This one was kick ass good! So let the fun begin . . . Episode 313 begins where 312 left off. It's the same night still. Inside a dark loft, Brian is standing in front of window in the living room, smoking and drinking. Justin wakes up and gets out of bed. Wearing only his undies he goes in search of Brian. He walks up behind Brian and begins rubbing his shoulders. Brian says what is troubling him--the cop never showed. They weren't able to get the DNA evidence they needed to prove he killed Dumpster Boy. Justin tries to reassure, saying that they can try again tomorrow. He'll dress up like a hustler and they'll go back to the bar. Brian looks at Justin and just shakes his head no before turning back to the window. "You looked hot," he praises. Justin goes to the couch and retrieves his leather jacket off the back of it, putting it on and walking back to Brian. He hugs Brian from behind for a second before Brian turns around. Justin takes a drag from Brian's cigarette and then begins leading him towards the couch. Very sexy, romantic mood. Hand holding, smiling, laughing, very cute. Justin pushes Brian down on the couch, straddles him and says it will be a hundred bucks. Brian says they were just pretending, remember. Justin replies that maybe Brian was. They're about to kiss when someone knocks on the door. (I think they should move. They get more unwanted visitors at the wrong time than anyone!) Justin heads off to the bedroom to put some clothes on and Brian goes to the door, opens it to reveal . . . . Hunter! Brian is looking at him like "What are you doing here?" and I'm thinking "How does he know where Brian lives?!" Anyhow, Brian asks what he wants and Hunter lustfullly looks Brian up and down. "Besides that," Brian says. Hunter holds up a used condom full of cum (ewww!) and says he brought Brian something. Brian drawls that it's very thoughtful of Hunter. Did he make it himself? Hunter says it's the cop's and that gets Brian's attention. "You fucked the cop?" Brian asks in surprise. Hunter reminds that Brian said he needed DNA. Brian snaps that a cigarette butt would've done just fine. Hunter says the guy doesn't smoke. Besides, he said he'd do anything for Brian and he's just proven it. Hunter comes into the loft and Brian goes to the kitchen in search of a zip lock bag to put the used condom in. Brian says he has to hand it to the kid, he's got alot of spunk. (Heh, heh, heh.) Hunter looks around the loft in amazement, saying it's just like the movies. "I don't recall a scene like this being in any academy nominated film," Brian replies as the kid drops the condom in the plastic bag. Hunter also found out the guy's name by swiping one of his TV guide books. "Kenneth Rikert," Brian reads the name off the mailing label. "And what do you know? They've canceled 'Gay as Blazes'," Brian tells Justin as Justin joins them in the kitchen. Hunter suggests that Brain express his gratitude and Justin says that Brian already has. Three times that night with Justin. Hunter gets pissy and asks why Brian is bothering with Justin, who Hunter is still assuming is another hustler. How much is Justin charging him? "A hundred dollars?" Brian asks Justin and Justin nods yes, adding that Brian refuses to pay, though. Hunter says he doesn't blame Brian. He wouldn't give Justin ten bucks. Brian's had enough of the rude kid, taking him by the collar and physically pushing him towards the door. He says it's time that someone is tucked in bed. And not *his* bed.
Cut to a scene of an irate Michael screaming, "You fucked a murderer?!". (And I have to laugh at how much he sounds like Debbie here.) Hunter asks what the big deal is since he used a condom. Brian looks on the bright side--the safe sex lecture paid off. Michael tells him to shut the fuck up. Sweet, Gentle Ben wants everyone to calm down. Brian agrees. But Michael is still pissed, accusing Brian of putting Hunter up to this to begin with. Hunter says that Brian didn't, he was only trying to help. No, Michael corrects, he was trying to impress Brian. Brian snarls at Michael that Hunter wouldn't be the first one to do that. Michael yells at Hunter that Brian already has a boyfriend. "You do?" a disappointed Hunter asks. "In a non-defined, non-conventional way, yeah," Brian admits. (And we all pause to see . . . nope, the world didn't end! Despite Brian's apparent belief, he can admit to boyfriends and caring about someone without the world coming to a crashing halt!) Ben wants to get back to the point. This cop could've killed Hunter! Hunter says they all could and Michael demands to know why he does it then. Hunter drawls that he has low self-esteem from being too sexualized at an early age. It's a fun, exciting way to make a non-reportable income. Michael wants a real answer and Brian says Hunter just gave him one. "Ma and Pa", a.k.a. Michael and Ben, jump in on a double lecture here. They tell Hunter he is going to stop throwing his life away. He's going to stop hustling. Start taking care of himself. Respect curfew. Stop sleeping until noon. He's going back to school. Think about his future! Hunter storms out saying he'd rather get killed and tossed into a dumpster than listen to this! "Nice going Ma and Pa," Brian drawls as he takes his used condom in a baggie and goes, too.
