Twins Redux

part 3

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One hour later-- David and Michael's house

"Okay Michael I've been very patient. Who was that guy, why does he scare you and why does Brian hate him?"

"Sit down David, this is going to take a while."

Michael tells David all about Aidan being his first boyfriend in high school and about his being abusive and then he answers David's last question."

"The last time Aidan beat me I was pretty bad off. Among other things, he broke 3 of my ribs and blacked both my eyes. When Brian saw me in the nurse's office he went and found him and beat the crap out of him, but that's not why Brian hates him. He hates him for what he did after that. Instead of coming after Brian or me he went after the guys that Brian had been with."

"For the most part everybody called Brian and Aidan `The Twins' so the guys thought what you got from one you'd get from the other, but Aidan likes to hurt people. I don't mean BDSM stuff. I mean he likes to hurt you. There's no pleasure in it. Just pain. One of the guys he hurt ended up in the hospital. Aidan ruptured his spleen. The kid was so scared that his folks would find out that he was gay that he wouldn't tell the cops anything. So Aidan got away with it."

"Brian went after Aidan and beat the crap out of him again, but this didn't stop him. It just seemed to make him more determined to hurt anyone that had anything to do with Brian."

The memory of what happened next made Michael shiver. David moves from the chair where he is sitting and sits beside Michael on the couch. "Go on Michael. What did Brian do?"

"Well I'm not sure because he would never confirm or deny it, but I think he used the money that he had saved to buy a car and paid some guys. Guys who like Aidan are into pain, to show him how it felt to have someone get off on beating you, but the guys got carried away and Aidan ended up in the hospital for a week. To make matters worse one of the guys that Aidan had beat told the wrong person about what had happened and when Aidan finally came back to school everybody knew he was gay. He got harassed and beat up his first day back. His parents sent him away to school. He blamed Brian for it, but I know Brian didn't tell."

"How do you know Michael? If he'd pay people to beat the guy up..."

"I know because it was me. I told this kid who had a crush on Aidan to watch out and why. The next thing I knew everyone was talking about him. He went from high school god to pariah in a single day."

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Later at Brian's loft the same story is being told to Justin with slight modifications

"Justin he thinks I outted him and had him beat up. Before you ask the answer's no, I didn't."

Justin, who is lying on the sofa with his head on Brian's lap interrupts, what has been until now a one-sided conversation, "Brian I never thought that you did. It's not your style."

"You're right, but he hates me even more for that, but I've always felt that there was more...I don't know I may just be paranoid, but I know for certain that being labeled gay cost him what he valued most-his popularity and status."

Considering what's happening to him at school now Justin knows how Aidan must have felt, but to go around hurting people is... twisted. He then turns his thoughts to the rest of what Brian has told him and knows that no matter what Brian won't let anything bad happen to him. He's proven that to him time and time again, but he can't help worrying about Aidan.

Brian lapses into a contemplative silence and the unfamiliar feeling of guilt that is eating away at him because he knows that because of him Justin is now the target of a sociopath. There's one good thing. He doesn't have to worry about Mikey. He lets out a small chuckle and muses out loud, "Who would have ever thought that I'd be glad that Mikey is playing house with the Doc?"

The sound of his voice brings Brian to the sudden realization that the loft is silent. Silence and Justin's presence are not two things that usually occur at the same time. Looking down Brian finds his answer for the silence. Justin has fallen asleep. He spends the next 10 minutes looking at the soundly sleeping teen, but his thoughts aren't of a sexual nature. He finds himself thinking about how long a day Justin's had-school and an eight-hour shift at the diner and makes the decision to talk to Debbie about getting Justin's hours cut.

Brian then gingerly gathers the sleeping teen in his arms and carries him to bed. After removing Justin's tee shirt and jeans he strips down to his briefs and crawls into bed. But, before Brian can give into to the sleep that his body and mind craves he has to reassure himself by speaking the words that he's been chanting in his head for most of the evening "Justin's safe."

