Partners In Crime

Part 2
 

Somehow in the course of their slumber, the two men had flipped around and Brian awoke to find himself in a very compromising position. Generally, he woke with his morning hard-on firmly planted between Justin’s cheeks. There was nothing better to get the blood pumping than a little raw friction. It was easily Brian’s favorite way to start the day, but this morning… he gritted his teeth and reached back to still the teen’s undulating hips. If Justin’s rigid cock didn’t stop sawing over his defenseless hole, he was going to explode.
 

The older man peered over his shoulder at the teen. Justin was still dozing soundly, but twisting fitfully at having his dream interrupted. Obviously, the boy’s overactive libido had filtered into his subconscious and Brian happened to be benefiting as well. Justin continued to whimper and wiggle and Brian gasped as the mushroomed head of his cock grazed the exquisitely sensitive orifice again. His own cock twitched and leaked against his belly. Brian needed to come, but this way wouldn’t satisfy him. He needed that beautiful boy as deep as possible to scratch that delicious itch from the inside out. Jesus, what this kid could do to him.

He leaned back and elbowed Justin in the ribs. “Hey!”

Justin grunted and opened his eyes a slit. “Huh?”

Brian swatted the teen’s hip. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Realizing his position, Justin’s cheeks stained crimson. “Oh! I—I--”

Brian passed him a condom and lube. “Stop playing, baby. Fuck me.”

Justin blinked a couple times, then shook his head. “Uh-uh.”

Brian’s eyebrow shot up in disbelief.

“I’m not sticking my dick in that vise,” the boy teased, even as he spread lube on his fingers. “Last time I fucked you I couldn’t walk for three days.”

Brian smirked. “All the more reason to do it again.” He stuck his tongue in his cheek. “Help me open up more.”

Justin snorted at the double entendre. “You want to be more open? We need to work on your communication skills.” He roughly shoved two slippery digits into the man’s ass. “You like that?” he taunted as Brian buried his face to stifle a groan while squirming against the invasion. Justin leaned close to his ear. “I can’t hear you,” he chastised as he scissored his fingers in the snug enclosure. “Does that feel good?”

Brian flung his head back against Justin’s shoulder and a deep, resonating, moan escaped his lips. “Yes.”

“That’s better,” Justin cooed. He worked his fingers in and out to loosen the tight ring of muscle, all the while encouraging Brian’s loud response.

Brian greedily rode the probing digits as Justin stroked every tingling nerve inside him. He growled and shouted obscenities at the boy until Justin finally conceded and withdrew. Brian rolled onto his stomach and rose up on his knees. “Baby, please…”

Justin snapped on the condom and lubed it. “Jesus, look at you. Every fag in the Pitts would cut off their balls to see your ass in the air, begging to be fucked.” He gazed at his lover’s vulnerable position, his exposed quivering hole, and felt a rush like no other before. “But they can eat their fucking hearts out.” He rolled Brian onto his back and leaned over him. “This is all mine,” he said confidently as he placed Brian’s legs on his shoulders. He locked eyes with the other man. “Mine,” he repeated firmly as he slowly slid inside.

Brian winced at the initial penetration and Justin paused to let him adjust. “Say it,” he demanded.

“Mine,” Brian whispered gruffly.

“Asshole,” Justin laughed. He smiled sweetly and pushed in further. “Easy, sweetheart. You can take it,” he soothed until he was fully embedded in the hot tunnel. Finally, close enough to reach his lips, the teen dove for a kiss.

Brian held the teen’s head as he devoured his mouth, pleasure washing over him as the boy began moving all at once. Justin’s cock ravaged his ass, his tongue plundered his mouth, and his hands roamed every square inch of skin he could reach. As his young lover pounded into him, each thrust ground the teen’s hard belly against his aching erection. It was excruciating bliss and he couldn’t stand it. Brian tore his mouth from the boy and grunted, “Now!”

