Gone but not Forgotten

Part Five

Brian lay on the couch with his head in Justin’s lap as they quietly read the morning paper. “I don’t’ even know why I bother. The news is always death and destruction.” Justin stated as he threw his section beside Brian. “I guess the world hasn’t really changed in the time we have been out of it.”

“And if it’s not death and destruction it’s how the Republicans are running our lives.” Brian smirked as he placed his section next to Justin’s and closed his eyes. “With the hell we have been through, nothing seems to be that important. Well not much. You find out what’s important, and what’s not when you have nothing except one other person.”

Justin began to run his fingers through Brian’s hair, and smiled down at him. “Yeah. And you’re right. Money, work, friends, family… it all seems so unreal, so … not really unimportant, but not everything. Friends change, people change. It’s when one is faced with a sudden change in their life that they find out who and what is really important, and who has been holding them back.”

“Yeah, like the group I have here. I really found out who gave a shit there.” Brian knew he would hurt for a long time over his so-called friend’s lack of faith in him. He had gone through that crap with his own family and he didn’t want to go through it again. Justin knew more about him than anyone else in his life knew him and loved him. Which was more than Brian could ever say about anyone else. And Cynthia and Ted cared enough to fight to get him back. “I really should talk to Emmett. Ted said he was a great help, at least keeping him sane.”

“He doesn’t know what really happened does he?”

“Only that we were missing. Ted told me that he tried to keep Emmett out of it. But Emmett kept it all from the ‘family’. Guess they figured if none of them cared to ask, then they wouldn’t tell them anything.” .” Brian heard a huge commotion outside the door, and glanced up at Justin. “Guess the mob is here.” Standing Brian went into the bedroom to throw on some clothes, with Justin right behind him. While they were alone, they both wore very little, if anything at all. Both needing the connection, but they didn’t want anyone else to see them.

Justin looked over at Brian as the pounding on the door started. “You know, there must be something really strange about all of this.” Justin lifted up his shirttail, and smiled. “We seriously need some help.” 

“At least we’re strange together.” Brian laughed leaning in to lightly kiss Justin on the lips. Slipping on a white wife-beater, Brian made his way toward the door. With a quick jerk, Brian had the door opened and was confronted with not one, but the entire gang. “Well, to what do I owe this pleasure to?”

Lindsey pushed her way in with Gus in her arms, followed closely by the rest of the gang. “I thought you would like to see your son. You know the one that you completely ignored for the past year?”

Brian rolled his eyes and walked over to Lindsey and Gus. “Hey Sonny boy.” He said with a small smile, wondering if his son even remembered him. It was something that he had worried about every minute he was stuck in that room.

“Daddy!” Gus yelled as he threw himself into his daddy’s arms. “Miss you.”

“I missed you too.” Brian held his son close to his chest, with his eyes closed. It wasn’t until that moment that he realized just how much he had missed the little boy, and how much he wanted to be a part of his son’s life. “Are you thirsty?”

“Juz!”

“Juice?” Brian asked with a smile. “Come on… let’s get you something to drink shall we?”

“Brian, we really have to talk.”

Justin came down from the bedroom, and walked over to Brian and Gus. Lifting his hand carefully, he reached over to brush a stray hair away from Gus’ face. “It’s just what I thought. A mini-you.” Justin held out his hand, with a smile on his face. “Hi, Gus. My name’s Justin. You’re daddy told me all about you.”

“Brian? You just come back and let one of your tricks near our son? Why don’t you leave?” Lindsey asked looking directly at Justin. 

“Linds, until you know what’s going on… shut the fuck up. Justin stays. If you don’t like it, leave.” Brian carried Gus over to the corner that he and Justin had set up as a small play area. “I promise I won’t run away with Gus. I’ll drop him back off at your place later.”

Justin caught the immediate dismissal of his ‘friends’ and tried not to smile. To his luck, they didn’t listen. He was itching for a fight, and he couldn’t wait to see what these people wanted to say with the small child in the room. After hearing about Brian’s own childhood, Justin knew that no child should have to go through hearing bad things about their father. If they even tried, Justin was going to step in. Until then, Justin would stand back and let Brian handle things. 

“Justin is not a trick, and he has as much right to be here as me… and definitely more right than you. So I guess, you can either accept that or not. Frankly I could care less.”

“Brian…”

“No, there’s something I think we need to know.” Deb said interrupting Linds before she could say another word. “Where the hell were you, and why didn’t you call us. The girls were beside themselves, and so was Michael. Hell we all were.”

“Couldn’t stop getting your dick sucked to pick up the phone?” Mel stated staring at Brian. “You are the same selfish asshole you always have been. You say you want to be a part of Gus’ life, and then you turn tail and run.”

“We needed you Brian and you didn’t care.” Michael stepped up and gave Justin an evil glare. “And what is he still doing here?”

