Gone But Not Forgotten
Chapter 12
By Bryant Maclagan 

“I can move around on my own, you know? I don’t need you to carry me.” Justin stated as Brian lifted him from the car and led them toward the entrance to the loft. “Brian, that’s why the doc gave me crutches, are you even listening to me?”

Brian ignored his husband as he moved them to the elevator, and pushed the button to the top floor. “I hear you just fine, Justin. It doesn’t mean I have to listen to you.”

“Asshole. Brian, come on. Please!” Justin had almost had enough of his husband doing everything for him while he was in the hospital. He had hoped that the man would breathe a little easier when he was released, but it was beginning to look like that wasn’t going to happen. “Brian…”

“You sound like Mikey with your whining, you know that?” Brian stated receiving an evil glare as Justin stuck out his tongue, and the same look from Michael who was carrying Justin’s crutches and a small bag.. “Ohh the things that that tongue is good for.”

Justin rolled his eyes, finally giving in to Brian. “You know that this won’t last. We still have a trial to finish up, and… a trip to plan. I sure as hell am not going to have you carry me all across Canada, and definitely not to and from the courthouse. Michael tell him!”

Brian opened the door to the loft moving toward the bedroom to deposit his husband. “Now be a good boy and get some sleep like the doctor ordered. Call me if you need anything.”

“Brian…” Justin once again whined. He heard a small chuckle come from the kitchen area, and Justin plopped down on the bed with his arms crossed over his chest. “It’s not funny.”

“I don’t sound that bad, Brian.” Michael laughed as he came into the bedroom with a bottle of water and Justin’s meds. “I mean really, no one can be that bad.”

Justin just glared at Michael as Brian handed him the bottle of water. “Yes, Michael you do. Don’t even deny it.” Turning his attention back to Justin, Brian handed over some pills. “Now be a good boy and take your medicine.”

“Fuck off.” Justin stated as he threw the pills in his mouth and took a long sip of water. “My leg is broken, nothing else. So this macho cave-man routine is not going to work. Besides, I could still fuck you into the mattress.”

“This I really don’t need to hear.” Michael stated as he began to move toward the door. “I’ll be by tomorrow. Ma said she was going to come later and bring over some soup for Justin.”

Brian only nodded as he moved onto the bed beside Justin to wrap his arms around his lover. “You’re not really mad are you?”

Justin glanced over at Brian and ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t need you to do everything for me, Brian. I’m fine, just a little bruised.”

“I thought I had lost you.” Brian began moving his hands to lightly run his fingers through Justin’s hair, and down his face. “It scared the shit out of me. And it’s not just your leg, Justin. You have a concussion… one that we have to keep an eye on.”

Justin moved so he could place his head on Brian’s shoulder, allowing his husband to wrap his arms around his lean frame. “But I’m not dead, Brian. I’m alive, and I’ll be fine. You can’t always protect me, and I don’t want you to. Yes, I love you, but I swear Stud… if you don’t give me some breathing room, I’m with-holding sex.”

Brian laughed, placing a kiss on Justin’s temple. “Empty promises, Sunshine. Empty promises.”


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“It is my understanding that the Defense would like to change their plea?” The Judge asked staring straight at the table and Bellwether. He hadn’t called in the jury that morning when the note came across his desk stating that there was something important to discuss. 

“Yes, your honor.” Mr. Cox stated standing behind his table.

“I would like to hear what your client has to say, Mr. Cox. Not you.” He directed Bellwether to stand and he turned his full attention on the man before him. “Is this true, Mr. Bellwether. You agree to change your plea from not guilty to guilty?”

Bellwether stole a quick glance over to Daniels, and behind him Brian and Justin. “Yes, your honor.”

“Daniels, would you like to explain to me what the hell is going on?” The judge stated as he turned his attention to the other side of the room.

Daniels stood from his seat and placed his hands in front of him. “New evidence had just recently come to our attention, your honor. Evidence of other possible incidents involving Mr. Bellwether.”

The Judge raised his eyebrows, and leaned back in his seat. “I’m waiting Mr. Daniels.”

