Of Friends

Of Friends and Feelings

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Friday! Tomorrow was Friday. All he had to do was get through this night and one more day of work, and he could get on a plane and be with Justin in New York. It had been a helluva long week.

Brian tossed around in his bed in the loft. It was almost midnight and then he could talk to Justin, maybe have a little phone sex, enough to tide him over until tomorrow night when they could finally be together. He was naked and horny as Hell, but he was proud of himself. He had gone the whole week without tricking. It had been difficult, excruciating at times, but he had done it.

After the first dew days of Justin's absence, things had settled into a bearable routine for the two of them. They put the miscommunication, the tricking and the fights behind them. Justin's schedule for his second week in New York was a little easier to handle. The nightly museum visits were over and he had a lot more free time, to be used for studio work. That meant that Brian and Justin could establish some consistent lines of communication. They agreed to call at midnight every night. That gave Brian time to do Woody's and Babylon, if he wanted to, and it gave Justin time with his new friends or to work in his studio area. They could both be in their beds and ready for phone sex when the other called.

It was Justin's turn to call this night, so Brian waited. He had nearly fucked everything up, tricking and drinking and drugging, the first week Justin was gone. They had fought and hurt each other. They had missed the opportunity to spend the last weekend together by being stubborn and intractable. Somehow, though, they had worked through all the crap. Brian could hardly wait to see Justin tomorrow.

The phone rang.

Brian quickly grabbed it and said, "Hey."

"Hi," Justin responded. Brian could hear the smile in his voice.

"One more day," Brian stated.

"I know. I can hardly wait."

"Me too."

"What did you do today?" Justin asked.

"Had dinner at Lindsay and Mel's. Played with Gus."

"I miss him," Justin said softly.

"He misses you too. Whenever he sees me, he expects you to be there too. He looks over my shoulder or around my leg to see where you are."

"He doesn't really understand, does he?"

"Not really. He just misses his playmate."

"That's sad."

"Yeah. I'm not half as much fun as you are," Brian joked.

"You're fun in other ways," Justin responded.

"Such as?"

"In bed."

"Oh? Is that all?"

"Dancing at Babylon."

"Umm."

"Playing pool."

"Uh huh."

"Scrabble."

"Now you're reaching," Brian laughed.

"Maybe a bit. I'm glad you went to see Gus."

"So am I. I've been there three times this week," Brian stated.

"Really?"

"I'm behaving myself."

"Good boy!"

"No tricks, no getting wasted," Brian said proudly.

"Wow!" Justin reacted.

"Is that all you have to say?"

"I'm impressed, and pleased," Justin admitted.

"Good. It hasn't been easy."

"I can imagine."

"But …" Brian hesitated.

"But what?"

"I am so desperate for you, I can't stand it."

"You say such sweet things, Mr. Kinney."

"I'm not kidding!" Brian almost yelled.

"I know, I know," Justin replied. "Let's see if we can help you."

"Please." Justin heard the need in Brian's voice.

"Lie back," Justin said. "Are you comfortable?"

"Except for my dick."

"Why?" Justin chuckled.

"It hurts. It wants you … so much."

"I'm there. I'm kissing the tip that way I do," Justin whispered.

"Umm. It jumped when you said that."

"In anticipation?"

"Yeah."

"I love your cock. Imagine it pressing against my hole."

"Mmmm!" Brian ached for his boy.

"Feel it drive in through the tightness."

Brian's hand encircled his cock, imagining it trapped inside of Justin instead of in his fist.

"You're pumping in and out. Feel the heat and friction."

Brian worked his hand up and down, listening to Justin's soft words. His breaths became short and rapid, as his orgasm approached. "How are you doing?" he asked in a voice raw with lust.

"Almost there," Justin gasped.

"Me too."

"I love you," Justin declared. Brian heard him moan as his orgasm took over. Brian's followed soon after.

Neither spoke for a minute or two.

"Justin?"

"Umm."

"You okay?"

"I miss you. Get here as soon as you can."

"I will."

"Night, Brian."

"Goodnight," Brian replied. He heard the sadness in Justin's voice. They hung up. This was the hardest part. The phone sex relieved the body tension, but it magnified the emptiness and loneliness that overtook them when the phone link was broken. They were separate – no touching, no caresses, no kisses, no spooning together, warm and protected. Just an empty bed and a sense of being incomplete.

Brian groaned and turned on his side. He ran his hands over the sheets where Justin should be. "Tomorrow," he whispered and closed his eyes.

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The plane landed on time and Brian caught a cab to NYU. It was almost eight p.m. when the taxi pulled up to the dorm at the university. Brian had wanted to get a hotel room and meet Justin there, but the boy wanted Brian to stay in his dorm, meet his friends and see his work. Brian just wanted to be with him and agreed to whatever Justin wanted.

As he stepped out of the cab and turned around, a blond package threw itself into his arms. Brian almost fell off the curb, as the cab pulled away and the force of Justin's onslaught drove him backwards. He managed to regain his balance and hugged his lover to his chest.

"Justin," he breathed between kisses.