TEMMETT sex. Which is hard to watch because Ted is wasted out of his mind and Emmett is not enjoying it. Ted's been going at it for hours and Emmett wants to stop. Ted says all Em needs to do is take some more crystal with him. It'll put him back in the mood. Emmett says no and suggests Ted not take any more either. Ted doesn't listen. He says he wants to share this with Emmett. The drugs make everything beautiful. Makes him feel alive and wanting to fuck. Emmett tells Ted he said no. He doesn't want the drugs or the sex. He's going to take a shower and brush his teeth. Jerk Ted demands to know what about him? He wants to cum. He wants Emmett to jerk him off. Em says maybe later but Ted demands that Emmett do it now. Emmett complies.
At the police station, Brian strolls in and gives the used condom to Hovarth, saying it's the cop's. Hovarth asked if Brian slept with the guy to get this and Brian says no. The kid whose word Hovarth wouldn't take did those honors. Maybe Hovarth will believe Hunter now. Hovarth asks what Brian expects him to do with this and Brian says do a DNA test to see if it matches the semen of the person who had sex with Dumpster Boy before killing him. Hovarth asks if this cop has a name and Brian puts the TV guide on his desk. It's Kenneth Rikert. That stops Hovarth in his tracks. Brian asks if that name rings a bell and it does. Rikert was a cop who retired a year ago, saying he was leaving the force because he was under alot of pressure. Brian muses that killing someone will do that to a person. Hovarth snaps that Brian doesn't know that for sure. Brian asks if Stockwell knew Rikert and Hovarth says yes. They were partners on the force for 15 years.
Justin is in the dean's office, sitting in front of the dean's desk. ("Dean Armstrong", by the way. Love those little play on words.) Anyhow, the dean is ticked, pacing behind his desk and reading Justin a letter he got from Gardner Vance saying why Justin's internship was revoked. Justin was caught having sexual relations with a partner in the agency and used the agency's resources to produce subversive materials to undermine a valued client. The Dean says Vance is livid and he can't blame Vance if this is true. Is it true? Justin says it depends on how one perceives the situation. The dean asks for Justin's perception on it then. Justin says he and Mr. Kinney had personal relations prior to him going to work at Vanguard so he was hardly "fucking the boss". As for the subversive materials -- he made some posters based on his political beliefs. The dean says he is not interested in Justin's personal relationships or his political beliefs. He's worried about the reputation of this school. Justin's actions could seriously damage the entire internship program if word of what he did got out. Justin says if it's any consolation he was doing a kick ass job. The dean says that Justin will appear before the disciplinary committee and will apologize for his actions. "You want me to apologize?" Justin asks in disbelief. The dean says if he cares to remain a student in this institute, he will.
