Twins Redux

part 5

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Several hours later in a tastefully appointed penthouse

Joey is trying to calm down a rampaging Aidan. He is not angry about the four broken bones in his hand or the two fingers that are being kept immobilized by two metal splints. These he feels are badges of honor and courage. It is the phone calls he has received over the last hour that have him fuming.

The ringing of the telephone interrupts Aidan's tirade.

"May I speak to Aidan Brady?"

"Speaking."

"Mr. Brady, this is Chase Worthington of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Society and I'm afraid I have bad news. Effective immediately your membership to the Society has been rescinded."

"What? Why? My dues are current."

"Yes, you are current, but it has come to our attention that you were less than truthful on your Society application. This is an offense punishable by expulsion from the society and as for your membership fees a check has already been cut and will be delivered to you by messenger before close of business today."

"Who the fuck do you think you are?

"I'm sorry Mr. Brady, but there is no further need for discussion. Goodbye."

"Who the fuck do they thing they are? Revoking my membership. I should sue them. How'd they find out that I lied on my application? What the fuck is going on?"

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Meanwhile an answering machine is taking down a very interesting message

"Chase Worthington here. David thanks for the alert on that Brady fellow. It could have been so embarrassing for the Society. See you and Michael at the next meeting. Again thank you for the information."

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David's Office

"Brian…David here. Well it's done. Aidan is now persona non grata with the Symphony Society, the country club and the Cigar Smokers society."

"Thanks David, if you think of any other groups that he might belong to that might need to know about his undesirability let me know."

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Brian's office

"Hello, Aidan…Yes I know you met Luke and Matthew…Well as you were told because you threatened my son, Justin, Lindsey and Melanie I was compelled to retaliate…Don't be ridiculous. You were told that retaliation would not be physical…yes well Matthew acted on his own in breaking your hand. Although I can't say that I'm sorry…Oh you mean you haven't figured it out…let me enlighten you… I hope you weren't counting on those season tickets to the symphony, the governor's ball at the country club, or storing your Cuban cigars at the Smokers club…"

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8:00 p.m. after Dinner at the Mommies

Seeing Gus yawn and rub his eyes, Lindsey rises and takes her son from his Daddy's lap. "Come on little man. Time for a quick bath and bed.

Mel hurriedly adds, "Justin why don't you go help Lindsey. He can be a handful when it comes to bath time."

Looking a bit startled, Justin quickly catches on that Mel wants to talk to Brian alone and bounds up the stairs to join Lindsey.

"Okay Mel, we're alone. What's up?"

With trembling hands she pulls out a small box, with the logo of one of Pittsburgh's most exclusive baby stores, from her brief case and hands it to Brian. "That was delivered to my office by courier today at lunch time. My assistant took delivery."

Brian opens the box to reveal a white infant tee shirt with the name GUS in bright primary colors splattered in blood and covered in what looks like stab wounds. He slams the lid back on the box and reaches for his cell phone. Mel stops him by handing him a blood stained letter.

Tell The Winner that he's going to lose and lose big. It's going to be all of you, then him.

A.

"Sick son-of-a-bitch." He again reaches for his cell phone and presses one of the preset numbers. "Hello Matt?…Sorry Luke. I didn't catch your voice. Is Matt there?…Matt I need you to send someone over to Lindsey and Mel's. The bastard has threatened my son…What?…There are?…Okay…Yeah, I did hire you because you're the best, asshole…" Laughing Brian repeats, "No you're the best comma asshole… Thanks… Yeah tomorrow is good just call with a time. Yeah I do know exactly what I'm going to take from the bastard next. Later."

Turning to his temporary ally, "Mel, don't worry Matt says he has 4 guys watching the house. Two will always be with Lindsey and Gus, one with you and one to watch the house."

Picking up the boxed tee shirt Mel nods. "Ordinarily I'd say that's excessive, but after this, I'm not going to complain."

"Good because it wouldn't do any good. Now does Lindsey know or not."

"Not yet, but I'm going to tell her. Are you going to tell Justin."

"Yes. When it comes to this knowledge is the best defense."

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Later that evening at Brian's loft

"Okay Justin let's here it."

"Brian this is stupid. I didn't lie to you."

"I'm waiting."

"Okay. I will not lie to Brian."

"That's one let's go. I don't have all night."

"I will not lie to Brian… I will not lie to Brian."

"Now are you happy? I said it 100 times, but I didn't lie I was just so tired I read the schedule wrong."

"Justin. Listen to what you just said."

"What? Oh that's what I lied about. Not the test."

"Give the boy a prize."

"Ready for bed?"

Pulling out what at first glance appears to be a hand brace Justin answers, "No I want to try and sketch a while."

"Sketch? I thought it hurt your hands? ...What's that?"

"Luke gave it to me. People with limited mobility in their hands use them to hold their pens and pencils. He thought I might be able to use it to draw with without hurting my hands. I tried it at Mel and Lindsey's and it works pretty well. I just need to practice a little."

For an instant the old Justin shows through so Brian decides to wait to tell him about the bloody tee shirt and leaves Justin to his sketching.

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Babylon Friday Night Two Weeks After The Acid Attack

"It feels great to be out dancing again."

Emmett kisses his young dance partner on the temple and jokingly says, "Well 'Justine' you were missed. Don't look now, but I get the feeling that we have danced one dance too many. Guess who's headed this way?"

Justin turns around and finds himself face-to-face with Brian. "Mind if I cut in?"

Exiting through the crowd Emmett replies over his shoulder, "Be my guest. Later."

Pulling Justin close to him and swaying with the music Brian is pleased to see the spark in Justin's eyes, "Having fun?"

"Definitely…um…Brian you've been stuck with me for the last two weeks…um …I'd understand if you wanted to…um…well I can have Ted drop me off at Deb's so that you can have your place to yourself and have someone over…"

"You're right I have made plans for having someone at my place."

Feeling a little disappointed, but remembering his vow to let Brian be Brian Justin says, "Okay, will I see you tomorrow?"

"It would be pretty hard not to."

"Huh?"

"Can we leave now? That is if you're all danced out?"

"You mean I'm the someone?"

"Yeah. Well?"

Gifting Brian with a 1000 watt Sunshine smile. "I'm definitely all danced out. Let's go."

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Outside of Babylon

Brian is walking with his arm draped over Justin's shoulder. It is an unnecessary display of ownership. Everyone knows that Justin belongs to him, but he enjoys holding his 'Baby' close.

Arriving at the Jeep Brian opens the door for Justin and begins to walk to the driver's side, but before he can unlock the door he hears Justin scream. His blood freezes in his veins and he is momentarily paralyzed. Hearing Justin call his name snaps him out of his stupor and he rushes back to find Justin's face and shirt covered in blood and holding his hands over his eyes.

"Justin! Justin!"

"Brian! My eyes, they're burning. Oh, God Brian I can't see!"