Brian stole a quick glance over to Justin and shrugged. “You are all going to believe what you want. So what I say, isn’t going to make a damn bit of difference. So let’s leave things alone.”

“Brian?” Lindsey started.

Justin stepped up so that he was standing in between Brian and the others in the loft. “Look, I don’t know any of you, and frankly I don’t want to. But you have some gall to sit there and bitch at Brian. Especially in front of his son.”

“Listen, kid, you don’t know Brian, we do. So why don’t you just butt out.” Michael stated stepping in front of Justin.”

Justin gave them a small smirk, then went to the couch and picked up the local section of the paper. “You want to know where Brian was… here!” Justin stated as he shoved the paper into Michael’s chest. “You think you know everything, but you don’t know shit. Brian didn’t leave of his own choice, it was taken from him. And if you were any sort of friends you would have known that. You would have been looking for him, instead of worrying about y our own petty little problems. You would have been looking for him, instead of stealing from him. You only want money from Brian, and I can tell you that as far as I’m concerned that ends now. No more handouts, no more bullshit. He doesn’t need it. We have enough mess to deal with without this mess too.”

“Look, you little shit…” Mel started to say.

“Enough.” Brian stated from his spot on the floor. “This is Justin’s home, and it seems to me that you have all overstayed your welcome. I know you have with me. So unless you want things to get ugly, I’d leave. Now. What goes on with your personal lives is of no concern to me. I will care for Gus, and Linds, I will be in touch on when I can see him. But other than that, no more. How I live my life, or who I spend my time with is of no concern of yours. So before something is said that we will ALL regret, I think you better leave. But since you brought Gus over, he can stay. Justin and I will bring him home before his bedtime.” Brian turned to Gus, “It’s been a long time Sonny Boy, I think you and I and Justin have some serious play time to do.”

Justin was standing by the door with it wide open, a smile on his face. “Good-bye. Nice meeting you all. Please don’t come back anytime soon.” As he started to close the door behind them all, he saw them start to look at the article he had shoved at them. Hopefully they will get a clue and figure it out, cause Justin knew he wasn’t ready to go there yet. “So?”

“Come here,” Brian whispered, as he opened his arms for his lover. “Thank-you.” 

“Tank you Jus’n” Gus said too, though he wasn’t sure why Justin needed to be thanked.

Justin gave Gus a quick kiss on his forehead and then smiled up at Brian. “It’s what partners are for. I love you, and I don’t like to see them trash you in front of Gus… hell they shouldn’t say one bad word about you period. Not with everything you have done for them.”

“Still, Justin. Don’t put yourself in their path. It will make life a living hell, I know. You don’t need the mess.”

Justin only shrugged as he moved into Brian’s arms. He couldn’t promise that he wouldn’t help them ‘see the light’ so to speak. He wouldn’t let them bash Brian, not if he could do anything about it. If they couldn’t connect the dots from that article, then he would go on from there. He would never let anyone hurt Brian again. Never. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lindsey sat down on the couch the moment they had arrived back at the house, staring down at the news article that Justin had shoved at them. She knew she had known the young man the instant that she saw him. Hell, she and Sidney had been trying hard to get Justin to show some of his art before the young artist had disappeared. She wasn’t sure she had believed the kidnapping thing, but she figured she would find out when the artist resurfaced once again. Seeing him in Brian’s loft, the article from before, and the one in her hand started her wondering that maybe the story was true. Maybe they had all misjudged Brian. Maybe they had all failed him. 

“Okay, thanks.” Mel stated as she hung up the phone, and dialed another number. “Just tell me something. Was Brian kidnapped and held by Bellwether or no… and when the hell were you going to tell the rest of us?… oh don’t pull that shit on me, Ted… you knew and you didn’t tell us… maybe you need to start remembering who your friends are… what?… you’re taking HIS side?… Ted?… Ted? Bastard hung up on me.” Mel slammed the phone down and turned to her wife.

“Ted knew?”

“Apparently. And he told me that since we didn’t seem to care, he wasn’t going to try and force us to. He didn’t seem to think that we would care one way or the other.” Mel threw herself down on the couch next to Lindsey and placed her hands over her face.

“I can’t believe it. Brian was missing… really missing and none of us knew? For a YEAR!?”

“From what I found out from the Federal prosecutor and from Ted, that’s exactly what happened. Brian and a lot of other men.”

Lindsey stood and started to pace the floor. “I… I can’t believe it. For a year we did nothing. What happened to him? What did they do?”

Mel shrugged and looked up at her wife. Mel felt a slight bit of guilt over the whole thing. She knew she didn’t like Brian for what he represents in her wife’s life, but she also knew that they could always depend on him to be there if they ever needed him. She didn’t totally dislike the man, but knowing some of what he went through from her talk with the prosecutor, she knew it wasn’t pretty. She felt guilty forever doubting Brian, and allowing the man to be put through hell. For not once questioning where he was at, for not once caring where he was. She had actually been happy to have the man out of their lives at the time. “We’re all guilty, hun. We’re all guilty of not doing anything, of not asking questions. Hell, Ted did something while the rest of us did nothing. What does that say to you?”

