The next couple of days seemed to rush by for Justin. He spent every available minute away from work and the studio with Brian. The ad man, turned teacher, spent half that time giving his pupil lessons in the sexual joys of being a gay man, and the other half spent in learning the every day life of a gay man. Justin enjoyed it all. He had finally realized who he truly was, and he was proud. He would have mourned all the missed years of hiding from himself, if he wasn't so grateful that it was Brian who brought him out of his own personal closet. The man was definitely worth waiting for.

Justin had also come to the realization that the primary reason he enjoyed acting so much was that he could become someone else, if even for only a brief time. It wasn't that he had ever hated himself... it was that he didn't know himself, and he had been searching all this time. He now recognized that his dad had frightened him long ago into suppressing who he was, and he now felt it was time to confront the man. He would use the weekend time off from work to do just that.

Justin had kept in contact with Daphne every day since coming back to Pennsylvania, and he was eager to see her again. He knew that she was just as eager to see him. Daphne knew Justin inside and out, and she was aware that something had changed in him in a very short time. Justin had always been a positive person, but this new man was positively glowing, even through the phone. At first, she thought it was because of his new job. After all, it was his first lead role, but now she suspected it was something even bigger. He sounded suspiciously like a man in love, but the only person he ever talked about with any conviction was one Brian Kinney. Daphne knew that once she had Justin right in front of her, she'd get the truth out of him.

*****************************************

Justin spent Friday night wrapped in Brian's strong embrace, as usual. Justin still had his hotel room, but half his clothes were now at Brian's, along with his toothbrush. Justin had reluctantly told Brian, during the night, that he wouldn't be able to spend much of Saturday with him since he had promised to make the short trek to his hometown in Mount Lebanon. He told his lover that he intended to confront his family with some truths about himself, and he made it clear that he needed to go alone. He needed to make sure he knew where he stood with everyone before bringing Brian into the picture. Home might be barely over ten miles away, but it was a whole different universe from what Justin was living in now.

Justin made arrangements for a rental car and it was waiting for him when he rose early Saturday morning. The night before was spent in some playful bondage sex and Brian groaned when the alarm went off. He did his best to convince Justin to delay his departure and come back to bed, but the young man knew it was better to get moving onto the next chapter of his life. He gave his exhausted lover a quick kiss and left the man slipping peacefully back into sleep.

Justin had decided to visit Daphne first before confronting his family. He sensed that she would be a lot easier to talk to, and he wasn't quite ready to face his father yet. Daphne knew he was coming.  She had always been an early riser, so he knew she'd be up and ready to bombard him with questions. It was already clear that she knew something was up. Justin rechecked the address that she had given him since moving in with her new fiance, and pointed the car in that direction. Twenty minutes later, Justin was pulling up in front of a lovely old brick building that housed a dozen rather large and comfortable apartments.

Justin knew that Daph's fiance came from a well-to-do family, so the apartment confirmed it. She opened the door before he could even knock a second time and threw her arms around her oldest and bestest friend. After nearly squeezing the life out of him, she drew Justin into the apartment and shut the door behind him. Justin was impressed. The apartment was large and airy with a roomy living room off the entryway. There were two sliding glass doors at the back of the living room that revealed a small garden patio. Daphne drew Justin into the room and plopped down on a large recliner that faced a black leather sofa. She indicated for Justin to sit there and then leaned in to grab her friends hands.

"Oh man, Justin, I am so glad to see you. It feels like it's been forever. Damn, you look good... even better than the last time I saw you. So tell me, what's up with you? I want the scoop, the whole scoop, and nothing but the scoop."

Justin jumped in when his friend stopped to take a breath.

"Whoa, slow down girl. I'm glad to see you too. And I'll tell you everything, then you can tell me how things are going for you...." Justin waved his arm around the room, "...although I can already see that things are going well."