"I can't believe you're finally here!" Justin gushed.

"In the flesh, and ready for action," Brian declared.

"Let's go up to my room."

"You don't have to ask me twice."

Brian grabbed his bag, Justin grabbed his hand, and he found himself being dragged inside and up to the second floor. He was pulled down the hallway and into a room. Justin slammed the door behind them, and Brian found himself pinned against the door by Justin's mouth and body.

They kissed, trying to devour each other. Justin shoved Brian's coat off his shoulders, and they began tearing off each other's clothes. By the time they got naked they were both hard and aching for relief.

Brian scooped up his boy and threw them both onto the bed. Their bodies slammed into the mattress. Brian pressed against Justin with every part of his body and with all of his might. They moaned in satisfaction, finally being close and touching after their two week separation.

"Fuck me, Brian," Justin gasped. "I need you."

Brian looked deep into Justin's eyes. "I love you so much. I've missed you every minute," he declared.

Justin smiled. "I love you too, but can we talk later?" he asked breathlessly.

Brian laughed. "I never thought I'd hear you ask that."

"There's a first time for everything," Justin moaned between kisses.

Brian felt his cock reaching for the place it most wanted to be. He groaned, not wanting to break contact with Justin for even a second, but he knew he needed to get a condom on fast, or they'd be doing it without one. He raised up and grabbed a condom from his pants on the floor. As he donned it, he saw Justin staring at him lovingly. He had to kiss that mouth, and he did so. The brief separation had seemed interminable. They both savoured the renewed pressure.

Justin handed him a tube of lube and he used it quickly. Almost immediately he was inside Justin. They both gasped and stopped.

"God, this feels so good," Justin whispered.

"The only place I want to be," Brian replied.

Brian drew back, and staring into Justin's eyes, he asked, "Ready?"

Justin smiled his sunshine smile and nodded. Brian rammed in and they both gasped. Brian poured, his love, his need, his longing into each thrust. They were lost to the sensations and emotions that coursed through their bodies. Orgasms wracked each of them. Finally they lay spent, wrapped around each other.

"That felt so good and so right," Brian whispered.

"I know," Justin agreed. He began kissing Brian's cheeks, his forehead, his mouth, his nose. Then he started over again. "I want to eat you," he whispered. "I've missed you so much."

"Me too," Brian said, his cock beginning to stiffen with each kiss Justin gave him. "I don't know how I managed to get through the last two weeks without you."

"I don't either," Justin agreed. "I'm irreplaceable," he joked, continuing his kissing pattern.

"You got that right!" Brian began to kiss back. Within moments he had on another condom and was entering Justin again, the second of many times to come. They spent the rest of the night fucking and sucking and making up for two weeks of deprivation.

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Brian opened his eyes and blinked. Light poured into the room from the window opposite the bed. He thought he had heard someone knocking. He wondered what time it was and looked around for a clock. An alarm clock on the bureau registered 9:15. He had no idea how much sleep he got, not much he thought. He looked down at Justin who slept blissfully on, cradled against him, his head resting on Brian's chest.

Brian jumped. Someone was pounding on the door. Justin's eyes blinked open, just as the door to the room opened and a pair of faces looked in at them.

"Oops," the girl said blushing.

"Sorry," the boy added, and was about to shut the door.

"Wait," Justin said, sitting up. "What time is it?"

"About quarter after nine," the boy replied. "We were going to take you guys to breakfast at nine. Remember?"

"Sorry, Dale," Justin said. "We were kind of exhausted." He grinned.

"I bet," Dale replied. "We waited, we knocked, and then we tried the door. It wasn't locked."

"We forgot," Justin said.

"We didn't care," Brian added with his trademark smirk.

"Oh, Brian, this is Dale and Joanne. This is Brian," Justin introduced them. "If you guys can wait ten minutes, we'll meet you in the common room."

"Sure!" they each said, and quickly closed the door.

"That was an interesting way to wake up," Brian said, tongue in cheek.

"Sorry about that, but I promised we'd go to breakfast with them."

"Do we have to?" Brian whined. "I want to stay here with you."

"I know, but I want you to meet my friends. I promised." Justin gave Brian a most delectable pout.

Brian groaned. "How can I refuse you anything, when you look at me like that?"

"Good. Let's go," Justin said, getting up.

"I need a shower and so do you … after last night."

Justin grinned. "It's across the hall."

"Shit, Justin! I don't do communal showers."

"You get your own cubicle," Justin giggled.

"I like private showers where we can do other things," Brian said suggestively.

"I know you do, but we don't have time anyway."

Justin pulled Brian out of the bed. He grabbed his robe and started putting it on. Brian stood watching him.

"Get your robe out of your bag," Justin said.

"I didn't bring one," Brian said smugly.

"Well, you can't go like that."

"Why not?"

"Briiaaan! I have to work with these people. Cover up!"

"Oh, all right." Brian picked up his shirt from last night and threw it on.

"That barely covers your dick," Justin observed.

"When did you become such a prude?"

"About the same time you refused to do communal showers!" Justin retorted. "Come on."