“That Ted is a better friend than we ever could be. That Ted might know Brian better than any of us.” Lindsey gave Mel a small smile, knowing that what she was saying was true. She hated to admit it, considering all the time she had known the man. “We have to do something, Mel. I feel terrible.”

Mel stood and wrapped her arms around Lindsey, pulling her close to her body. “All we can do right now, is to try and make it right. It’s up to Brian now. Just let him know that we’re sorry for doubting him, and try and rebuild the trust again.”

“And we’ll see him a lot. With Gus.” 

Mel nodded and headed upstairs to look in on Jennifer. She would have to seriously think about things. How she felt for Brian, see him for who he was now and not as he was before he disappeared. She knew that this mess could change anyone. She knew that she would have to get to know this Brian, and maybe… just maybe even get to like him. It’s the least she could do for believing the worst of him.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Justin at first I wasn’t sure the mall with Gus was a good idea, but he’s having so much fun.” Brian shook his head in wonder. His son was in a play area with other children. They could hear his laugh and they watched him race over to another little boy and give him a hug.

“Hmmm, maybe he takes after you more than you realized.” Justin teased. He pushed some of the bags he’d put beside his bench to one side. “And who knew he’d be worse than you for wanting to shop. Nothing but the best for mini you.” Justin looked down at the bag full of clothes from the children’s section of the Gap and other high-end stores.

“What can I say, he comes about it honestly.” Brian couldn’t keep the grin off of his face the whole afternoon. He was unbelievably happy being with Gus and Justin. “You know he’s almost old enough for us to take him for longer than a day or so.”

“Yes he is. I wonder if he’d like a Canadian vacation? I’m hoping we can spend a couple of weeks up there soon.”

“You’d take Gus with us?” Brian asked. “He’s a handful and you aren’t really used to children.”

“Sure I am, I lived with you in very close quarters for almost a year.” Justin grinned and ducked when Brian pretended to cuff him upside the head. “Seriously, it’s a great place for a kid to run around. It would only be for a couple of weeks now, but in a few years he could spend the summers with us there.”

“And we could take him on spring break to other vacation spots.” Brian was already planning.

“Did I mention lately that I adore you Brian Kinney?” Justin turned and laughed. Gus was running toward them holding the hand of another little boy.

“Daddy and Jus’n this is my friend Billy.” Gus said. “His mommy is taking him to Chucky Cheese. Can we go too?”

“Chucky Cheese?” Justin said and looked at Brian puzzled.

“Oh Sunshine, you’ve not been anywhere until you’ve experienced the home of the great rat called Chucky. “ Brian all but giggled. “Sure Gus, that’s a great place for supper. We’ll see your friend there.” 

“Why do I think I should be concerned?” Justin asked. Gus and Billy had run off to the play area again.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Brian knocked on the door, holding a sleeping Gus in his arms. “Brian? Come in.” Lindsey stated as she opened the door wide open for him. “How was he?”

Brian shrugged as he began to carry the small child up the stairs leading to his bedroom. Placing Gus in the bed, Brian looked down at his son and smiled. He had missed so much of his son’s life, time that he can never get back. He swore that he would never be without Gus in his life like that again. He headed over to the dresser, and got out Gus’ sleep clothes, getting the boy ready for bed. “Luv you, daddy.”

“I love you too, Sonny boy. Maybe we’ll get to play again soon.”

“Daddy stay.”

“I wish I could, but it’s time for all little boys to be in their beds.” Brian said with a smile as he lightly tickled his son. 

“Silly daddy. You no go bye-bye again.”

“Not again, at least not for that long. Now, close your eyes, and sleep. I will see you soon.”

“Night, daddy.”

Brian tucked Gus into bed, and placed a light kiss on his son’s forehead. Turning he spotted Lindsey standing in the doorway watching. Not wanting to get into things with her with Gus close by, Brian made his way out of the room and headed down stairs. “I was hoping that I could see Gus more. Maybe even keep him for a couple of nights.”

“I don’t see a problem with that. Right, Mel?” Lindsey asked as Mel joined them in the living room. 

“No problem.”

Brian nodded, thinking that the girls were being entirely too giving, but decided that he really couldn’t care as long as he got to spend time with Gus. “Justin was also wondering if sometime we could take him up to Canada with us. I know we can’t do it now, cause its really short notice, but I’m sure we can talk about that later.”

“Of course.”

“Okay.. what the fuck is up, cause the two of you are really being… oh I don’t know, accommodating, I guess is a word I can use.” Brian asked finally having enough of the ‘kindness’ of the two women. 