Justin grabbed his cock and jerked it hard, running his thumb over the oozing slit as Brian bellowed beneath him. The teen felt the first splash in his hand and held his breath. He buried his head in Brian’s shoulder and prepared himself for the slight pain as the man spasmed, squeezed him tight and bucked against the waves of pleasure slamming into him. “Oh, god…Brian…” the boy whimpered as he mindlessly rutted against his lover until his own release flooded over him.

After the tremors passed Brian nudged at the deadweight on top of him. “Get off me, you beast.” He grimaced when the teen withdrew and gratefully lowered his legs.

Justin wearily rolled onto his back. “You broke my dick,” he moaned.

Brian gingerly turned on his side and reached for a towel. “You raped me, you little fiend.”

The teen reached for Brian’s ass and rubbed his thumb against the red wrinkled folds. “You loved it.”

Brian hissed as his stinging hole constricted around the digit and pulled it in despite his protests. He was on the edge of pleasure and pain and it was maddening. “Ooh, baby, I can’t...” he trailed off, unable to decide if he couldn’t take it or couldn’t stop.

Justin’s twinkling, blue eyes belied remorse. “Let me kiss it and make it better.” He shifted and replaced his finger with his mouth.

Brian mewled softly as the boy’s lips gently rubbed against him. Then he felt the wet tongue wiggle into him and more blood rushed to his cock with each fervent jab at his raw hole. He moaned uncontrollably as the pleasurable ache overwhelmed him.

Justin continued to dig deeper into the velvet tunnel until Brian began to writhe beneath him. He moved lower and laved the round sac before turning Brian and licking the length of his shaft. Brian growled low as the teen dipped his tongue into the gaping slit. “Come here.”

The teen arranged his body over Brian’s so his cock was brushing the man’s lips. Justin gasped as Brian grazed his teeth over the sensitive tip before taking the thick shaft deep in his throat. Muffled slurping and gurgles filled the room as the two men sucked each other to the brink of orgasm, but Brian pulled back at the last moment. The frustrated teen released Brian’s cock from his lips and looked back at his lover. “Bri? Oh, shit!”

Brian felt the teen crumple against him as he speared his tongue and drove it deep into the boy’s little pink bud. Justin wrapped his arms around his lover’s legs and held on like a drowning man as Brian tongued his ass and jerked his cock until he came with a strangled cry.

Justin lay panting against Brian’s thigh and rained kisses over the firm muscle as he worked his way back to the throbbing cock pressed against him. He was about to take the hard shaft in his mouth again when he was suddenly assaulted once more. “Fuck…Brian, oh…shit…”

Brian dripped cum over the teen’s crack and balls as he painted the boy’s hole with creamy spunk. Brian started at his sac and lapped Justin clean, slowly working his way to the trembling orifice. He plunged his cum slick fingers inside the hot hole and raked the teen’s prostate with each pass.

Justin instinctively rocked against the man’s hand. “Fuck me, Brian…please, more…please…”

Brian handed him a condom and lube and the teen quickly prepared him. Justin turned around to face Brian and gratefully sank down on the rigid cock. The teen purred as he was fully impaled, grinding his ass against the wiry hairs nestled around the base.

Brian keened as he was sheathed inside the boy and struggled to maintain control as Justin began to ride. He grunted loudly as Justin squeezed his cock and angled the engorged cap against his gland, prodding it over and over. The increased pressure against the head of his cock took his breath away, and Brian could only roll with it as he was worked back and forth.

Justin threw his head back and wailed appreciatively as he fucked himself on the ample cock stuffing his ass. Then he felt Brian’s hands petting his thighs and hips. His whole body tingled as the gentle hands moved over his heated flesh and grazed his hardened nipples. Brian pinched the nubs between his fingers and tugged on the little gold ring. A jolt of pleasure cut through him and Justin’s head snapped forward. “Brian…”

“You ready, baby?”

Justin took Brian’s hand and wrapped it around his cock, keeping his hand over Brian’s. “Yes.”