At the comic book store, Mel, Lindz, and Michael have some type of microphone thing with wires they've attached to Mel's stomach to "talk to the baby". They introduce themselves and wonder if the baby can actually hear them. Emmett walks in then, sees the ladies and says he will come back later. Michael asks if he would like to say something to the baby and Emmett says the baby's parents probably don't want to hear what he has to say. Mel and Lindz leave instead and Michael asks how long is this going to go on. Emmett says until they apologize to Ted for not accepting his apology. Michael says Em needs to apologize for calling Mel a cunt and Em says he will when Mel apologizes for calling him a silly faggot. Michael says that they're Em's friends and Em knows how much the ladies love him and Ted. Emmett says they need to show some understanding then. So what if Ted used crystal. (Denial, thy name is Emmett.) Em says that half the people in this community have probably tried it. Michael says he hasn't and Em replies that maybe if he did he'd realize it wasn't such a big deal. Michael asks if Emmett did crystal with Ted and Em admits he did. He did it hoping that Ted would realize he wasn't being judgmental or criticizing. This way, when he asks Ted to stop, then Ted will. Michael asks if Ted said he would stop. Nope. Instead, Ted said it made him feel close to Emmett and he can't wait for them to do it again.
Brian and Justin strolling down the street talking. Justin tells Brian that he's been told he has to apologize to the disciplinary committee like he's done something wrong. "Well, didn't you?" Brian points out. Justin asks if Brian agrees with them? Brian says if someone had told him what Justin was doing he would have fired Justin's ass. If he hadn't had his dick in it, that is. Justin says he's not sorry for anything he did, though. Brian laughs that he's not saying Justin should be sorry. He's saying he should apologize. "Just give in to them then?" Justin wants to know. Brian asks doesn't Justin want to finish school, get his education and a good job so he can be rich someday? Justin says he doesn't care about money. So Brian comes from another angle -- doesn't Justin want the freedom to be able to create anything he wants without having to answer to anyone? Justin says of course he does. "Then you care about the money," Brian rationalizes. Justin should apologize, is Brian's theory, because it's not for them, it's for Justin.
Hovarth is at the diner when Debbie asks what brings him by. He tells her he has a date and his "date" arrives in the form of Brian Kinney. Deb asks if he's converted and Brian tells her to just get him some coffee, please. Hovarth produces the DNA test he's had done and tells Brian that Brian was right. The semen from Rikert's condom matches that found on Jason Kemp. Debbie asks doesn't this mean that the cop killed Dumpster Boy. Hovarth says all it proves was that Rikert and Jason had sex. Brian says it makes Rikert a suspect but Hovarth doesn't necessarily agree. Brian gets mad and says he and Hovarth had a deal. If he provided the evidence then Hovarth would re-open the case. Brian upheld his end of the deal and now it's Hovarth's turn. Hovarth says no, it's not enough. Brian and Debbie can't believe he's doing this. Deb walks off in disgust and Hovarth looks conflicted.
Michael watches Ben writing and says to express in five words or less what his character (in the book) is feeling. "I'm frustrated as shit," Ben bites out. Michael tells him to come to bed. Ben complies and as they're getting ready for bed Michael says it must be hard for Ben to concentrate on his writing when he has other things on his mind. Hunter. Ben is frustrated and about had it with the kid. Hunter is still hustling, still showing up whenever he wants, won't even talk about going back to school. It's obvious they're not getting through to the kid. Michael reminds that Ben is the one who always says that these things take time. As they talk, the camera pans from the bedroom to the front door where Hunter is trying to quietly slip in and he overhears the conversation about him. Ben says things can't go on like they are. Michael says they're doing the best they can. Ben thinks that maybe Hunter would be better off with someone else and Michael points out that there is no one else. Ben says they're in over their heads because he tried to save the world. Michael reminds that Ben isn't "saving the world", just trying to help one kid. But they're not helping him, Ben argues his point. They're not making any difference here. Maybe it would be best if they just admitted defeat and let Hunter go his own way.