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The next day at the Carnegie University Library

"Daph we are so lucky that your dad teaches here part-time so that we can use the library. Otherwise even with the Internet this would have taken forever."

"Yeah, I bet our project will be the best and have a kick ass bibliography…I mean between your artwork and my writing there is no way anyone's going to beat…" Suddenly Daphne begins to bounce up and down and smile broadly.

"What's with you?"

"Don't look now, but guess who's here"

"Who?…Where?"

"Right…Oh! I could have sworn that Brian was standing over there by the stacks…I'm too young to be seeing things."

Justin smiles, "You must have been seeing things, Brian has a dinner meeting and is going to pick me up from Deb's around ten and…" Suddenly Justin remembers the night before. "Was the guy just standing there looking at me or was he coming this way?"

"What?…Justin what's wrong?"

"Come on Daph, we're out of here. Like you said we've got enough to blow everyone away. Let's go."

"Justin what's wrong?"

"Remember what we talked about at lunch?"

Yeah."

"Well when I first saw Aidan from a distance I thought it was Brian. They sort of look alike. Brian has more style and seems to be more comfortable in his own skin, but still…Let's go."

"Justin, do you think this guy is following you? We should tell someone. Call Brian's cell. I'm sure…"

"I told you he's with a client. Besides I'm not sure, you saw him not me. Let's just go!"

"Okay, but promise me that you'll tell Brian about this or I will." Daphne's request is met with silence. Promise me Justin or else…" Waiving her cell phone, "I'll tell Debbie."

Eyes big as silver dollars with shock and amusement, "You wouldn't dare!"

"Try me."

"Okay, I'll tell him, but not until he picks me up tonight. Satisfied."

"Yeah, but I'm going to check to make sure that you're telling the truth."

"I'm going to do it. NOW can we get out of here?"

Aidan spends thirty minutes standing at the back of the stacks that contained the world history books that "Brian's Twink" and his "Hag" were looking at. The mace can and scissors at the ready. He had it all planned. Mace "Brian's Twink" and cut some hair off to show "The winner" just how close he can get to "what's his" and there is nothing he can do to stop it.

Wandering what is taking so long for "Brian's Twink" to come and get a new book Aidan risks taking another look and has to stifle a frustrated scream when he sees that they are gone-no twink, no hag. "What went wrong?"

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Justin knows that when he walks out of school Brian will be waiting to pick him up. Every since the incidents at the diner and library the week before with Aidan, he has been there waiting to take Justin home or to work. He has also taken Justin home, not to Deb's but his loft, every night after work. Although, Justin likes the attention he feels that it is not for the right reasons. He wants Brian to want to be with him because he wants him, not because he's afraid someone is going to hurt him.

Justin is too young to understand that Brian's protectiveness is an indicator of how much he cares for him.

Justin automatically slides into the black Jeep parked in front of the school and turns to greet Brian and instead comes face to face with Aidan. Aidan is dressed in a suit exactly like the one Brian wore the day before complete with red shirt and matching tie.

Startled and more than a little frighten, Justin tries to sound indifferent when he addresses Aidan as he reaches for the door handle to exit the Jeep. "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."

Aidan smiles as he answers and pulls off before Justin can get out of the Jeep, "Yes, you thought I was Brian. Well he had a little car trouble and won't be able to drive you to work today."

Justin desperately trying not to panic replies, "Car trouble? Brian's Jeep is new. What kind of car trouble?"

Aidan laughs, "Two flat tires. Seems he picked up a couple of nails somewhere. I've been meaning to tell you. You are beautiful. It doesn't surprise me though I've always said that Brian Kinney has good taste-cars, boyfriends, and clothes. Do you like my new suit?"

Without answering Aidan's question Justin turns away. That is when he realizes that he and Aidan aren't alone. Forgetting that Aidan is present Justin begins to talk to the young man with the battered and bruised face. "Hi, I was hoping that you had taken that 'walk' we talked about…I hope you get a chance to do it soon. Maybe."