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Meanwhile in an identical black Jeep parked several blocks away

Joey anxiously looks at Aidan and says, "I was worried. You were gone so long."

Smiling Aidan answers in a type of sing song voice that gives Joey goose bumps. "I love to hear him scream. I wonder if he screams like that when he's being fucked… well I'll know the answer to that soon."

"What do you mean you'll know the answer…?" Joey never gets to finish his question as Aidan uses the back of his hand to silence him.

"Say anything…ANYTHING at all to ruin this for me and I'll make you wish you were never born."

He turns with strangely glazed eyes and looks at Joey who now knows with certainty the answer to the question that he has found himself asking more and more. Yes. Aidan is insane.

*Leave him. Leave him. Now. Or Else.*

Aloud and in a panicked whisper Joey exclaims, "No not again!"

Aidan is so engrossed in what he sees as a triumph that he doesn't hear Joey.

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Fighting against his own fear and anger Brian tries to calm the teenager. "Justin calm down I'll get some water and rinse your eyes, that should help." Before he finishes his statement numerous people begin to offer up various types of bottled water in various states--some open and half empty others unopened. Brian chooses several unopened bottles of non carbonated water and tilts Justin's head back and begins to flush the blood from his eyes.

Slowly the burning subsides and Justin's vision begins to clear. Just as Brian reaches for another bottle of water he hears Emmett exclaim, "Oh my God! Please tell me that's not his blood."

Grabbing Brian's arm before he can pour a fourth bottle of water over his abused eyes Justin answers Emmett. "No it's not my blood." He then turns to Brian, "It's okay I can see again. It still stings a little, but I think I'm all right."

For the first time since this all started Brian looks around and realizes that a large crowd surrounds them.

Brian pulls Justin close and kisses his forehead and whispers. "Get in the car. I want you home where you're safe."

"I'll ruin the upholstery"

"Fuck the upholstery! Get in!" Waiting until Justin is safely in the car with the door locked Brian once again begins to walk to the driver's side, but stops just as he reaches the rear of the vehicle. He then turns to Emmett and Ted and says, "A meeting…my place, two hours."

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May 1989 Logan Brady's study. An outraged Aidan confronts his father.

"What do you mean there's no money for me to go to college?"

"Just what I said Aidan. It took almost everything your mother and I had to get your sentence reduced so that you'd be out of Juvenile Detention at 18 instead of 21. There is just nothing left to pay for college."

"Look I got into Harvard and I deserve to go. You owe it to me."

"Owe it to you! We don't owe you anything!"

"I'm your only child. I don't care if you have to sell everything you own. You are paying for me to go to college."

"Aidan, not only am I not paying for you to go to college, but your mother and I have both decided…we never want to see you or talk to you again. As far as we're concerned we have no children. Goodbye."

"You can't be serious?"

Aidan's question is met with stony silence as Logan sits down behind his massive desk and begins to read the day's mail.

"Do you hear me?" Again silence.

Aidan leaves his father's study in search of his mother only to find his bags are packed and in the hall by the front door with a note from his mother, a check from his father, and the pink slip to his car.

One month later

Front page of The Philadelphia Enquirer

"Local Businessman and Wife Found Murdered"

Local and respected businessman, Logan Brady and his wife Megan were found dead yesterday in their Germantown home. The apparent victims of a robbery the Bradys' bodies were found in their bedroom bound and gagged with their throats slashed. The police have no suspects in the slayings at this time.

September 1989 Cambridge, Massachusetts

Aidan is strolling through Harvard Square on his way to his first class of the day contemplating his circumstances and muses aloud, "You should have sold the house dad, but insurance money spends just as well."

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10:30 p.m. Friday Night at Brian's Loft

Brian opens the door for Dr. Dylan Church. "Hey. Thanks for the house call."

"No problem. You said it was an emergency and I owe you one or a thousand. How do you put a price tag on what you did for me? So where's my patient?"

As if by queue Justin exits the bedroom, hair dripping and looking, in Brian's estimation, totally fuckable. Looking at Justin Brian asks, " Well were you right?'

"Huh?"

"Was the third time the charm? You said that you still hadn't got all the blood out of your hair, so is it all out now?"

"Yes. All gone." Justin motions with his head, "Brian we're being rude."

"Dylan this is your patient, Justin Taylor. Justin this is Dr. Dylan Church."

"Hello Justin, nice to meet you. From the looks of things I'd say your eyes had a run in with a mild irritant."

"Yeah…" Involuntarily Justin shudders, "…Blood."

"Hmmm…Okay let's take a closer look."

At first Dylan thought Justin was another budding "Gay Boy" in need of guidance that Brian had taken under his wing and then he experiences the barely controlled rage that is permeating every fiber of Brian's being when he asks what happened to Justin's eyes.

He would never have dreamed that the mighty Brian Kinney would ever fall in love. Let alone fall in love with a teenager. Although an admittedly gorgeous teenager-a teenager never the less.

"So Dylan what do you think?"

"I think I need more than two minutes to examine his eyes before I can answer that question."

In an attempt to distract both Brian and an obviously distraught Justin, Dylan begins to make small talk. "So it's been awhile, how have you been? "

Brian looks up at Dylan with the distinct look on his face that says only one thing, "Are you crazy?"

Seeing Brian's reaction Dylan discretely motions toward the obviously distraught teen. Catching on Brian responds, "Been better, but overall not bad. How is Dakota?"

Justin, who until then has been unusually quiet, begins to respond to the matter of fact tone of Brian's voice, "Is Dakota your boyfriend?"

Laughing Duncan reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photo of a beautiful auburn haired 3-year-old girl. "That's Dakota and she's my daughter. Well legally and emotionally, but biologically she's my niece. Dakota is the product of a very brief affair…"

"Brief affair my ass. The one time that straight laced brother of your decides to have a one night stand and the condom breaks and the woman gets pregnant."

Laughing Dylan continues to talk as if Brian had never spoken. "To be honest both of them were terrified of being parents, but didn't want to end the pregnancy or let a stranger raise their child. While on the other hand I've always wanted children so I'm Dakota's daddy."

"Speaking of Duncan, how is he?"

"You tell me Brian. Every since I agreed to raise Dakota he doesn't come around much. Oh he still calls at least once a week, but the last visit was Christmas even though I know he's been in town at least four times since then. All of them to see you, so speaking of Duncan, how is he?"

Dylan's statement explains a lot about his first and favorite client's distraction during their last meeting. Brian decides to meddle in his old friends' lives. "Duncan is Duncan…You know Dylan planes, trains and automobiles do go from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia."

"So if Mohammed won't come to the mountain then the mountain should go to Mohammed. I hear you, Brian. I hear you. I'll give it some thought. I'm due some vacation time and Dakota's never been more that an hour away from Pittsburgh…Oh and Brian Dakota's my kid so of course she is the only perfect kid in Pittsburgh, maybe even the world."

