Chapter 15: Possession Obsession

You know there's something you need/ Right here and now/ To fill the space inside of

yourself/ Money love or power/ When you want to have the number one first run

anyone

You're crazy 'til you own them/ You ought to know better than that/ The more that you

buy the less you get back/ The compulsion to count the percentage of time/ Spent

between two lovers/ Can turn an hour into a crime/ And all the good times suffer/

Though you know it's only jealousy/ You can't help but be/ Haunted by your passion/

Don't you know it's a matter of fact/ The more that you take the less you give back/

It's a case of Possession Obsession/ Just a taste of possession obsession/ Brings a case

of possession obsession/ Gimme Gimme

Written by Daryl Hall, John Oates, Sara Allen

•  Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

Michael

I was pacing outside of the fucking music building at PIFA, waiting for that greasy-haired musician to show himself. It's taking everything in me not to run in, and yank his ass away from whatever the fuck he's doing in there. He had ONE job... Only ONE! And as a result of his failure to keep that blond bastard away from Brian, I'm sporting a black eye and a bruised chin!

I wouldn't be surprised if that fucking bitch, Daphne, broke a couple of my ribs when she stomped me in the chest. Who knew that the little bitch was so vicious? But then again, I probably should have expected it since she's friends with a troll like Justin Taylor. The problem is that I can't sue her for the damage she caused me. She's a college student, and it's not like they have a lot of money.

Her parents probably don't have any either, despite the fact that they live in the same upscale neighborhood as Justin did. Plus, I know that the family would ream me a new asshole if I did. It doesn't matter that she assaulted me for speaking the truth. They are angry at me because I did! Which brings me to a whole other problem: Ben.

How dare he take my name off the mortgage?! I paid my part of the down payment- or rather Justin did- but that's beside the point! He owed me that at the very least, but could he just let bygones be bygones? NO! He couldn't!

So now I'm back to sleeping in my old room back at mom's house... Well, at least until Brian moves me into HIS loft. Regardless of everything that is happening between me and Justin, Brian would never let me be homeless. He'll take me in. I just have to find a way to get him alone and talk some sense into him, especially about this whole power of attorney thing.

It's just one more way that Boy Wonder keeps getting his hooks back into my best friend, and soon-to-be life partner. I really do love Ben, but he could never, would never, measure up to Brian. No one ever could. I have to find a way to make Brian see that we were meant to be from the moment we met back when we were fourteen. Now that Ben has removed himself from my life- or seems to have done so, in any event- it's time to get that fucking blond out of Brian's life, for good!

I see that little washed up boy, known as Justin's boyfriend, coming out of the building. He looks rather cozy with that black boy he's talking with, but that's not my problem. If Ethan is cheating on Justin, it's no more than he deserves for what he did to Brian! The tall boy leans down to stare into the musician's eyes, and I have to admit that it's tempting to let Justin know of this little scene, just to see the look of despair and heartbreak that will no doubt flit across his face. Perhaps if he was as absorbed and concentrating on Ethan as he should have been, maybe I wouldn't be getting sued for his share of the profits in Rage.

The same logic applies to Ethan. If he had distracted Justin the way he was supposed to, perhaps I wouldn't be losing everything that I hold dear- my business, my family, my friends. I see them share a brief kiss, and I know that if I don't interrupt them now, the opportunity to get my life back to the way it should be will slip through my fingers. "Sorry to interrupt, but Ethan, we need to talk," I say, loud enough that I know he can't ignore me. I can't help, but fold my arms and glare at the little asshole.

"Lee, I have to go. We'll catch up at class later." I hear him tell the disappointed boy, as he turns towards me and moves away. My foot is tapping uncontrollably as I continue to regard his approach. He looks well-rested despite the fact that his boyfriend is in the hospital. Based on how Lee looked at Ethan when he turned away, I can only assume why. I recognize longing when I see it. "What are you doing here, Michael? And can we make this quick? I can't be late for my Music Composition class," he tells me.

I roll my eyes at him. "As if I really give a fuck whether you are late or not..." 

"You should, since I am planning on asking Justin to come with me when I win the competition. That would leave a clear path for you to Brian's bed, wouldn't it?" he sneers.

"If you had done what I PAID you to do in the first place, that path would already be fucking clear!" I shout at him.

Ethan Gold doesn't fool me, not one fucking bit. He has just as much to gain by maintaining a relationship with Justin, as I did. As grudgingly as I have to admit it, the co-creator of Rage is going to be very well off someday. Justin is extremely talented, and no matter how much I try to downplay or disregard it, he has a bright future drawing to make a living. I can't say the same for Ethan, even if he did get into this school for elite artists.   