Lindsey placed her hand on Brian’s arm, and was shocked when Brian pulled away from her and stood with his back to the wall. “Brian, we’re sorry. If we had known.”

“Known what? And what the fuck would you have done? Hell, I’m amazed that you didn’t report me missing and waited for the life insurance policy to kick in.” Brian stated. “You know what… I don’t care. It’s in the past, and Justin and I are dealing with it. Without your help. We did fine making it through for a year, and we’ll make it through this. So, if you’re using that as an excuse to be ‘kind’ to me now with Gus, you can forget it. Gus is my son, no matter what any paperwork states.” Brian ran his hand through his hair, getting a little sick of this whole mess. “Forget it. I’ll be in touch, so we can figure out when I can see Gus again.” With that Brian left the house.

Justin watched as Brian walked stiffly out of the house and get into the car. He knew he wanted to say something to his lover, but what he could say to make it easier he had no idea. Justin placed his hand on Brian’s neck and started to massage his muscles. 

“Brian, relax, think of the wonderful day we’ve had with Gus. It’ll get easier with time, trust me on that” was what Justin finally said.

“I hope so Sunshine, I really do. I just get so fucking frustrated and pissed off whenever I’m faced with any of them. I’ve tried so hard all these years to live my life as something I’d be proud of. You know I always thought that when Gus is older, maybe he could be proud of me.”

“He will be proud of you. Hell I’m proud of you now. Look at everything you’ve accomplished and done with your life and yet you’re still a truly good man. So many men get where you are in the world of business and they turn into assholes on the way. You never did. I mean shit, I’ve done nothing with my life that I can be proud of other than falling in love with you. All the money I have is inherited, I sure as fuck didn’t earn it. I was kind of hoping that you’d be able to help me do something I could be proud of. Something I could leave the world.”

“You really mean that don’t you?” Brian asked in wonder. “You really mean it.”

Justin laughed. “Of course I do Stud. The best thing that ever happened to me was having you land at my feet. You were well and truly screwed right then and there, ‘cause I was never going to let you go.”

“You know, I just might keep you around.” Brian laughed, “You make me feel great about myself.”

“Ah ha, my plan is working.” Justin giggled. “Come on Stud, I’m the bottom tonight, let’s ride.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“What’s going on Sis?” Vic padded down stairs. Debbie and Michael were sitting at the kitchen table, both of them looking like they’d lost their best friend.
“Vic, sweetie, I’m sorry if we woke you up.” Debbie said as she stood and walked over to the counter for another cup of coffee. “Can I get you a coffee?”

“No, I’ll have a glass of milk though. “ Vic sat down. He picked up the paper that was lying on the table. “Did you read about this?” he said. “It’s unbelievable that something like that could happen in this day and age.” He took a of swallow milk. “It says here that one of the guys who were kidnapped, that it was a friend and employee that investigated on their own and when there was enough evidence they went to the FBI. He sure is one lucky bastard to have a friend like that not to mention an employee.”

“Brian was one of those kidnapped Uncle Vic.” Michael said quietly. “And none of us even knew or cared. It was Cynthia and Ted who kept his business going and managed to find him.”

“So that’s why Brian hasn’t been by the house since he returned to Pittsburgh.” Vic shook his head. Another piece of the puzzle that was Brian Kinney fell into place. “I suppose he found out that none of you gave a damn that he was missing. The poor bastard, he must have been crushed. He’s thought of the two of you as his family for almost half his life.” Vic shook his head and started to stand up. “I’m going back to bed.”

“What are we going to do?” Debbie asked. “Brian must hate us.”

“I’m sure he doesn’t hate the two of you. But he’s probably hurt emotionally and with his other emotional scars it will take a long time before he recovers enough for things to be the same, if they ever are.” Vic began to walk up the stairs. “I’ll give him a call tomorrow.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Ted?” Ethan quietly asked not wanting to bother the man while he was at work, but he knew he wouldn’t get another chance. 

As Ted looked up and saw Ethan, he broke out into a huge smile. “Ethan… come in, have a seat. How are you doing?”

Ethan came in, looking much better than the last time Ted had seen him. His hair was cut, and he was wearing a nice business suit. “Good, as you can see. I just thought I would come by and say thank-you. Without you… well I don’t even know where I would be right now.”

Ted sat down in the chair next to Ethan and laid a hand on the young man’s arm. “You did it all on your own. It was your decision to come to me, your decision to help us. Everything that you have now is because of you.”

“But if you hadn’t paid attention to me, as a person, then I never would have come to you. We would still be stuck in the same thing and your friends…” Ethan let that sentence end without completion. They all knew what would have happened to Brian and Justin if it hadn’t been for Ethan’s help. It was something that they were all grateful that they didn’t have to go through. “Anyway, I also wanted to let you know that I’m leaving town. I got into a symphony out of New York. I will be leaving in the morning.”