“We have agreed to drop any pending charges against Mr. Bellwether if he agrees to plead guilty on all counts brought before this court.” Daniels stated, refusing to say why the sudden change of attitude by the defense, knowing that if it was brought up, they defense would not agree to the plea change.

The judge glanced at Daniels, as his eyes shifted behind him toward the two men sitting in the front row. He had a pretty good idea of what happened, just by seeing the young man with a cast on his leg, and bruises covering the side of his face. “I will ask one more time. Mr. Bellwether what is your plea?”

“Guilty your honor. On all counts.”

The judge shook his head, not believing that the weeks that they had spent in that courtroom, and the drama and dirty laundry that had been brought was ending like this. “Very well, I will dismiss the jury.” Once the jury was called back in and dismissed, the Judge turned back toward the defense table. “Mr. Bellwether, you are hereby guilty on all the charges brought before this court. Sentencing will be scheduled for one month from now. Until then you will be remanded to the county jail to await sentencing. This court is adjourned.”

Brian held Justin’s hand as the bailiff led Bellwether out of the courtroom in handcuffs. He felt Justin’s head on his shoulder, so he placed a light kiss on top of Justin’s head. “It’s finally over,” Justin whispered against Brian’s neck.

Brian shook his head, wishing it was that easy. “We still have the sentencing. Plus some other shit we have to finish from this. Christ, a damn shrink will have a field day with us.”

Justin lifted his head and smiled at Brian. “Can’t I at least have two seconds of false dreams. Geeze.” Justin laughed.

Brian rolled his neck, and bumped his forehead against Justin’s. “Yeah well. I’m not the optimist, that’s your job. You’re the dreamer in the family, remember. I wouldn’t want to change that now.”

“Yeah, well. As soon as this shit is all over, I’m taking a LONG break. No more drama for a while.” 

“Drama? Hell isn’t that your middle name?”

“Fuck off.”

Daniels smiled at the two men, grateful that he could help bring some closure to them. “So when are you two heading to the great north?”

“As soon as I can get his skinny ass on the plane.” Justin laughed pinching Brian’s side. “Of course if he’ll let me get around to pack, I think I’ll be alright. But noooooo. We seriously have to work on these caveman issues he seems to have.”

Daniels laughed as Brian shrugged. He had his own ideas of how the new information had come into the police’s hands, but he knew better than to ever voice them out loud. The evidence regarding the hit and run, the evidence linking Bellwether that they found in the room and the taped confession had sealed the deal. The last thing he would ever do is bring any more harm to the two men in front of him. “I’ll let you know when the sentencing is. Go up north, enjoy your time. I’ll see you in about a month.”

“Thanks. For everything.” Justin stated as he slowly got up from his seat. When he felt Brian’s arm move around his waist, Justin shook his head. “See what I mean. At least he waits until we’re at home to carry me over his shoulder.”

“Yeah, well. Every blushing bride should be carried over the threshold.”

“On their wedding night, Brian. Not every damn day.”

“Details, details.” 

Daniels only laughed as the two men left the courtroom. He gave them a silent thanks, and prayer that their future would be a lot less rocky than this.


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

Resting his head on the headboard of the bed, Justin had to admit to himself that he maybe should have stayed in the hospital for another few days. Being at home meant dealing with all the things that came up whether he wanted to deal with them or not. There seemed to be a never ending array of problems.

First and foremost had been Gus. Justin let his hand caress the sleeping boy’s hair. He’d been having nightmares since Justin’s accident and then refused outright to go to bed until finally in desperation Lindsay had called Brian. Only Brian had been in the shower so Justin had answered the phone. The result was that Gus was staying with them for a couple of days until he could assure himself that Justin was alright.

Brian smiled at his sleeping son and his husband when he walked into the bedroom. He handed Justin a cup of tea. “Sonny Boy didn’t last long once he was here.” He said as he sat down on the bed beside Justin, taking care not to jostle his leg.

“He was exhausted.” Justin commented. “I have to admit, I am too.” He sighed. “Who would have thought that Mikey would be so enthused about those courses at the Community College?”

