Doing the walk of shame was rather exciting to Justin. For the first time in his life, it felt like he was experiencing things he’d missed, and something just for him. The normal guilt he felt when it didn’t involve Gus wasn’t there and made him realize that both of them needed experiences of their own. At first, he was going to wake Brian up, but decided against it, since there was no reason to think it was more than a one night stand. So he let it stay as what it was, because in the end Gus was his priority, and there was no point in bringing someone around to meet his son when they'd be gone soon.

Gus, as always, slept as if he knew Justin wouldn’t let anyone harm him. Justin laid down next to his son, trying to decide whether to contact his mother. He knew she'd have questions about Gus, ones Justin didn’t want to answer. But thinking about the family questions Brian brought up had him thinking about what he would do with Gus if something happened to him. He had time to decide. Until he did, showing Gus around would do. 

When Brian got to the loft, he could tell Mikey had shown up, since things were out of place. It drove him crazy seeing shit on the counter when the garbage can was right underneath it. But since Mikey wasn’t standing there Brian didn’t have a problem cleaning up. What he did have a problem with was the note ordering him to be at the diner to discuss why everyone took off without okaying it with Mikey. Brian wondered how the guys got around Mikey finding out they also disobeyed him, by not having the comics. Not that Brian planned to let Blake deal with something Brian should have put a stop to with Mikey years ago. 

Brian wondered why Justin took off the way he did, but in the end, knew he didn’t have time to invest the time in anything until he dealt with his own issues. He could at least find out more about Justin, thinking eventually he’d get over thinking he wanted to see the man again. The loft door slid open, but it was just Ted and Blake.

“Blake managed to get Michael to go home,” Ted told him, which explained why Mikey wasn’t there, throwing a tantrum.

“Did he give you shit over the comics?” Brian asked.

“He was more pissed off that he couldn’t find you, but I’m sure that’s coming next. Which is why we thought you could come with us to meet Emmett for breakfast. Emmett suggested we all avoid indigestion since we’d be dealing with the idiot, in addition to Deb’s lecture on why we let Michael get hurt by the bullies at the convention.” Ted told him.

“Sounds good, since right now I’d tell Deb what Mikey was doing to get his ass kicked,” Brian told them, going to get cleaned up and changed. 

When Brian was ready they drove to a bakery off Liberty Avenue, where Emmett had already ordered for everyone. Likely wanting to tell them all about dealing with Mikey for Brian, and not wanting to have to wait through deciding what they wanted to eat, to talk.

“I want you to know, my tolerance for pain is high, but last night I think I finally found my pain threshold,” Emmett told them.

“I told you I had no problem dealing with Michael for both of you,” Blake told Ted and Emmett.

“Which we appreciate, but it’s time we stop letting Michael think we’re his to do with as he pleases,” Emmett told him, apparently just as fed up as Brian. “Only, last night Michael seemed to want to air all the shit he thinks we waste our time doing. One of which was Brian’s job, and the fact that he thinks Brian needs to make his employees, meaning Ted and Cynthia, start doing all the traveling that interrupts the time Brian could and should be spending with him. Although he did say us, not like I couldn’t read between the lines. Please tell me your evening was worth my pain.” Emmett joked.

“So how did it go?” Ted asked.

“Actually pretty informative,” Brian told him, not willing to share about Justin.

“Informative. What happened, did he end up debating comics in a way that you could have just had Michael do for you?” Emmett asked since he figured it was someone Brian met while there.

“Found out that what we agreed to do wouldn’t have really benefited Michael. Even if we got Justin to sign anything, it’s pretty much worthless to the store. He mentioned that with him being here signing copies, it wasn’t likely there would be interest in a signed copy that the people wanting them already had. Mikey’s idea also wouldn’t have worked because Justin wouldn’t have signed that many copies for anyone.” Brian told them.

“So not only is Michael hopeless at running a business, he really doesn’t understand the comic business. Are we really surprised?” Blake asked them. 

“It’s why I’ve told you to stop helping him. He ignores all the free advice I give him, saying I don’t understand comics. Which, no I don’t, but in the end, business is business. And something you and I do understand is the purpose, profit.” Ted told Brian.

“When he loses the store, hopefully, that will get through to him,” Brian told Ted.

“Understood. But also understand me, don’t deal with Michael and Deb alone, let us help you.” Ted told Brian.

“Have you managed to find out anything?” Emmett asked, hoping for something for Brian’s sake.

“The landlord at the very expensive apartment complex recognized her, but once again the name changed. She used Melanie Taylor this time. She’s gone from low rent to exclusive now. I wish I knew how she knows to run before I can catch her. The other thing is, the guy assured me there was never a kid around. Which means she either lied about being pregnant, or the kid could be anywhere.” Brian told them.