"Ummm, you might say that. I did mention that Gary comes from one of the richest families in town, right? But, oh my God Justin, he is the sweetest thing in the world. No pretensions or anything. You're really going to like him. He's working at the hospital right now, but he'll be home by lunch time. I've been incredibly lucky finding him. He wants to be a pediatrician. You know, I never thought I'd want kids, but Gary has changed my mind. He's going to be the best dad in the world some day. Now, you can see how happy I am... I want to know what's going on with you. You've changed kiddo. There's something really different about you. I could hear it on the phone, but now I can see it too. So spill."

"Okay, okay. I've met someone too, and I think... no, I mean I know I'm falling in love too. His name is Brian Kinney."

Justin paused deliberately to gauge Daphne's reaction to the name. There was a brief moment when the room went completely quiet, and then the girl jumped up from her seat, clapping both hands wildly together.

"Whoo hoo! I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! It's about time you told me the truth."

"What are you talking about?" a confused Justin asked.

"I'm talking about knowing you were gay for some time now. So what made you decide to be honest about it? I've been waiting for years."

"You've known for years?" asked an incredulous Justin. "So why the fuck didn't you tell me? I just figured it out myself."

"Wait! Wait a minute. Are you saying that you didn't even know all this time. That's not possible. I've known since high school."

"No, I didn't know. I swear! I just didn't care. I've been drowning myself in making a career for my future and nobody, male or female, ever attracted me before."

"Well then, this Brian... whatever... must be one hell of a man."

"Oh, he is Daph, he is. He's the most beautiful man I've ever known. And it isn't just his looks. There is something really beautiful inside the man. He likes to put on these airs of not really caring about anyone or anything that much, but it's a facade. He cares deeply. You should see him with his little boy. He..."

"Little boy?", Daphne interrupted. "I thought he was gay."

Justin laughed. "I thought you were going to be a doctor, Daph. You have heard of artificial insemination, right?"

"Oh geez. Of course. Go on."

"Anyway, as I was saying, he is so good with the boy and Gus obviously loves his dad to death. And he gives his friends a hard time, but you can see the affection there, even though he'd deny it. He only took on the job of advertising the film because it was based on his friends comic. He's loyal to a fault. And my God, Daph, he's so gentle and loving with me. He took on the job of teaching me how to play a gay man, but he's taught me so much more."

"From the very beginning there was something there between us. I was scared shitless. He seemed to see right through me and he knew, even though I didn't, that I was gay. So he didn't let me hide from myself any more. I don't think he started out to fall for me, but he did... and hard too. He just wanted me to face up to who I was. I think I've scared him a little bit, cause he isn't used to feeling anything special for the men in his life, except his friends of course, but he can't deny how he feels for me. Well, actually he can deny how strong the feelings are, and he tried to, but I won't let him. You know how determined I can be when I want something, and Daph, I want him... more than anything in my life."

Daphne looked at her old friend and could see the truth in what he said. She could see Justin's eyes light up like a beacon whenever he simply said the man's name. She had never seen such a look of determination and affection on her friend's face before. Daphne had never been so excited about the prospect of meeting someone. She had to meet the man who brought Justin out of his cocoon and made him bloom like a butterfly.

They spent the rest of the morning reliving old times and talking about their lives now, mixed with talk of the future. Justin was pleased to meet Daph's fiance, Gary. The young man was tall and gangly with a mop of bright red hair and a smile that would warm anyone's heart. He obviously adored his fiancee, which gave him high marks in Justin's eyes. He joined in their conversation, but was soon headed back to the hospital to finish off his shift. They made a date to have dinner at the next earliest possible time, and he expressed an interest in meeting Justin's boyfriend, once Daphne explained who Brian was.

Shortly after Gary left, Justin knew he couldn't put off the main reason he had come home in the first place. He bid Daph adieu at the car and promised to return on the following weekend, bringing Brian with him if he could. Daphne assured him that he had better or she'd be making the short trip into Pittsburgh on her own. They kissed good bye and Justin turned the car towards the big house he had grown up in.