“More to the point, who would have though he would become your new ‘best friend’?” Brian grinned at the notion. 

“Well you can keep that honor thank you very much.” Justin shut his eyes after taking a sip of tea. “You never did tell me what you and Mouse did to Bellwether.”

“Now why would I tell you that? Mouse and I spent a quiet couple of hours on the hospital roof. We were just as surprised as all of you when the police came looking for us. Even Debbie told them she’d seen us there. What more can you ask?” 

“I guess I don’t want to know.” Justin gave a half smile. “As long as you didn’t get hurt.”

“Never.” Brian leaned over and kissed him. “Why don’t you try and get some sleep before the next contingent of well wishers appears?” 

“I have to pee.” 

“Why didn’t you say so? I’ll help you to the bathroom.”

“Crutches Brian, I have crutches.” Justin’s voice sounded almost hysterical and Brian figured it was time he’d better back off. 

“I’ll let you pee in peace if you’ll let me give you a bed bath later.” Brian said with raised eyebrows.

“Promise.” 

“Promise, I’ll even lick you dry.”

“Ewhhhh” Justin laughed as he pulled himself into a better position to get out of bed. “Okay, I’ll accept help getting out of here, but that’s it. This bed wasn’t designed for semi invalids.” It was Justin’s way of compromising. He knew how much Brian needed to help him. It was the only way the other man could keep reassuring himself that Justin was okay. 

The next time Brian looked in, Justin was sleeping with Gus wrapped around him. The boy’s small arm held onto Justin protectively, they both were sleeping peacefully.

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

Justin continued to lay on the couch as Brian sat down on the floor with Gus. In the past two days, the young boy had attempted to sneak his things into the bags that were being packed for their trip to Canada. “I go wit you daddy.”

“Not this time, Sonny boy. But I promise you can come next time.” Brian glanced over at Justin looking for some help from his husband as he continued to remove Gus’ toys and clothes from the bags. “You have to stay here with your mommy and mom.” Brian once again looked at Justin. “A little help here would be good.”

“Why? You seem to have a handle on things. Besides…I’m sick.” Justin gave a pretend moan, and plopped back down fully on the couch. 

‘Bitch’, Brian mouthed, turning his attention back to Gus. “Sonny boy. I promise you, the next time Justin and I go to Canada we will take you.”

“No, I go now.” Gus stood in the middle of the living room with his hands on his hips in full pout mode. 

Justin saw this and just started laughing. “Oh my gawd, you get that same look.”

“You’re not helping.”

“I’m sick, remember.” 

“Gus, you can’t come.”

“Have to see Ghost’s grandson. He told me to find him. I can’t break a promise daddy, you told me that.” Gus stated trying another tactic.

Brian ran a hand through his hair, trying to figure out how he would get out of this one. He hated it when people used his own words against him, and more so that it was his son doing it. “And you will. Just not this time. I have to take care of Justin, watch after him. I can’t keep an eye on you too.”

“Hey!”

“But Ghost’s grandson can look over me, and I won’t be trouble.” Gus walked over to Brian and placed his small head in his daddy’s lap. “Please! Please, daddy. I wanna come and help watch over Jus’n too. I am big boy. I can help.”

Brian closed his eyes to try and block out his son’s pouty lips and batting eyelashes. “I’m sorry, Gus. But Justin and I need some time to ourselves this time around. We will take you up there next time. I promise. I don’t ever break my promises do I?”

“You don’t like me. You mean!” Gus removed himself from his father’s grip and ran over to the edge of the couch and plopped down on his bottom. “Tell him Jus’n.”

Justin slowly sat up from his place on the couch, and opened his arms for the young boy. “Gus, your daddy loves you very, very much. But I think he’s right. We need some time to ourselves. But you know what?”

“What?” Gus asked through his tears.

“How about when we come back, we bring you something very special. A special gift just for you, and no one else.”

“Really?”

“Really. And both your daddy and I promise – cross my heart promise, pinky swear promise – that the next time we go, you can come along. You can plan what we do. Okay?”