He grabbed Brian's hand and pulled him out the door. He glanced up and down the hall. No one was visible, so he dragged Brian down a few doors and into the washroom. He started a shower and ordered Brian to get in. Brian stepped in and lathered up under the warm water.

"Hurry up," Justin ordered from the next cubicle.

Brian heard Justin's shower go off. He decided he better get a move on. He rinsed his hair and toweled off. He wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out. There was no sign of Justin.

"Justin?" he said.

The washroom door opened and Justin came back in. He handed Brian his shaving kit.

"Shave," he ordered.

"Bossy little bitch!" Brian chided.

Justin laughed. "Do as you're told! We're already late."

Brian smiled. He opened his shaving kit and got to work. It took them twenty minutes, and a lot of nagging and bullying on Justin's part, to get them to the common room.

Dale and Joanne were sitting on a couch waiting for them. Several other students sat, lounged on or draped over furniture around the room. Justin went over to his two friends. Brian could feel everyone watching him. He felt like a lab specimen under close examination by all present.

"Dale and Joanne, this is Brian," Justin said.

"Hi," they replied.

"We already met," Brian said, "but hi yourselves."

"You look good in clothes," Dale observed.

"He looked pretty good without clothes," Joanne said, and then blushed.

Brian chuckled. "Thanks for noticing."

He heard a few chuckles and glanced around the room.

"Okay, you guys," Justin stated. "Now you've seen him." He looked around at the other students.

"Not bad, Taylor," one good looking boy said.

"Just like you described him," a girl with glasses added.

"Scrumptious," another girl beside her said.

"Lucky dog!" a tall thin young man snorted.

"Come on, you guys!" Justin blushed. "Let's go!" he said to Dale and Joanne.

Dale and Joanne stood up and they started towards the door with Justin. Brian stood still, not moving.

"Brian?" Justin said.

"I'm not sure I want to leave. I like it here." He heard laughter from around the room.

"We'll keep you happy!" someone said.

"No you won't!" Justin snapped. He grabbed Brian's hand and yanked him through the doorway.

"Your friends have good taste," Brian told him.

"Smug bastard, aren't you?" Justin retorted.

"Just what have you been telling these people about me?"

"He told us you were gorgeous and smart and funny," Joanne said.

Brian looked at Justin who was blushing. "You did?"

Justin shrugged.

"He also said you were the best," Dale added.

"Cripes, will you two shut up! He's already got an ego the size of Texas. There'll be no living with him," Justin groaned.

"What do you mean?" Brian asked. "I'm very modest and self-effacing."

Justin choked back a laugh. Dale and Joanne smiled.

"Want to do the bagel place?" Joanne asked.

"Sounds good," Justin said. He grabbed Brian's arm and they headed off. It was a short walk off the campus.

Since it was now after ten, the place had several tables available. They all ordered bagels, cream cheese and coffee. The bagels were delicious, real New York style.

"You never get bagels this good in Pittsburgh," Brian said.

"That's for sure!" Joanne agreed.

"You're the other student from PIFA?" Brian clarified.

"Yep."

"Must be a treat to be out of the Pitts?"

"That's a definite yes!"

"How about you Dale? Where are you from?" Brian asked.

"Phoenix."

"You're a long way from home."

"Yeah."

"How did you and Justin hook up?" Brian wanted to know.

"We arrived at NYU about the same time. We joined forces to find the admin building, and then we ended up on the same floor in the dorm. We hit it off."

"Not too much, I hope?" Brian speculated.

"Jealous?" Dale asked.

"Should I be?" Brian countered.

"I am gay, but Justin never stops talking about you."

Brian looked at Justin and smiled.

"We're good friends," Dale said.

"I'm glad," Brian said. "Justin's a long way away from his other friends. I'm glad he found you two."

They smiled at Brian, liking his approval.

"Justin told us you're in advertising," Joanne said.

"Um hmm. Vangard."

"Do you draw up the ads?" she wanted to know.

"I'm more the idea man. I make proposals, but real artists do most of the actual ads or commercials. I mainly set it in motion."

"Do you like it?" she asked.

"I guess so. It's a challenge."

"Hmm," she said.

"Looking for a career in advertising?" Brian asked.

"I don't really know what I want to do," Joanne replied.

"She's a great painter," Justin offered.

Joanne beamed at him. Brian realized she had a big crush on Justin, gay or not. "Thanks, Justin, but it's hard to make a living as an artist these days. I need something more practical."

"Well, if you ever want to intern at Vangard, I could put a word in for you," Brian offered.

"That would be great. Thanks." She smiled genuinely at him.

"Know any companies in Phoenix?" Dale asked.

"Afraid not. What's your specialty?" Brian wanted to know.

"Computer graphics mostly, but I love to sculpt."

"Sounds like you're both trying to find practical uses for your art," Brian observed.

"That's true," Dale agreed. "We both have to make a living somehow."

"Don't want to be a starving artist?" Brian asked.

"Not for me," Dale stated.