Justin suddenly looks at Brian and then at Dylan and waits for it. In his head he's counting "Five, four, three, two…"

"That's impossible Doc. My kid holds that title." Handing Dylan the picture of him holding Gus, "Proof positive."

"Oh my God. Stop the presses the 'King of Queers' has reproduced." Looking carefully at the picture he amends his statement. "Make that cloned himself."

For a brief moment their combined laughter banishes the gloom and rage that had infused the room, but the respite is short lived as Justin begins to rub his eyes.

"Hey don't do that. Doctor's orders." Dylan reaches into his bag and retrieves some eye drops. "Tilt your head back Justin. These drops will do two things. They'll take the sting out and dilate your eyes so that I can perform a proper examination."

Brian is once again pacing as Justin has his latest Aidan-inflicted injury attended to. Anyone watching Brian would be hard pressed not to describe his movements as those of an enraged predator-his muscles are taunt, his eyes laser beam bright and his face totally devoid of emotion.

This is a Brian that Justin has never seen. This is a Brian that Justin fears. This is not his Brian. Justin wants and needs HIS Brian.

Justin trying to make Brian laugh again says, "I didn't know that doctor's still made house calls. So does Brian have some dirty pictures of you or something?"

The handsome thirty something doctor who has just finished rinsing Justin's eyes out and taking a sample of the blood that was thrown at him responds, "Actually he kind of saved my life and so I owe him."

"How?"

Not liking where the conversation is going Brian interrupts before Dylan can answer Justin's question, "So Doc, what's the verdict?

With a sly smile on his face and a not before offered chance to make the great Brian Kinney sweat Dylan turns to Brian, "Excuse me Mr. Kinney, but my patient asked me a question first, as any good doctor will tell you, the patient comes first."

Before Brian can object again, Dylan begins to relay their story.

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Ryder and Associates Board Room 1995

Brian Kinney is the new and rising star of the agency and has just given the presentation of his life to the fair-haired boy of Church Pharmaceuticals, Inc.-Duncan Church. Everyone is leaving to go have a "closing the deal drink", when Duncan stops Brian with a hand on his shoulder.

"Um excuse me, could I have a word in private with you?"

Brian is startled by the request because if there is any man who screams STRAIGHT it is the 38 year old Duncan Church. Six feet tall with graying and thinning red hair a fading athletic build with the beginnings of a paunch and in desperate need of a tan.

"Sure Mr. Church. I'm afraid this will have to do because my office is a cubicle and therefore not very private. How can I help you?"

"Well first of all this has absolutely nothing to do with business. I was told two things before I came to this agency; 1. That if I wanted to get a new and innovative campaign I wanted to get Ryder's newest hot shot-Brian Kinney; and 2. Kinney's gay. After this presentation I know that the first is true, what I want to know is if the second is true as well?"

For a moment Brian wonders if his gaydar is broken. His thoughts must have shown on his face because Duncan quickly adds, "I'm not trying to put the moves on you. I'm about as straight as you can get."

He and Brian simultaneously laugh and then Brian answers. "Your intel is true. I'm gay. Why do you care?"

Again laughing Duncan adds, "Actually there were three things. My sources also say that you are an arrogant son-of-a-bitch and unapologetically so."

Growing a little inpatient Brain again repeats his question. "Why do you care?"

The pharmaceutical executive, who until now has been almost as arrogant and self-assured as the young ad exec, suddenly becomes nervous and unsure of how to continue. Clearing his throat he begins to answer, "I care because my younger brother…well actually half brother is also gay. He's a resident at Carnegie Med…"

"Wait a minute you're asking me out for your little brother?"

"No! God no!…Okay that didn't come out right." Taking a deep breath Duncan begins again. "Brian you are a successful self-assured man and from everything I have found out relatively well adjusted and very comfortable with your sexuality."

"So."

"I want you to help my brother to be like you."

Shocked Brian all but shouts, "Let me get this straight you want me to teach your brother how to be a good fag."

"I wouldn't have put it exactly that way, but yes…I want you to teach my brother how to be a good fag…well not really a good fag, but how not to let being gay destroy him…Hell I'm still not saying this right."

Brian has the distinct look of a deer caught in headlights and is starting to shake his head both to say no to the outrageous request, as well as, in disbelief at his request. He is just about to verbally refuse Duncan Church's request when he begins to speak.

"Brian, I didn't come to Pittsburgh myself because I wanted to judge the presentation. I trust my staff to do that. I came to see my brother-Dylan. And what I saw not only shocked me, but terrified me. Duncan falls silent and his face takes on an eerie other worldly look.

Brian isn't sure what it means, but assumes that Duncan was disgusted by Dylan's lifestyle. "Look Mr. Church contrary to popular belief not all gays are alike and with the exception of fucking men every gay man is different. I'm sorry if your brother has chosen a segment of gay culture that doesn't meet your standards…"

"No Brian, you misunderstand. I love my brother unconditionally. I was 13 when he was born and our parents didn't have a lot of time for either of us and in many ways I raised him. I was shocked because he…I don't know. He's not handling it well. Brian he's lost weight, he seems terrified that people will find out and hate him. I know what caused it-my fucking stepmother. The cunt literally spit in his face when he told her."

As if the weight of the world was suddenly on his shoulders Duncan drops down into a nearby chair. "Then she proceeded to make sure that everyone of his friend's parents knew to ensure that he wasn't welcome in any of their homes. His best friend dumped him because his father threatened to cut him off if he continued to see Dylan."

The sound of laughter stops Duncan's rant, "I don't see anything funny about this."

"I'm laughing because now I understand a piece of Intel that I got."

"What?"

"Your stepmother suddenly moving from a penthouse on Central Park West to a small house in Connecticut and no more Docent at the MOMA, no more Metropolitan Opera box, and no more Sunday brunches at Tavern on the Green. You cut her off for what she did to her son."

With a very malicious smile Duncan leans back, "You don't know the half of what I did to that bitch. See she signed a pre-nuptial with my father that left her a lump sum trust fund at his death, with some very interesting provisions. The most important of them made me the trustee of the fund. I have to approve all extraordinary expenditures and I feel that designer dresses, penthouses, boxed seats and jewels are unnecessary. Last time I heard, she was trying to get some 80-year old real estate tycoon to marry her and if she does then another provision of the trust kicks in and the fund reverts to Dylan. "

"Remind me never to piss you off."

Again the two share a laugh. "Brian I want you to show him how to survive in your world. Show him how to build a new circle of friends. Hell, help him find another family like you have…"

"How do you know about my circle of friends and my family?'

Duncan guiltily looks at Brian, "I had you checked out after I saw Dylan. I guess I started formulating my plan then. I 'm sure you're pissed, but Dylan is the only family I care about. Look Brian Dylan is barely holding it together. He's lost weight, he doesn't go out other than to his shifts at the hospital. I am truly afraid that he's going to kill himself if he doesn't get a handle on this thing."

