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Chapter 5

Brian sat across from Michael and Ted in the Liberty Diner. It was early morning and, having woken up at a god awful time, especially after spending Sunday night in the backroom of Babylon, he had decided to join the others for breakfast. He had barely said anything since he had sat down, instead contenting himself with drinking his black coffee and toning out the overly happy conversation across from him. Honestly, he couldn't understand how anyone could be this active in the mornings.

Like Justin, his brain helpfully supplied. A smile involuntarily teased his lips. Yes, that boy had been too happy at eight o'clock in the morning, even before his first cup of coffee. He remembered asking the blond what the fuck he had taken, and the kid just laughed good-naturedly, handed him a steaming cup of coffee and said, "I knew you weren't going to be a morning person".

As quickly as the smile appeared, it dropped into an annoyed scowl. He took a massive gulp of his drink in an attempt to cover the sudden change in expressions. What was wrong with him? Why was still so hung up on some twink, especially one had already fucked, repeated and well into his mattress? Besides, he hadn't seen the southern blond in nearly a week, so obviously he wasn't serious about them having a repeat experience.

Not that he wanted one, of course. Brian Kinney's 'one-fuck' policy wasn't to be broken for anybody, least not some twink with a bubble butt and an, undeniably, gorgeous smile. Although, if there was anyone to break one of his rules for…

As much as he had tried over the last few days, it was impossible for him to refute the fact that he would enjoy nothing more than to fuck the blond again. He had tried to fuck it out of his system, but even when he was at his most sated, he couldn't seem to stop his mind shifting back to how wonderful the blond looked in an afterglow of sex, panting heavily with an unfaltering smile. Even now, the memory was enough to cause his pants to tighten to an almost uncomfortable level.

Brian shook his head furiously, eyes glaring a hole into the table. No, his time with Justin was done and dusted. It wouldn't happen again. He purposely ignored that rather large part of himself that loudly rejected the idea of never having the blond in his bed.

"Um, Brian, are you feeling alright?"

His head snapped upward at Michael's voice. Michael was leant just a little too close, a concerned look on his voice, whilst Ted eyed him warily. He cleared his throat, and straightened up deliberately. "I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, you're being really quiet," Ted commented slowly.

"That's because I have nothing to say, Theodore," Brian retorted.

"Brian Kinney, have nothing to say – well, I guess there's a first time for everything," Emmett's voice flittered into the conversation from behind them, sliding easily into the free seat beside the brunet, grinning in amusement. Brian's eyes darted behind him; half hoping that he would see a mop of blond hair which led away to annoyance when he was disappointed.

"You're one to talk, Honeycutt. The only time you seem incapable of speaking is when you have a cock in your mouth," he quipped back darkly.

"Don't call me Honeycutt," Emmett replied shortly.

Ted glanced behind him briefly. "Hey, where's Justin? I thought you were taking him shopping today."

"I still am, just a little later than I expected. He got a commission on a painting so he's been working on it for the best part of his week – he's putting the finishing touches on it today so it can be sent to the client tomorrow," Emmett explained, "Actually, I was surprised when he told me. I mean, after his argument with his parents and moving upstate, I didn't think his representative would actually continue to, you know, support him. He was so excited to get the call."

"Justin's an artist?" Brian found himself question, unable to put a stopper on the interest that his voice held.

Emmett smiled at him knowingly, much to his annoyance. "Yes, he's been drawing for as long as I've known him. He's brilliant, really talented."

"I'm sure…" Michael muttered sourly.

"Hmm, I'd like to see his work," Ted pondered, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Me too, it's got to be better than the shit our art department comes up with. Those morons seem incapable of following simple instructions," Brian griped. He took another sip of coffee, "I swear I'm not sure how some of these guys can get dressed in the mornings."

"Well, if you're offering a job at Vanguard, I'll be sure to let Justin know," Emmett tilted his head, "You know, he asked about you yesterday."

"Oh?" Brian replied, trying to sound as non-committed as possible, despite the annoying flare of hope that appear in his chest at that statement.

The flamboyant man hummed. "It seems like you made an impression."

"And why should Brian care?" Michael quickly interjected before the brunet could say anything more, "He's already had Wonderboy; whatever he does or says, has nothing to do with him, right Brian?"

The ad man didn't answer. To be honest, he wasn't entirely sure what his answer would be. He simply averted his eyes to the table and focused his attention firmly on his plate, as he continued eating. He didn't notice Emmett's knowingly look, or Ted's surprised realisation, or Michael's dark look, although he could imagine.

In fact, he didn't look up until Debbie's voice materialised from above.

"Here you go sweetie," she said her greetings as she placed Emmett's usual in front of him – ham and cheese toastie with a vanilla milkshake. Debbie stood over them, a welcoming grin on her face as she chewed her gum loudly.

"Thank you Debbie," the man smiled, rubbing in his hands together in appreciation. He always loved it that they didn't need to order, that Debbie always just knew what they wanted when they arrived in her domain.

"Got to make sure my boys are fed," she joked, pinching his cheek affectionately, "…Which is why I'm expecting you all for dinner Sunday night."

"I knew there was an ulterior motive," Brian smirked.

"You would know, wouldn't you?" Debbie quipped, "I won't take any excuses. You're all going to be there – it's been months since we've had a proper family dinner, and besides, it's going to be Sunshine's first meal with us."

"Sunshine?" Michael repeated confused.

"It's my name for Justin, on account of his smile. I think it fits him well, don't you?"

Yes, it did, Brian had to agree. If there was to be any word to describe that boy's smile, 'sunshine' was definitely the perfect one. There was just something about it that just made you want to return it automatically.

"Wonderboy isn't family, he's just one of Emmett's friends," Michael sneered, folding his arms across his chest.

"Michael Novotny!" Debbie exclaimed, "Justin is Emmett's friend. That makes him family. I don't want to begin to guess what's caused your foul attitude – although I have a really good idea –"Really, Brian thought that look in my direction wasn't warranted "but you had been fix it by dinner because I won't have it, do you understand me?"

"…Yes Ma…" her son grouched, sinking lower in his chair, in what could be mistaken as embarrassment.

Debbie looked satisfied. "Good," she nodded before turning her attention to Brian, "I don't want any excuses from you either, asshole – no more late meetings or late night workout sessions, because if you miss out on another dinner, I'll hang your dick from the ceiling."

"Well, with that incentive, how could I refuse?" Brian smirked.

He would be there, and not only because he knew Debbie would and could make good use of her threat. Justin would be there. He had no reason to refuse.

Maybe I'll be able to fuck him out of my system, he mused thoughtfully. It was his solution to most problems but something told him it won't be that easy. Still, he was going to have a lot of fun trying.