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Author's Chapter Notes:

Brian and Justin spend the last couple of weeks before leaving for Hollywood together, every moment that they can.  Meanwhile Craig continues on to the next step in his plans for Justin.  Justin reveals that he is torn about what to do with his own future.

Telling Justin the truth about his father had been easier than Brian anticipated, but only because his lover proved once again how strong a character he was. It also didn't hurt that Brian only divulged the knowledge that Craig had hired a detective and was having them followed. He carefully neglected to mention his suspicions about the bombing, and Craig's connection to that despicable act.

Justin was justifiably pissed to know that his own father had found it necessary to have him followed. He was as incensed over Brian's privacy being invaded as his own. What in the hell did his father think he would gain by such actions, the young man wondered. Did he really think that watching his son's movements, and those of his lover, would bring his son around to his way of thinking? Justin was beginning to feel more pity for his father than anything else. The man he had once looked up to as a boy had become a pathetic creature in Justin's eyes.

Neither Brian nor Justin had any intention of letting Craig Taylor disrupt their lives. If Craig wanted a show about how they felt about each other, they'd give it to him. For the next couple of weeks, Brian and Justin went about their business arm in arm. They spent a great deal of time visiting Brian's friends and playing with Gus. They spent many nights at Gee's Britin, while making love in as many rooms as they could possibly get to in the time allowed. They visited Mount Lebanon several times as a couple and had Daphne, Jennifer, and Molly visit them in the Pitts. Brian took to Jennifer the minute he met her. She obviously felt deep affection for her son and that made her the perfect mother in Brian's eyes.

Jennifer had been concerned about the older, more sophisticated boyfriend of her son at first, but the more time she spent with the two men, and saw their obvious affection for one another, the more comfortable she became. By the third time she had dinner with them, she was a fan of their relationship. Daphne, on the other hand, had become enchanted by Brian from the first meeting. She could see why Justin had fallen so hard so quickly without a doubt. Justin thought about telling his Mom what his dad was up to but decided against it. He figured she had enough to deal with in getting her divorce from the man. She didn't need her fury at Craig for his treatment of their son to be added fuel to the fire.

The couple spent most evenings at Woody's and/or Babylon. Brian and Justin had developed a perfect rhythm with each other and danced together as if they were one. If Craig's detective was watching, he'd be getting an eyeful to report back. Justin had taken to joining Brian at his Kinnetik offices. He found the fast paced world of advertising fascinating, especially the artistic side of it. He would sometimes sit in on meetings with graphic artists and marvel at their creativity. Brian noticed how many times he would see the actor sitting with pencil and pad and drawing out sketches. The young man's ability to capture the human form was amazing. Brian couldn't help but notice that he himself was distinctly one of Justin's favorite models. He was making sketches of Brian commanding a meeting, sitting behind his desk, on the phone with a client, and a particularly sultry looking one of Brian stretched out on the couch in his office during a brief nap.

Even though Brian's offices had been set up with the ability to see inside thanks to all glass walls and doors, there was an alcove behind the main area of Brian's personal office that afforded complete privacy. The men spent many happy hours over the course of Justin's down time having passionate sex on the available large leather couch or in the family size shower stall that Brian built for his convenience. During one particularly enjoyable evening, Justin spent it riding Brian's very happy cock in wild abandonment while Brian swiveled from side to side in his office chair set up in the alcove. The men were particularly late leaving the office that night and hoped Craig's detective lost plenty of sleep while waiting on the napping lovers, who were unable to move a muscle for several hours after that vigorous workout.

Time was marching by quickly, and it was soon only days before Justin would have to go back to Hollywood to complete the film. Brian had already made all the necessary plans enabling him to accompany Justin. He blessed himself for having such a talented team behind him at his company. He knew he couldn't stay gone forever, but he was safe in leaving most of the labor to Ted and Cynthia with just a few meetings per week with clients while he commuted. He didn't feel comfortable letting Justin go off without him even though he knew the young man could take care of himself. He simply wasn't sure that Justin realized the full extent of his father's ability to hurt someone. Brian had no intention of letting the man teach his son the hard way.

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Craig Taylor was getting sick of all the repetitive reports from Rodriquez. What the fuck did his son do to himself? According to the reports, Justin was following that creep, Kinney, around like a lost little puppy. And that was what he was doing openly. No telling what kind of perversion they were getting up to in private. Craig was close to a stroke just reading about their activities. It was a damned good thing Rodriquez had stopped recording the two men, Craig decided. He didn't think he could handle that on top of seeing his son's descent into that sick lifestyle he had taken up. He should have known letting Justin go to Hollywood would eventually lead to this kind of behavior.

What infuriated Craig even more was discovering that his soon-to-be-ex-wife was indulging their son, and even taking Molly along for the ride. He had a good mind to sue for full custody of his daughter. If Jennifer had her way, Molly would end up a lesbo, with her life ruined too. He wondered again what he had ever seen in the woman he married in the first place. No wonder he had taken to having affairs years ago. He had no choice with a wife like her. It was just too bad he hadn't realized how her influence in indulging Justin's artistic and free wheeling desires would lead to the boy's disgrace. Now he would be forced to start all over with a new family.

