June 15, 2003
by xof
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The episode begins with an understated opening, at least in comparison to episode 12's Babylon Bonanza. Hardly any time has passed from 12 to 13 - only a few hours from the end of that episode. Instead of days or weeks as has happened between other episodes - story wise - this season.
The loft - Brian in silhouette against the exterior wall, in front of the huge windows. He's smoking, watching the morning dawn outside. The loft is dark, the only light is from the window he stands before. A shot of a longgggg pull on his cigarette, the paper burning down quickly - then you get a far shot from the kitchen which lets you get a feel for how long the loft floor space actually is. Justin gets up from the bed and walks over to Brian, massaging Brian's shoulders. B: "Fucker didn't show up." (((Meaning the supposed murdering cop trick....))) Justin says they'll try again, with him dressed up like a hustler but Brian shakes his head no. B: "You looked hot." (((Yeah, that I'm For Sale Look - always a winner...lol.))) Justin goes and picks up his leather jacket, putting it on (((the only thing he's wearing beside white briefs))) and pretends he's soliciting Brian for a trick. He pushes Brian onto the couch and tells him it'll cost him $100. B: "We're just pretending, remember?" J: "Maybe you were." lol... There's a knock on the door. Brian opens up and thereeeeeeeeeeeee's Hunter. B: "What do you want?" Hunter looks decidedly down at Brian's crotch...lol. B: "Besides that." snicker.... Hunter holds up a used, full condom (((ewwww))) saying it's the cop's. Brian's actually pissed and/or upset - "You fucked the cop?" H: "You said you needed DNA." Brian snaps, "A cigarette butt would have sufficed." H: "He doesn't smoke." Hunter walks into the place. Brian grabs a plastic bag as Hunter marvels at the "movie" like look of Brian's home. B: "I don't recall a scene like this in any film nominated for best picture." lol... Hunter's also grabbed a TV Guide from the cop's trash, so they know the man's name is Kenneth Rikert. As Justin joins them in the kitchen, Brian reads that "Gay as Blazes" as been cancelled....hehe. Hunter wants to be shown some appreciation... Justin: "He already has, three times with me." (((ohhhhh, drawing out the big coc... uhmm, hmmmmmm.... I mean drawing out the big guns. Let the territorial wars begin.))) Brian continues the hustler joke saying what was it, a hundred? Justin says yeah, but that Brian's refusing to pay. H: "I don't blame him. I wouldn't pay ten bucks." THUD...lol Brian ends the argument saying it's time to tuck Hunter into bed, "And NOT mine!"
Immediate cut to Michael screaming at Hunter, "You FUCKED a murderer????" haha.... (((Sorry, that was a priceless segue.))) Brian's taken Hunter to Michael and Ben's. The kid's being grilled and yelled out from both men as Brian stands there hugging himself while playing spectator. (((Funny seeing Michael's self-protective gesture Brian Kinney style.))) H: "What's the big deal? I used a condom." Brian: "Well, you're safe sex lecture paid off." Michael yells at Brian, "SHUT the FUCK UP!" hahahaha.... (((I adored that.))) Michael accuses Brian of putting Hunter up to it, but Hunter says he did it on his own - to help. Michael says it was to impress Brian. Brian glares at Michael, saying rather pointedly, "Well, he WOULDN'T be the first one." (((Hmmmm.... Wondering at the back story behind that comment.))) Michael breaks the news to Hunter that Brian's already got a boyfriend. H: "You do?" Brian - in one of his funnier moments this episode, admits - "In a non-defined, non-conventional way, yeah." THUD!!! lol.... When Ben and Michael say he could have gotten himself killed, Hunter says all his trick could kill him. Michael demands to know why Hunter tricks then. "I have low self-esteem. I was sexualized at too early an age. It's exciting, fun and a great way to earn non-reportable income." (((When'd he turn into Dr. Joyce Brothers? Or would that be Dr. Ruth?))) Michael - who's wearing an old Captain Astro t-shirt as he plays Parental Avenger, insists in his best DAD tone of voice - or is that MOM tone of voice, "I would like an honest answer, smartass." Brian: "He just gave you one." (((Gotta enjoy him entering into the by-play of this scene's dialogue...lol.))) Ben lays down the law (((I'd say that makes him the pant-wearer of the apartment, but he's currently only wearing a robe...lol.))) and insists that Hunter stop hustling. And what follows is a tennis match of parental demands from both Michael and Ben, lobbed over Hunter's head - of meeting curfew, going back to school, i.e. straightening up his act. (((Welllll, not straightening... More like being a good gay boy, but one who doesn't fuck daddies for dough.))) Hunter gets fed up, saying he'd rather end up like Jason Kemp than listen to this. He storms out. Brian's sitting in a chair, rather taken aback by all he's witnessed. Finally, he stands and says, "Nice going, Ma and Pa."