Justin had said almost nothing during breakfast. He sat back and observed Brian with his new friends. He was impressed and happy with Brian. He had expected him to gripe about the dorm room, the single bed and the shower across the hall. He knew Brian had an acid tongue and could have made his friends very uncomfortable. However, he had hoped Brian would like his new friends and they would like him. That seemed to be what was happening. He was pleased. Brian had been a model of friendliness all through breakfast.

They finished eating and got up to leave. Brian insisted on paying, figuring students could use a treat. After telling Brian how much they enjoyed meeting him and thanking him for breakfast, Dale and Joanne headed off.

Justin gave Brian a big hug.

"What was that for?" Brian asked.

"Being nice to my friends."

"I like your friends."

"I could see that."

"You didn't have much to say this morning," Brian said.

"I was watching you."

"Why?"

I wanted you to like my friends, and to see how much I love it here."

"I see that," Brian admitted.

"The only thing that would make it totally perfect would be if you were here all the time."

"Let's not talk about that now. I want to enjoy the day with you."

"What do you want to do?" Justin asked.

"Go back to bed … with you."

"Is that all?"

"That's everything!" Brian said emphatically.

Justin smiled at him and leaned against him. "Don't you want to do something special in the big city?"

"I want to fuck you," Brian whispered.

"You've already done that, over and over again," Justin giggled, his pleasure at Brian's admission clearly evident.

"I'm not done yet," Brian stated, sticking his tongue in his cheek.

"You're never done."

"Lucky for you."

"True, but can we walk around campus? I want to show you my studio space and some of my pieces."

"Pieces?"

"I've done three pieces I really like. I told you I got some great ideas when we went to the museums."

"That's great," Brian said. "Sure, let's go do that."

Justin linked his arm through Brian's and they started off. They strolled along at a leisurely pace. Justin pointed out the buildings where he had classes. He prattled on about things he had done. Brian listened, asking an occasional question, but mostly enjoying the sound of Justin's voice and the gentle pressure from his arm.

When they arrived at Justin's space, he hauled out the three pieces he had talked about. They were unlike anything Brian had seen him do before. They were abstract, some mixed media, vibrant colours. Justin set them out, waiting shyly for Brian's reaction.

"God, Justin, they take my breath away."

Justin released a breath and his radiant smile lit up the room. "One of them represents you," he said softly.

"Only one?" Brian joked. "My percentage of your work is steadily dropping."

"Well, I have had more experiences lately," Justin said, hoping Brian wasn't hurt that only one of the pieces was of him.

"More experiences, but not better experiences, I hope."

"There's nothing or no one better than you."

"What were you saying about my ego earlier?"

"About how big it is?"

"That's it, and then you tell me stuff like that. What do you expect?" Brian joked.

"I expect you to be you, however that is," Justin said sincerely.

"So which one is me?" Brian asked, deflecting that comment.

"Guess!"

"Hmm. Let's see." One was mostly blues, one mainly gray and black and one many shades of red, heading into orange. "By colour I'd pick the red."

"Why?"

"Well, you're painting it and it represents me in some way, right?"

"Yeah."

"Red for the heat that burns between us. Red for passion and lust and fucking. Red for my heart that belongs to you. Am I right?"

Justin's cheeks were rather red, as he said, "One hundred percent!"

"You're kidding?"

"No, I'm not. It's called 'My Passion', and I was thinking about how much I wanted and needed you, and how my heart ached for you."

"Whew! That's almost spooky."

"Yeah, it is. We are so in tune," Justin marveled.

"Remember when we got so out of sync and you went with Ethan?"

"Yeah, I wish I could forget."

"We were heading in that direction last week."

"I know, but we stopped it."

"Do you think we're getting better at this relationship thing?" Brian asked.

"I hope so."

"Me too. I hated fighting last week, but sometimes I'm not able to stop myself."

"Yeah. We both have our moments," Justin admitted.

"Well! I love your work. You seem to have taken a whole different direction, and it's having great results."

"It's exciting here! So much to see and do. I love it!"

"That's good," Brian said.

"And I have you to thank for it. I would never have come if you hadn't pushed me. I owe you so much."

"No, you don't. We give each other what we need. We don't owe anything."

"That's a nice way to put it. Are you mellowing?"

"I hope not. Can we move on now?" Brian said abruptly.

"Sure," Justin said, smiling to himself at how quickly Brian turned the subject away from his feelings. He was secretly pleased at Brian's admission. "Where should we go now?" He put his paintings away.

"Back to bed!"

"'Kay," Justin grinned.

"Good! Come on," Brian said, all ready to go.

They hurried back to Justin's room and spent the afternoon in bed. They fucked and made love several times. They napped a bit, but mainly enjoyed touching and being together.

As it grew dark, Justin looked into Brian's eyes. "The day's slipping away," he said sadly.

"What's wrong?" Brian asked, brushing the hair back from Justin's forehead.

"By this time tomorrow you'll be getting ready to go to the airport."

"Don't worry about that, just enjoy today."

"I have. You were great with my friends."

"Thanks. I like Dale and Joanne. I'm glad you've found some good people to hang out with. You need to spend time with people your own age," Brian said.