"Look, whatever you think of me for accepting your money, I really do love Justin. That money was- rather is- earmarked for our escape from all things Kinney. But I couldn't help what happened last night. I just got so fucking angry, after talking to Lindsay, that destroying Justin's car seemed to be the right thing to do," he stammers.

"You?! You mean you are the REASON he ended up in the hospital last night?! You..." I can barely contain my anger as I stare at him, seething. "You fucking ASSHOLE! Do you realize what you did?! You provided the reason that Brian is stuck playing nursemaid to Justin again! Now Brian will never leave his side, you fool!"

"What the fuck is it to you if he doesn't?" Ethan shouts back at me, before lowering his voice. "I saw your man last night. He's a good-looking dude. Why would you give that up, or jeopardize that relationship for a whore like Kinney?"

"My reasons are my own! But thanks to your colossal fuck-up, we have to come up with another plan."

"Well, I hope you have one, because I sure as hell don't. Justin is hell-bent on remaining friends with certain members of your ‘old-heads' group. And he is extremely stubborn about it. He says that no matter what I feel, he will not cut everyone off simply for my own peace of mind. I'm working on separating him from Daphne, but after what I saw last night, I may have to rethink that."

"That little bitch is going to get hers," I growl at him. Ethan is right though. Without Daphne in the picture, Justin would be more open to reason. He's always been the type to be easily led. I mean, look at what happened with Rage and the profits. Because I managed to gain his trust, I was able to reap all the benefits. "Maybe she's the reason..."

"What?" he asks.

"Nothing." I shake myself out of my reverie, getting back to my business, and the real reason I'm on this fucking campus with teeny-boppers a little under half my age. "Look, you owe me, so do your fucking job! Either convince Justin to leave Brian alone, or return the fifteen grand I paid you to break them up in the first place."

"Or what? You're going to sue me the way Justin is suing you? If you do that, then you'll have to explain where you got the money from in the first place. Now, I will do what it is you asked, but ONLY because I want Justin with me. Your money will provide a vehicle for that. But you might want to convince Kinney to remove the ban from around Justin."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I haven't spoken to Brian since before we all arrived at the hospital for this new crisis in Justin's continuing drama. Fucking Boy Wonder!

"I went to the hospital this morning, only to be told that I couldn't see Justin."

"Why the fuck not?!"

"According to that arrogant prick and the bitchy nurse on duty, they are treating what I did as a crime. There isn't any way I can get to Justin until he's released from the hospital."

"Do you know when that will be?" I can't believe that they are taking this shit so fucking seriously.

"No, I don't. Kinney refused to give me any information, even though he has it all."

"Nevermind, I will find out myself. You just make sure that you DO YOUR FUCKING JOB when he gets out! As for Brian, I'll make sure to keep him occupied. I am his best friend, after all."

He looked at me strangely before uttering, "Yeah, right," and walking off before I could say anything else.

I watched him go, narrowing my eyes and trying to gauge if he told me the truth or not. I honestly don't know what to believe where Ethan Gold is concerned. He reminds me of a smarmy used car salesman; the type to say anything to get what they want. I don't fucking trust him. But I know exactly who I can call to get my questions answered without seeming as if I'm fishing for information on Boy Wonder.

Pulling out my cell phone, I dial Ben's number. I could always trust him to tell me the truth of things. He's honest that way. I let it ring the four times, and am surprised when it keeps ringing. It means that he isn't in class, because otherwise his phone would have just gone straight to voicemail.

Ben is a creature of habit and would have picked up by the fourth ring, if he was available. So I hang up, and dial it again. "What do you want, Michael?" he answers.

Okay... So I wasn't expecting him to still be angry. I smile, hoping that it will calm him through the phone while I ask him what I need to know. "Hi, Ben. I was wondering if you and I could have lunch together. I think we need to get back on track with our relationship. I know that what I said last night about Boy... I mean Justin, was mean, but I was just upset. I really want to come home." He's silent on the other end for a time, so quiet that I actually thought that he hung up. I looked at the screen of my phone, only to realize that it is still counting the minutes since the line has been opened. So I know that he's still there. What the fuck is he doing?! "Ben?"

"Yeah I'm here, Michael, but I don't know what you want me to say."

"I want you to say that you forgive me, and that we can put this all behind us."

"I can't do that."

"Why not? This has nothing to do with you and me; this is a Justin problem."