Back at the hustler bar, Rikert is getting propositioned by a hustler as Brian strolls in, takes the seat by him and orders a drink. He offers to buy Rikert a drink and Rikert recognizes Brian as the "asshole from the other night". Brian sets a picture of Dumpster Boy on the bar and asks if Rikert remembers Jason Kemp. The look on Rikert's face says he does but he lies and says no. Brian asks if he's sure. Kemp used to come in here alot. He had a nice ass. Rikert says he wouldn't know, which Brian thinks is strange since the cops found a load of Rikert's cum up. Rikert tries to leave but Brian asks where he's going so soon. His drink just got there. Rikert starts to say that he doesn't know who Brian is and Brian says how rude of him not to introduce himself. He's Brian Kinney; Concerned Citizen. Rikert says that Brian's got the wrong guy and Brian tosses down the TV guide book Hunter swiped and says he thought he had Kenneth Rikert. Brian goes on to say that the kid that Rikert picked up the other night swiped the guide and Rikert's used condom and the cops matched it to the DNA found on Dumpster Boy. Brian clicks glasses with the guy in a mock toast and asks why did Rikert kill Dumpster Boy? Was it an accident? Did things get out of hand? Did the kid find out he was a cop and try to blackmail Rikert? Is that why he resigned? Was leaving the force his idea . . . or Stockwell's? Rikert tells Brian to shut up but Brian goes on. Did Rikert confess to Stockwell and Stockwell promised to protect him if he'd quit the force? How loyal. But maybe the real reason Stockwell did it was because he was afraid that if others learned his friend and partner was both a murdered and a fag it would ruin his chances to be mayor. Rikert gets physical, pushing Brian backwards and yelling that he shut up. Brian says that if Rikert wanted to confess he's sure everyone would be sympathetic. After all, he wanted to do the right thing, didn't he? Rikert leaves without another word.
At their apartment, Ben is telling Michael want he plans to say to Hunter. To wish him luck and say that his leaving would be the best thing for all of them. Hunter is eavesdropping on this, too, and comes out of his room then. He's looking . . . well . . . clean! Washed hair and clean, neat clothes. Dang! The kid is pretty cute when he cleans up. Ben asks if Hunter wants something to eat and Hunter says he's already eaten. Michael says he didn't see any dirty dishes and Hunter replies that's because he washed them. He also washed his hair, Ben notes. Hunter says he has a date with a high school principal and Michael's real sure the school children's parents would love to hear that. Hunter says it's not that type of date. He's thinking of going back to school. (Obviously the kid's realized he's about to blow the best chance he's ever been offered and decided to get it together instead.) Naturally, Ben is thrilled but surprised. Although a little wary and asks if Hunter is just saying that to appease him. Hunter, who's been busy cleaning and tidying up the place like a little angel the whole time, says there's no harm in checking it out.
Emmett is working at a table in a fancy restaurant when strung out Ted shows up. Emmett brags on the food and asks what Ted would like for lunch. Ted doesn't want anything. Emmett asks where he's been and Ted says with a friend. "Brian? Michael?" Em asks and Ted says no, he was with sleazy Dr. Mark. Doing more drugs, obviously. Em's not happy and Ted says that Emmett loved it, too. Em pushes pawing Ted back and says he didn't love it. He only did it once for Ted and he's never doing it again. Emmett goes back to work on the party he's planning, wondering in frustration where the waiter is. Ted snarls that it wasn't so long ago that Emmett was just a waiter. And a naked maid. And a porn star. But now he's planning parties for everyone in town, Ted snarls as he jerks the book away that Emmett is writing in. He wants Emmett to plan a party for him, unless Em thinks he isn't good enough. Em says of course Ted is good enough for one of his parties. He'll give Ted a party if he wants one. What kind does he have in mind? Ted says he wants a small, intimate affair for him and six of his closest friends. Everything has to be perfect, he insists. Is that clear to Emmett? "*Crystal* clear," Em replies.
Debbie answers the knock on her door to find Hovarth there. She mocking asks who he has a date with this time? Vic? He says he was hoping her. Deb tries to slam the door in his face but he won't let her, asking her to listen to what he has to say. She lets him in but tells him to talk fast because she has ice cream melting. Hovarth tells her he just wants to explain why he did those things at the diner and Debbie tells him to save it. He tells her she has to understand but she says she already does. She understands that with all the evidence in the world staring him in the face he still won't reopen the case. Hovarth says that if proceeds with this investigation and it turns out that Stockwell was just trying to protect his former partner and himself then: "Then you'd be a hero," Debbie declares. "I'd be a dead man!" Hovarth yells back in disagreement and that gets her attention. He goes on to say he'd be a dead man career-wise that is. He's been on the force for over 20 years. He can retire soon. He just wants to be able to do that. To collect his hard earned pension and go home. Debbie tells him then, by all means, do just that. Go home. Go plant tomatoes in his garden and watch ballgames on TV. If he'll excuse her, though, she has ice cream melting. Deb turns her back on him and Hovarth is not very proud of himself. He leaves.