Okay - so on to merrier past-times, yes??? Oh, hell nooooooooooooooooooo.....
Ted and Emmett in bed. Ted's topping Em, rather brutally. Panting and acting completely self-involved with his own getting off. Em's come down off the crystal high, and he's obviously worn out - emotionally and physically. He's in pain. But Ted's oblivious. He says he needs a break after going after it for hours. Ted lies on top of him as Em's asking for a rest. Instead of doing as asked, Ted sniffs more crystal and tries to get Em too as well. Em refuses. Ted's completely tweaked, hyper - muttering. Em just looks sooooo damn devastated and shell-shocked. When Ted tries to continue, pressing full bodily over Em's back - Emmett tries to insist only to be interrupted by Ted saying, "You know, being able to share this with you means everything to me. It's all I wanted, for us to do this together." Em jerks away, saying he's going to take a shower and brush his teeth. Immediately, Ted gets mean - saying what the hell is he supposed to do now - he wants to come. Snapping, "Jerk me off, at least. You think you can handle that?" E: "Maybe later." T: "NOT LATER, NOW!!!" (((Right now, I'm about the punch Ted through my TV screen. Damn...the look on Em's face.))) Em gets some lube and begins doing as Ted wants.
Brian in the police precinct. There to see Horvath. He pulls out the bag with the condom and starts swinging it from side to side like a hypnotist's watch. lol.... (((ewwww, but still funny to see Horvath's horror))) B: "You wanted hard evidence. It doesn't get much harder." He tells Horvath the kid he wouldn't believe is the one who got the evidence. Horvath wants to know what the hell Brian wants him to do with it. Brian says to test it, see if it matches with that from Jason's body. He gives the TV Guide to Horvath, showing him the name. Horvath knows the man. He's one year retired from the force. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd, he was Stockwell's partner for 15 years!!!! (((DAMN....)))
Justin in the Dean's (((?))) Office - being called on the carpet for his actions while working for Vangard Advertising. Having sex with one of the partners, using agency resources to undermine their own client, etc. Meaning he's damaged the Intern Program by his actions. Justin says it's all in how you perceive it. That he had a relationship with Brian before the internship so it's not like he "was fucking the boss." (((Course shagging on company property, and over the boss's desk - that doesn't play into it...hehe.))) Other than that, he says he made some posters based on his "political beliefs." Which doesn't interest the Dean. He's concerned for the reputation of the school. J: "If it's any consolation, I was doing a kick-ass job." (((OHHHHH YEAH, that helps...lol. All better now.))) Dean says he has to appear before the disciplinary committee to apologize. If he doesn't, then he will be kicked out of school.
Now for some true "ahhhhhhhhhhhhh" moments....
Red Cape Comics - Michael is putting sound sensors on Melanie's belly so that they all can talk to the baby. Realllly sweet moment, as Michael goes on about all he's read on how babies can learn and respond in the womb to outside stimuli - like the voice of its parents, names, etc. Michael speaks into a microphone, "Hello in there, it's me. Michael. But you can call me dad." Lindz and Mel laugh, giddy with it. Mel tells Lindz to say something, but Lindz doesn't know what to say. L: "Hi. This is your other mom." Mel: "This is your concierge. I hope you are enjoying your stay. If you need anything, just holler." lol..... (((Trust me, it'll be hollering enough out of the womb. Don't be encouraging that NOW...haha.))) The cuteness is then interrupted by the awkward arrival of Emmett. First time he and Mel's been in a room since the cat-fight. Michael tries to get him to say something to the baby, but Em says he's sure the parents wouldn't like what he had to say. Mel and Lindz quickly get up and start to leave. Lindz looks back at Em like she wants to say something, but Mel pulls her through the door before she can. Michael asks how long this is going to continue. Em says until they apologize to Ted. Michael says what about you calling Mel a "cunt?" Em says what about her calling him a "silly faggot." Michael says they love Em and Ted, but Em says they could have been a little compassionate. That Ted's hardly the only one to try Crystal, probably half the community has. Michael says he hasn't. By Em's silence, Michael gets that Em has. M: "What? Are you saying... Don't tell me. You didn't." Em says he thought by doing it with Ted that he wouldn't appear as judgmental as everyone else, so that when he asked Ted to stop using - Ted would. But that's not what's happened. E: "He said that he never felt so close to anyone in his life, and he can't wait for us to do it again." All Michael and Em can do is look at each other....