"No, this is a Michael problem. And frankly, I am tired of dealing with it," he tells me.

"What the fuck do you mean by that?!"

"Just what it fucking sounds like, Michael! You have a choice to make: Either you give up this obsession with Brian and Justin's relationship- a situation that is really none of your business anyway- or we're through."

"But Ben, Brian is my..."

"Best friend," he cuts me off. "And yes, you're right. Brian is YOUR best friend, but you are certainly NOT his!"

Before I can even process what he says, I lose my temper. "You don't know what the fuck you're talking about! Brian and I have been best friends since we were fourteen! You were only his trick! What the hell makes you think that you even know Brian enough to speak about him like this?!"

"Apparently, I know a lot more than you, Michael. But you know what... nevermind this entire conversation. I need to know where to send your shit because I want it out of MY house!"

"IT'S NOT YOUR FUCKING HOUSE!!" I yell, watching as people pass, laugh, and point at me while I'm talking to Ben. I really need to get the hell off this campus now that my business with Ethan is finished.

"Contrary to what you think, and as it has already been explained to you, the house does indeed belong to ME. But then of course, you didn't listen since your mouth is always running. It's amazing really. The stuff that you are supposed to hear, you can't seem to process. But with things that are absolutely, unequivocally none of your fucking business, you are amazingly attentive! You really should see someone about that problem you have, Michael, since it's bordering on insane. I'll send your shit over to your mother's."

He hangs up on me, and I can't help but stare at the phone in shock. How fucking dare he?! This is not the man I have been involved with for the past year. That Ben would never have talked to me that way! I don't know what crawled up his ass, but he needs to fix it quick, because I will not move back into my mother's again on a permanent basis, especially now that she is seeing that fucking cop.

But then again, maybe being there will come in handy.

Ben

I can't even believe that the little fucker had the nerve to call my phone, trying to wheedle me into letting him come home. Okay, so I can believe it! And had I not found out all that I've found out this morning, I might have caved. "How could I have been so fucking stupid?"

"Don't beat yourself up, Ben," Mel tells me. "I'm kinda in the same boat you are. The major difference though, is that you were smart enough not to inadvertently involve a child. The fact that Lindsay and I have Gus makes leaving a helluva lot more complicated."

I can literally feel the sadness flowing off of her in waves. I can't imagine being with someone for ten years and suddenly feeling like you've been duped the whole time. I grab her hand as we walk to the hospital entrance. "Don't worry, Mel. We'll figure something out."

"I don't know how. Even with the third parent adoption and custody agreement that Brian, Lindsay, and I have, if he and I can't prove that Lindsay endangers Gus, we're stuck with her, and she will definitely make our lives hell. I wish there was some way we could make Lindsay really pay for what she's done."

"Providing ovum for nefarious purposes, stealing sperm, and fomenting entrapment, really should be punishable crimes," I say.

We look at each other, and I know that just as I'm thinking of Lindsay being prosecuted, so is Mel. I can just about hear the excuses she would come up with to justify her actions. I guess Mel can too, because the next thing I know we're both laughing. Between Michael and Lindsay, it's a wonder and a gift from God that we have managed to maintain at least some sanity, and a little sense of humor. Without either one of them, I think Mel and I would have ended up wearing state-issued bracelets and matching orange jumpsuits a long time ago.

"If what they did was punishable by law, I'm sure they could have earned fame appearing on ‘World's Dumbest Criminals'. But I think that Lindsay actually outsmarted herself this time," she tells me.

"Oh? How so?"

She cleared her throat before speaking. "Like Michael, Lindsay tends to overlook Brian's intelligence and his vicious nature when it comes to revenge. They tend to see him as the young man he once was, who needed constant reassurance. Although BrianKinney grew up in a two-parent household, it was still a broken life in a lot of ways. As a result, Michael, and then Lindsay, took advantage of Brian's inherent need to be needed. Since you weren't around when Justin first came into our lives, and probably only received an abbreviated and biased opinion from Michael, I will give you my own version. It will be closer to the actual events, rather than what lives in Michael and Lindsay's fantasies. Originally, the three of them were like super glue- where you saw one, you saw the others. Sure Michael and Lindsay had their moments of jealousy over Brian Kinney..."

"What do you mean? I thought Lindsay had grown up with the two of them."

Melanie shook her head. "No, Brian met Lindsay at college. And because they were both in the closet- at least publicly, for the sake of their parents- they formed a bond. Lindsay was Brian's beard and vice versa. Although Brian fucked guys at college, he was pretty discreet in comparison to how he has been in the years since taking Gay PA by storm."