Taking control, Brian started pumping his hand and his hips simultaneously as Justin held onto both to keep from being thrown. Brian came first, delirious from the sensation of Justin still riding his sputtering cock as the waves of pleasure washed over him. The boy continued to gyrate with wild abandon, alternately thrusting his straining cock into the tight fist and his hungry ass back onto the thick shaft until his own orgasm finally broke and he collapsed into blissful unconsciousness.

 

***
 

Several hours later, the men eventually emerged from their den and headed to the diner for much needed sustenance. As they pulled up, Brian’s cell phone rang. The older man scowled at his lover before flipping it open. Justin rolled his eyes and went inside. He knew Brian would’ve preferred to stay out of touch with the world for the next few days, but the teen convinced him he needed to at least turn his cell phone on in case there was an emergency with Gus.

The diner was a madhouse and he immediately regretted coming in. He was about to back out and suggest someplace else, when Debbie saw him. “Sunshine! Am I glad to see you!” she cried as she bustled over and smacked a sticky lipstick print on his cheek. “I know it’s your day off, hon, but we’re swamped. I got called in because Paul got the flu, and then Michelle went home sick too. Would you mind working a couple hours?”

Justin was torn between Debbie’s predicament and his plans with Brian when the older man burst in.

“Fucking son of a bitch!” he shouted to no one in particular. He put his hand on Justin’s neck and pulled the teen to him, bumping their foreheads together. “I have to go to work, Sonny Boy, but I swear I’ll be back in an hour.” His eyes pleaded with Justin to understand and the teen nodded.

“It’s okay, Deb needs me here for a while anyway. We can still make it to the gallery later.”

Debbie watched the exchange with keen interest. “Did you two have plans?”

Justin shrugged casually. “Brian hasn’t seen my exhibit yet, so we were going to go over and look at it.” He avoided Brian’s disappointed gaze as he went to get an apron. What was he supposed to say? ‘Guess what, Deb, Brian’s been taken over by aliens and is trying to be a good boyfriend so I thought I’d give him another chance.’ Fuck. He could tell from Brian’s angry stance that would have been a better response and he blew it.

He went back to smooth things over when he heard Debbie gushing about the little celebratory gathering Michael had planned at Woody’s that night for Brian. Everyone else had already agreed and it didn’t matter that Brian hadn’t known. “I made other plans,” he snarled.

Justin blinded him with a megawatt smile. “That’s too bad, sounds like fun. Are you sure you can’t rearrange your plans a little?”

Debbie was amazed to see Brian’s countenance lighten a bit. She always knew Justin had a special effect on him, even if they weren’t together anymore. “Sunshine’s right, you can get your dick sucked later.”

Brian glared at her and turned to Justin. “Are you free tonight?” he asked pointedly.

Justin nodded. “Yeah. I’ll be there.”

Debbie beamed. “That’s great. Michael said you would be busy, but I’m glad you can make it.”

Justin frowned. “He did? I haven’t even talked to Michael.” He misunderstood the dark cloud passing over Brian’s features and was quick to add, “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

Debbie realized her next order was up and rushed over to deliver it. “Get that bubble butt in gear,” she called to Justin over her shoulder. When she was out of ear shot Brian grabbed Justin’s arm to keep him from dashing off as well. “What’s going on?”

Justin smiled coyly. “Today’s my day right? Anything I want to do?”

Brian nodded.

“Then I want to go to the party. I figure it’s as good a time as any to tell everyone we’re back together.” He searched Brian’s face. “Unless you don’t want to.”

Brian’s face relaxed. “It’s about fucking time.”

Justin sighed. “Brian, I--”

The older man cut him off. “Later, baby, I have to go.” He knew he was being curt, but he didn’t want to have anymore of this conversation in the middle of the diner. He softened his tone. “Go back to the loft when you’re done and I’ll meet you there.”

“What time? I mean, I can’t get in, so--”

Brian pulled out his key ring and handed Justin the loft key. Justin shook his head. “How will you get in?”