“I’m still nowhere closer to figuring out where she’d be getting the money that it takes to run as she has been. The money she took from Lynette wouldn’t have lasted this long. Hopefully, she did lie about being pregnant.” Ted told him, not even wanting to know what might have happened to the baby if it even existed.        

“Lynette isn’t helping either, this could have been over years ago if she had just pressed charges against Lindsay before she managed to leave town. Lynette couldn’t even confirm Lindsay was pregnant.” Emmett commented, not getting why it mattered what other people thought of anyone in the Peterson family.

“She wouldn’t have told them unless it got her something. But maybe what the landlord hinted at would at least piss them off.” Brian told them.

“With them, I doubt it would matter,” Ted told him.

“Or they would be so proud that Lindsay was doing what she was taught from the cradle. The guy told me Lindsay had a lot of older male friends dropping by at all hours, bringing gifts and barely missing the one before them.” Brian told them.

“Just remember, we’re here to do anything that would at least get answers,” Blake told Brian, knowing Brian wouldn’t ask them.

Brian’s phone started to ring as they were leaving. None of the guys bothered to ask who it was since they would know after Deb or Michael filled up Brian’s voicemail. Ted and Blake decided to check out a movie marathon they’d been on the fence about, not wanting their day taken up by listening to Michael bitch. Emmett stuck with Brian when he said he was planning to shop for the day. Emmett was more interested in the fact that Brian didn’t mention anything about why he disappeared last night.

“So now that we’re out, how about telling me what made the boys at Babylon cry last night when you didn’t grace us with your presence?” Emmett quizzed.

“Found something more interesting to try. A date.” Brian told him.

“Like where you eat, drink, and actually find out about the other person?” Emmett asked, prepared for Brian to tell him he was kidding.

“And have him pick up the tab. He claimed it was a new experience, so it was on him.” Brian told him, wondering why he even told Emmett that much.

“Did you explain all of that was a new experience for you too?” Emmett asked, hoping Brian would keep talking.

“I would have if he'd stuck around after, but he pretty much made it clear he got what he wanted from me,” Brian told him.

“I think I am officially impressed. Any chance you’ll tell me who?” Emmett asked, practically ready to shake Brian if he held out on him. “Wait, I can’t believe I missed it. The comic guy?” 

“Got it in one,” Brian answered.

Emmett stopped when his phone was receiving multiple texts. “Oh hell, he finally remembered the comics. Deb just texted she would be waiting at our doors since we’re ignoring her.” 

“I’ll be thrilled to explain it to her,” Brian told him.

“I guess we’re in for all kinds of experiences lately. Can I watch?” Emmett asked, only to lose Brian when he started walking faster in the other direction.

Justin called his mom, deciding it was better to know if there was a way for them to have a relationship. Daphne agreed that it was better to leave Gus with her until he was sure what he wanted to do. His mother agreed to meet him at the coffee shop they used to go to when they went out shopping together. He wandered around at first, not wanting to be the first one there. He was also getting up the courage to see her. She seemed nervous when he called, but pretty much left it up to him if they could meet. He stopped procrastinating when it wasn’t going to change that he wanted to see her. She was sitting outside, rearranging everything on the table, making him realize he wasn’t the only one unsure of how today would go. It made it easier for him to sit down when she saw him.

“You look great.” She said, studying everything about him.

“My life ended up being more than I thought it would be.” He told her.

“I want to ask so many questions, but don’t feel like I have the right.” She told him.

“Daphne told me about you and Dad. I can’t really even say I’m sorry you left him.” Justin told her.

“I couldn’t stay any longer. I just wished I’d done it before you left.” She told him.

“It’s okay you didn’t. Well, it hurt, but in a way, it led me to a life I love.” He told her.

“Did you go to college?” She asked.

“No. At the time I just didn’t want to be around people. I did manage to make a living at the hobby Dad was convinced would go nowhere.” He told her.

“Are you painting?” She asked.

“Actually I took another direction. I write comics now, and it pays enough that I don’t have to touch the money left to me.” He told her.

“As long as you’re doing what makes you happy. It’s all I ever wanted for you.” She told him, smiling at someone behind her. “How are you doing Brian?” 

Justin wanted to believe there was no way it was the same person, but the voice behind him squashed that idea.

“I’m great Jen. I was running around and saw you, thought I’d stop and say hi.” Brian also thought to make himself comfortable without waiting to be asked. Where’s Molly?” 

“She’s out with some friends, I’m actually here with my son, Justin,” Jen said, looking at Justin to at least greet one of her best clients.

“With the way you talk about Molly, I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned Justin,” Brian told her.

Emmett sat there trying to figure out why Brian invaded the table. Only happy to be there when Brian couldn’t seem to look away from Justin, who barely acknowledged him.

