Love

Chapter One
 

Justin sighed as he walked through the Liberty Diner doors and straight to the back, without looking at anyone. Debbie looked after him in worry. She walked over to the table where her son, Michael, and his friends were sitting. She looked at Michael and her other three 'sons'. "Have any of you talked to Sunshine, lately?"

"Why would we do that, Ma? After what he did to Brian?"

Debbie had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. She dearly loved her son, but sometimes...  She sighed. "Because he's still a part of this family. And I don't recall Justin doing anything to Brian."

"Ma!" whined Michael sounding scandalized. "How can you say that? He left Brian. He cheated on Brian!"

"I am right here," drawled Brian in a flat tone. "Anyways, Michael, Justin didn't cheat on me. And he was free to leave. We never had any locks on our doors."

"Maybe that was the problem," stated Debbie. Brian just went back to reading his newspaper and drinking his coffee. "I'm just worried about him. He's seemed so... un-Sunshine-y ever since you two broke up."

Brian smirked. "Un-Sunshiney? Is that even a word?"

"Shut it! So, none of you have talked to him?"

"Just in passing," said a guilty-feeling Emmett. He felt bad because he did love Justin. The blonde had become like a younger brother to him. "Ask Lindsay and Mel. He still goes over there."

Before Debbie could say anything else, the door chimed, signaling a new customer. Justin was just coming from the kitchen, his apron tied around his waist. "Wow! He's hot!" whispered Ted causing the others to look. The man looked young but had a danger about him. His blonde hair was slicked back. He had on tight black jeans, a tight black t-shirt, a black duster and black biker boots. The epitome of the bad boy.

Brian raked him with an appraising look. The man was looking around as if looking for someone. He smiled and the others followed his line of sight. He was looking straight at Justin. Justin looked up from stuffing his small notepad in his apron pocket and locked eyes with the black-dressed blonde. He smiled a smile so bright everyone instantly knew how he received his nickname. "Spike!"

Justin ran over to Spike, who had his arms opened wide.

"Spike?" mouthed Emmett as they all watched Justin be gathered into a tight hug. A hug that lifted him off the floor. Since the two weren't that far from the group's table, Debbie cleared her throat. "Wanna introduce everyone, Sunshine?" It was a question.

'Not really,' thought Justin but he complied anyway. Pointing to each in turn, he began. "Spike this is Debbie, Debbie's son Michael, Emmett, Ted, Michael's partner Ben, and... Brian." Spike raised an eyebrow when Justin introduced Brian. He obviously knew about Brian. "Everyone this is Spike. A friend."

"How come we've never heard of him?" snarked Michael.

"I've mentioned him. I just called him Will or William. Spike is a nickname."

"This is the Will you've known since you were thirteen?" asked Debbie.

Justin nodded his head. "Yep. Just haven't seen him in a couple of years. Actually the last time was before I found... Liberty Avenue."

Deciding to change the subject, Spike spoke. "What time do you get off work?"

Justin looked at his watch. It was nine at night. "Three," he answered.

"I'll pick you up, then."

"On your big, bad, motorcycle."

"Of course! I know how much you love the thing!" Spike gave a smile.

Alright, I'll see you then. We can go to Daph's."

"Cool." Leaning over, Spike gave Justin a light peck on the cheek. "See ya in a few hours." Justin watched him leave, still slightly blushing from the kiss. Feeling eyes on him, he glanced over. Justin realized all the others looking at him, except for Brian, so he turned to face them.

"What?" he asked.

"He seems so... dangerous," stated Debbie.

Justin gave a laugh. "He can be," Justin answered cryptically.

"What do you mean, baby?" asked Emmett.

Even though Brian was looking at the newspaper, pretending to be reading, he was actually listening to everything being said.

Justin shrugged. "I mean, Spike can be... dangerous if he wants to."

"How so?" asked Ben.

Justin didn't say anything.

"He looks like the bad sort, Justin. Maybe you shouldn't go out with him," said Debbie.

"Hold it, right there," Justin said as he held up his right hand in the classic 'stop' gesture. "Spike's a very good friend of mine. I've known him for years. He'd never hurt me."

"Justin, I'm just saying..."

"Debbie," Justin warned.

Debbie sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to look out for you."

"I appreciate it, but you don't have to. Especially with Spike." With that said, Justin walked over to another table to take their order.

"That ungrateful little brat," groused Michael.

Throwing the money for his bill onto the table, Brian stood up. "Later," he said before walking out. He had a nonchalant look to him as he left the diner and went to his jeep. But, inside, he was reeling. How could Justin hang out with someone like Spike? He looked like trouble with a capital T. Then, again, people often said that about Brian. And what had Justin meant about Spike being dangerous? Even though Brian wouldn't admit it, he cared about Justin. A lot. Even though Justin had know Spike for years, there was definitely something off about him. And, Brian was determined he'd find out what it was.
 

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