. Finally the taxis.

"BRIAN! BRIAN! BRIAN, over here."

"Well, well, well, Fuck up #1"

"Sorry we meant to meet you at the gate, but we got caught in traffic."

Looking at his watch Brian asks. "Who is we? I thought the shoot started almost an hour ago, so if both of you are here than who is supervising the shoot?"

"Well the Liberty people are…"

Narrowing his eye and speaking barely above a whisper, Brian begins to speak very slowly and distinctly. "Let me get this straight. You left dissatisfied customers in charge of a troubled shoot to come pick me up."

Bob begins to sputter an apology as Brad pulls up in a rented black Lincoln sedan. "Well, yes. We know how much you hate taxis and we thought…"

Brian quickly throws his luggage into the trunk and opens the rear door for Bob while he jumps into the front seat. "No you didn't think. Forget about taking me to the hotel take me directly to the shoot.

An old friend has closely observed unknown to Brian his every action.

Damn! He's even more beautiful now than I remember. Why is he here? I swear he hasn't gained a pound in 16 years. Well at least I know he isn't some big deal businessman. Look at him carrying that guy's luggage. Looks like the winner is a flunky.

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Three days later, a townhouse in the Back Bay of Boston

"Aidan, didn't I hear you mention the name Brian Kinney before?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well he's in the paper today. It's a really nice picture and story about him."

Snatching the paper from Joey's hand Aidan begins to read.

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Liberty Air Gala Celebrates New Routes and Increased Market Share

Boston-Last night, Liberty Air hosted a lavish kickoff dinner to celebrate the launch of their new Midwest and West Coast routes.

Liberty Air, thanks to the award winning campaign created by Pittsburgh, Pa. Ryder Agency Ad Executive Brian Kinney (pictured at right), has increased their market share by 12% in the last 6 months…

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Aidan realizing that "The Winner" has once again bested him throws the newspaper at Joey. Joey ducks and begins to back away knowing that he is about to be hit, once again, for something that isn't his fault.

Raising his clinched right first and grabbing Joey with his left hand Aidan yells as he pummels his helpless lover. "You do things like this to show me how inadequate I am. 'A really nice picture.' You think that he's more attractive than I am. Well people used to call us 'The Twins'. Don't you think we still look alike?…Well Joey answer me. Are Brian and I still Twins?"

Looking up with tears streaming from his rapidly swelling eyes from his prone position on the floor Joey sobs. "Yes, Aidan you and he do look alike." No sooner is the lie out of his mouth than he feels the back of Aidan's hand across his mouth.

"LIAR! I'm a good 50lbs heavier and my hair is too short and full of gray." Suddenly there is silence and then it happens. Aidan goes through one of his notorious instant mood changes. Bending down and gently running his hand down Joey's back he purrs. "Baby, could you make an appointment with a good hair stylist for say…January 2 and call Mark to find out who his trainer is. I'll also need an appointment with a good nutritionist. Thanks baby. I'm going to change and go for a run. Might as well get a head start on things…Oh yeah as soon as I get back down to my 'fighting weight' we're moving to Pittsburgh."

Aidan then calmly walks from the room as a dazed, confused and bleeding Joey slowly rises from the floor. He has learned not to question Aidan's edicts, but to simply do as he is told and hope for the best. After all he loves Aidan and Aidan loves him.

Just as Joey finishes cleaning the blood from his face Aidan walks into the bathroom and adds several other calls to Joey's list. The only one to cause Joey to ask for clarification is the request that he locate a good Private Investigator, preferably in Pittsburgh.

Joey opens his mouth to ask why, but is stopped by Aidan's look and his words. "Just do it Joey."

Three weeks later Aidan receives a large envelope with the name BRAIN XAVIER KINNEY written in black letters across the front. It's contents, the life of an old nemesis in photos, magazine articles, and newspaper clippings. There are also candid shots of Brian and the one that got away-Michael Novatny and an undeniably beautiful blond.

As Aidan reads the summary of Brian's accomplishments he begins to seethe with envy and the feeling of failure.

1985

Youngest winner of and record holder of state cross country meet not broken until 1992

1986-1989

Listed in Who's Who of American High School Students

1988

City Champion Individual Medley

Alternate on USA Junior Olympic Swim Team

Inducted National Honor Society

Recipient Mayor's Leaders of Tomorrow Award

President Chemistry Society

Winner City Wide Anti Drug Youth Poster Contest

Winning Slogan "Don't Let Your Future Go Up In Smoke"

Poster Description: A joint being rolled on a High School Diploma/College Degree

1989

Elected member of National High School Chemistry Honor Society

All American Cross Country Track Team

President of Young Business Leaders

Elks Scholarship Award Winner

Graduates 3rd in High School Class

Matriculates at University of Pennsylvania on Full Academic Scholarship

1990

Winner $5000 Governor's Award for Statewide Anti-Teen Pregnancy Poster Contest

Winning Slogan "If You Don't Care About Your Future…Then Care About Theirs"

Poster Description: Babies of various races playing among the filth and squalor of a vacant lot while homeless teens look on.