Another thing that angered Craig was how he had been forced to take such drastic steps to save his son. He had been convinced that shutting down that infernal movie studio where they were shooting Justin's sick movie would put an end to it. He hadn't intended for so many people to get hurt... after all, he had suggested setting the bomb in an unoccupied area of the studio during lunch time so that only the building would be damaged... but it wasn't really his fault that it went down the way it did since they hadn't listened to his advice.

Reverend Phillips had assured Craig that Babcock was the right man to shut down production of the movie. He really hadn't a clue that the man would choose bombing the studio to achieve those ends... well not until the last minute. By then it was too late to figure out something else. Craig had already informed that reporter, Peters, to be on the lookout for some big story concerning the studio. He didn't see any way of stopping it from happening after all that. The worse part of the whole ordeal was that it accomplished nothing. Justin was still obviously involved in the film and now it looked like Kinney was even more involved.

Once again Craig cursed the day he had not tried to stop Justin from leaving home and pursuing his disastrous career. But it was too late to dwell on that. Right now he had to figure out his next move. He checked the scrap of paper in his hand with the name and phone number on it... Harvey Lipco. Rodriquez had recommended the detective who worked out of Hollywood. For a price, the man would provide anything one needed, according to Rodriquez. Craig hoped so, cause one way or another he had to get Kinney out of his son's life. Then, at least, he might have the chance of straightening his son out before it was too late. If that didn't work, then he would have to wash his hands of Justin once and for all.

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The bon voyage party (Debbie's words) that she threw at her house for Brian and Justin on Friday night was full of fun and good cheer. Everyone was having a wonderful time. Debbie met Jennifer for the first time and praised her for being the kind of Mother that would make a gay man proud... then immediately roped her in to a promise to join PFLAG at the first opportunity. Daphne, who had a habit of hanging on Brian's every word, enjoyed meeting Justin's new set of friends. They, in turn, could see whey Justin thought so highly of the girl after only chatting for a few minutes. It didn't hurt that Daphne took to little Gus from the moment Mel and Linds walked in the door with the youngster. As for Gus, he couldn't get enough of his new best friend, Justin.

Jennifer was worried about Justin going back to Hollywood. She needed reassurances that the trouble in Pittsburgh with the film would not translate to Hollywood. She still felt reluctant to see him go, but she also knew it was what Justin wanted and that was good enough for her to back up his decision.

"I can see that you and Brian are quite close," she told Justin in confidence, once she was able to get some alone time with him outside in the back yard. "I can tell how happy you are that he is going with you. But what are you going to do once the film wraps? I know Brian has a thriving business here. You know he'll have to come back sooner or later... probably sooner."

"I know Mom. Everything has happened so fast. Less than two months ago I didn't even know the man existed. Now he is everything to me. I can't... no, I don't want to imagine life without him in it every minute possible. I have a lot to think about, and believe me I have been thinking. I enjoy my job as an actor, but lately I've been weighing my options. I just don't know what I'm going to do next, but I will decide soon. I promise you. And you'll be one of the first I talk to once I know what I'm going to do."

Justin looked in the back window and saw Brian looking back at him. He gave the man a great smile. Brian smiled back. Jennifer noticed the interaction and leaned forward, giving Justin a little peck on the cheek.

"You do that hon. I just want you to be happy Son... in your job and your personal life. Then I'll be happy. Remember that."

Justin pecked her back. "I will, I promise."

Jennifer turned back to the house to leave just as Brian was walking out the back door. She smiled broadly at her son's boyfriend as she passed him by. He returned the compliment. Brian walked over to Justin, who was staring into the star-filled night sky. He put his arm around Justin's shoulder and drew him close, basking in the warmth of the young man's body.

"I used to dream of being one of those stars someday, but now it seems so unimportant to me," Justin said quietly. He turned to Brian. "Nothing seems important to me any more, except being with you."

"You're the most important person in my life too, Justin, and that's the truth. But you mustn't lose sight of the big picture. You are the one person you must be true to. You need to decide what you want in life and give it everything you can. Don't let your parents, friends, family, or even me decide anything for you. You only have this one life. The best revenge against those who want to control you, or change you, or won't accept you for who you are is to be a big fat fucking success at whatever you do in life. I'm behind you Sunshine, no matter what you decide."

Brian leaned down and captured Justin's lips with his. He poured his heart into the kiss, reminding Justin of his deep feelings for the young man. After several minutes, they reluctantly parted and Justin snuggled deeper under Brian's protective wing. After several more minutes, Justin spoke quietly but firmly again.

"Everything is going to work out for the best, Brian."

"I know," the older man confirmed, continuing to gaze into the night sky watching, as the stars winked their approval.

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

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