Brain starts to laugh, it progresses from a rumble in his chest to a loud boisterous almost maniacal shout. It takes Brian several moments to regain his composure. "Duncan, It is all right if I call you Duncan, isn't it?"

Duncan nods his consent.

"Duncan, you should get your money back from whomever checked me out. Most people in general frown upon my 'handle on this thing'; even my friends find my lifestyle questionable. I won't go into detail about it, but mine is not a typical style of fagdom, I am not apologizing for my life, but…"

"Brian that's it! I want you to show Dylan how to say 'Fuck You World. This is me. Love it leave it. Either way I don't give a shit!'"

"I don't think it something you can teach. Either you have it or you don't and it sounds like Dylan doesn't have it."

"Brian, Dylan use to have it. I think he has just misplaced it. His mother's rejection and the loss of Chris, his best friend, has got him floundering…I'll make it worth your while to show him around. Let him see that, there is another world out there to replace the one he's lost. Just name your price."

"My price is a signed three year contract with the agency that says I have to be your account rep and no one else or no deal. Agreed?"

"Two years with a first option for a third. Agreed?

Sticking out his hand Brian smiles and says, "Agreed."

"I'll arrange for you and Dylan to meet for dinner...say tonight at my hotel. Then…"

"No. Give me his number and I'll call him after you leave town. Meanwhile spend as much time with him that you can. Remind him of who he used to be and that not everyone feels like his mother or is a coward like his friend, Chris."

"Thank you. I guess we had better go join our respective groups before they come looking for us."

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Two Weeks Later a small but tasteful apartment several blocks from The Carnegie University Medical Center

Brian is surprised by the appearance of Dylan Church. Duncan had told him that his younger brother was the product of his father's second marriage, but he somehow thought that Dylan and Duncan would look alike, but he was wrong. Where Duncan was tall and fair Dylan was 5'8" tall and olive skinned. Well I guess you would describe them both, as being red haired Duncan's was of the Ron Howard/Opie variety and Dylan's sable brown with lots of red highlights. There was not an ounce of fat on his spare swimmer's body, but by far it was his wide full lips and brilliant moss green eyes that made him an undeniable beauty. Even with their haunted almost dead look his eyes were incredible.

"Hi. I'm Brian Kinney." Extending his hand to the young man standing in the doorway.

Dylan had to swallow twice before he could respond. He couldn't believe his eyes. Standing before him was the most beautiful man he had ever seen. He was sure that if he were to look up Sex in the encyclopedia there would be a picture of this man complete with diagrams of his body and an entire pullout dedicated to his mouth. Duncan had described Brian as bright and ambitious and as an after thought he had said he's good looking enough." My big brother Duncan "The Master Of Understatement."

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts Dylan finally responds, "Hello, I'm Dylan, won't you come in?" Stepping out of the doorway. "Help yourself to something from the bar. I need to grab a jacket and then we can go."

Dylan thinking that Brian is getting a drink from the living room bar heads for his bedroom and a jacket, so he is startled when Brian reaches, over his head to grab a brightly colored Versace shirt and a pair of black cashmere dress slacks from his closet. He hands them to Dylan. "Put these on. That outfit looks like shit. Brown is not your color. You look like a walking turd. Oh and wash that moose out your hair. Buy some gel. It'll keep you from having that Ted Koppel helmet hair look. Ditch the loafers this ain't fucking Andover. Put on some real shoes or boots. Anything but those fucking loafers."

Although stunned and offended Dylan complies. Entering the living room, with wet hair, he extends his arms from his body to give Brian an unobstructed view of his outfit.

"Better."

"Why'd you change?"

"What? You told me to change. You said…"

"Why do you give a fuck what I said."

"Huh?"

"Look Dylan you don't know me from a hole in the wall. Why do you give a shit what I think of your outfit and hair? You should have told me to fuck off and get out."

"So my hair and outfit were fine before?"

"No everything I said was true, but you didn't even question it…Why do you think I'm here?"

"Duncan says that you'll help me to meet people in the gay community and the business world. Show me the ropes so to speak."

Sitting down on the sofa and shaking his head in disgust Brian tells Dylan in detail about his conversation with Duncan and then gives him a choice. "Look you can get off the fucking cross and get on with your life or you can keep being a spineless faggot and fade into the woodwork or you could really be a totally gutless twat and kill yourself. Give me a call if you decide to grow a pair. I'll show you around Liberty Avenue and introduce you to some people in the community. If you go for one of the other options I'll send nice flowers to the funeral. Hope you like orchids. It's up to you."

It took Dylan almost three weeks to call Brian. When they finally met for dinner, if not for the beautiful green eyes and full mouth Brian would have thought he were meeting a totally different man.

Dylan was wearing brown, specifically a pair of custom made Marino wool cocoa colored slacks and matching cashmere sweater and Italian loafers. He looked perfect.

"Hey Dylan, I like the outfit. Nice shoes. Still too much moose in your hair."

Giving Brian a big shit-eating grin, "Fuck you Kinney. Let's order. I'm starving."

Nodding his head in amused approval Brian picks up his menu and begins to order. "Don't order too much. I'm going to take you to meet Debbie at Liberty diner and she'll be offended if you don't eat and believe me you don't want to offend Debbie."

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Focusing on the present Brian smiles despite the situation. Nobody would ever believe that the self-assured, handsome, openly gay, world-renowned ocular surgeon, yes dressed in brown was ever a repressed in the closet fag with thoughts of suicide. "Okay that's enough ancient history. Get on with it."

"Well, you did good rinsing his eyes. They may be slightly irritated for a couple of days, but other than that he should be fine, but just in case I'm going to prescribe some eye drops that should take care of any residual inflammation and irritation"

"What about the blood?"

Dropping the sample collected from Justin's clothes into a vile retrieved from his bag and gently shaking it Dylan answers, "All I can tell you for sure is that it's not human. Judging from the reaction I'm getting I'd say it was pig's blood. He probably bought it at a butcher shop or a slaughter house."

Standing and heading for the bathroom Justin declares this news to be "Gross" and then states, "I'm going to take a shower."

Both Brian and Dylan look concerned, as this will be the fourth shower that Justin has taken since the attack.

Brian stops Justin before he can reach the bathroom by wrapping his arms around the retreating youth. Kissing Justin's neck then his ear Brian begins to speak softly and directly into Justin's ear, "Baby. Listen to me. No more showers. They won't make you feel better. They won't take away the fear. I know I said this before, but you can believe it he WON'T get near you again. I assumed he would respond like a rational person. You were right. He's insane. I should have paid attention to you and Deb. Now that I know what I'm dealing with I know how to fight back."