"Are you still worried about the age thing?"

"I think about it sometimes," Brian admitted.

"I'm having a great time here, but no better than the time I have with you."

"Yeah, right!"

"I mean it. I love being with you."

"The sex is great," Brian admitted.

"Will you stop! Sure, the sex is fabulous, cosmic sometimes, but I had just as great a time with you at breakfast and walking around the campus."

"Seriously?"

"I mean it. You're not just my sex toy," Justin joked.

"You mean I have other uses?"

"Many."

"Like what?"

"You want a list?"

"Yeah, I think I do."

"Okay. Here goes. You're my friend. We do lots of stuff together. You listen to me and help me when I need it. You were great when my father was sick. You look after me. You've saved me so many times, from Chris Hobbs to the Thanksgiving ham. You support me in so many ways, financially with my education and encouraging me with my art. You're a great model for my drawings."

Brian snorted.

"What?" Justin asked.

"I was asleep for half of those."

They both laughed at that.

"Was that enough or shall I continue?"

"You have more?" Brian asked, genuinely surprised.

"I have a million. Don't you know that?"

"No. I know I'm a good fuck, but this other stuff …"

"Hey, where's that ego the size of Texas?"

"It's only there in relation to certain topics."

"Sex and work?"

"Uh huh, and a few other things."

"Like what?"

"I try to be a good friend."

"You are. The gang depends on you."

"I try to be a good father, even though I'm not much good at it."

"Gus loves you and needs you."

"I know," Brian said. "How did we get so serious all of a sudden?"

"This is one of the things I love about you too. When we talk and you reveal little bits of information about the real you and how you feel about things and about yourself. However …?"

"What however?"

"It only lasts for a millisecond, so I have to savour it while I can. Then you change the subject."

Brian looked into Justin's eyes, but he didn't say anything. Justin waited.

"Hmm. I'm hungry," Brian said.

Justin laughed out loud and shook his head. "Hungry, are you?"

"We should have dinner," Brian said, glad that Justin didn't pursue the previous topic of conversation.

"I asked around and I have the name of a great Indian restaurant. Two profs told me to take you there," Justin said.

"Profs? Why are they recommending restaurants?"

"I asked them. I wanted a nice place to take you, if you wanted to eat out."

"Indian? I don't know."

"We could order pizza," Justin said.

"Maybe Indian wouldn't be so bad," Brian said, giving him a kiss. He ran his hand up Justin's thigh and pulled him close. "We can do whatever you want," he whispered.

"Let's go out. I want to show you off."

Brian laughed. "I thought that was this morning."

"It was," Justin giggled, "but you had hardly any time to get ready. Tonight you can take your time."

"You don't think they were sufficiently impressed this morning?"

"Oh, they were impressed, but I want them to drool."

Brian snickered. "Are all the guys gay?" he asked. "Maybe I should be concerned about you being here."

"You don't need to worry. I only want you."

"Are they all gay?" Brian repeated.

"Several."

"Oh?"

"Really, Brian, don't worry. I want them to see how much I love you."

"Okay, Sunshine, let's drop it," Brian said. "I need another shower in your lovely facilities, then I'll make myself irresistibly sexy, and you can parade me around like a show pony."

"Don't you mean show stallion?" Justin joked.

"That sounds better. Come on, I need a lot of prep time." He got up off the bed and pulled Justin against his naked body. Justin felt that immediate rush of lust and he knew Brian did too.

"We could stay here, if you want?" Justin said, leaning against his man.

"I want, but we can do that later. Come to the shower with me," Brian ordered, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around his hips. "I'll give them all a show to remember."

They showered and dressed. Brian had brought his black leather pants that fit him like a second skin. They revealed every muscle and bulge beneath them, and left very little to the imagination. He had a black silk sweater that clung seductively to his body. He fixed his unruly hair and splashed on some of his cologne that smelled so wonderful.

Brian turned from the mirror. "Will I do?" he asked.

"You're going to have to beat them off with a stick," Justin stated.

"I take that to mean that I pass inspection?"

"I'm not sure that I'm going to let you out of this room," Justin declared.

Brian laughed. "I'm willing to stay here."

"Okay," Justin said too quickly.

"Too late. I'm ready, so let's go," Brian said.

He took Justin's hand, grabbed his leather jacket and they stepped out of the room. Brian heard doors opening and whispered voices as they passed the rooms in the hall. At the end of the hall, Brian stopped. He turned back to see heads, both male and female, sticking out of most of the doors.

"Hope you got a good look," he said with a chuckle. "Justin and I should be back around eleven, if you want to catch us on the way through."

There was a round of applause and some catcalls, as Brian ushered Justin into the stairwell.

"You are so bad!" Justin chided him.

"Well, you wanted me to give them a show."

"And you sure did!"

"I didn't want to let you down."

"You rarely do."

Brian gave him a kiss and they went down the stairs. As they passed the common room, Brian said, "Would you like to have Dale and Joanne join us? My treat."

"That's nice, Brian, but I want you all to myself."

"Okay. Just thought I'd ask."