Gus got a big smile on his face, and jumped off of Justin to help his daddy take his things out of the suitcases. “Okay. Well go. Hurry up. You go so I can go next. Hurry!”

Brian glanced over at his son, and then turned his attention back to his husband. Shaking his head, Brian pulled Gus into his arms. “I love you, Sonny boy. But we have a couple of days left with you. How about Daddy takes you to the zoo, so we can just have some us time?”

“Yeah. Let’s go, daddy.”

Brian moved over to Justin and lightly kissed him on the lips. “Do you have any idea what you just got us into?”

“What? It was either that or have him find a way to get on the plane. Besides, you love it.” Justin pulled Brian back down for another kiss, wanting his lover beside him even if it was only for a couple of minutes. “I love you.”

“I love you.” Brian saw his son standing impatiently over by the door, and rolled his eyes. “You behave. No doing cartwheels while I’m out.”

“I promise. Now go have some fun time with your son.”

“Our son.” Brian leaned in and kissed Justin again before heading toward the door. “Let’s go, Gus. Tell Justin later.”

“Later, Jus’n. Love you.”


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

“That was one of the easiest flights to Vancouver I’ve ever been on.” Brian said as he sat back in the limo that was taking them to their apartment in North Vancouver.
“That’s because you slept the entire five hours.” Justin griped. “I couldn’t believe you fell asleep before the plane took off.”

“What can I say, I was tired.” Brian smiled at his bitchy husband who hadn’t shut up since they landed.

“Well, what if I needed something?”

“You’re the one always whining that I do too much for you. Besides, you had the steward. He wasn’t asleep.”

“He wasn’t you.” Justin grumbled.

“So you didn’t like his blow job?”

“Asshole, you know I don’t get blow jobs from other men.”

“Just testing.” Brian smirked. “He is hot though.”

“He’s also straight.”

“So?”

“Fucker”

“Bitch”

They looked at each other and started to laugh. “I am going to love having the apartment to ourselves.” Justin sighed. I only wish I could go in the hot tub with you.”

“Next time Sunshine, you can go in next time.” Brian smoothed Justin’s hair back from his forehead. He was pleased the worst of the bruising was rapidly disappearing though the yellow and green skin was the best look for his husband.

“How long are we going to stay in Vancouver?” Justin asked.

“It doesn’t matter, however long you’d like to stay.”

“I was thinking that if we stayed overnight and then left for the house, I would be in better shape to go back up Grouse Mountain on the way back.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Brian smiled. “I remember our wedding in vivid detail. That’s one of the first memories to come back.”

“Probably because it was such a shock to your system, Brian Kinney getting married.” Justin giggled.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Justin lay with his head on Brian’s lap as they sat by the small fireplace. Justin had been wanting to ask Brian about certain things, but it was one of the few times that he could not read his husband. He didn’t want to bring it up if it would upset Brian, but then again, he had to know. Taking a deep breath, Justin stared at the blazing fire, unable to look his husband in the eyes. “You mentioned something about tapes, right? The tapes that Bellwether had on us.”

“Yes.” Brian ran his fingers through Justin hair. He knew that this discussion would happen at some point, but Brian had hoped it wouldn’t have happened until they were safe at the cabin. “I have them here so we can finally get rid of them.”

Justin closed his eyes, grateful that Brian had gotten all of the videos. The last thing either one of them needed was to have them sold on the black market or whatever. “I want to see them… or at least the parts with us.”

Brian’s hand stilled, shock filling his body. “What? Why?” That was the last thing he would have thought he would have heard from Justin’s lips. It was one thing to have the tapes, but to actually see them. “Haven’t we been through enough? Why do you want to put yourself through that?”

Justin rolled over so he could prop himself up on his side and look at Brian. “I don’t know, really. There’s a small part of me that wants to put it behind me, never think of that shit again. But the bigger part of me says that I can’t. I don’t want to. That place, no matter how shitty it was, gave me you. It gave me myself. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”

“But why watch the tapes?”