“Congratulations. It’s what you always wanted. I knew you would make it one day. I wish you all the luck in the world.” Ted was honest; he really did want this kid to have a better life. He knew what it was like to have to start over after being with that ‘group’ and he was thrilled that someone so young and as talented as Ethan was could make it out. That he wasn’t one of the ones who were lost forever. “Remember us poor souls when you become rich and famous.”

“I don’t think I can ever forget what you did to help me. I can never repay you.”

“You already have. By helping me bring my friends home, you helped me more than you could ever imagine.”

“Ted, do you have that document I was supposed to sign before I head north, Cynthia said she had handed it to you for review?” Brian stated as he stepped into Ted’s office looking down at a file in his hand. Glancing up, Brian looked at Ted with a raised eyebrow asking him what was going on.

“Brian, I would like you to meet Ethan. He was the one who led us to where you were.” Ted explained. They had told Brian all about the efforts to find him, and how many times they had thought it would never happen. 

Brian nodded and looked the boy over. He didn’t remember seeing the young man at all in that hell, not while coming in, and not while they were being whisked off during the rescue. “You look familiar though. Did I see you there?”

Ethan’s cheeks slightly darkened as he turned his attention to his hands, suddenly finding them interesting. “Um.. no I was more for the other guests… so to speak. I never got to see anyone there.”

Ted could see that this could turn ugly if it wasn’t explained what Ethan did there. If Brian thought that Ethan had something to do with their being held, then who knew what the exec would do. “Ethan played the violin for the ‘customers.’” Ted explained.

“Right… I thought I heard something once in a while, but I thought I was finally losing my mind. Sooo if it wasn’t there?” Brian wanted to make sure that this man had nothing to do with his capture. The last thing he wanted was another reminder walking around, him and Justin had enough of those on a daily basis without help.

“No…We had sex once. In the backroom. It was about 2 years ago. I think I was Justin’s trick not long before that.”

Brian laughed out loud, not believing what he was hearing. “So we were saved by a former trick? Well doesn’t that beat all.”

“Brian?” Ted asked getting a little worried about his boss’, no friend’s response.

“Don’t worry Ted my boy. It’s just funny. Friends and family didn’t give a damn, but a former trick did.” Shaking his head, Brian left the office not able to contain his laughter.

Ted turned to Ethan and shrugged. “I’m sorry… I don’t know what got into him.”

“It’s okay. I can see where he’s coming from.” Ethan stood and shook Ted’s hand. “Thank-you again. If I’m ever in town, I might stop by if that’s okay?”

“Please. Good-luck, Ethan. Don’t be a stranger.”


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Brian continued to chuckle to himself while he walked down the street. He was heading toward a jewelry store. He wanted to get a ring for Justin right away. 

“Brian, Brian wait up.” Brian turned. It was Michael running after him. He must have gone to Kinnetic.

Brian turned around and continued to walk. “I was just at Kinnetic, that bitch Cynthia said you didn’t work there any more.” Michael barely gasped out.

“Michael, apparently you didn’t listen the other day. You have no say in my life. And for the record, Cynthia is not only my friend; she’s part of my family. I’d suggest that you think about that when you talk about her.” He continued to walk his long legs eating up the distance. 

“Sorry” Michael said though it was obvious he didn’t mean what he was saying. “Why aren’t you working at your own company?”

“Is there something you wanted Michael. I’m busy.” Brian stopped to look at a particularly nice leather chair in a store window. 

“Brian,” he whined. “I’m your best friend.”

“No Michael you aren’t and you haven’t been for a long time.” Brian turned to go into the store. “See you around Michael.” Brian said as he walked into the store. 

Michael stood outside for a few minutes and then followed Brian inside. “Brian, how were we to know that you weren’t running away? I mean you did it before and with the cancer thing and all….. “ his voice drifted off.

“Michael, I have no intentions of justifying my thoughts or actions to you. Not now, and not ever. I’m just thankful for people in my life like Cynthia and Ted. If it wasn’t for them Justin and I could be dead or worse.” He turned around and walked out of the store, not looking back. It was almost two blocks before Brian had his temper and his breathing under control. It helped that he could picture Justin’s reaction to Michael. His partner may be younger and built smaller, but he was certainly feisty. Smiling again, Brian looked in the window of the jewelry store. There had to be something special in here for his lover, partner, and best friend.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Michael was furious. His mortgage lump sum payment was due and if he didn’t come up with ten thousand dollars by Monday, he’d lose his comic book store. Brian had always helped him out before. Michael conveniently forgot that he’d never yet paid Brian back for any of those loans.

He pulled out his cell phone and called Ben. “Hey” 

“What’s up, I’m heading to class.” Ben shuffled the books he was carrying into a better position.

“It’s Brian’s birthday soon, why don’t we give him a kind of welcome home birthday party?” Michael asked. “At our place, it might be a way of saying that we’re sorry for not …” he didn’t know how to continue.