Turning Justin in his arms so that they are face to face Brian's words intensify. "It stops now. It's okay. You don't have to be brave for me or anyone else. Justin. It's okay to cry."

This is HIS Brian! The one he loves and the one he knows will take care of him. Feeling safe for the first time since the attack Justin lays his head on Brian's shoulder and begins to sob.

Across the room the forgotten doctor, not wanting to intrude on Brian and Justin's privacy, quietly packs his bag and heads for the door. Just before exiting the loft Dylan takes one last look at the couple who is now passionately kissing and thinks, "Don't fuck this up Kinney. Love like that doesn't come along very often. It's damned near impossible to find someone who loves you that much."

Once outside the door Dylan takes out his cell phone and punches the number one. "Yeah D., I'm done…No… I won't be going into the hospital…I'm on my way home…and Drake did you remember to give Dakota a kiss from her other daddy for me…Good…Yeah Baby, I'm on my way home. I'm at the car, now. I'll see you in a few."

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Back inside the loft

Justin's tears slowly subside, but Brian continues to hold the still trembling teen. As he holds him he slowly runs his hands up and down his young lover's back. The soothing motion solicits loud, sensual sighs from Justin.

The sighs give way to the sound of soft kisses. Kisses deposited by the now horny teen. "Brian, when will everyone else be here?"

"Around midnight. Why?"

"I need to feel safe. I need you to make love to me. I need to…"

He is silenced by Brian's mouth covering his in an all consuming kiss. By the time they come up for air Justin and Brian are both shirtless and Justin's pants are open. Brian's hands are cupping the blond beauties perfect ass.

"Do we have enough time?"

"If they get here before we finish they can just fucking wait downstairs until we're done. Now tell me exactly what you want."

"I need to feel you inside me."

"No Baby. TELL me what you want."

A smile slowly spreads across Justin's face as he realizes what Brian is telling him. "Kiss me."

Brian moves maddeningly slow towards Justin's mouth, but finally their lips meet. Instead of a crushing, all consuming kiss Brian places soft feather light kisses on his Sonnyboy's mouth. After each kiss he changes the position of his head. The only sound that can be heard in the loft is the slight smack made as their lips part.

Justin is stunned at how sensual and arousing the soft gentle kisses are, but he is also wondering why Brian isn't doing more. He never goes this slowly. He emits a frustrated groan and finally demands more. "Bri I want more."

"Tell me Justin."

Momentarily confused Justin finally remembers that he is supposed to be directing their actions. "Brian I want you to take my breath away."

The usual smoldering look in Brian's eyes is tinged with something else. Brian brings their mouths together and begins to kiss Justin, but rather than the usual kiss this one is different.

Brian takes a deep breath and then follows directions, verbatim. He begins to kiss Justin and inhales literally taking Justin's breath away. Justin feels a moment of panic and then Brian exhales filling the teens lungs. They kiss this way for what seems like hours, but in reality less than 5 minutes have passed. Justin is lightheaded and staggers backward when Brian finally ends their kiss.

Justin finds himself suddenly floating in the air, swept off his feet by Brian and carried to the waiting bed.

Once finished undressing the teen and himself, starting at Justin's feet he begins his full on assault, designed to take Justin's breath away. He slowly sucks one toe into his hot hungry mouth and then another. In between he nips and kisses the soles of the teen's feet.

The sounds that are emanating from his Baby spur him on. He kisses his way up the inside of Justin's legs he finally reaches the teen's super heated and profusely drooling cock. Realizing that if he were to touch his Baby's cock now the teen would cum almost instantly. Instead, Brian begins to lap at his balls. First he lovingly baths one then the other. Returning to the right orb he sucks it into his mouth. Then consciously relaxing his jaw Brian does the totally unexpected and sucks the other orb into his mouth. He then begins to gingerly bathe both of the sensitive orbs with a very well trained tongue.

Fear, arousal, awe, and pleasure wage war inside Justin. Pleasure wins out, but Brian has miscalculated for the next sounds he hears are those of Justin shooting seemingly endless streams of cum and gasping for air.

Brian holds Justin as he recovers from the intense climax. Once the teen finally recovers he looks at Brian. "Holy shit. Where'd you learn that?!…And why haven't you done that before?"

"Well you've never asked me to take your breath away before."

Giving Brian a patent pending Sunshine smile. "You didn't follow orders."

"What? You said take your breath away and I distinctly remember you having a hard time in that department…"

"Yeah, but I also told you that I wanted you inside of me."

Quickly rolling on top of Justin, Brian let's out a booming laugh that fills the loft, "I was wondering when you would remember that…So I don't follow orders, Huh?"

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As usual Michael is the fist to arrive, but when he and David buzz, a new requirement per Brian's insistence, they are told to wait. Fifteen minutes later a shirtless and dripping wet Brian opens the door with his arm draped around a similarly dressed Justin with obviously sex swollen lips and red irritated, but oddly bright eyes. Seeing that it is Michael and David, Justin goes to the bedroom to get dressed.

Michael instantly knows why he and David had to wait.

"Jesus, Brian do the two of you fuck as a solution to everything?"

Brian simply follows the status quo and ignores Michael's sniping. "Mikey why don't you and David make yourselves useful? Set up the bar. Use Justin's stash of junk food in the top cupboard for snacks."

Justin comes back into the room just as Brian finishes giving Mikey his instructions. "No not my stash. There's Brie and Cheddar in the fridge and crackers in the cupboard. We can put that out instead."

"It's Brian's house and his money and his food. He said to serve your junk…"

"Justin, you're right I forgot that we went shopping this morning. You can serve whatever you want except the strawberries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream…Mikey go on sit down and let Justin do his job and play hostess."

Talking to Brian's back as he heads for the bedroom, "Brian I don't mind…"

David finally speaks. "Michael. Justin is the host. You are a guest. Come on let's sit and wait for the others. Sullenly Michael complies. Could he possibly know about last week? I hope I did the right thing.

Justin passes by Michael with a triumphant smile on his face as he places cheese and crackers of the breakfast bar and sounding more like 8 than 18 says, "Have one Mikey?"

Yeah it was the right thing. Definitely and Brian would never have chosen him over me. Fuck buddy or not.

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Two hours later in Brian's loft the "family" is all gathered plus a few others.

"Brian, I don't know what else you can do. You take him to and from school, he lives with you and when you're not with him he has not one, but two bodyguards. What else do you plan to do…go back to high school so you can take classes with him?"

Brian is seated on the floor with his arms wrapped around Justin who is sitting with his back to him between his spread legs. "Look Mikey. I plan to do whatever it takes to keep Justin safe. You act as if this is his fault. He's the innocent in all of this or don't you believe that?"

Justin is surprised to hear Brian chastise Michael for sniping at him. Usually he pretends not to hear it. Not believing what he is about to say Justin speaks up, "Brian, Michael is right. You've done everything possible to keep him away from me and nothing works. You can't do this for the rest of out lives. There's got to be another way."