"What the fuck are you talking about?'

Justin jumps at hearing Aidan's angry question. Not wanting Aidan to see the fear he knows is showing on his face he looks out of the window instead and for the first time since he made the mistake of getting into the wrong car he realizes that they are not heading for the diner. Trying to remain calm and take control of the situation Justin calmly turns to his abductor and says, "Umm…Aidan, the diner's in the opposite direction."

"Who said anything about taking you to the diner?"

"You said…"

"I said Brian wouldn't be able to drive you to work today. I never said that I was taking you to work."

"Well I have to get to work. Just drop me off at the corner and I'll get a cab or something."

Aidan's response is a smile, a smile that sends a shiver down Justin's spine and makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

Justin again becomes aware of his surroundings and panics. They are in an old industrial park where most of the buildings-warehouses and old factories are abandoned. Just as Justin has come to the decision to jump out of the Jeep and run Aidan stops.

"Get out."

Justin is more than willing to obey Aidan's order. He figures that he has a better chance in the open than in the Jeep. After all he should be able, at 18 to out run a 30-year-old.

Just as he opens the door and turns to slide out of the car Aidan reaches over momentarily grabs his head and then hits him in his back between his shoulder blades knocking the wind out of him and propelling him forward. He then feels a hand shoving him out of the door. As he hits the ground, outside of the Jeep, he hears screeching tires and the sound of Aidan laughing. It is then that Justin knows for sure that Aidan is more than just someone who hates Brian. He is insane.

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Liberty Diner an hour later

Justin walks in and heads straight for the men's room planning to change out of his ruined uniform before anyone notices his disheveled state, but before he gets more than five feet into the diner he hears, "Justin. Where the fuck have you been?"

Knowing that Brian is going to go ballistic when he hears what happened, Justin continues on as if he hasn't heard Brian at all. He almost makes it through the men's room door when Brian grabs him from behind by his right shoulder an action that solicits and involuntary cry of pain from Justin.

Shocked Brian quickly releases Justin who continues on into the bathroom. Brian follows.

There is a guy of about 25 or so at the urinal. Brian looks at him and utters a single word, "Out." The guy takes one look at Justin and then at Brian and does as he is told.

With the bathroom now empty, Brian turns and locks the door to insure that they are not disturbed.

Without turning around Justin begins to talk and undress.

"How long did it take for you to get your tires replaced?"

"How'd you know about my tires?"

"Aidan told me."

Before Brian can respond to the new and disconcerting information. Justin who has been slowly undressing as he and Brian spoke removes his shirt revealing a large bruise between his shoulder blades and scratches and scrapes extending the length of his right arm.

Brian doesn't speak instead he moves forward and gently turns Justin to face him. He quickly surveys the damage that his young lover has sustained.

Along with the bruise on his back and the damage to his right arm there are scratches, abrasions, small bruises on the right side of his face. The palms of his hands also have their share or scratches and are red and irritated and a large patch of hair is missing almost dead center of his head.

Brian doesn't trust himself to talk. Even if Justin hadn't already told him that he had had an encounter with Aidan he would have known anyway. Tenderly he pulls Justin into his arms being careful not to touch any of the injuries most of which are on the right side of Justin's body.

Finally Justin breaks the silence, "I landed on a pile of discarded building materials, bricks mostly, and it's no big deal. You know how easily this pale skin of mine bruises. Most of them will be gone by tomorrow. But, I need to go to the barber to get my hair fixed. I hope he won't have to shave my head."

Because of the pain and stiffness in his right arm, Justin begins to run his left hand up and down Brian's back as he leans in and kisses Brian's ear and at last whispers what he knows Brian needs to hear, "I'm okay."

Brian's hold on Justin tightens then he remembers the bruises. He quickly, without completely releasing Justin, loosens his hold. In an effort to calm himself Brian takes a deep breath, exhales slowly and consciously relaxes his muscles. Feeling his control returning Brian finally begins to speak, "Justin tell me exactly what happened."

