lizzy121202Last Hope

Summary: Plot Bunny: Stephanie M. Everything remains the same through episode 211; however, after that point we break off into discovering some truths about our Sunshine. About two years after Justin’s 18th birthday Justin has a lot to hide, what will happen when his ‘family’ finds out?
Rating: R
Categories: Fanfic
Characters: Brian Kinney, Justin Taylor, Michael Novotny, Ben Bruckner, Emmett Honeycutt, Ted Schmidt, Lindsay Peterson, Melanie Marcus, Gus, Ethan Gold, Hunter, Debbie Novotny, Vic Grassi, Original Male Character, Original Female Character, Cody
Genres: Angst, AU, POV, Romance
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 30 June 2004
Updated: 17 July 2004

Index

Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:

Chapter 1:

Prologue
One Year After 211
Brian’s POV
I’m lying in bed, feigning sleep while Justin talks quietly on the phone in the living room. This is becoming a regular occurrence, the phone ringing in the middle of the night, Justin carefully and quietly crawling out of bed to take the call. Sometimes he comes back to bed and other times he gets dressed and leaves. He’ll be gone for about two or three hours before he’ll come back home, falling exhaustedly in bed. I’ve never asked him what or who is calling him out so late at night, the door is open, he’s aloud to leave whenever he wants.
My suspicion grows stronger that he’s hiding something from me when we talk down the street and people are stopping him left and right. They are all younger people, dressed nicely but not overly and they all address him as ‘J’, never Justin. They treat Justin with great respect, always thanking him or just saying hello.
I remember one day we were walking down the street towards the diner when a young man came running up to Justin. He wrapped himself around Justin and firmly planted a kiss on his lips. I felt myself getting angry, we have those damn rules, no kissing anybody.
“What the fuck Ethan,” Justin said pushing the young man away, wiping his mouth off. “Don’t fucking kiss me,” he said angrily.
“Sorry J, I’m just so excited,” Ethan replied jumping up and down. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow wanting to know what the fuck was going on. Why the fuck was the young man kissing my…my Justin.
“Well fucking spit it out already,” Justin replied, still clenching his fists at his side.
“I got into Julliard, I’m in for next semester,” Ethan said happily.
“That’s great Ethan I’m happy for you,” Justin said relaxing and moving towards me.
After a few more minutes of pleasantries, the young man left and we continued on our way to the Diner. We never talked about anything that happened that day. I let it go because he obviously didn’t return the kiss or even ask for it and well it’s none of my damn business. At least that’s what I tell myself.
Although that was the first and last time, I’ve seen any physical contact other than a brief hug or handshake with any of the young men, I still wonder what these young men know about my lover that I don’t.
Of course, Michael has never allowed a single instance to go by without having to bring it to my attention, mentioning that Justin is screwing around behind my back. Or that he’s hustling to pay his bills. That sounds plausible because he always has money, I haven’t had to pay for anything in a long, long time, but he never comes home smelling of sex and is still so fucking tight. I honestly don’t think that he’s fucking anybody else on a regular basis. I just wish that he would tell me what the fuck is going on. But for now, I will trust him because he hasn’t given me any reason not to.
I relax when I hear him padding back up the stairs. I can feel his eyes on me before he gently slides back into bed, wrapping himself around me. He places a soft kiss on my chest before settling down into a deep sleep. I watch him for a couple of minutes, realizing that I love feeling of him pressed against me, before falling into oblivion.
Part 1
One Year Later
Justin’s POV
“Hey you ready to go yet,” Brian calls from the living room. I rush to finish getting dressed so that we can meet ‘the boys’ at the diner. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks with the fall term ending, getting ready to start the final semester of my junior year. With work and final assignments due, I haven’t had a lot of time to unwind. I’m looking forward to hanging out with the guys and going to Babylon, losing myself in the music.
“Yea, I’m coming,” I say coming out of the bedroom and heading over to Brian.
“About fucking time Justin,” Brian grumbles as we head out the door. I can’t help but roll my eyes at him; I’ve waited plenty of times for him to get ready. We walk down to the jeep in silence, a comfortable silence. We’ve been together now for about 3 years and we’ve learned to communicate with each other without using words, I like how comfortable it is. The silence is gone by my cell phone ringing, sometimes I really wished I didn’t have to have one, but it isn’t an option an longer, it is definitely necessary.
“Hello,” I answer. I don’t even bother checking the caller id because of the unique ring tone that I have selected for this number, ah, technology is wonderful.
“I’ll see what I can do…yea I’ll come down tomorrow and handle it…thanks for letting me know…bye.” I close the phone and stare at it for a moment. I know when I set this into motion that it was going to be a lot of work but I didn’t realize how gratifying it was going to be. I really love what I do.