"Okay, so that explains a little more about why Michael would have felt threatened by Lindsay's presence. But why the other way around?" I can't help but be fascinated by Mel's take on the obsession-possession competition between Michael and Lindsay for Brian.

"In order to tell you this, I have to admit I've been lying to myself for as long as Lindsay and I have been together. I cast Brian into the role of enemy- which he shouldn't have been- to give credence to my own denial. Lindsay is bisexual, although she has yet to acknowledge it. Being with Brian allowed her to merge her worlds- so to speak. She could be involved with a man the way society always expects, especially within the WASP nest that Lindsay and Justin were born into, while not sacrificing those urges to be with a woman."

"But that doesn't make sense, since bisexuals don't view sex the way a hetero or homo does. Am I right?"

"That's very true, Ben. Although they would be physically attracted to both sexes equally, they have none of the hang-ups that we homos and the hets do about girly parts or boy bits. For Lindsay, it is more about what her parents think than it is the people she hurts by not staying true to herself. She's physically attracted to both Brian and me, but a man- or in this case Brian- would be the perfect husband for her, while I would be the perfect mistress, since Brian and I actually do share similarities. God Almighty, help me for saying that," she laughs.

I smiled at her. "So you're saying that if given the choice, Lindsay would have picked Brian to marry?"

"Yeah, I am. The sad thing is that I used to hold him wholly responsible for it, even though he never encouraged her in her heteronormative fantasy. He did fuck her once in college, but you know boys at that age. The wind would blow too hard and bam, they're hard. And since a stiff prick knows no conscience, he did what any other college-aged man would probably have done in that situation, especially one with the sex drive of a runaway freight train."

I nod at her candor about the nature of Brian's relationship with Lindsay. "So Michael was jealous of Lindsay and vice versa?"

"Michael thought that if anyone could turn Brian ‘straight', it would be Lindsay. Lindsay was resentful because if Brian was truly gay, which we all know he is, he wouldn't be interested in her sexually. She's missing that crucial appendage for Brian to even blink twice, which Michael has."

"So how do you think they arrived at working together?"

"Oh, that's easy. Take the youthful exuberance that is innate to Michael when everything is going right in his world, the same breeding and education that Lindsay has, then add a fucking near-genius level IQ, an insatiable appetite for sex, with intrinsic beauty and sex appeal that hasn't even begun to be cultivated yet, then you get..."

"Justin Taylor," I say, finally understanding what has held Brian enthrall, even against his will. "Well, now we know why it's so important for them to keep Brian away from Justin."

She nods at me. "Neither Michael nor Lindsay pose a threat to the other. They long ago decided that neither of them will ever have enough of what it will take to make Brian choose one over the other... this baby business and Gus notwithstanding. Brian will never want Lindsay, because she wasn't born with a dick and balls; he'll never want Michael, pretty much for the same reason. Ooh... I'm sorry, Ben," she cringed while apologizing, but I just wave it away. I'm learning just how correct Melanie's observations about Michael and Lindsay are since I've noticed these same things myself, but never put it all into this comprehensive perspective. She continues, "But with the advent of Justin in our lives, Michael and Lindsay see a young man who literally has all of the qualities that made Brian fall hard for him."

"Made? Don't you mean ‘make?'"

"No, I mean made. Brian may not know it or if he does, he hasn't acknowledged it yet even to himself, but he does love Justin. He's in love with Justin enough to see that the young man has what he needs, even if it means pushing him away to go after it."

"You're talking about Ethan, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am. But I believe there is more to that situation than meets the eye, too. Do yourself a favor, and watch how they interact when we go into the hospital room. I think you will find some of the answers to the questions floating around in your head," Melanie tells me, smiling.

"How did you get so smart about all of this?"

"It took me a while to see things as I do now. That's not to say that I am Team Brian Kinney all of a sudden. He and I will still disagree loud and often. But we have a few common goals, and a few people whom we love very much and would do anything for. One of them is upstairs, lying in that hospital bed."

"So how should we broach this delicate subject?"

I can see the gerbil in her mind doing backflips and forward rolls as she crinkles her forehead, deep in thought. I feel like I'm getting a glimpse into how she processes the information she's given as a lawyer, playing out worse case scenarios, and preparing a rebuttal to every argument. I can also tell when she has made a decision by the very Kinney-esque smirk on her face, and it's then when I notice how much she and Brian really are alike.