Sure that Brian is going to go ballistic when he finds out that he got into a car without looking to see whom the driver was, Justin slowly begins to speak. Ten minutes later. A silent Brian, releases his hold on Justin, steps away, and turns toward the wall. Justin misinterprets this as anger directed at him.

He is just about to apologize when Brian says, "I broke my promise. It won't happen again. I swear."

"What promise Brian? It was my fault. I shouldn't…"

Justin's apology is drowned out by the sound of Brian's raised voice. "Don't say that. It was not your fault. Don't ever say that."

"Okay, but it wasn't your fault either. Brian, I realized something today. Aidan isn't doing this just because he hates you. He's doing this because he's insane."

Brian finds his first smile since finding the two flat tires on his Jeep, "Justin, now you're being a 'drama princess'. Aidan just wants to get back at me."

"No Brian, you weren't there. I'm telling you it's more than just wanting to get even. Aidan was even dressed like you. Besides, you didn't hear the way he laughed as he drove off. Brian, I'm telling you he is insane."

Brian is again about to contradict Justin when he looks into his eyes and realizes that Justin isn't being a 'drama princess', he really believes that Aidan is insane.

"Let's talk about this later. Go a head and finish changing. Wouldn't do for you to go to the hospital in ripped pants."

"Hospital? Brian I'm okay. I don't need to go to the hospital. I need to go to the BARBER!"

"You said you fell onto old building materials. You probably need a tetanus shot. No need to argue. The quicker you change the quicker we can get this over and done with."

Walking slowly towards Brian and speaking in what Daphne calls his sex kitten voice Justin agrees to go to the hospital. "Okay, on the condition that after we get back 'Dr. Kinney' will give me a personal physical and I get my hair fixed."

Bending down and giving Justin a passion filled kiss Brian answers, "Count on it. Hurry up!"

Brian walks over and unlocks the bathroom door whereupon Emmett, Ted and Debbie all but tumble onto the bathroom floor. Before Brian can comment on their eavesdropping Debbie pipes up, "Well, we had to know what was wrong with Sunshine and you never tell us shit."

Not even pretending not to hear most of Justin and Brian's private conversation Debbie then yells, "Sunshine I'll get someone to cover your shift. Don't worry. Just do as Brian says."

She then turns to Brian and quietly says, "Brian listen to Justin, Aidan was a crazy, sadistic motherfucker at 16, I'm sure he's only gotten worse. Don't be so busy looking after Justin that you don't watch your own back. It's been 15 years, who is to say that he still only goes after people you care about…Watch your back. You hear me. Watch your back."

"Deb, how did you know about that? Did Mikey tell you?"

"No. I found out though. Now go on. Take care of Sunshine."

Ten minutes later Brian and Justin exit the diner. Neither notices the black Jeep parked down the block. Inside this Jeep Aidan-dressed in a new Black Hugo boss leather jacket, jeans and a black wife beater tee is smiling and laughing while Joey nervously looks over and asks, "What's so funny?"

"Look at him. Look at all the scratches and bruises. I knew that milky white skin would bruise easily. I love it. I was right this is fun."

Joey looks at Aidan and, not for the first time in the year that they have been together, wonders if Aidan just might be insane.

*You know the answer to that Joey. Listen to the kid. Leave him!*

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April 1987

"Mr. and Mrs. Brady please be seated. As you know I'm Mr. Carter the Headmaster and this is Dr. Jonas head of counseling. I'll get right to the point. I'm afraid we cannot keep Aidan as a student here. There have been several instances of violence against other students and some vandalism involving teacher's cars and classrooms…"

Logan Brady, a solid built, and handsome man of 45 interrupts the headmaster, "Did anyone see my son vandalize these cars and classrooms and who is he supposed to have hit. Aidan has been here for 6 weeks and this is the first time I'm hearing about any of this. Tell me if he has been a problem all this time why haven't you told us about it before now."