“I have a spare at the office,” Brian replied. He closed the teen’s hand over the key and locked eyes with him so Justin would understand what he was really saying. “Keep it.”

Justin’s eyes widened and his heart leapt in his throat. Unable to speak, he simply nodded.

Brian flashed him a rare, genuinely happy smile and left.

 

***
 

Brian dropped the last storyboard on the table and ran his hands through his hair. Cynthia handed him the red marker and he was engrossed in imagining it was Vance’s blood on the page when his phone rang.

“Cynthia Johnson speaking, how may I help you? Yes, Michael, he’s still here. No, he’s still conferring with the art department. No, I don’t think it should be much longer. Yes, as far as I’m aware he still plans to be there at seven. You’re welcome. Have a good evening.” Jesus, what a pain in the ass. Brian owed her hazard pay for running interference with his friend.

She placed the phone back in its cradle and rolled her eyes when her boss’ cell phone began to chirp. She peeked at the display, expecting it to be Michael trying to get around her yet again, when she was surprised it was a new caller. “Justin.”

Brian nodded and she answered. “Hello? Hi, sweetie! How was your fabulous evening last night?” She listened for a moment and giggled at Justin’s replay of Brian’s reaction, ignoring her boss’ glare in her direction. “No, he should be done soon. I know it’s been a lot longer than he planned but that idiot designer fucked up the layout…” She giggled again at Justin’s accurate depiction of Brian’s earlier tirade. “Exactly! Okay, I’ll tell him…” She was about to hang up when Brian lifted his hand. “Wait a sec, his majesty would like a word with you.”

Brian handed her the pile of corrected storyboards and dismissed her with a flick of his royal wrist as he sank into his chair. “Hey. Where are you?”

“Actually, just leaving the diner so don’t sweat it. Before I knew it, the afternoon was gone.”

Brian rubbed his blurry eyes. “Tell me about it. Do you want me to pick you up?”

“Nah, the bus will be here in a minute. I’m going home to take a shower and I’ll meet you at Woody’s.”

“Slow down, Sunshine, I’ll be there. Wait for me and I’ll help you reach those hard to reach places.”

Justin chuckled. “I meant my home. I need a change of clothes. Besides, if we showered together we we’d never get there.”

“So?” Brian grumbled petulantly.

Justin laughed again. “So, I’ll meet you there. Later.”

“Later,” Brian replied and severed the connection.

 

***
 

When Brian arrived, everyone but Justin was already there. He accepted congratulations from all his friends, and even got a phone call from Emmett and George that Michael had arranged. The couple was still in France but on there way home sooner than expected because of some minor medical emergency with George.

Brian and Ted started a game of pool while Debbie, Lindsay, and Melanie looked on and Vic and Michael placed the drink orders. Brian was glad for the distraction because he didn’t want to deal with Michael’s whining about Justin, especially when the teen showed up. Where the fuck was he?

Brian straightened up from his shot and felt a pair of eyes undressing him. He glanced up and saw the same trick that had been cruising him since he walked in. Michael handed him his drink. “Can you keep your dick in your pants for five minutes?” he huffed.

Brian moved to line up his next shot. “I’m not doing anything.”

“Then stop giving him the come hither bedroom eyes,” Michael snapped.

Brian kept his gaze fixed on the cue ball. “I wasn’t.”

“Well, he’s coming hither anyway.”

When Justin entered, he immediately spotted Brian and a trick at the pool table. He wasn’t surprised some guy approached Brian, they always did, but his stomach clenched nervously as he waited for Brian’s reaction. It wasn’t like he didn’t know Brian still tricked, but it had become an unspoken agreement that Brian didn’t do it in his presence. Over the past month, even when no one else knew they were together, Brian wouldn’t trick if Justin was hanging out with them. But this was different. He didn’t know Justin was present and the teen wondered if implied plans counted. He thought it did. But he also knew Brian’s temperament, and he would leave his friends to trick at his own party just because everyone else thought it was in poor taste and he didn’t care what they thought because he didn’t want to be there in the first place.