********************************

Justin drove down the pleasant avenue he'd spent his entire childhood on. Very little had changed, if anything. The homes were large thanks to owners who were mostly business owners and high paid executives. Every yard was neatly trimmed and in full bloom. Some kids could be seen bicycling down the picture perfect streets. This was suburbia at its prettiest. Whatever deep dark secrets existed here, they were well hidden behind heavy ornate doors. Soon Justin could see his own home as he approached it. He felt his stomach do a flip. It was now or never, he reminded himself.

Justin had called his mom to warn her of his upcoming visit. His mom knew he was in town for the movie, but he hadn't talked to his dad at all. It had been ages since his dad had spoken with Justin. The man didn't appreciate his only son defying him like he did. He had called Justin a few times when he first moved to Hollywood to let him know that he was still welcome to join the family business or attend college on his father's dime if he would give up his ridiculous dream of becoming an actor, but Justin had politely declined each time. Eventually, the calls stopped. Justin wouldn't even know what was going on with his family if it weren't for his mother.

Justin parked behind his mom's Mercedes and got out. He stared up at the large two story house. He had so many happy, and quite a few less than happy memories stored in this place. He took a deep breath and moved to the paved walk leading to the front door. He had only taken one step forward when the front door flew open and his baby sister came flying out.

"Justin," the young teen shouted, launching herself into her big brother's arms.

"Whoa Sis, back off. You almost flattened me," Justin got out, as he was plastered to the side of his car, thus avoiding landing on his ass.

Molly hadn't seen her big brother in almost a year... not since he had taken a brief job in a television show that was filmed in New York City. Their Mom had made a long weekend of it and met Justin in the City for a two day visit. She tried to get Justin to come home then, but he had refused. He made it clear that he wasn't ready to have a face to face with their dad yet. She didn't know what made this time different, but she was just glad to see him.

Justin pulled back from his baby sis and looked her over. She was fourteen now and the difference from last year and now was quite evident. His little sis was blossoming and turning into quite the blonde stunner.

"You're becoming quite the cutie, kiddo. Bet you have all the boys chasing you."

Molly blushed all the shades of red and punched her brother in the arm.

"Quit kidding me, Big Bro. I'm a mess. I can't even get the attention of the only guy in school who matters. But I'm working on it. So what made you decide to finally come home after all these years? Not that I care. I'm just glad you finally did. And man, I hear you've finally got a really good part in some action movie. Tell me all about it."

"Calm down, squirt. I will. I just need to talk to the folks first. So are they both here?"

"Mom is, but Dad had a golf game with some of his business cronies. He should be home soon. Come on. Mom's dying to see you. She couldn't believe when you called and said you were finally coming home. I could hear her and Dad arguing almost half the night about how he should treat you. She is so going to whip his butt if he gives you a hard time again. Just you wait and see."

Justin was half relieved that he would have some time with his mom alone before facing his father. He threw his arm around his little sis, who was now almost as tall as him, and led her towards the house. As soon as they entered, Justin could smell the sweet aromas of the apple spice cake his mom knew was his all time favorite. The siblings followed their noses to the back of the house where they knew they'd find their mother.

When Jennifer turned around and saw her only son standing in the doorway, she tossed aside the spatula she was using to frost her cake and ran to greet her boy. After nearly smothering Justin with her enthusiastic hug, she stepped back and gazed at her beautiful son. She noticed right away how much older and more mature Justin seemed to be than the last time she had seen him. There was an air of confidence in our son that she hadn't noticed before. This new movie must be the cause of it, she thought to herself.

The three Taylors enjoyed their reunion for a while sitting at the kitchen bar, when Molly suddenly remembered a previous promise to go with her friend to the mall after she heard the girl's mother honking outside the house. She threw a big kiss to her big brother, kissed her mom quickly on the cheek and ran for the door, shouting 'Later' behind her.

"Is she always this hyper," Justin laughed.

"No. Usually she's ten times more so. She's reining it in for your sake," Jennifer laughed back. "Okay, Justin, we're alone now. You can tell me the real reason you came home, besides just to visit. I could hear it in your voice when you called yesterday. You have something important to tell us. Am I right?"