Dr. Jonas feeling that the meeting may not go as he and Mr. Carter hoped chimes in, "Well Mr. Brady while no one saw Aidan commit these acts each occurred after the person and Aidan had come to cross purposes."

"What you are saying is that these people did something to my son and he retaliated. I don't see why he is the only one being asked to leave if this was a tit-for-tat situation."

Dr. Jonas again tries to get Mr. Brady to understand the situation. "Mr. Brady these acts aren't just simple acts of retaliation. They are premeditated, heinous, and willful acts of vengeance. The scope of his actions don't match the offense that they are meant to respond to add to that Aidan often attacks innocents as a way of getting even and …"

For the first time Megan Brady speaks up, "Are you saying that there is something wrong with my son?"

Mr. Carter attempts to take control of the situation. "Mr. and Mrs. Brady, Aidan is a very bright and capable young man, but he is unable to control his temper. In all honesty most of the student body and faculty are afraid of him. It is my duty to provide a pleasant and safe environment for learning. I'm afraid that to do that I must insist that Aidan be removed from our school."

Dr. Jonas adds, "And it is my suggestion that you get Aidan some help in dealing with his anger issues. "

The Bradys look first at Dr. Jonas and then Mr. Carter and without speaking rise to leave the headmaster's office. Aidan is sitting just outside the door.

"Well… what did they say?"

His father answers as he walks past his son without ever looking Aidan in the face, "The same thing everyone else says, that you're crazy."

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April 2001-Brian's Loft

It is after midnight. Justin is sound asleep, in the background the soft sounds of jazz floats from the stereo, and Brian is sitting at his computer going over copy emailed to him from his office by members of his team. In order to pick up Justin each day, requires that he leave his office 2 hours early, which means working at home each night. A small price to pay if it means keeping Justin safe, but it didn't keep him safe. Aidan still got to him.

Brian is just about to shut down his computer and return to the comfort of his bed and the warmth of his young lover's lithe body when unbidden he muses aloud. "Could Justin be right? Is Aidan insane?"

Just then the quiet of the loft is broken by the sounds of Justin turning over in bed and mumbling something. Brian knows that Justin only does this when he is dreaming and assumes that his 'golden boy' is dreaming about the extra special physical that "Dr. Kinney" gave him after their return from the hospital.

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Watching his 'golden boy' walk stiffly into the loft while gingerly massaging his left buttock Brian says, "Oh, come on Justin it can't hurt that much."

"Well it does. Try having some shot happy nurse stick a foot long needle in your ass and then tell me it doesn't hurt. Add to that the pain of spending another hour fighting with a prima donna hairdresser…Do you really like it? It's not too short? It doesn't make me look like Dennis the Menace?"

Laughing Brian walks toward Justin turns him so that they are face to face and begins to nibble on his left earlobe as his hands snake down to massage Justin's delicious ass, which solicits a moan of both pleasure and pain. "Yes, for the 3000th time I like your hair. Now, why don't you go take a shower and then Dr. Kinney will treat what ails you."

Smiling and knowing that Brian is watching him Justin begins to seductively walk toward the bathroom. Just as he arrives at the door he attempts to pull his shirt off, a move that causes him no small amount of pain. Upon seeing Justin's distress Brian who had indeed been watching Justin's seductive stroll to the bathroom quickly crosses to him and offers his assistance. "Need some help?"

Smiling Justin answers, "Maybe a little."

Again Brian gives Justin a passionate kiss.

Just the thought of how beautiful his 'golden boy' is and how his beauty is enhanced by water makes Brian smile. Brian is remembering the slightly salty taste of Justin's skin as he licks his way from his navel to his throat. The purring sound that Justin makes as he greedily sucks his…

Brian's musings are interrupted by the sound of Justin crying out in his sleep. "No! Brian…Nooooo!" Brian hurries to the bed and takes Justin into his arms and tries to wake the now sobbing teen from his nightmare. "Wake up, Justin! Justin do you hear me? Wake up!"