“What was that about,” Brian asks me. I don’t know why but I’ve kept so many things a secret from my lover, from my family.
“Nothing, just somebody needing help,” I answer flippantly. I’m not ready to tell him my secrets, I know that I should and if I don’t and he finds out he won’t be happy, but I’m not doing anything wrong and it’s nobody’s damn business anyway.
Arriving at the diner I can’t help but feel excited about the night that lies ahead, I need the thump thump of the music, the heady aroma of men and sex, to fuck hard and shamelessly in the backroom. Yes, this is going to be a wonderful night, just what I need to allow the tension to release.
“Hey guys,” Michael, says as we slide into the booth. Michael and I’ve come to an understanding with each other. We’ll never be best friends but we have to get along because of our ‘family’, he’s not a bad guy, just petty and jealous.
“Hey,” I reply. We have been working hard on our comic book; with five issues out and national exposure, we are finally making money on our joint venture. I am finally starting to earn my place in this world on my own merit and it feels good.
“What have you been up to you baby,” Em asks. He always makes me feel really good.
“Just work and school, I’m happy that this semester is over. I’ve missed the scene,” I say with a smile.
“When do you get your grades,” Ben asks.
“Hmm, within two weeks. I think that I passed everything,” I laugh. I better have passed everything with the amount of studying I’ve done.
“Hey J,” I look up at the young man talking to me and I have to smile at him, he’s doing really well.
“Hey Cody,” I reply.
“I just wanted to thank you for everything,” He says shyly. I really don’t understand the shyness, not after the way I found him, but I find it endearing and refreshing.
“No need to thanks, how is everything going,” I ask. I really want to make sure my ‘lost’ boys are ok.
“Everything is great, really great. Well I’ll let you enjoy your evening,” He says with a smile before heading off. I just nod my head at him and watch him walk out. He’s come really far since I found him, I have to smile at how well he’s doing.
“Who was that,” Michael asks with a sneer.
“A friend,” I say. I’m not elaborating; it’s none of his damn business. I look over to Brian, he’s been very quite this evening; I wonder what bug is up his ass. He’s been tense since we got into the jeep. I lean into him and kiss him right below the ear.
“What’s wrong,” I whisper. He doesn’t say anything just shakes his head and relaxes back into the booth.
For the rest of the dinner they discuss what has been happening this week. I’m quiet as I listen to them, I haven’t seen them in such a long time, I’ve missed their banter.
“Ready to go,” Brian asks. I look over at him and nod my head. Looking into his eyes, I feel myself getting lost in the love that I have for him. I pull him to me kissing him soundly on the lips, allowing my unsaid feelings to flow out of me. Losing myself in his full lips.
Someone clearing their throat pulls me out of lust-filled haze. I look over to the guys and their questioning looks and just shrug my shoulders. Can’t I kiss my man without an interrogation? Well, I guess they haven’t been privy to the Justin and Brian show for three weeks, seems they need reminding.
Heading out of the diner, Hunter stops us. Hunter has been living with Michael and Ben now for about six months. Living on the streets as a hustler really did damage to him. Not only is he HIV+ he distances himself from everybody, not really making any attachments. I really hope Ben and Michael can help him with that.
“Hey Hunter, what are you doing down here,” Michael asks.
“Umm, I need to talk to Justin,” he says looking at me. I raise an eyebrow at him. He doesn’t like me in the least, especially because I’m with Brian, so this is an interesting prospect.
“What’s up,” I question.
“In private,” he asks. I nod my head and step away from the guys to talk to him. I wonder what this is concerning. I look over to the guys and they are all watching us closely. I shrug my shoulders because I haven’t the faintest clue what this is about. I look back to Hunter, silently asking him what he needs.
“I know about you,” he says. Immediately I’m on alert wondering what the fuck he’s going to do. “And I need your help. Well my friends need your help,” he finishes. I look at him closely and see that he’s being honest.
“Where are they,” I ask.
“They are at 1764 Wilshire but can I go with, they aren’t going to go with anybody unless I’m there,” he states. I can understand, you can’t trust anybody and these boys have learned that the hard way. I pull out my cell phone quickly dialing one of my enforcers.
“Hey I need you to pick up someone from the Liberty Diner and take him to go pick up some guys. He’ll give you the details and get the Dr to have them checked out…yea thanks.”
“Thanks Justin, you’re not so bad,” He says sincerely.
“No problem Hunter but let’s keep this between us,” I remind him. He doesn’t say anything but nods his head. I turn to go back to the guys when I feel him grab my hand squeezing it. I look at him and he shrugs his shoulders, squeezing my hand tighter before letting go. I understand.
When we walk back to the guys, they are looking at me for answers. I just shrug my shoulders and pull out a cigarette, lighting it and inhaling deeply.
“Well let’s go,” Brian says looking at me, asking me what the fuck is going on. I shake my head, telling him not to worry about it.
“You guys go ahead, I’ll catch up with you,” I say. I’m not leaving until Hunter’s picked up. The guys all look at me as if I’ve grown an extra head. Shit, how do I explain this?