“Brian. I want to see what they saw… or what they think they saw. I want to see how we look… that’s not right really. I know how we look, but I just want to see how they couldn’t tell what we felt for each other, how they couldn’t see that what they were doing was wrong.” Justin moved so he could lean back against the couch, adjusting the small pillow below his cast. Turning slightly he ran his hand across Brian’s cheek. “I want to see when we started. It’s a part of us… yes it was ugly and the things that happened to us were wrong, but I don’t know.”

“Justin, nothing in those tapes will tell you anything. I just don’t know why you want to see them?”

“I don’t either, but I do. And only once, and then we can destroy them like there’s no tomorrow. But I just feel this need to see it. Just once. Do you understand?” Justin looked into his husband’s eyes trying to see if his odd request was going to cause them problems. They had enough of that to last a life time and Justin didn’t want to cause Brian any more pain than he had gone through the past couple of months. “You don’t have to see them. I just wanted you to know what I wanted to do. I can understand if you don’t approve, or if you don’t want to watch them. Hell, I don’t’ understand why I want to watch them. I just want you to know, what I’m feeling.”

“If we do this… IF,” Brian began as he took Justin’s hand into his own. “If we do this, we do it together. Too much of shit has been done separately lately, and if we’re going to get past this shit, then we have to stick together. I don’t want you to suffer anymore.”

“And I don’t either, trust me.” Justin laughed slightly trying to bring some light to the conversation. “And when we’re done… we only have to watch a little, that’s fine. But when we’re done we can have that bonfire. Who knows… maybe we can get in the mood and have some hot, steamy sex by the fire?”

“Like we would need any sex tape for that.” Brian smiled at Justin knowing he wouldn’t get out of this. “If you’re sure, we’ll do it the night before we leave here to go to the cabin. That way we can have the fire once we get there and find a safe place to do it in.”

“Have I told you how much I love you lately?”

“Not in the last 10 minutes no.”

“Well I do.”

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

“Brian will you please let me walk by myself.” Justin pulled away from Brian. 

“I know that it was tough getting off the plane Justin. It’s not like it’s a big jet liner or something.” 

“Brian I have crutches, there is a reason for them, they support me. Yes it’s awkward going down stairs and yes I’m slow, but damn it let me do it on my own. I’m afraid you’re going to drop me.”

“I’d never drop you, though you are putting on a few pounds since you’ve been hurt.” Brian strode on ahead toward the large clearing in the forest that led to their home.

“IT’S THE FUCKING CAST.” Justin screamed in frustration. “GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE AND HELP ME WITH THIS STUFF.”

“I thought you wanted to be independent.” Brian turned and smirked but he started back.

“I said I wanted to walk by myself, not carry our bags too.” 

“How was I to know you don’t do manual labor? I guess we’ll leave that to the Irishman.”

“You are such a bitch Brian, I just fucking can’t believe how much of a bitch you are.” Justin waved his crutches in the air for emphasis he was so pissed. They’d been arguing over stupid things all the way from Vancouver. He waved them so hard he fell on his ass in the grass. 

Brian watched him fall and then started to laugh at the look on Justin’s face. He laughed so hard he was bent double and didn’t see the crutch that came out and tripped him. Soon his was on his ass beside Justin. They looked into each other’s eyes and started to laugh together.

“Fucker” Justin said as he overwhelmed Brian and lay on top of him. He brushed his lips against Brian’s teasing him, then again with a small nibble and a bit of tongue. “Damn it Brian Kinney I love you even if you are a big damn jerk.”

Brian put his hand behind Justin’s head and brought his mouth close, just before he crushed it against his he murmured. “Justin Kinney I love you even if you are the biggest damn drama princess in two countries.” They lost themselves in their kiss not caring that the plane crew had to walk around them. They always stopped for a snack before heading back to Vancouver. The day was warm, the grass was lush and their love was strong despite everything that had happened in the last few weeks.

“Fuck Justin, something is licking my face and it’s breath could use some work.” Brian turned at the same time Justin did and looked into the quizzical eyes of a young grey wolf. He cocked his head to one side and liked Brian on the mouth. “Eweeehhhh” Bria;n spat. 