"I think we should attack this head-on, Ben. Neither Brian nor Justin care much for suspense, unless they are reading or watching a movie. We have to capture their collective attention from the onset. Although each have the ability to zone in and concentrate on a multitude of things at the same time, when they are together in the same space their main focus is centered on each other. I always found it funny how they always know, without turning around or seeking out the other, when one of them has entered a room. Their senses gravitate toward each other automatically."

I nod again. "I noticed that too, when Justin was working at the diner. No matter what Justin was doing, it was always as if he could tell when it was Brian who had come in the door. He would get this slight hitch in his breathing, and his smile would always shine a little extra bright. Based on your description, now I understand why. I've never had that with Michael," I say, and I can't help but feel a little sad that I didn't.

"Don't feel bad, Ben. Even after all these years, I can't say that I've ever had it with Lindsay either. There was this one woman though... but she's long gone out of my life."

I can feel her sudden sadness, and I can also tell that this isn't the first time she's thought about that mystery lady. I take her small hand in mine as we board the elevator. As soon as the door closes, I force her to look up at me, and am amazed to see a little tear in the corner of her left eye. "Mel, perhaps when this is over, you should seek her out. I know it may be hard to admit or accept, but our relationships with Michael and Lindsay are over. Now I don't know about you, but I intend to find what Brian and Justin have for myself. Maybe it's time that you do the same."

The door opens on our floor, and as we step out I can tell that she's thinking about it. I watch in amazement as she pushes the thought to the side for the moment, and pulls herself together. She looks at me again, smirk back in place but with narrowed eyes heralding the advent of Dyno-Dyke into our midst. I can see that I'm now looking at Melanie Marcus, pissed-off-Attorney-at-Law instead of Mel, the scorned and disillusioned partner of Lindsay Peterson. Again, she's reminding me of Brian Kinney, but this time in his Rage persona, and I have to tell you, it's pretty fucking scary.

Well I suppose I can definitely call up the residual angry feelings I had indulged when I was dealing with roid-rage and John's death. I can honestly say those same feelings of hopelessness, despair, and desperation, assailed me for brief moments earlier after speaking with Taryn. But now all I feel is anger at Michael and Lindsay. Anger at what they did to me, absolutely. But more so for what they have done, and are trying to do to Brian and Justin.

Those two really have some fucking nerve!

We can hear Justin, giving last minute instructions to Ted and Em regarding some place and Ethan. He's moving out? I guess he is, since I hear Em reassure him that they would get his belongings before Ethan gets back to the apartment. Mel pushes open the door, immediately addressing Ted.

"Ted, Ben and I have discovered where Justin's money has been going. And her name is Taryn Charles," Mel announces.

The silence in the room is deafening as Mel's words sink into each of the occupant's brains. Even I still can't believe what Michael has been up to. The fact that Mel thinks Lindsay is involved, and the reason why, is abhorrent. Justin is the one who breaks the silence first. "Who the hell is Taryn Charles, and what has Michael been doing? We know that he isn't paying to fuck her."

"In a manner of speaking, he isn't, but she's bound to get fucked anyway. Unless we can come up with something else," Mel tells him.

"Why don't we start from the beginning of what Mel and I know, and then hopefully we can all fill in the blanks to get a more complete picture of what the Dastardly Duo have been up to," I tell the group as a whole.

Emmett checks his watch, and grabs one of the two chairs in the room; Ted grabs the other. Mel and I sit side by side, on the loveseat. Thinking that Brian was either going to sit at the foot of the bed or stand at the window, I'm surprised to see Justin move over at the head of the bed and fluff a few pillows before Brian sits down beside him. Although the action is completely innocent and natural, its effect is not lost on the rest of us. I can't help but think back to what Mel said, while we were on our way up here.

Brian and Justin have never stopped loving each other. And it's never been more evident than in the care both of them are showing for each other, even while their actions just seem like basic human kindness. Once they're settled in, all the focus in the room has returned to Mel and me. While I'm filling the group in on my talk with Taryn this morning, Mel's phone rings. I notice as she rolls her eyes, and sends the call to voicemail.

It happens seven more times, before Brian finally breaks. "Mel," he says softly, but we all can see that he's fuming beneath the surface, "is that work-related?"

"No. It's a combination of Lindsay and Michael. You would think the fact that I am not answering would alert them to the fact that I am busy, and don't have time for their shenanigans."

"Then either take the calls, or shut the fucking thing off." Even in the soft command, we all flinch at its forcefulness. We're even more surprised that Mel hasn't taken umbrage with his tone, which is a clear indication to me just how serious we are all taking this latest round of foolery.