“Michael, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Brian never was fond of surprise parties and I don’t imagine he’s improved any.

“Uncle Vic could make a cake.” Michael went on ignoring Ben. “And you know Ma loves to cook for big groups of people.”

“I can see that you have your mind made up. Just don’t blame me when it all turns to shit Michael.” Ben sighed. “I’ve got to go. Love you babe.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Across town, Justin sat in his lawyer’s office. “I agree, my portfolio could use some diversification. I think though that I’d like to buy up a few mortgages. They’re always a good investment. Here’s a list of the mortgages I’d like to purchase. Can you get on it right away?” Justin handed over the neatly printed list of people who had mortgages that he knew he could buy up. There wasn’t a bank around that wouldn’t unload something for a higher interest rate and Justin could afford the cost and the loss it would ensue.
“Mr. Taylor, these are all mortgages with problems.” The lawyer had been working the list on his computer. “I don’t think that as an investment, they are a good risk.”

“But that’s my decision isn’t it?” Justin smiled. “And that’s why I’m the one paying your retainer and rather healthy fees.” He stood up. “I’ll be back tomorrow or the next day to sign whatever is required including my new will. Make sure that all of my holdings are put into both names please.”

“That isn’t very much time…..” the rattled man began. 

“No it isn’t, but that’s what I want done.” Justin was almost out of the door. “Oh and when that warehouse is in my name, I want it removed. I want every brick gone from that lot and I want it done immediately.”

“But what are we going to build there?” 

“WE – aren’t building a damn thing there. If I could blast a hole to hell there I would. Instead I want you to have grass planted. Make it a park or something. I’m sure you can come up with some damn idea.” Justin walked through the door closing it carefully behind him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Daddy watch me, watch me Justy” Gus yelled at the two men. They dutifully watched the boy intently while he ducked his head under the water. Justin had surprised Brian with a weekend at one of the better hotels in Pittsburgh. Their suite came with everything including its own large hot tub that Gus thought of as a swimming pool.

Justin had surprised Brian with Gus complete with birthday hat and thrilled to bits to be celebrating his father’s birthday. There was a birthday cake filled with candles that Gus helped to blow out and Brian even let them put ice cream with his slice of cake.

The three days were an amazing success as far as Justin and Brian had been concerned. It was only when Gus had been returned to his mothers that Brian and Justin discovered the gang had thrown a surprise birthday party for Brian on the weekend. But Brian couldn’t be located. 

Melanie and Lindsay felt somewhat guilty. After all they had known where Gus and Brian were. But they hadn’t said anything to anyone so that Brian and Justin could spend some quality time with Gus. Melanie hoped that both Brian and Justin appreciated the gesture.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Brian woke as the sun started coming through the windows. Never before in his life would he have imagined that this was what his life would be like, that he would be lying on the bed watching his lover sleep. He had never been interested in that sort of thing before, but now he couldn’t get enough of Justin. He couldn’t imagine what his life would be like if he hadn’t had Justin with him during those months they were in hell. What would he have done?

“What are you doing?” Justin quietly asked as he opened his eyes to look up at Brian. “Ohh, bright light.”

“You sound like a gremlin.” At Justin’s confused look, Brian just shook his head. “Don’t tell me you’re too young to know about the movie Gremlins… you know they always complained about the bright light.”

“I think I remember that… just don’t ask me anything about it ‘cause my mind is not working yet. Need coffee first.” Justin stretched and slowly looked around the room. “What time is it?”

“Time for you to get out of bed. We have to be at the airport in four hours. And since we have to stop by the girls’ to get Gus, we need to get going” Brian reached across and began to pull Justin out of bed, and into the shower. “Shower first, coffee second, and then we get the hell out of this damn town.”

Justin grabbed hold of Brian and gave him a long, deep kiss. “Are you sure you don’t want to join me? It’s going to be a long…long day.”

Brian quickly went and turned on the coffee pot and joined his lover in the shower. Justin was right, they would have a long and busy day, and Brian knew that the coming days he would be even busier. He had already talked to some people trying to set up the surprise for Justin; he just had to make the final preparations once he got up there. He wanted everything to be perfect, and he knew that without the gang from Pittsburgh it would be. 

They finally emerged from the bathroom after the water had long since cooled, and Justin headed straight for the coffee. “Do you still think that the gang is pissed ‘cause we didn’t do your birthday with them?”

Brian pulled out two cups from the cupboard, setting them down on the counter. “You think I care? It’s not like they really cared either way, they just want to try and make up for their mistake. I hate to tell them that one fucking party set up without my knowledge or approval is not going to do it. If they bothered to ask me instead of going out and doing whatever then they would have known I wasn’t going to be in town.”

