We begin with black and white shots of hustlers propositioning their potential johns on the street. Some of these kids look really young. They're right below Michael and Ben's bedroom window and their loud talking is keeping the guys awake. Michael wants to hurl his shoes out the window at them but hunky Ben goes out to take care of the matter. Outside, one kid is leaning into the window of a car, talking to a john. Ben tries to nicely ask them to move on but gets smart ass replies in answer to his request. Ben suggests he'll just call the cops then and, upon hearing the word "cop", client in car speeds off. The hustler is pissed and stomps over to Ben, saying that Ben just cost him $100. But maybe Ben would like to make that up to him. Ben is stunned by how young the kid looks and asks his age, which the kid replies with, "How old do you want me to be?". Kid says that Ben can suck him for one bill or fuck him without a condom for two. Ben is horrified by the suggestion and says no way. He goes back upstairs as the kid leaves with his friends. And we've just met Hunter.
Justin at Daphne's. My poor boy is completely miserable. He's moping all over the bed, the apartment, smoking, thinking, just utterly miserable. Daphne comes into his room to offer him some food. Her yogurt is healthier than his cigarettes. She says that Justin has been depressed for practically the entire month's rent. So I guess we can assume that it's been a few weeks since the break-up with Ethan, close to if not over a month. And Justin is now rooming with Daphne. Justin apologizes for having been a lousy roommate. He'll move out if she wants him to. Daph doesn't, she just wants him to cheer up! Justin says he can't. He can't stop thinking about *him*. He even dreamed the night before that "he" learned how to levitate so they could fuck in mid-air. Justin thinks he needs a shrink. LOL! Poor Sunshine. Daph says he just needs time. He'll get over it and move on if he just keeps telling himself that Ethan is history. Justin looks at her in confusion and asks, "Who's talking about Ethan? I'm talking about Brian!". Oh, my!! It's about time, Sunshine! Daphne is surprise, pleasantly, and says she thought Justin was over Brian. Justin thought he was, too, but he's since realized he made the biggest mistake of his life. What's he to do now? Cute banter here, BTW:
Daphne: Bury it in your subconscious? Forget about it?
Justin: Obviously that's not working.
Daphne: Then deal with it. Tell him you still love him.
Justin: Yeah, right. He'd fucking laugh in my face.
Daphne: Write him a letter
Justin: He'd tear it up
Daphne: (Laughing) I don't know! Attempt suicide?
Justin: He'd let me die.
(Can we say "Drama Queens" here? Heh.)
Anyhow, Daphne asks if Justin remembers a guy she once liked named Billy. Justin remembers that she made an idiot of herself over him. Daph says that she wormed her way into his life by taking the same classes he did, going to the same parties, just generally being around him as much as she could. He couldn't avoid her. Justin considers her suggestion. Taking love advice from Daphne? Oh, Sunshine, you are desperate!
Lindsay is getting ready for work at the art gallery and she's very nervous about taking this job and leaving Gus. Mel assures her that everything will be fine. Gus will be fine and Lindz will do great in her new position.
Hot, sweaty Michael, moaning and groaning while Ben urges him on. Ah, get your minds out of the gutter! They're working out at the gym! Michael groans as he finishes lifting his weights and gets a kiss from Ben for all his hard work. Brian says if Michael's that noisy in bed it's a wonder he hasn't been evicted yet. Ben says they may have to move anyhow. Since Brian's "friend" Stockwell has chased the hustlers off Liberty Avenue they're now doing business outside of Ben and Michael's apartment. Brian thinks it would be convenient to have hustlers that close! Michael says they're just kids, some looked no older than 14. Too young even for Brian. Brian chuckles at the slur. Ben says he can't stop thinking about this one kid who offered to do Ben without a condom. Brian says Ben should've done it, that way the kid will at least have the money to cover his HIV meds. TEMMETT arrive and Michael is happy to see that Ted is getting out. It's been weeks. Em admits that he had a time getting Ted to come out with him. Brian is snarly to Ted, saying he's surprised that Ted is out and showing his face in public after the scandal he's caused. Ted doesn't know whether he should say thank your or fuck you to Brian. Michael and Ben are supportive to TEMMETT, saying this bad time will pass. Em says he intends to get a second job to cover the bills and Ted is against the idea. But Em is insistent. He and Ted are in this together. Michael and Ben are all supportive, Brian acts as if he couldn't care less. They suggest Ted will feel better after a good work out. Ted leans over to pick up something and hurts his back. Poor Ted just can't catch a break!
Lindz tells the story behind a painting to a customer at the art gallery and he buys it. Her boss is impressed. The man has frequented the gallery for ten years but never bought before. Lindz's boss wants to put her in charge of the upcoming opening. He needs her to meet with the party planner and make sure everything is set up. Lindz is worried that she might not be ready for such responsibility, but her boss is confident in her.