She nods, but before she has a chance to turn her phone off, it rings again. She looks down at the caller ID, even while Brian draws Justin a little closer, and curses up a storm. This situation is clearly getting to him, and it's evident that he isn't the only one. I can tell that Justin is deeply affected by the story of Taryn Charles, and how she fits into all of this. They are conversing softly, as are Ted and Em.

Emmett is ready to march out to find Michael to beat the shit out of him. Or at the very least, alert Debbie so that she can. Ted is trying to talk him out of it, saying that they should hear the rest of the story first. Mel takes the call, mouthing to us that it is her office calling. After a series of ‘Uh-huhs' and ‘Did she reallys?' she hurriedly ends the call with a brief, "Let me know if there is anything else. In the meantime, I need you to contact Mason Cowell. I think this is going to get a lot uglier. No, you don't have to call him, since I'm with him now. I'll let him know. Thanks, Sherry."

She disconnects the call, and sits there stunned for a few minutes, before Brian finally asks her, "Do we even want to know what that call was about?"

Mel takes a deep breath before responding, "Apparently, Ms. Lindsay Petersen-Marcus has been extremely busy this morning. Not only did she accompany Taryn to her appointment, but she even managed to squeeze in lunch with her father's attorney, James Wallace."

"Is there some reason that particular meeting should be important? And why call you about it?" Justin asks. I think I have a feeling why Mel was informed, but I really want to hear what she has to say firsthand, not speculate about it.

"There is definitely a reason this is important. I suppose that Lindsay has forgotten that Sherry and Candace, who just happen to be both mine and James' secretaries, are sisters, and tend to speak several times a day. Candace was on the phone with Sherry when my wayward wife came in for her meeting with James. When Sherry asked why Lindsay was seeing her parents' family attorney, Candace- who can't stand any of the Petersons, with the exception of Ron- had no qualms about pushing the intercom button, and the speaker button on her cell phone. Looks like Lindsay can add conniving, cock-riding cunt to her resume. When they finished, James began to advise her on divorcing me, and reclaiming full custody of Gus, while making sure that both Brian and I still paid her child support. Sherry made sure to press the record button on her phone as well, and has sent me the audio clip."

"Gotta love those smartphones," Emmett said. "But if I'm not mistaken, that recording won't be useful unless one of the parties knows they are being recorded, right?"

Mel smiled, and I could see the viciousness in her eyes returning full-force as she looked at Brian, who has an equally devious look in his hazel orbs. Apparently the implication also occurred to Justin, whose Sunshine-bright smile is nearly blinding in its quality. "Let me guess," Justin says, "Candace has a standing order to record any and ALL meetings with any Peterson family member, and therefore permission for the audio is automatically given, since by law only one of the parties has to know they are being recorded. If that's the case, and James didn't rescind his instructions given to Candace on some previous date, Candace did the proper thing in taping the meeting and therefore, it's admissible in court."

"Damn, I've taught you well, Justin. You are absolutely correct in everything you said. The fact that Sherry also recorded it, is another matter. But since the dictation company James uses keeps a running record of all the things they transcribe, it will not be hard to have those records subpoenaed. Not only will Lindsay be losing in the divorce, but she will also lose Gus," Melanie states with an even brighter gleam in her eye.

"Um? How so?" Brian asks.

Melanie gets up and hands Brian her cellphone, after pressing a series of buttons on the screen. As expected, we all get up from our various seats and surround the bed to get a better view of what Mel opened up for Brian to see. "Oh my God, what?! Where.... Oh my God, Mel, what the fuck is she doing?! And with Gus in the car?!"

"What's the problem, Kinney? It's been so long since you've seen heterosex that you no longer recognize it?" I can hear the bitterness in Mel's voice, and I reach out to draw her closer to me. I can feel her burying her nose in my neck, inhaling my scent which seems to be calming her. I knew there had to be a reason that I prefered that chamomile and tea tree oil fragrance. I'm glad that I can be a help to her, even if it's in this small way. Finding out that the person you thought you knew but really didn't, hurts like a motherfucker. "Keep watching guys," Mel says, snuggling even closer to me.

"Is there a way we can fast-forward this shit? I feel my dick getting soft and my balls are trying to disappear into my gut looking at this. Plus you're warping the youngster's brain. Justin may never be able to draw the female human form again, without throwing up every six seconds. You'll stunt his growth! Hell, I may not be able to look another straight person in the eye again without wanting to run fucking screaming for the nearest cock," Brian gripes. Both Mel and I share a giggle at that. Leave it to Brian to come up with plenty of colorful colloquialisms to ease some of the tension. "Oh my God, she changed positions. Justin, save me!"