“And besides, spending that time with Gus I think worked out better for you.” Justin turned around so he could wrap his arms around Brian’s waist. “You’re a good father, Brian. And I can tell how much Gus means to you. He loves his daddy, bunches and bunches.” Justin laughed.

Brian brought his lower lip into his mouth and looked down at the blond in his arms. “He likes his Justy too.” Leaning down Brian gave Justin a light kiss on the lips. “Guess it runs in the family, cause I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Let’s hope we never have to find out.” Justin turned back to his coffee and took a sip. “You know after being out in the middle of nowhere, you might just up and head for the hills.”

“Now why would I do that?”

“No big shopping centers, no real stores… you won’t be able to get your designer clothes shopping done unless we go to one of the bigger cities. Plus we’ll have to be in the car for a LONG time.” Justin said with a small smile on his face. “Ohh and let’s not forget the nice little bits of nature that have a tendency to show up on my front porch.”

Brian stood close enough to bump shoulders with Justin and gave his lover a small smile. “Oh I think I can handle it. How bad can it be? Nothing is that out of touch with things. And it can’t be that isolated.”

Justin just raised his eyebrows and tried not to laugh. “Oh, you never know.” Turning and making his way up the steps, Justin turned back to Brian and gave him a huge smile. “Guess you’ll have to see it to believe it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“I appreciate the fact that the two of you were able to put this altogether for me. I was more than a little bit lost.” Brian sat in the visitor’s chair in his old office. Cynthia was behind his desk and Ted was sitting beside him on the other chair. “And I appreciate that you are keeping this confidential. I want Justin to be surprised.”

“I hope he’s ready for a big one then. “ Ted smiled. “I’d kill Emmett if he did anything like this. Are you sure Justin is ready?”

“He’s been ready for months.” Brian couldn’t keep the grin off of his face. “I made him this promise a long time ago. I always keep my promises.”

“Make sure you take lots of pictures Brian. Gus will look adorable in that little tuxedo.” Cynthia still couldn’t believe Brian was getting married.

“I’ve hired a photographer so pictures won’t be a problem.” Brian looked at his watch. “I have to run. My will is in the safe if you need it. The marriage license is in my suitcase along with everything else I hope that I’ll need.”

“How are you going to get Justin up the mountain?” Ted asked. “I mean I would have to be persuaded with a gun.”
“There is a perfectly good tram. I’ve arranged to have our suits there. All we’ll need to do is change and then have the ceremony.”

“I wish I could be there.” Cynthia smiled. “You and Justin deserve to be happy.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Brian decided to drive down to the river before heading back to the loft. It was his own special ‘quiet’ place and he’d been coming here for years. He got out and walked along the river bank. There was a narrow pathway there close to the river’s edge. Brian headed for his favorite willow tree that had a natural forming seat in one of its lower branches. He sat down and looked at the river, studying the water for hidden insights. 
He’d planned their wedding to take place at the exact time only one year later that he’d first set eyes on Justin. Only now instead of being in a closed warehouse with no sign of the sky, they would unite in marriage at the very top of a mountain with nothing between them and the clouds. 

They would be married at the top of Grouse Mountain in British Columbia. It was accessed by a tram lift and a short walk. You couldn’t get much higher easily on this continent. Brian knew that Justin would appreciate the gesture. He’d even booked a small dinner party in the chalet dining room for after the wedding. 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Justin stood in the middle of the girls’ living room waiting for Brian to come down with Gus’ things. “I want to thank-you again for letting him come with us. It means a lot to Brian.” Justin told the two women. 

“I think things are working out well, for all of us. Gus loves Brian, and he really likes you. And most importantly, we trust the two of you.” Lindsey told Justin, letting him know how they both felt.

“He has changed,” Mel looked toward the stairs letting them all know who she was referring to. “I never thought I would see the day, but I can honestly say that he’s a good father, and I think we’re actually somewhat getting along now.”

Justin laughed and shook his head. “Yeah, Brian told me how you two used to be at each other’s throats all the time. I’m glad that you guys have worked things out, if for no other reason than Gus.”

“It’s for all of us. We were wrong, but that’s not why we’re doing all of this. We both admit that we should have been paying more attention, and we should have believed Cynthia. We were so caught up in our own problem, and what we believed Brian to be that we never saw the truth. It’s always been like that. He’s more open now, not so closed off.” Lindsey gave Justin a small, but sad smile. She had wished that she had been the one who could have opened Brian up more, but she knew that it never would have worked. She had come to terms with it, and is happy with her life. “For that, we owe you. You helped him love, or find love. You helped him in ways that none of us could have.”

“If anything, I think we have allowed this whole visiting Gus thing and you two taking him with you, because of you. Of what you have not only given Brian, but you’ve helped… well some of us realize some cold hard facts.” Mel smiled at Justin. She had to admire the young man for what he had been through, and what he had overcome. The fact that he could be so open about love, and open Brian – the man everyone believed had no heart – to love showed a character that wasn’t found in many people.