In the arts and graphics department of Vanguard, Brian congratulates an artist on her good work on the Stockwell campaign, but lighten up on the airbrush. She made Stockwell look younger than him! He then moves on to demand where the layouts for another client is. Worker says he's trying to get everything done, but they've been very busy. Brian suggests that maybe the threat of salary cuts and pink slips might speed things up. Worker assures Brian that it'll be done on time and that they've hired a new student intern to help with the busy work. He introduces Mr. Kinney to the new intern -- Justin Taylor! Justin says it's a pleasure to meet "Mr. Kinney" and Brian just looks stunned. He's so fucked and knows it!
In Brian's office, Justin says that he was going to tell Brian, but after he got the job. Brian says Justin doesn't have the job yet, not until Brian signs off on him. He has to meet the potential intern first and ask a few questions like . . . "What the fuck are you doing here?". Justin explains that as part of his degree candidacy he is required to get three credits of practical experience in his chosen field. So he wrote a letter to the head of the art department asking if he could intern, submitted his transcript and samples of his work and now here he is. Brian disagrees, he's not "here". There's other agencies that Justin can go work at, preferably one that Brian wasn't at. Justin says it has nothing to do with Brian. (Sure it doesn't, honey! Heh, heh, heh.) Vanguard is the best and working here will look great on Justin's resume and help him make important contacts within the business world. He'll learn more here than he will in class. Brian says he'll learn it some place else. Justin thinks Brian is being unfair. He was accepted based sorely on his merit. It had nothing to do with Brian. He'd thought that Brian would be pleased. "To see your face everyday?" Brian laughs snidely. Ah, manipulative Justin here who comes back with a faux-sympathetic, "I had no idea that our former relationship was still a problem for you". Brian plays right into his hands, saying it's not a problem and who said they were ever in a relationship. In that case, Justin reasons, there shouldn't be any problem with him completing his education here, especially since it's the one Brian is paying for. (You walked right into that one, Bri.) Brian tells him not to expect special treatment and Justin replies that he never has expected that.
At the diner, Lindsay shows up on her lunch hour to grab a quick meal. Ted and Emmett arrive and Ted is in terrible pain from his injured back. He's been to the doctor and gotten pain pills, but he declines taking them. Em intends to sneak them into his food if he has to. Emmett has a side conversation with Lindsay where he asks her if, at all possible, could he help with her up-coming party. He will do anything, wait tables, park cars, anything she needs because he and Ted need the money. Lindz says she will try to help him out before leaving the diner. Em returns to the booth were Ted's pain is getting worse and he takes one of the pills.
At Babylon, Justin arrives! A pointless dance scene to be skipped over. Justin, looking hotter than ever in his tight little sleeveless shirt might I add, heads to the bar where Brian is and orders a drink. He and Brian speak, Brian referring to him as the "ubiquitous Justin Taylor". Ha, so he's noticing! (Go look it up if you don't know what it means. <G>) Brian asks where Justin's boyfriend is and Justin says he doesn't have one. Brian asks since when and Justin replies since "we broke up". Brian asks what happened to the love that was going to last an eternity and Justin replies that eternity is not as long as it used to be. (Ah, the chemistry is still there, stronger than ever! Lots of flirting from Justin and amused smiles from Brian who knows that Justin is flirting!) Justin buys Brian a drink and comments on the song, hinting he'd like to dance. Brian tells him to go dance then. Justin is not in a rush, saying he has all night. Brian disagrees, Justin has to be at work in the morning. Justin says that Brian does too. Brian points out that the difference between them is that he doesn't have to worry about impressing his boss so he's not fired. He thanks Justin for the drink and walks off. Justin watches him go, realizing that winning Brian back could be harder than he'd hoped.
At Michael and Ben's apartment, Michael is telling Ben about the new villain in the comic, Ice-Tina. She's a drag queen who freezes Rage with a dirty look. Just as it looks like Rage is in deep trouble, JT defrosts him with the world's hottest blowjob. Oh, my! Ben didn't hear a word of it, though, because he still has in his ear plugs from the night before to drown out the sound of the hustlers below. On the way out of the apartment, Michael and Ben see the Hunter kid asleep on the steps. They wake him up, Ben recognizing him as the "condoms optional" kid. Hunter propositions them and Michael--and I didn't think it was humanly possible, but he does--Michael actually gets MORE annoying and whiney here. He declares that Hunter must get lost, he doesn't want the punk sleeping outside his door. Yeah, who cares if you're on the streets, kid, with no other means of supporting yourself but to become a hustler, wittle Mikey doesn't want you near so you must go now. Thankfully, Ben has learned to ignore his boyfriend and asks when the kid last ate, which further pisses off Mikey. Because, hey, who cares if the teen is hungry, we must live to make Mikey happy so he doesn't pout over feeding hungry kids! Anyhow, they take Hunter to the diner where the poor kid wolfs down his burger like a starving man. Deb questions him in the process, trying to find out if he's a runaway or has family somewhere. Hunter tells them that his father is dead and his mother's in prison for killing him. And no one believes that. Deb's concerned for the kid, Hunter's rude, Mikey pouts, that basically sums it up. And Ben wants to help, suggesting the kid go to the GLC's runaway shelter, maybe finish school. Hunter's not interested. He leaves, taking a roll and stealing a knife on his way out.