We all burst out laughing as we watch Brian, trying to burrow himself behind Justin's back to keep from viewing any more of Lindsay's literal mommy porn.

"Get up, Goof!" Justin laughs again. This must be a side of Brian that no one else knows. I suspect that even Michael doesn't know about this Brian, who is so far from his worship-warped image of the man. "Mel, before we lose Brian's brain entirely thanks to the yuckdom on screen, can you tell me where this came from?"

"Gus' car seat and the rearview mirror," she answers, and I have to admit that I am even a little confused, at first. But then...

"Oh my God. You mean she's been fucking with Gus in the car?!"

She nods, and then explains where the cameras in the car are located. "Both of them have a live feed function and a record-for-later feature. I originally got it so that if I was feeling a little down during my day, I could watch a little of Lindsay and Gus from the desk; so that I wouldn't feel like I was missing so much of his formative years. The original purpose changed a few months ago, though. With Sam Auerbach in town for an art show, my trust issues regarding Lindsay and the artist came back full-force. I didn't trust the bitch, especially since they had a brief affair before. I know that she said she had ended it, and I believed that she did at the time. But all of the recorded footage proves that I was absolutely right to do this."

"How many instances are in this folder?" Brian asks. 

"Twenty-eight from the last three weeks. It doesn't include all of the men prior to that," Mel answers. This has got to be the most fucked up situation.

"Why did you stay?"

"Why else, Brian? Gus. First and foremost, forever is Gus."

"Fuck that, Mel! You shouldn't have to put up with her cheating ass, simply for the sake of keeping the peace, or sacrificing your happiness for the benefit of someone else. It's bullshit!"

The room has gone suddenly quiet, after Brian's explosive all-too-brief diatribe. Too quiet. The words, nor the implications were lost on anyone in the room, especially not the man sitting next to him, whose face went blank immediately with Brian's accusations. Pasting a polite smile on his face, Justin spoke. "Brian is right, Mel. You deserve a whole lot more than that."

"Justin I...," Brian started, but Justin held up his hand.

"No, Brian. You're right," he says, shifting his eyes to the wall clock. "Guys, I hate to break this up, but my doctor should be in at any moment with my pain med. So after Ted and Em pick up my stuff, and if it's alright with all of you, we can reconvene a little later after I've had a chance to sleep a bit."

"Justin..."

"I'd really like to be alone when the doctor gets here."

I watch Brian look into Justin's eyes for a few moments, and the emotions roiling through both men are so close to the surface. I wish they would just have the argument already, but I know they won't. I can see the resignation in Brian's eyes when faced with the most inscrutable expression I have ever seen on Justin's countenance. I've never seen Justin's face so blank! And yet everything he's feeling at this moment, can be felt just by the mere act of standing here in the same room with him.

Without another word between them, Brian gets up and leaves the room. After pleasantries exchanged and promises to come back later, we all follow Brian out into the corridor. Or we thought we did, except that he seems to have disappeared. The nurse said that he left, and didn't leave any instructions except to guard his list of acceptable visitors. It looks like it's going to take even longer to figure out how to deal with Michael and Lindsay, especially if the two men who will be most affected by this travesty don't get their shit together... and quickly.  

Phoebe

Oh my God, I don't know what to do. Ethan is my friend but... I can't believe what I just overheard between him the loud brunet man! Justin was right about that man- Michael, I think his name is- there is so much hatred and jealousy within him! But what does it say about Ethan, who took money from the guy to break Brian and Justin up?

I know that I'm supposed to meet Ethan in the breakroom before our next class, but honestly, I don't even want to be around him right now. At least, not until I really process what I've learned and heard these past fifteen minutes. In this short amount of time, all that I thought I knew about a boy I've been friends with pretty much all my life has now officially been destroyed. What he did to Justin's car was just... I can't even say what it was!

I'm just so angry about it; I wish Daphne had hit Ethan, too!

What kind of friend does it make me that I would wish violence on someone I would have thought of as my brother? I wish there was some answer to what I should do now. To most people, my choice would be so simple. Ethan is not the most well-liked boy. Many consider him contentious and pretentious, but regardless he is still respected for his talent here on campus.