1991

Brian goes to work for the Ryder Agency as a summer intern

1993

Receives Phi Beta Kappa Key

Begins working at the Ryder Agency full-time

1995

Lands first big client

Gets first company car and private office

1996

Buys loft at 6th and Tremont

2000

Birth of son-Gus Peterson Marcus Kinney

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March 2001

Aidan and Joey have settled into their rented townhouse in the exclusive Pine Crest neighborhood. Thanks to family connections they are members of one of the most prestigious country clubs in the state and have enjoyed dinner in some of the most affluent home with the crème de la crème of Pittsburgh Society.

Aidan's once 6'2", 250 pound slightly pudgy body is now 170 pounds of solid muscle and sinew. His hereditary prematurely graying hair is now dyed a seemingly nature dark chestnut of his youth. His staid Boston wardrobe of Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren has been replaced with hipper younger designers like Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss.

The detective has sent him another report this one isn't on "The Winner." It is about "Him", the one that Brian took from him, his only real regret---Michael Novatny.

Aidan isn't surprised that Michael's only accomplishment is to have made manager at the Big Q, but he is surprised to find that he is living with a wealthy and highly regarded doctor instead of Brian. However, that has no bearing on his plans. He is sure that "The Winner" thinks that he had beaten him and that there would be no consequences for his actions. Wrong. After all revenge is a dish best served cold.

A little more information and he will be ready to face "The Winner: and get his life back.

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April 2001-Liberty Diner

Having had the taxi drop him off several blocks form the diner, Aidan had plenty of time to think as he walked. Aidan is still amazed that the little seamy gay ghetto has blossomed into a thriving and successful business area. Yes, there are gay oriented businesses, but there are just as many if not more upscale restaurants, shops and markets. It is a quaint and pleasant little area, that is, until the sun goes down and then the Liberty Avenue that he had known and reviled was in full force. None of it matters now, he was so excited that he could hardly believe after years of waiting, "The Winner" was going to know what it felt like to lose. In the end he would have nothing left. Not even his life. Finally reaching his destination Aidan smiles and whispers, "Let the games begin."

It's Friday night and the diner is packed; Debbie is taking one of her rare nights off so Justin is waiting tables instead of clearing them. He's less than half way through his shift and feeling totally exhausted, but it's worth it because the tips have been awesome and he needs new art supplies.

Justin sensing that someone is watching him turns to see what at first glance looks like Brian staring at him from the far corner booth, but a second look lets him know it's not Brian just another very good looking well dressed man, scrutinizing his every move. Like Brian the stranger is tall and thin with incredible eyes-chocolate brown. And also like Brian he radiates sex.

Suddenly Justin doesn't feel so tired. He puts on his best smile and goes over to take the sexy stranger's order.

"Hi, my name is Justin. Are you ready to order?"

The sexy stranger never looking up from his menu answers in a very detached voice, "No, not yet. Someone else will be joining me. I'll order after he arrives."

Justin decides he was imagining the stranger staring at him says, "Okay, I'll come back then," and returns to waiting tables.

Twenty minutes later a cute-boy-next-door type young man with the remnants of a black eye joins the stranger and before he is seated begins to apologize. "I'm sorry. I got lost and then I couldn't find anywhere close by to park. I had to park 4 blocks away. Please don't be angry. I didn't mean to be late."

"Shut up. You have exactly the time it takes the waiter to get over here to make up your mind about what you want to eat or you won't eat."

"Okay."

"I said, shut up."

Justin can't believe how busy the diner is. It takes him 10 minutes after noticing that the dinner partner of the sexy stranger has arrived to get over there to take their orders.

Just as he finishes taking their orders he notices that Michael and David have come in and are sitting down at a booth. Thank goodness it's not one of his. They always leave him a lousy tip, something he's sure is Michael's doing.

A half-hour later Justin knows it's not his imagination. The sexy stranger is staring at him, but it's no longer flattering. It's creepy. Real creepy, especially after what the stranger did.

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to get back to take your order, but as you can see it is a madhouse tonight and we're a little short handed. Now, it you're ready I can take your order?"

Joey smiles at Justin and begins to accept Justin's apology, "It's quite al…" Joey's graciousness is cut short by Aidan's right hand cuffing against the side of his head and his chillingly cold voice.

"I told you to shut up." Turning to Justin he smiles, as if, he hadn't just struck his dinner companion. "With a smile like yours only a fool wouldn't be willing to wait for you-apology accepted. Now beautiful, what are the specials."

Stunned, Justin stammers out the specials, takes Aidan's order and then waits for Joey to order. When he simply stares at Aidan too terrified to speak Justin begins to make suggestions. When he reaches bacon cheddar cheeseburger with fries, Joey nods. "Anything to drink?" Never taking his eyes off of Aidan, Joey discretely points to the Coke logo on his menu.

When he returns with Joey and Aidan's orders Joey is alone at the table. "Here's you burger. I forgot to ask how you want it so I told them medium. I hope that's okay?"

Joey looks at Justin with tears in his eyes and simply nods. He looks around and mouths, "Thank you."