Justin let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding when Brian walked away from the trick and lined up his next shot across the table.

After his follow through, Brian glanced up and saw Justin standing in the doorway. His hand clenched the pool cue tighter, but his face remained expressionless as he waited for his lover to come to him. He realized Justin had seen the trick and wondered why he was hesitating. Brian figured the teen would’ve thrown a big possessive hissy fit by now. Unless he’d changed his mind. Because of a trick? Or because Brian ruined their plans today? Brian mentally gave Justin to the count of ten to out their relationship or he could fuck off. He was not playing this game anymore.

Justin saw the trick approach Brian again. Didn’t he get the hint the first time? He wanted to go pour a drink on the guy and cool him off, but he didn’t know how Brian would react. If he made a scene in front of everyone Brian would probably be furious. But didn’t he have a right to if they were together? While Justin was battling with himself the trick leaned against Brian as he was bent over the table and rubbed against his ass. The decision was suddenly made as Justin marched right over to the table.

Brian batted the man’s hand away (who the fuck did he think he was dealing with anyway?) and looked up just in time to see a pair of blue eyes flashing angrily as the teen stormed at them. “Now you’re in trouble,” he chuckled to the trick.

“Huh?” the guy grunted before Justin lodged himself between them.

“What the--” the trick started when he was pushed away.

“Fuck off,” Justin growled.

The angry man towered over him and jabbed at the teen’s chest. “Look, twink--”

Brian pulled Justin to him and slapped the guy’s hand away again. “We both told you to fuck off, so go away.”

“Fuck this,” the guy grumbled as he stomped off.

Justin whirled around and grabbed Brian’s ass, roughly pulling the man against him. “Mine.”

Brian bit his cheek to keep from smiling. He would have to make sure this didn’t become a regular occurrence since he did have a reputation to protect, but he figured everyone’s shocked looks were worth it this once. “Yes,” he replied as obediently as he could muster.

He was rewarded with a brilliant smile and he swooped down and locked his lips to the boy’s.

A round of gasps burst forth from their friends. “Holy shit!” Debbie shouted as she slapped Brian on the back. “I knew something was up!”

Lindsay slipped her arm around Justin and hugged him. “Does this mean you’re back together?” she whispered, though everyone could hear her.

Flustered, Justin nodded.

Brian saw Michael’s angry glare, but before either one of them could say anything, Melanie beat them all to the punch. “What about Ethan?”

“Mel…” Lindsay hissed.

Her wife shook off the admonishment. “What? He was the boyfriend a minute ago, and now he’s been replaced. I thought Justin liked him.”

“I did. But it wasn’t…he just....” the teen spread his hands shrugged.

“He wasn’t Brian,” Vic finished for him and the teen nodded.

“Right,” Ted interjected. “Why date Prince Charming when you can have the Prince of Darkness.”

Brian and Justin both glared at him.

“So, what?” Melanie started again, “He came to the exhibition and you dumped him afterwards?” She knew it was none of her business, but she had really liked Ethan.

Justin looked at the floor and wished it would open and swallow him. “We broke up a month ago.”

“What?” Everyone gasped again.

Justin took a deep breath. “I broke up with him when Brian and I got back together, a month ago. He and I are just friends now. I know we should’ve said something sooner but--”

“Brian wasn’t in any hurry to admit he was in a relationship again,” Debbie guessed as she cuffed Brian upside the head. “What did you have to do to convince him to stop hiding?” she asked Justin.

Justin glanced at Brian and the older man turned away. The teen suddenly realized how much his selfishness had cost his lover. Everyone always blamed Brian for everything. He should’ve been honest from the beginning and they wouldn’t be having this ridiculous conversation. “It wasn’t Brian’s idea, it was mine. I just wanted us to have some time to work out our problems, you know?” He wondered if it sounded as lame to them as it did to himself.

“So you finally figured out how to put a leash on his dick?” Debbie asked. “I never thought I’d see the day!”