More importantly though, he's been my human diary for as long as I can remember. I've shared secrets with him and a love for a great many things, including music. He's my artistic soul mate, and my best friend. However, our shared history has now come down to obeying the law, or honoring a life-long loyalty between us. We all suffer in the end, simply because of two men who couldn't curb, or resist their own obessions.

Because of Michael, Brian lost Justin. And because of Ethan's willing culpability in Michael's scheme, Justin has lost himself. I have a feeling that by the time this is all over, the two men which Michael and Ethan are working so hard to possess, are going to begin fighting back. There are bound to be casualities, and I really don't think anyone is ready for the fallout from Brian and Justin's rebellion. But the question still remains: what should I do with what I know?

My decision is going to bring Ethan's exposure, sooner or later. I just have to decide if I can live with the consequences of saying something, or doing nothing. No... definitely not an easy decision.      

Lindz   

Well, that meeting with James was as satisfying, as always. He really knows how to handle me. The talking portion of the meeting was equally informative. All I have to do is prove Mel an unfit guardian for Gus. Brian as well, which actually might prove a bit more difficult.

But if I can strike up a deal with him, it may all work out in my favor. Now, how to spin this? I could go crying to him, and tell him that Mel is cheating on me again, and I want out. But then if she's licking some chick on the side, it really wouldn't have anything to do with Gus; just as me fucking men doesn't. No, that wouldn't be a good way to go. 

I could bring up the fact that she's working so much, we barely see her anymore. Yes... But then he would just ask me who's paying the bills. No judge would see anything particularly wrong with the main breadwinner of the household pulling some extra hours to make ends meet. I just have to find some dirt on her; it has to be there.

As for Brian, well if he doesn't agree to my terms regarding Gus, and his other soon-to-be children, he can kiss Gus goodbye. Brian's lifestyle, and his public persona, are enough to deter anyone from willingly giving him custody of children. Whereas me, I am the soul very of discretion and an upstanding WASP, even if I am also a lesbian. I still have a little clout in high places. Brian will always be that boy born on the wrong side of the tracks, no matter how successful he becomes. 

Now that Justin is out of the picture- he would have opened up the same doors I would have, and possibly even more- Brian is bound to welcome me, and my connections into his life even more fully. At least, he'd better be! I'm through playing nice, hoping that Brian would see my value as a wife while staying with a woman who no longer satisfies me, or has any more use to me than Michael. And that's another problem... Michael.

I don't know what it will take for him to give up this fucked-up fantasy he has of him and Brian being together, romantically. There is nothing about him that Brian would find remotely attractive. The way he dresses alone makes me cringe. I mean, he's a grown man for fuck's sake and his idea of dressing up is the latest superheroes sweatshirt or a polo tee-shirt, jeans, and a pair of Converse sneakers?! How ridiculous!

How could he even think to be able to hold an intelligent conversation, when he has the IQ of Gus' rattle? What could he possibly have to talk about that is interesting, except admitting that he is a criminal who stole money from a struggling college student? That's really the only thing that Michael has ever done which could make him somewhat interesting on any level. And we all know that he would be so busy bragging about it, that it would never occur to him how his thievery would make Brian look in the process. Michael would do exactly what he did when he was with David.

In his continued quest for self-importance, he will come off looking like a snobbish, uneducated asshole. While he would think everyone was agreeing with him or seeing him as an asset, they would really be pitying Brian for being attached to the airhead. I know, because I found myself doing it one more than one occasion, with both David and Ben. Michael doesn't have breeding or class like Justin does, which is exactly why I needed to get rid of him. A few well-placed and well-timed suggestions, and my bidding was done just as it was last night.

It's amazing how easy it is to play obsessed men, especially those clingy fuckers like Michael and Ethan. While they are too busy trying to one-up each other in the desperation and stupidity departments, I am making definitive and strategic moves to have everything I've ever wanted; everything I fucking deserve, and was born to have. I will have the gorgeous rich man, the adorable son and heir, and access to a hefty bank account so I will NEVER have to nickel-and-dime again, within my grasp at long last. And this current fucked-up situation with Melanie will then be but a distant memory. I just have to keep to my plans, but first, I need to get to my appointment at Dr. Struthers.

Doing the depo-shot, every three months, has been absolutely wonderful. I'm able to fuck as much as I want, and Melanie is none the wiser since there's almost no chance of me getting pregnant. It makes what I'm planning to do to her during the divorce even more sweet. I leave a message for her to pick up Gus on the way home, since I plan to be very late again tonight. Sam is back in town after all, and we have a standing date for another fuckfest. Fuck, I can't wait!