“Fine,” Brian says turning and walking away. The guys look between the two of us before following Brian; I watch them until they are out of sight, sighing inwardly, wondering how much longer I can keep this up.
Hunter and I stand in silence; I really don’t know what to say to the kid so I choose to remain quiet. My black SUV pulls up; I grab Hunter by the arm and lead him over to the car. Opening the passenger door for him, he jumps in.
“Hey Jake. Take Hunter to 1764 Wilshire; there should be about four or five boys. Take them to one and have a doctor check them all out,” I state. Jake looks at me and nods his head in understanding. Jake is a big guy about 225 pounds all muscle, jet black hair and deep brown eyes.
“Hey Bruce, why don’t you come along just in case there is trouble,” Jake says and I look over my shoulder. I smile at my personal bodyguard; he’s always right behind me no matter what. My family may not know him but he’s been around now for two years, ever since the bashing. He is always in the background, but ready to pounce if anyone gets nasty.
“If you need help Jake, call Gary. I need to stay with J,” Bruce respond.
“Be careful guys and call me when you are finished,” I reply before turning and walking away. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the SUV drive down the street and I’m happy that I could help a couple more boys. As I walk toward Woody’s, some of the boys stop me a couple more times and I feel a surge of joy that I was able to do something.
Brian’s POV
Walking down the street, I can’t get my mind off Justin. He is hiding something and I can’t figure out what it is. I don’t think he’s fucking around with someone other than the occasional trick. He’s been home most of the time and when he’s not, he is always available by his cell. I just can’t get this nagging feeling that he’s hiding something from me.
“What the fuck is going on Brian,” Michael asks. I really don’t know why he would assume I would know what’s going on. Well, I really should but everyone is entitled to their secrets, I know that I have.
“If it was our business Mikey, he would tell us,” I remind him. Justin will tell me when he’s ready.
“Like hell it’s not my business, he’s talking to my kid about something. Hunter should be coming to Ben or me, not some fucking college student,” he states angrily. I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly, trying to control the anger welling up inside of me.
“Michael, if Hunter wanted us to know what was going on he would come to us, trust him,” Ben says. I look over to him and give him a nod of thanks. I love Mikey, I really do but fuck, he just can’t keep his mouth shut.
The bar is busy, there are no tables left so we take up the last of the seats at the bar. Where we are sitting I can see the entrance and I can’t help but look up every couple of minutes for Justin. When he finally arrives he looks around not seeing us, I’m about to call out to him but before I can, someone comes over and whispers in his ear. He smiles brightly at the guy and nods his head and then the guy leaves. When Justin looks back up, he makes eye contact and smiles. I can’t help but smile back, god what has he done to me. Three years, plus or minus, we’ve been together. I’ve fought every step of the way but I really can’t imagine my life without him, not that I would ever tell him that.
“Hey,” he says standing beside me.
“Hey,” I reply. Grabbing him by the neck, pulling him down to my lips, I kiss him deeply. I want to know what is going on but I want him to trust me enough to tell me. Placing a soft kiss on his lips, I lean back looking at him; he just smiles at me then turns to the bartender.
“Hey Troy, can I get a beer,” he asks.
“Sure thing Justin,” Troy responds.
“Is there a problem,” Justin asks. I look at him, then turn to see where he is staring, and realize that Michael is staring daggers at Justin. Geez can Michael ever let anything go.
“Yea, what the fuck happened with Hunter,” Michael asks angrily.
“If Hunter wants you to know, he’ll tell you,” Justin responds.
“I have a fucking right to know,” Michael yells getting the attention of people around us. Justin is clenching the bottle in his hand, his knuckles turning white. I place my hand on the small of his back, if he keeps squeezing the bottle it is going to explode in his hand. He looks over at me before taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, relaxing his grip on the bottle.
“Michael, it isn’t anything bad. He needed help; I helped. If he wants to tell you, he will. Now can we drop this conversation,” he states calmly.
“NO! WE FUCKING CANNOT,” Michael yelled. Justin just shakes his head and looks over at me.
“I’m leaving. I came here to relax and that obviously isn’t going to happen. You stay, have fun, fuck a nice ass for me.” He places a soft kiss on my lips before turning and leaving. As he’s walking out the door, Michael grabs him by the arms, squeezing it. Justin flinches slightly but looks down at Michael.
“MIKEY,” I shout at him. Fuck, we are creating such a damn drama in the bar. Mikey doesn’t respond to me so I get out of my seat and start making my way over to them but before I can, a very large black man is by Justin’s side, removing Mikey’s hand. Who the fuck is this. Justin glares at Mikey before turning and walking away, the black man following close behind. I’ve seen him before, now that I think about, I seem him a lot. I decide to follow them to see what is going on. As I pass by Mikey, I stop and stare at him.