Liberty Avenue - Justin's telling Brian about the Dean wanting him to apologize. Brian's telling him he should. (((New variation on Brian's fav - It's not a lie, if they make you lie.))) J: "Like I did something wrong." B: "Well, didn't you? If someone had told me what you were up to, I would have fired your ass. If I didn't have my dick inside it." THUD!!! lolllll.... (((But Brian, you DID know what he was doing. You caught him making the posters. And thennnnnnnnn, you helped put them up. There goes all grounds for judgment.))) Brian adds that he's not saying Justin should be sorry, just that he should apologize. If Justin wants the freedom to create what he wants, when he wants, etc. - i.e., have the money to do as he likes artistically - then he needs to apologize and finish his education. B: "Not for them, for you."
Liberty Diner - Horvath's there, to Deb's surprise. He says he's got a "date." Meaning he's there to see Brian, who comes in and joins him at the counter. Deb: "What, did you convert him?" hehehe... Cute. Horvath gives Brian the DNA results. (((Excuse the FUCK out of me - but BULLSHIT!!! It takes a HECK of a lot longer than a fucking DAY to get DNA results back. Badddddddddd writers, bad.))) Ohhhhhhhhhhh, and.... (((I'm SOOOOO sure that a police detective would be revealing the details of an investigation to both Brian AND Debbie - in a public place. What? Did he deputize their asses when we weren't looking? lol...))) It's plain as day that Horvath isn't going to do anything to reopen the case, saying it only proves the Cop had sex with Jason Kemp the night he died. Brian says that makes him a suspect, and that Horvath needs to follow through the same way he and Hunter have. Horvath looks Brian dead in the face and says sorry, it's still not enough. Brian isn't a happy boy, and Deb just walks off.
Michael and Ben's apartment - Ben's trying to write, but isn't getting much done. Michael teases him but Ben's, "frustrated as shit." Michael says come to bed. Ben does, but they aren't even close to sleeping. They're arguing over ... I mean, discussing - Hunter. Ben's angry that Hunter's not showing any progress in changing his ways. Case in point, boffing the murder. Michael says it was Ben who said these things take time. Ben says it can't go on indefinitely. Michael thinks they are doing their best. As they continue, Hunter comes into the apartment and hears Ben saying they should admit their failure. That Hunter doesn't want their help. Ben says they should let Hunter go....
The Dive Bar - Brian comes up to Rikert and orders him a drink. Rikert remembers him from the other night, and isn't thrilled to see him again. Brian puts a picture of Jason Kemp on the bar, and asks if Rikert remembers him. (((Oh myyyyy... Didn't expect so direct an approach.))) When the cop says no, Brian says that's too bad because the kid had a really good ass. R: "Wouldn't know." Brian says that's funny, cause the cops just found "your load up it." When Rikert says he doesn't know who the hell Brian is or what he's up to - Brian introduces himself. And then throws down Rikert's TV Guide on the bar. Brian lets Rikert know that the hustler he picked up snatched the used condom. (((Oh yeah, Brian. Way to keep Hunter out of the line of fire....potential or otherwise....lol.))) The DNA's a match. B: "So just out of curiosity, why'd you kill him? Was it an accident? Things get a little out of hand. Did he figure out you were a cop and try to blackmail you? I mean, that must be why you resigned. Was that your idea? Or Stockwell's? Did you go to him and confess the whole thing? He promised to protect you if you quit the force? That's real loyalty. On the other hand, maybe he figured if it got out that his friend and partner was a murderer and a fag, that it might kill - so to speak, his chance to be mayor. " Rikert - who's been saying "shut up" more than once during Brian's questioning - goes ballistic, shoving Brian and yelling at him to shut up. B: "I'm sure that if you confessed, everyone would be MORE than sympathetic. After all, you wanted to do the right thing." Rikert leaves. (((Danggggg, who knew Brian could do the good cop/bad cop all in one sitting??? Maybe he can have a second career as Pittsburgh's own resident Private DICK....uhmm, hmmmmmm. That's detective, folks. Course the other meaning could apply too....hehe.)))