Michael, Ben, and Hunter leaving the high school, walking down the steps chatting and going over the forms they have to fill out to enroll Hunter in school. They'll get to know all about him through these. Like his name. He says it's "Hunter". Michael wants his full name. Hunter says that last names only got in the way of his work but Ben reminds that the only "work" he's doing now is homework so out with it. The kid admits that his full name is "James Hunter Montgomery". Michael teases by calling him "Jimmy" which Hunter doesn't like. Ben asks when he was born. Hunter says he wasn't born. His mother was too drunk for that. He was delivered 16 years ago last Tuesday. Michael asks why Hunter didn't tell them last week that it was his birthday. Ben says they would have celebrated. Hunter mocks that idea and said he made a $150 dollars that day hustling. Now that was celebrating.
At Stockwell's office, his cronies are telling him how great things are going. The press is on his side, he's leading the polls, it's practically guaranteed that he will win. Stockwell reminds that anything can happen the last week of a campaign so don't count the votes just yet. His secretary comes in and mumbles something to him and he tells her to "Send him in" and asks his cronies to excuse him. They leave and enter Brian Kinney. Stockwell thanks him for coming by and Brian asks what he can do for Stockwell. Stockwell says it's more what he can do for Brian which Brian says is even better. Stockwell says he is sure that Brian has been following the campaign and Brian says no. He's been too busy shopping and blow drying his hair. Stockwell laughs and says that everyone is predicting that by this time next week he will be the new mayor of Pittsburgh. Brian drawls that he did it then and Stockwell reminds that he didn't get here without Brian's help. Stockwell says he asked to see Brian to tell him that he regrets what happened and that perhaps he acted in haste and misjudged the situation. "No apologies. No regrets," Brian quotes his own motto, nearly chocking on the words this time. Stockwell says they made a great team. Brian did great work for him. Brian scoffs and asks if Stockwell is offering him his job back? Stockwell says he is offering Brian a future. The one thing Brian really wanted along -- Stockwell's backers for his client list. He's offering that to Brian now. He'll deliver them. To Brian. Brian alone will he give his backers to. (Say it with me now --- "BRIBE!!!")
Emmett is setting up for Ted's party and asshole Ted gives his approval of things, making slurs about how much it must cost since he doesn't have any money. Ted changes the music and goes to answer the knock on his door to let in sleazy Dr. Mark and Mark's friends. Ted mockingly introduces Emmett as an extraordinary party planner. Mark's friends decide to make themselves at home by getting undressed and making out. Ted goes on to point out that everything is crystal. Crystal candlesticks, crystal plates, crystal nut dishes. Mark says it's good that he brought another kind of crystal then, producing the drugs. Ted kisses him and says it's so much more thoughtful than flowers or wine. Em's getting pissed. Mark gives Ted the crystal and he sits down to smoke it. Emmett offers the "guests" food but they're more interested in getting high and starting their orgies. A sad Emmett watches Ted do the drugs before walking out, leaving Ted to his new little world.
Brian and Hovarth are walking outside the police station together and Brian tells Hovarth that no sooner did he confront Rikert than Stockwell called him wanting to "kiss and make up". Now what does Hovarth make of that? Hovarth says maybe Stockwell had a change of heart and Brian says maybe Rikert tipped Stockwell off and now Stockwell is scared shitless. "Rikert is dead," Hovarth admits, shocking us all. Hovarth went to bring him in for questioning and found him. He'd washed his car in the garage and then shot himself in the head. Brian looks like he's been kicked in the teeth. Hovarth walks off and Brian says it's a shame. "It looks like rain."