At Vanguard, everyone has gone to lunch and Brian needs help setting up the boards for a meeting with a new client so Justin volunteers to assist. Brian starts naming off what he needs and Justin impresses him by memorizing it all without having to write it down. Brian asks Justin how the interning is going. Justin says it's going good. Everyone has been really nice to him and he's learning more here than he would in class. Brian says that is great and Justin lays on the sweet talk. He says that it's a compliment to Brian, actually. He's heard that the tone of a work place is set from the top. So that Brian has such a dedicated and hard working staff is a reflection of the good work he does. Ah, Brian is a sucker for a flattery! He says maybe he was a little hard on Justin earlier, slapping Justin on the arm and telling him to get back to work.
Lindz meets with her party planner at the gallery and the two of them seriously clash. Lindz doesn't like her ideas and she doesn't like Lindsay's interference. She's a professional after all. Lindz should go answer phones. Lindsay fires her.
Brian and Vance are pitching their ad campaign to the head of Eyeconic as Justin tries to set up the boards, dropping everything. The client checks out the boards and asks Justin if he would buy her sunglasses based on this ad campaign. Justin is caught off guard, but says he would. But the client isn't pleased with the lettering, which Vance assures can be changed. But it's not the font she doesn't like. It's the color. Vance says that the art department researched it and the shade of blue is what their focus group responded too most. (And why the hell is Vance eating the entire time he's pitching this idea to a client?) Client says the buyers may like it today, but what about later on? Brian says this campaign will be ahead of the wave instead of riding it. And, standing off to the side, Justin mutters "orange" to himself, but the client hears him anyhow and asks what he said. Justin tries to say nothing, but the lady is insistent. She heard him say orange. Justin answers the client that, in art school, everyone is saying that "orange is the new blue". It's the opposite of cool tones and it's the new fad. The client wants orange then and Vance says she can have it. The client advises that Brian and Vance had better watch out or Justin will have their jobs someday. Vance is amused and pleased by his new intern, Justin just smiles, but Brian is pissed.
On the way to the movies, Michael and Ben see Hunter getting beat up. Michael stands there and does nothing as Ben rushes over to help. Ben helps a bloody and beaten Hunter up after chasing off his attackers.
Lindz tells Mel about her day at work and firing the woman. But now she has a party in two days and no one to help organize it and doesn't know who to call or what to do. Mel reminds her of how two women had once been planning a wedding and everything when to Hell on them. Their friends came together and gave them a day to remember. She shows Lindz their wedding photo. Lindz has an idea.
Ted is laid out on the floor at his place when Em comes home. Ted's back is killing him, he's taking his prescription meds and washing them down with liquor. Not a good mix. He has also applied for an accounting job. The phone rings and it's Lindz. She wants to hire Emmett for the party. Em thinks she needs a waiter, but becomes ecstatic as Lindz corrects him. He hangs up and tells Ted that he's been hired to plan the art gallery's party. A drugged out Ted thinks that is just great.
Brian and Justin are in the art department putting away the boards and Brian is furious. He asks what Justin thought he was doing telling the client that "orange was the new blue". Justin says that she asked him and Brian snaps that he shouldn't have answered. Justin says he was just trying to be helpful but Brian feels that Justin undercut him in front of a client. All Justin was suppose to do was put up the boards and keep his mouth shut. Justin apologizes and says it won't happen again. Brian agrees it won't because Justin is fired. Justin's shocked but Brian says it's part of his on-the-job experience. He messes up, he's gone. Justin argues that Brian got the account though and Brian replies that the client also got his balls. Justin asks for a second chance and Brian says he never should've been given the first one. Pack his stuff and leave. Justin starts to do so, saying that he should have expected this all along. Brian never wanted him there to begin with, to have to see his face everyday. Although, Justin admits, he was hoping Brian wouldn't mind that after awhile. Brian asks what Justin was expecting--that his little romance with Ethan would end and he could come back to Brian? Justin admits that he had hoped for that but realizes now he was being stupid. Brian says almost as stupid as falling for Ethan's bull to begin with, but Justin is young and inexperienced. "What? And you're so smart?!" Justin fires back. "If you had any fucking brains at all you would have never let me leave. You would have told me that I was making the biggest mistake of my life and that I would live to regret it. That what you gave me was worth a thousand, no a million times, more than anything he had to offer. You would have told me that you love me. That you would go on loving me even after I was gone!" (You tell him, Sunshine!) Brian gets right up in Justin's face and asks if that is what Justin was waiting to hear? Justin says yes, but like always Brian said nothing. So maybe it is just best if he leaves. Justin tries to walk away but Brian catches him by the waist and pulls him back, declaring, "That is so like you! You don't hear what you want so you leave. Try standing up for yourself for a change. Have some balls." Justin stares Brian in the eye for a second before grabbing him by the neck and planting a kiss on Brian's lips. Brian responds, not pleased when Justin ends the kiss. Justin walks out and Brian is stunned speechless. He's so fucked and knows it!