"What about lunch tomorrow?"

"Sure."

Justin looked in the common room and saw Joanne reading a book. "Hey, Joanne," he said. "Brian would like to treat you and Dale to lunch tomorrow. Are you available?"

"Sounds great. Around noon?'

"If you see Dale, tell him. Brian and I are on our way to dinner."

"Oh, hi Brian." She hadn't even noticed him. "You two look great. Have fun!"

They quickly left and started walking towards the edge of the campus.

"How far is this place?" Brian asked. "I'm dressed for show, not for winter in New York."

Justin laughed. "You could freeze your nuts off in that outfit. We're going to the cab stand. See it over there?"

"Okay. I'm freezing."

They caught a cab and headed to the restaurant. Justin rubbed all of Brian's cold parts and some he was sure weren't cold at all. The cabbie kept glancing in the rearview mirror, but Brian insisted that Justin warm him up.

They had a great meal. Brian asked the waiter to recommend some dishes ranging from sweet to very spicy. They had strange names like Korma and Vindaloo and Tandoori. Chicken and lamb predominated. They ordered way too much food, but it was all delicious, and they sampled everything. The waiter was a hoot, urging them to try the very spicy dishes, and keeping them supplied with lots of beer to wash it down. They had a great time.

When they were through eating, they had a dark, strong coffee. Brian was strangely quiet.

"Are you all right?" Justin asked.

"Just thinking," Brian responded.

"What about?"

"Oh, nothing. Have you hit any clubs in the Big Apple?"

"Haven't had time, but somebody told me there's one called Whiplash near here. Want to go for a while?" Justin asked.

"Whiplash? Sounds kinky. Is it leather?"

"I don't think so. It's just a name."

"Okay. Let's check it out. We're suitably slutty in attire whatever it turns out to be," Brian stated.

They grabbed a cab and had a short ride of about four blocks. The club wasn't as big as Babylon, but there were a lot of similarities. There was a hefty entrance charge, and the drinks were double the price of Pittsburgh.

"Good job I didn't come here," Justin said. "It costs a fortune."

"Wouldn't want to pay this every night," Brian agreed. "Music's pretty good though."

"Lots of good looking guys," Justin observed, looking around and taking it all in.

"Hey, stud! Wanna dance?" Brian asked.

"Anytime," Justin smiled.

Brian led him to the dance floor. They moved together, as they always did, more interested in each other than in what was going on around them. Even for New York, they were a striking couple.

After a few dances, Brian said he was going to the restroom and would meet Justin at the bar. He worked his way through the crowd, passing by what he was sure was the entrance to the backroom. He smiled. He didn't have the least desire to go in there. Justin was all he wanted.

He had the usual problem finding a cubicle that wasn't being used for drugs or sex. He got propositioned several times, but politely said he was with someone. He wondered if the same thing was happening to Justin.

As he left the restroom, a man caught his eye. He quickly turned and disappeared from Brian's view. Brian had a fleeting thought that it was Noel. He headed in the direction this phantom had gone, but couldn't spot him again. Maybe he had been mistaken. He headed back to the bar. Some guy was hitting on Justin as he approached.

"Hi, honey," Brian said, giving the boy a quick kiss.

"You're back," Justin gushed, hugging him, and looking daggers at the man who began backing away.

"You okay?" Brian asked.

"He wouldn't take no for an answer," Justin sighed.

"Maybe we should get you some martial arts training."

"No thanks. I don't see why they won't believe me when I say I'm not interested." He shook his head.

"You are too cute. They can't resist you."

"Yuck. I don't want them."

Brian laughed. "I got hit on a few times too."

"How many?"

"Five."

"Did you turn them all down?"

"No. I'm fucking you till midnight, and then I have one lined up for each hour after that." Brian sucked in his lips to keep from smiling.

"You are such a liar!" Justin swatted him. "But you could if you wanted to," he added. "I know that."

"But I don't want to," he stated emphatically.

"Good," Justin said, giving him a quick kiss.

"How about one more dance? I think we can just get it in and be back in time for the eleven o'clock show in your hall."

Justin hugged him. "You're nuts, you know."

"I know, but you love me anyway."

"You bet."

They went out on the dance floor, enjoying the throbbing music. Brian saw a young man dancing toward him. His eyes locked on Brian's. Brian looked away.

"Hey, Taylor." Brian heard, and looked up to see the young man right next to him.

"Hi, Zach," he heard Justin say.

"This your boyfriend?" Zach asked, giving Brian the once over.

"Yeah. Zach, this is Brian. Brian - Zach," Justin said.

Brian nodded, noting the way Zach looked at him.

"See ya," Zach said and danced away.

"Who's he?" Brian asked.

"One of the students in my course."

"Oh."

They finished their dance, grabbed their coats and headed outside to grab a cab. As Brian got into the taxi, he saw a figure that he was sure was the same man that he had thought was Noel. He experienced a sudden jab of fear, but the man had disappeared as he tried to find him again in the crowd of people. Had it really been Noel, or was his imagination running wild? Should he tell Justin what he thought he had seen? He didn't want to upset Justin over what could be nothing. He decided to keep his mouth shut.