Justin started to giggle. “He kind of looks like Ghost. I bet this is his grandkid.” The pup lay down and rested his head on Brian’s chest and shut his eyes.

“He’s going to sleep.”

“He’s a baby.”

“He can’t sleep on me.” Brian started to get up and the wolf growled. “Fuck this Shadow, I’m getting up, you can sleep on the other Kinney, he likes to stay low to the ground.”

“Brian, help me up and don’t be such a shit.”

“Now you want help.” Brian grumbled. He stood up and then lifted Justin up. The wolf cub danced around and then began to lead them to the house.

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

“You know we have to try and figure out what to do with all these damn mortgages we have. Do we have some set schedule for them to improve before we right-out buy them out, or do we just let them have more time – extensions?” Justin asked as he sat at his desk in the small office, Shadow at his feet, and one leg propped up. “And then the question comes in, how do we make sure that they are doing what they say they are doing? Like with Michael. Do we ask for his grades at the end of the term, or just take him at his word?”

Brian was sitting in one of the plush leather chairs, listening to Justin’s rant, and trying not to laugh. Since his lover couldn’t go traipsing through the woods, he had taken to looking over all of the books at least a million times. “Justin, we already covered this two days ago. My answer is the same as it was then, and I don’t see it changing in another day. I think we need to find Sunshine a hobby.” Brian stated glancing down at Shadow. 

“Fuck off, Brian. I’m serious here. And for your information, I do have a hobby. I paint. I just don’t feel like doing anything right now.”

Brian rolled his eyes, and leaned back farther in the chair. He moved his feet up on the small stool and closed his eyes. “Justin, you need to relax. That’s what this trip was about, well partly. Hell if you want to think about something because you’re bored, then try and figure out what we are going to get Gus. Since you promised him that we would bring him back something. I don’t think we can take Shadow back with us, so you better come up with something.”

“I thought you would think of something. He’s your son after all, you know him better than I do.”

“Our son, and you know him just as well as I do. So don’t give me that bullshit, Sunshine.”

“Fine, our son, but I don’t know. I know he would like a dog, or wolf, whatever, but we kinda forgot to ask Mel and Lindsey to see if it would be okay.” Justin closed the books, and looked out of the window. He didn’t want to disappoint Gus, but he realized now that he had forgotten some very important details when he had agreed to get Gus something. “We could always keep it at our place.”

“No fucking way is a dog going to be staying at the loft. A dog needs a place to run, besides where would he take a shit? There’s nowhere for him to be.”

Justin turned and stuck his tongue out at Brian, knowing he might have to work a little harder on his husband. Eventually Brian would give in, if Justin had anything to say about it. Justin had always had a dog, wolf, around him while he was growing up. He missed having something like that underfoot, persay. “So what do you think then that Mel and Lindsey would say?”

“Unlike my dear beloved husband, I checked with Mel and Lindsey. They say that they are fine with it.”

Justin glared at Brian, with his mouth open. “And when were you going to tell me this? You just let me think that we had to disappoint him, and you had already known that it was okay with them? The things I put up with.”

“You love me, and you know it. So get pissy with me. Yes, I checked and I didn’t tell you cause I was waiting for you to remember we had to ask them.”

“Asshole.”

“But you love me.”

“Why I will never know.”

“You’re just a glutton for punishment.”

“I guess so.”

”And you wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe?”

Justin only gave Brian a small grin then turned back to his books. He loved picking on Brian, it was just another fun pastime for him. Who needed a hobby when he had that?


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
Brian was sitting in front of the computer, searching for any information he could on types of dogs for his son. Justin had been going crazy about making sure that they kept their promise to the small boy back in Pittsburgh. Brian had to laugh at his husband as Justin worked himself into a frenzy. “We can’t bring the wolf back to Pittsburgh, Justin. Plus I don’t think that Melanie and Lindsey would enjoy having a wolf around.”

“I know… I know. I know he wants to have a wolf, and I don’t want to disappoint him.” Justin was sitting in the chair next to Brian, biting his thumbnail nervously. 