Emmett wakes up on the couch in Michael and Ben's apartment. Michael is in the kitchen trying to make a cake when Emmett joins him. Michael asks how the sofa was and Emmett wonders where a good chiropractor is when you need one. Heh, heh, heh. Michael gives him a look and Emmett realizes what he's said and apologizes. He asks what Michael is trying to make and Michael says it's a cake. He wanted to make one for Hunter's birthday and it turned out exactly like the ones his mom used to make. Emmett laughs and goes about trying to fix the damage of the would-be birthday cake. They're going to give Hunter a surprise party for his birthday and Michael invites Emmett to join them. Em declines, saying he wouldn't be much fun. Besides, he has to go face Ted. He's preparing what he intends to say. Michael asks if Ted will listen. Emmett says he doesn't know, but Ted is damn sure going to hear him he assures as he finishes adding his touches to the cake.
Justin in front of the disciplinary committee. He's fidgeting, playing with his hands, clearly not happy to be there, but he apologizes to them and the facility and students of the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts for any embarrassment he might have caused them. And he deeply regrets it if his actions hurt the internship program in any way. The dean says they accept his apology. He's clearly had time to reflect on his actions, which he didn't do before he acted so inappropriately, and now regrets it. Justin looks like he wants to roll his eyes at their cluelessness but doesn't. The dean goes on to say, though, that considering the seriousness of what Justin did, some disciplinary action is in order. He will write a letter of apology to Gardner Vance expressing his regret for any embarrassment he caused Vance or the agency. Justin seems ok with that but the dean goes on to say that he will also write a letter of apology to Police Chief Stockwell. Justin blurts out that he won't. The dean asks him what he just said and Justin repeats it -- He's not apologizing to Stockwell. The dean says he has no choice and Justin says that is exactly what Stockwell wants him to have. No choice. Stockwell has already taken away his right to assemble, his right to fuck. The dean interjects that this isn't about Justin being gay and Justin agrees. It really isn't. It's about freedom of _expression as a person and an artist without a fear of censure or reprisal. And that is why, under no circumstances, will he apologize to Stockwell.
Drug Head Ted's new buddies are leaving the next morning. Dr. Mark says he has surgery in an hour and doesn't that just make us all feel safe and secure for his patients! Emmett shows up and Ted tells him the party is over. Mark says it's never over and tells Ted about another party that night which Ted promises to be at. The new "friends" leave and Emmett comments that no one ate a thing. Ted says it was all too beautiful to eat and Em says more like they were too tweaked to eat. Emmett starts to spray air freshener because the place stinks and jerk Ted starts to berate him, saying he embarrassed Ted by leaving. Em is like "I embarrassed you?!"! Ted says that Emmett is acting all superior, like just because he can put a piece of cheese on a cracker that makes him better than everyone else. Well, Ted wants to tell him something -- Just because Emmett can plan all his nice, fancy parties and rake in the money now doesn't change the fact that he is still just a piece of trash from Hazelhurst, Mississippi. (Ok, it's official, Ted must die now. What. An. Asshole.) Em says he doesn't need Ted to tell him that because he tells himself that every day! "But at least I'm not some tweaked out, fucked out crystal queen," Emmett shouts in anger at Ted. He goes to Ted and is practically crying as he begs Ted to stop this. It's not too late. He wants the old Ted back, the sweet, up-tight accountant who would freak out if someone forgot to use a coaster. Ted says he doesn't want to be his old self anymore. He hated that guy. And for the first time in his life he is relaxed and having fun. Em says this isn't fun. This is pathetic. Ted says he doesn't need Emmett criticizing him and making him feel bad. He's beautiful. Everything is beautiful now and if Em doesn't see that then he can leave. Emmett leaves. (And major, major kudos to Scott Lowell and Peter Paige for the out-standing acting job they've done this season.)