At quarter after eleven they arrived at the dorm. As they entered the hallway, they both laughed out loud. Outside of almost every door sat a student with a bag of popcorn and a soft drink. Some had binoculars.

"You're late," they all chimed.

"You guys!" Justin groaned.

"My fan club!" Brian exclaimed.

He tossed his leather jacket over his shoulder and began to slowly saunter down the hall. There was a barrage of whistles and cheers. He played it for all it was worth. He squatted suggestively to get a sip of soda from one student, and bent over to show off his ass as he got a handful of popcorn from another.

Justin followed behind him, blushing all the way. He wished Brian would hurry up. He had wanted everyone to see how beautiful Brian was, but this wasn't exactly what he had had in mind. Brian was enjoying every minute of the attention. Finally Justin rushed past him and unlocked his door. As Brian got closer, he reached out, grabbed his hand and yanked Brian into his room. He slammed the door behind them. They could hear a round of applause and laughter from the hallway.

"You are absolutely shameless!" Justin berated him.

"What?" Brian asked innocently. "You wanted your friends to like me."

"Not like that!"

"I was only teasing," Brian said, trying to mollify Justin.

"You're too damn good at it!"

Just then there was a chant echoing from the hallway. "Encore, encore!" they shouted.

Brian looked at Justin, who couldn't help but laugh. "Your public awaits!" Justin said.

"I won't go if you don't want me to."

"Oh, go on. They're calling for you," Justin gave in.

"A quick one," Brian said. He opened the door, stepped out and took a bow. The applause was deafening. "Thank you, one and all," Justin heard him say. Brian stepped back in and closed the door. He turned to Justin.

"That should do it. They'll leave us alone now," he said.

Justin shook his head. "They'll leave you alone, you mean. I'll never hear the end of this, after you're gone."

Brian shrugged. He wasn't sure if Justin was really mad or merely wondering how much ribbing he was going to have to take. The next thing he knew Justin was in his arms, kissing him mercilessly.

Justin pulled back and said, "I love you, you big asshole!"

"How sweet of you to say!" Brian replied.

"Let's go to bed," Justin said.

"Do you think they'll be listening at the door?"

"No! But I'm going to lock it right now."

"Good boy! Need some help getting out of those clothes?" Brian was already pulling Justin's sweater over his head. He squeezed Justin's breasts and rubbed his palms over the hardening nipples.

Justin moaned and tugged Brian's sweater up and over his head. "You're going to need some help getting out of those pants." His hand grabbed Brian's crotch, liking the feel of his stiffening dick through the soft leather. They peeled everything off and tumbled onto the bed. A couple of blowjobs later and they both felt great.

Justin squeezed up against Brian, kissing his chest. Brian's chin rested on the top of his head, as he snuggled in. He loved being held like this.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

"Me too," Brian replied.

Justin smiled. Brian still had trouble saying those words most of the time, but Justin knew he loved him. He no longer had doubts about Brian's love. It was when life got in their way that they had problems.

They spent the rest of the night holding on to each other, realizing that the next night they would be separated again. They made love and kissed and dozed and caressed. They wished the night would never end.

Around 10:30 a.m. Justin awoke with a start. He looked up into hazel eyes staring down at him. He stretched luxuriously and raised his head to kiss Brian's luscious mouth.

"Morning," he said.

"Morning, Sunshine," Brian replied running his fingers over Justin's face. "That was some night!"

"Yeah. I'm going to have trouble straightening up."

Brian chuckled. "I did give you quite a workout."

"Do you think that will tide you over till we're together again?"

"I'm not gone yet. We have many hours today," Brian stated, hugging Justin to his body.

"I don't want you to go. Couldn't you stay with me?"

"Oh, sure! I'll live here in the dorm and every night I'll put on a show for your friends."

"You could."

"I'd do it … for you," Brian said sadly, "but I have to go back."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"We're supposed to have lunch with Joanne and Dale," Justin said, remembering their invitation. "Want to cancel?"

"No. I like them."

Justin's smile lit up the room. He squeezed Brian in a hug that took his breath away. "We should get ready then," Justin said.

Brian groaned. "I hate those fucking showers!" he griped.

"You'll survive. Come on." Justin pulled Brian up.

They showered and dressed. Justin jabbered away about some of the things he wanted to do with his art. Brian smiled sadly to himself. When he got back to the loft late tonight, it would be the silence, the lack of Justin's voice that would be so hard to bear. He loved listening to Justin's plans and perspectives.

At noon they were ready. The hall was empty as they left the room.

"Where's my fan club?" Brian joked.

"The public is so fickle," Justin said.

In the common room they found Dale and Joanne. A couple of students greeted them with a 'Hi, Brian, Hi, Justin'.

"Hey, guys," Justin responded.

Brian looked around, smirking.

"Ready to go?" Justin asked the two.

