We're chuffed that you made the connection between the title and this chapter, Claire. :D

Brian did, indeed, have a close call - something I always throught could have happened in canon, no matter that he's a tall, fit bloke. There were times he'd head off with a trick, and who knows what might've happened? As I recall that was hinted at in one episode. I doubt Brian will repeat that error in judgement, fortunatley.

That's an interesting question as to whether that trick will brag. It would be pretty foolish, but he doesn't seem all that bright.

We'll have to see how matters develop with Justin's dancing; for now, he's adamant about proceeding. We'll caution him (again) about the weirdos, but he may not listen.

I'm glad you enjoyed Brian eating off Justin's plate - so typical of our stud. Of course, he's completely made up that Gus called him "Dada" and wouldn't comply with Mel's request for another "Mama". :D

More soon.

~ KaBrynn

Thanks for this brilliant review, TAG! :)

We’re right with you on Justin reporting his torched locker to the police. It really is strange in canon that Jennifer doesn’t insist that her son take that step. In our story, Justin isn’t so much worried about being a tattle-tale, more just concerned about surviving high school. He figured, correctly or not, that since he didn’t catch the perpetrators in the act that nothing could be done, failing to take into account the bullying leading up to the locker incident. Since reporting both the torched locker and the bullying to Carl and Wen, however, he seems to be changing his mind.

You’ve almost caught up with us, although we plan to post chapter 18 later today. :)

~ KaBrynn

Thanks for letting us know you like Harley II (the budgie) and Vincent (the car). You're the first to comment on them. :)

Gus only had a one-word repetoire, Jushun, until he added 'Mama' in this chapter. Looks like Brian will have to wait for 'Dada'. :D

We appreciate you being such a faithful reader and reviewer, Phyllis. We're working on the next chapter now and hope to have it up soon.

~ KaBrynn

Thanks for being the first to review this chapter, Claire. :)

We're chuffed you're enjoying Vic, Deb, and Justin's banter. The blond doesn't really mind the ribald humor, even when it makes him blush, lol.

Melanie never would've told Justin it was okay to sign the contract, if anything were out of order. She's a pretty tough lawyer. You may be correct about Justin taking drugs, especially since he's so desperate to repay Brian for his burgled goods. After their confrontation at the diner, Justin probably has a fair idea of how Brian will react.

Justin is frustrated at being so throughly shut out by Brian, but once there's a chink in the stud's armor of indifference, who knows what could happen? The teen might have made a wild guess that Brian is fantasizing about the two of them, but it would only be a guess.

We're working on the next chapter and hope to have it up soon. :)

~ KaBrynn

Brynn thanks you for referring to her English as 'Proper English' since that's obviously true, for her at least. :D She's working on me to make my (Karynn's) English proper again. I lived in London for three years, so she figures it should be doable...

We're glad you're enjoying the slow burn. Most readers are begging for Brian and Justin to be reunited... so we have to run from the rotten tomatoes they're throwing, lol.

Thanks for the second review, Teresa! Double reviews are special.

We do hope you'll take us up on your 100th review prize. That's the way our minds work. :p

~ KaBrynn

Thanks for being such a wonderful, faithful reviewer, Navneet!

That chapter did have quite a bit of angst, friendship, humor, and drama. We're chuffed that you enjoyed the ending. Along with Vic, Carl makes a perfect surrogate father for Justin. Jerkins is going to be in for a world of hurt if Detective Wen has to visit him...

We're working on the next chapter now and will get it up as soon as possible. You're great at keeping us smiling. <3

~ KaBrynn

Thanks for your review, Claire! :)

Justin finally got his act together and went to Carl. The good detective probably remembers what it was like to be seventeen and thinking he could handle everything himself. He and Vic are the perfect surrogate fathers for our favorite teenager.

Well... Brian still views Michael as his best friend, even if he'd like to see a bit less of him, lol.

How stupid can Ryder be? *shaking my head* But, yes, it's time for Brian to open his own agency, in spite of the shitload of work and money that will require.

~ KaBrynn

Ooh, a double review! We won't complain about a duplicate. :) Thanks, Navneet.

We love how you posted that gif of Brian deep-throating what appears to be an eclair in the KD FB group. Really, what else could that be except a stunt to provide us with inspiration? :D

~ KaBrynn

Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, Navneet! You made the day for both of us! :)

If you go to 2x11, The Wedding, you'll discover that's the very statue that Michael bought from a street vendor for him and Ted to give to Lindsay and Melanie as a wedding present. It took me a while to find a screencap that would work for the chapter, but I persevered. I (Karynn) much prefer the statue being given to Michael. :D

Yay! We have a consensus; so far, everyone prefers our version of Michael's birthday bash.

We're thrilled that you're enjoying the plot development. We agree: Both Carl and Vic make fantastic surrogate fathers for our favorite blond.

Don't hold your breath, but we'll update as soon as possible. We need to reward our loyal readers after that four-month hiatus. :)

~KaBrynn

Thanks for reviewing so quickly, Phyllis, and for all the lovely comments! You've made both of us smile.

We're chuffed so far by the response to our version of Michael's birthday party; it seems to be quite popular. :) It was definitely fun to write.

Justin's really lucky - two excellent mentors and surrogate fathers in Vic and Carl, although the relationship between Justin and our favorite detective is still developing. Carl certainly has a soft spot for the blond teenager. And for a certain waitress...

We also want to see the framed drawing and photo side by side. Should be a hoot!

~ KaBrynn

Did you need a nap after reading that, Saje? ;)

~ KaBrynn