Michael suddenly looks like he has just sucked a lemon. What the fuck does he mean "the rest of our lives"? He's no more than a passing trick. A temporary fuck buddy. Yeah. I definitely did the right thing.

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Earlier in a slaughterhouse across town

"Well Mr. Brady you seem to have thought that I was joking."

"How'd you find me? This is kidnapping." Exhibiting one of his famous mood changes. Aidan is suddenly calm. "Cut the chit chat and throw the blood on me already. I have things to do. People to…well that's my business now isn't it?"

"Matt. I'm not sure this is a good idea. I know you're angry about what he did to Justin and so am I, but this is a little extreme. I don't think you're being rational."

Turning to Luke, Matthew answers his concerned lover. "If I weren't being rational this son-of-a-bitch would be dead or in the hole of a cargo ship on his way to parts unknown. Instead I'm just going to give him a taste of his own medicine."

Aidan suddenly begins to yell at the pair. "Hey, you Hercules…Not you Fabio. The other one…"

Matthew turns very icy and cold black eyes toward Aidan. Seeing the seemingly lifeless dark orbs almost causes Aidan to lose his nerve, but he remembers his father's words. "Winners never show fear and they never back down."

Swallowing hard he pushes forward. "You love the Viking, don't you? Well he's going to pay for your actions. I wonder if you'll love him with acid burns all over his pretty face."

Matthew takes several steps toward Aidan, who takes just as many steps back. Luke shivers slightly because he knows that Aidan has inadvertently turned on "The Pale Rider." At least that's what Matt's friends from his police days call him. Luke supposes that it is a little more polite than simply calling him Death.

In a monotone voice that seems to be several octaves lower that his normal speaking voice Matt slowly responds. "If you so much as touch one hair on his head or lay so much a finger on him, there will not be enough of you left for an autopsy let alone identification. Oh I forgot your DNA is in the federal database so they'll be able to identify you. Just in case you doubt what I'm saying to you…go on-line. Look at the front page of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 8, 1991.

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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Prosecution Fails to Prove Case

May 8, 1991

Pittsburgh, PA-Metropolitan Pittsburgh Police officer Lt. Matthew Parker Tyson-Penn, the youngest lieutenant in the history of the force, was exonerated today of all charges stemming from the 1990 slaying of Erik Zakariah "EZ" Mason when the grand jury failed to indict.

Tyson-Penn is a descendant of William Penn and steel baron Alexander Tyson and a Summa cum Laude graduate of The University of Pennsylvania Law School. Mason was a reputed peddler of under aged male prostitutes. Mason was believed to have been murdered by Tyson-Penn because of the brutal assaults of four young men resulting in the deaths of three. Although a body was never found-only four bone fragments and ten drops of blood in and near an industrial incinerator. Extensive DNA test determined that the remains belonged to Mason.

Although the District Attorney's office presented a credible case for sufficient motive, the grand jury determined that there was insufficient evidence to place Tyson-Penn at the scene of the crime and almost none for the commission of murder.

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Ten years earlier the master bedroom of Matt's apartment

"Matt, I love you and I trust you. No matter what your answer to this question is, but…Did you do it? Did you kill him?"

Placing a very soft kiss on Luke's perfect porcelain skin. "No Baby. I didn't kill him, but I made sure that people who would kill him knew where to find him and why they should."

"What?"

"He was more than just a pimp. He also dealt drugs and laundered money. He was also a police informant. I let the wrong people in on that last little bit of information and they killed him."

"So you had him killed because of what he did to me?"

"Yes and no."

"Huh?"

"Luke you were the lucky one. Listen. There are some things that you don't know about that night. Most of what you think you remember is actually things that the doctor or I have told you. Remember I told you that the guys you were with got a little rough and that's how you got the fractured skull and ended up in the coma?"

"Yeah, but I'm guessing that that's not totally true."

"No. You went to EZ and told him that you were quitting and going into the group home I found for you. He told you it was okay, but wanted you to do one last party and you agreed…without telling me, I might add…You weren't the only one he invited to the party…"

Luke's body suddenly stiffens then goes totally limp-a convulsion. At one time he was having anywhere from 10- 20 a day now he has them only during times of stress. The doctors say that eventually they'll all go away.

"That's it. Talk over."

"No. Please. Matt, finish it. I'm okay. That's the first one I've had in over a month. Please, Matt. Please I'm okay. I'm okay, besides it's been almost two years and I need to know."

"All right, but another convulsion and I stop."

"Okay."

"As I was saying you weren't the only one that he invited to the party. There were three others-Bobby E., Little Mark and Dizzy D. I'm sorry, but I don't know their real names. Anyway to EZ you were all troublemakers that needed to be taught a lesson. EZ saw a way to do that and make money at the same time. The son-of-a-bitch was paid $100,000 for setting up the party…I guess the best way to describe the party was no holds barred…in the end it turned into a "snuff party", if there is such a thing. Well anyway after…"

Luke once again stiffens, but doesn't go lax. "Talk over."

"No, Matt it wasn't a convulsion. It was a memory. Dizzy he…They slit his throat because…because he wouldn't stop screaming while they…"

This time it is another convulsion. It was long and sustained and was followed by four others in rapid succession. Fifteen minutes later an ambulance was taking the shaken 19 years old back to the hospital. The same place where he spent three weeks in a coma and still went twice a week for sessions with a trauma psychiatrist. The same hospital that tried for 12 hours to save Little Mark after he was basically disemboweled and where Bobby E. died three weeks after the party from the third degree burns the covered over 40% of his body.

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Three days later Matt's master bedroom

"If I promise not to spazz out on you again. Could we finish our talk?"

"No. The last time we TALKED you ended up in the hospital."

"Please Matt. Please I need you to fill in the missing pieces. I talked to Dr. Young and he said it was okay. I just spazzed out because I wasn't prepared for what you were saying, but now that I know what's coming I should be okay. Please Matt…"

"Okay. No narrative, I'll only answer specific questions instead, but I reserve the right to ignore questions I feel you aren't ready to deal with."

"Okay. You said I was the lucky one. What happened to the others?"

"They didn't make it."

"No Matt. What happened to them? I know that they cut Dizzy's throat, but what about the others?"

"L. Baby, it was pretty gruesome. You don't need to know the details, but I will tell you this. Bobby E., Little Mark and you were all alive when they found you, but you were all in such bad shape that no one thought that you would live…"

This time it is Matt whose whole body tightens. The memory of the blood and the stench from Bobby's burned flesh and Little Marks bowels, but for Matthew the worst was the pale blond hair strewn all over the floor pulled out by the roots. Some with bloody clumps of scalp still attached.

"Matt...Matt what happened to me? I mean I know that I had a head injury, but how?"

