The Nature of Things

Chapter 12

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Two days later Justin had moved into Ted's apartment. Emmett had arranged everything and even gone to Casey's to pick up the rest of his stuff. Justin was grateful that he didn't have to go back there.

He'd gone to the clinic and gotten a thorough exam. Other than the bruises, there wasn't much the doctor could tell. To be safe they did an HIV test and tests for other STDs as well. He wouldn't know his results for a few more days now.

He just couldn't shake this nagging feeling that there was more to this than he could recall.

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Brian had just opened a granola bar when Lindsay let herself in. Storming across the room, she dropped the cat in his lap and turned to leave.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"Bringing that evil little creature home."

"She isn't home. Her home is with you." Brian pushed the cat back at her.

"No, Gus is terrified of her. That fucking cat turned into a psychotic demon the second you left the house. Gus won't even go into his room now. He's afraid of her."

"Well she can't come back here."

"She can, she will and she has. Congratulations, Dad, it's a girl."

"What the fuck am I supposed to do with a cat?"

"Drop her down a fucking garbage chute for all I care. But if you bring her to my house again, I'll rip your balls off and shove them down your throat."

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"What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Picking up Justin's things, you little creep."

"Where is he?"

"Now why the fuck would I tell you that? Stay away from him, Casey, or I'll tell Brian exactly what you've been up to."

"And just what is it you think I've been doing."

"I don't think anything, I know."

"Get out of my house."

"I'd be happy to." Emmett paused before shutting the door. "Oh and if I see you so much as breathing near Justin again, I'll have your balls for dinner."

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Casey let himself in and plopped on the couch, turning on the tv while he waited. He'd just opened a beer and helped himself to some chips when Craig got home.

"I had a little visit from Justin's bodyguard today."

"So Brian finally shows his face."

"Not Brian. Emmett Honeycutt."

"He's not part of the plan."

"Well he just made himself part of it. What do you want me to do about it?"

"Has Justin figured out what you've been doing?"

"No. But it seems Emmett has an idea."

"Stay low for a bit. When things calm down some I'll call you. I'm going by to see Molly tomorrow. Maybe she'll tell me something about Justin and we'll know how to proceed from there."

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Molly was sleeping on the couch when Craig sat down next to her and kissed the top of her head. Frightened she screamed and Jennifer came running.

"Damnit Craig, I told you not to frighten her."

"I was just kissing her, Jen."

"She's been raped. You can't just go up to her while she's sleeping and kiss her. She's been through the most traumatic thing that will ever happen to her."

"I know that Jen. I just was trying to comfort my daughter."

"Stop it. I'm not a baby. Yes, Dad scared me, but I'm okay now. Just stop fighting."

Jennifer held her daughter's hand for a moment and then dropped it and left the room silently.

"Dad, what are you doing here? I told you I was fine and I didn't need you to come."

"You're my daughter and I love you. Isn't that enough?"

"No, it isn't. Justin's your son, and you never once came to the hospital after he was bashed. We're both your children, Dad."

"He gave up being my son the day he chose that disgusting lifestyle."

"It wasn't a choice. It's who he is, Dad. I think you should go."

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Then I am. Mom, I'm going to group."

Jennifer met Molly at the door and accepted her kiss. Turning to Craig, she shook her head and left him standing alone in the living room.

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The man stayed ten steps behind Molly all the way to the bus stop. He sat down next to her on the bench and kept his eyes diverted from hers. He laughed to himself at how she unconciously moved away from him.

He could still taste her flesh. Being this close to her made him hard. He had to control himself, he couldn't afford for her to connect him with the attack.

Molly's heart pounded in her chest and her breath came in gasps as the man sat down on the bench. She wasn't sure what made her so nervous, but she was scared out of her mind. She wanted to run, but was more afraid that he would follow her than she was of sitting there.

The bus pulled up and Molly quickly got on and sat right behind the driver. The man headed for the back of the bus without looking her way.

"Damnit Molly, get hold of yourself," she told herself. She sank back into the seat and finally let herself breathe.

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Brian was trying to get the cat off of his Prada shoes when the intercom buzzed. He pushed the button allowing the door to open and slid the loft door open a crack. Going back to the cat he continued the arguement(argument).

"Look, I know that you think you are cute and all, but I don't do pussy. And I'm the only label queen in this house, so get the fuck off my Prada."

"Brian?"

He twirled around to find Molly standing in the doorway in tears. Closing the gap he pulled her into his arms and let her cry.

"What happened?"

"Nothing. I'm just stupid."

"You are not stupid, Moll. Take a deep breath and I'll fix you a drink."

"Thanks." She accepted the glass of whiskey and downed it in one gulp. "I needed that."

"I can see that. Now tell me what happened."

"I was waiting at the bus stop and this man sat down on the bench next to me."

"Did he try to hurt you?"

"No, he just sat down. It just felt weird. I freaked out. I was sure that he was going to attack me, but he just sat there reading his book until the bus came. I'm such a fucking idiot."

"Molly, you're just a little shaken up still. It's normal. Hell Cynthia couldn't even leave the house alone for months."

"I know she told me how good you were to her. You know Brian, I think that more people should see the real you."

They were interrupted by a small furball jumping into Brian's lap, stretching, kissing him with her cold, wet nose and then curling up and going to sleep.

Molly's laughter filled the loft and Brian suddenly realized just how much he missed her brother.

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