“You worry too much. Gus loves you, and there is nothing that you can do that will ever make him love you less.” Brian had been hearing this argument for as long as he could remember. Justin was scared to death almost that he would mess up when it came to Gus, despite the assurances that Brian gave him. “Will you stop worrying?”

Justin lightly tapped Brian on the shoulder, and gave him a small smile. “I know, I shouldn’t worry. But it’s not like either one of us have had a good example when it comes to parenthood. I never thought I would have to worry about it all.”

“You didn’t freak out this much when he was here, or before now. What the hell is going on?” Brian turned to face his husband drawing Justin’s attention to him. 

Justin took a deep breath, and slowly let it out. “I guess this whole mess lately has got me thinking. I’ve never had anyone that worried about me before. He wouldn’t sleep unless he knew I was okay, he always had to be touching me someway. This is all new to me, I just don’t want to fuck it up.”

“You won’t. hell, if I haven’t fucked it all up then you won’t. Trust me on this.”

“You’re a good father. Even if you don’t want to believe it. So don’t even think otherwise.”

“And so are you. If you give yourself the chance. Now… can we please find a damn dog for our kid? We have other things to do.” Brian turned back to the computer to continue his search. “What about a husky. They look like a wolf.”

“That would be cool. And… what other things?” Justin said with a smile. 

“Something about a promise I made, so hush.”

“You know, I can do some planning on the renewing the vows thing. I may be injured, but even I can do that.” Justin held out his hand and wiggled his fingers. “I know how to use a phone.”

“And you’re not afraid to do that either.” Brian shook his head and wrote down some phone numbers of breeders in the Pittsburgh area. He only wanted the best for his son, and was willing to pay top dollar for the best damn husky available. 

“I’m innocent and quiet. I never once have raised my voice to anyone.”

Brian started laughing, holding his stomach. “And you are such a little liar. You are by far from innocent, and quiet? HA! If someone pisses you off, you’re a damn pitbull. So don’t try to pull that one over on me.”

Justin rolled his eyes, giving a small chuckle himself. “You are trying to ruin my reputation.”

“And you are full of shit, you know. Innocent and quiet. Try telling that to Mikey.” Justin only shrugged at his husband turning his attention to the website that Brian had up. Brian only shook his head, plotting a way to get at Justin. “If you’re so innocent, and quiet, then why do you do all those things in bed, and damn… trying to keep you quiet.”

Justin’s eyes widened as he slapped Brian on the shoulder. “Brian?!”

“See… see. Pitbull.”

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


“Justin are you sure this isn’t a wolf?” Brian looked warily at the small pup Justin was holding.

“It’s a huskey, I told you that.” Justin laughed. The mother and puppies did look very wolf like. They were meant to be sled dogs, but this pup had been born with shorter legs. He wouldn’t be able to keep up with the others. Justin handed Brian the puppy and bent to pet the mother.

“Justin, what am I supposed to do?” 

“Haven’t you ever held a puppy before?” Justin asked. He looked over at Brian who appeared to be holding a squirmy bag of something foul from the look on his face. 

“No.” Brian held out the puppy to Justin who backed away laughing. “Justin, take this damn dog.”

“Brian you need to bond with it.”

“Why, it isn’t my dog?” he put the puppy down on the ground. It looked up at Brian and then lay down with his head on Brian’s shoe. “Justin, get him off of me. I can’t move.”

“You are a great big man and he’s a little puppy, of course you can move.” Justin went to find the owner of the kennel leaving Brian alone with the puppy and all his brothers and sisters as well as the mom dog.

Everyone watched Brian and the smallest puppy. The puppy moved closer to Brian as if seeking comfort and protection. One of the other’s yipped at him and he started to shake. Brian bent down and picked him up. “What’s wrong JD, are those guys scaring you?” he cuddled the puppy close. A wet warm nose buried itself in Brian’s neck as the puppy snuggled. “Hey JD, don’t worry, I won’t let them hurt you.” Brian began to walk toward the door Justin had gone through. “Let’s tell Justin that you and I will wait in the car.” 