Tightening his hold on the youth he now knows is the love of his life. "No. I will not tell you anything about that. If you remember one of these days then we'll talk about it, otherwise we will never discuss it. Period."

But in his mind he can still hear the doctor saying, "As best we can tell after the rape they stomped and kicked him repeatedly in the head, chest and back. You know about his head wounds and the mutilation, but the majority of his ribs, his sternum and collarbone were also broken. He's lucky the skull fracture is relatively small and clean…there is almost no inter-cranial bleeding or brain trauma…the spine and internal organs are all intact with a minimal of damage, but he's still in a coma…"

"Okay. One more question?"

"Yeah. One more."

"Who killed EZ?"

"I'm not sure…It could be one of five guys that he stole from or turned into the cops. I made sure that they all knew who had turned on them…Baby by doing this I broke the law so I…I quit the force. I knew when I set EZ up that I wouldn't be able to continue as a cop, but I couldn't quit until the investigation was over and the grand jury decision or else they might have considered it an admission of guilt. This way I can quit without recriminations."

"What are you going to do now?"

"Don't worry Baby, I'm a Tyson remember? We can live off my trust fund for the rest of our lives and still leave a substantial estate, but that's not my style. I'll find something. Hell I might even use my law degree. After all I am a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar. Who knows?

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Once again focusing on the present, Matthew then turns back to Aidan smiles, reaches up and pulls a chain suspended from the slaughterhouse ceiling, takes Luke by the hand, and leaves.

The sound of Aidan screaming as hundreds of pounds of putrid pig and cow innards and waste raining down on him causes Matthew to smile. Suddenly he stops and says to Luke, "Damn! I meant to bring a camera so that Justin could see him covered in blood and the like. Damn! Well they say the memory is the first thing to go."

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Back in Brian's loft

"I know that we can't live our lives like this and you're right this has got to stop."

Did Brian just say "we and our lives?" Maybe I did fuck up? I have to talk to Brian and tell him what happened. He'll believe me over Aidan. What the fuck am I thinking? Brian will never find out and we'll be rid of the little snot and his phony ass smile. Besides he's 18 and belongs with his own family, not with MY family.

Matthew, seated at the breakfast bar says, "Well Brian everything is set on our end. Have you talked to Justin yet?"

"Talked to me about what?"

Brian had hoped to have this conversation with Justin in private, because he knows Justin won't be agreeable to the plans that he, Matthew and Luke have made.

"Later, Baby."

The room becomes deafeningly quiet and Emmett's eyes are suddenly the size of saucers, but before he can comment on the casually uttered endearment Melanie speaks up. "Did you just call him…"

Justin ever protective of his lover hurriedly continues. "Brian, I'd rather know now."

"Okay, You're going away for a few days…well…a week actually."

"Brian I can't do that. I have school."

"You have a semester break that starts next Friday. You'll…"

"But, we were going to…"

"I know we'll still do that, later."

Still stinging from Brian's chastisement and the ever growing evidence that Brian and Justin have become "Brian and Justin" and having spent the last 20 minutes watching Brian hold and cuddle Justin, curiosity and jealousy gets to Michael and he asks, "What were the two of you going to do?"

Everyone with the exception of David, Justin and Brian simultaneously answers Michael's question "They were going to the Bahamas." Justin enjoys the stunned look on Michael's face.

Michael sullenly crosses his arms over his chest and mutters, "Fuck."

David is the only one who hears the outburst and whispers a response. "Why do you care Michael? Wishing it were you?" Michael pretends not to hear the older man.

"Michael?"

"Later. Okay. Later."

Steering the conversation back to the problem at hand Luke addresses Justin, "Well Justin it won't be the Bahamas, but I think you'll like where we are going."

"We?"

"Yep, just you and me. We're going to a booksellers' conference in New York. I'll be signing copies of my latest book and participating on a few panels. While I'm doing that you can attend some of the seminars."

Sensing that arguing with Brian, Matthew and Luke about this would be a lost cause Justin paste what he hopes is a convincing smile on his face and says, "Cool." Turning to Brian he's says, "And what will you and Matthew be doing?"

Matthew answers, "We'll be putting and end to this. Once and for all."

Suddenly Justin remembers Aidan's threat 'You or them. Choose', "Brian I can't leave. Aidan will just go after my family. I won't put them in danger. I can't…"

"Justin. Nothing's going to happen to your family. I talked to Jennifer and she and Craig are going to go on a second honeymoon that week and Molly is going to stay with your grandparents. They'll be safe."

Debbie has finally figured out what "her wild child" has planned and voices her concern, "Wait a minute is that why Michael gave me and Vic those tickets to go see my sister?"

Brian and Michael exchange guilty looks.

"Is everyone leaving town? Well…I'm waiting."

Guilty murmurs can be heard throughout the room.

"Brian, I know that you want to keep Sunshine safe, but with him and his family and the rest of us out of reach Aidan is going to come after you. Before you say it…I know that you can take care of yourself, but …he's a madman and you've never had to deal with someone like that before."

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Meanwhile in another part of town Joey is also dealing with another enraged predator

Joey ducks as a lead crystal vase comes flying by his head. Aidan's latest tirade has lasted for more than an hour. He can't blame him for being upset after all he had to trash his new Hugo Boss leather jacket, Prada shoes, jeans and t-shirt and he must have the front seats of the Jeep replaced and the entire vehicle detailed. All because of Brian's Twink's bodyguards, but if he keeps this up he is going to destroy the house.

Reluctantly Joey speaks, "Aidan. Please stop. This isn't going to make anything better. It's just going to cost us more money. Look at what you've done to our home. Are they really worth destroying everything we own?"

*I'm getting tired of this. Leave him. Or else. Listen to me.*

Aidan stops throwing things and turns to Joey, "For once you're right. I've only been toying with them, but now I get serious."

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Justin absently begins to rub his eyes, Brian noticing Justin's apparent discomfort whispers in his ear, "Baby, go put the drops that Dylan prescribed in yours eyes. They're in the bathroom."

Debbie is not the only one who is reluctant to leave Brian alone with a madman.

"Justin. Go on. Go take care of your eyes. You won't miss anything important."

Getting up and heading to the bathroom Justin stuns everyone in the room, but especially Brian, "I'm going to the bathroom, but I'm not going to New York. I don't give a fuck what you say."

Astonished and angry at the youth's defiance, Brian starts to follow Justin, but is stopped by Luke.

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Brian's bathroom

Justin, terrified of what might happen to Brian without anyone here to protect him is so focused on his thoughts that he doesn't hear Luke enter the bathroom.

"You okay?"

Startled Justin turns around just in time to see Luke closing the bathroom door. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you. We need to talk."

"About New York."

"Yeah, among other things."

Getting a little nervous Justin turns to Luke who is now using the closed toilet as a chair and asks, "What kind of other things?"