Justin finally responds to Brian and opens his eyes. Even in the darkened room, lit only by the neon above the bed Brian can see the fear and then relief that shows in the endless depths of Justin's blue eyes. Blue eyes that a few short hours ago were darkened by passion and need.

Relieved to find that the images he had just witnessed were all a dream Justin buries his head in the hollow of Brian's neck and sighs. They stay like this for several minutes before Brian speaks.

"You want to tell me about it?'

"No."

"Okay, let me rephrase that. Tell me about it."

Still wrapped in Brian's arms with his head now on Brian's shoulder Justin answers, "It was just a stupid dream…"

"About Aidan?"

"Yeah. I guess this afternoon affected me more that I thought it did. That's all."

"You were screaming my name and crying. Why?"

"Brian, I really don't want to talk about it."

Fed up with Justin's evasiveness Brian takes Justin by the shoulders and looks him in the eye and firmly says, "Too bad. Talk."

"Only if you promise not to get angry."

"Justin."

"Okay, I didn't tell you everything that happened when Aidan picked me up. He said some things as he was driving me to those warehouses, some really disturbing things. They didn't all make sense, but they really gave me the creeps."

Brian seeing that Justin has begun to shiver crawls onto the bed and pulls Justin into his arms and once again his head is resting on Brian's shoulder. "Like what? What did he say that could give you nightmares?"

"Like I said at first it didn't make much sense. It was almost like I wasn't there and he was talking to himself and then I realized that he was… "

"Justin, stop stalling and tell me what's got you so frightened."

"…Brian he was planning your death."

"What?"

Justin tries to nestle even closer to Brian as he remembers when he first realized what Aidan was saying. He then slowly begins to tell Brian the rest of what happened between him and Aidan.

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The day before in Aidan's jeep

"What did you just say?"

"Oh, I wasn't really talking to you, but since you want to know…I'm curious do you think that they would simply say that Brian was a "young ad executive" or would they say something like "award winning ad executive?"

"Who would say? What are talking about?"

"The newspapers when they write his obituary. I figure it would go something like this"

"Brian Kinney, age 30, award winning ad executive was found dead in his loft. Although the police suspect foul play, they currently have no suspects in the death. His mother, Joan, father, Jack, sister, Claire, young son, Gus, and two nephews, survive Mr. Kinney. In lieu of flowers the family ask that you send donations to amfAR."

"What do you think?"

Although terrified Justin tries to pretend that Aidan's words don't bother him. "Well I know one thing. You're not a writer. You mixed your story types. You started out like you were writing a news story and then ended it like an obituary and even then you didn't give it enough meat."

Justin turns just in time to see Aidan's fist coming at him and miraculously avoids being struck. "Shut up! When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you. How does Brian put up with such a mouthy twink?"

Momentarily forgetting the danger he is in an outraged Justin replies, "Because I am good with my mouth and don't call me twink! I have a name. It's Justin. Try using it!"

Aidan's response to this is to laugh. "Yeah, whatever. Now what do you think would be a fitting end for Brian-- poison, stabbing, or strangulation. It has to be something quiet wouldn't want the police showing up to ruin my fun."

Again forgetting his precarious position Justin responds, "Poison. If you tried any of the other ways it would mean that you would have to get close to Brian and just like in high school he would kick your ass." This time Justin is unable to avoid Aidan's retaliation.

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Back in Brian's loft

"…I dreamed I came here and you were dead…on the floor next to you was an empty bottle of water…and then it changed…you were face down in a pool of blood with your throat slit…that's when you woke me up. Brian I'm scared…"

During his narrative Brian had gathered Justin even closer to him. "Justin it was just another way for Aidan to hurt you. He knew that saying something like that to you would cause you pain. Forget about it. It doesn't mean a thing."

Brian hoped that he sounded convincing because he knew he was spouting pure bullshit. Aidan always hurt people with actions not words. He was starting to believe that Justin and Deb were right Aidan is insane and he needed to not only watch out for Justin, but for himself as well.