Justin paled, but he forced a smile. “You know hell would freeze over first,” he joked lamely. “ I know I said the tricking bothered me, but I realized other things were more important.”

Brian looked at the teen’s slumped shoulders and averted gaze and he felt as if he was kicked in the gut. It suddenly made sense. Justin had avoided this little scene for as long as possible because he knew they were going to pity him for being a lovesick faggot and taking Brian back. They had no idea what really happened when they broke up, or what changes had occurred to get them back together. And it was none of their fucking business either.

Before anyone could say anything else, Brian handed Michael a pool cue. “New game, Mikey. Let’s play.”

Lindsay also tried to steer the conversation around to a more neutral topic and asked Justin about his critiques at the exhibition. “Everything I heard was quite favorable,” she enthused.

“Ethan was very proud of you,” Melanie chimed in. She just couldn’t get over how Justin could throw away such a nice guy for the likes of Brian Kinney.

Justin shifted uncomfortably and cast a sidelong glance at Brian who didn’t appear to be listening.

Lindsay picked up on his discomfort and elbowed her wife. “I’m sure Brian is too.”

Justin smiled. “Yeah. He--”

“Hasn’t even been there,” Melanie pointed out.

“He had a business meeting,” Justin quickly replied. “He couldn’t help it.”

Melanie squeezed his arm. She wasn’t trying to be a bitch, but she really wanted him to think about his decision before it was too late. He may have broken up with Ethan a month ago, but the young man she saw a few days ago was still very much in love with Justin.

“Hon, that’s not going to change either. You and Brian are on different tracks in your life. I just think Ethan is a better match for you because you’re on the same path right now. You understand what each other is going through as you try to break out and make your mark. Brian’s got different priorities and I don’t think he’s going to give you the support you need.”

Justin tried to shrug it off. “It’s not that big a deal.”

“Yes, it is,” Brian responded as he appeared at the boy’s side. “It’s a huge fucking deal.”

“So we’ll go tomorrow,” Justin tried to smooth it over. He had only been there ten minutes and it had been a complete disaster.

“I don’t need to go at all,” Brian replied coolly. He looked at their friends. “I’ve already seen it. I helped Justin pick the drawings he wanted to submit, I babysat Gus while he and Lindsay framed the prints, and I drove him to the gallery to deliver the collection. I watched them hang it. So I don’t need to hear everyone else tell him what a genius he is because I’ve known all along.” He shot daggers at Melanie. “And do not tell me what my fucking priorities are.”

Justin was just as stunned as everyone else. He could never have imagined how significant that time had been to Brian.

“Brian, it’s your shot,” Michael called.

Brian handed his cue to Ted. “It’s time for us to go.” He turned to Justin. “Ready?”

The teen wanted to scream ‘yes!!!’, but checked the impulse. “Are you sure? I don’t mind staying a bit longer.” He tried to look a little torn for the benefit of his friends. If they would just get off Brian’s back, they could have a good time. He wanted Brian to get the celebration party he deserved.

Brian kissed his temple. “I picked up more champagne for your celebration,” he whispered silkily.

Justin grinned. Fuck it. Their friends would never believe this side of Brian existed, but he was happy to keep it to himself. “I’m ready.”

“Say your farewells to my fan club while I take a piss,” Brian directed before disappearing to the restroom.

“But you just got here,” Debbie huffed.

“So they want to celebrate alone,” Vic replied, winking at Justin. “Can you blame them?”

“We just wanted to congratulate him and have a drink, ungrateful shit,” she sulked. “They can fuck later.”

That was the last straw and Justin’s temper flared. “Michael planned this party without even asking Brian first and Brian already said he’d spend the day doing what I wanted. He’s just doing what he promised.” At this point, he didn’t care if everyone thought he was a selfish brat.

Debbie looked properly chastised and patted his cheek. She remembered their cancelled plans earlier in the day and immediately regretted her harsh words. “We don’t want to keep you then. You boys have a good time.”