"Okay first relax. Second, you ARE going to New York. Third, no I'm not going to ask you for sex while we're in New York. Understand?"

Laughing self-consciously because those ARE just the topics that he thought Luke wanted to talk about. Justin smiles at the muscular blond and says, "Yes to one, no to two and why not to three."

Also laughing Luke answers the why not. "You belong to Brian and I belong to Matthew."

"Now do you understand? Oh and YES! You are going to New York. This is not up for discussion. Understand?"

"No. I don't understand. Why can't Brian and I go to the Bahamas and let Matthew do his thing? Since when does a bodyguard let his client get into harms way?"

"You're right you don't understand. He never explained anything to you about us, did he? God, I always thought that Matt and Brian were separated at birth, but now I'm sure of it."

"What do you mean?"

"Justin, Brian is paying our bill, but you are officially the client. Well actually, you, Gus and Lindsey are our clients. Until recently, Brian hadn't had any protection."

"Well why can't things stay the same? Except for tonight, which was more scary than anything else, I've been safe. There's no need for me to…"

"You're wrong. Matt has spent the last week checking on Aidan's background. Whatever he found triggered this plan and our trips…Justin, you and I are Matt and Brian's Achilles heels. They can't be at their best with us around."

"You sound like Matthew is sending you away, too."

"He is. Aidan has threatened me, too."

"You mean Matthew's afraid that Aidan might hurt you? But you're a bodyguard and you carry a gun."

"No I don't. As for being a bodyguard, I only work low-level cases and only with Matt. I actually had to beg for him to let me on this case. I'm more of an administrator in the company. Anyway Matt is more afraid of what he'll do to Aidan if he somehow gets lucky and actually hurts me. They both are."

Finally rising form his seat on the closed toilet. "Look Justin, they need us safe so that they can, as you put it, 'do their thing.' Right now we are liabilities and in many ways just as dangerous to them as Aidan. Now do you understand why we have to go to New York?"

"Yeah, now I understand. Can I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure."

"How long were you and Matthew together before he started talking to you? You know what I mean…communicating his feelings? That sort of thing."

Smiling Luke begins to calculate out loud. "Let's see I'm 29 and I met Matt when I was 17…we became lovers when I was 18 so…um…Yeah…Still waiting."

"You mean he still doesn't…"

"Nope. Well not that kind of heart-to-heart-spill-your-guts communication, but if I listen to what he does say and add it to his actions I usually can figure out where his head is and what he needs from me. I'm thinking that it's the same between you and Brian."

Justin thinks about how often he and Lindsey talk about 'Brianese' and nods his agreement.

"So no more arguments about New York?"

The fight having gone out of Justin he simply shakes his head.

"Good. You know I look at you and see myself. You and I are a lot alike."

Trying to make up for his earlier insult of thinking that Luke wanted to use him for sex Justin jokes, "You mean blond and gorgeous."

Giving Justin his sought after response Luke laughs and says, "Well that goes without saying, but seriously…I met Matthew when I was 17 and he was 29…He was…"

Justin interrupts, "Your first?"

"No, but I wish that he was. My first was with this jock from my high school football team. It wasn't anything to write home about. I'll tell you that story another time maybe on our way to New York…What I was going to say is that he was a police officer working vice and doing volunteer work at the local boys club and I had gotten picked up for shoplifting."

"What'd you steal? Clothes? Jewelry?"

"No. Food."

Luke lets his answer hang in the air as the memories of his youth come flooding back to him.

"My mother died in a car crash when I was 12 and my father drank himself to death 4 years later and being gay in the foster care system is not a pleasant experience so I was living on the street. Occasionally turning tricks. Doing whatever I had to do to survive. Matthew picked me up and found me a place to live-a group home for gay kids and he came by often to check on me…well anyway to make a long story short on my eighteenth birthday we became lovers. I told Matthew I loved him that night, but it took almost three years for him to tell me that he loved me. I spent a lot of nights crying and wondering if I would ever hear those words from him, but now that I'm older I know that he loved me almost from the start. He just used actions rather than words to show me his love. Justin, Brian loves you. If you ever doubt it think about this last month and especially about tonight."

"I know Brian cares, but love me…Sometimes I think yes…then others…I don't know."

"Justin. While the doctor was taking care of your eyes Brian called Matthew and told him about the attack. Well, we told you what Matt did to Aidan for that, but we didn't tell you what Brian wanted to do."

"What?"

"Brian wanted to have Aidan disappear."

Stunned Justin all but shouts, "You mean killed?"

"No. Not killed, but what he wanted in some respects is worse than death."

"I don't understand."

"Have you ever watched any of those cheesy movies about the white slave trade?"

"Yeah. So?"

"Well Justin they do exist and women aren't the only ones that get sold. I told you Matthew used to be a cop. Well he owns his own security firm now and he deals with people all over the world some of them aren't exactly of the best character. It could have been done. As a matter of fact it took me almost an hour to talk them out of doing it. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

"I'm not sure? You mean Brian wanted to have Aidan kidnapped and sold into slavery?"

"Yes. Still think that he doesn't love you. By the way all those trips that everyone is taking…"

"Yeah."

"Brian is paying for them ALL. Not just yours, but Debbie's and Emmett's and Lindsey and Mel's and even Ted's trip. He's paying for everything. Hell he's even paying for your parent's second honeymoon."

Stunned by what he has heard Justin looks at Luke in confusion and says, "But...he and my dad hate each other."

"Maybe, but he loves you more."

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Meanwhile back in the living room

"What Sunshine said goes double for me. Brian I am not going to let this sick asshole run me out of town and besides what if he doesn't go after you or decides to wait longer than a week. How long are we supposed to hide? Forget it. I'm staying put…Michael don't say a word."

Michael attempts to change Debbie's mind, "But, Mom…"

"I said not…a…word."

Regressing to the age of 12 Michael responds, "Yes ma'am."

Melanie begins to speak, "Well…I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm not leaving either. Brian before you go ballistic hear me out. Lindsey and Gus are going to go, but I'm staying and if this psycho tries to get anywhere near me he is going to find out first hand just how dangerous lawyers really are."

"…Um while we're on the subject Ted and I were discussing it and decided that a trip to Florida this time of year would just be too gauche. We're staying, too."

Ted being Ted interjects his own spin on things, "Besides this guy only goes after people you care about. I figure that I'm TOTALLY safe."

Brian turning to David and Michael, "Well?"

David does the honors, "We're still going. I've been dieing to get Michael back up to the cabin. I'm not passing up this opportunity."

"Good at least four of you will be out of the way. As for the rest of you…fine you want to stay then stay, but just remember to stay the FUCK away from me."

Just as Brian makes his announcement Justin and Luke return from the bathroom. "Well if they're staying then I can stay too." Reminding him of the mass choir at his family church everyone in the room responds in unison, "NO!"

Return to Twins Redux