“Okay, I think we are finally ready. Gus had decided some last minute things he just HAD to take.” Brian came down the step with Gus right beside him. Two large suitcases and a large carry-on were set beside the door as Brian came into the living room and handed Justin the passport. “You have all of them, since I have the bags.” 

“We don’t need much since we’re taking the family jet, for which I’m grateful because we would never get all this stuff into a commercial flight.” Justin shook his head as he looked at the growing number of bags. “I hate to see what it will be like when we come home. I wonder if we can get a moving van to meet us at the airport when we arrive back here.”

“Smart ass.” Brian slapped Justin on the ass as he moved a little more into the living room. “Gus, give your mommies a hug. We’ll call them every night so you can talk. And we’ll see what presents you can get them while we’re there.”

Lindsey pulled Gus into her arms and held him tightly as the tears started to fall down her cheeks. “You be good for your daddy and Justin. We’ll miss you.”

“Love you, Mommy. Don’t cry, I call every night.” Gus patted his mother’s cheek and gave her a big kiss. 

Mel leaned over and kissed Gus on the cheek, feeling her own tears starting to rise up in her eyes. “I love you, baby. You be a big boy, and we will see you in a couple of weeks?”

Justin stood off to the side, feeling tears forming in his own eyes at the obvious love they all had for their son. He wished that his own parents had felt that way about him. “If he ever wants to come home, he can. With the jet, it won’t be a problem. Or if something comes up, you have the number and we can get him back here as quickly as humanly possible.”

“Thank-you. Now you have fun, okay. Remember that we love you.”

“Bye, mommy. Bye, Momma. Loves you.” Gus crawled out of Lindsey arms and quickly gave Mel a hug, then ran for the door. “Come on Daddy, Justin. We go now.”

“Well, the kid has spoken.” Brian once again thanked Mel and Lindsey for letting them take Gus and made sure that they had all the information needed before giving them both a hug. Grabbing the bags by the door, he followed his very excited and energetic son out to the car, followed closely by a smiling Justin.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Brian placed Gus in one of the plush seats on the private plane, trying to keep the young man from running all over the place. “Gus, you have to stay in your seat and buckled while the plane takes off and lands.”

“Why?”

Brian placed his hand over his face and took a deep breath. “Cause it could be dangerous if you are not in your seat, and you could get hurt.”

“Why?”

Justin walked up behind Brian, and kneeled down beside Gus. “Gus, you have to be in your seat like a big boy. Your daddy and I will also be in our seats. You know how your Momma works with the law?” Justin asked and received a small nod from the boy. “Well that law thing says we have to sit like big boys when we are on a plane. Okay?”

“Okay? Will I be able to see Mommy and Momma from here?” Gus tried to sit up straighter in his chair to look out the window.

Brian laughed a little and lightly kissed his son’s head. “I don’t think so, Sonny boy. But you’re Mommies will see the plane, and know that we’re safe. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Brian turned and went to his own seat, looking over at Justin. When his lover joined him, Brian looked over at him. “This is your last chance, Sunshine. Are you sure you can handle this?”

Justin looked over at Gus and smiled. “Yeah, I can. I think it will be great. The three of us. It’ll be like a real family.”

Brian leaned back in the chair a little and shook his head. “Yeah, a real family. With constant questions and an energetic young kid to chase around.”

Justin shrugged and placed his head on Brian’s shoulder. “I think it will be perfect. It’s been a long time since the old place has had any kids around. And I think that Gus will really enjoy it. Plus… well I feel like we really are a family. You, me, and Gus. We can just be ourselves with no one else around. Maybe start to heal from all that mess we’ve been through. Get back what we’ve lost these past couple of weeks.”

Brian nodded knowing exactly what Justin was saying. He had felt it many times over the past couple of weeks since their release from that hell. Although they had spent a lot of time together, the real world had often worked against them, trying to tear them apart. Not them as a couple really, at least not in most cases, but their closeness, and themselves as individuals. They had something special in that small room, something that was slowly being chipped away with the everyday real life issues. Brian hoped that this trip and his surprise for Justin would fix that. He knew it couldn’t erase all of their problems, but it would show everyone that they were serious, that they could overcome as long as they were together. 

Brian laid a hand on Justin’s arm, as he leaned in and kissed his lover’s lips. “We’ll make it. I have no doubt about that. And I don’t want you to doubt it. We don’t have a problem… it’s everyone else. All we have to do is be strong enough to show them that.”

Justin placed his head on Brian’s shoulder and let out a deep breath. “I know. That’s what I want these next couple of weeks to be. Us getting ourselves in order, getting us strong enough to deal with that shit.”

“We will, you’ll see.”

“I love you, Brian. I always will.”

“I love you too. Now, just sit back, Sunshine and enjoy the ride.”


End of Part Five