The next morning - Michael and Ben are having the this-is-it talk. Meaning they are about to cut Hunter to the curb. Untilllllllllllllllll.... Out of the spare bedroom comes this creature. (((I'd have said it was Hunter, but the clean cut clothing - combed hair - and good mannered nature have blinded me. lol...))) Okay, so it is Hunter. And he's been busy - making his own breakfast, cleaning up the dishes - anddddd deciding to meet with a principal about returning to high school. Color Ben and Michael completely flummoxed...lol. They ask if he really means it, re: School. He's gonna give it a try. (((Gotta love his ability to hustle, even on the up and up. Welll, uhmm.... I guess with gay hustling both he and the trick WOULD be on the UP and UP....lol. I'll stop now. haha...)))
Restaurant - "Fancy Smancy" as Ted says while joining Em for lunch. You immediately see that Ted's hyped up, not wanting to eat, etc. He's been to see a friend - Mark. E: "Young Dr. Crystal." T: "So we did a Little Tina." E: "Since when are you on a first name basis with illegal substances?" lol... When Em tells Ted that he just did the drug for Ted and that he hated it and won't do it again - Ted immediately takes all that to mean Em thinks he's not good enough and that Em's acting superior. Sooooooooooooooo, Ted starts cataloguing all of Em's former jobs - waiter, maid, porn star, etc. Belittling the man he supposedly loves, in order to not feel self-conscious or guilty. (((Ain't he a purrrty one.))) Em's taken aback, and getting pissed. Ted demands that the party planner to the Burgh throw him and his "six closest friends" a party. And he snidely says it has to be PERFECT. Not a thing out of place. (((Asshole.))) Em is angry but he says fine, he'll throw Ted a party. The two sit across from each other, Em upset and Ted agitated. Ain't love grand?
Horvath showing up on Deb's doorstep. With much reluctance, and one attempt to close the door...lol, Deb lets him in. After razzing him by asking if he's there for a date with Vic...lol. He's there to explain why he's not reopened the case on Jason Kemp. She really doesn't want to hear it, yelling that with alllllllll that evidence staring him in the face - he still won't do anything. He says what does she think would happen if all this turned out to be true - if Rikert had murdered the kid and Stockwell covered it up. D: "You'd be a hero." H: "I'D BE A DEAD MAN." He says his entire career with the PD would be ruined. He's on the brink of getting his retirement. "I just want to collect my pension and go home." D: "Then by all means, that's what you should do." Meaning do it alone. Without her in his life.... Then she tells him to leave because she has a date, with a pint of ice scream. (((The diet has bit the big one.... And NO that wasn't a reference to her oral sex lessons from earlier this season.....hehe. Pervs....)))
Ben, Michael and Hunter leaving the high school with tons of paperwork that needs to be filled out for Hunter's re-admittance. Enough to make you feel like you're applying for a bank loan, or citizenship...lol. A kid bumps into Hunter and Hunter tells him to watch it, calling him an asshole after he walks away. M: "Making friends already...." lol Ben says at least they'll, "know all about you." M: "Name?" H: "Hunter." M: "Hunter, what?" H: "Just Hunter." He says last names aren't good in his business, but Ben reminds him that he's not in the business now so what's his full name. H: "James Hunter Montgomery." M: "Nice to meet you, Jimmy." snicker.... Very cute. (((Oh, and should I mention that that's like way too funny and ironic a choice. Jimmy. Like Jimmy Olsen, the sort-of sidekick to Clark Kent, i.e. Superman. I'll let you make all the connections between Brian/Superman and Michael/Lois Lane...lol.))) Hunter shoves him, saying to shut up. Ben asks when he was born, and Hunter says - after the usual smart remarks, that he turned 16 last Tuesday. They say why didn't he tell them, they could have done something for him. Hunter says on his birthday he pulled three tricks and made $150. H: "That's what I call celebrating." He walks off. Ben and Michael both sigh and follow.