Brian found Justin talking to the owner of the kennel. “JD and I are going to wait in the car.” Brian called.

“JD?” Justin asked not really surprised to see Brian in protective mode.

“Yeah, it’s his name.” Brian turned away.

“What’s JD stand for?” the kennel owner asked. He was curious about the names of his dogs.

“Just Dog.” Brian answered as he closed the car door. 

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“Mommy! Mommy! Daddy and Jus’n are here! And they got me a wolf.” Gus yelled as he jumped up and down at the door unable to open it cause of the high lock. “Mommy! Come. Want my doggie!”

“Gus, that’s no way to act. Why don’t you go have a seat on the steps and let your daddy and Justin come in. You have to let the doggie come to you.” Lindsey stated as she opened the door greeting the two men. Seeing the huge puppy in Brian’s arms, her eyes widened. “You didn’t bring back a wolf did you? This thing is huge!”

“It’s not a wolf, it’s a husky. And he’s not really big.” Justin stated as he set some of the pet supplies down inside the living room. 

“Mommy.” Gus whinned. “Want my puppy.”

Brian kneeled down on the floor and set the puppy down. “Let JD come to you, okay Gus?”

“K, daddy.” Gus sat with wide eyes on the last step of the stairs and started to pat his legs. The small puppy slowly sniffed his way across the hardwood floors with his tail between his legs. “Is he scared daddy? I won’t hurt him.”

“It’s just a new place, Gus. He’s not used to it yet.” Justin came up beside his husband and placed his hand on Brian’s shoulder. They watched as JD lightly nudged Gus’ hand, and then quickly jumped back. “Go slow, Gus. Hold out your hand so he can sniff you.”

Gus held out his small hand, as JD slowly made his way over to the boy. Lindsey gave a small laugh as the husky immediately tried to nose his way onto Gus’ lap, as he sniffed the boy all over. “JD?”

Brian slowly stood, stretching out the kinks in his body from kneeling. “That damn mutt gained a hundred pounds in the last couple of minutes.”

“He did not.” Justin stated shaking his head. “You only think he did.”

“Um.. JD?”

Brian turned to Lindsey and shrugged. “Yeah. JD. Is that a problem? Do you like JD, Gus?”

“I love him, daddy.” Gus got down on the floor and began to play with the small puppy as they started to chase each other around the house. “Look Momma, JD and I play tag.”

Mel came out of the kitchen and was almost overrun by a dog and the small boy. “What the hell is that? I thought we said no wolf.”

“It’s not a wolf, it’s a husky. He only looks like a wolf.”

“He’ll shed. A lot. And get really big.” Mel stated with her hands on her hips.

“So you vacuum more.” Brian added with a raised eye-brow. “Are you going to say no to Gus now?”

Mel gave Brian a small glare and shook her head. “As long as he doesn’t try to attack Gus.”

Justin gave Mel a small smile. “He won’t. They only go after people who try to hurt them, or members of their ‘pact’. Gus is a part of his pack now. He won’t let anything happen to him.”

“Again, I ask… JD? Where did you come up with that name?” Lindsey asked looking at Justin.

“Ask Brian.”

“It came to me, so hush. It fits.” Brian caught the looks on the two woman’s faces and shrugged. “That’s his name, so leave it be.”

Justin tried to hide his smile from his husband. Times with Brian would never be boring that was for sure. Everyone turned as they heard a small noise coming from the kitchen. “Ohoh. Bad, JD. Mommy?”

“Yes, Gus.”

“JD just went number 2 in the house. I’m not cleaning it up.”

Brian looked at Justin and gave a quick nod to the door. “We’ll stop by tomorrow. See you later, Gus. We love you. Bye ladies.” 

As the two men made their quick escape from ‘accident’ happening, they could hear the ringing of Brian’s name in the air. “Never a dull moment with you, is it?”

Brian turned toward Justin as he quickly pulled out of the driveway. “Never.”


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Completed – September 27th, 2004
Bryant Maclagan