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A week later in a tastefully appointed penthouse

"Aidan. It's late. You should come to bed."

Joey's concern is rewarded with a slap across the face. "Joey you DON'T tell me what to do. Now go to bed. I want to be alone."

Joey, knowing the tone and the mood goes back to bed without saying another word.

I don't believe it. A fucking week and I still can't get anywhere near Brian's Twink. I can't believe that he's sending a car and driver to pick up the little shit while he's away on business.

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Earlier that Day-A parked car outside St. James Academy

Finally, I can get another crack at "Brian's Twink." Let's see I've got a lock of hair now I need some blood, fingernail and a piece of clothing. So what will it be today? Umm…I think fingernail and clothing. Blood will come last.

Suddenly the school door opens and kids come streaming out.

Talking to no one in particular, since he is in the car alone. "What the fuck? It's only 2:00. They shouldn't be getting out until 2:45. I fucking wait all week for Kinney to go away on business and now he gets out of school early. Well I'll just have to improvise."

"There he is? Why isn't he coming down to the street? What the fuck is he waiting for? Doesn't he know Brian is out of town? Okay change of plan #2."

Aidan hurriedly gets out of his car and uses a side path to come up behind Justin. Placing a restricting arm across Justin's chest and shoulders and a six-inch blade against his throat he whispers, "I like the hair cut. Now how about…"

Just then the school doors open and faculty begin to exit. Almost simultaneously the car and driver that Justin had been waiting for pulls up and just as suddenly as he came Aidan is gone.

Shaken Justin quickly gathers his sketchpad and backpack and runs down the stairs to the waiting car and driver. Looking over his shoulder he sees Aidan get into a blue Jag like the one David drives and whispers in awe, "He can't decide if he wants to be Brian or David. This guy is really fucked up."

Smiling, laughing and speaking aloud to himself, something that he does with increasing regularity, "Brian thinks that that will stop me. He's wrong. Aidan declares, "So, I won't get to see the look of pain on his face when it happens. I'll get to see the aftermath."

Just the thought of the pain he knows he is going to cause Justin and how it will make Brian feel causes Aidan to get an erection. He leaves the living room and heads toward the bedroom… "Joey, I'm sorry. I'm just on edge." Lightly kissing the imprint that his hand has left on Joey's face, Aidan whispers, "…baby let me make it up to you…"

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Late Friday Evening Debbie's House

Justin and Debbie enter laughing talking about one of the more interesting customers from the diner.

Gasping for air from laughing so hard and long Justin says, "…but Debbie did you see the size of his breasts? There's no way he could stand up straight."

Debbie responds also trying to catch her breath, "Forget the boobs, could you believe that he wore those shoes with that dress? Talk about tacky. But, don't worry Sunshine. I gave him Emmett's work number and address and told him to drop by for a makeover. Emmett will fix him right up."

Vic hearing all the laughter comes down the stairs and asks, "What's so funny?"

Just as Deb begins to explain Vic remembers the package that arrived for Justin earlier this afternoon. "Hey Princess, there's something for you in your room. It's from Brian."

Justin tries to act like it's no big deal, but Brian has been gone for four days now and he misses him. He had hoped Brian would call, but a package is even better. "Thanks Vic. Did I get any other mail today?"

"Nope… Now what was so funny I could use a good laugh?"

As Debbie begins to tell Vic about the drag queen from hell, Justin hurries upstairs to see the gift that Brian has sent him.

On the bed is a teddy bear holding a balloon bouquet with a card attached to his stomach that reads, "Day #4 give me a hug for a big surprise."

Smiling Justin picks up the bear and dutifully squeezes.

Vic is laughing to the point of crying at Debbie's description of the misguided drag queen when they hear a blood-curdling scream coming from upstairs.