Ben and Hunter coming home from shopping. They walk into the apartment where Hunter is greeted with a chorus of "Surprise!". Michael, Debbie, Vic, Mel, Lindz and Gus are in party hats looking to celebrate. Hunter is stunned speechless as he walks in and Michael asks isn't he going to say something. Hunter asks what is going on and Michael says it's a surprise party for his birthday and introduces him to everyone. Michael brings out the cake he's made with 16 light candles on it. Hunter starts to blow out the candles but Michael says he has to make a wish first. A wish for something he wants more than anything. Hunter does so and blows out the candles with Baby Gus cheering him on and tooting on his little noise maker. And I'll say for the umpteenth time just how absolutely adorable Gus is! Emmett comes to the door and peeks in. Michael joins him in the doorway and Emmett tells Michael that Ted kicked him out. Michael says how sorry he is. Emmett starts to cry and says he tried. He really tried to get through to Ted but he didn't. Michael consoles him and asks him to come in and join the party. Emmett says the last thing they need is a guest on the verge of a breakdown. Besides, he needs to look for a place to stay. "You can stay with us," Melanie offers as she and Lindz join them, as long as Em doesn't mind a rowdy two year old and a cranky pregnant lady. Emmett can't believe they'd offer that after what he said to Mel. Mel says it was no worse than what she said to him. Emmett says that she was right about him, though. He is just a silly faggot. Mel disagrees. He stood behind his man no matter what anyone else said. That makes him a very loyal, very brave faggot. Emmett starts to cry again.
After the party, Hunter is playing his new video game on the couch as Debbie boasts about what a great party it was. She kisses Michael and tells him what a good man he is, which touches Michael. Deb and Vic leave. Michael asks if Ben heard what his mom said about him. "That you're a good man?" Ben asks. He could have told Michael that. They kiss and hug and snuggle, looking like the happy married couple. Ben turns to Hunter and asks if he's going out that night and Hunter says maybe later which further pleases "Ma and Pa". They make a cute family.
At Woody's, slightly drunk Justin and Brian are doing shots and talking about Rikert and Stockwell. Justin reasons that Rikert killing himself proves that he was the murderer of Dumpster Boy. He committed suicide to avoid disgrace when the truth came out and to protect Stockwell who Justin suspects he secretly loved. (Ha, ha. Randy Harrison is adorable in this scene, playing tipsy Justin perfectly.) Brian scoffs at the theory. Leave it to a queen to turn it into a drama. Justin asks what else it could be. Brian says they'll never know now because Rikert will never tell. "Then it's over?" Justin asks. Brian says hell yeah it's over. But Justin doesn't want to talk like that. It can't be over. Brian says that by this time next week, Stockwell will be mayor and he will be collecting unemployment. Justin adds that he will be out on the street, peddling his ass or his artwork, which ever makes more money. Brian says not to spend too much money on framing. Justin reveals then that he got suspended and Brian scoffs in disgust. Justin tells him not to look so disappointed. Now he doesn't have to pay for Justin's education anymore. Brian says he thought Justin was going to apologize and Justin says he did apologize. But then they wanted him to apologize to Stockwell which he refuses to do. He won't say he's sorry to a man who would rather see him dead--see all of them dead--than have them living in his "family friendly" world. "So you sacrificed everything," Brain comments. "Sometimes you have to for what you believe in," Justin replies. Brian looks at him for a long second, pride and love in that gaze before planting a big kiss on Justin's lips. They touch foreheads, start to laugh, and then Brian pulls Justin forward for a big hug as the scene fades to black.
Next week, the season finale. At Babylon, Emmett sees Ted in the crowd and Brian say to forget about Ted. He's dead. Em argues that Ted is not dead but Brian says he will be soon enough. Drug Head Ted being told by Mark that he was out of it for a couple of days and viewing a homemade tape which I assume features Ted in their sexcapades. Ben and Michael telling Debbie that Hunter's mother showed up wanting her son to come home. Hunter saying he won't go. His mother telling Ben and Michael to get him ready because she's coming back with the cops and a court order if that's what it takes. Ben says Hunter isn't going anywhere with her. Quick shots of Emmett dancing. Debbie, Justin, and Lindz in a big crowd looking first stunned and then bursting into celebration. Justin with an arm around Brian pulling him closer. And Hunter hugging Ben. (I think it was Ben.) And the voice-over saying that everything is about to change so don't miss the season finale.