Shudddddder..... Stockwell's office, his advisors kissing up and gloating that it seems Jim's a shoe-in for Mayor. Jim says to remember anything can happen in the last week before the election. An assistant tells him he has a visitor, and Stockwell asks the advisors to leave. As they do, we see BRIAN! In the hallway. Now for all of you who are thinking Brian's there in full Rage-mode to confront Stockwell....he's not! Stockwell was the one to ask Brian to come see him. Hmmmmm.... (((Btw - did you notice the look on Stockwell's face right before Brian is shown in? lolllll.... He looks SO incredibly thrilllllled....not! He also looks like he's trying to remember a speech. Which as you'll see, he probably was....))) The two men face off, Brian not giving anyyyy thing away - and Jim being oh so solicitous, thanking him for coming. He asks if Brian's been following the campaign. B: "No, I've been so busy shopping and blow drying my hair." snickerrrrrr....haha. Jim says looks like he'll be mayor. Brian, in a flat resentful tone of voice, "Well, what do you know. You did it." J: "Thanks in no small part to you." (((Damn, Jim really is a politician.))) Brian refuses to sit when offered a chair, standing to watch Jim's floor show of you've-washed-my-back, now-let-me-make-up-for-my-bad-behavior-to-you. Seriously, that's what Jim's saying. That he "regrets" what happened. Brian: "That's very classy of you." J: "And that perhaps I acted in haste. Misjudged the situation." Drummmmmmmmmmmmmmmroll, please - as Brian says his motto, "No apologies. No regrets." Jim says they made a great team, and Brian did him "a great service." Brian laughs sarcastically, "Are you offering me my job back?" No. What Jim's offering is the thing Brian always wanted to begin with - an exclusive client list made up Stockwell's supporters. Jim says he can still deliver them. "And now you can keep them all to yourself." Brian just stares at him as the scene ends - and we DON'T hear Stockwell's version of why or if you only.... He leaves it open so that all is implied but not said.
Ted and Em's apartment - Em's putting the finishing touches on everything for Ted's party. He's lighting candles on a table FULL of food. (((Grrrrrr.... He had to fork over $5000 to cover Ted's ass with the Lesbians, and NOW he's having to foot the bill for alllll that food too. Grumble grumble, grouch.))) Ted comes in. T: "Oh would you look at this, some enchanted evening." Em says he's glad Ted approves. T: "Must be costing me a pretty penny, but since I don't have a penny - pretty or otherwise, cost is no object." (((Color xof a not-so-happy-camper.))) Ted throws a disgusted glare at Em as he changes the Soft Jazz playing on the stereo to Techno Music with more of a trance vibe. How apt.... Dr. Mark and the boyz show up, and things instantly start going down hill. The boyz start stripping down and fondling each other. Ted and Mark start smoking Crystal and making fun of Em's efforts to create a theme of "Crystal" for the night - everything's crystal on the table, the glasses, candleholders, etc. As Ted begins to zone out on his fucked up drug high, and the others start mauling each other in a drugged out haze - Em leaves, not able to take a second more of Ted's version of party time. (((Thank GOODNESS.)))
Outside the police station - Brian's talking to Horvath, telling him about his conversations with Rikert and Stockwell. Brian says maybe Rikert called Stockwell and warned him, so now Stockwell's scared "shitless." Horvath: "Rikert's Dead." Matter of fact way of breaking the news. Brian's speechless. Horvath says he went to bring Rikert in for questioning and found him. Rikert had washed his car, and then shot himself in the head. Horvath walks away. Brian's still shocked, but then says, "What a shame. Looks like rain." (((When you can't think of anything to say, there's always the weather.)))
The next morning - Em asleep on the couch at Michael and Ben's place. He looks rough, waking up to hear Michael in the kitchen. (((Ahhh, look. Em's wearing one of Michael's Captain Astro T-shirts. Ewwww, lol. Michael's wearing a t-shirt that covers the theme of this week's episode - "Cover Your Load" - snicker.... ))) M: "Well if it isn't Little Mary Sunshine." Em - in my favorite line of the night - "Little Mary Sunshine Died. I'm Little Mary Go Fuck Yourself." *gigggggggles* M: "How was the sofa?" E: "Where's a good chiropractor when you need one?" (((Awwwwwwwwwwww.... Okay, maybe THAT was my fav line, instead....hehe.))) Michael just looks at him. Em says sorry. (((Yeah, no mentions of Doctor Dave while under the same roof as Professor Ben. haha))) Michael's making a cake for Hunter. A Betty Crocker Triple Layer - like his mom used to make. One that looks a tad...oh, lopsided...lol. E: "Too bad it didn't turn out like hers." M: "It turned out EXACTLY like hers." haha Em comes to the rescue, leveling out the top layer with a knife before Michael can frost it. They reminisce about old times. Michael asks Em to Hunter's birthday party. And tells him he can stay there as long as he wants. Em thanks him, but says he's got a full house already. And Em says he has to face Ted. He doesn't know if Ted will listen, but "he'll damn well hear me."