They left quickly and went to a little restaurant that all the students recommended. It had a very healthy menu, not exactly health food, but lots of salads and fresh sandwiches. The food turned out to be delicious. They talked about their projects and other plans for their months in New York. This time Justin participated a lot more, feeling at ease with Brian and his friends.

Joanne and Dale asked more questions of Brian. They wanted to know about Gus. Brian had to show them the picture he had in his wallet. They declared the baby to be adorable.

Near the end of lunch Justin excused himself to go the restroom. Brian made a quick decision. "I have a big favour to ask you two," he said.

"What?" They both looked at him quizzically.

He pulled two business cards from his wallet and jotted a telephone number on the back. "That's my work number and my cell on the front, and my home number on the back. If anything ever comes up about Justin, please call me." He handed one to each of them.

"Comes up?" Joanne asked. "Like what?"

"I don't know. Just something you think I should know about. Sometimes Justin doesn't want to worry me, but there might be something I could help him with."

"Oh," Joanne said, getting the idea.

"He hasn't had an easy time, has he?" Dale asked.

"No," Brian replied. "How much has he told you?"

"Little bits here and there, but enough to get the picture," Dale said.

"I knew about the bashing before I met Justin," Joanne explained. "I filled Dale in on that."

"I'm glad he has you guys," Brian said. "Keep an eye on him for me, will you?"

"Sure, Brian," Dale said, just as Justin returned.

"Sure what?" Justin asked.

"Brian was telling us how glad he was that you had us for friends. He wants us to spy for him," Dale joked.

"And you agreed?" Justin asked. "Some friends!"

"We can't refuse Brian anything," Joanne said. "We owe him for breakfast and lunch. Besides he's quite delectable." She blushed.

"Hey, I thought you were my friends."

"They've been sucked into the black hole that is Brian Kinney." Brian smirked, sticking his tongue into his cheek.

"Just like Daphne," Justin said.

"What happened to Daphne?" Joanne asked.

"She's the president of his fan club," Justin admitted.

Brian snorted. He appreciated how quick on the uptake Dale and Joanne were. They had covered perfectly, using part of the truth to make it seem plausible. He felt he could leave Justin in their hands and they would look out for him. That made him feel better about leaving at the end of the day.

After lunch they said goodbye to Joanne and Dale. As they walked away, Justin leaned against Brian. "Want to go back to bed?" he asked.

"Sounds like a plan," Brian said, putting his arm around Justin's shoulder.

They walked slowly back to the dorm. In bed they held each other, made long, slow love and felt the bittersweet emotions of being so close, but knowing they would soon be apart.

After one intense session, Brian pulled Justin over to lie on top of him. He wrapped his arms around his boy and nuzzled his chin against the top of Justin's head. "I wish we could just stay like this."

"Me too. It'll be so lonely in this bed tonight," Justin whispered.

"Same thing at the loft."

"Mmm."

"I'm glad you're happy here."

"I am, even if it hurts to be alone."

"You have Dale and Joanne and the others."

"Yeah, but I miss you."

"I don't think I can come here next weekend. We have a big presentation to get ready for the next Monday. I'll be working on it all week."

"Do you want me to come there?"

"Of course I do, but I'm not sure how much time I'd have to spend with you. I think we better play it by ear."

"Okay," Justin agreed. "How will you be without me?"

"I'll have my memories to keep me warm," Brian joked.

"I'm serious," Justin said.

"I made it through the last two weeks."

"Barely."

"Yeah. Barely," Brian sighed, knowing how close they had come to screwing everything up.

"Well, we can talk every night, and if you want, I'll come there next weekend."

"Sounds good."

Brian had a nine o'clock flight, the latest direct one that he could get. It was time for him to use his favourite shower one more time and get ready to leave. They had decided to forego dinner in favour of more time in bed. When Brian was dressed and packed, they decided to say goodbye in Justin's room, but then walk together to the cab stand. Brian would go to the airport alone.

As they stepped out of Justin's room, Brian saw several students in the hall. They were holding a banner they had made. It said, "Bye, Brian. Come back soon." He smiled, touched that they had gone to the trouble to make it.

"Thanks," he said, not knowing what else to say.

"We enjoyed the show. Come visit anytime," one student said.

"I plan to be back before too long," Brian said.

Justin held onto his arm, not saying anything. Brian looked at him and saw tears near the surface. He thought he better get them out of there in a hurry,

"Bye, everybody," he said. "We need to go." He hurried down the hall, Justin in tow. He heard several "Goodbyes" as they passed by. In the stairwell he stopped. "Are you okay?" he asked Justin.

"Thanks for getting us out of there," Justin said. He took a deep breath, and Brian knew he had recovered his control.

"You have great friends," Brian said.

"They're a good bunch."

"Where are Dale and Joanne?"

"Probably in the common room," Justin said.

They found them there, waiting to say goodbye. Brian shook their hands, saying he was glad to have met them. He felt good about leaving Justin in their capable hands.

Brian and Justin walked together to the cab stand. Brian put his bag in the taxi, then took Justin in his arms. They kissed for a long moment, then Brian got in the cab and was gone. No words were spoken. They had said it all in the narrow bed in the dorm.

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