<Sigh> Let's be brief here since I'm beyond annoyed with Mikey as it is. He's whining. He wants to call the cops on the hustlers below, he doesn't want Hunter to stay the night. A bruised and battered Hunter comes out of the bathroom and asks who wants to have sex with him first. Ben says they did not bring him to the apartment to do him. Hunter's confused about why they brought him here then. Michael says it's because they don't want to see him get killed on the streets. Hunter doesn't think that would be a very big loss. Ben is insistent, though, that Hunter is staying the night. Alone. He goes to show Hunter where he can sleep. Mikey sulks. Which one of them is supposed to be the teenager?
Emmett is hiring drag queens to serve at the gallery opening. Lindsay's boss warns her that this better not turn into a fiasco. Lindz is concerned about that herself. She and Emmett have a nice moment where they both admit to being scared and that they'd really just like to run home to their nice, safe house right now. But then they will never have taken a chance in life. And they both want to take this chance to be a success.
Michael is still whining about the Hunter kid. (Give it a rest already, Novotny!) Ben wants him to be more compassionate. Michael says he knows what is coming next, the "Can we keep him, Ma" speech. No way are they talking in a kid. Michael and Ben argue over if they should help the kid or not. Mikey says that Hunter doesn't even want their help and Ben replies that the kid will be dead by 20 if someone doesn't step in. Hunter wakes up and is ticked because they let him sleep so long and he's missing his busiest time of the day. Ben gives the kid his phone number and some money before the kid leaves. Mikey rationalizes that they did all they could do. Ben disagrees. All they did was give him a $100 dollars to soothe their own conscience. It's half the price of a condomless fuck. Michael actually shows a hint of a conscience after hearing that.
Emmett and Lindsay's party is a rave success. Her boss is thrilled and wants to hire Emmett for future ventures. So do the other guests. Mel and Ted watch all the activity from the sideline. Mel says that usually she is the one dragging Lindsay to these work-related events, but tonight she is the "wife". Mel doesn't mind though because she's so proud of Lindz and happy for her. She walks off and Ted mutters that he's the "wife" tonight, too. Only he doesn't look happy about it. He pops another pill.
Hunter hops into the car with a trick as Ben watches from the window above. He turns away from the sight and goes to have dinner with Michael as the noise of hustlers below fills the apartment.
Justin comes to Brian's office, having thought over it and decided to stand up for what he wants. He tells Brian that he thinks Brian should give them a second chance. He knows he messed up and made some mistakes but Brian would be making a mistake as well if he doesn't take Justin back. Because now Justin realizes what Brian wants from him and what he can expect from Brian. Brian reminds that Justin will be required to work long, hard hours, deep into the night. Justin huskily says it will be a pleasure to work under Brian. I swear this whole conversation is a seduction.) Brian has one condition, though--Justin must never play violin music in his presence again. Justin promises he won't. (Ah, the way that line is delivered shows just how much the thing with Ethan did hurt Brian and Justin makes a promise to never do that again.) Brian gets up and walks around the desk, sitting down on the edge of it and saying that Justin can start immediately. Justin gets up, goes to the door and closes it. We see them outside of the office, though the smokey glass. The love scene is intercut from inside and outside the office as they start to kiss and make love. Undressing each other, touching and kissing everywhere. Lots of smiles and happiness from them both. It's love, folks. Sweet love and it's good to have the boyz back together! To see Brian smile in genuine happiness and to see that old spark back in Justin's eyes! Fabulous ending.
Next week, B&J steaming up the dancefloor of Babylon while Mikey pouts. Tracy from the Big Q is back and interviewing Ted for a job. Ted drinking at Babylon. Adventures at Woodys and Stockwell fires Brian. Mel being told about an appeal at work and arguing with Lindz over her work.
**Photo courtesy of Mimi.