Justin apologizing to the Disciplinary Board for his actions. He's handling it rather well, saying he hopes he didn't hurt the intern program. They tell him that they are appreciative of his apology, but they do think some disciplinary action must be taken - so they want him to write a letter of apology to Gardner Vance. Annnnnnd to apologize to Stockwell. Who thinks that's something Justin'll agree to do??? Nope... He instantly refuses. The board say he's not got a choice. J: "No choice? Yeah, that's exactly what he'd like for me to have. He's already taken away my right to assemble. My right to fuck....(((Awwwwwwwww....damn. The chairman's flinching, cause that's reallly what he wanted to hear...lol.))) The chairman stops him, saying this isn't about him being Gay. Justin agrees. "It's about freedom of _expression. As a person and an artist. Without fear of censure or reprisal. That's why I will not apologize to him. Here or under any other circumstances."
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, see - here comes ONE HECK of a scene. It's completely rough, completely dark and completely acted the HELL out of. Be prepared to be pissed off, and be prepared to be impressed by both Scott and Peter. It's too their credit to deliver pain so well.
The next morning aftermath of the Crystal party at Ted's place. Dr. Mark and the boyz are leaving, after all the doctor's got to take out someone's tonsils in an hour. Awwwwwwww....THUD. He's snorting more powder and making jokes about using in moderation. Emmett comes back just as Mark and the others leave. Ted and Em face off. Em says the place reeks. He starts spraying air freshener as the fight begins. Ted says Em's embarrassed him by leaving. Em's flabbergasted, "I embarrassed YOU???" Ted calls Em rude, saying his friends don't think Em likes them. E: "I don't." Ohhh, and here comes MEAN Mr. Man of Cruelty - Ted saying Em's acting soooooo superior, that Em thinks he's better than everyone. T: "Let me tell you something. No matter how many fancy parties you give, or how much money they give you to give them - you'll ALWAYS be a piece of trash from Hazelhurst, Mississippi." OUCH... Em lays into him in return, screaming back at him. "I don't need YOU to tell ME that. Because I tell myself that every day. But at LEAST I'm not a tweaked-out, FUCKED-OUT CRYSTAL QUEEN!!!!" (((Whooo hooooooo.... You Tell HIM!!!!))) Ted's response? Evil glare and a dramatic sniff to remind you of what's sooo important in his life now. Em begs him, "Teddy please. It is not too late. You can still be you. My sweet uptight accountant who would freak out if someone put down a glass without a coaster." Ted is getting more and more agitated listening to Em, and he keeps fiddling with something in his right hand like a nervous tick. He hisses back, "I don't want to be me, anymore. I HATED THAT PERSON. For the first time in my life, I am relaxed! (((Uhhhhmmm, yeah right. That's why the cords of your neck look as tight as a bow strings.))) I am HAPPY! (((Yeah, yelling at and belittling a loved one will do that every time.))) AND I AM HAVING FUN!!!" (((Jackass....))) Em: "You call this fun? This is pathetic." Ohhhh, wrong thing to say (((even if it IS true.))) Ted blows a gasket. "Pathetic. That's what you think I am? You know what? I don't need you criticizing me and making me feel like shit. Okay?" He takes a sniff of even MORE crystal. T: "I am beautiful! Everything is BEAUTIFUL! And if you don't see it that way, you can get the FUCK out!!!" Lord, Em's face. He's devastated, so shell-shocked. So sad. He walks away, covering his mouth with his hand. One last look back at Ted, and Em slams out of the apartment.