Justin gave her a hug to make peace. “Thanks, Deb.”

He hugged Melanie, Lindsay, and Vic as well, and moved to the pool table to say good-bye to Michael and Ted. Before he could say anything, Michael grabbed his arm and steered him to a corner. “I know what you’re doing.”

Justin jerked his arm away. “What are you talking about?”

“Ethan,” Michael snarled. “I know you’re still seeing him, and I know you’re keeping him on the side to get even with Brian for tricking. I know you’re not okay with it, I saw your face when you walked in.” Michael knew there was something bothering him about Justin’s sudden change of heart and he finally put his finger on it. “But you’re wrong if you think you can browbeat Brian into being the perfect boyfriend by making him jealous.”

Justin glared at him. “That’s not what I’m doing.”

“Bullshit. You know Brian loves you and you’re deliberately hurting him to get even for cheating on you.”

“I would never hurt Brian,” Justin hissed.

“Too late. He knows you were with the fiddler yesterday.”

“Michael,” Brian barked. “That’s enough.” He pushed Justin back to the other table. “I forgot to tell Linds we can watch Gus tomorrow. Would you go ask her what time, please?” Justin studied him for a moment then did as he was asked.

Brian glared at his friend. “It’s in your best interest to mind your own business, Mikey, and make sure the others do the same.”

“This is my business, Brian, I’m your friend. And so is everyone else. They have a right to know what a lying little shit he is.”

“He probably feels the same way about you. Do you want him to tell everyone why he really left me?”

“Is that what this is about? Is he holding that over your head? Oh, my God, Brian, you didn’t have to take him back just to protect me.”

What the fuck? Brian’s jaws clenched as he bit back his anger. “I didn’t take him back, he took me back.”

“He’s the one who left you!” Michael ground out.

So they were back to the beginning. Brian thought they had finally moved on, but obviously, the comic book had reawakened Michael’s desire to be his faithful sidekick. Zephyr to the rescue. Shit. And Justin was coming back across the room so he didn’t have time to straighten this out now. He looked his friend in the eyes and hoped the message got through. “Just remember what I said, Michael. He’s got no reason to keep it a secret, and he certainly has nothing to lose.”

Michael gaped at him. “What about you? Would you stay with him if he betrayed us like that?”

“I never asked him not too.”

Before Michael could reply Brian turned and intercepted Justin. He just managed to get him outside before the teen exploded. “Lindsay didn’t want you to babysit. What the fuck is going on with you and Michael?”

Brian kept a blank face. “Must’ve got the dates mixed up.”

Justin pulled away and stopped walking. “That’s what your big shocked face was all about last night? You thought I was with Ethan? Why didn’t you fucking tell me Michael was saying that shit?”

“He just thought he was watching out for me,” Brian replied, hoping he sounded bored enough that the teen would let it go.

“He’s not a fucking guard dog,” Justin snapped. “He’s meddling. Fuck, he meddles more than an old woman.”

Okay, so he wasn’t going to let it go. Big surprise. Brian decided the best defense was a good offense. “Was he right?”

Justin squinted at him under the dim street lamp. “About Ethan? No. I’m not going to see him anymore either. He gave me flowers yesterday and it made me realize we can’t just be friends. I want--”

Brian was relieved to hear it, but he didn’t need to hear the gory particulars of romance gone wrong. He dismissed the rest of Justin’s comment with the wave of his hand. “I meant about the tricks. Are you going to leave me again just because I fuck other guys?”

Justin scowled. “It wasn’t just some other guy last time.”

“It was to me.”

Justin opened his mouth then shut it again. He looked up and down the street, as if searching for an answer, then looked back at Brian. It was clear they were both still feeling pretty raw about the whole deal, but Justin didn’t want it to fester anymore so he offered to stop picking at it. “Plenty of blame to go around, huh?”

Relieved, Brian started walking again. “You wanted to be equal partners,” he grumbled as he shoved the boy towards the jeep.