“He’s been away for a long time,” Jen said sadly. 

“Mom, it’s okay,” Justin told her.

“Well, we just wanted to say hi. Maybe if Justin wants to hang out you can give him my number.” Brian told her but directed it to Justin. “I’m sure we can find some kid-friendly things to do with your son,” Brian said, not understanding the bomb he just dropped.

“Justin?” Jen asked.

“Can you give me a minute? There was something I forgot to tell Brian when we met last night at the convention.” Justin told her, getting up and not waiting for Brian, who followed him.

“He didn’t even tell me,” Jen said, realizing how much she lost the day Justin left.

“At least he didn’t stay away. Something I did because my family would never really welcome me back. I’m sure he didn’t want to overwhelm you.” Emmett offered.

Justin wasn’t angry. Brian didn’t know that what he said was something Justin’s mother didn’t know. It was just not understanding why Brian was there.

“Are you following me?” Justin asked.

“Emmett and I were looking around, and I figured I’d thank you in person,” Brian told him.

“The night was over, it’s not like we needed to talk it to death. If you need me to stroke your ego, thank-you for the best night of my life.” Justin told him.

“It could have been a day too if you hadn’t departed so early,” Brian told him.

“Which is time I could be spending with my son. The one that you just announced to my mother,” Justin explained.

“Why wouldn’t you tell Jen?” Brian asked, not liking that Justin didn’t see the mother Jen was.

“Because when I told my family I was gay, she didn’t try to stop me from leaving. It felt like she was relieved. That my leaving stopped the fights that started with my coming out.” Justin told him.

“Yet you’re here, willing to talk to her, or were you just here to hurt her by not letting her know there was a child out there she could have been with?” Brian asked, angry at Justin for doing what Lindsay did to Brian.

“I didn’t want to expose my son to anyone unless I was sure they wouldn’t end up disappointing him, by not being what he needed in his life,” Justin told him.

Brian had to get away from Justin. The words were like knives stabbing him. He spent all this time wanting to believe his only reason to look for the child Lindsay told him was his, was protecting some kid. It was still abstract to him, but how could he feel anything for a child he didn’t know? 

“Brian are you okay?” Justin asked.

“You also made it so your son might have lost the chance to have more in his life,” Brian told him.

“If it keeps him from being hurt, I’d take the risk,” Justin told him.

“It hurts more to be the one who doesn’t know,” Brian told him.

“How would you know?” Justin asked.

“Because my child is somewhere, hopefully happy. But I’ll never know until I find the bitch who ran to cover her own ass. I don’t let myself feel anything, because right now I don’t know if she aborted it, gave it away to strangers who might be doing something no child should ever go through, or simply lied and there isn’t a child. What you said isn’t something I haven’t heard repeated. That my child was better off not having me for a father.” Brian told him, finally saying what he wouldn’t let himself voice before.

Justin steered Brian to a corner table, not sure what to do when Brian seemed lost, something Justin understood.

“Are you… I feel like I need to do something for you.” Justin told him.

“It’s dead end after dead end. I find her and she manages to leave before I can get to her. No one who recognizes her has ever seen a child with her. I can’t even say if I have a son or a daughter.” Brian told him.

“I didn’t bother to look for Gus’s mom. Not really caring, since she wasn’t interested. I do know a guy who is pretty good at getting information fast if you’re interested.” Justin offered.

“The guy I’m using gets me close, but then she’s gone,” Brian told him.

“Maybe someone tells her you found her,” Justin suggested since it made sense.

“The only people that know, I trust,” Brian told him.

“It wouldn’t hurt to try someone no one you know knows. If you can give him a starting point, maybe where she first ran, it could help.” Justin told him, writing down the number.

“It took two years to find out she was in New Mexico, by then the baby would have already disappeared,” Brian told him.

“You didn’t know where she was before?” Justin asked, figuring he could at least run it by the detective he used when he got back home, even if Brian didn’t call.

“She didn’t go where we assumed she would. For years all she talked about was New York.” Brian told him.

“I need to get back to my mom, she needs to meet my son. Good luck.” Justin told him, seeing his mother crying.

“How long will you be here?” Brian asked, wanting something he couldn’t name.

“For a couple of weeks,” Justin told him.

“Can we see each other? Strangely enough, it helped to talk to you.” Brian asked.

“Gus really takes up my time,” Justin told him.

“I really wouldn’t mind seeing him too, someday it could help me with my own kid,” Brian told him.

“I’ll call you.” Justin told him, as Emmett came over.

“You left my card, when you left.” Brian reminded him.

“Did I forget to mention, I have a photographic memory?” Justin asked him, leaving to take his mother to meet his son. Not wanting to be anything like the person Brian described.