Justin turns to leave and then changes his mind. "I know this is none of my business, but unless you're into S and M…Well anyway leave him before he really hurts you. If you don't have anywhere to go The Gay and Lesbian Center is two blocks down and they offer help 24 hours for things like this they…"

Joey's eyes dart toward the back wall near the rest rooms and Justin knows that the Sexy stranger is returning so he hurriedly whispers, "Remember two blocks down on this side of he street. Think about it." In a normal voice he says, "I hope you enjoy your meal. Please call if you need anything else."

Trying to forget the disturbing incident Justin goes back to work, but he can still feel the sexy stranger's eye on him at all times.

Emmett and Ted have just come in and are sitting in the booth directly behind Michael and David. Justin walks over to take their orders and to say hi.

Emmett being Emmett recognizes that something is bothering Justin. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing... really." While Emmett is giving Justin his patented you-might-as-well-tell-me-because-I'm-going-to-find-out-anyway look, Michael supplies a different answer, "Oh it's probably that he isn't used to hard work. Right Boy Wonder."

Ignoring Michael, Justin decides to tell Emmett the truth. "It's this guy I'm waiting on. He just keeps staring at me. At first I thought it was cool, but now it's creeping me out."

Ted chimes in, "Where? What does he look like?"

Before Justin can answer he is summoned by one of the other waitresses to give her a hand with a large order. Later, as Justin begins to help clear a table so that a waiting group of six can sit down he feels a hand on his back. When he turns to see who is touching him he is suddenly pulled away from the table and the mysterious hand.

He is stunned to find Michael standing in front of him in a protective manner and confronting the sexy stranger. He is even more stunned to hear what Michael has to say to the sexy stranger.

"Aidan, you don't want to mess with him. He belongs to Brian." Michael can hardly believe what he has just said, but also as much as he hates to admit it he knows that it's true.

Aidan gives Michael a very menacing look and steps toward him. It is David's turn to play protector. Whereas Aidan towers over both Justin and Michael he and David stand eye to eye. Stepping between Aidan and Michael David quietly states, "And you don't want to mess with Michael. He belongs to me."

Emmett, Ted and the whole diner are watching the drama unfold so no one notices as another tall, thin man with incredible eyes enters the diner.

Brian takes one look at David staring down some guy in what Brian thinks is an ill-fitting although very expensive Calvin Klein suit and wonders what's going on.

Before he can voice the question the Calvin Klein suit turns just enough for Brian to see his face.

Justin hears Brian before he sees him. "Is there a problem?" He has heard this ominous tone only twice before. Both times have been to warn off less-desirables at Babylon who had cornered him and wouldn't take no for an answer. Aidan turns toward the familiar voice and smiles. It is a smile that is centered solely in the face, never reaching his eyes-more menacing than friendly.

Just as Justin is about to speak, Michael apprehensively says, "He was touching Justin."

"Justin, come here."

Justin still not sure exactly what's happening goes to Brian who softly asks, "Did he hurt you?"

Justin sensing that speaking right now is not a good idea simply shakes his head.

Brian, aware that they have become the "dinner show" tells David, Michael, Emmett and Ted to go ahead back to their table and he'll join them in a minute and with a passionate kiss sends Justin back to work.

He then turns to Aidan and says in hush tones so that only he and his old nemesis can hear, "Stay away from what is mine and you stay healthy."

"Is that a threat Kinney?"

"I don't make threats Aidan. You know that or have you forgotten the past?"

"I haven't forgotten anything, but I think that you have."

"I remember everything, especially that you have never gotten the better me." Turning and walking away from Aidan without so much as a backward glance he joins Emmett and Ted in their booth.

Justin comes over to take everyone's orders. He is dying to ask Brian about what just happened, but knows that he will tell him when the time is right.

As Justin finishes taking his order Brian takes his hand, looks at him and says, "We'll talk later. I'll pick you up at the end of your shift... midnight right?" Justin nods in response to Brian's question.

As he heads to the kitchen to place his orders Justin hears Michael tell David that they'll talk at home.

Meanwhile Aidan is watching the interaction between Justin and Brian and utters his first civil words to Joey since he's come into the diner. "Joey, have you sent the private detective his final payment?"

Joey still afraid to speak Joey shakes his head no.

"Good. Don't pay him. The son-a-bitch totally missed that "The Winner" is in love and has a boyfriend…A nice, tasty, young, beautiful vulnerable boyfriend…hmm…This is going to be fun."

"Aidan, he looks mean and that other guy..."

"Joey, I don't remember giving you permission to talk." Joey cringes as Aidan turns and looks at him with eyes full of rage and hate. "Come on, we're leaving and Joey you WILL pay for disobeying me."

As Justin is serving Brian, Ted and Emmett their dinner, he once again feels that someone is watching him. He turns just in time to see Aidan exiting the diner leering at him and giving him an ominous smile. He shivers in response to the malevolence in Aidan's eyes. Brian noticing this by-play pulls Justin into the booth next to him then gathers him in his arms and whispers, "He'll never touch you again, I promise."

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