Ben bringing Hunter down the hallway to the apartment, bags of clothes in their hands. Hunter saying he could have saved Ben money, but Ben's saying shoplifting isn't his style...lol. Ben opens the door and "SURPRISE!!!!" - Michael, Deb, Vic, Lindz, Mel and Gus alllllll are there to welcome Hunter to his surprise but belated birthday party. The entire living room is decorated with balloons and such, complete with blow toys (((and no, I don't mean dildos))) and party hats (((no that wasn't a condom reference....haha))). Michael: "Aren't you going to say anything?" Hunter: "What the fuck's going on?" Deb: "Sweet kid isn't he?" lol... Ben introduces Hunter to everyone. Michael brings out the cake, complete with lit candles. Deb's all emotional cause it's the same kind of cake she used to make for him. Hunter sits down at the table. Ben: "Ready to blow?" Deb: "Bet you never heard that before." Snicker.... Hunter's JUST about to blow out the candles when Michael yells out to stop - scaring half the room...lol. He tells Hunter to make a wish first. He does and blows out the candles. As everyone's cheering, Em appears in the doorway. Michael sees him and goes over. Em breaks down, saying Ted threw him out. Weeping, "I tried, Michael. I swear I did." Michael hugs him close, asking him to join them. E: "Last thing you need at a festive occasion is a guest on the verge of a nervous breakdown." Besides he says he's got to find a place to live. Just then, Mel's voice is heard - "You can stay with us." She and Lindz are standing there, having heard the news. L: "That is if you can stand a rowdy two year old." Mel: "And a cranky pregnant woman." Em's surprised, touched - "After what I said to you?" Mel admits what she said was just as bad. Em says it's true though, she was right. That he is a "silly faggot." Mel doesn't agree. She says he stood by his partner, and that makes him a "very loyal, very brave ... faggot." Em breaks down crying.
After the party - Hunter's on the couch, lost in Gameboy land. Deb's telling Michael it was one hell of a surprise party. Vic compliments the cake....lol. Deb tells Michael, "You're a good man." He's surprised to hear her say that, happy too. She and Vic leave. Ben comes up to Michael. M: "Did you hear what my mom said?" Ben - in a sweet voice, "That you're a good man? I could have told you that." They kiss, and then turn smiling to Hunter. Ben asks if Hunter's going to go out later - meaning tricking. Hunter, still lost in the world that is Gameboy says, "maybe later." But you can tell he's so distracted that he'll be sitting there for hours to come.
Woody's - Justin and Brian at the bar drinking shots. J: "So the guy's dead. That only proves that he did it. And that's why he killed himself, to avoid disgrace and to protect Stockwell - Who I suspect he secretly loved." (((Hehehehe....maybe Justin should be a writer on QAF.))) B: "Leave it to a queen to turn anything into a drama." Hahaha... (((You notice that Justin's NOT arguing against the "QUEEN" label...lol.))) Brian says they'll never know. J: "So it's over?" B: "Yeah it's over. This time next week, Stockwell will be mayor. And I'll be collecting unemployment." (((Welll, considering that sleeveless sweater vest thingy you're wearing - it already looks like you've been shopping at the GoodWill.))) Justin says he'll be on the street, peddling his ass or art - whatever pays more. B: "Well don't spend too much on framing." Justin tells Brian that he's been suspended. Brian looks miffed for a moment, until Justin says that he did apologize to the school -but that they wanted him to do so to Stockwell and he refused. B: "So you sacrifice everything." J: "Sometimes you have too for what you believe in." Brian pulls Justin into a kiss, and the scene ends with Brian putting his arms around Justin's shoulders - as they both perch precariously on their barstools from having drank the liquor shots...lol.
Finis....
And NOW!!!! The preview for the Season FINALE!!!!
Babylon - Ted's face amongst the crowd. Cut to Brian telling Em to forget about Ted, "He's dead." Em saying no he's not. Brian saying he will be soon enough. Ted waking up after a two day bender at Mark's place - then Ted looking in shock as he sees that Mark has videotaped him having sex with the boyz. Mark: "How does it feel to be a star?" Ben and Michael telling Deb that Hunter's mom showed up and she wants to take him back. Hunter yelling at Ben and Michael that he'll never go with her. Hunter's mom confronting Michael, Ben and Hunter - saying she's going to come back with a court order and the police. Ben, "He's not going anywhere." Michael nodding in agreement. The announcer saying, "Everything is about to change," as we see quick cuts of Em dancing at Babylon - Deb and Lindz screaming with joy at Woody's - Brian and Justin with their arms around each other's shoulders - Hunter hugging Ben.