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Several hours later back at Debbie's

"He's all right Brian. He has second-degree chemical burns on his stomach where he was holding the bear against him and mostly first degree and just a few second-degree chemical burns on both of his hands. It could have been much worse. Sunshine had the good sense to take off his shirt and jump into the shower to wash the acid off. The doctor said that he probably won't even have any scars…No don't cut your trip short. There's nothing you can do…Yes, Brian…No, Brian we won't accept anymore packages for Justin from you…No Brian, Sunshine isn't going out…No, not even with Emmett and Ted…Yes Brian…No Brian…Look enough of this I underestimated that sick bastard, but there is no way he is going to hurt Justin again in my home…Goodbye, see you Monday evening."

Slowly climbing the stairs Debbie hears two voices coming from Michael's/Justin's room.

"Look, Boy Won…Justin you have got to be more careful. You know that Brian would never send you a teddy bear.

Justin stops Michael by pointing to a chair in the corner with four teddy bears of various sizes, "Actually Michael, Brian gave me those."

"Lying won't help things any, Brian doesn't do romantic and Teddy bears are definitely romantic."

"Michael, you and I had this conversation once before. MY Brian is not the Brian you know. To be honest with you, the Brian you know doesn't really exist. He hasn't existed since you were teenagers. Furthermore you are not important enough to me of my relationship with Brian to lie to.

Continuing as if Justin hadn't spoken, "Like I said. It's not his style. Until Aidan is dealt with you need to be smarter."

Warring emotions, mainly fear and anger cause Justin to lash out at Michael who for once, in his own way, is trying to be nice to Justin, "So it's my fault that some psycho from YOUR past sends me a bear full of acid." Realizing that yelling at Michael won't change things Justin takes a deep breath and begins to speak calmly, "…Sorry Michael, but my hands hurt…I'm tired…I'm going to bed…I'll be more careful. Believe me."

Michael gets up and leaves his old room and almost knocks his mother over. "Mom what are you…oh I get it eavesdropping."

"No I came up to make sure Sunshine was okay and just happen to hear the two of you talking…I guess I won't bother him since he said he was going to sleep. Michael you need to listen to him. Everyone but you sees it. Brian is a better person…he's happier. Calmer and more…I don't know human since he's been with Justin. You need to stop living in the past. Brian has moved on and grown up now it's your turn."

"Mom, Brian is my best friend and I know him better than anyone else. He is just killing time with Justin because he makes him feel young. The novelty will wear off and then things will get back to normal."

Shaking her head Debbie looks at her son and says, "D' Nile is not just a river in Europe."

"Egypt mom. Egypt."

Turning to finally go back down stairs she hits Michael upside his head. "Whatever. You know what I meant."

Just as she and Michael begin to leave they hear the undeniable sounds of someone crying.

Giving Debbie a look of that conveys his concern and his feeling of inadequacy in dealing with a crying Justin, Michael continues on down the stairs while Debbie quietly enters the room and takes the distraught teen into her arms. "Sunshine, what is it? Do your burns hurt? Talk to me."

Not caring if it made him seem weak or not Justin wraps his arms around Debbie and continues to cry. Finally after his emotional storm begins to subside Justin lies back down and answers Debbie's question truthfully, "I'm scared. I wish Brian were here. I miss him. This wouldn't have happened if he were here. I need him."

Debbie lightly stokes Justin's hair and sits quietly by as the events of the day and the painkillers that the doctor gave him finally catch up with him and he falls asleep. She then quietly goes back down stairs and makes a phone call.

"I'm sorry Mr. Kinney has checked out of the hotel, but I could get a message to him if necessary."

"No, no message. Thanks Hon." In awe Debbie turns to Vic and says, "I'll be damned."

"What?"

"I was calling Brian back to tell him that Sunshine needs him and he should come home, but he's already checked out of the hotel. You know what? I think that Sunshine's done what nobody else has been able to do."

'And what's that?"

"Find Brian Kinney's heart."

Vic responds to his sister's observation with feigned awe in his voice, "Are you serious? I could have told you that the first night I met him. Hell I already know what I'm giving them for a wedding gift."

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