Justin quickly decided it might be better to give his mom a heads up before talking to his dad so he plunged right in.

"You always could read me, Mom. I do have something to tell you and I'm not sure how you're going to take it."

"Well, the only way we'll know is for you to just spit it out."

"Okay, here goes. You know that I have the lead in this new film. I told you it was about a super hero who rescues this kid who is beaten in an alleyway. What I didn't tell you was that the super hero is gay and the victim... that's me... is also gay. The two of them fall in love in the story." Justin paused for a reaction.

"Okay, and...."

"And, they assigned this man to help me get into my character. He's the ad man in charge of promoting the film. He's also gay and...well...."

"Justin, just spit it out."

"And, I've fallen in love with him. And Mom, he's in love with me, although he hasn't admitted it yet." Justin stopped and stared at his mother, waiting for the explosion.

Jennifer sat perfectly still for all of two minutes. Suddenly she reached forward and gathered her son in her arms.

"Oh my God, Justin. Do you have any idea how long I've waited to hear you tell me the truth. I've been so worried about you, but I couldn't say anything. They told me at PFLAG that I had to wait for you to come to me."

Justin pulled back, puzzled. "Wait, are you saying you've known I was gay for a while now?"

"Not known for absolute certainty. Of course not. But I've suspected ever since high school. There was even one boy that I thought for a while was your boyfriend, but he disappeared from your life all of a sudden. After that I wasn't so sure, but I still wondered. Are you telling me that this man is the first time you've known who you were?"

"Yes! His name's Brian Kinney, and he is wonderful! He has his own business. He's smart, kind, thoughtful, and so damned beautiful. I really think you'll like him Mom. So, does Dad know too?"

"Good God, no. I mean we've never talked about it. If he's had any suspicions, he's kept them to himself. I wasn't going to bring it up to him, cause it's your business, not mine. Are you here to tell him too?"

"I have to. I want him to know the real me. So how do you think he'll react?"

"I don't know, honey. But I do know he loves you, so even if it is hard on him at first he'll come around. You might have to give him a little time though. He'll be home in time for supper. You will stay and eat with us, right?"

Justin thought for a second and then nodded yes. He had made up his mind that it was time to come clean with everyone that mattered. He'd sit down to dinner with his dad and by the time he went back to Pittsburgh, he'd know where he stood with the whole family. Daphne and his mom had proven that they loved him no matter what and that they had even known already what he had kept hidden from himself. His dad was probably the same way. But no matter what, he'd find out for sure in just a few hours.

He excused himself from his mom and went upstairs to his old room. The place hadn't changed a bit in five years. The years melted away as he sat at his old desk, surrounded by drawings he'd worked on as a kid and photos of friends at different summer camps and parties. He pulled out the cell that the studio had provided all its lead players, and called Brian. He felt a tingle in his crotch and a tightness in his chest when he heard the beautiful silken voice of his lover.

"Hey Brian."

"So what's up, Sunshine. Have you imparted the news to everyone yet?"

"Just Daphne and Mom. You wouldn't believe it. They claim they already knew and they are totally cool with it. I called to let you know that I won't be back until after dinner. My dad's not here, but he'll be home for supper and I'll tell him after that."

"How are you feeling about that?"

"Frankly, I'm scared shitless. My dad is not exactly gay friendly. I don't think he'll take it as well as Mom did. But I have to tell him."

"Well, just remember, if he really loves you he'll accept who you are no matter what. And Justin, remember that we're all here waiting for you. I'll have the bed all warmed up for your next lesson."

Justin smiled, thinking of what Brian might have in store for him next. It helped buoy his spirits as he waited patiently in his childhood room for the first man he had ever loved to come home, so that he could reveal who he really was to him. Then he could go home to the last man he would ever love. He looked at his old alarm clock and willed time to hurry up. He wanted this over and done with.

To be continued...........